Will the Libyan conflict lead to another faceoff between Turkey and Russia, similar to the one in Syria? It is a question that many in Turkey have been asking since the emergency security meeting that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan convened last week over the deployment of Russian warplanes to Libya from Syria. The arrival of the Russian jets complicated Turkeys calculations soon after its allies seized a key air base near Tripoli, tipping the scales in the war thanks to Turkish military and intelligence support.

In fact, Ankara has long realized that Russia is the essential power it would have to deal with in Libya, no matter that it has been shaking its finger at Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as the main backers of renegade commander Khalifa Hifter and his Libyan National Army. This was already evident in January, when Moscow became the first go-to for Ankara after it signed two crucial deals with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord and obtained parliamentary approval to deploy soldiers in Libya. Yet, a tentative Turkish-Russian deal on a cease-fire fell through Jan. 14 as Hifter refused to sign the agreement in a snub to Moscow, which has backed the Libyan National Army via the private military company Wagner, while maintaining diplomatic contacts with the Government of National Accord.

In a further sign of how Ankara feels pressed to deal with Moscow, Erdogan phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 18, the day Turkeys allies captured the al-Watiya air base, and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu followed suit two days later, calling his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

The arrival of Russian jets in Libya, however, altered the situation anew.

The Government of National Accords interior minister said May 21 that at least six MiG-29s and two Su-24s had flown from the Khmeimim base in Syria to Hifters bases in eastern Libya. On the same day, Hifters air force commander threatened to unleash the largest aerial campaign in Libyan history, saying that all Turkish positions would be legitimate targets.

According to the BBCs Turkish service, the deployment of Turkish warplanes to al-Watiya was among the options discussed in Ankara to counterbalance supremacy in the air.

The pro-government press, too, focused on the new form of the Russian challenge in Libya. Ankaras general thinking is that Russia  would not [risk] a crisis with NATO via Turkey. The planes sent by Russia will be reportedly operated by Egyptian pilots, Haberturk wrote. Ankara has no intention of withdrawing from the region, whatever the cost. So, against a possible attack, it is trying to build a capacity to respond from al-Watiya, where a military coordination center will be set up soon, it added. Another daily, Yeni Safak, said F-16 jets could take off from Turkeys Aegean or Mediterranean coast to respond to any attack on Turkish positions in Libya.

While tipping the balance against Hifter in the past six months, Turkey has received an additional boost from increasingly favorable stances by the United States and NATO. In a show of support for Turkeys allies, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ambassador Richard Norland both spoke with Government of National Accord head Fayez al-Sarraj last week. In a written statement, the US Embassy in Tripoli slammed forces seeking to impose a new political order [in Libya] by military means or terrorism, adding that the United States is proud to partner with the legitimate, UN-recognized government of Libya, the Government of National Accord.

The US Africa Command, for its part, warned of security risks over the transfer of Russian jets to Libya. In the May 26 statement, AFRICOM commander Gen. Stephen Townsend said Russian mercenary pilots would fly the jets, while Gen. Jeff Harrigan, commander of US air forces in Europe and Africa, said the introduction of anti-access/area denial systems would be Russias next logical step in Libya, which would create very real security concerns on Europe's southern flank.

Washingtons messages and warnings may have strengthened Ankaras posture in Libya, but the Russian factor dictates a reassessment of the situation. Despite reports of Wagner mercenaries pulling out from the front lines, Russias jet show and diplomatic moves are creating a new reality that will inevitably force Ankara to seek cooperation with Moscow. This is likely to be a replication of the Turkish-Russian partnership model in Syria, in which collaboration and confrontation intertwine.

The alternative of such grudging collaboration is braving a faceoff with Russia for Turkey and the prospect of another showdown with NATO for Russia. Certainly neither Turkey nor Russia are willing to lock horns directly, but this means little when it comes to proxy wars in Libya.

As things stand at present, military deterrence is likely to dictate a fresh negotiation process, steered by Turkey and Russia.

A Turkish posture blocking Russia from Tripoli may suit Turkeys Western allies, just as in Idlib, but a Turkish-Russian partnership, forced by the conditions, would emerge as an objectionable option for the NATO camp. France has already raised the alarm, even though it aligns with Russia in backing Hifter. The crisis is deepening. We are facing a Syrianization of Libya, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian warned May 27.

As a former colonial power in North Africa, France is averse to a playmaking role for Turkey in Libya. And Turkeys purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense systems has shown NATO allies how its partnership with Russia in Syria could expand into the defense realm.

For Egypt and EU members Greece and Cyprus, Turkeys strengthening position in Libya  as much as to impose conditions on the negotiating table  would mean a setback in their rivalry with Turkey over energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean. A principal gain that Turkey would expect from a political settlement in Libya is the preservation of the maritime demarcation accord it signed with the Government of National Accord in November. The United States, too, is unhappy with the accord, as its ambassador to Greece reiterated this week.

For Cairo, there is also the nightmare scenario of the Muslim Brotherhood thriving next door in Libya thanks to support from Turkey, which had also backed the toppled Brotherhood government in Egypt. And the Donald Trump administration has been quite sympathetic to such Egyptian concerns.

In sum, Turkey may be getting applause for spoiling Russian calculations, but a playmaking role for Turkey in Libya would have many different repercussions for various actors.

And though the Libyan equation has become much more complex than it may seem, Turkey remains confident. France and anyone who is still supporting Hifter is on the wrong side in the Libyan conflict, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said May 25.

If a negotiating table is set to reunite Libya, the onus will be on Russia to coax the eastern forces  the Tobruk-based House of Representatives, led by Aguila Saleh, the interim government led by Abdullah al-Thani and Hifters forces. Russia is already making efforts on that front.

In late April, Saleh revealed he had worked with Russian advisers in drafting a political road map that called for a halt to hostilities, the establishment of a three-member presidential council representing Libyas three main regions and a new government of national unity, while proposing only a military role for the Libyan National Army. The road map had angered Hifter, leading him to declare himself the sole ruler of Libya.

While the loss of al-Watiya further weakened Hifters hand, Lavrov had a phone call with Saleh on May 26, urging dialogue between the Libyan parties. His appeal seemed to bear fruit as Saleh met with several of Hifters commanders two days later.

All those developments on the eastern camp show that the Russians are able to influence changes on the ground. Similarly, the Government of National Accord, which owes its continued hold of Tripoli to Turkeys intervention, is not in a position to reject a determinant Turkish say in Libya.
WASHINGTON  Protesters clashed with police outside the White House and throughout the nation's capital Saturday as the demonstrations grew more confrontational in their second day, with President Donald Trump threatening to shut down "mob violence" he said dishonored the memory of George Floyd.

Even as they halted traffic on the Capital Beltway and shouted obscenities at the fleet of presidential helicopters that carried Trump back to the White House, the demonstrations scattered throughout the city remained mostly peaceful.

But there were also signs of increased tension as the protesters sought to call attention to the killing of Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody after a white officer pinned him to the ground under his knee. Some threw bottles at Secret Service agents and police near the White House. Officers responded by firing tear gas to break up the crowds. The D.C. National Guard joined other armored forces in Lafayette Square, near the White House, in trying to control protesters.

Dont run! Dont run! some yelled as police and protesters clashed outside the park Saturday night.

Showing at least five red welts on her bare left arm, Lindsay Kouyate, 21, said she was shot with something she couldn't identify. Kouyate said she was holding her "I Cant Breathe" sign near the police in front of Lafayette Square at the time.

"I was just standing there with my sign. A bunch of other people were yelling and screaming, she said. "He shot me so many times. I dont know what it was."

Kouyate, who lives in Maryland, said she had been at the protests all day but wasnt going home, even after her injury.

More: Joe Biden on George Floyd protests: 'We must not allow this pain to destroy us'

"You have to keep protesting," she said, "otherwise it wont ever stop."

Nour Faladi, a 22-year-old programmer from Maryland, was among those caught in a round of tear gas.

Story continues

She was in a crowd when a gas canister hit the ground, she said, and it was immediately harder to breathe." She said her eyes started running. She said a volunteer in the crowd washed her eyes out, and then she headed back into the crowd.

Police wearing helmets and holding shields formed a line between the protesters and the White House, a hot spot in the city throughout much of Saturday evening.

At times, some protesters tried to knock over temporary barriers or approach officers, although none appeared to get near the tall fence at the White House. At least one vehicle was on fire a few blocks north of the White House, and firefighters also responded to an alley fire near the White House. A local TV station reported that stores in the city's tony Georgetown neighborhood had boarded windows.

"Multiple" special agents and uniformed officers were injured when some protesters threw bricks, rocks, bottles and fireworks at officers, officials said.

Sherese Teixeira, 33, and Krystin Gambrell, 34, of Washington, D.C., pose in front of graffiti painted on the side of the White House Historical Association during protests for George Floyd. Texeira said said she felt empowered by protesting and seeing different races coming together.

Trump attended the historic SpaceX rocket launch in Florida earlier Saturday and returned to the White House on Marine One at around 8:30 p.m. As the presidential helicopters buzzed overhear near the White House grounds, some demonstrators shouted obscenities and shook their fists.

Trump used his address at the Kennedy Space Center to offer a stern warning to "rioters, looters and anarchists" against violence.

"My administration will stop mob violence and well stop it cold," Trump said, blaming violence in several cities on "radical left-wing" groups. "I will not allow angry mobs to dominate...It is essential that we protect the crown jewel of democracy: The rule of law."

The unrest in Washington came as protests erupted in cities across the nation against police brutality and racial discrimination. At least two deaths have been linked to the demonstrations. Protesters set cars on fire, smashed windows and clashed with police officers dressed in riot gear in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Portland, Oregon; and elsewhere.

Attorney General Barr: Peaceful protests over George Floyd 'hijacked' by 'far left extremist groups'

Outside the White House, officers wearing plastic body shields charged and pushed back a crowd of people who had removed metal barriers set up on Pennsylvania Avenue. A police helicopter circled overhead. The smell of marijuana also hung in the air.

"Trump is the reason why cops feel they can do certain things to black people, said Cameron Jackson, 25, a supervisor at a grocery store, as he stood in the middle of 16th Street. He condones it. He is a racist.

But Jackson said he opposed violence.

"I'm peaceful," he said. "I'm away from the violence."

Dave Pringle, 32, who works on criminal justice policy in D.C., also condemned Trump.

"This man  this occupant of this building  represents the worst of humanity," Pringle said. "I think he is an avatar of the worst of humanity."

Six people were arrested near Lafayette Square on Friday and early Saturday, according to the Secret Service, which said it "respects the right to assemble, and we ask that individuals do so peacefully for the safety of all."

Secret Service agents and police carrying shields blocked off Lafayette Square north of the White House as drivers honked in support of the protesters and raised their fists in the air. Some demonstrators held up signs that read: "Stop Murdering Black People" and "White Silence is Violence."

"I came here to enforce the Black Lives Matter movement and to get justice for the injustices we have been receiving for over hundreds of years," said Ariel Weems, a 16-year-old high school student from Bowie, Maryland.

She called Trump part of the problem.

I dont agree with any of his policies," Weems said. "His Twitter comments? Shooting and looting? That was absurd. ... Were out here protesting for our lives.

In the heat of the afternoon, some moved through the crowds, passing out water bottles. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, others distributed masks. Most of the demonstrators wore masks but were closer than six feet from each other.

Strumming a guitar, Steve Canciani, 28, sang the Christian song Break Every Chain with Daniel Faludi, 22, near the White House. Their music mixed with the sound of sirens and the whirring of a circling helicopter.

"God always has a solution," Canciani said.

Demonstrators clash with police as they protest the death of George Floyd, Saturday, May 30, 2020, near the White House in Washington.

Jake Schindler, 26, was one of several people handing out water. Schindler said his Christian faith "called him" to justice. After running by the protest earlier in the afternoon and seeing others giving out water, he came back with a case of bottles to distribute.

James Bryant, a 30-year-old Washington resident, said he felt like he needed to show up as a black man in America. The protests, he said, were part of a collective anger that Americans can't ignore.

Asked if he was worried about tensions between the crowd and the cordon of police, he shrugged and said, theyre just people.

By early evening, some protesters marched to the National Museum of African American History and Culture near the Washington Monument. Along the route, someone painted a Wells Fargo bank branch with the words "capitalism is murder." Others painted references to the police and to Floyd on the ground.

Bowser and Trump: DC Mayor Bowser responds to Trump's criticism over police after George Floyd protests

Authorities look on as demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd, Saturday, May 30, 2020, near the White House in Washington. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers.

Corey Gwynn, a 27-year-old speech pathologist from Virginia, told USA TODAY she had joined the protest because she was "upset about the lack of equality," especially as people had peacefully protested for so long "with no change."

Asked what she thought of the protests around the country, some of which turned violent, she said she "cant blame her brothers and sisters, but thats not the way Im going about it."

"Merchandise can be replaced, but black lives cant, she said.

Floyd, 46, died Monday evening, shortly after video footage showed him handcuffed, gasping for air and saying "I can't breathe," as a white officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The video, taken by a bystander, circulated online and prompted widespread protests nationwide.

Who was George Floyd? George Floyd remembered as 'gentle giant' as family calls his death 'murder'

George Floyd death'Why can't I just be black in the state of Minnesota?'

The Minneapolis Police Department fired four officers involved in the incident while state and federal authorities have launched investigations into the matter. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was seen kneeling on Floyd's neck, was arrested Friday and is facing third-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Subsequent charges are possible and charges for the other officers involved are anticipated, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said.

But those actions have done little to quell the anger many feel.

Sherese Teixeira, 33, posed for a photo in front of graffiti sprayed on the side of a building near the White House that read: Why do we keep having to tell you that black lives matter?

"Its been going on too long, Teixeira said. "We're just tired of it."

Contributing: Kristine Phillips, Bart Jansen, Matthew Brown, John Fritze, Courtney Subramanian

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd protests: tensions near White House, Trump gives warning
World leaders are condemning the death in police custody of an African American man, George Floyd, in the Midwestern U.S. city of Minneapolis.

Graphic video of Floyd's arrest Monday shows a white police officer kneeling on his neck, with Floyd pleading to be allowed to breathe. Floyds death sparked protests throughout the United States, and on Friday the police officer was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder.

The African Union Commission on Friday issued a strongly worded, rare public statement on the domestic events in the United States.

In the statement, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, "strongly condemns" police conduct in the Floyd case and extended his "deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

'Continuing discriminatory practices'

Citing a 1964 Organization of African Unity resolution on racial discrimination in the United States, the commission said it reiterates the African Unions rejection of the continuing discriminatory practices against black citizens of the United States of America.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet also condemned the circumstances surrounding Floyds death, which she said was the latest in a long line of killings of unarmed African Americans by U.S. police officers and members of the public.

I am dismayed to have to add George Floyds name to that of Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown and many other unarmed African Americans who have died over the years at the hands of the police  as well as people such as Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin who were killed by armed members of the public, she said.

The U.N. human rights chief called on U.S. authorities to take serious action to stop such killings, and to ensure justice.

Prevention a must

Procedures must change, prevention systems must be put in place, and above all police officers who resort to excessive use of force should be charged and convicted for the crimes committed, said Bachelet.

Tibets spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, said he had seen the video of Floyd lying on the ground with a policemans knee on his neck.

"Because of this discrimination, racism on the basis of race, such things are done," he said during a webcast on compassion Friday. "We see in the news channels, the media, about discrimination on the basis of color or religion these days, and then there is killing due to that, and then there are some who even take it as a pride to be able to kill somebody."
Bec Judd's three-year-old twin son Darcy has been rushed to hospital for surgery.

On Saturday, the WAG shared a photo of the young boy recovering in his bed at the Cabrini Health private hospital in Victoria and admitted that she 'needed a wine' from all the stress.

Fortunately, it was nothing serious. Darcy simply appeared to be having microsurgery on one of his fingers.

'His hand is fine': Bec Judd's son Darcy was sent to hospital for microsurgery on one of his fingers on Saturday

'Just another day in the Judd circus,' the 37-year-old captioned the photo.

'His hand is fine. I need a wine. Nothing like a bit of microsurgery to end your week,' she continued.

The WAG then thanked the doctors and hospital staff for taking such good care of her son.

Bec and husband Chris Judd welcomed twin boys Tom and Darcy in September, 2016.

'I need a wine': The 37-year-old admitted that she was so stressed by the incident that she needed a drink, but assured fans that Darcy was fine

They're also parents to son Oscar, nine, and daughter Billie, six.

The mother-of-four recently revealed her relief at her children going back to school after homeschooling them for months during the coronavirus epidemic.

She described Monday as a 'bloody happy day', when her brood were back off to the school gates.

Family: Bec and husband Chris Judd welcomed twin boys Tom and Darcy in September, 2016. They're also parents to son Oscar, nine, and daughter Billie, six

'I was so anxious going into iso [isolation], and now I am so anxious going out it. You adapt to the change pretty quickly,' Bec said on the 3PM Pick-Up on Monday.

She explained that she sent most of her children off to school and was thrilled that the school canteen was open so she no longer had to make school lunches.

'I have sent three of my four today. The school canteen is open. I am so over being the tuck-shop lady,' she added.
During the frenzy of the past few months to secure resources for the fight against COVID-19, the demand for technologies that promise to detect symptomatic individuals has been sky-high. However, not all proposed solutions work as advertised.

Thermal cameras are already being implemented as a means of detecting people with fever-like symptoms in high-traffic areas such as hospital entrances, shopping centers and office buildings, and potentially mass-attendance sporting events when they resume.

People who show up as having high temperatures can then be directed to further assessment and encouraged to isolate to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

But the evidence suggests thermal cameras are far from a perfect solution, offering limited accuracy if set up incorrectly, and raising data privacy concerns.

Accuracy is important

Despite the urgency of the COVID-19 situation, we cannot abandon accuracy. If temperature screening incorrectly detects many people as having a fever, then healthcare services will be burdened by needless secondary assessments.

On the other hand, if the technology fails to detect many people who do have symptoms it may create a false sense of security and lead to future COVID-19 clusters. This is especially important in high-risk environments such as aged-care facilities or hospitals.

The most accurate tools for measuring temperatures are the ones used to assess hospital patients for fever, such as mouth, ear and rectal thermometers. However, these tools require training to use correctly, and bring patients into direct contact with a device which must then be cleaned before it can be used again.

The requirements for training and cleaning are a major drawback during a pandemic and are the reason these tools are not widely used for mass fever screening.

Why thermal cameras?

As a result, both government and industry are deploying automated systems involving infrared thermal cameras instead to perform fever-screening from facial temperature measurements. Many such systems have already been deployed in high-risk locations across the country.

These systems are sometimes seen as a magic bullet for mass fever screening. Measurements are almost instant, there is no contact, and data can be viewed at a distance, so there is minimal disruption in public places and little risk of cross-contamination or harm to the operator. And the system can be used with minimal training.

Lack of evidence

However, there is a glaring lack of clinical evidence for thermal camera-based fever screening solutions. So far there has been no multi-site, large-scale independent clinical trial to assess the accuracy of these systems. To our knowledge, no thermal imaging system has been approved as a medical device by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

This is concerning, particularly as these systems are being trusted to protect high-risk areas. It is possible that in the rush to find solutions to keep people safe, the limitations of such systems have been overlooked.

The limits of thermal cameras

The most crucial limitation of these technologies is biological. The skin on a persons face is not one single temperature, and does not uniformly reflect their core body temperature, which is needed to assess fever.

After entering a building on a cold winter day, a persons forehead temperature stays unusually low for minutes afterwards. This could potentially allow a feverish person to be incorrectly screened.

Research suggests the region of the face that best reflects core temperature is the inner corner of the eye. This is a very small target, so to measure this area an individual must be very close, and directly facing the camera. Even a small change in angle has been found to alter the readings.

Even if the system can measure the right part of the face, many other factors can change the reading, such as room temperature, airflow, wearing glasses, image background, and skin dampness.

In 2017, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released guidelines on how to deploy thermal camera systems to account for these factors. The recommendations include only measuring a single person at a time, keeping the subject and camera close, and ensuring each person pauses while directly facing the camera.

Privacy problems

In addition, many thermal camera systems include facial recognition capabilities to make it easier to identify anyone who triggers an alert. Hospitals, shopping centers and office buildings around the world are now receiving facial images of every person who enters their facilities.

Significant questions remain over whether these organizations are up to date with the required security practices to collect and store this type of private information safely.

In places such as aged-care facilities and hospitals where the impact of an outbreak could be catastrophic, there is an ethical obligation to follow best-practice protocols, and the advice of experts.

Currently, in the case of thermal cameras for mass fever screening, the obligation would be to ensure the systems follow the recommendations put forward by the ISO, and avoid providers who dont comply.

More research is needed to investigate this technology and begin developing a library of reliable independent research. This is necessary to make sure decisions about this technology can be made on the basis of firm evidence during COVID-19 and future pandemics.

This article was first posted on The Conversation.
During the coronavirus pandemic, supply chains of multi-national companies have had to contend with challenges like clogged ports and overflowing warehouses. The task has highlighted a common pain point: incomplete and unreliable data.

While a handful of global companies have spent the past decade building up complex digital processes to track goods from factories to warehouses and eventually the end buyer, many have not. This is particularly true in parts of Asia, where markets tend to be less mature than North America or Europe.

The supply of goods  or lack thereof  has become a burning issue amid restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. From surgical masks to empty grocery-store shelves, supply shortages have highlighted weaknesses in how goods are sourced, distributed and where theyre stored.

supply chains

Image: JLL

Supply chains still can be intensely manual. In 2018, around 46 percent of companies were using Microsoft Excel to predict, monitor, record, measure, and report on performance-affecting supply chain disruptions, according to The Business Continuity Institute. While functional, such systems can prove ill-equipped in the face of significant disruption like a global pandemic.

The pandemic has been a wake-up call for digital transformation of supply chains, says Michael Ignatiadis, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics Solutions APAC at JLL.

Artificial intelligence, dedicated technology teams and warehouse automation are increasingly prioritized because if you have good data, you can better predict what the supply chain will look like next week, next month, Ignatiadis says. If you dont, you can find yourself in the dark.

How we got here

Over the last few decades, manufacturers have enjoyed a relatively barrier-free trade environment. This allowed them to build complex global supply chains. Periodic disruptions typically impacted only specific markets, and the length of time was relatively easy to predict.

Story continues

Those times are over, Ignatiadis says.

What weve seen in the last few months is a crisis that combined a long-awaited global economic downturn with an unexpected pandemic, he says.

In Asia, prior to the pandemic, the move to digitalize supply chains had been moving at a slower pace. Part of this was due to the complexity of distribution networks. For instance, Indonesia and the Philippines are made up of thousands of islands, and home to millions of mom-and-pop shops. These factors, along with a shortage of talent, has slowed decision-making at companies and limited growth, Ignatiadis says.

But change is on the horizon. A willingness to embrace innovation and adopt new technologies is already evident in Asia, with Chinas internet giants raising the bar for digital fulfilment.

Alibaba has rolled out its new Hema stores, omni-channel supermarkets that services both online and offline orders with ease. While JD.coms automated warehouse outside Shanghai can handle 200,000 orders a day with just four people  whose main job is to service the robots.

Other companies in the region know where they need to be, Ignatiadis says. How to get there is the challenge.

Teething problems

But its not all smooth sailing, even for companies with more digitally advanced supply chains.

A recent example was a consumer packaged goods manufacturer in Asia which outsourced its supply chain to third parties who manufacture, ship, store and sell its products. A supply chain expert at the company told JLL that during the coronavirus outbreak, orchestrating a response to the disruption had been challenging, with most of the data managed in silos and not even within the company.

A survey last year by global law firm Baker McKenzie found that 50 percent of multinationals were expecting major changes to their supply chains, with more than 10 percent advising of a complete overhaul.

Data alone isnt sufficient, Ignatiadis says, pointing to a major oil and gas manufacturer that has been unable to use their global inventory optimization tool in Singapore during the crisis due to lack of clean data (i.e., without duplicates or obsolete entries).

And even with good data, there is no guarantee that disruption wont hit a business.

You can try and prepare your supply chain network with multiple what-if scenarios, but it means nothing if you are not ready to execute against these, says the Head of Supply Chain APAC for a large Japan-based global tire manufacturer. And you cant plan for all scenarios because then the CAPEX investment will be unsustainable.

Many multinationals in Asia still struggle to get the fundamentals of their supply chains right, such as complete, clean and accurate data; integrating different systems across the network; and collaboration and trust with third parties.

But the momentum for change has started.

Being ahead in your digital transformation doesnt necessarily mean you will do well during the pandemic, Ignatiadis says. If the demand is not there and you cant reallocate your supply, you will lose sales and face higher working capital costs.

But those with digitally-enabled supply chains were certainly in a better position to optimize their decisions with speed, he says. I think people are starting to understand how supply chains are no longer a cost-centre but can serve as a basis for competitive advantage.

Mr Paul Ho, chief mortgage officer at iCompareLoan, said: supply chains will not be the same after the Covid-19 crisis mainly because of China. Many countries and multi-national corporations operating out of these countries, will become less reliant on China and move to other countries which can support their global manufacturing. The escalating war of words between the United States and China is also not helping the tense global situation.

The post Supply chains need better data  Covid-19 highlights why appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.
EZULWINI  The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) is contributing to the transformation of Ezulwini, by building offices whose estimated worth is over E150 million.



Already, the town boasts of state of the art infrastructure and office buildings such as the International Convention Centre, Eswatini Revenue Authority and the American Embassy.



Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Maxwell Masuku turned the sod to mark the commencement of construction in an event attended by ESCCOM board members, employees and construction company representatives.



In his capacity as PS in the Ministry of ICT, Masuku said it was important for the Commission to be accessible and have the capability to host and engage with stakeholders.



For the Commission to serve the public well, it is important that it establishes a permanent office that has the requisite facilities and space that would allow regular engagement with the licensees and the public. As a ministry we are pleased to note that ever since its establishment, the Commission has transformed our communications sector through market liberalisation and rollout of universal service, Masuku said.



Regulator



He narrated how ESCCOM was formed after the need for the existence of an independent regulator for the sector was envisaged by government in 2005, through the National Information and Communications Infrastructure Policy (NICI Policy 2005).

True to this aspiration, the Eswatini Communications Commission was then established in 2013, through the Eswatini Communications Commission Act, 2013, to regulate the electronic communications, postal services, broadcasting services, data protection and e-commerce and ensure universal service and access to these services, he said.



Masuku said the Electronic Communications Act specified that in the regulation of electronic communications, the Commission shall ensure the provision of a wide range of public communications networks and services.

Meanwhile, Thembumkhululi Khumalo, who chairs the ESCCOM Board, said designs had been drawn ahead of the construction process.



He said ESCCOM was a relatively new and growing regulatory authority and currently had a staff complement of about 40 employees.

He said the full staff complement is projected to be between 60 and 70 employees in the next three to five years.

During the course of 2013/2014 the Board took a conscious decision to acquire land for purposes of building ESCCOM offices.

The Board specified that the land to be acquired should be easily accessible to all ESCCOM stakeholders, which include the consumers of electronic services, the public at large and the licensees. Subsequently, this site we are gathered on today was identified and found to be ideal for the purposes. This site is a 1-hectare sized plot which the board is confident will be accessible to all who need services of the Commission, he said.



He said the decision to acquire and build offices was informed by the escalating costs of renting premises.

After a careful cost analysis, he said, the Board considered that the cost of building ESCCOM offices outweighs the costs of renting.



For example, the projected costs of the building are far less than the amount of rental the Commission would have paid within a 10 year period. Moreover, the Board envisaged that the building will have lettable floors and thus the Commission would re-coup some funds from rentals, he said.



He said the office building would be a multi-storey structure, with ample parking space and 6 500 square metres of office space.

Out of the total office space available, 1426 square metres (over 2 floors of the building) is available as lettable office space. The offices will provide the Commission with a modern office structure that supports a conducive working environment, he said.



Disabilities



He said people with disabilities would also have easy access to the building.

It will provide an office structure and work environment that accommodates prospects of growth and expansion of ESCCOM regulatory mandate, as it ventures into other sectors such as data protection, cybersecurity, e-commerce, electronic transactions and other ICT related regulation. The Commission seeks to build a green building which shall ensure a low carbon footprint and environmental sustainability, he said.



The building is expected to be completed in December 2022.

He urged the contractors to work tirelessly and ensure that the projected completion date was met.
Caring to share: Inspirations during isolation As many struggle to accept the norms of a lockdown, the Mirror Magazine looks at creative initiatives that inspired and engaged a community while helping those at home keep the blues at bay View(s): View(s):

The pandemic struck suddenly, and within a matter of days cases escalated and curfew was imposed on the island. The change was so sudden it caught many off guard, and most people struggled to adjust to the new environment. However, somthing else started happening. Social media was being used to connect and help others through these times in creative ways.

As our law enforcement and medical forces worked tirelessly to combat the pandemic, and charities and relief efforts reached out to those in need, there were those who made sure that overall the community at large remained positive. Here are a few inspiring initiatives that made some buzz during this period:

Virtual Writing Hour with Asha De Vos

Among the few people happy for some extra time were the writing community, who found in isolation a chance to sit down with their writing. But with the stress of sudden change and the looming pandemic, productivity was a difficult thing to keep up. Inspiration had left them.

Asha De Vos started virtual writing hour on her instagram account to combat this sentiment and to connect with other writers, and build inspiration. Every day at 9.30am, she would go live from her page, connect with other writers, then disband, for an hour to work on whatever writing she could. At 10.30am, she would meet her followers again on live, and recap what they had covered.

The initiative quickly kicked off, with hundreds of writers using the set time to be productive, and magnifying the collective community feeling of being inspired together.

Going live for Kindness with Sharan Velauthan

In an effort to uplift the general mood, Sharan Velauthan started a series of live videos each day from his Instagram account, called Going Live for Kindness featuring different guests each day, conversing on the current situation to global issues to tips for feeling like yourself.

Going Live for Kindness continued for 21 days and featured 100 guests inspiring and uplifting the community. Sharans aim with this programme ? To build more of a community, kindness, and change.

Startup Webinars SL

Recognizing the shift to digital networks, a Facebook community quickly learned the importance of staying connected, and digital learning. Combining the two, the group Startup Webinars Sri Lanka was born.

Attracting a community of online learners and entrepreneurs, the group quickly grew to more than 1200 members within a matter of a few weeks. As popularity grew, more and more groups began hosting webinars, until it became a collaboration among multiple entities all seeking to educate the rapidly growing online community of Sri Lanka.

Art therapy

Using creativity to overcome negativity is what Art Therapy Sri Lanka and Yasodhara Pathanjali had in mind when they began their online creative segment.

Art Therapy Sri Lanka released multiple YouTube videos with small activities to de-stress yourself, with exercises for relaxation and calmness imbued in them. Yasodhara started a small programme free for those who wanted to use art to work through the emotions isolation brought with it, through her Instagram account.

Globally, the practice has evolved to become a movement called #coronart, where people share various creative pieces inspired through isolation and the ongoing pandemic.

Creative Hands

Another community using the experience in a positive way were the local cosplay community. A number of home cosplays and makeup looks were showcased to general amazement during this time, with the Geek Club of Sri Lanka actually conducting a cosplay Dont Rush challenge.

SFX artist Opula Fonseka turned heads with her many concepts and elaborately detailed costumes and effects, including a concept of COVID19 itself. Popular cosplayer and makeup artist Ashini Jayasinghe also showcased multiple inspired looks with beautiful makeup effects.

Life Short Film Competition

Originally planned to be held in a much more conventional manner, the first iteration (hopefully of many) of Life Short Film Competition was unexpectedly derailed with the declaration of curfew. Not to be deterred, the team, led by Rajeev Wickramaratne, changed the rules, making it a isolation inspired competition instead.

Teams were challenged to coordinate and work remotely, and make short films from home. And they delivered, with more than 10 teams successfully creating productions in isolation.

Sculpting away the boredom

Aishwarya Tennakoon is well known for his sculptures. His work has a large fanbase, and local and international recognition. When curfew took effect, Aishwarya decided to use his newfound time building new sculptures, tributes to various movies and shows he loved, and even classical historical pieces. His work is a splash of positivity and can be found at Tenai Workshop on Instagram at www.instagram.com/tenaiworkshop/

Quarantine Stories and Poems

Quarantine Stories was a local initiative calling for entries from writers about this time and Quarantine Stories aims to publish the top 100 entries in a book to capture the essence of how the community felt during this pivotal time.

Another similar global initiative is Global Age Poetry, that began conducting a weekly poetry competition through Instagram throughout the month of May. Giving weekly prompts, global age poetry encouraged writers to let go and write any form of poetry.
22 Shares Share

I rounded recently on a 100-year-old veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. It was a terrible and costly battle fought in Belgium during the winter of 1945, the coldest and snowiest in memory at that time. The German army made a desperate last stand against an increasingly overwhelming US force. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost. He was there. He lived it. It is not a forgotten memory frozen in time in a black and white picture. He saw it in color. He caused me to think back on the other stories I heard from other patients.

He started crying. I immediately apologize, saying he did not have to answer. He regained his composure and said it was okay. He was a veteran of D-day, June 6, 1944, an infantry private with the 9th Infantry Division. He was in the sixth wave that landed on Omaha Beach that fateful and bloodiest of days, a day that changed the course of history. I cannot imagine the carnage he must have seen when he stepped off the landing craft into what could only have been described as hell. I asked him what he remembered most about that day as a 19-year-old just barely out of high school. He said:

I remember my best friend from high school was only a few yards from me as we landed. Within seconds he took a direct hit by an artillery shell and was blown to pieces.

He began to cry again. I asked no further questions.

He was a door gunner on a B-17 with the 8th Air Force, which did the bombing raids over Germany. Two-thirds of the planes, with their crew of 20+ men, were shot down during the war. Tens of thousands of American lives were lost. Before you could return home, you had to survive 25 missions. Most did not. His plane was shot down on his next to last mission. Most of the crew parachuted to safety, only to be immediately captured and taken to a farmhouse and lined up against a wall. He was standing next to the pilot, the old man of the crew at age 23. A German officer walked up to the pilot, drew his Luger, and without saying a word, shot the pilot in the head. He then turned and walked away. My patient spent the remaining months of the war at hard labor in southern Germany, working in a mine.

He was one of the original Navy Frogmen, the predecessors of todays Navy Seals. He was part of a team whose job it was to swim to the Normandy beachhead under cover of night, hours before the D-Day invasion was to start. Their mission was to secure closely guarded bridges critical to German resupply and troop transport. It had to be done silently. They used their knives to accomplish this mission.

I write to remind you, as the patient above did me, that this Greatest Generation will soon no longer be with us. It will be a sad day when the last one dies. I had the privilege of caring for many. I wanted to hear their stories. I needed to hear their stories before they could no longer be heard. I wonder how many I missed hearing and are now lost forever?

For me, the joy of medicine came from building relationships with my patients, so they trusted me enough to share their stories and give me a glimpse into their lives when they were once young, strong, and able. One day, there will only remain the black and white pictures taken long ago. For them, though, they saw it in color. Take the time now, while you can, to hear your patients stories.

Andy Lamb is an internal medicine physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
The Nigerian Medical Association on Friday said it was incredibly disturbed by the response of the Kogi State government over the discovery of two index cases of coronavirus in the North-central state.

The state Commissioner of Information did not only describe the process of arriving at the diagnosis as fraudulent, but he also went on to smear the frontline Health workers and the NCDC (Nigerias infectious disease agency) on live national television, Francis Faduyile, the NMA president said in a statement.

His use of profane words is capable of demoralizing the exemplary gold-winning health workers and the untiring NCDC, which possibly can lead to a national catastrophe, he warned.

The government in Kogi has been at loggerheads with federal authorities and the NCDC since the outbreak of COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the coronavirus.

Kogi and Cross Rivers were the only states yet to confirm any case of the virus until Wednesday when the NCDC announced 389 new cases out of which two were from Kogi State. It meant Cross River State remained the sole uninfected state as of May 27.

The Kogi government immediately disputed the test results, insisting that it would not accept any test result conducted outside the state.

Authorities in Kogi have been pitted with federal officials for discouraging tests for people with symptoms of coronavirus. They believe there is a plot to compulsorily report COVID-19 cases in the state but medical experts and the NCDC said the low number of test samples turned in from the state is making it difficult to ascertain if they are actually coronavirus-free.

Despite being surrounded by states with confirmed cases of the virus, the government in Kogi has at least once scuttled efforts by NCDC to coordinate COVID-19 testing.

The NMA had condemned the continued obstruction of the NCDC by the Kogi government, calling on the federal government to probe the states free status.

In Fridays statement, Mr Faduyile, the NMA president, said the Kogi State government especially has hardened its heart and ensured that the Kogi people remain in the dark, untested.

The people are therefore undiagnosed and untreated even though COVID-19 epidemiologic pattern has 80% of cases that present with none or very mild symptoms yet shedding the virus in their airway and innocently infecting others who may become sicker and die. The identification of these cases is through testing, according to standardized protocols, he said.
With reports of swarms of desert locusts damaging plants and standing crops in the bordering Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, the agriculture department of Bihar has suspended leaves of the plant management division staff to help farmers foil the pest attack.

A centralised control room, headed by a joint director rank officer, has been set up in the agriculture directorate to ensure quick movement of locust response teams in the affected areas with pesticides and other tech support to control the damages.

Agriculture minister Prem Kumar on Saturday said that all agriculture department staff in the districts bordering UP had been put on alert, while a general advisory has been issued to all the districts in view of the locust invasion.

Surveillance has been heightened in the districts bordering UP, Kumar said.

The minister said that weekly leave or other leave of staff and officials of the plant management division had been suspended until further orders owing to the possibility of locust invasion. The control room is keeping a close watch over the presence of locusts in the state with the help of district level offices and KVKs, said the minister.

In an advisory issued to all the district magistrates, district agriculture officers and scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, the state agriculture director has directed the officials to sensitise the farmers about ways to keep the locust at bay.

Beating of drums, steel plates or anything that makes loud noise is quite useful to prevent locusts from settling down in the field, read the advisory.

The farmers have been told to keep tractors ready with mounted sprayers filled up with solutions of Chlorpyrifos, Fipronil, etc, in the event of attack. The agriculture department officials have also been directed to use fire engines for large-scale spraying of the pesticides.

Agricultural scientists believe an adult desert locust can consume roughly its own weight, about 2 gram food every day. A one square km swarm of 40 million locusts could eat the same amount of food in one day as about 35,000 people. This is based on a person eating an average of 2.3 kg of food per day.

Deputy director, agriculture, Anil Kumar Jha said that standing crops of moong, maize and vegetable could suffer extensive damages, if swarms of locusts entered Bihar. Locusts settle down in a particular area in the evening and fly away in the morning. Such areas shall be identified for spraying of pesticides, said Jha, adding that a toll-free number has also been operationalised to keep the officials in touch with farmers in case of the emergency.

Locust attacks have been reported from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra besides Uttar Pradesh.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
MOST of the nations in the developed world, including Canada, were unprepared for the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. So we need to examine what steps should be taken to forestall or substantially mitigate the next microbial conflagration.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

MOST of the nations in the developed world, including Canada, were unprepared for the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. So we need to examine what steps should be taken to forestall or substantially mitigate the next microbial conflagration.

While the current main weapon  the medieval quarantine  might still be part of the future arsenal, more steps can or should be taken.

Our leaders should have ways to handle a public-health disaster without throwing half the population into penury, and pushing most of the nations small businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.

The first line of defence is to be on the alert for disease outbreaks around the world. That includes monitoring the avenues a deadly virus, bacterium, rare fungus or prion-type biochemical agent could take to infect Canadians  or people in the many other nations with significant trade and flows of people with and to Canada.

Particular attention should be given to those regions with a history of transferring exotic contagions from animals to people. China has such a history, with SARS and now COVID-19; so does central Africa, where Ebola and HIV came from; and other places such as Southeast Asia and tropical Latin America are also possible hot spots.

Information and medical statistics from some nations with undemocratic, authoritarian, non-transparent, corrupt or unaccountable governments should be assessed carefully and skeptically.

China, for instance, didnt tell the world that COVID-19 was spreading widely in Wuhan, where it started, until late December. As late as the middle of January, it was still publicly insisting there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission, even when it knew otherwise.

This assertion was at first uncritically repeated by the World Health Organization (WHO), before being refuted. WHO cant be relied on for accurate information, since it seems to not want to offend major donors.

When a microbe is authoritatively identified and genomically decoded, diagnostic tests need to be primed and ready to go. Quick production and national distribution of speedy, accurate tests must then be a priority. We need to ensure authorities can detect and send to treatment people who are infected or carriers of the contagion.

Once a disease is identified as a threat, health authorities must be quickly told the specific symptoms so staff at other ports of entry into Canada can be prepared.

Travellers from regions where the disease is spreading rapidly should be required to isolate at home for a particular period. In the case of COVID-19, its 14 days; that could be shorter or longer for another ailment.

There should also be a hefty fine for escaping the quarantine. Police should ensure people stay at home. This may seem a violation of civil liberties, but were experiencing even worse constrictions, and a severe recession, right now.

When the number of infected travellers starts to jump, travel bans need to be enacted immediately.

There should also be adequate medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE). Some of these items degrade over time, so they need to be replenished on a rolling basis. The current inventories are plainly far too low for a pandemic.

Other items, such as ventilators, might be specific to COVID-19, but medical professionals should be able to identify a variety of equipment that could be necessary. Then generous numbers of these items should be purchased. The expense is unlikely to be of the magnitude of the financial and medical disaster were now experiencing.

The financial aspect of all this should be examined in a hard-headed way. Instead of a wild scramble to borrow and fund a huge bailout for nearly everything, a national emergency insurance fund could be established. Several billion dollars could be sequestered each year.

Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

The federal government could also establish business interruption insurance, in conjunction with the property and casualty or general insurance industry. Small businesses should find it easy and only incrementally more expensive to buy insurance with such a feature.

Finally, Canada must be less dependent on other nations, especially semi-adversaries such as China, for medical supplies and equipment, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and other critical things.

It should also not be dependent on nations whose manufacturing capability might be debilitated by the disease outbreak  as China also is. Other nations are trying to keep these products for themselves, and are having trouble manufacturing all that is needed.

Secure and ample supply chains are vital. Canada, it seems, cant rely on the kindness of strangers  or even friends and allies. Local, vibrant innovative suppliers should be nurtured.

Ian Madsen is a senior policy analyst with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

 Troy Media
Facing its deepest recession since World War II and with business confidence collapsing, the coronavirus pandemic is hitting Italy's economy hard.

Business confidence in the eurozone's third largest economy in May plummeted to its lowest level since official statistics institute ISTAT started the index in March 2005.

The figure is "alarming", said small business federation Confesercenti.

"The health and economic emergency has swept businesses away, especially in shops, services and tourism," it said.

Its members are particularly concerned "by the lack of liquidity necessary to pay costs and salaries... we are close to a point of no return and that's why the measures decided by the government (loan guarantees, SME subsidies) must be operational immediately," said federation head Patrizia De Luise.

"We need to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate and simplify procedures, because if support is delayed again, many businesses will have no option but to stop," she said.

The government last week accused banks of not acting quickly enough, but they said that they had already passed on around 400,000 loan requests worth more than 18 billion euros ($20 billion) to the state-backed Central Guarantee Fund.

A MILLION JOBS THREATENED

Italy was the first European country to be hit by the pandemic and imposed a strict two-month lockdown which paralysed much of the country's economic activity.

As a result, the country is set for a drop in GDP of between nine and 13 percent, the Bank of Italy said on Friday.

Data also showed that the economy shrank 5.3 percent in the first quarter -- worse than the 4.7 percent initially estimated.

It had not seen such an "exceptional" decline in the first quarter since 1995, ISTAT said.

This year's losses could amount to 170 billion euros, equivalent to the GDP of Veneto, Italy's third biggest industrial region, a Mediobanca study said.

The head of the country's main business confederation Cofindustria, Carlo Bonomi, said that up to a million jobs could be threatened nationwide.

"We're waiting for figures at the end of May but indications are that between 700,000 and a million jobs are in danger," he said.

"Jobs are only created if there is growth, innovation, investment. The car manufacturing crisis can't be solved with subsidies or furloughing. You solve it by looking to the future, by investing in new technologies," he said.

Italy is set to be the main beneficiary of a European Union 750-billion-euro recovery plan but it still may not be enough.

NO AID

Italian citizens are slightly more optimistic, but far from celebrating. The pandemic has killed over 30,000 people.

Consumer confidence went from 100.1 points in May to 94.3 in March, its lowest level since December 2013.

While the state has paid for furloughs or handouts for those no longer able to work, many have slipped through the net.

They include Eleonora Fogliacco, 35, a fitness and swimming teacher in Lombardy, the hardest hit region where gyms were ordered closed at the end of February.

"I didn't qualify for the 600-euro monthly government handout because I earned more than 10,000 euros last year," she told AFP.

"During the crisis I had peaceful days and days when I felt completely lost, without any state help. I could no longer see the future and I didn't know what to hold onto," she said.

"I don't buy anything. I depend on my partner for the shopping," said Fogliacco.

"This situation has changed everybody's way of life (and) everything will be very complicated" in the future, she added.

According to a Confcommercio-Censis poll published on Tuesday, 53 percent of Italian families see their future negatively and 68 percent see the country's future negatively.

Because of lockdown, 42 percent of families have had to reduce their work and income, 26 percent have stopped work and 24 percent have been furloughed.

Six out of 10 families fear losing a job, as a result of which 28 percent have decided to take no holidays nor long weekends.
Japanese plastic producer Tenma, which has a local office in the northern province of Bac Ninh, has been investigated for allegedly paying JYP25 million ($215,000) in bribes to some local tax officials to lower its tax liabilities in 2017 and 2019.

Pham The Tung, director of Bac Ninh Police Department, said that the tax scandal has been thoroughly investigated. However, they have found no evidence of bribery.

Meanwhile, local authorities were not able to meet Tenma Vietnams CEO since he was not in Vietnam at the moment.

Eleven customs and tax officials in Bac Ninh province have been suspended for 15 days for the duration of the investigation. The Ministry of Finance also formed an investigation team to work on the reports.

According to Japanese newswire Asahi, the bribe had been approved by the Tenma headquarters in Japan, particularly by chairman Kento Fujino.

Notwithstanding, Bac Ninh customs and tax officials have denied the allegations, claiming that Tenma, since it processes for export, is eligible for zero import and value-added tax duties, and so the allegations are baseless, according to Tuoi Tre.

Ngo Xuan Tong, director of Bac Ninh Tax Department, said that the tax evasion was only a report from Japanese media and has not been confirmed by the Vietnamese side. Tenma Vietnams chief accountant outright refused the allegations.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also confirmed that Vietnam has been verifying the allegations of Tenma, with co-operation from the Japanese side.

"If the reports are true, these officials must be punished to create a transparent and fair business environment and to prevent tax losses," Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in a release on the governments website.

"The information of Tenma bribing Vietnamese officials came from Japan, so we need international co-ordination to investigate this case," To Lam, Vietnams Minister of Public Security, said on the sidelines of a parliament session in Hanoi.

To Lam, Vietnams Minister of Public Security, said Vietnam authorities are investigating the tax bribery case with the Japanese side

Earlier this month, at the shareholders' meeting in June, Tenma Corporations CEO announced resigning amidst the tax scandal. Tenma has not yet disclosed who would take over as the next CEO.

At the moment, Tenma is being closely investigated for bribing foreign officials and violating the competition law in Japan.
On Wednesday, Nuevo Laredo Mayor Enrique Rivas Cuellar said positive coronavirus cases were growing at an alarming rate. Two days later, they increased at a rate that has not been seen yet during this entire pandemic in either of the Sister Cities as Nuevo Laredo rapidly nears 200 cases.

In addition to another local death, the government of Tamaulipas reported 27 cases of the coronavirus Friday as its total positive cases reaches 196. Its far and away the most positives reported in a single day from this immediate area, besting the 19 cases announced in Laredo on April 23 and the 18 reported in Nuevo Laredo on May 22.

After reaching exactly 100 cases on May 19, its taken just 10 days for Nuevo Laredo to come within four cases of 200. It previously took the city 50 days to go from its first reported case on March 30 to 100 cases.

To put Nuevo Laredos 27 cases in perspective Friday, the rest of Tamaulipas had a combined 23 cases announced.

Meanwhile, Nuevo Laredo also suffered its 18th total death after also reporting No. 17 on Thursday. The Tamaulipas government confirmed the death was a 78-year-old man. Despite still having around only a third of Laredos 540 cases, Nuevo Laredo now has only one fewer death.

The health department in Tamaulipas reports the death of another person and confirms 27 cases of COVID-19 in Nuevo Laredo, Rivas Cuellar said in a statement. There are now 18 deaths and 196 positive cases in Nuevo Laredo. This is the second day where a person loses their life because of this virus. For our well-being and the well-being of our family, let us continue social distancing and maintaining health protocols. Our health is not a game. Let us take care of it! My condolences to the family.

Nuevo Laredo has had 832 tested with 532 coming back negative. A total of 104 are still being investigated.

The citys test positivity rate now sits at 26.9% while Laredo is at 12.6%. The remainder of Tamaulipas test positivity rate is 24.1%.
Surgery would be inconceivable without general anesthesia, so it may come as a surprise that despite its 175-year history of medical use, doctors and scientists have been unable to explain how anesthetics temporarily render patients unconscious.

A new study from Scripps Research published Thursday evening in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences (PNAS) solves this longstanding medical mystery.

Using modern nanoscale microscopic techniques, plus clever experiments in living cells and fruit flies, the scientists show how clusters of lipids in the cell membrane serve as a missing go-between in a two-part mechanism.

Temporary exposure to anesthesia causes the lipid clusters to move from an ordered state, to a disordered one, and then back again, leading to a multitude of subsequent effects that ultimately cause changes in consciousness.

The discovery by chemist Richard Lerner, MD, and molecular biologist Scott Hansen, PhD, settles a century-old scientific debate, one that still simmers today: Do anesthetics act directly on cell-membrane gates called ion channels, or do they somehow act on the membrane to signal cell changes in a new and unexpected way?

It has taken nearly five years of experiments, calls, debates and challenges to arrive at the conclusion that it's a two-step process that begins in the membrane, the duo say. The anesthetics perturb ordered lipid clusters within the cell membrane known as "lipid rafts" to initiate the signal.

"We think there is little doubt that this novel pathway is being used for other brain functions beyond consciousness, enabling us to now chip away at additional mysteries of the brain," Lerner says.

Lerner, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, is a former president of Scripps Research, and the founder of Scripps Research's Jupiter, Florida campus. Hansen is an associate professor, in his first posting, at that same campus.

The ether dome

Ether's ability to induce loss of consciousness was first demonstrated on a tumor patient at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in 1846, within a surgical theater that later became known as "the Ether Dome.

"So consequential was the procedure that it was captured in a famous painting, "First Operation Under Ether," by Robert C. Hinckley. By 1899, German pharmacologist Hans Horst Meyer, and then in 1901 British biologist Charles Ernest Overton, sagely concluded that lipid solubility dictated the potency of such anesthetics.

Hansen recalls turning to a Google search while drafting a grant submission to investigate further that historic question, thinking he couldn't be the only one convinced of membrane lipid rafts' role.

To Hansen's delight, he found a figure from Lerner's 1997 PNAS paper, "A hypothesis about the endogenous analogue of general anesthesia," that proposed just such a mechanism. Hansen had long looked up to Lerner--literally.

As a predoctoral student in San Diego, Hansen says he worked in a basement lab with a window that looked directly out at Lerner's parking space at Scripps Research.

"I contacted him, and I said, 'You are never going to believe this. Your 1997 figure was intuitively describing what I am seeing in our data right now,'" Hansen recalls. "It was brilliant."

For Lerner, it was an exciting moment as well.

This is the granddaddy of medical mysteries. When I was in medical school at Stanford, this was the one problem I wanted to solve. Anesthesia was of such practical importance I couldn't believe we didn't know how all of these anesthetics could cause people to lose consciousness." Richard Lerner, MD., Chemist, Scripps Research Institute

Many other scientists, through a century of experimentation, had sought the same answers, but they lacked several key elements, Hansen says: First, microscopes able to visualize biological complexes smaller than the diffraction limits of light, and second, recent insights about the nature of cell membranes, and the complex organization and function of the rich variety of lipid complexes that comprise them.

"They had been looking in a whole sea of lipids, and the signal got washed out, they just didn't see it, in large part for a lack of technology," Hansen says.

From order to disorder

Using Nobel Prize-winning microscopic technology, specifically a microscope called dSTORM, short for "direct stochastical optical reconstruction microscopy," a post-doctoral researcher in the Hansen lab bathed cells in chloroform and watched something like the opening break shot of a game of billiards.

Exposing the cells to chloroform strongly increased the diameter and area of cell membrane lipid clusters called GM1, Hansen explains.

What he was looking at was a shift in the GM1 cluster's organization, a shift from a tightly packed ball to a disrupted mess, Hansen says. As it grew disordered, GM1 spilled its contents, among them, an enzyme called phospholipase D2 (PLD2).

Tagging PLD2 with a fluorescent chemical, Hansen was able to watch via the dSTORM microscope as PLD2 moved like a billiard ball away from its GM1 home and over to a different, less-preferred lipid cluster called PIP2.

This activated key molecules within PIP2 clusters, among them, TREK1 potassium ion channels and their lipid activator, phosphatidic acid (PA).

The activation of TREK1 basically freezes neurons' ability to fire, and thus leads to loss of consciousness, Hansen says.

"The TREK1 potassium channels release potassium, and that hyper-polarizes the nerve--it makes it more difficult to fire--and just shuts it down," Hansen says.

Lerner insisted they validate the findings in a living animal model. The common fruit fly, drosophila melanogaster, provided that data.

Deleting PLD expression in the flies rendered them resistant to the effects of sedation. In fact, they required double the exposure to the anesthetic to demonstrate the same response.

"All flies eventually lost consciousness, suggesting PLD helps set a threshold, but is not the only pathway controlling anesthetic sensitivity," they write.

Hansen and Lerner say the discoveries raise a host of tantalizing new possibilities that may explain other mysteries of the brain, including the molecular events that lead us to fall asleep.

Lerner's original 1997 hypothesis of the role of "lipid matrices" in signaling arose from his inquiries into the biochemistry of sleep, and his discovery of a soporific lipid he called oleamide.

Hansen and Lerner's collaboration in this arena continues.

"We think this is fundamental and foundational, but there is a lot more work that needs to be done, and it needs to be done by a lot of people," Hansen says. Lerner agrees.

"People will begin to study this for everything you can imagine: Sleep, consciousness, all those related disorders," he says.

"Ether was a gift that helps us understand the problem of consciousness. It has shined a light on a heretofore unrecognized pathway that the brain has clearly evolved to control higher-order functions."
A Cabinet Minister accused of 'bias' in a 1billion planning row was lobbied by the developer at a Tory fundraising dinner just weeks before approving the luxury housing project, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick last night admitted that tycoon Richard Desmond and his team raised the subject of their 1,500-home planning application with him when they were on the same table at a Conservative Party dinner last November.

But Mr Jenrick insisted he shut the conversation down immediately. He faced calls to quit last week after it emerged he had approved the 1billion application from Mr Desmond's Northern and Shell corporation to rejuvenate part of London's Docklands just one day before a local council tax hike would have cost the firm an extra 40million.

Joy Canfield and Richard Desmond at Lizzie Cundy's 'Tales From The Red Carpet' book launch

In doing so, he overruled opposition from planning officials and the local council. When challenged in the High Court over apparent bias in the timing, Mr Jenrick quashed his approval for the development, called Westferry Printworks.

However, it can now be revealed that the application was raised with Mr Jenrick at the Tories' annual fundraiser, the Carlton Club Political Dinner, where tickets cost more than 900.

Mr Jenrick sat next to Mr Desmond at the club in St James's, alongside Northern and Shell's commercial director and senior figures from Mace, the project's construction partners.

Last night, Mr Jenrick said Mr Desmond had talked about it, albeit briefly.

His spokesman said: 'They were put on the same table, although Mr Jenrick was not aware of this prior to arriving at the venue.

Britain's Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick speaks at the daily coronavirus outbreak news conference at 10 Downing Street

'The developers did raise their application, but Mr Jenrick informed them that it would not be appropriate for them to discuss the matter with him, or for him to pass comment on it.'

The planned housing project on the site of the former Daily Express printworks on the Isle of Dogs, East London, was given the green light on January 14, eight weeks after the dinner.

However, Mr Jenrick was accused of bias after it emerged that he had overruled advice from the Independent Planning Inspectorate and local council amid concerns that there was not enough affordable housing included in the plans.

And there was fury that his approval came just a day before Tower Hamlets Council hiked rates on a local building tax called the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Council officials say the timing would have saved Mr Desmond, the former owner of the Express newspaper group, between 30million and 50million.

After legal action in March over the timing of the decision, the High Court ordered Mr Jenrick's department to disclose documents about the deal.

Rather than comply with this order, Mr Jenrick accepted that his original decision had been 'unlawful by reason of apparent bias', quashed his decision and said he would take no further part in decisions about the application.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has given the Westferry Printworks the go-ahead

Labour's Shadow Communities Secretary Steve Reed accused Mr Jenrick of 'wining and dining a wealthy Conservative donor just weeks before unlawfully helping him avoid a 40million tax bill'.

He demanded that the Minister 'urgently explain what conversations he had with Richard Desmond and whether he knew Mr Desmond stood to gain personally from his decision to the tune of tens of millions of pounds.'

Mr Reed said: 'The public need to know Government Ministers are not abusing their power to do favours for billionaire friends.

'It's extremely unusual for a Minister to admit bias, and there are concerns he did it to stop the real reasons for his decision coming out in court.

'Mr Jenrick must restore public trust by coming clean.'

Northern and Shell did not respond to requests for comment.
When you look at what Trump announced, China must be relieved because there is not much substance in there, said Minxin Pei, an expert on U.S.-China relations at Claremont McKenna College in California. The dilemma for Washington is that the things that they are going to do will punish Hong Kong rather than China directly.
Crane Stationery expects to layoff about 85 percent of its employees in June. Company officials say its Curran Highway facility is now too big to operate.

Crane Stationery Leaving North Adams for New York

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Crane Stationery is pulling up stakes after more than 200 years making paper in the Berkshires.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, company officials said they had made the "difficult decision" to shift operations to parent company Mohawk Fine Papers in Cohoes, N.Y.

The news isn't a surprise: Crane announced a month ago it would be laying off nearly its entire workforce of more than 200 by June 19.

"For almost 220 years, Crane has made its home in the Berkshires. It's an indelible part of our history and our culture, and an enormous point of pride," said Thomas O'Connor, CEO of Mohawk in a statement. "We recognize that our departure will be felt by the North Adams community, but at the heart of this decision is our commitment to ensuring that the extraordinary heritage of the Crane brand lives on.

"Crane partners with hundreds of small-business retailers around the country and serves customers who have lifelong and even generational relationships with Crane. We are optimistic about our next chapter and being able to continue that legacy."

The company had pointed to the shutdown in mid-March because of the novel coronavirus as exacerbating its financial difficulties because of reduced demand and the bankruptcy filing of a major distributor It brought employees back to complete orders with the help of a federal Payroll Protection Program loan that will expire on the date of the stated layoffs.

"We have spent the last several weeks determining how to reposition our company while keeping the greatest number of employees working," according to the company statement, but officials say, "the current facilities in North Adams represent too much space and unsustainable overhead costs given our decreased business scale."

Mohawk Fine Papers purchased the company in 2018 from an employee partnership and a year ago was touting its commitment to invest $3 million to $4 million into the facility in the Robert Hardman Industrial Park on Curran Highway. It was in the midst of a rebranding effort expected to be unveiled by the end of the year.

Instead, an unknown number of employees, "craftspeople," will be transferred to the Cohoes plant, where the family company is headquartered.

Mayor Thomas Bernard said he was contacted by Crane officials shortly before the statement was released.

"I'm disappointed but not surprised," the mayor said.

The city and the company have been at odds since Crane was allowed reopen a few weeks ago to provide materials to "essential" businesses. Crane officials refused to submit a plan showing only that essential work was being done and the Board of Health refused to back the mayor's attempt to enforce an emergency health order.

Bernard said he's still "in the dark" on what Crane's plans are for its workforce after conflicting communications were given to him, employees and the media in late April on whether the company was closing or not.

He said his continued concern is the health, safety and well-being, and especially the economic well-being of the employees who spent so many years doing the work that secured Crane's reputation.
How do I begin? Can any of us, from our positions of privilege, indulge in writing about reviving the economy or seeking help for individual sectors, such as automobiles, housing or aviation, while millions of our desperate, hungry migrant workers are still trudging home along highways and many are perishing along the way, falling to a fate decreed by their own government, neglected by their fellow citizens? Can we be so presumptuous and naive as to believe that the economy can be revived when a third of our population  450 million intra-state and inter-state migrant workers -- loses its livelihood overnight? It will be a travesty to embark on this vain venture of advising those in power on how to fix the economy or make our planes fly without first demanding from the government that it show genuine contrition, seek forgiveness from those who have been ill-treated and make amends by alleviating the immense misery and irreparable losses caused to them before talking loftily about reviving the economy.

Read: Coronavirus Lockdown: Flying in turbulent conditions

This preamble was necessary to set our priorities right, empathise with our poor and understand that businesses have symbiotic relationships and live and thrive in a vibrant and robust ecosystem. Whether its airlines or automobiles or IT companies, they cannot sustain or prosper in isolation. Even good healthcare, and in todays context saving lives from the Covid pandemic, is dependent on a healthy, functioning economy. From the prime minister to the peon, from schools to roads, and from the cop to the soldier, everyone can be paid and provided for only if the economy is in the high gear of growth. If India has a vision to create a society with equitable growth, with a competitive economy in a globalised world and build a developed economy in the widest sense of that word, then the aviation sector -- airlines, air cargo, etc., along with road, rail and shipping -- is integral to that vision. The movement of people and goods is the lifeline of any economy.

Road, rail and air travel are especially vital to the tourism sector, the largest employer in the unorganised sector in the world, including in India as most of our beaches, temples, palaces, forts, wildlife parks and mountains are located in the hinterlands.

They are the three wheels of tourism. And they have a ripple effect in generating employment for taxis, restaurants, eateries, hotels and home stays and the handicrafts sector. And all four, including shipping which is a big part of the supply chain, are currently stuttering. When the government is unable to come up with a bold financial relief package for the aviation sector or is unable to release funds through soft grants and loans to airlines, as has been notably done in the US and Western Europe, then the best way to revive aviation is to quickly lift the lockdown and restrictions and let it fly.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian aviation was in a time warp, strangulated by the Aircraft Act and Rules of 1934 and 1937 (when jet engines and helicopters had not yet been invented), like many British-era laws that India still follows such as the Official Secrets Act or the Sedition Act or laws governing industries. The surest and quickest way to give a fillip to aviation is to unshackle and loosen the grip of regulators over the airlines. Now more than ever, if Modi can invoke his 2014 election campaign mantra of minimum government, maximum governance, of red carpet, not red tape, of removing archaic laws instead of adding new ones, it will breathe new life into Indian industry in general, and aviation in particular. Otherwise, both the treasury of the government and the coffers of businesses will soon be empty.





Whether it is about transporting migrants on trains and buses or re-opening airlines, as we have seen, it has all been a shameful mess. Let me cite an example. During the first lockdown period, a senior IAS officer from Karnataka posted in Delhi called me and requested urgent helicopter service for a friend in Bengaluru for medical evacuation. I told him my pilot would be ready within the hour to airlift the patient but there were a number of clearances required and many logistical issues, like police clearance for the technician and paramedic to reach the helipad, etc., that would impede the take-off of the helicopter although the lockdown rules allowed medical flights. I told him that since he was in government, if he could clear the bureaucratic hurdles, we could do the emergency evacuation. He could not, and the flight did not materialise. The moot point is, though the government notification allowed medical and cargo flights on paper, on the ground it did not work.

The resumption of flights on May 25 played out in a chaos, just like the Shramik trains carrying migrant workers. Airlines and passengers were not sure till the last minute if they would take off because many states were dilly-dallying and changing their stance. A number of flights were cancelled after people turned up at the airports. What could have been simple and smooth became convoluted. Utter confusion and lack of coordination reigns between the Centre and the states as they often work at cross purposes.

While the sudden lockdown was announced by the prime minister invoking the total powers of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, where states had to fall in line and had no leeway available to them in implementation, the lifting of the lockdown gave them discretion on many aspects, and they are not all acting prudently and in concert. In relaxing the lockdown, the Centre, keeping in mind the complexity of the ecosystem of supply chains and logistics, should have had detailed discussions and consultations with the states and ensured the seamless flow of people and goods by buses, trains and airlines across India, rather than leaving it to the individual states to make their own rules.

Detailed and thorough planning would have prevented a lot of misery to individuals, their loss of livelihood and the loss to the economy that were largely self-inflicted in the form of the lockdown. Going forward, we can revv up the economy faster if unnecessary regulation and red tape are swiftly done away with. That will help revive airlines faster than any relief package, which is in any case usually a chimera. Slow governments kill businesses, livelihoods and lives. As Napoleon said, In war, it is not cannons that win battles. Its lightning speed. It may be useful to bear this in mind even in the war on Covid-19.

(The writer, founder of Deccan Aviation, pioneered low-cost airlines in India)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-31 00:18:36|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

NAIROBI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya are registering a steady surge in activities as business picks up in the east African nation amid observation of COVID-19 containment measures.

Business is resuming as some companies that had sent their workers on leave following the outbreak of the disease in March allow them back.

Similarly, a number of people who had chosen to stay at home to enforce social distancing are resuming work as they observe measures to curb the spread of the disease.

Some of the businesses, particularly in the Nairobi city center that are registering uptick of activities, include commuter vehicles known as matatus, salons and barber shops, chemists, clothes and shoes shops, and hotels and eateries.

Banks and supermarkets, which though did not close down but had witnessed reduced activities in the last two months as people stayed away, are also registering a surge in the number of customers.

The steady resurgence in business portends bright prospects for the small and medium-sized enterprises as the east African nation battles the disease.

"We are happy that at least business is picking up," said Andrew Mutie, who sells women shoes and clothes in central business in Nairobi.

"Most of my customers started to return to work a week ago and I am now getting orders for clothes, shoes and bags, not as it was the case for the last two months," he added.

The return of workers in the city center has also come as a boon for hundreds of matatu operators who had been greatly affected by the stay at home measure.

Some of the matatu operators had grounded their vehicles due to low number of commuters moving from the residential areas to the city center and vice versa.

The government in March directed the commuter buses to carry half the capacity of the vehicles for passengers to maintain social distancing.

While the matatus tried to compensate the loss of income by raising the fare, low number of commuters worsened the situation.

"More people are coming to the city center which assures us business both in the morning, during the day and the evening. Though the curfew time is affecting business, things are improving," said Geoffrey Muriuki, a conductor with Rembo Shuttle on the Kitengela-Nairobi route.

A survey in the capital Nairobi on Thursday indicated that the number of people visiting various businesses is on the rise, with hotels and eateries, banks and supermarkets being among the top beneficiaries of the resurgence.

At an eatery on Kimathi Street in the central business district of Nairobi, several customers sat at different tables observing social distancing as they ate their food.

The facility, like some others in Nairobi, started in-service over a week ago after testing all its workers for COVID-19 as directed by the government.

"People are coming back, especially this week, there has been good traffic but we have to maintain social distance," said Jane, a waiter at the outlet.

Ernest Manuyo, a lecturer at Pioneer Institute in Nairobi, noted that people are resuming activities as they observe containment measures as reality dawns that they must learn to live with the virus around.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has hinted at reopening the economy from next month when the period of the current dusk to dawn curfew ends.

Central Bank of Kenya governor Patrick Njoroge observed that he expects resumption of normalcy in various sectors from June.

"Cessations of some restrictions especially in sectors like hospitality have helped boost business and we expect next month business to surge further. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, so it is a good thing if activities resume," he said. Enditem
At least five people have died due to thunderstorm and lightning in various parts of Kannauj district, officials said on Saturday.

Additional District Magistrate Gajendra Kumar said a 45-year-old driver of a pick-up vehicle died when the roof of a gas service godown collapsed in Chhatarpur village around 3 pm on Saturday.

Dinesh Pal (30) of Sursa village died in a wall collapse following rains and thunderstorm while an 80-year-old a resident of Bhiknipurwa died at the courtyard of his house due to a sudden hailstorm, the ADM said.

The fourth death was reported from Tijlapur village, when a trolley fell on an eight-year-old boy owing to high-speed wind, the officer said, adding the fifth death was that of a youth in Ramaipur when a tree feel on him.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued in Lucknow on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over loss of lives due to lightning and thunderstorm in Mainpuri, Agra, Lakhimpur Khiri and Muzaffarnagar districts.

Officials have been directed to provide Rs 4 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased and adequate medical treatment for the injured, the statement said.
Twitter / Associated Press

Most public officials confronted with a city on fire over a grave injustice will recognize that acknowledging the wrong and calling for calm is the bare minimum. President Trump, true to his well-established pattern, didnt just fall short of that standard; he discarded it entirely.

Seizing an opportunity to change the subject from his mishandling of the pandemic that has killed 100,000 Americans to the racial animus that propels him, Trump reacted to three nights of strife in Minneapolis over the latest police killing of an African American man not by striving to put out the flames but by gleefully fanning them. Rather than the misconduct of an officer charged with murder, he reserved his outrage for the enraged, expressing it in deliberately racist terms.
Iran's Faxon tanker berths at Venezuela's port

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, May 29, IRNA -- Iranian tanker Faxon carrying fuels berthed at Venezuela's port on Friday morning.

This is the fourth Iranian oil tanker that has arrived in Venezuelan special economic zone.

Earlier, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a message termed the shipment of Iranian fuel to Venezuela as a sign of Tehran-Caracas solidarity.

According to a report by Marine Traffic website which tracks the traffic of tankers in the international water, Faxon tanker entered Venezuela's special economic zone on Thursday morning.

Iran has sent five tankers loaded with 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela to help jump start the oil refineries in the Latin American state amid a fuel crisis.

Three of the vessels, Fortune, Forest and Petunia, have already reached Venezuela under military escort.

The fourth tanker Faxon arrived in the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday and in Venezuela's special economic zone on Thursday while the last ship, Clavel, is en route to Venezuela.

7129**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and the federal departments they run were hit with a class-action lawsuit for illegal seizures of thousands of student borrowers' tax refunds during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving iover 40 million Americans jobless and families across the country struggling to to stay in their homes and keep food on their tables.

The suit (pdf)  filed by Student Defense and Democracy Forward in the U.S. District Court for D.C.  accuses the Education and Treasury departments of violating the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act from late March, which halted all involuntary collection of federal student loans, including tax refund offsets, until the end of September.

"Secretaries DeVos and Mnuchin have inflicted needless financial pain on student borrowers and their families by failing to stop the illegal seizures of their tax refunds," Democracy Forward senior counsel Jeffrey Dubner said in a statement.

Pull Quote "Secretaries DeVos and Mnuchin have inflicted needless financial pain on student borrowers and their families."

"The turmoil caused by the ongoing pandemic is no excuse for breaking the law," Dubner added. "Our class-action suit seeks to hold the administration accountable so that student borrowers can stay on their feet during this crisis."

Lead plaintiff Kori Cole is a graduate of Heritage College in Lakeside, Colorado. She trained to be an x-ray technician but currently stays at home to care for her two children. As the complaint explains:

Cole's husband owns a custom woodworking business and earns approximately $50,000 per year, which is their family's sole source of income. The woodworking business suffered as a result of the CoOVID-19 pandemic and produced almost no income for six to eight weeks earlier this year.

Following the passage of the CARES Act, Cole and her husband expected to receive a federal tax refund of $6,859 and planned to use it to help pay living expenses for their family of four. However, their federal tax refund was offset in full to pay Cole's defaulted student loans, in violation of the CARES Act. As a result, she and her family are behind on their rent and bills.

The CARES Act's reprieve from offsetting tax refunds was supposed to provide financial relief to Cole and others like her during the pandemic. She brought the lawsuit on her behalf, as well as that of similarly situated borrowers. Her goal is to force the departments to comply immediately with the CARES Act directive requiring them to suspend their practice of offsetting tax refunds for defaulted student borrowers and to promptly return the amounts illegally seized.

The complaint notes that a website maintained by the Treasury Department suggests that it has offset more than $18.8 million from over 11,000 federal tax refunds since April 1, after President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act into law. "Similarly, the departments have offset, and may be continuing to offset, state tax refunds of borrowers in violation of the CARES Act," the suit says.

"In the middle of this devastating pandemic, Secretary Mnuchin and Secretary DeVos have been illegally offsetting tax refunds of student borrowers despite clear instructions from Congress and the president to stop," said Student Defense senior counsel Alice Yao. "The administration has shown an utter disregard for the law and the needs of student loan borrowers during this difficult time, and their botched rollout of CARES Act protections is causing real suffering for families across the nation."

"We are suing to make sure borrowers get the relief they are entitled to, and to hold this administration accountable for their continued failures to implement the CARES Act," added Yao.

Pull Quote "The administration has shown an utter disregard for the law and the needs of student loan borrowers during this difficult time, and their botched rollout of CARES Act protections is causing real suffering for families across the nation." Alice Yao, Student Defense

Student Defense's statement announcing the case pointed to reporting that there are more than 44 million Americans who collectively have $1.65 trillion in student loan debt.

The new case follows another class-action lawsuit that Student Defense and the National Consumer Law Center filed in late April, accusing DeVos and the Education Department of garnishing the wages of student borrowers in violation of the CARES Act. The lead plaintiff in that case is Elizabeth Barber, who earns $12.89 an hour working as a home health aide near Rochester, New York.

De Vos, a prominent leader in the Republican Partys anti-intellectual, anti-public school movement, has enacted draconian policies against student loan borrowers, including those who were bilked by fraudulent and unaccredited for-profit colleges.

Also on May 29, in a slap in the face to U.S. veterans, Trump sided with De Vos by vetoing a bipartisan resolution that would have eased access to federal student loan forgiveness for veterans. Veterans organizations told The New York Times that De Vos rules will harm veterans bilked by unscrupulous for-profit colleges.
Chennai, May 30 : Tamil Nadu on Saturday reported a record 938 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, taking the total tally past the 21K-mark to 21,184.

In a statement issued here, the Health Department said these 938 persons included 82 returnees from other states and countries.

The statement said six Covid-19 patients died, taking the state's death toll to 160.

State capital Chennai, with its high density of population, continued to see the highest 616 new infections, taking its total tally to 13,980. The Chengalpattu district reported 94 more positive cases.

Members of the medical expert committee said lockdown restrictions may be relaxed in Tamil Nadu, barring Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, they said coronavirus infections were high in Chennai and neighbouring districts like Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram.

Advocating continuance of the lockdown restrictions in these four districts, they said easing must depend on the extent of coronavirus spread in each district.

As of Saturday, coronavirus cases in Chennai stood at 13,980, followed by Chengalpattu (1,094), Tiruvallur (902) and Kancheepuram (390).

Asserting that resumption of public transport - buses and trains - in Chennai may be dangerous, the experts said these should not be allowed to run. To control the spread, swab testing should be increased, they said.

On Saturday, 12,605 samples were tested, taking the total to 4.79 lakh. Testing of 636 samples is under process.

The number of infected children in the age group 0-12 went up to 1,239.

The total active cases in Tamil Nadu now stands at 9,021.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Ministers plan to introduce other loan programs for entrepreneurs, which will restore business activity

Coronavirus face mask financial market .responsible-investor.com

The government signed a memorandum with nine banking institutions on credit holidays for entrepreneurs during the year. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmygal stated this on the air of one of Ukrainian television channels, as UNN reports.

"Today, nine banks have signed an agreement that they will not accrue interest on the restructuring of the loan. That is a credit vacation," the Prime Minister said.

Shmygal noted that the government plans to introduce other loan programs for entrepreneurs, which will restore business activity.

As we reported earlier, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will approve a $ 5 billion assistance program for Ukraine at a board meeting on June 5.

Shmygal said in a conversation with the agency that Ukraine needs the IMF's money to withstand the economic shock in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. He said that according to preliminary estimates, Ukraines GDP in the second quarter could fall by 12%.
During the nation-wide lockdown, most government departments, barring the essential services, had deferred taking decisions on issues of public interest. But this nation-wide inactivity has seemingly come as a shot in the arm for the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), which used this opportunity to bypass public opinion and surreptitiously approve some long-pending developmental projects inside the protected areas of the country.

In a move that clears the air about its priorities and marks a paradigm shift in the countrys conservation history, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), set a new precedent by according permission to more than 30 projects via video conference in the first week of April. The NBWL, which was created to safeguard the biodiversity of the country, should have been an exemplary model in conservation during this hour of climate change. In its hurried, virtual clearance of the project during the lockdown, it has delivered the opposite of what was expected from it.

Read: Northeast up in arms against projects in eco-sensitive zones

In its recent meetings, the Board cleared several projects located deep inside fragile ecosystems and bio-diversity hotpots like the Western Ghats, seemingly holding meetings to clear development projects rather than deliberate their impact on the environment.

When the decision makers thrust their agendaloot as much as you can while at power  during face-to-face meetings despite the dissenting voice of subject experts, what best can you expect out of a virtual meeting, questioned Dr T V Ramachandra of Centre for Ecological Sciences at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.

NBWL clearance process should not be completed as a mere formality. Our Protected Areas (PAs) are the countrys last remaining wildlife habitats, so granting clearance to any project proposed inside the PAs should be the last resort. If the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) is seriously screening these project proposals, 40% of total proposals put up in every meeting requires site inspection. I do not think it is possible through video-conferencing, said Kishor Rithe, a former member of the SC-NBWL.

Each of the 30 plus projects accorded permission or discussed by the MoEF&CC in April would have long lasting impact on the environment. Those projects located in the eco-sensitive Western Ghats, will have a far greater impact on the regions ecosystem.

Also Read: Wildlife Board an active agent in environmental destruction

In particular, the NBWLs In principal approval to the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) to undertake the geotechnical survey inside the Sharavathi Lion Tailed Macaque Sanctuary is widely seen as an invitation to catastrophe in Shivamogga district, where people have unsuccessfully fought against several such developmental projects in the past.

Be it Sharavathi valley or any other part in the district, there is nothing left to tamper with. In fact, the district has enough projects, more projects than its actual carrying capacity, rued Akhilesh Chipli, a farmer and activist from Sagara in Shivamogga. A naturalist from the region alleged that what was declared a protected area in 2017 has been undone in 2018, only to allow this project.

Meantime, soon after clearing the projects, the MoEF is waking up to the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The ministry has instructed states not to allow movement of people into wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and initiate steps to prevent spread of the Covid-19 from humans to animals and vice versa.



Interestingly, Shivamogga has emerged as the centre of a dreaded zoonotic disease, the Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), with a fatality rate ranging from 3 to 10 per cent. There is a fear that a proposal to set up projects like pumped storage deep inside the forest might yet again result in an outbreak of infectious diseases.

Pointing at the possibility of such a scenario, Ramachandra said, Removal of native species of vegetation and forestation with exotic monoculture like acacia, eucalyptus and teak has deprived the dependent population (monkey) of their food, forcing them to enter human habitations. This has brought diseases like KFD (a viral infection) into human colonies. Nipah virus is also linked to changes in ecological conditions that have led to fruit bats coming out of their natural habitat and feeding on agricultural produce consumed by humans.

Forest ecology and ecosystem management expert Dr M D Subash Chandran, who has studied this region extensively, says, Even a small intervention will have irreversible damage to one of the last remains of the primary forests and disturb the habitats of numerous endemic species, including the myristica swamps and the lion tailed macaque.

However, the project proponent KPCL clarified that there will not be any greater disturbances, as the project is taken up underground. This project is crucial for grid balancing, particularly to manage the less predictable renewable energy. Considering the terrain and the available infrastructure, there is no alternative to this site. The environmental assessment will be done if the survey results are favourable, and to my understanding the ecological impact will be negligible as the entire project will be undertaken underground and we dont need any new structures, KPCL Managing Director V Ponnuraj told DH.

Deliberate push

Karnatakas deliberate push for the controversial Hubballi-Ankola railway project, despite repeated rejection by several statutory bodies, raises doubts over the role of vested interests in the project. In fact, the project was cleared by the board in the absence of several members just based on recommendation of special invitees. Even though the project was conceived with an aim of providing transport facility to the iron ore, members of the state board with a background in the mining industry, including forest minister Anand Singh, had conveyed not to recommend the project.

Supporting their claim, a cost-benefit analysis done by the user agency for a period of over 30-years has revealed negative revenue for passenger service besides suggesting no significant revenue in freight operations. Considering the revenue possibilities, there are both rail and road alternatives to the project.

If the rail network does not serve the purpose, the existing Hubballi-Ankola-Karwar National Highway-52 (Old NH-63) which runs almost parallel to the proposed railway alignment underutilised, according to the observations of many statutory authorities.

Other projects

Little up the Ghats from the Sharavathi Valley, NBWLs previous permission in January 2020 to take up doubling of the existing railway line from Castlerock to Kulem and Kulem to Madgaon in neighbouring Goa and widening of road along the Karnataka border may also end up impacting the wildlife and their habitat in the region. The doubling projects alignment from Tinaighat to Castlerock falls within Karnataka and the state had also submitted a proposal for clearance. Despite the Regional Empowered Committee resolving to consider the project by both the states as a whole, the standing committee of NBWL in a hurried manner cleared the proposals of Goa, explained an activist from Goa.

Coming out strongly against the new normal of according virtual clearances devoid of proper site inspection and investigation, former member of the NBWL Praveen Bhargav said, The Apex Courts ruling in the Lafarge Judgment insisted that in case of any doubts on the status of land made by the user agency, it shall be inspected by forest officials along with the members from the ministry to ascertain the status of forests. But during the lockdown, this may not be possible. Hence these 30 plus proposals must not be implemented and considered afresh after the end of the pandemic.

The decisions at the State Board for Wildlife are no different. Sanjay Gubbi, a senior member of the Karnataka Wildlife Board, said, Some projects that have serious ecological consequences are cleared without providing any opportunity for field inspection. Two recent examples are the Hubballi-Ankola railway line and the Sharavathi pumped storage project. When it comes to the State Board for Wildlife, members are not even given adequate meeting notice to study the documents to be well prepared with reasonable arguments.

Gubbi also noted that the board is now becoming a medium to get project clearances, while its duty is to advise the government in selection and management of protected areas, policy formulation for the conservation of wildlife, and harmonising the needs of forest dwellers and conservation of wildlife.

Well-known activist S R Hiremath raises concern about the lack of participatory approach while planning and executing conservation projects making them unsustainable. Nature can never be managed well until people close to it are involved in its management and a healthy relatonship is established between nature, society and culture.

Subash Chandran sums it up, The emphasis today should be on restructuring economy with least disturbance to pristine ecosystems.

(With inputs from Anitha Pailoor and Mrityunjay Bose)
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP) will show a greater decline in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Brazilian Economy Ministry stated on Friday, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

"The harmful effects on the health of the Brazilian population and our economy still persist. Therefore, the economic result of the activity will, in the second quarter, be even worse," the ministry said in a statement, predicting an increase in unemployment, bankruptcy, and poverty in the country.

Economic activity in the country fell 1.5 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the previous three months, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics reported on Friday.

The ministry said that the government has adopted measures to cushion the country from the initial shock as well as the lasting effects of the crisis, but that prolonging the period of isolation could worsen the crisis and compromise the speed of economic recovery.

The ministry proposed a series of measures to mitigate the economic effects of the crisis, such as supporting structural reforms, modifying bankruptcy legislation and opening trade, among others.

The Brazilian government has said that, in the face of the economic impact of the pandemic, it intends to promote privatizations, concessions, and fiscal reforms.
Houston protestors flooded downtown Friday afternoon in a show of support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd, originally from Houston's Third Ward. Keep scrolling for a look at scenes from the protest...
A special ferry flight of national carrier Air India which took off from Delhi for Moscow on Saturday returned after a crew member was found Covid-19 positive.

The flight being operated under the Vande Bharat mission was half way over Central Asia when it was called back.

According to sources, the airline's medical staff overseeing the massive testing campaign of its crew, mistook the pilot's test report as 'Negative' while he had tested 'Positive' for Covid-19.

Subsequently, the aircraft was informed and the SoPs meant for such situations were immediately implemented.

The incident has been termed as "unfortunate" by many industry insiders, as AI has been instrumental in carrying out Covid-19 evacuation operations for around 5 months now. The airline is well conversant with safety protocols which mandate Covid-19 testing of crew before and after a flight.

"Prioritising saftey protocol, Air India has recalled its Delhi-Moscow repatriation ferry flight today as one of the pilots, who had recently tested positive, was inadvertently rostered for the flight due to genuine oversight," another source told IANS.

"Another aircraft will shortly leave for Moscow."

Consequent to the incident, the regulator, DGCA, has ordered a probe into the matter.

The probe is said to look at the lapses which occurred while implementing the SoPs meant for mounting flights.
Todays Headlines

The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning.

Email address

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
It all sounds like an event straight out of the Old Testament in the Christian bible: swarms of locusts have infiltrated the Horn of Africa and elsewhere, and are now threatening food supplies and spreading devastation in what has become the worst infestation to hit some places in about 70 seventy years. It is a veritable horror show.

In some ways, this is actually a story from ancient times. Locusts are a pest that have plagued farmers for more than a millenia, or basically as long as humanity can remember. The last major locust plague is said to have hit North Africa and the Middle East between 1986 to 1989, and if the right control measures are not taken this time around, this scourge could also last as long. What can humans do about it? We can educate ourselves and take action.

From being able to create swarms the size of Manhattan to virtually being shape-shifters, here are ten things to know about this most recent locust plague and the insect causing it.

10. Locusts Can Decimate Livelihoods

Locusts feeding on desert plants. Image credit: Stewart Innes/Shutterstock.com

Locusts can swarm in huge clouds of thousands of insects. When they do, these pests can devour crops like nothing you have ever seen. It can be difficult to imagine why nature invented them as it did, but there must have been a time in history when there was simply too much vegetation around, and having mas amounts of hungry locusts around was the answer to the problem.

According to Keith Cressman, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization's senior locust forecasting officer, (yes, thats a job), enormous swarms of locusts can eat the same amount of food in one day as everyone in New York and California combined. Scientists in India claim that even a modest locust swarm can eat as much food as 35,000 people and travel an impressive 200 km in one day. Because of these realities, locusts in large numbers are able to eat farmers crops quickly, leaving little for helpless humans to harvest, live on, and sell.

9. They Can Live Alone or In Groups

You do not hear of attacking locust swarms each year and there is a reason for this. Weather conditions must be favourable in order for locusts to take over. Many things happen when the weather is right. Locusts can live on their own, and when they do, they behave like a solitary grasshopper. When the weather becomes dry however, locusts tend to congregate in groups, wherever there is enough vegetation left for them to eat. If this happens, many changes take place for both locusts, and humans alike.

8. They Change Their Body and Their Behaviour When Conditions Are Right

According to National Geographic, when locusts make the move to live in groups, their bodies react by releasing higher levels of serotonin. This makes the insect more sociable, and open to eating a wider variety of foods. Following this, the rains come as eventually they always do. When the wet season returns, the locusts relish the new abundance of plants they have around them. With more to eat, the groups of locusts then begin to reproduce more rapidly. Their communities become more crowded.

With increased numbers, the insects switch to a completely new lifestyle. This is called the gregarious phase. When locusts hit this phase some impressive changes take place. The desert locust changes colour from green to yellow and black, or to just yellow. Their brain also grows larger and the insects develop a larger capacity for endurance. This allows the locusts to migrate long distances, and to target crops and vegetation en masse, creating the perfect storm for insect plagues.

7. Kenya Has Absolutely Enormous Swarms

Swarm of invasive Desert Locusts flying thru lush vegetation in Samburu, Kenya. Image credit: Jen Watson/Shutterstock.com

At the moment, reports indicate that clouds of desert locusts in northeast Kenya are more than three times the size of New York City. There are an estimated 192 billion insects in these massive swarms.

6. Conflict is Preventing Getting Rid of Them

According to experts in the field, the only fast and effective way to get rid of the current locust plagues is to spray the land and crops with pesticides. Reports indicate that some countries being attacked are presently doing this. In places such as Somalia and Yemen, however, the efforts to do this have been squelched by the conflict present in the areas. It is not safe for planes to fly and spray, and this is creating a toxic situation that could cause famine.

5. The Locusts Go Beyond Africa

Locust swarm eating a green tree in Al Ain UAE. Image credit: SubAtomicScope/Shutterstock.com

The horn of Africa seems to be where the swarms first hit. Reports indicate the locusts flew across the Gulf of Aden to Somalia and Ethiopia in 2019. The bugs are now spreading elsewhere. Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Yemen, and Kenya have all been battling the locusts recently, as have countries in the Persian Gulf. These include Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain, and Qatar. India and Pakistan are also dealing with the plague.

4. Cyclones Are to Blame

According to scientists, climate change caused warm waters to develop in the western Indian oceans in 2018. This resulted in a lot of rain falling in the form of multiple cyclones over the East African regions and the Arabian Peninsula. This created the perfect conditions for locusts in the area to ramp up their numbers and reproduce more than usual in a breeding frenzy.

3. The Problem Will Be Around for Weeks, if Not Months to Come

Huge swarm of hungry locust in flight near Morondava in Madagascar. Image credit: aaabbbccc/Shutterstock.com

Locusts live for a few months at a time, but they can also breed rapidly. It can take a locust about two to four months to mature into an adult, but this can also happen in as little as three weeks. The UN says it fears the present locust invasion could grow to invade 30 different countries.

2. The Population Can Quickly Multiply By the Hundreds

Cressman says that in favourable conditions such as those that appear to be around right now, locusts can reproduce so rapidly they grow exponentially in numbers. If this happens, Cressman fears the population could multiply to be 400 times its original size by this summer.

1. They Can Fly Long Distances

Huge swarm of locusts in Omo valley, Ethiopia. Image credit: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock.com

Locusts are so amazing it comes as no surprise there one was developed into a Marvel superheroine. Among other remarkable feats, these tiny beasts can travel over 81 miles in one day, and have been known to fly across the Red Sea in one trip. A swarm of locusts actually flew from northwest Africa all the way to Great Britain in 1954, and also from West Africa to the Caribbean in 1988, in just ten days.
Twenty-two-year-old Halima Bulama had just returned from the marriage ceremony of her relation mid-April in Kasaisa community in Damaturu, Yobe State, in northeast Nigeria when her husband, 22-year-old Baari Abacha, in a fit of rage attacked her.

Mr Abacha said his wife disobeyed him in attending the ceremony, and as punishment hacked off the womans right hand with a machete, according to the police.

At the teaching hospital in Damaturu where she was taken to for treatment, Halima said her husband was quick-tempered and vowed not return to her husband in Kasaisa, one of hundreds of vulnerable communities in this Boko Haram-plagued region. If he can cut off my hand then he can easily kill me, she said.

The suspect, a nomad, told police he acted because of his wifes immoral disobedience to marital ethics.

She has been travelling without my permission. But as matter of fact, it was out of anger I did this. I regretted my action, he said in the local Kanuri language at the police station.

Such attacks are common in Nigeria where violence against women remains a problem despite growing campaign against it. But recent lockdowns imposed by the federal and states governments across the country to curtail the spread of coronavirus, has caused a spike in incidents that target women and children, activists say. This is because the restrictions have forced vulnerable persons to stay more closely to their attackers.

Abiola

Akiode-Afolabi, who is the director of Lagos-based Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, said since the lockdown started, the most common gender-based violence reports recorded by her organisation have been spousal violence, landlord-tenant violence, neighbour-to-neighbour violence, and parent-children abuse. Others are homeowner-house help violence, boyfriend-girlfriend violence, violence on widows, police-sex worker violence, police-citizen violence, visitor-caught-in-lock-down child rape.

The Lagos State government-run Domestic and Gender Violence Response Team said it has been inundated with increased reports of sexual and domestic violence since the lockdown started late March. Most states have since relaxed the restrictions but many offices and schools have yet to fully reopen

The Lagos team, set up to carry out physical interventions, has moved online, using phones, social media, 24/7 web chat to reach people in abusive situations who need help. In exceptional cases, the team goes out to rescue children who may have been abused, and women who need assistance in abusive relationships.

Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who leads the team, said at the peak of the lockdown in Lagos, the group on average received 13 new cases daily. In March alone, it received 390 reports.

Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said there has been 60 per cent increase in domestic violence, 30 per cent rise in sexual violence, and 10 per cent increase in physical child abuse.

Lagos government-run Domestic and Gender Violence Response Team reports 60 per cent increase in domestic violence, 30 per cent rise in sexual violence, and 10 per cent increase in physical child abuse.

Global problem

The

European Institute for Gender Equality says although women and men experience gender-based violence, the majority of victims are women and girls. The United Nations recently raised an alarm regarding the increase in reported cases of domestic and gender-based violence, directly attributed to forced proximity occasioned by lockdowns.

Even before COVID-19 existed, domestic violence was already one of the greatest human rights violations. In the previous 12 months, 243 million women and girls (aged 15-49) across the world have been subjected to sexual or physical violence by an intimate partner, said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women in April.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, this number is likely to grow with multiple impacts on womens wellbeing, their sexual and reproductive health, their mental health, and their ability to participate and lead in the recovery of our societies and economy.

A study commissioned by Nigerias ministry of womens affairs and social development and the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) Nigeria, with support from the Norwegian Government, found that 28 per cent of Nigerian women aged 25-29 have experienced some form of physical violence since age 15. The study also reported that 15 per cent of women experienced physical violence within 12 months, while 25 per cent of married women or those living with their spouses have experienced violence.

READ ALSO:

The most common acts of violence against women in Nigeria include sexual harassment, physical violence, harmful traditional practices, emotional and psychological violence, socio-economic violence, and violence against non-combatant women in conflict situations.

Victims of these incidents face additional challenge with the lack of structural social service systems in place in Nigeria, access to hotlines and shelters. Also, civil society groups and nongovernment organisations specialised in providing support and legal expertise are few.

The lockdown itself has become the trigger, said Ms Akiode-Afolabi. From what we have been seeing in terms of statistics of the COVID-19 spread across the world, the lockdown has become a major challenge in the sense that women who ordinarily go to work in the morning and come back in the evening are now being locked down with an abuser theyve been living with and have been trying as much as possible to avoid overtime.

These attacks have also grown in other African countries. In Cote DIvoire where the governments response to COVID-19 is a partial lockdown, Barbara Sangare, a gender activist and coordinator of WPS Tool, said gender violence has increased. Ms Sangare narrated how a woman was thrown from the third floor of a tall building in the capital Abidjan after being beaten late at night by her partner. Due to the nations curfew, she could not get help until the police came to pick her up in the morning.

Caroline Peters, a Gender and Community Advocate in South Africa, during a recent webinar said violence against women has gone up 70 per cent in her country.

Xenophobic attacks against foreign women who are refugees or asylum seekers have increased and gangsterism within many homes have become high with husbands beating and compelling their wives to fund their drug habits and violent behaviour. Withdrawal symptoms among men who are users is commonplace. Because they no longer have access to their drugs, they lash out on their wives and children within the home, she said.

Advertisements



Difficult to get help

Activists say the lockdown has made it difficult for abused women to easily and quickly report attacks or reach the police. The walking distance to the police station and delayed response from the police is a big challenge.

Data compiled by Mirabel Centre, a Lagos-based sexual assault referral centre, show that ironically, while cases of attacks increased, reports from victims fell during the lockdown.

Data compiled by Mirabel show that ironically, while cases of attacks increased, reports from victims fell during the lockdown.

In many localities, without money to pay the police and without proper legal and literacy support, reporting a case and filing paperwork at the police station is also a cumbersome affair for the average woman.

Ms Peters said a womans state of mind after an attack makes her even more vulnerable at the police station. And when women get access to intervention phone lines, they find it difficult to speak on the phone because their abuser is only an earshot away, leaving many women to suffer in silence. Although WhatsApp is one of the cheapest communication tools to reach out for help, lack of data and internet access make it difficult for abused women to seek help in communities where these are absent.

Gina Nzengue, a radio presenter in Gabon, said during lockdown complaints were rife from radio callers who said hotlines provided by the government were not being picked up, leaving many disillusioned about help coming their way.

Economic and psychological violence are the most common effects of the lockdown in Gabon, as all cities in the country are under lockdown, she said.

Enabling Factors

There are key indicators domestic violence, according to Mrs Vivour-Adeniji, the coordinator of DSVRT.

We must remember that domestic violence thrives because one party wants to control or dominate the other. You have instances where because theres a lack of control, you now have the violence that is meted out in the form of physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, economic, or otherwise.

Reasons given for domestic violence range from lack of effective communication between parties, unrealistic expectations of marriage, or lack of sexual satisfaction. The inability to express lack of sexual satisfaction can also degenerate to violence. Other reasons include financial pressure or burdens. In some cases, when a financially empowered woman is in a relationship with a partner with lower income and low self-esteem  this power dynamic can become an issue with a partner already suffering from low self-esteem coupled with poor communication.

While these reasons exist, Mrs Vivour-Adeniji argued that domestic violence often does not occur because the person provoked the abuser; she said it happens because the person is an abuser, one who cannot control his or her anger or temperament.

Using the words triggers or provoke merely puts the blame on the victims rather than call out the abuser, she said.

Theres a danger in the rhetoric that the abuser was provoked and therefore, can be excused for being abusive as a response. It shifts the attention from the abuser to the victim or survivor, she said.

Mrs Vivour-Adeniji shared some red flags often displayed by an abuser disposed towards gender-based violence as often including expressing an undue sense of possessiveness, embarrassing or shaming, controlling all financial decisions, making their partner feel worthless or guilty for all the problems in the relationship. Sometimes an abuser will deliberately isolate their partners from their support system such as family. Feeling of being intimidated, being afraid of your partners reactions, pressure from a partner to have sex, or being accused of unfaithfulness are serious signs and red flags, she said.

When a partner kicks, shoves, restrains or throws their partners things outside, prevents the partner from taking a job or going to school, manipulates their partner into doing things that feel wrong or harmful, prohibit them from spending money on family members, she said they are clear signs of an abusive environment. It is the same when a partner threatens to withhold money or resources and treats domestic staff or family with cruelty, all these are some signs of an abuser.

Her team has an established protocol for responding to sexual and domestic violence. For domestic violence, first, a case is reported either via the phone or it is a direct walk-in. An officer takes down information and based on the information supplied, comes up with a case management scenario for the client. A referral is then made to the police station liaising with the family support unit there to ensure if the perpetrator is prosecuted or where necessary a restraining order application is made through the courts.

If the client wants the perpetrator to be called to order to retain the relationship, the team mediates and are provides counselling.

If the case involves sexual violence, medical attention is the first response after a report is made. The victim is immediately taken to the nearest primary health care centre or closest sexual assault referral centre.

After, referrals are made to the closest family support unit so that investigation can commence, and liaison is established with the health facilities to ensure that proper documentation is done and the survivor is able to have access to medical provisions.

Where necessary the team facilitates the arrest or investigation process to ensure that the case is charged to court or the suspect is remanded for a case of defilement or sexual assault. It then liaises with the directorate of public prosecution in the ministry of justice to follow up on the process and where necessary, appear in court with the client.

If the victim or survivor needs other reliefs, like empowerment, relocation, or perhaps education of a child is affected, or child may need to be moved to another school, the DSVRT assists.

Other reliefs may include the use of restraining order to restrain the abuser from perpetuating any other forms of violence.

The role of law enforcement is crucial, especially the police, is crucial, says Ms Vivour-Adeniji.

Over the years, weve been partnering with the police force Lagos State Police Command to assist in the upgrading of Family Support Units (FSUs) to add 10 in the state. We currently have 12 FSUs in Lagos State. In these efforts, we have designated police officers that have been trained to provide this service to treat victims and survivors with empathy and professionalism that each case deserves. We work with the FSUs so that once cases are referred, the whole referral pathway, the whole protocol will be adhered to at the FSUs level.

Ejiro Umukoro is a freelance journalist. This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center and Code for Africas WanaData women data science initiative.
Piqray (alpelisib) in combination with fulvestrant will become first and only targeted treatment for advanced breast cancer patients whose tumors harbor a PIK3CA mutation in Europe



Phase III trial showed Piqray plus fulvestrant nearly doubled median PFS (11.0 vs. 5.7 months) in this patient population, compared to fulvestrant alone



PIK3CA mutations affect approximately 40% of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patients and are linked to cancer growth and a poorer disease prognosis in the metastatic setting

The digital press release with multimedia content can be accessed here:

Basel, May 29, 2020  Novartis today announced the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of Piqray (alpelisib) in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HR+/HER2-) locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with a PIK3CA mutation after disease progression following endocrine therapy as monotherapy.

PIK3CA is the most commonly mutated gene in HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, affecting approximately 40% of patients. If approved, alpelisib has the potential to transform the way we treat this cancer in Europe, offering physicians a clear treatment for patients with a PIK3CA mutation that nearly doubles the time to disease progression, said Fabrice Andre, MD, PhD, research director and head of INSERM Unit U981, professor in the Department of Medical Oncology at Institut Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France, and global SOLAR-1 principal investigator.

The CHMP opinion is based on results of the Phase III SOLAR-1 trial that showed Piqray plus fulvestrant nearly doubled median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to fulvestrant alone in HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patients with tumors harboring a PIK3CA mutation (median PFS 11.0 months vs. 5.7 months; HR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.85; p<0.001), the studys primary endpoint. PFS subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent efficacy in favor of Piqray, irrespective of presence or absence of lung/liver metastases.

Story continues

We are excited about todays CHMP opinion, recommending the first and only treatment option for European patients specifically developed to target the PIK3CA mutation in their cancer, said Susanne Schaffert, PhD, President, Novartis Oncology. Piqray is another example of how we are reimagining cancer care to bring new targeted therapies to patients with high unmet needs that help them live longer without disease progression.

In SOLAR-1, most adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and generally manageable through dose modifications and medical management. Of these, the most common grade 3/4 events (7%) were plasma glucose increased (39.1%), rash (19.4%), gamma-glutamyltransferase increased (12.0%), lymphocyte count decreased (9.2%), diarrhea (7.0%) and lipase increased (7.0%). No patients developed diabetes as a result of transient hyperglycemia.

The European Commission will review the CHMP recommendation and usually delivers a final decision within approximately two months. The decision will be applicable to all 27 European Union member states plus the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Additional regulatory filings are underway with other health authorities worldwide.

Patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer should be selected for treatment with Piqray based on the presence of a PIK3CA mutation in tumor or plasma specimens, using a validated test. If a mutation is not detected in a plasma specimen, tumor tissue should be tested if available.

About Piqray (alpelisib)

Piqray is a kinase inhibitor developed for use in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with HR+/HER2-, PIK3CA-mutated, advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as detected by a validated test following progression on or after endocrine-based regimen. Piqray is approved in the U.S., and 12 other countries around the world.

About SOLAR-1

SOLAR-1 is a global, Phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studying Piqray in combination with fulvestrant for postmenopausal women, and men, with PIK3CA-mutated HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer that progressed on or following aromatase inhibitor treatment with or without a CDK4/6 inhibitor1,2,3.

The trial randomized 572 patients. Patients were allocated based on central tumor tissue assessment to either a PIK3CA-mutated cohort (n=341) or a PIK3CA non-mutated cohort (n=231). Within each cohort, patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive continuous oral treatment with Piqray (300 mg once daily) plus fulvestrant (500 mg every 28 days + Cycle 1 Day 15) or placebo plus fulvestrant. Stratification was based on visceral metastases and prior CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment1,2,3. Patients and investigators are blinded to PIK3CA mutation status and treatment.

The primary endpoint is local investigator assessed PFS using RECIST 1.1 for patients with a PIK3CA mutation. The key secondary endpoint is overall survival, and additional secondary endpoints include, but are not limited to, overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, health-related quality of life, efficacy in PIK3CA non-mutated cohort, safety and tolerability1,2,3. SOLAR-1 is ongoing to assess overall survival and other secondary endpoints.

Piqray (alpelisib) Important Safety Information from the U.S. Prescribing Information

Patients should not take PIQRAY if they have had a severe allergic reaction to PIQRAY or are allergic to any of the ingredients in PIQRAY.

PIQRAY may cause serious side effects. PIQRAY can cause severe allergic reactions. Patients should tell their health care provider or get medical help right away if they have trouble breathing, flushing, rash, fever, or fast heart rate during treatment with PIQRAY. PIQRAY can cause severe skin reactions. Patients should tell their health care provider or get medical help right away if they get severe rash or rash that keeps getting worse, reddened skin, flu-like symptoms, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, blisters on the skin or skin peeling, with or without fever. PIQRAY can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia is common with PIQRAY and can be severe. Health care providers will monitor patients' blood sugar levels before they start and during treatment with PIQRAY. Health care providers may monitor patients' blood sugar levels more often if they have a history of Type 2 diabetes. Patients should tell their health care provider right away if they develop symptoms of hyperglycemia, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, urinate more often than usual or have a higher amount of urine than normal, or increased appetite with weight loss. PIQRAY can cause lung problems (pneumonitis). Patients should tell their health care provider right away if they develop new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including shortness of breath or trouble breathing, cough, or chest pain. Diarrhea is common with PIQRAY and can be severe. Severe diarrhea can lead to the loss of too much body water (dehydration) and kidney problems. Patients who develop diarrhea during treatment with PIQRAY should tell their health care provider right away.

Before taking PIQRAY, patients should tell their health care provider if they have a history of diabetes, skin rash, redness of skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, or skin peeling, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant as PIQRAY can harm their unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with PIQRAY and for 1 week after the last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with PIQRAY and for 1 week after the last dose. Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use condoms and effective birth control during treatment with PIQRAY and for 1 week after the last dose. Patients should also read the Full Prescribing Information of fulvestrant for important pregnancy, contraception, infertility, and lactation information.

Patients should tell their health care provider all of the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. PIQRAY and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your health care provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

The most common side effects of PIQRAY when used with fulvestrant are rash, nausea, tiredness and weakness, decreased appetite, mouth sores, vomiting, weight loss, hair loss, and changes in certain blood tests.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information for Piqray, available at https://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/sites/www.pharma.us.novartis.com/files/piqray.pdf.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as potential, can, will, plan, may, could, would, expect, anticipate, seek, look forward, believe, committed, investigational, pipeline, launch, or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AGs current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend peoples lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the worlds top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 145 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at https://twitter.com/novartisnews.

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com

References

1. Piqray (alpelisib) Prescribing Information. East Hanover., New Jersey, USA: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; May 2019.

2. Andre F, Ciruelos E, Rubovszky G. Alpelisib for PIK3CA-Mutated, Hormone-Receptor-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer. N Eng J Med 2019.

3. Andre F, Ciruelos EM, Rubovszky G et al. Alpelisib (ALP) + fulvestrant (FUL) for advanced breast cancer (ABC): Results of the phase III SOLAR-1 trial. Annals of Oncology, Vol 29, Suppl 8, October 2018, Abstract LBA3_PR.

4. Juric D, Ciruelos EM, Rubovszky G et al. Alpelisib (ALP) + fulvestrant (FUL) for advanced breast cancer (ABC): Phase 3 SOLAR-1 trial results. Presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) (Abstract #GS3-08) on December 6, 2018.

5. Tolaney S, Toi M, Neven P, et al. Presented at: 2019 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting; March 29-April 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA.

6. Di Leo A, Johnston S, Seok Lee K, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2018;19(1):87-100.

7. Moynahan ME, Chen D, He W, et al. Br J Cancer. 2017;116(6):726-730002E

8. The Cancer Genome Atlas Network. Comprehensive molecular portraits of human breast tumours. Nature. 2012;490(7418):61-70.

9. Sobhani N, Roviello G, Corona SP et al. The prognostic value of PI3K mutational status in breast cancer: a meta-analysis. J Cell Biochem. 2018;119(6):4287-4292.

10. Sabine V, Crozier C, Brookes C, et al. Mutational analysis of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in tamoxifen exemestane adjuvant multinational pathology study. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2014;32:2951-2958.

11. Miller TW, Rexer BN, Garrett JT, et al. Mutations in the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway: Role in Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Implications in Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2011.

12. Saal LH, Johansson P, Holm K. Poor prognosis in carcinoma is associated with a gene expression signature of aberrant PTEN tumor suppressor pathway activity. PNAS. 2007;104(18):7564-7569.

# # #

Novartis Media Relations

E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com

Anja von Treskow

Novartis External Communications

+41 79 392 8697 (mobile)

anja.von_treskow@novartis.com







Eric Althoff

Novartis US External Communications

+1 646 438 4335

eric.althoff@novartis.com



Julie Masow

Novartis Oncology Media Relations

+1 862 579 8456 (mobile)

julie.masow@novartis.com

Novartis Investor Relations

Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944

E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

Central North America Samir Shah +41 61 324 7944 Sloan Simpson +1 862 778 5052 Pierre-Michel Bringer

Thomas Hungerbuehler

Isabella Zinck +41 61 324 1065

+41 61 324 8425

+41 61 324 7188 Cory Twining +1 862 778 3258




Government-backed cyber attackers are targeting Google user accounts, the technology giant revealed in a recent blog post.

In India, Google notified around 51 to 100 users of their accounts being targeted by state sponsored attackers in April.

Reuters

The release, however, did not pinpoint the government that backed these cyber attacks. So whether it is the Indian government targeting the devices or some other, is not known. Apart from the targeted devices in India, similar warnings were sent out to 1,755 Google account users across the world in April.

A similar warning was issued by Google back in November last year, when it informed around 500 Indians of a government backed phishing attack against them between July and September 2019.

Going forward, Google plans to release this information on a quarterly basis as a bulletin.

(Representative Image: Reuters)

Last year, Googles Threat Analysis Group also terminated 3 advertising accounts, 1 AdSense account, and 11 YouTube channels. The tech behemoth claimed in its post that the account termination was a part of their actions against a coordinated influence operation linked to India.



Some are looking to collect intelligence or steal intellectual property; others are targeting dissidents or activists, or attempting to engage in coordinated influence operations and disinformation campaigns, the post mentions about the cyber attacks detected by it.

Since March, the company has ramped up the drive to remove such account from its video platform YouTube. Weve removed more than a thousand YouTube channels that we believe to be part of a large campaign and that were behaving in a coordinated manner, the post says.

Similar phishing attacks originating from India were also detected by Google. In these attacks, the attackers used gmail accounts to send out mails that replicated the look and feel of that of WHO but were just trying to grab users login credentials.
By PTI

AGARTALA: Ten people, including eight who returned from Bangladesh recently, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura, taking the total number of cases in the state to 254, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.

The eight had returned on Thursday through the Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP).

The others who tested positive are a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from its 86th battalion and a person who returned from Gurugram recently.

However, none of the 166 passengers who flew from Kolkata on Friday in the first flight operated since the imposition of the lockdown tested positive.

The government is taking all precautionary measures to keep everyone secure, Deb said in a tweet on Friday.

Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that out of 29,359 persons who were placed under surveillance, 18,078 have completed their 14-day observation period and were discharged.

At present, 11,281 people are under surveillance, including 510 housed in quarantine centres and the rest in home quarantine.

Nath, who is also the cabinet spokesperson, said, "6,355 persons have been tested per million population.

This is one of the highest testing rates in the country.
(ANSA) - Rome, May 29 - The report on the results of monitoring of phase two of the coronavirus emergency during the week between May 18 and 24 says that, at the moment, there are no critical situations regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. Heterogeneous Incidence.

"The weekly incidence remains highly heterogeneous across the national territory," the monitoring report said.

In some regions the number of cases is still high, indicating a complex situation but one that us under control, while the number of cases is very limited in others.

Caution.

So the report recommends "caution, especially when the frequency and scale of the movements of people across the national territory increases".

Furthermore, the report said that "no signs of hospital care services being overloaded have been registered and improved levels of resilience have been observed".

Testing.

Throughout the country, testing and screening policies continue to be strengthened at the regional level.

Reproduction Rates.

Even though this has increased diagnostic sensitivity, the weekly trend for newly diagnosed cases is down in almost all of the regions and autonomous provinces and the Rt reproduction rates are below 1. As regards the Rt estimate, it is stressed that, when the number of cases is very low, some regions may temporarily have an Rt rate above 1 because of small local hotspots that affect the regional total, but are not a worrying factor. Contagion Continues.

"The lockdown measures in Italy have made it possible to control COVID-19 contagion across the national territory, albeit in a situation of continued widespread transmission of the virus, with very different incidences in the 21 regions," the report concluded.

Positive Situation.

It said that the current situation "is positive, on the whole, with respect to the first phase of transition" although "signs of transmission persist, with new hotspots that depict a fluid epidemiological situation in many regions.

"This calls for rigorous respect of the measures necessary to reduce the risk of transmission, such as individual hygiene and physical distancing".

Regional Services.

It is necessary to "continue to reinforce the regional services for prevention and response to COVID-19 to face eventual fresh waves of the epidemic". Encouraging Data. Health Minister Roberto Speranza said the data released by the Higher Health Institute (ISS) are "encouraging" and that "the major sacrifices of the lockdown have produced these results.

"We must continue on the path taken, moving gradually and with caution," he said.


Republican Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, center, and other members of Congress greet President Donald Trump as he arrives at Lehigh Valley International Airport on May 14, 2020. Read more

"For the World Health Organization, the international entity whose sole responsibility it is to alert the world of global pandemics like this, to miss this, is a huge problem. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, during a Fox News radio interview May 5, 2020

Speaking on the Fox Across America radio show, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick accused global health officials of failing earlier this year to warn the world about the coming coronavirus pandemic.

For the World Health Organization, the international entity whose sole responsibility it is to alert the world of global pandemics, to miss this, is a huge problem, Fitzpatrick, a Bucks County Republican, told radio host Jimmy Failla.

We wondered whether Fitzpatricks stinging criticism was fair and what exactly the WHO told the public about the coronavirus in the pandemics earliest days.

Fitzpatrick was referring to a Jan. 14 tweet from the WHO, which stated that preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV) identified in #Wuhan, #China.

A timeline of events on the WHOs website about its actions on Jan. 14 offers a different account of what the organization told the public that day, indicating deeper concern than what was reflected in the tweet.

The timeline states that on that date, a WHO official noted in a news briefing that there may have been limited human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus between family members and that there was a risk of a possible outbreak.

Almost a week later, according to the timeline, WHO investigators visited Wuhan, the Chinese city where the virus is believed to have originated, and learned that there was evidence of human-to-human transmission, a major development that contradicted the Chinese government claims cited in the organizations Jan. 14 tweet.

Another week after that, the WHOs director-general declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, a rare designation meant to convey the extraordinary and serious nature of an unfolding health crisis.

On March 11, the WHO gave the coronavirus another ominous designation  global pandemic.

Will Kiley, a spokesperson for Fitzpatrick, said the two-month delay between the Jan. 14 tweet and the pandemic declaration justifies the congressmans criticism, especially given evidence the virus had spread beyond China as early as Jan. 20.

The Jan. 14 tweet accurately reflects what Chinese officials told the WHO at the time  that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission. But the group should have questioned the accuracy of Chinas claim before issuing the tweet, said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. He and other infectious-disease experts did.

We didnt believe them, Adalja said. It was clear to many who looked at the data that this virus wasnt containable.

President Donald Trump and his allies have increasingly sought to blame China and the WHO for the pandemic as the crisis has dragged on. A PolitiFact story on the WHOs response to the pandemic written after Trump announced the United States would halt its financial support for the group found no credible evidence of human-to-human transmission prior to mid-January.

"There were questions, but no solid confirmation," Boston University global health researcher Davidson Hamer told PolitiFact in April.

But by Jan. 20, there had already been 200 cases, three deaths, and three countries affected, Adalja noted in a Jan. 20 blog post on the coronavirus, citing a paper published a day earlier by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. It was not until Jan. 22 that the WHO acknowledged for the first time that there had been human-to-human transmission.

Adalja added that the WHO was slow to declare the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern, and very slow issuing the pandemic declaration. Still, he said, accusing the WHO of missing the pandemic altogether goes too far.

When it comes to these declarations, theres a lot of politics and diplomacy at play, Adalja said.

 READ MORE: Fact-checking Fitzpatrick's earlier claim about coronavirus and South Korea

Michael LeVasseur, an epidemiologist at Drexel University, also said he doesnt think the WHO missed the pandemic.

I dont think anything was missed, LeVasseur said. Missed implies that they werent involved very early on, which they were.

Fitzpatrick also said that alerting the world to global pandemics is the WHOs sole responsibility." But the group actually has a much broader mission to promote public health in parts of the world with limited access to health care.

Our ruling

During a conservative talk-radio interview, Fitzpatrick accused the WHO of missing the pandemic, citing a Jan. 14 tweet in which the organization reported Chinese assurances that there was no human-to-human transmission of the virus.

Experts argue that the WHO was slow to acknowledge human-to-human transmission, declare the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern, and label it a pandemic.

But the agency was actively gathering and disseminating information about the virus in the weeks prior to the official pandemic declaration, and its possible to interpret public statements made during this time as cautious, not reckless. Saying the WHO missed the pandemic altogether goes too far. Also, Fitzpatricks claim doesnt acknowledge the WHOs broad mandate to promote public health in parts of the world with limited access to health care.

For these reasons, we rate Fitzpatricks claim Mostly False.

Our sources

World Health Organization, tweet, Jan. 14, 2020

World Health Organization, WHO Timeline - COVID-19, accessed May 28, 2020

World Health Organization, Mission summary: WHO Field Visit to Wuhan, China 20-21 January 2020, accessed May 28, 2020

World Health Organization, Statement on the second meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Jan. 30, 2020

STAT, WHO declares the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, March 11, 2020

PolitiFact, Fact-checking Donald Trumps criticism of the World Health Organization, April 16, 2020

Tracking Zebra, The Largely Unknown Story of the once Novel Coronavirus HKU1 is Informative, Jan. 20, 2020

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, Wuhan nCoV outbreak quadruples, spreads within China, Jan. 19, 2020

World Health Organization, What We Do, Accessed May 29, 2020

PolitiFact is a nonpartisan, fact-checking website operated by the nonprofit Poynter Institute for Media Studies.
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday set aside the appointment of Justice (retd) V Kanagaraj as the State Election Commissioner (SEC) and reinstated his predecessor N Ramesh Kumar whose tenure was cut short by the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government following his decision to postpone the local bodies elections in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

A division bench comprising chief justice J K Maheshwari and justice M Satyanarayana Murthy struck down the ordinance promulgated by the Andhra Pradesh governor appointing the new SEC as it is actuated by fraud on power and does not qualify the test of rationality and reasonableness specified in Constitution of India.

Referring to chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy casting aspersions on Ramesh Kumar and attacking him on personal grounds with reference to caste, the judges said, They (chief minister and Council of Ministers) have decided to remove Mr Ramesh Kumar due to not having connivance and brought narcissist Ordinance to remove him and to bring the person of their choice. Therefore, the promulgation of Ordinance is actuated by oblique reason and on extraneous grounds.

Turning down the argument of the state government that a former judge was appointed as SEC as part of the electoral reforms being considered by the state for a long time, the High Court said the government did not think of reforms till the SEC postponed elections in view of the the coronavirus pandemic. The court felt that the government had chosen the Ordinance to circumvent the impeachment procedure, the only way to remove the SEC as per the Constitution, and it is impermissible under law.

The court also made it clear that cessation of office is nothing but termination from office, which takes away the valuable right accrued on the constitutional authority appointed under Article 243K of the Constitution. There is no public interest or constitutional necessity to take immediate action by the governor for promulgation of Ordinance, it ruled.

Significantly, the age of Justice (retd) Kanagaraj found a mention in the court verdict several times. Maintaining that none of the Election Commissioners had so far worked above the age of 65 years, the court said removing Ramesh Kumar and appointing Justice Kanagaraj at the age of 77 years, how far fair and reasonable and falls within the electoral reforms is not appealable to us.
Renowned Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhyays Blood is the story of Tapan, who spends years running away from the trauma of his fathers murder at the hands of a British officer, only to run into Alice, the daughter of his fathers killer, while on a visit to the UK.

Renowned Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhyays Blood is the story of Tapan, who spends years running away from the trauma of his fathers murder at the hands of a British officer, only to run into Alice, the daughter of his fathers killer, while on a visit to the UK. A recent translation to English from the original Bengali by Debali Mookerjea-Leonard, an author and a professor of English and World Literature at the James Madison University in Virginia, brings out Tapans turmoil and the complexities that arise when he finds himself haunted by the past he strove to leave behind.

Mookerjea-Leonard writes that she read Gangopadhyays work for the first time in 1990 on a wintry evening in Kolkata and found it again, a couple of years later, on the shelves of the Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago. Re-reading the book, which had stayed with her over time, she was to be able to appreciate the novels sophistication much more than before and vowed to one day translate it into English. What she wanted to share with her non-Bengali speaking friends, colleagues and American students was first and foremost the joy of the narrative that I first experienced as a young reader, she explains.

I knew that that the rush of the narrative was key to the achievement of the novels literary purposes," Mookerjea-Leonard says, "so I wanted the English version to preserve that sense of narrative rhythm and pace.

Blood, set 18 years after Indian independence, invokes the question of whether a friendship is possible between the English and Indians, exploring the coloniser-colonised dynamic post-British rule in India. The protagonist Tapan, leaves his home in erstwhile Dhaka, Bengal (now Bangladesh) hoping to never return and goes on to become a physicist in the US. Here he encounters Ted, an English nuclear scientist and a homesick Tapan finds a friend in this man, who is fascinated by the teachings of the Gita.

Gangopadhyays narrative of this friendship, which is far from uncommon today, denotes the possibility of moving on and developing a bond which transcends national borders and the trauma of the colonial past. Mookerjea-Leonard explains, In describing the camaraderie that Tapan and Ted share, the novel acknowledges the possibility of friendship between Britons and Indians. In fact, the two men develop a close friendship. There, the colonial past or their respective nationalities cease to matter.

This is all the more remarkable given that, in important ways, racial consciousness, the coloniser-colonised dynamic, if you will, was always played out on the ground of masculinity.

But Tapan and Alices relationship is one that raises this issue most fundamentally, the translator notes, The Englishman no longer stands barring the way between the Indian man and the Englishwoman. Indeed, Tapans friend Ted helps facilitate Tapans relationship with Alice. And she is open to his advances. The trouble is now something less defined, more troubling... The novel seems to provoke the question of the postcolonial condition when its no longer a matter of racism or enforced exclusion.

Gangopadhyay  who founded Krittibas, a Bengali poetry magazine, with his friends  authored numerous novels, travelogues and collections of poetry during his lifetime, many of which have been translated into English, including his Sahitya Akademi Award-winning work, Sei Samaya (Those Days).

Of the process of translating Blood, and the difficulties in preserving the colloquial dialogue in the English iteration, Mookerjea-Leonard says, Certainly, there were passages that took longer to translate. I have spent whole mornings choosing between synonyms because I could not resolve which word choice better captured the sense of the original. I planned on translating the entire text before returning to revise it. However, that didnt work out, since I found it difficult to move on without making sure that each word, sentence, or paragraph carried the nuance of the original to the fullest. I took a long time translating the first three chapters of Blood.

Given that translation is derivative, it is essential for the translator to remain faithful to the original. However, the faithfulness is not only to the letter of the source but also, perhaps more importantly, to its spirit.

The translators task is much more than finding English equivalents for Bengali words, it is also about conveying the literary qualities and 'feel' of the original. Finally, the translation must be in some sense pleasurable to read. Certainly, Gangopadhyays novel is eminently readable, and that was something I wanted to bring to the translation, Mookerjea-Leonard says.

Today, 72 years after independence, the immigrant consciousness has shed the misgivings which were a direct result of the colonial regime, as more and more students embrace a globalised world, migrating to various countries in search of better job opportunities, more freedom or a higher standard of living. The novel however serves as a poignant memory of what it meant to live the immigrant life at a time when the sacrifices made for the freedom movement were still fresh in the minds of the young.

The translator notes that for her part, when she travelled to America in 1992 to pursue her doctorate at the University of Chicago, she had made plans to return home after completing her studies. A chance meeting with a fellow student whom she would go on to marry and a job offer that she received even before her PhD led her to stay in America for good. However, living there, she says, I had come to appreciate the opportunities the US has offered me.

Maybe I have to do a bit of straddling between the two worlds I simultaneously inhabit, she concedes, but that is fine with me.

In her way, she has reconciled the East and the West. I dont see my being in the US as tearing me away from my roots, she remarks, It is more like giving me other skies to fly.

Sunil Gangopadhyays Blood translated by Debali Mookerjea-Leonard has been published by Juggernaut Books
Bay League boys and girls basketball teams will play five league games and then there will be a tournament to determine seeding for CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
There were scenes of chaos in Portmarnock last week when an off-duty garda, his son and several local residents were attacked by a large group of teens involved in an altercation.

It is believed the gang of up to 30 youths travelled the short distance from Darndale to Portmarnock for an organised fight before attacking another youth, believed to be from the Clarehall area.

The incident took place when the youths descended on Ardilaun Estate on Monday May 18, with gardai alerted to the scene at approximately 4.30pm.

It is understood the youth had fled the gang, with a number of residents intervening as his attackers pursued.

An off-duty garda, his son and several residents were threatened during the melee.

Gardai later attended the scene, causing the youths to disperse. Gardai reported no arrests and no reports of injury.

Local TD Darragh O'Brien, speaking to The Fingal Independent, has strongly condemned the attack.

He said: 'It was a pretty horrific attack, and some of the threats that were levelled upon that garda and his son were absolutely reprehensible.

'The problem that we have at the moment is a recurring one of mainly young men but not exclusively, terrorising the community, and that's actually what's happening.

'We need to get very very tough with thuggery like this, very tough. The guards in the Fingal area are doing a super job, but they are stretched to the absolute limit. We've had instances in Portmarnock, in Sutton, Baldoyle, Swords and all over the place, so the guards can only do so much.

'People will turn around and say 'what are the guards doing?', the guards are doing in my view as much as they can.'

Deputy O'Brien said that, in a time of national crisis, such public order incidences were 'absolutely reprehensible.'

Such incidents, he said, were creating a climate of fear in the local community, and were having a negative affect on Portmarnock village.

He said: 'I have had people call me that are genuinely afraid to go out, they're already tentative about going out because of this pandemic and this adds further worries.

'So it is having an affect on Portmarnock village.

'It brings unwarranted and unwanted attention to the place as well in the media, in the national media as well, we'd instances last Halloween as well, and it's all too regular and it needs to be really clamped down on heavily, because people have just had enough of it.'

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Gardai in Coolock on 01- 6664600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.
Webinar

As the global hospitality industry prepares for reopening, hotel employees will be required to follow new policies and procedures and assume expanded roles that will necessitate significant communication and training. To help prepare these valued workers for what lies ahead, Beekeeper is hosting the fourth event in its COVID-19 Webinar Series titled "The Hotelier's Guide to Mastering the Next Normal." During this 60-minute on-line forum, a panel of world-class hospitality experts will reveal how they are tackling the challenges at hand, keeping in mind the regional variables and where they lie on the recovery curve.

Terry Kwan, Head of People Development, Swire Hotels; Edward Gallier, Head of Learning at Jurys Inn & Leonardo Hotels; Panos Almyrantis, General Manager, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas and Vice President of the European Hotel Managers Assn.; and Andrada Paraschiv, Beekeeper Head of Hospitality and former Executive Director of Communications and Strategy of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel) will discuss how to communicate effectively when physical distancing is a requirement . . . how to ensure all employees understand and respect the new safety protocols . . . and how to keep morale high through times of uncertainty.

Beekeeper Webinar: The Hoteliers Guide to Mastering the Next Normal is organized by
Patients ravaged by advanced bowel cancer have been thrown a lifeline  thanks to a breakthrough drug hailed by experts as a game-changer in the fight against the disease.

A landmark trial found immunotherapy treatment pembrolizumab, which helps the body attack and kill cancer cells, doubled the length of time it took for the disease to worsen, compared to standard chemotherapy treatment.

Incredibly, more than one in ten patients with a specific sub-type of bowel cancer saw their cancer disappear altogether, according to data presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting this weekend.

And years after finishing treatment, some are still free of disease.

A graphic, pictured, shows how pembrolizumab helps the body attack and kill cancer cells

The lead author of the Keynote-177 trial, Thierry Andre, of the Sorbonne Universite and Hopital Saint Antoine in Paris, said there was a genuine hope that some patients, who would have been deemed terminal, would now be cured.

Diane Reynolds, 72, from Peterborough, is one of those to benefit from the new drug. After a few weeks of treatment, her tumours, which had spread across her abdomen, had shrunk by half. And within six months they had disappeared entirely.

'I thought they must have made a mistake with the initial diagnosis  I couldn't have had cancer,' she says.

'You can't have cancer and have three rounds of immunotherapy and find it's gone. Fortunately, that was true.'

Every year there are about 42,000 new cases of bowel cancer in the UK, and 16,000 deaths.

But not all bowel cancers are the same. Approximately 15 per cent of patients diagnosed have specific genetic mutations known as microsatellite instability-high or mismatch repair deficiency.

These DNA mutations, which can be inherited but sometimes occur randomly, mean cells cannot repair themselves correctly if they are damaged.

Over time, this can lead to the development of cancer. If treated early, this group of patients do well. But at later stages they are less likely to respond to chemotherapy and have a reduced chance of survival.

It is estimated that five per cent of patients with advanced bowel cancer have these specific mutations. But researchers hope that, thanks to immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab, this may now be about to change.

Diane Reynolds, 72, from Peterborough, pictured, is one of those to benefit from the new drug

'Some patients on the trial have had a complete response to this therapy, are very well and have now been in remission for more than three years,' says Dr Kai-Keen Shiu, the trial's UK chief investigator. 'The results should now revolutionise the way we treat these types of bowel cancer patients.'

Also known as Keytruda, pembrolizumab acts as fuel for the immune system. Given via an intravenous drip for 30 minutes every three weeks, it works by blocking the activity of a molecule called PD-1 that is found on the surface of T-cells  the white blood cells that help the body fight infection.

Blocking PD-1 has a number of effects on the body's immune system, including activating specific T-cells to attack and kill tumours, so they can't keep growing and multiplying.

More than 300 advanced bowel-cancer patients with these specific DNA mutations were involved in the Keynote-177 trial.

One group received standard chemotherapy every two weeks. The other group were given pembrolizumab for up to two years.

Remarkably, patients who were given the immunotherapy drug saw their cancer remain stable for an average of 16.5 months, compared with 8.2 months for chemotherapy.

At the two-year mark, in about half of those on immunotherapy, their disease was still not worsening.

'There appears to be a lasting benefit,' says Dr Shiu, who is also Associate Professor in oncology at University College London's Cancer Institute.

'It seems you need immunotherapy to kick-start your immune system enough, so it recognises your cancer, to keep it under control for many years.'

Diane Reynolds was diagnosed with cancer early in 2016, after suffering what she initially believed was appendicitis. 'I eventually went to A&E,' she says.

'Doctors thought it was appendicitis, too, and operated. But instead they found a big mass, underneath my appendix.'

Test results showed it was bowel cancer  but it appeared to have been caught early, and Diane had no further treatment.

Six months later, however, scans revealed the disease had spread. 'There were multiple tumours in my abdomen, which had developed in the months after my surgery,' Diane says.

She accepted an offer to join the Keynote-177 trial, starting in December 2016, and was randomly selected to receive pembrolizumab. After three rounds, scans showed some inflammation on her lungs.

Pembrolizumab has already shown to be effective in treating advanced melanoma skin cancer  which would previously have killed patients within a year or two  as well as lung cancer, pictured, and bladder cancer

This can be a side effect of immunotherapy, suggesting the immune system is over-reacting to the drug, and her treatment was suspended as a precaution. But the tests also revealed astonishing results.

'My tumours had shrunk by half,' she says. 'Then at the end of April, the doctor told me I had no tumours. They had gone, and I didn't need any more treatment. I was amazed it happened so quickly.'

Pembrolizumab has created significant excitement in the medical world. It has already shown to be effective in treating advanced melanoma skin cancer  which would previously have killed patients within a year or two  as well as lung cancer and bladder cancer. But researchers now believe it could prove effective against even more cancers.

'If you have this genetic subtype of cancer, it looks like in any tumour type you will respond to treatment,' Dr Shiu says. 'Ongoing trials are seeing if immunotherapy, given instead of chemotherapy, will benefit these patients as much as the Keynote-177 trial has shown.'

Researchers continue to investigate whether immunotherapy could help a wider group of patients with bowel cancer when combined with other treatments. This is because previous trials found that advanced bowel cancer patients who do not have these genetic changes do not respond to immunotherapy alone.

In the meantime, the outlook appears brighter for at least some diagnosed with this bleak disease.

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, says 'These findings have the potential to be game changing for people with advanced bowel cancer with these specific genetic changes.

'While we're still some way off having pembrolizumab in routine use on the NHS, this is a promising step in the right direction.'
Premier Li Keqiang takes questions from the press via online video at the Great Hall of the People as the third session of the 13th National People's Congress closes on May 28 in Beijing. (Xinhua Photo)

1. International cooperation on COVID-19 pandemic

China is open to international cooperation on the research and development of vaccines, effective drugs and testing agents for COVID-19 and is willing to share those products with the world.

China, like many other countries, believes there should be scientific efforts to research the origin of the novel coronavirus, which will help to contain the pandemic and protect the lives and health of people around the world.

The Chinese people have brought the outbreak under control through painstaking efforts, and are sharing pandemic-related information with the international community in an open, transparent and responsible manner.

China will continue to deal with any outbreak promptly and control the contagion in a scientific manner, and no cover-up will be allowed.

The international community is facing dual tasks, both controlling the pandemic and resuming economic activities, and there is a conflict of interests between the two goals.

Countries should strike a balance between the goals and the international community must come together to eventually get through the impact of the pandemic.

2. Regional ties

The commitment made last year by leaders of 15 countries at the leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation on signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership by the end of this year will happen as scheduled.

China, Japan and the Republic of Korea are also working closely together to advance their free trade agreement talks. The three countries are close neighbors, and China would like to work with the other two countries.

Recently, China and the ROK opened a fast-track lane service for personnel and exchanges in the areas of commerce and technology.

China maintains an open attitude toward joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

3. Fiscal policy

The newly increased fiscal deficit and funds raised from special treasury bonds for COVID-19 control will be transferred to local governments. A special transfer payment mechanism will be established to ensure smaller businesses benefit from these funds.

China will also expand effective investment. An increase of 1.6 trillion yuan ($223.6 billion) in local government special purpose bonds, together with the issuance of special treasury bonds for COVID-19 control this year, will support investment in new infrastructure facilities, new types of urbanization, and key projects that contribute to improving people's lives.

4. Poverty alleviation

The central government is determined to prioritize the work of meeting people's essential needs and achieving the country's target in poverty alleviation this year.

China now faces a daunting task in eliminating absolute poverty. Before COVID-19 struck, there were about 5 million people living below the official poverty line. Because of the disease, some have fallen back into poverty.

China is a large developing country with a very big population. Though the average annual per capita income is 30,000 yuan ($4,193), some 600 million people earn less than 1,000 yuan a month, which is not even enough to rent a room in medium-sized cities. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, many families have encountered difficulties.

It is a very high priority on the government work agenda to meet people's essential needs, including vulnerable groups and families who have encountered new difficulties because of the outbreak.

This year we are determined to end poverty as scheduled. This is a solid commitment to the whole of Chinese society made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core.

5. Social security funds

Governments at all levels always put people's interests first.

The central government has decided to expand the coverage of subsistence allowances and unemployment benefits. Some 60 million people in China still live on a subsistence allowance or receive unemployment benefits or other support.

This year, the number of beneficiaries will rise and the government is prepared to introduce strong measures to support these vulnerable groups.

Some 300 million Chinese senior citizens live on a pension, and for them the central government has decided to raise pensions for retirees.

China has a sufficient balance in the social security funds to ensure that pension benefits will be paid on time, which will give more hope to people about the future.

The authorities must ensure that benefits and support are provided to the respective groups. That will help to reassure people about basic living allowance and help promote economic development.
Once, the lynx, wolverines and eagles that preyed on their animals were the main concern for reindeer herders as they moved them to find food in the winter. But now Margret Fjellstrom and Daniel Viklund, a married couple from Sweden's indigenous Sami community with hundreds of tawny reindeer, worry about a new threat. Shifting weather patterns in northern Sweden are forcing them to go further afield to find grazing for their hungry reindeer, pushing up costs and taking more time. Dressed warmly in jackets and ski pants against the minus 17-degree-Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit) temperatures, the couple watched on a February morning as their animals pawed through deep snow for the lichen they eat. It's their main food source in winter on the hillsides near Sweden's Baltic Sea coast. Back when snowfall like this was a regular occurrence, Fjellstrom's herder parents would follow the same migration routes year in, year out, stopping at tried-and-tested spots for food. But that isn't the case now. "It can rain in January, it can snow in May, there's no logic to it any more," Fjellstrom, 39, said, sitting with Viklund by their snowmobiles. Between 1991 and 2019, parts of northern and eastern Sweden saw a rise in average temperature of nearly two degrees C compared to the 1860-1900 period, Sweden's meteorological institute said in a report. For several days in early January, temperatures in the north climbed about 10 degrees C more than normal, the institute said. And on January 2, three weather stations in central Sweden reported their highest temperatures for the month since 1971. Unseasonably high temperatures cause the snow to thaw and freeze again when the cold returns, building up thicker layers of ice that prevent the reindeer from digging down through the snow to the lichen. - GPS, drones - To ensure they will find food during the migration, the couple spends two months taking turns to scout out unfamiliar areas, before setting off with the animals. Moving the reindeer from their summer pasture now often involves navigating them around motorways, windfarms or hydroelectric projects. The journey this year took nearly twice as long as it would have done in predictable weather, Fjellstrom said. "The biggest problem today is climate change," she bemoaned. The Sami have herded reindeer across areas of northern Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia for generations and are thought to number between 80,000 and 100,000, with many living above the Arctic Circle. In Sweden, only the Sami are allowed to herd the animals, raised for their meat, pelts and antlers. Fjellstrom and Viklund annually move their herd from Dikanas, a village 800 kilometres (500 miles) north of Stockholm, to the plains near Ornskoldsvik. They transport them first by lorry, then release them and follow by snowmobile, tracking them using GPS collars. - Adapting - Viklund watched as the reindeer disappeared into the snow-dusted forest, before launching a drone with a speaker attached into the freezing air above. It allows him to keep track of the animals when poor snowfall makes travel by snowmobile impossible. He can also herd them on with recordings of his dog barking when they head to areas with little food or hazards like roads or windfarms whose turbine noise scares the reindeer. "We're getting more and more days that don't look like this, the snow is just a few centimetres," he said. "It's a way to adapt." Concerned that the animals get enough to eat, the couple split their herd and asked Fjellstrom's cousin to move the other half. It's an added expense for 31-year-old Neila Fjellstrom but he understands the need. "The unusual winter is a normal winter," he said. - 'Vulnerability' - The Sami peoples and their reindeer are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, according to research. A "warming climate alters the vegetation conditions and threatens the reindeer's wellbeing and access to food," Finland's University of Oulu and its Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research said in a study last year. Many Sami are more worried about fluctuating temperatures now, than encroaching infrastructure, said Gunhild Rosqvist, a Stockholm University researcher into the effects of climate change in mountain and polar environments. "I think their awareness of their vulnerability has increased a lot," she told AFP. - Future in peril? - At the annual Sami market in Jokkmokk above the Arctic Circle in early February, thousands of Sami mixed with tourists, just weeks before the new coronavirus forced countries around the world to introduce lockdowns. Reindeer products were proudly on display, from steaming pots of reindeer stew to soft pelts and knives with handles carved from antlers. "Reindeer herding has been practised for many hundreds of years and it's an important part of Sami culture," Kjell-Ake Aronsson, a researcher at the local museum, said. "Reindeer meat is an important product," he also added. "A lot of people are related indirectly to reindeer herding." Sweden's Sami parliament estimates around 2,000 people are directly dependent on herding the country's 250,000 animals for a living. Away from the crowds, young Sami activists, in traditional outfits embroidered in blues and reds, gathered for a "climate strike" attended by Greta Thunberg. Fjellstrom and Viklund's 17-year-old daughter Alva also spoke at the event and hopes to become a herder herself. But the increased effort needed for herding reindeer now makes Viklund worry about the future. "I want to give my children the opportunity to do it," he said, the sun casting long, blue shadows across the snow. "Climate change could destroy that dream."
The Italian Minister of Defense has decided to go ahead and acquire F-35s for their air force, and decided on the purchase despite the coronavirus crisis.

According to some sources, spending on the F-35 program was almost shelved if it was not for the insistence of the minister of defense choosing priority, when the Italian economy is getting hobbled by the economy ravage by the coronavirus, confirmed by DefenseNews.

Lorenzo Guerini said that the program will continue despite the opposition from the Five Star party stopping the purchase of F-35, while Italy is recuperating financially from the expenses on the coronavirus crisis.

Guerini was interviewed by the Italian paper Formiche, Guerini state that expenses with defense was halved, especially in economic difficulty that is caused by the pandemic. He added that cutting the purchase of 90 planes will be detrimental to high tech jobs with fallout on industries too. Overall, the purchase will give an economic advantage to Italy.

Already there has been a delivery of 15 F-35 to Italy, that is composed of 12 F-35s with 3 F-35 B's, incidentally all the assembly of the planes will be completed at the Cameri Air Base in Northern Italy. This location is the maintenance center for F-35s in the country, according to SLDinfo.

The incumbent Italian Defense minister is a member of the center-left Democratic Party, that used to be a minor political party from coalition government just created last year. Before that, the Five Star co-governed with the anti-migrant League party.

When it came to the acquisition of the modern US F-35 multi-role fighter, the Five Star has been very critical of the F-35 program from the start. Before coming into power, the party was keen on ending the F-35 program abruptly, with a change of opinion when they were the incumbents in power.

In a way, the Five Star party has seesawed in regard to the F-35 procurement since.

Also read: Spy Photos of Russian Jets Captured in Libya, US General Says

When the coronavirus struck Italy, it prompted a lockdown in February of several provinces that close the economy with slow and gradual reopening happening. As of May 18, the government is removing most preventives during the pandemic. Italy suffered many deaths as a result and one of the most cases in February.

Lockdown were not kind to the economy that was ravaged by the COVID-19, affecting industries like manufacture and tourism that was a big earner of the GDP. Paying for wages is not easy with 10% shrinking economy in 2020.

An attempt was made by the Five Star to halt the approval of the F-35 acquisition, by sponsoring a suspension to fund more for health initiatives. One of the Five Star Representative said that negotiations and adjustments to purchases might be in order.

In the poll taken, 52% said it was China, next Russia 32%, and last was the US that got 17% that was not promising. An earlier poll done in 2019 had China by 42%, Russian at 17%, while the US went down 12% in the poll. Italians choose 36% for China, 30% for the US, as the preferred ally.

Beijing was courting the favor of the EU when it was taken in the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2019, Italy declared itself as part of China economic alliance, that got criticism from the US which deemed it more for China's benefit, according to TheDiplomat.

Continuation of the F-35 deal by the Italian Minister of Defence is an affirmation of his solidarity, with NATO and the US.

Related article: Deployment of Chinese Aircraft Carriers Close to Taiwan Could Trigger US Naval Confrontation

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu has asked the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide nose masks at the various centres during the new voters' registration exercise.



According to him, it is laudable for the EC to insist that registrants wear nose mask before coming to register; however "you can't take away a person's right to vote because of nose mask".



To avoid this he has suggested that the EC provide Ghanaians with nose mask if they cannot afford it.



Listen to him below





The EC as part of measures to ensure a smooth running of the new voter registration exercise has outlined safety protocols including the wearing of nose mask.The rest are:- Peoples temperature will be checked before one is allowed into the registration centre- Running water available for handwashing- Queues are to have one-metre gaps between persons lining up to register- The scanners will be sanitised- Persons who complete the registration process will also be provided with hand sanitiser before they leave the centre.

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
Armenian Noah hosts representatives of Spanish Celta

Quake hits Armenia: 28 km northwest of Jermuk

Crete island lighthouse illuminated with colors of Armenian tricolor

Aurora Humanitarian Initiative to allocate $500,000 to projects in Artsakh

Sajid Javid: Britain must learn to live with COVID-19, it could be with us forever

Erdogan suggests Putin and Zelensky meet face to face

EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus meets Aliyev

Mariam Mkrtchyan becomes chess champion of Armenia

US imposes sanctions on Ukrainians related to 'Russian harmful foreign activities'

Sabah: Ankara refuses to hold next Armenian-Turkish meeting in a third country

US general discusses regional security and bilateral cooperation in Armenia

Secret graves of alleged protesters discovered in Almaty

Armenian side members to Armenian-American Intergovernmental Commission confirmed

Juventus ready to sell De Ligt for 65 million euros

WHO advises countries to lift or ease international travel restrictions

Bed scene with Lady Gaga and Salma Hayek was cut from House of Gucci

US sanctions against Vladimir Putin, Ruben Vardanian and members of the Russian government

Armenian Foreign Ministry discusses Mirzoyan's participation in Turkey forum

Thailand to resume non-quarantine travel scheme from February 1

Instagram introduces paid subscription feature

NEWS.am daily digest: 20.01.22

Europe considers new strategy to combat COVID-19

How to get rid of sugar addiction?

Al Nassr want to buy Aubameyang

Norwegian prosecutors refuse release Anders Breivik, 2011 mass murderer

Netflix shows first shots from new season of Bridgertons

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

Manchester United to buy Aston Villa midfielder

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

Technical supplier of VAR system in Armenia to be Hawk eye company

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

Memory problems even after mild COVID-19 experience

Cavusoglu: Steps to increase mutual trust will be discussed at next meeting with Armenia

John Malkovich not allowed hotel because of invalid COVID-19 certificate

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

Armenias Parakar enlarged community residents protesting outside government building

Gaspard Ulliel dies in skiing accident for not wearing helmet

Turkey opposition party MPs petition for parliamentary inquiry into Hrant Dink assassination

France, Germany, Italy and Spain call on Israel to halt construction in East Jerusalem

Armenia parliament speaker in US, meets with Nancy Pelosi

Iranian MFA: Relations between Iran and Russia have moved into a new diverse, intensified direction

Czech Rep. singer dies after intentionally catching Covid

Biden says invasion of Ukraine will be disaster for Russia

Newspaper: Armenia PM Pashinyan plans to hold Presidents office

What foods reduce the risk of heart attack?

Newspaper: Opposition Armenia bloc, led by ex-President Kocharyan, starting new processes

Coppa Italia: Inter advance to quarterfinals

Copa del Rey: Atletico Madrid are out

DFB-Pokal: Hoffenheim lose, Armenias Adamyan does not play

Taliban PM calls on Muslim countries to be first to formally recognize their government

Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria, Egypt reach Round of 16

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

Gareth Bale returns Real Madrid squad list

Lavrov presents Armenian Ambassador to Russia, with the Order of Friendship

Bill Gates warns of pandemics far more serious than COVID-19

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

How to stay in shape after losing weight?

PM Pashinyan assumes accountability for Armenia special representative for negotiations with Turkey

Turkey Central banks and UAE sign agreement worth almost $5 billion

Djokovic buys 80% stake of COVID-19 treatment researching company

Blinken: Western countries need unity to stop Russian aggression against Ukraine

Iranian President performs evening namaz in Kremlin after talks with Putin

Turkish police detain women protesting price hikes in hygiene products

Delegation headed by Chief of the Cypriot National Guard General Staff has meetings in Armenia

Merkel refuses job in UN structure

Bichakhchyan scores spectacular goal against Zorya
As many people across the country get too excited to go outdoors after months-long lockdown orders, there may be some who had grown a liking of staying indoors to prevent contracting the novel coronavirus.As restrictions ease in different parts of the country, many people may want to indulge in a homemade alcoholic drink to celebrate the end of the lockdown restrictions. This is possible through making Mexican drinks at home.

Although sometimes seen as an unhealthy drink option, an article states that there are health benefits of drinking alcoholic beverages in moderate amounts. Some of those benefits include good cardiovascular health by maintaining the bad cholesterol levels in the body. Additionally, when alcoholic beverages are taken in moderate amounts there is a chance to prevent catching common colds, according to an article. Moreover, the article also states that alcohol consumption at a moderate level can help reduce the chances of a person getting diabetes.

Here are some Mexican cocktail drinks you can make at home:

Margarita

Based on an article there have been debates on who had invented this incredible Mexican alcoholic concoction. Some claim that the drink was invented in Tijuana while others claim that it was invented in Ensenada. Furthermore, some claim that the drink was named after them.

Regardless of who invented this famous Mexican cocktail drink, its recipe is worth sharing and recreating at home for those who have been enduring boredom and stress while being stuck at home during the lockdown orders. Here is a link to the recipe for the Margarita.

Paloma

For those who love citrusy cocktail drinks, then this is the perfect Mexican cocktail drink for you. It can be a drink you can serve to your family and friends next year for the Cinco De Mayo celebration. Also, this tequila-based cocktail from Mexico is a perfect partner for spicy Mexican dishes.

You can recreate this tasteful Mexican drink with this recipe.

Vampiro

Based on an article, this fantastic drink is the national cocktail drink of Mexico. This slightly spicy and fruity Mexican cocktail drink can surely make you want to have an extra glass. It is a well-loved drink in Mexico that is red in color due to the ingredients that are included in the drinks. The color of the drink resembles blood. That is where this awesome Mexican drink got its name.

If you want to enjoy a glass or two of this incredible Mexican national drink, you can check out this recipe.

Check these out:

Carajillo

Based on an article, the Mexican carajillo is a mixture of coffee and liquor. It is a drink that was inspired by the Spanish. The carajillo was originally invented in Spain. In Spain, it was made with a mixture of brandy, rum, anise, and espresso. It is normally served in the morning in Spain.

Get yourself ready for the day with a shot of this tasteful Mexican drink. Here is a link to its recipe.
We want to make sure we have that refined over the next week, because if we have a problem we need all these hospitals to work together, Mr. Cuomo said during a news conference in the Bronx.

Mr. Cuomo said officials will also target the 10 ZIP codes in the city with the highest infection rates, distributing masks and hand sanitizers and opening an additional testing site in each ZIP code.

Those 10 hardest-hit neighborhoods are mostly in the Bronx and Brooklyn, and are predominantly low-income and minority communities. The infection rate in the 10457 ZIP code in the Bronx, for example, was 50 percent, compared to 19.9 percent for the city as a whole.

In mid-May, other parts of the state began to reopen after meeting seven public-health benchmarks set by the governor. New York City is the only region that has not met those criteria. The city does not have enough hospital beds available or contact tracers in place to begin Phase 1, but Mr. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have said they expect the city to meet the benchmarks by June 8.

Still, they have cautioned that New Yorkers needed to continue taking precautions to keep the virus in check. More than 5,000 people in New York City tested positive for the virus last week  a steep drop from early April, when 40,000 people a week were testing positive, but still a significant number.

On Saturday, Mr. Cuomo also signed a bill to give death benefits to the family members of public employees who died because of the coronavirus. It is the least that we can do, he said.
Rome, May 30 : Active coronavirus infections in Italy dropped to 46,175, after a decrease by 1,811 cases was registered over the 24 hours, showed the latest data from the Civil Protection Department.

It marked the lowest figure since March 22, when active infections in the country stood at 46,638 on Friday, reported Xinhua news agency.

Of these infections, 475 patients are in intensive care units, down by 14 compared to Thursday, the Civil Protection said in its bulletin. Another 7,094 patients are hospitalized with symptoms (down by 285), and 38,606, or 84 percent -- are in isolation at home because without symptoms or with mild symptoms.

Up to 2,240 new recoveries were registered on a daily basis, which brought to 152,844 the total of people cured since the pandemic broke out in late February. Meanwhile, 87 new fatalities were reported, pushing the country's death toll to 33,229.

The total number of assessed cases stood at 232,248, including active infections, fatalities, and recoveries.

On the same day, a top health official warned the easing of restrictions on people's movement between regions -- expected to come into effect next week, although yet to confirm -- would be a "crucial challenge" for the country.

"We have overcome the peak of the infection, and we are now on the downward side of the curve... this phase requires particular attention in terms of early detecting new suspected cases," Silvio Brusaferro, president of Italy's National Health Institute (ISS), told the lower house.

"Next week, we will be facing an even more crucial challenge, with the liberalization of mobility between (Italian) regions, and the international one," he warned.

After some restrictions on people's movements imposed since March 10 with the lockdown were gradually lifted in recent weeks, travelling within the same region of residence was allowed only from May 18. The next step in the government's official schedule would, in fact, be to reopen moves between Italian regions by June 3.

However, this date was yet to be confirmed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's cabinet, which announced it will make a final decision after analyzing the latest data over the weekend (May 30-31) and after discussing it with local authorities.

In a scheduled meeting with all regional governors on Saturday, the cabinet would submit two possible options, namely reopening the inter-regional people's travels by June 3 as planned, or postpone it a week later, according to local media.

As for the continental context, temporary non-essential travel restrictions imposed between the European Union (EU) countries are set to expire on June 15.

In his hearing before the Chamber of Deputies, the ISS chief also said the second wave of coronavirus infections in autumn was possible in Italy.

"In terms of scenario, we imagine that a disease such as (caused by) Sars-COV-2... can be more easily transmitted in autumn, and it could be confused with other respiratory symptomologies," Brusaferro noted.

He explained that autumn, as always, would bring colder weather, so people will generally tend to spend less time in the sun and in open-air overall, and stay more indoor.

These normal behaviours would represent a factor possibly impacting negatively on the pandemic trend, in a context in which the coronavirus still circulates in the country.

"The hypothesis of the 'second wave' is based on this factor, which is -- from a scientific point of view -- an objective data," Brusaferro said.
Donald Trump has doubled down on blaming the 'radical left and ANTIFA' for George Floyd protests across America and warned he will stop 'mob violence cold' as Secret Service agents in riot gear clash with demonstrators outside the White House for a second day.

Speaking at Cape Canaveral after the successful launch of Elon Musk's Space X rocket, Trump blasted what he called the 'rioters, looters and anarchists' that have taken to the streets of at least 30 cities this week to demand justice over Floyd's death and warned them that 'there will be no anarchy'.

'The memory of George Floyd is being dishonored by rioters, looters and anarchists,' he told crowds.

'The violence and vandalism is being led by ANTIFA and other radical left wing groups who are terrorizing the innocent, destroying jobs, hurting businesses and burning down buildings.'

His comments come as tensions started building between protesters and law enforcement in Washington DC for a second day Saturday leading the District of Columbia to call in the National Guard.

This followed similar scenes Friday which forced the White House to go into an emergency lockdown when some demonstrators tried to scale the walls of the grounds.

Donald Trump has doubled down on blaming the 'radical left and ANTIFA' for George Floyd protests across America and warned he will stop 'mob violence cold' as Secret Service in riot gear clash with demonstrators outside the White House for a second day

Trump blasted the crowds of protesters as 'mobs' and 'criminals'.

'The mobs are devastating the life's work of good people and destroying their dreams,' he slammed.

He then gave a chilling threat to protesters that they will be stopped 'cold' by his administration - a day after he sparked outrage for making the inflammatory statement that 'when the looting starts the shooting starts' and the same day he tweeted that anyone scaling the White House grounds would be faced with 'ominous weapons'.

'My administration will stop mob violence and stop it cold,' he said Saturday.

'We must not allow a small group of criminals and vandals to wreck our cities and lay waste to our communities.'

The president made another thinly-veiled dig at Minneapolis officials over their response to the mounting tensions between law enforcement and demonstrators in the city where Floyd died, saying it 'does not serve the interest of justice' for officials to 'give in' to protesters.

'It does not serve the interest of justice or any city of any race, color or creed for that government to give in to anarchy, abandon police precincts or allow communities to be burned to the ground,' he said. 'It won't happen.'

A second day of protests turned ugly at the White House Saturday

At least three Secret Service vehicles were seen with their windows smashed and with profanities scrawled on the side of them

Protesters chanted 'Black Lives Matter' and 'I can't breathe' - some of the last words Floyd said before he died

The president had warned Thursday in a Twitter post that he would 'assume control' of the situation in the city and leveled blame at 'weak' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey after protests descended into widespread carnage and left the city torched to the ground.

On Thursday night, Minneapolis police officers had been forced to flee the third precinct when it was stormed and set alight when peaceful protests turned violent.

The president went on to blast people taking part in violent protests as 'dishonoring George Floyd's memory'.

'We support the right of peaceful protesters and we hear their pleas but what we are now seeing on the streets of our cities has nothing to do with justice or peace,' he said.

He continued: 'We must not allow a small group of criminals and vandals to wreck our cities and lay waste to our communities.

'We must defend the right of every citizen to live without violence, prejudice or fear.'

Speaking at Cape Canaveral after the successful launch of Elon Musk's Space X rocket, Trump blasted what he called the 'rioters, looters and anarchists' that have taken to the streets of at least 30 cities this week to demand justice over Floyd's death and warned that 'there will be no anarchy'

Footage emerged Monday of white cop Derek Chauvin kneeling on the neck of black man Floyd for more than eight minutes until he passed out and later died, sparking outrage over police brutality and seeing protests escalate across the nation.

Trump described Floyd's killing as a 'grave tragedy' at Cape Canaveral.

'The death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis was a grave tragedy.

'It should never have happened it has filled Americans all over the country with horror, anger and grief,' he said.

'Yesterday I spoke to George's family and expressed the sorrow of our entire nation for their loss.'

He added that the investigation into Floyd's death is ongoing, hinting that charges could be leveled at the other three police officers involved.

Trump's comments come as tensions started building between protesters and law enforcement in Washington DC for a second day Saturday

Things turned ugly again Saturday, following the events of Friday which forced the White House into a temporary lockdown when some demonstrators tried to scale the walls of the grounds

Chauvin was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter Friday but the other three still walk free.

'The police officers involved have been fired from their jobs, one of them has already been arrested and charged with murder,' he said.

'State and federal authorities are carrying out an investigation to see what further charges may be warranted including against sadly the other three.

'In addition my administration has opened a civil rights investigation and I have asked the attorney general and the justice department to expedite it.'

Trump went on to point to the Space X launch as a sign of what America can achieve by coming 'together'.

'Moments ago we witnessed the launch of two great American astronauts into space. We were filled with the sense of pride and community in what brings us together as Americans,' he said.

Trump's comments came just hours after he first pointed the finger at the radical left for the protests turning violent this week.

'It's ANTIFA and the Radical Left. Don't lay the blame on others!' Trump said in a tweet on Saturday, referring to the militant far-left movement, short for 'anti-fascist', that is known for violence.

His comments were echoed by Attorney General Bill Barr who also said 'the voices of peaceful protest are being hijacked by radical elements.'

'Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda,' Barr said in an on-camera statement. 'In many places it appears the violence is planned, organized and driven by anarchic and far-left extremist groups using antifa-like tactics.'

'It is a federal crime to cross state lines or use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting and we will enforce those laws,' he added, saying that the FBI, US Marshals, DEA, ATF and U.S. Attorney's Offices would fully support local and state law enforcement in restoring order and cracking down on violence.

While the president celebrated the successful space flight, back at the White House, protesters surrounded the seat of the US government for a second day and clashes broke out between the crowds and Secret Service agents.

Several demonstrators were seen standing on top of Secret Service vehicles and a security booth near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

At least three Secret Service vehicles were seen with their windows smashed and with profanities scrawled on the side of them.

Protesters stood on the hoods and roofs and chanted 'Black Lives Matter' and 'I can't breathe' - some of the last words Floyd said before he died.

Back at the White House, protesters have surrounded the seat of the US government for a second day and clashes have started breaking out between the crowds and Secret Service agents

Several demonstrators were seen standing on top of Secret Service vehicles and a security booth near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building

The protests first reached the seat of the US government Friday night, with demonstrators marching to the White House, sending it into an emergency lockdown for a brief time.

Secret Service officers stopped anyone entering the White House grounds, where Trump was in residence, after a demonstrator tried to scale the fence in Lafayette Park to get inside.

The man was manhandled by Secret Service out of the park and taken into custody at the Treasury Annex.

Crowds followed law enforcement and the man to the jail and staged another protest outside - this one calling for a medic for the man after he was seen with blood pouring down his face, sparking renewed fears over police brutality and for the safety of a man held in police custody.

Secret Service agents were also seen physically pushing demonstrators back after some pushed down metal railings while a police cruiser was seen burning in the road after it was torched by rioters.

The lockdown was later lifted around 8:30p.m. and Trump broke his silence over the situation Saturday saying he 'couldn't have felt more safe' and saying that any protesters who made it into the grounds would have been met with 'the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons'.

'Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. @SecretService. They were not only totally professional, but very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldn't have felt more safe. They let the 'protesters' scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard - didn't know what hit them,' he tweeted.

'The front line was replaced with fresh agents, like magic. Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would. have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen.

'That's when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action.'
Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
Official Explanation:

the body fat of pregnant rats

have found

correct

the body fat of pregnant rats

and found

incorrect.

the body fat of pregnant rats

and found

incorrect

pregnant rats' body fat

incorrect.

pregnant rats' body fat

incorrect.

Aiming for High Quant Score : Use Ian Stewart's GMAT Math books/collections - write to Ianstewart at ianstewartgmat at gmail.com Signature Read More

Here we need to look at the clarity of the sentence and verb forms. The GMAT always prefers the clearest and most concise options that make the best sense. In this case, that means looking at the beginning of the sentence and determining the correct form of the verb found. Differences within the text are highlighted.(A)who ate junk food and their pupsthat the propensity for making poor post-weaning food choices developsThis is. It is clear that scientists are studying rats who ate junk food, not eating junk food themselves, and uses the correct verb form have found.(B)who ate junk foodthe propensity to make poor post-weaning food choices to developThis isUsing and found makes the intended meaning of the sentence unclear. Using the conjunction and makes it seem like rats ate junk food AND found a propensity for poor food choices.(C)eating junk foodthat the propensity for making poor post-weaning food choices developsThis is. Using and found makes the intended meaning of the sentence unclear. Using the conjunction and makes it seem like rats ate junk food AND found a propensity for poor food choices.(D)while eating junk food have found the propensity to make poor post-weaning food choices to developThis isIt is not clear who is eating the junk food here. It could either be the pregnant rats or the scientists could be eating the junk food while examining the rats.(E)while eating junk food have found the propensity for making poor post-weaning food choices developsThis isIt is not clear who is eating the junk food here. It could either be the pregnant rats or the scientists could be eating the junk food while examining the rats._________________
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The Union human resource development (HRD) ministry is readying elaborate guidelines to be followed when schools and universities reopen and are likely to include tie-ups with health facilities, screening mechanisms and protocols in case a student reports even a mild symptom, officials aware of the matter said. The guidelines are also likely to seek blended learning with some students attending classes from home and will also relate to issues like hygiene in hostels, kitchens, and common areas.

The Centre on Saturday said educational institutions, which were closed in March when the lockdown to check the Covid-19 pandemic was imposed, will be opened only after discussions with states and Union Territories. A decision in this regard is expected to be taken in July after consultations with parents and teachers as well.

The Centre said the educational institutes will be reopened in a phased manner outside containment zones.

HRD ministry officials said they will finalise the guidelines after discussions with the health and home ministries. According to the Home Ministry order, the health ministry will prepare standard operating procedures in this regard.

It is an issue involving the safety of children and other students. Protocols have to be set. What should be a schools response, say if a child reports a mild headache or a fever. What should be the guidelines for residential schools? Transport mechanism, regular school activities, each and every aspect has to be examined before a comprehensive framework is ready, said an official on condition of anonymity.

Officials said there will be an emphasis on ensuring tie-ups with hospitals as well as adequate quarantine facilities, especially in boarding schools.

The National Council for Education, Research and Training has suggested shifts for students, curtailing group activities involving use of common instruments or equipment.

Officials said social distancing will have to be maintained when students return to schools. For hostels, there will be a greater distance in dormitories and only two students may share a room, they added.
Hong Kong: The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said Saturday was "a sad day" for the global financial centre, hours after US President Donald Trump moved toward stripping the city of its special treatment in a bid to punish China.

In some of his toughest rhetoric yet, Trump said Beijing had broken its word over Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy by proposing new national security legislation and the territory no longer warranted US economic privileges. It followed advice from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Congress this week which recommended the territory's special trade status not be renewed.

A lunchtime protest at the Landmark shopping mall in Hong Kong on Thursday. Credit:Bloomberg

"We will take action to revoke Hong Kong's preferential treatment as a separate customs and travel territory from the rest of China," Trump said, adding that Washington would also impose sanctions on individuals seen as responsible for "smothering  absolutely smothering  Hong Kong's freedom."

Trump told reporters at the White House that China's move on Hong Kong was a tragedy for the world, but he gave no timetable for the moves, leaving Hong Kong residents, businesses and officials to ponder just how far his administration will go.
In his first in-person press conference in more than months, Gov. Tom Wolf was asked about the highly charged issue involving a state lawmakers positive test for the coronavirus.

On Friday, Wolf was asked about the controversy surrounding Rep. Andrew Lewis, a Dauphin County Republican. Lewis said he tested positive May 20 and disclosed it to the public Wednesday. He said he followed his caucus policy by notifying House human resources, and he said he followed the Department of Health protocols.

Enraged House Democrats slammed House Republican leaders for their handling of the issue, saying they felt they were kept in the dark. They also resented learning of the news a full week after Lewis went to the House HR office. The scorching debate brought national attention to Pennsylvanias Legislature.

When asked, Wolf didnt wade too deeply into the controversy or offer any critical remarks about how the situation was handled.

I dont even know exactly what happened but I can see why members of the General Assembly would be concerned," Wolf said.

The governor was then asked if he would immediately and publicly disclose if he tests positive for the coronavirus. Yes, Wolf said, simply.

Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, who also participated in the press conference, was asked about the situation. Levine cited state rules governing privacy and said she couldnt discuss Lewis case specifically.

Levine was later asked if all co-workers would need to be notified about an employees positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Speaking generally, Levine said that individuals employer wouldnt have to notify every co-worker.

Employers will typically talk with the infected individual and reach out to other co-workers in close contact, Levine said.

They will identify who close contacts are and theyll ask close contacts to quarantine, Levine said. They dont necessarily, I mean they can if they want to, but they do not necessarily have to ... close a large business because one person tested positive.

Not everybody was in close contact, Levine added. "So close contacts will be notified and then asked to quarantine, and all that is done confidentially.

Some Democratic lawmakers, notably state Rep. Brian Sims, D-Philadelphia, fumed over what they viewed as the improper disclosure. A few Democratic lawmakers demanded resignations and even criminal investigations. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said he understood the frustration of lawmakers but said there would be no investigation.

House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, said he wasnt informed about Lewis test results. On Thursday, Turzai said hed immediately disclose if he tested positive and asked others to do the same.

In the wake of the heated debate, state lawmakers are crafting policies on handling future cases.

House Republican spokesman Mike Straub said the chambers bipartisan management committee agreed to develop a shared policy that would apply to both the GOP and Democratic caucuses.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson County, indicated the Senate is discussing possible COVID-19-related rule changes and will be watching to see what the House does.

Lewis, 33, said he is fully recovered from his bout with the virus. He said he developed mild flu-like symptoms around May 14, the last day he was at the Capitol for a three-hour span. Lewis said he followed House protocols.

It was a textbook case of notifying the people I needed to notify, Lewis told PennLive Thursday. Its very disappointing to see that theres any thought that somehow there was an intentional not letting them know on a partisan basis. For me, it had nothing to do with politics whatsoever.

While the furor has subsided somewhat, some remain unsatisfied.

Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, sent a letter to Scarnati requesting Senate rules changes to better protect staff and members in that chamber. He also urged COVID-19 disclosure rules apply to state employees who frequent the Capitol.

State Rep. Todd Stephens, a Montgomery County Republican, said on Twitter he first learned of his fellow GOP lawmakers diagnosis from House Democrats.

He added, I would publicly disclose immediately if I learned I was COVID positive.

More from PennLive

Delayed notice of Pa. lawmakers COVID-19 diagnosis spurs outrage, calls for investigation

Pa. state rep. says House speaker should be in jail, claims GOP withheld knowledge of coronavirus exposure

No question that Pa. schools will open for in-person learning in the fall, Wolf says. But how and when?

Gov. Tom Wolf talks about coronavirus, reopening more of Pa. and the return of school in the fall

These 16 Pa. counties will enter the green phase of Wolfs coronavirus reopening plan on June 5: Report

Gov. Tom Wolf signs short-term budget with no tax hike, along with emergency federal aid
On Thursday, Twitter interfered with President Trumps feed by claiming that he had made false statements about the risks of using the Wuhan virus to justify voting by mail. Twitter was factually wrong, but that wasnt the real scandal. The real scandal was that Twitter aggressively censored political speech and it did this in an election year against a candidate whom Twitter employees openly despise.

President Trump responded by issuing an executive order mandating that government agencies interpret  230(c) of the Communications Decency Act as Congress intended. This means that social media and search engines that censor or alter third-party content have immunity from lawsuits only if the content is illegal or imminently dangerous (terrorist threats, sex trafficking, etc.). Otherwise, if the tech titans interfere with third-party content, they are acting as publishers and can be held liable for whatever torts creative attorneys can devise.

On Friday, Twitter responded to Trumps Executive Order by doubling down against the president. This time, Twitter claimed that a Trump tweet was glorifying violence.

Twitters actions cannot stand. The government can act  but so should we.

Trump put out two tweets in the wee hours of the morning on Friday. This is the first tweet:

This is the second tweet:

What you see in that second tweet is bad because Twitter should not be commenting on Trumps content, especially because it never says anything about Bidens lies and racist remarks. Whats worse is what users saw when they opened their twitter feed, for this showed them complete censorship, hiding content and inflaming peoples imaginations:

Twitters grandstanding aside, it takes a moron or an ardent leftist partisan to read Trumps second tweet as a statement glorifying violence. Instead, he is stating a simple truth: Once the looting begins, people end up getting shot. While Target will not shoot people because it can rely on its insurance and deep pockets to absorb the looting, small business owners, watching ravening mobs destroy their lifes work and savings, are not as forbearing. Indeed, in Minneapolis, the owner of Cadillac Jewelry shot a looter to death.

Trump explained this point in the tweets he made responding to Twitters censorship:

....It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. Its very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honor the memory of George Floyd!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020

Leftists, of course, instantly latched onto Trumps use of the word thug, claiming it was code for black people (language warning):

We are not thugs...Thatss just a derogatory term for the n-word. -Protester pic.twitter.com/ct8fwjWSMB  Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) May 29, 2020

I remember in elementary school the kids would hold up 3 fingers and say read between the lines because they couldnt do 



When a racist uses the word thug we know exactly what the fuck they want to say.



Fuck Donald Trump  Mize (@mizedub) May 29, 2020

What were seeing Twitter create in real-time (with a boost from its censoring Trump but not the people pushing the lie) is another fine people hoax. That was the hoax the media devised in 2017, when Trump said that there were fine people protesting tearing down historic statues in Charlottesville, at which point he immediately added that he was not referring to white supremacists and neo-Nazis. The media left out the second part to create a false racist narrative that has stuck like glue to the president.

Any sentient, fair-minded being understands that Trump used the word thug to refer to conduct, not race. That is, he was talking about any people, regardless of race, shooting guns and destroying property.

At Powerline, you can see an endlessly long list of wantonly destroyed businesses. Theres also been gunfire:

Shots fired at the National Guard in Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/b3Rv31jLjq  maria viti (@selfdeclaredref) May 30, 2020

The bottom line is that Trump was correct, Trump was not inciting violence, Trump is not a racist, and Twitter is censoring a presidential candidate during an election year.

Trump is trying to stop the social media giants outsized power through his Executive Order. However, real change must come from us.

Twitter has power because people use it. Conservatives have been complaining about Twitter for years, but theyre still on the site. (I know that I use it to see what leftists are saying and as a holding place for my writing ideas.) Its time for all principled people who believe in free speech and fear technocratic control over that speech (i.e., everyone from President Trump on down) to leave Twitter. Parler promises to be a forum that does not censor ideas.

Remember, without us, Twitter loses at least half its content and becomes nothing more than a leftist swamp. At that point, it almost certainly dies, killed by its bad decisions and the free market.
Thousands of protesters stormed the security perimeter of Barclays Center in New York as protests spread across the United States over the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man who died after being pinned by the neck under a white police officer's knee.

Police made scores of arrests at Friday's massive demonstration in Brooklyn, loading cuffed protesters onto city buses lined up on Atlantic Avenue, shutting down a major thoroughfare.

A diverse group of protesters cheered to hip hop music and tried to argue about police brutality with police officers in riot gear, who occasionally lunged into crowds to pluck people out for arrest after bottles and other projectiles were thrown.

The demonstrators at a "We can't breathe" vigil and rally in lower Manhattan were pressing for legislation outlawing the police "chokehold" used by a city police officer in the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who was also black.

ATLANTA

In an impassioned speech, Bernice King, the youngest daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, implored people to go home after more than 1,000 protesters marched to the state capitol from the Centennial Olympic Park, blocking traffic and an interstate highway along the way.

"The only way we get what we really want is through non-violence," Bernice King said in her father's hometown. "Let's do this the non-violent way to deal with the evil of our time."

King was assassinated in 1968, a year after race riots spread across many big cities.

The Atlanta demonstration turned chaotic and at times violent. Fires were burning in downtown Atlanta near the CNN Center, the network's headquarters.

At least one police car was among several vehicles burnt. Windows were smashed at the CNN building, along with store fronts. Police pushed back the crowd, but they hurled bottles at officers.

MINNEAPOLIS

Hundreds of protesters defied an 8 pm curfew to gather in the streets around a police station burnt the previous night.

"We are out here because we, as a generation, realize things have to change," said one marcher, Paul Selman, a 25-year-old black man, who had just graduated with a master's degree in English from Minnesota State. "We need peace."

Peter McMahon, 26, a resident of the area around the police station and owner of two nearby properties, said, "This is my generation and these are the people I went to high school with," adding, "This is not a surprise. I have lost good friends over this Black Lives Matter shit."

DETROIT

Hundreds in the automotive capital joined a "March Against Police Brutality" late in the afternoon outside the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters. Many chanted, "No justice, no peace." Some carried signs that read, "End police brutality" and "I won't stop yelling until everyone can breathe."

A 19-year-old man protesting in the city was shot dead on Friday night by a suspect who pulled up to demonstrators in a sport utility vehicle and fired gunshots into the crowd, then fled, the Detroit Free Press and other local media reported. Police could not immediately be reached for comment.

DENVER

Denver saw a second day of protests after hundreds marched peacefully through its downtown demanding justice for Floyd.

HOUSTON

Hundreds gathered on Friday in a protest organized by the group Black Lives Matter at City Hall. The crowd spilled onto Interstate 45's entrance ramp near downtown chanting, "I can't breathe," and "No justice, no peace."

LOUISVILLE

After a night of violence in which at least seven people were shot, police in the Kentucky city braced for more protests over the killing of Floyd and several others, such as Breonna Taylor, shot by police in her Louisville home in March.
The residence permit of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified documents on US surveillance programmes in 2013 and has been living in Russia, was automatically extended until July 15 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the country's measures to curb the infection, a law enforcement source said.

Snowden's residence permit expired on April 30. He submitted all documents for its extension in mid-March, TASS News Agency reported on Saturday.

In late March, the Russian Interior Ministry decided to automatically extend residence permits for all holders.

"Due to anti-coronavirus measures, Snowden, just like all other residence permit holders, had this document automatically extended until June 15. Therefore, his residence permit remains valid. Later, a decision will be made about whether it should be extended by three more years upon Snowden's request and in line with the current legislation," the source told TASS News Agency.

Meanwhile, Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told TASS that his client stays in home and observes the self-isolation regime.

"There is nothing we can say as long as self-isolation remains in place. We are all staying home," he said.

In 2013, Snowden leaked information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services, including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders.

Fleeing from prosecution, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia.

On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years.

In February, Kucherena announced that Snowden's residence permit in Russia would expire in April and the paperwork was underway to extend it. On April 16, he said the request had been filed.

In the US, Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act.

He may face up to 10 years in prison on each of the counts.
Srinagar, May 30 : The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps, Lt Gen B.S. Raju, and Director General Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbag Singh, co-chaired a meeting of the Core Group consisting of top officials of the civil administration, intelligence agencies and security forces here on Saturday in the backdrop of the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was called to review the security situation in the UT and to ensure readiness to meet the anticipated security challenges.

According to an army statement, the core group focused on the need for high-level synergy among all the agencies in addressing the security concerns in Kashmir.

"Intelligence inputs indicate that Pakistan had intensified its efforts at increasing infiltration and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control. There is also an effort to calibrate the increase in terrorist actions in the hinterland. Pakistan and its proxies are also active on social media to launch a disinformation campaign in J&K," the statement said.

The statement further said the core group discussed the plans to ensure a robust counter infiltration grid along the Line of Control and counter terrorist grid in the hinterland. It also discussed the recent successes in anti-terror operations.

"Intelligence inputs indicate efforts by anti-nationals and Pakistan proxies to calibrate the increase in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Recent successes, including killing of terror outfit leaders and prevention of large scale IED attacks, have blunted such efforts," the statement said.

"The support of the Kashmiri people has been critical in the success of the security forces," it added.

"The core group discussed the need for continued intelligence based anti-terror operations with a humane touch. In order to address the complete eco-system of terror organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, the anti-terror operations are being supported by efforts to identify and arrest over ground workers who sustain the terror organisations," the statement said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 01:28:04|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A screengrab from the HILL.TV snippet posted on YouTube on May 29, 2020, shows a frame of its video report titled "MINNEAPOLIS RIOTS: Violence erupts for third night, as protests spread, building burn." (Xinhua)

"If you are feeling anger, or sadness, I get it. It is not only understandable, it is -- it is righteous," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says on MSNBC Thursday night. "But we cannot allow that anger and sadness to so negatively impact our communities."



WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Violent protests escalated overnight in Minneapolis, the biggest city in the midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota, as demonstrations and riots have spread to other big cities across the country after George Floyd, an unarmed black man, pleaded "I can't breathe" before dying in police custody earlier this week.

CITY BLAZED

Minneapolis has been deeply damaged after three-night protests and riots, with fires burning and businesses looted.

The police precinct closest to where Floyd was captured on video with a white police officer kneeling on his neck was set on fire late Thursday night.

Donning protective helmets with face shields and carrying batons, state police were seen lining up Friday morning near the debris. Before state police arrived, the precinct was deserted after officers had been evacuated, local media reported.

Overnight, fires raged in Minneapolis as protesters shattered windows and charged over a fence to get access to the police precinct. In confrontations, police sprayed mace at protesters who got too close and they threw projectiles at police officers in response.

A screengrab from the HILL.TV snippet posted on YouTube on May 29, 2020, shows a frame of its video report titled "MINNEAPOLIS RIOTS: Violence erupts for third night, as protests spread, building burn." (Xinhua)

Elsewhere in the deeply shaken city, thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched through the streets, chanting George Floyd's name and "I can't breathe," local media reported.

"If you are feeling anger, or sadness, I get it. It is not only understandable, it is -- it is righteous," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said on MSNBC Thursday night. "But we cannot allow that anger and sadness to so negatively impact our communities."

While four officers involved in the case were fired, no arrests have been made. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Friday on CNN that he anticipates there will be charges brought against the officers involved.

Floyd, aged 46, died on Monday evening shortly after a police officer held him down with a knee on his neck though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." The police officer's way of handling the man is not approved by the local police department.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard to restore order.

A screengrab from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's Twitter account on May 29, 2020, shows that he tweeted consecutively about the Minneapolis tragedy, saying "It is time to rebuild." (Xinhua)

RAGE SPREADS

Violent protests over Floyd's death have flared up in a number of other cities across the United States.

In St. Paul, a next-door city in Minnesota, more than 170 businesses were damaged or looted overnight, the city's police department said early Friday.

Seven people were shot in Louisville, Kentucky, during overnight protests over a separate case in which 26-year-old emergency medical technician Breonna Taylor, an African American woman, was shot dead by police in March.

On Thursday, some 40 people were arrested in New York City as more than 100 people gathered in Manhattan's Union Square to express their anger over what they called police brutality that led to Floyd's death. ABC said someone threw a trash can at police and another tried to grab an officer's gun, while NBC reported that a protester punched an officer in the face.

Chaos also erupted in Colorado's capital city Denver on Thursday. Several hundred protesters surrounded the state capitol and were finally dispersed after five hours of an angry protest in which several vehicles and buildings were burned. Gunshots were fired into the crowd but no one was hurt. Local news stations called the protest "unprecedented" and the most volatile for Denver in decades.

There have been protests and rallies in several other cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, Portland and Columbus in Ohio, demanding justice for Floyd.

Floyd's plea before his death evoked African Americans' painful memories. In 2014, a cellphone recorded an unarmed black man, Eric Garner, repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" when a New York officer held him in a chokehold before his death in police custody. Since then, the plea has become a rallying cry at demonstrations against police misconduct across the country.

A screengrab from U.S. President Donald Trump's Twitter account on May 29, 2020, shows that he tweeted "George Floyd will not have died in vain. Respect his memory!!!" (Xinhua)

WOUND SUPPURATING

Amid the national outrage, President Donald Trump on Friday morning called Minneapolis protesters "thugs" on Twitter, warning that he would send National Guard troops to the city and that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen," the president tweeted. "Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"

Twitter, which this week for the first time attached notes to tweets from Trump, added a warning label to his Minneapolis tweet for "glorifying violence."

On the Democratic side, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said Floyd was "murdered" at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department, calling it "an execution."

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee are pressing the U.S. Justice Department to open investigations into the Floyd and Taylor killings, as well as that of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man killed by two white residents in February while he was jogging through a neighborhood in south Georgia, according to a report by The Hill on Friday.

The tragedy came amid the coronavirus outbreak which has aggravated racial inequality in the country as African Americans are suffering a disproportionate share of the negative health and economic outcomes from the pandemic.

"We can't ignore that we are in a country with an open wound right now, a wound far older and deeper than... George Floyd's killing," presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said on Thursday.

"His final words, pleading for breathe. 'Let me breathe, I can't breathe.' It's ripped open anew this -- this ugly underbelly of our society," said the former vice president. 
The IMF approved a two-year $24 billion credit line for Chile on Friday as the South American nation battles the growing impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement came a day after Peru secured a two-year, $11 billion credit line, and as Latin America becomes a growing hotspot for COVID-19. The Flexible Credit Line is a renewable funding mechanism granted to countries with strong economic policy track records, and Chile is only the fifth country to receive one. Along with Peru, Mexico and Colombia currently have FCLs in place. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Chile for its "very strong fundamentals ... and track record of implementing prudent macroeconomic policies" that have helped the country to weather the economic shocks so far. However, "Chile's open economy is exposed to substantial external risks as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, including a significant deterioration in global demand for Chilean exports, a sharp decline or reversal of capital inflows toward emerging markets, and an abrupt tightening of global financial conditions," she said in a statement. The IMF has ramped up lending and rolled out a series of new financing tools to help countries deal with the pandemic, which is expected to cause the worst global economic slowdown since the Great Depression. The backstop should help to boost market confidence and Santiago intends to treat the credit line as "precautionary and temporary," and exit the backstop after 24 months, Georgieva said. Peru likewise sees the program as precautionary and will consider exiting once the crisis has passed and "the insurance provided by an FCL arrangement would no longer be necessary." The IMF chief also praised Lima's "very strong policy and institutional frameworks" which, she said, "have helped it achieve impressive macroeconomic outcomes and reduce vulnerabilities." However, "The COVID-19 shock poses an extraordinary challenge, which is pushing the Peruvian economy into a recession," she said in a statement. "The authorities have responded decisively by putting in place stringent containment measures and a large policy package to limit the socio-economic fallout." The country has seen a surge in cases this week, with the death toll topping 4,000. Chile has had its highest single-day death toll from COVID-19, and the numbers are rising in Peru as well
Former reality television show contestant Matt Goyder has confessed to possessing and distributing child sex abuse material online.

The 29-year-old, entered guilty pleas to two charges in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years behind bars.

The matter will be committed to the District Court of WA for sentencing.

Former reality television show contestant Matt Goyder has confessed to possessing and distributing child sex abuse material online

Goyder shot to fame in 2016 after appearing on Farmer Wants a Wife where he chose ex-Zoo Weekly model April Vaughan

He did not enter a plea to a third charge of possessing or copying an indecent or obscene article.

The matter will return to Perth Magistrates Court again in September.

The helicopter pilot was charged with allegedly possessing and distributing child exploitation material between January and February 2020.

After appearing in Perth Magistrates Court in February, Goyder addressed reporters outside.

'I am seeking help to address my issues, including my substance abuse,' he told 7 News.

'At this stage, I have no further comment and place myself at the mercy of the courts.'

After appearing in court for his charges in February, Goyder's lips were trembling as he spoke to reporters outside Perth Magistrates Court

Goyder was supported by Peter Lyndon, who founded rehab centre Shalom House.

The Perth man is taking part in a five-stage rehabilitation program with the centre, which could take up to two and a half years.

In February, officers swooped on accommodation in East Perth where Goyder was staying, and seized several mobile phones and electronic devices.

He was arrested by the WA Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team, which includes officers from the WA Police Force and Australian Federal Police.

Goyder shot to fame in 2016 after appearing on Farmer Wants a Wife where he chose ex-Zoo Weekly model April Vaughan.

The relationship broke up shortly after filming ended and Ms Vaughan failed to show up for the show's 'after party'.

Goyer became a Lifeline ambassador after he spoke out about his battles with anxiety, depression and PTSD.
A kitchen fire at a retirement community Saturday morning displaced 13 residents and sent another to the hospital, according to Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

AFR Lt. Brian Barnes said the fire ignited around 6:30 a.m. in an apartment at La Vida Llena near Juan Tabo and Montgomery NE.

Barnes said firefighters extinguished the blaze before it could reach any other areas of the facility.

One patient was transported off scene with possible inhalation related injuries, he said.

David Leibowitz, a La Vida Llena spokesman, said the hospitalized resident was not seriously injured.

He said seven apartments had smoke and water damage and the displaced residents will be housed in guest rooms as a crew repairs the damage.

La Vida Llena was hard hit by COVID-19, leading to the deaths of multiple residents and an ongoing investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General into its handling of the pandemic.
BRIDGEPORT  Keegan Bowes said he couldnt understand why he was behind bars on Friday.

Im not a bad guy, the 19-year-old Stamford man told Superior Court Judge Joan Alexander through a video connection from the basement lockup of the Fairfield County Courthouse.

Talking to Bowes through a large-screen TV monitor in the courtroom, the judge reminded him that last month she had agreed to release him because of concerns about the pandemic despite the fact he had a lengthy list of pending criminal charges: drug, motor vehicle, larceny, trespass and threatening.

On Wednesday, Bowes added several new charges to the list.

Stamford Police Sgt. Robert Shawinsky said patrol officers in the South End on Wednesday spotted a vehicle with very dark tinting and pulled the vehicle over. Behind the wheel was Bowes, of Warren Street, who police quickly discovered was driving with a suspended license and had no registration while being in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Contributed / Contributed

There certainly should not have been any new charges, Alexander said Friday.

One of the conditions for his release on a promise to appear in court in April was that Bowes was to wear a GPS monitoring anklet. The judge said Bowes never reported to have the anklet put on him.

But I couldnt wear the GPS because I had to go to Rhode Island, Bowes protested.

Your other condition of release was that you were not to leave the state, the judge retorted.

Bowes started to argue but the judge muted him at his lawyers request.

Alexander ordered Bowes held in lieu of $70,000 bond.

Staff writer John Nickerson contributed to this report.
Munger : , May 30 (IANS) A woman and her infant son were killed in a blast that damaged their house early on Saturday in Bihar's Munger district. Five-six adjoining buildings were also damaged.

According to the police, a powerful blast ripped through Bariyapur, when Dashrath Shaw's house was destroyed killing his daughter Roma Kumari and her son, who were sleeping inside the building.

Shaw said that he runs a snacks shop from his house and lives with the family. The shop has been shut for past two months due to the lockdown. At around 2 a.m., when Shaw was sleeping on the roof while his daughter with the infant boy were sleeping on the ground floor, the explosion took place. It damaged the house completely killing mother and son.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Munger) Harikishor Kumar said that reasons of the blast could not be ascertained. The dog squad and forensic team also visited the spot. The police are also investigating from all possible angels.

Kumari had a love affair with a man in the neighbourhood and got married to him sometimes ago. She had a boy from him. But she was staying in her father's home since past sometime.
The most urgent problem today is the international fight against the pandemic, Covid-19 and the search for a vaccine to overcome the deadly virus, and for funds to develop its manufacture. The issue has become controversial because of the delay by China in not informing the world of the outbreak of the virus, and the role of the World Health Organization, WHO, in helping China conceal information about the existence and threat of the pandemic.

The WHO is supposedly a non-political body whose mission is to coordinate international efforts against epidemics and provide guidance for health care. But the question has arisen of whether it has been corrupted by Chinas political influence. In view of this, the Trump Administration is calling for reform, and for reduction of the U.S. funding of the organization.

A less dramatic issue, but one causing similar dissatisfaction as an international body possibly limiting U.S. sovereignty, concerns the World Trade Organization, WTO, whose mission is to coordinate efforts for managing the rules of international trade. The WTO, like the WHO, is the subject of attack by the U.S. which contents that bilateral policies are more helpful for American trade than a multilateral organization. The two organizations, the WHO and the WTO, have been acutely affected by the pandemic, which has changed political and economic trends.

Both bodies have an inherent problem, the balance between individual states, many interested in economic protectionism and national security, and a globalized world with international institutions. Inherent in this is the tension between the desirability of international governance, on the thesis that it is in the interests of all states to act collectively, and the assertion and challenge of nationalism which is increasing.

The Secretary-General of the WTO, Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, announced on May 14, 2020 that for personal reasons he would resign his position on August 31, 2020 after seven years in office and a year before his term runs out. The WTO, a body of 164 members responsible for overseeing the rules of international trade, has three months to choose a new chief, which is done by consensus. Of the previous six heads of WTO, three have come from Europe, and one each from Thailand, New Zealand and Brazil. Azevedos successor will take office at a time when the WTO is struggling to reform, to be able to deal with global trade issues, and help rebuild the global economy.

At present it is not clear that the two leading powers, U.S. and China, can agree on a candidate or on the role to be played by the individual selected, at this moment when the global economy and trade is in a low growth state, and continuing to decline. Will the new person be one eager to be a leader and command the trade agenda, or an individual willing to work in a more subordinate fashion, in accordance with policies of the more influential states? Critical though the U.S. is of the organization, it has said it will participate in the process of selecting a new director. It should do so in an attempt to influence the role of the global body, rather than withdraw, as it has the right to do every five years.

The new Secretary -General will face a host of issues; managerial problems over geographic representation, but more important ones to reconcile the increasing number of trade disputes, and above all help resolve the acrimony between the U.S. and China. His most formidable task is to formulate policies to deal with the accusations of trade abuses by China and help prevent any recreating of a cold war between the two leading countries.

The WTO, the successor to GATT, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, was founded in 1994 with stated objectives: strengthen the world economy, lead to more trade, limit barriers such as quotas and subsidies, increase investment, employment, income growth, throughout the world, and to help governments resist protectionist pressures. Its decisions are reached by consensus and are binding, and are theoretically non-discriminatory.

However, WTO has not lived up to expectations. It has not been responsible for any major international accord since the trade facilitation agreement of 2013 that aimed at reducing border delays and costs, nor played any significant role in solving the trade dispute between the U.S. and China. At a time when output in the worlds developed economies has sharply declined, and uncertainty about the future is delaying investment and decisions, the WTO task has now become more difficult for a number of reasons.

Of these difficulties six can be mentioned. The impact of Covid-19 has led to more than 100 trade barriers being imposed, which has resulted in international imports and exports being at the lowest level in a four years decline. Trade has deteriorated because of the imposition by many countries of export restrictions on items thought essential or desirable at the present time. The U.S. withdrew from a leadership role without China or the EU replacing it. Chinas increasing nationalism and authoritarianism, now shown in its bellicose attitude to Hong Kong. Populist movements with nationalist overtones appear in a number of countries including the UK with Brexit. Above all, the emphasis of the Trump Administration on bilateral, rather than multilateral, arrangements that it argues will change trade in favor of U.S. exports.

Both U.S. Democrats and Republicans are concerned with the challenge presented by Chinas non-market economic system. When China joined the WTO in 2001 it agreed to act to remove trade barriers , and to open markets to foreign companies and their exports. But the trade relationship with the U.S. is not fair, reciprocal, or balanced. China has not complied with WTO rules which call for market-oriented policies. A result is distortion of major sectors of the global economy including steel and aluminum, and telecommunications. China has blocked some parts of its economy, especially service sectors, from foreign competition. The Chinese government and the Communist Party and state-owned companies have subsidized domestic industries, and used low wage labor, thus making foreign competition difficult. Problems remain on issues such as intellectual property, transfers of technology, access to service markets, subsidies, and cybersecurity.

In addition, the WTO has been criticized for misusing in many ways the process, by its Appellate Body, to resolve trade disputes. Supposedly a forum for discussion and negotiation, the Body has increased its power and exceeded its authority by issuing what amount to judicial decisions on trade disputes between members.

Politicians in the U.S. have criticized at least five other matters: the designation of China as a developing country, thus allowing it to meet different trade targets; the inaccurate reporting of the amount of state subsidies to businesses; the problem for the U.S. of the supply chains of some key U.S. industries being based in China; the fact that some of the states have environmental and labor protections, as well as restrictions on imports; other states allow unfair labor practices .

The U.S. has accused China of unfair trade policies and practices. In return, the U.S. has imposed substantial tariffs, about $370 billion on goods from China which has agreed to increase its purchase of goods and serviced from the U.S. The U.S. has also entered into agreements with Mexico and Canada (USMCA), and made two separate agreements with Japan, taken action against France for its unfair digital services tax, and got the right to impose countermeasures on $7.5 billion of goods from the EU because of the EUs subsidies to Airbus.

There are of course other trade disputes, such as those between Russia and Ukraine, and between Qatar and Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and the policy of Japan limiting high tech exporting to South Korea. Germany is blocking takeovers of makers of vaccines, and medicines, and on May 20, 2020 stated it had new powers to veto hostile foreign take-over bids for health companies, to ensure continuous supply of essential products during the threat of Covid-19.

Nevertheless, the central issue for the WTO is the need to recognize and overcome an unfair global system, and abuses of it by China, in order to foster an open economy, to prevent protectionist trends and avoid nontariff measures.

The latest official U.S. report states that, in spite of criticisms, the WTO still has the potential to play an instrumental role in trade relations. The U.S. therefore should stay in the organization and try to reform to it and achieve a trade balance. The Chinese Ambassador to the WTO has acknowledged that China is a major beneficiary of the multilateral trading system. The incoming Secretary-General must seek to create a balance while addressing the changes in technology and in the global trading system at a moment when the combined GDP of the members of WTO has fallen, and when there is uncertainty of how Covid-19 will change the world and trading trends. It is wise for the U.S. to remain in the organization and accept the fact that the WTO does not undermine its sovereignty.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Unknown gunmen kill at least 15 in an attack on a convoy transporting traders in Loroum province, says government.

At least 15 people have been killed following an attack on a convoy transporting traders in a town in northern Burkina Faso on Friday, the government has said.

The attack, carried out by an unidentified group of assailants, left several others wounded. Many more were still unaccounted for, the government said in a statement on Saturday.

More:

The provisional toll mentions 15 dead, wounded and people missing as well as significant material damage, communications minister Remis Fulgance Dandjinou said following the attack in Loroum province.

Burkina Faso has been battling armed groups with links to al-Qaeda and ISIL since 2017.

Hundreds have been killed in the past year in the Sahel nation, and more than half a million people have fled their homes due to attacks which have also fuelled ethnic and religious tensions.

On Thursday, Burkina Fasos armed forces said troops destroyed a rebel camp in another province in the north of the country. It said 10 assailants and a soldier died during the operation.
Robert Irwin revealed that he had a 'massive' accident on his mountain bike on Saturday.

The 16-year-old Wildlife Warrior shared a photo of himself on Instagram from hospital with his arm in a sling, cuts all over his face and blood over his Australia Zoo uniform.

Robert said that he crashed the bike and separated his shoulder, before being inundated with well wishes from both fans and celebrities.

Get well soon! Robert Irwin (pictured) shared a shocking selfie to Instagram on Saturday with his arm in a sling, cuts over his face and his Australia Zoo uniform covered in blood as he revealed he had a 'massive' mountain bike accident

'Wisdom teeth healed just in time for a massive crash on my mountain bike that resulted in a separated shoulder!' Robert captioned the shocking image.

Despite his obvious injuries, the little brother of Bindi Irwin, 21, appeared to be in good spirits, sporting a beaming smile in the selfie.

Robert was dressed in his Australia Zoo khaki uniform, which was speckled with droplets of blood.

Ouch! The wildlife warrior added that he had a 'separated shoulder' from accident

He also wore a navy blue sling to keep his shoulder immobilised.

Fans, including many celebrities, rushed to send the son of late 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin well wishes on his recovery.

'Ouch, get well mate,' wrote blue Wiggle Anthony Field.

Famous friends! Blue wiggle Anthony Field and TV hosts Rove McManus and Amanda Kellar were among the celebrities to send Robert their well wishes

'Because you're not hardcore, unless you live hardcore,' added TV host Rove McManus.

'Your poor mum,' said mother-of-two Amanda Keller, realising how frightening the experience must have been for Terr Irwin.

The Sunshine Coast Daily reported that Robert came off the bike about 11am Saturday and was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, in a stable condition.

'Your poor mum,' said mother-of-two Amanda Keller, realising how frightening the experience must have been for Terr Irwin (middle right). Also pictured is Chandler Powell (far left) and big sister Bindi (middle left)

On Thursday, Robert was excited to announce the arrival of Australia Zoo's new pet chicken on Instagram.

'Meet Marshmallow, without a doubt one of the sweetest chooks we've ever had,' he wrote.

'Always flying up for a bit of love,' he laughed, as he shared footage of the animal sitting on his shoulder.

At one point in the video, Robert and his new pet chook are seen sharing a rather cute moment as they butted each other's heads.

Robert was then heard telling his new pet, 'you're a good chicken,' before they snapped a series of playful selfies together.
The Chairman of the Tema canoe owners association, Nii Adjieteh Quaye, is celebrating what he calls peace on the seas that is ensured by the exploits of the Eastern Naval Command.

According to him, the part of Ghana's seas sprawling the Tema maritime area have become tranquil of late as the Navy had rid of the activities of pirates.

We no longer go to sea in fear of being attacked by pirates and this has really improved productivity. Naval Commander, Commodore Sam Walker and his men are really doing a yeoman's job, enthused Nii Adjieteh Quaye, in an interview with the Ghana news agency in Accra said.

According to him, the Eastern Naval Command was a strong bulwark that was serving as a powerful muscle of President Akufo-Addo.

In fact, I think I can confidently say that President Akufo-Addo's best men on the seas are in the Eastern Naval Command.

Nii Adjieteh Quaye thumbed Commodore Sam Walker and his predecessor, J.O Kontoh for high praise, but was quick to also name his second in command, Commander Nyaaba, for praise as well.

The Tema Canoe owners Association Chairman also praised the Eastern Naval Command's effective collaboration with the Head of security at the Tema Port, Colonel William Kwabiah.

On behalf of all canoe owners in Tema, I say ayekoo! to all of them.

He recalled how just a few years ago, pirates in other African countries, had escalated their nefarious activities to the maritime waters of Ghana.

According to him, because of the pirates, fishermen were afraid. Some of our people were being robbed, some were being abducted on the seas. Because of the fear, it became difficult for us to go on the high seas for catch even though Ghana's maritime waters is up to 12 nautical miles, Nii Adjieteh Quaye said.

He said however, that the Eastern Naval Command quickly rallied and took the battle to the pirates. You were in Ghana and I believe you heard the news about the exploits of our gallant Navy. They even rescued a tanker ship that was hijacked off the coast of Nigeria, Nii Adjieteh Quaye said.

According to him, the Navy's strong arm against piracy made the country's waters safe and free of the verminous presence of high sea robbers.

---GNA
A day after being suspended from the University of Queensland following a drawn-out dispute over his human rights activism, student Drew Pavlou says he is feeling "on top of the world" and confident of winning a Supreme Court appeal.

Mr Pavlou, 20, was informed on Friday night of his two-year suspension following a disciplinary hearing on May 20 over 11 allegations of misconduct, detailed in a confidential 186-page document.

University of Queensland (UQ) student and activist Drew Pavlou (centre) takes part in a protest in support of Hong Kong, outside the Chinese consulate in Brisbane. Credit:Dan Peled/AAP

The decision made headlines globally with scrutiny on the university's move to suspend a student, ostensibly as a result of his anti-Beijing activism, while questions were asked about its links to China.

The university has alleged Pavlou's activities contravened integrity and harassment policies in place as well as the student charter.
Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I, the President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pledged his commitment to settle the fines of prisoners who committed minor offences quarterly, for them to be freed.

The step was to reduce the number of inmates in prisons, especially during this COVID-19 period where people are encouraged to observe the social distancing protocol and allow such prisoners to restore their lives.

The prisoners who would benefit from the gesture, include those who committed minor offences and were subjected to either a fine or a term of imprisonment and their inability to settle the fines took them to Prison.

Nana Dankawoso, made this known to the Ghana News Agency on Friday when he paid a visit to the Nsawam Prison to donate to the inmates and officers.

The donated items, valued at GHC20,000.00 comprised bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, boxes of carbolic soap, packs of sanitary towels, and packs of bottled and sachet water.

Nana Dankawoso said he believed that no crime should go unpunished, however, people who committed petty crimes deserved a second chance to mend their ways and live better lives.

He said apart from the Nsawam Prison, the Kumasi Central Prison and other prisons would also benefit from the gesture.

Many of the people who became leaders across the globe one time were imprisoned before becoming leaders. So when one goes to prison, it does not mean the person can never become someone better in society or make an impact on society, he said.

He appealed to government and private entities to help to improve the conditions of prisons in the country.

He also advised members of the public to pray often and try to stay out of trouble, as the prison was not a place for anyone.

Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Solomon Nanavi, the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Nsawam Prions, said the gesture by Nana Dankawoso would help to reduce the pressure on facilities of the Prison and enable the prisoners to stay safer than they were.

This morning, for instance, we had 3,500 inmates and although we try to practise the safety protocols by ensuring that everyone washes his or her hand and uses hand sanitizer, practising social distancing has been difficult because of the number of inmates here. He said.

GNA
The police have lodged two separate cases against Bihars leader of opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, former chief minister Rabri Devi, RJDs state unit president Jagdanand Singh and over 150 party leaders and workers for violating lockdown norms after they were denied permission to visit Gopalganj to meet kin of victims in the triple murder case, in which a JD(U) MLA is accused.

On Friday morning, scores of supporters, including RJD MLAs, had gathered outside Rabri Devis residence ahead of the proposed march, which was not allowed by the police.

The first FIR, lodged with Sachivalaya police station in Patna, was against 92 persons, 32 of them identified, including former minister Tej Pratap Yadav, Abdul Bari Siddiqui and others. It said they did not follow social distancing norms and violated the Covid-19 lockdown norms.

For Coronavirus Live Updates

City SP (Central) Vinay Tiwari confirmed that the case was lodged under section 269 of the Indian Penal Code, which relates to negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.

In Gopalganj, the Hathua police lodged FIR against RJD MLA from Barauli, Mohammad Nemtullah, CPI (ML) MLA from Darauli, Satyadeo Ram, and RJDs Gopalganj district president Rajesh Singh Kushwaha.

Gopalganj DM Arshad Aziz said 13 persons have been named in the FIR while 60 others were unidentified. All the accused were booked for staging protest at Rupanchak village under Hathua police station without the permission of an authority.

The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19

RJD and CPI leaders were demanding action against JD (U) MLA Amrendra Kumar Pandey alias Pappu Pandey for his alleged involvement in the firing in which three people were killed and an RJD activist sustained injuries at Rupanchak village.

Following the FIR, Tejashwi on Saturday tweeted that he was not afraid of false cases and that protests would continue till the arrest of absconding JD(U) MLA.
Lufthansa had agreed to compromise in which airline will have to give up several prized landing slots at Munich and Frankfurt airports

Berlin: German flagship airline Lufthansa agreed Saturday to a compromise worked out between the government and the European Union, overcoming a major hurdle toward final approval of a 9 billion-euro (USD 10 billion) bailout from Berlin.

Lufthansa said in a statement it had agreed to the compromise worked out between Germany and the EU in which the airline will have to give up several prized landing slots at Munich and Frankfurt airports.

The dpa news agency reported the German government had also agreed to the compromise.

The government announced the aid package on Monday to help Lufthansa, which, like most airlines, has been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The EU imposed conditions, however, saying that bailouts must include measures that would maintain a level playing field for other companies.

Specifics on the EU's demands weren't announced, but Lufthansa said the scope of commitments it agreed to had been reduced compared to initial plans, dpa reported.

Under the agreement, the airline must remove up to four aircraft from the two airports, equivalent to three daily take-off and three landing rights per aircraft, to allow competitors to take the slots, the airline said.

The slots will be re-allocated through a bid process. Discount airlines Ryanair and easyJet are both thought to be interested.

Lufthansa's supervisory board now needs to approve the full rescue package, including the conditions, and the German government needs to finalize its plans with the European Commission.
Although a suggestion was put forward regarding Goreys Main Street, some councillors are keen that the working group comes up with ideas that will help the entire district

The Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District is in the process of forming a working group, made up of council officials, members of Wexford Chamber, business owners and councillors.

The concept was proposed by District Manager Michael Drea at the May meeting, after he had already been in contact with Wexford Chamber.

'It's a heavy strain on business having to balance social distancing guidelines with getting sufficient footfall through the door to make it sustainable and worthwhile for them to open their doors. It's in everyone's interest that the town and the district opens up as quickly as it can and gets back to normality and the ability to trade. I would be anxious to engage and discuss any and all options that could work and make it easier to operate in the current climate. The chamber would be delighted to come on board,' he said.

Mr Drea said that key to this would be to work quickly, identifying key ideas that are feasibility and workable.

'Realistically, we need to be able to report back to the members with a comprehensive report for the next meeting,' he said.

Councillors agreed that this concept of helping businesses would have to extend to the entire district, to give it the lift it needs as society and the economy start to open up again.

'I'd be proposing that we seriously look at Gorey's Main street, turning it in to a one-way system where you only allow north bound traffic through the street and south bound traffic down at St Michael's Road to give businesses access to the footpath for tables and chairs, moving the footpaths out onto the south bound lane, said Cllr Anthony Donohoe. 'I'm not suggesting a full pedestrianisation of Gorey Main Street but we need to be fairly inventive here to try help and support these businesses to get back to as much turnover as they possibly can. We need to be radical in our thinking on what we're going to do.

'We have a fund of money that is going to be left over from festivals, we also each have a discretionary fund that we could look at putting towards that. This Covid-19 is going to be with us for a long time and we need to think long-term how we're going to support businesses. If we reduced parking on the Main Street, we could bring in the St Joseph's site as a temporary car park. June 29 is the date for reopening, and if there's big changes to be made it leaves us 13 days from our next meeting on June 16. We need the working group to present the findings earlier than June 16,' he said.

Cllr Donal Kenny said he was 100% behind Cllr Donohoe and needed to work sooner rather than later.

'People out want to be able to feel comfortable in a cafe so we'd want to be able to do something to assist business getting back,' he said.

Cllr Fionntan O Suilleabhain said that he would like to go onto the working group, and suggested a town centre mobility plan.

'We very much need to think outside the box on it in exceptional times. We're going to have to support the hospitality sector, so the Civic Square could be used as a communal area that people could take food or drink to, parking might need to be looked at and reconfigured. We must ensure we have enough bins for disposal of PPE, roped areas, outdoor hand washing. We need to put our heads together and come up with some creative solutions and come up with a plan,' he said.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said he'd like to join the working group as well, but said he wasn't too sure about totally pedestrianising the Main Street.

'Pedestrianising the Main Street is something we'd want to think on very carefully. I don't know what that's going to do to bring more people into the town. We're only about 20 weeks from the big spend in Gorey, such as the Christmas Festival from Black Friday. I would suggest trying to create a shopping boom maybe from the October bank holiday through to Christmas Eve. It's a huge challenge but I think we're all just going to have to pull together to get out of it,' he said.

Cllr Mary Farrell said that her main concern is the impact of not having tourism in Wexford, and that any implementations in Gorey needs to be seen down around the tourist areas of the district too.

'Those businesses will be looking for that support and we have to think about how we can be innovative with all of them. Gorey is our urban centre, but we need to invest in the tourism trade for Wexford with initiatives to try and resurrect some of that trade as all of those along the coast are going to need a lot of support to counteract what happened,' she said.

Cllr Joe Sullivan agreed that there are businesses all over the district that need this help.

'If we come up with a plan, it should embrace all of the district. I don't want to see everywhere else getting left behind just so that we get the Main Street in Gorey back. If we get the Main Street going, we have to make sure the rest come with us,' he said.

Cllr Pip Breen said that these changes were going to be difficult.

'It's all weather dependant. We have to sit down and think it through to come up with a solution to benefit business in the district because they all need that little bit of a lift. Each shop has its own unique take the Main Street, and we are in uncharted waters and have to have the feedback from shop keepers and business owners. It's a delicate balance but we've a job of work to do, so let's get on with it'.

Mr Drea said that pedestrianising would be the most radical change.

'Parking spaces is something I envisage the working group would look at. This will only work with total cooperation and collaboration with the businesses and traders. I would encourage them to lead the dialogue on what they think would benefit their business and we should consider any and all options that they bring forward and then settle on the most practical solution, delivering the best result.

'This gets more complex the deeper you dig. The removal of some on-street parking to facilitate placing street furniture outside and allow pedestrian access and social distancing is definitely an option. But with street furniture, you have to ask who is responsible for disinfecting. The working group would tease through all of those suggestions and bring back a number of options to the full district council,' he said.

Speaking about the future, Mr Drea said that the Christmas festival is still up in the air at the moment, and that campaigns on tourism and shopping local would have to be developed.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh raised concerns about the increase in online shopping, which led to a discussion on rates.

'I'd welcome any help, but maybe it's more for the chamber than the council. We need to tackle the online shopping surge with any initiatives to counteract it,' he said.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said that encouraging online shopping could end up crippling local authorities.

'We depend as a local authority on rates as one of our primary sources of income and the problem with online shops is that, particularly with the multi nationals, they don't pay rates in Wexford. The chamber and the LEO are helping Wexford businesses get online but we should be doing everything possible to support local businesses, the shops on the street. They are delivering a service within the town and I've no problem supporting them to go online,' he said.

Cllr Andrew Bolger said that now was the time for trying new things.

'I would support the pedestrianisation of the Main Street and side streets as a trial. We need to make sure that it isn't set in concrete so we can go back if it doesn't work. It would be helpful to use local resources we have in the Hatch Lab and Business Park to support businesses with online shopping to make their presence felt faster, quicker and better'.

Amanda Byrne said that any campaigns around shopping would need a full county approach.

'Gorey has a good base and we have something there to build on. Some businesses have a strong online presence already, so we need a shopping experience that matches that so people feel safe and comfortable in Gorey and want to return.

'We don't want to be competing with each other in Wexford and we want to reach outside of Wexford. The plan needs to be dynamic and adaptive, and we need to be prepared to change it as the situation is going to be evolve. We need to be able to keep pace as we want people and tourists to feel safe in Gorey town,' she said.

Correspondence has now begun between the Municipal District and the relevant parties to form the working group.

Wexford Chamber of Commerce has given a commitment to work with the group.

The aim of the group is to hear directly from local businesses, traders and other interested parties on how the community in which they are based can best support them getting back to business while adjusting to new social distancing requirements.

The working group wish to discuss the prospect of changes to Gorey Main Street as well as other measures to help the rest of the district and county itself get back on its feet, balancing health and safety measures with sustaining footfall this summer.

Fiona Lewis of Wexford Chamber, said she is looking forward to having positive and productive conversations with businesses and all involved.

'Each town has its own special magic to offer and we will be taking a Visit Wexford approach to this, meaning it will be replicated throughout the county in so far as we can. I'm delighted to have been included as part of this plan and I'm looking forward to the conversations with businesses across different sectors.

'We must make our streets attractive for traders, locals and tourists alike. This week we will be hosting online meetings via Zoom and any new ideas out there will be listened to and considered. It fits in with our new Revive Wexford report, where we look at offering support and advice from professionals on reopening'.

Interested local councillors volunteered their support, with District Manager Michael Drea saying that support came from across the board but had to be narrowed down to just four councillors.

Those chosen were Chairperson of the District Council Joe Sullivan, Councillor Mary Farrell, Councillor Anthony Donohoe and Councillor Fionntan O Suilleabhain.

Councillor Joe Sullivan confirmed that local business people in the town are currently being contacted to come on board, while three Council officials will also sit on the group.

Those in the business community interested in having their say or who have any particular idea, can email info@wexfordchamber.ie.
Take a "RoadTrip" with The Auto Channel







SEE ALSO: VIDEO FEATURE: "Never Stop Driving"

Publishers Note: Twenty-two years ago when we first published the on-line version of The Auto Channel, there was no talk or even a thought of ever having to consider giving up our freedom of mobility and the many pleasures of driving, in exchange for a robotic ride controlled by a bundle of (made in China) silicon valley invented chips and a fear of the implementation of a government run "Central Traffic Control Administration" who will have the political power and technical ability to make us safer by eliminating our hard earned freedom of mobility.

Those of you who are regular readers of The Auto Channel know that for the past few years the children from the digital world, along with a push from China; the backing of investment bankers; and misplaced enthusiasm of dumb politicians; have been pushing the adoption of "Autonomous Vehicles"...transportation appliances meant to eliminate personal vehicle ownership and replace Driving with Riding.

In the hope to counter the overwhelming autonomous and EV propaganda, The Auto Channel management has decided to feature "The Auto Channel; Enjoy The Drive" editorial philosophy and spotlight Great Drives in Great Car articles with which to rekindle and stimulate the daydreams of experienced drivers and awaken the appetites of those modern youngsters who have never experienced just how exhilarating and fulfilling the freedom of a Great Drive in a Great Vehicle on an open road can be... enjoy!

SEE ALSO: Enjoy The Drive

SEE ALSO: Great Drives

Great Road Trips John Heilig

Travel Editor

Great Road Trips From Donna Vissing

Travel Editor

Great Drives Around the World

By Stephan Wilkinson

Contributing Editor

RoadTrip is an original television series produced by The Auto Channel. It's been available on TACH's website TheAutoChannel.com since 2005. Beginning in Fall 2008, the series migrated to traditional television, where it can be seen on select cable and broadcast stations throughout North America. Each episode features in-depth, behind-the-wheel discussions with top automotive executives, designers, engineers and other auto industry personalities.

What makes this series different from other car TV programs is the way we conduct the interviews; we put the interview subjects behind the wheel and let them tell us about their vehicle as we travel through some of the countrys most scenic destinations. The vehicles are a variety of new passenger cars, classics, concepts, and future fuel automobiles.

RoadTrip is primarily hosted by The Auto Channels Mark Fulmer, who is also the shows creator. David Ray, founder of Hooked On Driving is one of the series alternate hosts. An online extended version of the series will continue to be seen on TheAutoChannel.com. These extended shows contain footage that is trimmed to meet the TV half-hour format.

The series' Producers are Bob Gordon and Marc Rauch, The Auto Channel's Co-Publishers and Founders.

Ideas and comments about RoadTrip can be emailed to:

roadtrip@theautochannel.com

RoadTrip Episodes

RoadTrip: 2011 Scion tC Sports Coupe

RoadTrip: Driving and Alcohol Do Mix - In-Depth Look at Ethanol

RoadTrip: 2010 Mercury Milan and Honda Insight

RoadTrip: 2010 Lincoln MKS and MKT

RoadTrip: Algaeus Prius, Algae BioDiesel and the Veggie Van Tour

RoadTrip: Volkswagen Fuel Cell Technology

RoadTrip: 2010 Audi S4 Sedan

RoadTrip: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet

RoadTrip: 2010 BMW Z4 Roadster

RoadTrip: New Lexus HS 250h Luxury Vehicle and Lexus IS Convertible

RoadTrip: New Muscle Cars - Chevy Camaro and Dodge Charger

RoadTrip: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG and 2010 E 350

RoadTrip: All New 2009 Audi Q5

RoadTrip: 2009 MINI Convertible

RoadTrip: 2009 BMW 7 Series

RoadTrip: 2010 Lexus RX350 & 450 Hybrid

RoadTrip: Nissan Electric Vehicle Preview

RoadTrip: 2010 Toyota Prius

RoadTrip: Plug-In Electric Chevrolet Equinox

RoadTrip: 2009 Cadillac CTS VS. 2009 Lincoln MKS

RoadTrip: 2009 Toyota Venza

RoadTrip: 2009 VW Jetta TDI

RoadTrip: 2009 Acura TL

RoadTrip: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

RoadTrip: 2009 Honda Pilot

RoadTrip: Thunderhill Raceway with Del Coates

RoadTrip: Morgan Roadster

RoadTrip: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrids as San Francisco Taxis

RoadTrip: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO

RoadTrip: 2008 Toyota Highlander & Synergy Expo

RoadTrip: 2008 Ford Taurus

RoadTrip: 2008 Audi R8

RoadTrip: 2008 Roush Mustang GT

RoadTrip: 2008 Hyundai Fuel Cell Powered Tucson

RoadTrip: 2008 Audi S5 Coupe

RoadTrip: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

RoadTrip: Bosch Diesel-Powered Jeep Cherokee concept car

RoadTrip: 2008 PG&E's 100 MPG Toyota Prius Plug-In

RoadTrip: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander

RoadTrip: 2007 MINI Cooper

RoadTrip: AutoSock (Snow chain replacement)
President Donald Trump reacted to the protests and incidents of vandalism and violence ripping through several American cities by threatening to invoke the power of the federal government and the military, tossing the equivalent of a lighted match into a national uproar over an African-American man's death at the hands of police.

"Crossing State lines to incite violence is a FEDERAL CRIME!" Trump tweeted on Saturday afternoon. "Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher or the Federal Government will step in and do what has to be done, and that includes using the unlimited power of our Military and many arrests."

Mayors have been sharply critical of Trump's leadership amid the burgeoning crisis that has now spread to some two dozen cities, accusing him of deepening America's divides. "Theres been an uptick in tension and hatred and division since [Trump] came along, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news conference on Saturday. Its just a fact.

Trump's remark came minutes after Attorney General William Barr warned that those who cross state lines for the purpose of inciting violence could face federal prosecution.

In comments to reporters as he departed the White House to witness the launch of the SpaceX mission in Florida, Trump implied that the chaos in Minneapolis, New York, Atlanta and other cities was driven by leftist agitators bent on stirring up trouble. "Antifa, it's a lot of radical left, bad people," he said, though neither the president nor Barr presented evidence of who was behind the burning and looting of buildings and retail outlets.

Earlier, on Saturday morning, the president weighed in on unrest closer to home: He warned protesters who forced the White House into partial lockdown on Friday evening would face "vicious dogs" and "ominous weapons" if they breached the building's perimeter, praised the actions of the Secret Service and appeared to call his supporters to defy authorities by staging a counterprotest.

Story continues

"Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. @SecretService. They were not only totally professional, but very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe. They let the protesters scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone.... ...got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard - didnt know what hit them," Trump tweeted.

"Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would.... ....have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen. Thats when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action," he added.

The president also appeared to call for a counter protest, tweeting: "Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???"

The Secret Service partially sealed off the White House grounds Friday amid nationwide protests following the death of an African-American man, George Floyd, who was killed after a Minneapolis police officer pinned Floyd's neck with his knee. One of the officers involve in the arrest has been arrested and charged with murder.

Trump had previously called the Minneapolis protesters "thugs" and threatened to unleash gunfire on them, fueling outrage among critics who said he was inflaming the situation instead of taking steps to defuse it.

Asked by reporters later Saturday if he was stoking racial animus by calling for a counterprotest, Trump said, "No, not at all. MAGA is make America great again. These are people that love our country. I have no idea if they're going to be here. I was just asking. ... By the way, they love African-American people. They love black people."

The National Guard was activated in Washington, Atlanta and Minneapolis, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz moving on Saturday to activate another 1,000 Guard soldiers, adding he was considering federal help. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Saturday ordered the deployment of up to 500 members of the Guard to Atlanta.

Trump tweeted Saturday night that the Guard should have been used 2 days ago & there would not have been damage & Police Headquarters would not have been taken over & ruined. Great job by the National Guard. No games!

Saturday's protests were largely peaceful during the day but violence broke out in cities across America overnight despite curfews issued in many. In Minneapolis, police in riot gear put on a massive show of force to confront growing throngs of protesters.

Protesters in Washington swarmed the White House and the downtown area for a second night but a counter rally did not materialize.

In New York City, violence erupted on Saturday night as a police vehicle was set ablaze and video captured another vehicle plowing through protesters who were throwing cones, garbage bags and water bottles at the cops.

De Blasio blamed protesters he said came to the city from out of town to incite violence against police officers.

Anyone who is a peaceful protestor, its time to go home. The points been made, de Blasio said during a brief television interview Saturday night. He defended the officers' response though said he regretted the incident had escalated to the point of violence.

Im not going to blame officers who were trying to deal with an absolutely impossible situation, de Blasio said at a subsequent press conference in Brooklyn Saturday night. I wish the officers had found a different approach but lets begin at the beginning  the protesters in that video did the wrong thing to surround that police car, period.

Dozens of cities have seen protests despite ongoing stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the partial lifting of lockdown measures Wednesday, though gatherings of more than 10 remain prohibited.

Trump also verbally sparred with Bowser, accusing her of doing a "bad" job and "always looking for money & help." Bowser, he tweeted, "wouldnt let the D.C. Police get involved. 'Not their job.' Nice!"

Bowser forcefully rebutted the accusation, replying in a tweetstorm of her own that began: "My police department will always protect DC and all who are in it whether I agree with them (such as those exercising their First Amendment Right) or those I dont (namely, @realDonaldTrump)..."

Hundreds of protesters set out from U St. toward downtown Washington, D.C., on Friday afternoon. Videos and news reports showed protesters chanting their outrage at Floyd's death. Protesters had reached Lafayette Park, which is to the north of the White House grounds, by Friday evening.

Protesters and Secret Service officers scuffled outside the White House fence. Video circulating on social media and photos on wire services showed a protester being detained by Secret Service officers. Protesters eventually moved from the White House toward the Capitol.

By around 11:30 p.m., a group of protesters had returned to the White House and pushed back against barricades set up by police and Secret Service officers. Protesters were barred from approaching the White House at Lafayette Park. The two sides stood in a tense stand off, in contrast to the violent altercations with police that have occurred in other cities.

In a statement released Saturday, the USSS said its officers had made 6 arrests in and around Lafayette Park and along Pennsylvania Ave. near the White House, adding that some demonstrators hurled bricks, bottles and fireworks and attempted to knock over security barriers but none breached the White House perimeter.

National Guard personnel return to their defensive position as protesters make room for them to fall back following a confrontation on East Lake Street, Friday, May 29, 2020, in St. Paul, Minn. Protests continued following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

The statement noted that Metropolitan Police officers were on scene alongside the U.S. Park Police, contradicting Trump tweet's criticizing Bowser for a lack of local police involvement.

Reporters who were at the White House said they were not able to leave the complex early Friday evening, with the doors to the briefing room locked. Secret Service officials told reporters the situation outside was not contained enough to open the doors. A White House official told POLITICO those in the complex could leave via the south entrance.

Reporters were allowed to leave the building around 8:30 p.m.

Reporters had gathered at the White House on Friday afternoon for a briefing by Trump announcing the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization. The president declined to address the upheaval in Minnesota and did not take questions.

Trump later remarked on the nationwide unrest during a White House event, saying that it was important to protect the rights for peaceful protesters.

We cant allow a situation like what happened in Minneapolis to descend further into lawless anarchy and chaos, he said. I understand the hurt. I understand the pain. People have really been through a lot.

The family of George is entitled to justice, and the people of Minnesota are entitled to live in safety, Trump added.

Anita Kumar and Daniel Lippman contributed to this report.
Piers Morgan has confirmed that he's signed a new contract that will see him remain on Good Morning Britain until 2021.

The broadcaster, 55, insisted that he 'doesn't care' about complaints over his no-nonsense interview technique and declared: 'If my style upsets people, don't watch!'

It comes amid Ofcom complaints from 4000 viewers over his hard-hitting interviews and hard line of questioning to government ministers, with Piers remaining defiant that he was 'just doing my job', to which he won mass support from many.

Here to stay: Piers Morgan has confirmed that he's signed a new contract that will see him remain on Good Morning Britain until 2021

Speaking The Sun's TV Mag, Piers revealed that he'll remain on the ITV morning show alongside co-star Susanna Reid, 49, for the foreseeable.

He said: 'Ive just signed a new contract up for GMB until the end of next year. I love working with Susanna and the team  were a Ying Yang that works.'

The star said of the backlash: 'If my style upsets people, don't watch! Watch something else. Nobody's forcing anyone to watch it. You've got a remote control in your hand, I really don't understand what the problem is.'

Despite some viewers taking offence over his presenting style, media regulator Ofcom cleared him of all complaints, with Piers adding that only cares about Ofcom grievances if he felt that he was genuinely 'at fault.'

Going nowhere: The broadcaster, 55, also insisted that he 'doesn't care' about complaints over his no-nonsense interview techniques as he declared: 'If my style upsets people, don't watch!' (pictured with co-star Susanna Reid)

Insisting he was simply doing his job, Piers continued: 'Ofcom ruled very heavily in my favour, which confirmed my belief that I'm just doing my job. The job of broadcasters, particularly during a crisis like this, is to challenge and ask questions.'

The journalist went on to admit that his 'frustration' only comes out on the show when government ministers failed to answer 'basic questions.'

Meanwhile, though his future on GMB is certain for the time being, the outspoken TV star hasn't ruled out a different career altogether as he joked his has his eye on being the next James Bond.

Defiant: It comes amid Ofcom complaints from 4000 viewers over his hard-hitting interviews and hard line of questioning to government ministers, with Piers remaining defiant that he was 'just doing my job'

Dream team: He said: 'Ive just signed a new contract up for GMB until the end of next year. I love working with Susanna and the team  were a Ying Yang that works'

Piers facetiously mused that he could be a 'slightly older, slightly silvery fox assassin.'

Piers joined Good Morning Britain in 2015 as a guest host, before going on to a permanent presenter.

He began his career as a journalist on Fleet Street, where he served as writer and editor for several publications including The Sun, News of the World and the Daily Mirror.

He also carved out a career on TV, having stints on America's Got Talent and Britain's Got Talent, presenting his hugely popular Life Stories series and winning the US version of Celebrity Apprentice.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Piers enjoyed a socially-distanced reunion with his eldest son, after spending three months apart due to the UK's coronavirus lockdown rules.

Defiant: 'If my style upsets people, don't watch! Watch something else. Nobody's forcing anyone to watch it'

Cleared: Insisting he was simply doing his job, Piers continued: 'Ofcom ruled very heavily in my favour, which confirmed my belief that I'm just doing my job'

In an Instagram post, the Good Morning Britain presenter appeared in great spirits as he caught up with Spencer, 26, after being forced to isolate separately.

The host previously joked he'll be employing two of his kids as a 'cleaner and an estate agent' in order to see them, as the Prime Minister announced the nation can now see others from a different household while maintaining a two-metre distanc.

The father-and-son duo flashed thumbs up signs as they enjoyed a refreshing walk in the rare sunshine.

'Nice to see you again son, albeit from 2 metres. #3MonthReunion', the media personality, who also shares Stanley, 22, and Albert, 19, with ex-wife Marion Shalloe, captioned his post.
Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kochi airports have hiked landing charges by up to 45 per cent, increasing the operating cost for airlines at a time they confront severe financial distress.

Photograph: PTI Photo.

Airlines may be forced to increase ticket prices as three private airports -- Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi -- have hiked their landing charges by up to 45 per cent.

This will increase the operating cost for airlines at a time they are facing financial constraints because of the two months of grounding and weak demand.

The user development fees (UDF) for Bengaluru airport has also been increased by 17 per cent for international passengers and 3 per cent for domestic passengers.

The increase in landing charges was allowed by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) -- the regulatory body which fixes charges for airports.

Airports had demanded a hike in charges to compensate for the loss of revenue because of the discontinuation of fuel throughput charges (FTC). The civil aviation ministry had discontinued FTC in January this year.

The discontinuation of FTC allowed airlines to take benefit of input tax credit. Airports levy charges, such as FTC, infrastructure charges, and into-plane charges on sale of jet fuel.

The levy used to be passed onto airlines, pushing up the operating cost. The move to discontinue FTC had led to revenue losses for airports. According to the AERA's calculation, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi airports were to lose Rs 106 crore, Rs 140 crore and Rs 46 crore, respectively, in a year.

Mumbai airport has stated that the government was supposed to compensate operators for the loss of revenue because of the withdrawal of FTC. Accordingly, the authorities have decided to increase the landing charges by 27.88 per cent to compensate the airport operator, an order from AERA, reviewed by Business Standard, stated. On similar grounds, Bengaluru airport and Kochi airport demanded an increase.

Airlines had demanded that any increase in charges be deferred as they have been hit hard by Covid-19.

Any increase in airport charges for the remaining period will worsen the crisis for airlines. Airport operators should equally play a role in this situation by lowering their profit expectations and help provide the much-needed financial help to airlines, said Federation of Indian Airlines, which represents IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir.

However, the airports stated that the demand of airlines to defer charges citing the Covid-19 crisis was not feasible because the increase is just a compensation for the lost revenue and not a further addition.

The AERA has only ensured revenue neutrality by compensating for the loss of revenue which was demanded by airlines to avoid double taxation of GST. It doesnt put any additional burden on airlines, said the Association of Private Airport Operators, which represents PPP airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Hyderabad.
The Greek Tourism Ministry said travelers from the permitted countries will be able to enter Greece on direct flights to Athens and to the northern city of Thessaloniki. The list will be expanded on July 1 to include other countries, the ministry said.

Our aim is to be able to welcome every tourist who has overcome their fear and has the ability to travel to our country, Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said on Antenna television.

The 29 announced Friday are: Albania, Australia, Austria, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, South Korea, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Finland. Related: Croatia launches tourist season, 133 hotels, 65 campsites opened last weekend Visitors arriving from those countries could be subject to sample coronavirus testing, the ministry said. Greece imposed a lockdown early in its coronavirus outbreak, a move credited with limiting infections. The country so far has a total of 175 deaths and just over 2,900 confirmed cases. No cases have been detected on the vast majority of the Greek islands, which are popular vacation spots. Safety measures in place include capacity limits at hotels and resorts, each hotel having a designated doctor and close consultations with the Health Ministry, which has been improving treatment facilities at regional hospitals, including on several islands. We are opening up, but at the same time we are closely monitoring the situation. Strict health protocols will protect both staff and tourists, Theoharis said before the list was announced. Tourism and related industries make up around 20% of the Greek economy, and the government has been anxious to ensure the tourist season is not lost this year.

We recall that as of May 29, 2,909 cases of coronavirus infection were recorded in Greece. Of these, 175 people died and 1,374 were cured.


FOSTER CITY (dpa-AFX) - The safety of malaria drug Hydroxychloroquine, which was touted by President Trump as a 'game-changer' in the fight against coronavirus, has been called into question and the WHO has now temporarily halted trials involving this drug in several countries.



According to data from the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) registry, treatment with both Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin was also strongly associated with increased risk of death in patients with cancer and COVID-19.



The week that just passed by saw some big names joining the race to develop vaccines for COVID-19, a couple of deals to speed up the manufacture of the vaccine and promising trial results of one of the potential COVID-19 treatments.



Read on.



1. Novavax Initiates Phase I/II Trial of NVX-CoV2373 Vaccine



Novavax Inc. (NVAX) on Monday announced the initiation of phase I/II clinical trial of its coronavirus vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373.



NVX-CoV2373 contains Novavax' proprietary Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance immune responses and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies.



The phase I portion of the trial is designed to enroll approximately 130 healthy participants 18 to 59 years of age at two sites in Australia. The preliminary immunogenicity and safety results from the phase I portion of the trial are expected in July 2020.



The phase II portion of the trial, which will immediately begin following the successful phase I portion, is expected to be conducted in multiple countries, including the United States, and would assess immunity, safety and COVID-19 disease reduction in a broader age range.



In a bid to expand its manufacturing capacity and achieve an annual capacity of over 1 billion doses of antigen starting in 2021 for NVX-CoV2373, Novavax on Thursday acquired Praha Vaccines in an all-cash transaction of approximately $167 million. The acquisition includes a biologics manufacturing facility and associated assets in Bohumil, Czech Republic.



NVAX closed Friday's trading at $46.04, up 2.68%.



2. Merck Jumps Into COVID Space



Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK) announced its foray into the COVID space on Tuesday by acquiring a private Austrian firm Themis and entering into collaboration with IAVI, a non-profit research organization, besides teaming up with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP.



Themis, which Merck has agreed to acquire, has a pipeline of vaccine candidates based on a measles vaccine vector technology called Themaxyn that was licensed from the Institut Pasteur in France. The two companies already have a partnership that was signed last August for the discovery and development of undisclosed vaccine candidates using Themis' measles virus vector-based platform.



Themis' COVID-19 vaccine candidate is in pre-clinical development, and clinical studies are planned to start later in 2020.



The second deal, which is a collaboration with IAVI, focuses on advancing rVSV, an IAVI-designed and engineered SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate. This vaccine is in preclinical development, and Merck will help move it in clinical studies, which are planned to start later in 2020.



The third deal, which is a collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, will see Merck gaining exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the former's antiviral compound EIDD-2801 currently in early clinical development for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.



MRK closed Friday's trading at $80.72, up 2.13%.



3. Novartis Backs AAVCOVID Vaccine Program



The Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital's AAVCOVID vaccine program, which is working on a novel experimental gene-based COVID-19 vaccine, got a boost on Thursday with AveXis, a Novartis Company, joining hands.



The AAVCOVID vaccine program is a gene-based vaccine strategy that seeks to deliver genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 using an AAV vector.



AveXis has agreed to contribute the use of its gene therapy manufacturing expertise to help produce and scale up the vaccine this month while AAVCOVID undergoes further safety and efficacy testing in preclinical studies taking place at academic medical institutions including Mass. Eye and Ear.



The clinical trials of the AAVCOVID vaccine are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2020.



NVS closed Friday's trading at $87.43, up 1.33%.



4. GSK To Produce 1Bln Doses Of Vaccine Booster For Partners



GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK), which has been collaborating with companies and research groups across the world working on promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates by offering its innovative vaccine adjuvant technology, has now set itself a target to produce 1 billion doses of pandemic vaccine adjuvant in 2021 to support multiple COVID-19 vaccine collaborations.



An adjuvant is an ingredient used in certain vaccines that allows people receiving the vaccine to achieve a stronger immune response.



GSK's pandemic adjuvant is capable of reducing the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, which allows more vaccine doses to be produced, contributing to protecting more people. Additionally, an adjuvant can enhance the immune response and has been shown to create a stronger and longer-lasting immunity against infections.



The Company has started manufacture of the adjuvant and is in discussions with Governments and global institutions about funding for production and supply of the adjuvant.



In April of this year, GSK teamed up with Sanofi to combine innovative technologies to develop an adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to enter clinical trials in the second half of 2020. If all goes well as planned, the vaccine could be available by the second half of 2021.



GSK closed Friday's trading at $41.92, up 0.91%.



5. AstraZeneca Seeks Oxford Biomedica's Support To Manufacture AZD1222



AstraZeneca UK Ltd has roped in Oxford Biomedica plc, a gene and cell therapy group, to manufacture the adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, AZD1222, which is under a phase II/III trial at multiple sites in the UK.



The follow up of healthy adult volunteers in a phase I trial of AZD1222, formerly known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is currently ongoing.



As part of the Clinical & Commercial Supply Agreement, AstraZeneca will have access to Oxford Biomedica's new 7,800 m2 commercial manufacturing centre Oxbox, located in Oxford, UK.



AZN closed Friday's trading at $54.60, up 2.06%.



6. PureTech To Advance LYT-100 In Clinical Trial In COVID-19 Patients



PureTech Health plc (PRTC.L) is all set to advance its drug candidate LYT-100 in a clinical trial in non-critical COVID-19 patients with respiratory complications in the third quarter of this year.



The Company believes that LYT-100 has the potential to treat serious respiratory complications, including inflammation and fibrosis that persist following the resolution of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection.



The trial is expected to enroll approximately 150 patients, with a primary endpoint measuring pulmonary function testing. The trial will also assess exploratory endpoints including pharmacokinetics, acute inflammatory biomarkers, hospitalisation events, imaging, and patient-reported outcomes. The topline results from the study are expected in mid-2021.



PRTC.L closed Friday's trading at 255.50, up 0.79%.



7. Orpheris To Initiate Phase 2 Study of OP-101 in Severe COVID-19 Patients



Orpheris, a subsidiary of Ashvattha Therapeutics, has been given the go-ahead by the FDA to initiate a phase II clinical study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of OP-101 in patients with severe COVID-19.



In a phase I study, a single IV dose of OP-101 (20 or 40 mg/kg) in normal healthy volunteers was found to be generally well-tolerated, with no deaths or serious adverse events. A single subcutaneous dose of OP-101 (4 or 8 mg/kg) in healthy volunteers in the phase I study was found to be well tolerated with only mild transient injection site reactions and no other adverse events.



Ashvattha Therapeutics is a spinoff from Johns Hopkins Medicine.



8. Roche, Gilead Come Together For REMDACTA Trial



Roche (RHHBY.OB) is collaborating with Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) to initiate a phase III clinical trial of Actemra/RoActemra plus Remdesivir in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, dubbed REMDACTA.



Actemra/RoActemra is Roche's drug which is approved for rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and giant cell arteritis. Remdesivir is Gilead's investigational antiviral.



The REMDACTA study is expected to begin enrolling in June with a target of approximately 450 patients globally.



A phase III clinical trial evaluating Actemra/RoActemra plus standard of care (SOC)in hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, dubbed COVACTA, is already underway. Data from this study is expected to be available this summer.



RHHBY.OB closed Friday's trading at $43.35, down 1.37%.



9. I-Mab's Phase I Study Of COVID-19 Therapy Completes Part I, Moves To Part 2



I-Mab (IMAB), on Thursday, said that its phase I study of TJM2 in patients with cytokine release syndrome associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has yielded positive results.



Part 1 of the phase I study evaluated the safety and tolerability of TJM2 in a total of 24 patients who were randomized at a ratio of 1:1:1 to receive either a single dose of 3 mg/kg TJM2, a single dose of 6 mg/kg TJM2 or placebo (standard care), administered by intravenous (IV) infusion.



The Data monitoring committee, which reviewed the part 1 clinical data has unanimously recommended that the study proceeds to part 2, indicating that TJM2 is safe and well-tolerated in the severe COVID-19 patients in the study. The part 2 of the study, which will evaluate the efficacy, safety and cytokine levels following a single dose of 6mg/kg TJM2or placebo in 120 patients with severe COVID-19, is expected to be initiated shortly.



IMAB closed Friday's trading at $24.93, up 2.38%.



10 Anivive Finds Purpose For Veterinary Drug In COVID-19



Anivive Lifesciences, a next-generation pet health drug discovery and commercialization company, is repurposing its veterinary drug GC376 for COVID-19, and has filed a pre-Investigational New Drug (pIND) request with the FDA.



GC376 has been evaluated since 2018 to treat the leading cause of death in kittens and young cats, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a disease caused by a coronavirus.



The Company expects to get FDA guidance on the proposed clinical study protocol, after which it will submit an IND application for GC376 to be evaluated as a potential addition to the current standard of care treatment for COVID-19.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
The moment a small plush dinosaur floated out of Bob Behnkens hands, his 6-year-old son, Theo, knew the astronaut had made it.

The image of the toy delicately drifting into microgravity signaled to the boy that the Crew Dragon capsule carrying Behnken and another astronaut had safely fallen into orbit.

A crowd of around 20 people gathered Saturday afternoon on a patio in the Timber Cove subdivision southeast of Houston, home to Behnken and many other past astronauts. The neighbors and friends of the astronaut waited anxiously for about eight minutes from the start of the launch until they saw the dinosaur and Behnkens smiling face on live television.

It means everythings good, said Jonathon Emmons, a neighbor of Behnkens. My kids will understand Bobs good, their friend is good and everything is OK.

Tears streamed down the face of Lynn Wicks, who has lived in the subdivision for 40 years. It wasnt the first time she watched a neighbor launch into space.

I was really good friends with Mike Smith, who was killed in the Challenger, she said, wiping away tears. I was taking care of their house when it exploded.

The Challenger exploded after launch. After she watched the first minutes of flight on Saturday, Wicks said she could finally breathe. But shes still not completely at ease.

Ill feel relieved when Bobs feet are back on the ground, she said.

Pete Hasbrook, who works for NASA and lives down the street from Behnken, said the research that will be done at the International Space Station on this mission will benefit humanity.

On HoustonChronicle.com: NASA, SpaceX pull off launch

Its really important for us to be able to continue the work of the space station, the international partnership, the research we do in space, he said.

Hasbrooks wife, Annette, who works on NASAs ORION program, said continuing to push ahead into space is still essential, even during a pandemic.

They say its our destiny to explore, she said. Its also, I think, our destiny to evolve. If we dont continue to push those boundaries, we will fail as a nation and as a world.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com
Hindu-Muslim bonhomie has gone viral on social media following Eid greetings of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmiri Muslims, who reciprocated on Saturday on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani, one of the biggest religious functions of the Kashmiri Pandits.

The newfound bonding between the two communities, bound by a shared culture and separated only by religion, is reminiscent of the pre-militancy days in the Kashmir Valley before 1989.

I vividly remember when the situation was peaceful. I live in a lane at Chanapora (in Srinagar), where almost every house belonged to the Pandits and only a few to Muslims. There was so much love and brotherhood in those days. We used to live like a family; Pupa, Kaki, Buel (a person with blue eyes), Rajae, Sundur, Beti, all these were our neighbours, says Javeed Shah, a Srinagar resident, in chaste Kashmiri in an endearing video.

The annual Mela Kheer Bhawani is the biggest Hindu festival in Jammu & Kashmir after the Amarnath Yatra. But this year, the celebrations are muted because of the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. Eid, too, couldnt be celebrated because of strict compliance of social distancing norms due to the pandemic. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits from J&K and outside visit every year to pray at the temple of Kheer Bhawani that houses Hindu goddess Ragnya Devi at Tulmulla village in Ganderbal, about 27 kilometres away from Srinagar.

Mubarak to you on the big occasion of Tulmulla (the place where Kheer Bhawani temple is located). May you always smile and be happy, greets Dr. Ommid in a video.

Many Pandits were overwhelmed by the gesture.

Thanks for wonderful gesture. May Mata Rani blesses all of us with good health, prosperity, and peace, says Roop Krishan Raina in a social media post.

The video was uploaded by Amit Wanchoo, a doctor and social activist, who had earlier uploaded a video of Kashmiri Pandits greeting Kashmiri Muslims with Eid Mubarak.

May almighty bless everybody with happiness, peace, and health, says Suneel Wattal in the video.

Another video wishing the Kashmir Pandits Mubarak on Mela Kheer Bhawani was shared by The Mashq Talks on social media.

Mela Kheer Bhawani Mubarak to all our Pandit brothers. Be happy and thriving, says Farhana Bhat, an artist.

Local Kashmiri Muslims took care of the Kheer Bhawani shrine after the exodus of a majority of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley during the first wave of militancy in 1990.

The temple has attracted more devotees since 2008, as the militancy waned.

There was no congregation at the temple this year, Farooq Ahmad, tehsildar, Tullmulla, said.

A few devotees have been praying since Friday evening as per the custom, which will end on Saturday evening. No mela could be held this year because of the pandemic, he said.

One of the best things about religions is festivals & the best thing about festivals is culture. Sadly, the Kheer Bhawani festival couldnt happen this year. Jyestha Ashthami Greetings, said Shahid Choudhary, deputy commissioner, Srinagar, in a social media post.
Number of coronavirus cases in India is likely to touch the 2-lakh mark by Tuesday if the growth rate of Covid-19 cases is anything to go by. During last 24 hours, the country recorded highest number of coronavirus cases at 7,964, according to the latest data by the Union Ministry of Health. The total coronavirus tally in the country now includes 86,422 active cases, 82,369 recoveries, and 4,971 deaths.

With the tally at 1.73 lakh-mark, India has become the 9th worst-affected nation, as per John Hopkins University and Medicine. India is the 14th nation to record more than 4,000 covid-related deaths.

The country took merely eight days to reach 1,50,000 Covid cases from 1,00,000, becoming the 4th fastest nation to do so. However, the nation took 64 days to hit count of 1,00,000 Covid cases on May 19 this year.

The sudden surge in the number of cases even as the government plans to ease more restrictions in Lockdown 5 has surprised many. At this rate , the Covid 19 case count could rise to 2 lakh by Tuesday.

Currently, Maharashtra has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country. The state has 62,228 cases, which includes-33,133 active cases, 26,997 cure/ discharged, and 2,098 deaths.

Coronavirus in India: Record 7,964 cases, 265 deaths in 24 hours takes country's tally past 1.73 lakh mark

After Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi have reported 20,246, and 17,386 cases of COVID-19 so far. In Tamil Nadu, a total of 154 COVID patients have succumbed to the deadly virus. In Delhi, death toll stands at 398. Gujarat is not far behind Delhi.

The state has reported 15,934 cases with 980 deaths due to coronavirus so far.

Other states where coronavirus cases have surged are Rajasthan (8,365), Madhya Pradesh (7,645) and Uttar Pradesh (7,284). A total of 184 people have died due to COVID-19, in MP 334, and in UP 198. West Bengal has recorded 5,043 cases, with 2,736 active cases and 302 deaths.

Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have registered 3,436 and 3,376 COVID cases, respectively, as per the health ministry data.

Lockdown 5.0 news: How guidelines may change in fifth phase; check details

Coronavirus lockdown: India's growth story for 2021 will be driven by Bharat
The Electoral Commission could not apprise Parliament this week on its preparations so far in respect of the 2020 general election, contrary to expectation.



Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu on Friday said the commissioners were following up on various assignments in the regions and may be back in Accra on June 15, 2020 after which they may avail themselves to the House.



Last week, the Minister told the House that the EC would be in the House for the briefing this week but since the Commissioners were absent,



The Minority Chief Whip and MP for Asawase, Mohamed Mubarak Muntaka, wanted to know from the Majority Leader when they would be in the House.



The Majority Leader indicated that the matter was examined at the Business Committee Meeting the previous day, but as the Whip was then not around, the Leader used the occasion to tell the House that he was still in talks with the EC to appear before the House for the briefing.



He said the EC had indicated that it would be back from its assignments by June 15 and be in the House on June 16 for the briefing but noted that that would be too distant a time considering the business before the House.



Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu informed the House that he was still in talks with the commissioners and urging them to appear before the House on June 9, 2020.



He assured the House that latest by Tuesday, June 2, he should be able to tell his colleagues the outcome of the talks.



Meanwhile, the Majority Leader expressed concern about what he called a worrying phenomenon of the increasing number of visitors to Parliament in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, contrary to a directive issued by the Speaker pursuant to the Covid-19 protocols.



Further to this, the Houses Leadership has also observed that some MPs research assistants and national service personnel are still reporting on the duty contrary to the directive issued by the Right Honourable Speaker pursuant to Covid-19 imperatives, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu observed.



On behalf of the Business Committee, he appealed to members and staff of Parliament as well as the other institutions working within the precincts to desist from inviting visitors there, unless it was very compelling to do so.



In which case, Honourable Members or staff or others concerned must seek clearance from Leadership of their respective Caucuses or the Clerk to Parliament, the Majority Leader 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.

Featured Video
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday listed abrogation of Article 370, settlement of the Ram Temple issue, criminalisation of Triple Talaq and the amendment to the Citizenship Act among the key achievements during his second term, asserting that his government's decisions in the last one year were aimed at fulfilling the dream of making India a global leader.

In an open letter to the country's citizens on the first anniversary of his second term as Prime Minister, Modi said in 2019 the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with the dream of taking India to new heights and making it a global leader.

The decisions taken in the last one year are directed at fulfilling this dream, he said.

In the last one year, some of the decisions were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse, Modi said.

"Article 370 (abrogation) furthered the spirit of national unity and integration," he said of the Centre's decision to abrogate Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcation of the state into Union Territories in August last year.

Referring to the Supreme Court's unanimous judgement on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Modi said it brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title case last year, paved the way for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

"The barbaric practice of Triple Talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history," Modi said in reference to the legislation last year that made giving instant oral triple talaq or talalq-e-biddat a criminal offence with provisions of jail term up to three years.

Referring to the amendment to the Citizenship Act, Modi said it was an "expression of India's compassion and spirit of inclusiveness".

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims from three neighbouring Muslim majority countries on the ground of religious persecution. Its passage last year had prompted intense protests in various parts of the country with the Opposition parties and social groups alleging that it was discriminatory.

Listing other key decisions of his government that added "momentum to the nation's development trajectory", Modi said the creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff was a long-pending reform that has improved coordination among the armed forces.

At the same time, India has stepped up preparations for Mission Gaganyaan, he said. "Empowering the poor, farmers, women and youth has remained our priority. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi now includes all farmers. In just one year, more than Rs 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9 crore 50 lakh farmers," Modi said.

The Jal Jeevan Mission will ensure supply of potable drinking water through piped connections to over 15 crore rural households, he said.

Modi said a huge campaign for free vaccination is being conducted for better health of the country's 50 crore livestock. "For the first time in our country's history, farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in unorganised sector are assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after the age of 60 years," he said.

Besides the facility of availing bank loans, a separate department has also been created for fishermen, the prime minister said, enumerating the steps taken by his government.

Several other decisions have been taken to strengthen the fisheries sector which will boost the blue economy, he said.

"It has been decided to constitute a Vyapari Kalyan Board for timely resolution of the problems of the traders. Higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than 7 crore women attached to self help groups," Modi said in his letter.

Recently the amount for loans without guarantee for self help groups has been doubled to Rs 20 lakh from the earlier Rs 10 lakh, he said.

"Keeping in mind the education of tribal children, we have begun the construction of more than 400 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools," Modi said.

Asserting that several people-friendly laws have been ushered in during the last year, the prime minister said Parliament has broken the decades-old record in terms of productivity.

"As a result, whether it be the Consumer Protection Act, the amendment to Chit Fund Law or laws to provide more protection to women, children and Divyang, their passage in the Parliament was expedited," he said.

As a result of the policies and decisions of the government, the rural-urban gap is shrinking, Modi said, adding that "for the first time, the number of rural Indians using internet is 10 per cent more than the number of urban Indians".

"The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigour, taking and implementing these decisions," Modi said.

Today, 130 crore people feel involved and integrated in the development trajectory of the nation, the prime minister said.

"The light of Jan Shakti' and Rashtra Shakti' has ignited the entire nation. Powered by the Mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' India is marching forward in all spheres," he said.
Hearst Connecticut Media / Erik Trautmann

WESTPORT  The towns police chief and First Selectman emphasized the importance of trust in a community as protests continued across the nation Saturday.

The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes while he was handcuffed, face down and saying he could not breathe.
Oregons senior U.S. senator said Saturday that the head of the states employment department should resign over continued dysfunction in the agencys handling of laid-off workers jobless claims.

The Oregon Employment Departments mounting list of problems hit a new low this week with revelations that an estimated 200,000 Oregonians are still waiting for benefits and that leadership cannot say with confidence how much is owed to Oregonians aching for funds to buy groceries, pay the rent and more, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden said in a written statement.

With the departments phone lines hopelessly overloaded, Wyden noted that Oregonians are generally unable to reach claims processors to learn the status of their applications or resolve problems so laid-off workers can receive their benefits.

Simply put, this litany of incompetence and unresponsiveness has hit the breaking point, Wyden said. I am calling for the resignation of the employment department director as an essential step to begin that long-overdue fix on behalf of unemployed Oregonians throughout our state.

Wydens extraordinary statement significantly ratchets up the pressure on department director Kay Erickson as she testifies Saturday morning before a committee of the state House of Representatives. The senators staff said it could not recall Wyden calling on the resignation of a state official ever before.

Although the state, not the federal government, manages Oregons benefits program, Saturdays blunt language from a Democratic senator about the administration of Oregons Democratic governor puts Gov. Kate Brown on the spot.

Neither the employment department nor the governors office responded to a request for comment on Wydens statement. Brown had been silent on the crisis in unpaid jobless benefits for more than a month but tweeted about it early Saturday, shortly before Wyden issued his statement.

If you are waiting for unemployment benefits, I hear your frustration & anxiety. The delays are unacceptable, Brown wrote. She said she has instructed the department to clear the backlog and clearly communicate claim status. My team will not rest until every Oregonian has received what theyre owed.

If you are waiting for unemployment benefits, I hear your frustration & anxiety. The delays are unacceptable. Ive directed @ORemployment to clear the backlog and clearly communicate claim status. My team will not rest until every Oregonian has received what they're owed.  Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) May 30, 2020

Lawmakers summoned Erickson for the unusual, three-hour weekend hearing after expressing displeasure with her presentation before them Wednesday. Her Wednesday testimony was consumed by an hour-long presentation on the history of the unemployment benefits program and recent changes, leaving no time for lawmakers questions or feedback.

The employment department has been in crisis since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. It has fielded more than 440,000 new jobless claims as the Oregons unemployment rate soared to 14.2%.

Relying on an antiquated computer system from the 1990s, the department has stumbled repeatedly as it sought to resolve errors in its claims processing and adapt to recent changes in the benefits program.

Tens of thousands of Oregonians have been going without benefits for a month or more, even as the coronavirus outbreak took an unprecedented toll on the states economy. The states congressional delegation has been vocal in its displeasure over how the employment department has managed the benefits program.

On Friday, the employment department said it has paid out $1.5 billion in benefits during the coronavirus outbreak.

But Erickson and her staff acknowledged that they dont have a clear idea of how much more they owe. And she declined to commit the state to meeting a Dec. 31 deadline for waiving the usual waiting week before laid-off workers are eligible for benefits.

The employment department said this week that implementing the waiver will take 4,000 hours of computer programming. If Oregon fails to meet that end-of-year deadline, laid-off Oregonians could lose out on at least $200 million in federal funds authorized by Congress to pay the benefits.

-- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway |

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
The Inman community is especially open to innovative ideas, products, and services, said Inman CRO Emily Paquette. And companies that participate in Startup Alley always find a highly receptive and welcoming audience that want to help to shape what comes to market in real estate.

Inman Group announced four companies no more than two years old that will be part of Startup Alley at Inmans virtual real estate event, Connect Now, that kicks off June 2-4, 2020.

The event will welcome thousands of agents, brokers, owners, and managers, all coming together from around the world for a virtual event specially designed to tackle the drastically altered real estate industry of today. The lineup of speakers, panels, and tracks at this unprecedented event reflect the powerful way the industry has determined to confront the moment together.

Among the exhibitors and sponsors is a special category of emerging companies selected to participate in Startup Alley. These new brands use Inman events to introduce their real estate products and services, pressure test their marketing, and establish partnerships with influential leaders.

The Inman community is especially open to innovative ideas, products, and services, said Inman CRO Emily Paquette. And companies that participate in Startup Alley always find a highly receptive and welcoming audience that want to help to shape what comes to market in real estate.

Learn more about Startup Alley and other sponsorship and/or exhibitor opportunities at https://sponsors.inman.com/sponsorship/connect-now.

Companies featured in Startup Alley will include:

iReal Estate Pro

irealestatepro.com

iReal Estate Pro is a one of a kind certification and community created to empower real estate agents to provide a better consumer experience by leveraging technology, data and proven listing acquisition methods. Along with industry leaders and co-founders, Dan Noma Jr. & Kenny Klaus, the program is taught by national and internationally recognized experts in their respective fields.

Rila

ri.la

Rila is the first social platform for real estate discovery that helps agents grow their clientele without paying exorbitant fees. Agents can easily post listings and engaging photos to gain more exposure themselves and their listings. Rila provides the ability for producers and consumers of real estate content to visually share, connect and discuss relevant real estate opportunities.

RoadtoClose

roadtoclose.com

RoadtoClose is an innovative, cloud-based tool delivering a seamless, more engaging client closing experience. All parties involved in the transaction can access essential documents and dates to collaborate and communicate seamlessly, using the app message board. RoadtoClose accelerates closing times, allows for better communication, and improves accountability to the delight of all parties involved.

Townify

townify.com

Townify is a pipeline management center, tool to organize open houses, agents' eyes and ears in the real estate community, and their social media bullhorn. Agents can set and organize tasks while also managing prospects and listings. Access production data for agents across the country. Easily market listings on the platforms that prospects use the most, and more.

Inman Connect Now will take place online June 2-4, 2020. The best and the brightest in real estate and technology are expected to attend. For information on how to receive a press pass, please contact samantha.carducci@inman.com.

About Inman | Inman News is the leading real estate news source for real estate agents, Realtors, brokers, real estate executives, and real estate technology leaders who need the latest real estate news, insights and analysis to grow their business and stay ahead of the competition. For more information, visit inman.com.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will host a Virtual Summer Camp for environmental education geared for students K-12 in June and July through social media platforms.We know many young people are being impacted by COVID-19 guidelines and are looking for ways to enjoy their summer, Kendra Abkowitz, director of TDECs Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices, said. We hope the Virtual Summer Camp will be a way to stay engaged, have fun, and learn about environmental responsibility.The camp will begin June 1 and have daily activities intended for enjoyment and education.Each week, camp students can participate in Make a Difference Mondays, Trash Reduction Tuesdays, Wildlife Wednesdays, Earth Friendly Thursdays and Food Waste Fridays. The activities will utilize TDEC staff, including those from Tennessee State Parks and environmental program areas, as well as feature nonprofits Turnip Green Creative Reuse and Urban Green Lab.No registration is required. Those interested may engage daily at 10 a.m. on the Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices Facebook page. Activities will later be shared on Instagram and on the Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices web page where parents, students and teachers may access them any time.The Virtual Summer Camp will feature programming and resources including:Virtual hikesArts and craftsStorybook readingsVirtual wildlife interpretationsCitizen science opportunitiesAt-home environmental auditsScience experimentsNature activitiesThe Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TNSustainability/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/thestateofsustainability/.
Investigators are looking at why a female zookeeper was alone in a lion cage when she was viciously mauled by two giant cubs.

Jennifer Brown, 35, was cleaning the cage when two lions attacked her head and neck at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia they would be working alongside SafeWork NSW to determine the circumstances leading to Ms Brown's attack.

Zookeeper Jennifer Brown (pictured), 35, was mauled by two lions when she was cleaning their cage at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday morning

Police and SafeWork NSW have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading up to Ms Brown's (pictured) attack and why she was alone in a lion enclosure

The investigation will look at protocols for cleaning cages and procedures in place for dealing with dangerous animals, The Daily Telegraph reported.

It will also examine whether two staff members should have been present when Ms Brown was cleaning the enclosure.

The zookeeper remains at St George Private Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

The fate of the two male lions, Ariel and Juda, who were born and bred at the Shoalhaven Zoo remains uncertain.

Two colleagues rushed into the enclosure to secure the lions and save Ms Brown on Friday morning.

Emergency services were called around 10.30am and four ambulance crews and a rescue helicopter arrived to treat the zookeeper.

Paramedics worked on Ms Brown for more than two hours before she was airlifted to hospital.

Ms Brown (pictured, working with lions) is a dedicated big cat expert at Shoalhaven Zoo

Paramedics described the rescue operation as 'the worst they'd experienced'

NSW Ambulance duty operations manager, Faye Stockmen, said: 'This is one of the worst jobs I have ever experienced - I have never come across a job like this in my career.'

'The attack was extremely vicious and paramedics found the woman with severe injuries.

'It was absolutely harrowing. It is an incredibly dangerous situations, both for the patient and the paramedics,' he said.

Ms Brown had been working at the park since 2013 and had previously said she had a special place in her heart for 'big cats'.

The Shoalhaven Zoo made an emotional Facebook post thanking emergency services for their support.

The lion attack left Ms Brown in a critical condition with severe head and neck injuries

The Shoalhaven Zoo made an emotional Facebook post thanking emergency services for their support

'To all our friends, family and extended zoo family who have sent well wishes and prayers.

'It is hard to get back to each of you individually but we would like to let you know we appreciate and are thankful for all your love and offers of help.

'To the emergency services who were involved today we are thankful for your response of skill, compassion & care for Jen and the zoo team.'

Shoalhaven Zoo went on to say it was focusing its energy on providing support to Ms Brown.

'At this point in time our only concerns are for Jen and her recovery. We ask that you continue to pray for her and her family.'

Daily Mail Australia contacted Shoalhaven Zoo who said they are not commenting on the incident at this time.
RICHMOND  At some point in the near future, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority is hoping to execute the first home liquor delivery in its 86-year history.

Just like other retailers adapting to the coronavirus pandemic, the state-run liquor monopoly has been exploring options to get its products to customers with minimal human-to-human contact.

It started with curbside pickup, a service now available at most of the agencys 388 stores. And if all goes according to plan, next-day delivery is on the way later this year.

The agency is in the final stages of developing a pilot delivery program that will be launched through an ABC store in Suffolk. The pilot was scheduled to begin Thursday afternoon, but officials were still working through some technical issues Thursday evening.

The test  which will begin with a soft launch before an official announcement  will cover a 25-mile radius around the ABC store at the Bennetts Creek Crossing Shopping Center.

Travis Hill, ABCs chief executive officer, said the limited trial run will help the agency fine-tune the system so its not overwhelmed in the rollout to the wider drinking public.

We have to make sure that we dont create a scenario where were just completely snowed under by folks who are used to ordering from Amazon. Were not there yet, Hill told members of ABC Board during a virtual meeting Thursday. But I think we have really shown the strength of our retail team, our development team working together to get that solution going forward.

To get through the crisis, ABC has already allowed licensees to deliver wine and beer. Restaurants are also allowed to offer to-go cocktails.

The agencys goal is to get liquor deliveries going in populous areas that have been most impacted by the pandemic, where people may still be avoiding trips to brick-and-mortar stores for fear of the virus.

If the two-week pilot goes well, Hill said in an interview, the more high-demand regions of Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads could see a home delivery option in the next few months. Other areas could follow after that.

We have to make sure that it works, Hill said.

Technically, ABCs upcoming liquor deliveries wont be the states first.

As part of a broader loosening of alcohol regulations during the crisis, the agency recently allowed Virginia distilleries to ship their products directly to in-state customers. That option has proven to be massively popular, ABC officials said, with some distilleries reporting their delivery business is outpacing what they sold through their tasting rooms in pre-coronavirus times.

While the private sector got the deliveries flowing, the development of ABCs own at-home shipping system will allow a much larger selection of spirits to be sent directly to customers.

One of the things that weve been concerned about is having distillery stores do something that we dont currently do, Hill said. Having us step into the field of direct-to-consumer shipping aligns our stores with these distillery stores.

Hill said home delivery was a concept ABC was already exploring, but the pandemic and its accompanying uncertainty forced officials to move the project to the top of their priority list.

I felt like this was one of those things we needed to do, Hill said. Because the downside of not having it available and something going wrong was just so tremendous in terms of having to close the business.

Paul Williams, ABCs chief information officer, said the trickiest part is building in the functionality to resolve shipping mistakes, such as missing bottles or Jim Beam being delivered to a customer who wanted Jack Daniels.

We will have to do some work to make it capable of rolling to the whole fleet, Williams said.

To get things up and running sooner, the agency is planning to use a common carrier approach to shipping, meaning UPS will handle the packages.

During Thursdays meeting, Tom Lisk, a lobbyist who works on alcohol issues for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, said ABC shouldnt stop at curbside pickup and next-day delivery. Like Amazon and Walmart, he said, the goal should be same-day delivery and more immediate consumer satisfaction.

So much for delayed gratification, joked ABC board Chairwoman Maria Everett.

The Virginia Mercury is a nonprofit, nonpartisan online news outlet based in Richmond covering state government and policy.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 23:53:38|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ADDIS ABABA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Djibouti's Ministry of Health on Saturday announced 280 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Horn of Africa nation to 3,194 as of Saturday afternoon.

The Djibouti Ministry of Health in a statement issued on Saturday said that from a total of 1,109 people who were tested for COVID-19, some 280 of them were tested positive for the virus.

The ministry also announced that some 1,286 people who have been infected with the COVID-19 have recovered as of Saturday afternoon.

The Horn of Africa nation also on Saturday reported two new deaths due to illnesses related to COVID-19, eventually bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 22.

Djibouti reported its first COVID-19 case on March 18 and has so far conducted a total of 26,366 COVID-19 tests, according to the ministry.

The Red Sea nation, which lies on a key location connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, hosts a number of foreign military bases. Enditem
LORAIN, Ohio -- A homeowner shot an intruder Friday afternoon in Lorain, police say.

The incident happened about 12:30 p.m. on West 24th Street near Pole Avenue, according to a statement from Lorain police.

Officers went to the home and found a 19-year-old man outside with a gunshot wound to the head, police said. The man was considered in grave condition as of 6 p.m. Friday, police said.

His current condition was not immediately available Saturday morning.

There were two other people with the intruder who ran after the shooting. Police were able to identify them but charges have not yet been formally filed.

Charges will be determined by the Lorain County Prosecutors Office.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Det. Chris Kovach at 440-204-2105.

Read more crime stories on cleveland.com:

Body pulled from Cuyahoga River in Cleveland during search for man last seen at downtown bar

Cleveland police supervisor suspended 10 days for drunken-driving incident in Twinsburg that drew criticism

Ohio Statehouse damaged during protests in Columbus over death of George Floyd

Police: Gunman killed teen driving home from playing soccer, man on porch in five minutes in Cleveland

National law enforcement leaders urge the release, transfer of inmates at federal prison in Ohio
Seylan Bank reports Rs. 902 m post-tax profit in Q1 2020 View(s):

Seylan Bank has recorded a post-tax profit of Rs. 902 million in Q1 2020 despite challenging market conditions, the bank said in a public statement on Wednesday. This was marginally higher than the post-tax profit of Rs. 895 million reported in the same 2019 quarter.

Net interest income increased by 7.28 per cent during the 1Q 2020 while net fee and commission income from core banking activities witnessed an increase of 2 per cent to Rs. 986 million in 1Q 2020, compared to Rs. 966 million for the comparative period.

The statement said impairment charges for the period reached Rs. 1,116 million, which is an 89.41 per cent increase as compared to a charge of Rs. 589 million in Q1 2019.

Gross Loans and advances portfolio of the bank recorded a marginal growth of Rs. 613 million during 1Q 2020 and the net position recorded a negative growth of Rs. 228 million. The banks NPA ratio was 6.27 per cent as at end of Q1 2020.

The bank and its employees jointly, contributed to a fund to support the eradication of COVID-19 pandemic. Through this it has undertaken improvements in the intensive care and critical care facility at the Colombo East Base Hospital as well as providing protective face shields to the Police Force and the Public Health Inspectors, the statement said.
Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) shares were trading lower after disappointing news concerning its Phase 3 early breast cancer Palbociclib Collaborative Adjuvant Study (PALLAS) trial results.

The Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer study group and the Alliance Foundation Trials, LLC, reported that following an analysis, the independent data monitoring committee of the PALLAS study determined the trial is unlikely to show significant improvement in the primary endpoint of invasive disease-free survival.

"We are disappointed in this outcome, said Chris Boshoff, chief development officer, Oncology, Pfizer. Breast cancer is a leading cause of death around the world and delaying or preventing the development of metastatic disease is a significant unmet need."

Pfizer shares were trading down 6.3% at $35.78 in Fridays after-hours session. The stock has a 52-week high of $44.56 and a 52-week low of $27.88.

Related Links:

Cramer Shares His Thoughts On Teva, Oxford Industries And More

Novavax Begins Phase 1 Clinical Trial Of Its Coronavirus Vaccine

See more from Benzinga

 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Anil S By

Express News Service

A robust public healthcare system, early preparedness and refraining from stigmatising are the key factors behind the Kerala model of Covid-19 treatment, says Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In an interview to The New Indian Express Chief of Bureau Anil S, Pinarayi refuted the allegations that Kerala is lagging behind in testing and said that the state's testing rate to detect one case is three times higher than the national average.

Critising the Union Government for imposing conditions while increasing the borrowing limits of state governments, Pinarayi demanded that the conditions should be withdrawn.

The central package and measures taken by the Union Government are insufficient in addressing people's hardships due to lockdown, he said.

Q: The Left government in the state has successfully completed four years in office. How do you assess the government's performance so far?

A: Four years is a short period in a states trajectory but the last four years were historic as far as Kerala is concerned, in terms of setting a bar as the number one State in India. 219,154 homes were built under the LIFE Mission. The Pothu Vidyabhyasa Samrakshana Yajnam has transformed our public schools into hi-tech schools, attracting more than 500,000 students.

Infrastructure worth over 3,000 crores was set up in Government Hospitals through the Aardram Mission, which aims at delivering patient-friendly quality healthcare services at the grassroot level.

Specialty and super-specialty facilities have been instituted at taluk and district-level hospitals. Haritha Keralam Mission has rejuvenated 390 kms of rivers, increased the area under agriculture and contributed massively towards a greener environment.

In under 4 years, KIIFB has taken up projects worth 54,391 crores, exceeding the goal we had set for 5 years. The power infrastructure of the state has seen unprecedented growth. The completion of Kudamkulam power line, Transgrid 2.0 project, GAIL etc. stand as testimony to this. The K-FON project will accentuate the state's broadband connectivity and help to decentralise IT infrastructure.

The industrial corridor is set to bring new investments, the completion of Petrochemical Park and Vizhinjam Port will be another landmark event in the development of the state. The Rebuild Kerala Initiative is being implemented specifically to augment the States capacity to face future challenges such as climate change or any other calamity.

A total of 23,409 crores were spent on welfare pensions, as opposed to the 9,270 crores spent between 2011 & 2016. Land title-deeds have been given to 1,43,000 people till date.

Q: With Covid-19 being the biggest challenge so far, how exactly did the previous experiences of battling two consecutive floods, Nipah & Ockhi come handy?

A: Each challenge is a learning opportunity to prepare for the future. It also presents new opportunities. Ockhi and the floods strengthened our emergency response systems and disaster management capabilities. Both helped immensely during the current pandemic, especially when we had to announce a lockdown and prepare for the same. Contact tracing was first resorted to during Nipah. That experience has also come in handy in dealing with COVID-19.

Q: Which are the major projects that the government plans to complete by 2021?

A: We have already announced two major interventions. Subhiksha Keralam is a comprehensive programme aimed at ensuring the food security of Kerala, which will be implemented in a year with an expenditure of 3,860 crores. Local Self Governments will take the lead in implementing this programme. Around 25,000 hectares of fallow land is to be cultivated. The project aims to increase the income of farmers and to attract youngsters and returning migrants to agriculture, by creating more employment opportunities.

There are 1.56 lakh small enterprises in the state. This is 70% of the total enterprises. 40 lakh workers are employed in this sector. An assistance of 3,434 crores for MSMEs has been announced through the Vyavasaya Bhadratha scheme.

Margin money assistance and interest concession for additional credit up to Rs. 50 lakh will be provided to existing micro, small and medium enterprises. KSIDC and KINFRA will implement one-time settlement of loan arrears. Extension of six months will be provided to these enterprises for the repayment of interest.

Three months' rent will be waived in standard design factories under the Department of Industry.

Entrepreneurs who use public facilities in industrial parks will be exempted from rent for three months. All major industrial licenses and permits will be granted within one week of application, with the condition that entrepreneurs will complete due procedures within a year.

Multi-modal Logistics Centres are sought to be established at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur connecting airport, seaport, railways and roads in these cities. Once this plan materialises, the state could emerge as a major player in international trade and commerce. Logistics parks are to be set up in different parts of the state to take advantage of the opportunities in export and import. Azheekal Port is to be equipped to handle large volumes of cargo.

Value addition of agricultural products is to be encouraged and land will be leased out to industries in the sector, at the Mega Food Park, Palakkad. A Coconut Park with emphasis on value addition is to be established in North Kerala.

A star-rating system is to be introduced which will grade industries as Gold, Silver and Bronze based on the quantum of investment made and employment generated, so that the government can ascertain benefits accrued and concessions to be made.

Q: While Covid-19 has been having a destructive effect across the globe, Kerala has been setting a model. How do you explain the Kerala treatment of Covid-19?

A: Early preparedness has been the key. We conducted extensive campaigns to spread awareness about the disease. This ensured that the public took adequate precautions and adhered to the guidelines issued. Kerala also refrained from stigmatising those infected. This helped people readily seek and receive medical assistance.

This success can be attributed to the Kerala society as a whole. The wholehearted support extended by the masses, our robust public healthcare system, decentralized initiatives through local self-governments, proactive interventions by district administrations, effective cooperation and coordination between various departments in providing relief to those in distress, effective monitoring by law enforcement agencies, assistance by self-help groups and voluntary agencies helped a lot.

Q: There has however been criticism that the state has been lagging behind in testing.

A: Kerala has tested all those individuals as prescribed by ICMR. More than that, Kerala has devised a specific strategy to conduct tests. Test Positivity Rate (TPR) for COVID-19 in Kerala is only 1.7 - only 1.7 are positive in 100 tests. TPR at the national level is 5.0. Aim of any country is to have a TPR of less than 2.0 like in South Korea.

High Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and TPR are indicative of the fact that a state is only testing the sickest and is not doing enough screening tests. Kerala with a TPR of 1.7 percent and Case Fatality Rate of 0.5 percent is the best example of intelligent use of resources, based on a dynamic testing matrix, which takes into account the inherent strength of Keralas public health care system in contact tracing and quarantining. In a meeting with Health Secretaries in the country, Director General, ICMR had informed that we have to mainly focus on quarantining. And that is being done very effectively in Kerala.

Till date 80,091 COVID tests have been done in Kerala. This comes to around 2355 tests/million population.

Contrary to the conventional belief that number of cases increases with the number of tests, this has not happened in Kerala. To obtain 1 positive case, Kerala has conducted 71 tests, whereas at the national level to get 1 positive case only 23 tests need to be done. The effort of Kerala to find out 1 case through testing is 3 times higher than the national average.

Q: With steady increase in cases, is Kerala moving towards community spread? In such a scenario, has the state got any specific strategy to address the same?

A: When Kerala had flattened the curve at around the 100-day mark, there were only 16 active cases in the State. In the days prior to that, only one case was being reported per day. On some days, there were no new cases as well. Since then, we have had a steady inflow of returnees from abroad as well as other states. There are 626 active cases in the state now.

On May 29, of the 62 new cases, only 1 was through contact. On May 28, of the 84 new cases, 79 were imports, 5 were through contact. On May 27, out of the 40 new cases, 37 were imports and only 3 were through contact. On Tuesday, 26 May 2020, of the 67 new cases, 60 were imports and only 7 were through contact. On May 26, of the 49 new cases, 43 were imports, only 6 were through contact. On May 24, of the 53 new cases, 48 were imports, only 5 were through contract. Of the 355 cases in the last 6 days, only 27 were through contact.

If you look at the figures from 10 May to 23 May - the period in which fresh cases were reported after the curve was flattened - of the 289 new cases, 251 were imports and only 38 were through contact. Since 10 May, when more than 133,000 people returned to Kerala, we have had only 644 cases. Of these, only 65 were through contact. The overwhelming majority has been imports at 523. There is hence clearly no threat of community spread as of now.

Q: Increasing number of returning expats has been raising alarm bells in the state. How prepared is Kerala to provide them quarantine facilities?

A: We have arranged enough institutional quarantining facilities. Those with adequate facilities for home quarantining will be allowed to do so. At present, around 4 lakh people have registered from other states and around 1.5 lakh people have registered from abroad to return to Kerala.

Q: With more cases coming up, is the government planning any change in its testing and treatment strategies?

A: Testing would be increased to 3,000 tests every day. That would help in finding out whether there are more positive cases. As far as treatment is concerned, we plan to continue with the same strategy. We have enough hospitals, beds and quarantine facilities.

Q: What are the additional relaxations/restrictions planned by the government from June at the end of the fourth phase of lockdown?

A: Lockdown restrictions, relaxations and extensions are announced by the Centre during each phase. States are only make minor changes to suit the regional situation.

Q: How equipped is the state to deal with both Covid and impending floods, if required?

A: The state electricity and water departments are monitoring water-levels in various dams on a daily basis. LSGs are identifying buildings that can serve as relief camps, in case of floods. We are preparing for any eventuality.

Q: The Covid-19 and back-to-back lockdowns have taken a toll on state finances. With no revenue from beverages, lottery and taxes, the state could be highly cash-strapped in its final year. How is the government planning to address the same?

A: Till now, the total economic cost due to the lockdown for Kerala is estimated roughly at Rs. 80,000 crores and this will be reflected in all sectors in the next three months. The last two months have been a period of almost no income, while expenses have increased rapidly. Kerala requested the Centre to increase its borrowing limit. But conditions were imposed for increased borrowing. That is not fair.

Q: Do you think the Centre was able to address the financial crisis faced by state governments following lockdown?

A: Kerala has demanded the Centre that borrowing limit should be increased to five percentage. Later, other state governments too demanded the same. Now the Union Government has accepted the demand. It's a welcome step. But only 0.5 percentage can be taken now. But conditions were imposed for increased borrowing. These should be withdrawn. There are no pre-conditions for the Union Government to borrow. Similar clearance should be given to state governments too.

Q: The other day, you mentioned that the Centre failed to handle the financial scenario associated with lockdown. Can you elaborate?

A: With lockdown, the entire population has become income-less. People are facing major hardships, but there were no intervention to address the same. Pumping money into the market, making sure that people have money in hand, is what is important. The current package has failed to address this factor. Some things have been done, but these measures are insufficient. More needs to be done.

Q: The Congress-led Opposition UDF in the state has been steadily attacking the government for using Covid-19 as an image booster for the government.

A: We are doing our duty as an elected Government, with special focus on welfare, social justice and public interventions; nothing more, nothing less.

Q: During this period, the UDF raised two major allegations against the government - Sprinklr and Bev Q app.

A: As far as BevQ is concerned, the Excise Minister has already allayed all doubts. With regard to Sprinklr, I do not want to comment in detail as the entire matter is sub judice now. We believe that technology should be used in a transparent and effective manner to manage governance challenges. While doing so, companies which have a connection with Kerala, either having already invested in the State or are likely to invest need to be given preference in a transparent manner.

Sprinklr is a global company set up by a Keralite entrepreneur and had offered their product free of cost. From the very beginning the government had worked within a clear framework ensuring data privacy and security.

The entire deployment was planned to be done in a secure IT system. Accordingly, this was initially deployed in one of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved secure cloud infrastructure. Subsequently, this was moved to a state government-owned cloud infrastructure, even though we had to bear the cost of such cloud deployment.

Q: With many students in government schools unable to afford audio-visual aids required for online classes, how does the government plan to deal with this?

A: We are devising a mechanism that will ensure access to online classes to all students. Victors Channel will also be utilized effectively in this regard. The state Education Department will soon put out the relevant details in this regard.

Q: With no let-up in cases, when according to you, will the state come out of the Covid-19 grip? Are we planning any major investment initiatives in the long run to cope with the economic crisis?

A: WHO said that without a vaccine, the virus may be here to stay. But we are quite sure that we will be able to attract sizeable investments, especially since Kerala is emerging as a stable and safe destination, because of our effective handling of the pandemic.
The Christian holiday of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem. To honor this year's holiday, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and The Jewish Voice will be hosting a major global broadcasting event to air on many major Christian networks in the USA and others around the world on May 29 and May 30.

The television program and web special is called Night of Promise and will run for two hours starting at 8pm EDT (*see below for specific airing information) each night. Additional programming will stream directly following the broadcast two-hour format.

The special will be co-hosted by Gordon Robertson, CEO of the Christian Broadcasting Network, and Jonathan Bernis, CEO of Jewish Voice Ministries, International. The event will feature special appearances by CBN founder Pat Robertson, Michael W. Smith, Joel Osteen, Kathie Lee Gifford, Mike Huckabee, Joyce Meyer, Jentezen Franklin, Greg Laurie, Samuel Rodriguez, Marty and Misha Goetz, Jonathan Cahn, Janet Parshall, Robert Morris, Don Moen, Paul Wilbur, Sid Roth and Aaron Shust and many more.

"Two thousand years ago, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the church. The times were difficult then also, but in the midst of the upheaval, God did incredible work," said Jonathan Bernis.

"Our goal in creating this Night of Promise television special is to unite Jewish and Christian leaders in faith to encourage followers during this difficult time and to believe for an outpouring of God's Spirit in our nation, in Israel, and around the world," said Gordon Robertson.

The special will also serve as a fundraiser to provide humanitarian relief efforts to the people of Israel, who have also been hard-hit due to the global health pandemic. Proceeds will be distributed to several ministries, including Operation Blessing, to aid in those efforts.

The two-hour Night of Promise special will air at 8pm EDT on the following networks and stations:

God TV

Daystar

Middle East TV (METV)

WHT

TCT

GEB

CTN

TLN

INI

Cornerstone

Impact TV

Miracle Channel (Canada)

Joy/Faith TV (Canada)

YES TV/CTS (Canada)

WACX-TV (Orlando)

Night of Promise will also stream on the following:

CBN Family App

CBN News Channel

FB.com/JewishVoice

FB.com/OperationBlessing

FB.com/CBN

YouTube.com/OperationBlessing

Visit: www.nightofpromise.com

Tags : night of promise cbn Michael W. Smith joyce meyer Joel Osteen Greg Laurie Don Moen Aaron Shust The Jewish Voice kathie lee gifford
In the American city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the unrest caused by the brutal murder of an African American by a white policeman does not stop. Minnesota Governor Tim Wals called the National Guard to help and impose a state of emergency in Minneapolis and the surrounding area, as the CNN reports.

The governor noted that peaceful protests are still allowed, but riots also pose a threat to peaceful demonstrators.

It is also reported that on the night of May 28 a wave of mayhems swept through Minneapolis, which continued on the night of May 29. Enraged protesters broke into one of the police stations and started several fires there. The plot was evacuated. In front of the building, demonstrators chanted: "There is no justice - there is no peace!"

The wave of unrest rose after the brutal murder of the 46-year-old African American George Floyd by a white policeman. The video posted on social networks shows a white policeman strangling Floyd lying on the pavement for several minutes, praying for help and screaming that he cannot breathe. Shortly after his arrest, George Floyd died in a hospital.

Later it became known that the four white policemen involved in the detention of Floyd were fired, but none of them has yet been detained. No charges have been brought against them either. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry said the FBI were investigating.

In turn, the FBI and the local prosecutor's office in a joint statement indicated that the investigation of the incident has "the highest priority." Earlier, a quick investigation was promised by US President Donald Trump. He said he saw a video of what happened, adding that it was "a very bad thing that he saw." The president, in response to a request from reporters, said that he had not yet spoken to the Floyd family.

As we reported before, the U.S. National Security Agency warned government partners and private companies about an ongoing Russian hacking campaign that targets the operating systems often used by industrial firms to manage computer infrastructure
In times like these, the history of our industry, our interdependence and our reliance on one another, is brought into sharper focus  and we are reminded that it is people that create and support business. It is those same people, in our boroughs, in our local neighborhoods and streets  heroes  who are dreaming extraordinary dreams and doing extraordinary things. Our workers, our clients, our friends and neighbors. Those of you who do what you do to the best of your ability  and by stepping into your best self  lift up your family, your community and ultimately the world.

Clean Rite is happy to celebrate, support and encourage you. Join us as we roll out the following initiatives  open to our clients, our employees, and members of Clean Rite cities and towns  celebrating the bonds that are formed where dreams are shared and communities are created.

Clean Rite. Eat Rite. Our first initiative is already in place providing nutritious and delicious meals daily to our Clean Rite workers in New York which we are looking to expand! During this historic pandemic, when so many businesses we rely on have been suspended, our Clean Rite heroes continue to show up and work hard to ensure your clothes are clean, safe and hygienic. Clean Rite is happy to sustain them while they sustain us.



Clean Rite. Do Rite. Our second initiative is also up and running, providing laundry assistance for vulnerable populations and people in need.

Clean Rite is partnering with the Community Center of Staten Island in providing discounted laundry service to our most at-risk citizens.

in providing discounted laundry service to our most at-risk citizens. During these unprecedented times, when our fellow citizens are asked to perform extraordinary acts of heroism, we are proud to offer free laundry service in our Bronx location to hospital staffers, supporting the heroes who put their health at risk to save ours!

Clean Rite. Insight. Welcome to the launch of our employee initiative  Clean Rite's Employee Idea Incubator! We have always known that our employees are our greatest asset  and we value the ideas their experiences bring. We invite all of our employees to share their best "out of the box" thinking on industry innovations  and improvements we could make to customer service and to the employee experience. If a suggestion is implemented, it will be highlighted on our website, in our newsletter and on social media  and the team member is thanked with a gift card of their choice.

Coming Up

Look for more information in the coming months as we roll out the following Clean Rite Heroes Initiatives.

Clean Rite. Shine Brite. Educational scholarships. For so many parents and young people in our communities, the dream of higher education feels out of reach financially. To help our local dreamers achieve their goals, Clean Rite will award five scholarships nationally through our ShineBrite initiative, which will include colleges and universities, as well as vocational schools. These annual scholarships will be based not only on academic performance but essays submitted and evaluated by our Clean Rite Heroes Committee.

Clean Rite. Work Rite. Business Mentorship Programs.

Clean Rite. Live Rite. Financial Aid for employees facing hardship.

Clean Rite. Spotlight. Highlighting an employee who has gone out of their way to provide extraordinary customer service.

Clean Rite Kids. Highlighting the accomplishments of the children of employees and our local communities.

SOURCE Clean Rite Centers

Related Links

https://cleanritecenter.com/


It is the smell that hits you first, a putrid stench seeping in through the air-conditioning vents of the car. Im still two miles away from Harris Ranch, one of Americas largest feedlots, or factory farms for cows. Im hurtling down the freeway at 70mph and the windows are up, yet the stink is everywhere, filling the car and permeating the 105F air outside.

When the ranch finally comes into view, the sheer size and scale of the operation is mind-boggling.

Spread over 800 dusty acres without a blade of green grass in sight, there are up to 120,000 cattle here at any one time. The animals come from ranches throughout the western states of America to be fattened up before slaughter. The locals call it Cowschwitz.

Harris Ranch, which runs alongside the busy Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and San Francisco, produces a staggering 150 million pounds of beef every year, and supplies many of Americas biggest supermarket and restaurant chains. The business has more than 325 million worth of sales a year.

As soon as I step out of the car to peer through a chain-link metal fence topped with razor wire, swarms of flies engulf me and the overpowering smell of urine-created ammonia and raw manure makes me gag.

Spread over 800 dusty acres without a blade of green grass in sight, there are up to 120,000 cattle here at Harris Ranch in California at any one time

Miserable-looking animals stretch for as far as the eye can see, standing on barren dirt, huddled together under sheets of corrugated iron offering the only shade from the blazing Californian sun. Occasionally there is a plaintive moo, but for the most part the cattle stand silent in their manure-encrusted pens.

The ranch has a slick website featuring photos of happy cows in green fields. Harris Ranch cares deeply for our livestock and the land, it states. Our beef cattle spend approximately 70 to 80 per cent of the time grazing on grass on western ranches. Then, at Harris Feeding Company, our cowboys ride our pens daily  rain or shine  to keep a watchful eye on the cattle and examine their state of health.

But the only human I can see is a man in a white pick-up truck who draws up silently alongside me, filming me on a hand-held video camera.

Harris Ranch has long been a target for animal rights protesters and suffered an arson attack in 2012 when 14 cattle trucks were destroyed in a series of fires set by the North American Animal Liberation group.

Whereas growth-promoting hormones have been banned in Britain since the 1980s, they are fed to 90 per cent of feedlot cattle in America. The use of antibiotics to control disease is routine and widespread, although Harris Ranch insists the drugs are administered only under a vets supervision.

The company admits it doesnt know whether an animal has been filled with hormones before arriving at Harris Ranch, but insists: Naturally occurring hormones such as oestrogen and other growth promotants are commonly given in small doses to promote growth of muscle and recuse fat deposits.

Antibiotics are used in a therapeutic manner under veterinarian oversight.

Philip Lymbery, of Compassion in World Farming, says the British public are right to worry about US meat. American farm standards in general are still in the Dark Ages, he says. Eighty per cent of all antibiotics consumed in any one year are fed to farm animals in the US, compared to less than 45 per cent in Britain.

Crowding tens of thousands of cattle together causes them stress, lowers their immune system and makes them vulnerable to disease.

Harris Ranch, which runs alongside the busy Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and San Francisco, produces a staggering 150 million pounds of beef every year (file photo)

Cameron Harsh, farming campaign manager at World Animal Protection US, agrees: Feedlot cattle receive growth-promoting hormones such as estradiol, testosterone and progesterone. These steroid hormones serve no health or welfare purpose and are only used to increase productivity, primarily increasing weight gain and improving feed efficiency.

The use of antibiotics in US farming is five times higher than in UK production. Their overuse across the industry has contributed to the global public health crisis of rising resistant infections and a lack of effective antibiotics to treat people.

For Harris Ranch to say they only use antibiotics under a vets supervision is misleading because often vets and feedlots work hand-in-hand.

Harris Ranch refused The Mail on Sundays request to tour the farm and slaughterhouse, saying: We really dont do tours.

From the outside, mountains of yellow maize  or corn  can be seen piled up in an area next to the cattle pens. Unlike in Britain, where cows are allowed to graze, these animals are fed grain because it fattens them up quicker.

Corn makes their stomachs acidic, causing a number of illnesses including acidosis which makes them pant, drool, paw at their bellies and eat dirt, says Mr Harsh. The condition can lead to ulcers, liver disease and a weakened immune system.

According to another animal welfare activist, Michael Pollan, the practice is completely unnatural.

We take them off grass and teach them to eat something they are not evolved to eat, mostly corn.

It makes absolutely no sense from an ecological standpoint  but from a financial standpoint it does. It makes the animals grow much more quickly. Cows that used to be allowed to grow to four or five years old before we ate them are now being slaughtered at 14 months.

Harris Ranch puts in much effort to promote the public face of its operation. A few miles down the road from Cowschwitz is a purpose-built resort, Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, with a pretty pink 153-room motel and restaurant.

There is an electric car-charging station to entice Silicon Valley entrepreneurs to stop for a break on their way from northern California to LA. The meat-heavy menu features a huge range of steaks, including 24oz Porterhouse.

All around me  two metres apart  people are tucking in. The waitress trills about the quality of the beef and the restaurants rave reviews.

But with the wretched smell of the feedlot still lingering on my clothes, I order a salad.

BRITAIN: Helen loves talking to the pigs on her 1,500 acre fully-organic farm that won her OBE for animal welfare

By Jonathan Bucks for The Mail On Sunday

Helen Browning is crouched in a pig paddock, cheerfully chattering away to the dozen or so pink and grey piglets mobbing her. A contented sow wallows in a nearby mud-bath while another rootles about in the undergrowth. When Im here and the sun is shining, I could just spend all day playing with the pigs, says Helen, smiling.

With its mix of well-tended livestock, arable crops and orchards, Helens Wiltshire farm is as traditional as you will find anywhere in Britain.

Such is her commitment to animal welfare, in 1998 she was awarded an OBE for services to farming  and its that passion which helps explain why she is so worried about the future of British agriculture.

Like other farmers, she is aggrieved by the Governments failure to agree a legal protection that would stop food being sold in this country with lower safety or animal welfare standards. In particular, shes concerned about the prospect of a market being flooded with cheap American meat pumped with antibiotics and hormones.

Such is her commitment to animal welfare, in 1998 Helen Browning was awarded an OBE for services to farming

It will lead to a race to the bottom, simple as that, she says. Corners will be cut and standards will drop. Farmers and animals will suffer. Since inheriting Eastbrook Farm from her father Bob in 1986, Helen has endeavoured to prove that a working commercial farm can also give its stock a good life.

I like to think we give animals the five-star treatment, she says. If youre breeding dairy cows or pigs for slaughter, the deal is that you treat them well.

I realise that not all British farms can operate like we do, but treating animals safely and with dignity is what we as farmers should all be striving for.

Nestled deep in the countryside, the fully organic 1,500-acre farm has 150 Saddleback sows, 3,000 pigs which are bred for slaughter every year, a dairy herd of British Friesians and 400 acres of crops. And while she loves all the animals equally, the pigs clearly hold a special place in Helens heart.

You can always tell if one is happy and healthy as its tail is curly, she says, gesturing towards the dozens of curly tails, some even wagging, that crowd around her.

How very different from America where pigs tails are docked at an early age to prevent other stressed piglets  often kept in cramped conditions in super-size farms  from biting them.

The Eastbrook porkers are kept in conditions that, as far as possible, mimic nature, such as living in family groups with free access to fields when conditions allow.

In general, Helens pigs are kept outdoors. Other pampering includes arcs (pig huts) with computer- controlled windows that open and close to regulate temperature.

In America, farmers wean piglets off their mothers at an early age so the sows can produce more young. But its proven that sows forced to have more young than nature intended become stressed and generally die younger. And weaning at such a young age  when a piglets immune system is not fully developed  can lead to illness. As a result, increasing numbers of pigs in America require antibiotics, which, in turn, risk creating drug-resistant superbugs. Scientists have predicted that such infections could kill an extra ten million people a year worldwide by 2050.

While US farmers often wait only two or three weeks to wean piglets, at Eastbrook they are weaned after eight weeks and rarely require antibiotics. We only use antibiotics on around one in 200 pigs, and even then it will be if the pig has a nasty scratch or pneumonia, Helen, 58, says. They are only used when absolutely necessary.

As a farmer, if youre using antibiotics in large quantities, something has gone wrong and you need to ask yourself why.

It is one reason why Helen, who is also chief executive of the Soil Association, which promotes healthy and humane farming, is so concerned about the consequences of a flawed US trade deal.

If Britain is flooded with cheap American meat thats been treated with all sorts of antibiotics, most of which are illegal in the UK, and the animals are kept in appalling conditions, I fear this will put a huge amount of pressure on British farmers, she says. There will be a downward spiral, not just with welfare, but environmentally, too. It is a serious concern.

Helen describes the Agriculture Bill, criticised for omitting environmental or welfare rules for farm imports from the end of the year, as a missed opportunity.

This was a real sin of omission. We were hoping to see some guarantee of welfare or environmental standards but it just wasnt there.

Maintaining environmental standards is as important, too.

As an organic farm, Eastbrook uses almost no pesticide and avoids manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilisers.

Instead, grass is fed with organic matter, which in turn helps it retain more water, survive dry spells and provide more food for cows.

Cows are moved every day around different fresh blocks to allow fields time to grow back.

British farming is about compassion, dignity and maintaining proper welfare and safety standards, says Helen.

I think the public will be horrified if they are presented with meat produced under these appalling standards in America.
Managing emotional distress, digital literacy and cyber hygiene are the key concerns flagged by government employees as the Centre drafts a work-from-home policy in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

These concerns, and how employees can be assured of an objective, performance-oriented assessment of the work they do from home, were articulated at a webinar organised by the department of science and technology, Rajasthan, in association with the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) on Thursday.

The event could be the first in a series of webinars to be held with various states on the work-from-home policy, said an official at DARPG, which is spearheading efforts towards putting the policy in place.

Work from home is here to stay, DARPG additional secretary V Srinivas said at the webinar. Offices will not work with 100% capacity in the near future. Cooperative federalism has become pivotal and we need to ensure seamless exchange of information between the Centre and the state governments...

Charru Malhotra, associate professor at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, said ensuring equipment and infrastructure to work from home is efficient will be key. Moreover, not only physical well being, while working from home, emotional distress also has to be taken into account, Malhotra said. Some arent doing as well as they used to when offices were functional. There are a host of emotional and mental pressures that may affect the capability of people who are not used to working in closed spaces.

Secretary of the department of science and technology, Rajasthan, Mugdha Sinha, agreed that mental health of the employees is an important factor. Dr Ritu Sharma of Delhi University said a performance-oriented assessment should be standardised and objective.
EXCEPTIONS at funerals are not acceptable said a Limerick priest, after the Leaders story last week about a mass gathering at a burial in Charleville.

Fr Roy Donovan, of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), said they are keenly aware of the stress suffered by bereaved people, who have not been able to attend family funerals.

It is important that people, without exception, respect the current guidelines. Failure to do so makes life difficult for undertakers, priests and, particularly for bereaved persons who have obeyed the rules. Exceptions are not acceptable, said Fr Donovan, parish priest of Caherconlish and Inch St Laurence.

The photograph, printed in last weeks paper, showed the number of mourners packed into Charleville graveyard. Deputy Niall Collins described it as a slap in the face to those obeying Covid-19 restrictions around funerals.

The TD said there are clear guidelines - there should not be more than 10 people at the graveside.

People are standing outside their houses to pay their respects as the hearse passes by. And then those who are obeying the rules are seeing a huge crowd in a graveyard on top of each other... said Deputy Collins.

He said this behaviour puts priests, undertakers and gardai in an unenviable situation.

"The guards can hardly go into a graveyard to clear it while someone is being lowered into the ground. The undertakers and priests are doing their best. It is an insult to the rest of us. A slap in the face," concluded Deputy Collins.

The ACP also sent in a separate statement but connected to Fr Donovans words this week. An ACP spokesperson said in these strange coronavirus days those entrusted with the important and delicate task of seeking a balance between protecting life and a gradual and necessary opening up of the economy are to be commended for their careful, prudent and responsible approach.

In the first phase of this pandemic  as the sufferings, illnesses and deaths of thousands of Irish people attest  care, prudence and responsibility were established as the benchmarks against which the next phase of this national crisis can be measured.

An obvious danger is that groups, with real and reasonable fears around mental health, employment, business and social activities, may seek unreasonably to force their private agendas on the present careful process. In these circumstances, leaders in Irish society  not least the leaders of the Christian churches  will be expected to give a robust and responsible example.

Efforts at present effectively demanding that churches be kept open, that public Masses be reinstated and that rights to pray in churches be upheld are being canvassed by individuals and groups with their own self-serving and self-interested agendas, said the spokesperson.

Gathering people together  especially elderly people who are most at risk  is grossly irresponsible and will lead to great pain, suffering and loss of life for many individuals and families, so churches or religious groups claiming entitlement to special treatment is inappropriate and unacceptable, say the ACP.

As Christians, particularly in these difficult days, we need to be selfless rather than selfish, said the spokesperson.
About 23 million more people are expected to be pushed into extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa this year alone, the president, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Gilbert Houngbo, has said.

This was disclosed in a report published Friday by the World Economic Forum (WEF) titled, Whats needed to protect food security in Africa during COVID-19.

He said in most of Africa, people are more likely to die from starvation caused by the economic fallout of the pandemic than from the disease itself.

IFAD is an international financial institution and specialised United Nations agency headquartered in Rome, the UNs food and agriculture hub.

They invest in rural people, empowering them to increase food security, improve the nutrition of their families, increase their income, and as well help in building resilience, through expanding their businesses and taking charge of their own development.

Vulnerable system

The IFAD president said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that our current food production, processing, and distribution systems are vulnerable.

We are hearing from farmers who cannot get seeds or fertiliser for the planting season, their harvests are threatened by a shortage of farm labourers. They cannot sell the produce they do grow because markets are closed. If not addressed, these could lead to serious food shortages across the continent, he said.

The IFAD official said climate and environmental shocks continue to threaten food supplies. He said in Africa, locusts are still ravaging crops, as most of the continent is still emerging from its worst drought in years.

He said in West and Central Africa, the lean season is coming, with 21 million people to face critical food shortages in July and August.

All this makes recovery from the pandemic even more precarious, the report reads.

Glimmer of hope

Humans have an enormous capacity for innovation during times of adversity, Mr Houngbo said.

Today, while we are still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world are already asking themselves  how can we build a better post-pandemic world? As we consider addressing the worlds most critical needs, fixing our food systems needs to be at the top of that list.

Before now, the 2019 Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) showed that over 135 million people in 55 countries and territories are faced with acute food insecurity, and this requires urgent action,

The report showed that about 108 million people in 48 countries in 2016, 124 million people in 51 countries in 2017 and 113 million people in 53 countries in 2018, suffered acute food insecurity.

Of the 135 million in 2019, Africa accounts for 73 million, half of whom are in 36 countries of Africas 55 countries. Northern Nigeria alone accounts for 5 million, the report said.

War-torn Yemen, Africas fourth most populous country, DR Congo, and Afghanistan topped the reports list, each respectively having 15.9, 15.6 and 11.3 million people faced with food crises or worse.

Efforts

The IFAD president said some of the efforts being made to cushion the effect of the looming dilemma include, providing inputs such as seeds to farmers, securing supply chains by purchasing and storing products and keeping transport routes open.

We are also working closely with governments to ensure the right policies are in place to enable these efforts, he said.

He said the outfit recently launched a dedicated Rural Poor Stimulus Facility to enable us to do more to address the immediate needs of small-scale farmers.

He said the facility was initiated with $40 million with the hope to mobilise at least $200 million from member states and other donors in order to scale up support for the most vulnerable countries and farmers.

Advertisements



Such initiatives are needed to prevent a food crisis and build the resilience required against other shocks, Mr Houngbo said. COVID-19 is a wakeup call that must be heeded as systemic weaknesses exposed by the virus will be compounded by climate change in the years to come. We must make our food systems more resilient so that our rural communities are better placed to cope with the next drought, flood or epidemic.
Page Content

The NOAAs Climate Prediction Center has released its forecast for the 2020 Atlantic

hurricane season. Similar to various other predicting institutions the forecasters at the

National Weather Service are forecasting a very busy season. NOAA states that the re is a

60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and only

a 10% chance of a below-normal season. In a normal season there are about 12 named

storms 6 of which become hurricanes and 3 are major hurricanes.





NOAAs Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms,

of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes.

The combination of several climate factors is driving the strong likelihood for

above-normal activity in the Atlantic this year.





1. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are expected to either remain

neutral or to trend toward La Nina, meaning there will not be an El Nino present to

suppress hurricane activity.





2. Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean

and Caribbean Sea, coupled with reduced vertical wind shear.





3. Weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds.





4. An enhanced West African monsoon.

These are similar conditions, which have been producing more active seasons since

the current high-activity era began in 1995.





As we focus on protecting families and ourselves during this present global health

crisis and as governments and leaders place emphasis on public health and put plans

in place to safely reopen our borders, it is very important that we remember to make

the necessary preparations for the upcoming hurricane season.





Although, all forecasts so far indicate a very active 2020 season these forecasts

however, should not determine our level of preparation. Whether the forecast goes

for an above average or below average season, our level of preparation should be

the same. What matters is whether our country gets impacted and this can happen

in any season; active or not. It is also very important to remember that active

tropical waves or heavy rainfall events can also have devastating impacts on our

lives it does not have to be a storm or hurricane. Therefore, preparedness is key.





The Meteorological Department St. Maarten (MDS) will monitor the development

of all tropical systems closely and will issue watches or warnings when it becomes

necessary using various communication mediums; radio, newspaper, through our

website (www.meteosxm.com,), Facebook (facebook.com/sxmweather/). It is

critical that the public seek credible information from the official authority in order

to make timely decisions that will protect life and property.




Dubai, May 30 : Scores of UAE businessmen have been left counting their losses after a fraudulent Indian company owner shut shop and fled the country on an Indian repatriation flight after stealing goods worth nearly 6 million dirhams, a media report said.

Yogesh Ashok Yariava, 36, owner of the fraudulent Royal Luck Foodstuff Trading, boarded a repatriation flight to Hyderabad from Abu Dhabi on May 11, the Gulf news report revealed on Saturday.

On May 20, several people who were duped by the Yariava, visited the Indian Consulate office in Dubai in the hope of getting an audience with Consul General Vipul.

The following day they went to Bur Dubai police station with the dud bank cheques.

According to the Gulf News report, Royal Luck Foodstuff approached traders and made bulk purchases against post-dated cheques.

When their post-dated cheques started bouncing, the traders rushed to Royal Luck's Opal Tower office in Business Bay.

But it had shut down and all their 18 staffers also disappeared.

"Calls made to the company's sweet-talking purchase managers who visited us days earlier carrying fancy business cards remained unanswered," Gulf News quoted an Ajman-based businessman as saying.

Another business owner said he visited Royal Luck's office after his cheque of 79,552 dirhams returned marked insufficient funds, following which he lodged a police complaint.

Legal adviser Salam Pappinisseri from Sharjah-based United Advocates that represents five firms which have collectively lost over 550,000 dirhams, said they were weighing legal action against Yariava in both India and the UAE.
Mum-of-four Anna Laughlin died of Covid-19 having been in care at The Rock Nursing Unit

Anna Laughlin (94) was a familiar sight as she zipped along the hallways of The Rock Nursing Unit in Ballyshannon in her wheelchair.

She had only been a resident for two years, after her health began to fail and several underlying conditions meant she needed closer medical care.

The mother-of-four got a new lease of life after making The Rock her new home and although she was finding it harder to move around unaided, she was doing well as the first few months of the year came and went. She was happy and settled.

The many staff who cared for her enjoyed her quick wit and humour and fellow residents grew fond of her company as she immersed herself in activities.

She spent her days buzzing the hallways and cheering up bed-bound friends.

But last month that all changed. It was Good Friday when the Irish Red Cross entered the place Anna called home and evacuated her and 17 other residents.

Expand Close The Rock Nursing Unit / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The Rock Nursing Unit

The mercy mission, as it has been described locally, had been carefully planned in advance by the HSE.

Outbreak

Alarm bells had started to ring at the facility after a resident died and several staff fell ill with suspected Covid-19. There were also concerns about the ability to control a Covid outbreak in such an old building.

So, in a desperate bid to avert disaster, the Red Cross swooped in, assisted by the Civil Defence, shepherding Anna and her fellow residents safely away in ambulances.

Expand Close Charlie Bollards family want answers / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Charlie Bollards family want answers

"The residents had all been told what was going to be happening so it was a case of just gently getting them," Valerie McGrath, assistant area director of units at the Donegal branch of the Irish Red Cross told the Herald.

"We were in full PPE and those residents who could wear masks had them on. We took two patients at a time, with whatever belongings they had, in each of our three ambulances. We would drop them off, clean down, because it was all under suspected Covid, and then pick up another patient. It was a big task that the HSE couldn't have done on its own."

Earlier that day, in her house a few hundred metres away, Anna's daughter Mary Egan had answered a phone call from staff at The Rock.

"I was told mammy was being taken to Stranorlar for her own safety," she said.

"When and where she got Covid-19 I still don't know. All I know is that I last saw her on March 14 and she died from the virus on April 21."

This week it emerged that the HSE-run The Rock Nursing Unit had experienced 10 Covid-19 deaths at a facility that has a maximum occupancy of 22, the equivalent of 45pc of its capacity.

The figures came from a confidential HSE report, published by the Irish Times, detailing long-term care settings around the country and the Covid-19 deaths recorded in each one.

Some operators have disputed the figures in the report, claiming that they are not accurate.

Commenting on the startling statistics, Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty referred to The Rock and the fact that residents had been transferred to another setting which, he claimed at the time, was Covid-free.

Furthermore, Doherty hit out at the "blame game" between the HSE and HIQA, who said at the Oireachtas Covid Committee on Tuesday that it did not have the figures for the deaths in nursing homes at the time. However, it appears that the figures had already been collated in a report.

Likewise, issues regarding transparency were also raised by a number of TDs when the Department of Health released over 400 pages of correspondence from Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) and the Government just hours before the committee was due to start.

It was clearly noted that NHI had raised issues over access to PPE and asked for detailed guidance for the sector on how to deal with the outbreak.

As more and more information leaked out this week, via the Covid-19 Committee, documents dumped online by the Department of Health and statistics uncovered by journalists, the families of those who died were left reeling.

"This week has been incredibly upsetting," said Sarah Bollard, who lost her father to Covid-19 in a Co Kildare nursing home.

Sarah's father Charlie (71) passed away on April 12 after he became ill and was transferred to Connolly Hospital.

The Bollard family claim they had been asking the nursing home to test him in the days before his transfer.

"What we wanted was for him to be tested but it just wasn't being done," said Sarah.

"He was sent to Connolly where he tested positive and that's where he died."

Ms Bollard has been following developments since and found the interaction at the Dail committee hearing this week particularly frustrating.

"We are being drip-fed information," she said. "Even the politicians can't get answers. For us, we have been trying to get answers from everywhere, from HIQA, from the nursing home, from the HSE.

Voice

"We are just sent from one to the other with no hope of getting to the facts. By the time this is all over it will be too little, too late for us and for our dad.

"But our dad mattered. He mattered to us and we will keep being his voice in all of this."

Many families who have spoken to the Herald about nursing homes have expressed frustration over communication during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The vast majority of care facilities cite confidentiality as a reason not to divulge numbers on deaths and infections. However, given the sheer scale of the crisis in these settings, and the public interest issues at play, many families feel they, and the public, have a right to know.

After the publication of numbers relating to deaths in each facility this week, the HSE cautioned against pitting homes against each other by way of analysis.

A spokesperson said: "Residential settings differ greatly, meeting a wide variety of care needs. Some settings provide care to those with very complex needs, while others may have few residents requiring such medical care."
Back in March, when Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued her first COVID executive orders, she made three promises to the people of Michigan.

First, the governor stated her goal was to "flatten the curve" of COVID-19 infections, to prevent hospitals from being overcrowded.

Second, the governor stated data would drive her decisions.

And, third, the governor said all her actions would be taken to "save lives."

The people of Michigan took the governor at her word and banded together to defeat the virus.

However, the patience of Michiganders is beginning to wear thin. By extending her unilateral Stay at Home Order until June 12 and the State of Emergency until June 19, Governor Whitmer has yet again broken all three of the promises she made to the people of Michigan.

Michiganders had flattened the curve by mid-April. However, the governor keeps moving the goalposts to keep Michigan locked down. She claims its necessary to extend her orders to address a hypothetical second wave and contends if her lockdown ended, thousands more could die, and our hospitals will get overwhelmed.. Yet, Whitmer has failed to cite where this has happened, or show another of the notoriously flawed models she previously used to justify her decision making. But one thing is clear: she has no clear goal for the ending of her lockdown.

One would expect Governor Whitmer to provide residents with the data she promised to use to guide her decisions. But this promise, too, has proven worse than worthless. While the Whitmer administration did attempt to gather some pandemic data, they did it by breaking state law and handing a tracing contract to a Democrat political ally with no experience in public health. So far, little data has been offered to show the soundness of this latest lockdown extension.

However, it has gotten even worse for the people of Michigan due to her administrations poor decisions. The state did not keep track of over 1,000 nursing home deaths in metro Detroit, let alone in the rest of the state. This lack of oversight - combined with the governors lethal policy to lock in COVID-19 positive senior citizens with non-infected seniors - has cost an unknown number of lives. While family members were legally barred from visiting their loved ones, Governor Whitmer was sending infected seniors to facilities ill-equipped to care for them. This policy spread the virus to other residents and led to a horrific death toll among our most vulnerable citizens. The fact that the governor continues to place COVID-19 seniors in these facilities belies her claim that all of her decisions were made to save lives.

As Governor Whitmer casually breaks her promises to the people of Michigan, the devastating financial and personal consequences of her policies continue to ravage our state.

During this pandemic, the Trump administration is striving to help Michigan's entrepreneurs and businesses recover. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is providing up to $16.2 billion to more than 110,000 Michigan businesses. And another much needed round of PPP funding is protecting 948,000 jobs in Michigan.

But far from helping, the governor's continuing lockdown is bent upon making a desperate situation even worse.

In April, Michigans economy was devastated. Over a million Michigan citizens filed unemployment claims. The states jobless rate skyrocketed to 22%. Nearly 45% of small businesses closed. Currently, one in seven Michigan small businesses are not confident they will survive the pandemic.

While not providing any data to back her latest directive, the governor argues ending her lockdown too soon could cause thousands of deaths. But, in reality, the grim nursing home death toll, record-high unemployment, and shocking business closures tell us this: Governor Whitmers broken promises and disastrous policies will continue to inflict pain upon the people of Michigan.

We deserve better from our leaders.

Laura Cox is the Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and a former member of the Michigan House of Representatives
This news release should be read in conjunction with Amarillo Gold Corporations condensed interim consolidated financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Both are available at www.amarillogold.com, and under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.

TORONTO, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amarillo Gold Corporation (Amarillo or the Company) (TSX.V: AGC, OTCQB: AGCBF) today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Amarillo achieved several key corporate milestones in the first quarter of 2020.

The Feasibility Study (FS) for the Posse Gold Project in Brazil is nearly complete

SRK Consulting Pty Ltd (SRK), the lead author, is close to finalizing the study, which will include a resource update, mine plan, and financial model

Ausenco Limited has completed detailed engineering

GeoHydroTech Engenharia (GHT) has completed its study of tailings engineering, which are now dry stacking

Auramet International, LLC, is actively engaged in seeking construction financing, and interested parties are waiting for the results of the FS to be published

Project development at Mara Rosa

permitting  the License to Install for Posse was submitted in December 2019, and the water and deforestation permit applications were submitted in Q1 2020

land acquisition  573 hectares have been purchased or are under contract to purchase. Negotiations to purchase remaining 538 hectares are continuing with landowners

exploration  completed 3,000-metre drill program on northeastern extension of Posse Gold Deposit. Results showed potential to find near-surface gold deposits along its Posse North Gold Trend

Exploration at Lavras do Sul

3,000-metre drill program has been completed, and results are still pending

Completing the feasibility study for our Posse Gold Project at Mara Rosa is our immediate priority, said Mike Mutchler, Amarillos Chief Executive Officer. We look forward to releasing that in the coming week.

Story continues

Were continuing to push ahead with project development, even as we prepare to launch the feasibility study. After submitting the License to Install in December, we applied for water and deforestation permits during the quarter.

In the meantime, weve completed a diamond drill program at Mara Rosa that confirmed mineralization up to four kilometres northeast of the Posse Gold Deposit. With Posse remaining open at depth to the southwest, these mineralized targets to the northeast give us additional opportunities to expand the resources at Mara Rosa.

Financial results

The following table summarizes the Companys major operating expense categories for the first quarter of 2020 (Q1 2020) and 2019 (Q1 2019).

Three months ended March 31,

2020 2019 ($) ($) General and administrative (G&A) Consulting 60,714 57,900 Professional 204,410 167,424 Salaries/benefits and management fees 185,507 177,647 Directors fees 52,500 25,000 Marketing and promotion 32,459 70,282 Filing and transfer agent 27,850 11,055 Travel 9,625 7,706 Other G&A 70,539 73,884 Total G&A 643,604 585,898 Stock-based compensation  48,111 Financial advisory services 37,289  Foreign exchange gain (166,311 ) (15,864 ) Interest and finance charges 21,550 1,724 Net loss and comprehensive loss 536,132 619,869

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a loss of $536,132 (2019: $619,868).

Consulting fees of $60,714 in Q1 2020 (Q1 2019: $57,900) consisted of financial and technical advisory services paid to various consultants, marketing and investor relations consultants, and fees in Brazil.

Professional fees (including legal, audit, accounting and advisory) of $204,410 in Q1 2020 (Q1 2019: $167,424) consisted of $80,002 (Q1 2019: $49,393) in Canada and $124,408 (Q1 2019: $113,031) in Brazil. Professional fees in Canada increased by $30,609 mostly due to an increase in audit fees.

Marketing and promotion of $32,459 in Q1 2020 (Q1 2019: $70,282) declined due to less trade shows and travel mostly related to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Filing and transfer agent fees of $27,850 in Q1 2020 (Q1 2019: $11,050) increased due to the increase in filing fees related to the increase in outstanding shares and market capitalization.

Other general and administrative expenses of $70,539 in Q1 2020 (Q1 2019: $73,883) include $44,662 (Q1 2019: $61,873) related to operations in Brazil, and $25,877 (Q1 2019: $12,010) related to operations in Canada.

Stock-based compensation of $nil in Q1 2020 (Q1 2019: $48,111). There were no stock options granted in Q1 2020. The Q1 2019 stock compensation relates to unvested options granted in 2018.

Foreign exchange gain of $166,311 (Q1 2019: $15,864) was due mostly to the DNPM liability that is recorded in Brazilian reals. The decline in the value of the Brazilian reals relative to the Canadian dollar in Q1 2020 accounted for most of this foreign exchange gain.

Interest and finance charges of $21,550 (Q1 2019: $1,724) relate mostly to the accrual of interest on the DNPM liability.

About Amarillo

Amarillo Gold Corporation (www.amarillogold.com) is advancing two gold projects in Brazil. Both are in mining-friendly states and have excellent nearby infrastructure.

The development stage Posse Gold Project on its Mara Rosa Property in Goias State has received the main permit that provides social and environmental permission for mining. Work is underway on receiving the installation permit.

The advanced exploration stage Lavras do Sul Project in Rio Grande do Sul State has more than 22 prospects centered on historic gold workings.

Amarillo Gold Corporation trades on the TSXV under the symbol AGC, and on the OTCQB under the symbol AGCBF.

For further information, please contact

Mike Mutchler Annemarie Brissenden President & CEO Investor Relations 416-294-0736 416-844-6284 mike.mutchler@amarillogold.com annemarie.brissenden@amarillogold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Companys current expectations regarding future events, including its business, operations and condition, and managements objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions.

Various factors may prevent or delay our plans, including but not limited to, the trading price of the common shares of the Company, capital market conditions, impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, counterparty risk, TSXV approval(s), contractor availability and performance, weather, access, mineral and gold prices, and success and failure of the exploration and development carried out at various stages of the program.

Permission from the government and community is also required to proceed with future mining production. Readers should review the Companys ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Companys public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements.

Readers should also review the risk factors applicable to junior mining exploration companies generally to better understand the variety of risks that can affect the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any Forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/92c81653-ce75-48f4-8cc0-45a825a404e6
The total number of Tripuras Covid-19 positive cases increased to 269 within 24 hours after 17 fresh coronavirus positive cases were recorded on Saturday.

Of the 17 new Covid-19 cases, 15 people have returned from Maharashtra and two from Bangladesh.

A total of 798 people were tested today for Covid-19 out of which 17 people were found positive. Among them, 15 are returnees from Maharashtra and 2 are Bangladesh returnees, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb posted on Twitter.

A total of 10 Covid-19 positive cases were found on Friday of whom eight were Bangladesh returnees, one had returned from Gurugram and another person tested positive for the disease in the 86th Battalion of BSF.

According to the latest health department report, around 171 patients have recovered from Covid-19 in the state so far.

Tests on people returning to Tripura from different parts of the country and abroad are being done in a 1:5 ratio.

Currently, the state is conducting tests on 6,355 people per million, considered to be one of the highest testing rates throughout the country, state law minister Ratan Lal Nath had said recently.
Police on Saturday afternoon blocked the streets in and around downtown Harrisburg as the once-peaceful protest in the wake of George Floyds death turned violent.

Alexia Brown, a college student from the Harrisburg area who remained at the protest scene, described a fast escalating situation between protesters and police.

The peaceful protest has ceased. That part is over, she said. There was a march started along Front Street with a lot of cops...a lot of cops came out in riot gear and were being very aggressive to those marching.

Brown said that someone threw a brick at a police car, denting it.

From there theres been tear gas, children, adults being tear gassed, batons, a lot pushing and shoving, said Brown, who watched the scene near Forester from the steps of the Capitol.

Protesters meeting the police in front of the Capitol. Activists reminding people theyre not here for violence. pic.twitter.com/tYfDOgCgWv  Becky Metrick (@BeckyMetrick) May 30, 2020

Brown said she had not seen any counter rally, as some posts on social media seemed to have indicated.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania State Police cut short a press conference amid reports of the deteriorating situation in Harrisburg.

Lieutenant William Slaton, commander of the Pennsylvania State Police Heritage Affairs Section, several times was asked by members of the media to comment on reports that tear gas had been used against protesters in Harrisburg, but he stressed that since he was not on the scene, he did not have updated reports on the escalating situation.

We want to encourage everyone to protest in a peaceful manner, Slaton said as he wrapped up the conference just minutes after getting started.

The protest, which initially began from the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol on Saturday, saw mostly a peaceful gathering of several hundred people protesting the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died at the hands of police.

Unlike some protests around the country on Friday night, the racially-diverse Harrisburg demonstration which began at noon remained peaceful more than 90 minutes. By 3 p.m., though reports on social media were indicating that the scene had become violent. Some social media users posted photos of abrasions and bruises, which they said were as a result of clashes with police.

Brown said she was trying to get water and snacks to protesters; the water and snacks had been donated.

Its very scattered, she said of the crowd. But its definitely escalating.

The scene from the Harrisburg Capitol steps. pic.twitter.com/nwnv7EGbyH  Becky Metrick (@BeckyMetrick) May 30, 2020

PennLive will continue to update this report. There are reports of the protesters reconvening on the Capitol steps.

A police helicopter was circling the scene, people on the ground were reporting.

RELATED: Black Lives Matter organizer says people have been hit, as rally remembering George Floyd turns ugly in Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania State Police press conference that was canceled had been designed to update the media on what had up to then been peaceful protests across the state.

We want to remind Pennsylvanians to please continue to exercise their First Amendment right to protest in a peaceful manner, Slaton said.

Slaton noted that all the rallies in protest of the police-related death of Floyd had up to then been peaceful.

We would like to make sure they remain peaceful, he said.

Slaton said state police was aware of provocateurs and extremists who had entered peaceful protests and caused destruction, incited violence and committed criminal acts.

He said the majority of them are from outside the community, but go on to leave it with the destruction and reputation that the grieving communities do not deserve.

This is not who we are as Pennsylvanians and we are deeply sadden and troubled by Mr. Floyds death and we do not want the memory of his peaceful demeanor ..and giving nature to be overshadow by violence and destruction," Slaton said.

RELATED COVERAGE:

George Floyd case: Pa. police chiefs condemn officers knee-on-neck method seen in viral video

Violent protests over George Floyds death spread beyond Minneapolis

National Guard called to Minneapolis as protests against George Floyds death continue

Eagles Carson Wentz comments on death of George Floyd: Institutional racism in this country breaks my heart and needs to stop

Barack Obama calls for justice after protests over George Floyds death in police custody

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
US Department of Defence officials have ordered active-duty military police to "prepare to deploy" to Minneapolis in the wake of protests and unrest across the US following the police killing of George Floyd.

Donald Trump ordered Defence Secretary Mark Esper to ready units for rapid deployment on Friday, according to reports, as the president increasingly threatens demonstrators with violence and use of force as protests continue.

National Guard service members already have been deployed to Minneapolis after police clashes and buildings were set ablaze, including a police precinct, amid growing protests demanding justice for Mr Floyd, one of the most recent black men to die in police custody and whose death has galvanised calls for sweeping reforms and unleashed furious protests in cities across the US.

Military police units were deployed to Los Angeles in 1992 during riots that following the acquittal of four police officers involved in Rodney King's beating.

Minnesota's governor intends to fully activate the National Guard in the state for the first time in its history as he warned that accelerationist white supremacists are beginning to seize on to the protests.

More than 1,000 additional service members were activated on Saturday, supplementing 700 service members already on duty, according to the state's National Guard.

George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Show all 30 1 /30 George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police third precinct after a white police officer was caught on a bystander's video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester holds a sign with an image of George Floyd AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester throws a piece of wood on a fire in the street just north of the 3rd Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets People in other US cities also protested the murder, like Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A police officer lobs a canister to break up crowds Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester is treated after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Two police officers stand on the roof of the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters outside a Minneapolis police precinct two days after George Floyd died EPA George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters run from tear gas Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Demonstrators gather to protest in Los Angeles AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police remove barricades set by protesters AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the Third Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Flowers, signs and balloons are left near a makeshift memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A policeman faces a protester holding a placard in downtown Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A couple poses with a sign in Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I cant breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester reacts after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images

Tim Walz said the ongoing protests are no longer about Mr Floyd's death but are "about attacking civil society, instilling fear and disrupting our great cities", he said.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, four days after video captured the killing of Mr Floyd and Mr Chauvin's knee digging into his neck for several minutes while Mr Floyd was pinned to the ground.

Investigations are pending against three other officers who have also been dismissed from the force, while the Hennepin County attorney's office has focussed on pursuing "the most dangerous perpetrator", county attorney Mike Freeman said on Friday.

A detailed criminal complaint reveals that Mr Chauvin had his knee on Mr Floyd's neck for nearly three minutes after Mr Floyd was "non-responsive". Mr Chauvin was kneeling on Mr Floyd for nearly nine minutes.

Prosecutors said that "police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous".

Mr Floyd called out "I can't breathe", "mama", and "please".

"None of the three officers moved from their positions," prosecutors said.

A preliminary medical report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner found "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation" and claimed that "underlying health conditions ... likely contributed to his death" despite widely shared footage of Mr Chauvin's knee forced against Mr Floyd. The claim incensed protesters who have accused prosecutors and officials of downplaying Mr Floyd's death.

Furious protests continued in the city on Friday as buildings were set ablaze and vandalised.
Peterborough could gain more flexibility in reopening the economy and services from COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns after Premier Doug Ford announced Friday that provincial officials are mulling a regional approach to reopening.

Peterborough has one of the lowest COVID-19 rates in the province. As of Friday, Peterborough city and county and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations had a rate of 58.2 cases per 100,000 people less than a third of the provincial average is 201.7 cases per 100,000 people.

With Toronto having almost two thirds of the cases in Ontario and some rural regions having little to none, the regional model would change rules for local businesses in serving customers and clients again.

There may be more flexibility in Peterborough to move ahead with the different phases of recovery and to allow more service and businesses to be restored, medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra said.

But with the Kawarthas being cottage country, the region will still need to deal with people coming up from infection hot spots such as Toronto.

We had issues with differences in incidence rates for months now, this was an issue certainly with cottage owners coming from the GTA to their seasonal homes here in Peterborough, Salvaterra said.

We actually have been dealing with this for several weeks now and we have some recommendations and some advice that we have developed.

Continued testing for the COVID-19 virus and safety procedures will remain key as the economy reopens, said Stuart Harrison, president and CEO of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.

The safety and security of both employees and customers is being driven by the business owner and public health officials, Harrison said.

The protocols will be in place whether someone is coming from down the street or from out of town.

Reopening the economy, even in a regional format, will come with more testing, he said, and that should be reassuring for people who might be worried about others who are taking the COVID-19 threat seriously.

We are encouraged that this idea of regional reopening is accompanied by an expansion in testing and tracing which is a key part to a successful reopening, Harrison said.

Selwyn Township Mayor Andy Mitchell said hes still concerned about what the plan will look like moving forward.

Whatever plan is being suggested and going forward, it has to be designed in a way that it protects the health of our individual residents, Mitchell said.

That plan has to be looked at and commented on by medical professionals.

Fords comments came on the same day that Jason Lake, owner of the Minden 50s Diner on Highway 35 in Minden, defied the provinces state of emergency by reopening the restaurant to customers, risking a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to a year in jail under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Ukraine expects to receive the first tranche within the agreed Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in early June.

"We expect the signing of the agreement on the first tranche. The arrangement is designed for 18 months, loan [is provided] for five years. The sum is USD 5 billion. And this is a Stand-By Arrangement loan on fairly simplified terms, which will allow us to move calmly in overcoming the consequences of coronavirus crisis. We expect to receive the first tranche worth $1.9 billion on June 5-6. Then we expect to get $1.6 billion in autumn, and $1.5 billion already next year. This is a kind of support," Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said on the evening air of the Ukrayina TV channel on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

On Friday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. She said that the IMF Board would approve the first tranche of the agreed stand-by arrangement for the next 18 months in the near future. The interlocutors agreed that the transition to the stand-by arrangement greatly facilitates the allocation of financial support during the pandemic.

ol
Lori Van Buren/Times Union

TROY -- Rensselaer County will hold a food drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday May 30 at Hudson Valley Community College to support community-based food pantries throughout the county.

The food drive is seeking donations of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items. These will go to food pantries for future distribution.
China has replaced its promise of "one country, two systems" with "one country, one system" in Hong Kong.

China's parliament approved plans on Thursday to impose a security law in Hong Kong that would punish secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, and acts that endanger national security in Hong Kong.

Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong who has been demanded by the citizens of Hong Kong to resign, is excited for the implementation of China's national security law in Hong Kong. Lam showed "full support for establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security."

The last British colonial governor Chris Patten of Hong Kong called Carrie Lam a "sinner for a thousand years" for willingly participating in such a regime to promote the new law.

Carrie Lam was born and raised in Hong Kong but contradictorily, she is scraping away the democratic freedom she was brought up in when helping to impose such a law. Her actions are questionable and despised by the Hong Kong protestors to the point they listed her resignation as one of their key demands.

Hua Po, an independent political commentator based in Beijing said that China is motivated by fear of a younger Hong Kong generation that "does not agree with the political system of the Communist Party."

"If they lose control over Hong Kong, the impact on the Chinese mainland will be huge," Hua shared.

China's fear of being impacted by Hong Kong's democratic ideologies is what is driving their determined control over Hong Kong.
American military's most difficult task is defending the homeland against ballistic missiles, and with Russia having the ability to lob them has created plans for that defence.

One of the emphases placed in said defence system is the missile made to intercept ballistic missiles, even before they reach their targets, reported in Forbes.

Getting the technology to direct and guide missiles to interdict approaching ICBMS will be one of the most important factors to consider, especially when nuclear war is upon the world.

ICBMs are not easy to block, especially when in intercontinental distances that is not easy. There are problems with detecting them before they reach the target, and with decoys called penetrations that confuse tracking and interceptors.

It is not realistic to think that a missile can be stopped in flight. Instead, Washington will impress on adversaries that it will fire back without hesitation. Whether short or long-range rocket that comes from China, the US will fire back with assured nuclear annihilation.

Moscow or Beijing will not initiate any nuclear attack when aggression will bring a rain of nukes on their nations that is not desired at all.

No one will press the red button for fear of starting an irreparable nuclear conflict, worse than Nagasaki or Hiroshima in modern times.

North Korea may have nukes or not, but for Iran, it is yet to be seen. Another is their leaders may not be controllable, and they become a wild card for the most part.

Can they be trusted to keep the nuclear balance which all nations depend to stave off a nuclear war.

The emphasis of the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency is to concentrate on small missile assaults from smaller rogue states, compared to China or Russian that is unpredictable.

Also read: Kim Jong-Un Reappears: North Korea Wants New Policies for 'Nuclear War Deterrence'

What if a Russian or Chinese nuke is fired by accident?

Should Russia or Russia fire an ICBM purely by accident, a Ground-based Midcourse Defense the agency has a system that works with the army or navy to stop the warhead. Though with North Korea increasing nuclear capacity that will be a concern as the years progress ahead.

According to Pentagon tech chief Michael Griffin, there is a need forget about the Ground-Based Interceptor which can attack ICBMs according to BreakingDefense, but modernizing to the Next Generation Interceptor is the best option to consider, according to DefenseNews.

What the new system does is to have multiple kill vehicles as defined by CSIS that give the advantage of hitting a target more than once, not a single kill shot that Michael Griffin is suggesting as a better chance to kill a target at mid-flight. It seems the best option that the US missile defence has to succeed, even against North Korea shortly.

One problem about the defence strategy is the 49 threats that have to be dealt with. What needs to be done is to develop a system or technology that can deal with a spectrum. Now, there a risk of having an obsolete system that cannot deal with the threat.

America has come up with many solutions. But as of now, there is no working solution yet that would be best for medium and long-range missiles or to develop the best system for all.

Whatever the Pentagon has to defend against ballistic missiles, it has a Plan B but it takes planning coordination that should give the best system for defence.

Related article: Trump Administration Planning to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing to Counter Threats From Russia, China

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
This Week in Iran Policy

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

May 29, 2020



"President Trump's maximum pressure campaign has constrained and countered Iran in unprecedented ways. We have deprived the clerical rulers of vast amounts of revenue. We have disrupted their financial networks and their sectarian networks. Because of our pressure, Iran's leaders are facing a decision: either negotiate with us or manage economic collapse."

 Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook, , May 27

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL POMPEO ON KEEPING THE WORLD SAFE FROM IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM MAY 27, 2020

I am announcing the end of the sanctions waiver covering all remaining JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran  the Arak reactor conversion, the provision of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor, and the export of Iran's spent and scrap research reactor fuel. The sanctions waiver covering these activities will end following a final, 60-day wind-down period allowing companies and entities involved in these activities to cease their operations.

I am also announcing the designation of Majid Agha'i and Amjad Sazgar pursuant to E.O. 13382 for engaging or attempting to engage in activities that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Sazgar is the Managing Director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran entity responsible for the industrial-scale production of uranium enrichment gas centrifuge machines. In 2019, Sazgar managed and supervised the installation of centrifuges at Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment plant. Through these activities, Sazgar has contributed to Iran's continued provocative and destabilizing expansion of its nuclear capabilities. Agha'i has also been centrally involved in Iran's uranium enrichment centrifuge operations, and is a manager in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran subsidiary responsible for research and development of advanced centrifuges.

The Iranian regime has continued its nuclear brinkmanship by expanding proliferation sensitive activities. These escalatory actions are unacceptable and I cannot justify renewing the waiver for these JCPOA-related activities as a result. The regime's nuclear extortion will lead to increased pressure on Iran and further isolate the regime from the international community. Moreover, Iran's nuclear personnel need to make a choice  work for Iranian proliferation organizations and risk being sanctioned or put their skills to work for the Iranian people in pursuits outside of the proliferation realm.

As the waiver covering JCPOA-related activities comes to an end, the United States is providing a 90-day extension for the waiver covering ongoing international support to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 to ensure safety of operations. We will continue to closely monitor all developments in Iran's nuclear program and can modify this waiver at any time.

A regime that just days ago invoked "The Final Solution" and which regularly threatens to wipe Israel off the map must never obtain a nuclear weapon. The United States welcomes the international community's widespread condemnation of the regime's recent anti-Semitic statements. The regime's vile rhetoric only strengthens the international community's resolve to counter its threats.

SPECIAL BRIEFING ON KEEPING THE WORLD SAFE FROM IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM, MAY 27, 2020

BY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR IRAN AND SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR TO THE SECRETARY BRIAN HOOK AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND NONPROLIFERATION CHRISTOPHER FORD

MS ORTAGUS: Thank you so much, and thanks, everybody, for the second call of the day late in the afternoon  early evening I guess, at this point  appreciate everybody getting on.

Earlier today, as you saw, the Secretary announced his decision to end the sanctions waiver covering all remaining JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran, and also sanctioned two Iranian nuclear officials. As the Secretary noted, the Iranian regime has continued its nuclear brinkmanship by expanding proliferation-sensitive activities. This, of course, is a complicated and multifaceted decision, and we wanted to make sure and give you access to the best thinking behind it.

Which is why I'm joined today by our Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook, and our Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Chris Ford. Assistant Secretary Ford and Special Representative Hook will provide brief introductory remarks, and then we'll be able to answer your questions.

Please note that even though this call is on the record, the briefings are embargoed until the end of the call. Just a reminder to go ahead and get in our question queue, dial 1 and then 0. Brian first, then Chris.

MR HOOK: Thank you, Morgan. Today, Secretary Pompeo terminated the nuclear waiver for three remaining Iran nuclear-related projects. This includes the Arak reactor conversion, the provision of enriched uranium for the Tehran research reactor, and the export of Iran-spent and scrap research reactor fuel. The decision will take effect after a 60-day wind-down.

Secretary Pompeo extended a waiver for the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant for 90 days. International assistance a Bushehr predates the Iran nuclear deal. The Secretary retains the right to revoke or modify this waiver at any time. In light of the Iranian regime's ongoing expansion of its proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities, we cannot justify extending the waiver for these activities beyond the wind-down period.

In addition, Secretary Pompeo announced the designation of Amjad Sazgar and Majid Agha'i for supporting Iran's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

In 2019, Sazgar managed and supervised the installation of centrifuges at Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. He also managed uranium centrifuge activities that have contributed to Iran exceeding its enriched uranium stockpile in excess of its nuclear deal commitments. Agha'i has also been centrally involved in Iran's uranium enrichment centrifuge operations, and is a manager in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran subsidiary that is responsible for research and development of advanced centrifuges. As a result of this action today, these two individuals have been added to Treasury's SDN list.

We are taking these actions now because the regime continues to use its nuclear program to extort the international community. The Iranian regime's threats are designed to intimidate nations into accepting Iran's usual violent behavior for fear of something worse. We refuse to play by Iran's rules.

President Trump's maximum pressure campaign has constrained and countered Iran in unprecedented ways. We have deprived the clerical rulers of vast amounts of revenue. We have disrupted their financial networks and their sectarian networks. Because of our pressure, Iran's leaders are facing a decision: either negotiate with us or manage economic collapse.

Iran's economy is especially grim because the autocratic rule of the ayatollahs has proven to be an economic catastrophe for the Iranian people. Exports are down, the economy is in deep contraction, the budget  the government budget is facing unprecedented pressures it cannot fix, and access to foreign reserves is minimal. The United States will continue its successful strategy of maximum economic pressure and diplomatic isolation.

At the same time, we will deny Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon. Just recently, Iran's supreme leader publicly invoked the "final solution," which is to endorse the Nazi policy of genocide against the Jews. His regime was condemned widely, as it should be, but it underscores the very real threat this regime poses. No country that threatens to annihilate Israel or any nation should be allowed the means to do so. The United States stands with Israel and many other partners around the world in ensuring Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. We have taken another step in that direction today with our decisions regarding Iran's nuclear program.

I will now turn it over to my colleague, Acting Under Secretary Chris Ford.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: Thanks, Brian. I don't have much to add, but I do want to remind the listeners of the trajectory that this has come along over the last year or so. As you all recall, there were basically quite a larger number of projects that had begun under the JCPOA for which U.S. waivers were in place, and those waivers have gradually been taken down one by one with this as the latest step in that progression. As you might recall, there were  there was originally a U.S. sanction waiver applying to Iran's production and export of heavy water, for which it has no use but which it has continued to produce, a project that originally began in connection with the effort to build a plutonium production reactor moderated by heavy water.

There was also a waiver for a uranium swap mechanism under which the Iranians were  designed to allow the Iranians to continue to produce low-enriched uranium without exceeding their JCPOA caps because as they would come up to that cap it could be swapped out abroad for natural uranium that was not so enriched. There was also a waiver that applied to a project at a place called Fordow which was to permit the construction of a stable isotope project using uranium  or using centrifuges, not using uranium  using centrifuges in that project in one of the tunnels that Iran had dug into a mountain some years before as part of its illicit nuclear weapons effort. There was also  there were also a number of additional waivers that were in place for a while; the remainder of them are now coming off. As Brian mentioned, there is fuel supply for the Tehran research reactor, a scrap removal provision for the Tehran research reactor, and a project for the redesign of the Arak nuclear reactor. Those last three are now coming off with the 60-day wind-down that Brian mentioned.

We are, however, continuing, as he indicated, to keep in place our willingness to allow safety and other operations work in connection with the first unit at the Bushehr nuclear reactor, as well as fuel supply and fuel take-back for that reactor. But as we clarified a couple of rounds ago in this, our sanctions waiver does not extend to work on any additional units that might be constructed at Bushehr. We are willing to continue countenancing the Bushehr reactor, but we are not of the view that Iran should be getting any additional nuclear reactors.

So that's the (inaudible) of the waiver progression, the latest step of which is being announced today.

With regard to the two individuals that Brian mentioned on whom sanctions are going to be imposed, I should note that these are State Department authorities that we are using under Executive Order 13382, and that the Treasury Department is probably even as we speak taking steps to add those two gentlemen to the list of specially designated nationals under the U.S. sanctions authority.

That's all I've got, and I'm sure we will be happy to try to answer your questions as best we can.

MS ORTAGUS: Great, thanks so much, Chris and Brian. We  again, just dial 1 and 0 if you want to get in the queue, and I think up first we have Courtney McBride, Wall Street Journal.

QUESTION: Thanks. How long does the administration think it would take Iran to go back to the prior configuration for the Arak reactor after this wind-down period? And then separately, have there been any efforts to coordinate with the E3 on an arms embargo, and what work has been going on on the draft that the administration has circulated that you've referred to previously, Brian? Thanks.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: Shall I go first, Brian?

MR HOOK: Chris, you want to take  yeah, you go first, I'll take the second one.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: The Arak reactor project  our assessment at this point is that going back to the original design would take them quite a few years and a great deal of money that, frankly  for the reasons that Brian outlined  frankly they don't have right now. It's also not entirely clear they have the expertise in-country to do this on their own. There have been persistent rumors that they may have gotten some foreign assistance the first time around, and we would obviously have a high priority to ensure that that did not occur if they were to try to go back to that original design. But it would take a great deal of time.

They originally started talking about this reactor in the early 2000s, and they were all over the map in terms of projecting an operational date. It was reported at one point that they would be going up in the late 2000s. That obviously didn't occur. It actually wasn't terribly advanced at the time of the nuclear deal, and at this point it is even less advanced because the calandria at the reactor vessel core has been, as part of the redesign project, extracted and filled with concrete. So they would be starting from scratch, and this would take them quite a bit of time. It's also worth pointing out that going for a  trying to produce a plutonium production reactor in Iran would be an extraordinarily provocative thing to do, in addition, of course, to taking lots of time and costing lots and lots of money.

So far, Iran has been notably measured in building up its nuclear capabilities, even in  even though these are violations of its JCPOA commitments. Iran does not seem to wish to antagonize the remaining participants in the JCPOA  the European 3, Russia, and China. They don't want to provoke a full snapback of UN Security Council sanctions and a complete resumption of full-bore international economic pressures upon the Iranian regime. And so it's been fairly measured in its responses even on other aspects, and so going back to the full-scale pursuit of a plutonium production reactor would be an extraordinary provocation that I think is relatively unlikely for them to undertake even if they had the money with which to do so. And it's also true that no one can forget what happened the last time someone tried to build a plutonium production reactor in the Middle East, in Syria, which was of course destroyed by the Israelis in 2007.

MR HOOK: I know you also asked about the arms embargo. President Rouhani recently went on television and declared that, quote, "Iran will give a crushing response if the arms embargo on Tehran is extended." This is yet another example of how the Iran nuclear deal has failed to moderate the regime. We believe the Security Council has to reject Rouhani's extortion. We will  we are pressing ahead with diplomacy. We are working methodically to build support in the Council to extend the embargo. We have drafted a resolution, we certainly hope it will pass, and our efforts are focused on securing passage in the Council. I don't have anything to say about confidential bilateral discussions with our European allies other than to say that they continue.

MS ORTAGUS: Great, thanks. Now next in the queue we have John Hudson, Washington Post.

QUESTION: Hi, thanks a lot. One question just for Brian. You mentioned the recent statement from Iran that  as evidence that the Iran nuclear deal hasn't moderated the regime, but I mean, at what point do you begin taking ownership for how Iran is responding? Because obviously the Trump administration's Iran policy has been in place for a long time, and it seems like there's some selective picking and choosing about what is a result of the maximum pressure campaign and what is a lingering result of the Obama administration nuclear deal. And I was just wondering, the second question, what was the reaction like from European officials when you guys consulted with them on this decision?

MR HOOK: Don't have anything to say about discussions with allies, which are confidential and should remain so. I am in regular touch with my E3 counterparts. On the first question, it is true to say that the Iran nuclear deal did not moderate the Iranian regime's behavior, and that was one of the premises  you can see it in the preambular language of the Iran nuclear deal itself  that the deal would contribute to regional peace and stability. Instead, we have seen the Iran nuclear deal come at the expense of peace and stability in the Middle East because it gave an incentive for nations to look the other way on Iran's non-nuclear threats, which include ballistic missile testing, missile and rocket proliferation, regional aggression, and hostage taking.

We put in place a policy after a comprehensive review of Iran's threats  and this is early on in the administration  and we then put in place an entirely new approach to Iran that is the right formula of maximum pressure, diplomatic isolation, and credible military deterrent. These are the three necessary ingredients to have a successful Iran policy, and we have been unwavering in our commitment to implementing that. And as a consequence, the regime, by most economic metrics, is much weaker today than it was three years ago. That's, as I said in my earlier remarks, largely a function of the mismanagement of the economy by successive ayatollahs, but it's also because our sanctions have really dried up the revenue that the regime historically would otherwise spend supporting its proxies in the gray zone across the Middle East.

So we have never claimed to have eliminated Iran's asymmetric capabilities. That is the nature of modern terrorism. There is always that asymmetric capability, and terrorism on the cheap is not something that anybody, any nation can eliminate. But we have deterred and disrupted Iranian operations now for a number of years, and the regime is facing its worst economic crisis in its 41-year history. President Rouhani himself said that our sanctions have cost the regime $200 billion. And they understand our strategy. They're not used to being told no. They don't like our policy. But to us, that's just another metric that it's working.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: If I could add to that, one could argue about the degree to which their behavior has been moderated in kind, but I think it is quite clear that it has been constrained to some really non-trivial and quite important degree in practice. That $200 billion that Brian mentioned is no trivial sum, and it wasn't that long ago, if you'll recall, that Iranian sort of adventurous proxies in the Middle East were  would brag to the media about all the limitless supplies of support, of money that they were getting from the Iranian regime.

But in the last year or so they've changed their tune, and there have been some  actually, you can look this up online if you'd like  there have been some very public complaints about how those sources of funding have been dramatically cut back in recent months. So I think Iran's ability to act upon its still unfortunately demonstrably bad intentions has been much more constrained than before. We are forcing them to make tradeoffs they didn't have to make, and I think unless and until they come to the table to negotiate the kind of solution that we need with them, that will certainly continue, but forcing them to make those tradeoffs is, I think, very much a good thing for peace and stability in the Middle East.

MS ORTAGUS: Great. Thanks, guys. Next we have Lara Jakes, New York Times.

QUESTION: As I understand it, allowing the work on these three sites had given international companies and officials more kind of eyes-on visibility on what was happening inside. And I'm just wondering, in that way, doesn't this decision remove those safeguards that sought to ensure that Iran couldn't violate the deal?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: I wouldn't say that these particular projects provided any particular visibility. The  were there to have been scrap removal from the TRR, that would have been a one-time transaction to bring out some bits and pieces of metal. The fuel supply has actually already taken place, and the TRR is already in no need of fuel for quite some time to come, potentially for years depending upon the burn rate that they have the reactor at. And as for the Arak project, it hasn't progressed so far beyond really what is more than a glorified series of committee meetings. So I think actually, the delta there that you're referring to is really quite negligible.

What is important is the continued visibility provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency and its safeguards inspectors into what the Iranian nuclear program is doing. And we are, of course, strongly committed to continuing to support the IAEA and make sure that the rest of the international community joins as one in voicing support for the IAEA doing its job and making it very clear that Iran has legal obligations to allow IAEA inspectors to have access and get the information that they need in order to do that job, and that when Iran denies those access requests and those requests for information, as it has been doing, as the director general of the agency has reported to the board of governors in Vienna, it's incumbent upon all of us to make sure that the integrity of the safeguard system is preserved.

But that's the visibility that is critical here, and I hope that despite Iranian denials of access and information, we can all pull together and make sure that the signal is sent to them that they do not and must not have the option of treating their legal obligations and their safeguards obligations as options.

MS ORTAGUS: Great, thank you. We have Andrea Mitchell, NBC.

QUESTION: Hi there, thanks for doing this. Just looking forward, how much is Iran's aggressive behavior militarily playing into this, and how much is it the nuclear proliferation? I mean, how are you disaggregating the issues that have led you to this state  this stage?

MR HOOK: Let me just give a brief answer and then ask Chris. We have  from the very beginning, we have not siloed Iran's threats to peace and security. What we've done is take a comprehensive approach to all of them, and we seek a truly comprehensive deal, not comprehensive in name only  a truly comprehensive deal that addresses Iran's nuclear threats, missile, regional aggression, the hostage taking.

And so I can't say that there is, Andrea, one particular sort of motive for these actions today. It's a comprehensive approach that we have always taken, and we work across various platforms in the State Department and across the interagency to have a very synchronized and coordinated approach. We think that by doing it in this way and not putting all of our chips on one aspect  sort of one threat that Iran presents  it's been a much more successful effort.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: Sure. I wouldn't add much to that except to point out that while there were  some of the  these projects had a direct potential impact upon increasing Iran's level of nuclear knowledge in ways that we thought were not proliferation responsible, such as the excuse that the fuel swap  the very first of the waivers  one of the first waivers to come off  the excuse that the fuel swap gave them to continue enrichment activity that we felt they had no business being involved in doing in the first place; the heavy water program, for example. There's no use for that in Iran, so it was simply a way for the Iranian nuclear industry to make some money and to help keep some of its people employed. That wasn't a project we felt it was worth associating ourselves with. There were concerns about in various ways  the ways in which these projects could over time increase the aggregate amount of Iranian nuclear knowledge.

But the fundamental point is really more basic than that. It is simply that as a point of principle, at a time when Iran has been building up their capabilities in ways that we consider to be very provocative and destabilizing, we simply  I think it was the Secretary's decision very clearly to dissociate ourselves from being willing to countenance that kind of engagement.

MS ORTAGUS: Thanks, Chris and Brian. We are at the end of our question queue. We would have time for one more if anyone else gets in the queue. You dial 1 and 0. Ruben, do we have anyone else that's jumped on for a question?

MR HARUTUNIAN: Arshad Mohammed, Reuters.

MS ORTAGUS: Great.

QUESTION: Hi. Two questions. One: Why not terminate the waiver that allows the Russians to continue to work on Bushehr? I get that the Bushehr project predates the JCPOA, but the Bushehr project has also been a matter of concern for successive U.S. governments for more than a decade. Why not just cut that off?

And secondly, you both have made repeated reference to Iran's increasing its nuclear activities. Is it not the case, though, that much of if not all of that activity has been undertaken after the U.S. decision to withdraw from the JCPOA? So on the one hand you say you wish to dissociate yourselves from that activity pursued by Iran, but on the other hand one could (inaudible).

MS ORTAGUS: Arshad, we lost you for a second.

MR HOOK: We probably heard enough to have Chris take a swing at the answer.

MS ORTAGUS: Okay. Go ahead.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: Sure. With respect to Bushehr, I mean, I should point out that we are  what we are not announcing this week is that we will absolutely never, under any circumstances, change our course with respect to activities at that reactor. These are on a 90-day cycle. When the next cycle comes around, the Bushehr waiver will be examined as before on its merits, and we may or may not change course at that time. So I wouldn't want to prejudge or assume any (inaudible) the Secretary in advance of decisions that are actually made at the time on the basis of the facts of the moment.

So why not Bushehr? We are continuing to assess the situation there. At the moment, we are willing to countenance operations there for purposes of safety and reactor operation  probably a good thing for there not to be a reactor incident in Iran  and also with respect to spent fuel supply  sorry, spent fuel take-back and fuel supply, to make sure that there is no reason for Iran to be claiming a need to enrich for Bushehr and no opportunity to use spent fuel to  for the purposes of separating plutonium from it, which could be of course redirected to a nuclear weapons program.

So for the moment we're perfectly happy with the Bushehr project going forward, although I would stress, as we made clear earlier, that our waiver does not apply to the construction of additional reactors. So one is plenty. Iran doesn't even really need that one, but it does exist and we want to make sure that it remains safe and doesn't contribute to proliferation problems. But we will look in 90 days' time at all the facts  the totality the facts are going to be, and make that decision at that point. Thanks.

MS ORTAGUS: Well, thanks, everybody. That comes to the conclusion of our briefing. Thank you so much for dialing in on this evening and we will speak to you soon. Have a great one.

MR HOOK: Thank you.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FORD: Thanks, everyone.



Notable Tweets:

@SecPompeo May 27

Today, I am ending the sanctions waiver for JCPOA-related projects in Iran, effective in 60 days. Iran's continued nuclear escalation makes clear this cooperation must end. Further attempts at nuclear extortion will only bring greater pressure on the regime.

@SecPompeo May 27

I am also sanctioning two leaders of Iran's nuclear enrichment program  Majid Agha'i and Amjad Sazgar. Iran's scientists need to make a choice: pursue peaceful work outside of the proliferation realm, or risk being sanctioned.

@statedeptspox May 27

We are standing up to Iran's nuclear extortion by ending the sanctions waiver on JCPOA projects in Iran and sanctioning two leaders of Iran's nuclear program. Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






CYNTHIA CHANDRAN By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nurses from Kerala have always been in great demand world over. Now during COVID-19, more than 55 nurses from the state are flying to New Delhi from Kochi on Sunday evening and the following morning, they will be airborne to Ireland in Air India's special flight as part of Vande Bharat mission.

Thirty-year-old Teena Mathew was supposed to fly to Ireland on April 9. With Irish visa valid for only three months, Teena was in panic mode wondering when she would be able to fly. But when she came to know of Air Indias Vande Bharat mission to Ireland, she immediately changed her tickets to Monday. Teena has got a job offer from a private nursing home with the help of her sister-in-law, Soumya Mathew, who is working with the Health Service Executive of Ireland.

"After a long wait, now things are falling into a groove. I will be taking the Indigo flight from Kochi on Sunday evening to New Delhi. On Monday morning, I will board Air Indias Vande Bharat mission flight to Ireland which is going for the evacuation of stranded Indians there," said Teena who has over five years of experience as a nurse.

She said that Air Indias special flight will be carrying several stranded Malayali nurses from Kerala to Ireland who couldnt fly back with airline services coming to a halt due to the lockdown. After reaching Ireland, Teena will be on 14-day quarantine after which she will be appearing for theory and practical exams conducted by the Irish private nursing home. Only then will she be provided a work permit.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- When the University of California decided to phase out its SAT and ACT admissions requirement last week, I danced a little jig.

The decision by the California university system, which has 285,000 students, was based on concerns that standardized tests are unfair to poor and minority students. It followed similar decisions by a number of other universities, including Indiana University and University of North Carolina, as well as smaller selective colleges. The University of Chicago, which made standardized tests optional two years ago, recently boasted that it had significantly boosted the number of first-generation and low-income students, as well as those from rural backgrounds.

Its a big step forward, and not only for reasons of diversity and fairness. My own experience as a college professor who helps select students for a rigorous honors program has convinced me that there are better ways than tests to find students with the greatest hunger for learning and the most talent to put it to good use. But I also worry that colleges will replace testing with some other flawed shortcut instead of embracing improvements that wont work without expenditures of money and time.

My observations square with recent data at many universities showing that grade-point averages are a better predictor of college graduation than standardized tests. Indeed, at the City University of New York, which boasts relatively high SAT scores for admitted freshman, half the graduating class is made up of transfer students, many from community colleges, whose SAT scores were not included in their applications; CUNY also is considering eliminating the SAT and ACT requirement.

Shifting to new criteria is likely to make college admissions more chaotic in the short term. Standardized tests relieve admissions departments of time-consuming and expensive tasks like sifting through transcripts and reading essays, which universities, strained by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, can ill afford to take on.

Story continues

If public universities, especially, are serious about developing more robust and equitable admissions criteria, they will need to broaden their criteria for admissions, and find better ways to evaluate applicants. They must also avoid the temptation to fall back on the kinds of open-admissions policies that, in New York City, saw the dilution of admission standards in the 1970s, and jeopardized the universitys reputation.

Two years ago, I was invited to evaluate applications for CUNYs Macaulay Honors College. What I learned from that experience is that subjective measures, especially student essays and recommendations, can be powerful tools for identifying the most promising students. Of course, I soon realized that the applicants I was asked to evaluate had been pre-screened for their grades and SAT scores, meaning that only high-performing students were in the pool. I also saw that there was no discernible difference between students scoring in, say, the low 600s or the high 700s, or even students with perfect grade-point averages and those with a few low marks. So I eliminated test scores from consideration and ignored marginal differences in GPAs.

That meant essays, teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities would be key to my recommendations.

Each year I was paired with a colleague from another department; both years, we agreed almost entirely on which of the 40-or-so applicants we were assigned to evaluate most deserved our recommendation. SAT scores had nothing to do with our decisions.

Our favorite students fell into two categories: First, a small percentage of stellar graduates of religious and selective public schools, whose interests and activities stood out from the crowd; second, students from traditional public schools whose essays and resumes were not nearly as polished, but who showed intellectual curiosity and grit.

From essays and recommendations, I was drawn to a young woman whose father had abandoned her family, but who had found purpose and leadership opportunities in wrestling. There was a young man with Tourettes syndrome who excelled at school and had built an impressive list of volunteer gigs despite having a mother described as cruel in at least one teacher recommendation. A yeshiva student caught my attention with a compelling essay about the tradeoffs between paying taxes and philanthropic giving.

In my Baruch classrooms, too, Ive discovered that the students who shine  often the plucky public-school kids  are those who develop an intellectual passion and who would have fared well if measured by my impromptu Macaulay admissions criteria.

The close reading of Macaulay applications, including essays and recommendations, was done by volunteer faculty  a model difficult to replicate university wide. In 2019, Baruch College read 750 Macaulay applications culled from more than 3,600 total applications, and aimed to fill 100 slots. (In total, eight CUNY colleges accept about 520 Macaulay honors students annually.) While nationwide, essays and recommendations are still given more weight than test scores in overall college admissions, thats not true of public colleges. For example, Baruch College typically receives 25,000 undergraduate applications, and essays and recommendations are typically read only for honors-college applicants and those at the cutoff margins as determined by grades and tests. (The school had 15,482 undergraduates in the 2019/2020 school year.) Even if the admissions office could reduce the applicant pool by a quarter based on GPAs, it would still have to plow through over 6,000 applications.

Phasing out standardized tests would mean a greater focus on GPAs, as well as finding better ways to use algorithms to analyze high school transcripts. That could include zeroing in on students who may have begun with weak grades, but improved over time; analyzing extracurriculars for stick-to-itivneness to filter out kids who sign up for a flurry of activities in the run-up to college applications; and identifying the most competitive courses  though here, again, colleges will have to be careful not to exclude promising students who attend high schools that dont offer advanced classes.

High schools also will need to make changes. My stint as a Macaulay admissions volunteer showed that many teachers either dont know their students well or dont know how to write effective evaluations. And school counselors, whose jobs involve far more than college applications, are overburdened.

To build the strongest cohort, colleges will need to invest in the staff and training needed to wade through countless essays and recommendations so they can make sound judgments. They will also need to work with high schools to make sure they provide a more holistic picture of their graduates.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andrea Gabor, a former editor at Business Week and U.S. News & World Report, is the Bloomberg chair of business journalism at Baruch College of the City University of New York and the author of "After the Education Wars: How Smart Schools Upend the Business of Reform."

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
OWOSSO, MI -- A Shiawassee County Ciruit Court judge has reversed his decision to allow an Owosso barber to continue business as usual amid the CODID-19 pandemic.

Judge Matthew Stewart ordered Owosso barber Karl Manke to immediately cease all business operations, Friday, May 29.

Mankes business shall be locked and closed until the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director rescinds a May 8, imminent danger and abatement order, the court order states.

Stewart had previously ruled against the state of Michigans request for the injunction to close Mankes shop, a battle that has drawn nationwide attention and support for the barber from those frustrated by Whitmers executive orders requiring certain businesses to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Steward was ordered by the Michigan Court of Appeals Thursday, May 28, to issue a preliminary injunction that would immediately shut down Owosso barber Karl Manke.

The Court of Appeals order says in part, The statute authorizes the (state health) director to issue orders to abate imminent dangers ... upon a determination that an imminent danger to the health or lives of individuals exists in this state ... This expansive power easily encompasses the closing of defendants barbershop. Thus, once the Governor declared a public health emergency, the Legislature determined that it was up to the (Department of Health and Human Services) to issue orders protecting the public health.

Accordingly, in order to challenge the exercise of that authority, (Manke) had to present evidence that (the state) overstepped the statutory boundaries. (Manke) failed to present any evidence to rebut the (states) conclusion that operation of the barbershop posed a serious public health danger, the decision says.

Manke, 77, reopened his barber shop on May 4 in defiance of the governors executive order that closed barber shops and salons across the state.

Attorneys for Manke filed an appeal to the states highest court Thursday, asking the justices to invalidate a state Court of Appeals decision this week.

We were astounded that the Court of Appeals majority would issue a decision that so clearly violates the law and court rules. We applaud Judge (Brock A.) Swartzle for his commitment to adhere to the rule of law," Attorney David A. Kallman said in a news release. "This appeal to the Supreme Court will allow Mr. Manke to be heard so that he can continue to exercise his constitutional right to speak out and earn a living and to keep his barber shop open in a safe and responsible manner.

After the Court of Appeals decision, Nessel said in a written statement that the coronavirus pandemic has demanded we take appropriate measures to mitigate actions that pose a threat to the public. Protecting lives must now, and always, be the states first priority.

Kallmans statement says the Court of Appeals order was entered in violation of state Supreme Court Rules that require such a reversal of a trial judge to have unanimous approval by all three judges on the panel.

The filings with the Supreme Court say the state has failed to show Mankes barbering is a cause of illness as required by the law.

This case is about forced compliance with unchecked executive authority under the guise of public health, Mankes emergency application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court says. "The states real intent is about persecuting a barber for protesting an unlawful imminent danger and abatement order based upon illegitimate executive orders.

The states entire case rests upon fear, speculation and hyperbole. Rather than providing evidence of infection being spread by Mr. Manke, the state just repeatedly proclaims the general dangers from the COVID-19 virus. We live in a free country whose Constitution remains relevant and in force, even during a pandemic.

Read more:

Owosso barber asks Michigan Supreme Court to let him keep cutting hair

Michigan Court of Appeals orders Owosso barbers shop to close

Owosso barber to stay open after judge rules against state

State agency suspends license of Owosso barber who defied coronavirus order closing non-essential businesses
CADILLAC  On Friday, Huron-Manistee National Forest officials announced they would begin opening facilities and providing services at trailheads and river access sites and will begin opening developed campgrounds as circumstances allow, in coordination with local, state and federal health guidelines.

Group campsites and facilities at Lumbermans Monument Visitor Center will remain closed until further notice. For a full list of open areas and up-to-date information, visit the Huron-Manistee National Forests website.
Companies in Vietnam say they are having a difficult time navigating through regulations on allowing key foreign experts to enter the country amid closed borders due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to data from the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, more than 25,000 experts and skilled workers from abroad had been unable to return to work in Vietnam as of the end of March due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

Among them, nearly 8,500 were foreign experts needed for transport and electricity projects and for key positions in foreign direct investment (FDI) companies like South Korean electronics producers Samsung and LG.

As Vietnam gradually resumes economic activities in the new normal after basically pushing back COVID-19, foreign investors, experts, skilled workers, business managers, and officials have been allowed to enter the country given they comply with its quarantine regulations.

The regulations, however, have proven to be major stumbling blocks for companies as there are several inadequacies in the implementation of these requirements.

According to a representative of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council in Vietnam, many enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City have been confused by the citys guidelines for granting entry to international experts, which were rolled out in what they described as a tardy manner.

The official said that although the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee had given the guidelines to the citys labor department on Monday this week, it was not until Thursday that the information was made known to companies, which had been longing for the news.

Workers work at a Samsung plant in Vietnam. Photo: T.V.N. / Tuoi Tre

Despite some companies willingness to charter private flights to bring their experts to Vietnam to ensure COVID-19 safety, they are told to wait for another two weeks, the representative complained.

A company based outside of Ho Chi Minh City had to wait 20 days to have its proposal for some key experts to be allowed to enter Vietnam approved as the local authorities wanted to wait for similar proposals from other companies to review them at the same time, according to Nguyen Minh Ke, chairman of the Vietnam Aluminum Association.

The companys quarantine plans for the experts were rejected twice by the local health department, which said the plans did not meet standards.

After a plan was finally approved, the province made a change to its policy by requiring that all experts be brought to a centralized quarantine camp, rendering the companys internal quarantine plan redundant.

All this happened while the business had shuttered most activities for months and needed experts badly to resume production, Ke said.

The Korean Chamber of Commerce recently said in a report that the Ho Chi Minh Citys labor department has suspended the issuance of new work permits to foreign workers, which hinders production at FDI companies in the city.

Specialists work at Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. Photo: D.Trong / Tuoi Tre

Labor officials, on the other hand, said work permit was not a major issue in preventing foreign experts coming in.

Nguyen Thi Quyen, deputy director of the employment department under the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, said that experts who work for less than 90 days in the country do not need work permits.

What are making things difficult, she said, could be immigration hassles involving the Ministry of Public Security and the verification of health status and quarantine process, which concerns the Ministry of Health.

Although Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved granting entry to foreign experts to restart business operations, administrative hassles are creating difficulties for companies, said Pham Thi Ngoc Thuy, a member of the prime ministers Advisory Council for Administrative Procedures Reform who focuses on promoting the private sector.

The immigration department under the Ministry of Public Security should provide clear guidelines on what businesses need to do to get their experts in so as to cut costs and save time, she said.

Clear guidelines will attract more foreign investors to Vietnam amid the shifting of supply chains that is happening in the wake of the pandemic, she added.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Chinese President Xi Jinping is so nervous about the position of the Communist Party that he is risking a new Cold War and imperiling Hong Kongs position as Asias preeminent financial hub, the last British governor of the territory told Reuters.

Chris Patten said Xis thuggish crackdown in Hong Kong could trigger an outflow of capital and people from the city which funnels the bulk of foreign direct investment into mainland China.

What does it mean? It means serious question marks not just about Hong Kongs future as a free society but also about Hong Kongs ability to continue as probably the premier international financial hub in Asia, Patten said in an interview.

A lot of people will try to leave Hong Kong, Patten said, adding that he feared capital would also flow out of the territory which Britain handed back to China in 1997.

The West, he said, should stop being naive about Xi.

We have long since passed the stage where, without wanting another Cold War, we have to react to the fact Xi seems to want one himself, seems to want to be able to bully his way to whatever he thinks China wants, Patten said.

Patten, now 76, watched as the British flag was lowered over Hong Kong when the colony was handed back to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule - imposed after Britain defeated China in the First Opium War.

Hong Kongs autonomy was guaranteed under the one country, two systems agreement enshrined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration signed by then Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus on Saturday called for the states crime commission to take action to reduce racism in the criminal justice system.

The statement released by the 23-member black caucus said action is appropriate as they mourn Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, whose death last week sparked protests across the country.

This morning as black Americans around our country rose for another day, the pain we feel at the loss of more black lives is immeasurable. This infliction of pain cannot go on, a statement from the caucus said. Mass protests and unrest are happening all around us, and the message from this unrest is loud and clear. Now more than ever reform must happen.

The black caucus said all government leaders must call out racism, and that its important for the crime commission to have people whove long torn down institutional racism in the criminal justice system as its leaders.

The statement also said the VLBC supports recommendations and actions suggested by the State of Minnesotas Working Group on Police-Involved Deadly Force.
Elyssa Wells and others protest Thursday on Grand Avenue downtown, defying police orders to leave the area. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

For millions who've watched it since Monday, George Floyd's final plea to the Minneapolis police officer now charged with his murder was an echo of Eric Garner's dying words: "I can't breathe."

For the second time in six years, those words have become a rallying cry for protesters across the country, including hundreds in Los Angeles, where demonstrators stopped traffic on the 101 Freeway on Wednesday evening and again on Friday.

But for some black Angelenos, footage of Floyd's killing and the civil unrest that has followed in Minneapolis are also painful reminders of a much older tape. Nearly 30 years after the police beating of Rodney King, the rage and despair remain familiar  but hope for justice has ebbed.

"I don't feel better, and it troubles me to say that," said Kerman Maddox, a public affairs consultant who lived near the epicenter of the uprising in 1992 and covered the riots as a reporter in South L.A. "Its worse today than it was back then."

Disturbing as it was, Maddox said the Rodney King tape had felt briefly revelatory  at last, he and others believed, white Americans would be forced to confront how police treated black men.

"My first response was, finally someone caught it on videotape," Maddox said. "Some of us had been the victim of that ourselves, but there was never a camera. We thought, finally were going to get justice, because its clear whats going on, its clear as the nose on your face."

Even after a Simi Valley jury found the officers not guilty, Maddox consoled himself that the riots would make such police violence singular.

"When you saw the destruction after, you thought people got the message, and this will never happen again," Maddox said. "But it happens over and over and over again and nothing seems to change. Nothing seems to get better."

Watching the civil unrest in Minneapolis, he said he felt the same pain and rage as when his neighborhood was ripped apart around him in 1992. But as the father of a teenage boy, that outrage is now shot through with terror.

Story continues

"Back then, they used to beat the crap out of us, but they didnt kill us," he said. "Now when my 13-year-old son goes to the park, I worry ... is someone going to call the cops on him?"

U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) was already working on police misconduct through the Community Coalition, her South L.A. social justice organization, when video of Rodney King being beaten surfaced. In an interview Friday, she recalled widespread hope that the tape would mark a turning point for communities like hers.

"I remember feeling that  it was visceral," the congresswoman said. "With the invention of the video camera, we were sure we would finally get justice. Since then theres been I don't know how many recordings of black people being shot in the back, shot when they are running. In the overwhelming majority of cases, officers were either not charged or not convicted."

On Friday, former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder in connection with Floyd's killing. But videos of the incident appear to show several officers standing by as Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck, and Bass said they too must be arrested and held responsible.

"These officers stood and assisted in the commission of a crime, they deserve to be arrested too," Bass said.

In the meantime, she urged her constituents not to lose hope.

"In spite of how we feel, we have to soldier on," she said. "I want to see despair expressed in action that moves things forward."

That's the message Dominique DiPrima has emphasized to callers this week on her early morning talk radio show on KJLH. The longtime Angeleno was still living in her native Bay Area when the verdict was handed down in 1992, but she remembered protesting in the streets of San Francisco.

Since then, she said, police violence has been "a constant conversation" in her work.

"What Im hearing the most is frustration, like when is this going to stop?" DiPrima said of the recent calls to her show. "Ive had some people say weve got to start shooting back. And Ive had people saying they give up."

Though she said the task of reform feels Sisyphean, she pointed out that recent protests have brought concrete change.

"When people get on the phone and say all we do is protest, I say [State Assemblywoman] Shirley Weber passed a bill that changes when police can use deadly force," DiPrima said. "We now have a sheriffs oversight committee with subpoena power  that doesnt happen without Black Lives Matter."

Still, she said, that progress had come at an enormous cost  both in lives lost, and those weighted down by the struggle to hold law enforcement accountable.

"A couple of years before his death, I got the opportunity to interview Rodney King at KJLH and it was really very haunting," DiPrima said. "Because you could see the weight of that: not just the incident and being beaten, but the weight of carrying that for us."
A client, wearing a mouth mask, gets her hair cut at the Maison L hair salon during the partial lifting of coronavirus, COVID-19, lockdown regulations in Brussels, Monday, May 18, 2020. Belgium is taking the next step in its relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown on Monday, with more students going to school, markets and museums reopening and the snip of a barber's scissors filling the air again. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Read more

The gray roots have taken over. The once-chic haircut is now grown over your ears. The 5 oclock shadow is a full-on beard.

Oh, how you miss those trips to the salon or barbershop you once took for granted.

As of June 5, 34 counties in Pennsylvania have shifted from yellow to green. In these green counties, restaurants, malls, movie theaters, nail salons, and yes, hair salons, can operate at 50% capacity or less. (Salons in New Jersey are set to reopen June 22.)

But if you live in a yellow-phase county, can you drive to a green one to get your hair cut, colored, and styled?

The short answer: Yes, technically.

Businesses allowed to open in the green phase will not be restricted on who they can accept into their businesses, Nate Wardle, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, wrote in an email. After all, just because you live in a county that is still in the yellow phase doesnt mean you have coronavirus, said David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Department of Health.

 READ MORE: What our social lives will look like in the yellow phase

But that doesnt mean you should.

If you live in a yellow-phase county, you have a higher chance of being infected than if you live in a green-phase one, explained Theresa Sweet, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Drexel School of Public Health. And since you can carry  and spread  the coronavirus without showing any symptoms, there could be a greater chance that you infect someone in a county in the green phase. If you yourself are at higher risk, then why would you go to a place where people are at a lower risk? Thats just common courtesy, Sweet said.

And if you live in the city of Philadelphia, even when the county moves into the yellow phase, it might not be that safe, James Garrow, the spokesperson for the citys health department, wrote in an email. If you go from Philadelphia into an area that has fewer cases of the disease, you may start an outbreak there," Garrow wrote.

This is especially true if you are having a service done thats as personal as a haircut.

It can put both you and the stylist at risk, because even if youre wearing a mask, you cant social distance when you get a haircut.

 READ MORE: I need people to see this is real: N.J. hair salon owner cautions public after testing positive for coronavirus | Jenice Armstrong

But we want to support our stylists. We miss their camaraderie and listening ears. And face it, many of us need some personal maintenance right now. But it may be wiser  and safer  to wait.

And, once its safe to get our haircut, these are the rules: In the green phase, barbers and salons will only be at 50% capacity and services will be by appointment only. Your service provider should be wearing a face shield and a mask and you should be wearing a mask, Damsker said. Your stylist should be cleaning and disinfecting stations in between clients. Dont be afraid to ask about the cleaning schedule at your salon or barbershop. How often are bathrooms cleaned? Are the sinks washed between clients? What about gloves? Ask about the ventilation if you need to. It is important to remember that counties that are red, yellow, and green are that way for a reason, Wardle said. Our goal is to protect the public health of all Pennsylvanians.
By PTI

LAHORE: Pakistan's Railways Minister Shiekh Rashid on Saturday claimed that the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif was against conducting the nuclear tests in 1998 in response to India's tests.

"Sharif and almost his whole cabinet (in 1998) were against conducting the nuclear tests in response to India's. Raja Zafarul Haq, Gauhar Ayub and I were in favour of conducting the nuclear tests," Rashid told reporters.

Rashid was a member of the cabinet of the Sharif government in 1998.

When asked then on whose order the nuclear tests were carried out on May 28, 1998, if not on Sharif's, Rashid indirectly referred to the military establishment.

"These are national secrets and let it be so."

When asked why he left for abroad when Pakistan conducted the nuclear tests, the minister replied: "I had to proceed abroad on a special duty."

Rashid is considered to be close to the establishment and the Opposition calls him its spokesperson.

Dismissing Rashid's claim, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Rana Sanaullah said the whole world knows that Sharif had conducted the nuclear tests in 1998 despite international pressure.

"This certified turncoat cannot take away the credit of nuclear tests from Nawaz Sharif," he said.

Sharif's younger brother and PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif also said: "After India conducted nuclear tests (in 1998), Nawaz Sharif asked the army leadership to make preparation to give response to it (India) in the same manner."

"Nawaz Sharif neither accepted a huge economic package nor bowed to international pressure," he said, adding that there was no doubt in it that former prime minister and Pakistan People's Party leader late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto started the nuclear programme.

Sharif was serving prime minister in 1998 for the second time when the nuclear tests were carried out by Pakistan.

He was convicted and sentenced to jail on corruption charges in 2018.

He is currently in London to receive medical treatment.
The European Union on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to rethink his decision to cut American funding for the World Health Organisation amid global criticism of the move, as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained.

Trump on Friday charged that the WHO didn't respond adequately to the pandemic, accusing the UN agency of being under China's total control.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday urged Trump to reconsider, saying that actions that weaken international results must be avoided and that now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions.

The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future, she said.

For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed.

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 US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organisation.

Trump said the US would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

The WHO wouldn't comment on the announcement but South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize called it an unfortunate turn of events.

Certainly, when faced with a serious pandemic, you want all nations in the world to be particularly focused ... on one common enemy, he told reporters.

In China, where the virus outbreak began, only four new confirmed cases were reported Saturday, all brought from outside the country, and no new deaths. Just 63 people remained in treatment.

After judging the situation there now safe, a chartered flight carrying 200 German managers back to their jobs landed in Tianijin, a port city just east of Beijing. A flight carrying another 200 was due in Shanghai on Thursday.

I'm really happy that business is starting again, said Karin Wasowski, a Volkswagen employee, before boarding the flight in Frankfurt.

I've been working from a home office but that is, of course, something completely different to being there.

More than 5,200 German companies operate in China, employing more than 1 million people.

This is an important step to reconnect China's and Germany's economies, said Jens Hildebrandt, executive director of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China, which helped organize the flights.

It is our common interest to contribute in helping the economy return to normalcy and pre-virus levels. Close to 6 million coronavirus infections have been reported worldwide, with more than 365,000 deaths and almost 2.5 million recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The true dimensions are widely believed to be significantly greater, with experts saying many victims died without ever being tested.

As some countries have effectively lowered the rate of infections, they have been moving ahead with relaxing restrictions but are keeping a very close eye on developments.

In South Korea, credited with one of the most successful programs to fight the pandemic, there were 39 new cases reported Saturday, most of them in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area where officials have linked the infections to warehouse workers.

Authorities have so far maintained the phased reopening of schools in the hope that the recent transmissions could be contained quickly.

India registered another record single day jump of 7,964 cases and 265 deaths, a day before it was to end its 2-month-old lockdown.

That put the country's total cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths and 82,369 recoveries, according to the Health Ministry.

Russia recorded nearly 9,000 new cases overnight, around the daily level it has been at over the past two weeks as the virus continues to spread.

The national coronavirus task force said Saturday that 4,555 Russians have died of COVID-19, and 396,575 infections have been recorded.

The relatively low mortality rate compared with other countries has prompted skepticism domestically and abroad.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced two peacekeepers serving in Mali had died from the virus.

There have been 137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among peacekeepers, the majority in Mali, but these were the first deaths.

The US has been worst hit by the outbreak, with more than 1.7 million cases and almost 103,000 deaths.

Cities and states are under increasing pressure to reopen, however, especially for service industries that had seen customer numbers evaporate.

The latest job-loss figures from the US Labour Department brought to 41 million the running total of Americans who have filed for unemployment since shutdowns took hold in mid-March.

But there have been worrying signs that as restrictions are eased, people have not been adhering to social distancing guidelines meant to help prevent the spread of the virus.

On Friday, health officials in Missouri said that they were seeking to inform mass numbers of unknown people after a person who attended crowded pool parties over Memorial Day weekend at the state's popular Lake of the Ozarks tested positive for COVID-19.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's office said Saturday that as things stand with the American pandemic situation, if Trump decides to go ahead with the Group of Seven summit in the US as he has suggested he might, she would not attend in person.

Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here
The towering bronze statue, shown last summer, depicts Roosevelt riding a horse, as two nameless African and Native American men flank him on foot. (AP)

The museum said the statue of the 26th U.S. president "communicates a racial hierarchy" that the public had "long found disturbing." The statue will be on loan to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, due to open in 2026.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-31 03:45:45|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Greece's 517 Blue-flagged beaches, marinas and tourism vessels are set to welcome tourists under strict safety rules in the new COVID-19 pandemic era, according to Greek officials and experts.

The country's tourism industry is kick-starting for the summer season after a full lockdown earlier this spring that helped flatten the curve. With the new cases and fatalities in Greece counted mostly under 10 in the past few days, the economy has started to gradually restart from early May.

On Saturday, the Health Ministry announced seven new cases and no death within the past 24 hours. The country now has a total of 2,915 infections, including 175 fatalities since the start of the outbreak on Feb. 26.

On June 1, all-year hotels in the country will reopen.

The Tourism Ministry on Friday announced the first list of 29 countries, including China, that can start sending tourists to Greece as of June 15, when the international flights to Athens and Thessaloniki resume.

On July 1, more countries are expected to be added to the list, based on epidemiological data, the Greek government said.

Meanwhile, beaches across Greece have opened after getting "safety facelifts" to ensure appropriate social distancing between bathers.

Xinhua was given a tour on Friday around the popular beaches of Athens where the new post-COVID-19 operation protocol is applied.

A minimum distance of four meters is maintained between sets of umbrellas and sunbeds, which are regularly disinfected, as well as in showers.

The excellent quality of the seawater, safety and services provided were recognized with the prestigious Blue Flag international awards given this May to 497 beaches, 14 marinas and 6 tourism vessels nationwide.

Greece received the second largest number of Blue Flags for its beaches among over 40 countries worldwide this year, behind Spain, announced the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) last week.

The Greek environmental group HSPN is the national operator of the program that runs for more than three decades under the auspices of the owner of the Blue Flag trademark, the Foundation for Environmental Education, which is headquartered in Copenhagen.

The Blue Flag is regarded as one of the most recognizable ecological symbols in the world, Nikos Petrou, HSPN President, noted in a message for the 2020 Blue Flag annual awards.

In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of more than 30 stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained by operators of organized beaches, marinas and tourism vessels.

"Once again, Greece ranks second internationally among 47 countries participating in the program, after Spain and before Turkey. This allows us to have optimism for this year's summer," Petrou commented.

"This year's awards have a special significance. All together we are holding strongly the Blue Flag which unites us. In this difficult period, the sea, the sky and the sea depth is a comparative advantage for our country and our tourism industry," Manos Konsolas, Greece's Deputy Tourism Minister said in his message for the new awards.

"By maintaining a marina clean and safe, we are contributing to the national economy and local society," said Greek Marinas Association President Stavros Katsikadis.

Currently, some 45,000 people are employed in marinas across Greece which contribute about one billion euros (1.11 billion U.S. dollars) to Greek GDP per year, he noted.

In 2019, at least 33 million people visited Greece, generating 18.2 billion euros in revenues, according to Bank of Greece data on tourism. (1 euro= 1.11 U.S. dollars) Enditem
A COUPLE are appealing for the safe return of their dog after she was stolen while out for a walk.

Virgil and Oana Tatomir, from Nuffield, let Luca off her lead to explore a patch of woodland and she didnt reappear after vanishing from their sight.

They have searched for the five-year-old American bulldog with help from the specialist charity Dog Lost but without success.

Police are treating her disappearance on May 11 as theft.

The Tatomirs adopted Luca when she was eight weeks old and living with an elderly woman who had taken her from a relative and was struggling to look after her.

About six months later, they took on Daisy, a street mongrel from Romania, and the dogs got on well.

At the time the couple lived in New Street, Henley, then moved to Baskerville Road, Sonning Common, to be nearer the countryside and then to Nuffield last Christmas.

Luca disappeared on an early morning walk past the woodland near HMP Huntercombe and the Huntercombe Hall care home.

Mr Tatomir said: The dogs love to be off the lead and exercising their wild instincts so we let them off around the woodland for a bit before they follow us home.

On that morning, we let them off and watched them chase each other across the fields before turning round to go home. Daisy followed shortly afterwards but not Luca.

It has been a real nightmare ever since. We looked for her and knocked on all our neighbours doors but they hadnt seen anything. Ive had a few work colleagues combing the field in a line, like in a police search, but there was no sign of her.

The people from Dog Lost came out with a heat-seeking drone but, sadly, that didnt help either. Im just so grateful for their time even though we didnt get the result wed hoped for.

Weve left no stone unturned but were so unhappy. Luca is dearly missed  I know some people think dogs are just an animal but they really become part of your family.

Thieves often take dogs to breed them and will release them into the wild if they become too hot because of publicity, so we dont know what might happen next.

Its absolutely killing us and wed be so grateful for any information that brings her back.

Police say they will review CCTV footage from the prison and care home to look for suspicious vehicles. They have listed Luca, whose coat is tan and white, as stolen on the national microchip database.

For more information, visit the couples Facebook appeal at https://bit.ly/2zd9gfK or call Dog Lost on 0844 800 3220.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating a series of malicious calls which were made to the Tatomirs after they put up posters advertising their phone numbers.

The culprits rang in the dead of night and claimed to have kidnapped Luca, threatening to harm her if they did not follow a series of instructions.

On one occasion they failed to conceal their phone number.

It is believed that they were a group of teenagers not connected with Lucas disappearance.
It's a bird. It's a plane. Is it ... Air Force One?

A plane with the presidential seal landed at the Charleston Air Force Base on Saturday, and onlookers may have been surprised to see the jet because President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence had already landed in Orlando, Fla., earlier that afternoon.

The plane that landed in Charleston was a backup, an air base spokesman said. It was a Boeing VC-25, the same plane used by the president or vice president. It's one of several duplicate planes used by the White House.

Air Force One is with the president is in Florida, but its backup - the only other VC-25 - is at Joint Base Charleston. Landed earlier this afternoon pic.twitter.com/7JCaIdkqHS  Thad Moore (@thadmoore) May 30, 2020

Air Force One or Air Force Two is a call sign-used for any aircraft the commander-in-chief or vice president is on. During public appearances, backup planes are often sent to nearby Air Force bases in case of mechanical issues or emergencies.

Sign up for our SC Military Digest newsletter Get exclusive military reporting, updates from Palmetto State bases, headlines from around the globe and more delivered to your inbox each Tuesday. Email

Sign up!

The plane arrived a little after 2 p.m. in Charleston, a spokesman said.

Trump and Pence were in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Saturday to watch SpaceX and NASA launch astronauts to the International Space Station. The launch is happening nearly 400 miles from the Holy City.

Air Force Two landed in Charleston on Feb. 13 when Pence spoke to cadets at The Citadel military college. Air Force One was last at the base in North Charleston on Feb. 28 when Trump rallied a day ahead of the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary.
McEvoy is pulled back into crime reporting when a woman with whom he had a one-night stand more than a year ago is murdered by internal decapitation. Although the police consider him a person of interest, McEvoy follows his journalism instinct and begins looking into a story about cyberstalking because the woman told a friend she was being followed online. But McEvoys research leads him to another story involving the dark web, a black market for DNA and a serial killer. The story also puts McEvoy back in contact with former FBI agent  and one-time girlfriend  Rachel Walling.
The Delhi Police on Friday booked arrested Pinjra Tod activist Natasha Narwal under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for her alleged role in inciting the communal riots in Northeast Delhi in February.

Narwal was re-arrested by the special cell, a day after a Delhi court sent her and Devangana Kalita, another activist of Pinjra Tod, to Tihar Jail for 14 days in a case related to Delhis communal violence that claimed 53 people and left over 400 injured.

Narwal is the seventh person to be booked under UAPA in the case in which suspended Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain and two Jamia students  Meeran Haider and Safoora Zargar  are in judicial custody. A police officer privy to the investigation, who did not wish to be named, said, Narwal was arrested since there is enough evidence to establish the charges against her. The decision to book and arrest Kalita would depend on how much evidence we collect against her.
Seventeen more people tested positive for Covid-19 in Tripura on Saturday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 271, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.

Of the 17 new patients, two had returned from Bangladesh and 15 from Maharashtra, he said.

In a tweet, Deb said, 798 people tested for Covid-19 today out of which 17 people found positive. Among them, 15 returnees from Maharashtra and two Bangladesh returnees. Among the total 271 Covid-19 cases, 171 have been cured of the disease and discharged from hospital.

A total of 106 people had returned to Agartala on Thursday from Bangladesh of which eight tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday and two on Saturday.

Officials said those who have returned from Bangladesh are in institutional quarantine and would be released after repeated swab tests.
A man (30s) and a woman (20s) have been arrested following a stabbing incident in Limerick city on Friday evening.

A man (40s) was rushed to hospital after receiving a stab wound following an altercation with two people in Windmill St in Limerick city.

His injuries are not life-threatening.

The man and woman were arrested in relation to the incident and are currently detained at Henry Street Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

"Gardai are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact them at Henry Street on 061 212 400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111," said a garda spokesperson.
Protests spread across multiple US cities. Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Alphabets [GOOG] Google postponed next weeks planned launch of the beta version of its latest Android 11 mobile operating system as protests and unrest roils American cities.

The Silicon Valley giant said in a message on its Android developers website: We are excited to tell you more about Android 11, but now is not the time to celebrate.

The company said in a tweet it would announce details of the rescheduled event soon.

We are excited to tell you more about Android 11, but now is not the time to celebrate. We are postponing the June 3rd event and beta release. We'll be back with more on Android 11, soon.  Android Developers (@AndroidDev) May 30, 2020

The event, which was due to take place virtually on Wednesday, would have involved a keynote speech, a Q&A, and developer sessions.

Protests have rippled across the US after the killing of George Floyd, a black man from Minneapolis who died after being pinned down under the knee of a white police officer.

In New York, police made dozens of arrests. People were cuffed and loaded to city buses as unrest shut down a major thoroughfare in Brooklyn.

READ MORE: Coronavirus spot checks on firms begin amid backlash over halted inspections

Elsewhere, Bernice King, daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., gave an impassioned speech at a protest in Atlanta, urging non-violent means of change.

Lets do this the non-violent way to deal with the evil of our time, she said.

There were also protests across Minneapolis, Denver, Detroit, Houston and Louisville. Crowds gathered outside the White House in Washington, too, an event the police later declared unlawful.

Peaceful protests in Denver have been going on for more than two days. On Thursday night, there were reports that Denver police had fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds after parked cars were vandalised.
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi was buried in a cemetery in Gaurela- Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) district with full state honours at around 8pm on Saturday amid prayers by bishops and pastors, an official said. Jogi, a bureaucrat-turned-politician and the state's first CM, died in Raipur on Friday after battling for life at a private hospital following cardiac arrest at his home on May 9. He was 74.

Among those present were Jogi's MLA wife Renu Jogi, his son and former MLA Amit Jogi, daughter-in-law Richa Jogi and his elder brother SR Jogi.

State Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, Revenue Minister Jaisingh Agrawal, Food Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik, Congress and JCC(J) MLAs also paid tribute to the departed soul.

Earlier in the day, Jogi's mortal remains were taken by road from his official residence in Raipur to Bilaspur, some 125 kilometres away, with people gathering along the route in Simga, Nandghat, Sargaon and Bilha towns to pay tribute.

In Bilaspur, the body of Jogi was kept in Marwahi Sadan, where leaders and people paid tributes, and was then taken to Jogisaar, his native village in neighbouring GPM district, where too people thronged the streets for a last glimpse.

Only close family members and some dignitaries entered the graveyard in view of social distancing norms in place for the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The state government has declared three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Washingon: The European Union on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to rethink his decision to cut American funding for the World Health Organisation amid global criticism of the move, as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained.

Trump on Friday charged that the WHO didn't respond adequately to the pandemic, accusing the UN agency of being under China's "total control."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday urged Trump to reconsider, saying that "actions that weaken international results must be avoided" and that "now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions."

"The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future," she said. "For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 22:00:28|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Children from Hejiazhuang primary school paint in Hejiazhuang Village of Wangba Township in Kangxian County, northwest China's Gansu Province, May 30, 2020. Staff of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd. came to Hejiazhuang Village, their long-term poverty alleviation target village, carrying out fun activities with the children of Hejiazhuang primary school and Hejiazhuang kindergarten, to celebrate the upcoming International Children's Day. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
WASHINGTON - Transcripts of phone calls that played a pivotal role in the Russia investigation were declassified and released Friday, showing that Michael Flynn, as an adviser to then-President-elect Donald Trump, urged Russias ambassador to be even-keeled in response to punitive Obama administration measures, and assured him we can have a better conversation about relations between the two countries after Trump became president.

Democrats said the transcripts showed that Flynn lied to the FBI when he denied details of the conversation, and that he was undercutting a sitting president while communicating about sanctions with a country that had just interfered in the 2016 election. But allies of the president who maintain the FBI had no reason to investigate Flynn in the first place insisted that the transcripts showed he had done nothing wrong.

The transcripts were released by Senate Republicans on Friday after being provided by Trumps new national intelligence director, John Ratcliffe, who waded into one of the most contentious political topics in his first week on the job. Ratcliffes extraordinary decision to disclose transcripts of intercepted conversations with a foreign ambassador is part of ongoing efforts by Trump allies to release previously secret information from the Russia investigation in hopes of painting Obama-era officials in a bad light.

The transcripts are unlikely to significantly reshape public understanding of the contact between Flynn and then-Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, a central moment in the Russia investigation. They do show that the men did in fact discuss sanctions, matching the general description of the call provided in the 2017 guilty plea that Flynn reached with special counsel Robert Muellers team.

But the documents will unquestionably add to the partisan divisions of the case, which have intensified in the last month with the Justice Departments motion to dismiss the prosecution.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, said in a statement that the transcripts show Flynn lied not only to the FBI but also to Vice-President Mike Pence, who erroneously stated publicly that Flynn and Kislyak had not discussed sanctions. Trump later forced Flynn out for misleading the administration.

These calls took place shortly after the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election in an effort to help Trump win, and Flynn was engaged in trying to mute the Russian reaction to sanctions imposed by the Obama Administration over that very interference, Schiff said.

But Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, one of the GOP senators who released the transcript, said Flynn had done nothing wrong. Attorney General William Barr has similarly called the conversation laudable.

Our justice system doesnt work when one side holds all the cards. But this isnt just about safeguarding access to justice; its also about exposing shenanigans and abuses of power by those entrusted to uphold and defend the law, Grassley said.

Flynn attorney Sidney Powell tweeted that Flynn should be applauded for asking for cooler heads to prevail and trying to keep things on an even keel  encouraging the mutual interest of Russia and the United States in stability in the Middle East and fighting radical Islam.

The documents show that Flynn and Kislyak spoke multiple times between the time Trump was elected and took office. The call that Flynn pleaded guilty to lying about took place Dec. 29, 2016, the day after President Barack Obama signed an executive order hitting Russia with sanctions for election interference.

During the call, Flynn urged Kislyak that any action Russia took in response to the sanctions be reciprocal.

Dont  dont make it  dont go any further than you have to. Because I dont want us to get into something that has to escalate, on a, you know, on a tit for tat. You follow me, Ambassador? Flynn said, according to the transcripts.

Kislyak replied that he understood, but that there were angry sentiments raging in Moscow. Flynn said that even so, cool heads needed to prevail since the U.S. and Russia had common interests in fighting terrorism in the Middle East.

I know, I  believe me, I do appreciate it, I very much appreciate it. But I really dont want us to get into a situation where were going, you know  where we do this and then you do something bigger, and then you know, everybodys got to go back and forth and everybodys got to be the tough guy here, you know? Flynn said.

The FBI interviewed Flynn about the call in January 2017. In that interview, according to a guilty plea reached with Muellers team, Flynn denied having asked Kislyak to refrain from escalating the situation over sanctions.

He also said he did not recall a conversation two days later with Kislyak in which the ambassador intimated that Moscow had decided against an aggressive response to the sanctions.

Your proposal that we need to act with cold heads, uh, is exactly what is uh, invested in the decision, Kislyak said.

The release follows the recent declassification by Richard Grenell, Ratcliffes predecessor as intelligence director, of names of intelligence and Obama administration officials who in late 2016 and early 2017 asked the National Security Agency to reveal to them the name of an American whose identity was concealed in classified intelligence reports. That American was revealed to be Flynn.

Names of U.S. citizens are routinely redacted in intelligence reports that document routine surveillance of foreign targets, but U.S. officials can ask to receive the identity if they believe it is vital to understanding the intelligence.

The nature of those intelligence reports remains unclear, and they were not among the documents released Friday. The use by U.S. officials of a routine process known as unmasking to learn Flynns identity from those reports has become a major issue for Trump supporters.

There is nothing unusual about unmasking requests, which have been more prevalent at the beginning of the Trump administration than they were at the end of the Obama administration. But supporters of Trump have suggested that the requests were made for political reasons.
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting via video conferencing with Governor of Astrakhan Region of the Russian Federation Igor Babushkin.

It was noted during the meeting that Turkmenistan attaches special importance to developing direct partnerships with the regions of the Russian Federation, in particular Astrakhan region.

The Russian governor spoke of the interest of large industrial, energy, shipbuilding and other enterprises of the coastal region of Russia in building mutually beneficial cooperation with Turkmen partners, both within the framework of existing joint agreements and new projects. In this regard, the sides noted the importance of the Turkmen-Astrakhan Joint Council on Entrepreneurship. According to the sides, the active work of this body contributes to enhancing trade and economic relations between business representatives of the two countries.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2022
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WA  In early April, as Puget Sound was beset by the coronavirus and much of the region hunkered down at home, Daniel Bernier and Colton Olson were stuck in the Monroe Correctional Complex, where the virus was beginning to take hold.

The facility, roughly 40 minutes northeast of Seattle, has seen the worst COVID-19 outbreak of any prison in the state, with 18 inmates and nine staff testing positive, according to the state. A guard there died May 17 from COVID-19 complications.

In mid-April, facing mounting pressure to ensure the safety of inmates kept in tight, sometimes unsanitary conditions, Gov. Jay Inslee allowed the early release of more than 1,100 nonviolent offenders from state prisons  including Bernier and Olson.

Bernier, convicted of residential burglary, had his sentence commuted in April, while Olson, in prison since March 2019 for taking a motor vehicle without the owners permission, was let out this month through the states rapid reentry program.

Now, both men, who attributed their past crimes to heroin and methamphetamine use, say they are managing their addictions, focusing on their careers and feeling hopeful about the future.

But they remain bitter about their ordeals inside Monroes low-security unit, where unsafe conditions sparked an uprising last month. Bernier likely contracted the coronavirus there, and tested positive shortly after he was released, while Olson, who has hepatitis  possibly elevating his risk of complications  developed many of the symptoms but never got tested.

"It was sickening," Olson told Patch.

I dont believe in that coronavirus crap

Bernier, who was transferred to Monroe late last year from another facility, described an atmosphere of fear and disorder as the coronavirus took hold inside the prison.

Staff seemed unsure how to handle an infectious disease, he said, while prisoners with no training were asked to wipe down beds and scrub hallways.

Once Olson arrived at Monroe in early April, multiple positive cases had been confirmed. Social distancing measures were limited, he said, aside from reduced seating at the mess hall.

Story continues

Worse, many inside Monroe refused to take the virus seriously  especially the prison guards, Olson said.

A lot of the time the guards would just laugh and say its fake, he said.

Bernier and Olson both described instances where maskless guards came by the inmates units to serve food, despite a state order requiring prison staff to wear N95 masks.

I was like, wheres your mask? Bernier asked one guard. He was like, Hey, if were gonna get it, were gonna get it.

When Olson challenged another unmasked guard, he got a similar response.

I dont believe in that coronavirus crap, he recalled the guard saying. (The Department of Corrections did not respond to a request for comment for this story.)

Inmates, meanwhile, were only growing more afraid. Older men knew their age put them at greater risk of dying from COVID-19, while others, like Olson, were unsure whether their underlying health conditions would cause complications.

A lot of the guys were really scared, Olson said. We only hear whats on the news, and the news is making it out to be extremely terrifying.

When Olsons cellmate was quarantined after showing coronavirus symptoms, no staff came by to strip the mans bedding or put away his belongings, so Olson had to do it himself. The man later tested positive, said Olson, who himself later developed chills and headaches, and briefly lost his senses of taste and smell.

Separately, Bernier and Olson filed grievances with the Department of Corrections, asking for coronavirus testing, masks and hand sanitizer. Frustrated by the inaction, and inflamed by a spate of confirmed cases, prisoners decided to protest the conditions by walking out into the yard.

If everyone walks out, stands in line 6 feet apart, does not move, and demands that they do something, theyll have to do something, Olson recalled thinking, although he said he did not join the protest.

On April 8, the night before the protest, an assistant superintendent and several captains showed up in Olsons wing and handed out bags of McDonalds takeout to each inmate. Prison officials have said the goal was to encourage inmates to move to another dormitory in order to free up space; to Olson, it felt like a bribe intended to quell protest.

They said, This is a peace offering, Olson said.

The next day, walkouts in two nearby units turned violent after inmates were ordered back inside. When Olsons unit lined up for their own walkout, prisoners were met at the door by four officers armed with riot guns and shotguns, who stayed stationed outside the unit for another 12 hours.

It was scary, Olson recalled. In our experience, we dont get the peaceful end of things.

Still, the protest was a partial success: the next night, Olson said, prison staff distributed masks and cleaning supplies.

In this Jan. 28, 2016, file photo, a man does maintenance work between razor wire-topped fences at the Monroe Correctional Complex in Monroe, Wash. Inmates at the prison filed a motion Thursday, April 9, 2020, with the Washington state Supreme Court asking it to order Gov. Jay Inslee and Department of Corrections Secretary Stephen Sinclair to release inmates who are 60 years old or older, those with underlying health conditions, and any who are close to their release date after almost a dozen people at the prison tested positive for the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

'It's just glorious'

Eager to escape his crowded living space, Olson, along with seven others, volunteered to relocate to the empty A-Unit, where he moved the day after the protest. To maintain distancing, the men were told theyd be locked in that tier  but would be given access to TVs, phones and a microwave.

The comfort was short-lived. After about a week, prison staff moved 20 more people into A-Unit, forcing Olson to relocate to the prisons chapel, where staff had set up cots.

In the chapel, which lacked plumbing, the men went three days without bathing until staff jury-rigged a shower by hooking up a hose to a sink in the female staff bathroom, Olson said. Visits to the bathroom were limited to one at a time.

Bernier, meanwhile, was released April 19  part of the first cohort to leave Monroe. The next day, while staying with his mother, he developed a headache and burning sinuses, and decided to get tested at a Monroe clinic. That Friday, the result came back: positive.

Within days, Berniers mother developed the same symptoms, he said, although she hasnt been tested. Bernier said he wouldnt have risked staying with his mother if he had been tested for the coronavirus while still in prison.

In a perfect process, test me on my way out and then quarantine me for two weeks, he said.

Daniel Bernier developed coronavirus symptoms the day after he left Monroe Correctional Complex, and tested positive later that week. (Courtesy of Daniel Bernier.)

In the chapel, Olson, who knew he had been approved for early release, was cut off from his counselor, leaving him in the dark about his status. That disconnect became more troubling as administrative delays kept him locked up for nearly three weeks past April 19, his original release date.

When that date was pushed back to May 9, Olson, now in another unit, lay awake the night before, expecting another setback.

I was told so many times, Youre going to go home tomorrow, Olson said. I didnt believe it anymore.

That morning, though, a transport team brought him from Monroe to a DOC office, where he was outfitted with an ankle bracelet and driven to his parents home in Tacoma. He surprised his five-year-old-son, who lives out of state, with a FaceTime call.

He was super shy and couldnt stop staring at the phone, Olson recalled. It took a while for him to get comfortable, but once he did, that kid was just off the walls.

While this term had been Olsons third stint in prison, it was by far the hardest on his family  especially his mother, who spent months fearing for his safety.

This sentence has been a nightmare, he said. You just see the weight come off her shoulders  she was finally at ease knowing Im safe again.

Under Olsons release terms, he is prohibited from leaving the house to look for a job  a maddening condition that leaves him feeling paralyzed. Eventually, Olson, trained as a heavy equipment operator, plans to work construction, and later go to school to train as a licensed surveyor.

For now, being stuck at home has an upside, he said: it gives him time to show gratitude to his parents, who visited him in prison every weekend until the virus struck.

It makes you look back and say, alright, its time for me to start showing my appreciation back, Olson said. I could still be at Monroe, and anything couldve happened.

Bernier is now living in an addiction recovery house in North Seattle, attending Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings over Zoom, and working in landscaping.

Life on the outside has been an adjustment. But the new freedoms are worth what it took to get there, he said.

Everything moves so fast out here, he said. In [prison], youve got to ask for something  whatever it is, youve got to wait.

Out here, if I want an ice cream sandwich, were gonna go buy me an ice cream sandwich. Theres no limits, and its just glorious.

This article originally appeared on the Seattle Patch
He sold the $3 million New York City penthouse he shared with his ex-friend Joaquin Phoenix last month.

Casey Affleck looked as if he had more important business on Saturday when he stepped outside in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood to take a call.

The 44-year-old Oscar winner appeared to have been letting his hair and beard get shaggy while staying at home amid LA's coronavirus lockdown.

Taking care of business: Casey Affleck, 44, took an important call while outside in Los Angeles' hip Los Feliz neighorhood on Saturday

Casey rocked a casual yet sophisticated look with a cool pale blue linen shirt rolled up to the elbows, along with a simple pair of khaki pants belted with a red, white and blue ribbon.

He completed his look with some retro gray suede Nike sneakers with navy accents.

The Manchester By The Sea star took his call on speaker phone while pacing up and down the sidewalk and absentmindedly pulling a small branch off a tree.

Sophisticated casual: Casey rocked a pale blue linen shirt with simple khakis and gray and navy suede Nike sneakers

Though most of Hollywood has been shut down due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Casey already has two films in the can.

He'll star in the drama The World To Come with Inherent Vice's Katherine Waterston, The Crown's Vanessa Kirby and Girls' Christopher Abbott.

The four star as two couples struggling to survive in the East Coast wilderness in the mid-19th century.

Affleck will also lead the indie thriller Every Breath You Take, in which he plays a psychiatrist whose professional life is upended when one of his patients kills herself.

A visit from the patient's brother to his family dinner further upends his domestic life.

Ready to go: Most of Hollywood is in lockdown, but Casey already has two films, the drama The World To Come and the thriller Every Breath You Take, that are in post-production; shown in November

The actor has kept a fairly low profile since two earlier reports of sexual misconduct reemerged in 2016.

Two of his female co-workers on his 2010 mockumentary I'm Still Here filed multi-million dollar lawsuits against him for multiple instances of sexual harassment on the set of the Joaquin Phoenixstarring film.

Both suits were settled out of court.

Following his Oscar win for Manchester By The Sea (2016), Casey starred in small, critically acclaimed indies including A Ghost Story (2017) and The Old Man & The Gun (2018); still from A Ghost Story

After winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Kenneth Lonergan's Manchester By The Sea, he sat out the 90th Academy Awards in 2018, rather than presenting the Best Actress trophy, as is traditional for the previous year's Best Actor winner.

Following his win, he starred in smaller indie films, including the critically acclaimed supernatural romance A Ghost Story and the playful crime film The Old Man & The Gun, which was led by Robert Redford.

Casey has been dating the actress Floriana Lima since 2016.

He previously married Joaquin Phoenix's sister Summer Phoenix in 2006, but the couple separated amicably in 2016.
YEREVAN.  Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] [newly inaugurated] President Arayik Haroutyunyan compromised, brought the players against [him] to his field, although he also put a "detonator" under himwith Samvel Babayan. Artsakh will have an NSC [National Security Council] secretary with a past of "assassination attempt on the President."

"Babayan's appointment can be considered a buffer. As a national force, on the one hand, he will balance [reappointed FM] Masis Mayilian's Soros aspirations, on the other hand, Haroutyunyan's energy in the name of the RA authorities," our source said.

By the way, Karen Sargsyan, the son of Grisha Sarkisov, the right-hand man of [Artsakh and Armenia ex-President Robert] Kocharyan, has been appointed director of the MES [Ministry of Emergency Situations] of Artsakh, which is not to the liking of the pro-Kocharyan. "Karen Sargsyan, who was the MES director previously, too, has made a great contribution to Arayik's becoming president. Being offended is not a political category, but I am aware that Karen tried to build a bridge between Arayik and the pro-Kocharyan; it did not succeed."
The current Chief of Army Staff has been a great asset to the army since he was appointed by President Akufo-Addo to the position in February.



Major-General Thomas Oppong Peprah, has in the short space of his appointment, built excellent rapport among staff and gotten the welfare of soldiers massively improved.



just last year, if you realize, there used to be stories in the media about disquiet among soldiers, especially the junior ranks about their conditions of service, but suddenly these disquiet occurrences have disappeared. This is because the new Chief of Army Staff has been achieving results; he is a fine gift from President Akufo-Addo, a Junior Staff who preferred anonymity told the Ghana News Agency in an interview.



Although most of them that spoke to Ghana News Agency that wanted to find out how they were coping with their new Boss praised the Chief of Army staff for his innovations, none of them wanted to be mentioned, explaining that Junior Officers could not grant interviews to the Media.



According to one of them, even though all their goals were not yet achieved, the new Chief of Army Staff was busily pursuing them.



One thing that used to worry junior ranks in the army a lot was slow promotions, compared to the Air force, Navy and other sister branches; the new Army Chief of Staff started tackling the problems immediately he took office and soldiers are seeing that he is working on these issues, Another Army staff said.



Major General Oppong Peprah succeeded Major General William Ayamdo, after Ayamdo had retired in January.



Prior to replacing Ayamdo, he was the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters.



According to them, Ever since he came, he has built rapport among staff and a creeping trend of tribalism that was developing in the army was stamped out by Major General Oppong Peprah.



I think the army is on course again after so many years of subtle politicization and tribalism, Another Officer told the GNA.



According to sources, the Chief of Army Staffs uncompromising stance on things that divided the army, had unfortunately also earned him enemies and detractors as they felt that by fighting things like tribalism, they would lose.

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.

Featured Video
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on Saturday supported the George Floyd protest planned later in his city and said the group that is organizing it has been rallying against injustice peacefully for years.

Peoples Organization for Progress organized a protest for 1 p.m. Saturday near the Veterans Courthouse in Newark. Protesters will be calling for police reforms after Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for several minutes while handcuffed.

Peoples Organization for Progress has been having protests in our city for decades without incident, without issue all the time, Baraka said on the steps of Newark City Hall hours before the protest was set to start. "Theyve been very consistent in fighting against the injustices that have been happening in our country.

Newark has a history of racial tensions. The Newark riots in 1967 began after two white officers beat John Smith, a black cab driver, and rumors spread that he had died. The five days of unrest changed the course of the citys history.

The mayor said he will be attending todays protest, called Floyds death outright murder, and demanded that all the officers involved should be arrested. One officer, Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case.

He was killed on purpose and murdered on purpose, Baraka said.

Peoples Organization for Progress Chairman Lawrence Hamm, who is also challenging Cory Booker for his U.S. Senate seat, noted the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 12 is fighting the creation of the citys civilian complaint review board in court. The board would have the ability to investigate claims of police misconduct separately from internal affairs.

That case right now is being decided by the justices of the supreme court and I hope that those justices are watching what is going on in America today, Hamm said as he joined Baraka at City Hall. I hope that those justices are watching what is going on in America today.

A Newark police officer earlier this month was put on desk duty after video surfaced of him punching a black man in the face. Another Newark cop was indicted after he repeatedly shot at moving vehicle last year during a pursuit and killed a man in the car.

The citys police department is under federal review after the U.S. Department of Justice found a pattern of unconstitutional practices. The city agreed to a list of police reforms known as a consent decree.

Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @BeccaPanico.
Following the arrest of some of its officials on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, Payboy Company Limited says it has terminated its agreement with Menzgold to facilitate the payment of its customers.



In a statement, the management of Payboy said "We have indicated to Menzgold Ghana Company Limited our decision to opt out of the 'Payment Facilitation Agreement' we signed on the 7th February, 2020. Amongst others, we indicated that we would NOT admit any Menzgold Customer at our premises on the basis of negotiating and facilitating mutually acceptable payment mode or manner for the indebted client."



On Friday, the Economic and Organised Crime Unit announced it had arrested some officials of Payboy Company Limited indicating that the company was operating without the requisite licenses from either the Bank of Ghana or the Securities and Exchanges Commission.



Menzgold appointed Payboy as a third-party entity to negotiate the settlement with the thousands of customers of the failed gold dealership firm.



Menzgold said in a statement at the time that the company will negotiate and facilitate the payment of the investment of its customers whose investments are still locked up.



The Bank of Ghana collaborated with other regulatory agencies to pull the brakes on the activities of Menzgold some two years ago over regulatory issues, bringing to an end what many say was a Ponzi scheme.



It is estimated that the failed gold dealership firm owes up to $42 million in accrued investments and principals.





Read the full statement by Payboy Company Limited below.

Source: Ghanaweb









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
A Texas inmate has managed to give birth by herself inside a jail cell while avoiding the attention of corrections officers. The personnel learned about the baby only after it was born, a sheriff official said on Thursday.

Lt. Jennifer Gabbert, spokeswoman for the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, the woman was a detainee at the Fort Worth jail cell and delivered her baby on May 17, as reported by HuffPost.

Hidden birth

Gabbert added that the woman did not tell officers about the birth immediately, but one personnel soon discovered the baby afterwards. The mother and child were both taken to a hospital, she added, although no information regarding the health of the two was disclosed.

The Fort Worth staff knew about the woman being pregnant and had been regularly checking up on her health and well-being, said the spokeswoman, but did not reveal information about the frequency of the monitoring or if they had any knowledge about her due date.

Gabbert declined requests to identify the mother and refused to answer inquiries about the incident, including questions about how she was able to give birth without any medical equipment and without alerting the guards.

Corrections officers did not know how long the labour lasted as the woman did not notify them of the delivery.

Gabbert added that the sheriff's internal affairs department is investigating the incident regarding the child's birth but said that there is no evidence to suggest there was any wrongdoing by the staff, as reported by ABC News.

Also Read: 23-Year-Old UConn Killer Captured After Killing Two, Injuring One, and Kidnapping Another

The woman was a prisoner of the jail cell since January and was held without bond for charges of assaulting a family member and harming a young child, elderly or disabled person, said Gabbert. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram was the first to report the delivery of the child.

The jail has been struggling against the coronavirus outbreak among its personnel and resulted in Fort Worth police avoiding arresting criminals accused of minor crimes to reduce the spread of the infection among its inmates.

Lack of monitoring

According to CBS Local, the woman gave birth to the child shortly before state inspectors sent a notification to the Tarrant County Jail staff regarding their failure to meet standards concerning their monitoring of inmates, said Brandon Wood, the executive director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

Wood revealed that they sent a notification of non-compliance to the jail on May 21 after inspectors observed that their staff failed to perform at least one face-to-face monitoring that is required every 30 minutes for some inmates. He added that the jail replied with a plan to circumvent the issue and was recertified after six days.

The death of a person in custody sparked the investigation, but Wood declined to elaborate on the incident. Later on April 26, however, the sheriff's office revealed that an inmate committed suicide.

Both Gabbert and Wood said that the temporary suspension of certification of the jail had no connection to the delivery of the inmate's child. They did not, however, give further details regarding the incident.

Related Article: Florida Mother Arrested for Killing 4-Month-Old Baby, Tried to Blame Toddler for Murder

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Mumbai, May 30 : With the monsoon round-the-corner, the Maharashtra government has adopted a comprehensive programme to combat the Covid-19 during the four wet months, officials said here on Saturday.

This includes augmenting the Covid-19 bed strength to around 2.90 lakh, plus over 8,500 ICU beds spread across Mumbai, Thane, Pune and other major hotspots around the state to cater to the anticipated mega spike in cases.

Besides, more than 3,000 ventilators, around half a million PPE kits and one million N95 masks are ready for the medical and para-medical staff in various hospitals, as the monsoon challenge looms ahead.

"We are focusing not only on reducing the number of Covid-19 cases but also concentrating on prevention of other common monsoon-related ailments to prevent fresh burdens on the already stressed healthcare system," said a health ministry official.

For instance, to curb vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya and water-borne diseases like gastrointestinal infections, jaundice and leptospirosis among many others, massive preventive measures are being taken across the state, particularly in Mumbai,Thane, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nagpur.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has directed all departments and local bodies to be well-prepared for the monsoon, especially Mumbai and the Konkan regions of Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, which bear the brunt of heavy rains.

BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has held a series of review meetings with the civic officials besides the Central Railway and Western Railway officers ahead of the rains, while the IMD has given a briefing to the state government.

Boosting the morale of the health workers, Thackeray has announced a huge hike in emoluments ranging between Rs 55,000-Rs 85,000 to various categories of doctors on bond or on contract, especially those serving in the rural and tribal areas.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said that the Rs 50 lakh insurance cover available for healthcare workers will now be extended to all those engaged in the war against the virus including the police, home guards, aanganwadi workers, besides doctors, nurses and paramedics.

The Maharashtra Covid-19 dashboard shows 2,098 deaths and 62,228 patients while Mumbai has recorded 1,173 fatalities and 36,932 cases till date.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Damascus, MD, May 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), an organization dedicated to increasing research and awareness for sarcoma, today announced that it has awarded three-quarters of a million dollars in research funds to deserving scientists as part of its 2020 SFA Research Grant program. Fifteen research grants, each worth $50,000, have been awarded to researchers who have made it their mission to study sarcoma, a cancer that arises in the bodys soft tissue and bone. All proposals are peer reviewed by members of the SFA Medical Advisory Board who award the grants to the best, most promising research toward the cure for sarcoma.

The Sarcoma Foundation of America is honored to support the work of the 15 exceptional researchers that have been selected to receive a 2020 research grant award. We believe their efforts will contribute to increasing scientific understanding of sarcoma and can help lead us to advancements in the treatment of the disease, said Brandi Felser, Executive Director of the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Our investment in their work is a continuation of SFAs mission to fill the research funding gap and make progress in the pursuit of discovering the cure for sarcoma. We are proud that our efforts have made the SFA the leading research and sarcoma patient advocacy organization in the country.

Since its inception, the SFA has invested more than $11 million in sarcoma research through its Research Grant program and collaborative research projects. More information on SFAs research efforts can be found at www.curesarcoma.org/grant.

Sarcoma Foundation of America

2020 Research Grants

Dr. Richard and Valerie Aronsohn Memorial Research Award

Daniel Vallera, PhD

University of Minnesota  Twin Cities

Enhanced NK cell Immunotherapy for Treatment of Chemotherapy Refractory Sarcoma

Zach Cohen Memorial Research Award

Anthony Faber, PhD

Virginia Commonwealth University

MCL-1 inhibition unmasks BCL-2 addiction in synovial sarcoma

Zach Cohen Memorial Research Award

Madelyn Espinosa-Cotton, PhD

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Identification of novel drug targets and predictors of clinical outcomes in desmoplastic small round cell tumors using next-generation sequencing

Catherine Malatesta Memorial Research Award

Yvonne Versleijen-Jonkers, PhD

Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center

Unraveling the tumor immune microenvironment of angiosarcomas

Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Ryan Roberts, MD, PhD

The Research Institute at Nationwide Childrens Hospital

Identifying mechanisms of osteosarcoma chemoresistance that arise from the lung metastatic niche

STL Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Irfan Asangani, PhD

University of Pennsylvania

EWS-FLI1 triggered opportunistic de novo enhancer assembly activates potential cellular therapy targets in Ewing Sarcoma

STL Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Emily Keung, MD

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Evaluating the Chromatin Accessibility Landscape as a Driver of Clinical Behavior in Primary Treatment Naive Liposarcoma

Race to Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Chiara Mozzetta, PhD

Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari

Unwinding new therapeutic opportunities in rhabdomyosarcoma: the role of RNA helicase DDX5

Race to Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Breelyn Wilky, MD

University of Colorado Cancer Center

Boosting Tumor Immunogenicity to Enhance Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Race to Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Heike Daldrup-Link, MD, PhD

Stanford University

Imaging response to CD47 mAb immunotherapy in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma

Race to Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Isidro Cortes Ciriano, PhD

European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Comprehensive analysis of osteosarcoma genomes and transcriptomes using long-read sequencing technologies

Race to Cure Sarcoma Research Awards

Laura Riolobos, PhD

University of Washington

Combining Th1 specific multi-antigen cancer vaccines and radiation for liposarcoma treatment

Race to Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Sonia Guil, PhD

Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute

The Role of Pseudogenes as Regulators of the IGF2BP2/IGF1R/RAS Axis in Rhabdomyosarcoma: Functional Characterization in Myogenesis and Implications for Anticancer Therapy

Race to Cure Sarcoma Research Award

Javier Martin-Broto, MD, PhD

Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla

Phase I-II trial of sunitinib plus nivolumab after standard treatment in advanced soft tissue and bone sarcomas

Sarcoma Foundation of America Research Award

Masanori Hayashi, MD

University of Colorado Denver

Immunomodulation of Ewing sarcoma to enhance allogenic NK cell therapy

###

About the Sarcoma Foundation of America

The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, is an advocate for increased research to find new and better therapies with which to treat patients with sarcoma. The organization raises money to privately fund grants for sarcoma researchers and conducts education and advocacy efforts on behalf of sarcoma patients. For more information, please visit www.curesarcoma.org.

About Sarcoma

Sarcoma is a rare cancer in adults (1 percent of all adult cancers) but rather prevalent in children (about 20 percent of all childhood cancers). At any one time, 50,000 patients and their families are struggling with sarcoma. Every year, nearly 15,000 new cases are diagnosed and about 6,000 people die from the disease.
HONG KONG, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said Friday that it firmly supports the HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the HKSAR government in assuming the responsibility of safeguarding national security, bringing peace back to Hong Kong at an early date, and refocusing on the economic development and improvement of people's livelihood.

A spokesperson of the office said the National People's Congress (NPC)'s adoption of a decision to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong has received strong support from various sectors of Hong Kong.

In a statement, Lam has welcomed the adoption and pointed out that the HKSAR government will fully cooperate with the Standing Committee of the NPC to complete the relevant work on legislation as soon as possible, and the HKSAR still has the legal responsibility to enact legislation in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Lam has stressed that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of China, and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR and concerns every Hong Kong resident.

In a letter to all residents in Hong Kong, Lam pointed out that Hong Kong has become a gaping hole in national security, putting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability at risk, and the objective of the legislation is to protect the overwhelming majority of residents, and to sanction activities that endanger national security and curb interference by foreign and external forces in the affairs of the HKSAR.

The spokesperson said the remarks of Lam reflects that she actively shoulders the responsibility to both Hong Kong and the nation and firmly supported the HKSAR government in fully cooperating with the Standing Committee of the NPC to complete the relevant work and safeguarding national security and Hong Kong.

As the United States made wanton remarks on, distorted and smeared Hong Kong affairs and threatened to use sanctions, the HKSAR government responded immediately and urged the United States to bear in mind its own interests in Hong Kong, and to stop interfering in the internal affairs of Hong Kong and China at large.

Hong Kong is part of China and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, the spokesperson said, stressing that the NPC has the power to make the legislative decision and no external force has the right to interfere in the process, the spokesperson said.

Since social unrest last year, terrorism threats emerging from violent incidents and intensified interference from foreign forces pointed to the necessity of national security legislation, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that the office firmly supports the HKSAR government and opposes interference by the United States and its smears on the legislation, urging the United States to stop relevant acts immediately.

The spokesperson said the Chinese government is firmly resolved to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement the "one country, two systems" principle, and oppose external interference in Hong Kong affairs.

The spokesperson said the legislation will provide the necessary mechanism guarantee for Hong Kong to get rid of the hardship and achieve long-term development and Hong Kong will definitely start again with the leadership of Lam and concerted efforts of the HKSAR government and various sectors of Hong Kong.
(Newser)  Some 3 million people in Hong Kong may have a way out if China cracks down with newly approved national-security legislation, Reuters reports. Britain says it's offering extended visa rights and a pathway to citizenship to roughly 2.9 million people there after China approved new rules to control the former UK colony. With democracy activists and diplomats saying Hong Kong's semi-autonomous status is in jeopardyand Trump's administration saying the city is no longer autonomousthe UK has offered help to British nationals who live there.

story continues below

"If China imposes this law, we will explore options to allow British Nationals Overseas to apply for leave to stay in the UK, including a path to citizenship," said Britain's home secretary, Priti Patel. "We will continue to defend the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong." China claims the new legislation is designed to curb terrorism, foreign interference, subversion, and secession in the city of over 7.5 million. Bloomberg offers a quick history primer, noting that Hong Kong was a UK colony for 156 years until being returned to Chinese control in 1997, when many residents were given status as British nationals.

(Read more Hong Kong stories.)
The day after Twitter had the temerity to fact check Donald Trump, who has been found to lie and mislead over 18,000 times in the more than 1200 days he has held office, the President was in a Tweet snit: Republicans feel that Social Media Platforms totally silence conservatives voices. We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen.

Twitters calling out of Trumps charges that postal voting is fraudulent  he believes it helps only

Democrats  followed his vicious trolling of MSNBC host and former Republican congressman Joe

Scarborough, all but alleging he murdered one of his aides. It is a wholly false, despicable, filthy charge, and Trump has utterly resisted recanting the slander, and prefers to keep it alive: Its certainly a very suspicious situation. Very sad, very sad and very suspicious.

US President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order aimed at curbing protections for social media giants. Credit:AP

What to do with a President who lies continuously from a bully pulpit with over 80 million followers?

Under US law, Twitter and social media platforms lie somewhere between traditional publishers and broadcasters  who have full control over access to their platforms and the content they present on those media  and public utilities, or common carriers, which are pipes along which anyone can travel with no control by the owner of the content of the flow. If its electricity or telephony or data bits, the medium carries the message.
Miketta also agreed this was the most important of the four NHC updates.

The changes made for 2020 come after meetings among the NHC, based in Florida, and coastal, local National Weather Service offices, such as Mount Holly, which is responsible for all of the Jersey Shore.

Changes in forecast procedures, products and services, such as the once scheduled for this year, are usually an outcome from these meetings. However, the NHC and the local NWS offices are in good contact with each other during active events, so needed changes, if any, are often already contemplated and known before these meetings, Miketta said.

The implementation of a 60-hour forecast is another example of this. The NHC has provided forecasts 120 hours, or five days, out since 2001. However, forecast intervals have been at 48 and 72 hours, among others.

The inclusion of a 60-hour forecast between the already available 48- and 72-hour forecasts point will provide better definition to the forecast path of the storm. ... In addition, this extra 60-hour forecast point will also include intensity and 34-knot and 50-knot wind ... forecasts as well, Miketta said.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}
Kellie Chauvin, the wife of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, said she is filing for divorce after 10 years of marriage.

In a statement issued by her attorney, Kellie Chauvin said she is devastated by the killing of 46-year-old George Floyd, who died earlier this week while in police custody.

Kellie Chauvin's attorney said she filed for divorce as a result of this week's incident.

Derek Chauvin is facing third-degree murder and manslaughter charges after video surfaced showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for for more than 8 1/2 minutes while he pleaded for his life.

"Her utmost sympathy lies with [Floyd's] family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy," the statement read in part. "While Ms. Chauvin has no children from her current marriage, she respectfully requests that her children, her elder parents, and her extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time."

Kellie Chauvin was born in Laos in 1974 during a time of war. In 1977, her family fled to safety in Thailand, where they lived in a refugee camp, The Associated Press reported. In 2018, she was crowned Mrs. Minnesota.
Long-term Data Access for 2020 - Wits partners with Vodacom

New initiative provides students with data to access selected URLs through the Wits network.

Staff and students who provided valid Vodacom numbers to the University are receiving 10Gb daytime and 20Gb night-owl data-bundles per month for use on selected URLs accessed through the Wits network. This will continue on a rolling month-to-month basis. To use the data, staff and students must have provided the University with a valid Vodacom mobile number and installed the CISCO AnyConnect Mobile Client VPN app on their device.
Thousands of severely disabled children are being barred from returning to school because head teachers insist they cannot guarantee pupils' safety against coronavirus.

Desperate parents of these children have been ordered not to bring them back to the classroom when many mainstream schools start reopening this week.

The majority of Britain's schools for children with mental and physical disabilities  many of which also provide essential, specialist healthcare  will remain closed.

Charity bosses fear the ban will be the last straw for those left to cope with round- the-clock care for their special-needs children during lockdown.

Some parents have had to shoulder the entire burden as visits by care staff have also been withdrawn by local authorities.

It comes after campaigners claimed in this newspaper earlier in the month that councils were already 'using coronavirus as an excuse' to deny young disabled Britons vital home care support.

Max Tattersall, pictured left, alongside his father, Lee, and brother, Xander, has several conditions and his family have found themselves without support during lockdown

The care sector, already stretched due to staff shortages, was further hit during the pandemic with staff absences and problems with supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Charities warned that thousands of families had been suddenly cut adrift, with what little help they had withdrawn.

As part of the Coronavirus Act, which came into effect on March 25, local authorities were granted the power to withdraw services  so-called care easements  to prioritise healthcare workers' time for patients with the most pressing needs.

The stroke patient who became desperate to give it all away A man in Brazil became so benevolent after a clot on the brain that he almost gave away everything he owned. Shortly after his illness in 2016, the 49-year-old began giving away cash to friends and strangers and treating children to huge quantities of sweets. Only the intervention of his wife stopped him emptying the family coffers. A CT scan of the brain revealed reduced blood flow  caused by the stroke  had damaged 'wiring' in areas linked with personality traits, such as generosity, according to a report in the journal Neurocase. Advertisement

This means they were no longer legally obliged to meet disabled people's support needs so long as their basic human rights are upheld. At least eight English councils enacted such plans.

'After two months of lockdown, many families we speak to are at breaking point,' says Dan Scorer, head of policy and public affairs at mental health charity Mencap. 'The balance must be struck between safeguarding children from real health risks and supporting families who are desperately struggling with the enormous responsibility.'

It had been ruled by the Government that schools for disabled pupils should remain open during the lockdown. In fact, recent figures show that just five per cent of such children were able to attend, as many schools shut their doors to all but the most vulnerable.

Now new guidance requires special-needs schools to adopt protective measures  including keeping children two metres apart and encouraging 'good respiratory hygiene'.

Teachers warn that the measures are unworkable. Adrian Carver, head teacher at Downs View school for children with complex disabilities in Brighton, says: 'The Government clearly does not understand the reality of working with 200-odd disabled children.

'With little at-home support for parents from the local health authority, it's understandable that parents are desperate for the school to open.

'But I can't guarantee pupil safety  social distancing is impossible.

'These children need teachers practically sitting at their shoulder all the time. They put their hands in their mouth constantly, then touch objects or other children or staff. And the Government remains adamant that teachers don't need PPE.'

The stand-off is already taking a toll on the health of anxious parents caught in the middle.

Many classrooms are being prepared with distanced chairs and tables, such as at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Hertford, pictured, ahead of the return of thousands of pupils next week

Sophia Tattersall, 40, and her husband Lee, 48, from Barnsley, Yorkshire, are parents to Max  a ten-year-old with several conditions including epilepsy, brain damage and a metabolic disease called homocystinuria, a condition in which the body cannot digest protein properly.

Max needs specially adapted meals and supplements, some of which are fed via a tube.

Disabled from birth, Max is also partially sighted and non-verbal.

Sophia says: 'We were barely coping when he had a full-time school placement and a weekly overnight stay with a carer.

'But as soon as lockdown was introduced, on March 23, the local authority and the school stopped it all and we've been left to cope on our own since.'

Sophia, who is also mother to Xander, 13, gave up her job as a legal secretary to care for Max. He needs feeding six times a day, his nappy changed at least five times daily, a cocktail of medication and frequent baths to ward off infections. He also suffers regular seizures  up to 25 a day.

Adrian Carver, head teacher at Downs View school for children with complex disabilities in Brighton, pictured outside 10 Downing Street in 2018, says new protective measures for special schools are unworkable

About six weeks after Max's care provisions were slashed, electronics salesman Lee suffered a sudden heart attack. 'I've no doubt that the stress of caring for Max full-time was a huge contributing factor,' Sophia says.

Annette King, also from Barnsley, has a nine-year-old son, Alessandro, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. On the Friday before lockdown was announced, Annette, 41, received a text message from Alessandro's school informing her that it was closed, and ordering parents not to contact them further.

'I've had no indication of when this will change,' she says.

Sam Loizou, a 46-year-old project manager from Wiltshire, has been forced to care full-time for her 17-year-old son Henry, who has severe autism and epilepsy and is unable to wash and dress by himself.

'The school is currently only taking children of key workers who have no one else to look after them. For all the other children, it's just assumed the parents will cope. And we've had no correspondence about when this will change. The council has provided no support.'

Richard Kramer, chief executive of disability charity Sense, warns: 'These families are simply being forgotten.'

For each vulnerable child, like Max, schools are required to work with parents and social workers on a risk assessment. The outcome determines whether it is safe for them to return to school.

In a statement, Barnsley Council said: 'We are working closely with parents and carers, schools and settings to ensure that all children and young people with special educational needs are safe and well, but also to support discussions and plans for children and young people to return to education.'

Barnsley Council also say that restrictions to school places have been in place 'to stop the spread of Covid-19', and to protect 'those in the shielding category, deemed extremely clinically vulnerable.'

Barnsley Council, which meets at the town hall, pictured, says it is ensuring all those with special educational needs are safe and well and that restrictions to places have been made 'to stop the spread of Covid-19'

However Sophia has presented the local authority with several letters from Max's specialist consultant stating that he does not meet this critera. 'With his epilepsy worsening at home, and my husband's health deteriorating, I believe school is the best option.'

Sense now wants the Government to offer an alternative solution, such as increased at-home support, or part-time day services, possibly outdoors, to reduce infection risk.

'Parents should not be forced to choose between their child's safety and their own mental health,' says Mr Kramer. 'Ultimately it ends with family breakdown and vulnerable children being placed outside the home  either in hospitals or in an emergency placement.'

Sophia has managed to secure three-times-a-week visits from a social care worker, who takes Max for a walk in nearby parkland, giving the family some respite.

On Thursday  after nearly nine weeks of silence  the school told Sophia it is investigating Max's safe return to school. No date has been set. 'It took six weeks of fighting, and for my husband to have a heart attack, before we were deemed worthy of help,' she says.

'I can't help but think  how many other families are facing the same?'
Brex, last valued at $2.6 billion, is restructuring its credit card for startups business and cut 62 staff members, the co-founders Pedro Franceschi and Henrique Dubugras said in a blog post.

"Today we're restructuring the company to better align our priorities with this new reality, while simultaneously accelerating our product vision. With that, I have some very sad news to share. 62 people will be leaving Brex today," the post reads.

The cuts come as Brex's customer base itself is struggling to stay afloat amid COVID-19: high-growth startups. The trickle-down to Brex's core business, which depends on its customers spending money, was thus expected.

Brex has already cut some customer credit limits to mitigate some of the exposure risk, The Information reported, and Dubugras confirmed. Customers say the credit limit cuts came without warning or notice.

Additionally, the company, launched in Brazil and graduated from Y Combinator, raised $150 million recently.

When TechCrunch talked to Dubugras about the latest fundraise, the co-founder said the capital was offensive, rather than defensive.

Im glad this round came together, but if it hadnt, we wouldve been fine, he said last week. The capital is so we can play offensive while everyone else plays defensive.

In the blog post, the co-founders wrote to former staffers.

"Please continue dreaming big and dont lose the ambition that attracted you to Brex. Dont let anything, not even a global pandemic, take that away from you. I wish we could give each one of you a hug, so instead Ill end this message like Id do it in Portuguese. Abracos, Pedro and Henrique."

Those laid off will be provided with eight weeks of severance, their computer and equipment, and Brex will dedicate a part of its recruiting team to help find new opportunities for ex-staffers. Additionally, Brex is making adjustments to the equity cliff and has extended healthcare benefits through the end of 2020.

Brex has amassed $465 million in venture capital funding to date.
Islamabad, May 30 (IANS) Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Atif Mashal said Islamabad's decision to allow Afghan traders to import goods via the Gwadar port in Balochistan province will boost bilateral trade and transit ties between the two countries.

Mashal's comments on Friday came following the arrival of a cargo ship, carrying 16,000 tonnes urea for transit to Afghanistan at the Gwadar port, reports Xinhua news agency.

Pakistan last month announced to allow import of the Afghan bulk cargo of wheat, sugar and fertilizers at the Gwadar port and onward transit to Afghanistan in sealable trucks, instead of being limited to containers.

"For the first time, bagging will be done locally instead of foreign ports. Urea will be bagged and shipped on trucks to Afghanistan at Gwadar, which will generate employment for the locals. Instructions have already been passed to allocate all labor jobs to local population," Abdul Razak Dawood, advisor to Pakistani Prime Mnister on commerce, textile, industry and production, and investment, tweeted on Friday.

In response, the Afghan Ambassador welcomed Pakistan's decision.

"This will certainly have a positive impact on Afghanistan-Pakistan trade and transit ties. We must extend support to each other for revival of commerce and connectivity in Central and South Asia that will surely benefit people in the region," Mashal said in a tweet.

Pakistan announced in October 2019 to open the Gwadar port for the Afghan transit trade as the trade related infrastructure at the port was already to handle bulk cargoes to and from Afghanistan.

The first ship carrying containers for Afghan transit trade arrived at the Gwadar port on January 14.

Pakistan and Afghanistan had signed a transit trade agreement in 1965 that was revised in 2010, which calls for better facilitation in the movement of goods between the two countries.

Afghan traders would previously use ports in Karachi for import under the transit trade agreement.

--IANS

ksk/
COVID19 positive case count in the Volta Region has reached 75, checks by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has revealed.

The Region also has a total of 32 recoveries, two deaths and 41 active cases.



Ketu South Municipality leads the chart with 26 number of cases followed by Ho, the regional capital, 22 and Hohoe, 11 cases.



Central Tongu has seven cases, South Tongu, three cases, Kpando, two cases, Anloga, two cases with Akatsi South and Agotime-Ziope recording a case each.



Following the recording of new cases in Central Tongu, the Assembly has closed the Adidome, Mafi Kumasi and Mafi Avedo markets temporarily.



The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in a press release on May 27, 2020, lamented the increase in communal spread of the virus and directed all Assemblies to strictly ensure that all markets and public places had the "No mask, no entry" sign and enforced.



The release, signed by Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, also charged the Assemblies to intensify public education and ensure that commercial drivers and motorcycle operators observed all the protocols, especially wearing of nose masks.



Some people the GNA spoke to, said they were not surprised by the increase in communal spread of the virus because people were not wearing nose masks.



They therefore appealed to the police to enforce the wearing of nose masks in the streets and public places.



Meanwhile, a section of the public has cautioned against the 'stampeding' of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to lift restrictions meant to contain the pandemic.



Mr Christopher Kudzo Galenkui, Assemblyman for Wumenu Electoral Area in the Adaklu District said there was no need to rush in lifting the restrictions when positive cases were on the increase.

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.

Featured Video
Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all.

Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.

Los Angeles is into a fourth day of protests over police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man whose arrest in Minneapolis on Monday was captured on a shocking video.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency late Saturday evening upon the request of the city and county of L.A. The declaration states that the governor finds "that local authority is inadequate to address the threat posed by the civil unrest."

Protests during the day were peaceful in many parts of the city and county. But as the afternoon advanced, some areas, including Rodeo Drive, Melrose Ave. and the Grove shopping mall, saw stores set on fire and looting.

Kendra Anderson, 24, who was protesting Saturday afternoon in downtown L.A., blamed police for confrontations with protestors and journalists that happened throughout the day. She understands why some protesters may have taken part in vandalism.



"Some people are past the point where they want to just hold signs and, you know, yell to the police. They want to see some stuff burn. And I feel like they have a right to."





"It's so easy to only see the looting and not hear the pain of the people who were protesting peacefully."





From Melrose to 6th St and La Cienega to La Brea. Residents should stay inside. Business should close. Those on the street are to leave the area immediately.





Rabbi Anne Brener told KPCC AirTalk host Larry Mantle that she worried the media's focus on property damage during the protests would take away from the main message of the day.By 7 p.m. a citywide curfew was in place from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday and Los Angeles police had declared an "unlawful assembly" in the Mid-Wilshire area. Meaning:Curfews starting at 8 p.m. were also established in Culver City, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Santa Monica. Torrance set a curfew starting at midnight Saturday and starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday night.

QUESTIONS? Let us know if you have one you'd like answered

PHOTOS: Weekend Protests Start Peacefully; Intensify With Police Presence

L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said 1,000 National Guard troops had been requested to help respond to riots: 500 to help LAPD and 500 for the rest of the county. (Earlier in the day, Mayor Eric Garcetti had said he would not call in the National Guard. "This is not 1992," he said in reference to the riots that year.)

Villanueva told KPCC AirTalk host Larry Mantle that he was "concerned about the direction this is taking."

"We all equally condemn the murder of George Floyd ... but what we're doing right now, trashing our own community, is not going to help matters."





Youre walking amid the chants, the smoke, the sirens and this catches your breath pic.twitter.com/VRzyFfhBbv  Josie Huang (@josie_huang) May 30, 2020

Here's a look at how the day unfolded:

The main protest started at noon in Pan Pacific Park near the Fairfax District. Following a peaceful start, chaos broke out on nearby streets, with Fairfax and 3rd St. as the epicenter. Multiple police cars were set on fire and police officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd.

Protesters faced off against LAPD, who late in the afternoon were joined by L.A. County Sheriff's deputies.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a curfew in the entire city from 8 p.m. tonight to 5:30 a.m. Sunday. It was originally set just for downtown L.A.

"I will always protect Angelenos' right to make their voices heard -- and we can lead the movement against racism without fear of violence or vandalism," Mayor Garcetti said in a statement. "The vast majority of people taking to the streets are doing it peacefully, powerfully, and with reverence for the sacred cause they're fighting for. This curfew is in place to protect their safety -- and the safety of all who live and work in our city."

On Friday night and early Saturday morning, protests in downtown L.A. had turned violent.

Los Angeles is just one city among many across the nation struggling to stem unrest and anger, following decades of racially motivated police brutality.

Authorities said 533 arrests were made Friday night in downtown. The charges include burglary, looting, probation violation, battery on police officer, attempted murder and failure to disperse. All but 18 of those arrested have been released on their own recognizance.

Six LAPD officers were injured on Friday after the Los Angeles Police Dept. declared an "unlawful assembly" and attempted to shut down much of downtown. The officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, ranging from lacerations to impact wounds.

LAPD is continuing to assess the full extent of property damage from Friday night, according to officials. Several police vehicles were vandalized, and numerous downtown businesses were damaged and looted. More police cars were vandalized and burned today in the Fairfax District.

On Saturday morning, before the protests began, local law enforcement and city leaders called for calm and braced for more unrest. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said:

"I am asking for all of Los Angeles to come together and find the ability to peacefully express individual and collective grievances while also maintaining the safety of all of Angelenos."





11:15 p.m. One group of at least two dozen cars was trapped by police on 8th between Broadway and Spring. Police moved in and started arresting the people in the cars. One man who was pulled out of his car and detained, Damien Atkins, told us he hadn't done anything wrong, he hadn't done any looting, and he was angry.

10:45 p.m. A Foot Locker on Broadway was looted Saturday night. During the looting, two men could be heard threatening to shoot people if they didn't get out of their way as they left the store. As they came out, they were carrying the store's safe.

The sidewalk outside was littered with shoe boxes and people could be seen carrying away Pumas, Adidas, Reeboks and other popular brands. Traffic backed up in all directions around the store. Shortly after 10 p.m. the crowd scattered as people heard the sirens of approaching police cars.

A Foot Locker on Broadway was looted Saturday night. (Frank Stoltze/LAist)

9:45 p.m. Loud explosions could be heard in the southern part of downtown L.A. as roving bands of protestors set off unknown devices.

The sudden bangs startled those nearby and sent them scurrying up a sidewalk or jumping into the street. Meanwhile, sirens echoed among the highrises as caravans of police cars raced from one hot spot to another. Police in vehicles chased young men and women on bicycles but often couldn't catch up.

9:00 p.m. Metro Bus and Rail announced that all service would be suspended until 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

About half a dozen squad cars each from the Gardena and Hawthorne Police Departments were seen driving through downtown L.A., indicating LAPD requested assistance from neighboring cities.

8:45 p.m. A widening group of cities established curfews in line with the city of L.A.'s 8 p.m. curfew. These include Culver City, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Santa Monica.

7:00 p.m. LAPD declares an unlawful assembly in the Mid-Wilshire area.

We have declared an unlawful assembly in the Mid-Wilshire area.



From Melrose to 6th St and La Cienega to La Brea. Residents should stay inside. Business should close. Those on the street are to leave the area immediately.  LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) May 31, 2020

6:30 p.m. Mayor Eric Garcetti extended the 8 p.m. curfew from DTLA to the entire city. CBS Los Angeles broadcast footage of looting inside Nordstrom at the Grove and on Rodeo Drive.

6:00 p.m. Sheriffs vehicles have entered the Fairfax District, near Beverly and Stanley.

LAist photojournalist Chava Sanchez was tear-gassed, along with a sizeable group of protestors.

(Chava Sanchez/LAist)

You can watch the sheriff's press conference, featuring statements from local religious leaders, below:

5:30 p.m. The city of Beverly Hills has now instituted a curfew, starting at 8 p.m.

5:20 p.m. We've just received reports that sign-carrying protesters chanting "eat the rich" went to Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive around 3 p.m. today. Signs carried by protesters included, "George Floyd did not deserve to be murdered," "Justice for George Floyd" and "Black lives matter."

Shortly before 4 p.m., automated telephone calls were made to Beverly Hills residents saying protesters are entering the city and urging residents to stay to home. Motorists were told to avoid the area.

5:14 p.m. West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath says the city will impose a curfew tonight, starting at 8pm.

5:05 p.m. Protestors surrounded a group of 20-30 police before more police arrived and told everyone to leave. Protestors have been splintered east of fairfax and north of Beverly. Police are holding the intersection.

CBS News is reporting that LAPD is also using tear gas. Multiple protestors are coughing as they exit the area.

More police in SUVs have entered the vicinity.

4:50 p.m. Police are shooting rubber bullets into the crowd. Lines of LAPD in riot gear are moving in on protestors. LAist photojournalist, Chava Sanchez, described their actions as "aggressive."

LAist reporter Josie Huang recorded the police shooting at the crowd, as protestors yelled "stop" repeatedly. People were fleeing the scene.

At Fairfax and Beverly, LAPD appears to fire blanks into crowd. Forgive the shaky video, it was really unnerving. pic.twitter.com/KtWEJx9kcX  Josie Huang (@josie_huang) May 30, 2020

4:45 p.m. Another police car set on fire on Beverly and Fairfax. LAFD trucks have arrived on the scene.

An LAPD patrol car burns near the corner of Beverly and Fairfax. (Chava Sanchez / LAist)

4:40 p.m. LAPD is shooting what appears to be either blanks or rubber bullets into the crowd, reports LAist's Josie Huang.

Some witnesses are reporting that protestors throwing are also throwing things at police, but that is not yet verified.

LAPD shot what it appears to be blanks and rubber bullets, Im not sure, at Fairfax & Beverly. Aimed right into crowd. Bystanders told me people had thrown things at the police. This is a few mins ago. pic.twitter.com/AvMkpOit32  Josie Huang (@josie_huang) May 30, 2020

4:31 p.m. All testing centers are now closed in Los Angeles, citywide (as of 3 p.m.).

The mayor comments in his press briefing about officers using rubber bullets: "policing is difficult to do and using non-lethal force is an option." He calls police officers "peace officers." And that they are doing their duty to protect human lives.

3:47 p.m. Mayor Eric Garcetti is asking spectators to go home and protest peacefully until the violence subsides. He is instituting a curfew downtown from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. so the city can clean up the damage from last night.

Councilman Curren Price said he is proud that South L.A., which he represents, has not seen any violence.

"If we have buildings burning and shops being looted, we've seen those shadows in the past. Don't bring them back," Garcetti said.

Garcetti said the majority of protesters are people who live here, but there are some folks who come from outside who might be lighting fires and looting stores. "Don't let them win," he said, adding that he does not have exact data on this yet.

The mayor also said he has no plans to call in the National Guard. "This is not 1992."

He added, "This was supposed to be an opening weekend, but instead we've seen the closing of a life."

Watch the live feed here.

3:25 p.m. Several police cars have been damaged or burned on 3rd St. between Fairfax and Crescent Heights. Another squad car is on fire on the 8000 block of Beverly Blvd.

Smoke is filling the area. Police are wearing protective helments and holding batons, while forming barriers to stop protestors.

(Chava Sanchez/LAist)

(Chava Sanchez/LAist)

(Chava Sanchez/LAist)

(Chava Sanchez/LAist)

Smoke near 3rd and Fairfax. (Catilin Hernandez/LAist)

(Chava Sanchez/LAist)

3:15 p.m. Mayor Eric Garcetti will speak at 3:30 p.m. According to the press release, he will be joined by Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmember Curren Price, LAPD Chief Michel Moore, Reverend Dr. Najuma Smith Pollard and other leaders "at a remote press briefing to provide an update on Los Angeles' efforts to keep the public safe."

We will be airing the speech live here.

Meanwhile police and protestors are starting to have physical altercations.

3:00 p.m. Minnesota Public Radio just published an analysis of jail records, 86 percent of people booked into the Hennepin County Jail in the last 24 hours are from Minnesota and 43 percent are from Minneapolis. Here's an excerpt:

Alexander Reid Ross, doctoral fellow at the Center for Analysis of the Radical Right, said he thinks far-right extremist groups like Three Percenters and Boogaloo Bois are causing violence in the Twin Cities, as are some protesters angry about generations of institutional racism.



"It's a complex ecosystem of a movement and you are seeing different groups contending to shift the balance in different directions," Ross said. "There is an element of provocation emerging. And I think that probably comes from within as well as from without."





Governor @GavinNewsoms statement on demonstrations across California:



Over the last few days, we have seen millions of people lift their voices in anger, rightfully outraged at how systemic racism is allowed to persist. (1/5)  Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) May 30, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a statement on this week's demonstrations. He says he is "closely monitoring organizing by violent extremist organizations" to possibly escalate George Floyd protests, adding: "In CA and across the country, there are indications that violent actors may be attempting to use these protests for their own agendas."

2:50 p.m. CNN is reporting that LAPD officers fired rubber bullets at 3rd & Edinburgh. Police vehicles were vandalized -- with windows being kicked in and cars being sprayed with graffiti, according to CNN's Paul Vercammen:

Protesters said the demonstrations began peacefully with a march, but then they said police tried to hold them off from moving forward and that's when the confrontation started.



No arrests have been made at this point, Vercammen reported.





Protestors march near Pan Pacific Park today in Los Angeles. May 30, 2020. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)

More photos from the scene in Pan Pacific Park:

(Josie Huang/LAist)

(Josie Huang/LAist)

(Josie Huang/LAist)

(Josie Huang/LAist)

(Josie Huang/LAist)

Two women join today's Black Lives Matter Protest from inside their car. Pan Pacific Park, Los Angeles. May 30 2002. (Josie Huang/LAist)

1:15 p.m. LAist's Josie Huang reports the police presence at Pan Pacific Park s not as heavy as in downtown last night, but there is at least one helicopter circling.

Protestors are criticizing the police, President Trump and Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey, who they say has been sheltering LAPD officers from prosecution. The protestors are also speaking out against officials who have been critical of protestors.

"They're saying protestors should be allowed not just to grieve, but to rage," Huang says. Protestors are invoking the names of black Americans -- from George Floyd to Trayvon Martin to Sandra Bland -- who have died at the hands of police.

12:50 p.m. Black Lives Matter L.A. posts a live video on Instagram.

The mother of Kenneth Ross Jr., a 25-year-old man who was fatally shot by police in Gardena in April 2018, takes the stage. She says her son was murdered:

"Police swarmed him, he got scared, he ran, as everybody would. If you're scared, you're gonna run. But it ain't against the law to run. As he ran, a white racist cop comes out of nowhere and shoots my son with an AR-15 military assault weapon in his back ... and you know what Jackie Lacey did? The D.A.? She didn't even prosecute the cop. The cop is still out on the streets."

12:04 p.m. LAist's Josie Huang reports from Pan Pacific Park in the Fairfax district of L.A., where there are actually two protests taking place. Estimates say about 500 people are in attendance. People are wearing masks, but Huang says, "social distancing has definitely gone out the door."

Black Lives Matter is having a rally, as is a group of high school students from around Los Angeles. "Many of the folks I'm seeing are young, they're in high school," Huang said. "I even see really young kids on scooters." Huang spoke to a group of students from Immaculate Heart High School in Los Feliz, who brought gatorade and water for the protestors. They also brought bottles of baking soda mixed with water, in case police use tear gas.

There are a few uniformed police officers on site, but not the kind of heavy presence we saw downtown last night.

12:00 p.m. L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez released this statement about the protests:

As a Latina, I have experienced racism many times throughout my life and it is one of the most horrific human experiences imaginable. But for Black America, since the days of slavery and continuing today, racism has been an exceptionally cruel, senseless and deadly foe. It has made driving while black, walking while black, eating while black, jogging while black and living while black a burden Black America never asked for nor deserved.



How many more George Floyds will we mourn? Racism is America's greatest enemy. We cannot excuse it away, we cannot, 'yeah but' it away, we must collectively stop it in its tracks. In public and political debate, and in our private lives, we must intellectually and spiritually kill it before it literally kills another American.



So please protest, please march, please speak out, please cry out to racism's injustice, including in our police departments, and please do so loudly, but please do so peacefully."





This morning the sun came up on a Los Angeles that offered a new day.



Last night was a dark reminder of the perils of a society in turmoil and how our people stand to support peaceful expression while being ready to protect the rights of all.



Im thankful for such people. pic.twitter.com/eELnTslRYh  Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) May 30, 2020

LAPD Chief Michel Moore tweets about last night, thanking those who protested peacefully.

11 a.m. LAist photographer Chava Sanchez captured some images of downtown in the wake of Friday's protests.

The shopping center at Figureroa and 7th street was closed, while workers did repairs. "Target was boarded up and Zara was completely trashed," he said. The Starbucks on 6th and Spring Streets was also boarded up, after windows were broken last night.

Graffitti was everywhere in Pershing Square.

Zara windows were still smashed at the Fig@&7th shopping center downtown on Saturday morning, May 30. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)

Damage at the Starbucks on 6th and Spring the morning after Friday's protests. May 30, 2020. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)

THE BACKGROUND

On Monday, Minneapolis police responding to a report that someone had tried to make a purchase using a phony $20 bill arrested George Floyd.

Floyd died after he was handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a white officer, Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on the 46-year-old man's neck for nearly 9 minutes. There were three other officers at the scene, two of whom assisted in restraining Floyd.

Video footage of the arrest, in which Floyd is heard saying "I can't breathe," spread widely and all four officers were fired earlier this week. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

By then, the city and surrounding areas had already experienced several nights of dramatic looting and violence. This morning, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced he is fully mobilizing the National Guard in Minneapolis for the first time in the state's history. Walz said:

"Let's be very clear: The situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd. It is about attacking civil society, instilling fear and disrupting our great cities."





St. Paul, MN Mayor Melvin Carter says every person arrested in his city last night was from out of state.  Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) May 30, 2020

Minnesota authorities also said they believed the unrest was being driven by outside groups

In addition to Minneapolis and Los Angeles, among major cities reporting significant incidents of protests turning violent:

New York

Washington, D.C.

Louisville

Oakland

Portland

Atlanta

Chicago

Detroit

Houston

Two people have been reported killed in the protests; a federal security guard in Oakland and 21-year-old man in Detroit.

SCENES ON THE GROUND: FRIDAY

In downtown L.A. overnight Friday, people on the street clashed with police, broke windows, looted and set fires. the sounds of sirens, shouting and rubber bullets being fired continued until nearly dawn, according to area residents.

Earlier in the evening, protesters blocked the 110 and 101 freeways. The LAPD declared an "unlawful assembly" shortly before 9:30 p.m. but then struggled to disperse the crowds.

Protesters filled the streets Friday night in downtown Los Angelees. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

Our colleague Andy Cheatwood watched from his apartment window in downtown's Historic Core. He says the violence escalated below him after the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly

"It seemed to come in waves as the mob and the cops went back and forth. It really kind of started when the LAPD started pushing people South away from the City Hall on Spring. And as they were doing that, it led to a lot of smashing and looting of some of the stores. At one point there was a dumpster that was set on fire."

Cheatwood said he witnessed arrests of protesters earlier in the evening, but by the time the looting began, it appeared to him that the people still on the street were unconnected to the earlier protests.

"The protesters were generally not trying to provoke police, had signs, were chanting, etc. Whereas the folks that were smashing things looked like they were partying."

Witnesses made similar observations in Oakland and other protest locations:

I was at Downtown Oakland protests a little while ago. Let me say something; the people breaking glass, breaking into windows & starting fires were WHITE men wearing all black. They had hammers and walkie talkies. They were organized. BLM protestors did not start the violence! pic.twitter.com/I2HOdzFoHd  Asia (@AsiaJannelll) May 30, 2020

This morning, Cheatwood says much of the street is covered in graffiti and store windows are boarded up. Cheatwood says he and his neighbors are hunkering down in preparation for more protests planned for today.

A boy holds a sign during a protest in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. (Christian Monterrosa/AP)

People vandalize a Starbucks as protesters clash with police officers. (Christian Monterrosa/AP)

Protesters loot and vandalize a Starbucks. (Christian Monterrosa/AP)

Protesters light a fire in the middle of the street during a protest. (Christian Monterrosa/AP)

Protesters confront police officers during a protest over the death of George Floyd. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

LAPD police officers fire rubber bullets. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

(Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

A man throws a hand truck into the window of vandalized CVS store. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

(Christian Monterrosa/AP)

(Christian Monterrosa/AP)

A man records a burning police vehicle during a protest over the death of George Floyd early Saturday. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

HOW WE'RE REPORTING ON THIS

Reporter Josie Huang and photojournalist Chava Sanchez are reporting on protests today. Reporter Frank Stoltze will be reporting tonight. Producer Julia Paskin is making calls. This story is anchored by Gina Pollack and edited by Oscar Garza and Megan Garvey.

This is a developing story. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and/or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For the latest information straight from local emergency officials and some of the major groups organizing the protests, check the following websites and social media accounts:

MORE ON LA PROTESTS

WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

This story originally published at 10:10 a.m.
Jammu and Kashmir police have released a pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after a probe found that the bird, which had flown across the contentious border between the nuclear-armed nations, was not a spy, two officials said on Friday.

"The pigeon was set free yesterday (May 28) after nothing suspicious was found," said Shailendra Mishra, a senior police official in Jammu and Kashmir. It was unclear where the bird was released and whether it flew back to its owner.

The Pakistani owner of the pigeon had urged India to return his bird, which Indian villagers turned over to police after discovering it.

"It's just an innocent bird," Habibullah, the owner of the bird, who goes by just one name, said on Friday.

He rejected allegations that the numbers inscribed on a ring on the pigeon's leg were codes meant for militant groups operating in the disputed region of Kashmir.

Habibullah, who lives in a village near the Kashmir border, one of the most militarised zones in the world, said the bird had participated in a pigeon racing contest and the digits on the bird's leg were his mobile phone number.

The sport is especially popular in the border villages, said Yasir Khalid of the Shakar Garh Pigeon Club, adding such races are held in India too, and it is not unusual to lose a bird on either side. Owners identify their birds with stamps on the wings, paint and rings on the feet.

"We had to take the bird into our custody to probe if it was being using for spying," a senior Indian border security officer said requesting anonymity, while explaining this was part of the drill given border sensitivities.

In 2016, a pigeon was taken into custody after it was found with a note threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The former Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle are yet to find their own private security as reports reveal that Prince Charles will not pay for theirs. The royal couple is currently using the team of Tyler Perry.

Funding their own security

US President Donald Trump refused to give Prince Harry and Meghan Markle protection since the couple moved to Los Angeles in March. This means that they will need to look and fund their own security as threats to their safety and security are increasing.

Aside from security, the couple is also looking for a permanent residence as they are staying in the Los Angeles home of Hollywood tycoon Tyler Perry.

The $18 million mansions located at the hillside of California is their temporary residence as they try to slowly settle in the state. Reports stated that Prince Charles was initially asked to cover the cost of the couple's security.

However, a friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle talked to Newsweek and revealed that the royal couple is using the security team of comedian Tyler Perry. The security team was previously assigned in Perry/s Tuscan style villa.

The Prince of Wales refused to pay for the couple's security. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hoped that they can keep their security and that it would still be funded by the UK after they decided to leave their positions as the senior members of the royal family.

But the issue became complicated after they first moved to Canada as the government of the country refused to pay for it.

Also Read: Kate Middleton Furious! Tabloid Reports False News About Duchess' Attitude, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle

Before the pandemic started, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to California, and the coronavirus has forced the country to go on lockdown.

President Donald Trump made his take on the matter clear as he tweeted: "I am a great friend and admirer of the queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!"

It is expected that Tyler Perry's security team will be very busy since the paparazzi discovered where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were staying. The royal couple has reported seeing numerous drones around the house, and they've reported the incidents to the LAPD in early May.

Pictures of Prince Harry playing with a dog was published on gossip sites and tabloids. The pictures appear to have been taken by a drone. The friends of the royal couple said that the two have been chased by dozens of paparazzi while they were out driving.

Paparazzi problem

According to the Daily Beast, the couple was out driving last month in LA and they noticed a couple of paparazzi following them. The two were tailed and chased by two cars, and both cars were driven erratically.

When the couple parked up, one of the cars following them cut across two lanes of traffic so they can park too. The car of the paparazzi was just meters away from causing a car crash. The stunt was shocking, dangerous, and scary.

The couple was rattled, but they tried to handle the situation as best as they could. However, it is still a reality that they are chased and tailed every day. A spokesperson for the LAPD cited an incident report and stated that the authorities still don't know who are the people behind the drones flying in the area.

Related Article: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Calls LA Police As Drones Allegedly Fly Over Their Home

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Responding to the latest developments in Government negotiations that parties are considering giving more money to parents to offset creche fees, the Childrens Rights Alliance alongside Early Childhood Ireland, National Womens Council and SIPTU warn against this retrograde approach that will "set us back years in the development of a truly affordable, high-quality childcare system."

Speaking on these developments, Teresa Heeney, Chief Executive of Early Childhood Ireland commented: It is alarming to hear about a return to direct payment to parents. This would be a backward step and will not address the key issue of Irelands historical underinvestment in early years. The next governments focus must remain on building a publicly subsidised and sustainable childcare system; one which guarantees quality for children, security for operators and a strong career structure for early years educators. Otherwise, the progress of the last few years will have been wasted and Ireland will remain at the bottom of the EU investment league.

Darragh OConnor, SIPTU Head of Strategic Organising said, The Early Years sector is in the middle of a staffing and low pay crisis. With the majority of workers earning below the Living Wage it is unsurprising that staff turnover is 40% on average in full day services. This directly undermines quality for children. Direct payments to parents will do nothing to improve quality for children; we need real investment and reform.

Director of the National Womens Council of Ireland, Orla OConnor added, This is a critical moment to establish a sustainable system of state funding of ECEC in Ireland, which is essential for both the predominantly female workforce and for women and families. We cannot go back to having the highest childcare fees in Europe, alongside some of the lowest-paid workers. Direct payments to parents are a step backwards - they will lead to unequal access, make it harder for women to stay in or re-enter the workforce and do not sustain high-quality early years into the future.

Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children Rights Alliance said, We have been calling for new thinking and greater investment in the early years sector, but this is not what we envisioned. A streamlined regulation system for the sector and pay increases for staff being discussed by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party are welcome ideas, and we would view them as essential components to the new programme for government. However, we are very concerned that these plans may also include giving money to parents to offset creche fees. This would set the sector back years and flies in the face of international evidence on whats best for children. Funding needs to go directly to services. We as a people will get a better return on our investment.



The coalition has written a letter to political parties on its priorities for the programme for government and the provision of quality, affordable and accessible childcare.
RANCHI: A junior doctor on COVID-19 duty at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Jharkhand capital Ranchi has accused her senior of attempting to rape her.

In her police complaint, the victim said that she was on duty in the COVID-19 ward on Wednesday night. After the duty hours, the senior doctor came to her room, switched off lights, and attempted to sexually assault her.

The accused senior resident doctor has been identified as Arun Kumar Maurya, who is also a close relative of the citys famous nephrologist.

The accused doctor has been absconding since the incident was reported to the police.

The victim is a first-year student in the Anaesthesia department. She had also informed the RIMS management about the incident and demanded strict action against the accused.

Meanwhile, the Junior Doctors Association, RIMS, has also called for speedy action into the case.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A political animal is how MP Veerendrakumar once described himself. Imbued with socialist leanings, he was inducted into active politics by none other than legendary socialist Jayaprakash Narayan. He was a leader known to steer a Left of Centre political course with considerable success. Veeran, as he was popularly known, had  barring a couple of brief forays into the UDF fold  for most of his political life associated himself with the Left front.

It is no secret that he chose to part ways with the Left Democratic Front in 2009, after major differences with senior CPM leaders including Pinarayi Vijayan, over seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha polls. At the time as a Janta Dal (Secular) leader, he was one of the most respected Left leaders. Yet he chose to severe ties with the LDF with which he had been associated for well over two decades. The differences were so marked that Pinarayi, then CPM state secretary, had gone on to publicly advise the rebels in Dal to seek refuge with the UDF. Veerendrakumar went on to form the Socialist Janata Democratic Party that merged with Nitish Kumars JD(U). He later joined the UDF.

It was perhaps a fallout of this bitter feud that the CPM and the LDF in Kerala fought tooth and nail to ensure Veerans defeat by over one lakh votes (as the UDF candidate) against the CPMs M B Rajesh in the 2014 LS elections. Though he later became a Rajya Sabha MP on a UDF ticket, the alliance with the Congress-led front too didnt turn out well. Veeran moved out of the alliance with the UDF a couple of years down the line.

Veerendrakumars stormy association with Pinarayi was keenly watched in political circles. In a way, the two leaders shared a love-hate relationship. The fact that Veeran at times supported the VS faction too may have contributed its bit to the tumult in their bickerings. The same Pinarayi who had once openly lashed out at Veeran, extended an olive branch to his political rival later. In 2006, while releasing Veerans book Irul Parakkunna Kalam, Pinarayi reminded the gathering that Socialists belong to the Left front, and that the masses would want to see Socialists on their side.

In what could be termed an open invitation, Pinarayi had said, What needs to be corrected should be corrected, and what needs to be reconsidered should be reconsidered. He went on to add that it was a misconception that Veeran and he were political foes. Later in 2018, Veeran parted ways with Nitish Kumar and later returned to the Left front and became a Rajya Sabha MP.

In his condolence message on Friday, Pinarayi described him as a politician who relentlessly fought communal and divisive forces till his last breath. Even while standing for development, he was at the forefront of the fight for the environment. Veerandrakumar was one of the few politicians in Kerala to be closely associated with several environmental struggles, the Plachimada anti-Coca Cola stir being one of them. As an MP, he was actively involved in drawing the nations attention to the Plachimada stir, said R Ajayan, convener, Plachimada Solidarity Council.

He even organised the World Water Conference which played a huge role in the authorities finally acknowledging that the local people have the right over natural resources in the region. He was directly involved in a slew of environmental fights including the Plachimada stir, the Highway project and fight against sand mining, recalled Ajayan. Though Kerala politics have witnessed the rise of several Janata Dal factions over the years, M P Veerendrakumar always stood out as the most revered of all socialist leaders the state has seen.
Collected Storis: Lorrie Moore

Everyman's Library, Knopf. 748 pp, $27

---

Before I read, or reread, the 40 stories in the new Everyman's Library edition of Lorrie Moore's short fiction, I would have said I was sure I knew which was one was best. Now my suspicion is confirmed. "People Like That Are the Only People Here: Canonical Babbling in Peed Onk" is a stunning, heart-wrenching story about a mother who finds a blood clot in her baby's diaper, about the circle of hell known as the pediatric oncology ward, and about the process of writing about one's own tragedies. When it was first published in the New Yorker in 1997, three people tried to fax me the whole thing in one day.

I was so taken with the story at the time that I finagled an assignment to interview the author and ask her about the intimations of autobiography that were abuzz. She replied that reading autobiographically was "a vulgarity," reminding me that the story is "a work of fiction concerning, among other things, the subject of the transformation of life materials into fiction." But then she said, "I came up with this story in the course of a year when I was helpless before its subject matter."

For those who are not new to the droll delights of Moore, this small, fat book with its slender gold ribbon bookmark - "like the psalm book it so stealthily resembles," according to the passionate and excellent introduction by Lauren Groff - will be a treasure. "It is impossible to overstate," writes Groff, "how deeply it can move you to discover, in a literary world that you love all the way to the bedrock but find mostly barren of any trace of yourself, a voice that could be your own, if only refined into art."

The stories are arranged alphabetically rather than chronologically, from "Agnes of Iowa" to "You're Ugly, Too" for reasons the author explains in a brief opening note: "Attempting to glimpse the growth of an author through chronological arrangement is, in my opinion, often a fool's errand and even if possible and successful is somewhat embarrassing to the young author who remains alive within the older one."

And for the young readers who remain alive within us older ones, there's a detailed chronology, 1957-2019, at the front of the book where we can confirm our memories of how it was. The very '80s "Self-Help" appeared right in the middle of that decade, 1985 - the same year as Grace Paley's "Later The Same Day" and Anne Tyler's "Accidental Tourist" were published, as well as the beginning of Mikhail Gorbachev's reform of the Soviet Union.

"Like Life" was 1990; "Bark," 2014, and between them, the great "Birds of America" in 1998 - the year of A.S. Byatt's "Possession" and Bill Clinton's impeachment. My previously unresearched belief that "Birds of America" is everybody's favorite story collection has been supported at least by Carrie Brownstein, Miranda July and Sloane Crosley, each of whom separately told the New York Times that this was one of the 10 books they would take to a desert island. In addition to the 37 stories that come from the collections, three stories are adapted from the novels with "Anagrams," "Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?" and "A Gate at the Stairs."

If you are new to Moore, it might be better to start with one in its original collection, as reading the stories for the first time in this setting blurs them a bit. Just about every major character has the same propensity for jokes and malapropisms and misconceptions relating to language - a restaurant with steaks cooked "to your likeness"; a man who tells his girlfriend she looks "hunky-dorky." "Why is there a month named March," a character asks, "but no Skip? May but no Can?"

The effect recalls what they say about your dreams: Every character is actually you. In fact, Moore's use of language is so exuberant and adroit that while I was reading this book, it seemed to me that other writers were either very lazy or not quite fluent in English.

"Everything's a joke with you," says Midwesterner Pinky Eliot to his East Coast poet girlfriend Odette in Moore's 1989 story, "The Jewish Hunter."

Odette replies: "Nothing's a joke with me. It just all comes out like one."

That could describe just about every story here. Sharp insight into every kind of trouble - marital, medical, musical, veterinary - comes cloaked in irony, bedecked with wordplay, aphorisms sparkling. Like a nurse distracting you as she slips the needle into your flesh, Moore makes you forget for a moment the serious problem that occasions your meeting.

There are a great many stories about disappointment in love, whether it's the boy-girl kind or the parent-child kind; maybe all of them, in some way, are about that. Memorable formulations abound. "Marriage. It's an institution all right." "Marriage was a fine arrangement generally, except that one never got it generally. One got it very, very specifically."

"Which Is More Than I Can Say About Some People" is about both kinds of love: boy-girl and parent-child. Abby is contemplating the end of her marriage while on a trip to Ireland with her mother. Eventually, she figures out that what went wrong is that no toast was made at her wedding, and she toasts her mother, who may have been short on TLC, but passed on a "knack for solitude." Abby's conclusion is classic bittersweet Moore: "It was really that the world was one's brutal mother, the one that nursed and neglected you, and your own mother was only your sibling in that world."

In the end, Odette is right. Nothing's a joke with her. It just all comes out like one. You'll laugh, sure, but you'll also feel profoundly understood.

---

Winik, a professor at the University of Baltimore, is the author of numerous books, including "First Comes Love," "The Lunch-Box Chronicles" and, most recently, "The Big Book of the Dead."
What makes the perfect crime drama? Rivalry, revenge, action, politics and corruption all tied up in a nice little package. Well, if you love a crime drama then we have found the perfect one for you to binge-watch.

MX Player is taking viewers back to the 80s with MX Original Series Raktanchal that depicts the life that was led in the mafia riddled city of Purvanchal, Uttar Pradesh.

Inspired by true events - Raktanchal tells the story of Waseem Khan (Nikitin Dheer) who rules the tender mafia in Purvanchal. He is also involved in smuggling of arms and ammunition. His power is challenged by the anti-hero Vijay Singh (Kranti Prakash Jha), who was working towards becoming a civil servant until Waseems gang murdered his father.

MX Player

As this series progresses, we see the rivalry between Waseem and Vijay escalate to greater heights and nobody thinks twice before pulling that trigger. We wont give you too many details in order to avoid spoilers. Through its 9-episode run, the series keeps you hooked right till the end.

The show definitely succeeds in enlightening the audience about how the land, coal and liquor mafia functioned in the 80s and how it was a dirty game involving politics and corruption. Most of it boils down to the assigning of tenders which turns out to be more of a blood bath than just official paperwork.



MX Player

The leads are well cast, with each playing to their strengths. We see Nikitin Dheer bring in his resting angry face and a calculating menace to the role while Kranti Prakash Jha plays the perfect rival with his poker face and wit.

The supporting actors also turn in some good performances, particularly Chittaranjan Tripathy, Basu Soni, Ravi Khanvilkar, Ronjini Chakraborty, Krishna Bisht and Vikram Kochhar. One of the highlights of the series has got to be the sub-plot involving Ronjini Chakrabortys Seema and Vikram Kochhars Sanki Pandey.







Directed by Ritam Srivastav - the show is fast-paced, filled with profanity and bullets flying around but all that is brought to life by an incredible cast and crew that made sure that you were transported to a different decade.

The show ends with a cliff-hanger which makes us believe that there might just be a second season. So, while we wait for an announcement on that front, you need to start binge-watching the first season on MX Player.


Since last Sunday, Masses can be celebrated in various parts of the country, including Bangkok. But not in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, where people will have to wait until 7 June. The new normal" includes masks, distancing and temperature detection. Priest in the capital notes great enthusiasm", but also a little unease about precautionary measures.

Bangkok (AsiaNews/EdA)  Amid joy and caution, churches have reopened in Thailand celebrating the first public Masses since the start of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The decision seems to confirm that the outbreak is under control and that new cases are stable or close to zero, this according to experts.

Slowly, the country is moving towards normality, although many observers prefer to speak of a "new normal" with mandatory mask use, temperature detection, movement tracking via smartphones, and forms to be filled when entering a shop.

Catholics have welcomed the reopening of churches last Sunday, but parishes and dioceses continue to preach caution and care.

On 17 May, the Thai government authorised the opening of series of places, including shopping malls, museums and restaurants.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand followed quickly announcing the opening of places of worship the following week in full compliance with rules set by experts to avoid infections.

These include frequently hands washing, even when entering churches, and keeping a distance of at least one and a half metre between people, as well as fewer worshippers allowed inside to avoid crowds.

However, there are differences depending on the area in the country. In Bangkok and Ubon reopening occurred last Sunday, but Masses in Chiang Mai cathedral will only resume on 7 June, said French Jesuit Fr Olivier Morin. After two months of absence, lay people and priests are preparing to live such a moment with joy mixed with concern.

Ms Thongpan Panduang, 68, from Yasothorn, northeastern Thailand, noted that "when I heard the news [. . .] I felt relieved, free and full of joy.

Fr Sarayuth Konsupap, a Jesuit from Xavier Hall parish in Bangkok, could hold back his great enthusiasm" for the resumption of Masses, because "we can finally meet again. Without the faithful, I had the impression that everything was empty.

For the clergyman, despite some unease, being in community is primordial for Catholics. I think a lot about the additional precautionary measures and actions that we can take to avoid the risk of infection. For instance, outside Bangkok cathedral worshippers are given protective masks.

At present, religious freedom and the reopening of places of worship are not the main topics of conversation, protecting oneself and others from contagion is.

According to official data, the number of people affected by coronavirus in Thailand is just over 3,000, with 57 deaths.
Comedian Brings More Than Laughter to Anxious Quarantined Fans -- Viewers Cite Comedian Nazareth's New Weeknight Livestream as Their Hope Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Laughter for All

May 30, 2020

CORONA, Calif., May 30, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Award-winning Comedian Nazareth is livestreaming a community-centered weeknight comedy show that has viewers saying it's the reason they are staying alive and hopeful during the coronavirus pandemic. "Live with Naz -- Quarantining in Corona," a 60-minute Facebook Live stream, begins at 8:30 p.m. PST Monday through Friday and attracts viewers from all over the world, including Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Canada, Jordan, Dubai, and the U.S.

In "Live with Naz -- Quarantining in Corona," the audience becomes the comedian. Nazareth begins the show with few jokes of his own, then asks the audience a question or prompts them to finish a statement, such as: "You know the pandemic has gone too long when " The audience will comment back with their funny answers, such as, "When babies are born with face masks." For the last 10 minutes of each show, Nazareth asks the audience for prayer requests and closes with an encouragement.

The audience has grown to consider themselves a family. Many viewers take it upon themselves to welcome the new people, encourage them, and even pray for them. Here's what the audience has to say about "Live with Naz -- Quarantining in Corona":

"I have overwhelming depression and attempted suicide 3 times, I wanted to say thank you for doing this show." -- C.L. from Ontario, Canada

"Thank you for creating the show Nazareth, sometimes I am in pain, and this show keeps my mind away from the pain!" -- V.P. from Florida

"I will be watching Nazareth at 8:30 PM. You will feel better and anxiety is a lot more down. Laughter is a great med to have." -- A.A. from California

Nazareth explains, "I have something called comedy that can bring relief to anxious people. Why hold back? Although all my shows for the summer were cancelled, I believe that I can still bring laughter and encouragement to people online and be able to meet their physical needs."

"Live with Naz  Quarantining in Corona" is on Facebook Live weeknights at 8:30 p.m. PST at www.facebook.com/ComedianNazareth1

About Comedian Nazareth: Comedian Nazareth, originally from the Holy Land and living in Southern California for the last 34 years, has been seen by over 40 million people around the world through live shows, TV, and radio broadcasts. His performances have been on Comedy Central, ABC Family, NBC, and CBS. He performed at venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Notre Dame University Concert Hall, and The Pepsi Arena in Denver. He also co-founded a nonprofit organization called Voice of Refugees, and every week he helps feed over 1,000 refugees and asylees in Orange County, California.

SOURCE Laughter for All

CONTACT: John Hanna, info@Nazarethusa.com

Related Links

www.facebook.com/ComedianNazareth1
(Newser)  Social media is applauding Denzel Washington for helping out a homeless man in Los Angelesan encounter that (as people are pointing out) ended much differently than the arrest of George Floyd. Seems the Hollywood icon saw the man wandering out on La Cienega Blvd. and pulled over, then chatted with police as they patted him down, the LA Times reports. Washington, who was wearing a mask, gave the man a few masks as police put his hands behind his back (as seen in this tweeted video). Yet the May 21 encounter didn't end in an arrest. In fact, the man was held for a mental-health check and allowed to go. Among the reactions:

story continues below

"Denzel is a gentleman, scholar and a real one," tweets ESPN editor Ericka Goodman. "Continue to give him his roses. This is the right way to help."

"Now why cant this happen more often? Why couldnt George Floyd be given the same treatment???" tweets another person responding to the video. "I can't help but wonder though what would've happened had Denzel not been there to help, or if he wasn't famous."

"I saw Denzel Washington trending and got scared, but it was ONLY because he's out there being a hero, saving a life while WEARING HIS DAMN MASK," writes another Twitter user, per USA Today. "MY man!"

"Denzel provided him a mask to protect himself from the environment and that was good. So Denzel helped us today," said an officer on the scene in another video, calling Washington a "very good Samaritan."

(Read more Denzel Washington stories.)
In the world of energy geopolitics and economics are closely linked to each other. The exploitation of oil and gas reserves is a major source of income for energy-rich countries and therefore tension and competition. In some cases, its difficult to distinguish whether political or economic goals are being pursued. The Eastern Mediterranean has become a theatre for power politics which has its origin in energy exploration and production activities.

Before the current global health crisis erupted, the discovery of major gas fields was exciting news in several capitals across the region. Egypt has already started production at its Zohr field while Israel's Leviathan provides much-needed gas to a country that's been lacking significant energy resources for most of its history. Turkey, however, enviously watched discovery after discovery in the backyard of its political adversaries.

The fraught relations between Ankara and its Greek neighbors makes it difficult to cooperate. Especially Turkeys confrontational diplomatic style has diminished any hopes for rapprochement. Turkeys decision to claim the area between the Greek island of Crete and Cyprus added another reason for contention.

(Click to enlarge)

To make matters worse, Turkish exploration vessels have started drilling for fossil fuels in the contended area. While its reasonable to assume that diminishing demand due to the novel Coronavirus would devastate any plans for deep-sea energy production, Ankara has continued its exploration activities. It is a sign that more is at stake than just energy.

The companies involved in offshore projects within the maritime borders of countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel are mostly Western firms motivated by making a profit. Deep-sea exploration is already an expensive endeavor that is made even worse by dropping prices. Exxon, for example, announced that it's halting all activities in Cypriot waters until September 2021.

Story continues

Turkey most recent actions in the internationally recognized water of Cyprus provoked strong condemnation from Egypt, France, Greece, and the UAE. Ankara on its turn accused the countries of forming an alliance of evil. The war of words is centered on energy activities, but the composition of the countries shows the presence of ulterior reasons.

According to Harry Tzimitras, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo Cyprus Centre, it never was majorly about energy, what Turkey is doing in the Mediterranean. It is a power projection. And I think what is happing now with the continued presence and drilling of Turkey in the region, it only proves further that it had very little to do with energy.

Ankaras objectives are focused on advancing its position vis-a-vis the other littoral states in what it increasingly views as a zero-sum game. Especially after the deterioration of its relations with Israel and Egypt, the Turkish position has weakened because the country increasingly is being left out of regional cooperation.

Related: Will There Be Another Oil Price War?

The UAEs recent condemnation of Turkeys exploration activities shows that there are overlapping concerns. Especially the demarcation deal on the maritime borders between Turkey and Libya is concerning for certain parties. The UAE has been supporting General Haftar because it suspects the government in Tripoli with having sympathy for the Muslim Brotherhood. The French are equally concerned with Turkeys presence in Libya because it could alter the balance on the battlefield.

Ankaras sea demarcation agreement with Tripoli has managed to link the future of Libya with energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey can increase its military presence in the internationally recognized waters of Greece and Cyprus by involving the Libyan issue. However, the country risks a unified front of multiple opponents in several regions.

Already an unlikely and informal alliance is assembling between various countries. The Eastern Mediterranean states, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel, are unified due to the discovery of significant energy resources. The UAE's is alarmed by the possible resurgence of the Muslim Brotherhood in neighboring countries. France, on the other hand, fears losing its interests in Libya if Ankara can tip the balance in favor of the government in Tripoli. All countries, however, have one thing in common that has brought them together: Turkey.

By Vanand Meliksetian for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
A personal support worker from Peterborough whos on the COVID-19 front line in Ottawa was evicted from a hotel where shes been living and made to move to another hotel when it was found out shed contracted the illness.

They dragged her out of bed and trotted her up the street to another hotel that was under construction, said Tammie Miceli, mother of PSW Courtney Nesbitt.

Nesbitt, 30, lives in Peterborough. She grew up in Keene and moved with her family to Peterborough while in high school and attended Holy Cross Secondary School.

She has a decade of experience in personal support work, her mother said, and recently took a three-month contract to work at Extendicare Laurier Manor in Ottawa.

Nesbitt took the job in a home where she knew residents had COVID-19 and needed staff, Miceli said. Thats typical of her daughter: Anyone who needs her  thats who she is.

When she felt overheated at work one day earlier this month, her mother said, Nesbitt thought nothing of it since she was wearing layers of personal protective equipment.

But Nesbitt had a fever and soon she tested positive for COVID-19.

Nesbitts employer put her up in Homewood Suites by Hilton near the Ottawa Airport and she was sent there to self-isolate.

But she was soon informed shed have to leave, her mother said, because hotel staff was not comfortable reporting to a workplace with a COVID-19 infection.

Her employer was concerned to hear she was moved.

Extendicare pays for hotel rooms for staff from outside Ottawa who come to work on short-term contract in the pandemic, wrote regional director Cory Nezan in a statement emailed to The Examiner.

They also pay for hotel isolation for any employee who contracts COVID-19, Nezan wrote.

Nezan believed there was a mutual agreement with hotel management to keep any ill employees isolated in place, she wrote, and we are very concerned to hear that may not be the case.

Nesbitt was feverish and not thinking straight as she packed her stuff to leave, says her mother, but was still moved to a nearby hotel under renovation.

She and her husband Ron Miceli were frantic when they heard  they thought she would be allowed to isolate on the spot for two weeks, if she were to become ill.

But she was sick and being moved and there was not much the parents could do to help from their home in Lakefield.

On Friday, Nesbitt was still in her new hotel room and too ill to speak to The Examiner.

The parents would like to drive to Ottawa to get their daughter, Miceli said, but they cant safely move her until her symptoms improve.

Our hands are tied, she said. Too bad a corporations hands arent tied.

In a statement issued Friday to The Examiner, hotel management confirms that it has had employees of a local health-care company as guests for the last four weeks.

The hotel and employer had agreed that alternate accommodations would be provided to anyone who contracts COVID-19, the statement reads  and in this case, the guest was offered a room in another of its hotels, 200 metres away.

We have done what we can to show this guest our hospitality, providing additional groceries, hot meals, and cooking equipment at no cost to her or her employer, the statement reads.

Miceli says she speaks to her daughter three times daily over the phone and a doctor also calls to check in. On Friday Nesbitt was being treated for a cough thats keeping her awake.

Meanwhile Miceli and her husband want their daughter to come home to Peterborough, but Nesbitt has hinted to her mother that she might go back to finish her work contract when she recovers.

Shes dedicated.

joelle.kovach@peterboroughdaily.com

Read more about:
Donald Trump claimed ignorance about the origin of a phrase he tweeted  "when the looting starts, the shooting starts"  about violent protests in Minneapolis after a 46-year-old black man was killed by a white police officer.

"I don't know where it came from, where it originated. It's accurate," Mr Trump said, saying he was unaware it was uttered by Miami's police chief amid racial violence there in 1967.

Mr Trump claimed to have heard the phrase "from many other places." As he often does, he did not elaborate.

The president said there were "good people" protesting on Thursday night in Minneapolis on a violent night as people took the streets to protest the death of George Floyd while a white police officer kneeled on his throat. Mr Floyd pleaded for mercy, saying, "I can't breathe."

The police officer was arrested on Friday.

Mr Trump's remarks came during an event with industry executives about reopening the country amid the coronavirus pandemic that he has spoken to family members of Mr Floyd, calling them "terrific people."

"Our nation's deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family of George Floyd," Mr Trump said before uttering another garbled sentiment: "It's a terrible thing. We all saw what we saw ... and it's very hard to conceive of anything other than what we did see."

Hours after appearing to threaten to send US military troops to Minneapolis to shoot protestors who loot businesses there, the president said this as he referred to prepared remarks printed on a piece of paper in front of him: "We also have to make the statement that it's very important that we have peaceful protesters."

And he again said he has ordered the Justice Department to "expedite" its investigation into Mr Floyd's death, for which he told reporters there appears to have been "no excuse."
During a live broadcast on Friday night, a news crew covering protests in Louisville, Kentucky, was fired upon by a police officer who used guns that shot pepper balls.

The crew, reporter Kaitlin Rust and two camera operators for NBC affiliate WAVE in Louisville, were broadcasting from the scene of a protest inspired by Breonna Taylor, a Louisville EMT who in March was killed in her own home by police who went to the wrong address while executing a warrant, and George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who was killed by a police officer on Memorial Day.

In the clip, Rust is wearing a bright safety vest and is clearly identified as a journalist. As she explains to the news anchors what shes seeing on the ground, the camera turns away from Rust and toward a line of police officers, at which point Rust can be heard screaming in pain just off camera. Im getting shot, Im getting Rust says, still off camera.

Also Read: CNN Headquarters in Atlanta Vandalized During Protests Over Police Killings

Katie, Katie, are you OK? the anchor asks, at which point Rust hastily adds rubber bullets, rubber bullets, its OK. Its those pepper bullets. As shes speaking, the camera turns to an officer who appears to aim his gun directly into the camera. Watch the whole clip below:

This just happened on live tv. Wow, what a douche bag. pic.twitter.com/dQKheEcCvb

 Christopher Bishop (@ChrisBishopL1C4) May 30, 2020

According to WAVE, Louisville police confirmed they use pepper balls and not rubber bullets. Police did not explain why their officers targeted media, or aimed weapons directly at live cameras.

I want to apologize, a Louisville Metro Police spokesperson told the Louisville Courier-Journal, promising an investigation into the matter. Its not something that should have occurred if she was singled out as a reporter, and that is what the video looks like occurred.

The incident came hours after Minneapolis police arrested a CNN reporter and camera crew while they were live on air reporting on protests in that city. The three journalists were later released.

The protests in Louisville were just one of many sweeping the country Friday inspired by people killed by police. Among them, in Atlanta earlier Friday, protesters vandalized CNN headquarters, while in Los Angeles on Friday night, protesters and police clashed in downtown.

Read original story Louisville Cop Fires Pepper Balls at News Crew Covering Protests on Live TV (Video) At TheWrap
(Newser)  Sorry, Grandma's dead and frozen in the basementbut she can still collect Social Security checks. That's pretty much the scheme a Pennsylvania woman is accused of perpetrating in order to rake in tens of thousands of dollars from the feds, Local 21 News reports. "It's very satisfying," said a state trooper after Cynthia Black, 61, was arrested Wednesday. "This investigation took a lot of work and a lot of collaboration." The story goes back to 2019, when potential buyers of a home in Warrington Township, York County, found human remains in a freezer of an outbuilding. DNA tests identified her as 98-year-old Glenora Delahay.

story continues below

Court documents say Black stuffed her in a freezer after she died in 2004, then moved the body when relocating from Ardmore to Warrington Township three years later. In the probable-cause affidavit, police say Black needed the Social Security moneywhich amounted to $186,000 between 2001 and 2010in order to pay the mortgage. "It would hurt my family financially" to lose the money, she told investigators, although the Warrington Township property was in foreclosure and Black no longer lives there. She's been charged with abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property, and unlawful taking. Police tell CNN she's out on an unsecured $50,000 bail. (Read more Social Security stories.)
U.S.-Funded Health Website 'Spreading Misinformation' About Coronavirus

By RFE/RL May 29, 2020

The U.S. government is funding a health website in Armenia that has published misinformation about COVID-19, according to the British investigative online publication openDemocracy.

In its May 28 report, openDemocracy said the most-read article on the website medmedia.am in May is a piece taken from a local Facebook page calling on people not to receive any potential COVID-19 vaccination.

The article -- which has 131,000 views and 28,000 social-media likes, a large number for a country of less than 3 million people -- claimed such vaccination is part of a conspiracy by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates and his health foundation.

The second-most read article falsely claims that relatives of an Armenian man who died of a heart attack were offered money to sign a document saying he succumbed to COVID-19, openDemocracy reported.

It said other content describes COVID-19 as a "fake pandemic."

A disclaimer on medmedia.am website says that it has been "funded through a Department of State Public Affairs Section grant" but that its articles "do not necessarily reflect" the views of the U.S. government.

The website was launched in 2019 by the local nongovernmental organization Armenian Association of Young Doctors.

The association, led by urologist Gevorg Grigorian, received a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan through a State Department program designed to promote transparency and public education.

The grants are worth up to $24,000, according to the U.S. Embassy's website.

According to openDemocracy, Grigorian has openly expressed anti-LGBT views and has connections with the far-right VETO party.

Few of the articles on medmedia.am have bylines and the most popular are opinion pieces, most of which are republished Facebook posts.

The website also contains factual coronavirus updates from Armenia and around the world.

Armenian health authorities have warned that misinformation surrounding the coronavirus and a future vaccine is dangerous and could impede the country's response to the pandemic.

With reporting by Open Democracy

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s--funded- health-website-spreading-misinformation- about-coronavirus/30642174.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address










Drax International has not yet been paid for the consignment of Covid-19 drugs supplied to Zimbabwe and has since reviewed the cost to US$600 392, in line with relatively declining global prices following a marginal rise in production, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has said.





His remarks follow claims from some sections of the media that Government had fast-tracked the payment of US$987 720 to Drax International under unclear circumstances, despite its prices being on the higher side.





Minister Moyo told journalists yesterday that no payment had been made to Drax International, adding that due diligence on the prices was done, but drug prices were naturally higher due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, and the grounding of most airlines resulting in operational airlines charging between US$18 and US$25 per kilogramme.





He said Drax has not yet been paid for what it supplied as negotiations in terms of pricing were ongoing.

Following the negotiations which were done between the Ministry of Health and Drax representative, they agreed to reduce their prices (to US$600 392), said Minister Moyo.





During their initial quotation, most companies had closed globally and if opened, they had skeleton staff to ensure that social distances were observed in line with the WHO recommendations on managing Covid-19.





The demand for the products then became very high worldwide and still continued to be very high as the populace is still required to wear masks and use sanitisers frequently.





The spike in demand led higher prices for anything related to Covid-19, while some countries had banned the exportation of products related to the pandemic, leaving Zimbabwe with nowhere to get products at a time when it was critical to move with speed to procure them so that in the event of a major outbreak, the country would be prepared.




GREENWICH  Detective Carlos Franco was cited as the Greenwich Police Departments Officer of the Month in May for his part in apprehending a suspect in a jewelry store robbery.

Officers were called to a jewelry store the in the Byram section of town on March 18, where a masked gunman had smashed open a case of merchandise and made off with valuables, police said. Franco was credited with gaining information on the getaway car, which led to a suspect in the case, according to police.
A baby girl has been born with two mouths due to a condition so rare that it has only been seen in 35 recorded cases since 1900.

Doctors were initially baffled when the abnormality was picked up on a scan during the mothers third trimester.

Their initial range of possible diagnoses included a cyst, a bone disorder or teratoma, which is when a twin absorbs another during development in the womb.

But when the infant was born in Charleston, South Carolina, doctors found what they described as a duplicated oral cavity, or second mouth.



This included another lip, set of six teeth and even a small tongue that moved at the same time as the tongue in her main mouth.

Although the condition was seemingly harmless, they performed an operation to remove the additional feature.

Six months later, the baby was almost completely unaffected by the ordeal, only suffering some swelling and a minor nerve defect in her bottom lip.

It has also been claimed no further treatment is needed.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Thanjavur: Vedavalli (85) is a cancer patient. She needed an essential drug during the severest coronavirus lockdown so far. India Post came to her rescue. Procuring the drug from Bengaluru, postal staff reached the drug to her at Ombathuveli Agraharam in Thiriukattuppalli, 20 km from Thanjavur in two days, according to K. Thangamani, senior post master at the Thanjavur head post office.

Kudandaisamy, a diabetic patient of Thiruchanampoondi, is another beneficiary of the medical services of India post. "Not only these people, we reached drugs to 262 persons during this lockdown period in Thanjavur postal division," Thangamani said.

Yet another service rendered by the postal department during the lockdown period was reaching money to people. According to C. Subramanian, senior manager of India Post payments bank and Kulandai Raj, deputy post master, Thanjavur head post office, people have to produce Aadhaar card and mobile phone number. They can get cash from their accounts in any bank at the postal counter. A large number of people utilised this facility during lockdown. "We disbursed Rs 1,5 crore till date from March 24, when lockdown was declared by the government," said Subramanian.

Nearly 8,000 Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee scheme (Mgnrega) are getting their wages through the India Post payment bank. "We have disbursed Rs 1.15 crore as wages for April and May to these beneficiaries" Subramanian added.

Workers from the unorganised sectors were also paid financial assistance under government schemes by the bank. Thanjavur postal division with 900 employees has been continuously working irrespective of lockdown. "While we serve the people, we have also taken all corona prevention measures. Our employees were asked to wear masks, keep social distancing, kept water and soap for hand washing, not only for employees but also for people who come to the post office, use sanitisers etc.

"We also reached gloves, face masks, testing kits, sanitisers to people and institutions through our parcel service. With flight services now open, we have started sending parcels to 15 countries mainly medicines. We use our own vehicles and sometimes hire vehicles to reach our service to people," said Thangamani. Postal committee members of Thanjavur have appreciated the services of the postal department during this time of crisis.
Bengaluru, May 30 : The Karnataka government has banned spitting of chewed tobacco and 'paan masala' in public places across the state, in an effort to avert the spread of COVID-19, an official said on Saturday.

"As per the powers conferred by the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020 Section 4(2) the state has banned the use of chewing tobacco products and consumption of paan masala products and spitting them in public places, so as to prevent the spread of corona and other communicable diseases," said an official in an order.

Violators will be booked under IPC Sections 188, 268, 269 and 270 and others.

The Karnataka government has already banned the sale of a single cigarette.

The central government had asked all the states and union territories in April to initiate steps to curb public use of tobacco to tackle spread of coronavirus.

The World Health Organisation and the Indian Council of Medical Research have already advised against public spitting in view of the pandemic.
The tail of a humpback whale surfaces as it swims in the Saint Lawrence River in the Old Port of Montreal, Saturday, May 30, 2020.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

A humpback whale has reached Montreal by way of the St. Lawrence River, according to a marine mammal expert.

The whale was spotted underneath the Pont de Quebec earlier this week, swimming upstream. By late Saturday morning, it was near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge in Montreal.

"It's a very unusual situation," said Robert Michaud, the co-ordinator for the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Network.

Michaud said that, as far as local marine biologists are aware, this is the first time a humpback whale made its way into Montreal waters.

"This is a first for a humpback whale. We already had a beluga in the Old Port in 2012, a minke whale reluctantly a few years ago and more frequently seals also ventured to Montreal," Michaud said.

A group of journalists and passersby gathered near waterfront by the bridge Saturday to see the whale. It surfaced every couple minutes, either spraying or flapping its tail, to gasps from the crowd.

#MeanwhileInCanada

A humpback whale has reached Montreal by way of the St. Lawrence River for the first time, says a marine expert. pic.twitter.com/f3iWK8XPFe  Martin Andre (@MartinAndre4) May 31, 2020

The animal appeared to be swimming around in the area, but slowly heading west.

"We don't know why this animal made this journey. There are several hypotheses," Michaud said, adding that the whale could have been following fish because it was hungry or confused.

"We have to recognize that mammals do that. Humans, whales and land mammals, sometimes they are vagrants that go in unusual places."

"These journeys are usually a series of mistakes. But what is sure is that this animal doesn't belong to this habitat."

The whale appears to have travelled from Tadoussac, where it lives in salt water. Michaud said it can survive in fresh water, but the food and water around Montreal won't be as healthy.

Story continues

There is also more marine traffic, which could cause it stress or other harm.

Michaud said people could face a fine if they get closer than 100 metres away, but he suggested keeping at least a 200-metre distance.

Humpback whales are one of the large marine mammal species, measuring up to 15 metres long. They are generally agile and gentle, Michaud said, but if one is stressed it could become dangerous for a small watercraft.

A team from Michaud's network is on the water monitoring it and agents from Fisheries and Oceans Canada have been following it for the last two days.

He said the whale should be fine if it spends just a few days in this habitat, but that experts are hoping it will start heading back by Sunday.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which secured womens right to vote in the U.S. Constitution. I am honored to serve as the chair of the Womens Suffrage Centennial Commission, which Congress created in 2017 to coordinate the nationwide commemoration of this historic moment. The COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping the globe as we entered Womens History Month in March, so we had to change our plans for this important centennial. In-person celebrations became virtual events. Today, we are lucky to have ways to stay connected while we stay at home.

When the womens suffrage movement was nearing its climax, Americans faced obstacles similar to what we are facing now. This moment of crisis could have stalled the suffrage movement. But in fact, womens heroism during this time, including one Texas suffragist, helped turn the tide.

By 1917, generations of American suffragists  the activists who fought for womens right to vote for 72 years  had already kept the movement alive despite setback after setback. Then, in April 1917, the United States entered a war of unprecedented scale. The following year, a global pandemic reached America.

As men left jobs behind to fight in the war, women took on new roles in the workforce. And as the Spanish flu pandemic spread, female nurses put their own lives at risk to protect the lives of fellow Americans on the frontlines and at home. As women in Texas and across the country answered the call to do their patriotic duty, public opinion swelled in support of granting women the full rights of citizenship.

Some suffragists put their campaigning on hold to focus on the war effort. Others continued their lobbying and protesting, believing that women needed a voice in government now more than ever. When the second wave of the Spanish flu struck in 1918, Americans turned their attention to the health and safety of their communities. Suffragists had built momentum for their cause largely through public meetings and demonstrations. Now, they were unable to gather as lockdown measures were put in place.

The virus hit Texas in September 1918. During the following months, an estimated 2,100 Texans died of Spanish flu, more than one-third of the total deaths of Texans due to World War I. During the pandemic, safety guidelines put forward by local and state officials were similar to todays recommendations during COVID-19  avoid crowds, stay inside, wash hands and wear masks. By October 1918, cities across the state were ordering businesses, schools and other public spaces to close, with lockdowns lasting several weeks. Makeshift influenza wards were established on university campuses and military bases.

In June 1919, Congress finally passed the Nineteenth Amendment, sending it to the states for ratification. Texas moved quickly, voting to approve the amendment on June 28, 1919 and becoming the ninth state overall and first state in the South to ratify. This victory came shortly after women in Texas had won the right to vote in primary elections through the political maneuvering of suffragist Minnie Fisher Cunningham, who was born and raised in New Waverly in southern Walker County. While leading the Texas Equal Suffrage Association, Cunningham built a network of 10,000 political organizers across the state. In 1917, there was a movement to impeach Gov. James Ferguson, and Cunningham and the Texas suffragists were eager to organize in support of getting the anti-suffrage governor out of office. That summer, Lt. Gov. William Hobby stepped in as governor. When he was up for re-election, Cunningham and her cohorts offered to use their statewide network to campaign for Hobby if he would push for a law granting women the right to vote in primaries. The strategy was a success. Despite all obstacles, Texas suffragists years of brilliant lobbying and grassroots organizing paid off.

We can look to the grit and fortitude of the suffragists to help us find our way during our own challenging times, but only if we know their stories. Women like Cunningham have been unheralded for too long. During this centennial year, we have an unparalleled opportunity to recognize them. The suffragists never quit fighting for democracy. Lets never quit sharing their stories.

Combs is the chair of the Womens Suffrage Centennial Commission and the former assistant secretary for policy, management and budget for the U.S. Department of the Interior.


COLOGNE (dpa-AFX) - Deutsche Lufthansa AG's (DLAKF, DLAKY) executive board has accepted the German Government's 9 billion euros rescue package, due to the European Union reduced its conditions to approve the rescue package. The agreement still requires approval of Lufthansa's supervisory board.



The latest agreement comes after Lufthansa's supervisory board on Wednesday rejected the rescue package, as the board did not accept the European Union's initial conditions.



'At its meeting today, the Lufthansa Executive Board decided to accept the commitments offered by Germany to the EU Commission for the stabilization package negotiated with the Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF) of the Federal Republic of Germany,' Lufthansa said in a statement on Saturday.



As per the latest agreement, Lufthansa will be obliged to transfer to one competitor each at the Frankfurt and Munich airports up to 24 take-off and landing rights or slots, i.e. three take-off and three landing rights per aircraft and day, for up to four aircraft.



'For one and a half years, this option is only available to new competitors at the Frankfurt and Munich airports. If no new competitor makes use of this option, it will be extended to existing competitors at the respective airports,' Lufthansa said.



The slots will be allocated in a bidding process. The slots can only be taken over by a European competitor that has not itself received any substantial state recapitalization as a result of the corona pandemic, the airline said.



Previously, the European Union had asked the airline to waive more landing rights at Frankfurt and Munich airports to approve the package.



Lufthansa said that its supervisory board needs to approve the rescue package, including the commitments to the EU Commission. Subsequent to the Supervisory Board's decision, the company intends to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting in the near future to obtain shareholder approval for the rescue package.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
Did you see the sea in Sydney last Sunday? Huge waves battered the city's coastline from Palm Beach down to Cronulla, with swells not seen for some time in Sydney.

People flocked to the coast to be awed by the ocean, even if they weren't game enough to go in while beaches were closed.

Jeremy Wilmotte takes a wild ride south of Coogee last Sunday. Credit:James Alcock

High tides and walls of churning whitewater battered Curl Curl. Homes in Narrabeen looked endangered for a while as they took a pummelling. Some surfers were game for the thrill, riding 10-metre monsters.

A few braved the wild waves south of Coogee Beach, near my home. A crowd gathered on the headland, intoxicated by one surfer. He battled towering waves a long way out, between the headland and Wedding Cake Island. It was a vicarious adrenaline rush to see him constantly pummelled, only to return by jetski to take them on, again and again.
It was a night that I will never forget. An experience that reinforced in me the core mission of being a journalist, but also reminded me of what an unjust world we live in. Ten years on, the need for a free press is even greater, and the worlds injustice is even more apparent.

I was on board the Mavi Marmara, the lead ship in a flotilla of vessels carrying humanitarian aid to the illegally (according to international law) besieged Gaza Strip. It was a big story, more than 600 humanitarian activists, politicians, and doctors from 40 different nations had put together this fleet to deliver things like baby incubators and medicine to the people of Gaza.

Previous attempts to break the Israeli-imposed siege by sea had failed, but they were done by small boats carrying a handful of passengers. This was different. An internationally coordinated campaign to shed light on the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, which the UN had described as the worlds largest open-air prison. The question everyone was asking was, would Israel succumb to international pressure and allow the aid to enter, or would it carry out its threat and stop the ships at any cost as its then foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman so brazenly announced.

A deadly dawn

At around 4am on the morning of May 31, 2010, we had our answer. Despite the peace activists in charge of the flotilla changing the course of the ships and remaining in international water  Israeli commandos on board helicopters and speed boats and supported in the distance with a huge warship, attacked. While many of the passengers were praying, loud bangs of sound grenades, tear gas canisters and then cracks of live bullets being fired filled the air. In an instant, what was a peaceful night in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, turned into a dawn of death and horror.

{articleGUID}

Eight Turkish nationals and an American Turkish national were shot and killed during the storming of the boat, and another Turkish national later succumbed to his injuries. Dozens more were wounded.

It was my first big story reporting for Al Jazeera, the first time I saw someone shot and killed in front of me, he was a fellow journalist. Killed by a bullet to the head as he held his camera taking photos of the attack, trying to document what was happening. When he fell to the ground, some of his blood covered my shoes. It was a vividly surreal moment; I am still shocked at how I was able to then turn around and face the camera to report his death. Witnessing his death only registered a couple of days later when I was sitting inside an Israeli cell after being unlawfully detained together with the other journalists.

I wrote a brief account of what happened that night shortly after we were released from jail, which focused on the chronology of what happened. But 10 years on, I find myself recounting some of the more emotional incidents that I witnessed. Like the helplessness on the doctors faces as they struggled in vain to save the lives of three passengers who were shot by the Israelis, but knowing full well that they wouldnt be able to because they didnt have the equipment needed. Or the selflessness of the flotillas organiser as he took off his white shirt and used it as a flag, standing in front of the Israeli commandos urging them to stop killing the passengers. Or the elderly Palestinian man who had been expelled from his home in 1948 as a little boy and was dreaming of returning to his motherland, then watching him cry as he realised that his dream might never become a reality.

Holding power to account

My job at the time was to report on this story honestly and accurately, and it was that I believe, which is what angered the Israeli authorities who ended up treating me worse during my detention compared with the other journalists. The Israeli government at the time tried to justify its attack on the unarmed humanitarian flotilla by claiming the passengers had weapons and even saying the ship had entered Israeli territory. They probably would have been able to convince the world of that narrative, were it not for the fact that journalists like myself were on board and were able to transmit video evidence that not only were there no weapons on board, but also that we were at the time of the attack inside international waters. That is the part that that reinforced in me the importance of journalism  to ensure that the record is always set straight and that those in power do not get to re-write the history books.

{articleGUID}

The question is though, what good is it setting the record straight if innocent people are still being killed, the murderers are not being punished, and the journalists documenting this are targeted?

I am not sure I have a convincing answer for that, because in the past 10 years Israels allies have used their veto power at the UN to protect the occupying power from facing justice, the International Criminal Court has failed to prosecute those who ordered or carried out murder on the high seas, and governments that claim to uphold the ideals of freedom and human rights have done nothing to see that justice is served. Consequently, from a journalists point of view, that has led to my colleagues not just being illegally detained by Israel as I was, it has resulted in seven of them being killed since that time.

As I look back at that historic night, and ponder over what has changed since, while I am angered that justice has not been achieved, and in many respects, the world has become even more accustomed to the murder of innocent people, I am convinced to my core that if we stand any chance of making our reality that little bit less unjust, we need to protect journalists and the notion of a free press. Because while the victims may never get their day in a court of law, at least the public is able to make up their minds after seeing factual evidence on their screens and in their news feeds.
Violent protests flared overnight in several US cities as demonstrators vented their anger over the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis this week after a white police officer knelt on his neck. . From Minneapolis to New York City, Atlanta and Washington, protesters clashed with police in a rising tide of anger over the treatment of minorities by law enforcement. . The demonstrations broke out for a fourth night despite prosecutors announcing on Friday that the policeman filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck, Derek Chauvin, had been arrested on third-degree ...
A series of five expansion projects at The Woodlands Resort described as dreams and hopes in 2018 has been put on hold indefinitely, an official from the Howard Hughes Corp. told local municipal utility district officials on May 20.

The vast conceptual plans were provided to The Villager after a public records request and show a five-part expansion project. The conceptual plans included expanding parking areas, a ritzy spa and fitness center, an events center-type pavilion that could host large gatherings such as weddings, new residential apartments or condominiums near Grogans Mill Road and several other elements.

MORE FROM JEFF FORWARD: Woodlands Resort officials: expansion plans on DSC agenda hopes and dreams

The preliminary plans also show a proposed right turn lane into the possible new residential complex off of Grogans Mill Road, allowing drivers in the southbound lanes to turn into the proposed new development about 300 yards north of a bridge that goes over a small stream and has a walking path below it.

Requests for comment made to Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noacks office were not returned.

Dan Kolkhorst, vice president of land development for The Woodlands Development Co., spoke to the MUD 6 directors about the project.

MORNING REPORT: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox

I am here to answer any questions on behalf of the (Woodlands Development Company). That project is on hold, and I cannot tell you how long it will stay that way, or if it will manifest itself in the same way when it was put on hold, Kolkhorst said. Weve got a ways to go, and the market has a ways to comeback before we entertain any major changes in that area.

MUD 6 board President Bruce Cunningham asked Kolkhorst if Howard Hughes had any plans to redevelop the Grogans Mill village shopping center. The area has seen a downturn in recent months after the closure on Feb. 15 of the Randalls grocery store, which was the anchor retail business. Since then, many small businesses in the center have struggled financially due to both less customer traffic and the assorted closures and restrictions on businesses due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.

We are not the owners of the property. We are working with the owners there and (Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack) to do anything the developer can do to reinvigorate the area, Kolkhorst added. I do not have any knowledge of immediate plans. It has been real crazy lately.

Future of area uncertain

The fate of the embattled shopping center has been a subject of concern for local residents, business owners and the Grogans Mill Village Association board because of the closure of the Randalls. The GMVA hosts the weekly Woodlands Farmers Market at the center each Saturday.

In April, a surveying firm, Gratia Geomatics, began doing intensive surveying of the entire shopping center the week of April 23. Teams from the Texas-licensed surveying firm were mapping out every utility, building and geographic and topographic feature on behalf of The Woodlands Development Co., said Isidro Xavier Garza, president of Gratia Geomatics. The surveying work continued through mid-May.

MORE FROM JEFF FORWARD: Howard Hughes officials: surveyors in Grogans Mill shopping center for standard work

Officials from the Howard Hughes Corp. said the work was routine and not related to the shopping center, which is primarily owned by a wealthy developer named William Gallagher who lives in San Rafael, Calif.

Lorrie Parise, a spokesperson for The Woodlands Development Co. and the Howard Hughes Corp., confirmed that the firm was hired by the development company, but said the teams were only doing routine work at land the company owns.

Jim Carman, president for the Houston Region of The Howard Hughes Corp., said the surveying teams were part of standard work at The Woodlands Resort.

We have no development plans, Carman said in an email to The Villager. Currently, we are doing standard work at The Woodlands Resort, which is owned by The Howard Hughes Corporation.

jeff.forward@chron.com
AMLO will hold Mondays press conference from Cancun

Cancun, Q.R.  The President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, confirmed that he will resume country tours June 1, beginning with Cancun.

He announced that on Monday, he will hold his daily press conference from the city of Cancun before leaving for Isla Mujeres for an 11:00 a.m. meet. There, he intends to recognize nurses and doctors from the Secretary of the Navy in their fight against Covid-19. His primary reason for the regional visit, however, is to green-light the start of the Maya Train construction.

From 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. he will be on site in Nuevo Xcan for a tour and go-ahead for the start of construction for the Maya Train. This visit will conclude his stay in Quintana Roo.

On Monday we will be in Quintana Roo, on Tuesday in Yucatan, on Wednesday in Campeche, on Thursday in Chiapas, on Friday in Tabasco, on Saturday in Veracruz and on Sunday in Sayula de Aleman, Veracruz, he said, summing up his week of reactivated tours. We are going to continue with our activities and we are going to do it touring the country.
,



We're sorry, this article is not currently available
LE PECQ, France (AP)  You may need a face mask to see the Mona Lisa. You will have your temperature taken at the Colosseum in Rome. And to see views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower might require taking the stairs.

After the cultural deprivation of the lockdown months during which their treasures were hidden away, many of Europe's iconic museums and other tourist draws are preparing to reopen. Government officials hope this will breathe life back into coronavirus-battered economies, and lift the spirits of those who found staying at home to be an ordeal.

Rarely will the French have felt such a need to rediscover the arts and heritage of our country as this summer, France's Culture Ministry declared Friday, in announcing the reopening of dozens of chateaux, museums and other sites starting from next week.

According to the ministry's timetable, visitors will again be able to see how France's kings lived at the Versailles Palace from June 6, fall in love all over again with the Impressionist painters at the Musee dOrsay from June 23 and get selfies with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre from July 6.

All of the re-openings the ministry announced will be days or weeks after France lifts many of its remaining coronavirus lockdown restrictions next Tuesday.

Major attractions first need to be made safe for staff and visitors. Some of Europes other major cultural sites are also taking their time to reopen.

In Rome, the Colosseum is due to reopen on June 1, more than two weeks after the May 18 reopening date approved by the government for Italy's museums. Visitors must wear protective masks and have their temperatures taken, and entrance times will be staggered to limit crowds.

Also reopening next week are the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and pontifical summer villa outside Rome and, in Florence, the Uffizi Galleries that are home to Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus and other masterpieces.

In Germany, the Berlin Wall Memorial museum will reopen next week. There, too, masks will have to be worn.

Story continues

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower likely won't be able to reopen before the second half of June, according to Stephane Dieu, a labor representative for the monument's staff. He said they still need to fine tune with the tower's management how to protect employees and visitors and to maintain social distancing.

For the moment, it's not possible with all of the best will in the world, Dieu said.

When the tower does reopen, sightseers seeking breathtaking views of Paris may be in for a stair workout: the elevators that usually whisk visitors to the three different levels will likely remain closed, Dieu said.

The tower's operators confirmed that they plan to reopen this summer but said the date is not fixed.

At the Louvre Museum, there will be strict public hygiene rules and visiting will not at all be as it was before. Thats impossible, said Andre Sacristin, a labor representative who has been involved in the planning discussions for reopening.

He said he expects everyone, staff members and visitors, will have to wear face masks.

About 20%-30% of the museums rooms might be closed but of course the Mona Lisa will be open," Sacristin said.

Details will be ironed out in further meetings between management and staff.

Adapting major tourists draws to coronavirus imperatives is taking time elsewhere, too.

In Madrid, the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums - the so-called triangle of the arts- are scheduled to jointly reopen on June 6, two weeks after they were officially allowed to welcome visitors again.

Initially, some of their exhibition space will remain closed and visitor numbers will be limited to 30% of their size before the pandemic.

While smaller Spanish museums were quick to reopen this month, major ones said they needed more time to prepare protective gear for staff, temperature checks for visitors and crowd-control measures.

The Prado, the crown jewel of Spanish museums, housing works by Francisco de Goya, Diego de Velazquez and other masters, has been shut since March 11, its longest closure in eight decades, since the 1936-1939 Civil War.

The slogan chosen by the museum for its re-opening is Re-encounter.

___

AP writer Aritz Parra in Madrid, Nicole Winfield in Rome and David Rising in Berlin contributed.

___

Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
PR-Inside.com: 2020-05-30 02:12:21

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 434 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA / ACCESSWIRE / May 29, 2020 / Winston Gold Corp. ("Winston Gold" or the "Corporation") (CSE:WGC)(OTCQB:WGMCF) is pleased to announce the closing of a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") with a strategic syndicate led by Palisades Goldcorp consisting of 40,446,333 units (the "Units") at a purchase price of $0.06 per Unit to raise gross proceeds of $2,426,780.Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Share") in the share capital of the Corporation and one share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each full Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share in the share capital of the Corporation for a period of 5 years, at an exercise price of $0.12 per Share.All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.Insiders of the Corporation subscribed for an aggregate of 1,200,000 Units for gross proceeds of $72,000.00 under the Private Placement (the "Insider Subscriptions"). The Insider Subscriptions constitute "related party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Corporation has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101 in respect of the Insider Subscriptions.The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for general corporate purposes and to advance the Winston gold project near Helena MontanaAbout Palisades GoldcorpPalisades Goldcorp is Canada's new resource focused merchant bank. Palisades' management team has a demonstrated track record of making money and is backed by many of the industry's most notable financiers. With junior resource equities valued at generational lows, management believes the sector is on the cusp of a major bull market move. Palisades is positioning itself with significant stakes in undervalued companies and assets with the goal of generating superior returns.About Winston GoldWinston Gold is a junior mining company focused on advancing high-grade, low cost mining opportunities into production. Towards that end, the Corporation has acquired an underexplored and under-exploited gold/silver mining opportunity, being the Winston Gold project near Helena, Montana.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATIONFor further information, please contactMurray Nye, Chief Executive OfficerSuite 201-919 Notre Dame AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0M8 CanadaTelephone: (204) 989-2434E-mail: murray@ winstongold.com The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.SOURCE: Winston Gold Corp.
New Delhi: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said about Delhi Minorities Commission Chairman Zafarul Islam that if he (Zafarul) were under the centre, he would have been thrown out by holding his ear. Zafarul Islam came into controversy due to a Facebook post. Zafarul Islam wrote on his Facebook that the day the Muslims complained about the oppression from the Arab countries, it will be disastrous.

Speaking to a private channel, Naqvi said that if Zafarul Islam had been under his ministry, he would have thrown him out by holding his ear. He said that Zafarul Islam has been appointed by the AAP government of Delhi and they have the right to act on him. The federal structure of the country has been assigned different responsibilities to the Center and the states and they have to work accordingly.

On April 28, Zafarul Islam wrote in a post on social media that, 'Thank you Kuwait for standing with Indian Muslims. The Hindutva ideology thinks that Arab countries will not worry about the safety of India's Muslims due to business interests. They have forgotten how Indian Muslims have relations with Arab and Muslim countries. The day the Muslims complain of oppression from the Arab countries, it will be disastrous." His statement was strongly opposed by the BJP.

Even Rahul's CM does not listen to him: Ravi Shankar Prasad

BJP spokesperson comments on missing poster of Sadhvi Pragya Thakur

Seeing Kabir Singh, boy became a fake doctor and did this dirty work
By Olivia Rose

POLITICAL stalwart and pioneer Hon. Hilly Arthur Ewing peacefully passed away earlier this week aged 90.





According to family members the former Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) deputy chief minister was unwell for a prolonged period and died in hospital on Tuesday (May 26).





Ewing, father of the territorys second elected premier Rufus Ewing and current government minister Goldray Ewing, was hailed as a true son of the soil.





The beloved statesman was often credited for his role in ushering in an era of development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.





In fact, the government building currently housing the National Insurance Board and Premiers Office in Providenciales was named in his honour in 2013.





After news of the late Ewings passing circulated on social media, tributes and condolences poured in from politicians, admirers and residents across the territory.





Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson on Wednesday lowered the national flag in honour of his memory.





In a brief social media post, she said: "Today the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands mourn the passing of former deputy chief minister Honourable Hilly Ewing.





"The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands today wishes to honour his memory.





"The countrys flag has been lowered at half-mast and will again be lowered on the day he is laid to rest.





Justin Missick said: "RIP Hon. Hilly Ewing, a pioneer and a legend. Thank you for your legacy and service.





"My sympathy goes out to the entire Ewing clan, my heart and prayers are with you today.

Melanie Smith called the late politician "a giant of a man.





"You have served our country with distinction and great pride, she said. "May Hon. Hilly Ewings soul rest in peace. Goodbye Barber Hilly.





His daughter Althea Ewing said it was a sad day for her and the rest of the family.





"Thank you lord for the life of our 90-year-old legend, rest in peace Dadda.





Meanwhile Lois Thompson said: "Thank God for the life of Par Hilly that God has allowed him on this side of heaven.





"He has impacted all of our lives, and for this I am grateful to have known and loved such a legend. I will cherish the memories.





Georgie Penn, a long-time friend of the Ewing family, wrote: "My family and I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Ewing family on the passing of their beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grand and great grandfather the Hon. Hilly Ewing.





"We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered.





"I have known Hon. Ewing since I came to Providenciales in 1990 and from that day we became friends.





"Losing someone we love is nothing easy. We can realise that we are blessed to have been able to share in his life.





"May his kind face remain forever in our image. He retired quietly, the same way he lived in the world of good and righteous.





James Brown, another family friend, said: "We all loved Hilly, a wise and friendly man with the ability to be truly helpful to all who asked his help.





"He had hundreds of friends and a family he could be very proud of. He has a place in our hearts forever, condolences to the family.





Hon. Ewing was born on December 11, 1930, in Blue Hills, Providenciales and was well known for his involvement in enhancing the Blue Hills community.





He grew up to become one of the Turks and Caicos Islands original political leaders.





In 1977 Ewing was employed by the Government as the countrys first building inspector.





In 1995 he took up a ministerial post where he ran the gamut of influential positions in public office for 15 years. He spent eight of those years as the deputy chief minister.





Ewing retired from the political arena in 2003.





He is survived by his wife Jane Ewing, six sons, seven daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.




The grand chief of the Mohawks of Kanesatake says he has reached a deal with Quebec to partially reopen a provincial park near the community after meeting on Monday. The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake has agreed to the partial reopening of Oka provi...
The Delhi government has roped in five hotels to be transformed into coronavirus hospitals and isolation centres. The "extended COVID hospitals" will increase the capacity by 1,000 beds. The medical assistance in these hospitals would be provided by respective hospitals hat have been attached to the hotels.

Hotel Crown Plaza in Okhla Phase-I, Hotel Surya in New Friends Colony, Hotel Siddharth in Rajendra Place, Hotel Jivitesh in Pusa Road and Hotel Sheraton in Saket District Centre are the hotels that have been earmarked for this purpose. Batra Hospital & Research Centre, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Dr BL Kapur Memorial Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital and Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital would provide medical assistance to these hotels respectively.

The hotels are required to provide regular hotel services including housekeeping, disinfection and food for not more than Rs 5,000 for the five star hotels and not more than Rs 4,000 for four or three star hotels. The linked private hospitals will take over the full hotel.

The hospital, on the other hand, will provide all the medical manpower as per norms as well as equipment. "The attached private hospital is required to provide sufficient manpower (nurses & doctors) as per norms. Further, the attached hospital is also required to provide oxygen supply, either in the form of oxygen concentrator or oxygen cylinder, in the extended COVID Hospital in case a patient requires oxygen support. The attached hospital shall provide all consumables like PPE Kit, N95 Mask, gloves, medicines and equipment like pulse-oximeter, thermometer, oxygen concentrator/cylinder, etc. They shall also make necessary arrangements to provide resuscitation services (equipment, drugs & medical consumables) in the extended COVID Hospital in case there is a rapid deterioration in the clinical condition of the patient," said the order.

The linked hospital would be paid not more than Rs 5,000 per day for their services to the patients. The hospitals can also charge investigation fee as per their rates at maximum of Rs 2,000 per bed.

Delhi has reported 17,386 cases so far with 9,142 active cases, 7,846 discharges and 398 deaths.

Also read: Coronavirus in India: Record 7,964 cases, 265 deaths in 24 hours takes country's tally past 1.73 lakh mark

Also read: Coronavirus impact: Govt may soon allow home delivery of petrol, CNG
Some might suggest theres a grain of truth in that but, of course, thats not the reality. Tracy is a case in point. For one thing, when theres a big story on, she throws herself into it  whatever the personal toll. I tend to go for full immersion, and I get very involved, she says. I dont advocate that, by the way. I think its probably just my nature. I tend to be able to empathise fairly well and be able to put myself in peoples positions. Fully immersing yourself in a story if you happen to have that nature is kind of unavoidable. If I do an interview with someone who has suffered a terrible loss, I cant separate myself from their loss. I tend to feel it. I dont want to overstate that  its their loss, not my loss. But I tend to not be able to walk away from it. If I do an interview with someone who has suffered a terrible loss, I cant separate myself from their loss. I tend to feel it. Walking away from it is usually a journalists salvation. Once a story is filed, most journalists get to move on to the next one. The pandemic isnt like that, says Tracy. Normally you work on a harrowing story and then you have a blow out with your mates, you have a few drinks that night, you go to a restaurant. You decompress.

But the opportunities to decompress from this story are very minimal because we cant see our mates, we cant go to a restaurant, she says, referring to restrictions which have since been eased. So I feel journalists in this story cant walk away from it. We keep saying were all in it together  we literally are. We are living it as well as reporting it, and in some ways thats kind of unique. That can make the story easier to grapple with, or at least more intuitive. Tracy has the same curiosities as everyone else: Whats next? What will reopen? What will be the timetable? How are we going at suppressing the curve? I tend to think that the sorts of questions I wake up each day asking myself are probably the questions most people wake up each day asking themselves, she says. Tracy also finds herself tussling with some fundamental principles of journalism. There are competing interests at play: the journalists instinct to be sceptical and question authority; the responsibility to communicate what the authorities are saying; the need, perhaps, to rally behind a particular message at a particular time.

Tracy Grimshaw in clothes by Marina Rinaldi. Jewellery by Gregory Jewellery. Credit:Peter Brew-Bevan Its in our DNA to question what were told, to wonder about the agenda behind what were being told, says Tracy. We ask ourselves: should we be questioning this, do we need to throw our support behind this, whats the downside to questioning this? Youre constantly tempering your own natural instincts and thinking, We have to be responsible citizens here.  Its keeping her up at night. She was spooked by the footage of people lining up outside Centrelink, people who would never have even known where their local Centrelink office was [before the crisis]. She is anxious about people losing patience with the restrictions and the government taking its foot off the brake just as winter hits. The emotional distance journalists often develop from the worlds they cover  desensitisation, perhaps  doesnt exist for Tracy with this story.

I cant detach myself from it, she says. I will wake up at 2am and start checking the overseas news websites because I want to know what has happened over there. I want to know everything. So does her audience. There has been an insatiable appetite for news about the coronavirus on television, on news websites, on radio, wherever. When the pandemic first exploded, A Current Affair started broadcasting one-hour shows instead of its usual half-hour format and the network started airing late-night news specials which attained ratings usually enjoyed by prime-time bulletins. Every media organisation every day is just scrambling to satisfy the hunger for information, says Tracy, although she notes the interest has inevitably dropped off a little over time. While a lot of my friends are at home and baking brownies and drinking too much, Ive never worked harder in my life. People have lost their jobs and my jobs probably quadrupled. Tracys job cant really be done from home, although it wasnt for lack of trying. She briefly hosted the program from her spare bedroom, sitting at a makeshift desk with a mock studio on a screen behind her.

Every media organisation every day is just scrambling to satisfy the hunger for information... Ive never worked harder in my life." The show went to air successfully but the set-up was logistically challenging, Tracy says, and a way was found for her to return to the office while maintaining social distancing  much to the dismay of her dogs. They had me all day and they thought that was absolutely fantastic. Now I leave them each day and theyre not that happy about that. The ACA host is famously private. She doesnt often engage with the gossip magazines, which are obsessed with female TV personalities. But in early March she reacted to an article which pilloried Tracys diva attitude, alleging shed demanded Nine install a secret lift in its new North Sydney building so she can avoid the public. Absolute crap, Tracy wrote on Instagram. I wouldnt know anything about the lifts in the new building. Tracys antipathy was heightened by a story four years ago that accused her of suffering from crippling shyness and being so introverted it actually affects her daily life. She didnt challenge the assertion at the time but now wishes she had. With the platform of social media, she doesnt have to sit quietly and have a bunch of crap written about me.
As Minneapolis burns over the police killing of George Floyd and shock and disappointment in Africa grow, some US embassies on the continent have taken the unusual step of issuing critical statements, saying no one is above the law.

The statements came as the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the murder of Floyd and said Friday the continental body rejects the continuing discriminatory practices against black citizens of the USA.

Africa has not seen the kind of protests over Floyds killing that have erupted across the United States, but many Africans have expressed disgust and dismay, openly wondering when the US will ever get it right.

WTF? When the looting starts the shooting starts? tweeted political cartoonist Patrick Gathara in Kenya, which has its own troubles with police brutality. He, like many, was aghast at the tweet by President Donald Trump, flagged by Twitter as violating rules against glorifying violence, that the president later said had been misconstrued.

Mindful of Americas image on a continent where Chinas influence has grown and where many have felt a distinct lack of interest from the Trump administration in Africa, some US diplomats have tried to control the damage.

The ambassador to Congo, Mike Hammer, highlighted a tweet from a local media entrepreneur who addressed him saying, Dear ambassador, your country is shameful. Proud America, which went through everything from segregation to the election of Barack Obama, still hasnt conquered the demons of racism. How many black people must be killed by white police officers before authorities react seriously?

The ambassadors response, in French: I am profoundly troubled by the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The Justice Department is conducting a full criminal investigation as a top priority. Security forces around the world should be held accountable. No one is above the law.

Similar statements were tweeted by the US embassies in Kenya and Uganda, while the embassies in Tanzania and Kenya tweeted a joint statement from the Department of Justice office in Minnesota on the investigation.

African officials also were publicly outspoken last month over racism in China, when Africans complained of being evicted and mistreated in the city of Guangzhou amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the time, the US was quick to join in, with the embassy in Beijing issuing a critical security alert titled Discrimination against African-Americans in Guangzhou and noting actions against people thought to be African or have African contacts.

Now the Africa-facing version of the state-run China Daily newspaper is tweeting footage from Minneapolis with the hashtags #GeorgeFloydWasMurdered and #BlackLivesMatter.
New Delhi, May 31 : India's hotel industry has welcomed the Centre's norms under 'Unlock 1, which allow them to re-commence operations.

These norms are part of the fifth phase of the nationwide lockdown which was announced on Saturday for the containment zones till June 30, providing relaxations for the hotel industry from June 8 onwards.

This phase relaxes many restrictions on businesses.

Hotel Association of India Vice President K.B. Kachru said: "The pandemic and consequent lockdowns have had disastrous impact on the hotel sector." "We welcome the government's decision to allow restaurants, hotels and malls to open in areas outside the containment zones from June 8. We hope this landmark decision will pave the way for graded resurgence of the hotel industry," Kachru said.

He urged the Centre to consider setting up of a Tourism COVID 19 Fund for en abling the tourism industry to meet its salary and working capital needs.

Major Industry player such as Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO - OYO Hote ls & Homes said: "We welcome the government's decision to reopen hotels. We are excit ed and prepared to host guests with the new sanitised stay experience.a Similarly, Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC, and Chairman of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), thanked the Centre for reallowing the commencement of business operations of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services under Unlock 1.

"We welcome the government's decision to reopen hotels. We are excited and prepared to host guests with the new sanitised stay experience. At OYO, our topmost priorities are maintaining health, hygiene & well-being of our guests and staff. Right from our app to hotel teams, we are working to ensure proper sanitisation of hotels as well as maintaining social distancing with the guests. We are displaying a 'Sanitised Stays' tag for properties that clear background audit checks for sanitisation, hygiene, and protective equipment. We along with our asset partners, look forward to delivering a safe, secure and comfortable experience for our guests," said Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO, OYO Hotels & Homes.

On its part, Merrill Pereyra, Managing Director, Pizza Hut Indian Subcontinent, said: "This is a welcome announcement from the government and all our stores are fully prepared to serve the valued customers. All our stores are equipped to offer contactless dining wherein right from accessing the menu to making payments, the process will be digital." According to Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group: "We are already pushed to the wall. A little more extension of lockdown would have done irreversible economic damage. We welcome the government's move to allow us to operate." In a statement, Zubin Saxena, Managing Director and Vice President, Operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said: "We are looking forward to resuming operations within the government guidelines.

"Apart from hygiene, our go forward business model is concentrated on leveraging the synergies of our network which we believe will work in a sustainable manner to ensure business uplift overtime. We remain dedicated to exceeding guest expectations in the new era of hospitality that awaits us."
(SCREENSHOT: 100AM at 100 Tras Street/Google Map)

SINGAPORE  Seven more public places visited by confirmed COVID-19 cases including two Don Don Donki outlets and several supermarkets were listed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Saturday (30 May).

The places are the Don Don Donki outlets at 100AM, 100 Tras Street and JEM at 50 Jurong Gateway Road, Mayflower Market and Food Centre at 162 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, FairPrice Finest at Junction 8, Food Junction at Junction 8, NTUC FairPrice at 414 Yishun Ring Road, and Giant at 418 Yishun Avenue 11.

The MOH said persons who visited the Don Don Donki outlet at 100AM on 17 May from 1240pm to 2pm, Mayflower Market and Food Centre on 19 May from 1045am to 1115am, the Don Don Donki outlet at JEM on 24 May from 930pm to 1020pm, FairPrice Finest at Junction 8 on 26 May from 1005am to 1035am, Food Junction at Junction 8 on 27 May from 1130am to 12pm, NTUC FairPrice at 414 Yishun Ring Road on 28 May from 1pm to 130pm, and Giant at 418 Yishun Avenue 11 on 28 May from 130pm to 2pm should monitor their health closely for 14 days from their date of visit.

They should see a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms such as cough, sore throat and runny nose, as well as fever and loss of taste or smell, and inform the doctor of their exposure history.

Public places in Singapore visited by COVID-19 cases from 17 May to 28 May. (TABLE: Ministry of Health)

The other places visited by COVID-19 cases, as previously announced by the MOH, were NTUC Fairprice outlet at Taman Jurong Shopping Centre, the FairPrice Xtra outlet, NTUC Fairprice outlet and the Japanese Food Street at Jurong Point, Block 505 market and food centre at Jurong West, Fairprice Finest at Bukit Panjang Plaza, NTUC Fairprice at Hillion Mall, and the wet market at Block 963 Jurong West Street 91.

The MOH reported 506 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore as of Saturday noon, bringing the total to 34,366.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

Related stories:

FAQ: Your guide to Phase 1 reopening of Singapore after COVID-19 circuit breaker

COVID-19 patients in Singapore who are clinically well 21 days after infection to be discharged
ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / May 22, 2020 / Findit, Inc. a Nevada Corporation (OTC PINK:FDIT) owner of Findit.com, a full service social networking management platform which provides online marketing services, has areas available right now to accommodate roofing companies and roofers throughout the United States that are looking to improve their overall online presence.

Findit's program for online marketing for roofers is specific to the locations and the services that roofers want to offer potential customers in certain areas. The campaigns that we run for roofers and roofing companies are on-going and improve tangible search results in Google, Yahoo, Bing and Findit along with branding throughout social networking sites.

While many roofing companies may be utilizing pay-per-click (PPC) marketing strategies, creating organic, sustainable, and tangible search results over time can help increase your lead generations while reducing your cost per lead.

Findit's team of highly skilled content writers and search engine optimization specialists will be able to create content for you both on your website, if you like, and off-site to improve your positioning in search results. Each time this occurs, you are removing a competitor that used to be in that search spot and replacing it with your name.

Peter Tosto of Findit stated, "We have been working with several roofing companies in the Southeast for several years now on a monthly recurring basis. As a result, they have been able to expand the areas that they service and the services that they provide because of their results they have received from their Findit campaign."

Findit offers tiered online marketing packages whereby the roofing companies that engage us will receive content created on a daily basis that is posted and shared for search engines to index and for social networks to see.

The content that is being created usually includes in a single post, text that describes the services that you offer so search engines now how to index your content, a video link, photos from your photo galleries, and a backlink to your website. By creating individually crafted pieces content targeting each service you provide in the areas you provide them in, search engines can prioritize you above your competitors when it comes to roofing, roof repairs, and new roofs in the areas that you service.

Story continues

Our customers have been with us for several years and continue to have us lead their overall online marketing strategy because of the tangible search results that have been created through our campaigns.

Once we take on a roofing company that services a specific location, we do not take on another roofing company in that area. This limits any competitors from hiring Findit to compete against you while we are working on your campaign. This is very different from pay-per-click marketing campaigns where your competitors can simply go online and outbid you for certain keywords; this does not happen with a Findit campaign.

Call us today to start your campaign at 404-443-3224. We have areas throughout the United States and other countries available now. Due to on-going monthly marketing campaigns with Titan Roofing of Charleston South Carolina and American Craftsman Renovations of Savannah Georgia, we do not have the Greater Charleston SC or Savannah GA areas and most of the surrounding towns available.

About Findit, Inc.

Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit, we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result, along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit, Inc., is focused on the development of monetized Internet-based web products that can provide an increase in brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc., trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTC Pinksheets.

Safe Harbor:

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed.

CONTACT:

Clark St. Amant

404-443-3224

SOURCE: Findit, Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/591047/Findit-is-Offering-Roofing-Companies-Online-Marketing-Services-Call-to-See-If-Your-Area-is-Still-Available




There are two new appointments to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) which stand out and gives an insight into the immediate as well as long-term plans of Prime Minister Narendra Modi . The appointments make it clear that tackling Covid-19 is currently top priority for the central government and the PM.

First, S Gopalakrishnan has been appointed as additional secretary in the PMO. Placed with the ministry of electronics thus far, Gopalakrishnan has dealt with responsibilities related to new technologies, innovations and startups. He is an electrical engineer from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

As we know, the tagline of the Modi government is now Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. As the pandemic continues to rage, the economies shrivel and various countries move to insulate themselves, the Modi government wants to reduce dependence on other countries and become self-reliant. This is what the Prime Minister conveyed through his letter on the first anniversary of the Modi government. The letter, addressed to the nation, gives a good insight into his mind.

At such a time, there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including Indias, will recover. However, given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival, the letter reads.

Aatmanirbharta as a policy gives hope to the government that it would also ensure jobs are created internally at a time when unemployment figures rise. One big responsibility of S Gopalakrishnan would now be to suggest innovative ways to become self-reliant and put the economy back on track.

At the same time  as the government focuses on economic recovery  the most pressing issue of health cannot be overlooked. The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the fact that health sector has never been a priority in India. Most states are reporting overflowing beds, inadequate testing facilities and insufficient kits for the medical teams and frontline warriors.

To tackle this aspect, C Sridhar has been appointment as joint secretary in the PMO. He is a specialist in genetics but while posted in Lal bahadur Shastri academy (training institute for bureaucrats) his focus has been on disaster and crisis management.

Its time we accept that coronavirus and its impact are likely to stay for some time and there is no guarantee that we wont be vulnerable to the damage this virus causes. In this context, a futuristic disaster management policy becomes imperative and Sridhar, with his field and academic experience, can come in handy.

But there is another important messaging which comes in from the appointments and perhaps the larger one. The hallmark of the Modi government has been to try and shake off the babudom. Specialists have been consulted and the Modi has been hands-on in his approach and the strong IAS lobby has finally begun to feel that its grip has loosened. No surprises then that of the appointments announced on Friday, 11 are non-IAS. The message is loud and clear  anyone can be part of the PMO team. This certainly has increased the enthusiasm of those from the non-IAS service backgrounds.

With these new appointments, the government hopes to move ahead and reclaim the ground, a top cource told CNN-News18, adding that the move becomes more important as it comes right after the completion of one year of the Modi government.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Saturday, assured people of the national capital that his government is making every possible effort to reduce fatalities due to coronavirus infection.

He said that the government is fully prepared to tackle the coronavirus crisis and is four steps ahead of the virus.

Kejriwal asserted, ''Delhi is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases, we accept it. But there is nothing to worry about, I assure you that we are fully prepared. We cannot be in a permanent lockdown.''

Giving information on the current scenario of Delhi Kejriwal said, '' Procured large number of beds, only 2,100 patients out of over 17,000 COVID-19 cases in hospitals.''

Talking about the recovery of people Kejriwal said that most of the people are getting cured at home.

He also added that his team is also developing an app for people to give information about bed availability in hospitals

In 15 days, cases in Delhi went up by 8,500 but only 500 people were admitted in hospitals, said Kejriwal.

Meanwhile, the national capital has reported 17,386 coronavirus cases out of total 1,73,763 cases across the country. The city has reported 398 deaths due to the highly-contagious virus.
Cases of online child sex abuse in the Philippines have tripled under coronavirus, the government said, with campaigners warning that the countrys lockdown has left more children vulnerable to exploitation by human traffickers and cash-strapped relatives.

The spread of cheap, high-speed internet and the rise in mobile phone ownership has fuelled livestreamed abuse - known as cybersex trafficking - in recent years and the Philippines is considered by charities to be the epicentre of the global trade.

Officials and activists said the problem has worsened under lockdown in the capital, Manila - one of the worlds longest at 11 weeks - as families have struggled to earn a living while children have been out of school and spending more time online.

The Southeast Asian nation has recorded about 15,580 cases of coronavirus and 921 deaths since the outbreak hit in January.

Now that people are required to stay at home, many suffer from a loss of income from the shutdown, Emmeline Villar, an undersecretary at the Department of Justice (DoJ), told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

(This) makes it more likely that the traffickers will engage in abusive behavior, Villar added.

From March 1 to May 24, there were 279,166 cases of online child sex abuse in the Philippines, said the DoJ, using data from the U.S.-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There were 76,561 cases during this timeframe in 2019.

The countrys justice department earlier this week urged internet service providers to install technology to block both access to and distribution of child abuse imagery.

Yet the crime is tough to crack because abuse often involves family members or friends, according to officials and activists.

This is largely a family-based crime meaning home is a place of vulnerability and exploitation, rather than a place of safety, said Samson Inocencio, national director of the International Justice Mission (IJM) - an anti-slavery charity.

In operations supported by the IJM in the Philippines since 2011, more than half of those arrested for online child sex abuse were parents, relatives or family friends, the group said.

Lockdowns also pose a barrier to detection because children have almost no access to teachers or community members to whom they might disclose abuse or display signs, Inocencio added.

A recent study by IJM found the prevalence of online child sex abuse in the nation rose significantly from 2014 to 2017.

A Philippines court this week sentenced a U.S. citizen based in the country, David Deakin, to life imprisonment for three counts of human trafficking. Deakin had recorded child sex abuse and sold it to foreign customers online, the authorities said.

Europes policing agency, Europol, last week said it was concerned by a rise in paedophile activities, with EU law enforcement observing more searches for illegal websites and shutting more platforms for the exchange of child sex material.

The United Nations childrens agency (UNICEF) estimates 1.8 million children are sex trafficked every year - but this figure does not include victims of cybersex trafficking.

(This story has been published from a wire agency without modifications to the text)

Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter
South Africa: Travel restrictions eased as millions return to school, work

With millions of citizens set to return to work, school and institutions of higher learning when the country moves to COVID-19 lockdown level 3, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has announced that public transport will operate throughout the day.

However, capacity restrictions remain, with minibus taxis still only permitted a 70% loading capacity. Buses are still expected to adhere to a maximum loading capacity of 50%, taking due regard of standing passengers. This will also be the case for e-hailing and metred taxis, as well as shuttle, chauffer and charter services.

Briefing media on the regulations under level 3 on Saturday, Mbalula said the condition for such operation is that public transport vehicles are only permitted to transport persons permitted to travel between provinces, in terms of the regulations.

Such travel is only restricted to:

Persons undertaking work responsibilities or performing a service permitted under level 3, provided they are in possession of the requisite permit.

Persons moving to a new place of residence.

Persons caring for an immediate family member.

Learners or students who have to commute to and from schools or institutions of higher learning during periods when schools or institutions are permitted to operate.

Attendance of funerals.

Transportation of mortal remains.

Obtaining medical treatment.

Persons returning to their place of residence from a quarantine or isolation facility.

Permitted/authorised movement of children; and

Members of Parliament performing oversight responsibilities.



Maritime transport

Regarding maritime transport, Mbalula said restrictions remain on the movement of ships.

However, full operations for the Port of Mossel Bay and Port of Saldanha Bay for movement of cargo will now be permitted.

Furthermore, allowance will be made for South African registered seafarers to embark and disembark ships, with a mandatory quarantine for those returning.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) shall be directed to issue a Marine Notice to this effect, said Mbalula.

Aviation

Level 3 will see domestic air travel resume, but only limited to business purposes. This, said the Minister, will also be subject to restrictions on the number of flights per day and authorisation based on the reason for travel.

The phased approach will be guided by the various considerations. These include Port Health Capacity at the golden triangle airports - OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka international airports. The initial period will also serve as a trial period to stress test the system and measures to determine how they are holding up.

The Minister said Lanseria Airport will have to arrange Port Health Capacity that will be certified before any flight is allowed to operate.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Polokwane International Airport and Bram Fischer Airport will begin operations in Phase 2. The airports in Kimberly, Upington, East London, Umtata and Port Elizabeth will resume in Phase 1.

We have evaluated the plans in full and have also considered the non-pharmaceutical interventions, as well as mitigation strategies to be implemented by all airlines operating in our domestic markets. We are confident that they will assist in the containment of the spread of the virus, Mbalula said.

The Transport Department has also assessed measures being rolled out globally in the airline industry and benchmarked against these when an assessment was done by the department on the state of readiness related to the aviation industry.

Airports

At airports, only passengers will be allowed inside the terminal buildings.

Temperature screening will be conducted at the terminal building entrances before any passenger is allowed entry. No passengers will be allowed inside the terminal buildings without masks, Mbalula said.

ACSA is expected to ensure effectiveness of the sanitisation process before entering the terminal buildings, which may result in the number of entrances being reduced.

All the airports will have markings on the floor for social distancing of 1.5 metres. This will be applicable at check-in counters, security checkpoints and airport lounges, the Minister said.

At boarding gates, boarding will be staggered and prioritised in terms of the number of passengers waiting to board. Sectional boarding will be implemented to avoid unnecessary contact inside the aircraft.

Inside the cabin, full capacity will be allowed. It must be noted that the risk of COVID-19 infection on board a commercial passenger airliner is lower than in many other confined spaces. All our commercial aircrafts are fitted with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. These are manufactured to the same standard as those used in hospital operating theatres and industrial clean rooms, with the same efficacy of 99.97% in removing viruses, Mbalula said.

Catering and magazines will not be allowed in the cabin. Last rows, Mbalula said, will be reserved for isolation of suspected cases, should they be detected on board.

All aircrafts must be disinfected before entering into service and after each flight.

Loading capacity for all airport buses must be limited to 70%. These buses must be disinfected after off-loading. Drivers, baggage handlers and ground handlers must be fully equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), said the Minister.

On arrival, all passengers will be screened as they enter terminal buildings, with suspected cases referred to Port Health.

Aviation Training

Both virtual and contact aviation training will be permitted in aviation training, subject to all COVID-19 regulations and directions being observed. - SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Taking Flight

The #1 book in the country is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel to the megaselling Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. A gripping mix of whipsaw plot twists and propulsive writing makes this storys complex issuesvulnerability and abuse, personal responsibility, and institutionalized power dynamicsvivid and personal, our review said. The book sold 270K print copies in its first week, enough to make it the ninth-bestselling book for the year to date; per Scholastic, the book has sold more than 500K copies in print, e-book, audio download, and custom editions. Virtual promotions let fans use AR to make the print book cover appear in 3-D, and add a Songbirds TikTok filter to their images.

Hill Without Bill

Curtis Sittenfelds previous books include American Wife, about a fictional First Lady inspired by Laura Bush. In Rodham, which debuts at #9 in hardcover fiction, she imagines a Hillary who never marries Bill Clinton. Our review called the novel an often funny, mostly sympathetic, and always sharp what-if. In an April interview with PW, the author discussed writing a character whose actions arent always laudable. If I made her never make a questionable decision, the book would have seemed like a preposterous love letter, she said. Im sure to some readers it will seem like a preposterous love letter anyway, but realistically I do not think Hillary Clinton is less moral than average. I actually think shes probably more moral than average.

Mr. Igers Wild Ride

On May 18, Bill Gates named Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger one of his five summer reading picks, giving it the rare distinction of a business book I would actually recommend. It pubbed in 2019, when Iger was CEO of the Walt Disney Company. He stepped down at the end of February, staying on as executive chairman. In mid-April, he resumed running the company to help guide it through the Covid-19 pandemic. Ride returns to our hardcover nonfiction list at #10, with its best sales this year.

NEW & NOTABLE

THE CHIFFON TRENCHES

Andre Leon Talley

#11 Hardcover Nonfiction

Talley spent four decades as creative director, contributing editor, and editor-at-large at Vogue, where for so long I was the only person of color in the upper echelons of fashion journalism, he writes. Im aware that a black man still has to work one thousand times harder to live the American dream.

MY VANISHING COUNTRY

Bakari Sellers

#20 Hardcover Nonfiction

In 2006, at age 22, Sellers, now a CNN political commentator, unseated a 26-year incumbent state representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature. His memoir highlights the lives of working-class African-Americans in the rural South and his family legacy of civil rights activism.
Standard Chartered Bank and mPharma have today presented the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) with a portable Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) equipment donated by the bank and diagnostic, extraction kits and tubes donated by the health logistics company.

The donation is meant to assist in conducting widespread testing and detection of COVID-19 and comes on the back of rising cases of the virus in Ghana.

Madam Asiedua Addae, Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana, while presenting the donation said, Widespread testing is key in the fight against COVID-19 and we are happy to present this testing equipment to KCCR after the first was presented to Nogouchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research three weeks ago.

Standard Chartered Bank has committed GHS 1 million to support emergency relief and aid those affected by COVID-19 in Ghana through three key ways; helping the vulnerable, assisting medical frontline workers with PPEs and bolstering widespread testing.

At Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, we live up to our brand promise Here for Good and hope that the testing equipment will enable more people to know their COVID-19 status so they can take care of themselves and their families.

Commenting on the partnership, Gregory Rockson, Co-Founder and CEO, mPharma, said, We are happy to partner with Standard Chartered Bank in this donation because we believe it is important to do widespread and faster testing especially for emergency cases as we continue fighting this pandemic.

KCCRs Scientific Director, Professor Robert Phillips, thanked Standard Chartered Bank and mPharma for bolstering their testing efforts and urged the public not to forget that the COVID-19 virus is still at large.

This portable testing equipment works within short timelines to deliver results and it is a great blessing for KCCR as we aim to respond to the pandemic in an even greater way. We urge Ghanaians not to relent in following the governments guidelines on social distancing and hygiene, he added.

Separately, Standard Chartered Bank has also today donated PPEs which included N95 masks, surgical gloves and coveralls to the Department of Child Health at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. This becomes the fifth hospital to receive a donation of PPEs as part of the GHS 1 million committed by the Bank.

As one of the integral treatment centers for COVID-19 cases in Ghana, it is essential that frontline workers at the institution are adequately resourced to protect them and those they come into contact with from being infected.
In an open letter to the country's citizens on the first anniversary of his second term as prime minister, Narendra Modi said in 2019 the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with the dream of taking India to new heights and making it a global leader.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday listed abrogation of Article 370, settlement of the Ram Temple issue, criminalisation of triple talaq and the amendment to the Citizenship Act among the key achievements during his second term, asserting that his government's decisions in the last one year were aimed at fulfilling the dream of making India a global leader.

In an open letter to the country's citizens on the first anniversary of his second term as prime minister, Modi said in 2019 the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with the dream of taking India to new heights and making it a global leader.

The decisions taken in the last one year are directed at fulfilling this dream, he said.

In the past year, some of the decisions were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse, Modi said.

"Article 370 (abrogation) furthered the spirit of national unity and integration," he said of the Centre's decision to abrogate Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcation of the state into Union Territories in August.

Referring to the Supreme Court's unanimous judgment on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Modi said it brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title case last year, paved the way for construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

"The barbaric practice of Triple Talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history," Modi said in reference to the legislation last year that made giving instant oral triple talaq or talalq-e-biddat a criminal offence with provisions of jail term up to three years.

Referring to the amendment to the Citizenship Act, Modi said it was an "expression of India's compassion and spirit of inclusiveness".

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims from three neighbouring Muslim majority countries on the ground of religious persecution. Its passage last year had prompted intense protests in various parts of the country with the Opposition parties and social groups alleging that it was discriminatory.

Listing other key decisions of his government that added "momentum to the nation's development trajectory", Modi said the creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff was a long-pending reform that has improved coordination among the armed forces.

At the same time, India has stepped up preparations for Mission Gaganyaan, he said.

"Empowering the poor, farmers, women and youth has remained our priority. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi now includes all farmers. In just one year, more than Rs 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9 crore 50 lakh farmers," Modi said.

The Jal Jeevan Mission will ensure supply of potable drinking water through piped connections to over 15 crore rural households, he said.

Modi said a huge campaign for free vaccination is being conducted for better health of the country's 50 crore livestock.

"For the first time in our country's history, farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in unorganised sector are assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after the age of 60 years," he said.

Besides the facility of availing bank loans, a separate department has also been created for fishermen, the prime minister said, enumerating the steps taken by his government.

Several other decisions have been taken to strengthen the fisheries sector which will boost the blue economy, he said.

"It has been decided to constitute a Vyapari Kalyan Board for timely resolution of the problems of the traders. Higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than 7 crore women attached to self help groups," Modi said in his letter.

Recently the amount for loans without guarantee for self help groups has been doubled to Rs 20 lakh from the earlier Rs 10 lakh, he said.

"Keeping in mind the education of tribal children, we have begun the construction of more than 400 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools," Modi said.

Asserting that several people-friendly laws have been ushered in during the last year, the prime minister said Parliament has broken the decades-old record in terms of productivity.

"As a result, whether it be the Consumer Protection Act, the amendment to Chit Fund Law or laws to provide more protection to women, children and Divyang, their passage in the Parliament was expedited," he said.

As a result of the policies and decisions of the government, the rural-urban gap is shrinking, Modi said, adding that "for the first time, the number of rural Indians using internet is 10 percent more than the number of urban Indians".

"The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigour, taking and implementing these decisions," Modi said.

Today, 130 crore people feel involved and integrated in the development trajectory of the nation, the prime minister said.

"The light of Jan Shakti' and Rashtra Shakti' has ignited the entire nation. Powered by the Mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' India is marching forward in all spheres," he said.
The electoral commission, INEC, says it will study recent elections held in other countries in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the globe.

It said it will study the Malian and South Korean polls as it puts in place processes in conducting the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo.

The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said this on Saturday during a virtual meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

The details of the meeting were made available via a statement he signed.

INEC on Monday released new guidelines on conducting the elections. It had earlier said the commission would go ahead with the two elections but would align with directives from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

It said it would ensure voters and electoral officers comply with the protocols established by health authorities.

Mr Yakubu said INEC would conduct some bye-elections as test runs to enable it modify its processes in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learning curve

On Saturday, the official added that the commission was studying elections conducted during the pandemic, especially in Mali and South Korea.

The commission is determined to hold some of the bye-elections ahead of the two major governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states to enable us test run and finetune our modified processes in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, we are also studying reports of recent elections conducted under the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in places such as Mali and South Korea, for any lessons that will strengthen our processes and protect all those involved, Mr Yakubu said.

He disclosed that there are over six million registered voters for the Edo and Ondo elections as well as the five senatorial and four state assembly bye-elections spread across nine states of the federation.

South Korea and Mali both held elections in April, despite the pandemic.

According to an Aljazeera report, strict health, safety and social distancing measures were in place for the process in South Korea.
But as Floyds death underscores, peer intervention, like any worthwhile anti-bullying program, must be more than a requirement in a policy manual; otherwise, its not likely to be effective. Social science tells us that intervening to prevent wrongdoing in the middle of a tense incident is far more difficult than we recognize. Notwithstanding the legal duty, there are inhibitors to intervention that most officers will be unable to overcome in the moment unless they have been prepared in advance.
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Imagine fighting COVID-19 in African communities where there are no hospitals, pharmacies, respirators or masks. Add pervasive malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS as well as malnutrition. East African communities are dealing with plagues of locusts and 12 million people faced starvation before COVID-19. Infection compounds at an alarming rate.

Dr. Florence Muindi keeps a watchful eye on the spread of COVID-19 around the world. It has invaded 40 countries in Africa. As the founder and executive director of Life in Abundance (LIA), she is concerned for people in 56 communities in 14 countries where LIA is already working. All have reported cases of COVID-19.

Muindi says they are seeing it in the most difficult places that present ideal conditions for COVID-19 to spread. There are over 100,000 cases with 3,257 deaths, but poverty, close living, lack of sanitation and underlying conditions make people vulnerable, she says.

LIA empowers churches to meet challenges in their own communities as they share the Gospel. They have mobilized in the face of COVID-19. Church leaders, trainers and volunteers from local churches have formed Corona Prevention Taskforce teams that focus on training, awareness, promotion of good personal hygiene, distribution of masks and hygiene materials.

Trainers teach hand washing door to door and have created more than 5,000 handwashing stations in virus hot spots. They give away face masks, hand sanitizers and bar of soaps as they pray with families and share the Gospel.

LIA-staffed clinics are working with local health authorities to fight COVID-19. Food banks have been set up in churches. In many cases, hunger due to isolation and few resources is taking a toll.

Pastors trained in trauma counseling meet with those who are overwhelmed and afraid of the future. Dr. Muindi described the impact of COVID-19 on African communities, The crisis in Africa is beyond Covid-19. As governments race to control the virus to avoid a catastrophe, the poor and vulnerable are facing a threat that is worse than Covid-19.

Lockdowns have put millions out of work. They are desperate. In Kibera, one of our urban communities in Nairobi, where well-wishers went to distribute food, two people lost their lives in the melee. The government reacted by banning distribution of food to the needy, not only to avoid chaos, but to also ensure social distancing, she says.

COVID-19 restrictions and closure of markets has disrupted the flow of food. It means many are facing hunger, and with it, increased vulnerability to COVID-19. In short, the crisis is already with us, and it is not a health crisis, it is an economic one.

Meeting the needs of the church is a special priority at this time. Muindi says their staff is working remotely with churches, encouraging them to collect and distribute food and sanitary products for those affected. They recently took food packs to Mathare, where thousands of families are suffering as well as Egypt, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia and more.

In the midst of hardship, there is good to be recognized as believers are finding encouragement. A lot of prayer is occurring as the church asks God to spare Africa. Thus, even as the government's labor to contain the virus, we believe God is doing the greater work. Churches are running online service, prayer meetings and cell group Bible studies. There is a 24/7 prayer going on for 30 days in Kenya and a lot of churches and ministries are participating.

Finally, Dr. Muindi touches on whats ahead for LIA, The LIA teams are serving as taskforces and will remain connected with our partner churches. Our clinics remain open and caring for the sick. Home visits and caring for the vulnerable is happening as we are able.

Governments will continue to do what governments can do, while God will do what only He can do. Meantime, the control measures continue to bite, and we have to address the economic crisis right now. Our concern is that the longer the crisis goes on, the more critical the economic crisis gets, and the more resources we will need to support the communities we serve.

To learn more about LIAs response to COVID-19, visit lifeinabundance.org.

Editor's Note: This article is reprinted by permission of The Southeast Outlook, newspaper of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY.
The mystery of how San Antonio event planner Gregorio Palomino, with no experience in food distribution, scored a $39 million contract from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to feed needy families during a pandemic is one that must be solved.

But the greater priority is feeding those families. The delaying of that by Palominos struggles to deliver food justifies taking the contract away from him and awarding it to a company that can get the job done.

In individual letters sent last week by U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett and Joaquin Castro to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, both San Antonio representatives asked Perdue to investigate how Palominos company, CRE8AD8, was awarded the contract.

Why did USDA decide to contract with entities without a proven history or track record of fulfilling the basic tasks of the program over applicants with years of experience in the industry? Castro wrote.

Doggett demanded the contract be canceled, writing, This contract was issued without a credible background check with a company not licensed to perform and with no work history indicating a capacity to perform at a time of urgent public need for competent delivery.

Palomino cant be trusted to provide a truthful representation of himself or his company, nor can he be trusted to provide the vital service for which hes been contracted. In last Sundays Express-News, reporter Tom Orsborn detailed the scope and brazenness of Palominos lies, a word we use sparingly but is inescapable in this instance. Lies that were easily debunked.

On CRE8AD8s website, Palomino claimed iconic local companies USAA, Valero Energy and Fiesta San Antonio as among his clients. When officials from these companies denied ever working with Palomino or his company, he removed the claims from the website.

His LinkedIn profile cited service on the board of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, but the chamber says that isnt true.

Also false appear to be his claims of operations in 27 cities around the world and the credential of CMP  Certified Meeting Professional, a designation by the Events Industry Council representing extensive knowledge of meeting management. Its a designation the council says Palomino hasnt earned.

Palominos attempt to explain the confusion to Orsborn was pathetic, beginning with the words, My CMP is a different acronym 

This is akin to a physician saying, My M.D. is a different acronym 

But all of Palominos misrepresentations would be irrelevant  but still disturbing because honesty matters, right?  if he were providing crucial food to the people in such desperate need. On Thursday, he delivered 235 food boxes, a paltry start.

His $39 million contract is for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which directs surplus food toward families suffering financial hardship because of the pandemic. It obligates CRE8AD8 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 by June 30.

As Eric Cooper, who heads the San Antonio Food Bank, has said, failure on this is not an option. But failure is all we see at this point.

More than a potential failure to fulfill a contract, this is a failure of moral responsibility to feed people who are at their most vulnerable. Palomino and CRE8AD8 should have never been awarded this contract, and we join Doggett and Castro in asking to know why this happened.

As we await answers about this and the broader USDA program, cancel the contract and award it to a company with a proven track record to fulfill its contractual and moral responsibility to feed the hungry.
In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Italian Lazio region's environmental agency biologist Salvatore De Bonis shows how they perform tests on sea water during an interview with The Associated Press on a Coast Guard boat off Fiumicino, near Rome. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

Pollution from human and agriculture waste spilling into the seas off Rome has decreased 30% during Italy's coronavirus lockdown, preliminary results from a nationwide survey of seawater quality indicate.

Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change, saying that shifting sea currents and limited rainfall in April and May also could have been responsible for reduced runoff of livestock and fertilizer waste.

But Marco Lupo, director general of the Lazio region's environmental agency, hypothesized that the evaporation of tourism starting in March could have reduced the amount of sewage produced by the 30 million tourists who normally visit Rome each year.

In addition, the lockdown meant Italians couldn't flock to their seaside vacation homes as they normally would in spring, a phenomenon that typically overwhelms local water treatment plants and results in increased pollutants spewing into the seas, Lupo said.

"This year, coastal towns have been much less populated, decreasing the (human-caused pollution) burden" on the water, he told The Associated Press.

There's no indication seas will stay cleaner, since the lockdown is ending and any pollution reduction may be temporary.

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Italian Lazio region's environmental agency biologists Salvatore De Bonis, right, and Valentina Amorosi show how they perform tests on sea water during an interview with The Associated Press on a Coast Guard boat off Fiumicino, near Rome. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

But scientists around the world have documented some remarkable ecological changes as a result of travel ceasing, industrial production in many countries grinding to a halt and people staying home. Air pollution is down in some of the world's smoggiest cities, while wildlife such as coyotes and boars have been seen in urban areas.

Off Italy's coasts, which are popular and occasionally polluted, there are visible effects of the lockdown. With the usually busy Gulf of Naples cleared of pleasure boats, cargo and cruise ships, dolphins usually only seen far out in the Mediterranean flock close to shore. Jellyfish have been spotted in the empty canals of Venice.

During the lockdown, fishermen are pulling in bigger hauls than usual off Rome's main industrial port at Civitavecchia. In April, for example, fishermen pulled in 60,000 kilograms (132,277 pounds) of fish compared with 52,000 kilograms (114,640 pounds) during the same month last year.

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Marco Lupo, director general of the Lazio region's environmental agency speaks to Italian Coast Guard's biologists in Fiumicino, near Rome. "This year, coastal towns have been much less populated, decreasing the anthropic burden" on the sea, Lupo said". Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

Roberto Arciprete, a marine biologist with Civitavecchia's local fishing cooperative, hypothesized that the sharp reduction in maritime traffic had resulted in more fish swimming closer to shore.

Environment Minister Sergio Costa noted that the coronavirus emergency, while tragic given the loss of life, offered an unprecedented opportunity to create a "photograph" of Italy's seas. Costa on April 15 tasked the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies to work with regional environmental authorities to take water samples and monitor and assess changes in the seas off Italy's 8,000 kilometers (4,971 miles) of coastline.

The results will provide data and a baseline from which the country can reboot industrial production sustainably and create "a new normal that we know is absolutely necessary," he said.

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Admiral Vincenzo Leone, head of the Lazio region Coast Guard, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Fiumicino, near Rome. "This is a unique moment, that we hope will never happen again. In this moment most of the productive activities in the coastal towns and villages, stopped. The sea had something to tell us, we have listened to it and we are checking". Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Italian Lazio region's environmental agency biologists Salvatore De Bonis, right, and Valentina Amorosi show how they perform tests on sea water during an interview with The Associated Press on a Coast Guard boat off Fiumicino, near Rome. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Italian Lazio region's environmental agency biologists Salvatore De Bonis, right, and Valentina Amorosi show how they perform tests on sea water during an interview with The Associated Press on a Coast Guard boat off Fiumicino, near Rome. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Italian Coast Guard's biologists show how they perform tests on sea water in a mobile lab during an interview with The Associated Press in Fiumicino, near Rome. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Italian Coast Guard's biologists show how they perform tests on sea water in a mobile lab during an interview with The Associated Press in Fiumicino, near Rome. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

In this picture taken on Thursday, May 21, 2020, Italian Coast Guard's biologists show how they perform tests on sea water in a mobile lab during an interview with The Associated Press in Fiumicino, near Rome. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

In this photo taken on Sunday May 3, 2020, a view of the town of Vico Equense overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Italy. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. They say shifting sea currents and limited rainfall in April and May also could have reduced runoff from agriculture. (AP Photo/Paolo Santalucia)

In this photo taken on Sunday May 3, 2020, a buoy floats in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. Preliminary results from a survey of seawater quality during Italy's coronavirus lockdown indicate a sharp reduction in pollution from human and livestock waste in the seas off Rome. Authorities stressed it was too soon to give the lockdown sole credit for the change. They say shifting sea currents and limited rainfall in April and May also could have reduced runoff from agriculture. (AP Photo/Paolo Santalucia)

"This can give us a point of departure, actually a point of re-departure," he said in a statement. "This photograph will become the point of reference for the future controls of the seas, lakes and rivers, so that nature and our country can be better cared for."

Coast Guard Adm. Vincenzo Leone, who is responsible for the Lazio region, said it was appropriate to seize the moment to determine if an elimination of tourism and boating had a measurable effect on water quality. He described the sampling underway as a "blood test of the sea."

"There is only one sea and we must protect it," he said. "So when the sea talks to us, we have to listen to it."

Explore further Image: Deserted Venetian lagoon

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Amid the political spiral around China's move in Hong Kong, the United States and United Kingdom have urged the United Nations to address serious concerns regarding the territory's autonomy.

According to an international media agency, while China warned the 27 members of the UN Security Council against interference in Hong Kong, American and British representatives tried to pressurise the peace-making body into taking some action. This comes just days after the UK, Canada and Australia jointly raised deep concerns over Chinas new security law that endangers Hong Kongs autonomy.

Read - India COVID-19 Cases Zoom Past 1.65L As Fatalities Cross China's Mark

Meanwhile, the European Union has said that China's move to limit Hong Kongs autonomy with its new security law has damaged its ties with Beijing but also noted that imposing sanctions would not resolve the crisis situation.

EUs high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Josep Borrel Fontelles said in a press briefing on May 29 that the union expresses grave concern over the recent steps taken by China and noted that the developments in Hong Kong were not in conformity with its international commitments.

Read - China: Delivery Man Hailed For Climbing Two Storeys To Rescue Child Dangling From A Window

China held veto-power

According to reports, while the US and UK continued to raise the Hong Kong issue at the UN meet, China held veto-power and made any discussion on the subject impossible. Washington and London also noted that the autonomy of Hong Kong is a legitimate international concern according to the registered UN accord.

Moreover, US President Donald Trump also severely lashed out on China against the developments that undermine One Country, Two System which incorporates the city under Chinas rule. The US President said that the Chinese broke their word on Hong Kongs autonomous nature and called the new security law a tragedy.

Read - China Criticises US Bill On Xinjiang

'Highly necessary' legislation

According to the Chinese diplomat, Hong Kong can not be separated from China, and in light of new circumstances and need the country has to exercise its power in the constitution for the new proposal which he termed as highly necessary.

The announcement was made after Chinese officials and delegates from Hong Kong met with the NPC. 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 diplomat even said that new situation and demands require new measures and calls for necessary action on the national level.

Read - China Warns UK Of Countermeasures After Its Citizenship To Hongkongers Comment
H eadteachers have warned they expect supermarket-style queues to line school gates as primaries prepare to reopen to pupils from Monday.

Boris Johnson is pressing ahead with plans to get pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to return on June 1 despite fierce objection from teaching unions.

At least 20 local authorities in England have defied the Prime Minister and urged schools not to reopen on safety grounds.

But a new poll of 2,000 heads by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) found that nine out of ten members intended to open their schools.

Schools will look different for some time to come, heads have warned / PA

For school leaders allowing youngsters to return, staggered pick-up times and one-way corridors are part of the new normal.

Hartford Manor Primary School in Cheshire is taking a phased approach by reopening to 100 more pupils over successive days from June 8.

Headteacher Simon Kidwell said parents will queue at drop-off and pick-up times, classroom windows will be open to ensure good ventilation, extra cleaners have been employed and water fountains, as hotspots for transmission, have been removed.

Social distancing for adults is going to be stringent, with a dropping-off system where parents will have to queue a bit like at the supermarket, he said.

Boris Johnson said the Government's five tests have been met so schools can reopen / PA

We have also installed 37 new hand washing stations, which are like troughs with warm water and soap for children to wash their hands before entering the building.

Its important for children that class looks as normal as possible but no longer will we be able to have 400 children running around and playing together at lunch time.

Official guidance from the Department for Education urges schools to teach pupils in small bubbles limited to 15, utilise outdoor space and stagger breaktime.

It does not advise teachers to wear PPE or enforce social distancing as long as small-group teaching is observed, but some teachers are doing this anyway, The Times reports.

Bryony Baynes, headteacher at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester, said similar measures would be in place at her school, adding that corridors will have one-way systems and staff will be allowed to wear face masks if they want to.

Realistically, as I have said to parents, I cant promise you that the little ones will be two metres apart at all times  they are four and five years old, she said.

School leaders have given a glimpse into the socially-distanced school future / PA

If a child falls over, we are still going to pick them up and cuddle them... I think they will adapt to the new normal.

Nine teachers representatives, including the National Education Union which has over 450,000 members, have insisted pupils, parents and teachers are at risk if schools reopen next week.

But ministers and the Governments scientific and medical advisers have insisted the health effects of prolonged time at home, especially for vulnerable pupils, outweighs the risks.

Sheffield city council and Lancashire county council became the latest to rule out opening schools next week. Headteachers have been told the decision over whether to reopen rests with them.
BENTON, Ark.

May 29, 2020

Arkansas's

Benton

Arkansas

the United States

November 2017

Monica Kelsey

Baby Box

Canada

Benton

Benton

10:30am

Benton

Benton AR

Indiana

Arkansas

Arkansas

/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Safe Haven Baby Boxes representatives announce the first newborn was legally surrendered in the state undersafe haven law in a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station #3 in. The Safe Haven Baby Box at this fire station was the first to be available inlast September and was the 15th Safe Haven Baby Box to be installed in. This is the 7th newborn to be surrendered inside a Safe Haven Baby Box since"The Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization provides new resources for a completely anonymous surrender option to parents who may have fear or feel shame that is associated with a surrender," says Founder and CEO,, who was also abandoned at birth. "We continue to provide this necessary resource of anonymity with 25 active locations and more planned in the coming months. The Safe Haven Baby Box is for women who may be considering this as their only option for a safe surrender," says Kelsey.The Arkansas Safe Haven law (A.C.A.  9-34-201) allows a parent to bring a child, 30 days old or younger to an employee at any hospital emergency room, manned fire station or law enforcement agency without facing prosecution for endangering or abandoning a child. A parent can also use a safety device () that is installed in the exterior wall of a fire station or hospital to ensure 100% anonymity for the parent. Once a baby is surrendered, the Arkansas Department of Human Services will facilitate an adoption for the baby to be placed in a permanent and loving home.Safe Haven Baby Boxes' mission is to raise awareness of Safe Haven laws, provide support and resources to mothers in crisis, and ultimately to end infant abandonment. The National Safe Haven Crisis hotline (1-866-99BABY1) provides counseling and resources to pregnant women who may be considering a surrender. Since 2016, the hotline has received over 5,000 calls nationwide and fromRepresentatives from Safe Haven Baby Boxes,Fire Department, and the Mayor ofwill be holding a Press Conference Friday morning atatFire Station #3 located at 2717 Edison Ave,72015.How Can You Help?After recovering the first surrendered baby in, many communities rallied to make these life saving resources more accessible, reaching 21 boxes built across the state in just two years. We believeshould have the same accessibility. Help us install 20 more boxes intoday! Visit our website for how you can help: http://www.shbb.org/arkansas.For more information visit our website at http://www.SHBB.org or call 1-888-742-2133.SOURCE Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Governor dismisses Phukets last seven COVID cases, suspends field hospital

PHUKET: The Phuket Governor yesterday gave the order for the COVID-19 Field Hospital set up at the site of still-unfinished new Provincial Hall to suspend all activities from tomorrow (May 31), confirming his announcement made earlier this week.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 30 May 2020, 12:47PM

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana at the meeting of the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee, which he chairs, yesterday (May 29). Photo: PR Phuket

The facility, initially set up in readiness for a huge influx of COVID-19 patients, currently has only two people in care.

Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana at the meeting of the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee, which he chairs, yesterday (May 29) said that Phuket had passed one month without a confirmed infection, claimed a report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).

The Governors sweeping announcement that Phuket has not had a confirmed case of a person infected with COVID-19 for the past month brushed aside at least seven cases of people being reported by Phuket officials themselves as confirmed infected with the virus.

All seven cases are still counted as confirmed as positive in the total number of confirmed cases for Phuket, and in the national tally.

Governor Phakaphong on Wednesday announced that the Italian engineer and his Chinese wife reported as confirmed infected on Sunday and Monday earlier this week were being treated until test results are returned from Bangkok.

However, Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Thanit Sermkaew on May 19 confirmed that a Patong shopping centre staffer who had returned from Prachinburi tested positive for the virus on May 15. Samples were sent to Bangkok to be tested for the virus. The results of those tests have not be publicly revealed.

As for the four reported as confirmed infected on May 10, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha traveled to Phuket on May 14 to announce that those four had been confirmed by tests in Bangkok as not infected with the virus.

Oddly, five days later, Phuket health chief Dr Thanit on May 19 reported that Phuket health officials had yet to be informed of those test results.

Regardless, all seven cases reported by Phuket officials as confirmed in May still remain counted as confirmed positive in the Phuket tally and the national tally for the total number of people infected with the virus since the outbreak began.

According to the PR Phuket report, Governor Phakaphong himself again pointed out that Phuket had recorded 227 confirmed cases since the outbreak began  the same total uncorrected to account for the cases now being presumed as not infected.

There are only three infected patients [remaining at the field hospital]. Of the total 227 patients who have received medical care, 221 have recovered [sic] and gone home, he said, not accounting for the three people in Phuket who have died from the virus.

We can see that the situation in Phuket has improved gradually and returned to normal conditions, the Governor said.

However, the closure is to be treated as a suspension of activities at the facility as a precaution, in case field hospital is needed again soon, he added.

Of note, the second field hospital, set up at the Prince of Songkla University Phuket campus, was closed on May 15 after the number of patients there also dwindled.

Measures [to counter the spread of the virus] have been implemented in Phuket since the outbreak began, and all people in Phuket have cooperated well until the situation gradually improved, Governor Phakaphong said.

However, must comply with the governments regulations, such as wearing a mask. washing hands with sterilizing gel and social distancing, he added.

Although the government is relaxing some of the measures so that people can live normal lives, everyone must still act strictly in accordance with the government guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease again, Governor Phakaphong said.
Protesters paused on a march through the capital city's downtown Friday long enough to chant, "Shame on you!" at the City and County Building, as the second day of unrest unfolded in Colorado, after the death of the Minnesota man sparked violent protests across the country.
IDEA Public Schools co-founder Tom Torkelson will receive $900,000 as part of a separation agreement reached last month, when he resigned as CEO after a two-decade run with the states largest charter school operator, according to a copy of the deal obtained Friday.

The amount far exceeds the annual salary of Texas highest-paid school leaders, who typically earned $300,000 to $450,000. Torkelsons base salary on his four-year contract with IDEA, which had two-plus years left on it, called for an annual salary of $275,000 and performance bonuses of up to $200,000.

IDEA officials said Torkelson also received a similar amount of compensation from IPS Enterprises, a nonprofit offshoot of the charter network, bringing his total annual payment close to the $900,000 settlement amount. IPS Enterprises was formed to assist the charters expansion nationally and does not receive taxpayer funds, relying in large part on private donations.

In the separation agreement, obtained through a public records request, IDEA leaders and Torkelson said the deal was reached to avoid a protracted dispute process, to avoid extensive legal expenses and costs including litigation costs that might otherwise be incurred, to preserve needed philanthrophy to IDEA and to resolve any and all disputes with finality.

With respect to the transition of Tom Torkelson as CEO and Executive Chair of IDEA Public Schools, the IDEA board and Tom worked earnestly to facilitate an orderly transition, IDEA Board Chairman Al Lopez wrote in a letter to IDEA affiliates.

With the assistance of professional advisers, counsel and a respected independent facilitator, an agreement was reached whereby IDEA Public Schools will pay Tom $900,000 to facilitate this transition.

IDEA officials said the payout will come from public and private funds, though they did not specify an exact breakdown.

The charters leaders do not expect the $900,000 amount will trigger a Texas law that requires state officials to dock payment of taxpayer funds to districts that pay out more than a years worth of salary and benefits in severance to a superintendent. The law only specificies that independent school districts are subject to the provision.

Most recently, the Texas Education Agency docked Katy ISD by $513,754 after reaching a settlement agreement totaling $955,795 with former superintendent Lance Hindt.

Torkelson drew widespread praise from charter advocates and other education leaders during his tenure building IDEA, which operates 91 schools in Texas enrolling 49,500 students, along with five campuses in Louisiana. IDEA is scheduled to open its first four Houston-area schools this year on two sites in northern Harris County.

However, his leadership came under fire in the months prior to resignation after the disclosure of plans to lease a private jet and costs totaling $400,000 associated with the luxury boxes and event tickets.

Immediately following his resignation, Torkelson said he believed there was 100 percent unanimity that this was the right call for the organization at this time. IDEA board members selected co-founder and superintendent JoAnn Gama as Torkelsons replacement.

Torkelson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
THE State is now facing a potential lawsuit for tortious assault and battery by a family that was tear-gassed by police while at the Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain last Sunday.

Acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob has been given 28 days within which to provide specific pieces of information to attorneys representing the family or, in default, a civil claim will be filed at the High Court, the familys attorneys warned yesterday.
Dream of Wild Health's Amber Raven sowed seeds on the Minneapolis nonprofit's 10-acre organic farm in Hugo. The organization's reach will soon expand. Elizabeth Flores / Star Tribune Read more

On a barren cornfield in Hugo, crews are transforming the land with ambitious plans.

After clearing invasive buckthorn trees, they will restore the sandy, clay soil and plant trees and a meadow to house birds and insects while boosting the amount of healthy, culturally specific food for American Indians in the Twin Cities.

Were trying to turn the clock back on the soil, said Jessika Greendeer, the farm manager. Its going to take some time.

To meet a growing need for healthy foods  especially during the COVID-19 pandemic  Dream of Wild Health, a Minneapolis nonprofit and one of the only American Indian-led farms in the Twin Cities, bought the 20-acre site this year. It triples the amount of land for the organization to grow food and teach American Indian kids agriculture and nutrition.

The need for additional land was critical, said Neely Snyder, executive director of the nonprofit. It just feels like, now more than ever, theres a need for food.

More than seven tons of fruit and vegetables grown each year at the nonprofits original 10-acre organic farm and orchard in Hugo, 30 miles northeast of Minneapolis, are distributed through youth programs, farmers markets, a CSA, sold wholesale to Indian chefs and restaurants, and donated to food shelves.

The nonprofits work is part of a broader movement in Minnesotas American Indian community to combat health issues and promote healthy indigenous foods and food sovereignty, reclaiming a traditional way of life and relationship with the land.

Many of the states 11 tribes  seven Anishinaabe or Ojibwe and four Dakota or Sioux  are in food deserts, areas with limited access to grocery stores. American Indians also face higher rates of health issues such as diabetes and obesity  disparities widening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, tribes, nonprofits, and foundations across the state are adding emergency COVID efforts, distributing more food and resources to American Indians in need as unemployment rises and casinos  major tribal employers and sources of tribal revenue  stay closed during the pandemic. Grants from a $11 million Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund backed by foundations have supported the Lower Sioux Indian Community, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and White Earth Reservation Housing Authority.

In St. Paul, a $12,000 grant from the Minneapolis Foundation is helping Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul bolster its culturally specific food shelf for American Indians in the east metro. The food shelf, which costs $15,000 a month to maintain, is seeing demand skyrocket by 200%, with all food distributed within two days each week, said Randi Ilyse Roth, the nonprofits executive director. Theres tremendous need, she added.

Dream of Wild Health received a grant from the Headwaters Foundation for Justices new fund to boost support during the outbreak. Dream of Wild Health is also partnering with the Minneapolis American Indian Center to provide food for 100 free meals a day delivered to elders during the pandemic  from venison tacos to rabbit stew and fresh salad. The program is backed by a grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, which has also given grants for emergency food distribution to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Lower Sioux Indian Community, and Northwest Indian Community Development Center.

Garlic, lettuce, and carrots will sprout this month on Dream of Wild Healths Hugo farm as crews begin the work of restoring the new 20-acre site nearby, reworking 2 acres at a time.

People dont realize the importance of connecting with the earth  its healing, Snyder said.

Dream of Wild Health bought the new land, which has no electricity or water source, for $240,000 this year. But it will cost much more than that to revamp the land, install irrigation, plant hundreds of trees, add a hoop house and greenhouse to extend growing year-round, and continue to grow traditional plants  from corn to squash  without fertilizer or any pesticides.

The small nonprofit, which is fund-raising for the project, started more than two decades ago with leased land in Farmington before buying the Hugo property in 2004.

Now, the nonprofit has 16 employees, nearly 100 volunteers, and an $800,000 annual budget  the bulk of which is supported by foundations and donors. A $50,000 grant during Minnesotas Super Bowl in 2018, funded by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, helped fund a new kitchen for cooking classes.

Due to COVID-19, volunteer events are canceled or postponed, while workshops, such as one on sacred medicines, recently have moved online. But crews are moving ahead on work at the new 20-acre site, which will allow the nonprofit to grow more fruits and vegetables and regenerate more ancient indigenous seeds.

Theyre a priceless gift from our ancestors, Greendeer said. Its all about getting back to the roots of our ancestors.
Dublin Fire Brigade has managed to put out a blaze at an industrial estate in the southwest of Dublin city.

Firefighters managed to limit the spread of the inferno at Greenogue Business near Newcastle, where a gas main ruptured.
SAGINAW, MI  A Saginaw father accused of severely injuring his 2-month-old daughter nearly a year ago has accepted a plea deal.

Taylor J. Cantu, 26, on May 4 appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello via Zoom and pleaded no contest to one count of second-degree child abuse. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a count of first-degree child abuse, which is a life offense.

By pleading no contest, Cantu did not verbally admit to having committed a crime. Borrello relied on other documents to enter a conviction on the record.

The conviction stems from Cantus 2-month-old daughter being brought to Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw by her mother and father the night of June 24. The parents told hospital staff they had brought their daughter in as she was experiencing seizure-like symptoms.

Examination revealed the baby had hemorrhaging to both sides of her head and both eyes and fractures to both legs and both arms, prosecutors allege. Some injuries appeared older than others.

The child was airlifted to University of Michigan C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital in Ann Arbor. Police began an investigation and developed Cantu as a suspect, arresting him three days after he brought his daughter to the hospital.

Cantus plea agreement states that he will not have to testify against his daughters mother, though she has not been charged with a crime related to her daughters injuries.

The child has seen been placed in foster care, prosecutors said.

Cantu remains in custody and is to be sentenced by Borrello at 2 p.m. on June 17.

Related:

Dad accused of abusing 2-month-old daughter sent for mental evaluation

Saginaw infant hospitalized with severe injuries, dad faces life offense
Chron.com is following the latest headlines on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Houston area.

10:36 a.m.

It could be days or weeks before some Texas water parks reopen, despite Gov. Greg Abbott's order allowing many to open their doors on Friday.

Abbott relaxed restrictions on water parks to allow 25% occupancy of their capacity with social distancing guidelines in place earlier this week.

Big Rivers in New Caney and Typhoon Texas in Katy and Austin have reopened, but Schlitterbahn said it would not reopen its New Braunfels and Galveston locations until mid-June. NRH2O in North Richland Hills is slated to reopen on June 15. No opening date has been announced for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor parks in Arlington and Houston.

Read more in this update.

9:45 a.m.

As of Saturday morning, there are now 5,968,693 million confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The global death toll has risen to 365,796. The U.S. currently leads the world with 1,749,846 confirmed coronavirus cases and 102,900 deaths.

According to Texas Health and Human Services, there are now 61,006 confirmed COVID-19 cases across the state. Harris County currently leads the state with 11,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Cleared of wrongdoing for Kansas trips, Pompeo turns to attack Dem requesting probe At issue was whether Pompeo has used his office to advance his political career. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not violate a law governing federal employees' behavior with his trips to Kansas in 2019, according to a letter from an independent federal investigative agency released by Pompeo late Thursday.

An exoneration and now political fallout for the only dude who can reliably hold on to a Senate seat in flux . . . Checkit:
In a covid struck, cheap take-overs, mergers and acquisitions are evident an Sitharaman said that the government was equally concerned about the developments in India Inc.

Speaking to television channel WION (World is One), she said "That's a reality but we have to take care that businesses which have been built by the sweat and toil of Indians, and which have had great brand value, cannot be allowed to be picked up by people who are just looking for an opportunity..."

"So, that is a factor which all of us are worried about and that's a factor on which we will certainly do something to ensure that Indian industries don't get picked up at a throwaway price because we want them to be able to run the business once everything is normal," Sitharaman added.

Last month, the government decided to put restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) to clamp down on investors from countries like China buying Indian companies cheap.

The amendments to the FDI rules were necessitated on concerns among officials as well as businesses about possible takeover attempts at a time when share prices are down due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Earlier on Friday, a finance ministry official said the government has not taken a call on putting curbs on foreign portfolio investment (FPI) from China.

On the GDP growth figure for the March quarter, the finance minister said, "3.1 per cent for the last quarter of 2019-20, a quarter in which we thought we had started seeing green shoots, in September, October, November. That is one of the reasons why the budgetary estimates were made the way they were made." She said with the full support of the Prime Minister, the government will ensure everyone gets the required help. India's economic growth slowed to 3.1 per cent in January-March and to an 11-year low of 4.2 per cent for the full fiscal 2019-20.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stood at 5.7 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2018-19, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Friday. During 2019-20, the Indian economy grew at 4.2 per cent as against 6.1 per cent in 2018-19. The economic growth was the lowest since 2008-09 when the economy had expanded at 3.1 per cent.

*With agency inputs

Also Read: In-Depth Coronavirus Coverage
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Dyaning Pangestika (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 16:00 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb1a0d0 1 Business COVID-19,World-Bank,Indonesia,Sri-Mulyani,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,financial-aid Free

The World Bank has agreed to provide a US$250 million loan to support Indonesias COVID-19 response, the organizations board of executive directors announced recently.

According to a statement issued by the World Bank on Friday, the funds will go toward strengthening the countrys emergency response to the pandemic, including improving intensive care capacity, providing more personal protective equipment and improving the laboratory network and surveillance system.

The funds will also be used to prepare for future outbreaks of infectious diseases by improving the country's reporting and surveillance systems.

The primary beneficiaries of the program will be patients, especially those who are vulnerable and in high-risk populations, such as senior citizens and patients with chronic conditions, and healthcare providers.

Read also: Explainer: Indonesia to finance coronavirus battle mostly through debt

We are proud to support the government of Indonesias COVID-19 response and its efforts to minimize the health, economic and social impacts of the pandemic, which is critical to its continued efforts to reduce poverty and protect the countrys human capital, World Bank country director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Satu Kahkonen, said in the statement.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Indonesia would utilize the funds to strengthen the nations capacity for preventing, testing and treating such diseases. The government [] is utilizing all possible means to mitigate the health, social, and economic impacts of COVID-19.

The World Bank loan is one of several coordinated financing agreements Indonesia has made with several partners, including $250 million in co-financing from the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank and $250 million in parallel financing from the Islamic Development Bank.
N azanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British woman who has been detained in Iran for four years, has been made to wait again after a decision on whether to let her return to the UK was delayed by Iranian authorities.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41, contacted the prosecutor's office on Saturday in the hopes of being given her freedom but she was told to get back in touch next week, her husband said.

The decision on the mother-of-one's future had already been delayed once, having been initially planned for Wednesday.

Richard Ratcliffe told Sky News: Nazanin telephoned the prosecutors office and no news, got told to call back again next week.

Archive photo of Nazanin with her daughter Gabriella / PA

Clearly theres no decision so well be back in touch again next week with the prosecutors office to see if theres any news.

Mr Ratcliffe added: Shes obviously a bit deflated, it was a fairly flat call I had with her this morning.

Its been a few of these moments where we were hoping it would happen.

But he said the family remain hopeful and waiting and explained: To take a step back, what shes been told is that she is put off prison on furlough, until such time when a decision on clemency is made.

Richard Ratcliffe with their five-year-old daughter Gabriella Zaghari-Ratcliffe. / PA

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been detained in Iran since April 2016, accused of plotting to overthrow the country's government, which she strongly denies.

She was arrested at the airport while taking her young daughter to visit her parents and sentenced to five years in prison.

The British Government later gave Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe diplomatic protection. The UK argues she is innocent and that her imprisonment does not meet standards set out under international law.
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi had a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday that tackled the current developments in Libya, a statement by the presidency said.

Presidency spokesman Bassam Rady said in the statement that Macron affirmed his keenness to exchange views and visions with El-Sisi in this regard in light of the Egyptian pivotal role in the region.

From his side, El-Sisi affirmed Egypts consistent strategic stance regarding the Libyan crisis, which aims at restoring the pillars and institutions of the Libyan nation state, ending the chaos of the spread of criminal groups and terrorist militias, and giving top priority to combating terrorism and restoring safety and stability.

Egypts consistent strategic stance towards the Libyan crisis also includes, according to El-Sisi, putting an end to all foreign interference in Libya's domestic affairs that would further exacerbate the current situation, which constitutes a threat to the security and stability of the entire Middle East and Mediterranean region.

The two presidents agreed on the need to intensify bilateral cooperation in this regard in the coming period to find a political solution, especially by supporting relevant international efforts as well as implementing the outputs of the Berlin process without any external interference in this regard, Rady noted.

The phone call also dealt with boosting bilateral cooperation "in light of the growing level of these relations during the recent period," the statement concluded.

The phone call comes as Libya continues to witness a tug of war over power, with clashes between the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) forces, which has been waging a campaign for over a year trying to capture the capital, commanded by Khalifa Haftar, and from the other side the UN recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

Libya has drawn in regional and global powers with what the United Nations has called a huge influx of weapons and fighters in violation of an arms embargo.

Recently, according to Reuters, the GNA has with extensive Turkish backing pushed Haftar back from his foothold in southern Tripoli and from some other parts of the northwest.

However, on 23 May, Haftar announced in a two-minute speech that his forces will continue fighting forces loosely allied with the GNA in Tripoli, saying they "will fight and fight'' against what he called "Turkish colonialism.''

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Voters in Rapid City will head to the polls Tuesday to make a decision on three nonpartisan, contested races in Wards 1, 3 and 4 for City Council.

In Ward 1, Vince Vidal, Pat Jones and Robert Overturf will vie for the open seat held by Becky Drury. Drury is not running for re-election to City Council, but is a Republican candidate for District 32 in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

Ward 3 candidates include incumbent Chad Lewis and challengers Jerry Wright and Jason Salamun.

Ward 4 incumbent John Roberts is also facing a challenge for his seat by Walt Swan.

Ward 2 City Councilor Ritchie Nordstrom and Ward 5 City Councilor Laura Armstrong are unopposed and will automatically retain their seats.

The Journal sent three questions to each of the candidates in the contested races. Responses were limited by word count for each question. The candidates' responses are listed by ballot order.

Ward 1

Vince Vidal

Vidal has lived in Rapid City for 25 years and served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years prior. He has served on the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment for the city for the past three years. Vidal is the chief steward for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2228.

Why are you running for City Council? "Ill help make Rapid City an even better place to live and work through efficient and well-managed government. Ill represent our ward with integrity and hard work on all issues facing our city."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "Smart growth while maintaining current concerns. We are the fastest growing area of town, and Ill work with all sides to help our progress, while also addressing infrastructure issues like roads."

Why are you the better candidate? "Im the only candidate with current experience serving on the citys Zoning Board/Planning Commission. This, along with 45 years of continuous work including 20 years of service to our country in the U.S. Navy, makes me the most qualified candidate. I am about progress, not power."

Pat Jones

Jones is a graduate of Rapid City Central High School, Black Hills State University and South Dakota State University. He was a life-long educator before retiring from education in 2015. Jones is the former managing director of the Adult Day Center of the Black Hills, a nonprofit that provides daytime respite care for seniors and others who cannot be at home alone during the day.

Why are you running for City Council? "I am running for city council to serve and represent the opinions, needs, concerns, and hopes for Ward 1 and Rapid City as a whole."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "The biggest issue facing Ward 1 is the condition of our streets. I believe we have been left out of the street plan in lieu of other areas and will work hard to get our streets repaired and/or replaced."

Why are you the better candidate versus your opponent/opponents? "I have 10 years of previous city council experience in Lead, SD, tremendous knowledge of the history of Rapid City, and a genuine desire to listen and serve the people with no private or hidden agendas."

Robert Overturf

Overturf is a retired state Division Criminal Investigation Special Agent and Chief Investigator for the Federal Public Defender in the Districts of South Dakota and North Dakota. He holds a bachelors degree in political science (public administration) and criminal justice from the University of South Dakota and has completed a Certificate in Graduate Studies in Public Health, also from USD. Overturf has previously been elected to serve on the South Dakota Retirement System Board of Trustees and served as the Executive Director of the SD Pharmacists Association. He is a past board member of the Red Cross for Western SD.

Why are you running for City Council? "My adult life has been in public service. I understand the value of civil, collaborative, researched decisions while keeping a conservative approach to fiscal policy. I want to continue to serve."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "Rising COVID cases affect everyone, especially our most vulnerable. The effect on small businesses and city services is severe. Budget reductions, business support, and coordinating with health care organizations remains important."

Why are you the better candidate versus your opponent/opponents? "As a retired DCI Supervisory Special Agent, former Drug Task Force Supervisor, State Retirement Board trustee, and association Executive Director, I bring experience in government processes, budgets, policy, and service."

Ward 3

Chad Lewis

Lewis was elected to the Rapid City Council in 2017. He was born and raised in Rapid City and is a graduate of Stevens High School. Lewis has worked as a substitute teacher for Rapid City Area Schools, owned and operated retail stores in Keystone, and now owns and operates a construction and development company based mostly in Catron Crossing.

Why are you running for City Council? "Now is the time to keep the continuity of government and elect people who are already dealing with the current economic and social challenges we face."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "We need to prepare to deal with a whole new world and way of doing business and adapt to that. We need to revive the citys infrastructure and fully utilize its assets."

Why are you the better candidate versus your opponent/opponents? "I am never afraid to speak up for what I believe is right for the city no matter what the personal or political cost to myself. Now is not the time to change horses in mid-stream."

Jerry Wright

Wright previously represented Ward 3 from 2011 to 2017, when he decided to not seek re-election. He is the former leader of the Rapid City Solid Waste Division, served 27 years in the Army National Guard and Reserve, and received a PhD from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Why are you running for City Council? "After completing research on water conservation, I decided that being on the City Council would give me the opportunity to work on efforts to conserve and protect our water."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "The pandemic, where we must be very diligent in managing the recovery. Street repair is the number one long-term issue and needs to be aggressively addressed and programmed by the city."

Why are you the better candidate versus your opponent/opponents? "I have the desire to serve, the time to serve, the business experience, the education in civil engineering, and I am very experienced in the budgeting process for cities."

Jason Salamun

Salamun served on the Rapid City Council from 2016-2019. He did not seek re-election. Salamun is a U.S. Air Force veteran and is the chief of staff and operations for Fountain Springs Church. Previously, he was the vice president of operations and strategic services at Black Hills Federal Credit Union. Salamun has served on various boards and initiatives and is a graduate of Leadership Rapid City and Leadership South Dakota.

Why are you running for City Council? "To put people over politics. We win by working together to be an attractive place where possibility lives. Id be honored to serve once again and help us move forward."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "Its about economic growth. A robust and diverse economy is the rising tide that raises all ships. It creates jobs, keeps taxes in check, and helps lift all people."

Why are you the better candidate versus your opponent/opponents? "Servant leadership. As a business leader, military veteran, and public servant, this has defined my lifes work. If elected, thats my commitment to you."

Ward 4

John Roberts

Roberts was first elected to City Council in 2011. He is a realtor for the Real Estate Group in Rapid City. Roberts has been involved with community groups including Black Hills Homebuilders, North Rapid Civic Association, Canyon Lake Senior Citizens Center, Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Works and the Willow Park Building Committee.

Why are you running for City Council? "Now more than ever I believe the city needs fiscally responsible leaders. There will be some very difficult budgeting decisions over the next few years."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "Economic security, with revenue shortfalls over the next few years there will be a push to increase taxes and fees, which I oppose because a lot of my constituents cannot afford more taxes.

Why are you the better candidate versus your opponent/opponents? "Experience and a good working relationship with most of the council and staff. I am not afraid to ask the hard questions and make the hard decisions."

Walt Swan

Swan grew up in Rapid City and is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He graduated from Central High School, is an alumnus of Black Hills State University, and received a master's degree from Penn State University. Swan spent 17 years as an educator and owns He Sapa Enterprises.

Why are you running for City Council? "I chose to run after meeting with some of the Native community and some non-Native members of Ward 4. The current Council member made it known he was done and no one was stepping up."

What is the biggest issue facing your ward, and how would you address it? "Ward 4 has some opportunities for growth in poverty, housing and race relations. All equally important and all very important to involve the community along with the private and public sectors."

Why are you the better candidate versus your opponent/opponents? "I have a wealth of experience in city, state, and federal governments. I also have experience in diverse communities. I chose to run when others were backing out."

 This story was updated on May 30, 2020 to reflect that Pat Jones is the former managing director of the Adult Day Center of the Black Hills. Jones is no longer affiliated with the organization.

Contact Assistant Managing Editor Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
On China tension, India reacts to Donald Trumps offer; standoff continues

India responded to Donald Trump's offer of mediating what he called a 'raging border dispute' between Delhi and Beijing. While briefing the media about the standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control, Anurag Srivastava, spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs, said that India is firm on ensuring its sovereignty and national security. India has said that Chinese troops hindered its patrolling in border areas. Violent physical clashes have also broken out on at least two occasions, in Ladakh and Sikkim, between Indian and Chinese troops. Watch the full video for more. ...read more
People packed into a pool at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

Parks in New York City, the epicenter of the outbreak, jammed with sunbathers

A crowded brunch spot in Colorado with diners celebrating Mother's Day.

With more than 100,000 Americans dead and rising from the novel coronavirus, health experts and other leaders have been pleading for people to adhere to their strict guidelines to keep people safe.

But all too recently, these and other examples, large and small, have emerged of people blatantly defying social distancing and face-covering rules.

PHOTO: Revelers celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Osage Beach of the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, May 23, 2020. (Twitter/Lawler50 via Reuters)

Psychology experts said they haven't been surprised by this type of behavior, since it's been a long-standing issue with public health: the ability for people to assess risk. Rajita Sinha, a professor of psychiatry at Yale University and the founding director of the Yale Stress Center, said the uncertainty about when the pandemic will end, access to information and one's underlying beliefs can influence someone to flout precautions.

MORE: Crowds pack Memorial Day hot spots despite COVID social distancing calls

"Those features of the current pandemic really put into gear peoples need for control which is an important aspect of coping," she told ABC News. "Gaining control is a basic way we cope."

Sinha and other health experts say there is no easy solution to the problem, but there are ways to help those individuals see the need for health precautions.

She noted that risk is a very abstract concept to people. While some people may look at the COVID-related news and feel fear from the images of sick patients, others may want to take their chances, Sinha said.

"If youre in a bad scenario where there is a lot of dangerif you worried you may not be able to get yourself out, there is a mechanism where we just plow along," she said.

PHOTO: Protesters try to enter the Michigan House of Representative chamber after the American Patriot Rally for the reopening of businesses on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., April 30, 2020. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Joshua Ackerman, associate professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, who has studied behaviors related to infectious diseases, said individualism also plays a part in adhering to guidelines.

Story continues

"If people think masks are self-protection and you dont think youll need protection, you wont wear them," he told ABC News.

Sten Vermund, the dean of Yale School of Public Health, likened the behavior to running a red light.

"They dont perceive enough personal risk and they dont have a sense of altruism that is acute," he told ABC News.

Attitudes on masks and social distancing are mixed in the U.S., according to polling from ABC News and Ipsos. At the end of April, a large majority of the country (82%) were concerned about coronavirus and just 14% thought stay-at-home orders restricted personal liberty. Earlier in April, an ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 55% of Americans had worn a mask in the last week.

While guidance on social distancing has largely been consistent and long-standing -- staying 6 feet away from others to prevent the transmission of respiratory droplets, avoiding large gatherings and staying home -- wearing a mask has been has been much murkier. Public health officials initially suggested that people not wear masks and instead reserve them for health workers, but on April 3, they recommended that people wear cloth masks in public to prevent asymptomatic transmission.

That message has been further confused by President Trump generally refusing to wear a mask, despite the CDC recommendation.

Information, particularly that which is circulating in one's immediate circle, is an important factor for people's behavior's during the pandemic, according to Ackerman. Even though the U.S. leads the world with over 1.7 million cases, there are whole counties, particularly in rural communities, where there are few or no cases. The pandemic looks very different in those places compared to hotspots such as New York City.

Ackerman said the lack of centralized and consistent health-related messaging from local, state and federal leaders and the polarization of news sources will lead people to make different choices.

PHOTO: Crowd of people are seen at the C&C in Castle Rock restaurant, celebrating Mother's Day amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Castle Rock, Colo., May 10, 2020. (Nick Puckett via Reuters, FILE)

"People listen to information and they use that to calculate their own risk. In situations like this, sometimes the accuracy of the information is far less important to the availability of that information," he said.

Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special coverage of the novel coronavirus with the full ABC News team, including the latest news, context and analysis.

Sinha said that the sometimes lax response to COVID can be amplified where others act similarly for the same reasons. She pointed out the examples of rallies and other demonstrations of people who have expressed frustration with the rise in unemployment and the loss of other social norms.

"Theyre worried about work and unemployment and other stressors affecting them and family. Theyre not paying attention to everything else," Sinha said. Many protesters at reopening rallies around the country have, however, worn masks.

PHOTO: A view of people enjoying the weather at Hudson River Park during the coronavirus pandemic on May 16, 2020, in New York (John Nacion/Star Max via Newscom)

Vermund said there are also Americans who don't have direct connections with the people most vulnerable to COVID, like the elderly or immunocompromised, so it may take longer for them to grasp the need for precautions. Although the true number of infected is unknown, just a fraction of the country has had confirmed COVID cases and a vast number of those have been concentrated in the urban Northeast.

"We lived through this during the HIV era," he explained. "During the early years, 1981, 1982, people were not changing their behaviors because they werent so close to people who got ill. By 1985, the pandemic was so striking and so many people got to know people who got ill and died, that behaviors started to change."

MORE: 5 steps for safer socializing

Ackerman said there will likely be increasing cases of people not adhering to social distancing and face-covering precautions as states being to reopen their economies. He noted the psychological notion of "goal completion" -- in this case, the sense that the pandemic may be over because life appears to be returning to normal -- may give some people a false sense of security.

"If we think about the information provided to people...one of the goals given was that we have to flatten the curve. To the extent that people think that the curve has been flattened, they might think the worst is behind them," he said.

PHOTO: Crowds gather at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, May 25, 2020. The warm Memorial Day weather brought out large crowds to popular parks and beaches despite the shelter-in-place order amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

He and other health experts, however, said the public can still turn things around and increase compliance with social distancing rules. Sinha said people are more prone to comply with health orders if they have a clear understanding of how it affects the people around them.

Even if it is just one person articulating to a friend or family member that the face masks and distracting practices help the greater good, it could get them to change their minds and pass it on, according to Sinha.

"There is no reason it cant be done if you can build a narrative around it. If you articulate the full narrative that we are shifting gears and preparing for the next phase, some people will listen," she said.

What to know about Coronavirus:

How it started and how to protect yourself: Coronavirus explained

What to do if you have symptoms: Coronavirus symptoms

Tracking the spread in the US and Worldwide: Coronavirus map

Why people are flouting coronavirus social distancing precautions that we know save lives originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CNN Philippines (Metro Manila, May 30)  President Rodrigo Duterte is back in Davao City two days before the country is set to further ease quarantine restrictions.

Presidential Security Group chief Col. Jesus Durante confirmed the news to CNN Philippines on Saturday.

On May 16, Duterte flew home to his hometown after two months of staying in Malacanan Palace in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. He returned to Manila three days later.

Duterte went through self-quarantine after some of his colleagues, whom he had interactions with, tested positive for COVID-19. But he himself had tested negative for the virus.

Metro Manila, and cities of Cebu and Mandaue will transition to GCQ on June 1 to June 15 after two months of enhanced community quarantine, a more stringent form of restriction.

The rest of Central Visayas and the regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, the province of Pangasinan and cities of Zamboanga and Davao will also be under GCQ, while the rest of the country will be under modified GCQ, the lowest form of quarantine.

The regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, the provinces of Albay and Pangasinan and Davao City will also be under GCQ, while the rest of the country will be under modified GCQ, the lowest form of quarantine.
PR-Inside.com: 2020-05-30 01:04:43

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 980 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 29, 2020 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX) ("Granite Creek" or the "Company") announces a private placement of up to a total of 10,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit for aggregate proceeds of $500,000. Each unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.075 for a period of 36 months following the closing date of the private placement (the "Closing Date").If, at any time after the Closing Date, the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is greater than $0.15 per share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days, the Company may elect to accelerate the expiry date of all or part of the Warrants, at any date that is four months and one day after the Closing Date, by giving notice thereof to the holders of the Warrants. In such case, that portion of the Warrants would be subject to an expiry date that is 30 business days after the date on which such notice is given by the Company.The Company has completed an initial tranche of 7,910,000 units for aggregate proceeds of $395,500. The Shares are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.Tim Johnson, President & CEO, stated, "We are pleased to complete this first tranche of the private placement and expect to close the remainder in the next two weeks. The Company is working to finalize exploration plans to advance our flagship Stu Copper-Gold Project in the high-grade Minto Copper District of Canada's Yukon Territory while maintaining appropriate social distancing and safety protocols. We anticipate further announcements about this year's field season and other initiatives the Company is working on in the coming weeks." About Granite Creek CopperGranite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 100%-owned Stu Copper-Gold project located in the Yukon's Minto Copper District. This 115 square kilometer property is on trend with Pembridge Resources' high-grade Minto copper-gold mine to the north, and Copper North's advanced stage Carmacks copper-gold-silver project to the south. The project has excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 kilometers. More information about Granite Creek and the Stu Copper-Gold Project can be viewed on the Company's website at www.gcxcopper.com About the Metallic Group of CompaniesThe Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration companies, with a portfolio of large, brownfields assets in established mining districts adjacent to some of the industry's highest-grade producers of platinum and palladium, silver and copper. Member companies include Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon's Minto copper-gold district, Metallic Minerals in the Yukon's Keno Hill silver district, and Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-Ni-Cu district in Montana. The founders and team members of the Metallic Group include highly successful explorationists formerly with some of the industry's leading explorer/developers and major producers and are undertaking a systematic approach to exploration using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven historic mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Timothy Johnson, President & CEOTelephone: 1 (604) 235-1982Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-3494E-mail: info@ gcxcopper.com Website: www.gcxcopper.com Metallic Group: www.metallicgroup.ca Forward-Looking StatementsForward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral e
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken join NASAs exclusive inner circle by catching a ride on a SpaceX rocket and capsule.

Its only the fifth time that NASA has put people aboard a brand new spacecraft line for liftoff. And its the first time the spacecraft belongs to a for-profit company in charge of the launch.

Their destination is the International Space Station, where theyll spend one to four months before guiding their capsule to a splashdown in the Atlantic.

Meet NASAs first commercial crew:

DOUG HURLEY, spacecraft commander:

The retired Marine colonel and former fighter pilot flew on NASAs last space shuttle flight in 2011, closing out a 30-year era. He was tapped in 2015 as one of four NASA astronauts assigned to fly the first commercial crew capsules under development by SpaceX and Boeing. He drew the SpaceX Dragon.

Hurley, 53, served as pilot on both of his shuttle missions, the No. 2 spot. Hes now serving as spacecraft commander, overseeing the most dangerous parts of the Dragons flight: launch, reentry and ocean recovery.

He grew up in Apalachin, New York, and, after earning an engineering degree, devoted his career to the Marines and attended test pilot school. NASA chose him as an astronaut in 2000.

Wife Karen Nyberg, a former space station resident, retired two months ago from NASA. She, too, was a member of the Astronaut Class of 2000. Their son, Jack, is 10.

BOB BEHNKEN, joint operations commander:

The Air Force colonel and former flight test engineer has six spacewalks to his credit and may rack up more during his space station stay. As joint operations commander, hell oversee the Dragons rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station. Hell also manage many of the activities while the capsule is there, including any possible spacewalks for station maintenance.

While growing up in St. Ann, Missouri, Behnken was mesmerized by photos of Jupiter and Saturn streaming from NASAs Voyager spacecraft. He studied physics and mechanical engineering in college, earning a doctorate in the latter.

Behnken had risen to chief astronaut after a pair of shuttle flights when, in 2015, he was assigned to one of the first commercial crew flights. He teamed up with Hurley in 2018 on the SpaceX Dragon.

Behnken was also in the Astronaut Class of 2000. And also like Hurley, he married a fellow classmate: astronaut Megan McArthur, who flew on NASAs final mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Their son, Theodore, is 6.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


At the dead of the night, on Sunday, May 24, people living in Ekpri Nsukara and the adjourning communities, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, were woken up from their sleep by the sound from heavy gunshots.

Ekpri Nsukara, like every part of Akwa Ibom, has been under curfew imposed by the state government during the lockdown put in place in the wake of the novel coronavirus.

Residents of the community, gripped by fear, could not step out of their houses that night, while the gunshots continued for hours.

It was raining heavily, too.

At dawn, when the morning sun began to rise, the truth revealed itself  some people had invaded the community under the cover of darkness and pulled down several buildings.

All the demolished buildings were newly built, with some of them already roofed.

Some other newly constructed buildings were, however, left untouched by those who carried out the demolition. Nobody knew why the demolition was selective.

I thought they were armed robbers.

It was around 2 a.m. when I heard the gunshots. I was in my house. I thought they were armed robbers, the Village head of Ekpri Nsukara, Linus Essien, told PREMIUM TIMES, Tuesday. I was so scared.

Etidung Linus Essien, Villa  a, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.jpg

Mr Essien, 74, said the University of Uyo (Uniuyo) was responsible for the invasion and the demolition.

Uniuyo, a federal university, has been involved in a perennial boundary dispute with its host communities.

The communities  10 of them, including Ekpri Nsukara  donated an expanse of land some 30 years ago to a college of education which is now defunct. The college was converted to a state-owned university before it was eventually taken over in 1991 and renamed University of Uyo by the federal government.

The land, about 1,443 hectares, including its disputed boundary, is where Uniuyo is building its permanent campus, about 10 minutes drive from its town campus in Uyo.

Compensation was said to have been paid only for a part of the land. The dispute is now a subject of litigation in several civil suits filed by the communities against Uniuyo.

There have been failed attempts to peacefully resolve the dispute, with the most recent one being a meeting at the palace of the paramount ruler of Uyo, brokered by the lawmaker representing the Uyo State Constituency, Anietie Eka, about two months ago.

Mr Anietie Eka, member r  om House of Assembly.jpg

In a recent tripartite meeting between Uniuyo, the host communities, and the state government, all the parties involved in the dispute reportedly agreed to maintain the status quo until a peaceful resolution is achieved.

10 buildings demolished

The youth leader of Ekpri Nsukara, Emem Denis, accompanied by a handful of young men, was among the first set of people who rushed to the scene of the demolished buildings by Monday morning. The rain had subsided now. It was still drizzling.

Youth leader of Ekpri Ns  ommunity, Emem Denis.jpg

Is this not wickedness? Mr Denis said, to nobody in particular, as he and others walked through the rubbles to assess the extent of damage. This is a terrible thing to do to a people who have done nothing wrong.

The young men who walked behind Mr Denis cursed loudly as they moved from one demolished building to another. Mr Denis appealed to them and other youth in the communities to remain calm and not take laws into their hands.

At the end of the count, about 10 buildings were demolished.

The tyre impressions of the heavy-duty equipment used in demolishing the buildings could be seen all over the muddy soil.

The youth leader, Mr Denis showed a PREMIUM TIMES reporter around the area of land he said belonged to the community. He narrated how the dispute has caused distrust between Uniuyo and the communities.

Advertisements



Mr Denis showed the reporter an untarred road which he said serves as a boundary.

He also showed the reporter some abandoned heaps of sands and blocks across the boundary, within the side he said belong to Uniuyo. You see the sands and the blocks over there, he said, while pointing his finger, we stopped people from building on that land because that side belongs to Uniuyo.

At a distance, construction work was going on in a massive building complex said to be the universitys faculty of law building.

I have called the chief security officer of Uniuyo on this, he told me he travelled to Calabar, Cross River State, the youth leader, Mr Denis, told PREMIUM TIMES. The security officer said he has heard what happened (the demolition). He said Uniuyo gave him money to execute the demolition, but he refused to do it.

The man Mr Denis is referring to here is Nkana Efik, a retired colonel in the Nigerian army, who has just been replaced as the chief security officer of the university.

Mr Denis said Mr Efik told him that the demolition was done by a new chief security officer of the university.

But, the new Uniuyo security chief, Asuquo Inyang, denied having a hand in the demolition. He told PREMIUM TIMES, May 25, that he was yet to start work at the university.

The former chief security officer of Uniuyo, Mr Efik told PREMIUM TIMES he never spoke with the Ekpri Nsukara youth leader, let alone mentioned his successor as being responsible for the demolition.

Why would Uniuyo ask me to do anything when I am no longer in the service of Uniuyo? Does it make sense? I dont even know who the youth leader of the community is, Mr Efik said.

Mr Efik said he had demolished several buildings in the communities in the past, during his time as the universitys security chief, and that he would not have any reason to deny this particular demolition if he had a hand in it.

In December 2015, I did (demolished) more than 100 houses, the state government intervened and said I should stay action, that they were going to look into it.

I was invited to the House of Assembly; I was invited to Ikot Akpan Abia (police headquarters in the state) and I stood my ground. I did it in broad daylight, I didnt deny it. Why would I deny this one (if I were the one who did it)?

The village head of Ekpri Nsukara, Mr Essien, reported the matter to the police. Some officers who came to interview him in his palace assured him they would investigate his complaint.

The buildings they destroyed are not part of the land we gave to Uniuyo, the village head said. I want the police to fish out the people who did this in my community.

The lawyer to Ekpri Nsukara community, Ekere Ebong, said the demolition of the building is condemnable. He vowed to bring up the issue before a judge when next they appear in court for the case between Uniuyo and the community.

When a matter is in court, parties are not supposed to take any action that would jeopardise the outcome of the case, Mr Ebong said. By what they are doing now, they have already determined that they are the owners of the disputed land.

The Akwa Ibom lawmaker, Mr Eka, visited the scene of the demolished buildings.

Mr Eka said the peace meeting he called two months ago at the palace of the paramount ruler of Uyo did not take place because the Uniuyo Vice Chancellor, Enefiok Essien did not turn up for it.

I have called Prof Eniefiok Essien who told me he was not aware of the demolition.

Prof Enefiok Essien, Vice Ch  llor, University of Uyo1.jpg

The lawmaker said he has reported the incident to the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, whom he said was shocked about what happened.

Imo Udoima, a newspaper publisher and the owner of one of the demolished buildings, said he would hold the former chief security officer of Uniuyo, Mr Efik, responsible for the destruction of his property.

My property has never ever been marked by any authority as an illegal property and I started building the house since January. Why demolish my house all of a sudden in the middle of the night without any notice? My house is built on community land and not Uniuyos land.

Uniuyo declined comment

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Uniuyo spokesperson, Blossom Okorie, she referred the paper to the office of the university registrar.

The registrar, Aniedi-Abasi Udofia, however, declined commenting on the matter.

Uniuyo vice chancellor, Mr Essien, in January 2018, had appealed to the Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel, to save the university from people whom he said were taking away portions of its land.

Let me use this opportunity to draw your attention to the persistent and aggressive inclusion and encroachment on the university land. The problem is of such magnitude that, if not urgently addressed, it will deprive the university of land for physical, recreational and developmental purposes, The Punch newspaper quoted the vice chancellor as saying to Mr Emmanuel.

The trespassers use bulldozers to recklessly create roads and, thereafter, parcel out the land and sell it. Their sole and daily occupation is how to sell the university land; they appear to have no other work.

The surveyor-general of the state, who is re-establishing the university boundary, will not only confirm this, but he will also reveal the molestation and the sad experiences that he faced while carrying out the task, he said.
PR-Inside.com: 2020-05-30 02:23:17

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 665 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 29, 2020 / Majestic Gold Corp. ("Majestic" or the "Issuer") (TSXV:MJS) announced today that, further to its news release (the "Relief Announcement") dated April 14, 2020, it is continuing to rely upon the temporary blanket relief (the "Relief") for market participants published by the Canadian Securities Administrators, which relief provides issuers with a 45-day filing extension for filings required on or before June 1, 2020, to allow issuers the time needed to focus on the many other business and financial reporting implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.The Company is relying on the Relief, in accordance with BC Instrument 51-515 - Temporary Exemption from Certain Corporate Finance Requirements and Alberta Blanket Order 51-517 Temporary Exemption from Certain Corporate Finance Requirements, with respect to the filing of its audited annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (collectively, the "Annual Filings") and the quarterly consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates for the period ended March 31, 2020 (the "Q1 Filings"), which are required to be filed under Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 5.1 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations.The Company is continuing to work diligently and expeditiously to file the Annual Filings and the Q1 filings as soon as possible in accordance with the Relief. In addition, the Company confirms that there have been no material business developments since the date of Relief Announcement on April 14, 2020.About Majestic Gold Corp.Currently focused mainly in China, Majestic Gold Corp. is a British Columbia based company engaged in commercial gold production at the Songjiagou Gold Mine in eastern Shandong Province, China. Additional information on the Company and its projects is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.majesticgold.com For further information, please contact:Stephen Kenwood, P.Geo., President and CEOTelephone: (604) 560-9060Email: info@ majesticgold.com FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATIONCertain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of the word, "will" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to the anticipated timing for filing the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the first quarter financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and related management's discussion and analysis.Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. The Company cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws, or as otherwise may be disclosed in this news release. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws.SOURCE: Majestic Gold Corp.
From COVID-19 hot spots to the recklessness of going to work sick, weve selected some of the best long reads of the week from thestar.com.

Want to dive into more long features? Sign up for the Weekend Long Reads newsletter to get them delivered straight to your inbox every Saturday morning.

1. As Toronto COVID-19 hotspot maps show an unequal toll, Ontario has yet to start collecting income and race data

On average, the five most affected neighbourhoods have significantly higher proportions of people who are low-income, racialized, immigrants, and live in denser housing with longer commutes.

2. An urban explorer entered Barry and Honey Shermans home before demolition and saw papers that looked like evidence

One Saturday afternoon in May 2019, when nobody was looking, a man slipped under the garage door of the late Barry and Honey Shermans home. The site of the Shermans murder 17 months earlier by ligature strangulation was slated for demolition.

It took a bit of planning. I waited until the security cameras came down just before the demolition started, the man said in an interview. Then I went in.

What he found inside the home was surprising. Despite a major police investigation in the case, and one by a private detective team working for the Sherman family, the man found furniture and cabinets intact, and photos, papers and files scattered around.

3. Its a mutiny. Wow. Ontarios public health units are acting to protect their regions  and the province has to listen

Ontarios 34 public health units, in the face of an inflexible approach and insufficient leadership amid a pandemic, decided to take some control for themselves.

A document, which was prepared by the medical officers of health and obtained by the Star, lays out several specific categories that should be considered together before different parts of Ontario reopen businesses or organizations, or decide to reinstitute restrictions. All 34 medical officers of health signed it, and as much as they tried to present the plan as a complement to the provincial reopening plan, the provincial version was considered maddeningly light on actual data thresholds. This is polite, firm mutiny in the name of the publics health.

4. We in Ontario are flying blind. How top minds teamed up to give us the COVID-19 data the province couldnt

What do you get when you take an engineer-turned-doctor, an epidemiologist, a data geek, an astrophysicist and some keen public health students?

You get #HowsMyFlattening, an ambitious, volunteer-driven Ontario think tank that aims to help provincial leaders and the public understand, in real time, if the province is winning or losing the COVID-19 battle.

5. Where have all the patients gone during COVID-19? Not to the ER. Star analysis reveals stark, nationwide trend

For three days, a man in B.C. suffered at home through chest pain and shortness of breath, unaware hed had a heart attack.

A woman in Ontario had a stroke that paralyzed one of her arms. She waited at home for 12 hours, hoping the movement would come back.

In Quebec, a woman endured abdominal pain for three weeks before finding out she had a bowel obstruction that required surgery to clear.

Each of these patients needed urgent medical care in the pandemic. All of them delayed going to the emergency room because they feared COVID-19.

5. Feeling overwhelmed by your decisions as the lockdown lifts? Youre not alone

The easing of restrictions has ushered in a new, uncertain normal filled with more wiggle room and personal discretion  where one misstep could affect us, our loved ones and our communities.

The onus of risk management has now shifted from the government to you as an individual, Ross Otto, a psychology professor at McGill University, said. I think thats where youre going to start to see more variability in the way people manage risk, because its now in their hands.

6. Canadas military exposes extremely troubling conditions in Ontario long-term-care homes

Cockroach infestations, residents left to wallow in soiled diapers, COVID-19 patients allowed to wander around, forceful feeding of the elderly, and a culture of fear to use supplies because those cost money.

Those are some of the horrifying findings uncovered by Canadian Armed Forces personnel dispatched to help in five Ontario nursing homes during the coronavirus pandemic.

7. Going to work sick was a sign of loyalty. Now that its reckless, companies need to rethink their policies

Even six months ago it would have been totally normal, maybe even a sign of loyalty.

Heading to work with a cough. Taking a couple of Tylenol to fight off a lingering headache and forgetting about it. Powering through.

But those days are over.

Going to work, or anywhere really, while sick has suddenly become taboo. Its an act that puts coworkers, customers and companies at risk, as more people head back to their jobs during the early stages of COVID-19 recovery. Its a new world of health hyper-vigilance, and employers will need to quickly adapt to the shift, experts say.

8. Far more Ontarians are catching COVID-19 in community settings than previously known, Star analysis finds

The analysis, based on data from the provinces worst-hit local health units, gives, for the first time, a crucial insight into how Ontarios epidemic has changed.

In short: New infections from outbreaks in seniors homes and other institutional settings are down sharply since spiking in mid-April. Meanwhile, the number of new cases caught each day everywhere else remains high  near the highest levels the province has seen since the beginning of the pandemic.

9. Ding, dong the witch is gone: Black parents aghast over racist letter to vice-principal force changes at TDSB

Its a startlingly malicious and racist letter sent to a Black vice-principal who had just left her Parkdale school.

It reads, Im glad you bought my sorrowful goodbye in December [redacted name]. Really, I was thinking ding, dong, the witch is gone! Im so happy to see you leave. You and your little crew that make everything about black this and black that. So what, white people dont count?

The letter, which the Toronto District School Board calls clearly an incident of anti-Black racism, is leading the board to change its procedures on communications about discrimination, hire an external investigator and place the principal of Queen Victoria Public School on a leave of absence for the course of the investigation.

10. This Black PSW with COVID-19 was sent home from hospital. Two days later he died

Leonard Rodriques did not want to go to the hospital. But his breathing was so laboured, his skin so ashy, that his family insisted. Instead of being admitted, the 61-year-old was discharged with a prescription for antibiotics. Two days later, Rodriques stopped breathing in his bedroom. His children could not resuscitate him.

11. What will Ontario daycares look like when they reopen?

At the YMCAs emergency child-care centre, dress-up clothes and puppets have been put away, along with any materials that arent easy to clean. There are now four chairs to a table where there used to be six. Each child gets their own craft kit or ingredients for snacks instead of sharing materials.

12. The militarys report details the horrors of Ontario long-term-care homes. Shame on all of us for letting it happen

Clearly, not allowing family members into long-term-care homes that have suffered outbreaks during the coronavirus pandemic removed a crucial membrane of intimate vigilance when it was most urgently needed. In every way possible, including public health directives, weve failed our most vulnerable population. Because, as much as we feign concern, perhaps actually mean it, the institutional will and public funding hasnt been there to make a whit of systemic difference, writes Rosie DiManno.
We are really exhausted. The Senegalese government isnt doing anything for us. I live in Senegal but, every month, I do a trip up to Morocco. I sell dried fish and I leave with lots of goods, including traditional soap, essential oils and djellabas (....).



I arrived in Casablanca on March 3 and stayed there for a few days, just enough time to sell my wares and buy other goods to bring back to Senegal. When I left Casablanca on March 15, the borders werent yet closed.



To get to Guerguerat, which is the Western Sahara border crossing that I was aiming for, you first have to go through the town of Dakhla, where the police give you an authorisation to show at the border. We ended up losing three days in Dakhla, while we waited for the pass.



When we finally got to the border on March 19, they were already shut. A few Senegalese citizens were actually stuck in the No Mans Land between Morocco and Mauritania. We held a protest so that the Senegalese authorities would intervene and escort our brothers back to Senegal.



But our group was stuck on the Moroccan side, so we didnt get the opportunity for safe passage back to Senegal. Instead, we had to go back to Dakhla. We called the Senegalese Embassy and the Consulate for help but didnt have any success.



"We slept in our vehicles"



The other traders and I stayed in a hostel at first but, after a week, we ran out of money. We started sleeping in our vehicles. It was a really difficult situation. That lasted two weeks. At that point, local officials in Dakhla got us hotel rooms and started providing us with food.



It wasnt until then that the Senegalese Embassy sent a representative to take our names. They started providing housing to people who werent already being housed by the Moroccans. But they didnt give the people they were housing any assistance in terms of food.







This van belongs to our Observer, Mor Sall Drame. Photo: Mor Sall Drame



There are more than 60 of us stuck here. The government abandoned us. We want to go home. We dont have any money left. Our goods went rotten in the sun.
South Africa: Religious counselling now permitted

Religious leaders can now offer counselling to members of society, who are distressed or need comfort during these trying times.

This comes after the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, engaged with other Cabinet members on the directions on religious gatherings, a statement from her department said.

After wide consultations with the religious sector, government is now in a position to categorise religious counselling as an essential service," said COGTA spokesperson Lungi Mtshali.

"This will enable the millions who have been affected by the virus to receive this much-needed service, since the majority cannot afford professional attention of this nature, said Mtshali.

Government has given religious gatherings, such as churches and mosque, the green light to reopen from 1 June under lockdown level 3, with a maximum of 50 congregants under strict health and safety measures.

However, religious organisations should, where possible, convene services through virtual platforms, Mtshali said.

COGTA has called on religious leaders or those in charge to develop plans and protocols on how they will manage the re-opening, and establish COVID-19 committees to establish their state of readiness.

The religious leaders or persons in charge should ensure health, hygiene and social distancing are observed, and ensure that every person entering a place of worship wears a cloth face mask covering both mouth and nose, Mtshali said.

Government has barred any physical contact, such as shaking hands and hugging, and has called for 1.5-metre distance between persons.

Even with the prescribed social distancing, wearing of masks is compulsory for the duration of the church service. All religious leaders or persons in charge should ensure that any religious ritual that requires personal contact may not be performed during religious activity.

Meanwhile, washing of hands or sanitisation should be undertaken prior to worship and continually in between the service.

Every place of worship has to ensure that there are sufficient quantities of hand sanitisers available, which all attendees are required to use, the department said.

Places of worship are also required to keep a register, which must be kept for a period of six months, detailing names, contact details, residential addresses and contact persons.

Persons entering places of worship should be screened for symptoms associated with COVID-19, namely cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, or difficulty in breathing.

"Anyone who presents these symptoms should not be allowed to enter a place of worship. Any persons over the age of 60 years and those with co-morbidities are encouraged to continue worshipping at home, the department explained.

In addition, people are encouraged to observe a National Day of Prayer on Sunday, 31 May and join in meditation, fellowship and prayer, as announced by the President.

This day must be observed in the comfort of your homes or through virtual means, said COGTA.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-05-29. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
America can be proud of many things: our innovation, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit are unsurpassed. Yet when it comes to our nation understanding one of the greatest gifts ever given to humanitythe Biblewe're moving from dumb to dumber, and it's no laughing matter.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 16:19:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

by Julia Pierrepont III

LOS ANGELES, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Law enforcement officials issued a warning to local residents against hate crimes on Thursday at a meeting hosted by the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

They warned that in times of stress like the coronavirus pandemic, when the economy, health and the social structure itself have all taken a beating, some individuals may want to make those beatings more personal by targeting Chinese Americans in a hate crime.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told attendees that the pandemic has brought new challenges to law enforcement and unfortunately, ignorant members of the community may want to lay blame on the Asian American community.

"This (virus) is something we haven't experienced in our lifetime -- something new we have to adapt to. But there is no place for hate or racial discrimination," Villanueva said.

Los Angeles, like New York, has one of the most diverse populations in the United States, where people of every culture, nationality, race and religion live side by side -- sometimes harmoniously, sometimes not, law enforcement officers said.

At the federal level, hate crime laws include crimes committed on the basis of the victim's perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

An Ipsos poll in April finds that over 30 percent of Americans have witnessed COVID-19 bias against Asians. The STOP AAPI HATE reporting center, tasked to track coronavirus discrimination-related cases, has received 1,710 incident reports from Asian Americans across the country since mid-March.

The rising racist sentiments against Asian Americans are believed to be fueled by some U.S. politicians' misleading comments on the pandemic.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Los Angeles Country Sheriff has increased uniform patrols of Asian churches and communities to ensure their safety in an effort to avoid any deplorable attacks like the one against an Asian-American woman that took place in Brooklyn, New York in April.

"Hate crimes can tear at the very fabric of our community, so we will diligently track all hate crimes and hate incidents and their investigations will receive the highest priority," Villanueva said.

Lieutenant Andrew Meyer of the Major Crimes Bureau said that since the COVID-19 outbreak, the Sheriff's Department has been closely monitoring the situation to keep an eye out for hate crimes and hate incidents.

"Everyone in our community has the right to be supported and protected against hate crimes and incidents. Victims should know that they have the full support of law enforcement and victim resources," Meyer said.

Once a victim has taken the first step in reporting the incident, he assured attendees, law enforcement would do everything in its power to take these crimes seriously and respond to the victims with compassion and understanding.

Meyer said that so far this year, there have been 15 hate crimes, including one anti-Asian, and 21 incidents, also one anti-Asian. He reported that both the anti-Asian hate crime and the incident were COVID-related.

African Americans come in for the most hate crimes and incidents against them, suffering 45 percent of all Los Angeles hate crimes and 29 percent hate incidents in 2019; Hispanics are second, with 12 percent of crimes and 19 percent of incidents; Asians/Pacific Islanders came in with the least amount, 0.02 percent of crimes and 0.01 percent of incidents.

However, the officers cautioned that the COVID-19 outbreak could cause an escalation in hate incidents and crimes against the Chinese or Asian communities and urged community members to be vigilant and swiftly report any problems that arise.
As death toll due to cyclone Amphan reach 98, CM Banerjee announces Rs 6,250 crore relief fund

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Kolkata, May 30: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a Rs 6,250-crore fund for rehabilitation and relief efforts being undertaken following the devastation of cyclonic storm Amphan. She also said the toll in the state has been increased to 98.

Speaking to reporters, CM Banerjee said, "As per reports of the District Magistrates, the toll due to Cyclone Amphan has gone up from 86 to 98. We are sending money to those who have lost their lives in the disaster."

First year of Modi 2.0 is full of historic achievements: Shah

The Chief Minister also said the family of each person killed in the storm would receive Rs 2.5 lakh, while people with serious injuries would be paid Rs 50,000 and those with minor injuries Rs 25,000.

PM Modi writes letter to the nation on 1st anniversary of his second tenure | Oneindia News

The West Bengal Chief Minister said the government was spending money to assist people even though its earnings had dried up. "From March, we have no earnings. But, then we are also trying to support people affected by the cyclone," Mamata Banerjee said.

Coronavirus outbreak: India records 7,964 cases in past 24 hours; Death toll at 4,900

It is reportedly said that the government would pay Rs 20,000 to those who need help to rebuild their home, and an additional Rs 28,000 can be earned as MGNREGA wages. Cultivators of the Betel-leaf, which was affected due to the cyclonic storm would receive a one-time payment of Rs 5,000 cash and Rs 15,000 in MGNREGA wages.

CM Banerjee also said that the government would spend Rs 2,600 crore as part of these two assistance programmes. Another Rs 300 crore would be given to 20 lakh farmers.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced an advance interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for cyclone-hit West Bengal. This decision by the Prime Minister came after he held an aerial survey on the devastation caused by cyclone Amphan.

On May 22, after the aerial survey, PM Modi held a review meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar to discuss relief measures.

In a video message after reviewing the situation with Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and CM Mamata Banerjee in Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district, PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of each of those killed during the devastation caused by cyclone Amphan, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
A woman was disgusted after she found a live cockroach in a packet of sealed steak from Aldi.

Carol Coghlan bought a Highland Park Scotch Fillet Steak from Aldi's Camberwell store in Melbourne, on Tuesday.

She was preparing dinner on Wednesday night when she realised a live cockroach, about an inch in size, was crawling inside the packet of meat.

Carol Coghlan bought a Highland Park Scotch Fillet Steak from Aldi Camberwell (pictured)in Melbourne, Victoria, on Tuesday

Ms Coghlan was preparing dinner on Wednesday night when she realised a live cockroach, about an inch in size, was crawling inside the packet of meat

'I thought I saw movement inside the container  and there's Mr cockroach. 'I was horrified. They are filthiest animals around,'Ms Coghlan told 9News.

'I cannot understand how a cockroach can get in. I would never buy meat there again.'

Ms Coghlan contacted Aldi's customer service via email and a spokesperson said they will review the incident and contact the supplier of the meat.

'We would like to sincerely apologise for your recent experience that you have encountered,' an email from an Aldi spokeswoman said.

Ms Coglan said it was the first time she had bought meat from the discount supermarket.

'Since speaking to the customer regarding the incident, we have commenced a thorough investigation and we will continue to keep the customer updated during this process,' an ALDI Australia spokesperson said.

'We can confirm that this is an isolated incident.'

Ms Coglan said it was the first time she had bought meat from the discount supermarket

Timothy Rock, from Dapto in NSW, claimed in January 2017 he had just popped open a new jar of Colway stringybark honey mustard that he had bought from Aldi when he saw a maggot

This isn't the first time an Aldi customer has allegedly found a live insect inside one of their products.

Timothy Rock, from Dapto in NSW, claimed in January 2017 he had just popped open a new jar of Colway stringybark honey mustard that he had bought from Aldi when he spotted a maggot.

Mr Rock wrote on Facebook that he thought the larvae was dead when he first saw it, but it soon started squirming around.

A disgusting video that he posted online shows the live mustard-coated animal sliding around on a kitchen counter, leaving a slimy trail of the condiment behind.
Rush Transcript: Governor Cuomo Announces New York City to Enter Phase 1 of Reopening on June 8 and Five Regions Enter Phase 2 of Reopening Today

May 29, 2020

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:

Good afternoon, thank you all for being here. For those of you who don't know the people joining me today, to my left is Robert Mujica, Budget Director of the State of New York. To my immediate right, Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor. To her right, Gareth Rhodes, who has been working with us from day one.

Thank you again. Thank you to Iona College President Carey for having us here today. It's a busy day and a distressful day on many levels, but let's proceed. Today is day 90 of the coronavirus pandemic crisis. "Follow the facts, they will show you the way" - A.J. Parkinson. That's what we've been doing in New York, following the facts. The facts today in terms of the coronavirus are good. Number of hospitalizations are down. Net change in total hospitalizations is down. Intubations are down and the new cases are down to 152 which is a dramatic, dramatic drop for us. At one point, you know, we'll never get to zero. What is the bottom of the curve? I don't know but we're close. And the number of deaths, thank the good lord continues to decline. It's at its lowest level ever of 67 deaths. We hope and we pray that that continues to be the case.

The question is on reopening, and as everyone knows, we've been looking at the numbers, looking at the metrics in terms of different regions across the state. The overall state was hit the hardest by this virus and we're coming back as the smartest. We were forced to learn more and learn faster and respond quicker because we were hit by the invisible enemy, the European virus, the virus from Europe. When everyone said watch China, well, they were wrong. The virus came to New York from Europe.

We have metrics posted. We want all the people know what we're doing because they're the ones who decide what happens. So, communicating this information has been key from day one. We have now done even more testing. We test more than any state in the United States per capita. We test more than any country on the globe per capita, and that is helpful in a number of ways. It also gives us more and more information to make decisions. So, we can now look at the number of tests we're doing by a specific area in the state, and see on a day-to-day basis what is happening with the spread of the virus by the number of tests in that area. And you can actually see a trend line from day to day, right? This is all about opening smart, which means what? Which means you're tracking the virus. And we can now track it on a day-to-day basis to help us, inform us, about our decisions and how we should react. And we have a new dashboard that actually tracks that information. And you can see remarkably, clearly what is happening in terms of the spread of the virus, the severity of the new infections, new infections in the region, so everyone will know exactly what's happening and why we're doing it and what we're planning to do.

The reason we are so rigorous about is this because many states and countries have reopened and they made mistakes. Yes, everybody wants to open tomorrow. I wanted to open before we ever closed. But you have to be smart and we have seen what has happened, painfully, when cities and states and countries reopen too quickly. They wound up closing again which is the worst situation, so be smart. We have the data. We have more data than almost any other place on the globe because of our testing and we have had it reviewed at every level. All the local officials sign off, the regional officials sign off, the best state experts, and then we go to global experts who have done this in countries around the world, who frankly have more experience than we do because they've been through this, the crisis and the closing and the opening and the closing again. And we review all the data with them, and I want to thank them very much for taking the time to go through the data. But these are literally the best minds you can find on the globe when it comes to this and they have gone through all the data. So I feel confident that where we can rely on this data, and the five regions that have been in phase one can now move to phase two, because their data has been reviewed and the experts say to us it's safe to move forward, because people have been smart and you haven't seen the spike, so they go to phase two.

Phase two is all office-based jobs, real estate services, retail reopening, barber shops, hair salons reopening. That's all part of phase two. There's specific guidance on how to reopen in phase two. It's not just, open the doors and everybody has a party. It's 50 percent occupancy in office buildings, signage on markers, et cetera, no meetings without social distancing, don't share food or beverages. I mean, I see people all the time, sharing food and beverages. You really don't want to do that now. But again, the specific guidance for every area. Retail stores, 50 percent occupancy, wear the face covering. A store owner can tell you they don't want you to come in if you're not wearing a face covering. Why? Because you don't have the right to infect the store owner, you don't have a right to infect other customers in the store and you don't have the right to walk into the store and all the other customers run out because you don't have a face mask. Malls are closed except stores that open to external entrances, curbside, but again, very detailed guidelines. Barber shops, hair salons, are open, by appointment only. The professionals in those operations have to get a test every two weeks. We recommend that the professionals get a test before they reopen, that's not a mandate - that's a recommendation. And we recommend to customers to ask the barber or professional in the hair salon if they had a test before you used their services. That's a recommendation. But they have to get a test every two weeks. And if I were walking into a barber shop, I would say - I would ask the barber, "Did you get a test before you reopened, when was the last time you got a test," and if they got a test, they'll have a certification, they'll have an evidence of that test. And people will wear face coverings.

But the basic rule is still -- it's all about how we act. It comes down to that. How the employer acts, how the store owner acts, how the employee acts, how the individual acts, how the local government acts. Reopening in New York City is more complicated, as we know, but we are on track to meet all the metrics. Hospital capacity of 70 percent, we want 30 percent hospital capacity, so God forbid something goes wrong, we have the hospital beds. We want to make sure we have the stockpile of PPE. We're not going through what we went through last time, searching the globe for ventilators and masks and gowns. We learned that lesson the hard way, this entire country did, but it would be madness to go through that again. We have to have the testing in place, which we do. The contact tracing is being brought up to speed. We believe all of these things can be done next week. The MTA preparations for reopening, but we think all of this can be done by next week, and we would be on track to open the week afterwards.

One of the things we want to do and we have been doing, is I want to focus on the hot spots. Again, follow the facts, we have the data. We can tell you by zip code where the new cases are coming from. They are in New York City, they're outer borough. They're more Brooklyn, more the Bronx. They are lower-income areas. They're more minority areas. And we know where they are by zip code. Some of these zip codes you have double the infection rate in those zip codes that you have citywide. Citywide the infection rate is about 19 percent, 20 percent. In some zip codes, it's over 40 percent, the infection rate. We know where these zip codes are. Next week let's do a full court press on these zip codes. We've been talking to our colleagues in the city, speaking to the mayor about this, next week hospitals, PPE, get that contact tracing up, MTA will finish their final preparations, but then hot spots, hot spots, hot spots.

We're in New Rochelle today where we had the first hot spot in the nation. There was no such thing as a "hot spot" before New Rochelle had a hot spot. Congratulations, New Rochelle, created a new term now used by every America, hot spot, in this regard.

But, we know where the hot spots are in the city. We want to focus on them next week, be ready to open. We are on track to open on June 8th, which is one week from Monday, and next week, as I mentioned, we'll be following up on these issues.

Phase one should bring about 4000,000 employees back to work in New York City. Remember that reopening does not mean we're going back to the way things were. Life is not about going back. Nobody goes back. We go forward. It's going to be different. It is reopening to a new normal, it's a safer normal. People will be wearing masks, people will be socially distanced. It doesn't mean they don't like you, it's not a personal reflection, it's just a new way of interacting, which is what we have to do.

Wear a mask, get tested, and socially distance. It is that simple, but that hard. It is that simple, but that hard. Those simple devices - wearing a mask, hand sanitizer - they make all the difference. You talk to all the experts - what advice, what should we do? Wear a mask. How can it be that simple? Because sometimes it's that simple. The doing is what's hard, not the advice. Getting 19 million people to do it that's what's hard.

What happens is up to us. People say, "Governor tell me what's going to happen next week, the week after." I can't tell you. Only you know. It's the person in the mirror. You tell me how the people of New York City respond, I'll tell you what happens in New York City. You tell me how the people in Westchester, I'll tell you what happens in Westchester. The New Rochelle hot spot, that was all done by New Rochelle. It was no act of God, it was no external force. It happened because of what people in New Rochelle did. We know how we got here, we know how we can get from here. If we act smart, these stores open and they're smart, the customers are smart, people are smart, people on public transit are smart, then we won't see those numbers go up.

As we haven't in the upstate regions that have reopened and Long Island that has reopened. The numbers have not gone up. Why? Because people have been smart and we have to continue to be smart.

We're going to be doing this in New York City with our partners. I want to thank the mayor very much and his team very much. Everybody in government has been working overtime and none of us have been here before, but we are figuring it out. I'm proud of the way New York is figuring it out. We wish we were never here, but once we were here, we have made the best of it. We should be proud.

The mayor is looking fit and healthy and rested. I don't know why, but he's looking extraordinarily good. It's good to be him in this new way of everyone is virtual. Everyone is Zoom. But it's not the virtual mayor, it is the real mayor of the city of New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio. Good to be with you, Mayor.

Mayor de Blasio: Thank you so much, Governor. Governor, I'm worried that the coronavirus is affecting your eyesight because I think the last 90 days for all of us - a lot of long days. I know you and your team work extraordinary hard and I think we all look a little less than ideal lately.

Thank you, I want to say first of all. Thank you, Governor, thank you to your whole team for the extraordinary work over these past months and as you said, our teams talk all day long with a lot of common purpose and we've done really important work with the same strategic view, the same approach. I want to thank you for that.

We are excited to get to the point of a restart for New York City and when I talked to the people of this city this morning I told them that the indicators were moving absolutely in the right direction but the key to getting to a point of definition for that Phase 1 came from the collaboration between you and me and the state and the city to all get on the same page and make sure that we were confident that it was the right time to do it.

You and I have talked and I think we are absolutely on the same page. The fact is, Governor, you've talked about the condition of the state and how incredibly different it is than even a month or two ago. I just want you to hear this good news about the city, our own Health Department indicators, we have set a threshold that we want to be under 200 new hospital admissions each day to know we're in a safe zone. Today, Governor, only 61 new patients for Covid-19 or similar diseases. That's breathtaking how far we've come on that.

We also have said we want to be below 15 percent of all new tests testing positive result for the people taking those tests and, Governor, as you know, with your help, we've all been doing more and more testing every day, literally exponential growth. Today's number will bring a smile to your face. Only 5 percent of those tested tested positive in the city. These are great indicators.

The third one we still have a little work to do but I'm very confident and I know you are, too and that's the number of people in our hospital ICUs. This morning we announced that threshold, that 375 threshold - we were damn close at 391 patients. But as you and I have discussed we have got about 40 patients that actually can be cared for outside of ICUs in a different setting that gives them the long-term care they need. We're going to work with your team and the state to figure out the right way to do that. Those folks will appropriately come off the number. That's going to put us under that threshold.

Now when you add all that together, as you and I have discussed, we are on now the gateway to the next big step. Governor, as I affirm to you, we're going to spend this coming week going out to the businesses of New York City that would be part of Phase 1. We're going to be providing them with free face coverings.

We're going to be providing them with a hotline where any employer can call to figure out how to address those practical questions. I've given a lot of credit to you and your team for the guidance you've put out around Phase 1. I think it's very clear, very helpful. We're going to have human beings follow up, real people from the City government going out, talking to businesses about how to make it real and how to put it in practice, answering their questions, if we see something that's not right, helping them correct it, but we're going to do the same for working people. We're going to have a hotline for workers to make sure they're safe and they're getting the support they need.

As you and I discussed this next week we will be able to implement all of that, a lot of hands-on, direct work with small businesses and working people and labor unions to make sure everyone is ready and then I share your confidence that in the week of June 8 we'll be ready to go.

Obviously if the indicators keep working in the right direction we want to keep seeing that evidence. As you said many times and I agree with you, data, data, data, but everything you and I have seen in recent days points to that week of June 8 as being that moment of restart and we're going to work with you every step of the way to get there and we're feeling very good about it and I look forward to celebrating with you as New York City begins to reopen.

Governor Cuomo: Thank you very much, Mayor. Thank you. Good to be with you.

Okay, and for New York City we have experience, right? We've done Phase 1 in five other regions. We've done Phase 1 in Long Island so we've done this. The phasing works. The phasing has worked. The other regions that all went into Phase 1 it's going very well. We're not seeing a spike. That's why today some regions are moving on to Phase 2 so the system works and it will work in New York City.

Next week as I mentioned we have to continue to watch the metrics. I do want to focus on those hotspot zip codes, the MTA preparation, the hospital numbers. There are about 100 hospitals in New York City. 11 are the hospitals the Mayor was referring to the New York City hospitals. But then there are about ninety other hospitals. They have to have the beds available. They have to have PPE available and we'll be working with them. But we'll get there for June 8th. And June 8th we have to be smart. Again, this is not happy days here again, it's over. We have to be smart and we're going to remind New Yorkers of that.

I want to make one point about the larger context of what's going on in Minneapolis today, which I'm sure is very distressing to all of us. And I want to begin by offering our personal thoughts and prayers to the family of George Floyd on behalf of all New Yorkers who have seen that incredible video. We can imagine your pain and you are in our thoughts and prayers. I would also suggest that when we think about this situation and we start to analyze the situation and the reaction. Let's not make the same mistake that we continually make which is we tend to see incidents. This is an incident, an isolated incident. People focus on an isolated incident. It's not an isolated incident. It is a continuum of cases and situations that have been going on for decades, and decades, and decades. These are just chapters in a book. And the title of the book is continuing injustice and inequality in America, and these are just chapters. The chapters started modern day Rodney King in Los Angeles, 1991. Abner Louima in New York, 1997. Amadou Diallo in New York, 1999. Sean Bell in New York, 2006. Oscar Grant, Oakland, California, 2009. Eric Garner, New York City, 2014. Michael Brown, Missouri, 2014. Laquan McDonald, Chicago, 2014. Freddie Gray, Baltimore, 2015. Antwon Rose, Pittsburgh, 2018. Ahmed Aubrey in Georgia, 2020. Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, 2020. George Floyd in Minneapolis, 2020.

That's, that's why the outrage. That's why the frustration and the anger. It is not about one situation. It's about the same situation happening again, and again, and again, and again. And seeing the same thing and not learning the lesson. And then is that happening in a broader context and a broader circumstance which is what's going on with the coronavirus. Which affects and kills more minorities than anyone else. You look around this country and you look at the people who are dying of the coronavirus. It is disproportionate African-American people and it's just a continuing injustice and that's the frustration and that's the protests.

Nobody is sanctioning the arson, and the thuggery, and the burglaries. But the protesters, and the anger, and the fear, and the frustration? Yes. Yes. And the demand is for justice. And when the prosecutor came out and said well there's other evidence, but I can't tell you anything more than that. That only incited the frustration. Injustice in the justice system. How repugnant to the concept of America. And over, and over, and over again. I stand figuratively with the protestors. I stand against the arson, and the burglary, and the criminality. I stand with the protesters and I think all well-meaning Americans stand with the protesters. Enough is enough. How many times do you have to see the same lesson replayed before you do something? This country is better than this. It has been better than this and it shouldn't take this long to end basic discrimination and basic injustice.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






May 30 : Priyanka Chopra, who is currently self-quarantined with husband Nick Jonas in Los Angeles, has been sharing interesting posts on her social media to stay in touch with her fans and followers.

With the film industry at a standstill due to COVID-19 outbreak, Bollywood celebs are now missing their work, shoot, makeup and action. Priyankas latest post today shows how The Sky is Pink star is missing her makeup and dressing up for work. She shared her gorgeous picture wearing a cherry red lip colour and a pretty earring as she soaked in the sun. Getting to dress up makes the diva feel adventurous.

In her earlier post, the actress protested against George Floyds death on May 25th, and wrote that she has a lot of work to do on a global scaleto educate people to end hate. 

On the work front, Priyanka will next be seen in Netflix film The White Tiger. She also has Netflix's superhero film We Can Be Heroes, and a film with actress Mindy Kaling in her kitty. Reportedly, while she has been roped in Matrix 4, Priyanka will host a show with Nick Jonas for Amazon.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 11F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 11F. Winds light and variable.
Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets of London on Saturday and promised more demonstrations across the UK today after the death of George Floyd in America.

Footage showed white police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on unarmed Floyd's neck earlier this week. Floyd passed out and later died.

Activists took to the streets in Floyd's home state Minneapolis - and across the US - to protest what they feel is a systemic problem with police brutality against African-American men.

Yesterday, Britons took to the streets of London with some shouting: 'The UK is not innocent'.

In Peckham, London, buses and cars were forced to a standstill on Saturday afternoon when hundreds of Black Lives Matter protesters furious at the Floyd's slaying marched along the main road.

Yesterday's protests were a precursor to a series of demonstrations planned for the next week across Britain by the BLM movement, which will target Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow, as well as London.

Videos posted on social media show groups shouting 'no justice, no peace' and 'stop killing the mandem [friends]' as they marched and congregated in the south-east London district.

In Peckham, London, buses and cars were forced to a standstill on Saturday afternoon when hundreds of Black Lives Matter protesters furious at the Floyd's slaying marched along the main road

People walked along Rye Lane, Peckham, in south London yesterday during a Black Lives Matter protest

The protests in London followed the death of black man George Floyd in Minneapolis this week

Yesterday's protests in Peckham (pictured) and North London were a precursor to a series of demonstrations planned for the next week across Britain by the BLM movement

People can be seen marching on a protest against the death of George Floyd in North London today

People hold a banner saying 'abolish the police' during a protest against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, in North London today

Some of those attending were seen carrying placards reading 'BLM [Black Lives Matter]' and 'solidarity', while others appeared to call for riots, like those seen in America over the past few days.

'RIOT is the language of the unheard', one placard read.

Footage of another protest in North London showed a smaller group of demonstrators marching and carrying a banner reading 'abolish the police'.

Most of those attending both protests were seen standing closer together than the two-metre recommended to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Many could also be seen without face masks.

Today, the group plan to congregate at Trafalgar Square in central London where demonstrators will 'kneel for Floyd'.

Pictured: A BLM flyer announcing protest dates in London against the killing of George Floyd

Pictured: BLM flyers announcing protest dates in London against the killing of George Floyd

'We are doing this to place pressure on the American government and show that this is a world wide issue,' a banner from the event reads.

Another is booked for next week in front of the US embassy to 'bring justice for the multiple black people who have been killed and harmed by the police'.

All of the banners remind attendants to wear face masks and maintain social distancing due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Floyd's death in Minneapolis followed that of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old unarmed black man who was shot dead by two white men in Georgia earlier this month, and Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman who was fatally shot by Louisville cops in March.

The killings reignited tensions between law enforcement and the black community in the US causing unrest across the country

New York: A New York City Police Department vehicle burns after being set alight by protesters

Chicago: A Chicago police vehicle is set on fire during violent protests and bricks are hurled at it

Minneapolis: Tear gas and fireworks go off in the streets Saturday night on day five of protests over Floyd's death

On Monday, white Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on the 46-year-old's neck until he passed out and later died.

The killings reignited tensions between law enforcement and the black community in the US.

Last night, the outrage continued across the nation as cop cars were torched, stores were looted and at least 11 states activated the National Guard on a fifth night of protests that show no signs of stopping.

In Minneapolis, protesters were seen fleeing after cops hurled tear gas into the crowds while some responded by launching fireworks back at officers.

The National Guard was activated to defend the White House from attack as the Secret Service agents on the ground struggled to keep control of crowds descending on the seat of the US government.

Washington DC: The National Guard was activated to defend the White House from attack as the Secret Service agents on the ground struggled to keep control of crowds descending on the seat of the US government

New York: The Big Apple was ablaze as NYPD vehicles were engulfed in flames while shocking footage emerged of cops violently detaining protesters

New York: A cop car burns in Brooklyn where protest have been held for two nights over Floyd's death

New York: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and President Trump clashed Saturday night over New York's response to the escalating crisis there

New York: NYPD officers are poised with their batons after Trump praised their response - despite footage showing mutlipel scenes where cops manhandled protesters violently Friday

New York: A vehicle burns near New York's Union Square as more than a dozen protests spark up across the Big Apple

The Big Apple was ablaze as NYPD vehicles were torched and ransacked while shocking footage emerged of cops violently detaining protesters.

A man was left critically injured in Dallas when he was attacked and stomped on by a group of people when he allegedly tried to defend a store with a large sword.

In Atlanta a cop suffered 'significant injuries' when they were hit by an ATV, while in Chicago, a man commandeered a police horse and rode off on it.

Los Angeles deployed the National Guard for the first since the 1992 riots when the police officers who beat up black man Rodney King walked free of all charges and California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in LA County.

New York: A vehicle burns near New York's Union Square Saturday night

Washington DC: The seat of the government was under threat from protesters

A total of 11 states and the District of Columbia had activated the National Guard by the early hours of Sunday, as law enforcement buckled under the strain of the protests.

States calling for Guard assistance included California, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington state.

Meanwhile at least 25 cities roll out emergency curfews to try to bring rioting and looting under control, including San Francisco, Atlanta, Louisville, Los Angeles, Portland, Columbia, South Carolina, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Seattle.

President Trump has put the Army on notice to deploy to the streets with a four-hour notice - the first time this will have been done in almost 20 years during the 1992 LA riots over the beating of black man Rodney King by cops.

Minnesota - where Floyd died - has born the brunt of the protests which began there Tuesday before fanning out across the country.

Washington DC: The National Guard has been activated to Washington DC to help protect the White House

Washington DC:A protester holds up a sign saying 'Stop killing us' as a pack of military police are sen in the background

Washington DC: Demonstrators gesture next to a fire during a rally near the White House

Washington DC: The seat of the government was under threat from protesters leading to the National Guard being activated in Washington DC

Washington DC: Almost 1,000 protesters had surrounded the White House grounds Saturday night

Rioting was still going on in the early hours of Sunday, with the Minneapolis police department reporting a big group of protesters on foot and in vehicles throwing missiles of some sort at cops.

The Minnesota National Guard announced at around 10:30p.m. it was sending 10,800 troops in to tackle protests Saturday night, as pleas for people to observe curfews fell on deaf ears.

The Minnesota National Guard said on Twitter it already had more than 4,100 citizen-soldiers and airmen already in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and was ramping it up to a staggering 10,800.

Washington DC: Protesters engaged in a tense standoff with Secret Service, DC police and US Park Police

Washington DC: A firework is hurled by a protester and explodes by a police line

Washington DC: A park police officer shoots rubber bullets toward demonstrators gathered outside the White House

Washington DC: A car burns in a street near the White House Saturday night

Washington DC: Protesters hold aloft banners and spray flames into the sky as the National guard rolls in

There were just 700 on duty on Friday.

State police officers were seen in their masses surrounding the fifth police precinct Saturday night after officials insisted that the city would be brought under control following four nights of widespread destruction.

A suspected looter being shot dead, businesses being burned to the ground and police officers forced to flee for their lives when a police precinct was stormed and torched.
Bengaluru, May 31 : Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa convened a meeting of ministers and officials to begin precautionary measures to face the rainy season in Bengaluru on Saturday.

"With the onset of monsoon rains on Saturday, I have instructed officials to take necessary precautions. Ministers, legislators, BBMP and police officials attended the meeting," tweeted Yediyurappa.

Yediyurappa also appealed to the people on the do's and don'ts in the monsoon season.

He shared a big list phone numbers for people to contact for help or register complaints.

Yediyurappa shared a list of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) office phone numbers, forest department numbers, electricity department and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre numbers.

Since more than a week, it has been raining everyday in the city, with many trees being uprooted and blocking the roads.

Due to the ferocity of the rain and gales, a few trees crashed on cars and vehicles.

The civic city has been clearing the roads of uprooted trees since a week.

The Met department has forecast thundershowers till June 5 in Bengaluru.
First Woman in US Air Force to Earn Army Ranger Tab Says: Dont Be Afraid to Succeed
Charlotte's Web (OTC:CWBHF) stock is up by about 40% in the past month -- which is far better than the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences ETF (OTC:HMLSF) has performed during that time, with returns of about 20%. The hemp company's gotten a boost from its first-quarter results, which it released on May 14. And while the stock may be seeing some bullishness of late, it may not last. Here's why it could be a great time to sell shares of the company today.

Recent results aren't all that encouraging

In Q1, there really wasn't much of a reason for investors to get excited about the company's path. Revenue of $21.5 million was down 1% from the prior-year period's $21.7 million. Meanwhile, the Colorado-based company's expenses have continued to rise. Operating expenses climbed 77% from a year ago, and that led to Charlotte's Web incurring a loss of $11.5 million in Q1, compared with a profit of $2.3 million the year before. It was the third period in a row in which the company landed in the red.

During the period, Charlotte's Web also used $14.9 million to fund its day-to-day operations, up from just $3.7 million the year before. Having adequate cash flow is an increasingly important issue for cannabis investors, and greater expenses make the company a riskier buy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 31, Charlotte's Web reported cash on hand of $53 million -- which would be enough to handle 3.5 quarters of its current level of cash burn from operations. And the reality is that the cash burn may get worse, especially if sales dry up as COVID-19 puts people out of work and diminishes discretionary income for many Americans.

Charlotte's Web is trading the highest it's been since February

The last time Charlotte's Web stock was trading higher than $6 was in February, before the markets crashed with the advent of COVID-19. This recent surge in the share price makes it an optimal time for investors to cash out. There's a real danger that the stock could sink back to below $5 or even the $4 mark. Pot stocks remain very volatile, and investors haven't seen the full effect of COVID-19 on the cannabis industry just yet. When Charlotte's Web releases its second-quarter results, which will cover the period through the end of June, investors will get a better picture of how strong the demand is during these tumultuous times.

And given that Charlotte's Web has already been struggling to generate growth even when things have been going well, there's even less reason to be optimistic about the upcoming quarter. A poor showing in Q2 could spell disaster for the stock and send it back to where it was just a few weeks ago.

Why selling today is the safest option

With no growth, no profits, and a more challenging picture ahead for the company, it's difficult to be bullish about Charlotte's Web's future. The CBD stock isn't in a great position today, and investors may want to take the opportunity to sell at a better price now rather than risk another crash, which could be around the corner.

Until Charlotte's Web can show that it can either return to profitability or at least generate some strong sales growth, there's no reason to invest in the company today, especially given how many other options there are for cannabis investors to profit from the industry's future growth.
When Beauty special showcase to stream Sun. 5/31 and Weds. 6/3 The successful business program will stream online this Sun, May 31, 2020 and Weds, June 3, 2020 at 8:00pm ET / PT  two chances to watch each night!

Modern Living with kathy ireland show participant When Beauty will be appearing as a special showcase during the LIVE Stream of this weeks Worldwide Business with kathy ireland episode! The successful business program will stream online this Sunday, May 31, 2020 and Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 8:00pm ET / PT  two chances to watch each night! This special showcase of When Beauty features Managing Director, Jenny Jhung, as she highlights their innovative dermatologically tested products and their recent availability in major retailers in the U.S. and Canada.

Company Spotlight

When Beauty: Currently available at Costco Wholesale for a limited time, you may have spotted the brands beautiful kiosk displays during your last shopping trip! When Beauty utilizes advanced bio-cellulose technology to create their game-changing face masks, body masks, and skincare products. The all-natural, coconut-derived bio-cellulose sheet is gentle enough to treat burn patients, and is extremely hydrating - holding fluids up to one-hundred times its dry weight. Thats ten time more than an average fabric sheet mask! Each When Beauty mask is infused with intensely-hydrating yet gentle, non-sticky serum containing sodium hyaluronate (fine hyaluronic acid), ginseng extracts and top-quality effective ingredients and plant extracts to help keep skin happy, healthy, and glowing.

To learn more about When Beauty, be sure to tune as their interview is showcased this Sunday, May 31, 2020 and Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 8:00pm ET / PT during the LIVE stream of this weeks episode of Worldwide Business with kathy ireland! To shop your favorite When Beauty products, visit Costco (for a limited time), and buy online through Amazon.com, and directly at whenbeautyus.com and whenbeauty.com.

About Modern Living with kathy ireland and Worldwide Business with kathy ireland

Modern Living with kathy ireland and Worldwide Business with kathy ireland are weekly lifestyle and business television programs featuring real-world insights from corporate executives all over the globe. Hosted by a lifestyle and business mogul, Kathy Ireland interviews some of the brightest minds in industries today. The shows air collectively on Fox Business Network and WEtv as part of their sponsored content lineups, and globally on Bloomberg Television. The shows extend beyond their weekly on-air programming with digital content delivered on various video platforms and across social media.
When a grandma decided to have her usual nap one day, she didnt expect she would wake up panicking over her missing dentures. Fortunately, all was not lost when her granddaughter found the dentures thief was hiding among their family members.

Anna Carolina Lima, of Brazil, visited her grandmother in Minas Gerais for a week in 2019; she took a special surprise along with heran adorable rescue dog named Luna.

At her grandmas home, Lima observed that the pup had adapted to the new environment and settled in quite comfortably. Lima was assured that she could leave little Luna under her grandmothers care while she stepped out for lunch. However, the doting granddaughter didnt expect things to get hilariously chaotic upon her return.

What had transpired back at home turned out to be a full-blown laughing riot!

Like any other normal day, Limas grandmother was comfortably napping for a while in her absence. As usual, [grandmother] put her dentures under the pillow so as not to lose them, Lima told The Dodo.

Lima, who is currently studying psychology at the Ponta Grossa State University, said that this action happened to be witnessed by Luna, and a bright (and mischievous) idea came to the cute dogs mindsteal the sparkling white dentures!

Thus, when grandmother woke up and put her hand under the pillow to get her dentures, she was surprised to see that her false teeth were nowhere in sight. In no time following that ensued a real mega hunt to find the grandmas dentures; the hunt lasted for hours.

She was pretty desperate that she couldnt find her dentures, Lima said. She and my mom searched everywhere. They searched for hours.

Lima told the local media that it wasnt long before the family realized Luna might have a part to play in this, reported MailOnline.

Hours later, Luna was playing around the house in the darkness and when I called, Lima said, she came to me with a cute face and her tail wagging, jumping around, but she did not have [the dentures].

Though Lima didnt see any dentures on Luna, she knew her dog was the cute culprit behind this hilarious theft. [Luna] is very clever, she picks things up and hides them, Lima said.

Shortly after, Limas suspicion proved to be true; she saw her dog sitting on the sofa, grinning with the teeth in her mouth.

While the whole house was anxiously searching for the stolen item, the sneaky pup was seemingly happy with the newfound treasure and simply refused to give it away so easily; the pup bit at the dentures playfully.

Eventually, the denture crisis finally ended after Lima was able to distract her pup and take her grandmas false teeth away.

Fortunately, after a quick check, it was ascertained that the dentures endured Lunas mischievous bites and were in tip-top condition before they were returned to the rightful owner.

After tracing the location of the dentures, Limas grandmother and the whole family couldnt help but laugh at the amusing theft plot! No one was mad at the adorable pup.

We all laughed a lot! Lima told The Dodo. We all love animals.

Pets indeed make our lives a little less monotonous and a lot happier! Needless to say, with the pricey dentures gone, the adorable Luna was back to her original smile and the usual playful antics.
The Conversation

Editor's Note: The NASA-SpaceX joint human spaceflight was scheduled for liftoff on Thursday, 28 May, 2.00 am IST (Wednesday, 27 May at 4.32 pm EDT) from the Launch Complex 39A from the Kenndy Space Centre, Florida. However, due to bad weather conditions, they had to cancel the launch. It has now been re-scheduled for 31 May, 12.52 AM IST.

On 27 May, two American astronauts, Robert L. Behnken and Douglas G. Hurley are planning to launch from the Kennedy Space Center on a mission to the International Space Station. If successful, this will mark the first time in nine years that American astronauts will launch into space from American soil. Whats even more remarkable is they will not be launched by NASA but by a private company, SpaceX.

Human spaceflight is incredibly difficult and expensive; the rockets must be reliable and the vehicle must be built with expensive life support systems and a certain level of redundancy. To date, only three countries  Russia, the United States and China  have achieved this feat.

As a space policy expert, I find it hard to overstate the significance for both SpaceX and spaceflight in general. For SpaceX, its another step on their road to Mars, but more generally, it demonstrates that spaceflight need not be reserved for only the most powerful of states.

A dream and an opening

In many ways, SpaceXs achievement is due not only to technological advances, but opportunity brought about by disaster. The breakup of the space shuttle Columbia in 2003 led the Bush administration to decide to end the shuttle program by 2010. They directed NASA to develop a replacement, Project Constellation, but due to budget cuts and other problems, NASA failed to make significant progress. As a result, in 2010, the Obama administration directed NASA to refocus its efforts on deep space missions and rely on private companies to provide access to the ISS and low Earth orbit.

Enter SpaceX. Dreaming of colonization of Mars but frustrated with the slow pace at which it was coming, Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002. To get to Mars, he decided that spaceflight would first need to be made cheaper. His philosophy was to devise a rocket system that could be used again and again with minimal refurbishment between flights. Over the next decade, SpaceX designed, built and tested its Falcon series of rockets. It signed contracts with NASA to provide cargo services to the ISS and with other companies and the US military to provide general launch services. Perhaps most importantly, SpaceX has demonstrated that its rockets can be reused, with the core stages flying their way back to Earth to land themselves.

The 2010 shift in American space policy gave SpaceX an opportunity to build on its early successes. By 2014, both SpaceX and Boeing were given contracts from NASA to provide commercial crew launch services. And it appears, so far, that SpaceX has made good on its promise of reducing the cost of human spaceflight. Compared to an average space shuttle mission that cost US$1.6 billion, NASA is paying only $55 million per seat for SpaceXs upcoming ISS flights.

Tourists in space?

This massive reduction in cost made possible through reusable rockets is contributing to several developments in spaceflight. First, it provides NASA a means of access to the ISS without relying on the Russian Soyuz. Since 2011, the US has been paying Russia upwards of $86 million per seat for flights to the space station.

Second, with SpaceX and Boeing providing access to the ISS, NASA can concentrate on Project Artemis, which intends to return humans to the Moon by 2024. They are also leveraging new commercial capabilities from SpaceX, Blue Origin and others to further reduce costs to get there.

If SpaceX is successful, it could also mean the opening of space to tourism. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are planning to offer brief suborbital launches that dont enter Earth orbit. SpaceX, on the other hand, is already signing up passengers for several-day trips to space at $35 million a seat. Even Tom Cruise is looking to fly on SpaceX and film a movie aboard the ISS. While space companies have long predicted opportunities for space tourism, SpaceXs Dragon brings that possibility closer to reality.

More broadly, adding tourists to the mix in low Earth orbit may even help make space safer. Debris in orbit is a growing problem, along with increasing tensions between the US, China and Russia in space. Both of those things make operating in space more difficult, dangerous and costlier.

For the space economy to really take off, countries will need to put in place regulations that ensure safety and reliability in several areas, including vehicle safety and debris mitigation. And, as I suggest in my new book, having more humans in space might force countries to think twice before taking potentially dangerous actions in space. While orbital space tourism might still be far off for the average American, SpaceXs crew launch brings us closer to the day when an extraordinary event is a normal occurrence.



Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Amiya Meethal By

Express News Service

KOZHIKODE: As a political leader, writer, intellectual, orator and much more, he left his indelible mark on all fields, Imbued with socialist leanings, he was inducted into politics by legendary Jayaprakash Narayan, He relentlessly fought communal and divisive forces till his last breath, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

MP Veerendrakumar, 83, was undoubtedly one of the prominent socialist leaders Kerala has seen. But, he was much more than a mere political leader. He wore many hats  that of a writer, intellectual, orator, environmentalist and Mathrubhumi CMD at the same time  and left his indelible mark on all fields.

Born into an aristocratic Jain family at Kalpetta in Wayanad, Veerendrakumars socialist leanings came through his father M K Padmaprabha Gowder, who was a member of then Madras Assembly. He started his long political career by accepting the Socialist Party membership from Jayaprakash Narayan during his school days. Samyuktha Socialist Party was his first political forum way back in 1968.

Later, he became a member of the Janata Dal, Janata Dal (Secular) and Socialist Janata Democratic (SJD) before forming the Loktantric Janta Dal (LJD) which is now in the LDF fold. Veerendrakumar became a state minister (1987) and later served as Union Minister of State for Finance, Labour and Parliamentary Affairs(1997).

Arrest during emergency

As a socialist leader in the Janata Party, he was arrested during emergency and put in Kannur Central Jail. CPM leaders Pinarayi Vijayan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, E K Imbichi Bava and M V Raghavan were along with him in the jail. By then Veerendrakumar was a known leader. He had received special consideration inside jail. But he never behaved like a leader to us. Veerendrakumar attracted all types of people through his knowledge and oratorical skills, said Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Twice in UDF

Though Veerendrakumar was with the Left during most of his political life, he had a brief stint with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) as well. According to Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, during the 1980 assembly elections, Veerendrakumar and his Janata Party were with the UDF. But he returned to the LDF after two years, said Kodiyeri.

In 2009 also, following differences over seat sharing within the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), Veerendrakumar ended his 25-year association with the Left parties. He then formed the SJD and joined the UDF in Kerala.Veerendrakumars first tenure in the Rajya Sabha was as a UDF MP in 2016. The following year, however, with Nitish Kumar deciding to ally with the BJP, Veerendra Kumar resigned his Rajya Sabha seat in protest and formed the LJD. He rejoined the LDF in 2018 and became a Rajya Sabha MP with the support of the Left parties.

Resigned within 48 hours

In 1987, Veerendrakumar had been sworn in as the Forest Minister in the E K Nayanar Cabinet. But he had to quit within 48 hours of assuming office following dissent in his Janata Party. The bone of contention was that he had been made minister without proper consultation within the party. He had to demit office on the instructions of the partys national leadership, says N P Rajendran, veteran political journalist, who retired from Mathrubhumi as Deputy Editor. According to Rajendran, who had worked closely with Veerendrakumar for decades in Mathrubhumi, the deceased leader belonged to a rare breed of politicians who are avid readers, with a thorough grasp and deep knowledge of things.
Bartender Cole Downing wears a mask while cleaning at the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 11, 2020. This bar has reopened under state guidelines, and is not mentioned in the story.

Andrew DeMillo/AP

Bars in Arkansas were allowed to reopen on Tuesday, with certain restrictions on capacity and social distancing.

This came despite the fact that the state is experiencing a second wave of coronavirus cases.

Business Insider spoke to the owners of two bars in Little Rock and Fayetteville, who both decided to remain closed.

They explained their concerns about employees' health, as well as discussed the financial impact of the pandemic on their industry.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Arkansas was among the first states to allow bars to reopen this week following coronavirus closures, but not all bar owners in the state agree with the government's decision.

Business Insider spoke to two Arkansas bar owners on Thursday who said they plan to remain closed for the time being, especially since the state is seeing cases rise again.

While the state never issued a stay-at-home order for citizens, bars were among the group of businesses ordered on March 19 to shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Related: Bumper Tables Are the Best Social-Distancing Invention

And on Tuesday, after more than nine weeks, Arkansas bars were allowed to reopen at 33% capacity, alongside other restrictions like spacing tables ten feet apart and requiring customers to wear face masks until they are served a drink.

Numerous bars in Little Rock are reopening this weekend, with many more planning to reopen in early June, with the new safety restrictions in mind.

Though the weeks of mandatory closure has financially damaged many Arkansas bars, some have decided to stay closed because of the threat reopening poses to public health, and the fact that restrictions would still make it hard to break even.

Reopening just to scrape by

Conan Robinson is the owner of Four Quarter Bar in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has tentative plans to reopen his bar on June 22.

Provided

One of the reasons he didn't jump to reopen his bar immediately after the state gave permission was because he fears for the health of his employees.

"I'm trying to take everything with a side of caution," he told Business Insider. "We have a couple employees who have asthma and underlying conditions."

Story continues

"Their health is a priority to me."

Robinson also said it didn't make sense to reopen when the restrictions the government laid out would still make it hard for him to make money.

"It seems counterproductive for me to open up, have my employees come back to work, just to kind of scrape by at a 33% profit margin," he said.

"It's almost like opening up to tread water and not to drown  and on top of that risking the health of you and others for that little bit of money."

Bar owners are 'up against the wall'

Bo Counts, the owner of Pinpoint Fayetteville, a pinball bar, also worries about his staff.

"As tough as it is to try and figure out how to get these bills paid ... I have to think about my staff," Counts told Business Insider.

Counts estimates that he has paid about $40,000 in rent and bills while the bar was shut down, and lost $150,000 in revenue.

This also isn't a good time for Pinpoint Fayetteville to reopen. The bar considers this time of year a dry season, since students in the college town are home for the summer.

Bo Counts in his bar, Pinpoint Fayettevillle. He's waiting until June to consider when to reopen his bar.

Provided

Counts said, however, he can understand why other bars might feel an economic pressure to reopen, and that he wouldn't judge them if they do.

"Do I think these businesses that are deciding to open are irresponsible for doing so? No," Counts said.

"I think they're up against the wall. Landlords aren't giving them any breaks, there's been no government assistance and no tax relief."

Robinson estimates that he has taken a hit of between $40,000 and $50,000, but said he is lucky to have a good relationship with his landlord, who has been flexible on rent.

"I see both sides of the equation, but my personal decision is that I think it's too early," Count said. "Especially after what we've seen with Memorial Day and still continuing to see cases rise and spike."

The state had traced a cluster of new cases to a high school pool party held over Memorial Day weekend. New daily infections jumped from 97 to 261 between Wednesday and Thursday, with Gov. Asa Hutchinson describing the new cases as a "second wave."

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and President Donald Trump in the White House Cabinet Room on May 20, 2020.

Leah Millis/Reuters

Federal loan program has been little help

Both Robinson and Counts spoke about the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was meant to help businesses stay afloat during the pandemic with loans to help pay employees' salaries.

Both pointed out how the program hasn't been much use for bars.

"If you've read it, and seen how you do it, it doesn't apply to a lot of these bars," Counts said, adding that many bars did not send in applications for the loan.

According to the terms of the program, 75% of the money must go to pay employees, and in order for the loan to be forgiven, it has to be used within eight weeks of being dispensed. This could prove difficult for businesses that have not yet reopened.

Robinson said he applied and received a PPP loan, but is nearing the end of his eight weeks.

This has put him in a tough position because he isn't reopening yet, and fears the loan might not be forgiven if he doesn't pay his employees with the money soon.

Anna Barnard, left, wears a mask as she talks to Greg and Judy Robinson at Dugan's Pub in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 11, 2020. Restaurants in Arkansas were allowed to resume offering dine-in service from Monday.

Andrew DeMillo/AP

He said he hopes Congress changes the rules about how this money can be used so that he can pay his employees with these funds once he reopens, and still have the loan forgiven.

If it isn't forgiven, "that would really put me in the hole," he said.

Counts said he also applied for a PPP loan, but retracted his application when he learned he was "only eligible for a small amount" and "wouldn't be able to really use it effectively given the circumstances."

Many other small business owners have spoken of the difficulty of using the loan.

The social-distancing police

Robinson and Counts said they were also nervous about how drinking might lead to customers exercising less caution, and therefore put everyone in the bar at risk.

Counts pointed to the outrage over parties at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks over Memorial Day weekend. He said you can have rules in place, but then get "bum-rushed by 100 people that aren't gonna follow" them.

One person who attended the Ozarks pool party has since tested positive for COVID-19. They could have been infectious at the time of the party.

It's also a "big ask" to have bar employees enforce social-distancing measures on customers who throw caution to the wind, Counts said, since they already have so much work to do greeting guests, making drinks, cleaning, and making sales.

Robinson feels like the government restrictions puts him and his employees in an awkward position.

"My biggest problem is it seems like this whole virus has gotten so politicized," he said.

"You have a group of people that feel it's ridiculous to wear a mask out in public, they refuse to do business in a place because you're required to wear a mask. Or you have other people who think you should wear masks constantly 24/7 when you're outside."

"It's tough. As a business owner, I've got to say: 'Hey, you're required to wear a mask when you come in.' And if you don't like it, I guess I'll get an earful and they'll go somewhere else," he said.

An anti-face mask demonstration outside the Pennsylvania Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on May 15, 2020.

Mark Makela/Getty Images

'Our industry is going to suffer'

Both bar owners worry about the long-term impact the outbreak will have on their industry.

"People go to the bar to relax and kind of forget about the hardships of their day," Robinson said. "It's got to be hard to go in now, and it seems like have even more anxiety and you're even more worried about things."

Robinson said: "Until there's enough tests that let people know if they have the virus, or there's a viable vaccine, our industry is going to suffer."

"You can take all the safety measures in the world, but the fear that people have of each other is not something we can control," Counts said.

"We're not selling you a cheeseburger you love, we're selling you a place to gather with humans," he added. "And if you're afraid of gathering with people even after this is gone, that really hurts our business."

Business Insider
Visitors are seen near the portrait of late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong on Tiananmen Gate, on the day of the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC), in Beijing, China May 28. Reuters-Yonhap



By Do Je-hae



The government is closely watching the escalating U.S.-China conflict and analyzing the possible impact on Korea, the nation's top diplomat said Thursday.



"We are well aware of domestic concerns about the rising conflict in the international community," Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said during a meeting on foreign affairs strategy coordination held at the ministry's headquarters in central Seoul, according to press pool reports.



"We are conducting a detailed analysis with experts within and outside the government about the conflict's significance and its possible impact on Korea."



Although the foreign minister stopped short of specifically mentioning the United States, and China, the remarks were seen as reflecting the Moon Jae-in administration's increasing concerns about Korea's diplomacy being sandwiched between the two superpowers' escalating competition.



The meeting at the foreign ministry came as the Chinese "parliament" endorsed the controversial national security legislation pertaining to Hong Kong, further raising tension with the U.S., which has been highly critical of the move.





Trump hints at willingness to walk away from China trade deal China's economic strategy shift shows Xi is preparing for 'worst case scenario' New US-China Cold War President Moon Jae-in faces the complex task of balancing Korea's diplomacy between the U.S. and China amid an escalating rivalry between the two superpowers over trade, Hong Kong and competition for global leadership in the post-COVID-19-era. Yonhap

Concerns are rising among experts and the general public about how Korea will deal with the conflict. Korea is expected to face more pressure from both countries to show support for their respective strategies to strengthen their respective influence in the region.



Experts are underlining the need for Korea to take a careful, long-term approach to the issue as the anti-Chinese policy in Washington is likely to be maintained regardless of who takes over the White House in the upcoming presidential election.



"The U.S. and China are almost certainly headed toward a new Cold War. The anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S. will likely persist even if Joe Biden wins the U.S. presidential race," Yoon Kwan-young, a former foreign minister, said during a forum in Seoul this week. "There will be increasing pressure from both sides on Korea. We need a principled approach based on transparency and rationality."



Some insiders say that maintaining good relations with North Korea is one of the ways to defuse tension between the U.S. and China in the region.



"South Korea is an American ally, but it also maintains a strategic partnership with China. Both countries are valuable countries to our national interests," said Moon Chung-in, the special adviser to President Moon Jae-in on foreign affairs and national security, in a recent Korea Times interview.



U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed China for the COVID-19, which he has called a worse attack than Pearl Harbor, and has threatened to cut ties with the country. Yonhap

"To get out of this dilemma, South Korea needs to take a more prudent balanced diplomacy. In so doing, Seoul needs to get a major breakthrough in inter-Korean relations. Improved inter-Korean relations will serve as a very valuable buffer to the U.S.-China strategic rivalry on the Korean Peninsula."



Officials from Cheong Wa Dae and various ministries took part in the meeting at the foreign ministry.




Protesters march along the freeway that exits St. Paul on their way to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis via the Saint Anthony Falls bridge on the fourth day of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Trump Says Military Could Respond Quickly to Minneapolis Unrest

WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump said the military could deploy troops to Minneapolis very quickly to respond to violent protests in the aftermath of a police killing of an unarmed black man.

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests in several cities, some of which have turned violent. Minnesotas governor activated the states national guard after four nights of confrontations in Minneapolis, its first full activation since World War Two.

Protesters march along the freeway that exits St. Paul on their way to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis via the Saint Anthony Falls bridge on the fourth day of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the military had ordered some active-duty Army military police officers to be prepared to deploy if local authorities requested their help.

We could have our military there very quickly, if their help was requested, Trump said on Saturday afternoon.

By Brad Heath and Idrees Ali
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb announced on Friday, May 29 that a new inland waterways route on the Gomati River, that would connect Tripura with Daudkandi in Bangladesh, will be ready to start ferrying goods within the next three months. Deb spoke to the media during his visit to the project site at Srimantapur in Sonamura subdivision of Sipahijala district.

READ: China Echoes India, Rejects '3rd Party Intervention' In Border Issues After Trump's Offer

Waterway to be ready in three months

"This is a dream-come-true project for us. The new waterway project would be operational in three months and ships carrying goods from Bangladesh would start moving. With the starting of the new waterway, Tripura would emerge as a gateway to the north-eastern region. I thank the prime ministers of India and Bangladesh for approving the new waterway. There is no doubt that it would boost the state''s economy and communication," Biplab Kumar Deb said.

"A temporary jetty would be installed at Sonamura within the next three to four months. I have had discussions with Sanjeev Ranjan, secretary to the Ministry of Shipping, for setting up the temporary jetty. He has assured me that it will be installed," the Tripura CM added.

READ: COVID-19: 129 Indians Return From Bangladesh Through Land Route, To Be Quarantined

Regarding the construction of a permanent jetty, Deb said, "Testing will be done in the ongoing rainy spell while dredging of the river will be carried out in the next winter season when the water level will come down. As per the initial report, there are 23 bridges that may create an obstruction for the movement of vessels if the water level rises. But dredging of the river will solve such problems."

At present, ships and steamers ply from Haldia in West Bengal to Daudkandi in Bangladesh, which is only 80 km from Tripura''s Sonamura sub-division. Deb mentioned a temporary jetty would be constructed at the Srimantapur ICP within two-and-a-half months.

The agreement for the new protocol (IBP) routes was signed between the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das and Bangladesh Shipping Secretary Md Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury at Dhaka.

(With agency inputs)

READ: Assam Suffers Largest Single-day Spike With 177 Cases, Crosses 1000-mark: Officials

READ: Indian Railways Continues With Freight Services, Dispatches Agri Product To Bangladesh
Dublin, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia B2B Database: B2B Contacts and Company Data; 17 Million Companies and 50 Million Employee Names" database has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This database monitors 17+ million companies in 16 APAC countries, using an artificial-intelligence-powered data crawling system combined with reliable governmental sources. It upgrades the way researchers and salespeople currently operate by reducing the steps needed to reach to necessary information / prospects.



This database, Asia's largest B2B contacts and company data portal, covers more than 50 million key employee contacts across more than 1,000 industries. It works like a search engine for companies and B2B contacts in Asia, allowing the user to search real-time company data - background data, business descriptions, shareholder/manager names, financial data and employee data, along with e-mail addresses, Linkedin profiles, Facebook, company websites and much more.



It has been made simple and easy for researchers, salespeople and marketers to search and access company data and direct contact information of key employees across the economically booming APAC region. Because government sources are monitored - including tax departments - there are no inactive companies in the database.



Countries covered include:



Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.

What's included:

Quarterly package: 13,920 credits for data export, email search and email verification

Annual package: 55,680 credits for data export, email search and email verification. Customers purchasing their first year will receive an additional 16,704 and a free 3 month extension of their online access

For more information about this database visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kgixr3

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Story continues

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




Sumeet Bagadia

Commonly known as 'Rendee' in Hindi, castor seeds is a kharif crop sown and grown in the monsoon season during the months of July to September.

States growing the crop constitute Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana, with the usual fresh crop harvesting period occurring in December in Telangana, and March and April in Gujarat and Rajasthan each year.

Sowing of castor seeds depends on the monsoon season and the distribution of rainfall in various regions. As compared to other kharif crops, it requires relatively less rainfall and can be grown in dry and arid regions. Castor seed is also a nine-month crop - from its sowing till the completion of its harvesting.

Price also plays a critical role, which determines how much sowing the farmers are ready to do in the above period. Higher prices is generally forecasted to increase sowing of castor seed while lower prices can possibly lead to crop switching to other crops such as Cotton and Guar Seed in the earlier mentioned states respectively.

Higher yields in the soil supports the castor seed crop and the crop can grow as tall as 9-10 feet in height. Medium yields can help the castor seed crop to grow to a height of 7-8 feet height, while lower yields in the soil boosts growth upto 5-6 feet in height.

Castor seed is a non-edible oil seed and is used majorly in the industrial sectors after extracting castor seed oil in various industries of India. It is the residual of the castor seed after extraction of oil and it is mainly used for organic fertilizers. Castor Oil and Castor meals are exported outside India especially to countries such as China and the United States, while other export destinations include the European Union.

NCDEX Castor Seed spot price which had been bearish during the month of May so far owing to lower demand in domestic traders and lower export demand from international buyers. Moreover, auctions in the domestic APMCs of Gujarat have not been conducted on a larger scale which has reduced the prices in the futures markets.

But then, lesser domestic stocks available cushioned prices from lower levels bringing prices near to equilibrium. By May 26, NCDEX Castor Seed futures closed at Rs 3,580 per quintal, lower by 1.43 percent compared to Rs 3,632 per quintal reported on May 1.

Fundamentally for the coming weeks, we are expecting NCDEX Castor seed futures to trade bearish as the current year (2019-20) production is estimated to be higher compared to previous year by 10-12 percent in the state of Gujarat and Rajasthan. So far, the worries of crop damage during the lockdown period has eased after the Government of India removed restrictions on farm activities and farm labour in the above states with strict regulations. Pending harvesting has been completed and has brought higher production estimates in the domestic market.

Global exports of castor seed oil and meals is currently lower due to worldwide lockdown, though, there has been a small incline in exports to China which is expected to limit major downtrend in castor seed futures.

Domestic demand for organic fertilizers has shown small increase as farmers have already begun for the summer crop sowing and upcoming kharif sowing. However, the downtrend in castor prices is likely to be witnessed only till the first half of June with arrival of monsoon season; where the farmers are likely to move into peak sowing activities which could possibly reduce supply/arrivals in the domestic markets. Overall, we expect bearish trends in NCDEX Castor Seed futures for the coming weeks.

Technically, one can initiate short positions around Rs 3,670 per quintal and up to Rs 3,730 levels, which can be used as a selling opportunity for the downside target of Rs 3,270. However, the bearish view will be negated if NCDEX Castor Seed (June) closes above the resistance of Rs 3,870.

The author is Executive Director at Choice Broking.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on Moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Heavy rains, dam failures and devastating flooding last week have left lakefront communities wondering about the future.

Property owners on a series of lakes in Midland and Gladwin counties are considering how to move forward from the damage while fearing a reduction in property values and the prospect that it could be years for their lakes to come back  if ever.

We spoke with people on Smallwood, Secord, Sanford and Wixom lakes about their perspectives.

Preserving a family legacy on Smallwood Lake

Ella Delduca has fond memories visiting her familys property every week on Smallwood Lake since she was young. She and her children still regularly make trips to the lake house which was built in the 1940s. When Delduca, who lives in Burton, inherited the house from her uncle in 2016, she remodeled the flooring and walls, investing thousands of dollars into the project.

During the week of May 18, all that hard work was ruined when the lake flooded, bringing water up to the top of the kitchen counters, leaving behind two inches of mud and ruining all the furniture.

My daughter worked tirelessly, Delduca said.

Now the lake has been lowered as inspection crews look over the Smallwood Dam. Neither Delduca nor her neighbors have flood insurance. She is especially worried about older residents who have moved permanently to Smallwood Lake in their retirement.

Its just devastating to everybody, she stated.

Now the lake is lowered as inspection crews evaluate the Smallwood Dam. Delduca knows there is a lot of work to be done along the lakeside, but she believes the lake and its surrounding properties will recover over time. She mightve considered selling the house, but its deeply engrained in her past and is promised to her children in the future.

Its my inheritance. Im keeping it.

Assessing damage on Secord Lake

Billy Hopper, owner of Northern Michigan Property Maintenance, is in the midst of repairing rock retaining walls along Secord Lake that were damaged by the flooding on May 19. Hopper, who has lived on Secord Lake for five years, reported minimal damage to properties, as most of the houses are situated well above the water level. His own home is safe and dry.

The water rose probably 12 feet on average. Anyone had a house on water level had damage to their home, Hopper said.

Apart from damage to retaining walls and debris in yards, some basements experienced flooding when sump pumps failed. Hopper plans on keeping his home on Secord Lake and expects his neighbors will stay for the time being as well. In the meantime, the residents are collecting donations for harder-hit areas, including Sanford and Wixom lakes.

I dont foresee people wanting to sell their property. Theyll be a bit gun-shy, he said.

Secords lake level is being dropped so crews can perform inspections. Hopper believes it will take weeks for assessments to be completed. Until then, its a waiting game.

Everyones concerned about the Fourth of July, not having water for boating, he said.

Sticking it out on Sanford Lake

Bill Huss has lived toward the north end of Sanford Lake for 35 years. But what was once a full lake is a muddy lakebed with a ribbon of the Tittabawassee River flowing past. Huss home, which stands 23 feet above the lake, was untouched by the flood; the only damage he sustained was losing a section of his dock.

Huss has no knowledge of whether the lakes water level will be restored as that decision will be determined if and when the Sanford Dam will be rebuilt. However, he considers himself a forever optimist and hopes the dam will be restored. He isnt worrying about his property value, as he has no plans on moving, even if the lake doesnt return.

Its our home. Our daughter lives next door. Were going to stick it out and see how it goes, Huss said.

While his home was left untouched by the flood, Huss has been working with his neighbors to help clear flooded houses. He was touched at seeing the community of Sanford band together in these difficult times.

Every once in a while, you see how good it can be.

Waiting for Wixom Lake to return

Eric McPeaks family has owned property on Wixom Lake since the 1940s, and this year was the first time their family cottage has experienced flooding.

Weve had high waters before. But it was different in 1986, McPeak said.

McPeak, who lives in Midland, feels the value of his familys property, along with his neighbors land, has decreased significantly since the flood. There was about four to five feet of water in the cottage, creating substantial damage to the building while the flooding eroded a creek behind the house. Wixom Lake is now empty, apart from the Tittabawassee flowing by, unobstructed.

I really cant imagine not getting the lake back, McPeak said. The value of the properties is going down since its not a resort property anymore.

McPeak is now playing a waiting game. He and his siblings are cleaning out the cottage and plan to make necessary repairs, but they will wait to see if the Edenville Dam will be restored and the lake levels return to normal before investing much more into the property in case the lake doesnt return. Either way, the McPeaks are ready for whatever comes.

Life goes on, McPeak said.
CURRITUCK, N.C. - Spanish explorers landed in Currituck County 500 years ago looking for gold, a good port and maybe a place to settle. When they found nothing that worked for them, they sailed for other lands.

In the process, however, they left behind some small, sturdy horses that were able to thrive in the harsh habitat  and become one of the Outer Banks biggest tourist attractions.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund and the Museum of the Albemarle are making exhibits and producing an online video to commemorate the arrival of the famous horses, said Don Pendergraft, director of regional museums for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

They are also working with Currituck-based Sanctuary Vineyards to produce a wine named for Pedro de Quexoia, the Spanish explorer who first came here. A percentage of sales will go to education programs at the museum, he said.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is taking DNA samples from about 100 horses roaming the Currituck beaches and a farm in Grandy, where many retire after they can no longer live in the wild.

The plan is to create a genealogy chart for each horse and breed some of the horses on the Grandy farm, said Jo Langone, chief operating officer of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

DNA tests taken years ago confirmed Spanish ancestry, but sampling did not include the entire herd, she said.

This is more validation, Langone said.

Even Raymond the mule, who lived with the wild horses until he retired last year to the farm, has Spanish mustang ancestry from his mother, said Meg Puckett, manager of the Corolla wild horse herd.

The Corolla horses are short and sturdy with unique bones in their vertebra and legs that make them strong like Spanish mustangs.

Puckett has tried to separate history from myth as much as possible while researching the wild horses history.

Spanish law required the explorers bring horses to the new world, Puckett said. They later raised horses on ranches in Central and South America. The DNA tests are showing that the horses hail from Spanish ranches in the 1500s and some came from wrecks of Spanish ships off the coast, Puckett said.

The genetics are nearly pure, despite the occasional mix with domestic horses over the decades. Locals once farmed on the Outer Banks, she said.

The Spanish came here a few times with their horses.

De Quexoia sailed to Currituck and planted a flag in 1520, more than 60 years before the English arrived, Pendergraft said. Not much else is known except he did not stay long. In some accounts, his name is de Quejo.

The Spanish in North Carolina is a little known subject since history is more related to England and the Lost Colony, Pendergraft said.

A few years later, the Spanish established a temporary colony near what is now Cape Fear River, he said.

The colony failed in much the same circumstances as the Lost Colony, he said.

The Spanish returned to the region in the 1560s, creating outposts on the Baya de Santa Maria  the name for the Chesapeake Bay and the North Carolina sounds, said Currituck historian Barbara Snowden.

A group led by Pedro de Coronas landed in Currituck County in 1566 and explored for days before departing, according to the North Carolina Museum of History.

In 1567, a group of Spaniards built a fort in western North Carolina marking the earliest European settlement in the interior of the United States, Pendergraft said. Natives attacked and destroyed the fort.

The Spanish gave way to the English by the late 1500s, when Sir Walter Raleigh sent his expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean  including the party that became known as The Lost Colony.

John Lawson called the Outer Banks horses well shaped and swift in 1701, according to a history on the Corolla Wild Horse Fund website.

Historian Edmund Ruffin recorded seeing them in 1856.

They are capable of great endurance of labour and hardship, and live so roughly that any others from abroad seldom live a year on such food and other such great exposure, he wrote.

They are much the same today, Langone said.

They are so fascinating, she said. They represent so much of the American spirit.
PEOPLE will die is the stark warning from a Clara woman awaiting knee surgery, one of hundreds of private patients around the country whose procedures have been put on hold during the Covid crisis.

Stephanie Connor was due to undergo surgery on her left knee at a private hospital but just four days before her procedure the facility, along with all other independent hospitals in the country, was brought under the control of the Health Service Executive [HSE] to cope with the expected surge in Covid cases.

The surge did not materialise and the private beds have been surplus to requirements, a leading Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Turlough O'Donnell has claimed.

Stephanie now suffers severe pain and has spent hundreds of euros on patches to alleviate her situation.

She also suffers from stomach pain due to the amount of painkillers she is ingesting.

Now on crutches, Stephanie, who farms with her husband, David and family outside Clara, also has to contend with hip pain brought on by her knee condition.

There are lots of other people in the same boat as me, Stephanie told the Tribune this week.

She added; I'm not just speaking for myself but for the hundreds of other people around the country in the same situation.

We are being brushed aside, she added stressing that she and others had paid voluntary health insurance all their lives.

There are cancer and heart patients far worse than me, she stressed.

Stephanie was originally scheduled to have her procedure in April but it was brought forward to March due to the severity of her condition.

But the procedure was indefinitely deferred when the HSE assumed control of the hospital and a tentative date has now been set for late July or August.

My biggest fear is falling as my knee is under such pressure, said Stephanie, who is originally from Ballybrit, outside Roscrea, in the south of the county.

She said she had received several steroid injections to manage the pain but they were now ineffective.

Stephanie paid tribute to her G.P., Dr Raymond Campbell and his team at the Market Square Medical Centre in Kilbeggan who she said had been a great support to her.

I would have been in utter despair without him and his staff, she outlined.

Stephanie urged people in a similar position to her to make as much noise as possible.

She has contacted local T.D.s and paid tribute to Deputies Carol Nolan and Clara-based Barry Cowen for their advocacy on her behalf. She also thanked local Tullamore area councillor, Neil Feighery for his assistance

The situation private patients awaiting surgery are in was highlighted earlier this month by Dr Turlough O'Donnell, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Beacon Hospital in Sandyford, Dublin and also Associate Professor in Clinical Surgery at University College Dublin.

He said it was time to allow independent hospitals and their staff to return immediately to work and provide a service to those that desperately need it.

He said that capacity in intensive care units in public hospitals had not been reached at any point in the Covid crisis but yet the Government was squandering 115 million per month in order to prevent independent hospitals from performing their duty to the patients they serve.

This is an extravagance borne out of a political ideology rather than a public health emergency, claimed Dr O'Donnell.

He continued; Those of us who work in the independent health care sector have been ready and willing to do all we can to help and treat patients suffering from this appalling disease. The fact is, however, that we simply have been surplus to requirements. Our colleagues in public hospitals who have been dealing with this pandemic have worked heroically but that is no reason for denying our patients the right to access the care they require.

Added Dr O'Donnell: Maintaining empty beds at enormous costs to the taxpayer is immoral, unethical, an example of economic incompetence and nothing short of a national scandal.

Keeping independent bed capacity under wraps in case of a surge is flimsy logic, he claimed.

There is a point where prudent planning becomes fiscal madness. We have passed that particular fork in the road.
Gov. Walz has called for the full mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard, KSTP.com informs. Minneapolis Mayor Frey in a media briefing said that many protesters are from out of state. St. Paul Mayor Carter in the same media briefing said that all protesters arrested Friday night in to Saturday morning are from out of state.

Minnesota state officials addressed the continued violent protests in Minneapolis early Saturday morning and gave a bleak picture of the resources available to quell the ongoing arson and chaos in response to the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer, KSTP.com recalls.
Advertisement

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourts Zonal Office, on Thursday, May 28, 2020, secured the conviction of one Praise Wokoma Barrah for illegal dealing in petroleum products. He was jailed by Justice I.M Sani of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.

The convict was arraigned by the Commission on one-count charge bordering on illegal dealing in petroleum products, contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Petroleum Act, CAP P10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, and punishable under Section 4 (6) of the same Act.

The one-count charge read: That you Praise Wokoma Barrah, sometime in August, 2019 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did distribute petroleum products (Automotive Gas Oil) conveyed in a Ford Bus with registration number FZE 778 RV without a licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Petroleum Act, CAP P10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, and punishable under Section 4 (6) of the same Act.

Advertisement

Barrah pleaded guilty to the charge.

While reviewing the facts, prosecution counsel, M. T. Iko tendered some documents and called a witness who told the court that the convict was arrested by 6 Division, Nigerian Army at Okwujiagu Area of Port Harcourt, alongside a Ford Bus with registration Number FZE 778 RV, while conveying drums containing products suspected to be illegally -refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

The prosecution witness further disclosed that the convict, Barrah, did not have a licence from the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to lift or deal in petroleum products. In view of the facts, Iko urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant as charged.

Justice Sani thereafter convicted and sentenced Barrah to two years imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200, 000) fine.
A Lufthansa plane carrying around 200 mainly German workers landed in China on Saturday, marking the first return of Europeans since the country suspended visas over the coronavirus. China drastically cut international flight routes in late March and imposed a entry ban on most foreigners -- including those with valid residence visas. The move underlined its fears over imported coronavirus cases and a second wave of infections as the virus epicentre shifted beyond China, where the deadly pathogen was first reported late last year. Many workers found themselves stranded abroad and unable to return after leaving China at the height of the epidemic. Lufthansa's flight from Frankfurt landed shortly before noon at Tianjin airport, southeast of Beijing, the German flag-carrier said. The group, made up of employees of German companies and their families, were tested for COVID-19 after they landed and will have to quarantine for two weeks. "We did not know if this plane would leave or not" until the last minute, said passenger Alexander Ophoven before takeoff. A second aircraft -- reserved for people whose who need to be in China for economic, commercial, scientific or technological purposes, or for urgent humanitarian reasons -- is scheduled to depart from Frankfurt for Shanghai on June 3. There are more than 5,000 German companies operating in China, according to the local German Chamber of Commerce. Two months after closing its borders, China is beginning to lift restrictions on foreigners. Beijing announced on Friday that some Singapore nationals will be allowed to return from early June. They will only be allowed entry into six cities and provinces initially, including Shanghai. The number of international flights between China and the rest of the world will increase from 134 to 407 per week as of Monday, according to the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration.
Minister of Transport Marc Garneau speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on March 25, 2020. (Blair Gable/Reuters)

Canada Needs Airline Industry, Is Monitoring Day by Day: Minister

OTTAWACanada is closely monitoring the slumping airline industry and extended a ban on large cruise ships to Oct. 31 to help prevent the spread of the CCP virus, Transport Minister Marc Garneau said on Friday.

We are monitoring the situation from day to day I have a responsibility to make sure that when this pandemic is over, we still have an airline industry, Garneau told reporters when asked if the federal government would step in to help Air Canada through the COVID-19 downturn.

Due to Canadas size and geography, We expect and need an airline industry in this country, he said.

Before considering any sector-specific aid, the government is waiting to see if the industry takes advantage of its emergency loan program for large companies, Garneau added.

Canadas April gross domestic product plunged a record 11% from March as businesses shut down to fight the coronavirus, data showed on Friday, and analysts said it was unclear how quickly the economy would recover.

COVID-19 is still a very serious threat, but with the right plan and the right investments we will weather this storm together, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in his daily news conference.

On Friday, the public health agency said coronavirus deaths rose to 6,918, an increase of less than 2 percent from the previous day.

Cruise ships with overnight capacity for more than 100 crew and passengers will not be allowed to operate in Canadian waters at least until November, the minister said. The ban on large cruise ships, many of which were hit by COVID-19 outbreaks, began in March.

As of July 1, it will be up to local, provincial, or territorial authorities to set timelines and procedures for all other passenger vessels.

Separately on Friday, the government announced additional funding to help indigenous communities get through the coronavirus outbreak.

By Steve Scherer
Sex workers living with HIV in Uganda have stopped taking their medication because of a lack of food and income as restrictions have left them with no clients.



The government has been giving food aid to some of those who are most affected by the restrictions that have been in place for two months.



But Joelia Namiiro, an HIV sex worker, says she has had to make difficult choices to fee her family, which means defying the rules.



"You wake up in the morning and the children are crying that they are hungry; they didnt have supper.



"Do you think you will just sit at home? You have to take risks, and leave the rest to God.



"I have been risking it, and going out to work, because I must feed my children. My children will not die because I am worried about catching Covid-19."



The 30-year-old mother of four has also stopped taking her anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs because she cannot take them on an empty stomach.



She feels the government has abandoned those living with other illnesses and focused on Covid-19.



According to official figures, HIV prevalence among sex workers is at 37% compared to a national average of just 5.7%.



Uganda has brought its HIV prevalence down by focusing on vulnerable groups like sex workers.



Dr Stephen Watiti, a renowned HIV campaigner, fears that the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic may reverse the gains made in the fight against HIV.



Several sex workers he has counselled in the past have reached out asking for support.



Some say they have stopped taking their drugs, while others only take them when they have food.



"We tell our patients, that you must eat something, before you swallow medicine. And indeed, Ive been on medicine for over 20 years now - ARVs. And if you dont eat and then swallow, it hurts you," he says.



In the first two weeks of the lockdown in March, more than 100 sex workers were arrested by the police across the country, for going out to work, according to their association.



Most have since been released.



But for the women in the Bwaise suburb of the capital, Kampala, and elsewhere, arrest is the least of their worries. Many are ready to risk their lives.

Source: BBC









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
The confrontations came after an extraordinary scene outside the White House in the early hours of Saturday that captured the anger and divisions that have gripped the nation. More than 1,000 demonstrators massed along Pennsylvania Avenue, throwing bricks and rocks and dispersing only after 3 a.m., when the Secret Service began to fire chemical agents. No similar scene has unfolded within view of the North Portico of the presidents home in recent memory.
The Supreme Court issued notices on Friday to Tata Sons Ltd and Ratan Tata on a plea by two Shapoorji Pallonji group firms, Cyrus Investments and Sterling Corp., seeking board representation proportionate to the 18.4% stake they hold in the Tata group holding company.

The notices were issued on a plea moved by the two firms against a December 2019 ruling by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

A bench of justices AS Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy tagged the petition along with the appeals filed by Tata Sons in January challenging the NCLAT verdict. Both appeals will now be heard together.

Cyrus Investments and Sterling said in their petition that although NCLAT acknowledged oppression of minority shareholder in removing Mistry as executive chairperson of Tata Sons and had reinstated Mistry to that position, it failed to grant certain crucial reliefs to the firms.

The NCLAT by limiting the relief granted to the appellants in connection with their prayer for Board representation, only to the remainder of Cyrus Mistrys tenure has not secured the interest of the Shapoorji Pallonji group from any prejudicial conduct in the future, the petition said.

The NCLAT, in its December 18, 2019 judgment, had ruled in favour of the Mistry firms holding that the proceedings of the board meeting of Tata Sons held on October 24, 2016, removing Mistry as chairman was illegal.
Is the cliche true  are men reluctant to talk to doctors about their health? Surveys paint a depressing picture: up to 80 per cent of men questioned by Bupa recently said they would rather endure an illness than seek help.

In my own surgery, men under the age of 40 are an unusual sight. Although we do get more middle-aged blokes coming in, often to have a heart health check-up, I'd say two-thirds of my patients, generally, are women. There are many reasons for this.

Women are more used to seeing doctors, having often gone through the process of having a baby, with all the check-ups and visits that involves before, during and for years after. Regular screening for cervical cancer, from their mid-20s, and breast cancer in middle age, is another reason.

And, no doubt, some men feel pressure to 'be a man' and not talk about their problems. Nowhere is this more apparent than with 'embarrassing' ailments.

Up to 80 per cent of men questioned by Bupa recently said they would rather endure an illness than seek help

'Physical stuff around genitals is something most guys will find difficult to talk about,' says Jim Pollard from the Men's Health Forum. 'These things are tied up with notions of masculinity  and men don't like sitting in a doctor's surgery admitting they don't know what's wrong.'

The key thing to remember, as Dr Kaye has already pointed out on the previous pages about women's health, is that we GPs have seen all of this before.

Men can, and do, come and see me all the time with these things  and, of course, if you'd rather speak to a male doctor, we understand that.

In the meantime, here is my guide for dealing with the male ailments you might be shy to talk about  but really needn't be.

THE QUESTION MEN MOST ASK GOOGLE BUT NOT ME

Suicide risk among men who won't talk Men are significantly more likely to commit suicide than women because they struggle to admit they need help. For many men, mental health issues remain a taboo subject, despite efforts to bring problems such as anxiety and depression out into the open. Men's Health Forum founder Jim Pollard says: 'I think it's embarrassing for men to say, 'I don't think I'm coping.' Mental health charities, such as Heads Together, founded in 2016 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, pictured, and Prince Harry, have been encouraging men to speak out 'One guy told me he'd rather admit to not being able to get it up than admit he was struggling mentally.' In recent years, mental health charities, such as Heads Together, founded in 2016 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, have been encouraging men to speak out. Despite this, three-quarters of suicides are by men. Almost 5,000 killed themselves in 2018 compared with 1,604 women. According to the Samaritans, the highest rate of suicide is in men aged 45 to 49, and is the biggest killer in men under 35. 'Women are more likely to seek treatment,' Jim says. 'We've run confidential and anonymous chat services for men's mental and physical health issues, and in both cases the doctors said they got talking about issues that never came out in normal surgeries.' A Samaritans spokesman added: 'Suicide is rarely caused by one thing. There is a range of psychological, social, cultural and economic factors that influence suicide risk.' For support, call the Samaritans' free 24-hour helpline on 116 123. Advertisement

It is, according to search-engine data, one of the most frequently asked questions relating to male sexual health: What are the spots on my penis?

Sexually transmitted infections are common, but also easily sorted. However, I often see a patient who's worried himself unnecessarily  or worse, tried to self-treat  when the problem is entirely benign.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Small raised bumps along the shaft of the penis that are pale red, yellow-white or skin-coloured are usually what we call Fordyce spots or granules.

They can also appear on the scrotum, and the lips, but they are totally harmless oil-secreting glands in the skin, and there is no reason to do anything about them. There are loads of home-remedies for sale on the internet, but these at best do nothing and at worst damage the skin. Avoid them.

Small white spots around the head of the penis, known as pearly papules, are also totally harmless and about a third of men have them. It's also not unusual to get small red pimples, known as septic spots, which just go away after a week.

Genital warts are common  about 57,000 men get them each year. The colour depends on your skin shade but the characteristic appearance is of a 'wobbly' projection  like a tiny strand of seaweed.

They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is also linked with cervical, throat and anal cancers.

Genital warts are highly infectious and can be passed on through sex, but cases have been in decline thanks to the rollout of a vaccine against the virus offered to teenage girls (and, since September, also to boys).

Spots which are more like ulcers  but are usually painless  may be syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can also cause a rash on the hands and feet.

I know Dr Google may have diagnosed penile cancer, which is linked to the HPV virus, but this affects only 640 men a year in the UK.

WHAT CAN I DO?

If you want to save yourself the worry, just see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis.

Your GP, or a local sexual health clinic, will be able to test you for STIs and prescribe treatment  antibiotics for syphilis and a cream or minor surgery to burn, laser or freeze off genital warts. And if you are treated, and symptoms persist, make sure you go back to the doctor.

MYSTIFYING SCAR TISSUE CAUSING SEX PROBLEMS

Bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes  and penises are no different.

Most men will worry at some point that their own isn't 'normal', but it's time to take note if there's an obvious change  a more noticeable bend, for example, or even an hour-glass shape.

This could be a sign of the usually harmless condition Peyronie's disease. Normally only noticeable when erect, if any of these are accompanied by painful erections or erectile dysfunction then it should be checked out.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Experts are still a bit stumped, but the change of shape is the result of scar tissue, or plaques, developing within the shaft. In some cases it happens following an injury sustained during sexual activity.

It's also relatively common, affecting up to one in ten men, and is most prevalent in those aged 50 and over. It might also run in families.

While not harmful, it can be emotionally distressing, particularly if it affects sexual relationships, which can take a huge toll on mental health.

WHAT CAN I DO?

It can improve all by itself. But take advice from a GP or sexual health clinic. There are some potential treatments, including injecting steroids or using ultrasound therapy, but there is only limited evidence this works.

A change in penis shape is the result of scar tissue and while not harmful, it can be emotionally distressing, particularly if it affects sexual relationships

If the change in shape is severe and makes intercourse impossible, for instance, surgery to cut away the plaque or implant a device to straighten the penis is available as a very last resort.

Consultant urologist Asif Muneer tells me some patients find it easier to take pictures of the problem to save embarrassment when they seek help. 'When I started, people were bringing in out-of-focus Polaroids,' he said. 'Now, thanks to mobile phone cameras, I can get a better idea of the problem.'

WHEN THE LOCATION OF A LUMP IS EVERYTHING

A lump in the testicles doesn't always mean cancer, despite what Dr Google might suggest.

For every 100 men who find such a growth, 96 will discover it has a completely harmless cause. And often it might not even need any treatment at all.

Any change should be checked out straight away by a doctor, but there are a whole range of benign conditions that it's more likely to be than cancer.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Any lump behind or on top of the testicle might be an epididymal cyst  a harmless growth filled with liquid.

It's more common in the over-40s and rarely needs treatment.

This is diagnosed by a doctor shining a special light through the scrotum. If it's an epididymal cyst, the light will shine through the liquid, if it is cancer, it won't.

Other common lumps include varicoceles, distended veins just like varicose veins in legs, and hydroceles, which involve fluid accumulating around the testicle.

An infection known as epididymo-orchitis, which causes the testicles to become painful and swollen, is the only issue that may need treatment with antibiotics.

But Robert Cornes, a specialist nurse at male cancer charity Orchid, says that as a general rule of thumb, any small, hard lump attached to the testicle should be checked in case it's an early sign of testicular cancer.

WHAT CAN I DO?

While most lumps will be completely benign, do see a GP, urges Mr Cornes.

'A quick examination will tell us what's going on and, if not, an ultrasound on the testicle will be about 99 per cent accurate.'

It's worth remembering, too, that testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early, with ten-year survival rates at 98 per cent.

WHAT CAUSES THESE MOOBS TO GROW?

It's the last thing men want to talk about. But weight gain around the chest area  sometimes described as 'man boobs' or 'moobs'  affects as many as 70 per cent of men over the age of 50.

Weight gain around the chest area - sometimes described as 'man boobs' or 'moobs' - affects as many as 70 per cent of men over the age of 50

WHAT COULD IT BE?

The clinical name is gynaecomastia and it's generally harmless. But it can be uncomfortable, causing chafing and tenderness, and lead to feelings of depression and isolation. It generally develops because of a hormone imbalance between testosterone and oestrogen. When men pile on the pounds later in life, the extra body fat leads to a rise in oestrogen.

Testosterone levels, which normally keep oestrogen in check, also drop with age. Both can cause breast tissue to develop. In rarer cases it might be a symptom of liver cirrhosis, testicular cancer, kidney failure or an overactive thyroid, or a side effect of medication for an enlarged prostate or anti-psychotic drugs.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Most men won't need to seek treatment. Losing weight can help. In some cases, usually in men who are otherwise slim, drugs can help suppress excess oestrogen.

Struggling to perform? Get a diabetes check All men will occasionally fail to either get or maintain an erection. It doesnt mean theres a serious or permanent problem. Studies have shown that about 4.3 million men in the UK  one in five  suffer regularly from erectile dysfunction, and its thought to affect half of all men over 50. Most men avoid talking to their GP  or their partner  about it. And yet its potentially really easy to solve. WHAT CAUSES IT? Stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol are the most common causes of an intermittent problem. But an erection also relies on having a healthy circulation, so in some cases it might be an early sign of more serious  but treatable  conditions such as heart problems or diabetes. Men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erection problems, and its really common for patients to come to clinics seeking help with impotence only to find theyve got diabetes. WHAT CAN I DO? Erection problems can be treated easily with drugs such as Viagra, which increases blood flow to the penis. Its available to buy over the counter in pharmacies, but the pharmacist will want to have a proper discussion about your health history first. For example, men who have previously had a stroke or heart attack shouldnt take Viagra. Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may be advised to lose weight or take medication to lower blood sugar levels, and if theres any sign of cardiovascular disease a statin might be offered to reduce cholesterol. This in itself can help. You might be tested for your testosterone level too. Just dont be tempted to buy Viagra online  17 million worth of unlicensed or counterfeit Viagra was seized in 2016 alone. At best, they wont do anything, but at worst they could be dangerous. Go and see your GP  dont self-diagnose  and get your overall health checked, says Jim Pollard from the Mens Health Forum. Advertisement

NIGHT TIME TOILET TRIPS COULD BE A WARNING

Stumbling to the toilet in the middle of the night is nothing unusual, especially after a couple of pints at the pub.

It's often linked to advancing years and will, most likely, worsen with age.

But if it's regularly happening several times a night, the need becomes more urgent, and if it's affecting the quality of sleep, then it might be worth going to see a GP.

WHAT COULD IT BE?

There is a good chance it's nothing more than an enlarged prostate  the walnut-sized gland underneath the bladder which produces semen.

According to health regulatory body NICE, 40 per cent of men in their 50s  rising to 90 per cent in their 80s  have the condition.

It is a completely normal side effect of ageing.

However, it puts additional pressure on the bladder, which causes men to feel the need to urinate more frequently.

Men might worry that this means they're at an increased risk of prostate cancer, but this isn't true.

What is important is that the symptoms are checked to rule out prostate cancer, which affects one in eight men.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Orchid nurse Robert Cornes says: 'Your GP should refer you to a consultant urologist.'

This appointment may require a rectal examination, and a blood test known as a PSA test which, although unreliable, can suggest whether cancer is more likely.

Treatment for an enlarged prostate can include simple lifestyle changes, such as drinking less alcohol and caffeine, and exercising more.

Medication can reduce the size of the prostate and relax the bladder, but in more serious cases  where drugs fail  surgery may be recommended.

Even if the prostate is cancerous it might not need aggressive treatment as generally the tumours grow slowly.

THE INTIMATE INFECTION YOU SHOULDN'T IGNORE

Discharge from the penis, outside of sexual activity, is never normal. If you notice this, it's probably the sign of an infection. The good news is such infections are very easy to treat, so don't delay in seeing a doctor.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

White discharge indicates chlamydia, the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK. It is passed on through unprotected sex, and mainly affects young people aged 15 to 24, but growing numbers of middle-aged men are being struck with it. It may be accompanied by pain when urinating or painful testicles.

Green discharge is a sign of gonorrhoea. It also causes inflammation of the foreskin and a burning sensation when urinating.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Both conditions are treated with antibiotics. Visit your local sexual health clinic to see a clinician and pick up a prescription. Alternatively, seek help from an online NHS sexual health clinic. They may offer you the option of a self-swab, which you can do at home and send off, as well as treatment remotely.

In the meantime, to avoid passing it on, don't have unprotected sex as these infections can seriously affect a woman's fertility.
Nobel laureate Peter Charles Doherty has expressed concern about India and other densely-populated countries relaxing lockdown norms to limit the spread of coronavirus disease Covid-19. At the same time, he has also described a complete shutdown as an economic and social impossibility.

Doherty, who is with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1996 for his discovery of how the bodys immune system distinguishes virus-infected cells from normal ones.

In an exclusive email interview with news agency PTI, he said that the number of coronavirus cases will rise.

If it was purely a matter of hard science, everywhere should stay locked down. But thats pretty much an economic and social impossibility, Doherty said.

The expectation, he said, is the numbers will rise and limiting spread will depend on people acting responsibly and the capacity for rapid response and extensive contact testing. And in a densely populated country like India I think that it will be very difficult, the nobel laureate said.

The number of Covid-19 cases in India has been rising rapidly and now stands at 173,763 including 4,971 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data on Saturday morning.

A nationwide lockdown, imposed on March 25 to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease, has been extended thrice, with the fourth phase due to end on Sunday, May 31. However, the government has been gradually easing restrictions to re-start the economy.

Doherty said there is no alternative to a lockdown, not till we have effective vaccines.

There is no other option other than closing borders. South Korea, for example, conducted massive, intensive testing and contact tracing in a wealthy country with a very disciplined population. Otherwise, not till we have effective vaccines.

However, he added that he personally doesnt see the point of closing borders for people coming in if theres already a high incidence of disease in the community, unless its to avoid the need to care for them and use scarce hospital beds.

With no cure for the disease in sight yet, scientists and governments around the world are doubling down to develop a drug or a vaccine for Covid-19. Most, however, acknowledge that a vaccine may not be available before at least a year.

Doherty, too, says that the earliest time frame for an effective vaccine going into large numbers of people is nine to 12 months.

If all goes well with testing, we could know if some of the candidate vaccines are both safe and effective as early as September/October. Then, rolling a vaccine out will depend on the type of product and how quickly it can be made, put in vials and so forth, Doherty told PTI in an email interview from Melbourne.

However, a front-running Covid-19 vaccine candidate being developed in China is expected to be available as soon as the end of this year, according to a report published in the official Wechat account of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

The vaccine, jointly developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products and China National Biotec Group Co., has completed phase II testing and may be ready for the market at the end of this year or early next year, said the report.

Doherty also warned against the use of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat Covid-19, and said current and planned trials of the anti-malaria drug should be stopped.

My understanding is that the use of the drug in severe disease is definitely contra-indicated, but its not yet clear whether, if taken under medical supervision, it could have some useful effect if taken early on, or as a preventive. Those trials just havent been done properly, Doherty noted.

However, earlier this week the Indian Council of Medical Research has said that no major side-effects of HCQ in studies done in India and its use can be continued in preventive treatment for Covid-19 under strict medical supervision.

The ICMRs statement had come against the backdrop of the World Health Organization (WHO) temporarily suspending the testing of the drug as a potential treatment for Covid-19 over safety concerns.

US President Trump, too, has said that he took a two-week dose of hydroxychloroquine as a preventive drug after possible exposure to the coronavirus following two White House staffers testing positive. He also got India to lift the ban on the export of the drug some weeks ago.

Another cure being tried out for Covid-19 is the plasma therapy.

Asked whether plasma therapy can be an effective treatment for Covid-19, Doherty told PTI, We lack good properly controlled trials but, especially if the plasma has been tested for antibody levels and theres evidence of good activity, it could be helpful. If I had the disease and was offered plasma therapy I would certainly accept, but I would not take hydroxychloroquine.

Doherty is also very optimistic about herd immunity developing against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We think that (herd immunity) will cut in and have an obvious effect when, say, 60 per cent of people have been infected. Best hope is to boost herd immunity with a vaccine, he stated.

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 vaccination or previous infections.

EOM
Today, 24 residents of the Krasnodar Territory returned from Lebanon to their homeland.

A charter flight of Rusline Airlines on the route Krasnodar-Beirut-Krasnodar took place today. The return flight arrived at 19:49 at the airport of the Kuban capital, the Krasnodar airport specified.
YEREVAN.  Within the framework of the actions taken to assist the citizens of the Republic of Armenia (RA) in foreign countries and to help them return it to the homeland amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), as a result of cooperation with the embassy of India in Armenia and the embassy of Armenia in India, on Friday organized the New Delhi-Yerevan-New Delhi charter flights, the MFA informed.

Twenty three Armenian citizens in India have been transferred to Armenia, and 130 Indian students in Armenia have been transferred to India on board these flights.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Saturday deprecated the "sustained and synchronized attack" on the Supreme Court allegedly by "some senior advocates and former judges" and termed it as a conspiracy to "weaken and browbeat" the institution.

The apex lawyer body has alleged that some people are using the media and social media to "castigate and scandalize" the judiciary by imputing baseless motives on the apex court judges.

"Never before in the history of the country has such a concerted attack by some disgruntled members of the bar and some unhappy and disappointed former judges been witnessed," BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said in a press release.

"They are in virtual competition with each other in hurling choicest of derogatory and indecent words to denigrate the Supreme Court. They know that Supreme Court judges are under compulsion to remain within the 'Lakshman Rekha' and are unable to come out to defend themselves," the press release said.

The BCI said it is the duty of the Bar to protect the institution and to ensure that no unscrupulous attack succeeds in weakening the judiciary.

"The sustained and synchronized attack on Supreme Court by some senior advocates and former judges is a conspiracy to weaken and browbeat the institution," the BCI said, adding, "This is a very sad state of affairs."

The BCI said it is painful to see that only a few days after two advocates made "unfair and unhealthy remarks" against the apex court, a former judge of the Supreme Court also "joined this bandwagon" fully knowing that such idle talk leads to undermining the authority of judiciary as a whole.

It alleged that the Supreme Court is currently seized of the issue of migrant workers, who are stranded across the country amid the coronavirus lockdown, and the kind of brazen attack these "purported intellectuals" are making is nothing but an attempt to influence the apex court to toe a particular line in this matter which would fulfil their agenda to defame the government.

"Only two to three advocates are there, whose sole aim is to lay undue pressure upon the judges of Supreme Court by making such reckless remarks on almost every decision of the apex court. They want Supreme Court to run as per their dictates and according to their wishes," the release said.

"The indulgence of former judges is really very unfortunate. What the people have started to believe is that some former chief justices of high courts or some former judges of Supreme Court, who could not get a suitable berth after their superannuation, become disgruntled and start going in media and malign the system of which they were integral part for quite long period," the BCI claimed.

It said the Bar will request such people that they should maintain the dignity and decorum of the institution.

Recently, a day before the Supreme Court had taken cognisance on its own on the "unfortunate and miserable" plight of migrant labourers, twenty prominent lawyers from Delhi and Mumbai had written a critical open letter to Chief Justice of India S A Bobde and other judges saying the apex court's "apparent indifference" to the humanitarian crisis and its "institutional deference" to statements of the executive would amount to abdication of its constitutional role if not rectified immediately.

When the matter was heard by the apex court on May 28, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had complained to the court that there were prophets of doom in the country, who were spreading negativity and there were "arm chair intellectuals" who were not recognizing the nation's effort in dealing with the migrant workers' crisis during the Covid-19 induced lockdown.

(Photo Credit: PTI)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 22:16:24|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MADRID, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government is considering opening up safe "corridors" to allow foreign tourists to visit the Balearic and Canary Islands in the second half of June, Spanish Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Reyes Maroto was quoted by local media as saying on Saturday.

Spain received around 84 million tourists in 2019 with income from tourism making up 13 percent of the country's GDP and providing 12 percent of jobs, but the ongoing health crisis has put the sector on hold. There is a 14-day quarantine requirement for the arrivals from foreign countries until July 1 to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

But in an interview published in the La Vanguardia newspaper, Maroto said the government was considering easing restrictions for the two island groups which are among Spain's key tourist destinations.

"The islands have offered making these corridors and we will also talk to other Autonomous Communities to see if they are interested in corridors and what guarantees they could give us," said Maroto.

Both the Canary and the Balearic Islands are currently in the third stage (Phase 2) of the Spanish government's plan to ease restrictions. The small islands of El Hierro, La Graciosa and La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Formentera (Balearic Islands) will move into the fourth stage (Stage 3) on Monday.

Maroto added that "it is very important that the first tourists are tourists from countries which are in the same conditions as us and also in condition to fly safely." Enditem
Editor's note : Two expats who have worked in Vietnams tourist industry for the past several years have offered their perspectives on post-COVID-19 tourism in the country and how it can best set itself up for a strong recovery.

Vietnams tourism begins its comeback after the relaxation of the countrys social distancing measures meant to curb the virus spread.

In an effort to boost the countrys tourism recovery, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has announced a sixth-month campaign encouraging Vietnamese citizens to travel domestically to support local businesses, considering the domestic market the primary driver for the industrys recovery as the borders are still closed to international tourists.

Tuoi Tre News asked Australian Frank Bochmann, who has worked as general manager for Starwood/Marriott projects in Vietnam for years, and German Sven Albert Saebel, general manager of Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An in the central city of Hoi An, for their thoughts on the potential of Vietnamese tourism to recover, as well as the steps the industry should take to prepare for the future.

Their following comments have been edited by Tuoi Tre News for clarity, consistency, and coherence.

From your observation, how has tourism in Vietnam been affected by COVID-19?

Bochmann: COVID-19 has completely halted tourism activities, not only in Vietnam but pretty much the whole world. I dont think that people outside the tourism industry completely understand how big the disruption is and how many people this affects. Its not just hospitality workers in hotels and travel/tour operators (which number in the thousands), but also the families that rely on them to fill their rice bowls at home. For every hotel worker, travel/tour operator, there are also about four merchants, suppliers, farmers, shop owners, and drivers that rely on tourists to come to Vietnam and holiday or conduct business meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.

To reboot the flow and growth that the tourism sector has enjoyed over the last six years will take at least three years.

There are many investors who have invested large sums in building big and beautiful hotels, resorts, and luxury facilities. These people will have a very difficult time until the flights can bring business back to Vietnam.

The entire aviation sector will need to make some serious adjustments before people can be comfortable about getting into an aluminum envelope and sharing an air conditioning system with hundreds of strangers, except when there is a vaccine for COVID-19.

Frank Bochmann is seen in a photo he provided Tuoi Tre News.

Saebel: Vietnams tourism sector has been tragically affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. Airlines, hotels, restaurants, laundry facilities, amusement parks, transport companies, tour operators, and homestay owners have all seen their business come to a standstill. The loss of revenue and livelihoods for Vietnamese employees and entrepreneurs alike in all spheres is devastating and the real effects will only be seen as savings and cash funds dry up.

Many local travel companies and accommodation sites are offering big discounts in the hope of attracting more tourists. What do you think about these measures?

Bochmann: In my opinion, it will likely encourage some cash flow in the short term. Dropping prices and giving discounts are not a long-term solution for the industry, otherwise operators would likely have to pay their staff and suppliers less. In the long run, this could reduce the standards and quality of Vietnams tourism sector and lessen its attractiveness as a holiday destination.

Saebel: Local tourism can certainly offer a certain supply of customers; however, with the massive hotel expansion which we have experienced over the last few years, it is impossible to fill rooms in a profitable way. We certainly see reluctance in F&B sectors, with once crowded restaurants currently sparsely occupied. During times of emergency, people tend to lean toward frugality and the luxury of a hotel stay becomes an unnecessary expense.

The wild discounting of accommodations is a trend were seeing particularly with Hoi An homestays and budget accommodations. This is helping local businesses bring in basic income. When it comes to 4- and 5-star resorts and hotels, the trend of discounting is also a good way to attract domestic travelers, though this could lead to a reduction in service quality as businesses work to keep costs under control.

Sven Albert Saebel is seen in a photo he provided Tuoi Tre News

In your opinion, what else should tourism businesses in Vietnam do to get more customers and boost revenues?

Bochmann: Ideally, now is the time to work with and train associates. Contemporary tourists are looking for a personalized experience  something they can talk about when they get back to their families, friends, and colleagues. Now is the time to ask what we can sell tourists, MICE organizers, and destination wedding specialists that they can only experience in Vietnam. It is experiences and interaction with the Vietnamese people, authentic Vietnamese food, and Vietnamese culture, as well as beautiful weather and scenery that we need to concentrate on.

Saebel: Providing confidence in airplane travel and a safe stay in Vietnam is extremely important. Vietnamese tourism should also have programs for domestic holidaymakers to support Vietnam and local businesses, similar to what Australia and Europe are doing this year to keep the industry open and alive.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The number of patients with COVID-19 coronavirus disease exceeded the number of people who recovered over the past day in 11 out of 24 regions of Ukraine, according to data on coronavirus epidemic monitoring on the website of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).

Most of all new cases of COVID-19 over the past day have been recorded in Kyiv, Rivne, Lviv and Chernivtsi regions. The largest number of people recovered was found in Rivne and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, as well as Kyiv.
Sure, it might be warm Wednesday, but what about the rest of the week?

local
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 19:22:34|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the first plenary meeting of the inspection teams on the enforcement of the wildlife protection law in Beijing, capital of China, May 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature will send four teams of lawmakers to inspect the enforcement of the wildlife protection law in eight provincial-level regions across the country.

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), presided over the first plenary meeting of the inspection teams on Saturday.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will lead the inspection himself.

Stressing protection over the wildlife according to the law, Li required efforts to improve related legal systems, and safeguard public health security with strengthened law enforcement.

Li demanded a comprehensive assessment of the enforcement of the wildlife protection law to provide the basis for law revising through the inspection.

China's wildlife protection law was enacted in 1988 and has been revised four times, said Li, noting that the NPC Standing Committee decided to thoroughly ban illegal wildlife trade and food use in February.

The inspection should focus on aspects including the implementation of eliminating the bad habits of eating wild animals, the practice of banning and cracking down on wildlife trade, the management of non-edible use of wildlife, protection of wildlife habitats and the improvement in legal awareness among the public, Li said.

In addition to sending inspection teams, the NPC Standing Committee will also entrust standing committees of the remaining provincial-level people's congresses to inspect the enforcement of the law within their jurisdictions. Enditem
I got my magazine today but the gift that was available in-store is not attached. Why is this?

In some cases, the promotional "tip on" gifts are only available within store copies  these are generally exclusive promotions with selected retailers. Subscribers receive; magazine subscriptions at a reduced rate, receive free delivery anywhere in Australia, and often receive a promotional gift at the beginning of their subscription, if available at the time of your order.

My subscription includes a free gift. Who will it be sent to and when?

If a free gift applies to your subscription order, this item will be sent to you at the end of the promotion. It will always arrive in a separate parcel to the magazine and in the timeframe outlined in the terms and conditions for this promotion.

Unless otherwise stated in the terms and conditions of the promotion, the free gift will be sent to the biller's address who will receive the same quantity of gifts as subscriptions purchased during that promotion for the included titles.
The German government worked out its differences with the European Commission over a 9 billion-euro ($9.9 billion) bailout of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, clearing the way for the rescue of Europes biggest airline to move forward.

After intense talks, the commission and the German government agreed that Lufthansa will reduce its presence at airports in Frankfurt and Munich by four aircraft each. The accord, which the airlines management said it would accept, would give a toehold to new competitors hoping to challenge the dominant German carrier on its home turf.

The compromise settles a high-stakes showdown that played out over the past week, pitting the European Unions most powerful member state against the regulator tasked with ensuring fairness in the bailout process. The economic damage of the coronavirus crisis has unleashed an unprecedented gusher of state aid, led by Germanys 600 billion-euro ($666 billion) effort to shore up its economy.

With Lufthansas future in the balance, Germany on Monday offered Lufthansa a package of loans and equity investment to keep the carrier aloft. But after the EU demanded it give up slots in Munich and Frankfurt, the airlines supervisory board unexpectedly held off on accepting this lifeline -- throwing the rescue plan into turmoil after weeks of talks.

The concessions are not insignificant" for Lufthsansa, said Stephen Furlong, an analyst with Davy Stockbrokers in Dublin.

The agreement still requires approval of Lufthansas supervisory board, followed by a formal signoff by the EU, which polices state aid to ensure one country doesnt give its companies an unfair advantage.

Assessing the Deal

The blocs regulators will then assess the German aid package as a matter of priority," the EU said Saturday.

A spokeswoman for Germanys economy ministry said an important milestone had been reached, adding talks with the EU over other aspects of the deal would continue.

Lufthansa said in a statement that it would surrender as many as 24 takeoff-and-landing slots at Munich and the same at Frankfurt -- enough for a competitor to base four planes doing three daily round-trips. This reflects a reduction in the initial demands from the EU, it said.

The commitments will enable a viable entry or expansion of activities by other airlines at these airports to the benefit of consumers and effective competition," the European Commission said in an emailed statement.

There are significant catches, however, that suggest the strongest potential beneficiaries, such as Ryanair Holdings Plc -- a loud critic of the Lufthansa aid -- wont be able to fully take advantage of the slots.

For the first 18 months, the capacity is reserved for new competitors in Frankfurt and Munich. With the global airline industry in retreat, the likelihood of a fresh entrant may be limited.

Of the two main European discount carriers, Dublin-based Ryanair already has slots at Frankfurts main airport. U.K.-based Easyjet Plc has a presence in Munich. Each would be unable to use the new capacity in the location where its already planted a flag.

Another European low-cost carrier, Wizz Air Holdings Plc, has signaled itll seek to expand during the crisis. But it recently pulled out of Frankfurt after a three-year stint with flights to Sofia, Bulgaria, Budapest, Hungary, and Kyiv in the Ukraine.

The slot pairs will be allocated in a bidding process, Lufthansa said, and only be available to European carriers that havent received substantial state recapitalization due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Faceoff Over Slots

The supervisory boards rejection of the initial rescue proposal had triggered an open dispute between the German government and the EU commission, revealing the political tensions underpinning the effort to stabilize Europes largest airline in the midst of a historic collapse in travel.

The labor-heavy supervisory board saw a threat that jobs would be lost and the market would shift toward the discount airlines, which pay their personnel less.

Still, all sides were seeking a breakthrough. Even before the compromise, the board had called the bailout the only viable alternative for maintaining solvency."

Lufthansa is indeed a very impressive company and they have market power," EU competition watchdog Margrethe Vestager told reporters in Brussels on Friday. There is a high risk that if you hold market power" that competition will be disturbed," especially when state recapitalizations strengthen a company.

The supervisory board wasnt planning to meet this weekend, but could be called to do so at short notice, people familiar with the matter have said. It may meet on Monday, German newspaper Handelsblatt reported.

Shareholder Vote

Lufthansas shareholders would also be called to vote on a proposed capital increase thats part of the rescue plan at an extraordinary general meeting, most likely toward the end of June, meaning it could be weeks before Lufthansa receives government cash.

Like airlines across the world, Lufthansa is fighting for survival as the coronavirus crisis punctures a decades-long aviation boom. The company, which connects Germanys industrial titans to far-flung export markets, plans to operate fewer aircraft when flights resume and is closing discount arm Germanwings to prepare for what could be years of depressed demand.

Lufthansa is also poised to receive some 2 billion euros in aid from Austria, Belgium and Switzerland, where the airline owns units.

The German package represents the biggest corporate rescue in the country during the pandemic crisis. Its also the only one that involves a direct investment by German Chancellor Angela Merkels government, but more may be coming. The government set up a 100 billion-euro fund to buy stakes in stricken companies as part of its effort to stabilize Europes largest economy.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics
New York, NY, May 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- USA Rare Earth, LLC, the funding and development partner of the Round Top Heavy Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Project in West Texas, together with Texas Mineral Resources Corp. (TMRC), is pleased to announce that former Texas Secretary of State, Rolando Pablos, has joined its Advisory Board.



Secretary Pablos is the Managing Partner of Cross-National Advisory Partners, a consulting firm dedicated exclusively to guiding and assisting governmental, private sector and non-profit organizations in their efforts to access domestic and foreign markets. Most recently, he served as the 111th Texas Secretary of State and as the Texas Border Commerce Coordinator. Secretary Pablos was the Chief International Protocol Officer for the State of Texas and senior advisor to the Texas Governor for Mexican affairs.

We are honored that Secretary Pablos is joining us as we stand up a mine-to-magnet critical minerals supply chain in the U.S., anchored in our Round Top project in Southwest Texas, said Pini Althaus, CEO of USA Rare Earth. Mr. Pablos track record of creating opportunities for the people of Texas will serve to ensure that as we develop the Round Top project, we create economic benefit for the State of Texas and employment opportunities for the people of Texas, in addition to the job creation and economic impact bringing Round Top into production will have for the United States.

A former Texas utility regulator and economic development executive, Secretary Pablos understands the importance of utilizing community capacity-building for purposes of attracting direct investment and market expansion opportunities. As a state official, and in his private practice, he has played critical roles in the advancement of direct investment, international relations and global trade with Texas. Secretary Pablos is a strong advocate for North American market integration through transnational collaboration and trade among the US, Canada and Mexico. He has also served as Honorary Consul to Spain, where he worked to ensure the formation and development of business and diplomatic relationships between Texas and Spain.

Story continues

I am privileged to be part of an effort that will help shift supply chains back to North America and support advanced manufacturing here at home. Rare earth elements are vital to so many technologies and are crucial to our national defense, said Rolando Pablos. Our mine-to-magnet strategy will prove to be an essential building block in our nations quest for critical mineral independence; and I am proud that it starts here in the great state of Texas.

Throughout his career, Mr. Pablos has been heavily involved with efforts designed to help bring prosperity to his community. Prior to his most recent public service, he served as CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, a bi-national economic development entity based in El Paso, Texas. His passion for public service, sustainable development and education has led him to serve on countless nonprofit and governmental boards and commissions. After obtaining a degree in Biology from St. Mary's University, Mr. Pablos earned an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonios College of Business, and a Master of Hospitality Management from the University of Houstons Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management. Subsequently, Mr. Pablos earned a JD from St. Mary's University School of Law and an LLM in Global Energy from the University of Texas School of Law. He has been a member of the State Bar of Texas since 2000.

Mr. Pablos and his wife, Dr. Laura San Martin, reside in San Antonio with their four children: Cristina; David; Mia and Andrea.

About USA Rare Earth, LLC

USA Rare Earth, LLC has an option to earn up to an 80% interest in, and is the operator of, the Round Top Heavy Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Project located in Hudspeth County, West Texas from Texas Mineral Resources Corp. (TMRC:OTCQB). Round Top hosts a wide range of critical heavy rare earth elements, high-tech metals, including lithium, uranium and beryllium, and, based on the Preliminary Economic Assessment (dated August 16, 2019) projects a pre tax net present value using a 10% discount rate of $1.56 billion based on a 20-year mine plan that is only 13% of the identified measured, indicated and inferred resources. The PEA estimates an internal rate of return of 70% and average annual net revenues of $395 million a year after average royalties of $26 million a year payable to the State of Texas. Based on the cost estimates set forth in the PEA, Round Top would be one of the lowest-cost rare earth producers, and one of the lowest cost lithium producers in the world. The Round Top Deposit hosts 16 of the 17 rare earth elements, plus other high-value tech minerals (including lithium) and is well located to serve the US internal demand. In excess of 60% of materials at Round Top will be used directly in green or renewable energy technologies. Round Top contains 13 of the 35 minerals deemed critical by the Department of the Interior and contains critical elements required by the United States, both for national defense and industry. For more information about USA Rare Earth, visit www.usarareearth.com.

Company Contact:

USA Rare Earth LLC

Pini Althaus, Chief Executive Officer

Email: pini@usarareearth.com

Twitter: @USARareEarth
Ireland is set to ask the Spanish authorities to consider allowing the remains of Red Hugh O'Donnell, one of the country's most heroic figures, to be repatriated.

While Spanish archaeologists have not yet found the remains of the famous Gaelic clan chief who died on September 10 1602, a dig at Valladolid has perfectly matched known historical maps and experts are confident they will find his burial site.

Now, Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher has said if Red Hugh's body is located, he wants Ireland to formally request that the Spanish authorities consider allowing him to return home.

The Spanish media have been captivated by the search for the chieftain's remains and he has been variously described as the 'El Cid' or 'William Wallace' of Ireland.

"I really think that this man who devoted his entire life to fighting for Irish freedom and independence should be brought home to a free Ireland," Mr Kelleher said.

"I can understand how the Spanish authorities might want to keep his remains in Valladolid because, if the remains are located and identified, they will inevitably become an enormous tourist attraction.

"I can also understand how they might want to honour his dying wish as to where he was buried.

"But Red Hugh O'Donnell's entire life was devoted to Ireland and to his native Donegal - and I think that is where he should be finally laid to rest in a place of honour."

Mr Kelleher said that, if necessary, he will raise the proposal with his Spanish counterparts in the European Parliament.

Red Hugh O'Donnell died, aged just 29, in Valladolid while attempting to meet King Philip of Spain in a bid to secure further support for their fight against Britain in the Nine Years' War.

The Irish chieftain had been ill with a fever for a fortnight and, as he neared death, had expressed a wish to be buried in the famous Chapel of Wonders at a local Franciscan monastery.

Earlier this week, Spanish archaeologists thought they had finally found him after they unearthed a "big and strong man" during their dig.

However, their hopes were dashed when the skeleton had all 10 toes - Red Hugh O'Donnell having lost his two big toes to frostbite in the Wicklow mountains after escaping from Dublin Castle at the height of winter.
<! Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu inspecting soldiers of Biafran army >

Nigerians, mostly of Igbo extraction seized Twitter Nigeria on Saturday to mark what they called Biafra Heroes Day.

It was also a remembrance of the war itself, which broke out 6 July 1967 and ended 15 January 1970

The war remembrance was marked with four hashtags,#Biafran, #BiafraHeroesday, #Biafraremembranceday and #ozoemena, which means may this affliction never come again.

Some comments shared on the social media platform, dredged up some heroes of the war from the Biafran side.

Notables of them were the war leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu and the legendary broadcaster, Okonkwo Ndem, both late.

Some contributors shared memories of the war, with photos of Kwashiorkor children and devastated Onitsha.

They also vowed that never should the country go through another civil war again.

However, some mocked the end-of-war policy of no victor, no vanquished.

For members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, which masterminded the hashtags, the Igbo are still the vanquished in Nigeria.

The war, to the victims and their descendants, the war would never be forgotten.

The Nigerian Civil war began on 6July 1967 and ended 15 January 1970. The war began two months after Ojukwu declared a Republic of Biafra.

Here are some of the tweets shared on Saturday:

Onitsha was razed down by the invading Nigerian army. Today, it has been rebuilt without a single input from the FG, wrote Uche P.OKoye

Okonkwo Ikenna paid tribute to the Biafran leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu in his own tweet: To Ikemba Africa. Courageous & brilliant. You could have sold us for your peace & rank. You could have preserved your fathers wealth. But you laid all down to protect your people. We will never forget your sacrifice.

Selmade Udemba gave a book list to every Igbo youth : I think Every Igbo youth should be intentional, take out time and seek for knowledge and know more about the struggle that led to War.

Onyedika Anambra who styles himself Mayor of Anambra said: Today, we pay Homage to over 3.5 Million Igbo Men, women and children, who lost their lives during the Biafran War. Never shall we forget our heroes and heroines who layed their lives for our Freedom.

Your Struggles will never be in Vain

My grand ma was separated from her children during the war. She lost brothers & sisters.

My parents saw death with their eyes.I believe in a progressive Nigeria, but we can never forget.Today, we remember the millions of #Biafrans, lost to the civil war, wrote Dr Chioma Nwakanma.

Read some other tweets:

50 Years after the civil war, there are still deep seated hatred and bigotry against the Igbo. If we must preach Unity and Peace, we must preach it on the altar of Justice and Equity. May we never go this route again. ? #ozoemena pic.twitter.com/7yquMN9IOB  Mr Integrity (@Intergrity56) May 30, 2020

My grandma told me how she fled and left behind her sick mum who couldnt walk nor run, she later starved to death ?. She left with the portion of foodstuffs she could carry. I imagined how many days the foodstuff sustained her & the kids??#ozoemena #BiafraHeroesDay2020  Nnaleche Esther Chioma (@NnalecheEsther) May 30, 2020

#Ozoemena simply means may affliction not rise a second time. No matter what side you are on, even if you sit on the fence, the effects of the Nigerian Civil War are too dire for anyone to want a repeat. We remember the heroes who gave their life for this unity. #ozoemena  Chukuli (@chuvanze) May 30, 2020

We honour the memory of those who died during the Biafran War. May their souls Rest In Peace.#BiafraDay #BiafraRemembranceDay #ozoemena pic.twitter.com/dZ5cRzyZ4I  BellaNaija (@bellanaija) May 30, 2020

Now, do you know that Biafra, a 3year old nation had a standard Research & Production unit (RAP), which Independently oversaw the development of armour tanks, conversion of commercial planes to fighter jets & the popular Ogbunigwe. In 3years.#BiafraHeroesDay2020 #ozoemena pic.twitter.com/fXKtmZjmLt  Okonkwo Ikenna (@iykeville90) May 30, 2020

But lest Nigerians forget: the war was a culmination of a chain of events.

It began with the first coup on 15 January 1966.

It was masterminded by Igbo officers in the Nigerian army and left a trail of bloodshed.

The countrys political leaders were killed.

Among them was the prime minister, Tafawa Balewa, a northerner.

The premier northern region Ahmadu Bello was also killed.

Western regional premier Ladoke Akintola was killed, while Mid West lost finance minister, Okotie-Eboh.

And there were also the killings of several military officers from the North.

Curiously the coup plotters spared Igbo leaders. Premier of the Eastern region, Michael Okpara was not taken out.

Nnamdi Azikiwe, the titular president was out of Nigeria.

Anger was sowed in the north. Then came the counter-coup of July 25 1966, with attendant bloodshed.

Aguiyi-Ironsi, an easterner and the head of state was killed, along with his western Nigerian regional governor, Adekunle Fajuyi.

The killings of easterners, in genocidal proportion occurred in the north. Many moved back to the east, in droves.

Odumegwu Ojukwu, who was governor of the east, declared Biafra Republic on 27 May 1967.

War became inevitable as the Nigerian leader Yakubu Gowon, vowed to keep Nigeria as one, indivisible entity.
Agathon Rwasa, the partys chairman of CNL party, who came second with 24% of the vote, says he has produced evidence that there was massive fraud in the May 20 election. An election that saw the victory of the ruling partys candidate, Evariste Ndayishimiye. However, Agathon Rwasa has repeatedly said that he has little illusion about the outcome. He brought an appeal to the Constitutional Court in which the evidence of fraud was detailed.

We have preferred to use this route, which is legal, that is to say the mechanism is provided for settling any electoral dispute and it is indeed the Constitutional Court that must be addressed in the first place and we have provided all the evidence that demonstrates to our satisfaction the massive fraud that took place during the elections of 20 May 2020. We hope that this Court will rule on this matter and will take into consideration all the evidence provided to show that the results that were proclaimed did not correspond to the choice of the Burundian people. He declared
The April labour figures were a key moment for Perrottet: 220,000 NSW jobs wiped out virtually overnight. "I remember seeing it and saying, 'That's a pretty shocking number'," he told The Sun-Herald. "I feel personally responsible for every job that's lost in this state." Perrottet speaks to his federal counterpart, Josh Frydenberg, at least once a day. He is under no illusion that an extension of JobKeeper will be forthcoming; he certainly hasn't planned on one. While NSW knew the lockdowns were working and the infection rate had plunged, they were less certain about what would happen if things started to reopen. Health and Treasury were in an arm wrestle, each arguing the case for their patch. One insider called it a "healthy tension". 'I think it will be seen as a call that only true leaders make.' Victor Dominello, cabinet minister Berejiklian's "game changer", according to Perrottet, was when she appointed him, Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello to lead a taskforce directly with the industries on how to reopen safely. It was a way to break the bureaucratic impasse and give the Premier the confidence to move quicker than expected. Ultimately, though, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant still has to sign off on everything.

"We haven't always agreed, and we are not always going to agree," says Perrottet. "Every [decision] is a battle, but it's a good battle because there's a lot at stake. We didn't let perfection be the enemy of the good." The cabinet also drew its confidence from data. Each weekday at 7.30am, before Berejiklian's daily coronavirus press conference, ministers and senior officials would hook up to a data briefing. The big dashboard showed not just the number of cases of COVID-19 cases and their location, but information about mobility, transport, school truancy  the lot. Dominello was at the helm. A self-confessed "data freak", he set up the Data Analytics Centre in 2015 and it was about to prove itself. In the second half of April, those watching the numbers carefully could see Sydney starting to get back on the move. Google and Apple data was backing up their own information sources. And yet rates of infection were staying low  very low. "A few weeks after Easter we could definitely see mobility increasing whilst infection numbers continued to flatten," Dominello told The Sun-Herald. "That was the tipping point for me."

While not as vocal or flashy as Perrottet or Barilaro, Dominello was a key part of the troika pushing for faster reopening, and his influence as one of Berejiklian's best friends can't be underestimated. Dominello says he still has "sleepless nights every night" about the decisions his government is making. But the data reassured them. They developed a "matrix" that compared activities on their economic benefit, wellbeing benefit and COVID-19 risk, and the document promptly made its way into the media at the end of April. Both men are keen to dispel any notion they pushed the Premier into reopening faster than she would have preferred. Berejiklian always made the call. After all, it was her head on the chopping block if things went awry. "If she did not want it, it was not going to happen," Dominello says. "It was a massive leadership call for her. I think it will be seen as a call that only true leaders make." NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has led the way. Credit:Kate Geraghty But there was also pressure from Canberra to reopen. Federal Treasury was "equipping folks with data on what each week of shutdowns would start to look like", said an observer close to Morrison. "There was a significant push to inform the decision makers in NSW about what it meant to keep running around pretending to be Victoria."

The business lobby wasn't backward about coming forward, either. Early on, BusinessNSW boss Stephen Cartwright raised an idea with Perrottet: a weekly phone hook-up with senior Treasury officials, including secretary Michael Pratt, and bureaucrats from other departments. Chaired by Cartwright, the powerful working group often included Tourism and Transport Forum boss Margy Osmond, Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Tim Reardon and Minerals Council chief Stephen Galilee, who was Mike Baird's chief-of-staff as Treasurer. If someone raised a problem, such as trucks having difficulty crossing the Queensland border, it was dealt with quickly. Cartwright says the system was working at its best: "It was good for business and good for workers, and good for NSW." The Australian Hotels Association and ClubsNSW were incensed by a May 10 announcement suggesting pubs and club restaurants would not be able to reopen alongside cafes. It made little sense. A Liberal powerbroker says Berejiklian "started hemorrhaging over that" but "quickly changed [it] in 24 to 48 hours". The same source said the dynamics in the party were obvious. "The Liberal Party is completely aligned to business," they said. "Business was not just cannibalised but castrated. Business was telling Gladys: open up now or woe betide."

Cartwright disputes the characterisation of a government beholden to the business lobby. "It's a long way off the mark," he says. "A government that listens and seeks to understand business and respond to its challenges is different to one that just does what it's told." Loading The government certainly didn't do what it was told on everything. Lobbyists and some ministers were pushing for restrictions to be eased faster in COVID-free parts of NSW. Don't let the regions suffer because of problems in Sydney. But Berejiklian didn't go for it, preferring consistent rules across the state. One key Liberal source said the rush to reopen NSW was partly about anticipating the whims of the voters and, importantly, Morrison. The relationship between the two leaders has been strained at times but has now recovered. And Berejiklian has led rather than been dragged. "I think she just strategically decided that's what she wanted to do," the source said. "She needs to be just ahead of the curve ball so she looks like a leader not a follower."
Kentucky police shot non-lethal pepper balls at a local TV news reporter and her film crew while they were covering a protest in downtown Louisville on Friday amid nationwide outrage over the police-involved deaths of George Floyd.

The incident was captured live on the air by WAVE-TV reporter Kaitlin Rust.

Rust is heard on the air letting out a scream indicating that she had been shot.

Im getting shot! she said.

The news anchor from inside the studio asks Rust if shes ok, to which she replies: Rubber bullets, rubber bullets.

This just happened on live tv. Wow, what a douche bag. pic.twitter.com/dQKheEcCvb  Christopher Bishop (@ChrisBishopL1C4) May 30, 2020

A Louisville Metro Police Department officer (left) fired pepper balls at a local television news reporter, Kaitlin Rust (right), who was covering a protest in downtown Louisville on Friday night

Im getting shot! she said. The news anchor from inside the studio asks Rust if shes ok, to which she replies: Rubber bullets, rubber bullets.

The officer in riot gear appeared to fire several pepper balls in the direction of the news crew on Friday

Dozens of police in riot gear were seen on the streets of downtown Louisville on the second consecutive night of mass unrest

Its okay, its those pepper bullets, she said.

When one of the news anchors asks Rust who the officers were aiming at, she replies: At us! Directly at us!

The video camera then focuses on an officer armed with what appears to be an FTC semi-automatic pepper ball launcher.

The news anchors were startled at the fact that the officer was firing the pepper balls in the direction of the reporter and her crew.

Obviously they see the camera! one of the news anchors says on the air.

Rust and her crew are then seen walking away from the area.

Theyre telling us to move now, I guess, farther away, Rust says.

The in-studio anchor replies: Well, Im sure if they would have said to move you would have done so.

Rust later explained that she and her crew were behind [the police] line, a little too close for comfort.

Rust and her camera crew then move to another area. She said she and her crew were 'too close for comfort'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Louisville Metro Police Department for comment.

The officer was using a specialized air rifle that fires pepper balls, or non-lethal rounds that contain PAVA and CS irritant powder.

Pepper balls are used by law enforcement and military for crowd dispersal and riot control.

Friday was the second straight night of massive protests in Louisville, where demonstrators took to the streets.

Scores of police officers in riot gear were deployed and some fired tear gas and pepper balls to try and control the crowds.

Demonstrators gathered near City Hall and chanted no justice, no peace as well as I cant breathe.

Moments before his death, Floyd pleaded with Minneapolis officers, telling them 'I can't breathe' as one of the cops pressed his knee into the 46-year-old's neck while he was handcuffed on the ground on Monday evening.

Protests in Louisville were triggered this week by the officer-involved death of George Floyd (left) in Minneapolis. In March, Louisville police fatally shot Breonna Taylor (right), a 26-year-old EMT, in a botched drug raid on her home

Floyd died in police custody on Monday in Minneapolis after a police officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, was seen pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for several minutes, cutting off his breathing

Shortly afterward, Floyd died. Video of his arrest circulated online and ignited nationwide outrage.

In recent weeks, anger at Louisville police has also been building over the fatal March shooting of Breonna Taylor.

The 26-year-old black EMT was in her bed with her boyfriend when police executed a no-knock search warrant on her home in what turned out to be a botched drug raid.

Taylor was shot and killed by officers who exchanged gunfire with Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, who was legally licensed to carry a firearm.

Walker shot at the police thinking that they were burglarizing his home. Taylor's family says police never identified themselves.

The Louisville Metro Police Department denies this.

Walker was initially charged with attempted murder of a police officer, but those charges were later dropped.

Taylor's family is suing the city for wrongful death.

During Thursday's protest, seven people were shot in the city.

Protesters hug after being overcome by tear gas as they gathered to protest the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in Louisville on Friday

Protesters clean their eyes with milk to counter the effects of tear gas fired by police in Louisville on Friday

Protesters run after tear gas was shot during a protest over the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in Louisville on Friday

Protesters shout in front of Kentucky State Police officers in Louisville on Friday

A protester walks in front of Kentucky State Police officers in Louisville on Friday

Protesters hold signs and kneel in the middle of the street in Louisville on Friday

Louisville cops use tear gas to attempt to disperse a crowd protesting police-involved deaths on Friday

Crowds of protesters chant slogans as Kentucky State Police officers look on in Louisville on Friday

A man gestures to calm the crowd as police use non-lethal crowd-dispersal methods during a protest in Louisville on Friday

Police in riot gear stand in formation during protests in Louisville on Friday

Police are seen above in riot gear in Louisville on Friday, where protesters took to the streets for the second consecutive night

Protestors light fireworks and attempt to damage the hall of justice basement doors in Louisville on Friday

A police officer throws a canister of gas during a protest in Louisville on Friday

Looking to defuse anger, Taylor's mother urged protesters on Friday to continue demanding justice but do so 'without hurting each other.'

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear read the statement from Breonna Taylors mother hours after gunshots erupted during protests late Thursday outside City Hall.

One person was in critical condition, Louisville Metro Police said Friday.

Mayor Greg Fischer said police officers fired no shots.

Instead, they provided aid to the wounded, he said. TV video showed terrified protesters fleeing as gunfire erupted.

With more rallies planned, Taylors mother joined the chorus of calls for protests to remain peaceful.

In her statement, Tamika Palmer said her daughter - an emergency medical technician - devoted her life to others and the 'last thing shed want right now is any more violence.'

'Please keep saying her name,' her statement said.

'Please keep demanding justice and accountability, but lets do it the right way without hurting each other.

'We can and we will make some real change here. Now is the time. Lets make it happen, but safely.'
The Department of Justice has filed a statement of interest in a lawsuit filed by seven Michigan businesses challenging restrictions imposed by Governor Whitmer in response to the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic. The plaintiffs are a real estate brokerage, a lawn and property maintenance company, an automotive glass exporter, an engine oil and auto parts distributor, a small jewelry store, a dental office, and an association of car washes. They brought their federal case in the Western District of Michigan.

In its press release, the Justice Department notes that Gov. Whitmer has issued over 100 executive orders. Collectively, says the DOJ, the orders impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Michigan, and some of them significantly impair citizens ability to maintain their economic livelihoods.

Whitmer has become notorious for the seemingly arbitrary nature of some of her orders. The orders at issue in the Western District litigation arguably are among them. For example, the DOJ notes that its okay in Michigan to go to a hardware store and buy a jacket, but its a crime to go inside a clothing store and buy the identical jacket without making an appointment.

In its statement of interest, the Justice Department warns that the facts alleged by the plaintiffs could amount to violations of the Commerce Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. However, courts usually accord great deference to the judgments of executives in cases like these.

Thus, Michigan probably can survive this challenge if it can show even a minimally rational basis for the distinctions its governor has drawn. For example, it might be enough to argue that hardware stores need to stay open because some of the goods they sell are more essential than those sold by clothing stores.

Gov. Whitmer responded to the DOJs action not by pointing to any rational basis for the orders at issue, but rather with, in essence, an ad hominem argument. She sniffed: It is crystal clear that this challenge is coming directly from the White House, which is ignoring the risk of a second wave of the virus and pushing too quickly to roll back public health guidelines.

Actually, the challenge is coming directly from the Department of Justice. But regardless of whether the White House is involved, all that matters is whether Whitmers orders are arbitrary.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Asif Mehman  Trend:

COVID-19 passport can be introduced in Azerbaijan after resuming flights, Spokesperson for the Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) Ravana Aliyeva told Trend on May 30.

According to her, the issue of COVID-19 passport in Azerbaijan will be discussed after the resumption of flights.

"It is early to talk about introducing this system yet. So far, the deadline for temporary closure of borders and suspension of international flights has been extended until June 15. The public will be informed about the results of the discussions held in connection with the COVID-19 passport," Aliyeva said.

COVID-19 passport is a system used in international practice. For the first time, its introduction in Europe was proposed by Croatian Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli.

The passport provides for marking the results of its holders tests for coronavirus, data on when he or she was infected with the disease, as well as a corresponding note on the health status of the passport holder.
The club owner who employed the Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd said he used 'overkill' methods when subduing crowds while he worked off-duty as a security guard there.

Maya Santamaria, former owner of El Nuevo Rodeo club in Minneapolis, said that both Officer Derek Chauvin and Floyd worked as security guards at the Latin nightclub as recently as last year, but that she's not sure if they knew each other.

What she is certain of is how aggressive Chauvin became when the club hosted events that drew a mainly black clientele.

Officer Derek Chauvin (in blue) and George Floyd worked at the same nightclub, but may not have known each other prior to Chauvin arresting Floyd (on ground), leading to Floyd's death

Floyd (pictured) died in police custody on May 25, after Chauvin was caught on video kneeling on his neck. Floyd is seen in February 2019 while working at Minneapolis' Conga Latin Bistro

She said he responded to fights by taking out his mace and spraying the crowd, a tactic she told him was unjustified 'overkill.'

'He would mace everyone instead of apprehending the people who were fighting,' said Santamaria. 'He would call backup. The next thing you would know, there would five or six squad cars.'

While Chauvin's off-duty job at the El Nuevo Rodeo club stretched over 17 years until a few months ago, Floyd only started working there recently as a bouncer and only worked about a dozen events put on by 'African American promoters.'

Santamaria, who sold the venue within the past two months, said she doesn't believe the two men knew each other prior to their fateful encounter Monday night.

If Chauvin had recognized Floyd, she said, 'he might have given him a little more mercy.'

Maya Santamaria (pictured), former owner of El Nuevo Rodeo, said Chauvin used 'knee-jerk' and 'overkill' responses while working security during 'African American' nights at the club

Santamaria said that Chauvin would use pepper spray on El Nuevo Rodeo (pictured) clubgoers instead of apprehending people who were fighting

Floyd's death in custody kicked off protests in Minneapolis. A protester is pictured in front of a burning building in the city on May 28

A lone protester sits down by state troopers as they block a street on May 29 after another night of protests over the death of Floyd

A firefighter directs water on a burned building on May 29 after another night of protests

The Foot Locker Store and the apartments above it burn in Minneapolis on May 29

She said Chauvin got along well with the club's Latino regulars, but his tactics toward unruly customers on what she referred to as 'African American' nights led her to speak to him about it.

'I told him I thought this is unnecessary to be pepper-sprayed. The knee-jerk reaction of being afraid, it seemed overkill,' Santamaria said. 'It was a concern and I did voice my opinion, but police officers have a way of justifying what they do.'

She said she was shocked to see the video of Chauvin pinning Floyd to the ground with his knee, even as Floyd complained that he couldn't breathe.

'I thought he would have more of a conscience,' she said. 'Even if he is a bit of racist, he's a human being. ... At what point does your humanity overpower your racial bias?'

Thomas Kelly, a lawyer for Chauvin, didn't immediately reply to messages left Friday seeking comment.

Outside Chauvins home in Minnesota on Thursday, a message of anger aimed at the former officer was painted in red on his driveway: 'murderer.'

On Friday, protesters gathered in front of another Chauvin home in Windermere, Florida, which he has owned since 2011 with his wife, Kellie, a Laotian refugee, realtor and former Mrs. Minnesota pageant winner.

Both Chauvin and his wife have registered to vote there, rather than in Minnesota, records show. Chauvin last cast a ballot in Florida in November 2018. His wifes registration is listed as inactive. Both are Republicans.

'I dont mind peaceful protests at all,' said Oscar Reyes who lives across the street in the quiet neighborhood near Orlando. 'I hope everything stays safe.'
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) announced the formation of a new coalition focused on reducing racial disparities in the rare disease community. The coalition's steering committee  made up of rare disease experts, health and diversity advocates, and industry leaders  is convening for its inaugural meeting today. The coalition will identify and advocate for evidence-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on communities of color.

"The COVID-19 pandemic, which is devastating communities of color, is a painfully fresh reminder of the disparities in our healthcare system that leave minorities behind," said Linda Goler Blount, BWHI President and CEO. "For those living with a rare disease, these disparities are no different: communities of color face unacceptable barriers to accessing a diagnosis and proper treatment. I'm honored to work with our esteemed steering committee to take urgent action on this issue."

An estimated 30 million Americans have a rare disease. By some approximations, it can take an average of five years and consultations with over seven clinicians to reach an accurate diagnosis for a rare disease. Additionally, only ten percent of rare diseases have a treatment approved by the Federal Drug Administration.

For minorities with a rare disease, these challenges are compounded. Minorities are underrepresented in genome-wide association studies and clinical research trials, leading to a lack of understanding about effective treatments. Additionally, broader racial disparities in access to affordable care and social determinants of health create significant added barriers.

The work of the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition is led by BWHI and a leadership steering committee comprised of advocacy, community and industry leaders. The coalition is supported by founding sponsor Retrophin, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to identifying, developing, and delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare disease. BWHI plans to expand the coalition's membership as its work gets underway, including enlisting additional industry support.

Steering committee members include:

Linda Goler Blount , MPH, Coalition Chair & Black Women's Health Imperative CEO

, MPH, Coalition Chair & Black Women's Health Imperative CEO Juliet K. Choi , JD, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

, JD, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum Garfield Clunie , MD, National Medical Association

, MD, National Medical Association Donna Cryer , JD, Global Liver Institute

, JD, Global Liver Institute Debbie Drell , National Organization for Rare Disorders

, National Organization for Rare Disorders Eve Dryer , Retrophin

, Retrophin Beverley Francis-Gibson, MA, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America

Millicent Gorham , MBA, National Black Nurses Association

, MBA, National Black Nurses Association Kimberly Haugstad , MBA, Global Genes

, MBA, Global Genes Julia Jenkins, MA, EveryLife Foundation

Lauren Lee, MA , NephCure

, NephCure Aletha Maybank , MD, MPH, American Medical Association

, MD, MPH, American Medical Association Pamela Price, RN , Balm In Gilead

, Balm In Gilead Elena Rios , MD, National Hispanic Medical Association

, MD, National Hispanic Medical Association Saira Sultan , JD, PCORI Advisory Panel on Rare Disease

, JD, PCORI Advisory Panel on Rare Disease Marshall Summar , MD, Children's National Hospital

About Black Women's Health Imperative

The Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing health equity and social justice for Black women, across the lifespan, through policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development. The organization identifies the most pressing health issues that affect the nation's 22 million Black women and girls and invests in the best of the best strategies and organizations that accomplish its goals. For more information, please visit www.bwhi.org .

SOURCE Black Women's Health Imperative

Related Links

http://www.bwhi.org


Washington, May 30 : A former Minneapolis police officer has been arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter following the death of an unarmed black man in custody.

Derek Chauvin was shown in footage kneeling on George Floyd's neck. He and three other officers were sacked over the fatality on Monday, the BBC reported.

Days of looting and arson in the Minnesota city have boiled over into nationwide protests.

The case has reignited US anger over police killings of black Americans.

Hennepin County Prosecutor Mike Freeman said Chauvin was charged with third degree murder and noted that the investigation of the other officers is ongoing.

He said he "anticipates charges" for the three other officers but would not offer more details.

Freeman said his office "charged this case as quickly as evidence has been presented to us".

"This is by far the fastest that we've ever charged a police officer," he noted.

Floyd's family and their lawyer, Benjamin Crump, said in a statement to NBC News that the arrest was "welcome but overdue".

The family said they wanted a more serious, first-degree murder charge as well as the arrest of the other officers involved.

"The pain that the black community feels over this murder and what it reflects about the treatment of black people in America is raw and is spilling out onto streets across America." The statement called for the city to change its policing, saying: "Today, George Floyd's family is having to explain to his children why their father was executed by police on video." Shortly after the charges were announced, US Attorney General William Barr said that the justice department and FBI are conducting "an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated".

Barr called the video of Floyd's arrest "harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing".

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the arrest was "a good first step toward justice".

"But it doesn't change the systemic problems and persistent inequities that led to his death or the pain our communities live with every day. We're committed to change." On Thursday, during the third night of protests over Floyd's death, a police station was set alight. A number of buildings have been burned, looted and vandalised in recent days, prompting the activation of the state's National Guard troops.

There have also been demonstrations in other US cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix and Memphis.

Earlier on Friday, Walz said he expected "swift and fair" justice for Mr Floyd's death.

Former President Barack Obama also weighed in, saying: "This shouldn't be 'normal' in 2020 America." "It can't be 'normal'," added his statement. "If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better." President Donald Trump said "thugs" were dishonouring Mr Floyd's memory and called on the National Guard to restore order.

Social media network Twitter accused Trump of glorifying violence in a post that said: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts."
Annual operating capacity of over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine antigen

US based Novavax, Inc., a late-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, today announced the acquisition of Praha Vaccines a.s., part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, in an all cash transaction of approximately $167 million.

The acquisition includes a biologics manufacturing facility and associated assets in Bohumil, Czech Republic. The facility is expected to provide an annual capacity of over 1 billion doses of antigen starting in 2021 for NVXCoV2373, Novavax COVID-19 vaccine candidate. NVXCoV2373 consists of a stable, prefusion protein antigen made using its proprietary nanoparticle technology and includes Novavax proprietary MatrixM adjuvant.

Manufacturing capacity is a critical component of our strategy to deliver a vaccine for the COVID-19 pandemic, said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novavax. This acquisition provides the vital assets required to produce more than 1 billion doses per year. In parallel with ramping up production at Bohumil, we will continue efforts to expand antigen capacity in the U.S. and Asia, and increase production of Matrix-M to match antigen capacity at multiple sites globally.

The acquisition includes a 150,000-square foot state of the art vaccine and biologics manufacturing facility and other support buildings, along with the existing employees and all related and required infrastructure. The facility is completing a renovation that includes Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) capabilities. As part of the transaction, approximately 150 employees with significant experience in vaccine manufacturing and support have joined Novavax.

The acquisition of Praha Vaccines is supported by Novavax funding arrangement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), enabling Novavax to dramatically expand its manufacturing capacity. Novavax will work collaboratively with the Serum Institute of India (SII), part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, to increase production levels at the Bohumil facility by the end of 2020.

We believe Novavax and Praha reflect the ideal complement of capabilities and expertise to advance innovative vaccines that are vitally needed at this critical time, said Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman and Founder of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group. We are confident that the technologies and employees are in good hands and look forward to continuing our collaborations with Novavax.
We are Hong Kong By Chris Patten, exclusively for the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s):

LONDON  In my final speech as Hong Kongs governor on June 30, 1997, a few hours before I left the city on Britains royal yacht, I remarked that, Now, Hong Kong people are to run Hong Kong. That is the promise. And that is the unshakable destiny.

That promise was contained in the 1984 Joint Declaration, a treaty signed by China and the United Kingdom and lodged at the United Nations. The deal was clear, and the guarantee to Hong Kongs citizens was absolute: the return of the city from British to Chinese sovereignty would be governed by the principle of one country, two systems. Hong Kong would have a high degree of autonomy for 50 years, until 2047, and would continue to enjoy all the freedoms associated with an open society under the rule of law.

But with his recent decision to impose a draconian new security law on Hong Kong, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ridden roughshod over the Joint Declaration and directly threatened the citys freedom. Defenders of liberal democracy must not stand idly by.

For over a decade after the 1997 handover, China largely kept its promise regarding one country, two systems. True, not everything was perfect. China retreated from its promise that Hong Kong could determine its own democratic government in the Legislative Council, and the Chinese government periodically interfered in the life of the city. In 2003, for example, it abandoned an attempt to introduce legislation on issues such as sedition  an odd priority in a peaceful and moderate community  in the face of mass public protests.

Overall, however, even skeptics conceded that things had gone pretty well. But China-Hong Kong relations started to deteriorate after Xi became president in 2013 and dusted off the playbook of aggressive and brutal Leninism. Xi reversed many of his immediate predecessors policy changes, and the Communist Party of China (CPC) reasserted control over every aspect of Chinese society, including economic management.

Xi toughened the partys grip on civil society and universities, and cracked down on any sign of dissident activity. He demonstrated that his regimes word could not be trusted internationally, for example by reneging on promises he had made to US President Barack Obama that China would not militarise the atolls and islands it was seizing illegally in the South China Sea. Furthermore, Xis regime locked up over a million predominantly Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang and obliterated signs of their culture wherever possible. And, of course, he tightened the screws on Hong Kong.

Last years protests in the city were triggered by the Hong Kong governments attempt to introduce an extradition law that would in effect have removed the firewall between the rule of law in the territory and communist law in mainland China. The demonstrations were badly handled by Hong Kongs police, whose behavior  including the unchecked use of tear gas and pepper spray  led a small minority of the protesters to resort to unacceptable violence.

An independent inquiry into the reasons for the demonstrations, the mishandling of them by the police, and the behavior of the demonstrators (the overwhelming majority of whom were peaceful) could have helped to calm the community and promote reconciliation. But the proposal was rejected out of hand. In last Novembers district council elections, Hong Kongs citizens showed whose side they were on by voting overwhelmingly for pro-democracy candidates who had supported the demonstrations.

The protests have stopped in recent months as a result of the citys (successful) measures to combat the coronavirus. But the Chinese authorities clearly expected them to restart, for example to mark the June 4 anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and no doubt are worried that Hong Kongs democratic parties would go all out for victory in the next Legislative Council elections in September.

This prospect plainly terrified the Chinese government and the hardline officials that it recently put in charge of the territory. The latter had already asserted their determination to curtail Hong Kongs autonomy and had interfered at will in matters that should have been left to the citys government and legislators.

Xis government has now struck its heaviest blow yet. Taking advantage of the worlds current focus on fighting COVID-19 (whose rapid global spread is in part the result of the CPCs secrecy and mendacity), Chinas rubber-stamp parliament has now bypassed Hong Kongs own legislature and imposed a national-security law on the city. The law covers unspecified crimes such as sedition and secession, and would allow Chinas version of the KGB, the Ministry of State Security, to operate in Hong Kong, presumably using its customary methods of coercion.

But what is the alleged national-security threat that Hong Kong poses to Chinas Communist regime? Chinas leaders fear the very things they promised to Hong Kong in the Joint Declaration, namely the rule of law and the freedoms it protects. The city represents everything Xis regime hates about liberal democracy, which is why what is happening there is not only a huge challenge for Hong Kong and its people, but also a direct threat to open societies everywhere.

The world simply cannot trust this Chinese regime. Liberal democracies and friends of Hong Kong everywhere must make it clear that they will stand up for this great, free, and dynamic city. Following Chinas announcement of the new law, over 512 parliamentarians and senior policymakers from 32 countries have signed a statement supporting Hong Kong. The citys freedom and prosperity are at stake; so are the values and interests of open societies around the world.

As the co-signatory to the Joint Declaration, the UK has a special responsibility to show leadership. For starters, Prime Minister Boris Johnson should ask for Hong Kong to be put on the agenda at next months G7 meeting. He might find inspiration in advice found in the Analects of Confucius: A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong and a former EU commissioner for external affairs, is Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2020.

www.project-syndicate.org
Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton warned fans on Saturday to be 'wary' of their surroundings.

In an Instagram Story post, the 26-year-old said she was 'freaking out' and 'shaken up', after being followed from her Melbourne hotel to a business meeting.

The entrepreneur, who later notified the police, pulled over in her car to 'have a breather'.

'I'm freaking out!' Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton (pictured), 26, called the police after being followed by a car from her Melbourne hotel to a business meeting

'I've had this one car following me from my hotel to the place of business, and they're now following me again,' Stacey told her followers.

'And I've just had to lose them, I'm freaking out, but basically just be wary of your surroundings, people are crazy,' she warned.

'I don't know how or why they're following me or what is going on, but I'm a little bit scared, I'm a bit shaken up, but I've got meetings to get to,' Stacey continued.

The law graduate, who was dressed in designer gear for her business meeting, placed her hand on her chest as she attempted to calm herself down.

'I've just had to lose them': Stacey pulled over in her car, telling fans in an Instagram Story post to be 'wary' of their surroundings as 'people are crazy'

Stacey later updated fans on the situation, while thanking them for their support.

'P.S. thank you to everyone for the beautiful messages,' she wrote on Instagram Stories.

'I've called the police and registered the plate as suspicious. They (the follower) have now gone and I'm with people, so I'm safe.'

Stacey rose to fame after starring on this year's season of Married At First Sight.

Distressed: 'I don't know how or why they're following me or what is going on, but I'm a little bit scared, I'm a bit shaken up, but I've got meetings to get to,' Stacey continued

'I've called the police and registered the plate as suspicious': Stacey later updated fans on the situation in an Instagram Story post, while thanking them for their support

She 'wed' millionaire entrepreneur Michael Goonan on the show, but their romance wasn't to be.

Stacey has put her law career on hold as she embarks on a new venture as the founder of a charity, delivering resources and insight into post-natal depression.

The Melbourne-based identity has also become a social media sensation, boasting a 197,000 Instagram following.
At least seven people were injured when a bus carrying West Bengal-bound migrants, who were stuck in Kerala due to the nationwide lockdown, overturned in Odishas Balasore district on Saturday, police said.

The bus carrying 38 passengers was on its way to Kolkata when it skidded off the National Highway 16 and overturned near Balasore town, causing injuries to seven persons, a police official said.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

Police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the passengers with the help of locals, while the injured persons were sent to the district headquarters hospital here, he said.

The passengers, who were engaged in various establishments in Kerala were returning homes in different places in West Bengal after remaining stranded in the southern state since March due to the lockdown, the official said.

The condition of the injured persons was stated to be stable, he said.

The rest of the passengers were kept in a temporary camp by strictly adhering to social distance guidelines.

Arrangements are being made to send the migrant returnees to their destinations in another bus, the police official said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
People on Ballyholme Beach enjoying the sunshine on one of Northern Ireland's hottest days of the year on Friday. Credit: Pacemaker Press

A PSNI officer was allegedly kicked in the face after police moved in to disperse a crowd of more than 200 youths that had gathered at Ballyholme beach on Friday night.

Police said officers came under attack from sections of the crowd during which the officer was injured.

Four teenagers were arrested following the incident and a 17-year-old male has been charged with number of offences, including assault on police, and is expected to appear at Newtownards Youth Court on June 23.

Two others, a female aged 18 and a male (16) have been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service, while a 15-year-old male remains in custody.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said that, while he understands people want to go out and make the most of the good weather, police have to play their role in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"The latest data available shows that the R-number, which was flattening/falling, has actually increased again as restrictions have been eased," he said.

"This means that every one of us needs to make informed and sensible decisions about our conduct over the coming days to ensure that we are protecting our own health and the health of others."

Police have increased their patrols over the weekend, particularly around beauty and tourist spots, focusing on tackling large crowds ignoring social distancing rules, alcohol consumption in public places and road safety.

The public should be well aware of the advice from our public health partners and the Government about social distancing and movement and, on that basis, we would encourage people not to drive to local beauty spots or popular destinations for their daily exercise as others may have the same idea and social distancing may not be achievable," ACC Todd added.



Each and every one of us has a personal responsibility to follow the NI Executive regulations and do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19.

On Friday, National Trust rangers spent three hours filling 11 bags of rubbish at Bloody Bridge near the Mourne Mountains in Co Down.

Bloody Bridge is a popular starting point for hikes into the mountains as well as coastal strolls.

A fire was also set which had to be attended by fire crews, the National Trust said.

It added: "These beauty spots deserve more of your respect, so please take away the rubbish you bring with you, and with this hot weather, use common sense and don't bring BBQs with you to protect the fragile habitats we work hard to look after."
Franklin Cudjoe, President of Policy think tank IMANI Africa, has described the posture and utterances of the Electoral Commission (EC) as regards to this years electoral process as someone who is been possessed by "some higher spirit beyond exorcism".



Franklin Cudjoe who has on countless occasions argued that the EC is being hostile to the views of other stakeholders in its decision to compile a new electoral roll tweeted, Friday, saying; The more one listens to the EC commissioners on this horribly managed electoral process, it becomes obvious immediately, that they have been possessed by some higher spirits and beings. They are beyond exorcism,

















The more one listens to the EC commissioners on this horribly managed electoral process, it becomes obvious immediately, that they have been possessed by some higher spirits and beings. They are beyond exorcism.





 Franklin CUDJOE (@lordcudjoe) May 28, 2020

Some civil society organisations as well as some opposition parties have argued that the current register is good enough to be used for the 2020 polls. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made known its resolve to kick against the decision as it posits that the time allocated for the EC to compile a new register for the 2020 elections has elapsed.The party has also made a case that it could put the country in jeopardy considering how public gathering could increase the spread of Coronavirus.The EC however has insisted that plans are far advanced for the successful take-off of the registration process, stressing it is critical for a free, fair and transparent election. According to the EC, the current voters register and its management system and biometric verification devices cannot deliver a credible election.The EC on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 provided updates on its plans at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting. The NDC did not turn up for the engagement citing wrong time as the basis.The party has argued that the time for the said meeting, according to a letter it received from the EC was 10pm, only for the engagement to be held in the morning.You [EC] write a first letter, get the date wrong, write a second letter seeking to replace the first letter and you got the time wrong and other political parties get the accurate one. What kind of tricks are they playing? Dont we deserve better; dont we deserve to be treated with respect as a people and as a political party in this country? National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi fumed on Asempa FMs Ekosii Sen programme.Deputy Electoral Commission Chair, Dr. Bossman Asare reacting to the concerns said the EC changed the time and notified the political parties accordingly through their emails."We all know that meetings are not held at 10 pm; it was a mistake and our email trail shows that the corrected letters went to two NDC executives. My interpretation is that they are just using it as an excuse," he said on Peace FMs Kokrokoo.

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.

Featured Video
A law enforcement officer has been killed and another injured after they were shot during protests in California over the death of George Floyd.

The shootings took place in the northern Californian city of Oakland after around 7,500 protesters took to the streets in protest at the death of Mr Floyd at the hands of a police officer.

Two Federal Protective Services officers stationed at the Oakland Down Town Federal Building suffered gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, one succumbed to his injury, the Oakland police department told CNN.

No suspects have been arrested and an investigation has been launched.

A protester in Minneapolis / AFP via Getty Images

The shootings come as people across America took to the streets for the fifth day in protest against the death of Mr Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As well as Minneapolis and Oakland, protests have broken out in New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Portland and many other cities.

Confrontations have often been violent. A teenager was killed in Detroit after shots were fired on a crowd of people on Friday.

The US army has asked military police units from New York and North Carolina to be on standby to intervene in the protests.

Protests erupted in cities across the US / AP

In Washington D.C. protesters reportedly stayed out all night outside the White House, while the Secret Service - the President's bodyguards - stood guard.

Donald Trump said that if protesters had got through the guards, they would have been attacked by "vicious dogs" and "ominous weapons".

He tweeted: "They were not only totally professional, but very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe.

"They let the 'protesters' scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard  didnt know what hit them."

He added: "The front line was replaced with fresh agents, like magic. Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen."

Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter and fired from the police after he was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit bank note.
Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Getty

On the same day that South Carolina had its largest number of coronavirus deaths, the company that owns the Post & Courier had a message for the newspapers staff: Youre all coming back to the office next week.

When confronted about the decision, Evening Post Industries would not provide a concrete reason, seemingly dismissing staffers concerns about potential exposure to the virus as South Carolinas increase in confirmed infections. And, in one instance, the publisher fired a staffer for effectively boosting criticism of their policy.

People are terrified, one staffer said, adding: Theyre asking us to risk our health and maybe our lives and they wont even tell us why. It just seems cruel. The Daily Beast spoke to a half-dozen Post & Courier insiders, all expressing similar sentiments and requesting anonymity for fear of retaliation from the publisher.

Buried on the third page of an internal weekly newsletter Evening Post Industries sent to all staff this week was a matter-of-fact decree that all employees at South Carolinas largest newspaper must return to its offices full-time beginning Monday.

All schedules will be back to normal beginning the week of June 1, the note said, adding that staff could speak to the human-resources department if they were not able to return.

Top editors have not given a reason for the decision to return to work amid an ongoing pandemic. An HR representative explained to some concerned staff this week that the return order was a business decision, but would not elaborate. Employees were told in an email on Friday that they could continue to work from home only if they had a health decision that places you or someone in your household at high risk.

In a statement to The Daily Beast, executive editor Mitch Pugh said that the paper had followed all federal, state and local regulations and guidance, and pointed out that like many other news organizations, it was a designated essential workplace.

Story continues

Like many essential workplaces, including other news organizations, we have had personnel working in the building throughout this period, Pugh said. We believe it is now reasonable for other employees to return to work. We will continue to monitor federal, state and local regulations and SC DHEC data moving forward to inform future decision-making and continue to take suggestions from our employees. Our company, which has not instituted COVID-related furloughs or layoffs, remains committed to serving our community as a designated essential workplace.

The move is the latest in a series that have rattled the papers staff, who have repeatedly raised concerns about the news organizations aggressive return-to-work strategy as the coronavirus continues to spread through the state.

Since its first reported case in March, South Carolina has reported more than 10,770 cases and at least 470 deaths. The state also marked two new grim milestones this week: the highest single-day death count (20 on Wednesday); and the highest single-day number of reported cases (331 on Friday). Experts fear a potential surge in the state as public activity resumes amid loosened social-distancing restrictions.

While forcing its employees back to a physical workspace, the Post & Courier has taken some public-health precautions in the main Charleston office. Management has revised the seating arrangement, installed sneeze-guard-like dividers between cubicles, placed hand sanitizer around the office, and provided staff with masks. In an email on Friday afternoon the company laid out new safety procedures, noting that contractors will be required to wear masksthough full-time staff were only asked to wear facial coverings if you desireand that mandatory temperature checks would be required to enter the building.

The company also acknowledged employee apprehension about Mondays reopening.

We understand that many employees are concerned about safety as well as the changes to company policies and procedures that we have implemented, Fridays memo said. It is important for all employees of Evening Post Industries to know that employee safety and wellbeing is and always will be a primary focus of our organization.

But the company appears to be eager to move on from focusing on the crisis. Evening Post Industries, which owns the paper and operates several South Carolina health and real-estate companies, said it would no longer send around its weekly newsletter with coronavirus updates, and that it would resume on-site yoga and workout classes (with some social-distancing measures in place). And among one of the last pieces of advice the company offered staffers following Wednesdays edict was a list of 10 Foods To Help Boost Your Immune System.

This weeks return-to-work declaration isnt the first time that Post & Courier management has charged ahead with plans to get staff back into the office.

In late April, the paper said at the end of a staff call that it would require employees to return to the office at least twice a week, a decision that managers scaled back a day later, requiring staff to instead come in once a week on staggered schedules.

Employees expressed alarm with the decision at the time, noting that the states outbreak did not seem to be abating. Several sent concerned letters to top editors, others requested days off on the days they were required to go into the office, and some even lamented anonymously about the policy to Poynter, a journalism-focused media organization.

The resultant Poynter article, which chronicled the discontent among P&C staffers over the one-day-a-week office policy, led to Evening Post Industries firing one newspaper employeea move that outraged staffers say was a direct attempt to stifle any criticism of the publishers policies.

Earlier this month, one Post & Courier reader shared the Poynter article on the newspapers subscriber Facebook group, which is lightly moderated by the papers staff to prevent any of the groups 1,000-plus users from spamming with ads or hate speech. An audience engagement editor approved the post, thus allowing members of the group to see the article and comment.

According to documents reviewed by The Daily Beast, P&C executive editor Pugh quietly deleted the post and called the engagement editor into the office to be fired, which the company ascribed to the editors approving of an inappropriate reader post.

The Post & Courier is one of the only major publications in America to return full-time to its offices amid the outbreak. Most national media organizations, especially those based in New York, have delayed a return to offices until at least after Labor Day.

Indeed, employees at the paper have pointed out that P&Cs rival McClatchy-operated local newspapers arent asking staff to return to work until at least the late summer.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
The outcome of the current crisis is something none of us can predict. Yet, well hear many opinions about how this or that will change.

Speaking for myself, I hope the world does undergo forced change, because we cannot continue as we were destined to go, effectively into oblivion.

Many times over the years, the world has been shocked from time to time when being faced with some holocaust, war, or other disturbance that took the lives of various colossal numbers of the global population. Between the years 1914 and 1975 over 170 million people are counted as being wiped out by WW1 and WW2, the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression - for which no reliable figures are available - the Vietnam war.

Its conservative to suggest that the Depression wiped out over 30 million. All that totals around 200 million.

This figure represents over 3 million per year, from 1914 - 1975.

Sadly this is the reality, it is not some figure plucked from the ether.

The fact is that the world suffered some catastrophe in the period 1914 to 1975 without very much notice being taken of that fact.

In other times we had pandemics such as the Black Death, which peaked in Europe from 1347 to 1351.... estimated to have caused over 100 million deaths, some have claimed it was closer to 200m.

Covid-19 has manifested its effect to date, with no idea how it will affect us in years to come, but hardly near the figure of three million in any single year.

In plain language this is not the worst ever pandemic insofar as we know. The world has overcome several phenomena that cost millions of lives, but still survived. The world carries on.

Of course it is still possible that well reach a significant increase in the number wiped out by the disease.

But as of yet, we simply dont know.

The bottom line, as of now, according to the World Health Organisation, is a total of 4,993,470 cases, with 327,738 lives lost.

Of course this is very sad, but in cold statistical analysis, it is not much, and is definitely a huge tribute to all health workers, some of whose lives were snatched from their families prematurely.

In the context of global pandemics, this virus is being well policed, and is being held at bay.

However technology is such that nowadays, updates are available almost immediately. The world has been vastly reduced in size since the global village concept became the reality with enormous advances in medical care. For that reason medicine was informed quickly, and took steps to shut the disease down. Successfully.

But governments worldwide are now fearful of what happens to the very wealthy companies, those who prop up the global economy.

Some businesses operate what actually amounts to a Ponzi scheme, where the economic well being of participants depends on everything going smoothly, without surprises. Whilst huge Ponzi schemes can withstand a certain amount of shocks without falling, if enough happens simultaneously, it all comes crashing down.

In other words anyone who cant really afford to operate while shocks come and go, will end up on the scrap heap.

That brings us all right back to the days when nobody spent what they couldnt afford to lose.

In other words, dont borrow. Cash is King.
The U.S. military's Africa Command (AFRICOM) has rejected Russia's claim that Moscow did not deploy fighter jets to Libya, saying on May 29 that the aircraft reflected Russia's goal to establish a foothold in the oil-rich country.



Brigadier General Gregory Hadfield, deputy director for intelligence at ARFICOM, said the U.S. military tracked the 14 MiG-29 fighter jets and SU-24 fighter bombers that were flown in by the Russian military, landing at Libya's Jufra air base.



The base is the main forward airfield for Khalifa Haftar and his eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), which has been waging an offensive to capture Tripoli.



Hadfield said Russia's activities in Libya gave it access to that country's oil and a military base in striking distance of Europe.



"Backing the LNA and backing Field Marshal Haftar -- it really isn't about winning the war, it's about developing strongholds," Hadfield said in an interview on May 29 with a small group of reporters.



A big U.S. concern would be if Russia placed missiles in such a location, he added.



"If Russia secures a permanent position in Libya and, worse, deploys long-range missile systems, it will be a game changer for Europe, NATO, and many Western nations," Hadfield said.



Russia has denied links to the aircraft, calling the claim "stupidity." Viktor Bondarev, the former Russian Air Force chief who heads the Defense Committee in the upper house of parliament, said the planes were not Russian, but could be Soviet-era aircraft owned by other African countries.



Hadfield disputed that, saying there were none of those aircraft in that part of Africa. And, he said, "not only did we watch them fly from Russia by way of Iran and Syria to Libya, we were able to photograph them at multiple points."



AFRICOM first released information about the arrival of the Russian aircraft in Libya on May 26. It provided more details on May 27, saying Moscow deployed the jets and bombers to provide support for Russian mercenaries helping Haftar battle forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA), which is recognized by the United Nations.



AFRICOM said that MiG-29s and Su-24s bearing Russian Federation Air Force markings departed Russia "over multiple days in May."



After the aircraft landed at the Russian military base of Hmeimim in western Syria, the MiG-29s "are repainted and emerge with no national markings."



Hadfield said the fighter aircraft will likely provide close air support and offensive strikes for the Vagner Group, a private military contractor believed to be close to the Kremlin that has been helping Hafter's forces.



The aircraft have not yet been used, but he said they will have to be flown either by pilots from Russia or contractors employed by Vagner.



Also on May 29 the U.S. State Department announced that Malta on May 26 seized $1.1 billion worth of counterfeit Libyan currency that it said was printed by a Russian state-owned company.



The money was printed by Joint Stock Company Goznak and ordered by "an illegitimate parallel entity," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in the statement.



The statement said the influx of Russian-printed Libyan currency in recent years "has exacerbated Libya's economic challenges," adding that the United States remained committed to working with the United Nations and international partners to deter illicit activities in Libya.



"This incident once again highlights the need for Russia to cease its malign and destabilizing actions in Libya," Ortagus said.



Libya was plunged into chaos when a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. The country is now split between a government in the east allied with Hafter and the UN-backed GNA in Tripoli.



The Russian Foreign Ministry says the situation in Libya is continuing to deteriorate and that a cease-fire announced in January is in tatters.



The cease-fire "has definitively collapsed, and hostilities have resumed in full," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on May 29, according to Interfax.



The balance of power differs significantly from what it was when the cease-fire came into effect due to "massive foreign assistance," she said.



Russia is in contact with all sides in the conflict and will insist it is resolved through diplomatic means, she said.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and Interfax
The number of people reported to have died of the novel coronavirus in the United States surpassed 100,000 this week, a grim marker of lives lost directly to the disease, but an analysis of overall deaths during the pandemic shows that the nation probably reached a similar terrible milestone three weeks ago.

Between March 1 and May 9, the nation recorded an estimated 101,600 excess deaths, or deaths beyond the number that would normally be expected for that time of year, according to an analysis conducted for The Washington Post by a research team led by the Yale School of Public Health. That figure reflects about 26,000 more fatalities than were attributed to covid-19 on death certificates during that period, according to federal data.

Those 26,000 fatalities were not necessarily caused directly by the virus. They could also include people who died as a result of the epidemic but not from the disease itself, such as those who were afraid to seek medical help for unrelated illnesses. Increases or decreases in other categories of deaths, such as motor vehicle accidents, also affect the count.

Such "excess death" analyses are a standard tool used by epidemiologists to gauge the true toll of infectious-disease outbreaks and other widespread disasters.

The Yale-led team used historical death data to estimate the expected number of deaths for each week this year, adjusting for such factors as seasonal variation and the intensity of flu epidemics. To calculate excess deaths, the researchers subtracted their estimate of expected deaths from the overall number of deaths reported by the National Center for Health Statistics.

The covid-19 death toll, a key data point in shaping the public-health response to the pandemic, has become a political flash point. Allies of President Donald Trump have claimed that the government tally is inflated, contending that it includes people with other medical conditions who would have died with or without an infection.

The Yale-led analysis, however, suggests that the actual number of people who have died because of the pandemic is far greater than the official government death tallies. The researchers estimated that the number of excess deaths between March 1 and May 9 was most likely between 97,500 and 105,500.

"It's clear that the burden is quite a bit higher than reported totals," said Daniel Weinberger, the Yale professor of epidemiology who led the analysis.

At the same time, an examination of excess deaths by state paints a portrait of two Americas, one pummeled by the pandemic and the other only lightly scathed.

Many Republican strongholds, including Alaska, South Dakota and Utah, did not have an unusual number of overall deaths during the period covered by the analysis. The numbers of deaths in those states rarely rose above the expected ranges and sometimes were slightly below them, the researchers found.

In contrast, some of the nation's most populous blue and purple states - including New York and New Jersey but also Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Illinois - experienced staggering surges in deaths. In every one of those states, the spike surpassed the number of deaths attributed to covid-19 in official tallies. New York City had an estimated 6,500 excess deaths beyond those attributed to the virus, according to the analysis.

The state-by-state analysis indicates that, as testing has become more widely available, covid-19 deaths have accounted for larger and larger percentages of the excess deaths. It also suggests that the gap between excess deaths and official covid-19 tallies has been particularly pronounced in several states that currently have the least restrictive social distancing rules in place.

The number of excess deaths fell nationally in the weeks leading up to May 9 - the last week for which data is complete enough to be reliable - largely because of the easing of the pandemic in such hot spots as New York City and New Jersey. However, that decline is overstated in the data due to delays between when a death occurs and when it is reported to the federal government.

Among the states where those reporting lags have been most pronounced are New Mexico, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Ohio and Georgia, according to the analysis.

The Yale-led analysis seeks to correct for such lags. It adjusts the baseline of expected deaths for each week to reflect the number of deaths that normally would have been reported for that week as of the time the analysis was conducted. In coming weeks, as the data become more complete, both the baseline and the number of reported deaths during the period examined will shift upward.

For the most part, the states that continue to maintain especially restrictive social distancing rules are those that suffered the largest numbers of excess deaths. In many of those places, most nonessential businesses remain closed, bars and restaurants may not seat customers, and public gatherings are limited to 10 people or fewer, according to a Post review of state policies through Friday.

In states that have begun to lift restrictions, the picture of excess deaths through May 9 is more mixed. Deaths were within the normal range in many of those states, but they spiked in a handful of others, including Massachusetts, Colorado, Louisiana and Virginia, the analysis shows.

The states with the loosest restrictions are generally those in which the death toll through May 9 was not unusually high, according to the analysis.

But a handful of those states saw spikes in deaths and significant numbers of excess deaths beyond those officially attributed to covid-19, though their overall numbers were small relative to the harder-hit states.

For example, South Carolina had an estimated 1,100 excess deaths. Only 326 - or about 30% - were recorded as covid-19 deaths, according to death certificate data published by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A contributing factor to the discrepancy could be that South Carolina is testing relatively few people for the coronavirus, making it less likely that such cases will be diagnosed, said Farzad Mostashari, a doctor and technologist based in Bethesda, Maryland, who is part of the research team that conducted the analysis for The Post. South Carolina ranks 41st in the nation in prevalence of testing, according to data compiled by the Covid Tracking Project.

South Carolina public health officials have said they are committed to ensuring that every resident who dies of covid-19 is counted.

In Arizona, another state that has only minor restrictions in place, the number of deaths attributed to covid-19 was 40% of the estimated 1,400 excess deaths. Arizona ranks 51st in testing rates among the nation's states and territories. In Texas, which ranks 47th for testing, 39% of the estimated 2,900 excess deaths were attributed to the virus.

Nationally, between March 1 and May 9, covid-19 deaths accounted for about 74% of excess deaths. The gap between excess deaths and those attributed to covid-19 has narrowed significantly since the early weeks of the outbreak. In the week ending March 28, only about half of the excess deaths were attributed to covid-19. In the week ending May 2, the proportion had risen to 81%.

That is a common pattern in an epidemic, said Robert Anderson, chief of mortality statistics at the NCHS.

"In the early stages, when physicians are less familiar with the disease and not looking or testing for it, cases are more likely to be misdiagnosed and attributed to other causes," Anderson said. "As the epidemic progresses and physicians see more and more cases, they are increasingly likely to correctly diagnose the disease and report it accordingly."

The NCHS is conducting its own analyses of excess deaths during the pandemic and has also reported numbers well beyond the government's official covid-19 death toll, but with a wider range of estimates. The agency estimates there were between 89,257 and 119,706 excess deaths from Feb. 1 to May 9.

The NCHS analysis differs from the Yale estimates in several ways: The government analysis does not account for the intensity of flu epidemics, and it seeks to account for the lag in death reporting by estimating the number of deaths that will eventually be tallied when data is complete.

The Yale-led team found with 95% confidence that the number of excess deaths during the period under study falls within the range of 97,500 and 105,500. The 101,600 figure is the midpoint of that range.

The NCHS model also calculates a range of excess deaths with 95% confidence. The agency publishes only the midpoint and low numbers from that range. It does not publish the higher end.

Anderson said the higher number could be misleading. It would include many deaths that could be due to normal variation, he said.

Steven Woolf, a professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, said it is unusual to for scientists to publish only the lower and middle points of a range. "The customary thing in most scientific publications, including most results that come from CDC and NCHS, is to present the full 95% confidence interval," said Woolf, who is not part of the Yale-led effort.

- - -

The Washington Post's Lenny Bronner, Jacqueline Dupree and Thomas Johnson contributed to this report.

- - -

Methodology

A research team led by the Yale School of Public Health used historical data on all deaths between 2015 and early 2020, published by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), to model the number of deaths that would normally be expected each week from March 1 to May 9. The estimate takes into account seasonal variations, intensity of flu epidemics and year-to-year variations in mortality levels.

NCHS data are collected from state health departments, which vary significantly in how quickly they report deaths. The Yale analysis adjusts the baseline in each state to reflect those differences. In states that have been slow to report deaths to the NCHS, the baseline for expected deaths in recent periods is adjusted downward.

Details on the team's statistical approach can be found on GitHub, where it has been posted by Weinberger. Also on GitHub, The Post has published additional details about the data and methodology.

The number of overall deaths and covid-19 deaths are not modeled or estimated. They are observed deaths. These data were obtained from provisional death data published weekly by the NCHS, which are based on the state in which each person's death occurred, not on the state of the person's residence. For privacy reasons, the NCHS does not publicly report deaths from states that had fewer than 10 covid-19 fatalities in any given week. For those weeks in those states, the Yale-led analysis used data compiled by The Post from state health departments.

Figures for North Carolina and Connecticut were not up to date, and those states are not included in this analysis. Pennsylvania is reporting deaths after significant lag and actual death counts for 2020 are most likely underestimated, according to NCHS.
Panaji:

Upset with the removal of Subhash Velingkar as Goa RSS chief, over 300 Sangh workers have announced that they will quit the organisation and vowed to "defeat" BJP in the Assembly polls next year if he is not reinstated.



RSS on Wednesday removed Velingkar who had crossed swords with BJP government over the issue of medium of instruction (MOI) in schools with members of his outfit BBSM even showing black flags to party chief Amit Shah recently. The Sangh said he was trying to engage into "political activity" which is contrary to its tradition.



"We want that either Velingkar should be reinstated or we (over 300 volunteers) all should be relieved along with him. Since the Sangh has not reinstated him (Velingkar) during the entire day, we have decided to tender resignations," Sangh member Pravin Nesvankar told reporters late night on Wednesday in Panaji.



Also Read: RSS sacks Goa chief Subhash Velingkar for showing black flags to Amit Shah



A large number of RSS workers from the state on Wednesday night held an 'emergency' meeting for over three hours at Bambolim near Panaji in the backdrop of Velingkar's removal.



Velingkar, the convener of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) which is fighting for withdrawal of grants to English medium schools and for the cause of promoting regional languages as MOI in the coastal state, has been at loggerheads with the saffron party as well as Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.



"RSS workers will now work for a new political front that will contest the Goa Assembly polls," said Nesvankar in the presence of members like Ratnakar Lele and Krishnaraj Sukerkar.



"We will defeat the BJP in the upcoming elections," Nesvankar added.



Sangh's South District head Ramdas Saraf said the volunteers will not work for RSS until the decision to relieve Velingkar is withdrawn.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
But his life, at least as filtered through the musical's rather reductive book by Martin Sherman (best known for the gay Holocaust drama "Bent") and Nick Enright, was mostly about trying to be two people at the same time  nice mama's boy from the Outback and "The Continental American," as one of his songs is titled. (Allen's first success came as a duo, "The Allen Brothers," with Chris Bell, who most certainly wasn't his brother.) That duality needs to be amped up in David Zak's generally sturdy production for the emotional highlights to really hit home. There was an essential sadness underneath this man who was "Not the Boy Next Door" and who craved the "Busby Berkeley" life from an early age that this show sometimes shies away from.
Watertown, N.Y.  Soldiers from Fort Drum may be deployed to Minneapolis where the police killing of George Floyd has sparked widespread protests, according to CNBC.

CNBC reported the Pentagon has taken the rare step of ordering soldiers from Fort Drum in Watertown and Fort Bragg in North Carolina to be ready to be deployed to Minneapolis within four hours if called. CNBC attributed that to three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in Fort Carson in Colorado and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours.

A White House official said there is no plan to deploy active duty soldiers to Minneapolis.

CNBC reported the orders to get ready were sent Friday after President Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper for military options to help quell unrest in Minneapolis after protests led to looting and arson in some parts of the city.

The Army units would be deployed under the Insurrection Act of 1807, which was last used in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles that followed the Rodney King trial.

MORE ON GEORGE FLOYD

Syracuse police chief: I believe it was right to charge officer who killed George Floyd

Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin arrested in death of George Floyd

Minneapolis police arrest CNN reporter Omar Jimenez, crew, live on camera

Minneapolis police station torched amid George Floyd protest; 7 protesters shot in Kentucky

Protests over George Floyds death break out in NYC, all over country
After a year and a half of making headlines for the wrong reasons, investors will be praying Aston Martin has turned over a new leaf.

The top management team has the closest thing it will get to a clean slate, after sacking chief executive Andy Palmer earlier this week.

That move sent Aston's shares around 50 per centhigher in the space of a few days  though its stock market value of 880m is still a far cry from the 4.3 billion it was worth at its market debut.

Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who led a 536m rescue deal earlier this year, wants to cut costs and focus on making cars to order while the market is difficult.

But what shareholders want now is detail  and they will be hoping to get it during Aston's annual meeting on Wednesday.

Questions around its trading include: How many staff are and will remain furloughed? For how long? What was trading like in April and May?

They will also be keen to find out how many of the crucial DBX SUVs it intends to churn out this summer.

Grand strategy changes are probably on the way, but minutiae is arguably more in demand if the company wants its share price to keep climbing.
Coronavirus cases in the country are on a rapid rise and see no sign of abating. On Saturday, the national Covid-19 tally stood at 173,763 total infections. Coronavirus death toll in the country is at 4,971 while 82,369 people across India have recovered from the deadly contagion.

In Bihar, more than 3,500 people have been infected from Covid-19 while 15 people have lost their lives. Over 1,200 patients have recovered from the infection in the state.

With an influx of migrant labourers, the state administration has reported fresh cases of coronavirus arising from the incoming migrant workers.

Heres the top Covid-19 developments from Bihar:

1. With 150 fresh cases, the Covid-19 tally in Bihar on Saturday zoomed to 3,509 total cases.

2. Keeping in mind the large number of migrant labourers returning to the state, chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday called for containing the infection by segregating recent arrivals from those staying at quarantine centres.

3. According to data released by the health department, till date, 2,310 migrant labourers have tested positive in Bihar.

4. Over 15 lakh migrant labourers have returned to Bihar so far.

5. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Kumar said a task force, headed by the states development commissioner, has been set up for the economic rehabilitation of migrants.

Also read: These states have over 20,000 Covid-19 cases

6. District magistrates should conduct skill mapping of the migrant workers in their respective areas of jurisdiction and help them get gainfully employed once they are deemed fit, Kumar said on Friday.

7. Patna district, the worst-affected in the state with 234 cases till Thursday night, added four fresh cases to its tally. Other districts with high numbers of coronavirus cases in Bihar are Rohtas (201), Madhubani (183), Begusarai (180) and Munger (149).

8. All 38 districts in the state have reported Covid-19 cases. With just seven cases, Sheohar is the only district with a single-digit tally, news agency PTI reported.

9. Bihar government has distributed 87 lakh masks, covering 25 lakh households in the last 15 days.

10. Ahiyapur of Muzaffarpur has been declared as a Covid-19 containment zone after eight positive cases were found in a single day. Earlier five more Covid-19 patients were found in the same area.

(With inputs from PTI)
Hundreds of protestors gathered in Peters Park in the South End of Boston to demand justice for George Floyd, a black man who died on Monday after a Minneapolis police officer used his knee to pin Floyd to the ground.

The Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder on Friday. Chauvin and the other three officers involved in the scene were fired by Minneapolis Police. Protestors in Boston held hand-made signs and chanted at the South End rally, demanding justice for Floyd and other black men who have died in police custody.

The first police officer was arrested and charged, Brock Satter, a speaker and organizer with Mass Action Against Police Brutality, said to applause. But," he added, "thats not enough for the family of George Floyd...it shouldnt be enough for us.

Satter spoke on the cases of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and other high-profile, police-related deaths of black men and women in the United States.

Satter also spoke of the death of Boston man Terrence Coleman, a 31-year-old black man with a mental health disability who died after being shot by a Boston Police officer in 2016. Colemans mother, Hope, disputes findings from an investigation by the office of then-Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley that said Coleman moved toward authorities with a knife before he was shot by police.

I shed tears, but its time for my tears to stop and Im going to keep fighting for justice, Hope Coleman said at the rally Friday. I pray every day for these cops to be [held] accountable. Every single cop."

Organizers emphasized peace and non-violence at the rally in Peters Park and march down Washington Street. Satter said that those interested in anything otherwise should please do it elsewhere.

Following the march down Washington Street, WBZ reported several people were pepper-sprayed while demonstrating outside of the District 4 Boston Police station on Harrison Avenue.

Footage showed that the demonstrations reached the steps of the District 4 police station off Harrison Avenue, where protesters clashed with some of the police officers.

Earlier in the day, Gov. Charlie Baker said he spoke with officials across the state about the possibility of demonstrations taking place in Massachusetts.

If people choose to protest, we need to make sure they have the ability to do that, Baker said. We hope people protest peacefully but honestly, a moment like that, an event like that, I cant imagine why people wouldnt want to get out on the streets and make a point about it.
They welcomed their first daughter together last month.

And Joshua Jackson and his wife Jodie Turner-Smith made one of their first public outings on Friday since the arrival of the child, whose name hasn't been publicly released yet.

The 41-year-old Little Fires Everywhere actor showed off a new buzzed haircut while he and the 33-year-old Queen & Slim star stopped by a CVS in Los Angeles while on a stroll.

New 'do: Joshua Jackson, 41, showed off his quarantine buzz cut after stopping at a pharmacy in LA with his wife Jodie Turner-Smith and their baby daughter on Friday

Joshua opted for a casual look for their outing with ribbed cream shirt and baggy brown pants with black Nike sneakers.

Jodie added a bit more color to her ensemble with a royal blue T-shirt and a pair of aquamarine pants.

She had her hair tied back with a dark blue scarf and sported Nikes in two different color schemes, one of which perfectly matched her outfit.

She and the Fringe star were so overcome with love that they had to pause their walk to a smooch through their masks as he held her tight and their fluffy black dog stared on blankly.

Isn't it romantic? The couple were overcome by emotion and stopped to kiss, even though they still had their masks on

Contrasts: He wore a cream shirt and brown pants while she wore a royal blue T-shirt, aquamarine pants and matching Nike sneakers

Earlier this month, Joshua shared an adoring Instagram tribute to Jodie for Mother's Day.

'I want to thank you for the being the light that you are,' he captioned a photo of her cradling their daughter while wearing a colorful head wrap.

'For the the passion with which you threw yourself into nurturing and protecting our child when she was in your womb. For the dedication and will you showed bringing her into the world,' he continued.

'I have never witnessed a more powerful being than you through those moments. Thank you for the depth of grace you have found since our daughter has arrived. The commitment that you make look so effortless but I know is anything but.'

The Mighty Ducks actor also thank Jodie for making him a father and trusting him on their journey together.

'I am humbled more and more every day by that. I love you. I love seeing you enter the pantheon of mothers. And I look forward to walking this path by your side as we nurture this little engine of joy you have blessed the world with,' he concluded.

Loving display: Joshua celebrated Jodie earlier this month in a loving Mother's Day post as she cradled their newborn

Strong bond: Jodie saluted her own mother in a similar Instagram post, while thanking her for being by her side as she gave birth to her own daughter

Unbreakable bond: 'I am so glad that nothing could keep you from being by my side for the birth of your granddaughter,' she captioned a photo before a water birth

Jodie saluted her own mother in a similar Instagram post, while thanking her for being by her side as she gave birth to her own daughter.

'Words cannot express how much you mean to me. you have always been a powerful woman and you have always been an excellent mother, but my journey into motherhood has only taken my appreciation of you to another level!' she wrote.

'I am so glad that nothing could keep you from being by my side for the birth of your granddaughter. in so many ways, it felt like she waited for youso that you could be there to hold my hand through contractions, so that you could stand watch over me while we welcomed her into this world.'

Moving fast: Joshua and Jodie welcomed their daughter in April. They got a marriage license in August and revealed rings in November, but the marriage wasn't confirmed until December; pictured in February in London

Joshua and Jodie welcomed their first child in late April, their representatives confirmed to People.

'Both mother and baby are happy and healthy,' the reps told the publication.

The lovebirds were seen picking up a marriage license in August, with the duo stepping out with rings in November, but the marriage wasn't confirmed until December.
Hong Kong officials lashed out on Saturday at moves by U.S. President Donald Trump to strip the city of its special status in a bid to punish China for imposing national security laws on the global financial hub.

Speaking hours after Trump said the city no longer warranted economic privileges and that some officials could face sanctions, security minister John Lee told reporters that Hong Kong could not be threatened and would push ahead with the new laws.

"I don't think they will succeed in using any means to threaten the (Hong Kong) government, because we believe what we are doing is right," Lee said.

Justice minister Teresa Cheng said the basis for Trump's actions was "completely false and wrong", saying national security laws were legal and necessary for the former British colony.

In some of his toughest rhetoric yet, Trump said Beijing had broken its word over Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy from Beijing, by proposing the national security legislation and that the territory no longer warranted U.S. economic privileges.

"We will take action to revoke Hong Kong's preferential treatment as a separate customs and travel territory from the rest of China," Trump said, adding that Washington would also impose sanctions on individuals seen as responsible for "smothering - absolutely smothering - Hong Kong's freedom".

Trump told reporters at the White House that China's move was a tragedy for the world, but he gave no timetable for the moves, leaving Hong Kong residents, businesses and officials to ponder just how far his administration will go.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said Saturday marked "a sad day" for China's freest city. "This is an emotional moment for Americans in Hong Kong and it will take companies and families a while to digest the ramifications," AmCham President Tara Joseph said in a statement.

"Many of us ... have deep ties to this city and with Hong Kong people. We love Hong Kong and it's a sad day," she said, adding the chamber would continue to work with its members to maintain Hong Kong's status as a vital business centre.

'THUGGISH' CRACKDOWN

Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, with the guarantee of many freedoms, including the right to protest and an independent judiciary, not enjoyed on the mainland.

Chris Patten, the last British governor, said Chinese President Xi Jinping was so nervous about the position of the ruling Communist Party that he was risking a new Cold War with his "thuggish" crackdown in Hong Kong.

(For an explainer on how important Hong Kong is to China as a free finance hub, please click)

China's parliament this week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. Mainland security and intelligence agents may be stationed in the city for the first time.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong insist the legislation will target only a small number of "troublemakers" who threaten China's national security. They say such action is urgently needed after months of sometimes violent anti-government, anti-China protests rocked the city last year.

Protests are simmering again as Hong Kong emerges from its coronavirus shutdown. Demonstrators are expected to take to the streets on Sunday.

Trump did not name any sanctions targets but said the announcement would "affect the full range of agreements we have with Hong Kong", including the U.S.-Hong Kong extradition treaty to export controls on dual-use technologies and more "with few exceptions".

An editorial in the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's Communist Party, said some external forces with ulterior motives have been issuing so-called "Hong Kong-related statements" for a while, threatening to "strongly respond", and lobbying for "immediate attention".

Such attempts to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs would not scare the Chinese people and were doomed not to succeed, it said, without explicitly naming the United States.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The deaths of over a quarter of the residents of Dealgan House Nursing Home during the coronavirus crisis in the month of April will be raised at the COVID-19 committee in Leinster House today (Tuesday) by Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu.

The committee was set up two weeks ago and has representatives from all the political parties and independent groupings in the Dail, with Louth's Fine Gael TD being another member.

The purpose of the committee is to examine the government response to the outbreak and its plans for the future management of the pandemic. Deputy O Murchu, who first raised the unfolding tragedy in Dealgan House with Minister Simon Harris three weeks ago, said he will have an opportunity to question officials from HIQA and the Department of Health about their response to the deaths of 23 people in the Dundalk nursing home since April 1.

The Louth TD said: 'The establishment of the special COVID-19 Committee is vital in the process of holding the government and officials to account about their response to the pandemic.

'There is no-one in Dundalk at this stage who isn't aware of the tragic events at Dealgan House Nursing Home and it is clear that there have been failings in relation to the overall nursing and congregated setting sectors and in particular how older people are cared for.

'I will be raising issues around Dealgan House and the wider nursing homes issue with HIQA, who will be inspecting the facility in the near future, and with the Department of Health.

Deputy O Murchu also raised the issue in the Dail last Thursday when he asked Health Minister Simon Harris about the establishment of an inquiry into what happened at the Dundalk nursing home.

Mr O Murchu said: 'The demand from families for an inquiry into what happened, when and how, at Dealgan House remains, and is growing stronger.'

He pressed the Minister as to whether he would state if an inquiry would be set up.

'Families feel strongly, and so do I, that until we have answers about how this huge tragedy happened in this nursing home, lessons will not be learned in time to save lives into the future'.

The Sinn TD also raised the forthcoming HIQA inspection of the facility and he wanted to know whether it would be used as the basis for deciding whether the RCSI Hospital Group hands back operational control to the owners of Dealgan House.

Minister Harris indicated that he would await the outcome of the HIQA inspection before deciding the next step. He added that he had read some of the 'heart-breaking' stories from the Dealgan House families and would update TDs in writing about the involvement of the RCSI group.

Minister Harris also said he would welcome the involvement of a patient advocacy group to liaise with the families.

Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick also spoke about the tragedy in Dealgan House, saying that he was not 'interested in a blame game but lessons must be learned and admissions must be made regarding how certain aspects of the Covid-19 outbreak were handled by those in power.

He argued that to prevent it from ever happening again it was vital to spell out how certain areas and sectors were overlooked, abandoned and left to fend for themselves for far too long, until it was too late to stop the virus from taking hold.

Nursing and residential homes are the most obvious victims of this neglect. It was known from the very start of the COVID-19 outbreak, from what happened in other countries, that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions were most at risk from this virus, yet nursing and residential homes ranked near the bottom of this list when it came to Ireland's preparations for the outbreak here.'H

Deputy Fitzpatrick also expressed concern that the management of nursing homes will be made scapegoats and blamed for the high number of deaths that occurred in these settings. 'Management and staff always have a responsibility for what happens on their watch but the tragedy that happened in so many nursing and residential homes could have been greatly reduced had they been given assistance from the top, as was needed from the very start. '

It is utterly unacceptable that immediate support was not made available when it emerged that only seven of the 24 nursing staff were available to work in Dealgan House Nursing Home due to staff contracting the virus or being suspected of having the virus. If coming to the aid of nursing homes had been treated as a national emergency, then replacement of staff, provision of PPE and regular testing would have occurred as a priority at the start.'

He stated that: 'The record is very clear that this did not happen. The result is a huge number of casualties, loss of life and utter devastation for families. All that the families are looking for is answers. They do not want to hear excuses or admissions from those in power regarding the failure to protect their loved ones. The only way lessons will be learned is by ensuring the same neglect of the most vulnerable in our society never happens again.'

He also asked Minister Harris if he was planning to set up a public inquiry into what went wrong in nursing homes like Dealgan House Nursing Home in Dundalk.

Minister Harris told him that he welcomed the fact that HIQA is due to carry out an inspection in regard to Dealgan and he would be guided by the outcome of that. He also informed him of the COVID committee being set up.
Ali Erbas, the head of Turkey's highest religious authority prays in front of worshippers wearing protective facemasks maintaining the required social distance during the Friday prayer in The Fatih Mosque in Istanbul. (AFP)

Istanbul: Turkish mosques reopened on Friday for mass prayers after more than two months as the government further eased strict restrictions to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

Turkey has been shifting since May to a "new normal" by easing lockdown measures and opening shopping malls, barbershops and hair salons.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said many other sites -- restaurants and cafes as well as libraries, parks and beaches -- will reopen from Monday.

Hundreds of worshippers wearing protective masks performed mass prayers outside Istanbul's historic Blue Mosque for the first time since mosques were shut down in March.

In the Ottoman-era Fatih mosque, worshippers prayed both inside and outside, with the municipality handing out disinfectants and disposable carpets.

Gulcek Uyanik, 55, was exultant.

"I have waited a lot for this, I have prayed a lot. I can say it's like a new birth, thanks to God, he has brought us back here," he said.

Another worshipper, Asum Tekif, 50, said: "It has a been a long time... we missed the mosques."

Turkey, a country of 83 million, has so far recorded 4,489 coronavirus-related deaths and 162,120 confirmed cases.

Prayers in Hagia Sophia

Muslim clerics on Friday recited prayers in the Hagia Sophia, the world famous Istanbul landmark which is now a museum after serving as a church and a mosque.

The prayers were held to celebrate the anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople, today's Istanbul, by the Ottomans in 1453.

"It is very important to commemorate the 567th anniversary of the conquest ... through prayers in the Hagia Sophia," said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who attended the ceremony via videoconference.

The stunning edifice was first built as a church in the sixth century under the Byzantine Empire as the centrepiece of its capital Constantinople.

After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into a mosque before being turned into a museum during the rule of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, in the 1930s.

But there have been hints about reconverting the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Last year, Erdogan himself mooted the possibility of turning Hagia Sofia museum into a mosque.

Such calls have sparked anger among Christians and raised tensions with neighbouring Greece.

In 2015, a Muslim cleric recited the Koran in the Hagia Sophia for the first time in 85 years to mark the opening of an exhibition.

After Friday prayers at the Blue Mosque, a small group of Muslim worshippers shouted: "Let the chains break and let the Hagia Sophia open," an AFP photographer reported.

The group was later dispersed by the police who stopped them from protesting near Hagia Sophia that sits immediately opposite the Blue Mosque.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  So much for lawless New York.

It turns out that long arm of city government enforcement will come and get you after all. At least if youre a business owner trying to re-open your establishment in the face of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Bobby Catone, owner of Sunbelievable tanning salon in Great Kills, learned that the other day, when he tried to put his establishment back in business despite the pandemic prohibition against non-essential businesses being open.

Seeing as Catone had made his intentions clear days before, NYPD officers were waiting for him. The city wrote him a summons for $1,000 (which was promptly ripped to pieces in protest). Catone was also told that if he persisted, he could lose his Health Department license.

That threat was enough for Catone to relent and shutter his business again. Who knows how long the city would have held on to Catones license in order to make their point?

Before the pandemic, criminals were being sent back onto the streets of the city without bail. Quality-of-life offenses, from jumping turnstiles to peeing in the street, werent being enforced. Hundreds of thousands of warrants were vacated. You could smoke weed with impunity anywhere in the five boroughs.

And even during the pandemic, we saw criminals released from jail out of fear they would catch the virus.

But a business owner wants to re-open his legally owned establishment? They land on you with both feet.

Is a tanning salon an essential business? Probably not. But are liquor stores really essential? Reasonable minds can disagree.

That debate is beside the point. Were not talking about whats essential and what isnt. We had that discussion when we shut the country down in March. The question has been how do we re-open the city?

The coronavirus numbers are all headed in the right direction. The number of new virus hospitalizations has plummeted. The number of new cases is down. The number of deaths has dwindled. Gov. Andrew Cuomo himself has said that were turning the page on COVID-19.

This isnt some sudden, radical movement to re-open businesses. Weve sheltered in place for almost three months. We closed our businesses. Weve kept our kids home from school. Weve stopped going to our workplaces. Weve socially distanced from our fellow humans. Weve worn masks and gloves.

We stopped the spread. We flattened the curve. We did what was asked of us. And now that the numbers are improving, we want to open up society again. Simple.

We want to do it slowly and responsibly. At least I do. We cant throw a switch and return things to the way they were in March.

But we have to start moving in that direction. Now. Thankfully, Cuomo has said that the city can begin to re-open beginning on June 8.

Not a moment too soon.

We never bargained for waiting to re-open until there were zero COVID-19 deaths and cases and hospitalizations. Even Cuomo has said that thats unrealistic. The virus will still be with us when we re-open. Its just a matter of keeping things from getting out of control as we re-open. I get it.

New York City has been alone in the state in remaining on lockdown. Other regions, which werent hit by coronavirus as hard as we were, are re-opening. New Jersey is re-opening. Thats only adding fuel to the fire to re-open here.

My advice: If you want to go rogue before the official re-opening, dont announce it.

This was my fear: If wed let the lockdown stagger on through the summer and into the beginning of flu season in the fall, we would have had a whole new set of reasons for keeping things closed. We wouldnt have come out of this until next spring.

Were finally on the right road.
Spokesman says German chancellor cannot agree to travel to Washington considering the overall pandemic situation.

A German government spokesman has confirmed that Chancellor Angela Merkel will not attend an in-person summit of world leaders that President Donald Trump has suggested he will host in the United States despite concerns over the coronavirus.

Leaders from the G7 had been scheduled to meet by videoconference in late June after the pandemic scuttled plans to gather in-person at Camp David, the US presidential retreat.

Trump last week, however, indicated that he could hold the huge gathering after all, primarily at the White House but also potentially parts of it at Camp David, in Maryland state.

Merkel has declined, according to the spokesman.

As of today, considering the overall pandemic situation, she cannot agree to her personal participation, to a journey to Washington, the spokesman said, confirming an earlier report on the Politico website.

The federal chancellor thanks President Trump for his invitation to the G7 summit, he added.





The G7 is made up of the US, Italy, Japan, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union. Member states take turns organising the annual gathering, with participants normally sending large delegations with their leaders to the summits and journalists from all the world convene to cover their meeting, as well.

The White House said it is putting the huge diplomatic gathering back on the agenda as a show of strength when global economies are gradually re-emerging from lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Merkel is the first to give a firm no, while other world leaders have expressed vaguely positive responses.

On Friday, the White House said Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had spoken and agreed on the importance of convening the G7 in person in the near future.

Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who hosted the 2018 summit, said any in-person gathering would have to prioritise safety, while a French presidential official said President Emmanuel Macron, last years host, was willing to go to Camp David if the health conditions allow.

European Council head Charles Michel, meanwhile, said through a spokesman that he would attend if health conditions allow.

The US is the worst-hit country for coronavirus infections, having registered more than 1,745,000 cases and some 102,000 deaths.
Phil Robertson reveals he has 45-y-o daughter, says of past sin: in all things, God works for good

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

"Duck Dynasty" patriarch, Phil Robertson recently learned that he has a 45-year-old daughter from an affair he had before he became Christian and said God turned his bad past into something positive.

The 74-year-old and his four sons, Al, Jase Willie, and Jep, shared the news about their new family member, Phyliss, on the latest episode of his BlazeTV podcast Unashamed With Phil Robertson.

"It's a pretty cool explanation of redemption, reconciliation, love," Phil said of finding out he had a daughter so late in life. "As it turns out, 45 years, you have a daughter that you don't know about, and she has a father she doesn't know about. Forty-five years, that doesn't sound like very long but you say, that's a while. So finally, after all those years, we come together."

Phyliss first reached out to Al and Jase by sending each brother a letter explaining that she has a strong DNA connection to them, according to results from a DNA test kit, and she believed Phil was her father.

Phil has talked honestly about his wild past of using drugs and cheating on his wife, Miss Kay, who he married when he was 17.

The Robertson brothers recounted some of Phils past during the episode before detailing their first conversations with their sister.

Jase said that when he first received Phyllis' letter, which he had kept in his Bible, he wondered if it was a scam, because the family had received many letters from people who say they are loosely related and "need $10,000." But as he learned more about Phyllis, and her family and Christian faith and work in missions, he knew she wasn't out to scam the family.

"I started thinking, there's a 45-year-old woman out there who doesn't know who her dad is, and she's looking. And I thought, even if it's not dad, she needs to know it's not dad, said Al, so he asked their cousin and producer of the show to call Phyliss.

The call revealed that Phyliss was not out for anything and she was a Christian, so Al showed the letter to his parents. Miss Kay told Phil it was possible because of his past life. Phil said Miss Kay frequently told him that someone from his past would return, probably a son he didn't know he had, but she was delighted to learn he had a daughter because she had always wanted a daughter.

To confirm, a DNA test was scheduled with Phyllis and when the results were in, the brothers told their father and Miss Kay that it was a 99.9% match. the life-changing situation.

During the episode, Phil declared that he's applying his Christian faith to make sense of it all.

We know that in all things, in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose, he said, quoting scripture.

The Robertsons' welcomed Phyliss into their family and Miss Kay was awesome about it all, the brothers said, noting that in many families this would be unwelcomed news.

"I was so excited," Jep said about having an older sister. "It was, to me, like a dream come true."

Jase added that after the DNA test was confirmed, he felt, Whelp, I love her  because shes my sister.

He joked that if shes not familiar with 'Duck Dynasty' shes going to see that and say ... 'Are you kidding me? Out of all the people.'

Willie and his wife shared photos of one of the many family gatherings theyve had with Phyliss since their reunion. He shared that it was so good to find his long lost sister, adding, Welcome to the nuttiest family around.

Phil said there will be a part two of the podcast where Phyliss and Miss Kay will join them for a family chat.

Along with the new addition to their family, the Robertsons also made news because there was a drive-by shooting at Willies estate. No one was harmed and the suspect, Daniel Dean King, was taken into custody.
For the first time since tracking COVID-19 cases in the county, Montgomery County health officials confirmed the number of people who have recovered has surpassed the number of active cases.

According to the Montgomery County Public Health District, as of Friday, 468 people have recovered compared with 460 cases still active. Of those active cases, 27 people remain hospitalized and 433 are in self-isolation. The countys number of deaths remains at 26.

Higher Ed: Lone Star follows impact of coronavirus on enrollment trends, budget

Up 14 from Thursday, the countys total number of cases is 954.

County Judge Mark Keough said he was pleased to hear of the number of recoveries.

Montgomery County is in great shape as our recoveries have now surpassed the number of active cases, he said. This trend continues the downward trend of the rate of growth for confirmed cases.

He added since reopening businesses, the county has not seen a spike in cases or hospitalizations.

Everyday I continue to see people taking precautions and using good common sense when out in public and with the continued support of our residents and businesses we can expect more good news in the continued downward trend of cases in the coming weeks, he said.

Additionally, Keough shared Friday there have been 15,476 tests administered in Montgomery County with 14,522 returning negative.

The countys voucher testing is ongoing. Vouchers can be obtained by calling 936-523-5040 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., vouchers, if unused, expire in five days and the testing site is solely responsible for notifying you of results.

For more information on COVID-19, visit https://mcphd-tx.org/coronavirus-covid-19/.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
A range of free online courses has been launched for people in Balbriggan and the wider Fingal area whose jobs have been affected by Covid-19 restrictions.

Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) has joined forces with Our Balbriggan to promote courses in areas as varied as youth work, social services, security, computer programming and management.

'Many people have had their hours reduced, are working from home and wish to reskill or upskill as a result of Covid-19 restrictions,' said Trevor Moore, Business Manager with DDLETB.

'DDLETB, in conjunction with Our Balbriggan, has developed a suite of online courses to assist them.

'We have ensured the courses are relevant and very easy to access for everyone from employees to employers.

'All courses are QQI approved and lead to certification at level five or six on the National Framework of Qualifications.

'They are free to those in employment or in receipt of any of the Covid-19 State payments.'

The online courses can be undertaken on a modular basis, with each module individually certified.

'Community initiatives like these are wonderfully positive at this time,' said Fingal Mayor Eoghan O'Brien.

'Learning is a lifelong process and people may now have the time to pick up new skills that will enhance their careers.'

Our Balbriggan is very active in promoting education and learning, and had been planning to host the 'Our Balbriggan Loves Learning' festival' at the end of March.

Emer O'Gorman, Director of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development with Fingal County Council said access to educational and upskilling opportunities featured strongly in the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan,

'It's now an opportune time for local people to explore what courses are on offer,' she said.

Courses available include Youth Work and Community Development, Intellectual Disability Practice and Community Health Services, Security Studies, Security Operations, Health Services, Supervisory Management, Early Childhood Care and Education, Supervisory Management, Management Development, Communications and Marketing, Human Resource Management, Python Programming, Healthcare Support, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analytics (CySA+) and the Thrive Business Growth Programme.

For more information contact blrecruit@ddletb.ie or call 01-8408956.
'The nation exists from us and we exist from the nation', says PM Modi

Jaan Hai to Jahaan Hai: PM shares 'vikas yatra' of his second term in office with people

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, May 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared a document with the people detailing the "vikas yatra" or glimpses of development, empowerment and service during his government's second term.

The document, shared by the prime minister on the occasion of the first anniversary of his second term on his Twitter account and web portal, detailed the steps taken by his government for the progress and development of the country.

The document is divided into 15 heads ranging from ease of doing business, ease of living, to eliminating corruption and the country's fight against coronavirus.

"Have a look at the Vikas Yatra, that gives glimpses of our collective journey of development, empowerment and service," Modi tweeted along with the document.

Air India pilot tests Covid +ve, Delhi-Moscow flight returns midway| Oneindia News

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi won the elections of 2019 and came back with a bigger mandate and greater support of people. This mandate with a larger majority, which is a rare phenomenon in democratic societies, was won on delivery of earlier promises along with support for the future roadmap that PM Modi's vision of New India presented to the people," the introduction to the document said.

The expectations from Modi 2.0 are even bigger than they were from the first term, it said.

"Responding to this massive support from the people, PM Modi and the government have started delivering on big reforms, big decisions and big ideas from day one," the document said.

"From ensuring a new dawn for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to historic corporate tax cuts, from empowering farmers and traders with pensions to aiding a peaceful resolution to the Ayodhya issue, Modi 2.0 has begun on a high note," it said.

Vikas Yatra module is part of the Narendra Modi website and has been updated with fresh details, the introduction said. Under the head of ease of doing business, the document said Indias historic rise in ease of doing business is based on policies that have replaced the red tape with a red carpet.

MEA explains why White House followed and unfollowed PM Narendra Modi on Twitter

On the country's fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the document said early steps against the virus, decisive lockdown, ramping up medical infra, making India one of the world's largest PPE makers, a slew of pro-poor measures and deep structural reforms is how the Modi government led the battle against coronavirus.

The Modi government's reforms and bold decisions have enabled India to become the fastest growing major economy, the document said. Be it foreign policy or in national security, Modi always believes in putting India first, it said.

The work of the Modi government in ensuring health for all has seen some historic steps being taken, the document said. The document has a separate section on "eliminating corruption" which states that Modi has led a historic battle against graft and now honesty is honoured and transparency is the norm.

Modi also marked the first anniversary of his second term by writing an open letter to his countrymen, asserting that India has started traversing on the path to "victory" in its long battle against COVID-19 while acknowledging "tremendous suffering" of migrant workers among others.

He said his government has taken "historic" decisions and the nation progressed rapidly in the last one year, even as he acknowledged that there is a lot that needs to be done and many challenges and problems face the country.
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY  The SPCA of Westchester has been overwhelmed with gratitude over all the people who've adopted or started fostering a pet.

"I dont think anyone anticipated when Covid-19 first hit that a result of it would be an outpouring of fosters and adopters," Lisa Bonanno told Patch. "We are incredibly fortunate that we had so many people and families reaching out to help the animals."

Officials at the shelter on North State Road are being very careful to make sure anyone who adopts is properly set up to care of their new dog or cat once they return to work. "That was obviously a big concern for us, that when things get back to 'normal' wed see a spike in returns," Bonanno said.

Springtime is kitten season, so its a crucial time of year to have as many fosterers on hand to help as possible. For the first time ever, the SPCA has a waiting list.

"Weve had so many success stories over the last 2 months and have recently experienced days where we looked down a row of dog runs to see them all empty, which is an amazing feeling. And for every animal adopted it means we have room to rescue another," she said.

SPCA of Westchester

A black and white cat, Domino was also fortunate enough to find his forever home during quarantine. He had been at the shelter for nearly a year.



There are three little kittens now being fostered who were found in a moving truck after an interstate trip.

"We received a call at the SPCA last week from a woman who just moved to Briarcliff from North Carolina. As they unloaded the moving truck three tiny, scared kittens were hunkered down in the back between boxes," Bonanno said. "Although we arent totally sure how this happened it appears these babies made the trip all the way up north in the back of the truck, unbeknownst to everyone. They were very hungry and dehydrated so she rushed them into our clinic. Luckily these little ones are strong and as you can see here are getting lots of love in their new foster home! Theyll hopefully be ready in a few weeks to find their forever families. When youre a part of the animal rescue world you truly never know what each day will bring!"

This article originally appeared on the Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manor Patch
Lucknow, India: A troop of monkeys in India has attacked a medical official and snatched away blood samples of patients who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The attack occurred this week when a laboratory technician was walking in the campus of a state-run medical college in Meerut, 460 kilometres north of Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh state.

Monkeys eat puffed rice near a Hindu temple during nationwide lockdown in Gauhati, India. A troop of monkeys in another state stole infected blood samples from a lab worker. Credit:AP

"Monkeys grabbed and fled with the blood samples of four COVID-19 patients who are undergoing treatment ... we had to take their blood samples again," said Dr SK Garg, a top official at the college.
(CNN)  Robert Weighton, the world's oldest man, died on Thursday at the age of 112, his family confirmed in a statement.

Weighton, a former engineer and teacher from Hampshire in southern England, had cancer and died peacefully in his sleep at his own home, where he lived independently up until his death, his family said in a statement to the UK's PA Media news agency.

"Bob was an extraordinary man, and to the family not really because of the amazing age he reached. A role model to us all, he lived his life interested in and engaged with all kinds of people from across the world," the family said.

Weighton, who was born in Yorkshire in the north of England on March 29, 1908, was officially named the world's oldest man after Chitetsu Watanabe, from Japan, died on February 23, aged 112 years and 355 days.

Playing down the accolade at the time, Weighton described himself as "an ordinary bloke who just happened to live for a long time."

He also declined the offer of a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth II this year, saying he did not want one at taxpayers' expense and had received at least 10 from her already, PA reported.

Right up until his death, Weighton's family said, he had a wide range of interests, including politics, theology and ecology. He was also passionate about the environment and had a workshop inside his home filled with furniture, windmills and puzzles that he hand-made and sold for charity.

"We are so grateful that until the very end Bob remained our witty, kind, knowledgeable, conversationalist father, grandfather and great grandfather, and we will miss him greatly," the family added.

Born in the northern English city of Hull, Weighton was one of seven children. After leaving school at 16, he undertook a marine engineering apprenticeship. He later moved to Taiwan, where he spent two years learning Mandarin and teaching in a missionary school.

In 1937, he married a fellow teacher, Agnes, and two years later they left for the UK.

However, their timing clashed with the outbreak of World War II, and the family was diverted to Canada and then moved to Connecticut in the US, where Weighton worked in a factory making planes to support Britain's war efforts.

The couple remained in the US until 1945, when they returned to the UK.

Weighton later went on to teach at London's City University. Agnes died in 1995. He is survived by his children David and Dorothy, 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

According to Guinness World Records, the world's oldest person is Kane Tanaka, who lives in Japan. She celebrated her 117th birthday in January.

This story was first published on CNN.com "World's oldest man, the UK's Robert Weighton, dies 'peacefully in his sleep' at 112"
What we found was that people were largely very aware of police violence both locally and nationally, and most of the folks we interviewed saw it as a deep, systemic and structural problem, Phelps said, one that was disproportionately impacting black people. But when you got to the reform section, people largely did not know what [the police] were doing, she said.
Sonu Sood has been hitting the headlines for his relentless efforts to help out migrant workers, who are looking for means to go home during the Coronavirus crisis. The actor has organized buses for 100s of migrant workers so far, taking them to their hometowns in states like Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

Apart from commoners, Sonu's heartfelt gesture towards migrant workers has won the love of his colleagues in the Hindi film industry as well. Shilpa Shetty, Neha Dhupia, Farah Khan and Kubbra Sait took to their social media profiles, to shower praises on the actor.

Shilpa Shetty shared an image of Sonu organizing buses for migrant workers along with a note. She captioned her post, "Extremely proud of you, @sonu_sood #leadbyexample #gratitude #hero #help," whereas her note read, "A superhero has been working tirelessly from the frontlines to ensure our fellow citizens in need reach their homes safely. This is a beautiful, humbling, & selfless gesture that has eased thousands of lives at a time when there's so much, pain & suffering. The example you've set speaks volumes of the kind of person you are & will be remembered by generations to come. So proud of you, Sonu!"

Sharing a picture of a news article on her Instagram story, Farah Khan wrote, "U did it. Proud of you my friend."

Kubbra Sait took to Twitter to write, "So much love for the new age non mythical real flesh and blood super hero of our times. Through the adversities and lows there is @SonuSood who just makes you nod your head and smile. Ah! Bless you saab. It's my honour to even say, "I know you."

So much love for the new age non mythical real flesh and blood super hero of our times. Through the adversities and lows there is @SonuSood who just makes you nod your head and smile.

Ah! Bless you saab. Its my honour to even say, I know you.  Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) May 30, 2020

Neha Dhupia tweeted, "@SonuSood so proud of you ... true hero."

It was recently reported that Sonu helped airlift 177 girls from Kerala to their home state Odisha.

ALSO READ: Sonu Sood Helps Airlift 177 Girls Stuck In Kerala, To Their Home State Odisha

ALSO READ: Swara Bhaskar Follows Sonu Sood, Helps Migrant Workers Reach Home


As we prepare for the weekend and a new month, I want to take this opportunity to remind each and every one that the COVID-19 pandemic is real. We must continue to take responsibility for our individual and collective safety.



How do you stay safe? Avoid crowded places and wash your hands regularly, with soap and under running water. As infections continue to rise, there appears to be a relaxation among many people when it comes to keeping to the protocols, even in shopping centres, markets and other heavy human traffic locations. Lets continue to take the necessary precautions and stay safe.



Even when you are just two or three people seated, please ensure that there is enough physical distancing between you. Do not touch commonly used surfaces and when you do, sanitize your hands or wash them. But more importantly is the wearing of face masks anytime you decide to step out.



Ensure that the next person sitting away from you, or talking to you is wearing a mask too. For those who have re-usable masks, remember to soak and wash them in soapy water and press with a hot iron every day.



As of this morning, 29th May, 2020, the number of confirmed positive cases stands at 7,362, with 32 deaths. While the 2,412 total recoveries is welcome news, it is also evident from the latest data that the virus is still spreading, and across the country.



Reports that the virus has spread to the Chamber and offices of Parliament is very disturbing. It adds to the urgency of the situation we face as a country, and while it is important to give hope to citizens it is absolutely necessary to be transparent and communicate the full picture of the extent of the disease.



Government has unfortunately not managed public education on coronavirus efficiently, while the latest communication creates the false impression that all is well with the management and spread of the disease. The advice from the President and other government officials that we should begin to learn to live with the disease suggests that you and I must take our destiny into our own hands as far as COVID-19 is concerned.



This is coming at a time that public education on the disease has dwindled to the extent that observance of hygiene and distancing protocols, as I indicated earlier, appear to be waning.



The benefit of wearing face masks at this time is obvious, and I reiterate my call on government to utilize some of the funds from the Stabilization Fund and the IMF to enhance local production and free distribution of re-usable face masks to especially vulnerable communities and groups.



These funds voted by parliament are meant primarily to be used to contain the spread of the virus and the free distribution of masks is essential at this time.



The absence of an effective mass education programme has contributed to the avoidable stigmatization of our brothers and sisters who have recovered from the infection. I invite all of you fellow citizens to join me in celebrating all who have recovered from the disease and I urge our traditional, community and faith leaders to assist the authorities in reintegrating them with their families.



Government's refusal to involve traditional rulers and Assembly members in the education and management of the disease has been a big gap in our National Response Plan.



Government must set aside some funds to assist those who have lost their means of livelihood and places of abode as a result of stigmatization.



Meanwhile, in the face of the imminent easing of restrictions, let me repeat the call on government to consider conducting mass testing, at least, at the point of need. What it means is that for instance all students, teachers, and ancillary staff returning to school or church attendants, following the easing of restrictions, should undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test as a safety precaution.



Government has accumulated enough resources in the name of COVID-19 to be able to fund a mass testing, even if it has to rely on private laboratories; for the sake of the life and health of Ghanaians.



I must indicate here my support for the position of the various teacher unions and parents who have spoken and cautioned against the hasty reopening of schools. Government must pay close attention and take into consideration, the concerns of the various unions and parents.



Finally, as I have always said, any decision taken by government to ease restrictions must be based on the utmost respect for human life and the science of the disease we are dealing with.



Decisions based on false premises will have grave consequences for us all, Ghanaians.



My party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), congratulates once again, all our health workers, still at the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus. Ghanaians truly appreciate your sacrifices, and you can be assured that your commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten.



Enjoy the weekend and God bless our homeland Ghana.







Source: John Dramani Mahama Cantonments- Accra Friday, May 29, 2020









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
Protests have spread to more than 20 US cities as police and the National Guard attempt to quell riots that have escalated since the death of George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Monday after being pinned down by a white police officer who pressed a knee into his neck while attempting to take him into custody.

A protest over the death of George Floyd in Los Angeles. Floyd died in police custody Monday in Minneapolis. Credit:AP

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said on Saturday that he was activating thousands of National Guard troops to subdue demonstrations.

The move by Walz to activate all of the state's available Guard troops - up to 13,200 - comes after protesters defied a newly imposed curfew on Friday night and set a string of businesses on fire, including a bank, a restaurant and a gas station.Quite candidly, right now, we do not have the numbers, Mr Walz said. We cannot arrest people when were trying to hold ground because of the sheer size, the dynamics and the wanton violence thats coming out there.
Canadian Tara ONeil is so close but yet so far from her American husband, Yossi Shalom.

The couple have a home in Windsor, where they typically spend their time with their 14-month-old son, Eytan.

Shalom, a music producer, had been commuting to work in the studio of a house he still owns in Detroit.

His office and home are just 25 minutes drive apart, but thanks to the travel ban imposed at the Canada-U.S. border, Shalom, 41, has been denied entry and separated from ONeil, 40, and their son, since March 18.

Seriously, its just the Detroit River between us. Id thought about swimming across, ONeil said jokingly before starting to cry over the familys prolonged separation.

They are among hundreds of couples affected by the border closure between Canada and the U.S. since mid-March when it was closed to all non-essential or discretionary travel due to the pandemic. The restrictions are in effect until at least June 21 and provide exemptions to health-care workers and truck drivers.

The initial order by the Canadian government, publicy echoed by various cabinet ministers, had assured immediate foreign family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents would be able to cross into Canada.

The catch is even that family travel must be essential and nondiscretionary  something families said they werent told until their spouses and partners were stopped at the border and sent back.

After weeks of wrangling with split families and critics, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday heeded the pressure to relax the restrictions and told the media Ottawa is looking at how can we support families that are going through extremely difficult times.

We have been looking at ways of perhaps allowing close family members, children, spouses or parents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to be able to reunite under strict conditions through a slight modification of the directives for the Canadian Border Services Agency, he told CTV News. No specifics were revealed.

A Facebook group, called Advocacy for Family Reunification at the Canadian Border, has brought together more than 300 affected people. Its online petition has more than 10,000 signatures. It recently launched a letter-writing and social media campaign, Reunification Thursdays, to advocate for change.

Many of our members have been subject to an inconsistent application of the travel restriction, with conflicting information from the Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Embassies around the world, and our own members of Parliament, said the groups spokesperson Dr. David Poon, a Saskatchewan family physician.

This results in one parent possibly missing the birth of their first child, a caregiver being unable to tend to their loved ones, and partners flying overseas to be sent back the same day, even with documented negative COVID-19 status.

ONeil, an administrator at a pharmaceutical company, said she and her husband had inquired through the immigration and border services hotlines about the travel ban. Aware of the imminent closure of the border, Shalom returned to Detroit on March 18 to wrap up his assignments and leave his house keys to a friend.

They told us we would be fine because families were excluded from the ban, ONeil said.

Shalom, who has been with ONeil for three years, arrived at the border on March 22, the day after the travel restrictions came into effect. He was refused entry; he made another failed attempt a week later and was warned he would be banned from entry for a year if he tried to cross the border during the pandemic again.

He missed our sons first birthday on March 28. Everyday he is missing our son grow and develop. These are the moments he will never get back in life, said ONeil.

It seems ridiculous that the government wont help us to reunite to be together during this pandemic, and I am all alone raising a baby on my own. I am at the point where I am so stressed out.

Windsor family doctor Ashley Cook, 36, and her husband, Tom Cook, 34, an internist from Detroit, are expecting their first child in August but worry whether hell be able to make it to the babys birth, with no end to the travel restrictions in sight. The couple had tried for four years to conceive through in-vitro fertilization treatment.

The couple keep their main residence in Canada while Tom returns on his days off from hospital. He has had a spousal sponsorship application since last fall for her to move to the U.S., which prevents her from travelling south of the border while it is being processed.

When the border was closed abruptly in March, Tom was working in Michigan. His wife begged American guards to let her cross the border and they made an exemption so she could see him. She returned on April 3, the last time they saw each other.

We are all for public health protection, but family reunification is essential. So many people are affected by this, said Ashley.

The pandemic has already made things exceptionally difficult. The family separation is exacerbating the issue and is causing so much harm to Canadians.

Anyone trying to enter Canada, she added, must already be subjected to a medical screening and is allowed entry only if they have a concrete plan to self-quarantine for 14 days, which the Cooks said they will all gladly comply.

She said her husband tried to cross the Canadian border on May 16 with her obstetricians note to prove the visit was necessary. A border guard refused him entry.

Read more about:
Global recession reaching its worst point with world GDP is now forecast to fall by 4.6% in 2020

Global economic forecast to fall by 4.6% in 2020 (Image: Wikimedia commons)

Fitch Ratings has made further cuts to world GDP forecasts in its latest Global Economic Outlook (GEO), but the slump in global economic activity is close to reaching its trough.

Global recession reaching its lowest point with world GDP is now forecast to fall by 4.6% in 2020

World GDP is now forecast to fall by 4.6% in 2020 compared to a decline of 3.9% predicted in our late-April GEO. This reflects downward revisions to the eurozone and the UK and, most significantly, to emerging markets (EM) excluding China, said Brian Coulton, Chief Economist, Fitch Ratings.

Fitch now expects eurozone GDP to fall by 8.2% in 2020 compared to a contraction of 7.0% in our previous GEO. This reflects incoming data that point to larger-than-anticipated falls in activity in France, Italy and Spain amid lockdowns that were more stringent than those in some other countries. Fitch now expects the GDP of Spain to fall by 9.6% (compared to -7.5% in the end-April GEO), by 9.5% in Italy (-8.0%) and by 9.0% in France (-7.0%) in 2020. The lockdown in the UK also looks set to last longer than previously assumed; with a sharp fall in GDP published by the Office for National Statistics for March, Fitch now expect the economy to contract by 7.8% this year (compared to -6.3% before).

Fitch expects output in EM excluding China to fall by 4.5% this year compared to a predicted fall of 1.9% before. This large revision reflects the deterioration in the health crisis in many of the largest EMs over the past month or so, including in Brazil, India and Russia. The biggest forecast cut was to India where Fitch now anticipate a 5% decline in the current financial year (ending March 2021) in contrast to an earlier forecast of growth of 0.8%. India has had a very stringent lockdown policy that has lasted a lot longer than initially expected and incoming economic activity data have been spectacularly weak. Infections accelerated sharply in Brazil and Russia from mid-April and Fitch now sees GDP falling by 6% in Brazil (revised from -4% in the previous GEO) and by 5% in Russia (-3.3%) this year.

Story continues

China, US and Japan also reflect worsening global recession

Forecasts for 2020 GDP growth for China, the US and Japan are unchanged since late April at 0.7%, -5.6% and -5.0%, respectively. Fitch is also affirming itss forecasts for Australia, Korea and South Africa, so its assessments of global economic prospects are starting to stabilise, following a succession of downward forecast revisions in recent GEO updates.

We foresee a technical pick-up in global GDP growth to 5.1% in 2021  with US and eurozone output rising by around 4%  but pre-virus levels of GDP are unlikely to be reached until mid-2022 in the US and significantly later in Europe. This is despite massive policy stimulus.  Brian Coulton, Chief Economist, Fitch Ratings

This concurs with other evidence that the collapse in global economic activity may be close to bottoming out. A number of early monthly economic indicators for May have improved slightly on their April values and daily mobility data show consumer visits to retail and recreation venues have increased in the eurozone and the US since lockdowns started to be eased in late April/early May. Its weekly US growth tracker has edged up slightly in the past two weeks and is consistent with its earlier forecast of a 10% yoy decline in 2Q20. These are all tentative signs, but Chinas recent experience suggests that activity will rise after lockdowns are eased. Industrial production is now back to December 2019 levels and fixed asset investment and credit growth are rising.

Stimulus packages may ameliorate global recession but return to economic normality is likely to be a slow and bumpy process

Moreover global macroeconomic policy stimulus has been increased further over the past month or so, beyond the already announced huge commitments. The US has announced an additional fiscal package valued at more than 2% of GDP (with more being discussed), Italy unveiled a second wave of easing measures, the UK extended its job-subsidy scheme, and Fitch now expects Chinas general government fiscal deficit to widen to 11.2% in 2020 from 4.9% in 2019. Fitch predicts that global quantitative easing (QE) will reach USD6 trillion in 2020, equivalent to half of the cumulative QE purchases by the Fed, ECB, Bank of England and Bank of Japan combined in 2009-2018. This explosion in central bank liquidity has helped to secure a pick-up in bank credit to the real economy (specifically, to firms) in the past couple of months, a development that contrasts with the pattern in 2009.

Nevertheless, the return to economic normality is likely to be a slow and bumpy process. The rupture in the labour market  with US unemployment now expected to peak at 20% in May  and ongoing social distancing will weigh heavily on consumer spending post-crisis, while firms will be very cautious on capital spending.

Global recession could see taper off in 2021

We foresee a technical pick-up in global GDP growth to 5.1% in 2021  with US and eurozone output rising by around 4%  but pre-virus levels of GDP are unlikely to be reached until mid-2022 in the US and significantly later in Europe. This is despite massive policy stimulus, added Coulton.

An aggressive resurgence of the virus that necessitated greatly extended or renewed nationwide lockdowns would lead to an even worse outcome. Its downside scenario sees GDP falling by 12% in the US and Europe in 2020 and global GDP down by more than 9%.

The post Global recession bottoming out despite further economic forecast cuts appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.
Nigeria has evacuated some of its stranded nationals from China.

The 268 evacuees on Saturday landed in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, said in a tweet.

268 stranded Nigerians in China safely arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, 30th May 2020, Mr Onyeama said.

Last month, amidst the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, African nationals in China protested harassment from the Chinese government in several videos circulated on social media.

In the videos, Nigerians and other African nationals were reportedly subjected to forced evictions from their homes and arbitrary quarantine and mass coronavirus testing in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China.

The incident drew the ire of Nigerians on social media as an hashtag #ChinaMustExplain on Twitter called out the Chinese government for the maltreatment.

In response, Mr Onyeama said every single case would be followed robustly and compensation and damages will be done where required. He said the government would not compromise the dignity of Nigerians and the entire black race on the altar of economic cooperation with China.

Also, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who met the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, expressed displeasure over the matter.

The Chinese embassy, in a statement, said the reason behind the restrictions was because the Chinese government was ramping up measures in containing imported coronavirus cases.

It said Nigerians were restricted because many of them were just returning to China.

Mr Pingjian, in a separate address, insisted that all nationals were treated equally without differential treatment because the Chinese government attach a great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China.

Evacuation

Mr Onyeama said the new evacuees would go on a 14-day quarantine in line with the standards of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to contain the spread of COVID-19.

All of them will go on the 14 days quarantine stipulated by, Mr Onyeama said.

This is coming on the wheels of the temporary suspension of evacuation of stranded Nigerians abroad.

Earlier in the week, Mr Onyeama said the decision is to allow the take-off of a new policy on evacuating Nigerians who are willing to return from other countries.

He said with the new policy, evacuees would no longer go into 14-day government monitored quarantine if they test negative from their countries of residence.

Explaining why the Nigerians were evacuated as against the new policy, Mr Onyeamas spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwonye, said the evacuation was done to cut costs because the aeroplane that took the Chinese medical team back to their base could not just come empty like that.
Minnesota National Guard walk past protesters Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protests continued following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. Read more

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday said that he was "fully" mobilizing the state's National Guard, a first in the state's history, saying that it was "nothing short of a blessing" that an innocent bystander has not yet been killed in unrest.

His announcement comes after protests raged across America on a brutal night in cities where people gathered to grieve and demand justice for George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody. At least 20 U.S. cities woke up to destruction and arrests Saturday morning after unrest over the death of Floyd boiled over in the Twin Cities, sparking demonstrations - some peaceful, others violent - across the country.

"Let's be very clear, the situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd," Walz, a Democrat, said.

 READ MORE: National Guard summoned to aid cities amid police clashes

The governor said he had "sensitivity to the legitimate rage and anger" that Minnesotans felt after Floyd's death, which manifested earlier in the week with "healthy gathering of community."

By Thursday, Walz said that peaceful protest was gone and that the destruction Friday night made a "mockery" of Floyd's death.

"At this point of time, it is nothing short of a blessing that we have not had someone killed as an innocent bystander in this," Walz said.

The governor said the tactics of first responders will be to reduce loss of life and property in the state, where small businesses and community nonprofits were damaged in the unrest.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who also spoke during the news briefing, said the violent demonstrators weren't from their cities. Carter said there were "relatively few arrests" during Friday night's protests, but the people arrested were all from other states.

"Those folks are agitating and inciting and taking advantage of the pain, hurt, frustration, anger and real and legitimate sadness that so many of our community members feel to advocate for the destruction of our communities," Carter said.

Walz warned of more protesters gathering Saturday night spurred by increased police presence.

"This is only going to make it more difficult tonight," Walz said.

 READ MORE: Minneapolis police officer who knelt on George Floyds neck charged with murder; protests spread across U.S.

Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen told reporters that there were already 700 guardsmen mobilized as of early Saturday but by noon, there will be 2,500 guard members activated and they were requesting federal assistance.

"What does that mean? It means we're all in," Jensen said.

In other developments:

-- President Donald Trump praised the Secret Service on Saturday, the morning after the White House was placed under lockdown as protesters clashed with officers outside. "They were not only totally professional, but very cool," Trump tweeted.

-- In Minneapolis -- where Floyd died Monday after a white officer pressed his knee into the 46-year-old's neck -- businesses were torched and shots were fired at police, who struggled to enforce an 8 p.m. curfew enacted after several nights of unrest.

-- Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms delivered an emotional plea for protesters to go home Friday after violence and vandalism erupted in her city. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp later issued a state of emergency for the area at the mayor's request.

-- In New York, officers were seen struggling with demonstrators, holding some down on the ground, amid screams. In Lincoln, Nebraska, police urged residents to shelter in place because a gathering there was "no longer a peaceful protest."

-- Fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death on Friday. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said he also anticipates charges for three other officers who were fired over Floyd's death.

-- The Hennepin County Medical Examiner announced it has made "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation." The medical examiner suggested underlying health conditions contributed to Floyd's death; Floyd's family said it will seek an independent autopsy.

-- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Saturday morning he is calling in the National Guard to help keep peace in Louisville, where protests have erupted over the death of 26-year-old emergency medical technician Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was fatally shot eight times by narcotics detectives in her own home in March. No drugs were found.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Construction of 104 new homes on San Francisco's Treasure Island -- all permanently affordable -- could start as soon as this summer, Mayor London Breed announced Friday.

The project, to be called Maceo May Apartments, is being touted as the first 100 percent affordable housing project to be built under the Treasure Island redevelopment plan.

The Maceo May Apartments will be all-electric, modular-built construction, proving permanent support housing for homeless and veterans. The project is being developed by Swords to Plowshares, in partnership with Chinatown Community Development Center.

The Treasure Island redevelopment plan aims to eventually build 8,000 new homes on the island, with more than 27 percent of those being affordable. The plan also includes 550,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 330 hotel rooms and 290 acres of public open space.

"These last few months have shown us how crucial it is to have a safe, affordable place to call home," Breed said in a statement.

"It's more important than ever that we keep building high-quality affordable housing and supporting our most vulnerable residents. Making progress on these new homes for veterans is an exciting step in the City's promise create a revitalized Treasure Island and make San Francisco a more affordable place to live for everyone," she said.

"As the first new affordable housing project on Treasure Island, Maceo May is an exciting part of the redevelopment that will provide critical replacement units for current residents, and house additional formerly homeless and low-income veterans," Supervisor Matt Haney, whose district includes the island, said.

Construction on the apartment is set to be completed in 2022, according to the Mayor's office.

The apartments have been named after the late advocate Maceo May, a Vietnam War veteran and former Swords to Plowshares employee and board member.

"We are thrilled to be moving ahead with Maceo May Supportive Housing for formerly homeless veterans," Executive Director of Swords to Plowshares Michael Blecker said.

"I think Maceo, our first-ever housing director and champion for homeless veterans, said it best himself that 'former military bases that were once used to transform young men and women into instruments of war now are used to eliminate their depression, desperation and destitution while beginning to cultivate once buried dignity, dreams and aspirations.' It truly represents the meaning of turning swords into plowshares," he said.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Ontario is still yours to discover, even if its not fully open for business. Thats the message the provinces struggling tourism industry is trying to send out as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

It got a boost from the federal government Sunday, with Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Melanie Joly announcing $30 million in funding for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.

TIAO will distribute the money to destination marketing organizations in Southern Ontario, who will use the funds to develop marketing campaigns and strategies to get people out in their regions and help the industry back on its feet.

Our tourism sector and the 1.8 million people it employs across Canada have been hit hard by COVID-19, and were here for them, Joly said in a release. During National Tourism Week, our message to the sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it is clear: Were working with you to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

TIAO CEO Beth Potter said Ontarios tourism industry has been deeply affected by the pandemic, which has closed borders and kept people at home.

Normally, our industry is about a $36-billion-a-year industry. Right now, weve seen a retraction, Potter said. Were expecting in 2020 were going to lose over 50 per cent of the revenue.

The marketing organizations have also been hit hard, because a good portion of their revenue comes from a hotel tax that they split with the local municipality. With hotels seeing low occupancy, those funds have dried up. But the federal contribution will help the marketing organizations cover about half their operating costs for six months, Potter said.

(The pandemic has been) devastating to our plans for this year from a marketing perspective, said Minto Schneider, CEO of Explore Waterloo. It is such great news that the federal government is stepping up to help us.

Typically, her organization works to promote Waterloo outside of the region, but Schneider said the focus will shift to promote local business and destinations to people who already live there.

Given the kind of new reality, well be marketing within Waterloo region to try and get people who have been locked up in their houses for the last couple of months out to spend money, she said. Our job is now to make an effort to get them out to visit their own backyard, to become tourists in their own town.

The organization is taking a tiered approach, with plans to market the regions destinations across the province and beyond as the economy opens up.

Potter said her association would also be promoting hyperlocal tourism until its safer for people to travel long distances. Whether its stores on Main Street or local restaurants, by supporting those guys youre supporting local artisans and the food supply chain here in the province as well.

The provincial government announced Saturday it would gradually reintroduce camping in Ontario parks and recreational camping on Crown land starting Monday. Backcountry camping, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails, will open. Day activities such as picnicking and off-leash pet areas are also expanding.

All other overnight camping and some day-use activities at provincial parks and conservation reserves are still restricted until June 14 and will continue to be assessed.

Physical distancing is still in effect and no more than five people are allowed on a backcountry campsite unless they all live in the same household.

Fees for day-use and backcountry camping access will be in effect starting Monday.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner implored protesters to remain respectful in airing their frustrations over the death of former Third Ward resident George Floyd, as an initially peaceful demonstration splintered off into groups that blocked highway entrances and threw objects at officers Friday evening.

The protesters would clash with police at several occasions downtown Friday evening. Earlier, the protesters overtook a cruiser a few blocks away, smashing its windshield and windows.

Crowds gathered with Black Lives Matter Houston to protest the death of George Floyd with chants of I cant breathe and No justice, no peace, as they trekked from Discovery Green to City Hall. Some were arrested for attempting to block roads, but no injuries have been reported, Turner said. Some police vehicles were damaged, he said.

It was painful to watch, Turner said of the video footage of Floyds death. There is a lot of pain and a lot of hurt .. for people all over this country.

He said police here are working hard to build relationships in all communities and that the city is working to address racial inequities. He asked for the opportunity to continue to improve the situation.

The frustrations are running very high, Turner said. We see you and we chose not to ignore you.

He added: The answer is not to tear down cities  People want to be heard. They want change.

He reflected on a recent spate of police shootings in Houston, and said he remains convinced that they were justified.

Sometimes the circumstance dictate what the outcomes are, he said. Dont paint everybody with the same brush.

Ashton Woods, Black Lives Matter Houston founder, said Fridays rally was to ensure that people know that they have a place to come and express their anger and frustration.

That anger and frustration occasionally boiled over Friday. At one point, Woods was involved in a fight outside City Hall with a man he said called him a homophobic slur. It was broken up by police and protesters, according to video footage from the scene.

Around 5 p.m., at least three protesters were handcuffed and taken away in police cars. Details on why they were detained were not immediately clear.

Protesters spilled on to an Interstate 45 ramp and, later, on to northbound 288. Hordes of police on horses, foot and in cars worked to close roads and secure the areas.

Floyd, 46, a former Third Ward resident and Yates High School graduate, died in Minneapolis police custody Monday night after video showed an officer kneeling on his neck, pinning him to the ground while he pleaded for help.

Houstons rally began in the same hour that Minnesota officials announced the officer in video, Derek Chauvin, would face murder and manslaughter charges, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Chauvin, who was taken into custody earlier Friday, and three other officers at the scene were fired earlier this week.

Acevedo, who said he supported the charges, said that likely was small consolation to the protesters. The chief was manning the steps outside City Hall and speaking with some of the organizers

Our activists, our Black Lives Matter, and our chiefs, we actually have a working relationship, Acevedo said. One of the things thats really important is we never want to let anarchists and people who want to use legitimate pain, and legitimate grievances, to hijack it by being anarchists and burning things down. What we know about our activists here is they try to work constructively, not destructively.

Floyds death has sparked days of protest and riot in Minneapolis and others across the country. Fridays protest here is the first in Houston. There was a prayer vigil Tuesday in Emancipation Park, attended by the mother of Floyds 6-year-old daughter.

Its cruel  they took him away from my daughter, Washington told Chronicle. Shell never see her father again.

dylan.mcguinness@chron.com
Mosher said in the Watson case that he pored through 13,000 pages of documents  examining, understanding and marking a trail. The case sat uncharged for years. It wasnt a matter of going out and getting new evidence ... there was enough evidence. It took six months for me to read the file and put it together in my mind. My specialty has been putting together cases people thought were not triable and going in and winning them, he said.

The calling of a prosecutor is service to victims of serious crimes, and holding people accountable, said Mosher. He said he works with victims at their darkest hours, and he works closely with victim advocates who make sure victims receive help with the trauma they have endured and that they receive information about how to deal with the court system.

Another top issue for Mosher is restoring faith in the criminal justice system. First of all, we need to stop prosecuting adults for personal possession of marijuana, he said, adding that there is a hypocrisy in that there are people who have marijuana cards, but yet a homeless person with a joint is doing something illegal. Mosher said he does not agree with the current law.
It can prevent high mortality and help increase pig population in India

Hyderabad based Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a leading veterinary and human vaccines manufacturing company, today announced the launch of the Classical Swine Fever (CSF) vaccine under the brand name  Raksha Class- into the market. This unique cell culture technology-based vaccine has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly.

The Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs caused by an RNA virus. This disease has a high fatality rate and therefore, pig growers face serious economic problems with the loss of the herd. The Raksha Class vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and has been tested for safety, sterility, and potency. The field trials for the vaccine were conducted at Bengaluru and Hyderabad Veterinary colleges. Raksha Class offers distinct advantages in terms of safety and can be scaled up in cell cultures to meet entire countrys requirements. The current requirement is about 22 million doses and the supply is less than a million doses.

The current vaccines manufactured by a few state biologicals depend on the rabbits for vaccine production, where consistency in yields, virus titres, safety and efficacy might not be achieved to the desired levels. IILs manufacturing facilities can make several million doses of the vaccine.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, The Classical Swine Fever is one of the major diseases of pigs in India. It causes a loss of about Rs. 400 crores per annum in India. The disease has led to a decrease of pig population in the country. With the launch of Raksha Class, we can ensure that the pig population in India can be increased and hence, the growers will be immensely benefited economically.

Elaborating the pig farming in the country, Dr Prasanna Deshpande, Dy. Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, The current pig population in India is estimated to be around 9 million. More than 50% of these piggery units are concentrated in North east region of the country. Classical Swine Fever is prevalent in almost all the states where this pig population exists. Raksha Class will address the countrys requirements and offer the vaccine at an affordable cost to the growers in India.

Indian Immunologicals Limited was also the first company in the world to launch a vaccine for porcine cysticercosis  Cysvax  which targets a major parasitic disease that causes approximately 40% of epilepsy in humans in the developing world.
A car plows through protestors in Bakersfield, California.

23ABCNews

A car plowed through a crowd of protestors in Bakersfield, California.

Protests were held following the death of George Floyd after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for eight minutes on Monday.

While protests began in Minneapolis, they've expanded to many cities including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, and Washington DC.

Many of the protests have turned violent, with looting, fires, and arrests.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A car plowed through a crowd protesting the death of George Floyd in front of the Bakersfield Police Headquarters in Bakersfield, California on Friday night.

Videos posted online show a gray SUV speeding through protestors and then being chased down the street.

Seconds later, the car turns around and drives back through the crowded street. Other protesters could be heard telling people to stay out of the street.

"Hey guys, just get out of the street. Just be safe," someone could be heard saying in the video posted by 23ABC News.

It's unclear if anyone was injured in the incident.

The protests began in Minneapolis on Tuesday, following Floyd's death Monday. Demonstrations have since spread to other cites, including New York City, Atlanta, Denver, Oakland, and Washington DC.

Floyd died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes during an arrest. Video of the violent arrest quickly went viral, prompting the protests.

"Please, please, please, I can't breathe," Floyd says in the video. "Don't kill me."

On Friday afternoon, Derek Chauvin, the officer caught on video pinning his knee on Floyd's neck, was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder.

Related: Inside the US Governments Top-Secret Bioweapons Lab

Insider
Wilson Borough police announced the arrests of two borough residents in a burglary Friday morning.

Officers were called about 9 a.m. to a building in the 1900 block of Freemansburg Avenue for the report of a burglary in progress, Detective Daniel Pacchioli said in a news release.

They observed a male and female walking away from the building, stopped them and identified them as 54-year-old Terry Turdo and 57-year-old Sherry Grey, according to the release.

"Both individuals admitted to entering the building and taking multiple items," Pacchioli stated.

Both were arraigned before District Judge Richard Yetter III on charges of burglary, trespass and theft and sent to Northampton County Prison, in lieu of $35,000 bail for Turdo and $15,000 bail for Grey.

Turdo is also charged with drug possession; police also allege he was seen tossing a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine prior to being stopped by officers.

Turdo and Grey face preliminary hearings tentatively scheduled June 8 before Yetter to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in Northampton County Court.

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

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Iran says coronavirus figures decreasing, virus being eradicated

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 May 2020 10:36 AM

Over 88 percent of coronavirus patients have recovered in Tehran, an Iranian official said, adding that the virus is being eradicated in the country.

Head of Tehran Coronavirus Headquarters Alireza Zali says the trend of increase in number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities is promising.

The figures show the virus is being eradicated as the number of infections is decreasing, Zali added.

He also noted that patients have recovered after 5.17 days on average, which is an unprecedented record.

Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour announced on Friday that 114,931 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the disease, and been discharged from hospital.

Jahanpour said 15 provinces reported zero fatality caused by the virus in the past 24 hours, and five provinces reported only one death.

The spokesman said 50 people died of the virus in the past 24 hours, increasing the total number of deaths to 7,677.

He confirmed 2,819 new cases of infection, raising the total number of infections to 146,668.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






New Delhi, May 30 : As many countries around the world, including our own, fight the COVID 19 pandemic, the medical profession, which is at the forefront of this fight, has suffered a rude awakening.

As doctors, our efforts and thoughts are so focused on solving this problem, that other ailments have slipped down the priority list. And yet, as is usual in the professional life of a Neurosurgeon patentees with brain strokes, head injuries (despite the lockdown), brain tumors and and of course infections requiring emergency surgical intervention have to keep come in.

Unavoidable and emergency neurosurgical procedures are carried out without waiting for the COVID-19 test in a dedicated and isolated environment where the medical staff members are required to wear complete Personal Protection Equipment kit (PPE) at all times.

Due to the exponential rise in Corona cases, as a thumb rule, all new admissions are treated as asymptomatic carriers. Non-emergency surgical procedures are carried out only after the COVID 19 test is found to be negative. This is for the safety of the patient, since if the Covid test is positive, surgical risk is higher. Even if the first test is negative, the surgical team members are required to wear the complete PPE kit due to the added risk of aerosol born transmission of the disease. While there is no other option other than emergency surgery in some cases, others can be treated conservatively while ensuring there is no risk to the patient's wellbeing.

I recently had a chance to treat a 26-year-old male patient who posed the same dilemma of conservative versus aggressive treatment with both having an equal chance of failure.

The patient had a sudden onset difficulty in speaking for 2 days. The MRI showed a ring-enhancing lesion in the left brain where the speech center is located. Differential diagnosis included a pus collection called abscess and a remote possibility of cancer. An abscess can be formed due to TB or any other type of brain infection and the treatment would vary accordingly. If the patient is not considered for the aggressive approach of surgery, I would have to consider the following two conservative approaches along with their aftereffects: If the patient is put on heavy antibiotics considering a non-TB infection, the patient may still end up having progression of the disease if it would be TB infection and also bear side effects of heavy antibiotics.

If the patient empirically started on TB treatment, one would repeat the MRI only after 4-6 weeks to monitor the effects of the treatment, during which time if the treatment is incorrect, the abscess can grow fourfold.

With the Hippocratic oath in my heart, the thought of the risk of disease progression constantly in my head, and the life of this young man in my hands, I decided to be aggressive and perform the surgical procedure. Stereotactic drainage of the abscess was the less favored option since it would require the patient to be transferred to the CT scan facility and back to the OT after fixing the frame on the patient, thereby risking exposure of multiple medical workers to a potentially asymptomatic COVID carrier.

Minimally invasive image-guided neurosurgery is the option I chose for the patient. This advanced modality gives a precise entry point to tap the abscess. Surgery was performed taking adequate precautions against potential infections. An incision of 3-4 inches was made at the designated position and 7-10 ml of the thick abscess was obtained area and sent for study. Within 24 hours' diagnosis of TB was confirmed.

It was a great relief to get an exact diagnosis and not having to treat the ailment empirically. The first MRI indicated a strong probability of a pyogenic infection which might or might not have been due to TB. The patient would have received broad-spectrum antibiotics which would not have helped him but would have affected his kidneys adversely.

My teachers implanted the principle in my brain that the patient is and always will be the supreme priority for a doctor, no matter how adverse the situation. See the thing is that the situation is unwarranted. It can be frightening but I am not scared. I have a family, a husband, and a small child to return to every evening. Yet I am not scared. You might wonder why. The truth is as a doctor I am it is my duty to provide medical aid wherever it is required.

In coronavirus times, we must not forget that there are medical emergencies which require our attention. There are people suffering from several ailments which do require them to go to the doctors and get treated. There are people with symptoms of fatal diseases which if not picked up early on can result in problems and irreversible damage. Whenever there was risk of infection I self-isolated. However, I did not give up on my duty. I realize now more than ever how much my patients need me and I am there for them. They are my greatest motivator and strength during this time.

Data from around the world has shown that more than five neurosurgeons have succumbed to the Coronavirus as a result of infections picked up during surgical procedures, this is apart from fatalities in other medical disciplines. Safety for one's own life, the most basic of human tendencies, doesn't take precedence in these unprecedented time. The surgeon must take a pragmatic view of the situation and deal with each case based on its merits and risks involved.

(The author Dr. Sonal Gupta is Director, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Neuro Spine Surgery) (IANSlife Features can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)
OAKLAND (BCN)

Broken glass, boarded-up windows and spray-painted graffiti dominated Broadway in downtown Oakland Saturday morning in the wake of overnight protests and riots, as residents deplored the violence.

Thousands gathered in Oakland and across the country on Friday night to protest the death on Monday of George Floyd when he was in police custody in Minneapolis .

"I am all for peaceful protesting, but don't come to our city and do damage," said Phillip Johnson, who was born and raised in Oakland. Johnson was standing Saturday morning outside a Target store that opened at 2650 Broadway in October.

Every window in the store was smashed and store display shelves visible from the street were empty.

Johnson believes agitators from outside Oakland were responsible for the violence and looting, a view echoed by several others standing outside the store.

Oakland business leaders echoed that sentiment and a Chamber of Commerce representative said Saturday that "a small band of well-mobilized vandals" had once again targeted the city's merchants and most vulnerable people.

"We will not let out-of-town individuals undermine this legitimate protest and destroy our local economy," said Barbara Leslie, President and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

"We stand wholeheartedly with those who are rightfully outraged by the senseless loss of life in Minneapolis and those protesting the economic pain being felt across our region at this time," Leslie said.

The city was again the target of wanting to damage downtown businesses, she said.

A Federal Protective Services officer was shot and killed at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building Friday night, according to the FBI.

The Federal Building was eerily silent Saturday morning, cordoned off by yellow caution tape, deserted except for two workers sweeping up broken glass outside and two officers keeping watch.

Outside locally owned Firebrand Artisan Breads at 2343 Broadway, customers stood six feet apart in line wearing masks, but most other businesses were closed, many boarded up, including the popular Luka's Taproom at 2221 Broadway.

Graffiti was scrawled across the plywood boards and building fronts. The Paramount Theater was heavily boarded up and appeared to have escaped damage.

A torched orange message sign lay on its side outside the patient ID Center at 1733 Broadway. Yellow caution tape stretched in front of shattered windows at the Walgreens at the corner of 14th Street and Broadway.

As has been the case in the past, peaceful protests took place during the day Friday. After dark, the riots and destruction began, according to those who were on hand Friday night.

City officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the extent of the damage and cleanup.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
London, May 30 : Medial journal The Lancet issued a correction on a large observational study that linked use of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine with increased death risk in Covid-19 patients, after more than 100 scientists and medical professionals raised questions about integrity of data analysed in the study.

The study published on May 22 led the World Health Organization to temporarily suspend the trial of hydroxychloroquine on Covid-19 patients.

In the correction issued on Friday, Lancet said that one hospital self-designated as belonging to the Australasia continental designation should have been assigned to the Asian continental designation.

In their open letter to the authors of the study and the editor of Lancet, the scientists pointed out that "data from Australia are not compatible with government reports.".

The study was informed by data from healthcare data analytics company Surgisphere, the founder of which, Sapan Desai, is one of the four authors of the paper.

"There was no mention of the countries or hospitals that contributed to the data source and no acknowledgments to their contributions," the scientist said in their open letter.

"A request to the authors for information on the contributing centres was denied. Data from Australia are not compatible with government reports. Surgisphere have since stated this was an error of classification of one hospital from Asia. This indicates the need for further error checking throughout the database," they added.

The study analysed data from nearly 15,000 patients with Covid-19 and 81,000 controls.

The open letter lists 10 major concerns about statistical analysis and data integrity.

"The authors have not adhered to standard practices in the machine learning and statistics community. They have not released their code or data," the letter stated.

The Lancet is among the many signatories to a statement on data sharing for Covid-19 studies.

Surgisphere in a statement said that its data use agreements do not allow it to make some data public.

While issuing the correction, Lancet also said that "there have been no changes to the findings of the paper."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Stephane Paulus and Else Bijker (The Jakarta Post) The Conversation  Sat, May 30, 2020 14:51 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb17196 3 Health The-Conversation,coronavirus,COVID-19,children,school,reopening,new-normal Free

In England, the phased reopening of schools is due to begin on June 1. But a recent poll of parents has revealed that around half are unconvinced that their children are safe to return.

Fortunately, there is an increasing body of evidence that we can consider. In light of the widespread concern, weve reviewed the risks posed to children by COVID-19 and answered the most pressing questions.

Are children less likely to catch coronavirus?

To answer this, we can look at two important sources. The first is data from widespread community testing. In Iceland, 6 percent of the population was screened early on in the pandemic (22,279 people). In the targeted testing group (which tested people either with symptoms, from high-risk areas or who had come into contact with someone with COVID-19), 6.7 percent of children under 10 tested positive, compared with 13.7 percent of people aged 10 or over. In the random population screening group, all under-10s tested negative, while 0.8 percent of persons 10 years or older tested positive.

And, in the municipality of Vo in northern Italy, 86 percent of the population (2,812 people) were tested after a resident died early on in the epidemic. All 217 children aged 10 or under tested negative. Out of the 250 young people aged 11-20 who were screened, 1.2 percent were positive, compared with 3 percent for those 21 years and older.

The second useful source is detailed track-and-trace data linked to demographic information. A Chinese study analyzed whether 105 COVID-19 patients transmitted the virus to their 392 household contacts. It revealed the risk of a child acquiring the virus from a positive household member was only 4 percent, compared with 17.1 percent for adults. Similarly, contact tracing data from Hunan province in February showed that 6.2 percent of children aged 0-14 who had been in contact with a COVID-19 patient caught the virus, compared with 10.4 percent of older people.

Thus, accumulating evidence from various places indicates that children are significantly less susceptible to infection than adults.

Do children fall ill if infected?

Young infants are generally more susceptible to picking up infections and falling ill. But for COVID-19 the evidence suggests its the other way around. Public Health England data up to May 22 showed that only 1.6 percent of all COVID-19 cases had been in children (aged 0-19), despite them making up 23.4 percent of the population.

Read also: Five percent of Indonesia's COVID-19 cases are children: Ministry

Of course, this data is influenced by many factors, including testing strategy. For example, very young children may not be tested in the community, while testing in hospitals is likely to include more seriously ill patients, who tend to be adults. But reports from other countries consistently show low numbers of cases among children, with milder disease compared to adults.

Data from China and the USA and a review of studies published up to May 1 show that the illness in children is either asymptomatic, mild or moderate in 88-97 percent of cases. Only about 0.6-2 percent of children are admitted to intensive care and 0-0.18 percent of cases are associated with a fatal outcome.

This compares with a case fatality rate of 3.5-3.6 percent for those in their 60s, 8.0-12.8 percent for those in their 70s and 14.8-20.2 percent for those 80 or over, as reported in Chinese and Italian cohorts. Why children are less affected remains unclear, although several hypotheses have been raised.

A novel syndrome in children (called the paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, or PIMS-TS) has gained increasing attention recently. This condition remains rare, with about 230 suspected cases across Europe and two fatalities reported. A British Paediatric Surveillance Unit study is underway to gain further insight into the condition.

Do children transmit coronavirus to others?

It is difficult to formally quantify the extent to which children contribute to transmission of the coronavirus. There is, however, increasing circumstantial evidence suggesting that their contribution is limited and that children are far from being the super-spreaders that they can be with seasonal flu.

An analysis of 31 household transmission clusters found that in only three was the index case a child. And a systematic review on children and coronavirus transmission found that, although able to transmit it like any other individual, children seem much less likely to do so.

In the Netherlands, the tracing of more than 700 contacts of patients with COVID-19 has shown different infection rates depending on the patients age. For patients aged 18 and under, none of their contacts tested positive. In patients 19 years or older, however, 9% of their contacts were positive.

Is it safe for schools to reopen?

Denmark was the first country to reopen schools in Europe, and others such as Norway, Germany, France and the Netherlands have followed. In Denmark, the viruss reproduction number rose from 0.6 to 1.0 after opening schools, but came down again within a week. As of May 12 there were no reports of outbreaks in Swedish schools, which have remained open during the pandemic.

In New South Wales in Australia, schools have remained open. Analysis of 18 cases that occurred in 15 schools showed that, out of 735 children who had close contact, only two (0.3 percent) were infected. None of the 128 staff who had close contact were infected.

The available evidence would suggest that the risks posed by children returning to school is small. The potential for transmission of coronavirus within schools can be reduced by adequate infection control measures, such as pupils physically distancing from staff whenever possible, frequent handwashing, and prompt testing and isolation of individuals with possible COVID-19 symptoms. Additional measures such as children remaining within a small peer group (social bubble) and increasing the time spent outdoors should also be considered.

School plays a critical role in the wellbeing of children. It is not only a place to learn, but to socialize and exercise, and for some children to simply be safe. While some schools provide effective online learning, this is far from universal, and children from more disadvantaged backgrounds are increasingly deprived of crucial education by school closures.

We therefore conclude, like other colleagues have also recently done, that a progressive return of children back to school, supported by adequate preventive measures and an effective test, track and isolate strategy, is now advisable.

***

Stephane Paulus is Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Oxford. Else Bijker is Clinical Lecturer in Paediatrics, University of Oxford.

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.
I want to emphasize that we have the ability to test anyone who needs a test, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) said at a news conference Wednesday. So if you need a test because you are sick or because you have been exposed to covid-19, were asking you to call your doctor, or to call our citywide testing line to get a test. If you need a test, get a test.
Despite the central government clearing inter-state movement from June 1 on Saturday, the Ghaziabad district administration said it will wait for orders from the state government before issuing directions to relax curbs at the borders with Delhi.

The ministry of home affairs order, however, does give power to states to decide on regulating movement.

The Ghaziabad-Delhi borders are already sealed and only commuters wit valid identification cards, passes or authorisation letters are allowed to cross the border. The restrictions have been in place since April 20 they were made more stringent by the district magistrate on May 25. The sealing at borders has resulted in long traffic snarls many people have started commuting to Delhi after the lockdown norms were considerably relaxed in the fourth phase on the lockdown.

Ghaziabad district magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey did not respond to calls and queries about the new guidelines on Saturday night. However, the spokesperson for the district administration, said, The district administration is waiting for directions from the state government. As and when directions arrive, a call will be taken and pubic will be informed accordingly.

The Ghaziabad authorities have restricted movement at UP-Gate, Kaushambi, Seemapuri, and border areas in Loni.

In its directions rolled out on Saturday evening, the MHA said that there will be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit would be required for such movements.

However, the ministry said if a state/union territory proposes to regulate the movement of persons based on reasons of public health and its assessment of the situation, it would need to publicise the restrictions and the related procedures to be followed widely and well in advance.

11 NEW COVID-19 CASES

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in Ghaziabad reached 287 as 11 more persons tested positive for the disease on Saturday. According to health department officials, 213 patients have been discharged from different hospitals so far. Four people have succumbed to the disease in the district so far.

The 11 new cases that were reported on Saturday include two cases each from Vasundhara and Vaishali localities, while one case each was reported from Akbarpur, Surya Nagar, Khoda, Indirapuram, Kaushambi, Loni and Lohiya Nagar, officials said.

The district health department has also lodged a complaint against a Gurugram-based private laboratory for not informing the department o time about a Ghaziabad resident who had tested positive earlier in May.

We have also given a police complaint in connection with an incident wherein the test report of a Covid-19 positive patient was not sent to us for about 13 days in May. The patient despite testing positive did not isolate himself,and the chances of him spreading the infection cannot be ruled out. So we have given a police complaint against a Gurugram-based private laboratory which collected the sample from an unauthorised centre in Vasundhara, said Dr NK Gupta, chief medical officer.

According to officials, the samples of the patient were collected on May 6, while his test turned positive on May 7. On May 20, the health department officials came to know about the positive cases through a web portal and sent teams to pick up the patient. He was admitted to ESI Hospital on May 21.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SRINAGAR: Two terrorists were killed in a fierce gunfight with the security forces in Wanpora area of South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday.

Confirming the development, Inspector General of Jammu and Kashmir Police (Kashmir Zone) Vijay Kumar said that two terrorists have been killed in the operation.

However, he said that the identity of the slain terrorists is yet to be ascertained. A large cache of arms and ammunition has been recovered from the slain terrorists.

A search operation is currently underway, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

The encounter was carried out by a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and the CRPF following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

A J&K Police official had earlier confirmed that a joint team of Police, Armys Ist Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF had launched a cordon and search operation during the night on a specific input of the presence of terrorists in Wanpora.

He added, ''As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the terrorists hiding in the area fired upon searching party that was retaliated and a full-scale encounter was launched.''

Mobile and internet services had been snapped in the area.

A senior J&K Police officer also confirmed that inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists were received. They have been trapped but the actual number can be confirmed once the operation concludes, he said.

Its to be mentioned that anti-terror operation is being done at war footing this year and more than 70 terrorists have been killed, including top Hizbul and JeM commanders and around 22 active terrorists have been arrested.

On May 25, two terrorists were gunned down by the security forces in an encounter in the Damhal Hanjipora area of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)'s Kulgam district.
Police arrested CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez and his camera crew on live television just after 5 a.m. Friday as the team reported on the Minneapolis protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody.

The journalists were released hours later, but not before an outcry from other journalists and viewers, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, D, who denounced the arrests and issued a public apology.

"I take full responsibility," Walz said during a Friday news conference. "There is absolutely no reason something like this should have happened."

Jimenez had been reporting from an intersection that had experienced destruction during the protests.

CNN viewers witnessed police officers surrounding the journalists as Jimenez repeatedly said they would go where ordered. "Wherever you'd want us, we will go," he said. "We were just getting out of your way when you were advancing through the intersection, so just let us know and we got you."

Jimenez then turned to narrate the scene when an officer told him he was under arrest. Jimenez was zip-tied by his wrists and led away.

The arrest, which happened during CNN's "New Day" program, shocked hosts Alisyn Camerota and John Berman.

"That is an American television reporter, Omar Jimenez, being led away by police officers," Berman said. "He clearly identified himself as a reporter, he was respectfully explaining to the state police that our CNN team was there and moving away. . . . I've never seen anything like this."

Police then arrested the other CNN crew members and took the network's camera, which continued to roll.

Minnesota State Patrol later said in a statement that "in the course of clearing the streets and restoring order" at the intersection, police arrested four people, including three CNN crew members who "were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media."

CNN disputed that account in a statement, saying the journalists were arrested despite identifying themselves and that the arrest was "a clear violation of their First Amendment rights."

Josh Campbell, another CNN reporter who had been reporting from the Minneapolis streets cleared by police, later said on air that "my experience has been the opposite of what Omar just experienced there," and that he was told he was "permitted to be in this area."

"You, Josh Campbell, are white; Omar Jimenez is not," Berman said. "I do not know if that played into this."

"What you just said crossed my mind as well about appearances here," Campbell responded. "I can tell you I was treated much differently than he was."

Others highlighted the race of the arrested reporter, including presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. "This is not abstract: a black reporter was arrested while doing his job this morning, while the white police officer who killed George Floyd remains free," Biden tweeted before the charges against the former officer were announced. "I am glad swift action was taken, but this, to me, says everything."

Gov. Walz, who said he spoke with CNN President Jeff Zucker shortly after the crew's arrest, said journalists must have space to cover the protests even as authorities are clearing streets.

If community members see "a reporter being arrested, their assumption is it's because something's going to happen they don't want to be seen, and so that is unacceptable," Walz said. "The protection and security and safety of journalists covering this is a top priority, not because it's a nice thing to do, but because it is a key component of how we fix this."

In recent years, other reporters have been arrested in the course of reporting on the unrest sparked by the deaths of unarmed black civilians. In 2014, police in Ferguson, Missouri, arrested Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery and HuffPost reporter Ryan J. Reilly, who had been covering the unrest in the city following the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown. The reporters, who were arrested while inside of a local McDonald's where journalists had been working from, were charged with trespassing and interfering with a police officer. The charges eventually were dropped.

"Newsgathering on public streets and documenting police and protesters serve an important function of the first amendment," Tully Center for Free Speech Director Roy Gutterman said. "Unfortunately, arresting a TV reporter in the aftermath of a riot or protest is nothing new, but is certainly another unnecessary development in an already sad and disturbing situation."

Other news organizations issued statements of solidarity with CNN, including CBS News, which said "no journalist should be detained just for doing their job," and Fox News. "We denounce the detainment of the CNN crew and stand with them in protecting the right to report without fear or favor," a Fox News spokesperson said.

Professional associations representing journalists also expressed concern. The Asian American Journalists Association said in a statement that it "stands in solidarity with our fellow journalists of color, such as Jimenez, whose perspectives and life experiences are integral to coverage of these stories - and who need support now more than ever."

Hours after his release, Jimenez was back on air, reporting live from Minneapolis.

He was asked, given the context of the protests, whether he was scared for his safety. "It did cross my mind," Jimenez said on CNN. "And the one thing that gave me a little bit of comfort was that it happened on live TV."

But, he added, it definitely was nerve-racking at certain points.
For Joao Blank and Erica Blanks first kiss as husband and wife, they didnt lock lips. The couple could only press their face masks together while sitting in the back of a hatchback, where they had just been wed.

A Brazilian notary public hovering outside the car presided over Thursdays ceremony.

The drive-through marriage perhaps wasnt the romantic vision the Blanks had imagined, but it is one of few possibilities in the era of the new coronavirus.

People have begun turning to this unconventional union at a notary in Santa Cruz, a neighborhood on the western outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, since the COVID-19 disease caused by the virus started battering Brazil. On Thursday alone, 15 couples were married at its drive-through.

Were very happy because we didnt think we wedding date would come so soon, said Erica Blank, 24, who works in a pet shop. We found out a week ago that we would get married and it was so good! Rio de Janeiro state is Brazils second hardest-hit state by the pandemic, with nearly 45,000 people infected, according to the official tally. Experts say that is a significant undercount due to lack of testing. There have been almost 5,000 deaths.

Because most states have prohibited large gatherings in their effort to curb the spread of the virus, many Brazilians have been forced to delay traditional wedding ceremonies or seek safe alternatives.

Rio and at least six other states have enacted regulations allowing matrimony via video conferences. In Sao Paulo, a notary public can visit couples in their homes so they can sign all requisite documents before such weddings.

But the notary in Santa Cruz is the only one that has created a drive-through, according to Brazils national association of civil registrations.

The ceremony lasts about five minutes, with couples reading their vows, exchanging rings and sealing it with a kiss.

Couples are choosing the drive-through ceremony for several reasons, said Alessandra Lapoente, the notary who officiated at the Blank wedding.

In most cases, a couple had set a date but their ceremony was torpedoed by the pandemic. They prefer to go through with the wedding instead of lingering in limbo, unsure of when a traditional ceremony might be possible.

Others want quick access to their partners health insurance plan  a hot commodity in the midst of a pandemic, Lapoente said.

We saw the need to create a way to hold a safe celebration that was fast and within regulations, Lapoente said. We made the ceremony brief, but with all the requirements, and everyone leaves happy. Their ceremony completed, the Blanks happily drove away. Three more cars waited in a line, each with couples awaiting their turn to say I do.

Also Read | Doctor and nurse say I do in the hospital where they work, their love story has won people over

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A medical worker walks down a New York street on May 29, 2020.

Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Nearly a month before community spread was first detected, "sustained, community transmission" of the coronavirus in the United States began in late January or early February, a report from the CDC says.

A "single importation" from China was followed by "several importations" from Europe, the study's authors found.

"As America begins to reopen, looking back at how COVID-19 made its way to the United States will contribute to a better understanding to prepare for the future," said CDC Director Robert Redfield.

Redfield said that the virus circulated at such low levels after being introduced in the US that earlier diagnostic tests would've missed it.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The coronavirus began to spread across the United States in late January or early February and remained undetected for nearly a month, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The data indicates that "sustained, community transmission had begun before detection of the first two non travelrelated U.S. cases, likely resulting from the importation of a single lineage of virus from China in late January or early February, followed by several importations from Europe," the report says.

The study's authors investigated illnesses reported by 4,000 emergency departments, nearly 11,000 respiratory specimens, viral genetic sequences of early cases, and autopsy learnings from three patients in California. They found that community spread of the coronavirus began between January 18 and February 9, the report says, with "cryptic circulation" or undetected transmission underway by early February.

As of Saturday, the coronavirus has infected nearly 1.75 million Americans and killed over 102,000, based on data from Johns Hopkins University. However, this CDC report marks the first comprehensive look at the pandemic's origins in the United States, NBC News reported.

Story continues

"As America begins to reopen, looking back at how COVID-19 made its way to the United States will contribute to a better understanding to prepare for the future," Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, said Friday during a call with reporters, per NBC News.

This marked the first CDC briefing since March 9, but CNN has since reported that the group plans to return to a regular cadence of briefings as states reopen and the country moves to another phase in its coronavirus response.

In this April 22, 2020, file photo President Donald Trump passes Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during a briefing about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington.

Alex Brandon/AP

'Like looking for a needle in a haystack'

The nation's first COVID-19 case was identified on January 21. The patient had traveled from Wuhan, China  where the disease was originated late last year  to Seattle, Washington, on Jan. 15.

Downplaying the threat posed by the illness, President Donald Trump said on January 22 in an interview with CNBC, "We have it totally under control. It's one person coming in from China. We have it under control. It's going to be just fine."

On January 31, Trump issued an executive order, effective February 2, restricting travel from China to the US.

By February 23, "public health agencies detected 14 U.S. cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), all related to travel from China," the CDC wrote.

On February 26, California officials announced the first case of community spread in a woman who hadn't traveled internationally or come in contact with others who had been exposed to the virus.



The second such case was detected two days later in Washington state

And that's around the time when the virus began to make its way from Europe into the US, Redfield said, adding, "The findings do show that in late February, early March, there were several importations of the virus from Europe to California and northeastern United States and possibly elsewhere."

Dr. Jay Butler, deputy director for infectious diseases at the CDC, said that it doesn't appear that the virus had reached the US as far back as November or December.

"We looked for evidence of early widespread transmission and could not confirm it," he said during the media briefing, NBC News reported.

Meanwhile, Redfield said that the delayed rollout of coronavirus testing  caused by contamination in a CDC laboratory complex  didn't impact the US coronavirus response because the virus was circulating at low levels at the start of the outbreak, NPR reported. So diagnostic tests would've made little difference.

"It really would be like looking for a needle in a haystack," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
For Subscribers Senate votes to increase Partners in Education tax credit program

Senators voted to increase the amount of money the Partners in Education tax credit program can give out for scholarships to private school students.
Noted jurist Harish Salve Friday said a lot of people who are not elected representatives feel that they can impose their will on the government through the courts.

He made the observation while asserting that one can criticise a judgment and even a judge, but attributing motives to them is wrong.

The senior advocate also said violation of privacy is a serious issue and that private data is a valuable property but Indians are not serious about it.

Salve, while speaking during a webinar on the issue of Insulting the Judiciary from Social Media Diatribes, said, To say judgement is to favour a political party or judge has acted in favour of political party is wrong. Supreme Court is not a dartboard. You can criticise a judgment saying the judge has taken a conservative line.

Salve said some people have got used to pushing the Supreme Court for relief.

When they do not get relief from Supreme Court, they say judges are not doing this because of this reason... Some people are pushing the boundaries by saying Supreme Court deserves F grade for its handling of migrants. I have been reading these articles. They are wrong, Salve said.

A lot of people who are not elected feel that they can impose their will on the government through courts. One can criticise that court saying that (in migrants case) either the court should have intervened or not.. but to say that the court is scared of the government is wrong, he said.

He further added, If I argue a case and I lose, I should think that I tried my best but I lost. But if I get a feeling that the judge did not not give a judgment in my favour because of ... what newspapers might write, then I am worried, he said.

If a judge does not agree with me, he is dishonest - This tendency must be curtailed. We owe it to the system. We have let our systems down, Salve said.

The senior advocate also said that one may disagree with the courts judgment on whether 4G has to be allowed or not (in the context of Jammu and Kashmir), but to say that the Supreme Court has not stood with the people of the region is wrong.

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul showed the way in the Supreme Court in the hearing, Salve said. He said, if you have no faith in us, you do what you want, Salve noted. He further said that comments made by judges should not be reported. Supreme Court slams so and so is a headline you hear a lot. We need a code of conduct for Court reporters. Media only should write these regulations, he said.

Regarding the controversy on Justice Muralidhars transfer from the Delhi High Court to Punjab & Haryana High Court, Salve said he was not in favour of judges overseeing transfer of other judges.

You want the reasons of transfer of judges in public domain? I dont think so. I therefore wanted a National Judicial Commission, which is independent of the government and not reporting to the court, he said. While talking about privacy, Salve said that the Nira Radia tapes were available with the Tax Department was a serious infraction of rules.

Violation of Privacy is a serious issue. Illegally obtained evidence is allowed in India unlike the US. But the person who has obtained it illegally, should be tried. Indians are not serious about privacy. When push comes to shove, we have not stood up for privacy. We have to do that. My private data is a very valuable property. If you treat that data with less importance, then it should be tried with breach of trust, he said. While talking about legal reporting, Salve said we have a complete travesty in criminal law reporting.

Your investigating agencies are completely off the hook. Its trial by media. Angry people need instant justice. The way arrest is being covered, it is made to look like he has been sent to the gallows. We have completely lost the soul of law of bail. Public trial is one thing, but a running debate with five panelists commenting is wrong, he said.

He also said India must have tribunals for private defamations.

I have suggested to the government, you must have tribunals for private defamations. Otherwise these hearings go on and on. In the UK, private defamation cases are completed in six months, he said.

He further said the judiciary has a unique position. A lot of frustration of the citizens on poor governance can be addressed by the courts is a perception citizens have. Supreme Court is no lesser than the Parliament or no higher than the Parliament, he said.

Salve said if the countrys GDP has gone down by one per cent today, then the Supreme Court has to take some credit for that. By closing down mines and a host of judgments and these judgments are wrong in law, he said.

Reading the 2G judgment, Coal Scam, I am unconvinced on the law of what Supreme Court has done, he said.
A pair of city councillors are serving up the idea independently owned restaurants should be offered two half-priced specials: 50 per cent off both property and business taxes.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A pair of city councillors are serving up the idea independently owned restaurants should be offered two half-priced specials: 50 per cent off both property and business taxes.

Winnipeg industry representatives say they would like to order those menu items, if they become available.

Couns. Kevin Klein (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) and Shawn Nason (Transcona) put forward the motion at Fridays council meeting to offer the half-off deal, good for as long as the provincial government restricts indoor capacity for restaurants to 50 per cent of normal business.

Eating establishments had previously endured weeks of having dining rooms completely closed due to novel coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

Klein said local restaurants need the assistance to help ensure they dont close their doors permanently.

"We keep saying: were in this together  but we are not," he said. "At the beginning of COVID-19, I put forward a motion (at city council) to forgive at least the business tax during the restrictions when they couldnt open, but they didnt (agree).

"I want us to take a step forward and help the small businesses in the restaurant industry. Lets be in this together."

Klein said the revenue it would potentially cost the City of Winnipeg could be balanced by other budget items.

"We could save $7.5 million if we decided not to buy half of the new vehicles we are budgeting to buy this year," he said.

"These are all small, family-run businesses. We will feel the economic effects in five, 10 and 15 years, unless we do something now."

The motion was sent to the next executive policy committee meeting for consideration.

Shaun Jeffrey, executive director of the Manitoba Restaurant and Food Services Association, could hardly contain his gratitude when told of the motion.

"Someone is doing something for us," Jeffrey said. "We have reached out to the mayors office two times, and both times we havent heard a response.

"Thats quite sad because our industry is such a big part of Winnipeg. Ive sat in front of the premier twice during this (pandemic response planning)."

Jeffrey said the citys current assistance, which gives businesses the choice to defer business tax payments for three months, only means the restaurants will have more to repay.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

"This just adds more debt to these extremely stressed operators," he said. "(Fridays) motion would send help right now to the independent ones  they dont have the backing of large corporations."

Mayor Brian Bowman said Friday he wasnt aware of meeting requests from the industry association.

"I will look into that and see where its at," he said. "Im always open for meeting. Im more than happy to meet with them."

Tony Siwicki, the associations chairman and third-generation owner of Silver Heights Restaurant, said as a restaurateur, he would welcome the tax relief.

"Absolutely, anything would help," Siwicki said. "Any little help is welcome."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Individuals and businesses across the nation are showing support for Midland in the wake of the recent flood devastation.

It takes real strength to come together and rise above crisis, said Holly Miller, president and CEO of United Way of Midland County. Theres no rulebook for how to handle a historic flood on top of a pandemic, but our community and Emergency Operations are showing up to help each other in huge ways. Rebuilding does not happen overnight, nor does it happen alone. We are doing this together. Our unity is inspiring others beyond our backyard to join us in our efforts to move forward.

In the last 10 days, businesses and individuals have donated over $2.2 million to United Way of Midland Countys Rise Together Fund.

A $500,000 donation from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation  along with their additional $500,000 in matching grant support  helped establish the fund and double the efforts to support fragile families affected by recent events.

Once again, the generosity of the people of Michigan came through for those who suffered losses in the flood. Thank you to our partners in philanthropy and business, as well as individuals, for extending a lifeline of hope. The road to recovery will be long, but we will Rise Together, said Ruth Alden Doan, president of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation also contributed a generous gift to the Rise Together Fund, investing $200,000 to provide hope for so many experiencing loss in our community.

As the water recedes, the needs will rise. Donations to the Rise Together Fund will focus on providing resources to vulnerable and hurting people in Midland County in the wake of the flood and COVID-19. This includes our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. These hardworking families are often one crisis away from falling into poverty. The pandemic combined with this historic flood are proving to be that emergency. The fund will also help provide innovative new ways to serve and create stability for this population for years to come.

One out of three families in our own backyard are ALICE or below  that was before recent events, Miller added. The Rise Together Fund is designed to meet the financial and human needs of our most vulnerable citizens  those living in poverty, ALICE and the many whose life circumstances have radically changed.

Dow and United Way partner all year long to engage their employees for impact. During the flood devastation, Dow is playing a pivotal role in connecting community members with critical relief resources. In addition to their $250,000 gift, the company is collaborating with United Way to turn the Dow corporate aviation hangar at MBS International Airport into a collection site for donated supplies.

In these difficult times, partnerships like those between Dow and the United Way are as important as ever before, said Jim Fitterling, Dow chairman and CEO. And together with the help of so many others throughout this community, our state and beyond, we will continue to find ways to provide support  both through distribution centers across the region and in working with our network of global partners, suppliers and customers to source more donations. We appreciate everything that so many have selflessly offered so quickly and encourage those who can give to donate items, contribute financially and help out our neighbors still in need.

Team Dow has also harnessed their supply chain expertise to sort, inventory and deliver items to eight distribution sites across Midland County manned by dedicated Dow volunteers.

Corteva Agriscience has generously contributed a $100,000 challenge grant to United Way of Midland Countys Rise Together Fund and challenges others to donate as donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000. The grant is a reflection of Cortevas company values to enrich lives in communities.

Numerous local companies have shown support for their neighbors through generous donations. Businesses from across the nation have also given monetary gifts and items to help fill gaps and meet basic needs.

A small snapshot of corporate generosity directed towards Midland include monetary donations from: AT&T; C.S. Mott Foundation; Chemical Bank, A Division of TCF National Bank; Consumers Energy; Deloitte; DuPont; Isabella Bank; Huntington Bank; and Molina Health.

United Way has also received numerous in-kind donations from across the country. Some examples are: Dr Pepper Keurig; Kelloggs; Meijer; Sams Club; Walmart; Whirlpool; Kimberly-Clark; and Lowes.

As Midland moves forward, health and safety remain top priorities for United Way. The organization is partnering with the local health department to ensure proper protocols and resources are in place to protect the community.

Amidst the devastation, Midland is a reflection of what it looks like to Live United, Miller said.

Our community response highlights the generous hearts and incredible people, businesses and organizations that are the building blocks of Midland, Miller added. Despite recent events, we rise, navigating uncharted territories. We are neighbors helping neighbors. We will all press forward together to ensure this community remains a thriving place to live and work.

To donate to the Rise Together Fund, visit https://eportal.unitedwaymidland.org/risetogether. For resources and information, visit reliefmidland.org.
Welcome to the Star-Tribunes Energy Journal, a play-by-play of the past week in Wyomings wild world of energy. Im your energy and natural resources reporter, Camille Erickson. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each week here.

Federal judge voids lease sales in Wyoming; oil and gas bite back

A federal court decision rendered last month has once again voided certain oil and gas lease sales in Wyoming and Montana.

The U.S. Interior Department failed to properly prioritize leasing public land outside sage grouse core habitat for energy development during several quarterly lease sales, a Montana judge ruled. The U.S. District Court for Montana's May 22 order effectively struck down the sale of 440 leases, encompassing 336,000 acres auctioned during a June 2018 lease sale. This marks the second ruling this year from the 9th Circuit vacating oil and gas lease sales in Wyoming.

As conservation groups cheered the ruling for protecting vulnerable sage grouse populations, oil and gas operators in Wyoming grimaced, saying the decision sowed greater uncertainty and would result in financial losses for the state.

How we got here

At the tail end of 2017, the Trump administration issued an instruction memorandum, requiring the Bureau of Land Management to simplify and streamline the leasing process to alleviate unnecessary impediments and burdens." It also eased some 2015 measures implemented to protect sage grouse core habitat. The 2015 measures had sought to avoid the creature's inclusion under the Endangered Species Act. In other words, the Trump administration's directive effectively relaxed a mandate requiring the bureau to "prioritize" energy development away from sage grouse core habitat, conservation groups stated.

Meanwhile, oil and gas lease auctions across several western states forged ahead. Several conservation groups responded by filing a lawsuit.

"Instead of prioritizing sales outside of core sage grouse habitat, the present federal administration has been prioritizing the sale of leases in core sage grouse habitat," Brian Rutledge, vice president of the the National Audubon Society, told the Star-Tribune. "In fact some of their sales have been up to 96 percent core habitat."

Wyoming is home to the worlds largest sage grouse population, forcing public officials to walk a fine line between preserving the imperiled birds limited sagebrush habitat and not infringing on the states economic backbone  oil and gas. Amid the states ongoing debate, the number of sage grouse has precipitously declined.

Nearly half of sage grouse habitat nationwide falls on public land managed by the BLM.

The 2015 federal plan enacted under the Obama administration was modeled after conservation efforts already adopted in Wyoming to conserve the bird. But the federal government's recent decisions and practices have undermined the plan, Rutledge explained.

"Wyoming has worked very hard for a lot of years to make sure that we could have the economy and have the bird," he said. "Nonetheless, we've seen over a 40 percent decline in the bird's population in just the last couple of years. It is really important that we assure ourselves that we're doing all we can. Primary amongst those efforts was seeing that we didn't develop inside what was determined to be core habitat."

Judge Morris' ruling this month vacated both the Trump administration's instruction memorandum easing sage grouse protections and the lease sales in question. If the ruling stands, it would vacate land parcels leased in a June 2018 sale in Wyoming. For several oil and gas operators, the order throws into question their plans to continue or commence production of oil on parcels sold during these sales.

Ripple effects in Wyoming

Wyomings governor called the decision "impractical and impulsive," saying it would directly affect the states bottom line to the tune of millions of dollars, and could hamper future oil and gas production. He also defended the rules the state had effected to protect the bird.

"This court decision is nothing but a slap in the face to all the efforts that have been undertaken in good faith to protect the species," Gov. Mark Gordon said in a statement Thursday.

"Because of Wyoming's policies, leasing for oil and gas on public lands in Wyoming does not threaten sage-grouse habitat," he continued. "The State has clearly defined restrictions on drilling that accompany habitat leases. In what is already a very uncertain time in terms of revenue for Wyoming, Judge Morris' decision spells major economic implications for our state."

Steve Degenfelder, land manager at Casper-based Kirkwood Oil and Gas, said the latest decision was yet another blow to the independent company. It would vacate 15 leases across 9,625 acres, once again. In February, those same 15 leases, along with 22 others from a September 2018 sale, were lost.

The court's decision comes on the heels of a similar ruling in February, where a federal judge out of Idaho also chose to vacate several public land sales for oil and gas development. Conservation groups had challenged the several lease sales in court, too. The plaintiffs alleged the expedited development of oil and gas on sage grouse habitat would have imperiled the vulnerable bird and precluded public participation in violation of federal law.

"The biggest thing is that there is a great deal of money at stake for the state of Wyoming that they have to return," Degenfelder noted.

The June 2018 sale in Wyoming brought in $35 million for the Bureau of Land Management, with 48 percent of that dedicated to Wyoming.

"The other thing is the decision puts all those leases in purgatory," the land manager continued. "You dont know where they are going to go. So it stalls everything. The only thing industry wants is a predictable business environment."

Rescinding already auctioned leases does just the opposite, he said.

The Petroleum Association of Wyoming joined in by chiding the ruling, calling it a "travesty" that undermined the conservation efforts the state and industry was already undertaking to conserve the bird.

"Judge Morris decision ignores years of cooperation among industry, local, state and federal officials, conservation groups and landowners to develop a sage-grouse conservation plan that balances development and the protection of sage-grouse habitat," Ryan McConnaughey, communications director for the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, said in a statement.

According to a letter provided to the Star-Tribune, Earth Justice, an environmental group, has asked Montana's Bureau of Land Management to also void subsequent lease sales in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

"These subsequent lease sales suffer from the same infirmities found by the District Court and therefore were similarly invalidly issued and should be rescinded," the May 21 letter stated.

Last week's news roundup

COAL

Nearly 100 furloughed miners returned to work at the Decker Coal Company Tuesday after over two weeks of unpaid time off. The Decker coal mine is located in Big Horn County in southern Montana just north of Wyomings border. Many of the employees live in Sheridan and commute across the border to the coal field.

Legislation signed into law this year requires energy firms in Wyoming to fork over mineral tax payments to county governments on a more frequent, monthly basis. But the road to implementing the new tax rules could be bumpy for public officials and industry alike. Here's the latest on the new ad valorem tax law.

So far this year, owners of 13 coal-fired power plants have announced forthcoming closures (via Scientific America).

OIL & GAS

A preliminary report presented to Wyoming lawmakers Tuesday revealed the state could face a $1.5 billion revenue decline between March 2020 and June 2022 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and collapse in oil, significantly darkening projections made back in January.

A substantial portion of these losses could stem from the decline of the states leading industry: energy. The governors office announced Tuesday it will continue advancing an initiative called Power Wyoming to better assess the unstable energy landscape and face down the mounting revenue shortfall.

The Bureau of Land Management postponed New Mexico's oil and gas lease sale last month. What will become of Wyoming's and auctions in other western states? (via Washington Post).

Proponents say Jordan Cove LNG export terminal in Oregon still has a chance, despite years of setbacks. For one, the Federal Energy Regulatory declined to revisit its decision endorsing the project (via Courthouse News).

WIND & SOLAR

For the first time in 135 years, the country consumed more renewable energy than coal last year, according to the Energy Information Administration. Coal demand declined 15 percent between 2018 and 2019. Meanwhile, renewable energy consumption climbed 1 percent.

An efficient perovskite solar cell has passed a performance standard (via E&E). Want to know what a perovskite cell is? Read more on the renewable energy technology taking the field by storm here.

CONSERVATION

Hundreds of environmental groups, including several from Wyoming, have teamed up to call on Congress to direct $25 billion in federal aid to conservation projects nationwide to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week in numbers

Friday oil prices:

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) $33.71, Brent (ICE) $35.29

Friday natural gas:

Henry Hub $1.70, Wyoming Pool $1.57, Opal $1.60

Baker Hughes rig count:

U.S 301 (-17), Wyoming 2 (-0)

Quote of the week

Coal-fired power generation has fallen below renewable energy for the first time in more than 130 years  when wood was the primary source of energy in the United States. We expect ongoing secular decline in the demand for coal, accelerated by the economic fallout from the global outbreaks of COVID-19, will persist in the early 2020s.

 Benjamin Nelson, Moody's Investors Service senior credit officer and lead coal analyst

Follow the latest on Wyomings energy industry @camillereports

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
El presidente @MartinVizcarraC informa sobre la situacion del Estado de Emergencia en el #Dia76 y las acciones que realiza el Gobierno para contener la propagacion del COVID-19. En vivo: https://t.co/ReDMM7o4nx https://t.co/2Pm5dBeris
Over 110 seniors received diplomas and recognition at the outdoor ceremony, while attendees watched from their cars  a new measure implemented this year to facilitate social distancing while still allowing the Class of 2020 to gather as a community. Many vehicles were adorned with creative decorations congratulating the students, as their family and friends cheered the class's many achievements in a safe manner.

Mariandl Hufford, President & Head of School at Miami Country Day School, delivered the commencement address.

"On behalf of the entire MCDS community, I am honored to officially congratulate the Class of 2020 on this amazing achievement," said Hufford. "It has been a memorable year in so many ways, with many stories to share and cherish. The Class of 2020 will always be connected by the events of this year, the expected and the unexpected, and they will always be connected to this community. We could not be prouder of them."

Klara Meyer and Sofia Paredes, the class' co-valedictorians, along with salutatorian, Arian Djahed and class president, Benjamin Max Ginsburg all reflected on their time at MCDS.

The students of Miami Country Day School's Class of 2020 have been accepted at colleges and universities in the state of Florida and across the country.

About Miami Day Country School

Miami Country Day School is a college preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole child. Through the core values of honor, respect, wisdom and compassion, we prepare students to be lifelong learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional and spiritual potentials by valuing every student every day. The school is accredited by FCIS and SACS; active membership is maintained in NACAC, SACAC, ACCIS, NAIS, SAIS, CASE, CRIS, ERB, American Library Association and the College Board.

Contact:

Paula Montoya

Director of Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

(305) 322-4758

SOURCE Miami Country Day School
"If we fail the test case here, history will not judge us kindly."

Leaked internal Facebook posts reveal that Facebook employees are horrified that Mark Zuckerberg and C-suite executives refuse to remove impeached president Donald Trump's threats of violence.

Casey Newton at The Verge:

"I have to say I am finding the contortions we have to go through incredibly hard to stomach," one employee wrote in a comment about the shooting post. "All this points to a very high risk of a violent escalation and civil unrest in November and if we fail the test case here, history will not judge us kindly."

On Tuesday Twitter labeled two tweets about mail-in voting as "potentially misleading" for suggesting the practice would lead to a rigged election. Early Friday morning, Twitter placed another tweet behind an interstitial warning for "glorifying violence" because it included the sentence "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." In all cases, the tweets were cross-posted to Facebook.

()

But then Trump cross-posted to Facebook a tweet that seemed to suggest that violent action be taken against people protesting the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police. "Would it be possible to explain in more detail the interpretation of our community standards?" one employee asked. "Does this post violate them but get an exemption, or is it not violating?"

But by mid-afternoon Pacific time on Friday, employees had not received a response  and they were beginning to grow frustrated. "It's egregious that nobody from policy has chimed in or provided any sort of context here," one employee said. When another employee defended Facebook's silence by suggesting that top executives were likely debating their next steps, the original poster replied: "They've already made an official decision by keeping the post up after it's been reported. They should communicate their justification for the decision."
It has been a month since the death of actor Irrfan Khan. The actor had been battling neuroendocrine tumour for almost two years. He was admitted at a Mumbai hospital with colon infection and died on April 29, leaving the entire country in shock and mourning.

His friend and neighbour from Jaipur, Ziaullah, says that even in his final days, Irrfan was working to raise money for coronavirus relief. Speaking to Pinkvilla, Ziaullah said Irrfans only condition was that no one should know about it.

With the Coronavirus situation we were creating funds to help people. When we spoke to his brother, he was ready to help and even Irrfan helped us with funds for poor people. His only clause was nobody should know that he has helped. As a family, they believe that the right hand shouldnt know what the left hand has given. For them it was more important for people to get relief, he said. Now, I am sharing this with the world as he is no more between us. Its our responsibility to tell everyone that there are souls like this too, he added.

Also read: Hrithik Roshan is quarantining with ex Sussanne Khan and their sons at his stunning sea-facing home. See inside pics, video

Irrfan died just four days after his mothers death. The actor could not be by his mothers side or attend her funeral. Ziaullah said Irrfan loved his mother dearly and cared for her health a lot. He would rush home whenever he was informed of his ammi (mothers) health. He would visit if it is for a short period, but his arrival to meet his mother was indubitable, he said.

On one month anniversary of his death, Irrfans wife Sutapa shared his pictures on Instagram with a message. One picture featured Irrfan, and the other had the couple posing for the camera.  Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. Ill meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass the world is too full to talk about. Its just a matter of time...milenge baaten karenge.... Till we meet again, she wrote.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
RICHMOND, B.C.British Columbias police watchdog has been called in to investigate the death of a shoplifting suspect after an arrest by Richmond RCMP.

Police say officers were called to a business on Thursday, where a security guard and the man were in a struggle.

Police placed the man in handcuffs before determining that he was in medical distress.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. says police initiated first aid to the man and called paramedics who worked to save him for 45 minutes before taking him to hospital.

The man was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The watchdog is asking for any witnesses to the incident to come forward and will investigate what role, if any, any officers actions or inaction contributed to the mans death.

Read more about:
Chief minister (CM) Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday that final-year university exams should be conducted while ensuring not a single student is infected of Covid-19. However, the dates of the examination have not been decided yet. Thackeray also directed the vice-chancellors and officials to explore other options including an alternative where students opt for grades based on the previous semesters performance or take the examination. A legal opinion will be sought in this matter.

University examinations should be held ensuring not a single student gets infected by coronavirus. The worries of students and parents should be ended by determining the exact method of examination and by finalising the timetable, Thackeray said, as per the statement from the chief ministers office (CMO).

The decision was taken in the meeting between the CM, higher and technical education minister Uday Samant and vice-chancellors of all state universities on Saturday via video-conferencing.It was also discussed whether students should be given an option to choose if they wish to give the final-year exam or they want to opt for grades based on the earlier semesters performance. A legal opinion will be sought on it, a Mantralaya official said.

The vice-chancellors and Samant are divided over the issue after the minister wrote to the University Grants Commission (UGC) seeking to cancel final-year exam. Following which, Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari wrote to the CM objecting to the move and directed him to resolve the issue.

There are around eight lakh final-year students in the state, and 1.5 lakh are from University of Mumbai (MU).

The final-year examination had become a flashpoint between the state government and the Governor. Koshyari had asked Thackeray to issue suitable instructions as not conducting final-year exams would be in violation of UGC guidelines and the provisions of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016. Shiv Senas youth wing, Yuva Sena, headed by Aaditya Thackeray, had demanded that exams should be cancelled while BJP-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was pressing the Governor to hold the exams.
From info we've gathered so far, the dust up among protesters was actually a beef betwixt more militant protesters wanting to start trouble and those who wanted keep things peaceful.

THE KANSAS CITY BLACK LIVES MATTER ENDED WITH SCUFFLING, GUNPLAY FEAR AND THE CROWD SCATTERING!!!

UPDATE . . . Another faction of protesters are now marching down Ward Parkway in the middle of the street whilst others continue to circle the Plaza as police block some streets.

UPDATE: Another sizable faction of protesters are marching up Main and blocking traffic . . .

Plaza Protest 500 Strong

Black Lives Matter protesters take to The Plaza KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Black Lives Matter Kansas City held a protest at The Plaza on Friday evening. The protest began around 3 p.m. near the J.C. Nichols Fountain. The police provided an update to the media at 8 p.m. and said that the protest had remained peaceful.

Solidarity In Kansas City

KC's 'passionate' protest of George Floyd's killing moves to Plaza KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Hundreds of protesters gathered Friday afternoon at the J.C. Nichols Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri, joining thousands of others across the nation in protest of the murder of George Floyd . The demonstration has remained peaceful, but KCPD called additional officers to the scene shortly after 5:30 p.m.

Protest Started Peacefully

Kansas City Activists Plan Peaceful Black Lives Matter Protests Following Minneapolis Riots A couple hundred people turned out for a peaceful protest in Midtown Kansas City on Friday, the first of what was expected to be a weekend of such events triggered by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis this week.

Local Protest Overview

Hundreds gather on Plaza in Kansas City for protest over death of George Floyd KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Hundreds of protesters have gathered at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, angry over the death of George Floyd. The handcuffed black man died while in Minneapolis police custody, and on Friday, former Officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck as Floyd repeatedly said he couldn't breathe, was charged in his murder.

Civil Unrest Across USA

George Floyd protests: Violence erupts across United States - follow latest updates Hundreds of people angrily protesting the death of an African-American man in police custody in Minneapolis rallied outside the White House on Friday, in tense scenes that have spread to several cities across the United States.

KCMO Taxpayer Supported Mother's In Charge Makes Protest Declaration

KC anti-violence group says community needs to do better KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An anti-violence group in Kansas City, Missouri, said Friday the community as a whole needs to do better in addressing issues related to the death of George Floyd. Rosilyn Temple with KC Mother's in Charge said her heart goes out to Floyd's mother.

CNN HQ Under Siege

BREAKING: Protests in Atlanta, elsewhere turn violent Protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody spread around the United States on Friday, as his case renewed anger about others involving African Americans, police and race relations. Protests were largely peaceful as demonstrators marched in the streets from Los Angeles to New York, but in Atlanta, demonstrators set a police car ablaze and broke windows at CNN's headquarters.

Prez Trump Tweet Takeaway

Trump Walks Back His Incendiary Minneapolis 'Thugs' Post WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump spent Friday walking back a midnight tweet in which he added to the outrage over the police killing of a black man in Minneapolis.

Today's Kansas City #BlackLivesMatter protest started with wonderful intentions and the crowd initially obeyed social distancing rules and focused onadvocacy.And then infighting among activists eventually broke out . . .Police moved in when a gun was spotted in the crowd.After that people started throwing junk and the protest moved beyond Mill Creek Park and into The Plaza along 47th street . . .And so . . .Here's MSM coverage that offers a hint of the good intentions gone astray.Developing . . .
The Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has made a strong case for Ghana to show interest in apple production.



It is our position that the Government takes a critical look at the prospects of producing the fruit in Ghana, the Institute advocated, citing on-going experiment on the potential production of apple in the country.



Experiment on the edible apple Malus domestica, had been on-going in the last two years, at Atimatim-Taaboum in the Kwabre-East District of the Ashanti Region.



A statement issued by the CSIR-CRI, copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Kumasi, said the plant, whose fruits average 26.8 mm in diameter transversely and 18. 0 mm longitudinally, had been subjected to various treatments over the years.



The final treatment was scheduled for March, 2020, but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it noted.



According to the team of research scientists and horticulturists working on the project, the leaves and fruits were subjected to the mobile app, PlantSnap, confirming the features and identity of the plant, which started fruiting two (2) years after planting in Ghana.

The leaves are simple and serrated with net venation.



The statement indicated that the seedlings were generated from cuttings and all, but one of the plants got destroyed after the three years into the experiment.



Explaining further, it said the proponent of the initiative, Mr. Edward Akwasi Fosu, a technical assistant with a private firm in Antwerpen, Belgium, for the trial, collected soil samples from different temperate and tropical regions worldwide, including Ghana.



The idea was to germinate apple seeds.



His results revealed that it took four (4) days for seeds to germinate in the Ghanaian soils, while other soils required a minimum of ten (10) days for germination.



The statement said: Fascinated by this, he increased efforts to grow the seedlings in Ghana. Therefore, ten (10) seedlings were brought into the country in 2016, and planted in a house at Atimatim-Taaboum.



The trial location is on latitude 06o 46 447 N and longitude 001o 36 611 W at an altitude of 288.0m above sea level.



The research scientists and horticulturists stated that: The CSIR-CRI is capable of using tissue culture techniques to evaluate and confirm the experiment.



The statement expressed the hoped that the final treatment will be done as soon as possible to allow the fruits to grow to the edible size.



The GNA gathered that Ghana imports from South Africa huge amounts of fruits annually, which runs into several millions of US Dollars.



According to the 2018 United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Ghanas combined importation of apples, pears and quinces was estimated at about US$ 7.27 million.



The CSIR-CRI research scientists have confirmed that: Indeed, in Ghana, apples can grow in very cool areas like Abetifi, Amedzofe and Aburi.



These areas, according to the experts, experience temperate-like weather conditions that could accommodate the growth of apples, and also allow apple trees to go through chilling stress before flowering.

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.

Featured Video
President Trump on Friday retweeted a Twitter post suggesting that CNNs headquarters in Atlanta was being damaged by rioters that the cable news giant itself encouraged as the nation is engulfed in protests over the death of a black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

In an ironic twist of fate, CNN HQ is being attacked by the very riots they promoted as noble & just. Oops the caption of the tweet read.

The tweet, which included video footage of protesters spraying graffiti and shattering glass at the entrance to the CNN center in Atlanta, was posted by a supporter of the president.

President Trump (above) on Friday appeared to gloat over the rioting which caused damage to CNN headquarters in Atlanta

Trump on Friday retweeted a Twitter post from one of his supporters who said the incident was an 'ironic twist of fate' given that CNN was 'attacked by the very riots they promoted as noble and just'

A massive crowd gathered outside CNN headquarters in Atlanta to protest the police-involved death of George Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis on Monday

The Twitter account belongs to a woman who identifies herself as Melissa A.

The avatar shows a photo of an African American woman wearing a red Make America Great Again hat.

The cover image on her Twitter page shows her posing with the president.

Her Twitter bio describes her as a Conservative, Trumpublican, Wife, mother and Child of the Most High God.

She also writes that she was Retweeted By President Trump.

Chaos exploded in Atlanta as demonstrators vandalized and tried to storm the CNN building with at least one cop injured while a fire broke out near Centennial Olympic Park.

The CNN headquarters bore much of the brunt of the outrage as demonstrators vandalized the media firm's logo, scrawled profanities on the building and smashed up its windows.

A standoff between cops and protesters escalated into the night outside the CNN Center as dozens of cops formed a barricade while protesters hurled objects at the building.

A smoke bomb was thrown at police at one point and one officer was reportedly injured after they were struck by a missile of some sort.

Atlanta: The CNN headquarters bore some of the brunt of the outrage as demonstrators vandalized the media firm's logo, scrawled profanities on the building and smashed up its windows

Atlanta: This came just hours after black CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was arrested on live on air Friday morning by Minnesota State Patrol while covering the Minneapolis protests

Atlanta: Police cruisers were set on fire as hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Atlanta

This came just hours after black CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was arrested on live on air Friday morning by Minnesota State Patrol while covering the Minneapolis protests.

Jimenez was put in handcuffs and led away from his team of producers this morning at 5.11am CT after the team was moved down the street by police in riot gear.

According to one of his colleagues, the crew was told he was being arrested for refusing to move when he'd been told to but he was heard live on air telling the officers: 'Put us back to where you want us - wherever you'd want us we'll go. Just let us know.'

Jimenez told them they were live on air with CNN and was put in handcuffs.

The Atlanta protest began peacefully before it descended into chaos when some demonstrators hurled bricks, bottles and milk cartons at police cruisers.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms slammed their actions at a press conference Friday, saying: 'If you care about this city then go home.'

Trump has long viewed CNN as an enemy, criticizing it as fake news and claiming that it has an agenda to undermine his presidency.

Riots and protests were reported all across the country late on Friday, including right outside the presidents residence in Washington, DC.

Atlanta: A police cruiser is engulfed in flames outside the CNN HQ while protesters watch

Atlanta: Rioters scrawl 'oink' on the windows of the CNN HQ which was under siege Friday night

Atlanta: Protesters burn an American flag outside the CNN Center on Friday

Atlanta: A police car burns after protesters marched to the Georgia State Capitol and returned to the area around the Centennial Olympic Park and CNN center

Atlanta: A man hurls rocks through the windows of the CNN HQ in Georgia

CNN Headquarters in Atlanta being destroyed; massive police presence



pic.twitter.com/dYnYNJj83a  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 30, 2020

The White House was forced to go into temporary lockdown as protesters tried to scale the walls, battled with Secret Service agents and burned American flags.

Dramatic footage showed protesters ripping a metal barricade out of the hands of Secret Service agents.

Looting and fires broke out again in Minneapolis as protesters defied the state curfew and the National Guard failed to keep the city under control.

This came after three nights of carnage in the city that have seen one suspected looter shot dead, cops forced to flee a police precinct as it was stormed and set alight by rioters and the city left in tatters.

In New York City, police officers were forced to defend a police precinct in Brooklyn amid fears it would be stormed and torched, while shocking footage showed an NYPD officer hurling a female protester to the ground.

The NYPD clashed fiercely with protesters on Friday night as thousands of cops took to the streets and hundreds of protesters descended on the 88 precinct in Brooklyn as night fell.

Atlanta: Police form a barricade inside the building as a rioter hurls a firecracker at them

Atlanta: A man holds a Black Lives Matter banner as the air fills with smoke

Atlanta: A man is detained by police during the protest. Tensions have mounted in the state after Floyd's death which comes less than a month after footage of Ahmaud Arbery being killed by a white cop in Georgia also sent shockwaves

Atlanta: After a march to the Georgia State Capitol, protesters confront police officers after returning to the area around the CNN center in Atlanta

Outside the Barclays Center stadium in Brooklyn, a peaceful protest turned violent when NYPD officers sprayed mace into the crowds while demonstrators set fire to banners and pushed to break through metal barricades.

The crowds moved toward the 88th precinct with officers forced to defend the station for fear of similar scenes to those seen at the precinct in Minneapolis Thursday - where cops were forced to flee when protesters stormed the building, set it alight and cut off the gas lines.
Ghana's COVID-19 case count has increased from 7,616 to 7, 768 after 152 new cases were recorded as updated by the Ghana Health Service on its official website, Saturday, May 30.



Out of the total cases recorded, 15 are severe and 5 are critical of which 2 are on ventilator.



Per an update on the official website of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the number of recoveries has now increased from 2,421 to 2,540, an additional 119.



One more person has died moving the death toll to 35.





Regional breakdown



Greater Accra Region - 5,430



Ashanti Region - 1,183



Western Region - 405



Central Region - 381



Eastern Region - 117



Volta Region - 71



Western North Region - 65



Northern Region - 37



Oti Region - 26



Upper East Region - 26



Upper West Region - 22



North East Region - 2



Savannah Region - 1



Bono Region - 1



Bono East Region - 1



Ahafo Region - 0





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.

Featured Video
Every name on the BrandBucket marketplace is exclusively listed with BrandBucket. That means that all of our sellers are very responsive, making for quick domain transfers.

A dedicated BrandBucket agent will manage your domain transfer from beginning to end, ensuring a secure and easy transaction. They will manage the receipt of the domain into one of BrandBuckets secure registrar accounts and then complete the transfer to you.

1. Verification and registrar choice

After we receive the payment and verify it, we will reach out via email to confirm which registrar you want the domain transferred to. We also provide a link to our tracking system, where you can communicate with us, check on the status of your transfer, view your invoice, and download your logo files.

In most cases, if a domain is moved between accounts at a single registrar, the transfer is quick and usually completes within 48 hours. If a domain changes registrars (in other words, you would like to move it away from where it is currently registered), the transfer is slower. The total transfer time can then be anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days.

BrandBucket has vetted and supports the following registrars:



GoDaddy

Namesilo

Uniregistry

NameCheap

Google Domains

Network Solutions

Name.com

Dynadot

Amazon Route 53

123 Reg

Gandi

2. We request the name from the seller.

Once we know where you would like the domain transferred, BrandBucket will request the domain from the seller. All of our sellers are very responsive, making for a quick process.

3. Transfer the name into your account

As soon as we receive the name from the seller, we start the transfer into your account and guide you through the whole process.

4. Verify with the buyer that the transfer is complete

Once we confirm that you have received the name, we consider the escrow process to be complete. Only then do we release payment to the domain seller.
A CNN TV crew involving a reporter, who was broadcasting the turmoil in Minneapolis George Floyd was murdered, were seized and detained by Minnesota police while the crew was filming live.

CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was arrested while a live broadcast was simultaneously transpiring on protests prior to the halt as Minnesota State Patrol arrived to go after a demonstrator.

The Black Lives Matter group from Houston organized the event and images were provided by CNN affiliate KTRK. It displayed hundreds of Houstonians striding between Discovery Green and City Hall to appealed for justice for Floyd and oppose police savagery.

Black correspondent Jimenez and 2 others from the CNN crew were live when police officials in massive gear began seizing them. Jimenez and his crew distinguished themselves and displayed their press credentials. The entire scenario was filmed on video and they were later freed.

The black newsman had just narrated a demonstrator being taken into custody when he was surrounded by around half a dozen white policemen.

According to USA Today, Jimenez remarked to a row of policemen prior to an officer coming up behind the reporter with handcuffs, "We are live on the air at the moment. This is the four of us, we are one team. Just put us back where you want us, just let us know. Wherever you want us, just let us know."

Jimenez added, "Wherever you'd want us, we will go. We were just getting out of your way when you were advancing through the intersection. Let us know and we've got you."

"We told you before that we are with CNN," the cameraman said. They presented their CNN identification card.

The black CNN employee was seized by the police. A white reporter on the field was not arrested.

Also Read: 130 People Claim to Be Jeffrey Epstein's Kids, Hoping to Inherit $635 Million Estate

CNN Communications tweeted the crew specified themselves and touted the incident as a "clear violation of their First Amendment rights."

Minnesota governor Tim Waltz was apologetic to CNN president Jeff Zucker for what transpired, as reported by CNN. Waltz stated that Jimenez had his right to be there and begged for pardon.

The police indicated that the CNN crew was seized for not relocating to a different location.

CNN anchors were dumbfounded at the episode. They expressed that they failed to comprehend the reason behind their colleague's arrest.

The reporting team apparently had been vacating the area where they were earlier been directed, the anchors affirmed, according to Newsweek.

The police officer who informed Jimenez that he is under arrest did not provide feedback when the reporter asked his reason. He simply led him away, binding his hands behind his back.

Jimenez narrated the experience that the police were quite cordial after the incident. He then asked them where he may locate while reporting on the protests in the future.

The white reporter, Josh Campbell, was reportedly near Jimenez during the incident. The police were reportedly polite towards him when they questioned the name of his outlet and they responded, "Ok, you're good."

Related Article: Texas Mother Gives Birth to Identical Quadruplets in Delivery That Happens Once in 11M Births

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A swarm of locust species have attacked banana, rubber and other crops in parts of plantation dominated districts of Tamil Nadu, causing concern among farmers over the possible destruction of their crops, but the government assured them that the agriculture department has been instructed to tackle the "menace."

Since the last few days, spotted coffee grasshopper, Bombay locust and the Crytacanthacris Tartarica, a type of grasshopper, have been mistaken for the swarm of desert locusts which has been ravaging the crops in north-west India.

According to a member of the Grasshopper Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, none of the three species noticed in the Nilgiris and in the vicinity, are of immediate threat.

Farmers in Poovankodu and Viyanur in Kanyakumari district bordering Kerala have claimed that the 'locust' have ravaged the banana and rubber crops to a large extent.

State Revenue Minister R B Udayakumar on Saturday assured farmers that the agriculture department has been instructed to tackle the "menace."

Maintaining that the 'vettukili' (grasshopper) attack should not cause apprehension, Udayakumar said the agriculture department officials have been asked to protect the crops.

Earlier, a farmer in Khandal near Udhagamandalam who noticed a swarm on Friday, managed to capture some of the species, and informed the district administration.

Nilgiris collector Innocent Divya, who verified with experts, assured the farmers that the species captured in her district was not the desert locust.

Nevertheless, experts from the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University would soon undertake an inspection and ascertain the facts.

Meanwhile, DMK President M K Stalin urged that the state government should act on the matter immediately.

"Instead of continuing to be apathetic, as it had been in managing the coronavirus spread, the state government should immediately launch steps to protect the crops," he said in a statement here.

His party legislator from Kanyakumari district T Manothangaraj urged the authorities to save the crops without resorting to the use of chemical sprays to eliminate the 'locust'.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 03:44:34|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ROME, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Financial markets are showing a little optimism, at least in relative terms, as Italy emerges from weeks of coronavirus lockdown.

Italy was the first European country to go into a national lockdown in early March in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. After over 10 weeks, Italy started lifting some of the restrictions on free movement and commerce in early May.

Economists expect the economic consequences of the lockdown to be severe, with the consensus estimate of at least 10 percent of economic contraction for this year.

Despite that, financial markets have shown signs of life in recent days.

Starting last week, the blue-chip index on the Italian Stock Exchange in Milan ran off six consecutive winning sessions for the first time since January. The index lost ground in Friday's session as investors locked in the recent gains, but during the six previous sessions, the index gained a total of 7.4 percent.

Mario Seminerio, a financial analyst and investment manager, said the positive reaction of financial markets in recent sessions was not due to a change in the underlying economic indicators but rather in a change of context.

"Investors realize that the Italian government and the European Union are showing the political will to do what is needed to provide support for markets," Seminerio told Xinhua.

To be sure, markets are still suffering under the weight of the pandemic. Even with the recent gains, the stock market's main index is still nearly 30 percent below its level in mid-February, its 2020 peak. Meanwhile, bond yields -- a low yield is an indication of investor confidence in a country's ability to repay its debt -- were at half the current levels as recently as early February.

The yields on Italy's benchmark 10-year bonds fell in eight of nine sessions before climbing slightly on Friday. At Thursday's close, yields were at their lowest point since March.

According to Andrea Fumagalli, a professor of political economics at the University of Pavia, Italian markets are also benefiting from positive trends in other European markets. Data from other countries over the same span reflect that view, though Italian markets generally fell further than those in other major European countries and they rebounded more in recent days.

But he also said the recent trend is unlikely to last for long until solid indicators about a recovery in employment levels, industrial production, and consumer demand emerge.

"What we are seeing is a belief that the government is making some appropriate decisions," Fumagalli said in an interview. "To recover more of the losses from the period of the lockdown, those decisions will have to start to show results." Enditem
The nation's domestic spy agency has warned the growing number of convicted terrorists due for release from Australian prisons over the next five years could use their profile to recruit more people to their cause.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation also raised the alarm about foreign fighters returning from Syria and Iraq in the coming years as it argued the case for expanded powers to forcibly question terrorists and foreign spies.

ASIO boss Mike Burgess. The agency says the number of terrorism offenders scheduled for release will increase over the next five years. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Without naming any specific country, ASIO warned foreign spies were operating "at a scale, breadth and ambition that has not previously been seen in Australia". China has previously been blamed by security agencies for large-scale hacking in Australia, while ASIO has investigated a suspected Chinese military intelligence operative in Melbourne who allegedly approached a Liberal Party member about running for parliament.

ASIO would have the power to compulsorily question foreign spies and children as young as 14 under laws introduced to Federal Parliament earlier this month. The agency would also be able to place tracking devices on cars with only internal approval, rather than a warrant, as part of a major overhaul of the agency's powers.
A man tries to tow away a car in a safe zone as the other car catches fire in a local parking garage in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images)

Governors, Mayors Condemn Violent Protesters: No Honor in Burning Down Your City

Governors and mayors from various states have condemned violent protesters as unrest spread across America on Friday night.

There is no honor in burning down your city. There is no pride in looting local businesses that have become institutions of a neighborhood. These are institutions that people are counting on, especially during a time of pandemic, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said during a press conference early Saturday morning.

This is not about George [Floyd]s death. This is not about inequities that were real. This is about chaos being caused, said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Thousands of protesters broke an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by the governor, storming downtown areas in Minneapolis, with some protesters looting and setting fire to stores.

One Stop and Shop store near the 5th Precinct police station was looted and burned down.

A Stop and Shop opposite the 5th Precinct police station in #Minneapolis. A fire is burning inside the back of the shop, while people are looting it. This is 10:47pm. The shop eventually burns down. pic.twitter.com/NWY8kKIHzs  Charlotte Cuthbertson (@charlottecuthbo) May 30, 2020

The death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis, has caused a national uproar.

Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes while taking him into custody on Monday. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired on Monday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday.

Protests exploded in dozens of cities around the nation including Minneapolis, Louisville, Washington, New York, Atlanta, Detroit, and some other cities on Friday night with occasional looting, arson, and vandalizing.

A looter robs a Target store as protesters face off against police in Oakland, Calif., on May 30, 2020, over the death of George Floyd. (Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)

In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency in Fulton County in response to violent protests and deployed as many as 500 Georgia National Guard soldiers to Atlanta city.

At the request of Mayor @KeishaBottoms & in consultation with public safety & emergency preparedness officials, I have issued a State of Emergency for Fulton County to activate as many as 500 @GeorgiaGuard troops to protect people & property in Atlanta. (1/2)  Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) May 30, 2020

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms denounced the violent protesters on Friday in an emotional speech.

This is not a protest. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. This is chaos, she said. When youre burning down the city, youre burning down our community.

She also indicated that minority business owners are most likely to be the victims of the violent protests.

If you love this city  where more than 50 percent of the business owners in metro Atlanta are minority business owners. If you care about this city, then go home, she said.
Demonstrators vandalize a car as they protest the death of George Floyd, Sunday, May 31, 2020, near the White House in Washington. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Minnesota officials called out the states entire National Guard on Saturday for the first time since World War II to defend the Twin Cities against an onslaught of looting and violence that escalated this week following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.

Some of the states 13,200 National Guard troops were still training, officials said, but more than 2,400 were expected to hit the streets Saturday night to prevent further destruction.

Hundreds of National Guard forces did little to quell unrest overnight as crowds ignored an 8 p.m. curfew and swarmed streets and the interstate, surrounded a police precinct, broke windows and looted businesses amid random gunfire. Residents on Saturday emerged to survey the damage, some roaming smoky neighborhoods with brooms as volunteer cleanup crews.

At a morning briefing, Gov. Tim Walz  an Army National Guard veteran  and city officials sought to distinguish between civil rights protesters angered by Floyds death and the suspects responsible for looting, fires and vandalism.

Crowds overnight included peaceful protesters carrying Black Lives Matter and Justice for George signs. Many were young people of various races who said they were upset not just by Floyds death, but by police brutality in the Twin Cities  just the type of crackdown officials planned late Saturday. Many wore masks to guard against COVID-19, blasted music from passing cars, chanted and created a street party atmosphere with drinking but few fights.

But the crowds also included masked bandits who looted and tagged buildings with anarchist slogans, calls to abolish the police and foment revolution. They walked streets largely free of police with impunity, toting bags and boxes of looted goods past homes where residents watched from their windows, sheltering in place. East Lake Street, a busy thoroughfare on the citys south side, was blocked overnight by marches and then fires. Business owners  some armed  guarded properties as looters could be heard plotting and then repeatedly trying to break in.

Story continues

"Everything that we believe in, they are trying to destroy," Walz said, insisting that most were from out of town, including several dozen arrested overnight.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who is black, said rioters were using protesters as human shields.

Just by virtue of being part of a crowd that people looking to destroy our communities can hide in, that is aiding these people, Carter said.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has been a target of President Trumps criticism since protests began, likened officials urging residents to stay home to London during the Nazis Blitz of World War II.

By being out tonight you are most definitely helping those who seek to wrong our city, he said. We cant do it alone.

The governor said he planned to hold a noon briefing with local civil rights and faith leaders.

We have true demonstrations planned today, he said, but stressed that an 8 p.m. curfew announced Friday and largely ignored would be strictly enforced. If you are out after 8 p.m., you are aiding and abetting these folks and giving them the cover they want.
Forty people recovered from the disease in the past day.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 55 in the past day.

"In the past day, the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive [for the coronavirus] increased by 55, including seven healthcare workers. There was one fatality. As of today, there are 2,904 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the capital city," he said during an online briefing on May 30.

Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 23,000 on May 29

According to Klitschko, 34 women aged 21 to 77 and 19 men aged 21 to 81 are among those infected. In addition, one girl (15 years old) and one boy (three years old) tested positive for the coronavirus.

Klitschko said 13 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.

Forty people recovered from the disease in the past day, he said. In total, 637 Kyiv residents have already recovered.

"I would like to note that yesterday an outbreak of the virus was recorded in one capital dormitory on Haharina Avenue. It was closed for quarantine. One patient died in the hospital, while another three were hospitalized with mild cases. All other dormitory residents are on self-isolation, they are being examined by doctors," Klitschko said.
The cooperation with the sales agencies is a landmark event for Novaland Group, speeding up its projects to meet the increasing demand from investors and buyers in the market.

Novaland co-operates with prestigious sales agencies to deliver its real estate projects

2020 is the third year that Novaland Group implements the second phase of its business strategy to focus on mid- and high-end property.

With more than 40 projects nationwide Novaland Group is offering thousands of products in diversified projects.

The company is now developing three key types of products, including residences in the central business districts (CBD) of Ho Chi Minh City and satellite urban development areas in neighbouring provinces of Ho Chi Minh City and second home and vacation property in provinces with high potential for tourism development such as Can Tho, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Thuan, and Khanh Hoa.

Outstanding projects which are on offer and received great interest from buyers include Aqua City, a large-scale project sprawling over more than 1,000 hectares in the east of Ho Chi Minh City.

In the second home segment, Novaland Group is developing NovaWorld Ho Tram in Ba Ria-Vung Tau and NovaWorld Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan province. These two projects receive the greatest interest from buyers in the real estate market with their novel lifestyle combination of living and relaxing.

According to Viet Anh, deputy director of Smartland, a sales agent of Novaland Group, with its more than 28 years of history, Novaland Group has grown into a prestigious developer that is trusted by buyers for its quality and good after-sales services.

With the professionalism and long-time experience from Novaland Group and Smartland, we continue bringing the best value to our customers, said Viet Anh.

Novaland Group now has a large land fund of nearly 5,000 hectares nationwide, which is a solid basis for its development in the next ten years.

This land fund will also ensure long-term co-operation between Novaland Group and its sales agencies. The number of sales agencies will be increased to more than 50 in 2020.

All of these sales agencies are prestigious, professional companies with experienced consultants to provide advice on issues related to finance and investment.

Novaland Group also organises training courses to improve salesmens knowledge about its portfolio, products, branding, and the legal status of each of its projects, as well as incentives and promotion programmes.

Le Hung Thinh, director of Cali Homes Properties JSC was excited with his recent visit to Novalands projects by yacht along the Saigon River.

This visit will help me transfer my good impressions of these projects to the buyers in the best way, especially to potential buyers who are interested in green and environmentally friendly projects located by the river such as Aqua City, Thinh said.

Meanwhile, Thai Ngoc Quy from Ngoc Phuong Dong Investment JSC said that at its professional sales agency, apart from strictly following Novalands policies and information, salesmen are trying their best to follow the core values of Novaland which have contributed to its prestige today.

A combination of the two brand names, Novaland Group and Ngoc Phuong Dong Investment JSC will most definitely bring the best products to buyers, Quy said.

With more than 40 residential projects nationwide, Novaland Group has supplied different product categories such as apartment, villa, townhouse and shophouse.

Apart from co-operating with sales agencies, Novaland Group has been expanding many transaction centres, setting up mock-up units with unique designs for every type of product in key locations of Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces with the aim of presenting buyers with the best information wherever they are.

Novaland Real Estate Centre at 225 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3;

Novaland Real Estate Transaction Centre at 74 Nguyen Van Troi Street of Phu Nhuan district;

Novaland Real Estate Transaction Centre and Mock-up House located at 177-181 Ham Nghi Street of District 1;

Novaland Real Estate Transaction Centre and Aqua City Mock-up House in Dong Nai province;

Mock-up House and transaction centre in Ho Tram (Ba Ria-Vung Tau);

Novaland Real Estate Transaction Centre in Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa);

A centre to be built soon in Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan).

After more than 28 years of development, Novaland Group is now one of the most prestigious real estate developers in Vietnam with a portfolio of more than 40 residential projects, one satellite township, and five other hospitality property projects with various categories from apartment units, villas, townhouses, and office-tel to second home properties.
'A Single Clenched Fist': Russia Defiant But Anxious As U.S. Seeks To End Its Monopoly On Manned Space Flight

By Matthew Luxmoore May 29, 2020

MOSCOW -- As veteran NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken made final preparations aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule for the first manned orbital flight from U.S. soil in almost a decade, the Russian company that operates the famed Soyuz rocket marked a milestone of its own.

"On this day in 2019, the Soyuz-2 was struck by the lightning 14 seconds after the liftoff. The mission wasn't affected," tweeted the company, GK Launch Services. "Lightning is no problem for the Soyuz-2."

The post to GK's 1,500 followers might have gone unnoticed if events at Florida's Kennedy Space Center had not unfolded the way they did. Less than 16 minutes before SpaceX's scheduled liftoff on May 27, it was scrubbed due to fears of a lightning strike. Instead it was the oddly prescient tweet that took off, winning GK sarcastic praise on social media for mastering "the art of trolling."

On May 30, Hurley and Behnken were returning to the launch site for SpaceX's second attempt, giving the buccaneering start-up founded by American inventor Elon Musk in 2002 another chance to break Russia's nearly decade-long monopoly on manned space flight.

The GK tweet tapped the combination of admiration, anxiety, and defiance with which government officials, state TV pundits, and ordinary space industry observers in Russia have greeted that news.

Financial Losses

Since 2011, when U.S. space agency NASA retired its Space Shuttle program after nearly 30 years, Moscow has played a crucial role in facilitating American trips to the International Space Station (ISS), earning not only a reputation as a solid partner but also a steady income stream selling seats on its aged but reliable Soyuz spacecraft for upwards of $80 million. If successful, the SpaceX launch could spell the end of this lucrative partnership.

"This means huge financial losses," said Ivan Moiseyev, a senior figure at the Institute of Space Policy, a Moscow think tank. "It signals the end of a comfortable revenue source, and the termination of long-standing contracts."

SpaceX is not simply picking up where the U.S. government's Space Shuttle program left off in 2011. Delivering astronauts to space on a rocket engineered and manufactured by a private company, it is also culminating a decades-long campaign to make space into a new frontier of capitalism, throwing the gauntlet to Russian giants of the industry that inherited Soviet technology and at times saw their leading role in space exploration as assured.

Preconditions for that monumental shift were set in motion in 2014, when the U.S. government awarded contracts totalling some $6.8 billion to SpaceX and Boeing, another private company, to develop space exploration. In May, NASA inked another eight-year contract with Russia for a seat on the Soyuz spacecraft. It could be the last such contract signed.

Vadim Lukashevich, an aerospace engineer and aviation expert, believes a successful launch by SpaceX will force Russia's space industry to innovate. The steady income it accrued from delivering U.S. astronauts to the ISS has become a "narcotic," he said, which encouraged complacency and stifled progress.

"Either we will pass into history along with all of our space achievements, like Portugal with its discovery of America and the voyages of Magellan," he said in an interview with TV channel Moskva-24, "or we will have to seriously do something."

Restructuring

Russia's space agency Roskosmos was restructured in 2015 amid efforts to revive an industry that has seen its funding streams decline and equipment age since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 -- NASA's annual expenditure almost equals Roskosmos's 10-year budget cycle. In May 2015, following another in a series of rocket failures, Roskosmos head Dmitry Rogozin cited a "systemic crisis" in the Russian space industry and promised sweeping changes.

But Russia will remain a powerful player in the space industry whether SpaceX succeeds or not, analysts said. With relations between the former Cold War superpowers at their lowest level in years, the space industry is one of a few areas in which bilateral cooperation continues. Foreign astronauts will continue to fly on Soyuz rockets under international agreements that require cosmonauts to become familiar with all types of spacecraft during training.

"Russia will continue to be a space power, one of three capable of organizing manned flights to the ISS," said Vitaly Yegorov, a Russian blogger and space enthusiast, adding that China is the third. "The main thing Roskosmos will lose is money."

For many Russian space fans, the prospect of a private U.S. company upstaging Roskosmos is a fascinating new development in an already dynamic industry. Readers of Yegorov's blog have followed events carefully, commenting on the various stages of SpaceX's program. But many have also voiced nostalgia or bitterness.

"This will feel like a defeat mainly to those Russians who like to think the United States can't do anything right," he said. "Some people react to these events under the influence of our media, and our media often likes to talk about the U.S. dependence on Russia."

Indeed, Russian state TV actively covered preparations for the aborted May 27 launch, and some commentators issued a triumphant note upon news of its failure. "They wrote the script in advance," a presenter on flagship news channel Rossia-24 crowed.

"The Americans think this will be a breakthrough," pro-Kremlin talk-show host Vladimir Solovyov said on his weekly radio program on May 27. "But maybe they're celebrating too early? Maybe it's too early for them to say they've beaten and overtaken us?"

Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, did not hold back in his assessment of events.

"The Americans, with help from NATO and their allies, are purposefully seeking to make space into a sphere of military activity and possible clashes between our countries," he told Russian Defense Ministry TV channel Zvezda.

For its part, Roskosmos has shifted between coy and combative in its response to the steady erosion of its influence. It has not concealed its dissatisfaction with SpaceX, whose rapid progress has ensured that the Russian behemoth's market share of "heavy" rocket launches has declined from an estimated 15 percent in 2016 to 6 percent in 2018.

"They're constantly criticising Musk, accusing him of all kinds of things," said Moiseyev.

In March 2019, when an unmanned SpaceX Dragon craft successfully docked at the ISS in a major milestone for the company, a congratulatory tweet from Roskosmos failed to name Musk's company, praising NASA instead.

Ahead of the aborted May 27 launch, Rogozin wished his American counterparts luck -- again without mentioning SpaceX or Musk.

Last month, Rogozin reiterated his charge that SpaceX was engaging in "price dumping" by lowering the cost of its commercial space launches in order to drive out rivals, and suggested Roskosmos would cut its own prices by 30 percent to undercut the competition.

But in a radio interview on May 26, Rogozin set out the stakes of the current moment and described the task at hand for Russia in stark, combative terms.

"We must gather everything into a single clenched fist," he said. "Only with a single clenched fist can we fight off the aggressive competition from our Western partners."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/a-single- clenched-fist-russia-defiant-but-anxious-as -u-s-seeks-to-end-its-monopoly-on- manned-space-flight/30642229.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A Wicklow TD has appealed to anyone with information on those responsible for causing serious damage to historic Oldcourt Castle in Bray to contact the authorities.

An investigation has been launched after what Deputy John Brady of Sinn Fein described as 'a mindless act of archaeological vandalism' at the 600-year old castle which is a protected monument.

A large hole was made in one of the external walls of the castle which dates from the 1430's, giving rise to concerns about structural safety.

Deputy Brady said he reported the criminal act to the Heritage Officer of Wicklow County Council and the National Monuments Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht which has appointed an archaeologist to examine the damage and oversee repairs.

'I was recently made aware of serious damage caused to Oldcourt Castle in Bray. A large hole was made in one of the external walls of the protected structure. This was a mindless act of archaeological vandalism and an investigation has been launched into the damage caused,' he said.

'I have serious concerns regarding the structural integrity of the castle following this criminal act, so it's important that the castle is inspected and the necessary work carried out to protect it', he said.

'It's a serious offence to damage protected structures. I would appeal to anyone with information on the archaeological vandalism of the castle to bring it to the attention of the relevant authorities.'

It's the second time in a few years that a hole has been made in the castle wall, in an apparent attempt to gain access. 'It would have taken a fair amount of time and effort to make a hole as big as this', said the T.D.

Deputy Brady said Ireland has lost too much of its archaeological heritage. 'In Bray alone, fantastic buildings such as the old Turkish Baths on Quinsborough Road were destroyed in the 1980s, the remnant of the castle on Castle Street was destroyed in the 1930s and St Paul's Lodge on Herbert Rd was demolished by the council in 2018'.

He underlined the importance of conserving heritage buildings to provide a sense of identity and continuity for future generations in a fast changing world. 'Heritage buildings represent the past history and culture of a nation. They constitute the architectural heritage of an area', he said.
This combination of undated photos made available by SpaceX shows NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Bob Behnken in their spacesuits at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif. On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, They are scheduled to board a SpaceX Dragon capsule atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and, equipment and weather permitting, shoot into space. It will be the first astronaut launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center since the last shuttle flight in 2011. (SpaceX via AP)

Astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken join NASA's exclusive inner circle by catching a ride on a SpaceX rocket and capsule.

It's only the fifth time that NASA has put people aboard a brand new spacecraft line for liftoff. And it's the first time the spacecraft belongs to a for-profit company in charge of the launch.

Their destination is the International Space Station, where they'll spend one to four months before guiding their capsule to a splashdown in the Atlantic.

Meet NASA's first commercial crew:

DOUG HURLEY, spacecraft commander:

The retired Marine colonel and former fighter pilot flew on NASA's last space shuttle flight in 2011, closing out a 30-year era. He was tapped in 2015 as one of four NASA astronauts assigned to fly the first commercial crew capsules under development by SpaceX and Boeing. He drew the SpaceX Dragon.

Hurley, 53, served as pilot on both of his shuttle missions, the No. 2 spot. He's now serving as spacecraft commander, overseeing the most dangerous parts of the Dragon's flight: launch, reentry and ocean recovery.

He grew up in Apalachin, New York, and, after earning an engineering degree, devoted his career to the Marines and attended test pilot school. NASA chose him as an astronaut in 2000.

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken walk outside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, May 27, 2020. The two astronauts will fly on a SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Wife Karen Nyberg, a former space station resident, retired two months ago from NASA. She, too, was a member of the Astronaut Class of 2000. Their son, Jack, is 10.

BOB BEHNKEN, joint operations commander:

The Air Force colonel and former flight test engineer has six spacewalks to his credit and may rack up more during his space station stay. As joint operations commander, he'll oversee the Dragon's rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station. He'll also manage many of the activities while the capsule is there, including any possible spacewalks for station maintenance.

While growing up in St. Ann, Missouri, Behnken was mesmerized by photos of Jupiter and Saturn streaming from NASA's Voyager spacecraft. He studied physics and mechanical engineering in college, earning a doctorate in the latter.

In this image provided by NASA, astronauts Robert Behnken, right, and Douglas Hurley, left, walk out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on their way to to Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission, Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Despite more storms in the forecast, SpaceX pressed ahead Saturday in its historic attempt to launch astronauts for NASA, a first by a private company. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)

In this image provided by NASA, astronaut Douglas Hurley waves as he walks out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on his way to to Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission, Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Despite more storms in the forecast, SpaceX pressed ahead Saturday in its historic attempt to launch astronauts for NASA, a first by a private company. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)

Behnken had risen to chief astronaut after a pair of shuttle flights when, in 2015, he was assigned to one of the first commercial crew flights. He teamed up with Hurley in 2018 on the SpaceX Dragon.

Behnken was also in the Astronaut Class of 2000. And also like Hurley, he married a fellow classmate: astronaut Megan McArthur, who flew on NASA's final mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Their son, Theodore, is 6.

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Screenwriter Apurva Asrani on Friday posted a picture of the nameplate of his new house, which he has purchased with partner Siddhant. The writer urged people to normalise same-sex relationships, and noted how he and Siddhant had to lie about being cousins for most of their lives together.

For 13 years we pretended to be cousins so we could rent a home together, he wrote on social media, sharing a picture of the nameplate, and of himself with Siddhant. Apurva continued, We were told keep curtains drawn so neighbours dont know what you are. We recently bought our own home. Now we voluntarily tell neighbours we are partners. Its time LGBTQ families are normalised too.

For 13 years we pretended to be cousins so we could rent a home together. We were told 'keep curtains drawn so neighbors don't know 'what' you are'. We recently bought our own home. Now we voluntarily tell neighbors we are partners . It's time LGBTQ families are normalised too. pic.twitter.com/kZ9t9Wnc7i  Apurva (@Apurvasrani) May 29, 2020

Apurva is known for writing films such as Aligarh, about a smalltown college professor demonised for engaging in a same-sex relationship in secret. He also served as an editor on the first season of Amazon Primes Made in Heaven, which featured a gay lead character.

Apurvas post has been liked over 20000 times, and has been received with a lot of warmth. But a glimpse of the replies to his tweet shows that there are detractors as well. More power to you guys. Big bear hug, wrote film writer Mushtaq Shiekh. Congrats guys!!! So happy you look, wrote filmmaker Nikkhil Advani. And while director Vasan Bala and Sophie Choudry left red heart emojis, filmmaker and gay rights activist Onir wrote, Amazing .... congratulations and best wishes for a beautiful life together in your beautiful new home.

Also read: Valentines Day special: Meet the couples whove dared to stand out

Others who left supportive comments include Rahul Dev, Kunal Kapoor, Amid Sadh, Ashish Choudhry, Guneet Monga and others. In an interview to the Indian Express in 2018, Apurva had spoken about growing up as a gay man. Its the same for any person growing up in any sexually repressed societyyou grow up in closets. Its a dark space where no one else is allowed and all you have is a torch for company. You search inside your confined space for answers but there isnt another soul who can share your feelings. You try and find answers through magazines, porn, noises that infiltrate from the outside world. It is lonely, hed said.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
United States Senate Ted Cruz on Friday called on the Treasury and Justice departments to launch a criminal investigation into Twitter over alleged violations of US sanctions against Iran.

In a letter to Attorney General William Barr and Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin, Ted Cruz focused on the social media accounts of Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.

Cruz pointed out that Twitter allows top Iranian leaders to have accounts on its platform and thus, violates US sanctions that prevent providing services or goods to Irans officials. Twitter is blocked in Iran.

READ | Trump Vs Twitter: White House Hits Back, Calls Out Khamenei Tweet 'glorifying Violence'

The cohesion and legitimacy of our laws rest on their equal application to all citizens and entities, no matter how large or how powerful, Ted Cruz wrote.

The Department of Treasury and the Department of Justice should investigate what appears to be Twitters blatant and willful violation of IEEPA and E.O. 13876 by providing services to Khamenei, Zarif, and other designated Iranian entities, and, to the extent appropriate, enforce any violation through sanctions and by seeking civil and criminal penalties, the Senator added.

Cruz had called on Twitter to revoke the leaders access in early February, though the company had denied it violated the US sanctions. Twitter refused to comment on the letter.

READ | Trump Goes After Twitter Again, Asks If The Micro Blogging Site Ever Fact-checked Obama

Trump vs Twitter

The US Senates call to investigate Twitter comes amid increasing tensions between the White House and the micro blogging site. Twitter had flagged "misleading" claims made by Trump regarding mail-in voting with fact-checked label on Tuesday.

The company also placed a public interest notice on a tweet from the US President for glorifying violence. Trump had tweeted about the violent protests in Minneapolis over the tragic death of an African-American man George Floyd, in which he had said "if looting starts, shooting starts".

READ | Twitter Puts Notice On Donald Trump's 'shooting Starts' Tweet For 'glorifying Violence'

The White House later hit back at Twitter by pointing out that Irans Supreme Leader Khamenei has an account on the social media site, adding that Twitter is determined to allow terrorists, dictators, and foreign propagandists to abuse its platform.

In a recent tweet, Khamenei had said that a person killed in jihad will receive one of the two excellent things. The White House said that the tweet violated the rules against the glorification of violence and questioned Twitter for not flag it.

This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, @Twitter has determined that it will allow terrorists, dictators, and foreign propagandists to abuse its platform. pic.twitter.com/5Qi0m66Vnh  The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 29, 2020

READ | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Takes A Dig At Trump And Zuckerberg Over Twitter Fact-check Row
Britain, France, and Germany have criticized a decision by the United States to end sanctions waivers for companies from countries that remain in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

"We deeply regret the U.S. decision to end the three waivers covering key JCPOA nuclear projects in Iran," a joint May 30 statement from the three European powers said.

The waivers were part of the landmark agreement signed with Tehran in 2015 that limited Iran's nuclear activities in return for lifting crippling economic sanctions.

They allowed European, Chinese, and Russian companies to work on the conversion of a heavy-water reactor in Arak, a major industrial city in western Iran.

"These projects, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, serve the nonproliferation interests of all and provide the international community with assurances of the exclusively peaceful and safe nature of Iranian nuclear activities."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on May 27 that Iran's continued "nuclear brinkmanship" in breaching some of its nuclear commitments did not justify renewing the waivers.

"The regime's nuclear extortion will lead to increased pressure on Iran and further isolate the regime from the international community," he said.

Nonproliferation experts say that the waivers give international experts a valuable eye into Tehran's nuclear activities and that its scientific research is for legitimate civilian purposes, such as medicine.

U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 and reimposed crushing sanctions on Tehran. In response, Iran has breached several provisions of the JCPOA at the fringes, saying that it can reverse them if the United States comes back into compliance.

Russia has also criticized the U.S. decision to end waivers, with Moscow claiming U.S. foreign policy was becoming "more dangerous and unpredictable".

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi said the U.S. decision was a "flagrant violation of Resolution 2231 and the charter of the United Nations."

He said Iran was ready to "take legal action and act appropriately" if the move harmed its nuclear rights, without elaborating.

Iranian Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behruz Kamalvandi said on May 28 that Washington's "desperate" decision was aimed at distracting attention from its "continued defeats at the hands of Iran.

"Under the nuclear deal, this decision has no effect in practice and is simply more hype from the Americans," Kamalvandi was quoted as saying by Iranian media.

The Trump administration also provided a 90-day extension for the waiver covering international activity at the Bushehr nuclear power plant to ensure the safety of operations.

The international civilian-cooperation parts of the JCPOA were designed to make Iran's nuclear program more transparent and less capable of producing weapons.

Iran hawks in Congress and the Trump administration say the civilian nuclear waivers allow Iran access to technology that could be used for nuclear weapons. But in extending the waivers in the past, the Trump administration implicitly recognized the nonproliferation benefits of the civilian projects.

With reporting by AFP and dpa
Cecil J. Williams, seen here in a photo from the mid-1950s when he was a young freelance photographer for Jet magazine, documented Jim Crow segregation and civil rights demonstrations in his home state of South Carolina. (Courtesy of Cecil J. Williams)

When Alester Pryor thinks about what's at stake in the 2020 presidential election, her mind drifts to the March on Washington in 1963 and the sight of her mother wiping away tears of pride and pain as they waited for Martin Luther King Jr. to give his I Have a Dream speech.

Phyllis Washington Gosa's mind goes back to her childhood home near Selma, Ala., where she watched her parents practice reciting the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution so they'd be ready for the random civics exams given to blacks to keep them from registering to vote.

Cecil J. Williams recalls a white South Carolina state trooper ripping the film from his camera in the early 1960s when he was a photographer eager to show the world the inequality and bigotry of the Jim Crow South  and twice being jailed because of his work.

Pryor, Gosa and Williams say older black Democrats like them have no illusions about what their country is capable of  or what it needs from its next president.

All three came of age with racism's daily indignities, but also the promise of the civil rights movement. And they've watched as voters replaced the country's first black president with a man who went on to claim there were "fine people" among the white nationalists at a deadly protest in Charlottesville, Va.,  and who early Friday responded to the unrest in Minneapolis over the death of a black man, George Floyd, after a white police officer knelt on his neck, by tweeting "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

Their country's wild political swings sometimes leave their heads spinning.

One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all  thats the America we wanted, Pryor, now 72, remembers thinking in 1963 as King spelled out his vision of a society in which blacks and whites treated each other with mutual understanding and respect.

"But under this current leadership," she says, "it feels like were being set back."

Story continues

Pryor, a retiree living in Horry County, S.C, wants voters to draw inspiration from African American history  and to make history in their own right by turning out in huge numbers in the November election and handing President Trump a crushing defeat.

Alester Pryor, right, poses with her friend and fellow Democrat Deborah Robertson at an event in Conway, S.C., to mark the party's primary in that state in February. Pryor sees President Trump as a threat to democracy and Joe Biden as the person to restore Americans' faith in government. (Tyrone Beason)

Joe Biden already enjoys a considerable lead over Trump among black voters. A nationwide Suffolk University/USA Today poll taken in late April showed 63% of African Americans saying they'd vote for Biden in the general election, compared with 8% who said they'd back Trump.

But as Biden tries to win over some skeptical younger voters of color, he's saddled by his own history of miscues.

This month, he caused an uproar after telling New York radio show host Charlamagne tha God that African American voters who have trouble deciding between him and Trump "ain't black." Biden quickly apologized, saying he'd been too "cavalier."

The remark gave the Trump campaign fresh fodder for its effort to chip away at Biden's lead among black voters  just enough to deny him a victory.

Pryor, Gosa and Williams all say Trump's racism makes supporting him out of the question. Gosa says the coronavirus outbreak, which has killed blacks at greater rates than whites in the South and in major cities such as Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles, has only hardened her opposition to a president she blames for failing to end racial disparities in areas like access to healthcare.

As for Biden's remark? "I don't think it was a big deal," Pryor says. "We have to get past being distracted by things like that."

The former vice president may not be perfect, these voters say, but Biden would bring stability to a country on edge. Just as important, they say, he'd also safeguard the legacy of the man he served under, President Obama.

"Every time I post something on social media," Pryor says, "I tell people to remember Nov. 3, 2020  and vote! It's an honor to be able to cast a ballot."

'People died to get us that right'

Pryor recounts the events of Aug. 28, 1963, as if they happened yesterday. She remembers the exact spot where she sat on the ground with her mother at the foot of the Washington Monument  a teenage black girl from Kansas about to watch one of the most stirring speeches in American history.

But what stuck in her mind was the crowd forming around her.

Among the marchers filing past were blacks from Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and other states in the Deep South where racial segregation was the rule and where voting rights were still a fantasy for African Americans.

One young man walked by on crutches, and word spread through the crowd that he'd been injured by police during a civil rights demonstration down South.

You see, Pryor's mother told her, these are the people who were on the front lines, the people whove lost friends and neighbors, whove been attacked and had dogs turned on them.

Pryor says that when she registered to vote for the first time ahead of the 1968 presidential election, her parents celebrated by taking her out to dinner in Kansas City, Mo., near where they lived. They did the same when her sister registered.

"My mother and father made sure we voted in every election, because people died to get us that right, she says.

Pryor now lives near the Atlantic resort of Myrtle Beach, S.C., along a stretch of coastal farmland where enslaved Africans once labored on cotton and rice plantations.

She says she's still dreaming of the day when those words in the Pledge of Allegiance, especially the "justice for all" part, will fully apply to Southern blacks, and African Americans in general.

Her big fear is that Trump and the GOP will try to prevent African Americans from voting in large numbers in November, using existing legal hurdles such as voter ID laws or by blocking the widespread use of mail-in ballots in Democratic-leaning states like California.

She has this message for any African American voter considering sitting out the election: "Your vote matters. If it didn't, they wouldn't try to suppress it."





'We evened out the playing field'

Williams, 83, also worries that the gains of the civil rights movement are being eroded and forgotten.

As a young freelance photographer for the African American magazine Jet, he was arrested and briefly imprisoned  once in 1960 and again in 1961  while covering civil-rights marches and boycotts in South Carolina.

Those of us who had to battle to make that right available, we evened out the playing field so African Americans could vote today, he says with frustration as he looks back on the picket lines, marches and boycotts he covered. Were standing on the shoulders of all the people who marched and fought and died to make that happen."

In a famous photo taken of Williams at a gas station in 1956, he appears to stare into the viewer's eyes while drinking from a "white only" water fountain. The act of defiance, during a trip to document his state's segregated beaches, could've gotten him arrested or beaten.

That history weighs on him every election season  and especially this one, because he fears that younger Americans don't share his sense of urgency about voting.

Now Williams teaches visitors about the often-dangerous work and achievements of African Americans in South Carolina at the nonprofit civil rights museum he designed, built and runs in Orangeburg.

"If you dont have an appreciation for the past and where you came from," he says, "then its difficult to navigate the future."





'The courage to stand up'

Gosa grew up poor in rural Tallapoosa County, Ala., about 90 miles east of Selma, her home now  and the site of the infamous Bloody Sunday.

In 1965, white officers beat and tear-gassed black voting-rights demonstrators as they tried to cross the city's Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Gosa didn't attend the march, but her voice turns bitter when she recounts how her parents repeatedly tried to register to vote in the late 1950s and early '60s, only to be denied again and again because they were black.

Phyllis Gosa, a retired pharmacist, grew up in rural Alabama at a time when blacks couldn't vote. As she reflects on her past, she wants voters of today to draw inspiration from the struggles of her fellow African Americans as they fought for equality and an end to racism. (Courtesy of Phyllis Gosa)

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity ..."

As a little girl, Gosa learned civics by watching her parents memorize the Preamble of the Constitution and say the words back to each other in their farmhouse  hoping their knowledge would one day make a difference but fearing that it might be futile.

Even successfully answering surprise quiz questions didn't guarantee success when black Southerners tried to register to vote.

Gosa recalls also having to order food at the back door of a restaurant with nowhere to sit and eat it, and drinking from colored water fountains. And she thinks back on all the times she rode in the car with her parents past nearby Auburn University, which she thought of as "the school for white kids" because it was off-limits to black students.

The hope was, if they could get the right to vote, they could elect people who were fair and who would not treat them like their parents and grandparents were treated, Gosa says of African Americans who dreamed of equality then.

That faith in the transformative power of the vote, she says, thats what gave my parents  as well as the people who marched on the Edmund Pettus Bridge  the courage to stand up and make the United States live up to the idea that every man is created equal.

Times can change  and people can change their times.

Gosa, a retired pharmacist, became the first black woman to graduate from Auburn's integrated pharmacy program in 1976.

With every advancement for black people, she says with a sigh, come setbacks.

Gosa bristles over the slights and arbitrary rules that African Americans were forced to accept as the cost of being black in America when she was young, and that burden them today.

The fatal shooting of a 25-year-old black man named Ahmaud Arbery in neighboring Georgia  confronted by a white father and son who were initially allowed to go free after telling police they suspected him in a burglary  triggers an ache in Gosa that's been passed down through the generations.

In her own backyard in rural Alabama, Gosa says the farmland in Tallapoosa County that her family has owned since her enslaved ancestors were set free is contaminated from all of the landfills that the state allows to be situated in poor, black areas.

Gosa says African Americans in the South cant make progress on present-day injustices without the full force of the federal government to back them up  or elected leaders who identify with their hardships.

Only God knows what things are going to be like moving forward," Gosa says. "So we must have a president with some sense  and who understands the Constitution."

In 2009, 45 years after attending the March on Washington, Pryor was overcome with emotion as she stood in almost that same spot on the Mall, this time to hear Barack Obama take the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol.

The U.S. economy was in a death spiral then, too, and a multicultural coalition of voters had placed the fate of the country in his hands.

"The land of the free, the home of the brave," Pryor thought to herself as she pondered the capacity of a nation that had once sanctioned slavery to make a black man president.

America's in need of that kind of galvanizing moment in November, Pryor says of the new era of conflict, uncertainty and upheaval besetting the country.

We will persevere, and we will, once again, become the greatest country in the world, she says. "No matter what comes, this is still a country we can be proud of."
KABUL (Reuters) - Islamic State claimed responsibility for Saturday's bomb explosion that killed an Afghan journalist and a technician in minibus carrying employees of a local television station in Kabul.

At least seven people were wounded in the evening rush hour attack. Pictures showed a white minibus with extensive damage to its front.

"Our colleagues Mir Wahed Shah, an economic reporter, and Shafiq Amiri, an employee in the technical department, were martyred in the incident," said Mohammad Rafi Rafiq Sediqi, chief executive of the Khurshid TV station.

The United States, European Union and NATO condemned the attack. Last year, two employees of Khurshid TV were killed and two wounded in a similar attack.

Islamic State, which battles government forces and Taliban militants, has claimed some of the deadliest attacks in urban Afghanistan in recent years. It did not give a reason for Saturday's blast.

Taliban and other Islamist insurgents have repeatedly targeted Afghan journalists, killing 15 in 2018, the deadliest year yet for the Afghan media, according to the media freedom group Reporters Without Borders.

In 2016, a Taliban suicide bomber rammed his car into a bus carrying employees of Tolo TV, the country's largest private broadcaster, killing seven journalists.

The Taliban, who were ousted from power by U.S.-led forces in 2001, said Tolo was producing propaganda for the U.S. military and Western-backed Afghan government.

(Reporting by Orooj Hakimi, Hameed Farzad, Abdul Qadir Sediqi in Kabul; Writing by Rupam Jain; Editing by Christina Fincher and Nick Macfie)
We are all grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it could not have come at a worse time for people already made extremely vulnerable by warfare.



In places, such as Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, and Yemen, the bombing and shelling of cities and towns have left people without access to water, electricity, sanitation, or a functioning healthcare system  the basic services that will help protect them from the virus.

In March, the Secretary-General of the United Nations called for an immediate, global ceasefire so aid workers could reach people in areas affected by conflict. So far, more than 115 governments, several regional organizations, 200 civil society groups, and 16 non-state armed groups have publicly endorsed this call.

But many have ignored it. Protracted conflicts continue to rage in many parts of the world. Often this involves the use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas, with devastating effects on civilians. Right now, more than 50 million people are affected by conflict in urban areas. The impact on entire societies is profound and will endure for generations to come.

We urge warring parties to immediately and unconditionally adhere to a pause in fighting to allow aid supplies and staff to get to those in need. Not only will this save lives, but it will also give warring parties a chance to reconsider their weapons and tactics and take steps to avoid civilian harm if fighting resumes.

In cities more than anywhere else, the choice of weapon used has a significant impact on civilian suffering.

Many of the explosive weapons with wide-area effects being used in urban warfare today were originally designed for use in traditional, open battlefields. This includes inaccurate weapons that put entire neighborhoods at risk, systems that fire multiple rockets simultaneously over a wide area, and munitions that produce large blast and fragmentation effects. It also includes large improvised explosive devices used mainly by non-state armed groups.

When used in populated areas, they inflict massive and often indiscriminate destruction. We can see it in the images of devastation from Mosul, Taiz and Donetsk.

The overwhelming majority of casualties are civilians. Countless are killed or gravely wounded. Hospitals are faced with multiple casualties and complex injuries that are difficult to treat, quickly overwhelming emergency rooms. Many survivors are left with life-long disabilities or severe psychological trauma. Homes are destroyed, and people are forced to seek shelter with relatives or in overcrowded camps with poor sanitation and overstretched healthcare services.

For victims of this kind of warfare, who are already reeling from injury, disability, displacement, and insecurity, the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic is too much to bear.

Health care systems already severely disrupted by bombing and shelling face huge challenges in providing the medical assistance and preventive measures needed to overcome the virus.

The use of heavy explosive weapons damages and destroys essential infrastructure needed to run healthcare systems, such as hospitals and other medical facilities, as well as power and water supply lines and sanitation networks. This sets off domino effects and more civilian death and suffering well beyond the weapons' blast zones.

At a time when preventing the spread of the virus is key, lack of access to clean water and electricity makes it impossible to implement basic hygiene measures, such as handwashing, and to access critical internet-based public health information, crippling the capacity of conflict-affected societies to contain the current pandemic.

Back in September, the UN Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called for specific actions. They recalled the protective power of international humanitarian law when its rules are faithfully respected, all the more so when armed conflicts are waged in populated environments, where civilians are at great risk of harm. They also called on warring parties to employ strategies and tactics that take combat outside of cities and to reduce urban fighting altogether. And they appealed to them to avoid the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas, because of the significant likelihood of indiscriminate effects.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is now reaching some of these places, this appeal is now more necessary and more urgent than ever.

If action is taken now, we can prevent further deterioration of the world's most fragile healthcare systems.

Instead of attacking and devastating cities, they should be supported in their fight against this new immense threat to humanity  COVID-19.

Mark Lowcock is United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs; Izumi Nakamitsu is United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs; and Robert Mardini is Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.
Capt Amarinder Singh

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced a 4-week extension in the lockdown in Punjab, till June 30, with certain more relaxations, subject to the guidelines of the central government.

Though experts have advised against opening of the hospitality industry and malls, the Chief Minister said the state would take into account the central government guidelines for Lockdown 5.0.

Advertisement

LockdownThe Chief Minister announced his decision after an on-ground assessment of the Covid situation through a Video Conference with health experts, along with top officials and Cabinet Ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Balbir Singh Sidhu and Tript Singh Bajwa. The move is also in line with the central governments decision to extend the national lockdown beyond May 31.

Captain Amarinder later said during his weekly Facebook Live session that the threat of Covid was not over yet, and if necessary, he would continue to take tough measures to save the lives of Punjabis.

Underlining the need to continue to exercise extreme caution, he lauded the citizens for following all health norms to help the state government in controlling the pandemic spread to a great extent.

Advertisement

Making it clear that the extension of the lockdown in Punjab would be conditional to strict adherence to Covid safety protocols, including physical distancing and wearing of masks, the Chief Minister also ordered distribution of free masks to the poor.

Capt Amarinder SinghHe directed Food & Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu to ensure immediate steps for the distribution of masks as part of ration kids to the needy and poor, who could not afford to purchase them.

DGP Dinkar Gupta told the review Video Conference that wearing of masks was being strictly enforces across districts, with more than Rs 1 crore collected so far in fine from the offenders.

Advertisement

The Chief Minister sought an update during the meeting on the state governments plans for launch of home surveillance and Covid Foot Soldiers deployment to track and trace infections. He was informed by Anurag Agarwal, Principal Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) that both would be launched over the next couple of days.

Asha workers and other local women from the community were being hired to undertake home to home surveillance across districts, and they would be paid Rs 2 per head in every household surveyed, he said. As for the tracing and tracking of symptomatic cases who were not reporting to the health authorities, an app was currently being field-tested and would launched in 2-3 days.

Youngsters would be asked to download the app to voluntarily report on such cases, said Agarwal, adding that mandatory OTP verification of these Covid Foot Soldiers would be ensured to check false reporting.

Advertisement

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder The Chief Minister later, in his FB session, said non-reporting to health authorities by those returning to the state, especially from abroad, was a big challenge, as it complicated their contact tracing and endangered the lives of others. He revealed that 9560 of such people had been traced and tested, andsome positive cases had been found among these.

Though there was an overall decline in the daily cases, and of the 2158 positive cases so far, 1946 had recovered fully, the new cases that had emerged in the last few days was a matter of concern, he added, appealing to people to report any instance of returnees someone jumping medical checking by the state government.

Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh apprised the Chief Minister during the VC of the screening/testing being done at airports and railway stations to check the spread of the Covid in view of the large influx of people coming from other states. While all entrants to the state were being screened, and had to undergo 14-day mandatory home quarantine, testing facilities had also been installed to undertake random testing at the airports and stations, he added.

Those who could not download COVA app would have to fill in declaration forms on the trains, and submit the same at the stations, he said.

Corona VirusUnderscoring the need to strictly adhere to all health norms, Captain Amarinder said in his FB session that 36,820 people have been fined for not wearing masks and 4032 persons for spitting in public in just 11 days from May 17 till May 28. As many as 6061 persons had been fined for not wearing masks in just the last 24 hours, he said, adding that 503 FIRs had been registered in this period for violation of rules.

Expressing his concern about possible community spread in his reply to another query, he said this is the threat we face now and he would keep this fact in mind while deciding about relaxations. Referring to cases in Amritsar, in reply to another query by a resident, he said out of 7 cases reported yesterday, six were contact cases.

Regarding rapid testing kits, Captain Amarinder said those received by the state from China and South Korea had to be returned as they were defective.

More flights are resuming, with three flights daily from Dubai, the Chief Minister said in reply to a Dubai resident seeking to come to Chandigarh. Normal flights had not yet resumed, he said, asking the questioner to get in touch with the Consulate Office.

We have not stopped private buses in villages to operate, but the decision was up to private operators, he told a questioner.

On the crackdown on spurious liquor during lockdown, the Chief Minister said 97 bhattas had been sealed, with 1,729 FIRs registered and 1360 persons arrested. The government was also taking stern action against those trying to smuggle liquor into Punjab, he added.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for farmers for another bumper crop year, saying that around Rs 23,000 Crore had been infused in the rural economy due to the procurement of 128 LMTs wheat.

On the locust threat, the Chief Minister said all arrangements had been put in place in seven districts bordering Rajasthan and Haryana.

On a complaint by a Ludhiana resident about violation of government instructions by schools, he asked the DC to take strict action against such schools.

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said he was happy to note that 85% of the states industry had already started operations with 65% of labour engaged in it. The government was facilitating many multinational IT firms, including Quark, to set base in Mohali and many more would come to Punjab as the situation improves, he said in reply to another query.

To a question regarding the Centres conditions for availing additional debt, the Chief Minister said that in a federal structure, a state is responsible for ensuring the economic growth of its people. We are custodians of our people's financial needs, he said, asserting that the Centre would have to remove these conditionalities in the spirit of federalism.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 03:10:48|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TEHRAN, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Regional countries' cooperation would ensure the security of maritime interests in the Gulf, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Friday.

The Gulf littoral states should avoid making a "strategic mistake" by allowing the U.S. navy into the Gulf, as the presence of the U.S. forces would make the region insecure, Hatami was quoted as saying by the state TV.

Iran is making its utmost efforts to ensure security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, he noted. Enditem
SC directs states to reach out to 10,000 kids orphaned due to Covid-19, pay compensation

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

MEA lists Vande Bharat mission, COVID medical supplies to 154 countries among key achievements

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, May 30: The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said more than 40,000 Indians returned to India in over 230 flights and naval ships and COVID- related medical supplies were provided to over 154 countries, as it highlighted its achievements in the first year of Modi government 2.0.

Mammoth coordinating efforts were led by India's High Commissions and Embassies across the world under the Vande Bharat Mission, an MEA document said.

More than 40,000 Indians have returned to the country in over 230 flights and naval ships, it said. COVID-related medical supply was made to over 154 countries and Rapid Response Teams around the world were deployed, the MEA said.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MEA also set up a COVID-19 control room manned 24x7 to facilitate emergency requests from stranded Indians.

Unlock 1.0: Night curfew to remain from 9 pm to 5 am

As part of the "corona-era" diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with SAARC leaders and a COVID-19 Emergency Fund was created, the document said.

Over 100 virtual diplomatic meetings were held to share perspectives on combating the virus and tackling post-pandemic challenges, it said.

E-ITEC courses on Covid-healthcare are being offered under MEAs Development Partnership initiative for partner countries, the document said. As part of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the prime minister visited Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Visits from leaders of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Mauritius took place in the last year. The document also highlighted elevation of ties with the US and the "immensely successful visits of PM Modi and President Trump, of which - 'Howdy, Modi!' and 'Namaste Trump'- were the highlights".

It said new dimensions of defence cooperation and space partnership with Russia also emerged.

The prime minister visited Russia in September 2019 and a USD 1 billion credit line was announced by Modi for development of Russian Far East, the document said.

It also highlighted the 'China Connect' as the prime minister and President Xi Jinping held their second Informal Summit in Mamallapuram in October 2019.

The MEA underlined India's European connect as President Kovind paid visits to Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia while Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the Baltic countries last year.

Official visits by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to 10 European countries, state visits by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, the King and Queen of Sweden, German Chancellor and Portuguese President and PM, were also highlighted.

The MEA said India for the first time participated in Europe-based forums  Mediterranean Dialogue and Munich Security Conference. First India-Japan '2+2' (Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue) was held and President Kovind visited Japan in October last year, the MEA said.

The document also highlighted that the PM was awarded the highest civilian awards in UAE and Bahrain. The inaugural Trilateral Maritime Exercise between India, Singapore & Thailand (SITMEX) was also held.

Stepping up relations with Latin America & Caribbean, the Brazilian President was invited as Chief Guest at Republic Day 2020. The first ever India-CARICOM Leaders meet led by the prime minister in September, 2019, the MEA document said.

First ever India- Pacific Islands Developing States Summit was held during which the prime minister announced grant support for high impact developmental projects.

The MEA also highlighted launch of African projects such as e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education) and e-ArogyaBharti (Tele-medicine) network, and the inauguration Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre in Niger and the Gandhi-Mandela Skills Institute in South Africa.

New Indian Embassies were opened in Eswatini, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Republic of Congo, the document said. Highlighting the 'India Way' at the UN, the prime minister led the Indian delegation at the UNGA.

He also participated in the Climate Action Summit and a special event commemorating 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched at the UN.

Prime Minister Modi also led Indias participation at the G20 Summit, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G7 Summit Outreach Sessions, BRICS Summit and ASEAN-related Summits in the last year, according to the MEA document.

A new specialised division in the Ministry for restoration and conservation projects of ancient cultural and heritage monuments was created, the document said.
MELBOURNE, Australia  China has announced a 6.6 percent growth in its defense budget for this year, its lowest rate of increase for almost three decades.

The growth in Chinas defense budget would see spending rise from $167 billion last year to $178.2 billion, an increase of about $11 billion. The country has the second-largest defense budget in the world, behind only the United States.

Despite the growth of Chinas defense budget being at its lowest, in percentage terms, since the early 1990s, the 6.6 percent figure only represents a slightly lower figure than the 7-7.5 percent growth many analysts estimated before the pandemic. In real dollar terms, the $11 billion increase in defense spending is the fifth-highest increase ever for the country.

It also shows that China is determined that the Peoples Liberation Army, or PLA, will remain insulated as much as possible from the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in Chinas economy shrinking by 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same time last year.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said as much during his speech Friday at the opening of the annual gathering of its largely rubber stamp parliament. He pledged that the PLA would not be worse off.

We will deepen reforms in national defense and the military, increase our logistic and equipment support capacity, and promote innovative development of defense-related science and technology, he told legislators at the opening of the National Peoples Congress, which kicked off Friday at the Great Hall of the People in Chinas capital, Beijing.

Li also touched on the issue of Taiwan during his speech, reiterating that China would resolutely oppose and deter any separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence. He also called on the Taiwanese people to join the mainland in opposing Taiwanese independence and to promote reunification."

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, with the self-governing island off its coast having formed its own government in 1949 when Nationalist forces fled there following defeat at the hands of Communists during Chinas civil war.

Story continues

Perhaps tellingly, Li dropped the use of the word peaceful when talking of reunification with Taiwan, a departure from decades of using it as the standard expression Chinese leaders used when addressing parliament and mentioning Taiwan. Although China has never renounced the possible use of force for reunification efforts.

Lis call for reunification came as U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper reaffirmed that the country would stand by Taiwan. Speaking on Hugh Hewitts radio show, Esper said the U.S. would certainly live up to our commitments to Taiwan, noting that it is also bound by the Taiwan Relations Act enacted by Congress, which pledges to supply Taiwan with weapons it needs for its defense.

Espers dark vision for US-China conflict makes war more likely

Accordingly, the U.S. State Department announced Thursday that it has approved the sale of an additional 18 heavyweight submarine torpedoes to Taiwan for $180 million. The Mk 46 Mod 6 Advanced Technology torpedoes will equip Taiwans submarine fleet, and the approval follows another for 48 similar weapons in 2017.

Taiwan has reported that Chinese military activity around the island continues unabated throughout the ongoing pandemic, with Chinese naval vessels and military aircraft regularly operating in international airspace and waters around Taiwan.

China calls the movements routine training exercises. However, the islands government sees these moves as part of an intimidation campaign against Taiwan and regularly publicizes PLA ship and aircraft movements in its vicinity.
Chennai, May 30 : Lockdown restrictions may be relaxed in Tamil Nadu, barring Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts, according to members of the medical expert committee, here on Saturday.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, they said coronavirus infection was high in Chennai and its neighbouring districts, like Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram.

Advocating continuance of the lockdown restrictions in these four districts, they said easing must depend upon the extent of the coronavirus spread in each district.

Stating that allowing public transport - buses and trains - in Chennai may be dangerous, the medical experts said they should not be allowed. To control the spread, swab testing should be increased, they said.

As on Friday, coronavirus cases in Chennai stood at 13,362, followed by Chengalpattu (1,000), Tiruvallur (877) and Kancheepuram (366).
A 1bn museum to commemorate the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, whose mask is pictured, will not include the family of the man who made it all possible

The grand opening of a spectacular 1 billion museum to commemorate the centenary of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun will have one thing missing: the family of the man who made it all possible.

Notably absent from the current guest list of the three-day gala in Cairo next year will be Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Lord Carnarvons great-grandfather famously funded the expedition, led by archaeologist Howard Carter, which discovered the Pharaohs intact tomb.

He became one of the first people to witness the treasures inside the burial chamber in more than 3,000 years.

But astonishingly, Lord and Lady Carnarvon say they know nothing about the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, close to the Pyramids of Giza.

It will house the mummified body of the boy king, which will be taken from his tomb in Luxor and reunited with his iconic golden death mask for the first time since the discovery in 1922.

Lady Carnarvon, who lives at Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey, calls the snub a great shame, saying: I have a lot of historic material I would like to share.

Lord and Lady Carnarvon, pictured, say they know nothing about the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, close to the Pyramids of Giza

Egypt is in my husbands DNA and mine by association. I dont know anything about a party or whats going on because they havent reached out to us at all. Its a great shame because the museum will be amazing and we would like to be there. I have fantastic photographs I have found from that era.

In 1922, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was present when Carter first peeped into the tomb. After Lord Carnarvon asked him what he could see, Carter famously replied: Wonderful things.

The first stone of the museum was laid way back in 2002 but the project has been beset by delays.

A spokesman for the museum was unavailable for comment.

Princess Annes decision to work from her Gatcombe Park home means delighted locals in the Cotswolds are finally enjoying some peace.

One neighbour tells me: There used to an awful racket from her helicopter coming in and out all the time. Now its serenity.

And when Anne does start flying again, how will she maintain social distancing within the aircraft?
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
On Thursday night, a mysterious illness caused several B Crew workers at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit to collapse. This is occurring under conditions where Fiat Chrysler, while confirming that cases of COVID-19 have been discovered at its factories in North America, has not given any details on the number or location of these cases.

Reports on Facebook last night pointed to an outbreak of illness at Jefferson North that caused several workers to be carried out on stretchers. Other reports on Facebook earlier this week referred to a number of COVID-19 cases at various Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) plants, including Jefferson North, but no confirmation has been forthcoming from the United Auto Workers or management. There have been no interruptions to production.

Jefferson North being prepared for restart

One worker wrote, Three people taken out on stretchers so far at JNAP tonight. 3 vomited all over the line and few fainted.

A second replied, Somebody just collapsed on A2 yup.

Another said, You know they are not stopping that line.

As reported, production was never stopped, but several workers were asked to stay over after the end of the shift to clean up.

Workers speculated that the illness was produced by the combination of hot temperatures inside the plant and air constriction caused by wearing facemasks.

Its quite simple. Its hot, said one worker. Youre wearing a mask, and youre breathing in your own oxygen. Its a very bad combination. And its going to cause worse damage on the human body than fainting and vomiting in long haul.

A worker noted that the high temperatures made it difficult to get an accurate reading on the body temperature tests taken by management when workers entered the plant.

They have a temp machine stationed upon entering the plant, but I dont see how thats working when you are hot already from being outside in 90 degree weather. Some people are already sweating walking up to it.

Break room at Jefferson with dividers

Several Jefferson North workers contacted by the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter said that in the years they had been working at the plant, they had never seen anyone collapse from the heat. It should be noted that nausea is one symptom of COVID-19 infection.

A young worker at JNAP told the WSWS, It was real bad. At least four workers were sick. One, I think, had asthma, and the word is theyre better. But its hot, and were wearing these masks, and its very difficult to breathe. This cant go on like this. Workers were getting ready to walk out.

The company is forcing TPTs (temporary part-time workers) to work 60 hours instead of 40 hours a week. Workers were asking the union stewards how the company could get away with this, and all they would say was that the company had the right to do it, according to the contract.

"But the UAW negotiated the contract. Working these extra hours means you have a 50 percent higher chance of catching COVID.

There has been no update on the condition of the workers who were taken off the line and no explanation of what happened. Nothing has been said as to whether the workers are being tested for the coronavirus.

A worker told the Autoworker Newsletter that a number of workers had tested COVID positive at the Faurecia plant in Saline, Michigan. The worker said that management had sent the Jeep line home and kept the rest of the plant working. He added that a loaner, a low seniority worker who shifts from line to line to fill in, had tested positive.

After the discovery of several COVID-19 cases at Ford plants, including one this week at Chicago Stamping, one at Louisville Truck and another at Kansas City Assembly, management issued a revised set of protocols. Basing itself on what it claimed to be updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, Ford management said it would no longer close plants for 24 hours in case of a COVID-19 outbreak.

In fact, the CDC recommendations have not changed. Rather, management is heeding the advice of Wall Street lenders, who demand that production continue at all costs, workers health be damned.

These developments underscore the need for workers to take matters into their own hands through the building of rank-and-file workplace committees to oversee health and safety. Such a committee at Jefferson North would demand a halt to production until a full explanation of the sudden outbreak of illness was provided.

Workers have complained about the near impossibility of working with facemasks under the hot conditions prevailing in most auto plants. If masks must be worn, adequate cooling and air circulation must be provided and workers given longer break times.

Workers continue to stress their opposition to the inadequacy of the safety protocols implemented by management, including daily temperature checks but not including COVID testing. Monica, a worker at the Fiat Chrysler Dundee Engine Plant south of Detroit, spoke to the Autoworker Newsletter. She said, I think its too soon for us to be going back. It is also not fair that they are testing upper management to see if they are corona-free. So why havent they been testing us? You simply dont know if someone is ill unless testing is done.

As far as the UAW goes, they are actually not doing very much for us. They say theyre going to take care of us, but we all know that it is really about making profits. Before the coronavirus thing, this plant was the cleanest I had ever worked in. I was happy about that, I like that. But that doesnt mean it is safe now. Taking everyones temperature before they come in is not really a solution because you can have it and spread the virus without even knowing you have it.

A worker at Chicago Ford Assembly said, Big issues at the plant. All the cleaning and safety measures are pretty much half-assed, and its only the second week. Hand sanitizer stations are out of hand sanitizer. Theyre only supplying medium- and small-size gloves. You go through like five pairs of gloves just trying to put them on. The bottles of disinfecting solution are empty.

Auto companies are pushing forward with the expansion of production, with some workers scheduled for 60 hours a week. General Motors will move from one shift to three shifts on Monday at plants in Flint, Michigan; Fort Wayne, Indiana and Wentzville, Missouri. The plants build pickup trucks, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and others that have been moneymakers.

The company will move to two shifts at its Spring Hill, Tennessee and Ingersoll, Ontario facilities. The Lansing Grand River and Lake Orion plants in Michigan will reopen with one shift, as will plants in Arlington, Texas and Bowling Green, Ohio.

The delayed reopening was not the result of concerns over COVID-19 transmission. It was due, rather, to parts shortages as suppliers, particularly plants in Mexico, restart production.

In response to the expanded work schedule, United Auto Workers spokesman Brian Rothenberg issued a scripted statement claiming that the union will vigilantly monitor the implementation of health and safety protocols protecting our members, and we will continue to advocate for as much testing as possible and full testing when available. Meanwhile, the UAW is helping GM suppress all reporting on COVID-19 cases.

Like the other Detroit automakers, GM is determined not to let COVID-19 interfere with production. Jim Cain, a GM spokesman, confirmed in an e-mail Friday that some employees tested positive for COVID-19, but he would not give any further details on the number or locations. The circumstances around each case were different, but none required production to be paused, he wrote, adding, We are not providing statistics on COVID testing.
The Queen with Sir John Kerr, who was her Governor-General in Australia. (Getty Images)

Letters sent by the Queen to her representative in Australia before the countrys dismissed its prime minister will be made public after a court ruling.

The Australian High Court has overturned a decision which stopped the letters, written in the 1970s, being released from the National Archives.

Governor-General Sir John Kerr, who was the Queens representative in Australia, dismissed prime minister Gough Whitlam in 1975 and replaced him with opposition leader Malcolm Fraser.

It was one of the most controversial political sagas in the nations history.

The letters, deemed personal and confidential correspondence, entered the National Archives of Australia and were going to remain private until 2027.

The private secretary of the Governor-General and Monarch at that time could limit the release, according to court papers.

However, Professor Jennifer Hocking made the case for the release of the letters, saying they are Commonwealth records.

Read more: Prince William talks homeschooling: 'You worry how little you know when you can't do Maths'

Gough Whitlam was dismissed when he was prime minister after refusing to resign. (Getty Images).

That would mean they should have been released in 2006, as publication should have happened 31 years after they were created.

The Federal Court accepted the Archives argument the letters were private and personal to Sir John, the recipient.

The decision was upheld by an appeals court but has now been overturned by the High Court, meaning the archives will have to reconsider the request to release them.

The 1975 event has become known as The Dismissal and happened after Labour prime minister Whitlam failed to pass a budget.

Read more: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, joins star-studded cast led by Thor director for royal acting debut

Whitlam refused to resign or call an election, leading to his sacking by the Governor-General.

After he was fired, Whitlam stood on the steps of Parliament in Canberra and said: Well may we say God save the Queen  because nothing will save the governor-general.

Story continues

Sir John cut his five-year term short as Governor-General, ending in 1977 and eventually moving to London.

The decision in the Australian court comes five years after the UKs highest court ruled letters sent from Prince Charles to government ministers should be published.

Read more: Eight things we learned as Prince Charles turned DJ on Classic FM

The letters, known as the Black Spider memos, were released after a long-running freedom of information campaign by Guardian newspaper journalist Rob Evans.

They were published with some redactions, which protected personal data of people other than Charles.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement saying that the Coronavirus already spread in America in mid-January. It turns out that the government was 13 days late in imposing a travel ban.

CDC: Virus spreads in the U.S. in mid-January

Were there any possible ways for the government back then to stop the virus from entering the country? Apparently not.

Dr. Robert Redfield, the head of the U.S. CDC, said that the virus started back in the country back days before the government imposed a travel ban. During a three-week period starting at mid-January to early February, the coronavirus had already infected several Americans.

"As America begins to reopen, looking back at how COVID-19 made its way to the United States will contribute to a better understanding to prepare for the future," said him. "Information from these diverse data sources suggests that limited community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States occurred between the latter half of January and the beginning of February, following the importation of SARS-CoV-2 from China."

The agency had successfully tracked the beginning of virus transmission through "syndromic surveillance of emergency department records, tests of respiratory specimens, and analyses of the virus's genetic sequences from early cases."

The three separate cases in California confirmed the first assumption that the virus was detected in early February.

No virus in November until December

Dr. Jay Butler, deputy director for infectious diseases at the CDC, confirms that there was no indication that the virus was introduced to America in earlier months than January.

This means that if someone felt sick back in November until December, it was probably due to flu-- and not Coronavirus at all. It was clarified since a lot of Americans ask about a possible transmission in late 2019.

"Based on just symptoms in January, it's almost certainly flu or another respiratory infection," said Trevor Bedford of Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, one of the authors.

So, are we late on imposing a travel ban?

The health agency reiterates that, although there was a late announcement of the travel ban in America, it would be unlikely to track the virus, especially back then. It even added the fact that only current studies were published saying there were cases of asymptomatic with the virus.

"It's important to recognize the travel bans were intended to slow the introduction of the virus," said Dr. Jay Butler. "We knew it would be fairly unlikely that it would be completely kept out of the United States."

ALSO READ: COVID-19 Update: Virus Found in Bats is 'Closest Relative' of SARS-CoV-2; 6 Feet Not Enough to Avoid COVID-19, Experts Say

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said there is no sense in engaging in a "blame game" about who was "responsible" for the spread of the coronavirus.

Kurz was asked Friday whether the Austrian government will apologise to other countries for what happened in ski resorts such as Ischgl, where tourists were infected and carried the virus as far away as Iceland and Norway.

Kurz said that Austria responded earlier than other countries to the epidemic.

"I would never demand an apology from the Italians for Italian guests bringing the virus to Austrian ski resorts, because they certainly didn't do it deliberately," he added.

"It doesn't make sense to play an international blame game about who is responsible for this pandemic," Kurz said.

He said it's important to be self-critical and examine what could have been done better.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I, the President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pledged his commitment to settle the fines of prisoners who committed minor offences quarterly, for them to be released.



The step was to reduce the number of inmates in prisons, especially during this COVID-19 period where people are encouraged to observe the social distancing protocol and allow such prisoners to restore their lives.



The prisoners who would benefit from the gesture, include those who committed minor offences and were subjected to either a fine or a term of imprisonment and their inability to settle the fines took them to Prison.



Nana Dankawoso, made this known to the Ghana News Agency on Friday when he paid a visit to the Nsawam Prison to donate to the inmates and officers.



The donated items, valued at GHC20,000.00 comprised bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, boxes of carbolic soap, packs of sanitary towels, and packs of bottled and sachet water.



Nana Dankawoso said he believed that no crime should go unpunished, however, people who committed petty crimes deserved a second chance to mend their ways and live better lives.



He said apart from the Nsawam Prison, the Kumasi Central Prison and other prisons would also benefit from the gesture.



Many of the people who became leaders across the globe one time were imprisoned before becoming leaders. So when one goes to prison, it does not mean the person can never become someone better in society or make an impact on society, he said.



He appealed to government and private entities to help to improve the conditions of prisons in the country.



He also advised members of the public to pray often and try to stay out of trouble, as the prison was not a place for anyone.



Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Solomon Nanavi, the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Nsawam Prions, said the gesture by Nana Dankawoso would help to reduce the pressure on facilities of the Prison and enable the prisoners to stay safer than they were.



This morning, for instance, we had 3,500 inmates and although we try to practise the safety protocols by ensuring that everyone washes his or her hand and uses hand sanitizer, practising social distancing has been difficult because of the number of inmates here. He 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.

Featured Video
As protests continued nationwide, reaching the states capitol Friday, the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association expressed concern over the lack of intervention by other officers during the arrest of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.

More than 300 protesters, many of which appeared to be wearing masks, gathered in Hartford late Friday afternoon.

The protests were sparked by Floyds death on Monday after a Minneapolis police office knelt on his neck for for more than eight minutes while he was handcuffed, face down and saying he could not breathe.

There have been protests in Denver, New York City, New Mexico, California, Ohio, Florida, Houston, Phoenix, Mississippi and Kentucky. On Friday, protests also popped up in Connecticut and Maine.

At the capitol late Friday afternoon, a peaceful gathering against police brutality was organized by state Senate Democrats, according to CTNewsJunkie.com.

Keith L. Mello  who serves as the chief of the Milford Police Department, the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and chairman of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council  called the incident beyond disturbing, in a statement released late Friday afternoon, saying it cast a stain over the law enforcement profession.

The officer, Derek Chauvin, and three others involved in the incident were fired. The 44-year-old Chauvin was charged Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said more charges were possible. He said the investigation into the other three officers continues, but authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Court paperwork alleges that Chauvin, who is white, ignored another officers concerns about Floyd, who is black.

The criminal complaint also said an autopsy of Floyd showed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death. The medical examiner said preliminary findings showed Floyd had underlying health conditions including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease.

The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death, the complaint states. The defendant had his knee on Mr. Floyds neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in total. Two minutes and 53 seconds of this was after Mr. Floyd was non-responsive. Police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous.

Mello said the behavior of the officers involved reflect failures in police tactics, judgment and training.

Of equal concern is the lack of intervention by other officers on the scene, Mello said. We are reminded that we are leaders in our communities, especially during a time of crisis. Our oath and our ethics require us to act whenever we are witnessing an unjust act, even by another police officer.

He said these actions by officers in Minnesota erode the layers of trust, confidence and goodwill so many law enforcement officers in Connecticut have built within their communities.

Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, this is the foundation of our profession, Mello said. Any violation of these core tenets is inexcusable.

Mello isnt the states only official to speak on the matter.

My prayers are with George Floyds family and the entire Minneapolis community, Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody said in a statement Wednesday. As a career member of law enforcement, I am horrified by what I saw on that video. There is simply no excuse. As police officers, we must remember our primary responsibility is public safety and the preservation of life. When someone that wears a badge goes against those principles, the damage is immeasurable and far reaching.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said none of us can stay silent regarding several recent incidents in a video post on Friday, including the death of Floyd and the arrest of a CNN team Friday morning while covering protests in response to Floyds death in Minneapolis.
Amid the protests calling for the justice for the death of George Floyd, a black man that made headlines when police arrested him and used excessive force that led to his demise, a vehicle was recorded running over protesters at a rally in Denver.

Intentional incident

The footage shows the female driver of a black SUV mow through a crowd on the streets. When one man hops onto the car's hood, the driver accelerates, causing the man to lose his balance and fall off.

The vehicle then swerves and knocks the man off his feet and then proceeds to drive away as protesters try to chase her down on foot, as reported by USA Today.

The person who recorded the video shared the disturbing footage to Twitter on Thursday. One witness of the incident posted on the social media platform, "Some girl turned around to run this guy over."

One bystander at the scene could be heard yelling "head's up!" as the car rears to hit the unsuspecting man.

The car's front right tire runs over the victim, but luckily there seemed to be no signs of significant injuries.

The New York Post reported that the car intentionally struck the man before he was on the hood, as stated by the woman that recorded the video.

"He jumped up because she wouldn't stop accelerating towards the people surrounding the car," she added, and that the driver claimed the protesters were guilty of jaywalking and blocking traffic.

The witness also wrote in a separate tweet that everyone had moved away from the car, and the driver continued to run over the man intentionally.

Jared Polis, the governor of Colorado, expressed his surprise after watching the footage of the event.

According to Buzzfeed, a spokesperson for the Denver Police Department announced that they are aware of the incident and will be investigating and looking for the suspect as well as the victim.

Also Read: Trump Calls George Floyd Protesters as "Thugs,"Saying That Looting Will Lead to Shooting

Peaceful protests

The victim, Maximilian Bailey, revealed himself on Twitter but did not immediately reply to requests for any comments regarding the incident.

Bailey tweeted, "They tried to kill me cause I'm protecting my people. Cause I said my black life matters." He added they are still going and that no one can stop them.

Bailey shared that he jumped up on the hood of the car to avoid getting run over which he said was not sufficient as the driver had control of the vehicle that she used to turn around and intentionally try hit him.

He added that he thought the woman would have seen how he got hurt and stop, but that was not the case.

Bailey revealed he and his sister were not seriously injured and only received minor bruises.

Governor Polis said that the citizens of Colorado are better than what can be seen in the video. He also shared his grief with George Floyd's death but reiterated that violence is not the solution against violence.

Previous incidents have also had protesters at risk when drivers are intentionally driving and running over demonstrations.

Related Article: BREAKING: Rioters Break Into CNN Headquarters, Throw Firework at Officers Inside

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Iffath Fathima By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Once a paradise for walkers and joggers, Kommaghatta Lake in Kengeri now has thousands of dead fish floating on its 34-acre surface. On Friday morning, residents woke up to a foul stench emanating from the lake, which is located off Mysuru Road. On checking, they were shocked to see the lake surface coated with dead fish.

Residents of Sir M Visvesvaraya Layout (Sir MV Layout) say inflow of sewage and chemicals into the lake could have caused the death of the fish. This was once a beautiful freshwater lake, and hundreds of people would visit it. Gradually, the lake started to worsen with sewage and garbage being dumped. There was also no one to look after the lake, said Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of the layout. He claims that the BDA, and the Sulikere Gram Panchayat  under the jurisdiction the lake falls  are passing the buck on who the lakes custodians are.

It was the BDA who developed the layout and adopted the lake. However, when complaints were made to the BDA, they said the panchayat had taken over, Sanjeev added. A panchayat member who did not want to be named told The New Indian Express, The whole locality is stinking. We are trying to clear the dead fish and barricade the area. He blamed the BDA for the situation. Five years ago, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) handed over the lake to us. However, while building the layout, they did not provide separate sewage lines, because of which sewage is entering the lake. They should divert the sewage lines, he said.

Another resident Vijay T said, During the past two months, it has become difficult for residents to even breathe because of the intolerable stench. We cannot open our doors and windows. When a similar incident  though on a smaller scale  occurred in 2018, residents and panchayat officials used limestone and alum to reduce contamination. But the stench soon returned. BDA officials could not be reached despite several attempts.
Josh Quong Tart

There were two unrelated court cases involving TV faces last week: actor Josh Quong Tart (Home and Away) and former reality participant Matt Goyder (Farmer Wants a Wife).

Josh Quong Tart, who played Miles Copeland in Home and Away from 2007 to 2011, attended Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday as he sought to have a string of charges dealt with under the Mental Health Act.

The court heard Quong Tart suffered from alcohol addiction, post traumatic stress syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

He has pleaded guilty to three incidents, two months apart including resisting arrest, intimidating a police officer and wilful and obscene exposure last November, plus behaving offensively, assaulting police and resisting arrest in January.

Magistrate Viney accepted Quong Tart had PTSD but refused his application for the offences to be dealt with under the Mental Health Act rather than the criminal law.

Whilst I accept that there is a mental condition suffered by the applicant there is also alcohol involved in the commission of these offences, she said.

The matter was adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be prepared.

Matt Goyder

Meanwhile 2016 Farmer Wants a Wife participant Matt Goyder, 29, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court to enter guilty pleas to possessing and distributing child sex abuse material online.

He did not enter a plea to a third charge of possessing or copying an indecent or obscene article.

The 29-year-old appeared on season nine of Farmer Wants a Wife back in 2016.

He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years behind bars.

Goyder will face Perth Magistrates Court again in September.

Source: Daily Mail, Seven News
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation plans to file libel charges against the head of a private hospitals' group who accused the state insurer of delayed payments detrimental to the operations of some health facilities.

"PhilHealth categorically denies as unfounded, malicious and irresponsible the statement made by Dr. Rustico Jimenez that 300 or so private hospitals are facing closure due to delayed payments by PhilHealth," the agency said in a statement on Saturday.

Jimenez, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., said in a television interview that around half of its member hospitals are about to close due to many factors, including "the much delayed payment from PhilHealth.

PhilHealth said it disbursed a total of 52.53 billion worth of claims and reimbursements from January 1 to May 29. Of this amount, 38.6 billion was for payment of claims, more than half or 21.8 billion of which went to private hospitals.

PhilHealth said it included 4.74 billion paid under its accelerated Return to Hospital initiative. The remaining 13.93 billion was released under its interim reimbursement mechanism.

PhilHealth admitted, however, that there was an "increase in turn around time... due to adjustments for the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Claims reimbursements were processed at an average turnaround time of 41 days with a denial rate of 2%," it said.

PhilHealth stressed that it earlier explained the purpose of reconfiguring its interim reimbursement mechanism program, and clarified that there was "no promise" advance payouts will be given to all hospitals.

"This was a misinterpretation of Dr. Jimenez," PhilHealth said, slamming the doctor for his "historical pattern of wild and unfounded accusations."

"PhilHealths Legal Department is now exploring filing libel charges against Dr. Jimenez at the same time its regional staff continues to work directly with all its hospital partners to resolve the issue of account reconciliation," PhilHealth said.

PhilHealth covered all costs for treatment of COVID-19 patients from February 1 until April 14. It now has rates of coverage depending on the severity of illness.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday spoke with vice chancellors of various universities and said that examinations should be held while ensuring that it doesnt lead to the spread of coronavirus.

An official statement quoted the chief minister as saying that it is becoming clear that examinations cannot be held in July, but the uncertainty in this regard should be ended and all options should be explored.

Technical and Higher Education Minister Uday Samant, Minister of State Prajakt Tanpure, chief secretary Ajoy Mehta and senior officials also took part in the video conference.

University examinations should be held ensuring not a single student gets infected by novel coronavirus....The worries of students and parents should be ended by determining the exact method of examination and (finalizing) the schedule, Thackeray said, as per the statement.

The pandemic situation in Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad, which are hotspots of infection, is changing constantly, the chief minister noted.

It should be seen if the crisis can be turned into an opportunity with the use of technology, he added.

As examinations were postponed after the outbreak of virus, students are worried, he noted.

Thackeray also said that universities should find out how teaching is being conducted at foreign varsities.

Coronavirus should be dubbed an eye-opener.

Healthcare facilities need to be prioritized. Similarly, education needs to be seen as essential, Thackeray said, according to the statement.

The chief minister, during the interaction, also called for ensuring that the quality of education is the same across the state and there is no regional disparity.

Alternatives such as e-learning and digital classrooms should be explored, he added.

Samant said all options for holding examinations were being explored.

Tanpure said the government was in touch with students and parents and taking efforts to ensure that examinations were held.
The revenue department and DPIIT are working together to see what more relaxations can be given to startups under direct and indirect tax regime with a view to promote budding entrepreneurs, a top government official said on Saturday.

Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Guruprasad Mohapatra said that they will be submitting a comprehensive vision document for startups to the Cabinet, which has proposed series of steps.

Talking about the host of measures on which they are working, he said the DPIIT will be extending more funds this year to startups under the Fund of Funds scheme. It has provided over Rs 1,000 crore last year.

"Right now the taxation team of department of revenue and startup India team from DPIIT are working together to see what further relaxations can be given in the direct and the indirect tax regime. We are also trying to provide marketing support to those startups who are into manufacturing by providing them space under the public procurement scheme of the central government," Mohapatra said.

He was speaking at Rajasthan STRIDE virtual conclave, which was organised by Secretary in the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan Mugdha Sinha.

Mohapatra said the key elements of the startup India vision documents include increasing Fund of Funds, seed money scheme, credit guarantee scheme, and making it mandatory for all departments to promote incubators and hand-hold startups.

"What we are trying to do is to make things simpler for them. We are now thinking to start a seed money kind of a concept for those startups who come from a ideation stage to a proof of concept stage.

"There are some schemes for seed money in some states, and some departments in central government like biotechnology. But, we want to make it a national scheme to bring such support for the startup community," the secretary said.

He also said that credit guarantee is a major problem for availing credit for startups, so the department is working on an initiative, which will give some sort of credit guarantee to startups when they approach lending institutions for either working capital or capex requirement.

On Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) front, he said the IP office in Mumbai has given an ambitious contract, which is based on AI (artificial intelligence) to examine duplication of patents and other things.

"Work has started on this and I think in another couple of months, you should see significant benefits on AI based IPR solutions, where one can find out which startup has received what patent and whether that startup can be approached for the commercial use of that patent or not," he added.

So far over 2,000 startups are recognised by the DPIIT alone as the department has taken several steps to strengthen startup ecosystem like extending income tax benefits, and process simplification.

"These are the broadly initiatives that we are working now for startups," Mohapatra said.

Moderating the session, Sinha said that convergence among various departments on this sector is the need of the hour.

"Rajasthan government is also taking several steps to promote startups and ease of dong business," she said.
'We are giving priority to little children so that they do not embark on dangerous journeys on their own'

IMAGE: A migrant family at Mumbai airport ready to fly home to Jharkhand. This family is one of the many that have been sponsored by alumni of the National Law School. Photograph: Kind courtesy Shyel Trehan

It is a journey they could not have imagined.

A group of 180 migrants from Jharkhand, stranded in Mumbai for over two months due to the lockdown, were flown home on a chartered flight, arranged by the alumni network of the Bengaluru-based National Law School, making it the first such instance in the country amid the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.

The Air Asia flight carrying the migrant workers and five children left the western metropolis on May 28 at 6.25 am and reached Ranchi, the Jharkhand capital, around 8.25 am, an airline spokesperson said.

Shyel Trehan, an alumna of the 2000 batch of National Law School, was one of the organisers who managed this near impossible achievement.

Speaking to Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com, Trehan says, "The social economic disparity in India is jarring and we are privileged enough to help."

The idea to send migrants home from Mumbai to Ranchi came up after everybody saw the horrible tragedy of lakhs and lakhs of migrants walking home.

We felt sad that they had no resources or means of transport to return home.

Then someone on our WhatsApp group -- the class of 2000 of the National Law School -- suggested that we could hire a bus and send these migrants from Mumbai to Jharkhand.

However, during the process of hiring a bus, we found out that it was more expensive to hire a bus and that's when we decided to send these workers home by plane.

The cost of hiring a bus from Maharashtra to Jharkhand, we were informed, was Rs 2 lakh. We don't know whether bus operators were asking for more money because of permissions to travel across different states or what but that was the cost.

And if we apply social distancing norms, we couldn't take more than 26 people. Therefore, we decided to buy air tickets for 40 migrant workers.

We booked 40 tickets from Mumbai to Ranchi through AirAsia, but unfortunately that flight was cancelled as the Maharashtra government did not give permission to fly as they allowed only 25 flights a day.

When we suffered this setback, we decided to bring in the entire alumni of the National Law School to get more funds.

And that is how we got more money and chartered a plane to send more workers back to their native place.

Everybody contributed for the tickets, ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 1 lakh. At this moment I don't know how many people have put in money or how much was collected. But our batch of 2000 raised a total of Rs 12.5 lakh.

I am not at liberty to say how much we paid because Air Asia subsidised our flight and they said they could not give this kind of concession to everybody.

Now, we have a single person sponsoring an entire flight for these migrant workers. And this flight is leaving Mumbai for Ranchi on Sunday at 6 am.

IMAGE: Natives of Jharkhand line up at Mumbai airport, ready to board their flight home. The NLS alumni say the most difficult part of the operation was to choose who to send back. Photograph: Kind courtesy Shyel Trehan

Helping the poor and giving back to society is something in the DNA of our NLS. The whole college was set up for that.

Social economic disparity in India is jarring and we are privileged enough to help.

Equality is the one value that was inculcated in each of us at rhe National Law School even if we went to corporate jobs.

This has driven all of us forward. At the end of the day there is a heavy sense that one should give back to society.

This brilliant idea came up from one of our batchmates, Shyam Sunder, and everybody jumped in.

The most difficult part in executing this idea was whom we should choose to send back.

We are working with NGOs on the ground who are helping migrant workers. They are donating rations and other things. They have the database of these migrant workers.

IMAGE: A family whose return ticket was sponsored by National Law School alumni at Mumbai airport. Photograph: Kind courtesy Shyel Trehan

Many people are living on the margins and donation of rations. We are giving priority to little children so that they do not embark on dangerous journeys on their own.

It is heart-breaking to see some people being left out and not able to catch flights because numbers are limited and so are flights.

I feel the exodus will go on from cities to villages as workers are facing devastation.

They just want to go home. Ghar jaana hai, they say.

They have lost faith in the cities which was their home, even if temporary.

I spoke to domestic help who are going back because they are not being paid because of the lockdown.

Until the economy restarts in the cities, workers will not come back. Ultimately, they will come back because they do not have any means of livelihood in the villages.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 22:19:17|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ACCRA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Ghana has increased to 7,768, with 152 more infections confirmed, data released by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said on Saturday.

The GHS data captured 119 new recoveries, increasing the number of recovered COVID-19 cases in the West African country to 2,540.

The number of deaths has increased to 35, with one more death recorded among confirmed cases under treatment.

All the measures introduced by the Ghanaian government to combat the pandemic since March are scheduled to come to an end on Sunday. Enditem
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Affinor Growers Inc. (AFI or the Company) (CSE:AFI, OTC:RSSFF, Frankfurt:1AF) provides a corporate update and update on the filing of the Companys unaudited condensed interim financial statements for the nine months ended February 29, 2020.



Corporate Update

With the reality setting in that the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and that social distancing and other restrictions could be in place for several months, its becoming more important than ever to have a consistent food supply that is secure, safe, and clean. With that in mind, Affinor is working harder than ever to commercialize its current technology and also working with Cobotix Manufacturing Inc. in developing additional vertical farming technologies to expand our product line.

Cannabis LED Light Grow Trials

In December 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with Fundamental Lighting Solutions Inc. (Fundamental) and Cannalife Solutions LLC (Cannalife Solutions) to test the LED cannabis lights. On the back of the first successful grow trial, completed in February 2020, the Company moved directly into a second grow trial. The Company is currently awaiting the final results of the second grow trial while moving into the third grow trial.

The advancement of the trials is a testament to the great cannabis LED lighting product that has been developed. We will continue to gain valuable data from these grow trials, that in turn, we will use to commercialize the cannabis LED lights. We are in the process of working with Fundamental Lighting and Cannalife Solutions to expand the testing program to convert a second room to the cannabis LED lights in the coming months.

Agreement with the University of Fraser Valley (UFV)

In February 2019, the Company entered into a two-year agreement with the UFV to complete strawberry grow trials in the newly designed soil-based, vertical growing tower with the use of the LED lights from Fundamental Lighting. The grow trials took place at The Surrey Biopod facility, a partnership between the University of the Fraser Valley, the John Volken Academy (Volken Academy), and the City of Surrey.

The growing trial was a success and we were able to showcase the growing ability of the towers and the high-quality strawberries being grown in the towers. The strawberries continue to grow well and we have donated the towers to the Volken Academy so that they may continue to use the technology and continue the great work they are doing at the Surrey Biopods.

As a Company, we want to continue advancing our technology and showcasing it to investors and potential customers. With that in mind, effective May 31, 2020, the Company decided to withdraw from the remaining year of the agreement. We will be shifting our focus to developing our own research and development facility, either wholly owned or through a collaboration with a partner. This will allow us to test all our technology, continue to develop additional technologies, all while having a showcase to market our technology to prospective investors and customers.

We want to thank the University of Fraser Valley and the Volken Academy for working with us over the past four years and providing us with an opportunity to develop and test our towers. We especially want to thank Dr. Laila Benkrima, who has been an extremely valuable resource during these grow trials and during the re-design of the towers in 2019.

Q3 Unaudited Condensed Interim Financial Statements

On April 28, 2020, the Company announced it would be relying on the Blanket Exemption Order to postpone the filing of the Financial Statements required by section 4.2 of National Instrument 51-102 and the filing of the MD&A required by subsection 5.1(2) of National Instrument 51-102.

The Company expects it will file the Financial Statements and MD&A on SEDAR on or about June 12, 2020. Until such time as the Financial Statements and MD&A are filed, management and other insiders of the Company are subject to an insider trading black-out policy that reflects the principles in Section 9 of National Policy 11-207  Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders and Revocations in Multiple Jurisdictions.

An update of material business developments since the filing of the Company's second quarter 2020 interim financial statements and corresponding management's discussion and analysis on January 29, 2020 was provided in the news release on April 20th, 2020. The Company announced the results of the first grow trial of the LED cannabis growing lights in conjunction with Fundamental Lighting Solutions and Cannalife Solutions LLC.

About Affinor Growers

Affinor Growers is a publicly traded company on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ("AFI"). Affinor is focused on developing vertical farming technologies and using those technologies to grow fruits and vegetables in a sustainable manner.

This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

AFFINOR GROWERS INC.

www.affinorgrowers.com

For More Information, please contact: Randy Minhas, CEO contact@affinorgrowers.com
The Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has made a strong case that Ghana can engage in apple production.

It is our position that the Government takes a critical look at the prospects of producing the fruit in Ghana, the Institute advocated, citing on-going experiment on the potential production of apple in the country.

Experiment on the edible apple 'Malus domestica', had been on-going in the last two years, at Atimatim-Taaboum in the Kwabre-East District of the Ashanti Region.

A statement issued by the CSIR-CRI, copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Kumasi, said the plant, whose fruits average 26.8 mm in diameter transversely and 18. 0 mm longitudinally, had been subjected to various treatments over the years.

The final treatment was scheduled for March, 2020, but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it noted.

According to the team of research scientists and horticulturists working on the project, the leaves and fruits were subjected to the mobile app, PlantSnap, confirming the features and identity of the plant, which started fruiting two (2) years after planting in Ghana.

The leaves are simple and serrated with net venation.

The statement indicated that the seedlings were generated from cuttings and all, but one of the plants got destroyed after the three years into the experiment.

Explaining further, it said the proponent of the initiative, Mr. Edward Akwasi Fosu, a technical assistant with a private firm in Antwerpen, Belgium, for the trial, collected soil samples from different temperate and tropical regions worldwide, including Ghana.

The idea was to germinate apple seeds.

His results revealed that it took four (4) days for seeds to germinate in the Ghanaian soils, while other soils required a minimum of ten (10) days for germination.

The statement said: Fascinated by this, he increased efforts to grow the seedlings in Ghana. Therefore, ten (10) seedlings were brought into the country in 2016, and planted in a house at Atimatim-Taaboum.

The trial location is on latitude 06o 46' 447'' N and longitude 001o 36' 611'' W at an altitude of 288.0m above sea level.

The research scientists and horticulturists stated that: The CSIR-CRI is capable of using tissue culture techniques to evaluate and confirm the experiment.

The statement expressed the hoped that the final treatment will be done as soon as possible to allow the fruits to grow to the edible size.

The GNA gathered that Ghana imports from South Africa huge amounts of fruits annually, which runs into several millions of US Dollars.

According to the 2018 United Nations' COMTRADE database on international trade, Ghana's combined importation of apples, pears and quinces was estimated at about US$ 7.27 million.

The CSIR-CRI research scientists have confirmed that: Indeed, in Ghana, apples can grow in very cool areas like Abetifi, Amedzofe and Aburi.

These areas, according to the experts, experience temperate-like weather conditions that could accommodate the growth of apples, and also allow apple trees to go through chilling stress before flowering.

GNA
South Korea's National Assembly kicked off its new four-year term Saturday amid the urgent task of containing the COVID-19 pandemic and curbing its economic fallout.

The ruling Democratic Party dominates the 300-member parliament with 177 seats, while the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) holds 103 seats.

But public calls have grown for the rival parties to cooperate in handling pending issues.

"The 21st National Assembly kicks off with pressing tasks to overcome the national crisis and prepare for the post-corona (situation)," DP Chairman Lee Hae-chan said.

UFP floor leader Joo Ho-young also vowed efforts for a bipartisan approach on the coronavirus crisis.

Among the foremost tasks is handling the government's push for a third round of supplementary budget to help minimize the economic impact from the coronavirus.

The two sides, however, have yet to reach a deal on the chairs of 18 standing committees at the parliament.

Another thorny issue is the opposition party's call for the resignation of Yoon Mee-hyang, a ruling party lawmaker under probe over allegations that she misused donations for the victims of Japan's sexual enslavement of Korean women during World War II. (Yonhap)
- DJ Loonyos audition performance at Asias Got Talent as part of an all-male Filipino group recently went viral on social media

- The group was dubbed Stripboys composed of the internet star, Kenjohns Serrano, Jhuven Aguilan, Mannex Pacquiao, and Richard Alcantara

- They performed a towel dance for said audition back in 2017

- The boys got three yeses from the talent shows judges: Anggun, David Foster, and Jay Park

PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed

DJ Loonyos audition performance at Asias Got Talent as part of a dance group dubbed Stripboys recently went viral on social media.

The all-male Filipino group composed of the internet star, Kenjohns Serrano, Jhuven Aguilan, Mannex Pacquiao, and Richard Alcantara performed a towel dance for said audition back in 2017.

The boys got three yeses from the talent shows judges: Anggun, David Foster, and Jay Park.

The Stripboys from Philippines left all the ladies in the audience wanting more! Asias Got Talent wrote in the videos caption.

PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback

The video, after few years, garnered lots of comments again especially from the viewers who watched it because of DJ Loonyo who became an internet sensation recently. Here are some of their reactions:

2020! Whos still watching because of DJ Loonyo?

Oh yes its DJ Loonyo just saw the tattoos.

Look how excited Anggun was to these guys.

Si dj loonyo pala yun pvta ngayon ko lang napansin hahaha

Watch these videos from Asia's Got Talent:

PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news!

In a previous report by KAMI, Kim Chiu reaches out to DJ Loonyo for Bawal Lumabas choreography. The two, later on, showed the final dance steps to the song by performing it for the first time in Kim's vlog.

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
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court is set to decide on a religious freedom claim from a south San Diego County church that wants an exemption from Californias COVID-19 rules, which limit large gatherings for services.

Lawyers for the South Bay United Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista argue that the First Amendments protection of the free exercise of religion outweighs the states power to enforce a quarantine during a pandemic, at least when churches are subjected to stricter limits than other businesses or groups.

They said they had the support of President Donald Trump, the U.S. attorneys in California and a growing number of religious conservatives who contend the states restrictions on church services go too far.

A fundamental question that goes to the very heart of our constitutional legal order is whether and to what extent state and local officials may lawfully enforce categorical restrictions on public worship, they said, including fixed limits on the number of worshippers.

Lawyers for the state said the safety guidelines for churches and other places where people gather are changing, and they urged the high court to stand back for now.

The church and Bishop Arthur Hodges III sought a court order as a shield against enforcement, but lost before a federal judge in San Diego and by a 2-1 vote in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court upheld Californias rules in a brief decision on May 22.

Were dealing here with a highly contagious and often fatal disease for which there presently is no known cure, wrote Judge Barry Silverman, an appointee of President Bill Clinton.

The dissent came from Judge Daniel P. Collins, a new appointee of Trumps, who noted that factories and warehouses were open and operating while churches were closed.

Last weekend, the church filed an emergency appeal and urged the justices to act quickly to open services for this Sunday, May 31, the Christian holy day of Pentecost.

Before the justices could look at the appeal, however, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued new guidelines on Monday that will allow houses of worship to reopen, but with limits. The new rules say places of worship must limit attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.

The church filed a revised appeal Tuesday and said the high court should free it from those restrictions. Their sanctuary seats 600 persons, and each service normally brings in between 200 and 300 congregants, the church said.

Some of the larger houses of worship in California can seat 1,000 congregants or more. But under Californias guidelines, plaintiffs will only be permitted to welcome 100 congregants, with no explanation as to the justification for this arbitrary cap.

In contrast, there is no percentage limitation for manufacturing and warehousing facilities  simply a social distancing requirement, the churchs lawyers added. California has never explained why letting large numbers of people sit together indoors for eight hours at a factory or a school, but not for one hour worshipping, provides a real or substantial benefit to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic, they wrote.

Justice Elena Kagan, who oversees appeals from the 9th Circuit, asked for a response from the state in the case of South Bay United Pentecostal vs. Newsom.

On Thursday evening, California state attorneys advised the court to dismiss the appeal.

Labor in manufacturing facilities, warehouses and offices does not typically involve large numbers of people singing or reading aloud together in the same place, in close proximity to one another, for an extended duration, the states lawyers said.

They noted that church gatherings in Sacramento, Calif., Seattle, Kentucky and South Korea have been blamed for the early spread of the virus.

Under the new guidelines, the church may hold a worship service on Sunday, and it could accommodate more people by scheduling several services during the day, the state lawyers said.

It is highly unlikely that any court will conclude that the current policy, which allows them to hold in-person religious services subject to reasonable safety restrictions, violates their constitutional rights or discriminates against religion, they said.

A second, similar appeal came to the court Wednesday from Illinois.

Lawyers for a Romanian Pentecostal church said the state imposes a unique 10-person limit on religious worship services that is not imposed on customers or employees of big box retail stores, liquor stores, restaurants, office buildings, warehouses, factories, or other businesses and activities which, like worship services, have been deemed essential by Governor (Jay) Pritzker.

Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh asked for a response from the state by late Thursday.

Lawyers for Illinois said the appeal should be dismissed because the governors order was due to expire Friday. The churchs concern about the limitations on the size of their religious gatherings after that date is speculative, they said.



David G. Savage 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.
Ian Horowitz, 53, of Chester Springs, holds a photo of his dad, Edward Horowitz, who died at 81 from the coronavirus at Southeastern Veterans' Center. "I was scared to death that it would get into his building and thats exactly what happened. Read more

As the coronavirus pandemic bore down on the Philadelphia region, nurses and other frontline health-care staff at the Southeastern Veterans Center were alarmed.

Commandant Rohan Blackwood, head of the state-run nursing home in Chester County, and his top team seemingly adopted a wait-and-see strategy to combat the scourge.

Despite a state Department of Health advisory in mid-March telling care facilities to end communal dining if the coronavirus was spreading in their region, residents in the 238-bed veterans center were still eating in dining halls.

The risky practice continued through the first week of April  even though the highly contagious COVID-19 was already confirmed to be inside the building. By April 8, one resident had died of the virus and 13 staff and residents had tested positive, according to an internal report.

For weeks, supervisors had actively discouraged nurses and aides from wearing masks, including telling a staffer not to do so because it might frighten the service veterans, the staffer said.

Later, the protective N95 masks were distributed to administrators and others working in private offices, while many nurses and aides, at first, were equipped with less protective surgical masks.

By mid-April, residents were dying rapidly  as many as four in one day  as the coronavirus tore through the home, infecting more than 110 people inside.

At least 38 residents there have died of COVID-19, according to the Chester County coroner. This makes the home an extreme outlier within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs network of six nursing homes. The states five other homes, including one in Philadelphia, have kept the virus at bay, with about 15 infections and fewer than five deaths among them, according to the state Department of Health.

How could that be?

Although the insidious new virus can infect even the best nursing homes  where fragile older adults share air, space, and food in close quarters  leadership and best practices can mean the difference between weathering a crisis and being consumed by it.

Interviews with 17 current and former employees at the Southeastern Veterans Center, as well as with residents families and union officials, paint a picture of a nursing home that not only responded slowly to the pandemic but that has been mismanaged for years by top officials, including Blackwood, known as an autocratic leader who retaliates against those who question his decisions.

Staff members who spoke to The Inquirer described chronic understaffing  which studies have linked to infectious outbreaks  as well as the altering of medical records to conceal that and other shortcomings.

Its horrible how that place is being managed, said Ian Horowitz, whose 81-year-old father, Ed, died this month of complications of the coronavirus.

Before Ed Horowitz  an Army vet and onetime Philly cop and Rittenhouse Square bar owner  contracted the virus, his son had asked SEVC staff why his father was living with a sick roommate, presumed to be positive for COVID-19, and what steps the facility was taking to protect him from getting infected. He didnt get answers.

Days later, his father told him that men in hazmat suits had come in and transported his roommate to the hospital. Both men later died within 10 days of each other.

Its [the same] story after story from families, Horowitz said. They couldnt get any information out of the facility about how their relatives were being treated.

Horowitz was among the earliest of a growing number of families and elected officials who called for an investigation into how SEVC handled the coronavirus crisis  one now underway.

On Tuesday, Blackwood and another senior official, nursing director Deborah Mullane, were suspended indefinitely amid an investigation into the centers operations. Barbara Raymond, head of another state-run veterans home, was appointed acting commandant.

The state Bureau of Veterans Homes has been investigating complaints made in April about working conditions at SEVC, but employees did not want to be seen talking to an investigator, fearing Blackwood would punish them. The interviews had to be relocated, according to Tom Tosti, an officer of the union representing licensed practical nurses, nurses aides, and other SEVC employees.

The members felt intimidated, and they knew Rohan would have been watching them going into that interview process, said Tosti, district council director for the AFSCME union.

Some family members of veterans said they, too, were reluctant to go against Blackwood.

Frederika Rivera-Torres said that during Blackwoods first year as commandant, she challenged him about medical orders and decisions regarding her veteran husbands care.

Im the concerned wife and medical power of attorney, she said in an interview. I have a right to know what these orders are.

Rivera-Torres followed up with the state Department of Health, she said, only to be surprised by a January 2016 letter from an SEVC lawyer informing her that the commandant has the authority to bar you from the facility.

She stopped being as vocal, she said, worried that Blackwood might block her from visiting. Her husband died six months after the letter.

There are good, kind people who work there, but there are other people who are in it for the job, she said. And they bring their personalities with them.

Blackwood declined to answer questions about why his facility accounted for at least 90% of the coronavirus deaths among the states six veterans homes, or reply to a detailed list of questions.

Joan Nissley, a DMVA spokesperson, said in a statement: The SEVC has taken every precaution to protect its residents and staff.  The SEVC also recently passed a PA Dept. of Health COVID-specific inspection as well as a remote Chester County Dept. of Health procedural inspection which confirmed the protocols we are using are correct. We continue to be vigilant.

As of Friday evening, she didnt answer a list of specific questions.

'He would scream at me

In February 2015, Blackwood landed at the sprawling Southeastern Veterans Center, in East Vincent Township, 35 miles up the Schuylkill from Philadelphia.

Blackwood, 47, who had previously managed other senior care facilities in the region, rose to make $119,453 as a state employee. But after Blackwood and his deputies took over, morale plummeted, several staffers said.

Bruce Grissom, the nursing homes former director of social services, had worked there for 15 years by then. Oh, my God, I loved it, he said of helping retired veterans.

Two years ago, he resigned, blaming Blackwoods hostile management style and what he perceived as a lack of respect for the veterans there.

He would scream at me. Im 68 years old, but he treated me like a 5-year-old, Grissom said. Unfortunately, he treated a lot of people like that.

A longtime nurse at SEVC was so upset with how it was run under the Blackwood regime that she filed a complaint in April with the state Department of Health that detailed what she said was destabilizing staff turnover as well as faulty inspections that failed to uncover deficiencies there.

The only reason were still there are the veterans. We dont want to abandon them, said the nurse, who spoke on the condition her name wouldnt be used, fearing retaliation. Theyre our heroes, and they dont deserve to be treated this way, and neither do their families.

Blackwood had left behind a trail of lawsuits from a job he held from 2012 to 2014 running the Golden Living Center in Lancaster, part of a national chain. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had put it on a special focus list for troubled facilities.

Blackwood was named as a defendant in four lawsuits filed in Lancaster County against the facility, each alleging mistreatment of residents due to staffing shortages there. The goal, the suits claimed, was to maximize profits.

Knowing that staffing costs were the largest part of their nursing homes budgets, Defendants chose to operate and/or manage the Facility to maximize their profits at the expense of the care provided to their residents, according to a 2015 lawsuit filed on behalf of a resident. The case was later settled.

Another lawsuit, filed on behalf of a resident who died an untimely death, accused the Lancaster home of making medication errors, failing to prevent infections, and maintaining fraudulent documentation about caring for the resident when she or her caregivers were not even in the facility at the time. That case was also settled.

Separately, the state Office of Attorney General sued the Golden Living chain in 2015 for false advertising and mistreatment of residents at 25 facilities in Pennsylvania, including the one where Blackwood worked. (The chain has since sold it.) The office alleged that Golden Living residents "routinely have to wait hours for food, assistance with toileting, changing of soiled bed linens and other elements of basic care and sometimes must forgo them entirely. The case is ongoing.

Just before going to the Southeastern Veterans Center, Blackwood worked for 11 months as executive director of the Phoebe Wyncote nursing home in Montgomery County.

The staffing and medical-care problems described in the lawsuits can also be found at Southeastern Veterans Center, interviews and documents show.

One former nurse said Blackwoods administration, well before the pandemic, repeatedly waited to seek medical treatment for residents who were clearly injured or gravely ill.

They wouldnt send people out [to the hospital] until they were like half-dead, she said. I was like, Why are you doing this? It was almost like they thought theyre here to die.

She recalled one shift when two residents were dying in front of my eyes, but said Blackwoods staff still resisted her pleas to have them hospitalized. Both were later found to have serious medical conditions, she said.

In another case, the former nurse said, she could not get approval to hospitalize a resident with a bowel obstruction so severe he looked like he was 10 months pregnant. When his symptoms became so obvious that they could no longer be ignored, he was rushed to the hospital. He died that night, the nurse said.

SEVC employees have complained of being pressured by the administration to change medical reports or statements that might reflect negatively on the facility.

In one instance in September 2018, a nurse said she found a resident had been paging an aide for 25 minutes with no answer. The aide, working a night shift, had disconnected the alarm bell so she could sleep. The nurse said she went to submit a written report about the incident, but an assistant director of nursing at SEVC urged her not to do so.

A former department head told The Inquirer it was routine for Blackwood and other administrators to alter staff reports that were required for state inspections. Nurses would collect the paperwork and spend hours in an office with a copying machine going through and editing the documentation, the former department head said. When finished, they would contact the original author and return the edited documents.

A nurse said she was explicitly ordered not to tell a state inspector about staffing shortages, or that nurses from other floors had had to come help fill out paperwork at the end of some shifts. Another former nurse said she saw a death certificate being altered so that a residents fall, which resulted in a broken pelvis, was not listed as a contributing factor to his death.

I just couldnt believe it, the former nurse said of the changed death certificate. She said her colleagues were also asked to modify their notes to make it appear that residents were healthier and more satisfied with their treatment than they had indicated.

State Sen. Katie Muth, whose district includes SEVC, said she is now deeply skeptical about the homes previous record of high ratings.

Muth said she was told that inspections  an integral part of the federal five-star rating system for nursing homes  were tightly controlled at SEVC, with state inspectors steered to speak only with employees who had been selected by Blackwood and his administrators.

I dont know how you ever get real information about whats going on, Muth said. It ends up where theres one set of eyes on the place, and arguably its not independent.

Other accusations include staffers who in 2017 reported that SEVC supervisors had been altering employees punch-out times. Their union tried to get Blackwoods team to address their wage-theft complaints but got nowhere, said Tosti, the AFSCME leader.

The union turned to the U.S. Department of Labor, which in 2018 found 230 violations and ordered the facility to pay $210,360 in back pay, records show. One staffer received a lump-sum payment of about $6,000 for two years of underpayments.

Misleading answers

The allegations of altered documents are not limited to payroll records. In some cases, employees have questioned the official record following adverse events.

When Patrick Donahue wandered out of the center one afternoon in April 2019, his wrist and ankle monitors failed to sound an alarm. Sensors on the lobby doors werent working, sources familiar with a subsequent investigation said.

Two hours later, a crew member of a production company filming a documentary at the nearby Pennhurst Asylum spotted Donahue on an isolated road, confused and alone in a downpour.

The road is completely desolate, Geraldine Alvarez, the crew member, said. Just seeing a man with a walker was the strangest thing I saw that day.

On a hunch, she called the veterans home, where a staff member told her they had seen Donahue just 30 minutes ago.

I didnt think that was accurate, Alvarez said. He walked off a good distance, and hes a slow walker. He was probably there for hours.

Nursing logs indicated that staff had recently checked Donahues room, and confirmed he was in bed and had received his medicine, a source said. But security staff believed the logs were simply filled in without bed checks. Other residents had also wandered off from the dementia unit, a former staffer said.

Nissley, the DMVA spokesperson, said the nursing home made enhancements at the facility to prevent any such further incidents.

Families said they sometimes got misleading answers when asking about their relatives inside the Southeastern Veterans Center.

Karen Williamson said the administration provided shifting explanations about what happened to her father, 79-year-old former Army paratrooper Joseph Conroy, after she made repeated complaints about another resident intruding into Conroys room. As a remedy, they put a sign on his door that said Closed.

Williamson was awoken by an early morning phone call in June 2019 telling her that her dad had been taken to Phoenixville Hospital. She said she was told by a nursing home staffer that he fell and hurt himself.

But in surveillance video obtained by The Inquirer, the same resident she had complained about is seen walking into Conroys room at 10:42 p.m. Two minutes later, both emerge, with Conroy swinging a shoehorn in apparent self-defense. The other man returns to his room, nearby, only to enter Conroys room an hour later. An argument ensues and spills into the hallway, where the attacker throws Conroy into a wall. They both fall, then the attacker walks off, leaving Conroy on the floor.

Nursing staff put Conroy back in his room, where he cried out in pain for hours until someone called for an ambulance.

Only after repeated calls to the nursing home did Williamson reach her fathers caseworker and learn a full account of the incident, she said. I felt like they did not protect him when he needed protection.

Conroy underwent hip surgery and died days later back at SEVC.

I was outraged, I was brokenhearted. He still had a lot of time, I think, Williamson said in an interview, her voice choking.

Nissley, the DMVA spokesperson, declined to comment on Conroys death.

Blaming a nursing shortage

In a hearing this month by the Senate Democratic Policy Committee on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes, Dr. Darryl Jackson, chief medical officer for the DMVA, told Senate committee members that a delay in testing prevented the Chester County vets center from containing the virus spread.

Jackson said officials had intended for SEVC staff to be assigned to either COVID or non-COVID units, but a significant nursing shortage made that untenable and led to the National Guards being called in to help.

The SEVC had also planned to use isolation rooms for residents while they awaited test results, Jackson said, but it took days to get them back, and quickly there were too many possible cases.

But, he said, the state was in charge of whom they could test, and for weeks the department was not permitted to seek outside testing. We werent in control of the testing, Jackson said. Weve done the best that we could possibly do.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Carelli, who as adjutant general for Pennsylvania oversees the states six veterans homes, told the Senate committee that he was concerned by The Inquirers articles last month about the outbreak at SEVC and asked the state and county to inspect the facility. He was told they found no discrepancies with the required protocols.

Carrelli acknowledged that, after the deaths and cases mounted at SEVC, he did not press the state to make testing available for all residents and staff members there and at the five other veterans homes, believing it wouldnt have been fair.

To the Department of Health and the governor, theyre just six of many, he said. As far as the state is concerned, every single home is important.
Call it a flexible response to changing information. Or just call it making it up as you go along.

Whatever as long it gets you to a better place. And Ontario badly needs to get to a better place when it comes to how it runs its COVID-19 testing plan, how it communicates that to the public, and how it manages the delicate task of reopening the provinces economy.

With that in mind, it was encouraging on Friday to see Premier Doug Ford execute a quick U-turn and open the door to a regional approach to reopening. In a province as vast as Ontario, where the pandemic has ravaged some areas and left others almost untouched, that makes eminent sense.

Its not yet clear how the government plans to implement a regional approach, and in fact Ford didnt definitively say he will do it. He should stop hesitating, and get on with it as quickly as possible.

Regional public health officers have already gone public with their own tentative guidelines for tailoring reopening to the various areas of the province, so the first step is obvious: listen carefully to what they are saying. Theyre closest to local realities and have clearly lost patience with the confused and confusing approach taken so far by central authorities.

In practice, a regional approach will presumably mean allowing public life to resume more quickly in areas where the pandemic is well under control  pretty much everywhere but the Greater Toronto Area. Some three-quarters of COVID-19 cases are now being recorded in the five public health units around the GTA, so why not ease restrictions elsewhere more quickly?

Thats the approach taken by some other provinces, like Quebec and Alberta. And while its politically convenient for Ford, whos been under pressure from his own Progressive Conservative caucus not to hold the entire province hostage to the state of the pandemic in the GTA, its perfectly defensible from a scientific point of view as well.

Of course, actually putting that into practice wont be so easy. In normal times people travel around the province all the time, and as the summer progresses more will venture further from home. The potential of the disease spreading from the GTA to other areas will be there, so health officials will have to be careful about exactly when and how they open things up. But overall, its the right direction.

As for the rest of the provinces new and improved testing plan, its not nearly so clear.

The province now promises to test more people in a more targeted and proactive way to get a better idea of how the disease is spreading. That includes more people in obviously vulnerable sectors, like health care and first responders. But it will be broadened to include so-called hot spots in the community or in specific workplaces and institutions, with mobile teams venturing out to conduct tests.

Other areas of the economy are to be included, as well, with the auto industry, major retailers and food suppliers specifically mentioned. But at the moment this all still amounts mostly to a plan to have a plan. It includes no dates or targets for that new phase, only that it will work with each industry to figure those out.

More to the point, its fine to have a plan  but even the most ambitious blueprint is worth little unless its executed well and on time.

Ontario failed for weeks to meet its daily testing targets, so the track record in that regard is spotty at best. Carrying out the expanded plan will presumably mean testing even more people, but Ford and his officials conspicuously declined to commit to any new number for tests in the weeks ahead.

Two weeks into the province-wide reopening, this is all clearly still a work in progress. Ford is showing hes willing to adjust course when necessary, but we still dont know enough to inspire full confidence that were on the right path.

Read more about:
Advertisement

The battle against corruption in Nigeria appears a battle that may forever remain in the pages of the newspapers and may remain mere talking points for political leaders to deceive a pulverized populace hungry for a solution or a messiah. This is as information made available to 247ureports.com through a competent source knowledgeable of the inner workings of the then Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari indicates the former Chief of Staff had monetized virtually the entire processes inside the presidency.

He sold ministerial positions.

With the death of Abba Kyari and the replacement by Ibrahim Gambari, news reports revealing underhanded activities within the office of the chief of staff. One of the many revelations pointed to 150 memos that were implemented without the attention of the President. It revealed that the late chief of staff made 150 appointments without the Presidents knowledge. Another report revealed up to 650 memos were discovered inside the chief of staffs office unattended to.

Advertisement

A source pointed to the root of late Abba Kyaris corrupt demeanor as coming from President Muhammadu Buhari blanket trust  who the President gave the singular power of having the sole access to him  including over his wife, Aisha Buhari.

As the President won the reelection in 2015, he reaffirmed his desire to have the late Abba Kyari as the bottleneck/checkpoint of his administration. Through this means, the late chief of staff had sole access. He could speak for the President and he alone could desire what the President sees and what he does not see. He was the defector President. It gave the Abba Kyabi the opportunity to pay a determinant role in the selection of federal ministers and choice positions.

Of particular interest is the position of Federal Minister of Power [State] currently being held by Godwin J. Agba who hails from Cross River State where he aspired for the gubernatorial seat under the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], only to defect to the All Progressive Congress [APC] on December 25, 2015 shortly following his lost at the PDP gubernatorial primaries.

Prior to joining the fray to aspire for the gubernatorial primaries, Agba worked as the former Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Company [NNPC] where it is believed, according to our source, he amassed his grandiose wealth. The kind of wealth termed unholy by our source. He was in it with Diezani claims the source who pointed out that Agba had reached a deal with the APC government in order to avert arrest and further investigation. Agba is alleged to be as neck deep in the corrupt activities that occurred within the NNPC as Diezani was.

After his stint at the NNPC, he erected one of the most expensive Estates in the entire Abuja  Godad Estate located near Jabi Mall. The Estate is occupied by largely Caucasians. He acquired many choice properties in the United Kingdom.

The Late Abba Kyari

Having lost in his foray into politics coupled with the change in the ruling party, the anti-graft agencies were hot on his trail. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] latently launched an investigation into his activities at the NNPC. And, the EFCC were already threatening arrests in 2015. Agba was frightened.

To avert what appeared inevitable, Agba kowtowed. He begged for a deal. And he was given a deal. At the conclusion of the deal, he became a member of the APC. Interestingly, Agba kept his looted funds after the deal. An impeccable source revealed the late Abba Kyari collected the sum of $10million [approximately N4billion] to the said position of Minister of Power [State]. Initially, Agba had indicated interest in the position of Minister of Petroleum [State] but the late Abba Kyari insisted the position was not available. As President Buhari named his cabinet members in 2016, Godwin Agba was named the Federal Minister of Power [State]. After being nominated for ministerial position by President Muhammadu Buhari in July, he was assigned the portfolio of Minister of State, Power on August 21, 2019.



Stay tuned for the explosive report on the Ministry of Power
The United Kingdom is seeking to form a new alliance of 10 5G countries, dubbed as D10, to align against China and reduce its reliance on Beijing, especially on Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Britain has planned to club India, South Korea and Australia along with G7 countries  UK, US, Italy, Germany, France, Japan and Canada  to create alternative suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid dependence on China for vital technologies.

BREAKING: The G7 is considering creating a new group of democracies called the D10, adding Australia, South Korea, and India to align against China  Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) May 29, 2020

The move comes amidst the backdrop of heightened security concerns after the United Kingdom launched a probe into Huaweis involvement in the countrys mobile network upgrade following the United States imposed sanctions against the Chinese telecom company. According to the sources, the proposal has already been shared with Washington.

We need new competitors in the market. That was the reason we ended up having to go along with Huawei at the time, the Times quoted a UK government source as saying.

As of now, Nokia and Ericsson are the only companies capable of providing 5G infrastructure but none of the two can as quickly and cheaply as Huawei. Britain has categorised Huawei a high-risk supplier and therefore its participation in the UKs 5G upgrade comes with a 35% market cap, including a ban on its involvement in the sensitive core of the network.

The decision to unite against China comes at a time when the world is reeling under the coronavirus crisis and countries hit by the infection have been demanding to hold China accountable for unleashing a pandemic which is believed to have originated from the central Chinese city of Wuhan. The United Kingdom has accused the Communist government in China of concealing vital information and covering up the initial coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan.

United States sanctions against Huawei

The United States had recently imposed sanctions against Huawei which included banning the sale of American chips to the company. Defending the sanctions, Washington asserted that it did not want to help the Chinese in spying against the Western nations.

After American announced the additional set of sanctions against the Chinese telecom giant, Britains National Cyber Security Centre said that it is carefully assessing the impact that the company could have on the UKs networks.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week chalked up plans to scrap Chinas involvement in the UK internet infrastructure. He has reportedly told officials that he wants to completely get rid of Chinas involvement in UKs network by 2023. Earlier, he had also called upon the country to come self-sufficient and less dependent on China for goods.

The United States has mounted continuous pressure on Britain to cast aside the Huawei deal. with the American president- Donald Trump threatening to snap the United Kingdoms access to intelligence typically shared between the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Good morning. One of my favorite cookbooks is a community number out of southwest Florida, The Gasparilla Cookbook, published in 1961 by the Junior League of Tampa. Theres a painting on the cover, a strong-jawed piratical man in a blue striped shirt, wearing huge gold hoop earrings and a red polka-dot bandanna. Hes holding a platter above his head  shrimp Louie, a straw-covered bottle of Chianti, a bowl of grapes, a hunk of Swiss cheese  and hes gazing down fiercely as if this were a romance novel and not a collection of recipes.

Inside: dips and cold salads; elegant preparations of fish and fowl; beef tenderloins; chiffon cakes; the whole story of postwar middle-class American fustiness in the kitchen. (Luncheon asparagus!) But there are great surprises as well, including a recipe for open-pit barbecue (Slow Process) that gave me a great mopping sauce Id like to deploy this weekend on a grill full of barbecued chicken (above): a great deal of vinegar and butter with a half-can of crushed tomatoes, with black pepper, cayenne and salt to taste. Simmer that for a while, then use it to baste the meat. (Use a new long-handled dish mop, the League advises.)

Id love for you to try that, but I recognize its not possible for everyone: You have no outdoor space; you have no grill; you dont eat flesh; you have no desire for these sorts of shenanigans when the world outside is full of scaries and youre worried for your job. I get it. There are days these days when it seems heroic just to fry an egg and eat it on toast.

Still, Im hopeful for the weekend, for the joys it might bring. I loved Tejal Rao grappling with how to describe rasam, the souplike elixir of life that is the subject of her column in The New York Times Magazine this week, and loved the recipe for garlic rasam that she learned to make from Usha Prabakaran, the Chennai-based author of the 1,000-recipe Ushas Pickle Digest and the forthcoming Ushas Rasam Digest. Id like to make that too this weekend, as much as the chicken.
The Council for Healthcare of the Irish Episcopal Conference say they would welcome appropriate inquiries into the reasons why nursing care facilities were so badly affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also read: Two residents die from Covid-19 in one Longford nursing home

The Irish Catholic Bishops addded, "Lessons must be learned. More and more people will be availing of nursing care in the years ahead. Nursing homes should be prioritised by the State to ensure that they have the personnel and equipment necessary to deal with such crisis situations as soon as they arise.

"Every resident is someones mother, father, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or friend. They have played their part over many decades in contributing to their communities and to the economy. The lives of those who live in such facilities should be valued, respected, and enhanced."

Also read: Number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Longford revised down as six deaths reported nationally

The full statement reads;

"The Council for Healthcare of the Irish Episcopal Conference wishes to acknowledge the tremendous work of our doctors, nurses, administrators, chaplains and ancillary staff in healthcare facilities across the country. Their tireless efforts have helped to curb the spread of COVID-19 and saved the lives of many people. Their dedication has been a source of inspiration and hope for all of us at this difficult time. We thank them sincerely and assure them of continuing support.

"These past few months have seen much sadness and loss and we pray especially for the grieving relatives and friends of those who have died because of COVID-19.

"Our elderly parents, grandparents and relatives are among the most vulnerable during this pandemic and, thankfully, for many of them strict cocooning appears to have been an effective strategy in suppressing the spread of the virus. It is distressing, however, that more than half of all COVID-19 deaths have occurred in nursing care facilities. For various reasons, COVID-19 has had its most damaging impact among the residents in such settings.

"We would welcome appropriate inquiries into the reasons why nursing care facilities were so badly affected. Lessons must be learned. More and more people will be availing of nursing care in the years ahead. Nursing homes should be prioritised by the State to ensure that they have the personnel and equipment necessary to deal with such crisis situations as soon as they arise. Every resident is someones mother, father, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or friend. They have played their part over many decades in contributing to their communities and to the economy. The lives of those who live in such facilities should be valued, respected, and enhanced.

"Human life is sacred and precious from the child in the womb to the elderly person in care. We must do all that we can to protect life and to improve the quality of life for those who are particularly vulnerable. At this time, the coronavirus crisis presents an opportunity for society to reflect on where it stands in relation to the elderly and to others who are most vulnerable among us. The lessons learned will enable us to build a culture of life and care where everyone is supported and all are entitled to life-protecting services and facilities."

Also read: Longford Leader Editorial: Decisive leadership is vital for us all
A 53-year-old priest was found dead under mysterious circumstances in his temple accomodation in a Haridwar village on Friday, said Uttarakhand police.

Following the incident, a large number of locals and seers gathered at the site suspecting he was murdered. However, in the initial probe no foul-play was found which could suggest it to be a case of murder, said police.

Swapna Kishor, superintendent of police, Haridwar (rural) said the deceased priest was identified as one Amanand who served the temple for the last six years.

He was a priest in a local Shani temple in village Trilokpuri of Roorkee area in the district. He was not seen in the temple by locals for the last two days. On Friday, when one of them tried to enquire about him, he was found lying dead in his accommodation attached to the temple, said Kishor.

The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19

Kishore added that one of the locals informed the police which soon reached the spot and initiated a probe.

The locals had suspected a murder but in the initial investigation it was found that there was no foul-play which could lead to a murder. Also, there were no signs of any external injuries or resistance which usually exist in a murder, the police officer said.

For Coronavirus Live Updates

The SP said that the police also found out that the deceased was suffering from an allergy.

As it is a sensitive matter, we have sent the body for post-mortem examination which will ascertain the exact cause of his death. A probe is on in the matter, said Kishor.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A 38-year-old Passaic County man who crashed his SUV into a utility pole earlier this week has died of his injuries, authorities said.

Antonio R. Cruz, of Wayne, was pronounced dead at 4:29 p.m. Friday at St. Josephs Regional Medical Center in Paterson, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wayne Police Chief Jack McNiff.

Cruz was one of two drivers who crashed into utility poles about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday on opposite sides of Ratzer Road near the intersection of Garside Avenue in Wayne, police said.

Two passengers who were in Cruzs vehicle remain in the hospital, while the driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash was discharged earlier this week.

The crashes remain under investigation, the prosecutors office said.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@passaiccountynj.org. Wayne Police may be reached at 973-694-1800.

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

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com.
New Delhi, May 30 : A Delhi court on Saturday granted interim bail to former Congress Municipal Councillor Ishrat Jahan, arrested in a northeast Delhi violence case, for ten days to enable her to get married.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana of Patiala House Court let off Jahan on furnishing two sureties of one lakh each.

Jahan had moved the court seeking interim bail for 30 days to get married on June 12. The plea stated that she would not tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses if granted bail.

She was charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a case related to communal riots in northeast area in the national capital in February, which had left at least 53 people dead and 200 injured.

The court had earlier denied her bail on February 28, observing that the charges against her are "serious in nature".

The police had then told the court that she had protested against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Khureji Khas area on February 26 and had "instigated" the large crowd to stay put after the police asked them to vacate the road.

The police claimed that after her instigation, the crowd threw stones at the security personnel.

Besides her, Jamia Millia Islamia students Asif Iqbal Tanha, Gulfisha Khatoon, Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC) members Safoora Zargar, Meeran Haider are charged under the stringent law in the case.
Active swarms of locusts were present in 11 districts spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, prompting the government to step up control operations by deploying helicopters for aerial spraying of pesticides.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who reviewed the locust control operations, said the last swarm of the pest entered from Pakistan into India at Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan on Tuesday and there was no information of fresh incursions after that.

He said the Locust Warning Organisation has engaged two firms for spraying pesticides through drones in inaccessible areas and efforts were on to deploy helicopters to control the swarms effectively.

The fast approaching monsoon season has also forced the government to put the control measures on a fast track as moisture in the soil would aid the pests in breeding.

As on date, there are some active swarms of immature locusts in Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Bikaner, Suratgarh, Dausa districts of Rajasthan, Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh and Rewa, Morena, Betul, Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh and Nagpur and Amravati districts of Maharashtra for which the control operations are in progress, an Agriculture Ministry statement said.

June-July marks the breeding season for the desert locust which have swarmed the four states, threatening the vegetables and fruits planted by farmers.

Stepping up efforts to control locust swarms, the Centre has placed orders for sprayers with British firms an the delivery of first set of 15 sprayers was expected within a fortnight.

Besides, 45 more sprayers will be procured in a month or one-and-a-half months, Tomar said.

He said 11 Regional Control Rooms have been established and special contingents have been deployed along with additional manpower to check the spread of locusts.

He assured the affected States will be allocated additional resources and financial aid if required.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 19:59:39|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

GABORONE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Global diamond conglomerate, De Beers Group on Saturday announced that most retail diamond stores are open in China as the populous Asian country has eased its lockdown.

Paul Rowley, the De Beers' executive vice president of diamond trading, said while lockdowns are now beginning to ease in some countries, a return to normal activity appears some way off, as other countries have yet to see a peak and concerns of further waves of infection persist.

"In China, most stores are now open again with consumers returning and encouraging signs are beginning to show. But the consumers are encouraging signs are still below former levels," said Rowley during a virtual media briefing.

Following a positive start of the year, the global impact of the deadly COVID-19 and the subsequent restrictions on the movement of both people and goods has had a major impact on wholesale demand for both rough and polished diamonds and consumer demand for diamond jewellery, said Rowley.

Rowley said lockdown has led to severely reduced consumer demand in the U.S. market representing around half of global demand.

It is against this backdrop that De Beers' executive vice president of corporate affairs, David Prager could not provide a detailed outlook, as so much depends on the progress of the virus and government responses.

"However, early indications from places that have reopened suggest demand can recover quite quickly," said Prager during the same virtual media briefing.

Prager said De Beers will be leading the recovery and reinforcing how diamonds will continue to have a key role to play in peoples' lives after the lockdowns through its consumer engagement activities.

"We are focused on returning to business as usual in our Botswana home as soon as is possible," said Prager. Enditem
Dino Melaye, former senator representing Kogi west, says the report of COVID-19 in Kogi state is real and authentic. On Wednesday,...

Dino Melaye, former senator representing Kogi west, says the report of COVID-19 in Kogi state is real and authentic.





On Wednesday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced 389 new COVID-19 cases in the country and two were in Kogi.





But the state rejected the results, insisting it is COVID-19 free.





Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi commissioner for information, in an interview on Channel Televisions Politics Today, described the cases reported in the state as beautiful fraud.

But in a statement, Tai Ejibunu, obatebise of Oweland, had said the index patient identified as Ahmad Ejibunu, chief imam of Kabba, may have been infected from within the state.





Melaye in a statement on Saturday said he knows one of the COVID-19 patients from Kabba.





I want to announce that the Covid-19 case in Kogi is real and authentic and cannot understand why any responsible government will want to deny and invariably kill her citizens, he said.





One of the cases is from Kabba and the victim is personally known to me. I cannot be part of those who will play politics with the lives of my people.





COVID-19 is real but not a death sentence, if handled early enough. Family members of the Kabba victim who got a referral to Abuja from federal medical centre in Lokoja and all those who had contact with him should please surrender themselves for a test so as to curtail the spread.





Kogi State government must come down from her imaginary high horse and start contact tracing to help curtail the spread. It is illogical to think we will be free with our proximity to affected states.





God will hear our cry and heal our land. God bless Okun land! God bless Kogi west! God bless Kogi State.
Canberra, May 29 (IANS) Australia remains "on track" in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

Following a meeting of the National Cabinet, Morrison told reporters that Australia is in a better position than he hoped for when the coronavirus pandemic hit the country in January, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, he warned that there was still a high risk of further outbreaks that could undo all of Australia's progress on preventing the spread of the virus.

"We would be foolish to think that we were immune or that we are immune," he said.

"As a result, the three-step plan, keeping the balance between the health management of the crisis and the economic management of the crisis in balance, continues to be the balance that the National Cabinet seeks to achieve."

As of Friday, there have been over 7,100 confirmed cases in Australia with 103 deaths.

Appearing alongside Morrison, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy revealed that authorities are aiming to keep the number of daily new cases below 20.

He said that 30,000 tests were being conducted every day, with approximately 0.05 per cent returning positive results, and announced that the number of coronavirus patients on ventilators in Australia has fallen to just two.

"We would still like to do more tests. We would like every person with an acute respiratory problem, cough, cold, to get tested. It is the way to track the virus.

"It is too early to draw definitive conclusions but we are on track. All the measures we thought should be stable and in good shape remain in good shape at the moment," he added.

Friday was the first National Cabinet meeting since May 15.

Morrison announced that the meetings will continue on a monthly basis in the wake of the pandemic, replacing the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) system.

He said that the new system would be driven by a singular agenda, and that is to create jobs.

"COAG is no more. It will be replaced by a completely new system and that new system is focused on the success that has been yielded by the operation of the National Cabinet," Morrison said.

--IANS

ksk/
Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.
In Retrospect: News from the Jan. 20, 1922 and Jan. 19, 1972 Souderton Independent
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls it employment insurance."

Michigans Work Share program allows workers, who have seen their hours reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, be compensated for their losses through state and federal unemployment benefits.

Until the end of July 2020, that means workers who have had their hours/pay reduced are eligible for weekly payments of $600 from the federal government, on top of their employer compensation and a percentage of state unemployment benefits.

Its a win-win for businesses who can save thousands of dollars on their payroll while bringing back employees faster and in greater numbers, said Jeff Donofrio, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. And for employees who are able to make up for lost income through unemployment benefits.

"Tens of thousands of businesses are already participating in Work Share, according to Donofrio. That includes the state of Michigan, which announced earlier this month that 31,000 employees would be required to take two days of unpaid furlough per pay period through July 25.

The state of Michigan hopes to save up to $80 million through the furloughs. In return, affected employees exchanged two days of work per pay period for at least $600 per week in pandemic unemployment compensation.

The program gives flexibility to employers who cant perform at 100 percent capacity to retain their skilled workforce while saving costs in their payroll, Whitmer said. It also allows employees to keep their jobs and collect some unemployment for the hours that theyve lost.

State officials and business leaders gave the program high praise during a press conference Friday afternoon, May 29, and encouraged eligible employers who arent participating to consider doing so. Each participant takes pressure off the states trust fund, Donofrio said.

Brian Calley, president of the Michigan Small Business Association, said the program is the No. 1 tool hed recommend to businesses during this difficult time.

Every business should take a look at it and consider whether or not it is right for your workforce, he said.

Employers participating in the program can choose which employees are in a Work Share plan, with a minimum of two employees. Plans can be approved for up to 52 consecutive weeks, during which employee hours and wages can be reduced by 10 to 60 percent.

The programs eligibility was expanded May 6, when Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-57. Doing so waived the length of time requirement that employers must be in business to qualify, and waived the requirement that employers have a current or positive balance with the Unemployment Insurance Agency.

Since COVID-19 was first confirmed in Michigan in March, more than 1.65 million Michigan residents have filed a legitimate claim for unemployment. Each eligible claimant also qualifies for the $600 weekly payment from the federal government through July.

The $600 weekly federal unemployment payments come from the $2.2 trillion stimulus known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which President Donald Trump signed on March 27 after it passed the House and Senate.

Michigan began sending out the $600 weekly payments along with state unemployment benefits in early April.

Dave Dittenber, CEO of Downtown Restaurant Investments, said Work Share hasnt been a cure-all for everything, but it certainly has helped my business.

He said it allows his employees to make more money than if they were to stay solely on unemployment, while allowing them to be trained in his companys new safety guidelines put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Its an excellent and economic way to retain your employees," Dittenber said. It is allowing us to utilize our most talented employees with reduced hours and compensate them properly for their hard work, which in turn allows us to meet the needs of our precious customers.

For more information regarding Michigan Works, or to sign up for the program, visit Michigan.gov/workshare.

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.

Read more on MLive:

Michigan reports 607 new cases of coronavirus, 34 new deaths

Anti-Whitmer group cancels rally at Michigan Capitol, condemns George Floyd police riots in Minneapolis

New workplace safety website helps businesses reopen safely during pandemic

Friday, May 29: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan
Two lions could be put down following the horrific mauling of an experienced zookeeper.

Jennifer Brown, 35, was cleaning the animal's cage before the lions pounced and attacked her in the head and neck at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday.

Two quick-thinking colleagues rushed in to stop the attack and secure the lions, young cubs Ariel and Juda, who celebrated their first birthday in October with a zoo party.

The woman was taken to hospital in a serious, but stable condition.

South Coast Police District Commander Detective Superintendent Greg Moore told Sydney Morning Herald the fate of the lions would be decided following an investigation.

Ms Brown (pictured) was an experienced zookeeper and big cat expert, and is now battling serious injuries in hospital after being attacked by lions

Jennifer Brown (pictured) was viciously attacked by two young lions on Friday morning at Shoalhaven Zoo

The Shoalhaven Zoo made an emotional Facebook post thanking emergency services for their support

'At this stage, we are looking into what has occurred and then a decision will be made once the investigation has been complete,' he said.

'Understandably, it has had a big impact on the staff - it is a small zoo and the staff are very tight-knit.'

Ms Brown had been working at the park since 2013 and had previously said she had a special place in her heart for 'big cats'.

The Shoalhaven Zoo made an emotional Facebook post thanking emergency services for their support.

'To all our friends, family and extended zoo family who have sent well wishes and prayers.

'It is hard to get back to each of you individually but we would like to let you know we appreciate and are thankful for all your love and offers of help.

'To the emergency services who were involved today we are thankful for your response of skill, compassion & care for Jen and the zoo team.'

Shoalhaven Zoo went on to say it was focusing its energy on providing support to Ms Brown.

'At this point in time our only concerns are for Jen and her recovery. We ask that you continue to pray for her and her family.'

Pictures shared on the zoo's Instagram shows show the lion brothers enjoying a specially-made cake, banner and presents.

But just seven months later, they turned on Ms Brown, in an attack horrified paramedics described as 'absolutely harrowing'.

'This is one of the worst jobs I have ever experienced - I have never come across a job like this in my career,' NSW Ambulance duty operations manager Faye Stockmen said.

'The attack was extremely vicious and paramedics found the woman with severe injuries.

'It was absolutely harrowing. It is an incredibly dangerous situations, both for the patient and the paramedics.

She was worked on by paramedics for more than two hours before being airlifted to St George Hospital for treatment.

Ariel and Juda (pictured in October) are seen enjoying the first birthday party thrown for them at Shoalhaven Zoo, months before they turned on a keeper

Jennifer Brown (pictured, working with lions) is a dedicated big cat expert at the zoo in North Nowra

Ariel and Juda (pictured) are beloved brothers at Shoalhaven Zoo, but turned vicious on Friday

'There was some good work by the other employees at the zoo that responded swiftly and were able to secure the lions,' Detective Superintendent Greg Moore said.

'We will be working with authorities to make sure if there's anything we can do to make these types of establishments safer, we will be doing our best to support that.'

Four ambulance crews and a rescue helicopter arrived at the scene and treated the woman before she was airlifted to hospital.

She suffered numerous lacerations her neck and head.

Superintendent Moore said emergency crews were called to the scene at about 10.30am on Friday.

The brothers are seen enjoying a specially-made birthday cake (pictured) during the party the zoo threw them in October

Ariel and Juda (pictured) are 19 months old, and viciously attacked their keeper Ms Brown on Friday

Speaking to reporters, Mr Moore said police were beginning to investigate how the incident unfolded, South Coast Register reported.

'Early indications are that a female zoo keeper was tending to some cleaning duties in the enclosure and was set on by two lions in that enclosure,' he told reporters.

'I take this opportunity to commend the two zoo staff who reacted to the incident and were able to secure the lions and support their colleague.

'I'm advised that the two colleagues, once they secured the lions, assisted the victim and emergency services were able to provide treatment at that point.'

Daily Mail Australia contacted Shoalhaven Zoo who said they are not commenting on the incident at this time.

The zoo, about two hours and 20 minutes south of Sydney, is home to four big cats.

Visitors can pay $80 per person for the 'Lion Feeding Encounter'.

The lions were thrown a colourful first birthday party back in October (pictured, left and right) and were even made a special cake

Four ambulance crews and a rescue helicopter arrived at the scene and treated the woman before she was airlifted to St George hospital

One of the lions is seen opening a birthday present (pictured) after the zoo threw them a first birthday party back in October

'Come face to face with our Roarsome Foursome and get to feed the 'King of the Savannah',' the website reads.

'Have the experience of a life time getting close to our Big Cats. Feel their power and majesty as you get to feed them with the help of one of our keepers.'

The family-owned zoo has been closed to the public since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

A post on the zoo's Facebook page said the family were continuing to live on site while they cared for the animals.

'While we are closed to the public we as a family will continue to live onsite and have key staff coming in to help us ensure the safety and wellbeing, cleaning and feeding of all our animals,' the post reads.

The 35-year-old was found unconscious in the lion's enclosure at around 10.20am at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra

Speaking to media after the attack Inspector Faye Stockmen, Duty Operations Manager of NSW Ambulance, said the rescue operation was 'incredibly dangerous'

'We value our staff and it has been heart wrenching to stand down some staff. Stay safe everyone!

'Thank you for all your support and we look forward to seeing you all back at the zoo soon.'

The Facebook page received comments of support the mauling was reported on Friday.

'My hopes and thoughts are with the lady, her family and staff at Shoalhaven zoo today,' one person wrote.

'Hoping your keeper is okay and the lion does alright too,' another wrote.

Another animal handler was attacked at the zoo in 2014 during a crocodile feeding show

The latest attack comes after another zookeeper was mauled by a crocodile in 2014.

Trent Burton, aged in his 30s at the time, was grabbed by a 3.7m crocodile, known as John, and dragged him into the water.

Onlookers were terrified to witness Mr Burton being attacked by the crocodile.

'I've seen them in the wild, lying on river banks, and have seen them at Steve Irwin's zoo, but never like this,' witness Marlene Orr told The Sydney Morning Herald at the time.

'It was too scary.'

Mr Burton was able to break free of the crocodile's grasp and escape the water.

He was treated for non-life threatening injuries to both of his hands and was taken to Shoalhaven District Hospital for treatment.
COVID-19: First World problems exposed View(s):

Way back in the fifties, at the height of the Cold War, the French economist and demographer Alfred Sauvy coined the term The Third World (Le Tiers Monde).

Sauvy used the term to describe those countries that were aligned neither to the First World (the Capitalist NATO bloc comprising countries such as the US, France, Britain etc.) nor the Second World (the Communist bloc which included the Soviet Union Hungary, Czechoslovakia, East Germany and other Eastern European countries within the Soviet sphere of influence. In an article published in August 1952 in the French magazine, LObservateur he observed  at the end this ignored, exploited, scorned Third World, like the Third Estate, wants to become something too.

Over the years, this term Third World, including as it did the nations of Asia, Africa and South America with their past histories of being colonised and exploited by the nations now constituting the First World, came to stereotype the globes poor countries. Millions of Third World people dreamed of migrating to the First World in search of a materially better life.

With the progress of history and the breakup of the Soviet Union, today we have virtually forgotten that there once was a Second World  but we continue to use the term Third World as an euphemism for the worlds impoverished countries, the primary producers of agricultural products and suppliers of cheap labour, the euphemistically named developing countries or Global South  and compare these unfavourably to the envied nations in the affluent First World. We all take for granted, of course, that the First World (in other words, Western Europe and North America) is more advanced  and its peoples much better resourced, far more competent and much more sophisticated than those of us in the struggling Third World. So we would all have expected that when this latest threat to the world came along in the form of a tiny coronavirus, the well-resourced, efficiently run, modern health systems of the First World would have had no difficulty in protecting its citizens and destroying the pesky virus in no uncertain terms. After all, these are the countries that have shown us that they can easily destroy perceived threats to their economies (like Iraq and Libya in recent times).

But COVID-19 has changed our perceptions and exposed the First World for what it really is  a giant with feet of clay. Some of the worst performers in the battle against the coronavirus in the past few months have been the First World nations whose citizens have been dying like flies due to the incompetence and ignorance at the top most levels of their governments.

Our former colonial master Britain and the worlds current superpower the United States have committed almost every mistake that could be made. Initially, they ignored the threat. When finally forced to act, they sent ambiguous signals to their citizens. In the US, while New Yorks Governor Mario Cuomo was trying to shut down the state to prevent the virus spreading, Federal President Donald Trump was encouraging his ill-informed supporters to stage protests to fight for their right as free Americans to keep their shops and stores open and congregate in large numbers as they were accustomed to do. Neither the US nor the UK performed the testing needed to control the virus (as South Korea and Senegal did) nor provide their health workers and health care facilities with the equipment they needed.

So far the statistics paint a woeful picture of the First Worlds performance.

The US has had more than 100,000 deaths, Britain 36,000, Italy 32,000, Spain 28,000 and France 28,000. Considering the populations of these countries, the Death Rate per One Million of their population is as follows: The US 300, Spain 615, both Britain and Italy 542 each and France 435.

Contrast these statistics with those of Third World Countries like Sri Lanka (9 deaths constituting 0.4 deaths per million population), Hong Kong (9 deaths, 0.5 deaths per million), Senegal 35 deaths (2 deaths per million), India 4000 deaths (3 deaths per million) and Cuba 82 deaths (8 deaths per million). In India, the southern state of Kerala with a population of 35 million was the first to encounter the virus  but has kept deaths down to 6.

Historically, quarantine and lockdown (preventing infected people from contacting non-infected people and passing the infection on to them) has been proven to be effective in infection containment and control of spread in the event of epidemics and pandemics. Whatever reservations Sri Lankans may have about our current president, even his detractors would have to admit that he acted decisively and with authority. He swiftly imposed and enforced curfews which have kept our death rate so low up to now. Added to this is an efficacious system of contact tracing, a robust public health system and a hospitable system of quarantining of new arrivals  all of which have combined so far to have kept us Sri Lankans safe from this Coronavirus.

Perhaps this experience of the coronavirus pandemic may just make us sit back and rethink this business of being Third World. The basic function of a nations government after all is to protect its citizens. Ensuring that they remain healthy and alive is far more important than allowing them to have the freedom to decide whether to wear masks or not to wear masks, the freedom to buy automatic weapons over the counter or the freedom to go out and patronise their hairdresser or their favourite restaurant or the local shopping mall.

The flight back home of expatriate Sri Lankans from First World countries like Britain and Europe these days would suggest that these folk have realised that it is much safer to be living in Sri Lanka (or Kerala or Senegal) rather than in London or New York or Madrid.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Some of the suspected cannabis seized by Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force investigating the criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF, following two searches in north Belfast and Ballyclare. Credit: PSNI

A man accused of running two cannabis farms linked to the UVF had bad gambling debts, a court has been told.

Jason Johnston was arrested on Friday by officers from the Paramilitary Crime Taskforce (PCTF) investigating the drug dealing operations of the crime gang based in east Belfast.

He was then charged with six offences after two cannabis growing rooms were found at his home in Ballyclare and premises in Belfast.

A police officer told Belfast Magistrates Court on Saturday the operations were for the commercial supply of the class B drug, with a total of 700,000 worth found at the two properties.

They found both plants and cannabis is various stages of drying in preparation for its street sale but they did yet know if the drugs were destined for Northern Ireland or elsewhere.

Johnstons solicitor told the court his client had no criminal record or had even come to the attention of the police before Fridays raids.

When questioned the investigating officer said the operation was intelligence lead and that Johnston (45) did not appear to have any of the trappings of wealth associated with this scale of drug dealing.

His solicitor said that about five years ago Johnston amassed gambling debts and was suffering from severe depression which drove him towards those suspected of controlling the operation.

He said that when he was questioned at his home on Craighill Park in Ballyclare, Johnston handed over keys to premises on Dargan Crescent in the docks area of Belfast where more of the drug was found.

The officer said in total 67 plants were seized at the property along with 16kg of herbal cannabis while at his home they found 10kg of the drug.

Asking for the father-of-two to be released on bail his lawyer said he suffers from asthma and that the investigation is only in the early stages and up to a year before it is likely to be dealt with at court.

However, District Judge Mark McGarrity said he agreed with police concerns about the risk of further offending and potential interference with witnesses.

He remanded Johnston in custody to appear again on June 26 via videolink.
Local authorities from the governor on down have utterly failed to control, or in any way deal with, the riots that have devastated much of Minneapolis and some of St. Paul over the last four nights. Desperate to dodge responsibility, Governor Tim Walz and others have blamed outside agitators for the riots. Walz said in a press conference late last night, I think our best estimate of what we heard are about 20 percent are Minnesotans, and 80 percent are outside. Mayors Jacob Frey and Melvin Carter have sounded the same theme (Carter: Every single person we arrested last night Im told was from out of state.) They have even hinted that white supremacists from other states may be responsible. In their dreams, maybe.

So far, despite a great deal of news coverage of the riots and looting, there has been very little hard data. How many people have been killed? Are the emergency rooms full of injured rioters or citizens? How many rioters, arsonists and looters have been arrested? To my knowledge, no one in the news industry has made a serious effort to answer such basic questions.

Now, however, a local television station has done some actual investigation and published the results. This tweet refers to Hennepin County jail records:

Here's what the HCSO jail records show. There are 69 cases from Friday to Saturday that were categorized as "received by jail" as of about 11 am this morning. Of those, here's the state breakdowns: MN56

UNK 5

IL3

ARK1

MO1

IA1

Fla1

MI1  Brandon Stahl (@b_stahl) May 30, 2020



Of that sample, 87 percent of those whose addresses were identified were Minnesotans, or at least claimed to be. St. Paul police records are similar:

Of the 18 people arrested from Thursday to Saturday morning, 12 listed Minnesota as their address. Two were from North Dakota, one from Wisconsin, and one from Texas. Addresses for two others werent listed.

I dont doubt that outsiders are participating in the Twin Cities riots. Members of Antifa and Black Lives Matter have reportedly come to town, among others. Maybe the outsiders are better than locals at evading arrest. In any event, however, it seems that local authorities may have to face the unpleasant reality that many of those who are destroying Minneapolis and St. Paul are, in fact, local residents.

PAUL ADDS: Speaking of outside agitators, Joe Lockhart (who served as White House press secretary under President Clinton) is calling on the Minnesota Vikings to sign Colin Kaepernick.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 30) extended his greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami. "Best wishes, especially to the Kashmiri Pandit community, on the very special occasion Jyeshtha Ashtami," he said in a Twitter post.

"With the divine blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani, may everyone be happy, healthy and prosperous," Modi said.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Jyestha Ashtami is celebrated at the shrine of Khir Bhawani in Tullamula in honour of their patron goddess Ragnya Devi. Pilgrims come from all over to assemble at the shrine, offer prayers and worship at the foot of the goddess, and sing hymns and songs in her praise.

Kheer (a dessert, made by boiling rice, sugar with milk) is prepared on this day as a food offering. The marble shrine, located about 25 kilometres from Srinagar, India, overlooks a pool formed by spring waters known for their changing colours. Hundreds of Kashmiri Hindus visit the shrine daily.

A grand feast and fest is held every year at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Kashmir. It is celebrated with full gusto and vigour, as it marks the pradurbhava of the Goddess Ragnya.

Sometimes the gathering crosses a lakh at the temple. The grand affair, also known as Kheer Bhavani Mela has many devotees visiting the temple and taking blessings of the presiding goddess. Inside the huge temple premises, there are small temples/idols of other gods such as Lord Shiva, Ganesha and Goddess Parvati Mata as well.
Celebrity chef Pete Evans has thrown his support behind a controversial protest against 5G and mandatory vaccination.

The former MKR judge shared poster for the 'peaceful protest walk' to Facebook on Saturday morning.

'Wish I could join you all today. These are happening around Australia. Please film it for your record,' he wrote.

Evans signed off his message with the hashtags 'united we stand' and 'I do not consent'.

Celebrity chef Pete Evans has thrown his support behind a controversial protest against 5G and mandatory vaccination

The former MKR judge shared poster for the 'peaceful protest walk' to Facebook on Saturday morning

Evans was released from his contract at Channel 7 following a spate of controversial and often dangerous statements - mostly relating to coronavirus conspiracy theories.

Evans, who has also shared misleading information about immunisation, has insisted he is not an 'anti-vaxxer' but 'pro-choice'.

Vaccinations are a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them, the Australian Government says.

The jabs protect individuals and others in the community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

The protest Evans posted about encouraged demonstrators to meet at Hyde Park in Sydney at 12pm on Saturday.

The protesters were told 'join in' if they were 'concerned' about a list of issues which included the 'erosion' of human rights, the government's COVIDSafe app and media corruption.

The protest Evans posted about encouraged demonstrators to meet at Hyde Park in Sydney at 12pm on Saturday (pictured)

Evans was released from his contract at Channel 7 following a spate of controversial and often dangerous statements - mostly relating to coronavirus conspiracy theories

WHAT ARE THEY PROTESTING ABOUT? 'Erosion' of human and democratic rights

Government mobile tracking app

Mandatory vaccines

5G

Media corruption

Health care/medical options

Right to work

Economic repercussions of COVID-19 policies

'Toxic environment' Advertisement

The demonstration was also about the 'draconian shutdown' of the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

The government introduced a range of social distancing measures to successfully control the spread of COVID-19.

'Rally decorum. Be calm. The coordinators will lead peaceful chants,' the protest event description reads.

'Wear or pin your signs to your clothing and keep your hands free.'

Video footage from the event showed hundreds of demonstrators gathered in close proximity.

Video footage from the event showed hundreds of demonstrators gathered in close proximity

The protest goes against the NSW Government's COVID-19 restrictions which currently allow groups of 10 to gather in public

'Our body, our choice. Australia still has a voice,' the protesters chanted as they walked slowly through the park.

The vision showed a handful of police officers walk along with the crowd.

A man played his guitar while trudging along and sang 'I don't consent, United Nations.'

The demonstrators also held onto signs, some reading 'freedom is our birth right' and 'my body my choice'.

The protest goes against the NSW Government's COVID-19 restrictions which currently allow groups of 10 to gather in public.

Protesters claiming the COVID-19 pandemic was a 'scam' gathered at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne on Saturday, and carried signs declaring they were against vaccines and 5G technology.

Their placards stated '5G = communism', 'COVID 1984' and 'our ignorance is their strength'.

They booed police - clad in gloves and face masks - who warned the crowd they were breaching social-distancing rules designed to slow the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement, police said those found in breach of COVID-19 directions faced fines of $1652 each.

Similar protests were planned for Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart.

When asked about the protests, Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said 'there's no message that can get through to people who have no belief in science'.

'There's probably no reaching them,' he earlier told reporters.

Evans (pictured with wife Nicola), who has also shared misleading information about immunisation, has insisted he is not an 'anti-vaxxer' but 'pro-choice' (pictured with wife Nicola)

Anti-vaxxers spread false and dangerous theories, such as vaccines cause autism, based on a completely discredited 1998 medical report that saw the author struck from the medical register.

Before vaccination campaigns in the 1960s and 1970s, diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough killed thousands of children, whereas today in Australia, dying from one of these is extremely rare.

Health authorities have warned that not immunising children threatens the public's 'herd immunity' against disease.

'Immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect you and your children from harmful, contagious diseases. It also safeguards the health of other people, now and for future generations,' the Australian government's health department says.

'Before vaccination campaigns in the 1960s and 1970s, diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough killed thousands of children. Today, it is extremely rare to die from these diseases in Australia.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 14:28:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PYONGYANG, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has said that it fully supports China's decision on national security legislation for Hong Kong, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Saturday.

It is a legitimate step that China has adopted the Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to Safeguard National Security, which is based on the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, at the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), the KCNA quoted a spokesperson for the ministry as saying.

"We fully support the measures taken by the Party and government of China for safeguarding the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the country and achieving stability and prosperity of Hong Kong based on the policy of 'one country, two systems,'" the spokesperson said.

A difficult situation is being created in Hong Kong in recent years, which threatens the principle of "one country, two systems" and the national security of China, he noted.

"This is the product of a plot by the external force and its vassal forces that seek the division and disintegration of China by tarnishing the image of a socialist country and fomenting and escalating a social disorder," the spokesperson added.

"Since Hong Kong issue is one pertaining thoroughly to the internal affairs of China, any country or force has no rights to say this or that about it. We categorically oppose and reject foreign interference detrimental to the security and the social and economic development of Hong Kong," the report continued.

On Thursday, deputies to China's 13th NPC voted overwhelmingly to approve the decision on national security legislation for Hong Kong. Enditem
Protesters in Kosovo Oppose President's Nominee for Prime Minister

By VOA News May 29, 2020

Protesters supporting Kosovo's ruling Self-Determination Movement, or Vetevendosje!, took to the streets of Pristina, the capital, Thursday to oppose President Hashim Thaci's nominee to be the country's new prime minister after the Constitutional Court upheld his decree for the nomination.

A poster read "We want elections," and a banner said, "On the side of justice, not the president."

Arlind Manxhuka, a spokesperson for Vetevendosje!, said the peaceful gathering of a few thousand supporters was intended to show the party's ability to organize a protest while respecting coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

"Taking into consideration the many requests we received from activists and citizens to organize a protest against the latest political developments in our country [Kosovo], we felt obligated to demonstrate a way in which an eventual protest could be held in this new condition of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

Thaci nominated Avdullah Hoti, from the center-right Democratic League of Kosovo, or LDK, to replace acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who lost a no-confidence vote in March. That vote was spurred by the LDK, then a junior partner in governing coalition with Vetevendosje!

The movement argues Hoti's nomination to form a new government is unconstitutional, saying that it is the only party entitled to do so because it won the most seats in Kosovo's October parliamentary election. It has further said that if it cannot form a government, the country should hold new elections.

The LDK says it has at least the 61 votes in the 120-seat parliament, required for his confirmation.

Kosovo's Constitutional Court had suspended the nomination decree until May 29.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






(Newser)  Demonstrators marched, stopped traffic, and in some cases lashed out violently at police as protests erupted Friday in dozens of US cities following the killing of George Floyd after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck while taking him into custody in Minnesota. In Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and beyond, thousands of protesters chanted, "No justice, no peace" and "Say his nameGeorge Floyd." After hours of peaceful protest in downtown Atlanta, some demonstrators suddenly turned violent, smashing police cars, setting one on fire; spray-painting the iconic logo sign at CNN headquarters; and breaking into a restaurant. The crowd pelted officers with bottles, chanting, "Quit your jobs." At least three officers were hurt and there were multiple arrests, per an Atlanta police rep. "This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.," Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a presser.

story continues below

"We are better than this as a city," she continued, adding: "You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country." In Minneapolis, per the AP, a curfew did little to stop protesters and others from gathering in several areas of the city, which saw scattered small fires and some stores in a strip mall being broken into. An initially peaceful demonstration in New York City spiraled into chaos, as protesters skirmished with officers, destroyed police vehicles, and set fires. In Houston, where George Floyd grew up, several thousand people rallied in front of City Hall. Police had apparently taken into custody a woman who had a rifle and had tried to use it to incite the crowd. Protester Jimmy Ohaz, 19, came from the nearby city of Richmond, Texas. "My question is how many more?" he said. "I just want to live in a future where we all live in harmony."

(Read more George Floyd stories.)
Los Angeles restaurants and hair salons were allowed to reopen; pictured is a May 8, 2020 file image of a policewoman shopping at LA's Flower District

Los Angeles restaurants and hair salons were granted permission to reopen immediately Friday, as restrictions were eased despite fears the city has become a coronavirus hotspot.

Restaurants in Los Angeles county -- which has suffered more than half of California's virus deaths -- will be allowed to offer dine-in services with capacity limited to 60 per cent.

Customers will be required to wear face coverings while not eating, must wait for their tables outside the restaurant, and will be screened for symptoms on entry.

Bar areas of restaurants will remain closed.

"This further brings our communities together and resumes a sense of normalcy, representing monumental progress for Los Angeles County on the path toward recovery," Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Kathryn Barger said.

Densely populated Los Angeles county has suffered more than 50,000 confirmed coronavirus cases including 2,290 deaths, and has lagged behind most of California in reopening.

But officials say progress has been made on flattening the curve of new cases, and testing and hospital capacity have been boosted.

Earlier this week, all shopping malls, offices and places of worship were granted permission to reopen.

The latest measures were approved by state officials Friday.

Hair salons will also require screening for symptoms on entry, and face coverings for both staff and employees.

Last week, Mayor Eric Garcetti dismissed a Trump administration warning that the city's continued lockdown due to coronavirus could be illegal, saying he would not be "pushed by politics."

Federal authorities had warned long-term restrictions in the United States' second largest city "may be both arbitrary and unlawful."
Senator Dino Melaye says that Covid-19 case in Kogi state is real, stating that he personally knows the patient.

Earlier, the family of the patient, identified as the Chief Imam of Kabba, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Ejibunu, confirmed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)s on his status.

Speaking in a press statement on Saturday, Melaye who represented Kogi west senatorial district during the 8th national assembly said he fails to understand why the state government is in denial.

He said, I want to announce that the covid-19 case in Kogi is real and authentic and can not understand why any responsible government will want to deny and invariably kill her citizens.

Advertisement

One of the cases is from Kabba and the victim is personally known to me. I cannot be part of those who will play politics with the lives of my people.

Covid-19 is real but not a death sentence if handled early enough. Family members of the Kabba victim who got referral to Abuja from Federal Medical Center in Lokoja and all those who had contact with him should please surrender themselves for test so as to curtail the spread.

Read Also: Kogi Rejects NCDC Result, Insists State Free Of Covid-19

Kogi State government must come down from her imaginary high horse and start contact tracing to help curtail the spread.

It is illogical to think we will be free with our proximity to affected states. God will hear our cry and heal our land. God bless Okunland! God bless Kogi West! God bless Kogi State, he said.
The Punjab School of Education Board (PSEB) has announced Class 10, 5 and 8 results.

The Punjab School of Education Board (PSEB) has announced results for classes 5, 8 and 10. Those who appeared for the exams can check their result by visiting the PSEB's official website: pseb.ac.in

Besides the website, Class 10 students can check results via SMS.

The results of these three classes have been declared on the basis of the Continuous and comprehensive Evaluation (CCE).

According to the Indian Express, students have been awarded grades not marks this time and they all have been passed.

Earlier this month, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh had informed that students of classes 5 and 8 would be promoted to the next grade.

He also said that Class 10 students would be promoted to the next grade on the basis of pre-board results.

Coronavirus led to postponement of exams in the state. Punjab board exams for classes 10 and 12 were slated to be conducted between 20 and 31 March, but was later rescheduled to be held from 1 April. The exams were further deferred due to the pandemic.

The date sheet for Class 12 will be released soon after reviewing the situation of the coronavirus in the state.

How to check results of Class 5, 8 and 10
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Celebrating the Goa Statehood Day

On May 30 we celebrate the Goa Statehood Day. Goa was liberated from the colonial rule in December 1961. After Liberation a major controversy arose as to whether it should remain a separate territory or should merge into a neighbouring State, Maharashtra or Mysore. In 1967, an Opinion Poll was held, the only such referendum in independent India. It decided that Goa, Daman and Diu should remain a separate entity with the status of an Union Territory. Thereafter all the three major political parties, the United Goans, the Congress, and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party sought statehood for Goa.

This demand was raised in March 1971 by Shri A. N. Naik of the United Goans Party who moved a private members resolution to this effect in the Legislative Assembly of Goa, Daman and Diu. It was approved unanimously. Sometime thereafter, Shri Purushottam Kakodkar of the Congress introduced in the Lok Sabha a Bill demanding statehood for Goa and in October 1976, Shri R. L. Pankar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party moved a private members resolution in the Legislative Assembly also seeking statehood for Goa. Replying to the debate, Chief Minister Sashikala Kakodkar stated In the early years after Liberation the M.G. Party stood for merger with Maharashtra and fought for it through the Opinion Poll in a democratic way. The verdict of the Poll went against the merger and the M.G. Party accepted the peoples verdict because it believes in the wisdom of the electorate. Goa, Daman and Diu are and should be what the people of this territory want to make of it.

When I was elected to Parliament in 1977, the Union Government was led by the Janata Party. Whilst Prime Minister Morarji Desai was opposed to small States, Home Minister Charan Singh supported them. Jayaprakash Narayan, the patron of the Janata Party also supported small States. In 1969, in an article in the Hindustan Times, he called for breaking up oversized States such as UP, Bihar, MP and a few others... The breaking up of large States, apart from resulting in a more compact, efficient and close to the people administration, should also go far to mitigate linguistic jingoism he wrote.

My first speech in the Lok Sabha on April 4, 1977 and several of my subsequent speeches in Parliament dealt with the need to provide statehood to Goa. On May 30, 1987, Goa ceased to be a Union Territory and became the twenty fifth State of the Union of India.

In April, 2013 the Goa Legislative Assembly demanded special status for Goa under Art 371 of the Constitution. Special status was sought for Goa on two grounds. As a result of large scale purchase of land by persons from outside Goa, including foreigners, the average Goan cannot afford a house or land in Goa. Furthermore, there is large scale migration into the State which may destroy Goas identity.

The demand for Special Status was misconceived. The State Government has the required powers to resolve the two issues. Land is a State subject vide entry 18 of the State List in the Constitution and the State can also legislate on land vide entry 6 of the Concurrent List. In addition, the 74th amendment to the Constitution provides that the function of regulation of land use and construction of buildings is one of the municipal functions. As a result of these legal provisions a State is competent to enact laws to restrict land transactions so as to protect the interests of the local people. This protection may involve restrictions on purchase of agricultural land by non-agriculturists as well as restrictions on purchase of land and property by outsiders. Such legal provisions exist in several States. Under the Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, no person can purchase land in Maharashtra if he is not an agriculturist. Similar provision also operates in Uttar Pradesh. The right to property is no longer a fundamental right and hence a law by the State Government to protect the interests of the local population is unlikely to be declared null and void by any Court.

Another reason for demand of special status was the large scale influx of migrants into our State. Goa needs migrant labour. However, uncontrolled migration into the State can upset its demographic composition and lead to social and economic problems. There are several laws to control migration into the State but these laws are not being implemented effectively and remain largely on paper. The Interstate Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act of 1979, The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act of 1970 and the Goa Daman and Diu Inter State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules 1982 are some such laws. The 1979 Act provides for registration of all contractors who employed five or more interstate migrants on any day of the preceding twelve months. The contractors must furnish details of the workmen, issue a pass book with passport size photograph to every workman indicating where he is working and other details. The State Government is required to appoint inspectors to oversee implementation of the Act. The law directs builders and labour contractors to provide residential accommodation, sanitation and other facilities to the workers engaged by them. Yet, these provisions are ignored and much of the migrant labour lives in slums under the most unhygienic conditions which pose major health hazards to them as well as to the local people.

All migrant workers should be registered compulsorily in the Panchayats and Municipalities. Aadhar cards as well as Public Distribution System (PDS) cards should be issued to them to avoid having to buy food grains and kerosene at high prices. The State Government should hold a yearly audit of all contractors who employ migrant workers and submit a report to the State Legislature for its scrutiny. It should also open an Internet portal indicating the contractors and migrant workers in Goa for public information and verification. The machinery for implementation of the Labour legislation needs to be strengthened urgently.

Goa has achieved remarkable progress over the last five decades particularly in core sectors such as education, healthcare and development of infrastructure though there are obvious deficiencies in all these sectors. We must face the multifarious tasks that confront us today with courage and determination, with a rational outlook and commitment to a value system anchored on work ethics and the quest for excellence.

(The writer is a former Union Minister)
South Africa has about 80,000 unprocessed Covid-19 specimens as it battles with a shortage of testing kits, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

This challenge is caused by the limited availability of test kits globally, Mkhize said in a statement.

We continue to engage suppliers all over the world and have issued licenses through South African Health Products Regulatory Authority as part of mitigating this capacity challenge.

South Africa has recorded 27,403 coronavirus infections, 577 fatalities and 14,370 recoveries. At least 96,480 specimens hadnt been processed by May 25, according to the health ministry.

A total of 20,727 tests were conducted and processed Thursday, increasing the testing tally to 655,723.
South Korea To Ship $500,000 Worth Of Medicine To Iran As Humanitarian Export

Radio Farda May 29, 2020

The South Korean Foreign Ministry on Thursday said its first shipment of medicine worth $500,000 will be sent to Iran on Friday.

The shipment of medicine to treat Gaucher's disease will be sent by air, the Ministry said and added that another shipment of medicine and medical supplies worth $2 million is to be delivered to Iran next month.

The shipments of medicine from South Korea come after the United States in April gave the green light for humanitarian exports to Iran without being caught up in complications arising from U.S. sanctions.

In its press release on Thursday, the Korean Foreign Ministry has said that Seoul will continue consultations with Washington and Tehran to find ways to expand trade to medicine, good and agricultural products to Iran.

Last month, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Korea had rejected a SWIFT payment for coronavirus test kits due to U.S. sanctions.

"Apart from the license program, South Korea is also pushing for the Korean Humanitarian Trade Arrangement, which uses an Iranian bank free from U.S. sanctions  such as the Middle East Bank  to facilitate humanitarian transactions with the Islamic republic," Korea Times said on Friday.

In recent days the Iranian media have criticized Korea for refusing to free the money owed to Iran for oil exports that has been frozen in Korean banks for nearly two years.

There are no official figures on the amount of money frozen by Korean banks but according to Etemad daily it may be as high as $7 billion.

In December Iran summoned the Korean ambassador to protest to the delay in payment of the money owed to Iran for oil and condensates exported to the country, presumably for fear of breaching the U.S. sanctions.

Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/south-korea- to-ship-500-000-worth-of-medicine-to-iran-as- humanitarian-export/30641282.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






They dont put Guantanamo to shame (and they are understandable) but damn; St Lucias new tourist rules and regulations are almost enough to put you off travelling until The Pandemic is a footnote in history.

Backing up a second, heres some context: despite most people doing sweet f*ck all during lockdown (to the point where were getting experimental with our hair and beards) we can surely all agree were going to need a holiday to unwind from the stress and pressures handed to us by The Bat Kiss.

What better place to go then, than a Caribbean island; sipping on a cocktail or two while gazing out at crystal blue waters? Fortunately for you (were assuming your interest was piqued), Saint Lucia, a small island situated to the North West of Barbados, has said it will reopen its borders for travellers looking to escape their daily stressors and find some sanctuary among sand and sea.

Although, there is one catch that might cause more stress and turmoil than what youre escaping

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travel Saint Lucia (@travelsaintlucia) on May 25, 2020 at 6:03am PDT

Thats because Saint Lucia has said that even though it will welcome international arrivals from June 4th 2020, anyone who arrives on the island will have to adhere to a strict set of guidelines that will prevent you from doing pretty much anything.

As reported by One Mile At A Time, Saint Lucia asks all guests to be tested within 48 hours of their flight and present a certified negative result at the check-in desk of the departure airport. They will then need to wear masks for the duration of the flight(s), even if the particular airline doesnt make it a compulsory measure.

The fun doesnt stop there. Once on terra firma in Saint Lucia, guests will need to have their temperature taken and can only take an authorised taxi to their accommodation, booked by the hotel, of course. No rideshares. No renting of cars.

Once you arrive at the hotel, you may as well make sure youve got plenty to occupy yourself with once inside the four walls. While you will be able to leave the confines of your room to explore the island, you wont be able to dine out anywhere as all restaurants will remain shut. The only place you can eat is inside your hotel of choice, and even then, you will be subject to a temperature screening at every meal.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travel Saint Lucia (@travelsaintlucia) on Mar 7, 2020 at 2:01pm PST

Its understandable that Saint Lucia is determined to keep the island nation safe from any further outbreaks, having recorded just 18 positive cases and zero deaths. But, despite the 4th of June reopening, we cant find any flights from Sydney to Saint Lucia until July, when you can expect to pay in excess of AU$9,000 for a return business class seat.

American travellers may, however, be pleased to know they can travel to the Caribbean, with direct flights available from Miami (which acts as a stopover airport for other major US airports). A return flight with British Airways will set you back around US$950, just dont expect a business class seat. Its economy all the way.

If you plan to book a holiday, best pack your hiking boots.

Read Next
Normalcy with restrictions has some people confused By Sandun Jayawardana View(s): View(s):

As Colombo and Gampaha districts open up after nearly two months, workers who live in out stations reluctant to return fearing lack of lodging facilities and contracting COVID-19, say employers

Some point out current ban on travel between the Colombo and Gampaha districts is illogical and impractical

The countrys gradual return to normalcy in the post-COVID-19 era took another step forward this week as curfew throughout the island was relaxed for the first time in more than two months, enabling citizens to finally go about their daily lives while adhering to the health and safety guidelines put in place by authorities.

The week was also immensely significant for the Colombo and Gampaha districts as authorities finally relaxed an indefinite curfew that had been in place in these districts since March. While the first stage of the Governments resumption of civilian life and work in these districts began on May 11 while curfew was still in effect, normalcy was further restored with the lifting of curfew during the day from last Tuesday (26).

Even though curfew was finally lifted, there were still many restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Health authorities continue to insist that state and private sector institutions should only ask the minimum number of employees needed to run the organization on a day-to-day basis to report to work. In most state sector institutions in the Colombo district, only  of the workforce is reporting to work. The heads of both public and private sector organisations have been given the responsibility to decide on the numbers and personnel they call into work.

Bakeries

With an island-wide curfew only in place from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily, many sectors which had remained closed or had operated at minimal capacity recommenced work this week. Most bakeries in the Colombo and Gampaha districts, for example, only started operating from Tuesday. N.K. Jayawardena  President Bakery Owners Association estimated that about 90% of bakeries were now open.

Though they have opened, many bakeries in the Colombo and Gampaha districts are experiencing a shortage of staff, Mr Jayawardena revealed. This is mainly because of the restrictions still in place regarding travel between these two districts. The vast majority of our bakery staff reside outside these districts. Many are from far off places such as Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Bandarawela. They are fearful of returning on account of questions over whether they will be allowed to cross into these districts, lack of public transport and uncertainty over whether they can find boarding places, he explained.

Mr Jayawardena opined that the current ban on travel between the Colombo and Gampaha districts was illogical and impractical.

For example, a person who travels on a bus from Kandy can get down at Nittambuwa and hop on another bus to Colombo. Who is going to stop them? Its just a matter of changing buses. It may be a bit of a nuisance to the passenger, but we know its happening.

Construction industry

The construction industry too is starting to resume work once more in the Colombo district, though there are still a host of issues that need to be sorted out. About 80% of our clients are in the state sector. They are supposed to be running on  of their workforce but in reality, the number of employees currently in state offices are even less, said M.G.K. Karunawansa, Chairman (Western Branch) of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL). Clients are required to conduct inspections, pass funds for the projects and approve various construction related matters. To do that, they need people in their offices. Yet, when we have visited state sector offices, there are very few staff in attendance. In many cases, there are far less present than the  they can get down to work. Most staff in state offices still work from home and those who do report to work come in late and leave early. They dont have enough personnel to look into our projects so nothing much gets done.

Mr Karunawansa, who represents small and medium construction industries, added that they themselves only have a limited number of workers at their construction sites due to restrictions imposed by health authorities. We can manage, but this is an issue in large sites where hundreds of workers are employed. Its very difficult to manage a site that usually has 100 workers with just 25. Productivity goes down and we cant meet the contract deadlines.

Many construction workers too, reside in far off villages outside the Western province. Many are from villages in the upcountry and the Northern, Eastern and Southern provinces. Some have been stuck in Colombo for almost two months and have only just got back to their villages through state assistance. They have issues such as whether there will be enough buses now to come back to Colombo and whether they can find boarding places. Some think they need permission from Grama Niladharis or PHIs to return to work. We have sent letters or text and WhatsApp messages to them to show police when they are coming as proof that they have been called in to work, he explained.

Mr Karunawansa said the Governments messages for those coming in to work were not clear enough. People are confused by a lot of things, and there is also real apprehension among those based in far flung villages that they could become infected with COVID-19 by working in Colombo and then carry it to their villages. I havent seen a concerted effort from authorities yet to allay these fears.

He added that they were in talks with the Construction Industry Development Authority to find solutions to the problems they are currently faced with.

Salons and tourism industry

Meanwhile, salons are still only conducting a limited number of services with about 50% of staff. We are conducting less than 50% of our services still and all our clients come by prior appointment, said Nayana Karunaratne, President of Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians.

While working in masks, wearing face shields and other gear required under the new guidelines can get uncomfortable, Ms Karunaratne said they had no complaints. We are working. Its better than nothing. She also pointed out that the equipment and strict guidelines were necessary for salons as this was a trade where social distancing cannot be practiced between them and the customer.

Efforts to revive the tourism industry, which was among the most severely hit by the pandemic, have also commenced. As a first step, the Government allowed hotels and restaurants registered under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to open from Wednesday (27) for in-house dining. Depending on its progress, the Government hopes to open unregistered eateries later on.

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said the hotels and restaurants are being opened for in-house dining and local guests as the industry gradually opens for domestic tourism. The next target is to open the country up to foreign tourists from August 1, she noted. Meanwhile, hotels are also being allowed to open their banquet halls for weddings and other functions provided they strictly adhere to health sector guidelines. Key guidelines include ensuring a 1.5 metre distance among guests, limiting the seating capacity to  of the hall and only allowing a maximum of 100 guests inside the hall.

While restaurants in hotels will be open, other hotel facilities such as spas, gyms and swimming pools will continue to be closed, Ms Fernando stressed.

Railways

Meanwhile, transport for those coming into work has further improved, according to authorities. Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) started operating 27 trains this week for those reporting to work. They were operated on five lines, namely, Main Line, Coastal Line, Kelani Valley line, Puttalam Line and Northern Line. A further two trains were added later between Beliatta to Colombo and Kandy to Colombo.

There were more than enough trains to accommodate the number of passengers, Deputy General Manager of Railways Vajira Polwattage assured. We had a seating capacity of 18, 000 in the trains operated on Wednesday, but only 15, 901 passengers took the train, he said.

While trains are still only reserved for those commuting to work, Mr Polwattage said there have been instances where some had attempted to travel by train for personal journeys, which is still not allowed. The other issue is that passengers dont wait for their allocated train, but try to board the first train that pulls up at the station. The system of assigning trains to each individual is to make contact tracing easier. Overcrowding a train increases the risk of the virus spreading to people and also makes contact tracing difficult, which is why we are appealing to commuters to exercise discipline and to wait for their assigned train, he emphasized.

New guidelines in motion The Health Ministry also issued an updated set of guidelines this week for 46 different work settings and public activities. Titled, Towards a New Normal, the guidelines cover a range of measures that should be practiced as the country gradually moves out of the lockdown imposed owing to COVID-19. The guidelines themselves cover a range of areas such as transport, recreation, religious activities, social functions and shopping. Some of the guidelines are already being enforced. For example, three-wheelers are keeping the maximum number of adult passengers to two and are also installing a transparent barrier between the driver and passenger.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The export of defense products from Turkey to Kazakhstan in the first 4 months of 2020 plunged by nearly 85 percent compared to the same period in 2019 and amounted to $284,000, Turkish Trade Ministry told Trend.

In April 2020, exports of defense products from Turkey to Kazakhstan made up $3,000, which is 90.7 percent less compared to the same period in 2019.

From January through April of this year, export of Turkish defense products to international markets decreased by 20.8 percent compared to the same period of 2019, having amounted to $643.2 million. Meanwhile, Turkeys defense industry export accounted for 1.2 percent of the country's total export.

In April 2020, Turkey exported $160.6 million worth defense industry products to the world markets, which is 18.5 percent less compared to the same month of 2019.

Turkeys export of defense products in April 2020 amounted to 1.68 percent of the country's total export.

From April 2019 through April 2020, Turkey exported the defense products in the amount of $2.5 billion.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
OTTAWAThe head of Canadas federal housing agency wrote a one-word email in November to sum up the time it took to figure out just which newly shuffled cabinet minister was responsible for the agency, which oversees billions in affordable housing spending and mortgage underwriting.

Madness.

The whirlwind journey is laid out in emails obtained by The Canadian Press under the federal Access to Information Act. Parts of the documents have been blacked out, citing privacy and internal government deliberations.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. manages the national housing strategy, which totals some $40 billion in federal and provincial spending, and billions more to help first-time home buyers and others applying for mortgages.

Before the 2019 fall federal election, things were clear: CMHC reported to then social development minister Jean-Yves Duclos, who oversaw the housing strategy and the governments anti-poverty measures, including homelessness.

After the election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau moved pieces around his cabinet, including Duclos, an economics professor who studied many of the issues Employment and Social Development Canada and CMHC handled.

Duclos became president of the Treasury Board. His old file was split between Ahmed Hussen, who took over child benefits and homelessness programs, and Carla Qualtrough, who handled the massive employment insurance file, among other employment and training programs.

The department, like all others after new cabinet ministers are sworn in, quickly prepared briefing documents. Normally, that would be done with some foresight ahead of time, but not always, said Kathy Brock, a policy studies professor at Queens University in Kingston, Ont.

In some cases, the public service is reacting on the turn of a dime, and other times, no, they have a better sense of where the government is going and what it is going to do, said Brock, whose researches how the public service operates.

In either case, change can cause resistance or questioning within the public service, she said.

On the evening of Nov. 20, 2019, hours after the new cabinet was sworn in, CMHC reached out to arrange a briefing for Qualtrough, understanding the agency would report to her and not Hussen. The agencys president, Evan Siddall, was going to be in Qualtroughs Vancouver-area riding for a board meeting.

The answer an hour later from the office of the top public servant at ESDC: We are still working to sort out where CMHC has landed, the email reads, noting it is not obvious.

CMHC, the email said, would report to Hussen.

Not so, according to the Privy Council Office, the central bureaucracy that supports the prime minister and cabinet. It was Qualtrough.

Fyi, I gather people arent sure about where we go, Siddall wrote shortly thereafter to the ESDCs deputy minister, Graham Flack.

Things werent any clearer the next morning, before briefing books for the new ministers were complete.

One senior official thought CMHC landed with Hussen because they couldnt see homelessness moving.

No, Flack replied. The Privy Council Office confirmed it is Minister Q. Flows from role as Min of ESDC, he wrote, meaning the minister responsible for the department.

Id prefer separating homelessness and CMHC as it makes more sense in terms of balancing responsibilities, the reply goes on to say. I just havent had enough interaction to know how linked the two files are.

A few more emails flew around, and the idea of separating housing and homelessness efforts between two ministers was considered weird.

Dividing CMHC and homelessness between 2 ministers is not ideal  similar to the world we were previously in on EI (employment insurance), reads an early morning email on Nov. 21 to the departments top brass.

Not fatal if it happens and people will make it work, but definitely will make things more difficult and needlessly complicated.

The Liberals unveiled their 10-year, $40-billion national housing strategy in late 2017 in partnership with provinces and territories. Theyve since boasted the total cost is over $55 billion, counting funding to help offset mortgage costs for first-time home buyers.

The strategy  known inside government by the acronym NHS  targets the building and updating of affordable housing and has obvious overlaps with a separate strategy to combat homelessness and reduce poverty levels.

It would also be strange (and perhaps awkward) to have 2 different Ministers responsible for different elements of the NHS and yet accountable for shared outcomes, reads another email to Flack as the morning rolled on.

And, finally, an answer.

CMHC got a call from someone involved in the transition team to say it is Hussen and NOT Qualtrough, an email to Siddall reads, and adds, that was always their intention. Similar calls went to people at ESDC, who learned Hussen was destined to be responsible for the department.

Siddall flipped the message to Flack.

Madness, Siddall wrote.

Im calling to give you the back story, Flack replied.
By IANS

ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court of Islamabad has issued bailable arrest warrants for former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, Nawaz Sharif due to his absence in the proceedings of a reference that accused him of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts.

The reference was filed before the court on March 2, reports Dawn news.

Accountability Judge Syed Asghar Ali on May 15 issued summons for Sharif, as well as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Zardari, former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani and two others, who were nominated as accused in the reference.

According to the National Accountability Bureau reference, Gillani had been accused of illegally allotting cars to Zardari and Sharif.

Since Sharif has been in London for treatment and no one appeared on his behalf to seek exemption from personal attendance, the judge on Friday issued bailable warrants for his arrest.

The court directed all the accused persons, including Sharif and Zardari, to ensure attendance on the next date of proceedings, June 11.
The nurses at Amita Health Saint Joseph Medical Center Joliet have been working without a contract since May 9 and have been in contract negotiations since February, said Pat Meade, a longtime nurse at the hospital and a member of the Saint Joseph Nurses Association, which is part of the Illinois Nurses Association. The nurses have not yet set a strike date and plan to continue negotiations in hopes of averting one, she said.
Billionaire politician, Ned Nwoko took to his Instagram page on Saturday to announce that his darling wife, Regina Daniels is expecting a child.

The lawmaker shared photos of the pregnant actress.

In the photos, Daniels donned a black turtle gown as she held her protruding baby bump.

Nwoko captioned the photos;

Advertisement

 It is now official. I am excited to announce that my baby is having a baby

Social media users have trooped to the comment section to congratulate the couple as they welcome their bundle of joy soon.

Read Also: Toyin Lawani Finds Love Again, Flaunts Boyfriend (Photos)

See the post below:
One of the signs erected by locals near the site for the proposed crematorium

The long-running saga over a controversial plan to build a crematorium in north Cork is set to run on beyond the summer after it was confirmed a definitive decision on the proposal has been put back by almost two months.

In January of this year it emerged the proposal by Classic Lodges (Ireland) Ltd for the facility on the site of the former Duhallow Park Hotel at Drumcommer Beg, Kanturk, had been shot down by County Council planners over concerns about public health and the environment.

The following month, prior to the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, the company lodged an appeal against the decision with An Bord Pleanala, with the board saying it expected to make its ruling on the appeal on or before June 18.

However, an official with the appeals board has confirmed to The Corkman that the decision date has now been put back to August 13 as a result of restrictions put in place following the COVID-19 outbreak, which has delayed the decision-making process. The crematorium proposal had galvanised the local community into action, with more than 50 observations/submissions lodged with Cork County Council against the initial application, and an online petition calling on people to voice their objections to the facility.

Concerns raised included the level of traffic the facility would generate along an already busy stretch of the N72 Mallow-to-Killarney Road and the potential impact it might have on public health and the surrounding environment.

In their ruling, planners cited one reason for the refusal saying that - on the basis of the information submitted, including a number of further information requests after the plan was initially lodged in December 2018 - they were "not satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely impact on public health and the environment by reason of serious air pollution".

"The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," they concluded.

While it had been hoped locally that the decision might finally draw a line under the issue, one anonymous source at the time conceded that this may not be case, telling The Corkman "the battle has been won, but the war still carries on".

Those words have turned out to be prophetic following the lodging of the appeal against the refusal decision.

The lengthy submission to the appeals board was lodged by certified planning consultants McCutcheon Halley on behalf of their client Classic Lodges (Ireland) Ltd.

It said a revised air-quality dispersion assessment report had been prepared, as per one if the further information request, which "demonstrates that there will be no impacts to air quality and no impacts to public health or the environment as a result of the proposed development".

It pointed out that, excluding the air quality assessment, all other matters raised in requests for further information "had been dealt with to the satisfaction of the planning authority".

These included: traffic and safety; noise assessment; the design of the facility; connection to mains gas supply; surface water and wastewater treatment and public lighting.

It further pointed out that the planning authority, as stated in the senior planners report, had indicated their approval of the development in principle from a land use and roads impact perspective.

It added that the majority of the site-specific issues raised by further information requests had been adequately addressed.
Seeking to deter further shipments of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, the Trump administration has quietly warned foreign governments, seaports, shipping companies and insurers that they could face stiff US sanctions if they aid the tanker flotilla, the US envoy on Venezuela told Reuters on Friday. Elliott Abrams, Washington's special representative on Venezuela, said the pressure campaign targeting heavily sanctioned US foes Iran and Venezuela was being waged "to be sure everyone recognizes this would be a very dangerous transaction to assist." The Venezuelan navy on ...
US President Trump dramatically escalated his reckless anti-China campaign yesterday across the board, making clear that a dangerous confrontation between the two countries is all but inevitable.

In his press conference yesterday, Trump not only declared that his administration would completely revise Hong Kongs special status under US law with far-reaching implications for Hong Kong and China. He also launched into a tirade of accusations and liesfrom false claims that Beijings cover-up was responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, to his oft-repeated trade war demagogy that China had ripped off the US economy for decades.

Trumps remarks followed the passage of national security legislation covering Hong Kong by the National Peoples Congress in China on Thursday that provoked fresh protests in Hong Kong. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo set the stage for Trumps announcement by formally declaring earlier this week that Hong Kong no longer had a high degree of autonomy, paving the way for punitive measures.

The Chinese legislation is undoubtedly anti-democratic and will be used to intimidate and arrest critics and political opponents in Hong Kong under sweeping subversion, terrorist and foreign influence provisions. The US intervention, however, has nothing to do with defending the democratic rights of the Hong Kong people, but is part of the intensifying US campaign to undermine China which Washington regards as a threat to US global dominance.

Trump hailed Hong Kong as a free society and a bastion of liberty, but the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997. Democratic rights in Hong Kong have always been limited. China took over the colonial forms of rule from the Britishthe unelected British colonial governor became the chief executive appointed by a pro-Beijing committee and the limited elections for the legislative council remained in place.

Washington has a long history of selectively raising the banner of human rights as the pretext for pursuing wars of aggression in the Middle East and regime-change operations to install pro-US puppets. The gross hypocrisy of Trumps comments on Hong Kongs liberty is underscored by the massive police mobilisation to suppress demonstrations in Minneapolis and other American cities over the police killing of George Floyd. Trump effectively gave police a license to shoot protesters when he tweeted When the looting starts, the shooting starts.

A 1992 law established that the US would continue to treat Hong Kong after it returned to Chinese rule in the same way as when it was a British colony. While he gave no details yesterday, Trump announced that he would take measures that will affect the full range of agreements we have with Hong Kong and would include action to revoke Hong Kongs preferential treatment as a separate customs and travel territory from the rest of China.

Hong Kongs special status under US law as well, as its maintenance British commercial law under the framework of one country, two systems, enabled it to retain its status as a major financial hub and base of operations for global corporations to conduct business in China. Trumps decision threatens to undermine the Hong Kong economy, hitting the working class hard.

Trump indicated that his administration would systematically strip Hong Kong of its special status in relation to trade and economic ties with the US and in regard to extradition and travel arrangements. This also threatens Hong Kongs special status for accessing so-called dual-use equipment that could have military applications.

Trumps announcements go far beyond the immediate issue of Hong Kong. He again accused Chinawithout a shred of evidenceof being responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic and its huge death toll. He reiterated his demands for answers from China on what he again provocatively called the Wuhan virus, in another bid to divert attention from his administrations criminal negligence that has led to more than 100,000 deaths in the US.

Trump took the opportunity to again lambast the World Health Organisation (WHO), absurdly stating that China had total control over it. Having previously suspended US involvement, he then declared that the US would pull out of WHO completely, effective immediately, for failing to accede to his bullying demands for reform. His actions are a threat to any international organisation that fails to fall into line with US interests.

Trump lashed out at China, declaring it had ripped off the United States like no one has ever done before and gutted American industrya clear warning that he will take further punitive trade war measures aimed at undermining the Chinese economy and corporations. In recent weeks, the White House has announced new sanctions aimed at crippling Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei by cutting off its access to vital high-end semi-conductor chips.

The US president also denounced Chinas alleged industrial espionage and announced new measures to block the entry of Chinese students claimed to be security risks into the United States. The New York Times reported earlier in the week that US officials had decided to proceed with blocking or cancelling the visasa move that could affect thousands of students.

While Trump did not dwell on the issue, his accusation that Beijing is unlawfully claiming territory in the Pacific Ocean and threatening freedom of navigation extends his aggressive anti-China campaign from the diplomatic and economic spheres into the military. Over recent months, the US Navy has stepped up its provocative freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straitactions that have the potential to trigger clashes in these sensitive strategic areas for China.

When asked about Trumps impending press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declared that the US should stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs and in Hong Kong. He warned: China will take all necessary measures to hit back if the US side is bent on harming China's interests.

Trumps statements were not, however, limited to Hong Kong. His sweeping diatribe against China on all fronts can only lead to a rapid escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed powers, as Beijing seeks to defend its economic and strategic interests. As in the 1930s, Washingtons vilification of Beijing and its trade war measures have a logic of their ownthe drive to a catastrophic military conflict that threatens the future of humanity.
In the midst of rising tensions with China and the World Health Organization, President Donald Trump on Friday announced that the U.S. was revoking its support for the agency, the latest escalation in a battle that has seen the president accuse the WHO of being beholden to Beijing, and failing in its obligations to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The WHO has come under heavy fire from the U.S. for being slow to declare COVID-19 a global crisis, and being perceived as too deferential to China, where the outbreak originated.

Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the World Health Organization, and pressured the World Health Organization to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered by Chinese officials, Trump told a news conference, where he also announced measures designed to punish Beijing over its provocations against Hong Kong.

China has total control over the WHO, despite only paying $40 million per year, compared to what the U.S. has been paying, which is approximately $450 million a year, Trump said.

Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, the president added.

The world needs answers from China on the virus. We must have transparency, he said.

But the bold move by Trump upset a number of top health experts in the country.

Dr. Atul Gawande, who heads Haven, the health venture between Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and J.P. Morgan, tweeted the move was a disaster.

Pulling out of WHO is a disaster for the lives and health of all people, including Americans. I cant imaging a worse thing to do in the midst of a pandemic and ongoing work to fight back TB, HIV, polio and other health threats. America First does not work for global disease, Gawande said.

Similarly, Dr. Tom Tsai, faculty and collaborator with the Harvard Global Health Institute, noted that details about the termination of the relationship were still unknown.

Story continues

President Trump has a history of making announcements without any clear policy guidance of what he means, Tsai said.

But what is clear, he said, is that the U.S. is abandoning a global effort to combat the pandemic at a time where its more crucially needed. The rest of world is still marching on, in terms of collaboration and cooperation. That mean the U.S. may be left behind to face this on its own and weve clearly seen the failure of that approach.

Separately, New York City was poised to mark a major turning point in the global crisis, with the city targeting June 8 to join other regions in relaxing the restrictions that have throttled the worlds largest economy.

Up until very recently, the Big Apple was considered one of the worlds largest epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected nearly 6 million worldwide and killed over 362,000. In the U.S., more than 1.7 million cases have been reported with more than 101,000 dead, but the Empire States daily death count hit a new low of 67 on Thursday.

Yet with hospitalizations and new infections on a down-curve, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the city would begin unwinding stay-at-home orders  among the nations strictest  with NYC-based businesses eyeing early June for a return to work. Meanwhile, CNBC reported that Wall Street banking giant Morgan Stanley will allow traders to come back to the office next month.

The developments come as the Centers for Disease Control unveiled wide-ranging office guidelines to prevent new infections, but are seen as having a dramatic impact on workplace culture. Both the CDC and the Empire States governor urged citizens to continue wearing masks, and abiding by social distancing measures to prevent further spreading.

Those simple devices...make all the difference, Cuomo told reporters on Friday. Getting 19 million people to do it, thats whats hard.

The U.S. coronavirus death count has surpassed 100,000. (Graphic: David Foster/Yahoo Finance)

More debate over COVID drug treatment

As more pharmaceutical companies rise to the challenge of finding effective COVID-19 treatments and a potential vaccine, new controversy was stirred over hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial generic thats been used in coronavirus trial treatments.

Reuters reported on Friday that Sanofi (SNY) has temporarily stopped recruiting new COVID-19 patients for two clinical trials on hydroxychloroquine, and will no longer supply the drug until concerns about safety are cleared up.

The drug has been the center of a media firestorm, especially after President Donald Trump announced he was using it as a preventative measure. Last week, an article in The Lancet article, a medical journal, prompted the World Health Organization to halt its trials on hydroxychloroquine.

However, that same article  which said the drug was ineffective and deadly  has been questioned by experts, with more than 100 doctors from around the world signing a letter that pushed back on its conclusions.

The subsequent media headlines have caused considerable concern to participants and patients enrolled in randomized controlled trials...This impact has led many researchers around the world to scrutinize in detail the publication in question. This scrutiny has raised both methodological and data integrity concerns, the letter said.

It isnt the first time experts have doubted The Lancets conclusions. It also published the results of clinical trials of Gilead Sciences antiviral treatment in China, which were halted due to a lack of sufficient participants. The article stated the treatment, remdesivir, was ineffective.

However, data from the National Institute of Health showed the treatment had a positive effect. But even those results had critics, saying the improvement seen in treated patients was insignificant and detailed data was missing.
Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sep 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (454)
UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday pledged that his country will make greater contributions to UN peacekeeping, on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

"China will continue taking concrete actions to honor its commitment to multilateralism and world peace, and contribute even more to UN peacekeeping," said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, in a video message.

"This year marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. China highly values the role played by the organization. We are a strong supporter and an active participant of UN peacekeeping," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a series of important proposals and solemn commitments at the UN Peacekeeping Summit in 2015. Those commitments have been implemented. Now, China is the second-largest financial contributor and a major troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. China is also one of the champions on the safety and security of peacekeepers in UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' Action for Peacekeeping initiative, said Zhang.

Some 2,500 peacekeepers from China are currently serving in nine mission areas. Eighteen Chinese peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice for peace, he noted.

Zhang extended his deepest respect for and thanks to all UN peacekeepers, and paid tribute to the more than 3,900 peacekeepers who gave their lives for the cause of peace since 1948.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers falls on May 29.
New Delhi, May 30 : As the Centre on Saturday adopted an exit step towards the 67-day long nationwide lockdown, declaring that the restrictions will be limited only to the containment zones up to June 30, it has also shortened the night curfew timings.

As per an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the night curfew will be imposed between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., instead of the present timing of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

"Night curfew movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. throughout the country, except for essential activities," the MHA said in its order.

The local authorities, it said, will issue orders in the entire area in their jurisdiction under the appropriate provisions of law.

The order said that the lockdown shall continue to remain in force in the containment zones till June 30.

"Containment zones will be demarcated by the district authorities after taking into consideration the guidelines of the Union Health Ministry," the order read.

As per the order, only essential activities will be allowed in the containment zones.

"There shall be strict perimeter control to ensure that there is no movement of people in or out of these zones, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services. In the containment zones, there shall be intensive contact tracing, house-to-house surveillance and other clinical interventions, as required," the order said.

The order also said that the states and Union Territories may identify buffer zones outside the containment zones, where new cases are more likely to occur.

"Within the buffer zones, restrictions as considered necessary may be put in place by the district authorities," the order said.

It also said that the states and Union Territories, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
On the completion of one year of the second term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government, Union Home Ministry on Saturday issued a list of its achievements which includes Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A from Jammu and Kashmir, the opening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, strict action on Terror and Insurgency, focus on North-east, steps taken on Women safety, Disaster management etc.

One year of Modi 2.0: MHA issues list of achievements, includes Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A from J-K, opening of Kartarpur Corridor, more

New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): On the completion of one year of the second term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government, Union Home Ministry on Saturday issued a list of its achievements which includes Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A from Jammu and Kashmir, the opening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, strict action on Terror and Insurgency, focus on North-east, steps taken on Women safety, Disaster management etc.

The ministry has termed the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A as a historic step. Historic step to remove Article 370 and 35A of Constitution of India, brought JK and Ladakh at par with other States and UTs, All provisions of Constitution of India, without any modifications or exceptions, to now apply to JK and Ladakh, Home Ministry stated.

The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir reorganised into Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature, and Union Territory of Ladakh without Legislature, formally came into force on 31st October 2019, it stated as some of its major achievements.

MHA has also said that the Ministry successfully organised Amarnath Yatra 2019 and 3,42,883 Yatris had safe and secure Darshan, higher by nearly 20 per cent, as compared to 2018. Another achievement that the government has highlighted is the opening of Kartarpur Corridor.

Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22nd November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe. India signed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement with Pakistan on 24th October 2019. Indian pilgrims of all faiths to undertake year-round Visa-free travel to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor  a long-standing demand of followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, MHA stated.

Similarly, Amendments in the NIA Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act have been listed in the achievement of the Union Home ministry under Strict Action on Terror and Insurgency.

According to MHA Disaster management is another of its key achievement. While the MHA has also played an important role in dealing with COVID-19, handling Cyclones like Vayu, Maha, Bulbul and Amphan.

Successful coordination of assistance to States and execution of Rescue and Rehabilitation and dissemination of timely information to national and regional media by MHA, sensitization workshop for nodal officers dealing with Disaster Management in all Departments/ Ministries of Central Government held by MHA, MHA stated.

Regarding the welfare of Paramilitary jawans, Home Ministry has stated that increasing Age of retirement of CAPFs personnel to 60 years, ensuring uniformity in age of retirement for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel and implementation of Organized Group A Services Status to Officers of CAPFs were accomplished in one year. (ANI)

For all the latest National News, download NewsX App
Okwawuman TV brings you the story of one of the first native prisons in Ghana situated at Kwahu Abene in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

A 98-year-old man, teacher Agyapong narrates the full story behind the Abene native prisons and other interesting stories that ever happened during and after the prisoners were transferred to Koforidua Prisons.

The Nana Kofi Akyeampong who was the Kwahu Paramount Chief in 1932 built the prison based on the notion that prisons were not treating the prisoners well.

Another aged man in the community told the crew that the Koforidua prisons finally took ownership of nine prisoners in 1964 after some were tried, acquitted and discharged.

Part of the building which could be renovated and use as a museum has collapsed and abandoned.

One interesting story about the historic prison is that one of the notorious inmates Kofi Gyeni, a native of Kwahu Pepease and known for causing troubles always caused a problem with the aim of going back to the prison the next month after he has been released.

His main reason was to go back to the prisons because he does not want the remaining inmates to enjoy the crops they planted.

Watch video below:
Corona India news live updates and COVID-19 tracker: Speaking at e-Agenda Aaj Tak on Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government's decision to impose lockdown was taken at the right time. He added that the country needs not fear COVID-19 but everyone should take necessary precautions. He added that that the COVID-19 pandemic is the toughest challenge the NDA government has faced in the past six years and India is fortunate to have Modi as the country's Prime Minister.

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: Pfizer CEO claims COVID-19 medicine could be ready by October-end

With just one day left in lockdown 4.0 to end on May 31, the country recorded 7,964 fresh coronavirus cases, and 265 deaths in the last 24 hours taking India's total count of confirmed novel coronavirus past 1.73 lakh. This tally includes 86,422 active cases, 82,369 recoveries, and 4,971 deaths, according to Union Health Ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is on the path to "victory" in it long drawn battle against COVID-19 recognising the "tremendous suffering" of migrant labourers among others. Meanwhile, US terminated its relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday, President Donald Trump announced as he blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.

Also Read: Coronavirus in India: Record 7,964 cases, 265 deaths in 24 hours takes country's tally past 1.73 lakh mark

Follow BusinessToday.In for all the latest updates on coronavirus in India and around the world:-

6.57 pm: Lockdown 5.0: MHA issues guidelines for phases reopening

MHA new guidelines lay down plan for phased reopening of lockdown in containment zones; states and union territories have been allowed to prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones or impose restrictions, based on their assessments.

4.45 pm: Rajasthan lockdown update

Monuments falling under Archaeology & Museum Department of the state will reopen from June 1 in areas that are not under containment zones, curfew areas, says official.

4.30 pm: Odisha coronavirus cases

State reports 96 new COVID-19 cases taking its tally to 1,819, while active cases are at 833, informed Odisha health department.

4.15 pm: 2 External Affairs Ministry employees test coronavirus positive

Two employees of Ministry of External Affairs tested positive for novel coronavirus on Saturday. All other staff people who came in contact with them have been asked to self-isolate themselves for 14 days, people familiar with the development said. (Inputs from PTI)

4.00 pm: COVID-19 updates Haryanan

Gurugram reports 61 fresh coronavirus cases on Saturday.

3.43 pm: Coronavirus cases Puducherry

4 new COVID-19 cases reported, active cases rise to 37 says official.

3.17 pm: Madhya Pradesh coronavirus lockdown

People in Sehore get employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act amid COVID-19 lockdown. Raveena, a worker says, "We have got the work of constructing a well here. I am pursuing studies along with helping my family in this work".

Madhya Pradesh: People in Sehore get employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act amid #COVID19 lockdown. Raveena, a worker says, "We have got the work of constructing a well here. I am pursuing studies along with helping my family in this work". pic.twitter.com/2lEP0AX4GN  ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020

3.00 pm: Uttar Pradesh coronavirus cases: Recovery rate at 59%

4,462 COVID-19 patients in UP have recovered so far, while the death toll of the state stands at 204, informed state principal secretary (health), Amit Mohan Prasad.

2.45 pm: Uttarakhand COVID-19 cases

Uttarakhand's Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday that the state recorded 11 new coronavirus cases till 2 pm, taking the total count to 727. (ANI)

2.30 pm: Tamil Nadu allows tv shoots

The state eases restrictins in tv shoots post May 31. Shooting with 60 members allowed.Tamil Nadu's total count of COVID-19 cases stands at 20,246 as of date, as per the Union Health Ministry.

2.15 pm: COVID-19 latest news

Passengers arrive at Manila International Airport, Indonesia to board a repatriation flight to Delhi and Jaipur under Vande Bharat Mission.

Indonesia: Passengers arrive at Manila International Airport to board a repatriation flight to Delhi and Jaipur under #VandeBharatMission. pic.twitter.com/HxVj5nDsBB  ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020

2.00 pm: Coronavirus live updates: Air India Delhi-Moscow flight turned back after pilot tested COVID-19 positive

The pilot's test results came after he took the flight off to Moscow. He turned back to Delhi after he was informed mid-way into the flight which was empty.

1.45 pm: Delhi govt four steps ahead of COVID-19, says CM Kejriwal

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday that his government is four steps ahead of COVID-19 adding that there is no need panic as most of the people are recovering at home. He added that out of the total coronavirus patients, only 2,100 are in hospitals, while the rest are undergoing treatment at their homes. "6500 beds are ready till date and 9500 beds will be ready by another week. It is a matter of concern but it is nothing to be scared of. I assure you that your government is four steps ahead of coronavirus," he stated.

1.30 pm: Delhi COVID-19 cases rising, says CM Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday that although the national capital's cases are rising, there is nothing to worry about assuring citizens that the government is fully prepared to tackle the situation. He said, "We cannot be in a permanent lockdown. The government is trying to ensure that deaths don't happen due to coronavirus."

1.15 pm: Delhi coronavirus lockdown updates

India's biggest medicine market, Bhagirath Palace closed till June 4 in the wake of increasing coronavirus places from it.

1.00 pm: Coronavirus latest updates

BJP never politicised COVID-19 crisis, Congress was irresponsible in approach, said party National President JP Nadda.

12.45 pm: Lockdown decision was taken at the right time, says Rajnath Singh

Speaking at e-Agenda Aaj Tak on Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government's decision to impose lockdown was taken at the right time. He added that the country needs not fear COVID-19 but everyone should take necessary precautions.

12.30 pm: Coronavirus toughest situation, India fortunate to have Modi as PM, says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that the COVID-19 pandemic is the toughest challenge the NDA government has faced in the past six years. Speaking to e-Agenda Aaj Tak, Singh said that India is fortunate to have Narendra Modi as the country's Prime Minister.

12.15 pm: Jammu and Kashmir coronavirus news

Kathua Police station sealed after a cop tested coronavirus positive.

12.00 pm: Delhi COVID-19 latest updates

Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) medical director and two staff members tested COVID-19 positive.

11.45 am: Rajasthan coronavirus cases: 45 more tested positive

Rajasthan recorded 45 new COVID-19 cases till 10.30 am on Saturday. Here are the city-wise details:-

Churu 8

Kota 8

Udaipur 8

Barmer 4

Karauli 3

Jhalawar 3

Dholpur 3

Bhilwara 3

Jaipur 2

Bharatpur 2

Jhunjhunu 2

Ganganagar 1

Baran 1

Hanumagarh 1

11.30 am: Karnataka lockdown 4.0

The state has eased its lockdown restrictions from 7 am to 7 pm for Sunday.

11.15 am: Coronavirus vaccine: US pharma company seeks marketing authorisation from India for remdesivir

A US pharmaceutical company has put in its application to India's drug regulator seeking marketing authorisation for its anti-viral vaccine remdesivir, which is being seen as a potential treatment for COVID-19.

11.00 am: Delhi-Haryana border sealed

Rush of vehicles at Singhu Border, GT Karnal Road as Police personnel check IDs and passes of commuters. Haryana govt has sealed borders with Delhi in the wake of increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

Rush of vehicles at Singhu Border, GT Karnal Road as Police personnel check IDs and passes of commuters. Haryana govt has sealed borders with Delh in the wake of increasing number of #COVID19 cases. pic.twitter.com/YJPEx8eBxL  ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020

10.45 am: Coronavirus lockdown: Traffic congestion at Delhi-Ghaziabad border

Traffic congestion at Delhi-Ghaziabad border near Ghazipur as Police personnel check passes & IDs of people, commuting through the route. Ghaziabad has sealed border with Delhi due increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

Traffic congestion at Delhi-Ghaziabad border near Ghazipur as Police personnel check passes & IDs of people, commuting through the route. Ghaziabad has sealed border with Delhi due increasing number of #COVID19 cases. pic.twitter.com/eK2pUbr9B4  ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020

10.30 am: 114 more Maharashtra cops test COVID-19 positive in 24 hours

114 police personnel have been testes positive for novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours in Maharashtra, while one personnel died due to the infection, informed the state police on Saturday. The total count of COVID-19 infected cops in the state now stands at 2,325 with 26 deaths so far.

10.15 am: Uttar Pradesh coronavirus updates

Principal Secretary Health UP Amit Mohan Prasad has said that Uttar Pradesh is conducting around 10,000 COVID-19 tests per day. He added that total 9,981 tests were done on Thursday, the highest for the state so far.

10.00 am: Coronavirus global updates: US reports 1,225 COVID-19 deaths, toll at 102,798

US reported 1,225 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours taking it total to 102,798 so far. The country's total count of cases stands at 1,745,606.

9.45 am: Coronavirus deaths in India

The country recorded 265 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. The death toll of India now stands at 4,971, as per the Union Health Ministry.

9.30 am: COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

India reported 7,964 fresh coronavirus cases and 265 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the country's tally past 1.73 lakh.

9.15 am: Coronavirus cases in India

The country's total COVID-19 cases topped 1.73 lakh on Saturday including 86,422 active cases, 82,369 recoveries, and 4,971 deaths, according to Union Health Ministry.
 Flash

A former leader of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) called for swift action to help Africa prevent a widespread food crisis, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, combined with a locust plague, are undermining food security in many African countries.



He Changchui, former assistant director-general of the FAO, said the international community should pay great attention to the rising food insecurity in Africa and make coordinated efforts to avoid more vulnerabilities.

While speaking at a webinar organized by Development Innovation Insider (Diinsider) on Thursday, He said it is not reasonable to think of food security as a less urgent issue, and postpone the measures to address it until complete control of the coronavirus is achieved.

For some African countries that are facing a high risk of food security, delayed action means heavier prices, He added.

The number of people suffering acute food insecurity (IPC/CH 3 or worse) stood at 135 million in 2019, and more than half of the affected population was in Africa, according to the Global Report on Food Crises produced by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and 15 other humanitarian and development partners.

As the report was released in April, the WFP warned that the COVID-19 pandemic could almost double the number, pushing it to more than a quarter of a billion by the end of 2020.

At a press release published on May 14, the Regional Office for Africa of the World Health Organization (WHO) also expressed concern about the potential impact of COVID-19 on food security in Africa.

COVID-19 is exacerbating food shortages as food imports, transportation and agricultural production have all been hampered by a combination of lockdowns, travel restrictions and physical distancing measures, the statement said.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, said, "COVID-19 is unfolding in Africa against a backdrop of worrying levels of hunger and undernourishment, which could worsen as the virus threatens livelihoods and household economies."

Meanwhile, Qu Dongyu, director-general of the FAO, said at a virtual briefing on May 21 that despite significant gains, efforts to control desert locusts will still take time, noting that upsurges of this magnitude are rarely defeated in a few months.

He, who is also an academician of the International Academy of Sciences for Europe and Asia, said the governments of African countries - especially those that lie south of the Sahara - need to always put food security high on their development agenda.

"I am confident that food security will be guaranteed in Africa if the governments enhance top-level design and take concrete actions for five to 10 years," he said.

He emphasized the importance of support for the U.N. in leading and coordinating the international response to COVID-19 and desert locust invasion. "All countries need to back the work of U.N. specialized agencies, including WHO, FAO and the World Organization for Animal Health, and try to establish an integrated and effective response mechanism."

A news report published on FAO's website on May 18 said the organization is seeking $350 million to scale up hunger-fighting and livelihoods-boosting activities in food crisis contexts in which COVID-19's impact could be devastating.

"It's becoming increasingly clear that the pandemic's impacts go far beyond health," said Ramesh Rajasingham, acting assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and deputy emergency relief coordinator of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "Acting early can prevent increasing vulnerabilities and also be a much more cost-effective way of addressing this crisis."
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 17:03 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb1bba0 4 National COVID-19,coronavirus,surabaya,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,East-Java,senior-citizen,elderly,lansia Free

A 100-year-old woman in Surabaya, East Java, has recovered from COVID-19 after spending a month in the hospital.

The woman, identified as Kamtin, was the countrys oldest COVID-19 patient.

She came down with a fever and cough on April 13 before being admitted to the Porth Health Centre (PHC) Hospital in Surabaya on April 20 and undergoing a swab test a day later. On April 28, doctors told her she had tested positive for COVID-19.

She was allowed to return home on May 17 after doctors declared her free of the disease.

She recovered because she was disciplined in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said on Friday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Read also: COVID-19 kills elderly, haunts the young in Indonesia

Kamtins family members have self-isolated after having had direct contact with her.

According to Indonesian health authorities, as of Saturday, the 60-and-above age group accounted for 15 percent of total COVID-19 cases and 44 percent of deaths.

The Health Ministry had recorded a total of 25,773 COVID-19 confirmed cases nationwide as of Saturday, with 1,573 deaths and 7,015 recoveries. East Java has been one of the hardest-hit regions across the archipelago, with 4,613 confirmed cases. (dpk)
Photo credit: New Zealand Police

From Cosmopolitan

Two missing 23-year-olds, who went out for a hike in Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand, have been found alive after a 19 day ordeal. Jessica O'Connor and Dion Reynolds had originally only intended to explore the beauty spot for six or seven days but got lost and then injured in the 4520,020,000 m2 space. A friend of the pair reported them missing on 18 May.

Jessica, who works as a kayak guide and Dion, a chef, took enough food to sustain them for around a week, but early into their expedition found themselves disorientated by fog and unable to trace their steps. While searching for their way back to a known route, Jessica sustained a back injury and Dion hurt his ankle.

It was after their injuries that the pair luckily found a water source, decided to light a fire and stay put, in the hopes that help would soon arrive. It took the authorities nine days to find them after the report was filed and at one point hopes were beginning to fade, when a jumper was discovered by a search team (but it turned out not to belong to either Jessica or Dion). They also survived extreme temperatures and heavy rain, according to a BBC report.



The news that they'd been found alive and well was confirmed by New Zealand Police, who tweeted, "Missing trampers Dion Reynolds and Jessica O'Connor have been found alive  more to come."

Missing trampers Dion Reynolds and Jessica O'Connor have been found alive  more to come.  New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) May 27, 2020

The pair were found around lunchtime on 27 May, after a search helicopter spotted the smoke coming from their fire and asked for a rescue helicopter to be dispatched.

Sergeant Malcolm York, who co-ordinated the rescue, said the hikers were in good spirits when the police reached them, but that they'd "been without food for some time" when they were found in a small 3m2 forest clearing.

Story continues

Photo credit: New Zealand Police

"They did the right thing. They stayed put and they made themselves visible."

Speaking of the phone call she had with her daughter after her rescue, Jessica O'Connor's mother, Simone, said: "She was very emotional. I think she was in tears and couldn't talk much...we will talk more once we see her."

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

You Might Also Like
Vietnam has for the first time allowed the official importation of live pigs for slaughter in a bid to bring down domestic pork prices, according to a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development document.

The document was signed by Agriculture and Rural Development Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.

Accordingly, imported hogs will be subject to a 30-day quarantine as per the effective regulations on cattle import.

The ministry did not specify how many live pigs for slaughter the country will buy or when shipments will begin.

Deputy Minister Tien told reporters on Thursday that the import of live pigs will be closely monitored and controlled to avoid negative impacts on the domestic market.

Tien also revealed that the ministry is targeting Thailand as one possible supplier.

It will be the first time Vietnam will have imported live pigs for slaughter from overseas.

The Southeast Asian country has already increased imports of breeding sows and frozen pork by 300 percent year-on-year in the first four months, Tien said in a report at the beginning of this month, in a bid to cool prices of the staple food for its population of more than 96 million.

The wholesale cost of live hogs reached an all-time high of VND106,000 (US$4.60) a kilogram on Thursday over scarcity caused by the African swine fever epidemic last year.

The nation has culled almost 4,000 pigs this year as virus outbreaks recurred in 155 communes in 20 provinces and cities, according to the agriculture ministrys data.

In the coming time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will organize a chicken festival and a tra fish [catfish] festival to encourage consumption of food other than pork, Tien said on Thursday.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A coalition of 14 former African presidents and a prime minister, totalling 15, have urged the US government to respect the governing sy...

A coalition of 14 former African presidents and a prime minister, totalling 15, have urged the US government to respect the governing systems of the African Development Bank (AfDB).





In a statement on Friday, the leaders said the bank and its president, Akinwumi Adesina, should not be distracted at a time when the continent is battling the COVID-19 pandemic.





The leaders  including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigerian presidents,  said conflict resolution processes outside laid down rules would undermine the reputation of the bank and its president.

The US, through Steven Mnuchin, its treasury secretary, had called for an independent probe of Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB president, despite being absolved of whistleblower allegations by the banks ethics committee.





Adesina, who some whistleblowers alleged to have violated the banks code of ethics, has firmly and consistently declared his innocence of these allegations.





The ethics committee of the board of directors, a legal oversight body of the bank, made up of representatives of shareholders, cleared Dr Adesina of all 16 allegations, declaring them as baseless and unsubstantiated and exonerated him completely.





Governance is all about respecting and abiding by rules, laws and established governing systems of organizations. In the case of the AfDB, while differences may exist among parties, the best way to address them is to first respect the rules, procedures and governance structures of the bank.





The African Development Bank is a pride for all of Africa, and its president, Dr Adesina, has taken the bank to enviable heights. At this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the bank and its president should not be distracted.





Listing achievements of the AfDB under Adesinas leadership, the leaders said: The bank announced a $10 billion crisis response facility to support countries in Africa. The bank also successfully launched a $3 billion Fight COVID-19 social bond, the largest ever US dollar-denominated bond in world history.





Powered by his vision and leadership, the shareholders of the bank from 80 countries all approved a general capital increase of $115 billion for the bank, the largest in its history since establishment in 1964.





The bank has been doing a lot for women, with a $3 billion fund to provide access to finance to women, supported by G7 countries and Africa.





Across the continent, the banks presence and work have been highly visible and impactful. In less than five years, the banks High 5 agenda has impacted over 333 million people, from access to electricity, food security, access to finance via the private sector, improve transport, and access to water and sanitation.





The bank has maintained its stellar AAA rating among all global rating agencies.





They urged all shareholders to work with mutual respect and honour the procedures of the bank saying: No nation, regardless of how powerful, has veto power over the African Development Bank, and no nation should have such power.





The statement was signed and endorsed by:





Olusegun Obasanjo (president of Nigeria; 1999-2007)

Boni Yayi (president of Benin; 2006-2016)

Hailemariam Desalegn (prime minister of Ethiopia; 2012  2018)

John Kufour (president of Ghana; 2001  2009)

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (president of Liberia; 2006  2018)

Joyce Banda (president of Malawi; 2012  2014)

Joaquim Chissano (president of Mozambique; 1986  2005)

Tandja Mamadou (president of Niger; 1999  2010)

Goodluck Jonathan (president of Nigeria; 2010-2015)

Mohamed Marzouki (president of Tunisia; 2011  2014)

Benjamin Mkapa (president of Tanzania; 1995  2005)

Ameenah Gurib-Fakin (president of Mauritius; 2015  2018)

Rupiah Banda (president of Zambia; 2008  2011)

Kgalema Motlanthe (president of South Africa; 2008-2009)
The missing details of many homebound migrant workers -- their age, gender, home address and mobile phone numbers -- has emerged an area of concern for states receiving them in the midst of the coronavirus disease pandemic. The issue has been flagged in recent meetings between the central and state governments.

As millions of daily-wage workers who lost their livelihoods in the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown travel by Shramik Special trains to their states of domicile, a protocol has been put in place for transporting and handling the workers. Among many aspects of the protocol is one that pertains to making a special chart of all such passengers.

The chart is required to contain the names of all passengers and other details, and when a train arrives at its destination, it is handed over to authorities of the state receiving them. But amid the pressure of handling the teeming number of homebound workers, these details, vital for keeping tabs on the health of the returnees, sometimes go missing.

At recent meetings between the Centre and the states on the migrant workers, at least three states flagged the problem, officials aware of the matter said on condition of anonymity.

The majority of the workers are sent back to their villages and only those who show visible symptoms of Covid-19 are immediately sent to quarantine centres. As millions of migrant workers spread out across the states, it is important to maintain a database and know their coordinates, said one official who was present in a few of the Centre-state meetings by video conferencing.

Apart from the health concerns, the preparation of any plan for the welfare of the migrant workers also hinges on their whereabouts. The Centre is mapping districts that have received a large number of migrant workers to make any future plans for targeted welfare and employments programmes.

Whenever these coordinates or manifestations are insufficient, the states are making noise. The preparation of chart is not just the responsibility of Indian Railways, but also requires an active role of the despatching states, said a second official.

Until Thursday, 3,840 Shramik Specials had brought back 4.71 million migrant labourers to their states of domicile.

In a meeting between cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba and the states on Thursday, the Centre told states that are major recipients of homebound migrant workers to be extra cautious in monitoring the health of the returnees, officials said. All states were told to ensure strict enforcement of containment zones amid growing worries about the spread of the virus.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Tamil Nadu are the key states from where the migrants are setting out. The major recipients are Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Australian immunologist, who cautioned that the number of COVID-19 cases will rise in the coming days, said the earliest time frame for an effective vaccine 'going into large numbers of people' is nine to 12 months.

IMAGE: A medic collects swab sample of a pregnant woman for COVID-19 test, at a kiosk set up outside Chitaguppi hospital, in Hubli. Photograph: PTI Photo

Warning of the tightrope walk ahead as governments battle the COVID-19 crisis, Nobel laureate Peter Charles Doherty has expressed concern about densely populated countries such as India relaxing lockdown norms while also describing a complete shutdown as 'an economic and social impossibility'.

The Australian immunologist, who cautioned that the number of COVID-19 cases will rise in the coming days, said the earliest time frame for an effective vaccine 'going into large numbers of people' is nine to 12 months.

'If all goes well with testing, we could know if some of the candidate vaccines are both safe and effective as early as September/October. Then, rolling a vaccine out will depend on the type of product and how quickly it can be made, put in vials and so forth,' Doherty told PTI in an email interview from Melbourne.

The novel coronavirus, he added, does not change fast like influenza and, from what is known so far, 'the same vaccine should work everywhere'.

Doherty, who is with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1996 for his discovery of how the body's immune system distinguishes virus-infected cells from normal ones.

Discussing the lockdown, he said, 'If it was purely a matter of hard science, everywhere should stay locked down. But that's pretty much an economic and social impossibility.'

The expectation, he said, is the numbers will rise and limiting spread will depend on people acting responsibly and the capacity for rapid response and extensive contact testing.

'And in a densely populated country like India I think that it will be very difficult,' the scientist said.

Several countries, including India, began relaxing lockdown norms in mid-May despite the WHO's warning about a second wave.

India's lockdown began on March 25 and has since been extended. The fourth phase ends on Sunday.

Asked whether there are any alternatives to a lockdown, the 79-year-old said, 'There is no option other than closing borders. South Korea, for example, conducted massive, intensive testing and contact tracing in a wealthy country with a very disciplined population.

'Otherwise, not till we have effective vaccines.'

He added that he personally doesn't see the point of closing borders for people coming in if there's already a high incidence of disease in the community, 'unless it's to avoid the need to care for them and use scarce hospital beds'.

According to Doherty, the coronavirus 'is a new virus which has come straight out of nature'.

'It (the virus) has moved so rapidly across the world because of people travelling on international planes as well as tourist ships,' he added.

The immunologist also warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, and said current and planned trials of the anti-malaria drug should be stopped.

'My understanding is that the use of the drug in severe disease is definitely contra-indicated, but it's not yet clear whether, if taken under medical supervision, it could have some useful effect if taken early on, or as a preventive. Those trials just haven't been done properly,' Doherty noted.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has backed the use of hydroxychloroquine as a preventive against COVID-19 even after the WHO suspended clinical trials of the drug citing safety concerns.

Asked whether plasma therapy can be an effective treatment for COVID-19, Doherty said, 'We lack good properly controlled trials but, especially if the plasma has been tested for antibody levels and there's evidence of good activity, it could be helpful. If I had the disease and was offered plasma therapy I would certainly accept, but I would not take hydroxychloroquine.'

Doherty is also very optimistic about herd immunity developing against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

'We think that (herd immunity) will cut in and have an obvious effect when, say, 60 per cent of people have been infected. Best hope is to boost herd immunity with a vaccine,' he stated.

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 vaccination or previous infections.

The number of COVID-19 cases have crossed 5.9 million and the fatalities 3,65,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University on Saturday.

In India, the death toll has risen to 4,971 and the number of cases to 1,73,763, according to the Union health ministry on Saturday.

Several states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, have reported a rise in number since lockdown norms were relaxed in early May and migrant workers reached home.

In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, the number of infections rose from around 3,000 on May 4 to 6,532 on May 26. Similarly, Bihar's numbers increased from around 500 to over 2,700 in the period.
Each of the officials was believed to be involved in Linicks firing, may have been witnesses in investigations being carried out by him or both, the congressional aide said. The aide said that the interviews would be conducted by members and staff of the Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees under House rules and that transcripts would be quickly released. Lawmakers were not yet ready to say they would issue subpoenas if the officials refused to appear, the aide said.
Chris Hollins, a Houston attorney who will be sworn in as interim Harris County Clerk on Monday, knows what hes gotten himself into. That might be the most important qualification, in itself, for his new post.

It is certainly going to be a lot of hard work, he said Wednesday afternoon, sitting on the patio at Bar 5015 on Almeda Road as storm clouds gathered over the city. Even before the global pandemic, an election in a place like Harris County is extraordinarily difficult to pull off.

Thats an understatement.

Harris County is the third-largest in the country, with nearly 2.4 million registered voters  an electorate larger than that of many states. This years elections, thus far, have included some logistical challenges resulting in part from outgoing Clerk Diane Trautmans shift to countywide voting on Election Day. The November election will include another major change, due to the end of straight-ticket voting across the state; thats going to affect the efficiency of voting in Harris County, which routinely has a super-long ballot.

Plus, of course, theres the pandemic.

The safety concerns Americans have about voting in person, for the time being, have led to a parallel political debate about mail-in voting, which has yet to be resolved. Democrats, in Texas and elsewhere, are pushing to expand mail-in voting to all voters, at least until the new coronavirus can be contained. Some Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, are arguing that this push is ideologically motivated. They keep insisting  without evidence  that an expansion of mail-in voting would lead to a surge in voter fraud.

Indeed, Trump has suggested that a surge in voter fraud is what Democrats want, and his rhetoric has been echoed by state leaders such as Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The Democrat plan to have everyone in the USA vote by mail is an invitation to fraud and a scam to rig the election, Patrick tweeted May 26.

Its going to require a cool customer to successfully administer Harris Countys elections in the midst of all of this. And Hollins clearly qualifies. His greatest concern, on Wednesday afternoon, was for the men and women who will be stationed at hundreds of polling places across the county during voting for this years primary runoff, in July, as well as the general election in November.

If youre a poll worker, youre sitting in a room, enclosed  smaller than HEB, right? Youre talking about a smaller space  and youre gonna have thousands of people coming in there, so youre putting yourself at risk, he said. We have to be doing everything we possibly can to protect those people.

Hollins, who grew up in southwest Houston, has long been interested in politics. After graduating from Morehouse College, a historically black institution in Atlanta, he did a stint as a White House intern during the first year of the Obama administration. He currently serves as the vice chair of finance for the Texas Democratic Party in addition to owning a law firm focused on personal injury suits. But hes never run for elective office, and wasnt expecting to end up in one this year.

What changed is that Trautman, a Democrat who unseated Republican Stan Stanart in the 2018 midterm elections, announced unexpectedly in early May that she would step down at the end of the month for health reasons.

Hollins was, at the time, planning memorial services for his grandmother, Mary Hollins, who had died days earlier. He describes her as the matriarch of his family  and the woman who taught him to ride a bicycle, among other things. She once took him to traffic court, even though she didnt have a ticket, to familiarize him with the experience.

However, the news of Trautmans retirement reached him quickly.

I kind of thought at that moment, Wow! Hollins said. Were in the midst of the biggest election of our lifetime and the person who was set to administer it is now is not gonna be here.

It occurred to him that he might be able to help, he says, given that prior to becoming a lawyer he worked as a management consultant for years, which involves coming into large organizations and getting up to speed quickly on their operations and issues.

So he submitted his resume through an online portal, and was nominated to serve as the countys interim clerk by County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

For me, it was a priority to try to get someone who was going to be focused on making the elections work, Garcia said at a May 19 commissioners court meeting, noting that Hollins wasnt planning to seek election to the office when it was next on the ballot.

The court approved his appointment, on a party-line vote, with the courts other Democrats, Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis, noting Hollins commitment to focus on the job at hand rather than campaigning for the November special election to replace Trautman.

Although theres been some grumbling from Republicans about Hollins experience, and his association with the Texas Democratic Party, there also seems to be a general recognition that he is a good fit for the task.

At the end of the day, Hollins said, our priority is to make sure that every registered voter in Harris County has the ability to exercise their right to vote in a way thats safe, transparent, accessible, fair. And that includes Republicans.

erica.grieder@chron.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  The remains of a second child that belonged to a Tennessee couple facing abuse charges have been found buried in a yard, court records said.

A search warrant affidavit says police recovered the remains of a boy from a Knox County property where Michael and Shirley Gray lived until about 2016, news outlets reported on Friday.

Police began searching the property after finding the body of a girl buried under a barn at the Gray's current home in nearby Roane County.

The Grays had three children in their custody when they were arrested Monday on charges of aggravated child abuse, especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated child neglect and abuse of a corpse, authorities said.

According to the search warrant, police think the remains found in Knox County belong to the couples adopted son, Jonathan Gray, who likely died in 2015 or 2016.

The Grays did not report either death and kept receiving financial benefits for both children, the warrants state.

Police began investigating the Grays after someone noticed a little boy walking along a Roane County road and called 911. A responding officer began asking questions and the boy's legal guardian soon confessed, arrest warrants said, to burying the remains of a little girl in a barn and locking a 15-year-old boy in the basement for four years.

The two other children spent time in a wire dog cage, while all were supposedly homeschooled and appeared to be stunted in growth, the arrest warrants said.

The surviving children, ages 11 to 15, were removed from their custody by the state Department of Childrens Services.

The oldest had been locked in the partially flooded, unfinished basement for stealing food shortly after the family moved to the home in June 2016, authorities said, "and had no contact with anyone outside the basement, only given small amounts of food, being white bread and some water, the warrants state.

Michael Gray told authorities that the girl was about 10 when she died in 2017, a few months after she too was locked in the basement, and that he buried her inside a barn in the backyard, the warrants said.

The Grays remained in custody on Friday. Online jail records don't say if they have an attorney.
From VOA Iranawila to state-of-the-art COVID-19 Management Centre View(s):

A while ago, those travelling along the Chilaw-Puttalam Road at dawn would see what they thought were red eyes glinting and glimmering in the distance.

It was the Voice of America radio station at Iranawila leased by the Sri Lankan government to the United States of America set on around 500 acres with a network of roads, drainage canals, fences and modern office buildings as well as service connections to public utilities and onsite self-generated power.

Handed back to the Sri Lankan government in 2017, Iranawila which was in disuse has now metamorphosed into a state-of-the-art COVID-19 Management Centre for the Puttalam district which opened its doors on April 7.

It is from Medical Administrator Dr. Dimuth Ponweera transferred from east to west, from the Eravur Base Hospital, that we hear the minute details of Operation Iranawila. He was not new to the area, having been the Medical Superintendent of the Marawila Hospital for five years and also Acting Deputy Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) for Puttalam for a brief period.

Iranawila is the result of excellent supervision, coordination and teamwork, says Dr. Ponweera before casting his eye to the recent past when Marawila became a hotspot for suspected COVID-19 patients with a large number of people returning from Italy.

Both micro and macro-level planning was done simultaneously, he points out, explaining that while construction was underway staff training was initiated on site by Consultant Microbiologist Dr. Thushara Senanayake with practical training taking place at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Angoda, and the Homagama Hospital.

Two potential sites, the Madurankuliya Education Centre and Iranawila were identified with the support of Puttalams Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Nimal Perera on March 18, for quarantine/isolation and treatment of patients. This had followed a meeting held at the Marawila Base Hospital which was a newly-dedicated isolation centre, being told of the limitations of space and concerns over disease spread there by Consultant Physician Dr. Chandana Abeysinghe.

The spotlight had then fallen on the Iranawila complex as a long-term plan for outbreaks of this nature, with Health Ministry Directors Dr. Sudath Dharmaratne and Dr. Priyantha Atapattu visiting the premises along with a team from the RDHS office and the Marawila Hospital.

A report had been submitted by the RDHS, Dr. Dinusha Fernando, to the Director-General (DG) of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa approving the project by 6 p.m. the same day and the keys to the complex being handed over to the DG who acquired the premises under the powers vested in him by the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance.

Action followed soon after, with the Iranawila keys being handed over on March 23 to the Puttalam RDHS, Dr. Fernando, by Dr. Dharmaratne, the Project Director who represented the ministrys Directorate of Healthcare Quality and Safety.

Dr. Ponweera says that a novel thing was that support for the project was forthcoming without reservation from the areas political leadership, administrators, police, army, religious leaders and supply providers. Many doctors too from the area and outside provided their expertise including Dr. Abeysinghe; Puttalam Hospitals Consultant Community Physician Dr. Thushani Dabrera; and Kandy National Hospitals Consultant Microbiologist Dr. Mahen Kothalawala.

He pays tribute to the many donors who had also come forward to support this national cause and include Sri Ram Construction; Lalan Eco Latex Mattress; Independence Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd, Colombo; INSEE Cement; Orel Corporation; Lanka Tiles & Royal Ceramics Lanka; Weehena Farm; Hybrid Vehicle Services, Marawila; Asiri Group of Hospitals; and lawyer Lalantha Ranasinghe.

At the first Steering Committee meeting held at the Madampe office of the RDHS, a deadline had been set for the completion of the Iranawila project on April 7, with the Engineering Directorate of the army taking on the onerous task of seeing to all the constructional aspects.

Now the 40-bed Iranawila COVID-19 Management Centre opened on schedule on April 7 with a staff of 40 (medical, nursing and other) is fully functional.

Why this Management Centre is unique The centre is planned in such a way to ensure maximum safety for the healthcare staff while being based on international infection disease management principles, Dr. Dimuth Ponweera tells the Sunday Times, detailing how both administrative (work practice) controls and environmental controls are in place. The administrative controls include: Management measures that reduce the risk of direct exposure of staff to patients; a safety control and patient communication room with intercom facilities, CCTV and patient monitoring system; a robot worth Rs. 1.2 million donated by Atlas Axilla (Pvt.) Ltd., to minimize staff exposure to patients when handing out medicines and food; and staff-patient communication conducted with the help of a video conference facility with a monitoring system worth Rs. 1.1 million incorporated in the robot by CISCO systems, Millennium IT ESP and CISCOM Technologies. The environmental controls include:  Physical and mechanical measures taken to reduce infection transmission; all patient entry/exit points, staff entry point to wards and doffing room cubicles protected with a double-door system (when one door is opened the other door closes) to ensure safety.  Well planned and designed zoning which include Zone 1/Green Zone A  staff rest rooms and dining; Zone 1/Green Zone B  Staff working area including control room (Green Zone A and B separated by an inbuilt corridor); Zone 2/Yellow Zone  Staff area is separated from patient area; Zone 3/Red Zone  Patient area which consists of four wards (one female and three male wards) with a total of 40 beds. Going into specifics, Dr. Ponweera says that the building uses the existing central air-conditioning system based on ventilation and pressure management principles of airborne infectious diseases management. This is by the creation of a positive to negative pressure gradient from the staff zone to the patient zone (Green Zone to Red Zone). With regard to ventilation, he points out that the physical separation between the Yellow and Green Zones makes sure that no air movement is possible between these zones. Even in the case of a breach in the physical barrier, the air movement would be from the Green Zone to the Yellow Zone, not the other way round because the pressure is positive in the Green Zone. The air flow is designed in such a way that clean air first enters the Yellow Zone and then goes to the Red Zone, after which it is cleaned with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, minimizing the risk of having infected air in the Yellow Zone. Negative air pressure is maintained in the Red Zone to ensure that no air moves from this zone to the Yellow or Green Zones, explains Dr. Ponweera. He says a heartfelt thank-you to Madhawa, Anuruddha and Omega of Chartered Architects [Independence Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.], for their advice; the input of Dr. Mahen Kothalawala; Dr. Supun Perera who designed the architecture at no cost; and well-wisher Chandana Fonseka who personally journeyed to the Hambantota Hospital to bring back the high pressure stabilization machine.
Just days after writing a four-page long letter to the World Health Organization Chief (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus earlier this month, US President Donald Trump on Friday announced severing ties with the global health body and said the countrys annual contribution of $450 million towards the WHO will be diverted to other global bodies.

Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and will be redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent public health needs, Trump said during a news briefing announcing that the US will also end special status for Hong Kong and treat it on par with Mainland China. The move comes amid growing tensions between the US and China over the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read: Donald Trump announced US is cutting ties with WHO. Heres why

This is nothing new for the US President who is known to have exited many international pacts and world bodies ever since he took charge in 2017, one of the most significant ones being the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or the Iran nuclear deal.

Heres a quick look at some of the multilateral pacts and global bodies exited by the US under Trump administration.

Trans-Pacific Partnership

Right after assuming office as the US President, Trump exited 12-nation TPP and fulfilled one of his electoral promises which he said was aimed at protecting US jobs.

The original 12-member agreement was known as the TPP and was a signature trade policy of the Obama administration. Obama was unable to secure Congressional support for the deal. Following the US withdrawal, the remaining 11 countries renegotiated parts of the TPP, removing some of Washingtons demands. In March, they signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), also known as TPP-11.

Drafted in the year 2015, the trade deal covered nearly 40 per cent of the worlds economy and was negotiated by countries like the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, among others with an aim to boost growth, improve economic ties and reduce tariffs.

Paris Accord on climate change

This was another departure from an Obama-era deal. Trump withdrew from the accord in the year 2017 citing threat to the countrys economy and sovereignty.

The Obama administration had signed the United States onto the 2015 pact, promising a 26-28% cut in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels. Trump said the agreement was not in tune with American workers.

Iran nuclear deal

In May 2018, Trump announced US exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the Iran nuclear deal. The 2015 international agreement was designed to deny Tehran the ability to build nuclear weapons.

Another Obama-era agreement, Trump had previously dismissed the deal as insane and ridiculous. Former US President Barack Obama, in a statement on US exit from JCPOA, said, Walking away from the JCPOA turns our back on Americas closest allies, and an agreement that our countrys leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated.

United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

United States withdrawal from the UNESCO was led by Trump in the year 2017 citing anti-Israel bias. The US was upset with the UNESCO for granting full membership to Palestine while Israel maintained it should have been granted only after working out a peace deal in the Middle East.

United Nations Human Rights Council

The United States exited the UNHRC in the year 2018 citing bias against Israel and a lack of reform. Look at the council membership, and you see an appalling disrespect for the most basic rights, then US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on US exit.

The US president has also grumbled about US contributions to NATO and the United Nations. He had previously threatened to quit the Universal Postal Union to force them to rationalise rates. The US did not make an exit as they arrived at a compromise.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 00:51:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

NAIROBI, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The stringent measures Kenya has rolled out to contain the spread of COVID-19 is hurting camel herders in the northern parts of the country even as the herbivorous mammal becomes a key source of milk and meat, experts said ahead of World Milk Day to be marked on June 1.

According to experts, restricted movements in the arid and semi-arid regions occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic have adversely impacted the livelihoods of pastoralists who depend on camel milk as a source of nutrition and income.

"There are three million camels and five million pastoralists in Kenya who rely on camels for their livelihoods and food, but they cannot make a living with these COVID-19 restrictions," said George Chege Gitao, a Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nairobi.

Gitao said that camel milk in particular remained the main source of nutrition for nomadic communities in northern Kenya where climatic shocks have worsened food insecurity.

Gitao said that disruptions in camel milk supply in the wake of COVID-19 containment measures could expose refugees and other vulnerable groups to malnutrition.

A coalition of camel milk producers, consumers and experts in Kenya and across the globe will on June 1 raise a virtual glass of camel milk to illustrate its vital role in promoting food security and human health amid COVID-19 risks.

Kenya is among Horn of African nations where camels have become the second most reared herbivorous mammal after cattle thanks to their ability to withstand climatic stresses while providing livelihood to pastoralists.

James Chomba Njanja, vice-chairman of Kenya Camel Association, said the camel milk industry alone could rival other foreign exchange earners in the country subject to conducive policies. Enditem
The ministry said blood from the recovered patients contains antibodies that can help fight the respiratory virus

Egypt's health minister has called on those who have recovered from coronavirus to head to the nearest ministry-affiliated blood transfusion centre to donate plasma to contribute to the treatment of critical coronavirus cases, stressing that they should do so only after 14 days have passed since the date of their recovery.

According to a statement on Saturday, successful experiments have been conducted involving the transfusion of blood from recovered patients to 30 people infected with the coronavirus. The ministry said blood from the recovered patients contains antibodies that can help fight the respiratory virus.

The minister's remarks came during an inspection tour on Saturday to a number of hospitals as part of monitoring the progress of work and the receiving of suspected coronavirus cases.

The ministry introduced the plasma therapy trials in Egypt for the first time on 30 April.

"The plasma therapy trials can be an effective treatment for patients who are severely ill with the disease and their results are promising so far," Zayed said earlier in May.

In April, the US Food and Drug Administration said the convalescent plasma has the potential to lessen the severity or shorten the length of illness caused by COVID-19.

On Saturday, the health ministry announced 1,367 new coronavirus infections, the highest single-day increase announced to date, bringing the countrys total number of confirmed cases to 23,449 since the detection of the first case on 14 February.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Syria decries European Union's hypocrisy after sanctions prolonged for another year

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 May 2020 5:06 AM

Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has censured the European Union (EU) over prolonging its sanctions against the war-ravaged Arab country for another year, stating such measures expose the hypocrisy of the bloc and spurious statements of its officials.

"These sanctions are a flagrant violation of the most basic humanitarian principles and the international law They are a crime against humanity," Syria's official news agency SANA quoted an unnamed source at the ministry as saying late on Thursday.

He added, "It was no surprise for the EU to renew its sanctions on Syria, particularly as the United States had earlier taken the same step. The measure underlines that the EU has lost its independence in terms of decision-making, and is subjugated to US policies."

"The decision reconfirms the EU's deep involvement in the war on Syria and its unstinting support for terrorist groups. The union is, therefore, fully responsible for Syrian bloodshed, and exacerbation of people's sufferings due to cruel and unjust sanctions," the source pointed out.

Earlier in the day, the European Council, headquarters of the 27 EU countries, announced in a statement the renewal of its sanctions against Syrian President Bashar Assad and other top political officials, military officers and business people for another year.

The sanctions would be extended until June 1, 2021, more than a decade after the Syrian conflict began.

The EU imposed the first round of its sanctions against Syria in May 2011. They include travel bans, asset freezes and measures targeting operations like oil imports, certain investments as well as technology transfer.

The bloc claims the measures are designed to avoid hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid.

This is while Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari said earlier this month that unilateral sanctions imposed by Western countries are hampering the Damascus government's efforts to import medicine and other medical supplies to fight the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.

"Unilateral coercive economic measures hinder Syria's ability to meet the basic needs of its people and confront the epidemic of the novel coronavirus," Jaafari said on May 10 through the video link at a symposium organized by the Sanctions Kill coalition, which comprises a group of activists working to promote anti-sanctions campaigns.

The Syrian diplomat noted that sanctions continue to reduce the capacity of Syria's public and private health sectors since the measures have affected the country's banking sector, left it bereft of financial resources, made money transfers difficult and negatively influenced the fields of energy, industry, transport, communications as well as domestic and foreign trade.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A new video capturing the moment George Floyd was detained by members of the Minneapolis Police Department appears to show multiple officers on the ground with him. The angle of the video, which is circulating on social media, has not been seen previously.

The footage was filmed from the opposite side of the street from where a white officer pressed his knee onto Floyd's neck in the Memorial Day incident. The new video appears to have been recorded just prior to the initial video.

Floyd died Monday night after Officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground and put his knee on Floyd's neck for about eight minutes. Previously released footage shows Floyd, a black man, pleading with the officers.

Full coverage of George Floyd's death and protests around the country

"Please, please, please, I can't breathe," he said. "My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Please, please. I can't breathe."

Using previously reported footage of the moment Floyd was arrested, Google Street View imagery and statements from police, NBC News Social Newsgathering team verified the new video, which appears to show Floyd in the custody of three police officers.

At the beginning of the new video, three officers wearing uniforms that match the ones shown in the initial video can be seen on the ground with Floyd, while a fourth officer stands nearby.

Image: Minneapolis police user generated video

A number of markers in previously verified footage were used by NBC News to verify this new video, including that the Minneapolis police vehicle can be seen and a yellow bicycle is shown leaning against a wall behind it.

Image: Minneapolis police user generated video

The pattern of that wall is also consistent with what can be seen on a Google Street View showing the outside of the Cup Foods store where the incident occurred.

Image: Cup Foods (Google)

In the newly released video, part of a sign next to the gas station says 3 cents off. This is consistent with the sign shown in the initial video.

Image: Minneapolis police user generated video

Minneapolis police did not respond to a request for comment on the new footage.

Story continues

Download the NBC News app for breaking news and alerts

In a news release this week, Minneapolis police said Floyd was handcuffed and restrained on the ground by officers.

The officers restrained the suspect on the ground and an ambulance was called, Minneapolis Police said in a statement.

Four police officers involved in Floyd's detainment and death were fired Tuesday. The officer seen with his knee on Floyd has been identified as Derek Chauvin.

Minneapolis police identified the other as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng.

The mayor has called for charges to be filed against Chauvin. Police said Floyd resisted arrest, but Mayor Jacob Frey said he saw "nothing that would signal that this kind of force was necessary."

Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. State charging documents said the officers actions were inherently dangerous.

The complaint added that preliminary findings from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner did not show that traumatic asphyxia or strangulation alone led to Floyds death but combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system.

Floyd's death is being investigated by the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East
Petoskey officials at odds over best process for housing reforms

While discussing a possible change to the zoning ordinance, some council members said it doesn't do enough to encourage more housing.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  A lawyer's group has appealed to the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition for protection filed against progressive group Anakbayan in connection to the alleged disappearance of a student.

The parents of 18-year-old Alicia Jasper, an Anakbayan member, earlier filed a petition for writ of amparo and habeas corpus, saying their daughter is missing and her life was threatened. Writ of amparo asks for protection while habeas corpus requests the accused parties to release someone they had allegedly imprisoned.

The National Union of People's Lawyers on Saturday filed a response, saying the petition did not provide enough evidence to show the involvement of officials from Anakbayan. The group added that it also did not prove whether Alicia's rights were being violated, seeing as she herself denied she was "missing."

"Hindi ako missing. Umalis ako talaga sa bahay dahil hindi ko na kinakaya ang ginagawa niyang (mother) pang-aabuso, pagkulong at pangre-repress sa akin," Alicia said in a sworn statement, indicated in NUPL's response.

[Translation: I am not 'missing.' I left the house because I could no longer take the abuse, confinement and repression that I suffered from her.]

NUPL also sought disciplinary action from the Supreme Court against the parents' lawyer Ferdinand Topacio "for bringing a manifestly inane and palpably frivolous suit."

Alicia's mother Relissa attended a Senate committee hearing last year, where she appealed to leftist groups to bring her daughter back.
People take to the streets protesting in the city of Detroit, Michigan, on May 29, 2020.

Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images

A 19-year-old was killed in Detroit after someone pulled up in an SUV and fired into a crowd of people protesting the death of George Floyd, police said on Saturday.

Video footage of the incident shows bystanders rushing to help the victim who was bleeding from his chest and later died in hospital.

A spokeswoman from the police department said no officers were involved in the shooting.

There have also been no immediate details about who the victim was or who fired the shot.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A 19-year-old man was killed in downtown Detroit after a shooter pulled up in an SUV and fired into a crowd of people protesting the death of George Floyd, police said on Saturday.

The shooting occurred in Detroit's Greektown district at 11:30 p.m when an unknown suspect in gray Dodge Durango fired into the crowd before fleeing.

In a video obtained by the Detroit Free Press, bystanders attempt to revive the man who was bleeding from the chest. The man was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Sgt. Nicole Kirkwood, a spokeswoman from the police department, said no officers were involved in the shooting.

There were also no immediate details about the person killed or who fired the shot.

The shooting appears to be the first reported death in what has been another long night of unrest seen across several American cities. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities, including New York, Washington DC, and Denver, to demand justice and protest police brutality.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested on Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter after using his knee to pin down Floyd's neck during an arrest on Monday.

The incident sparked ongoing riots across the country, which have escalated and resulted in injuries of protesters and police officers alike as well as multiple arrests.

Read the original article on Insider
President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion with industry executives on reopening the country, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, on May 29, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Says He Spoke With George Floyds Family

President Donald Trump on Friday said that he had spoken with family members of George Floyd, a man whose death in Minneapolis sparked outrage and protests across the nation.

At a White House roundtable discussion with industry executives on reopening the country, Trump expressed condolences over the death of Floyd.

I want to express our nations deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathies to the family of George Floyd, Trump said. Terrible event, terrible terrible thing that happened.

Its a terrible thing. We all saw what we saw. And its very hard to even conceive of anything other than what we did see, he added. It should never happenit should never be allowed to happen, a thing like that. But were determined that justice be served.

Trump said that he spoke to members of the family, terrific people.

He later told reporters, I just expressed my sorrow [to the family]. That was a horrible thing to witness. And Ive seen many bad things. That was just a horrible thing to witness and to watch.

Referring to the video footage of how a policeman pinned Floyd down to the ground, Trump said: [Floyd] was in tremendous pain obviously, and couldnt breathe, it was very obvious, anybody that watched it. It was a very sad thing for me to see that.

We also know that most policemen, we see a great job they do, they do a fantastic job, but this was a terrible insult to police and policemen, Trump added. I know the Justice Department is also looking at it very strongly.

The president said that he has asked the Department of Justice to expedite an investigation into Floyds death.

He said the government continues to support the rights of peaceful protesters but cannot allow a situation like [what] happened in Minneapolis to descend further into lawless anarchy and chaos.

Its very important, I believe, to the family, to everybody, that the memory of George Floyd be a perfect memorylet it be a perfect memorythe looters should not be allowed to drown out the voices of so many peaceful protesters, Trump said.

The family of George is entitled to justice and the people of Minnesota are entitled to live in safety, Trump said. Law and order will prevail, the Americans will honor the memory of George and the Floyd family.

Its very important to me to see that everything is taken care of carefully, its a horrible, horrible situation.

Floyd died in Minnesota on Monday while in police custody at the citys Third Police Precinct. Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

Disturbing video footage on the day showed a police officer using his knee on Floyds neck to pin him to the ground. Floyd, who was unarmed and handcuffed, pleaded to the officers while repeatedly calling out I cant breathe during the episode.

Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin kneels on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe, in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier via AP)

Minneapolis Police said in a statement on Tuesday that officers were responding to a report of forgery when the suspect physically resisted officers. According to the statement, Floyd died after suffering medical distress.

Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned down Floyd, was fired on Tuesday, along with another three officers involved in Floyds arrestThomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J. Alexander Kueng. On Friday, Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection with Floyds death. Chauvin faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

According to criminal complaint cited by The Associated Press, police were trying to bring Floyd into a squad car when he stiffened and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic. Chauvin and Tou Thao arrived and tried several times to get the struggling Floyd into the car.

Eventually, Chauvin pulled Floyd out of the car. Kueng held Floyds back and Lane held his legs, while Chauvin put his knee on Floyds head and neck area, the complaint said. Lane asked if Floyd should be rolled onto his side, and Chauvin said, No, staying put is where we got him. Lane said he was worried about excited delirium or whatever.

After Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Lane again said he wanted to roll Floyd onto his side. Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, according to the complaint.

An autopsy said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyds system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. The autopsy report revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death, reported AP.

There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that reported Floyd to the police, the caller describes Floyd, who was suspected of paying with counterfeit money, as awfully drunk and  not in control of himself.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A person who spent Memorial Day weekend at bars and pool parties at the Lake of the Ozarks tested positive for COVID-19, the Camden County, Mo., Health Department announced on Friday.

The person, who is a Boone County, Mo., resident, arrived in the area on Saturday and became sick Sunday, the department said in a Facebook post. It is likely the person was incubating the illness and could have been infectious while they were at the Ozarks.

The person was one of hundreds of people who flocked to the regional tourist destination and attended parties that drew outrage and fear nationwide when they were caught on video showing attendees flouting social-distancing guidelines.

After the video surfaced, health officials in Kansas, St. Louis and Kansas City urged travelers returning from the region to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Now the Camden County Health Department is asking people who were at the same locations as the individual who tested positive to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and to stay home and contact their physician if they become sick.

Rather than attempt to individually contact those exposed to the positive case, the health department released a schedule of the individuals weekend due to the need to inform mass numbers of unknown people, the post said.

On Saturday the person attended the Zero Ducks Given pool party at Backwater Jacks, one of the bars featured in the videos. On Friday, some tourists had come to the bar seeking similar crowds.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1
A general view of the financial Central district in Hong Kong

By Noah Sin

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Bankers and investors fear China's push to impose national security laws on Hong Kong threaten the city's future as an international financial centre. If it gets to that stage, Beijing's move will come at a cost for China's economy.

WHY DOES CHINA NEED HONG KONG AS IT IS?

China still has extensive capital controls and often intervenes in its financial markets and banking system. Hong Kong is one of the world's most open economies and one of the biggest channels for equity and debt financing.

The size of Hong Kong's economy may only be the equivalent of 2.7% of mainland China's, down from 18.4% in 1997 when it reverted to Chinese rule, but the territory punches above its weight due to world-class financial and legal systems.

As a gateway between China and the West, Hong Kong attracts global capital for China more efficiently than its other cities.

(GRAPHIC: HK China GDP - https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/nmopakjdwpa/HK%20China%20GDP.jpg)

HOW IS THAT CHANGING?

Under the 'one country, two systems' formula agreed as part of Britain's handover of the territory to China, Hong Kong is guaranteed liberties unavailable on the mainland such as freedom of expression and an independent judiciary.

These freedoms give Hong Kong a special international status -- for instance, it does not have to pay the U.S. tariffs currently hitting Chinese imports.

With the U.S. State Department recommending the removal of that status as it no longer deems Hong Kong sufficiently autonomous from Beijing, measures hitting trade, finance and investments among other areas could follow.

Australia, Britain, Canada, the European Union and others also have expressed concerns over the legislation.

(GRAPHIC: HK CN IPO - https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/azgvobrzepd/HK%20CN%20IPO.jpg)

(GRAPHIC: HK CN DCM - https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/gjnpwywbrpw/HK%20CN%20DCM.jpg)

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

Story continues

China uses Hong Kong's currency, equity and debt markets to attract foreign funds, while international companies use Hong Kong as a launchpad to expand into the mainland.

While China has reformed its markets over the years, over 60% of foreign direct investment (FDI) into and out of China continued to be channeled through Hong Kong as of 2018, according to Morgan Stanley.

Last year, Chinese companies raised $73.8 billion (59.75 billion pounds) via initial public offerings (IPOs), $35 billion of which was bagged in Hong Kong, according to data from Dealogic.

Chinese businesses tapped Hong Kong's debt market for 25% of their $131.8 billion in offshore U.S. dollar funding last year, Refinitiv data shows.

Schemes linking stock exchanges in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen provide the main gateway for foreigners to buy mainland stocks. A planned opening up of Chinese capital flows only increases the importance of these channels, and ultimately, Hong Kong, Fidelity said in a post this week.

(GRAPHIC: CN banks assets HK - https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/dgkplwxalvb/CN%20banks%20assets%20HK.jpg)

(GRAPHIC: Assets in HK banks by region - https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/qmypmogxkpr/Assets%20in%20HK%20banks%20by%20region.jpg)

Chinese banks hold more assets in Hong Kong -- $1.1 trillion in 2019 -- than lenders from any other region, according to Hong Kong Monetary Authority's data compiled by Natixis. Any squeeze on the massive financing channel risks destabilising the Chinese economy.

Among other deep linkages, Hong Kong's port continues to handle some of China's exports and imports, though it has been eclipsed by big Chinese ports in the last few decades.

Hong Kong has also been pivotal to China's ambition to turn the yuan into a widely-used international currency, competing with the U.S. dollar and increasing its global influence.

HOW COULD IT ALL UNRAVEL?

The pandemic has prompted central banks around the world to flood markets with new liquidity. Money that would normally seek a home in Hong Kong may just choose other centres, such as Singapore, in time diminishing the city's significance.

Capital already in Hong Kong could also choose to move outside the scope of mainland legislation and escape disruptions from local social unrest and any international restrictions. Outflows so far have been limited, bankers said.

(Reporting by Noah Sin; Editing by Marius Zaharia and Kim Coghill)
Berkshire Health Systems is giving $50,000 to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Berkshire County.

BHS Honors Employees With Donation to Berkshire COVID-19 Fund

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Berkshire Health Systems is giving $50,000 to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Berkshire County, co-led by Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and in partnership with Northern Berkshire United Way and Williamstown Community Chest.

The donation, which was made in honor of all BHS employees and medical staff, will be designated to support two major programs that provide reliable access to healthy food for residents of Berkshire County.

"From restaurants and small businesses to physicians and hospitals, we are all hurting as a result of COVID-19. After learning about the significant increase in food pantry needs in recent months, we knew we had to act. Our hospitals will have time to rebuild after the severe economic losses we have experienced, but a hungry family simply cannot wait," said David Phelps, president and CEO of BHS.

When social distancing and COVID-19 regulations forced BHS to cancel its annual employee and physician recognition events, BHS leaders decided that it would be fitting to redirect the budgeted funds that had been reserved for those events and, instead, make this donation in honor of employees and physicians.

"We have received so much love and appreciation from our community members during the pandemic. We want to give back to our community now, when the need for basic food and supplies is real for so many Berkshire residents," Phelps said.

The $50,000 donation will be split evenly between the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which services 12 food pantries in the Berkshires, and the Market Match program, which allows low-income Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to double their weekly food allowance when shopping at local farmers markets. The Food Bank distributed 186,000 pounds of food in the Berkshires in March and reports a 20 percent increase in the number of households seeking services.

"The Berkshire Health Systems employees and medical staff have gone above and beyond to support our community during this public health crisis," said Candace Winkler, president and CEO of Berkshire United Way. "We are especially grateful for BHS's generosity at this difficult time, given the health systems own significant financial needs. This gift proves that BHSs care extends beyond the doctors office or the hospital room and touches the core of our community."

Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation have been able to leverage BHS's gift to unlock an additional $100,000 in funding from the MA COVID-19 Relief Fund and the Berkshire Community Action Council to be directed toward food pantries and programs in the county for operations and capacity-building.

"We are lucky to be able to partner with BHS to deliver this much-needed relief to our Berkshire food pantries and the families they serve," Winkler said.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Friday said a post by President Donald Trump in which he says "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" does not violate the company's policies and will remain online.

"Personally, I have a visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric," Zuckerberg said in his post. "But I'm responsible for reacting not just in my personal capacity but as the leader of an institution committed to free expression."

On Thursday night, Trump posted on Twitter and Facebook regarding protests this week in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of police. Trump referred to protesters as "THUGS" and warned that the military was on its way to Minneapolis. "Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts," Trump wrote on Facebook and Twitter.

Twitter placed a label warning users about Trump's violent rhetoric, which they have to dismiss before they can view his tweet. Twitter is also preventing users from liking or retweeting the tweet.

In contrast, Facebook has decided to leave the post up in its entirety.

Facebook decided to leave the post up because the company's position is that it "should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies," Zuckerberg wrote.

"I disagree strongly with how the President spoke about this, but I believe people should be able to see this for themselves, because ultimately accountability for those in positions of power can only happen when their speech is scrutinized out in the open," Zuckerberg said.

Zuckerberg added that Facebook's policies regarding the incitement of violence allows discussion around the use of state force.

"We think people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force," Zuckerberg wrote. "Our policy around incitement of violence allows discussion around state use of force, although I think today's situation raises important questions about what potential limits of that discussion should be."

Within the company's internal social networks, employees have asked Facebook leadership to reconsider the decision, according to a report from The Verge. One employee, Brandon Dail, took to Twitter to voice his disagreement, saying "Trump's glorification of violence on Facebook is disgusting and it should absolutely be flagged or removed from our platforms."

tweet

Zuckerberg has had a connection to Trump since the start of his presidency in 2017 through Peter Thiel, a tech investor and Facebook board member. Thiel was a contributor to Trump's 2016 campaign and is an informal advisor on tech matters to the president. Trump hosted Zuckerberg and Thiel at a private White House dinner in October.

Earlier this week, Zuckerberg told CNBC he did not think social networks should be fact-checking political discourse. Facebook, however, can remove politicians' posts if they could lead to voter suppression, cause people to harm themselves or lead to violence.

"People can agree or disagree on where we should draw the line, but I hope they understand our overall philosophy is that it is better to have this discussion out in the open, especially when the stakes are so high," Zuckerberg wrote.
Scientists will test the sewage of an entire town to try and determine the source of Australia's youngest deadly case of coronavirus.

Mystery surrounds how Nathan Turner, 30, caught COVID-19 having not left the small central Queensland town of Blackwater since February.

Mr Turner, who was also epileptic and asthmatic, was found dead by his partner at the house they shared on Tuesday afternoon.

Mystery surrounds how Nathan Turner, 30, caught COVID-19 having not left the small central Queensland town of Blackwater since February

Mr Turner's partner and friends at their house in the Queensland town of Blackwater

Authorities have established a drive through testing clinic at the town to identify if the virus has spread further as investigators try to uncover the source.

The wastewater testing could also reveal how many people in Blackwater may have been exposed or unknowingly have the virus if the traces are detected.

Investigators are also working to 'untangle' the changing story of a nurse at the centre of two coronavirus scares in Queensland to determine if she could be the source.

The unnamed nurse has been suspended from her job after she continued to show up for work at a Rockhampton nursing home when she had coronavirus symptoms and while waiting on test results.

Questions are also being asked about a sightseeing road trip she took to Blackwater during the coronavirus lockdown.

Mr Turner became Australia's youngest coronavirus fatality on Tuesday with authorities no closer to pinpointing how he contracted the virus.

Mr Turner suffered from chronic illnesses and was later found to have the virus. A coroner will determine what killed him.

Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles says a formal investigation would get to the bottom of critical questions, including the fact that the nurse had not revealed she had travelled to Kuala Lumpur in late March.

'It appears to be incredibly unlikely that somebody wasn't asked if they had travelled overseas when that is such a focus of our investigation efforts for all coronavirus cases,' he said on Friday.

He urged all Queenslanders to be honest, truthful and fulsome if they are contacted by health officials.

'Lives are literally at risk, our public health officials are doing their best to keep Queenslanders safe,' he said.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said it was fortunate no one at the North Rockhampton Nursing Centre, where the nurse worked, had contracted coronavirus.

Residents who were moved out of the centre will slowly be returned.
OAKLAND  Conservatives from Washington to the West Coast have anointed attorney Harmeet Dhillon as their go-to legal warrior in the culture wars of the Covid-19 pandemic. And they dont even seem to mind that shes from San Francisco.

During the pandemic, Dhillon has emerged as a conservative thorn in the side of Gov. Gavin Newsom, suing on behalf of pastors, gun shop owners, protesters, cosmetologists and beachgoers. And now on behalf of her fellow Republicans, who last weekend challenged the Democratic governor for switching California to a mail-ballot election in November.

The San Francisco attorney has also become a social media star and a regular on top-rated Fox News shows for her legal expertise and hard-charging political commentary.

Dhillon, 51, argues the pandemic has exposed a government inclined to overreach  and the fragile nature of civil rights.

The Constitution is not suspended in a pandemic, any more than it was suspended in every war that weve had in this country, Dhillon said in an interview. There is no emergency justifying the suspension of any civil rights in this country.

Newsom on March 19 became the first governor to issue a statewide stay-at-home order that shut down nonessential activities. Dhillon's lawsuits have focused on how the state defines "essential."

She has filed more than a dozen lawsuits through her own law firm or her nonprofit, the Virginia-based Center for American Liberty, that challenge Newsom's orders on constitutional grounds. She has questioned his criteria and ability to determine what activities and businesses are necessary.

Some conservative states deemed gun stores and churches essential early on. But California forced them to close until Newsom on Monday allowed houses of worship to reopen.

Dhillons nonprofit also filed suit to block Governor Newsoms appropriation of $75 million toward nonprofits that are providing $500 payments to undocumented immigrants who don't qualify for unemployment insurance.

Story continues

Her red-state activism in overwhelmingly Democratic California has earned her notice and increasing airtime from Fox News conservative icons like Laura Ingraham, who lauds Dhillon as the one leading the charge to keep Gavin Newsoms power grabs in check, and Tucker Carlson, who has said she is at the forefront of the fight against censorship.

Dhillon has also caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who kicked off a 2019 White House Social Media Summit  bringing together a collection of conservative bloggers, journalists and media watchers  by anointing Dhillon as one of the leading First Amendment lawyers in the country. Trumps praise came on the heels of her advocacy for conservatives battling big tech companies and what they claim is internet censorship as the divide grew between the left and right on issues of civil rights.

She has emerged as a loyal Trump booster  and a big campaign bundler. In Trump's last visit to the Bay Area in September, she corralled many of the 400 deep-pocketed donors who attended a lavish fundraiser at the Portola Valley estate of Sun Microsystems founder Scott McNealy, which helped raised $3 million for the president in one night.

The Indian-born daughter of a conservative Sikh family became the first Republican to stand before the Republican National Convention and deliver a Sikh prayer  in Punjabi.

She grew up in North Carolina before heading to Dartmouth College, an Ivy League school where she became editor-in-chief of the Dartmouth Review, the campus conservative newspaper. She later graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Dhillon traveled and worked around the world until she came to San Francisco in 2000 for a Silicon Valley job opportunity during the dot-com boom. She said circumstances changed, "but I fell in love with Northern California and decided to stay."

She opened her own practice, the Dhillon Law Group, in San Francisco in 2006  when she immersed herself in Republican politics in one of the countrys most liberal bastions.

She took on the challenge of chairing the Republican Party in San Francisco and ran twice unsuccessfully for public office  but also raised her social media and political profile. Seeking to become the first woman and Sikh vice chair in California Republican Party history, she faced down prejudice and some attacks from the far right in her own partys ranks.

Dhillon took heat for being a former board member for the American Civil Liberties Union in Northern California  a role she pursued in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, she said. She was later attacked as a Taj Mahal princess by anonymous opponents at a state convention, where a county chair  later forced to resigned  wrongfully accused her of being a Muslim who endorsed beheading.

Harmeet Dhillon of San Francisco covers her head before delivering the invocation during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Dhillons steely drive and activism in the embattled California Republican Party catapulted her to a post as the RNCs California committeeperson in 2016.

She is a force; theres no doubt about it, said Cynthia Bryant, the CRP's longtime executive director. I've watched her grow so much in the last seven years ... She's very determined and works extremely hard  and she's absolutely passionate about individual freedom and personal liberty."

Dhillon became a party champion in the culture wars in 2016 by representing Trump supporters who were the target of counter-protesters after a San Jose rally by the then-candidate. She went to bat for the University of California, Berkeley College Republicans who took the school to court after canceling a planned talk by conservative firebrand Ann Coulter.

She then represented Google software engineer James Damore, who was fired after circulating a memo that suggested there was a biological basis for the lack of women in the tech industry.

I'm one of the few lawyers whos willing to step up and challenge the big tech companies on their privacy violations ... and on their discrimination on the basis of viewpoint, she says. Most big law firms and big firm lawyers are very interested in having those companies with clients  so they would never sue them.

But Dhillon has also been dismissed as a grandstander. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), in a recent tweet directed at Dhillon, said that as national co-chair of 'Women for Trump,' you're basically the Purdue Pharma of crazy pills.

And critics point out that while Dhillons legal efforts may give the right a rallying cry, she has so far gotten little traction in the courts.

Mike Madrid, a GOP strategist and outspoken Trump critic who has verbally battled with Dhillon and her team, said Dhillon's growing profile dramatizes the conservative movement that has brought the GOP to its knees in California.

Most of this is really just about trying to show the banner for a dying, shrinking, angry despondent people who make up the partys hardcore conservative base, he said. So rather than using her role as a national committeewoman to focus on building the party  to try and win the hearts and minds of Californians  theyre trying to grab a few headlines on a couple of legal issues.

On Sunday night, Dhillons lawsuit on behalf of the South Bay Pentecostal Church, which challenged Newsoms Covid-19 shutdowns, reached the U.S. Supreme Court after a 9th Circuit panel rejected the challenge on a 2-1 split vote.

Were dealing here with a highly contagious and often fatal disease for which there presently is no known cure, Judges Barry Silverman and Jacqueline Nguyen wrote in their majority opinion rebuffing the case.

Dhillon countered that the idea that you can trust citizens to go behave responsibly in Costco and you cannot trust the same citizens to go behave responsibly in church has no basis in constitutional law or fact.

Conservatives say her advocacy helped build pressure against Newsom. President Donald Trump last week threatened to "override" states that kept churches shut, while the U.S. Justice Department told Newsom to reopen houses of worship.

On Monday, the governor released new guidelines that will allow a limited number of churchgoers to attend services, with the approval of their local health departments.

Still, Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson, and host of The Legal Eagles Files  a podcast about constitutional issues  argues that Dhillon's arguments are on weak legal ground in the pandemic era.

Yes, we have lots of constitutional rights  but none of them are absolute, she said. We have these incredibly robust state police powers that are there to protect our health, safety and welfare.'' She noted how states have the ability to require seat belts and speed limits for safety reasons.

Dhillon remains undeterred.

"I don't know anybody who wants to get sick from this disease," she said recently on Fox News. However, I don't know anybody in my Republican circle who wants to live on their knees, either  or at the whim of the governor who picks up the fake news and looks at one [beach] photograph and says, 'Oh, let me punish Orange County.'"
Arakan Army Kills Myanmar Police in Attack on Border Guard Outpost

2020-05-29 -- The Arakan Army attacked a paramilitary border guard outpost in western Myanmar's war-ravaged Rakhine state on Friday, capturing six policemen and three of their family members, and killing several others, the Myanmar military and local residents said.

The ethnic armed force raided the Thazin Myaing police outpost in rural Rathedaung township from the northwest, according to a statement on the website of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services.

"Around 100 AA terrorist insurgents attacked in droves using heavy and light artillery and guns at about 2:10 a.m. today on the main station of Thazin Myaing police outpost which has been undertaking law enforcement in the region," the statement said.

The ambush resulted in four deaths and the abduction of nine others, including some of officers' relatives, it said.

"The attacks killed four policemen, while six more policemen and three family members, including a child, are missing," the statement said.

Similar AA raids on police outposts in late 2018 and in early 2019 triggered the conflict pitting the ethnic Rakhine rebel group against the Myanmar military that has engulfed much of northern Rakhine state  a region already devastated by the national army's campaign to expel 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in 2017.

Some residents from a nearby village estimated that at least 30 security forces were deployed at the outpost and that as many as 10 of them may have died during the armed assault.

"There were heavy losses of servicemen from the government side during the battle last night in the village, [and] the AA abducted some policemen," said a resident of Thazin Myaing village who requested anonymity for security reasons.

AA soldiers took away nine police officers, the resident said, adding that the exact number of deaths is unclear.

"Another 10 policemen who left the outpost are staying on the mountain, and they haven't come down," he said. "They asked us for help with food supplies. We promised to help them."

The remaining 10 or so are assumed to have been killed during the assault, the villager said.

Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier Gen Zaw Min Tun told RFA that only a handful of policemen were assigned to the outpost and that authorities were still trying to determine the number killed and abducted.

Myanmar security forces are now following AA soldiers and conducting clearance operations to eliminate them from the area, he said.

Another local villager who also requested anonymity for the same reason said AA troops also torched two police outpost buildings following the cessation of artillery fire at about 3 a.m.

"They burned down two buildings," the villager said. "One is on the hill, and the other one for support staff is at the foot [of the hill]."

Almost all the residents of Thazin Myaing, except for the elderly, have now fled the community  a purpose-built village with about 40 houses that was set up as an outpost to protect the area against attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Muslim militant group active in the region.

Military 'support station'

The Myanmar military said the AA's strategy of targeting border guard outposts and police stations as well as civilians related to officers stationed at these places are war crimes.

"The AA terrorist insurgent group committing such consistent attacks targeting police outposts and policemen is [tantamount to] committing war crimes," the military's statement said.

AA spokesman Khine Thukha confirmed the attack on outpost saying that "the facility nominally called a police outpost is actually a support station for the military's operations."

He said that security forces at the outpost cannot be classified as civilian forces because they are under the command of the military, and that AA troops had seized a rocket launcher and 14 other weapons there.

Khine Thukha said that the AA is assessing the policemen it detained at the scene and would soon release all nonmilitary personnel and well as information about the number of deaths and injuries that occurred during the attack.

A violent AA ambush on four border outposts in neighboring Buthidaung township on Jan. 4, 2019, killed 13 policemen and injured nine others, amid an escalation of hostilities with Myanmar forces that began in late 2018 and has now raged for nearly 17 months.

The AA conducted additional deadly attacks on other police outposts and barracks in Rakhine's Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, and Buthidaung townships in 2019.

The Myanmar government in March declared the AA an illegal association and a terrorist group.

Reported by RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Speaking at the handover ceremony, Phuc said the COVID-19 pandemic has spread to 213 countries and territories, causing severe losses on economic and social areas worldwide.

Vietnam has so far recorded 327 infection cases, 278 of them have fully recovered, and zero deaths. The country has gone more than 40 days without transmission in the community and entered a new period of fighting the epidemic and restoring the economy.

During the fight against COVID-19, Vietnam has received support from countries, international friends, he said, hoping that the gift of the Vietnamese legislature will help the countries soon win over the pandemic.

On behalf of recipients, Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama expressed his profound thanks to the Vietnamese NA and people for providing assistance for parliaments and people of countries.

He believed that all-around ties between Vietnam and countries, and between Vietnamese and foreign legislatures, would continue growing.
A total of 390 domestic flights carrying 35,293 passengers operated in India till 5 PM on Saturday, said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Domestic services were suspended in India due to a coronavirus lockdown and resumed after a gap of two months on Monday. Indian carriers operated a total of 1,827 flights till Thursday -- 428 on Monday, 445 on Tuesday, 460 on Wednesday and 494 on Thursday. Puri said 513 domestic flights carrying 39,969 passengers operated on Friday.

He also mentioned on Twitter that a number of people holding valid residence permits in the UAE have been approaching the Indian government to go back to the country.

It is up to the local authorities there to take a call on this. Currently there are restrictions on entry of foreign citizens in UAE and few other countries, he said.

We have no problems with people having valid documents flying out of India to countries which are allowing foreigners to enter, he noted.

Due to this restriction our evacuation flights to UAE are going empty from India. People can fly as soon as local authorities lift restrictions, he said.

During the pre-lockdown period, Indian airports handled around 3,000 daily domestic flights, aviation industry sources said.

In February, when the lockdown was not imposed, around 4.12 lakh passengers travelled daily through domestic flights in India, according to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data.

Airports in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have been allowed to handle a restricted number of daily flights as these states do not want a huge influx of flyers amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

While domestic services resumed in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, they restarted in West Bengal on Thursday.

Though domestic flight operations across the country began on May 25, they could not be restarted in Kolkata and Bagdogra as the West Bengal machinery was involved in relief and restoration work after cyclone Amphans devastation.

A total of 16 asymptomatic passengers on seven different flights, including 13 who travelled by IndiGo, have tested positive for COVID-19 since the resumption of domestic air services.

On Saturday, Puri said on Twitter: On 30th May 2020 (Day 6) till 1700 hrs. Departures 390. 35,293 passengers handled. In another tweet, he said: Day 5. 29th May till 2359 hrs. Departures 513. 39,969 passengers handled. Arrivals 512. 39,972 passengers handled. A departure is counted as a flight during the day.
A woman who was convicted of breaking into a car in a San Francisco garage, grabbing a tiny Chihuahua dog and hurling it seven stories to its death is entitled to a new trial because she was not allowed to act as her own lawyer, a state appeals court ruled Friday.

Wakeen Best was mentally competent when she asked to represent herself at her 2018 trial, said the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco. When Superior Court Judge Charles Crompton asked about her knowledge of the law, many of her answers were rambling and showed a lack of understanding of the law, but there was no indication she was illiterate or unaware of what she was requesting, the court said.

Best was unlikely to be effective in conducting her own defense but was entitled to do so under a 1975 Supreme Court decision that declared a constitutional right for criminal defendants to represent themselves, the appeals court said.

The 2-1 ruling was written by Justice Alison Tucher and joined by Justice Jon Streeter. In dissent, Justice Tracie Brown said the trial judge had properly denied self-representation because of Bests nonsensical and rambling responses and her frequent disruptions of court proceedings.

Best, then 34, was convicted by a jury in July 2018 of animal cruelty, auto burglary and vandalism and sentenced to three years in prison. Police said she broke into a white Mercedes on the seventh floor of a parking garage at Sutter and Stockton streets on an afternoon in February 2018 and was met by a yelping Chihuahua, Dunky, whose owner had left it in the car while going to lunch.

A dash-camera video captured sounds of the break-in, showed Best walking in front of the car, and later showed Dunky plunging to the ground on Stockton Street, where the owner found the lifeless animal surrounded by a crowd. Best denied breaking into the car, but had a record of smash-and-grab break-ins, including one at the same garage in 2016 that resulted in a sentence of probation.

She has now completed her prison sentence, said Kevin King, her attorney in the appeal.

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.

Best was represented by the San Francisco Public Defenders office after Crompton denied her request to represent herself. In response to Cromptons questions, the appeals court said, Best seemed not to understand the difference between the right to a speedy trial and the right to a jury trial, could not coherently describe what defenses she might present, and declared  with no evidence  that she had successfully represented herself in a non-jury trial in San Mateo County.

But Tucher said in the majority opinion that Best answered some simpler questions accurately and mentioned lawbooks she was reading. The justice said Best met the standard for self-representation that another state appellate court had laid out in a 2001 case: The defendant, a man, was mentally competent and fully informed of his right to counsel. He had demonstrated that he was literate and understood the dangers of self-representation. Nothing more was required of him.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Berkshire Immigrant Center Celebrates National Immigrant Heritage Month

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Beginning June 1, the Berkshire Immigrant Center invites the community to honor the more than 10,000 immigrants in the Berkshires and by joining the annual observance of national Immigrant Heritage Month and helping to launch a $10,000 fundraising campaign for the center.

"During Immigrant Heritage Month, we proudly honor the many ways immigrants make the Berkshires a better place," said BIC Executive Director Michelle Lopez. "This year we are especially grateful for the hundreds of foreign-born doctors, medical technicians, nurses and staff who are caring for people at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, and nursing homes, and for local immigrants who are essential workers at our grocery stores, restaurants and farms."

Since March 20, BIC has raised more than $70,000 for a COVID-19 Relief Fund. Through this fund, BIC has helped more than 140 clients and their families pay for basic needs like rent and utilities.

"We know that so many local people are hurting, both our clients and our supporters, yet even during this crisis people are asking us how they can help," Lopez said.

While 100 percent of emergency relief has been passed through to clients, donations to the Immigrant Heritage Month Campaign help ensure that BIC can serve the local immigrant community in crisis and beyond, including helping immigrants become US citizens. In this year of the U.S. Census count, BIC has also worked diligently to make sure that immigrants are counted and that Berkshire communities thus receive every dollar of federal aid that they should get.

Tax-deductible donations of any amount are welcome online. Contributions can also be made by check made out to Berkshire Immigrant Center and mailed to BIC, 67 East Street, Pittsfield MA 01201.

The center remains the only program in Berkshire County that focuses exclusively on meeting the unique challenges of a continuously growing immigrant and refugee population. In 2018 BIC was named "Best Small Nonprofit" in the state by Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.

Last year BIC served more than 700 clients in our offices, and hundreds more through workshops.
With coronavirus infection rates falling  and the predicted economic and welfare costs of lockdown so high  governments across the world have tentatively started lifting restrictions and reopening their economies.

But to do this safely and prevent a second wave of infections, policymakers need to understand the effects that lockdown measures such as closing schools or businesses  known as non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)  are having on containing the virus. This will help predict the effects of rules being eased, and also show which interventions are most effective.

At the moment, though, we dont know which lockdown measures work, and testing their effectiveness is difficult. So we need to get inventive. One overlooked way of assessing them is to use randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

The unique power of randomisation

When it comes to testing new medicines, theres a broad consensus that RCTs are the gold standard. These trials compare the outcomes of randomly selected groups of people that do and do not get a treatment. Researchers can use RCTs to be confident that a new medical procedure works. The same rules should apply when testing the effectiveness of NPIs.

By introducing or loosening an individual control measure in some randomly selected regions but not in others, the RCT method would offer the unique opportunity to show whether or not that intervention (and not some other common factor) causes a reduction in the disease transmission. Whats more, this method gives policymakers and researchers full control over implementing changes and directly measuring outcomes, reducing the scope for errors. These are advantages not shared with many other methods.

And although RCTs have not gathered much attention for studying NPIs during the current pandemic, economists and other social scientists have already shown that they can be used outside of clinical medicine. For example, over the past two decades RCTs have become a popular method among behavioural and developmental economists testing which interventions are most effective in alleviating poverty.

Story continues

How an RCT would work in practice

As an example, consider the question of reopening schools.

In many countries, schools are all scheduled to reopen at the same time (and at the same time as other lockdown measures are being lifted). Changing several policies all at once will make it hard to attribute any subsequent rise in infections to the removal of a specific measure.

Researchers in Norway have floated an alternative plan. Why not randomly split districts where opening schools is generally considered as safe into two groups? Schools in the treatment group would be allowed to open two or three weeks earlier than those in the control group (whats known as a phase-in approach). By closely monitoring and comparing infection numbers across districts, policymakers would gain a much clearer picture of whether opening schools causes cases to rise more rapidly, and by how much.

This example illustrates a broader principle. RCTs could be used to answer a large spectrum of policy questions about easing or introducing new lockdown restrictions. These could range from the number of students per classroom, to the requirement to wear masks in public, to the opening of parks and beaches.

However, as discussed in a recent study, there are several things needed to make RCTs a successful tool for evaluating NPIs. Foremost is the ability to accurately measure and model the effects of an NPI on virus transmission, as well as the economic and psychological costs associated with either lifting or maintaining the intervention.

RCTs can fix current errors in thinking

Now that several countries are beginning to lift some restrictions, political commentators are quickly giving in to the temptation of comparing infection or fatality rates between places with and without certain rules in place. However, such comparisons are easily misleading because they lack the random assignment that would show whether or not a particular measure has caused a reduction in disease transmission.

We would not trust a medical study that selectively treats patients based on their prior health status. And similarly, we should not place our trust in comparing fatality rates between states that have chosen to lift rules early and those that still have rules in place. Using the RCT method and lifting regulations randomly where it is safe would avoid falling into this trap.

Understanding which lockdown measures work is essential if we want to deal with a potential second wave of COVID-19 with more fine-grained policies that do not grind whole economies to a standstill. RCTs are the best way to identify such measures, and can help us optimally balance costs and benefits.

So why are policymakers reluctant to implement them more widely during this pandemic?

First, it would require them to admit that they do not yet know which policies work. Second, policymakers may worry that the public could perceive lifting rules randomly as unethical.

But in the current situation, where the optimal timing and extent of lifting or introducing different measures is unknown, such concerns may be largely unwarranted. Policymakers wouldnt be knowingly withholding a beneficial intervention or introducing a harmful one if there are no existing reasons to believe that one policy is better than another.

Furthermore, if they follow a phase-in strategy, an intervention considered as safe would ultimately be applied to the whole population, first to the treatment group and then, after a short delay, to the control group too.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Johannes Lohse receives funding from the University of Birmingham, the British Academy and UKRI.
One of the things I miss most about life before you-know-what is singing with choirs. Monday nights, you would normally find me hanging out with a chamber choir. Wednesday nights were a French choir, and on Sunday nights, the neighbours had to put up with my noisy quartet.

Tiring days morphed into inspiring nights when I was making music with other tired-then-inspired choristers.

Its not surprising that so many recent ads and viral videos have featured people singing alone-but-together. Italians crooning from their balconies, nurses performing in hospital wards, TV actors serenading us from multi-screen ABC promos  theyre all responding to the same human need for communal hollering.

Sian Prior Credit:

Three decades ago, my love of singing led me to start up the Victorian Trade Union Choir. Every Thursday night, we gathered in a faded ballroom at Trades Hall and learnt songs about red flags, shearers strikes and workers rights.
Washington: A former Minneapolis police officer has been arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter following the death of an unarmed black man in custody.

Derek Chauvin was shown in footage kneeling on George Floyd`s neck. He and three other officers were sacked over the fatality on Monday, the BBC reported.

Days of looting and arson in the Minnesota city have boiled over into nationwide protests.

The case has reignited US anger over police killings of black Americans.

Hennepin County Prosecutor Mike Freeman said Chauvin was charged with third degree murder and noted that the investigation of the other officers is ongoing.

He said he "anticipates charges" for the three other officers but would not offer more details.

Freeman said his office "charged this case as quickly as evidence has been presented to us".

"This is by far the fastest that we`ve ever charged a police officer," he noted.

Floyd`s family and their lawyer, Benjamin Crump, said in a statement to NBC News that the arrest was "welcome but overdue".

The family said they wanted a more serious, first-degree murder charge as well as the arrest of the other officers involved.

"The pain that the black community feels over this murder and what it reflects about the treatment of black people in America is raw and is spilling out onto streets across America."

The statement called for the city to change its policing, saying: "Today, George Floyd`s family is having to explain to his children why their father was executed by police on video."

Shortly after the charges were announced, US Attorney General William Barr said that the justice department and FBI are conducting "an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated".

Barr called the video of Floyd`s arrest "harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing".

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the arrest was "a good first step toward justice".

"But it doesn`t change the systemic problems and persistent inequities that led to his death or the pain our communities live with every day. We`re committed to change."

On Thursday, during the third night of protests over Floyd`s death, a police station was set alight. A number of buildings have been burned, looted and vandalised in recent days, prompting the activation of the state`s National Guard troops.

There have also been demonstrations in other US cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix and Memphis.

Earlier on Friday, Walz said he expected "swift and fair" justice for Mr Floyd`s death.

Former President Barack Obama also weighed in, saying: "This shouldn`t be `normal` in 2020 America."

"It can`t be `normal`," added his statement. "If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better."

President Donald Trump said "thugs" were dishonouring Mr Floyd`s memory and called on the National Guard to restore order.

Social media network Twitter accused Trump of glorifying violence in a post that said: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts."
Two Northern Ireland couples have spoken of their hopes that their dream weddings will now be able to go ahead this summer after Stormont announced that small outdoor marriage ceremonies may be permitted from next month.

Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill confirmed on Thursday that the Executive would make a final call on the latest measures when it meets on June 4.

The proposed easing of lockdown is dependent on the R rate staying below one.

If it does, the measures will come into place four days later on June 8.

It means good news for many couples whose wedding plans have been left up in the air.

They include Australian bride-to-be Ellen Fitzgerald, who is planning to marry Co Antrim man Sean Tohill on July 3.

Ellen (28) moved here in January 2019 after meeting Moneyglass native Sean on a night out in her home city of Melbourne two years earlier.

Since then Ellen and Sean have been living with his parents Eileen and Harry.

Within weeks the couple were planning their big day and set their hearts on tying the knot in front of 150 family and friends at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Moneyglass, followed by a reception at the Wild Duck Inn in Portglenone.

The Executive's latest proposed lifting of measures permits small marriage and civil ceremonies attended by no more than 10 people to be held outside.

Hotels could also start taking advance bookings but this would be "at risk" as no date for them to safely reopen has been set.

Following this week's announcement, Ellen and Sean say they are feeling a bit more optimistic about their plans.

"We don't want to get too excited yet in case it doesn't happen but things are definitely looking a bit better," Ellen said.

"There's a grotto at the chapel that we could get married at so we hope that will be allowed to happen."

But the restricted numbers mean that only Sean's immediate family and his best man will be able to be present.

Now that we can actually picture the wedding being able to happen, it feels a bit real Ellen Fitzgerald

Around 40 Australians were due to attend, including Ellen's parents, but she hopes they can still be part of the event despite being thousands of miles away.

"We'd like to be able to do a livestream of the ceremony for family and friends so they can watch back home. If we get married at 1pm Irish time, it will be 10pm there so they can still have a few drinks and celebrate with us," Ellen added.

"Now that we can actually picture the wedding being able to happen, it feels a bit real."

The couple have already got their visa to Australia and intend to move back there in September.

Separately, Donegal native Caitriona McBride (35) and her fiance Harry Rosbotham (34) from Belfast have already postponed their wedding in Londonderry from March 27 to August 8.

The couple met a few years ago at a mutual friend's party in Dublin and got engaged in January 2019.

With 180 guests invited, Caitriona hopes the restrictions will be eased further to allow the ceremony to go ahead as planned.

"We were lucky enough that our venue offered us a new date in August of this year and on a Saturday, too," she said.

"It also meant we had five months of breathing space to see if our guests could still come.

"The announcement this week by Stormont was good to see but for us it didn't have much impact.

"We would still like to get married as planned in church and then have our reception in the venue right beside it.

"While it is good to see some movement, there is no clarification around post-ceremony celebrations in terms of how many guests could go to the reception venue," Caitriona said.

"Like others, we will continue to play the waiting game."
Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required.

Your Full Name: (optional)

Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required.
Michelle Obama has spoken out against the killing of George Floyd, saying she is 'exhausted' by the racist attacks on black people in America, while calling on everyone to do their part in 'rooting it out.'

The former first lady shared an Instagram post on Friday saying she was 'pained' by the recent string of tragedies in the black community and the 'heartbreak that never seems to stop.'

'Right now it's George, Breonna, and Ahmaud. Before that it was Eric [Garner] Sandra [Bland] and Michael [Brown]. It just goes on, and on, and on,' she said.

'Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can't just be on people of color to deal with it.

Michelle Obama said it's up to 'all of us - black, white, everyone' do their part in rooting out racism in America

The former first lady spoke out against George Floyd's killing by cops in an Instagram post on Friday

Obama referenced the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery (left) a 25-year-old black man who was shot dead by two white men in Georgia earlier this month, and Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old woman fatally shot by cops in Louisville in March

'It's up to all of usBlack, white, everyoneno matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out.'

Obama urged Americans to start with 'self-examination' and to listen to people who are from different walks of life.

'It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets. I pray we all have the strength for that journey, just as I pray for the souls and the families of those who were taken from us,' she added.

Included in the post were illustrations of Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor painted by artist Nikkolas Smith.

Floyd's death followed that of Arbery, a 25-year-old unarmed black man who was shot dead by two white men in Georgia earlier this month, and Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman who was fatally shot by Louisville cops in March.

Floyd's killing has reignited tensions between law enforcement and the black community in the US after a white Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on the 46-year-old's neck until he passed out and later died.

Protesters gathered in front of the Third Police Precinct which had to be evacuated by police after it was torched

Barack Obama has spoken out against the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, insisting that racially-targeted killings in the United States 'cannot be "normal" in 2020' and calling on Americans to work for a better future

My statement on the death of George Floyd: pic.twitter.com/Hg1k9JHT6R  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 29, 2020

Obama's post comes after her husband and former president Barack Obama called on Minnesota authorities to ensure Floyd's death is 'investigated thoroughly.'

In a statement released on Twitter on Friday he said: 'This shouldn't be "normal" in 2020 America. It can't be "normal".

'If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better.'

Violent protests and riots over Floyd's death broke out across the US on Friday night with the CNN headquarters under siege in Atlanta, New York police officers fending off rioters from a police precinct in Brooklyn, and the White House forced to go into lockdown as demonstrators tried to scale the walls.

Protests escalated in Louisville, Kentucky as people demanded justice for Taylor, which left seven people shot on Thursday.

Crowds took to the streets again on Friday night after former officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with murder.
Farm incomes across Kilkenny could be devastated in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, an economic report forecasts.

The Teagasc economic impact of Covid-19 report predicts a worst case scenario in some sectors that could see an income drop of 78%, compared to what was predicted pre-coronavirus.



The analysis finds that the beef sector is set to be worst affected. The scenario impacts on average family farm income range from a decline of 39% to a decline of 78% under the most extreme scenario examined.



A large drop in income on sheep farms is also anticipated. The projected decline in dairy farm income in 2020 ranges from 21% to as much as 49%. Tillage farm incomes are not anticipated to be affected to the same degree.



The report concludes that the total income reduction in Irish agriculture in 2020, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, could range from 0.7 billion to as much as 1.6 billion.



This study has not taken into account any government intervention to support agricultural incomes.



The lockdown measures have not had any significant impact on the capacity of most farmers to engage in production, since, with the exception of horticulture, most farm labour is provided by the farm family.



Unlike many other sectors, farming has been able to continue during the lockdown, maintaining essential food supplies. However, with the closure of restaurants, bars, hotels and work canteens, there has been a steep drop in demand in the food service sector.



Demand has increased from supermarkets, due to the upsurge in home consumption, but this has not been sufficient to offset reductions in food service demand.



Teagasc says agricultural commodity prices are already in decline due to the protracted period of reduced demand that has resulted from the Covid-19 restrictions.

The nature of farming requires farmers to make production decisions, months, and in some cases years, before the resulting output is available for the food chain. Production decisions for 2020 were made in advance of the current emergency, leaving farmers with little scope to adjust their production volume and cost base in response to the dramatic Covid-19 driven fall off in demand. Declines in farm gate prices of cattle and milk are already evident.
Summer is near. The lockdown is lifting. And if you become one of the Oregonians expected to get the novel coronavirus as daily life resumes, youll be asked to share more personal details with a government investigator than perhaps even your mother knows about you.

The friends, co-workers and other people youve been around will be urged to hunker down in quarantine for as long as two weeks, even if theyre feeling fine.

But thats what it will take to contain the coming resurgence that scientists believe will hit  and experience in other countries and parts of the U.S. has borne out  while the state begins the delicate dance of reopening.

State public health leaders say 9 in 10 people who become sick or were exposed to the illness must meet the demands of contact tracing for Oregon to beat back a second wave of infections.

[Coronavirus in Oregon: 7 things to know about contact tracing]

They concede its a tremendous ask for those who shudder at the prospect of government intrusion, are struggling to pay the bills or just want to shake their stay-at-home blues.

We are imploring people to sacrifice so others dont have to, said Dr. Paul Cieslak, the states medical director for communicable diseases.

Even if enough do, success isnt guaranteed.

Were taking a strategy we think is our best hope, and well see what happens, Cieslak said.

THE ONLY TOOLS WE HAVE

Time-tested but time-consuming, contact tracing is a weapon long used in public health to extinguish local outbreaks of measles, salmonella and sexually transmitted diseases.

The stakes behind this work have proven far higher now amid a deadly outbreak of a disease that has spread, often silently, to every corner of the state with few medical options to stop it.

More than 4,000 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in Oregon, and at least 151 of them have died. Hundreds have been hospitalized, many of them fighting for their lives on a ventilator.

Early on, efforts to track new coronavirus patients in the state and those they may have exposed fizzled quickly. Public health departments became overwhelmed before known cases topped 1,000.

Gov. Kate Browns aggressive stay-home orders were able, in part, to buy enough time for counties to shore up their contact tracing programs and add scores of new investigators to their teams.

New modeling published Friday suggests the coronavirus epidemic has slowed considerably in Oregon, which already has one of the lowest infection and death rates nationally.

State health officials say they eventually want at least 800 tracers, enough to track and monitor thousands of new positive cases and close contacts expected in the coming months.

Oregon has yet to reach that number, which falls short of the roughly 1,300 workers that experts say may be needed, based on the states population. However, they remain the states linchpin as it seeks to safely reopen.

Until we have an effective treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, testing, tracing and isolating are the only tools we have to suppress the disease in Oregon without returning to business shutdowns and other extreme measures, said Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen during a press conference this month.

MOST PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO HELP

In Multnomah County, which aims to reopen June 12, the number of public health investigators has grown from seven to 50 in a matter of weeks. It ultimately needs a contact tracing team of 122 people to fulfill the states requirement that counties have 15 contact tracers per 100,000 residents.

Working remotely for now, these investigators are notified when a county resident tests positive for coronavirus. They must then reach the patient to conduct an interview over the phone. All the while the clock is ticking.

During these interviews, which can last more than an hour, the investigators probe for personal details. They want to know the patients race and ethnicity. Their place of employment. Their medical history.

They also need to pinpoint when a patient first experienced COVID-19 symptoms and establish a detailed timeline of that persons activity and whereabouts during the two days before, including everyone with whom they came into close contact.

Thats a lot for a cold call, said Dr. Jennifer Vines, the health officer for Multnomah County. Establishing trust is the only way we can do it.

The good news, according to Vines and other county health officials in Oregon: Most people have been willing to share those personal details  if they can be tracked down. There are some, such as those with unstable housing situations or who are gravely ill, that cant be interviewed.

Then, according to health officials in multiple counties, there are those who have been reluctant to provide information about their particular circumstances or the names of people theyve been around.

Theyve included public health skeptics or members of marginalized groups. Some are immigrants, including those who are undocumented.

A number of our communities historically have good reason to distrust the government, Vines said.

County health officials have taken steps to zero in on minority or underserved populations, including hiring a contact tracing workforce that reflects local demographics and is able to work in needed languages, as well as partnering with groups that have strong community ties.

But even best efforts come up short.

In Marion County, which has the states highest infection rate of coronavirus, about 10% of COVID-19 patients identified since May 1 refused an interview or couldnt be reached for one, health officials there said.

The Oregonian/OregonLive asked for similar figures from Multnomah and Washington counties as well as the Oregon Health Authority, which oversees coronavirus cases statewide. The counties and the health agency didnt provide them.

Katrina Rothenberger, Marion Countys public health director, said the majority of those who refused to participate in a contact tracing interview offered no specific reason for the decision.

Most people are willing to help and want to do their part to control the spread of the virus, Rothenberger said.

And yet the source of many recent infections continues to be unknown. For a county to continue the process of reopening, state health officials want 70% or more of its new COVID-19 cases to be traced to an existing known infection, according to a draft proposal released by the governors office.

At least 13 counties currently fail to meet that requirement, data published on the Oregon Health Authoritys website shows. So does the state as a whole, which is tracing 66% of new infections to a prior case.

OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE

After finishing with a COVID-19 patient, health investigators must zero in on their close contacts, which the state now considers anyone who spends more than 15 minutes in close proximity to the infected person.

Most patients have had four or fewer close contacts during Oregons shutdown. But as more people return to work, go to family gatherings or attend religious services, that number is expected to grow.

Allen, the states health director, has said that contact tracing in Oregon will be successful only if nine out of 10 people cooperate and follow the guidance of contact tracers, which is completely voluntary.

For close contacts, that now means quarantining at home for up to two weeks and checking in daily with a health investigator, according to the health authoritys written guidelines. Those people shouldnt take trips to the grocery store, exercise outside or come within six feet of other people in their home, even if they dont feel sick.

A growing body of evidence suggests that those infected with COVID-19 can be contagious for days before they display the telltale signs of the disease, which include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Others never become ill.

State health officials in Oregon also continue to recommend against testing people without symptoms, including almost everyone who has come into close contact with a known case.

Testing people without COVID-19 symptoms is not useful because the sensitivity of molecular testing in asymptomatic people is low, reads the states testing guidance. Therefore a negative result does not significantly increase confidence that a person is not infected.

Oregons current policy runs counter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations on contact tracing, which says all close contacts of a known COVID-19 case should be tested.

Infectious health experts agree.

People who know theyre infected may have an easier time adhering to quarantine requirements, said Joshua Salomon, a professor of medicine at Stanford University and a member of the schools Center for Health and Policy.

A recent study of models published by Salomon and his colleagues, which has yet to be peer reviewed, found that testing all contacts increased the success of tracing programs in each scenario.

With or without testing, convincing those who dont appear ill to stay home for an extended period is a daunting task. And theres no way to ensure that someone who commits to doing so will follow through.

Its going to be our biggest challenge, said Mary Sawyers, a spokeswoman for Washington County, which is set to reopen Monday.

Months of social distancing have already tested the patience and resolve of many eager to return to normal life. Several recent coronavirus outbreaks in Umatilla and Deschutes counties were traced back to small family or social gatherings where one participant wound up infecting several others.

Meanwhile, an outbreak in April at the Townsend Farms cannery in Fairview, where dozens of workers became infected, underscores just how hard it is for many in low wage industries to stay home.

Complaints filed with the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration allege that some of the cannerys employees, most of them Latino, returned to work just days after testing positive for COVID-19. Others said they were threatened with their job if they stayed at home sick.

Health officials in multiple counties said they recognize the economic bind that many of those infected with coronavirus might face and are looking for ways to ease that burden.

Still, uncertainty abounds.

I cant predict exactly how this is going to go over, said Vines, Multnomah Countys health officer. Its a collective mindset that is difficult for how our culture operates in general.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632

Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
The family of Olaoluwa Bolarinwa, a 47-year-old suspect who reportedly died in police custody, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to probe his death.

Mr Bolarinwa, a father of two was arrested at his residence at Ekotedo, Iya Olobe street, Ibadan on March 26, alongside his nephew, Oreoluwa Abiona.

They were arrested by police officers attached to the Inspector-General of Police Special Tactical Squad, located at Itele area of Ayobo, Lagos State in connection to a robbery at Ile-Oluji, Oke-igbo Local Government Area, Ondo State which took place on February 7. Four police officers were killed during the robbery.

Mr Abiona was granted bail after allegedly paying the sum of N10,000, while Mr Bolarinwa was detained by the police to aid their investigation into the robbery, the family said.

The police deny any wrongdoing.

Family of victims account

Blessing Bolarinwa, the wife to the deceased suspect, told PREMIUM TIMES that her husband was arrested at their residence on March 26 and was detained at a police station in Mokola area, Ibadan.

Mrs Bolarinwa said the police stormed their compound on the fateful day asking for Olu.

It was Olaoluwa that attended to them. He told them there was nobody called Olu, that his own name was Laolu, he told them to call the phone number of the Olu.

They asked Olaoluwa (for) the owner of a particular shop there, he replied that it belonged to his wife. They started beating him. They went into our apartment and carried two televisions and a decoder. They collected my phone, those of my child, friend and customer, Mrs Bolarinwa narrated.

After his arrest, she said the Investigating Police Officer, Yomi, known as System Ijaya, called her to come and bail Mr Abiona, her husbands nephew, but rejected the bail of her husband.

Adeshina Boyo, the deceaseds elder brother, also told PREMIUM TIMES that the police told the family that their brother had not committed any crime but they need him to track the suspects connected to a bank robbery.

I told them my brother is not a robber and that I want to see him. When we got to the police station, they said he has been transferred to somewhere in Ogun State.

It was from the incident register at Mokola Police Station, that we got to know that Olaoluwa and others were moved to Obada Police Station, which is some kilometres from Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

The following Saturday, I went to Obada Police Station, where I was told that they didnt have such a person in their custody. We were directed to the Ogun State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (SCIID), Eleweran. When we got there, we were directed to IGPSTS Unit, he said.

Mr Boyo said after several attempts and going back and forth on the matter, they found out that the policemen were truly from IGPSTS in Lagos and (they) went to their office where the police officers denied knowing any policeman called System and said there was no case of any Olaoluwa there.

He said they were subsequently told that all suspects and their IPOs had been moved to Abuja and they would need to wait until after the coronavirus lockdown.

READ ALSO:

Mr Boyo narrated that with the help of their sister, who is an army officer, they met the head of the IGPSTS Unit, Toyin Omosebi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who told them the suspects had confessed to armed robbery.

He said he told the commander there was no way his brother could be an armed robber and even if he was, he deserved to be taken to court for trial.

The commander ordered that the suspects be brought out, I thought they went to bring Olaoluwa, instead they brought out four guys. The first guy, who claimed to know Olaoluwa, said Olaoluwa was their financier and that he was in charge of providing guns for them during operations.

Mr Boyo said the deceased has no money and it was the family that was paying his childrens school fees.

Extrajudicial killing?

Mr Boyo sid the commander of IGPSTS unit told the family that Mr Bolarinwa died three days after he was taken into custody, refusing to explain how he died.

Mr Bolarinwa was an electrician and his wife a hairdresser. Their 11-year-old and 9-year-old children attend Moret International School in Ibadan, financed by the family.

The commander told us that Olaoluwa died on the third day after his arrest. They had forgotten that two weeks after Olaoluwas arrest, they gave him a phone to speak with his wife. They are now saying that he died three days after his arrest. We asked them to release his corpse to us, but the commander said that because Olaoluwa was an armed robber, they wouldnt release his corpse, he narrated.

Advertisements



The distressed family accuse the police officers of torturing their brother to death and demand that his death be investigated.

They called my brother an armed robber even without taking him to court. Nigerians should stand up and fight for us. My brothers death is a case of extrajudicial killing, he was murdered. My brother was not a thief and neither was he an armed robber. My brother was a community leader in his community and everyone knew him, Mr Boyo said.

Suspect died of ulcer- Police

Efforts to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, to know the circumstances of Mr Bolarinwas death proved abortive as calls and text messages from the reporter were not responded.

However, PREMIUM TIMES contacted Toyin Omosebi, the head of the IGPSTS unit over the matter.

Mrs Omosebi, who directed our reporter to the force spokesperson, said the suspect did not die in police custody but died of ulcer.

Mrs Omosebi said she was not at the office at the time the suspect died because she was hospitalised, but she received the full brief of the matter.

He was not tortured, he cooperated with the police and confessed to the crime. Olaoluwa was an ulcer patient. I asked the IPO, Ijaiya, to get drugs from the family members for the suspect. Later on, he had an ulcer attack and was rushed to the hospital where he died, she said.

She added that police could not release the corpse because the police had to carry out a post-mortem on the corpse.

Family reacts

When PREMIUM TIMES called the family members on the polices claim, Mr Boyo confirmed that there was a time the IPO called his sister to bring his drugs.

The IPO told my sister that my brother had ulcer and we should bring medicine for him. We didnt answer because we knew he didnt have ulcer and we said we want to see him. Where do we take the drug to when we dont know him or where the suspect is.

Mrs Bolarinwa, however, confirmed that her husband had been suffering from ulcer for two years.

We use mistmag (medication) because the ulcer is not serious, it does not hold him too much. Just small and he will take mistmag, she said.
- The political analyst challenged netizens to add music to a video of Health CS addressing the nation for a reward of KSh 10,000

- Trust Kenyans not to waste time where there is money in question and within a few hours, the person with the best rendition was announced

- To honour his promise, Ngunyi asked the man identified as Victor Kimeto to send him his private number so that together with Murkomen they would send him the money

Since coronavirus got into Kenya in March 2020, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has become a trendsetter as far as discussions surrounding COVID-19 are concerned,

The passion and appeal with which he announces coronavirus prevention measures have made his speeches an earworm to many Kenyans to an extent that both the young and old imitate how his catchy phrases.

READ ALSO: Pastor Ng'ang'as wife Murugi discloses how strangers almost broke her marriage

READ ALSO: Award-winning journalist Asha Mwilu leaves Citizen TV

Kagwe who has proved one can be toughly deliver a gentle message has also given Kenyans a lot to do with his photos, audios and videos, with his accent not being spared in creation of hilarious memes.

Notably, political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi , a professor, challenged netizens to put some music in a video of Kagwe's briefing while addressing the nation on Thursday, May 28.

In the said video, the CS is heard talking as if he is rapping with a strong American accent: "Anybody can gerrit (get it) I can get it.

READ ALSO: Afisa wa kike ashtakiwa kupokea rushwa ya KSh 100k kuwaachilia wahalifu wa magari

Ngunyi and Senator Kipchumba Murkomen promised to award KSh 10,000 to someone who would deliver the best rendition of the "gerrit video."

"Can someone add some music to this? My friend Murkomen and I will give an award of KSh 10,000 to the best rendition. It will be our social responsibility contribution to the corona fight! Post your phone number!" read his post.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing the press in a past event. Photo: Ministry of Health/Facebook.

Source: UGC

Kenyans never joke with money and within a few hours, Ngunyi and Murkomen already had a winner.

Posting on Twitter, the political analyst shared the best video and to prove he was not bluffing about the cash, he asked the man identified as @Totsvi to send his MPESA number so that he could send him the money.

"The winner of 10K rendition of GERRIT by Mutahi Kagwe is Mr Kimetto @Totsvi. My friend @kipmurkomen and I will send the money by M-Pesa for post-curfew drinks. Send your number through a private message," wrote Ngunyi.

Kimeto thanked Ngunyi for choosing his work as the best rendition and netizens were in agreement he surpassed all the others who took part in the competition.

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.

My husband left me for my bestfriend and imprisoned me after I gave him 12 children - Virginia

Source: TUKO.co.ke
News  Headlines

PM holds phone talks with Singaporean counterpart amid COVID-19
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured all Nigerians that the mandate for change remains relevant. The President said the mandate wi...

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured all Nigerians that the mandate for change remains relevant.





The President said the mandate will be steadily followed to improve livelihoods as he marks the first year anniversary of his second term in office.





In a statement signed and made available by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said the campaign had been hard fought; yet the mandate the people of this country gave him was decisive.





Buhari recalled that he won the 2019 election with a distance of nearly four million votes or 15 per cent of the total votes cast over his closest opponent.





It was then  and is today  a mandate for change, Buhari stated.





According to Buhari, for many years people of the country have yearned for something different: less of the corruption and immoral greed of those who once governed; more decency in public life and fairness, and a chance to succeed.





He noted that Nigerians also yearned for improved security and end to terrorist bombings and for long-delayed infrastructure.





Day by day, step by step, the President and his team are making the change that Nigerians have demanded.





And it is a demand. Elected officials are servants, not masters. They govern at your discretion. The authority is yours to grant  and it is yours to take away.





Since last year, President Buhari strived to implement the plan you endorsed with your votes. He has overseen an increase in foreign investment; construction of new roads, bridges and rails, and put structures in place to improve employment, and accomplished the diversification of the national economy through a massive growth in agriculture.





The President secured the long-overdue return of taxpayers monies from overseas, stolen in the 1990s, and put this to use in supporting citizens in dire need.





Because of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures implemented to stem and halt its spread, much of what the administration strives for and delivered may seem at risk.





President Buhari realizes the burden so many citizens carry just to make ends meet, and the suffering they endure.





The President assures Nigerians that this too shall come to pass.





As he said in a recent speech: we are bolstering our capacity to contain the virus. Soon, when we overcome our present troubles, the work to build Nigeria will start anew. And as we do, we find ourselves before the gates to a new, post-COVID world.





Thanks to reforms in governance, our war on corruption and the hard work and trust of the Nigerian people, we are better positioned as a nation than ever before to seize new opportunities that await us to trade, build, make and export with the world.





I thank you, the people of Nigeria, for your wisdom and your determination for change. We go forward, together.
By Terje Solsvik and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen OSLO/COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Norway and Denmark will allow tourists to travel between the two countries from mid-June, their governments announced on Friday, although border crossings with Sweden, where the number of COVID-19 infections is higher, will remain restricted. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said in separate news conferences that most restrictions related to travel between the two countries would end on June 15. 'We can't open too suddenly, that would jeopardise everything we've accomplished,' Norway's Solberg said

By Terje Solsvik and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

OSLO/COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Norway and Denmark will allow tourists to travel between the two countries from mid-June, their governments announced on Friday, although border crossings with Sweden, where the number of COVID-19 infections is higher, will remain restricted.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said in separate news conferences that most restrictions related to travel between the two countries would end on June 15.

"We can't open too suddenly, that would jeopardise everything we've accomplished," Norway's Solberg said.

Denmark will also welcome tourists from Germany and Iceland. All foreign visitors will need to book at least six nights accommodation before arriving and they will not be allowed to stay in the capital Copenhagen, where most of the country's coronavirus infections are.

Tourists from Sweden will still not be able to visit. Sweden's death rate per capita from the disease is many times higher than the combined total of the other Nordic countries.

"We are looking at the possibility of regional solutions, for example opening up the Oresund region," Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said at a news conference on Friday, adding she had been in contact with the Danish foreign minister on Friday.

Meanwhile, Sweden has advised all its citizens against travelling abroad until July 15.

On Tuesday, Linde said excluding Sweden from moves to open borders across the Nordic region would be a political decision and not justifiable on health grounds.

She also added that the COVID-19 spread and death rate was higher in the Copenhagen area than in the Swedish region Skane that borders Denmark.

Thousands of people are also exempt from the travel restrictions and commute daily between Denmark and southern Sweden.

Norway announced on Thursday it would allow business travel to resume across the Nordic region from June 1.

The idea of travel bubbles, or travel corridors, is gaining traction with governments around the world as a way to restart international travel as the pandemic eases.

(Additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, Victoria Klesty in Oslo and Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm; Writing by Gwladys Fouche; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Frances Kerry)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 20:57:29|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LONDON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- For Abhay Patel, who owns a small convenience store in south London, the COVID-19 lockdown has seen sales in his store increase.

"I've had many new customers visit my store for items like bread, eggs and milk who before would go to the supermarket," Patel told Xinhua.

Even with social distancing measures, Patel believes the reason convenience stores like his are increasing their sales is due to their location and smaller size.

"WAR TIME IMPACT"

Patel's perspective on consumer behaviour seems to be echoed throughout the wider grocery retail industry.

"This is probably the most fundamental shift in consumer behaviour and shopping behaviour that we've seen in recent memory," consumer insight director at the market research company Kantar, Charlotte Scott, told Xinhua.

Scott, who works across a portfolio of retailers and oversees many of the questions on changing British consumer habits during the pandemic, likens the impact of the COVID-19 on grocery consumer behaviour to that of a "war time impact".

"There are physical impacts on how we have to do stuff, rather than just economical changes," she said.

As lockdown restrictions and government advice instructed the general public to limit their trips outdoors, in particular grocery stores, this had an effect on the grocery retail market.

According to the latest Kantar supermarket share data, for the four-week period leading up to May 17, 2020, shoppers visited the supermarket 3.5 times per week on average -- which is 100 million fewer trips overall than the same month last year.

Shoppers also increased their spending each trip to 27.41 pounds (about 33.89 U.S. dollars) -- nearly 50 percent more than they did during normal times.

The latest figures seem to show that convenience stores, like Patel's in south London, are feeling the benefits as shoppers opt for what they believe will be a more efficient and safer shopping experience.

"We're seeing it most in shoppers who are now going to convenience stores who before weren't, either because they're trying to travel less where previously they were using public transport or different means," said Scott.

"Equally, some households now have far more mouths to feed than they normally would. So if you have a whole family at home who would normally be eating at work or at school then you have all these additional meal and snacking occasions," she added.

According to Scott's research, a quick trip to pick up some extra ingredients or products from the local convenience store is more favourable than taking a longer trip to the supermarket and having to wait with more shoppers outside to enter the store.

SOARING ONLINE SALES

Similarly to convenience stores, online is another area of the grocery retail market that is doing particularly well amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

In the latest Kantar research, online grocery sales were 75 percent higher than a year ago, with nearly one in five households placing an order in the most recent four weeks -- 1.6 million more than the same time last year.

"Online shopping now accounts for 11.5 percent of all grocery sales, gaining more ground and attracting more new shoppers in 2020 than the channel has in the previous five years," said Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar.

According to Scott, this change could be behavioral as much as it is situational, because there's a lot of people that can't leave the house or don't want to leave the house during the pandemic.

Due to the success of the online food market, some larger retailers are opting to kickstart partnerships with food delivery services as an attempt to tap into the pre-existing online delivery market.

Patel is also exploring options for his convenience store, and other localized stores, to team up with food delivery services to make their products even more accessible for local shoppers.

It suggests that the pandemic, and the need to adapt the food industry to keep the public fed, could fast-forward the growth of the online shopping industry.

For a long time, online shopping has been an area of growth, Scott said in reference to her research into the data trend, but there seemed to have been "a bit of a limit in terms of people willing to shop online".

"Now, we have a big group of people who've never shopped online, a big proportion of older shoppers, that potentially will be looking to shop online going forward," said Scott.

Like Britain, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in other countries around the world during the pandemic.

China has seen a boom in internet-related industries and the digital economy amid the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a report released last month by the China Internet Network Information Center.

The report said the number of online shoppers had grown by 16.4 percent from the end of 2018 to 710 million by March 2020, accounting for 78.6 percent of China's total number of netizens, which stood at 904 million.
FILE PHOTO: AP/Andy Wong

SINGAPORE  Singapore and China will launch a Fast Lane arrangement in early June, in order to facilitate essential travel for business and official purposes between the countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

In a video-conference between Chee Wee Kiong, Singapores Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Luo Zhaohui, Chinas Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs on Thursday (28 May), both countries also agreed to explore increasing air links for the Fast Lane.

The arrangement would be first applied between Singapore and the six Chinese provinces or municipalities directly under the central government: Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

It will be gradually expanded to the other Chinese provinces and municipalities.

Securing connectivity of production and supply chains

During the China-Singapore joint video-conference meeting, both countries agreed that the prevention and control of COVID-19 and the economic and social recovery in both countries have entered a new phase.

China had successfully held the 13th National People's Congress and the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, while Singapore will soon relax its circuit breaker measures and gradually resume its economic and social activities.

Both sides agreed to step up the efficiency of freight linkages and customs clearance, which includes facilitating the flow of goods such as essential medical supplies and food. This will be significant in securing the connectivity of production and supply chains between the two countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appreciation for mutual support during pandemic

Both countries also agreed to further advance their cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, especially by maintaining progress in three Government-to-Government projects.

These include maximising the role of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative-New International Land Sea Trade Corridor in further strengthening trade connectivity between Western China and Southeast Asia; enhancing financial connectivity; and strengthening third-party market cooperation.

Story continues

Both sides expressed appreciation for the mutual support and assistance rendered over the course of the pandemic, including to the nationals residing in each others countries during this period.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

Other Singapore stories:

COVID-19: Singapore confirms 611 new cases and new single-day high of 1,337 recoveries

Fairprice outlet in Taman Jurong added to places visited by COVID-19 cases

FAQ: Your guide to Phase 1 reopening of Singapore after COVID-19 circuit breaker

Ex-PSP members Michelle Lee and Ravi Philemon form Red Dot United, aim to contest in GE
Hope can come in many forms: A thick envelope from a college. A line on a pregnancy test. A set of keys to a new home.

On a recent Sunday, it looked like this: Two brown paper bags.

Fabian Lagos hands them to me as I stand on the sidewalk outside the northern Virginia townhouse he shares with his wife, Lissette.

"I hope you like them," Lissette says through a mask as I hand her $28. I can't see her mouth, but her eyes are smiling. "Please be honest. Let us know if there is anything we can improve."

Inside the bags, tucked in beds of Styrofoam and foil, are seven empanadas made from the recipes Fabian grew up watching his grandmother prepare in a rural part of Chile. One is filled with shrimp and cheese, another with shredded chicken and a third with a mixture of beef, olives and a hard-boiled egg.

Type "Chilean empanadas" and "D.C. area" into Google and you won't find many places where you can buy them. You definitely won't see a listing for the ones the Lagos family makes. To find those, you have to have heard about them from someone who heard about them or who knows Fabian and Lissette.

That's because the couple never expected to be selling them - and they definitely didn't expect to be selling nearly 300 on a recent weekend.

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed tens of millions of people across the country out of jobs that kept their lives comfortable, or at least manageable. Jobs that allowed for budgeting and planning and even splurging. Jobs that brought stress, but also stability and predictability.

Strip that away and it changes people. The Great Recession showed us that. It showed us middle-class families struggling to see themselves as homeless and people with nice cars embarrassed to be standing in line for free food.

But it also showed us something else - people who reinvented themselves. People who when broken down, rebuilt themselves into something completely different.

During the recession in 2009, Washington Post photographer Michael Williamson and I spent four months traveling across the country, taking back roads and sleeping in cheap hotels, to document how people were adjusting. We found the predictable and the surprising. We found people sleeping in borrowed spaces and men squeezing into spandex.

In a West Virginia town that saw its largest employer, a Volvo plant, forced to lay off 2,400 people, two-thirds of its workforce, we discovered a wrestling camp that was bustling with newly jobless and optimistic men. One of them had spent nine years helping to build 18-wheelers before losing his job. Of him, I wrote, "He figured that if the real world no longer had a leash on him, why not run wildly toward what he'd always enjoyed?"

"In reality, the economy tanking really turned my whole life around," he told us at the time. "It cost me some things, but it's given me more."

In quiet, easy-to-miss ways around us, that is happening again. The newly jobless are undoubtedly hurting right now as bills and stress mount, but some are also hitting depths that are forcing them to reevaluate their skills, talents and hopes.

To see that, we just have to look closer at those empanadas.

Before the pandemic, Fabian Lagos was working as a carpenter, installing staircases inside homes. Then came the virus and the call for social distancing, and not surprisingly, people no longer wanted work crews in their houses.

One week passed without him working.

Then two.

Then four.

"My husband started to worry and so did I, because it was one week after another," recalls Lissette who works for a title company. "After the fourth week, we were really struggling to make ends meet with one salary."

She also noticed that her husband seemed to be slipping "somewhere else spiritually."

"I started seeing him look really down," she says. They had been active volunteers with their church, but during some Zoom meetings, she noticed he remained quieter than normal. "I just kept reinforcing 'Don't worry, it's fine with me, and I know if it was vice versa, you'd be there for me.' "

Fabian enjoyed baking bread for the family and had taken some culinary classes in Chile, but he viewed cooking as a side interest.

Then one day Lissette came home from work, and found that he made a batch of empanadas for dinner. Her family is also Chilean, but she has spent most of her life in the Washington region. Her family moved here in 1980, because her grandfather was a diplomat with the Chilean embassy.

"I remember saying, 'Oh my God, these are amazing,' " she recalls of her husband's empanadas. "He said, 'Are they really that good?'"

They made some for relatives and members of their church, and soon people were encouraging them to sell them.

The first weekend they did, they sold about 40. The next weekend, they sold about 80.

Now, they stop taking orders when the demand hits about 300. (They space out pickup times to keep their customers and themselves safe. Lissette says she has high blood pressure, so has been especially diligent about taking precautions.)

She describes the demand for the empanadas as "unexpected" and "inspiring."

"We're exhausted, but we're happy," she says. "We're like 'Wow, can you believe this? Is this real?' "

On those rare weekends when they have taken a break from selling, she says her phone fills with texts from people asking when they will be available again.

Her sister, who is now helping make them, has also spread the word at her church and posted about them on her private Instagram page. A recent post tells people that orders are already being taken for June 6.

"The seafood empanadas were 'everything,' " one person wrote about the ones that contain shrimp, mussels and clams.

"I've been to Chile and these empanadas take me right back, they're so good!!" wrote another person.

When I meet Lissette and Fabian, I tell them that I spent seven months studying in Chile in college and remember well the savory empanadas that were so different from the sweet ones I grew up eating in Texas. I also let them know that I am not a food critic, so my opinion of their empanadas doesn't matter. (In case you're wondering, though, those seven empanadas did not last long on my family's dinner table and I might have sent an email the next day about them containing the word "amazing" followed by an exclamation point).

Soon, you might be able to judge for yourself if you like the texture of the dough or the flavors of the fillings. Because in the last month, the empanadas have become more than just a way to pay bills for the couple.

They've become a source of hope for them.

Hope that they will soon be able to save up enough money to get a food truck.

Hope that the food truck will do well enough that they will eventually be able to open a restaurant.

Hope that when people pass under that restaurant's sign years from now, they will see a name that speaks to how the couple worked together to create something good out of this awful time.

Right now, they are a leaning toward registering a name that is a combination of theirs - FabiLissias Empanadas.
Nicholas Roberts was the first of the brothers to grow a beard, but his younger siblings, Brendan and Ethan were not far behind. In fact, Ethan had one since before he could drive.

All three still sport facial hair. They love their beards.

The Whiteash natives are ambassadors for beards, promoting facial hair and offering a line of beard care products under the Three Bearded Brothers brand.

It was the eldest who first explored ways to care for his beard, developing his own beard oil by mixing compounds such as almond, coconut, jojoba and vitamin E oils with essential oils and fragrances.

He had seen how expensive beard care products were and realized he could make his own, Brendan said.

Liking the results, he continued to concoct other formulas and fragrances and shared with his siblings. They agreed and realized there was a growing need for affordable beard care products.

Brendan says beard oils are important for healthy beards and faces.

Your body produces natural oils, but once your beard is longer  an inch or more  you need to supplement the natural oils that your body creates, he said. So technically, you are not caring for the beard itself, but the skin underneath to keep it healthier  and to make sure your beard looks better.

Beards have become fashionable, with nearly 60% of American men reporting that they either always or sometimes grow a beard.

Beards have really taken off. Many thought it was like the man buns, but people arent really rocking that hairstyle any more. Guys are still definitely taking care of their beards though because the realize that it is easier to groom and take care of a beard than it is to shave every day, he said.

Ethan, who now lives in Creal Springs and is a barber at Burgs Hair Parlour in West Frankfort, handles manufacturing and local sales. The other brothers, Nicholas of Carmi and Brendan who hails from Kansas City, assist with company leadership, financing and marketing.

Three Bearded Brothers offer three beard oils, each with a unique aroma.

Sweetness is our best seller. Its actually a tobacco-vanilla scent, Ethan said.

The other fragrances are The Bay, which he describes as tangerine wood, and Neat.

Were trying to have a sent for each season; sort of a warm versus cool, he adds.

The company recommends using beard oil three to four times each week, although Brendan uses it more often.

I like to use it every day because of the scent, he said. I mean, it is a good cologne, too. If you use it as part of your morning routine, the fragrance stays most of the day. You can definitely tell if you are around someone who uses it, because they have that nice, manly smell.

He says the company is developing other beard products including what he calls beard butter that will aid in shaping beards, aiming to give men access to high-quality, affordable beard products.

We want to be able to cater to every single man and were not going to charge them $20 or $25 for a bottle. We want our products to be affordable, he said, adding that a months supply of beard oil typically runs $10 to $13. Thats not a lot to invest in your face.

He says that the companys approach is  and will remain  simple.

We love your beard and so should you, he said.

While the three brothers all have other careers, they are passionate about Three Bearded Brothers and their growing line of beard care products.

The desire to grow the business is most definitely there, Brendan said. We just know its a good thing and its going to take time. Just like growing a beard.

For more on Three Bearded Brothers, visit the website at www.3beardedbrothers.com.

Did you know? These 29 celebrities went to SIU.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Urged by Washington to agree to an independent investigation of its President Akinwumi Adesina, accused of prevarication, the African Development Bank (AfDB) said on Thursday, May 28, that it had so far taken no decision on the case.

Media reports on Wednesday announced that the Board of Governors had accepted U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins May 22 request for a thorough and independent investigation into charges brought against Akinwumi Adesina by a group of whistleblowers such as unethical conduct, personal enrichment and favoritism.

Last Tuesday, the Board of Governors of the AfDB held a meeting to examine the case arising from a whistleblower complaint against the AfDB President, the Boards chairperson, Niale Kaba, who is also the Ivorian Minister of Planning and Development, said in a statement. No decision has been taken as falsely portrayed by some media, she said without giving further details.

Akinwumi Adesina claimed his innocence in a statement on Wednesday and said he would continue to work. Under no circumstances has the president (Adesina) been asked to resign, Kaba said, although some media had reported a possible withdrawal. Ms. Kaba also said she had received letters from some (state) shareholders (of the AfDB) expressing different views on the matter.
Russia has finally completed the refurbishment of one of its oldest large surface warships, the 12,000 ton Moskva. This was the first of the Slava class cruisers and entered service in 1982. Three more were launched and two entered service in 1986 and 1989. The remaining one was launched in 1990 and was nearly complete when work was halted in 1991 because this ship, renamed the Ukrayina (Ukraine) because the shipyard where the work was being done was in the newly independent nation of Ukraine, now belonged to Ukraine. There was no money to complete work on the Ukrayina.

Work on nearly all unfinished Russian Navy warships was halted in the early 1990s because Russia was broke. That, plus nationalism and long-suppressed separatism, was the main reason the Soviet Union disintegrated into 14 new nations, the largest being Russia and the second largest was Ukraine. The dissolution deal had all the new nations taking ownership of any Soviet assets, including military and economic ones, belonging to the new nation the assets were now in.

The Ukrainian Navy initially consisted of nearly 70 former Soviet Black Sea fleet warships. The problem was that most of the officers on these new ships were Russians who did not want to change their nationality. The rest of the Soviet military had the same problem but that was solved by allowing the Russian officers and troops to transfer to Russia, where most of them were demobilized. Most of the former Soviet land, air force and strategic rocket (ICBM) units were disbanded and Russia, with the help of the United States, bought and dismantled the nuclear weapons based in Ukraine, Kazakstan, and Belarus as part of a post-Cold War nuclear disarmament treaty. This agreement led to a sharp reduction in American and former Soviet ICBMs, and nuclear warheads in general. Russia went along with this because they feared Ukraine, Kazakstan, and Belarus would hold on to the nukes as insurance against future Russian aggression. Many people in these three nations favored doing this but Russia signed agreements guaranteeing their safety against any future aggression. Russia violated this treaty in 2014 when it seized Crimea and is still fighting to annex part of eastern Ukraine (Donbas), an effort that was stalled because Ukraine rallied its forces and halted the annexation process. That conflict resulted in heavy economic sanctions by the West. These sanctions will only be lifted if Russia leaves Crimea and Donbas, something Russia has so far refused to do. With the takeover of Crimea Russia took back 54 of the 67 remaining Soviet era Black Sea fleet warships.

The 1997 treaty with Ukraine that settled the Black Sea Fleet problems involved leaving a lot of Russian officers still operating Black Sea Fleet ships. While now classified as Ukrainians, many of these Russian officers and technical specialists still considered themselves Russian and this helped with the Russian seizure of Crimea in 2014. The Black Sea fleet ships that were not repossessed by Russia were those in other Ukrainian ports. Crimea had always contained most of the naval bases and shipyards that supported the Black Sea fleet. One of the ships the Russians did not get was the fourth Slava class cruiser, which was still 95 percent and rusting away in a Ukrainian port. Even after 2014 the Russians were willing to buy back the fourth Slava, and complete it. Ukraine was tempted but refused because Ukrainian troops were still fighting, and drying, to hold onto the Donbas. In 2017 Ukraine decided to scrap the Ukrayina because Ukraine never had the money to complete the ship and really didnt need it because until 2014 they had the largest fleet in the Black Sea. Russia also realized they could not afford to complete the Ukrayina, which had deteriorated greatly since work was abandoned in 1991.

The other three Slavas were worth refurbishing but even that was a financial strain. The Slava (now Moskva) was the flagship of the Black Sea fleet in 1991 but was not in Ukraine at the time and the largely Russian crew declared allegiance to Russia and managed to get away with it. Most of the former Soviet Black Sea fleet ships were unable to do that and became part of the Ukrainian Navy. The Soviets had planned to build ten Slavas and all were to be built in shipyards that were Ukrainian after 1991. Four Slavas were already built or under construction but even before 1991, Russia realized it could not afford to build that many and work on the fifth, unlaunched, Slava was halted in 1990 and the partially completed hull was scrapped.

Although the first Slava was only nine years old in 1991, it already needed refurbishment. Towards the end of the Soviet Union work on new ships declined in quality and the Slava was an example of that. The Slava was scheduled for refurbishment in 1991 in a Russian controlled shipyard but work was stalled because Russia was still broke and the Russian military budget had been cut by over 80 percent. There was not even enough money to operate or maintain a lot of the warships that Russia had inherited from the Soviet Union. Russia was in possession of most of those ships because, except for the Black Sea fleet, the other named fleets (Northern in north Russia, Pacific in the Russian Far East, and the Baltic Fleet) were based in ports still a part of Russia. Most of the refurbishment on Slava was completed by 2000 and it was renamed Moskva because the city of Moscow had raised money to complete the work. The Moskva then became the flagship of what was left of the pre-1991 Russian Black Sea fleet. Slava wasnt the only Soviet Black Sea ship that was not in a Ukrainian port in 1991. Parts of the Black Sea coast were still part of post-1991 Russia and the refurbed Moskva was the most powerful vessel of its new Black Sea fleet, the smallest fleet in the Russian Navy. The Ukrainian Navy was much larger and that continued to annoy the Russians. The rest of the refurb work that was not completed in 2000 was now to be completed starting in 2016. Once more lack of money delayed work and it was not finished until 2019.

The last Slava to enter service, in 1989, was stationed in the Pacific where it spent most of the 1990s tied up in port because all the budget could afford was a skeleton crew and enough fuel to keep essential equipment in working order. This Slava was returned to service, after some refurbishment, in 2008. The second Slava, which entered service in 1986, completed its refurbishment in 2016. At the moment one Slava is based in the Baltic, one in the Black Sea (with frequent trips to the Mediterranean) and the third in the Pacific.

These 11,500 ton ships look impressive, despite their elderly weapons and electronics. Each carries a crew of 485, two 130mm cannon, sixteen P-500 anti-ship missiles, 64 S-300PMU long-range anti-aircraft missiles, 48 short-range OSA-M anti-aircraft missiles, six 30mm anti-missile autocannon, two launchers for rocket-powered depth charges, ten 533mm (21 inch) torpedo tubes and a helicopter. The refurbishments were necessary to upgrade engines and other mechanical components, as well as missiles and electronics. This work takes two or three years.

The refurbishment of the larger Kirov class nuclear battlecruisers and non-nuclear aircraft carrier takes longer. These refurbs are expensive and dont do much to modernize these 1980s era warships. But these ships mainly serve as a symbol of fading Russian naval might. This means a lot for many Russians because for over two decades, from the late 1960s to 1991 Russia was a major naval power. That was never the case before and wont be again as long as the U.S. and China maintain their fleets.

The Slavas are likely to be refurbed again because their replacements, the Lebed class cruisers, were recently canceled and the larger and older Kirov class battlecruisers are fading fast. So is the tradition of the Russian fleet operating large surface warships.
Is Lebanons Natural Gas Boom Dead In The Water?

Description: Absent any discovery thus far, there has been little talk as to what to do with Lebanons offshore hydrocarbons, once found and deemed commercially viable



Tags: Eastern Mediterranean, Energy, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Exploration, Eni, Appraisal Wells, Leviathan, Zohr



Ticker: The Eastern Mediterranean has been a household name in European energy circles for quite some time, with the undisclosed demise of erstwhile plans to link Turkmenistan to Europe elevating it to priority level for Brussels as there was no other realistic non-Russian pipeline project around. The Levantine Basin did indeed produce some remarkable discoveries, especially in the early days of exploration of early 2010s  the Israeli Leviathan (2010) and Egyptian Zohr (2015) have substantially boosted both countries upstream standing. Hence, when Lebanon awarded three Blocks in its offshore zone to a European consortium comprising of the French Total, Italian ENI and Russian NOVATEK, hopes were running high that the EastMed craze might have a new standard-bearer.

Hopes for a 2020 breakthrough for the Eastern Mediterranean were first curbed by ExxonMobil announcing that it would postpone two exploration wells next to its 2019 Glaucus discovery, later accentuated by the ENI-Total tandem adjourning appraisal works on their 2018 Calypso discovery, effectively bringing Cyprus drilling activity to an almost halt this year. But the real enthusiasm-killer came several weeks later when the Total-ENI-NOVATEK consortium stated that the first-ever exploration well in Lebanese waters, the Byblos-1 well in Block 04, turned out to be dry. Things might still turn for the better if the consortiums second well planned for 2020, in Block 09, is not postponed (there are some rumours about it being moved to H1 2021) and discovers commercial hydrocarbon deposits.

It is noteworthy to analyze the specificities of the Byblos-1 well, spudded to a total depth of 4 076 metres. The Byblos prospect was determined based on seismic surveying, located some 30 km from the Lebanese seashore, and was drilled in water depths of 1500-1700 metres. By targeting the Lower Miocene, the European consortium went for a more conservative commencement to its Lebanese drilling program  might have gone for a much riskier option to drill in the untapped Mesozoic, hoping to come across a carbonate platform similar to that of Zohr. Interestingly, the Byblos-1 did encounter gas deposits yet these turned out to be (thus far) incomparable to the first Israeli offshore discoveries.

Related: Should U.S. Shale Be Worried About A Chinese Takeover? Concurrently to the drilling taking place, the Lebanese Energy Ministry has launched the 2nd Offshore Licensing Round last year, with results expected to be announced after April 30, the extended submission deadline. The Licensing Round encompasses Blocks 1,2,5,8 and 10  three of them (1,8 and 10) were already present in 1st Licensing Round but generated no bidding interest. Block 5 will most probably be the most hotly-contested part of the auctioning as preliminary reserve assessments put its reserve base at almost double of Block 4, considered by many to be the prime spot for drilling in Lebanese offshore. Once again, firms are not allowed to go at it alone, consortiums of at least 3 companies ought to be formed to successfully bid for a block.

As surveying works to assess Lebanons resource bounty remain a work in progress, it is quite difficult to put forward a credible approximation of the Levantine nations reserves. If one is to believe Lebanons Energy Ministry initial estimates then its EEZ should contain around 30 TCf of natural gas and 660 MMbbls of oil (these figures were increased in 2013 by then-Minister Jibran Basil, to 96 TCf and 865 MMbbls correspondingly). The first 3D seismic survey carrier out in Lebanons EEZ put its recoverable gas reserve tally at 25.4 TCf. Heating up investor interest for Lebanons offshore is a laudable effort from the Energy Ministry, however it might create a bubble of overblown expectations on the part of the population.

Related: Could This Become The Worlds Newest Oil Exporter?

Absent any discovery thus far, there has been little talk as to what to do with Lebanons offshore hydrocarbons, once found and deemed commercially viable. Lebanon uses no natural gas right now and imports its oil and crude products, therefore any delay on the countrys commercialization of offshore gas will take place to the detriment of domestic customers. Although most of its drilling was built around the premise of Lebanon exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its then-proven fields, Beirut might even be better advised to look around its immediate vicinity. It will be very difficult to launch a large-scale exploration drilling program against European LNG prices bottoming out, not to speak of the diplomatic threat of Turkey derailing any attempt to market Eastern Mediterranean gas in Europe, especially from Cyprus.

With Lebanons ambitious offshore plans now open to question, all the results and delays led to a formidable situation when the only country actively drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean is Turkey  what makes it even weirder is that Turkish drillships also search for hydrocarbons in territories which are internationally recognized as Cyprus exclusive economic zone (right now it is Block 06 and 07 that are jeopardized). Turkey uses the Fatih and Yavuz drillships, as well as the Orucreis and Barbaros research vessels to assess the hydrocarbon potential of Cyprus offshore. According to Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkey has acquired a third drillship (Kanuni) which it was ready to use as soon as it was needed in the Eastern Mediterranean. Although the European Union has taken some steps against Turkish energy officials, it has failed to stop Turkish exploration advances in Cypriot territorial waters.

By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Local Police have been deployed at Sri Lanka's missions in Seychelles, the Maldives and Kuwait to "protect" diplomats from Sri Lankan migrant workers who are incensed at not being able to return home.



The Ministry of Foreign Relations has also informed authorities, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, that there was considerable pressure on certain missions abroad from Sri Lankans and that police protection was obtained in places.



Many of these workers have lost jobs and accommodation owing to the pandemic and barely have food to eat. A large number are also deemed "illegal" under the stringent labour laws of host nations in the Gulf and rarely receive medical treatment if they contract the virus. COVID-19 has been spreading among migrant workers, including those who had been housed in amnesty and deportation camps in Kuwait before being flown to Sri Lanka on May 20.



In Kuwait alone, there are 16,300 Sri Lankans who are deemed "vulnerable" and want to come home, official sources said. There are 665 such Sri Lankans in Qatar, 327 in Saudi Arabia and 414 in the United Arab Emirates. There are a further 178 in Israel, 374 in Bahrain, 602 in Jordan and 123 in Lebanon. The number in the Maldives is 4,508.



These figures do not include students and other categories. When all those are added, around 41,000 still desire repatriation.



Meanwhile, at a meeting of the COVID-19 Task Force this week, virologists pointed out that, of the three strains of the virus now identified, the one in Kuwait was more virulent and contagious than what Sri Lanka has so far experienced.



At the time of going to press, 321 out of 466 Kuwait returnees have tested positive for the virus. Some samples are being sent to a lab in Hong Kong for confirmation about the more virulent strain.



Two more hospitals have been opened exclusively for COVID-19 patients. They are in Teldeniya and Hambantota. A possibility is also being looked at of using a ship, possibly anchored off Trincomalee Harbour, as a quarantine ship.


Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 22:44:22|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HOHHOT, May 30 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,000 firefighters have been sent to put out thunder-triggered forest fires in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, local authorities said Saturday.

Smoke was reported at about 2 p.m. in at least two spots in the Great Khingan Mountains. Strong wind fueled the fire.

Firefighters as well as firefighting equipment and three helicopters were immediately sent to the fire scenes.

The battle against the fires has obtained partial results and is still underway. Enditem
The Minneapolis police chief thrust into the spotlight by the George Floyd killing was promoted to his post after another racially charged death that involved an officer  the fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond.

Chief Medaria Arradondo, then a 28-year veteran of the force, became the citys first black police chief after his predecessor resigned amid harsh criticism for failing to cut short a vacation and return to Minneapolis after Damond was accidentally killed by Officer Mohamed Noor in July 2017.

Noor is black and Damond was white.

Now, the 53-year-old police chief is trying to help calm a city that has been torn apart by several nights of protests following the release of video that captured the last moments of Floyd, a black man who died while he was being detained by four Minneapolis cops.

Arradondo has drawn praise for moving quickly to fire the officers, including Derek Chauvin, who was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The charging documents state that Chauvin, who is white, kept kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly three minutes after he became "non-responsive.

The other former officers fired were Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng.

Image: Former Minneapolis Police officer Mohamed Noor arrives with his lawyers for the beginning of his trial on April 1, 2019 in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images file)

His swift action was reason they are being held accountable, said Raeisha Williams, a community activist and former marketing director for the Minnesota chapter of the NAACP. That was a brave step to recommend charging these officers. That kind of thing doesnt happen in Minnesota.

While the protests in Minneapolis have, at times, been violent and police have resorted to using tear gas to clear the streets, Williams said Arradondo has been working hard to keep officers from over-reacting.

I am 100 percent sure some of those protesters would be dead if anybody else was running the police department, Williams said. He is very much aware that there is racial injustice and that there is white supremacy in the police department.

Story continues

But other Minneapolis activists say Arradondo has moved too slowly to root out the racism in the ranks and make much-needed reforms.

The fact is he is part of the system, said community activist Adrianna Cerrillo, who got to know Arradondo when she served on the Police Conduct Oversight Commission. He took the right first step when he fired the police officers and hes been visible at press conferences. But hes not been engaging with the people.

Activist Sam Sanchez said Arradondo is very good at public relations, but he hasnt delivered the changes we need in Minneapolis.

Image: Justine Damond, an Australian woman who was shot dead by police in Minneapolis Saturday (Stephen Govel Photography)

And even though Arradondo has personally felt the sting of discrimination, his still bleeds cop blue, Sanchez said.

There is a blue line that is not crossed, Sanchez said. Arradondo is a police officer first, before anything else. Being a police officer comes before his race and ethnicity.

Arradondo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

After the City Council signed off his nomination to be police chief in 2017, Arradondo warned that changes wouldnt happen in the police department overnight.

The ultimate goal is to have a department where the community trusts us, where we are looked upon as being legitimate, where we are looked at as being guardians of our community and one with our community, he said. That is the direction I plan to lead.

His appointment was applauded by Minneapolis black community, and his reappointment in 2018 was hailed by police union president Lt. Bob Kroll, who called Arradondo the best chief that Ive had to work under in a Federation capacity.

He is the opposite of a narcissist, this isnt about him and his career, Kroll told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. This is truly about advancing the department.

Kroll, who spoke at a Trump rally last year, issued a statement before Chauvin and the other officers were fired.

Now is not the time to rush to judgment and immediately condemn our officers, he said. We ask that the community remain calm and the investigation be completed in full.

Arradondo, whose family reportedly has lived for generations in Minnesota and who goes by the nickname Rondo, started off as a school resource officer in 1989 and worked his way up to patrolman and internal affairs investigator before moving further up the ranks.

Williams said she got to know the chief after the 2015 police shooting of Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old black man whose death sparked street protests.

He gets it, Williams said. He knows the police have to do better. And he doesnt talk down to us.

A gifted speaker, Arradondo honed his communication skills by frequently appearing on behalf of the department at City Council hearings and countless community meetings. Even his detractors concede hes hard not to like.

Hes a wonderful person, very charming, Cerrillo said. But hes a cop. He works for a racist entity that protects the interests of the rich, not the poor.

Arradondos rise was not all smooth sailing. He and four other top-ranking officers sued the department for discrimination in 2007 and received a settlement two years later that paid the officers a total sum of $740,000, according to the Star-Tribune.

He has been credited with being one of the first in his department to reach out to the growing Somali community after the 9/11 attacks, a time when the mostly Muslim immigrants were under heightened scrutiny by law enforcement.

One of the first Somali-Americans to join the force was Noor, who was convicted of killing Damond and sentenced in 2019 to 12-plus years in prison.
Protests raged across the United States Friday as angry and grieving demonstrators clashed with police, took over busy thoroughfares, stoned and defaced public and private buildings demanding justice for George Floyd, an African-American man killed in police custody in Minneapolis earlier in the week.

The White House in Washington DC was put under lockdown briefly by the Secret Service as demonstrators closed in on its gates, before they moved on down the road to Trump International, a hotel owned by the Trump Organization, the presidents company that is now run by his two elder sons.

President Donald Trump on Saturday commended the Secret Service for its handling of the protestors, who he said in tweets were professionally managed and organized group. He warned them that they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons if they had breached the security cordon and managed to enter the premises.

Trump had earlier called the protestors thugs and warned them, deploying a controversial phrase used by a Miami mayor against civil rights activists in the 1960s, and later by a segregationist   When the looting starts, shooting starts. The president tried to walk it back in a subsequent set of tweets.

Demonstrators across the country chanted the same set of slogans as they marched peacefully or broke out into violence: I cant breath  Floyds repeated pleas to the police officer who had him pinned to the ground with his knee to his neck for exactly 8 minutes and 45 seconds  black lives matter and no justice, no peace.

Derek Chauvin, the police officer, was arrested on Friday and charged with third-degree murder. Protestors are demanding action against the remaining three police officers present at the time.

In Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed Monday, protestors clashed with police and defied curfew to stay out in the streets. Businesses were shut and shots were fired at police, who have continued to struggle to control the situation, which was described as absolute chaos by the Minnesota governor, Tim Waltz, a Democrat.

Quite candidly, right now, we do not have the numbers, Mr. he said at a news briefing. We cannot arrest people when were trying to hold ground because of the sheer size, the dynamics and the wanton violence thats coming out there.

In a rare move, the Pentagon is reported to be prepared to deploy several units of military police to Minneapolis if needed. Soldiers from Fort Bragg and Fort Drum, military facilities in North Carolina and New York, have been put on four-hour deployment notice, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

In Atlanta, protestors targeted CNN world headquarters and threw projectiles at it and defaced the company sign in front. While a reporter was on air from inside the building a firecracker was thrown into the lobby where police officers stood in a cordon. A state of emergency has been declared in the city and National Guards have been instructed to stand by for deployment.

Clashes with police and vandalization of police vehicles took place in Los Angeles and Houston. In New York, dozens of people were taken into custody and many police officers were injured in the clashes. And in Portland, Oregon, demonstrators stormed a government building and set fire to cubicles inside.

Protests in some cities were about their own killed in police encounters. Demonstrators in Louisville, Kentucky, for instance, mourned the killing of Breanna Taylor, an Africa American woman, by the police in March. Similar protests have been planned for the weekend in Austin and Phoenix.

The Washington Post reported that police use-of-force is the sixth leading cause of death for young men of color in the United States. And, according to a database compiled by the news publication about 1,000 people are shot and killed by police every year.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and former Himachal minister Sudhir Sharma on Saturday accused the Centre of misleading the public about the extent of Covid-19 spread.

Sharma alleged that the Centre has been continuously denying that community spread had begun:The number of cases indicates the contrary. The government is peddling false hope to the public,  Sharma said.

With around 1, 74,000 cases and around 4,900 deaths in the country, it is inconceivable that there is no community spread, he said, adding that it was better to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

The Congress leader asked if the Union government had a blueprint ready for tackling Covid-19 once the lockdown ends.

He said as per experts, both from India and abroad, the number of cases were rapidly increasing and could be expected to peak in July, which means that the curve was likely to extend till September.

And there is the possibility of a second wave in the winter, he said.

As per these experts, at some point in early July (if not earlier) our health infrastructure will completely breakdown, which in simple terms mean hospitals in many places and cities will run out of beds to treat Covid-19 patients, Sharma said.

Sharma said the four lockdowns, which lasted 69 days, failed to combat the onslaught of the deadly virus.

He warned that no vaccines will be available till early next year:If we are not prepared, we may lose this battle against the virus, he said.

EXTEND MGNREGA TO HARVESTING

He demanded that MGNREGA be extended harvesting and other agricultural activities.

This will serve dual purposethose who are out of jobs will get work and the farmers who are struggling to find labour for harvesting will get help.

The Union government should work on a national program that provides ration to every citizen with or without a ration card, for at least six months, which is easily achievable given our ample stock of food grains, Sharma said.

The Centre should prioritise activities that will allow the economy to recover. Allow freedom of movement for work including public transport but ban mass religious, social and cultural gatherings for the next few months, he said.

We know that the virus spreads with or without a lockdown. But we cannot fight the Covid-19 virus on an empty stomach, he said.
Subbarao is third current College of Engineering professor honored as RAeS fellow

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has elected Kamesh Subbarao, professor of aerospace engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington, as a fellow of the world's oldest professional body dedicated to the aerospace community.

Subbarao has been at UTA since 2003. He is a faculty member in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department and a researcher in its Autonomous Vehicles Laboratory.

"It is an honor to be named a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society," Subbarao said. "To be recognized by one's peers for making contributions at the highest level of a profession is humbling."

Subbarao has worked extensively on robotic controls and navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Under a current Office of Naval Research grant, he is creating metrics to evaluate the performance of multiple unmanned vehicles that operators will be able to use to predict vehicle behavior under mission-specific conditions. He also has received funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA and the National Science Foundation.

"Dr. Subbarao's scholarship through archival publications and doctoral student advisement are outstanding and inspiring. He is highly deserving of this honor," said Erian Armanios, chair of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.

Subbarao is the third current professor from the department to be honored as an RAeS fellow and the second this year. Professor Luca Maddalena, who is also director of UTA's Aerodynamics Research Center, was elected in February, while Professor and former Director of the Aerodynamics Research Center Frank Lu is also a fellow.

The Royal Aeronautical Society exists to further advance aeronautical art, science and engineering around the world. Established in Britain in 1866, the RAeS has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge. It now has more than 22,500 members and has become an international, multidisciplinary professional institution dedicated to the global aerospace community.

Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society is the highest achievement attainable and is only bestowed upon those in the profession who either have made an outstanding contribution to the profession, attained a position of high responsibility or have had long experience of high quality in the profession.

###

Written by Jeremy Agor, College of Engineering

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
(ANSA) - Rome, May 29 - The Civil Protection Department said Friday that 516 new cases of the coronavirus have been registered in Italy over the last 24 hours.

That was down from 593 new cases on Thursday and ended a three-day run of consecutive rises. Five regions have no new infections: Abruzzo, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta, Calabria and Basilicata, as well as the province of Bolzano. The department said 33,229 people have now died with the coronavirus in Italy, up 87. Thursday's daily rise was 70. Lombardy, the hardest hit region, had 38 victims in the last 24 hours, up from 20 Thursday. Seven regions - Sicily, Sardinia, Valle d'Aosta, Molise, Basilicata, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino Alto Adige - had no new victims Friday. It said 152,844 people have now recovered from COVID-19 here, up 2,240. Thursday's rise was 3,503. As a result, 46,175 are currently infected with the coronavirus in Italy, down 1,811. Thursday's fall was 2,980.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Italy, including currently positive, the deceased and those who have recovered, is now 232,248. The department said 475 of Italy's coronavirus patients are in intensive care, 14 down on Thursday.


Expert raises questions after rescued rare black leopard dies By Tharushi Weerasinghe View(s): View(s):

The autopsy on the black leopard rescued from a snare in Nallathanniya earlier this week, and which died on Friday, was carried out at the University of Peradeniya.

The results were not available at the time of going to press, but officials said it had deep injuries on its neck at the time it was freed from the trap.

The fully grown male was found in the snare on Tuesday. A prominent marking on its tail made it highly likely that this was the same black leopard spotted in the Central Hills earlier this year, said Tharaka Prasad, Director of Wildlife Health at the Wildlife Conservation Department (WCD).

Authorities chose not to return the leopard to the wild after seeing deep cuts on its neck sustained from a struggle to free itself from the vicious entrapment. They feared it would lead to severe blood circulation impairment.

The location of the wounds would have made it impossible for the leopard to lick itself, Dr Prasad said. It was taken to the Udawalawe veterinary hospital which was better equipped to deal with such severe wounds.

The WCD claimed it had taken measures to minimise human contact with the animal to minimise stress that would have exacerbated the damage. Once in confinement, monitoring was mostly done through cameras while human interaction was restricted to feeding and administration of medicines.

However, doctors noticed a marked deterioration in its condition on Thursday evening, leading them to administer saline. This, too, did not help and the animal got weaker before dying on Friday morning.

Rukshan Jayewardene, an expert on leopards, said an autopsy was very advisable for the sake of transparency. The black leopard was a rare phenomenon, a genetic anomaly caused by a double recessive gene which comes from both parents. A female was also found in a snare at Deniyaya in 2011. It had died of strangulation from the trap.

Mr Jayewardene expressed concern over the capacity of Sri Lankan authorities to handle situations of this nature. We need faster, rapid response, better trained personnel and equipment, if we are to protect the natural resources of this country, he said.

He pointed out that the longer the animal was in the snare, the higher the chances of it dying. While there was a protocol for trapped leopards, he questioned the manner in which it was enforced.

Crowds had been allowed to gather around the traumatised animal, even after the authorities reached it, Mr Jayewardene pointed out: Why wasnt protocol followed? he asked.

The protocol maps out the role of every member of potential rescue missions including the police. The OIC of the nearest police station should have a copy. Director General of the WCD Chandana Sooriyabandara admitted that the protocol calls for removal of civilians from the area. However, footage of the leopard being freed showed the presence of people it.

The vets arrived three to four hours within the initial report being received, Mr Sooriyabandara said. An arrest has been made and legal action will be taken under the Flora and Fauna Ordinance. The offences surrounding the incident were punishable and non-bailable.
Irelands Covid-19 peak came later than in other European countries and for that reason, the relaxation of restrictions cannot be compared, according to Dr Tony Holohan.

At yesterdays briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) the chief medical officer at the Department of Health dismissed suggestions that Ireland is lagging behind other European countries in easing Covid-19 restrictions.

I wouldnt say that. This disease occurs at a different point in different countries, said Dr Holohan.

When you look back on the time period of when this infection arrived, it arrived in different countries at different points in time. Our experience of the peak of infection was later than many other European countries.

We may or may not be doing the same things [as other countries] but it may not be appropriate to do them at the same points in time, he said, referring to the easing of travel and other restrictions.

Dr Holohan confirmed the death of a further six people from Covid-19 and another 39 cases.

The total number of Covid-19 fatalities stands at 1,645 and the number of cases at 24,876.

The data, the CMO said, is encouraging but the key message to stay home remains in place until the team meets next week to assess the possibility of moving to the next phase of reopening the country.

Weve seen no trends in the disease, thus far, that give us any cause for concern but we want to maintain the high levels of compliance, Dr Holohan said, adding that people should continue washing their hands, social distancing, and following public health guidance.

He also urged people to avoid making plans for non-essential trips abroad and said he doesnt expect air travel to resume in the short term.

Dr Holohan said NPHET is liaising with Government departments and looking at ways to reduce the burden of Covid-19 restrictions on children in particular. Were looking at everything, he said, refusing to be drawn on what measures could be on the cards.

Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said there is no evidence of a socio-economic divide in the incidence or mortality rates of Covid-19.

He was responding to queries on Central Statistics Office data on rates of infection and death, and household income.

Its way too early to draw any firm conclusions from it other than to say there isnt a firm pattern emerging from the data so far in Ireland, Dr Glynn said.

Meanwhile, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called for a rapid, independent inquiry into high rates of infection in healthcare staff.

INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the infection rate is unacceptably high compared to other countries. The INMO will be meeting with the minister for health next week.

We will seek an urgent, independent inquiry into healthcare worker infection rates, she said.

It was confirmed at the NPHET meeting that 32% of all Covid-19 cases were among healthcare workers but health officials did not respond to questions about INMO calls for an inquiry.
Irans health minister says 10,000 doctors, nurses and other health sector workers have been infected with COVID-19, and many have died.

COVID-19 has infected around 10,000 healthcare workers in Iran.

Many of them have died and now, a statue has been unveiled in their honour.

Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi reports from Tehran.
New Jerseys top law enforcement official said Friday the state will never tolerate the types of police practices that resulted in the death of George Floyd, the Minnesota man whose death in police custody has ignited protests nationwide.

State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a statement he was horrified by the footage of Mr. Floyds death, and the recent arrest of the former officer who kneeled on Floyds neck was an important first step in the search for justice.

The comments came the evening before a planned protest in Newark over Floyds death.

Grewal said sweeping police reforms announced in December would help root out misconduct, and he said officials do hold abusive officers accountable, either through discipline or criminal charges.

As our nation grapples with the tragic death of George Floyd, its a good time to review some of the steps we've taken during @GovMurphy's administration to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the broader NJ community. A THREAD:  AG Gurbir Grewal (@NewJerseyOAG) May 29, 2020

But we must do more," he said, because officers sometimes did use violent force against residents without justification.

We condemn such actions, not simply because they are wrong, but also because they do a disservice to the vast majority of law enforcement officers who are following the law, Grewal said.

Floyds death was a national reminder to address the systemic and implicit biases that affect many Americans, he said, and the state must work harder to build trust between cops and residents, especially those from historically marginalized communities.

Other state officials offered similar comments during the governors daily briefing in Trenton.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday said the centuries-old stain of systemic racism is far from being erased from the fabric of this country.

Col. Patrick Callahan, acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said he was always deeply troubled by the tragic loss of life." He added that in-custody deaths and officer-involved shootings are some of the most complex, intense investigations that need to be rooted in accountability and in justice and in transparency.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

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

Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN.

Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips.
Less than a week before World Environment Day (June 5), the Maharashtra forest department has proposed the declaration of the 2,011 sq km Angria Bank as a protected area.

The proposal seeks to declare Angria Bank as a Designated Area under the Maritime Zones Act, 1976, which if approved by the Centre, will be the first such marine protected zone in India located in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Angria Bank, 105 km (56.7 nautical miles) off Malvan in the Sindhudurg district of Konkan region, is considered a submerged plateau. The coral formation, located at a depth of 20 to 400 metres, consists of 29 genera and 39 species of both hard and soft corals with the reef showing no evident signs of bleaching (turning white due to rising sea surface temperatures as an aftermath of climate change) yet. This is based on an expedition carried out in collaboration with Centre for Marine Living Resources (CMLRE) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Mangrove Foundation and Wildlife Conservation Society between December 18 and 30.

The study found 123 species of fish, 43 species of invertebrates, numerous species of dolphins and whales among other marine animals including the critically endangered sawfish, which is protected under schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The proposed boundary for protection is approximately 61-km long and 50-km wide.

Though India may miss its international Aichi target of identifying 10% marine-protected areas by 2020, protecting Angria Bank will contribute to it since limited marine areas around the country are currently protected.

Aichi targets are an international framework of identifying wildlife and marine protected areas by 2020 developed by the International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The proposal to conserve the area was made by the state mangrove cell on April 29 and approved by the state chief wildlife warden on May 27. Though marine regions have been notified as sanctuaries under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Union environment ministry does not have powers to afford legal protection to a marine area beyond Indian territorial waters (12 nautical miles) owing to jurisdictional constraints. Thus, protecting this area falls within the purview of the Maritime Zones Act, 1976, read the proposal.

The proposal was submitted before the state government for final approval earlier this week, and will soon be sent to the Union environment ministry. This will be a feather in the cap for the protected area network for Maharashtra and India. Based on the final approval, we will be able to showcase the marine wealth close to the states coastline. Considering the threatened status of the rich coral diversity, protecting this massive area is essential from the conservation point of view, said Nitin Kakodkar, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), Maharashtra.

Protected status will restrict threats such as overfishing, oil, natural gas and mineral exploration, no hindrance for marine traffic, and most importantly protect the coral, algal, and other marine diversity, said Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forest (Mangrove cell).

On May 6, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun had also written to the Inspector General of Forests under the Union environment ministry proposing Angria Bank as a Designated Area for marine biodiversity conservation under the Maritime Zones Act, 1976. The ministry is yet to respond to WII.

Marine biologist Sarang Kulkarni, who carried out the first documentation of the marine biodiversity of Angria Bank in 2010, said, This is a welcome decision as this area is Indias Great Barrier Reef. While there are reports of coral bleaching across the world, this is one site along the Indian coastline where corals remain untouched despite the rising sea surface temperatures. Enhanced conservation efforts are needed to ensure the biodiversity remains protected.

Angria Bank was identified as one of Indias 106 important coastal and marine biodiversity areas by the Wildlife Institute of India. While helping achieve the Aichi target 11, protecting the submerged bank will act as an insurance against climate change as the area is a carbon sink providing benefits to the entire country, said Vardhan Patankar, programme head (marine conservation), WCS-India.

Marine biologist Deepak Apte, director, Bombay Natural History Society, said, This is refreshing news about the states intent to declare Angria Bank as protected. It was due to marine biologist Sarang Kulkarnis efforts, who first video-graphed these reefs and prepared base documents in 2010 that drew focus across international platforms. Subsequent expeditions under Mangrove Foundation provided further scientific evidence of the need for its protection.

Historical significance

As per a proposal prepared by the Maharashtra forest department to protect the bank, the name Angria was derived from Kanhoji Angre, who served as an admiral under Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Considering the strategic location of the bank, the anchoring point was identified as a naval base for the Maratha empire against the Dutch, British and Portuguese. Using this point, Angre ensured never to allow enemy ships to pass the anchoring point and is said to have not a lost a single battle at sea. His name was spelt as Cunhojee Angria in British documents, which led to the name of the submerged plateau as Angria Bank. In 1951, the Indian Navy commemorated their naval prowess by naming the Western Naval Command INS Angre in tribute to Kanhoji Angre.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Dr Rory Nolan with his daughter, Francesca, before they were separated due to the Covid-19 restrictions

Any parent will tell you that the birthday occasions for their children are very big family events and when it comes to first birthdays it's an extremely significant milestone in most households.

Dr Rory Nolan, whose father is from Enniscorthy and whose grandmother, Bridie Nolan, lives in Oulart, is an A&E doctor in Macclesfield General Hospital in the UK.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the moment, Dr Nolan was unable to be with his daughter Francesca to celebrate her first birthday along with his wife, Catriona.

However, Dr Nolan said he was overwhelmed by the show of support of his colleagues in the hospital who arranged a surprise party for him to mark his daughter's birthday.

While it may have taken place away from his family, Dr Nolan said it means that he will always be able to look back on Francesca's first birthday fondly, even if he was prevented from being with her on the day.

Dr Nolan (29), hasn't seen his wife and daughter for over two months after they decided to temporarily live apart due to his role on the frontline of the pandemic.

'My biggest fear when this all started was that I would miss her birthday and, unfortunately, that happened,' said Dr Nolan.

'I didn't think about it too much until it came close to her birthday but my colleagues changed what could have been a horrible day into a nice one to look back on,' he added.

'I had thought I'd bring in a cake but, when I arrived, they had put bunting up and everything and really made an effort, and I really appreciate what they did.'

While Dr Nolan didn't get to be with Francesca and Catriona in person, he did get to Facetime them on the day and while obviously it wasn't the same as being with them, it did bring him joy to be able to see and speak to them on such a special occasion.

Because his colleagues knew he was going to be having a Skype birthday celebration with his daughter, one colleague brought in a professionally made cake for the occasion to him to have at the same time as Francesca had hers.

Dr Nolan said his friends worked hard to make his day a special one.

'I arrived into work to balloons, banners, personalised 'Francesca' bunting, cards, presents and so much love and kindness from my A&E colleagues, and from other people around the hospital, it really was brilliant what they did.'

Dr Nolan ordered 25 Domino's pizzas to be delivered to the hospital to acknowledge what his friends did but when the pizza franchise heard about his situation, they delivered them for free.

Dr Nolan said he was overwhelmed by the support he received on what was an understandably difficult day.

'It was huge to be honest and I suppose my friends in the hospital are like a family too so while I didn't get to spend Francesca's birthday with her and Catriona at least I got to celebrate it with my other family and that did really mean a lot,' he said.

In addition to her birthday, Dr Nolan also missed out on Francesca learning to stand and, in many ways, his story highlights the enormous sacrifices that all frontline workers are making to ensure the safety of everyone else in the community.

With regard to his Enniscorthy and County Wexford connections, Dr Nolan is very familiar with the Model County.

'My dad is from Enniscorthy and my granny is still living in Oulart,' he said.

Dr Nolan's aunts, Maria Nolan and Caroline Farrell, live in Enniscorthy and Marshalstown, respectively, and he said he spent all his childhood over here during school holidays.

'Being away from Francesca and Catriona on her first birthday is something I won't be able to get back, but I will always look back on the day with fond memories thanks to my friends here in the hospital,' he said.

Dr Nolan shared his experience on Twitter and it soon went viral with people from all around the world wishing his daughter a happy first birthday.

With regard to the Covid-19 pandemic he said the team at his hospital is prepared for 'whatever comes in through the door'.

He highlighted that, in addition to coronavirus issues, the medical team is also dealing with other emergency and medical situations at the hospital.

He said that while coronarvirus restrictions are easing in Britain and Ireland, people still need to adhere to health guidelines for the sake of everyone in the community.

While Francesca may have been away from her dad on her first birthday, in years to come it will no doubt become a very significant talking point in the Nolan household.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Africa must now pay more attention to manufacturing. He said this in an article published o...

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Africa must now pay more attention to manufacturing.





He said this in an article published on American magazine, Newsweek.





The Nigerian leader advocated that increased production must top Africas post-coronavirus plans.





Buhari noted that what the continent needs is the vision of the global community to match Africas.

Assuring that Africa is positioned to play a critical role in the remolding of a post-coronavirus, he stated that he was convinced things will be different henceforth.





Buhari said Africa has seen the West transform to a service-based economy, with much of its factory production relocated primarily to Asia.





He noted that this led to the creation of home-grown consumer goods from countries such as South Korea and China that are enjoyed around the globe as widely as are their Western equivalents.





The president added that Africas young population is increasingly well-educated and that governance reform is growing in strength in most countries.





He pointed out that Nigeria, a major global oil producer, has established its first private oil refinery, one of the largest in the world.





The Mambilla power plant, finally unlocked for completion after a successful decision by the International Court of Arbitration in Paris earlier this year removed impediments, will electrify the homes of some 10 million of our people.





Buhari said Nigeria can now move forward with road, rail and power station construction being funded with repatriations from the U.S., U.K. and Switzerland.





The president stated that Nigeria already has, and seeks to deepen further relations with other Commonwealth countriesparticularly in the interests of trade.





He expressed confidence that the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCTA) will further boost nations economies.





Buhari insisted that Africa is an opportunity for all and a threat to no one.





We do not seek to grow our manufacturing capabilities in order to grant ourselves a seat at the table of some new great geopolitical gamebut merely to play our part as partners in development, he added.
Earlier this month, we met online for Nurses Week to talk about Ontarios overdose crisis, which is worsening under the weight of COVID-19.

Overdose deaths are on the rise, with Toronto reporting 25 deaths in April, the highest number in over a year, and the pandemic has deepened existing inequities.

People dependent on substance use are more likely to have underlying conditions that put them at greater risk if they contract COVID-19. They might also be sleeping in a crowded shelter or relying on under-resourced food banks.

On top of it all, given COVID-19, when they visit an overdose prevention site, the experience is radically different than it was a few months ago.

For example, COVID-19 has imposed new barriers such as long waiting lines outside, additional screening processes, and outreach workers who have swapped their street clothes for face shields.

These measures, while necessary, are counter to a harm reduction approach that is based on a low barrier to entry  a safe space where there is no judgment and where workers build trust by meeting people where they are in life and empowering them on their recovery journey.

The risk of spreading the virus has also meant that many wraparound services like meal programs and peer support groups have had to be paused.

This all amounts to a deterrent to some people accessing harm reduction services that have kept them alive.

To make matters even worse, were hearing stories of more people falling victim to toxic fentanyl because their usual supplies are not available.

While isolation is saving lives from COVID-19, it can claim lives for people living with a substance use disorder.

Thats why nurses with the Guelph Community Health Centre are visiting motels and apartment buildings to check in with people, distribute naloxone kits, and offer harm reduction training.

Thats why they are distributing phones as a lifeline for people who have become even more isolated than before.

Indeed, workers are rapidly adopting new outreach strategies in the name of health equity, and we must back up their efforts with better harm reduction policies.

One common sense change is to follow British Columbias example and expand access to safer drug supplies under Ontarios Drug Benefit program.

This would allow clinicians to prescribe untainted alternatives to the deadly fentanyl acquired on the street, building on pilot projects and unfunded programs already taking place.

This discussion was happening before the pandemic, and now we have even more reason to make this intervention available to people who are alone and suffering.

As we mobilize all the health care resources we can to combat COVID-19, we cannot take our eyes off the overdose crisis.

The improved health and fiscal savings, which have been demonstrated through wraparound safer drug supply programs, cannot be ignored.

Like so much else, we need to adapt to save lives.
Reptile enthusiasts Dave Galley and Lukas Erickson feel like they landed the big one during a mid-May snake spotting expedition in the badlands of southern Alberta.

"At first I thought it was a stretched out large snakeskin and it wasn't moving," Galley said. "We quickly realized it was a bullsnake and it was very much alive, and active, and five feet long. It was a big snake."

Bullsnakes are the largest snake species found in Alberta and one of the biggest in North America.

Galley and Erickson were thrilled to get photos and video of this unusually accommodating serpent as it weaved through the branches of a tree.

Dave Galley

"Bullsnakes will often have quite a, we'll call it an anger issue, they can be quite defensive," Erickson said. "This guy was extremely docile, he was super fine with us being around and taking video and pictures of him."

Erickson, 26, from Red Deer, and Galley, 47, from Calgary, were recently introduced and became fast friends over their shared hobby.

"Both of us are interested in something called herping," Erickson said in an interview with CBC News. "Herping is short for herpetology, so it's basically going out and looking for reptiles and amphibians."

Dave Galley

Galley's only had a couple of quick glances at fleeing bullsnakes over the years, until now. For Erickson, who has been interested in reptiles since he was a child, it was a moment he'll never forget.

"My personal largest before this one was actually a different subspecies of gopher snake in B.C and he was about four and a half feet," he said. "This one broke my record by a good six inches, breaking that five-foot mark."

Strictly constrictors

Bullsnakes can grow up to two metres long, according to Ken Moore, a naturalist who specializes in snakes in southern Alberta.

Moore volunteers at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre in Lethbridge where he gives snake safety talks. Those are focused on Alberta's most dangerous and only venomous snake, the prairie rattlesnake.

Story continues

Moore is not often asked about bullsnakes but he's seen his share.

He tells CBC News they're not uncommon in the southeastern part of the province and the trick to spotting them is to look up.

"You find them up in the trees in the river valleys more so than you do down on the ground," Moore said, adding that they're often looking for bird nests.

Dave Galley

Some people may not like the slithering creatures but Moore says the snakes are important.

"They eat more rodents than any other snake in Canada," he said. "Any time you happen to have a bullsnake around, you have a fairly healthy environment"

The bullsnake can bite and occasionally break the skin but Moore said they are generally harmless to humans.

"They do not have any type of venom, they are strictly constrictors," he said. "Bullsnakes are nothing but beneficial."

In 2017 the species was designated "special concern" by the federal government due to habitat loss and roadkill.

"It's not endangered but its future depends upon how humans treat it," Moore said. "It's losing habitat all the time and when it loses habitat there are going to be fewer of them."

Both Erickson and Galley hope to get others interested in Alberta's reptiles and a photo of the bullsnake they posted to the Alberta Wildlife Facebook page is certainly helping.

"My phone was just lighting up with the notifications of likes and comments," said Galley. "It was quite well received, the size of that snake in a tree was quite a spectacle for sure."

Facebook

They're happy to share their finds but are careful about how much information they reveal.

"A good place for finding snakes is kind of like a good fishing hole," Erickson said. "You don't really want to give away all your secrets and part of that is for protection of the snakes."

Erickson and his brother Evan, who lives in British Columbia, have a YouTube channel called "Herping BC" where they share videos of the creatures they find.

Lukas Erickson / Herping BC

According to information provided by the Alberta government, there are nine different reptile species in the province, including seven snakes, one lizard, and one turtle.

In Canada, the bullsnake is only found in southern areas of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has refuted allegations of lack of quality N95 masks and PPE kits for the healthcare staff, saying the equipment was in accordance with the standards set by the government.

Responding to a report on healthcare staff falling prey to Coronavirus, the AIIMS administration said: More than 95% of the staff who tested positive for Covid-19 did not have any evidence of transmission from the patient care activities based on detailed evaluation by the Contact Tracing Team. Of these, a large majority came from containment zones. Training has been imparted to all cadres of staff in infection control practices in context of COVID-19.

AIIMS administration further clarified that the institute has been issuing appropriate PPE kits, including N95 masks, biosafety coveralls, etc., in all patient care and support areas to all healthcare workers irrespective of the mode of engagement. Sufficient stock of PPE is being maintained to ensure they are made available at all times as required. AIIMS states that specifications for the N95 masks are equivalent to that of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The N95 masks supplied to AIIMS meet specified standards. The same were evaluated and certifications verified by a committee at AIIMS.

Around 195 healthcare workers have tested positive at the premier institute so far, including doctors, nurses, mess workers, laboratory staff, technicians, sanitation staff and security personnel. AIIMS sanitation chief, who had tested positive for Covid-19, died three days ago and a mess worker died last week.

Since March we have been writing and fighting for the safety of hostel premises, poor sanitation, lack of proper quarantine protocol and need for adequate testing, Dr Srinivas Rajkumar T, General Secretary, RDA, AIIMS had said earlier. He had alleged that the N95 masks do not meet safety standards.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  A pickup truck drove through a crowd of protesters Saturday in Floridas capital, sending some running and screaming as the vehicle stopped and started and at one point had a person on its hood, police said.

Video shows Tallahassee protesters walking around the truck as it stopped at a traffic light, while some appeared to speak to the driver. In one video, a bottle was apparently smashed against the widow and the truck then suddenly accelerated, knocking several people to the side, but no serious injuries were reported.

Saturday's protest demanding justice for George Floyd was one of several in Florida and dozens across the nation. Demonstrators outraged over Floyd's death faced off against heavily-armed officers in other states, with some smashing police cars, ransacking businesses and setting fires that smoldered through the night.

An officer, who is seen on video pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes as Floyd begged for air, was charged Friday in Floyd's death.

Lucas von Hollen, an IT instructor at Florida State University, said participants were chanting, marching and carrying signs Saturday near the Capitol building when he heard a distinct scream of fear. He looked out a window from a second-floor work building and saw the burgundy pickup.

He said it slowed down as some protesters moved aside, while others remained in place.

Then the truck revved its engines  a couple people got out of the way, but some people didnt, and it just drove straight through the crowd, he said.

Witnesses said a group followed the truck, forcing it to stop. Tallahassee Police immediately handcuffed the driver, shut down the street and redirected protesters to another area.

Police did not release the name of the driver or say whether he would face any charges, saying details would be forwarded to the state attorney once the investigation was complete.

This is an extremely tense, emotional time across the nation," Chief Lawrence Revell said in a statement. Mutual respect among all of us is vital. The Tallahassee Police Department supports the nonviolent gathering of protesters and will uphold their constitutional right to do so while making every effort to maintain a safe environment for our community.

Von Hollen said police responded swiftly and efficiently in full force, separating the driver and protesters before the situation could escalate, adding he felt zero sense of danger after taking to the streets to catch a glimpse firsthand.

Some people were carrying negative signs about the police and the police were helping them out anyway, he noted. It was refreshing and a reminder that, yeah its pretty bad in other places, but it doesnt seem to be that bad here.
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.




Flowr announces its intent to file Q1 2020 financial statements on or before June 15 th , 2020

Flowr announces its intent to delay holding an annual general meeting of shareholders until the second half of 2020

TORONTO, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Flowr Corporation (TSX.V: FLWR; OTC: FLWPF) (Flowr or the Company) announces that it has postponed the filing of its first quarter 2020 interim financial statements and related management discussion and analysis for the period ended March 31, 2020 (collectively, the Interim Filings) which were required to be filed by June 1st, 2020 under National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (NI 51-102). The Company expects to report and file first quarter 2020 earnings on or before June 15th, 2020. In addition, the Company announces that, in accordance with applicable corporate and securities laws, and stock exchange rules, it has decided to delay holding an annual general meeting of shareholders until a later date in the second half of 2020.



On March 23rd, 2020, the Canadian Securities Administrators published substantively harmonized temporary exemptions from certain regulatory filing requirements that provide issuers with a 45-day filing extension for filings required on or before June 1, 2020 to allow issuers the time needed to focus on the many other business and financial reporting implications of COVID-19. The Company will rely on these exemptions with respect to the Interim Filings as set out in Part 4 and Part 5 of NI 51-102.

On May 1st, 2020, the Canadian Securities Administrators announced temporary blanket relief for public companies from certain filing and delivery requirements, which are generally tied to the sending of materials for annual general meetings. The Canadian Securities Administrators implemented the relief through local blanket orders that are substantially harmonized across the country, including the exemptive relief contained in Ontario Instrument 51-504 Temporary Exemptions from Certain Requirements to File or Send Securityholder Materials of the Ontario Securities Commission. The Company will rely on this relief to postpone the public filing of its executive compensation disclosure until such time as it is filed and delivered to shareholders as part of the Companys management information circular relating to its 2020 annual meeting of shareholders.

Story continues

All of the Companys management, directors and other insiders will remain subject to a blackout period under its Timely Disclosure, Confidentiality and Insider Trading Policy, which reflects the principles set out in section 9 of National Policy 11-207: Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders and Revocations in Multiple Jurisdictions.

Since the Company reported 2019 fiscal year end results on April 29th, 2020, the Company announced that it has entered into an Equity Line and Profit Sharing Agreement (the Partnership) with Terrace Global (TSX-V:TRCE) (Terrace Global) to fund the development and operations of Holigen. For further details on the Partnership with Terrace Global please see the Companys press release dated May 14th, 2020 and related filing on SEDAR.

On May 27th, 2020, the Company became aware that for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2020 it was in breach of a current ratio financial covenant and positive covenant requiring the Company to have a certain percentage of total assets held by loan parties under the Credit Agreement dated November 18, 2019, as amended to the date hereof, with a syndicate of lenders, including ATB Financial (the Credit Agreement). The Company, as at todays date, is in compliance with the current ratio testing under the Credit Agreement, but requires a formal waiver from its lenders with respect to the aforementioned breach of covenants. The Company is currently in discussions with its lenders to receive such waivers, and believes it will be able to receive a waiver from such breaches.

About The Flowr Corporation

The Flowr Corporation is a Toronto-headquartered cannabis company with operations in Canada, Europe, and Australia. Its Canadian operating campus, located in Kelowna, BC, includes a purpose-built, GMP-designed indoor cultivation facility; an outdoor and greenhouse cultivation site; and a state-of-the-art R&D facility. From this campus, Flowr produces recreational and medicinal products. Internationally, Flowr intends to service the global medical cannabis market through its subsidiary Holigen, which has a license for cannabis cultivation in Portugal and operates GMP licensed facilities in both Portugal and Australia.

Flowr aims to support improving outcomes through responsible cannabis use and, as an established expert in cannabis cultivation, strives to be the brand of choice for consumers and patients seeking the highest-quality craftsmanship and product consistency across a portfolio of differentiated cannabis products.

For more information, please visit flowrcorp.com or follow Flowr on Twitter: @FlowrCanada and LinkedIn: The Flowr Corporation.

On behalf of The Flowr Corporation:

Vinay Tolia

CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION:

INVESTORS & MEDIA:

Thierry Elmaleh

Head of Capital Markets

(877) 356-9726 ext. 1528

thierry@flowr.ca

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian Securities laws, which may include but is not limited to: the postponement of the filing of the Interim Filings; the expected timeline for the Company to report and file first quarter 2020 earnings; the expected timeline for the Companys annual general meeting of shareholder in 2020; the Company relying on exemptions with respect the Interim Filings; the Company relying on relief to postpone the public filing of its executive compensation disclosure; the Companys management, directors and other insiders remaining subject to a blackout period under its Timely Disclosure, Confidentiality and Insider Trading Policy; the Partnership funding the development and operations of Holigen; the Companys discussions with its lenders regarding waivers and its belief that it will be able to receive such waivers; Flowr servicing the global medical cannabis market and operating GMP-designed manufacturing facilities in Portugal and Australia; Flowr supporting improving outcomes through responsible cannabis use and striving to be the brand of choice for consumers and patients seeking highest-quality craftmanship and product consistency; and Flowrs business, production and products. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, is expected, expects, scheduled, intends, contemplates, anticipates, believes, proposes or variations (including negative and grammatical variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information and statements are based on the current expectations of Flowrs management and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although Flowrs management believes that the assumptions underlying such information and statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Flowr, including risks relating to: Flowr being unable to file the Interim Filings on the anticipated timeline, or at all; Flowr being unable to hold an annual general meeting of shareholders on the anticipated timeline, or at all; the Company being unable to satisfy the requirement for the applicable exemptions and relief it is relying on with respect to the Interim Filings and filing of its executive compensation disclosure, or such exemptions and relief becoming otherwise unavailable to the Company; the inability of the Company to have its management, directors and other insiders adhere to its Timely Disclosure, Confidentiality and Insider Trading Policy; the Partnership being unable to fund the development and operations of Holigen; the Company being unable to obtain waivers from its lenders; Flowr being unable to service the global medical cannabis market and/or operate GMP-designed manufacturing facilities in Portugal and Australia; Flowr being unable to support improving outcomes through responsible cannabis use and/or striving to be the brand of choice for consumers and patients seeking highest-quality craftmanship and product consistency; the construction and development of the Companys cultivation and production facilities; general economic and stock market conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments in Canada and elsewhere; the cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of Flowr to implement its business strategies; Flowrs inability to produce or sell premium quality cannabis, risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Flowrs filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators; the Companys inability to raise capital or have the liquidity to operate or advance its strategic initiatives and many other factors beyond the control of Flowr.

Although Flowr has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information or statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking information or statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking information and statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Flowr undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. When considering such forward-looking information and statements, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in Flowrs Annual Information Form dated April 29, 2020 (the AIF) and filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities in Canada. The risk factors and other factors noted in the AIF could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information or statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
An independent investigation into an incident involving a La Mesa police officer who twice body-slammed a handcuffed student at Helix Charter High School concluded the officer did not use excessive force, that his actions were not racially motivated and that he did not lose his temper during the incident.

The findings were disclosed Tuesday to the La Mesa City Council nearly a year after the incident, which occurred when school officials asked a school resource officer to escort a 17-year-old female student who refused to leave the campus.

The altercation between the student, who is black, and Officer Scott Wulfing, who is white, occurred on Jan. 19, 2018. Cellphone footage that has been shared widely on social media shows the officer flinging the student, who was handcuffed, over his hip and onto the cement and then body-slamming her a second time.

 A La Mesa police officer forced a 17-year-old Helix High School student to the ground after she refused to comply with directions, the chief of police said in a statement.

Advertisement

Scott Tiedemann, a lawyer representing investigator Barry Aninag, told the City Council that concerns about the officers conduct raised by the city were not supported by the evidence and were deemed unfounded, though he did not share publicly any of the specifics used to reach that conclusion.

Aninags investigation sought to make a determination about whether any La Mesa Police Department use-of-force policies or procedures were violated and whether race played a role.

The City Council was not given a copy of the report because of privacy laws that govern police personnel matters.

Mayor Mark Arapostathis pressed Tiedemann several times for more information, noting that the city had waited a year to get the report, which was originally supposed to be finished in 90 days, dating back to last February when Aninag was hired.

Tiedemann said he was not able to share many details of Aninags report because California penal code states that personnel records of a peace officer are confidential and cannot be disclosed in a civil proceeding.

The information that is gathered by the investigator... is confidential, Tiedemann said several times. Im prohibited from elaborating on that information.

Aninags group was paid $155 per hour for investigative time including consultation, preparation, interviews, and documentation. City Manager Yvonne Garrett said the total investigation cost was $22,089.

Tiedemann said 20 people were interviewed by Aninag, including administrators at Helix, but that multiple attempts to interview the student, Brianna Bell, were unsuccessful.

Bell is now attending school at Winston-Salem University on the East Coast. Last October, Bell filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the city of La Mesa and Wulfing. Bells complaint cites excessive force, Civil Rights Act code violations, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and assault and battery.

Wulfing has been on paid administrative leave since the incident but will be back on the beat next week, La Mesa Police Chief Walt Vasquez said. Another school resource officer has been assigned to all the La Mesa area schools, including Helix.

City Councilman Bill Baber, an attorney, said more discovery and discussion will take place as the federal court case moves forward.

The council was unanimous in pushing for a future discussion of its police departments standards.

Councilwoman Akilah Weber said she hoped Vasquez would provide a review of the police departments use-of-force policy. She said she wanted to hear options for de-escalating a situation without using violence.

Weber also asked the City Council to look into creating a citizens advisory board or oversight committee in conjunction with the police.

Brianna Bell, who was thrown to the ground by a La Mesa police officer on Jan. 18, 2018, spoke out publicly about her experience last February. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)

Arapostathis asked city staff to bring back information for a public discussion on the police departments use-of-force policies and look at how other cities run police review boards.

Vasquez said he is extremely supportive of the opportunity to discuss his departments use-of-force policy.

We can explain the policy, which is looked at frequently, Vasquez said. We do take it seriously and are always looking for best practices, assuring that our policy complies with state law and federal law. We review and discuss it frequently with staff. With the members of the public I work with, I have had those policy discussions and we will continue to do so.

Aeiramique Blake, a friend of Bells, told the City Council that for nearly a year she and others involved in restorative justice have been working with Vasquez on better practices for officers.

She attended a Helix Charter High School board meeting in December and requested  but has not yet been given information  on the schools own investigation of the incident.

Kevin Osborn, Helixs executive director, told The San Diego Union-Tribune that its investigation of the Jan. 19 incident was shared with our board as part of a confidential attorney-client communication related to anticipated litigation and that the communication is exempt from public disclosure.

In an email sent Thursday, Osburn said, At a school of 2,500 students, on occasion, law enforcement is called upon to assist in resolving student-related matters. In these rare cases, the school relies on the officers to address matters appropriately.

Osburn said the schools goal is to avoid outside intervention.

We provided several professional development days last spring and this school year focused on training our entire staff on restorative practices and discipline...to manage conflict and tensions by repairing harm and building relationships, he said.

Blake told the City Council she was disappointed in Tiedemanns report, and believed the city wasted its money on the investigation with no useful information. Blake said the city needed to make things right you need to do better next time.

Weve all seen the video, and I believe in putting things in context, but theres certain things where you see it and you know it was wrong, Blake said. Where a young lady is slammed to the ground twice. While she is in handcuffs or any kind of restraint, a grown man sends a young lady to the ground. There is never an excuse for that.

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Friday urged the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, immediately stop practices of hegemonism and power politics, and mind their own business, rather than provoking tensions and making troubles everywhere.

Zhang refuted the fallacy on Hong Kong made by the United States, Britain, and some other countries, saying China opposes and completely rejects the baseless remarks made by the United States and Britain.

"The United States and the United Kingdom, for their own political purposes, have been making unwarranted comments, interfering and obstructing, and attempted to push for an open video conference in the UN Security Council. China expressed strong opposition, and the vast majority of the Council members did not support the U.S. proposal, believing that the Hong Kong-related issues were China's internal affairs and had nothing to do with the mandates of the Security Council. The Security Council rejected the unreasonable request of the U.S., and its attempt failed," said a press release issued by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations.

"Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference. National security legislation for Hong Kong does not constitute any threat to international peace and security. The Council must not get involved in any way," Zhang said.

The third session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's national legislature, on Thursday adopted the Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to Safeguard National Security.

In face of strong opposition from China and Security Council members, the United States and Britain could only mention Hong Kong under "any other business" in the informal consultations of the council. This move was strongly countered by China and generally opposed by council members. They urged the United States and Britain to stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and making groundless accusations against China. There was no consensus, no formal discussion in the Security Council, and the U.S. and Britain's move came to nothing, said the press release.

The Chinese ambassador pointed out that since June last year, serious organized acts of violence and separatist activities took place in Hong Kong, which have got the support from some foreign forces and posed a real threat to China's national security. It is necessary and fully justified for the National People's Congress of China to establish and improve legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for Hong Kong to safeguard national security.

Such legislation does not affect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy or the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. Instead, it is conducive to the implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, he added.

Zhang emphasized that the legal basis for the Chinese government's administration of Hong Kong is the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

"After Hong Kong's return to China, the UK has no right of sovereignty, jurisdiction or supervision over Hong Kong, still less is the U.S. entitled to comment on Hong Kong with the excuse of the Sino-British Joint Declaration," he said.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft sits atop a Falcon 9 booster rocket on Pad39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, May 29, 2020.

Steve Nesius/Reuters

SpaceX's first launch of NASA astronauts was scrubbed on Wednesday because of poor weather. The next attempt is scheduled for Saturday.

Rockets launching through puffy cumulus clouds can trigger lightning strikes, endangering the astronauts they carry.

Those "cotton ball" clouds are weather's "biggest threats" to rocket launches, according to Jason Fontenot, the commander who oversees weather monitoring for the mission.

Elon Musk says his company's rocket and spaceship are designed to withstand lightning, but it wouldn't be "wise" to take the risk.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SpaceX and NASA were forced to delay their first astronaut launch on Wednesday, largely because the sky held too many fluffy clouds.

The high-stakes demonstration flight, called Demo-2, is set to fly people in a commercial spacecraft for the first time ever. If successful, the mission would resurrect the US's capability to launch its own astronauts and kick off a new era of commercial space exploration.

SpaceX, which was founded by Elon Musk in 2002, designed and built its Crew Dragon spaceship with the help of NASA funding to shuttle astronauts to and from the International Space Station. It's currently perched atop SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The next launch attempt will be on Saturday at 3:22 p.m. ET. The same weather conditions clouded the skies all of Saturday morning, but forecasters say the clouds may clear before launch time. Mission commanders will watch the weather closely in the hours and minutes leading to liftoff.

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley (left) and Robert Behnken (right) participate in a dress rehearsal for launch at the agencys Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 23, 2020, ahead of NASAs SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station.

Kim Shiflett/NASA

Mission commanders scrubbed Wednesday's scheduled launch just 17 minutes before liftoff, since storm clouds created unsafe weather conditions for the rocket and the two NASA astronauts inside the spaceship.

"You have the bubbling clouds out there  those big white puffy clouds that look like big cotton balls  those are cumulus clouds," Jason Fontenot, who oversees the team that monitors and forecasts weather for rocket launches at the 45th Weather Squadron, said in a call with reporters.

Story continues

"Those provide the biggest threats when it comes to launching rockets," he added.

The sun rises in Cape Canaveral, Florida, as SpaceX's Crew Dragon spaceship and Falcon 9 rocket await launch in May 2020.

SpaceX via Twitter

That's because the clouds' bubbliness comes from vertical development, which creates electric charge inside the cloud.

"So if we launched near that cloud, we could potentially induce or trigger a lightning strike from that cloud," Fontenot said.

That happened to the Apollo 12 mission in 1969. The astronauts inside the rocket felt the lightning strike, and it disabled nine nonessential instrument sensors.

"Falcon/Dragon are designed to withstand multiple lightning strikes, but we don't think it would be wise to take this risk," Musk tweeted on Saturday.

Of the 10 lightning-related weather conditions that could scrub a launch, the presence of cumulus clouds is the most common.

"We had those hard requirements that when something hits, there's nothing we can do about it," Fontenot said of the weather restrictions. "So yes, it was kind of disappointing, but I'd much rather launch during better weather, and hopefully we'll get a chance on Saturday."

The 45th Weather Squadron projects a 50% chance of safe conditions for the upcoming attempt. The main concerns are rain, thunderstorm anvil clouds, and those puffy cumulus clouds.

'Scrubs are part of conducting spaceflight safely and successfully'

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley wear their spacesuits during a dress rehearsal on May 23, 2020, ahead of NASAs SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station.

SpaceX via Twitter

If weather doesn't scrub the mission again on Saturday afternoon, the Falcon 9 will launch astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the space station. They will stay there for up to 110 days before the Crew Dragon brings them back to Earth.

"Scrubs are part of conducting spaceflight safely and successfully. During my last mission to [the space station], weather caught us too," Behnken tweeted on Friday. "We're ready for the next launch opportunity!"

The last time the United States launched humans into space from American soil was in 2011, when the last space shuttle made its final voyage into orbit. Since then, NASA has relied on Russian Soyuz rockets to ferry its astronauts to and from the International Space Station, a practice that has become increasingly expensive and limited US access to the station.

But that could all change this weekend.

"It is a pretty surreal experience and I'm extremely grateful to be a part of this big moment in history," Fontenot said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(CNN)  A CNN crew was arrested while giving a live television report Friday morning in Minneapolis  and then released about an hour later  as the crew covered ongoing protests over the death in police custody of George Floyd.

CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez told Wolf Blitzer his mother and grandmother were watching when he was arrested with his producer and his photojournalist shortly after 5 a.m. CT.

"As you can imagine, they both were watching on air as this was happening and so in the time I did not have my phone and was being transported to the public safety building downtown, my mom, as I found out later, was calling every single person on the planet basically trying to figure out where I was going," Jimenez said, adding that since he had not been booked there was no record of where he was.

This worried his mother and grandmother even more.

When Jimenez was finally released about an hour later, CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker told him after he got out that "he made the most important call of my life for me."

"I assumed it was to the governor, and he said 'No, that most important call of your life was to your mother,'" Jimenez said. "He called my mother to tell her and let her know that I was OK."

Jimenez said his grandmother told him that she was arrested during the civil rights movement as a protester.

"She looked at me, almost saying it as a badge of honor, for sticking up for and standing your ground," he said. "I'm thankful to say we were able to do that by doing our constitutionally protected job. At the end of the day there were a lot of scary moments, even more so for my friends and families and loved ones watching what was happening."

Police say CNN crew refused to move

State troopers detained Jimenez, producer Bill Kirkos and photojournalist Leonel Mendez shortly after 5 a.m. CT (6 a.m. ET) as Jimenez was reporting live from a street south of downtown, near where a police precinct building was earlier set ablaze.

Jimenez could be seen holding his CNN badge while reporting, identifying himself as a reporter, and telling the officers the crew would move wherever officers needed them to. An officer gripped his arm as Jimenez talked, then put him in handcuffs.

"We can move back to where you like. We are live on the air here. ... Put us back where you want us. We are getting out of your way -- wherever you want us (we'll) get out of your way," Jimenez said to police before he was led away.

"We were just getting out of your way when you were advancing through the intersection," Jimenez continued.

Police told the crew they were being detained because they were told to move and didn't, one member of the CNN crew relayed to the network.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz told Zucker that he deeply apologizes for what happened and would work to have the crew released.

Later, after the crew was freed, Walz told reporters: "We have got to ensure that there is a safe spot for journalism to tell the story."

The troopers were clearing the area at Walz's direction, he said, adding there was "absolutely no reason" for the journalists' arrests and that he takes full responsibility.

Stelter: Arresting reporters at a protest is an affront to the First Amendment

Jimenez, Kirkos and Mendez were taken to the city's downtown public safety building after their arrest, but were released after 6 a.m. CT.

Jimenez, after his release, reported live outside from downtown and said he'd been treated cordially after he'd been led away.

"We're doing OK, now. There were a few uneasy moments there," Jimenez said.

The Minneapolis State Patrol said this about the incident:

"In the course of clearing the streets and restoring order at Lake Street and Snelling Avenue, four people were arrested by State Patrol troopers, including three members of a CNN crew. The three were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media."

CNN disputed the state patrol's characterization in a statement on Twitter.

"This is not accurate  our CNN crew identified themselves, on live television, immediately as journalists. We thank Minnesota @GovTimWalz for his swift action this morning to aid in the release of our crew."

Another CNN reporter says he was 'treated much differently'

CNN's Josh Campbell, who was in the area but not standing with the on-air crew, said he, too, was approached by police, but was allowed to remain.

"I identified myself ... they said, 'OK, you're permitted to be in the area,'" recounted Campbell, who is white. "I was treated much differently than (Jimenez) was."

Jimenez is black and Latino. Kirkos is white, and Mendez is Hispanic.

"A CNN reporter and his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves  a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. The authorities in Minnesota, including the Governor, must release the three CNN employees immediately," CNN said in a statement shortly after their arrest.

Charles Ramsey, a former Philadelphia police commissioner and a CNN law enforcement analyst, said the arrest made no sense.

"State police are going to have a lot to answer for this arrest here," Ramsey said. "(Jimenez is) standing there ... you can see his credential. Just move him where you want to be."

"They should have a designated (media) area, and just tell them to move to that area."

The crew's arrest is a counterpoint, CNN political analyst Bakari Sellers said, to anyone who says, "All you have to do is comply; all you have to do is use your nice inside voice, and the police will leave you alone."

"We have a white reporter on the ground, and we have a brown reporter on the ground. They are a block apart. The brown reporter is arrested and the white reporter is telling us what's happening," Sellers said.

"We saw a reporter who is educated, who is brown, who is doing his job better than anybody ... (who) was in harm's way, letting the American people see what's going on, on the ground. He complied. He said he would move. ... You almost have to laugh not to just be furious."

What happened before the arrest

Hours before the CNN crew's arrest, crowds charged over a fence and threw firecrackers at the Third Precinct building overnight. Minneapolis police officers deserted the building, which eventually was set ablaze.

More fires burned, including at a four-story building that had contained restaurants and an event space down the street from the precinct.

Police appeared to have abandoned the area for hours. Crowds had thinned, though some people still were throwing things into the burning four-story building, Jimenez reported around 4:30 a.m. CT.

Right before 5 a.m. CT, more than 100 state troopers in body armor and riot gear arrived in the area. Firefighters also arrived, spraying water on the burning commercial building.

Intermittently, an officer told people over a loudspeaker to "disperse immediately" or face arrest.

By the time Jimenez was reporting live shortly after 5 a.m. CT, troopers were advancing down the street where Jimenez was standing.

The troopers soon approached the three-person crew while moving in to arrest a fourth person behind them.

After the crew was detained, Mendez's camera was set on the ground and continued to transmit live images.

Journalists assert First Amendment rights to press freedom when covering protests in public spaces, and infringements are relatively rare in the United States.

Numerous journalists were detained while covering the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri. At the time, The American Society of News Editors called it a "top-down effort to restrict" First Amendment rights.

The arrests wound up being embarrassing for the police, and four of the journalists sued St. Louis County. In a settlement deal in 2016, the county agreed "to adopt policy changes that will address the issues raised by this lawsuit."

Since then, researchers at the US Press Freedom Tracker have counted a handful of other cases of journalists taken into custody while covering protests.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "CNN crew released from police custody after they were arrested live on air in Minneapolis."
A small suitcase and a backpack sit on the floor just steps from our front door. Theyre packed with everything we need to stay at the hospital for a couple of nights, if we need to: changes of clothes, snacks, chargers, masks, rubber gloves, and more. Well grab this luggage on the way out the door the day our new baby comes. COVID-19 hasnt hit northern Ontario as hard as the south, so as it stands now, Ill be able to join my wife at the hospital in Sudbury when she gives birth. Other parents elsewhere havent been as fortunate.

Ten days after the pandemic was declared, my wife Sarah and I sat on our bed, looking out the window through teary eyes to our snowy backyard. Our three-year-old son was hypnotized by one of his kids shows on TV downstairs, so we took an adult moment away. She pressed her head into my shoulder, and I told her everything was going to be alright. But I didnt really know that for sure. I kissed the top of her head and rubbed her pregnant belly.

Up until then, we had taken the building tension of the coronavirus in stride. We are generally pretty laid-back people anyway. Our home city of Sudbury only had a handful of positive cases at that point. With her job in public health and mine in the media (at the time), we were well informed of the developing situation and the relative risks. We took all the necessary precautions, and we knew that Sarah was in excellent care with a doctor and a midwife who are committed to bringing our new child into this world in a safe and healthy way.

But March 21st was the evening we slightly bent, without breaking. We were supposed to be in Ottawa that weekend for a family trip. The plan was to stay at my mother and stepfathers apartment, and spend much of the weekend with my brother, his partner, and their children. We even had tickets for a Pearl Jam concert at Ottawas Canadian Tire Centre the evening that fear finally set in at home in Sudbury. Despite our generally calm initial reaction to the pandemic, the cancelled plans and creeping uncertainty humbled us.

Two months later, sitting in an arena with 20,000 other people to watch live music now seems like a weird privilege from an alternate universe. And in-person family visits feel painfully out of reach. But lamenting those once-normal activities has since subsided because of Sarahs growing belly, which has pushed certain priorities to the periphery. Shes getting ready to give birth at the peak of a global pandemic; something we could have never foreseen when we first found out she was pregnant back in the fall.

We were prepared for a potentially challenging pregnancy. Our son was born via emergency C-section because of a medical crisis that landed them both in the ICU for days. As such, Sarahs current pregnancy is considered high-risk. That factor added to the building stress around the pandemic. But we adjusted, as we do, and returned our focus to welcoming our new child into a happy and stable home. We got back to our long list of tasks to do in the lead-up to the babys arrival, including organizing supplies and clothes, setting up sleeping spaces, packing our bags for the hospital, and so on.

Thus, a routine of preparing and waiting has become the new normal. And its a much easier reality for me than for her. As mother, she bears the literal and emotional weight of this massive creation. Shes the one who must give birth in a health care system on edge with no end in sight to a once-in-a-lifetime worldwide sickness. But its her strength and resolve to grow our family in the midst of so much social precariousness that puts me at ease. If she feels like its all gonna be okay, then I do, too.

And perhaps an impending birth is whats making this tense time of isolation and uncertainty much more bearable, and even enjoyable. We are all eager to meet our new little family member. Our son is excited to become a big brother. As Anishinaabeg, we see babies as the greatest gifts. We believe they choose us as parents, and its our responsibility to welcome them into this world in a safe and positive way. We cant control the changing world around us, but we can ensure the family home theyre joining is happy and healthy. The touch of fear we experienced that snowy night has melted away.

Still, our newest child will be born under unusual circumstances. Theres a good chance they wont have a name for many days. As is our custom, my father will bestow a name in Anishinaabemowin on our child in a ceremony when hes first able to visit. He named our son Jiikwis when he first saw him in the hospital. But with this baby due in just a matter of weeks, we dont know when hell be able to see and name his newest grandchild. Weve joked that it could be a naming ceremony via video chat.

Above all, though, the birth of an Anishinaabe baby in the midst of a pandemic is a triumph. Our people have been forced to overcome waves of foreign sicknesses in recent centuries. Colonialism has ravaged Indigenous populations and severely damaged cultures across what many nations call Turtle Island (North America). But weve survived, and were here to carry on tradition in the face of this latest challenge.

So we sit, and wait for that date in June thats marked in the calendars on our phones. And when we can, well travel with our new baby throughout their traditional homelands, introducing them to family and loved ones who created this path we follow. The bags are already packed.
ANN ARBOR, MI  University of Michigan Chief Diversity Officer Robert Sellers says he woke up bone-weary tired on Friday morning after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Not your normal tired. I woke up with a kind of tired that can only be found on the other side of loss, anger, frustration, sadness and despair, Sellers said in a statement.

Sellers wrote that he has always said black people are the most optimistic subscribers of the American dream, and this other-worldly optimism is most famously exemplified in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech. While he struggled to get out of bed Friday morning, he said the recollections of his parents  who epitomized that other-worldly black optimism  provided him with a perspective, a lens through which I can view and understand all that is happening now.

This lens reminds me that this struggle is not new, nor is it likely to be won in my lifetime, Sellers wrote. Sadly, it is likely that more Black people will die before we become the country that remotely resembles the one described in our Constitution. This lens also reminds me that this country is MY country. My ancestors sacrificed their lives in building this country.

However, Sellers said the recent deaths of Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery in Gerogia make it clear that being a black male interacting with law enforcement can be hazardous to ones health. He also referenced a recent incident in Washtenaw County in which ShaTeina Grady El was punched in the head by a Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office deputy.

You cant do that.' Ypsilanti woman shown being punched by Washtenaw deputy speaks about altercation

The city of Minneapolis has witnessed three days of protests following the viral video of Floyd held down by a white officer with his knee on Floyds neck.

The video shows three other officers pushing away onlookers but not stopping the officer restraining Floyd. Onlookers in the video are heard repeatedly asking officers to get off Floyd and check his pulse as he cried out that he could not breathe and eventually became unresponsive.

All four officers were fired. Friday, May 29, the officer with his knee on Floyds neck, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

During these times, though, Sellers said his parents example provided him renewal in the form of resolve and new insights into that other-worldly optimism that is foundational to the strength and resilience of black people.

This perspective has renewed my resolve to do all that I can to make whatever change I can, Sellers wrote. For me, to do otherwise would be turning my back on the investment that my ancestors made in this country and disinheriting my descendants.

UM President Mark Schlissel also condemned the recent deaths of Floyd, Arbery and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucy, in a statement released Friday.

There are far, far too many more examples of racism and violence against people of color from all across our nation, including in our surrounding community," Schlissel wrote. At UM, we must use our power to address major societal problems  especially those that diminish our society so tragically. This is clear in our mission.

Schlissel said that diversity, equity and inclusion will continue to be a major focus of UM throughout his presidency and beyond its five-year strategic plan. He is urging anyone who needs support to access university resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office and Michigan Medicines Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience.

The University of Michigan has a critical role to play and obligation to lead the kind of changes in our society that we all want to see," Schlissel said. We must utilize our scholarship, the education and the engagement of our talented faculty, students and staff to bring about change not only within the university, but also in our broader society. Our collective future depends on it.

Schlissels full message can be read here, and Sellers message can be read here.
This week, our Tobias Hoonhout reported that the Justice Department is continuing its insider-trading investigation of Senator Richard Burr (R., N.C.), though the probe has been dropped with respect to other senators who  with such remarkably good fortune!  dumped stock just before the coronavirus tanked the market.

That makes sense. As Ill explain momentarily, Senator Burrs public defense of his actions  along the lines of I only relied on public information  is unavailing as a legal defense. I hasten to add, though, that this does not mean he will be charged. Indeed, it would be a tough case . . . as are most cases that prosecutors try to bring against the folks who write the laws.

I dont have a dog in this fight. I am not a fan of Richard Burr, the preeningly bipartisan chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee (in my estimation, among the most useless on Capitol Hill, which is saying something). If theres been anything written with more delightful bite this year than my friend Kevin D. Williamsons History Called  and Senator Burr Called His Broker, I havent seen it. Still, Im not rooting for the senator to be prosecuted, particularly under this elastic theory of securities fraud.

The insider-trading laws are not really traditional criminal statutes. More a cobbling together of SEC rules and judicial decisions, Ive always thought they failed the main test of penal laws: to put a person of ordinary intelligence on clear notice of what conduct is prohibited. Hence the confusion over the years, and the creative prosecutorial envelope-pushing, over who qualifies as an insider, and how far the duty to refrain from trading on material non-public information extends  just the insider? Her husband? Their neighbor? The neighbors Uber driver? You get the point.

These laws are ignoble, moreover, in that theyre driven by envy. They are reminiscent of then-candidate Barack Obamas response when it was pointed out that cutting taxes can increase revenues that underwrite the progressive wish-list. Even if that would be a better real-world outcome, the Cosmic One opined, raising taxes on the wealthy was still preferable because it accorded with his sense of fairness.

Story continues

Similarly, the prohibition on insider trading is designed to combat the unfairness said to result when people with superior information (indeed, the best information, which is known to corporate insiders) engage in exchanges with people who lack access to that information  as if someone were holding a gun to the less-well informed persons head, as if that person did not know the risks of trading securities, and as if the civil fraud laws were not in operation.

The problem, of course, is that the prohibition deprives the market of price signals generated by the purchases and sales made by the people who know the most about a companys conditions, assets, liabilities, and prospects. It would be better for us to have that information, but that would enable the insiders  especially the already wealthy ones  to profit: They can buy up their companys stock at bargain prices before the public announcement of good news certain to drive the price up; or they can dump stock at premium prices before, say, the onset of a pandemic theyve been given a heads-up about.

So, while it is not the choice I would make, we have prioritized handcuffing the privileged over gaining access to what they know  although proponents of this balance will tell you that the information-deficit problem is ameliorated by the voluminous disclosure requirements the SEC imposes on publicly traded companies (which, of course, are another fertile source of SEC enforcement actions and Justice Department securities-fraud prosecutions).

Alas, the remorseless fact: There is no such thing as an even playing field when it comes to information, though that is what the insider-trading laws strive to construct. Some people pay more attention than others, some are just more savvy than others, and sometimes that is as important, or even more important, than having access to privileged information.

Hence the main drawback of insider-trading bans: They purport to restrict exchanges involving uneven access to nonpublic information, but not to hinder securities trading that is profitable because of study, ingenuity, the capacity to connect dots and spot trends, etc. Yet it is often not possible to tell the difference.

Senator Burrs case is a good example. Take what hes been saying publicly, namely, that in making his questionable trades after receiving a classified briefing, he drew only on publicly available information. Generally speaking, trading on publicly available information is legal. But it is not legal for insiders. That is, once someone the law designates as an insider has access to material non-public information, it is no longer permissible for that insider to trade on the basis of public information. The rationale is that people cannot mentally compartmentalize what is public, distinct from what is non-public. Even if they could, it would not be possible for regulators to discern the difference  which, Im sure youll be shocked to hear, is the thing that most matters to regulators.

In 2012, when Congress passed the STOCK Act (i.e., the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act), the stated purpose was to put lawmakers in a position analogous to that of corporate insiders. (And how interesting that Burr was one of only a handful of lawmakers to vote against the measure, which passed 963 in the Senate and 4172 in the House.) The SEC and the federal courts have long held that, as long as an insider is in possession of privileged information, the insider will be deemed to buy and sell stock on the basis of that information.

This is why I say that Burrs public defense wont help him legally. If he had information based on classified briefings that was unavailable to the general public, his claim to have relied solely on public information is irrelevant.

But here is where it gets dicey for the Justice Department. As former federal prosecutor Paul A. Tuchmann explains in a useful National Law Review column, prosecutors must prove that the material non-public information was about that security or issuer involved in the purchase or sale in question. That is, there must be a tight nexus between the privileged information and the stock (or other security) that is the subject of the alleged insider trading.

You can see the proof problems this could create.

Sure, some cases could be easy. Lets say Congressman X received a classified briefing in which he was told, We see a pandemic emerging from China that could be disastrous for the market in air travel; in fact, United Airlines is already taking steps in mitigation. If Representative X, on leaving the congressional SCIF, proceeds immediately to call his broker with instructions to unload his United holdings, thats an open-and-shut case.

Most cases, though, are not slam dunks, especially when sophisticated actors are involved. I am betting it is more likely that Burr, because of his privileged position, was given some alarming classified information about the pandemic, warning of dire economic consequences if aggressive steps were taken to suppress the spread of infectious disease. It would not surprise me if specific corporations whose securities he held were not mentioned by name, but that enough descriptive information was conveyed that any sensible person would realize that the fallout for the travel sector  airlines, rail, oil and gas, hotels, tourism, etc.  could be disastrous.

Lets assume Im right about that. Lets say Burr put two and two together and realized that his stock in a travel-sector company was about to take a major hit. Would his consequent trades in those holdings be so clearly on the basis of material non-public information about that security or issuer that he could be criminally liable? To be more concrete about it, Mr. Tuchmann notes that Burr reportedly sold holdings in Wyndham Hotels after receiving his classified briefing. But what if the briefing did not address Wyndham Hotels? Or what if it didnt precisely address hotels at all, just a looming catastrophe for travel and tourism?

Plainly, investigators must be scouring the exact substance of whatever briefing Burr received. Whether there was a tight enough nexus between the briefing and the senators trading activity depends on what was discussed  the words used, the names (if any) mentioned, the level of detail.

The point of the STOCK Act was to discourage trading based on inside information. It was not to discourage all trading, full stop. Had Congress sought to do that, it could have expressed that objective clearly; but that would have dissuaded many worthy people from seeking public office, and spurred many worthy incumbents to leave.

On the other hand, members of Congress often get briefings involving non-public information about sectors of the economy. Obviously, that gives them an informational leg up on most other investors. The STOCK Act was supposed to address that. Im as doubtful that it does as I am skeptical that it should.

Not every problem of fairness and ethics is fit for a criminal-law solution. And if recent history has taught us anything, it is that the less Justice Department involvement there is in politics, the better. I wouldnt have minded seeing Burr, who is retiring, thrown out of office for cashing in on his public service. That doesnt mean he should be thrown into jail, and Id be surprised if he were.

More from National Review
LANSING  The term wildlife might conjure up thoughts of large, exotic mammals in faraway places. Or perhaps some of the larger mammals we have in Michigan, such as a moose or a black bear, may come to mind.

But wildlife isnt just the big, iconic animals we tend to think of  it includes smaller species like bumblebees and butterflies. Chances are, you have had first-hand experience with a wild animal no matter where you live.

Wildlife is all around us. We all share the same habitat and are connected as different parts of the same ecosystem.

Each species plays an important role in the ecosystem and contributes to keeping our environment healthy.

Wildlife improves our shared ecosystem in a vast range of ways, providing countless benefits for humans.

For example, some species of birds and bats eat a variety of insects that would otherwise cause significant crop damage. Bats also pollinate flowers that provide fruits that we eat, like bananas.

Snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls all prey on smaller mammals, some of which people frequently view as pests, like mice and rats. Wildlife like turkey vultures could be considered a sort of clean-up crew as they scavenge and consume unsightly roadkill.

Because wild animals of all sizes can be found throughout Michigan, they provide benefit to whatever habitat they live in, from forests and wetlands to farmlands and cities.

Living with our wild neighbors

Amazingly, many species have adapted and figured out how to survive in human-altered landscapes.

Wild animals have been able to find a way to meet their needs even within our inner cities. Whether we intend to or not, people have changed the available habitat  we have created new habitat for ourselves and in the process created new habitat for wildlife.

Not all species have been able to adapt to these dramatic changes to their landscapes, but many have.

We cannot exist apart from wildlife, so we should put in a little effort to coexist with our wild neighbors.

If you enjoy watching wildlife, there are a variety of steps you can take to improve your property for wild animals, even in urban areas.

Pollinators such as bees and monarch butterflies  whose populations have declined dramatically in recent decades, threatening the food sources they pollinate  need places to stop to get food. You can plant a variety of plants in pots that can be attractive to these species, making even a small balcony a wildlife refuge.

Get started with tips and information for creating and maintaining wildlife habitat at Michigan.gov/Wildlife and in the Landowners Guide.

Conflicts with wildlife

As with any neighbor, you might not always get along with wildlife or approve of their behavior. Fortunately, there are some options to deal with an unwanted visitor to your area.

If you wanted to attract wildlife to your property, you would consider what food or shelter you might be able to provide to them, said Brian Roell, a DNR wildlife biologist from Marquette. Discouraging wildlife follows a similar thought process, but instead of adding things like food or shelter for the wildlife, you would want to remove it.

Making your area an unappealing habitat is a good first step to take to reduce the potential for conflicts.

Roell suggests removing potential food sources, especially bird feeders, and not leaving pet foods outside  you never know who might come around looking for a free meal.

You can also try some hazing methods, which include tactics like making loud noises, to make the wildlife view you as the unfriendly neighbor and seek a quieter neighborhood.

Being a good neighbor to wildlife is as simple as being mindful about how your actions or property could be an attractive habitat. From there, you can make changes to either make your property more appealing to certain species or less so.

Tips and information on how to handle conflicts with wildlife are available at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

When habitat changes are not enough

There are always those situations where, no matter what you do, you cannot seem to discourage an animal from your area. Especially when it is one of Michigans well-adapted species like coyotes, deer, turkeys and geese, which seem to thrive in urban areas.

These animals may be well-suited for living in manmade habitats and hard to deter.

This is especially true of a species like coyotes, which are territorial and may be less keen on leaving their space to go elsewhere. Not only are coyotes found everywhere in Michigan, but they have healthy populations, so there probably are not many unoccupied territories left to choose from.

If you live in a more rural area where outdoor recreation activities like hunting and trapping are allowed, you can remedy some of these issues during the open season for the species causing the headache.

Hunting and trapping seasons give landowners options for mitigating issues with wildlife, while still preserving them on the landscape, said Adam Bump, the DNRs furbearer specialist. There are also some species that can be taken year-round.

Bump says that coyotes, raccoons, woodchucks (groundhogs) and skunks can be killed at any time by landowners or their designees employing otherwise lawful methods if these animals are doing, or about to do, damage to private property.

Information on hunting in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/Hunting. Species that have open trapping seasons and associated regulations can be found at Michigan.gov/Trapping.

What about urban areas where hunting is not an option?

The DNR issues permits to businesses that can provide wildlife removal services for certain species, said Casey Reitz, wildlife permit specialist with the DNR. This helps give landowners an option for dealing with unwanted wildlife on their property, particularly in those areas where hunting is not allowed.

Permittees use a variety of methods for removal that are safe in an urban or residential setting. They can help landowners with removal of species like coyote, fox, muskrats, opossums, squirrels, woodchucks and skunks, to name a few.

Find the Nuisance Wildlife Control Directory at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

The DNR also works closely with federal agencies to offer options for handling issues with Canada geese, a species protected by both federal and state laws, in urban areas. Specially permitted nuisance control companies can be hired to assist landowners with goose control programs. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Wildlife Services also offers removal assistance, such as nest destruction and relocation permits.

Aggressive animals

In those instances where there is an aggressive wild animal, particularly animals such as geese, swans, turkeys, deer and bears, landowners should get in touch with the nearest DNR Customer Service Center to let the local DNR staff know about the issue. As each situation is unique, staff will first assess the problem and then determine the appropriate action based on the species and location.

Landowners can contact one of the nuisance wildlife control permittees for assistance with removal of species such as coyotes, fox, raccoons, opossums and skunks.

Additional tips

Additional tips and information on how to handle conflicts with a variety of wildlife species are available at Michigan.gov/Wildlife, under Living with Wildlife.

If you have found a baby animal in your yard, which is a common occurrence in the spring, it is best to leave it be. You can also get in touch with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Learn more about what to do if you find a baby animal at Michigan.gov/Wildlife, under Keep Wildlife in the Wild.

Learn more about Michigans wildlife species at Michigan.gov/DNREducation.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNR.
Doug Mills-Pool/Getty ImagesBY: LUKE BARR AND JACK DATE, ABC NEWS

(WASHINGTON) -- Attorney General William Barr said on Saturday that the investigation into the death of George Floyd was moving at exceptional speed" but took aim at some of the protesters who have been gathering in response to the incident.



The voices of peaceful protests are being hijacked by violent radical elements, Barr said in a televised statement at the Department of Justice.



Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda. In many places it appears the violence is planned, organized and driven by anarchic and left extremist groups, far left extremist groups using Antifa-like tactics, many of whom traveled from outside the state to promote the violence, Barr said.



The death of Floyd, a black man who was seen pinned down in a video by a white police officer and later died, has caused outrage in the city of Minneapolis and across the United States. What started as mostly peaceful protests at the beginning of the week has turned into chaos.



The attorney general made clear that people crossing state lines to commit crimes would face federal charges.



In that regard it is a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting and we will enforce those laws, Barr said.



Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at a press conference on Saturday that the state estimates up to 80% percent of those causing destruction throughout the area are people who have come in from outside Minnesota. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said everyone arrested in his city last night was from out of state.



We must have law and order on our streets and in our communities and it is the responsibility of the local and state leadership in the first instance to halt this violence, Barr said.



The Department of Justice, including the FBI, US Marshals and ATF the DEA and our 93 USAO offices around the country are supporting these local efforts and are continuing to support them. We will take all actions necessary to enforce federal law, he added.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Hundreds of people gathered in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster and other Pennsylvania cities to protest the death George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody this week.

Floyd, suspected of using a counterfeit bill, died after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck in Minneapolis. The officer was charged with manslaughter.

Among the protests was a peaceful one at the Capitol in Harrisburg that progressed to a violent clash with police. Two officers were hurt, Mayor Eric Papenfuse said.

Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf said the state has offered help to municipalities. He also urged calm and peace. His statement:

"This weekend, throughout Pennsylvania, people are protesting violence and injustice that occurs far too often against people of color. Everyone should speak out because no one should be at risk of harm because of oppression or racism. We have seen these injustices happen in the Commonwealth, and this week, we were all shaken by the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.

"As Pennsylvanians protest, I urge everyone involved to be peaceful and to keep each other safe.

"Throughout the day, my Administration has been in touch with municipalities, and we have offered whatever assistance is needed to keep our communities from suffering from additional violence and pain.

Please stay safe, and remember that we all must look out for each other as we seek to make our commonwealth more just and fair for everyone.

Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.

More:

George Floyd case: Pa. police chiefs condemn officers knee-on-neck method seen in viral video

The death of George Floyd: Feds promise criminal investigation; family asks for nonviolent protests

Penn States James Franklin, Eric Barron condemn racially tinged deaths in statements
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky Press service of Ukrainian President

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky filed a declaration on property, income, expenses and financial liabilities for 2019. The document is published in the electronic registry of the National Anti-Cprruption Agency.



According to the document, the income of the head of state and members of his family in 2019 amounted to a little more than 28.6 million UAH (over 1 million USD). It is also known that over the past year, the presidents family paid UAH 3.6 million (133 000 USD) in taxes.



In the period from May to December 2019, Zelensky received 208 787 UAH (7733 USD) of wages in the State Administration of Affairs. In the reporting period, an increase in the wife's wages and a decrease in the salary and income from entrepreneurial activity of the president himself were recorded.



In particular, in 2019, the presidents family received funds to repay the value of bonds of internal state loan for a total of 5.1 million UAH (188 880 USD) and incurred expenses for the acquisition of OVDPs in the amount of 5.2 million UAH (192 590 USD).

Related: Zelensky introduces bill on new type of military service to Parliament



Also, Volodymyr Zelensky declared a little more than 4.4 million UAH (163 000 USD), which was received from the sale of real estate of his wife Olena in the city of Kyiv.



In addition, the presidents family sold the corporate rights of all twelve Ukrainian enterprises to the family of Serhiy Shefir in the amount of UAH 246 million (9 million USD), and in the spring of last year got rid of the shares of Green Family LTD, as well as all four trademarks registered in the Russian Federation.



The President also lost corporate rights in Vilhar Holdings Limited and Aldorante Limited foreign companies.



Zelensky continues to be the owner of a large number of trademarks, including two Servant of the People trademarks registered in his name. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the cost of the Vechirniy Kvartal brand is UAH 45.81 million (1 690 000 USD). Based on the assessment, Zelensky received royalties from the use of trademarks in the amount of 548 000 UAH (20 296 USD), so his income increased compared to the previous year.



Regarding this declaration, the Presidents Office specified that the trip of Volodymyr Zelensky to the Sultanate of Oman was paid for by his wife and thus, according to the law, these expenses were not declared.
The Police in the Central Region have impounded a taxi cab with five live goats which were abandoned by suspected thieves during an inspection by the police at Bawjiase in the Central Region.



The Central Regional Police Public Relations Officer, (PRO) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Irene Oppong told the Ghanaian Times in Accra yesterday.



She said the Bawjiase police on May 28, at about 1:15 a.m on patrols intercepted a Nissan Matiz taxi cab with registration number GW 5466-19 with three occupants on board.



DSP Tenge said a search conducted on the vehicle revealed five live goats and an Itel mobile phone.



She said the three occupants escaped during the search abandoning the vehicle.



The Police PRO said the vehicle and goats had been impounded by the police, adding that, the police have mounted a search for the arrest of the suspects.

Source: The Ghanaian Times









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
For Carmine Posteraro, there is no escaping the reminders of the virus that nearly claimed his life.

He feels it with every step he takes and every laboured pump of his lungs. It's there every time he tries to read something or watch television. It stares back at him in any mirror he looks at.

For 12 days in March  as the COVID-19 pandemic washed over Niagara in earnest  Posteraro laid unconscious on his stomach in a Niagara Health hospital bed. In the neverland of a medically induced coma, a ventilator did what his lungs no longer could: breathe for him.

That ventilator left its mark on his lungs. Even now, weeks after returning home, he is short of breath. And a line from the machine dug into his face, leaving an angry red brand on his cheek.

His left leg is numb, impairing his ability to walk, and his vision is blurry: Both conditions an echo of the machine that saved his life.

People need to know this thing is real," says Posteraro. I'm young still. Im 39. But people need to know what this virus can do to them, and not think because they are not a senior citizen they are safe. They arent.

Recovering from this ordeal in the home of his mother, Rena Posteraro, in Niagara Falls, he says he would not have survived his encounter with the novel coronavirus without the paramedics, nurses and doctors who fought the illness on his behalf.

They were great, he says. I cannot say enough about them. The team at Niagara Health was amazing. They treated me with dignity and saved my life.

March 20, the day Posteraro began to show symptoms of COVID-19, was supposed to be the start of a new chapter in his life.

He had just completed a six-month stay at a Christian rehab facility in London, Ont. to put an end to his use of fentanyl. He was returning home to Niagara Falls to start over, clean and ready for the future.

So he didn't immediately pay much attention to the rattle in his chest.

Of course I knew about COVID-19, but I did not expect that I had it, he says.

When he arrived home, Posteraro got a call from the rehab centre. One of their staff had tested positive for it. They recommended he get tested.

It was so frightening, says Rena. I just got my son home, looking toward the future, and you get this call.

For Posteraro, it felt as though the universe had it in for him.

It was a scary moment for me, he says. Ive experienced overdoses, and as a result I am prone to pneumonia.

He was tested in Niagara Falls on March 23 and his breathing was getting worse.

That was a Monday. By Wednesday, March 25, Posteraro says he was in severe respiratory distress.

I couldnt breathe, he says. I was coughing up this black phlegm. It was coming out of my nose.

The test result  which would confirm his COVID-19 infection later that day  had not been reported yet. Posteraro said he wasnt keen about getting into ambulance again. It triggers memories of a life he was leaving behind. But his mother insisted, as only mothers can.

I told him that we cannot play around with this, she says.

He entered the ambulance to a team of paramedics dressed in full PPE when they arrived. It would be the last steps he would take for weeks.

They had to intubate me in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, he says. My oxygen saturation was down more than 70 per cent.

The tube inserted into Posteraros mouth and down into his airway allowed paramedics to pump oxygen into his lungs.

The rest was a whirlwind. Doctors were worried he wasnt getting enough oxygen. His lungs were too badly compromised by the pneumonia caused by the virus. He would have to be moved from the emergency department at Greater Niagara General Hospital to the ICU and placed on a ventilator.

Fear came over me at that point, Posteraro says. He was surrounded by nurses and doctors whose faces were hidden behind shields and masks. His family could not be at his side. He worried this was his end.

His lungs were so badly compromised, doctors put Posteraro into a chemically induced coma to allow the ventilator to keep him alive. Unsure if he would ever see his mother again, Posteraro slipped into darkness.

Sometimes you need to induce the coma so the patient does not try to fight the ventilator, said Dr. Jennifer Tsang, a Niagara Health intensivist who treated Posteraro. It gives the patient the best chance for survival.

Tsang said when COVID-19 successfully attacks the lungs, a patient simply cannot get enough oxygen. In many cases, she says, the patient has a powerful but dry cough. Nothing is coming in, and nothing is coming out.

But in some cases, the patient is coughing so hard that it can cause damage to the lungs, and so that black phlegm is probably blood, she says.

While a ventilator can keep a patient alive, its use comes with consequences. The machine can cause serious damage to a persons lungs.

The longer they are on it, and the older the patient, the more severe that damage can be. Doctors do have ways to try to mitigate the damage, including placing a patient on his or her stomach, but some degree of lung injury is likely.

Tsang calls a ventilator a double-edged sword. With no effective treatments or cure to attack the virus itself, doctors can only manage a patients symptoms and hope their immune system can mount an effective counterattack on its own.

If you are over 42, the outcome is substantially worse, says Tsang. That seems to be the cut-off where, after that, a patient does not fully recover (their lung function after being on a ventilator).

Posteraros lungs were not the only organs impacted by the ventilator. It also caused kidney damage, and he was hooked up to a dialysis machine.

While he slept, he was moved from Niagara Falls to unit 4A of the St. Catharines hospital, where the regions most serious COVID-19 patients are treated. And all his mother could do was wait.

No visitors are allowed on unit 4A. The risk of contagion is too high. The closest she could get to talking to her son was via daily phones calls with nurses.

They were so amazing and comforting. So I knew he was in good hands, says Rena Posteraro. I prayed a lot.

Five days after Carmine was taken away in an ambulance, Renas husband, Dominic, tested positive for COVID-19 and had to be admitted to unit 4A. While he, too, suffered from pneumonia, he returned home in a week.

After 12 days, Carmine Posteraros lungs rebounded.

When they woke me up, nurse Marina asked me if I knew where I was. I didnt, he says.

His hands shook too much to hold his phone to video-call his mother. Marina helped him.

To be able to see him and talk to him  there was a lot of tears, says Rena Posteraro.

He would spend another 10 days on the unit before returning home, and now faces months of rehab and visits to specialists to overcome the trauma to his lungs, vision and leg.

Although improving, he still can be overcome by fatigue.

Tsang says Posteraros prognosis is good. He is young enough and strong enough to recover.

But every day, he sees the scar on his cheek.

And he knows.

COVID-19 is something everyone needs to take seriously.
What happened in Louisville?

Shortly after midnight on March 13, Louisville police officers executing a search warrant used a battering ram to enter the apartment of Ms. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician.

The police had been investigating two men who they believed were selling drugs out of a house that was far from Ms. Taylors home. But a judge had also signed a warrant allowing the police to search Ms. Taylors residence because the police said they believed that one of the men had used her apartment to receive packages. Ms. Taylor had been dating that man on and off for several years but had recently severed ties with him, according to her familys lawyer.

Ms. Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, had been in bed, but got up when they heard a loud banging at the door. Mr. Walker said he and Ms. Taylor both called out, asking who was at the door. Mr. Walker later told the police he feared it was Ms. Taylors ex-boyfriend trying to break in.

After the police broke the door off its hinges, Mr. Walker fired his gun once, striking Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in a thigh. The police responded by firing several shots, striking Ms. Taylor five times. Mr. Hankison shot 10 rounds blindly into the apartment.

Mr. Walker told investigators that Ms. Taylor coughed and struggled to breathe for at least five minutes after she was shot, according to The Louisville Courier Journal. An ambulance on standby outside the apartment had been told to leave about an hour before the raid, counter to standard practice. As officers called an ambulance back to the scene and struggled to render aid to their colleague, Ms. Taylor was not given any medical attention.

It was not until 12:47 a.m., about five minutes after the shooting, that emergency personnel realized she was seriously wounded, after her boyfriend called 911.

I dont know whats happening, Mr. Walker said on a recorded call to 911. Someone kicked in the door and shot my girlfriend.
A story from Colm Toibin's teenage years encapsulates his journey from Enniscorthy out into the wider artistic world, and also his sense of always returning to that small Co Wexford town, which he imaginatively explores in certain novels.

In a work exploring gay lives, Love in a Dark Time, Toibin notes how, during the liberation of the Nazi death camps, sympathy was scarce for prisoners marked by pink triangles as being gay. He writes one difference between gays and other oppressed groups is that "Gay people grow up alone; there is no history. There are no ballads against the wrongs of the past, the martyrs are all forgotten. It is as though you looked into the mirror and saw nothing."

Twenty miles separate Gorey and Enniscorthy but the teenage Toibin heard rumours that, each summer, different ways of seeing life could be found in this neighbouring town, when two openly gay men - the artist Paul Funge, who ran a tiny arts centre behind his family's shoe shop, and the poet James Liddy - ran the radical Gorey Arts Festival.

Here, Toibin encountered the world of artistic freedom and sexual honesty that would become his milieu as a distinguished acclaimed author. But the first car to stop as he hitch-hiked home contained a neighbouring Enniscorthy family who decided to recite their nightly rosary on the drive, with his closeted childhood world closing back in. A teenage Joyce might have made a gesture of defiance. The teenage Toibin seemed merely amused by the sardonic irony of two worlds - his past and future - colliding.

Part of Toibin's superb gift is his ability to feel equally at home when exploring ancient Judea as when navigating the faultiness of small-town life in novels such as his masterful Nora Webster. In that novel about a widow's stages of grief, he presents an unhurried canvas where little happens on the surface, yet Nora Webster undergoes an enormous emotional journey. As someone who suffered a bereavement 10 years ago this week, I found myself, as a reader, perplexed at times by why so little was happening and then suddenly I was in tears as I recognised my own journey in the subtle shifts in Nora's mindset.

Toibin was born in Enniscorthy 65 years ago today; the second-youngest of five children. As a child, he had a stammer; something that might stop you speaking, but doesn't stop you listening. Indeed, with your silent presence often overlooked, it helps you grow attuned to observing the intricacies of what adults say and leave unsaid. His quietude matched a house that knew silence, following the death of his father - a highly respected schoolteacher - when Toibin was 12.

While Toibin's novels touch on bereavement, he is adroit at absenting himself from them. His non-fiction is more autobiographical. In his introduction to Music and Madness - writings by the pioneering psychiatrist Ivor Browne - Toibin addressed the trauma that dissected his childhood. He describes lying on a mattress, during Browne's workshops, and screaming aloud as the "unexperienced" pain of his father's death - a pain he was unaware of spending decades suppressing - came to the surface.

If Toibin had entered the pensionable career his father possibly envisaged for him - the Civil Service or teaching - today he would reach official retirement age. Covid-19 ensures that any 65th birthday celebrations won't be as memorable as his 50th birthday party, where the playwright Tom Murphy emptied the contents of his dinner plate over Michael Colgan, the former artistic director at The Gate.

Read More

Toibin's closeness to Irish writers and journalists of his generation dates from his time as a pioneering editor at Magill and In Dublin. He transformed the latter from an events listing magazine into a vibrant forum, introducing investigative journalists such as Mary Raftery.

Video of the Day

He was such a radical editor and journalist that his 65th birthday could be celebrated for this alone, had he never turned to fiction. During the Troubles, he walked every step along the border, speaking to anyone willing to speak. He so infuriated Martin Cahill when interviewing him that the notorious criminal planted a sown-off shotgun in Toibin's flat, unaware that, given the author's poor housekeeping skills, weeks would pass before it was discovered under magazines.

John McGahern once asked him what happened in the plot of his novel-in-progress, and was delighted by Toibin's reply: "Nothing." Both knew that he meant nothing happened on the surface. In an era when Irish novelists tried to outdo each other in pushing the boundaries of violence, you had to look deep under the surface of Toibin's debut, The South, to grasp its impact. Few publishers were tuned into his prose. The novel was rejected numerous times before a tiny publisher, Serpent's Tail, took a chance. Picador - who previously rejected it - bought reprint rights after realising what they missed out on.

I know this because I shared an agent - the great Imogen Parker - with Toibin. I only shared this agent because, with typical generosity, he persuaded her to sign a who's who of unpublished Irish talent. Critics have theories about why Irish writing took off in the 1990s. There is never only one reason, but Toibin's often invisible promotion of Irish writers in the UK and the US was significant.

It's why I have never met any sensible Irish person who begrudges one of our finest writers his international success. Despite a recent harrowing battle with cancer, Toibin continues his output as a respected novelist, playwright and critic.

While works such as Brooklyn or The Testament of Mary are better known, Toibin's non-fiction works provide fascinating insights into someone who fits Yeats's phrase as a "myriad-minded man". And the teacher's son did follow his father's path: Toibin is also chancellor of the University of Liverpool, professor of creative writing at the University of Manchester and a professor at Columbia University in Manhattan.

Enniscorthy has produced two great writers. The other - the late Anthony Cronin - once told me how having never felt truly at home in the town in his youth, he never felt fully at home anywhere. Part of Toibin's genius is the opposite. You feel that not only has he always felt at home in Enniscorthy, but his expansive spirit and intellectual curiosity have made him feel a home wherever life leads him.

Some years ago I brought my sons to New York when giving a reading. Moments after we checked into our hotel, we had a caller. Colm Toibin - having heard of our arrival - beckoned us out into Washington Square, welcoming us by proprietarily pointing out the best coffee shops and diners, as comfortable as if standing in Enniscorthy. Maybe this reflects his chameleon ability to inhabit diverse worlds in his work. He is no brooding emigre, but a writer at home everywhere, who has made everywhere imaginatively his home. Happy birthday, Mr Toibin.
This achievement is the result of a productive collaboration with the TU Wien (Austria)

Manufacturing of cm-sized test specimens for material characterization according to ISO standards has now been achieved for the first time with a technology that allows 3D-printing a feature size of 200 nanometers.

The innovation leader for high precision 2-Photon Polymerization (2PP) 3D-Printing, UpNano GmbH, succeeded in printing test specimens from their specific photopolymer on their state-of-the-art NanoOne-printer in sizes and shapes necessary for ISO tests.

This achievement is the result of a productive collaboration with the TU Wien (Austria). Previously it was considered impossible to print specimens at the (large) size necessary for ISO tests with a photopolymer and a 2PP 3D-printer that at the same time is able to achieve a resolution in the sub-micrometer range. The proprietary adaptive resolution technology of UpNano in combination with a powerful laser makes this now possible and thus 3D-printing of nm-sized parts using materials characterized according to ISO for industry and academia.





High-resolution 3D-printing allows the production of smaller and more precise parts than any traditional manufacturing processes. However, as the potential of this technology becomes more and more apparent, industries as well as research institutions throughout the world demand for reliable information on the qualities of the large number of different materials used for the various printing technologies. This often proves difficult as most standard test methods for material specifications require specimens much larger than high-resolution 3D-printers are able to produce. Now the technology leader for 2-Photon Polymerization (2PP) 3D-printing, UpNano GmbH (Vienna, Austria) succeeded in manufacturing test specimens in the required cm-range with its NanoOne-printer that allows nm-resolution as well.

The lack of standardized material specifications is a serious obstacle for using high-performance 3D-printing in an industrial setting. Decentralized production processes of global industries and warranty legislations are based on standards and norms. If your material or device does not fit in this finely honed system, it might be good for prototypes  but not for series production, emphasizes Bernhard Kuenburg, CEO, the importance of the progress made by UpNano. By addressing this requirement of the technical industry, the company strengthens its position as innovation leader in the emerging market for high-performance 3D-printing  a position gained by selling the fastest 2PP 3D-printing system that offers up to a hundred times faster throughput for short production cycles than other systems.

PRINTING LIVING CELLS



The capabilities of the NanOne-system do not only meet requirements of technical industry but of research institutions, too. Just recently UpNano sold a complete system to the MedUni Vienna (Austria). Here the system will be used for various purposes in research. The possibility of printing delicate structures needed by biomedical research such as scaffolds, membranes or microchannels is facilitated by the so called UpBio photopolymer. This special resin permits 2 PP 3D-printing in the presence of living embedded cells and thus is ideal for biomedical research.



By attending to the needs of industry and research alike, UpNano continues to push the possibilities and capabilities of 2PP 3D printing further and further. Focused in-house research in cooperation with the TU Wien as well as listening closely to the needs of industry will further strengthen the position of the innovation leader in the market.
Manufacturing and technology sectors to thrive post pandemic

Industrial sector to benefit from manufacturing rebound post-COVID-19 despite a near term contraction.

Technology sector expected to be the fastest-growing sector over the next three years, driving office demand.

Hospitality sector has been the most volatile historically and could see potential strong rebound in tourism after COVID-19 as long term growth drivers in Singapore remain resilient.

Manufacturing ranks top in overall resilience and rebound ranking, on strongest GDP rebound, as well as second highest stock returns and earnings outlook.

manufacturing

While the manufacturing sector is expected to contract in the near-term due to labour shortages amidst more stringent restrictions during COVID-19, our research suggests a strong rebound in the sector as Singapore emerges from the pandemic and Circuit Breaker measures. This bodes well for the industrial sector.

Colliers International, a global leader in commercial real estate services, on May 29 released its Resilience and Rebound Ranking Report, identifying the most attractive industries over the past crises, the implications and opportunities for commercial real estate sectors post-coronavirus pandemic.

In assessing seven core trade sectors in Singapore  manufacturing, financials, construction, professional services, hospitality, retail and technology  Colliers Research considered three factors, GDP growth, stock index returns and earnings outlook.

Ms. Tricia Song, Head of Research for Singapore at Colliers International, said, We recommend investors to focus on prime offices and industrial buildings, such as hi-spec space and business parks. Hotels and retail malls could also provide near-term opportunities. Occupiers should embrace technology and more flexible work strategies in the longer term.

Top Resilience and Rebound Ranking of Core Trade Sectors

Colliers Research ranks the resilience and rebound potential of core sectors is based on three metrics: historical GDP performance and stock index returns during and post other major crises, as well as future earnings growth.

Story continues

#1 Manufacturing: Manufacturing ranks top in our overall resilience and rebound ranking, on strongest GDP rebound, as well as second highest stock index returns and earnings outlook.

#2 Technology: Technology ranks second in our resilience and rebound ranking, driven by second highest GDP growth resilience, highest stock index returns and strongest earnings outlook.

#3 Hospitality: Ranking third, Hospitality is among the most volatile sectors, having experienced significant effects during the crisis, with a strong rebound expected to follow. Looking ahead, earnings growth is expected to be strong, giving it a favorable tilt.

Market Implications and Outlook

Industrial sector to benefit from Manufacturing rebound post-COVID-19

While the manufacturing sector is expected to contract in the near-term due to labour shortages amidst more stringent restrictions during COVID-19, our research suggests a strong rebound in the sector as Singapore emerges from the pandemic and Circuit Breaker measures. This bodes well for the industrial sector.

Rick Thomas, Head of Occupier Services for Singapore at Colliers International, said: The strong rebound of the manufacturing sector expected post pandemic, together with increasing technology adoption, e-Commerce sales, delivery service needs, data broadband usage and other online activities, will directly benefit the sector across business parks, logistics spaces and data centres.

Increasing Technology adoption to drive demand for Offices

The technology sector is likely to continue to be the main driver of office demand as it is expected to be the fastest growing sector over the next three years based on earnings growth. Colliers Research forecasts CBD Grade A office rents to rebound 2.6% in 2021 after a 5% decline this year.

Jerome Wright, Senior Director, Capital Markets and Investment Services for Singapore at Colliers International, said: Given the advances in technology and the current trends allowing far greater flexibility across the working environment, fringe office and out of town (cost effective business space) are likely to represent strong growth opportunity with a limited supply.

Strong tourism rebound a boost for Hotels

Hospitality is one of the most-affected sectors currently. However, based on historical experience, we expect a rebound in tourist arrivals after the pandemic subsides, which bodes well for hotels and tourism-related businesses. In the longer term, the demand drivers for hospitality in Singapore remain resilient, including tight near-term supply and more tourist attractions.

Investors should focus on prime offices and industrial buildings, while occupiers should embrace technology and more flexible work strategies in the longer term.

Colliers Research assesses seven core trade sectors in Singapore  manufacturing, financials, construction, professional services, hospitality, retail and technology  and rank their resilience and rebound (R&R) potential from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic based on three key metrics:

Historical GDP growth;

Stock index returns during and post-major crises; and

Future earnings growth.

In this special Radar report, Colliers identifies and shares deeper insights into the most resilient industries, with recommendations for investors and occupiers on the opportunities that have surfaced for commercial real estate sectors after COVID-19.

Mr Paul Ho, chief mortgage officer at iCompareLoan, said, when considering premises for manufacturing activities, be mindful that commercial properties obviously command more rents than industrial properties.

He added, any newer industrial properties sitting on Business 1 (B1) zones are increasingly sophisticated and looking like Commercial buildings. In fact you might not even tell them apart unless you refer to the URA Zoning Master Plan. Since industrial B1 zones are better located nearer to housing estates or regional centres and no longer mainly in Jurong, there is substantial advantage to break the zoning rules.

Mr Ho noted that with the rolling out of the 5G wireless network and with Singapores being at the forefront of smart nation initiatives, the industrial market as a whole will remain optimistic.

The post Manufacturing ranks top in resilience and set to thrive post pandemic appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.
Army Sergeant Patrick Rust survived two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and the 24-year-old was back on post at Fort Drum in New York for only about 30 days when he disappeared from a bar in Watertown, N.Y. in March 2007. Six months later, his remains were found in a nearby field.

Thirteen years have passed and his mother, Judy Rust, is still fighting to find out what happened to her son.

I just want to know what happened to him, Judy told Dateline. Years have gone by and we still dont have any answers.

Sgt. Patrick Rust

Patrick grew up in Russell, New York near Fort Drum and after graduating from Edwards-Knox High School in Hermon in 2001, he went to vocational school to be a welder. But his plans changed a few months after the 9/11 terror attacks and he was inspired to join the U.S. Army.

He loved being in the Army, Judy said. It was his first taste of the outside world and he loved seeing all different places.

Judy told Dateline Patrick returned home in January 2007 and he was only home a month when he got his orders for his next assignment. On June 2, he would be off to Fort Lewis in Washington state where hed train to become a staff sergeant.

He was really excited when he told me, Judy said. I could hear it in his voice. He was just really happy.

Judy last spoke to her son on the phone just two days before he disappeared. Patrick told her he had decided to move to an off-base apartment in Watertown, N.Y. with another soldier.

I told him that I didnt think it was a good idea, Judy said. It didnt make any sense. He would be leaving in a few months anyway. I know I was being a protective mom, but I just wanted him to stay on base.

Judy told Dateline Patrick went out to dinner with his roommate the night of March 15, 2007. His roommate decided he wanted to go to the tanning salon and her son wanted to go back to the apartment, so Patrick started walking in that direction. When his roommate arrived home, Patrick wasnt there.

Story continues

According to Watertown Police reports, Patrick was spotted a few hours later at 9 p.m. at a bar called Clueless on Arsenal Street. Around 1 a.m., he left the bar by himself, witnesses told police. It was the last time anyone saw him alive.

Judy told Dateline no one heard from Patrick all weekend and on the following Monday, his superior called Judy and her ex-husband with the news that Patrick was missing.

An official missing persons report was then filed by the family with the Watertown Police Department who launched their own investigation, along with the militarys. But the investigations soon ran cold and there was no trace of Patrick.

On September 16, 2007 -- exactly six months to the day Patrick disappeared -- a farmer cutting hay in a field in Jefferson County found the soldiers skeletal remains. The location of Patricks remains was about five miles from the bar where he was last seen, Judy told Dateline.

DNA testing confirmed that the remains belonged to Patrick, according to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. A memorial service was held at Arlington National Cemetery in October 2007.

A subsequent autopsy conducted in Washington, D.C. was unable to determine the cause or manner of death, according to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. But authorities found the case suspicious and continued their investigation.

In 2010, when investigators were coming up empty on answers for Patricks family, Judy hired private investigator Dennis Griffin.

Related: Brother of Missing Children Speaks Out

Griffin told Dateline that when Patricks remains were found, his dog tags were missing. He had $80 in cash in his pockets, an indication, Griffin believes, that Patrick was not robbed. He said Patricks gloves were also in his pockets, which leads him to believe Patrick didnt just walk off into an empty field in what was reportedly 18-degree weather that night.

I believe he was picked up from the bar, Griffin said, and something bad happened after that.

After 10 years of his own investigation, Griffin believes he knows who was involved with Patricks death, but nothing has led to an arrest at this time.

There are people who need to be questioned, Griffin said. Im quite sure theres someone who has the information we need. And it could be something minor to break this case.

Detective Aaron House with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office would not comment to Dateline about potential persons of interest in Patricks case, but did say the case is now being fully handled by only the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Detective House, who took over the case two years ago, told Dateline they are still actively investigating.

Were still looking into every tip that comes in and we hope someone with information will come forward, Det. House said.

The detective told Dateline he had planned to sit down with Patricks mother Judy in March to go over new information she may have, but he said the coronavirus pandemic has delayed their meeting.

Judy told Dateline she will not stop fighting to find answers about her sons death. Over the years, she has posted hundreds of fliers across northern New York, set up a Facebook page SGT Patrick Rust's Mysterious Death and continues to stay in contact with investigators about potential leads.

I wont give up, Judy said. Someone knows something about what happened to him. We just need to keep going.

Judy told Dateline she keeps a poster-sized photo of her son in Afghanistan in her living room. Beside the photo is a plaque from Patricks fellow soldiers that calls him a true warrior and states that true warriors "never leave a fallen comrade behind."

Judy reads those words often as she continues to search for answers.

Anyone with information about Patricks case is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 315-786-2676 or email at detectives@co.jefferson.ny.us.
30.05.2020 LISTEN

Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Constituency Alhaji Inusah Fuseini says the only reason why the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) is bent on compiling a new register is to rig the December 7 elections for incumbent President Akufo-Addo.

He said it just defies common sense for the existing voters roll to be discarded when it will be the very one to be fallen back on in case there is a by-election, for instance.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP, therefore, reiterated his partys stance to resist the compilation of the exercise even with our blood.

The former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources expressed these sentiments on The Key Points on TV3/3FM on Saturday, May 30.

The EC has scheduled late June to late July to compile a new register for voting on December 7, 2020.

Its decision to use only the Ghana Cards and national passport as the basic documents required for registration has ruffled feathers among some opposition political parties, notably the NDC.

For Mr Fuseini, it is a fundamental right for every citizen to be allowed the opportunity to register to vote.

You dont put in place systems that will seek to disenfranchise people and when I see lawyers arguing the way some lawyers are arguing, then I have great fear.

The Tamale Central MP said it is just absurd that the EC has put in its constitutional instrument (CI) before Parliament a process that has not completed.

In effect, he insinuates that the National Identification Authority (NIA) has not completed its process but the EC has managed to make provision for it.

What about if they fail to complete? What happens? he quizzed.

He accused the Commission of donning the colours of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceding that anybody has to think twice about this.

You have to think twice before you enter into a game where the Commissioner has a red card, wearing the jersey [of one of the teams].

He noted that the NDC will definitely advise itself when it comes to it.

I have been told that we are so spiritually attached to the register and indeed we are because that is the basis of entering and competing in elections, he told sit-in host Stephen Anti.

But we will resist the compilation with our blood.

---3news.com
Members of the public wearing facemasks during the Covid-19 pandemic in Dublin's City Centre. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

Health workers prepare to give people free COVID-19 tests without needing to show ID in Virginia. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

Follow the latest coronavirus news in Ireland and across the world on the Independent.ie live blog.

17.40 30/05/2020

Data provided by the Department of Health confirmed the following breakdown on cases, as of Thursday night.

Of the 24,870 cases confirmed up to that point, the data revealed:

 57% are female and 43% are male

 The median age of confirmed cases is 48 years

 3,279 cases (13%) have been hospitalised

 Of those hospitalised, 408 cases have been admitted to ICU

 7,955 cases are associated with healthcare workers

 Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,031 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,472 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,416 cases (6%)

 Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 39%, close contact accounts for 58%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

17.30 30/05/2020

Nine more people die with further 59 cases confirmed

A further nine people were reported to have died with Covid-19 in figures released today by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

There have now been a total 1,651 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

And the centre stated that it had been notified of 59 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 24,929 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.









15.50 30/05/2020

Spain further eases coronavirus restrictions in four small islands

Expand Close Measures: Students temperatures are checked as they arrive at Axular Lizeoa school in San Sebastian after the reopening of schools in Spains Basque Country. PHOTO: AFP / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Measures: Students temperatures are checked as they arrive at Axular Lizeoa school in San Sebastian after the reopening of schools in Spains Basque Country. PHOTO: AFP

Four small Spanish islands will be able to open the outside terraces of bars and restaurants to 75pc of their capacity from Monday, the government said, a further easing of coronavirus lockdown rules for parts of the country least affected by the disease.

Tables on terraces must still be kept 1.5 meters (5 feet) apart, according to regulations published by the government's Official Bulletin on Saturday and affecting La Graciosa, El Hierro and La Gomera in the Canary Islands, and Formentera in the Balearics.

Spain, one of the countries in Europe worst hit by the disease, has been lifting restrictions in a phased fashion, with some regions deemed safer than others to move back to normal.

In the four islands entering phase 3, groups of up to 20 people can meet and shopping centers will be allowed to re-open at 40pc of capacity. Hotels and other leisure establishments can have common areas up to 50pc of capacity.

Companies should still encourage home working but also can organize the return of workers to the office as long as their arrival is staggered. Museums will be allowed to organize activities.

'Very low' level of disease means path is clear to next easing phase

The country is on course to take the next step to ease the lockdown as the latest trends show the coronavirus is being crushed.

The level of the disease in the community is now "very low" and all indications are that overall control of the virus is now "astonishingly stable".

The optimistic verdict was delivered by Prof Philip Nolan of Maynooth University yesterday, who is leading a team tracking the spread of virus.

He said: "Intensive care and hospital admissions as well as the number of deaths per day continue to decline.

Read More

15.03 30/05/2020

Kerry beach closed to the public following 'high volumes'

Reports Gabija Gataveckaite

A beach in Kerry has closed to the public after "high volumes" of the public took to the seaside.

Inch Beach and the adjoining car park will be closed to the public for the Bank Holiday weekend after a request from An Garda Siochana.

It is understood that those who live nearby can still attend the beach.

"Inch Beach and the car park at Inch Beach will be closed to the public for the duration of the weekend, following a request from An Garda Siochana," a tweet from Kerry County Council read.

"This is due to high traffic volumes."

Inch Beach and the car park at Inch Beach will be closed to the public for the duration of the weekend, following a request from An Garda Siochana. This is due to high traffic volumes.  Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarrai (@countykerry) May 29, 2020

Church urges inquiries into virus impact on nursing homes

Expand Close Nursing home (stock) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Nursing home (stock)

Michael McHugh, PA

The Catholic Church has called for inquiries into the impact of Covid-19 on nursing homes in Ireland.

More than half of all deaths have occurred in the care facilities

The church said they should be prioritised to ensure they have the people and equipment necessary to deal with crises when they arise.

It added: "We would welcome appropriate inquiries into the reasons why nursing care facilities were so badly affected.

"Lessons must be learned."

Read More

13.46 30/05/2020

Labour calls for 'commitment' to ensure schools will be resourced when they reopen

Expand Close Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain has called for a task force to tackle crime in Dublins north side (PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain has called for a task force to tackle crime in Dublins north side (PA)

Labour has called for the government to finance resources for schools to reopen at the end of August.

Speaking yesterday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that both primary and secondary schools will reopen at the start of the academic year.

Labour Education spokesperson Aodhan O Riordain said that education has been a "low priority" for the government.

Read More

We have seen a plethora of mixed messages on education in the last three months from the Leaving Cert, re-opening of schools and now on whether additional resources will be made available to allow schools to open safely in the coming months. This is not good enough," he said today.

Why are we not front-loading resources to ensure that schools will have adequate staffing levels and that they will be enabled to physically conduct lessons in a safe manner to all students?"

The TD called for "clarity" for schools if they will need to have PPE, re-arrange classrooms and provide sanitation measures.

There is a real concern amongst school leadership teams that there will be a drop in students returning to schools in September.

"The Department of Education needs to have the foresight to invest in home school liaison and pastoral care initiatives to ensure that those who need our education system the most, return to school in September," he added.

13.25 30/05/2020

Covid tracing app field testing to begin next week in Ireland

by Michael McHugh, PA

Field testing of a Covid-19 contact-tracing app is due to begin in Ireland next week, the HSE said.

The app is designed to maximise privacy and value for public health, the health service added.

The software will operate on a voluntary and opt-in basis and will help track down those in close contact with positive cases of the disease.

A HSE statement said: The app is being prepared for field testing which is due to commence next week.

This will validate the use of Exposure Notification Service (ENS) to trace close contacts.

The Exposure Notification Service (ENS) has been developed by Apple and Google.

The app will be launched once it is fully operational and the necessary approvals have been received from the Data Protection Commissioner, health experts from the National Public Health Emergency Team, HSE and the Government.

The HSE added: The Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) will be submitted to the Data Protection Commissioner and will be made available along with the technical documents and source code before the launch of the app.

The HSEs app will operate through a voluntary and decentralised tracking system.

The British governments app uses a centralised model, with data stored and analysed on a central server.

Northern Irelands contact tracing is being carried out exclusively by telephone.

Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann has said officials are still considering which app will be the best fit.

He has said a Northern Ireland version may be necessary to ensure it worked with the one being developed in the Republic.

Over seven days, from May 19-25, 212 cases were contact traced, about 30 per day, by 99 health and social care staff who have been redeployed in Northern Ireland.

A contact-tracing programme, aimed to identify and alert people who have come into contact with a person infected with coronavirus, was piloted in Northern Ireland from April 27 before being fully rolled out earlier in May.

13.05 30/05/2020

Schools plan for return as 'good chance of one-metre gap' by then

Expand Close Schools are due to return in August (Jacob King/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Schools are due to return in August (Jacob King/PA)

The reopening of the country's 4,000 primary and post-primary schools is on track for the start of the new academic year, but the big question is what social distancing rules will apply, reports Cormac McQuinn and Katherine Donnelly.

Read More

DCU students can book campus accommodation for as little as one night

Students attending Dublin City University (DCU) are being offered a flexible approach to campus accommodation including booking for single nights, weeks or months for the academic year ahead.

The unprecedented approach to renting out rooms in campus residences reflects the dramatic change to college life anticipated because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Like all other third-level colleges, DCU is planning for a situation where not all students will be on campus at the same time, with a hybrid tuition model combining online and face-to-face classes. "It is highly unlikely that any given student would need to be on campus more than a small number of days per week," the college said.





Liverpool deputy mayor investigated over lockdown garden gathering

The deputy mayor of Liverpool has stepped down while an inquiry takes place into footage of a gathering in her garden during lockdown.

The city's Labour group is investigating after video emerged on social media of at least 12 people at the home of Lynnie Hinnigan, where a number of chairs were laid out.

Councillor Hinnigan said that no party took place because of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, and guests had just dropped off gifts in a surprise event for her 50th birthday, organised by her daughter.

She told the Liverpool Echo: "I really wasn't aware that it was happening, it was genuinely a surprise.

"Everyone is finding lockdown hard, not seeing family and friends, but everyone should still follow the rules, stay alert, stay safe and socially distance, which is exactly what I told my daughter and the reason I never left the house

"I am sorry if this has hurt anyone as it was never mine or my daughter's intention

"Many other families in our city have struggled throughout this period. We still need to follow the guidance until we can meet face to face again."

The Labour group said Councillor Hinnigan had "voluntarily and temporarily" stepped down from her duties.

11.37 30/05/2020

England easing Covid-19 lockdown too soon, scientific advisers warn

Expand Close Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Photo: Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Handout via Reuters / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Photo: Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Handout via Reuters

England risks losing control of the coronavirus pandemic again because it is starting to lift its lockdown without a fully operational track and trace programme in place, three senior scientific advisers warned on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said England's lockdown measures will be eased cautiously from Monday, aided by a track and trace system that launched on Thursday.

The advisers warned, however, that the system was not yet in full operation and risked being overwhelmed by the around 8,000 new infections that are still occurring every day outside of hospitals and care homes.

Read More

WATCH: 'We are on track to move to phase two' - Taoiseach on lifting next restrictions

10.43 30/05/2020

Explainer: How has the coronavirus pandemic disruption changed household spending?

Expand Close Those who did spend money largely purchased food and other essentials. There was big shift to online sales, which shot up to a record 15.5pc of the total turnover for all businesses in April / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Those who did spend money largely purchased food and other essentials. There was big shift to online sales, which shot up to a record 15.5pc of the total turnover for all businesses in April

The virus has radically altered household spending, putting paid to old habits and introducing new trends, reports personal finance editor Charlie Weston.

Read More

Thousands flout curfew as unrest spreads across US over death of George Floyd

Associated Press Reporters

Thousands of protesters ignored a curfew and vows of a forceful police response to take to the streets of Minneapolis for a fourth night, as the anger stoked by the death of George Floyd in police custody in the city spread across the US.

The Pentagon on Saturday ordered the Army to put military police units on alert to head to the city on short notice at President Donald Trump's request, a rare step which came as the violence spread to other areas including Detroit, Atlanta and New York City.

Criminal charges filed on Friday morning against the white officer who held his knee for nearly nine minutes on the neck of Floyd, a black man, did nothing to stem the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, is charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Minneapolis police said shots had been fired at officers during the protests but no-one was injured.

The new round of unrest came despite Minnesota governor Tim Walz vowing earlier on Friday to show a more forceful response. By early Saturday morning, Mr Walz acknowledged he did not have enough manpower.

"We do not have the numbers," he said. "We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground."

Mr Walz said he is moving quickly to mobilise more than 1,000 more National Guard members, for a total of 1,700, and is considering the potential offer of federal military police. But he warned even that might not be enough, saying he expects another difficult night on Saturday.

While not all the protests have been violent, anger fills the streets of Minneapolis.

Local resident Ben Hubert, 26, said he was not surprised people were breaking the curfew and starting fires.

"I'm outraged," he said of the Floyd case. "But I'm also sad. The injustice has been going on for so long. It's been swelling for years."

Chauvin is also accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe while Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes. Floyd, who was black, had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit note at a store.

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

Read More





09.50 30/05/2020

Dividing screens, 'Peaky Blinders' snugs and maitre d' stations: Inside a pub ahead of August reopening

Expand Close Countdown to opening: Irena Gronowska looks out from the new partitions inside OGormans pub in Portlaoise that have been installed ahead of the reopening of the pub. PHOTO: GERRY MOONEY / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Countdown to opening: Irena Gronowska looks out from the new partitions inside OGormans pub in Portlaoise that have been installed ahead of the reopening of the pub. PHOTO: GERRY MOONEY

Journalist Laura Lynott looks at the future of the Irish pub in a coronavirus world, complete with snugs, glass and timber screens, stylish new safety structures, traffic lights controlling toilet use and temperature screening on the way in.

Read More

Virus all but gone in New Zealand but cases on rise in India

Expand Close Queue: Rail passengers are checked upon their arrival from New Delhi / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Queue: Rail passengers are checked upon their arrival from New Delhi

New Zealand has all but eradicated the coronavirus from its shores, with just one person in the nation of five million known to be still infected.

However, developments elsewhere are grim, with India reporting another record increase in cases, and deaths reaching a new peak in Pakistan.

In the US, the virus threw more than two million people out of work last week despite the reopening of businesses.

The confirmed US death toll has surpassed 100,000, the highest in the world.

Read More

The Big Read: 'It's about saving lives' - the Irish volunteers who want to be infected with Covid-19

Up to 67 Irish people want to be exposed to the virus in order to help the search for a vaccine. Kim Bielenberg talks to those involved in a growing movement and examines how clinical trials are conducted in Ireland.

Read More

09.09 30/05/2020

WATCH: US cuts ties with WHO

President Donald Trump has said the US will be terminating its relationship with the World Health Organisation.

The president said it had failed to adequately respond to coronavirus because China has total control over the global organisation.

Over 5.9m people across the world infected by virus

Coronavirus has infected more than 5.9 million people across the world and killed more than 365,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

Here are some updates from around the world-

India

The country registered another record single-day jump of 7,964 coronavirus cases and 265 deaths, a day before the two-month-old lockdown is set to end.

The Health Ministry put the total number of confirmed cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths. The infections include 82,369 people who have recovered.

South Korea

Officials have reported 39 new cases of the virus, most of them in the densely populated Seoul area where scores of infections have been linked to warehouse workers.

The latest figures from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention brought national totals to 11,441 confirmed cases and 269 deaths.

Its director Jeong Eun-kyeong said on Friday that at least 102 infections have been linked to workers at a massive warehouse operated by Coupang, a local e-commerce giant that has seen orders spike during the crisis.

China

China has reported four new confirmed cases of Covid-19, all brought in from outside the country, but no further deaths.

Just 63 people remain in treatment and another 401 are in isolation and being monitoring after showing signs of having the virus, or after testing positive without showing any symptoms.

China has reported a total of 4,634 deaths among 82,999 cases since the virus was first detected in the central industrial city of Wuhan.

With virtually everyone wearing masks in public, most offices, shops and restaurants have reopened.

Pakistan

The country's Civil Aviation Authority announced international flights can resume in and out of Pakistan - even as it recorded its single highest overnight death toll of 78 and the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases soared beyond 66,000.

As of Saturday, Pakistan had recorded 1,395 deaths from the virus since mid-March and daily counts of new cases showed a jump of nearly 2,500.

08.10 30/05/2020

Cases of Covid-19 have increased in towns but are now falling in cities

The coronavirus has moved out of cities and into towns around Ireland in recent weeks, it emerged yesterday.

The number of people contracting Covid-19 in cities has fallen, but it has increased in towns, new figures reveal.

People living in these towns now account for 12pc of cases, up from 5pc in the week ending March 20, the Central Statistics Office showed yesterday.

More than one in two deaths from the virus have been in Dublin, but there are a significant number of counties where there have been fewer than 10 deaths since this crisis started.

Read More

Childcare providers hit out at lack of financial support as 'play-pod' guidelines issued

Creches have been issued with a raft of new coronavirus guidelines but the Government has offered no detail on financial supports childcare providers insist they need to reopen.

'Play pods' of children who stay in the same groups and share the same toys, staggered arrival times and restrictions on the use of play dough are to become a feature of childcare in the coming months.

The Government is under pressure from the childcare sector and Opposition politicians to provide financial support to help creches reopen their doors.

Read More

Doctors expecting surge in patients whose treatments have been on hold for months as private hospitals reopen

Expand Close Flattening the curve: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has handed private hospitals back. Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Flattening the curve: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has handed private hospitals back. Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Doctors are expecting a surge in patients whose treatments and diagnosis have been on hold for months following the decision by the Government to scrap the takeover of private hospitals, reports Eilish O'Regan and Philip Ryan.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-31 04:47:32|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CAIRO, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's COVID-19 cases on Saturday exceeded 163,000 with more than 980 new infections. Meanwhile, Iran witnessed a higher surge of coronavirus cases with the tally approaching 149,000.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Turkey, the hardest-hit country in the Middle East, climbed to 163,103 after 983 new infections were reported, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted.

The death toll from the coronavirus in the country rose to 4,515 after 26 new fatalities were added in the past 24 hours, he said.

The overall number of recoveries in the country rose to 126,984.

On the same day, Turkey announced that it will resume domestic flights as part of measures towards normalization.

In Iran, the tally of COVID-19 infections surged to 148,950 after 2,282 new cases were registered.

The country also reported 57 new deaths from the virus, raising the death toll to 7,734. A total of 116,827 coronavirus patients have recovered, with 2,533 still in critical condition.

Saudi Arabia announced 1,618 new cases and 22 more deaths, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 83,384 and the death toll to 480.

The kingdom also reported 1,870 more recovered patients, taking the total recoveries to 58,883.

In Qatar, 2,355 new cases of coronavirus infections were detected, bringing the total number to 55,262, while the fatalities remained at 36.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced 726 new COVID-19 cases and two more deaths, raising the tally of infections to 33,896 and the death toll to 262.

The total number of recoveries from the virus in the UAE increased to 17,546 after 449 more fully recovered.

Kuwait reported 1,008 new cases, bringing the country's total number of infections to 26,192, of whom 205 have died and 10,156 recovered.

Egypt's coronavirus cases continued the surging trend to reach 23,449 after a daily record of 1,367 new infections were added.

The Egyptian Health Ministry also reported 34 more deaths and 182 cases of recoveries, increasing the death toll to 913 and the total recoveries to 5,693.

In the mean time, Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed said that the ministry has increased the number of hospitals tasked with receiving the coronavirus patients to 376 nationwide.

Israel reported 25 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the tally of coronavirus infections to 17,012.

The number of death cases in the country remained 284 while the recoveries rose by 35 to 14,811.

It is worth noting that the number of active cases in Israel decreased to 1,917.

Earlier on the day, Israeli health ministry announced that several schools in which coronavirus cases were detected will be shut down.

Oman's Ministry of Health announced 603 new cases of infections, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 10,423, including 42 deaths and 2,396 recoveries.

In Morocco, the tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 7,780 after 66 new cases were added, which included 204 fatalities and 5,401 recoveries.

Iraq confirmed 306 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 6,179, of whom 195 have died and 3,110 recovered.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi authorities imposed a week-long curfew starting from May 31 to June 6 to curb the latest increase in infections of coronavirus in the country.

Sudan's Health Ministry announced 279 new COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths, bringing the total confirmed cases to 4,800 and the death toll to 262.

In Lebanon, the number of COVID-19 infections increased by 19 to 1,191, while the death toll remained at 26.

Jordan registered four more infections, bringing the total coronavirus cases to 734, including nine deaths and 507 recoveries.

Yemen's health ministry confirmed 27 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the tally of infections to 310 in the country's provinces controlled by the government, including 77 deaths and 13 recoveries.

In addition, health authorities in the Yemeni Houthi rebel-held capital Sanaa has declared earlier a total number of four infections in northern Yemen, including one death. Enditem
HOLLAND, MI -- A Holland Township resident called police from a basement after someone broke into an occupied home Friday and police later found the intruder on a porch.

Ottawa County 911 dispatchers received a call about 6:20 p.m. Friday, May 29 from a Holland Township resident who was hiding in the basement after someone broke a window to gain entry.

Ottawa County sheriffs deputies responded to the scene and found a person on the back porch of the home.

The person was taken to the Ottawa County Jail on an initial charge of breaking and entering an occupied dwelling.
The wait for migrant workers from West Bengal ended on Friday after two Shramik special trains left for Kolkata from the Pune railway station.

Workers en route Kolkata were temporarily relieved, however, more challenges await them back home. The fury of cyclone Amphan has destroyed houses of some of the construction workers, after reaching Kolkata they have no option but to build a new house.

Manoj Jhawar, Pune railway division spokesperson said, On Friday, two trains were sent from Pune railway station to West Bengal. First train was scheduled to go to Howrah at 4pm and the other was scheduled for Malda at 10 pm. We make sure that social distancing is maintained and temperatures of passengers are checked while boarding.

Alongside workers from Kolkata, there were several stranded migrants outside the station premise still waiting in the hope to get the train to go to their native places. The migrants from various states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand are staying in PMCs parking lot near the railway station.

Jhulan, a migrant from Bihar said, After seeing stranded people from West Bengal depart by train, we are now even more hopeful and relieved. We are ready to wait until our turn comes without worrying over it. But the only concern is, the place where we are staying lacks cleanliness and no one from administration pays attention to clean the surroundings even once in a day.

Another stranded migrant from Bihar who refused to disclose his name said, We might catch other infections than Covid-19 due to the negligence of the administration to clean this place.

Naval Kishore Ram, Pune district collector said, Our officials are working day and night to collect the data, send it to railways and accordingly plan their journey in order to send the migrants back home. We will send all those who are willing to go back to their states and arrangements are been made. Will look at the issue of cleanliness outside the railway station and provide better facilities from our side to the passengers.
The latest:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will resume its regular briefings as the administration continues its coronavirus response, CNN has learned.

The CDC held a briefing Friday in which director Robert Redfield said the agency was "never blind" to the early spread of the coronavirus in the United States.

That session was the first of the resumption of the regular press briefings, a senior Health and Human Services official told CNN.

Different drugs could help people at different stages, FDA says



Combinations of antivirals, anti-inflammatories and other drugs will likely be needed to treat people with coronavirus, a team of Food and Drug Administration scientists said Friday.

It might even be necessary to customize treatment patient by patient, the FDA team said in a review of the treatments being tested against COVID-19.

As the results of clinical trials become available, it may become increasingly clear that there is likely no single magic bullet to resolve the disease but a combination of several interventions that target different key factors of COVID-19 may well be required, FDA drug researcher Montserrat Puig and colleagues wrote in a report published in Frontiers of Immunology.

Until vaccines and targeted drugs for COVID-19 are available, there may be a need to intervene with personalized therapeutic approaches. We are learning day after day, that patients may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 differently and that many factors influence the outcome of the disease.

They reviewed 30 different drugs, including those designed to stop the virus from getting into cells, drugs aimed at stopping the virus from replicating, drugs that control the immune system response and drugs meant to block the overwrought inflammatory response to the virus.

Different drugs could help people at different stages of the disease. Early on, it could be enough to stop the virus from getting into cells and replicating itself, Puig said. In patients with more severe disease, it will be more important to intervene in the bodys immune response to infection, which can include an overreaction known as the cytokine storm.

No drug is approved to specifically treat coronavirus infections, although the FDA has given emergency use authorization to the antiviral drug remdesivir.

World's new epicenter could be the worst yet

For months, Latin America watched the rest of the world suffer as the coronavirus spread. It is a spectator no longer.

"This is the new epicenter," said Dr. Marcos Espinal, director of communicable diseases at the Pan American Health Organization.

Months after emerging from a relatively obscure Chinese province, the eye of this viral storm has firmly landed in Latin America.

There are roughly 920,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 50,000 deaths across the region's 33 countries, but those numbers are fast on the rise.

As new deaths and cases fall in the United States, Europe and Asia, Latin America now stands as the world's sole region where the outbreak is unequivocally reaching new heights.

"In many ways this is no surprise," said Dr. Ana Diez Roux, dean of Drexel University's School of Public Health. "It was predictable that this was going to happen."

In conversations with eight different experts, including a former head of state, epidemiologists and top researchers on the region, there is wide agreement that faulty government response coupled with Latin America's unique economic and public health situation led to the severity of the current outbreak.

The experts were also nearly unanimous in the view that things are likely to get worse.

By the middle of May, Latin America was reporting higher daily case total increases than both the United States and Europe.

Brazil would surge past Italy, the United Kingdom and Russia to record the second highest number of cases in the world.

A global shortage of tests and some countries' reluctance to mass test have also raised doubts about whether cases and deaths are being accurately counted in the region.

" provide a false sense of security. The number of cases is not showing close to the magnitude of the problem," said Espinal.

The Pan American Health Organization believes the outbreak will continue at current levels for at least the next few weeks.

An influential model from the University of Washington predicts Brazil could surpass 125,000 deaths by August.

"I think we're going to see significantly more deaths than we've seen ," said Diez Roux.



Genetic study shows first host species to virus

A deep dive into the genetics of the coronavirus shows it seems to have spent some time infecting both bats and pangolins before it jumped into humans, researchers said Friday.

But they said it's too soon to blame pangolins for the pandemic and say a third species of animal may have played host to the virus before it spilled over to people.

What is clear is that the coronavirus has swapped genes repeatedly with similar strains infecting bats, pangolins and a possible third species, a team of researchers from Duke University, Los Alamos National Laboratory and elsewhere reported in the journal Science Advances.

What's also clear is that people need to reduce contact with wild animals that can transmit new infections, the researchers concluded.

The team analyzed 43 complete genomes from three strains of coronaviruses that infect bats and pangolins and that resemble the new COVID-19 virus.

"In our study, we demonstrated that indeed SARS-CoV-2 has a rich evolutionary history that included a reshuffling of genetic material between bat and pangolin coronavirus before it acquired its ability to jump to humans," said Elena Giorgi, a staff scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory who worked on the study.

But their findings may let pangolins off the hook. The animals, also known as scaly anteaters, are sold as food in many countries, including China, and have been a prime suspect as a possible source of the pandemic.

"The currently sampled pangolin coronaviruses are too divergent from SARS-CoV-2 to be its recent progenitors," the researchers wrote.

Whether the mixing and matching between bat viruses and pangolin viruses was enough to change the virus into a form that now easily infects humans remains unclear, the researchers said.

"It is also possible that other not yet identified hosts (can be) infected with coronaviruses that can jump to human populations through cross-species transmission," the researchers wrote. "If the new SARS-CoV-2 strain did not cause widespread infections in its natural or intermediate hosts, such a strain may never be identified."

But people are setting themselves up to be infected with new viruses via "wet markets" where many different species of live animals are caged and sold, and by moving deeper into forests where animals live, the researchers said.

"While the direct reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 is still being sought, one thing is clear: reducing or eliminating direct human contact with wild animals is critical to preventing new coronavirus zoonosis in the future," they concluded.

US terminating relationship with WHO, President Trump says

President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. will be terminating its relationship with the World Health Organization, saying it had failed to adequately respond to the coronavirus because China has total control over the global organization.



He said Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the WHO to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered.

He noted that the U.S. contributes about $450 million to the world body while China provides about $40 million.

The U.S. is the largest source of financial support to the WHO and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the U.S. would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

"We have detailed the reforms that it must make and engaged with them directly but they have refused to act," Trump said. "Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs. The world needs answers from China on the virus. We must have transparency."

W2lmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vZDJjbXZicTdzeHgzM2ouY2xvdWRmcm9udC5uZXQvZW1haWwvcHJvZF9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1c19pZnJhbWVfYXJ0aWNsZS5odG1sIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQxNCIgc3R5bGU9IndpZHRoOjEwMCU7Ym9yZGVyOm5vbmU7b3ZlcmZsb3c6aGlkZGVuIiBzY3JvbGxpbmc9Im5vIiBmcmFtZWJvcmRlcj0iMCIgYWxsb3dUcmFuc3BhcmVuY3k9InRydWUiXVsvaWZyYW1lXQ==
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday said the reforms introduced by the State government in health sector have changed the wrong perception on government hospitals and made them most reliable and much sought-after. Disclosing his governments plans for the health sector to ensure that services reach the last mile, during the fourth day of Our Governance-Your Advice programme on Friday, the Chief Minister said apart from renovating the existing hospitals, new hospitals from sub-centres to teaching hospitals will be established.

As many as 9,712 doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff will be recruited in the next 45 days. Notifications will be issued in early June. He announced that 2,000 services have been covered under YSR Aarogyasri, presently being implemented in West Godavari district. It will be extended to six more districts on July 8 and the remaining districts by Diwali. To give a boost to rural health services, village clinics will be set up, which will be monitored round-the-clock by ANMs. Each village clinic will have 54 types of life-saving medicines.

By March 31, 2021, as many as 13,000 village clinics will be opened at a cost of Rs 2,600 crore. Jagan said in the past, 108 and 104 services were implemented in a dissatisfactory manner and now changing it all, a new 1,060 emergency vehicles (108 and 104) services will be launched on July 1. We have decided to overhaul the government hospitals. During the previous regime, an infant was bitten to death by rats and operations were performed using cell phone lights.

As promised, Aarogyasri, covering 2,000 diseases, was made available to those with an income of less than Rs 5 lakh per annum, benefitting 1.42 crore people. The facility has been extended to 132 superspecialty hospitals in Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Under YSR Aarogya Asara, post-surgery aid of Rs 5,000 per month is being provided. For people suffering from chronic ailments, pension is being paid from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 and the amount is being door delivered by village volunteers, he explained. Jagan said YSR Aarogya cards help doctors check the medical history of the patients online.Of the 1.42 lakh eligible, 1.33 lakh were distributed cards and the remaining will be given in two weeks.

Under YSR Kanti Velugu, which was started with Rs 560 crore, 70 lakh students were screened for visual impairment and spectacles were provided to 1.29 lakh students. Surgeries would be performed on 46,000 students during Dasara holidays. In the next phase, screening would be done for the old and physically-challenged. YSR Telemedicine is the new initiative under which if a patient gives a missed call to 14410, a doctor will come online and give prescription. Medicines will be door-delivered.

Govt hospital network Rs 679 cr

For constructing 149 new PHCs, renovating 1,138 by March 2021 Rs 695 cr

Renovating 52 Area Hospitals Rs 541 cr

Renovating 169 CHCs Rs 12,270 cr

Setting up 16 teaching hospitals, 7 superspecialty hospitals in ITDAs
Kentucky congressman against mandates says he has COVID-19
The state refused to renew the license for Planned Parenthoods St. Louis clinic in June 2019, after an investigation turned up four instances of what the state called failed abortions. Planned Parenthood officials contend the state cherry-picked a handful of difficult cases out of thousands of otherwise successful abortions. They have accused the state of using the licensing process as a tool to end abortions in Missouri, a conservative state with a decidedly antiabortion governor in Republican Mike Parson.
Capt Amarinder Singh

Chandigarh: Categorically rejecting allegations of withdrawal of free power to Punjabs farmers, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday said his government is ready to willing to forego the portion of fiscal deficit enhancement offered by the Centre but would not compromise with the farmers interest at any cost.

Capt Amarinder SinghDismissing the Centre's suggestion on replacement of free power to farmers with DBT as totally unacceptable and a direct attack on the federal structure of the nation, the Chief Minister said he will take up the issue with the Centre for trying to impose such an anti-farmer condition on the cash-strapped state in the guise of extending fiscal support amid the Covid pandemic.

Advertisement

Asserting that the free power facility for farmers would continue to exist till his government is in power, Captain Amarinder said his government will take loans to bridge the fiscal deficit, and the Government of India cannot dictate the terms of a sovereign loan being taken by a State Government.

Captain Amarinder also lashed out at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal for trying to pin the blame for the central governments misdemeanors on the state government, which had unwaveringly been providing free power to farmers since taking over in March 2017, despite the massive fiscal crunch it had inherited from the erstwhile Akali-BJP regime.

Sukhbir Badal and Capt AmarinderThe Chief Minister asked Sukhbir to immediately quit the ruling NDA at the Centre, and demanded Union Minister and Akali leader Harsimrat Kaur Badals resignation from the central cabinet, pointing out that it was the Government of India that took the decision directing the states to withdraw the free power, and also failed to come to the rescue of the state, and any section of its people, in the wake of the unprecedented Covid crisis and lockdown.

Advertisement

Terming their allegations as malicious and mischievous, and totally unsubstantiated, Captain Amarinder hit out at the SAD leadership for not fighting for the rights of Punjab and its people, including farmers, at the Centre or in Parliament, and resorting, instead, to petty and shameless politicking even on such a grave issue of national concern.

If you have even an iota of shame, you should leave the NDA coalition, of which you are a part, immediately, and join my government in working for the people of the state, the Chief Minister said, criticising Sukhbir and Harsimrat over their pathetic attempts to mislead the people of Punjab with their patent double standards, blatant falsehoods, unfounded allegations.

He recalled the shocking display of hypocrisy of SAD even over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which they had supported in Parliament before launching a public tirade against it.

Advertisement

Punjab Chief Minister Captain AmarinderIt was obvious, said the Chief Minister, that Sukhbir, Harsimrat and their party have no scruples or principles and are only interested in promoting their personal and political interests.

Captain Amarinder clarified that the state cabinet had, in its last meeting, given an in-principle approval to undertaking certain reforms to become eligible to avail additional borrowing of 1.5% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) amid COVID-19, as mandated by the Government of India.

While allowing an enhancement of fiscal deficit of States under FRBM Act from 3% to 5%, Government of India had linked a portion of the same to certain administrative reforms.

Advertisement

It is for the BJP and its alliance partner SAD to explain why there is an attempt to force such a condition on Punjab, he said.

The Chief Minister had earlier, on Friday, also tweeted on this issue, saying: Let me reassure our farmers that there is no plan to withdraw free power to agriculture in Punjab. I am cognizant of your economic condition and appreciate the hard work put in by you in every crop to grow foodgrain for the country. Free power will continue!
SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - Developer CapitaLand is taking necessary precautions at its malls islandwide ahead of the end of the circuit breaker period on June 1. Phase One will entail a portion of Singaporeans going back to work, beginning from businesses with lower risks of transmission. Primary and secondary school students will also return to school and households can receive up to two visitors (parents, grandparents and parent/grandparent in-laws) per day.

With more people out and about, CapitaLand will undertake measures to clean and disinfect with innovative technologies to protect shoppers and employees. For instance, high-contact areas such as lift buttons, door entrance buttons, touch screens, toilet cubicles and family rooms will be coated with anti-microbial disinfectant that can guard against bacteria and virus for up to six months.

They will also be introducing disinfection floor mats at the entrances of its malls from June, whereby disinfection solution is poured over the floor mats, allowing the soles of shoppers to be cleaned when they step on them. Shoppers will subsequently dry their soles by stepping onto a runner mat.

UV disinfection robots will be deployed after mall operating hours to conduct daily disinfection of high shopper traffic floors. The first malls to deploy these robots are Tampines Mall and Bukit Panjang Plaza, which are the two high-traffic malls identified by the authorities. These robots will complement the daily efforts of cleaning staff.



All lift cars in CapitaLand malls, such as Tampines Mall as pictured above, will be installed with PhotoPlasma air disinfection system that eliminates air-bone and surface microorganisms such as virus and bacteria from June. (Photo: CapitaLand)

In addition, lift in CapitaLand malls will be installed with PhotoPlasma air disinfection system from June as well, which eliminates airborne and surface microorganisms such as virus and bacteria.

At Atrium@Orchard, CapitaLand will also trial the automated escalator handrail disinfection and contactless lift activation system. This entails an ultra-UV device installed in the escalator system, allowing handrails to be efficiently disinfected when the escalator is in use. Atrium@Orchard will also install lifts that are fitted with a QR code registration device so that tenants and shoppers can activate them without touching the lift buttons.

Story continues

Chris Chong, managing director of retail at CapitaLand Singapore hopes that with these measures in place, CapitaLand can create a safe environment to welcome the community back to [the groups] malls upon the gradual easing of the circuit breaker.

Read also:

See Also:






NIMULE 10 Ugandan nationals have been arrested for illegally crossing the Nimule border crossing into South Sudan, police said.

In March, South Sudan closed Juba International Airport and all border entry points to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Captain Richard Clement, the Deputy Police Inspector at Nimule Town Council, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the Ugandan nationals are being detained in Nimule where they were arrested, waiting to be arraigned.

We arrested those people last week. Also, we gave them Form 13 so that they are tested by the hospital and after that, we will take them to court so the court will be the one to decide on what next, Richard said.

He added, We will carry out security investigations but they have to be tested first and put under quarantine for 14 days.

The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South Sudan reached 994, while Uganda has so far recorded 317 cases of COVID-19.

Related

Continue Reading
Like Apple's, Google's and Amazon's founders before him, in 2013 Chieh Huang launched bulk grocery and household goods e-commerce company Boxed out of a garage  his parents' two-car garage in New Jersey, to be exact.

In 2018, Huang sold a minority stake in Boxed to Japan's Aeon Group, in a deal that valued the company at $600 million, according to The New York Times.

But if Huang needed to make some extra money today, he has another side hustle idea.

"If I had the time, I would buy a used van and drive a grown-up ice cream truck," Huang tells CNBC Make It. "The truck would sell wine/alcohol-infused frozen treats, as well as regular cocktails."

(Coolhaus food trucks meets Tipsy Scoop boozy ice cream perhaps?)

His "grown-up ice cream truck" could be a nice escape for people amid the Covid-19 pandemic, he says.

"Given all the angst that everyone is feeling at home, I'm sure full-grown adults would chase an ice cream truck down the street like they're 10 years old again if they knew it sold booze."

Huang may be on to something  during the pandemic, retail sales of beer and wine have spiked, CNBC reported. Off-premise sales of spirits in the U.S. went up 34.1% from last year for the nine-week period ending May 2, according to Nielsen data. Wine sales went up 30.1% and beer sales went up 12.6% during the same time.

"We've seen rises in [people making] really simple, two to three ingredient cocktails, anything from the negroni [to] the classic martini," Tom Spaven, brand director at Bacardi-owned gin brand Bombay Sapphire, told CNBC. "And we've seen a significant rise in sales of premium mixers."

(According to the World Health Organization, however, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of catching Covid-19 or make the disease worse.)

Huang's mobile cocktail bar would require working out some logistics (like a liquor license, depending on the location of operation, as well as food safety practices and a way to check IDs). But the Boxed founder can already "imagine the visuals it would create."

"The commercial would practically shoot itself," he says.

Check out: The best credit cards of 2020 could earn you over $1,000 in 5 years

Don't miss:
Hong Kong: Basic Law online exhibition launched

An online exhibition presenting the historical background, drafting, promulgation and successful implementation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong was launched today.

The Online Exhibition of the 30th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is presented by the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee (BLPSC) and the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau.

Chief Secretary and BLPSC Chairman Matthew Cheung encouraged members of the public to visit the exhibition, look back at the important milestones during the 30 years since the promulgation of the Basic Law, deepen their understanding of the concept and implementation of the one country, two systems principle, and reflect on how critical the guarantee of the Basic Law is towards the long-term development of Hong Kong.

He said: "The Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law form the constitutional basis of the Hong Kong SAR. In accordance with the Constitution, the National People's Congress decided to establish the Hong Kong SAR and enacted the Basic Law, prescribing the systems to be practised in the Hong Kong SAR.

"The Basic Law solidly and clearly provides the legal guarantee for the implementation of 'one country, two systems' in the Hong Kong SAR. The basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong, namely 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy, are fully implemented through the Basic Law.

"The Preamble of the Basic Law states clearly that the Hong Kong SAR was established for upholding national unity and territorial integrity. It is the constitutional duty of the Hong Kong SAR as part of China to safeguard national security.

Mr Cheung emphasised that the National People's Congress passed the decision on May 28 to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong SAR to safeguard national security.

The legislation to be enacted for the Hong Kong SAR to safeguard national security will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. The Hong Kong SAR Government will fully co-operate in completing the relevant work on legislation as soon as possible, ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong under 'one country, two systems."

Mr Cheung added that this year, the BLPSC will strengthen work to promote and educate the public on the constitution and Basic Law, including teachers and students, youths, civil servants, and the industrial, commercial and professional sectors.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will launch other activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law in due course.

Click here for the exhibition.

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
More than a century before Meng Wanzhou's arrest at Vancouver Airport, another alleged fugitive from U.S. justice slipped across the border into British Columbia  one whose crimes would lay the groundwork for a judge to deliver the Huawei executive a stunning loss this week.

George Collins had apparently made enough money as a lawyer in San Francisco to take up rooms at Victoria's elegant Driard Hotel with his new wife in the summer of 1905.

Only problem: He was supposed to be on trial for bigamy in California in relation to his other wife back home. And the United States wanted Collins extradited.

At first blush, it's hard to imagine two fates less likely to be intertwined than those of an American lothario born a decade before the invention of the telephone and Meng, the chief financial officer of a global telecommunications giant.

But in the decision she released Wednesday, B.C. Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes drew a straight line between the cases.

She relied, in part, on precedent established by Collins 115 years ago to justify a decision to continue extradition proceedings against Meng, despite the 48-year-old's claim that the offence U.S. prosecutors have accused her of would not be considered a crime in Canada.

A marriage is announced

According to what was then the Victoria Daily Colonist newspaper, Collins was arrested on July 12, 1905, at the hotel where he and his wife had checked in as "Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberry" in the weeks before.

His troubles had begun a few months earlier, when a notice of Collins' marriage to Miss Clarice McCurdy, the daughter of a wealthy widow, appeared in the San Francisco newspapers.

That came as a surprise to those who had watched Collins marry Charlotta Newman in May 1889.

San Francisco Call

Collins was charged with bigamy after Charlotta's brother told a grand jury he had witnessed the wedding.

A trial was set to begin in June 1905 when Collins fled north.

Story continues

The shrewd lawyer had ascertained that bigamy was not an extraditable offence under the treaty the U.S. had with Canada at the time.

But perjury was.

And so U.S. prosecutors charged Collins with lying about his marital status in a civil suit Charlotta Collins filed in the wake of his betrayal, seeking support for herself and their three children.

And they asked Canada to arrest the two-timer.

'Trumped-up' charge

Like Meng, Collins caught the attention of the headline writers of his day.

They speculated on his wealth and rumours of an expensive mahogany desk and book collection, estimating that he had made "at least a quarter of a million dollars" but that "like many of his kind  he spent his money freely and it was eaten up as fast as it came in."

Collins told the Daily Colonist the charge was a "trumped-up one" and that "he was the victim of a conspiracy which resulted from the fact that he had made many powerful enemies."

And like Meng, one of the key battles in his fight against extradition was over so-called double criminality  the idea that the offence a person is accused of would have to be considered a crime in both countries to warrant sending an accused across the border to face justice.

In Meng's case, the charge is fraud.

The Huawei CFO is accused of lying to an HSBC executive in Hong Kong about Huawei's control of a company that violated U.S. economic sanctions against Iran.

Ben Nelms/CBC

Prosecutors claim the banks relied on those lies to continue handling Huawei's finances, meaning they risked loss and prosecution by violating the same regulations.

Meng's lawyers argued that because Canada didn't have economic sanctions against Iran when the case was given the authority to proceed, there could be no loss if the offence had happened here  and so there would be no charge of fraud.

Collins, on the other hand, claimed the lie about his marriage happened in a pleading given to a notary in a civil suit in a way that wouldn't have made it an oath given in evidence had it been done in Canada  and so there would be no charge of perjury.

A hypothetical puzzle

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Lyman Duff wrestled in 1905 with the same hypothetical puzzle Holmes, the judge in Meng's case, confronted this week.

Exactly what does it mean to transpose the facts of an alleged crime to Canada?

Supreme Court of Canada

Is a judge limited to pretending that no sanctions exist, or that Canadian technicalities wouldn't make a lie an oath?

Or can judges also consider the context around the alleged offence  in effect, making foreign legal considerations part of the Canadian equation?

When it came to Collins, Duff  who went on to become the eighth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada  found they could.

"If you are to conceive the accused pursuing the conduct in question in this country, then along with him you are to transplant his environment," he wrote.

And that meant thinking about the legal environment in which Collins swore he wasn't married to two women.

"Treating the matter in that way, then what have we here?" Duff asked.

"You have an oath taken in a judicial proceeding before a court of competent jurisdiction after a manner in which it was authorized by law. These facts make up the substance and 'essence' of the 'criminality' charged against the accused."

Citing Duff's words, Holmes concluded that she could consider context to find Meng's alleged lie would amount to a crime in Canada  even without economic sanctions against Iran.

"The essence of the alleged wrongful conduct in this case is the making of intentionally false statements in the banker-client relationship that put HSBC at risk," she wrote.

"The U.S. sanctions are part of the state of affairs necessary to explain how HSBC was at risk, but they are not themselves an intrinsic part of the conduct."

'Well, George, we're off at last'

Meng's loss this week is not the end of her battle.

She still has several chances to fight extradition through hearings to determine whether her rights were violated when she was arrested and whether there is sufficient evidence to mount a prosecution.

She has denied the charges.

Collins was extradited back to California in October 1905, placed on a steamer out of Victoria with only 20 minutes' notice.

A Daily Colonist reporter watched as a detective sent to accompany the fugitive said, "Well, George, we're off at last."

"Collins laughed. 'It does look like it,' he said," according to the newspaper.

When he got back to San Francisco, Collins was convicted of perjury.

He was sent to San Quentin to begin a 14-year prison sentence.

He's long dead. And 100 years from now  barring really drawn out proceedings  the question of Meng Wanzhou's extradition will be settled.

But her name and that of George Collins will forever be a part of Canadian extradition law.
In the early days of the pandemic, did you ever fantasize what wed do when people could go outside again and gather together? Did you dream of a better, post-pandemic America? One with more hugs, more mutual care and concern for our fellow humans, having all gone through (in differing and unequal ways, but still having shared) a harrowing common experience?

People are going out again, all over the United States. But its not to celebrate a vaccine or a debt jubilee. The first national connecting event coming out of lockdown is mass protest against police violence after the lynching of George Floyd, and the states attempt at suppressing it. The coronaviruswhich disproportionately is killing Black Americansdrove us inside. Policingwhich also disproportionately is killing Black Americansis drawing us back out. Almost overnight, the streets have gone from largely emptythough the rate of police killings remained mostly unchangedto filled with thousands of masked people, often being gassed or beaten. The conditions before, during and after the lockdown are part of a continuum in Americaa miserable nation maintained by policing.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

For about a decade, Ive been reporting on police violence in the United Statesor rather, Ive been reporting on the violence of policing, because what Ive witnessed is that policing is always violent. The order the police protect and sustain is an order in which needed resources remain in the hands of the few. Whether or not they are actually killing or beating somebody, police are always threatening the use of lethal violence (mostly at the poor, disproportionately at Black and other nonwhite people), and that is a form of violence itself. And as Ive reported on the violence of policing, the encouraging rebellions against it, and the subsequent attempted suppression of those uprisings, a common line of questioning comes up, mostly from white people:

Advertisement

Advertisement

Why did they burn down that Kwik Trip gas station/CVS/Target? Those businesses help and bring jobs to their community! Dont they know they are hurting their own communities? Why are they destroying their own communities?

Lets put aside for a moment that such questions elide how much corporations actually help low-income communities where they have businesses, making sales of necessary goods to nearby residents while paying poverty wages to their workers that make sustainable life impossible. At their core, the questions assume the destruction of property is more worrisome than the destruction of lifeotherwise, a person wouldnt wonder why the destruction of life by the police in recent years has triggered the destruction of property. In communities where businesses are protected and people are not, damaging commercial property emphasizes the upside-down values of the usual order of things. As NPR Code Switch host Gene Demby wrote on Twitter, Spike Lee said that when Do The Right Thing came out, a lot of critics thought it irresponsible to show Mookie throw a trash can through the window of Sals pizzeria bc it would encourage riotsbut they had far less to say about the cops choking Radio Raheem to death.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

But if there is anything unclear about why protesters would rebel against businesses to respond to the police killings of Michael Brown or Freddie Gray, there should be absolutely no confusion about the logic of destroying a police station in response to the police killing of George Floyd. You can agree with or disagree with the action. But you cannot deny that there is a logic in targeting a police station after the police have lynched a man in broad daylight, on video. Its an attempt to create a different order in the society.

The old ruling assumptions about policing seem neither as necessary or inevitable as they did before. Killings of Black people at the hands of police are not new, but the discourse around them does seem to have shifted with the George Floyd I cant breathe video. I was genuinely surprised when Derek Chauvin and three other Minneapolis Police officers were fired so quickly for the gruesome killing, considering it took five years for Daniel Pantaleo to be fired from the NYPD following the Eric Garner I cant breathe video. I was mildly shocked when the University of Minnesotas president wrote that the school would scale back its relationship with the Minneapolis Police Department and will no longer contract with the [MPD] for additional law enforcement support; this is a not the a few bad apples approach weve been accustomed to, but an acknowledgment of the fundamental danger the entire Minneapolis Police Department poses to a university community. And I was outright amazed, the morning after the Third Precinct was burned, when Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that Brick and mortar is not as important as life, and the citys public schools terminated their contract with the police.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

This new outlook was developing and spreading long before the police encountered George Floyd. Black Lives Matter activists and scholar organizers like Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Keeanga-Yahmahtta Taylor and Mariame Kaba deserve credit for raising consciousness about the carceral state. Occupy Wall Street activists deserve credit for helping Americans to see that the real looting is happening with wealth transfers towards the ruling class, and endured police intimidation and abuse to do it. Clearly such work is getting more people to challenge the premises of policing more seriously.

Advertisement

But the pandemic has also given many more Americans a chance to see which parts of the status quo are really protected in a crisis, and what policing means for them. When gun-waving protesters swarm legislatures, demanding that public health orders be lifted so people can be sent back to work, what gives them the space to shout down the majority? Policing. When eviction courts reopen and many of the 40 million people out of work are evicted, how will that be carried out? Policing.

Advertisement

Policing has been strangling civic life in Minneapolis and across the country all along. In 2017, Forbes wrote about research which broke down the cities with the largest police budgets. Minneapolis was number nine, spending $163 million each yearnearly 36 percent of its general fund. Only Chicago and Oakland spent a larger percent of their general funds on policing, at 40 and 41 percent respectively. (New York City spent the most money by far, at nearly $5 billion, but that only comes to 8 percent of its budget.)

When I read this Thursday night, I thought to myself: Imagine what kind of city Minneapolis could be if it wasnt spending that much of its tax dollars on policing. What if Minneapolis had invested that money in homes for the unhoused? In medicine for the sick? In public health officials to help with infectious disease? In food for the hungry? What if Minneapolis put its police budget towards the very resources which would make policing as presently practiced unnecessary? What if every city did the same?

Advertisement

What we are seeing in the streets of Minneapolis and Memphis and New York and Los Angeles is the result not just of a decade of Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter and anti-fascist organizing amped up by the pandemic. We are also witnessing a rebellion against the many inequities exposed by the pandemic. Health, space, income, race, and the ability to stay away from person-to-person job duties have produced enormous disparities in the impact of the coronavirus. Wall Street has been made so whole it is soaring while rentersprevented from workinghave been largely left out to dry. The same forces causing todays pandemic-fueled inequality were at work when Occupy Wall Street protesters first occupied Zuccotti Park in 2011, and many strands of American protests from the past decade are now working together.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

As any military tactician or social justice organizer can tell you, direct action gets the goods. The destruction of a police precinct is not only a tactically reasonable response to the crisis of policing, it is a quintessentially American response, and a predictable one. The uprising weve seen this week is speaking to the American police state in its own language, up to and including the use of fireworks to mark a battle victory. Property destruction for social change is as American as the Boston Tea Party and the Stonewall Riots. And before he unconvincingly qualified a statement so violent Twitter put it behind a warning screen, the president saying he would order shots fired to protect propertythats as American as the MOVE bombing and apple pie.

For more of Slates news coverage, listen to What Next: TBD.
by Stefano Caprio

A great ecumenical soul, he approached the Catholic Church through the "true Ukrainian Orthodox Church". A disciple of Metropolitan Nikodim, he was ordained by the current patriarch, Kirill. In 1992 he decided to take part in ongoing changes by getting involved in social and political activities, joining the many disciples of Father Aleksandr Men, the "spiritual father of dissent," murdered in 1990. At the end of the 1990s, he took a critical position vis-a-vis patriarchal leaders, quitting every position, whilst remaining deeply involved in scholarship. Most recently he was working on an essay about the relationship between the Saint Pope John Paul II and Russia.

Moscow (AsiaNews)  Hegumen Innokenty Pavlov was found dead on Thursday in his flat in Vyborg, a city in northern Russia. He was 68 years old. His death probably occurred a few days earlier.

Father Innokenty had been living alone for some time. He had moved away from academic and ecclesiastical commitments, to write and meditate on the many topics that attracted him and engaged his great skills. Lately, he was working on an essay about the relationship between the Saint Pope John Paul II and Russia.

Hegumen Innokenty was a great scholar of ancient Christianity, a translator of the New Testament in Russian, author of many books and monographs (his How they lived and what early Christians believed in. On the Didache was very well known), a doctor of theology and a teacher at many secular and ecclesiastical universities and institutions.

Born in Moscow in 1952 as Sergey, he received an atheistic education. He converted to the Orthodox faith at the age of 12. As a youth he was not afraid to serve during the liturgies in various parishes, trying several times to get into the Moscow Theological Seminary, but always thwarted by the KGB.

In 1977 the Metropolitan of the Antiochian Church in Moscow presented him to Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) of Leningrad, a great figure in the ecumenical dialogue of the time. After becoming one of his disciples at the Leningrad seminary, he took monastic vows and the new name of Innokenty.

He was ordained deacon in 1983 by a young bishop, Kirill (Gundyayev), the current Patriarch of Moscow, with whom he collaborated, teaching at the Leningrad Theological Academy, and later, as theological representative at the Department for External Church Relations of the Patriarchate.

At the start of Russias religious revival, in the late 1980s, he took part in the drafting of the new statute of the Russian Orthodox Church and in the preparations for the Millennium Council for the Baptism of Rus' in 1988.

In the early 1990s he was secretary of the Patriarchates Biblical Commission, helping to spread the knowledge about the Sacred Scriptures among the people. In 1992 he decided to take part in the ongoing changes, getting involved in social and political activities, joining the many disciples of Father Alexander Men, the "spiritual father of dissent", murdered in 1990.

The various transformations of Russian society, and the role played in it by the Orthodox Church, led Father Innokenty to adopt very critical positions vis-a-vis patriarchal Church leaders. Eventually, he resigned from all official positions, whilst remaining a very active and well-known religious intellectual across Russia.

In 2002 he began to celebrate liturgies for a community of Russian Greek Catholics, who met informally in a Moscow flat, joining a Ukrainian Orthodox jurisdiction (the true Orthodox Church), which recognises the primacy of the Pope of Rome.

His ecumenical spirit was inspired by the great Russian theologian Vladimir Solovyov, who had personally reunited with the Catholic Church in the late 1800s, describing himself as an Orthodox-Catholic.

Believers who gathered around Father Innokenty also wanted to "breathe with two lungs," to quote the successful expression of another disciple of Solovyov, Russian thinker Vyacheslav Ivanov, who became a Catholic in Rome in 1926. The expression later became the great watchword of Saint John Paul II.

This writer was fortunate enough to meet Father Innokenty for the first time during a distant trip to Soviet Russia in 1984.

During a visit to the great church of Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra (Monastery) in Leningrad, his radiant figure met me, welcoming me like a brother in faith, as he was throughout his life, and as he shall continue to be, inspiring many people, in Russia and beyond.
The cars snaking past the bunting-adorned entrance of a British care home point to an era when even cherished family visits have to be socially distant because of the coronavirus. Gracewell of Adderbury home for the elderly, in central England, is trying out drive-through family visits to protect its vulnerable residents from the omnipresent dangers of the new disease. The anxious visitors sit in their cars, smiling encouragingly at their loved ones, while the elderly, some of them in their 90s, relax in comfy armchairs in the small driveway, soaking up the warm spring sun. They try to chat a little at a safe distance, making the best of a trying time in which families have been forced to live apart for over two months while the government tries to stamp out a virus that has officially claimed around 38,000 lives -- second only to the United States. "Emotional, yeah, very emotional. I just wanted to hug them," said Helen Hughes, daughter of one of the residents. How difficult was it to resist that urge to reach out and hug? "Huge. Huge," Hughes said. "I just want to hug them because they don't understand what's going on," she said, trying to smile through the pain of being forcibly apart from her mother. - 'Hello my lovely' - Care homes have been ravaged by the virus across Europe. The British government said on Friday that 6,182 -- or 39.8 percent -- of the ones in England currently had "a suspected outbreak of symptomatic or confirmed coronavirus". Britain's Office of National Statistics (ONS) has counted around 13,500 care home deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Britain, although the real number could be higher because not all of those who pass away get tested first. The ONS has counted more than 46,000 total fatalities in the UK "involving" the virus as of mid-May. Gracewell manager Arlene Acuavera said her home has been thankfully spared by the disease. "We are very, very fortunate and lucky that we haven't had any residents or staff that are positive with COVID-19," she said with evident relief. "We are maintaining that through our infection control management," the manager said of the drive-through visits. "We are just fortunate and we keep on praying that it will continue until the end." Britain is now easing its way out of lockdown, although the four countries -- England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland -- are each taking slightly different approaches to what might be allowed when. The new freedoms are laced with added danger, and socially distant visits like the one adopted at the Gracewell are likely to continue for many more months. All of which leaves Britons slightly perplexed but stoic. "I think he enjoyed it. I do think he enjoyed it," said Nicola Finch, a granddaughter of one of the residents, after driving away and letting the next family take its turn. "As soon as I got the 'Hello my lovely', I knew he was fine," she said. "Because although he doesn't remember a lot, he still recognises voices and things like that."
'The people need to know where the Taoiseach sleeps at night."

It's nearly three decades since a Fianna Fail minister took a less-than-subtle dig at Bertie Ahern, his relationship status and his living arrangements as he pondered a run for the party leadership - and Taoiseach's office - in the wake of Charles Haughey's resignation.

The people didn't need to know then and they don't need to know now. However, on a rare occasion when living arrangements cross into areas of public policy, the Taoiseach should be able to get his story straight on and not milk it for appearances.

Leo Varadkar didn't breach lockdown guidelines with his picnic in the Phoenix Park last week.

The parallels being drawn with Britain's celebrated blind driver and sightseer, Dominic Cummings, are neither valid nor fair. Varadkar did annoy some of the public who are finding it hard to keep explaining the restrictions to restless kids when some of their friends and families are meeting up. He's a grown-up and an experienced politician, so he's responsible for his actions. He's mature enough to know he would be spotted.

"Unfortunately, there are camera phones anywhere there are people these days but that's the way it is. You have to live your life. And if you're afraid of photographs you'd never go out," he told FM104 radio yesterday.

Yet it is only legitimate he be questioned about his conduct when it draws genuine public scrutiny.

What did come out of the queries about his adherence to the 5km rule is the Taoiseach has been living on the Farmleigh estate in the Phoenix Park during the pandemic.

It makes a lot of sense during the crisis for the leader of the country to base himself in the Steward's Lodge of Farmleigh House, which serves as a guest house for taoisigh when they need it. His office explained: "The Taoiseach has been in Steward's Lodge during the last few weeks as it has secure office and video conferencing facilities, which allows him to work from home."

Members of the Government have had to adjust to working from home. The economy was, kind of, being run from the upstairs spare room of Paschal Donohoe's red-brick terraced house in Phibsborough.

"To look after my own health, and respect the health of all who I work with, I'm now working from my spare bedroom a few days every week, and my department put in place the technology I need to do that securely quite a few weeks ago. So I'm able to do all of that. Which means that all the contact that I now have with the department, in many cases, is now done electronically," the Finance Minister said earlier this month.

The circle of officials to whom he was talking also shrunk during this period. Donohoe is dealing in market-sensitive information, so the technology must be secure.

The same goes for Varadkar. Aside from mischief making, there are a number of countries who would happily eavesdrop on the confidential videocalls of an EU leader with his counterparts across the continent.

The early days of the lockdown would have raised concerns about the logistics of traveling at short notice from his home in west Dublin to Government Buildings.

Farmleigh makes sense.

Yet Varadkar succumbs to that fear of statesmanship.

He is and isn't staying in the guesthouse, depending on the circumstances of the question.

Ten days before his picnic in the park, Varadkar said he was "half in the office, half at home". When asked about the room he is working in, during an interview on Today FM, he replied: "No, no actually I've use of a house on the grounds of Farmleigh." When the hosts said it sounded "very salubrious", Varadkar played the beal bocht: "I'm still in my flat in Carpenterstown, though."

Except he is and he isn't. The flat is his apartment on the Carpenterstown Road in Castleknock. He bought it about a decade and a half ago in the early stages of his political career, disclosing he paid 350,000 in 2004, although Land Registry documents show he took out a mortgage with AIB for 405,000 in 2007.

Regardless, it sure ain't the penthouse of Trump Tower.

At some point during the crisis, he moved out of the "flat" and into the Steward's Lodge. There is ample justification to stay in Farmleigh as he works on behalf of the State in difficult circumstances.

The insecurity about saying it straight out may be a symptom of post-crash populist politics where our leaders feel the need to show they are 'of the people'.

The aforementioned Mr Haughey was a tad too fond of the luxury, to say the least, but he didn't shirk from ensuring the State and its leadership had the facilities necessary to carry out its role.

He faced down criticism of the then lavish refurbishment of Government Buildings in the 1990s for the princely sum in those parsimonious times of IR17m.

The subversive 'Nighthawks' programme on RTE (which wouldn't survive the current broadcast conservatism) even featured a critique from Fr Peter McVerry on the expenditure and how it could be used to address inequality.

Farmleigh was bought and refurbished by the State at a cost of 52m during the Celtic Tiger days, when such spending was a drop in the ocean.

The Steward's Lodge was refurbished with the intention of it becoming the official residence of the sitting Taoiseach.

And 20 years later, the Taoiseach of the day is still uneasy about admitting to stay there. The situation is unlikely to change with a new Taoiseach.

Micheal Martin is also suffering from the desire to let us all know he too is living the same lives as the man in the street.

The Fianna Fail leader is voluntarily 'cocooning' himself in Dublin. He hasn't been back to Cork or seen his family at his home for two months due to the restrictions.

Fianna Fail went around the houses to explain why Martin was at his holiday home in Courtmacsherry, in west Cork, when the lockdown began, before he moved to Dublin, where he has an apartment.

He is required to be in Dublin more due to the talks on forming a new government. His own TDs are up and down from their homes each week.

By any definition, Martin is carrying out essential work, so he is well within the guidelines to travel between Dublin and his home in Ballinlough in Cork city, if he wishes.

The caretaker Taoiseach and the Taoiseach-in-waiting have valid grounds to not stay at home but are afraid of facing a bit of criticism.

The martyrdom complex is a more comfortable cloak. It displays an insecurity that is long present in politics of an unwillingness to stand by their purpose. Just get on with it.

And try dancing on the head of a pin less and the public will be less suspicious of your motives.
Senion officials of the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) visited the King Abdulaziz New International Airport in Jeddah to review preparations as the kingdom gears up to resume domestic flights, reported Saudi Press Agency.

The GACA team was led by Minister of Transport Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, who is also the chairman of GACA.

Al Nasser reviewed preparations at the airport mainly, the passengers terminal and waiting hall as part of the kingdom's Covid-19 precautionary measures, stated the report.

During the inspection visit, he was accompanied by GACA President Abdulhadi bin Ahmed Al Mansouri.

The Saudi civil aviation authorities are currently shifting the flights to the Hall no.1, at the airport, in collaboration with national airliners, reported SPA.

The operation will be, gradually, expanded during the upcoming phases, before reaching full operational capacity, at all airports, in Saudi Arabia, it added.
Everything you need to know about skiing the Northeast this winter

Whether you want to stay close to home or head north, here's everything you need to know about skiing or snowboarding in the Northeast and New York this season.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
FILE PHOTO: A banner stating "STILL HERE" hangs on the side of the Planned Parenthood Building after a judge granted a temporary restraining order on the closing of Missouri's sole remaining Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis

By Gabriella Borter

(Reuters) - Missouri's only abortion clinic on Friday won its legal fight to stay open, as an independent arbiter found the state's health department was unjustified in denying the clinic's application to renew its license.

The Midwestern state's health officials last year declined to renew the license of the St. Louis clinic, operated by women's healthcare provider Planned Parenthood, on the grounds that it failed to meet their safety standards. They threatened to close the clinic and make Missouri the only U.S. state without legal abortion services.

The arbiter, Administrative Hearing Commissioner Sreenivasa Rao Dandamudi, overruled the state on Friday after finding the Planned Parenthood clinic "provides safe and legal abortion care."

"In over 4,000 abortions provided since 2018, the Department has only identified two causes to deny its license," Dandamudi wrote. "We find that Planned Parenthood has demonstrated it meets the requirements for renewal of its abortion facility license."

A spokeswoman for Missouri's Republican Governor Mike Parson said in an email the governor's office would review the decision and consult with the state attorney general's office on next steps.

Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Today's decision is a hard-fought victory for Planned Parenthood patients - and for people across Missouri," Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement.

Abortion is one of the most divisive issues in the United States. Opponents cite religious beliefs to declare it immoral, while abortion-rights activists say the procedure is legally protected and bans on it rob women of control over their bodies and futures.

Planned Parenthood sued the health department in June 2019 for its refusal to renew the St. Louis clinic's license. A state court judge referred the case to the Administrative Hearing Commission, which heard both sides in October.

(Reporting by Gabriella Borter; editing by Franklin Paul, Jonathan Oatis, Richard Chang and David Gregorio)
London (AFP) - Senior advisors to Boris Johnson's government on Saturday warned it was too early to lift the lockdown, just two days before the UK further relaxes coronavirus restrictions.

As people revelled in soaring temperatures by flocking to beaches and parks, several members of the government's own Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) told ministers they risked a second wave of infection.

One -- epidemiologist Professor John Edmunds -- said the move was "a political decision".

Another prominent scientist, Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and also a member of Sage, warned explicitly on Twitter that the government's was wrong on its timing.

"Covid-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England," wrote Farrar.

"TTI (test, trace and isolate) has to be in place, fully working, capable (of) dealing (with) any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results & infection rates have to be lower."

From Monday, the government will begin easing lockdown rules imposed in March and partially reopen schools in England and allow up to six people from different households to meet outside.

Reacting to the warnings, government minister Oliver Dowden said it was "absolutely right to urge caution".

But he stressed that "the government scientific advisory group consists of more than 50 scientists, all of whom will have their different perspectives... the government takes a collective view on the entire advice from Sage".

Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam, speaking alongside Dowden at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, added that Sage had a "high degree of confidence" that continued social distancing and other measures combined with effective contact tracing would not push the so-called R transmission rate up above the critical one figure.

Put simply, the R number is the calculation of how many people an infected person is thought to transmit the virus to on an average.

Story continues

If the R value is one, each carrier passes it on to one other person.

- Gradual easing -

Britain is the second hardest hit country after the United States with more than 38,000 coronavirus deaths and 270,000 cases.

Since May 13, people in England have been allowed to take unlimited exercise and sunbathe in parks, a relaxation of the original rules enforced in March.

Schools will not reopen on Monday in the other UK countries but there will be a partial lifting of the rules elsewhere, including being allowed to take more exercise in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland, more retailers can open and small outdoor weddings should begin from June 8.

People in Wales will be allowed to meet up with others outdoors from Monday.

In total, five government advisors on the pandemic have so far expressed concerns over lifting of the lockdown.

They have also been joined by political figures, including the mayors of London and Manchester.

Sadiq Khan, in London, said on social media he was "deeply concerned we are now rushing too fast to lift lockdown measures".

Unions have also called on the government to not rush back to school.

Official figures on Saturday showed that the death toll for those people who have died with the virus now stands at 38,376, an increase of 215 since Friday.
That asymmetry was on display this month when the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether subpoenas from lawmakers and prosecutors would impose an undue burden on Trump as he performs the duties of the presidency. That was the argument President Bill Clinton made 20 years ago, when he asked the court to stay Paula Joness sexual harassment suit until after he left office. The court rejected that argument. Now, Trump and his lawyers, including the solicitor general of the United States, are arguing that this time, things are different. In their world of alternative facts, the burden on the presidency from subpoenas is now greater. (Never mind the actual facts: The subpoenas are directed to a third party, and Trump does not personally need to do anything to comply with them.) We will soon find out if the court  dominated by Republican-appointed justices  will decide the cases based on legal principles or on facts that it accepts as true simply because the president says they are true.
Going into the coronavirus pandemic there were terrifying predictions that doctors in Northern Ireland would have to ration intensive care unit beds.

A team of experts advising the Department of Health here warned there could be upwards of 15,000 deaths once Covid-19 took hold.

Meanwhile, rumours swirled that leisure centres across the province were being lined up to act as mortuaries as existing facilities would be unable to cope with the sheer volume of bodies.

It seemed almost too horrific to imagine, but as we watched the devastating scenes unfold in Italy and Spain, Covid-19 no longer seemed just the stuff of nightmares.

It was reality - the virus was highly infectious, it was deadly, and it was rapidly advancing towards us.

Health officials moved swiftly to prepare the health service for the onslaught: staff were redeployed, clinics and surgical lists were cancelled, and hospital beds were emptied. But in the middle of the panic to help the NHS brace for a spike in critically ill people, care homes and the staff and residents within them, appear to have fallen to the wayside.

The Department of Health rejects this accusation. Only last week Health Minister Robin Swann declared that while the media was concentrating on how hospitals would cope, his officials were equally as concerned with protecting care homes from Covid-19. Certainly, people working within the sector would argue that this is not the case.

What is even more troubling about this is the fact that we knew how vulnerable care homes were to Covid-19 - we had already seen it sweep through nursing and residential homes in mainland Europe with deadly results

A severe lack of personal protective equipment and testing of residents and staff, coupled with a controversial policy of admitting residents from hospital, reinforces concerns that care homes were left exposed.

What is even more troubling about this is the fact that we knew how vulnerable care homes were to Covid-19 - we had already seen it sweep through nursing and residential homes in mainland Europe with deadly results.

Mr Swann stands by the decisions he made relating to care homes; the Department of Health is still allowing care homes to admit residents with Covid-19, for example.

This is despite the fact that successive experts have warned the policy will lead to outbreaks in care homes, while some care homes are refusing to accept anyone known to have the virus as they feel it is too dangerous for existing residents and staff.

Again, the Department of Health has said there is no conclusive evidence that admitting residents from hospital has resulted in outbreaks.

At the same time it has not been able to produce conclusive evidence that it has not. Similarly, it has also been unable to say how many care home residents have actually succumbed to Covid-19.

It appears that this was not being monitored by officials as Mr Swann had to press the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency to undertake an analysis of hospital death figures.

It's a depressing reality that Covid-19 is here to stay and so we must establish best practice moving forward

This work has been completed and we now know that 62 of the people who died in hospital from Covid-19 up to last Friday had caught the virus in a care home.

The fact that this information is now available is to be welcomed, but it adds further weight to concerns that care homes have not always been a priority.

It's a depressing reality that Covid-19 is here to stay and so we must establish best practice moving forward.

That can only be done when we know how effective our response has been to date, and this is impossible to gauge if we don't know how many care home residents have died.

Furthermore, if we are to accept assertions that care homes are a priority, the very least we can do is keep an accurate record of those who have lost their lives.
Too Hot to Handles Bryce Hirschberg and Nicole O'Brien have called it quits.

Although Hirschberg, 30, and O'Brien, 23, didnt pursue a relationship on the steamy Netflix dating show, the pair began dating after the cameras stopped rolling  and only went public with their romance in April, after the show started airing.

However, as Hirschberg lives in Marina Del Rey, California, while OBrien splits her time between Ireland and London, they ultimately made the decision to split.

"I can confirm that Bryce and Nicole decided mutually to split early last week after months of trying to make a long-distance relationship work, Zack Teperman, a rep for Hirschberg, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Hirschberg also tells PEOPLE he feels they missed out on what could have been an "amazing relationship."

"After the many failed attempts to reunite due to quarantine and border restrictions, we decided that moving on and remaining friends would be our best option for the time being, he says. Nicole is so lovely and if under less unusual circumstances Im sure that we couldve had an amazing relationship! I wish her the best because she deserves it."

A source also tells PEOPLE that Hirschberg, was spotted flirting with other women at his recent 30th birthday party last week in Los Angeles.

In honor of his milestone birthday, the reality star partied on a boat with a group of friends, which included his costar Harry Jowsey, as well as Dillon Passage, the husband of Tiger King's Joe Exotic.

There must have been trouble in paradise at the time as Nicole was the only cast member not to wish him a happy birthday publicly, the source adds.

RELATED: Netflix's Too Hot to Handle: All Your Burning Questions Answered

Although they had spent time together on the show, sparks flew for Hirschberg and O'Brien after filming wrapped in April 2019.

During a trip to Mexico with the whole cast, they really bonded, Hirschberg told OprahMag.com in April.

Story continues

"He wasn't really my cuppa tea at the start," OBrien added. "But getting to know him more and more, we formed a proper bond and connection." Although she said that the pair were being kept apart by coronavirus travel restrictions, she added that they FaceTime all the time.

Looking forward to (hopefully) seeing you soon, OBrien wrote on May 13, alongside a photo of the pair cuddling up by the water.

One day, Hirschberg replied, adding two red heart emojis.
At least two people working at Indias foreign affairs ministry have tested positive for Covid-19, and the government has asked several officials to self quarantine as a precaution, according to a source and internal e-mails seen by Reuters.

One person who tested positive worked as a consultant in the ministrys Central Europe division in New Delhi, while the other worked as a legal officer in the law division, the e-mails stated.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

As per protocol, all members of the CE Division have been asked to go for self quarantine for 14 days and work from home, the ministry advised in an internal e-mail on May 27, which was reviewed by Reuters.

In a separate email on Friday, all officials who came into direct contact with the legal officer, who tested positive for the new coronavirus, were also asked to self-quarantine.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.

It was not immediately clear how many officials have been asked to self quarantine.

The ministry is involved in many of Indias critical coronavirus relief efforts, especially those relating to the evacuation of Indian citizens stranded overseas.

It has ordered sanitisation of rooms occupied by the Central Europe and legal division and those nearby, the source with knowledge of the matter said.

Last month, about 500 people entered self-isolation in staff quarters of Indias presidential palace after a family member of a sanitation worker living in employee quarters tested positive.

The number of Covid-19 cases are steadily rising in India. Government data on Friday showed nearly 166,000 have now tested positive for the virus, of which 4,706 have died.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Texas National Guard is being activated in response to protests of George Floyds death, one day after initially peaceful demonstrations escalated into widespread confrontations with police and led to eight injured officers and 137 arrests.

"Texans have every right to exercise their first amendment rights, but violence and looting will not be tolerated." Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement Saturday night.

In addition, HPD Police Chief Art Acevedo said his entire department is ready, with all officers alternating 12 hour shifts. Mayor Sylvester Turner activated the citys Office of Emergency Management, which ensures employees in various offices are prepared to respond. And Gov. Greg Abbott deployed 1,500 Department of Public Safety officers to four Texas cities, including Houston.

Acevedo said many of the provocateurs Friday night were white, unconnected with the demonstrations and possibly from out of town. The department is also monitoring a threat regarding white supremacists planning to come to Houston and create havoc on Saturday, according to the chief, though he didnt offer more details.

The mayor said 80 to 85 percent of the people who ventured downtown Friday did so peacefully, and he thanked them and police officers for showing restraint.

Let me take this back to where this started, and that was the death of George Floyd. It was what people saw and the actions that led to his death that created a great deal of emotion and frustration, Turner said. That quite frankly is where the focus should be and the actions of a few are causing the focus to come off of George Floyd and his family.

Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis police custody Monday night after video showed an officer kneeling on his neck, pinning him to the ground while he pleaded for help. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with murder and manslaughter, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Chauvin and three other officers at the scene were fired earlier this week.

Floyds classmates from Yates High School held a peaceful march and vigil Saturday morning in the Third Ward, and another vigil was scheduled in Emancipation Park for 6 p.m. Acevedo said the latter event was planned peacefully as well, though he said it remains possible that other groups come in and cause disruptions.

The mobilization comes after initially peaceful demonstrations in downtown Houston boiled over Friday night, leading police to effectively shut off downtown as protesters obstructed highways, hurled objects at officers and destroyed police cars. At least one store  Verizon on Main Street  was reported looted. Its storefront was boarded up Saturday afternoon, along with a nearby CVS and restaurant.

Acevedo said eight officers were injured  mostly suffering head injuries, or with glass shards in their face from thrown objects  and all had been released from the hospital by Saturday afternoon. One was attacked with a crowbar, spokesman John Cannon said, and another attacked with a two-by-four.

The chief said he had also ordered an administrative review of a video circulating online that shows a mounted officer knocking over a woman holding a sign. He said the officer appears to be looking straight ahead and noted that they were taking rocks at the time.

It appears it might have been unintentional, he said.

Other protesters appeared injured, though details were scant on their conditions. The chief didnt have any information about injured protesters.

Police also maintained that they did not use tear gas Friday night, contrary to media reports. Officers did use pepper spray, Cannon said, on five occasions to try to keep people off freeways.

The total damage from the protests wasnt yet known, Acevedo said. A total of 16 cruisers were defaced or damaged, and the department is working on a report about damage to downtown businesses.

The 137 people arrested were charged with various crimes, Acevedo said. The majority  102 people  are facing charges of obstructing a roadway. Other charges include interference of public duties (13); evading arrest (7); criminal mischief (5); assault on a peace officer (3); resisting arrest (3); burglary of a building (1); aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (1); failure to identify (1); and retaliation (1).

At Saturday mornings march, Acevedo again urged protesters not to let people hijack their cause or movement by damaging the city.

I saw people that didnt look like you and me last night, downtown in the middle of the night, tearing (expletive) up, Acevedo told the participants. And you know why? They dont want to talk about George Floyd and how he died when he didnt have to. They want to talk about how black and brown people tearing stuff up. They want to hijack the legitimacy of the grievances.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Mostly clear, breezy, and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills by morning. .

Tonight

Mostly clear, breezy, and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills by morning.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Thousands of protesters ignored a curfew and vows of a forceful police response to take to the Minneapolis streets for a fourth straight night, as the anger stoked by the police killing of George Floyd spread to more cities across the U.S.

The Pentagon on Saturday ordered the Army to put military police units on alert to head to the city on short notice at President Donald Trump's request, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders who did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations. The rare step came as the violence spread to other cities: a man shot dead in Detroit, police cars battered in Atlanta and skirmishes with police in New York City.

Criminal charges filed Friday morning against the white officer who held his knee for nearly nine minutes on the neck of Floyd, a black man, did nothing to stem the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Minneapolis police said shots had been fired at law enforcement officers during the protests but no one was injured.

As the night dragged on, fires erupted across the city's south side, including at a Japanese restaurant, a Wells Fargo bank and an Office Depot. Many burned for hours, with firefighters again delayed in reaching them because areas weren't secure.

Shortly before midnight, scores of officers on foot and in vehicles moved in to curb the violence, one day after city and state leaders faced blowback for their handling of the crisis. On Thursday, protesters had torched a police station soon after it was abandoned by police and went on to burn or vandalize dozens of businesses.

The new round of unrest came despite Gov. Tim Walz vowing early in the day to show a more forceful response by the state than the one Thursday run by Minneapolis city leaders. But by early Saturday morning, Walz was acknowledging he didn't have enough manpower, even with some 500 Guard soldiers.

"We do not have the numbers," Walz said. "We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground."

Walz said he was moving quickly to mobilize more than 1,000 more Guard members, for a total of 1,700, and was considering the potential offer of federal military police. But he warned that even that might not be enough, saying he expected another difficult night Saturday.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association urged Walz to accept any help.

"You need more resources," the group said in a tweet. "Law enforcement needs leadership."

Not all the protests were violent. Downtown, thousands of demonstrators encircled a barricaded police station after the 8 p.m. Friday curfew. "Prosecute the police!" some chanted, and "Say his name: George Floyd!" Some protesters sprayed graffiti on buildings.

Anger filled the streets of Minneapolis.

Ben Hubert, a 26-year-old local resident, said he wasn't surprised people were breaking curfew and setting fires.

"I'm outraged," he said of the Floyd case. "But I'm also sad. The injustice has been going on for so long. It's been swelling for years."

Chauvin was also accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe while Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes. Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

An attorney for Floyd's family welcomed the arrest but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants the other officers arrested, too.

Prosecutor Mike Freeman said more charges were possible, but authorities "felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator."

Protests nationwide have been fueled by outrage over Floyd's death and years of police violence against African Americans. Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, set a police car on fire and struck officers with bottles. Large demonstrations in New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., and dozens of other cities ranged from people peacefully blocking roads to repeated clashes with police.

"You are disgracing our city," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told protesters. "You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country."

Police were trying to put Floyd in a squad car Monday when he stiffened and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, a criminal complaint said. Chauvin and Officer Tou Thoa arrived and tried several times to get the struggling Floyd into the car.

Chauvin eventually pulled Floyd out of the car, and the handcuffed Floyd went to the ground face down. Officer J.K. Kueng held Floyd's back and Officer Thomas Lane held his legs while Chauvin put his knee on Floyd's head and neck area, the complaint said.

When Lane asked if Floyd should be rolled onto his side, Chauvin said, "No, staying put is where we got him." Lane said he was "worried about excited delirium or whatever."

An autopsy said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyd's system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that drew police, the caller describes the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as "awfully drunk and he's not in control of himself."

After Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Lane again said he wanted to roll Floyd onto his side. Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, according to the complaint.

Chauvin's attorney had no comment when reached by The Associated Press.

The prosecutor highlighted the "extraordinary speed" in charging the case four days after Floyd's death and defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner. Freeman said his office needed time to gather evidence, including what he called the "horrible" video recorded by a bystander.

Trump said Friday that he'd spoken to Floyd's family and "expressed my sorrow."

He called video of the arrest "just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it."

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyd's family, asked to take custody of Floyd's body for an independent autopsy.

The doctor who will do the autopsy is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City. He was hired to do an autopsy for Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold and he pleaded that he could not breathe.

State and federal authorities also are investigating Floyds death.

By AARON MORRISON and TIM SULLIVAN, Associated Press
Russia slams US for cancelling sanction waivers

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, May 29, IRNA -- Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Friday condemned the measure taken by the US to cancel waivers to sanctions against Iran's nuclear facilities, terming the move as unfortunate.

Addressing weekly news briefing, she raised the question whether Washington expect the US to build the Arak Reactor Facility.

Let us remind them that the indicators were approved with the consent and coordination of American experts; she said, adding, the plans were a response to the concerns of the American side to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

7129**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Capt Amarinder Singh

Chandigarh: Even as he underscored the need for diplomatic solution to the escalating border tension, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday warned China against any attempt to intrude into Indian territory, saying India will not back off in the face of Beijings intimidation.

While we do not want war, we will not tolerate any bullying by Beijing, said the Chief Minister, warning the neighbouring country against taking India lightly. This is not 1962, he said, making it clear that if China did not stop indulging in intimidating behaviour, it would have to pay the price.

Advertisement

Capt Amarinder SinghThe Indian Army is ready to give a befitting reply and China should not take any chances, he warned, in response to a Kolkata residents question, during his Facebook Live session. We don't want war with any nation and want the situation to improve, but if they keep behaving like this we wont have any other option left, he said, urging China to mend its ways and talk to India to resolve the issue.

Captain Amarinder said said China cannot stop India from building any infrastructure on its side of the border. They (the Chinese) don't listen to us when we object to them making roads inside our area in Aksai Chin, but when we make one road inside our area they react with aggression, he added.

The Chief Minister was equally stern in warning Pakistan, which had been trying to foment trouble in Punjab and other parts of India by pushing terrorists, weapons and drugs from across the border through use of drones and other means.

Advertisement

PhotoA robust 3-tier security structure, comprising BSF, Punjab Police and India Army, was monitoring and securing the border with Pakistan 24X7, he said, adding that Punjab Police had, in recent months, busted 32 terror modules and seized more than 200 weapons.

On the attempts by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of the secessionist Sikhs for Justice outfit to instigate people and foment trouble in Punjab, Captain Amarinder said he will not let Punjabs hard-earned peace be disturbed at any cost by any foreign elements. He warned Pannu of dire consequences if he did not stop trying to destabilise the state.

Asserting that he knows how to handle people like Pannu, the Chief Minister dared him to try to enter Punjab. The state was fully prepared to tackle any threat from Pannu and his banned outfit, said Captain Amarinder.
Eric Zuesse, originally posted at Strategic Culture

On May 19th, an implicit international political warning was issued, but it wasnt issued between countries; it was issued between allied versus opposed factions within each of two countries: U.S. and Ukraine. In the United States, its a Republican Party warning to the Democratic Party: a warning by Trump, against Biden and against Obama. Its saying: Weve got the goods on you, and were not releasing it yet. But heres a sample. So, lets deal.

Its a warning that comes from the current President of Ukraine, Volodmyr Zelenskiy, and that places into an exceptionally bad light his immediate predecessor, Petro Poroshenko, as having been a mere vassal of Trumps immediate predecessor, Obama.

The Ukrainian pro-Zelenskiy, anti-Poroshenko, and pro-Trump, faction, are warning the U.S. Democratic Party, which backed Poroshenko. This warning comes via an online pro-Zelenskiy Ukrainian TV station, InTimeUkraineTV , and it was issued in a 32-minute 19 May 2020 youtube:

One can hear there, first, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, tell Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko how to run his country so that the IMF would continue to guarantee (back up by U.S.-and-allied taxpayers) the investments by U.S.-and-allied private investors in Ukrainian Government debt (bonds). The alternative that Poroshenko faced was always that those investors would lose whatever they had invested, and that Poroshenko would then no longer be protected by the U.S. Government and by its allied governments.

These are only selected excerpts, and they constitute also a warning that unless the pro-Poroshenko and pro-Obama people soon start cooperating with the pro-Zelenskiy and pro-Trump people, portions from U.S.-Ukraine diplomatic phone-conversations which were recorded that are even more incriminating against the Poroshenko-Obama people will likewise be made public. In that sense, its like blackmail, but it is currently only political  instead of also legal  jeopardy.

Here are some of the noteworthy revelations in this, the first such release:

The U.S. officials, agents for U.S. President Barack Obama, are shown, in early 2016, not negotiating with, but instructing, Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko, who, at 17:00- 22:50, requests Biden to increase the pressure in order to get the (extremist anti-Russian) parliamentary factions of Tymoshenko, Lyashko, and Samopomich , to back the U.S.-demanded bills (proposed laws) that are in Ukraines parliament. At 19:20, Biden mentions the American Natalie Jaresko [on her] facebook page talking about wanting to consider being Prime Minister with the technocratic government . Michael Bloombergs blog (Bloomberg News) had headlined, on 22 March 2016, Ukraine's Jaresko Says She'd Be Willing to Head New Cabinet , and reported that neither President Poroshenko nor the (secretly Obama-appointed  see video here of that secret U.S. appointment of Ukraines Prime Minister, and the transcript and explanation of it here ) then-current (that U.S.-appointed) Ukrainian Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, would speak publicly regarding the initiative by the American Natalie Jaresko to become (the American-appointed ) Yatsenyuks successor. Poroshenkos reply to Biden was to promise [you] to receive my proposal about the technocratic government of Jaresko. Bloombergs employees reported there that the IMF wanted her to become Yatsenyuks successor so that The reforms will be more radical, and it means more political risks, more possible conflicts with parliament (because  though Bloomberg hid this  protecting the investors in Ukrainian Government bonds would require yet more impoverishment of the Ukrainian public). As Poroshenko told Biden at 20:00, the reason of the political crisis is that the three fractions [factions, or political parties] from Samopomich, Tymoshenko and Lyashko, go out from [leave] the coalition, and we [are] left together with the [U.S.-appointed] Prime Minister in a minority. I invite Samopomich and propose them to either to support Jaresko or to propose his [its] leader as a [the] next Prime Minister. So, although Poroshenko had not publicly endorsed Jareskos bid to become the next Prime Minister to replace the current American-appointed one, he did confirm privately to Biden that he supported either her or Samopomichs pick to fill that spot. But Poroshenko went on to say that Samopomich would cooperate but only this one time, and Poroshenko then explained to Biden, This is not possible under our Constitution; they should sign up personally their membership in coalition, which they refused to do. The vassal, Poroshenko, was here explaining to the emperor, Obama (through the emperors messenger, Biden), the difficulties that were blocking the IMFs forced enserfment of the Ukrainian people. (22:15:) Without Samopomich, with the rejection of Tymoshenko and Lyashko, we dont have [enough] for your ask [of] 226 votes (a governing majority  which would enable Ukraines public to become yet-more exploited directly, and U.S.-and-allied publics to become more exploited indirectly because the downside financial risks of those international debts would then be transferred onto them). (22:40:) I asked to contact [your] Ambassador maybe to increase the pressure and to support Jareskos candidacy by Samopomich. (23:23:) Our U.S. partners give grants to Samopomich and give him [it] significant financial support. Poroshenko was telling Obama (via Biden) maybe to increase the pressure, if he wants to get Ukraines elected politicians to cooperate. He was saying: They dont want to lose their seats, but maybe more money from U.S. taxpayers might persuade them to take the risk of losing their seats (via sufficiently high bribes and/or threats).

Whether InTimeUkraineTV, or any other Zelenskiy front, has these recordings going all the way back to the coup that handed control of Ukraines Government over to the United States Government, is not known, but the prior evidence suggests that it almost certainly is the case.

Whether or not there are already ongoing negotiations between the Trump team and the Obama team regarding how America will be run (or how Americas elections will be run), is even less certain. What has not been disclosed from those recordings is a weapon.


Torney has made a career of storytelling, working as a journalist in television at commercial networks and for just over two decades at the ABC. Taking the library gig in 2015 meant leaving one of the ABCs most senior roles, director of news and current affairs. Just before she finished, there was a leadership spill in Canberra. As she left the Ultimo newsroom at midnight that night, she received a text message from Chris Uhlmann asking how shed feel being in the library next time a massive news story broke. Back then, the message gave her pause for thought but shes pleased to report it wasnt an issue. Kate Torney in the children's quarter of the redeveloped State Library. Credit:Jason South With two daughters, aged 22 and 17, and a 13-year-old son, coming back to Melbourne after seven years in Sydney, she felt a real sense of coming home. Going from career journalist to CEO seems a big leap but Torney says her previous role held her in good stead. The news and current affairs division had a $200 million budget,1500 staff and 10 international bureaus. During her tenure, she oversaw the introduction of the ABCs 24-hour news channel and the expansion of the online service, transitioning to provide scheduled programming as well as coverage of news as it happened. The State Library gig brought together her passion for knowledge and commitment to public service. Being at the ABC was a vocation, being there was such a privilege. I loved every minute of it. With the library role I felt the same sense of the importance of the institution.

Even after five years, the pleasure of working in one of Melbournes finest buildings is clear. Im very lucky  if ever youre having a bad day or a moment, you just open those doors that look out onto the dome. Torneys work at the ABC involved future-gazing, to ensure her division would survive during and beyond the digital disruption that decimated many industries. One standout locally was libraries. Despite predictions overseas about their pending death, here they are thriving. Almost 40 per cent of Victorians are members of their local library. According to research by US site LitHub, based on annual reports, the State Library is the fourth most visited library in the world. Getting her head around everything the library does was no mean feat but Torney says the task was helped by the professional generosity of the team around her. That is what they do. That is the spirit of librarianship in a way  its very different to journalism where probably out of necessity you withhold information. Rainbow trout with hazelnut and orange at Embla. Credit:Chris Hopkins Despite the avalanche of information available to us today, much of what we access reinforces our existing beliefs. Torney describes it as narrowing our funnel.

Were all in bubbles, she says. I love that notion of how do we play a small role in bringing people together who may not otherwise. That the library is independent and impartial is significant. At the ABC, editorial independence was at the heart of everything we did, she says. Its the same here, its very important that we are totally agnostic but in being agnostic we promote providing access to evidence-based knowledge. Embla's spinach with green olives. Credit:Chris Hopkins The idea that everyone is welcome in libraries appeals to her. Its harder and harder to find spaces where no transaction is required  thats across local libraries as well. Growing up in Ballarat, one of five children, Torney began her career in country television. I never wanted to do anything else. Looking back at her years at the ABC, she almost wishes shed left 10 years earlier. We all think that people are as invested in that big story as we are. That first year out I thought, it just doesnt matter.

Thats not unique to journalism, she says. All of us, regardless of the career were in, need those breaks to ensure clarity around what [audiences] need. Loading For her, the exception may be library managers, who are impressively close to their community  when they see a problem, they quietly look for ways to solve it. Sometimes I look at initiatives being run on a local level and I think if you tried to implement that at a state government level  you couldnt do it. Torney says her favourite characteristic in people is doubt. To listen with a view to having your mind changed, that ... willingness to listen and to think, maybe, she says. People who are still looking and exploring their notions, theyre curious. Doubt is underrated. The bill, please
The old expression lies, damn lies and statistics comes to mind when reading through the latest farm income numbers from Statistics Canada.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

The old expression "lies, damn lies and statistics" comes to mind when reading through the latest farm income numbers from Statistics Canada.

A quick glance makes one wonder what on earth farmers are talking about when they complain about income deficiencies, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics Canada reported that realized net income for 2019 over 2018 rose for the first time in three years; its up 10.4 per cent to $4.9 billion in 2019. Farm cash receipts, which include market receipts from crop and livestock sales as well as program payments, rose 5.7 per cent to $66.1 billion in 2019.

Farm cash receipts for the first three months of 2020, before the COVID-19 crisis hit the Canadian scene, totalled $16.9 billion, up 5.5 per cent from the same quarter in 2019.

Crop sales were up 3.8 per cent, despite the much-talked-about trade disruptions. Livestock sales were up 3.9 per cent and program payments were up 42.4 per cent over the same period last year.

But then, the federal agency points out that cannabis production has zoomed from virtually zero in 2018 to a major player on the statistical scene, which skews the metrics considerably.

For example, crop receipts overall in 2019 were up 3.9 per cent over the year previous. Remove cannabis receipts from the equation, however, and crop revenues nationally were down 1.1 per cent.

Cannabis sales, which include revenue from medical and recreational use as well as sales to processors of cannabis products, topped one billion dollars in the first quarter of 2020. Until the sector reaches equilibrium, its debatable whether it should be included in sector statistics or in a category all its own.

The cannabis sector is also skewing farm-expense data. StatCan reports farm operating expenses rose 5.7 per cent in 2019 but nearly half the increase can be attributed to the high costs incurred by cannabis operations using indoor facilities.

Since recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, the sector has undergone a rapid expansion that could well skew the data for some time to come. Outdoor production was only licensed to start in 2019.

That said, the picture for traditional agriculture enterprises, while less rosy, is far from terrible.

Canola, which is widely reported as one of the casualties of Chinas displeasure with Canada for detaining a Huawei executive, did bring in less revenue for farmers in 2019 but it was due to a 9.8 per cent drop in prices. Marketings were actually higher by 2.7 per cent, which is surprising given Chinas previous status as Canadas biggest single canola seed buyer.

In a backhanded good news story, a record volume of canola was streamed through Canadas domestic crushers, which support domestic jobs and value-added processing. The lower prices also boosted exports to other countries, which will diversify Canadas exports, putting them on a more stable footing.

Canadian livestock producers saw their receipts rise 5.1 per cent due to higher prices and greater demand.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Jean-Philippe Gervais, chief economist for Farm Credit Canada, told reporters this week the receipts versus expenses in Canadian agriculture bear close monitoring. Cash receipts for traditional commodities have been virtually stagnant for several years, and yet operating expenses have continued to rise, which is challenging profitability on many farms.

The cost-price squeeze lends credence to the case by farm leaders pushing for improvements to farm-support programs. However, federal officials have countered that its hard to justify increasing farm support payments when farmers havent been fully subscribing to the programs currently available.

Gervais said the wild card for the sector this year is COVID-19. A better understanding of its effect will start to emerge with the next quarterly report but its clear the effects are far from over.

Farmers, food processors and consumers werent the only ones caught by surprise at the effects of the pandemic lockdown on the food-supply chain, creating effects rippling all the way back to producers.

"I think its fair to say nobody anticipated that food-service shutdown would have such an impact. I certainly did not. I did not understand how big of an impact it would be," Gervais said.

Laura Rance is vice-president of content for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at lrance@farmmedia.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 29

By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:

International Financial Corporation (IFC) supports the government of Uzbekistan to structure public-private partnerships (PPPs) that will best attract qualified private-sector investors to participate in transparent and open bidding processes to develop various projects, Regional Manager for Central Asia of IFC Cassandra Colbert told Trend.

"We are working on this closely with the World Bank, which is assisting the government to implement a broad range of reforms in the power sector," she said.

As Colbert noted, IFC is advising the government on a PPP for construction of two photovoltaic power plants of capacity of 200 MW each in Samarkand and Jizzakh regions. The project received 84 expressions of interest (EOIs) before the March 21, 2020 deadline. The companies that submitted EOIs and satisfy all criteria of request for qualification (RFQ) document, will be invited to request for proposal (RFP) stage.

"In addition, IFC is working with the government to plan future projects. In March, we organized a workshop on structuring of PPPs to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) parks with battery energy-storage systems; this was for officers from the ministries and state agencies working to attract investment in the energy sector. The workshop provided insights into - and discussed - the PPP structure for the proposed stations, which will generate a total of 500 MW of power. The new power stations will be the first of their kind in Uzbekistan as they will combine solar PVs with battery energy-storage systems," Colbert stated.

She stressed that IFC is also helping the government structure and tender a PPP to develop a 1,200-1,500 MW gas-fired power plant in the Syrdarya region.

"This is an important project for both IFC and Uzbekistan. This large-scale PPP will help modernize Uzbekistan's aging power infrastructure and supply both residents and businesses with steady electricity. It will also significantly increase efficiency of the use of gas, contributing to reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions. The new equipment will make the power sector more flexible, creating a better environment to introduce intermittent renewable-energy sources," she said.

The International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global institution dedicated to supporting the private sector in emerging markets. The corporation works with more than 2,000 private enterprises around the world.

In fiscal year 2019, the company provided more than $19 billion in long-term funding to developing countries. In doing so, the corporation has attracted the strong potential of the private sector to eradicate extreme poverty and improve global prosperity.

Recently, IFC and Ipak Yuli Bank of Uzbekistan signed an agreement allowing the bank to better manage currency risks and increase local currency financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, which play a key role in the economic development of Uzbekistan.

"The agreement shows that IFC is standing by its partner banks and is ready to support them in all circumstances. Ipak Yuli Bank can better manage its currency risk and continue lending in local currency to firms that need funding. This is critically important at a time when businesses are suffering currency vulnerabilities due to the global impact of the COVID-19 crises," Colbert stated.

---

Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini
US rallygoers chanted "No justice, no peace" in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday evening on the heels of protests the previous night that left seven shot.

The demonstrations were organized over the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in March, as well as George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody most recently.

Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was shot eight times by police in her home.

A Louisville police statement confirmed at least seven shooting victims Thursday night.

A spokesman says no officers fired their service weapons but there were "some arrests."

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the Kentucky city's downtown Thursday night.

Protesters across the country, in cities including Los Angeles, Denver, New York and Memphis, have turned out in alliance with demonstrators in Minneapolis.

That's where Floyd became the latest black man to die in police custody.

It also came hours after the release of a 911 call Taylor's boyfriend made on March 13, moments after the 26-year-old emergency medical technician was shot eight times by narcotics detectives.

They knocked down her front door. No drugs were found in the home.
Covid-19 has moved out of cities and into Ireland's towns in recent weeks, it emerged yesterday.

The number of deaths in Dublin from the coronavirus hit its peak in the week ending April 10, while most other counties recorded their highest numbers of deaths from the virus the following week.

The number of people contracting Covid-19 in cities has fallen while it has increased in towns.

People living in urban towns now account for 12pc of cases, up from 5pc in the week ending March 20, the Central Statistics Office revealed yesterday.

More than half of the deaths have been in Dublin, but there is a significant number of counties where there have been fewer than 10 deaths since the crisis began.

Most of the country had the peak number of cases in mid- April, but it was later in Cavan and Monaghan.

Roscommon has seen a significant decrease in cases only in the past week, reflecting the move out of the cities and into urban towns.

The picture emerged as Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan announced a further six deaths from the virus yesterday, bringing the total to 1,645.

Thirty-nine new cases of the virus were diagnosed, bringing the level of infections to 24,876.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) will meet next week to decide whether phase two of the exit from lockdown should go ahead.

Dr Holohan signalled that new guidelines will include some additional allowances for children's activities. It is understood this may allow summer camps.

Asked if people should continue to keep the 5km distance limit this weekend, Dr Holohan said it should continue to be adhered to because the advice remained to stay at home, although people could avail of limited meetings with groups of up to four people outdoors.

The advice is to "keep a record" of people you meet this weekend in case they have to be contacted for testing in the event of a positive case.

Congregating

Dr Holohan said he had observed people congregating on parts of the canal route in south Dublin as he cycles home.

Individual behaviour would determine if the virus continued to be suppressed, he said.

Asked about parents being apprehensive about sending children back to childcare facilities, he said that based on new guidelines on "pods", the matter was one of "calculated" risk.

He has taken assurance from other countries where childcare facilities and schools have resumed, and is encouraged by the news that this has not led to any increase in transmission of the disease.

"They give us an assurance that at this point we can take this step," he said.

"As we approach the last week of phase one, it is encouraging to see intensive care and hospital admissions declining, the number of new cases remaining stable and a 90pc recovery rate in the community.

"Moving into next week, I would urge everyone to look back at the progress we have made over the past number of weeks and maintain our efforts to suppress Covid-19 into the future."

Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said: "Over the bank holiday weekend we encourage everyone to enjoy the warm weather within recommended guidelines.

"Public health advice currently recommends outdoor meetings of up to four people outside of your household, at a physical distance of two metres and within 5km of your home."

People should maintain physical distancing from vulnerable groups while exercising.
By Matt Murphy, State House News Service

BOSTON  Every registered voter in Massachusetts would receive an application by mid-July to request a ballot to vote by mail in the 2020 elections under a plan released Friday by House and Senate Democrats intended to create more options for voters to safely participate in the electoral process during the coronavirus pandemic.

The proposal for expanded voting by mail would be coupled with in-person early voting before both the primary and general elections in September and November, and traditional voting at a local polling station during both elections.

With the bill, Massachusetts state lawmakers are inserting themselves directly into a fiery national debate over the integrity of mail-in voting, with President Donald Trump at the center of the conflagration. Trump has suggested that mailboxes would be robbed and ballots would be forged or fraudulently signed as states moved to vote-by-mail, despite five states already using this system without trouble before the pandemic.

The co-chairs of the Election Laws Committee Rep. John Lawn of Watertown and Sen. Barry Finegold of Andover released a bill on Friday night, giving members of their committee 48 hours to review and vote on whether to recommend the bill to the full House and Senate.

Lawn said the plan is for House Democrats to caucus on Tuesday, and to take up the legislation on Wednesday when they meet, remotely, in a full formal session.

"We've been voting by mail since the Civil War when soldiers went away. President Trump has voted by mail the last few elections, as has the vice president. We understand we don't need a polarizing issue right now to call our elections into question, but we do need to provide options, especially for our seniors, and we think we've addressed that," Lawn said.

The bill directs secretary of state William Galvin to mail an application by July 15 to every registered voter in the state so that they can, if they choose, request a ballot for both the primary and the general election. There were more than 4.58 million residents registered to vote in the March presidential primary.

Galvin would also be instructed to create an online portal for registered voters to request a mail-in ballot electronically, instead of returning their ballot application by mail.

For voters who choose not to participate by mail, the proposed legislation would, for the first time ever, create a seven-day window for in-person early voting before the primaries, and a 14-day early voting period before the general election, including two weekends.

The third option for voters would be to show up as they normally would on election day at their local polling location, but Lawn said the bill would give city and town clerks the flexibility to eliminate the exit desk where poll workers typically check a voter out after they fill in their ballot and before they slide it into the counting machine.

By requiring only a check-in desk, Lawn said the hope is to relieve some of the pressure on clerks to find poll workers during the pandemic.

Many election reform advocates and some elected officials have been calling for ballots to be mailed automatically to every registered voter, but other critics said it would create complications, for instance, with unenrolled voters who can choose which primary they would like to vote in.

Lawn was among those who wanted to go the extra step and simply mail ballots to all voters, but described the committee's bill as a compromise.

"We definitely understand the complication of mail-in ballots without an application and this is common ground that we found and we think the right way to go," Lawn said.

Galvin had hoped to begin printing ballots as soon as June 2, and floated a legislative proposal of his own similar to this one that would have greatly expanded the early voting windows around the Sept. 1 primary and Nov. 3 general election and allowed registered voters to request a ballot either electronically or in writing.

Weve worked with the secretary. I would not say were in 100% agreement on everything, but weve worked together, Lawn said, when asked if Galvin backed this latest bill.

This bill is going to give people many options to feel safe while voting in the fall, said Finegold. First, it aggressively encourages people to vote early by mail. Second, it provides voters with the ability to vote early in person. Third, it allows those who have health concerns related to COVID-19 to vote by absentee ballot. Fourth, it puts protective measures in place to let people to vote safely in person on Election Day. I am grateful to all of the partners who made this legislation possible, including Chairman Lawn, Election Laws Committee members, Secretary Galvins office, and the advocates who came together to craft this comprehensive bill.

The Legislature authorized the expanded use of mail-in voting for two special Senate elections held last week and two more special elections for House seats that will take place on Tuesday.

Galvin said more than 30% of the ballots cast in the Senate specials in Western Massachusetts and on the Upper Cape and Plymouth areas were mail-in, with the numbers as high as 60% in some communities.

These vote by mail rates reveal not only how popular the system is, but how practical it is too. Amidst a pandemic, people should never have to choose between their health and their vote, said Cheryl Clyburn Crawford, the executive director of MassVOTE.

The issue of mail-in voting ignited this week when Trump said there was NO WAY (ZERO!) chance that it could be done without being substantially fraudulent, prompting Twitter to tag the presidents tweet as misleading, and add a link for readers to get the facts about mail-in voting.

Gov. Charlie Baker, who is not on the ballot this fall, so far has not indicated whether he would support expanded vote-by-mail. While the issue has grabbed headlines and activists have argued a decision on voting options must come soon from Beacon Hill, Baker has suggested multiple times that he has not given it much thought and that there was time before a decision needed to be made.

The Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University has estimated that universal vote-by-mail could cost the state between $12 million and $30 million for the general election alone, though money from the CARES Act could be put toward that purpose. Lawn said Galvin also has some funds that could be used to upgrade the technology to accept ballot applications.

We still have to work out some of the cost but we do have CARES Act money, Lawn said.
To the Editor,

I have had enough! I am sure hundreds more perhaps even millions more have had enough of the John and Andy Schafly farce. The essence of their four column of exaggerations is this: put every citizen who wants to vote in the November election at severe risk of contracting one of the deadliest viruses since the Black Death which killed half of Europe!

Instead of mailing the ballots to all registered voters,which is the most sensible,they want the elderly, the people with physical afflictions to stand in lines at their polling place. Instead of being able to vote for Joe Biden in the comfort of their home. Andy and Pandy want legitimate voters to put themselves in deadly peril from a killer who doesnt give a damn if you are a Republican or Democrat, you will be added to the 100,000 dead and your headstone will not have a capital R or D to tell your grieving son, daughter, husband or wife that you gave your life for the right to vote. This pandemic will kill the powerful or the pathetic poor all over the Earth. Until a vaccine is made available, the mitigation of this horror comes with social distancing, wearing masks for your protection as well as others, using Clorox wipes and disposable gloves regularly.

Californias Gov. Newsome is cutting the ever present red tape and mailing the actual ballot. How easy is that? The Schafly boys insert key words that sow the seeds of doubt without proof. They write Californias entire voter registration is riddled with inaccuracies. Prove it!

They say that with mail in ballots there will be ballot harvesting from millions (theres that key word again) of demented nursing home patients, not to mention the immense cost and the susceptibility of manipulation and corruption. Your words are not credible Schafly bros, and I will tell you why.

I worked for the United States Postal Service for twenty years. If ever there was a hint of theft, fraud or chicanery as you allude to, the United States Postal Inspectors will have your ass in jail before you can say Help us Donald. I have seen them in action and you dont mess with Leroy Brown! The United States Postal Service is the safest, most secure and believe it or not the most expeditious way to get your ballot in the right hands.

To sum up your asinine column, you want the American voter to expose themselves to a contagion that has killed more Americans than the Vietnam war. That takes unmitigated gall from you and everyone you represent.

Go ahead, be macho, dont wear a mask like your orange leader. Better yet take some hydroxychloroquine. As Mr. Eastwood would say Do you feel lucky, punk?

C.R.Hausmann

Godfrey
The Oregon Health Authority on Friday reported no new deaths from the novel coronavirus as known cases rose to 4,131.

In the last 24 hours, state health officials also reported 48 new confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases.

The new cases were in 12 of Oregons 36 counties: Clackamas (1), Curry (1), Douglas (1), Hood River (1), Jefferson (3), Klamath (1), Lane (1), Lincoln (2), Marion (11), Multnomah (18), Wasco (1), Washington (7).

Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter

Death toll: At least 151 people have died from the virus. They are from 12 counties -- 59 people from Multnomah, 25 from Marion, 17 from Washington, 11 from Polk, 11 from Clackamas, nine from Linn, seven from Yamhill, five from Benton, three from Umatilla, two from Lane, one each from Josephine and Wasco.

Their ages ranged from 41 to 100. Among those who have died, 64 were women and 87 were men. All but three had underlying medical conditions.

[Read about Oregon coronavirus deaths. Help us learn more.]

Senior care homes: Nearly six out of 10 coronavirus deaths in Oregon  at least 86  are associated with a care center, a newsroom analysis of state data shows. About 550 to 600 senior care home residents, staff and close contacts from 66 nursing, assisted and retirement homes have contracted the coronavirus.

Most of the dead are believed to be residents. Oregon Health Authority officials have declined to say exactly how many of the dead and ill are health care workers, citing limited epidemiology staff resources.

County case totals: Seven counties -- Multnomah, Marion, Washington, Clackamas, Linn, Deschutes and Umatilla -- have reported 100 coronavirus cases or more. Gilliam and Wheeler still have reported none.

Heres the overall count -- confirmed and presumptive cases -- by county: Baker (1), Benton (55), Clackamas (305), Clatsop (45), Columbia (16), Coos (31), Crook (6), Curry (7), Deschutes (121), Douglas (26), Grant (1), Harney (1), Hood River, (14), Jackson (65), Jefferson (28), Josephine (23), Klamath (42), Lake (2), Lane (68), Lincoln (12), Linn (115), Malheur (32), Marion (942), Morrow (12), Multnomah (1,121), Polk (98), Sherman (1), Tillamook (6), Umatilla (114), Union (6), Wallowa (2), Wasco (22), Washington (722) and Yamhill (69).

Testing: Another 3,024 people received coronavirus test results, up from the previous days 2,654, according to figures published on the health authoritys website.

So far, 122,579 Oregonians have been tested for the illness since the state confirmed its first case on Feb. 28.

Ages: Cases are so far spread relatively evenly among people in their 20s (16%), people in their 30s (17%), people in their 40s (17%) and people in their 50s (17%).

The breakdown: 0-9 (57), ages 10-19 (161), ages 20-29 (660), ages 30-39 (702), ages 40-49 (711), ages 50-59 (714), ages 60-69 (547), ages 70-79 (345), ages 80-plus (233).

Gender: So far, 2,147 of the cases are among women, or 52%, and 1,983, or 48%, are among men. But more men have died: 87 compared to 64 women.

Hospitalizations: At least 771 of the states COVID-19 patients, or 19%, have been hospitalized at some point during their illness, according to the health authority. Currently, 51 people with confirmed coronavirus cases are hospitalized, including 18 in intensive care and 13 on ventilators.

The majority of those hospitalized -- 448 -- have been 60 or older.

Recoveries: At least 2,061 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the illness, the health authority said.

Heres the list by county: Benton (30), Clackamas (164), Clatsop (7), Columbia (16), Coos (3), Crook (1), Curry (4), Deschutes (99), Douglas (24), Grant (1), Hood River (7), Jackson (50), Jefferson (22), Josephine (20), Klamath (37), Lane (61), Lincoln (8), Linn (72), Malheur (18), Marion (351), Morrow, (7), Multnomah (427), Polk (57), Sherman (1), Tillamook (6), Umatilla (95), Union (5), Wallowa (1), Wasco (14), Washington (412), Yamhill (40).

Cases in Oregon prisons: The Oregon Department of Corrections has reported at least 154 confirmed cases among inmates. Positive cases have been reported at the Oregon State Penitentiary (120), Shutter Creek Correctional Institution (25) Santiam Correctional Institution (8) and Two Rivers Correctional Institution (1).

Nationwide: Confirmed coronavirus cases stood at more than 1.7 million. The death toll climbed past 102,000.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632

Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
(CNN)  Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained Friday night why his company would take no action on posts in which US President Trump threatened "looting" in Minneapolis would lead to "shooting." That explanation came roughly 16 hours after Twitter did take action and despite Zuckerberg's having previously told Congress that posts inciting violence would not be tolerated on Facebook.

"I know many people are upset that we've left the President's posts up," Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post.

Trump's posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter read, "These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"

Within two-and-a-half hours of the post, Twitter had placed a warning label on it saying it glorified violence.

Facebook, by contrast, remained silent on the matter for 18 hours until Zuckerberg's post appeared.

Justifying leaving the posts on Facebook and Instagram, Zuckerberg wrote, "We looked very closely at the post that discussed the protests in Minnesota to evaluate whether it violated our policies. Although the post had a troubling historical reference, we decided to leave it up because the National Guard references meant we read it as a warning about state action, and we think people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force. Our policy around incitement of violence allows discussion around state use of force, although I think today's situation raises important questions about what potential limits of that discussion should be."

Testifying before Congress in October, Zuckerberg said, "If anyone, including a politician, is saying things that can cause, that is calling for violence or could risk imminent physical harm ... we will take that content down." He was answering questions from Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez when he made the claim.

In his post Friday, Zuckerberg criticized Twitter for its handling of Trump's posts.

"Unlike Twitter, we do not have a policy of putting a warning in front of posts that may incite violence because we believe that if a post incites violence, it should be removed regardless of whether it is newsworthy, even if it comes from a politician," he wrote.

Earlier in the week Zuckerberg had criticized Twitter for fact-checking Trump's false claims about mail-in ballots in California. Zuckerberg made those comments on Fox News.

Even so, Zuckerberg said in his post that he did not agree with the President's post.

"I've been struggling with how to respond to the President's tweets and posts all day. Personally, I have a visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric," he wrote, adding, "But I'm responsible for reacting not just in my personal capacity but as the leader of an institution committed to free expression."

Ending his post, Zuckerberg concluded, "People can agree or disagree on where we should draw the line, but I hope they understand our overall philosophy is that it is better to have this discussion out in the open, especially when the stakes are so high. I disagree strongly with how the President spoke about this, but I believe people should be able to see this for themselves, because ultimately accountability for those in positions of power can only happen when their speech is scrutinized out in the open."

This story was first published on CNN.com "Zuckerberg finally explains why Facebook is doing nothing about Trump's posts"
MINNEAPOLIS  Fires burned unchecked and thousands protesting the police killing of George Floyd ignored a curfew as unrest overwhelmed authorities for another night in Minneapolis, and the governor acknowledged Saturday that he didnt have enough manpower to contain the chaos.

The new round of tumult  which has also spread to other cities  came despite Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz vowing Friday to show a more forceful response than city leaders had the day before. But by early Saturday morning, Walz said he didnt have enough troops, even with some 500 National Guardsmen.

We do not have the numbers, Walz said. We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground.

Walz said he was moving quickly to mobilize more than 1,000 more Guard members, for a total of 1,700, and was considering the potential offer of federal military police. But he warned that even that might not be enough, saying he expected another difficult night Saturday.

The Pentagon on Saturday ordered the Army to put military police units on alert to head to the city on short notice at President Donald Trumps request, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders who did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations. The rare step came as the violence spread to other cities: A man shot dead in Detroit, police cars battered in Atlanta and skirmishes with police in New York City.

Criminal charges filed Friday morning against the white officer who held his knee for nearly nine minutes on the neck of Floyd, a black man who was handcuffed at the time, did nothing to stem the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Minneapolis police said shots had been fired at law enforcement officers during the protests but no one was injured.

As the night dragged on, fires erupted across the citys south side, including at a Japanese restaurant, a Wells Fargo bank and an Office Depot. Many burned for hours, with firefighters again delayed in reaching them because areas werent secure.

Shortly before midnight, scores of officers on foot and in vehicles moved in to curb the violence, one day after city and state leaders faced blowback for their handling of the crisis. On Thursday, protesters had torched a police station soon after it was abandoned by police and went on to burn or vandalize dozens of businesses.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association urged Gov. Walz to accept any help.

You need more resources, the group said in a tweet. Law enforcement needs leadership.

Not all the protests were violent. Downtown, thousands of demonstrators encircled a barricaded police station after the 8 p.m. Friday curfew. Prosecute the police! some chanted, and Say his name: George Floyd! Some protesters sprayed graffiti on buildings.

Anger filled the streets of Minneapolis.

Ben Hubert, a 26-year-old local resident, said he wasnt surprised people were breaking curfew and setting fires.

Im outraged, he said of the Floyd case. But Im also sad. The injustice has been going on for so long. Its been swelling for years.

Chauvin was also accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he pleaded that he could not breathe, while Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes. Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a store.

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

An attorney for Floyds family welcomed the arrest but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants the other officers arrested, too.

Prosecutor Mike Freeman said more charges were possible, but authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Protests nationwide have been fueled by outrage over Floyds death and years of police violence against African Americans. Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, set a police car on fire and struck officers with bottles. Large demonstrations in New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., and dozens of other cities ranged from people peacefully blocking roads to repeated clashes with police.

You are disgracing our city, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told protesters. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country.

Police were trying to put Floyd in a squad car Monday when he stiffened and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, a criminal complaint said. Chauvin and Officer Tou Thoa arrived and tried several times to get the struggling Floyd into the car.

Chauvin eventually pulled Floyd out of the car, and the handcuffed Floyd went to the ground face down. Officer J.K. Kueng held Floyds back and Officer Thomas Lane held his legs while Chauvin put his knee on Floyds head and neck area, the complaint said.

When Lane asked if Floyd should be rolled onto his side, Chauvin said, No, staying put is where we got him. Lane said he was worried about excited delirium or whatever.

An autopsy said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyds system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that drew police, the caller describes the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as awfully drunk and hes not in control of himself.

After Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Lane again said he wanted to roll Floyd onto his side. Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, according to the complaint.

Chauvins attorney had no comment when reached by The Associated Press.

The prosecutor highlighted the extraordinary speed in charging the case four days after Floyds death and defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner. Freeman said his office needed time to gather evidence, including what he called the horrible video recorded by a bystander.

Trump said Friday that hed spoken to Floyds family and expressed my sorrow.

He called video of the arrest just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyds family, asked to take custody of Floyds body for an independent autopsy.

The doctor who will do the autopsy is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City. He was hired to do an autopsy for Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold and he pleaded that he could not breathe.

State and federal authorities also are investigating Floyds death.

___

Associated Press writers Amy Forliti, Steve Karnowski, and Doug Glass in Minneapolis, Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee, Bernard Condon in New York, and James LaPorta in Delray Beach, Fla., contributed to this report.
A 20-year-old woman allegedly suffered a violent seizure and was rushed to hospital in Brooklyn after being shoved forcefully to the ground by an NYPD officer as she protested the death of George Floyd.

The woman has been identified by others at the scene as Dounya Zayer who has continued to post updates on her condition from hospital and claims she was 'in no way was I aggressive toward this police officer'.

The incident happened on Friday night close to the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn where police arrested dozens of protesters.

It was first shared by Newsweek reporter Jason Lemon who claimed that the officer called her a 'stupid f*****g b***h' before throwing the protester to the ground.

Police confirmed to NBC that the officer was being investigated as city officials called for him to be charged with assault.

The woman shown been violently flung to the ground by an NYPD officer was identified by those at the scene as Dounya Zayer, who has begun posting about the attack from hospital

Zayer took to Twitter from the hospital to post several videos to explain what had happened to her.

'This was me, and I want to make one thing clear to all the people that are commenting lies below this video. I did NOT spit in this officer's face. I was wearing a face mask. He told me to get out of the street and then immediately threw me out of the way,' she wrote.

She also posted a video from her own perspective which showed the officers approaching her as she moved backwards down the street, with one of them taking a swipe at her phone.

Whitney Hu, an activist also taking part in the protest and who first posted the video of Zayer, said on Twitter that she was on the way to the hospital after the attack but was forced to wait outside because of the coronavirus pandemic.

'The cop pushed her so hard at Barclays & she flung back. She is tiny. Now she's in the ER after a serious seizure. I'm waiting for updates but have to wait outside because of COVID-19. Please keep my protest sister in your thoughts,' Hu wrote.

She later revealed that the young woman had woken up and was able to speak to her.

The shocking video shows Zayer being flung to the ground by the police officer and lying still for several seconds before eventually holding her head as other protesters rush to help her and call for people to take his badge number.

From the hospital, the protester revealed that she was thrown because she hadn't moved out of the officer's way in time after he asked her to move down the street.

The young woman hit the ground where she lay knocked out for a few seconds before beginning to move and hold her head. She says the fall caused a massive seizure

'I was not rioting, I was protesting,' she says in the video.

'I did not even get in his physical space, he was moving in my direction, told me to move and because I didn't move out of his way in time, he threw me out of the way.

'He was walking to me, I was standing in place,' she added.

'And I never put my hands on him.'

Zayer says the group had been peacefully protesting in front of the officers when somebody from the protesters threw an object like a bottle at the police.

She says this caused the police to 'stampede' and she was running backwards when the officer pushed her.

'If you really want to compare me standing in the middle of the street to the officer that killed George Floyd  it's not comparable,' she said.

'I was protesting for a reason and the officers who were at this protest should back down.'

The video was shared widely on social media on Friday night and showed the cop flinging the woman across the street and then continuing to walk on other protesters

Zayer identified herself on Twitter and said she did not touch the officer

She posted a video of her own from a little before the attack which shows the cop approaching

The video of the attack was criticized by city officials who called for action against the police officer.

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said: 'This officer needs to be charged with assault. Hard to watch. Brutal and unacceptable.'

He also condemned the widespread police response to the protest in Brooklyn on Friday night.

'We failed to de-escalate. The NYPD should be easing tensions, not pepper spraying state legislators and shoving peaceful protestors,' he said, referring to Assemblywoman Diana Richardson who says she was pepper sprayed while peacefully protesting in Barclays plaza.

Dozens were arrested Friday in the second night of violent protests in New York City.

Although the night started peacefully, the protests dramatically escalated. Two state legislators say were pepper-sprayed and one handcuffed.

Friday's violent video comes after police officers were caught coughing on a group of people in the Bronx on Thursday night.

The officer in the Bronx was shown coughing on a group of people in a video shared Thursday

The group called from his badge number but he walked away and got back into his car

The video shows a cop opening his mouth and pointedly coughing on a group of people without wearing a mask and then walking slowly away.

The group are seen asking for his badge number before the cops climb back into their car.

Police violence was also seen in Baltimore on Friday night where a black woman was knocked to the ground after shoving a white police officer.

The video shows the woman and the officer arguing while others approach.

As she begins to pull away, he walks toward her and she swings for his head before pushing him again.

A second black police officer runs in and takes her to the ground.

A video was also shared in Baltimore on Friday night of a black woman being knocked out by a police officer after she is shown arguing and taking a swipe at another

Violent protests demanding justice for George Floyd spread across the US Friday night, with the CNN headquarters under siege in Atlanta, NYPD officers forced to fend off rioters at a police precinct in Brooklyn and the White House forced to go into lockdown as demonstrators tried to scale the walls.

Looting and fires broke out again in Minneapolis as protesters defied the state curfew and the National Guard failed to keep the city under control, with the Pentagon putting the military police on alert to send to the ravaged city.

This came after three nights of carnage in the city that have seen one suspected looter shot dead, cops forced to flee a police precinct as it was stormed and set alight by rioters and the city left in tatters.

The protests have now reached all corners of America with break-off demonstrations springing up in as the arrest of the white cop who knelt on Floyd's neck has done little to quell the anger over the black man's death and the other three officers involved continue to walk free.

Chaos exploded in Atlanta as demonstrators vandalized and tried to storm the CNN building with at least one cop injured while a fire broke out near Centennial Olympic Park.

In New York City, police officers were forced to defend a police precinct in Brooklyn amid fears it would be stormed and torched, while shocking footage showed an NYPD officer hurling a female protester to the ground.

The White House was forced to go into temporary lockdown as protesters tried to scale the walls, battled with Secret Service agents and burned American flags.

It comes after Floyd's death on Memorial Day while in police custody.

He died after being arrested by four police officers for allegedly trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.

He was seen in a video pleading that he couldn't breathe as white officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against his neck.

Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with Floyd's murder.

Floyd's family has called for a more serious charge to be brought against Chauvin and for the arrests of the other three officers who were fired alongside Chauvin over Floyd's death - J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao.
A healthy and hungry humpback whale was spotted in the Shrewsbury River in Monmouth County on Friday morning, the New Jersey State Police reported on their social media accounts.

The mammal was spotted around 9 a.m. in the area of the Route 36 bridge which connects Sea Bright and Highlands and the troopers from the state polices Marine Services Bureau responded minutes later, the post stated.

Another state police vessel arrived with a member of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center to check the whales condition.

Preliminarily, the whale appears to be healthy and feeding, police said. We understand it may be tempting to get close for a better look or picture, but at this time, we are advising boaters to avoid the area.

Troopers said that more boat traffic could scare the whale and stop it from leaving river or possibly hurting it.

Police said they would continue to monitor the whale and hope that it would return to the sea soon and unharmed.

Last year, rescuers saved a 25- to 30-foot humpback whale that became entangled in fishing gear about 8 miles off Sandy Hook near the approach to Ambrose Channel, the main shipping channel in and out of the Port of New York and New Jersey.

That area is not far from the entrance to the Shrewsbury River where the whale was spotted Friday.

Unfortunately, a dead one that was adrift for days washed ashore in Sandy Hook last summer and another was found dead one county south on Island Beach State Park two months later.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

As many as 2,282 people have been infected with the 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, 57 people have died from the coronavirus over the past day.

Jahanpur added that the condition of 2,533 people is critical.

So far, more than 915,000 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 148,900 people have been infected 7,734 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 116,800 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.
Rome, May 30 (IANS) Active coronavirus infections in Italy dropped to 46,175, after a decrease by 1,811 cases was registered over the 24 hours, showed the latest data from the Civil Protection Department.

It marked the lowest figure since March 22, when active infections in the country stood at 46,638 on Friday, reported Xinhua news agency.

Of these infections, 475 patients are in intensive care units, down by 14 compared to Thursday, the Civil Protection said in its bulletin. Another 7,094 patients are hospitalized with symptoms (down by 285), and 38,606, or 84 percent -- are in isolation at home because without symptoms or with mild symptoms.

Up to 2,240 new recoveries were registered on a daily basis, which brought to 152,844 the total of people cured since the pandemic broke out in late February. Meanwhile, 87 new fatalities were reported, pushing the country's death toll to 33,229.

The total number of assessed cases stood at 232,248, including active infections, fatalities, and recoveries.

On the same day, a top health official warned the easing of restrictions on people's movement between regions -- expected to come into effect next week, although yet to confirm -- would be a "crucial challenge" for the country.

"We have overcome the peak of the infection, and we are now on the downward side of the curve... this phase requires particular attention in terms of early detecting new suspected cases," Silvio Brusaferro, president of Italy's National Health Institute (ISS), told the lower house.

"Next week, we will be facing an even more crucial challenge, with the liberalization of mobility between (Italian) regions, and the international one," he warned.

After some restrictions on people's movements imposed since March 10 with the lockdown were gradually lifted in recent weeks, travelling within the same region of residence was allowed only from May 18. The next step in the government's official schedule would, in fact, be to reopen moves between Italian regions by June 3.

However, this date was yet to be confirmed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's cabinet, which announced it will make a final decision after analyzing the latest data over the weekend (May 30-31) and after discussing it with local authorities.

In a scheduled meeting with all regional governors on Saturday, the cabinet would submit two possible options, namely reopening the inter-regional people's travels by June 3 as planned, or postpone it a week later, according to local media.

As for the continental context, temporary non-essential travel restrictions imposed between the European Union (EU) countries are set to expire on June 15.

In his hearing before the Chamber of Deputies, the ISS chief also said the second wave of coronavirus infections in autumn was possible in Italy.

"In terms of scenario, we imagine that a disease such as (caused by) Sars-COV-2... can be more easily transmitted in autumn, and it could be confused with other respiratory symptomologies," Brusaferro noted.

He explained that autumn, as always, would bring colder weather, so people will generally tend to spend less time in the sun and in open-air overall, and stay more indoor.

These normal behaviours would represent a factor possibly impacting negatively on the pandemic trend, in a context in which the coronavirus still circulates in the country.

"The hypothesis of the 'second wave' is based on this factor, which is -- from a scientific point of view -- an objective data," Brusaferro said.

--IANS

rt/
YouTuber Myka Stauffer received massive backlash and had lost thousands of subscribers in just a few days after she released a video updating her followers about her adopted son, Huxley, whom she had "rehomed."

Myka Stauffer "Rehomes" Adoptive Son

In a report by Newsweek, the 32-year-old mommy blogger has already lost around 6,000 subscribers since she posted the video on Wednesday, May 27.

Social media analytics site, Social Blade, also said that the YouTuber would lose around 73,000 views on average each week.

However, her Instagram account, which has over 192,000 followers, seems unaffected by the issue.

Stauffer began getting fame in 2017 for her mommy blogs, wherein she gave tips to her fellow moms on how to take care of their homes and their kids. By October 2018, her YouTube subscribers have doubled, which could greatly help her earnings from the platform.

Nevertheless, the continuous loss of her subscribers could significantly affect her ad revenue, especially as she'd be losing tens of thousands of views weekly.

The video, entitled "An update on our family," shows Stauffer and her husband, James, both teary-eyed as they explained the situation and updated their followers that they have chosen to send Huxley to another family just around three years after they adopted him from China.

"There's not an ounce of our body that doesn't love Huxley with all of our being. There wasn't a minute that we didn't try our hardest," the YouTuber said. "After multiple evaluations, numerous medical professionals have felt that he needed a different fit and that [with] his medical needs, he needed more."

Her husband added that they never wanted to be in the situation they were in and that they have been trying to get all the help that can get for Huxley.

Nevertheless, they assured their followers that Huxley's adoption agency was able to find a perfect match for the young child.

Read Also: [VIRAL VIDEO] Black CNN Reporter That Was Detained in Minneapolis Amid Ongoing Protest for George Floyd is Freed

Documenting the Adoption

According to NBC News, the YouTuber has uploaded over 30 videos documenting the process of adopting Huxley from the other side of the world, receiving backlash over it as they monetized the videos.

The couple has also vaguely touched their adoptive son's special needs in some of their videos, including one wherein the mommy vlogger raised a fundraiser for their son for his needs.

But last year, the YouTuber finally disclosed Huxley's conditions, saying that the child was diagnosed with "a stroke in utero, has level 3 autism, and sensory processing disorder."

Besides Huxley, the couple has four biological children.

Getting Massive Backlash

Due to their admission, Twitter immediately went wild, and the hashtag #cancelmykastauffer began trending, with many saying they are no longer comfortable taking the advice of the YouTuber.

Myka's lawyers also elaborated on the issue at hand and explained the family's decision to rehome Huxley on PEOPLE Magazine.

"Over time, the team of medical professionals advised our clients it might be best for Huxley to be placed with another family," the lawyers stated.

Read Also: Space Furnerals: Celestis And Aura Flights Will Send The Ashes Of Your Loved Ones in Space

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Church settles lawsuit with nonreligious family over forced baptism

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

An Ohio church has settled a lawsuit brought against it by a nonreligious family that alleged their son suffered trauma after he was baptized in a full water baptism when he was 11 years old.

On Thursday, the civil rights advocacy group American Atheists announced that parents April and Gregg DeFibaugh settled their lawsuit against a local church, pastor, a youth mentoring organization, and former volunteer mentor for performing a baptism, which they said was forced on their son who is disabled.

The DeFibaughs, who are said to be nonreligious but dont identify as atheist, filed a lawsuit in county court against Morning Star Friends Church in Chardon, Pastor Matthew Chesnes, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio.

The lawsuit claimed that despite instructions from the DeFibaughs to refrain from religious activities with their son, his Big Brother mentor often discussed religion with him.

The lawsuit said that on Aug. 28, 2016, the mentor, church member David Guarnera, took the child to a group baptism at Morning Star Friends Church. Along with Chesnes, the mentor was accused of forcibly baptizing the child by pushing him underwater.

Defendant Chesnes, with the assistance of defendant Guarnera, conducted the baptism by forcing V under water and holding his head under water to the point where V felt like he was choking and could not breathe, the lawsuit says in part.

The parents claim that since the incident, their son suffers from anxiety and emotional distress. According to American Atheists, the child suffers from nightmares of drowning that have prevented him from sleeping.

The legal group could not disclose the details of the settlement.

Although no settlement or verdict could undo the anguish their son suffered, the DeFibaughs are pleased with the outcome, American Atheists Litigation Counsel Geoffrey Blackwell said in a statement. They are glad that he will not have to go through the ordeal of a trial.

The lawsuit was originally filed in March 2016 in federal court but was dismissed when a federal court concluded that guardian ad litem, Margaret Vaughan, a member of the church who worked for CASA for Kids of Geauga County, did not act as an agent of the government by proselytizing to the family and arranging Guarnera as a mentor.

The family refiled the case in a county court in 2018 for alleged violations of state law.

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, court records indicate that a Geauga County Probate Court judge approved the settlement last week.

The Christian Post reached out to Chesnes and Morning Star Friends Church for comment on the lawsuit and legal settlement. A response is pending.

Morning Star Friends Church describes its mission as making disciples who love Jesus, connect people, share hope, and celebrate life.

Chesnes received a doctorate of ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary and has taught online classes at Barclay College. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Malone University.
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Many Canadians are watching the riots in parts of the United States with shock and horror but Canada also has problems with racism, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Many Canadians are watching the riots in parts of the United States with shock and horror but Canada also has problems with racism, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Minneapolis has been rocked by a third night of violent protests over the death of an unarmed black man after a white police officer knelt on his neck as he lay on the ground following arrest.

"Many Canadians of diverse backgrounds are watching, like all Canadians are, the news out of the United States with shock and with horror," Trudeau said in unprompted remarks at the end of a daily briefing.

"Anti-black racism - racism - is real. It's in the United States but it's also in Canada and we know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias and anti-black racism every single day," he told reporters. "We have work to do as well in Canada."

Trudeau's remarks were a highly unusual commentary on American domestic affairs. Canadian prime ministers have in general refrained from discussing events in what is Canada's main ally and largest trading partner.

Trudeau has long spoken about the need to end racism but last September his campaign for reelection was almost derailed after pictures of him in blackface emerged.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Richard Chang)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
OTTAWA  From his Toronto home, Liberal MP Arif Virani spoke admiringly about his wife and other health-care workers on Wednesday, his face beamed into the House of Commons on two newly installed massive screens.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  From his Toronto home, Liberal MP Arif Virani spoke admiringly about his wife and other health-care workers on Wednesday, his face beamed into the House of Commons on two newly installed massive screens.

Few of the roughly 50 MPs who were sitting in the Commons listened to Virani. Some jovial banter broke out in the chamber, with Liberal and Conservative MPs joking about getting along with their spouses. They spoke across the aisle, louder than Viranis voice, which boomed through large speakers.

In a regular sitting, only one person in the chamber has the right to speak at one time. MPs usually heckle and hold side conversations, but whoever has the floor must be heard over everyone else.

Yet, these are not normal times, in Parliament and in legislatures across the country.

The Manitoba legislature has held just five sittings since declaring a state of emergency on March 20  and its among the more open assemblies in Canada.

Thats upended the role of opposition parties, journalists and advocacy groups in shaping the unprecedented spending and public health restrictions over the past two months.

"During emergency circumstances, especially of a life-threatening nature, there is even more reason why we should see Parliament and legislatures as crucial mechanisms, as forums for accountability," said Paul Thomas, a University of Manitoba professor emeritus.

Conservative House Leader Candice Bergen flew to Ottawa for some of the few sitting days in the chamber. The federal cabinet and courts are operating under COVID-19, but the House of Commons is barely functioning.

"This is the actual foundation of our democracy: the legislative, the executive and the judiciary. But the legislative (branch) has been completely neutered."

The primary role of a legislature is to scrutinize the use of taxpayer money. That is why elected MPs can table bills involving spending, but appointed senators cant.

Even in a majority government, opposition MLAs have tools to change and stall budget bills, as seen recently at the Manitoba legislature.

Yet, since that budget passed March 19, MLAs have had just five sittings to scrutinize the provinces cuts and COVID-19 support programs.

Last year, the legislature ramped down operations ahead of the fall election. Over the past year, MLAs have only sat 37 days; recent years have had double that amount, NDP Leader Wab Kinew points out.

"Manitobans, at the end of the day, may agree with these decisions or disagree, but at the very least they should pass through the filter of our democracy, so that Manitobans know there has been due process," Kinew said Friday.

MLAs normally spend 100 hours scrutinizing departments projected spending for the year, grilling ministers and the premier in the spring estimates process.

Now, theres no guarantee the legislature will sit before October, or estimates will be studied this fall. Those will likely reveal the effect of university and Manitoba Hydro cuts, and the reasons for outsourcing online counselling.

"Control of the public purse is the essential function of the legislature," said Thomas. "Its not done well anywhere these days, but to have it completely disappear that could be a huge sacrifice."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has barely left his home, instead giving election campaign-style speeches almost every day.

"Thats taken a lot of the wind out of the oppositions sails; not having the regular forum of question period," said Christopher Adams, a U of M political scientist.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister similarly announces measures to respond to COVID-19 at regular news conferences, which he said shows hes being held accountable.

Thomas strongly disagrees.

"Thats not a substitute for the legislature; thats not Manitobas 57 elected representatives of constituencies across the province being able to question the premier and other ministers about how COVID and the decisions are affecting people across the province."

On Parliament Hill, the Commons has officially sat six times since mid-March, all for emergency spending votes.

MPs have spent much more time attending a committee solely dedicated to the COVID-19 issue, mostly online.

The committee sits for roughly nine hours per week, compared to the 40 hours of Commons sittings during the week before the World Health Organization declared the pandemic.

Initially, the committee met through the Zoom teleconferencing app, and a handful of times in the chamber with a few dozen MPs, largely from Ontario and Quebec.

The new hybrid sittings launched on Wednesday combine both.

This week, the NDP gave the minority Liberals the votes they needed to suspend real parliamentary sittings until Sept. 21, in exchange for Trudeau pressing the provinces to offer 10 days of guaranteed sick leave.

The hybrid committee will continue to meet for another month, and then once a month during summer.

Under the deal, MPs will have just four hours to debate estimates for the various COVID-19 programs, estimated to be worth $150 billion. Thats 43 per cent of the governments total spending in the last fiscal year.

Bergen said Trudeau has far too much power for a minority government.

"At a time where the country needs Parliament more than ever, Trudeau has shut it down. Im just beside myself," Bergen said Friday.

The MP for Portage-Lisgar is particularly upset the House didnt get to vote on whether to give the auditor general the money and mandate to review COVID-19 spending, to ensure it isnt misused.

Until Wednesday, MPs could not raise topics unrelated to the pandemic during the committees sittings. Now, theres limited time to debate issues such as the Liberals unilateral ban of scores of firearms.

Without a regular sitting, MPs cannot compel the RCMP to testify about their handling of the mass shooting in Nova Scotia last month.

Across Canada, provincial assemblies are following a patchwork of policies.

Some legislatures have extended seasonal breaks for months. Others, such as British Columbia and Quebec, have held videoconference meetings about COVID-19 measures.

New Brunswick, which is governed by a slim minority, established a multi-partisan committee similar to a wartime cabinet, with opposition MLAs helping to craft the governments response.

Its chamber resumed regular sittings Tuesday, with MLAs at a distance both on the floor and the second-level banisters normally reserved for the public. (The plan was suspended Thursday when a new outbreak hit the province.)

Saskatchewan has spent billions via cabinet orders instead of legislative sittings. Alberta passed a controversial law that gives ministers overwhelming authority to regulate and issue fines.

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.

An analysis of these various systems by the non-partisan Samara Centre for Democracy argues virtual sittings that allow opposition scrutiny would be best for Canadians, instead of backroom deals by MLAs and MPs who live in urban areas, or are closest with their partys leader.

"Given that the COVID-19 pandemic may last for another year or more, provinces and territories will need to find ways of considering non-pandemic business," reads the Tuesday report.

Kinew said businesses across Manitoba are returning to work, so the legislature should as well.

"We get one kick at the can per week, and there have been so many things happening," he said. "It does a disservice to our democracy."

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Though the company was founded by an architect from Nevada investing in the remaining assets of a Canadian engineering subsidiary, Boyce Hydro has suddenly found itself forever linked with Michigans history.

Less than two weeks after rainfall caused several dams along the Tittabawassee River to fail, resulting in one of the worst flooding events in state history, dam owner Boyce Hydro has been named in a growing number of lawsuits from Midland County residents looking for restitution.

The lawsuits resulting from the dam failures are the latest in a string of legal and regulatory issues that have plagued the owners for several years.

Power struggle

Boyce Hydro's time in the Mid-Michigan area began in 2006, before it was even called Boyce Hydro.

In 2003, Wolverine Power Corporation  a Michigan corporation that held the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license to operate the dam system along the Tittabawassee River  defaulted on a loan of at least $1 million from Synex Energy Resources, a Vancouver-based engineering and consulting company.

As reported by Midland Daily News at the time, Synex foreclosed on the Edenville, Sanford, Smallwood and Secord dams, along with other related property later that year.

Synex also took the deeds on all the land, equipment and offices connected with the dams. In September 2003, Wolverine Power was sold to a Synex subsidiary  Synex Michigan LLC. According to a FERC order revoking Boyce Hydro's license to Edenville Dam in 2018, the license was officially transferred from Wolverine Power to Synex Michigan June 23, 2004.

On March 17, 2006, Boyce Hydro Power LLC purchased the interests of Synex Michigan, according to documents from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Synex Michigan was renamed Boyce Hydro Power LLC on July 12, 2007.

Boyce Hydro Power  which held the FERC licenses to operate the Sanford, Secord and Smallwood dams  and Boyce Hydro, which operates the dams, including the Edenville Dam, which was transferred under the State of Michigan's jurisdiction in 2018, on behalf of Boyce Hydro Power, are managed by a man named Lee Mueller.

Legacy enterprise

Mueller, 71, is an architect from Las Vegas and a trustee of the William D. Boyce Trusts, which manages the estate of entrepreneur, publisher and founder of the Boy Scouts of America William Dickson Boyce, who died in 1929.

Mueller is Boyces grandson, according to his mother Virginia Boyce Linds 2006 obituary in the Palm Beach Daily News.

A search of public records lists Mueller as the owner of at least 30 properties across Nevada, California, New York and Florida. In addition to Boyce Hydro, Mueller is also listed as a manager for Fountainhead Properties and Fountainhead Design Group and president of L.W.M. Design Associates.

Boyce Hydro Power is named as "a W.D. Boyce Trusts Legacy Enterprise" on the company's press releases.

Lee Mueller declined comment when contacted by the Midland Daily News, stating he had "absolutely no ability to talk" to the reporter.

Open the floodgates

FERC ordered the revocation of Boyce Hydro's license to Edenville Dam on Sept. 10, 2018, citing a "longstanding" failure on Boyce's part to increase the dam's spillway capacity to safely pass floodwaters. The order also cited a failure to comply with the license, FERC regulations and a compliance order issued in June 2017 as reasons for revoking the license.

The State of Michigan took over as regulator of Edenville Dam after the FERC license was revoked. Though Boyce was still able to operate the dam to hold back the waters of Wixom Lake, the company was no longer able to generate electricity.

A press release from Boyce states the company had spent "hundreds of thousands" of dollars on engineering and construction projects to conform with FERC requirements for updating the dam's spillways to pass 100% of the "probable maximum flood" (PMF). According to the press release, the cost estimate for constructing the modified spillway plans approved by FERC in 2012 exceeded $8 million, which Boyce did not have the ability to finance.

"As Boyce received no state or local funding, its only source of revenue to make the necessary PMF improvements was from the sale of electricity generated by the dams  these revenues never came close to the amount required to make the PMF improvements required FERC, as Boyce repeatedly advised FERC, the state and the local government agencies and associations in the years before its license was revoked," representatives of Boyce claim in a separate press release.

After Boyce's license for Edenville Dam was revoked, the Wixom Lake Association, the Sanford Lake Association and the Sanford Lake Preservation Association joined together to create the Four Lakes Task Force (FLTF) a delegated authority working on behalf of Midland and Gladwin counties to oversee the maintenance and operations of the four-lake system along the Tittabawassee River and its dams.

"It's not just about the Edenville Dam. It's about the entire lake system, so it is important to have all four lake communities involved," Larry Woodard, president of the Wixom Lake Association, said at the time.

A $9.4 million purchase agreement between FLTF and Boyce Trusts was signed in January 2020, with the sale of the lakes and dams scheduled to occur over the following two years, with a final close for all properties in January 2022.

In a May 26 press release, FLTF announced the acquisition will not take place under the terms that were negotiated with Boyce, with FTLF chairperson Dave Kepler citing a condition in the agreement stating the dams must be in largely the same state as when the agreement was signed for the purchase to go forward.

Looking for answers

During a press conference in Midland on May 27, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she has sent a letter to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), directing the department to investigate what caused the Edenville and Sanford dams to fail.

Less than a month earlier, on April 30, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit against 10 defendants, including Boyce Hydro and Mueller himself, claiming Boyce lowered the level of Wixom Lakes during extended drawdown periods in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the death of "thousands if not millions" of federally-endangered freshwater mussels.

Days earlier, Boyce Hydro filed a suit against EGLE, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and officials in those agencies for "multiple violations arising out of their regulation and oversight of the Edenville Dam," a news release from Boyce Hydro stated. According to the release, Boyce Hydro opened spillway gates in October 2018 to reduce the water level to about 7 feet below normal, as a "pre-emptive measure" meant to ensure the safety of the dam and the operators under hazardous winter conditions.

On Nov. 12, 2019, not having received a permit but citing the importance of safety concerns, Boyce began to reduce the water level, the release stated. Though EGLEs water resources division and MDNR ultimately denied Boyces permit on Nov. 25, Boyce continued with the drawdown while it appealed the denial, which is still pending.

In April 2020, under pressure from residents of Wixom Lake, EGLE and MDNR, Boyce began to raise the level of the Wixom impoundment, and normal pond level was reached during the first week of May. Before Boyce did so, EGLE issued it a permit to raise the impoundment, the release states, despite Boyce claiming the EGLE Dam Safety division was well aware of the Edenville Dams inability to meet even 50% of the PMF standard.

As of May 29, at least five lawsuits have been filed on behalf of flood victims in state and federal courts, with more likely to come. So far, four of the suits list the Boyce Hydro group among their defendants, with some also targeting FLTF, EGLE, the MDNR, Midland County and Gladwin County.
he gave him masks too.



according to that katie couric post denzel is an uppity assholewhats the truth? 

Reply

Thread

Link

what Katie Couric post?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/117828070.html#comments oh girl

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

ONTD told on itself like in every race related post.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

she was SHAKEN okay!!!!!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

minorities and women have to be perfectly pleasant and on 100% of the time, otherwise they are difficulty or uppity. white men are ARTISTS!

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

A white woman calling a black man "uppity" is just...



I'm inclined to not take her side.



Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Well what are Katic Couric's thoughts on this.

Reply

Thread

Link

She was probably running away like Kyle Richards during the Amsterdam fight between Rinna and Kim.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

She's too busy begging for Obama to be a magical healing negro like the stupid cracker that she is

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Remember that post about Denzel and Karen Couric? It was very telling. ONTD loves to show its ass esp. in race and health posts.



Anyway... I just wanted to say, FUCK THE POLICE!!! 

Reply

Thread

Link

served as a barrier between the man and the police - helping to diffuse a tense situation



I know this isn't news, but what the fuck is the world we're living in where that's a necessary thing to do?? IT IS THE COPS' WHOLE JOB TO DIFFUSE TENSE SITUATIONS AND PROTECT PEOPLE. But instead he had to protect a vulnerable person FROM them. Everything is 

Reply

Thread

Link

Because it was never the job of cops to protect us. People are finally realizing they are government ordained gangs to enforce laws and seize property.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Cops originated as Slave Catchers. They were never created to diffuse situations. They are a violent gang meant to kill and jail and enforce unjust laws on black people.



They should be defunded and abolished.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Absolutely true, but if they're gonna come up with a claim like "protect and serve," then they're obligated to live up to it. Cops in [some] other countries manage to just fine.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

IA, you often see comments like "don't antagonize cops" "remain calm with them don't make sudden moves" as if they're giving instruction to approaching a rabid animal. THEY'RE the ones who should diffuse situations and keep things peaceful, it's fucked up

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is really incredible of Denzel



But arrested safely? Arrested without incident? For the crime of being homeless and probably unwell?? What a punitive and sick fucking country



Edited at 2020-05-30 12:12 am (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

Idk if this is true but from what I read elsewhere it said that Denzel first saw him because he was standing in the middle of the road where there was oncoming traffic, so he pulled over and got him out of the road and then stayed to intervene when police showed up. If true, it seems like he was maybe trying to hurt himself by stepping into traffic but even so, he needs a hospital, not a jail.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

this is what i heard too

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

he needs a hospital, not a jail



Absolutely



Cops are not capable of handling mental health issues

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

He was not arrested. He was released.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Possibly due to being a danger to himself?? But lapd so you know...

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

"arrested safely" is an oxymoron but i'm happy denzel got involved.

Reply

Thread

Link

Why were they arresting him in the first place?

Reply

Thread

Link

Brave as hell, all things considered.

Reply

Thread

Link

can you imagine going about your day, getting harassed by the police, but then out of nowhere you look up and there's... Denzel Washington? good for him.

Reply

Thread

Link

i sure couldve used him when i got a knee in my spine for 3gs of weed

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

COPS ARE FUCKING USELESS and this situation proves that we dont need them.



Abolish police and carceral state!

Reply

Thread

Link

Hes brave for even getting involved. Good for him.

Reply

Thread

Link

i was literally just wondering if this would be posted so ty op



so many black celebs especially of his A list status take comfort in their class status and would've walked on by so major props to him

Reply

Thread

Link

also ACAB forever abolish the fucking police

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Denzel is a class act. I'm sorry this man probably did nothing but be homeless and probably mentally unwell, that the first thing they do is arrest him, but at least he's alive. God, I don't even know

Reply

Thread

Link

the american police are a domestic terrorist organization, they need to be abolished. we shouldn't have civilians serve as protection between the cops and the public, wtf

Reply

Thread

Link
Mary Altman, senior editor at Sourcebooks Casablanca, says shed wanted to work on LGBTQ romances since joining the company six years ago. As a queer person, she adds, I wasnt finding myself much on the bookshelves at that time. Most LGBTQ romance was shelved apart from other romance novels, or it was online or digital first.

The success of Casey McQuistons 2019 M/M rom-com debut, Red, White & Royal Blue (Griffin), gave Altman a comp that helped her make the case for acquiring similar titles. Altman calls it this fantastic breakthrough moment for print publishing that showed LGBTQ romance really does have an audience. The book, which has sold 89,000 print copies per NPD BookScan and been optioned by Amazon studios, gave steam to something that had been building.

In this feature, PW speaks with mainstream publishers about why they see a growing print market for LGBTQ romance.

Bucking convention

Thanks to Altmans efforts, Sourcebooks Casablanca is set to publish its first queer romances, both M/M contemporary rom-coms. The geeky, post-college Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert (June) is a sweet, relatively chaste romance, PWs review said, that will have crossover YA appeal. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall (July) breathes new life into the fake-dating trope, according to PWs starred review, with insights about trust and self-worth that set the story apart.

The publisher is one of a few houses whose romance lists look a little different this season. In the new Berkley release Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner, which PWs starred review called a sparkling debut, a showrunners red-carpet appearance with her female assistant fuels relentless tabloid gossip. Its the publishers first F/F romance in print, though Berkley has released F/F romance digitally and M/M romance, including C.S. Pacats popular Captive Prince trilogy, in trade paper.

Were putting a lot of love behind this book, says Kristine Swartz, senior editor at Berkley. It fits the readership for the rom-com but it speaks to the queer audience as well. Berkley is also publishing a companion to 2019s Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey, Not Like the Movies (July), which has a bisexual heroine; PWs starred review praised its electric banter. Until recently, Swartz says, M/M submissions outnumbered F/F, but shes now seeing wider representation.

At Harlequin trade imprint Graydon House, The Secret of You and Me by Melissa Lenhardt (Aug.) is a second-chance romance between two women whod been in love as teenagers in their conservative town. Graydon House editorial director Susan Swinwood, who likens the story to a Nicholas Sparks novel, says this is the imprints first title to focus on a same-sex relationship. Were following in big footsteps, she notes, citing McQuiston as well as When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perri (Putnam, 2018). Theres been a bigger awareness and more of an appetite for the gay experience.

Independent LGBTQ publisher Bold Strokes Books, which began in 2004, releases 120 titles per year, about 75% of them romance. Len Barot, president and publisher at Bold Strokes, welcomes the competition. Publishing professionals are hearing the message from authors and readers that more diversity is essential, she says. As romance is one of the largest fiction genres, its only natural, and good marketing, that publishers would be looking for more diverse romances.

The skys the limit

Other publishers are building on their existing LGBTQ romance offerings, including Avon, home to Cat Sebastians queer historicals and Olivia Waites F/F Regency series, which launched with 2019s The Ladys Guide to Celestial Mechanics. Sebastians latest M/M historical, Two Rogues Make a Right, publishes in mass market in June and marks a new direction for Avon Impulse, formerly a digital-first imprint. August sees the release of Waites second Feminine Pursuits novel, The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, also Avon Impulse. Take a Hint, Dani Brown (Avon, July), whose heroine is bisexual, is Talia Hibberts phenomenal second Brown Sisters contemporary, PWs starred review said, and Written in the Stars (Avon, Nov.) by debut author Alexandria Bellefleur is a queer holiday fake dating rom-com.

Erika Tsang, editorial director at Avon, says the publisher has received more LGBTQ submissions recently; retailer support has helped make those titles more accessible. Booksellers are seeing with the success of Casey McQuiston that they can sell these romances, Tsang adds. Theyre asking us to publish more. That said, she hopes LGBTQ stories in romance become so commonplace that the label becomes irrelevant.

In June, Harlequin digital-first imprint Carina Press, which publishes in various romance and mystery subgenres, is launching Carina Adores, described as a trope-driven LGBTQ+ contemporary romance line. Unlike most Carina Press books, Carina Adores titles will be released simultaneously in trade paper and e-book. On the imprints fall slate: Better Than People by Roan Parrish (Sept.), a M/M romance with a neuroatypical hero, and Full Moon in Leo by Brooklyn Ray (Oct.), with a nonbinary transmasculine gay main character.

Forthcoming Carina Press titles include High Heat by Annabeth Albert, part of her M/M Hotshots series; the e-book pubs July 27 and the mass market edition follows a day later. A large part of our list is LGBTQ romance, as it has been for some time, says senior editor Kerri Buckley. We dont allocate a certain number of spots for LGBTQ romance or put a cap on how many we publish.

Shifting tides

While Red, White & Royal Blue marked what many see as a watershed for LGBTQ romance, author Annabeth Albert says readers have for some time been flocking to the genre from YA and fan fiction, where such stories are more prevalent. Also, when an author highlights an LGBTQ romance in a popular ongoing series, as Suzanne Brockmann did with 2007s All Through the Nighta M/M story in her Troubleshooters seriesreaders realize that they enjoyed the pairing, Albert says. These titles were their intro to LGBTQ romance, and from there, they explored further. When bookstores shelve LGBTQ titles within romance sections its a major step toward discoverability, she says, rather than being lumped into gay studies, as theyd been in the past.

Author Cat Sebastian has found that visibility beneficial, citing a 2018 Barnes & Noble promotion featuring her LGBTQ historicals on endcaps in the romance section. Sebastian says being published by a mainstream house can help LGBTQ romance be seen as romance, first and foremost, and may make some readers more inclined to read it.

For their part, booksellers are eager to see even more variety from mainstream publishers. Since the Ripped Bodice romance bookstore opened in L.A. in 2016, says co-owner Leah Koch, readers have been requesting LGBTQ romances, which are shelved in their own section, broken out into F/F, M/M, and the recently added trans/nonbinary subsections, and then shelved under relevant subgenres as well. Everything that exists in romance people want with LGBTQ characters, she adds. I get people asking for queer fantasy, queer werewolves, queer Victorian. Asked about the readership for these titles, Koch says age is a key factor. The generation under 40 doesnt care about the sexual orientation of the characters matching their own in the way that the older generation does. Theyre more inclusive readers.

Billie Bloebaum, buyer and bookseller at Third Street Books in McMinnville, Ore., says her customers are open to any pairings, especially if recommended by staffers. People just want a feel-good happy ever after, she notes. She plans to handsell Written in the Stars to readers in their 20s and 30s as a modern Bridget Joness Diary and says the latest wave of mainstream LGBTQ romances is welcome but overdue. Its easier to stock a diverse bookshelf when there are a lot of options available for representation, and we havent had that. As more queer romances publish, it may mean there are fewer male/female pairings on the shelf because there are other, better stories.

That variety Bloebaum and others seek is on its way: all the editors consulted for this article are eager to publish more LGBTQ romances. Sourcebooks Casablanca already has two slated for 2021, and Altman says shes only getting started: Im not just interested in looking at one letter of the acronym. I want to find trans romances, asexual romances, rom-coms that cover the entirety of the community.

Rachel Kramer Bussel is a freelance writer and editor of the Best Womens Erotica of the Year series (Cleis).

Return to the main feature.
People wearing face masks at the Geylang Serai market. (PHOTO: Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  The odd-or-even date entry restriction at four popular markets during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period has resulted in better crowd management, with shorter or no queues observed outside the markets, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).

In a media release on Saturday (30 May), NEA said that on average, apart from the week leading up to Hari Raya Puasa, the queue time at the four markets  Geylang Serai, Chong Pang, 20/21 Marsiling Lane and 505 Jurong West Street 52  was no more than 20 minutes, with no queue observed at the markets on some days.

Adherence to the date entry restriction has also improved, with almost all patrons producing their identification cards or documents when visiting the four markets.

NEA said that during the initial period of implementation in April, about 400 patrons were denied entry daily for failing to adhere with the entry restrictions. This has since been reduced by half, with an average of about 200 patrons being turned away daily in May.

Short or no queues at other markets

NEA added that crowd management measures at the other 35 markets, such as controlled entry and exit points, have been effective.

Over the past seven weeks, while about half of these markets generally have some queues outside, most of the queue times are 10 minutes or less, it said in the media release. At the other half of the 35 markets, there was no queue spotted on most days.

We are closely monitoring the ground situation, and may remove the interim fencing and access control at some of these markets, if the crowd situation remains under control.

The number of cases of the public not complying with with safe distancing measures and wearing of masks at or near markets and hawker centres has also decreased significantly  from an average of eight fines issued in a day in April to an average of one fine issued in a day in May.

INFOGRAPHIC: National Environment Agency

The odd-or-even date entry restriction implemented at the four markets will continue when Singapore enters Phase 1 of the post-circuit breaker period after 1 June.

Story continues

NEA has partnered the Urban Redevelopment Authority and GovTech to include crowd level information for these markets in the Space Out app. When the number of patrons in these markets has reached the allowable capacity, patrons will be able to view the length of the queue waiting to enter these markets.

INFOGRAPHIC: National Environment Agency

2 months rental waiver to stallholders

As part of the Fortitude Budget announced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Tuesday, NEA will provide two additional months of rental waiver to all stallholders in hawker centres managed by NEA or NEA-appointed operators.

In total, stallholders will enjoy five months' worth of rental waiver  50 per cent in March, full rental waiver from April to July, and a 50 per cent rental waiver in August, with a minimum waiver of $200 per month. This will benefit 14,000 stallholders in markets and hawker centres.

As dining-in at hawker centres will continue to be disallowed in Phase 1 of the post-circuit breaker period, NEA will continue to subsidise table-cleaning and centralised dishwashing fees for another month in June, which will benefit more than 6,000 cooked food stallholders.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

Other Singapore stories:

COVID-19: Singapore confirms 611 new cases and new single-day high of 1,337 recoveries

Fairprice outlet in Taman Jurong added to places visited by COVID-19 cases

FAQ: Your guide to Phase 1 reopening of Singapore after COVID-19 circuit breaker

Singapore, China to facilitate essential travel between them in early June
Nguyen Hoang Hiep, deputy minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, talks to the media on his ministrys plan to ensure steady water supply to the Mekong Delta in the dry season.

Nguyen Hoang Hiep.

How do you evaluate the seriousness of the drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Della in 2020?

According to our assessment, saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta in 2019-20 was the most serious in the history of the region. It came a month earlier than the past many years and the saltwater intrusion has penetrated deeply into the Mekong Delta region. For example, in Ben Tre Province, by now saltwater has penetrated into the downstream of the Ham Luong River.

In the history of the region, this is the first time the Ham Luong River has been heavily salinated. According to the history of the Ham Luong River, by April every year, there is no more saltwater intrusion in the river. Yet, until late May when the monsoon season starts, the saltwater has started to recede. Luckily, the good system of weather forecasts has helped people in the region reduce the negative impacts of the saltwater intrusion into the region.

According to a report, by now some 60,000ha of rice fields have been affected by saltwater intrusion. It is projected that the paddy yield will be reduced between 30-70 per cent. Luckily with good planning, some 96,000 households in the region still have fresh water for daily usage.

How have people in the Mekong Delta overcome the drought?

Thanks to the early warning of the severe drought, we have worked out detailed plans to make sure we have water to supply to the people, both in the short term and long term. With instructions from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and provincial departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, all localities have developed their own detailed plans on how to solve the problem of saltwater intrusion and bring fresh water to more than 300,000 hectares of rice in the Mekong Delta region.

Many localities have adopted both short term and long term plans to prevent saltwater intrusion while making dykes to store freshwater. For example, people in Kien Giang Province have built some 197 temporary dams to store freshwater for people in the province to use.

Can you tell us about some of the projects farmers in the Mekong Delta have implemented to prevent saltwater intrusion?

The MARD has invested in the construction of 11 irrigation systems in the Mekong Delta region. Five irrigation systems have been completed and put into use and the remaining six systems will be completed soon, particularly the Cai Lon-Cai Be irrigation systems which will bring fresh water to the Hau Giang region and some localities in the Kien Giang-Ca Mau regions. It is projected that when these irrigation structures are completed, they will irrigate some one million hectares of rice and orchards, plus a few aquaculture projects in the Mekong Delta.

For the Cai Lon-Cai Be projects in Tien Giang Province, the MARD will provide the funding for the first phase. It is projected that by 2025, there will be no water shortage in Tien Giang Province.

According to the plan, in the next two years, the Government will disburse some VND30 trillion while the World Bank and the ADB will also provide loans for the Government to commence the household water supply to people living in the Mekong Delta.

Not only the Mekong Delta region, but also the south-central and Central Highlands regions have been hit hard by drought. Has the MARD adopted any solutions to solve the problem?

According to our studies, drought is a big problem for the northern and southern regions as well as the Central Highlands and southwest regions. However, due to their sloping geographical conditions, the south-central and Central Highlands regions also face severe water shortage. To fight drought successfully, the south-central and the Central Highlands regions should have big water reservoirs to regulate water.

In my opinion, if we dont want to depend so much on the water supply from hydropower reservoirs, we should have more irrigation reservoirs to contain water to supply to the south-central and Central Highlands regions. VNS

What would Vietnam be without the Mekong Delta? With the country overwhelmed by fear of the novel coronavirus, another even more severe threat is slowly approaching in the south: the death of the Mekong Delta.

Mekong Delta provinces adapt to drought, saltwater intrusion Provinces in the Mekong Delta are taking prompt actions to help local residents adapt to drought and saltwater intrusion during the dry season.
Flames rise from a liquor store and shops near the Third Police Precinct in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 28, 2020. (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images)

When Everything Is Political

Commentary

The United States may never have been as united as we like to think.

During the Revolution, there were loyalists in the colonies opposing those fighting for independence, while in the 1780s, a significant part of the population opposed the new Constitution.

The party system started with the election of 1800, and those divisions were deep. The 1860s saw the nation split in a bloody division that left nearly a million of our fellow citizens dead. The 1900s saw Prohibition, the Red Scare, the cultural revolution of the 1960s, Watergate, and Vietnam.

The 2000s began with the contested election that ended with the Supreme Court case of Bush v. Gore. We went on to face terrorism at home and controversial wars abroad. Shootings and police brutality divided us. Gay marriage and an emerging transgender rights movement, global warming, Obamacare, and the results of the 2016 election all became wedges that allowed us to push ourselves apart in reaction.

Now we are amid a pandemic that has killed more than 100,000 Americans. Our reaction to it has shut down the U.S. economy and added trillions of dollars to our national debt. Americans are being damaged both by the disease and by fear. Americans are suffering depression from isolation, job loss, and the fear of what will happen next. This should be a time when we rally together. Instead, we seem to be again splitting apart.

As I write this, Minneapolis is on fire as protestors burn buildings and loot stores in reaction to the police killing of a seemingly unthreatening citizen. At the same time, seven people were being shot in Louisville, Kentucky, during a protest. They, too, were protesting a police shooting of a black Americanthis one in her own home in the middle of the night. Last weekend, protestors objecting to the COVID-19-related restrictions in Kentucky hanged the governor in effigy.

Law and order is under assaultfrom all sides. Maybe even more concerning is how political everything is becoming.

Government actions, police shootings, and law and order are all political, and thats understandable. On the other hand, advice from public health officials shouldnt be political. Requests to wear masks in privately owned stores shouldnt be political. Choices to use medicine and efforts to support our medical community shouldnt be political.

The great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis once observed that a sick society must think much about politics, as a sick man must think much about his digestion; to ignore the subject may be fatal cowardice for the one as for the other. Yes, we must think about politics, but only a truly sick society should think much about politics. Lewis went on to observe that a society that obsesses on politics beyond what is necessary for health may itself spawn a new and deadly disease.

Lewiss warning may never have been more needed than it is today. He reminds us of what all great conservative thinkers have in the pastfrom John Adams down to Russell Kirkthat we think of politics only in order that we may spend time enjoying other things. Politics isnt an end in itself, and politics shouldnt consume us. When everything becomes political, theres no haven for the human and the humane.

Why do we think of politics? We should think of politics in order to maintain safety, law and order, an economic infrastructure, and a space for private life, hobbies, worship, self-expression, and families. Politics is a means by which order is established to permit more valuable things to flourish.

For too many of us today, however, politics has become an obsession. It has become our hobby, our vocation, our means of finding identity, and of escaping blame.

When politics is everything, we lose much. We lose our ability to treat others with compassion and care. Instead of being fellow Americans, they become the other, the enemy. Family members are ostracized for disagreeing with us. Businesses are looted in the name of racial justice. The lives of our public figures, who are trying to do the jobs the people elected them to do, are threatened. Good businesses providing quality services are boycotted and driven out of business. Good teachers are driven from the classrooms and administrators are driven from jobs for violating the ever-changing edicts of political correctness.

I remember a few years ago when a young man I know sadly announced he would no longer go to his favorite coffee shop because he thought the owners werent sufficiently awakened to his vision of social justice. As I told him then, Sometimes a good cup of coffee is just a good cup of coffee!

Are we such a sick society that it demands all our energies be put into political battles? Or, are we becoming an ever more sick society because were tainting everything we do and care about with politics?

When you cant enjoy a cup of coffee for a concern over the private values of a distant shop owner; when you cant give political figures the benefit of the doubt in doing their jobs without threatening their lives; if we cant be cautious and wear a mask in a public place during a pandemic without being attacked as a slave of the state; if we cant permit a speaker on campus who disagrees with us; if we unfriend friends on social media because they disagree with us on politics, we have lost much of what makes life worth living.

Lets resolve to put politics back in its box. Politics is important only when necessary to serve more important elements of human life. Not everything can be political all the time. Sometimes a good cup of coffee is just a good cup of coffee. Sometimes a public health decision is based on the best advice science can offer at that moment and not a conspiracy to take our liberties.

Sometimes we just need to love one another and care for one another and talk about the things that really make life worth living.

Gary L. Gregg is director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville and is the host of The McConnell Center Podcast.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Y otam Ottolenghi, Asma Khan, Stanley Tucci and other acclaimed chefs and restauranteurs have taken part in a poetic appeal to support our Food For London Now campaign and Londons hospitality industry.

Sixty-four celebrity chefs, food writers and restauranteurs took turns to read lines of a poem that celebrates the quality and diversity of Londons restaurant industry.

In a video that included two of the Evening Standards renowned restaurant critics, Fay Maschler and Jimi Famurewa, figures appeared in studies, kitchens and outside closed premises to praise the response of restaurants in delivering food to customers and supporting the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

The poet behind the elegy, Lucy Golding, told the Evening Standard: The London food scene is so diverse and incredible, involving so many characters and famous dishes, I had more than enough inspiration to draw on for the rhyme.

The hospitality industry is the UKs fourth-largest employer. According to the Office of National Statistics the food service industry has the highest proportion of furloughed workers in the UK, with an estimated 2.4 million hospitality jobs at risk due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Rhyme for Londons Restaurants is an appeal to support Hospitality Actions Covid-19 emergency relief grant, which offers financial assistance to people from the hospitality sector who have lost their jobs.

Asma Khan, the head chef and founder of Darjeeling Express who has been featured in the Netflix series Chefs Table, told the Evening Standard of the need to support restaurant staff: It was disappointing to see that some restauranteurs and pub owners abandoned their staff.

The day your lowly paid Kitchen Porter does not come to work is the day your kitchen is thrown into disarray. We all need to reflect on what and who we value in our restaurant.

The initiative is also supporting the Evening Standards Food For London Now appeal, which is campaigning in partnership with The Felix Project to ensure that vulnerable Londoners are able to access food during the coronavirus crisis.

It joins another restaurant initiative supporting our campaign, spearheaded by the Hilton Hotels group, which has opened its conference kitchens across London to store surplus food and prepare meals through social enterprise organisation Open Kitchens.

According to a source at Hilton, the Hilton London Metropole on Edgware Road alone cooked 1000 meals last week for The Felix Project

A Rhyme for Londons Restaurants is produced by Gerber Communications, a public relations company specialising in the restaurant industry.

Golding, who is an account manager at the company, added: [The poem] evolved into something I was really proud of and wanted to get out there as a way to celebrate and support an industry which is not only my career, but a world I am hugely passionate about and which is going through the roughest period it has ever faced.
The Bombay High Court has asked the state to file a detailed report by June 2 over a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) concerning the state of migrant labourers. The PIL sought relief for migrant workers who are opting to take Shramik special trains or buses to return to their native places amid the Covid-19 lockdown.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice KK Tated has asked the state to elaborate on the procedure that a migrant worker is required to follow to be eligible to leave Maharashtra. The bench has also asked the state to specify the waiting period of the migrant labourers to board a train or bus, the nature of shelter being made available to them and the details of provisions made available for their sustenance.

The CITU, which was represented by senior counsel Gayatri Singh along with advocates Kranti LC and Ronita Bhattacharya Bector, informed the court that migrant workers who had applied to leave the state are left in the dark about the status of their applications and are being forced to live in unhygienic shelters without food and other basic essentials till they can board the trains or buses.

Also read: Experts warn 2020 could be the hottest year since records began

In response, additional solicitor general Anil Singh - on behalf of the central government - informed the bench that the plight of the migrant workers had been taken care of by a detailed order of the Supreme Court passed on May 28 and that the measures are to be implemented by all states and reports to be filed by them.

After perusing the apex court order, the Bombay High Court bench noted that the directions were issued to all states for simplifying and expediting registration process for migrant workers and to provide them with a helpdesk at the places where they are stranded.

As the SC is to hear the petition on June 5, the bench observed, At this stage, neither are we empowered nor do we wish to make any order contrary to the spirit of the order of the Supreme Court. However, having regard to the peculiar local conditions, we consider it fit and proper to call upon the State to file a report.

The bench further stated that it had come across photographs in newspapers showing congregation of migrant workers on railway platforms and on the adjoining streets.

Such congregation, if allowed, would run counter to the object, for which the lockdown has been imposed, said the bench. After asking the state to file a detailed report, the bench posted the matter for hearing on June 2.
More officials are speaking out against Trump's decision to sever the US's relationship with the World Health Organization.



Former presidential candidate and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has tweeted that the decision "alienates our allies, undermines our global leadership, and threatens the health of the American people".



Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in the US, said it was a "very bad, consequential" decision, comparing it to eliminating the weather service during a hurricane.



Globally, Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn tweeted his criticism this morning, calling it a "disappointing" setback.



The UK hasn't gone as far as Spahn, but a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed they had "no plans to withdraw our funding" - see our post below.



Other G7 nations, including France, have so far been silent.



The WHO itself also has yet to respond to the announcement.

Source: BBC









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
The Volta Regional Capital, Ho is gradually becoming a flood-prone area as about 11 places have been identified to be dangerous flood-prone spots in the hitherto flood-free municipality.



The discoveries were made last Friday, May 29, 2020, after four persons escaped death when floodwater washed them and the vehicle in which they were commuting into a storm drain at one of the identified flood-prone spots.



The four, a driver and three passengers, were driving in a Toyota Corolla Hiring saloon vehicle with registration number GM 4688-14.



On reaching Ho from Hohoe, on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at about 3:30 pm the heavy rains which had begun about an hour earlier was still pouring.



On reaching the bridge near Amegashie House, about 500 matters from the main lorry station, the vehicle and its occupants were washed into the storm drain.



Eyewitnesses say the driver had ignored the danger posed by the running water and attempted to drive through it.



The vehicle landed on its side in the storm drain.



Residents rushed to evacuate the victims all of whom did not have any severe injuries. The team from the Ambulance Service and the Ghana Fire Service responded swiftly and conveyed the accident victims to the Ho Teaching Hospital while the vehicle was removed from the drain.



A resident of the area, Esinam Azialey said the section always floods whenever it rains, adding that it becomes more dangerous when it is a heavy rain.



Consequently, several people have become victims of the section, to the extent of some losing their lives.



The residents have since appealed to the Municipal Assembly to as a matter of urgency reconstruct that section of the road since, The road here is not wide enough.



The culvert gets flooded anytime it rains because it is choked with debris.



The Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Prosper Bansa who visited the scene promised that swift action will be taken to ameliorate the situation.



11 Flood Prone Spots In Ho



In a related development the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa and his Deputy, Rev. Johnson Avuletey have toured some of the flood-prone areas in the municipality following the floods caused by heavy rains.



The team which included officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the various road sector departments in the region, visited 11 spots including the Amegashie House Bridge where four persons escapade death last Thursday, May 28, 2020.



The other places visited include, the Barracks road, C.K road, BNI-Powerhouse road, YMCA Bridge on the Civic Centre road and Rabazey area.



The others include, Tsikpota, the Asogli (Togbe Afede) Palace Square drainage and bridge, Redeem-Down area, Trafalgar Down on the Ho-Aflao Highway and Bulawayo Bridge near the Ho Technical University junction.



The Minister observed that the havoc wreaked on bridges and roads in the regional capital by last Thursdays heavy rains required urgent attention as it was evident that most of the drainage systems were too small to accommodate large volumes of rushing water.



He noted that these drainage systems needed to be re-engineered and expanded to prevent any disaster in the future.



Secondly choked drains must be immediately deleted and in some cases to allow free flow of water.



Dr Letsa further directed that the necessary processes required to reconstruct and realign some selected bridges must be initiated immediately in order to prevent the drains from collapsing or overflowing their banks in the future.

Source: Daily Mail









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
A global pandemic has now killed more than 100,000 Americans and left 40 million unemployed in its wake. Protests - some of them violent - have once again erupted in spots across the country over police killings of black Americans.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, is waging a war against Twitter, attacking his political rivals, criticizing a voting practice he himself uses and suggesting that looters could be shot.

READ ALSO: White House placed on lockdown during protesting

America's persistent political dysfunction and racial inequality were laid bare this week, as the coronavirus death toll hit a tragic new milestone and as the country was served yet another reminder of how black people are killed by law enforcement in disproportionately high numbers. Together, the events present a grim tableau of a nation in crisis - one seared by violence against its citizens, plagued by a deadly disease that remains uncontained and rattled by a devastating blow to its economy.

"The threads of our civic life could start unraveling, because everybody's living in a tinderbox," said historian and Rice University professor Douglas Brinkley.

Barbara Ransby, a historian at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a longtime political activist, said the toll of the coronavirus outbreak made long-standing racial inequities newly stark. Then, images of police violence made those same disparities visceral.

"People are seething about all kinds of things," said Ransby, the author of "Making All Black Lives Matter: Reimagining Freedom in the Twenty-First Century." "There are major turning points and ruptures in history. . . . This is one of these moments, but we've not seen how it will fully play out."

In the days after a 46-year-old black man died in the custody of Minneapolis police in an incident caught on video, demonstrators took to the streets. In that city, a police precinct was breached and set ablaze, along with other businesses. In Colorado, shots were fired near the statehouse. At a protest in Louisville, seven people were shot.

Authorities announced charges against the officer in the Minneapolis case Friday - which observers saw as a development that might quell some of the unrest.

Some said the tumult, set in the broader context of the twin health and economic emergencies, could mark a rupture as dramatic as signature turning points in the country's history, from the economic dislocation of the Great Depression to the social convulsions of 1968. Others were skeptical that a fundamental change was at hand.

Eric Foner, a historian at Columbia University, said the past is filled with events whose outcomes have not been as sweeping as they seemed to portend. He pointed to examples as disparate as the European revolutions of 1848 - famously said to be the "turning point at which modern history failed to turn" - and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which exposed lethal failures but did not cause political transformation.

OUTRAGE OVER FLOYD'S DEATH: Tear gas deployed in wake of downtown Houston rally over George Floyd's death

"There seems to be a very powerful inertia pushing us back to normal," Foner said. "I'm skeptical of those who think this coronavirus is going to change everything."

It was onlyin February that the Senate voted to acquit Trump after he became the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. The next month, much of American business and social activity shut down in an attempt to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The country has just now begun to reopen, with culture wars raging over how and when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Then, this week, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the neck of a handcuffed black man, pinning him to the ground. George Floyd died. His cries of "I can't breathe" quickly rocketed around the world.

The protests that erupted in Minnesota spread to places like Columbus, Phoenix, Denver and Louisville, which recently experienced a controversial police killing when officers serving a warrant shot and killed a 26-year-old EMT inside her home. More demonstrations broke out Friday evening across the country, including in the District.

Floyd's death followed the slaying of a black man, Ahmaud Arbery, who was jogging in Georgia, and a viral dust-up in New York's Central Park when a white woman called the police on a black man there to bird-watch. Both incidents also were captured on video.

"I was amazed watching people who were out," said Raoul Cunningham, head of the NAACP branch in Louisville. "To me, it made clear that we're at a period of time like we've never faced before."

A president's impeachment, demonstrations over police killings and even global pandemics all have precedents. But their confluence in such a short span of time - under this president, who consistently pushes the boundaries of historic norms associated with his office - has exacerbated the nation's sense of unease.

"It's natural to wish for life to 'just get back to normal' as a pandemic and economic crisis upend everything around us," former president Barack Obama said in a statement. "But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly 'normal' - whether it's while dealing with the health care system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park."

Trump responded to the latest crisis Friday as he often does: by lashing out. In a tweet that Twitter labeled as violating its rules meant to stem the glorification of violence, the president attacked Minneapolis's mayor, a Democrat; labeled the protesters "THUGS"; and vowed to send in the National Guard.

"Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts," he wrote, appearing to echo a warning issued more than 50 years ago by Miami's police chief amid unrest that gripped blacked neighborhoods there.

Trump later sought to clarify that he did not "want" looters to be shot. "It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement," he said.

Former vice president Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, took a veiled shot at the president, saying in a video address that this was "no time to encourage violence." He said he had spoken with Floyd's family and called on Americans to confront the nation's history of racial injustice.

"The original sin of this country still stains our nation today," Biden said. "And sometimes we manage to overlook it. We just push forward with a thousand other tasks in our daily life. But it's always there. And weeks like this, we see it plainly that we're a country with an open wound."

In Minnesota, some local officials acknowledged that the demonstrations - at least before the charges were announced - seemed to be spiraling beyond their control. Police at one point took a CNN correspondent and crew into custody on live TV, though they were later released. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, said in an emotional news conference that the unrest was a result of "generations of pain, of anguish" over racism in policing.

Hodan Hassan, a state lawmaker who represents part of the district engulfed in flames this week, said the devastation visited on businesses there will only deepen the economic pain familiar to south Minneapolis - and now spreading across the country in the pandemic's wake. "This community was struggling because of years of disinvestment," she said. "And then the pandemic came. And to add fuel to the fire, now this is happening. It feels like we can't catch a break."

Ben Crump, a lawyer for Floyd's family, said in a statement that Chauvin's arrest was "welcome," but that the family expected more serious charges and also wanted other officers at the scene to be taken into custody.

"The pain that the black community feels over this murder and what it reflects about the treatment of black people in America is raw and is spilling out onto streets across America," Crump said.

Brinkley, the Rice University historian, said the moment seemed akin to Richard Nixon's presidency, when the country was divided politically over the Vietnam War and the president was attacking the press over the Pentagon Papers.

Trump, he said, seems to see the unrest as a potentially helpful "political issue," if he can position himself as a law-and-order candidate cracking down on anarchy and possibly distract from the pandemic. A Washington Post national average of polls in May shows Trump trailing Biden by seven points, 42 percent to 49 percent.

"Is this going to be the summer of covid-19? Or is this going to be the summer of urban unrest?" Brinkley said. "And Trump does not want it to be the summer of covid-19."

Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said Trump seemed to be exacerbating the crisis.

"It seems like many of the institutions that we have relied on to check government power have been weakened considerably over the last few years," he said. "Norms that we took for granted have been eroded. And at a time when what is most needed is thoughtful, calm, deliberate leadership, we have the opposite."

- - -

The Washington Post's Kim Bellware, Scott Clement, Meagan Flynn, Colby Itkowitz and Michael S. Rosenwald contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-29 23:30:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

"Only in a stable society can businesses be facilitated." Hong Kong business owners in the Greater Bay Area welcomed the national security legislation, saying it will help safeguard long-term prosperity in Hong Kong.
Seven years after the launch of the Black Lives Matter movement, it's still rare for police officers to be charged in the deaths of African Americans  and even more rare for an officer to go to jail.

The big picture: The Minneapolis police officer who was captured on video kneeling on George Floyd's neck has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter  which is already a step beyond the consequences other police officers have faced. But it's no guarantee that he will face jail time.

The backstory: The Black Lives Matter movement took off in 2013 when George Zimmerman, a civilian, was acquitted of shooting Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager. The case kickstarted the international movement to address the controversial deaths of black people, particularly at the hands of police.

But since then, the cases have usually ended with either no charges or no jail time for police officers.

One exception is Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer who was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally shooting 26-year-old Botham Jean, an unarmed black man, in his Dallas apartment.

Yet Peter Liang, a former New York police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in the 2014 shooting death of Akai Gurley, an unarmed black man, got off with five years of probation and community service.

Here's how other prominent cases ended:

Michael Brown

Age: 18

Location: Ferguson, Mo.

Date of death: Aug. 9, 2014

Police officer Darren Wilson encountered Brown and another suspect following reports of Brown taking a pack of cigarillos from a convenience store and shoving an employee.

That interaction was debated, with one side claiming Brown attacked Wilson in his car, attempting to take his gun, and the other alleging Brown actively surrendered before Wilson shot him.

Wilson was not indicted, but did resign from the Ferguson Police Department.

Students at American University in Washington protesting a judge's decision not to indict Darren Wilson. Photo: Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Eric Garner

Age: 43

Location: Staten Island, N.Y.

Date of death: July 17, 2014

Garner allegedly sold individual cigarettes outside a convenience store when police confronted him. Officer Daniel Pantaleo reportedly restrained Garner in a chokehold, an act that is prohibited by the New York Police Department.

Garner reportedly said "I can't breathe" 11 times during the encounter.

Pantaleo was fired, but a grand jury declined to indict him and the Justice Department declined to bring charges against him.

The city settled with Garner's family for $5.9 million.

Tamir Rice

Age: 12

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Date of death: Nov. 23, 2014

Two officers, Frank Garmbark and Timothy Loehmann, answered a call reporting a person pulling a gun in a park. The caller said the gun was "probably fake" and the holder "probably a juvenile." The dispatcher failed to relay either detail to the officers, per the New York Times.

Video shows less than two seconds after the car reached Rice, Loehmann shot him, per NBC.

The officers were not indicted. Loehmann was later fired for discrepancies on his job application. Garmback was suspended for 10 days  shortened to five  for violating tactical rules in driving to the scene. The dispatcher was suspended for eight days, per Cleveland.com.

The Rice family received a $6 million settlement.

Protestors in Cleveland after a jury decided not to indict Loehmann. Photo: Angelo Merendino/Getty Images

Freddie Gray

Age: 25

Location: Baltimore, Md.

Date of death: April 19, 2015

Gray was reportedly fleeing from officers when police caught him, found a knife in his pocket and arrested him. Officers placed him in a van without proper restraints, per the Baltimore Sun. Gray suffered a spinal-cord injury during the commute and later died.

Six officers were charged in Gray's death. Three were acquitted, while the charges against the other three were dropped.

A $6.4 million settlement was issued for claims related to Gray's death.

Philando Castile

Age: 32

Location: Falcon Heights, Minn.

Date of death: July 6, 2016

Castile, with his girlfriend in the car, was pulled over for a traffic stop by St. Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez, CNN reports. Castile told Yanez he was legally carrying a gun. Castile then reached for something, resulting in Yanez, thinking the object was his gun, shooting Castile.

Castile's girlfriend, who broadcast the event on Facebook Live, said he was reaching for his license.

Yanez was acquitted of second-degree manslaughter. The city issued a $3 million settlement to Castile's mother.

Stephon Clark

Age: 22

Location: Sacramento, Calif.

Date of death: March 18, 2018

Clark was killed by two Sacramento police officers in his grandmother's backyard after they responded to a 911 call about a man breaking car windows. The shooting was captured on the officers' body cameras.

The officers  Jared Robinet and Terrence Mercadal  fired 20 shots at Clark, hitting him at least seven times, because they believed he had a gun, per NPR. The only thing Clark had was a cellphone.

The district attorney declined to file criminal charges.

Clark's family reached a $2.4 million settlement with the city of Sacramento.

Go deeper: Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin's mother, says she's running for office
(CNN)  The mayor of Minneapolis imposed a curfew Friday after the county prosecutor charged the fired Minneapolis police officer seen in a video with his knee on George Floyd's neck with third-degree murder.

Derek Chauvin also faces a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

Floyd's family and their attorney, Benjamin Crump, are upset Chauvin wasn't charged with a more serious offense.

"We expected a first-degree murder charge. We want a first-degree murder charge. And we want to see the other officers arrested," Crump and the family said in a statement. "We call on authorities to revise the charges to reflect the true culpability of this officer."

Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds in total, and 2 minutes, 53 seconds after Floyd was unresponsive, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday.

The death of Floyd has led to protests in cities across the nation and questions about the justice system when Americans of color are killed by police. There have been multiple protests with looting, fires and property damage in the Twin Cities, and the Minnesota governor, while acknowledging "visceral pain," has called for order.

The curfew is set to begin at 8 p.m. CT on Friday and last until Saturday at 6 a.m. The curfew will be in effect for Saturday evening as well, according to an emergency resolution signed by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

The neighboring city of St. Paul imposed a similar curfew for Friday beginning at 8 p.m. CT, according to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.

Chauvin and three other officers detained Floyd in handcuffs Monday after he allegedly used a counterfeit bill at a convenience store, police have said. Outrage grew in the form of protests after a video surfaced showing a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck. The 46-year-old, who was unarmed, cried out that he couldn't breathe.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said charges against the other three officers are likely.

"We entrust our police officers to use certain amounts of force to do their job to protect us. They commit a criminal act if they use this force unreasonably," he said.

The criminal complaint says, "Derek Michael Chauvin caused the death of George Floyd by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind without regard for human life."

If convicted of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, Chauvin would face up to 25 years in prison on the first charge and up to 10 years on the second.

The evidence in the case includes a cell phone video of the incident, body worn cameras, witness statements, a preliminary report from medical examiner, and discussions with an expert, Freeman said.

The preliminary autopsy report found "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation," according to the criminal complaint released by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

The report added: "The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death."

Read the criminal complaint

Chauvin was arrested and taken into custody Friday by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington.

CNN has reached out to Chauvin's attorney and the Minneapolis police union for comment.

Governor pleads for order

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pleaded for order in his own news conference Friday as fires continued to burn in the Twin Cities, spewing what Walz said was "symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish."

"What the world has witnessed since the killing of George Floyd on Monday has been a visceral pain, a community trying to understand who we are and where we go from here," the governor said at a news conference.

Acknowledging protesters' pain, Walz said disorder in the streets distracts officials and the community from addressing the issues at hand.

"As we put a presence on the street to restore order, it is to open that space, to seek justice and heal what happened," he said. "I will not in any way not acknowledge that there is going to be that pain, but my first and foremost responsibility to the state of Minnesota is the safety and security of all citizens. We cannot have the looting and recklessness that went on."

Among the buildings set ablaze overnight was the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct, where protesters chanted Floyd's name and "I can't breathe." Some tossed fireworks toward the precinct, which is the one closest to where the incident was captured on video.

State police, donning protective gear and carrying batons, lined up Friday morning near the site littered with debris and sprayed mace at protesters who got too close. Some responded by throwing projectiles at the officers as others fled.

"There are no words in the English language that will convey the despair that I felt watching that man's life leave his body and him scream out for his mother," Alicia Smith, a community organizer, said Thursday afternoon of watching the video this week. "I heard my son saying, 'Mama, save me.'"

"My kids are little boys, and my son asked me, 'Am I going to live to be a grown-up?'" she told CNN. "I've got to ruin his innocence and tell him how to exist as a young black boy in this country."

Meantime, a CNN crew has been released from police custody in Minneapolis after they were arrested Friday during a live broadcast at the site after clearly identifying themselves to officers. CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez was placed in handcuffs while the cameras rolled, shortly followed by producer Bill Kirkos and photojournalist Leonel Mendez.

The state patrol said the crew was "released once they were confirmed to be members of the media." CNN disputed that characterization, saying, "Our CNN crew identified themselves, on live television, immediately as journalists."

"We're doing OK, now," Jimenez said, reporting again from downtown. "There were a few uneasy moments there."

Outrage grows to other cities

The Minneapolis Police Department said it evacuated staff from the Third Precinct for safety reasons. Authorities had set up a fence around it, but protesters pushed it over, officials said.

City officials warned protesters Thursday night to leave the precinct area, saying it may be in danger of exploding due to "unconfirmed reports" of severed gas lines.

More than 500 Minnesota National Guard personnel mobilized to several locations in the Minneapolis area, including banks, grocery stories and pharmacies.

Another community organizer, Shanene Herbert, told CNN Thursday before the night's events that young people had "every right to be angry."

"They have experienced trauma," she said. "Seeing your friends, your families and even yourself harassed by the police and killed by the police, it's traumatic. And they don't know what to do with that."

The Minneapolis mayor criticized the violent incidents.

"What we've seen over the past several hours and the past couple of nights in terms of looting is unacceptable," Mayor Jacob Frey told reporters. "Our communities cannot and will not tolerate it."

But protesters in Minneapolis were not alone. In New York, Denver, Phoenix, Memphis and Columbus, Ohio, demonstrators demanded justice for Floyd, gathering in large crowds even as experts warned people to avoid big gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Right next door, in St. Paul, Minnesota, more than 170 businesses were damaged or looted, the city's police department said early Friday. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said the anger was understandable, calling video of Floyd's death "nauseating."

He acknowledged concerns about the rioting and looting, but said there was a deeper, root problem that needed to be addressed.

"In order to get to the bottom of this, we have to understand where the rage is coming from in the first place," he said. "As we all know, we've seen video after video ... we've seen that the people responsible go free. And it seems no one gets held accountable."

Seven people were shot overnight Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, during protests over a separate case, the death of EMT Breonna Taylor during a March police encounter. Meantime, the Ohio statehouse was broken into and damaged during protests Thursday evening in Columbus, the state Department of Public Security confirmed to CNN Friday.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock pleaded with people to demonstrate peacefully, writing on Twitter, "March for justice and to see it served, but please march in peace."

About 70 people were arrested Thursday in New York, said New York Police Department Detective Adam Navarro, as crowds gathered near Union Square to protest Floyd's death. Charges range from obstruction of governmental administration to criminal possession of a weapon after a woman pulled a switchblade at Union Square, a law enforcement official said.

This story was first published on CNN.com Minneapolis under curfew after ex-officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck charged with third-degree murder
Transcripts of phone calls that were pivotal to the U.S. investigation of Russia's 2016 election interference have been declassified and released by Republican senators.

One transcript shows that Michael Flynn, as an adviser to then-President-elect Donald Trump, urged Russia's ambassador to be "even-keeled" in response to punitive measures imposed by President Barack Obama's administration.

That transcript is dated December 29, 2016 -- the day the Obama administration announced it was expelling 35 alleged Russian intelligence operatives from the United States.

The transcript shows that Flynn told the Russian ambassador thst "we can have a better conversation" about U.S.-Russian relations after Trump became president.

Democrats say the transcripts show Flynn lied to the FBI when he denied details of the conversation, and that he was undercutting a sitting president while communicating about sanctions with a country that had just interfered in the 2016 election.

But allies of President Trump maintain the FBI had no reason to investigate Flynn in the first place. They insist the transcripts show he didn't do anything wrong.

The transcripts were released on May 29 after being provided to the Senate by Trump's new national intelligence director, John Ratcliffe.

They are unlikely to significantly reshape public understanding of the contact between Flynn and then-Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak.

Partisan divisions over the case have intensified during the past month with the U.S. Justice Department's motion to dismiss the prosecution.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
The chairman of the state Republican Party threw a bit of a fit on Friday about our editorial on the misleading question on the GOP primary ballot, firing off a blast-email complaining that a Post and Courier Editorial Encourages Democrats to Vote in the Republican Primary. (Funny; he didnt get upset when we encouraged Republicans to vote in the Democratic presidential primary in February.)

It might seem silly to even take the time to write about political parties ballot questions, which have no force of law and cant even be called advisory since no government designs them.

Editorial: SC GOP ballot question aims to lock you out of primaries. Don't fall for it. The good news is that the S.C. Democratic Party is taking 2020 off from defiling our primary ballots with nonbinding referendum questions desi

But if you think theyre harmless, I invite you on a brief tour of South Carolinas recent political history. (Yes, again.)

Todays trip takes us back 26 years, to the moment the S.C. General Assembly came within a single vote of resolving the Confederate flag debate  years before the evil man-child massacred the faithful at Charlestons Emanuel AME Church, before the NAACP launched its years-long economic boycott of South Carolina, even before that first King Day at the Dome to demand the removal of the flag from the Statehouse dome.

It was the spring of 1994, and after months of emotional public testimony and agonizing private negotiations, a special Senate panel produced a breakthrough, middle-way compromise: The Heritage Act would remove the battle flag from the dome and inside the Statehouse, place two smaller Confederate flags at monuments on the Statehouse grounds, build an African American history monument and give legal protection to other Confederate monuments around the state.

The hours were ticking down in that years legislative session when supporters presented the plan, the Senate voted without opposition to attach it to a House-passed bill and sent it back to the lower chamber  where a single House member raised a parliamentary point that made it impossible for representatives to vote before the Legislatures mandatory adjournment.

That procedural delay was emotionally devastating, but legislative leaders in both bodies and both parties counseled patience. Well pass it in January, they said.

Less than two weeks later, an obscure panel of politicians  the executive committee of the state Republican Party  upended everything by adding three nonbinding questions to that years GOP primary ballots: Should term limits for elected officials be enacted? Should property taxes for homeowners and businesses be eliminated? Should the Confederate flag be taken down from atop the Statehouse?

Although there was no clear legal authority for the parties to add questions to the ballot, there was no prohibition either, so state election officials complied.

GOP officials  under the leadership of party Chairman Henry McMaster  made no secret of their desire to boost turnout for the primary, which had been moved to August because legislative district drawing got hung up in federal court, and in so doing get voters invested in the Republican candidates who would be back on the ballot in November.

But there was clearly a second goal, or perhaps a primary goal: Polling had found strong public support for a middle-way approach along the lines of what the Senate had passed, and the party was controlled by a fiercely pro-flag faction. By deliberately omitting that option, the party forced its voters to pick one of the extreme positions.

Riled-up flag supporters swamped the polls, voting 3-to-1 to leave the flag on the dome.

When Republicans took control of the House that fall for the first time since Reconstruction, party officials frightened them into believing they had received a mandate from voters against moving the flag. Gov. David Beasley tried two years later to revive the compromise, but a self-styled Southern heritage group sent letters to everyone who voted in the 1994 Republican primary, urging them to call their lawmakers at home, sign petitions in support of the flag and pledge money to the cause. The money those voters donated would help turn Mr. Beasley into a one-term governor.

+2 Scoppe: Why Clemson wont be renaming Tillman Hall anytime soon. It's not what you probably think Sports columnist Gene Sapakoff had a good idea the other day that had a lot more to do with politics than sports: Rename Clemsons Tillman Hall.

The Legislature eventually voted, under Mr. Beasleys Democratic successor, Jim Hodges, to adopt something along the lines of the Heritage Act, but that was after several more years of bitter dispute, and without the broad-based consensus that had surrounded that 1994 effort.

Meantime, the Republicans would continue littering their primary ballots with questions designed to attract culture warriors from the right to their primaries and box in legislators. And the Democrats would soon join in with their own copy-cat campaign of questions pushing leftist themes.

Fortunately, none of those later questions packed the political power of the first one. But they remain a poisonous force in our politics and a defilement of our ballots.

Question No. 1 on the June 9 Republican ballot (the Democrats have no questions this year) asks if voters should have the right to register by party. The real goal, as we explained in an editorial on Friday, is to lock everyone out of the primaries who isnt willing to pledge an oath of allegiance to a political party. Im voting in the GOP primary for the purpose of saying no. I hope yall will join me.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, domestic violence is rampant in Mexico. According to a report from a national network of women's shelter, calls to see help increased by 60 percent last month. However, even prior to this global health crisis, reports have it that women in Mexico were already "feeling siege."

Considered as one of the most violent countries of the world, here, women are kidnapped, raped, and murdered and they happen frequently. More so, the frequency of such crimes is now an undeniably growing problem. In her article, Spanish professor Alejandra Marquez Guajardo said when she started teaching gender violence in Latin American Studies in 2018, "Mexico saw seven femicides."

"Femicides," she explained, is "the legal term for the murder of a woman - a day." The professor continued saying that this year, 10 Mexican women on the average are being killed every day.

Two Murders in One Week

Early this year, before the pandemic came, two separate gruesome murders in Mexico City happened days apart and these landed the national headlines. One incident was the murder of 25-year-old Ingrid Escamilla in mid-February. She was murdered, reports described, "skinned and partly disemboweled."

Escamilla's mutilated body turned out to be a public display after the authorities who responded at the crime scene leaked the photos which were reproduced by the media. A few days later, a seven-year-old girl was kidnapped while she was waiting for her mother who was supposed to pick her up from school. She, Fatima Aldrighette was later on found inside a plastic bag, naked.

According to the police who are investigating the case, they saw "signs of torture and sexual abuse." While the apprehension of the two suspects for the seven-year-old girl's case was led by a surveillance video, the murder of Escamilla remains unsolved. Cases remaining unsolved have been common results of investigations for murders in Mexico.

After the two horrifying murders in just a week, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador reportedly accused violence against women on his right-wing predecessors' neoliberal policies and dismissed the growing feminist movement of Mexico, a plan, allegedly "orchestrated by his right-wing opposition."

The seemingly unconcerned response of the Mexican government to femicides ignited a powerful criticism from feminists. Then last month, the Lopez Obrador administration revealed a comprehensive plan for the protection of Mexican women.

The plan, according to reports, indicated the government's commitment to reopen domestic violence homes and daycare facilities which were funded by the government but were closed because of budget cuts in 2019. Also part of the commitment to the unveiled plan is the launch of a smartphone app that people can use so they can report street harassment.





A Call for the Protection of Women

Despite the said plan of the government, during the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, an estimate from the official data of up to 120,000 women gathered and marched in Mexico City and the whole country. They rallied to demand the government's implementation of policies for the protection of women. They also demanded femicide investigations be taken seriously and bring the victims and families the justice they deserve.

The feminist rallies continued the following day, with a women's strike dubbed as, "A Day Without Us." In spite of some criticisms of the particular strike as what the critics described as an "elite initiative" that "only those who can afford to stay home from work" can access. Within a couple of weeks of back-to-back feminist rallies, Mexico was then, to start closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The attention of the nation would then understandably be diverted away from women's murders and toward public health from which, as of this writing, over 8,000 people in the country have already died of the virus.

However, Guajardo said, "Femicides are a major public health concern" for the country, too, and this one, she continued, will even stay longer the pandemic almost the entire world has now. Based on government data, more than 360 women were murdered between the middle of March and mid-April. This was the first month of the implementation of the social distancing measures. Last spring, according to reports, about 300 femicides took place each month.





Check these out!

Not Just COVID-19, Abandonment in Mexican Hospitals Reportedly Becomes a Killer, too

Migrants Sent Back to Mexico via the Nogales Ports under a New Mandate, Officials Say

Maquiladora Workers Reveal Fatal Spread of COVID-19 Infection in Matamoros Mexico
The United States said it is considering deploying a Security Force Assistance Brigade in Tunisia for training, as part of its assistance program with the North Africa country, amid concern over Russian activity in Libya.

Libya's civil war has drawn in regional and global powers, prompting what the United Nations has called a huge influx of weapons and fighters into the region, in violation of an arms embargo.

"As Russia continues to fan the flames of the Libyan conflict, regional security in North Africa is a heightened concern," the U.S. Africa Command said in a statement on Friday.

"Were looking at new ways to address mutual security concerns with Tunisia, including the use of our Security Force Assistance Brigade."

It later said the Brigade refers to a small training unit as part of military assistance and no way implies combat military forces.

Russian military personnel have delivered 14 MiG 29 and Su-24 fighter jets to the Libyan National Army's (LNA) Jufra air base, the U.S. military said on Wednesday, despite denials by the LNA and a Russian member of parliament.

In a statement, Tunisia's defense ministry said the U.S. was a main partner in the effort to build its army's operational capability.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


New Delhi: Amid tensions at the Ladakh border with China, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved soon. Negotiations continue between the two countries at the military and diplomatic level. Talking to a private news channel, Rajnath said that the country today has competent leadership. The head of the country will not let it bow. The people of the country also have full faith in it. He also hoped to resolve the negotiation of the Lipulekh dispute with Nepal.

Rajnath Singh further said, 'I want to assure the country that India's self-respect will not be hurt under any circumstances.' He said that India does not want to show eyes to anyone. On the question related to China's objections to the construction of border infrastructure, Rajnath Singh said that it is our right. They have said, 'Whatever we are doing, we are doing in our frontier. It is our right to prepare the infrastructure.

He said, 'India has a clear policy to maintain good relations with neighboring countries. Our efforts have been going on since long. Such situations sometimes arise with China. Such situations have also arisen in the month of May. But the effort to solve it continues. On behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping, it was also clearly stated that they want to resolve the matter through diplomatic negotiations. Talks are on with China at military and diplomatic levels.

Also Read:

114 policemen infected in last 24 hours in Maharashtra

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar ordered to keep the newly arrived workers in quarantine

Harayana Government helping people to get their money back from frauds

Salman Khan again wins hearts by donating hand sanitizers to the Mumbai Police
WASHINGTON  The protests over George Floyd's death hit the nation's capital Friday night as angry protesters arrived at Pennsylvania Avenue, leading to a lockdown at the White House, spokesman Judd Deere confirmed to USA TODAY.

Floyd, a black man, died in Minneapolis police custody this week after a white officer pinned him to the ground under his knee. His death has sparked demonstrations against police brutality and racial discrimination in cities across the United States.

On Friday, President Trump spoke with Floyd's family, saying he understood their pain. That call came several hours after his tweet about about rioters in Minneapolis sparked outrage, and drew a warning label from Twitter.

Fired officer Derek Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with murder in Floyd's death. The Hennepin County Attorney's complaint said Chauvin had his knee on Floyds neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, including for 2 minutes and 53 seconds after Floyd was non-responsive.

Protesters hold signs as they gather outside the White House in Washington, DC, on May 29, 2020 in a demonstration over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white policeman kneeled on his neck for several minutes. -

Outside the White House on Friday, Secret Service could be seen after 7 p.m. taking at least one person into custody. Videos showed a large group of protesters gathering, with some burning flags and knocking over barricades. The protesters have moved from the White House to another part of the city.

Multiple reporters posted that they were inside the White House and that the Secret Service was not letting them leave the grounds during the lockdown.

The Secret Service frequently locks down the White House for perceived security threats, such as packages or bags left nearby. But the building is rarely locked down for protests. And while protests are a daily occurrence outside the White House, they are often small  drawing a few dozen people, at most.

While the largest protests have enveloped Minneapolis, prompting the deployment of 500 National Guardsmen, people have taken to the streets from New York to Chicago to the California coast. Seven people were shot during a protest in Louisville on Thursday night, dozens were arrested in New York City, officers fired rubber bullets into a crowd of protesters in Phoenix and a driver appeared to intentionally run over a protester in Denver.

Story continues

The Secret Service said that their "personnel are currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park. In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful."

Contributing: John Fritze and Courtney Subramanian

'Inherently dangerous': What's in the criminal complaint in the George Floyd case

Uniformed U.S. Secret Service police detain a protester in Lafayette Park across from the White House as demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Friday, May 29, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ORG XMIT: DCEV337

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd: White House locked down as protests hit nation's capital
(CNN) - President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States will terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization, a move he has threatened throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

"Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving, urgent global public health needs," Trump said.

The President said that the "world needs answers from China on the virus. We must have transparency."

Earlier in his remarks, he said that China had not properly reported information it had about the coronavirus to the World Health Organization and said China had pressured the WHO to "mislead the world."

"Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the World Health Organization and pressured the World Health Organization to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered by Chinese authorities," Trump said. "Countless lives have been taken and profound economic hardship has been inflicted all around the globe."

The President had previously announced a temporary halt of funding to the WHO and sent a letter to the agency earlier in May saying that the US would permanently pull funding if the WHO did not "commit to major substantive improvements in the next 30 days."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Trump announces end of US relationship with World Health Organization"
LOS ANGELESWomen who watch porn more frequently not only suffer no harm to their capacity to function sexually, they actually enjoy better sexual outcomes than women who watch less, or no porn. Thats the finding of a new study by psychologists at Indianas Valparaiso University, and at Etovos Lorand University in Hungary, published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Titled Effects of Pornography Use and Demographic Parameters on Sexual Response during Masturbation and Partnered Sex in Women, the study of 2,433 women ages 18 and over found that higher rates of porn viewing in women are linked to greater ease and frequency of orgasm while masturbating  as well as less difficulty with arousal and orgasm in sex with partners.

Porn use, however, did not predict whether women were satisfied with their relationships, or with the sex in those relationships, according to the study.

More frequent pornography use was not associated with lower sexual responsivity, lead researcher Sean McNabney told the site PsyPost. In fact, pornography use during masturbation predicted greater ease becoming aroused during partnered sex.

Though frequent porn viewing benefitted women in both solo and partnered sex, according to the study, the greatest benefits came during masturbation. Frequent porn-watching women reported less difficulty becoming aroused, less orgasmic difficulty, greater time to orgasm, greater orgasmic pleasure, and higher percent of time reaching orgasm, according to the PsyPost report.

But in partnered sex, women who watch a lot of porn experienced less difficulty becoming aroused and greater time to orgasm, but showed no effect one way or the other in the other three categories.

The study also found that masturbating to porn was most common among pre-menopausal women, American women, women who are not heterosexual or who have two or more sexual partners, and women who experience anxiety or depression.

Though the study did not ask the women who responded about their attitudes toward porn, or whether they considered their porn use problematic, it did find that lower levels of sexual satisfaction were linked to anxiety and depression, and that lower education levels in women correlated with higher levels of difficulty achieving orgasm.

Some readers may be relieved to learn that pornography use is fairly common among women and is unlikely to interfere with sexual functioning during partnered relationships, McNabney said. Other variables such as ongoing anxiety/depression or sexual relationship dissatisfaction appear to more consistently predict sexual problems.

Photo By Victoria Borodinova / Pixabay
A New York City police officer will face disciplinary charges for a violent arrest during a social distancing enforcement action that ended with him kneeling on a man's back or neck, a technique similar to the one that led to George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.

Several other officers involved will also face discipline, the department said Friday, after an internal affairs investigation into the caught-on-video confrontation May 2 in Manhattans East Village. Police did not specify what violations the officers are alleged to have committed.

Bystander video showed plainclothes officer Francisco Garcia pulling a stun gun on 33-year-old Donni Wright and leveling him in a crosswalk, slapping him in the face and punching him in the shoulder before dragging him to a sidewalk and kneeling on his backside to handcuff him.

Garcia was stripped of his gun and badge and placed on desk duty after the incident, which Mayor Bill de Blasio called very troubling and absolutely unacceptable." He could still face criminal charges.

The Manhattan district attorney's office said Friday that it is conducting an independent review of this incident."

A message seeking comment was left with Garcia's union.

The police disciplinary process sometimes involves an administrative trial, where a department employee acting as a judge hears testimony before deciding what, if any, punishment is warranted, such as a loss of vacation days all the way up to firing. The final decision is left to the police commissioner.

Wright was treated at a hospital after his arrest and has filed a notice of claim with the city, the first step before a filing a lawsuit. Prosecutors deferred charges resulting from his arrest pending further investigation.

Wright's lawyer, Sanford Rubinstein, called the disciplinary charges a step in the right direction" and said Garcia should be fired.

The Rev. Kevin McCall, an adviser to Wright's family, said: We want to send a clear message that Donni Wright could have been dead today. Before we were calling George Floyds name, we couldve been calling Donni Wrights name. Thank God he wasnt also killed by the actions of the police.

The video of Wright's arrest was one of several that spurred outrage over the city's use of police to enforce social distancing, along with data showing people of color were subject to the vast majority of distancing-related arrests and summonses in the city.

One video showed a police officer running at a black man and throwing him to the ground for mouthing off. Another showed an officer punching a man in the head as he lay pinned to a sidewalk, unable to fight back.

The city later altered its approach, telling officers to stop citing people for not wearing face coverings.

Minutes before the confrontation with Wright, video from a security camera showed officers using force to arrest a couple for allegedly failing to comply when asked to disperse. Police said officers saw that one of them had a bag of alleged marijuana in plain view.

Bystander video of Wrights arrest showed Garcia helping take one of those people to the ground before turning to Wright, who was walking toward the area of that arrest from about 10 to 15 feet away.

Garcia turned toward Wright and cursed at him to (get) back right now, according to the video. At the same time, the officer pulled up his Taser and pointed it at Wright, possibly triggering the device.

Garcia continued toward Wright and eventually holstered his Taser.

It wasnt clear what Wright was doing because he wasnt in the frame the entire time, though just before Garcia tackled him, he stopped and stood in front of the officer with what appeared to be a clenched fist at his side.

What you flexing for? Dont flex, Garcia said, before grabbing Wright and wrestling him to the ground. Another officer then stepped in and helped handcuff Wright.

A police spokeswoman said shortly after the arrest that Wright took a fighting stance against the officer when he was ordered to disperse.

Over the years, Garcia been named as a defendant in six lawsuits that the city settled for a total of $182,500, according to court records and a Legal Aid Society database.

In a case similar to the May 2 incident, Garcia and other officers allegedly threw a man to the ground and then punched and kicked him.

In another, Garcia was accused of throwing a woman against a metal grate and onto a sidewalk and using a homophobic slur after she asked for his badge number.
Copenhagen, May 30 : Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the reopening of the country's borders for reciprocal holiday travel arrangements to Germany, Norway, and Iceland from June 15.

However, the reopening came with a caveat; the Danish government does not recommend travel to countries beyond these three nations until August 31, reports Xinhua news agency.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Frederiksen said this summer "many Danes will have to spend their holidays at home".

Danes that choose not to heed the Prime Minister's advice and travel beyond the three countries will be subject to 14 days of self-quarantine upon their return.

The reciprocal nature of the border openings entails a number of restrictions on Germans, Icelanders and Norwegians, including documented evidence of stay and sample testing at the borders.

In addition, foreigners will be rejected entering if any clear signs of illness are shown.

Regarding Sweden, the Prime Minister was not prepared to make a reciprocal open-border agreement, as the neighbouring country had a high level of infections compared to Denmark.

"We are in different places in relation to COVID-19. We have a strong desire on the part of the Danish government to find a solution with our Swedish neighbours," said Frederiksen.

After August 31, the Prime Minister said, the government anticipated the reopening of borders with the other Schengen countries and the UK.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Denmark stood at 11,593, with 568 deaths.
As Lockdown 4.0 nears its end, the Uttar Pradesh government has started chalking out the strategy for the next phase of curbs, given the rising number of coronavirus cases reported in the state.

With growing cases of novel coronavirus in the country, most states are of the opinion that while the lockdown should be extended further, more economic activities should be encouraged.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is considering on reopening of places of worship, Lucknow metro services in guarded manner, more shops and markets, and malls in the state.

However, the final decision on the lockdown relaxation will be taken by the central government.

In lockdown 4.0, the Uttar Pradesh government had allowed street vendors to operate but with compulsory face mask and gloves. The street vendors were also asked to ensure that they operate from an open area and maintain social distancing while operating. The relaxation given in the guidelines were applicable to places except the containment zones.

The 4.0 guidelines issued by Uttar Pradesh government had also made it clear that lockdown four will continue till May 31. All kinds of industrial work was made allowed apart from the containment zone. Marriage Houses were allowed to open but not more than 20 people will be allowed at any marriage function and that too can be done only with a prior permission.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry is finalising the guidelines for the next phase as the countdown to the end of lockdown 4.0 begins. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also spoke to Chief Ministers and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

In the run-up to the end of the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba recently held a video conference with municipal commissioners and district magistrates of 13 Covid-19 hit cities that have contributed to more than 70 per cent of the cases in the country.

In the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated the need to seal the containment zones where number of cases are the highest, and took suggestions from states to decide the strategy from June 1.

The cities were advised that the area (containment area) should be appropriately defined by the district administration and local urban body with technical inputs from the local level," government officials said.

News18 had reported on Wednesday that lockdown may be extended by another two weeks after May 31, but with considerable more relaxations. A senior government functionary told CNN-News18 that the Centre is willing to give more freedom to states to decide their lockdown norms post May 31.

The nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days with an aim to curb the further spread of coronavirus in the country.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

Local government and law enforcement leaders came to the support of Albuquerque police on Friday, hours after an overnight confrontation on East Central in which officers in riot gear fired tear gas into a crowd of protesters.

The situation escalated from a Thursday evening protest over the killing in Minnesota of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday after an officer, who is white, restrained him by digging his knee into his neck. Similar protests were held across the country.

By nightfall, Albuquerques demonstration had devolved into acts of vandalism, property destruction and indiscriminate gunfire.

Harold Medina, a deputy chief with the Albuquerque Police Department, said no injuries were reported in the scuffle, but windows were broken out of several police vehicles and four people were detained for allegedly firing guns. All were later released pending further investigation.

Many of the questions leveled during the news conference revolved around APDs actions: whether officers used excessive force; if they escalated the situation by wearing riot gear; and if they lawfully detained the four people accused of firing shots.

But Mayor Tim Keller defended the actions taken by the department.

Dozens of shots were fired and APD absolutely had to respond, Keller said during a morning news conference. They did it in a way that fortunately kept everyone safe and, while I know it was scary for many, it was also dangerous for many.

As they praised the response of APD, Keller, APD staff and others also took the opportunity to denounce the actions of the Minneapolis police officers that led to Floyds death.

My words cant capture the depth of the pain that so many people, especially people of color, are experiencing right now, Keller said. As your mayor, I want to acknowledge that pain. Here in Albuquerque, we stand with those grieving these incidents around the nation. We stand with those calling for justice.

Floyd was handcuffed and could be heard telling officers he could not breathe. Video of the incident, which was recorded by a bystander, has gone viral, sparking protests across the country.

Those officers actions are inconsistent with the training and protocols of our department. APD has worked tirelessly to build trust between law enforcement and the community here, APD Chief Mike Geier said. What occurred in Minneapolis is an unfortunate reminder of how quickly bad policing can erode that trust.

APD is no stranger to controversy and has suffered its own black eyes when it comes to unconstitutional policing.

The department is currently undergoing a yearslong review and reform process, spurred by a Department of Justice investigation following several high-profile killings by police officers  particularly the killing of James Boyd in 2014.

But, on Friday morning, Geier and Keller both emphasized how far the department has come since those days. They said restraint shown by APD officers during the incidents Thursday night illustrates that.

In a rundown of the incident, Geier said the 400 people involved in the initial Albuquerque protest, which started at Central and Wyoming around 6 p.m., dispersed after marching along Central as they waved signs and chanted through a loudspeaker.

Then, around 10 p.m., a second more aggressive group showed up at Central and Wyoming with different intentions.

He said the majority of officers stayed back to avoid a confrontation as undercover officers watched members of the group spray painting bus stations, vandalizing civilian vehicles and even surrounding a female officers vehicle before breaking the windows while she was inside.

Geier said the situation escalated as a group of people drove around the area and repeatedly fired off rounds.

Thats when APD intervened, stopping the suspected vehicle a few blocks away at Mesilla and Central, and taking four people, some of them juveniles, into custody.

He said a group of protesters surrounded police as they collected evidence from the vehicle, leading dozens of officers clad in riot gear who were staged nearby and an armored vehicle, to move in.

Within the hour, a large crowd of protesters had gathered on Mesilla, just north of Central, to face off against a line of officers clad in riot gear and wielding batons. The protesters waved signs and yelled I cant breathe and (expletive) the police as they paced a few feet from the officers.

Some people recorded the confrontation with their phones from a distance, documenting the event over social media, as others blocked the end of the street with their vehicles.

The line of riot police began to load onto city buses as a helicopter shined its spotlight onto the gathering and told the crowd to disperse in between blasts of a siren.

At that point, at least three gas canisters were fired into the crowd by the retreating officers. A man began throwing the canisters back at the officers as the crowd ran back toward Central.

Protesters gathered around a woman who appeared to be injured, but it was unclear by what.

Although much of the crowd dispersed, Medina said it didnt quite end there.

He said someone in the area drove away in the vehicle that police had initially stopped containing the four shooting suspects. Officers followed the vehicle, alongside a couple of car loads of protesters, to the university area, where it was abandoned.

Police tried to arrest the driver when he got into another vehicle, but a group of protesters came to his defense.

Officers let the man go to prevent another confrontation.
Manila, Philippines--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2020) - A new study shows that the entry of heated tobacco products (HTPs) triggered a remarkable reduction in combustible cigarettes sales in Japan. "The decline in smoking rates among adults in Japan is astoundingly impressive when you realize that this has only come about rapidly with the introduction of HTPs," said Nancy Loucas, Executive Director of the Coalition of Asia-Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA).





Prof. David Sweanor, one of the study's authors

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7190/56916_1114713b647d2a4e_001full.jpg

Canadian and American researchers looked at how trends in the sale of cigarettes in Japan between 2011 and 2019 correspond to the sales of HTPs that were introduced into the Japanese market in late 2015. Using data from the Tobacco Institute of Japan and Philip Morris International (PMI), the researchers concluded that the accelerated five-fold decline in cigarette only sales in Japan since 2016 corresponds to the introduction and growth in the sales of HTPs. Cigarette sales in Japan were declining slowly and steadily before HTPs were introduced in 2015. Entitled "What Is Accounting for the Rapid Decline in Cigarette Sales in Japan?", the study was published on May 20, 2020 in the peer-reviewed open access scientific journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

HTPs are smoke-free devices that heat, instead of burn, specially-designed tobacco units to release a flavorful nicotine-containing tobacco vapor. As tobacco is not burned, the levels of harmful chemicals produced by HNB products are significantly lower compared to combustible cigarette smoke. The most popular HTP brand is IQOS, a product of PMI.

Consumers' interest and the regulatory environment shape markets, according to Professor David T. Sweanor of the Faculty of Law of University of Ottawa, one of the study's authors. He explained that Japanese regulations precluded alternatives to combustible cigarettes, such as nicotine-containing vaping products. However, HTPs generated huge interest among smokers in Japan. "As more [smokers] adopted the alternative, they helped speed switching by others. I think this gives us an indication of just how much more rapidly countries could reduce cigarette use if there were many different low-risk alternatives available and policies and public education campaigns facilitated a widespread move away from [combustible] cigarettes."

Story continues

Prof. Sweanor believes Japan is a success story in tobacco harm reduction.

"We have seen the most rapid decline in cigarette sales ever witnessed in a major market. A third of the cigarette market was gone in a remarkably short period of time, and this was accomplished with a non-coercive measure. People who smoke cigarettes were simply provided with a viable alternative."

Governments in the Asia Pacific region that seek to ban or limit the access of smokers to HTPs and other safer nicotine alternatives should look to Sweden which for decades has promoted the shift to low-risk non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes, said Prof. Sweanor. "Now we have evidence that a range of low-risk products can help us rapidly achieve the smoking rate targets of the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals. To seek to ban or limit access to such products protects the cigarette industry rather than public health."

Commenting on the future of smokers in Asia Pacific where HTPs will soon be available, Prof. Sweanor stressed that policies should empower people to take control of their health. "Ensuring that a range of low-risk alternatives are not only on the market but have regulatory and tax advantages over cigarettes has the potential to transform public health. We have long known that people smoke for nicotine but die from the smoke. Cigarette smoking is a public health catastrophe that can be massively reduced through science and technology if policies can be oriented toward replacing rather than protecting the cigarette business."

The publication of the new study is timely as it comes on the heels of the celebration of World Vape Day on May 30, 2020. Observed a day before World No Tobacco Day, World Vaping Day aims to raise awareness on e-cigarettes or vapes and encourage smokers who are unable to quit on their own or with currently available smoking cessation tools to switch to safer nicotine products.

"Safer nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, are the most disruptive influence on smoking in decades. These are the innovations that have the potential to save millions of lives in the Asia Pacific region as well as globally," added Nancy Loucas.

According to Loucas, the most popular form of safer nicotine products in northern Asia are HTPs. Like Japan, Korea has shown similar sales and uptake of HTPs, with corresponding declines in combustible tobacco use. These data show that the substitution of combustible tobacco with reduced-risk products has the potential to be a highly effective tobacco harm reduction strategy, she explained. "So, it is very disheartening that countries in Asia Pacific, like Korea and the Philippines, are looking to either ban and/or reduce access and choice of all forms of tobacco harm reduced products for their smoking citizens."

"Japan's success in reducing smoking prevalence through HTPs should be a wakeup call to local policymakers. Quit or die aren't the only choices for smokers," said Peter Paul Dator, president of The Vapers Philippines.

"This new study lends further credence to adopting tobacco control policies based on a harm reduction model," said Stephanie Thuesen, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at The Progressive Public Health Alliance in Australia.

"Policymakers in Thailand, which has been ranked the worst country in the world to be in if you are a vaper, should listen to Prof. Sweanor. Banning or limiting access to safer nicotine products only serve to protect the cigarette industry rather than public health," said Asa Ace Saligupta who runs the ECST.

About CAPHRA

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is an alliance of consumer organizations from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand that aims to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jena Fetalino (63)9178150324 jena@jfprc.com

Prof. David Sweanor, one of the study's authors

"We have seen the most rapid decline in cigarette sales ever witnessed in a major market."

Related Links

International journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56916
Jessica Ciencin Henriquez, the ex-wife of actor Josh Lucas, penned a note on Twitter accusing the actor of cheating. Lucas is known fo his roles in the films "Sweet Home Alabama," "A Beautiful Mind," "Hulk" and "Glory Road."

Henriquez, a writer and editor, shared the telling note through a screenshot on Twitter, captioning the post, "Exes are exes for a reason.

"Having a child with someone makes you want to forgive them more than you normally would, it makes you believe they are better than they are, she wrote. But it takes a really s--- human to cheat on their partner (correction: now ex partner) in the middle of a pandemic. Thank you for reminding me why I left you in the first place."

Exes are exes for a reason.  pic.twitter.com/rIRQw7QLDK  Jessica Ciencin Henriquez (@TheWriterJess) May 29, 2020

Henriquez continued: "I deserve better than this. Our son deserves better than this. And yes, I am airing this publicly because there are a lot of women accepting much less than they deserve because there are kids in the picture. Youre not stupid for hoping, for believing that people can change."

I see you, she ended the post.

The couple got married in March 2012 after announcing their engagement three months earlier. The two had their first child together in July of the same year, now 7-year-old Noah Rev.

According to People, Henriquez filed for divorce from the "Sweet Home Alabama" star in January of 2014, which was finalized in October of the same year. Since their initial split, its reported that they have had an on and off again relationship while they were co-parenting their son.

Henriquez penned an essay for TIME in March 2018, sharing the difficulties of co-parenting with her ex-husband and stating that it sucks.

We tried really hard to be the worlds friendliest exes and in photos it was believable, but in reality we were actually two people desperately clinging onto the fantasy of what we thought our family could look like, she wrote. It would take years to face the facts of separating. No matter how much my ex-husband and I love each other, how much weve forgiven one another and how much were willing to work together, divorce means we set fire to the fantasy.

Lucas has yet to publicly respond to Henriquez's allegations.
<! Some of the marchers at the White House on Friday night >

By Abankula

In multiple tweets, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Black Lives Matter protesters that they face the most vicious dogs and the most ominous guns if they breach the White House fence.

He was reacting to the protest outside his official home on Friday night.

Demonstrators protesting yet another white police brutality, after the killing of Minneapolis resident, George Flyod, clashed with secret police outside White House.

Instead of Trump to sue for calm, he bragged about the counter-violence that awaited the protesters.

That is, if they had breached White House fence.

Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. @SecretService, Trump tweeted.

They were not only totally professional, but very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe. They let the protesters scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard  didnt know what hit them.

The front line was replaced with fresh agents, like magic. Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen.

Thats when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action.

We put the young ones on the front line, sir, they love it, and good practice.

As you saw last night, they were very cool & very professional. Never let it get out of hand. Thank you! On the bad side, the D.C. Mayor, @MurielBowser, who is always looking for money & help, wouldnt let the D.C. Police get involved. Not their job. Nice!.

Trump tweeted this after he sparked accusations of racism with another tweet on Friday, in which he referred to the Minneapolis protesters as thugs.

Then he borrowed a racist-laden threat by a Miami Florida police chief: when the looting starts, the shooting starts.

Probed about the remarks at a White House press conference on Friday, the president denied knowing that his looting phrase was popularised by segregationist Miami Police Chief Walter Headley in 1967.

Trump claimed to have used the words as a public safety message, to warn people to avoid getting shot, rather than calling for looters to be shot.

The protests that spread to Washington began in Minneapolis, Minnesota began on Tuesday after George Floyd, an unarmed black security guard was killed Monday by a white policeman Derek Chauvin.

Floyd was filmed saying I cant breathe as Chauvin knelt on his throat.

Floyd died soon afterwards, with Chauvin fired and charged with murder.

Protests, riots and looting spread to other US cities including New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin and Portland.

In the early hours of Friday, Trump sparked accusations of racism after referring to the looters as THUGS and tweeting .
99.9% of our American family is saddened and outraged over the wrongful death of George Floyd. We want the responsible police officer prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

And yet, rather than bringing our nation together, fake news media and the Democrats are excitedly throwing gasoline on the flames of racial hate and division. Their message is that America is still a hellhole of racism in which blacks are routinely murdered by whites and police. Blacks must continue voting for Democrats to keep racist white America at bay.

As expected, Democrats and fake news media are absurdly blaming Trump for Floyd's death. These vile human beings in the media will say anyone wearing a MAGA hat is a racist complicit in Floyd's death. Minneapolis rioters chanted, Kill the white folks.

The mayor of Minneapolis absurdly said the riots and looting in response to Floyd's death are justifiable because they represent 400 years of pent-up black rage. That is such a crock of pandering leftist nonsense. The rioters are nothing more than paid domestic terrorists and ghetto trash exploiting the incident to go on an illegal shopping spree.

The vast majority of the rioters wreaking havoc have never experienced an ounce of racism in their entire lives. Americans have been trained to know they had better kiss blacks' derrieres at every opportunity or suffer crucifixion by Democrats and fake news media. For crying out loud, beginning in kindergarten, leftist-controlled public schools teach white students that they were born racist scum. Therefore, all whites must feel forever guilty, apologetic, and accommodating to blacks.

The dirty little secret is Democrats love creating race-based crises because it allows them opportunities to demand more sure-to-fail gazillion dollar government-fix-it-programs which end up fattening Democrat pockets. Along with selling their lie that America sucks, Democrats believe spreading racial hate and division wins them votes.

When I speak of ghetto trash, I am not referring to poor people. I was raised in an all-black eleven-story high-rise government project in Baltimore, Maryland. Grateful residents kept their apartments immaculate. Other residents were trifling ghetto trash with zero respect for the brand-new building, taking every opportunity to destroy it. I was around nine years old. Everyone told me everything wrong was always the white man's fault. I said, How can we stop mean white people from sneaking into our building at night; breaking the elevators, smashing liquor bottles, breaking light bulbs, and urinating in the stairwells?

Democrats are all over TV exploiting Floyd's death to falsely claim that blacks are routinely persecuted today the way they were in the 1950s. Democrats and fake news media are behaving as if eight years of America's first black president never happened.

Sadly, the behavior of one bad cop helps Democrats and fake news media demonize all cops. Data confirms that cops are the greatest defenders of black lives.

In truth, the greatest threat to black lives is other blacks. Democrats and fake news media remain dead silent about 30 to 40 blacks murdering each other every weekend in urban Democrat hellholes like Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Shouldn't those black lives matter? Where are the outrage and anger?

Democrats and fake news media only care about black lives when it furthers their socialist/communist political agenda.

Democrats and fake news media literally worship Planned Parenthood which targets blacks for abortion. Black women make up only 14% of the country's childbearing population. And yet, 36% of all aborted babies are black. Democrats and fake news media actually celebrate the death of aborted black babies. Clearly, they are saying black baby lives do not matter.

As a proud grateful American who happens to be black, I am appalled to witness Democrats and fake news media exploiting the tragic death of George Floyd. They are stirring the pot of racial hate to instigate violence while disrespecting blacks as useful idiots.

Blacks have experienced unprecedented prosperity and historic low unemployment under Trump. To separate black voters from Trump, insidiously evil Democrats will use Floyd's death to outrageously assert that reelecting Trump will mean open season for police to murder blacks. As baseless and stupid as that sounds, it reflects Democrats' low opinion of blacks. It is the sort of emotional brain-dead lie Democrats believe will win over easily deceived black voters.

Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American

Help Lloyd Spread the Truth

https://www.trumptrainusa2020.com/

http://LloydMarcus.com
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 12:03:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) nosedived 13.6 percent in April month-on-month amid widespread shutdowns triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Commerce Department reported on Friday.

The plunge, following a revised 6.9-percent drop in March, has been the sharpest drop in government records since six decades ago, according to the report released by the department's Bureau of Economic Analysis.

PCE, which accounts for about two thirds of the U.S. economy, had seen a moderate growth before the COVID-19 outbreak, increasing by 0.2 percent in February from the prior month.

Personal income, meanwhile, surged 10.5 percent in April, primarily reflecting a sharp rise in "government social benefits" to persons as payments were made to individuals from federal economic recovery programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bureau said.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, U.S. Congress in late March passed a 2.2-trillion-dollar economic relief bill, which includes expansion of unemployment benefits, 1,000-dollar-plus direct payments for working Americans, among other things.

"Thanks to a massive surge in government transfer payments, April 2020 goes down in the history books as the largest monthly increase in personal income on record. Spending, however, absolutely crashed," Tim Quinlan, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities, wrote in an analysis.

Quinlan noted that things could get worse. "Real consumer spending is heading into the second quarter falling at three-month annualized rate of 56.8 percent," he said. "Forecast for Q2 consumer spending will likely be revised sharply lower."

The new data came one day after the Commerce Department revised down gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter to a 5.0-percent annualized contraction in a second estimate, 0.2 percentage point lower than the advance estimate in April.

Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economics professor at Columbia University and senior United Nations advisor, told Xinhua earlier that the quarterly report "caught just the final days" of March after the U.S. lockdown, noting that the decline in the second quarter will be "much deeper."

Sachs' view is shared by many, including Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who recently said the U.S. economy could shrink dramatically in the second quarter, at an annualized rate of more than 20 percent or 30 percent.

At a virtual event held by Princeton University Friday, Powell said he is concerned about a potential second wave of outbreak. "I think a second wave could be what would really undermine public confidence and might make for a significantly longer recovery, weaker recovery." Enditem
Veteran actor Anupam Kher on Friday announced the digital launch of his autobiographical play 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.' Kher, through a video message on Twitter, shared that the play will go online on June 7, on his newly launched website.

New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): In my life, you will see glimpses of your life, says veteran actor Anupam Kher on Friday as he announced the digital launch of his autobiographical play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai. Kher, through a video message on Twitter, shared that the play will go online on June 7, on his newly launched website.

In the video shared, the 65-year-old actor said: 15 years back on the 8th of August 2005, I did my play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, my one-man autobiographical play when things were not looking good. I was almost on the verge of bankruptcy. So I decided to do a play based on my life, not only on my life but also on the failures. Because frighten you with your shortcomings. So, here I was on stage, laughing at my failures, disasters, and everything that went wrong in my life, he added.

My first play, first kiss, first audition, first directorial venture etcetera. I looked at them and laughed. And you know what happened with that.it liberated me from the fear of failure, the Kuch Kuch Hota Ha star said. He further explained that he has been doing this play for the past 15 years, and did about 450 shows of the play worldwide.

Delighted to share that I am finally launching my autobiographical play #KuchBhiHoSaktaHai digitally on my website https://t.co/qESpl8z92y on 7th June. I have done more than 450 shows of this play worldwide. More details to follow in the coming days. Jai Ho! #MyLifeOnline pic.twitter.com/JQTuysuHxG  Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) May 29, 2020

Towards the end of the one-minute and 58-second video, Kher announced the launch of his website, and said:  the best thing to do is to launch this play on my website. I hope you watch the play, see and discover that in life  Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai (anything can happen), Kher mentioned as he concluded the video. (ANI)

For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 06:33:19|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

GENEVA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted on Friday a President's Statement on human rights implications of the COVID-19.

The Statement expressed concerns over the loss of life and livelihoods and the disruption to economies and societies by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its negative impact on human rights.

The pandemic, the Statement emphasizes, can only be countered effectively through international cooperation, unity, solidarity and collective action, based on a multilateral approach and strong international institutions.

The Statement reaffirms the fundamental role of the United Nations system in coordinating the global response to control and contain the spread of COVID-19 and in supporting Member States, and acknowledges the crucial leading role played by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Human Rights Council is deeply concerned about stigmatization, xenophobia, racism and discrimination surfacing during the pandemic, stressing the need to combat it, according to the Statement.

The Statement underlines the importance of timely, equitable and unhindered access to medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, and other health products and technologies necessary to ensure an adequate and effective response to the pandemic, and calls for urgent removal of unjustified obstacles to these efforts.

This is the first official document on the human rights implication of the COVID-19 adopted by the Human Rights Council, which has received broad support of Members and Observer States of the Council and reflected the common aspiration of the international community. Enditem
Normally, a trip from Earth to the ISS takes about two days. Thursday, a Soyuz capsule docked with the orbiting laboratory after less than six hours of flight time, setting a record. Accelerating the trip wasn't an issue of newer technology or more powerful engines, necessarily, but of better math and planning. The Russian vehicle essentially took a shortcut that required precisely timed steering over the course of four orbits, putting three crew members (including one American astronaut) on the space station at 10:28pm ET -- just five hours and 45 minutes after takeoff from Kazakhstan. Russian engineers are already looking at ways to trim more time off the trip, by cutting two more orbits from the route. Obviously the human cargo appreciates spending less time in the cramped quarters of the Soyuz. But getting equipment and materials for experiments to the ISS quicker should also yield better and more reliable scientific results. For a few clips of liftoff and the docking itself check out the NASA link in the source.
Arizona Humane Society Removes 2 Pounds Of Matted Fur From Fluffer The Cat, She Gets Adopted 2 Days Later Bored Panda. This feline was a distant cousin of those sheep that go feral and grow so much wool that they look like mini-busses.

Captain Cook and the Colonial Paradox Quillette (Chuck L)

Climate change: Stunning seafloor ridges record Antarctic retreat BBC (Kevin W)

Trees are Getting Shorter and Younger Gizmodo (Kevin W)

Eye-Catching Advances in Some AI Fields Are Not Real Science. Tell me it aint so!

#COVID-19

Performance Anxiety: Will the Adult Film Industry Survive the Pandemic? Capital and Main (Ian H)

China?

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Imperial Collapse Watch

Trump Transition

Senator Ted Cruz Calls For Criminal Investigation of Twitter Axios

Joe Biden Doesnt Like Trumps Twitter Order, But Still Wants To Revoke Section 230 The Verge

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Green New Deal Leaves the Door Open for Nuclear Energy Energy Central (Kevin W)

2020

Bernie Sanders was a moderate compared to what's coming.  Carl Nyberg (@CarlNyberg312) May 30, 2020 Atticus v. The Architect shld be required viewing for every member of Congress & member of the Resistance. It shld be taught in schools. Its about electronic election theft & the political prosecution of @DonSiegelman, by Karl Roves minions. 1/ https://t.co/rOITAOfgII  Jennifer Cohn  (@jennycohn1) May 30, 2020 Dan K: The film is a free item on Amazon, 1h 46min, 2017. The section on election manipulation is ~15 min at the beginning. The rest is a thorough history of Siegelmans political persecution, which is not new but pretty awful especially when collected like this. The current Trumpian context is not mentioned in this 2017 film, but the tactic of using prosecutorial power for political ends is certainly relevant to current events. Rogues gallery of fixers features Jack Abramoff, Karl Rove, and Eric Holder. Much of the outrage is voiced by Republicans. In light of this material, Holders May 5 endorsement and defense (regarding Reede) of Biden has some darker implications. Its also notable that the Trump crew has kept some distance the GOP wing of this far-flung and diverse political power cartel. But the mechanics of the election manipulation can be understood outside to the larger context, just from the first 15:20 section.

Black Injustice Tipping Point

Amazon Sellers Are Marking Products As Collectible To Get Around Price Gouging Rules The Verge

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. Krystyn Podgajski: This is Moe, my friends cat, who I have know for all his 19 years of life. When a dogs walk by his house he greets them like a compassionate old sage.

And a bonus from guurst. Before you question this crows motives, the hedgehog is way too big to be prey. The crow is either being helpful or being a covid jerk (they are pranksters) but hes not trying to snag a meal.

This bird helping the others  (imgur) pic.twitter.com/nziphcCwfA  Wina (@wawinaApr) May 22, 2020

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Two New Jersey students spend their days in quarantine attending several hours worth of virtual classes and lectures, and completing several more hours worth of assignments in pursuit of degrees in medicine.

And, while "taking breaks from their work, they coordinate the volunteer efforts of nearly 200 health professions students across the state for local hospitals, public health departments, health-associated not-for-profits, and nursing facilities.

These students are Akarsh Sharma and Ayush Parikh, the New Jersey State Coordinators for the National Student Response Network, an initiative created in response to the coronavirus pandemic to field the volunteer needs of healthcare facilities and local governments by matching them with students in their local communities.

The network is comprised of over 5,400 volunteers across all 50 states, each of whom are students currently pursuing medical, osteopathic, nursing, or physician assistant degrees. At present, 189 of these volunteers are based in New Jersey, including Sharma, a first-year student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai in New York City, who decided to return to his residence in Chesterfield after believing he could potentially do more there than in the city.

Akarsh Sharma, N.J. State CoordinatorCourtesy  Akarsh Sharma

I can help out at Sinai with volunteer efforts, but then at home I really wouldnt be very connected, Sharma said. Theres not too many hospitals near me, so I didnt really have a clear idea of how I can help out. And being that this was a healthcare crisis, and were going into the medical care profession, it was definitely something that I thought I could be involved in and should be so I could get a glance at the future and what kind of challenges these things pose at a national level.

Unlike Sharma, who learned about the initiative through another student at his school, Ayush Parikh became involved after being directly contacted by fellow first-year Harvard medical student and founder of the Network, Jalen Benson.

Ayush Parikh, NJ State CoordinatorCourtesy  Ayush Parikh

To me, the mission of the organization really resonated with what I was doing, Parikh, a resident of Jersey City, said. As well as seeing the pandemic play out live at home, my parents are both nurses as well. And that sort of led me to realize that, for me, this was the role I wanted to be in to help out our local institutions and help students find ways to really give back to their communities.

The New Jersey-based volunteers have helped to advance the mission of the network in a number of regards, including by coordinating volunteers for local county governments to help them perform COVID-19 investigations and contact tracing.

What we realized was that while the state effort was still mobilizing, a lot of the counties were already inundated with COVID-19 cases, Parikh said. And some of the counties that we talked to, there was just not enough staff to cover the population in the county.

Agencies receiving volunteer assistance from the National Student Response Network include the NorthWest and Mid Bergen Regional Health Commission, and the Ocean and Burlington County health departments.

Moreover, at present day the network is coordinating with GetUsPPE to deliver approximately 3,500 personal protective gear to various healthcare facilities across New Jersey and New York City.

The regular means for obtaining PPE for hospitals is a slow process, Sharma explained. Some time next week we will be disseminating boxes of masks.

Health professions students have also been volunteering at local food banks and for Hackensack Meridian Health, the latter of which Sharma described as an open-ended task.

We provide a volunteer to the healthcare system for basically whatever they need, Sharma said. Whether thats staffing at different COVID testing sites, or coordinating deliveries, or being a greeter  its really up to the discretion of the healthcare facility.

Beyond their efforts for healthcare and health department employees, volunteers are virtually connecting with residents of Heartland Hospice facilities, throughout which visitation has been widely prohibited.

Many nursing home residents and hospice care residents are unfortunately not able to see their families, and thats a huge detriment to social contact, and social well-being. Parikh said. So we set up a system where volunteers can call residents on a fairly routine basis  maybe once a week or once a month, depending on their preferences.

According to Parikh, two New Jersey volunteers are currently training with the Networks affiliates in Massachusetts to help expand its connection to residents of longterm care facilities in the state.

At present day, exclusively health professions students can volunteer for the National Student Response Network. But, Parikh confirmed that the group intends to include students studying for additional degree programs at some point in the future.

As the COVID-19 crisis changes, and as students schedules change, we are realizing that we can now  at least for our non-clinical tasks  expand to include earlier level nursing students, for example ... as well as allied healthcare professions," Parikh said. Currently we dont have opportunities for physical therapy students or speech pathology students, but these are some things that we hope to include.

In spite of the Networks founding purpose to provide relief during the pandemic, Parikh and Sharma agreed that it will likely continue to function as a source of support after the global health crisis subsides.

Initially, our focus was the COVID-19 pandemic ... and it still is. But were realizing that a lot of institutions are willing to build long-term relationships with us, Parikh said. For example, a few of the health departments have actually asked us to stay on as volunteer members of the health department. And as they transition from a contract tracing objective to more research and development, Im sure our students would be very, very interested in participating in that, and shift the focus ... to preventing something like this from happening again.

We have a great base of students ... and nationally it would be very prudent to make use of this existing base and help out as much as we can," Sharma added.

Still, neither of them anticipated the resurgence of a post-pandemic era anytime in the near future.

This pandemic is not going to go away anytime soon. Thats just the reality of the situation," Parikh said. Our hospitals and community health institutions and departments are still going to need help. While we may be returning to normal life, theyll still be working day and night. And we realize that this is where we need to sustain our volunteering and our efforts so that we can help our institutions all the way through this."

In this kind of situation, prevention is the best strategy. So the goal would be to try to prevent the recurrent breakouts that a lot of folks have anticipated ... with a sustaining involvement with these groups," Sharma echoed.

Hospitals, volunteer organizations, state and local health departments, and other facilities in need of volunteers are encouraged to submit an online form to the National Student Response Network.

Health professions students interested in volunteering for the initiative can also sign up virtually.

Partners of the National Student Response Network include GetUsPPE, MedSupplyDrive, Miami-Med COVID Help, TULIP, and the Harvard Medical School COVID-19 Task Force.

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.
Please, please, I cant breathe.

Those were among the last words that George Floyd spoke before his life ended. Floyd, a black man  a son, a brother, a friend, a co-worker  was killed Monday in Minneapolis by a police officer who ground his knee into Floyds neck and refused to let up, despite the victims pleas, which even bystanders could hear from a distance.

Three other police officers stood by and watched as Floyd died. On Wednesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey asked at a press conference, Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail? If you had done it, or I had done it, we would be behind bars right now. (Editors note: This column was written before Derek Chauvin, the officer shown pinning Floyd to the ground, was charged with murder on Friday.)

We, the members of the Kingston Interfaith Council, express our sympathy to George Floyds family and friends, who have not only lost a loved one but are left in grief and anger as a result of police violence against an African-American man who was handcuffed and powerless. We offer our deep sadness for layers of pain and anguish that those closest to Floyd now carry, and pray that they will find comfort and peace in their hearts, and justice in the weeks ahead.

We express our outrage that another black man was killed by white police officers who are charged with protecting every person in our communities. The words of George Floyd, I cant breathe, echo those of Eric Garner, who six years ago was suffocated by a police officer for selling cigarettes on a New York City sidewalk. This kind of ongoing violence, the treatment of another person as though they were not human, and the more general harassment of black men by police must stop.

We cannot pretend the behavior of our law-enforcement officers is unrelated to the behavior of those citizens in Georgia who on Feb. 23, 2020, gunned down Ahmaud Arbery while he was out for his morning run. We understand the grief and outrage that is being expressed by crowds in Minneapolis. A riot, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, is the language of the unheard. We denounce the racist provocations and threats of retaliatory violence on the part of some of our political leaders and call on all our elected officials to do justice.

We recognize that our society is infected by entrenched, persistent, deadly racism. Socioeconomic and political policies, practices and attitudes both reflect and are shaped by the false belief that whites are superior to black and brown people, and that black men are especially dangerous and to be feared. We lament and repent of our own complicity in creating and sustaining systems that privilege many of us and simultaneously oppress and kill communities and persons of color. The lies, injustices, complicity, oppression and murder must stop.

The Kingston Interfaith Council is committed to engaging with our larger community in conversations about race and racism. We are committed and will continue to press for conversations concerning race and community policing in Kingston and Ulster County, even though our efforts thus far have borne fewer fruits than we hoped. Still, we have the audacity to hope that we can become different together. We desire to live into the conviction that every person is beloved, every person is of infinite value, and every person is created to enjoy full and abundant life, in community.

The Freeman welcomes guest opinion columns for this space from public officials and public-interest groups about a single news topic. Submissions should be emailed to letters@freemanonline.com and should be between 550 and 750 words. The Freeman reserves the right to reject submissions.
Chad Duell has been playing Michael Corinthos on General Hospital since 2010. His character has gone through the ups and downs of love several times within the past few years, but Duells love life is a bit less dramatic than that.

He is currently dating Courtney Hope, who plays Sally Spectra on The Bold and the Beautiful. Duell and Hopes relationship seems to be going strong, and it could be due to the romantic gestures they do for each other. Read on below to find out what romantic thing Duell has been known to do for Hope.

Chad Duell and Courtney Hope | Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Chad Duell and Courtney Hope first met in 2016

Duell and Hope first met at a party in 2016. According to Soaps In Depth, Duells General Hospital cast mate, Bryan Craig, introduced the pair to each other. However, while the two of them hit it off, they were both hesitant about pursuing a relationship at first.

I wanted to hang out with her, Duell told Soaps In Depth, but part of me knew I would end up dating her. I guess I was scared.

Meanwhile, Hope was skeptical about love, though Duell helped her change her mind about it. She shared: My parents always used to tell me love should be easy and with someone whos your best friend. Growing up, I didnt believe that existed anymore. When I met Chad, it was the first time I ever saw what they were talking about.

Fortunately, Duell and Hope took a chance on each other, and they ended up building a beautiful relationship together.

Chad Duell and Courtney Hope try to do romantic things for each other

RELATED: General Hospital: Who Did Chad Duell Date Before Courtney Hope?

Being in love means that Duell and Hope try to do nice things to make their partner happy. Hope revealed her boyfriend can be very romantic, though his moves are often subtle and full of thoughtfulness rather than being huge gestures of love.

Being thoughtful is a form of being romantic, Hope said. Ill come home from a long day at work and hell bring me flowers or even just my favorite protein bar. That means something to me. Hes thinking about me

Hope has reciprocated the romantic gestures as well. Duell shared that, for his birthday one time, Hope flew him to Japan and booked a room at a hotel where the movie Lost in Translation was filmed. Since that was Duells favorite movie, he admitted Hopes gift was probably the coolest thing anyones ever done for me.

Chad Duell and Courtney Hope are currently self-isolating together

RELATED: A Look at The Bold and the Beautifuls Courtney Hope and General Hospitals Chad Duells Life Together at Home

Duell and Hope moved in together after about a year of dating. Today, they are self-isolating with each other amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While being in close proximity to a partner everyday can potentially cause tension, that has not been the case for these two lovebirds.

Hope told Soaps.com: Were definitely two peas in a pod. We havent had any moments where its like, Im sick of you! And thats a good thing. I felt like there were stages of quarantine  in the beginning we both had a little anxiety over it, then set an at-home routine so we could be productive.

The couple also makes sure to give each other alone time to pursue their own hobbies. For Duell, that would be video games, and for Hope, its fitness and crafts.
The documents allege that all four women left their property at other times. Although those allegations are made generally in two of the filings, they specify that officials received reports that Dewaard went on Saturday to a grocery store on Grand Avenue in Laramie and Gaydos on Monday afternoon went to the same store.

Three of the women were apparently students at the school. In a Thursday press release, the University of Wyoming wrote that it was working with legal and public health authorities in connection with citations for violation of isolation issued to three students. The school said it was looking into whether the students visited any university facilities and would notify people with whom they could have interacted.

We support local law enforcement and public health officials in their efforts to enforce restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, acting President Neil Theobald said in a written statement. We continue to urge our students and employees to follow all public health guidelines, and we are serious about the measures being taken to prevent the spread of the virus in our community. Our expectation is that the students will learn from this experience  and that our student body as a whole will exhibit the UW Cowboy characteristics of working together to keep our campus and community safe.
Early Friday morning, the president of the United States warned residents of Minneapolis, via tweet, that theyd better calm down: When the looting starts, the shooting starts. Amid uproar, and after Twitters official condemnation of the tweets language, Trump tweeted a clarification later on Friday: Looting leads to shooting, and thats why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night.  I didnt want this to happen, and thats what the expression put out last night means.

Advertisement

Though late Friday afternoon Trump claimed he did not know the origin of the phrase, earlier in the day media had quickly traced the looting/shooting phrase to Walter Headley, police chief of Miami from 1948 until his death in November 1968. In a press conference on Dec. 27, 1967, commenting on a new get tough policy he planned to institute to police the citys black neighborhoods, Headley said: We havent had any serious problems with civil uprising and looting because Ive let the world filter down that when the looting starts, the shooting starts. These are my orders: Not three days after, but now. This is war. I meant it, every bit of it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Eight months later, the city experienced its own late-1960s uprising. What happens to a city when the police chief declares himself ready to fire on the populace? In the report of the Miami Study Team on Civil Disturbancesput together as part of the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violences effort to analyze the spate of riots, assassinations, and civil conflicts that marked the 1960swe can see some evidence as to the effects of Headleys tough on crime policy.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The study team looked at civil disturbances that unfolded in the neighborhood of Liberty City, Miami, in the week of Aug. 5, 1968, collecting testimony from community members and assembling a dossier of local news coverage of the events. The underlying causes of the 1968 unrest, the study team found, were common to many black communities. In the early 1960s, the state routed Interstate 95 through the neighborhoods in the city core where black people once lived, displacing thousands, writes Eric Tscheschlok in a history of the unrest. Many moved to a black neighborhood called Liberty Square, in the northwest of the city, which became Liberty City. Residents suffered, paying high rents mostly to absentee white landlords, who squeezed tenants for back rent by cutting off power and water, and refused to do repairs to their buildings. Sanitation was poor, and the Dade County Department of Public Health found in 1966 that black infant mortality was double that of the white population. There was a chronic lack of employment opportunities.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But it was Headleys policies, the study team found, that were the spark for the violence and looting in August 1968. The rest of the press conference where Headley turned the looting = shooting phrase was just as brutal. Apparently provoked by several recent murders in the black community, Headley told the press that he planned to send double patrols out with shotguns and guns. Felons will learn that they cant be bonded out from the morgue, the Miami Herald recorded Headley saying. Queried on the matter, the chief said that he was aiming this get tough policy at what the paper called young Negro males, from 15 to 21, and what Headley called young hoodlums who have taken advantage of the civil rights campaignbasically, the kinds of young people who refused arrest by telling officers they knew their rights.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In follow-up press conferences and interviews, Headley doubled down. He defended his initial words: My police officers have been charged with police brutality so often, they are used to it. A reporter for the Herald spoke to Headley a few days later. I know these guys arent going to print or broadcast all the things Im saying. There seems to be a press policy against saying a Negro has committed a crime. Youre not supposed to stir up hard feelings, Headley said. He complained about black leaders who tried to speak with him about adopting policies of community policing. He cast himself as a hero: Dont these people know that most of the crimes in the Negro districts are against Negroes? Trotting out a phrase that was already a chestnut, he said: Everyone knows Im not a racist. He has laid his job on the line, the reporter wrote, with some seeming admiration, and he knows it. (Historian Lawrence Glickman noted on Twitter on Friday that the coverage that Headleys press conference received in national newspapers in 1967 was, by and large, positive.)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

During the eight months between December 1967 and August 1968, when the Liberty City disturbances took place, the polices increased use of stop-and-frisk methods, and the presence of shotguns and dogs made everything worse in the community. It seemed, the community members interviewed by the study team said, that the policy had revived within the Miami Police a basic intolerance for black people. A follow-up piece in the Herald, summarizing reaction to Headleys policy in the black community, quoted the director of a community poverty program: There are some trigger-happy policemen waiting for this kind of thing. A lot of these guys are afraid of black people.

Advertisement

This predication bore out. Word spread that the Police were regularly hailing black males on the street, addressing them as boy or nr,  and demanding ID and rationale for their movements, the community members told the study team. Patrols with shotguns and dogs regularly entered predominately black clubs and bars and demanded identification and purpose of presence from all patrons. There was a widely reported incident in which two police officers were accused of dangling a black teenager from a bridge by his ankles, after stripping him to his underwear.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Edward Hepburn, 18, interviewed by the Herald for a story that ran on Jan. 29, 1968, told a story of encountering police officers in a bar where he was shooting pool. Two police officers came in, Hepburn said, and everyone stopped playing but me. The sergeant said When you see me coming I want you to stop,  Hepburn said. So I asked him why and he said Cause youre my enemy. He put me in his car and told me when I talk to you, I want you to talk to me nice, so I started saying yessir.

These were the study teams core findings: The chilly relationship between the community and Headleys police did not deter looting during the disturbances of early August 1968. (The looters, Tscheschlok writes, largely avoided black-owned businesses.) In fact, the team thought, the polices overreliance on shock tactics like dogs and shotguns rendered them unprepared during the unrest itself. In our judgment, this is not unrelated to the basic get-tough, show-of-force policy, the report argued. The police officers were out of touch with the community, they had no knowledge of their psychology or sensitivity to how and where disturbances might break out. Reached for comment on vacation in North Carolina, Headley repeated his shooting/looting line; he did not cut his break short to return to the city and manage the situation.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Part of Liberty City fell in the jurisdiction of Dade County (as it was then called), and the study team contrasted the Miami polices failure to the relative success of the sheriffs department of that county, which did have a community relations program in place. Sheriff E. Wilson Purdy, who had taken office in 1967, had created a Community Service Section. Tscheschlok points out that, in 1967, crime rates were lower in the parts of Liberty City that fell under Purdys purview than in the sections where Headleys police were in charge, by almost 16 percentage points. And it was when the sheriffs office took over the management of the situation that the looting and unrest came to an end.

Advertisement

Former Alabama governor, perennial presidential candidate, and fervent segregationist George Wallace may have repeated the looting = shooting line at a 1968 rally in Pittsburgh (or so Michael McGough, who was there, wrote in the Post-Gazette, looking back from the vantage point of 2005; Wallace certainly agreed with the sentiment). And at least one explainer contextualizing Trumps tweet Friday argued that Headley may have gotten the phrase from Birmingham, Alabama, Commissioner of public Safety Bull Connor, fellow notoriously racist lawman of the civil rights era.

In any case, as the historian Glickmans thread makes clear, the reactionary looting = shooting opinion wasnt confined to one side of the aisle. On April 18, 1968, the Miami Herald reported that Headley applauded the actions of Chicagos Democratic Mayor Richard Daley, when Daley ordered the police to shoot to maim or cripple looters, and to shoot to kill arsonists, during the riot in his city that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. That could have been me talking, Headley said to the Heralds Jim Buchanan. There has been a policy of appeasement all over the country, and it is not going to accomplish anything.

Forty-seven percent of Americans asked about the matter in a Gallup poll that summer said that they approved of Daleys stated policy. At the very least, the outrage over Trumps tweet, and the need he felt to walk it back (albeit in a way that makes his insincerity clear), marks an improvement of sorts. Small mercies.
In recent years, killings of black men at the hands of police have led to intense scrutiny of the use of deadly force by officers. Citizens have marched in protest and departments have changed the way they train street cops. But even with that shift, prosecutors seeking to criminally charge officers still face many hurdles.

The standard of proof is higher than a normal self-defense case. Prosecutors typically consider themselves part of the law enforcement "team" with police, and they may even know the potential defendant. And when a case finally goes to trial, juries tend to be sympathetic to the daily challenges faced by officers on the street and are more inclined to vote "not guilty."

The prosecutors of Hennepin County, Minnesota, are a good example. In the 17 years from 2000 through 2016, none of the 43 police shootings handled by Amy Klobuchar, who served as county attorney through 2006, and her successor, current County Attorney Mike Freeman, resulted in charges. In 2017, Freeman obtained an indictment for a black officer who killed an unarmed white woman, and a jury last year convicted Officer Mohamed Noor of third-degree murder and manslaughter - the same charges filed Friday against Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin in the choking death of George Floyd.

"I cannot and will not," Freeman said Friday after charging Chauvin, "allow a case to be charged until it's ready. This case is now ready." He said he was not ready to charge the other three officers at the scene of Floyd's Monday death, at least two of whom appeared in one video to also be restraining the handcuffed, man suspected of passing a counterfeit bill. Floyd, who is black, was unarmed. Chauvin is white.

"There's reluctance on the part of the citizenry," said Michael Smith, a criminologist at the University of Texas-San Antonio, "as reflected in the decisions of prosecutors, to hold police officers accountable because of the unique nature of the role they have. There's a leeway that we typically want to give police, doing a difficult job under difficult circumstances. So there's a general reluctance for prosecutors to charge police for deaths in custody, and a reluctance for jurors to convict."

Data gathered by The Washington Post shows that American police fatally shoot about 1,000 people a year, and an untold number of police killings occur by other means, such as the choking of Floyd. In many cases, officers act to save the lives of themselves or others. But even in instances where an officer's actions are controversial, few cases end up judged in a courtroom.

In the 10-year period from 2005 to 2014, when perhaps 10,000 Americans were killed by police, 153 officers were charged, or about 1.5 percent, according to a database maintained by Phillip Matthew Stinson at Bowling Green University.

There are known dispositions in 139 of those 153 cases, Stinson said. About 55 percent of the cases resulted in convictions, most by guilty plea. Stinson's database also captures non-shooting cases. His research found 58 murder or manslaughter cases which did not involve a gun. Of the 51 cases with known results, about 65 percent resulted in a conviction, but only 24 of the cases ended with felony convictions.

"It's rare that officers get prosecuted for on-duty deaths," Stinson said, "especially ones that are not shootings."

When a police killing occurs, authorities have two choices for possible prosecution: a murder or manslaughter case in state court, or a criminal civil rights violation in federal court. Minneapolis authorities have begun a state case against Chauvin, but federal prosecutors said they are also looking at a possible civil rights case.

Cynthia Deitle, the former chief of the FBI's civil rights unit, said federal authorities will try to coordinate first with local law enforcement in the hopes that a state or county prosecutor can handle the case. "If we have faith that they are going to do the right thing, we will hang back, and offer them assistance," said Deitle, now the director of civil rights reform at the Matthew Shepard Foundation. "Now that there are actually state charges filed against somebody, we're not going first, we're going to let the state handle it."

If state prosecutors decline charges, as happened in the videotaped death of Eric Garner in New York City in 2014, federal prosecutors can then step in. In Garner's case, the Justice Department investigated and then decided last year not to charge the officers involved. Cases of police misconduct handled by the Justice Department typically take far longer to resolve - an average of three years to file charges, in a review of more than 50 cases studied by The Post. And charges are declined in 96 percent of police misconduct cases considered by the Justice Department.

But more frequently, state prosecutors handle the case. Most states, including Minnesota, have laws which specifically define when a police officer may use lethal force. Minnesota's law says an officer may only use deadly force to protect himself or another from apparent death or great bodily harm, or to capture a person believed to have committed a felony involving deadly force.

Smith noted those are essentially the same legal arguments that any civilian can make when raising a claim of self-defense. But the U.S. Supreme Court has added two crucial rulings which frame the consideration of most police shootings. In Graham v. Connor, the court ruled that an officer's actions must be "objectively reasonable" under the circumstances at the time, as the officer perceived them then, without judging them in hindsight.

And in Tennesee v. Garner, the court ruled that an officer may not use deadly force to prevent an escape unless the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.

When prosecutors seek murder charges, against any defendant, they must also prove the defendant's intent to kill, with different degrees of murder used for different circumstances. First-degree murder involves premeditation, second-degree murder is typically a more spontaneous killing. Minnesota is one of only three states with third-degree murder, which it defines as "without intent to effect the death of any person, caus[ing] the death of another by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life."

Intent is also crucial, and influences prosecutorial decisions, in federal civil rights cases. A federal criminal violation is called a "deprivation of rights under color of law," and makes it a crime to "willfully deprive or cause to be deprived from any person" their rights under the Constitution or federal law. The "objectively reasonable" standard is also used to analyze officers' actions in federal court.

"What I had to prove in many of my cases was the officer knew what he was doing was wrong and he did it anyway," said Deitle. "That's not always easy, and we don't know yet what the defense will argue in Minneapolis."
HARTFORD, Conn.  An arrest warrant charging UConn senior Peter Manfredonia has been signed and will be served on him when he returns to Connecticut.

Manfredonia, 23, remains in custody at a jail in Hagerstown, Md., where he has been held since he was taken into custody at gunpoint Wednesday night near a truck stop after a six-day manhunt through four states.

Police said their investigation into Manfredonia continues in both Connecticut and Maryland, where he was on the run for more than 24 hours before his capture.

A warrant has been signed by a judge charging Manfredonia with murder, attempted murder and first-degree assault on a person older than 60 in connection with the incident on Mirtl Road in Willington, Conn. Warrants are in the works for the Willington home invasion as well as for the killing of a Derby, Conn., man and kidnapping of his girlfriend on Sunday, May 24.

Ted DeMers, 62, died in the Willington attack, and an 80-year-old man was badly injured. Police said Manfredonia used a samurai sword in the crime.

After the Mirtl Road attack, police say Manfredonia went to a home in Willington and tied up the homeowner but did not harm him. Police said he stole guns, food and the mans pickup truck and headed to Derby early Sunday morning.

Police say Manfredonia went to an acquaintances home in Derby, where police say he killed a man, kidnapped his girlfriend and stole her car.

The woman was found safe later on May 24, along with the car, at a rest stop along I-80 in Pennsylvania. Manfredonia then used a ride share service to make his way into Pennsylvania, where he is suspected of stealing a car that he used to drive to Chambersburg, Pa., police say.

The stolen vehicle was recovered Tuesday morning, and Manfredonia was spotted on surveillance video in a Sheetz convenience store in Chambersburg.

This photo provided by the Washington County, Maryland, Sheriff's Office, Thursday May 28, 2020, shows Peter Manfredonia. The college student wanted in connection with two killings and a kidnapping in Connecticut was taken into custody in Maryland after authorities tracked him to a truck stop, according to new details released by police on Thursday.AP

He then went on to Hagerstown from Chambersburg with another ride from a ride share service and was on the loose until he was caught about 9 p.m. Wednesday near a truck stop in Hagerstown, police say. There was a heavy police presence near the truck stop because the U.S. Marshals were able track Manfredonia, who again used a ride share service, to the location.

Police officers spotted Manfredonia, realized he was their suspect and ordered him to the ground at gunpoint. He did not resist arrest, police said.

By David Owens, The Hartford Courant (TNS)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 10:38 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0bc30 1 Health medical-workers,Merdu-Ruang,Meruang,music,health,playlist,COVID-19,coronavirus,patients,hospital Free

Merdu Ruang (Meruang) is an initiative that provides a series of background music playlists for medical staff and patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The playlists are curated with therapeutic purposes, such as to ease medical personnels pressures when handling COVID-19 cases in hospitals and to support the patients healing.

We want to give moral support to medical personnel fighting the disease. Theyve given their all, Venti Wijayanti, part of the production team at Merdu Ruang, told The Jakarta Post via email. The government seems to be unprepared in dealing with the pandemic  which includes their policies and medical equipment. It prompted us to start this initiative.

For now, Merdu Ruang offers electronic music and traditional Javanese karawitan (music ensemble). The playlists can be enjoyed online on the initiatives website or offline via flash disks  the latter is for hospitals or clinics with limited internet access. The flash disk can be requested through the website, and Merdu Ruang also welcomes donations of flash disks.

Additionally, the music is divided based on the room categories in hospitals (waiting room, private inpatient room and shared inpatient room) and time period (morning, afternoon, evening and night).

Venti said each room and time period had different characteristics. Peoples needs are different and each time period has its own characteristic based on psychological aspects in that particular period, she said.

Read also: Anxiety: A playlist to calm the mind from a music therapist

The initiative originated from a creative worker in Yogyakarta named Aisyah Ilal Hilal. She expressed her opinions on Music for Everyone, a WhatsApp group for musicians in Yogyakarta.

Though shes not a musician, Ilal felt that musicians have the ability to support medical workers, Venti said. A number of users recommended making songs to raise the publics awareness about the importance of the medical workers roles. Others suggested making playlists, either to lift the spirits of medical workers and patients or to create a sense of calm. The playlist idea became Merdu Ruang.

Merdu Ruang consists of different teams that have worked on the initiative since mid-May, such as music curators, medical consultants, artistic designers and production workers. The music curators selected the songs based on the categories under the direction of their acoustemology expert.

Afterward, we got in touch with musicians who produced the music to get their permission. We also explained that this is a non-profit platform for medical staff and patients, Venti said.

Among musicians and groups who allowed their works to be featured on the playlists are United States-based ensemble Gamelan Pacifica, musical group Keluarga Karawitan RRI Surakarta, Japanese musician Hiroshi Yoshimura and Swedish artist Golden Ivy.

Those who are interested in gaining access to the playlists need to sign up first. Registered patients will get three-month access, while registered medical personnel will get one year access to the playlists.

Venti explained that the limitation was based on the use of music for therapy purposes. Patients are expected to heal after two or three months and they may not need the playlists afterward.

For the medical staff, they will meet other patients aside from those who are infected by COVID-19. The period will be longer as its predicted that the virus will only subside a year from now, she said. But if they wish to extend, they can reregister. (wng)
State and local police cruisers blocked off access to the Holyoke Mall Friday night after a series of social media posts earlier in the day threatened looting in the stores.

8:30 TONIGHT! HOLYOKE MALL! BRING YA LOOTING SHOES AND BAG! We gon get ours today, read one Facebook post from mid-afternoon.

Holyoke Police Sgt. James Bartolomei said police were monitoring social media after a demonstration at the Springfield Police headquarters Friday afternoon and noted a number of posts calling for people to congregate at the mall at 8:30 p.m.

There was chatter after the Springfield protest about people coming to the mall to do looting, he said.

Bartolomei said between 10 and 15 cruisers patrolled the parking lots around the mall. More cruisers blocked off access roads into the mall area as well. Police said they had no reports of disturbances.

While a reported 300 people responded to the postings, not all were happy with the idea. One demonstrator took the potential looters to task in a Facebook posting.

They be mad weird for that an wonder why black ppl be cussing them out cause they not taking this ****serious cause they not black. They think its fun and games and using it as an excuse to do criminal acts. They are mad weird for playing like that target had a reason they were looted. And to put the death of a black man as their way to loot the mall and get materialistic ****to benefit themselves is disgusting and ignorant.

Another agreed.

Sooothe 300 people that shared about looting the holyoke mall tonightdid I see all of yall at the peaceful protest we had today? Disgusting that people are trying to use this to act stupid. Staties and National Guard are out there, so what did yall think was going to happen??
WASHINGTON - The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday defended the agency's failure to find early spread of the coronavirus in the United States, noting that surveillance systems "kept eyes" on the disease.

"We were never really blind when it came to surveillance" for covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, CDC chief Robert Redfield said. Even if widespread diagnostic testing had been in place, it would have been like "looking for a needle in a haystack," he said.

Redfield was among three CDC officials who spoke with reporters Friday about a comprehensive analysis by the agency that found the coronavirus began spreading in the United States as early as the second half of January, eluding detection by public health surveillance systems that help monitor for early signs of novel contagions.

Reporters who received the report had requested to speak with experts. It was the first such CDC briefing in nearly three months.

The report looked at public health surveillance data, confirmed cases of covid-19 and the transmission of distinct genetic strains of the virus. The results are consistent with other scientific studies that have described a two-stage viral attack that began in January on the West Coast with the coronavirus introduced by travelers from China and continued in February as travelers from Europe brought the virus to the East Coast. Most of the virus spreading in the United States can be traced to the introductions from Europe.

Redfield said the findings debunk speculation the virus was circulating months earlier.

"There was one opinion that was circulating that in November, December and January, there was, if you will, significant seeding of the nation," Redfield said. "And what this data clearly shows is by four independent lines of evidence, that the early introduction of this virus in the Northwest and Northern California was sometime between the second week of January and the second week of February."

Jay Butler, CDC's deputy director for infectious diseases, said the findings also show that transmission was limited and not as widespread as some experts have suggested.

Addressing the botched CDC rollout of test kits that experts say allowed the virus to take hold and spread quickly, Redfield said diagnostic testing would have made little difference at that time. When U.S. cases were first detected in January and February, health officials identified about 800 high-risk individuals who had been in contact with infected patients. Only two of those people tested positive, he said.

Still, that doesn't mean officials should simply wait for the needles "to replicate themselves until they are the haystack," said William Hanage, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

"There's a succession of missed opportunities here," he said. "Surveillance at the time was wholly inadequate to the task of catching a pandemic virus of this sort, whenever it was introduced."

Michael Worobey, a University of Arizona evolutionary biologist who is lead author of a new paper analyzing the early spread of the virus in the United States, said his research indicates community spread on the West Coast probably did not begin before the first week in February. That is just a few weeks after the first Washington state patient arrived on a flight from Wuhan, China, but, to Worobey, that was potentially enough time to take action to limit the outbreak.

"It would be absurd to not recognize that there were some failings in the way testing was rolled out," Worobey said.

He said details of the introduction and spread of the virus are crucial to understanding exactly what happened and what could be done to prevent future outbreaks.

"When a plane crashes, it's very impressive the way these thing are investigated right down to every single fragment of debris so that we figure out what went wrong without trying to brush anything under the carpet," he said.

The genetic data that was part of the evidence in the report underscores the ease with which the virus entered the country and began spreading before the rollout of widespread testing or contact tracing, and also before the Trump administration banned most travel from China, starting Feb. 2, and Europe, on March 13.

A paper published Friday in the journal Science found that New York City was seeded with the virus at least eight times in separate events, the first perhaps as early as late January. The earliest introductions came from people with known travel histories and were not linked to later community clusters, the report said.

But outbreaks still happened, and the virus samples can be traced to Europe, "likely reflecting local transmissions from undetected introductions," the paper states. Only one of the virus sequences, introduced in mid-February, became highly successful in spreading in New York City, said the paper's lead author, Ana Silvia Gonzalez-Reiche, a virologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. There is no laboratory evidence this sequence was more contagious or dangerous than others, she said. "It looks like it was luck," she said.

Testing didn't expand until mid-March. If more testing had been available in January and February, researchers would have had a better chance of discerning the scale and speed of the outbreak, experts said.

"What this points to is how incredibly unfortunate it was that we didn't have broad-based surveillance early," said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

"We lost several months' time where we would have been able to isolate people and prevent the cases from accelerating as we did," she said.

In the absence of better testing, the researchers tried to reconstruct what happened. They examined four pieces of epidemiological data to understand whether the virus was circulating in the community before the identification of a patient Feb. 26 in California who was previously thought to be the first confirmed case of community spread.

The researchers concluded there was likely community transmission of covid-19 in the United States as early as mid-January, with the first such case identified in a woman who became ill in late January and died Feb. 6 in California.

The investigation showed low-level community transmission was happening as early as late January in California and Washington state, after importation of cases from China. But the level was too low for anyone to notice, and emergency departments saw no spike in patients with symptoms consistent with covid-19.

That, too, is consistent with what is know about community transmission: It takes time, many weeks, to reach a critical mass that triggers alarms. A retrospective analysis of more than 11,000 stored respiratory samples collected starting Jan. 1 showed no positive tests for covid-19 until Feb. 21 in Washington state. The virus was already circulating but at a level below the epidemiological radar.

The report concludes that "sustained, community transmission had begun" before the virus was detected in two cases in California and Washington state at the end of February. Those were the first U.S. patients with no travel history to China.

Researchers said spread probably came from "importation of a single lineage of virus from China in late January or early February, followed by several importations from Europe."

The report suggests procedures in place for contact tracing were no match for a virus that could spread from asymptomatic patients.

The CDC report raises intriguing speculation about how the first known case in the United States may have initiated a spread in a fashion so stealthy that it was impossible to discern at the time. The authors of the study note that investigators did rigorous contact tracing for the first patient. But they did not examine all of the patient's contacts before symptoms appeared. At that point, the standard protocol in contact tracing did not extend to potential presymptomatic spread, the CDC said.

And in another wrinkle, the contact tracing did not look at secondary contacts - people who had been in contact with the first circle of contacts. Thus, it is possible the patient transmitted the virus to someone who never developed symptoms, and who then transmitted it to someone who became one of the community spreaders.
As the COVID-19 wildfire in long-term-care facilities begins to slow, there are signs Ontarios epidemic is shifting to a new frontier in the GTA where it could prove even harder to extinguish: workplaces, especially factories and warehouses where many workers are lower-income, racialized and precariously employed.

Toronto, Peel and York regions  which together account for nearly 80 per cent of Ontarios active cases  have all seen an uptick in workplace-related infections in recent weeks, according to public health officials. In Toronto, public health officials are investigating at least two outbreaks, both in grocery stores, but those in Peel and York are grappling with dozens of workplace-related outbreaks or exposures, many of which are in their manufacturing, food processing and delivery sectors.

As the province continues to reopen its economy, labour advocates warn that activity in these workplaces will only ramp up. And many of the working conditions that fuelled outbreaks in nursing homes also exist in factories, plants and warehouses, they say  only these employees are even more precariously employed and their infections, and deaths, will be further hidden from public view.

If we want to have control over infection rates and over COVID-19, we have to understand this link with poor labour standards, said Deena Ladd, executive director of the Toronto-based Workers Action Centre. Those issues in long-term care are the same issues in logistics and warehousing, theyre the same issues as in food processing and bakeries.

Its been a wakeup call for everyone in the long-term-care sector but those are the same issues happening in other sectors, only made more invisible, she added.

It is unclear how many workplace-related outbreaks have been identified in Ontario or are currently active, as this data is not publicly disclosed by the provincial government. Ministry of Health spokesperson Hayley Chazan said the province is looking at how best to incorporate this data into our epidemiological updates.

Statistics were not provided by Halton or Durham regions, where public health officials do not believe workplace outbreaks are currently major drivers of community transmission, according to spokespersons.

Toronto Public Health also did not share statistics, but spokesperson Dr. Vinita Dubey said they are developing a process for regularly publishing data on workplace outbreaks and two staff clusters are currently being investigated, one at a Loblaws at Dupont and Christie, and the other at a Metro in Scarboroughs Parkway Mall.

But workplace outbreaks in Peel and York can also affect communities in Toronto. York regions two biggest workplace outbreaks at the moment have mostly infected employees who live in Toronto, according to chief medical officer Dr. Karim Kurji.

These workplaces  an aluminum window company and a UPS warehouse  are also both located within kilometres of Glenfield-Jane Heights, one of Torontos COVID hot spots where nearly 30 per cent of employed residents with a usual place of work reported having jobs in York or Peel, according to 2016 Transportation Tomorrow Survey data analyzed by the Star.

Peel Public Health has investigated more than 450 workplace exposures since March 21. And to date, roughly 200 cases have been linked to 13 active workplace clusters. But chief medical officer Dr. Lawrence Loh said he is now seeing dozens more workplace-related exposures compared to two weeks ago.

Investigators are focusing on warehouses, the transportation and logistics sector, and food processing plants to see if there are risk factors in sectors that may need a little more attention from us.

I think it really reflects the hypothesis were working on, which is that it reflects the employment profile in our region. We have a lot of very large workplaces where people cannot work from home, he said.

While we dont necessarily have the results from our own investigations right now, we have read the hypotheses and findings of other jurisdictions that suggest many of these people are precariously employed (or) dont necessarily have the option to not work.

The pandemic has led to a surge in demand for food, deliveries and other goods but the factories and warehouses that produce these goods and services rely massively on temp agency workers, many of whom move among multiple worksites or take jobs that might last for only a day or week, Ladd said.

They are also among the provinces most vulnerable workers, predominantly immigrants or racialized people who may not speak English as a first language. In pre-COVID times, Ladd was in touch with a group of Spanish-speaking women who were undocumented and cleaned grocery stores and malls but were forced to buy their own gloves and masks from Dollarama. When the COVID pandemic hit, this did not change, she said.

Health and safety training for temp workers is also often cursory, perhaps just a five-minute training video, and temp workers know that speaking out will result in being asked not to come back the following day, Ladd said.

If youre working through a temp agency, you dont have a voice, you cant speak out. But its one of the sectors that has one of the highest health and safety industrial accidents, she said. If the workers themselves are sick and not speaking out  thousands of workers are working through temp agencies. How are you going to track that?

In York region, home to Ontarios third-largest manufacturing centre, the COVID epidemic had been heading on a downward trajectory until a few weeks ago, when the curve began to flatline, said Kurji, the regions chief medical officer.

Some of this is due to outbreaks in two long-term-care homes, he said. But when it comes to community transmission, he believes the recent upsurge in workplace outbreaks has been a major driver, with over 40 that are currently active.

Kurji said they havent done any analysis yet of which workplaces are at higher risk, and while plants have been impacted, so have smaller operations where multiple members of the same household might be working for the company. But Vaughan has also been the city hardest hit in York, perhaps because of its high concentration of manufacturing plants, Kurji said.

Some of these workers work in multiple workplaces, just like we were finding with the long-term-care homes, and so they introduce it into other workplaces, he said. Some of these workers tend to carpool  I wouldn't be too surprised if the workers who are living outside of York Region could well have been transmitting into their communities.

So this is a much bigger problem than I think has been noticed, he continued. Usually what happens is when the virus moves from one particular sector to another sector  and I think its been moving from the long-term-care sector now to a new front which is really workplaces  first what you see is reports of cases, and later you see deaths arising.

But for Ladd, the difference with the long-term-care sector is that while its workforce is also vulnerable and mobile, residents are stationary. When large numbers of infections and deaths occur, people notice, an alarm is sounded.

When a COVID outbreak happens inside a warehouse, factory or plant, however, it is usually never noticed by the outside world. And the vulnerable workers inside have very little power to speak up.

When more of these places open up, I think its going to get even more difficult and I think the potential is huge for infection rates to increase, Ladd said. When there was no pandemic, workers were already very clear that they have very few rights and very little ability to challenge the violations of rights that they have. During a pandemic, thats going to be even more compounded.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 16:48:39|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Two militants were killed Saturday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight broke out at Wanpora village of Kulgam district, about 59 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"In a fierce gunfight with joint contingents of police and army here today, two militants were killed," a senior police official in Kulgam said. "The gunfight started early today and went on for several hours."

According to the police, the gunfight broke out after government forces cordoned off the area on specific intelligence information suggesting the presence of militants.

"No sooner the joint contingents of army and police reached near the suspected area, the militants present there fired upon them, thereby triggering a gunfight," the police official said.

As the gunfight started, authorities fearing street protests snapped mobile internet service in the district.

The government forces, according to the police, have not suffered any damage in the standoff.

Meanwhile, the identity of slain militants was not immediately known. According to police officials, they were trying to ascertain the identity and group affiliation of the militants.

Earlier this month, a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit Riyaz Naikoo along with his accomplice were killed in a gunfight in region's Pulwama district. A civilian was also killed and several others injured following the clashes during the gunfight.

Militant groups opposing New Delhi's rule are engaged in a guerilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfights between the two sides take place intermittently.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Enditem
GLADWIN, MI  The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has approved Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers request to add Gladwin County to the federal emergency declaration. This will provide additional resources to respond to the extreme flooding resulting from heavy rains and failed and breached dams in Midland County.

Whitmers office announced the initial approval on the night of Friday, May 29. It is limited to certain direct assistance from federal agencies to deal with immediate challenges but could be expanded as the state and FEMA complete damage assessment.

After these floods devastated livelihoods of families across Gladwin County, I am glad the federal government has stepped up to help those impacted, Whitmer said. I look forward to continuing to work with FEMA and the federal government to help Michigan families rebuild after this natural disaster.

Whitmer on May 22 issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Gladwin, Arenac, and Saginaw counties as a result of flooding from the May 19 Edenville Dam failure and Sanford Dam breach in Midland County. Two days prior, Whitmer issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Midland County and the city of Midland.

Whitmer on May 26 extended the order to also include Iosco County.

Officials have evacuated approximately 500 residents in Arenac County, more than 100 residents in Gladwin County, and approximately 750 residents in Saginaw County, with additional evacuations likely due to rising waters. The governors state of emergency ensures resources like law enforcement support, shelter support, road repair assistance, search and rescue support, and more are available to the impacted areas.

Also on Friday night, FEMA Regional Administrator James K. Joseph informed Congressman John Moolenaar, R-Midland, of Gladwin County being added to the federal emergency declaration approved by President Donald J. Trump last week. Moolenaar has been in contact with FEMA throughout the week following Josephs visit to mid Michigan on May 23 and he has been advocating for Gladwin County to be added to the declaration given the significant damage to the area. "I have been meeting with residents in Midland and Gladwin counties this week and I know the incredible challenges our community will face in the weeks ahead, Moolenaar said.

I appreciate Regional Administrator Josephs action on this emergency declaration request during this challenging time."

The addition to the declaration only makes federal resources available to Gladwin County for emergency protective measures that exceed the capabilities of the county and the state.

Affected residents are strongly encouraged to fill out property damage assessments and report them to their counties. These assessments will be used by state and local officials to file a request with the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration that could come at a later time and which would make families and businesses eligible for federal assistance. A link to the property damage assessment form is available on Moolenaars website, Moolenaar.House.Gov.

Related:

FEMA arrives to assess damage in Midland County, but notes much of their work will be done virtually

Gladwin County prosecutor allows restaurants to reopen for dine-in services in wake of flooding

Owner watches demolition of her Sanford pet grooming business after floods left it unsalvageable

Gov. Whitmer issues executive order adding flood-affected Iosco County to relief efforts

EMT survives coronavirus but loses home to flooding after Midland County dam failure

Our whole life is gone, says woman whose Sanford home was washed away in Midland floods
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.  The United States opened a new era of human space travel on Saturday as a private company for the first time launched astronauts into orbit, nearly a decade after the government retired the storied space shuttle program in the aftermath of national tragedy.

Two American astronauts lifted off at 3:22 p.m. from a familiar setting, the same Florida launchpad that once served Apollo missions and the space shuttles. But the rocket and capsule that lofted them out of the atmosphere were a new sight for many  built and operated not by NASA but SpaceX, the company founded by the billionaire Elon Musk to pursue his dream of sending colonists to Mars.

[Follow live updates from SpaceXs NASA crew-3 mission launch.]

Crowds of spectators including President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watched and cheered as the countdown ticked to zero, and the engines of a Falcon 9 rocket roared to life.

Rising slowly at first, the rocket then shot like a sleek, silvery javelin into humid skies, three days after an earlier launch was canceled because of concerns about lightning and other unsafe weather.
US President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation banning the entry of Chinese students and researchers having ties with the People's Liberation Army to dismantle China's efforts to use graduate students to acquire intellectual property and technology from America.

Trump's announcement came amidst escalating confrontation between the US and China over trade, the origins of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Beijing's security crackdown in Hong Kong and the communist giant's aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea.

Issuing the proclamation on Friday, Trump said China is engaged in a wide-ranging and heavily resourced campaign to acquire sensitive US technologies and intellectual property to modernise its massive military -- the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

This action of China is a threat to the US' long-term economic vitality and the safety and security of the American people, he said.

Trump alleged that China uses some Chinese students, mostly postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, to operate as non-traditional collectors of intellectual property. Therefore, Chinese postgraduate students or researchers who are or have been associated with the PLA are at high risk of being exploited or co-opted by the Chinese authorities and provide particular cause for concern.

"In light of the above, I have determined that the entry of certain" Chinese nationals "seeking to enter the US pursuant to an 'F' or 'J' visa to study or conduct research in the US would be detrimental to the interests" of America, he said.

China on Friday had termed Trump's threat to slap sanctions on its students in America as racist, saying it is a brazen political persecution and reminiscent of the McCarthy era. McCarthyism is the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the plan exposes a deep-rooted Cold War and zero-sum mentality that permeates the thinking of some Americans and warned the US not to violate the legal rights of the Chinese students in America.

While the F-1 visa is for students attending a full-time degree or academic programme at a school, college or university in the US, the J-1 visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in America through programmes overseen by the US State Department. The F-1 visa is valid for as long as it takes the student to finish his or her course of study. An F-1 Visa also allows students to work on campus and in some situations even off campus.

Describing the proclamation as a good step, Congressman Mike Rogers, Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said China is committed to a long-term campaign for global technological leadership, even if it means stealing their way to the top.

China has taken concerted steps to extract the latest technologies from leading American institutions and transfer information back to China's defense industrial base and state-run industries.

"This is a wholesale attack on American competitiveness. I commend the President for issuing this proclamation. It is a good step forward to safeguard our national security and American economic competitiveness," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 14:14:57|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

DENVER, the United States, May 29 (Xinhua) -- For a second straight day, angry citizens protested police brutality against African-Americans in Denver, Colorado's capital city.

Protests started at noon and lasted more than nine hours before being finally disbursed by hundreds of police officers firing large amounts of teargas.

On Thursday, protests rippled across America after the brutal killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer.

On Friday, Denver protest organizers insisted their activists stay peaceful and refrain from causing property damage. However, local media reported that hundreds of protesters attacked and damaged the state capital building and nearby vehicles and businesses the day before.

Denver police officers made 13 arrests Thursday for burglary, criminal mischief and assault, city officials said.

On Friday, despite local authority's warning, a number of protesters threw rocks and bottles, and police responded with pepper spray and teargas and dispersed them.

"It was a cloud of teargas that moved protesters away," Channel 9, NBC-News reported, as pepper gas and rubber bullets were fired into several groups of protesters.

Police reported several arrests, and caused minor injuries, some by protesters inhaling teargas, who were taken away by ambulance.

Local political leaders including African-American mayor Mike Hancock continued to ask protesters to hold peaceful demonstrations. Enditem
(Natural News) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo railed against China again over its early failures and coverup of the COVID-19 outbreak, and criticized World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom for his unusually close ties to Beijing which predate the pandemic.

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Pompeo said that The Chinese communist partys response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan have accelerated our more realistic understanding of communist China. The party chose to destroy live virus samples instead of sharing, or asking us to help secure them.

The Chinese communist party chose to threaten Australia with economic retribution for the simple act of asking for an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus, Pompeo continued, adding Thats not right.

We stand with Australia and the more than 120 nations who have taken up the American goal for an inquiry into the origins of the virus so we can understand what went wrong, and save lives now and in the future.

Pompeo then turned his attention to WHO director Tedros Adhanom, who he says was pressured by China into excluding Taiwan from the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

I understand that Dr. Tedros unusually close ties to Beijing started long before this pandemic, and thats deeply troubling.

POMPEO: "The medias focus on the current pandemic risks missing the bigger picture of the challenges presented by the Chinese Community Party. Live updates: https://t.co/vNq3rqfaFt pic.twitter.com/jlEyf6N9sl  JM Rieger (@RiegerReport) May 20, 2020

On Wednesday, President Trump tweeted that Chinas incompetence was responsible for this mass Worldwide killing!

Some wacko in China just released a statement blaming everybody other than China for the Virus which has now killed hundreds of thousands of people. Please explain to this dope that it was the incompetence of China, and nothing else, that did this mass Worldwide killing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2020

Pompeo also slammed Democrats for investigating him after he recommended the firing of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick.

This is all coming through the office of Senator Menendez, said Pompeo, adding I dont get my ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted.

Menendez (D-NJ) was indicted in 2015 for his alleged role in a bribery scheme in which he accepted gifts from a Florida ophthalmologist in exchange for using his office to benefit the physicians financial and personal interest. The DOJ eventually dropped the case against Menendez and the charges were dismissed in 2018.

Pompeo added that he should have recommended Linicks firing some time ago, and denied that it was in retaliation for reportedly investigating him.

There are claims that this was for retaliation for some investigation that the inspector generals office here was engaged in. Patently false, said Pompeo.

I couldnt possibly have retaliated for all the things  Ive seen the various stories that someone was walking my dog to sell arms to my dry cleaner, he added. I mean, its just crazy. Its all its all its all crazy stuff.

.@SecPompeo: "I recommended to the president that Steve Linick be terminated. Frankly, should have done it some time agoI don't talk about personnel matters. I don't leak to you allthere are claims that this was for retaliationit's patently falseit's all crazy stuff." pic.twitter.com/jpphNyF2c7  CSPAN (@cspan) May 20, 2020

Trump said in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Friday night that he lost confidence in the watchdog, without providing further explanation. Pompeo also did not provide a more detailed explanation for the firing when asked at the briefing. The president has a unilateral right to choose who he wants to be his inspector general at every agency in the federal government, Pompeo said. Some Republicans, including Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, have said that a lack of confidence is an insufficient explanation for firing the inspector general. CNBC

According to House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY), Linick had opened an investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Pompeo  who a Democratic aide told NBC may have misused a political appointee at the Department to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. Pompeo, which included walking his dog, picking up dry cleaning and making dinner reservations.

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
The Bold and the Beautiful is one of the most popular soap operas of all-time, as well as one of the longest-running shows on television.

Beginning in 1987, the soap opera has run for 33 consecutive seasons. Recently, the show has recently been forced to shut down the production of new episodes due to COVID-19 precautions.

Showrunners have decided to replay classic episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful while on hiatus, mostly to the joy of long-time fans. These throwback episodes have been sorted into special theme weeks to celebrate the shows greatest moments. One of the special theme weeks involved the shows most iconic fashion moments, which has left some fans divided.

What is The Bold and the Beautiful about?

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL | Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

RELATED: The Bold and the Beautiful Star Hunter Tylo Once Sued TV Tycoon Aaron Spelling For A Totally Valid Reason

The soap primarily follows the life of the glamorous Los Angeles based Forrester family. The Forresters are consistently in the midst of classic soap opera tropes, including devastating love triangles, dramatic affairs, and shocking reveals.

There are also a number of love triangles in the show, which mainly involve two women fighting for the affection of one man, usually a Forrester man. The rich and powerful family is at the top of the fashion industry, while other main families are in similarly privileged positions. These featured families include the Logan and Spencer clans that interact, feud with, and marry various Forresters throughout the years.

Many of these interactions involve scenes set within the glamorous fashion industry, which has led to a special fashion week theme.

The Bold and the Beautiful fashion week

Grab a front row seat because #BoldandBeautifuls Fashion Week starts on Monday. You won't want to miss it! pic.twitter.com/yghx7rKrq7  Bold & The Beautiful (@BandB_CBS) May 8, 2020

Since many members of the Forrester family sit at the top of the fashion industry, it makes sense that the show would feature a fashion week. The specially selected episodes showcase the best and most beautiful fashion moments of the shows long history.

Many iconic moments in the show have occurred at fashion shows, or during other shoots and events. The show has also featured an epic wedding week, special behind-the-scenes specials, and a throwback trip to Monte Carlo. The shows primary setting is Los Angeles, but one storyline followed the Logan and Forrester families to beautiful Aspen, Colorado.

The snowy setting was perfect to showcase gorgeous winter wear that is not ideal for sunny Los Angeles. Most of the episodes during fashion week were celebrated by fans, but one particular episode was not as appreciated.

Fans reaction to fashion week episodes

Bundle up, because todays show of #BoldandBeautiful Fashion Week is in Aspen!  Whats been your favorite B&B moment there? pic.twitter.com/dIyjvYLb5O  Bold & The Beautiful (@BandB_CBS) May 12, 2020

RELATED: The Bold and the Beautiful Fans Were Loving the Reruns  Until Brooke Came Along

Many of The Bold and the Beautiful theme episodes, including the many of the fashion week throwbacks, were celebrated by fans who got to relive their favorite characters past triumphs and heartbreaks.

This nostalgic love was not felt one for one particular episode, which involved drama between Hope Logan (Kim Matula/Annika Noelle), Bill Spencer Jr. (Dom Diamont), Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton), and Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood).

In the episode, Hope is acting extremely anxious, and is accused of being a homewrecker by the hungry fashion press in the show. Hope is anxious because she is being harassed by both the press and Bill.

Bill does not want his son to choose Hope, as he believes he is not strong enough to support Liam. The episode ends with Hope collapsing in tears as the press outside her window continues to harass her.

The love triangle between Hope, Steffy and Liam has been a long-lasting story arc of the recent run of the show. Fans have also grown tired of Steffy and Liams will they or wont they act, saying that Steffy should move on to a new, more healthy relationship.

Many fans have spoken out against the shows tendency to pit women against each other for the love of a man. It will be interesting to see if the show will adapt and change following the COVID-19 production shutdown.
Singh underlined that there was no need for the United States to meditate.

New Delhi: Asserting that its not the India of 1962 which could be arm-twisted, Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that talks are being held with China at military and diplomatic levels to resolve stand-off between the armies of two countries in Ladakh sector.

To a question whether anyone can arm twist India now like in 1962 (China-India war), the defence minister said: No one can even think of that (of arm twisting India). India has a capable and decisive leadership. We will never let India bow its head low.

This is the first official comment by a senior Union Cabinet minister on the ongoing India-China military stand-off.

I want to assure the nation that under no circumstance we will allow dignity of India to be hurt, Mr Singh told a news channel on Saturday on the stand-off at the line of actual control.

He said that it has been a clear and long standing policy of India to have good and peaceful relations with its neighbours. But sometimes circumstances are such that (with China) things like these happen and such incidents have happened in the past as well, said the defence minister.

Singh pointed out that even China has issued statement that they want to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.

Indias effort is that tensions do not go up. Talks are going on at the diplomatic level and at the military level with China. Even China has shown interest to resolve the issue," defence minister said.



Singh underlined that there was no need for the United States to meditate since the two countries already had a bilateral mechanism to resolve such problems.

Yesterday I spoke to the Secretary Defence of the US and I told him that there is a set mechanism under which if there is any problem between the two countries, it is resolved by military and diplomatic dialogue. The mechanism is in place and our talks are on with China, he said.

He said that there have been perceptional differences at some points between India and China on line of actual control. Our people go till LAC. Sometime their people cross LAC. This has been happening earlier also. This has not happened for the first time. But we have resolved these through dialogue, said Singh. He pointed out that even Doklam standoff in 2017 was resolved by India and China through dialogue.

On Nepal, the defence minister said that any issue on Lipulekh could be resolved with the neighboring country through dialogue and that Nepal is like our brother.
Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, set a police car on fire and struck officers with bottles. Large protests in New York, Houston and other cities were largely peaceful  even in Minneapolis, where thousands marched downtown as the city's 8 p.m. curfew ticked past and encircled a police precinct station.

The white former Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into George Floyds neck was arrested Friday and charged with murder, as authorities imposed overnight curfews to try to stem violent protests over police killings of African-Americans that have spread from Minneapolis and other US cities.

Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, set a police car on fire and struck officers with bottles. Large protests in New York, Houston and other cities were largely peaceful, even in Minneapolis, where thousands marched downtown as the city's 8 pm curfew ticked past and encircled a police precinct station.

Prosecute the police! some chanted, and "Say his name: George Floyd! There was no violence, but some protesters sprayed graffiti on nearby buildings. Elsewhere in the city, forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to drive back crowds of protesters.

It wasnt clear if  or how  authorities would enforce the curfew, amid sharp questions about city and state leaders mishandling the crisis. The curfew came one night after protesters burned a police precinct station, and barriers were erected around at least two police precincts before nightfall.

Cop faces more than 12 years in prison

Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He also was accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe as Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck. Floyd, who was black, had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

An attorney for Floyds family welcomed the arrest but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants the other officers arrested.

Prosecutor Mike Freeman said more charges were possible, but authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Meanwhile, Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey declared a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am Friday and Saturday, with exceptions for emergency responders, the homeless and those seeking medical care.

I know that whatever hope you feel today is tempered with skepticism and a righteous outrage," Frey said in a statement. Todays decision from the County Attorney is an essential first step on a longer road toward justice and healing our city.

Protests spread across US

Protests also spread across the US, fuelled by outrage over Floyds death and years of police violence against African-Americans. Demonstrators clashed with officers in New York and blocked traffic in Houston and San Jose, California. In Atlanta, demonstrators jumped on police cruisers, set one police car ablaze and broke windows at CNNs headquarters, where hundreds were confronting police.

On Monday, police were trying to put Floyd in a squad car when he stiffened and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, a criminal complaint said. Chauvin and Officer Tou Thoa arrived and tried several times to get the struggling Floyd into the car.

At one point, Chauvin pulled Floyd out of the cars passenger side, and Floyd, who was handcuffed, went to the ground face down. Officer JK Kueng held Floyds back and Officer Thomas Lane held his legs while Chauvin put his knee on Floyds head and neck area, the complaint said.

When Lane asked if Floyd should be rolled onto his side, Chauvin said, No, staying put is where we got him. Lane said he was worried about excited delirium or whatever.

An autopsy said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyds system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that drew police, the caller describes the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as awfully drunk and hes not in control of himself.

After Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Lane again said he wanted to roll Floyd onto his side. Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, according to the complaint.

In all, Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, including nearly three minutes after Floyd stopped moving and talking, the complaint said.

Chauvin's attorney had no comment when reached by The Associated Press.

The prosecutor highlighted the extraordinary speed in charging the case just four days after Floyds death and defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner. Freeman said his office needed time to gather evidence, including what he called the horrible video recorded by a bystander.

It was not immediately clear whether Chauvin's arrest would quiet the unrest, which escalated again Thursday night as demonstrators burned a Minneapolis police station soon after officers abandoned it.

'World is watching'

News of the arrest came moments after Minnesota governor Tim Walz acknowledged the abject failure of the response to the protests and called for swift justice for the officers. Walz said the state had taken over the response to the violence.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are on fire. The fire is still smoldering in our streets. The ashes are symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish unheard, Walz said. Now generations of pain is manifesting itself in front of the world  and the world is watching.

President Donald Trump threatened action, tweeting when the looting starts, the shooting starts, which prompted a warning from Twitter for glorifying violence. Trump later said he was referring to shooting that had happened during the protests.

Later, the president said he'd spoken to Floyds family and expressed my sorrow.

Trump called video of the arrest just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it.

The governor faced tough questions about the National Guard's slow response, saying city leaders were in charge. But Walz said it became apparent as the 3rd Precinct station burned Thursday night that the state had to step in.

You will not see that tonight, there will be no lack of leadership, Walz said Friday.

A visibly tired and frustrated Frey, the Minneapolis mayor, took responsibility for evacuating the police precinct, saying it had become too dangerous for officers.

'Pure hell'

Nearly every building in a shopping district a couple blocks from the abandoned police station had been vandalised, burned or looted. National Guard members carrying assault rifles lined up at some intersections, keeping people away from the police station. Dozens of volunteers swept up broken glass in the street.

Dean Hanson, 64, who lives a nearby subsidised housing apartment, said his building lost electricity overnight. Residents were terrified as they watched mobs loot and burn their way through the neighborhood, he said.

I cant believe this is happening here, Hanson said. It was pure hell."

Dozens of fires were also set in St Paul, where nearly 200 businesses were damaged or looted.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyd's family, asked to take custody of Floyd's body for an independent autopsy.

The doctor who will do the autopsy is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City, who was hired to do an autopsy for Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold and he pleaded that he could not breathe.

State and federal authorities also are investigating Floyd's death.

The owner of a popular Latin nightclub said Floyd and Chauvin both worked as security guards there as recently as last year, but its not clear whether they worked together. Chauvin served as an off-duty security guard at the El Nuevo Rodeo club for nearly two decades, and Floyd had worked there more recently for about a dozen events featuring African-American music, Maya Santamaria told the AP.

Santamaria, who recently sold the venue, said Chauvin got along well with the regular Latino customers but did not like to work the African-American nights. When he did, and there was a fight, he would spray people with mace and call for police backup and half-dozen squad cars would soon show up, something she felt was overkill.

Governor apologizes for arrest of CNN crew

Following the arrest of a CNN crew on live television by police on Friday, an apologetic Walz promised that journalists would not be interfered with in reporting on violent protests following the death of George Floyd.

CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez and two colleagues were released within an hour after network chief executive Jeff Zucker called Walz to demand answers about why they were led away and held in a police van.

We have got to ensure that there is a safe spot for journalism to tell this story, Walz said.

Jimenez and colleagues Bill Kirkos and Leonel Mendez were doing a live shot for CNN's New Day shortly after 5 am Central Time, describing a night of fire and anger in the wake of Floyd's death after a Minneapolis police office knelt on his neck. Fired officer Derek Chauvin was charged with murder in that case later Friday.

When first approached by officers, Jimenez, who is black, told them, put us back where you want us. We are getting out of your way.

After being told he was being arrested and his hands were tied behind his back, Jimenez asked why he was being arrested. He did not get an answer.

The Minnesota State Patrol said on Twitter that the journalists were among four people arrested as troopers were clearing the streets and restoring order following the protests. The patrol said the CNN journalists were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media.

Its not clear why they were confused: Jimenez was holding what appeared to be a laminated ID card before his hands were secured, and his fellow crew members told police that they were from CNN and showing the scene live on the air.

Ive never seen anything like this, CNN New Day co-anchor John Berman said.

After being released, Jimenez said that he was glad that his arrest was shown on the air.

You dont have to doubt my story, he said. Its not filtered in any way. You saw it for your own eyes. That gave me a little bit of comfort. But it was definitely nerve-wracking.

At a later news conference, Walz said that I take full responsibility. There is absolutely no reason something like that should happen ... This is a very public apology to that team.

The arrest drew widespread condemnation across the news industry. CNN competitors MSNBC, CBS News and Fox News all issued statements in support of Jimenez, along with the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists.

CNN accepted Walz's apology, saying the network appreciated the sincerity of his words.

Walz's words in support of journalists have impact at a time when the news media is often under attack, said Jane E Kirtley, silha professor of Media Ethics and Law and director of the Silha Center at the University of Minnesota.

It's really important for the governor to make that kind of statement to emphasize to everyone, especially law enforcement, that the press has an important job to do... and they need to be respected, said Kirtley, who lives blocks away from the protests and could still smell smoke from the fires on Friday.

Later Friday, the network was again thrust into the story when hundreds of protesters confronted police outside CNNs downtown Atlanta headquarters. Activists spray-painted a large CNN logo outside the building, breaking a window and tagging doors. One protester climbed on top of the CNN sign and waved a Black Lives Matter flag to cheers from the crowd.

As anchor Chris Cuomo opened his prime-time show, he told viewers the networks headquarters had been swarmed and defaced. Footage of the damage outside was mixed with scenes from other protests around the country.

Correspondent Nick Valencia reported from inside the building as protesters hurled objects at the building and police.

"This is our home, Chris, you know, this is where we come to work every day, journalists who are trying to tell the truth, trying to deliver information... And these demonstrators have decided to come here today to take our their frustration and anger it seems not just on police but on our CNN center as well, Valencia said.

Meanwhile, there were signs Friday that cable news networks, who were spending much of their time covering the story, have become sensitive to the impact of showing witness video of Floyd's treatment by police.

News anchors on all three networks usually warned viewers of its graphic nature before showing the video.

I must warn you that this is difficult to watch, said CNN's Brianna Keilar, but it is important to remember.

With inputs from AP
A 30-year-old man is in a coma fighting for his life after being hit in the head with a brick during a late night brawl at a house party.

He was found lying on the footpath with 'significant head injuries' outside of a share house in Brighton Le Sands, in Sydney's south, at 12:30am on Saturday.

An out-of-control brawl had been reported to authorities, prompting the riot squad, police and paramedics to be sent in.

While the victim lay injured on the footpath, up to 15 men were inside the house when authorities arrived on the scene.

The victim suffered a fractured skull and was rushed to St George Hospital in a serious condition, where he remains in a coma.

A pool of blood, two shirts and loose bricks lay were a 30-year-old man was found with 'significant head injuries' outside of a share house in Brighton Le Sands, in Sydney's south, at 12:30am on Saturday

Pictures of the party house on Saturday morning show there is a pool of blood on the pavement in front of the property.

Next to the blood on the front lawn are loose bricks, a knocked over brick fence and mailbox, two T-shirts and a Coles trolley lying on its side.

Police seized a brick from inside the house, which they believed was used to strike the man in the head.

There were chaotic scenes at the house the previous night, with emergency lights from police cars and ambulances flashing and a riot team present.

Neighbour Phil McCambridge was woken up by the noise and saw riot squad police first arriving on the scene to knock down doors inside the house.

'They had the riot squad there and they brought out a battering ram. A little battering ram and they knocked down a door or two in the house,' he told 9News.

The injured man was quickly treated by paramedics and rushed to hospital, according to the neighbours.

Men and women at the party were lined up in front of the house after emergency services arrived.

Seven men were taken to Hurstville and Kogarah Police Stations and are assisting police. They are not under arrest.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said the investigation is ongoing.

'Inquiries are still continuing. No charges have been laid at this stage,' the spokeswoman said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Expressing his concern over the steep rise in coronavirus infections in Delhi in the last one week, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that while the rise in numbers is a matter of concern, residents don't need to panic.

The government is four steps ahead of the COVID-19 disease and gearing up to enhance capacity to accommodate more patients suffering from the contagion in government and private hospitals, he added.



"It is a matter of concern, but we don't need to panic. I assure people that the government is four steps ahead of the coronavirus. Delhi is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases, we accept it. But there is nothing to worry about, we are fully prepared. We should worry when the number increases and there is a shortage of beds," he said.



Stating that the country cannot be in permanent lockdown, the CM said that the government is focusing on arrangements for COVID-19 treatment instead.

ALSO READ | Delhi government designates five hotels to increase capacity of COVID-19-dedicated hospitals



He said in the last one week, 2,100 more beds for coronavirus-infected people had been arranged and within a week, the city will have 9,500 beds reserved for COVID-19 patients.



"We have issued an order already and by June 5, we will have 9,500 beds, as we are also taking over private hotels. If required, we will install oxygen concentrators there. Though positive cases have increased since May 14 from 8,500 to about 17,000, only 500 more patients were admitted to the hospitals. There were 1,600 people in hospitals till May 14 while at present, a total of 2,100 are recuperating. Still, we have 4,500 beds vacant. That is why I am saying don't fear. Most are recovering at home as they have very mild symptoms such as low fever or cough. There is no need to panic, said Kejriwal.



The fourth phase of the lockdown to contain the pandemic will end on Sunday.

In Delhi, coronavirus cases rose to 17,386 on Friday, and there have been 398 deaths so far.



Kejriwal said that the government will launch a mobile application next week containing comprehensive information on hospitals for coronavirus infection treatment including vacant beds and Intensive Care Units (ICU) reserved for COVID-19 patients.



"All information will also be available on helpline number 1,031," he said.
Meghan McCain's father-in-law misused his position in the Trump administration for private gain by capitalizing on his government connections to help get his son-in-law hired at the Environmental Protection Agency, investigators said in a report obtained by The Associated Press.

The Interior Department's Inspector General found that Assistant Interior Secretary Douglas Domenech reached out to a senior EPA official in person and later by email in 2017 to advocate for the son-in-law, Eric Frandy, when he was seeking a job at the agency.

Eric Frandy is married to Domenech's daughter, Emily.

Douglas Domenech is also father to Ben Domenech, who married McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, in 2017. Neither McCain or Ben Domenech were involved.

Doug Domenech, who is an assistant interior secretary in the Trump administration, tried to get his son-in-law a job at the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an internal government investigation

Investigators said Douglas Domenech also appeared to misuse his position to promote a second family member's wedding-related business to the same EPA official, who was engaged at the time.

The AP obtained the report detailing the investigation in advance of its public release.

It's the second finding of ethical violations in six months against Domenech, the agency's assistant secretary for insular and international affairs.

Investigators in December found that he broke federal ethics rules by twice meeting with his former employer, a conservative Texas-based policy group, to discuss legal disputes between the group and the agency in early 2017.

The contacts between Domenech and the EPA official began at a concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia in the fall of 2017.

Domenech, three family members including the son-in-law and the senior EPA official had received free tickets through the office of then-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, the report said.

The son-in-law was not named or otherwise identified in the report, but two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details publicly identified his relation to Domenech.

One of those who spoke anonymously identified the son-in-law as Frandy.

Frandy married Domenech's daughter, Emily, a Republican staffer on Capitol Hill, in 2012, according to the couple's online wedding registry. The report referred to him as 'family member 1.'

While at the Wolf Trap concert, Domenech was seated with the EPA official and 'used his position to gain access to the EPA senior official when he believed family member 1 could not,' the report said.

Domenech followed up with multiple emails to the EPA official, including one in which he provided Frandy's name and his experience and repeated that his son-in-law was seeking a job at the agency, the report said.

'Let me know if we can ever be of service,' Domenech said in closing the message, according to the report.

The Interior Department's Inspector General found that Assistant Interior Secretary Douglas Domenech reached out to a senior EPA official in person and later by email in 2017 to advocate for the son-in-law, Eric Frandy, when he was seeking a job at the agency. Eric Frandy (right) is married to Domenech's daughter, Emily (left)

He later told investigators that the email was a 'courtesy' intended to move the process along.

'When asked if moving the process along was a way to influence the EPA hiring process, Domenech said, "Well, when I think of influencing ... I guess you're right. I was trying to influence the process to move along. Thats different than influencing the process to hire",' the report said.

Inspector General Mark Lee Greenblatt's office concluded Domenech's actions were specifically aimed at benefiting his son-in-law.

'The evidence indicates Domenech intended to use his position and title to induce the EPA to act,' Greenblatt's office said in the report.

No criminal violations were found, according to Greenblatt's office.

Breaking the law at issue becomes a criminal matter it benefits the violator directly or the person's wife, child or business - but not if it involves an in-law, according to the federal code.

Domenech was required to undergo additional ethics training as a result of the investigations into his conduct, Interior spokesman Nicholas Goodwin said.

No further disciplinary action was taken and the matter is considered resolved, he said.

'The underlying events regarding Mr. Domenech occurred in 2017 before the Department initiated an unprecedented effort to invest in building a culture of ethical compliance and dramatically expanding the Department of the Interiors Ethics Office Program,' Goodwin said.

Domenech did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Frandy did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva, an Arizona Democrat, called on Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to fire Domenech.

'Firing Mr. Domenech is the only serious course of action at this point - another round of ethics training is clearly just a waste of time, since it hasn't sunk in by now,' Grijalva said in a statement.

Douglas Domenech is father-in-law to Meghan McCain (left), the daughter of late Senator John McCain. In 2017, Meghan McCain married Ben Domenech (right), a journalist who is co-founder and publisher of the right-leaning publication The Federalist

Bernhardt, a former lobbyist for the oil and gas industry and other private interests, took over as secretary after Zinke resigned in December 2018 amid multiple ethics allegations and has publicly sought to tamp down on misbehavior at the agency, in part by hiring more ethics officials.

But Democratic lawmakers and some advocacy groups have remained critical of what they depict as rampant unethical behavior within the agency's top ranks.

Domenech previously worked as a political appointee in the Interior Department under former President George W. Bush.

He later went to work for the Texas Public Policy Foundation and was supposed to recuse himself for two years from dealings with the group.

He went through two rounds of ethics training when he first joined the Trump administration as a senior advisor to Zinke in 2017, according to the investigation.

That training included specific admonitions against using his office 'to endorse friends, relatives or persons with whom you are affiliated in a non-governmental capacity,' the report said.

The identity of the senior EPA official involved in the case was not disclosed in the report.

Investigators reached out to the official six times to request an interview but the person did not respond and has since left the EPA, the report said.

The EPA employee who selected the son-in-law for hiring told investigators that the senior official 'was interested in bringing (him) on the team' but that the was ultimately hired because he was qualified, the report said.

EPA spokeswoman Andrea Woods declined comment when asked about the job Frandy was hired for at the agency, saying it does not discuss personnel matters.
Richwood, TX (77531)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 34F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 34F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Councillors have called foul on what they see as the growing problem of dog litter during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Cllr Mary Farrell said that the issue of dog fouling was particularly noticeable on beaches and was told that beach cleans by council staff would not be taking place until June at the earliest.

'The beaches need to be cleaned now, I don't think there is any reason to wait until June to do that and waiting another three weeks for the beach clean up is just too long,' said Cllr Farrell.

'It relates back to dog fouling, people are not being responsible. All I can say is that Kilmuckridge was like a bank holiday weekend - as the car parks are closed people are just parking anywhere and everywhere, on the sides of ditches and roads, and it's creating major problems. Don't know how we address it but people are still just not listening. Compliance might be high in other areas but it's not in relation to beaches and scenic areas,' she said.

Cllr Farrell was told that a publicity campaign on dog fouling would be taking place around the county, but for now there had been some social media posts about the issue.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said that Tara Hill is destroyed with dog fouling, whether it be council land, privately owned land or Coillte land.

'It's just something that people are not getting. They think that their dog is the only dog in the world and that everyone should be admiring their dog, while he's making a complete mess of the country side at the same time. If you're taking your dog out in a public area, behave like you'd behave yourself,' he said.

He then suggested an education campaign, but Cllr Anthony Donohoe suggested something a bit different.

'If anybody is serious about dog fouling, we have to have a way of tracing them. Every dog that's born has to be micro-chipped. You can take a DNA sample of the dog and set up a database, it's the same with calves. If the same was done with dogs, a specimen can be taken of the stool and linked back to the database which links back to the owner and sends out a fine in the post. It's just a suggestion and I'm not a scientist but it could be brought up to the Department. There are reckless owners out there and this would trace things back to them'.

Cllr Farrell agreed and said that the only way to educate people is to hit them in their pockets and really take the issue seriously.

Cllr Fionntan O Suilleabhain said that this theory would be 'totally impossible and unworkable' and described Cllr Donohoe's suggestion as 'sci-fi 25th century stuff'.

Cllr Oliver Walsh asked about installing poo bins and bag dispensers in every village.

The environment spokesperson said that, from her experience, this does not solve the problem and sometimes even creates more of a problem as people dump the bags.

'We have tried to focus on dog fouling in the last couple of years, but can try again once things start to re-open to create public awareness,' she said.

Responding to Cllr Farrell's query on beach clean-ups, the spokesperson said that government guidelines were needed for the safety of employees.

'We will have the beach cleaning machine going out before the June opening date around the weekend of June 13 but recruitment has started and the employment of lifeguards and beach patrol staff is hoped for early June. We have been monitoring car parks, but we will check those areas for problems mentioned'.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh asked about a traffic plan for when Curracloe reopens and was told that a traffic plan is being formulated for all beaches.

Cllr Oliver Walsh said that beach access is an issue at Ballyconnigar and he asked whether the temporary bridge could be extended up over the rocks.

'I would like to see that going ahead before the June bank holiday weekend. If anyone wants to meet me out there and social distance and have a look at it and I'll explain what needs to be done further,' he said.

He was told that the bridge should be ready for that time.
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
Hair Salons, Barbershops, and Dine-in Services are Approved to be Open Immediately; Los Angeles Enters Phase Two of COVID-19 Recovery

Los Angeles County leadership shared updated news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreaks. The city took monumental strides towards recovery this month, the largest testing site in America at the Dodger Stadium came online and all non-essential retail stores are available to allow guests indoors. Los Angeles Board of Supervisors delivered their strategies to gradually integrate physical distancing guidelines within the workforce; the Los Angeles Public Health Department administered policies that highlight social distancing in all sectors of businesses. The Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer disclosed the latest data behind the spread of coronavirus. Although the rules seem to have relaxed, the death rate has not fallen below double-digit rates.

Today hair salons and barbershops can start opening for in-person appointments, and restaurants can offer dine-in services. The state approved a request from the county; a variance for Los Angeles to move forward in reopening non-essential businesses with critical public health orders in place. This will allow pillars of the economy to contribute into rebuilding the fiscal infrastructure. The decision was based on the the countys ability to uphold the basic requirements of hospital stability, testing capacity, and integrated social distancing health orders specific to each sector. Los Angeles is ranked to be in the advance stages of phase two, based off the states Resiliency Roadmap.

Dr. Ferrer provided the latest numbers surrounding coronavirus. As of Friday, May 29, there were 50 additional deaths, 33 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 30 of them with underlining health conditions. 13 people who died were between the ages of 41-65, seven of these victims had preexisting health concerns. four people were under the age of 41, three victims had underlining health conditions. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 2,290. 14% of all positive cases were hospitalized at some point. Fatal cases within congregational settings such as assistant living represent 52% of overall COVID-19 deaths. 93% of those who died due to COVID-19 had preexisting health concerns.

Ferrer disclosed as of May 29, there were 1,824 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 51,562 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 1,741 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 911 cases in the city of Pasadena. The statistics among the unsheltered community report 393 positive cases, 191 individuals were staying at a shelter and properly isolated.

ADVERTISEMENT

The relationship between COVID-19 effects and ethnicity were provided. The racial background was collected for 2,112 fatal cases, 12% were African American, 17% were Asian, 1% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 40% were LatinX, 29% were white, and 1% identified as a different race or ethnicity.

This is an important milestone for Los Angeles County as we transition to being Safer at Work and Safer in our Communities and move forward in our path of reopening and recovery, said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. I am grateful to our state and local leaders for their partnership and collaboration in supporting the residents and businesses of Los Angeles County. Los Angeles continues to grow ambitious and the county is in pursuit for a level of normalcy and balance.
On April 28, the Nigerian government announced its target of testing at least two million people within the next three months.

At a Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing, the Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the move became necessary as the country is lagging behind in terms of testing.

The laboratory strategic group that is responding to this outbreak has set itself a target of testing two million people in the next three months, Mr Ihekweazu had said.

To meet up the two million target, the NCDC chief said about 50,000 people will be tested per state and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), depending on the population size.

However, the goal of meeting this target in 90 days seems unachievable as the countrys current testing capacity per day is still very low.

On March 31, the Nigerian government said the national testing capacity will be increased from 500 to 1,500 to expand coverage.

The NCDC DG also said the centre would increase the testing capacity to over 3,000 per day across the country with 2000 samples to be done per day in Lagos State.

However, Nigeria still conducts only about 900 to 1,400 tests per day across 26 molecular laboratories in the country, a source confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES.

This is still far below its initial target of testing 1,500 persons per day.

As of May 28, Nigeria has conducted a little over 48,000 tests of its 200million population and found 8,733 infected persons. Out of these, 2,501 have been treated and discharged and 254 fatalities recorded.

Other Africa countries

Mr Ihekweazu earlier admitted that the country is lagging behind other Africa countries in terms of testing.

Although he said it is not a competitive race, Nigeria will still learn from other countries.

While Nigeria has only carried out just above 48,000 tests since the country recorded its index case in February, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Mauritius and Kenya have achieved commendable rates of testing. South Africa is leading in Africa with nearly 600,000 tests conducted.

According to data on Worldometers.info, Ghana, has so far conducted 197,000 tests, Egypt has tested over 135,000 people, Uganda has conducted 86,000 tests, Mauritius 104,000 tests and Kenya has tested 61,000 people.

Set Target

A PREMIUM TIMES analysis shows that Nigeria needs to conduct approximately 22,222 tests daily for 90 days to meet its two million testing target.

Exactly 28 days after announcing its target, Nigeria has only been able to conduct a little over 35,000 tests more.

This shows that less than 1,400 tests were carried out per day, within this period.

What this means is that the Nigerian government will have to conduct over 1.9 million tests within the next 62 days, if it is to meet the target.

Mr Ihekweazu earlier said the major response strategy to reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is to expand testing to a larger number of people.

The minister of health, Osagie Ehanire, also noted that the country is engaging in what he described as calculated and smart testing.

Now we are doing house to house and cluster testing for people who live in an environment where we have seen positive cases, he said.

Advertisements



Implication of low testing

A public health expert, Wale Akinboboye, said low testing capacity may lead to more deaths from the COVID-19 virus.

Low testing capacity may lead to more deaths due to COVID-19. This can occur when individuals who are infected but asymptomatic transfer the virus to others who are vulnerable to the disease and may not be able to withstand the severity of the infection, he said.

Rowland Aigbovo, a family physician also said low testing capacity will lead to more community transmission and non-containment of the COVID-19 virus.

The health ministry declined comments for this story. The NCDC director could not be reached immediately for comment.

Cost per Test

The Lagos state commissioner for health, Akin Abayomi, while speaking on AIT last week said a COVID-19 test cost between N40,000 and N50,000.

This, however, contradicts an earlier declaration by the NCDC DG that a COVID-19 test costs between $15 and $20 (N5400 and N7200).

(The exchange rate per dollar on the Central Bank of Nigerias website, as of May 28, is N360.)

Mr Ihekweazu, while responding to questions at the PTF briefing on Wednesday said the cost of a COVID-19 test differs depending on the costing.

It really depends on what we are costing and what the Lagos state commissioner is costing. The cost of (a) test for one individual in terms of reagent is still about $20 but if you add the cost of equipment, Human Resources, generator and hazard allowance then you come up with a different cost of test, he said.

Mr Ihekweazu had on April 27 said the country was in desperate need of test kits and gave specifications and preferred manufacturers.

Were desperately looking for more RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) extraction kits as we expand #COVID19 testing. Product: Total viral RNA extraction kits (preferably spin column and with a lysis buffer). Manufacturers: Qiagen, ThermoFischer, SeeGene, Inqaba, LifeRiver etc, he wrote on Twitter

In a bid to scale up its testing capacity, the federal government decided to repurpose the tuberculosis GeneXpert machines already deployed in all the states and the FCT.

In a recent document, the NCDC noted that, There are also available in-country, two mobile laboratories equipped with two GeneXpert instruments each. These will be deployed as needed to support COVID-19 testing surge in target states.
Moshaveran.info 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

This CoolSocial report was updated on 17 Dec 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the moshaveran homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if moshaveran has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the moshaveran homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the moshaveran homepage on Twitter + the total number of moshaveran followers (if moshaveran has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the moshaveran homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the moshaveran homepage on StumbleUpon.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE  -     -    | Moshaveran DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS ,  ,  , ,   ,   ,   ,  ,  ,  ,    ,    ,   ,   ,   ,  OTHER KEYWORDS



The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE CHARSET AND LANGUAGE Persian UTF-8Persian SERVER Apache/2 (PHP/5.2.17) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. The language of moshaveran.info as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for moshaveran.info by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND

A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The type of Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page.

Twitter account link

TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND
Many nonprofits in the Houston area have provided opportunities for low-income families to receive food during the COVID-19 pandemic, but rental assistance is also becoming a more immediate need as jobs are lost and suspension of evictions come to an end.

Northwest Assistance Ministries Chief Advancement Officer Brian Carr said more than half of the 3,500 clients NAM has served since businesses began closing and the Stay Home Work Safe order from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was put into effect, have been new clients in need of rental and food assistance. NAM anticipates that these needs will continue for the next several months, at the least.

There was a little bit of a grace period where families who were behind (on rent) and there werent any evictions or anything of that nature, Carr said. Now that that window has closed a lot of it has become more immediate. Theyre getting (eviction) notices, theyre getting the calls so theyre a little bit more desperate and scared and afraid and so theyre coming up here a little bit more anxious than a couple of weeks ago.

Clients in need are encouraged to visit NAMs building for direct services including rent assistance, mental health assistance, food and domestic violence resources. Clients will line up at least 6 feet away from each other per social distancing guidelines and wear masks.

Carr suggested low-income families with any sort of unemployment benefits or a source of income budget their money for other needs and let NAM take care of rent payments.

Because of the way our funding is structured, our advice to our clients is to use to use the unemployment (payments) for your utilities, for your prescriptions, for some groceries and allow us to subsidize the rent because we can make that one payment to the landlord and get that caught up, Carr said. Most of them have already applied for benefits, its just not enough to make the rent.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Northwest Houston nonprofits continue services as need for food and financial assistance rise

Although food is important and scarcity of food is an issue, Carr said NAM and other providers, like school districts and other nonprofits, have been tackling the issue head-on, each hosting multiple days of giving away free food. NAM has served more than 3,500 families, with hundreds more being served a week.

The school districts have been distributing food in a big way and the (Houston Food Bank) is working with other organizations, so food scarcity and food insecurity is still high, but theres a lot of opportunity to get food on a regular basis, Carr said. Sometimes there are up to 200 to 220 families here that are requesting rent assistance and theyre able to respect social distancing and all of the protocols in place.

In the near future, NAM is hoping for more financial donations, donations of non-perishable food and more volunteers to help with their Meals on Wheels program, which serves seniors in need of food without the ability to leave their home.

We need financial support. Donations have been great, we have been so blessed by how the community has been supportive of NAM, Carr said. We always need donations for our food pantry.

NAM is located at 15555 Kuykendahl Rd. in northwest Houston. For more information, visit www.namonline.org.

chevall.pryce@chron.com
On May 25, a bystander outside a Minneapolis grocery store filmed a scene both shocking and unnervingly familiar. I cant breathe, George Floyd gasps, again and again as a white officer, Derek Chauvin, presses his knee into the black mans neck. And keeps it there.

I cant breathe had become a protest chant almost six years ago, after Eric Garner was slowly killed by a white New York City police officer detaining him for selling cigarettes one at a time on a Staten Island street. His death, also captured by a bystander, stoked the outrage that had erupted in Ferguson, Mo., after the death of Michael Brown at the hands of police, then across the nation in the summer of 2014, as the ubiquity of cellphone cameras placed before the general public a reality always known to minorities.

Black Lives Matter  the movement that, like the videos, made profound use of social media  placed police violence at the top of the United States domestic agenda. The movement raised awareness, encouraged reform, and drew a bright line between what could have been dismissed as accusation, and what was plainly true.

The Floyd video, which began circulating online a day after his death, somehow made that line even brighter, more than three years after the succession of Americas first African-American president by one supported by white supremacists. Chauvin was charged with murder on May 29, four days after Floyds death, but only after protesters took to the streets not only in Minneapolis but across the country.

In the City of Lakes, police in riot gear faced off with protesters who greeted tear gas and rubber bullets with their arms raised. On May 28, the 3rd police precinct, where Chauvin and the three officers involved in the altercation were based, was evacuated, then set ablaze.

Much of it was streamed live on video, broadcast live, and captured on cell phones. But theres a reason that so often what lives in memory are the single images captured by photographers.

Story continues

My job is just to document a visual diary and start a conversation, says Star Tribune photographer Richard Tsong-Taatarii. Obviously, we are in need of a deep conversation about police reform because this keeps happening again and again.

With Kathy Ehrich Dowd and reporting by Paul Moakley

People face off with police near the 3rd precinct in Minneapolis on May 26. | Richard Tsong-TaatariiStar Tribune/Getty Images

What this woman expressed is what the majority of the people in this country feel about what happened in this video, says photographer Richard Tsong-Taatarii, of the bystanders video footage showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyds neck. If youre any kind of decent human being you obviously have a heart-wrenching gut check when you see this video.

Tsong-Taatarii has been a photographer with the Star Tribune for nearly 21 years. When I took the picture, he continues, I saw the strong sentiment she was expressing in a way that is protected by our country and the constitution. She did it in a way that we can all relate to.

Was there anything else he wanted to add? Support local journalism.

Protesters hold their hands up as they cry from from tear gas during a demonstration calling for justice for George Floyd on May 27, two days after his death. | Kerem YucelAFP/Getty Images

The moment I saw the video of George being killed I had a panic attack from seeing Dereks face. How he reacted was pure evil. You can see how he was reveling in the power from pinning this man on the ground. It was frightening, said Alexander Vega, 28, a protester (at far-right) in front of the barricade. At the scene, Vega, who said he has protested for years in the Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock movements, said he saw the woman and her son had been tear gassed and jumped in to make sure they were OK, to be calm and breathe deeply.

This is my city where I have family. Something had to be done, he adds. An innocent black man was killed in the streets. I knew right away what my part was in the sense of helping. This is my calling. This is what Ive done for years  standing in solidarity.

When asked about the importance of documenting this moment he says, Whats important is that the media is not showing footage of what the police are doing. In my live streams on Facebook, I describe it  People say, were the ruckus. Were the thugs. Thats how people view us and its not the case. The police are the ones who are the weaponized thugs.

Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate outside the 3rd precinct in Minneapolis on May 27. | Kerem YucelAFP/Getty Images

A protester wearing a mask holds up his hands during a demonstration outside the 3rd precinct on May 27. | Kerem YucelAFP/Getty Images

Kerem Yucel had moved from Turkey in search of a more peaceful life. Almost three years later, he and his wife wonder, Is it safe for my kids or not?

Yucel, a photographer who works with AFP, compared what hes seen this week in Minneapolis with the Gezi Park protests in Istanbul back in 2013, where there were peaceful protesters and more violent factions. I was just expecting that Americans were showing their respect for George Floyd after he died, he said about the initial protests after Floyds death. Since then, hes felt, other groups are just waiting for the darkness.

A young Somali-American man who was injured is helped by others as protesters clash with the police outside the 3rd precinct on May 27. | Kerem YucelAFP/Getty Images

Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd outside the 3rd precinct on May 26. | Stephen MaturenGetty Images

A portrait of George Floyd hangs on a street light pole as police officers stand guard at the 3rd precinct during a face off with protesters on May 27. | Stephen MaturenGetty Images

Ive been holed up in my house for two months and this is one of the first things I worked on, says Stephen Maturen, a photographer who works with Getty in Minneapolis. Its a bizarre feeling covering this thing, getting all these pictures and I have this feeling in the background that the video of George Floyd being killed is the most powerful document that there is. The most important imagery has already taken place.

He adds, In the middle of a chaotic moment, seeing that picture is a totally grounding thing. Its like  dont forget why everyone is here.

Deshawn Williams, 15, and his sister, Sarah Newell, 7, protest outside Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman's home in Minneapolis on May 27. | Aaron LavinskyStar Tribune/Sipa USA

We look for ways to tell people the story, says Aaron Lavinsky, a photographer with the Star Tribune for almost six years. Lavinsky has covered a number of similar protests in recent years. When he arrived outside Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freemans house on May 27, he saw a woman and two children holding signs and asked to photograph them.

With their mothers permission, Lavinsky spoke with Deshawn, during which the teenager admitted sticking to public places when he goes out with friends because hes worried about negative interactions with police officers. Im 15. People younger than me get killed by police, he told Lavinsky. I dont know if Im next or not.

Reflecting on this photograph, Lavinsky wondered, How are they processing this? It has to be tough for these kids. Theres so much pain in this city.

A child's drawing on a mailbox in Minneapolis on May 27. | Patience Zalanga

This photo of the poster made by a child really gets me, says Patience Zalanga, a Minneapolis-based photographer. Its because of the misspelling and the image that they drew. Theres an innocence to it and the heartbreaking reality of the childs understanding of what happened.

A young woman outraged by the death of George Floyd speaks to a crowd and blocks a police officer's vehicle with a group of protesters in Minneapolis on May 27. | Patience Zalanga

Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade as they confront police near the 3rd precinct on May 27. | Stephen MaturenGetty Images

A police officer ducks to avoid a Gatorade bottle thrown by people gathered at the 3rd precinct on May 27. | Eric MillerReuters

Clouds of tear gas linger in the air over Lake Street during the second day of protests in Minneapolis on May 27. | Steel BrooksAnadolu Agency/Getty Images

Los Angeles Police Department officers form a line in riot gear after a Black Lives Matter protest on May 27. | Gabriella Angotti-JonesLos Angeles Times/Getty Images

A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 27, 2020. | Stephen MaturenGetty Images

Two protesters embrace while occupying the intersection of South Hill Street and W Second Street after a Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles on May 27. | Gabriella Angotti-JonesLos Angeles Times/Getty Images

A firework explodes as a fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the 3rd precinct in Minneapolis on May 27. | Stephen MaturenGetty Images

A protester confronts a police officer while standing on a destroyed cruiser in St. Paul on May 28. | Stephen MaturenGetty Images

A sign outside of police officer Derek Chauvin's house in Oakdale, Minn., on May 28. | Patience Zalanga for TIME

Demonstrators sit before a police line outside the home of Derek Chauvin, the since-fired Minneapolis officer who pinned down George Floyd with a knee on his neck, in the suburb of Oakdale on May 28. | Jenn AckermanThe New York Times/Redux

A protester near the 3rd precinct in Minneapolis on May 28. | Patience Zalanga for TIME

The remains of a Dollar Tree store smolders after protests in Minneapolis on May 28, 2020. | Patience Zalanga for TIME

Protesters set fire to the entrance of the 3rd precinct on May 28. | Carlos BarriaReuters

Protesters demonstrate outside of the burning precinct on May 28. | John MinchilloAP

Law enforcement officers amassed along Lake Street near Hiawatha Avenue as fires burned after a night of unrest and protests in Minneapolis on May 29. | David JolesStar Tribune/AP

A protester's emotional moment in Minneapolis on May 29. | Patience Zalanga for TIME

Demonstrators paint on the CNN logo during a protest march in Atlanta, Ga., May 29, 2020. The protest started peacefully earlier in the day before demonstrators clashed with police. | Mike StewartAP

A person lights a fire in an office supply store in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. | John MinchilloAP

Residents put out a car fire near Lake Street in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. As peaceful demonstrations turned increasingly violent by some protestors, Mayor Jacob Frey ordered a citywide curfew at 8 p.m. local time. | Richard Tsong-TaatariiStar Tribune/AP

A protester, wearing a shirt that reads

On May 30, photographer Malike Sidibe said he couldnt just sit and watch anymore and instead brought his camera to a demonstration outside Brooklyns Barclays Center. He wanted to fight for all the black people who have lost their lives to police brutality, he later wrote. As a 23-year-old black kid living in New York City, since middle school Ive always feared for my life. Ive had a lot of uncomfortable experiences. Its time for a change.

Demonstrators are detained during a protest near Brooklyn's Barclays Center on May 29. | Malike Sidibe for TIME

A store is boarded up as local businesses prepare themselves from violent demonstrations in Minneapolis, Minn. on May 30, 2020. | Kerem YucelAFP/Getty ImagesAFP or licensors

Protesters continue to rally in response to the death of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, United States on May 30, 2020. | Lokman Vural ElibolAnadolu Agency/ Getty Images

Protestors marching down 5th Avenue stop and stand before Trump Tower in New York City, May 30, 2020. | Mark Clennon

I had never noticed the flag inside the Trump Tower all the times I passed it before, says photographer Mark Clennon, but in that moment, I was an active participant in that protest. Im chanting, too, and my fist is up. The American flag behind the glass, in that gold, gilded case, its inaccessible to me. I have an urge to just break through that glass because that flag is for me, too. Thats the visceral feeling I had when I noticed the flag, and I think thats the feeling this man had when he saw it, too.
Corona India news live updates and COVID-19 tracker: Speaking at e-Agenda Aaj Tak on Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government's decision to impose lockdown was taken at the right time. He added that the country needs not fear COVID-19 but everyone should take necessary precautions. He added that that the COVID-19 pandemic is the toughest challenge the NDA government has faced in the past six years and India is fortunate to have Modi as the country's Prime Minister.

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: Pfizer CEO claims COVID-19 medicine could be ready by October-end

With just one day left in lockdown 4.0 to end on May 31, the country recorded 7,964 fresh coronavirus cases, and 265 deaths in the last 24 hours taking India's total count of confirmed novel coronavirus past 1.73 lakh. This tally includes 86,422 active cases, 82,369 recoveries, and 4,971 deaths, according to Union Health Ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is on the path to "victory" in it long drawn battle against COVID-19 recognising the "tremendous suffering" of migrant labourers among others. Meanwhile, US terminated its relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday, President Donald Trump announced as he blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.

Also Read: Coronavirus in India: Record 7,964 cases, 265 deaths in 24 hours takes country's tally past 1.73 lakh mark

Follow BusinessToday.In for all the latest updates on coronavirus in India and around the world:-

6.57 pm: Lockdown 5.0: MHA issues guidelines for phases reopening

MHA new guidelines lay down plan for phased reopening of lockdown in containment zones; states and union territories have been allowed to prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones or impose restrictions, based on their assessments.

4.45 pm: Rajasthan lockdown update

Monuments falling under Archaeology & Museum Department of the state will reopen from June 1 in areas that are not under containment zones, curfew areas, says official.

4.30 pm: Odisha coronavirus cases

State reports 96 new COVID-19 cases taking its tally to 1,819, while active cases are at 833, informed Odisha health department.

4.15 pm: 2 External Affairs Ministry employees test coronavirus positive

Two employees of Ministry of External Affairs tested positive for novel coronavirus on Saturday. All other staff people who came in contact with them have been asked to self-isolate themselves for 14 days, people familiar with the development said. (Inputs from PTI)

4.00 pm: COVID-19 updates Haryanan

Gurugram reports 61 fresh coronavirus cases on Saturday.

3.43 pm: Coronavirus cases Puducherry

4 new COVID-19 cases reported, active cases rise to 37 says official.

3.17 pm: Madhya Pradesh coronavirus lockdown

People in Sehore get employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act amid COVID-19 lockdown. Raveena, a worker says, "We have got the work of constructing a well here. I am pursuing studies along with helping my family in this work".

Madhya Pradesh: People in Sehore get employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act amid #COVID19 lockdown. Raveena, a worker says, "We have got the work of constructing a well here. I am pursuing studies along with helping my family in this work". pic.twitter.com/2lEP0AX4GN ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020 3.00 pm: Uttar Pradesh coronavirus cases: Recovery rate at 59% 4,462 COVID-19 patients in UP have recovered so far, while the death toll of the state stands at 204, informed state principal secretary (health), Amit Mohan Prasad. 2.45 pm: Uttarakhand COVID-19 cases Uttarakhand's Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday that the state recorded 11 new coronavirus cases till 2 pm, taking the total count to 727. (ANI) 2.30 pm: Tamil Nadu allows tv shoots The state eases restrictins in tv shoots post May 31. Shooting with 60 members allowed. Tamil Nadu's total count of COVID-19 cases stands at 20,246 as of date, as per the Union Health Ministry. 2.15 pm: COVID-19 latest news Passengers arrive at Manila International Airport, Indonesia to board a repatriation flight to Delhi and Jaipur under Vande Bharat Mission. Indonesia: Passengers arrive at Manila International Airport to board a repatriation flight to Delhi and Jaipur under #VandeBharatMission. pic.twitter.com/HxVj5nDsBB ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020 2.00 pm: Coronavirus live updates: Air India Delhi-Moscow flight turned back after pilot tested COVID-19 positive The pilot's test results came after he took the flight off to Moscow. He turned back to Delhi after he was informed mid-way into the flight which was empty. 1.45 pm: Delhi govt four steps ahead of COVID-19, says CM Kejriwal Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday that his government is four steps ahead of COVID-19 adding that there is no need panic as most of the people are recovering at home. He added that out of the total coronavirus patients, only 2,100 are in hospitals, while the rest are undergoing treatment at their homes. "6500 beds are ready till date and 9500 beds will be ready by another week. It is a matter of concern but it is nothing to be scared of. I assure you that your government is four steps ahead of coronavirus," he stated. 1.30 pm: Delhi COVID-19 cases rising, says CM Arvind Kejriwal Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday that although the national capital's cases are rising, there is nothing to worry about assuring citizens that the government is fully prepared to tackle the situation. He said, "We cannot be in a permanent lockdown. The government is trying to ensure that deaths don't happen due to coronavirus." 1.15 pm: Delhi coronavirus lockdown updates India's biggest medicine market, Bhagirath Palace closed till June 4 in the wake of increasing coronavirus places from it. 1.00 pm: Coronavirus latest updates BJP never politicised COVID-19 crisis, Congress was irresponsible in approach, said party National President JP Nadda. 12.45 pm: Lockdown decision was taken at the right time, says Rajnath Singh Speaking at e-Agenda Aaj Tak on Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government's decision to impose lockdown was taken at the right time. He added that the country needs not fear COVID-19 but everyone should take necessary precautions. 12.30 pm: Coronavirus toughest situation, India fortunate to have Modi as PM, says Rajnath Singh Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that the COVID-19 pandemic is the toughest challenge the NDA government has faced in the past six years. Speaking to e-Agenda Aaj Tak, Singh said that India is fortunate to have Narendra Modi as the country's Prime Minister. 12.15 pm: Jammu and Kashmir coronavirus news Kathua Police station sealed after a cop tested coronavirus positive. 12.00 pm: Delhi COVID-19 latest updates Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) medical director and two staff members tested COVID-19 positive. 11.45 am: Rajasthan coronavirus cases: 45 more tested positive Rajasthan recorded 45 new COVID-19 cases till 10.30 am on Saturday. Here are the city-wise details:- Churu 8

Kota 8

Udaipur 8

Barmer 4

Karauli 3

Jhalawar 3

Dholpur 3

Bhilwara 3

Jaipur 2

Bharatpur 2

Jhunjhunu 2

Ganganagar 1

Baran 1

Hanumagarh 1 11.30 am: Karnataka lockdown 4.0 The state has eased its lockdown restrictions from 7 am to 7 pm for Sunday. 11.15 am: Coronavirus vaccine: US pharma company seeks marketing authorisation from India for remdesivir A US pharmaceutical company has put in its application to India's drug regulator seeking marketing authorisation for its anti-viral vaccine remdesivir, which is being seen as a potential treatment for COVID-19. 11.00 am: Delhi-Haryana border sealed Rush of vehicles at Singhu Border, GT Karnal Road as Police personnel check IDs and passes of commuters. Haryana govt has sealed borders with Delhi in the wake of increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Rush of vehicles at Singhu Border, GT Karnal Road as Police personnel check IDs and passes of commuters. Haryana govt has sealed borders with Delh in the wake of increasing number of #COVID19 cases. pic.twitter.com/YJPEx8eBxL ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020 10.45 am: Coronavirus lockdown: Traffic congestion at Delhi-Ghaziabad border Traffic congestion at Delhi-Ghaziabad border near Ghazipur as Police personnel check passes & IDs of people, commuting through the route. Ghaziabad has sealed border with Delhi due increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Traffic congestion at Delhi-Ghaziabad border near Ghazipur as Police personnel check passes & IDs of people, commuting through the route. Ghaziabad has sealed border with Delhi due increasing number of #COVID19 cases. pic.twitter.com/eK2pUbr9B4 ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020

10.30 am: 114 more Maharashtra cops test COVID-19 positive in 24 hours

114 police personnel have been testes positive for novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours in Maharashtra, while one personnel died due to the infection, informed the state police on Saturday. The total count of COVID-19 infected cops in the state now stands at 2,325 with 26 deaths so far.

10.15 am: Uttar Pradesh coronavirus updates

Principal Secretary Health UP Amit Mohan Prasad has said that Uttar Pradesh is conducting around 10,000 COVID-19 tests per day. He added that total 9,981 tests were done on Thursday, the highest for the state so far.

10.00 am: Coronavirus global updates: US reports 1,225 COVID-19 deaths, toll at 102,798

US reported 1,225 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours taking it total to 102,798 so far. The country's total count of cases stands at 1,745,606.

9.45 am: Coronavirus deaths in India

The country recorded 265 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. The death toll of India now stands at 4,971, as per the Union Health Ministry.

9.30 am: COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

India reported 7,964 fresh coronavirus cases and 265 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the country's tally past 1.73 lakh.

9.15 am: Coronavirus cases in India

The country's total COVID-19 cases topped 1.73 lakh on Saturday including 86,422 active cases, 82,369 recoveries, and 4,971 deaths, according to Union Health Ministry.
Low profits, high costs

Sales in the textile and apparel sector in the first quarter of 2020 in Vietnam indicate some growth over the past two months, but the results are not quite so encouraging. Yet a rise in several share prices was seen, even as high as in the growth period prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Shares with the highest increase were those of TNG, soaring by 79.22%, MSH by 62.02%, GMC by 58.54%, VGT by 49.15% and TCM by 46.93%.

The negative impact of the pandemic is the reason given for poor sales in the first quarter. TCM, for example, reported its year-on-year net sales to go down by 19.2%, with exports falling by 25%, and gross profits dropping by 21.5%. In April, TCM continued to report a 13.6% year-on-year fall in sales and a 59% decrease in after tax profits. However, TNG is a company said to have benefited from the Covid-19 pandemic because it quickly switched to mass production of face masks, but despite this, TNG suffered a 4% year-on-year fall in the first quarter and after tax profits plummeted by 10%. MSH saw a 3.4% year-on-year drop in sales and its after tax profits plunged by 28.6% to almost VND 62 bn.

Goods saw lower sales in April 2020 in the US market. (Source: CNBC) According to figures compiled by Viet Dragon Securities Corporation (VDSC), the sales growth in the textile and apparel sector in the first quarter suffered a 11.2% year-on-year fall, as opposed to a rise of 10.2% in the first quarter of 2019 and 17.5% in the same period in 2018. While profit growth in the first quarter of 2020 recorded a 9.4% decline, in 2019 it rose by 6.5%, and in 2018 by 22.5%.

EVFTA a far reality

The textile and apparel sector has been among the hardest hit globally by the Covid-19 pandemic. Figures from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam show that the export turnover in the textile and apparel sector in Vietnam saw a 1.4% year-on-year decrease, with a sharp fall by 0.4% in the US market and a 6.1% fall in the EU market, which for Vietnam are both major export markets.

Buying power clearly has been affected by the outbreak and spread of the coronavirus. Covid-19 first spread in Italy and then affected other EU countries like France, Germany and then UK and the US, and some of these countries did not accept a lockdown of its citizens until March. Export turnover in Vietnams textile and apparel sector plummeted 20% by March and figures in April and early May saw a fall of 6.6%, touching only USD 10.64 bn, while import turnover saw a drop of 8.76%, touching just USD 6.39 bn in revenue.

A survey of 200 textile and apparel companies. (Source: VITAS) Such declining figures indicate that the textile and apparel companies have been severely hit. However, when looking at the share prices of listed textile and apparel companies, the securities market believes that adverse elements have been displayed. Now it is the recovery capacity and regaining of growth momentum that will be pivotal for revival. Hence, depending too much on EVFTA is unrealistic and too distant in the future.

In fact, the textile and apparel companies themselves admit their fears of many difficulties ahead, which is a completely different picture painted by the securities market. A survey by Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) of 200 big and medium-sized textile and apparel companies in Vietnam shows that 48% believe their year-on-year sales are expected to plunge by 20% to 30%, and only 4% expect their sales to increase by a maximum of 10%. Most importantly, 74% of the companies strongly believe that Covid-19 can cause a drop in orders by as much as 30%, and only 10% say that the fall will be less than 10%, although none of the companies believe that orders will increase.

At a meeting with the Ministry of Industry and Trade in early May, VITAS said that the most optimistic scenario could see about USD 35 bn in export turnover in the textile and apparel sector in 2020, which is a 10% fall from 2019. The best case scenario could be about USD 33.5 bn while the worst case scenario would see a fall below USD 30 to 31 bn. In 2019 this figure was around USD 39 bn. VITAS also said that the fall over the first four months of this year did not show the actual shortages in export orders, and the biggest drop could not come until May and June when there could be a high volume of delays and cancelled orders.

Investors appear to be too optimistic about a speedy recovery of the textile and apparel industry as the major export markets relax lockdown restrictions. These mere presumptions could possibly be far from actual reality. Vietnams two major markets, namely, the US, making up 50% of the total export turnover, and the EU, holding 12% export turnover, are now showing a drastic decrease in consumer spending. The EU witnessed a record low of 11.2% in sales in March, with a 9.2% year-on-year fall, being the highest fall in sales in the textile, apparel and footwear business. Similarly, the US saw a fall of 16.4% in retail sales in April, after plunging 8.7% in March, with the biggest drop visible in the textile and apparel sector.

In the short run, the markets are the pre-requisite. When major import markets for Vietnamese textiles and apparel products decline, the opportunity for recovery of Vietnamese exports will not be favorable. In the long run, these markets are still able to return to normal, but the question is how long it will take for the concerned markets to stage a recovery when consumer psychology and behavior has now changed completely due to the disease. This may make textile and apparel companies take very cautious steps which the securities market may not notice.

EVFTA will still offer huge opportunities for the textile and apparel industry, but only in the long-term. The Ministry of Industry and Trade previously predicted EVFTA would help Vietnams textile and apparel export turnover to the EU to rise by 67% by 2025, as compared to a situation without a free trade agreement. EVFTA is expected to help increase production by 6% in textiles and 14% in apparel, by 2030.

According to an analysis made by the securities company SSI, EVFTA will not bring about immediate results in the textile and apparel sector. Most Vietnamese apparel products will not enjoy a reduced preferential tariff immediately, but instead will be offered a lower tariff rate to work with for a period of two years soon after EVFTA comes into effect.

EVFTA also requires that different kinds of fabrics must originate from Vietnam, Europe or the Republic of South Korea, which has signed an FTA, and the cutting and sewing processes must be carried out in Vietnam. However, more than 60% of the fabric imported by Vietnam is from China or Taiwan. It would not be economical for Vietnamese producers to turn to using fabric imported from the Republic of South Korea, even with the offer of a 0% tariff from EVFTA.

Hence, before the textile and apparel industry sees significant growth due to EVFTA, it must tread carefully so as to survive the current crisis which is unlikely to go away for some years to come.

Translated by Nguyen Gia

Nguyen Ha
U.S. Customs and Border Protection have been criticized for flying a predator drone - which is usually used to track and kill terrorists - over Minneapolis as the city entered its fourth day of intense protests over the killing of George Floyd.

Civil right advocates condemned the agency for flying the drone over the city which lies outside the 100-air mile border zone where CBP has jurisdiction.

They branded them a 'rogue agency' that the government 'need to defund' for policing protesters within U.S. borders.

The Predator B drone with the call sign CBP-104 was spotted circling Minneapolis on Friday morning at 20,000 feet, making several flights around the city.

The agency confirmed the flight and said the drone was being used to provide live video on the request of federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.

In a statement it argued that it 'carries out its mission nationwide, not just at the border'.

Predator B drone used for aerial surveillance by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The agency was criticized Friday for flying the drone over protests about the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis which lies outside their general jurisdiction

Minneapolis is shown here on this map from CityLabs clearly lying outside of the area in which Customs and Border Protection surveillance drones are cleared to fly

The confirmation of the drone flight emerged as protests in the city continued over the death of Floyd, a black man who died in police custody on Monday.

Video of the moments before his death showed a police officer pinning Floyd to the ground while he said he couldn't breathe.

Derek Chauvin, the police officer who knelt on Floyd's neck as he begged to be let go, was arrested for his murder on Friday.

The flight was first spotted by investigative reporter Jason Paladino, from the Project on Government Oversight, who reported that the predator drone was circling Minneapolis after taking off from Grand Forks Air Base in North Dakota.

The flight path was in a hexagon above the city at exactly 20,000 ft before flying directly over the city. Its flight lasted between around 10 am and 1:15 pm.

The Predator B drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle and can be used by the CBP to monitor an area for hours on end.

According to Gizmodo, they are equipped with powerful cameras designed to capture clear video from as far up as 25,000 feet in the air and are cleared to operate within 100 air miles of the border.

Maps from CityLab show, however, that Minneapolis does not fall under the area cleared for the CBP's drones to fly.

Yet The Intercept notes that the agency has claimed international airports as a border crossing point previously through which they can extend the boundaries of their jurisdiction.

The flight was first spotted by investigative reporter Jason Paladino , from the Project on Government Oversight, who reported that the predator drone was circling Minneapolis after taking off from Grand Forks Air Base in North Dakota

The drone with the call sign CBP-104 was spotted circling Minneapolis on Friday morning at 20,000 feet, making several flights around the city before flying straight over back to base

CBP also argued in a statement about the flight that they often aid other federal authorities within U.S. borders.

'AMO [Air and Marine Operations] carries out its mission nationwide, not just at the border, consistent with federal laws and policies,' it said in a statement to Gizmodo.

'During humanitarian missions AMO regularly deploys the unmanned aircraft system to assist FEMA in assessing hurricane affected areas, in coordination with the National Weather Service to capture imagery of storm impacted areas, and with federal, state and local partners to conduct search and rescue missions, in addition to its law enforcement mission.'

According to Buzzfeed, CBP informed congressional staffers about the drone flight on Friday in which they also argued they are used on humanitarian missions.

The statement said that the flight was ordered so that the agency's Air and Marine Operations could 'provide live video to aid in situational awareness at the request of our federal law enforcement partners in Minneapolis'.

It added that the agency argued often uses drones to 'routinely conducts operations with other federal, state, and local law enforcement entities to assist law enforcement and humanitarian relief efforts'.

The drones, pictured, are cleared to operate within 100 air miles of the border but Minneapolis lies outside of this jurisdiction. CBP said it was called in by federal law enforcement

The drone flight was criticized by Democratic Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez who took to Twitter to condemn the Customs and Border Protection

'After arriving into the Minneapolis airspace, the requesting agency determined that the aircraft was no longer needed for operational awareness and departed back to Grand Forks,' the statement added.

The drone's flight has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates, however, who claim that the agency was 'rogue' for surveying protesters within U.S. borders.

'No government agency should be facilitating the over-policing of the Black community, period,' ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel Neema Singh Guliani told Gizmodo.

'And CBP has no role in what's happening in Minneapolis at all.

'This rogue agency's use of military technology to surveil protesters inside US borders is deeply disturbing, especially given CBPs lack of clear and strong policies to protect privacy and constitutional rights. This agency's use of drones over the city should be halted immediately.'

The move was also criticized by Democratic Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez who took to Twitter to write, 'This is what happens when leaders sign blank check after blank check to militarize police, CBP, etc. while letting violence go unchecked.

'We need answers. And we need to defund,' she added.

This is not the first time that aerial surveillance has been used to track Black Lives Matter protesters.

According to Business Insider, the FBI used manned aircraft to carry out surveillance activities over Baltimore after the 2015 death of Freddie Gray in police custody.

Vice notes that unarmed Predator drones were first used within the United States in 2012, when the Department of Homeland Security flew one over the property of a cattle farmer to end a 16-hour stand off between him and another rancher.

The drone flew over Minneapolis as the ity entered its fourth day of intense protests over the killing of George Floyd. Pictured, demonstrators gathered on Friday

Protests also continued in New York, pictured, and the White House went into lockdown as protesters tried to scale the walls. Violence has erupted across the US for a fourth night, with protesters gathering at Minneapolis, his hometown of Houston and Washington DC

On Friday, the White House went into lockdown as protesters tried to scale the walls, battled with Secret Service and burned American flags during protests over George Floyd's death.

Violence has erupted across the US for a fourth night, with protesters gathering at the city where Floyd was killed Minneapolis, his hometown of Houston and the home of US democracy Washington DC.

The protests have now reached the seat of the US government, with protesters marching to the White House, sending it into lockdown.

Secret Service officers have stopped anyone entering the White House grounds, where President Trump is currently in residence, after a demonstrator tried to scale the fence in Lafayette Park to get inside.

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been taken into custody over the death of Floyd, four days after he was seen kneeling on his neck in a video of his arrest that has sparked violent protests across the country.

The 44-year-old white cop was arrested by state investigators on Friday afternoon, Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington announced.

Chauvin was one of four officers fired over Floyd's death earlier this week however, Harrington did not provide details on the other three cops.

The state attorney who would oversee any prosecution on state charges, whose home was also the site of protests, is scheduled to provide an update later Friday.

Protests over Floyd's death have spread nationwide and has resulted in rioting in Minneapolis, where a police precinct was overrun and set on fire overnight on Thursday.
Gold ribbons were being tied around trees at Buckner Parkway Place while members of Memorial Drives United Methodist Church prepared a car-parade around the senior living facility.

The leader of the parade inflated a larger-than-life balloon Jesus that poked out of the SUVs sunroof, while children hung signs and party balloons in the windows and door handles of their cars.

COMMUNITY DONATION: Joint Chinese College Alumni Association donates to the Houston Food bank

The gold ribbons are part of an original Parkway Place campaign called Going Gold for Senior Living, to show support for residents and front line workers at their senior living communities. The parade serves as a way for members of the church to provide a safe and fun way for residents to see their loved ones, as many of Parkway Palaces senior residents are members of the church.

All of it is to, remind the community that the heroes work at Parkway Place, said Parkway Place executive director Abraham Mathew.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Tracking coronavirus: Interactive maps, charts show spread of COVID-19 across Houston, rest of Texas

All Buckner senior living communities have observed strict visitation restrictions since March 13, as well as put in place thorough employee screening procedures. Despite the restrictions, 96 percent of senior living residents agreed with the social distancing and visitation restrictions in place, according to a recent survey conducted by Buckner Retirement Services.

The anonymous survey was distributed to 140 senior adults living across six different Buckner Retirement communities in early May with the intention of providing a look into the communities and show how senior adults feel about the current safety policies.

We understand how difficult it is for our residents and their family members and friends to be physically apart during the pandemic, said senior vice president of Buckner Retirement Services Charlie Wilson, so our goal with the survey and infographic was to provide everyone outside our communities with some more insight.

The infographic, which contains the survey results, shows that 74 percent of residents spent their time reading, 29 percent spent their time napping, and 63 percent can be found on the phone with loved ones.

More than 75 percent of seniors surveyed listed family visits as something they miss most. Wearing masks, visitation restrictions and lack of group activities were some of the seniors' biggest inconveniences brought on by the pandemic.

So when Memorial Drives United Methodist Church honked their horns through Parkway Place, several senior residents bathed in the Houston sun while appreciating the churchs love and attention.

Weve got at least 20 members who live here, said a member of the United Methodist Church who helped organize the car parade, we were thinking about things that we could do for them and ways our members could help.

The church group drove around the storied facility twice while residents and workers waved from appropriate distances. Each car was also given a gold ribbon on their way out- memorializing their appreciation for all the hard work and sacrifice each front line worker has put in for Parkway Place.

ryan.nickerson@hcnonline.com
The lowdown My sleep is patchy, so I schedule a Zoom session with meditation supremo Jacqui Lewis from The Broad Place. Jacqui goes through my before-bed routine and says I probably have high cortisol levels as a result of stress. She suggests going to bed at 10pm consistently and waking at the same time each morning (I am aiming for 7.30am).

A nightly routine will all become signals to my body each night that I am getting ready for sleep. Credit:iStock

Trilogy Vitamin C Polishing Powder, $40. Credit:Jennifer Soo

Also, no tech devices an hour before bed as they can deplete sleep. She also suggests a nightly ritual: a soothing cup of chamomile tea using the same cup each night, then lighting a lavender-scented candle before reading in bed for half an hour. These will all become signals to my body each night that I am getting ready for sleep.

Downtime Twenty minutes.

Results My body and mind seem to like the new sleep sequence and I find drifting off easier.

Where to get it The Broad Place, thebroadplace.com.au.
By Jamie Freed and Scott Murdoch

SYDNEY/HONG KONG (Reuters) - The administrator of Virgin Australia Holdings <VAH.AX> expects to shortlist two preferred bidders early next week after parties on Friday confirmed non-binding indicative proposals to acquire the airline.

Brookfield Asset Management, which pulled out of the first bidding round and was not on the initial shortlist of four, submitted a proposal on Friday with the encouragement of unions and administrator Deloitte, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Brookfield and Deloitte both declined to comment on that development.

The four on the initial shortlist included BGH Capital, Bain Capital, Indigo Partners and Cyrus Capital Partners, Reuters had previously reported.

A Bain spokesman confirmed that the private equity group had lodged its bid by the afternoon deadline.

A Deloitte statement said that the next phase for the two parties on the final shortlist would include further engagement with stakeholders and aircraft financiers as they seek agreements on future terms before binding bids are received.

Binding offers are due on June 12.

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) on Friday said, without citing sources, that the bidders are likely to place an enterprise value of between A$3.5 billion (1.89 billion pounds)and A$4 billion on the airline.

Deloitte said that such figures were "just speculation" and the value would not be known until binding offers were required.

Virgin owed nearly A$7 billion to creditors when it entered voluntary administration last month.

(Reporting by Jamie Freed and Paulina Duran in Sydney and Scott Murdoch in Hong Kong; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Himani Sarkar and David Goodman)
By PTI

CHANDRAPUR (Maharashtra): A 30-year-old man allegedly committed suicide while he was kept under institutional quarantine at the city-based Government Engineering College (GEC), where one more person was found dead, officials said on Saturday.

The bodies of the two men were found on Saturday morning, a statement issued by the district information office (DIO) said.

"A 30-year-old man from Shyamnagar area in Chandrapur city committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling fan inside a room in the GEC. He had returned to Chandrapur from Nagpur and was kept under institutional quarantine at the college by the health authorities," the statement said.

It is not yet clear why he took the extreme step, the DIO said.

In the second case, a 40-year-old man, who had returned from Madya Pradesh, was also quarantined at the GEC along with his family members, it said.

"He had retired to his room to take rest, but failed to respond to the repeated calls of his family members. On being informed, the police reached the spot and his body was later found inside," the statement said.

The health officials will take the swab samples of both the deceased, it added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

Trend:

Armenian architect Agnessa, who works in the administration of Yerevan city, has become the first person in Armenia to acknowledge that the Armenians did not live in Iravan (Yerevan) before, Trend reports on May 29.

Russian video blogger Ilya Varlamov shot a video footage on the topic in Yerevan.

In this video, Agnessa admitted that Armenians didn't live in Iravan (Yerevan) and were coming to the city for trade purposes. Moreover, she noted that the city in its modern appearance was created by an Armenian architect during the Soviet times, while the historical part of the city was destroyed.

It was precisely the architecture of the Iravan Khanate, and it was Azerbaijanis who lived in this oriental-style city.
243 pregnant women were among more than 340 Vietnamese citizens repatriated from Taiwan amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on Friday.

A Vietnam Airlines flight, the 14th flight of its kind arranged since April 24, carrying 343 Vietnamese people from Taiwan landed in Da Nang on Friday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The passengers, including pregnant women, children, and elderly people whose visa had expired, received medical examination and were brought to a quarantined facility in the neighboring province of Quang Nam after arriving.

Nguyen Van Hai, director of the Quang Nam health department, said on Saturday morning that all 343 returnees had been sampled for COVID-19 testing on the same day.

Hai did not mention when their results will be announced.

The director said the provincial health sector had prepared adequate facilities and equipment to accommodate those quarantined, especially the expecting mothers, during their isolation.

In case a pregnant woman goes into labor [during the quarantine period], she will be taken to the medical center of Thang Binh District, which is the nearest medical facility with an isolation area fully equipped to support these women, he said.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies have so far arranged 14 flights to bring home nearly 4,000 citizens stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, official data showed.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Supreme Court Rejects California Churchs Request to Block Lockdown Measure

The Supreme Court turned aside a California churchs request to lift a lockdown measure that capped attendance at in-person religious services.

The court on May 29 was sharply divided in their decision, with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the liberal justices in a 54 ruling that rejected South Bay United Pentecostal Churchs plea for injunctive relief from Gov. Gavin Newsoms order that puts restrictions on public gatherings, including in-person services.

The state issued new guidelines earlier this week that limit church attendance to 25 percent of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees.

Lawyers for the church argued that the order violates the First Amendments religious exercise clause and discriminates against places of worship because no comparable let alone equal limitations are imposed on secular activities such as manufacturing, retail merchandising, or marijuana or liquor dispensaries (pdf).

In a three-page opinion (pdf), Roberts disagreed with the church, saying that Californias restrictions appear consistent with the First Amendment. He said that similar or more severe measures have been applied to comparable secular gatherings where people are in close proximity for an extended period of time, such as lectures, concerts, movie showings, spectator sports, and theatrical performances.

He said the states order only treats more leniently to activities that arent comparable, such as operating grocery stores, banks, and laundromats, in which people neither congregate in large groups nor remain in close proximity for extended periods.

Roberts said it isnt the role of the federal judiciary to be second-guessing officials who appear to be acting in good faith while making decisions about public health.

Where those broad limits are not exceeded, they should not be subject to second-guessing by an unelected federal judiciary, which lacks the background, competence, and expertise to assess public health and is not accountable to the people, Robert said.

He said that the officials have been entrusted with the role to protect the safety and the health of the people by the Constitution and in this case have been actively shaping their response to changing facts on the ground during the CCP virus pandemic.

The precise question of when restrictions on particular social activities should be lifted during the pandemic is a dynamic and fact-intensive matter subject to reasonable disagreement, he said.

The courts four other conservative justices dissented, saying that they would have granted the temporary injunction for the church because the states guidelines discriminate against places of worship and in favor of comparable secular businesses.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who wrote the dissent, said such discrimination violates the Constitution. He said the church and its congregants are simply seeking equal treatment with comparable secular businesses. He was joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch.

California already trusts its residents and any number of businesses to adhere to proper social distancing and hygiene practices. The State cannot assume the worst when people go to worship but assume the best when people go to work or go about the rest of their daily lives in permitted social settings,' Kavanaugh wrote.

Charles LiMandri, special counsel to the Thomas More Society, which is representing the church, called the top courts decision disappointing.

It was based on the very high standards required for obtaining an emergency injunction on appeal of a case that is still ongoing in the lower courts. The majority opinion was simply a one-sentence decision not to grant emergency relief at this timewithout any analysis. However, Chief Justice John Roberts, writing on his own and with no other Justices joining him, authored a concurring opinion that should have little or no precedential value, LiMandri said in a statement.

It is absolutely imperative that the U.S. Supreme Court considers these important issues on the meritsafter the rulings in the lower courts become final. Although this interim ruling is disappointing, its clear to us that, without the filing and vigorous litigation of this lawsuit, churches would still be closed in California under Governor Newsoms original shut-down orders.

The ruling on the California case comes hours after the top court denied a similar request made by two Chicago-area churches who were seeking relief from a public-health order that had limited in-person religious services to 10 people, which expired on May 29. Before the Supreme Court acted on the request, the state had issued new guidance (pdf) that encouraged places of worship to limit attendance to 25 percent of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees.

The Illinois Department of Public Health issued new guidance on May 28. The denial is without prejudice to Applicants filing a new motion for appropriate relief if circumstances warrant, the court wrote in the order (pdf).
An antibody first identified in a blood sample from a patient who recovered from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003 inhibits related coronaviruses, including the cause of COVID-19.

The antibody, called S309, is now on a fast-track development and testing path at Vir Biotechnology in the next step toward possible clinical trials.

Laboratory research findings on the S309 antibody are reported in the May 18 edition of Nature. The title of the paper is: "Cross-neutralization of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2 by a human monoclonal antibody."

The senior authors on the paper are David Veesler, assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and Davide Corti of Humabs Biomed SA, a subsidiary of Vir.

The lead authors are Dora Pinto and Martina Beltramello of Humabs, as well as Young-Jun Park and Lexi Walls, research scientists in the Veesler lab, which for several years has been studying the structure and function of the infection mechanisms on a variety of coronaviruses.

"We still need to show that this antibody is protective in living systems, which has not yet been done," Veesler said.

advertisement

"Right now there are no approved tools or licensed therapeutics proven to fight against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19," he added. If the antibody is shown to work against the novel coronavirus in people, it could become part of the pandemic armamentarium.

Veesler said that his lab is not the only one seeking neutralizing antibodies for COVID 19 treatment. What makes this antibody different is that its search did not take place in people who had COVID-19, but in someone who had been infected 17 years ago during a SARS epidemic.

"This is what allowed us to move so fast compared to other groups," Veesler said.

The scientists identified several monoclonal antibodies of interest from memory B cells of the SARS survivor. Memory B cells form following an infectious illness. Their lineage can last, sometimes for life. They usually remember a pathogen, or one similar to it, that the body has ousted in the past, and launch an antibody defense against a re-infection.

Several of the antibodies from the SARS survivor's memory B cells are directed at a protein structure on coronaviruses. This structure is critical to the coronaviruses' ability to recognize a receptor on a cell, fuse to it, and inject their genetic material into the cell. This infectivity machinery is located in the spikes that crown the coronavirus.

advertisement

The S309 antibody is particularly potent at targeting and disabling the spike protein that promotes the coronavirus entry into cells. It was able to neutralize SARS CoV-2 by engaging with a section of the spike protein nearby the attachment site to the host cell.

Through their cryo-electronmicroscopy studies and binding assays, the researchers learned that the S309 antibody recognizes a binding site on the coronavirus that is conserved across many sarbocoviruses, not just the SARS and COVID-19 viruses. That is probably why this antibody, instead of being single-minded, is able to act against related coronaviruses.

Combining the S309 antibody with other, though weaker, antibodies identified in the recovered SARS patient enhanced the neutralization of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

This multiple antibody cocktail approach might help limit the coronavirus' ability to form mutants capable of escaping a single-ingredient antibody treatment, according to the researchers.

The scientists noted that they hope these initial results pave the way for using the S309 antibody, alone or in a mixture, as a preventive measure for people at high-risk of exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus or as post-exposure therapy to limit or treat severe illness.

Other research institutions participating in this research include Institut Pasteur in France, the Universita della Svizzera Italiana in Switzerland, and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

This study was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Pew Biomedical Scholars Award, Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, University of Washington Arnold and Mabel Beckman cryoEM Center, the Pasteur Institute, and the beamline at the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory. The researchers obtained viral genomic sequences from GISAID's EpiFlu Database, hosted by the German government.
Three border guards killed in clashes with terrorists in NW Iran

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 May 2020 8:04 AM

Three Iranian border guards have been killed during clashes with members of a terrorist group in the country's northwestern province of West Azarbaijan and on the border with Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

The official news agency IRNA reported that the guards lost their lives in a gunfight that took place at a border post near the city of Sardasht, located some 730 kilometers (453 miles) west of the capital, on Friday.

The report added that a number of armed assailants were killed in the process as well.

Even though there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, border posts in the area have come under attack in the past by members of the so-called Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) terrorist group  an offshoot of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish region in Turkey since 1984.

Over the past years, Iranian security forces and border guards have engaged in clashes with foreign-backed terror groups, many of whom cross the country's borders with Pakistan and Iraq to carry out attacks.

Back on June 24 last year, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that its forces had dismantled a four-member gang of terrorists in West Azarbaijan province.

The IRGC's Hamzeh Seyed al-Shohada Base said in a statement at the time that the terrorist group was disbanded during skirmishes in Chaldoran region.

It added that the IRGC forces managed to kill one terrorist, and injure two others. The last member of the gang was captured as well.

A considerable amount of weapons, ammunition and telecommunication systems were also confiscated from the terrorists, the statement noted.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation through his Mann ki Baat on Sunday, May 30 while the country prepares to transition from lockdown 4.0 to a new phase of lockdown.

Lockdown 5.0 will need to address the dual challenges of giving impetus to the economy, which is flagging, by further boosting industrial activity and commerce and also strategically use restrictions to contain the rapid rise in coronavirus infections in India before it becomes a major challenge to the healthcare apparatus in the country.

In the last Mann ki Baat address on April 26, the prime minister had said that the new habits inculcated to fight coronavirus, like wearing masks and public hygiene, will have to become part of our new reality and cautioned against complacency against the disease, which he said will impact everyone in the country sooner or later.

Also Read: Modis Mann ki Baat highlights: Wearing masks will become symbol of civilised society, says PM

More than a month has passed since the last Mann ki Baat address and the country has seen a gradual easing of restrictions in three subsequent lockdowns since the first announced on March 25 and the prime minister himself listed the resumption of economic activities as a co-priority along with saving lives from the global pandemic. In the interim, his government also announced the major chunk of over Rs 20,000 crore economic package to usher in reforms in most sectors including the agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Defence, Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) etc under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Tomorrows Mann ki Baat will also be the second message from the Prime Minister in two days after the release of a letter and an audio recording coinciding with the anniversary of his governments second term on Saturday, which listed out governments achievements and attributed some of the marquee decisions to PMs bold leadership.

Also Read: A year of historic firsts for Indians: PM Modi in letter to citizens

He said that instead of becoming a global liability with poor management of the pandemic, Indias handling of the crisis engendered by Covid-19 had set an example for the rest of the world since the country had not allowed the situation to spiral out of control as was evidenced in some developed countries in the west.

He also acknowledged the impact, the disease and the resultant lockdown clamped to contain it, had on the most vulnerable sections of the society including labourers, migrant workers, hawkers and others daily wagers and said that care was needed to ensure that the inconveniences faced do not turn into disasters.

Hence, it is very important for every Indian to follow all rules and guidelines. We have displayed patience so far and we should continue to do so. This is one of the important reasons for India being safer and in a better state than many other countries, he said in his letter.

The prime ministers Mann ki Baat message tomorrow will also come amidst a raging boundary row with China that has seen the Indian government express its commitment to defending the countrys sovereignty and integrity in the face of what it considers to be Chinas attempts to dissuade New Delhi from creating infrastructure on its side of the long disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed all construction works related to the roads and bridges leading to Dubai Hills Mall project.

The project comprises 13 bridges extending 3,700 m in length and 11-22 m in width, with a combined capacity of 23,500 vehicles per hour, said a statement from RTA.

Today, RTA will open a main bridge on Umm Suqeim Street, whereas the opening of other bridges will be timed with the opening of the mall situated at the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street and Al Khail Road, it stated.

"The completion of roads and bridges leading to Dubai Hills Mall along with the associated infrastructure works and improvements of Umm Suqeim Street will provide direct entry and exit points for the area from and to Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Street. This will ensure a seamless traffic flow to and from the Dubai Hills Mall," remarked Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

"The project provides three entry points to those coming from Deira, Umm Suqeim and Jebel Ali as well as direct exit points to Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Street. It will increase the capacity of Umm Suqeim Street and junctions; which will streamline the traffic flow in both directions of the street," he noted.

"Such improvements will slash the transit time on Umm Suqeim Street in the sector between Mohammed bin Zayed and Al Khail Roads from 18 to 7 minutes," said Al Tayer.

"The project comprised the construction of 13 bridges with a total length of 3700 metres and width of 11 to 22 metres with a capacity to handle 23,500 vehicles per hour. Bridges included the construction of ramps extending 2500 metres," he added.
WASHINGTON May 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said the military could deploy troops to Minneapolis "very quickly" to respond to violent protests in the aftermath of a police killing of an unarmed black man.

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests in several cities, some which have turned violent. Minnesota's governor activated the state's national guard after four nights of confrontations in Minneapolis, its first full activation since World War Two.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the military had ordered some active-duty Army military police officers to be prepared to deploy if local authorities requested their help. "We could have our military there very quickly," if their help was requested, Trump said on Saturday afternoon. (Reporting by Brad Heath and Idrees Ali; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Frankfurt am Main, Germany  Sat, May 30, 2020 10:17 601 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0aad1 2 News charter-flight,Europe,China,lockdown,Germany,travel,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free

A first charter flight carrying Europeans to China following weeks of lockdown departed Germany's biggest hub Frankfurt late Friday, carrying around 200 workers and their families.

On arrival, "we expect we'll have very long checks, fever measurements, corona tests, antibody tests, and then we'll have to go into a 14-day quarantine," said Bernd Poth.

The quality control worker for Volkswagen subsidiary Audi was one of just a few people dwarfed by the echoing departures hall of Frankfurt's Terminal 1, as he arrived with rolling luggage and facemasks to check in with his partner and young son.

Like others on board the flight, which was operated by German flag carrier Lufthansa, Poth had returned from China in February before Beijing closed its borders to incoming travelers, stranding the family in Germany.

Chinese infection control measures are expected to be strict, as Poth said the Europeans could face a second two-week quarantine after travelling on from destination airport Tianjin to Beijing.

Read also: Wealthy flock to private jets as pandemic spreads and airlines tank

"We're not worried about safety, but we've got some concerns about the quarantine, we don't know what will be waiting for us over there," said aircraft components worker Alexander Ophoven.

Up until almost the last moment, "it was unclear whether this flight would be leaving or not," he said.

China just this week decided to loosen a cap on inbound flights that was set at 407 per week.

But even with triple the arrivals showing up from June, the number remains a fraction of the roughly 9,000 a week handled by the country's airports before the pandemic.

While Beijing arranged emergency flights to repatriate its citizens stranded abroad as the virus spread around the world, demand has far outstripped supply.

A second flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai is scheduled for June 3.

"It took us three weeks to organize the first flight. Being realistic, if every two weeks a flight will leave, that would be a good thing," Jens Hildebrandt of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China told AFP earlier this week.

All international arrivals in China are currently required to undergo a COVID-19 test and complete a mandatory quarantine.
Photograph: Christian Mang/Reuters

On Friday the CNN journalist Omar Jimenez was arrested on live television as he covered protests of police brutality in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jimenez identifies as African American and Hispanic, and when the cops confronted him, he did just what minority parents tell their kids to do. Jimenez cooperated; he was respectful, deferential even. He said: We can move back to where you like  We are getting out of your way  Wherever you want us, we will go.

Related: America must listen to its wounds. They will tell us where to look for hope | Reverend William Barber

It didnt matter; the police officers put handcuffs on him and led him away, and then came back to arrest his crew. Jimenez narrated his arrest as they led him away. His voice is steady. His eyes, though. Jimenez is masked so his eyes are the only clue to what hes feeling. His eyes are perplexed and terrified. I get it. When a black or brown person goes into police custody, you never know what is going to happen. You just know that when you leave police custody, if you are lucky enough to leave, you will be diminished. That is the point.

Whats most interesting is not that Jimenez and his colleagues were released shortly thereafter without any charges filed (or even being told why they had been taken into custody). Thats what class will buy a black man in America. You dont get it quite as bad as your lower-income brethren. Jeff Zucker, the CNN president, talked to Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, and the crew was quickly released. With an apology from the governor, not the cops. Cops rarely apologize, especially to black men.

But whats most interesting is what happened to Josh Campbell, a white CNN journalist who was in the same area as Jimenez and not arrested. Campbell said his experience was the opposite of Jimenezs. The cops asked him politely to move here and there. A couple times Ive moved closer than they would, like, they asked politely to move back. They didnt pull out the handcuffs.

Story continues

Its a cliche that the US has two systems of justice, separate and unequal, but I prefer the word Campbell used. The US has opposite systems of justice  one for white people and another for racial minorities, especially African Americans, Latinx and Native American people.

White progressives love to focus on class subordination (I see you, Bernie Sanders!) but there is something sticky about race. Jimenezs professional status and calm demeanor did not stop the police from treating him like a regular black dude  the subject of their vast authority to detain and humiliate. They didnt have an actual reason and they didnt need one. Jimenezs dark skin was the offense.

This is how powerful a drug white privilege is. Here we have the cops policing a rally protesting police brutality against a black man. Even in that context, when the whole world is watching figuratively, and CNNs audience is watching literally, the cops cant help themselves. They go all brutal lite. They play whos the man even when the black man, like Jimenez, goes out of his way to show he already knows who the man is. You are, officer, Sir. What the cops round up are the usual suspects and the usual suspects are always black and brown.

People ask why would the police treat another human being like this, and the answer must be because they can

The whole world has seen the sordid violent recording where George Floyd narrates, over 10 minutes, his own demise. Actually, there is not 10 minutes of narration because Floyd goes limp and silent after several minutes, but that does not cause former officer Chauvin to remove his knee from Floyds neck. The officers had received a radio run to go to a local store, where Floyd had allegedly tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill. Floyd is across the street from the store, chilling in his car with a couple of friends, when the officers approach like they are apprehending violent offenders. They order Floyd and his friends out of the car, put Floyd in handcuffs, order him to lie face down on the ground, and pin him down with their knees and hands. Floyd complains he cant breathe. A cop responds: Well, get up and get in the car.

I guess that is what you call police humor.

People ask why would the police treat another human being like this, and the answer must be because they can. There are rarely consequences. US police officers kill about 1,000 people a year (compared with the UK, where in 10 years, law enforcement took a total of 23 lives) and there are rarely consequences. Since 2005, when roughly 15,000 people have been killed by US law enforcement officers, fewer than 150 have been charged with murder.

True, the officers in George Floyds case lost their jobs, and now face or will face criminal prosecution. This is only because of the video evidence and the high-profile protests. The reality is that, statistically, even these officers are likely to escape conviction. Of the 150 officers charged with homicide in the line of duty, the majority have been found not guilty or had charges dropped.

For the moment, we who believe in justice are supposed to be satisfied that one cop, four days after the fact, has been taken into custody, when there are multiple videos of that officer with his knee on the victims back as the man complains he cant breathe.

As a black man, and as a former prosecutor, I had no idea it was so difficult to get arrested. US cops arrest about 12,000,000 people a year, but not usually each other. For the rest of us  I mean the rest of us black and brown people  we usually get arrested and charged the same day the cops decide we are guilty. The talk our parents give us about how to act around armed agents of the state is designed not so much to prevent arrests as to preserve life. It worked for Omar Jimenez.

But not for George Floyd. On the ground, dying, George Floyd pleads for his life, respectful as a person can be when he is asking for mercy from the people who are literally crushing the life out of him. He says please, officer, and calls out to his dead mother.

But the police do not remove their knees and feet and hands from Mr Floyds body. They dont even stop restraining him when his body is limp and silent.

One simple reform would be to not allow the cops to make arrests for any non-violent crime

Whats to be done? Tinkering with the system makes a difference here and there but it is not enough. If a white woman was thought to have tried to use a fake $20 bill, its impossible to imagine the police storming her vehicle, ordering her and her friends out, placing her in handcuffs and ultimately her winding up dead. But as long as cops have that kind of power, people of color will bear the brunt. So one simple reform would be to not allow the cops to make arrests for any non-violent crime. Its a power they cant be trusted with, because they will abuse it.

In the end, this is not about law enforcement. Its about enforcing white supremacy. Theres no tinkering with that, what with white supremacy being the foundation on which the country was built. The consistent big question in the quest for racial justice has been how much white supremacy is central to the identity of the US. This is what Barack Obama and Ta-Nehisi Coates argued about. If we had something approaching equal justice, would we still even be the United States? In order to accomplish that wed have to change the constitution, which authorizes much of the police violence that communities of color complain about, and the politics which exploits white anxiety about black and brown men.

What does it mean for people of color to live in a country where, for them to have a fair shot, law and government have to be transformed? It means that we should expect more cases like Omar Jimenez and George Floyd, regardless of whether Trump or Biden wins in November.

The real problem, ultimately, is not bad apple cops, even though these four officers are rotten to the core. The real problem is demonstrated in what a bystander told the officers as they restrained him to death. Hes human, bro. But Floyd was not human to these officers. Enforcing the dehumanization of people of color has become, in the United States, what you call police work.

 Paul Butler is the Albert Brick professor in law at Georgetown University. A former federal prosecutor, he is the author of Chokehold: Policing Black Men
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday that he would fully mobilize the Minnesota National Guard for the first time since World War II to bring an end to the "wanton destruction" protests that he blamed on protesters from outside the state.

The state had pulled together 700 troops on Friday for the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody.

But it was not enough, Walz said. By noon on Saturday, Walz said that 2,500 guardsman would be activated, noting that it was "nothing short of a blessing" that no one had yet been killed in the violence.

Full coverage of George Floyds death and protests around the country

In Minneapolis on Friday night, demonstrators ignored a curfew and vows of a forceful police response to take to the streets for a fourth straight night. Banks, gas stations and even a post office were destroyed.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday that protests which were peaceful earlier in the week have now turned toward "wonton destruction and chaos."

Demonstrations that descend into violence are not about "George Floyd's death or inequities or historical traumas to our communities of color," the governor said.

That led to his decision to mobilize the National Guard as well as ongoing conversations with Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

"Our tactics again are to try and reduce loss of life and restore order," he said.

Friday's chaos, Walz said, had "made a mockery" of George Floyd's death and the protests were no longer about inequality and dangerous policing practices.

Joined by the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Walz appeared angry at times in response to the disorder.

"Our great cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are under assault by people who do not share our values, who do not value life and the work that went into this and are certainly not here to honor George Floyd," the governor said. "They need to see today that that line will stop and order needs to be restored."

Story continues

The mayor of St. Paul said that while that city was quieter Friday night than the previous night, he has been told that all of those arrested were from out of state.

State officials said that around 80 percent of those arrested in the Twin Cities on Friday had come from outside Minnesota

While "there's a group of folks that are sad and mourning" about Floyd, Mayor Melvin Carter said, "there seems to be another group that are using Mr. Floyd's death as a cover to create havoc."

Image: (John Minchillo / AP)

John Harrington, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said there were approximately 40 arrests across St. Paul and Minneapolis on Friday night. He said some of those protesting had been linked to white supremacist groups and organized crime.

"We will always respect everyones First Amendment rights, but those rights stop at the end of a Molotov cocktail thrown into an open business," Harrington said. "Those rights stop at the point that you loot the liquor store in the neighborhood."

Download the NBC News app for full coverage and alerts on this story

State and local leaders were working in cooperation with the federal government to attempt to identify those people and organizations aiming to cause "chaos," officials said.

"The people that are doing this are not Minneapolis residents," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. "They are coming largely from outside the city outside the region to prey on everything we have built."

Frey also emphasized that the nation is still in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic as the protests rage, and that these crises had stacked on top of each other.

He said that he hoped that everyone would abide by the city's curfew on Saturday night. Otherwise, residents might provide "cover" to those who aim to cause damage.

"By being out tonight you are most definitely helping those who seek to wrong this city," he said.
A small private plane made an emergency landing on U.S. 59, east of Laredo near Las Lomas area, due to a mechanical failure, state police said.

READ MORE: Laredo zip codes with the most, least coronavirus cases thus far

At about 11 a.m. Thursday, the Texas Department of Public Safety said they received a call from Laredo police about a small private plane doing an emergency landing on mile marker 812 of U.S. 59. Houston Air had reported it to LPD.

DPS, U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Airport Police and the Webb County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene.

The pilot mentioned a mechanical failure but didnt specify what exactly, according to DPS. The small aircraft was coming from Conroe to Laredo. But due to mechanical failure, it made an emergency landing.

After the engine failed, they had more trouble controlling the plane and had to plan and conduct an emergency landing on Highway 59. We immediately secured the area, said Sheriff Martin Cuellar, who also responded to the scene.

DPS said the plane landed safely partially on the westbound traffic lane. The pilot and two other passengers were unharmed.

READ MORE: Webb County receives only $37K in coronavirus relief funds from state government

The plane was taken a mile east from the landing location and will be held until the National Transportation Safety Board arrives. The airplane will eventually be taken back to Laredo International Airport. The NTSB will investigate the incident.
Michael Franti has toured the world for three decades playing socially conscious, politically charged music. But the San Francisco residents new album, set to drop June 19 in the middle of the most intense political campaign in a generation, is nearly politics-free.

That is by design, Franti told The Chronicles Its All Political podcast. To him, its not all political anymore.

Instead, the longtime activist is appealing to our human commonality at a time when racist rhetoric is peaking, people are filling the streets protesting police brutality, and Americans reflexively retreat into their partisan camps instead of seeking compromise. The title of Frantis new album reflects his mantra in this era when shades of gray have disappeared from public life: Work Hard and Be Nice.

I think its important to do (political music) from time to time, but I also feel like its important to express the full rainbow of human emotion, said Franti, 53. What music helps us do is ... unlock those feelings that are so often bottled up.

Our goal in politics is not to get candidates elected, he said. Our goal in life is to get candidates elected who can then improve the quality of lives for people so that people can be happier.

Franti said his attitude began to change around the time he recorded one of his most politically charged albums, 2006s Yell Fire! written at the height of the Iraq War.

In the title track, Franti sings:

They tellin you to never worry about the future

They tellin you to never worry about the torture

They tellin you that youll never see the horror

Spend it all today and we will bill you tomorrow

Three-piece suits and bank accounts in Bahamas

Wall Street crime will never send you to the slammer

Tell all the children in the arms of their mommas

The F-15 is a homicide bomber.

Franti had traveled to Iraq 11 months after the war started, disturbed that he hadnt heard more about its human toll in Baghdad, whose population of 5.4 million was roughly half the size of the Bay Area.

Shortly after Franti landed, an Iraqi family showed him where they hid in the basement of their home during U.S. bombing raids. The father described how they covered themselves with blankets as protection from the spraying shards of glass from their windows.

Franti was moved, imagining how hed have to protect his three sons if his home was under attack. When he returned with his hosts to their living room, he played them Bomb the World. He wrote the antiwar song in 2003 as the Iraq War ramped up:

We can chase down all our enemies

Bring them to their knees

We can bomb the world to pieces

But we cant bomb it into peace.

I thought this family would be like, super moved and say, Thank you for identifying with our struggle,  Franti said. But I was stunned when his face just soured.

Franti recalled that the Iraqi man told him, in very harsh tones, How dare you come into my house and sing a song about peace when your country is actually bombing me?

The man told Franti that he wanted to hear songs that make us laugh, dance, cry, sing, move and somehow move our hearts right now, because we are stuck in our home and we cant do anything else but be right here. We need some relief.

That is what Franti wants to provide now  some relief at a time when he hears an increasing amount of racism.

The Oakland-born Franti is of mixed race, the son of a white mother and a father who was African American and Native American. His mother put him up for adoption when he was very young, he says, because she feared her family would not accept him.

He was adopted by Charles Franti and Carole Wistl, a white couple, and he grew up in Davis, where Charles Franti was a professor of epidemiology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Back then, Franti recalls that the Republicans he encountered were fiscally conservative, but they werent mean, and if they were racist, they generally kept it to themselves. And Im not saying that Republicans are the only ones who are racist, because all of us have prejudices.

Americans are less likely to keep their racist thoughts to themselves now, he said, as the political dialogue had changed so much since Trump started running for office. In November, the FBI reported that it had recorded the highest number of hate crimes based on prejudice in 16 years.

Franti said Trump is giving voice to this kind of hatred has allowed people who maybe had those kind of feelings to now bring them out into the open. ... And thats why I feel like the title of the record became so important to me.

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Franti was scheduled to be on tour now with country star Kenny Chesney. That might seem like an unlikely pairing to Frantis longtime fans, given that his music ranges from hip-hop to funk, soul and reggae and Chesney  who voted for Republican John McCain over Barack Obama in 2008  is is not political at all in his music, Franti said.

But Franti said he and Chesney, who have become friends over the years, are primarily focused on bringing positivity and connection to the world. Franti hopes that when they do finally tour, their fan bases can intermingle and ... connect.

It hurts him as much as it hurts me to see our country have so much debate, Franti said. I dont care who people vote for necessarily. Ultimately Im concerned with the state of our country, and I hope that Trump doesnt get re-elected. But every person has the right to choose whoever they want to vote for.

But I dont think its every persons right to just sit behind their keyboard and be an a-hole to every single person they come across, Franti said. Whether you have the right to do that is not is not really the question to me. I feel like its morally wrong to just be mean to people for the sake of being mean.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
Chhattisgarh and its capital Raipur will remember Ajit Pramod Jogi, one of the few leaders from the state with high national recall, for steering the two into the 21st century with an independent identity beyond the confines of Madhya Pradesh

There are many things that Ajit Pramod Jogi  the first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh  who passed away in Raipur on Friday, will be remembered for. However, it will be difficult to decide which of his achievements or attributes outshone the others in a rich life that began in a forest village in Achanakmar in 1946 and ended on 29 May, 2020. Jogi, 74, has left behind a political legacy that belongs uniquely to Chhattisgarh.

Jogi passed away as the founder and president of his own party, the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) that he formed after breaking away from the Congress in 2016, but it was the latter where he honed his political skills.

Always a brilliant man, Jogi was spotted by the then-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi while officiating as the collector of Indore in then-undivided Madhya Pradesh. Officials who worked with him remember that a telephone call at 2.30 am from Rajiv asking Jogi to get ready for Rajya Sabha membership, changed his course of destiny from a bureaucrat to a politician.

Jogi quit the IAS in 1985 and joined the Congress, rising to national prominence as a favourite of Rajiv Gandhi. An engineering graduate from the then-regional engineering college  Maulana Azad College of Technology (now a National Institute of Technology) in Bhopal, Jogi had a stint as a lecturer in Government Engineering College (also an NIT), Raipur. He soon displayed his brilliance by clearing the IPS in 1968 and eventually getting selected for the IAS in 1970.

It was, perhaps, the same brilliance that helped him survive the tough waters within the Congress party long after his mentor was gone.

Madhya Pradesh, at that time, was the largest state of the country in terms of area. Its political power lay in the western part of the state where the capital Bhopal was located. The eastern part, now a separate state called Chhattisgarh (formed on 1 November, 2000), was the richest region of India in terms of mineral wealth, rice production and was also the major source of power (electricity), yet was always second to the western part when it came to distribution of funds, schemes and benefits within the state.

Bhopal, Indore and Gwalior, in the western part of the state, always had precedence over Raipur and Bilaspur in the Chhattisgarh region, despite the latter being no less in industrial or historical importance.

That was surprising, considering that the region had given the undivided Madhya Pradesh its first chief minister in Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla and more chief ministers later on such as his son Shyama Charan Shukla and Motilal Vora. Shyama Charans brother Vidya Charan Shukla (both popularly called Shukla brothers) rose to national prominence as a minister in Indira Gandhi's Cabinet.

Around the turn of the last millennium, when the cry for separate statehood for Chhattisgarh rose to a crescendo (along with the same for Uttarakhand and Jharkhand), Madhya Pradesh politics was dominated by political royals such as the Shukla brothers, the then-chief minister Digvijaya Singh, Madhav Rao Scindia, Motilal Vora and Kamal Nath.

Yet, when Chhattisgarh was born, it was Ajit Jogi who checkmated the legacy faces and emerged as Congress president Sonia Gandhi's choice to be the new state's first chief minister.

What endeared him to the state's population, comprising a big percentage of tribals, was his son-of-the-soil ethos. He came from a village in the deep forests of Achanakmar in Chhattisgarh (in the state's Mungeli district) and had risen in life by sheer hard work. It is a well-known fact that despite hailing from a backward community, Jogi cleared his IPS and IAS exams through general category.

It was the power enjoyed by bureaucrats, that he was a witness to both in his village and while studying in Bhopal that inspired Jogi to become an IAS officer.

Most importantly, as chief minister, Jogi addressed the people of the state in Chhattisgarhi dialect (of Hindi), which made him immensely popular among locals. Perhaps it was due to my knowledge of Chhattisgarhi, that I got several opportunities to interact with him while reporting in Raipur.

A formally trained bureaucrat, Jogi emerged as an able administrator when serving as Chhattisgarh's first chief minister (2000-2003). He was known for his sharp and elephantine memory; he never had to refer to notes while rattling off complex data in his speeches, official meetings or conferences. He always had a variety of figures at his fingertips.

His stint in bureaucracy helped him in controlling the system as the chief minister. His administration continues to be remembered in the state for controlling political hooliganism in the capital city of Raipur; incidentally, he had also served as Raipur collector during his time in the IAS.

Tribals and their issues were close to Jogis heart. As chief minister, he travelled many times to the states tribal belt Bastar and had a large following. During his last visit to Maoist-hotbed Bastar ahead of the Chitrakot bye-election in 2019, Jogi said that Bastar should be designated as up-rajdhani (sub-capital) and a mini cabinet should be stationed there, so that policymakers could focus on tribal development and eradication of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh.

During my last interview with him in November 2018, ahead of the state Assembly election in which his JCC party fought in an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Jogi said that the Maoist problem couldnt be tackled by bullets alone.

The Maoist problem can be resolved through dialogue, by involving them in the political process. That is what happened in Nepal. We need socio-economic development; we need to give them education and employment and orient them to a good lifestyle.

However he had his fair share of controversies. His political career was marred by controversy related to his caste status. Though he claimed himself to be a tribal, the BJP challenged the same, especially during the 2003 Assembly election in the state in which Jogi was toppled by the BJP's Raman Singh, who went on to rule for the next 15 years. The court cases related to Jogi's caste status continued to remain unresolved at the time of his death.

Despite his close proximity to the Gandhi family, the Congress party initiated disciplinary proceedings against Jogi in 2016 over charges of tarnishing the partys image and he was expelled along with his son Amit for six years. He rebelled against the partys top leadership and formed his own party, the JCC.

Many Congress old timers in Chhattisgarh recalled that despite being confined to a wheelchair after a car accident in 2004, Jogi remained dedicated to public life.

Though he was sidelined by the party for years after losing to BJP CM Raman Singh, Jogi was back in focus after nearly the entire top leadership of Chhattisgarh Congress was wiped out in a Maoist attack at Jhiram Ghati in Bastar in 2013.

Chhattisgarh and its capital Raipur will remember Jogi  one of the few leaders from the state with high national recall  for steering the two into the 21st century with an independent identity beyond the confines of Madhya Pradesh.
Around 800 people flocked to Keralas Kottayam district at the crack of dawn on Saturday while responding to an advertisement put out by a state-run district hospital inviting candidates for a walk-in-interview to fill 25-odd vacancies of temporary healthcare workers, including nurses, because of the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Hapless hospital authorities had to call for police reinforcements to rein in the teeming job aspirants.

Later, the interviews were cancelled and the police dispersed the crowd with an announcement that these posts would be filled following a written test and other formalities.

Kottayam district collector has sought an explanation from the hospital authorities, as the botched-up walk-in-interview has snowballed into a controversy.

The incident is an indication of peoples desperation for a job amid a deepening economic crisis because of the pandemic.

I reached Kottayam a day before and put up at a friends house to appear for the interview. Im working in a private hospital for a paltry salary for the last three years. I was hoping to get a substantial raise even though its a temporary job, said Reena Abraham. Abraham (28) had travelled from Kochi to appear for the interview and was in tears when the police asked her to leave the hospital premises.

We never expected such a massive rush of job aspirants for the walk-in-interview. Healthcare workers have to work in Covid-19 wards for 14 days and then undergo mandatory quarantine for a similar number of days. We need more healthcare workers on a temporary basis to overcome the staff shortage, said Jacob Verghese, medical officer, Kottayam.

The new schedule for the job interviews will be announced later, he added.

Kerala has an official unemployment rate of 9.43%, as compared to the national average of 6.1%. But, 80% of the unemployed, or around 36 lakhs, in the state are educated, unlike other parts of the country.

The unemployment crisis is so acute that many post-graduates and Ph.D. degree holders had applied for a state public service commission advertisement two years ago that had sought applications to fill up a few vacancies for Group D employees

The crisis is likely to deepen further, as many people from Kerala have started returning to their native state from some of the oil-rich West Asian countries after being laid off because of sliding crude oil prices and the economic impact due to the viral outbreak.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ramesh Babu Ramesh Babu is HTs bureau chief in Kerala, with about three decades of experience in journalism. ...view detail
Navy Cmdr. David Volk spent much of the past six weeks either isolated in a hotel room or caring for patients alongside more than 100 other naval officers at Baton Rouge General Medical Center's Mid City coronavirus surge unit.

Besides the occasional breakfast beignet, Dr. Volk didn't get a chance to experience much of Louisiana's rich culture  until, that is, the hospital said goodbye to the Jacksonville-based sailors Friday with a second line celebration.

With doctors and nurses lining the hospital's lobby, the naval medical professionals, dressed in military fatigues, paraded out the front door and onto their buses, bopping to the beat of a brass band along the way.

"Everybody here has been so receptive and warm to us, trying to give us a taste of Baton Rouge," Volk said.

A second line farewell for the 104 Navy medical professionals who were deployed to Baton Rouge Generals Mid City COVID surge unit pic.twitter.com/q6yF7QOJbB  Blake Paterson (@BlakePater) May 29, 2020

The squadron of doctors and nurses first deployed to New Orleans on April 1 and later transferred to Baton Rouge on April 15 to supplement the region's existing health care providers in managing a surge in coronavirus patients.

Shortly before the second line festivities began, Edgardo Tenreiro, the chief executive officer at Baton Rouge General, read a letter from a patient's daughter thanking a naval nurse who let her videochat with her mother one last time before she was moved to hospice.

"Please know you gave a cherished daughter a last chance to tell mom 'I love you.' Please know you will forever hold a place in my heart for this gift," the letter read.

Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, who leads the U.S. Department of Defense's COVID-19 response in North America, said that a few weeks into the crisis, they realized that their resources were better used shoring up existing facilities like the Mid City site rather than setting up their own.

On a nearby wall, roughly 300 paper hearts were posted, each representing a patient well enough to have been discharged from the hospital. When the sailors arrived six weeks earlier, the wall had only 40 hearts.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said that when it came to surging capacity and increasing the number of hospital beds, there likely wasn't a better facility in the country equipped to do that than Baton Rouge General's Mid City campus.

Still, the site needed additional staff, and until the arrival of the Navy medical professionals, Edwards said they didn't know where they were going to get that help from.

"There probably is not a finer operation that was stood up for COVID patients than right here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and I am so proud of each and every person that made that possible," Edwards said.

In concluding remarks, Edwards said, as a West Point alum who served in the U.S. Army, its usually hard to say something good about the Navy, but that's no longer the case.

"I want you to know, you've converted this West Point graduate," he said.
Boris Johnson has been urged to crack down on firms which furlough staff who they expect to fire anyway, after the Prime Minister described the behaviour as 'cynical'.

One million firms have applied for taxpayer support under the Job Retention Scheme, which is paying the wages of 8.4m workers at a cost so far of 15 billion.

But businesses have come under fire for putting their staff on the Government's payroll  just weeks before announcing mass redundancies.

'Cynical': Boris Johnson has been urged to crack down on firms which furlough staff who they expect to fire anyway

Analysis by the Mail shows British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Tui, Easyjet and Rolls-Royce alone have furloughed around 57,000 staff between them  with the taxpayer covering 80 per cent of the wage bill up to 2,500 per person a month.

But in recent weeks they have also announced plans to slash up to 33,650 jobs, as the grounding of flights during the lockdown has devastated the travel and aviation industries.

There are growing fears that firms in other sectors which have been hammered by the coronavirus  from retailers to car manufacturers  are also preparing to sack furloughed workers.

Two select committee chairmen in the House of Commons  one Tory, one Labour  have called on ministers to ensure that the scheme is not being abused.

Labour MP Darren Jones, chairman of the business committee, accused some firms of 'taking the mick' by tapping taxpayer-funded schemes aimed at saving jobs to then cut them.

The Prime Minister has admitted he is concerned some firms have been using the Job Retention Scheme to 'keep staff on their books' as they prepare to cut jobs.

British Airways, which furloughed more than 30,000 shortly before announcing plans to make up to 12,000 redundancies, has found itself at the centre of this criticism.

As Johnson gave evidence to MPs on the coronavirus crisis on Wednesday, the transport committee's chairman, Tory MP Huw Merriman, asked him about the behaviour of BA.

Merriman asked why it was called 'the Job Retention Scheme when companies like BA can put their employees on furlough and then put them under threat of redundancy at the same time'.

Johnson said: 'I am concerned about the way some companies are treating their workforce. People should not be using furlough cynically to keep people on their books and then get rid of them.'

Hours earlier Willie Walsh, boss of BA's owner IAG, appeared to acknowledge the scheme had given it time to make job cuts.

He said: 'It merely buys us a few extra days to address the restructuring our business requires to survive.'
<! Dr Sokomba Aliyu NARD President: issues 14 day strike notice >



By Stella Kabruk/Kaduna

Nigerian doctors would embark on an indefinite strike if the Federal Government failed to address their demands within 14 days.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) stated this on Saturday in a communique issued at the end of its virtual 40th Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference.

The communique was signed by NARD National President, Dr Sokomba Aliyu and Publicity Secretary, Dr Egbogu Stanley.

The NARD 40th OGM was held under the theme: Health inequalities and social determinants of Health in Nigeria.

The virtual OGM, attended by 74 Chapters of the association from across the country, deliberated on issues affecting the nations health care system and welfare of its members.

NARD calls on the Federal and State governments to provide adequate personnel protective equipment such as N95 respirators, gloves etc. to all health workers.

NARD also demands immediate recall of the sacked resident doctors at Jos University Teaching Hospital and payments of their salaries.

According to the association, 26 resident doctors at the Jos University Teaching Hospital were illegally disengaged without recourse to the law governing Residency training.

The association also demands for universal implementation of the Residency Training Act in both Federal and State Teaching hospitals.

NARD demands immediate implementation of the revised hazard allowance, and payment of COVID-19 inducement allowance, the communique said.

OGM resolves that urgent steps be taken to ensure that the fate of our members at the State Tertiary Health Institutions be improved through engagement with the various state governments and relevant stakeholders.

The association enjoined the Federal Government through the National Assembly to ensure full capture of the residency training funding in the 2021 Appropriation Act.

It also demanded for payment of arrears of the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage to its members at both Federal and state tertiary health institutions.

The Association condemned what it called the illegal deductions in salaries of members by some state governments and demanded for immediate refund.

NARD observes the slashing of salaries of our members at state tertiary health institutions with particular reference to Kaduna state government that cut the salaries of health workers by twenty five percent.

It also called on security agencies especially in Lagos, Delta and Abuja to stop the harassment and assault of doctors while carrying out their legitimate activities.

OGM observes non implementation of the revised hazard allowance, the non procurement of life insurance, non-payment of the death benefits claims and COVID-19 inducement allowance of doctors in various health institutions.

NARD observes non-payment of arrears of the consequential adjustment of new minimum wage to some of her members.

It also observed with concern, the non-implementation of revised CONMESS and skipping arrears by some state governments in various state tertiary teaching hospitals.

The NARD noted the shortage of medical staff especially resident doctors in most health institutions across the country and called on the government to address the problem.
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.
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In this coronavirus crisis, weve gotten a nasty preview on a temporary basis of what socialism would feel like on a permanent basis: empty shelves, shortages and limits on basic commodities, and a wholesale assault on our civil liberties, including invasions of privacy through government surveillance, and restrictions on freedom of assembly and religious freedom.

We also see Democratic politicians like Nancy Pelosi, Bill De Blasio, Jay Inslee and Gavin Newsom seeking to use the crisis to push a whole slew of socialist proposals.

A review of this laundry list of proposals, however, makes it clear we are dealing with a new type of socialism. Here are a few examples: regular monthly payments to illegals, diversity commissions to review corporate governance, money to fund Green New Deal proposals, studies to determine the impact of coronavirus on racial minorities, taxpayer funding for abortion.

This is identity politics; what does it have to do with socialism? The Democratic primary this year featured all the candidates highlighting their diversity credentials and competing for victimhood in the identity Olympics: Buttigieg scored a point for being gay and Cory Booker one for being black. But they were outscored by Kamala Harris who got two points for being black and a woman. Elizabeth Warren got one for being a woman although she attempted to go for two by falsely claiming to be native American. Ironically the two final contenders were both white men, and the prize in the end went to Biden, the oldest and one might almost say deadest white male in the race.

A recent meeting of Democratic Socialists of America featured people calling themselves ecosocialists, Afro-socialists, Islamosocialists, Chicano socialist, sanctuary socialists, #MeToo socialists, queer socialists and transgender socialists. Consider, too, the new vocabulary that leading Democrats now use. Heres a tweet by Elizabeth Warren: Black trans and cis women, gender-nonconforming and nonbinary people are the backbone of our democracy.

The new socialism is identity socialism, a marriage between classic socialism and identity politics. This new type of socialism has transformed the Left and the Democratic Party. This is clearly no longer the party of Franklin Roosevelt. Indeed, FDR would not know what Warren was talking about. Who are these people and how could they be the backbone of our democracy? They are, however, the backbone of the socialist Left.

Typical of the new type of socialist is Stacey Abrams, who said her campaign for governor of Georgia championed reforms to eliminate police shootings of African Americans, protect the LBGTQ community, expand Medicaid to save rural hospitals and reaffirm that undocumented immigrants deserve legal protections. Only one of these four planks  the one about saving rural hospitals  would be even remotely recognizable to FDR as part of the progressive agenda.

Not just the Democratic Party or the Left, socialism itself has become redefined. For Marx, socialism was exclusively about class division. The world is divided into two camps: the capitalists and the working class. The former are the exploiters; the latter, the exploited. For Marx, other divisions based on race, gender, ethnicity and nationality were merely clever devices on the part of the capitalist class to divide and conquer the working class.

Yet socialism in America today emphasizes not one social division but several, not merely the division based on class but also the divisions based on race, gender, sexual orientation and even immigrant status. For the socialist Left now, its not merely the rich against the poor, but also white against black, male against female, straight against gay and transgender, and legal against illegal.

The new term is intersectionality. What this means is that one belonging to one victim group is impressive but belonging to multiple victim groups places you at the top of the new social totem pole. Conversely, its bad to be white, but its worse to be white and male, and worst of all is to be white, male and heterosexual. The new socialism is not merely about inclusion of previously victimized groups; it is also about demonizing people belonging to designated oppressor groups as racists, bigots and Nazis.

Whats the goal of identity socialism? Ultimately its about trying to get people to define themselves in terms of their race, gender and sex organs. These various forms of division are intended to create large, resentful victim groups. The Left hopes to bring together enough of these victim groups to form a popular majority. In this way, they can then rule unobstructed over the rest of the population.

This doesnt merely involve confiscating peoples money but also forcing them to conform to the social norms of the Left on pain of being ostracized, shut down or even locked up. The conservative watchdog group Project Veritas even recorded Bernie staffers talking about putting Republicans and conservatives into gulags and reeducation camps. As one of them, Kyle Jurek, addressed them, Were going to have to teach you not to be a f*ck*ng Nazi.

The problem with identity socialism is that we are more than the sum of these identities. We are humans, and we are also Americans. We are neither pure victims nor victimizers; on the contrary, the line between good and evil runs through every human heart. If we want to bring the country together, if we still believe in one America, we should reject the politics of division and resentment that defines identity socialism.
Excelsia College: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Makes an impact on the youth of tomorrow View(s):

With almost 200 higher education colleges across Australia alone, making the right choice can be an overwhelming and daunting decision. Excelsia College exists to provide quality Higher Education courses to hundreds of domestic and international students from across the globe, including students from Sri Lanka. Having a strong educational ethos firmly built into its foundations, Excelsia College believes each student who walks through its doors is a unique individual who requires their own tailored approach of care and support to help unlock their full potential and flourish in their chosen profession. With multireligious prayer rooms and culturally diverse staff, students from all backgrounds are made to feel welcomed and included on campus.

Excelsia College is a Higher Education Provider registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), approved to offer FEE-HELP, Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy, and registered to offer courses to international students (CRICOS Provider Code 02664K). Excelsia College is an affiliate of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and a member of the Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA).

Excelsias Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECE) is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and understanding to provide quality early childhood education and care. The course supports students to build a deep, reflexive understanding of the child, child development, early childhood contexts, educational issues, theories and considerations, and the diverse needs of children, from birth to five years of age. The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Degree has been assessed by the Australian Institute of Teachers and School Leaders (AITSL https://www.aitsl.edu.au/) and accredited by the Australian Childrens Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA https://www.acecqa.gov.au/).

Graduates of the degree will have a sound theoretical foundation of the underpinning knowledge and practical skills expected and required of an early childhood educator with a particular focus on:

Agentic and play-based approaches to early childhood education (Broadhead, Howard and Wood 2010; Fleer 2013). This includes using a range of effective, contemporary educational techniques and strategies to plan, deliver and assess effective learning for a complex and diverse range of children and family populations in a continually changing society. Furthermore, demonstrating a sound knowledge of the professional behaviour and ethical conduct expected of an educator and meeting the AQF level 7 criteria and ACECQA outcomes.

The course is particularly suited to: Individuals seeking an undergraduate qualification to enter into Early Childhood Education institutes and schools. In the QILT survey 2019, Excelsia College outperformed most national universities and private higher education providers in Australia.

Excelsia College is sympathetic to not only the scholastic, but social and emotional needs of their international students and as such have implemented their brand new Student Support Centre.

Excelsia offers a range of Bachelors, Masters and PhD programs for international students. Students are encouraged to apply for forthcoming intake in July and September 2020 as well as for February 2021. Excelsia offers Bachelor/Master in Music, Associate Degree in Music, Bachelor in Dramatic Arts, Bachelor of Screen Production, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Master of Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Counselling, Bachelor of Management and Entrepreneurship, Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Research (Organisational Leadership) and Doctor of Philosophy (Organisational Leadership).

COVID-19, Excelsias response

Excelsia College has acted swiftly to respond to the needs of the student community since the COVID-19 outbreak began at the beginning of the year. As a result, theyve ensured that the global crisis has had as little impact on studies as possible, ensuring students can complete their degree as planned. All concerned are kept up-to-date with Australian Government announcements on a daily basis and students are supported financially with food, job assistance and other essential support services. Each team within Excelsia is looking at ways to create new job opportunities for students, whilst focusing on supporting them transition to online studies.

Importantly, understanding the difficult time, and the stress students may be going through, Excelsias experienced counsellors working in the Student Support Centre are helping them in these times to support their mental health and well-being.

Please contact David Samuel, International Marketing Consultant, Excelsia College

Sri Lanka Office  Email:

david.samuel@exclesia.edu.au for support and enrolment.

Please browse

www.excelsia.edu.au for further information and course details.
The fight against the coronavirus pandemic took a momentary back seat after a hectic night of protests in New York City over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

At a demonstration attended by thousands at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, protests against the killing of Floyd  and against racial violence in general  the New York City Police Department got into several intense altercations with protesters. Peaceful demonstrations escalated to standoffs between protesters and police, which escalated to violence as the night wore on.

But on Saturday morning, in the clear light of day, a press conference with local elected officials turned attention to the people they said were responsible for that escalation, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. They escalated, state Sen. John Liu said of the NYPD officers on the scene. And you know who is accountable for that? The mayor himself. De Blasio needs to apologize for what happened here last night.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also criticized the NYPDs reaction to the planned protest at the outset, saying that rows and rows of police officers positioned outside the Barclays Center before the demonstration even began was unnecessary. You are setting a fault line, Williams said.

If de Blasio expected a boost in his public approval rating after his joint announcement with Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday afternoon that New York City was finally on track to start reopening from coronavirus-related closures on June 8, those expectations were quickly deflated. Throughout the night, as protesters and reporters tweeted videos of police pushing, tackling and pepper-spraying protesters, elected officials called de Blasio out. What the hell is going on, @NYCMayor? New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer tweeted. You cant criticize the Minneapolis Police in the morning and not hold your own accountable in the evening. Live up to your words.

At his own briefing on Saturday morning, de Blasio repeated some of the sentiments he shared on Friday about the burden of racism and discrimination  witnessed not only in racial violence, but also through the pandemic. Every day is perverted by racism, de Blasio said on Saturday. The coronavirus crisis has created a depth of pain that has still not been accounted for, he added, noting that the loss has been felt even more deeply in communities of color, which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Addressing the escalation to violence, de Blasio criticized both the NYPD and protesters, who he said came out only to initiate violence against cops. Some protesters last night came with an agenda of violence and incitement, de Blasio said. They meant to harm police officers and they did harm police officers. De Blasio said that protesters who came with the intention to incite violence represented just a small fraction of all protesters.

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, who joined de Blasio on Saturday, echoed the mayors remarks. Shea said that multiple officers were injured, more than 200 arrests were made  including one for attempted murder when a Molotov cocktail was thrown at an occupied, marked police van. We practice de-escalation, but it is very difficult to practice de-escalation when youre having a brick thrown at your head, Shea said, adding that the total number of injured officers is still being tallied. It is by the grace of God that we dont have dead officers today.

De Blasio said Saturday that he will immediately initiate an independent review to determine what went wrong on Friday night and hold people accountable.

We were told PD was given orders to de-escalate & respect peaceful protest, New York City Councilman Justin Brannan tweeted. Instead we got an army of cops in riot gear, protestors assaulted, legislators maced, and cop cars torched. This is not the city anybody wants.

Though de Blasio said that there will be accountability for both NYPD officers who acted inappropriately and protesters who initiated violence, some were less confident about that prospect. I am confident that protesters who do violence to officers will be held accountable, New York City Councilman Ritchie Torres said. I am not so confident that officers who do violence to protesters will face the same accountability. That is the problem.
Panaji:

Goa today became the 15th state to ratify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Constitution Amendment Bill, paving the way for the legislation to be notified by the President to the GST Council.

During a day-long session of the assembly convened today, all the members of the House unanimously passed the resolution ratifying the GST with Opposition MLAs cautioning the state government over implication of the new tax regime in Goa.

Ruling out any negative impact on the new tax regime, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said it would instead help sectors like service and tourism, bringing in more revenue to the state.

He said the Centre has already assured to compensate for five years, if there is any loss in revenue during implementation of GST. Parsekar termed the GST Bill as historical, revolutionary and far sighted.

Many thought that NDA with no majority in the Rajya Sabha would not be able to pass the Bill in the Upper House. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi managed to overcome this barrier, he said.

The Chief Minister also thanked all the Opposition parties for helping to pass the GST bill in Parliament and also in the (different) state assemblies.

At least 50 per cent of the states need to ratify this Bill in their Houses. Out of 29 states, Goa became the 15th state to do it, making it a historical occasion, Parsekar said.

He claimed that the GST implementation will help the economic growth of the state. Speaking in detail, Parsekar said Goa is a service driven state but was not beneffitting from the (service) tax.

There are many manufacturing industries in the state. But their corporate offices are in other states due to which those states were benefitting. The GST has provisioned that at least 50 per cent of the service tax from the industries should come to Goa, the chief minister said.

Parsekar calculated that at least Rs 1,000 crore would be annually added to the state exchequer in form of Service Tax. He pointed out that the taxation on petroleum products, alcohol and brewery, royalty on minerals, vehicle tax and stamp duty will remain in the mandate of state government as it is kept out of GST.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The UK government is preparing to offer a special visa which leads to citizenship for nearly 3 Million Hong Kong residents in case China goes ahead with the new national security law.

Residents born before the city was handed over to China in 1997 with BN(O) passports are eligible.

About 300,000 people in Hong Kong currently hold the passports.

The move was announced by the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab and Home Secretary Priti Patel.

 If China imposes this laws we will explore options to allow British Nationals Overseas to apply for leave to stay in the UK, including a path to citizenship Home Secretary Priti Patel announced.

The UK urged it will continue to defend the right and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Security Law imposed from Beijing with the aim of tackling secession, terrorism, subversion and foriegn interference in the citys affairs.
The European Union has urged US president Donald Trump to rethink his decision to cut American funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO) amid global criticism of the move.

Spiking coronavirus infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained, as Mr Trump charged that the WHO did not respond adequately to the pandemic.

The American leader also accused the UNs health agency of being under Chinas total control.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has urged Mr Trump to reconsider, saying that actions that weaken international results must be avoided, and that now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions.

She added: The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future.

For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed.

The US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organisation.

Mr Trump said the US would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

The WHO would not comment on the announcement, but South African health minister Zweli Mkhize called it an unfortunate turn of events.

(PA Graphics)

He told reporters: Certainly, when faced with a serious pandemic, you want all nations in the world to be particularly focused  on one common enemy.

In China, where the virus outbreak began, only four new confirmed cases were reported on Saturday, all brought from outside the country, and no new deaths.

Just 63 people remain in treatment.

After judging the situation there is now safe, a chartered flight carrying 200 German managers back to their jobs has landed in Tianijin, a port city just east of Beijing.

Story continues

A flight carrying another 200 is due to touch down in Shanghai on Thursday.

Im really happy that business is starting again, said Karin Wasowski, a Volkswagen employee, before boarding the flight in Frankfurt. Ive been working from a home office but that is, of course, something completely different to being there.

Rescue workers spray disinfectant in the All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan (AP)

More than 5,200 German companies operate in China, employing more than one million people.

Close to six million coronavirus infections have been reported worldwide, with more than 365,000 deaths and almost 2.5 million recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The true dimensions are widely believed to be significantly greater, with experts saying many victims died without ever being tested.

As some countries have effectively lowered the rate of infections, they have been moving ahead with relaxing restrictions, while keeping a very close eye on developments.

In South Korea, credited with one of the most successful programs to fight the pandemic, there were 39 new cases reported on Saturday, most of them in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area where officials have linked the infections to warehouse workers.

Authorities have so far maintained the phased reopening of schools in the hope that the recent transmissions could be contained quickly.

CHINA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020

India registered another record single day jump of 7,964 cases and 265 deaths, a day before it was due to end its two-month-old lockdown.

That put the countrys total cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths and 82,369 recoveries, according to the health ministry.

Still, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an open letter that India was on the path to victory in its battle against the virus, and would an example in economic revival, while asking his countrymen to show firm resolve.

Russia recorded nearly 9,000 new cases overnight, around the daily level it has been at over the past two weeks as the virus continues to spread.

The national coronavirus task force said on Saturday that 4,555 Russians have died of Covid-19, and 396,575 infections have been recorded.

The relatively low mortality rate compared with other countries has prompted scepticism domestically and abroad.

At #covid19 & financing for development event w/ @antonioguterres, @JustinTrudeau, @AndrewHolnessJM, I proposed a global recovery initiative that links investment & debt relief to the SDGs. A recovery that's green, digital & resilient. It's up to us to build back better together. pic.twitter.com/t0MiNu2om3  Ursula von der Leyen #UnitedAgainstCoronavirus (@vonderleyen) May 28, 2020

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres announced two peacekeepers serving in Mali had died from the virus. There have been 137 confirmed cases of Covid-19 among peacekeepers, the majority in Mali, but these were the first deaths.

The US has been worst hit by the outbreak, with more than 1.7 million cases and almost 103,000 deaths.

Cities and states are under increasing pressure to reopen, however, especially for service industries which have seen customer numbers evaporate.

The latest job-loss figures from the US labour department brought to 41 million the running total of Americans who have filed for unemployment since shutdowns took hold in mid-March.

But there have been worrying signs that as restrictions are eased, people have not been adhering to social distancing guidelines meant to help prevent the spread of the virus.

German chancellor Angela Merkels office said that as things stand with the American pandemic situation, if Mr Trump decides to go ahead with the Group of Seven summit in the US as he has suggested he might, she would not attend in person.
New Delhi: Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor breathed his last on April 30, 2020. He died at Mumbai's Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital on Thursday, 8.45 am. The stalwart was battling Leukemia for the past two years and underwent treatment for it in New York for almost a year.

With exactly one month to his demise, wife Neetu Kapoor shared a classic song snippet by Vera Lynn along with a throwback picture of the two looking gorgeous together. She wrote: "Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye Cheerio, here I go on my way With a cheer, not a tear, in your eye Give me a smile, I can keep for a while In my heart while I'm away."

He is survived by wife and actress Neetu Kapoor, children Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and actor Ranbir Kapoor. The actor, who was always vocal about issues on Twitter, had first disclosed about his illness on the micro-blogging site.

All through his tough times, Neetu Kapoor stood like a rock behind him. The two cemented a great bond of love and affection - giving picture-perfect relationship goals to fans and followers. Rishi and Neetu Kapoor worked in several movies like Kabhie Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Khel Khel Mein, Rafoo Chakkar, Do Dooni Chaar amongst various others together.
The white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on George Floyds neck was arrested and charged with murder.

Authorities imposed an overnight curfew to try to stem three nights of often-violent protests that left dozens of stores burned and looted.

Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged on Friday (local time) with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case.

He was also accused of ignoring another officer at the scene who expressed concerns about the black man as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe.

George Floyd died in police custody after an officer was filmed kneeling on his neck. Source: AP

Mr Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a small grocery store.

An attorney for Mr Floyds family welcomed the arrest, but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants all four officers involved to be arrested.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said more charges were possible.

He said the investigation into the other three officers continues, but authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a curfew from 8pm to 6am (local time) on Friday and Saturday. The order said no one can be out in public except emergency responders and people seeking medical care, fleeing danger or those who are homeless.

I know that whatever hope you feel today is tempered with skepticism and a righteous outrage," Mr Frey said in a statement.

Todays decision from the County Attorney is an essential first step on a longer road toward justice and healing our city.

Protesters set a shop on fire on Thursday (local time) during the third day of protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Source: Jordan Strowder/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

According to the criminal complaint, Chauvin allegedly disregarded the concerns of another officer, who wanted to roll Mr Floyd onto his side as he was being held down.

The papers also said an autopsy revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death. The exam concluded the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Mr Floyds system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death.

Story continues

Mr Floyd's family was seeking an independent autopsy.

Police were trying to put Mr Floyd in a squad car when he stiffened up and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, the complaint said.

Chauvin and officer Tou Thoa arrived to help and tried several times to get the struggling Mr Floyd into the car, it said.

At one point, Chauvin pulled Mr Floyd out of the car's passenger side, and Mr Floyd, who was handcuffed, went to the ground face down. Officer J.K. Kueng held Mr Floyd's back, and officer Thomas Lane held his legs, while Chauvin put his knee on Mr Floyd's head and neck area, the complaint said.

When Officer Lane asked if Mr Floyd should be rolled onto his side Chauvin said: No, staying put is where we got him."

An undated handout photo of George Floyd. Source: Christopher Harris via AP

Officer Lane said he was worried about excited delirium or whatever", and Chauvin replied, That's why we have him on his stomach," according to the complaint.

After Mr Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Officer Lane again said he wanted to roll Chauvin onto his side. Officer Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, the complaint said.

In all, Chauvin had his knee on Mr Floyd's neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, including nearly three minutes after Mr Floyd stopped moving and talking, according to the complaint.

Chauvin's attorney had no comment when reached by The Associated Press.

Mr Freeman, whose home has been picketed by protesters, highlighted the extraordinary speed in charging the case just four days after Floyds death, but also defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner.

He said his office needed time to put together evidence, including what he called the horrible video recorded by a bystander.

All four officers at the scene of Mr Floyd's arrest on Monday were fired the next day.

After the charges were announced, protesters outside government offices chanted, All four got to go.

It was not immediately clear whether Chauvin's arrest would quiet the unrest, which escalated again Thursday night (local time) as demonstrators burned a Minneapolis police station soon after officers abandoned it.

Protests also spread across the US, fuelled by outrage over Mr Floyds death, and years of violence against African Americans at the hands of police. Demonstrators clashed with officers in New York and blocked traffic in Columbus, Ohio, and Denver.

News of the arrest came moments after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the abject failure of the response to the protests and called for swift justice for the officers. Mr Walz said the state had taken over the response to the violence.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are on fire. The fire is still smouldering in our streets. The ashes are symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish unheard, Mr Walz said.

Now generations of pain is manifesting itself in front of the world  and the world is watching.

President Donald Trump threatened action, tweeting when the looting starts, the shooting starts, which prompted a warning from Twitter for glorifying violence. Mr Trump later said he was referring to shooting that had happened during the protests.

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.
Melbourne-based Newmark Capital has started the ball rolling in post COVID-19 retail property deals, amid speculation it has snapped up the David Jones menswear store in Bourke Street Mall, with a price tag of around $120 million.

Woolworths South Africa, which owns the David Jones and Country Road businesses, confirmed in a statement the group had exchanged contracts on the menswear store.

"The sale price achieved is in line with expectations and final settlement is anticipated before the end of July," Woolworths Holdings said. It did not name the buyer.

David Jones' Elizabeth Street store in Sydney could be put up for sale.

Newmarks Chris Langford, who co-founded the fund manager with Simon T Morris, would not comment. "Its cracking real estate is all that I can say".
Christian leaders express outrage over George Floyd's death, call police actions 'evil'

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In the bystander video that has been watched by millions around the world, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, begged for his life and cried for his mother before he visibly stopped breathing with the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer still pinned to his neck on Monday.

The video (warning: shocking content and profanity) has since sparked international outrage. Many people, including several prominent Christian leaders across racial and denominational lines, are now speaking out and urging others to take a stand against racial injustice.

Miles McPherson, senior pastor of the popular Rock Church in California, noted on Twitter: Another black man was killed on camera, this time as four police officers held him down.

This breaks my heart! Holding a hand-cuffed man down with your knee on his neck as he shouts he cant breathe. What will it take for this to be unacceptable to all of us. #GeorgeFloyd.

In the video, Floyd begged as the officer kept him pinned to the pavement resting firmly on his neck minutes before he would lay motionless.

Please! Please! Please! Floyd said as he moaned in pain with what sounds like labored breathing. A voice from a bystander in the video could be heard begging the officer to let him breathe, at least.

Im about to die, Floyd pleaded again.

Relax, the officer told him.

I cant breathe. My face, he responded as the officer kept pressing into his neck and asked him, What do you want?

I cant breathe. Your knees in my neck. I cant breathe, sh*t, he said.

Floyd cried for his mother in desperation as his pleas to the officer went unheeded.

Mama! Mama! he cried.

Floyd then tells the officer pinning him down that he was feeling pain everywhere.

My stomach hurt. My neck hurt. Everything hurts, he said.

Floyd was soon begging for water.

Water or something. Please. Please, he said.

About a minute-and-a-half into the video, a female bystander remarked that Floyds nose is bleeding. A male onlooker begged the officer to remove his knee from Floyds neck and tries to reason with him.

Hes human bro, he said.

Floyd continued to scream, I cannot breathe.

About four minutes into the video, Floyds cries began to taper off. His movement on the ground became mild twitches. He gasps for air. He eventually stopped twitching. His body is motionless after just over four minutes.

Bystanders who watched this happen screamed at the officer to remove his leg from Floyds neck. But he refused and threatened him with mace. They demanded that Floyds pulse be checked.

An Asian officer, who had been keeping the bystanders at bay, told them during a back-and-forth that Floyd is off crack right now. He probably [overdosed].

Floyds limp body was eventually removed by paramedics in the video, which is about 10 minutes in length. Floyd was later pronounced dead.

The Minneapolis Police Department said in a statement that officers had responded to a call about a man suspected of forgery. According to the Star Tribune, police had been called after someone tried to pay with a fake $20 bill at Cup Foods.

The man was found sitting on top of a blue car and appeared to be under the influence.

He was ordered to step from his car, according to the departments statement. After he got out, he physically resisted officers. Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress.

On Tuesday morning, without referring to the bystander video, the police updated the statement, titled Man Dies After Medical Incident During Police Interaction. The police said that additional information had been made available and that the FBI was joining the investigation.

Leaders like popular contemporary Christian musician Matthew West, who watched a part of the video, said what he witnessed was wrong and evil on every level.

Sick to my stomach after watching video of police taking the life of #GeorgeFloyd Im sure some say well, you need to see the whole video, he wrote on Twitter Tuesday. But context wont change what I feel deep in my spirit right now. What I just saw is WRONG and EVIL on every level.

Pastor Sheryl Brady of the Potters House of North Dallas agreed that now is a good time from all Christians to speak out against injustice and urged the faith community in a Facebook Live broadcast to take a stand.

I know I am appalled at this. Im tired of this and it needs to change. And I think we all need to speak up and speak out. What we saw was the actual life squeezed out of this man who was laying on the ground by an officer who put his knee and his body weight in the neck of a man who was pleading for mercy, she said.

Somebody says maybe we should wait until the facts come out Pastor Brady. You know what, I dont want to wait until the facts come out. I just saw ten minutes worth and I am just so over this. Its not fair. Its not right. And somebodys gotta speak up. We gotta speak up because this should not be happening.

In a series of tweets Tuesday, international evangelist Christine Caine suggested that after watching the video of Floyds death, she is also beginning to change her perspective about the experience of people of color and the realities they live.

I used to see videos like this and think to myself, Lets wait for all the details to come out. Now after seeing too many videos like this to name Im beginning to wonder if my response should have been, Maybe I should try to understand their pain, she wrote. Sometimes we can be so blinded by our experience & reality that we invalidate someone elses. Today our black brothers & sisters are experiencing another trauma that communicates to them that their lives arent valuable.

Centuries of reoccurring trauma takes its toll on a people group. Today I choose to lay down my truth to learn from my friends of color. If we are truly the body of Christ one pain affects us all. We arent just the body when its convenient, Caine argued. We are the body when its hurting and broken. No more than the leg can disconnect from the arm can I disconnect my pain from that of my brethren. Id like to share what Im learning with you. This has to change.

The four officers involved in the incident that led to Floyds death were fired on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press report. Floyds family is calling for the officers' arrest.

Attorney Tom Kelly told USA Today that he is representing former officer Derek Chauvin, who was said to be the officer filmed pressing his knee into Floyds neck.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey apologized to the black community.

For five minutes, we watched as a white officer pressed his knee into the neck of a black man. For five minutes, Frey said. When you hear someone calling for help, you are supposed to help. This officer failed in the most basic human sense. What happened on Chicago and 38th this last night is simply awful. It was traumatic, and it serves as a clear reminder of just how far we have to go. To the black community, to the family, Im so sorry.
The Kumasi High Court has dismissed an application for injunction to restrain the Electoral Commission and the Asokwa Municipal Assembly from conducting an election for a presiding member for the assembly.



The court, presided over Justice Frederick Tetteh, also awarded a cost of GH6,000 against the applicant, Mr Oscar Riches, the Assembly Member for the Asokwa New Town Electoral Area.



Mr Riches was seeking to restrain the respondents from conducting the election without him as a candidate.



It was the case of the plaintiff that his fundamental human rights would be violated if he was excluded from the contest.



He, therefore, prayed the court that the respondents be restrained from excluding him from the contest.



Ruling



In its ruling on Wednesday, the court held that granting the application would cost irreparable damage to the assembly as its works would come to a standstill.



The court averred that the applicant would not lose anything if he did not become the presiding member of the assembly.



According to the court, Mr Riches would still be a member of the assembly and would have the opportunity to make any contribution at the plenary.



The court again held that the residents of Asokwa and his electoral area would be greater losers if the application was granted as decisions from the assembly that would have impact on their lives would have to wait.



Justice Tetteh said the work of the assembly was crucial, particularly during this period of COVID-19 where the assembly would need to approve budgets, form committees and take decisions that would help the people.



Earlier



This is the second time the court has dismissed an application for injunction brought against the two respondents by the applicant.



In the first application in which the applicant was seeking the same reliefs, the court upheld the application by the respondents to dismiss the injunction as Mr Riches failed to give the assembly the mandatory 30 days notice as required by the Local Government Act 936 of 2016.



The court dismissed the first application and awarded cost of GH10,000 against Mr Riches for failing to comply with Section 210 of Act 936.



Background



Since the inauguration of the new assembly on January 23, 2020, Asokwa has not been able to elect a presiding member.



The first two candidates, Oscar Riches and Bismark Osei Tutu, were later disqualified from contesting the position again per the new standing orders of the Local Government Act 936 (2016).



Two new candidates, Dr Kwabena Boadu, a government appointee, and Nana Yaw Wiredu, the Assembly Member for Ahinsan electoral area, both failed to secure the required two-thirds of votes to enable them to assume the position when they contested the position on two different occasions.

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.

Featured Video
The Dominic Cummings furore began with an untruth. Police spoke to Cummings about lockdown breach declared The Guardians front page headline on May 23.

Setting the tone of subsequent coverage, the involvement of the police was an essential element of the story of how the Prime Ministers top adviser had supposedly flouted his own rules, plunging the Government into crisis.

It imprinted into the minds of the public the idea that this was not a minor transgression but something grave, requiring police action. But this was not true.

Police did not speak to Mr Cummings, who was self-isolating with his wife Mary Wakefield and their son at his parents farm in Durham, nor did they try to speak to him, directly or through a third party. In fact, they did not have any desire to speak to him at all.

The Dominic Cummings furore began with an untruth. Police spoke to Cummings about lockdown breach declared The Guardians front page headline on May 23

Officers did however advise his father Robert about security issues following threats of violence. Mr Cummings senior contacted police  not the other way around  soon after his son moved his family north at the end of March amid concern for his four-year-olds welfare.

The move was also partly motivated by safety fears. Reports had suggested Cummings opposed lockdown and did not care about Covid deaths, claims he denied but which prompted sinister visits to his London home by thugs making violent threats. Others used social media to encourage attacks.

It was against this background that his 73-year-old father sought advice from police on March 31. A Special Branch officer rang Mr Cummings senior the following morning offering guidance.

A week later, The Guardian was tipped off that Mr Cummings was staying in Durham but did not publish its story until last week.

So how did The Guardian get it so wrong, especially when, according to the reporter who wrote the story, the paper spent many weeks ensuring it was absolutely bullet proof?

It seems that hours before publication, The Guardian misinterpreted a clumsily composed Durham Police statement that read: On Tuesday 31 March, our officers were made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city.

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.

Based on this, The Guardian wrongly concluded that there had been direct contact between police officers and Mr Cummings.

The Daily Mirror, which collaborated with The Guardian on the story, avoided the same trap by saying officers spoke to his [Mr Cummingss] family. But it also claimed Mr Cummings was investigated by police. Again this was wrong.

The Sunday Mirror and The Guardians sister paper, The Observer, also claimed Mr Cummings had further broken lockdown roles by returning to Durham

The police statement also said officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation... and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel.

However, a day after issuing their first statement, police released another one  this time conceding it was at the request of Mr Cummingss father that they had spoken to him.

Two days later, the statement changed again. This time, police admitted they had given no specific advice on coronavirus to any members of the [Cummings] family... Our officer did, however, provide the family with advice on security issues.

Mr Cummings vehemently denied making a second trip. And The Guardian has not produced any evidence beyond a sighting by an unnamed source

The Sunday Mirror and The Guardians sister paper, The Observer, also claimed Mr Cummings had further broken lockdown roles by returning to Durham, where a witness apparently saw him in bluebell woods on April 19. This allegation, if true, could have sunk Mr Cummings since it undermined the credibility of his original justification for visiting his parents. He had said he was doing the right thing by seeking the support of his family because he and his wife were too ill to look after their son.

But Mr Cummings vehemently denied making a second trip. And The Guardian has not produced any evidence beyond a sighting by an unnamed source.

Another witness who claimed to have seen him on April 19 said yesterday that he made the story up as a joke. Last night, the paper declined to say whether it stood by its second visit claim.

A Guardian spokesman said: Without our investigation, Dominic Cummingss trip to Durham, and his subsequent trip to Barnard Castle, which have caused widespread anger among the public and across the political spectrum, would not have come into the public domain.
The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd shot one suspect, was involved in the fatal shooting of another, and received at least 17 complaints during his nearly two decades with the department, according to police records and archived news reports.

The information paints a fragmented picture of Derek Chauvin, who was fired from the Minneapolis Police Department and arrested after video emerged this week showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes.

The department declined multiple requests to provide details on Chauvin's use-of-force history Friday, but local media reports from the time of the previous incidents cite police confirming Chauvin's involvement.

A summary of the complaints against Chauvin posted by the department offers no information on why they were filed, and police declined to comment on the nature of the cases. Sixteen of the complaints were closed without discipline. The remaining complaint resulted in two letters of reprimand against Chauvin, according to the summary.

Complaints against police can range from relatively benign issues such as showing up late for duty to severe offenses such as using excessive force. Ronal Serpas, a former head of police in New Orleans, Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington State, said it was difficult to draw conclusions about Chauvin's complaint file without more information, but noted that 17 appeared to be higher than average.

"It's a little unusual to have essentially one a year for 19 years," Serpas told The Washington Post. "That's a concern even if he was late every time. It would certainly catch my attention."

Chauvin, a 44-year-old white man, pressed his knee to Floyd's neck as he and other officers arrested the 46-year-old black man on suspicion of forgery May 25. Floyd, who was handcuffed, died in police custody after telling officers repeatedly, "I cannot breathe." His death set off a wave of protests and riots in Minneapolis and other cities, and reignited long-standing calls for greater police accountability.

Prosecutors charged Chauvin with third-degree murder and manslaughter Friday afternoon. An attorney for Chauvin and a representative from the police officers' union did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In Minneapolis, Chauvin and Floyd's worlds overlapped. Both worked security at El Nuevo Rodeo, a Latin night club in the southeastern part of the city, according to the former owner, Maya Santamaria.

The pair may not have known each other. The venue's security staff numbered in the dozens, Santamaria said, and Chauvin worked outside while Floyd worked inside. Chauvin had been there 17 years, Floyd much less than that.

Santamaria described Chauvin as a "nice guy" who was "always mellow" around her, but said he was also "tightly wound."

"I'm extremely disappointed that a good friend of mine would be the culprit of this horrible crime," she told The Washington Post.

Recently, there was tension in the precinct where the club was located, Santamaria said, especially when the club started catering to the African-American community.

"I could feel the racial tension," she said. "I could feel the racism. The cops, the 3rd Precinct, even the Minneapolis licensing inspectors. They were hating on me for bringing that element into the neighborhood."

Property records show Chauvin lived in a single-family home in the eastern outskirts of St. Paul. He also owns a townhouse in Windermere, Florida, records show. Demonstrators gathered outside the central Florida residence Friday to protest Floyd's death.

Earlier in his career, Chauvin, who was hired by the department in 2001, was involved in multiple incidents in which he or other officers used fatal force.

In 2006, he was one of six officers on the scene when Minneapolis police shot and killed a stabbing suspect. The suspect, 42-year-old Wayne Reyes, allegedly drew a shotgun on officers, prompting several of them to open fire. A grand jury declined to bring charges in the case.

Two years later, Chauvin opened fire on Ira Latrell Toles, then 21, while he was responding to a domestic disturbance call, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported at the time. When Chauvin and another officer arrived, Toles locked himself in a bathroom. Chauvin forced his way in. He shot Toles twice in the abdomen during a struggle, saying later that Toles had tried to grab his gun.

Toles, who survived the shooting and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge, said he fought back against Chauvin in self-defense.

"He tried to kill me in that bathroom," he told the Daily Beast this week.

In another incident in 2011, Chauvin was nearby when officers shot and wounded an assault suspect, the Star Tribune reported at the time. In that case and others, Chauvin was placed on temporary leave during an investigation and later cleared of wrongdoing.

Serpas, the former police chief, noted that the vast majority of police go their entire careers without firing their service weapons, but said Chauvin may have faced a different set of circumstances as a longtime patrol officer that required him to use his gun.

"The longer you're there, the more likely you're going to be exposed to it," Serpas said, "compared to a lot of cops who are going to transition to detectives or something else where they're not out in the public every day."

- - -

The Washington Post's Sheila Regan contributed to this report.
QUITO, May 29 (Reuters) - Ecuador in April repaid $1 billion of loans made two years earlier by Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, the Andean country's economy ministry said late on Thursday.

The loans at the time allowed Ecuador to advance in a process to renegotiate its foreign debt.

Their repayment comes as President Lenin Moreno's government faces a new debt crisis due to the collapse of global oil prices and an economic slowdown triggered by the coronavirus, of which Ecuador has suffered one of Latin America's worst outbreaks.

The ministry, in a statement, said it had set aside funds last year to repay the loans. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia Writing by Angus Berwick Editing by Marguerita Choy)
(Photo : Screenshot from: Netflix Youtube Page ) Netflix's Top 6 Movies That Explain 'What is Racism'

In the midst of a pandemic, another issue is now dividing the states in America. George Floyd, a black man that died on May 25 after being arrested by police officers, now created a commotion between the government and the nation. Now, the question lies to: Is there still a problem of racial discrimination in the United States? Or what does 'racism' really means? Here are some of the best Netflix movies available today that identify the real meaning of racial discrimination in the country. If you are still looking for another platform to watch, Screenbinge is one of the best place to find it.

Which 'racism' movie should you watch this weekend

1. Schindler's List (1993)

Schindler's List, one of America's classic movies, directed and produced by remarkable Steven Spielberg, is a must-watch in Netflix right now.

This movie tackles the horrifying events of genocide during World War 2. Based on the true story, the plot follows Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who has special interests in the Nazi-occupied Polish State. He sells army utensils and ammunition to the German forces. Upon hiring Jews to be his laborers, he discovers a disturbing truth about the system.

2. Little Boxes (2017)

Little Boxes is a film that tackles the racial discrimination in America in a funny and a little lighter way.

A family moves from a small town in Washington to go to New York City. This film shows how the difference in racial stigma can be seen between urban and suburban neighborhoods.

3. Dolemite is my Name (2019)

Another film worth watching on Netflix this weekend is the 2019 Netflix movie Dolemite is my Name.

This film starred comedian Eddie Murphy to untold the history and life of underground sensation and performer Rudy Ray Moore. His life struggles will actually make you understand how race is a factor in American and used on blaxploitation.

4. Moonlight (2016)

Moonlight, Oscar's 2017 Best Picture, can now be streamed on Netflix for the weekend.This film tackles not just racial discrimination, but gender discrimination among LGBT group members. While a young Black boy faces his issues on his sexual preference, he met Juan that will teach him what he needs to know about life.

5. Mudbound (2017)

The battle of races is one of the most highlighted topics in the 2017 movie Mudbound.

This Netflix film tackles all the issues pertaining to racial discrimination that has been going on over the years in America. When two families, the black family of the Jacksons, and the white family of the McAllans, are required to fight against each other to share a land by the social order, the beast of racial stigma eats their way throughout the movie.

Mudbound represents how many people still look differently on dark-colored skin and how a friendship can also be an option among them.

6. 13th (2016)

Last but definitely, not least, the 2016's documentary film called 13th.

Ava DuVernay's 13th is docu-drama shows the "intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States." It also sheds light on the meaning of racial inequality in the court justice system in America and how it affects most dark-colored prisoners.

ALSO READ: Minnesota Riot: Facebook Defends Trump's Posts on George Floyd's Death; Drone Sent to Minnesota Returns Quickly to Base

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: The US and UK raised the issue of China's controversial security law for Hong Kong during an emergency discussion in the Security Council, angering Beijing which said the UN organ should instead pay attention to the US' excessive use of force against protesters in Minneapolis and its racial discrimination against black communities.

The 15-nation Council discussed Hong Kong in an informal virtual meeting after the US and United Kingdom brought the issue for emergency discussion under "any other business" on Friday.

"Today I asked the Council one simple question: are we going to take the honourable stand to defend the human rights and the dignified way of life that millions of Hong Kong citizens have enjoyed and deserve like all freedom loving people, or are we going to allow the Chinese Communist Party to violate international law and force its will on the people of Hong Kong who look to us to preserve their way of life and their freedoms?" US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft said.

ALSO READ | George Floyd case: 19-year-old dies after shots fired at protesters in US' Detroit

China's parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a new controversial security law for Hong Kong, a move that critics say threatens the fundamental political freedoms and civil liberties in the semi-autonomous territory, also a major global trading hub.

The security legislation bans secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, foreign intervention and allows mainland China's state security agencies to operate in Hong Kong.

Craft said that the US is resolute and calls upon all UN member states to join it in demanding that China immediately reverse course and honour its international legal commitments to this institution and to the Hong Kong people.

Beijing shot back, saying the adoption of the legislation is purely China's internal affair and has nothing to do with the work and mandate of the Security Council.

China's Ambassador to the UN Zhang Jun, along with Russia, slammed the US for the killing of George Floyd, an African-American man who died this week in Minneapolis after a white police officer kneeled on his neck while he was handcuffed and pinned to the ground, triggering violent protests.

"It's our view that, instead of wasting time on this issue, the Council should pay more attention and even take action on issues more relevant to international peace and security.

"Just to name a few, the impact of the Brexit on international peace and security, the unilateral sanctions imposed by the US and other countries, the excessive use of force against protesters in Minneapolis, the killing of an African American young man and racial discrimination against African Americans.

"This list can be endless. China stands ready to work with you on these issues," Zhang said.

ALSO READ | Trump bans entry of certain groups of Chinese students to US amid escalating bilateral tensions

Supporting China, Russia's First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy said in a tweet that the "awkward move" by the US and UK to raise the issue of Hong Kong in the Security Council "was not supported by clear majority of Council members: divisive, biased issues" which have nothing to do with international peace and security shouldn't be brought up in the Council.

"Our US colleagues failed to answer legitimate questions of how their appeals to calm to protesters in #Minneapolis are coherent with the inciting of protesters in #HongKong.

"Why US denies #China's right to restore peace & order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?" Polyanskiy said, referring to protests in Minneapolis over Floyd's death.

China added that the attempts by the US and UK to discuss the Hong Kong issue in the Council "failed" as there was no formal discussion on the issue by the Council members, no consensus and no outcome of the meeting.

The Chinese Mission said that the US and the UK have "blatantly interfered" in Hong Kong affairs, emboldened rioters, and threatened and intimidated the HKSAR government "out of a hidden political agenda."

"They bear unshirkable responsibility for the serious violence in Hong Kong. They have provided massive funding to the so-called opposition engaged in separatist activities, and organised special training on street violence, in order to create conflicts and chaos.

"The purpose is to plunge Hong Kong and even China as a whole into turmoil," the Chinese envoy said.

The Chinese envoy said US abuses force, imposes unilateral sanctions, and seeks regime change all over the world.

"I would point out that, it is the US that failed to take a responsible approach and measures to cope with COVID-19 and save lives, leading to deaths of so many innocent people."

Zhang said the US and the UK should immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, "immediately stop practices of hegemonism and power politics, and mind their own business, rather than provoking tensions and making troubles everywhere "Any attempt to use Hong Kong to interfere in China's internal matters is doomed to fail."

UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN Ambassador Jonathan Allen said China's decision to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong lies in direct conflict with Beijing's international obligations under the provisions of the legally binding, UN-registered, UK-China Joint Declaration.

"As such, this is a matter of legitimate international concern. We expect China to act like a responsible international player and fulfil their treaty obligations and responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong under the Joint Declaration.

"We hope the Chinese government will pause and reflect on the serious and legitimate concerns this proposal has raised both within Hong Kong and around the world," Allen said.
By Trend

Armenian architect Agnessa, who works in the administration of Yerevan city, has become the first person in Armenia to acknowledge that the Armenians did not live in Iravan (Yerevan) before, Trend reports on May 29.

Russian video blogger Ilya Varlamov shot a video footage on the topic in Yerevan.

In this video, Agnessa admitted that Armenians didn't live in Iravan (Yerevan) and were coming to the city for trade purposes. Moreover, she noted that the city in its modern appearance was created by an Armenian architect during the Soviet times, while the historical part of the city was destroyed.

It was precisely the architecture of the Iravan Khanate, and it was Azerbaijanis who lived in this oriental-style city.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

The flight was arranged by Vietnamese agencies, the Vietnam Economic-Cultural Office in Taipei and Taiwanese agencies to bring Vietnamese citizens who were stuck in Taiwan in especially disadvantaged circumstances back home.

Passengers on the flight included under-18 students, elderly people, pregnant women, people with illnesses, labourers whose working contracts had ended and visitors whose visas had expired.

After the flight landed in Da Nang, all people on the flight were given medical check and put into quarantine in line with regulations.

Implementing the Prime Ministers instruction, Vietnamese agencies, Vietnamese representative agencies abroad and domestic airlines will continue to conduct flights to bring overseas Vietnamese citizens back to Vietnam, based on the domestic epidemic situation, the wish of the citizens and the capacity of domestic quarantine facilities.
Jaipur:

The royal family of Jaipur on Thursday took its battle with Development Authority over Raj Mahal Palace. The erstwhile Royal family came down to the streets with Rajamata Padmini Devi taking out a rally where supporters participated.

Accusing the JDA of high handedness, Devi said that her family which was respected by the city had been hurt and insulted by the actions of the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), which last week sealed the main entrance to the Palace claiming that it was on its land. In a show of strength, Devi began a march from city palace and reached to Tripolia gate where she addressed the people from an open gypsy.

Rajput leaders including Lokendra Singh Kalvi and others were present in the rally. Dev expressed her gratitude to the people for show solidarity with the family and said that she would meet the people of the city on a regular basis. After her address, the march resumed from Tripolia gate for the Raj Mahal palace located in C-scheme area.

"The entire Jaipur is with us today and I am overwhelmed. Please be with us," Devi said. "I was very much hurt over the high handed action by JDA at the Raj Mahal Palace," she told her supporters. Devi also alleged that many people who were coming from other parts of the state to participate in the rally were stopped by the administration "which is another injustice".

In a sudden action, JDA last week sealed the main entrance to the royal family's Raj Mahal Palace at C-Scheme area in the city claiming ownership. The family has already moved in the court against the JDA action. The 'Rajmata' (Queen Mother) questioned the "hasty" manner in which the JDA acted and voiced hope that Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje would do justice.

Devi's daughter Diya Kumar is a BJP MLA. The state government has remained tightlipped on the confrontation. However, Congress today took a swipe at the government, saying its priorities were misplaced. State PCC Chief Sachin Pilot said the party will not comment on the matter as it was subjudice but the "vendetta" action had exposed the state government.

"There are issues of dalits and education which was more important and need the state government's attention. It is for the BJP MLA to take up the issue of treatment meted out to her family," he said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A protester gestures in front of a fire during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., early May 30, 2020. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

The white former Minneapolis police officer shown in video footage using his knee to pin an unarmed black man's neck to the street was charged with murder on Friday in the man's death, an incident that has unleashed four nights of violent protests.

Derek Chauvin, who was dismissed from the police department with three fellow officers the day after the fatal encounter, was arrested on third-degree murder and manslaughter charges for his role in Monday's death of 46-year-old George Floyd.

Graphic video footage taken by an onlooker's cell phone and widely circulated on the internet shows Floyd - with Chauvin's knee pressed into his neck - gasping for air and repeatedly groaning, "Please, I can't breathe," while a crowd of bystanders shouted at police to let him up.

Read More

After several minutes, Floyd gradually grows unresponsive and ceases to move. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital a short time later.

The video reignited an outpouring of rage that civil rights activists said has long simmered in Minneapolis and cities across the country over persistent racial bias in the US criminal justice system.

The charges brought by Hennepin County prosecutors came after a third night of arson, looting and vandalism in which protesters set fire to a police station, and the National Guard was deployed to help restore order in Minnesota's largest city.

Authorities had hoped Chauvin's arrest would allay public anger and avert continued unrest. But defying an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by Mayor Jacob Frey, about 500 demonstrators clashed anew Friday evening with riot police outside the battered Third Precinct building.

Police, creating a two-block buffer area around the precinct house, opened fire with tear gas, plastic bullets and concussion grenades, scattering the crowd.

Another group of protesters later converged near the city's Fifth Precinct station until police arrived and fired tear gas and plastic bullets to break up that gathering. A nearby bank and post office were set on fire.

Expand Close In this May 29, 2020, photo, protesters march down Gay Street after a rally at the Knoxville Police Department in solidarity with Minneapolis and to speak out against police brutality in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Catie McMekin/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp In this May 29, 2020, photo, protesters march down Gay Street after a rally at the Knoxville Police Department in solidarity with Minneapolis and to speak out against police brutality in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Catie McMekin/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP)

Still, Friday night's crowds were far smaller and more widely dispersed than the night before. Law enforcement kept a mostly low profile, a strategy seemingly calculated to reduce the risk of violent confrontations, as was the case in several urban centres across the country where sympathy protests arose.

Among the cities with larger protests on Friday were Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit and Louisville, Kentucky.

Police and Secret Service agents were out in force around the White House before dozens of protesters gathered across the street in Lafayette Square chanting, "I can't breathe."

Thousands of chanting demonstrators filled the streets of New York City's Brooklyn borough near the Barclays Center indoor arena. Police armed with batons and pepper spray made scores of arrests in sometimes violent clashes.

'Horrible, terrible thing'

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, announcing Chauvin's arrest earlier in the day, said a key piece of evidence in the case was the video clip showing Floyd lying face down in the street, with Chauvin kneeling on the back of Floyd's neck.

"We have evidence, we have the citizen's camera's video, the horrible, horrific, terrible thing we have all seen over and over again," Freeman said. "We have the officer's body-worn camera, we have statements from some witnesses."

Expand Close Protesters wearing face masks attend an "I can't breathe" vigil and rally following the death of African-American George Floyd who was seen in graphic video footage gasping for breath as a white officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Washington, U.S., May 29, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Protesters wearing face masks attend an "I can't breathe" vigil and rally following the death of African-American George Floyd who was seen in graphic video footage gasping for breath as a white officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Washington, U.S., May 29, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes, according to an autopsy report. Medical examiners found the combined impact of being restrained by police, underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for a nightclub, was arrested for allegedly using counterfeit money at a store to buy cigarettes on Monday evening. An employee who called police described the suspect as possibly drunk, according to an official transcript of the call.

Freeman said the investigation into Chauvin, who faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, was ongoing and he anticipated also charging the three other officers, identified by the city as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng.

The prosecutor said it was appropriate to charge "the most dangerous perpetrator" first.

Floyd's death recalled the 2014 killing of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man in New York City, who died after being put in a police chokehold and telling the officers, "I can't breathe."

Mike Griffin, a community organiser in Minneapolis, said the protests reflected years of frustration over economic inequalities and the feeling that black lives were not valued as highly by police.

He said anger has been building since the 2015 fatal shooting by Minneapolis police of 24-year-old Jamar Clark, and the 2016 killing of Philando Castile, a 32-year old black man shot by Minnesota police during a traffic stop.

"George's murder was just the last straw," Griffin told Reuters, calling the charges against Chauvin a step in the right direction, but adding there needed to be systemic changes.

The protests were driven in part by the initial lack of arrests in the case.

But Freeman stressed that charges in similar cases typically take nine months to a year, adding, "This is by far the fastest we've ever charged a police officer."

Earlier on Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he understood why people had "lost faith" in the police but argued Floyd's plight had become "lost in 48 hours of anarchy" and called for an end to destruction of property. He has declared a state of emergency and called in the state's National Guard.
Mi-Wok Ranger Station - Stanislaus National Forest View Photo

Sonora, CA  The Stanislaus National Forest has once again extended its recreation site closure order  this time until mid-June  while also enacting campfire restrictions.

The current order is set to expire tomorrow (Sunday, May 31). The Forest Service asks that visitors be patient during this transition period as they are working with county and local partners to reopen developed recreation sites for full access as soon as possible. Additionally, they urge that whenever possible, recreate locally. This latest extension will last through June 15th.

Trails, trailheads, and general forest areas currently open for public use are not impacted by the order. The forest provided the below information for visitors to be aware of:

No trash removal is currently offered  please pack out all trash and waste

Most toilet facilities are currently closed  please plan accordingly

Avoid high-risk activities  law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited

If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location

With an above-normal fire season projected for much of California and the combined potential for wildfires and smoke to impact communities and firefighters, the forest has enacted campfire restrictions. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited except at open developed recreation sites and certain permitted facilities. Forest visitors may use stoves, grills, or lanterns with shut-off valves, in an area at least five feet from any flammable materials.

Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of our first responders and the public. We can do that by taking additional precautions now to prevent wildfire ignitions on the forest, said Jason Kuiken, Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor. Responding to wildfires can compromise our firefighters abilities to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19. I want residents and visitors to remember that we depend on you to help prevent wildfires as much as you depend on us to fight fire, especially in light of the current conditions.

The campfire restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
The shootout was the result of a feud on the market of passenger transportation services between Kyiv and the suburban town.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Avakov has updated on a police response to a recent shootout incident in the town of Brovary on May 29, saying that 28 people have already been detained.

"At present, 28 people participating in the clashes have been detained, 22 of them have been served with charges, they have actually been arrested under Article 208," the minister said in a video address posted by the Interior Ministry's press service on May 29.

"We hope very much that with the support of prosecutors, the courts will issue rulings tomorrow to arrest them without any alternatives, and those people will go to jail for long," he said.

Avakov confirmed that the shootout was the result of a feud on the market of passenger transportation services between Kyiv and the suburban town of Brovary.

Read alsoInterior minister Avakov reacts to gang shootout in Brovary

He also informed that windows in apartments of local residents had been damaged during the incident.

Avakov said he would personally oversee the investigation of this case.

As UNIAN reported, a shootout incident between representatives of minibus transportation firms was reported in Brovary, Kyiv region, on the morning of May 29. Three persons were injured, two of them with gunshot wounds are in hospital now.

Law enforcement agencies began a pretrial investigation into the case under Part 4 of Article 296 (hooliganism), Part 1 of Article 263 (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition and explosives), Part 2 of Article 194 (intentional destruction or damage to property), as well as under Article 15, Part 2 of Article 115 (attempted homicide with two or more victims) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Additional reporting by Paul Hosford

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the country is on course for phase two of the lockdown exit plan and he will look next week at whether we can bring forward the following phases.

The move comes as pressure mounts to reopen the country at a quicker pace and the majority of businesses before the end of June.

However, the Government is standing firm on restricting retail, movement, and socialising, despite falling Covid-19 numbers.

Mr Varadkar said: We are on track to move to phase two as intended on Monday, 8 June. It takes at least two weeks to know if the actions to ease restrictions are having an effect, it will be next week before we can determine whether we can move to phase two.

While numbers are going in the right direction, he said 1,500 people have died from the virus.

However, the Government will study the figures, including infections and hospital care, and how other countries exit outbreaks, and decide next week whether it has any confidence about bringing forward the lifting of restrictions from phase three or four.

Phase three, not due until June 29, allows for phased visiting in hospitals and care facilities. Health chiefs say they are looking at this for nursing homes. It also allows for the reopening of cafes, restaurants, playgrounds, and non-essential retail outlets. Sporting activities can also resume behind doors.

Employers group Ibec has sent a letter to Mr Varadkar and ministers warning the majority of businesses must reopen by the end of June.

Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy said: Nobody knows whether this will be the right decision in the long run but one thing can be stated with certainty: The length of the lockdown will help determine the scale of the fall in economic activity.

Immediate actions demanded by employers include:

The removal of quarantine restrictions;

The replacement of the two metre social distancing requirement to one metre;

The end of lockdown by the end of June.

However, attempts to re-start services are causing confusion, and doubts surround how schools and creches can function with strict distancing rules.

Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone confirmed childcare providers have been told of new guidelines for reopening for essential workers at the end of June.

Special play pods will be able to hold up to 12 two-year-olds with two staff.

Staff will not have to wear masks and parents may have to arrive and leave at staggered times.

However, the plan, before it even gets approval from carers and services, does not include any way to guarantee creche workers are properly paid if capacity is significantly reduced.

The Irish Examiner understands that government- formation negotiators have considered allowing childcare workers receive the wage subsidy scheme until the end of the year, but there is no plan yet.

Last night, President Michael D Higgins told The Late Late Show that society could not function without essential workers and they should be remunerated fairly for the work they do.

These are the essential workers in society without whom society could not function, said President Higgins.

Were paying tribute to them and were thanking them but we wouldnt want to leave it at that and I think we have to ask ourselves a question: Have we underrated the work they do?

We need to follow through and look at how they are remunerated and the security and conditions they are asked to work in.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also agreed to end a 115m monthly contract to use private hospitals during the pandemic by the end of June.

Instead, Health Minister Simon Harris will try and negotiate a new deal to give the State step-in rights to access intensive care beds in the event of a second virus wave.

Last night, a further six virus deaths were announced, while the number of cases has risen by 39, bringing the total to 24,876.
Yet defence lawyers and business leaders say it is a long overdue step in controlling the rise of baseless and costly litigation that mostly benefits for-profit litigation funding groups  many of which are based offshore  rather than actual shareholders. Under Frydenberg's emergency measures, company directors will now only be liable for failing to disclose market-sensitive information where it can be proved they knew, were reckless or negligent in withholding it. Loading The change will last for only six months, but with a separate inquiry into class actions ordered by Attorney-General Christian Porter under way, the industry is on notice. For his part, IOOF chief executive Renato Mota says he sees a place for class actions but is looking forward to the debate around corporate Australia's most reviled legal tactic. "There are clearly costs, we need to be very clear about what the benefits are. I'm looking forward to that discussion," he says.

Vexed issue for shareholders Class actions emerged in Australia in 1992, allowing one person to bring a claim on behalf of a wider group affected in a similar way. Shareholder class actions, in which groups of investors in listed companies band together to sue boards for breaching disclosure obligations, started to pick up steam in the early 2000s. Some of the major shareholder class actions of the past decade include the 2010 case against the National Australia Bank, which settled after two years for $115 million plus $12.5 million in costs, over allegations the bank failed to properly disclose its exposure to bad debts associated with the global financial crisis. Property group Centro was the largest settlement in Australia's history, where shareholders won $200 million after over four years of litigation. Slater and Gordon argued the company failed to adequately disclose the extent of the company's debt which resulted in a dramatic share price fall when it finally admitted it was unable to refinance billions of dollars.

This year, a case against retailer Myer became the first shareholder class action to go to judgment over allegations investors were given incorrect profit forecasts. The highly anticipated ruling was ambiguous: the judge found while Myer did breach its continuous disclosure obligations, it did not cause shareholders financial losses. Class action lawsuits often cause companies significant reputational damage, and the very news of them can result in a hit to share prices. That's why shareholder groups are vexed on the issue. We find that a class action is often a departed shareholder suing the existing shareholder, Australian Shareholders Association policy lead Fiona Balzer says. Thats why we are very much half-way. Australian Shareholders Association policy lead Fiona Balzer says class actions are good and bad news for shareholders. Credit:Jim Rice The regulatory reprieve for company directors came the week after litigation funders were separately told they would be subject to tougher rules, including the requirement to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence. Some sections of the class action industry support more regulation of the sector. Ashurst partner Ian Bolster, considered one of the nation's leading class action practitioner, says Australia has a "class action friendly environment" where the lack of regulation for litigation funders had incentivised the rise of flimsy cases that bully corporations into settling.

Everyone is entitled to their day in court but it shouldnt be a vehicle for funders to profit, it should be a way for people to access justice, he says. Shareholder class actions almost always settle as companies want to minimise legal fees and reputational damage. Because the claims can be so big, if you have a $1 billion exposure, its attractive to settle at 5 per cent, $50 million, which is a good deal for funders, Bolster says. The Australian Law Reform Commission found about 28 per cent of litigation proceeds went to funders, 55 per cent to affected shareholders and 15 per cent to legal costs. Proponents say litigation funders take on the risk necessary to get the case up and shareholder class actions are an important mechanism for holding company directors to account. But Bolster says a lack of regulation around pricing for funders meant these players had been left up to their own devices where they were able to set their own commissions. Somewhat surprisingly, the chief executive of the largest litigation funder in the country, Omni Bridgeway, agrees. Omni Bridgeway merged with IMF Bentham in November to form a $1.17 billion ASX-listed company which shareholder activists regard as a leader in the field.

They reject 95 per cent of proposals, says shareholder activist Stephen Mayne. The problem is with the cowboy operators who come in from overseas to take a slice. Shareholder activist Stephen Mayne says it is internationally owned cowboy litigation funders that are starting flimsy claims. Credit:Luis Ascui Omni chief executive Andrew Saker says the company has been calling for greater regulation of funders for more than a decade, and raising the bar for shareholder class actions was only half the cure. Our proposal was to have a complete moratorium on class actions for six months so corporates could focus on the business, says Saker. It wasnt to absolve boards but to give them breathing room. The company also wants funders to be subjected to minimum onshore capital requirements, and Saker threw his support behind a requirement for funders to have financial licences.

I can understand why regulation is important and we have supported that, he says. You dont need a bank failure to have bank regulation. Cynics would say Omni wants greater regulation to stamp out foreign competition. The litigation funding industry is made up of more than 30 firms including foreign and domestic publicly listed corporations, private companies, private equity firms and hedge funds. The industry made $44.8 million in profit for 2017-18 and is predicted to grow 7.8 per cent per year until 2023. However, class action lawyer Tim Finney says the influx of overseas funders was a good thing for the industry as it drove down costs for plaintiffs. Finneys latest class action against Westpac over its anti-money laundering scandal is funded by UK-based Woodsford Litigation Funding. Omni Bridgeway chief executive Andrew Saker supports more regulation for litigation funders. Credit:Philip Gostelow If theres only one or two funders, they can pick or chose the highest returns relative to the cost of the case, Finney says. A focus on funding those cases reduces access to justice.

Class action explosion Australias leading researcher on class actions, Professor Vince Morabito, says the debate about the countrys 27-year-old class action regime has become more aggressive and more persistent. Class action critics consistently rely on a refrain that there has been an explosion of shareholder litigation in Australia, but Professor Morabito argues this is not accurate. Shareholder class actions are the most popular form of class action litigation, making up just over 30 per cent of cases filed last year. But he says many of the 122 actions filed since 1992 are duplicate claims or competing class actions relating to about 63 companies. This is not a threat to company directors, Professor Morabito says. Morabito cites research that found Israel had nine times more general class actions than Australia and while Quebec had the same number as Australia, it has a third of the population size.

Federal Court data shows the number of class actions in Australia have tripled over 10 years and whichever way you look at it, premiums for directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance  used to cover legal costs for companies  are going up. Insurance broker Marsh says the cover could soon become unaffordable with its latest analysis finding D&O premiums have risen by 75 per cent on average last year, on top of 88 per cent in 2018. However, these premiums have been driven up not only by shareholder class actions, but the increase in litigation brought by corporate regulators and the fall-out from the banking royal commission. Mayne says rising premiums only shows companies are more frequently breaking the law. If there was no longer a functioning D&O market, thats when you would intervene. But theres no sign of failure, theres no sign of people being not being to get cover. Its corporates are stuffing up, taking out insurance and insurers are paying out. Will the red tape work? Ashurst's Bolster says the changes to disclosure laws wont scare anyone off. The law firm will make a submission to the governments upcoming inquiry and Bolster says fundamental changes need to be made to improve the system.

By introducing a due diligence or good faith defence, directors could have more options when it came to fighting the case. Then you have a situation where directors get some protection for in effect doing their best, trying to do the right thing, says Bolter. Ashurst suggests a requirement for courts to have an early look at whether the class should proceed. In the US, the plaintiffs need to show a causal link between announcement and share price movement," Bolster says. The ALRC did not think this was needed here, but were in a different environment now. If the government is really looking to provide more balance to business, I think it should be looked at again. Maurice Blackburn chief executive Jacob Varghese says the suspension of continuous disclosures were unnecessary when there are already exceptions to reporting obligations. Theres plenty of room under the current law for them to manage their disclosures to shareholders appropriately, Varghese says. This risk of this is that were just going to have this black box for six months where shareholders cant trust what theyre being told because companies are released from their normal obligations.

Maurice Blackburn files the most class actions in the country and Varghese says the continuous disclosure obligation moratorium was a part of a broader push by the business lobby to crush litigation. It seems really clear to us there has been a fever pitch campaign by the peak business bodies that I dont think has anything to do with the pandemic and just do with the notion they dont want to be accountable for board and director responsibilities to shareholders or to consumers, he says. The concerning part is the government seems to be listening to them. Ben Hardwick is the head of class actions at Slater and Gordon, a firm that has sent cheques of $1000 each to 45,000 group members in the settlement with NAB over junk insurance. About half of the plaintiffs were in casual or insecure employment, and many under the age of 25. Hardwick says the banking royal commission was still fresh in peoples minds and now was not the time to water down laws that hold corporate Australia to account. The concern for the investor community is our continuous disclosure regime is one of the best in the world and any weakening of that regime has the potential to diminish confidence in our systems, Hardwick says.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following two nights of demonstrations across New York City where police and protesters have clashed, resulting in several officers injured and more than 200 civilians arrested, city leaders said Saturday theyre working with community groups and developing a strategy to prevent violence moving forward.

If you are there to incite violence, we cannot and will not allow that, said Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was in Brooklyn alongside Police Commissioner Dermot Shea as chaos unfolded Friday night. A lot happened last night, I could tell from being there how complex it was.

A mostly peaceful protest in Manhattan in the afternoon was followed by what authorities described as a planned gathering with violent intentions assembled near the Barclays Center. Images and confirmed reports of violence between police and civilians included a Molotov cocktail thrown into an occupied police van, officers attacking peaceful protestors, and a cop with his teeth knocked out.

Videos showing officers assaulting protesters sparked outrage amongst some community leaders and prompted a response from city officials Saturday.

Shea said that while misconduct by officers should be addressed, it is very difficult to practice de-escalation when you have a brick thrown at you -- at your head.

Its estimated that at about 3,000 demonstrators took to the streets in Brooklyn on Friday, some of them from out of town.

Local elected officials peacefully demonstrating were among those injured with pepper spray, authorities said.

De Blasio said hes called for an independent review of the events, to pinpoint who should be held accountable and to what extent.

A NATION ON FIRE

The protests in New York City were among dozens across the U.S. in response to the alleged murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who has since been fired and charged.

Other officers who responded alongside Chauvin Monday to a report of an alleged forgery have also been terminated, and could still face charges.

De Blasio said that moving forward the city is working with community groups and strategizing internally to prevent violence at what could be multiple demonstrations throughout the weekend. Additionally, he said the rage felt by citizens over centuries of oppression is understandable.

There is a poison in this land. There is something profoundly wrong, and in so many ways we pretend to see it, pretend to address it, but we dont do it in a deep and meaningful way, and thats why we are experiencing everything we are experiencing, he said. There is a poison of structural racism; it haunts the lives of people of color every day in this country, in this city. Every day.

In this photo provided by Khadijah, flames erupt from a New York City Police Department van set ablaze, Friday, May 29, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York, during a protest of the death of George Floyd in police custody on Memorial Day in Minneapolis. (Khadijah via AP)AP

On Staten Island, the National Action Network plans to hold a rally Saturday afternoon at the Tompkinsville site where Eric Garner died in 2014 when cops attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling loose cigarettes.

Video of the confrontation showed Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo wrestle Garner, 43, to the ground using a banned chokehold after Garner initially resisted arrest. Pantaleo was fired from the NYPD in 2019 following a department trial.

In the case of George Floyd, video shows Chauvin kneel on Floyds neck for almost nine minutes as the man continuously said, I cant breathe and Dont kill me.

NYers wanted to protest peacefully  we will ALWAYS protect that right. The extremists who start launching Molotov cocktails and tried storming police precincts are not protestors. They are criminals, and they are hurting all NYers.https://t.co/TbhqdLchfm  NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) May 30, 2020

In a statement released soon after the video surfaced, Black Lives Matter New York Greater States Chairman Hawk Newsome pronounced that the days of Black America sitting back and allowing police to brutalize and kill our brothers and sisters are done.

We have no protection from politicians and definitely not other police," he added. "How can there be good cops when they dont intervene when another officer is murdering someone?

Garners mother, Gwen Carr, told NY1 recently that watching the video and hearing Floyds pleas was like my son yelling out from the grave.

Chaos has erupted across the U.S. in response to the incident, while authorities charged Chauvin with third-degree murder.

Responding to the violence toward police Friday night, the Police Benevolent Association released a statement on Twitter saying in part that extremists who "tried storming police precincts are not protestors, they are criminals.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE TO RESPOND TO NYC PROTESTS AT BARCLAYS CENTER PUBLIC ADVOCATE WILLIAMS RESPONDS TO NYC PROTESTS AT BARCLAYS CENTER Posted by Office of the Public Advocate on Saturday, May 30, 2020

PROTESTS DURING A PANDEMIC

De Blasio said its understandable that people need to express their feelings in light of the emotionally disturbing images of Floyds death, and after centuries of oppression."

While unfortunately, the city continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

You cannot see overt racist murder and not feel something profoundly deep, so I understand that, he said. But the last thing we would want to see is members of our community harmed because the virus spread in one of these settings. So its a very complicated reality.
- Health officials across the country have observed a reduced rate of infections caused by poor hygiene including diarrhoea

- This was as a result of people responding positively to the measures set by the government in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19

- Under normal circumstances, at a time like this, the county could have been registering a high number of patients with respiratory diseases and diarrhoeal diseases

Regular hand wash brought about by COVID-19 has helped in reducing sanitation-related diseases

Despite all the negative effects that the pandemic brought, there are positive things came with it like maintenance of personal hygiene which includes washing of hands with soap, using of face masks and social distancing among others.

READ ALSO: Ex-Minneapolis police officer accused of killing black man arrested, charged with murder

Despite all the negative effects that the pandemic brought, there are positive things came with it like maintenance of personal hygiene which includes washing of hands with soap. Photo: UN.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Identical twins who were gang members quit, become millionaires

People have responded positively to the measures set by the government and this has made the country to have fewer infections caused by poor hygiene and diarrhoea across the country.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the Director for Medical Services in Homa Bay County Gordon Okomo said the behavioural interventions had helped in reducing a lot of diseases in the county.

He said normally at a time like this, the county could have been registering a high number of patients with respiratory diseases and diarrhoeal diseases.

The trend has changed for diseases like pneumonia, which amongst children has decreased as they are now at home and their parents are taking good care of them, Okomo said

READ ALSO: Deaf mum makes masks with plastic window over the mouth to allow lip reading

The director further said that diarrheal related diseases used to be number four in the whole county but it has come down to number 12 in disease prevalence in the county.

Most diarrheal related cases we are receiving now are for infants who are developing to another stage, "the director said.

He also said the best and most sustainable solution to the hygiene-related diseases which form up to 70% of communicable diseases, is regular hand washing and maintaining personal hygiene.

The practice reduces the sanitational diseases by 60% and in public health, that is a large percent he added

READ ALSO: Meet self-educated black man who designed Washington DC

In Nakuru county, Diarrhoea cases dropped by over 13% due to improved sanitation practices like the handwashing brought about as COVID-19 prevention measures.

Data from the Department of Health in the county indicate between January and April 2020, diarrhoea cases dropped gradually.

The highest drop was documented in March 2020, the same time residents were encouraged to ensure high hygiene levels including washing hands with soap and water and/or use alcohol-based sanitisers.

This was the month the first COVID-19 case was reported in Kenya (Friday, March 13).

READ ALSO: George Floyd: Donald Trump calls for shooting of protesters after they burnt down police station

Data from the county's health department indicates that a total of 14,384 cases were reported in the month of January 2020 but had dropped to 12,394 in May 2020.

This data covered 10 sub-county hospitals in the larger Nakuru county, the country's third most populous devolved unit.

Health Chief Officer Samuel King'ori said personal hygiene, handwashing and availability of water was a major contributor to the decline recorded.

He said this was likely to improve now that the culture of high sanitation standards was being gradually inculcated in the residents.

READ ALSO: GoFundMe set up by family of black man killed by police raises over KSh 100M

"There has been a decline in the numbers of diarrhoea cases in the region, this is attributed to increased public awareness and improved hygiene," he said.

King'ori also noted increased resource allocation to public sanitation was helpful towards achieving the gains.

"More funds are allocated to help provide water, soap, sanitisers and even create awareness. If this culture is maintained, public health challenges like bacterial infections and flu will reduce more," he added.

The chief officer in charge of Public Health and Sanitation in Mombasa county Aisha Aisha, said they have not recorded any case of diarrhoea or any waterborne disease.

READ ALSO: Bob Weighton: World's oldest man dies aged 112

"Since the issue of COVID-19 came up, as a County government, we have not received and case compared to previous days," she said.

People have adopted hand washing hygiene and this has really assisted in helping to fight not only COVID-19 but also the waterborne diseases," she added.

Aisha added that being the rainy season, most cases could have been recorded at the health facilities, however, she attributed the zero cases to hand hygiene.

Our main problem before COVID-19 was water especially in the informal settlement, but for now donors have come forward and erected several tanks in the areas which have allowed the free flow of water, she said.

READ ALSO: Female taxi driver who lost one leg to cancer freely takes patients attending chemotherapy to hospital

Aisha further added that their focus is not only on the issue of COVID-19 but they are also sensitizing the public on water borne diseases which are common during the rainy season.

Kisauni areas and Bangladesh are always the most affected areas due to poor sanitation," she said.

"However, we urge the people not to abandon the habit of handwashing which has proven to be working positively for everyone, added Aisha.

She also said that the County is playing its role by treating water from the wells, disinfecting the town and educating the people on the importance of hygiene maintenance.

READ ALSO: City pastor opens up on dark past, sleeping with women before being called to serve God

Otieno Nyagothe a security officer at the Information office in Homa Bay said the practice of washing hands had helped to improve hygiene standards among the residents.

"We are now seeing everyone observing it even the old people who sometimes could not wash their hands are now washing their hands," he said

Nyagothe further said the government should impose washing of hands as a law after the pandemic ends saying that it will greatly reduce the disease brought by poor sanitation.

He further urged the members of the public to continue washing their hands and to keep observing social distance as the country continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.

At the same time, Okomo said that health is a personal issue hence everyone should take good care of themselves.

Stories by Naomi Akoth, Ben Kerich and Caroline Mwawasi - TUKO.co.ke correspondents

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
The National Guard was already deployed in Minneapolis before Trump threatened to send them in. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Never one to pass up an opportunity to indulge in demagoguery while exaggerating his authority, Donald Trump addressed the tense situation in the streets of Minneapolis with his usual self-restraint late on Thursday night and early Friday morning:

I cant stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020

These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I wont let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you! https://t.co/GDwAydcAOw  The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 29, 2020

The weird thing about the first tweet is that Trump was threatening to send in the National Guard about five hours after it had already been sent in by the governor of Minnesota. Its possible Trump did not know that, but its more likely that he was hinting that hed take over the deployment to get the job done right.

Trouble is, under the Posse Comitatus Act, only governors can deploy National Guard units in law enforcement missions like the one they were beginning to perform in Minneapolis even as Trump tweeted. If the president sends in the National Guard or federalizes an existing deployment, it is confined to logistical-support activities like securing airports or other public facilities. In the context of Minneapolis, such an action by Trump would have effectively pulled the National Guard out of action.

There is an extreme contingency that Trumps second tweet may allude to: under the Insurrection Act, the president can deploy regular military or National Guard units in what amounts to a domestic military occupation. That is, in fact, what George H.W. Bush did in 1992 during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, in an action that set a very bad precedent for successors like Trump who are likely to abuse such powers. (Trump has reportedly thought about utilizing the Insurrection Act to send troops to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border.)

In the context of invoking the Insurrection Act, Trumps threats to send in the troops were made immeasurably more irresponsible by his use of the old-school law-and-order slogan: when the looting starts, the shooting starts. He was not simply big-footing his way into a state and local crisis with an offer to militarize the situation but encouraging the use of lethal violence in a situation where much of the problem is the experience of law enforcement as an occupying force by a citys African-Americans.

In his own strongly worded statement about the situation, Joe Biden rebuked Trump indirectly but unmistakably. Its no time to encourage violence. This is a national crisis, Biden said. We need real leadership right now, leadership that will bring everyone to the table so we can take measures to root out systemic racism.

It appears that by Friday afternoon, someone had convinced the president to walk back the shooting threat. In additional tweets, he made the rather disingenuous claim that his words didnt mean what they meant when racist Miami police chief Walter Headly popularized them in 1967:

Looting leads to shooting, and thats why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot. I dont want this to happen, and thats what the expression put out last night means....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020

....It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. Its very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honor the memory of George Floyd!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020

That wasnt very convincing to Howard University professor Clarence Lusane, according to NPR:

Regardless of Trumps intended meaning in his comments about looting and shooting, Lusane said the message is not one of reconciliation and healing.

So often Trump has engaged in dog whistles, Lusane said. But he also engages in blaring trumpets. And this is a pretty clear and very loud message that the response should not be lets try to address the justice issues that are involved here but lets be hard-line.

I guess we should be grateful that after his inflammatory comments, he was convinced to back down rather than double down  for now, at least.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Implications of growing global food security concerns View(s):

A global food shortage is imminent. The impending global food shortage could threaten the food security of less developed nations, especially poor people around the world.

Deaths

In a normal year about 9 million people are estimated to die of starvation and illnesses related to food shortages. Most deaths are in Africa and South Asia. This number is expected to climb two-fold in 2020.

Poor people

The global food situation will undermine food security of poor countries and poor people. Sri Lankas food security too may be weakened and low income and unemployed households access to minimum food requirements could be threatened.

Global food supply

Global food production and export surpluses are expected to decrease this year and next owing to reduced food production and disruption of food supply chains due to COVID19. Food production in many countries is affected due to shortages of labour, fertiliser and agro chemicals. For instance in India, farmers have been asked by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to postpone cultivation owing to the pandemic. Indias migrant labour is not returning to agricultural areas. There are fertiliser shortages in many countries.

Food exports

Some countries have imposed restrictions on food exports. Cambodia and Vietnam have banned export of rice to ensure their own food security. Other countries may follow, if they perceive their food availability is barely adequate for their own consumption or that exports would increase prices in their country.

Transportation

Shortages in global food production could be aggravated by difficulties in shipping from exporting countries to food deficit regions. Difficulties in transportation would affect the availability of food in food deficit countries.

Furthermore, high costs in shipping would reduce importing countries capacity to access food. This is especially so as many developing countries are facing severe financial difficulties.

High prices

Shortages in food production, supply and availability would increase international food prices that would reduce import capacity of many food importing countries with lower export earnings, reduced remittances from abroad and decreased tourist earnings.

Food availability

Decreased food supplies, higher costs of food, increased transportation costs, financial difficulties and lower incomes will create severe hardships in developing countries. In this bleak global context, food deficit countries food availability would be threatened. Most of these countries are in Africa and South Asia.

Sri Lanka

The international food situation will have serious implications for the food security of Sri Lanka, though to a lesser extent.

Previous columns focused on the current food security concerns of the country that were mainly peoples accessibility to food due to their lack of incomes rather than a domestic or global supply shortage.

There were difficulties in transportation of agricultural produce from producing regions to markets and their distribution. However the bigger problem lay in the lack of incomes of workers and poor people to access the available food.

This problem will persist owing to the low and income-less population increasing owing to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage of food globally will also impact on Sri Lanka as we are a food deficit country that imports several basic foods. Although Sri Lankas food supply situation is relatively better than many developing countries, the adverse global food situation will impact on the countrys food availability, affordability and cost of accessing food from abroad.

Rice

The positive factor is the authorities have said the country has enough rice till the next Maha harvest in March  April 2021 and beyond, even though the 2020 Yala harvest is expected to be less owing to the weather that prevailed and shortage of fertiliser. A good Maha 2021 crop would consolidate the availability of the countrys staple food.

Rice stocks

However there is a contrarian view that rice stocks are smaller than announced by the authorities. Furthermore, current fertiliser shortages and the curfew disruptions will diminish the Yala 2020 crop. Rice availability next year may be insufficient due to these reasons.

Essential imports

Imports of basic food items such as wheat, sugar, dhal, onions, milk and other foods are vulnerable due to the global and country situation. Prices of these imports are likely to increase owing to reasons discussed earlier, the exchange rate depreciation and higher import duties.

Import duties

About a week ago, import duties were imposed under a import tax called the special commodity levy on several food items that included potatoes (Rs 50 per kilo), sugar (Rs 50 per kilo), split red dhal and yellow dhal (Rs 10 per kilo) and tinned fish (Rs 100 a kilo).

Since import prices of these basic foods would increase due to recent increases in their import duties, it poses serious threats to most peoples basic food consumption and expenditure, especially low income households. If domestic rice prices remain low, there is the possibility of a substitution or rice for wheat. However there are limits to such substitution.

Import substitution

There is a dominant view that high import prices would lead to self-sufficiency. Food import prices have been high for many years. Yet they have not achieved significant increases because the constraints to production are structural problems in agriculture rather than a lack of price incentives. On the contrary, high food import prices would erode food security of lower income families.

Summing up

The impending global food shortage could threaten food security of less developed nations and especially poor people around the world. About 18 million persons are estimated to die of hunger or hunger-related diseases this year owing to the disruption of food production and supply chains due to COVID-19.

Food production is likely to decrease due to shortages of labour, fertiliser and agro chemicals. Difficulties in transportation would affect the availability of food in food deficit countries. Furthermore, the shortages in food production supply and availability would increase international food prices that would threaten food security of food deficit countries. Most of these countries are in Africa and South Asia.

Sri Lankas food availability would be affected adversely by these global developments. Increased import prices of wheat, sugar, dhal, onions and other basic foods would threaten food security of poor people in the country. Their food security has been eroded further by the recent imposition of higher import duties on basic food items.

The main issue in food security in Sri Lanka will continue to be the access to food by the unemployed, income-less and the poor. Providing them with food would be costly and, as has been evident recently, difficult to target to the real poor. Increased food prices will aggravate this predicament.

Conclusion

The supply, availability and cost of food is likely to aggravate the access to adequate food of less developed countries. International assistance is needed to avert this situation.

We cannot be complacent about food security of a large number of poor people in the country who have inadequate or are unemployed and income-less to access their minimum food requirements.
NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken walk out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Pad 39-A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts will fly on a SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Read more

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  A rocket ship built by Elon Musks SpaceX company thundered away from Earth with two Americans on Saturday, ushering in a new era in commercial space travel and putting the United States back in the business of launching astronauts into orbit from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly a decade.

NASAs Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken rode skyward aboard a white-and-black, bullet-shaped Dragon capsule on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off at 3:22 p.m. from the same launch pad used to send Apollo crews to the moon a half-century ago. Minutes later, they slipped safely into orbit.

Let's light this candle, Hurley said just before ignition, borrowing the words used by Alan Shepard on America's first human spaceflight, in 1961.

The two men are scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station, 250 miles above Earth, on Sunday for a stay of up to four months, after which they will come home with a Right Stuff-style splashdown at sea.

 FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered.

The mission unfolded amid the gloom of the coronavirus outbreak, which has killed over 100,000 Americans, and racial unrest across the U.S. over the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police. NASA officials and others held out hope the flight would would be a morale-booster.

Maybe theres an opportunity here for America to maybe pause and look up and see a bright, shining moment of hope at what the future looks like, that the United States of America can do extraordinary things even in difficult times, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said before launch.

With the on-time liftoff by the 260-foot rocket, SpaceX, founded by Musk, the Tesla electric-car visionary, became the first private company to launch people into orbit, a feat achieved previously by only three governments: the U.S., Russia and China.

The flight also ended a nine-year launch drought for NASA, the longest such hiatus in its history. Ever since it retired the space shuttle in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian spaceships launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts to and from the space station.

In the intervening years, NASA outsourced the job of designing and building its next generation of spaceships to SpaceX and Boeing, awarding them $7 billion in contracts in a public-private partnership aimed at driving down costs and spurring innovation. Boeings spaceship, the Starliner capsule, is not expected to fly astronauts until early 2021.

Musk said earlier in the week that the project is aimed at reigniting the dream of space and getting people fired up about the future.

Ultimately, NASA hopes to rely in part on its commercial partners as it works to send astronauts back to the moon in the next few years, and on to Mars in the 2030s.

A launch attempt on Wednesday was called off with less than 17 minutes to go in the countdown because of lightning. On Saturday, stormy weather in Florida threatened another postponement for most of the day, but then the skies began to clear in the afternoon just in time.

Before setting out for the launch pad in a gull-wing Tesla SUV  another Musk product  Behnken pantomimed a hug of his 6-year-old son, Theo, and said: Are you going to listen to Mommy and make her life easy? Hurley blew kisses to his 10-year-old son and wife.

Nine minutes after liftoff, the rocket's first-stage booster landed, as designed, on a barge a few hundred miles off the Florida coast, to be reused on another flight.

Thanks for the great ride to space, Hurley told SpaceX ground control. His crewmate batted around a sparkly purplish toy, demonstrating that they had reached zero gravity.

SpaceX controllers at Hawthorne, California, cheered and applauded wildly. Bridenstine pronounced it just an amazing day.

Its been nine years since weve launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil  and now its done. We have done it. Its been way too long, he said.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence flew in for the launch attempt for the second time in four days.

Im so proud of the people at NASA, all the people that worked together, public and private. When you see a sight like that its incredible, Trump said after liftoff.

Inside Kennedy Space Center, attendance was strictly limited because of the coronavirus, and the small crowd of a few thousand was a shadow of what it would have been without the threat of COVID-19. By NASAs count, over 3 million viewers tuned in online.

Despite NASAs insistence that the public stay safe by staying home, spectators gathered along beaches and roads hours in advance.

Among them was Neil Wight, a machinist from Buffalo, New York, who staked out a view of the launch pad from a park in Titusville.

Its pretty historically significant in my book, and a lot of other peoples books. With everything thats going on in this country right now, its important that we do things extraordinary in life, Wight said. Weve been bombarded with doom and gloom for the last six, eight weeks, whatever it is, and this is awesome. It brings a lot of people together.

Because of the coronavirus, the astronauts were kept in quasi-quarantine for more than two months before liftoff. The SpaceX technicians who helped them get into their spacesuits wore masks and gloves that made them look like black-clad ninjas. And at the launch center, the SpaceX controllers wore masks and were seated far apart.

Hurley, a 53-year-old retired Marine, and Behnken, 49, an Air Force colonel, are veterans of two space shuttle flights each. Hurley piloted the shuttle on the last launch of astronauts from Kennedy, on July 8, 2011.

In keeping with Musks penchant for futuristic flash, the astronauts wore angular white uniforms with black trim. Instead of the usual multitude of dials, knobs and switches, the Dragon capsule has three large touchscreens.

SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012. In preparation for Saturday's flight, SpaceX sent up a Dragon capsule with only a test dummy aboard last year, and it docked smoothly at the orbiting outpost on autopilot, then returned to Earth in a splashdown.

During the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and shuttle programs, NASA relied on aerospace contractors to build spacecraft according to the agencys designs. NASA owned and operated the ships.

Under the new, 21st-century partnership, aerospace companies design, build, own and operate the spaceships, and NASA is essentially a paying customer on a list that could eventually include non-government researchers, artists and tourists. (Tom Cruise has already expressed interest.)

What Elon Musk has done for the American space program is he has brought vision and inspiration that we hadnt had since the shuttles retirement, Bridenstine said.

The mission is technically considered by SpaceX and NASA to be a test flight. The next SpaceX voyage to the space station, set for the end of August, will have a full, four-person crew: three Americans and one Japanese.

Saturday's first human flight was originally targeted for around 2015. But the project encountered bureaucratic delays and technical setbacks.

A SpaceX capsule exploded on the test stand last year. Boeings first Starliner capsule ended up in the wrong orbit during an crew-less test flight in December and was nearly destroyed at the missions end.

___

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Mike Schneider in Cape Canaveral, Fla., contributed to this report.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Premier Brian Pallisters recent comments about university professors havent made him any fans among Brandon University Faculty Association members.

Earlier this week, the province announced a $25.6-million transitional support fund for post-secondary institutions to help them move to a post-COVID world.

Bruce Strang

That announcement came with the caveat that to access the funds, institutions must "align programming to labour market demands" according to Economic Development Minister Ralph Eichler.

Asked about criticism surrounding the announcement during a press conference call on Thursday, Pallister was blunt.

"Its an opportunity to be embraced," he said. "If some tenured professors dont want to embrace the opportunity, I think that simply strengthens the argument that their ivory tower attitude is counterproductive to the best interests of the rest of us."

Bruce Strang

Brandon University Faculty Association president Bruce Strang said on Friday he was "very disappointed" in the comments.

"It seems like the premier is trying to pick a fight here with faculty members and faculty unions," Strang said. "We all should be on the same page here. The idea that as a faculty member that I dont teach my students job skills is kind of an incendiary comment, but thats precisely what I do and what my colleagues do."

Strang said that all of his colleagues, whether they teach history, geology or nursing, teach their students marketable skills and that the last thing they would want to do is teach their students a set of skills that arent useful.

"We feel that universities are aligned with our students job priorities and with the current marketplace. The idea that were ivory-tower academics and were not aligned with economic opportunities is really an unfortunate comment on the premiers part. It suggests that he really doesnt understand what we do. I, for one, would be happy to sit down with the premier and talk with him at length with how we prepare students with job-ready skills."

One of Strangs colleagues at Brandon University, economics professor Joe Dolecki, agreed with that stance.

"It is obvious that the premier doesnt seem to understand that universities already heavily subsidize the employee training costs for employers  in both the public and private sector  by promoting and developing a multiplicity of analytical skills in our students," Dolecki said.

"It is also obvious that the premier has an ingrained, ideologically based disdain for the concept of academic freedom  and particularly for the concept of tenure and the role that it plays in ensuring academic freedom  which is the foundation of the scientific and scholarly achievements that have characterized human intellectual development in Canada and elsewhere. This is not a matter of ivory tower attitudes. Rather, it is a matter of intergenerational intellectual development and knowledge creation. It is this, not job training, which is in the public interest, the interest which universities serve. The premier doesnt seem to understand this either."

According to Strang, he and his colleagues have put in hard work to adjust to distance teaching in a short time during the pandemic only to be met with what characterizes as threats and interference against universities from the premier and his government.

He also questions why none of the members of the Premiers Economic Opportunities Advisory Board set up to help guide Manitoba out of the COVID-19 pandemic toward a return to normalcy are connected to a university.

"These folks are eminent people, Im sure, in the business field, but he didnt appoint a single representative of the universities to this board," Strang said.

Asked if his union has approached the premier or his office to discuss the situation, Strang said that they havent but he doesnt think the offer would be successful given previous experiences.

"Based on past issues, we dont typically get a response from the government when we reach out to try to talk to them," he said. "But thats a good idea. We should reach out though the Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations to ask him to come to the table with us.

 cslark@brandonsun.com, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press

 Twitter: @ColinSlark




MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisas bid to bar the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T from further recalling his legislators from Parliament hit a brickwall yesterday after High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi ruled that the youthful opposition leader was improperly before the courts as his party was not a juristic person capable of suing or being sued.





The ruling paves way for Khupe to recall Chamisas remaining legislators, and even councillors.





Chamisa had approached the court seeking to bar MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora from recalling his MPs after the latter recently recalled four MDC Alliance legislators for ceasing to represent the interests of the original party, MDC-T.





The affected legislators are Chalton Hwende, Prosper Mutseyami, Thabitha Khumalo and Lillian Timveous.





In recalling them, Khupe argued that the MDC Alliance was not a party, but an umbrella body for a group of opposition political parties.





In his judgment, Justice Chitapi said that while a political party did not need a constitution to exist, there was need for it to prove that it was a legal person who enjoyed rights separate from its members.





The fact that a group of people came together under a common name to pursue a common agenda of attaining political power, does not make them a legal person capable of suing or being sued, Justice Chitapi said.





He noted that the MDC Alliance was formed as a non-compete electoral pact through a written agreement and that agreement clearly stated that the duration of the pact would be five years and also provided that any variation of the agreement would be made in writing.





There is no rebuttal acceptable before me to set out that the MDC Alliance is a juristic person The MDC Alliance agreement had a lifespan of five years, there is no variation of the agreement. The question then comes: Does the MDC Alliance have any instrument of incorporation that allows it to sue or be sued? While they can be properly be called a political party, does it make it a juristic person? asked the judge.





The judge noted an earlier judgment fellow High Court judge Munangati Manongwa who last week ruled that the MDC Alliance was a political party and a legal person who could sue or be sued. But Justice Chitapi said his fellow judges ruling would not bind him in anyway.





Khupes lawyer Lovemore Madhuku said the ruling allowed his client to go ahead and recall more MDC Alliance MPs and councillors because the interdict which Chamisas party sought had been quashed.





Mwonzora said the ruling had vindicated his and Supreme Court position that Chamisa was not the legitimate party leader.





It is not our intention to victimise anyone, its not our intention to recall people just like. Those people who will be recalled are those people who would have committed offences and the offences are there, well-documented in our constitution. We will be measured in our response. We will not be retributive. We are not a vindictive leadership, we do not exist to victimise MPs. We exist to deliver the people of Zimbabwe from poverty and misery, Mwonzora said.





MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzai Mahere said they would not lose sleep over loss of court battles.





The outcome of the court application is, it (the court interdict) was dismissed. We are going to continue focusing on fighting for Zimbabweans and championing the issues that Zimbabweans face. The party is not going to be reduced into focusing on a sterile debate about peoples individual political ambitions, which is what this court case is about, she said.




The photos of protests around the country following the death of George Floyd during an encounter with Minneapolis police are hauntingly familiar. Weve seen them many times before, going back decades.

Why it matters: "What is also unmistakable in the bitter protests in Minneapolis and around the country is the sense that the state is either complicit or incapable of effecting substantive change," Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, an assistant professor of African-American studies at Princeton University writes in the New York Times. The images that follow make all too clear how little has changed since the modern Civil Rights Movement began in the 1950s.

Now: Baltimore police arrested Freddie Gray, 25, on April 25, 2015, and charged him with carrying a knife. While in police custody, he fell into a coma and died a few days later. Protests started and quickly escalated after police failed to release information regarding Gray's injuries. The police officers charged with his death were either acquitted or their cases ended in mistrials.

Officers carry a man to a police van for violating the 10 p.m. curfew implemented due to protests over the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore in April 2015. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Then: By April 1963, there were 758 civil rights protests organized in 186 cities and more than 14,733 arrests, The Guardian reports. In New York, Congress of Racial Equality organized against employment discrimination.

A woman is carried to a police patrol wagon during a civil rights demonstration in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1963. Photo: Education Images/Contributor/Getty Images

Now: Protesters in Los Angeles began mostly peaceful demonstrations on Wednesday, their frustrations over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis very clear.

A protester occupies an intersection in Los Angeles after a Black Lives Matter Protest in solidarity with other national demonstrations following George Floyd's death. Photo: Gabriella Angotti-Jones/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Then: Sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn., went on strike in February 1968 following the deaths of Echol Cole and Robert Walker in a garbage truck compactor. The workers were demanding better pay and safer working conditions, and Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to Memphis to support them just before his assassination on April 4, 1968.

Civil Rights activists are blocked by National Guardsmen brandishing bayonets while trying to stage a protest in Memphis, Tenn. The marching demonstrators were also flanked by tanks. Photo:

Bettmann/ Contributor/Getty Images

Now: The death of George Floyd sparked protests in Minneapolis, New York City and Los Angeles. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, protesters have taken to the streets calling for police brutality to end.

Harina Yacob, 26 of Los Angeles wears a face mask that says, "Please, I can't breath" as people protest following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota by police. Photo: Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Then: Martin Luther King Jr. led a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., to press for voting rights. Even as the protesters marched peacefully, the police attacked and arrested them.

A man with a straw hat that reads 'Freedom' on its band walks with others during a march for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in, late March 1965. Photo: Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images

Now: Riots consumed Ferguson, Mo. after a white police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager. The shooting led to weeks of protests, some of which turned violent. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas on the crowds.

Tear gas reigns down on a woman kneeling in the street with her hands in the air after a demonstration over the killing of teenager Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer in August 2014. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Then: Activists in Birmingham, Ala., worked to end the city's segregation laws. Known as the Birmingham Campaign, it was one of the most influential efforts of the Civil Rights Movement.

Firefighters spray protesters during the Birmingham Campaign in Alabama in May 1963. Months later, a bomb at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham would kill for young black girls and injure many others.

Now: Demonstrations grew to nearly 30 U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, over four days to protest the killing of George Floyd during an encounter with Minneapolis police, and more are planned.

Protesters in downtown Los Angeles after a Black Lives Matter demonstration on May 17, 2020, over the death of George Floyd in downtown Los Angeles. Photo: Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Then: We maintained the hope while transforming the hate of traditional revolutions into positive nonviolent power. As long as the hope was fulfilled there was little questioning of nonviolence. But when the hopes were blasted, when people came to see that in spite of progress their conditions were still insufferable  despair began to set in...Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. The beauty of nonviolence is that in its own way and in its own time it seeks to break the chain reaction of evil, Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote in his 1967 book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community.

Martin Luther King, Jr., and his wife, Coretta Scott King, lead a voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital in Montgomery. Photo: William Lovelace/Express/Getty Images

Go deeper...In photos: Protests over George Floyd's death grip Minneapolis
China firmly opposes US' ending of Iran nuclear sanctions waivers: Foreign Ministry

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 May 2020 5:49 PM

China has censured the United States for ending the last remaining sanctions waivers in a landmark nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015, warning that the move will undermine international non-proliferation progress.

Speaking at a regular press conference in Beijing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian said the move would also hamper "shared efforts" made by parties to the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to maintain the agreement after the unilateral US withdrawal.

"It [US decision] demonstrates its consistent pattern of unilateral and hegemonic practice. China is firmly opposed to that," Zhao added.

Hawkish US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington had ended the last remaining sanctions waivers in the JCPOA.

"Today, I am ending the sanctions waiver for JCPOA-related projects in Iran, effective in 60 days," Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi said on Thursday that the US has destroyed the last means of retention of the JCPOA by ending waivers for sanctions prohibiting nuclear cooperation with Tehran.

"Two yrs ago, @realDonaldTrump ceased participation in #JCPOA. Now, in further violation of JCPOA & UNSCR 2231 @SecPompeo pulls final plug, imposing penalties for compliance EVEN w/nuclear provisions of 2231," Takht Ravanchi reminded in a Tweet.

In May 2018, US President Donald Trump took an illegal and unilateral decision to end Washington's participation in the nuclear deal and re-impose the sanctions that the agreement had lifted, in defiance of the fact that the accord has been endorsed by the UN Security Council in the form of Resolution 2231.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry official noted that the JCPOA is a multilateral agreement endorsed by that resolution, emphasizing that the deal "is an important component of the international non-proliferation regime and is essential to peace and stability in the Middle East."

"Arrangements in this deal regarding nuclear programs reflect a balance of Iran's non-proliferation obligations and rights to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and embody the purpose and principle of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," Zhao pointed out.

"Complying with and acting on these arrangements serves all parties' common interests and is a shared responsibility," he said.

The Chinese diplomat criticized the US for sticking to its maximum pressure campaign on Iran, saying, "It has not only unilaterally withdrawn from the JCPOA in violation of the UNSCR, but also ratcheted up efforts to thwart other parties' implementation of the deal."

He described the Arak reactor conversion as an "important" part of the JCPOA and a joint project of its signatories, expressing Beijing's readiness to "work with other parties to continue upholding the deal and safeguarding its own legitimate rights and interests."

Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also on Thursday condemned the United States for undermining international security by deciding to end the waivers and withdraw from a number of international treaties, including a recent one pertaining to unarmed surveillance flights.

"The nature of this behavior is clearly disruptive," Zakharova told reporters, adding, "Washington's actions are becoming more and more dangerous and unpredictable."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 12:02:57|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Staff members work at the production line of Xinjiang Terun Dairy Company in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

URUMQI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- For over 200,000 families with children under 6 years old in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there could be no better gift for the upcoming International Children's Day -- which is also World Milk Day -- than 10 bags of milk, packed in a case and delivered to their doorstep.

Over the past two years, the city government has spent 193 million yuan (27 million U.S. dollars) on offering free milk to a total of 232,000 preschoolers citywide.

Every 10 days, each child receives 10 bags, each containing 200 ml of pure milk, produced and delivered according to the strictest standards.

In April 2018, Urumqi launched a project to expand the scope of free milk provision from primary and middle school students to preschoolers, making it the first city in China to do so.

"All preschoolers who have lived in Urumqi for over half a year are included in the scheme," said Jin Xiangdong from the city's agriculture and animal husbandry bureau.

As one of the suppliers, Xinjiang Terun Dairy Company set up a special production line on the outskirts of the city, using the most advanced technology and the highest standards.

The high-quality raw milk is from a designated cow pasture, and sampling inspection at the production line is conducted every 15 minutes -- much more frequently than in usual production lines, according to Checheg, head of the quality and technology department.

"Technicians inspect the milk from multiple dimensions, such as the total number of colonies, protein index and taste. And all the indexes are absolutely superior to the market standard," Checheg said.

The milk's fat content is 3.6 percent and the protein content 3 percent, which is equivalent to the nutritional value of high-priced milk in the market.

Delivery is also key to the implementation of this policy. According to He Jinjun, director of the development and reform commission of Tianshan District, community workers visit households diligently to update information and keep tabs on the number of preschoolers.

"Fresh milk off the production line in the morning is delivered to every child's home by evening," He said.

Reziwanguli Upur is a community worker and also a mother of two. Her community has 287 preschoolers. Every time the milk vehicle arrives, she and her 23 colleagues move quickly to deliver the milk to those families that qualify for the service.

Her elder child drinks free milk for students while her younger one drinks milk for preschoolers.

"We are all beneficiaries of the project. The free milk is like a gift from the city," she said. Enditem
LG Polymers, the Indian arm of South Korea's LG Chemical, has been accused of gross negligence for the unfortunate gas leak disaster from its chemical plant in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam that killed 12 people and injured over 800 people. In a report on the cause of the accident, the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) said that "clear cut negligence" and "gross human failure" on the part of the company- LG Polymers- was responsible for the Vishakhapatnam Styrene gas leak on May 7.

The report filed on May 28 indicates that LG Polymers had not complied with basic safety norms in the Styrene plant. More than 800 tonnes of Styrene has escaped from the plant- a gas which is hazardous and can cause breathing difficulties, respiratory illness, and skin irritation.

Besides, the joint monitoring committee, headed by former Andhra Pradesh High court Justice B Sheshasayana Reddy, also called for a Pan India audit of factory safety inspectors and safety standards, "in light of many accidents reported due to failure of safety measures and lack of training."

According to the report, ambient air in urban areas generally contains between 0.29-3.8 microgram/cubic metre of styrene. The chemical odour of styrene can be smelled at 0.32 PPM in the ambient air.

The concentration of Styrene in the air at the village of Venkatapuram, which is about 100 meters from the factory, was beyond hazardous levels at 461 ppm on May 7, 374 ppm after over 24 hours on May 8, and remained at 1.5 ppm even on May 10, three days after the disaster. The concentration remained at over 41.2 microgram even till 14 May, and reduced to below 16.7 microgram by 16 May according to the sampling done by the NEERI team.

Also Read: Vizag gas leak: AP HC orders seizure of LG Polymers' premises; bars directors from leaving India

Styrene is a chemical used to manufacture polystyrene, and is a highly reactive chemical, that needs to be stored at less than 18 degree Celsius to ensure that it does not polymerise. The process of polymerisation where monomers of styrene combine with each other to form larger chains is exothermic - i.e. the process generates heat. As temperature increases, the rate of polymerisation too increases. Unless this is contained by slowing down or arresting the polymerisation, the process can go out of control leading to dangerous increases in temperature and pressure.

According to the NGT committee report, several key lapses were found that led to the disaster---

Tank was of an old design.

Chiller system was switched off at 6 pm on the previous evening as part of routine maintenance.

No temperature or pressure monitoring done at the middle or top of the tank where space was left for vapourisation.

Only temperature monitoring gauge was at the bottom of the tank.

No interlock system arrangement between the temperature monitoring and refrigeration systems.

No external water spray arrangement over the tank in case of temperature increase.

Water sprinkler system was not automated. manual sprinklers could not be accessed as it was a hazardous area.

Unit could not access personal protective equipment- safety preparedness not there to respond to leak.

Siren alarms were not automatic, manual alarm system with controls in the hazard area- no warning could be issued.

TBC- Tertiary Butyl Catechol- which is an inhibitor chemical to slow down the reactions-- was not topped up since April 1 since there was no TBC stored at the site.

Even as basic safety protocols were not followed, the response of the officers and workers present at the factory to the gas leak was also slow.

The gas detector alarm was noted by the Control room at 2:54 am, and efforts were made at 3:03 am by the night duty officer to reach the fire hydrant sprinkler valves. The sprinklers could not be activated as they were within the hazardous vapour zone.

It was only at 4:30 am, more than 1.5 hours after the gas leak was detected, that personnel wearing safety SCABA equipment were able to start the sprinkler system. The pumping of emergency chemicals to stabilize the tank, started at about 5:15 am, by which over 800 tonnes of gas had already leaked.

The report has also flagged several lapses by the government and local administration in the tragedy, in addition to the failure of the factory inspectors to ensure that basic safety protocols were put in place at the factory.

Neither the Inspector of factory nor the fire officials are aware of how to deal with chemical disasters

District administration of Vishakhapatnam and Vizianagaram did not coordinate rescue and relief efforts.

People were stopped from fleeing and kept at a nearby school

How were building approvals given for human habitation within 100 meters of the factory site? There was no buffer zone left between factory and village of Venkatapuram.

"With the experience world over of Styrene, it takes a considerable amount of idle time to have polymerization inside the tank if effective inhibition and chilling is maintained. The unit failed to assess the situation due to lack of handling experience by trained manpower" says the report, which has recommended criminal prosecution of the LG Polymers company management.

The affidavit filed by the Ministry of Environment and forests (MoEF) on May 29 has also shown a serious lapse on part of the monitoring agencies - the status report filed before NGT by the Central government indicates that the LG Polymers factory did not have proper Environmental clearance or approvals from the Environmental impact assessment authorities.

According to the affidavit, the factory is a category A project, which should have been considered at the central level for approvals. The MoEF affidavit says that the company applied for EC in 2018 to the state environmental impact assessment authority, but no communication has been sent to the Central government till now, even though the Consent to operate for the Unit was issued by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control board, and is set to expire in December 2021.
Berlin, May 30 : Authorities in the German capital Berlinconfirmed the closure of a hostel located on the grounds of the North Korean embassy that had been accused of providing a cash flow to the regime in Pyongyang.

"The business has signed out," a statement from the mayoral authorities in the district of Mitte, in central Berlin, said on Friday.

Efforts to close the City Hostel Berlin began in 2017 when the European Union banned any establishment suspected of generating money - whether directly or indirectly - for the North Korean regime's nuclear ambitions in line with UN sanctions, reports Efe news.

Berlin judges had already ordered the removal of the license from the hostel but the move was appealed.

A court dismissed the appeal in January but a series of judicial hurdles delayed proceedings.

The process affected relations between Berlin-Mitte authorities and the German foreign affairs ministry, which heaped on the pressure for a rapid solution to the issue in order to meet UN requirements.

The hostel once formed part of North Korea's embassy in communist East Germany during the Cold War.

The building used to host delegates visiting the German Democratic Republic, which formed in 1949 and ended in 1990 with the fall of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city.

It attracted crowds of backpackers, given its proximity to some of the German capital's main tourist sites, commercial areas, museums and places of interest, including Checkpoint Charlie, as well as its cheap prices for an overnight stay.

The hostel itself opened in 2007 under the management of City Hostel.

It had faced accusations that it was being used to fund Kim Jong-un's regime in North Korea.
Propagation de K7RA

May 30, 2020

No significant solar activity over the past week, and still no sunspots observed since the end of April. According to Spaceweather.com, the percentage of spotless days in 2020 has inched up another notch to 79%. The percentage of days showing no sunspots for all of 2019 was 77%.

Average daily solar flux for last week was 69.6, up from 69 during the previous week. Average mid-latitude A index was 5.7, it was 4 during the previous week, and average planetary A index was 4.6, up from 3.7 during the previous seven days.

Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 69 on May 29, and 70 on May 30 through July 12.

Predicted planetary A index is 8 on May 29-31, 5 on June 1-14, 8 on June 15-16, and 5 on June 17 through July 12.

On May 27 Spaceweather.com pointed toward an active region, possibly a sunspot, just over our Sun's eastern horizon. You can see it via the STEREO observatory at https://stereo.gsfc.nasa.gov/ . Note that in solar images, east is toward the left, from Earth's POV. They expect it to come over the horizon and begin to point toward us on Friday, May 29. On Thursday evening, I can see it just barely across the horizon.

Geomagnetic activity forecast for the period May 29 to June 23, 2020 from OK1HH.

"Geomagnetic field will be quiet on: May 31, June 2-5, 9-13 quiet to unsettled on: May 29-30, June 14, 19-20 quiet to active on: (June 1, 6-8, 15-18, 21) unsettled to active: none predicted active to disturbed: none predicted

"Solar wind will intensify on: June (6-7, 16-17).

"Remarks:

- Parenthesis means lower probability of activity enhancement.

- The predictability of changes remains lower as there are no indications."

On May 26, Martin McCormick, WB5AGZ in Stillwater, Oklahoma wrote:

"For several years, I have stored the channels between 29.600 through 29.680 plus at least 52.525 MHZ on a couple of scanners and recorded the output. It is usually nothing at all or worse, spurs and birdies from local sources such as computers and their networks plus unidentified RF smog from our neighbors' houses.

"Even at it's worst, one could still tell that there just wasn't much going on on 10 and 6 meters due to the absence of anything but noise.

"The latter part of March and several days in April brought 10 meters to life while the first week in May was mostly dead but after that, I am not sure I have heard a single day without some significant openings to the Eastern United States and generally areas within a 1,000 mile radius of the central continental US. One geographical factor if you live in the central US is that the population density is generally less for great swaths of land to our West until you hit the urban parts of Arizona, Nevada and California such as the Los Angeles area.

"I heard 2 amateurs in Wyoming, for instance, who were within ground wave range of each other. One was N7DMO Riverton in Central Wyoming and W7WLK, near by, whose signals probably would have both been full quieting on 29.6 but the discone antenna I am using is actually rated for 50-500 MHZ. Our computer network is to blame for a small amount of low-level noise on that frequency so there are noticeable heterodynes but they were booming in and commenting that 10 meters was open to Oklahoma.

"Most of what we hear here on 10 and 6 during single-hop sporadic-E is pretty much Southern Canada and New York to Florida along with Southern Texas, Mexico, Central America and occasionally the West Coast from San Francisco down to Southern California.

"The Northern Midwest down to Iowa and Nebraska is a common DX catch on 10 meters and 6.

"It is nice this year to not have as much local interference such as the touch lamp some neighbors down the street got a few years ago that spewed birdies from around 25 MHZ well into low VHF until they thankfully moved out and then there were the grow lamps, I think, which, when on, knock about 10 dB off the bottom end of reception.

They start up with a sort of blip-blip-blip-bzzzzzz, which is probably a gas discharge tube coming to life and shedding light on budding plants whose DNA sequences are still illegal in Oklahoma except for medical use. The sound is a broad-band hiss modulated by a buzz at AC line frequencies.

"Whatever it was, it seems to be absent this year and I am eternally grateful."

Bob Kulacz, KB1DK in Trumbull, Connecticut wrote on May 23:

"How about this one.

"While I was waiting my turn to work OE8ANK on 40 SSB at 0345z on May 21, he was called by and worked YD2DOP. OE8ANK was surprised by the contact and asked for confirmation of his QTH. YD2DOP was heard loud and clear here in Connecticut, S8 to S9. Was I hearing YD2DOP over the north pole or was it long path over the dark south pole? It was just about high noon in Indonesia. I was never expecting to hear a signal from that location on 40 at that hour."

W0TTY is in CN87 (where I am, Seattle area) and is using a small mobile antenna (Comet UHV-6) indoors. He uses FT8, and has made many contacts on 6 and 10 meters. Check his page on QRZ.com for a picture of his tiny antenna! He writes,

"May 24th UTC looks like the big day with the big opening. 25th had the two Indonesian stations 5 minutes apart. I saw them for only maybe 30 minutes and they were gone.

"2020-05-27 17:20 XE2GF DM12LM 50.315 -19 R -19 S 50W

2020-05-27 17:12 NC6K DM13 50.314

2020-05-25 22:46 N9LD EM69 28.076

2020-05-25 18:25 NA6G DM06 28.076

2020-05-25 17:39 K7UW DM43 28.076

2020-05-25 17:38 N1AV DM43 50.315

2020-05-25 17:20 N3QQ CN87 50.315

2020-05-25 17:16 K7BAB CN87 50.315

"2020-05-25 04:25 KE8FT CM98 28.076 Oakland CA

2020-05-25 04:22 KG6RYV CM87 28.076 Davis CA

"2020-05-25 03:39 YB1MIG OI32 14.076 -10 R -17 S 75W

2020-05-25 03:34 YB1NWE OI33 14.076 -24 R -13 S 75W"

He listed many others, far too many to report here.

The latest video from Dr. Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW, as of May 28:

https://bit.ly/2Xyb4Ik

This weekend is the CQ World Wide WPX CW contest:

https://cqwpx.com/

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers, email the author at k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical Information Service at http://arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals.

For an explanation of numbers used in this bulletin, see

http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.

An archive of past propagation bulletins is at

http://arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation.

More good information and tutorials on propagation are at

http://k9la.us/.

Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at http://arrl.org/propagation.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of ARRL bulletins are at http://arrl.org/bulletins.

Sunspot numbers for May 21 through 27, 2020 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a mean of 0. 10.7 cm flux was 70.2, 70.8, 69.1, 68.8, 70.3, 69.7, and 68, with a mean of 69.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 6, 4, 5, 5, 4, and 3, with a mean of 4.6. Middle latitude A index was 8, 7, 4, 5, 7, 3, and 6, with a mean of 5.7.
Some workers at Facebook are unhappy with the social media giant's decision to not take any action on controversial posts by President Donald Trump, despite having been flagged on Twitter.

Some of the employees are calling on Facebook executives to reconsider the decision to keep up Trump''s controversial posts about mail-in ballots and the Minnesota protests.

'I have to say I am finding the contortions we have to go through incredibly hard to stomach,' one employee was quoted in an email as reported by The Verge.

'All this points to a very high risk of a violent escalation and civil unrest in November and if we fail the test case here, history will not judge us kindly.'

Trump initially posted this message to Twitter and Facebook just before 1am on Friday

Within hours, Twitter hid the post behind a warning which accused the tweet of 'violating rules about glorifying violence'. Facebook, meanwhile, left the post up without any disclaimers

However, Facebook and Twitter were aligned in criticizing Trump''s executive order on 'preventing online censorship' which was issued on Thursday.

Trump signed the order in a bid to strip social media platforms of some of the legal protections that they currently enjoy as 'platforms' rather than 'publishers'.

Facebook has promised to 'restrict more speech online, not less', while Twitter called the executive order a reactionary and politicized approach to a landmark law.

Trump's offensive came after Twitter decided to fact check two of the president's tweets in the form of a hyperlink that were tagged onto his postings.

Earlier in the week Donald Trump was officially 'fact-checked' by Twitter over 'misleading' claiming mail-in ballots will lead to fraud

After the executive order had been issued, Twitter then flagged a fresh tweet from Trump about the violent Minneapolis protests.

Twitter said that the tweet violated Twitter policies about glorifying violence.

The tweets were also cross-posted to Facebook.

Monika Bickert, Facebook's vice president of global policy management, explained the company's rationale for not taking action on the mail-in ballot post in a lengthy blog post seen internally by the company's workers.

'We reviewed the claim and determined that it doesn't break our rules against voter interference because it doesn't mislead people about how they can register to vote or the different ways they can vote,' Bickert stated in the blog posting. 'If it had, we should have removed the post from our platform altogether because our voter interference policy applies to everyone, including politicians.'

'That said, we do not believe that a private technology company like Facebook should be in the business of vetting what politicians say in the context of a political debate. As is the case with the President's tweets, speech from candidates and elected officials is highly scrutinized and debated. We think people should be allowed to hear what politicians say, make up their own minds and hold politicians to account,' Bickert wrote.

More than 700 employees ended up responding to the internal Facebook posting and asked why the site did not take action on Trump's post about Minnesota protests

More than 700 employees ended up responding to the posting and asked why the site did not take action on Trump's post about Minnesota protests.

Trump stated in the Friday post: 'I can't stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis... These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you.'

He later added that 'It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement.'

'Would it be possible to explain in more detail the interpretation of our community standards?' one employee asked. 'Does this post violate them but get an exemption, or is it not violating?'

On Friday afternoon, it appeared that nobody from the company had responded to the questions from workers.

'It's egregious that nobody from policy has chimed in or provided any sort of context here,' one employee said.

Another worker suggested nobody had responded 'because Facebook's community of employees has demonstrated many times that private deliberations will be leaked to the press and taken out of context.'

'I don't think employees are asking anything here that the public doesn't deserve to know,' a colleague responded.

'Makes me sad and frankly ashamed,' another worker wrote. 'Hopefully this wasn't the final assessment? Hopefully there is still someone somewhere discussing how and why this is clearly advocating for violence?'

'It's been said previously that inciting violence would cause a post to be removed. I too would like to know why the goals shifted, and where they are now,' chimed another.

Mark Zuckerberg has revealed why Facebook chose to keep President Trump's controversial 'looting leads to shooting' post up on its site despite Twitter hiding the same update because it 'glorified violence'

In a status update shared Friday night, Zuckerberg said that the Commander-in-chief's post included a reference to the National Guard and Facebook users therefore had a right to know 'if the government was planning to deploy force'

On Friday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed why the social media platform Facebook chose to keep the controversial posts up on its site.

In a status update shared Friday night, Zuckerberg said that the commander-in-chief's post included a reference to the National Guard and Facebook users therefore had a right to know 'if the government was planning to deploy force'.

Trump initially shared the post to both Twitter and Facebook shortly before 1am Friday, following a third night of violent protests in Minnesota over the death of black man George Floyd.

Zuckerberg finally spoke out late Friday evening, stating: 'I've been struggling with how to respond to the President's tweets and posts all day. Personally, I have a visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric... But I'm responsible for reacting not just in my personal capacity but as the leader of an institution committed to free expression.'

He continued: 'I know many people are upset that we've left the President's posts up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies. We looked very closely at the post that discussed the protests in Minnesota to evaluate whether it violated our policies.'

'We decided to leave it up because the National Guard references meant we read it as a warning about state action, and we think people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force.'

Trump's comment on the Minneapolis protests (pictured Thursday night) that 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' is now hidden by a warning that it violated Twitter's rules - but the message can be bypassed and the tweet remains live

The Facebook CEO then explained that Trump later shared a follow-up which 'explicitly discouraged violence'.

That post, shared by the commander-in-chief on Friday afternoon, read: 'Looting leads to shooting, and that's why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot.

'I don't want this to happen, and that's what the expression put out last night means. It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. It's very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honor the memory of George Floyd!'
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Copenhagen, Denmark  Sat, May 30, 2020 10:37 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0b0ef 2 News denmark,travel,tourism,coronavirus,COVID-19,Germany,Norway,Iceland Free

Denmark announced Friday it would reopen its border to visitors from Germany, Norway and Iceland from June 15, but said the UK and the rest of the EU would have to wait a few more months.

"On the other side of summer we are expecting an opening for the other Schengen countries and the UK," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told a press conference.

On entry to Denmark, tourists will have to present proof of a hotel, holiday home or camp site reservation outside the capital Copenhagen for at least six consecutive nights.

Overnight stays will be banned for tourists in Copenhagen, but they will be able to visit the city for day trips.

"The ban on stays for tourists in Copenhagen is about keeping the intensity" of the virus spread down, Justice Minister Nick Haekkerup said.

"We must avoid a super spread," he added.

Optional screening tests for COVID-19 will be offered upon entry and at holiday destinations.

Read also: Denmark reopens borders for locked-out lovers

In 2019, Germans accounted for nearly 60 percent of all foreign visitors to Denmark, in terms of hotel nights.

Norwegians, many of whom have second homes in Denmark, account for eight percent.

Meanwhile in Oslo, Prime Minister Erna Solberg, announced that Danes would also be able visit Norway in the summer.

However both countries will remain closed to Sweden and Finland for the time being, with Norway also being closed to Icelanders.

"There are today areas in all Nordic countries with a low level of infection, but there are areas in some Nordic countries with a very high level of infection," Solberg told a press conference.

"That means we can't have a general opening between Nordic countries immediately."

The Danish border remains closed to Finland and Sweden, which will, however, be able to benefit from an agreement before the rest of the European countries.

With 430 deaths per million people, Sweden has a much higher death rate linked to the new coronavirus than that of neighboring Nordic countries Norway (43 death per million), Denmark (98), Finland (56) and Iceland (29), which have all imposed much stricter measures aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.

Both Norway and Denmark however said they were currently in talks with Sweden about opening the border between the countries.
Pastor says Chicago mayor took Soviet styled action in attempt to shut down service

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

A Chicago pastor likened city officials to "Soviet styled KGB" agents after the mayor ordered police to shut down an in-person worship service at his church on Sunday.

Courtney Lewis, the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Chicago, sent a letter of complaint to U.S. Attorney John Lausch on Tuesday. In the letter, which was seen by The Christian Post, Lewis described the attempted shutdown of his service.

Lewis said in the letter that police attempted to enter the church during Sunday's service that was attended by about 45 people, all of whom were following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's social distancing guidelines, he said.

"They came with three squad cars, two unmarked Durangos, and a mayor representative's car," wrote Lewis. "Like the Soviet styled KGB, they knocked on our locked doors; the only thing [Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot] hasn't done 'yet' is beat the doors down and arrest our members."

Lewis said the church's doors were locked as a "normal safety precaution we take each service to protect our members from the escalating gun violence in Chicago."

According to the pastor, the police officers' actions came under the direction of Lightfoot, who is enforcing Gov. Pritzker's statewide ban on religious services of more than 10 people as part of his response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lewis said that health concerns over the church's in-person service are unwarranted since they followed social distancing guidelines.

"Our church has gone out of its way to follow CDC guidelines and we have cooperated fully having online services, outdoor services, and practicing all social distancing requirements," Lewis added in the letter.

"We are even taking members' temperatures on the way in our church doors. We are not allowing our elderly to attend services. We are trying to follow the laws of man as much as reasonably possible, but when the laws of man conflict with the laws of God, I, as a pastor, have a duty to follow the laws of God."

While churches are being threatened for holding in-person worship services, Lightfoot recently defended her decision not to abide by the state's lockdown orders after it was revealed that she went to a salon for a haircut while other businesses were forced to remain closed. Lightfoot suggested that she didn't have to abide by lockdown orders because she's "the public face of this city" and is giving interviews on national TV.

Although a majority of churches in the United States have shut down their in-person services to combat the spread of COVID-19, some congregations have refused to close.

Other Chicago area churches, such as Philadelphia Romanian Church of God, Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church, and Metro Praise International Church have held services despite state orders and threats of fines.

Chicago Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady sent letters to those congregations on Saturday threatening to temporarily close the churches through a process of summary abatement if they continue to hold worship services.

Willie Wilson, a former mayoral candidate and influential Chicago-area businessman, released a statement last week saying that he will pay the fines that the three churches incur for ignoring the state order.

"The governor and mayor continue to trample on our constitutional rights while hiding behind a stay-at-home order that treats the church as non-essential," said Wilson, according to The Chicago Sun-Times.

"It is shameful that the church is discriminated against, while liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries and Home Depot [are] treated as essential businesses."

Supporters of restrictions on in-person worship services have argued that the current public health crisis necessitates limits on the number of people who can attend services.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman this month ruled against a request for relief from Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church and Logos Baptist Ministries.

"An injunction would risk the lives of plaintiffs' congregants, as well as the lives of their family members, friends, co-workers and other members of their communities with whom they come in contact," wrote Gettleman.

President Trump recently weighed in on the debate, telling the CDC to issue guidance on reopening houses of worship and to override state orders prohibiting in-person services.

"I'm identifying houses of worship  churches, synagogues and mosques  as essential places that provide essential services," stated Trump last week.

"Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out churches and other houses of worship  that's not right. So I'm correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential."

On Friday, the CDC released interim guidelines encouraging church staff as well as attendees older than age 2 to wear masks. It also said churchgoers should remain 6 feet apart, whether standing in a line or seated.

The CDC guidelines also advise churches to "temporarily limit" the use of prayer books and hymnals that are touched by multiple people, and to cease using a communal cup for communion.
President Trump moved to protect regulations issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that restrict federal student loan forgiveness in a veto issued Friday night.

The big picture: Several veterans' groups have argued that the rules, which make it more difficult for student borrowers to prove that a college defrauded them, will harm former service members cheated by for-profit colleges, the New York Times reports.

What they're saying: Trump said the vetoed legislation "sought to reimpose an Obama-era regulation that defined educational fraud so broadly that it threatened to paralyze the Nations system of higher education."

"@realDonaldTrump's decision today to veto the #bipartisan resolution, against the request of 3 dozen veterans organizations, is a blow to #veterans, #servicemembers & their families," the advocacy organization Veterans Education Success tweeted Friday.

What's next: The new rules are expected to go into effect on July 1, per the Times.

Go deeper: DeVos urged by 51 AGs to cancel disabled veterans' student debts
That last weekend before the coronavirus trapped us all in our homes, we were in Minneapolis, visiting old friends. We marveled at the city park system that has been rated as America's best, enjoyed the vibrant arts scene, envied the creative use of the city's riverfront. Not for nothing, it seemed, is Minneapolis often said to be America's most livable major city. If only Albany might more emulate Minneapolis, we said.

Three nights of near-riot can change a nation's perspective on a place. A cop inexplicably kneeling on a citizen's neck until he snuffs out the man's life can alter the sense that a city is filled with neighborly, decent folks.

And a president eagerly threatening to send in troops, explicitly to shoot Americans, can change any tentative consensus of what this calamity is about.

To be clear: The tragedy of Minneapolis is not the destruction of property. Looting and burning are wrong and should be punished, and order needs to be restored in Minneapolis. But that is not what ought to most concern us all right now, not least our president: The tragedy here is yet another reminder of the prevalence of racial inequity in the country, and especially how differently police interact with black and brown Americans than with whites.

After all the tragedies over all the years  after Eric Garner on Staten Island, Philando Castile in Minnesota, Michael Brown in Missouri, Sandra Bland in Texas, Freddie Gray in Maryland, and countless more names that you may never have heard or may only barely now recall, from every corner of our land  how can we still be at only this point, or how can we miss the point?

Add the name of George Floyd, a 46-year-old father of two daughters, a "gentle giant," his friends said, to those you wouldn't know absent the presence of a civilian's video camera, and a free media determined to hold all sectors of society to account. Add George Floyd's name to the list of American racism's recent victims.

"It's both necessary and, at this point, pedestrian to observe that policing in this country is mediated by race," the Columbia University professor Jelani Cobb wrote this week in The New Yorker.

A Washington Post analysis notes that black people are shot and killed by police at a rate double that of whites. Fatal shootings by cops are rare  about 1,000 annually, year after year, out of 50 million encounters between police and citizens  but the fact that they occur more often in the U.S. than any other developed country speaks to society's tolerance of them.

George Floyd's death might have gone unnoticed, except by his loved ones, if it weren't for the awful video showing an officer's knee compressing his neck until he died. Minneapolis police initially issued a nondescript release that minimized an unfortunate death in custody.

Yet let us also admit that this is far from an issue only involving cops. It was not long ago that we first heard of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was shot dead in February while jogging in a suburban Georgia neighborhood. We surely wouldn't know his name if video of his slaying hadn't reached the public, finally prompting authorities to charge three white men with murder more than two months after Arbery died.

If you think race was not a factor in the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, and in what appears at this point to be an attempted cover-up in each case, you are closing your eyes to a painful truth of America in 2020.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

And if you're worried, and you think, "That could happen here," you'd be right, but you're missing the point: It does happen here, and everywhere.

Consider Ellazar Williams, shot in the back and paralyzed by an Albany cop two years ago. Or Edson Thevenin, a drunken-driving suspect who died in a hail of Troy police gunfire in 2016. Or Dontay Ivy, a paranoid schizophrenic who died in Albany police custody on Lark Street in 2015. Authorities determined each tragic incident to have been either unavoidable or justifiable, but you can't convince me that those men would have been treated as they were if they looked like me. They were black men; I hold the privilege of whiteness.

Now, instead of desperately needed racial healing, Americans are egged on to more violence. President Donald Trump's response to the Minnesota events was a partisan attack on the (Democratic) mayor and governor, followed by a threat to use military force. His tweet  "when the looting starts, the shooting starts"  displays a trigger-happy side that wasn't evident in his youth, when bone spurs so grievously afflicted him.

Healing can begin when we admit our infirmity. In America, our original sin of racism has not been exorcised over four centuries, and we will not be a just and peaceful society until it is.
Washington DC, May 28: Even after a COVID-19 vaccine is developed and deployed, the coronavirus will likely remain for years to come, and may eventually, become endemic like HIV, measles and chickenpox, The Washington Post reported.

According to the US daily, experts in epidemiology say embracing the prolonged stay of COVID-19 is crucial to the next phase of the US's coronavirus pandemic response. Experts say that amid all the uncertainty revolving around the contagion, the persistence of the novel virus is one of the few things we can count on about the future.

There are four endemic coronaviruses that are present, causing the common cold. And many experts believe that COVID-19 will become the fifth. China Reports 23 New Asymptomatic Coronavirus Cases, Mostly in Wuhan. As things stand, most people have not been infected and remain susceptible to the infection.

"This virus is here to stay," Sarah Cobey, an epidemiologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Chicago was quoted as saying by Post. "The question is, how do we live with it safely?"

According to the experts, combating endemic diseases requires sustained effort and political will across the board. As the world has only started to get used to the idea of the pandemic, some states are rushing headlong into reopening their economies.

"It's like we have attention-deficit disorder right now. Everything we're doing is just a knee-jerk response to the short-term," said Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "People keep asking me, 'What's the one thing we have to do?' The one thing we have to do is to understand that there is not one thing. We need a comprehensive battle strategy, meticulously implemented."

Meanwhile, the US along with other countries is yearning for a quick fix vaccine, which is being portrayed as an all-out solution of the infection. However, the world has achieved that only once, with smallpox and that too at the cost of millions of lives spanning across two centuries.

As things are heading, many experts believe this COVID-19 could become relatively benign, causing milder infections as our immune systems develop a memory of responses to the virus. However, that process could take a long time, said Andrew Noymer, a University of California at Irvine epidemiologist.

Barney Graham, deputy director of the federal government's Vaccine Research Center, said emerging plans for vaccination are already stretching as far out as 10 years.

"We had a discussion this morning about what can be ready before this winter of 2021, what could be ready for 2021-2022, and what kind of regimen or vaccine concepts would we want after this has settled into a more seasonal virus."

According to the Post, in the first few years of a vaccine, global demand will far outstrip the supply. Without cooperation among the international community, the short supply could devolve into hoarding and ineffective vaccination campaigns.

"We also assume that everyone will want the vaccine because of the devastation this virus has caused, but that's a big assumption," said Howard Koh, a top US health official during the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Additionally, the experts believe that people won't make the shift toward long-range thinking up till the infection spreads more widely and affects someone they know.

"It is like people who drive too fast. They come upon the scene of an accident, and for a little while, they drive more carefully, but soon they are back to speeding again," said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. "Contrast that with people who have lost someone to drunk driving," he said. "It mobilizes them and becomes a cause for them. Osterholm continued saying that everyone is eventually going to know someone who got infected or died from it and "that's what it may take."

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
EPA

At the junction where a police officer was filmed kneeling on George Floyds neck as he gasped for air, there were shouts and cheers when it was announced the man had been charged with murder.

Yes! Chauvins been charged with murder, yelled one man. We got one of them.

But for the protesters gathered at 38th St and Chicago Ave, in the south of Minneapolis, any celebrations over the charging of 44-year-old white police officer Derek Chauvin, were short-lived.

People demanded that all four officers involved in the incident that led to the death of Mr Floyd be brought to justice. And what was all this with third-degree murder? He meant to kill him, people insisted It should be first-degree.

There was also agreement that until all four men were charged, the protests  both the peaceful and those that saw a police station and other buildings set ablaze  would continue.

I cant say I agree with burning down buildings useful to our community, said 19-year-old student Tsunami Douglas, claiming there were reports that police had set some buildings alight. But people have had enough.

Her friend, Twyla Mowll, 18, said as a young person of colour growing up in south Minneapolis, they would never call the police as nobody knew how it would play out.

Police officers are trained to serve the people, she added. That does not involve shooting or killing, When people have to be protected from the police, there is no point. There needs to be a new system.

As Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman announced the charges against Mr Chauvin, further details emerged of the incidents in which Mr Floyds throat was stepped on, as he lay on the floor close to Cup Foods grocery, the spot now marked with flowers and photographs.

The charge sheet claimed Mr Chauvin had his knee on Mr Floyds neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. The complaint said that included nearly three minutes after the man had stopped moving and talking.

Police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous, it said.

Story continues

An officer allegedly put his knee on George Floyds throat for more than eight minutes (Andrew Buncombe )

Amid the anger and dismay, one reaction few if any mentioned was surprise.

This was something that happened all the time, or at least every summer, residents said. There needs to be a revolution, said a 20-year-old woman called Macy, who said she was visiting her parents from New York.

The only reason we got this murder charge was because of the burning of the buildings. So we cannot afford to let that stop, she said.

The white people are getting scared. They feel threatened. But America does not want to confront its past. Even Germany examined its Nazi past. Nobody will talk about slavery.

The other three officers have been named Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng. Mr Freeman, the prosecutor said he considered there could be charges brought against them as well, but declined to suggest what they might be.

At the spot where people took turns to speak on a microphone to the crowd, people demanded all four men were responsible for what had happened. They said none of the officers had stepped in to stop what was being done by their colleague.

If someone like me is present where theres a crime, Id be charged as an accomplice, said Sadi, a woman who asked to give one name and who said she was in her mid-40s.

Asked how a system in which young black men repeatedly die at the hands of police could be changed, she said: We need white people to be allies. We need them to care about this. But we have a racist as president.

As the banners and placards on display grow, George Floyd joins a mounting list of young African American men  and some women  who have been killed in encounters with the police  Michael Brown in Ferguson, Freddie Gray in Baltimore, and Eric Garner in New York, to name just as few.

In Minneapolis, a 24-year-old black man named Jamar Clark was shot dead by police in 2015. The following year, officers killed Philando Castile, a 32-year-old black man killed by a Minnesota police officer during a traffic stop.

This happens all the time, but people are saying enough is enough, said Yasmeen Abdulla, a 26-year-old medical student who lives in the neighbourhood. People have been dying in police brutality. They want justice.

He said while the names of the polices victims varied, there was one constant. He said: The names are different but they are always the same colour.

Read more

Colin Kaepernick sets up legal fund for George Floyd demonstrators

Friends pay tribute to beautiful spirit George Floyd

Trump avoids George Floyd protests at White House

Advice for white people wondering what to do about George Floyd
Paul Buckowski/Times Union

As educators scramble to find ways to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and to serve families and students as best they can despite the turmoil, the education of students with disabilities must not be forgotten. As plans to reopen New York state's schools and summer educational services are contemplated, it is critical that the needs and rights of special education students and their families are considered.

It is critical, ethical and legally required to provide needed services to special education students throughout the summer. The unique circumstances, needs and challenges of special needs students and their parents/guardians as well as educators and specialists must be considered.
Patna, May 30 : The Bihar government is geared up about the possibility of locust attacks in the state. Squads have been set up to deal with the menace and be ready for mass spraying. However, the agriculture department has received information that the first swarm of locusts has changed its course towards Madhya Pradesh.

An official of the agriculture department said that the locusts after reaching Mirzapur had changed their course towards Madhya Pradesh, hence chances of their hitting Bihar were low.

Agriculture secretary Dr N Saravanan Kumar has asked the officials of 10 MP-Bihar border districts to be vigilant. Though the locusts might have changed track to MP, officials in Bihar have been put on alert in case the locusts change their course again.

The Bihar government has advised farmers to be vigilant. Officers have been asked to coordinate with the district administration in arranging vehicles and tractor-mounted sprays by the fire department.

Committees to deal with the locusts have been formed from the state to the panchayat level.

Meanwhile, the locust menace has increased the anxiety of farmers, especially mango and litchi growers. According to agriculture scientist Dr Rajesh Kumar the grasshoppers have entered India due to a change in weather conditions. "So far we have had good rainfall. Since it is still moist in north Bihar, locusts penetrate the damp area rapidly," he added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kevin Hart is calling for police officers to be held accountable after the death of George Floyd, at the hands of Minnesota police officer, sparked nationwide protests.

The 40-year-old comedian took to Instagram, on Friday, to post a lengthy text post as well as a four and a half-minute video 'Enough is enough,' speaking on racial injustice.

Sharing a photo with his two-year-old son Kenzo, Hart wrote 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We deserve the right to feel safe.'

Enough: Kevin Hart took to Instagram, on Friday, to post a lengthy text post as well as a four and a half-minute video 'Enough is enough,' speaking on racial injustice

He went on to discuss his worries for the future generations of black men and the action he feels is necessary to hold people accountable.

'As a father Im worried about the future of our next generation of black men & the generations after that & the ones after that,' he wrote.

Adding: 'If we do not do our job right now & do what we can to have a law put in place to help us feel protected in these streets then this type of crime will continue to happen without a worry in the world.'

Though he did not mention Floyd or ex-officer Derek Chauvin, who was video taped kneeling on Floyd's neck until his death, by name it seemed clear wanted officers involved in civilians deaths held accountable.

I'm worried: Sharing a photo with his two-year-old son Kenzo, Hart wrote 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We deserve the right to feel safe,' while speaking on holding officers involved in civilians' deaths accountable

Fix the future: Adding: 'If we do not do our job right now & do what we can to have a law put in place to help us feel protected in these streets then this type of crime will continue to happen without a worry in the world'

Chauvin was charged with third degree murder and manslaughter on Friday, the Washington Post reported.

'Consequences to such ridiculous acts should be immediate and known by all,' the father of three wrote. '20yrs in prison or life in prison....it has to be something....the other officers present that dont stop or prevent these acts should get time as well.'

'A law needs to be put in place that will make these officers accountable as well as the other officers who are present at the scene of the crime,' the Night School actor continued. 'This needs to happen....This shouldnt even be a discussion it should be an immediate ACTION!'

He called on state and local officials to act accordingly, saying he didn't know the way forward but would try to find out.

RIP: George Floyd was videotaped on Monday, being pinned to the ground by then Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin's knee, before dying. His death has sparked nationwide protests, and an outpouring on social media including celebrities from Hailey Bieber to Oprah to Cardi B

Charges: Chauvin was charged with third degree murder and manslaughter on Friday, many online took to sharing a photo of Floyd along with some of his last words

Adding: 'SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE IN THE SYSTEM NOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!! Point blank.... Enough is Enough!

'We need all of you governors & mayors to step up and do the right thing,' he wrote. 'I dont know how to go about this but I promise you that I will try my best to figure it out.'

'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!,' he continued. 'We deserve the right to feel safe. A law like this will give us a level of comfort.'

The lengthy post came a few hours after he shared a nearly five minute video to his Instagram TV feed speaking on similar issues, prior to Chauvin's arrest.

Change: Adding: 'SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE IN THE SYSTEM NOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!! Point blank.... Enough is Enough'

Privilege: The lengthy post came a few hours after he shared a nearly five minute video to his Instagram TV feed speaking on similar issues, prior to Chauvin's arrest, including white privilege

'That man needs to be thrown in jail NOOOOOOW!!!! Point blank,' his caption read.

'I woke up irritated, angry...the term white privilege...it's real. If you don't understand the definition, the use of it then you're f*****g blind,' he said in the selfie video.

'You're choosing to ignore our now reality,' he said before discussing the Central Park incident that happened last week in which a white woman threatened to call the police on a black man saying he was threatening her, though he was simply asking for her dog to be put on a leash, in a required leash area.

'It's known that I can bring harm your way by just telling someone that you're black. That's a f*****g problem. It's been a problem, but the problem is on full display right now.' he said.

Ignoring: 'I woke up irritated, angry...the term white privilege...it's real. If you don't understand the definition, the use of it then you're f*****g blind,' he said in the selfie video. 'You're choosing to ignore our now reality'

The future: Kevin's wife Eniko, who is expecting their second child, commented 'Speak on it,' in support of her husband. Kevin also shares daughter Heaven, 15, and son Hendrix, 12, with his first wife Torrei Hart. In his post Kevin said he was worried about the 'future generations of black men'

'George Floyd's death is another pure display of hatred, racism at the highest level, and after it's over the thing that can almost at least correct,' Hart continued. 'Is immediate reaction of consequences. But instead we wait.'

'The only way to make anything better is to fix a broken system,' he said, adding he believes Chauvin should be in jail now. 'There needs to be consequences for the other officers who were on hand, because you got a duty to do.'

'Your job is to save lives not take them...You're all guilty...People of color are the ones falling victim to our "accidents," it's not accidents man, it's f*****g senseless.'

Kevin's wife Eniko, who is expecting their second child, commented 'Speak on it,' in support of her husband. Kevin also shares daughter Heaven, 15, and son Hendrix, 12, with his first wife Torrei Hart.
Field testing of a Covid-19 contact-tracing app is due to begin in Ireland next week, the HSE said (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Field testing of a Covid-19 contact-tracing app is due to begin in Ireland next week, the HSE said.

The app is designed to maximise privacy and value for public health, the health service added.

The software will operate on a voluntary and opt-in basis and will help track down those in close contact with positive cases of the disease.

A HSE statement said: The app is being prepared for field testing which is due to commence next week.

This will validate the use of Exposure Notification Service (ENS) to trace close contacts.

The Exposure Notification Service (ENS) has been developed by Apple and Google.

Another nine people have died from Covid-19, Irelands Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said on Saturday.

There have been a total 1,651 deaths related to the disease.

As of midnight on Friday, the HPSC has been notified of 59 more confirmed positive cases, bringing the overall total to 24,929.

The app will be launched once it is fully operational and the necessary approvals have been received from the Data Protection Commissioner, health experts from the National Public Health Emergency Team, HSE and the Government.

The HSE added: The Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) will be submitted to the Data Protection Commissioner and will be made available along with the technical documents and source code before the launch of the app.

The HSEs app will operate through a voluntary and decentralised tracking system.

The British governments app uses a centralised model, with data stored and analysed on a central server.

Northern Irelands contact tracing is being carried out exclusively by telephone.

Expand Close Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann (David Young/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann (David Young/PA)

Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann has said officials are still considering which app will be the best fit.

He has said a Northern Ireland version may be necessary to ensure it worked with the one being developed in the Republic.

Over seven days, from May 19-25, 212 cases were contact traced, about 30 per day, by 99 health and social care staff who have been redeployed in Northern Ireland.

A contact-tracing programme, aimed to identify and alert people who have come into contact with a person infected with coronavirus, was piloted in Northern Ireland from April 27 before being fully rolled out earlier in May.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Staten Island Chamber of Commerce petition posted online Friday is calling upon elected officials to save local mom and pops by letting them all fully reopen in a safe, responsible manner, after being forced to closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Reopen Staten Island Business Now petition, posted Friday on Change.org, urges Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio to act with great urgency, to get Staten Islands struggling small retailers -- many of which are teetering on bankruptcy -- back in business.

Cuomos announcement Friday that New York City is expected to begin phase one of reopening on Monday, June 8, is not enough, said Linda Baran, president and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, who says the planned phased approach may seal the fate of many merchants.

"It will be a longer wait for businesses who cannot come on line until phase two, three, or four,'' she said. Every day matters and small businesses can no longer sustain the financial burdens they have been saddled with. A limited or phased in approach may ultimately break them.

The petition paints a desperate picture of business owners dire current situation.

Small businesses have done our part to flatten the curve, reads the petition, also supported by several additional Staten Island business organizations. In response, we have watched our life savings disappear, our childrens future put in jeopardy, our retirement slip away -- all while the larger corporate stores have been allowed to operate and make changes.''

Because timing is critical, Baran said she plans to forward the petition to the mayor and the governor early next week.

Every day we wait, more and more businesses are in danger of closing, she said. You can feel the angst of the business owners when you talk to them. Business on Staten Island is at a tipping point."

The Chambers membership includes food services, small home improvement contractors, builders, florists, retail stores, salons, gyms and and health offices, among others, and a majority of them employ fewer than 10 people.

Baran said that since all businesses deemed non-essential have been closed for nearly 10 weeks while the five boroughs have been on lockdown, owners have had time to strategize. All have planned ways of conducting business in a way the ensures the health of their customers and employees.

Their goal is to do this responsibly, she said. Many of the people who work for them are their family -- brothers, sisters, husbands, wives -- and theyre very close to their customers.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

The petition stresses that safety will be a priority.

We are prepared to take every precaution necessary to make our employees and customers feel comfortable and safe, the petition states. The last thing we would do is risk peoples health and safety.

As of noon on Friday, 287 people had signed the petition, which calls for a complete reopening.

A limited or phased opening is not an option, it says. The reality of such a situation will put us even further in debt. Even the most fiscally conservative small business has depleted most of its savings.

The Chamber is comprised of 600 members, representing 20,000 employees, Baran said.

We have heard, over and over, small businesses are the backbone of our economy, the petition says. Yet, small businesses have been left completely in the dark. They dont have access to high-powered lobbyists and wont benefit from the massive federal stimulus packages. We saw this play out after 9/11, the crash of 2008 and Super Storm Sandy. We will not stand on the sidelines again.

Additional business groups joining the Chamber in supporting the petition are: The Staten Island Board of Realtors; The Staten Island Chapter of The American Institute of Architects; Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island; The Building Industry Association of NYC Inc.; The South Shore Business Improvement District; New Dorp Lane Business Improvement District; The Bucks Business Network; the Executive Club of Staten Island.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30) The Philippines has granted market access to US cattle embryos, with expected sales of $400,000 within the year.

On May 19, 2020, the Philippines formally granted market access to U.S. bovine embryos, leveling the playing field for U.S. exporters vis-a-vis the competition in Australia and Canada, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a report on May 28.

The agency estimates that sales within the year could reach $400,000 specifically to support the dairy industry and for use by agricultural colleges and research institutions.

However, opportunities for embryo use by the private sector and for the beef industry as a whole are currently limited, the USDA noted. Opportunities for increased sales may open up in the next two to three years with new government initiatives being implemented in an effort to expand the local beef and dairy production.

The Animal Plant Health Inspection Service of the US and the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) have finalized the health standards for importation of the said commodity, the agency said.

The USDA said licensed importers must secure a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the BAI. Also, products must not be shipped prior to the issuance of the permit, yet it must be shipped no later than 60 days following its issuance.

On tariff rates, the Most Favored Nation tariff rate for bovine embryos is one percent, but importers may receive zero tariff as stated under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act, subject to submission of a Certificate of Eligibility or Certificate of Accreditation, issued by DA, the USDA said.

Government data showed that as of January 1, the countrys cattle inventory was about 2.542 million head, 0.3% higher year-on-year.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 11:26 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0d882 1 National AJI,Alliance-of-Independent-Journalists,lawsuit,false-news,PSI,police-reports,criticism,social-media,Cooperative-SME-ministry Free

The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) has spoken out against a police report filed by an Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) politician against senior journalist Farid Gaban for criticizing a ministers recent policy, saying it is against the right of expression.

PSI politician Muannas Alaidid reported Farid to the Jakarta Police on Wednesday, accusing the latter of spreading false and misleading news through social media.

The allegation was made against Farids criticism of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Teten Masdukis recent move to cooperate with e-marketplace Blibli.com in a program called the KUMKM Hub.

People help the people; the rulers help entrepreneurs. How about this, Kang Teten Masduki? How low can you go? Farid tweeted through his account, @faridgaban, on May 21, along with a picture of an announcement for the programs launch.

Rakyat bantu rakyat; penguasa bantu pengusaha. Gimana, nih, kang Teten Masduki? How low can you go? pic.twitter.com/KwS9V8wmve  Farid Gaban (@faridgaban) May 21, 2020

The KUMKM Hub is the ministrys initiative launched on May 20 to help cooperatives and SMEs market their products amid the COVID-19 outbreak with the use of digitalized channels provided on e-commerce platforms.

Farid later elaborated on his criticism, arguing that cooperation with the private sector in a government program was inappropriate and would harm state interests, while the ministry should have the capacity to develop its own digital marketplace.

Read also: Criticism 'not an insult': Police's plan to nab slanderers of govt over COVID-19 questioned

Muannas argued that Farids statements did not reflect the actual situation and would mislead people. He said such statements would only give an impression that the government only cared about businesspeople rather than the people.

On Monday, Farid tweeted that he had received a legal notice from Muannas, saying the politician would report him to the police if Farid refused to delete his criticism.

Separately, Minister Teten said the ministry had realized from the outset that there was a need to cooperate as widely as possible since the government could not work alone. However, he said that he accepted any criticism, including that from Farid, as reported by local media outlets.

AJI argued what Farid did was a form of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. It also said that was Farid said was still within the limits of expressing an opinion.

[We] urge Muannas Alaidid to retract his report against Farid Gaban, AJI said in a statement on Thursday. [We] urge the police not to proceed further with the report.

AJI also questioned why a report was filed when the person being criticized apparently did not mind such criticism.

The alliance also urged PSI to conduct internal examination regarding the police report, saying the party had an obligation to encourage its members to face criticism and respect differences.
Australian Senator Backs Recognition of Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides

Senator Larissa Waters of The Australian Greens party. Senator Larissa Waters of The Australian Greens has signed an Affirmation of Support that confirms her backing for national recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, reported the Joint Justice Initiative.

The February 2020 launch of the Joint Justice Initiative at Australia's Parliament House featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) and Australian Hellenic Council (AHC), which declares Australia's recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides as a priority on behalf of their communities.

Waters was re-elected to the Senate for a second stint in 2018 after an initial period in the Federal Parliament from 2011 to 2017. She is also the Deputy Leader of The Australian Greens, which calls for Federal Australian recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a party position.

The Queensland representative has been a strong and vocal advocate for social issues and refugees, among other causes during her time in public office.

"On behalf of Armenian-Australians, Assyrian-Australians and Greek-Australians, we thank Senator Larissa Waters for standing on the side of truth and justice in joining our growing calls for Australian recognition of the 1915 Genocides committed by Ottoman Turkey," said Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) Executive Director, Haig Kayserian.

The Joint Justice Initiative has so far announced the support of Waters, Senator Pat Dodson, Jason Falinski MP, Josh Burns MP, John Alexander MP, Senator Andrew Bragg and Bob Katter MP, with a promise of more announcements to come.

On 25th February 2020, over 100 Federal Australian parliamentarians, diplomats, departmental officials, political staffers, academics, media and community leaders were treated to cultural performances, food, wine and brandy, as well as the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which affirmed that the signatory public affairs representatives of the three communities were jointly committed to seeing Australia recognize the Turkish-committed Genocide against the Armenian, Greek and Assyrian citizens of the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
Police have identified the decomposing body of a man found May 16 on a Susquehanna River island in Upper Paxton Township, Dauphin County as a fugitive who apparently drowned after jumping into the river to elude police in Luzerne County earlier this year.

The man has been identified as Wilberto Negron, 39, with a last known address of Niagara Falls, N.Y.

An autopsy conducted three days after the bodys discovery found no evidence of injuries or trauma, and the cause of death was listed as a drowning. Through continued investigation and physical evidence, state police at Lykens said, the victim was identified as Negron.

Police said their investigation showed that Negron was being chased by police in Wilkes-Barre on March 13 of this year after he was spotted driving a stolen pick-up truck from New York state. During the chase, police said, Negron and a passenger abandoned the truck and jumped over a nearby levee wall into the river.

WIlkes-Barre television state WBRE, in a report on the initial incident, said that police were able to capture the passenger.

A search for Negron conducted at the time by police, river rescue units and state police helicopters did not turn up anything, though police did eventually issue an arrest warrant for Negron.
20 Christians killed, others injured or missing in Fulani attacks that displaced 20,000

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Armed Fulani herdsmen attacks on farming villages in the Kaduna state of Nigeria have continued as reports suggest that at least 20 people were killed in a series of attacks last week.

The National President of the Adara Development Association, Awema Maisamari, announced last Friday that four days of attacks from May 18 to May 22 targeting several villages in the Kajuru local government area have led to the deaths of at least 20 people.

There were daily attacks and destruction from Monday to Thursday in the remote settlements of Magunguna, Idazo, Ungwan Galadima, Ungwan Guza, Etissi, Ungwan Maaji, Ungwan Dantata, Ungwan Araha 1 & 2, Ungwan Goshi, Ungwan Shaban, Ungwan Jibo, Ungwan Maijamaa, Ungwan Sako, Ungwan Maidoki and Ungwan Masaba, Maisamari said in a statement, according to The Punch newspaper.

The Adara, a majority Christian people group, is one of the largest ethnic groups in southern Kaduna.

As of [last Friday afternoon] 20 persons have been killed, several others are either injured or missing," the Adara Development Association head added.

Maisamari said the traumatized community members are reeling in pain and wondering why this contrived anarchy is still being condoned by the powers that be.

Since January, killings, maiming, burning, looting and kidnapping have continued unabated from village to village, he said. There have been 63 terrorist attacks and kidnapping incidents, more than 107 people killed, about 49 persons injured, more than 66 men, women and girls abducted for ransoms, more than 111 houses burned. Thirty-two villages were destroyed and 20,000 persons displaced, especially in the last two weeks.



Kajuru resident Alheri Magaji, who leads the nonprofit Resilient Aid and Dialogue Initiative and is the daughter of the current leader of the Adara Chiefdom, told The Christian Post on Tuesday that she has heard of at least five people who were killed in the latest round of attacks in Kajuru.

She said that as many as 4,000 people are internally displaced in the Kallah district in Kajuru following the last spate of attacks.

They are literally ones with nothing to eat tomorrow, she said. Ive been trying to make a few calls to see what we can raise for them.

According to data that was shared with her by a source on the ground in those districts, as many as 78 people were injured in attacks carried out between May 19 and May 24 in which over 600 houses were burned.

While there have been five deaths that her sources know of, she said, there could be many more deaths that are not yet known because the continued presence of Fulani radicals in some villages has prevented community members from going back to count the dead.

According to the data provided to Magaji, there are at least 51 people missing in Kajuru as a result of the last round of attacks.

Right now, we cant assess the damages because Fulanis havent left their villages yet, she said. I have pictures of three dead bodies but they havent been able to retrieve [all] the dead bodies because they havent been able to go back into the villages. These are just the dead bodies we found.

There are a group of people I met today [from Kaduna town] that told me that two of their peoples were killed two days ago, she added. One of them was crying and said her cousin was one of two people killed two days ago while fleeing. There was a roadblock by Fulani people and two people were shot dead.

Similar figures that match up with the data provided to Magaji were reported by SaharaReporters.com. In a report, the website stated that five people were killed and at least 78 people were injured when suspected Fulani radicals attacked the villages of Idazau, Etissi, Bakin Kogi, Dutsen Gora, Ungwan Gora, Pushu Kallah and Magunguna during the five-day stretch.

The news outlet further reports that a Catholic church and two evangelical churches were said to have been destroyed as a result of the attacks.

The attacks follow a series of earlier massacres said to have been carried out by Fulani radicals in the Kajuru local government area earlier this month that killed over 20 other people.

In an overnight attack carried out on the Gonan Rogo village on May 11 and May 12, no fewer than 17 people were said to have been killed.

Attacks launched by Fulani radicals against farming communities in Kaduna are nothing new.

Last year, dozens of people, if not hundreds, were killed and many displaced when suspected Fulani herders attacked in the Kaduna state.

The attacks led some in the Adara community to travel to Washington, D.C., last year to spread awareness of their story.

We came to the United States last year to talk about how these attacks are happening. And they havent really stopped, Magaji told CP.

After the attacks against Kaduna villages last year, Magaji said that as many as 12,000 people were displaced from their homes.

But now, she says there are over 30,000 displaced people in Kujuru. She said most of them are living with friends or family members but some have been forced to sleep under trees or in uncompleted buildings. Some, she said, have returned back to their villages.

Across the farming-rich Middle Belt of Nigeria, attacks by radicals from the predominantly nomadic and predominantly Muslim Fulani herding communities have targetted predominantly Christian farming villages in recent years.

As a result, thousands of people have been pushed out of their houses and off their farms.

Estimates from the nongovernmental organization International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law suggests that Fulani radicals are responsible for killing as many as 470 people in the first four-and-a-half months of 2020 and thousands of people in recent years.

Some international human rights groups have warned of the genocidal conditions facing Christians in Nigeria.

The U.S. State Department listed Nigeria in December on its special watch list of countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom due to the lack of effective government response and the lack of judicial cases being brought forward in that country.

Open Doors USA ranks Nigeria as the 12th worst country in the world on its 2020 World Watch List that tracks incidents of Christian persecution.

As thousands are displaced, Magaji told CP that the local government in Kajuru has banned anybody from forming a camp" since last year.

Normally, when attacks happen, the people normally go to government-owned places so the government feeds them at least, she said. But the government shut all the camps down. Even the IDPs that gathered in a primary school in Kajuru, the chairman of the ward said that they should leave the place and anybody caught there would be arrested because the government has displaced people.

It is ridiculous because right now we have thousands of people displaced who are being fed by kind-hearted people, Magaji continued. There is literally a humanitarian crisis.

Magaji said the local government chairman recently accused her and other Adara advocates of lying about the attacks that happened in Gonan Rogo earlier this month.

She accused the government of trying to change figures to make it look like what has developed in Kujuru in recent years is a continuation of a decades-long Fulani-herder conflict.

She said a contact who works for a Nigerian security agency told her that they are trying to reduce the number of attacks they put into the [database] so that it looks like there is an equal number of fatalities and injuries and all that.

They are underreporting the attacks on Adara, she claimed. The scale of the IDPs and attacks is so huge. You cant support the [government] argument with figures on the ground. But that is not going to work because there are people on the ground taking pictures. They are really just making fools of themselves.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an open letter to the nation on Saturday termed the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package a "major step" in making India 'Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant).

PM Modi wrote the letter marking the first anniversary of his second term in office sharing the several schemes launched by his government during its first and second terms, as well as enormous challenges faced by it.

He stated that India will set an example of economic revival to the world which is currently grappling with the menace of COVID-19.

Also Read: Lockdown 5.0: Amit Shah meets PM Modi to discuss way forward; guidelines to be issued soon

He further added that the "package for Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan would usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with startups."

In his address to the nation on May 12, the prime minister had announced massive financial incentives on top of previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore or 10 per cent of GDP, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India with an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world.

Modi in the letter said there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India's, will recover.

"Given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival. In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it," the prime minister said.

"The need of the hour is to become self-reliant," Modi said, stressing that "we must become self-reliant."

"We have to move forward based on our own abilities, in our own way, and there is only one way to do it: Atamnirbhar Bharat or Self-reliant India," he said.

The recent Rs 20 lakh crore package given for Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a major step that will open up new opportunities for all sections including farmers, workers and entrepreneurs.

Also Read: Lockdown 4.0: Who said what on PM Modi's Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus

This initiative, he said, will usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it our farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs, or youth associated with startups.

"The fragrance of Indian soil along with the sweat, hard work, and talent of our workers will create products that will reduce India's dependence on imports and will move towards self-reliance," he said.

Modi said in the last one year, some of the decisions taken by his government were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse.

"Empowering the poor, farmers, women and youth has remained our priority," he said, and cited initiatives like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

In just one year, more than Rs 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9 crores 50 lakh farmers.

For the first time in the country's history, farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in unorganised sector are assured the provision of a regular monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after the age of 60 years, he said.

"Besides the facility of availing bank loans, a separate department has also been created for fishermen. Several other decisions have been taken to strengthen the fisheries sector. This will boost the blue economy," the prime minister said.

Modi also said a higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than 7 crore women attached to self-help groups.

"The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in the national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigour, taking and implementing these decisions," he added.

(With inputs from PTI)
100 years ago

Salesgirl national contest

The Times Union received many photographs of salesgirls of the Capital Region to be passed on to the national contest to choose the most beautiful salesgirl in the country. Three local women were the first selected: Agnes Shields and Anna Horan of Albany, and Edythe Duell of Glens Falls. The prize for the national winner was 12 weeks working in motion pictures and another 12 with Ziegfield's new "Follies of 1920." Famed movie star Miriam Cooper was to be the leading lady of the film in which the winner would appear, and the actress would take on the salesgirl as her protege. Next, renowned theater impresario Florenz Ziegfield would give her a part in his "Follies," which would likely result in an extended appearance on Broadway. The Times Union announced they would be giving out their own prizes for the three prettiest salesgirls of the Capital Region  $50 for first place, $30 for second and $20 for third (Approximately $640, $385 and $256 in today's dollars).

 Times Union, May 31, 1920

50 years ago

Honoring war dead

Albany honored its war dead in traditional Memorial Day fashion, with parades, commemmorative services and prayers for peace. The highlight of the observance was the city's annual parade, which was the biggest in many years both in numbers of marchers and spectators. The outstanding unit of the eight-division parade was unquestionably the Band of the Governor General's staff, Canadian Reserve Force, Ottawa, which marched in the first division with its host, the 1st Battalion 210th Armored, New York National Guard. The parade halted briefly at Northern Boulevard for the traditional placing of wreaths on monuments to the nation's war dead. Major General A.C. O'Hara, grand marshal, and Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd places wreaths on the Spanish-American war veterans monument in the grassy triangle. Special memorial services were held at the Stratton V.A. Medical Center and the Governor General's band performed on the hospital lawn.

 Times Union, May 31, 1970

Compiled by C.J. Lais Jr., Azra Haqqie
Midland County reported one new COVID-19 case on Saturday, May 30 and no new deaths, making the total of 82 confirmed cases and eight deaths. Bay County confirmed one new case and one death, with 303 total cases and 23 deaths. Gladwin County saw no new COVID-19 cases nor deaths, keeping numbers steady at 18 cases and one death. Isabella County reported one case and no deaths, totaling in 77 confirmed cases and seven deaths. Saginaw County reported 11 new cases, but no deaths; its numbers stand at 1,029 cases and 108 deaths. The state added 263 new cases on Saturday and 57 deaths. Overall, Michigan is at 56,884 cases and 5,463 deaths.

The average death age is 75, according to the state website, mich.gov, with the deceased ranging in age from 5 to 107. The state lists 42% of the deceased as 80-plus and 27% age 70-79. State statistics show 53% of coronavirus deaths are male and 47% are female.
Maureen Matthews Credit:Simon Schluter

Q: I'm a 64 year old, red-blooded heterosexual man, a tradie, and a keen fisherman. Since I was 5, however, I've also been fascinated by women's clothing, and have a deep-seated compulsion to cross dress, and become "Lucy". Throughout my marriage this was a shameful secret I feared being discovered. Since my wife passed away, I've decided to be my true self  but I don't want to look like a drag queen or a caricature. Where can I learn how to pass as a tasteful, elegant woman?

A: Transvestism, or cross-dressing, has been misunderstood for years  and has been a source of shame and fear for innumerable men. Marriages have failed, families been torn apart, careers destroyed, and lives lost to suicide over an activity that is intrinsically harmless.

This taboo reveals the entrenched sexism that still exists in society. Nobody cares if a woman favours comfort over glamour and lives in trousers, windcheaters and runners. Women wear blue as a matter of course, but a man wearing pink can still raise eyebrows.

This is because we still associate femininity with weakness, powerlessness and a lack of seriousness. A man dressing like a woman is giving away his power, and dignity. He is not worthy of respect, but is suspected of deviance.
In Dear Knausgaard (Fiction Advocate, Aug.), Adrian addresses Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgaard and takes on misogyny in literary culture.

Why did you write the book as a series of letters to Knausgaard?

Right after I got the contract to write [a book about My Struggle], I was excited to dig in, but I quickly became paralyzed because its just such a gigantic novel, and one I admire so much. There was just so much to sayhow could I even begin? I was paralyzed for about nine months. The epistolary form immediately freed me up because its so intimate. It let me write more as a reader and less as a formal critic.

How do we reckon with our literary heroes and their personal lives?

I think this notion that we have to separate the work from the writer is artificial and in reality nobody does that. We all have incredibly personal responses to literature. But Knausgaard in particular really begs this question. How do we separate the work from the critical reception of it, and both from Knausgaards super elaborate and outsize public persona? At this point, its all one big ball of wax. I dont think its possible. But you can at least acknowledge the messiness of it all.

What was it like writing about masculinity?

It was a little scary at first, but mostly exciting to finally articulate things about gender in literature that Id been feeling for a long time. Knausgaard exposes his own writerly ambitions in My Struggle, and it was shocking to me to see how these looked. I think its very different for women. For someone like Knausgaard, theres nothing outside of your own insecurities standing in your way. No cultural roadblocks, no millenias worth of structural obstacles.

How did you realize and begin working against gendered reading habits?

I was already feeling bad about my sexist reading habits, but writing Dear Knausgaard made me even more determined to break those habits. Still, the fact is, Ive read more books by men than women because there are more books by men than by women. Also, a lot of books by women simply dont grab me in the same way. I think this is because women tend not to take on universal themes in the way men do. Men are more comfortable taking that stance. This is a big part of what Im trying to argue in Dear Knausgaard. Because even though My Struggle is about one mans life, Knausgaards characteristicswhite, male, cis, middle classalso happen to fulfill a kind of platonic ideal of what it means to be a human being in Western culture.
Dear Annie: I've been chatting with a guy online for a few weeks now -- nothing serious, just light, "getting to know you" conversations, with some flirtation sprinkled in.

Well, today, he decided to randomly mention that I reminded him of another woman he'd been talking to, who he ended up having an "amazing sexual connection" with, though they didn't end up seriously dating.

I found this to be way out of left field and pretty offensive. Yes, we were just casually chatting online and hadn't even met in real life yet, but I believe that there still should be some basic sense of decorum. Am I crazy? I'm a very open person, but this just seemed wrong to me. I did let him know, politely as I could, that I felt that his comment was unnecessary and not something I needed to know. He responded with an "LOL" and that he'd be sure to never be honest with me again. Was I overreacting? Should I give him another chance? -- Peeved in Portsmouth

Dear Peeved: This proud peacock wasted no time putting his sleazy colors on full display -- and thank goodness. You didn't even have to waste a date on him. Now that he's shown you who he is, believe him, block him and move on.

Dear Annie: I read with interest the letter from Dawn W. about the disproportionate number of persons with learning disabilities who drop out of school. The other horrifying reality is that a disproportionate number of people with learning disabilities enter our nation's prison system. Nearly 40% of all prisoners have one type of disability, many of which are learning disabilities.

While I agree with her point of view and most of her recommendations, as well as your suggestions, she did not mention many options that parents have access to within the public school system. Additionally, FAPE is short for Free and Appropriate Public Education NOT Free Access to Public Education, as you stated. Big difference! Parents, persons with disabilities and advocates have fought long and hard for this specific language to be included in the IDEA law.

As an educator with over 40 years of experience, these are some options that I recommend parents consider when working with their local public school:

-- Once the psychological evaluation has been completed, attend an Individual Education Plan meeting to make sure that your child is eligible for special education services, under your state guidelines.

--Ask questions to make sure that you understand the evaluation results as they are explained to you.

--Request an advocate to attend the IEP meeting with you. Advocates are available upon request through the public school district or state Protection and Advocacy organization.

--At the IEP meeting, if your child is eligible for special education services, make sure to advocate for the full range of appropriate educational services, including specialized instruction in the least restrictive environment, counseling and mental health services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy and assistive technology, School personnel should explain why your child is or is not eligible for each of the services available.

As a dedicated and consistent reader of your column, I always appreciate the variety and breadth of topics you address. Thanks for the opportunity to share information. -- Wyoming Strong

Dear Wyoming: I truly appreciate your expertise, and I apologize for the error regarding FAPE. Thank you for taking the time to write.

"Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie" is out now! Annie Lane's debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

Read more advice:

Ask Amy: Separated soulmates are eager to connect

Dear Annie: Looking to hop off the hamster wheel

Dear Abby: Children cut off stepmother with dads power of attorney
RACINE  These last few months have marked unprecedented times for the Racine community.

Racine County has faced rises in unemployment, food insecurity and more due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through all of this, United Way of Racine County has taken a direct response to the communitys needs by taking the lead on support efforts. To date, these support efforts have raised over $225,000 for the community outside of United Ways normal campaign fundraising efforts.

Shortly after the Safer at Home order was issued in Wisconsin, United Way of Racine County partnered with the Racine Community Foundation to introduce the Racine County COVID-19 Relief Fund. This fund was established to provide flexible financial resources to nonprofit organizations, funded by either UWRC or the Racine Community Foundation, that have had their ability to help the community restricted due to COVID-19.

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, the fund has raised more than $135,000 and provided financial support for more than 20 organizations, including Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Both organizations said the funds they received will go toward providing food assistance.

With the support of the Morgridge Family Foundation, United Way of Racine County was also able to provide 11 impact partners with about $65,000 in undesignated grants to help them recover from the effects of COVID-19. Organizations that received funding include Womens Resource Center, The Arc of Racine County Inc. and Racine Vocational Ministry.

Impact partners also received funding through DoMore24 Racine, a digital fundraising event United Way of Racine County hosted May 14-15. This 24-hour fundraiser brought in $40,000 for more than 20 local nonprofits. Organizations such as the Racine County Food Bank, Bethany Apartments and the Eco-Justice Center all received donations during these impactful 24 hours.

Campaign contributing

As influential as these efforts have been, they are only the beginning. The Racine community will need continued time and effort to rebuild during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporting United Way of Racine Countys campaign this fall is a great way to ensure that these efforts continue. United Way of Racine County raises $5 million annually during campaign, and this money supports initiatives in health, education and financial stability. Donations directly support the community, with 98% of funds staying in Racine County.

To learn more about how to make a difference, go to unitedwayracine.org.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his alliance partner and NCP president Sharad Pawar held a discussion on Saturday night, hours after the Centre announced extension of lockdown in containment zones till June 30.

The meeting between the two leaders, fourth in the recent weeks, took place at `Varsha', the official residence of chief minister.

The current phase of lockdown ends on Sunday. Pawar has been insisting on the resumption of economic activities in a phased manner and restarting of road transport within the state.

Maharashtra, with over 65,000 coronavirus cases, is the worst-affected state and Mumbai the worst-affected city.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued fresh guidelines, saying that the nationwide lockdown in containment zones will continue till June 30.

It, however, listed extensive relaxations, including opening of religious places and shopping malls in a phased manner from June 8.
Cyprus has a new offer. Image: Getty

Island nation Cyprus will cover the costs of travellers holidays entirely, should they catch coronavirus while in the country.

Cyprus will pay for victims healthcare and the hotel costs for dependents should they pick up the deadly respiratory illness, with the Greek Cypriot government telling travellers the only bills theyd need to pay would be repatriation flights and taxis to airports.

Neither Greece nor Spain will be able to do this [offer] with the tourism volume theyll have, deputy tourism minister Savvas Perdios said.

Its greatly appreciated by our partners abroad and is being seen as one of our strong points this summer.

The plan was outlined in a five page document detailing how Cyprus would reopen air travel on 9 June, after the country took a massive hit to tourism due to coronavirus.

Tourism makes up 15 per cent of Cyprus GDP, with the country now eager to reopen borders to countries deemed low-risk including Greece, Israel, Malta and Germany.

Travellers will need to prove theyve tested negative to the disease within 72 hours of arriving in the country. Cyprus has also installed 200 respirators in 112 ICUs reserved for critically ill patients. Another 100-bed hospital has been set aside for foreign tourists and a 500 room hotel will be reserved for quarantining families of those with coronavirus.

Cyprus itself has managed to curb the virus spread, with 17 deaths and 942 cases representing a relatively small tally.

It comes after other countries and islands in the Mediterranean region have offered to cover some costs of travellers holidays.

Sicily will cover one of every three nights in hotels, while Spains Parador hotel chain is offering cheaper stays.

And Greece will waive the requirement for immunity certificates and instead carry out spot tests at arrivals instead.

Follow Yahoo Finance Australia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
The western European parties to the landmark nuclear deal with Iran on Saturday criticized a U.S. decision to end nearly all of the last vestiges of sanctions relief provided under the 2015 pact.

The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the deal with Iran in 2018, leaving the others involved  France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia  struggling to keep it alive.

The deal promises Iran economic incentives in return for curbs on its nuclear program. The deal was meant to prevent Iran from developing a bomb, even though Iran said it did not want to do that.

With the re-imposition of American sanctions, however, Iran's economy has been struggling, and it has been violating the restrictions of the pact in order to try to pressure the other nations to do more to help it economically.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo raised the stakes on Wednesday, saying he would revoke all but one of the sanctions waivers covering civil nuclear cooperation. The waivers had allowed Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Irans civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministries of Germany, France and Britain said they deeply regret the U.S. decision.

These projects, endorsed by U.N. Security Council resolution 2231, serve the nonproliferation interests of all and provide the international community with assurances of the exclusively peaceful and safe nature of Iranian nuclear activities, they said.

We are consulting with our partners to assess the consequences of this decision by the United States.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Gilang Kembara (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 09:51 601 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb09512 3 Opinion foreign-policy,foreign-affairs,human-rights,Indonesian-foreign-policy,diplomacy,CSIS Free

Indonesia, as ASEANs natural leader, seems somewhat disconnected with current regional issues. As it focuses on the health crisis, Indonesia seems to have no appetite for opening a new diplomatic battlefront. With the South China Sea issue, it seems ASEAN does not have the vigor to confront China directly for its actions in the South China Sea.

The public health crisis has caused the grouping to lean more toward China for assistance in combating COVID-19  amid an apparent wait and see approach for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry in reacting to international issues. Hence, a new footing must be found to accommodate Indonesias strategic focus in a postCOVID-19 world.

The governing principle of Indonesias foreign policy was ascribed in the aftermath of independence from the Netherlands. Under this policy, Indonesia forbids itself from entering into alliances with other sovereign nations. This is to prevent a loss of sovereignty, which could be exercised by its alliance partners in matters of defense and security.

The free and active foreign policy dictates that Indonesias course in international relations must be calibrated with the objectives within the Constitution  mainly to eradicate colonialism, and to promote and uphold state sovereignty, peace and social justice.

Indonesias 75-year-old history shows a very pragmatic foreign policy. In seeking to respect the sovereignty of other independent states, Indonesia does not  or perhaps cannot  differentiate between supporting authoritarian states or legitimate democracies. Emphasis on non-interference has somewhat clouded the states judgment to weigh in on human rights violations.

With its elected position within the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) from 2020 to 2022, Indonesia could now press upon domestic and international human rights violations.

If foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy, Jakarta should do whatever it takes to preserve its integrity by improving human rights, not only in volatile areas such as Papua, but also in other urban and rural areas.

Moreover, Indonesia should resume talks with Myanmar and Bangladesh to bring a workable solution to the Rohingya issue. Last is Indonesias position on ethnic Uighurs in China. It is palpable that Indonesia does not want to lose out on the economic benefits by singling out China. However, a pick-and-mix policy on human rights would show Indonesias hollow contribution within the UNHRC.

Bilateral relations with China have been managed intricately to avoid any political incidents. This stems from the volatile history between both countries, which saw the freezing of diplomatic relations throughout most of Soehartos New Order and discrimination against Chinese-Indonesians, particularly during the 1998 riots.

Therefore, Indonesia has traversed a fine line to maintain a positive diplomatic relationship with China, but at the cost of its moral discipline. Indonesias pragmatic policy toward China, and to the world, has led to a more hands-off approach on matters regarding China. Despite its claim to be a non-claimant in the South China Sea, for instance, Indonesia still attracts a number of incidents stemming from Chinese sovereignty violations.

Yet, Jakarta seems to prefer to solve these incidents surreptitiously. Jakartas intention to preserve the status quo between itself and Beijing only led to further deterioration of ASEANs unity, at the cost of its own advancement. Such behavior requires urgent redress to better align Indonesias strategic footing in the future.

During Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos second administration, the former president announced that Indonesias strategic outlook would be that of having a million friends and zero enemies. Such outlook fits very well with Indonesias core interest of non-intervention and opposition to external attempts to meddle in internal affairs. This outlook managed to elevate Indonesias international prominence, such as its inclusion within the Group of 20 and cochairing the UN high-level panel on the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals.

Meanwhile, President Joko Jokowi Widodo, with his penchant for domestic reforms, has sought to bring diplomacy back to earth by emphasizing economic gains and the protection of Indonesians and Indonesian businesses overseas.

This, coupled with the Global Maritime Fulcrum, envisioned Indonesia as the core axis for global trade and manufactory. As such, Indonesia corresponds well with economic incentives from various states, mainly Chinas Belt and Road Initiative.

Although the government claims it equally evaluates all economic incentives, Jokowis, or perhaps his administrations, admiration for China is palpable. Much of this is attributed to Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan.

Yet, there seems to be a minimal shift from Yudhoyonos strategic focus to Jokowis. Both still put forward non-interference, a disregard for human rights and non-alignment. Jokowis preference for economic advancement has sidelined values like transparency and freedom of expression. The government has instead chosen nationalistic ideas, even in foreign policy.

This has led Indonesia to pursue relationships with states of shared destiny, whereby Jakarta will act in an obsequious way to countries that have promised to share their richness with Indonesia.

Following the pandemic, Jakarta must start to get its strategic focus in order. Jokowis downto-earth diplomacy has shown the states immense deficiency in mitigating the crisis. Pursuing a shared destiny with a main trading partner has contributed to the loss of hundreds of lives, as such focus has had no direct benefit toward education, health or research and development. The way forward is to start shifting toward workable shared values with like-minded partners  or we will become no different than the authoritarian states that we have bootlicked to gain their favor.

***

Researcher, Department of International Relations, CSIS Indonesia. This is an abridged version from the original article published in CSIS Commentaries

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
Today, at a meeting of the Security Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to allow Russians trips abroad to the countries, where the epidemiological situation has already improved.

In many countries, the coronavirus restrictions are being lifted. First of all, it is done by countries dependent on tourism. Everything is clear. Together with our specialists, doctors, sanitary workers, we need to understand how to work in this area, the Kremlin quotes the president as saying.
Former Home and Away star Esther Anderson calls Los Angeles home.

And with COVID-19 halting international travel, the 40-year-old actress revealed this week that she hopes to spend more time back in her native Australia once the ban is lifted.

She told The Morning Show on Wednesday: 'It's made us realise just how important family is and what's at stake.'

'I'll definitely be cherishing my time': Former Home and Away star Esther Anderson told The Morning Show on Wednesday that she hopes to spend more time with family in Australia after the COVID-19 travel bans are lifted

'I'll definitely be cherishing my time spent in Australia and try and spend more time at home after all of this is over,' she said.

The brunette beauty also revealed that she was unable to travel back home to celebrate her father's 95th birthday

'I was so upset. But everyone is well that's the main thing,' she added.

Missing out: The brunette beauty revealed she was unable to travel back home to celebrate her father Jack's 95th birthday (Pictured: Esther with her father and her son two-year-old son Forest)

Last month, Esther penned a heartfelt tribute to celebrate her father's milestone birthday.

She shared a photo of herself with her father, Jack, and her two-year-old son Forest, and wrote: 'Happy 95th birthday to the most incredible father. I love you dad!'

'Sorry we had to cancel your party and that I can't be with you in Oz today. We will make up for it next time and party twice as hard so start polishing your dancing shoes,' she added.

Family: Esther met her husband Howard in the US and the pair married in 2017

The brunette beauty is best known for playing Charlie Buckton on Home and Away from 2008 to 2012, before trying her luck in Los Angeles that same year.

She met her husband Howard in the US in 2014. The pair married in 2017 in her hometown of Geelong in Victoria, but are based in Los Angeles.

Esther and Howard welcomed son Forest in August 2018.
Im not wagging my finger at anyone. I receive a fair amount of angry emails and I will confess that my first inclination is to fire back a response that will get my adversary in checkmate. Victory, after all, is much more satisfying, at least for a while, than reconciliation.

In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis addresses this aspect of the human condition.

If there are rats in the cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding, Lewis writes. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man; it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am.

My first step toward becoming a Christian was to acknowledge my predicament  my own sinful nature. As Lewis points out, Christianity is not reading what Christ said and trying to carry it out. Rather, it is the total interference of Christ in your life which changes you from the inside out and makes obedience to God possible, not as a means to salvation but as evidence of it.
Millers dance celebration samba as Gota gives them good price By Kasun Warakapitiya View(s): View(s):

After a ding-dong battle with government officials, rice millers won the day this week in a long-drawn-out dispute over the price of rice.

It was only last week that the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), retired Major-General Shantha Dissanayake, accompanied by a team from the Police Special Task Force (STF), visited a leading miller and urged him to put out stocks or face action. On Wednesday, however, the millers won.

They were allowed to put up their prices. The new controlled prices of Rs. 96 for nadu, Rs. 98 for samba and Rs. 125 for keeri samba were set at a meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and millers on Wednesday.

On Thursday, small-scale millers raised concerns with the government over the price of kekulu rice and so the price of white and red kekulu rice was revised to Rs. 93 while the controlled price of keeri samba was once again reduced to Rs. 120.

The old prices were Rs. 90 for nadu and samba and Rs. 85 for kekulu.

Downward price revisions in April had created a shortage of nadu and samba in the market as millers withheld stocks.

The Sunday Times learns that the Consumer Affairs Authority, the Paddy Marketing Board (PMD) and the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) which engages in research and regulation of food prices were not present at Wednesdays meeting with the President.

The delayed reversal of prices of kekulu and kiri samba is to allow small-scale millers the opportunity to bring rice to the market and minimise artificial shortages of those two varieties.

Meanwhile the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) sources said that there was an urgency to publish the gazette with the new prices after millers pointed out that they could not provide rice at the existing prices.

A senior CAA official who requested anonymity said CAA raids last week against erring millers and merchants had been in vain: the price reversal had cut across the authoritys actions against those who had been creating an artificial shortage of rice.

CAA Chairman Dissanayaka said the authority would make sure millers and merchants sell rice at the newly-set prices.

Last week I visited all the large-scale millers and asked them to sell rice without imposing conditions to merchants. I also inspected their silos and storage facilities and asked them to provide information on their production and quantities of rice and paddy stored, he said.

He said he had challenged the millers to show evidence of dhaiyya, the dust created when cleaning paddy, when they claimed to have been storing rice in their warehouses, and had sternly advised them to sell rice at prices below the controlled price to allow retailers to sell at controlled prices.

We will still monitor activities both large and small-scale millers and stop artificial shortages being created, Maj-Gen. Dissanayaka vowed.

Lankeshwarage Mithrapala, a large-scale miller and Managing Director of New Ratna Rice, said the four main mill owners had told President Gotabaya they were unable to produce nadu and samba for Rs. 90 as production expenditure was high.

We have huge stocks of paddy, we admit, but to maintain the large silos and to dry wet paddy we have to make large investments. Therefore we find it impractical to issue rice for a controlled price, he said.

We were forced to use business tactics by selling more keeri samba to merchants to cover up the losses incurred by selling small amounts of nadu and samba at controlled prices, he added.

Some millers claimed the rice price issue had been used to further political rivalry and settle scores but one, Araliya Rice Mills owner Dudley Sirisena, said businessmen should not comment on political matters.

Smaller mill owners had mixed feelings about the new prices.

The Deputy Chairman of the Small and Medium-Scale Millers Cooperative Society, K.A.B. Abeykirthi, said the previous prices were impractical as production and transport expenditure amounted to more than the market price.

He said, however, that his members had asked the government to reduce the controlled price of keeri samba to Rs. 110 to stop profiteering by the big millers.

Agricultural experts said there was no shortage of paddy and a bumper harvest was expected at the Yala season. Given this, they said, the government should increase storage capacity at the Paddy Marketing Board to keep buffer stocks.

Agriculture economist Dr. R.M. Herath, who is also Director of the Socio-Economic and Planning Centre, said more farming activity had been carried out during the pandemic period and thus a substantial harvest of 1.7 million tons of paddy was expected in two months; a normal Yala harvest was about 1.5 million tons.

There was no paddy shortage, Dr. Herath emphasised: the shortage of rice was an artificial one created at the market by millers and merchants.

The government should increase the amount of paddy purchasing and use it to create a buffer stock to be used whenever merchants and millers created artificial shortages, he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has rebuffed US President Donald Trumps invitation to attend a G7 summit which he wants to host at the White house, Politico reported.

"The federal chancellor thanks President Trump for his invitation to the G7 summit at the end of June in Washington. As of today, considering the overall pandemic situation, she cannot agree to her personal participation, to a journey to Washington," German government spokesman Steffen Seibert told Politico Friday. "She will of course continue to monitor the development of the pandemic."

It was reported on Tuesday that according to the US President, not holding the G7 summit in the format of a videoconference, but at the White House will be a sign that the US was returning to normal life.
By Lawrence Hurley and Andrea Januta (Reuters) - The death in Minneapolis on Monday of George Floyd, the black man captured on video pleading for his life as a white police officer kneeled on his neck, has prompted three nights of protests, at times giving rise to violence, arson and looting. It has also trained, yet again, a national spotlight on a perceived lack of police accountability for violent encounters with the American public. The issue ignited in 2014 with the shooting death of black 18-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, which triggered angry protests.

By Lawrence Hurley and Andrea Januta

(Reuters) - The death in Minneapolis on Monday of George Floyd, the black man captured on video pleading for his life as a white police officer kneeled on his neck, has prompted three nights of protests, at times giving rise to violence, arson and looting.

It has also trained, yet again, a national spotlight on a perceived lack of police accountability for violent encounters with the American public.

The issue ignited in 2014 with the shooting death of black 18-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, which triggered angry protests.

Since then, the "Black Lives Matter" movement  sparked by the killing of black teen Trayvon Martin by civilian George Zimmerman in Florida in 2012  has become closely associated with critiques of overly aggressive policing, particularly against black people.

Heightened public awareness, enhanced by the increasing prevalence of cellphone video, has kept the issue front and center through a series of incidents that have made national headlines in recent years.

In another incident this year that has led to renewed unrest in the wake of Floyds death, police in Louisville, Kentucky, killed Breonna Taylor, an emergency medical technician, on March 13 while executing a search warrant.

For an investigation https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-police-immunity-scotus of police accused of using excessive force published this month, Reuters reviewed hundreds of civil rights lawsuits against police. [nL1N2CN0YC] (To read the investigation, click https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-police-immunity-scotus)

In the majority of cases, Reuters found, police and the localities that employ them are largely shielded from having to pay financial settlements to victims or their grieving families by "qualified immunity," a legal concept developed by the U.S. Supreme Court that gives wide latitude to government employees when they act in the line of duty.

The defense increasingly protects cops even when courts have determined that the officers violated a victim's civil rights, the investigation showed.

One exception, however, is high-profile cases like those of Michael Brown that gain national attention. These cases are often outliers, resulting in generous settlement offers, and sometimes even criminal charges, before police have any recourse to claiming qualified immunity.

Here is a summary of some of those cases and their outcomes:

MICHAEL BROWN, a black 18-year-old killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014.

Settlement: $1.5 million.

Criminal charges: None.

ERIC GARNER, a black man who died after repeatedly crying I cant breathe while placed in a chokehold by a New York City cop during an attempted 2014 arrest.

Settlement: $5.9 million.

Criminal charges: None.

TAMIR RICE, a 12-year-old black boy who was holding a toy gun when shot dead by a Cleveland, Ohio, police officer in 2014.

Settlement: $6 million.

Criminal charges: None.

FREDDIE GRAY, a black man who died from injuries he sustained while in handcuffs and leg irons after being thrown into the back of a Baltimore police van in 2015.

Settlement: $6.4 million.

Criminal charges: The six officers criminally charged in Grays death were acquitted or the charges were dropped.

WALTER SCOTT, an unarmed black man shot in the back while fleeing on foot from a traffic stop in North Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015.

Settlement: $6.5 million.

Criminal charges: The officer pleaded guilty to federal civil rights charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

PHILANDO CASTILE, a black man shot and killed during a 2016 traffic stop in a St. Paul, Minnesota, suburb after telling police he had a gun in the vehicle.

Settlement: Close to $3 million.

Criminal charges: A jury acquitted the officer on charges of felony manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm.

JUSTINE DAMOND, an unarmed white Australian-American woman shot dead by Minneapolis police who were responding to her 911 emergency call to report a possible rape in 2017.

Settlement: $18 million paid to her family, and $2 million donated to gun violence prevention.

Criminal charges: A jury convicted the officer of murder.

STEPHON CLARK, an unarmed black man killed by Sacramento, California, police in 2018 after they chased him into his grandmothers backyard.

Settlement: Clarks two children received $1.2 million each. Claims by other family members are pending.

Criminal charges: None.

ATATIANA JEFFERSON, a black woman shot dead by a Fort Worth, Texas, cop in 2019 while standing in her home with a handgun after hearing noises outside.

Settlement: No lawsuit filed yet.

Criminal charges: The officer, who resigned, is awaiting trial for murder.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley and Andrea Januta; edited by John Blanton, Janet Roberts and Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 01:51:21|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TUNIS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied decided Friday to extend the state of emergency, imposed throughout the country since November 2015, for six month.

"President Saied decided to extend the state of emergency in the entire territory of the republic for a period of six months, starting from May 30, 2020," said a presidency statement without giving further details.

The state of emergency in Tunisia was first declared on Nov. 24, 2015, following a bloody bomb attack on a bus of the presidential guards, killing 12 agents.

Tunisian emergency law allows the authorities' exceptional powers, including carrying out home arrests, banning official meetings, imposing curfews, monitoring media and press, prohibiting assemblies, and media censorship without permission from the judiciary. Enditem
In a decision issued on Thursday May 28, the ICC Appeals Chamber decided to revoke part of the conditions of release imposed on Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude.

According to the ICC Appeal Chambers statement, the former president of Cote dIvoire and his minister will no longer be prevented from moving outside the boundaries of the municipality in which they reside. They will no longer have to surrender to the Registry all the identity documents in their possession, in particular their passports. They will no longer have to report weekly to the authorities of the host State or to the Registry. They will no longer have to comply with any other conditions imposed by the State in which they will be released. The other conditions remain in force.

Said simply, this means that Charles Ble Goude and Laurent Gbagbo are much freer in their movements than they were before. The two men can therefore go and live in one of the 134 states parties to the Rome constitution and thus in Cote dIvoire, provided that the authorities of the country agree to receive them. Lawyers of the former Ivorian president welcomed this decision on Thursday evening, which they described as excellent for the defense and for Laurent Gbagbo.

Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude were both cleared of crimes against humanity a year ago, eight years after the former West African strongmans arrest and transfer to the Hague-based court.
At the junction where a police officer was filmed kneeling on George Floyds neck as he gasped for air, there were shouts and cheers when it was announced the very same man had been charged with murder.

Yes! Chauvins been charged with murder, yelled one man. We got one of them.

But for the protesters gathered at 38th St and Chicago Ave, in the south of Minneapolis, any celebrations over the charging of 44-year-old white police officer Derek Chauvin, were short-lived.

People demanded that all four officers involved in the incident that led to the death of Mr Floyd be brought to justice. And what was all this with third-degree murder? He meant to kill him, people insisted It should be first-degree.

There was also agreement that until all four men were charged, the protests  both the peaceful and those that saw a police station and other buildings set ablaze  would continue.

George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Show all 30 1 /30 George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police third precinct after a white police officer was caught on a bystander's video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester holds a sign with an image of George Floyd AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester throws a piece of wood on a fire in the street just north of the 3rd Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets People in other US cities also protested the murder, like Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A police officer lobs a canister to break up crowds Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester is treated after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Two police officers stand on the roof of the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters outside a Minneapolis police precinct two days after George Floyd died EPA George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters run from tear gas Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Demonstrators gather to protest in Los Angeles AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police remove barricades set by protesters AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the Third Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Flowers, signs and balloons are left near a makeshift memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A policeman faces a protester holding a placard in downtown Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A couple poses with a sign in Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I cant breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester reacts after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images

I cant say I agree with burning down buildings useful to our community, said 19-year-old student Tsunami Douglas, claiming there were reports that police had set some buildings alight. But people have had enough.

Her friend, Twyla Mowll, 18, said as a young person of colour growing up in south Minneapolis, they would never call the police as nobody knew how it would play out.

Police officers are trained to serve the people, she added. That does not involve shooting or killing, When people have to be protected from the police, there is no point. There needs to be a new system.

As Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman announced the charges against Mr Chauvin, further details emerged of the incidents in which Mr Floyds throat was stepped on, as he lay on the floor close to Cup Foods grocery, the spot now marked with flowers and photographs.

The charge sheet claimed Mr Chauvin had his knee on Mr Floyds neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. The complaint said that included nearly three minutes after the man had stopped moving and talking.

Police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous, it said.

An officer allegedly put his knee on George Floyds throat for more than eight minutes (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe)

Amid the anger and dismay, one reaction few if any mentioned was surprise.

This was something that happened all the time, or at least every summer, residents said. There needs to be a revolution, said a 20-year-old woman called Macy, who said she was visiting her parents from New York.

The only reason we got this murder charge was because of the burning of the buildings. So we cannot afford to let that stop, she said.

The white people are getting scared. They feel threatened. But America does not want to confront its past. Even Germany examined its Nazi past. Nobody will talk about slavery.

 Trump avoids George Floyd riots at White House

The other three officers have been named Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng. Mr Freeman, the prosecutor said he considered there could be charges brought against them as well, but declined to suggest what they might be.

At the spot where people took turns to speak on a microphone to the crowd, people demanded all four men were responsible for what had happened. They said none of the officers had stepped in to stop what was being done by their colleague.

If someone like me is present where theres a crime, Id be charged as an accomplice, said Sadi, a woman who asked to give one name and who said she was in her mid-40s.

Asked how a system in which young black men repeatedly die at the hands of police could be changed, she said: We need white people to be allies. We need them to care about this. But we have a racist as president.

As the banners and placards on display grow, George Floyd joins a mounting list of young African American men  and some women  who have been killed in encounters with the police  Michael Brown in Ferguson, Freddie Gray in Baltimore, and Eric Garner in New York, to name just as few.

In Minneapolis, a 24-year-old black man named Jamar Clark was shot dead by police in 2015. The following year, officers killed Philando Castile, a 32-year-old black man killed by a Minnesota police officer during a traffic stop.

This happens all the time, but people are saying enough is enough, said Yasmeen Abdulla, a 26-year-old medical student who lives in the neighbourhood. People have been dying in police brutality. They want justice.

He said while the names of the polices victims varied, there was one constant. He said: The names are different but they are always the same colour.
The municipality also stated that owners are not required to pay for their terraces this year.

Terraces were allowed to reopen on Wednesday, and since Friday restaurants and bars can now also welcome customers again. Businesses are happy that they can open their doors again, despite the sanitary measures. However, the situation still remains difficult, especially for those without terraces. The municipality of Luxembourg City has now announced its support for these businesses.

During the last municipal council meeting it was announced that businesses will be able to apply for a terrace which the municipality will then make available to them. Serge Wilmes from the Christian Social Peoples Party (CSV) pointed out:

"We have already received about a dozen requests from restaurants which either never have had a terrace, want a bigger terrace, or want to move their terrace to a different place. One specific example that comes to mind would be in Enneschtgaass, where you have a number of smaller restaurants which dont have terraces as of yet. We will make a terrace available to them in Enneschtgaass. Taxi stands will be moved to a different place in order to make this happen, but this was planned anyway. We have received requests, we will process them, and if possible, we will grant them"



Another example for a redesign is in Rue du Fosse where a number of restaurants have put in requests as well.



"Either in front of their entrance, if the pavement is large enough to allow for a bigger terrace, or on a parking space in front of the restaurant, which would then be sacrificed in order to gain space for a terrace. We are well aware that we have to meet these owners halfway to allow them to compensate for the tables they lose inside by putting them outside when the weather is nice. And again, we want to stress that no one has to pay for their terrace this year"

And as for those businesses which are located in an area where it is simply not possible to set up a terrace in front of the entrance?

"For those cases we will try and locate a spot which is not too far off and see if they could possibly set up a terrace there. There are of course some constraints: for instance we have to always make sure that there is still enough space to allow a fire engine or an ambulance to pass through. The terrace should also not obstruct the entire public area, and pedestrians should still be able to walk past. If this is the case, we simply have to look if we cant set up a terrace elsewhere. We are willing to meet everyone halfway"



Wilmes also confirmed that the municipality has also received requests for terrace extensions from businesses located on traditional squares such as Knuedler or Place dArmes. He stated that plans have also been developed for these businesses.
Cerritos Elementary Principal Perla Chavez-Fritz, center, walks visitors through the challenges of reopening her Glendale campus. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

Raising the possibility that campuses won't reopen in the fall, leaders of the state's two largest K-12 school systems on Friday demanded that public health authorities, not school districts, take the lead on setting up coronavirus testing and contact tracing of students and employees.

Los Angeles Supt. Austin Beutner and San Diego Supt. Cindy Marten  whose combined districts represent 915,000 children and workers  issued a public warning: Either their school districts get more funding and assertive health department intervention or they can't consider reopening campuses in the fall.

"Opening our schools will not be as easy as separating desks or placing pieces of tape on the floor," Beutner and Marten said in their statement. "A robust system of COVID-19 testing and contact tracing will need to be in place before we can consider reopening schools. Local health authorities, not school districts, have to lead the way on testing, contact tracing and a clear set of protocols on how to respond to any occurrence of the virus."

Beutner and Martens also said it will be difficult enough to craft effective education programs and carry out reopening plans, without having to devise and pay for public health safety measures.

"Facilities will need to be reconfigured and supplies purchased to sanitize schools on a regular basis. Personal protective equipment will need to be provided to students and staff," they said in the statement. "More teachers and staff will be needed to do this extra work. ... And state authorities have to provide the funding."

The statement comes after the Los Angeles County Office of Education released guidelines Wednesday outlining measures seen as advisable or necessary to reopening schools.

Based on these guidelines, school districts will have to consider staggered schedules that would allow for no more than 12 to 16 in a classroom, where students also would take their meals. Everyone would wear masks all day, and recess or physical education could mean students playing alone with their own ball or hula hoop.

Story continues

Schools also face questions of how often to sanitize, whether to screen students and staff as they enter and what to do when someone gets sick or could have been exposed to the virus.

Statewide, campuses have been closed since mid-March, with schools switching to remote instruction. The reopening of campuses is widely seen as essential to fully reopening the economy.

On Thursday, an alliance called the Education Coalition took aim at Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget, which calls for cuts to education funding of about 10%.

That spending plan would exacerbate "the already precarious financial situation of public schools, said Vernon M. Billy, CEO of California School Boards Assn., which is part of the coalition."Its not realistic"

An alternate plan being developed in the Legislature would postpone cuts, allowing more time for a hoped-for federal bailout. Coalition members called it an improvement, but not nearly enough.

When asked Friday to respond to education leaders, Newsom offered little encouragement, calling the state's $54.3-billion budget shortfall "without precedent" and pointed toward Congress for relief. Democrats in the House of Representatives have passed new emergency funding for schools and states, but the legislation faces steep hurdles in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Newsom also spoke about long-awaited state guidelines for reopening schools, which are still being completed.

"Foundational in that is an appropriate level of protective gear ... for our caregivers," he said, referring to teachers, custodians, bus drivers and other staff.

The state's top education official said it's reasonable to question how campuses will be able to reopen. School districts are saying the reality is we would need more revenue," said state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. "And I don't know that anyone would disagree. The governor wouldn't disagree."

He said school leaders are justified in asking for clarity "over who'll do what.

The state education department, he said, is trying to coordinate planning among education and health officials.

Thurmond expressed optimism that the state would provide substantial funding for the face coverings that will be needed.

L.A. Unified also pressed its case in joint letters with local union leaders. They called for more money, liability protection from COVID-19 related litigation and for a revised education funding formula that would not penalize a school district if a student stayed home because of illness.

In a separate letter to the county, the labor-district coalition called on other agencies to conduct the necessary testing and contact tracing for the coronavirus. They also want a common response plan for COVID-19 cases.

"Varying recommendations by Los Angeles County and the 26 cities that are within the Los Angeles Unified geographical boundaries will create confusion and unnecessary risk by treating students and employees differently," said the letter, which was cosigned by the unions representing teachers, administrators and other nonteaching employees.

When asked Friday, county officials sidestepped whether students and school staffs should be tested periodically or screened before entering campus. The county is awaiting state guidance, said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said Friday that voluntary coronavirus testing is available for school staff and families as it is for all L.A. residents, with or without symptoms. But the city does not plan to take responsibility for campus testing, he added.

The district has a budget just as we have a budget, said Garcetti, whose own budget contains deep cutbacks.

The guidelines from the county education office contain no mandates, but "we do recommend that districts follow public health orders," said county Supt. Debra Duardo, who shares concerns over funding.

Health officials should "offer clear and consistent direction," she added. "We also understand that as the crisis evolves, information and conditions may change."

Times staff writer Colleen Shalby contributed to this report.
The Texas Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Harris Countys stay-at-home order, though the legal fight is set to continue in state district court.

The Wednesday ruling came at the request of the suits plaintiffs, including longtime conservative activist Steve Hotze and the pastors of three Houston-area churches.

Earlier this week, Jared Woodfill, the groups attorney, filed a new case in Harris County that similarly claims County Judge Lina Hidalgos stay-at-home order violates the plaintiffs First Amendment rights because it allegedly continues to restrict church services even after Hidalgo revised it to align with Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order deeming churches essential businesses.

The governors March 31 directive, akin to the stay-at-home orders issued by counties across Texas, came one day after anti-LGBTQ Republican activist Hotze and pastors Juan Bustamante, George Garcia and David Valdez filed a petition arguing that Harris Countys order violates the Constitution by ordering the closure of churches and failing to define gun shops as essential businesses.

The four original plaintiffs remain on the new lawsuit, and they are joined by Tom DeLay, the former House Majority Leader who represented a district in the Houston area until 2006. The plaintiffs also have challenged Montgomery Countys stay-at-home order in a different state district court.

Under Abbotts executive order, which supersedes local stay-at-home orders, houses of worship may remain open, though they must conduct their activities online or through remote audio or video services when possible. Abbott later issued more detailed guidance in a joint statement with Attorney General Ken Paxton, adding that churches should cancel in-person gatherings or limit the number of congregants, depending on how substantial community spread of COVID-19 has been in their area.

Paxton also issued a separate opinion saying local governments cannot shut down gun stores or otherwise restrict sales or transfers.

The Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday granted Hotze and the pastors motion for a voluntary dismissal of their petition. The court previously had asked both parties to weigh in on whether Abbotts executive order rendered the lawsuit moot.

Last Friday, Hidalgo revised her order to permit in-person religious services that comply with the CDCs guidelines, according to a court filing by the county attorneys office. The plaintiffs are continuing to challenge Hidalgos order in state district court, Woodfill said, in part because it imposes penalties  up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine  that Abbotts does not.

Hidalgos amended order says: Per the Texas Attorney Generals guidance on this topic, if religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, then religious services may be conducted in churches, congregations and houses of worship.

Woodfill said he interprets that language to bar most churches from meeting in person, because most are capable of holding services remotely.

Just about every church has the ability to do that, Woodfill said. Maybe there are some small churches that dont. That doesnt mean your parishioners have internet or the ability to access the service. We think thats clearly government coming in to the church and issuing edicts and mandates that are an infringement on religious liberties.

DeLay, who represented a district in the south Houston-area suburbs from 1985 to 2006, lists a homestead exemption in Sugar Land, in Fort Bend County. Woodfill said DeLay has standing to sue the neighboring county because the order infringes upon his right to go to church in Harris County. He cant attend his church if it is closed due to the order and if it is opened and he attends, he will be fined $1,000 and is looking at 180 days in jail.

City and county officials have said they do not intend to fully enforce the penalties and are first seeking voluntary compliance, before resorting to a criminal charge. Most businesses will first receive warnings if they are out of compliance, then could be hit with fines or arrests if their refusal to comply becomes egregious, a spokesman for the Harris County Sheriffs Office said last month.

jasper.scherer@chron.com

robert.downen@chron.com
School budgets are to come under significant pressure in the coming months as the Department of Education confirmed no additional funding has been approved to tackle the high cost of combatting the Covid-19 fallout.

The fallout from the virus is expected to have financial impacts on each aspect of the sector, from primary school to third-level.

Education Minister Joe McHugh has said that the prospective bill for hand sanitisers for schools for one term alone could total 24m.

The Higher Education Authority has also outlined a potential shortfall in the higher education sector of at least 500m.

While additional funding has been approved for three other departments, no decision has been taken to amend the Department of Education budget.

Therefore, all expenditure pressures arising are to be met within the existing budgetary allocations, a spokesman said.

The department is continuing to examine the financial impacts of Covid-19 across the sector, and is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on future funding requirements, he added.

It comes as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that primary and secondary schools will reopen at the end of August.

However, he added: That might not mean that every student is able to return every day for the full day, but our objective is to have things as close to normal as possible.

Following a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Mr Varadkar said reopening the schools would not be without risk, although the risks are considered low.

It may be necessary to phase in primary schools and secondary schools. Our objective is to open them as fully and as soon as possible for all kids, he said,

His announcement came less than 24 hours after Mr McHugh said he would not accept a half return to schools, leading to accusations of mixed messages to parents from the Government.

Labours education spokesman, Aodhan O Riordain, said: The inability of the Government to give clear messaging is beyond frustrating.

Sinn Feins Donnchadh O Laoghaire said the confusion is beyond a joke, adding: There has been no consistency, they keep switching back and forth. Parents are none the wiser, and no contact has been made with schools.

Meanwhile, research by members of the HSE Public Health Medicine team has found no evidence of Covid-19 spreading due to children attending schools here.

Schools are not a high-risk setting for spreading the virus between students, or between students and staff, according to the research study published by Eurosurveillance, a European journal on infectious disease surveillance.

While small, the study looked at all known cases linked to school attendance in the Republic. Three paediatric cases and three adult cases of Covid-19 were identified.

The study found there was no onward transmission to other children or adults within a school in any of these cases. This included other settings like music lessons and choir practice, both identified currently as high-risk activities for transmission.

Among 1,025 child and adult contacts of these six cases in the school setting, there were no confirmed cases of Covid-19 during the follow-up period.
With a deciding vote from Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court late Friday allowed Gov. Gavin Newsom to restrict attendance at religious services in California to 25% of the capacity of a house of worship because of the coronavirus.

The justices voted 5-4 to reject a challenge by a Pentecostal church in Chula Vista (San Diego County) and its bishop, who said the state is discriminating against religious institutions by setting undue limits on attendance.

In his first round of reopenings in early May, Newsom allowed some previously closed businesses to resume limited operations, such as curbside pickups, but refused to allow in-person religious services. After a divided federal appeals court upheld his decision on May 22, the governor announced new rules three days later allowing congregations to meet in person but limiting attendance to 25% of the buildings capacity, with a maximum gathering of 100.

The standards, in effect for 21 days, discourage such activities as sharing prayer books and ritual items as well as personal contact and congregational singing, all of which can spread the coronavirus.

President Trump has denounced such restrictions in California and elsewhere and ordered governors to rescind them, though he has not cited any federal law authorizing him to overrule state officials decisions on which institutions to reopen.

Roberts joined the courts more liberal justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, in denying an injunction sought by the South Bay United Pentecostal Church. Writing only for himself, the chief justice said detailed decisions on health-related issues should generally be left to politically accountable state officials unless they clearly violate a constitutional right such as religious freedom.

Similar or more severe restrictions apply to comparable secular gatherings, including lectures, concerts, movie showings, spectator sports, and theatrical performances, where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time, Roberts said. He said Newsoms order exempts or treats more leniently only dissimilar activities, such as operating grocery stores, banks, and laundromats, in which people neither congregate in large groups nor remain in close proximity for extended periods.

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.

Dissenting Justice Brett Kavanaugh rejected Roberts comparison and said Newsom is restricting houses of worship more severely than businesses, in violation of religious freedom.

Comparable secular businesses are not subject to a 25% occupancy cap, including factories, offices, supermarkets, restaurants, retail stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, pet grooming shops, bookstores, florists, hair salons, and cannabis dispensaries, Kavanaugh said.

Noting that the church had agreed to require social distancing and hygiene measures if allowed to fully open its doors, Kavanaugh asked, Why can someone safely walk down a grocery store aisle but not a pew? Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch joined his dissent, while Justice Samuel Alito dissented for unstated reasons.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Vijayawada: N Ramesh Kumar, who has been reinstated as the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner by the High Court, will resume work from the commission's office in Vijayawada from Monday.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Ramesh Kumar, who is currently in Hyderabad, said he would go to Vijayawada on Monday and attend to his work. Asked if he has to resume charge afresh, he said: I resumed charge after the High Court reinstated me.

He said all-party meeting would soon be convened to discuss the way forward and the election process would be restarted at the earliest upon return of normalcy.

Welcoming the verdict, advocate Yogesh Tandava who was the first to file a public interest litigation on the sacking of Ramesh Kumar, said the court had once again established in clear terms that holding free and fair elections is part of the basic structure of the Constitution and that it has to be protected forever.

Ramesh Kumar said in a statement that individuals are not permanent, but constitutional institutions and the values they represent alone are permanent. Those who have taken an oath of office to protect Constitution have a greater responsibility to continue to protect and safeguard these institutions and their integrity.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered 350 National Guard to Lousiville, following two nights of protests against the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in her home.

Why it matters: Louisville was among the cities to erupt in protest after George Floyd died during an encounter with Minneapolis police, which was a bitter reminder of Louisville's own unresolved extrajudicial killing in March. The officers involved in Taylor's death have been placed on administrative leave but have not been formally charged, according to The New York Times. The FBI announced May 21 it would investigate the Kentucky shooting, per The New York Times.

The state of play:

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew. He said, "The tone clearly changed last night. The number of people on our street clearly changed last night, as well. This turned from being a peaceful protest into violence and terrorism and looting on the streets of our city," The Courier-Journal notes.

Fischer said seven people were shot during Friday's protests, and two of them were taken into surgery while five are in good condition, per the Times.

Background: Police allegedly shot Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, while they were executing a "no-knock" warrant during a narcotics investigation, per the Times.

Taylor was not the focus of the investigation, but a judge had signed off on the warrant, per The Courier-Journal.

Taylor's friends and family "question why police entered Taylor's home in the early morning hours and opened fire, leaving the 26-year-old dead with at least eight bullet wounds," the Journal reports.

Police say they knocked on the door to announce their presence but forced their way in "after midnight before being met by gunfire."

Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, was also home at the time and said he did not hear the police announce themselves. A 911 recording shows that Walker telling the dispatcher, "somebody kicked in the door and shot my girlfriend," the Times writes.

Walker was charged with attempted murder after shooting a police officer in the leg during the intrusion, but the charges have been dropped.

Go deeper:

Deaths without consequences

The aftermath of George Floyd's death: Everything you need to know
Washington:

The White House has expressed concern over the European Union asking Apple to pay USD 14.6 billion in back taxes to Ireland, saying the burden would ultimately affect the American taxpayers.



"...the kinds of payments that were contemplated by the EU decision are merely a transfer of revenue from US taxpayers to the EU. I think that is the crux of our concerns about the fairness of this kind of approach," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.



Such a measure wouldn't be fair to US taxpayers, he said.



The EU had said Apple had avoided virtually all tax on its business in the bloc by illegal arrangements with Dublin which gave the company an unfair advantage over competitors, according to media reports.



Earnest said the US shares the goal articulated by the EU of preventing unfair erosion of the tax base.



"We don't have an interest in seeing European taxpayers or the European economy suffer from the erosion of their tax base, and we're certainly going to do everything we can to prevent that from happening here," he said.



The Press Secretary cautioned against "unilateral" measures by the EU, that "threaten to undermine" collaborative progress they have made to make the international taxation system fair.



"And when I say 'fair', I mean fair primarily to taxpayers, but also fair to companies that are trying to do business around the world. That ultimately benefits the economies in countries on both sides of the Atlantic.



"If there are concerns that the Europeans have about some of these international mechanisms, then we should continue to make progress by working through those issues jointly as opposed to a more unilateral approach, like a state aid investigation," he said.



"The issue is that the consequences for that transfer would be that it could be treated in the US tax system as a current tax payment that would allow Apple to deduct that EU tax payment from their US taxes," he said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The coalition of Independent Presidential Aspirants (CIPA) has joined forces to unseat the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December polls.



They also intend to shift the focus of Ghanaians from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



According to the group, it is time for these two major political parties to be replaced to pave way for independent candidates to rule the country and unmask corrupt activities that have gone on over the years.



The group said it is necessary for Ghanaians to tow this line in these times when corruption has engulfed the country and there are economic hardships.



In a press release, CIPA stated; with corruption at its peak, debts at excessive levels and an economy that is only functional on paper but NOT in the pockets of ordinary Ghanaians, and with the natural wealth of Ghana being exploited and exported without corresponding improvements in the standards of living year after year for Ghanaian masses  it is time, for the status quo to be replaced. The time for change is now!!



It further explained that the mission is to present to Ghanaians, a coalition of Ghanaian leaders in their own fields, with global expertise, and let our people know we have the concern and skillset to unseat and replace the entrenched political NDC and NPP parties in the upcoming Presidential Election.





Read their full statement below



INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS UNIFY TO UNSEAT NDC-NPP FOR 2020 ELECTIONS



Press Release





Accra, Ghana  May 29, 2020





A Coalition of Independent Presidential Aspirants (CIPA) in Ghana have announced their intention to form a united front to change the course of our history and deliver to Ghanaians better Accountability, better Citizen-centred Management of its economy and resources, a long-term agenda that secures the future of Ghanas posterity.



There is a general realization and acceptance in the nation that Ghana is at the crossroads of a leadership crisis and that Ghana as we knew it as an independent nation may not survive under the heavy foreign debt burden, lack of payback plan, and lack of transparency. Neither of the two major political party leadership cares enough to understand the real needs of the ordinary people. They do not seem fully cognizant of the era we are in and about the youth and their struggles for survival. The leadership seem selfish and greedy and unconcerned about the citizens and the need to plan for posterity.



There is an urgent need to position Ghana in a manner that is a blessing to present and future generations.



With corruption at its peak, debts at excessive levels and an economy that is only functional on paper but NOT in the pockets of ordinary Ghanaians, and with the natural wealth of Ghana being exploited and exported without corresponding improvements in the standards of living year after year for Ghanaian masses  it is time, for the status quo to be replaced. The time for change is NOW!!



The mission is to present to Ghanaians a coalition of Ghanaian leaders in their own fields, with global expertise, and let our people know we have the concern and skillset to unseat and replace the entrenched political NDC and NPP parties in the upcoming Presidential Election.



The Coalition of Independent Presidential Aspirants (CIPA) is made up of the list below at the time of Press, and it is our hope that others who share the vision will see the need to join forces with us for the greater good of God and Country:



* MARRICKE KOFI GANE  an International Development Expert, Lecturer and Chartered Certified Accountant.



* KOFI KORANTENG  A Ghanaian Investment Banker and Real Estate Investor of International repute.



* SAMUEL OFORI AMPOFO  a retired Ghanaian Mechanical Engineer, Farmer and Rural Banker.



* CARL EBO MORGAN  a Businessman, Political Scientist and Project Management Consultant with International experience.



* ONIPAYEDE OSSOM TEYE  a Businessman and Welder.



The Campaigns of the various Independent Aspirants have reached this position via consensus, a consensus that the best approach to fight for the survival of Ghana and dispose of the NDC and NPP is to unite behind a single campaign agenda.



The Coalition of Independent Presidential Aspirants (CIPA) have one goal in mind  TO FIGHT FOR GHANAS SECOND AND FINAL INDEPENDENCE from the clutches of the NDC and NPP in the 2020 elections.



Each of these aspirants is pledged to consolidating efforts with a unified Presidential candidate, to win the Presidency in 2020. Their GOAL in the next few months is to show Ghanaians our national vision to restore Ghanas dignity in all sectors of our nation, primarily:



1. Agriculture to a high level of modernisation, competitive advantage and productivity.



2. Attractive farming communities with basic roads and amenities to attract the youth.



3. A pragmatic and superior Educational system linked to job creation for our graduates.



4. Public and private financial capital investment in the Youth such as scholarships and student loans.



5. A boost in loans for small and medium scale businesses.



6. First class Health care that delivers improved life expectancy as in developed countries.



7. Environmental sanitation second to none with 99.9% control of the mosquito breeding and malaria in 3 years.



8. Ban open gutters and make underground sewage systems standard throughout Ghana.



9. Mandatory health standards of water flushing toilets in all homes, commercial and public places.



10. Support a constitutional amendment to Decentralise Presidential powers and elect local towns and districts for their rapid development.



11. Build only quality roads and Highways and make all contractors carry a 10 year bond.



12. Institute Quarterly public reports from the Public Utility Regulatory Authority and enforce the Quality and Reliability standards of services from our Power, water and Communication systems.



13. Use our Ghanaians scientific and technical expertise around the globe exclusively to develop IT and database systems for our security, corruption monitoring and management, Voting and other management systems.



14. Reduce the size of Government by 50% or more, cut the colonial allowance systems, and balance the Ghana government budget within 3 years!



15. Deal with corruption in the most cross-cutting, efficient and ruthless manner within the confines of law.



WE ARE COMMITTED! It is our realisation that the people of Ghana are committed with us to give Ghana a new breath of life.



Blessed is our Homeland Ghana  it is we, who must now make it Great and Strong.









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
Veteran lyricist Yogesh who wrote iconic songs for Anand and Rajnigandha dies at 77

Veteran Bollywood lyricist Yogesh died in Mumbai on Friday. He was 77. Playback legend Lata Mangeshkar paid homage to the late lyricist on Twitter.

(Read full story here)

Apurva Asrani purchases house with partner Siddhant, says For 13 years we pretended to be cousins

Screenwriter Apurva Asrani on Friday posted a picture of the nameplate of his new house, which he has purchased with partner Siddhant. The writer urged people to normalise same-sex relationships, and noted how he and Siddhant had to lie about being cousins for most of their lives together.

(Read full story here)

Deepika Padukone shares glimpse into family WhatsApp group, Ranveer Singhs contact is saved under handsome

Deepika Padukone has given fans a rare look into her family WhatsApp group. The group includes her husband Ranveer Singh, her parents and also her in-laws. The screenshot reveals that Deepika has saved Ranveers contact number under the name handsome and her father-in-laws contact is saved by his full name, Jugjeet Singh Bhavnani. The family is seen praising Ranveer for a recent interview.

(Read full story here)

Central Park review: Amazing new Apple series borrows from Bollywood in the best way possible

Elaborately choreographed musical numbers, family drama, and a moustache-twirling villain -- Apples new show isnt a Bollywood song-and-dance spectacle (despite the repeated spotting of a sardarji), but an animated sitcom from the creators of Bobs Burgers. Central Park is a delightful addition to the fledgling streamers uneven roster of content, and also its most unique.

(Read full story here)

Karan Johars twins Yash and Roohi ace screen test, fans joke they should be cast in Student Of The Year 24. Watch video

It looks like Karan Johars children Yash and Roohi are ready to follow in his footsteps and join films. He shared a cute video of him taking their screen test and asking them to portray different emotions - angry, happy, sad and love.

(Read full story here)

Follow @htshowbiz for more

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Bravo Professor Jenny Hocking. The Monash University academic and member of the Australian Republic Movement's national committee  which I chair, blah, blah, blah  has fought the good fight for TEN YEARS to get access to the "Palace Letters", the 211 pieces of correspondence between Buckingham Palace and Sir John Kerr, that led up to The Dismissal. And on Friday, the High Court ruled 6-1 in her favour. Ideally, we shall all soon be privy to the contents of that correspondence.

The most staggering thing? It is that to this point we little Australians had no right to see correspondence between our own head of state and her representative in Australia, the governor-general, on a matter of such enormous import, even though the letters are in our National Archives, not the Queen's bottom drawer in the third chamber from the left!

Professor Jenny Hocking, with a statue of Queen Victoria behind her, took her fight for the release of the 211 'Palace Papers' letters to the High Court. Credit:AAP

The fact we even had to ask the question in the first place is nothing short of embarrassing. On the one hand we argue we are a sovereign and independent nation and, on the other, we couldn't take a peek at correspondence between our two highest office holders on a matter of such import, nigh on half a century later?

That position, my learned friends, was absurd. And good on the High Court for saying so. Most of all though, bravo Professor Hocking who took on major institutional powers, and won. For us of the Australian Republic Movement it is a boost. For that "little Australian" view is still extant. No less than the chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, has recently written to the Prime Minister and, in the course of giving reasons why a Victoria Cross should not be posthumously awarded to Teddy Sheean, who kept firing at the Japanese even as he went down with HMAS Armidale during the WWII bombing of Darwin, said this might damage our standing among other Commonwealth countries and "potentially with the Queen herself".
DENVER, CO  Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced an emergency declaration amid violent protests in the city, which have continued for three days. A citywide curfew will be in effect between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Hancock said.

Those who defy the curfew could be fined up to $999 or face jail time. Exemptions for the curfew include emergency personnel, people who need to travel to and from work, the media, those who are homeless and people who are seeking medical care, city officials said.

The mayor and Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen held a news conference Saturday afternoon to address the ongoing protests in the city, which have become destructive. The Colorado National Guard will be deployed in the city, Hancock said.

"What happened was reckless ... and inexcusable," Hancock said. "What does this mindless destruction achieve? Whose life are you honoring when you loot businesses in our city  businesses struggling to survive?"



Some protesters threw Molotov cocktails at city and private buildings, Hancock said. Many city buildings are covered in graffiti and some windows have been broken.

The people who brought crowbars, assault rifles, baseball bats and homemade explosives "were not thinking about George Floyd," Hancock said. He applauded the peaceful protesters and said he understands that many who attended the demonstrations were not violent and destructive.



More than 1,000 protesters lay on their stomachs for 9 minutes outside the Capitol Saturday afternoon and chanted, "I can't breathe."

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.



Protesters marched to Denver Justice Center Friday evening, and tear gas was deployed at protesters after they were seen throwing bottles and rocks at police and the Capitol. Many protesters face arson, assault, weapons and burglary charges, Pazen said.



Story continues

Later Friday night, witnesses reported seeing protesters trying to break windows at Colorado Supreme Court, and early Saturday morning, some protesters reportedly set a car on fire. At least 19 people were arrested overnight, the city said.

Many government operations and meetings in downtown Denver have been postponed after the protests became destructive Thursday night. The Regional Transportation District suspended all bus and rail service in and out of the city Friday to "ensure the safety of staff/riders," transit officials said in a public notice.

Aerial footage and reports Thursday night in Denver showed several protesters smashing the windows out of at least two vehicles parked outside the Capitol, and others spray-painted graffiti on the Capitol steps. Other photos show bullet holes in several Capitol building windows.



Denver police officers made 13 arrests Thursday for burglary, criminal mischief and assault, city officials said. Three police officers received non-life-threatening injuries and are recovering. Denver police are also trying to find the driver of a vehicle that hit a pedestrian during the protest, the city said.

Floyd was identified in a video that showed him gasping for breath while a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for almost eight minutes. In footage recorded by a bystander, Floyd pleads that he cannot breathe until he slowly stops talking and moving.

The video quickly went viral, sparking nationwide protests calling for police reform and demanding justice for Floyd.

Chauvin and three other officers involved in the fatal incident were fired Tuesday, and Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in Hennepin County Friday.

"This is by far the fastest we've ever charged a police officer," Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced at a news conference on Friday.

The Colorado legislature won't be in session Friday and Saturday due to concerns over the destruction, but the legislature is scheduled to convene Monday.

The Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center will also be closed until Monday due to demonstrations in Denver, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Friday.

Hancock and leaders with Denver Public Schools were scheduled to honor graduating seniors Friday afternoon, but the event has been canceled.

The protests Friday afternoon began peacefully  more than 1,000 people held a moment of silence for Floyd at Civic Center Park.





Participants carry placards during a protest in Denver over the death of George Floyd. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)













This article originally appeared on the Denver Patch
Calls are being made to name a currently unnamed bridge over the River Dargle after 18th century politician Henry Grattan. Located near Enniskerry, the bridge is beside the historic local politician's former home.

Leading the charge on the issue is Independent councillor Rory O'Connor who, despite being Wicklow's youngest councillor at 21, has a firm appreciation of the history of the area.

Grattan was the leader of the Irish Patriot movement that won legislative independence for Ireland in 1782. From 1782 to 1797 Grattan fought to reform the composition of the Irish Parliament and to win voting rights for Catholics in this country.

This period came to be known as 'Grattan's Parliament' and is seen as one of the early steps towards self-determination.

Grattan also led the unsuccessful campaign against Prime Minister William Pitt's Act of Union, which merged the Irish and British parliaments following the 1798 rebellion and led to political, economic and social decline until Ireland achieved independence.

'It's relatively unknown that Henry Grattan lived in Enniskerry, yet alone the impact he had on Ireland's path to independence,' Cllr O'Connor said.

'The bridge currently doesn't have a name and it's a no-brainer to build some awareness of this brilliant politician. I'd like to erect a small sign on the bridge, that would show its name, but also a bit of the history associated with Grattan. I've moved this motion and I hope my colleagues on the council support it.'
By Susana Vera MADRID (Reuters) - With air kisses and palms clasped, elderly patients in Madrid greet medics who come to check them at home during the coronavirus pandemic despite the risks involved. 'I don't know if it's right to say it but I've had little fear,' primary care nurse Ana Arenal told Reuters after she and a doctor did the rounds in a taxi with plentiful gear to protect both themselves and their patients. The people they attend are usually virus-free and require regular injections, blood pressure or other checks

By Susana Vera

MADRID (Reuters) - With air kisses and palms clasped, elderly patients in Madrid greet medics who come to check them at home during the coronavirus pandemic despite the risks involved.

"I don't know if it's right to say it but I've had little fear," primary care nurse Ana Arenal told Reuters after she and a doctor did the rounds in a taxi with plentiful gear to protect both themselves and their patients.

The people they attend are usually virus-free and require regular injections, blood pressure or other checks. The medics wear masks, visors and gloves in most cases, but have full protective equipment for some patients with symptoms.

"In order to avoid the risk to patients (from going out), we've done a lot of daily home visits. We saw a lot of gratitude in them," added Arenal alongside doctor Carlos Balsalobre Sanchez as they visited middle-class apartments often adorned with figures of Catholic saints.

"If we don't take care of ourselves, we won't be able to take care of them. That's one of the things they say a lot," said Balsalobre Sanchez, with an old-school leather doctor's bag.

But it is not all kisses and gratitude for the home care crews. Many have painful memories from the epidemic that has killed more than 27,000 Spaniards.

"Seeing in our diaries the little red dot next to a name ... that during the pandemic meant the death of our patients, has been quite hard," recalled Arenal.

Balsalobre Sanchez's most poignant moment was seeing an elderly couple embrace for the last time before the wife was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

Another nurse, Maria Jesus Santamaria, who has been doing phone check-ups and visits, recalled an elderly woman saying "goodbye" by phone and asking her to take care of her husband.

"Many people have overcome the illness, thank God, but you take that with you," Santamaria said.

But her 75-year-old patient Manuel Sanz Calderon said, after taking his injections, the nurse never shows anything but cheeriness: "She is loving, kind and I can't say more about her."

Santamaria blushes when medics like her are lauded.

"Heroes have been all of us, those who have stayed at home, us doing our job," she said.

(Aditional reporting by Guillermo Martinez and Paola Luelmo, Writing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
June 1997 - A spoof documentary about a priest who returned to the seminary were the initial jottings cobbled together by Arthur Mathews and Graham Linehan which spawned one of the highest rating comedies on British and Irish television.

It is the absurd ... the trivial incidents that make some people cry irreverent, but most people crease up laughing, which has been central to Father Ted's success.

But Arthur Mathews (37), one of the award winning co-writers who is originally from Termonfeckin, and is now busy writing the third series with Dublin man Linehan, is under no illusions as to how people should interpret the 'Craggy Island' based comedv.

'It's the surreal madness of it. Three priests were interviewed by the Radio Times recently, one said he didn't like Ballykissangel, but liked Fr. Ted. You can't take it seriously, the only realistic character is probably Mrs. Doyle,' he stated.

Arthur was an only son, reared on the Strand Road in Termonfeckin, attending the local national school, and later moving to Dublin where he attended secondary school. His sister Rita, who is banker in Dublin, still lives in the family home in Termonfeckin.

Arthur proceeded to the College of Marketing and Design, where he undertook a four-year advanced diploma in graphics, and later became a drummer with The Joshua Trio, a spoof U2 band.

His relationship with Fr. Ted co-writer Linehan was brokered through Hot Press magazine - Arthur worked in design and Graham was a journalist. The pair moved to London in 1992, and while there wrote the spoof documentary.

They sent it off to a variety of production companies, until Channel Four and London-based Hatrick Productions gave it the thumbs up and decided to make it a series. One year later, RTE snapped it up.

Mathews and Linehan were commissioned to write six episodes of the first series. Having a cast of the calibre of Ardal O'Hanlon (Fr. Dougal Maguire), Dermot Morgan {Fr. Ted Crilly), Frank Kelly (Fr. Jack Hackett) and Pauline McLynn (housekeeper Mrs. Doyle), has been special, he says.

'We were lucky with the cast, it was a good set up, and I think it's quite warm, it's not a cold show,' says Arthur.

But the antics of the supposedly holy islanders have not met with everyone's approval, least of all the clergy.

The series's lovers, however, far outweigh its despisers, as Linehan and Mathews can testify as they return to the drawing board to weave a brand new series. So what's in store for Fr. Ted fans?

Like every good writer, Arthur is reluctant to expand on the show's contents too much, but confirms that Fr. Ted becomes embroiled in a racist controversy, while a :ompetition to rescue a sick sheep gets underway in Craggy Island.

Fr. Ted's success achieved high-profile recognition when the series scooped a BAFTA award, with the writers receiving a Writers' Guild award. Arthur is philosophical about the lifespan of Fr. Ted: 'we'll take it series by series.'

Arthur says he may visit home during the summer, and might pop into Carbaire's pub for a pint. At present, it's all systems go with the new series, the external shots of which are filmed in Co. Clare, and the remainder in front of an audience in London, where Arthur spends much of his time. Shooting begins early next year.

Arthur's 'Well-Remembered Days'

April 2001

One of Termonfeckin's most famous sons, Father Ted writer Arthur Mathews has just published a new book.

Entitled Well-Remembered Days: Eoin _O'Ceallaigh's Memoir of a Twentieth-Century Catholic Life (as told to Arthur Mathews), it is a characteristically skewed take on modern Ireland.

Arthur Mathews' family home is in Thunder Hill, Termonfeckin, although he now spends much of his time in London.

It all began at Hot Press

Dec 2005

Arthur Mathews who with Graham Linehan wrote the Father Ted series, was born in County Meath and moved to Termonfeckin . at the age of nine.

He started work at Hot Press magazine as a graphic designer and while working there he formed the Joshua Trio in 1988,and they achieved a fair amount of success in Ireland. It was while working at Hot Press, that Arthur met Graham and the pair moved to London to write scripts for artists such as Mel Smyth, Griff Rhys Jones and Alexie Sayle.

Their first sitcom was Paris which featured Neil Morrissey, in his days before 'Men Behaving Badly'.

It was a great team behind 'Almost News' magazine

Feb 2010

Anybody out there remember a magazine called 'Almost News'? It was published back in the 80s with Tony Clayton-Lea as editor, Shane Harrison (BBC), Kelly Fincham (Irish Central website in the US), and Arthur Mathews, style and design boss, and later of Fr Ted fame.

I have a few copies and in one Enda Murray wrote a great piece on a band that immediately brought back memories - The Cadillacs. Terry Hines, Paul Maher, Dayo Walsh and Jimmy Kierans made up the band and they were something special. They were formed in October 1983 when they were on an AnCo course (remember AnCo!), and were deadringers for The Stray Cats. What became of The Cadillacs I wonder?

In 1994 Channel Four commissioned Father Ted, which proved to be a huge success both in Ireland and in the UK and it has been adapted for television in America.

Arthur has also written for various series including 'Brass Eye', 'Never Mind the Horrocks', 'Big Train', 'Hippies' and 'Black Books'.

Arthur was also co-writer of the very successful musical 'I Keano' which received rave reviews from the critics and is currently showing in Dublin.
(CNN) For months, Latin America watched the rest of the world suffer as the coronavirus spread. It is a spectator no longer.

"This is the new epicenter," said Dr. Marcos Espinal, director of communicable diseases at the Pan American Health Organization.

Months after emerging from a relatively obscure Chinese province, the eye of this viral storm has firmly landed in Latin America.

There are roughly 920,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 50,000 deaths across the region's 33 countries, but those numbers are fast on the rise.

As new deaths and cases fall in the United States, Europe and Asia, Latin America now stands as the world's sole region where the outbreak is unequivocally reaching new heights.

"In many ways this is no surprise," said Dr. Ana Diez Roux, dean of Drexel University's School of Public Health. "It was predictable that this was going to happen."

In conversations with eight different experts, including a former head of state, epidemiologists and top researchers on the region, there is wide agreement that faulty government response coupled with Latin America's unique economic and public health situation led to the severity of the current outbreak.

The experts were also nearly unanimous in the view that things are likely to get worse.

How we got here

Latin America recorded its first confirmed case in February, when a 61-year-old man tested positive in Sao Paulo, Brazil after returning from a trip to Italy.

For weeks afterward, things seemed to be under control. Case totals in the region crept only marginally higher. The first death wouldn't be recorded until March 7 in Argentina.

But some already suspected there would be tragedy to come.

In a March 19 op-ed for the New York Times, Miguel Lago, a Brazilian public health expert, wrote that Latin America was not prepared for the virus and that the region might eventually become worse than Europe.

"[Latin America] could become the biggest victim of Covid-19 if health authorities and governments... do not take immediate actions."

His words would prove prescient. By the middle of May, Latin America was reporting higher daily case total increases than both the United States and Europe.

Brazil would surge past Italy, the United Kingdom and Russia to record the second highest number of cases in the world.

A global shortage of tests and some countries' reluctance to mass test have also raised doubts about whether cases and deaths are being accurately counted in the region.

"[The official numbers] provide a false sense of security. The number of cases is not showing close to the magnitude of the problem," said Dr. Espinal.

Questionable government response

CNN reported on the viral outbreak in China the first week of January. By March 1, health experts around the world warned of an unstoppable pandemic.

Every Latin American government knew, or should have known, what was potentially coming, and in March, many regional leaders took actions that suggested they understood the threat.

Others did not.

"There were a few bad examples of governments that simply did not care, and presidents chose not to act," said Luis Guillermo Solis, the former President of Costa Rica.

He specifically pointed to the heads of Latin America's two largest countries, Brazil and Mexico, representing roughly half of the region's total population.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador both quickly and consistently played down the threat of the virus in March. Bolsonaro called it a "little flu." Lopez Obrador held up two amulets at a press conference and, smiling, said they would protect him.

Lopez Obrador eventually urged people to stay home and authorized the shuttering of vast sections of the economy. But his critics say unclear messaging has contributed to a Mexican public clearly skeptical of the virus' mortal threat.

Mexico has seen its highest daily increases in deaths and new cases this week. It has recorded about 85,000 confirmed cases and around 9,400 deaths, though health officials say the actual figures are significantly higher due to Mexico testing at a far lower rate than many other countries.

Bolsonaro, however, has only doubled down on his initial claims. As Brazil's outbreak grew exponentially into one of the worst in the world, with more than 465,000 cases and nearly 28,000 deaths, he has consistently attended large rallies packed with thousands of supporters.

"There has been a tension between local and state authorities who have wanted to go much further in terms of social distancing and they have been in tension with the national leadership," said Katherine Bliss, senior fellow at the CSIS Global Health Policy Center.

Bolsonaro has argued the true threat is from quarantine measures imposed by state governors across the country -- measures that have undeniably hurt Brazil's economy.

But there is near universal agreement that Brazil's outbreak would be far worse had those governors not taken action.

Quarantines don't solve everything

The lack of swift responses in Brazil and Mexico were outliers in the region.

Former Costa Rican President Solis says the majority of leaders did the right thing.

"You had to isolate, you had to prevent people coming into your country," said Solis. "By and large, I think that phase was handled correctly."

Peru, Chile and Ecuador all closed their borders to foreigners in mid-March, while swiftly imposing tough quarantine measures that amounted to national lockdowns.

But two months later, Peru has the second-most confirmed cases in Latin America, Chile has the third, and the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil experienced one of the world's worst-known localized outbreaks.

The situations in those countries deteriorated despite widespread and proactive efforts by governments to contain the virus.

To explain why this is happening, experts point to at least two likely causes: Prevention measures have been made ineffective by massive economic inequality, and a lack of investment in public health systems undermines the ability to care for the sick.

Latin America has consistently been plagued with some of the world's worst economic inequality, leading to massive amounts of workers participating in the so-called informal economy.

These are workers that do not earn a formal paycheck and must go into the streets every day to ply their wares, be it selling tacos, shining shoes or cleaning houses. They're unlikely to have much, if any, savings to fall back on and they definitely don't get sick leave.

"These people get by week-to-week during normal circumstances," said Carin Zissis of the Americas Society and Council of the Americas. "If everything is shut down, how do they feed themselves and how do they feed their families?"

About 55% of all workers in Latin America toil in the informal economy, according to the World Economic Forum, totaling nearly 140 million people.

Living hand-to-mouth and with families to feed, many of these people still go out each day across Latin America, quarantines be damned.

"It's very difficult for governments to maintain tough measures like lockdowns because these people must go out daily to earn money to survive," said Carlos Malamud, a senior analyst at Spain's Elcano Royal Institute.

Government subsidies could provide more incentive to stay home but cash-strapped countries simply don't have the means to provide the level of support that would allow people not to go out to work.

Massive income disparities in Latin America's huge metropolises have also made securing adequate housing impossible. Instead, millions crowd into poor, densely packed favelas or barrios, with large families often sharing a single room or two.

"The safety measures that one needs to take to stop the spread of the pandemic are simply absent," said Cynthia Arnson, director of the Wilson Center's Latin America Program.

In other words, many people couldn't socially distance if they tried.

Latin American countries have also for years neglected to invest more in public healthcare that, in many cases, is written into constitutions as a right guaranteed to citizens.

The Pan American Health Organization says the vast majority of countries in the region invest less than its recommended 6% of GDP into public health.

That leaves public hospitals chronically underfunded but routinely overwhelmed by those seeking care.

The situation is difficult enough during times without a pandemic. But Covid-19 has pushed some public hospitals in Ecuador, Peru and Brazil to the brink of collapse and beyond.

Without proactive investment in public health systems, "You can take care of a pandemic for a little while, but you cannot keep up a sustained process," said Solis.

Where does it go from here?

In Latin America, like everywhere else in the world, there are two overriding and at times conflicting goals as this outbreak progresses -- how to slow the virus' spread while jump-starting the economy.

Both goals might prove difficult to achieve.

The Pan American Health Organization believes the outbreak will continue at current levels for at least the next few weeks.

An influential model from the University of Washington predicts Brazil could surpass 125,000 deaths by August.

"I think we're going to see significantly more deaths than we've seen [so far]," said Diez Roux, the Drexel University dean and epidemiologist.

Strained public health systems also likely won't have the ability to track and isolate new cases on a large scale once quarantine measures ease, a strategy most health experts agree is vital to managing the outbreak over time.

"[That] is pretty much the only way we have to control it right now and for that you need very well-functioning systems," said Diez Roux.

Recovering economically could prove even more challenging.

The United Nations is predicting a region-wide GDP contraction of 5.3%, the largest such contraction since records began in 1900. Thirty million people are expected to be added to the number of poor.

With worldwide economic activity depressed, Latin American economies that are extremely reliant on global trade will not be able to turn abroad for relief.

"I am extremely worried," said Cynthia Arnson of the Wilson Center. "The economic pain is simply staggering."

The poor are already more vulnerable to the virus because of bad living conditions and the need to go to work. But the virus is likely to make the number of poor grow, living conditions worse and the need to go out and earn money even greater.

It's a brutal cycle but it represents the foreseeable future of Latin America -- the region where the virus' short- and long-term effects could be felt the most.

"Latin America is like a perfect storm," said Lago, the Brazilian public health expert who warned about this way back in that March op-ed.

Even then, it was likely too late to do much.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "The world's new Covid-19 epicenter could be the worst yet."
Photo credit: Sky

From Good Housekeeping

Watching a movie with your family is a great way to spend some precious quality time together, but we know how difficult it can be to find a movie that everyone will enjoy. Thankfully Netflixs film offering is so extensive, youre bound to find something youll all love  yes, even you, parents!

But seeing as the selection can be a tad overwhelming, weve whittled down the selection to the 10 best family movies that Netflix has to offer.

Alongside brand new Netflix originals, the streaming services library also includes some classics youll remember from your own youth, and theres nothing more special than watching these movies with your own children.

Some are live-action, while others are animated  but dont worry, these arent childish cartoons. Weve picked the best animated movies with genuinely brilliant storylines and excellent comedy, meaning theyll be loved by adults and kids alike.

So get some popcorn popping, dim the lights, and enjoy some quality time with your nearest and dearest





Matilda

Based on Roald Dahls novel of the same name, Matilda is a sweet girl with magical gifts. With the help of her teacher Miss Honey, and best friend Lavender, she can triumph over the baddies that are her awful parents and her schools terrifying headteacher, Miss Trunchbull.

The Willoughbys

This brand-new Netflix original follows four old-fashioned siblings who are neglected by their parents, and venture out into the modern world with their new nanny.

A Cinderella Story

Photo credit: Sky

This teen rom-com ticks all the boxes. A modern-day remake of the classic Disney movie Cinderella, Hilary Duff plays lovable Sam who meets her online love-interest Austin (Chad Michael Murray) at the school dance but has to run away when the clock strikes midnight so as not to anger her evil stepmother (played by the always-brilliant Jennifer Coolidge).

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Based on the memoir by William Kamkwamba, this British Netflix original movie was directed and written by its star, Chiwetel Ejiofor. Set in Malawi, a 13-year-old boy is thrown out of the school he loves when his family can no longer afford the fees. He sneaks into the library and learns how to build a windmill to save his village from a famine.

Story continues

Hook

This live-action sequel of Peter Pan is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars the legendary Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan, and Julia Roberts as pixie Tinker Bell. Peter must return to Neverland to save his lost boys from the nasty pirate Captain Hook.

The BFG

Photo credit: Sky

Another Roald Dahl remake, the BFG tells the heart-warming story of the Big Friendly Giant who befriends a young girl, Sophie. Its a tale about kindness and accepting people despite their differences.

The NeverEnding Story

This sci-fi fantasy feels just as brilliant now as it did when it was released in 1984. To escape from his dull life and bullies at school, Bastain takes refuge in an old book store, where he begins reading an old storybook and finds himself drawn into Fantasia, a mythical world.

Madagascar

Photo credit: NBC Universal - Sky

Do you like to move it, move it? Well, you will after you watch this wonderful animated movie about four animals who escape from the New York Central Zoo and seek a new life in the wild. The animals are voiced by some of Hollywoods biggest comedy names including David Schwimmer, Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen, so its no surprise that hilarity ensues.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Based on J.R.R. Tolkeins classic novel  the prequel to the iconic Lord of the Rings series  the first part (out of three) follow hobbit Bilbo Baggins (played by Martin Freeman) who is convinced by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to accompany thirteen dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. With epic animation, youll feel like you really are in Middle Earth.

Spirited Away

This classic Japanese cartoon sees 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents stumble upon an abandoned amusement park. After her mother and father are turned into giant pigs, Chihiro meets the mysterious Haku, who explains that the park is a resort for supernatural beings and that she must work there to free herself and her parents.

STREAM MOVIES ON NETFLIX NOW

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

In need of some positivity or not able to make it to the shops? Enjoy Good Housekeeping delivered directly to your door every month! Subscribe to Good Housekeeping magazine now.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

You Might Also Like
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 21:31:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ADDIS ABABA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 1,063 after 95 new cases were confirmed on Saturday, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health said on Saturday.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Health, in a situation update statement issued on Saturday, revealed that from the total of 5,034 medical tests that were conducted in the last 24 hours, 95 of them tested positive for COVID-19, eventually bringing the total number of cases to 1,063 as of Saturday afternoon.

According to figures from the ministry, 94 of the latest confirmed cases are Ethiopian nationals while the remaining one is said to be an Indian national, comprised of 71 males and 24 females and with their age ranging from 15 to 80 years old.

The ministry said that from the total of 95 new COVID-19 cases, some 30 are said to have travel history from abroad, 4 having contact with known confirmed cases, while the remaining 61 are said to have no travel history from abroad as well as without prior contact with known confirmed cases.

The ministry said that some 208 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have so far recovered from the virus, of whom some 11 of the patients recovered during the past 24-hours period.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has previously reported eight deaths due to illnesses related to the COVID-19, in which the latest COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old man who succumbed to the disease on Friday, according to the ministry.

Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation with about 107 million people, confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 13.

The Ethiopian government has instituted a wide range of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

In April, the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives, the lower house of the Ethiopian parliament, announced a five-month state of emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Enditem
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

The 16-year long association of YES Bank co-founder late Ashok Kapurs family with the new age private lender as promoters has come to a dramatic end.

On Saturday, Yes Bank intimated the stock exchanges that Madhu Kapur family (Madhu Ashok Kapur; Shagun Kapur Gogia; Gaurav Ashok Kapur; and Mags Finvest Private Limited) has informed the bank on 28 May consenting to reclassify their shareholding in the bank as non-promoter shareholders or public shareholders.

It is not immediately clear why Kapurs chose this point of time to become public shareholders. As on March 31, 2020, Madhu Kapur held 1.12 per cent in YES Bank, while Mags Finvest had 0.30 per cent, according to data on the BSE.

With Kapurs choosing to step back as YES Bank promoters, an era is over at Mumbai-headquartered Yes Bank. Yes Bank was co-founded in 2004 by Ashok Kapur and Rana Kapoor with Ashok as chairman and Rana as Managing Director and CEO.

The other partner, Harkirat Singh withdrew from the association over differences with partners soon after YES Bank started operations. Of the two, Rana Kapoor was more aggressive and dominated the partnership throughout their period of association. In 2008, after Ashok Kapur was killed in a terrorist attack in Mumbai, Rana Kapoor ran the show all along and largely decided on business matters all alone.

A strained relation, power struggle

During the 16 years of Yes Banks journey from inception until its collapse, Ashok Kapurs family has had a visibly strained relationship with Rana Kapoor. Not long after Kapurs death, the relations between the Kapoors and Kapurs turned sour and the differences became public. It suffices to say that the trust Kapur family once had on Rana Kapoor had vanished.

Matters came to a head when Rana Kapoor refused to give a board seat to Shagun Gogia in Yes Bank, the daughter of Ashok Kapur and Madhu Kapur (sister of Rana Kapoors wife, Bindu Kapoor). Since 2013, Madhu Kapur, who inherited the promoter holding from husband Ashok Kapur, has been fighting a legal battle for the joint nomination right and a board seat for her daughter, Shagun.

Kapoor was reluctant to heed their request saying that Shagun didnt have the necessary board experience. This tug of war continued for several years. Finally, in April 2019, the two promoters  the Kapurs and Kapoor  buried the hatchet and appointed Shagun on the board of Yes Bank. In March this year, Madhu Kapur sold 2.5 crores in the bank for Rs161 crore at Rs 65 apiece. Kapur couldnt have sold more than 25 percent of her holding as the RBIs three-year lock-in for investors kicked in.

The irony of the events is striking. Rana Kapoor once called his holding in the bank diamonds forever only to sell it later while Ashok Kapurs family held on until the last moment. The Kapurs sold part of their shareholding only after the ownership changed hands at the end of a dramatic rescue deal. Compared with what the shares would have fetched during the giddy periods of Yes Bank, the Kapurs were forced to sell their remaining shares at a throwaway price.

An era over

With Madhu Kapur family exiting the promoter status in YES Bank, both original co-founders, Kapoors and Kapurs are no longer part of the promoter group. Post the hurried bail-out early this year, YES Bank is now under the ownership of a clutch of banks led by State Bank of India. The banks aggressive corporate lending focus that led the bank to a near financial collapse is no longer there. YES Banks new management, under former SBI official, Prashant Kumar, is on a cautious path in every step.

The bank is gradually repairing its balance sheet and is in the process of raising capital to meet the basic reserve requirements. Rana Kapoor was arrested on 8 March, 2020 for alleged financial irregularities committed during his days in the bank. The probe is on.

Kapoors and Kapurs are now just names in YES Banks history reminiscent of a tumultuous past.
Digvijaya Singh on BJP MLA's call to break legs of Congressmen: I'll go to his house to recite Ramdhun

After Scindia 'Missing' posters of Pragya Thakur pop up in Bhopal

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Bhopal, May 30: While several "missing" posters of Bhopal Lok Sabha MP Pragya Singh Thakur popped up in different parts of Bhopal, a BJP spokesperson said broke the speculations and said that she was in hospital for cancer and eye treatment.

The "missing" posters of the BJP MP said that Pragya Thakur went missing when the city is reeling under the outbreak of coronavirus.

Several posters saying Bhopal MP Pragya Thakur is 'missing' have surfaced in #Bhopal, as the firebrand BJP leader has been apparently missing from action for quite some.

The Madhya Pradesh's capital is one of worst-hit Indian cities in the ongoing #Covid_19 outbreak pic.twitter.com/GY1Pw3YKl5  Dhairya Maheshwari (@dhairyam14) May 29, 2020

Earlier, Pragya Thakur had launched a mobile hospital service run by Sahkar Bharti in the city's Bairagarh Chichli area via video call and party functionary Umakant Dixit claimed that she was not missing but in a hospital in Delhi as she was not feeling well.

Organic masks to fight coronavirus pandemic

It is reportedly said that Thakuer was in touch with workers on phone and was helping migrants, students and the needy amid the lockdown for COVID-19 outbreak.

Meanwhile, backing the "missing" posters, Congress MLA from Bhopal South West constituency and former minister PC Sharma said people had the right to know about the BJP MP's whereabouts in these distressing times.

PM Modi writes letter to the nation on 1st anniversary of his second tenure | Oneindia News

Analyse each COVID-19 death says MP CM

Sharma also gave a political twist by claiming that senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who was defeated by Pragya Thakur in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, was in the city and helping people during the nationwide lockdown.

A media agency quoted state BJP spokesperson Rahul Kothari as saying that Thakur had clarified earlier that she would be in Delhi's AIIMS for treatment of cancer and eyes.

However, this is not the first time Bhopal is witnessing such "missing" poster in the city. Earlier, such posters were also put up for former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and his MP son Nakul Nath in Chhindwara.

Also, "missing" posters were put up for BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was earlier with the Congress.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 06:41:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Friday urged the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, immediately stop practices of hegemonism and power politics, and mind their own business, rather than provoking tensions and making troubles everywhere.

Zhang refuted the fallacy on Hong Kong made by the United States, Britain, and some other countries, saying China opposes and completely rejects the baseless remarks made by the United States and Britain.

"The United States and the United Kingdom, for their own political purposes, have been making unwarranted comments, interfering and obstructing, and attempted to push for an open video conference in the UN Security Council. China expressed strong opposition, and the vast majority of the Council members did not support the U.S. proposal, believing that the Hong Kong-related issues were China's internal affairs and had nothing to do with the mandates of the Security Council. The Security Council rejected the unreasonable request of the U.S., and its attempt failed," said a press release issued by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations.

"Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference. National security legislation for Hong Kong does not constitute any threat to international peace and security. The Council must not get involved in any way," Zhang said.

The third session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's national legislature, on Thursday adopted the Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to Safeguard National Security.

In face of strong opposition from China and Security Council members, the United States and Britain could only mention Hong Kong under "any other business" in the informal consultations of the council. This move was strongly countered by China and generally opposed by council members. They urged the United States and Britain to stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and making groundless accusations against China. There was no consensus, no formal discussion in the Security Council, and the U.S. and Britain's move came to nothing, said the press release.

The Chinese ambassador pointed out that since June last year, serious organized acts of violence and separatist activities took place in Hong Kong, which have got the support from some foreign forces and posed a real threat to China's national security. It is necessary and fully justified for the National People's Congress of China to establish and improve legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for Hong Kong to safeguard national security.

Such legislation does not affect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy or the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. Instead, it is conducive to the implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, he added.

Zhang emphasized that the legal basis for the Chinese government's administration of Hong Kong is the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

"After Hong Kong's return to China, the UK has no right of sovereignty, jurisdiction or supervision over Hong Kong, still less is the U.S. entitled to comment on Hong Kong with the excuse of the Sino-British Joint Declaration," he said.

The United States and Britain, out of hidden political agenda, have blatantly interfered in Hong Kong affairs, emboldened rioters, and threatened and intimidated the HKSAR government. "They bear unshirkable responsibilities for the serious violence in Hong Kong. The gross interference by the U.S. and the UK is an important reason of China's decision on national security legislation for Hong Kong," he said.

Zhang pointed out that the United States abuses force, imposes unilateral sanctions, and seeks regime change all over the world. A more unilateral United States has withdrawn from international instruments, including the Paris Agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the Treaty on Open Skies.

"That is the real source of trouble in the world and a real threat to international peace and security, which merits the council's attention," he noted.

Whatever the United States and Britain may say, the Chinese government is firm in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement the policy of "one country, two systems," and oppose external interference in Hong Kong affairs. Any attempt to use Hong Kong to interfere in China's internal matters is doomed to fail, said the ambassador. Enditem
KEARNEY  For Gayle Miller, the best tools for spreading joy are helping hands.

By donating handcrafted toys to children in need, the 84-year-old continues to inspire others within his church group, The Carpenters Friends.

The woodworker began building toys after moving to Kearney five years ago.

I started donating to the local orphanages and childrens facilities and other organizations would pick me up for families and people in distress, Miller said. I had to have some help, so I contacted my church, and we set it up. I set up the toys here, and then I take them down to the church, and they help me put them together.

Most of the toys have wheels and a string attached for small children to pull around. They vary from colorful dogs and elephants to blocky trucks and tractors. He donates his creations to organizations such as the local health care clinics, Compass, the Kearney Jubilee Center and the S.A.F.E. Center.
The Police in Delta on Saturday confirmed the kidnapping of four persons in Boji-Boji Owa community, Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba that the victims were reportedly abducted by gunmen.

The police got a report late on May 29, that gunmen abducted four persons yesterday in Boji-Boji Owa.

The case was reported late but, however, this morning our officers have mobilised and are on the trail of the kidnappers.

We are doing everything possible to rescue the victims, Mr Onovwakpoyeya, a deputy superintendent of police, said.

NAN, however, gathered from community sources that the kidnappers were suspected invaders.

A source in Boji-Boji Owa, who gave his name as Benjamin Okwudi, told NAN on Saturday that cases of incessant abductions had been rampant on the Benin-Asaba expressway.

READ ALSO:

Over the last three years, we have been at the mercy of kidnappers. These criminals parading as herdsmen have been terrorising our community.

This latest incident is just one of the many cases of kidnapping we have been experiencing on the expressway.

This yesterday, we gathered that the suspects ambushed their victims who went to inspect a parcel of land along the expressway.

The kidnappers reportedly shot sporadically and forced their captives into the bush at gunpoint, Mr Okwudi said.

(NAN)
Environmental groups are calling for a moratorium on new logging in 10 key koala habitat zones on the NSW North Coast identified by the NSW government as deserving increased protection for the marsupial.

Details of the 10 so-called focus areas were developed in an analysis of a potential Great Koala National Park by the Department of Planning Industry and the Environment, and revealed following a freedom of information request by the Bellingen Environment Centre.

Sheila Bailey tends to an injured koala at The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital last November. The NSW government's own analysis has identified 10 areas in the region that could be part of Great Koala National Park - although several of them were partly burnt during the past season's bushfires. Credit:Getty Images

The assessment was ordered by Matt Kean, the energy and environment minister, following a two-day tour of the region in May 2019 soon after he took over the portfolio. The department initially refused to release its findings.

All up, the zones would see the transfer of just under 55,000 hectares of state forests to the national park estate, with almost two-thirds of that land currently earmarked for logging.
Bentonville, Arkansas, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Americas Car-Mart, Inc. (CRMT) is excited to announce the relocation of its corporate office in Bentonville to a larger facility in Rogers, AR to accommodate continued business growth. The new office is located at 1805 N. 2nd Street in the Benchmark Group Building.

This move represents a significant milestone in the growth and evolution of our company, said Jeff Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer. Were growing and we need a bigger space to accommodate our associates, and to foster a more productive work environment.



For the first time in a long time, we will have all of our corporate associates in the same facility, Williams added. This move will allow us to be more efficient and better serve our dealerships and our growing customer base. The new location features improved workspaces that will help to facilitate internal and external collaboration and communication. Were excited to join the Benchmark Group in their beautiful building and to be a part of downtown Rogers.



David P. Kimball, P.E., President of Benchmark Group, commented, On behalf of the entire Benchmark Group team, we would like to welcome each one of the Car-Mart associates to our facility and downtown Rogers. We are honored to share our location with a company that was also founded in Rogers and shares a lot of the same values as our founder, Paul C. Parks, P.E., instilled at Benchmark Group.



We are excited to see Car-Mart relocate to Rogers into such a wonderful building in downtown Rogers. Any day that jobs are coming to our city is a day to celebrate. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Car-Mart to their new home in Rogers and we look forward to working with them to continue their growth and expansion within our community, said Raymond Burns, President/CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.



About America's Car-Mart



Americas Car-Mart operates automotive dealerships in twelve states and is one of the largest publicly-held automotive retailers in the United States focused exclusively on the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance segment of the used car market. The Company emphasizes superior customer service and the building of strong personal relationships with its customers. The Company operates its dealerships primarily in smaller cities throughout the South-Central United States selling quality used vehicles and providing financing for substantially all of its customers. For more information about Americas Car-Mart, including investor presentations, please visit our website at www.car-mart.com .



Story continues

Car-Mart was named to the Forbes 2019 Americas Best Mid-Size Employers list for two consecutive years and has sold nearly 690,000 vehicles since fiscal year 2000.







Jeff Williams, CEO at (479) 464-9944 or Vickie Judy, CFO at (479) 418-8081
China has become used to public confessions on television. But this time the words came from one of the nations top officials and had seismic global implications.

At first, we assumed the seafood market might have the virus, but now the market is more like a victim, said Gao Fu, director of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

This was a stunning admission. For the same scientist had unequivocally pointed the finger of blame at Wuhans market where wild animals were sold when his country eventually told the world about a deadly new virus in the city.

The market was shut and cleaned up like a crime scene, in the words of another expert, as global attention focused on the ghastly trade in wild animals.

Gaos initial analysis had made sense after previous outbreaks of zoonotic viruses (diseases that jump from animals to humans). Yet suspicion grew over the Chinese governments failure to share data from animals sampled in the market following its early cover-ups.

Now Gao has admitted no viruses were detected in animal samples and they were found only in environmental samples, including sewage

Now Gao has admitted no viruses were detected in animal samples. He said they were found only in environmental samples, including sewage  before adding an intriguing aside that the novel coronavirus had existed long before.

No-one should doubt the significance of the statement since Gao is not just Chinas top epidemiologist but also a member of the countrys top political advisory body.

Curiously, his revelation followed a television interview with Wang Yanyi, director of Wuhan Institute of Virology, in which she insisted that claims about the disease having leaked from her top-security unit were pure fabrication.

Gaos sudden reversal came after a series of studies cast doubt on his original claim.

A landmark Lancet paper found only 27 of the first 41 confirmed cases were exposed to the market  and only one of the four initial cases in the first two weeks of December.

Gao said in another interview, this is the seventh coronavirus to infect humans, yet none of its predecessors acted like this strange one

Two weeks ago, The Mail on Sunday revealed another key academic paper by three America-based biologists that said all available data suggested the disease was taken into the market by someone already infected. So what does this all mean?

Sadly, the amount of massive research findings seems to be deepening rather than dispersing confusion over coronavirus, which is much more unpredictable than a simple respiratory virus in the way it attacks the body.

As Gao said in another interview, this is the seventh coronavirus to infect humans, yet none of its predecessors acted like this strange one.

The behaviour of this virus isnt like a coronavirus, he said.

With regard to those three American biologists, they were surprised to find the virus already pre-adapted to human transmission, contrasting its previously known stability with a coronavirus that evolved quickly during the global Sars epidemic between 2002 and 2004. Last week, I revealed that Australian scientists had similarly found Sars-CoV-2  the new strain of coronavirus that causes disease  is uniquely adapted to infect humans.

Genetic stability makes it easier to find vaccines. But Nikolai Petrovsky, the vaccine researcher who headed the Australian team, said the virus was not typical of a normal zoonotic infection since it suddenly appeared with exceptional ability to enter humans from day one. He also highlighted the furin cleavage site, which allows the spike protein to bind efficiently to cells in several human tissues, increasing infectivity, and does not exist in the most similar coronaviruses.

Some experts say this might have evolved through mutation during unrecognised transmission in humans after crossing from an animal. Certainly it would help to find any intermediate host such as civets that amplified the Sars virus from bats.

Matters are complicated by Donald Trumps finger-pointing at Beijing and the fact that a proven lab leak would be catastrophic for Chinas President Xi Jinping

A paper by Professor Yong-Zhen Zhang, a prominent Chinese expert, said this was arguably the most important difference between the new virus and its closest known relative, a virus called RaTG13 derived from a bat by Wuhan scientists.

Prof Zhang also noted the viruses closest to the new one were sampled from bats in Yunnan, 1,000 miles from Wuhan. Although 96 per cent genetically similar, in reality this likely represents more than 20 years of sequence evolution.

Last week, virology institute director Wang said scientists at her laboratory had isolated and obtained coronaviruses from bats but insisted they had only three strains of live viruses.

Her claim was dismissed as demonstrably false by biosecurity expert Richard Ebright, professor of chemical biology at Rutgers University, New Jersey, who said the institute had published analyses of many more than three strains of live bat coronavirus.

Few doubt this freak virus came in lethal guise from an animal.

Nature created this virus and has proven once again to be the most effective bio-terrorist, said Francis Collins, director of the US National Institutes of Health.

Yet this widely respected geneticist, appointed by Barack Obama, added significantly: Whether [the coronavirus] could have been in some way isolated and studied in this laboratory in Wuhan, we have no way of knowing.

Here lies the key point. It is foolish at this stage to rule out the possibility, however remote, that this pandemic might be the consequence of a Chinese laboratory leak.

As Professor Petrovsky said, scientists anywhere working with microscopic viruses can make mistakes and there are many examples to prove this point.

Above all, it is crucial to find the origins. If this pandemic is a natural event, it can erupt again from a similar source  and next time with even more explosive impact.

An example is ebola, another zoonotic disease (from fruit bats) that first appeared in 1976. All data indicated outbreaks led to fewer than 300 fatalities  until a subsequent outbreak in West Africa in 2014 led to 11,310 deaths.

Matters are complicated by Donald Trumps finger-pointing at Beijing and the fact that a proven lab leak would be catastrophic for Chinas President Xi Jinping as he tries to exploit the pandemic to push his dictatorial creed and nations global leadership.

Perhaps the best argument against the idea of the virus being lab-made came from Susan Weiss, professor of microbiology at Perelman School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.

There is no way anyone could design a virus that is this diabolical, she said succinctly.
Measure affecting about 2.3 million people in need guarantees income of maximum $1,126 per family, government says.

Spains government has introduced a basic monthly income for struggling families amid the growing hardship caused by the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

The move announced on Friday was part of last years coalition agreement between socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Pablo Iglesias, the head of the left-wing alliance Unidas Podemos (UP).

Iglesias said the crisis unleashed by the epidemic had forced the government to speed up its implementation of the measure.

Today is a historic day for our democracy, when a new social structure is created, Iglesias said.

The measure, which is expected to cost an annual three billion euros ($3.3bn), is aimed at ending extreme poverty, which affects about 600,000 homes and 1.6 million people.

It will guarantee an income of 462 euros ($512) a month for an adult living alone, while for families, there would be an additional 139 euros ($154) per person, whether adult or child, up to a monthly maximum of 1,015 euros ($1,126) for every home.

The funds will be allocated in line with other income, so anyone with a low-paid job would have their salary topped up to meet the threshold outlined on Friday.

The ministry for inclusion and social security said it would mean that every home would have a guaranteed average annual income of 10,070 euros ($11,180).

The government said the measure was expected to benefit about 850,000 homes, affecting a total of 2.3 million people  30 percent of whom are minors.

About 100,000 families would begin receiving the money on June 1, it said.

Rise in poverty

The coronavirus lockdown that started in mid-March has left hundreds of thousands of people jobless, triggering a rapid rise in poverty that has outstripped the 2008 global financial crisis.

Many families, particularly in Madrid, have for the first time found themselves forced to stand in line for food handouts at local churches and neighbourhood organisations.

Spains gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to contract by 9.2 percent this year due to the pandemic, while the unemployment rate is forecast to rise from 13.8 percent at the end of 2019 to 19 percent.
According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was wounded on May 29.

Russia's hybrid military forces on May 29 mounted 13 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action.

"The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire 13 times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 30. "As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in enemy shelling."

Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.

Read alsoTCG to discuss lists for prisoner swap at next Minsk talks  Ukraine President's Office

Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka, and the villages of Bohdanivka, Nevelske, Berezove, Novotroyitske, Lebedynske, Starohnativka, Luhanske, Hladosove, Novhorodske, and Krymske.

The Joint Forces returned fire in response to each enemy attack. According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was wounded on May 29.

In addition, the enemy shelled disengagement site No. 2 Zolote in the evening, using tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns.

"Since Saturday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near Avdiyivka, using grenade launchers of various types and heavy machine guns," the update said.

There have been no Ukrainian army casualties since Saturday midnight.
The Cypriot government announced that it will cover the vacation costs of tourists who have been infected by the new coronavirus during their holiday stay in the country.

Government officials committed to pay for the expenses, which includes food, drink, medication, and accommodation, of travelers who tested positive for the new coronavirus after they entered the country. It noted that travelers will only pay for airport transfer and return flight bills.

According to CNBC, the government announced that foreign travelers who contracted the virus will be admitted to an exclusive Covid-19 hospital for tourists with 100 beds and additional beds will be provided if necessary.

For travelers showing serious Covid-19 symptoms, the government targets in providing 112 additional intensive care units, including 200 respirators.

For persons identified to have close contact with Covid-19 positive patients, 500 rooms in quarantine intended hotels will be provided, with additional rooms to be made available if needed.

On Tuesday, the Cypriot government said that the actions taken by the government will not only ensure that foreign travelers are appropriately taken care of, but this will also give peace of mind to others who plan to travel to Cyprus that their accommodation is Covid-19 free.

It also stated that hotel rooms used by Covid-19 positive patients will undergo deep disinfection and cleaning before being used again.

Read also: City in China Wants to Use a Smartphone App to Monitor the Health of Citizens

According to the data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, Cyprus has 939 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 17 recorded deaths caused by the virus.

NPR also reported that on May 4, Cyprus started to ease the lockdown and expects the virus' full containment by May 31, with hospitality businesses are scheduled to open on June 1 and international air travels will reopen on the 9th of June.

Initially, within 72 hours before traveling to Cyprus all travelers are required to take the new coronavirus test within their country of origin.

Travel restrictions for some countries are planned to be lifted by the government by June 20, with the provided list on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Ministry of Tourism websites, which are updated weekly.

Countries that are assessed as low risk includes Greece, Germany, Finland, Norway, and Denmark.

As stated by the government people from the second higher risk countries on its list, which includes Poland and Switzerland, are required to take the coronavirus test before visiting Cyprus starting June 20.

According to the government collected data, last year, about four million tourists have traveled to Cyprus, which brought revenues of 2.7 billion euros. Tourism accounts for about 13% of its economy.

As stated by the government, Cyprus has higher intensive care unit beds per 100,000 people ratio than the recorded average of the EU. It declared to have had one of the Covid-19 cases lowest ratios per capita in Europe and to have successfully tested more than 10% of its population.

In a report by BBC in the government letter, hygiene rules and social distancing for both Cypriot businesses and travelers were emphasized, which includes a maximum of 10 individuals in a group in bars, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and nightclubs.

Related article: Coronavirus Medical Equipment Seen in Mediterranean Sea, Improper Waste Disposal Threatens Environment

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
We are thankful to Academics' Choice for the significant role they play in helping educators choose the best and most innovative technology and educational resources for their schools.

Academics' Choice today congratulates all winners of the Spring 2020 Academics' Choice Awards, a prestigious seal of educational quality, reserved only for the best mind-building media and toys. The spring winners include brain-boosting products from ExploreLearning, Pixton Comics, Wurrlyedu, Shmoop University, Learning Ally, Lenovo, Curriculum Associates, Erik X. Raj, LLC, Press4kids, Hoot Reading, Vooks, and more! The full list of winners is posted online at http://www.academicschoice.com/2020.

The Academics' Choice Advisory Board consists of leading thinkers and graduates from Princeton, Harvard, George Washington University, and other reputable educational institutions. Product-appropriate volunteer reviewers, combined with the brainpower of the Board, determine the coveted winners. Entries are judged by category (i.e. mobile app, toy, book, website, magazine, etc.), subject area, and grade level, and evaluated based on standardized criteria rooted in constructivist learning theory.

"LanSchool's mission to empower educators as they inspire better student outcomes has never been stronger, and our team is honored to receive a Smart Media award this year. We are thankful to Academics' Choice for the significant role they play in helping educators choose the best and most innovative technology and educational resources for their schools." - Coby Gurr, General Manager at Lenovo Software

"Two years ago we decided to rewrite our already successful comic app because we knew we could make it even better. This award helps to confirm that we achieved that goal. Not only is Pixton EDU the easiest to use and most graphically beautiful writing tool in the edtech market but it adds real value in the classroom. Learning is enhanced when lessons are personalized and students can see themselves in the material. Teaching is made easier when the medium is fun and relatable. We are honoured with this award and will continue to strive towards making the classroom experience a fun and engaging one." - Clive Goodinson, CEO, Pixton Comics

Many of the products that are evaluated by the Academics' Choice Awards team are donated to a variety of worthy charities including the Kids In Need Foundation and the Toys for Tots Foundation.

About Academics' Choice:

Academics' Choice helps consumers find exceptional brain-boosting material. Academics' Choice is the only international awards program designed to bring increased recognition to publishers, manufacturers, independent authors and developers that aim to stimulate cognitive development. A volunteer panel of product-appropriate judges, including parents, educators, scientists, artists, doctors, nurses, librarians, students and children, evaluate submissions based on educational benefits such as higher-order thinking skills, character building, creative play, durability and originality. Only the genuine "mind-builders" are recognized with the coveted Academics' Choice Awards.
Each day at 6:13 p.m., Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff discuss the latest developments in the COVID-19 situation. Today's briefing will stream above, or check back with ExpressNews.com for our followup story with any need-to-know updates.

Coronavirus update: After 11:59 tonight, residents in San Antonio and Bexar County will no longer be under a stay-at-home order.
Residents took to the streets in huge numbers across Connecticut and the nation Saturday in response to the death of George Floyd earlier this week in Minneapolis, with the state seeing apparently peaceful gatherings, including one that shut down a major highway for several hours.

More than 100 people gathered near the Town Hall in Stratford, with hundreds gathering in Middletown, hundreds in Bridgeport and thousands in Hartford.

The protests each featured their own signs, many of which read black lives matter, I cant breathe and no justice, no peace.

Nationwide protests were sparked by Floyds death Monday after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes while he was face down and saying he could not breathe.

More than 2,000 protesters flooded Bushnell Park in Hartford around noon and marched through the streets, according to the Hartford Courant. Police said there were no arrests.

In Bridgeport, the protest started downtown near McLevy Green around noon.

Protesters in Bridgeport spoke to officials, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who said the group was fighting for justice.

A new generation helps lead America in demanding accountability, Blumenthal said on Twitter, sharing an image from the protest. Ill work for a Department of Justice investigation and Senate Judiciary hearings. Thanks to young activists in Bridgeport and others around Connecticut, calling for accountability and justice. Your voices are so powerful.

From there, the protesters marched to the citys police headquarters at 300 Congress St.

Eventually, around 3:30 p.m., the protest started to spill out onto the nearby Route 8, with what looked to be more than 100 people spread across the northbound and southbound lanes of travel for several hours as local and state police blocked off the highway and rerouted traffic that was stuck on the highway.

The highways north and south lanes were shut down between exits 2 and 4 in each direction.

Your voice will be heard, state police said in regards to the protesters during an announcement of the highway closure on Twitter.

Bridgeport resident William Marshall  who posted a public video on social media showing him driving on Route 8 through Bridgeport when the protesters caused state police to shut down the highway  said he understood what brought them out.

The people are angry, I get it, Marshall said. Its dangerous what theyre doing, but its real.

As Marshall continued to film, a state trooper approached his vehicle and asked if he was OK, then asked him to stay in his vehicle and put it in park to be safe.

Bridgeport is no stranger to protests, having had its fair share following the May 9, 2017, fatal officer-involved shooting of 15-year-old Jayson Negron by Officer James Boulay.

Brian Foley, spokesman for the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said the demonstration on Route 8 in Bridgeport was peaceful.

Around 7:30 p.m., after having traffic shut down on the highway for more than three hours and with state police giving three separate requests for protesters to clear the roadway or be arrested, two individuals agree to be peacefully and respectfully charged, Foley said.

He said their charges against the protesters would likely be disorderly conduct; he said theyll likely each be released on a promise to appear. By 7:40 p.m., the highway reopened to traffic through Bridgeport. State police said there were no injuries or damage to property.

On Friday, Bridgeport Police Chief Armando Perez told Hearst Connecticut Media he had been watching the scene in Minneapolis  calling Floyds death a tragedy  to ensure the city was prepared for protests.

Theres a nice, peaceful protest, Perez said around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, adding that there were officers assigned to the protest to ensure the safety of the group and the public.

While protesters were in front of police headquarters on Congress Street, they became agitated and knocked down the barriers to the site and gained acess by force to the exterior doors of the police station, said Scott Appleby, the citys director of emergency communications and emergency management.

Officers did not engage protesters and returned to the building prior to the breach, Appleby said.

He said the protesters were asked to go back outside but refused the order.

Protesters forcefully moved further into the facility when BPD deployed pepper spray to deter breach into headquarters, Appleby said. The use of this tactic was announced twice with the request for protesters to exit before being disseminated. There were no serious injuries caused by the spray and the individuals left the facility to return to the demonstration outside.

Later Saturday night, Perez described the protest in the city as peaceful overall.

Theres a lot of anger out there. We ourselves are very upset, Perez said of his department. We would have marched with them if we had the opportunity  Bridgeport PD is not the enemy. We dont like what happened (to George Floyd). Were appalled.

Representatives for the Mayor Joe Ganims office did not respond to requests for a statement throughout the day Saturday.

More than 750 protesters gathered at the corner of Rapallo Avenue and Main Street in Middletown Saturday night in a peaceful protest where Police Chief William McKenna said he and his department were sickened by Floyds death.

It should not have occured, McKenna said. We dont get trained like that. We will never do that in Middletown.

In Stratford, protesters gathered peacefully near Town Hall around 1 p.m.

Lauren Wright, Ashley Bowers, Sarah Kotsay and Jayla Frederick, a group of friends who attend Stratford High School, said they organized the Stratford protest to show solidarity for those who live in areas impacted by police violence.

Although weve been lucky enough that our community has not been directly affected by these recent events, its important for us to acknowledge and stand by those who are being directly affected, Bowers said, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.s Letter from Birmingham Jail: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Kotsay told those gathered that silence is not an option. We must give our voices to speak for those who cannot anymore.

Throughout the protest Stratford cops directed traffic in the area, but there were no confrontations, with the protests organizers urging the crowd to be peaceful.

In a prepared statement released Friday, Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick called Floyds death a senseless murder and said she was shocked and horrified.
Representative Image

The official GDP data released on May 29 confirm a double whammy for the Indian economy.

The first is a sharp slowdown in economic growth in the January-March quarter to 3.1 percent (lowest in 44 quarters) and for the full year to 4.2 percent (lowest growth in 11 years). Growth was 6.1 percent in 2018-19.

The second bit of bad news is that the fiscal deficit, or the difference between total income and total expenditure of government, ballooned by a huge margin to 4.6 percent in fiscal year 2020 compared with the revised budget estimate of 3.8 percent.

What do these numbers tell us?

Indias growth scene was severely impacted even before Covid-19. In March, only the last week of the month was impacted by the lockdown (the nationwide lockdown began on March 25).

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

Two key drivers of growth, private consumption and investment activity, have slowed down considerably even before the COVID-19 onslaught. What supported the growth story was growth in agriculture sector and continuing government spending.

Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here

The other way of saying this is that growth is set to take a much bigger hit in the new fiscal year (2020-21). That is almost certain now. According to estimates by private economists, the growth will contract for the first quarter (as complete nationwide lockdown impacts production) and for the full year, the growth estimates (the RBI is yet to give its official estimate) shows a sharp contraction of 5-6 percent. The growth in eight core sectors contracted by 38 percent in April, giving us the first indication of the impact in the Q1 economic activity.

What are the yearly numbers?

The growth in manufacturing sector and construction, two key segments from an employment perspective, were at zero and 1.3 percent in FY20 compared with a growth of 5.7 percent and 6.1 percent respectively in the previous year. Similarly, electricity growth slowed to 4.1 percent from 8.2 percent last year while agriculture showed better growth at 4 percent from 2.4 percent earlier.

In Q4, manufacturing contracted by 1.4 percent as against 0.8 percent contraction in the preceding quarter while construction contracted at 2.2 percent against zero growth in Q3. The positives were agriculture, mining and electricity which grew by 5.9 percent (3.6 percent growth in Q3), 5.2 percent (2.2 percent in Q3) and 4.5 percent (a contraction of 0.7 percent in Q3) respectively. These are the segments that helped the Q3 numbers look better. The forecasts for the quarter were ranging in between 1.2 percent to 3.6 percent.

How was the investment scenario performance?

That is even the bigger disappointment. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), which is an indicator that shows investment activity on the ground, contracted by 2.8 percent in FY 2020 as against a growth of 9.8 percent in the previous fiscal year. As a percentage of GDP, GFCF fell to 29.8 percent in FY20 compared with 31.9 percent in the previous year.

What are the consumption trends?

It is the government consumption that has been supporting the growth story. In FY20, the private consumption growth slowed to 5.3 percent from 7.2 percent in the year before, while government consumption grew at a better 11.8 percent compared with 10.1 percent in FY19.

In short, the important thing not to miss here is that till Q4 what we are looking at is merely the partial impact of the coronavirus pandemic (in the last one week) and a significantly overshot fiscal deficit figure last year. The economy was already struggling and this could worsen further on account of the pandemic uncertainty.

Even the most pessimistic growth projections for FY21 could prove to be an underestimate if the lockdown prolongs causing further delay in normal economic activities.

Government consumption cannot be the sole supporting factor going ahead. It is essential to bring back private sector on board. It is highly critical that the government first acknowledge the poor growth scenario even in the pre-COVID-19 period and admit the policy shortcomings. The economic activities have to be opened up without delay. The direct fall out of slowing growth is the rise in unemployment and banking sector distress.

In view of the official growth numbers, it is even more critical now for the government to work on real demand boosting measures. There is no other way for this except putting cash in the hands of rural folks to spend. Merely pushing loans to already indebted small companies without creating space for demand generation will be counter-productive.

COVID-19 is a big jolt on the country. But an economy of 1.3 billion people cannot let the pandemic cast a shadow over its ambitions. The onus is on the government to act.

(Data contributed by Kishor Kadam)
In a major breakthrough, Amritsar police, on Saturday, arrested the key accused in cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons. The accused Ajay Pal is the kingpin in the drone module case. Talking to Republic Media Network SHO Gharinda, Amritsar Amandeep Singh said, We have been searching for Ajay since an FIR was registered in January. We had conducted many raids to catch him. After investigating other accused who were arrested earlier in the same case, we collected sufficient information about Ajaypal's hideouts. Today we have got a tip-off about Ajay that he is hiding in a nearby village where we arrested him during a raid.

READ | PM Modi Pens Letter To The Nation On First Anniversary Of His 2nd Term; Read FULL Message

According to Aman, Ajay has been arrested in registered case FIR no. 02 dated 07January 2020 u/s 411,414 IPC,21-23-61-85 NDPS Act, 25-54-59 Arms Act registered at Police Station Gharinda. Ajaypal Singh resident of Modhe PS Gharinda, Amritsar. He was absconding since the registration of the case and persistent efforts by Amritsar Rural Police led to him being nabbed.

A total of ten accused have been arrested so far in connection with the Drone Module. The module members have disclosed that they were involved in cross-border smuggling, including drugs and weapons over drones over the past few months. Certain Pakistan-based drug smugglers who were sending drugs and weapons from across the border in Pakistan have also figured in the investigation. The arrest of absconding Ajaypal Singh is likely to lead to further disclosures, said Amandeep, SHO Gharaunda.

READ | Agatha Sangma Writes To PM Modi Seeking Help For Flood Affected People Of West Garo Hills

After Ajay's arrest police have recovered two Heavy-duty Drones with Remotes, two Wireless sets, Indian currency Rs 6,24,000 Drug money, and one Hyundai I-20 car. Ajaypal Singh was arrested in the Chheharta area and he was being helped by one Dilbagh Singh@Bagha resident of Khasa, Gharinda who was providing him shelter. A separate case of criminal harbouring him has been registered against Dilbagh Singh @ Bagha and the investigation is underway. Soon we will get more information about cross-border smuggling modules. The accused lived in Chandigarh, Amritsar, and several other places.

READ | Maharashtra Govt Announces Insurance Cover Worth Rs 50 Lakhs For Covid Warriors

We earlier picked up several members of the gang and their accomplices which led to Ajay Pal's arrest now, he added.

READ | PM Modi Hails India's Resilience In Covid War; 'will Set Example For Economic Revival'
Nor is it clear whether non-security ties have been totally cut, but there is no doubt they have been scaled back. On Wednesday, people who had been waiting for the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday to file their travel applications found themselves caught up in the standoff. Outside the Palestinian civil affairs office, many complained that making it harder for them to see doctors or visit family was not a welcome change.
The Lehigh Valley is expected this coming Friday to enter Pennsylvanias yellow phase of initially reopening its economy in the age of the coronavirus.

For bars and restaurants, that will mean the return of outdoor dining, in addition to carryout and delivery. Communities like Easton are already planning on how to accommodate expanded outdoor seating and ensure proprietors comply with local and state regulations.

But even now, since May 21, many establishments suffering as their revenue dried up have already turned to a new tool to help keep them afloat: cocktails-to-go.

For businesses, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has laid out point-by-point regulations of how to legally take advantage of the temporary cocktails-to-go permission.

The list begins with a definition of prepared beverages and mixed drinks. Theyre not beer or wine, for starters, though beer and wine sales have continued throughout the COVID-19 shutdown.

"A 'prepared beverage and mixed drink' is defined as a sealed container holding between 4 and 64 fluid ounces of spirits (liquor) and mixer that have been combined at the licensed premises," the PLCB says.

Consumers looking to steer clear of trouble need to be aware of municipal open-container laws, as well as state law on transportation of cocktails-to-go in vehicles.

"In order to sell cocktails to go, licensed liquor establishments are required to prominently post a warning sign indicating that the mixed drinks are considered open containers of alcohol under the PA Vehicle Code and may only be transported by the driver in the vehicles trunk or in some other area that is not occupied by the driver or passengers," Pennsylvania State Police spokesman Ryan Tarkowski said.

"Section 3809 of the PA Vehicle Code prohibits a vehicle operator or occupant in a motor vehicle to be in possession of an open alcoholic beverage or to consume an alcoholic beverage while the vehicle is on a highway in the commonwealth," he continued.

In the Lehigh Valleys cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as in other communities, open-container laws on the books generally prohibit drinking in public.

Obviously, our officers will use discretion, but the open container ordinance is still in effect, Allentown spokesman Mike Moore said.

Cocktails-to-go are not an excuse to congregate outside bars, said Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.

"It's alcohol-to-go, not alcohol-to-stay-and-drink," he said.

Panto on Friday talked to lehighvalleylive.com about plans to accommodate the yellow phase permissions and restrictions expected to take effect June 5 in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

"We're only in yellow," he said of the transition from the current red phase. "We're not, the city's not, going to allow people once we get into yellow to violate the law or the regulations or the policy or whatever you want to say."

To help expand outdoor seating at restaurants, the city is willing to purchase and install atop parking spaces 2,500-pound concrete Jersey barriers, similar to those used as highway dividers, Panto said.

And to help businesses understand what they can do and whats expected of them, the city is hosting Zoom conference calls for bar and restaurant owners at 10 a.m. Monday. Its also open to owners of retail shops, where in-person shopping can also begin under yellow.

Participation is limited, and business owners looking to take part are asked to email Panto at spanto@easton-pa.gov for more information.

The conference session will go over the draft of the "City of Easton Business Recovery Plan" slated to go into effect on Friday.

Panto said he isn't trying to tell owners how to run their businesses, and he understands curbside pickup isn't cutting it.

"It was more out of concern for them than anything else," he said of the new regulations being drafted. Easton bars and restaurants that fail to comply with regulations risk losing their state liquor license or their city outdoor dining permit, Panto noted.

Gatherings of more than 25 people will be prohibited under yellow. Communities in Pennsylvania that reach the green phase can have gatherings of up to 250 people.

Also in green counties, the Liquor Control Board on Friday laid out guidelines for that will mean for bars and restaurants, including allowing indoor seating of up to 50% of capacity or 12 people per 1,000 square feet.

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

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
During any other summer, weekend schedules would be packed with opportunities to attend as many festivals, performances and events as possible.

But with the current coronavirus pandemic and the emphasis on social distancing, even as the state transitions into the yellow phase, its become nearly impossible to safely hold many of the Lehigh Valleys beloved annual events.

Heres a list of all the festivals and events that have been canceled, postponed or modified.

Blueberry Festival: While the Blueberry Festival will not be an in-person event necessarily, it is finding a way to go on. Now referred to as the Blueberry Festival To Go Market, the July 18 to July 26 festival is adapting to the current pandemic while still celebrating and selling blueberries and all their uses. More information about the new market can be found on its website.

Das Awkscht Fescht: The antique and classic car show, which was scheduled for the July 31-Aug. 2 weekend, announced on its website that the 2020 festival would be canceled in the interest of safety for attendees, participants, vendors and volunteers.

Kutztown Folk Festival: The next in-person Kutztown fest is scheduled June 26-July 4 in 2021, but the 2020 version of the festival will have some virtual events on its website, including its popular quilt auction. More information on those events is available on the festivals website.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival: The beloved festival announced on its website that all performances in the summer season would be canceled due to COVID-19. The staff is working to facilitate options for ticket-holders.

Phillipsburg Ole Town Festival: According to its website, the festival has been canceled.

Schnecksville Community Fair: The fair announced on its website that due to the pandemic, the fair will not be held this year.

Washington Celebrates America: The Washington Celebrates America committee announced on May 26 that it is canceling July 4 activities due to the uncertainty around the coronavirus. The committee cited the dangers of large crowds, limited participation and overall safety measures as the reason for the unfortunate decision. Richard Maguire, the committee chair, said in the statement: We know how much everyone looks forward to it. Well be working hard to bring back Washington Celebrates America in 2021, bigger and better than ever!

Wheels of Time Street Rod Association: WOTSRA announced on its Facebook page that the Macungie Memorial Park, the site of the associations 2020 Rod and Custom Car Jamboree, would be closed by its owners for all types of events. The association will be in contact with pre-registered entries and vendors.

Have you had to cancel a festival or event due to coronavirus? Please let us know. Email clagore@njadvancemedia.com with a cancelation notice.

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

Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com.
Revelers celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Osage Beach of the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, U.S., May 23, 2020 in this screen grab taken from social media video and obtained by Reuters on May 24, 2020. Twitter/Lawler50/via REUTERS

Twitter/Lawler50 via Reuters

A Missouri resident who attended a crowded pool party at the Lake of the Ozarks has tested positive for the coronavirus, local outlet KMBC reported.

Footage of the crowded party garnered condemnation online.

The owner of the bar that hosted the event defended his decision.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A Missouri citizen who attended a crowded pool party at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri over Memorial Day weekend has tested positive for the coronavirus, local outlet KMBC reported.

The Camden County Health Department said one person who attended Backwater Jack's began to develop symptoms on Sunday and was likely "incubating illness and possibly infectious at the time of the visit," according to KMBC.

Related: US Passes Grim Milestone of 100,000 Coronavirus Deaths

Business Insider previously reported that health authorities in Missouri urged people who were filmed that pool party to self-isolate to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Footage of the crowded party, where no social distancing was observed, was condemned online.

Partygoers could be seen packed close together, enjoying the sun in pools and bars, and not the following guidelines from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advised people to stay six feet away from one another to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

"This reckless behavior endangers countless people and risks setting us back substantially from the progress we have made in slowing the spread of COVID-19," Sam Page, the St. Louis County executive said in a statement on Monday.

The owner of a bar, Gary Prewitt, defended his decision to host the party and issued a statement on Facebook on Tuesday standing up for the event, called "Zero Ducks Given."

Prewitt emphasized that social distancing is not a legal requirement, and said: "no laws were broken."

He also said medical staff had been hired to perform no-contact temperature checks on attendees, and those with a temperature of over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit were turned away.

Business Insider
The Delhi High Court has sought response of the Delhi University on a plea challenging its decision to conduct online open book exams for final-year students of undergraduate and postgraduate courses from July 1 in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Justice Jayant Nath issued notice to the university asking it to file a response to the plea by three students, belonging to economically weaker sections of the society, who have contended that this form of examination was beneficial only for those well off.

The petitioner-students -- Abhishek, Sharanjeet Kumar and Deepak -- have contended that the well-off students would have the support of intelligent parents, friends, gadgets and search engines during exams, whereas their poor counterparts would not have access to any of these.

The petitioners, represented by senior advocate J P Sengh and advocate Ayushi Chugh, also claimed that there was no way to find out who was cheating when open book online exams are held.

Their petition further said that lack of proper internet connectivity and electricity would affect the performance of the poor students hailing from rural areas.

The three students, who study in different Delhi University colleges, have sought directions to the university to either withdraw its May 14 notification or to conduct the exams in examination halls by following social distancing norms to check the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Another alternative suggested by them is to promote the final-year students on the basis of average of marks obtained in previous years and internal assessment of the current academic year. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on June 18.
A commemoration event will be held tomorrow to mark the 39th anniversary of the death of an IRA man killed by the SAS in Derry.

The family of George McBrearty plan to commemorate his death in a wreath-laying ceremony this Sunday at 3pm.

McBrearty (24) was shot dead on May 28, 1981, by members of the SAS while on 'active service' at the junction of Lone Moor Road and Southway in the Brandywell area of the city.

Traditionally, family and friends assemble at Rathkeele Way to mark his anniversary but due to the coronavirus pandemic it will be a low-key commemoration this year.

His brother Danny said: Due to the ongoing health crisis, the annual Republican commemoration remembering Vol. George Mc Brearty and all Derry volunteers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Irelands freedom, has had to be cancelled to the groups, organisations and the general public who have supported us in past years.

The cancellation is for obvious reasons, and we are sure you all understand, he added.

However, Georges mother and various family members, will be holding a wreath laying ceremony at Georges mural on Rathkeale Way at 3.00pm Sunday 31st May.

The ceremony will incorporate a reading of The Proclamation and the Roll of Honour of all Derry volunteers, our brother Pat who died on Georges 10th anniversary will also be remembered.

Any floral tributes from various organisations or groups can be given to family members or laid at the mural and will be publicly acknowledged."

In 2017, a new mural in honour of the Derry man was unveiled at the junction of Rathkeele Way and Rathlin Drive in Creggan where he grew up.

Former NORAID director and prominent New York republican Martin Galvin normally chairs the event.

Last year, Aontu Councillor Anne McCloskey was the guest speaker.
Sumi Sukanya Dutta By

Express News Service

Surabhi Tyagi, 28, a teacher in a private school in Hapapur village in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh had a close shave last year when complications during her Caesarian Section nearly killed her.

She had excessive blood loss and severe infection during the procedure in a small nursing home in Barabanki after which she was referred to the King George's Medical University in Lucknowone of the biggest government-run health facility in the state.

Surabhi spent nearly a month in the hospital last September before being discharged. The family, however, is now relieved that both she and her baby girl are okay despite the long the ordeal.

A little investigation into her case reveals that the C-section that was carried on her may have been completely unnecessarya problem that has been vastly acknowledged in the country but barely addressed.

My pregnancy had been absolutely fine without any issue but days before my due date, the gynaecologist-obstetrician I was seeing told me that I had a very narrow pelvis and won't be able to give birth to a baby naturally, Surabhi says.

She then asked me to choose a day when the C-Section could be performed. Her words had filled us with so much fear that we went ahead with the surgery despite reservations.

Both Surabhi and her husband Manoj Tyagi, who has worked for the doctor in the past, however, did not want to push a case of negligence despite the unimaginable trauma they suffered.

Now, they do not even want to name the doctor for the fear of retribution.

The problem that the couple faced, however, is faced by millions of patients routinely in the absence of standard treatment guidelineswhich means that doctors in India are free to suggest drugs, surgeries or procedures for a medical condition at their whims and fancy.

Dr Neelam Pandey a Lucknow based activist doctor who has not gone through Surabhis case fully pointed out that a large number of hysterectomies and C-Sections like various other procedures are absolutely farce but are carried out routinely in India due to the complete lack of a regulatory framework for the healthcare sector.

This is because there are no specific standards for doctors specifying under what circumstances can C-Sections or hysterectomies be performed. Millions of womenlike other patients who are treated undulysuffer quietly in multiple ways due to these procedures performed on them unnecessarily but who cares? she rued.

Once the Clinical Establishment Act was promulgated in 2010 with an aim to introduce rules for the first time to govern Indias healthcare providers, hopes had risen that the country will soon see doctors stick to STGs, the systematically developed protocols to assist practitioners and patients in making decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances.

But even after STG were specified for over 220 diseases three years later when the rules under the Act were partially madethey have just remained on paper, much like the Act itself, as they have neither been notified by the Centre nor enforced by the states, including UP, which decided to adopt the central act.

Ideally, STGs should be norm and in 10-15 % cases where the doctors can not adhere to them due to specific condition of the patient they should justify the deviation but that looks still looks like a long way, said Dr Abhay Shukla, the national co-convener of the Indian chapter of Peoples Health Movement.

Dr Sanjay Nagral, a surgeon in Mumbai who is chairman of the Forum of Medical Ethics, has also worked in the UK in the past.

There, like most other developed countries, doctors can not prescribe even an antibiotic outside the defined protocols for every condition, he said. But here you go to a doctor with a simple cold, 10 doctors will prescribe 10 different medicines either because of their choice or under the influence of the pharmaceutical companies.

And its patients who bear the brunt in multiple ways.

Suresh Rani, a resident of Ghaziabad, had felt uneasiness in stomach and dizziness one afternoon in October, 2012. Her son, Rohit Goyal, a software engineer took her, then aged 59, to a private doctor but despite his treatment she did not feel better.

Next day, she went to Kailash hospital in adjoining Noida where at first she could not get any treatment because of the absence of a gastrointestinal doctor but the next day got admitted on the insistence of the doctor.

There she did various tests on her including MRI and told us that she had brain stroke. Then they shifted her to the ICU and started treating her for stroke even though her indications were totally different, said Goyal.

What she actually had was electrolyte imbalance but the doctors were on the wrong path since the beginning. After realising that they had messed up the casethey raised her Sodium levels five times the safe limit within a day and that damaged her brain permanently.

She spent nearly a month in the ICU during which the family spent about Rs 10 lakh on the treatment.

But in this period she developed Extra Pontine Myelinolysis and Central Pontine Myelinolysis  the conditions in which normal functions of the brain are badly damaged  and has been almost a vegetable since then.

Goyal appealed to the UP state medical council, Delhi Medical Council and the Medical Council of India seeking justice but every time these bodies ruled in the favour of doctors and the hospital.

He has now approached the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission seeking a compensation of nearly Rs 50 crore and the case is under trial.

My wife and sister had to quit jobs to take care of her and we could not have a second babywe have suffered so much but not as much as even a warning was issued to the doctors, he says. We had to go to a consumer forum now because there is no other platform where we can put forth our grievance.

The hospital meanwhile pointed out that the patient was discharged from the hospital with stable vitals and the UPSMC, DMC and the MCI following their investigations had not found any negligence or wrong treatment by the hospital.

Since the matter of Mrs. Suresh Rani is subjudice before Honble NCDRC, any comment or discussion regarding the same is not appropriate at this stage, the management of the hospital told this newspaper via an e-mail.

Authorities at both the Centre and in UP know what the problems are but shift the responsibility on each other.

The STGs had been published long backits for states to adopt them as health is a state subject, Union health secretary Preeti Sudan had told this newspaper in February this year.

UP health minister Jai Pratap Singh, in an interview with this correspondent earlier had said that the state had been trying hard to enforce the CE Act and its provisions but needed to take everyone along.

Dr Shukla meanwhile pointed out what the Centre needs to show is the leadership but that is what is missing.

Has the Centre left states to grapple with the current Covid-19 pandemic because health is a state subject? It does take the lead where it wants to but hides behind excuses on other occasions. Why can't it at least notify these guidelines along with minimum standards of operationalisation for hospitals?, he asked.

Dr Nafis Faizi, who teaches community medicine at the Aligarh Muslim University underlined that if lack of STGs was a massive problem for patients requiring hospitalisation services, its absence is equally problematic in OPD.

Lack of STG based prescriptions lead to therapeutic anarchy in OPD with drug overuse in private settings and underuse in public settings, he said adding that lack of these guidelines has facilitated massive misuse of anti-biotics in India over the years which has now resulted in a big public health issue of antimicrobial resistance.

(The author has received support in the form of a grant from Thakur Foundation, USA to report a series related to the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.)
9 Shares Share

Health care is enjoying an abundance of positive attention as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. My question, my challenge, is how can we sustain this love-fest between the public and the health care profession even after we obtain a vaccine or an effective treatment for COVID-19?

Lets be perfectly honest: six months ago, the American health care system was considered, even by physicians, as broken and in dire need of repair.

Here are a few ideas that I identified that might help us harness this new attitude towards the health care profession:

1. Say thank you to the media for all of the recognition and favorable coverage of health care during this crisis.

2. Gather testimonials from the many patients and others who are so appreciative of the effort that health care workers have demonstrated.

3. Share examples of businesses and industries that have improved the conditions of the first responders. Examples include Airbnb, which has opened up numerous venues for doctors, nurses, and health care workers so that they can sleep near the hospitals and not have to travel great distances to and from the hospitals. Another example is Uber and Lyft both rideshare companies have offered free transportation to first responders to and from their homes to the hospitals.

4. Promote the efforts of the global task force of the worlds doctors, researchers, virologists, biochemists, computer scientists, those who are creating public policy, CDC, FDA, pharma, industry that is increasing production of ventilators and many more. These diverse groups and industries from all over the world are putting their egos aside and are combining their efforts to create a vaccine and identify effective treatments for COVID-19.

5. Let the public know that doctors are shifting from face-to-face interactions with patients to telemedicine and demonstrating that good medicine can be practiced without the requirement of touching the patient. Telemedicine has reached a critical mass where patients are now comfortable speaking and viewing their doctor using synchronous communication. It is also of interest that CMS has made it possible for doctors to be compensated for virtual visits.

6. Discuss with patients and the media how the health care profession has used technology to improve the care we are offering our patients. Examples are apps to record patient metrics that can be evaluated by physicians, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, etc. Participants can share data with their doctors regarding their heart rate, sleep levels, physical activity levels, as well as respiratory symptoms, medications, electronic health record data, and results from the flu, strep, or COVID-19 test.

7. How some doctors are shifting to concierge medicine so that doctors can devote more time to patients and be readily accessible to patients on 24/7 basis.

8. How COVID-19 has focused our attention on population health. An example is calling to the attention of our profession the disparity between certain groups of patients, i.e., African-American patients who are at increased risk for COVID-19 and the complications of COVID-19. I am certain that this disparity is real and that it is a problem that deserves our immediate attention.

9. Large numbers of middle-age and older doctors/nurses coming out of retirement to help with the physician

urse shortage in hospitals and clinics that are in need of additional physicians and nurses.

10. Regulations have been waived or relaxed, making it easier to credential physician

urses wishing to practice in other states. In the past, this process has been a painful, arduous, and lengthy process. Now it is easy and seamless to obtain legal permissions to return to practice without the requirement of taking additional examinations.

11. If there is one message that we can learn from this crisis is the importance of being on time for our patients. Those of us who are conducting virtual visits understand the importance of being on time for those telemedicine calls. If a doctor is delayed 30-45 minutes, without letting the patient know of the delay, the patient will likely never participate in a virtual visit again and will go elsewhere for their care. We can gain the respect of our patients if we give them respect for their time.

The good news is that the health care profession remains an attractive option for young men and women. As evidence that the health care profession is alive and well, there have been a record number of applicants to medical schools throughout the nation. For example, there are over 10,000 applications for 150 positions at Tulane Medical School.

Bottom line: We have an opportunity to continue with the adoration of the U.S. health care profession. Perhaps this pandemic makes us able to rethink the very way we practice medicine. Let us not lose this unique opportunity to see that the coronavirus has given us the potential to truly make lemonade from the lemons.

Neil Baum is a urologist and author of Marketing Your Clinical Practices: Ethically, Effectively, Economically. He can be reached at his self-titled site, Neil Baum, MD, or on Facebook and Twitter.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
The nation that first sent humans to the Moon just launched two more into the sky, a final and high-stakes test of a new approach by NASA to manned space flight that, if successful, could change nearly everything about the way America engages with space.

The launch had been scrubbed Wednesday by NASAs exemplary caution, and Saturdays storms threatened to scrub it once more, but improving conditions cleared the way for the once-familiar fiery spectacle at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. On hand as the countdown approached zero and the massive rockets blazed into thundering, thrilling life were celebrities, space junkies and politicians  including President Trump, freshly arrived from the White House.

The pre-launch anticipation had been unusually intense, especially since the destination for the two astronauts  Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken  is the relatively close-by International Space Station, where crews supported by the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan and 11 European nations have been making flights to and from for years.

This time, however, the rocket ferrying the astronauts into low orbit is an American rocket, launched from American soil. That hasnt happened since 2011, when the Space Shuttle program was discontinued and NASA began hailing rides for its astronauts aboard Russian rockets.

Now, America is back in the rocket business, and this time with a partner. The rocket that blasted off Saturday and the capsule that will if all goes well dock in about 19 hours with the space station was designed, built and owned by a private company, Elon Musks pioneering SpaceX.

If the mission is successful, it will validate a vision of a public-private partnership born years ago and stands to radically transform the U.S. space program, right down to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Saturdays launch is the final test for the concept, which involves NASA as a client, rather than the all-powerful mastermind of space exploration. The expectation is for SpaceX and, eventually, other firms to be hauling people and cargo to and from space regularly.

Eric Berger, a former Chronicle reporter who is now senior space editor at the science and technology publication Ars Technica, told the editorial board that while Saturdays launch represents a major test for the new approach, he sees nothing but upside so far.

Honestly, this has been a great program; fusing the brash, fast-moving, fix-it-and-fly style of SpaceX with NASA's lumbering bureaucracy but deep human spaceflight knowledge. It's worked out for both, and the taxpayers, Berger said..

Its also seen as just the beginning. SpaceX and others are dreaming of delivering payloads ranging from human tourists to commercial cargo in and out of the lower orbit above Earth. And NASA is eyeing a return to the Moon, with a giant landing station orbiting that silvery satellite and providing a means for missions to Mars and beyond to be undertaken in stages.

The expansive vision of NASA as both a partner and a leader in manned space flight was given a key boost by the NASA Transition Authorization Act or 2017, a massive overhaul of the space program that was sponsored by Houstons Sen. Ted Cruz, an early champion of private space exploration.

This marks the renewal of our leadership in space, and the first time American astronauts are manning a commercially-created rocket, Cruz told the editorial board, just ahead of launch. Todays launch has been years in the making.

There are endless questions yet to be answered about the trajectory ahead for NASA and, especially, the role played by Houstons Johnson Space Center. The JSC has been at the forefront of manned space exploration since NASA first earned its indelible place in the worlds imagination in the run up to the 1969 Moon landing. Will that continue?

It continues to serve as program manager for the ISS itself, and is Mission Control for the SpaceX launch, too. But with so much else in flux about Americas plans for space, nothing is certain.

But for now, Saturdays launch reminds us of our unchanging wonder at the potential for knowledge, experience and perspective hidden in places far from Earth. Whats called for now is pride, gratitude and prayers for a safe return.
With the Samajwadi Party's decision to withdraw its plea for disqualification of party MLA Shivpal Yadav from the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, it seems the unification of the first family is on its path.

Shivpal on Saturday also returned the gesture and called up nephew and Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav and thanked him for taking back the disqualification application.

The telephonic conversation between the SP Chief and his estranged uncle has now given more strength to the speculations of the Yadav clan getting re-united before the 2022 state assembly polls.

Shivpal Yadav, who is still a SP MLA from Jaswantnagar assembly also extended an invitation to Akhilesh for the inauguration of newly built Lohia Bhawan in Etawah.

The newly built Lohia Bhawan will be inaugurated by SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav soon.

Sources also revealed that on Sunday, Shivpal may issue a formal Thank You letter to Akhilesh and Leader of Opposition Ram Govind Chaudhary.

The Akhilesh-led Samajwadi Party had sought disqualification of Shivpal under the anti-defection law in September 2019 after the latter had floated his own party Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party. Although PSPL couldnt win any seat in the 2017 Assembly elections and 2019 Lok Sabha Polls but it did manage to dent prospects of Samajwadi Party on many seats.

Fueling rumours of a possible reunion, Chaudhary had answered a question on the same with a cryptic reply: It is politics, anything is possible.
The special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Saturday asked Sir JJ Hospital to submit a report on 81-year-old Telugu activist and poet P Varavara Raos health by June 2, when the court is scheduled to hear his interim bail plea. Rao was arrested in 2018 in connection with the Elgar Parishad case.

On Thursday evening, Rao was rushed to Sir JJ Hospital from Taloja jail after he fell unconscious. His family, however, was informed about his hospitalisation on Friday evening, and hence could approach the special court only on Saturday. In the plea filed through lawyers Nilesh Ukey and Arif Siddiqui, the accuseds family sought direction to the hospital to give Raos detailed medical report.

Rao earlier moved a plea for an interim bail, following which the court asked Taloja prison authorities to provide the accuseds medical report. However, on Thursday when the case came up for hearing, the prison authorities failed to submit the report, after which the court sent them a reminder to submit the report and scheduled the hearing on June 2.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Raos wife P Hemalatha released a statement, in which she urged the Centre and the Maharashtra and Telangana governments to provide exact details of her husbands health condition. She also urged the three governments to release her ailing husband on bail immediately owing to his health condition. Through the local Chikkadapalli police in Hyderabad, we came to know around 8.30pm on Friday that Varavara Raos health condition was precarious and he was moved to Sir JJ Hospital, Mumbai from Taloja jail. They [Telangana Police] told us that they got that one sentence information from Pune Police and did not know any further details, read her statement.

Hemalatha pleaded to the authorities to conduct a proper medical check-up of her husband and permit video conferencing with him to know his actual health condition. I am not in a position to travel to Mumbai as I am 72 and not in good health and have been under severe stress for the past 12-14 hours in particular and 18 months in general, her statement read.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
In the gripping Netflix drama Unorthodox a terrified young woman flees a community of controlling Hasidic Jews and an unhappy marriage.

It's difficult to believe that the story, in which heroine Etsy is unable to work, forbidden from playing music and forced into painful sex with her husband, is based on a true story of a woman who lived in modern-day Williamsburg, in New York.

But not many of the show's Australian fans will be aware a similar ultra-orthodox sect also exists in four square blocks in southeast Melbourne.

Many of the 200 families that make up the Adass community do not have a TV or the internet and arranged marriages are the norm.

The community has been in the spotlight since three sisters who attended the Adass Israel Girls School moved one step closer to justice.

Sisters Elly Sapper, Dassi Erlich, and Nicole Meyer were allegedly molested by their headmistress Malka Leifer 12 years ago while they were at school.

Malka Leifer ran the Adass Israel School in Melbourne where she allegedly sexually exploited at least eight girls between 2001 and 2008. She may finally be extradited back to Australia 12 years after fleeing to Israel

Sisters Elly Sapir, Dassi Erlich and Nicole Meyer are alleged victims who have in recent years spoken out and tirelessly lobbied for Leifer to stand trial

Leifer fled to Israel when she was accused of abusing at least eight girls between 2001 and 2008.

The former principal has spent the past six years fighting extradition on 74 child sex charges and the three sisters have tirelessly lobbied for the alleged abuser to stand trial.

Finally after 67 hearings where Leifer's lawyers insisted she was mentally ill, a panel of doctors on Tuesday ruled she faked it and was 'fit to face justice'.

Leifer's alleged victims said she was charming and told them what they needed to hear to feel loved and appreciated in an otherwise unforgiving society.

Her actions were so unquestioned she could get away with taking a student into her office, with the blinds drawn, to allegedly abuse them.

Ms Meyer was allegedly the first to be abused, starting in Leifer's office when she was 17.

Leifer (left) was the principal at the only school in the Adass community and was treated with respect and authority from day one

She had no idea her younger sister, Ms Erlich, was allegedly being abused at the same time, in a similar fashion.

It was not until 2005 when Ms Meyer has graduated and been quickly appointed a teacher that the two sisters realised the same thing was happening to them both.

They tried to covertly warn their younger sister, Ms Sapper, but she was jealous of the attention Leifer heaped on her sisters and wanted it too.

But she admitted she was too caught up in her own world and needing love and attention to heed their warnings.

'This is good for you. This is going to be good for you when you get married. What I'm doing is helping you and I'm giving you love,' Leifer allegedly told her.

Leifer's alleged abuse was only uncovered when Ms Erlich told a psychologist about it when she was seeking post-natal depression counselling.

She had moved to Israel so her husband could continue his religious education, as is procedure for many in the Adass community.

An old family photo of the three Sapper sister at home in the closed-off and secretive Adass sect before they were alleged victims of Leifer

Ms Erlich as a young girl when she attended the school in southeast Melbourne, but before she was allegedly abused by her high school principal

Ms Erlich had a miscarriage and was struggling to deal with the after effects when the alleged abuse came up in counselling

She was having recurrent nightmares and anxiety stemming from her alleged abuse at the hands of Leifer and the psychologist contacted a colleague in Melbourne.

The Melbourne psychologist passed the basic allegations on to a senior teacher they knew at the school - her sister Ms Meyer - who confronted Leifer.

A meeting of the school board was convened to discuss the allegations after they were reported to the president of the school, and senior community rabbis.

'You have destroyed my reputation. I'm not going to stand for this,' Leifer told them while denying the allegations.

That evening, Leifer was booked on a plane to Israel with her husband Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Leifer and four of their eight children by the wife of a school board member.

Adass is startlingly similar to the Satmar community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where Deborah Feldman (pictured) grew up

Ms Erlich (pictured as a child) said marriage and producing children was even more important than getting an education, and the girls viewed their studies as just killing time until their weddings

The case has shined a light on the inner workings of the ultra-orthodox and secretive Adass community in Ripponlea, near St Kilda.

Adass is startlingly similar to the Satmar community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where Deborah Feldman grew up, and whose memior inspire Unorthodox.

Feldman wrote of how she was pushed into an arranged marriage, using a community matchmaker, at 17.

She was under intense pressure to conceive - the only real function of women in Hasidic society - and had her first child at 19.

Members have barely any idea how sex or anything related to it works until they undergo pre-marriage counselling from their rabbi.

Both communities are so insular they are self-contained in a few blocks - just four in Melbourne - and members very rarely leave.

They were also both founded by refugees from the Holocaust who arrived in each country to start a new life having barely escaped death.

Adass has just 200 families and its own fishmonger, butcher, kindergarten, school, cemetery, shops, synagogue, cemetery and medical services.

A memoir of Feldman's life and escape from the Hasidic community inspired new Netflix series Unorthodox (star Shira Haas pictured as a character inspired by Feldman)

A wedding in the ultra-conservative sect pictured in the popular TV series

On the Sabbath, every Saturday, not even electricity is used and everything from lifts to light switches is controlled automatically to avoid breaking the strictest rules.

No one has a TV or the internet and children grow up only reading orthodox Jewish newspapers and have little idea of the outside world.

The sisters were so shielded from the outside world they had no idea September 11 had even happened until the following day.

With few outlets, Ms Erlich and her sisters kept diaries to make sense of their small, isolated worlds where they didn't feel safe sharing their thoughts.

On the rare occasion they needed to travel for a dentist appointment, parents and family friends even shielded their eyes from 'immodest' billboards.

This obsession with modesty extends to what everyone in the community, even the men who wore dark trousers, long black coats and fur-trimmed hats known as shtreimels.

Women were expected to cover themselves with long sleeves and their legs down to their ankles - and many even wore wigs to cover their heads.

Ms with her class at the Adass school alongside Leifer, who was principal from 2001 to 2008 when she fled to Israel

Ms Meyer and Ms Erlich and pose for photos at Parliament House in Canberra as they lobby for their alleged abuser to be sent back to Australia to face 74 charges

The sisters, just three of seven siblings, even had to cover up when they left their beds to get a glass of water at night - pyjamas were not enough.

They never even saw each other without being covered in clothes and were separated from boys in the community from the age of three.

Marriage and producing children was even more important than getting an education, and the girls viewed their studies as just killing time until their weddings.

'I just need to fill up my time until the matchmaker calls my parents with someone she feels may be a good husband for me. I don't really need VCE to get married and be a good religious wife and mother,' Ms Erlich told the ABC.

Though their home life was unhappy and chaotic, even by Adass standards, reputation was everything and they could never express themselves.

Since Leifer's alleged abuse came to light, Ms Erlich has been handed $1.27 million from the Abass school in a civil lawsuit, and $150,000 from Leifer herself.

'That the sexual abuse occurred under the guise of Jewish education by the headmistress of the school makes the breach of trust associated with the abuse monstrous,' Victorian Supreme Court Justice Jack Rush said.

In 2018 Leifer was thrown back behind bars after a private investigator filmed 200 hours of footage showing her shopping and otherwise living a normal life

The footage made a mockery of her claims to be 'catatonic' with mental illness and saw her judged fit to be extradited and stand trial

'The evidence discloses the sole motivation of the suspect in her dealings with the plaintiff was her own sexual gratification.'

Her sisters Ms Meyer and Ms Sapper also won lawsuits against the school in undisclosed out of court settlements.

The school in 2017 appointed Meir Shlomo Kluwgant as principal, which drew widespread condemnation due to his role in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

He sent a text message to Australian Jewish News calling the father of a victim at another Jewish school 'a lunatic on the fringe, guilty of neglecting his own children'.

Mr Kluwgant was forced to resign months later.

But Leifer is still in Israel, having claimed she suffered from clinical depression and PTSD and was unfit to stand trial, according to her lawyers.

She repeatedly fooled Israeli authorities with this excuse and was let out of jail while glacial extradition proceeding moved on.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, family members of Leifer walk outside the courtroom in Jerusalem District Court when she was ruled fit to stand trial

Israeli psychologists earlier this year judged her fit to stand trial in Australia, which was accepted by a court on Tuesday

Leifer and her husband moved to the Chust Hassidic community in Emmanuel, and Israeli settlement in the West Bank, in 2016.

The town was labelled a 'haven for paedophiles' where Leifer was allegedly allowed to carry on abusing girls 'without consequence'.

But in 2018 she was thrown back behind bars after a private investigator filmed 200 hours of footage showing her shopping and otherwise living a normal life.

This and other evidence left a panel of Israeli psychologists to earlier this year judged her fit to stand trial in Australia, which was accepted by a court on Tuesday.

Now, perhaps, her alleged victims will soon have their day in court.
U.S. officials dismissed those claims, noting that, by law, the NSA does not monitor domestic political activities. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence, were also skeptical that foreigners were taking part in protests or had helped organized them. Foreign media, including Chinese and Russian sources, have sought to portray the violence as emblematic of systemic political failings in the United States.
In a video clip that surfaced on social media on Saturday, Pakistan's Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said that he flew out of the country as it conducted a nuclear test in 1998. In the video clip that has been shared by Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat, Rasheed says that he was scared if the nuclear weapon leaks, it will be poor who will bear the burnt, and the rich will run away. Calling the nuclear weapon a 'patakha' (firecracker), Rasheed adds that he came back as soon as the test was done.

Here is the video

Sheikh Rasheed had taken the first flight out of Pakistan in 1998, when the country was going to carry out the nuclear test. He ran away out of fear. Woh patakha aagay peechay ho jaye, kahin se leakage ho jaaye." pic.twitter.com/fkqwIenC8Y  Naila Inayat   (@nailainayat) May 29, 2020

Rasheed is known for his ludicrous speeches

While Pakistan was busy in interfering into India's internal matter after the country abrogated Article 370, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad made a sensational statement claiming that India wants him dead. Moreover, a video of him went viral last year wherein he literally got an electric shock as soon as he began criticising PM Modi. In utter embarrassment, he then had said that Modi sent shock but he will not stop the protest, even as the crowd breaks into uncontrollable laughter.

Earlier on August 28, 2019, Sheikh Rasheed had predicted that India and Pakistan would go on a full-blown war in either October or November. On August 23, 2019, Sheikh Rasheed was pelted with eggs and was allegedly punched for using "abusive language" against Pakistan Opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in London.

Eggs thrown at railways minister Sheikh Rasheed in London. pic.twitter.com/0iRQXumslA  Naila Inayat   (@nailainayat) August 20, 2019

READ | PM Modi pens letter to the nation on first anniversary of his 2nd term; read FULL message

Pakistan COVID tally

Pakistan's coronavirus cases on Friday reached 64,028 with 2,636 new patients while the death toll climbed to 1,317 after 57 people lost their lives in the last 24 hours, even as the Special Assistant on Health said that the situation is under control. The Ministry of National Health Services reported that 25,309 cases were diagnosed in Sindh, 22,964 in Punjab, 8,842 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 3,928 in Balochistan, 2,100 in Islamabad, 658 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 227 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. On the positive side, the ministry said, 22,305 patients have been recovered so far from the virus. The authorities conducted 11,931 coronavirus tests during the last 24 hours, taking the number of tests done so far to 520,017.

READ | Coronavirus Live Updates

READ | Modi 2.0: Amit Shah hails PM's achievements, thanks India for 'unwavering support'


Two dads officially adopted their five-month-old son during a Zoom ceremony amid the pandemic after meeting the baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) earlier this year.

Four months ago, Anthony Lach, 31, and Chris More, 29, from Orlando, Florida, received a phone call on New Year's Eve about a baby that had just been born and was ready to be adopted. They immediately flew to Arizona to meet their future son, Parker Terence Lachmore, who was in the NICU.

'They just kept telling us that he was going to be in the NICU a while because he was very sick,' Lach told Good Morning America. 'It was scaring us but every time we looked at him we just knew that he was our child and we figured no matter what it could possibly be, that we'd stay with him and we'd get through it.'

'Gotcha Day': Anthony Lach, 31, and Chris More, 29, from Orlando, Florida, finalized their son Parker Terence Lachmore's adoption on May 14 during a Zoom call

Traumatic birth: The couple met Parker in the NICU after he was born on New Year's Eve in Arizona with an inflamed lung and required a feeding tube

The dad explained that the nurses weren't initially allowed to speak to them about Patrick's health because they hadn't signed any adoption papers yet.

The baby boy had a traumatic birth and an inflamed lung. He was on CPAP [continuous positive airway pressure] to help with his respiratory issues and had a feeding tube. Nurses predicted he would have to stay in the NICU for weeks, possibly even months.

Lach and More signed adoption papers for Parker and prepared for a lengthy stay in the NICU, but their son was ready to leave in just nine days.

'The NICU nurses told us that once we started to hold and carry him and feed him, that he was getting himself better,' More told GMA. 'He decided that he was ready to come home with us.'

Amazing recovery: Lach and More signed adoption papers for Parker and prepared for a lengthy stay in the NICU, but their son was ready to leave in just nine days

Special moment: The couple posed for a photo with their son in the hospital before taking him home to Florida on January 13

The couple posed for a celebratory photo with their baby boy at Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital in Arizona on January 13 before flying home to Florida as a family of three.

Lach and More didn't expect to be called for a potential adoption for at least several months and didn't have any baby supplies at the time.

Friends organized a registry for them while they were away to ensure they had everything they needed when they arrived home with Parker.

The couple had planned to formally adopt Parker on April 15, but the courthouse had temporarily stopped adoptions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, they learned the court was now holding virtual adoptions.

Support system: Friends organized a registry for them while they were away to ensure they had everything they needed when they arrived home with Parker

Too cute: The proud dads have shared plenty of photos of their baby boy on Instagram since they brought him home earlier this year

Waiting game: The couple had planned to formally adopt Parker on April 15, but the courthouse had temporarily stopped adoptions amid the coronavirus pandemic

They officially adopted Parker on May 14 during a Zoom call with about 25 of their close family and friends. After the ceremony, they celebrated with a car parade.

Lach shared a photo of himself posing with More and their baby boy while holding gold balloons that spelled out 'Gotcha' on the big day.

'Worth the wait. Today our adoption journey hit the greatest milestone possible!' he wrote on Instagram. 'Parker is officially a Lachmore and will forever be with his Daddies.

'Thank you to our amazing attorney and Judge Cupp for allowing us to finalize our adoption on Zoom this morning. 5.14.2020, our baby boy's Gotcha Day!'

Making memories: After they finalized Parker's adoption, they celebrated with a car parade

Siblings: The couple learned earlier this year that Parker has a half-sister  a three-year-old girl (pictured) who was adopted by a family that lives less than 30 miles away

Parker's middle name is Terrence in honor of More's father, who passed away in England right before his grandson was born.

'It was such an overwhelming emotion,' More said of officially adopting Parker amid the global crisis.

'We live in such a dark time, but there was so much light on that day,' Lach noted. 'It was just amazing.'

The couple learned earlier this year that Parker has a half-sister  a three-year-old girl who was adopted by a family that lives less than 30 miles away from them in Florida.

'We've been in touch and it's as if we've known them forever,' Lach said. 'It's really great to know that Parker is able to grow up with his half-sibling.'
The Acting General Secretary of the Convention People's Party (CPP), James Kwabena Bonfeh is not surprised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) keeps boycotting IPAC meetings.



The NDC recently boycotted an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting at the Electoral Commission (EC) claiming it had not been properly arranged.



They also claimed that the Commission deliberately gave them a wrong time



However, speaking to this on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' Kabila as he is popularly called, said the NDC boycotting IPAC meeting is 'no news'



According to him, "your non-participation will not stop IPAC from functioning".



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.

Featured Video
HONG KONG  Protesters have deleted their social media accounts, afraid that their messages could be used against them under Chinas new national security laws. Young parents have scoured the internet for instructions on emigration. Organizers have planned rallies, only to cancel them at the last minute in the face of impenetrable police blockades.

Hong Kongs protest movement  which last year cowed the local government and humiliated the authorities in Beijing who direct it  is in crisis. The tactics that had pushed officials to retreat at times are suddenly inadequate against an aggressive police force, fear of the coronavirus and a Chinese Communist Party that has run out of patience. Many protesters feel they have exhausted their options.

Its the beginning of the end, said Michael Mo, a protest organizer and local official.

The Chinese governments plan to impose security laws on Hong Kong that could curtail the citys civil liberties has left the freewheeling and decentralized opposition movement seeking not only a next move, but a new vision.

Its campaign for democracy was always a long shot, targeting a local government whose leadership is only accountable to Beijing. But Chinas direct intervention has made the challenges even more explicit, forcing a more fundamental reckoning about how to fight back, what the goal is  and whether it is even worth it to try.
Woody Allen ripped into his son, the investigative journalist Ronan Farrow, on Friday calling his work 'shoddy' and questioning whether his credibility will last.

Allen, 84, claimed that he has changed his mind on his son's journalism and now believes it may not be 'ethical or honest'.

'Up until a couple of days ago I would have said "Gee, this is great, he's done some good investigative journalism and more power to him, I wish him all the success in the world",' the director said about Farrow in an interview Friday with the UK's Telegraph.

'But now it's come out that his journalism has not been so ethical or honest.'

Woody Allen claimed in an interview Friday that he no longer believes the investigative journalism work of his son Ronan Farrow to be 'ethical or honest'

The director, 84, claimed he had always believed son Ronan Farrow (pictured) would 'not be an honest journalist in relation to me at all' as he is loyal to his mother Mia Farrow

The director was referring to a recent column from the New York Times that criticized Farrow's work and said it 'delivers narratives that are irresistibly cinematic  with unmistakable heroes and villains  [and] often omits the complicating facts and inconvenient details that may make them less dramatic'.

Farrow also reportedly tried to stop New York magazine from publishing a story about Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of his mother, Mia Farrow, and wife of his estranged father, Allen.

New York Post reported earlier in May that the Farrow family launched a pressure campaign at top New York Magazine staff in the days before they published a deep profile on Previn.

Daphne Merkin, 65, the reporter who wrote the piece, said the sheer influence of Farrow and his family was overwhelming.

'I wasnt used to this level of fear  fear of Ronan, of being sued, of the power of Mia and Ronan, simply culturally, their power on Twitter,' said Merkin.

Allen and Farrow, 32, are estranged and the journalist has accused Allen of molesting his sister, Dylan Farrow. Allen denies the allegations.

'Now, I found him to not be an honest journalist in relation to me at all, but I write that off because, you know, I understand he's loyal to his mother,' Allen said.

'But now people are beginning to realize that it isn't just in relation to me that his journalism has been kind of shoddy, and I'm not so sure that his credibility is going to last.'

Farrow, who won the Pulitzer Prize for his work in breaking the Harvey Weinstein #MeToo scandal, has stood by his investigative work.

Allen is currently on the interview circuit promoting his new book Apropos of Nothing.

On Friday, he also hit back at Hollywood stars who denounced him for alleged child abuse against Dylan.

The director said criticizing him became 'the fashionable thing to do, like everybody suddenly eating kale'.

Stars including Mira Sorvino, Greta Gerwig, Colin Firth and Rebecca Hall have all since distanced themselves from the acclaimed filmmaker after working with him.

Woody Allen pictured with his former wife Mia Farrow and their children Dylan and Ronan in 1988. The director as been accused of sexually assaulting his daughter Dylan

Allegations against Allen were brought back into the public eye by journalist Ronan Farrow, who has supported his mother and sister's claims (pictured here with mother Mia Farrow). Allen hit out at his son's work in exposing sexual assault claims in Hollywood on Friday

They did so after the #MeToo movement brought a renewed focus on allegations that the Oscar-winning star sexually assaulted his adoptive daughter Dylan, which he vehemently denies.

Allen told the Guardian: 'It's silly. The actors have no idea of the facts and they latch on to some self-serving, public, safe position.

'I assume that for the rest of my life a large number of people will think I was a predator.'

In 1992, it emerged that Allen, then aged 57, was having an affair with his partner Mia Farrow's adoptive daughter Soon-Yi Previn, then aged 21.

Mia adopted Previn from an orphanage in Korea in 1977 with her former husband, Andre Previn.

Previn was 21-years-old when news broke of the affair and the subsequent family conflict morphed into a media frenzy that topped national headlines. Allen and Previn have now been married more than 20 years.

After the scandal broke, Mia Farrow and Allen had an acrimonious and public break up, during which she accused the venerated director of sexually assaulting their adopted daughter, Dylan, then seven.

Fighting back: Woody Allen has responded to Hollywood actors who have denounced him, saying they are only doing so because it is 'fashionable'. Pictured with wife Soon-Yi Previn

Allen was investigated but never charged and he has vehemently maintained his innocence ever since.

The allegations were brought again into the public eye with the #MeToo movement as Ronan supported his sister Dylan's and mother Mia's abuse claims.

Merkin's profile that the Farrows reportedly attempted to stop included Previn's stinging analysis of Mia's parenting and denial of decades-long allegations that Allen sexually assaulted Dylan.

At the time, Previn said: 'Whats happened to Woody is so upsetting, so unjust. [Mia] has taken advantage of the #MeToo movement and paraded Dylan as a victim. And a whole new generation is hearing about it when they shouldnt.'

In Allen's new book Apropos of Nothing, he also outlines his innocence and his reaction to the public and Hollywood furor.

In it, he recounts how Timothee Chalamet denounced Allen to better his chances of winning an Oscar.

He directed the young star Chalamet in A Rainy Day In New York, which was filmed in the latter part of 2017 and before Chalamet's Academy Award nomination in January 2018 for the movie Call Me By Your Name.

In his autobiography, Allen says: 'Timothee afterward publicly stated he regretted working with me and was giving the money to charity.

'But he swore to my sister he needed to do that as he was up for an Oscar for Call Me by Your Name, and he and his agent felt he had a better chance of winning if he denounced me, so he did.'

Chalomet has not commented on the claims.

Allen's memoir was released in April after a delay because the original publisher backed out of releasing the book following protests led by Ronan Farrow.
Vallejo residents and visitors to the city must wear a face mask in enclosed public spaces or outdoors when within six feet of other people, officials said Friday.

The mandate comes after the Vallejo City Council unanimously passed an emergency order requiring masks on Tuesday, according to city officials. The move goes a step beyond guidance from Solano County that strongly recommends but does not require masks.

Many concerned community members have called, emailed and messaged city leaders on social media regarding the potential order, the city said.

The decision to enact this emergency order was not taken lightly by the City Council, a city statement said. It was a bold and necessary action to set this precedent for our community in addressing its concerns.

Health experts widely agree that wearing a cloth face covering helps prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus among people near each other by blocking virus particles.

San Francisco officials on Thursday announced a new face mask order requiring people to wear a mask inside or outside when within 30 feet of another person.

Children under 5 are not required to wear a mask in Vallejo, according to the new order. For everyone else, masks that cover the nose and mouth are required in any public indoor space. That includes government buildings, grocery or convenience stores, medical facilities and places of worship.

People must wear masks inside restaurants and bars unless they are eating or drinking, the order says.

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 order requires residents to wear a face covering outdoors only when its impossible to maintain six feet of distance from other people.

The order remains in effect until the city lifts its emergency proclamation issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anna Bauman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: anna.bauman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @abauman2
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Shares in Rolls-Royce tumbled nearly 15 per cent after a cut to its credit rating plunged it even deeper into crisis.

In yet a further sign of the devastation the Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking in the aerospace sector, Standard & Poor's downgraded the engineering group's debt to 'junk' status and warned of 'prolonged weak profitability'.

Planes around the world  many powered by Rolls engines  have been grounded as governments fight to control the coronavirus outbreak.

This has hit demand for new engines and poses a serious threat to the crucial income Rolls earns from servicing such engines. The loss of its investment grade rating  which it has held for the past 20 years  means some of its large investors will have to sell their debt holdings in the company.

S&P's decision is the latest hammerblow to Rolls - which for decades has been one of Britain's most prestigious companies. Shares were down 14.9 per cent, or 47.4p, to 271.6p, wiping 915m off the value of the company.

Traders also digested news that Norwegian hedge fund magnate Nicolai Tangen had sold his 5.2 per cent stake in the company.

More than 8 billion has been wiped off Rolls' market value so far this year  a drop of around 60 per cent.

A Rolls spokesman said S&P's decision was 'disappointing'. But they added it would not affect any of its borrowing and that the company has been quick to cut spending to manage the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Rolls announced last week it will need to cut 9,000 jobs to survive the crisis, 8,000 of which will be in its civil aerospace division.

This could include up to 6,000 roles in the UK, centred around the company's Derby heartland.

Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East admitted the plans were 'terrible news' for employees but estimated it would help save around 1.3 billion a year.

Airlines do not believe air travel will return to 2019 levels until at least 2023.

This will hit Rolls because it means demand will fall significantly for new engines. But it will also hit the FTSE100 company because it makes most of its income through servicing engines that are already flying  and a dramatic reduction in flight hours in the coming years means it will lose huge chunks of revenues from maintenance.

Analysts also believe the slowest segment of the market to recover will be long-haul flights  and Rolls-Royce only supplies engines for big jets that can fly long-distances.

Before the aviation crisis hit, the company was working through a significant restructuring kicked off by East in 2018 that involved cutting thousands of middle management jobs.

The group has also had to contend with a huge bill for problems with the engines it supplies to Boeing's 787 Dreamliners, used by airlines such as Norwegian and British Airways.

In 2016 it discovered that the heat generated by the engines was making the blades crack faster than expected. Rolls-Royce expects the total bill for replacing and fixing the engines to come to 2.4 billion between 2017 and 2023.

There could, however, be hope for the company outside its aerospace arm. It also has a large defence division and is working on Britain's new fighter jet, Project Tempest. Still at the design stage, the jets are expected to join the RAF from 2035.

The company is also in the running for two potentially huge contracts in the US defence market.

It is going head-to-head with GE for a deal to create new engines for America's classic B-52 bomber jets and is working with Bell Helicopters on new designs for the US military helicopter fleet.

Back in the UK, Rolls is also leading a consortium aiming to build small modular nuclear reactors, which would be a quicker and cheaper way of setting up new nuclear power projects.
While the Bois Locker Room scandal has exposed the lack of healthy sex education among Indian teenagers, it has also ripped apart societal hypocrisies, gender stereotypes and the systemic fault-lines that lead to sexual violence.

School-goers and college students from prominent schools in Delhi reportedly shared nude pictures of their girlfriends, morphed photos of their female classmates, and chatted casually about gang-rape on a social-media account with this handle.

Unfortunately, it was only one symptom in a malady that includes regressive filmmaking, toxic TikTok videos, and virulent trolling on social media.

How are Indian parents dealing with these rude wakeup calls? Parul Ohri, founding member and chief editor of Momspresso, a user-generated content sharing platform driven by Indian mothers, has a few theories.

A former communications professional, Parul took a break from her career to raise two daughters before co-founding Momspresso where fellow mums can share their unique perspectives. She is also the talk-show host of Lets Talk with Parul, and has anchored over 200 panel discussions, live social-media sessions with other mothers and experts, and interviews with celebrities.

We spoke to her about the state of sex education in Indian institutions and homes.

What were your first thoughts when you heard about the Bois Locker Room incident?

Of course, there was shock at the graphic extent of objectification and threats of sexual violence by such young boys, but I cannot say I was entirely surprised. My work brings me in touch with people who are working actively on gender issues, survivors of gender-based violence, bullying, and so on, and each story has given me a true reality check of the world we are living in. Being a mother of two teenage daughters makes it imperative for me to be aware of that reality, so that I can help them to negotiate it.

What is the state of sex education in Indian educational institutions and homes?

If parents and teachers are talking to children about sex, it is mostly about safety. There has been a lot of messaging that has been created around good touch bad touch and propagated widely through schools and at homes. That is a wonderful starting point, though the idea of having a child take a moral judgement of what is good and bad is being questioned now.

However, I still feel at least it has given parents and teachers a comfortable-enough language to start the talk with very young children. Parents almost never bring up any conversation about sex beyond the safety talk and perhaps some basic answers about how babies are made.

Schools are supposed to have mandatory sessions on sex education, which are unfortunately treated as a box to be ticked and delivered ineffectively. When it is treated as an uncomfortable issue, it will come across as just that to the students and will never achieve the purpose intended.

So where are our adolescents and teenagers getting most of their sex education from?

If we take sex education as a broader topic that includes gender dynamics / relationships, then children are learning from every aspect of their lives, but certainly the Internet tops the list. Almost every teenager has a personal digital device these days and they can get the answers to all their questions anytime, anywhere. Porn is nothing new and every generation has viewed it, but what is worrying is that children are starting so much earlier now  as early as eight to 10 years!

At that tender age, when they have very little understanding of what they are watching, it is yet another message about how women are supposed to be viewed in an already misogynist society. Every single raunchy film song and aggression-laden movie just adds strength to that message, as does observing how the adults in their lives behave towards women.

Are schools in India doing enough to educate boys about respecting girls and the idea of consent?

With the focus of sex education being on safety, the concepts of respect and consent are mostly missing. If you look at it from another lens, it is a difficult concept for adults to teach because most of them would never have experienced or practised respectful behaviour towards women in their own lives and homes. This is a lesson that has to be seen and observed at different levels, including but not limited to schools.

Should Indian parents and schools inform their teenage children (both boys and girls) about rape, sexual harassment and assault, and how to protect themselves?

Yes, and we should make it clear that the onus of this information dissemination does not fall solely on the mothers. In fact, fathers have to lead these conversations and help their children understand that sexual aggression  verbal or physical  is not a measure of masculinity.

In schools, the sessions should be held with both boys and girls present together so that gradually the awkwardness goes and they can discuss these issues comfortably.

Whether it is at school or home, the concept of respect must be explained as well as the concept of safety. Given that we live in a digital world, our children need to be taught how to behave and protect themselves online as well. Lets give our children enough credit  when given the right support and messaging, they will get it.

What is the biggest fear that an Indian mom has about her children, and how can we  as a society  fix this issue?

Safety, of course. We have always feared for their physical safety but now there are alarming attacks happening online as well. We curtailed our daughters movement in public spaces in the name of safety, we told them what to wear, when and where to go, where not to go Now how do we do this in the virtual space? No space will be safe for our children while we still have debilitating patriarchal mindsets.

Parul Ohri.

The change will not happen through a government directive, it has to begin with each one of us. Change starts at home  in the way we view and treat our daughters vis-a-vis our sons, in how divisive gender roles are in our house, in how the men in the family behave towards women, not only the women in the family but also strangers and those economically less privileged than us.

And the messaging has to be consistent. It includes rejecting songs and films that objectify women or portray men getting away with misogyny. It also means shutting down jokes and conversations in peer groups that are offensive to women.

What is lacking in Indian parenting and policing that leads to sexual and gender violence? What is your suggestion to correct this?

The reasons for gender-based violence are many but if we just talk about parenting, what has been lacking is open conversation and not walking the talk about respectful behaviour.

Sex is still a taboo subject or at least intensely uncomfortable and therefore is just never brought up, in fact, is shut down abruptly. So instead of healthy conversations that can encourage a positive and gender sensitive mindset about sex and sexuality, children are only exposed to regressive ideas from all corners that normalise the message that it is okay for boys to talk about girls like sexual objects.

My suggestions to make a change in rape culture are in the image below. This is recommended action that has been put together by women on the Lets Talk with Parul platform.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A 11-year-old boy from Egypt, who was suffering from a life-threatening condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy and severe pulmonary hypertension (very high pressure in the lungs) with recurrent heart failure for the last one year, was airlifted from Cairo. After being turned down by several hospitals in the US and western Europe, the child was referred to Dr KR Balakrishnan, chairman, Cardiac Sciences, and director, Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support, MGM Healthcare by the pediatric cardiologist in Cairo.

After arriving here, the childs condition worsened, and the only option was to consider implanting an LVAD, a battery-operated mechanical pump, to help the left chamber of his heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. But the existing pumps are built for adults and the size of the left ventricle was heavily muscle-bound. Dr Balakrishnan approached Professor R Krishna Kumar from the Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras, and requested a virtual reality model to be built from the CT scan of the child, so that a virtual implant could be carried out.

This model was fit by the doctor wearing a head-mounted 3D glass. The boy has since recovered rapidly, gained weight and has taken to dancing to Bollywood songs. They are waiting to return to Cairo, after restrictions are lifted. This technique will be presented at the annual conference of The American Society of Artificial Internal Organs in Chicago, on June 1, via a virtual set-up.

Commenting on the boys successful surgical procedure, Dr Balakrishnan said, We thoroughly evaluated the child before planning for the LVAD. We had limited options. We decided to go ahead with the heart pump implant only after the virtual model built at IIT showed that it was feasible. Professor Krishna Kumar said, There were many challenges technically as the image clarity of the commercial software built into the imaging machine did not meet the requirements.

After intense discussions on the algorithms to be used, Sathish Kumar, my student, built the virtual reality model in one night, as time was crucial. The childs mother, a pediatrician, thanking the MGM Healthcare, said, We had almost given up hope. Our child had been ailing for a few years and we could not bear to see him suffer like this. We are grateful that we were referred to this facility where the doctors were confident and ensured a fresh lease of life to our son.
So early last year Tom Perez, the current DNC chairman, urged the hiring of Dean to serve as CEO of the data exchange, hoping that he would have the gravitas to pull in all sides to work together. The national party and many key state parties had withered away during the Obama years, never quite receiving the proper tending from the president or his top advisers.
The Coronavirus case count in the Volta Region has reached 75.

Checks by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has revealed.

The Region also has a total of 32 recoveries, two deaths and 41 active cases.

Ketu South Municipality leads the chart with 26 number of cases followed by Ho, the regional capital, 22 and Hohoe, 11 cases.

Central Tongu has seven cases, South Tongu, three cases, Kpando, two cases, Anloga, two cases with Akatsi South and Agotime-Ziope recording a case each.

Following the recording of new cases in Central Tongu, the Assembly has closed the Adidome, Mafi Kumasi and Mafi Avedo markets temporarily.

The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in a press release on May 27, 2020, lamented the increase in communal spread of the virus and directed all Assemblies to strictly ensure that all markets and public places had the "No mask, no entry" sign and enforced.

The release, signed by Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, also charged the Assemblies to intensify public education and ensure that commercial drivers and motorcycle operators observed all the protocols, especially wearing of nose masks.

Some people the GNA spoke to, said they were not surprised by the increase in communal spread of the virus because people were not wearing nose masks.

They therefore appealed to the police to enforce the wearing of nose masks in the streets and public places.

Meanwhile, a section of the public has cautioned against the 'stampeding' of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to lift restrictions meant to contain the pandemic.

Mr Christopher Kudzo Galenkui, Assemblyman for Wumenu Electoral Area in the Adaklu District said there was no need to rush in lifting the restrictions when positive cases were on the increase.

GNA
Jacqueline Jossa has hit out at claims she walked out on her husband Dan Osborne after he sent 'flirty messages' to Gabby Allen.

The Sun has claimed that 28-year-old Dan contacted his former Celebrity Big Brother co-star Gabby, 26, in April, but she didn't respond  months after the pair vehemently denied claims that they'd had an illicit tryst.

However, a representative for the 27-year-old actress told MailOnline: 'To suggest Jacqueline and Dan have argued over messages is totally false.'

Striking back: Jacqueline Jossa has hit out at claims she walked out on her husband Dan Osborne after he sent 'flirty messages' to Gabby Allen

A source told The Sun: '[Gabby] swears blind nothing ever, ever happened  and is furious about being dragged into his mess yet again. They last texted shortly before Dan went to Australia to support Jac in the jungle.

'But that was all platonic from Gabbys side. He did send her a suggestive message over Instagram last month which she never responded to. Gabby has zero interest in Dan, and she wants no association with him... Dans intentions seem less clear.'

However, the source has claimed that Jacqueline is putting family first amid the allegations, adding: 'Dan has begged for one final chance, and of course she wants to fight for her marriage for the sake of their kids.'

Message: The Sun has claimed that 28-year-old Dan contacted his former Celebrity Big Brother co-star Gabby Allen, 26, in April, but she didn't respond

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Dan Osborne and Gabby Allen for further comment.

It previously emerged that Gabby's ex, Myles Stephenson, had told his I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! co-star Jacqueline in December about Gabby and Dan's purported 'affair', after she grilled him for information in the Australian jungle.

Rumours first began swirling Gabby and Dan were having an affair in April 2018, after they were pictured looking cosy on a yacht together in Marbella.

But Gabby has since claimed her ex-boyfriend is a 'compulsive liar' and has rubbished any allegations her and Dan were more than friends.

Old co-stars: The reality TV personalities were co-stars on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2018

We like to party: Following their stint on the show, they were seen partying with their co-stars - they have both denied anything ever happened between them

She revealed at the time of the initial allegations in April 2018, Jacqueline messaged her to ask if there was anything she would like to tell her.

I'm A Celebrity bosses allowed Jacqueline to contact Gabby again by voicemail in December in order to try and clear up any doubts she had after Myles' claims.

Jacqueline, who shares daughters Ella, five, and Mia, 23 months with Dan, is reported to have given her husband a 'last chance ultimatum' as they work on their turbulent relationship.

The former EastEnders actress has reportedly moved back into her family home on a part-time basis after claiming that she needed a break last week.

Working it out: It has been claimed that Dan 'begged' Jacqueline to return to their marital home after she moved out amid their marriage issues (pictured in April)

A source told The Sun: 'Dan insists he has done nothing wrong but Jacqueline is frustrated he can't just focus solely on her and thinks he has been communicating with other girls.'

'She remains suspicious as she has caught him out before and he has form for being pictured chatting to attractive female celebrities at showbiz parties when she's been at home or working.'

The publication also alleged that while Jacqueline has returned to her marital home she issued an 'Osborne Ultimatum', demanding that Dan 'stop his infatuation with glamorous female reality stars'.

It comes after the actress revealed she had returned to her marital home from her parents' house amid her issues with Dan.

The former EastEnders star announced that she had come back to be with her kids and husband - yet will split her time between the two.

We are family: Screen star Jacqueline shares daughters Ella, five, and Mia, 23 months with Dan

She admitted that she 'has some stuff going on', in the wake of news that her three-year marriage to the former TOWIE star, has been called into question amid claims of increasing domestic tension during the coronavirus lockdown.

Jacqueline said: 'Not that it's got anything to do with you, but was going to let you guys know I am back at home. I'm gonna be doing the pix at my mum and dad's new place because there's loads of new empty rooms.'

Then discussing her own house, she went on: 'The place is a mess because I haven't been here in a while. I am back home but I'll be coming home because I've got stuff going on at the moment.'

The previous day, Jacqueline insisted her decision to move away from her husband in the midst of a global pandemic bore no reflection on the state of their relationship as she took to Instagram with a lengthy post.

Moved back: The soap star recently revealed she had moved back into their abode part-time on Thursday amid claims they had been 'fighting non-stop'

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: 'Morning all. This is a message for all of the amazing supporters who always show me so much love...

'I've been honest about my situation at the moment, and yes I've been staying at another house - a house my parents will eventually be moving into.

'I had really been struggling (haven't we all?) lately and as I said the other day, I've just needed some time and breathing space.'

She added: 'I'm going to enjoy the sunshine with my kids. Thanks to everyone who always stands by us, and to all the hard working parents trying to get through this crazy time  and for those who just don't get it, just Be Kind...

'I will not be commenting any further.'

Old times: The couple have two daughters together, while Dan is also a father to son Teddy, six
Advertisement

An Australian travel blogger who has built up a following of more than half a million from sharing glamorous travel snaps has revealed what was really going on behind her envy-inducing photos - from deep loneliness to being dumped on Christmas Day.

Brooke Saward, 28, from Tasmania, said that after nearly a decade of travelling the world and uploading beautiful photos, she wanted to share what was really going on behind her snaps - and explain that Instagram is not a reflection of real life.

The result - which unearths her innermost thoughts, feelings and impressions from each destination - reads like a snapshot into Brooke's diary, as she recalls the emotions of heartbreak, loneliness and the resulting freedom that comes with any breakup.

An Australian travel blogger who has built up a following of more than half a million from sharing glamorous travel snaps has revealed what was really going on behind her envy-inducing photos (Brooke Saward pictured in Barcelona)

Brooke Saward, 28, from Tasmania, said that after nearly a decade of travelling the world and uploading beautiful photos, she wanted to share what was really going on behind her snaps (Brooke pictured one month after Christmas Day)

'When the world went into lockdown, I saw a lot of influencers posting their old travel photos with brief captions like "can't wait to be able to travel again",' Brooke told FEMAIL.

We all know Instagram is a lie. It sells a version of our lives, especially for influencers

'I just thought to myself surely I can't just start posting the same content with the same destinations telling people how much I miss my glamorous (and quite frankly unattainable) lifestyle? I wanted to do something more.'

And so, beginning at the end of March, Brooke started sharing the real stories from her travels to the South of France, LA, New Zealand, Bali, London, Barcelona and Vienna.

'We all know Instagram is a lie. It sells a version of our lives, especially for influencers,' Brooke said.

'I wanted to pick apart this lie and tell people: "Hey everyone, when I shared this beautiful photo of myself solo in Provence, what I didn't tell you is that I was the loneliest I have ever been in my life, quietly mourning the breakup of a three-year relationship with the man I thought I would marry".

'As soon as I started, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders as I shared the real and raw moments of my life, my followers started to realise that there was this entire narrative of my life running in the background.'

The beginning of Brooke's so-called 'Stories' - which have been divided into different parts depending on which photo you look at - starts in France (pictured), where she said 'on the surface' it looked as though she had 'everything figured out'

Following a breakup with her boyfriend from home, Brooke revealed how she boarded a flight to New Zealand (left), rented a van to live in and dragged along a friend called Sophie for the ride. She later ended up in London for a period (right)

The beginning of Brooke's so-called 'Stories' - which have been divided into different parts depending on which photo you look at - starts in France, where she said 'on the surface' it looked as though she had 'everything figured out'.

'I had a job that let me travel the world, ambassador deals and endless invites to exotic locations,' Brooke wrote alongside the photo of her looking into the distance over cobblestone homes.

'It was a career that didn't exist in the humble beginnings of my travel blog - an online journal I created to document my adventures.'

While Brooke said she 'fell into a world' of luxury hotel stays, year-long contracts and networking, she also said that her desire to travel and her 'restless feet' meant it was difficult for her to hold down a boyfriend at home and travel the world.

'When this photo was taken (by my drone, by the way) I was quietly mourning what I knew was the end of my relationship,' Brooke admitted.

'It took me six weeks abroad to come to terms with ending what was long lost. Once I had finally accepted our fate, I flew home only to be broken up with on the ride home from the airport. We both knew - we just didn't know how to face it. The distance that had driven a wedge between us was our final undoing.'

Brooke shares the story of meeting the man who would dump her on Christmas Day The only guy I ever fell for in Los Angeles was an award-winning producer of documentary films. At least, that's how his LinkedIn profile reads. Brooke recalled living in Los Angeles (pictured) and meeting a man she fell for who would later break up with her on Christmas Day Let's start with the Saturday we met on Sunset Boulevard. It sounds cliche because it was. Doing this story justice feels like a hefty task - plagued by my own bias, naturally. But when your story ends in a foreign country alone on Christmas Day having been left in the middle of the night, you earn the right to tell the tale. And tell it I did - to every air hostess who would listen on that 30 hour flight path back to Australia on 26 December 2018. This may take a while (you've been warned). I had decided I would only date older men - a phase? Perhaps. Convinced age must have been the downfall to my previous failed relationships, I swore on a 30s or 40s kind of guy. Statistics show 60 per cent of men prefer dating younger, so if nothing else, the stats were on my side. I was introduced to Simon (names have been changed) at an inconvenient time. There are cute foods to be eating when you meet a man and then there are acai bowls. My teeth covered in a layer of purple soup, I smiled and introduced myself. I was with a friend and her beau - used here as an adjective because in LA a 'boyfriend' is as good as a lifetime sentence. He happened to walk by and, caught by surprise, noticed his work colleague was sitting with us. 'Hey Brian, fancy seeing you here'. Later that evening I was the 4th wheel in a double date to an emo band playing at a venue in Highland Park. In a haze of vodka sodas and white wine, we stumbled into the Uber and darted across town. Uninterested at first, my eyes darted around the room to a sea of eligible bachelors. It could have been the white wine or it could have been the laser beam lights that framed his face, but I caught myself lock eyes with his and for a split second, I really noticed him. 'He's into you' Brian announced. After a series of first dates that apparently werent into me, my ego got the better of me. We want to believe Brian is a good guy. He has that grew-up-on-emo-bands edge and bounces from one house party to the next as the friend who will never say no to a good time. But he's also the kind of guy who changes his Instagram bio twice weekly, says yes but means no and more importantly, he treated my friend like absolute garbage. More on that later. Before Brian introduced me to Simon, he invited his other friend, his better friend, Jason to meet me first. 'Better' on account of they are closer in friendship. But also 'better' in light of my retrospective guidance that he was closer to earth. A Southern guy working in finance, somewhat unscathed by the glamour of his newfound Hollywood life. I liked Jason. He was a nice guy. But what is it they say - nice guys finish last? A group of us decided on a Tuesday night in August that we'd make our way over to Glendale for a nostalgic revival of our childhood. We arrived at Moonlight Rollerway, an old school roller rink that opened back in '56. Jason, a Bradley Cooper look a like, was along for the ride. He had been stood up by a date in Santa Monica and moped his way across town to join the festivities. 'He's so cute' my friend commented in a way that posed itself as a question to me. 'Don't you think?' she finished. 'He's damaged' said my other friend. 'Don't go there' she warned. I contemplated for a second the word damaged and how easily it is thrown around to describe a person who has had their heart broken. Does this mean I am also damaged in need of repair? We spent our night getting high on sugary soft drinks and popcorn laced with MSG. How long could this innocence last? 'We have a problem' my friend declared the next day. 'Theyre both into you' she finished. 'Oh and they live together' she added. I waited a few seconds to see if there was any more fuel for the fire and finally responded. 'That's fine 'cos I'm not into either of them.' When I got home that night, I consulted my therapist. 'How long should you wait before you start dating again?' I typed into Google. Source: World of Wanderlust Advertisement

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about how her stories have been received online, Brooke explained that it has been huge - with thousands of women replying to her posts and saying 'this happened to me' (pictured in the Joshua Tree National Park and in Vienna)

Brooke (pictured in LA) detailed setting up in LA for three months, joining celebrity dating apps and realising that at age 26, she is 'considered an infant in a town full of men who don't want to marry and women who won't realise until it's too late'

Following this first post, Brooke revealed how she boarded a flight to New Zealand, rented a van to live in and dragged along a friend called Sophie for the ride with her.

What was supposed to be a week-long trip turned into 'two weeks of self discovery' and the pair bonding, before Brooke returned home to Tasmania to deal with the heartache of friends from when she was in a couple ignoring her.

She then detailed setting up in LA for three months, joining celebrity dating apps and realising that at age 26, she is 'considered an infant in a town full of men who don't want to marry and women who won't realise until it's too late'.

'Alas, I embark on a series of dating quests to mark my territory on the city and before I know it, I've racked up a bill of Uber rides across town,' Brooke said.

'I stop wondering if he'll text me for a second date and become numb to the fact that it might take a week and four days to hear back. All of a sudden "He's Just Not That Into You" starts to make sense and the haze of Hollywood films I grew up on all seem too real.'

The diary entries or 'stories' continue in this fashion, through 'kissing frogs' and going through 'rich Swiss guy, leather jacket guy, a few guys on said celebrity dating app and the guy I had a crush on since Instagram began' all the way up to finding a prince only to get dumped on Christmas Day.

Many of the entries read like excerpts from Elizabeth Gilbert's novel Eat, Pray, Love, they are so honest and revealing.

Brooke shares the story of how her relationship went wrong at Christmas Being dumped on Christmas Day is a pretty good dinner conversation topic. It is also a great way to make friends on airplanes (mostly stewardesses) and mostly after a few too many wines at altitude. Brooke shared the story of how her relationship broke down on Christmas Day (pictured in Newport, Rhode Island) I had four planes worth of stories to tell as I travelled from Vienna - Paris. Paris - Singapore. Singapore - Melbourne. Melbourne - home. The day after Christmas as I sit at one end of the dining table in my rented Viennese apartment, a stack of 100 bills sat at the other. Instead of leaving a note, Simon left euros. He left at 3:55am in the morning and the only reason I know this is because I glanced at my iPhone screen when I heard the door click shut, not because he bothered to say goodbye - or - say anything. What happened in the lead up to Christmas Day is a series of unfortunate events. Much like a Lemony Snicket's tale, our Christmas holiday went from bad to worse in the 72-hour lead up to his disappearance. I arrived in Vienna a few days before him and filled my days with coffee houses, Christmas shopping and organic wine sourcing. I visited three organic wine stores across town, making it a personal mission to fill the house with everything he loved. I bought a Polaroid camera for his Christmas present, one that he would later leave behind and one that I still have in my possession to this day. Simon was a non-social media guy (he'd be the first to tell you that), so I figured he could use the vintage camera to photograph our trip and take a memory of us home. From our dates in Los Angeles to our rendezvous in London, we never took a single photo to suggest that we ever existed - or he ever existed. Sometimes I don't think he ever did, but I still see his face in my dreams sometimes and I'm reminded he was real. Just, what we had was not. In German countries, Christmas Eve is the main event. I know this now because the supermarkets were closed by the time he landed and we quickly realised there would be no way to fill the fridge for the Christmas feast I had planned. 'Oh well' he reasoned as we stood outside the third Billa Supermarket in search of food. 'I guess we'll go out for Christmas lunch' he concluded. The next day, which also happened to be Christmas Day, Simon phoned six restaurants to book us a table for Christmas lunch. Everywhere was fully booked (no shocker there) so we settled on the dinner reservation I had already made at a traditional Viennese restaurant in the inner stadt. With the supermarkets closed since the 24th of December, my backup plan was to venture out for a big breakfast, skip lunch, and celebrate Christmas with a schnitzel and apple strudel. But my plan was floored. My counterpart hit the snooze button on his alarm no fewer than seven times. And while I'd normally make an exception for someone sleeping in 'til noon this was Christmas? I bounced out of bed, danced around the living room to Ariana Grande's Christmas tunes and drank all the coffee in the house to keep my hunger at bay. Meanwhile Simon slept. A crucial point in this story is that I'm not much fun to be around if I skip a meal. I'm the kind of person who snacks on six small meals a day and I'm also the kind of person to eat before a workout. In other words, I really like food. A lot. So there we were on my favourite day of the year, phoning around to see if anyone could seat us for lunch. After six consecutive 'Neins', he finally gave up. Now he was hungry. It was going from bad to worse. As soon as we left the apartment, the rain started. We didnt have an umbrella so we went back inside to layer up and continue our quest to be fed. Anywhere that was open was booked out. It wasn't surprising, but it was still disappointing nonetheless. As we aimlessly wandered through the heart of Vienna and the rain picked up pace, I spotted a movie theatre sign up a small alleyway. 'That's it!' I proclaimed. 'We can go see a movie!' He wasn't nearly as pleased. As we sat through the two hours and ten minutes of chim-chimeny and spoonfuls of sugar, we stuffed ourselves on popcorn and zero sugar coke. By the end of the film, I fell out of love with my favourite childhood classic. I fell out of love with Christmas. This was me a month after I was dumped on Christmas Day. After the shock had worn off and my mum went from consoling me to bothering me (lol sorry mum), I did what any responsible girl in her late twenties would do when she has her heart broken: I ran away. First I ran to New Zealand, then I ran to Bali. Both were only a few hours from Australia and January is a pretty cheap time to fly, so I listened to my friends advice to 'catch flights, not feelings'. There are a few details I overlooked from that Christmas dinner, most of which you'll find here. 1. Somewhere between starters and the main course I had made the seemingly absurd request to put a label on our romance. I asked in the same kind of way a teenager would ask for permission to stay at a friends house, knowing the answer was probably no. 2. His response was loud, unapologetic and caused the entire restaurant to turn their heads. 3. I was p**sed off, so I did what any girl p**sed off does in an argument with a six-foot-two man-child. I stayed silent. 4. We walked home, a miserable 2.1 kilometres in the cold December air. A city that had seemed so magical just one day prior suddenly felt cold and not just in a literal sense. 5. When we arrived back at the apartment some forty minutes later, he wasted no time creating a makeshift office on the far end of the dining table. I didn't know it then, but he was booking a flight home. 6. Simon left at 3:55am the following morning. The euros were a nice gesture, all things considered. On the 26th of December we were due to collect a rental car, drive 3 hours West to a cabin I had booked for a staggering 500 a night. I booked three nights, non-refundable. The euros were to pay for the rental car which was booked in his name, as I was paying the accommodation and he was covering transport. 7. Also non-refundable was the hotel in Salzburg and Paris on New Years Eve. Add that to my $5,236.12 flight home and yeah, you get the idea. 8. I wanted to stay and be the 'strong, independent, solo travel gal' I marketed myself as. But this broke me in a way I didn't think anything or anyone could. Maybe I always was...? Source: Brooke Saward Advertisement

'Those beautiful photos you see when you scroll through Instagram are just that - beautiful photos,' she said. 'They don't share all the mishaps and mischief, the times you get ripped off or the times you miss a flight and get stuck at an airport for 24 hours. Those stories are what make the travel experience' (Brooke pictured in LA)

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about how her stories have been received online, Brooke explained that it has been huge - with thousands of women replying to her posts and saying 'this happened to me'.

'I think a lot of women travel to run away from a breakup or a job they need to escape,' Brooke told FEMAIL.

'The response has been phenomenal and it has been a great way to connect on a more human level, especially during this time of isolation.'

Brooke's stories have been so successful she has even been contacted by a publisher in Australia, as well as a talent agency who want to discuss buying the rights to a book deal and a TV or film adaptation.

'It's all started to move very quickly!' Brooke admitted.

Brooke has been approached by book publicists and people who want to buy the rights to her story (pictured in LA)

'But I'm happy with what I'm doing. I think it's important for anyone with a large audience to think about the message they are sharing.

'Do I think everyone can afford the luxury hotels I stay in? No! So I started to share less of the beautiful hotels and focus more on the cities I was visiting. I don't wear designer outfits and handbags because I simply couldn't afford those things before I started my blog, so why should I share that now?

'For the record, I shop at H&M, Zara and Mango. Plus I have an obsession with thrift shopping in cities I visit.'

The 28-year-old added: 'Travel has become completely glamorised.

'Those beautiful photos you see when you scroll through Instagram are just that - beautiful photos.

'They don't share all the mishaps and mischief, the times you get ripped off or the times you miss a flight and get stuck at an airport for 24 hours. Those stories are what make the travel experience.'

To read more from Brooke and the real stories behind the Instagram photos, you can visit her profile here.
Leanne Reyes had heard about the video of George Floyd's final minutes, but she could not bring herself to watch it.

Almost fourteen years ago, her father, Wayne Reyes, died after police opened fire on his truck - six officers, 43 rounds, in four seconds. They said her father had pulled out a shotgun when they pulled him over in response to a report that he had stabbed his girlfriend and another friend in a domestic dispute.

The gunshots destroyed the truck and severely damaged the facade of a building just blocks from where the younger Reyes now lives on the city's south side, the brick wall still marked by bullet holes.

Reyes and her relatives were horrified to see the name of one of those officers show up in the news all these years later: Derek Chauvin, the now-former Minneapolis officer filmed with his knee on Floyd's throat. Chauvin was arrested Friday on murder and manslaughter charges. In 2006, he was put on administrative leave for a week during the investigation, though police never publicly specified which officers fired their guns.

Read More

"I already knew what kind of monster that man is," Reyes said. "And all I could feel was heartbreak that this had happened again."

Minneapolis has raged and mourned since video emerged earlier this week of Floyd, pinned for several minutes as he gasped for breath. This city has endured the painful sequence before: Someone encounters the police and dies. Outrage, protests and promises to do better follow. And then it happens all over again.

"There's a cycle," said Michelle Phelps, an associate sociology professor at the University of Minnesota who has studied community views on policing and reform in Minneapolis. "There's an episode of violence, there's an uprising, people demand change and change starts to happen. But in a big, cumbersome bureaucracy with 800 line officers, those shifts move really slowly."

The previous cases did not set off unrest on the scale seen this week in Minneapolis, which included multiple buildings set on fire. But they engulfed the region in other ways. Demonstrators responded to shootings by police by camping out around a police precinct for weeks, blocking streets and calling for officers and city officials to lose their jobs.

"Each time something happened, it made us better and we didn't let it happen in vain," said Janee Harteau, a former Minneapolis police chief, who was ousted by the city's then-mayor amid outcry over a 2017 shooting by an officer. "Now I see this, and I frankly question just about everything."

Minneapolis police have enacted some changes in recent years. The department became "one of the national leaders of police reform," Phelps said, enacting extensive training on use of force and emphasising the sanctity of life as part of its policies.

And yet," Phelps said, "George Floyd is still dead."

The department made changes in Harteau's tenure and under Medaria Arradondo, her successor, including pushing officers to more proactively listen to the community and improving training, said Teresa Nelson, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota.

"There has been a long and deep history of racially biased policing in Minneapolis," she said. "Maybe [the reform] was too little, too late. It takes a lot to get a department turned around."

An ACLU study of low-level arrests between 2012 and 2014 concluded that black people - who make up a fifth of the city's population - were 8.7 times more likely to be arrested for such offenses than white people, which "contributes to long-standing mistrust."

The mistrust extended into the department's own ranks.

In 2017, Arradondo became the city's first black police chief, pledging to shift the culture and restore a positive relationship with the community. A decade earlier, he and four other veteran officers sued the department and accused it of systematically discriminating against people of colour, including black police officers.

In the 2007 lawsuit, filed in federal court, the officers assailed the department, saying that they were subjected "to harassment, discrimination and retaliation based on their race and colour." A spokesmen for the police did not respond on Friday to a request to interview Arradondo.

In court documents, city officials denied the allegations. The lawsuit was settled in 2009 for more than $800,000, said John Klassen, a civil rights attorney who represented the officers.

Klassen said the department has gotten better, recruiting a more diverse force, but still struggles to jettison troubled officers. Experts and activists blame the powerful police union.

Harteau said that while unions are necessary to push for benefits, the police union in Minneapolis fought her on things such as imposing discipline and terminating officers.

"It really deflates your authority," Harteau said. "And you can't have the responsibility unless you have full authority."

Critics said the issue was one of the city's own making. City and police officials "constantly bemoan what they can't do because their hands are tied by the [police union] contract," said Dave Bicking, vice president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, a Twin Cities police watchdog group. "But every three years when the contract comes up, they rubber stamp it."

Union officials did not respond to messages and calls seeking comment.

Police in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities region have struggled with public anger over how police use force in recent years, as the issue was rippling across the country in places such as Baltimore, Chicago, New York and Ferguson, Missouri.

In November 2015, after a Minneapolis police officer shot and killed Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old black man, demonstrators responded by occupying the area around the Fourth Precinct police station for 18 days. A Justice Department review said the outrage over Clark's death reflected a "fractured relationship and history of mistrust" among black residents in north Minneapolis, the police and city officials.

Local and federal authorities separately said they would not charge the officers involved in Clark's death, with the Justice Department concluding it could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt an officer intended to violate Clark's civil rights.

Just weeks after that Justice Department's announcement, the Twin Cities region was seized by another fatal shooting.

Philando Castile's death during a July 2016 traffic stop in the suburbs, broadcast on Facebook, spurred public outrage - and, in a relatively unusual turn, criminal charges for Jeronimo Yanez, the officer involved.

While charges are rare, convictions are even less common. Yanez was acquitted in 2017, spurring a large protest that shut down Interstate 94.

A few weeks later, Justine Damond, an Australian woman, called 911 to report a possible sexual assault near her home. When police arrived and she approached, Mohamed Noor, one of the officers, shot and killed her, setting off an international outcry. Noor became one of the rare officers charged and convicted of an on-duty shooting.

Harteau, who was forced out after Damond's death, said Floyd's death was disheartening after all the efforts at reform.

"Before this, I would have liked to have said there's been change," Harteau said. "Clearly, it's not enough. Because I look at that video and I say to myself, how could this happen?"

Phelps, the professor, interviewed residents of north Minneapolis in 2017 and 2018 to ask about their experiences with police and views of reform.

"What we found was that people were largely very aware of police violence both locally and nationally, and most of the folks we interviewed saw it as a deep, systemic and structural problem," Phelps said, one that was disproportionately impacting black people. "But When you got to the reform section, people largely did not know what [the police] were doing," she said.

Even when told about the changes, she said, residents supported them but were not sure much would change.

Before Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Floyd, he was involved in at least two shootings, according to media reports. Police have released a brief summary of his disciplinary record, showing he had 17 complaints filed against him - most closed without discipline and one closed with two letters of reprimand.

The department did not respond to questions about the shootings or further details about his disciplinary record; an attorney for Chauvin did not respond to calls seeking comment about the Floyd case or Wayne Reyes' death in 2006.

Reyes was a big, gregarious man who grew up as part of a large extended family with deep roots on the city's south side. He'd had run-ins with the law over the years, including a misdemeanour charge in July 2006 for carrying a gun without a license. At the time of death, he'd been trying to get sober, his family said, but the explosive relationship he had with his girlfriend wasn't helping.

"My father was a little rough around the edges, but he was a good man and a lot of people loved him," his daughter said.

His younger brother, Jack, rushed to the scene after hearing about the 2006 shooting, finding Reyes' body in a pool of blood, surrounded by evidence markers showing where all the bullets had landed.

The officers were placed on administrative leave. It was nearly nine months before the department showed Reyes' relatives footage from the shooting, his family said.

While the department said Reyes had exited the car with his gun, Leanne Reyes says the blurry video she watched, apparently captured from a dashboard camera of a responding officer's car, did not show her father outside the vehicle until he had been shot.

In 2007, a grand jury opted against charges in the case. The family considered a wrongful-death suit, they said, but could not find a lawyer to take the case.

And then it was over - until this week, when Reyes' home has vibrated with the booms of flash bangs thrown at the protests not far from her home.

"You can't escape it," she said. "It's just here."
A Minneapolis man protesting George Floyd's killing has warned rioters will come for the suburbs next after the city was nearly burned to the ground following a fourth night of unrest.

The man, who was not named, was interviewed on camera as angry residents took to the streets to burn and vandalize dozens of businesses in a united show of outrage over the black man's death.

'It's real bogus, they gotta get it right, otherwise this is what's gonna happen,' the protester told Unicorn Riot.

'Ain't nothing left here so when we start coming to the suburbs, when we come to the government center, then what y'all gonna do?

'So that's just what's gonna happen, you know  f**k the police.'

A Minneapolis protester warned rioters will target the suburbs next because there's 'nothing left here'

Chaos erupted for a fourth consecutive night in the city while protests spread across America

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was forced to imposed a curfew in the twin cities of Minnesota on Friday in a bid to bring the chaos under control.

It came a day after 500 National Guard soldiers were called in to intervene and help local law enforcement agencies that were struggling to cope with the mounting threat.

Tensions continued to flare on Friday after prosecutors announced white police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with murder over Floyd's death.

Thousands later ignored city orders and spilled onto the streets for a fourth night, while further protests broke out in dozens of cities across the country.

As chaos raged on, President Trump gave the bold order to ready the Army for deployment to Minneapolis.

The get-ready orders were sent verbally Friday, after Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper to come up with rapid deployment options if protests continued to spiral out of control, according to a senior Pentagon official who was on the call.

Minneapolis police said shots were fired at law enforcement officers during the protests but no one was injured.

Members of the National Guard hold a perimeter as a fire crew works to put out a fire at a gas station in Minneapolis last night

As the night dragged on, fires erupted across the city's south side, including at a Japanese restaurant, a Wells Fargo bank and an Office Depot.

Many burned for hours, with firefighters again delayed in reaching them because areas weren't secure.

Meanwhile, violence and riots broke out across America, with the CNN headquarters under siege in Atlanta, New York police officers fending off rioters from a police precinct in Brooklyn, and the White House forced to go into lockdown as demonstrators tried to scale the walls.

Chauvin, who was among four police officers involved in Floyd's arrest and subsequent death, is facing third-degree murder and manslaughter charges.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 16:25:05|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

JERUSALEM, May 30 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian man, spotted with a suspicious object in the Old City of Jerusalem, was shot dead during a police chase, the Israeli police said Saturday.

The incident occurred in the area of the Lions' Gate in the eastern part of the Old City walls.

The object carried by the suspect looked like a pistol, according to a police statement.

"The police units identified the suspect, called upon him to stop and started to chase after him on foot," the statement said.

The Hebrew-language news website Ynet reported that the man killed was identified as Iyad Hallak, 32, who lived in Wadi al-Joz neighborhood in East Jerusalem.

Hallak has special needs and was on his way to an institution for people with special needs when the incident happened, the website said.

After Hallak was shot dead, it turned out that he was unarmed, it added.

Following the incident, police officers involved were questioned by the Department of Internal Police Investigation. Enditem
The Nebraska native and Wayne State College graduate will maintain her roots in the area.

Her husband, Jim, will teach this year at Adams Middle School. Her daughter is a music teacher in Broken Bow and her son works on the family farm, which is located along the Lincoln-Logan County border.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

She still handles the financial books for the farm that was started by her grandfather.

Im going to be vigilant about staying connected. North Platte and Nebraska is not in my rearview mirror, Harms said. Its always home.

Harms connection with the community goes beyond the stories she has played a part in telling over the years. She has been involved at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and donated her time to the North Platte Community Playhouse both as a member of the board of directors and active participation in productions.

She has also been president of the Catholic school board, the United Way board and the American Red Cross board.
A new study by Alan Basist, director of Eyes on Earth, Inc., and Claude Williams from Global Environmental Satellite Applications, Inc. is drawing serious attention for its firm conclusion: the severe lack of water in the Lower Mekong during the 2019 rainy season was largely influenced by the restriction of water by dams on the Lancang River, as the Mekong is known in China.

Using satellite data from 1992 to 2019 and the river gauge at Chiang Sean, Thailand, the researchers developed a model to better understand the operation of dams in China, data which the country has never willingly disclosed.

Tuoi Tre News interviewed Basist, the studys lead author, and Brian Eyler, director of Stimsons Southeast Asia program, about the implications of the findings.

Can you tell us about the start of your research?

Alan Basist: We came up with the idea of doing a research project on monitoring the amount of water that comes out of the upper basin using the Chiang Sean gate station at the Thailand entrance of the Golden Triangle.

Our model was extremely accurate and it became evident that the satellite was beginning to predict a natural flow in 2019 that was fairly normal or slightly greater than normal.

We found that there was clearly a substantial amount of water missing based upon the wetness index and our model of how much water should have been flowing from the upper basin.

We couldnt help but wonder, Wheres the water?

The whole purpose of our technology and applying it in this situation is to promote transparency about how much water is in the basin.

If countries can determine the basins baseline water flow, they can have a more honest discussion as to how the water should be distributed so that the river can be shared.

As researchers, we try not to be involved in policy or politics. We only wanted to understand the scientific integrity of the data, and how the data can be used to promote transparency and equitable distribution of water resources among the countries that share a river basin.

The Mekong River Commission had issued a commentary note on your research. Do you agree with them?

Alan Basist: The Mekong River Commission encouraged us to do this study at the very beginning. They provided us with the data.

In December 2019, when I presented the results of our findings through March 2019 and demonstrated how successful our model was in Hanoi, a representative from the Mekong River Commission came up to me and asked if I could extend the study to include the 2019 drought.

I was a little surprised about their criticism because I thought we were in agreement with the study. Some of their criticisms are very real.

I mean, I could have referenced some more of the Mekong River Commission's work, more of the history, more of the previous studies.

When I said that the drought was largely impacted by the flow from the Upper Mekong, I could have stated more clearly that the major cause of the drought was the dryness in Thailand.

However, the lack of water coming from the Upper Mekong only compounded the drought. It wasn't the original cause of the drought.

Yes, I could have said that more clearly in our report. I also could have explained more clearly what exactly the wetness index is and how sophisticated it is for monitoring all the different sources of liquid water in the basin.

It's a very effective way to model. It may be a simple model, but it's only a simple model because the variables are very complicated. Its a quadratic relationship.

Their criticism was that the model was too simple. I don't think they understood that it was the same quadratic formula that they used in their model.

I still want to continue to work with the Mekong River Commission and see their criticism as an opportunity to improve our report.

At the same time, the findings in the report are very good and I stand behind them.

This study focused on a particular time during the severe drought year and it showed the damaging impacts. What would the impact of Chinese dams on the Mekong Delta be on Vietnam during a normal year?

Brian Eyler: Regardless of the year, China's upstream dams have an impact on the Mekong Delta.

Their biggest collective impact is of sediment removal from the Mekong system because 60 percent of the sediment in the Mekongs mainstream should come from China.

Sediment is critically important for agricultural production in the Mekong Delta as floods and some irrigation projects will distribute sediment across the delta during the monsoon season.

Sediment is also critical for making the delta resilient against the threat of climate change.

When sediment is missing and unevenly distributed across the delta floodplain, the delta becomes geologically weakened and more susceptible to erosion and falling into the ocean, especially during times of severe storms and encroaching sea level rise.

Chinas dams have removed more than half of the sediment from the Mekong mainstream.

Brian Eyler, director of Stimsons Southeast Asia program, is seen in a supplied photo.

China may restrict flow through its dam system, but do you know what happens to that water? Where does it wind up?

Brian Eyler: Chinas water restrictions most likely keep its reservoirs full. Five dams have been built over the past five years in the Upper Mekong, all with large reservoirs, and water likely stays in those areas.

China's Mekong dams are not commonly used for hydropower production. If hydropower is not being generated, then most of the water simply is not used, it is stored for future use.

Those upstream dams act like banks that allow China to save water for the future at the expense of downstream countries.

China has been releasing more water on average during the dry season which raises the level of the river on average during the dry season, but river gauges in the Mekong Delta suggest that water doesnt make it to Vietnam.

I see no evidence of China diverting water from the Mekong into other river basins in China.

To date, doing this is technically impossible, but this is not to say those impossibilities cannot be overcome in the future as water resource allocations in China deplete year on year.

Can water be used as a weapon to control the Lower Mekong region, such as limiting the flow of water in the drought season and releasing excessive amounts in years with heavy floods?

Brian Eyler: Until this report came out, I would have answered the question of can water be used as a weapon to control the Lower Mekong region? with no, but scientific evidence has since changed my mind.

Last year, China held so much water back during the monsoon season, which was unseasonably dry, that it broke the mainstream monsoon rise of the river.

Whether China did this on purpose as a kind of weapon remains to be explained.

I have my doubts and believe the action to be a function of poor communication or a lack of coordination between dam operators and Beijing, but those actions reveal that Chinas restrictions have the power to cut deeply into the viability of the Mekong mainstream.

Also, the report identifies sudden releases of water that are related to new dams coming online.

Again, the downstream consequences of these sudden releases were probably not premeditated in China, but the consequences surely felt like weapons to the communities in northern Thailand and Laos whose livelihoods were damaged by these sudden releases.

Numerous times their fields were suddenly flooded and tractors and livestock swept away into the river by unexpected flooding caused by sudden, unannounced releases.

In the Mekong, the impoverished farmer or fisher is always impacted both first and worst.

Chinese dams could complicate tricky discussions between China and other Mekong countries. How can the governments of the involved countries, as well as concerned parties, discuss this issue and push for greater transparency and cooperation from China?

Brian Eyler: Eyes on Earth's methods can be easily replicated at a relatively low cost. This means an alternative form of transparency over what is happening on the Mekong upstream has appeared.

If local stakeholders, whether they be governmental or non-governmental, adopt these methods or press for near-real time reporting from Eyes on Earth or another research institution, then these findings could become commonly held knowledge and used for the betterment of the Mekong at large.

The MRC should take these methods and findings and determine their value, both to monitoring the Mekong and with its discussions with China's Lancang Mekong Cooperation Mechanism.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Signing off from Radio Ulster on what she dubbed "Lynexit Day" back on October 31 last year, Lynette Fay had no clue what lay ahead.

Well, she knew the early days of motherhood were just around the corner - but as for the rest of the mayhem, all that was still anyone's guess.

"It's been absolutely bonkers, hasn't it?" says Lynette (42), whose baby daughter Neansai was born in November.

"I suppose it's not exactly like we thought, everything was calm back then with all that was happening with Brexit, but it's all just been so much. What do you do, though? I guess we've just got to take it a day at a time at the minute."

Sadly, for Lynette and her family, the presenter's grandmother Nora McKeown passed away aged 91 just days before lockdown was announced.

"It was strange because I had a fair feeling in the weeks before it happened that lockdown was coming towards us," says Lynette.

"I'm sort of a news fiend anyway, and I'd been watching what was happening around the world and just saw the inevitability of it all.

"Granny passed away on March 16, a week before the lockdown. She had been living with my parents who cared for her, and she died peacefully in her sleep at home.

"I was Granny's first grandchild and we were very close. I was her shadow and I went everywhere with her.



Expand Close Lynette with grandmother Nora McKeown, mum Brenda Fay, and baby Neansai / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lynette with grandmother Nora McKeown, mum Brenda Fay, and baby Neansai

"The week she died was really strange, because it was as if we were between two worlds, between normal and heading into the unknown.

"People didn't know whether to shake hands at the funeral, or how to console one another. The guidelines still hadn't been set out, so it was an unsure place to be. But we were able to have the funeral mass which would have been very important to my Granny. I'm glad she had that. Everyone went home after the funeral, though, and that's the last time I saw anyone in the family."

But now, after seven months of maternity leave, with the added impact of the Covid-19 outbreak thrown in, the radio host is preparing to get back to work.

Hitting the airwaves on Monday with the return of The Lynette Fay Show on BBC Radio Ulster in the afternoons, Lynette is looking forward to connecting once again with her listeners.

I think radio has really proven itself over the last while. It's so important to people, especially in difficult times, because it has that real connection with the audience

"It's been a bit of a running joke, but I was only in the afternoon slot for a fortnight before I started on maternity leave," says Lynette, who lives in north Belfast with baby Neansai and partner Gavin Cumiskey.

"You see, I was working to two schedules, the BBC schedule and Mother Nature's. And, let's face it, you can't really fight Mother Nature.

"But I thought the whole move was a wonderful endorsement from the BBC because they gave me that slot even though they knew I was pregnant and that I'd be going off fairly quickly.

"They knew I'd be absent from the airwaves for a number of months very soon after the show began, so I started then the way I mean to continue.

"I think it's a really positive message for women, a really empowering one, that pregnancy and having babies is part of life and this process happens all the time. It's only a few months and things get back to a regular way in the blink of an eye."



Expand Close Lynette Fay with baby Neansai / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lynette Fay with baby Neansai

Although, of course, heading back to the studio in Belfast this week will be a different experience for Lynette, who has already been working on her Folk Club music show from home.

With fewer staff in the building, and most of the prep done from home, the bustling days in the city she was used to won't be quite as they were.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back at it, but I know going to work will be very strange," she says. "I think radio has really proven itself over the last while. It's so important to people, especially in difficult times, because it has that real connection with the audience.

"That's why I love it. I know a lot of what I'm used to won't be the same. There's a real skeleton staff but I'll see a few of them. In Radio Ulster, there's a good gang with lovely people and I've really missed the craic while I've been home.

"It's been strange already even with the Folk Club. I've been recording it at home and sending it to my colleagues in the studio, but they're so incredibly busy at the minute because so much is going through their hands and ears, they barely have time to speak. Hopefully all that will come back, though."

And, of course, a huge consideration for any working mum is leaving their baby for the first time to head back to the day job.

But with lockdown in full swing, and Neansai's dad Gavin (44) working from home, Lynette hopes there won't be too much disruption.

"I was in Holywood during the week for an hour for work," she says. "It felt so strange to be away and to be going to work, so getting back to it properly will be a novelty in itself.

"It will be hard to leave Neansai, but I'll just be gone for a couple of hours. At the minute she goes for a nap around 2pm and if she continues to do that, I won't feel so guilty.

The most overwhelming thing was looking at this little person and realising that she depends on you completely, all the time

"And so the juggle begins! But I guess we're all doing it, aren't we? Everyone is juggling everything at the minute. It'll be fine."

Taking everything in her stride, including becoming a mum for the first time, Lynette recalls how she was pretty relaxed when her due date came and went last November.

"Well, she didn't arrive on time," says the presenter. "But there wasn't too much waiting, she came two days late. I had myself basically prepared for that and I'd worked out she'd probably be late because she was the first and people told me that usually happened.

"Then someone said I should ask my mother what kind of labour she'd had with me, because that would give an indication of what this birth would be like.

"Well, I did that. I asked her, 'When did you go into labour with me?' And she told me it was a Sunday evening. I said to her, 'Was I not born on a Thursday?' And she said, 'Yes, you were.'



Expand Close Lynette, Gavin and Neansai up Cavehill / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lynette, Gavin and Neansai up Cavehill

"Well, that was it. I went into labour on the Monday and Neansai arrived at midday on Wednesday. It was long enough," she laughs.

And now, more than six months into motherhood, Lynette says the experience has been a huge learning curve.

"The whole thing can feel very surreal," says the Dungannon native.

"At different points it's almost as if you can't quite believe it's all happening, all those moments like walking out of the hospital and getting her home for the first time.

"I think now at all the size of her in the car seat right at the start, and at this stage it won't be long until she'll need a new one. Everyone says it, that things fly by so fast at the start, and they say to take a note or it will have passed before you've noticed.

I'm lucky because Gavin is very level-headed. He's been very assured and steady about things and he's definitely helped me a lot right through the pregnancy and all along with Neansai

"There's an awful lot to get used to. One of the ways I think about it is that she was in my belly for nine months before she made her entrance. Right from the beginning, she's just been getting to know us and we've been getting to know her.

"We're figuring out what she needs, her routine, how we all work it out together. That's the way we look at it, like this early time is this getting-to-know-you phase.

"The most overwhelming thing was looking at this little person and realising that she depends on you completely, all the time. You very rarely get a chance to have time to yourself, and that's a big change."

But, says the presenter, adapting just takes time. "You adjust," she says. "At this point I wonder what I actually did with all the time I had before Neansai arrived.

"I was always busy and doing things, and I rarely had a lazy day doing nothing. But thankfully I'm able to adapt pretty quickly when things change. You get there."

And settling into parenthood alongside partner Gavin, who also has three older children, the couple are being selective in what advice they take on board.



Expand Close Lynette Fay. Picture: Press Eye/Darren Kidd Darren Kidd / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lynette Fay. Picture: Press Eye/Darren Kidd

"Right the way through it all I've tried not to overthink or read too much or do too much research," says Lynette.

"There's just so much information out there, and so many opinions.

"Even with the birth, I didn't give it too much thought.

"I have been very careful who I listened to, and what advice to take. I see some other mothers and the way they are with the children, and how they react to things, and I know the kind of person they are. I know the kind of person I am, too, so I know who I should and shouldn't listen to because I try to be quite relaxed.

"Of course you worry, it's natural, especially when you're going into the unknown with a new baby. But I'm lucky because Gavin is very level-headed. I don't want to give him a big head, but he's been very assured and steady about things and he's definitely helped me a lot right through the pregnancy and all along with Neansai.

Lockdown has been hard. Ive been in constant contact with my parents and we talk every day but its not been easy

I feel like in the last couple of months Ive really found my feet much more, and Ive had that space to build my confidence. At the start I was a bit more unsure about things, but Im much more certain now and we work very much as a team.

If the baby is up in the middle of the night we take it in turns, and we make sure to give each other a lie-in so were not walking around like zombies. Thats no good for anyone.

And on the subject of sleep, Lynette doesnt hold back on the challenges it presents.

The sleep deprivation is terrible, she says. Theres no sugar-coating it because it is just awful. You get used to it to a degree, but its definitely hard-going.

Theres no point moaning about it, because look how many parents there are, and weve obviously all been through it, and there are people in a lot tougher situations that were in.

But I was a person who loved a good nine or 10 hours a night, and thats completely gone, obviously. It doesnt matter if youve been warned or if anyone has really tried to explain to you just how gruelling it is, I honestly think you cant understand it  and you dont know how youll handle it  until youre in it.

Its the same with your birthing plan. Everyones saying, have you got your birthing plan sorted?

Well, I have to say thats the most nonsensical sentence Ive ever heard. Your baby and your body will do what they want. Get me in the bubble bath? Forget it!

As we head into our 10th week since lockdown was announced on March 23, Lynette is looking forward to reconnecting with her family.



Expand Close Lynette Fay, granny and mum / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lynette Fay, granny and mum

Before all of this happened, my parents couldnt come to us much because Granny wasnt well, and Mummy was looking after her, says Lynette. So, most of the time when they saw the baby, it was us taking a drive up to see them.

But of course, since everything went to the wall we havent seen them anyway. Lockdown has been hard. Ive been in constant contact with my parents and we talk every day but its not been easy.

Weve had these big leaps in her development and Ive been saying to Mummy, shes starting to roll around and shes trying to hold herself up with her arms and things. It breaks my heart that my parents havent seen her in action for so long.

They see her on FaceTime, and I send lots of photos and videos, but its not the same. Even when the restrictions all ease and lift, I wonder how little children, not just Neansai, will respond.

Theyll be so used to just having their parents lift and carry them, will it be strange for them to go to anyone else?

Whatever happens, though, it wont last forever so we cant worry about these things.

And with her return to work imminent, Lynette is ready to embrace all the changes coming her way.

Before the schedule shake-up which saw me get the slot in the afternoon, I was working at weekends continuously for 15 years, she says.

A lot of the time there was a feeling that I was missing out on a lot of life. I did miss out on things, family events and things where I couldnt get to Dungannon on time.

For the most part, when I was in the building and on the mic, it didnt bother me because I had that great rapport with the audience. Theyd tell me I was there to bookend their weekends, which was lovely.

But sometimes you have to remind yourself that you have a life as well, and this new show will bring a new sort of structure for me, which is great. I know it will bring new challenges, but I think there will be a lot of excitement and some more energy, reacting to things going on in a more immediate way.

Im looking forward to it, and its exciting to be part of the new schedule for Radio Ulster. By this point its well rolled out.

I just headed off there and let everybody else get to grips with what theyre doing, so I can sail back in and its all sorted.

I know some people dont like change initially, but we all settle and adapt quickly and hopefully everyone will stay with it and enjoy it. Therell be loads of brilliant music. I cant wait.

The Lynette Fay Show is on Monday to Thursday from 3-4pm on BBC Radio Ulster and also on BBC Sounds. Lynette also presents Folk Club with Lynette Fay, Fridays on BBC Radio Ulster at 10.30pm.
This book will appeal to both mature Christians and individuals who are searching for a more meaningful life.

Sam Wilders book, Streams of Grace: Where the Mind and Heart Are Free to Wonder ($17.99, paperback, 9781631294471; $8.99, e-book, 9781631294488), is available for purchase.

Streams of Grace: Where the Mind and Heart Are Free to Wonder will encourage, inspire, and challenge readers in their journey of faith. This book will appeal to both mature Christians and individuals who are searching for a more meaningful life.

Streams of Grace seeks to challenge readers to be more understanding and compassionate in a world that can often be neither. Through the use of stories of ordinary and extraordinary experiences, inspiring quotes from those who have taken the journey, and Scripture, the reader will see with fresh eyes the beauty and splendor of Gods grace  a grace that never runs dry, and a stream of endless supply. Discussion questions and prayers are also listed within each segment to offer more interactive tools for readers and their journeys. Readers will wonder at and rediscover the life-changing love of God.

Sam Wilder has served in ministry throughout the world for over thirty years as a pastor, evangelist, and Christian School Administrator. He is a gifted teacher and preacher with a passion for equipping local churches as they seek to become strategic centers of Gods grace. Sam was the recipient of the prestigious Harry Denman Award for excellence in evangelism in 1993 in recognition of his work in evangelism and missions. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and The Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Sam and his wife, Jennifer, have four children.

# # #

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 12,000 titles published to date Streams of Grace: Where the Mind and Heart Are Free to Wonder is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
The fourth of five Iranian fuel tankers reached Venezuela amid reports on US efforts to stop them.

A US State Department spokesperson said US officials are working to stop energy companies from doing business with Venezuelas state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, also known as PDVSA.

We continue to engage with companies in the energy sector on the possible risks they face by conducting business with PDVSA, the spokesperson told Al-Monitor.

The tankers carrying Iranian fuel from the Islamic Republic started arriving in Venezuela within the past week  escorted by the South American countrys naval and air forces. Venezuelas once vibrant oil industry has been severely damaged by years of political and economic instability in the country. Both Iran and Venezuela are subject to US sanctions, which has led to strong ties between the two. The United States supports an opposition government to President Nicolas Maduro's in Venezuela.

On Thursday, the fourth tanker, the Faxon, docked in a Venezuelan port, Reuters reported. The fifth tanker, the Clavel, could arrive within days.

Also Thursday, The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported that two Greek ships flying the flag of Liberia and carrying Iranian fuel stopped heading toward Venezuela following a threat of US sanctions.

The State Department spokesperson did not confirm any US actions against Iranian tankers when asked by Al-Monitor, saying only that the US government continues to discuss with energy companies the risks of dealing with Venezuela.

The spokesperson added the US governments position that the deliveries seek to help the Maduro government and that the United States continues to support his removal from office.

These shipments will do nothing to help Venezuelans, they will only help prop up the former Maduro regime for a little while longer, the spokesperson said. We will continue to use the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy."
The opposition NDC says it endorses the caution given by the Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Mr Bernard Mornah to the Electoral Commission (EC) over potential violence at registration centres should the Commission go ahead with the compilation of the new voters' register without including the voter ID card as a requirement for Identification.

Mr Mornah, who is the Convener of the Inter-Party Resistance Against New Register (IPRAN), a group that is kicking against plans by the EC to compile a new register ahead of the December elections, on 26 May 2020, at a press conference, said: Well beat and kill each other should confusion arise at any voter ID card registration centre during the forthcoming exercise.

The Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service has since invited Mr Mornah for questioning over his statement and he is expected to honour the invitation on Tuesday, 2 June 2020 at 10 am at the CID headquarters in Accra.

Reacting to Mr Mornahs police invitation, the NDC, another party against the compilation of the register, noted in a statement signed by Mr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Deputy General Secretary (Operation) that: We wish to state our unequivocal support for the caution Comrade Mornah offered to the EC at the said press conference, for purposes of emphasis, the NDC wholly endorses and subscribes fully to the comments made by Comrade Bernard Mornah.

According to the NDC, the entrenched decision of the Jean Mensa-led EC to compile a needless, illogical and wasteful new voter register for the 2020 general elections, has the tendency to spark chaos and electoral violence across the country.

Furthermore, the NDC noted that the continuous unjustifiable intransigence of the EC and flagrant disregard for stakeholder consultations and consensus building in the handling of the processes leading to the 2020 general elections, are a recipe for confusion and democratic retrogression.

The party said the invitation of Mr Mornah by the Ghana Police Service is nothing but political puppetism on the part of the law enforcement agency, and part of a grand orchestration by the NPP government to intimidate and demobilise the front of the Resistance in its spirited opposition to the needless and illogical decision of the EC to compile a new voter register ahead of the 2020 polls.

The NDC reiterated that it is convinced the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission is determined to skew the voter registration process in order to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters in order to rig the 2020 general elections for President Akufo-Addo and the governing NPP, adding that they shall employ every legitimate means to stop this evil conspiracy of the EC, NIA and the ruling NPP.

The NDC has, therefore, encouraged its supporters to rise in solidarity with Mr Mornah on Tuesday when he honours the police invitation at the CID headquarters.

---classfmonline
County court systems have used technology to conduct business during COVID-19 social distancing, and some of those uses are yielding benefits that may lead to long-term changes, officials estimate.Over the past three months, COVID-19 social distancing has upended the logistical functions of nearly all aspects of American governance, including court systems. It sounds obvious, but so much of the courts functionality happens through in-person interactions, be it outward-facing functions like arraignments or behind-the-scenes work such as meetings between judges and attorneys.While many courts have been set up for sometime to conduct functions remotely on occasion  particularly in instances of proceedings that involve juveniles or other sensitive participants  the rate at which they have utilized technology in this way is minimal. In other words, when the impact of COVID-19 ground life to a halt in March, the vast majority of American courts did not have practices or in some cases the physical technology to go remote, said Rita Reynolds, chief technology officer for the National Association of Counties (NACo).When COVID hits, all of a sudden we have to use video, Reynolds said. We cant have people coming to the courthouse. Judges themselves may not even be able to get in.In her capacity during the crisis, Reynolds has participated in a discussion group of county IT leaders from across and the country, and as part of that process, conducted a survey that found that roughly 80 percent of the groups participants are using some sort of video functionality to conduct court business.In general, Reynolds has also heard a positive response to this use of video, especially when it pertains to functions outside of the courtroom itself, including probation officers meeting with clients.I cant say to what degree, Reynolds said of the increase in technology in the courts, but I can say that court staff, IT leaders and elected officials are all seeing the benefits.Fairfax County, Va., is certainly one jurisdiction that attests to that.Gregory Scott is the chief technology officer and director for the IT department there, while Dave Bartee is the court technology officer. They both agreed that Fairfax County has seen benefits to using technology and remote capability to conduct court business.The Fairfax County court system is made up of 40 courtrooms that handle circuit court cases, district court cases and juvenile proceedings. Since expanding their physical courts facilities in 2008, Fairfax has worked to build a platform where a strong majority of the courtrooms there have high-tech capabilities. Theyve always done video arraignments for the county jail, just never more than two or three at once, making it easy for them to distribute the physical hardware those proceedings demanded.As such, in the wake of COVID-19 theyve been pushed to develop new ways to to allow all of the courts to conduct virtual business simultaneously. Theyve started issuing iPads to staffers who can go directly where inmates are kept to reduce risk of spreading infections.We may have only five or six of our courtrooms out of 40 in operation, Bartee said, but our lives are busier than theyve ever been trying to use technology to support the courts.Circuit courts have also been able to do civil functions using conferencing, including issuing marriage licenses, issuing concealed weapons permits and conducting virtual probate activities. Recently, their circuit court even conducted a grand jury via conferencing, joining a list of other jurisdictions that have also done that The two major court functions that remain elusive via video are bench jury trials  and some jurisdictions elsewhere in the country are even working to use video to do that  and the high-volume courts that handle hundreds of traffic issues per day. Otherwise, its been relatively smooth using technology to do business.I absolutely think youre going to see changes in the future and a new way of doing things, Bartee said. Were seeing benefits that may be courtroom-related and non-courtroom-related. Theres a lot of activity that goes on before a case gets into a courtroom, and a lot of that has been handled virtually, and were finding it very efficient and very effective.In effect, the courts are yet another segment of the public sector that is learning what some companies in the private sector have known for years  it is often easier to conduct business via phone or video chat, than it is to find time to gather a dozen-plus people in the same room. Its a lesson learned during the crisis, but as those involved point out, its also a lesson that can shape the way work is done moving forward.


Hotels in Singapores upscale segment have felt the greatest impact, with RevPAR down by 76% y-o-y for March as occupancy rates fell by 69% y-o-y (Picture: Samuel Isaac Chua/The Edge Singapore)

SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - Consumer preferences and behaviour are likely to change as the Covid-19 situation evolves, and hotels will have to adapt to these changes to stay afloat mid/post-pandemic, according to a CBRE report on Singapores hotel industry. Factors such as hygiene and sanitation in hotels will be among the top priorities when people start to travel again, says CBRE.

The report points out that in hotels, physical check-in services and some face-to-face interactions between service staff and guests will have to be more carefully managed, as safe distancing becomes the new normal. Hoteliers must leverage technologies such as self-check-in kiosks and mobile check-in systems for contactless services in order to keep up with changing consumer preferences. Robots can also help improve overall operational efficiency by taking on some housekeeping duties.

The MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry is also likely to be affected by safe-distancing measures, with the scale of future events reduced, says CBRE. Event organisers will also have to work more closely with venue holders to ensure hygiene and sanitation standards are met, and health screening measures put in place.

CBRE notes that when the post-Covid-19 recovery phase begins, the relatively small size of the Singapore market will put the local hospitality industry at a disadvantage, especially when compared to some neighbouring countries which can tap a larger pool of domestic tourists.



Universal Studios Singapore as at April 21, 2020. Singapore is experiencing one of its lowest international visitor travel numbers since the SARS outbreak in 2013. (Picture: Albert Chua/The Edge Singapore)

So far this year, Singapores hospitality and tourism industries have been badly hit by the abrupt halt in international travel as well as the governments circuit breaker measures. These have caused heightened uncertainty in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Story continues

Statistics from Changi Airport Group show that in March 2020, passenger movements at Changi Airport fell by 71% y-o-y to just 1.65 million passengers. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) also reports that only about 240,000 international visitors arrived in the city-state that month, a decline of 85% y-o-y and one of the lowest international visitor tallies on record since the SARS outbreak in 2003.

According to CBRE, gazetted local hotel performance in 1Q2020 was subpar due to the performance in March. The month saw occupancy rates hit 40%  a decline of 50% y-o-y  while the average daily rate (ADR) was $171, down 20% y-o-y. As a result, revenue per available room (RevPAR) took a big hit, declining 62% y-o-y to $69, close to the same levels recorded during SARS.

Upscale hotels felt the greatest impact, with RevPAR down by 76% y-o-y for March, as occupancy rates fell by 69% y-o-y and ADR dropped by 21% y-o-y. Economy hotels were partly cushioned by the influx in demand from workers from Malaysia seeking accommodation in Singapore after their country announced a movement control order on March 18, says CBRE.

RevPAR changes (y-o-y) across different segments





Chart: CBRE

When the pandemic began to impact international travel in March this year, Singapore hotels initially shifted gears to focus on the staycation market, banking on some local demand to stave off the decline in international travel. However, the circuit breaker in April halted the hotels preparations.

The CBRE report notes that the Singapore government has been supporting the local hospitality and tourism industries. It has implemented various measures, including tax rebates and job support schemes, to prop up the sector. Some of the measures are included in the Resilience Budget, and the government has set aside $90 million to support the expected tourism recovery. STB has also set aside $20 million in the form of its Marketing Partnership Programme, aimed at offsetting part of the marketing costs for Singapore hotels to maintain their international presence and to woo more domestic visitors.

The government has given a 100% property tax rebate for qualifying properties, including registered hotels, serviced apartments and MICE venues. It also covers some of the retail shops within the qualifying properties. Further, job support schemes are in place to stem unemployment in the industry, as the government provides wage support for local employees.



Table: CBRE

Looking ahead, CBRE says for the local hospitality sector, some insights into the post-virus recovery could be drawn from the SARS experience, but the impact of Covid-19 and SARS differs. The consultancy says that the shock to Singapores hospitality sector during the SARS outbreak in 2003 was relatively short-lived, and overall performance rebounded to typical levels about five months after the industry bottomed out.

According to CBREs research, RevPAR levels in 2004 were higher than in 2002. However, the recovery from Covid-19 will take longer as the scale and impact of the pandemic are significantly greater, it notes. Governments around the world have been forced to close borders, limit domestic travel, and issue lockdown decrees to curb widespread community transmissions.

For the long term, CBRE says the outlook for the local tourism industry remains healthy on the back of strong fundamentals. About 2,400 new hotel rooms are in the pipeline for the next two years, representing an annual growth rate of 1.8%, which is much lower than the annual growth rate of 4.5% from 2014 to 2019. CBRE says that a swifter recovery is plausible, riding on the well-controlled supply situation in Singapore over the next couple of years.

Top-down investments in improving tourism offerings in Singapore will also support the recovery. These include redevelopment plans for Sentosa Island and the neighbouring Pulau Brani, the expansion of the two integrated resorts, the new Mandai eco-tourism hub, and a planned tourism hub in the Jurong Lake District from 2026.



The Singapore government has been supporting the local hospitality and tourism industries through measures such as tax rebates and job support schemes. (Picture: Samuel Isaac Chua/The Edge Singapore)

Separately, Colliers International has released its quarterly Hotel Insights report showing that for the Asia Pacific as a whole, room occupancy fell to 42.1% in 1Q2020, while ADR came in at US$97.86 ($138.50). These levels were last recorded when the Global Financial Crisis hit the region in 2009.

Hong Kong, Osaka and Shanghai were the only markets in the region that saw double-digit y-o-y declines in ADR during the quarter, says Colliers. Bali, New Delhi and Sanya (in China) were the only markets to record y-o-y increases in ADR in excess of 1% during the period, as they implemented lockdown measures later than other cities in the region.

The Colliers report also states that hotels in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have been severely affected by the ongoing pandemic. The steep decline was felt across all hotel tiers, with mid-scale and lower-tier hotels experiencing the steepest declines. The impact of the SARS outbreak in 2003 on hotels in these economies was relatively less severe, but mainland Chinas outbound tourism expenditure has increased sharply over the past 17 years. The impact on tourism from a slowdown in the Chinese economy, coupled with a decline in the number of outbound tourists from China, has been deeply felt across the region, says Colliers.

Govinda Singh, head of hotels & leisure for valuation & advisory services, Asia, at Colliers International, says: Due to the imposition of travel restrictions, lockdowns and border closures by governments across the world in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, hotels across Asia Pacific had lacklustre performance in 1Q2020. Our global economic outlook, as well as our outlook for the hospitality industry in the region, is expected to remain muted in the near term, given the ongoing uncertainty.



Table: Colliers International

On the regional outlook, Colliers says: It is unclear whether a strong rebound for the hotel industry in Asia Pacific will occur in the near term. But the real estate consultancy advises hoteliers to take this time to review their business strategies and position themselves for the eventual upturn. It adds: Hotels should adopt a proactive approach towards communication to maintain confidence amongst stakeholders and we expect a return to historically trusted brands.

Colliers adds that hoteliers should not lower room rates as it is unlikely to drive occupancies and will extend the recovery period. Instead, hotels should take a judicious approach when developing pricing strategies, it says. This lull is also an opportunity to refurbish the assets if possible, which will ensure a higher return on investment when the upturn comes. Other key repositioning possibilities include co-living, serviced apartments, and senior living.

The consultancy says that it has received an increased number of cross-border enquiries for Japan, Singapore and other key urban and resort destinations, as private investors and owner-operators see this as an opportunity to take advantage of possible or anticipated pricing dislocation in the markets.

Singh says: We expect the robust government stimulus packages, policies and strong economic fundamentals to provide some cushioning to short-term impact, and to place the hospitality industry in a strong position for when the eventual recovery occurs.

Read also:

See Also:






The Wall Street Journal had a chilling report a few days ago that Facebooks own research in 2018 revealed that our algorithms exploit the human brains attraction to divisiveness. If left unchecked, Facebook would feed users more and more divisive content in an effort to gain user attention & increase time on the platform.

Mark Zuckerberg shelved the research.

Why not just let all the bots trying to undermine our elections and spreading false information about the coronavirus and right-wing conspiracy theories and smear campaigns run amok? Sure, were weakening our society, but the weird, infantile maniacs running Silicon Valley must be allowed to rake in more billions and finish their mission of creating a giant cyberorganism of people, one huge and lucrative ball of rage.

The shareholders of Facebook decided, If you can increase my stock tenfold, we can put up with a lot of rage and hate, says Scott Galloway, professor of marketing at New York Universitys Stern School of Business.

These platforms have very dangerous profit motives. When you monetize rage at such an exponential rate, its bad for the world. These guys dont look left or right; they just look down. Theyre willing to promote white nationalism if theres money in it. The rise of social media will be seen as directly correlating to the decline of Western civilization.

Dorsey, who has more leeway because his stock isnt as valuable as Facebooks, made some mild moves against the president who has been spewing lies and inciting violence on Twitter for years. He added footnotes clarifying false Trump tweets about mail-in ballots and put a warning label on the presidents tweet about the Minneapolis riots that echo the language of a Miami police chief in 1967 and segregationist George Wallace: When the looting starts, the shooting starts.

Jack is really sincerely trying to find something to make it better, said one friend of the Twitter chiefs. Hes like somebody trapped in a maze, going down every hallway and turning every corner.

Zuckerberg, on the other hand, went on Fox to report that he was happy to continue enabling the Emperor of Chaos, noting that he did not think Facebook should be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online.
When the weather is nice, it is possible to see Austria.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled

Pajstun Castle is located about 25 kilometres from Bratislava near the town of Stupava. It towers above Borinka village. If you want more tips for trips in the Bratislava region, check our Slovakia travel guide.

Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement

A helping hand in the heart of Europe offers for you Slovakia travel guide.

The castle's history remains a mystery; some estimate that it was built at the end of the 13th century. It served as the guardian of the surrounding countryside but was turned into ruin in 1810 by Napoleon troops. Pajstun has been dilapidating ever since.

The hike from Borinka to Pajstun is not long, but the final ascent can be a bit demanding. Good weather offers lovely views of Austria and its surroundings.

Suvisiaci clanok Visit Plavecky Castle  popular ruins in Small Carpathians

Pajstun is beloved by many, especially families with children, who often have picnics there.

Spectacular Slovakia travel guides
Astronomers have used mysterious fast radio bursts to solve a decades-old mystery of 'missing matter', long predicted to exist in the Universe but never detected -- until now.

The researchers have now found all of the missing 'normal' matter in the vast space between stars and galaxies, as detailed today in the journal Nature.

Lead author Associate Professor Jean-Pierre Macquart, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), said astronomers have been searching for the missing matter for almost thirty years.

"We know from measurements of the Big Bang how much matter there was in the beginning of the Universe," he said.

"But when we looked out into the present Universe, we couldn't find half of what should be there. It was a bit of an embarrassment."

"Intergalactic space is very sparse," he said. "The missing matter was equivalent to only one or two atoms in a room the size of an average office."

"So it was very hard to detect this matter using traditional techniques and telescopes."

advertisement

The researchers were able to directly detect the missing matter using the phenomenon known as fast radio bursts -- brief flashes of energy that appear to come from random directions in the sky and last for just milliseconds.

Scientists don't yet know what causes them but it must involve incredible energy, equivalent to the amount released by the Sun in 80 years. They have been difficult to detect as astronomers don't know when and where to look for them.

Associate Professor Macquart said the team detected the missing matter by using fast radio bursts as "cosmic weigh stations."

"The radiation from fast radio bursts gets spread out by the missing matter in the same way that you see the colours of sunlight being separated in a prism," he said.

"We've now been able to measure the distances to enough fast radio bursts to determine the density of the Universe," he said. "We only needed six to find this missing matter."

The missing matter in this case is baryonic or 'normal' matter -- like the protons and neutrons that make up stars, planets and you and me.

advertisement

It's different from dark matter, which remains elusive and accounts for about 85 per cent of the total matter in the Universe.

Co-author Professor J. Xavier Prochaska, from UC Santa Cruz, said we have unsuccessfully searched for this missing matter with our largest telescopes for more than 20 years.

"The discovery of fast radio bursts and their localisation to distant galaxies were the key breakthroughs needed to solve this mystery," he said.

Associate Professor Ryan Shannon, another co-author from Swinburne University of Technology, said the key was the telescope used, CSIRO's Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope.

"ASKAP both has a wide field of view, about 60 times the size of the full Moon, and can image in high resolution," he said. "This means that we can catch the bursts with relative ease and then pinpoint locations to their host galaxies with incredible precision.

"When the burst arrives at the telescope, it records a live action replay within a fraction of a second," said Dr Keith Bannister from Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, who designed the pulse capture system used in this research.

"This enables the precision to determine the location of the fast radio burst to the width of a human hair held 200m away," he said.

Associate Professor Macquart said the research team had also pinned down the relationship between how far away a fast radio burst is and how the burst spreads out as it travels through the Universe.

"We've discovered the equivalent of the Hubble-Lemaitre Law for galaxies, only for fast radio bursts," he said.

"The Hubble-Lemaitre Law, which says the more distant a galaxy from us, the faster it is moving away from us, underpins all measurements of galaxies at cosmological distances."

The fast radio bursts used in the study were discovered using ASKAP, which is located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in outback Western Australia. The international team involved in the discovery included astronomers from Australia, the United States and Chile.

ASKAP is a precursor for the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope.

The SKA could observe large numbers of fast radio bursts, giving astronomers greater capability to study the previously invisible structure in the Universe.
A wreckage of a bus which carried employees of an Afghan television station and was bombed is seen in Kabul

KABUL (Reuters) - Islamic State claimed responsibility for Saturday's bomb explosion that killed an Afghan journalist and a technician in minibus carrying employees of a local television station in Kabul.

At least seven people were wounded in the evening rush hour attack. Pictures showed a white minibus with extensive damage to its front.

"Our colleagues Mir Wahed Shah, an economic reporter, and Shafiq Amiri, an employee in the technical department, were martyred in the incident," said Mohammad Rafi Rafiq Sediqi, chief executive of the Khurshid TV station.

The United States, European Union and NATO condemned the attack. Last year, two employees of Khurshid TV were killed and two wounded in a similar attack.

Islamic State, which battles government forces and Taliban militants, has claimed some of the deadliest attacks in urban Afghanistan in recent years. It did not give a reason for Saturday's blast.

Taliban and other Islamist insurgents have repeatedly targeted Afghan journalists, killing 15 in 2018, the deadliest year yet for the Afghan media, according to the media freedom group Reporters Without Borders.

In 2016, a Taliban suicide bomber rammed his car into a bus carrying employees of Tolo TV, the country's largest private broadcaster, killing seven journalists.

The Taliban, who were ousted from power by U.S.-led forces in 2001, said Tolo was producing propaganda for the U.S. military and Western-backed Afghan government.

(Reporting by Orooj Hakimi, Hameed Farzad, Abdul Qadir Sediqi in Kabul; Writing by Rupam Jain; Editing by Christina Fincher and Nick Macfie)
An assistant platoon commander of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) allegedly opened fire at his colleagues in Narayanpur district of the state, killing two of them and injuring another, police said on Saturday.

Mohit Garg, Narayanpurs superintendent of police, said the incident took place on Friday night in CAFs 9th battalions camp at Aamdai Ghati under Chhotedongar police station, around 350km from the state capital of Raipur.

The senior police official said assistant platoon commander Ghanshyam Kumeti has been arrested and is being questioned.

The primary investigation suggests that assistant platoon commander Ghanshyam Kumeti opened fire from his AK-47 rifle, killing two personnel and injuring another over some dispute, Garg said.

Platoon commander Bindeshwar Sahani and head constable Rameshwar Sahu died while platoon commander Lachhuram Premi sustained injuries, he said.

Premi, who sustained two bullet injuries, is stable and has been shifted to Raipur, the SP said.

Garg added that the reason behind the firing is not known yet.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
New Delhi, May 30 : A special ferry flight of national carrier Air India which took-off from Delhi for Moscow on Saturday returned back after a crew member was found Covid-19 positive.

The flight being operated under the Vande Bharat mission was half way over Central Asia, when it was called back.

According to sources, the airline's medical staff which is overseeing the massive testing campaign of its crew, mistook the pilot's test report as 'Negative' while he had tested 'Positive' for Covid-19.

Subsequently, the aircraft was informed and the SoPs meant for such situations were immediately implemented.
A Labour MP was last night forced to apologise for breaking lockdown rules with her new married lover.

Rosie Duffield admitted breaching coronavirus restrictions by meeting TV director James Routh before he moved in with her.

She also quit as a Labour Whip in the Commons.

The apology by the Canterbury MP came after The Mail on Sunday asked Ms Duffield to justify seeing Mr Routh on a five-hour walk in April and then allowing him to visit her constituency home when he was still living with his wife at another property.

Rosie Duffield, 48, said she and her new partner had been trying to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible

Ms Duffield, 48, said she and her new partner had been trying to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible, but added: I apologise that during that process we breached the guidelines.

While Labour MPs privately praised Ms Duffield for quickly apologising, the episode is embarrassing for her partys leader who last week tore into the Prime Ministers aide Dominic Cummings over his lockdown trip. Sir Keir Starmer said he would have sacked Mr Cummings if he had been his boss. He did not respond to a request for comment last night on Ms Duffields conduct.

Ms Duffield won praise last year after revealing in a moving Commons speech how she had been the victim of domestic abuse.

However, as she had criticised some people in her constituency for not respecting the anti-virus rules, she was challenged yesterday to justify her own behaviour during the lockdown. The MoS understands she met Mr Routh, 45, in April for a long walk in her constituency when he was still living with his wife. The MP has also not denied he was able to visit her at a property she was renting in Canterbury while he was still in his marital home.

The 48-year-old former teaching assistant has now moved Mr Routh  who has now separated from his wife  into her taxpayer-funded London flat, where she stays when at the Commons.

Ms Duffield won praise last year after revealing in a moving Commons speech how she had been the victim of domestic abuse

She insisted last night she and Mr Routh had observed the two-metre social distancing rule when they met, but guidelines then in place banned meeting with people outside your own household.

Friends last night conceded Ms Duffield had broken the guidelines by meeting Mr Routh before their relationship as such began.

But they insisted she had not broken the rules by allowing him to move in with her as he was not returning to his former marital home, claiming the guidelines made allowance for marriage break-ups. In a statement last night, Ms Duffield said: My partner and I have been attempting to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible. I apologise during that process we breached guidelines.

A relationship breakdown is difficult at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. I hope people can understand why I took the steps I did and know that I take responsibility for the breaches that occurred and for which I apologise.

Mr Routh worked on Ms Duffields Election campaign last year which saw her hold the seat she won in a shock victory in 2017

Ms Duffield stressed that she had checked before Mr Routh moved in with her to make sure it complied with the guidance.

Mr Routh told the MoS that the separation from his wife had been painful, adding that it had become increasingly impossible to live under the same roof.

However, friends of his wife, with whom he has three children, said she is heartbroken by the break-up. The family home was a 400,000 property two miles from Ms Duffields constituency office. A friend of Mr Rouths wife told the MoS: His wife had no idea this was coming. She didnt know anything and thought her husband was happy.

Shes not only heartbroken about whats happened, but also that Rosie is telling her supporters not to break the rules when shes doing exactly that. And the fact that Rosie couldnt wait until the pandemic was over.

Mr Routh worked on Ms Duffields Election campaign last year which saw her hold the seat she won in a shock victory in 2017. He spent his time helping her make badges, tweeting his support for the mother-of-two. Miss Duffield called him her marching buddy.

Mr Routh said he and his wife are now separated. His wife declined to comment.
There was relief for people from scorching heat as light to moderate rains in several states in the north and west kept the mercury below normal levels on Saturday.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Wardha (Vidarbha) recorded the highest temperature in the country at 42.2 degrees Celsius.

In the national capital, a partly cloudy sky kept the mercury in check and similar conditions are expected on Sunday.

The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 34.8 degrees Celsius against 37 degrees Celsius recorded on Friday. The maximum temperature was six notches below normal.

At 22.2 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature was five notches below normal.

TH IMD said the maximum temperatures across the country are not expected to rise much over the next few days.

Entire country is experiencing falling tendency in temperatures except at isolated places over and Bihar where temperatures have increased by 1 degrees Celsius, it said in its daily heat wave bulletin.

There was no heatwave in Rajasthan either as light to moderate rains, triggered by a western disturbance, brought relief from the blistering heat in some parts, the meteorological (MeT) department in Jaipur said.

Bharatpur and Nohar in Hanumangarh district received the maximum rainfall -- 64 mm each -- in the 24 hours between Friday and Saturday morning.

Kota was the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, the MeT department said.

Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Dabok (Udaipur) recorded their maximum temperatures at 40.8 degrees Celsius, 40.6 degrees Celsius, 38.4 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In Bikaner, Churu, Jaipur and Ajmer, the mercury settled at 37 degrees Celsius, 36 degrees Celsius, 35.2 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In Punjab and Haryana too, the maximum temperatures remained below normal limits, with light rains in some parts of these states over the past two days.

Their common capital Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 32.8 degrees Celsius, six notches below normal.

In Haryana, Karnal recorded a high of 33 degrees Celsius, while Ambala registered a maximum of 33.6 degrees Celsius, both six notches below normal.

Hisar (36 degrees Celsius), Narnaul (35.8 degrees Celsius) and Bhiwani (35.7 degrees Celsius) recorded below-normal maximums.

In Punjab, Ludhiana, Patiala and Amritsar recorded below-normal maximums at 35.3 degrees Celsius and 34.3 degrees Celsius and 31.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow recorded a maximum of 35.3 degrees Celsius, more than four notches below normal, as it witnessed 57.4 mm rainfall.

According to the meteorological department, rains were recorded in Kanpur (54.6 mm), Hardoi, (4.2 mm), Fursatganj (3.2 mm), Shahjahanpur (1.4 mm) and Agra (1.0 mm).

Banda was the hottest place in the state, where mercury settled at 40.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Allahabad where a maximum temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius was recorded.

The meteorological department warned that thunderstorm accompanied with lightening and squall (up to 50-60 kmph) are very likely at isolated places over the state.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued here on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over loss of lives in lightning and thunderstorm in Mainpuri, Agra, Lakhimpur Kheri and Muzaffarnagar.

Instructions have been issued to provide Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the each of the deceased and adequate medical treatment to the injured, the statement said.

Meanwhile, private agency Skymet Weather announced on Saturday the southwest monsoon has arrived in Kerala before its onset schedule, but India's official forecaster IMD said conditions are not yet ripe for the declaration.

Skymet Weather CEO Jatin Singh said all conditions such as rainfall, Outwave Longwave Radiation (OLR) value and wind speed have been met to declare the arrival of the southwest monsoon over Kerala.

"#JUSTIN Southwest #Monsoon2020 finally arrived on the mainland of India, #Monsoon arrived on Kerala before the actual onset date. All the onset conditions including rainfall, OLR value, wind speed, are met. Finally, the 4-month long festival begins for Indian. #HappyMonsoon (sic), the private forecaster tweeted.

The onset of monsoon over Kerala marks the commencement of four-month rainy season in the country. The country receives 75 per cent of the rainfall from June to September.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said the monsoon will make an onset over Kerala on June 5, four days after its normal onset date.
Sonya Carp and her husband own two short-term rental properties in Florida, and they have decided to list one for sale as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of Sonya Carp

Consolidation is hitting the market for short-term home rentals as the coronavirus pandemic has curtailed travel dramatically this year. Small landlords and venture-backed companies that collected properties to rent out as short-term vacation rentals are offloading them in an effort to cut their losses. Meanwhile, large property owners and managers are seeing opportunities to expand as desperate sellers and landlords seek new business. These deals come as the coronavirus pandemic and the shelter-in-place orders that followed have devastated the travel industry. The U.S. travel economy has lost more than $195 billion since the start of March as a result of Covid-19, according to a Thursday report from the U.S. Travel Association. Although numerous states are starting to re-open their economies, the damage has already been done for many of these businesses that rely on a steady flow of travelers from Airbnb and other short-term rental sites to pay their monthly mortgages and leases. Although Airbnb does not own or manage properties, the coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on the company as well. Airbnb raised $2 billion in new debt funding at a valuation of $18 billion and announced major cost-cutting initiatives, including plans to lay off 25% of its staff, or nearly 1,900 employees. Airbnb competitor TripAdvisor has also undergone layoffs as a result of the coronavirus. Nonetheless, the company remains optimistic as travel slowly begins to return. "There are more hosts on Airbnb today than there were on January 1, and the vast majority of Airbnb hosts have only one listing," a spokesman for Airbnb said in a statement. "We have announced our industry standard-setting Enhanced Cleaning Initiative and are seeing demand and bookings for shorter trips continue to increase."

Many venture capital-funded apartment rental companies have endured layoffs, lost properties or seen their valuations cut since the coronavirus pandemic hit. These companies typically rely on master leases to secure numerous units from apartment buildings. They pay landlords set leases for those properties and capture the difference they earn from guests who book the units for short-term stays. For example: Stay Alfred, based in Washington state, announced on May 21 that it will shut down. The company had raised $62 million in funding, according to Crunchbase.

Zeus Living, which counts Airbnb as an investor, raised $15 million in equity and debt in May at a valuation of $110 million, according to Short Term Rentalz -- a down-round that cut its previous valuation of $205 million nearly in half.

Lyric, also partially-backed by Airbnb, has gone through multiple rounds of layoffs and had to get rid of units in its portfolio, according to The Real Deal.

by Airbnb, has gone through multiple rounds of layoffs and had to get rid of units in its portfolio, according to The Real Deal. Sonder, based in San Francisco, laid off or furloughed more than 400 employees, according to The Information. Sonder also decided to offboard numerous units after reviewing its portfolio in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a source familiar told CNBC. Individual landlords are also feeling the pinch. Lynn Prehm has been in the short-term rental business for six years, renting her properties in Cave Creek, Arizona, and La Porte, Indiana. After the coronavirus hit in March, Prehm said she lost most of her bookings. That made things particularly difficult for the Indiana property, which gets most of its business in the summer.

Facing uncertainty as to when the vacation market would resume, and with looming mortgage, utilities and maintenance payments, Prehm and her husband decided to put the property up for sale. The home was sold within a week, along with the furniture Prehm used to house guests. Though the sale was quick, Prehm and her husband lost money on the sale. "We put a lot of work into making it perfect," Prehm said. "To walk away and not make anything, it's devastating, but at some point you have to be happy that you're walking away and not losing a ton." In Vero Beach, Florida, Sonya Carp decided to sell one of the two properties she uses for short-term rentals after the state temporarily banned them during the coronavirus crisis. (That ban was finally lifted last week.) Ideally, they will sell the property to someone who is interested in doing short-term rentals, Carp said, then apply the money to their own home. "Someone who wants to do short-term rentals and doesn't want to have to lift a finger and just be able to go ahead and start booking people," she said.

Who's doubling down?

The downturn has presented an opportunity for others in the market. Vector Travel, which provides services for short-term rental owners, has expanded during the economic downturn, said CEO Mickey Kropf. The company operates with a revenue share business model. Instead of owning units and leasing them out directly, it provides services to landlords who want to do short-term rentals: Vector furnishes the properties, handles marketing and takes care of guest communications in exchange for 25% of revenue from bookings. The property owners keep the rest. "It hit me that this was going to be a massive problem for the other operators with a different business model who had leased their inventory," Kropf said. "I knew that was going to create a lot of problems and test their balance sheet." Vector Travel survived April by pivoting toward a focus on mid-term rentals. Prior to the coronavirus, the company capped stays at 29 nights, but now, Vector Travel is allowing guests to book properties for up to 90 nights. The company also received support from multiple federal government relief programs, Kropf said. The company was able to expand by reaching out to property owners who have been struggling to find tenants, Kropf said. This includes running Google ads targeting landlords as well as reaching out to landlords near college campus. Prior to the coronavirus, Vector Travel managed hundreds of units, Kropf said. Vector Travel expanded its portfolio by 10% in May, and Kropf predicts the company will double if not triple its portfolio in 2020. "First it was frankly survival mode," Kropf said. "But parallel processing with that, we tried to identify where we could expand and grow."

FrontDesk, a short-term rental company is Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has added more properties to its portfolio since the coronavirus brought a halt to the travel industry. Courtesy of FrontDesk
Protests broke out across the country Friday as thousands of people demonstrated against the death of George Floyd.

Floyd, a black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday. The white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck was arrested and charged with murder Friday. In addition to the three nights of often-violent protests in Minnesota that left dozens of stores burned and looted, protestors took to the streets all across the country.

Atlanta

A police car has been set on fire in Atlanta, where protesters were using barricades to break the windows of cruisers while others were jumping on the vehicles and shattering windshields.

Hundreds of protesters were confronting police outside CNNs downtown headquarters late Friday. Activists spray-painted a large CNN logo outside the building, breaking a window and tagging doors. One protester climbed on top of the CNN sign and waved a Black Lives Matter flag to cheers from the crowd.

Protesters could be seen breaking the buildings glass and entering the center while chanting anti-media rhetoric, CNN reported.

Some then entered the CNN Center and destroyed its interior at about 9 p.m., according to the outlet.

Protesters pelted officers who came over with bottles, striking some of them. Other bottles thrown at authorities exploded behind the police line, but no officers appeared to get hit. Protesters chanted, Quit your jobs.

The officers backed their line away from the group of protesters who were throwing objects at them.

Police ordered demonstrators to leave the street and threatened to arrest them if they did not leave quickly.

Protesters used accelerant to burn an American flag. People were watching the scene from rooftops, some laughing at skirmishes that broke out and vandalism by the protesters.

Protesters were also walking on the interstate in downtown Atlanta and appeared to be trying to block traffic.

The Georgia State Patrol has responded.

Earlier, as the protest appeared more calm, Kaity Brackett, 27, said she came out to the protest because she thinks the entire criminal justice system needs to be overhauled, starting with policing. She said the Ahmaud Arbery killing was a catalyst for her and referred to his death as a lynching. Arbery was killed on Feb. 23 by a former district attorney investigator and his son, who were not arrested until after video emerged months later.

Brackett wore a blue mask and sat with her partner and a friend. She was less concerned about the threat from the coronavirus.

We risk our lives going to the grocery store, going to get gas, she said. This is more important than all of that.

New York City

Demonstrators took to New York City streets on Friday for a second day in protest of the death of Floyd and invoked the names of other black people who died at police hands.

In Brooklyn, crowds of demonstrators chanted at police officers lined up outside the Barclays Center. There were several moments of struggle, as some in the crowd pushed against metal barricades and police pushed back.

A dozen NYPD officers were injured and at least 200 people were arrested as police cars were set on fire, ABC7 reported.

A friend just sent this to me, crowds arriving right now to protest outside Barclays Center. pic.twitter.com/lHSb9VFm3e  Mariya Abedi (@msabedi) May 29, 2020

Scores of water bottles flew from the crowd toward the officers, and in return police sprayed an eye-irritating chemical at the group twice.

The names of black people killed by police, including Floyd and Eric Garner, who died on Staten Island in 2014, were on signs carried by those in the crowd, and in their chants. Protests have taken place around the country, with some in Minnesota and elsewhere becoming violent.

Its my duty to be out here, said Brianna Petrisko, among those at Foley Square in lower Manhattan, most wearing masks, where the demonstrations started Friday. The protest took place despite coronavirus prohibitions on large gatherings. The demonstrators were gathered in the square, while police stood across the street.

Our country has a sickness, Petrisko said. We have to be out here. This is the only way were going to be heard.

At his Friday briefing, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he stood with the Minnesota protesters.

Nobody is sanctioning the arson, and the thuggery and the burglaries, but the protesters and the anger and the fear and the frustration? Yes. Yes. And the demand is for justice, Cuomo said.

At a news conference, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said New York Police Department officers had been told to respect peaceful protest.

He also had a message for protesters. If you are angry with the government, if you are angry with the elected leaders, direct that anger to all of us, because if we havent done enough, we are the ones who should be held responsible, he said. But the police officer in front of you is a working man or woman just trying to do their job.

White House

The Secret Service ordered the White House locked down for about an hour on Friday evening a protestors gathered outside the gates, according to NBC News.

#GeorgeFloyd Protest just outside of the White House. pic.twitter.com/SeZiRfiXT5  Fin Gomez (@finnygo) May 29, 2020

Protesters chanted I cant breath, black lives matter and no justice, no peace" and the Secret Service took a woman into custody after she climbed over a barrier, but no arrests were made by D.C. police officers, the report stated.

They have since moved to outside the Trump International Hotel and were demonstrating there as of 8:30 p.m., NBC reported.

Other Protests

Temperatures between 105 and 110 F didn't stop #BlackLivesMatter from marching down the Las Vegas Strip to protest the death of #GeorgeFloyd by Minneapolis police. @reviewjournal pic.twitter.com/TjzTQCqshq  Ellen Schmidt  (@ellenschmidttt) May 30, 2020

More protests over Floyds death were held in Denver, Houston, Albuquerque, San Jose, Las Vegas and other major cities across the country.

Another was held near a Florida town home that belongs to Derek Chauvin, 44, who was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyds death.

The protesters arrived after social media postings listed the address of Derek Chauvin in the community of Windermere outside Orlando.

They carried signs that said, He said I cant breathe. Justice for George, and We see you, we hear you ... we love you! #Justice for George. The handcuffed black man pleaded for air as Chauvin knelt on his neck during an arrest recorded on video by bystanders.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office tweeted from its official account that Chauvin is not at the residence and is not expected there. The office says its confirmed he has no plans to be in the area.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 21:49:58|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Workers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority install traffic cones for the new bus lane that will transport passengers to and from the Metro Rail Transit along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue as they prepare for the rush of commuters due to the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Manila, the Philippines on May 31, 2020. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday restrictions in Metro Manila will be further eased from June 1, allowing most businesses and transport to reopen. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will resume domestic travels beginning on June 1 as the country starts further loosening coronavirus lockdown in the capital Manila and some parts of the country, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) said on Saturday.

In an advisory, NAIA said that most of the international flights "will not be happening in the immediate future" due to the travel bans imposed around the world in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air, sea and land travels were restricted in mid-March after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed a lockdown in Metro Manila, which was later expanded to other parts of the country.

On Thursday, Duterte said restrictions in Metro Manila will be further eased from June 1, allowing most businesses and transport to reopen despite a steady rise of coronavirus cases in the country.

The Philippines now has 17,224 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 950 deaths and 3,808 recoveries.
The coronavirus pandemic has hammered the global economy since strict social-distancing measures taken across countries to contain the spread of the virus has shut down businesses. Although investors are optimistic about the reopening of economies, the positivity is unlikely to stay unless there is any drug or vaccine that will be a permanent solution to COVID-19.

Hence, creating a portfolio of low-beta stocks is of utmost importance since the securities can not only deliver healthy returns but also provide a shield against market volatility.

Beta Understanding

Beta indicates the volatility of a particular stock with respect to the market. In other words, beta measures the extent of stock price movement relative to the market (we are considering S&P 500 here).

If a company has a beta of 1, it means that the relative volatility of the stock is the same as that of the S&P 500. In the same way, if the stocks beta is greater than 1 then it is more volatile compared to the market. Conversely, a beta below 1 signifies less volatility.

Now, if a portfolios beta is 3, it is three times more volatile than the market. Hence, if the market is projected to give 20% return, the portfolio will then definitely contribute 60% return which is amazing.

However, the opposite case also holds true. If the market slips 20% then the portfolio return plummets 60% which is surely a matter of concern.

The Winning Strategy

In our screening criteria we included beta in the range of 0 to 0.6 for short listing low risk stocks. But this cant be the only criterion for betting on stocks. The other parameters that need to be added to create a winning portfolio are:

Percentage Change in Price in the Last 4 Weeks greater than zero: This ensures that the stocks saw positive price movement over the last one month.

Average 20 Day Volume greater than 50,000: A substantial trading volume ensures that the stocks are easily tradable.

Story continues

Price greater than or equal to $5: They must all be trading at a minimum of $5 or higher.

Zacks Rank equal to 1: Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks indicate that they will significantly outperform the broader U.S. equity market over the next one to three months. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Here are five of the 18 stocks that qualified the screening:

B&G Foods, Inc. BGS, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, has seen its stock price jump 29.3% year to date. This is because consumers are avoiding dine-in restaurants owing to the virus outbreak and are instead stocking up pantries. Being a leading manufacturer and distributer of shelf-stable and frozen food, B&G Foods has been witnessing mounting demand for its products.

The stock has also seen upward earnings estimate revisions for 2020 in the past 30 days and is likely to see earnings growth of 21.3% this year.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. SFM, based in Phoenix, AZ, is among the fastest growing retailers in the domestic market and primarily offers affordable organic food products. The stock is likely to see earnings growth of 29.6% in 2020.

Headquartered in Oakland, CA, The Clorox Company CLX is engaged in the production, marketing and sale of consumer products in the United States and international markets. The company managed to beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the last four quarters, the average positive surprise being 6.5%. In the next five years, the stock is likely to see earnings growth of 5.8%.

Based in Sandton, South Africa, Gold Fields Limited GFI is a leading producer of gold. The stock is likely to see earnings growth of 31% and 88% in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. BJ: BJs Wholesale is an operator of membership warehouse clubs, primarily in the U.S. East Coast. Sporting a VGM Score of A, this Westborough, MA-headquartered companys expected EPS growth rate for five years is 12.6%, comparing favorably with the industry's estimated growth rate of 10.7%.

You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge.

The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today.

Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (BJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report



The Clorox Company (CLX) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Gold Fields Limited (GFI) : Free Stock Analysis Report



BG Foods, Inc. (BGS) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 09:44:09|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CAPE TOWN, May 29 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Friday reported 1,837 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily increase since the country confirmed its first case in early March, bringing the total to 29,240, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.

"Regrettably, we report 34 more COVID-19 related deaths -- this brings the total national deaths to 611," Mkhize said in his daily update.

So far, the nationwide count of recoveries stood at 15,093, with a recovery rate of 52.4 percent, he said, adding that a total of 680,175 tests have been conducted, with 24,452 tests done in the past 24 hours.

The Western Cape province remains the epicenter in the country with 18,906 cases, followed by Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, each with 3,583 cases, and KwaZulu-Natal with 2,428 cases.

The Western Cape, which also has the highest number of 437 deaths among all the provinces, is expected to see the peak of COVID-19 either at the end of June or beginning of July, Western Cape Governor Allan Winde said on Friday.

A total of 7,800 hospital beds would be required at the height of the epidemic and 9,300 people could die, Winde said in a statement. Enditem
New Delhi, May 30 : To ensure better management of dead bodies of coronavirus victims and suspected cases at the mortuaries of various city government hospitals, the Delhi government on Saturday asked the hospitals for timely disposal of the bodies.

In an order issued on Saturday, Padmini Singla, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, said that in case a death occurs due to coronavirus or that of a suspect person or that of a person brought dead at a hospital, the concerned medical facility should send the body to mortuary within two hours.

"If the family or relatives are contacting the mortuary themselves within 12 hours of the death, the hospital shall schedule cremation/burial in consultation with the family or relatives and the area municipal corporation in the next 24 hours," the order said.

It further said that if the family or relatives are not contacting the mortuary themselves within 12 hours of death, an intimation to them should be sent through the area SHO with date and time and place of cremation/burial, in consultation with the municipal corporation of the area to enable them to attend the funeral.

"The delivery of the intimation shall be ensured by the area SHO within 12 hours after receipt of a message from the hospital," it added.

The order said the hospital must fix a date and time in such a way that an effective notice of at least 24 hours is available to the family or relatives.

"In case of unidentified or abandoned body of Covid-19 positive or suspect person, the Delhi Police shall complete all legal formalities within 72 hours of death and dispose the body in the next 24 hours as per the protocol," it said.

The order said that if the address of the Covid-19 positive or suspect person is outside Delhi, the medical director shall send a notice to the resident commissioner of the state or the Union Territory for communicating back within 48 hours. If no reply is received, the body shall be cremated by the hospital in the next 24 hours.

"The responsibility of timely disposal of dead bodies of Covid-19 positive or suspect persons who died at the hospital or were brought dead at the hospital shall be of the medical director of the hospital. The respective municipal corporation shall make all the arrangements to cremate/bury such bodies," it said.

The order said the in-charge of the linked mortuary will report to the medical director/director of the hospital for the disposal of the bodies of Covid-19 positive or suspect persons.
1. Yes. Too many kids are staying home. They need a virtual learning option to keep up.

2. Yes. Teachers are out sick and subs cant handle the load. Online learning is needed.

3. No. Its too late in the school year to make a wholesale switch in teaching platforms.

4.No. Many parents arent in a position to stay home while their kids learn virtually.

5. Unsure. It may seem like a good idea from a health standpoint, but it has shortcomings.

Vote

View Results
I could only think of one good explanation, Dauses recalls. The driver had to have arrived after hours, and instead of coming back to return the package the next day, he got lazy and left it on the doorstep. Somebody saw it there, realized it must be valuable and made off with it.
Top lawmakers in both parties, spurred to action by the death of a black Minnesota man in the custody of white police officers, said on Friday that they would hold hearings in the coming weeks on the use of excessive force by law enforcement and on racial violence.

Representative Jerrold Nadler, Democrat of New York and the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said in an interview that he would convene a hearing in June to consider new federal actions that could help stem racial violence, especially acts of brutality by law enforcement against black and brown Americans. He also said his committee was looking at a federal chokehold ban and legislation to establish a commission to study the social status of black men and boys.

What we are going to look at very specifically is where and under what circumstances the federal government can step in when local governments are engaging in or not stopping or controlling violence against racial minorities, Mr. Nadler said.

In the Senate, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and the chairman of that chambers Judiciary Committee, said he would seek testimony on proposals to improve policing, combat racial discrimination regarding the use of force and improve relations between police departments and the communities they serve. He described the death of George Floyd, a Minnesota man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in an episode captured on video, as horrific.
Vineet Upadhyay By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: Around 1.38 lakh students of government schools in Uttarakhand did not get any food amidst ongoing lockdown in the month of April and May 2020 under mid-day meal scheme with union humar resource development minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank's Parliamentary constituency Haridwar topping the list.

The most number of children who were not provided food or allowances belonged to Haridwar district of the hill state where out of the total 1,53,006 students enrolled in 1,073 schools, only 1,22,405 students were provided food leaving 30,601 students without getting any benefits from the scheme.

The documents also revealed that the state government provided rations to children only on 48 out of the 66 working days between March 13 to May 17, 2020. Food was provided to students on 14 days in March, 21 days in April and 13 days in May.

In the month of March, all 689,437 students in 17,045 schools were provided food from the mid-day meal scheme.

At present, there are total 689,437 students in 17,045 state government schools across Uttarakhand. Out of these, 4,05,009 are in primary schools while 2,84,428 are in upper primary level schools.

Out of these, only 5,51,550 students received food security allowance under mid-day meal scheme during the month of April and May while 1,37,887 students in the state were left out from any benefits.

In Dehradun district, where lies the state assembly constituency of Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, 14,659 children in 1,390 did not receive any food or allowances under the scheme.

The rules and regulations of the scheme under Section 9 state that if the mid-day meal is not provided in school on any school day due to nonavailability of food grains, cooking cost, fuel or absence of cook-cum-helper or any other reason, the state government will pay food security allowance equal to the cost of quantity of food grains.

Udham Singh Nagar district ranked second in terms of students deprived of food under the scheme with 22,596 children in 1,276 schools not getting any benefit. Out of total 1,12,982, only 90,385 children were provided with food security allowances.

In Nainital district, 11,940 children in 1,397 schools did not receive food security allowance under the mid-day meal scheme.

In Almora, out of total 41,234 students in 1,762 schools, only 32,987 students were provided food security allowance in the duration of May and April 2020.

Earlier, on March 20, 2020, a letter was written to to all state governments and Union Territories of the country by union ministry of human resource development (MHRD) had instructed to ensure food or allowances while the schools remain closed due to Cover 19 epidemic.

Union HRD ministry was contacted for the response on the matter but of no avail.
Outside District 2 and District 4 Boston police stations, ten arrests were made during the Friday.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Peters Park in the South End of Boston to demand justice for George Floyd, a black man who died on Monday after a Minneapolis police officer forced his knee on Floyds neck to pin him to the ground.

Organizers emphasized peace and non-violence at the rally in Peters Park and march down Washington Street. Brock Satter, a speaker and organizer with Mass Action Against Police Brutality, said that those interested in anything otherwise should please do it elsewhere.

Four Boston police officers were injured during the protests and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their injuries are all non-life threatening.

Footage showed that the demonstrations reached the steps of the District 4 police station off Harrison Avenue, where protesters clashed with some of the police officers. Seven of the ten arrests were made in the area of the District 4 station aged from 17 to 30 years old.

All ten of the people arrested are scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.

Nicholas Marcopoulos, 29, of Lowell charged with assault & battery on a police officer, assault & battery by means of a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Jeremy McWhinnie, 29, of Lowell, charged with assault & battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Nathan Johnson, 24, of Everett, charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Lauren Deluco, 21, of Fitchburg, charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct and aiding an arrestee to escape from a police officer.

Lilley Antoinette, 30, of Somerville, charged with assault & battery on a police officer and disorderly conduct.

Patrick Culbreath, 22, of Boston, charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery of a police officer, two counts of threats, promotion of anarchy to incite a riot, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Bruce Hopkins, 22, of Boston, charged with assault of a police officer, promotion of anarchy to incite a riot, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

A 29-year-old unnamed female will be summoned to court and charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest.

The other three were arrested near District B-2 Police Station located at 2400 Washington St., in Roxbury.

Cole Gergoire, 21, of Somerville, charged with possession of class c, darrying a dangerous weapon, and damage to property by graffiti.

A 17-year-old male juvenile, 17, of Boston, charged with delinquent to wit: assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.

Anthony McWhorter, 18, of Boston, charged disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Related Content
It was one of the big stories of the new year, a very long six months ago: plastic bags were banned in Oregon, and all paper bags would cost consumers five cents each.

The law was meant to cut down on waste and encourage Oregonians to bring their own reusable bags with them when they went shopping, for groceries but also for clothes, books and anything else.

Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter

Coronavirus, however, has made the very concept of shopping a thing of the past.

Shopping malls and many retailers shut down, and grocery stores became efficient safety-focused machines. And many people are opted out of going to the store altogether, choosing instead to get groceries and other products delivered to their doors.

To protect customers and employees, some grocery stores have stopped allowing reusable bags, or are limiting their use. That has meant an increase in the use of those bags, said Julie Teune, spokesperson for New Seasons Market.

This plus a taxed paper supply chain has led to a paper bag shortage. And during this shortage, Oregon made a choice to relax the rules temporarily.

Oregon has not taken statewide action to suspend the plastic bag ban, also known as HB 2509, said Liz Merah, spokesperson for Governor Kate Brown, but due to supply chain issues of paper products, grocery stores are permitted to use plastic bags if they run out of paper bags.

So if you are seeing plastic bags at your local grocery store, its likely they are there legally.

Joe Gilliam, President of the Northwest Grocery Association, said he commended the governor for allowing this practical solution to an unexpected challenge.

While some grocery stores have run out of paper bags, New Seasons said it had not experienced a bag shortage, though it is has suspended bag fees and disallowed reusable bags.

We will be welcoming customers reusable shopping bags again starting June 10, following the CDCs recent guidance regarding minimal risk of exposure from surfaces, Teune said.

To help everyone in the store feel comfortable," she added, and to help support proper social distancing, we will kindly ask customers who do bring reusable shopping bags to clean them between visits and be prepared to bag their own groceries.

Both Teune and Gilliam agree that the bag shortage is a short-term issue.

The decision to accept reusable shopping bags was aligned to our own sustainability commitments and in response to staff and customer feedback, Teune said, but it should help the local supply of paper bags as well.

When we get back to normal, and demand levels out, Gilliam said, we will be able to source adequate paper bags and resume the normal use of reusables.

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
US President Donald Trump (L) as he departs the White House, in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2019, and former US vice president Joe Biden during the kick off his presidential election campaign in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 18, 2019.

JIM WATSON,DOMINICK REUTER/AFP/Getty Images

President Donald Trump and likely Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden have both called for Section 230 to be revoked.

Section 230 is part of a 1996 law on how content can be moderated on the internet, among other guidelines.

The two politicians disagree on why the law should be revoked.

Trump's concerns involve the moderation of content on the internet, like recent fact-checks put on his tweets.

Biden has said he wants social media sites to be held liable for the content posted on their platforms; currently they are not under Section 230.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The revocation of a provision in a 1996 law regarding the internet is one of the few things to bring President Donald Trump and likely Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to a consensus, but only slightly.

Both politicians have called for Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 to be revoked; Trump in recent days has called for it to be revoked, and Biden said so earlier this year.

But, the two disagree on why it should be revoked.

Section 230 has been called the most important law for the internet. It provides "interactive computer services" like Facebook and Twitter the ability to moderate content on their platforms that is violent, harassing, "or otherwise objectionable," without the platforms illegally infringing on people's First Amendment right to free speech.

The law also includes a provision that bars sites like Twitter and Facebook from being held liable as publishers for the content posted on their platforms. While a newspaper would be held liable for false information produced and published by them, websites are treated merely as the medium and are not responsible for the content posted on their platforms.

These two points are at the center of Trump's and Biden's calls to revoke the law.

Story continues

Why Trump wants it revoked

"REVOKE 230!" Trump tweeted on Friday. The day prior, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to alter Section 230 and change the way they interpret and enforce it.

The move came after Twitter flagged one of his tweets that made unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud and mail-in ballots. Twitter later flagged another of his tweets as "glorifying violence." Both were the the platform's first time to take such measures against the president, but the tweets remained accessible and were not taken down.

Trump's concerns about Section 230 center around the protections it provides to social media sites if they choose to moderate content. Trump and other conservatives have alleged that sites like Facebook and Twitter have exercised anti-conservative bias in their policing of content on their platforms.

Why Biden wants it revoked

Twitter and Facebook, among other sites, have been criticized for their hesitance to take down misinformation on their platforms. Specifically, Twitter has drawn ire because of Trump's tweets, which critics say are often misleading or spreading outright misinformation.

Twitter, and other platforms like it, are protected by Section 230 from being held liable for falsehoods or defaming statements published on their sites, while a newspaper could be sued for libel or defamation for statements published on their sites or in their papers.

Biden has said that companies like Facebook should be held liable for misinformation on their platforms. He told The New York Times' editorial board earlier this year that Section 230 "immediately should be revoked."

"It should be revoked because [Facebook] is not merely an internet company," Biden said. "It is propagating falsehoods they know to be false ... It's irresponsible. It's totally irresponsible."

His campaign did not immediately respond to a request to provide an update to his remarks in light of Trump's executive order, but the Biden campaign told The Verge on Thursday that "it will not be the position of any future Biden Administration  that the First Amendment means private companies must provide a venue for, and amplification of, the president's falsehoods, lest they become the subject of coordinated retaliation by the federal government."

Read the original article on Business Insider
For many of the thousands of protesters in cities across the country, there seems to be one primary demand  justice for George Floyd's death and an end to police brutality against African Americans.

"The injustice has been going on for so long," said Ben Hubert, 26, who lives in the Minneapolis area. "Its been swelling for years.

"That could be my father; that could be my brother. That could be me," one Atlanta protester, a black man, told NBC News of his thoughts when he saw the video of a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck as Floyd pleaded, "Please, please, please, I can't breathe."

"It just happened too many times," the Atlanta protester said.

Floyd died in police custody Monday after he was pinned to the ground for over eight minutes. Derek Chauvin, the since-fired officer who knelt on his neck despite pleas from Floyd and onlookers, was arrested and charged Friday with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers were also involved in Floyd's detainment.

Public officials around the country decried the violence and chaos that broke out at many demonstrations Friday night, with the Minnesota governor saying "wanton destruction" in his state came from people who live elsewhere. About 80 percent of the arrests in the Twin Cities on Friday night were of people from outside Minnesota, officials said.

The Minnesota governor said demonstrations that were peaceful earlier in the week, after video of Floyd's death came out on Tuesday, have devolved and no longer have anything to do with Floyd or a demand for racial justice.

Image: (Frank Franklin II / AP)

But not everyone in protests around the country appeared to engage in violence, and some who spoke to the media said their message is simple: We are human beings that want justice for our people, as one demonstrator in the nation's capital told NBC Washington.

Another protester, Anzhane Laine, said that until Chauvin is convicted "there will no peace until we get justice."

Story continues

"I spent all day crying because it's completely unfair," Laine said. "We have yet another innocent man being killed by a police officer."

Those who gathered outside the White House chanted, "Don't shoot" and "Black lives matter." Many people held up signs that read, "We stand together #BLM" and "We r not thugs," in reference to President Donald Trump's labeling protesters as "thugs" in a tweet early Friday.

Some demonstrations have turned violent and even deadly. In Atlanta, vehicles were set on fire and buildings, including the CNN Center, were vandalized during a Friday night protest. Police officers fired tear gas into the massive crowds as they tried to get people to leave.

In New York City, officers pepper-sprayed a crowd after a police vehicle was set on fire, and in Louisville, Kentucky,  where Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by officers executing a search warrant  seven people were shot during a Thursday night protest.

Circumstances of the Louisville shootings were not immediately clear, and police said officers were not involved.

In Detroit, a 19-year-old man was killed after someone in a van fired shots into a crowd of protesters. A police spokesperson said an officer was not involved. And a security officer with the Federal Protective Service of the Department of Homeland Security was killed in Oakland and another injured after someone in a vehicle opened fire around 9:45 p.m. on Friday, the FBI said.

Demonstrators said that despite tensions running high in some cities, they hope the message of why they are gathering does not get lost.

"It keeps happening. No matter what's done, no matter how many protests it keeps happening," an Atlanta protester told NBC News, adding, "It's always been happening, but now it's just recorded and getting seen more."
Great struggles between great powers tend to have a tipping point. Its the moment when the irreconcilability of differences becomes obvious to nearly everyone.

In 1911 Germany sparked an international crisis when it sent a gunboat into the Moroccan port of Agadir and, as Winston Churchill wrote in his history of the First World War, all the alarm bells throughout Europe began immediately to quiver. In 1936 Germany provoked another crisis when it marched troops into the Rhineland, in flagrant breach of its treaty obligations. In 1946, the Soviet Union made it obvious it had no intention of honoring democratic principles in Central Europe, and Churchill was left to warn that an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.

Analogies between these past episodes and Chinas decision this week draft a new national security law on Hong Kong arent perfect. Hong Kong is a Chinese port, not a faraway foreign one. Hong Kongs people have ferociously resisted Beijings efforts to impose control, unlike the Rhineland Germans who welcomed Berlins. And the curtailment of freedom that awaits Hong Kong is nothing like the totalitarian tyranny that Joseph Stalin imposed on Warsaw, Budapest and other cities.

But the analogies arent inapt, either. Beijing has spent the better part of 20 years subverting its promises to preserve Hong Kongs democratic institutions. Now it is moving to quash what remains of the citys civic freedoms through a forthcoming law that allows the government to punish speech as subversion and protest as sedition. The concept of one country, two systems, was supposed to last at least until 2047 under the terms of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. Now Chinas rulers have been openly violating that treaty, much as Germany openly violated the treaties of Locarno and Versailles.
President Trump tweeted Saturday that "the most vicious dogs, and the most ominous weapons" would have greeted protestors at the White House had they breached the area's fence on Friday night.

What's happening: Demonstrators protesting the killing of George Floyd gathered around the White House on Friday, as police cracked down on similar protests across the country.

Between the lines: A Twitter spokesperson said that Trump's tweet did not violate its rules on violence, despite the site tagging his previous threat involving shooting in response to civil unrest in Minneapolis.

Twitter explained the move by saying that Trump's statements are not directly encouraging others to act violently and don't reference an event that happened, and don't clearly threaten a specific person or group.

A specific group refers to characteristics protected by law, including race and gender.

What he's saying: "Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. @SecretService. They were not only totally professional, but very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe. They let the 'protesters' scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard - didnt know what hit them.

Trump also claimed that the protestors were "professionally organized," a theory popular amid some of the president's supporters, and took a jab at Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for not getting local law enforcement involved.

that the protestors were "professionally organized," a theory popular amid some of the president's supporters, and took a jab at Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for not getting local law enforcement involved. D.C. police were on the scene, according to a Saturday statement from the Secret Service.

according to a Saturday statement from the Secret Service. "The front line was replaced with fresh agents, like magic. Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen," Trump wrote Saturday morning.

with fresh agents, like magic. Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen," Trump wrote Saturday morning. "Thats when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action. 'We put the young ones on the front line, sir, they love it, and good practice.' As you saw last night, they were very cool & very professional. Never let it get out of hand. Thank you!"

Go deeper: Police officer in George Floyd killing charged with third-degree murder
(Reuters) - China's parliament is moving forward with national security legislation on Hong Kong after mass protests last year, raising fears the territory will lose the autonomy that enabled it to remain a global financial center after British rule ended in 1997. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed a strong response and said he will announce steps on China at a news conference on Friday.

(Reuters) - China's parliament is moving forward with national security legislation on Hong Kong after mass protests last year, raising fears the territory will lose the autonomy that enabled it to remain a global financial center after British rule ended in 1997.

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed a strong response and said he will announce steps on China at a news conference on Friday. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday Trump will make a series of announcements on Hong Kong "in the coming days."

Here is a look at some of Trump's options.

- After Pompeo said on Wednesday that Hong Kong no longer warrants special treatment under U.S. law given the erosion of its autonomy, Trump could take what analysts have called the "nuclear option" and completely strip the territory of the U.S. economic privileges it has enjoyed since 1997.

Such a major step looks unlikely for now, given concern for the more than 1,300 U.S. firms that have offices in Hong Kong and provide about 100,000 jobs. David Stilwell, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, said this week steps would be calibrated to mitigate the impact on Hong Kong people and U.S. businesses.

- U.S. officials and people familiar with the discussions said the administration was crafting a range of options, including targeted sanctions, new tariffs and further restrictions on Chinese companies.

Two sources told Reuters on Thursday the United States was also planning to cancel the visas of thousands of Chinese graduate students. Stilwell said Trump has a long list of potential responses and that moves could be "across the spectrum," including visa and economic sanctions.

- Trump could sign legislation calling for sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for oppressing China's Uighur Muslim minority. This could involve the United States targeting a member of China's powerful politburo for the first time. The bill, approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, would become law unless Trump opts to veto it. [L1N2D92R5]

(Compiled by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Ghanaian Battalion 86 (GHANBATT 86) has held a Medal Presentation Parade to decorate personnel with the United Nations Peace Medal in recognition of their contribution towards peace and stability in South Lebanon.



A statement issued by Captain Nathanael Asamoah, Public Information Officer, UNIFIL GHANBATT 86, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency on Friday, said the parade took place on Friday, May 29, at the GHANBATT Headquarters, United Nations Position 5-66 in Al-Qouzah, the same day the International Day of the Peacekeeper was commemorated.



The Sector West Commander, Brigadier General Diego Filippo FULCO, who was the Guest of Honour, commended the Battalion and their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abass Atuluk, for their commitment to the peace operations with diligence and high professionalism amidst the coronavirus pandemic.



He added that the theme for this years International Day of Peacekeepers Women in Peacekeeping: A key to Peace was a fitting theme for GHANBATT being the largest contributor of females to UNIFIL whiles urging them to continue to be ambassadors of the strong Ghanaian woman.



The Sector Commander paid tribute to all peacekeepers who have paid the ultimate prize in bringing peace to the world, especially Warrant Officer Class I Ackah Patrick of the GHANBATT who passed on a month earlier whiles serving with UNIFIL.



The ceremony was uniquely organised with less pageantry and under strict social distancing and other preventive protocols in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.



The Deputy Force Commander of UNIFIL, Brigadier General Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey, the Mukhtar of Al-Qouzah, Mr Caesar Risk, and Colonel Mohammed Nasser Al Deen of the South Sector of the Lebanese Armed Forces, were in attendance.

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.

Featured Video
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 00:09:22|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on May 27, 2020 shows a view of the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has emphasized the full recognition of the significance of the promulgation and implementation of the country's newly adopted Civil Code and better protection of the people's legitimate rights and interests in accordance with law.

Xi made the remarks on Friday while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on the effective implementation of the Civil Code.

Xi demanded the whole Party effectively promote the implementation of the Civil Code in order to better advance law-based governance of the country and the building of a socialist country based on the rule of law, and better protect the people's rights and interests.

Noting that the Civil Code is the first law to carry the title "code" since New China was founded in 1949, Xi said it marks a major achievement of the country in developing socialist rule of law in the new era.

The Civil Code systematically integrates the civil legal norms formed through long-term practices during more than 70 years of New China, drawing upon the Chinese nation's fine legal culture stretching back more than 5,000 years, and mankind's beneficial achievements in building a law-based civilization, Xi stressed.

Photo taken on May 22, 2020 shows flags on the Tian'anmen Square and atop the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Party and state organs at all levels should take into account the stipulations of the Civil Code while carrying out relevant work, without violating the legitimate civil rights enjoyed by the public, including personal rights and property rights, Xi added.

Relevant state departments should step up the institutional building of laws and regulations related to the Civil Code, Xi said, noting that the Civil Code should serve as an important scale plate for administrative decision-making, management and supervision.

Xi also stressed the strengthening of work in civil trials and supervision and guidance in key areas that involve the protection of property rights, personality rights, intellectual property rights and ecological and environmental protection.

Highlighting the importance of giving full play to the roles of legal organizations and professionals, including law firms and lawyers, Xi also called for the incorporation of the Civil Code into the national education system.

The Civil Code, long expected in the country, was adopted on Thursday at the third session of the 13th National People's Congress, the top legislative body of China. 
NASA is attempting its next manned mission with private company SpaceX by launching the Crew Dragon-Falcon 9. The space launch has been aborted once after unforeseeable weather conditions that did not match the requirements on May 27 launch and has been in preparation for a second attempt on May 30. The manned mission comes after eleven years since the last manned flight into space was sent by NASA. For space enthusiasts wondering if the manned flight will be visible from the UK and asking the question, "Will SpaceX launch be visible from the UK?", here we bring some clarity -

Also Read | SpaceX Launch Schedule: Here's A Detail Lead Up Until Spaceship's Maiden Launch

Will SpaceX launch be visible from the UK?

According to NASAs statement, the spacecraft is going to go around the earth in its own orbit. The spacecraft with two astronauts, Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley, would be distinctively visible from the UK as per a satellite tracker, Dr Marco Langbroek, who is based out of Netherlands. It is impossible to be seen by the naked eye during the day, but during the night there are slight possibilities of visibility with several conditions.

Also Read | Why Is SpaceX Launch Important And What Makes It So Historic?

Dr Marco shared the expected trajectory that the manned rocket will be passing through. The rocket will not be visible to the naked eye at the time. According to Dr Marco, the satellite might be visible while passing through the orbit for the second time. He added that the rocket might be visible after the sun is set or towards the dusk as when the sun is up it will not be directly visible.

The first stage rocket booster supporting this mission previously launched two Starlink missions, as well as the Iridium-8 and Telstar 18 VANTAGE missions pic.twitter.com/rvQ6Mh4ZxZ  SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 13, 2020

SpaceX launch time UK

According to Dr Marco Langbroek, SpaceX can be seen with minimum visibility from the southern UK. However, it will be a difficult task to see it by the 22:17 hours in BST that is 2:47 am Sunday in Indian Standard Time or IST. Dr Marco Langbroek also said that around 22:00 in BST that is 2:30 am Sunday in Indian Standard Time or IST both SpaceXs Crew Dragon-Falcon 9 and International Space Station can be observed from the UK.

All systems are looking good for Crew Dragons first flight with astronauts  https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK pic.twitter.com/2gZzEnMlia  SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 25, 2020

Also Read | SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch: All You Need To Know About Saturday's Scheduled Flight

No firm decision over the launch yet

NASA and SpaceXs Crew Dragon-Falcon 9 was rescheduled for a May 30 attempt after the May 27 launch was aborted after weather conditions did not match the requirements for the launch. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine revealed in a Twitter post that the May 30 launch will be only done after assessing the risk factors related to weather conditions on the day. He said that there are no final decisions made for Saturday. The administration is still overlooking the weather conditions suited for the launch. NASA and SpaceX are jointly monitoring the situation. For May 30, the US Air Forces 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 50% chance of favourable conditions at launch time and for May 31 it has predicted a 60% chance of favourable conditions at launch time, according to NASA's official website.

Also Read | What Time Is SpaceX Launch? Read About NASA Launch Schedule
The US president is finding a way to turn the coronavirus into something that will rally his base.

Donald Trump has somehow survived an overwhelming flood of political scandals, legal battles, accusations, the Russia investigation, impeachment, and now, it looks like he is finding a way to spin the coronavirus pandemic into something that will rally his base.

Currently, the US is facing an unprecedented public health crisis as the country with the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19. The death toll surpassed 100,000 this week and infections have reached nearly 1.8 million. The US is also confronting an economic crisis, with 15 percent unemployment. Economists predict this will rise to between 25 to 30 percent. It has not seen unemployment rates this high since the Great Depression.

The Trump administrations handling of the global pandemic has been an unmitigated disaster  he brushed off the seriousness of the virus, moved too slowly on mass testing and turned the virus response into a partisan game for his own political gain. Healthcare costs went up and economic bailouts helped corporations more than they helped American workers.

Trumps grossly incompetent leadership was on full display, every day, during White House briefings about the virus, which he essentially turned into daily campaign rallies. He attacked reporters, in his usual bullying style, for asking questions about his slow response to the pandemic. As criticism of the administrations response grew and the death toll rose, Trump and his team did what they do best: changed the conversation.

This is how Trump has survived these battles. He turns legal battles into political ones and positions them in the court of media and public opinion, which is where he has transformed the art of political spin. His propaganda has normalised (or, rather, elevated) blatant lying, under the banner of alternative facts. Through Fox and Friends, and Trump pals like Sean Hannity, right-wing conspiracy theories have become commonplace in the media and American political discourse. After all, Fox News is still the most-watched cable news channel in America and has been for the past 18 years.

Just when you think Trump is confronting a crisis that he cannot escape, the White House creates a scandal for the media to focus their attention on. They overwhelm us with a story (often with an accompanying buzzword) that creates a host of accusations and legal questions that confuse and overwhelm the public as we scramble to try to understand the basic elements of the controversy.

Cue, Trumps now infamous Mothers Day tweeting rampage. The #OBAMAGATE! tweet was followed by accusations of wrongdoing by dozens of individuals from the Obama administration, the FBI, the Justice Department and others. Trump demanded that Obama be subpoenaed to testify to the Senate over Obamagate, a demand which Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell and South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsay Graham both rejected. This says a lot about how ridiculous this story is given that McConnell and Graham are two of Trumps staunchest defenders.

Furthermore, when a Washington Post reporter asked Trump to explain the specific crimes behind Obamagate, he retorted in his classic style: You know what the crime is. The crime is very obvious to everybody  All you have to do is read the newspapers, except yours.

This is Trump doing what Trump does best. He is spinning a story that he hopes will undermine the entire Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the election. He thinks that if they exonerate the likes of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn, it will completely exonerate the Trump team and shift attention towards Obama (and Obamas vice president and the presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden).

This is also likely a pre-emptive attack to help the Trump administration battle accusations of pro-Trump Russian interference in the upcoming 2020 election. Intelligence officials briefed members of Congress on the matter in February, arguing that Russia was already actively working to help re-elect Trump. Biden rightly pointed out in an interview with ABC that: This is all about diversion. This is a game this guy plays all the time. The question is, will it work?

Given Trumps track record, it could. Trump has the bully pulpit and he is using it. Plus, the media is falling for it. His wild accusations and conspiracy theories increase ratings and clickbait. Perhaps less cynically, it is also the job of reporters to follow and investigate claims that the president makes. I am guilty of this myself. In the last couple of weeks, I have spent hours trying to understand all the individuals and accusations surrounding the alleged Obamagate.

Trump is attempting to squirm his way out of a serious conversation about his failed leadership, yet again. Even the impeachment did not seem to make much of a difference and opinions about the charges (abuse of power and obstruction of Congress) fell along partisan lines. And that seems like it was a lifetime ago, given the onslaught of news and scandals coming from the White House (and Trumps tweets) every day.

Somehow, Trumps approval ratings are holding relatively steady. They even got a bump. As of May 13, according to a Gallup poll, his job approval rating reached 49 percent, a tie for the highest of his presidency. This is low, but not that much lower than previous presidents. Obama began his second term in 2012 with a job approval rating of 46 percent. Furthermore, even amid the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, a recent CNN poll shows that respondents gave Trump a strong advantage over Biden in terms of his handling of the economy.

Trumps strategy of blaming the Chinese for the coronavirus also seems to be working with the American public. A recent survey by Navigator Research showed that 43 percent of Americans think China bears more responsibility than the federal government for the way coronavirus has spread in the US.

Polling data about the 2020 election varies. FiveThirtyEight gives Biden around a six-point lead nationally, and crucial but narrow leads in the key battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina. However, a recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS echoes Bidens national lead but shows an advantage for Trump in the swing states. This would allow him to win the Electoral College and likely lose the popular vote, which is exactly what happened in 2016.

But there are many wild cards going into the 2020 election, including the impact of social distancing measures and mail-in ballots on voter turnout, among other questions about whether the economy will bounce back, and whether campaign rallies and conventions will be held. With less than six months until election day, it is impossible to predict.

One thing is for sure. The Biden campaign needs to suit up and make the shift from a primary to a general election campaign as soon as possible. They showed a promising start with a clear message of unity when Biden and Bernie Sanders, together, announced a set of task forces to develop policy, which included progressive politicians, among them New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as members. This shows a substantive effort on the part of the Biden campaign to work with the progressive left to establish strong policy platforms on the economy, climate change, healthcare and other vital issues.

I want to believe that this campaign will be decided by the substance of policy platforms and the virtues of truth. I want it to be a real test of competent leadership and ideas, and I want to see a real debate about how to tackle the problems facing our country. But I am gravely concerned it will be yet another election contested on disinformation, propaganda and fear.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
This is part of an occasional series highlighting stories surrounding stained glass windows across the Capital Region.

Tucked inside Watervliets Immaculate Heart of Mary is a small stained glass window once considered too disturbing for the faithful to see.

It came into being thanks to Watervliet priest Father Edward Reilly, who volunteered his service as a World War I U.S. Army chaplain. His tour of duty brought him to several battles including one of the longest and bloodiest, Verdun.

After the battles, Reilly sometimes came across the rubble of churches that had been demolished by bombs. He found fragments of stained glass windows in their ruins, and rescued the shards from the mud. He brought the shards home to St. Patrick in Watervliet in 1918.

No one knows whether Reilly put the pieces together or had the help of an artist. But the shards were formed into a small window. It was never in a place where the general congregation could see it, but placed in the vesting area where the priests dressed and prepared themselves for Mass.

The window is a melange of broken images akin to Pablo Picassos landmark Spanish Civil War painting, Guernica. The window shards include a bit of blazing sky, a broken angels wing, human limbs and a pale face peering out of the jumble.

To me, thats the face of humanity peering out from wartime and into the future, said Immaculate Heart historian Tom Hanley. Perhaps hes looking into a future without war.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Hanley says not much is known about Father Reilly. In the one photo Hanley could find of him, Reilly has added a white straw hat to his dark priestly garb.

When St. Patrick was closed and scheduled for demolition (the church was finally torn down in 2013), the Immaculate Heart congregation eagerly accepted the shard window. Chapman Stained Glass installed the window in a larger pane of glass inside the church.

These shards made it through WWI and the razing of St. Patricks to be present in our lives, Hanley marveled. Some shards, some message!
Returning to Tunisia in the early 1950s, Mr. Memmi was a high school teacher and directed an educational research center. In 1957, he returned to Paris, where he became an educational researcher and later a professor at the University of Paris (often called the Sorbonne). He received a doctorate from the Sorbonne in 1970 and, in 1975, became one of the directors of Frances graduate-level School of Higher Studies in Social Sciences. He spent a year at the University of Washington in the 1970s.
Kolkata, May 30 : Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has finally made it back to India after being stuck in Germany for over three months due to the travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, his wife Aruna Anand confirmed on Saturday.

"He is landed safely today at 13:15 hrs. He is now in Bengaluru. We don't know how long he will need to be there for quarantine purpose. We will follow government procedure," Aruna told IANS from Chennai.

"He is fine and doing well," she added.

Five-time world champion Anand was in Germany to take part in the Bundesliga chess tournament and before he could return, the travel restrictions came calling. India has been in lockdown since March 25 and will remain so till at least May 31.

The flights from Germany are scheduled to land only in Delhi and Bengaluru.

During his stay near near Frankfurt, Anand did online commentary for the Candidates tournament in Russia before it was called off mid-way due to the pandemic. He also led the Indian team in the Online Nations Cup earlier this month.

Anand was in touch with the Indian embassy but it took time for his return as it was a phased repatriation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill with all sporting activities in India coming to a grinding halt.
Residents group Clonres CLG has secured leave from the High Court to challenge An Bord Pleanala's permission for a controversial development of 657 apartments near St Anne's Park in north Dublin.

The board indicated earlier this week, in relation to a separate challenge by John Conway and Louth Environment Group, it is prepared to concede that case, meaning the permission is expected to be overturned.

Because the board has not formally done so, the application by Clonres CLG proceeded before Mr Justice Denis McDonald yesterday.

Having read the documents and heard submissions from Alan Doyle BL, for Clonres, the judge found Clonres had made out the necessary substantial grounds for leave to bring the case against the board.

He admitted the proceedings to the court's Strategic Infrastructure Development list, which fast-tracks planning cases, and returned it to June 11.

Protection

The Clonres case is also against the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and the State but as the permission may be overturned, the judge adjourned the proceedings against the State.

The claims against the State relate to failure to designate the site as a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive.

The judge said he suspected a stay application would not be necessary, but Clonres had liberty to apply.

The judge noted discussions are continuing in the Conway/LEG case as to the form of order to be made. He said the developer Crekav may seek to resist such an order and, in those circumstances, it was necessary for Clonres to proceed with its leave application.

The Clonres case concerns the board's decision last February to grant permission for more than 650 apartments, in blocks of up to nine storeys tall, on former playing fields east of St Paul's College.
Contact Tracing Limits COVID-19 Cases in Northern Indian State

By Anjana Pasricha May 29, 2020

When COVID-19 cases started surfacing in India in March, India's northern state of Himachal Pradesh went into a stringent lockdown as soon as it identified its first two cases.

Worries were high because picturesque towns in the state, nestled along Himalayan slopes, receive many domestic and foreign tourists  India's initial infections came through overseas travelers.

The state took on the challenge of controlling the infection by putting in place a system of contact tracing involving tracking and testing anyone who had been in contact with an infected person to help break the chain of transmission.

"As soon as we get a positive, within an hour or half an hour we are able to trace the entire contacts using digital technology, and the very next day we get them tested," said Rakesh Prajapati, the district collector in Kangra, the state's largest district.

While contact tracing is being used throughout India, the battle against coronavirus has been more successful in states that have done it intensively, as have Kerala in the south and Himachal Pradesh.

"Contact tracing is very critical because in a fast-spreading virus, we have to isolate people who have been in contact with a person diagnosed with an infection till they are beyond the symptom period. The whole idea is that they should not infect others," said K. Srinath Reddy, the head of the Public Health Foundation of India in New Delhi. "It limits the spread of infection from unsuspected and undiagnosed contacts."

It is not an easy task but the battle has been more successful in states such as Kerala and Himachal Pradesh that have an extensive network of community health workers rather than in dense cities like Delhi and Mumbai without strong primary health care systems.

In Himachal Pradesh, soon after coronavirus began spreading, these health workers, who usually go door to door in villages and act as a bridge between villages and the public health system, helped raise awareness and identify people with symptoms.

Coronavirus posed a special challenge though. The rampaging infection did not give much time to sensitize communities. India's low testing rate also meant it was important to physically verify whether people were suffering from symptoms.

"There were not enough workers, so we roped in teachers and community-level workers so that we could cover the entire population in our district. Teams of two went to every home to collect data," said Meenakshi Gupta, a medical officer in Kangra. "In a day they would cover about 25 to 40 households, depending on how far they had to travel."

To reach remote rural mountain hamlets, ambulances were converted into testing vans. In some places, doctors used school buildings for screening and conducting tests.

Himachal Pradesh managed to keep its numbers low  less than 100 in the state of 7 million  until last month; tens of thousands of migrant workers, who returned from other parts of India as lockdown restrictions have eased, have brought new infections and posed fresh challenges.

That has set off a scramble to set up temporary quarantine centers for those back from "red zones" where infections are high. The task is not easy as the numbers who need to be quarantined exceed the existing medical infrastructure.

"This is a learning experience for all us. Creating facilities sometimes at a day's notice, and making proper arrangements for their stay, food, medical examination, other needs and ensuring proper social distancing, that is a big challenge," Gurdarshan Gupta, Kangra's chief medical officer said.

Those who show no symptoms and come from less-affected parts of the country are being sent to home quarantine.

Everyone in home quarantine also has to be tracked, which is done by health workers, often by phone. Village councils also work to ensure that quarantine rules are not broken.

"Every day both me and my family get calls asking how I am feeling and if I am displaying any symptoms. They also check out whether I am following the quarantine procedures," Arun Kumar Rana, who is in quarantine in his home in Chadiyar village after returning from Delhi, said.

While Rana could isolate himself on the first floor of his house, some people who had to stay in home quarantine set up temporary structures in fields to keep a distance from their families.

While the immediate challenge is to tackle coronavirus infections, there is another front on which the battle against the virus has to be waged, the social stigma sometimes faced by victims even after they recovered.

"In the past we have stigmatized many diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and many others and we have spent lots of money in ensuring the stigma is removed," Prajapati said.

To ensure that it does not happen with COVID, officials pay a visit to send a message to the entire village.

"Starting with the first patient who recovered, we approach them, give them bouquets, shake hands with them so that people understand that meeting them is not a risk," he said.

That initiative may have to continue for a while. Himachal Pradesh's more than 270 coronavirus cases are among the lowest in India, but there has been a spike in recent weeks.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






June 'Mama June' Shannon sold her house without telling any of her family on the newest Mama June: From Not To Hot.

Her sister Jo 'Doe Doe' Shannon found the house completely emptied out and sold while trying to confront her sister about her debts.

Meanwhile, June's daughters Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird and Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson had trouble adjusting to living in a hotel after their mother warned them someone was chasing them because of her debts.

Upheaval: Jo 'Doe Doe' Shannon discovered her sister 'Mama June' Shannon sold her house before pleading not guilty in court on Friday's Mama June: From Not To Hot

The episode opened as Pumpkin, her husband Josh, their daughter Ella and Alana were driving to a hotel after quickly vacating their apartment at the end of the previous episode.

Josh muses that one of their neighbors or someone in town might have tipped off the people looking for them to their address since they're local celebrities.

From the back seat, Alana complains that 'mama was always so overprotective' of her own friends, yet she's allowed herself to get caught up in her boyfriend Geno's dealings.

Back at Doe Doe's home, she tells her daughter Amber that the people searching for Pumpkin and Alana must be connected to Geno.

On the run: The episode opened as Pumpkin, her husband Josh, their daughter Ella and Alana were driving to a hotel after quickly vacating their apartment at the end of the previous episode

Showdown: While Alana checks into the hotel, Doe Doe and Amber go to confront June at her home, where she had been selling her family's possessions to cover her debts

End of an era: But once they arrive, they find the house has been sold

While Alana and her guardians check into their hotel, Doe Doe and Amber go to confront June at her home, where she had been selling her family's possessions to cover her debts.

But once they arrive, they find the house has been sold.

The door is suspiciously unlocked, so Doe Doe goes inside and finds the house completely cleaned out and repainted.

She looks disappointed as she tells Amber that she urged June to buy the house for a sense of security, and reveals that she paid for it in cash, so she didn't have outstanding costs related to the home.

Empty: The door is suspiciously unlocked, so Doe Doe goes inside and finds the house completely cleaned out and repainted

What a waste: She looks disappointed as she tells Amber that she urged June to buy the house for a sense of security, and reveals that she paid for it in cash so she didn't have future costs

Meanwhile, Josh takes Pumpkin and Ella to a Mexican restaurant for dinner while Alana works on her homework at the hotel.

He reveals to his wife that he has his eye on a house that would give them security and get them away from June's drama, as well as the people possibly pursuing them.

The only catch is that the house is two hours away, which would require Alana to be pulled out of school after she just started high school.

It would also curtail their interactions with Doe Doe and family friends, and Josh would need to get a new job.

Pumpkin is intrigued, but she cools to the idea once she learns how far away it is, though she agrees to think it over.

Keep going: Meanwhile, Josh takes Pumpkin and Ella to a Mexican restaurant to reveal he's looking to buy a house away from all the drama, which intrigues her

More upheaval: The only catch is that the house is two hours away, which would require Alana to be pulled out of school after she just started high school, but Pumpkin agrees to consider it

Back at the hotel, Doe Doe arrives while Pumpkin is alone and reveals that her mother sold the house. 'That was Alana's dream,' says a disappointed Pumpkin

Back at the hotel, Doe Doe arrives while Pumpkin is alone and reveals that her mother sold the house.

'That was Alana's dream,' says a disappointed Pumpkin, who adds that even if June should dump Geno and get clean, there won't be a home for Alana to reunite with her at.

Her aunt also warns that June will be arrested if she fails to show up at her next court date after skipping out on the previous one.

Pumpkin resolves not to tell her her younger sister about the sold house, but she accepts Doe Doe's offer to host dinner for everyone at her place.

She updates Josh about the sold house later in the evening, which seems to push her over the edge into supporting their move into a house of their own.

Big trouble: Her aunt also warns that June will be arrested if she fails to show up at her next court date after skipping out on the previous one

On board: She updates Josh about the sold house later in the evening, which seems to push her over the edge into supporting their move into a house of their own

Over at Doe Doe's home, everyone enjoys fried chicken, until Alana mentions that she can't wait to move back home once everything is resolved with her mother, which elicits awkward looks from her aunt and sister, so Pumpkin sheepishly reveals that June sold the house.

'She told me that when I got older that would be my house!' Alana cried out.

Amber also mentioned that 'Without the house, we dont know where June is.'

Once Pumpkin's family returns to the hotel, she and Josh sit down with Alana to tell her that they'll be moving away, which leaves her even more devastated.

'Why would pumpkin and Josh do this to me? They know I just made friends. This sucks,' she says later in the confessional, despite Pumpkin saying the move is just because of her safety.

Cat's out of the bag: Over at Doe Doe's home, everyone enjoys dinner until Alana mentions that she can't wait to move back home, which gets awkward looks from her aunt and sister, so Pumpkin sheepishly reveals that June sold the house

Devastated: 'She told me that when I got older that would be my house!' Alana cried out. Amber also mentioned that 'Without the house, we dont know where June is'

Bad to worse: Once Pumpkin's family returns to the hotel, she and Josh sit down with Alana to tell her that they'll be moving away, which leaves her even more devastated

Back at Doe Doe's home, she gets a surprise visit from family friend Mike 'Big Mike' Mclarty, who walks right in and sits down on her recliner.

He suggests she should skip the court date, because anyone trying to collect debts from June might hurt her.

Doe Doe can't conceive of how things have gotten so bad for June after she raised her herself.

'You did a bad f***ing job!' Big Mike jokes to her.

Friendly visit: Back at Doe Doe's home, she gets a surprise visit from family friend Mike 'Big Mike' Mclarty, who walks right in and sits down on her recliner

Safety first: He suggests she should skip the court date, because anyone trying to collect debts from June might hurt her

Shameful: Later, she arrives at the courthouse to wait for June, who arrives in a black SUV and with her face cover in a black hoodie while Geno swears and insults photographers

Later, she arrives at the courthouse to wait for June, who arrives with Geno in a black SUV and with her face cover in a black hoodie.

Geno swears and shouts insults at the photographers around the entrance as June follows him.

After the hearing, Doe Doe updates the producers outside, revealing that June and Geno need lawyers for their next court date.

The two entered not guilty pleas for the time being, but she hopes that June will go to rehab now in order to make a positive impression on the judge.

Once Geno and June exit the courthouse, Doe Doe tries to get close to her and get her to talk to her, but she just follows Geno and gets into the dented black SUV without saying a word.
A last-minute reprieve with a favourable rent deal will keep the air ambulance service Ornge flying out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport during the pandemic, officials say.

Ornges annual rent at the downtown airport has been reset by landlord Ports Toronto to roughly $200,000 a year. It was a whopping $5 million for the three-month period of March, April and May because Ornge had to cover all airport costs after Porter Airlines and Air Canada ceased flying from the island.

The provincial health ministry, which funds Ornge ($204 million annually), paid that bill to keep the airport open. Now, at least for the time being, the annual rent is back to normal.

It is vital that Ornge maintains operations (at Billy Bishop) as it is a key patient transport hub providing quick access to trauma hospitals, said Hayley Chazan, a spokesperson for provincial health minister Christine Elliott.

Ports Toronto and the ministry are still discussing terms going forward. Both parties are hoping normal airport operations will resume later this summer.

We are exceedingly proud to have Ornge based at Billy Bishop Airport and are committed to do whatever we can, within our power, to keep Ornge at Billy Bishop Airport and return the airport itself to strength as soon as is possible and appropriate, said Deborah Wilson, a Ports Toronto spokesperson.

Ornge operates two full-time helicopter crews out of Billy Bishop, and also flies fixed-wing aircraft from the island airport.

Several weeks ago, the Star revealed an unusual financial arrangement had arisen when Porter and Air Canada pulled out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in March due to the global pandemic. Only one tenant  the provincially funded Ornge  was left to keep the lights on. For three months, that amounted to close to $5 million.

That was because Ports Toronto lost almost all of its revenue overnight and there were still bills to be paid to keep the airport open , including airport security and ferry and tunnel services. Ports Toronto, a federal business enterprise that receives no public funding and must break even each year to survive, told the Star it was in a quandary.

Critics of Ports Toronto policy have told the Star it was unusual that the two large airlines were allowed to walk away from contractual rent payments. However, a Ports Toronto executive told the Star that, as his team watched airlines laying off employees due to the shutdown, it was decided it would be unfair to force the airlines to continue paying for a service they were not using.

There were some tense moments as the pandemic spread, with great uncertainty as to when airlines would fly again out of the island. Eventually, the provincial health ministry stepped up to pay $5 million in emergency funding for the March, April and May expenses at Billy Bishop. That deal expires Sunday.

The Star learned this week that Ports Toronto and the provincial health ministry had arrived at a deal. Ornge can continue business as usual flying out of Billy Bishop. It will not be charged any additional amounts other than its regular contractual rent. If regular commercial flights do not resume by the end of July, Ports Toronto will give Ornge 120 days to find a new base. Ornge had been scouting out Buttonville Airport, which many believe would be a better spot geographically to fly from.

(Ports Toronto is) currently facing challenging times with virtually no revenue coming in at present, and fixed costs that still have to be paid, Wilson said. However, it is our intention to do whatever possible to weather this storm and bring this airport back to its former position of strength, given its importance to Toronto.

Ornge spokesman James MacDonald told the Star the company is not currently proceeding on any plans for relocation and look(s) forward to remaining at the island for the foreseeable future.

Read more about:
Liang Xiaoxia (2nd, L) poses for a photo with her team members. [Laibin Communist Youth League Committee]

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua)  The All-China Women's Federation has honored a nurse who sacrificed her life to the fight against COVID-19.

Liang Xiaoxia, 28, who died on May 26, was honored as a national-level woman role model. She died after doctors could not revive her as she passed out while working in an isolation ward in Wuhan, the hardest-hit city in central China's Hubei Province.

Liang, who came from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, arrived in Wuhan to help combat the coronavirus on February 21.

Recognizing Liang's contribution to the COVID-19 fight, the organization called on women across the country to learn from the nurse who epitomized the excellent character and professional integrity of medical workers.

(Source: Xinhua)
The family of George Floyd has hired their own pathologist for a separate autopsy after the official results claimed he did not die of strangulation or asphyxiation.

The preliminary results of the countys autopsy instead concluded Floyd, 46, died from a combination of heart disease and 'potential intoxicants in his system' that were exacerbated by the restraint placed on him by police officers.

Floyd's family revealed Friday they have now hired the services of renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden to conduct a second, independent autopsy.

They claim the underlying health conditions cited in the official report are an illusion.

'The family does not trust anything coming from the Minneapolis Police Department. How can they?' attorney Ben Crump said. 'We already saw the truth.'

Baden is set to travel to Minneapolis on Saturday and told Fox News he will discuss his findings next week.

The county's autopsy results were revealed Friday after former police officer Derek Michael Chauvin, who was shown kneeling on Floyd's neck during his arrest on Monday, was charged with his murder.

The preliminary results of an autopsy on George Floyd have found he died from a combination of heart disease and potential intoxicants in his system that were exacerbated by the restraint placed on him by police officers not by strangulation or asphyxiation

Former NYC medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden is a celebrity pathologist who carried out the private autopsy on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that suggested he may have been murdered. The family of George Floyd has hired him to conduct an independent autopsy

George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Memorial Day as he was arrested by four police officers over allegedly trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. He was seen in a video pleading that he couldn't breathe as white officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against his neck. His preliminary autopsy results said strangulation was not the cause of death

It came as Minneapolis faced its fourth day of intense protests over his death and more demonstrations broke out across the country, including in Washington D.C. where the White House was forced to be locked down.

The criminal complaint filed against Chauvin, 44, cited that preliminary findings from a Tuesday autopsy conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner saw 'no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxiation or strangulation'.

'Mr. Floyd had underlying health conditions including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease,' said the complaint from the Hennepin County Attorney.

'The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.'

The full medical examiner's report is pending.

THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT The timeline of events reveals that Officers Lane and Kueng arrived on the scene first after responding to a 911 call of a man using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy goods from Cup Foods Deli. They were directed to Floyd's car around the corner from the store where Floyd was sat in the driver's seat, a man was sat in the passenger seat and a woman in the back seat, the complaint states. It details that Lane pulled his gun on Floyd before putting it away when Floyd showed his empty hands on the steering wheel of the car. Lane then pulled Floyd from the car and handcuffed him. The complaint states that Floyd 'actively resisted' being handcuffed but then became compliant and walked with the cop to the sidewalk where he sat for two minutes and had a conversation with him. Lane and Kueng then tried to walk Floyd to their squad car but Floyd 'stiffened up, fell to the ground, and told the officers he was claustrophobic', the complaint says. Chauvin and Thoa arrived on the scene and the four officers tried to get Floyd into the squad car, it states, adding that Floyd 'struggled with the officers by intentionally falling down, saying he was not going in the car, and refusing to stand still'. Floyd began telling the officers he could not breathe while standing outside the car, the report states. Chauvin then tried to get Floyd into the passenger side of the car before pulling him out of the car moments later. 'My. Floyd went to the ground face down and still handcuffed. Kueng held Mr. Floyd's back and Lane held his legs. The defendant placed his left knee in the area of Mr. Floyd's head and neck,' it reads. Floyd is heard saying 'I can't breathe', 'Mama' and 'please' multiple times but Chauvin, Kueng and Lane maintain their positions on his body and tell him 'You are talking fine', the report notes. Lane then suggests rolling Floyd onto his side but Chauvin says 'No, staying put where we got him'. 'Officer Lane said, 'I am worried about excited delirium or whatever.' The defendant said , 'That's why we have him on his stomach.' None of the three officers moved from their positions,' the report adds. Floyd then stops moving at 8:24:24 and at 8:25:31 he appears to stop breathing and speaking, it notes. Lane again suggests rolling Floyd onto his side but none of the cops move position. Kueng checked his right wrist for a pulse and said 'I couldn't find one' but all the officers maintained their position, the report adds. Chauvin finally moved his knee from Floyd's neck at 8:27:24 and he was taken away in an ambulance, 8 minutes and 46 seconds after he first held it on his neck and two minutes and 53 seconds after Floyd became unresponsive, the complaint states. Advertisement

Attorneys for Floyd have now requested a second, independent autopsy, unhappy with the findings from the county medical examiner that they claim create an 'illusion' of underlying health conditions being responsible for his death.

Ben Crump and S. Lee Merritt said in a press conference Friday that they have called on Dr. Michael Baden, a renowned forensic pathologist, to conduct an independent autopsy instead of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office.

Dr. Baden conducted a separate autopsy on Eric Garner, whose death in 2014 while being placed in an unauthorized chokehold by NYPD Officer Daniel Panteleo was also captured on video.

Panteleo wasn't criminally charged but was fired from the police force in 2019.

Dr. Baden also previously conducted an autopsy on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that suggested he may have been murdered and he testified at the OJ Simpson murder trial.

'We're going to take custody back of George Floyd's body, and we're bringing in Dr. Michael Baden to perform an independent autopsy because we saw in the Eric Garner case and so many other cases where they have these people who work with the city come up with things that are such an illusion,' Crump said.

'They're going to have their own autopsy. We're not going to rely on this DA or this city to tell us the truth. We already saw the truth.

'He had asthma, he had a heart condition - all these things that are irrelevant when they were living, breathing, walking, talking, just fine until the police accosted them,' Crump added.

Baden, a former New York City chief medical examiner, confirmed to Fox News Friday that he had been asked to perform the autopsy by the family.

They also called for a more serious charge to be brought against Chauvin and for the arrests of the other three officers who were fired alongside Chauvin over Floyd's death - J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao.

'We call on authorities to revise the charges [against Chauvin] to reflect the culpability of this officer,' the statement continued.

'We fully expect to see the other officers who did nothing to protect the life of George Floyd to be arrested and charged soon.'

Prior to Chauvin's arrest Friday, Crump and Merritt had called for a congressional hearing and a national task force to address deadly police-involved shootings.

'We need a national response -- we can no longer do this on a case-by-case basis' Merritt said.

'We have been dealing with the pandemic of racism and discrimination for far too long,' said Ben Crump.

'It is a pandemic, a national pandemic, we cannot keep looking at this regionally, this is affecting all African Americans, this a state of emergency. If we don't address this in the next month or two we will see another senseless, unjustifiable killing of an African American at the hands by people who are police or pretend to be police.'

Chauvin was fired earlier this week after footage emerged showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for eight minutes while placing him under arrest.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Memorial Day as he was arrested by four police officers over allegedly trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.

He was seen in a video pleading that he couldn't breathe as white officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against his neck.

Floyd repeatedly asked for the officer to get off his neck but Chauvin remained.

Chauvin is also heard saying that Floyd will be 'staying put where we got him'.

Video showed Floyd was unresponsive for the last 2 minutes and 53 seconds.

He died minutes later in police custody.

A criminal complaint was filed against Chauvin Friday in which he was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

The complaint stated that he had received training about how holding a person in the kind of restraint seen in the Floyd arrest would be dangerous.

'The defendant had his knee on Mr. Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in total. Two minutes and 53 seconds of this was after Mr. Floyd was non-responsive. Police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous,' the arrest warrant read.

Floyd family attorneys Ben Crump (left) and S. Lee Merritt (right) said in a press conference Friday that they have called on Dr. Michael Baden, a renowned forensic pathologist, to conduct an independent autopsy instead of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office

Dr. Michael Baden, pictured, also conducted a separate autopsy on Eric Garner, whose died in 2014 while being placed in an unauthorized chokehold by NYPD Officer Daniel Panteleo

Floyd's family released this statement after the arrest of former police officer Derek Chauvin

The criminal complaint brought against Chauvin details the events leading up to Floyd's death during his arrest on Monday for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill.

It also lays out the charges that have finally been brought against Chauvin following four days of bubbling anger that the suspected murderer could walk free.

It reveals that Floyd had stopped struggling under the grip of the officers for more than a minute before he then stopped speaking and breathing.

It was then another two minutes later that Chauvin finally moved his knee from Floyd's neck.

At one point, when Floyd was still talking and breathing, one of the other officers suggested moving Floyd into a different position but Chauvin refused, telling them they were 'staying put', the complaint states.

It also says that after Floyd passed out, one of the officers checked and found no pulse, but still none of the three officers holding him down - Chauvin, Lane and Kueng - moved from their positions pinning him to the floor - or began giving him medical assistance.

The murder charge states that Chauvin caused Floyd's death 'by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life'.

Chauvin also faces a second degree manslaughter charge citing that his 'culpable negligence' led to Floyd's death.

He faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted - a 25 year maximum sentence for murder and a 10 year maximum sentence for manslaughter.

Calls are now mounting for the other three officers to be charged.

Washington DC: The protests have now reached the seat of the US government, with protesters marching to the White House, sending it into lockdown

Minneapolis: Chauvin's arrest came as Minneapolis faced its fourth day of intense protests over his death and more demonstrations broke out across the country

Protesters in Minneapolis taking to the streets chanting 'One down, three to go' and 'all four got to go' following the news.

Minneapolis County District Attorney Mike Freeman said the investigation is ongoing involving the other three officers, saying, 'We felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.'

Chauvin is being held in the Ramsey County jail, according to the Star Tribune.

Authorities have yet to explain why he was booked in a jail located other than in the county where he was charged.

According to the Tribune, he is also the first white officer in Minnesota to be criminally prosecuted in the death of a black civilian.

He remains jailed with his first court appearance yet to be scheduled but has soght legal counsel with attorney, Tom Kelly, declined to comment about the allegations against his client.
BAD AXE -- When Brad Severance and his wife Jessi opened the doors of Emma's Coffee House in Bad Axe, they never imagined it would become a community favorite in less than three years.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, both Brad and Jessi have had to come up with new ways to effectively serve the community. While the lobby is closed to dine-in seating, Emma's Coffee House has extended their drive-thru, call-ahead curbside pickup, and delivery options.

Emma's also paired with Popham Flooring to provide drinks and breakfast sandwiches to frontline workers including grocery, police, EMT, and healthcare staff. Due to other community individuals and businesses contributing to this Frontline Fund, they were able to give back to the community's essential workers for many weeks. Brad was happy to see the fund be extended longer than expected.

In an attempt to spread a little more joy throughout the community, Emma's also began offering special to-go biscuits and gravy on Saturday mornings. The coffee house began offering this takeout brunch in May and Brad is hoping to see it continue post-pandemic. Until then, both Brad and Jessi hope to continue finding new ways to expand services at Emma's Coffee House to better serve the community.

Are you originally from Huron County?

"I am originally from Cass City and my wife is from Bad Axe."

What was the inspiration for your business?

"Bad Axe Club Fitness came first, that business is about eight years old. The idea for Emma's was secondary. We have had that business for about two and a half years now. When we got the opportunity to move into our current location, we combined the two and expanded the coffee shop pretty substantially. That was the turning point for Emma's Coffee House, it's turned into a bigger business than we imagined."

Did you always intend to open small businesses in Huron County?

"It was never something that we knew for sure. We had all kinds of ideas, things we would like to see in the community inspired by places we had traveled. Once we started opening up different businesses, we knew we wanted to open more. Out of all the jobs I've had, owning our businesses has been the most fulfilling. It's the only thing I can see myself doing for the rest of my life."

What makes Huron County a good place to own a small business?

"The community really supports small businesses in this area. I think being a smaller community makes it easier for businesses to create and maintain the connections that help us thrive. I think large cities hinder a small businesses ability to be so personable with the customers."

How has your business had to adapt to the COVID-19 precautions?

"We are doing the obvious things like wearing masks, sanitizing, and social distancing. Our lobby has been closed to dine-in eating for some time now. We have taken the opportunity to expand our catering options as well as the drive thru and delivery."

In what ways do you think your business will change once the stay home order is lifted?

"In other areas that are beginning to reopen, we are seeing changes in the way most businesses are running. Operating at limited capacity and creating a way to social distance seem to be unavoidable. I think we will be dealing with a certain level of change for a while."

How has the community supported your business through the pandemic?

"Business has been much better than we anticipated going into this. We are extremely thankful to have such a supportive community behind us. It's goes back to Huron County being such a good place to own a business."

What are you hoping to see for the future of small businesses in Huron County?

"I hope we continue to see people bringing in new businesses to the area. With the creation of new businesses and a community to support them, Huron County just continues to grow."
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The state government has approached the Kerala High Court seeking the recall of an order granting a rape and murder accused bail. When the plea was considered, the government pleader was alleged to have concealed that the final report against the accused in the case had already been filed.

The court granted bail to the accused  Safarsha of Panangad, Ernakulam  on May 12. According to police, the accused kidnapped a 17-year-old girl to rape and murder her. He was arrested on January 8.

The government pleader who appeared in the case informed the court that the final report had not been filed. While granting bail, the court chided the officer for not being able to complete the investigation within the statutory period of 90 days in such a serious case.
Ideological Milestones

The 2019 mandate was interpreted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as an endorsement of its long-held ideological beliefs. It also had the political confidence and legislative might to push through changes that it had long sought.

The BJP-led government began by leading the passage of what came to be commonly referred to as the Triple Talaq Bill  criminalising instant triple talaq. This, the government claimed, was a step towards gender justice. Critics, however, saw it as a step meant to alienate minorities and potentially victimise Muslim men.

On August 5, the government, in a surprise move, pushed through legislative changes on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This effectively nullified Article 370, removing the special status the state had enjoyed so far. It also reorganised the state, carving it into two distinct units of J&K and Ladakh. These units were also deemed to be union territories. The government claimed these measures would lead to the greater integration of the region with the rest of India, help citizens in the region enjoy the same rights as citizens elsewhere, and defeat separatism and terrorism. Critics, however, pointed to the fact that the move was not accompanied by consultations with the leaders and people of J&K; it was implemented with draconian measures including large-scale detentions; and could potentially lead to more alienation.

The government then pushed through the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. This was aimed at fast-tracking the grant of Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities  Hindus, Christians, Parsis, Jains, Sikhs and Jews  from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The government argued this was a humanitarian gesture. Opposition parties claimed that the absence of Muslims from the list of communities eligible for citizenship was discriminatory and unconstitutional. They also linked this with a possible National Register of Citizens (NRC) as a step meant to disenfranchise Muslims; the government clarified that NRC was not on the agenda and the move had nothing to do with Indian Muslims.

There was one other significant milestone  which aligned with the BJPs long-held agenda but where the government did not have a role. The Supreme Court, in a landmark verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case, while holding the destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992 as illegal, awarded the disputed land in Ayodhya to the Hindu parties. This has enabled the construction of the Ram Temple at the disputed site.

Political landscape

Even as the year was marked by ideological triumphs for the BJP, its record on the electoral front was mixed, with more setbacks than successes.

In the first set of state elections after the Lok Sabha polls, Maharashtra threw up a hung assembly  BJP was the single largest party, and along with Shiv Sena, it had a majority. But the Sena demanded rotational chief ministership. When the BJP refused to relent, Sena aligned with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The BJP sought to wean away NCP leader Ajit Pawar, but the ploy failed. Uddhav Thackeray (below) took over as CM and BJP lost one of Indias most important states.

In Haryana, the BJP retained power  but it lost its majority, and had to ally with Dushyant Chautala. In Jharkhand, in a subsequent election, the BJP lost power to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Congress combine. And in Delhi, earlier this year, despite a high-voltage campaign, in which several BJP leaders were accused of hate speech, the Aam Aadmi Party won a resounding mandate for the second time in a row, bringing Arvind Kejriwal back to power.

All of this established a new trend in Indian politics  of voters carefully distinguishing between national polls and state polls, national leaders and state leaders, and national issues and state issues. Anecdotes from the ground and surveys suggested that PM Modi remained the most popular national leader, but this was not enough to offset local disadvantages the BJP had.

The party also confronted another political challenge  in the form of a proliferation of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and a possible National Register of Citizens. The protests were led largely by Muslims, but also included others opposed to the government. While the BJPs support base rallied behind the government, the public opposition raised questions about social harmony, and led to international criticism.

The economic story

Even as the government scored ideologically and, despite setbacks, continued to remain dominant nationally, the big challenge for it remained the economy.

As figures made public on Friday show, growth in 2019-2020 slipped to 4.2%  from 6.1% in the preceding year. For the third year in a row, growth decelerated. An official National Statistical Organisation report, released last year, showed that unemployed had increased in 2017-18 to a 45-year high. According to another report, which was leaked and subsequently not published, real consumption levels dipped between 2011-12 and 2017-18. All of this presented a grim picture.

Growth was slowing, unemployment was rising, demand was plummeting. In addition, the balance sheet crisis extended to non-banking financial companies.

The government decided to address this situation primarily through supply-side mechanisms.

The biggest measure announced was in September last year, when corporate taxes were reduced. The government also unveiled a 100 lakh crore infrastructure plan for the next five years. But these measures were not enough to instil confidence and questions about whether the Indian economic story would revive continued to be asked.

The coronavirus challenge

And then the pandemic came home.

Modern India has rarely faced a challenge as grave as the coronavirus disease pandemic. As the disease travelled to India and cases increased, PM Modi first announced a one-day peoples curfew and then a three-week national lockdown. The government was given credit for not underplaying the threat and taking decisive action  but it also came in for criticism for not planning the lockdown well.

Over the past 70 days, the government has had to confront serious health infrastructure deficits  even as cases have continued to rise. An economy which was already slowing is now staring at an outright recession. Joblessness has grown, demand has dipped further, manufacturing has shrunk, sectors such as aviation and hospitality have borne huge losses, services have been disrupted, supply chains have broken down.Alongside, the government has also had to confront a serious humanitarian crisis, with migrant workers, in millions, returning home to their villages in desperation.

PM Modis first year was laced with successes and challenges. But the rest of his term, and perhaps, even his legacy, will now he defined by how his government helps India deal with the pandemic  which is set to redefine politics, the economy, and everyday life.
Five Catholic grammar schools have announced they will not use academic selection for their 2021 intake.

The schools, which are all in Co Down, said the decision had been taken "in light of the current circumstances".

The schools involved are Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Our Lady's Grammar School, Sacred Heart Grammar School and St Colman's College in Newry, and St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel.

In a joint letter to parents, the schools said they recognised "there has been disruption to the education of pupils since March 2020, including that of P6 pupils".

The letter also clarified that the decision was just for one year, in relation to tests due to be sat later this year for the September 2021 intake.

"Each school remains committed to its own ethos and academic focus on high quality teaching and learning," the schools' statement said.

Children who would have taken the entrance test in December will not now have to do so.

The move comes after calls from a number of quarters, including the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, and the Children's Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma not to use tests due to schooling disruption.

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty welcomed the move as a "compassionate approach".

"This is strong leadership from the boards of governors and principals of the five Newry and Kilkeel schools in a move focused on addressing the issues faced by local communities in this time of crisis. It's a move that places trust with communities, teachers and parents," he said.

"This crisis means that many children have not had access to a level learning playing field.

"That's fine for those who can afford private tuition for their children, but those families who don't have access to that luxury should not feel that their children's life chances are diminished as a result.

"Children and young people are under immense pressure at the minute. There is no justifiable reason to make that worse."

Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan praised the decision.

"This is absolutely necessary to allow our teachers, school staff and of course children to prepare for a return to school, rather than the stress of a high-level exam," she said.

"Academic selection is wrong and unnecessary and puts undue pressure on children.

"I am hopeful that the other selective schools will follow the leadership and the example shown by the schools in Newry."

Education Minister Peter Weir said his focus remained on providing support to pupils in key transition years.

"For as long as academic selection is available as an option for schools to admit pupils to post-primary education across Northern Ireland, it is vitally important that there is a fair and transparent process in place for children undertaking selection tests," he told the Belfast Telegraph last night.

"My department has no role in the organisation of the transfer tests and it is up to individual schools whether they choose to use academic selection.

"I understand that, given the current situation regarding Covid-19, there is uncertainty and some understandable concern about the current planned tests in December 2020.

"The matter was given very careful consideration and I consider that the revised plans which are being put in place are the best available at this time," the minister said.

"In the absence of any alternative solutions emerging, I believe the onus is on [transfer test organisers] PPTC and AQE to reassure children that the testing process will be fair and reasonable, and managed as carefully as possible given the level of disruption to pupils' education this year.

"My focus remains on looking at ways that my department can provide vital support to all pupils in those key transition years.

"In addition, I also want to ensure that work continues to provide much needed support to vulnerable and disadvantaged children when schools reopen."
When Jordan Cayer and Adam Kozuska heard that the coronavirus had arrived in Winnipeg, they figured their careers serving coffee might soon run cold.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Jordan Cayer and Adam Kozuska heard that the coronavirus had arrived in Winnipeg, they figured their careers serving coffee might soon run cold.

Cayer, 29, had managed the cafe and events at Forth, a trendy shop in the east Exchange District, and Kozuska, 24, was one of the baristas tasked with doling out the drinks. Suddenly, there were no events to be held, and the cafes ownership informed staff theyd be closing down temporarily, leaving the duo out of work.

For a long time, Cayer and Kozuska had day-dreamed about starting a coffee business of their own  maybe a cafe or a delivery service: the pandemic presented them with an opportunity to strike out on their own, although not quite how theyd imagined.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Never Better gourmet coffee business owners Jordan Cayer and Adam Kozuska are a pair of baristas forced to adapt when the pandemic set in.

On May 22, they launched Never Better Coffee, an online shop and education resource that partners with roasters worldwide to bring to Winnipeg blends that would otherwise never reach Manitoban taste buds, like ones from Berlins Bonanza Coffee and Montreals Rabbit Hole Roasters. Never Better ordered some 60 bags from each, expecting a slow trickle of purchases. Within two days, theyd essentially sold out.

"I was thinking a lot about the role of the barista, and the relationship they build with customers, and we tried to find a way to adapt it to this time," said Kozuska, who like Cayer is a first-time business owner.

While leaning on their own coffee-making chops to have one-on-one conversations with customers to improve their at-home brewing, the business partners drew on old connections with roasters to give them exotic and accessible options: Kozuska met Rabbit Holes roaster five years ago at a local cafe and struck up a conversation, while Cayer made contact with Bonanzas sales manager during a fall trip to Germany last year. Conversations are in the works with roasters in Toronto and New York.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Never Better Coffee is an online shop and education resource.

"I think theres a huge future in what Never Better is going to do," said David Lalonde, Rabbit Holes owner, whose online sales quadrupled once distancing measures were put in place in Quebec.

In the past, coffee shops have thrived by the very virtue of being places for gathering, and that idea exploded with the concept of third-wave coffee, a movement that sees the beverage as not just a beverage, but something worth analyzing and understanding: the origin of the beans and the methods used in their harvest became central in cafe mythos. The pandemic has dealt a blow to the traditional ways of cafes and forced them to adapt, but its also ignited in consumers the desire to recreate their own curated cafe experience at home.

While Never Better has taken an of-the-moment approach to address that change, coffee shops with physical locations are also being forced to examine their future while acknowledging the ways of drinking coffee in the past  big lineups in-store, shoulder-to-shoulder seating, limited e-commerce options  might never return, or at least not while customers feel uncomfortable.

When asked what the future of coffee shops is, Janis Urniezius, the owner of South Osbornes Park Line Coffee says, "Thats something weve been asking ourselves, and we havent come up with an exact answer." The three-year-old cafe has weathered the storm thanks to decent returns on takeout service, but its had to cut its hours and Urniezius says shes considering other options  including an increased emphasis on retail  to maximize the cozy cafes revenue.

SHAYLYN PLETT PHOTO Cafe Postals tiny shop is too small for social distancing measures.

In St. Boniface, Cafe Postal has had the same inclination: with no physical store sales to speak of in April, managers Louis Levesque Cote and Shaylyn Plett leaned into digital, and managed to attain 50 per cent of a normal months sales using their website. It was a major drop in sales, but all things considered, it was remarkable to make up so much ground using a brand-new website. Meanwhile, the shops coffee subscription service has grown to 70 subscribers, and since May, when takeout began, sales have equalled pre-pandemic totals.

Cafe Postal also found itself in a strange predicament thanks to physical distancing: its tiny shop  fewer than 10 seats  which helped it build a community ambience, now might be too small for meaningful or profitable in-store seating. But just as closures began, construction began on a long-planned expansion, which includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance and more spaced-out seating that should be complete by the fall.

"When we can finally have people inside, I think theyll appreciate having more space," Levesque Cote said.

Other shops, like Little Sister and Thom Bargen, had more than one physical shop to consider, with Little Sister temporarily closing its South Osborne shop and Thom Bargen doing the same at its two downtown locations. Each has also started online shops in response to the pandemic.

BORIS MINKEVICH / FREE PRESS FILES Thom Bargen temporarily closed its downtown shops.

Try our Dish The latest on food and drink in Winnipeg and beyond from arts writers Ben Sigurdson and Eva Wasney. Dish arrives in your inbox every other Friday. See sample. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Thom Bargens Graham Bargen said since launching the online store, 30 per cent of sales have been through e-commerce, and online orders have been relatively strong: a typical in-store customer might buy one drink for $4; an online order promises free delivery over $40, a sum customers have readily exceeded.

Little Sister owner Vanessa Stachiw said online service has been strong, while a takeaway stand at the River Avenue makes more economic sense right now than opening the 500 square-foot shop to limited occupancy and with added sanitization and high labour costs. "It honestly wouldnt be feasible," she said.

While the goal is to reopen each shop once it makes sense, Bargen said online is here to stay: "I think it would be a missed opportunity to go back to business as usual."

Never Better, whose name was inspired by a song by Montreal band Ought, is making the same bet, promising same day delivery for orders made before noon each week day. So far, its been a shrewd move thats resonated with consumers, as evidenced by their doubled second order.

"Its not the most lucrative business in the world, but its super fun and were really passionate," said Cayer. "We really believe we can grow."

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca
Combined with the previously presented data in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), these data expand the potential clinical applicability of DetermaIO across cancer types



Collaborators will also present results from a health economic study of DetermaRx, demonstrating its potential healthcare savings of up to $450 million

IRVINE, Calif., May 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncocyte Corporation (NYSE American: OCX), a molecular diagnostics company with a mission to provide actionable answers at critical decision points across the cancer care continuum, today announced presentations at the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), being held virtually May 29-31, 2020.

Our studies being presented at ASCO highlight Oncocytes focus on providing high-value tests to patients across the cancer care continuum, said Ron Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Oncocyte. While our focus on lung cancer remains strong, we are thrilled to present data today demonstrating the potential additional utility of DetermaIO in triple negative breast cancer, the deadliest form of breast cancer, potentially giving us the ability to help a population of patients for whom it is critical to rapidly choose the most effective treatment regimen.

Additionally, the health economic data show that the use of DetermaRx could potentially save the healthcare system millions of dollars. With the recent Medicare final local coverage decision for DetermaRx, were looking forward to making this test more widely accessible to physicians and patients in the coming months.

Details on Oncocytes DetermaIO presentation at ASCO:

Title: Validation of an Immunomodulatory Gene Signature Algorithm to Predict Response to Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy in Patients with Primary Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Session: Developmental Therapeutics  Immunotherapy

Presenter: Toshiaki Iwase, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Date: Available on demand beginning May 29 at 8:00 a.m. EDT

Story continues

The presentation details a validation of the association of DetermaIO, Oncocytes novel tumor microenvironment classifier with response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The test measures expression of 27 genes from the tumor microenvironment and uses a proprietary algorithm to classify patients as likely responders or non-responders. The response of fifty-five patients with stage I-III primary TNBC to neoadjuvant immunotherapy (durvalumab with weekly nab-paclitaxel followed by ddAC), showed that DetermaIO was strongly associated with response whereas the standard of care test, PDL-1 IHC was not significant. The study was conducted in collaboration with multiple leading academic institutions, including the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Yale University and the Baylor College of Medicine. The performance in TNBC in addition to the performance shown previously in NSCLC suggests its potential applicability across several types and stages of cancer of whom approximately 750,000 are eligible for treatment with checkpoint inhibitors.

Details on Oncocytes DetermaRx abstract:

The abstract, entitled The potential of CLIA-certified prognostic/predictive molecular test (DetermaRx) to address the rising costs of non-small cell lung cancer and published on the ASCO website, highlights the potential economic impact of DetermaRx. Health economic modeling showed that the test could result in significant health economic savings. The findings suggest that an increase in 25% disease free survival (DFS) potentially achieved through DetermaRx-directed adjuvant chemotherapy treatment would result in an average cost savings of $11,608 per patient and total potential systems savings of around $450 million. Current published data, which demonstrate a >45% reduction in DFS in treated high risk patients from use of DetermaRx, show that impact could be even higher and should make the test economically attractive to health systems, patients and commercial payers.

About Oncocyte Corporation

Oncocyte is a molecular diagnostics company whose mission is to provide actionable answers at critical decision points across the cancer care continuum, with the goal of improving patient outcomes by accelerating and optimizing diagnosis and treatment. The Company recently launched DetermaRx, a treatment stratification test that enables the identification of early-stage lung cancer patients at high risk for recurrence post-resection, allowing them to be treated when their cancer may be more responsive to adjuvant chemotherapy. DetermaDx, the companys liquid biopsy test in development, utilizes a proprietary immune system interrogation approach to clarify if a patient's lung nodules are benign, which may enable them to avoid potentially risky invasive diagnostic procedures. Oncocyte is also developing DetermaIO, a gene expression test that identifies patients more likely to respond to checkpoint immunotherapies.

DetermaDx, DetermaRx and DetermaIO are trademarks of Oncocyte Corporation.

Oncocyte Forward Looking Statements

Oncocyte cautions you that this press release contains forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, and similar expressions) are forward-looking statements. These statements include those pertaining to the commercial launch of DetermaRx, development of DetermaDx and DetermaIO, unexpected expenditures or assumed liabilities or other unanticipated difficulties resulting from acquisitions, implementation and results of research, development, clinical trials and studies, commercialization plans, future financial and/or operating results, and future opportunities for Oncocyte, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the potential impact of COVID-19 on our financial and operational results, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential diagnostic tests or products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, the capacity of our third-party supplied blood sample analytic system to provide consistent and precise analytic results on a commercial scale, potential interruptions to our supply chain, the need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights, and the need to obtain third party reimbursement for patients use of any diagnostic tests we commercialize, and risks inherent in acquisitions such as failure to realize anticipated benefits, unexpected expenditures or assumed liabilities, unanticipated difficulties in conforming business practices including accounting policies, procedures and internal controls, greater than estimated allocations of resources to develop and commercialize technologies, or failure to maintain any laboratory accreditation or certification. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and accordingly such statements should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of Oncocyte, particularly those mentioned in the Risk Factors and other cautionary statements found in Oncocytes Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available from the SECs website. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Oncocyte undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

Investor Contact

Bob Yedid

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

646-597-6989

bob@lifesciadvisors.com
Theres no such thing as a minor difference of opinion when the topic of discussion involves New Orleans French Quarter. Every proposed rule change, no matter how minor or nuanced it may seem to people who dont live or work there, triggers a political brawl among the Vieux Carres oft-competing constituencies.

When an idea crops up that genuinely has the potential to transform life and commerce in all corners of the Quarter, the gloves tend to come off early.

Its surprising, therefore, to see some early agreement around the idea of turning much of the Quarter into a pedestrian mall. The idea is not new, but it has suddenly gained new traction as the COVID-19 pandemic cripples businesses in the citys oldest neighborhood.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell unveiled the concept  and her support of it  which she calls No Cars in the Quarter, during a May 27 online question-and-answer session hosted by The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate. "This is the citys time to reimagine just how we live, how we move about ... and how we get to know and learn the fabric of our city," Cantrell said.

In normal times  and who knows when we might return to something resembling normal times  such comments would spark a chorus of super-heated responses almost immediately. Instead, according to the newspapers story, representatives of some of the Quarters leading constituencies voiced at least minimal openness to, if not outright support for, the idea.

Quarter business folks have long protected vehicular access in the interest of deliveries and customer access. It practically took an act of Congress to get oversized tour buses out of the Quarter decades ago, and the group successfully blocked former Mayor Mitch Landrieus idea of banning traffic on Bourbon Street.

Now, French Quarter Business Association Executive Director Brittany Mulla McGovern says the group is open to exploring Cantrells idea. Its not an immediate 'no.' Its not an immediate 'yes,' but its like, Lets talk about this, McGovern says.

Thats a sea change.

Similarly, Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents and Associates (VCPORA) Executive Director Erin Holmes said the group could consider short-term options to help local businesses remain open during these difficult times. Holmes said VCPORA opposes blocking all vehicular traffic in the Quarter.

Cantrell says the concept is still in development by a tiger team that she quietly assembled in early May. Among the ideas possibilities are allowing Quarter restaurants to use street space for additional outdoor seating. The citys reopening rules strictly limit how many patrons can dine indoors.

District C Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer, whose district includes the Quarter, says she supports the idea but wants to make sure residents will have ready access and businesses will be able to get deliveries.

Few neighborhoods in America have as many strong, vocal constituencies as does the Vieux Carre. Big decisions there always require a delicate balancing act, and the devil is in the details. Timing likewise plays a key role.

As COVID-19 changes how we live and work  and govern  is the timing right for another big change in the citys oldest neighborhood? Time will tell.
SpaceX's launch director gave the green light on Saturday to fuel the rocket for an historic flight to the International Space Station by two veteran NASA astronauts.

"We're go for propellant load," launch director Mike Taylor said.

The fueling of the Falcon 9 rocket with rocket grade kerosene and liquid oxygen began 45 minutes before the scheduled 3:22 pm (1922 GMT) blastoff of the Falcon 9 rocket and its Crew Dragon capsule with astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Turley on board.

Wednesday's launch was postponed because of poor weather just 17 minutes before liftoff and weather conditions have been uncertain on Saturday as well.

SpaceX is seeking to become the first private company to send astronauts into orbit in what would be the first crewed space flight from US soil since the space shuttle program ended in 2011.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


United Methodist Church sets new date for conference expected to debate homosexuality stance

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The United Methodist Church has finalized a new date for its next general conference, which was originally scheduled for May but had to be postponed due to coronavirus concerns.

The Commission on the General Conference announced Tuesday that the denomination-wide legsilative gathering will take place Aug. 29Sept. 7, 2021.

The venue will be the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, which was going to be the location for the originally scheduled General Conference.

Commission Chair Kim Simpson expressed regret that the new date was likely problematic for younger delegates, given how it falls around the start of the typical academic year.

Including young adults in the General Conference is always an important consideration. We affirm that their voices need to be heard, stated Simpson. Unfortunately, this request did not come to the Commission until late in the process. By that time, the available dates were secured and any attempt to change the dates would endanger the carrying forward of the deposits to the newly agreed upon dates.

Simpson also stated that finding a new date would require pushing the legislative gathering back to 2022, which would be detrimental to the overall operations of the UMC.

To meet in 2021, if at all possible, is very important in the life of the church. Many things hinge on the dates for General Conference, continued Simpson.

Pushing it to 2022 affects budgets, jurisdictional conferences, central conferences, the election of bishops, bishops retirement dates, terms of office of general agency boards and elected denominational leadership, and more.

Ordinarily, the UMC General Conference brings together the global denomination every four years, with the previous conference being held in 2016.

Over the past several years, the UMC has seen a great deal of divisive debate occur over its official stance on LGBT issues.

According to the UMC Book of Discipline, homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching and it prohibits same-sex marriages and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals.

Increased resistance to the UMC rules by progressive United Methodists recently led to a theologically diverse group of leaders pledging their support for an amicable separation plan.

Known as the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation, the measure would allocate $25 million for Methodists who support biblical sexual ethics to leave the UMC and form their own denomination.

Three annual conferences had voted to send the protocol to General Conference for consideration, with two of them also expressing their endorsement of the separation plan.

In March, the commission announced that it was going to postpone General Conference, acting in response to a letter by the UMC Council of Bishops asking for a delay.

Newly imposed international travel restrictions to the U.S. are making it more difficult for our Central Conference delegates, explained the letter, sent out earlier this year.

Consideration must also be given to the grave risk resulting from international travel and meeting in a very large gathering with the potential spread of the virus when we are together.
Processing shrimps for export (Photo: VNA)

According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), export turnover reached 99.36 billion USD, down 1.7 percent year-on-year.

The domestic sectors export value was 33.3 billion USD, up 10.4 percent compared to the same period last year, while the FDI sectors exports, including crude oil, were valued at 66.06 billion USD, down 6.9 percent.

Commodities seeing strong growth in export value during the period included machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts with 25 percent; computers, electronic products, and components with 22.1 percent; rice with 17.2 percent; coffee with 2.9 percent; and cashew nuts with 2.2 percent.

Those with declining turnover were telephones and components (8.8 percent), textiles (14.5 percent), footwear (4.6 percent), fruit and vegetables (10.3 percent), rubber (29.6 percent), and pepper (17.9 percent).

Import value in the first five months, meanwhile, reached 97.48 billion USD, down 3.8 percent year-on-year, GSO said.

The US remained the largest importer of Vietnamese goods in the period, with turnover reaching 24.6 billion USD, up 8.2 percent. It was followed by China with turnover of 16.3 billion USD, up 20.1 percent.

Vietnams exports to the EU and ASEAN fell 12 percent and 13.4 percent, with turnover of 12.9 billion USD and 9.4 billion USD, respectively.

After posting solid growth in the first quarter, Vietnams trade picture has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since April. Export turnover in April was just 19.7 billion USD, down 18.4 percent against March and 3.5 percent year-on-year.
San Antonio joined other cities Saturday night in rallying for the arrest of the Minneapolis Police Department officers in connection to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while in police custody.

Before most business owners arrived to check on their storefronts Sunday morning, volunteers had already arrived to clean up the streets of their grieving city.

Below is a timeline of events that unfolded Saturday night.

12:00 a.m. | Police Chief William McManus held a midnight press conference, during which he told reporters that three arrests were made and three officers were injured, including two who were hit on the head with bottles. One was treated on the scene by emergency medical services, the other was transported out. The third officer was hit on the knee by a brick.

Protestors were throwing rocks and bottles at cars and police officers, McManu said. No one was hurt by police. We did throw gas when it was time to disburse." He also said officers fired pepper balls, tear gas and one rubber bullet.

The level of destruction and violence is not at the same level as weve seen in other cities around the country, but its a lot for San Antonio," McManus said. "Lets focus on why everybody is here. The video of Mr. Floyd was sickening  There was no excuses, nothing that would mitigate what happened to Mr. Floyd.

Now Playing: People protesting the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer chant and wave signs at San Antonio police officers in Alamo Plaza Saturday, May 30, 2020. Video: Express-News

11:50 p.m. | Mayor Ron Nirenberg signed a local disaster declaration and issued a temporary curfew effective 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 from until 6 a.m. on Sunday May 31, 2020 and from 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020 until 6 a.m. on Monday June 1, 2020.

This brief curfew will protect the safety of people and property in the downtown business district while allowing the vast majority of people to peacefully assemble, Nirenberg said in a press release.

First responders, media, the homeless and people traveling to and from work, seeking medical attention and fleeing dangerous situations are exempt.

11:00 p.m. | Officers are deploying flash bangs.

10:30 p.m. | Mayor Ron Nirenberg posted to Facebook: "What started out as a righteous demonstration has devolved for a few folks out there. I hope everyone downtown tonight realizes this is your city, too."

Matthew Busch/For The San Antonio Express-News

10:24 p.m. | A line of officers deployed tear gas at protesters at N. Alamo Street and Houston Street. A solid line of officers armed with batons, wearing gas masks, then began moving toward the crowd, forcing them up North Alamo in an attempt to disperse those remaining.

9:30 p.m. | People were seen throwing items against the glass doors of Rivercenter Mall. Police Chief William McManus later confirmed that protesters did break in.

9:23 p.m. | As demonstrations continue in Alamo Plaza and the surrounding area, protesters egged SAPD squad cars, put protest signs on them and broke a window at the San Antonio visitors center.

8:30 p.m. | Police formed a blockade between a group of armed members of Texas Freedom Force, a conservative group who consider themselves defenders of the Alamo, and the Black Lives Matter protesters. One row of police used their bikes to separate the groups, a second row held brown batons in their hands. The Alamo defenders carried machine-style rifles.

Josie Norris/Staff Photographer

The enemy is behind you, turn around, yelled one protester at the police, pointing out that police were facing the group of largely unarmed protester who were rallying for George Floyd, as opposed to the armed group behind them.

They have guns, were not holding guns. If we had guns, theyd arrest us, said another.

The crowd began to chant: No justice, no peace, no racist police.

8:15 p.m. | Another stampede ensued. The source of it is still unknown. Nobody appeared severely injured.

8:00 p.m. | A stampede of protesters ensued. People sprinted from the scene, running into each other and screaming.

Josie Norris/Staff Photographer

RUN! protesters cried, banging into each other, piling into open restaurant doors or sprinting fast down the streets.

Some said theyd heard rubber bullets being fired. Others said the police had begun to enclose on the protesters in a way that caused them to run. Most ran because others were running, fearful of a shooting.

All of a sudden, everybody started falling, screaming and running, said Pony Hawk, a San Antonio protester, who was still breathing heavily from the run  and the fear. I hit the ground.

Matthew Busch/For The San Antonio Express-News

7:44 p.m. | At Alamo Plaza, protesters alternate between yelling at police and at Alamo defenders, who are behind them. Police have formed a barricade of bikes, and another row of police are carrying batons between both groups.

Youre supposed to protect the people, this community, but all you do us protect each other yelled one protester to police, three feet from one officer's face. You hide behind a badge like a (expletive) brunch of cowards.

5:10 p.m. | Next to the Alamo, theres a line of at least a dozen police cars, where officers are suiting up in protective vests and riot gear. Some have batons and zip ties, a couple have shields. They are closest to the counter protest planned at the Cenotaph, not the George Floyd demonstration.

4:30 p.m. | In preparation for Saturday evenings demonstration against police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters during a news briefing that there will be a massive law enforcement presence around the downtown area.

5:10 p.m. | Next to the Alamo, theres a line of at least a dozen police cars, where officers are suiting up in protective vests and riot gear. Some have batons and zip ties, a couple have shields. They are closest to the counter protest planned at the Cenotaph, not the George Floyd demonstration.

4:30 p.m. | In preparation for Saturday evenings demonstration against police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters during a news briefing that there will be a massive law enforcement presence around the downtown area.




The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Ejigbo, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, says Aso Rock, Nigerias Presidential Villa will record another death.

Naija News reports that in Primate Ayodele in a series of prophecies warned that President Muhammadu Buhari might lose another special aide if he does not pray. The President lost his chief of staff, Abba Kyari, to complications arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in April.

The popular cleric urged the president to be active in governance and pray against losing another aide, adding that the new chief of staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, would step on toes, forcing politicians to plot his removal.

His words: Buhari should wake up, he doesnt have a grip on his government.

There will be crisis in Buharis government and he must be prayerful so as not to lose another special aide.

Chief of Staff will step on toes because he wants to change so many things.

The politicians will also frame him up. Prayers need to be made so as not to see another death in the villa.

On security, Primate Ayodele said the service chiefs needed to be changed because they are one of the reasons we still have security threats by insurgents. Once they are replaced, insurgency will stop.

Furthermore, the popular cleric added that Nigerias economy is in shambles because the country is in big debt and that the government is only lying to the citizens.

Share this post with your Friends on
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said demonstrators protesting the death of a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck would have been "greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen" had they breached the White House fence.

In a series of Twitter posts, Trump also appeared to call his supporters to rally outside the executive mansion on Saturday evening, saying, "TONIGHT, I UNDERSTAND IS MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???" MAGA stands for Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again."

The death on Monday in Minneapolis of George Floyd has sparked demonstrations, some of them violent, in many cities across the nation, including one in Washington on Friday.

The White House was temporarily locked down as hundreds of people gathered in the afternoon across the street in Lafayette Square.

After marching away, demonstrators assembled again later and videos showed pushing-and-shoving matches between officers and protesters, who dispersed early Saturday morning.

Trump praised the US Secret Service officers who guard the White House as "very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldn't have felt more safe."

"Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons," he said. "Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action."

Trump accused Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser of refusing to send police to help the US Secret Service, although the Washington Post reported that city officers did help control the later gathering.

The mayor's office and the DC police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

On Friday, Trump drew a warning from Twitter and condemnation from Democrats after posting a comment that "looting leads to shooting," suggesting protesters who turned to looting could be fired upon.
Republicans hate mail-in voting, except when they love it.

Back in 2000, it was a centerpiece of the GOPs Florida campaign effort.

Then-Gov. Jeb Bush sent a letter to Republican voters in his state, urging them to vote by mail and stressing the convenience of casting an early vote from home.

The Florida Republican Party spent $500,000 producing and mass-mailing Bushs letter, which included an attached ballot request card.

When canvassing boards in seven Florida counties rejected more than 250 undated mail-in ballots that had come from overseas (on the grounds that ballots needed to be dated or postmarked by Election Day), Republicans didnt thank those boards for saving Florida from voter fraud. They sued to get those undated ballots counted.

Democrats attempted to get 15,000 absentee ballots (which went Republican by a 2-1 margin) thrown out in Seminole County because the countys election supervisor, a Republican, had allowed GOP volunteers to fill in missing data on thousands of incomplete ballots.

The Florida GOP, however, fought to get those shady mail-in ballots counted.

All that work ultimately paid off.

The governors brother, George W. Bush, won the 2000 presidential election over Al Gore on the strength of a 537-vote Florida victory. In Miami-Dade County, which Gore carried by nearly 470,000 votes, Bush nonetheless won the mail-in vote by more than 7,000 votes. That was the whole ballgame for the Bush-Gore race.

The 2000 Florida example merely confirms what our political instincts should have told us: that all this recent GOP blather about the inherent fraudulence that comes with massive mail-in voting is pure political self-interest masquerading as election integrity vigilance.

When mail-in voting means military ballots, which GOP operatives view as favorable to their cause, Republicans have no worries about mail-in fraud or ballot tampering.

When mail-in voting means an edge for Republican candidates, as it did in Florida in 2000, then its a wonderful, convenient option that allows you to avoid those long voting lines and bask in the comfort of voting from home.

Of course, this year, everything is complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Democrats, who generally benefit from large turnouts, are worried that many of their voters will be scared away from voting if their only option is to vote in person.

Republicans are worried that the expansion of mail-in voting will mean a reduction in their probability of success.

In Texas, the election code restricts absentee voting to those who meet at least one of the following conditions: 65 and over, disabled, out of the county or incarcerated.

The Texas Democratic Party has waged a legal battle on both the state and federal court fronts to expand access to mail-in voting. The party has argued that the threat of COVID-19, and a lack of immunity to the virus, should qualify as a physical condition.

On Wednesday, the Texas Supreme Court shot down that argument.

The federal court battle will likely reach its conclusion at the U.S. Supreme Court. Democrats, mindful of the courts conservative majority, are privately skeptical that the verdict will go their way.

Meanwhile, we are left to consider the brazen hypocrisy of the GOP argument on mail-in voting.

Over the past week, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was asked to reconcile her support for President Donald Trumps contention that mail-in voting is a scam with her own record of voting by mail 11 times over the past 10 years.

McEnany said the president supports mail-in voting when its for a reason. She added, What hes not for is mass mail-in voting, what (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi is asking for, which we know is subject to fraud.

Mail-in voting for a reason. Wouldnt the need to observe social distancing and slow the spread of the worst pandemic in more than a century qualify as a reason?

On Friday, the Texas Tribune published a story pointing out that three state leaders who have opposed the expansion of mail-in voting  Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton  all have a personal history of voting by mail.

In purely legal terms, the Texas Supreme Court may be correct to conclude that a lack of immunity to the coronavirus is not a disability. But Abbott could have done the right thing by the voters of this state and either issued an emergency order expanding mail-in voting or calling for a special legislative session to address the issue.

Abbott considered the public health risks associated with in-person voting sufficient to move back this years primary runoffs from May to July. Those public health risks, however, apparently were not sufficient to justify expanded mail-in voting.

After all, mail-in voting carries its own risk for the GOP. The risk of defeat.

Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Gilbert, become a subscriber. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
Singapore: Singapore and China will launch a "fast lane" arrangement early next month to facilitate essential travel for business and official purposes between the two countries, as they emerge from the coronavirus pandemic with control measures in place, according to a media report.

The arrangement would first apply to Singapore and six provinces or municipalities directly under the Chinese central government -- Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday night, The Straits Times reported.

This arrangement will be gradually expanded to the other Chinese provinces and municipalities.

Both countries agreed to explore the increase of air links between them as part of the fast lane, following a video conference meeting between Chee Wee Kiong, Permanent Secretary of Singapore's MFA, and China's Vice-Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui on Thursday.

The two countries stressed the importance of securing the connectivity of production and supply chains, and agreed to improve the efficiency of freight linkages and customs clearance, including facilitating the flow of goods such as essential medical supplies and food, according to The Straits Times report.

Singapore will soon relax its circuit breaker measures, starting from June 2, and gradually resume economic and social activities.

Singapore's National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force on COVID-19, had said on Thursday that resuming essential travel was being considered.

The city state is working on reopening its borders - establishing "travel bubbles" with countries where the virus situation is under control and having green lane travel arrangements with certain countries.

"The conversations and discussions we're having with countries vary; some (are) at more advanced stages, some we're just starting," Wong had said of resuming travelling.

Regular travels were stopped and operations were suspended at two terminals of the four-terminal Singapore's Changi Airport amid the COVID-19 crisis.
- Kenya Medical Association vice president Lukoye Atwoli said lifting any of the measures would be detrimental in the fight against the pandemic

- Atwoli argued that infection cases have been increasing sharply in the recent past and that no single day has passed without Kenya not recording infections

- The medics projected about 88% of Kenyans would be infected by the killer virus by January 2021 and reopening the economy would only worsen the situation

Kenya Medical Association has cautioned the government against easing restrictions that were put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

The warning came in the wake of increasing speculation that President Uhuru Kenyatta could lift some of the measures in his next public address expected on June 6.

READ ALSO: George Magoha's 10-member team proposes schools be reopened in September 2020

Kenya Medical Association vice-chair Lukoye Atwoli. Photo: Lukoye Atwoli.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Mume, mkewe wamuua jirani aliyejaribu kuwatenganisha wakipigana

Kenya Medical Association vice president Lukoye Atwoli said lifting any of the measures would be detrimental in the fight against the pandemic.

Atwoli argued that infection cases have been increasing sharply in the recent past and that no single day has passed without Kenya not recording infections.

"We have to ask why we had closure of the economy. If it was to test the masses, we must demonstrate that before re-opening...We have to justify why we need to re-open by understanding why we were closed in the first place," he said.

The medics projected about 88% of Kenyans would be infected by the killer virus by January 2021 and reopening the economy would only worsen the situation.

A task force charged with advising the ministry of education on whether or not to open schools in June filed a report advocating for postponement of learning until September.

Already Education CS George Magoha has partially adopted the report and the last decision is with the president.

The government has been and is still grappling with the question of whether or not to lift the measures in order to allow people get back to work and rebuild the economy.

President Uhuru Kenyatta recently hinted at reopening the economy and urged Kenyans to adapt to the new normal of living with the virus.

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.

My husband left me for my bestfriend and imprisoned me after I gave him 12 children - Virginia I TUKO TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 30 (ANI): Kyrgyzstan's Ambassador to India, Asein Isaev, met 21 Kyrgyz nationals lodged at Saharanpur jail on Friday and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements for the inmates here.



"The Ambassador expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements for the inmates at the jail," said Senior Jail Superintendent Dr Viresh Raj Sharma.

"The Ambassador assured the Kyrgyz nationals that step will be taken to bring them back soon", he said..

Isaev interacted with the residents of his country and also brought a few offerings for them. During his visit, Jail Superintendent, Jailor, and other Jail officials also accompanied him.

"I am here to meet our citizens, who are in custody right now. The condition here is very good, our citizens are satisfied. Of course, they are very keen to go home and we are working in this direction," said Isaev.

India's COVID-19 count rose to 1,65,799, including 89,987 active cases, 71,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 4,706 fatalities, according to Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (ANI)


Latrell Mitchell will appeal a $50,000 fine handed down by the NRL due to 'false evidence' after he was caught flouting coronavirus social distancing rules at his farm.

The Rabbitohs star was slapped with the hefty fine - $30,000 of which was suspended - and a breach notice after photos of Mitchell and several men, including fellow NRL player Josh Addo-Carr, surfaced on social media.

Pictures from the trip show the group of men motor-cross riding and shooting at Mitchell's farm near Taree, on the NSW Mid North Coast, clearly violating COVID-19 restrictions.

Addo-Carr was also hit with a $50,000 fine over pictures of him motorbiking at the beach.

Latrell Mitchell (pictured with partner Brielle) will appeal a $50,000 fine handed down by the NRL due to 'false evidence' after he was caught flouting coronavirus social distancing rules

The Rabbitohs star was slapped with the hefty fine - $30,000 of which was suspended - and a breach notice after photos of Mitchell and several men, including fellow NRL player Josh Addo-Carr, surfaced on social media

But Mitchell argues he was also penalized for being at the beach despite claiming he wasn't there, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The 22-year-old also contends he did not breach coronavirus restrictions because he was at work on his 222ha cattle farm.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have also launched their own appeal after they were fined $20,000 by the NRL over an incident with Cody Walker.

Walker, who was filmed kicking a man during a melee, was handed a two-game suspension and a suspended $15,000 fine.

The Rabbitohs were issued a $20,000 breach notice for failing to alert the NRL's Integrity Unit about the October 2019 incident.

The Daily Telegraph reported the NRL was told of both Mitchell and Souths' appeals on Friday.

Pictures from the trip show the group of men motor-cross riding and shooting at Mitchell's farm near Taree, on the NSW Mid North Coast, clearly violating COVID-19 restrictions

Mitchell's manager Matt Rose said: 'I can confirm we are appealing the NRL's breach notice and fine imposed on Latrell because of inaccurate information used to the impose the sanction.

'We are simply trying to clear up some untruths that have been circulating on this matter since it became public.'

The NRL suspended its season on March 23, as the coronavirus crisis shut down sporting leagues across Australia.

Mitchell bought the cattle farm earlier in the year and set up an ABN to run as a business.

When the coronavirus rules came into effect and the NRL season was put on hold, it's understood Mitchell went to Taree so he could get to work as a farmer.

His partner Brielle had already planned to give birth to the couple's second child in Taree to be near Mitchell's parents. Their daughter Aleena was born in April.
Downtown Elgin slowly came alive Friday afternoon with some people eating lunch at bistro tables outside of Blue Box Cafe and others waiting for haircuts outside Central Barber Shop. Down the street, Elgin Public House opened at 11 a.m., and customers gathered in the new outdoor seating area created in what normally would be parking spots for the restaurants employees.
Key parameters that determine the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in Kerala have not been met, IMD chief says refuting Skymet

The Southwest Monsoon is nearly on Kerala's shores but not quite there yet, the India Meteorological Centre, which predicts its arrival on June 1, says.

Private weather forecaster Skymet has declared that the Southwest Monsoon has arrived in Kerala today. But its claim has been disputed by the countrys official broadcaster India Meteorological Department, which says the monsoon will set in only on June 1.

The private forecasters declaration of the arrival of the monsoon is in line with its prediction that the annual rainfall season would begin on May 28, give or take two days.

On Saturday it tweeted "#JUSTIN Southwest #Monsoon2020 finally arrived on the mainland of India, #Monsoon arrived on Kerala before the actual onset date. All the onset conditions including rainfall, OLR (Outwave Longwave Radiation) value, wind speed, are met. Finally, the 4-month long festival begins for Indian. #HappyMonsoon.

Hold on, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra says, there are key parameters that must be met before such a declaration can be made.

First, the onset over Kerala is declared on the second day after two days of consecutive rainfall of at least 2.5 mm is recorded after May 10 in 60 per cent of the 14 weather stations -- Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and Mangalore.

That has not happened. Kerala has been receiving intermittent rainfall over the past few weeks but it has not fulfilled this key parameter.

The second, Mohapatra says, is that the depth of westerlies should be maintained up to 600 hectopascals (hPa) and the third is the Outwave Longwave Radiation should be below 200 watt per square metre (wm-2). That bit of jargon there may fly over your head, but suffice to say that the IMD chief says those two parameters have not been fulfilled.

The India Meteorological Department, which has been functioning since 1875, is one of only six regional specialised meteorological centres of the World Meteorological Organisation. It operates a network of hundreds of surface and glacial observatories, Upper Air (high altitude) stations, ozone and radiation observatories and meteorological radar stations, according to information in the public domain.

The IMD also receives additional data from Indias wide range of weather satellites, and collaborates not only with ISRO but with other specialised government agencies such as Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and the National Institute of Ocean Technology. Besides it also monitors seismic activity. Its annual budget is Rs 3.52 billion rupees, according to 2011 data.

So, if one were to disregard the IMD and take the upstart Skymet at its word, what could be the clinching factor? Perhaps if it had a track record of beating the IMD at predicting the monsoon. But does it?

According to data comparing the predictions of the IMD, Skymet and actual rainfall from 2012 to 2018 published in a Business Standard article of April 2019, Skymet has been near accurate only two times. In 2012 when it predicted below normal monsoon at 94 per cent whereas the IMD had said it would be near normal at 99 per cent, the actual rainfall received was 92 per cent.

This figure is calculated based on the long-period average of rainfall for the four-month period from June to September.

In 2014, Skymet predicted 94 per cent rainfall, whereas IMD said 96 per cent, and the actual rainfall was much lower at 88 per cent, making Skymet more accurate than IMD. In 2017, IMD was nearly accurate at 97 per cent prediction but IMD bested it with a prediction of 96 per cent which is closest to the 95 per cent rainfall that was recorded that year.

Another report in April last year, published in Money Control, also said pointed out with data that Skymet had been accurate only one in five times between the years 2014-15 and 2018-19.

However, Skymet founder, former television journalist Jatin Singh, however claims in a Forbes article that year that his forecasters beat the 144-year-old IMD right six times out right, since it began forecasting the monsoon in 2012.

Yet why is Skymets prediction being taken seriously? Here is some background.

Singh claims he began with just Rs 1 lakh in 2002 and pitched the services of Skymet to his former employer, the TV news channel Sahara Samay. He had begun by hiring meteorological experts from the Indian Air Force and began generating forecasts from the free weather data that the US governments National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published.

Surprisingly, Sahara Samay was willing to pay Rs 18 lakh a year to the new kid on the block, the Forbes report said. Soon Skymet was also in business with The Hindu and The Hindustan Times, and within two years was making Rs 2 crore annually.

Skymet then forayed into allied services such as forecasting for agriculture, partnering with Nokia to provide weather data to farmers for a fee, and began being noticed by agro-giants Monsanto and Bayer, apart from Thomson Reuters and Rallis India, all of whom became its clients.

Since 2011, Skymet has received funding of undisclosed amounts from the Godrej group and other funders which helped it expand its operations to more than 6,500 weather monitoring stations.

In 2018, Skymet posted total revenues of 40 crore, and whats most interesting about it is that with its highest revenues from providing live data to crop insurance companies. Whats more, the Forbes report says even the government used Skymet data on crop yields is used by the government to introduce insurance schemes and settle farmers claims.

Crop insurance in India, especially the government scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), is a subject of much dissatisfaction among farmers. The scheme which was started in 2016-2017 has delayed claim settlements to farmers year after year. Besides, there were problems with the scheme initially covering low-risk areas and insurance companies making a good buck from premiums where they did not have to make any payouts.
A new study highlights the risks of pulmonary complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who undergo surgery, according to an observational study of 1,128 patients across 24 countries, published in The Lancet. The study was conducted between 1 January and 31 March 2020 and included data from hospitals mainly in Europe and America with ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infection outbreaks.

In the study, post-operative pulmonary complications (such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and/or unexpected postoperative ventilation) occurred in half of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgery (51.2%, 577/1,128 people). Among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgery, 23.8% (268/1128) died within 30 days. Of those with pulmonary complications, over two-thirds (38%, 219/577 people) died within 30 days of their surgery.

The study also identified factors associated with worse outcomes. As well as being male or aged 70 years or older, patients with comorbidities and those undergoing cancer surgery, emergency or major surgery were among the most vulnerable.

Lead author Dr. Aneel Bhangu from the University of Birmingham, UK, says: "Although the risks associated with COVID-19 need to be carefully balanced against the risks of delaying surgery for every individual patient, our study suggests that the thresholds for surgery should be raised, compared to normal practice. Medical teams should consider postponing non-critical procedures and promoting other treatment options, which may delay the need for surgery or sometimes avoid it altogether."

Dr. Ana Minaya-Bravo, Hospital Universitario del Henares and Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Spain, says: "When hospitals resume routine surgery, it's likely it will take place in environments that remain exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Hospital-acquired infection will remain a challenge, but strategies are urgently required to minimise it, as well as to minimise the risk of pulmonary complications for infected patients whose surgery cannot be delayed. Future studies should assess the role that preoperative testing could play in deciding which patients are selected for surgery."

Patients undergoing surgery are a vulnerable group at risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in hospital and may be particularly susceptible to subsequent pulmonary complications, due to the increased inflammation and immunosuppressive responses to surgery and mechanical ventilation. A number of guidelines have been published for managing surgical patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, but this is the first study to examine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pulmonary complications and death rates.

For the current study, researchers analysed outcomes from 1,128 patients across 235 hospitals in 24 countries. Most patients (74%, or 835/1,128) underwent emergency surgery, and 24.8% (280/1,128) had elective surgery, with data missing for 13 patients. The reasons to operate were benign disease (54.5%, or 615/1,128), cancer (24.7%, or 278/1,128) and trauma (20.1%, or 227/1,128), with the reasons missing for eight patients.

The patients included in the study had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within seven days leading up to their operation, or 30 days following surgery. The researchers gathered data on 30-day post-surgery death rates and pulmonary complications.

Pulmonary complications occurred in 51.2% (577/1,128) of patients. Of those with pulmonary complications, 38.0% (219/577) died within 30 days of their operation, accounting for 81.7% (219/268) of all deaths in the study. Overall, 23.8% (268/1,128) of patients died within 30 days.

The authors say that these rates for mortality and pulmonary complications are higher than those associated with even the highest risk groups before the pandemic. However, they note that it was not feasible for participating hospitals, many of which were experiencing significant stress due to the pandemic, to collect data on all patients undergoing surgery, so comparisons were not made during the same period against patients not infected with SARS-CoV-2. Instead, the authors provide comparisons to pre-pandemic mortality rates and pulmonary complications, which should be interpreted with caution.

For example, a 2016 study across 58 countries reported 30-day mortality of 14.9% in a high-risk subgroup who underwent emergency, major surgery of the abdomen (midline laparotomy), and a 2019 study across 211 hospitals from 28 European countries found a pulmonary complication rate of 8%. The death rate of 38% approaches that of the sickest patients with community acquired COVID-19 who are admitted to intensive care.

In the new study, a greater proportion of men died (28.4%, or 172/605) compared to women (18.2%, or 94/517). Of people aged 70 and over, 33.7% (188/558) died, which contrasts to 13.9% (79/567) of patients under 70-years-old. The subgroup with the highest mortality rate were men aged 70 and above. Those with severe comorbidities (ASA grades 3-5) were more likely to develop pulmonary complications than those with mild comorbidities (ASA grades 1-2) (59.4%, 407/685 patients with severe comorbidities vs 39.4%, 153/386 patients with mild comorbidities).

The type of surgery also had an impact on patients' prognosis. Death rates were higher after emergency surgery than after elective surgery (25.6%, or 214/835 versus 18.9%, or 53/280), and after cancer surgery (27.1%, or 68/251) than after surgery related to benign conditions and obstetrics (21.7%, or 133/613).

The authors note that although this is the first multi-country study that reaches across all surgical specialties, it has some limitations. The data were collected at the early stages of the pandemic, when routine testing was not available at all locations, therefore some patients (6%) were included on the basis of clinical diagnosis rather than a laboratory test confirming SARS-CoV-2. Future studies will need to investigate the role of pre-operative testing in patient selection for surgery, and the authors call for longer-term studies to collect data on a wider range of outcomes, to enable surgeons and patients to make evidence-based decisions about whether to go ahead with surgery.

The findings are based on data collected mostly in European and North American hospitals, but are also relevant to countries where large-scale outbreaks are yet to take place.

Writing in a linked Comment, Paul S. Myles, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia (who was not involved in the study) notes some limitations of the study, including the lack of control group and that testing was not standardised, which may lead to uncertainty around COVID-19-attributed mortality and respiratory complications. He adds: "Nevertheless, these results are worrying because the rate of poor outcomes exceeded those seen in most types of major surgery. Severe COVID-19 is associated with a marked inflammatory and prothrombotic state. These pathological processes are exacerbated by surgery and immobilisation, leading to a perfect storm detrimental to good postoperative outcomes... The study highlights the need for clear perioperative guidelines for emergency and elective surgery during the pandemic. Further research is needed to define what threshold of community prevalence would threaten adequate supplies of PPE and hospital capacity as elective surgery recommences... Most patients in the study came from Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USAthese countries' health systems were all largely overwhelmed in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff training, PPE, intensive care unit (ICU) beds, and ventilators were often scarce or insufficient. Countries vary widely in terms of their capacity to respond to an outbreak of a novel infectious disease... Some elective (eg, cancer surgery or caesarean section) and most non-elective surgery must continue throughout any pandemic, and if the prevalence of COVID-19 is low and hospital resources are coping with demand for ward and ICU beds, more elective surgery can recommence. Globally, many governments and professional bodies are moving from a position of curtailment to reopening of elective surgery. This requires a low prevalence in the community and access to SARS-CoV-2 testing, and ensuring there are sufficient trained staff, hospital and ICU beds, PPE, and all other necessary medical supplies."

Explore further COVID-19 patients who undergo surgery are at increased risk of postoperative death

More information: Dmitri Nepogodiev et al, Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study, The Lancet (2020). Journal information: The Lancet Dmitri Nepogodiev et al, Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31182-X
Protestors Emerge to March for Rights and Freedoms After Restrictions Lifted

As Australia lifts restrictions put in place amid the Chinese Communist Party virus pandemic, hundreds of people have taken to the streets to exercise their right to protest.

Crowds gathered in most capital cities at midday on Saturday to rally and march against controversial issues including mandatory vaccinations, the erosion of human rights, media corruption, 5G technology, and other stated concerns.

The Sydney-based organiser Myk Simms told The Epoch Times that not everyone who attended was concerned about each of the issues that were raised.

Not everyone there gives two hoots about 5G, said Simms. Some dont care about vaccines. But everyone had a problem with their rights and freedoms being removed.

Simms also pointed out that he organised about 20 volunteer marshalls to ensure strict social distancing measures were in place throughout the march in Sydney.

We had people on megaphones. We had some of our people, during the middle of our march, making people stop when they were getting too close, Simms said.

Police walk with the marchers without incident in Sydney on May 30, 2020. (Supplied)

While there were reports that marchers booed the police who had warned the crowd that they were breaching social-distancing rules, Simms said that most of the Sydney crowd were happy to comply with them.

Simms noted that only one percent of the crowd might have felt those requirements should be protested as well.

I myself did a speech that said the police are supporting this and well support the police, and lets keep the space, and the crowd applauded that, Simms said.

It was reported that up to 500 protesters participated in Sydney.

When asked about the reason for holding the marches Simms said, Just people want their freedoms upheld, their human rights.

The Sydney group convened at Hyde Park in the CBD before holding a singalong and then walking to New South Wales Parliament House without incident or police intervention.

They chanted freedom of choice and my body, my choice on the march, referring to vaccines.

Australian celebrity Pete Evans wrote on Instagram to wish the protest well, saying: Wish I could join you all today. These are happening around Australia.

When asked about the protest, Victorias Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said theres no message that can get through to people who have no belief in science.

Theres probably no reaching them, he told reporters.
Retired Navy Adm. William McRaven.

Charles Dharapak/AP Images

Retired US Navy Adm. William McRaven, the commander who oversaw the military raid that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, called on recent college graduates to "save the world."

In a speech to the graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he said he initially prepared a speech that included "cute little anecdotes."

"But somehow that speech just didn't seem right in light of all that has happened in the past five months," McRaven said during an online commencement address. "The fact that I am standing here alone, and you are isolated somewhere at home, is proof enough that the world has changed."

"As I saw more of my fair share of war and destruction, I came to the hard truth that Captain America isn't coming to the rescue," McRaven said. "There is no Superman, no Batman, no Wonder Woman, no Black Widow ... no Gandalf, no Harry Potter."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Retired US Navy Adm. William McRaven, the former head of US Special Operations Command and the commander who oversaw the military raid that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, told college graduates that they, not super heroes, must be the ones to "save the world" in an online commencement speech on Friday afternoon.

In a speech to the graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, McRaven said he initially prepared a speech that included "cute little anecdotes" suggesting the "brilliant men and women of MIT are like the Navy SEALs of academia."

Related: 15 College Students on How COVID-19 Derailed Their Lives

"But somehow that speech just didn't seem right in light of all that has happened in the past five months," McRaven said. "The fact that I am standing here alone, and you are isolated somewhere at home, is proof enough that the world has changed."

"After all these years, I came to realize that the heroes that we need are not the heroes that I've been searching for," McRaven said. "But as I grew up and traveled the world, and as I saw more of my fair share of war and destruction, I came to the hard truth that Captain America isn't coming to the rescue. There is no Superman, no Batman, no Wonder Woman, no Black Widow ... no Gandalf, no Harry Potter."

Story continues

Despite the challenges facing the US and the world, McRaven said the graduates still had hope.

"If we are going to save the world from pandemics, war, climate change, poverty, racism, extremism, intolerance, then you, the brilliant minds of MIT, you are going to have to save the world," McRaven added.

McRaven offered up several qualities that the students ought to have in life to "save the world"  qualities that transcended their academic accomplishments.

"Physical courage has long been the hallmark of a warrior. But I would offer that the moral courage to stand up for what's right has an equal place in the pantheon of heroes," McRaven said. "If you hope to save the world, you will have to stand by your convictions. You will have to confront the ignorant with facts. You will have to challenge the zealots with reason. You will have to defy the naysayers and the weak-kneed that have not the constitution to stand tall."

McRaven added: "There will always be those who don't want to hear your convictions, particularly if they are true. Speaking the truth can be dangerous. But those that came before you ... those brilliant minds, those tellers of truth who made the world a more knowledgeable place, a more compassionate place, a more livable place  they had courage."

Former Marine Corp Gen. James Mattis and McRaven.

Evan Vucci/AP

McRaven also highlighted integrity and "always trying to do what is moral, legal, and ethical."

"It will not be easy," McRaven said. "And I dare say you will fail occasionally. You will fail because you are human. You will fail because life often forces you into an unseeingly untenable position. You will fail because good and evil are always in conflict.

"And when you fail to uphold your integrity, it should make you sick to your stomach. It should give you sleepless nights. You should be so tortured that you promise yourself never to do it again."

McRaven concluded his roughly 10-minute speech with a request for the graduates.

"I want you to promise me one thing," McRaven said. "Promise me that you will be the last class, the last class to miss a commencement because of a pandemic. The last class to miss a commencement because of war. The last class to miss a commencement because of climate change, unrest, tyranny, extremism, active shooters, intolerance, and apathy."

McRaven added: "Batman and Superman are not coming to save the world. It will be up to you."

McRaven has become a highly sought-after commencement speaker. In the past few years, he's become a strident critic of President Donald Trump. In 2014, he spoke to the graduates of the University of Texas at Austin, his alma mater, where he advised them to perform the simple task: "Make your bed every morning."

"You will have accomplished the first task of the day," McRaven said. "It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed."

He added: "And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made, that you made, and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better. If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

McRaven retired from the Navy in 2014 after 36 years of service as a Navy SEAL. He was hired as the chancellor of the University of Texas' school system in 2015. In 2017, McRaven announced he would leave the school, citing health concerns.

Business Insider
Two days after it declared the nephew and niece of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa as her legal heir, the Madras High Court on Friday said the duo was entitled to her properties under the Hindu Succession Act.

A division bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and Abdul Quddhose passed an order in which it stated that Deepak and Deepa, nephew and niece of Jayalalithaa were her legal heir as per section 15(2)(a) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 ... Hence, in the order passed on May 27 it has been inadvertently stated that the petitioner (Deepak) and Deepa have become the legal heirs of Late chief minister Dr J Jayalalithaa under Entry IV Class II of Hindu Succession Act, 1956, it said.

However, in respect of the properties inherited by the former chief minister from her mother, the petitioner and the respondent are legal heirs as per Section 15(2)(a) of the Act.

With regard to self acquisitions of Jayalalithaa, the petitioner and the respondent are the legal heirs as per Section 15(1)(d) of the Hindu Succession Act,1956.

Accordingly, they are entitled to succeed to the estate of their aunt, the court said.

Meanwhile, referring to the arrival of Deepa at Jayalalithaas Veda Nilayam residence here and addressing the media, Advocate General Vijay Narayan made a mention before the bench that she made a scene.

The bench then asked the counsel for Deepak and Deepa to instruct their clients to desist from such acts and advised the duo to proceed legally in matters relating to their aunts assets.
Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Rokke is using his bottomless reserves to give something back, after overseeing the creation of a 280million superyacht which will be intermittently offered to scientists.

The magnificent vessel, named the REV Ocean, stands as the worlds largest of its kind, and comes lavishly furnished with three swimming pools and two helipads.

Yet it is the eight separate laboratories which will be of most interest, with the oil and fishing tycoon set to invite up to 400 marine scientists a year to spend three to four weeks each on board studying how to protect the ocean from climate change, overfishing and plastic waste.

Scientists will be given free use of the REV Ocean, a 600ft research and expedition vessel, for a third of the year, as report the Times.

Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Rokke is planning to give something back with the Rev Ocean

The 280m superyacht is the world's largest and will be used alongside scientific research

It will be used for expeditions for another third and for private charter for the rest of the year to help fund the science.

The huge superyacht is currently being fit out in Brattvaag, Norway, and is poised to set sail later in the year.

Kjell Inge Rokke made his millions in the oil and fishing industry, starting off as a deckhand

The jaw dropping 280m vessel has its eight labs which come decked out with scientific equipment worth more than 20 million, including a submarine for three people that can descend one and a half miles.

It also has a robot to survey and gather samples on the sea bed at a depth of almost four miles.

Mr Inge Rokke, 61, has overseen designs to be as workable as possible for scientific use, with the ship possessing a unique trawl system to gather samples of fish and suck them into a laboratory without crushing them, allowing them to be released unharmed.

The Rev Ocean uses up to 25 litres of diesel per nautical mile at ten knots and can stay for 120 days at sea without needing refuelling, allowing it to reach the most remote parts of the ocean and therefore making it ideal for deep sea exploration.

Mr Inge Rokke, 61, had humble begins in the working world and started off working as a deckhand on a fishing vessel after dropping out of school in Norway.

The huge superyacht is currently being fit out in Brattvaag, Norway, and is poised to set sail later in the year, with a tour stop to London

The vessel comes lavishly furnished with three swimming pools and two helipads, while also boasting eight separate laboratory facilities

He amassed his now 1.4 billion fortune initially by running a fleet of fishing vessels before moving into offshore drilling and earning vast sums in oil extraction and trade.

His company, Aker Energy, has a range of subsidiaries focusing on oil and gas. He has no plans to stop drilling and admits that he is 'part of the problem' that he is inviting scientists to investigate.

His company owns half of a vast oilfield discovered recently in deep waters of the south Atlantic off Ghana.

Mr Inge Rokke (pictured with Bill Clinton in 2005) has no plans to stop drilling for oil and admits that he is 'part of the problem' that he is inviting scientists to investigate

The Norwegian billionaire served a month in prison in 2005 after trying to bribe a Swedish yacht inspector for a licence.

Looking to bring on board some of the world's top leading academics to the project, he has hired Oxford University's leading marine conservation scientist Alex Rogers as science director.

Professor Rogers is helping to draw up plans for the Ocean's 250-day maiden voyage from the Arctic to the Antarctic, with a display visit to London.

Among the itinerary, scientists will begin studying the effect of declining sea ice in the Arctic on bowhead whales, one of the world's oldest living mammals.

The extent and impact of plastic pollution from the surface to the deep sea will also be measured, along with the impact of illegal fishing in the Pacific and ocean acidification.

Mr Inge Rokke (second from right) hopes to join scientists on the superyacht for at least two months of the year during the research period

Professor Rogers told the Times it had been difficult to leave his 'steady academic job' at Oxford but Mr Rokke convinced him that he was passionate about supporting ocean research. He said that the scientific tools would also appeal to paying guests.

A remotely operated submersible to 'visit the Titanic would be feasible', he added, which could be a highly lucrative earner.

Mr Rokke has also recruited Nina Jensen, former head of the World Wide Fund for Nature in Norway, to be the chief executive of the vessel. She admitted that Mr Rokke's plans for oil and gas extraction presented 'huge dilemmas'.

'That was one of my big reservations in taking the job,' she said, adding that she continued to have 'lengthy discussions' with Mr Rokke about opening up oil and gas fields.

Upon signing on the dotted line however she has secured a pledge from him that the Aker energy group would not seek to extract oil off the Lofoten archipelago in the Arctic, which is considered a natural wonder.
The Center has begun the process of unlocking India but that may not mean that people across the country will be able to go back to life as it existed before March 24 when lockdown 1.0 was announced.

While state governments like Karnataka and Goa will be cheering the opening up of hospitality sector as their chief ministers had demanded, states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh have gone ahead and extended the lockdown. Madhya Pradesh has extended restrictions till June 15, while Punjab and Tamil Nadu has extended it till the end of June.

The extension means that sectors like hotels and hospitality, though allowed by the Centre, won't open up in these states for now. More states may come up with more restrictions of their own in the next few days.

The central government has extended its coronavirus lockdown until June 30 in high-risk zones but permitted restaurants, malls and religious buildings to reopen elsewhere from June 8 despite a record high number of cases detected nationwide on Saturday.

The states are concerned about the pandemic spreading on reopening as India has not managed to flatten the curve despite the over two-month lockdown. India reported a record daily jump of 7,964 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday and has so far recorded 173,763 positive cases and 4,971 deaths.

The Ministry of Home affairs in its latest set of guidelines has divided the reopening of the country into three phases. In phase one, places of worship, hotels, restaurants and even malls have been permitted to open from June 8. In phase 2, schools, colleges and educational institutions will be permitted. This will come into effect in July.

In phase three, the call will be taken on metro travel and international flights, swimming pools, gyms, etc.

Kerala has expressed reservation about opening up places of worship. The Maharashtra government, too, is worried about footfalls if temples like Siddhi Vinayak are opened. Maharashtra, as per officials, had requested for opening up of local trains at least for those who are involved in providing essential services. While MHA guidelines put no restriction on local train travels, metro is on the restricted list till phase three.

On the other hand, West Bengal had even before the MHA guidelines allowed places of worship to open from June 1 itself. A top MHA officer when asked about Bengal's decision said, "They will have to revise their guidelines. States can't violate MHA guidelines."

The Delhi government's demand for opening up malls has been met but surprisingly Delhi has not allowed salons and barbers in the last two weeks even though MHA guidelines allowed it in lockdown 4.

The MHA has also lifted all restrictions on number of employees in offices. But in the absence of metro not functioning and social distancing norms being enforced in buses, this is a challenge for states. There may not be enough public transport available for employees to reach workplaces.

Another problem area is inter-state travel. While MHA guidelines say there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and no separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required for such movements, it adds that a state for reasons of public health can regulate movement of people.

This could mean people wanting to travel between Delhi and Haryana, for example, might continue to face problems. On Sunday morning, there was no change at the Delhi-Gurugram border as officials from Haryana demanded passes to let people cross the state border.

Central government functionaries were of the opinion that there can be no going back on the decision to open up the economy. Hence, rising numbers have not had a reflection on decision to unlock India. However, officials did say it is important to ensure stricter measures in containment zones.
Echelon are in the early stages of drawing up a proposal for a data centre at the Kish Industrial Park in Arklow

Plans are being drawn up for a second data centre in Arklow.

The developer of the data centre at the former IFI site in the Avoca River Business Park, Echelon Data Centres is in the early stages of drawing up proposals for a data centre facility in Kish Business Park on the south side of Arklow. The Irish data centre developer was given the go-ahead for a proposed 100MW data centre at the former IFI site last year.

A spokesperson for Echelon Data Centres told this paper that the development on the Kish site would be of a similar size to the one planned for the Avoca River Business Park. However, the project is at a very early stage and an application for planning permission has yet to be submitted to the local authority. The company confirmed it had acquired a site in the Kish Business Park in January, but at the time did not reveal its plans for the site.

Local public representatives were broadly in favour of the proposal and its potential to bring needed employment to the area.

Councillor Pat Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District, said he would 'fully support' any proposal for a second data centre though he acknowledged some people have have reservations about the idea.

'It would be great for the area. We need more employment in the area as we are facing a difficult few years. I'd say there are other small towns around the country who would love to have the same facilities.'

Cllr Miriam Murphy said, 'it'll be brilliant to have these two areas on both sides of the town. It will encourage people to work locally and give back to the local community which has been affected in the last two months.'

Cllr Tommy Annesley said he woud 'welcome any development in the area, particularly in these trying times.'

Cllr Pat Kennedy said, 'it is potentially great news as it would mean more jobs during its construction and when it is up and running. Arklow was once an employment hotspot for the county but no more. A huge effort has to made to bring jobs to the entire county, particularly for south Wicklow.'

Cllr Kennedy added that he hoped IDA and other agencies could come up with a strategy to bring jobs to the Arklow and Rathdrum areas.

Cllr Sylvester Bourke sounded a note of caution as 'it's very early days. It has to get through planning. I would like to see the sod turned and construction started on the first one before I get excited about a second.'

Cllr Peir Leonard said she welcomed 'any investor who will provide sustainable employment' to Arklow. However, she said it was important that any potential development was powered using sustainable renewable energy.

'With the capacity that these centres bring for virtual storage, Arklow will have endless opportunity to provide small virtual working hubs throughout the town centre. It's not many towns can say they can facilitate a walk in the forest, a boat trip, beach trip, row on the river all with a fifteen minute parameter of the town centre.'

Senator Pat Casey said he 'welcomed Echelon's further commitment to Arklow with the proposed development of a second data centre at the Kish site and the announcement of funding for the build at the old IFI site. It sends a strong signal that Arklow is open for business.'

On Tuesday last, the developer confirmed that it had secured construction funding to begin work on its proposed data centres at the former IFI site in Arklow and in Clondalkin. A spokesperson for Echelon confirmed that site clearing and preparation is expected to get underway as soon as possible. The 500 million investment is expected to create up to 450 construction during its 18-month build and up to 90 full-time jobs once it is operational.

Echelon was granted planning permission for the project at the former IFI site in February 2019. but this was subject to an appeal which was dismissed by An Bord Pleanala last July.
TRENTON  Another man has been shot and killed in the capital city.

Tyrone Campbell, 45, became Trentons 14th homicide victim of 2020 after suffering numerous gunshot wounds to his torso early Saturday, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office said via press release.

The gun violence occurred about 12:15 a.m. Saturday on the 400 block of Garfield Avenue. Trenton Police received reports of shots fired and found Campbell lying on the sidewalk, his body riddled with bullets, authorities said.

The city man was rushed to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, according to the prosecutors office.

Authorities announced no motive for the slaying and released no suspect descriptions but said the Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating the incident.

Trenton has experienced a troubling level of gun violence ever since Gov. Phil Murphy declared a public health emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Reed Gusciora established a curfew April 6 to control rising violence in the city during the times of the COVID-19 crisis. He recently relaxed the curfew to require city residents to remain indoors from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless the resident has a legitimate purpose to travel.

Drive-thru establishments and food delivery services are permitted to remain open until 10 p.m. under the revised curfew, which has not stopped the bloodshed one iota.

Anyone with information on the shooting that killed Campbell is urged to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406 or mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
A man with a facemask walks past a wall mural in Singapores Little India district on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Wearing of facemarks is mandatory for everyone who goes outside their homes to control the spread of the coronavirus in the city state. Singapore has reported more than 27,000 COVID-19 cases, with 90% of the cases linked to foreign workers dormitories, but it has a low fatality rate of 21 deaths. (AP Photo/YK Chan)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Singapore sentenced a drug suspect to death at a court hearing held on the videoconferencing app Zoom because of the city-state's coronavirus lockdown, in a decision slammed by a human rights group as callous and inhumane.

Defense lawyer Peter Fernando said the Supreme Court announced the penalty to his client, Punithan Genasan from Malaysia, in a virtual hearing Friday. Genasan was in jail, while Fernando and prosecutors participated in the hearing from different locations.

A Supreme Court spokesperson said courts have been conducting hearings and delivering judgments remotely to minimize the spread of the virus. The spokesperson, who declined to be identified under court policy, confirmed Genasan's case was the first "where a death sentence was pronounced by remote hearing in Singapore.

Singapore however, is not the first country to do so. Human Rights Watch said a man in Nigeria was also sentenced to death via Zoom earlier this month, reportedly for murder.

This has been the arrangement made by the court ... with essential hearings conducted via Zoom. We have no complaints, Fernando said Wednesday. He said he will meet Genasan on Friday to discuss an appeal.

The Singapore court ruled that Genasan, 37, was involved in drug trafficking in October 2011. Court documents said the judge found he recruited two drug couriers and directed them to transport and deliver 28.5 grams of heroin.

Singapore applies the death penalty to a range of offenses including drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, waging war against the government and use of firearms. It has defended capital punishment as a deterrent for the most serious crimes. Most of the cases are drug-related.

The city-state imposed a partial lockdown in early April after it was hit by a second wave of virus infections sparked by foreign workers living in crowded dormitories. It has reported more than 29,000 virus cases, among the highest in Asia, but only 22 deaths. It plans to gradually lift restrictions next month.

Story continues

Human Rights Watch said the death penalty is already cruel and inhumane, and the use of Zoom to announce it made it worse.

Its shocking the prosecutors and the court are so callous that they fail to see that a man facing capital punishment should have the right to be present in court to confront his accusers," said the group's deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson. He said it raised concerns about why Singapore is rushing to conclude the case via Zoom.

Amnesty International urged Singapore to abolish capital punishment, whether announced via Zoom or in person. Its death penalty adviser, Chiara Sangiorgio, said Singapore is only one of four countries that currently execute people for drug offenses.

At a time when the global attention is focused on saving and protecting lives in a pandemic, the pursuit of the death penalty is all the more abhorrent, Sangiorgio said.
Balasore: At least seven people were injured when a bus carrying West Bengal-bound migrants from Kerala overturned in the Balasore district of Odisha on Saturday (May 30). The bus carrying 38 passengers was on its way to Kolkata when it skidded off the National Highway 16 and overturned near Balasore town.

According to the police, as many as seven migrant labourers were injured in the mishap. The condition of all the injured is said to be stable. Arrangements are being made to send the migrant returnees to their destinations in another bus, PTI quoted a police official as saying.

Police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the passengers with the help of locals, while the injured persons were sent to the district headquarters hospital in Balasore.

The West Bengal-bound labourers, who were engaged in various establishments in Kerala, were stuck in the southern coastal state since March due to the nationwide lockdown imposed by the central government to curb the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.
Israeli police in annexed east Jerusalem on Saturday shot dead a disabled Palestinian they mistakenly thought was armed with a pistol, prompting furious condemnation from the Palestinians.

The incident happened in the alleys of the walled Old City near Lions Gate, an access point mainly used by Palestinians.

Police units on patrol there spotted a suspect with a suspicious object that looked like a pistol, an Israeli police statement said.

They called upon him to stop and began to chase after him on foot. During the chase, officers also opened fire at the suspect, who was neutralised.

No weapon was found at the scene after the area was searched, the statement said.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbass Fatah party denounced the killing as a war crime.

It said it held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fully responsible for the execution of a young disabled man.

The Palestinian leadership demanded that whoever killed the man be brought before the International Criminal Court.

The Palestinians official news agency Wafa identified the dead man as Iyad Khairi Hallak, a resident of the Wadi Joz neighbourhood of east Jerusalem with special needs.

 Above the law 

Today, Israeli Occupation Forces in East Jerusalem assassinated Iyad Khairi, 32 a disabled Palestinian, Saeb Erekat, the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, wrote on Twitter.

The killing is a crime that will be met with impunity unless the world stops treating Israel as a state above the law, he said.

Erekat added the hashtags #PalestineWillBeFree and #ICantBreath  a reference to African-American man George Floyd whose death while a policeman kneeled on his neck has sparked riots in the United States.

Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip, said the killing of the young Palestinian man in Jerusalem would fuel our peoples revolution which will not stop until the occupier leaves all Palestinian territory.

It warned of a new Palestinian intifada, or uprising.

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said an investigation had been opened into the circumstances surrounding the mans death.

There has been an uptick in violence in east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank in recent days, although it has yet to reach the levels of 2015-2016 when Israeli security forces struggled to stop a wave of so-called lone wolf attacks unconnected to any established militant group.

On Friday, a Palestinian man tried to ram a car into Israeli soldiers north of the West Bank city of Ramallah before being shot dead by troops, the army said.

On Monday, Israeli police shot and wounded a man who attempted to stab an officer in east Jerusalem, the police said.

There have been fears that Israeli plans to take advantage of a controversial green light from US President Donald Trump to annex swathes of the West Bank could stoke further violence.
If recent weeks have shown us anything, its that the world is not just flat. Its fragile.

And were the ones who made it that way with our own hands. Just look around. Over the past 20 years, weve been steadily removing man-made and natural buffers, redundancies, regulations and norms that provide resilience and protection when big systems  be they ecological, geopolitical or financial  get stressed. Weve been recklessly removing these buffers out of an obsession with short-term efficiency and growth, or without thinking at all.

At the same time, weve been behaving in extreme ways  pushing against, and breaching, common-sense political, financial and planetary boundaries.

And, all the while, weve taken the world technologically from connected to interconnected to interdependent  by removing more friction and installing more grease in global markets, telecommunications systems, the internet and travel. In doing so, weve made globalization faster, deeper, cheaper and tighter than ever before. Who knew that there were regular direct flights from Wuhan, China, to America?

Put all three of these trends together and what you have is a world more easily prone to shocks and extreme behaviors  but with fewer buffers to cushion those shocks  and many more networked companies and people to convey them globally.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami has written to the heads of 13 multinational companies (MNCs) in the electronics sector to invest in the sourthern state.

In a statement issued here, the government said Palaniswami wrote to the heads of 13 MNCs, including Tim Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apple; Kim Hyun Suk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Samsung; Jeff Bezos, CEO, Amazon; and Enrique Lores, President and CEO of HP.

The letters outline the investment attractiveness and inherent advantages of Tamil Nadu and excellent support for business and industry to further their growth and promises a customized incentive package as per their requirement.

Due to the coronavirus impact on the world economy, many overseas industries are likely to exit from certain countries and relocate their manufacturing to countries like India.

Palaniswami has constituted a special Investment Promotion Task Force for attracting such investments.

Recently, Tamil Nadu signed investment MoUs with 17 foreign companies totalling Rs 15,128 crore.
Situated in the central province of Quang Nam, the ancient city of Hoi An leaves a great impression on visitors due to its fabulous culture, friendliness of local people, shopping options, and range of street food.

Lets spend a day in the city and sample some of the delicious street food on offer:

Long lines of visitors can often be seen patiently waiting to purchase a loaf of bread at Ba Phuong banh mi shop in Hoi An. The shop has been attracting large numbers of customers each day since Ba Phuongs baguettes were once referred to by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain as "the world's best".

Visitors should sample some of the bread for breakfast at a low cost of VND30,000. (Photo: Halo.vietnam, menu.vietnam)

Enjoying coffee in the Hoi An Roastery shop in the morning is a good way to start the day whilst relaxing and contemplating the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient city. (Photo: Hoianroasteryvietnam)

Cao Lau is one of the Vietnamese delicacies that is solely associated with the ancient city of Hoi An. Each visitor is able to wander around the old quarter and taste some of the unmissable noodles on offer around lunch time. (Photo: Vitbauu)

This dish consists of a delectable dark pork broth with large yellow noodles, slices of succulent pork, served with bean sprouts, green vegetables, and crispy croutons. (Photo: Kenh14.vn)

Tofu dessert in a ginger syrup is a suitable food to cool down visitors during the summer months. The perfect place to sample this kind of sweet soup is from street vendors working on Nguyen Thai Hoc street in Hoi An city. (Photo: Elisabeth_vy)

The ancient city is famous for its wide variety of kinds of cakes which go on sale in the afternoon. Among them is the White Rose cake which is an appetiser worth around VND70,000 each. (Photo: Ireneireneirene_chong)

Banh beo ba Bay and Banh Beo Co Tu are some of the popular suggestions for visitors to enjoy when discovering the city. Ingredients include shrimp and pork which are placed on top of the dish, making them unique a unique delicacy. (Photo: Coupleofmigrants)

Herbal Tea is a must-try drink for visitors to Hoi An with a single cup being valued at just VND12,000. (Photo: Ph.thaoooo)

A trip to Hoi An is incomplete without visitors trying Ba Buoi chicken rice which has become somewhat of a trademark for its unique recipe and special taste. In this dish, chicken is torn into small pieces and mixed with chopped herbs and sliced onions to form a salad. It is then served with rice that is cooked in a mixture of chicken broth and fish sauce, serving to create a sweet, salty, sour, and spicy taste. (Photo: Quynhanh23)

VOV

Hoi An listed among top 10 cities of the world Vietnams ancient city of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam has been named among the top ten cities of the world by the New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine.
New Delhi :

Thirteen Indians have tested positive for Zika virus in Singapore as the city-state grapples with rising number of the mosquito-borne disease. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Indian Embassy in Singapore has reported that 13 Indians have been affected by Zika virus.

As per our Embassy in Singapore, 13 Indian nationals have tested positive for Zika in that country, he said.There has been a surge in number of people affected by Zika virus in Singapore, particularly those working in construction sites.

The Indian High Commission there said the Singapore government had informed it about the Indians being infected with Zika virus on Wednesday. Foreign nationals including six Bangladeshis and 21 Chinese are also among the 115 confirmed Zika cases in Singapore.

In February, the World Health Organisation had declared Zika a public health emergency after women affected by it had given birth to children with microcephaly, a birth defect with small head size.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
In our new pandemic vocabulary, we have contact tracing, a means of tracking an infectious disease such as COVID-19 by building a map, so to speak, of people and places that were exposed to the virus by an infected individual.

The practice is not new to those who work with infectious diseases, but it is a new concept to the general public who may get calls from public health nurses to discuss people theyve talked to and places theyve been.

Contact tracing is a boots-on-the-ground, person-driven approach to science. Amid all the technology, some of which is incorporated in this approach, the success or failure depends on people  on those interviewing COVID-19 positive individuals and on the cooperation both of the infected people and their contacts.

The process is being touted by both the state Department of Health and county health departments as a critical step in stopping a resurgence of the virus as Pennsylvania reopens businesses.

Contact tracing is how we keep our entire community safe, said Montgomery County Commissioners Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh.

A key element of living with the virus is contact tracing, which is currently underway in many parts of the county and will soon be conducted on every case, Arkoosh said in a daily county update a week ago. The goal is to quickly identify and isolate cases and contain the spread by quarantining each cases close contacts. That is how we are going to keep the curve flat.

The state Department of Health contact tracing plan will involve public health nurses, trained employees, and volunteers in the AmeriCorps program utilizing technology that alerts people if they are in the vicinity of a self-reported COVID-19 infection.

In Montgomery County, the county health department is partnering with four nonprofit organizations whose tracers will contact residents who test positive for COVID-19, determine their direct contacts and enter the information into an alert system that will allow officials to monitor the people who are positive and their contacts.

Persons who test positive with the virus test will receive a call from our contact tracing team to offer guidance and to help persons recall who they had contact with during the time they were infectious, Arkoosh explained. Staff then will contact and warn those exposed individuals of their potential exposure as quickly and as sensitively as possible.

The nonprofit collaborators include ACLAMO, Family Services of Montgomery County, Visiting Nurses Association Community Services, and Montgomery County OIC, all of whom have experience dealing with the countys most vulnerable populations including families living in poverty, minorities and non-English speaking residents.

In addition to identifying the path of infection, staff from these four organizations will help guide treatment and testing for the populations that need help.

The state health department protocols used in counties such as Berks, which does not have its own health department. also provide for the communication of information and support to help vulnerable populations understand their risk and move through testing and treatment of the disease.

The state was awarded a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant for $18.7 million. A portion of these funds are earmarked by the federal government specifically for contact tracing.

Community health nurses in Berks, Lancaster and Schuylkill counties will be supplemented by volunteers recruited through organizations like PennServ/AmeriCorps and ServPA. The department will also seek partnerships with local health leaders and universities in the region.

As our counties move into the Yellow Phase of reopening, disease containment is critical to prevent a resurgence of cases. The focus on person-by-person contact tracing is a large part of that effort.

Learning as we cope through this pandemic involves new tools and practices. We urge our readers to continue following distancing practices and care, and if contacted by a tracer, answer questions with honesty and openness. The system needs each persons cooperation in order for it to work and to achieve the ultimate goal of living in a post-pandemic world.

Thats a new phrase, too, and we like the sound of it.
Advertisement

Justice A.T. Mohammed of Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday May 28, 2020 convicted and sentenced one Igweneme Moses(a.k.a. Griffith Doyle), to one year imprisonment for conspiracy and money laundering.

The convict, who defrauded his victim, Chantai Meadery in February 2018 through a dating scam, with a promise of building a future together in Switzerland, was arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on July 23, 2019 on a 4-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and money laundering.

One of the counts reads: That you Igweneme Moses and Igweneme Nkeiruka Blessing (now at large)between the 13th and 26th March, 2018 directly took possession of the sum of $82,706,(Eight Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Six US Dollars) which you knew or reasonably ought to have known is the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wilt: obtaining under false pretence from one Chantai Helene Meadery and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 15(2) of Money Laundering(Prohibition) Act, 2011 (As amended). The defendant initially pleaded not guilty.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, in the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the convict used the pretext of fake emergency situations, to trick his victim in making a total of sixteen (16) transfers amounting to Two Hundred and Forty Thousand, Seven Hundred Dollars ($240,700) to the convict.

The convict received all the money through his UBA account number 30020624272, a domiciliary joint account belonging to him and his daughter, Igweneme Nkeiruka Blessing. Further investigation also revealed that any time the domiciliary account was credited, Moses transfered the funds in United States dollars to a bureau de change operator who will then transfer the Naira equivalent to his daughter via UBA Naira account No. 2064404530.

However, at the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, Moses changed his plea to guilty.

Upon his guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, T. M. Iko, urged the court to convict the defendant as charged and order the restitution of the total sum of Two Hundred and Forty Thousand US Dollars ($240,000) to the victim.

Justice Mohammed consequently convicted Moses and sentenced him to one year imprisonment and ordered total restitution of the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Thousand US Dollars ($240,000) to the victim.

The convict has so far returned the sum of One Hundred Thousand US Dollars (S100, 000) to the victim.
Op-Ed: We Have a Right to be Angry!

This morning, we are awakened with heavy hearts burdened with a heavy load of worry, care, anger, and frustration. In the last several months, we have witnessed the outcry of Gods people in so many wayspeople wailing and moaning with tears of disbelief, death, and sickness.

Fear has plagued the world. The shattered dreams of individuals, families, businesses, communities, religious institutions and churches are real. We are all suffering and struggling individually and collectively with pain and grief.

In the midst of over 100,000 deaths and millions of people being infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19), people in our cities all over our nation are taking to the streets, protesting in anger against the wrongful, unjust, hateful, and unmerciful racist death of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer right before the eyes of the world.

ADVERTISEMENT

We have a right to be angry! What we are seeing and living out in our nation is truly unprecedented. There is no justification for the tragedies that have been forced upon us; the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affects African Americans and people of color, the death of George Floyd, the racist wrongful allegations made by Amy Cooper, the blatant racist attack, and the murder by a father and son perpetrated on Ahmaud Arbery.

We have a right to be angry! But there is what is described as righteous anger In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. And do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)

We are still the body of Christ! And while we have the right to be angry, we will use our rights with power to promote change. We will stand up, speak up, and defend what is right and denounce what is wrong! What we do for the Lord must be done decently and in order.

Our God is a righteous judge and we are seeking a cease and desist indictment to be served against the injustice acts of our nation. I am calling on those who are willing to stand with Christ Our Redeemer in unity.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

Now is not the time to be silent. Our nation and future are at stake. God will judge us accordingly!

ADVERTISEMENT

The Dr. Rev. Ralph E. Williamson is the pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, CA, the largest African American congregation in Orange County.
The kits will be delivered beginning with the governorates of Daqahliya, Sharqiya, Giza, Qalioubiya, Ismailia, Minya and South Sinai

Egypt said it will dispatch medical convoys nationwide to distribute medications and preventive supplies among those in contact with confirmed coronavirus cases.

In an official statement on Friday, health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said the kits will include drugs that are part of the medical protocol set by the ministrys scientific committee.

Members of the preventive medicine sector affiliated with every directorate nationwide will be tasked with distributing the packages or delivering them to houses via female rural guides.

The kits will be delivered beginning with the governorates of Daqahliya, Sharqiya, Giza, Qalioubiya, Ismailia, Minya and South Sinai.

Hospitals will also distribute the kits on mild coronavirus cases currently in home isolation, depending on the medical protocol for each case, the spokesman added.

Egypt detected on Friday the highest single-day toll in coronavirus cases and deaths with 1,289 new cases and 34 deaths.

This brings the total number of cases to 22,082 and fatalities to 879, the health ministry said.

The ministry added that 152 patients have fully recovered and been discharged from isolation hospitals and quarantine facilities. The total number of recoveries from the virus now stands at 5,511.

The spike in cases comes despite stricter measures enforced during Eid El-Fitr religious holiday, including extending the curfew hours and a full suspension of public transportation, which the country hoped would help in curbing the spread of the virus.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Dubai residents can now move about freely from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., according to a May 25 tweet by the Dubai Media Office. Gyms, restaurants and salons are reopening around the city.

We were very happy to hear the news after three months of closure, Nuno Costa, co-owner of Crank Fit gym, told Al-Monitor.

Yet the reopenings come with a list of conditions. Businesses can return at 50% of their normal capacity, and gym-goers will be required to wear masks at all times during light or moderate physical activity. Masks can be lowered for strenuous physical exercise, according to a government circular.

In Crank Fits ever-popular spin classes, Costa said, There are two meters between bikes with clear plexiglass dividers. In a pre-COVID-19 class there would be 43 riders; now there will be only 18. Also, the disinfecting procedures at the gym are in full compliance with the government rules, Costa added.

The openings follow one of the most stringent government pandemic policies around the world that included two weeks of curfew during a city-wide disinfection campaign in which residents needed government-issued permits to leave their homes any time of day or night.

The easing of the citywide lockdown came in stages. First at the end of April, at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, residents were allowed out for essential grocery and medicine purchases. Then at the end of Ramadan, a curfew was in place from 8 p.m. till 6 a.m. Today, residents are allowed out from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Restaurants have been slowly opening over the past two weeks with reduced hours and limited capacity and many if not most are open all over the city. However, visitors must adhere to the UAEs strict health and safety rules.

As of May 24, licensed restaurants were able to provide drink services to tables and not in bar areas.

The Dubai economy needs to be kickstarted and [food and beverage] is a huge part of this, food writer Samantha Wood told Al-Monitor.

What is great about this most recent announcement is that the 30% capacity restriction has been lifted. However, the two-meter safe distancing is still applicable, which means restaurants cannot run at 100% occupancy. So that means they are running at a reduced capacity. The other option they have is to install divider screens, but I expect less will do that as this requires a redesign in the restaurant. The other restrictions are that customers can only stay three hours, maximum. The crucial issue is [that] children under 12 and adults over 60 are not allowed, so families are restricted in terms of going out for a meal, added Wood.

She added, This will impact restaurants as well, but overall this is a step in the right direction and many restaurants are hoping that this [will be] the start of further easing of restrictions.

Wood, who set up her business in Dubai nine years ago with her restaurant review website FooDiva, went on, Some restaurants had to close down due to restrictions, [and] some are not necessarily going to reopen. I would have expected 25% of restaurants in Dubai to shut down irrespective of COVID-19. The virus would have accelerated that. I also expect to see another 25% to close down by September 2020.

While some restaurants are suffering due to high rents, others are benefiting from government assistance, Wood said. Some restaurants have been given rent relief whether thats malls or hotels or independent businesses. For example, the Dubai International Financial Centre has given three months of free base rent to their food outlets, as an example. Others have not been so lucky.

Salons and beauty centers are ready to thrive, too. These services were closed for four weeks with a gradual easing. At first, only haircuts and nail services were allowed. Now, full services are available, said Shabana Karim, founder and owner of the Nail Spa and Marquee. The next few months will certainly be different from the summer months we had expected pre-crisis, but were confident that our customers will be reassured with the safety measures were taking and will gradually return in increasing numbers over the summer period and beyond.

Karim, who has more than 23 outlets throughout the United Arab Emirates, told Al-Monitor, During the lockdown, when spas were closed, it was a challenging time. We have more than 500 employees between the Nail Spa and Marquee, so navigating a time of great uncertainty for the business as well as the health of our team and customers was of course difficult. However, we are feeling more positive as restrictions are eased, and believe they were worthwhile and necessary for the sake of public health.
ESA invites proposals for lunar lander mission in late 2020's





Development of Europes first ever lunar lander was agreed upon by ESA Member States in 2019 and now ESA is seeking your ideas for science and robotic missions on the Moon.

Set to launch on an Ariane 64 rocket later this decade and return to the Moon on a regular basis, the large lander will provide unprecedented opportunities for science and robotics on the lunar surface and your mission could be one of the first.

The call for ideas comes hot on the heels of ESA signing an agreement to start building the third European Service Module for NASAs Artemis programme. This module will drive the spacecraft that ferries the next astronauts to the Moon.

Andy, G0SFJ is going to propose an amateur radio mission, using low signal technology in an amateur band, with easily achieveable home technology on the Earth side. This is different from the AMSAT-NA gateway proposal but will doubtless complement it..

"Outreach and STEM learning will be key outcomes from an amateur project of this nature, together with a general uplift of amateur skills".

G0SFJ invites anybody interested to register on the ESA website and make a similar proposal, with your own version of the basic idea. All proposals will be reviewed by ESA and merged where appropriate.

"Who knows now what the result of the application will be. But it's worth a good shot!"

73 de andy g0sfj

Get your ticket to the Moon: Europes lunar lander for science and more
Here are 5 hot Nollywood stories for the week compiled by Information Nigeria.

Moyo Lawal Shares Hilarious Makeup Photo

Nigerian actress, Moyo Lawal got folks talking on social media after she shared her latest make up photo.

The actress revealed that she was going to meet her mother-in-law and she wanted to make a good impression of herself.

Advertisement

Actress Anita Joseph Warns Trolls To Stop Insulting Her Husband (Video)

Nollywood actress, Anita Joseph issued a stern warning to internet trolls to refrain from insulting her husband, MC Fish.

It appears some trolls tend to forget that celebrities are humans and Joseph decided to remind them.

The actress said her celebrity status does not stop her from slamming people who come on her page to disrespect her and her husband.

Segun Ogungbe Welcomes Baby With Second Wife, Wunmi Ajiboye

Nollywood actor, Segun Ogungbe and his second wife and colleague, Wunmi Ajiboye have both welcomed their second child on their first sons birthday.

Ned Nwoko Finally Announces Regina Daniels Is Expecting A Child (Photo)

Nollywood star, Regina Daniels and her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko are expecting their first child together.

Ned Nwoko took to his Instagram page to break the good news and he shared lovely photos of his pregnant wife.

Tonto Dikeh Rewards Maid With iPhone 11 Pro (Video)

Popular Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh recently gifted one of her staffs a brand new phone to appreciate her services.

The actress shared a video on her Instastory which captured the moment she walked into a room and presented a brand new iPhone 11 to her sons nanny.

Do tell us what story you enjoyed the most in the comment section.
Keni James, 21, holds up her fists as she and others block streets in downtown Los Angeles to protest the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

It was as if someone had lighted a fuse.

Almost as soon as a cellphone video appeared on social media showing a black man struggling to breathe  and finally going silent  with his neck under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer, African Americans in the citys Longfellow neighborhood took to the streets calling for justice.

Within days, the city was smoldering as protestors started fires and torched stores and a police station. Demonstrations swiftly spread to Los Angeles, where activists blocked a highway, and Atlanta, where protesters set a police vehicle on fire and smashed the windows of the CNN Center.

Watching it all play out on the news, Christie Peters, a 43-year-old general contractor in Atlanta, cried for three days straight.

Its just a lot to carry, she said. I think it just comes from a place of feeling ineffectual, because what you're asking black people to do is have faith in a system where almost every position of power in this system is led by people who look like, speak like, vote like the very people who are perpetrating this against us.

"So how do you have faith in that system?

It did not help that, like many Americans, she had spent the past months cooped up indoors, out of work and on edge amid the COVID-19 pandemic

With 40 million people unemployed, this is a powder keg waiting to explode, she said. I feel fatigued every day. I think it's just mental exhaustion about the unknown future of this country.

Amid the anxiousness of living through a pandemic that has disproportionately killed minorities, the death of George Floyd at the hands of police quickly became a symbol of what many say is the nation's failure to deliver on its promise of equality.

The altercation between the 46-year-old Floyd and Minneapolis police was set in motion before sunset Monday, when officers responded to a call from a convenience store south of downtown. An employee at Cup Foods reported that a man had tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill.

Story continues

Not long after police officers arrived, Floyd was dead.

The video was released hours later. For many, it brought back memories of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man who died in 2014 in New York after police placed him in a chokehold face down on the sidewalk.

Both men had cried out the same words: I cant breathe.

"We keep thinking, 'How are we here again?'" said Margaret Sullivan, the 32-year-old host of a Minneapolis radio show that highlights marginalized voices.

Sullivan started her Ms Margaret Live show on KFAI Radio in March 2016, inspired by the fatal shooting just months before of 24-year-old Jamar Clark in north Minneapolis. Four months later, Philando Castile was shot by a police officer in Falcon Heights, Minn., five minutes from where she lives.

We are outraged because Philando should have been the case to stop all of this, Sullivan said Friday. So for us, as Minnesotans, to have this happen back-to-back, its not new. We have been screaming about this.

Carol Anderson, chair of African American Studies at Emory University, said she was struck by the cavalier manner in which the officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck.

As people screamed at the officer to stop, his message was clear, she said: "'We can do this to you with impunity.'

"We have a nation that consistently criminalized blackness, that has systematically denied the humanity of black people, Anderson said.

In Minneapolis, city leaders, white and black, stressed that protesters were right to be angry.

All throughout America and right here in Minneapolis, we feel as if there was a knee on all of our collective necks, a knee that says 'black life does not matter, Andrea Jenkins, the City Council's vice president, said Thursday. "I am a part of this system to help to take that knee off of our necks."

Jenkins, who is black, urged the mayor to declare a state of emergency calling racism a public health issue.

Till we name this virus, this disease, that has infected America for the past 400 years, we will never ever resolve this issue, she said.

The political tension heightened Friday morning when President Trump took to Twitter to call the protesters thugs and threaten to take military action to bring Minneapolis under control.

When the looting starts, the shooting starts, Trump tweeted.

By the end of Friday, the officer who pinned Floyd down, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

"Third-degree is a Band-Aid" Sullivan said. "It needs to go all the way. We are not letting up because weve seen this too many times."

The sense of deja vu was felt by African Americans across the country.

In 2013, black activists took to the streets across the nation to protest a Florida jury's decision that found George Zimmerman not guilty of murdering Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in 2012.

In 2014, rallies were held for Eric Garner. Then for John Crawford, a 22-year-old African American who was shot dead by police in Ohio after he was seen carrying a toy gun. Then for Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager who was killed outside an apartment complex in Ferguson, Mo.

Sullivan described Floyds death as a tipping point, coming not just after so many other local cases of police injustice but at a time when the coronavirus has built up anxiety and highlighted the health and economic disparity between blacks and whites.

COVID-19 is affecting us at higher rates and job loss too, she said. People are barely making it, so we are already at a higher stress. In black culture, when something happens, we all gather, we come together and lean on each other, and we couldnt do that, so that adds to all that separation, anxiety and stress.

As the virus spread, data began to show that black people were not only feeling the economic impact more, but hospitalized and dying at much higher rates than whites. That data, public health experts said, reflect deep-rooted social and economic inequalities.

DeRay Mckesson, a Black Lives Matter activist who hosts Pod Save the People, said Floyds death was an example of Minneapolis policy failure.

Unlike in many other cities, the police department does not ban neck restraints, allowing certain types if the person is actively resisting arrest and more extreme holds  which can render somebody unconscious  if the person is "exhibiting active aggression" or an officer's life is in danger.

These are not isolated incidents, Mckesson said. These are the results of a system that was designed to produce these outcomes.

As with most of the high-profile cases of police violence, Floyds death became a national story only because it was captured on raw video captured by cellphone, he said.

Many activists were quick to link Floyds death to a long list of recent injustices in states as far afield as Kentucky and Georgia.

Thursday night, seven people were shot in downtown Louisville, Ky., as they protested the death of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician who was shot when the police raided her apartment in March.

The gunfire during the protests came from within the crowd, not from police officers," said Mayor Greg Fischer.

Earlier this month, protests erupted in Brunswick, Ga., and then spread across the nation after a video showed a white father and son confront and fatally shoot Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, as he jogged in a Georgia neighborhood. That incident happened in February, but it was not until the video was released and the protests swelled that the white men were arrested and charged with felony murder.

In Atlanta, Christie Peters said she didnt think many white people really understood the level of anxiety she and her husband felt as they watched the video of a grown man being choked by police or read news stories of a woman who'd been shot in her home.

I have never committed a crime and I still am terrified, she said. That should not be in a place where I pay taxes, where I have every financial and legal responsibility as a citizen, but I don't have full rights and protections. I don't see blue-eyed, blond-haired Marcia getting killed in her bed. That doesn't happen.

Jarvie reported from Atlanta and Etehad from Los Angeles. Chris Megerian contributed to this report.
The family of missing backpacker Theo Hayez have publicly acknowledged that he could have died for the first time.

The Belgian backpacker vanished on May 31 last year after leaving Cheeky Monkey's bar in Byron Bay, northern New South Wales. He hasn't been seen or heard from since.

The family launched a website Looking4theo.com in the hopes of receiving any information about his disappearance.

In a heartbreaking development they have now told their supporters that if Theo is indeed dead they are pleased he spent his last months alive in Australia.

'If, however, Theo has left this poor Earth, and is currently having fun with whales, turtles and dolphins...; Vinciane, Lucas and I, while looking at the beautiful smile of Theo on the pictures of his Australian adventure, are relieved to see that he spent the last 6 months (of his too short life ...) in a beautiful country, meeting wonderful people!' they wrote.

Theo Hayez with his girlfriend Severine Marcotty. Theo vanished on May 31 last year after leaving Cheeky Monkey's in Byron Bay, northern New South Wales

Theo's family have fought tirelessly to find out what happened after he went missing in Byron Bay last year (Mr Hayez (centre) pictured with his friend and Theo's female cousin) at a media conference in 2019

Theo's godfather Jean-Philippe Pector (left) said the feeling of not knowing what happened to him is exhausting

'Thank you to the people of Belgium, Australia and elsewhere for the attention and love that you bring to Theo!

'You are not mistaken! He deserves it!'

Theo's godfather Jean-Philippe Pector says he is still overwhelmed with grief as the one year anniversary of Theo's disappearance looms.

'In my mind, somewhere, I don't want to believe that it happened  I don't know if it's a way to protect myself,' he told ABC.

'When I wake up at night, my brain does not stop working on what should I do, or is there more to do?'

He insists that the search for Theo will not stop until 'we think we have nothing more to do'.

It comes as Theo's cousin Lisa, revealed she 'did the work of the police' in their search to find him in Byron Bay.

Police began a land, sea and air search when they were alerted to his disappearance by staff at the Wake Up! Hostel in Byron Bay on June 6.

As thousands of volunteers descended to Byron Bay in hopes of finding Theo, Lisa and her brother accessed Theo's Google and Facebook account.

'The police had a lot of restrictions so they couldn't just get into his Google account because they had to ask permission,' she said on Triple J's Hack.

'So I tried to do it with my brother, we were just trying to find his passwords and asked his parents to try and get in.

'We eventually found his Google and Facebook password and that helped a lot.'

Byron Bay locals scour dense bushland in the search for missing backpacker Theo Hayez

Theo (pictured with his girlfriend) was travelling around Australia on a gap year after finishing school in Belgium

Lisa first knew something was wrong when Theo's mother texted her saying she hadn't heard from her son in a few days.

'His mum texted me saying she hadn't heard from him in a few days but then I tried calling him and his phone was off and that's when I started worrying and called the hostel and they said he hadn't come back in a while.'

As the family continues to search and look Theo, Mr Pector described the experience of not knowing what happened to him as 'extremely exhausting'.

'(It's) extremely exhausting, the not knowing of what happened and the not being able to fully understand the circumstances that makes our brains work day and night,' he said.

Lisa echoed his sentiments saying it was 'really upsetting' when police stopped their search.

Police officers conduct a search for Theo in bushland near Tallows Beach in Byron Bay

Theo's family released a statement on Monday night begging anyone with information to come forward.

'One year on, we believe that there is much more to Theo's story than has been brought to light,' the statement reads.

'Theo's family and friends, those living in Byron Bay and everyone who is concerned for the safety of young travellers are eager for the full story of that night to be understood.

'We know that many people are struggling at the moment and we are so grateful for all the different ways that people continue to show their support and their love.'

Theo's parents, Vinciane Delforge and Laurent Hayez, released their own statement on Monday saying they 'missed their son very much'.

'We have high hopes in the work of the New South Wales Coroner and his team of dedicated lawyers and we continue to believe that someone has information that could provide new evidence,' they said.

'We beg potential witnesses to come forward.

'The support we receive online counts for a lot. We know that we are not alone and every message, drawing or photos with Theo's name comforts us and allows us to endure this ordeal.'

A grey Puma cap was found in bushland at Tallows Beach, with Theo's family confirming the cap belonged to the missing backpacker

Data from Theo's phone has traced this route as his last known movements before he vanished on the night of May 31 2019

Search efforts for the 19-year-old have continued into 2020, with police conducting DNA tests on hair found in what is believed to be Theo's grey cap, which was discovered in bushland off Tallows Beach.

Severine Marcotty shared an emotional plea to friends on Facebook with an image of Theo's missing poster saying: 'need your help... please share'.

Theo's family thanked those involved in the search - and gave an insight into the police investigation.

'Since the beginning of the year, we have spoken less publicly about developments,' the post reads.

'Far from us giving up hope or dedication, the main reason is because the ongoing police process means we need to be careful about what we say.

'We think about Theo every minute and would like to share any information that may help to find out what happened to him but we have to be careful that we also give the police the best chance of finding this out.

'It breaks our hearts every day and we hope that they will soon have some clarity for us. The police investigation is ongoing and we are grateful for this but we have been asked not to provide details.

'New searches have taken place and police have provided us with the results from the DNA testing conducted on the two hairs found in the cap.'

The hat was found by a member of the public in the same area where the last 'ping' from Theo's phone was recorded on June 1 around the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Theo's family is certain the hat is his - but DNA testing on the material was inconclusive.

They have maintained Theo was not alone on the night he disappeared.

Theo Hayez was last seen leaving Cheeky Monkey's in Byron Bay on May 31

The leading theory in Theo's disappearance is that he fell while trying to climb cliffs near Tallows Beach and his body washed away.

Theo was travelling Australia on a gap year after finishing school in Belgium.

Police began a land, sea and air search when they were alerted to his disappearance by staff at the Wake Up! Hostel in Byron Bay on June 6.

Thoe was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkey Bar on May 31 in Byron Bay, northern New South Wales

Hostel staff raise the alarm after finding his belongings, including his passport, left untouched.

Theo's father, Laurent Hayez, flew into Australia that month and made an emotional public appeal to help find his son.

'I promised Theo's little brother that I would bring his brother home. Please, help me keep my promise to him,' he told reporters through tears at Tweed Heads Police Station.

Theo's disappearance made headlines around the world and several volunteer groups formed to search for him.

The case has been referred to the NSW coroner.
Film actor Sonu Sood met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Saturday at Raj Bhavan to apprise him of the work he was doing to help migrants amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Sood had won praise after he chartered buses to ferry stranded migrants to their hometowns in other states.

The governor applauded Sood for his work and assured him support, a Raj Bhavan statement said.

Film star Sonu Sood met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan. He briefed Governor about his work to help migrant people to reach their home states and to provide them food. The Governor applauded Sonu Sood for his work and assured him fullest support in his endeavours. pic.twitter.com/JlXVbZiUB4 Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) May 30, 2020

Earlier, the Governor of Maharashtra had praised Bollywood star Sonu Sood for extending help to stranded migrant labourers, and ensuring safe travel for them.

Amid the ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sonu has been arranging transport for stranded migrant labourers to ensure they can go to their native places.

The governor complimented the actor on Twitter.

"Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari called up actor, film star @SonuSood and complimented him for his dedicated work in facilitating the safe transportation of migrant people from various states to their home states," read a post on the official Twitter handle of the office of the Governor of Maharashtra.

Sonu was humbled by the appreciation.

He replied: "Thank you so much sir. Your words inspire me to work harder. Will continue working for the migrant brothers and sisters till we unite them with their families Honoured."

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also lauded Sonu Sood, who was born and brought up in the state, for his charity amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"It fills me with immense pride whenever I read about my fellow Punjabis going beyond their call of duty to help those in need and this time it is our Moga boy Sonu Sood who has been actively helping migrant workers by arranging for their food and transportation," the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

"Good work Sonu!" he added.

Last week, Chef Vikas Khanna prepared a special dish and named it Moga' after the town in Punjab where actor Sonu Sood was born, as a tribute to his efforts.

(With inputs from agencies)
Senior Tory MPs have urged Boris Johnson to reduce the UK's two metre social distancing rule as they warned failure to do so could risk a wave of redundancies in the hospitality sector.

There is a growing campaign for the existing restriction to be eased to one and a half metres or even just one metre.

This would give pubs, bars, restaurants and theatres much more room for manoeuvre when they are allowed to reopen and significantly increase the number of patrons allowed in a specific premises.

That could in turn boost the financial health of businesses and stop them from having to make staff redundant because of lower revenues.

Mr Johnson revealed earlier this week that he has asked top Government scientists to review the existing rule in the 'hope' that it could be reduced.

But Tory MPs, including former business secretary Greg Clark and former Brexit secretary David Davis, are seeking a commitment from the PM now.

Meanwhile, Tory former chancellor Lord Lamont said reducing the rule is 'urgently important' because it is the one 'single measure' which could save many firms.

Pub chiefs have warned that if the two metre rule remains in place then two thirds are likely to remain shut.

But if it is reduced to one metre then three quarters could reopen immediately.

Polling has also suggested that 40 per cent of pubs would not be able to survive until September if they have to remain closed.

Hospitality industry bosses have called on the Government to reduce the two metre social distancing rule amid fears it will make many pubs, bars and restaurants unviable

Pub bosses have argued that reducing the two metre rule to one metre would allow three quarters of premises to reopen

Boris Johnson, pictured in a Wolverhampton pub in November last year, is now under mounting pressure to reduce social distancing requirements

What changes has Rishi Sunak announced to the Government's furlough scheme? Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a major overhaul of the furlough scheme ahead of its planned closure at the end of October. Here is how it will work: Furloughed workers will continue to receive 80 per cent of their pay up to 2,500 a month until the end of October. But they will be able to return part-time from July without losing out financially, with businesses told to pay the percentage of wages for the hours worked. The Government will pick up the full bill for the furlough scheme until the end of July. From August, companies will then have to pay employer national insurance and pensions contributions for those on furlough. In September, bosses will also have to pay 10 per cent of a furloughed employee's wages, with the Government covering 70 per cent up to 2,190 per worker. The burden on firms will then increase to 20 per cent in October, with the Treasury picking up the remaining 60 per cent up to 1,875. The Government is adamant the scheme will close at the end of October. Advertisement

Social distancing at two metres was introduced by the Government in a bid to reduce transmission of coronavirus.

The disease is passed on via droplets from coughs and sneezes which makes staying away from other people one of the best ways to avoid infection.

The UK has one of the strictest contact gap rules in the world to counter coronavirus transmission, double the one metre gap recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

That is the distance permitted in Hong Kong, Singapore, France and China, while Australia, Germany and the Netherlands recommend 1.5 metres.

France yesterday announced that bars and restaurants outside of Paris will be allowed to reopen with a one metre social distancing rule.

Mr Clark, who now serves as the chairman of the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, has written to Mr Johnson urging him to relax the rule.

'The difference between two metres and 1.5 metres may seem small but it can be the difference between people being able to go to work and losing their jobs,' he told The Telegraph.

Mr Davis said alterations to the Government-backed furlough scheme, announced by Rishi Sunak yesterday, should be implemented 'in-step' with a relaxation of the two metre rule.

He said some firms would be unfairly disadvantaged if they had to remain shut due to the two metre rule while being forced to start paying towards staff wages again under the Chancellor's changes to the furlough plan.

'What will happen is that they will shut, meaning the furlough money is wasted, and there will be no tax revenue from that business,' Mr Davis told the newspaper.

Mr Clark reportedly cited in his letter to the PM a new paper from the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) which says it may be possible to 'enable distancing at less than two metres' in certain areas, provided other coronavirus control measures are implemented.

Highlighting parts of the document which suggest droplet exposure and infection risk 'fall sharply at 1.5 metres', Mr Clark said the paper did not appear to 'establish the need for a recommended distance of two metres'.

Under the Government's current lockdown exit strategy parts of the hospitality and leisure industries may be able to reopen in July with Mr Johnson insisting that 'we are really trying to go as fast as we can'.

But many pubs, bars and restaurants will have fixed running costs like rent which mean they need a certain number of customers in order to make their businesses viable.

There are fears within the hospitality industry that keeping the rule at two metres will restrict customer numbers to such low levels that some firms - particularly those without much space - may have no choice but to scale back their operations or even close.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said that if the two metre rule remains in place then 'two thirds of our pubs will remain closed'.

She said: 'To open pubs up safely as soon as possible, it is imperative the Government explores the WHOs suggested one metre rule for social distancing and allows pubs to reopen under those safe conditions in July.

'This will allow three quarters of our pubs to reopen and more staff to return to work  ensuring the tapered furlough scheme protects pub jobs as they reopen.

'We also call on the Government to recognise that up to a quarter of our pubs may not be able to open even with a one metre rule in place, in which case they will need the furlough scheme to continue at the current 80 per cent until they can reopen.'

Lord Lamont, who served as chancellor between 1990 and 1993, told the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme that social-distancing will cause 'huge problems' for the hospitality sector.

'It is self-isolation, it is social distancing, that is causing the huge problems for this sector,' he said.

I am not for one minute saying that the Government should ignore medical or scientific advice.

'But I think it is urgently important if you want a single measure that could help the hospitality sector it would be a reduction in the social distancing from two metres to one metre.

As I am sure you know, WHO, other countries, operate on a lesser scale and it is estimated that on two metres only 30 per cent of the hospitality sector could operate on a sustainable basis.

'Cut it to one metre and it might be 50 per cent, not necessarily profitable but it could survive.

Greg Clark, the former business secretary pictured left, has written to the PM to urge him to slash the rule to 1.5 metres. Former Brexit secretary David Davis is also pushing for the rule to be eased

A bar in Manchester has installed a range of coronavirus measures which could soon become common place across the UK. Before being seated or served, customers will face a temperature screening from a thermal imaging camera which alerts staff to anyone with an elevated temperature

One of Manchester's most popular bars has installed perspex screens between booths and at the bar, a one-way system, removed tables and cut down its menu

The graphic shows what rules could be in place in pubs across the country when they reopen

The pubs and restaurants of the future? A man and a woman demonstrate dinning under a plastic shield at a restaurant in Paris

This graphic shows some of the changes that may be made to ensure reopening stores can minimise the spread of the virus. But pubs and bars represent a larger challenge

The push to review the social distancing rule conflicts with the latest advice from the Government's two top science and health advisers but the science community is split on how risky it would be to drop to one metre.

England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and the Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance suggested two metres was still necessary as the risk of spreading the virus remained too great.

Sir Patrick said: 'It's not an absolute (that) beyond two metres is safe and slightly less is not safe, there's a graduation across that, and so roughly at a metre it's somewhere between 10 and 30 times more risky than at two metres.'

Professor Whitty said it was 'really important' that people stayed two metres apart when meeting outside, adding they would not be counted as a contact, and therefore would not need to self-isolate if someone they met at a distance then developed coronavirus.

Expert opinion is not unanimous on the matter with other government advisers suggesting the rule could be safely relaxed.

Professor Robert Dingwall, who sits on a SAGE sub-committee, argued moving from two metres to one metre would have 'no significant impact on the risk of transmission'.

'There has been a real problem in that the public health community have been a bit slow to grasp the evidence coming out of the world of engineers, that they are probably exaggerating the risk of transmission beyond one metre, and even at one metre there's a general margin of safety,' he said.

Mr Johnson was asked about reducing the two metre rule during an appearance in front of the Liaison Committee.

The PM said SAGE advice was that there was a 'considerable reduction in risk' at that distance, compared to a smaller gap.

But he added: 'My own hope is that as we make progress in getting the virus down... we will be able to reduce that distance which I think will be particularly valuable on (public) transport and in the hospitality sector.'
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) with support from C. Woermann (Ghana) Limited, has distributed assorted food items to over 400 residents of Avenor in the Okaikwei South Sub-Metropolitan District.



The items, which include rice, oil, and tin tomatoes were presented to the aged, persons living with disabilities (PWDs) as well as pregnant women as part of efforts to help them this time of turmoil.



Mr Alfred Asiedu Adjei, the Presiding Member (PM) of the AMA and the Assemblyman for Avenor Electoral Area who led in the distribution of the items expressed gratitude to C. Woermann, dealers in European technical equipment for the assistance.



He said the food items were critical needs of the people and had come at an opportune time since most vulnerable people especially the aged, PWDs, and pregnant women may be out of work.



Mr Carsten H.R. Duwer, the Managing Director of C. Woermann said the company had located in Avenor for over 30 years and that it had been part of the community, hence the decision to support the Assembly in its effort to meet the needs of the people.



Mr Alex Donkor a beneficiary thanked the Presiding Member and the C. Woermann Ghana Limited for the gesture and appealed to other companies and philanthropists to also come to their assistance since the COVID-19 outbreak had rendered most of them economically vulnerable.

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.

Featured Video
In our latest Diary of a Limerick Priest, Canon Donal McNamara, writes about his life in lockdown

On March 7, Bishop Brendan Leahy administered the sacrament of confirmation to the boys and girls of Thomond Primary School here in St Munchins Parish and I distinctly remember him saying afterwards, referring to the coronavirus, I dont know how long more I will be able or allowed to continue administering the sacrament of confirmation.

As quickly as the following week, all churches were closed.

Im forty seven years ordained this June and I can honestly say, Ive been extremely fulfilled in my priesthood. Ive spent all those years in the Limerick Diocese and have been fortunate to have had both good health, excellent parish appointments and encountered wonderful people on my journey.

During that time, without doubt, the church has encountered much change and extreme turbulence, something that I had never anticipated or was prepared for, most of which was self-inflicted and that has left an indelible mark, on the people and the church at large.

Over the last nine weeks, Ive experienced something that Ive never experienced before in my priesthood, and that is, not being able to interact or communicate with people the way weve always done.

I like to think of myself as being a people person and enjoy peoples company. Over the last nine weeks our only means of communication with the outside world has been with the aid of information technology - and wouldnt we have been lost without it.

I have been one of the cocooned and yes, that has been challenging. Ive always liked to try and keep myself reasonably fit and that has been difficult, but I have exercised every day one way or another. Ive become very much aware that I am one of the senior citizens and in fact, never was I more aware than over the last nine weeks when the over 70s were talked about so much.

When we were given the freedom of 5 km, I heard a lady being interviewed on radio saying, that the elderly should really only be allowed out Monday to Friday and at a specific time, so that the weekends would be kept available for families. Thats when I became very much aware that yes, I was one of the elderly cocooned!

I realised from early on that I needed to have some structure to my day, and that I have. Our churches and our schools were closed, we can neither visit the sick, the hospital, the housebound, we are unable to administer any of the sacraments, or even go out for lunch, so the only means of communication is on the phone, texting, emailing, whatsapp, zoom conferences, and in relation to them, I was normally one of the last to get into the conference because of my IT inefficiencies!

Yes, Its a wonderful means of communication, particularly during this lockdown, and from our perspective, it enables bishop and priests to meet, to inform and to plan and it has proved very successful.

Ive spent a lot of my time dealing with wedding cancellations and enabling couples to reschedule for next year or whenever. Where St Munchins is a very busy parish for funerals, none of which have taken place in the church over the last seven weeks, and baptisms are put on hold. Yes, its all very strange and uncertain, but it is what it is and we have to cope as best we can.

First communions were scheduled for Saturday May 16 and the teachers and parents, as always do trojan work in preparing for that great parish occasion. Mass was streamed on line to the homes of the first communicants.

However, we live in hope, yes, it will improve, and life will take on a new meaning.

I remember coming across a saying that went, the priest whose too busy to pray, is too busy I can honestly say, I was one of those. Its one thing Ive found over the last nine weeks or so, that my prayer life has taken on a new meaning.

I did all of the Easter ceremonies behind closed doors with the parish clerks and a video recorder. They were all streamed as is my daily Mass, and for the month of May, the rosary each day at noon. Many parishioners and further afield have the link and love to tune in to their daily Mass.

The other week, at the request of a family, I streamed Mass for a lady who was celebrating her 100th birthday in Milford Care Centre where she saw it on screen accompanied by the wonderful staff of Milford and her family from elsewhere, even as far away as Dubai. A great celebration was had, albeit from a distance.

Reflecting back over my 47 years of priesthood, without doubt, there were many aspects of it that we were never prepared for while in the seminary and one such aspect, was total lockdown, nor was anyone ever prepared for such an experience?

I have a motto in my house which reads, Working for the Lord doesnt pay much, but the retirement plan is out of this world! Now, Im not planning on discussing the retirement plan as yet, but just to say that much good has emerged and will continue to do so from this lockdown. The good will of the people has been commendable.

The assistance given in every way has been unbelievable. People have been so supportive, considerate and generous with their time, food and generosity, constantly phoning, texting and emailing to make certain that I have all I need and of course the occasional funny whatsapp!

I have no doubt, but that where there will be a lot of hardship, challenges, changes and unprecedented experiences in so many different ways when this eases up and in the years ahead, yes, they will have to be addressed and dealt with appropriately, but there will also be many positives and goodwill, as has been born out during this pandemic.

Next weeks Diary of a Limerick Priest is Canon Tony Mullins
Monkeys in India stole blood samples of COVID-19 positive individuals in a lab in India. With that, popular movies 28 Days Later and Planet of The Apes are now Trending on Twitter. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, dogs are now being trained to detect COVID-19 in airports.

28 Days Later and Planet of the Apes are both trending. Well, I guess we know what that means. ZOMBIE MONKEYS!!!! 2020 is the worst!! pic.twitter.com/OxxfX0wcIg  Howie (@Howie) May 29, 2020

Read More: New TikTok Clone and Competitor 'Zynn' That Pays Users to Watch Videos Rises to Top of the App Store

Monkeys really are curious and scary

A lab technician was walking out of the campus at a state-run medical college in Meerut, India. Then suddenly, "Monkeys grabbed and fled with the blood samples of four COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment ... we had to take their blood samples again," said Dr. S. K. Garg.

Garg, as well as the authorities, are not clear if the monkeys spilled the blood samples or if COVID-19 could infect monkeys' troop. "No evidence has been found that monkeys can contract the infection," Garg spoke with Reuters.

There is a video of one of the monkeys who stole from Garg that was eating surgical gloves that may or may not be used to treat one of the COVID-19 patients that have since gone viral on Twitter and now people are talking about the movies 28 Days Later and Planet of The Apes.

Had to go see why Planet of the Apes & 28 days later were trending. And I Im tired man pic.twitter.com/NxwyHNu3nd  Fatrick Chewing (/) (@Kaiszer_Sozae) May 29, 2020

People's reactions on Twitter were on high alert due to the incident, and despite Indian authorities doing their best to keep the public calm, the people on Twitter are now thinking of "zombie monkeys."

Tweets coming out like, "28 Days Later and Planet of the Apes are both trending. Well, I guess we know what that means. ZOMBIE MONKEYS!!!! 2020 is the worst!!" and, "Had to go see why Planet of the Apes & 28 days later were trending. And I-I'm tired man"

Read More: Clouds are a Rocket Launch's Worst Nightmare; Why the Historic SpaceX and NASA Flight was Delayed

Dogs really are man's best friend and maybe COVID-19's enemy

CNN Traveler has reported that there are now trials taking place in the United Kingdom in which they are using sniffer dogs to detect COVID-19 travelers even before symptoms are shown. However, developing a certain scent isn't proof that a person has COVID-19 yet. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine claim that respiratory diseases can change body odor.

If the dogs are properly trained to detect the different scents of individuals with respiratory disorders, and more specifically, COVID-19, it would be a game-changer. Sniffer dogs are usually trained to sniff out weapons, drugs, and other illegal contraband that is not safe for flying. They can also be trained to detect infections, illnesses, and other diseases in travelers like cancer, malaria, and Parkinson's disease.

The "Super Six" is the name dubbed for the group of dogs consisting of labradors or cocker spaniels to see if they might be able to crack the code and give humans an edge against the deadly coronavirus. Super Six, don't let us down, we're all watching and waiting in anticipation of the good news your squad can accomplish.

Read More: Nintendo Switch Adds New Ports Like BioShock, Borderlands, and XCOM Available For Download Now! Here's What You Need To Know!

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Have you ever guessed why people or even yourself type in longer words than its standard spelling? For example, words like 'heeeey,' 'yeees,' 'duuuude' or 'goooaaaalllll' have been the usual words we see online. In fact, a study found that most of the tweets online have stretched words. Here's why people are doing it and, most probably, will always do it.

YEEESSSS! Why do you type like that? Here's the answer

Daily Mail UK reported that most of the people now use uncommon phrasing of words and sentences with longer letters online.

Researchers at the University of Vermont Burlington studied and collected 100 billion tweets generated between Sept. 2008 and Dec. 2016, to identify similarities and uncommon patterns in how people type online.

It turns out that a huge number of tweets sent on this period have been stretching each of their letters per word online.

"We were doing something a bit silly and playful, and that's part of science. You never know what you might find," said Peter Dodds, a professor at the University of Vermont's department of mathematics and statistics.

Another unfamiliar thing about this practice is that people only write words this way online, but rare in formal writing.

The popularity of stretching words has been in line with how people want to convey emotions, even behind screens.

"While most of our online activity is not broadcast publicly, the things we do choose to share are important and worthy of careful enumeration," said study co-author Chris Danforth, a professor at the University of Vermont's Department of Mathematics & Statistics, told MailOnline. "When we want to emphasize our emotions, the visual effect of stretching words can be dramatic."

Words like 'suuuure' convey sarcasm, 'duuuuude' means frustration, 'yeeess' sounds excitement, 'nooooooo' conveys real disappointment, 'heeellppp' means increased desperation, when someone flirts they use words like 'heeeeyyy', and 'aarrrggghh' conveys immense pain.

Two kinds of stretchable words

One thing that was also significantly mentioned in the study is the variety of different words being stretched out online.

Interestingly, there are two kinds of characteristics of stretchable words: balance and stretch. Balance words are when someone stretches a word by repeating it based on the elongation of the word.

For example, the word 'hahahaha,' which has a high degree of balance, are words that have repeated letters that measure equally.

At the same time, the word 'goooooooaaal' is also categorized under less balanced since the letter 'o' is repeated more than usual or compared to other letters.

Stretch, however, is when a word can be modified as long as you wanted it to be. For example, the word 'ha' in 'hahahaha' have a high degree of a stretch since people can lengthen it as long as they can.

However, non-stretchable words like 'infinity' can just be repeated with one letter such as 'infinityyy.'

"It would be interesting to study these things further, such as the distinction between visual and phonetic stretching or how the patterns of stretching have changed over time or differ across geographic regions," said the study.

ALSO READ: Facebook Update: Accounts That Keep Going Viral Will Now Be Verified; Identities and Locations are Now Required

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Newser)  Looks like China has a new official dog policynamely that people can no longer raise and trade them for commercial purposes, People reports. "With the progress of the times, people's civilization ideas and eating habits are constantly changing, and some traditional customs about dogs will also change," says a rep for the nation's Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs. That's in sync with the ministry's recent declaration that dogs are no longer considered livestock. Reuters quoted the ministry in April as saying that "along with the progress of human civilization and the public concern and love for animal protection, dogs have been 'specialized' to become companion animals ... and they will not be regulated as livestock in China."

story continues below

The Humane Society Internationalwhich figures 10 million dogs are slaughtered annually in China for meatappears cautious in embracing the new policy. HSI spokesperson Wendy Higgins tells the Guardian it's a possible "game-changer moment for animal welfare in China," but painted a gloomier picture when talking to the Daily Mail about the city of Yulin's upcoming dog-meat festival, slated for June 21 to 30. "Terrified dogs" will face "bludgeoning and butchery" there, she said: "Experience tells us that many of those dogs will be precisely the beloved companions and helpers and service dogs the national government talked about in its statement as being not for food." Two other cities, Zhuhai and Shenzhen, officially outlawed the consumption of dog and cat meat in April. (Read more dog meat stories.)
Three people including a driver were critically injured when a bus carrying 38 migrant workers from Kerala to West Bengal veered off just ahead of a bridge and plunged into a ditch on National Highway16 in Odishas Balasore district Saturday morning, police said.

The bus overturned at Mangalpur-Nuagaon area of Balasore district when the driver lost control over the vehicle. Other than the three who were seriously injured, the rest of the passengers escaped with minor injuries. All the injured were rushed to Balasore district headquarters hospital, a police official said.

This is the 13th road accident in Odisha involving migrant workers returning home since May 1 when lockdown conditions were eased for inter-state travel. So far five persons have been killed in these road mishaps. Though migrants have started arriving by Shramik Special trains, many are still arriving by trucks and buses because they are unable to get seats in the trains.

Two migrant workers returning from Surat were the first casualties when they were flung off a bus in Kandhamal on May 2.

On May 5, one person was killed and 10 others were injured when a bus carrying 40 Odia migrants crashed on National Highway 16 near Khurda.

On May 20, two migrant workers died and over 20 were injured in four separate road accidents in Odisha while on May 14, 12 migrant workers were injured, two of them seriously when the minibus carrying them from Andhra Pradesh crashed into a tree.

A bus carrying 47 migrant labourers from Bhubaneswar to Ganjam collided head-on with a truck in Baliguda area Kandhamal leading to injury to the drivers of both the vehicles and a passenger on May 26.

The 47 migrants had come from Goa by a Shramik Special train and were being sent to Ganjam. On the same day, a bus carrying 21 Odia migrants was involved in an accident at Laxman Nath toll gate on Bengal-Odisha border.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the violent protests in Brooklyn on Friday where over 200 people were arrested, including one woman who has been charged with attempted murder.

The protest, one of many around the country over the killing of George Floyd, started peacefully yesterday afternoon before descending into chaos after several thousand people faced off with officers on the streets outside of Barclays Center.

Multiple people, including police officers, were injured as protesters set fire to vehicles and violence broke out between cops and demonstrators.

Governor Cuomo on Saturday said he and Mayor Bill de Blasio had agreed to conduct independent reviews into last night's events.

Scroll down for video

Peaceful protests turned violent in Brooklyn on Friday after thousands faced off with police officers

Two sisters from upstate New York who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at an occupied police cruiser during protests in Brooklyn on Friday night are expected to face attempted murder charges. The cocktail did not explode. A separate NYPD vehicle (pictured) was set on fire by demonstrators

Governor Cuomo on Saturday ordered Attorney General Letitia James (right) to 'review all the facts, police procedures and the crowd's actions'

He said Attorney General James will review the NYPD's response and the actions from the crowds within 30 days and see 'what we can learn.'

'Last night we saw disturbing violent clashes amidst protests right here in New York City, and I'm asking Attorney General James to review the actions and the procedures that were used last night because the public deserves answers and they deserve accountability,' Governor Cuomo said.

In a separate press conference on Saturday, Mayor de Blasio said he was upset by videos of confrontations 'where protesters were handled very violently' by cops and by reports that at least two elected officials were among the people sprayed with irritating chemicals by officers at the scene.

In a video that has been widely circulated on social media, one NYPD officer was seen aggressively shoving a 20-year-old female protester to the ground.

'Anytime you see a protester just arbitrarily thrown to the ground by a police officer, that does not reflect our values, that's unacceptable and there need to consequences,' he said.

'We cannot see a video like that. There's no reason for a video like that and it corrodes trust. So, we're going to have an independent review to look at each and every instance like that.'

More than 200 protesters were arrested during Friday night's demonstrations

Demonstrators and police officers are pictured at Friday's protest outside the Barclays center

Protesters gathered in the early evening outside the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn. The 3,000 strong continued their demonstrations into the night

Mayor Bill de Blasio accused President Trump of 'helping to create this atmosphere'

De Blasio also weighed in on the White House's response to the nationwide riots over Floyd's death, accusing Trump of 'poisoning the atmosphere.'

'The President of United States helped to create this atmosphere, and that's the tragedy here,' he said.

'It doesn't matter what you think of President Trump, there's been an uptick in tension and hatred and division since he came along.

'And it's not the reason for any specific act, but it has helped to poison the atmosphere.

'We always talk about respect for peaceful protest, respect for communities, respect for different points of view, and obviously that's not been the tone set from the top in Washington, and that's one of the reasons we're in this mess we're in.'

The NYPD officer who was filmed violently shoving a female protester to the ground in Brooklyn on Friday is under investigation. He has not been identified

Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said more than 200 arrests were carried out last night and that 'it is by the grace of God that we don't have dead officers today.'

One demonstrator was charged with attempted murder for allegedly tossing a homemade firebomb at a vehicle occupied by several officers, who escaped without harm.

Many people in the crowd threw bottles at police. A group set fire to a police van and battered several other police cruisers with clubs.

Samantha Shader, 27, is accused of throwing the cocktail at the NYPD vehicle, which had four officers inside, shortly after 10.30pm as it was stationed near the Brooklyn Museum.

The lit bottle did not explode, and no officers were injured.

According to a statement provided to DailyMail.com, the NYPD officers subsequently exited the cruiser and attempted to arrest Shader, who allegedly bit one of them on the leg.

'Coming to an assembly, pre-meditated, with loaded firearms, with bricks, with Molotov cocktails is the furthest thing from civil obedience,' Commisioner Shea stated.

Shea revealed 'countless' officers were injured as protest spiraled out of control. Some are still in hospital. One officer had their teeth knocked out.

'There was no discrimination as to whether it was a white officer, black officer, male officer or female officer. [They targeted] anyone in a uniform'.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old protester allegedly suffered a seizure and was rushed to hospital in Brooklyn after being shoved forcefully to the ground by an NYPD officer.

The cop, who has not been identified, was seen shoving Dounya Zayer, 20, and sending her flying onto the pavement in a video that has been widely shared on social media.

Zayer later shared videos of herself from the hospital claiming she suffered a seizure from the attack and said she was 'in no way aggressive' towards the officer.

An NYPD spokesperson confirmed on Saturday that they are aware of the video circulating on social media and that it is 'under internal review.'
Experts say it's not a good idea to warm up your car in winter

Experts say it's not a good idea to warm up your car in winter. Here's why.
Act for Kids fears cases of child abuse, especially against Queensland infants, will skyrocket as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Queensland children under 12 months of age are about twice as likely to be abused or neglected than any other age group, according to the 2018-2019 Child Protection Australia report released in March by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Fears for children's safety are high as restrictions begin to ease, with organisations bracing themselves for the worst.

The most common sources that report child abuse and neglect are police and schools.

Dr Neil Carrington, chief executive of leading child protection organisation Act for Kids, said infants accounted for almost 10 per cent of child abuse cases in the state.
A "shocking" number of Baton Rouge area day care centers have failed to seek government-backed, forgivable loans to help ease financial problems sparked by the coronavirus pandemic, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber said.

In addition, officials in 15% of centers say resuming business is complicated by the fact some workers have opted not to return because of generous unemployment benefits or because of worries about the virus, the group said in a report released Thursday.

State officials made the same point earlier this week.

New problem for child care providers? Getting teachers to work for pay less than unemployment State officials said Tuesday day care centers already reeling because of the coronavirus pandemic face a new challenge: How to lure teachers w

They said weekly unemployment benefits of $600 from the federal government on top of top state rate of $247 have made returning to work less appealing to teachers who earn an average of $8.95 per hour.

Up to 70% of Louisiana's roughly 1,400 licensed early learning centers have been closed because of the virus, largely because parents are either working from home or suddenly unemployed.

Just 31% of Louisiana's childcare centers are open; advocates want $71M in aid for reopening Louisiana child care providers have lost $30 million because of the coronavirus pandemic and need more than double that to help re-start the e

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Industry officials have said the virus has cost centers about $30 million.

The BRAC report applies to nine-parishes in the Baton Rouge area.

The current closings have left 3,669 children without access to day care centers, the group said.

The review said 40% of centers have applied for a loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

"Our survey highlights that while this sector faces the same barriers as many other small businesses, a shocking proportion of centers have not accessed forgivable government-backed loan programs," Liz Smith, BRAC senior vice-president for economic competitiveness said in a statement.

"This essential sector runs on very tight margins, and helping these small businesses access financial and other support immediately is critical to our community's economic recovery."

BRAC said officials of day care centers said they need to hire an average of four new employees to replace those who cannot or will not return to work.
New Delhi:

The southwest monsoon is likely to arrive over the Kerala coast on June 1 and hit Maharashtra by June 8, predicted state-owned India Meteorological Department (IMD). According to the weatherman, pre-monsoon activities are expected to start by May 30.

On May 28, the IMD announced that conditions are favourable in Kerala for the onset of the southwest monsoon on June 1. "A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea from May 31 to June 4, 2020. In view of this, conditions are very likely to become favourable from June 1, 2020, for the onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala," the IMD said in its bulletin.

It also stated that the southwest monsoon has further advanced into some parts of Maldives-Comorin area, some more parts of south Bay of Bengal, remaining parts of Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

On the other hand, private weather forecaster Skymet on Saturday (May 30) announced the arrival of southwest monsoon in Kerala, two days ahead of the onset date of 1 June, thus marking the start of the four-month season. The country receives 75 per cent of the rainfall from June to September.

"#JUSTIN Southwest #Monsoon2020 finally arrived on the mainland of India, #Monsoon arrived on Kerala before the actual onset date. All the onset conditions including rainfall, OLR value, wind speed, are met. Finally, the 4-month long festival begins for Indian. #HappyMonsoon (sic)," the private forecaster tweeted.

However, state-owned India Meteorological Department (IMD) doesn't agree with Skymet prediction and stated conditions are not yet ripe for the declaration.

Skymet had predicted that monsoon will hit Kerala on May 28 with an error margin of plus or minus 2 days. Whereas, IMD had said the monsoon will make an onset over Kerala on June 5, four days after its normal onset date. However, later it said a cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal will help in the advancement of the monsoon and it could reach Kerala on June 1, its normal onset date.

"Under the influence of likely formation of the low-pressure system over the southeast-east-central Arabian Sea, conditions will become favourable from June 1, 2020 for the onset of Southwest Monsoon over Kerala," a statement from IMD said today.

In the meantime, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray directed all departments and local bodies to be well-prepared for the monsoon, especially Mumbai and the Konkan regions of Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, which bear the brunt of heavy rains.

BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal held a series of review meetings with the civic officials besides the Central Railway and Western Railway officers ahead of the rains, while the IMD has given a briefing to the state government.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 10:36:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WELLINGTON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- There is only one active case of the COVID-19 left in New Zealand as there has been no new case in the country for eight consecutive days, said a statement of the Ministry of Health on Saturday.

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 1,481 people reported as having recovered from the COVID-19, unchanged from Friday. Only one case remains active.

There is no one in New Zealand receiving hospital-level care for the COVID-19. The death toll remained at 22 in the country.

The total number of tests completed to date is 278,872, an increase of 3,020.

New Zealand is currently at COVID-19 Alert Level 2. Public gatherings of fewer than 100 people are allowed.

General public are encouraged to download the NZ COVID Tracer app, developed by the New Zealand government to facilitate contact tracing and case identification. It has now recorded 458,000 registrations. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 21:36:24|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LUSAKA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- About three-quarters of primary schools in rural areas of Zambia are not ready to reopen on June 1 because they lack COVID-19 protective materials, a survey conducted by two local organizations and released on Saturday has revealed.

Pupils in examination classes are expected to return to school next Monday after they were closed in March due to the outbreak of the pandemic.

A survey conducted by the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia and the Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia has revealed that primary schools in rural areas were not ready to reopen.

In a statement, the two organizations said the schools will need one or two weeks more before they reopen.

The survey monitored 631 rural schools between May 22 and 28.

The survey found out that 90 percent of schools in rural areas lacked sanitizers, had no masks, temperature recorders, were not disinfected and had poor sources of water.

"We are of the considered position that allowing rural primary schools to reopen when they are clearly not ready would be going against the very good and plain guidelines put in place by the government to fight COVID-19," the release said.

But Jobbics Kalumba, Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary said the ministry has put everything in place to ensure that schools reopen.

He said schools were ready to observe the guidelines put in place by health officials.

"We cannot fail to open schools just because one of two schools have not met the criteria. The schools are ready. We have been on the ground," he said.

The schools are expected to provide free masks to all the pupils. Enditem
Coronavirus deaths in Brazil reached 27,878, the Health Ministry said on Friday, surpassing Spain to become the fifth ranking nation in the number of dead.

In the last 24 hours, Brazil, which now has the second-largest outbreak in the world, registered 1,124 deaths from the virus and 26,928 additional cases of the novel coronavirus.
With much of the country still under some form of lockdown due to COVID-19, communities are increasingly reliant upon the internet to stay connected. The coronavirus ability to relegate professional, political and personal communications to the web underscores just how important end-to-end encryption has already become for internet privacy. During this unprecedented crisis, just like in times of peace and prosperity, watering down online consumer protection is a step in the wrong direction.

The concept of end-to-end encryption is simple; platforms or services that use the system employ complex software to ensure that only the sender and the receiver can access the information being sent. At present, many common messaging apps or video calling platforms offer end-to-end encryption, while the worlds largest social media platforms are in various stages of releasing their own form of encrypted protection.

End-to-end encryption provides consumers with the confidence that their most valuable information online will not be intercepted. In addition to personal correspondence, bank details, health records, and commercial secrets are just some of the private information entered and exchanged through encrypted connections. With consumers unable to carry out routine business in person, such as visiting the DMV, a wealth of private data is increasingly being funneled into online transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unsurprisingly, however, the ability to communicate online in private has drawn the ire of law enforcement, who are weary of malicious actors being able to coordinate in secret. For example, earlier this year Attorney General Bill Barr called on Apple to unlock two iPhones as part of a Florida terror investigation. The request is just the latest chapter in the Justice Departments battle with cellphone makers to get access to private encrypted data.

While Apple has so far refused to forgo the integrity of its encryption, the push to poke loopholes into online privacy continues. The problem is not the Justice investigation, but rather the precedent it would set. As Apple CEO Tim Cook noted in 2016, cracking encryption or installing a backdoor would effectively create a master key. With it, law enforcement would be able to access any number of devices.

Law enforcement agents already have a panoply of measures at their fingertips to access the private communications of suspected criminals and terrorists. From the now-infamous FISA warrants used to wiretap foreign spies to the routine subpoenas used to access historic phone records, investigators employ a variety of methods to track and prosecute criminals.

Moreover, creating a backdoor to encrypted services introduces a weak link in the system that could be exploited by countless third-party hackers. While would-be terrorists and criminals will simply shift their communications to new, yet-to-be cracked encryption services, everyday internet users will face a higher risk of having their data stolen. An effort to stop crime that results in an opportunity for even more crime seems like a futile move.

Efforts to weaken encryption protections now appear even more misjudged due to a rise in cybercrime during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations such as the World Health Organization have come under cyberattack in recent weeks, with hundreds of email passwords being stolen. Similarly, American and European officials have recently warned that hospitals and research institutions are increasingly coming under siege from hackers. According to the FBI, online crime has quadrupled since the beginning of the pandemic. In light of this cyber-crimewave, it seems that now is the time for more internet privacy protection, not less.

Internet users across America, and around the world, rely on end-to-end encryption for countless uses online. This reliance has only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more consumers turn to online solutions. Weakening internet privacy protections to fight crime might benefit law enforcement, but it would introduce a new risk to law abiding consumers.

Oliver McPherson-Smith writes for the American Consumer Institute. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
LIMITED sittings of Newcastle West Court are set to resume next week  albeit in Limerick city.

There have been no court sittings at Newcastle West Courthouse since Friday, March 13  the day after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressed the nation from Washington DC about the Covid-19 pandemic.

While there have been limited sittings of Limerick District Court since, all scheduled court sittings in Newcastle West and Kilmallock have been adjourned to dates in October and November.

However, In recent days, legal practitioners have been informed by the Courts Service that Judge Mary Larkin is to resume limited sittings of Newcastle West Court from June 2  at Limerick Courthouse Mulgrave Street.

She will be following the guidance of the President of the District Court and is willing to hear applications for pleas and strike outs. She will also begin to set dates for hearings where no civilian witness' are required, states correspondence which has been seen by the Limerick Leader.

However, there are no immediate plans to resume sittings of Kilmallock Court.

The situation is in constant flux but the County Courthouses will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Cases listed for Kilmallock will continue to be adjourned to dates later in the year, read the correspondence.

Urgent matters from Kilmallock can be listed before Limerick District Court, if required.
Advertisement

Tamil Nadu (TN) ranks first in India in the deceased organ donation rate

Chennai is the capital for organ transplantation

In 2008, TN was also the first Indian state to make brain death certification mandatory

"Green corridors" were created for the first time in Tamil Nadu, which helped in quickly transporting the donated organs to its destined hospital

TN has recorded 7,783 organ transplants between 2008 and 2019, after restraining organ trade with new regulations

Non-profit organizations such as MOHAN Foundation have also played a significant part in the domain of organ transplantation

Transplant coordinators are being trained by MOHAN foundation in Chennai

Organ transplantation in Tamil Nadu is regulated by India's Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. The Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN) of the Government of Tamil Nadu and several NGOs aid in facilitating organ transplantation.The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011 (Central Act 16 of 2011) provides regulation of removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes, and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs and tissues.Tamil Nadu has suspended all organ transplants due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Across the globe, there have been reports that patients who have had an organ transplant are dying due to COVID-19.The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has requested major hospitals to stop all operations of transplant during the pandemic. Although there are a number of people waiting for a transplant during the lockdown, it is best to avoid transplantation, as they could be at higher risk of developing COVID-19, which could lead to severe consequences.Kerala has been able to do a few deceased donation and transplantation successfully during this COVID pandemic. Few other donations have happened in Pune. A few hospitals in Gujarat and Delhi have restarted the kidney transplant program in India.In India, the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011 has come into force in the states of Goa, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal, along with all Union Territories. In April 2020, Tamil Nadu has also adopted the Amendment Act almost nine years after it was passed.Source: Medindia
San Francisco, May 30 : Some Facebook employees are not happy with the social media giant's decision to not take any action on the controversial posts by US Presidents Donald Trump which were earlier flagged by Twitter, The Verge reported, citing leaked posts.

Some of these employees are calling on Facebook executives to reconsider the decision to keep Trump's posts about mail-in ballots and the Minnesota protests.

"I have to say I am finding the contortions we have to go through incredibly hard to stomach," one employee was quoted as saying in a comment about the shooting post.

"All this points to a very high risk of a violent escalation and civil unrest in November and if we fail the test case here, history will not judge us kindly." However, Facebook joined Twitter in criticising Trump's executive order on "preventing online censorship" issued on Thursday.

While Facebook said that it will "restrict more speech online, not less", Twitter called the executive order a reactionary and politicised approach to a landmark law.

Trump signed the order in a bid to strip social media platforms of some of the legal protections that they enjoy.

Trump's offensive came on the back of fact checks by Twitter which took the form of a hyperlink that tagged onto exactly two of Trump's tweets and said "Get the facts about mail-in ballots".

Even after the executive order was issued, Twitter flagged a fresh tweet from Trump about the Minneapolis violence, saying that the tweet violated Twitter policies about glorifying violence.

The tweets were cross-posted to Facebook.

According to the report in The Verge on Friday, Monika Bickert, the company's vice president of global policy management, explained the company's rationale for not taking action on the mail-in ballot post in a lengthy write-up on Workplace, the company's internal version of Facebook.

"We reviewed the claim and determined that it doesn't break our rules against voter interference because it doesn't mislead people about how they can register to vote or the different ways they can vote," Bickert was quoted as saying on Thursday in a post that received more than 700 comments.

"If it had, we should have removed the post from our platform altogether because our voter interference policy applies to everyone, including politicians." In response to the post, some employees also asked why Facebook did not take action on Trump's post about Minnesota protests.

"I can't stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis... These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you," Trump had said in the post on Friday.

He later added that "it was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. It's very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honor the memory of George Floyd!"
Airlines are continuing efforts to fine-tune their diminished route networks as the coronavirus disruption evolves. As passenger traffic inches up but remains far below its historic levels, both domestic and international airlines are adding some routes for the summer but eliminating others. Its all complicated by the ever-changing government rules about who can enter a destination and who cant, and who must self-quarantine if they want to fly somewhere.

For example, Hawaiis mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arriving travelers was imposed in mid-March, initially for 30 days; it was then extended to May 20, and two weeks ago Hawaii officials decided to keep it in place through June 30. This week, Governor David Ige announced that the quarantine rule will now remain in place beyond June 30, but he didnt say for how long. Hawaii takes the quarantine quite seriously; a number of visitors have been arrested for leaving their hotel rooms during their two-week lockdown, facing the possibility of a hefty fine or a year in jail. As a result of the measure, the number of visitors to Hawaii in April was reportedly around 4,500  a tiny fraction of normal levels.

The biggest new quarantine rule scheduled to take effect is in the U.K. Starting June 8, foreigners arriving there must self-quarantine for 14 days, must tell officials where they will be doing so (subject to random checks and fines), and are advised not to use public transportation. This comes at around the same time that the European Union is planning to ease up on entry restrictions, at least for citizens of its member countries (although some of them may continue to impose entry rules on non-E.U. foreigners).

Its all too much for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group for the worlds carriers, which is desperate to keep people traveling by air. As IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac said this week, Quarantine measures are a major obstacle for air travel. No one will travel anywhere if they have to stay for two weeks in quarantine. IATA is now projecting that the total debt accumulated by the worlds airlines will reach $550 billion by the end of this year, and he predicted this will lead to a large number of airline failures unless governments step in with financial aid.

That has already started. LATAM, the largest carrier in South America and a new joint venture partner of Delta (which has acquired a 20 percent stake in the company), this week filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. The filing affects its affiliates in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, but not in Brazil, Argentina or Paraguay. Company officials said they do not expect the airlines operations to be affected by the reorganization. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a memo to staff that his company remains firmly committed to our partnership with LATAM.

Earlier this month, the Colombian airline Avianca also filed for Chapter 11 in New York. And this week, Bangkok-based Thai Airways entered into a financial restructuring under Thailands bankruptcy laws; the Thai government expects to reduce its stake in the airline to less than 50 percent, although it will remain the largest single shareholder. Last month, Virgin Australia also sought bankruptcy protection after the Australian government denied its request for a $1.4 billion emergency loan; newly appointed administrators must decide if the airline can be saved or if its assets should be sold off. All three carriers continue to operate during their restructuring.

LATAM

Virgin Australias sister company in the U.K., Virgin Atlantic, had planned to resume some suspended international passenger service in July, and so did British Airways, but both carriers might now have to push back those operations until August or later depending on how long the U.K.s new quarantine rule remains in effect. In schedule filings this week, BA said it would delay London-Portland service until September 2 at the earliest, and would cancel London-Charleston, S.C. service for the summer season.

But some European carriers are moving ahead with route resumptions. TAP Air Portugal said this week it will resume North America service June 4 with twice-weekly flights between Newark and Lisbon, followed in July by twice-weekly service to Boston, Miami and Toronto and a new route from Boston to Ponta Delgada in the Azores. The latest update from Scandinavian Airlines includes a revival of service from Copenhagen to Newark and Chicago June 10 and 11, both with twice-weekly A330-300 flights. Finnair expects to resume U.S. service on August 2, with three weekly flights from Helsinki to New York JFK.

At San Francisco International, United is slated to resume Frankfurt service June 4 with three weekly flights, increasing to daily in July, and an airport spokesperson tells us that British Airways is expected to start taking passengers again on SFO-London flights that have been operating as cargo-only. (Oh, but there's that quarantine thing again...maybe these will be transit passengers heading beyond LHR, or locals willing to hole up for two weeks?)

Meanwhile, a United spokesperson just filled us in on the airline's July international schedule, which will feature a revival of SFO-Tel Aviv and SFO-Delhi flights, both three days a week; the resumption of SFO-Seoul service three times a week; and five weekly SFO-Hong Kong-Singapore flights, which are being "temporarily consolidated" subject to government approvals.

"While there are glimmers of good news in our July schedule -- we expect to be down about 75 percent vs. 90 percent right now -- travel demand is still a very long way from where it was at the end of last year and the financial impact on our business remains severe," the United official said.

Don't miss a shred of important travel news! Sign up for our FREE bi-weekly email alerts.

Across the Pacific, Korean Airs June schedule as of this week includes daily service from Seoul to Los Angeles and New York JFK, five flights a week to San Francisco and Chicago, and three a week to Washington Dulles and Seattle. But Routesonline.com cautions: Additional changes remain possible, and passenger traffic rights may be limited to one-way due to travel restrictions. Air New Zealand will keep running a very minimal international schedule for now; its latest filings indicate that through July and August, its only U.S. service will be five flights a week from Auckland to Los Angeles. And Philippine Airlines latest schedule update this week for the month of June includes four weekly flights from Manila to San Francisco, four to LAX, and two to New York JFK.

In North America, rising passenger numbers are bringing back some service. The number of travelers screened by TSA at U.S. airports reached its low point on April 14 at 87,534; on May 28, it was up to 321,776 (vs. 2.4 million on the same date a year ago).

San Francisco International Airport said this week that Air Canada has resumed limited service between SFO and Vancouver with one daily A319 flight. However, because the US-Canada border will remain closed for nonessential travel until at least June 21, these flights will only be for essential travel categories, including for medical needs and repatriation, the airport noted. (Air Canada also resumed limited service this week to LAX, Washington Dulles, LaGuardia, Boston and Chicago. There are tentative plans to resume more U.S. service as of June 22, pending regulatory changes and demand, Air Canada said.)

Meanwhile, United in June is reportedly planning to replace the 737s that it had put into service in recent weeks on its prime SFO-Newark and LAX-Newark routes with larger aircraft, including a 787-10 on the SFO route for some flights. That will bring back some of the lie-flat premium seats that had been sacrificed for the more fuel-efficient 737s. Other SFO-EWR flights will use 757s, but with 16 business class seats instead of the 28 on the 757s that previously flew the route.

Southwest Airlines said this week it will boost its schedule this fall, targeting business travelers with additional frequencies and more non-stop routes out of Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville and Phoenix. On Nov. 1, The carrier will start flying from Long Beach to Phoenix three times a day and to Austin once a day, and from Ontario to Houston Hobby once a day. On Nov. 2, it will kick off Orange County-Nashville daily flights, and on Dec. 17 it will add new non-stops including Atlanta to Oklahoma City, Omaha and Louisville, all with three daily roundtrips; daily flights from Denver to Little Rock, Birmingham and Wichita; and daily Phoenix-Memphis service.

Low-cost Frontier Airlines, citing a strong uptick in summer travel demand, this week announced plans to add non-stop service during June and July on 18 routes into Florida from various cities including Boston, Chicago OHare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Long Island MacArthur, Newark, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. You can see the details here.

On the downside, it looks like Palm Springs will be losing service from three carriers  Frontier, Allegiant and JetBlue, all of which got a tentative nod from the Transportation Department to suspend flights there. And the temporary closing of Paine Field in Everett, Wash., has brought an end to several Alaska Airlines routes there through August 1, including service to SFO, San Jose, Los Angeles, Orange County, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Portland, Phoenix, San Diego and Spokane. Alaskas latest schedule update also indicates it expects to resume service from LAX to Boston, Chicago, and Washington Dulles, but to cancel LAX-New York JFK flights from July through September.

Read all recent TravelSkills posts here

Chris McGinnis is SFGATE's senior travel correspondent. You can reach him via email or follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Don't miss a shred of important travel news by signing up for his FREE weekly email updates!

SFGATE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
As many as 31 doctors and three nurses have died in India due to Covid 19. These doctors were either treating or had unknowingly exposed themselves to Coronavirus patients. The nurses were in the treating wards.

There is no known case of such fatalities in the state. The Indian Medical Association which has compiled a tentative list is not willing to share the names as they are worried about stigma of the disease.

A senior IMA member on condition of anonymity said, So far in Telangana state we do not have a single death. The highest numbers are in Indore with six deaths, Mumbai five and Ahmedabad four. We are worried for the families which are already reeling from the stigma of the disease and it is important to protect them.

At the same time, IMA is following up with government for insurance cover for doctors who have died. Central and state governments have promised insurance but clear cut guidelines have still not been issued.

A senior doctor explained, Since health is a state subject there is a lot of confusion. What applies in one state does not apply in another. The claim for insurance has various clauses and whether treating doctor or a doctor accidently infected by an asymptomatic carrier will get the benefit or not is not known.

While doctors of modern science have insurance, not all of them have large sums and the pandemic caught most of them unawares and gave them very little time to prepare.

For this reason, precautions and prevention methods are being advocated as doctors who expect a peak in July which will bring in a lot of patients.

To ensure complete protection is the motto and most of them are being urged to shift to tele-consultancy for as many patients as is medically feasible for this year.
The takeout and delivery (on its own) is not sustainable, Stapleton said. Everybodys doing it and everybody has a piece of it, but its just not enough to cover your overhead. We need sit-down (dining) and as long as the weather holds up, this outdoor seating will be a really positive thing around here.
On a recent episode of How To!, comedian Jim Breuer took a break from the jokes to open up about his relationship with his late father. A World War II vet and sanitation worker from Long Island, Jim Breuer Sr. was his sons biggest fan. In 1995, he was there for Jims very first show on Saturday Night Live where, at the afterparty, he managed to insult Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of SNL. Years later when his health started to decline, Jim decided to take his 84-year-old dad on his comedy tour, an experience he eventually made into a documentary called More Than Me. This transcript has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Advertisement

Charles Duhigg: You got your start in the 1990s on Saturday Night Live. And your dad was there for your very first show?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Jim Breuer: I flew him up from Florida and we went to the showbut I got cut out. [After the show], they have these after parties and we were there. I wanted my dad to meet Lorne Michaels. Im trying to explain to him, Dad, this is the man thats created so many stars. This is an icon. He went up to Lorne Michaels and I said, Dad, this is Lorne Michaels. Lorne, this is my father. Lorne goes, Its very nice to meet you. My dad goes, I flew from Florida to see the show and Jimmy wasnt on it. The show sucked. What happened? Lorne was very classy. He goes, Well, you know, it happens. Next week, Chevy Chase is on. Hes already inquired about Jim. Hell go next week. My dad replies, Im not here next week. What happened? Tonights show sucked.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Sounds like your dad was a real character. When he was 84, you decided to take him on a comedy tour with him. What prompted that decision?

We knew my father couldnt really drive, but he wouldnt admit to it. I was driving him everywhere and once in a while hed go, Can I drive? And Id laugh and Id go, Hell, no. And then I brought him to my neighborhood. And I said, Do you want to drive through the neighborhood? He got in the car and almost hit two mailboxes. I was scared to death. He made it to the cul-de-sac and back, but I could tell he realized he was struggling. The issue never really came up again.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But when his car was finally taken away, he stopped shaving. He stopped bathing. He would sleep all day long. That literally was the beginning of killing my father. His giving up the car was throwing in the flagits over. Now I have to be dependent on everyone else.

Advertisement

Advertisement

So I knew if I left him alone, nobody would sacrifice what I would do. [I had to] clean him, shower him, get him on the bus. Now he has to go to the bathroom. We pull over. Oh, shoot. He didnt make it. Clean him again. But you know what? We laughed so hard. There were times where I cried. I knew if I didnt do this, he had nothing to live for. [At shows], he talked to people. I saw how much life it gave him.

Advertisement

Advertisement

When you think back to spending all that time with your dadand Im sure its stressful because youre going up on stage and youre trying to take care of himwhat did you learn?

I learned sacrifice. I learned the importance of life, the importance of getting rid of our own pride and selfishness. The greatest thing that I had in my life was those moments with my dad that I sacrificed. I looked at him as a soldier. Hes a wounded soldier. Its my duty as a human to take care of this soldier.

Advertisement

Advertisement

I learned more about my father in his last 5 to 6 years than I ever did my whole lifetime. One of the things I did, I would go, Dad, I know you dont know how to work YouTube, but wait until you see this concert. I found Hank Williams in 1940. And look at this. Then that brings on memories and it brings happiness and it gives him a little extra breath in life. Hes not concentrating on I want my car. I want to drive. Now youre just spending time. [I had] the greatest memories of a lifetime just watching this. Its like watching a child growexcept for we were never taught that this is what were supposed to do for parents.

Advertisement

Advertisement

When did you realize that you were getting through to your dad, that you guys were developing this new relationship?

The minute I got rid of the attitude of you need to do this and you need to do that. I just realized the more I gave him love, the more I just spent time, the more I played his music, the more I took him out for a little drive and [asked him for advice], he felt important. It gave him meaning, it gave him purpose.

He finally had this last stroke that took him out. We had him in a room [at home] and we played his music. I would still talk to him and bust his chops nonstop. He would open his eyes once in a while. I kept telling him, Listen, I know you dont want me here when you go, but Im holding you. Dont try to leave when Im not in this room. I wouldnt leave the room for over 24 hours. I would sleep in here. My nephew came and everyone said, You got to take a shower. You smell disgusting. The only reason why Dad is still alive is because he smells you. Youre keeping him alive. And, you know, wed laugh. So I said, Alright, Dad, listen to me. Im going to take a shower. Dont try to sneak away. OK. I went up, took a shower, got out of the shower, and my youngest daughter said, Dad, Grandpa is opening his eyes. I knew what that meant. I went running down the stairs into the bed. He was grasping his last breaths. I jumped into bed and I said, You sneaky bastard. Youre trying to get out of here while I was in there. What did I tell you? I told you, I will never let you go.

To hear Jim help a listener convince his own stubborn dad to stop driving, listen to the episode by clicking the player below or subscribing to How To! with Charles Duhigg wherever you get your podcasts.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 18:00:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BERLIN, May 30 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not attend the G7 summit in Washington due to the coronavirus pandemic, the German Press Agency reported Saturday, citing government spokesperson Steffen Seibert.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 20 that he was aiming for a real G7 summit in Washington in late June as a sign of normalization after the outbreak of the pandemic.

The summit was originally scheduled for June 10-12 at the presidential retreat of Camp David, Maryland.

In March, however, the U.S. government canceled the arrangement because of the pandemic and scheduled a video conference instead.

Merkel had initially left open whether she would accept Trump's invitation to participate in a video conference.

In whatever form this meeting takes place, "whether as a video conference or otherwise, I will definitely fight for multilateralism. That is very clear, both in the G7 and the G20," the chancellor said on May 20. Enditem
Democrats announced Friday that they are expanding their investigation into the firing of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, part of an effort to find out more about President Donald Trumps moves to sideline several independent government watchdogs.

The Democrats plan to interview officials in the administration who may have more information about Linick's

If Secretary Pompeo pushed for Mr. Linicks dismissal to cover up his own misconduct, that would constitute an egregious abuse of power and a clear attempt to avoid accountability, the Democrats said in a joint statement.

The investigation is being led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They said they will release transcripts shortly after each interview.

Democrats and some Republicans have pushed the administration for more answers about the firings, but the White House

Pompeo said after the firing that he had been concerned about the inspector generals work for some time and that he regretted not calling for his dismissal earlier. He said he recommended to Trump that Linick be terminated.

Linick is one of several inspectors general whom Trump has removed from office, sparking outrage among Democrats who say the administration is undermining government accountability. Linick was an Obama administration appointee whose office was critical of what it saw as political bias in the State Departments current management but had also taken issue with Democratic appointees.

He also played a small role in Trumps impeachment last year. In October, Linick turned over documents to House investigators that he had received from a close Pompeo associate that contained information from debunked conspiracy theories about Ukraines role in the 2016 U.S. election. Democrats were probing Trumps pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democrats.

Linick is the second inspector general to be fired who was involved with the impeachment process. Michael Atkinson, the former inspector general for the intelligence community, triggered the impeachment probe when he alerted Congress about a whistleblower complaint that described a call between Trump and Ukraines president last summer. Trump fired Atkinson in April,

Engel and Menendez earlier demanded that administration officials preserve and turn over all records related to Linicks dismissal. They said they have received no information so far.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has said the White House is legally required to provide more answers to Congress about the firings and gave Trump a deadline to give them. But in a letter to Grassley this week,

The response from White House counsel Pat Cipollone said that Trump has the authority to remove inspectors general, that he appropriately alerted Congress and that he selected qualified officials as replacements.

When the President loses confidence in an inspector general, he will exercise his constitutional right and duty to remove that officer  as did President Reagan when he removed inspectors general upon taking office and as did President Obama when he was in office, Cipollone wrote.

The president also moved to replace the chief watchdog at the Department of Health and Human Services, Christi Grimm, who testified that her office

In addition, Trump demoted acting Defense Department Inspector General Glenn Fine, effectively
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

Come fourth Saturday in June, huge auditorium in Christ University, Bengaluru will be abuzz. Not with students. But with close to 500 Infosys shareholders for the companys annual general meeting (AGM).

However, 2020 will be different. For the first time, the companys 39th AGM will go virtual thanks to COVID-19.

In a Bombay Stock Exchange filing, the company said, This is to inform that the 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company will be held over video conference on Saturday, June 27, 2020.

Infosys is not the only firm to take the virtual route for AGM at the back of the virus outbreak. TCS too is taking its 25th AGM virtual on June 11 at 3.30 PM. Though Wipro and HCL Tech are yet to announce the dates, they too are likely to go virtual.

How AGMs are like every year

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

Infosys conducts is AGMs in Christ University auditorium, whereas Wipros happens in its swanky Electronic City campus, Bengaluru. TCS' happens in Birla Matoshree auditorium, Mumbai and HCL Techs would be usually at the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

These AGMs are an elaborate affair, which a 60-year-old investor described as akin to a wedding. The sexagenarian was not too off the mark. After all formalities of chairman's speech comes the sumptuous banquet, the main attraction of the event.

For instance, if there are about 500 people, majority of them would come to enjoy the food and few of the serious investors remain in the auditorium for the question and answer session. So this number would be hardly 100. With these gone, I wonder how many will actually turn up, said an Infosys investor.

Well, some of them would miss their favourite meal spread these companies layout and of course the gift hampers, quipped the investors.

Concerns over going virtual

Are investors happy? The reactions could be at best described as mixed. While some of them said that virtual AGMs will facilitate people from across in India to participate, others are worried about lack of transparency.

One of them pointed out that they might not be able to question the management as much as they would in physical AGMs, as the medium gives the company more control.

In case of Infosys, investors would have questions about whistleblower complaints, that wiped off the market cap by Rs 50,000 crore. For Wipro, the concern would be on the new CEO, who will take charge on July 6.

Vinay CS, an investor and Bengaluru-based chartered accountant, said, What we are concerned is if we will be allowed enough time to express our concerns. Because, virtual AGMs give the company more control.

In addition, most of the investors that are regulars are the elderly and many of them technology-challenged. Venkat K*, 65, a Wipro investor in Bengaluru, said that he will have to ask his children to help him with the set up. But I am not comfortable. So I am not sure if I will participate. For me nothing works better than a face-to-face meeting, he said.

For those like Vinay, the question is also about how will it be organised. Since there is not much clarity at this point on the process.

Shriram Subramaniam, founder, Ingovern Research Services, a proxy advisory firm, said, Two way communication could lead to chaos as anyone can ask questions. In case of TCS, the company has allowed shareholders to send question 48 hours before the AGM and there is a limit of 1000 on first-cum-first-serve basis.

But there is a positive side too. Makarand Joshi, partner, MMJC and Associates LLP  a corporate compliance firm, said in a note that, COVID-19 disruption is paving way for a larger digital push as shareholders from across will now be able to participate in such meetings.

However like Venkat pointed out, most of them would still a physical AGM once normalcy returns.
'Very Buckinghamshire'. So what's that meant to mean? It's how one snobbish commentator described the interiors of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's country home in this month's Tatler magazine.

Oh yes, Buckinghamshire, the stockbroker-belt county of the nouveaux riches since the days when the Rothschilds set up camp there  and being Jewish outsiders, had to run their own fox hunt.

The Cambridge's Anmer Hall in more far-flung Norfolk is apparently 'like a gleaming five-star hotel with cushions plumped and candles lit'.

Whoever made that observation, suggesting the home decor, supposedly heavily influenced by Carole Middleton, was more nouveau than aristo clearly doesn't know much about how the New Posh live.

Prince William and Catherine's residence at Amner Hall has been described as 'very Buckinghamshire'

When a wealthy American friend came to live in England 25 years ago he joked that the words he most dreaded hearing when he stayed in the homes of posh Brits were: 'There's usually enough hot water'

Well, times have changed. The old tropes of aristocratic style  doggy-haired soft furnishings, collapsed armchairs, wonky, rusty candelabra, dim lighting, muddy boots in the baronial hallway  are relics of the past.

Current incumbents of a country pile may have inherited a place where you had to bolt from the dining room to the sitting room because the corridors were freezing, and the only warmth was the blazing fire, but if they've got the loot, they're not living like that now.

New-gen posh has changed  just as has the definition of who is posh. An old title and a crumbling estate on the Borders is no longer the key signifier of posh, if that word is meant to carry any superiority and privilege.

By far the wealthiest in this country now are those who have made their own fortunes rather than those who inherited a Coutts account from the times of the Norman Conquest.

In the recent Sunday Times Rich List, the only aristocrat in the top ten was the Duke of Westminster, while the Queen was a low-ranking 372.

Last week there was a photograph of Prince Charles at his desk in Birkhall which brought cheer to my heart, as the clutter of his office bore a distinct similarity to my own.

Rows of framed family photographs, piles of CDs (clearly no Sonos sound system for him), a scattering of unmatched knickknacks, papers littering the surface, a pleated silk lampshade.

Prince Charles's cluttered desk as he talks with Alan Titchmarsh show his 'old posh' credentials

Charles, like his wife Camilla, is old-guard posh. The kind of posh who would only use the term posh as code for 'isn't it a bit over the top?'

As in when Camilla was heard saying 'very posh' when she saw the display of trees lining the nave at the Cambridges' wedding.

I imagine Anmer is more in the style of the new posh of the Cambridge's generation.

Knick-knacks are ruthlessly edited, allowing few to hang around for simply sentimental value.

Bookshelves, rather than being casually filled to breaking point, are 'curated' to look their most decorative.

Table lights, the previous staple lighting of grand country houses, are kept to a minimum.

Instead, a lighting designer will have installed hidden lighting with a push-button ambient glow allowing for a simple 'statement' standing lamp or the ubiquitous row of pendants in the kitchen.

You would be unlikely to find the small cushions embroidered with humorous motifs that Princess Diana was fond of.

For style inspiration you don't have to look much further than Soho Farmhouse, the home-fromhome of the Beckhams, and every other wealthy young Cotswold dweller.

Whereas the Old Posh delighted in the patina of age, choosing paintings, rugs, wallpaper and furniture looking as if it had been there for centuries (which it might well have been), the New Posh like a bit of gleam, polish and comfort.

Sparkling copper saucepans (never used) hang in the kitchen, dust-free Crittall-style French doors open on to fire-pits, corner sofas are allowed in front of the massive plasma-screen TV.

There won't be many two-bar electric fires and Tupperware containers at Anmer, like those you'll find in the Queen's private quarters.

If it's true that the younger Royals' home is 'Very Buckinghamshire' it's only further proof that the couple are part of the real world where the new posh is no longer the province of old money.

End lockdown! I want to be alone...

Lockdown has been miserable for those who live alone. I know.

I have friends and family in that position and understand how bleak it is to have no one beside you when those moments of frustration, dismay and fear that many of us experience from time to time, strike.

But to be honest, one of the things I crave in these days, weeks and now months is time alone.

Our household has been together for ten weeks and, although we're lucky to have a large enough home where we can be in different rooms, I can't wait to have the place back to myself.

Having stopped working in an office where I was constantly surrounded by people a few years ago, I've come to hugely appreciate the hours when no one else is around, safe in the knowledge that they will return at some point.

In normal times there are many hours during the day when no one is here but me.

I can luxuriate in the silence of the house rather than hearing other people's Zoom or FaceTime conversations booming out in their uniquely noisy way.

Or I can put on my own choice of loud music to do the ironing or clean the kitchen and know that no one else will be bothered by it.

And most of all I don't have to talk.

To be able to keep silent without it appearing bad-tempered or critical would be a joy.

I know I should be cherishing the companionship of my nearest and dearest, but honestly  it's exhausting.

What do Dominic Cummings and Kate Moss have in common? Well, quite a bit, as it turns out

What do Dominic Cummings and Kate Moss have in common? Well, quite a bit, as it turns out.

Until last Monday, most people didn't know what either of their voices sounded like.

Despite being one of the most famous women in the world, Kate rarely speaks in public, although in private she's one of the chattiest people I've ever met.

She's a brilliant raconteur with the throaty chuckle and faint rasp of the naughtiest girl in the class  the one whose gang you crave to be in.

She's also a firm believer in the mantra 'never complain, never explain'.

Hearing Cummings speak  a man who has also neither complained nor, many of us think, explained  was one of Bank Holiday Monday's most interesting revelations.

Expecting the rat-a-tat-tat of a lean, mean political machine, his almost gentle Northern burr was a total surprise.

Hearing Cummings speak  a man who has also neither complained nor, many of us think, explained  was one of Bank Holiday Monday's most interesting revelations

The world's better if you can't see it

It's been a good week for the short-sighted.

First, we learned that, if you are worried about your eyes, you can consider driving to a beauty spot in lockdown  and then Prince William explained that his poor eyesight helped him get over stage fright.

He discovered that, when he couldn't see the audience clearly, it was a tremendous help. And he's right.

There's nothing worse than seeing your audience with crystal clarity as they scroll idly through their phones while you're speaking (name-drop alert: I watched Kanye West doing exactly that as his wife Kim Kardashian spoke at a Vogue Festival) or worse, watch them dozing off when you know you've got a good ten minutes to go.

I'm starting to wonder if the people I know who holed up in their second home outside the city when the virus struck will ever come back.

Certainly if it were up to the men, they wouldn't. What's become absolutely clear is that the men are loving their new, more solitary rural life and would happily stay there permanently.

It's what they've been hankering for  a severely reduced social life, no office and constant opportunities for fire building. The womenfolk, not so much
Official White House Photo by Andrea HanksBY: RACHEL SCOTT AND WILL STEAKIN, ABC NEWS

(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trumps controversial comments suggesting looters in Minneapolis be shot and calling protesters thugs marks the latest example of the president choosing to stoke long standing racial divides rather than trying to comfort a hurting community, a reality at odds with his campaigns effort to court black voters.



As the death of George Floyd sparked widespread condemnation after disturbing video spread across social media showing a police officer with his knee on Floyds neck as he yelled out, "I can't breathe, the president remained silent for days on the topic.



Trump instead tweeted repeatedly about topics in the news and pushed unfounded claims about mail-in ballots being tied to widespread fraud and continuously promoted a baseless murder conspiracy, despite a widowers plea, to smear a cable news host.



The president first commented on Floyd's death Wednesday afternoon after being asked by a reporter while touring Kennedy Space Center. He would go on to announced he'd asked the F.B.I. and Justice Department to investigate the incident.



But at nearly 1 a.m on Friday, as protests were raging around the country in the wake of another in-custody death of a black man, the president seemingly reverted to a place critics say he often heads; stoking heated tensions and fanning the flames of longstanding racial division.



In late-night tweets, which Twitter flagged for glorifying violence, the president smeared protesters as thugs, threatened to use military force to assume control, and said when the looting starts, the shooting starts, echoing a phrase first used by a Miami police chief that civil rights groups have widely condemned.



Trump and the White House have since tried to walk back the comments, claiming the president was not encouraging violence and that the president meant looting leads to shooting, saying he didnt know the phrase's origins.



The presidents campaign in a statement blamed the media, Twitter, and Democrats for twisting of President Trumps words to take the entire nation down the worst road imaginable.



The facts show that the President expressed horror over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and ordered the Department of Justice to get involved. When riots erupted in that city and elsewhere, he warned on Twitter that looting could quickly turn into violence, Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement.



But, senior Trump campaign advisor Katrina Pierson defended the presidents words on Twitter writing, Theres no problem standing up to the looters and vandals, in response to Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticizing Trump for suggesting looters should be shot.



Trumps remarks were swiftly condemned by activists and critics claiming Trumps words suggesting looters should be shot showed a stark difference between how the president responds to civil unrest depending on whos protesting, pointing to Trumps tweets from a few weeks back egging on mostly white and some armed conservative groups protesting lockdown measures amid the coronavirus in contrast to his remarks on majority black protesters in Minnesota.



Youre quick to send your troops to kill us? Leslie Redmond, the head of Minneapolis NAACP said at a press conference on Friday. You were crying, liberate Minnesota, when it came to economics, property, and money. When are you going to tell them to liberate black people in America?



But following a night of civil unrest across the country, the president Saturday morning again threatened violent retaliation against protesters.



Hundreds of people gathered outside the White House Friday night to protest Floyd's killing and the president's response, and amid boiling conflict Trump took to Twitter and goaded the protesters writing that if the demonstration had escalated, "thats when people would have been really badly hurt"threatening to sick the "most vicious dogs" and turn the "most ominous weapons" against them, even seeming to revel in the idea that "many Secret Service agents just waiting for action."



The president also, after threatening to use lethal force if protests escalated, appeared to urge pro-Trump demonstrators to show up to the White House on Saturday night, tweeting: "Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???" A move that many in response have pointed out could lead to escalated tensions.



Trumps comments are the latest example of the presidents tendency to seemingly pour gasoline on flaming racial tensions. In 2017, after the massive white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, the president said there is blame on both sides, leading to widespread condemnation that he was blustering racist groups.



And last summer, Trump told a group of four American congresswomen of color to go back to where they came from, a comment that ignited condemnation from Democrats and Republicans.



And as protests rage over Floyd's killing, which many Americans decry as the latest example of police brutality against African Americans, the president's history of urging law enforcement to use excessive force is facing renewed scrutiny. During a 2017 speech to law enforcement officers, the president urged against protecting the heads of suspected gang members when putting them in police cars. Like when you guys put somebody in the car, and youre protecting their head, you know, the way you put your hand over...I said, You can take the hand away, O.K.?



Trumps latest remarks amid tensions in Minneapolis over the death George Floyd come in an election year and while his campaign has heavily invested in an effort to appeal to black voters, with plans to open retail-style stores in black neighborhoods, a multi-million dollar Super Bowl ad buy, and the launch of a Black Voices for Trump coalition.



I think this is an opportune time to really show African Americans that they're trying to engage that they understand the grievances of the overall community, and what not a better time to showcase that than when the community is grieving about injustices, political strategist Shermichael Singleton told ABC News.



And following the presidents lead, the campaign had remained on the sidelines for days as Floyd's death sparked mass condemnation, including by presumptive Democratic nomniee Joe Biden, and devastated and took an emotional toll on the black community they are working to court. Many on the president's team began speaking out on Floyd's death on Thursday amid rising protests across the country and to condemn rioting.



"Looting is not protesting. Burning down local homes and businesses is not protesting. How sad that the memory of #GeorgeFloyd has been lost in all of this," Trump campaign senior advisor Lara Trump tweeted.



But as the campaign has worked to hijack the phrase woke in an attempt to connect with voters, selling hats, shirts, and hoodies embroidered with the phrase groups like Black Lives Matter worked to popularize, some believe their response in times of racial violence has been anything but socially aware of racial injustice.



"Like all Americans, the Trump campaign was shocked and horrified over George Floyds death. The campaign and our surrogates have been active in condemning both Floyds death and the violent outbursts that have followed it," Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said, pointing out that "unlike Joe Biden, who has no actual responsibilities, our candidate is the President of the United States, who has responsibility for the Department of Justice. When the President addressed Floyds death and quickly thereafter announced the DOJ civil rights investigation, the campaign amplified that action."



The campaign said they issued a statement to reporters on Floyd's death on Thursday and said "the country is still dealing with this tragedy, it is important for Americans to come together peacefully, call for clear-eyed justice, and unite as one nation.



In contrast, it took moments for the re-election campaign to launch an all-out onslaught to attempt to smear former Vice President Joe Biden as a racist after his now infamous Breakfast Club interview, first posted online last Friday.



This is disgusting, the Trump campaign tweeted less than an hour after the interview appeared on YouTube, along with a clip of Biden telling radio host Charlamagne Tha God that black voters aint black if theyre still deciding between voting for him or the president. Biden later that same day during a call with the National Black Chamber of Commerce conceded that he was much too cavalier in his remarks, and said he did not take the black vote for granted.



Still in the hours leading up to that call, the presidents campaign team deployed a full-scale blitz utilizing its massive war chest, organizational might, and Black Voices for Trump coalition to try and capitalize on Bidens comments as part of the Trump campaigns latest effort to appeal to black voters, a core voting block for the former vice president and Democrats.



The Trump team helped push a #YouAintBlack hashtag that trended across Twitter--They dropped a $1 million ad-buy promoting Bidens comments and labeling him a racist." And before noon last Friday, the Trump campaign had scheduled and held a press conference call featuring South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, the sole black Republican senator, to blast the presumptive Democratic nominees comments.



And as thousands took to the streets to demand justice for Floyd, the Trump campaign blasted its Black Voices for Trump email list on Wednesday afternoon still highlighting Bidens comments, asking voters to mobilize behind President Trump.



On Friday night, the Trump campaign emailed supporters and the media a list of what The Trump campaign is saying about the tragic loss of George Floyd, which featured campaign officials like senior advisor Lara Trump condemning looting. But most Trump campaign officials remained silent regarding the incident until Friday when they issued statements online days later condemning the looting and protests in the wake of Floyds death along with condolences.



Biden first addressed Floyds death in a tweet on Tuesday calling for a  thorough investigation and adding George Floyd deserved better and his family deserves justice. His life mattered.



A day later, Biden again addressed Floyds death during a digital event on Wednesday, arguing that the incident--and its similarities to Eric Garners case from five years ago which saw a white New York City police officer caused the chokehold death a black man, proved just how much further the country needs to go to root out systemic injustice.



It cuts at the very heart of our sacred belief that all Americans are equal in rights and in dignity, and it sends a very clear message to the black community and black lives that are under threat, every single day, Biden said.



Along with touting the landmark criminal justice reform bill the president signed into law in late 2018, Trump had planned to use historically low black unemployment, which began to decline under President Barack Obama as his main pitching point to black voters, but with those numbers skyrocketing amid the coronavirus pandemic disproportionately impacting black and minority communities, his team has switched focus to painting Biden as a racist.



Plans for the Trump campaign to open up retail style community centers in several predominantly black cities in battleground states in an effort to pitch minority voters have been put off during the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, Trump allies also held independent events in black communities, touting the presidents record and giving away thousands in cash.



In 2016, Trump won just 8% of African-American voters. And as the Trump campaign has ramped up efforts to court black voters, advisers say even a marginal increase in support in key battleground states would have a significant impact.



It defies all logic and reason for Donald Trump to try to court black voters while trying to win white votes by calling black people 'thugs' and amplifying racial violence, Yvette Simpson, CEO, Democracy for America and ABC News contributor said.



The Trump campaign's attempts to win black votes aren't about serving black people, they're about distracting the public (and especially white voters) from the image of an incompetent president who used bigotry and racial resentment to fuel his political rise, and who continues to fuel the fire of hate and racism today, Simpson told ABC News.



Darrell Scott, a close ally to President Trump told ABC News discussions are underway to resume those events.



Scott, who President Trump called a very good friend during a listening session with African American leaders in Michigan this month, serves as the CEO of the National Diversity Coalition for Trump and Urban Revitalization Coalition.



He pushed back against accusations the community events, which he called nonpartisan are trying to buy the black vote.



To imply that the black community would have a vote to sell or to imply that we thought so less of the black community to entice them with the selling of a vote is offensive, Scott told ABC News.



Scott, who also serves as a co-chair for the Black Voices for Trump coalition is one of few campaign officials who spoke out publicly immediately following Floyds death.



Its more than a Black Rights issue, its a Human Rights issue, Scott stated on Twitter.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
On the one-month anniversary of Rishi Kapoors death, his family members including daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and her husband Bharat Sahni paid tribute to the actor with social media posts.

Posting a picture of the Kapoor family together, Riddhima shared a Hebrew proverb as the caption to an Instagram story, Say not in grief: He is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was. The picture shows Riddhima and Bharat posing with their daughter Samara, Rishi, and his wife Neetu.

Bharat took to his Instagram stories and shared a picture from a prayer meet held for the late actor, which shows a garlanded portrait.

The actor died on April 30, after a two-year-long battle with leukaemia. Riddhima, who was in New Delhi at the time, could not make it to Mumbai for his funeral because of the travel restrictions due to the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, but arrived after driving 1500 kilometres a day later. She has been posting regularly on social media, and has been sharing old pictures of her father for fans.

Also read: Iconic Kapoor family photos shared by Riddhima, Armaan as they remember Rishi Kapoor: I love and miss you

She recently shared pictures from her wedding, in which the late actor could be seen sitting next to her. She also shared a picture of Rishi posing with granddaughter Samara in matching sunglasses.

Upon his death, a statement released by Rishis family said that he remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest during his two-year battle with cancer. The statement added that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON






Nearly half of the US is on at least one prescription, but the coronavirus pandemic has thrown people for a loop and made picking up medications another in a long list of daily hurdles. Nuro is hoping to make getting prescriptions easier by teaming up with CVS. The company will use its fleet of autonomous vehicles to deliver meds to the curbs of customers who place orders via CVS.com or the CVS pharmacy app. The pilot program will start in June and will serve areas in Houston, Texas.

This service will be free to all CVS Pharmacy customers, and Nuro says that deliveries should take three hours or less. The prescriptions will be safely locked inside the delivery vehicles until the customer proves their identity. The pilot does seem limited, since its serving such a small area, but hopefully it will expand to other cities if its successful. The company says that it plans to eventually transition from its Toyota Prius fleet to its custom R2 delivery bots in the coming months.

Nuro has partnered with Kroger and Dominos to deliver groceries and meals previously, so transporting prescriptions isnt too outside the companys realm of the companys expertise. Hopefully the program will help customers get their medications more easily and safely  especially while social distancing orders are still in place.

This story by Marc DeAngelis originally appeared on Engadget.

Related Video:



Click here to See Video >>
Weather again could throw a wrench in the planned launch for NASA's SpaceX mission to the International Space Station Saturday afternoon.

The forecast for NASA's SpaceX launch in Cape Canaveral Saturday, unfortunately, calls for scattered thunderstorms, including lightning. While the forecast is not looking as poor as this past Wednesdays forecast, which forced NASA to scrub the launch, it isnt looking significantly better either.

High-resolution models do indicate, though, that there is a chance the thunderstorms sit just inland away from the Cape, but it will be a close call.

PHOTO: The forecast for NASA's SpaceX launch in Cape Canaveral Saturday, unfortunately, calls for scattered thunderstorms (ABC News)

Wednesday's launch was called off less than 20 minutes before its scheduled liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida due to inclement weather.

The SpaceX Demo-2 launch will send NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the ISS on a Crew Dragon spacecraft propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket.

Saturday's launch is currently set for 3:22 p.m. ET.

In the Northeast Saturday, much of the region will see a very nice day ahead with temperatures warming into the 70s and some low 80s with dew points becoming increasingly lower through the day. Additionally, clouds will clear out of much of the region during the afternoon, so plenty of sunshine is in the forecast.

For much of the west, a storm moving into the region Saturday. The location of the low-pressure system, clearly visible on a satellite Saturday morning off the coast of California, is a little atypical for late May. It more resembles something we would see in the middle of the winter or early spring.

The storm will bring some rain into parts of northern California Saturday, which would be welcomed since much of the northern half of California and nearly all of Oregon are in some type of drought condition. Additionally, parts of this region also received a significant heatwave earlier this week. There could be a couple of pockets of flooding with the storm Saturday.

PHOTO: The storm will bring some rain into parts of northern California Saturday, which would be welcomed since much of the northern half of California and nearly all of Oregon are in some type of drought condition. (ABC News)

The storm will also kick up some winds and as it moves inland, where there looks to be a chance for dry, gusty winds over parts of the desert of Nevada and Utah. There is a fire danger in that region Saturday.

Story continues

As the storm moves into the Northwest, it will likely bring a chance for a couple of severe storms in Oregon and Washington, with gusty, damaging winds the main threat.

The storm clears out on Sunday, with cooler weather dominating much of the region in the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, a cluster of storms well east of the U.S. coastline and well north of the Caribbean is being monitored for tropical development. Right now, there is a 60% chance it will develop in the next five days. Monday is the first official day of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season and there have already had two named storms.

PHOTO: Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, a cluster of storms well east of the U.S. coastline and well north of the Caribbean is being monitored for tropical development. (ABC News)

In the Pacific, a cluster of storms near Guatemala is being monitored for development, with a 70% chance of development in the next five days.

ABC News' Catherine Thorbecke contributed to this report.

NASA-SpaceX launch forecast includes possible thunderstorm, lightning originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Tatiana Bautzer

SAO PAULO, May 30 (Reuters) - Brazilian private equity firm IG4 has spent 200 million reais ($38 million) on two recent deals to acquire hospitals through its recently formed OPY Health unit amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Both hospitals, one in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte in the country's southeast which OPY bought in March and another one in the Amazonian city of Manaus whose purchase was finalized on Friday, are part of Brazil's public health system serving low-income members of the population.

The former was purchased from Brazilian construction conglomerate Andrade Gutierrez and the latter from Spain's Abengoa SA. Both sellers are restructuring debt.

OPY is in talks to acquire other six Brazilian hospitals, the sources added, asking for anonymity to disclose private talks. At least two more deals may be announced this year, the sources added.

The hospital in Belo Horizonte has 440 beds and the one in Manaus, 380 beds. The latter were recently converted into ICU units when the city's healthcare system teetered on the verge of collapse as it suffered from one of the country's worst outbreaks of the virus. The private equity firm is planning to expand the number of beds in both hospitals.

The hospitals represent first investments of the $250 million fund focused in Latin America raised by IG4 last March, mainly from European investors.

The two IG4 Brazilian hospitals will have average revenue of 220 million reais combined, paid by Brazil's Ministry of Health. Their EBITDA margin is close to 50%, according to the sources.

OPY Health follows a model common in the UK and Canada, where private companies own and manage hospitals serving public health services. In the UK, the largest companies are listed, such as Primary Health Properties Plc.

High margins in private Brazilian hospital chain Rede D'Or have previously lured investors such as Singapore's GIC Pte and Carlyle Group. ($1 = 5.3360 reais) (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Christian Plumb and Sandra Maler)
The pandemic should be a wake-up call. Deadly global threats require a new unity and solidarity. This concern was stressed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr Antonio Guterres, in this exclusive interview with Vatican media.

Recently you made an appeal for peace in the world, a world affected by the pandemic. This initiative links up once again with those taken by Pope Francis  whom you have met at the end of last year, when you delivered a video message together  who keeps asking to cease all wars. You said: The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war.. Why, do you think, is it so difficult to get this message through?

First, I would like to renew my deep appreciation to Pope Francis for his support for my global ceasefire appeal and the work of the United Nations. His global engagement, compassion and calls for unity reaffirm the core values that guide our work: to reduce human suffering and promote human dignity.

When I launched the ceasefire appeal, my message to parties to conflict around the world was simple: fighting needs to stop so that we can focus on our shared enemy  COVID-19.

So far, the call has been endorsed by 115 Governments, regional organizations, more than 200 civil society groups as well as other religious leaders. Sixteen armed groups have pledged to end violence. Millions of people have also signed an on-line call for support.

But mistrust remains high, and it is difficult to turn these commitments into actions that make a difference in the lives of those impacted by conflict.

My special representatives and envoys are working tirelessly around the world, with my own direct involvement when necessary, to turn expressed intentions into effective cease-fires.

I continue to call on parties to conflict and on all those who can have influence on them, to place the health and safety of people first.

I would also like to mention another appeal I have made that I consider essential: an appeal for peace in the home. Across the globe, as the pandemic spreads, we are also witnessing an alarming increase in violence against women and girls.

I have asked Governments, civil society and all those who can help around the world to mobilize to better protect women. I have also appealed to religious leaders of every faith to unequivocally condemn all acts of violence against women and girls and to uphold the bedrock principles of equality.

A few months ago, before the pandemic broke out, you said that fear is the best-selling brand. This is something which now, in these weeks, could be even more amplified. How, do you think, is it possible to fight the feelings of fear spreading among people, especially in these difficult times?

The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a global health emergency.

In recent weeks, there has been a surge of conspiracy theories and anti-foreigner sentiment. In some cases, journalists, health professionals, or human rights defenders have been targeted simply for doing their jobs.

From the very beginning of this crisis, I have been advocating for solidarity within societies and among countries. Our response must be based on human rights and human dignity.

I have also called on educational institutions to focus on digital literacy, and I have urged media, especially social media companies, to do much more to flag and remove racist, misogynist and other harmful content, in line with international human rights law.

Religious leaders have a crucial role to play to promote mutual respect in their communities and beyond. They are well-positioned to challenge inaccurate and harmful messages, and encourage all communities to promote non-violence and reject xenophobia, racism and all forms of intolerance.



Fear is certainly fostered by fake news, which, as you recently denounced, are spreading more and more. How is it possible to fight misinformation without risking to blot out fundamental freedoms and rights in the name of this battle ?

People around the world want to know what to do and where to turn for advice. Instead, they have to navigate an epidemic of misinformation that, at its worst, can put lives at risk.

I salute the journalists and others who are fact-checking the mountain of misleading stories and social media posts.

In support of these efforts, I have launched a UN Communications Response initiative, under the name Verified, aimed at getting accurate, factual information to people while encouraging solutions and solidarity as we move from crisis to recovery.

Religious leaders also have a role to play to leverage their networks and communication capacities to support governments in promoting public health measures recommended by the World Health Organization from physical distancing to good hygiene  and to dispel false information and rumors.

Among the groundless news that daily assail public opinion, currently there is a lot of criticism of UN agencies, as for example the World Health Organization (WHO). What is your opinion with regard to this?

As we mourn the lives lost to the virus, we despair that many more will follow, particularly in places least able to cope with a pandemic.

Looking back at how the pandemic unfolded, and at the international response, will be crucial. But, right now, the World Health Organization and the entire UN system are in a race against the clock to save lives.

I am particularly worried about the lack of adequate solidarity with developing countries -- both in equipping them to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the dramatic economic and social impacts on the worlds poorest.

The World Health Organization, and the entire United Nations system have mobilized fully to save lives, stave off famine, ease the pain and plan for recovery.

We set out a U.S.$7.6 billion Global Humanitarian Response Plan for the most vulnerable populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons. Donors have generously pledged close to $1 billion so far and I continue my advocacy to ensure that this plan is fully funded.

Our country teams are working in coordination with Governments to mobilize funding, to assist health ministries on preparedness, and to support economic and social measures, from food security and home schooling to cash transfers and many others.

Our peace operations continue to carry out their important protection mandates, and to support peace and political processes.

The UN system network of supply chains has been placed at the disposal of developing countries, with millions of test kits, respirators and surgical masks having now reached more than 100 countries. We have set up solidarity flights to bring more supplies and workers to dozens of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

And since the beginning, I have mobilized the expertise within the entire UN family to produce a series of reports and policy briefs to provide analysis and advice for an effective, coordinated response by the international community. (https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/un-secretary-general)



We are living in a time where attacks against multilateralism are multiplying. Do you think there is a need to strengthen peoples trust in international institutions? And how could this be done?

The collaboration and contribution of all States - including the most powerful- is essential to not only fight COVID19 but also to address the peace and security challenges we are facing. It is also essential to help create conditions for an effective recovery in the developed and developing world.

The virus has demonstrated our global fragility. And this fragility is not limited to our health systems. It affects all areas of our world and our institutions.

The fragility of coordinated global efforts is highlighted by our failed response to the climate crisis, by the ever-increasing risk of nuclear proliferation, by our inability to come together to better regulate the web.

The pandemic should be a wake-up call. Deadly global threats require a new unity and solidarity.

You have openly commended the European initiative aimed at developing a vaccine for Covid-19. However, finding a vaccine might tempt someone to take up a dominant position within the international community. How can we avoid this risk? And even before finding a vaccine, what can be done in order to test the treatments that have proven to be of some efficacy?

In an interconnected world, none of us is safe until all of us are safe.

This was, in a few words, the essence of my message at the launch of ACT Accelerator  the global collaboration to speed up the development, production and equitable access to new COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.

This must be seen as a global public good. Not a vaccine or treatments for one country or one region or one-half of the world  but a vaccine and treatment that are affordable, safe, effective, easily-administered and universally available  for everyone, everywhere. This vaccine needs to be the peoples vaccine.

How can we avoid having first rank and second rank countries in this fight against the virus? At any rate, there is a danger that the pandemic will widen the gap between rich and poor. How can we avoid this happening?

The pandemic is exposing inequalities everywhere. Economic inequalities, disparities in access to health services and so much more.

Poverty could rise by 500 million people  the first increase in three decades.

We cannot allow this to happen and this is why I continue to advocate for a global relief package amounting to at least 10 per cent of the global economy.

The most developed countries can do this with their own resources, and some have already begun to put in place such measures. But developing countries need massive and urgent support.

The International Monetary Fund has already approved emergency financing to a first group of developing countries. The World Bank has indicated that with new and existing resources, it can provide $160 billion of financing over the next 15 months. The G20 has endorsed the suspension of debt service payments for the poorest countries.

I fully appreciate these steps, which can protect people, jobs and development gains. But even this will not be sufficient and it will be important to consider additional measures, including debt relief, to avoid prolonged financial and economic crises.

Some say that after this pandemic the world will never be the same again. What could the future of the United Nations be in tomorrows world?

The pandemic recovery brings opportunities to steer the world onto a safer, healthier, more sustainable and inclusive path.

The inequalities and gaps in social protection that have been so painfully exposed will need to be addressed. We will also have an opportunity to place women and gender equality at the forefront to help build resilience to future shocks.

Recovery also needs to go hand-in-hand with climate action.

I have been calling on Governments to ensure that spending to revitalize economies should be used to invest in the future, not the past.

Taxpayers money should be used to accelerate the decarbonization of all aspects of our economy and privilege the creation of green jobs. Now is the time to put a price on carbon and for polluters to pay for their pollution. Financial institutions and investors must take climate risks fully into account.

Our template remains the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Now is the time to be determined. Determined to defeat COVID-19 and to emerge from the crisis by building a better world for all.

By Andrea Monda
The state police force of the Republic of Ireland are investigating a recent theft of a hybrid cars catalytic converter in Dublin. The theft is the latest in line by an alleged gang which conducted dozens of similar thefts.

The most recent theft took place in Red Cow Luas Park & Ride facility in west Dublin on Friday. As per a report by The Journal, the theft took place between the hours of 8:30 am and 12.30 pm as its owner had gone to work. The thieves climbed under the hybrid vehicle and cut off the cars catalytic converter.

The report cites the victims husband saying She drives a hybrid so there is platinum in the catalytic converter which they scrap. He added, When I contacted the guards they said this is a recurring act in this location. They also said the CCTV footage is terrible there and it only covers a small percentage of the car park which is very unclear.

A catalytic converter in a Diesel car (Representative Image: Reuters)

The reason for the theft, as highlighted above, is that the cars converters contain precious metals like rhodium and palladium. Thieves reportedly steal those to sell them to operators of scrap yards around the capital. Such metals are found more in hybrid cars than standard vehicles, as they are used to remove hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases from exhaust emission.



The report further mentions that such parts are stolen from the cars within minutes. The items are sold at a scrapyard, where they are sold back to the motorists at an inflated price.

An average cars catalytic converter contains about 2 grams of palladium, with some models even using up to 7 grams of the metal. An ounce (or 28 grams) of palladium currently trades at just below 2,000 (~Rs 1.7 lakh) as per the report. Rhodium trades at just over 8,200 (Rs 6.8 lakh) per 28 grams.

This is what makes it very difficult for the owners of the targeted vehicles to replace the stolen part. We got quotes for 1,200 (~Rs 1 lakh) to get the car fixed which is a months wage for my wife, says the husband cited in the report. Then again, even getting it fixed is not a permanent solution,  When we get it fixed we will not feel safe leaving it back there so we can get stung again, he adds.

Palladium Metal (Representative Image: Reuters)

Gardai, or the police force of Dublin, believe that a criminal gang in the area is behind the thefts. The report mentions a number of such thefts being reported to the officers in the area. The report cites a garda spokesman confirming an investigation into Fridays theft. Gardai are investigating an incident of theft from a car that occurred on Friday 22 May 2020 at approximately 1pm near Oak Road, in Clondalkin. During the incident, a catalytic converter was taken from the vehicle. No damage was caused to the car. Investigation ongoing.


New Delhi, May 31 : Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is spearheading India's humanitarian export thanks to integrating technology, raw material, 10k tailors and diverting newly acquired Alok Industries "fully" into PPE manufacturing for the world.

Reliance Industries has redeployed its newly acquired manufacturing facilities in Silvassa, Gujarat for exclusively manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard India's doctors, nurses, medical staff and other frontline workers engaged in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

RIL re-engineered the plant and processes in quick time to enable manufacturing of PPE material and has deployed fresh technical tailoring resources of nearly 10,000 people for assembling the PPE suits.

Production started in mid-April and has been quickly ramped up to produce more than 1 lakh PPE per day now. This constitutes a significant proportion of India's daily PPE production.

India was importing most of its PPE requirement till manufacturing in India started ramping up from mid-April as a response to the national call for domestic manufacturing for COVID management.

Reliance has also been able to bring down the pricing of the PPE to nearly Rs 650 per PPE, a significant drop from the Rs 2,000 per piece that India was incurring earlier.

The availability of high quality and low cost PPEs from RIL are expected to significantly boost India's effectiveness in handling the COVID emergency.

The facility at Silvassa is manufacturing PPE coverall suits which are single piece zip-up suits and give complete protection. The coverall hems are covered with anti-microbial tape.

RIL is using high grade polypropylene to produce the equipment lending it more opacity while keeping it light weight. A PPE suit consists of coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, mask-three ply or N 95 (with our without respirator), head gear and face shield.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the protective equipment consists of garments placed to protect the health care workers or any other persons to get infected. These usually consist of standard precautions: gloves, mask, gown. If it is blood or airborne high infections it will include face protection, goggles and mask or faceshield, gloves, gown or coverall, head cover, rubber boots.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Sales of previously occupied homes fell in December for the first time in four months as many would-be buyers were frustrated by a lack of available houses, which fell to the lowest level in more than two...
New Delhi: The late legendary actor Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor's daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni remembered the time spent with her father in an emotional post, a month after he breathed his last on April 30, 2020. She quoted a few lines of Maya Angelou's 'A Great Soul', giving an ode to her father, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor.

Riddhima posted on Instagram: A Great Soul by Maya Angelou

A great soul

serves everyone

all the time.

A great soul

never dies.

It brings us together

again and again. We love you Papa

Rishi Kapoor left this material world for his heavenly abode on April 30, 2020, Thursday at 8.45 am in Mumbai Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital where he was admitted the day before. He was 67.

The veteran actor battled Leukemia for two long years and underwent treatment for it in New York where he stayed for almost a year. He is survived by wife and actress Neetu Kapoor, children Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who stays in Delhi was unable to attend her father's last rites due to lockdown to fight the deadly novel coronavirus. She, however, got the permission to travel by road after Delhi police issued a pass to her to travel to Mumbai.

She reached her Mumbai home a day after the last rites were performed. In these testing times, the Kapoor family has stood together like a solid rock.
New South Wales restaurants may be able exploit a loophole to seat as many as 100 patrons as more coronavirus restrictions are slowly lifted.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced last week limits at pubs and restaurants would be capped at 50 people from this Monday.

Though the Weekend Australian reports industry documents present a secret loophole that could double the number of patrons allowed in at any one time.

Restaurants are allowed to seat 50 people in an 'existing seated dining area'.

New South Wales restaurants may be able exploit a loophole to seat as many as 100 patrons as more coronavirus restrictions are slowly lifted

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced last week limits at pubs and restaurants would be capped at 50 people from this Monday

The clause is left open for interpretation to possibly mean as many as 50 people could be seated indoors, a further 50 outdoors and some more in private dining rooms.

Even so, customers will have to be seated at tables and must have four square meters per person, meaning smaller bars and cafes will not be able to fit 50 people inside.

There will also be no buffets or shared cutlery and bookings will be limited to 10 people.

Diners will have to register their name and phone number when they enter the premises so they can be contacted in the event of an outbreak.

'You have to be seated at the table, you have to be served at the table.

'There is no mingling, no standing around. There are strict guidelines in place, which will ensure that we can do this safely,' Ms Berejiklian said.

The Premier said she made the move to get Australians back into work after 210,000 lost their jobs in the state in April.

'We are making sure people aren't long-term unemployed, and that we can bounce back from the devastating economic shock,' she said.

Up to 20 people will be allowed to attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship from Monday onwards.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant outlined the risks requiring management.

'Places of worship will be asked to find alternatives to practices that might spread the virus, like singing, sharing books and even passing around the collection plate,' Dr Chant said on Friday.

Though the Weekend Australian reports industry documents present a secret loophole that could double the number of patrons allowed in at any one time

Restaurants are allowed to seat 50 people in an 'existing seated dining area'

'Communal singing and chanting should not occur because of the high risk of transmission.'

Anthony Fisher, the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, on Friday said in a statement the Catholic Church would abide by all government health regulations.

'The closure of our churches and indeed of all places of worship has been deeply distressing for many people of faith in our community,' Archbishop Fisher said.

The archbishop of the Anglican Archdiocese of Sydney says Anglican churches are well prepared to return to services with a maximum of 50 people.

Hand sanitisers will be available at each entrance, churches will be thoroughly cleaned between services and designated ushers will record the contact details of each attendee.

The clause is left open for interpretation to possibly mean as many as 50 people could be seated indoors, a further 50 outdoors and some more in private dining rooms

Even so, customers will have to be seated at tables and must have four square meters per person, meaning smaller bars and cafes will not be able to fit 50 people inside

'We realise that this is not the normality we enjoyed in 2019 ... We are grateful for the relief, joy and comfort that many parishioners will feel in meeting again in public Christian worship,' Archbishop Glenn Davies said in a statement on Friday.

It comes as NSW on Friday recorded two new COVID-19 cases from more than 9900 tests, both of whom were returned overseas travellers in Sydney hotel quarantine.

The total number of coronavirus cases in NSW is 3092 with one person in intensive care.

Meanwhile, the state government has a fight on its hands to get a 12-month public sector pay freeze through parliament, with upper house crossbench MPs vowing to block the measure.

Ms Berejiklian on Thursday raised the possibility of job losses amid the COVID-19 pandemic unless the proposed freeze was endorsed on Macquarie Street.

The freeze is expected to save $3 billion which will be reinvested in public projects.

But NSW Labor, the Greens and the Shooters Party have this week flagged they will block the move in the Legislative Council, with one crossbencher arguing the coalition is engaging in 'economic blackmail' during a health crisis.

Ms Berejiklian last week sought a freeze on pay rises for MPs, which was extended on Wednesday to include the entire NSW public service comprising 410,000 workers.
NEW YORK, The judge in a June 8 federal court trial in San Francisco has cleared the way for three international experts in neurotoxicity to testify on the risks of fluoride in public water supplies, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) reports.

In addition, the court ruled that the purported benefits of community water fluoridation cannot be part of the trial, restricting testimony to the toxic risks under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Paul Connett, Ph.D., executive director of lead plaintiff FAN in the case, hailed the decisions as helping to keep the focus of the trial where it belongs, on recent scientific studies pointing to IQ loss in the offspring of pregnant women exposed to higher levels of fluoride. The plaintiffs seek to ban the addition of fluoridation chemicals to public water supplies to protect the public and susceptible subpopulations from the neurotoxic effects of fluoride. (See backgrounder, Fluoridations Neurotoxicity.)

The rulings came May 8 in a hearing that laid the groundwork for a video trial set to begin June 8 and to run for two weeks. Due to the COVID-19 virus, the trial has been compressed.

Despite the time constraints, Connett expressed confidence that FANs case for showing fluorides neurotoxicity will be demonstrated. That will be crucial to the case against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Three experts the EPA sought to exclude from the trial but who will now take part include: Dr. Philippe Grandjean of Harvard and the University of Southern Denmark, Dr. Howard Hu of the University of Washington, and Dr. Bruce Lanphear of Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.

Relying on the citizen petition provisions of TSCA, the lawsuit challenges a practice endorsed by the U.S. Public Health Service 70 years ago and affecting 200 million Americans on public water systems.

As plaintiff, FAN is joined by Moms Against Fluoridation and the consumer advocacy group Food and Water Watch. Several individuals representing themselves and/or their children complete the list of plaintiffs.

A Fact Sheet providing further information on the case is at http://fluoridealert.org/tsca-fact-sheet/
Un soldat camerounais archives

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA, says it condemns the extrajudicial execution of four unarmed young men by State Defense and Security Forces in Buea, Southwest Region on Thursday.

The organisation founded by Human Rights Lawyer Felix Agbor Anyior Nkongho alias Agbor Balla in a dispatch Friday said on Thursday, the 28th of May 2020, the state military conducted an offensive raid around the Neighborhood of Upper Bonduma, situated in Buea, the chief town of the South West Region, which led to the killing of four unarmed young men.

CHRDA says the incident took place in an uncompleted building, where the young men were allegedly caught smoking weed before being executed by the military. The human rights organisation quotes its sources as saying that the building was raided by the military, and voices were heard of young men crying under pain of beatings for close to 45 minutes before gunshots were heard.

Access to the scene of the incident, the presser states, was restricted for the locals. But after the administrative authorities of Buea visited the scene, the corpses of the victims were taken to the mortuary. A few journalists of the local media, who visited the building recount that apparently there were no weapons found in the building, save for the fact that the building appears to be a host for marijuana consumers. It is also alleged one person survived the shooting and was whisked off by the military to an undisclosed destination.

CHRDA condemns Thursdays act in the strongest possible terms as it is a blatant violation of human rights. The extrajudicial executions, it says, go in sharp contrast to the fundamental rights protected by the constitution of Cameroon and all International Human Rights instruments as well as the Criminal Procedure Code. All of these instruments proclaim the right to life, right to fair hearing as well the as presumption of innocence which is guaranteed a suspect even when caught fragrante delicto.

CHRDA recommends an immediate investigation into Thursdays summary killings so as to give the rule of law a chance to prevail over impunity.

While authorities maintain sealed lips, CHRDA recalls the July 30, 2018 execution of five young men in Bakweri Town as well as the September 27, 2018 killings in Buea Town, all localities in Buea.

CHRDA recalls: This is not the first case of arbitrary executions in Buea within the context of the Anglophone crisis. On Monday the 30th of July 2018, five (5) young men in the locality of Bakweri Town, were massacred under similar circumstances. Equally, on Thursday the 27th day of September 2018, the military (BIR) targeted and killed seven (7) identified unarmed civilians in a compound at Ikundi Street in Babuti neighborhood of Buea town.

None of these cases has ever been investigated despite calls from the local and international human rights defenders, yet such incidents keep repeating even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. CHRDA calls on the government of Cameroon to investigate these targeted killings committed by the Defense and Security Forces and put to rest such impunity against unarmed civilians.
Twenty-six people from Godhra in Gujarat, stranded in Pakistan due to the lockdown, have sought help of the Ministry of External Affairs to cross the Attari-Wagah border on June 4.

They had gone to Karachi in February-March to attend weddings and meet relatives but were forced to stay after lockdown for coronavirus came into force in India, trains and flights were canceled and the Attari border point was sealed.

In a letter to the Indian High Commission, the group requested that the MEA ensure that they were allowed to cross the Attari-Wagah border on June 4 for boarding train for Godhra.

"Kindly let us know immediately so that we can leave Karachi on June 2, and reach Wagah-Attari border on time on June 4. Hopefully, you will make every possible effort to make proper arrangements for us," the letter said.

"Crossing the border is the only impediment for us now," said Ishaq Bokda, one of the stranded Indians, in a video message from Karachi, shared by his son back in Godhra.

"On May 21, we gave undertaking as per the direction of the High Commission of India in Islamabad that we will follow Indian government's rules and regulations regarding lockdown and will remain in self-quarantine after reaching home.

"But despite that, we have not yet received any reply from them," Ishaq Bokda said.

"As train services in India resume from June 1, my six family members and twenty others from Godhra currently stuck in Karachi have booked confirmed tickets on Golden Temple Mail for June 4," said Arman Bokda, Ishaq's son, while sharing the letter and video message.

"They will board the train from Amritsar. But they are still uncertain about crossing the border," he said.

"There are around 300 Indians stuck in Pakistan due to the lockdown. They had earlier appealed to the government to bring them back on special flights under Vande Bharat Mission. However, no such arrangement was made. We hope the government will ensure their return home this time by allowing them to cross the Wagah border," Bokda said.
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gen III Oil Corporation (Gen III or the Company) (TSX-V: GIII) (OTCQX: ISRJF) is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement (the Offering). In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,773,659 common shares in the capital of the Company (the Shares) at a price of CDN$0.15 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds of CDN$416,048.85.



GEN III intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid a cash commission totalling CDN$26,873.42 and issued 173,156 Share purchase warrants (the Finders Warrants) in connection with subscriptions from subscribers introduced to the Offering by Fieldhouse Capital Management Inc. and an order processed by another institution. Each Finders Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Share at an exercise price of CDN$0.15 per Share until May 29, 2021.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance.

Furthermore, Gen III wishes to announce it successfully applied to the National Research Council of Canadas Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) in late April 2019. The funding provides a non-dilutive payroll subsidy meant to assist innovative, early-stage small and medium sized enterprises that were unable to access existing COVID-19 business support. The Company will receive up to $71,148, payable in two tranches during June 2020. We are grateful to the support shown by the Government of Canada and the NRC.

About Gen III Oil Corporation

Gen III is first and foremost a cleantech company, that is building a green project that has compelling economics, without government subsidies. Gen III owns a portfolio of patented technologies that enable used motor oil (UMO) re-refineries to produce a higher value product mix of base oils than traditional methods, including 55% Group III. The Company currently holds 8 patents issued in North America, 2 patents issued overseas and has 7 patent applications, patents pending or under review in strategic countries/regions around the world. The Companys first full-scale facility is currently under development in Alberta, with targeted production commencing 18 months after the requisite financing is obtained (the Project). With a fully executed off-take marketing agreement in hand with Elbow River Marketing Ltd., a subsidiary of Parkland Fuel Corporation, the Company has in place agreements for the sale of all its finished products when commercial production begins at its Bowden facility. The Bowden facility is being designed to process 2,800 bpd of used motor oil into a range of base stocks and related petroleum products. For more information about the Company, please visit www.geniiioil.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Gen III Oil Corporation



Greg Clarkes

Greg Clarkes

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, contact Greg Clarkes at (604) 806-5275

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking information). Without limiting the foregoing, such forward-looking information includes statements regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering and any statements regarding the Companys business plans, expectations and objectives. In this news release, words such as may, would, could, will, likely, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, plan, estimate and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking information. Forward looking information should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or the Company managements good faith belief with respect to future events and is subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Companys control. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Companys most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis and financial statements and other documents filed by the Company with the Canadian securities commissions and the discussion of risk factors set out therein. Such documents are available at www.sedar.com under the Companys profile and on the Companys website, https://www.geniiioil.com/. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Companys expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Isla Fisher recently enjoyed a bike ride with her comedian husband Sacha Baron Cohen.

And it seems the Australian actress, 44, is committed to the exercise as she opted for a solo day out on her wheels in Los Angeles on Friday.

The Wedding Crashers star cut a casual figure in her activewear and wore a protective face mask as she zoomed around town.

Safety first! Isla Fisher wore a face mask on her bike through Los Angeles on Friday

The red-haired beauty wore a pair of stylish sunglasses and styled her locks in a braid under her white helmet.

She dressed in a white long-sleeved top and cropped leggings, which she paired with white trainers.

Isla, who got her start in acting on Home and Away, appeared to be in the zone as she rode down a quiet bike lane, enjoying her daily exercise allowance amid the COVID-19 restrictions in California.

Break time: At one point, she pulled over to the side of the lane to take a quick break and check her phone, which she mounted on the handle bar

At one point, she pulled over to the side of the lane to take a quick break and check her phone, which she mounted on the handle bar.

Isla's day out comes after she was seen riding her bike with husband Sacha Baron Cohen, who she shares three children with, through the canyons of LA.

The couple are based in the city with their family.

Before California went into lockdown in March, Isla was in the middle of shooting the Disney Plus comedy, Godmothered, in Boston.

Family: Isla is based in Los Angeles with her comedian husband Sacha Baron Cohen (pictured together at the Golden Globe Awards in January 2020)

The film follows an unskilled fairy godmother, played by Jillian Bell, who sets out to help a woman, played by Isla, whose wish was ignored as a child.

Isla also wrapped production on a new big screen adaptation of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit with Dan Stevens, Judie Dench and Leslie Mann.

It's scheduled for release in September, but that may change due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Hong Kongs long history as an independent entity is being systematically squeezed by China, which experts contend is lashing out at challenges to its global ambitions  as well as the coronavirus crisis spawned within its borders, which remains shrouded in suspicion.

Roiled for over a year by anti-government protests, Hong Kong is now in the crosshairs of a Chinese government thats increasingly on the defensive as it moves to entrench its status as a superpower.

By enacting the Security Act of Hong Kong this week, the Chinese government effectively put the world on notice that decades of Hong Kong semi-autonomy  and a raucous independence movement  are coming to an end. It also raises the possibility that the dispute may end in a violent confrontation between Hong Kongs pro-freedom movement and an authoritarian power determined to maintain the status quo.

According to experts, Chinas move against Hong Kongs independence has dovetailed with a wide-ranging campaign of intimidation and wolf-warrior influence-projection across the world. The evolving conflict has imperiled Hong Kongs special trading status with the U.S., which has locked horns with China over everything from trade to a perceived lack of transparency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Security Act pretty much put through the shredder any ambitions Hong Kong may have harbored over maintaining the autonomy it's enjoyed since 1997, when Great Britain handed Hong Kong back to China, according to Arthur Dong, professor at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business.

China is sending a message to not only Hong Kong but the rest of the world that they are going to [consider] actual martial law as well as the imposition of greater military authority over Hong Kong, Dong told Yahoo Finance in an interview. Its also a major impetus behind why President Donald Trump moved on Friday to end Hong Kongs trade preferences, as part of a multi-pronged pushback against Beijings influence.

Now up until this point, China was rather restrained in terms of what it was going to do, although it sent an implied message that if things fall apart, we're going to roll the tanks, Dong warned, in a veiled reference to the 1989 pro-freedom protests in Tiannamen Square that ended with a bloody government crackdown.

Story continues

And now it's become very clear that that possibility and that prospect is going to be a very, very real option that's being put on the table, he added.

Fairly embattled

Food delivery workers wearing face masks to protect against the spread of the new coronavirus prepare to delivery foods near a TV screen showing Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the closing ceremony of the National People's Congress in a news report, in Beijing, China, Thursday, May 28, 2020. China's ceremonial legislature on Thursday endorsed a national security law for Hong Kong that has strained relations with the United States and Britain. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

The mounting challenges to preserving decades of U.S.-China-Hong Kong status quo are likely to make American multinational companies nervous, while also unsettling global investors.

With bipartisan support growing in Washington for reprisals against Beijing, Goldman Sachs said this week that legislation related to the U.S.-China relationship looks increasingly likely to become law. A bill that passed the Senate on May 20 to delist Chinese companies from U.S. stock exchanges received overwhelming support, and may get Trumps signature, the bank suggested.

China-focused legislation specifically related to COVID-19 could also become law, but is farther behind in the legislative process and appears to have somewhat less support in Congress, but it is not out of the question, Goldman added.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is hardly the only country reacting to Chinas provocations. Rodger Baker, vice president of strategic analysis at Stratfor, told Yahoo Finance this week that countries around the world are growing more concerned about Beijings heavy handed use of economic tools to stop political commentary. Theyre starting to shift their vision of China as well.

The Security Act clearly empowers Hong Kong security forces, under the direction of Beijing, to increase the arrest, detentions and shutting down of protests and demonstrations, Baker said. He also said that U.S. businesses are re-weighing their position in Hong Kong, as questions are raised over its status, and Chinas policies grow more revanchist.

Beijing has been very vocal and active over the past several months...from rising backlash against the questions around the origins of COVID, Baker said. With China feeling fairly embattled, the government may renege on U.S. trade deal commitments, or make multinationals feel the heat, he added.

Eurasia Group Founder and CEO Ian Bremmer, who believes that the U.S. and China are heading towards a new cold war, told Yahoo Finance this week that the worlds largest economy should avoid inflicting damage on an ally just to spite China.

We don't want to hurt Hong Kong more than we hurt mainland China, Bremmer said, adding: I expect we will put sanctions on a bunch of mid-level Chinese officials that have been involved in the crackdown  [and] we might say that Hong Kong will have export tariffs that are similar to mainland China.

Javier David is an editor for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter: @TeflonGeek

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and reddit.

Find live stock market quotes and the latest business and finance news
Oregon officials disclosed Friday that a Hood River County pear-packing company is the site of the latest COVID-19 outbreak linked to the agriculture industry.

Six employees of Duckwall Fruit have tested positive for coronavirus, the Oregon Health Authority said.

Duckwall Fruit is the first employer identified by state officials after they announced Thursday that they would disclose workplace outbreaks of at least five infections. The decision came after the state received heavy criticism for initially declining to identify Townsend Farms in Multnomah County, which has had two outbreaks since late April, totaling over 100 coronavirus cases.

The investigation into the Duckwall Fruit outbreak started Thursday, the state said. State and county public health officials say they are working with the business to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers.

Duckwall Fruit has operated in the Hood River Vally since 1919, and ships pears to domestic and international customers, according to its website.

A representative of Duckwall Fruit could not be reached for comment late Friday.

This story has been updated to correct the day in which the investigation into Duckwall Fruit began, because of an error made by state officials.

-- Celina Tebor

ctebor@oregonian.com

@CelinaTebor
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has written to broadcasters and V show producers to clear the dues of artistes as well as employees at the earliest.

In its letter to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), Association of Regional Television Broadcasters of India (ARTBI) and Producers Guild of India, MIB urged broadcasters and producers of TV serials to take a compassionate view and ensure that they cleared all payments due up to March 2020.

The MIB took cognizance of the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to financial downturn for a large number of sectors of the economy, including the broadcasting industry. The Honble Minister for Information & Broadcasting few weeks back had an occasion to discuss the problems of the broadcasting sector with the major stakeholders, and the Government is seized of their concerns, Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC) is working on a war footing for liquidating the pendency of advertisement bills of the media industry, the MIB stated in its letter.

At the same time, the Ministry said that equally important is the lives livelihood of the employees and their families, who are working in this sector, including a large number modestly paid TV artistes engaged for production of various TV serials.

The Ministry further noted, While services of such persons were taken, some of them may not have received their remuneration. While appreciating concerns of the broadcasting industry, the imminent need to give remuneration to them cannot be lost sight of.

As is known, producers often keep a window of three months to clear the payments of the artistes, which has been a bone of contention between the artistes and crew and the producers.
The Geneva Foundation (Geneva) today announced the release of 11 streamlined Tri-Service Post-Operative Rehabilitation Guidelines for hip, knee, foot, ankle, and shoulder injury rehabilitation in military healthcare. The work was supported by the Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR) program at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

In January 2020, Geneva, in partnership with the Broussard Foundation, brought together more than 50 military leaders, clinicians, scientists, and experts within the physical therapy, orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, and pain management fields for the first ever Tri-Service Post-Operative Rehabilitation Protocol Consensus Meeting to advance musculoskeletal injury readiness. The protocols were developed and released for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force in just under four months, marking a milestone in the MIRROR program.

MIRRORs Chief of Research & Operations Dr. Brad Isaacson said, The rapid turnaround of these important guidelines showcases the impact of the MIRROR program. Our amazing network of senior subject matter experts moved the needle for musculoskeletal care in such a short timeframe.

The Tri-Service Post-Operative Rehabilitation Protocols, created with support from Geneva, USU and the Military Orthopaedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network (MOTION), are identified as follows:



Achilles Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Guidelines

Ankle Reconstruction  Modified Brostrom Rehabilitation Guidelines

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) Rehabilitation Guidelines

Arthroscopic Hip Rehabilitation Guidelines

Arthroscopic Knee Rehabilitation Guidelines

Arthroscopic Shoulder Rehabilitation Guidelines

Bicep Tenodesis Rehabilitation Guidelines

Meniscus Repair Rehabilitation Guidelines

Patellar Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Guidelines

Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation Guidelines

Shoulder Instability Rehabilitation Guidelines

The Rehabilitation Protocols can be viewed at https://mirrorusuhs.org/mirror-activities/category/Rehabilitation+Protocols.

More than 800,000 U.S. service members are affected annually by musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) resulting in 25 million days of limited duty. Dr. Isaacson added, Ensuring consistent treatment for our service members is what makes this milestone for the MIRROR program so significant. MSIs are the primary reason for medical discharge from serving in the U.S. military.

Headquartered at the USU, the MIRROR program, supported by the Defense Health Agency (DHA), was established in 2019 to deliver high value research, education, and training, and provides infrastructure to rapidly execute clinically relevant MSI studies within the Military Health System (MHS). Geneva directs the MIRROR program by providing strategic leadership and program management, fiscal, data analysis, and regulatory support. MIRROR supports a broad scope of projects, including epidemiological investigations, multisite clinical trials, testing novel devices/treatment modalities, etc. which enhance the Department of Defenses (DoD) efforts in addressing the negative impact that MSI has on the military. This collaboration provides the opportunity to achieve successful outcomes within the MHS.

About The Geneva Foundation

The Geneva Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that advances military medicine through innovative scientific research, exceptional program management, and a dedication to U.S. service members and veterans, their families, and the global community. Geneva is proud to have over 25 years of experience in delivering full spectrum scientific, technical, and program management expertise in the areas of federal grants, federal contracts, industry sponsored clinical trials, and educational services. http://www.genevaUSA.org
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Diluting Labour Laws: Expansion of Neo-liberal Governance Regime

by Nayakara Veeresha

27.05.2020

Keywords: Alienation, Governance, Labour, Rights and Law

The novel corona virus (Covid-19) has affected the economy severely apart from the health crisis resulting in growth slowdown of major sectors. The agriculture, automobile, hotel, travel and tourism, manufacturing and services sectors are at the receiving end where in the production process has stagnated and curtailed the delivery of essential and non-essential goods. The national lockdown in India has costed the economy of $235 billion as per the estimation of Barclays company. Similarly, according to the Chicago Booths Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation which analysed the data from the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) has observed that more than 84 percentage of households in India has lost income during the lockdown period.

In this backdrop of suspension of economic activities, some of the state governments have passed ordinances and regulations regarding the labour laws operation and its application. The states of Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have made changes in the existing labour laws. The purpose and motivation of these steps are broadly is (i) to provide the employment for the workers who returned to their homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic (ii) to create the conducive environment in the state to revive the economic activities and (iii) to regain the industrial investments.

Soon after promulgation of these ordinances and state regulations in labour laws, trade unions across the country, progressive industrial statesmen like Mr. Azim Premji has condemned these suppressive steps which are contrary to the standards of International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) enshrined in Articles of 16, 19, 23, 24, 39, 41, 42, 43, 43A & 54 of the Indian Constitution. Many Public Interest Litigation (PILs) were filed in the respective state high courts and the Supreme Court. The Allahabad High Court has sent notices to the Uttar Pradesh government following which the state has withdrawn the provision of extension of working hours (i.e., from 9 to 12hours).

Article 23(1) of the Indian Constitution explicitly prohibits any form of forced labour including the bonded labour. Labour reforms are the one of the agendas of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime. Some of the efforts were made to simply the labour laws in the form of Indian Labour Code (ILC). Labour is a subject in the Concurrent List and hence both union and state governments are competent to enact legislations pertaining to the labour welfare. The entry 24 of the Concurrent List specifically mentions provisions for the welfare of labour including conditions of work, provident funds, employers liability, workmens compensation, invalidity and old age pensions and maternity benefits of Seventh Schedule of Article 246 of the Constitution.

Theoretical underpinnings

The neoliberal state operates the process of accumulation of land and labour from the rights perspective. This gives much needed social legitimacy to the state to enforce its laws through its governing institutions. The capturing of rights by enforcing an exploitative working regime is the main stay of the principles of capitalism in neoliberal governance paradigm. It comes with a labeling of rights recognition yet it excludes the very rights that have given a normative and legal framework to operate its ideological progress in the contemporary times. The exclusion of rights in the name of inclusive principle is the central guiding force of the capitalism through the institutions of governance.

In the neo-liberal governance regime the states role has changed from regulator to facilitator of capitalistic development process. The commodification and objectification of labour especially in the countries of third world is evident from the unregulated exploitation of the surplus labour. The political project of neoliberalism promotes the transformation of social contract between the citizen and state. In this, the citizen with full fledged rights will be reduced to consumer without any hold or say in claiming the entitled rights. Precisely, the social component of the contract becomes a business entity in the market place.

Set in this theoretical backdrop, it is necessary to understand the dialectics and subtleties between the law and labour governing through the force of capital. The following analytical framework helps in dissecting the inherent dynamics and patterns of complex relationship between the state, capital and appropriation of labour rights. The appropriation of workers rights and dignity augments to the alienation of rights. In this process, the state operates as a facilitator in capturing the benefits of labour including the social security provisions through the means of legislative apparatus. Once the laws and institutions were in place then it becomes easy for the private companies to enter into the state regulated restricted zones of labour laws.

Analytical Framework

Source: Authors construction

The graph 1 indicates the inherent pattern and dynamics that operates within the capitalistic mode of development process. One of the important aspects is the states withdrawal from the welfare agenda through the institutional arrangements, enactment of legislations and rule of law. The moral decline of the state through the market forces in the pursuit of capitalistic accumulation of labour rights and its denial is the central issue in the neoliberal governance regime. By using the legislative routes such as law making and ordinances the states are trying to legitimise their actions so as to avoid the judicial interventions and other complications. The less bargaining power of the trade unions owing to the lack of resources in terms of social and financial capital creates difficulties in fulfilling the demands of welfare of workers.

The states hegemony is strong such that when a class starts exercising the intellectual and moral leadership it becomes dominant i.e. ruling class and assumes the hegemonic shape to the extent that it expands its corporate interests in order to succeed in articulating the interests of other classes and different social relations, forces. The end product of this growth is that it becomes representative of the important social forces which holds the nation-state and eventually becomes

hegemonic class. The relationship between the ruling class and working class is a complex one like that of capital and labour involving a variety of social forces. Chaulieu (1949:34) notes that

the producers (working class of people) do not have means of production at their disposal, either individually or collectively, and that living labour, instead of dominating dead labour, is dominated by it through the intermediary of the individuals who personify it [Linden, 2007:117].

The state in itself is acting as intermediary to promote the interests of the private agencies rather than pushing the labour welfare reforms. The dilution of labour laws by the state governments needs to be understood from the perspective of neoliberal governance regime and capitalist development. To what extent the spelt out labour reforms promote welfare of the workers especially the unorganised sector is the real question. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) national general secretary Virjesh Upadhyay has highlights that the dilution of labour laws by the state governments is augmenting to the crushing of workers rights including the right to appeal against exploitation in the labour courts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJPs) election manifesto of 2014 indicates that we will ensure that the interests of labour in the unorganized sector are protected. Earlier in December 2019, the Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar has expressed hope that the year 2020 would be a year of labor reforms as the codes on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety, health and working conditions become reality.

Situation analysis

The states weakening of labour related laws have severely constrained the welfare agenda and justice embedded in the Constitution. Some of the important aspects that are to be understood and analysed from the workers rights point of view are as follows,

1. Increase in working hours: The shift in working hours from eight to twelve hours is the most serious one. The Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh states have mentioned that there wont be any additional payment for the additional work of four hours. Both states have indicated that the additional payment is not required. The state of Madhya Pradesh has not specified clearly about this aspect. However, it must be understood that this kind of ambiguity gives more room for the state governments to behave and conduct according to the interests of the capital and market forces. This violates the standards of the ILO with regard to optimum working hours as labour right.

2. Deplorable working conditions: With the increase of working hours, the industries and factories have to enhance to the quality of working conditions such as drinking water facility, health and hygiene at the work places. It is also necessary to make arrangements for the timely medical intervention to prevent the workers from the occupational hazards. As the states are looking forward to enhance the working hours the existing working conditions are going to become worse than the present.

3. Cutting down of social security benefits: The suspension of labour laws in the pretext of Covid-19 health crisis, the workers right to health, social security benefits such as employment provident fund (EPF), pensions, insurance coverage, tenure of work, and other safety valves hit hard as these provisions do not apply anymore for the mentioned time period.

4. Irregularity of wage payments: The Covid-19 has impacted heavily the income of the migrant workers, daily wage earners in the factories due to the national lockdown. The financial stimulus packages such as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) do not really come to the rescue of the workers whose life in entirely dependent upon the daily earnings. The relaxed labour laws increase the likelihood of discontinuity and irregularity of the wages thereby deepening of workers marginalisation.

The use of laws to appropriate the rights of working class people is the agenda of neoliberal governance regime. The Gramscian concept of hegemony and the Marxs theory of alienation are at its best in the proposed labour codification process. According to Marx, there are four major ways of alienation in the capitalist production process. They are, (i) alienation from the product (ii) alienation from the process of production (iii) alienation from species being and (iv) alienation from other human beings. The dialectical interface between the law and labour has an inherent capital accumulation by further deepening the alienation of workers from the production process.

In the era of contractualisation of labour, the real workers rights are severely compromised as the governing power has shifted from state to private agencies. The withdrawal of state from welfare to capital is underway as evident from the privatisation of social security benefits. These measures have taken away the dignity of labour and its associated rights. An Analytical Study (2017: 69) titled Amendments in Labour Laws and Other Labour Reform Initiatives Undertaken by State Governments of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and U.P. conducted by the V.V.Giri National Labour Institute substantiates this point in a persuasive manner. It finds that these amendments in labour laws have neither succeeded in attracting big investments boost to industrialization or to job creation nor have these amendments singularly resulted in enhancing exploitation of labour and deterioration of service and working conditions of the working population.

The real problem lies not with the laws but with the nature of the state. The functional experience of modern nation-state in India shows that the Indian State is weak when it comes to the question of resolving its own structural constraints and institutional deficits to restore the labour and workers dignity. An inward looking by the state may provide the appropriate kind of labour oriented policies to catalyse the welfare agenda of the Constitution. By recognizing the labour and workers rights, the Indian state does enhance its social legitimacy and public trust. Let us hope that this structural transformation and the measures to such progressive change take place during this reform period.

References

Chaulieu, Pierre [Cornelius Castoriadis] 1949, Les rapports de production en Russie,Socialisme au Barbarie, 2 (MayJune): 166 [The Relations of Production in Russia,in Castoriadis 1988] in Marcel van del Linden (2007). Western Marxism and the Soviet Union: A Survey of Critical Theories and Debates Since 1917. Leiden & Boston: Brill

Upadhyaya. S. and Kumar. P. (2017). Amendments in Labour Laws and Other Labour Reform Initiatives Undertaken by State Governments of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and U.P.: An Analytical Impact Assessment. NLI Research Studies Series No. 122/2017, Noida: V.V.Giri National Labour Institute
Peel police say three teenage boys have been arrested in connection with an arson at an elementary school in Brampton that caused an estimated $8 million in damage.

On May 9, at about 5:45 p.m., emergency services responded to reports of thick black smoking coming from St. Leonard Elementary School, a Catholic school on Conestoga Drive, near Kennedy Road and Sandalwood Parkway.

The suspects caused significant damage to classrooms, electrical systems and other parts of the school before setting fire to the office area, police said.

It was estimated the damage will take 12 to 18 months to be repaired.

On Friday, two boys from Brampton, aged 13 and 14, were arrested, Peel Regional Police said in a news release. The following day, another 13-year-old boy from Toronto was arrested.

All three are charged with arson causing damage to property, as well as breaking and entering. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, their names cannot be published.

No other suspects are sought, Peel police said.

TY Tom Yun is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @thetomyun

Read more about:
Three more Covid-19 patients died in Bihar on Saturday taking the death toll to 21 in the state even as the total number of coronavirus positive cases reached 3,509 with the addition of 150 new cases, according to the state health department.

A 41-year-old man from Bhagalpur who had died on Thursday was declared positive posthumously on Friday after his sample test report was received. Brajbhusan Mandal, the medical officer at Jagdishpur primary health centre in the city said the deceased had arrived from Mumbai before Eid along with some other persons by road.

The man was under home quarantine and the trail of people he came in contact with is being identified, he said.

For Coronavirus Live Updates

State health secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said a total of 73,929 tests have been conducted till now and 235 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours along with 102 recoveries, taking the total number of cured patients to 1,311.

Meanwhile, a senior Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) officer, his driver and bodyguard were found Covid-19 positive, a health department officer at Kaimur said.

The officer posted in a south Bihar district bordering Uttar Pradesh was managing intrastate transportation of migrants arriving at Bihars borders.

The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19

Of the Covid-19 positives cases reported on Saturday, 19 were from Jehanabad, 17 from Darbhanga, 15 in Shiekhpura, 14 in Bhojpur, 10 from Madhepura, nine from Araria, eight each from Muzaffapur and Siwan, six each in Jehanabad and Munger, five each in Gaya and Kishanganj, three each from Patna, Nalanda, Kaimur, Saharsa and Rohtas, two each from Bhagalpur and Sheohar, and one each in Vaishali, Saran, Banka, Buxar, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Khagaria, Samastipur and Jamui.

As reported earlier, most --2,433-- of Bihars infected are from amongst the migrant population, while 613 of them had returned from Maharashtra, 534 had returned from Delhi and 342 from Gujarat.

Information and Public Relations Department (IRDP) secretary Anupam Kumar said chief minister Nitish Kumar held a high-level meeting and asked the officials to increase the states testing capacity and to prepare a strategy for situation post lockdown 4.
Priyanka Chopra has been missing her chock-a-block routine which had her travelling across the globe and making fashionable appearances at several events. The actor has now shared a new selfie, as she decked up at her Los Angeles residence, where she is spending time with husband Nick Jonas amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Sharing the picture on Instagram, Priyanka wrote, A cherry lip and sunshine...maybe even a earring.. Im feeling adventurous. The actor looks stunning in bright red lipstick and sparkling earrings, wearing a white shirt.

Designer Masaba Gupta called the actor stunning in her reaction to the post. A fan also added, stunning, absolutely stunning. There were many who couldnt stop talking about her lips in the comments section.

The Sky Is Pink actor is out to redefine work from home fashion, by blending comfort with style. She turned up in a pair of loose pyjamas and slides worn with a smart off-white blazer and peach top for her recent virtual meeting. Sharing a glimpse of her work from home look on Instagram, she wrote, Zoom meeting lewk.

The actor, who is often spotted in trademark stilettos, paired the look with slides. She kept her hair untied and parted at the side.

Also read: Neena Gupta is every mom ever as she posts uncropped pic with daughter Masaba Gupta, says Sorry baby still learning

The actor has also raised her voice against race-related violence in the US. She came out in support of George Floyd, who died after being pinned down by the neck by a former Minneapolis police officer this week. She asked her fans to sign the petition to get justice for George. She wrote, There is so much work to be done and it needs to starts at an individual level on a global scale. We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and end this hate. End this race war here in the US, and around the world. Wherever you live, whatever your circumstances, NO ONE deserves to die, especially at the hands of another because of their skin color.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 10:42 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0c0d6 4 Politics COVID-19,simultaneous-elections,regional-elections,Home-Minister,Home-Ministry,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,Tito-Karnavian,2020-regional-elections Free

The central government has insisted on holding the simultaneous regional elections in December despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Home Ministry explaining that elections were needed to prevent regional leadership posts being filled for too long by acting heads.

Acting heads will take charge if regional heads have finished their terms of office this year without an elected replacement.

Obviously, this will mean we will have [local administrations] filled only by acting heads, and the government feels this wouldnt be prudent, Home Ministry Regional Autonomy Director General Akmal Malik said on Thursday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Akmal likened regional heads to car drivers and acting heads to backup drivers. To deal with an extraordinarily winding road, he said, a driver needed to have legitimacy and the confidence of his passengers.

[We should] avoid vacancies in our regional governments, so that they are not filled by backup drivers who may be  sorry - less competent. This is why we want to speed up the [election] process and hold the voting in December, he said.

Read also: Year-end regional polls risk low turnout due to virus fears

This years regional elections will be held in 270 regions, covering nine provinces, 224 regencies and 37 cities. Polling day was initially scheduled for Sept. 23, however, the government decided to push back the date to Dec. 9 because of the pandemic.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo signed Regulation in lieu of Law (Perppu) No. 2/2020 stipulating the postponement on May 4. The regulation also contains a provision saying that voting can be postponed again if December is not suitable.

Experts have raised concerns that the elections in December may escalate coronavirus transmission given that the preliminary stages of the elections will start in June, which will involve assembling election officials, the candidates campaign team members and voters.

Akmal said the government would ensure all parties involved were healthy and safe during the pandemic. He said he would ask the General Elections Commission (KPU) to ensure the voting process adhered to the COVID-19 preventive health protocols.

Nobody who is exposed [to the coronavirus] can come to the voting booths, he said. We want to ensure that we develop our democracy. We should not stop being democratic just because of current problems.

Home Minister Tito Karnavian said there was no compelling reason to postpone the elections because a number of countries had successfully held elections during a pandemic, while there was no guarantee that the COVID-19 pandemic would end in 2021.

If [the election] is postponed to 2021, can anyone guarantee that the COVID-19 outbreak will be finished by then? No, no one can guarantee that. It can be up and down, Tito said in a written statement on Thursday.

Read also: Regional elections in December may escalate COVID-19 transmission: Public health experts

Tito said other countries had held elections in 2020, but had also postponed the stages to better prepare for the voting process. Countries that held elections in the midst of the pandemic included France and South Korea.

If we do it in December, we will be the last country to hold elections [this year], he said.

He said the government would channel public participation without neglecting the aspect of public safety by applying health protocols. He also asked for support and cooperation from local administrations and the community.

During critical stages such as the inauguration of the PPS [voting committees], door-to-door voter data updating, also later during the campaign in September, October and November, and then the voting, [health] protocols will be strictly applied, said the minister. (syk)
Two veteran NASA astronauts were headed for the International Space Station on Saturday after Elon Musk's SpaceX became the first commercial company to launch a rocket carrying humans into orbit, ushering in a new era in space travel. SpaceX's two-stage Falcon 9 rocket with astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley aboard blasted off flawlessly in a cloud of bright orange flames and smoke from Florida's Kennedy Space Center for a 19-hour voyage to the space station. "Let's light this candle," Hurley, the mission commander, told SpaceX mission control in Hawthorne, California, before liftoff at 3:22 pm (1922 GMT) from NASA's storied Launch Pad 39A. The SpaceX launch is the first of American astronauts from US soil since the space shuttle program ended in 2011 and the first crewed flight ever by a private company. "I'm really quite overcome with emotion," Musk said. "It's been 18 years working towards this goal. "This is hopefully the first step on a journey towards civilization on Mars," the SpaceX founder said. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said it was a "great day" for NASA and SpaceX and an "important milestone for the nation." "We're not celebrating yet," Bridenstine cautioned. "We will celebrate when they're home safely." In a brief interview from space, Hurley said that in keeping with the tradition of having astronauts name their spacecraft, he and Behnken had named the Crew Dragon capsule "Endeavour" after the retired space shuttle on which they both flew. Behnken said the SpaceX capsule is a "lot different than its namesake" in that "it has touch display screens." The mission, dubbed "Demo-2," ends a government monopoly on space flight and is the final test flight before NASA certifies SpaceX's capsule for regular crewed missions. Behnken, 49, and Hurley, 53, former military test pilots who joined NASA in 2000, are scheduled to dock with the space station at 10:29 am (1429 GMT) on Sunday. They will join US astronaut Chris Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner aboard the ISS. - 'Special day' - SpaceX said Crew Dragon was on the correct trajectory to link up with the space station orbiting 250 miles (400 kilometers) above the Earth. The reusable first booster stage of the Falcon 9 rocket separated cleanly about 2.5 minutes after liftoff and landed upright on a floating barge off the Atlantic coast. The second stage also separated smoothly. The launch had originally been scheduled for Wednesday but was delayed because of weather conditions, which also remained uncertain on Saturday right up until liftoff. The mission comes amid the coronavirus crisis and protests in multiple US cities over the death of a black man in Minneapolis while he was being arrested by a white police officer. President Donald Trump flew to Florida to watch the launch and delivered remarks to NASA and SpaceX employees on what he called a "special day." Trump first addressed the protests, saying he understood "the pain people are feeling" but that he would not tolerate "mob violence." Trump praised Musk and said the launch "makes clear the commercial space industry is the future." He also repeated his vow to send American astronauts back to the Moon in 2024 and eventually to Mars. Behnken and Hurley blasted off from Launch Pad 39A, the same one used by Neil Armstrong on Apollo 11's 1969 journey to the Moon. - Defining moment for SpaceX - The pair, veterans of two space shuttle missions each, were in quarantine for more than two weeks ahead of the flight and were regularly tested for COVID-19. They went through the same preparations Saturday that they went through on Wednesday, donning their futuristic SpaceX-designed spacesuits four hours before launch. After saying goodbye to their wives -- both former astronauts -- they were driven to the launch pad in an electric car built by Tesla, one of Musk's other companies. The Crew Dragon mission is a defining moment for SpaceX, which Musk founded in 2002 with the goal of producing a lower-cost alternative to human spaceflight. The US space agency paid more than $3 billion for SpaceX to design, build, test and operate its reusable Dragon capsule for six future space round trips. NASA has had to pay Russia for its Soyuz rockets to take US astronauts to space ever since the shuttle program ended. SpaceX conducted a successful test flight of Crew Dragon to the ISS in March 2019 with a sensor-laden mannequin on board named Ripley, after the character played by Sigourney Weaver in the "Alien" movies. The project has experienced delays, explosions, and parachute problems -- but even so, SpaceX has beaten its giant competitor Boeing to the punch. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule lifts off from launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (rear) and Doug Hurley are strapped in the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Spacex founder Elon Musk celebrates after the successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket The Falcon 9 rocket's second stage separates from the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule (L-R) Karen Pence, US Vice President Mike Pence and US President Donald Trump watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch NASA's first crewed mission since 2011
In most countries that reopened businesses recently, the main rule is "No Mask No Entry." But in this Texas bar, the regulation seems different - the opposite. At the Liberty Tree Tavern in Elgin, customers wearing masks during the pandemic are refused of service.

Outside the tavern doors, a sign is posted that reads: "Due to our concern for our customers, if they FEEL (not think), that they need to wear a mask, they should stay home until they FEEL that it's safe to be in public without one. Sorry, No Mask Allowed."

The bar's co-owner, Keven Smith said, their so-called 'unique rule' in this time of pandemic when almost everybody is required to wear a mask, more of a push back for customers, adding, "the snitches, as well as the contact tracers out there," adding that Texas is still a rural nation.

Still Adhering to Guidelines

Elgin is a Texan city with 10,000 residents. Since the onset of COVID-19, KXAN reported, 52 residents have tested positive for the virus. Relatively, Smith explained that despite the prohibition of masks, the bar adheres to the guidelines laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for bars having the desire to reopen.

Indeed, the said CDC guidelines to not indicate wearing of masks. Nevertheless, the center suggested that the cloth masks can contribute to the prevention of spreading germs and viruses to other people especially when in crowded places such as bars and restaurants. Meanwhile, a lot of businesses in the states that are set to reopen require their customers to put on face masks if they want to get service.

As for the tavern's policy, its patrons aired concerns about the bar, discouraging customers from wearing face cover or masks. Ross Owens, an Elgin resident said, he thinks what the tavern is implementing is a risk "and foolish." Owen also added the restaurant is "taking chances" it does not need to take, most especially "if they are in public service."





Phased Approach

In connection to reopening of the economies, on April 27 this year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued new orders containing a "phased approach" to opening specific businesses this month and "address safe ways" for the employees' return to work, not to mention the clients who will be visiting the said businesses.

A couple of days ago, Gov. Abbott, in an interview said, "A business is a private entity." He added that it is almost like one's private home, and lust like his own, he can establish "standards of what you are going to need of the people who come into your home." As earlier mentioned, the CDC suggested that wearing face-covering can help slow the spreading of the infection. This is the reason companies like Red Carpet Nail Spa located in College Station are opting to require their clients and employees to put on face masks.

Contradicting Liberty Tree Tavern, Red Carpet is not allowing people not wearing masks, to enter the establishment. Owner Julie Pham said, they need their business but they need nee to turn customers away if they do not want to buy a face cover at the spa or bring their own to wear.

Some customers, she added, are quite frustrated and she understands how hard it is, especially with them who render service at the spa. They have been wearing masks for eight hours straight and it is quite a challenge for them.

Check these out!
The embattled Founder of the International God's Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim, on Thursday reported to the Police Headquarters as part of the bail conditions set by the Kaneshie Magistrate Court in Accra.

He spent a couple of hours with the police CID before leaving the premises of the headquarters after midday.

Arrest & Detention

Obinim was granted bail by the Kaneshie Magistrate Court in Accra last week in the sum of GH100,000 with three sureties, one to be justified, but he was not able to extricate the bail bond on time and had to remain in cells until last week Friday when he finally walked home.

He was in police custody for about three nights after he was arrested and charged with publication of false news, as well as forgery of a document contrary to Sections 208 and 159 of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

According to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who has launched a crusade to expose fake pastors, Obinim has been cooling off in Akosombo since he left police cells.

Main Complainant

Although the police have not released the identity of the complainant, DAILY GUIDE understands that it was through the effort of the firebrand MP that led to Obinim's arrest.

Kennedy has confirmed that he personally reported the pastor to the Inspector General of Police for offences including fraud, money laundering and misuse of the police logo to harass some of the boys he has been having criminal deals with.

As if that is not enough, the MP has been having running battles with the maverick pastor and has reported him to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for the anti-graft body to investigate him over alleged money-laundering and other related crimes.

Already, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is chasing him to pay about GH1.6 million in taxes to the state.

Court Order

On May 13, 2020, an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Doreen G. Boakye-Agyei dismissed Obinim's application that was challenging the GRA's decision to ask him to settle a tax liability of GH1,591,797.50.

According to the court, the GRA followed due process in determining and notifying Obinim about his tax liabilities and that Obinim had not followed laid-down procedures to make his objections to be given a hearing as required by law.

He cannot use his failure as a ground to seek judicial review. This instant case is not a proper and appropriate case for the court to exercise its powers of judicial review, Justice Boakye-Agyei stated.

Sources close to Obinim are saying that he intends to instruct his lawyers to challenge the decision because as far as he is concerned, he paid his taxes to the state.

Previous Cases

Obinim is no stranger to criminal prosecution, as he has had brushes with the law on at least two occasions.

In the first case, he vandalized a private radio station  Hot FM  but was acquitted and discharged in October 2015 after the complainants had allegedly lost interest in the case.

In September 2018, Obinim and two of his pastors were sentenced to a total fine of GH12,000 by an Accra Circuit Court after they had been accused of assaulting two teenagers on the premises of IGWC.

---Daily Guide
It was the proliferation of small yet distinct boxes next to front doors that gave Rebecca Moynihan a sense of how big Airbnb had become in the Liberties area of Dublin in just a couple of years.

"It's a classic telltale sign," the Labour Senator says of the boxes, which hold the house keys and can be accessed by guests using a combination lock. "I kept seeing more and more of them when I'd be out canvassing."

The Liberties is the historic heart of Dublin, a traditionally working-class area encompassing the Guinness brewery and bordering the city's two cathedrals. Its proximity to the shopping district around Grafton Street has made it hugely popular among tourists. Hotels have been springing up, and more and more of the traditional Victorian terraced cottages in the warren of streets have become short-term lets, many of them listed on Airbnb.

"There are a few streets around there," says Moynihan, "where every second house seems to have those boxes. It's hardly surprising that house prices and the normal rental market were going through the roof, or how so many local people feel their area is being gentrified. It has had a huge impact on the housing market on the inner-city."

Read More

But something has changed over the past few months. As Covid-19 restrictions upend life as we have known it, some of the properties that were only available to tourists via Airbnb and the other short-letting firms have been put on the regular rental market. That has happened in the Liberties, too. "You can see those properties being up on [the property website] Daft with the very professional-looking photos and the manicured towels," she says. "And it was happening even before this crisis. Over the past six months, you had homes for sale and rent that had been on Airbnb before that."

On July 1 last year, the Government introduced restrictions on letting entire properties on sites such as Airbnb in property "pressure spots", especially Dublin. Since then, it has not been permissible to rent out entire properties for more than 90 days in any calendar year, although there are no restrictions on letting rooms in homes occupied by the host, or entire houses or apartments outside cities.

And yet, according to Airbnb Insider, which keeps tabs on the number of listings in cities around the world, Dublin had 9,437 Airbnb listings on Thursday of this week - a substantial increase on this time last year. Almost half - 49.4pc - were entire houses or apartments, although it is impossible to say how many, if any, of those are breaching the 90-day rules. The average price is 131 a night across all Airbnb properties.

Such raw data, however, does not reflect the reality of a world that has ground to a halt. Airbnb rentals have been reduced to a trickle as people have been asked to stay at home to curb the spread of the virus. With the exception of some frontline health workers who have used Airbnb in order to self-isolate and be close to their place of work - or Matt Damon, who was paying 1,000 a day for a property in Dalkey until he flew home this week - Airbnb properties and spare rooms are lying empty.

Elaine Cooney had anticipated a busy summer for the house in rural Donegal that she and her brother have rented out on Airbnb for the past two years. Beach House used to be her family home.

"It's in a beautiful part of Donegal - Kilcar - at the Sliabh Liag Cliffs. The people we've had there over the past couple of summers absolutely loved it. And we made enough money to be able to maintain the house. There aren't many hotels in the vicinity, so it's helping to bring tourists in. That's all gone now."

Cooney, a hospitality professional who works in a hotel in Mullingar and lives in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, says the lockdown has meant she had to cancel her bookings for the summer. "It's disappointing, but I'm not letting out the house to make a profit. It's money that can be used for the upkeep of the house and to keep it aired. In a way, it's what Airbnb was originally about," she says.

Her family will use the property in late summer, but she hopes that she can rent it out on Airbnb for September and October.

Expand Close Bringing in tourism: Elaine Cooney has a family home in Kilcar, Co Donegal that she rents out on Airbnb. Photo by Steve Humphreys / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Bringing in tourism: Elaine Cooney has a family home in Kilcar, Co Donegal that she rents out on Airbnb. Photo by Steve Humphreys

Nathan Matthews works in the theatre business in London but has been spending lockdown with his mother Rosemary in the rural Co Meath home where she moved to when she retired. They refurbished a shed on the grounds and it proved a hit when they listed it on Airbnb last summer. "Had we known what was coming this year," Matthews says, with a wry chuckle, "we would have done it sooner.

"Initially, we wondered if it would work at all," he adds, "but it turned out to be very popular, particularly with people going to weddings in the area. Sometimes, the hotels just don't have enough rooms to cater for all the wedding guests, so they've come here."

All bookings for the Rose Cottage Summer Cabin have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic and Matthews says there is uncertainty about when he and his mother can start taking new ones. "We're looking at the end of the July when the 20km limit is lifted and I'd imagine that if people stay after that they'll all be Irish. And I think people will be really reluctant to book well in advance - because nobody knows what's round the corner when it comes to this pandemic."

It is a sentiment echoed by Malachy Quinn, an Airbnb 'superhost' - in the firm's parlance - and chairman of the Airbnb Home Sharing Club, which represents hosts. "The extent of the problem became obvious in mid-March," he says. "All hospitality companies were having to work out what to do about this new situation. Nobody could have seen it happen. All bookings had to be cancelled. A lot of our business is from overseas and that was primarily hit because people couldn't leave their own country or get into this one."

Quinn says Airbnb has gone "above and beyond" when it came to the refunding of deposits. He believes that will help with goodwill when it comes to a resumption of tourism and insists that the company has played a "huge part" in boosting tourism in Ireland. He says it is frustrating that so much of the media coverage about Airbnb here and overseas centres on the perception that it worsens housing shortages.

"There are hosts in suburban areas who have helped local businesses like restaurants because you're having tourists staying in places that they wouldn't have before, but that's not really talked about enough," he says.

Quinn says he is looking forward to welcoming guests to his home in Dublin 1 and says most of the hosts that he is in regular contact with are determined to continue with Airbnb. "This is a challenge, but we'll be back."

Airbnb has had a roller coaster ride in its comparatively short existence. It began life in 2008 when Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia created an ad-hoc B&B in their San Francisco loft. A tech conference had led to a shortage of accommodation and, short on rent that month, the pair took in three guests and provided homemade breakfast. Their temporary housemates slept on blow-up air mattresses - hence the company's name.

It became a going concern when its website was launched in March 2009. It soon became one of the fastest growing start-ups ever, having gained traction in San Francisco and New York. Investors queued up for a slice of the action, including Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher, who invested millions.

Severe backlash

Along with Uber, it was seen as one of the leading lights in the so-called sharing economy, a smart, sophisticated 'disruptor' shaking up a long-established industry. Both companies are celebrated for rewriting the rulebook and having to contend with a severe backlash. In Airbnb's case, from housing campaigners in cities as diverse as its own backyard - San Francisco - to Amsterdam, where it has been partly blamed for fuelling 'over-tourism'.

It has had its fair share of problems in Dublin too, the city where it houses its European headquarters in a refurbished listed building in the docklands. Opposition politicians have blamed it for the housing shortage and in October 2018 its premises were occupied by housing activists of Take Back the City.

In an email to Review, Airbnb says: "The vast majority of listings on Airbnb in Dublin are already someone's home, with nearly half of hosts in Ireland saying they rely on the income from hosting to make ends meet - it's inaccurate and misleading to assume these listings may otherwise be available for a long-term tenant."

The restrictions introduced last July were chiefly designed to stop the commercialisation of Airbnb. The move followed reports that a two-bedroom apartment in Temple Bar had brought in 79,000 in revenue in one year, while a large townhouse on St Stephen's Green had earned 230,000 over 12 months. Before the arrival of Covid-19, Airbnb said the average host in Ireland earned 3,500 a year.

Under the new rules, Airbnb hosts are obliged to register with their local council, but Dublin City Council figures released in February showed that only 249 property owners had done so.

By the end of April, the council had inspected 414 properties to ensure compliance and to try to stop owners circumventing the law by listing with other short-term letting sites outside the 90-day limit.

For some, a combination of restrictions and tourist inertia as a result of the pandemic have encouraged them to quit Airbnb. One told Review he had returned his two-bedroom to the long-term housing market. "I'm sure there are lots like me," he says. "I did it this time last year when the 90-day thing meant I had no choice, but it really annoyed me. Why should I, as a private individual, be punished for the housing failings of various governments?

"The flat I bought back in 2006 was in negative equity and I had to try to maximise its earnings. I had kept the rent artificially low for years because there were good tenants there but the 4pc rule [which prohibits landlords from increasing rents by more than that amount over a 12-month period] gave me little choice. When the tenants left, of their own volition, I started with Airbnb and I made 25pc more than I had after tax. It's in a touristy location and it worked well."

Ronan Lyons, the Trinity College Dublin economist who writes the Daft reports on housing trends, says the proportion of former short-term lettings properties that has become available on the normal rental market is comparatively low.

"If you look specifically at central Dublin, in the second half of March, there is evidence that there were more rental listings there than last year. But once you take a bigger picture and take Dublin as a whole - or the country as a whole - over the last two months, the rental market has seen fewer listings this year than last year."

Lyons estimates that in central Dublin and central Galway, an extra 400 to 500 properties have been added to the listings and he surmises that many of those had been short-term lets, including Airbnb. "But that's a tiny proportion of the housing needs of the country and a city like Dublin," he adds.

Airbnb says "claims of a significant shift from the short-term to long-term market have since been widely disputed in the media and by expert stakeholders who have described the impact as 'minor and immaterial'."

The company remains bullish about its future, despite announcing its intention to cut 25pc of its workforce - an estimated 1,900 employees. It did not supply an interviewee when requested by Review, but emailed "background" information through its Dublin PR company.

"We believe that when the comeback starts, it's going to start locally," the email reads. "The percentage of Airbnb bookings at destinations within 200 miles has grown annually, and in 2019 represented 33pc of all bookings on our platform. Short-haul trips are the fastest-growing type of travel on Airbnb and have been for several years; hyper-local bookings (within 50 miles) grew 56pc in 2019."

It says domestic guests accounted for a quarter of all Airbnb stays in Ireland last year. "This means Airbnb is well placed to support the tourism recovery when travel returns for the benefit of hosts, communities and local businesses.

"In a recent company survey," it adds, "92pc of hosts around the world responded that they plan to host as often as before, or more often, once the pandemic is over. Nearly half of hosts say that their main reason for hosting is to help make ends meet."

The company has launched a new 'online experiences' platform "as a way for hosts to connect with guests virtually and earn money during the Covid-19 disruptions". It also points out that hosts around the world have offered healthcare workers free accommodation and it says 200,000 places have been made available to stay.

For Brian Lucey, professor of economics at Trinity College Dublin, Airbnb is likely to remain a significant player when it comes to accommodating tourists, but he believes the company's immediate fortunes in Ireland - and those of its hosts - are dependent on how quickly the Government eases lockdown.

"Restarting the economy has been very slow and conservative when compared to the rest of Europe," he says. "You've places like Spain and Italy that really were hit hard by the virus, and they're starting to open up for tourists. It's a question of getting the balance right. Obviously, for an operator like Airbnb, the sooner it can get back to a sort of normality, the better."
KYODO NEWS - May 30, 2020 - 08:35 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Around 80 percent of mayors across Japan disagree with or are wary of a proposed shift in the start of the academic year to September from April, according to a recent survey conducted amid the closure of schools due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The heads of municipalities nationwide said the government should instead concentrate on preventing the spread of the virus, according to the questionnaire survey conducted by the Japan Association of City Mayors.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said he will consider moving Japan's academic year from April to September, which is a common start in other countries.

Many schools across Japan closed following a government request to do so in late February, with classes now expected to resume next month.

The survey covered 815 municipal heads in Japan, of whom 576 responded. In the survey, 18.1 percent agreed with changing the start of the academic year, while 17.9 percent disagreed. Another 62.5 percent said they were wary of such a change and nine declined to answer.

Meanwhile, among 47 village and town mayors, one in each prefecture, questioned by the National Association of Towns and Villages, only three supported changing the start of the school year, with 38 opposed and six saying they neither agreed nor disagreed.

At a recent meeting of a working panel of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to discuss a potential change to academic terms, the heads of three local bodies including the National Governors Association participated online and reported the results of the survey.

"All efforts should be taken to fight the coronavirus," said Hidekiyo Tachiya, mayor of Soma, Fukushima Prefecture. "This is not the time to debate the September academic term."

Yasuomi Araki, town mayor of Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, said, "It'll become a heavy burden for (those involved)."

Former education minister Masahiko Shibayama, who heads the panel, told reporters after their meeting that the government is expected to present its ideas on the issue early next month

"The opinions of the heads of the municipalities are important," he said.
South Africa: Relief for N West small business

Distressed SMMEs, co-operatives, informal traders and hawkers in the North West province are invited to send applications for the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The North West COVID-19 Relief Fund was established by the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and will be managed by the provincial economic development entity - the North West Development Corporation (NWDC).

MEC for DEDECT, Kenetswe Mosenogi, said the relief measures offered by the fund will assist in sustaining provincial enterprises during this economic crisis, which has seen many shutdown their businesses.

Small businesses and informal traders play an important role in the growth and development of the provincial economy. As such, we developed these relief measures to enhance the sustainability of small businesses and informal traders to ensure retention of jobs, Mosenogi said.

Eligible applicants will be able to apply for funding ranging from R1 000 to R100 000.

The applications for the fund will be made available on the NWDC and DEDECT websites from 1 June 2020.

Considering that every business is unique, Mosenogi said each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability of funds.

The North West COVID-19 Relief Fund will offer assistance including:

Formal Business (SMME) COVID-19 Relief Interventions for companies registered on the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC);

Stock Relief Intervention;

Rental and Municipal Bills Relief Intervention;

Income Relief Intervention, and

Informal Business COVID-19 Relief Interventions for businesses not registered on the CIPC.

Application criteria

To be able to apply for the North West COVID-19 Relief Fund, applicants need to meet a number of basic requirements, where applicable, to their type of business.

These include an Identity Document and Proof of Trading for 12 months in the North West province, including an affidavit/letter from Tribal Authority for informal businesses not registered on the CIPC.

Formal businesses registered on CIPC need to produce:

Proof that the business is negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (such as four months bank statements (January  April), copies of municipal bills, rental bills, stock purchase receipts etc.;

Certified copies of Identity Documents of business owners;

Proof of Trading for 12 months in the North West province (affidavit/letter from Tribal Authority), and

South African Revenue Services (SARS) compliance documents.

The application forms for the fund will be available on the NWDC website www.nwdc.co.za/small-business/Covid19 - from 01 June 2020.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-05-29. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
GODFREY  Many area small businesses are getting a boost from their communities as they emerge from forced COVID-19 retail hibernation.

The village of Godfrey recently launched its Small Business Community Gift Card program, where the village will subsidize half of the face value of online-purchased gift cards to be spent at merchants in the Godfrey business district. The village pledged $50,000 toward the effort, Mayor Mike McCormick said.

The beauty of it is, as soon as the customer buys that card for $10, the business gets credit for twenty bucks, McCormick said. That creates a cash flow coming into these businesses that are struggling and encourages people to support these businesses.

McCormick said the gift card program funding comes from revenues generated by the villages business district sales tax, and thats why the gift cards are targeted to businesses in that district. The retailer-specific gift cards, good for one year, can be purchased at Riverbender.com and spent on any product or service, except gasoline or alcoholic beverages.

We are reinvesting it in the businesses that have been paying the taxes, McCormick explained.

Businesses must have a desire to survive, and most wouldnt be in business if they didnt. I think they are all up for the fight that is in front of us and hopefully, within six months, things will get back to normal.

My Time Day Spa owner Diane Sconce, of Godfrey, hopes to see many of the gift cards in the coming weeks, as long as card holders follow the new guidelines.

Well just have one customer in at a time, she said. They will wait outside until the service provider is ready for them. There will be only one person in the nail, massage and facial rooms at a time and only two or three hair girls working at a time and weve got them spread out. We are having people sign a liability waiver when they come in asking health questions.

Although Godfrey salons are primarily service providers, they pay sales tax for the business district on the hair and body care products that they sell to clients.

Sconce worked hard to get ready for Fridays reopening, the first day many area businesses were allowed to operate in more than two months.

Clean, clean, clean, Sconce said. I bought so much hand sanitizer, wipes and paper towels.

We are booking extra time between clients to do extra cleaning. We have always cleaned between clients, but now we are doing extra, extra, extra cleaning.

Rumours Salon owner Linda Watts said shes glad to be back open in Godfrey, and the gift card promotion will help.

I had to buy $200 worth of hand sanitizer, thermometers to read temperatures, so I am severely in the hole just trying to get back to work, she said. We also cant book our clients as closely together, so were all going to be making less money.

Granite City recently launched its We are ReadyWe are GC program, featuring promotional videos and a community gift card challenge. Visit www.granitecity.illinois.gov or call the city for more information about gift card purchases.

Our efforts are tailored to focus on our smallest, family owned, home-grown local businesses that make Granite City unique, said Granite Citys Cathy Hamilton, economic development director. Those are the folks who have donated to every trivia night and school function, and those were the ones who were most in need, because they were the most impacted during the last 70 days.

Hamilton said Granite City has received more than $35,000 in total pledges for its Community Gift Card challenge, including $5,000 from the city, which allows shoppers to purchase gift cards to local merchants at below their face value. The Granite City businesses where the gift cards can be redeemed receive the full face value of the gift card.

A trio of We are ReadyWe are GC videos feature community leaders, children, organizations and groups giving messages of support and encouraging their fellow citizens to shop locally. The videos, available at www.granitecity.illinois.gov, also show local businesses getting ready to open, while ensuring their establishments follow the latest guidelines for safe and healthy shopping, dining and receiving personal services.

As a community we have set the tone of reopening and rebuilding, and were doing it in a positive way, Hamilton said.

Granite City is currently working to develop its inaugural Restaurant Week, which will be scheduled when the region moves into the next phase of the state-mandated COVID-19 recovery effort. The city also has been promoting its Support Granite  Shop Granite initiative.

Granite City establishments that have weathered the coronavirus storm behind closed business doors are ready to take advantage of the citys promotional efforts.

We sanitized everything two days in a row prior to opening, said Key Largo Tan owner Josh Jordan. We are cleaning the door handles and the tops of every bed, after every use, and the bathrooms every hour. We are just taking many extra steps.

I like the videos they are doing, he said. Im all about supporting businesses. Im a small business guy myself, and we need to help each other.

A group of Bethalto residents and businesses are spearheading Village Visions, with T-shirt sales and business promotion videos using the hashtag #Btownproud.

We are trying to help the small businesses in town, and stress the importance of shopping locally, spending locally and what those dollars do, organizer Lora McMillian said. We have had nearly 15,000 video views and the response has been overwhelming.

The group is taking T-shirt and mask orders through the Village Visions Bethalto Facebook page. Light gray T-shirts sport the #Btownproud hashtag and the words shop local, eat local, Bethalto, IL. The stylish (for pandemic wear) black mask features a white hashtag. All proceeds raised from these logo clothing sales will be used to continue to support Bethalto businesses.

The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce features a video at its Facebook page with local business people thanking citizens for their support and encouragement during the pandemic. Each person on the video then says, But now, we are ready to reopen, rehire and resume regular services within recommended guidelines.

The Ed/Glen Chamber last week filed a lawsuit against Gov. J.B. Pritzker, claiming he does not have the authority to close down businesses using the states disaster law. The promotional business video is not connected to that legal action.

The RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) encourages area residents to frequent the local businesses that have taken great pains to reopen safely.

We coined the phrase Safely shop local and have been encouraging that for a long time, RBGA President John Keller said.

Throughout the pandemic, the RBGA has operated the Facebook group Riverbend Area Updates, where people can post about pick-up specials, anything related to the pandemic and promotions that are helping business and individuals to get by. Keller said the RBGA also has kept the same information and promotion efforts going through email blasts, Zoom meetings, a local mayors forum and nonprofit roundtable discussions.

Reopening can be done in a safe manner and we look forward to it being done, Keller said.

A lot is at stake for the economy as Riverbend area businesses reopen.

Illinois Retail Merchants Associations Rob Karr, president and chief executive officer, appreciates what municipalities and citizens are doing to try and keep dollars in local communities.

The Riverbend is an important area considering the fact that consumers could easily make the drive across the river, Karr noted. The Riverbend is always up against the competitive pressures of being a border area. Anything that can be done to highlight the importance of shopping your local retailers, and the tremendous job they are doing to make consumers safe, is important.

Retailers are inherently optimistic, but theyve been dealt an extraordinarily harsh hand by this pandemic, Karr said. So its all going to come down to how safe and confident the consumer feels.
Apart from the pregnant women, there were some elderly passengers, young children and a seriously ill patient, authorities said.

The Vietnam Airlines flight VN579, organized specially to repatriate Vietnamese citizens, landed at the Da Nang International Airport at 4:40 p.m.

All passengers had undergone medical checks before boarding and wore face masks throughout the flight. They submitted health declarations and were transferred to quarantine facilities in the central province of Quang Nam on arrival. Their samples have been taken for testing.

According to Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center, it was the first repatriation of Vietnamese from Taiwan since Vietnam suspended all international flights on March 22.

One of the repatriated passengers is suffering from pancreatic cancer. The passenger will be transferred to a local hospital for isolation and cancer treatment, said Tran Van Kiem, director of Quang Nam Center for Disease Control.

Nguyen Duc Hoang, deputy director of Thang Binh Districts medical center, said some of the 243 pregnant women on the flight were near their due dates. Therefore, the center has prepared emergency ambulances and set up an obstetrics emergency team in case they give birth in the quarantine area.

On the way to Taiwan, the flight carried a number of Taiwanese citizens and Vietnamese with Taiwan residency who had been stranded in Vietnam.

In the last few months, several special flights have repatriated thousands of Vietnamese from several countries including Canada, France, Japan, Russia, the UAE and the U.S., and other Southeast Asian countries. Passengers paid their own fares.

Vietnam has gone 43 days without community transmission of Covid-19. Of the 328 infections recorded so far, 49 are active, the rest having recovered. There has been no death recorded so far.

Taiwan has confirmed 442 infection cases and reported seven deaths.
MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski ended a personal jinx when he opened his account against Fortuna Duesseldorf by scoring twice in a 5-0 win on Saturday as the holders moved closer to a record-extending 30th Bundesliga title.

The thumping victory left leaders Bayern, who are chasing an eighth successive league title, top of the standings on 67 points from 29 games, 10 ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund who visit bottom team Paderborn on Sunday.

Lewandowski snapped his goal drought versus Fortuna when he scored for the first time against them to give Bayern a 3-0 lead in the first half after a Mathias Joergensen own goal and a Benjamin Pavard header opened the floodgates.

It also meant the Pole had netted against every current Bundesliga team, having failed to score in five league meetings versus Fortuna either with Bayern or his previous club Dortmund.

The prolific striker's brace took his season's tally in all competitions to 43 goals and equalled his personal best, which was set in the 2016/17 campaign.

Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who became the club's first coach to win 22 of his opening 25 games in charge and surpassed Pep Guardiola's record of 21, stressed he only cared about filling the trophy cabinet.

"I am not interested in statistics, it's about being successful and it was important for us after the Dortmund game not to let up," he said, referring to Bayern's 1-0 win at their closest rivals on Tuesday.

Left back Alphonso Davies, who also got on the scoresheet with the fifth goal, added: "After our game with Dortmund we wanted to go out and show the same attitude."

LEWANDOWSKI SHINES

France defender Pavard took centre stage when his scuffed shot led to Joergensen's own goal after 15 minutes before he made it 2-0 just before the half-hour with a header which keeper Florian Kastenmeier got a hand to but could not keep out.

It was Lewandowski's turn to shine as he capped a flowing move with a clinical finish from the heart of the penalty area in the 43rd after a flowing move through the middle.

Story continues

The Poland international made it 4-0 five minutes after the break with another predatory finish, steering the ball in at the near post with a superb back-heel from Serge Gnabry's low cross.

Davies completed the rout two minutes later after weaving his way through three defenders and firing past Kastenmaier, who made several fine second-half saves to keep the score down.

Bayern became the first Bundesliga side to score 86 goals after 29 matches, breaking their own record of 84 in 1973/74.

The result left Fortuna in 16th place -- the relegation playoff spot -- with 27 points, one point behind Mainz 05 and two above Werder Bremen who have a game in hand.

(Writing by Zoran Milosavljevic; Additonal reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Employee Monitoring Solution Market 2020 Industry research report explores analysis of historical data along with size, share, growth, demand, revenue and forecast of the Employee Monitoring Solution and estimates the future trend of market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares market performance both in terms of volume and revenue and this factor which is useful & helpful to the business.

Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to our market research reports at https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/TIPRE00007114/request-trial

Employee monitoring solutions are also used as a surveillance tool by organizations to track- employee email, phone activity, browsing history, and time spent on social media, overall internet activity, and remote device access. Companies related to BFSI, IT, and telecom, the Government sector are more exposed to the risk of insider attacks as they handle sensitive data such as trade secrets, IP, customer and employee data, and more. The financial services industry has the highest exposure to a cyber-breach and insider misuse, followed by the consumer, retail and wholesale, consumer, retail and wholesale, and power and utilities. Thus organizations adopt employee monitoring solutions to gain early signs of insider threats and avoid the data leaks.

Business Market Insights provides affordable subscription with pay as per requirement at

https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/TIPRE00007114/checkout/basic/single/monthly

(30-day subscription plans prove to be very cost-effective with no compromise on the quality of reports)

Social media is used in businesses for communication and marketing purposes. However, open access can harm the productivity of the organization. Also, the employees can accidentally share sensitive information on these platforms. Hackers and scammers also use social media platforms for phishing and other exploitation attacks. Thus, to avoid insider attacks and prevent enterprise resource allocation, organizations are adopting employee monitoring solutions that are driving the growth of the employee monitoring solution market.

Currently, the US is dominating the in terms of adoption, which in turn boost the demand for employee monitoring solution market. The US is a technologically developed country; hence, the adoption of advanced technology is high across various sectors of the country. The country has the presence of diverse industries and is one of the worlds leading high-technology innovators, which further drives the adoption of employee monitoring solutions in the country. Being a technologically advanced country, the US attracts a large number of companies from different sectors to set up their headquarters in the country. The presence of a large number of well-established market players related to various industries is also a significant factor that is driving the growth of employee monitoring solutions in the country. The figure given below highlights the revenue share of Mexico in the North America employee monitoring solution market in the forecast period:

NORTH AMERICA EMPLOYEE MONITORING SOLUTION MARKET  SEGMENTATION

North America Employee Monitoring Solution Market by Offering

Solution

Service

North America Employee monitoring solution Market by Enterprise Size

SMEs

Large Enterprise

North America Employee monitoring solution Market by Industry Vertical

BFSI

Government

IT & Telecom

Manufacturing

Retail

Others

North America Employee monitoring solution Market by Country

US

Canada

Mexico

North America Employee monitoring solution Companies Mentioned

Awareness Technologies Inc.

Birch Grove Software, Inc.,

EfficientLab, LLC

Ekran Systems, Inc.

iMonitor Software

Netsoft Holdings, LLC

SentryPC

StaffCop

Teramind, Inc.

Veriato

About Business Market Insights

Based in New York, Business Market Insights is a one-stop destination for in-depth market research reports from various industries including Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Semiconductor & Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing & Construction, Medical Device, and Chemicals & Materials. The clients include corporate and academic professionals, consulting, research firms, PEVC firms, and professional services firms.

For Subscription contact

Business Market Insights

Phone : +442081254005

E-Mail : sales@businessmarketinsights.com
Fijis sea spray of more than 300 scattered islands means this South Pacific nation is more water than land  and diving, snorkelling and other aquatic adventures reign supreme. Dive with uncaged tiger sharks, explore underwater caves, navigate pristine waters in a kayak, surf colossal waves or venture into forests replete with gushing waterfalls and ancient sites  Fiji has adventures for everyone. Check out these top experiences on the water, for when you can travel safely to Fiji again.


Any Mitron Users Account Can Be Hacked in Seconds

Mitron App Was Not Developed; Instead Bought For Just $34

Who is Behind the Mitron App? An Indian or a Pakistani?

Is Mitron App Safe to Use?

the vulnerability has not yet been patched,

the owner of the app is unknown,

the privacy policy of the service doesn't exist, and

there are no terms of use,

Found this article interesting? Follow THN on Facebook Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

Mitron (means "friends" in Hindi), you have been fooled again!Mitron is not really a 'Made in India' product, and the viral app contains a highly critical, unpatched vulnerability that could allow anyone to hack into any user account without requiring interaction from the targeted users or their passwords.I am sure many of you already know what TikTok is, and those still unaware, it's a highly popular video social platform where people upload short videos of themselves doing things like lip-syncing and dancing.The wrath faced by Chinese-owned TikTok from all directionsmostly due to data security and ethnopolitical reasonsgave birth to new alternatives in the market, one of which is the Mitron app for Android. Mitron video social platform recently caught headlines when the Android app crazily gained over 5 million installations and 250,000 5-star ratings in just 48 days after being released on the Google Play Store.Popped out of nowhere, Mitron is not owned by any big company, but the app went viral overnight, capitalizing on its name that is popular in India as a commonly used greeting by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Besides this, PM Modi's latest ' vocal for local ' initiative to make India self-reliant has indirectly set up a narrative in the country to boycott Chinese services and products, and of course, #tiktokban and #IndiansAgainstTikTok hashtags trending due to TikTok vs. YouTube battle and CarryMinati roast video also rapidly increased the popularity of Mitron.The insecurity that TikTok is a Chinese app and might have allegedly been abusing its users' data for surveillance, unfortunately, turned millions into signing up for less trusted and insecure alternative blindly.The Hacker News learned that the Mitron app contains a critical and easy-to-exploit software vulnerability that could let anyone bypass account authorization for any Mitron user within seconds.The security issue discovered by Indian vulnerability researcher Rahul Kankrale resides in the way app implemented 'Login with Google' feature, which asks users' permission to access their profile information via Google account while signing up but, ironically, doesn't use it or create any secret tokens for authentication.In other words, one can log into any targeted Mitron user profile just by knowing his or her unique user ID, which is a piece of public information available in the page source, and without entering any passwordas shown in a video demonstration Rahul shared with The Hacker News.Promoted as a homegrown competitor to TikTok, in separate news, it turns out that the Mitron app has not been developed from scratch; instead, someone purchased a ready-made app from the Internet, and simply rebranded it.While reviewing the app's code for vulnerabilities, Rahul found that Mitron is actually a re-packaged version of the TicTic app created by a Pakistani software development company Qboxus who is selling it as a ready-to-launch clone for TikTok, musical.ly or Dubsmash like services.In an interview with the media, Irfan Sheikh, CEO of Qboxus, said his company sells the source code, which the buyers are expected to customize."There is no problem with what the developer has done. He paid for the script and used it, which is okay. But, the problem is with people referring to it as an Indian-made app, which is not true, especially because they have not made any changes," Irfan said.Besides Mitron's owner, more than 250 other developers have also purchased the TicTic app code since last year, potentially running a service that can be hacked using the same vulnerability.Though the code has been developed by the Pakistani company, real identity of the person behind the Mitron appTicTic at heart TikTok by facehas yet not been confirmed; however, some reports suggest it's owned by a former student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Roorkee).Rahul told The Hacker News that he tried responsibly reporting the flaw to the app owner but failed as the email address mentioned on the Google Play Store, the only point of available contact, is non-operational.Besides this, the homepage for the web server (shopkiller.in), where the backend infrastructure of the app is hosted, is also blank.Considering that the flaw actually resides in the TicTic app code and affects any other similar cloned service running out there, The Hacker News has reached out to Qboxus and disclosed details of the flaw before publishing this story.We will update this article when we receive a response.In short, since:... it's highly recommended to simply do not install or use the untrusted application.If you're among those 5 million who have already created a profile with the Mitron app and granted it access to your Google profile, revoke it immediately Unfortunately, there's no way you can delete your Mitron account yourself, but the hacking of Mitron user profile would not severely impact unless you have at least a few thousand followers on the platform.However, keeping an untrusted app installed on your smartphone is not a good idea and could put your data from other apps and sensitive information stored on it at risk, so users are advised to uninstall the app for good.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Newark Saturday afternoon to protest the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis and to help bring attention to police brutality and other social issues.

The protest, organized by the Peoples Organization for Progress, started as a rally in front of the Lincoln statue near the citys historic courthouse, with demonstrators loudly chanting George Floyd, I cant breathe, Power to the people and calls for justice for Floyd.

Arrest them all! Arrest them all! the crowd chanted, referring to the four Minneapolis police officers who were seen on video during the apprehension of Floyd.

The protest remained peaceful as demonstrators began to march down Market Street and onto Broad Street, with hundreds of additional people joining the original group of marchers. Most walked on the hot pavement past Newark City Hall and then headed back to Market Street, where they gathered again near the statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln at about 2:30 p.m. and chanted, Black lives matter.

Police presence was light, with just a few police cruisers blocking streets to keep vehicles away from the demonstrators, many carrying signs reading I Cant Breathe and Black Lives Matter. Other signs were critical of cops and some railed against white supremacy.

The orderly demonstration in Newark was in sharp contrast to the violent protests, riots and looting that broke out in other cities across the nation during the past two nights. Protesters in other cities clashed with police, set fire to police cars and other vehicles, and torched businesses.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died Monday after Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, knelt on his neck for several minutes while Floyd was handcuffed. Floyd, who was not armed and did not appear to be resisting arrest, was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Four police officers who were at the scene have been fired, and Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case.

Prior to the demonstration in Newark, Mayor Ras Baraka called Floyds death outright murder, and demanded that all the officers involved be arrested.

He was killed on purpose and murdered on purpose, Baraka said.

The Peoples Organization for Progress was formed to help eradicate racism and take on relevant social issues.

March turning off of Market onto Broad now, heading to City Hall pic.twitter.com/SEx9kdb7FC  Michael Sol Warren (@MSolDub) May 30, 2020

This was Market Street alone. pic.twitter.com/u1MwEwKwag  Rebecca Panico (@BeccaPanico) May 30, 2020

Demonstrators gathered in Newark Saturday afternoon to protest the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis and to call for an end to police brutality.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Black Lives Matter Protest in Newark, NJ happening now pic.twitter.com/BRJu0hto5U  Nu New Jersey (@NuNewJersey_) May 30, 2020

The scene in Newark as a protest pic.twitter.com/5SNqoPyuc0  Anne-Marie Caruso (@AnneCarusoPhoto) May 30, 2020

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

Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Michael Sol Warren may be reached at mwarren@njadvancemedia.com.
Chandigarh, May 30 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced extension in the lockdown in Punjab till June 30, with more relaxations subject to the guidelines of the central government.

Though experts have advised against opening of the hospitality industry and malls, the Chief Minister said the state would take into account the central government guidelines for lockdown 5.0.

The Chief Minister announced his decision after a ground assessment of the Covid situation through a videoconference with health experts, along with top officials and Cabinet Ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Balbir Singh Sidhu and Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa.

The decision is also in line with the central government's decision to extend the national lockdown beyond May 31 for the fifth time.

Amarinder Singh later said during his weekly Facebook Live session that the threat of Covid was not over yet, and if necessary, he would continue to take tough measures to save the lives of Punjabis.

Underlining the need to continue to exercise extreme caution, he lauded the state's people for following all health norms to help the state in controlling the coronavirus spread to a great extent.

He made it clear that the extension of the lockdown in the state would be conditional to strict adherence to Covid safety protocols, including physical distancing and wearing of masks.

He directed Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu to ensure immediate steps for the distribution of masks as part of ration kits to the needy and poor, who could not afford to purchase them.

Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta told the review meeting that wearing of masks was being strictly enforced across all districts, with more than Rs 1 crore collected so far in fine from the offenders.

The Chief Minister sought an update during the meeting on the state's plans for launch of home surveillance and Covid foot soldiers deployment to track and trace infections.

He was informed by Principal Secretary (Health) Anurag Agarwal that both would be launched over the next couple of days.

Asha workers and other local women from the community were being hired to undertake home-to-home surveillance across districts, and they would be paid Rs 2 per head in every household surveyed, he said.

As for the tracing and tracking of symptomatic cases not reporting to the health authorities, an app was currently being field-tested and would be launched in two-three days.

Youngsters would be asked to download the app to voluntarily report on such cases, said Agarwal, adding that mandatory OTP verification of these Covid foot soldiers would be ensured to check false reporting.

The Chief Minister later, in his Facebook session, the third in the series, said non-reporting to health authorities by those returning to the state, especially from abroad, was a big challenge, as it complicated their contact tracing and endangered the lives of others.

He said 9,560 such people had been traced and tested, and some positive cases had been found among these.

Though there was an overall decline in the daily cases, and of the 2,158 positive cases so far, 1,946 had recovered fully, new cases in the last few days was a matter of concern, he added, appealing to the people to report any instance of returnees someone jumping health checkups by the state government.

Expressing concern over possible community spread, he said this is a threat the state faced now and he would keep this fact in mind while deciding about relaxations.

Regarding rapid testing kits, Amarinder Singh said those received by the state from China and South Korea had to be returned as they were defective.

More flights are resuming, with three flights daily from Dubai, the Chief Minister said in reply to a Dubai resident seeking to come to Chandigarh.

Normal flights had not yet resumed, he said, asking the questioner to get in touch with the consulate office.

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said he was happy to note that 85 per cent of the state's industry had already started operations with 65 per cent of labour engaged in it.

The state government was facilitating many multinational information technology firms, including Quark, to set base in Mohali and many more would come to Punjab as the situation improves, he said.
MANILA, Philippines  The PLDT Inc. on Friday assured that no customer information were affected by the hacking of its customer service account on Twitter.

We would like to inform the public that a thorough investigation conducted by our Cyber Security Operations group has shown that there is no record of customer data download or exfiltration from the PLDT_Cares Twitter account, PLDT said in a statement.

We will communicate these findings with the National Privacy Commission as well, it added.

A group of hackers on Thursday took control of the PLDT customer service account, changing its handle @PLDT_Cares as it posted a series of tweets.

The group called out the companys internet service amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The PLDT Inc. later recovered its account and assured it is aware of the need for faster internet service.

We will continue to fortify and enhance our cybersecurity protocols to prevent incidents like this from happening again in the future. Thank you for your patience and support, it said.

The post PLDT assures no customer data downloaded from hacked Twitter account appeared first on UNTV News.
In a study, the researchers found that in autopsies of 10 African-American victims who died from the coronavirus, conclusive examination reveals blood clots of the victim's lungs.

Last Wednesday, a report in a study, exposed these results when the examinations were done as reported by CNN.

The patients were suspected to have conditions that aggravated the COVID-19 which became worse and led to their deaths. Maladies suffered by the African-American victims was hypertension and diabetes, though the scientists suspect some degree of genetic factors and other aspects that cause the virus, based on the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine.

All the conclusions were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, which examines all the possible reasons why African-American victims will be predisposed to the worst symptoms of COVID-19 in the US. The study is trying to decipher why it happened to colored individuals, according to the researchers.

Dr Richard Vander Heide, LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, said that in the lung they found that it was pocked with clotted blood, and hemorrhage which caused decompensation leading to the death of the victims. Most of the African-American victims had these in their lung tissue, when under autopsy.

Other findings that were discovered by the scientists were traces in the blood called D-dimers. These are signs that indicate an attempt by the system to break down the blood clotting, but they failed in doing that and were overcome by the virus.

Also read: Hypoxia: Why Some Coronavirus Patients Can't Sense Their Alarmingly Low Oxygen Levels



Vander Heide told CNN that becoming obese is a link to why the COVID-19 becomes more virulent in these instances. According to him, fatty tissue creates inflammatory chemical and proteins that are connected to all sorts of maladies. If the COVID-19 find more than enough ACE2, inflammation will increase more. Doctors think that inflammation is linked to the COVID-19, that damages organs that may produce blood clotting.

Doctors have reported that patients in the US have been getting too many blood clots. But, some studies done earlier show giving patient anti-coagulation medicines will help with the blood clotting.

10 African-American patients

Basis of the study are 10 patients of colored origin, all of them were referred because of a mild cough. What is common between them is that all 10 keeled over and could not breathe properly, it is a symptom that can kill a patient by getting intubated.

Cytokine storm

Vander Heide noted that the cause with COVID-19 becomes a cytokine storm defined by NewScientist. When a cytokine storm erupts, antibodies will be generated as a reaction to kill the virus during the infection. What happens next is the antibodies attack body tissue, causing more harm than good. These affects parts of the lungs and affects the cells too.

It might be an effect of the coronavirus or maybe it is the cytokine storm attacking tissues. Lastly, it might be the blood clotting, said Vander Heide. Include several factors caused by genetics, he included.

The scientists were not seeing an inflamed heart and secondary infections, but what the doctor in China noticed in the patients.

Dennis McGonagle mentions the study might explain why colored patients suffer more when infected by COVID-19 in the UK as well as the US.

Related article: Coronavirus Attacks Lining of Blood Vessels All Over Body, Scientist Finds

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
New Delhi: Police on Friday night was alerted to three separate incidents of gun-related violence that took place in Delhi's north east area resulting in the death of two youths while one was left injured.

A youth named Haider was shot dead by some miscreants on bike at north east Delhi's Bhajanpura area on Friday (May 29, 2020), as the man was being rushed to a hospital he succumbed to his injuries.

Accodring to police, atleast four to five people rode upto Haider's house and started firing indiscriminately, one of the bullet hit Haider on the head after which he died on the spot.

Haider ran a news portal and used to call himself a journalist. The police arrived at the spot and collected all evidence pertaining to the investigation, but Haider's family did not give any statement.

The incident at Bhajanpura was the third, the first happened at Zafarabad, where a young man was shot dead. While in another incident in the same area, a youth named Mirkar was also attacked but he received shoulder injuries.

The police is investigating gang-war angle in the case, as well.
The border is now open to allow family visits, as well as shopping for groceries and non-food items.

Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, announced the news on Friday evening after Belgian authorities decided to reopen the border from 7am on 30 May.

Asselborn praised the move in an interview with RTL, saying families who were split by the border would finally be allowed to reunite.

Residents on both sides of the border will also be allowed to cross it in order to go shopping, whether for groceries or other items. Asselborn explained Belgians had been able to do so for some times, but now Luxembourg residents could travel in the opposite direction once more.

However, Asselborn underlined the situation was not wholly back to pre-crisis normal, particularly for those with holiday homes on the Belgian coast. Luxembourg residents are not yet permitted to travel to tourist hotspots such as Knokke or Ostende, although Asselborn said he hoped this might change by July.

It is also advised to check with the Belgian embassy for updated information, although both governments are working to ensure Luxembourgers are allowed similar privileges as their Belgian counterparts.

Asselborn went on to thank his counterpart Philippe Goffin, the Minister of the Interior Pieter de Crem, as well as the Minister-President of the German-speaking community Oliver Paasch and Elio di Rupo, Minister-President of Wallonia, for their understanding and assistance.
Alabamas wild turkey season ended last month and Alabama turkey hunters had a pretty good season. The photos below are from The Alabama Black Belt Associations Big Gobbler Photo Contest of gobblers taken in Alabamas Black Belt. The contest was sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and was conducted on Facebook. The winner was 14-year-old Jake Hornsby of Reeltown who received the most Facebook likes.

Check out these nice turkeys taken this year.

Tommy Beyl harvested this beautiful gobbler in Choctaw County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Jake Hornsby, 14, won the ALBBAA Big Gobbler Photo contest after harvesting his first turkey called in by his father in Lowndes County. He was using a shotgun passed down from his grandfather. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Lee Walker with a great Russell County bird. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Brycen Hughes, 12, and his father with a double down for his 4th turkey of the year. 11 inch beard with 1 1/16 spur. First year hunting for Brycen. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Hunter Smith and brother-in-law, Hoke Smith, tripled with their buddy Tyson Stark at High Ridge Plantation in Bullock County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Dan Tayler took this big gobbler in Dallas County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Sam Dorough, 12, with this big Macon County gobbler. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Terry Jennings submitted this big boss tom from Barbour County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Devin Rice and Cody Wright with a mid-morning double in Wilcox County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Phil Brock harvested this gobbler that had an 11 inch beard and 1 1/8 spurs. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Big Black Belt gobblers.Cody Stiles first turkey was doubled bearded with one measuring 10  inches and the other 9 inches. Harvested in Lee County.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Ellis Tery and brother-in-law, Hugh Rowe Thoams, doubled up on a great morning in Margengo County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Wagner Ashmore with a triple-bearded gobbler taken on an afternoon hunt in Montgomery County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Caden Blair with a great bird harvested in Macon County. The beard measured 11  inches and the spurs measured 1  inches. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Josh Hixon and his hunting buddy doubled up in Hale County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Ashley Fikes took this fantastic gobbler in Pickens County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Gerry Martin with a fantastic Choctaw County gobbler. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Thomas Clay Atchinson, 11, harvested this Tom in Wilcox County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Matt Tindle harvested a beautiful gobbler in Choctaw County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Reed Marine finished a close second in the conest with a nice gobbler harvested in Pickens County that had an 8  inch beard and 1 1/8 inch spurs. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Kimberly Penn with a turkey she worked for almost 2 hours. 11  inch beard. Harvested in Pike County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Grey Mills with a great bird taken in Montgomery County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Micky Tait with his boys John Lock (3) and Grady (1) with a nice gobbler taken outside of Possum Bend in Wilcox County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

11 year-old Will Blackmon with his first turkey. Taken in Wilcox County. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Lance Krunosky with a great bird in Dallas county. Big Black Belt gobblers.Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com
Renters are finding it more difficult to meet their payments than homeowners during the pandemic. Photo: Getty

Renters are struggling the most with housing costs according to new research by the Resolution Foundation.

One in eight of private renters have fallen behind with payments since the COVID-19 pandemic began, compared to just one in 12 of home owners.

The think tank said this reflected the higher costs faced by private renters with their average pre-crisis housing costs being 32% of family income, compared to 11% among mortgaged homeowners.

The survey shows they also have less of a financial buffer to fall back on, with almost 23% of private renters having no savings in the run-up to the crisis, compared to 11% of home owners.

While renters receive more generous benefit support than those with mortgages, home owners with a mortgage have been more successful accessing support outside the social security system to cope with the crisis, said the foundation.

READ MORE: Coronavirus spot checks on firms begin amid backlash over halted inspections

One in seven have applied for a mortgage holiday, the vast majority of which have been accepted. In contrast, just one in 10 private renters have asked for a rent reduction from their landlord, and just half of those requests were successful.

This has caused renters to reduce their spending costs with young people moving back in with their parents and others reporting that they are unable to afford basics such as fresh fruit and vegetables or save 10 a month.

Resolution Foundation, which based its findings on a YouGov survey of 6,000 UK adults, is calling on government to recognise the needs of renters.

Britain already had a huge housing divide before coronavirus struck, and the current economic crisis has only widened that gap. People living in private rented accommodation have found it harder to meet their housing costs than homeowners in recent months, and harder to negotiate reductions in those costs, said Lindsay Judge, principal research and policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation.

Story continues

"The result is that a quarter are cutting back on other spending, in many cases on essentials, to cover their rent during this crisis," she continued.

READ MORE: UK cuts furlough aid for firms but extends self-employed lifeline

Policy makers need to recognise that, while the 1990s recession was infamously most severe for the UKs home owners, this recession is biting hardest for renters, she added.

Since the coronavirus outbreak the government has banned evictions for three months and increased the local housing allowance.

But the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has warned "there is a looming crisis in the private rental sector".
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 20:48:29|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian in Jerusalem on Oct. 1, 2019. (Xinhua/Muammar Awad)

Palestinians Saturday slammed Israeli police for killing a mentally disabled Palestinian in Jerusalem, describing the killing of the unarmed man as "cold-blooded."

RAMALLAH/GAZA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinians condemned on Saturday the Israeli police for killing a mentally disabled Palestinian man in East Jerusalem.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah Party said in a press statement that it holds Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fully responsible for the killing of the disabled Palestinian man in East Jerusalem.

"It is a real crime in the first place and those who committed it must be brought to justice, and be convicted by the International Criminal Court," said the statement.

In the Gaza Strip, Hamas' spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a press statement that the killing of the disabled Palestinian was committed in "cold blood."

"These crimes against humanity will remain the fuel for the revolution of the Palestinian people, who will carry on with their struggle until the liberation of their occupied land," said Qassem.

Earlier in the day, an Israeli police force shot dead a Palestinian man with "special needs" in the Old City of East Jerusalem after suspecting he was carrying an "object that looked like a pistol," according to a police statement.

However, Israel Radio reported that the killed Palestinian man, identified as 32-year-old Iyad Hallak, was unarmed and mentally disabled. 
A prestigious Dutch weekly, Elsevier Weekblad, has branded Spaniards and Italians lazy" on the front cover of its magazine which shows a man with a moustache drinking wine and a woman in a bikini, alongside two blonde-haired Dutch people in suits work moving the financial machinery of the European Union.

The cover screams "Not a penny more to the south of Europe," and the magazine article sets out the reasons "why the Franco-German plan to give away 500 billion euros is not a good idea and claiming that the Netherlands will have to shell out around 30,000 million euros.

The article slams the proposal tabled by German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and French President, Emmanuel Macron as "perverse" because it purports to be "an unconditional donation" to the countries most affected by the epidemic, which means "a transfer of money from northern to southern Europe" and bemoans the fact that Merkel is "willing to transfer cash" to countries like Spain and Italy.

"The facts show that the countries in Southern Europe are not poor and have enough money, or have access to money and can improve the purchasing power of their economies quite easily, with reforms such as those already implemented in the north, the article says, which refers to the reforms implemented in the Netherlands after the 2008 financial crisis.

If all the capital in France is added together and divided by the number of adult inhabitants, a French person has an average of 276,121 euros, an Italian would have 234,139 euros and a Dutchman 279,077 euros, the Germans they would drop to 216,654 euros, according to data from figures offered by the Swiss bank Credit Suisse.

According to those calculations, on average, Germans are poorer than the French or Italians, and the Dutch are "only slightly richer.

It also argues that the Netherlands public debt is lower than the rest, at 59.4%, but the private debt of Dutch households is much higher, at 241.6%, while Eurostat shows that Italy has a national debt of 137% and a private debt of 107%.

The magazine criticises the Franco-German proposal, but makes no mention of the proposal presented on Wednesday by the European Commission to establish a recovery fund of 750,000 million euros, 500,000 million of which will be given in the form of subsidies and 250,000 in the form of credits.

The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte has not explicitly rejected the EC proposal, but did pointed out that there is "time and space" to debate the final proposal in Brussels saying the negotiations "will take time.

Foreign Minister Stef Blok, says the Hague regards "the proposals of the European Commission as a starting point for future discussions" and stressed that "the way forward must be based on solidarity and responsibility, and must strengthen the EU and its Member States.

The Dutch far-right has harshly criticised the EC's plan for a recovery fund offering subsidies, and Geert Wilders has accused Italy and Spain of being "bottomless pits that abuse the EU in every financial crisis.
"Getting to meet them, and hear their stories, is just something super special. I know from speaking with other people that they enjoyed our presence just as much as we enjoyed theirs, and they inspire us to be better." Cadet Second Lieutenant Alexis Nyce.
According to rental site Zumper, median rents for a one bedroom in San Antonio are hovering around $828. But how does the low-end pricing on a San Antonio rental look these days  and what might you get for your money?

We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments from Zumper and Apartment Guide to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find.

Take a look at the cheapest listings available right now, below. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

3270 Nacogdoches Road

Listed at $575/month, this 474-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, located at 3270 Nacogdoches Road, is 30.5 percent less than the median rent for a one bedroom in San Antonio, which is currently estimated at around $828/month.

The building features on-site laundry and a swimming pool. In the unit, look for a fireplace, a dishwasher and a balcony. Cats and dogs are not permitted.

According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is car-dependent, is quite bikeable and has some transit options.

(See the complete listing here.)

8722 Cinnamon Creek Drive

This studio apartment, situated at 8722 Cinnamon Creek Drive, is listed for $590/month for its 372 square feet.

In the unit, you'll find a fireplace, a dishwasher and hardwood flooring. Building amenities include on-site laundry. Pet lovers are in luck: Cats and dogs are permitted.

According to Walk Score, the area around this address is car-dependent, is somewhat bikeable and has some transit options.

(See the complete listing here.)

4100 Parkdale St.

Here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling at 4100 Parkdale St., which, at 525 square feet, is also going for $590/month.

When it comes to building amenities, expect assigned parking. The unit also comes with a dishwasher, a fireplace, a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting and a walk-in closet. Pet owners, take heed: Cats and dogs are welcome.

According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is somewhat walkable, is bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options.

(See the full listing here.)

308 Castillo Ave.

Then there's this 700-square-foot apartment with one bedroom and one bathroom at 308 Castillo Ave. in Roosevelt Park, listed at $595/month.

In the unit, expect to find air conditioning. Cats and dogs are not permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

According to Walk Score, this location is somewhat walkable, is fairly bikeable and has some transit options.

(See the listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, read on for five marketing tips for real estate agents to showcase local market expertise.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
30.05.2020 LISTEN

Tobacco kills over 80 million people worldwide every year. Tobacco remains a deadly, and yet entirely preventable, a risk factor for a host of diseases from the world's biggest infectious disease killer tuberculosis to major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that account for over 70% deaths globally, Whether it is the worlds biggest killer cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke) or cancers or diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases, it is tobacco which is a common risk factor to all. More alarmingly, it is also linked to COVID-19.

Unimaginable devastation

The UN chief called upon governments to act now on COVID-19 or face  unimaginable devastation . Tobacco increases the risk of serious outcomes of COVID-19, including death. One immediate step the governments must take is to ban all forms of tobacco (including e-cigarettes, vaping, or other heated tobacco products, hookah etc) and take strongest possible measures to hold the industry liable (legally and financially) - it is now a human rights imperative.

COVID-19 and tobacco pandemics

Governments have promised to end infectious diseases like TB and prevent untimely deaths due to NCDs by one-third in the next 126 months - but one of the biggest roadblocks to progress on these goals is tobacco. COVID-19 pandemic has made us all realize how challenging it could be to eliminate an infectious disease like COVID-19 (or TB). But tobacco is an industry-propelled disaster causing havoc that is entirely avoidable. It is possible to end tobacco, now.

Tobacco also jeopardizes our progress on a range of sustainable development goals, including a crippling economic loss of US$ 1.4 trillion every year. With the looming threat of economic toll that COVID-19 pandemic may have on our economies, we can help salvage this financial crisis by averting unnecessary economic (and health) catastrophe caused by tobacco.

Industry on the other hand is bent upon protecting its markets: the tobacco industry is selling new products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to create new generations of addicts, revealed a new report of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), Todays teens, tomorrows customers: Baiting youths with new tobacco products to create a new generation of addicts. Like they did with cigarettes, the tobacco industry is targeting youths with slick advertising, flavours, and technology of e-cigarettes, said Dr Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of SEATCA.

Dr Tara Singh Bam, Deputy Regional Director for Asia Pacific, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) shared that in its 2019 report on the global tobacco epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of e-cigarettes as a population-level tobacco cessation intervention to help people quit conventional tobacco use and also noted that these products are undoubtedly harmful.

Several government leaders are worried of the industry tricks to deceive and lure children, youth and adults alike. The sale of vaping devices might increase the number of young people who smoke, as vaping among non-smoking youth can be a gateway to traditional cigarettes said Dr Bima Arya Sugiarto, Mayor of Bogor City, Indonesia and Co-Chair of APCAT (Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Tobacco Control and NCDs Prevention). Tobacco use has been de-normalised in Balanga and a generation of young adults are growing up in a smoke-free environment. The aggressive marketing of these new products threatens the health of the community said Francis Garcia, Mayor of Balanga City, Philippines, and APCAT co-chair.

Former Health Minister of Nepal, Khagraj Adhikari who is a senior Member of Parliament and Chair of APCAT Parliamentarians (Asia Pacific Parliamentarians Caucus for Tobacco Control and NCDs Prevention), alerted: Vaping has gained popularity among the youth in Nepal. It was introduced to the market with no evidence as a healthy alternative and a way to quit smoking. Awareness about its potentially harmful effects is still low. We must enact policies to ban e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to prevent more unnecessary death.

With a devastating impact on health security globally of the pandemic, there is no excuse anymore for not banning all forms of tobacco, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, hookah, chewing tobacco, etc.

Tobacco was already an epidemic, now fueling COVID-19

Tobacco was already an epidemic if we look at the preventable disease burden and death toll since years  year after year. But the association of tobacco as a life-threatening risk factor for a range of conditions that can result in serious outcomes of COVID-19, including death, must become the tipping point to hold the industry liable, ban all forms of killer tobacco products, and strictly enforce all evidence-based health policies on the ground.

Prof (Dr) Surya Kant, Head of Respiratory Medicine Department of King Georges Medical University (KGMU) said that according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India , 86% of deaths due to COVID-19 have exhibited comorbidity related to diabetes, chronic kidney issues, hypertension and heart related problems. Tobacco is a common major risk factor for all these conditions. Tobacco spitting in public places could enhance the spread of COVID-19. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) , Chewing/ smokeless tobacco products (Gutkha, Paan masala with tobacco, Paan and other chewing tobacco products) and areca nut (supari) increase the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. ICMR has urged to refrain from consuming smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places. State Government of Uttar Pradesh in India had banned the sale of paan masala, in view of the alarming COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

The recent release of a report by the National Institute of Health in Italy stated that more than 99% of those who have died from COVID-19 had pre-existing medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and diabetes. Tobacco is a major common risk factor for all these listed conditions, said Prof Rama Kant, WHO Director General's Awardee and noted surgeon and tobacco control leader.

Recent COVID-19 deaths in Delhi show that 45.28% of those who died due to COVID-19 were less than 60 years of age (54% were above 60). An important factor which can cause serious outcomes of COVID-19 including death is co-morbidities. In Delhi, 86.79% of those who died of COVID-19 had high blood pressure, diabetes, heart ailment or kidney disease. Again, tobacco is a major common, yet entirely preventable risk factor for all these conditions.

Moment of truth is here, now!

If we are to deliver on sustainable development where no one is left behind, then we need to eliminate disaster-causing risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, etc, and have to hold these corporations liable for the irreparable damage they have caused over the years. These are the roadblocks that must be removed before we can accelerate progress towards all other sustainable development goals and targets. Governments must consider stronger life-saving measures towards preventing the tobacco-caused epidemic of diseases, which is now also linked to COVID-19. The cost of inaction is very high and will threaten progress on health and other sustainable development goals.

Shobha Shukla, Bobby Ramakant  CNS

(Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant are part of CNS (Citizen News Service). Follow them on Twitter @shobha1shukla, @bobbyramakant or visit www.citizen-news.org)
Outrage over the death of George Floyd sparked protests in cities across the nation Friday night, hours after a former Minneapolis police officer was arrested and charged with his murder.

Activists said it's another example of systematic racism in law enforcement, the latest in a series of high-profile black deaths that have exacerbated and inflamed racial tensions nationwide.

Former officer Derek Chauvin faces third-degree murder and manslaughter charges after a bystander's video circulated of him holding his knee to Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes before Floyd died.

'What's it going to take to get people to listen?'George Floyd protests in Minneapolis continue into fourth night despite curfew

A 19-year-old man was shot and killed late Friday night during protests in Detroit, and Atlanta's mayor delivered an impassioned plea for violence to stop. One protester died in St. Louis, and one federal contract security officer was shot in Oakland, California.

Demonstrators in many cities gathered to protest local deaths at the hands of law enforcement:

In Indianapolis, protesters held a sign that read "Justice for Dreasjon Reed." Reed died after a police pursuit that was broadcast on Facebook Live. In Milwaukee, they invoked the name of Joel Acevedo, who died after an altercation with a police officer in April.

In Louisville, Kentucky, on Thursday night, gunfire erupted as hundreds of protesters took to the streets demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed in her apartment by police in March.

As protests continue into their fourth night in Minneapolis, here's a look at what happened overnight around the USA:

St. Louis: Protesters block interstate, one dies

Protesters blocked a downtown interstate for about three hours Friday evening. One truck driver rerouted off the interstate was stopped by protesters, and several people started looting his trailer, two displaying guns to the driver, according to police.

Story continues

As the driver attempted to drive away, one person was caught between the two trailers and run over. There were no arrests, police said.

Milwaukee: Protesters march in 'solidarity , ' stop Interstate 43 traffic

More than a dozen businesses were damaged, and about 50 people were arrested overnight Friday, Police Chief Alfonso Morales said Saturday in a news release.

The daylong protests Friday had been peaceful as hundreds marched around the city. But around 11:30 p.m., violent unrest broke out around the District 5 Police Station, near Locust Street and King Drive.

"Instead of protesting in the honor of Mr. George Floyd and Mr. Joel Acevedo, many individuals, used this as an opportunity to damage property, destroy businesses, commit robbery, fire shots and steal property for their personal gain," Morales said in the release.

An officer was shot and injured in the line of duty. "Thank God, the officers injury was non-life-threatening," the chief said.

 Ashley Luthern, Ricardo Torres and Talis Shelbourne, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Greenville, SC: Hundreds gather for peaceful rally

About 200 people, and more by the minute, gathered Saturday morning for a peaceful protest in response to Floyd's death.

Dalores Bowens, one of the organizers, said the goal of the protest was to highlight the risks that black people, and others, face at times from police. The big aim, she said, is to encourage unity and have a peaceful expression of anger and frustration.

 Mike Ellis, Eric Connor and Sarah Sheridan, Greenville News

Pensacola, Fla.: 'Tymar is our George'

About 300 to 400 people filled the southern banks of the small hills that flank Graffiti Bridge to express outrage over police violence against African Americans.

Advertised as a vigil, the atmosphere felt more like a protest, and its organizers explained its purpose as twofold: a show of communal objection to police brutality and a lamentation for Tymar Crawford.

Crawford, 28, was shot and killed by Police Department Detective Daniel Siemen on July 5, 2019. Siemen was fired from the PPD for violating the department's use of deadly force policy, but a grand jury determined there was not enough evidence to warrant criminal charges.

"Tymar is our Pensacola George," activist Haley Morrissette said. "This really shows the energy that is really behind getting justice in the county and here, right now. A lot of people are here to remind us that Tymar is Pensacola's George."

 Colin Warren-Hicks, Pensacola News Journal

Oakland, Calif.: 'Damage and destruction,' 1 dead in shooting

Interim Police Chief Susan Manheimer said peaceful demonstration turned "disruptive."

"We saw damage and destruction here," Manheimer said in a video message posted to Twitter.

Two contract security officers for the Federal Protective Service of the Department of Homeland Security were shot, one fatally, when someone began firing from a vehicle outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building Friday night, FBI San Francisco said in a statement.

The FBI could not say whether the shooting was related to protests because the investigation was ongoing, according to public affairs officer Katherine Zackel. The FBI deployed investigators to the scene and was working with the Police Department, Zackel said.

Portland, Ore.: Multiple arrests, state of emergency, curfew

A police spokesperson said 13 people were arrested overnight. Police called the protests "riots."

Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency early Saturday and said a curfew was "immediately in effect" until 6 a.m. local time, then would resume 8 p.m. Saturday.

Wheeler released a series of tweets Friday night saying, "ENOUGH" and "Portland, this is NOT us."

"Burning buildings with people inside, stealing from small and large businesses, threatening and harassing reporters. All in the middle of a pandemic where people have already lost everything. This isnt calling for meaningful change in our communities, this is disgusting," Wheeler said on Twitter.

Houston: Nearly 200 arrested

Nearly 200 people were arrested Friday into Saturday morning, and most will be charged with obstructing a roadway, police said on Twitter.

Four officers had minor injuries, and eight police vehicles were damaged, police said.

Earlier in the day, Police Chief Art Acevedo attended a downtown demonstration organized by Black Lives Matter and spoke to the crowd. "Its about bad policing. Its about criminal behavior. And its about holding bad cops accountable," Acevedo told the group as many booed. Later, dozens of protesters shut down U.S. Highway 59.

Lincoln, Neb.: Protesters arrested, shelter-in-place order

Protests condemning police brutality began early in the morning at the Capitol.

Around 4 a.m. Saturday, police said the protest was no longer peaceful. "Arrests have been made and will continue to be made for those who continue to break the law. Neighbors in the area please shelter in place," the department said on Twitter.

Austin, Texas: Dozens protest at police headquarters

About a hundred protesters denouncing police brutality and Floyd's death gathered in front of the Police Departments headquarters downtown around midnight Saturday.

A line of officers wearing helmets and batons formed in front of the building and blocked the Interstate 35 service road near East Seventh Street. Officers clashed with demonstrators and pushed them back to the street. Police detained at least one protester, though it was not immediately known why.

Protesters chanted, I cant breathe and threw water bottles at the officers. Officers responded by firing bean bag shots. One officer had cuts on his face and one of his elbows; he said he wasnt sure at what point during the protest he was injured.

 Andy Sevilla, Austin American-Statesman

Elmira, NY: 'We've had enough'

A crowd of about 50 stood outside the Police Department on Friday, chanting  at times in the rain  "No justice, no peace," and "Black lives matter" to peacefully demonstrate.

Participants stayed for hours Friday, the second consecutive day of demonstrating. Organizer Domari Greene, 30, said plans are to gather again Saturday.

"The message were sending out is that not only is the African American community tired of the unjust killings and racism, but people across the nation are also tired of this," Greene said Friday. "Weve had enough, and no more will officers get away for their crimes, no more just a suspension."

"We had some interaction with the group, and it was very positive," Police Capt. Anthony Alvernaz said, adding he wished motorists would slow down as their speed endangered the group.

 Ashley Biviano, Elmira Star-Gazette

Very tense situation unfolding outside #Austin police headquarters as some people at a #GeorgeFloydprotest throw water bottles at police and cops strike back with bean bag shots. @statesman pic.twitter.com/nXb0KVUZwk  Andy Sevilla (@MrAndySevilla) May 30, 2020

Chicago: Protesters march downtown; more than 100 arrested

Dozens of protesters wearing face masks  many with the communist group Revolution Club Chicago and the organization Refuse Fascism Now, which calls for President Donald Trumps removal  gathered downtown and marched through the streets for hours Friday evening.

The group chanted, "Say his name, George Floyd" and "Black lives matter." Some held signs that said "Justice 4 George" and "I cant breathe."

The group blocked a major highway, stopping traffic as police created a barricade with their bicycles. Later, the group stopped outside the Metropolitan Correctional Center and chanted, "We love you," according to videos posted to social media.

The peaceful protest took a turn early Saturday morning, when demonstrators broke the windows of several downtown storefronts. About 108 people were arrested, Superintendent David Brown said in a news conference Saturday. "We had to take swift action so that the violence and property damage wouldnt escalate," he said.

The protesters inflected "minimal damage" downtown, and about a dozen squad cars were damaged throughout the city, Brown said. Some officers were injured, and one had a broken wrist.

Illinois State Police assisted Chicago police "with several crowds of protesters" from Friday evening to 4 a.m. Saturday, according to the agency. State police did not make any arrests, the agency said.

More than 10,000 people expressed interest in a Facebook event page for a protest Saturday afternoon in Chicago, organized by Black Lives Matter.

 Grace Hauck, USA TODAY

Columbus, Ohio: 5 arrested, 2 police officers injured

Five people were arrested and two police officers were injured by protesters throwing rocks and bricks at them on the second straight night of protests in Ohio's capital city.

Police reported broken windows and spray-paint graffiti in the Short North. Business owners boarded up their buildings, and a couple stood outside well after midnight, armed with guns, to protect their properties.

Protesters converged earlier in the night on police headquarters, where they staged a peaceful protest.

 Mark Ferenchik and Catherine Candisky, The Columbus Dispatch

Denver: Police use flash grenades, tear gas to hold off protesters at Capitol

On the night after one protester appeared to be intentionally hit by a car, police used flash grenades and tear gas to hold off protesters as they attempted to breach the Capitol multiple times.

People began to gather as early as 12:30 p.m. for a march to the Capitol, where protesters stood on the steps and chanted for change. They took both sides of nearby North Broadway Street before heading to Civic Center Park to hear from speakers.

About an hour after the crowd had mostly dispersed, they regathered near the Capitol, prompting law enforcement to push them back from the street to keep traffic moving through the area. Tensions escalated into the night, and some protesters ran through the city, smashing storefront windows.

 Bethany Baker, The Coloradoan (Fort Collins, Colorado)

Des Moines, Iowa: Protest grows violent, bricks thrown at police cars

A protest outside police headquarters spread through downtown and turned violent.

Just before 8 p.m., protesters threw bricks at police cars, prompting officers in riot gear to push against protesters. At least one officer sprayed chemical irritants on the crowd, including a Des Moines Register photographer.

 Andrea May Sahouri, Des Moines Register

Detroit: 19-year-old man killed; police arrest 9 people, fire tear gas amid protests

A 19-year-old man was killed late Friday night after shots were fired into a crowd of protesters by an unknown suspect in a gray Dodge Durango.

Video obtained by the Free Press of the USA TODAY Network showed the man bleeding from the chest, and police said he died at a hospital.

About 1,500 people demonstrated peacefully earlier in the night. Police Chief James Craig said nine people were arrested as of 11 p.m. By 11:45 p.m., police had fired tear gas.

Officers were attacked during the demonstrations, Craig said. A command officer was struck with a rock and taken to a hospital. An officer on a bike was struck.

The Police Department is angry about Floyd's death, too, Craig said: I will not stand by and let a small minority, criminals, come in here, attack our officers and make our community unsafe."

 Darcie Moran, Angie Jackson, Joe Guillen and Branden Hunter, Detroit Free Press

Indianapolis: Police use rubber bullets, tear gas

Protesters clashed with police downtown in an hourslong demonstration that started peacefully but turned chaotic after the sun went down.

Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department used volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse crowds that lingered on city streets well past midnight.

As police stood in riot gear, groups of protesters moved through clouds of gas, chanting, I cant breathe! and Black lives matter.

George Floyd protests: How did we get here?

A patrol car was vandalized. Fires were set in trash cans. A CVS was torched and looted, as were a a jewelry business and a cellphone store.

Graffiti on a broken window at Key Bank at Market Tower read, I cant use my bank account if Im dead.

 Crystal Hill, Vic Ryckaert, Kelly Wilkinson, Jenna Watson and Ryan Martin, Indianapolis Star

Knoxville, Tenn.: Protesters rally, chant outside police headquarters

Hundreds of protesters gathered peacefully in front of police headquarters in a rally hosted by Black Lives Matter Knoxville.

Davis Hayes, who ran for City Council last year, led the crowd in a chant: We have nothing to lose for our chains.

A Black Lives Matter flag is flown in front of the Knoxville Police Department headquarters May 29 in Tennessee as people gather for a rally in solidarity with Minneapolis to speak out against police brutality.

Alison Rose, who works with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, was the first white speaker at the protest, and she spoke directly to other white people.

White people, get it together. Do the work. Educate yourselves, she said. Get yourself so deep in history that you will find out the truth: Black history is this countrys history.

 Travis Dorman, Knoxville News Sentinel

Los Angeles: Police declare unlawful assembly amid growing tensions

The Police Department declared an unlawful assembly after 9:30 p.m. for much of the downtown area, from Interstate 10 to U.S. 101, and the 110 Freeway to Alameda Street, after a night of tense standoffs with protesters.

This is being made following repeated acts of violence and property damage. Residents should stay inside. Business should close. Those on the street are to leave the area, the LAPD said via Twitter.

Hours earlier, protesters blocked the 110 Freeway, temporarily stopping traffic.

Louisville, Ky.: Demonstrators gather again after violence Thursday

After violent protests erupted Thursday, protesters continued to gather Friday night, demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, an African American woman killed in her apartment by police officers in March.

People trashed buildings, broke glass, set fires and looted restaurants in an eight-hour protest that stretched into early Saturday morning, and angry city officials blamed out-of-towners for the trail of vandalism across much of downtown.

"This is not a protest. It is violence," Mayor Greg Fischer said at 1 a.m. in a video call with reporters.

"This violence and destruction is absolutely unacceptable," he said. "It besmirches any claim to honor Breonna Taylor's memory. ... No one stands up for justice and equality by smashing windows and burning property. This destruction will not be tolerated."

 Tessa Duvall, Mandy McLaren, Darcy Costello, Cameron Teague Robinson, Bailey Loosemore and Sarah Ladd, Louisville Courier Journal

Memphis, Tenn.: About 300 protesters gather for third straight day

For the third straight day, protesters took to the streets to speak out against police brutality and the deaths of three African Americans at the hands of police.

The first demonstrators arrived just before 6:30 p.m. Within an hour, the crowd had grown to about 300, the largest of the protests.

Devante Hill leads a march May 29 from FedExForum to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., in reaction to the death of George Floyd.

That was despite a series of road closures set up by the Police Department at every entrance into the area.

 Desiree Stennett, Micaela A Watts and Laura Testino, The Commercial Appeal (Memphis)

New York City: A 'long night ahead' amid escalating tensions in Brooklyn

Mayor Bill de Blasio warned of a "long night ahead of us in Brooklyn" in a tweet late Friday night.

Reporters documented the unrest in social media posts: Earlier in the evening, New York Times reporter Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs tweeted a video showing a person being struck by the door of a passing police vehicle. Jason Lemon of Newsweek tweeted a photo of a police vehicle set on fire in the borough.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., tweeted that lawmakers were among the protesters who were caught up in the clash: "A Black New York State Senator (@zellnor4ny) and a Black NYS Assemblywoman (@YourFavoriteASW) were both pepper sprayed in Brooklyn today. They were present as elected leaders to keep the peace and serve their communities. Completely, utterly unacceptable."

In Manhattan, hundreds of protesters descended on Foley Square, chanting, "I can't breathe" and No justice, no peace!

Phoenix: Hundreds march against violence after peaceful vigil

A vigil "to mourn the police violence" wrapped up shortly after 9 p.m., and organizers discouraged attendees from engaging in any violent protesting and urged them to go home.

Though some left, hundreds of protesters began marching. Many had their hands in the air and chanted, "I can't breathe."

An organizer said violence would bring more pain to the family of Dion Johnson, who was fatally shot by an officer.

Police said Johnson, 28, was shot after a struggle with a trooper May 25. Activist groups demanded release of the body-worn camera footage depicting the shooting.

 BrieAnna J. Frank, Andrew Oxford and Helena Wegner, Arizona Republic

San Jose, Calif.: Protesters block five-lane Silicon Valley freeway

Protesters marched through the capital of the Silicon Valley, stalling traffic for about an hour on a five-lane freeway and prompting police intervention.

Video footage from KGO-TV showed vehicles at a virtual standstill on the southbound lanes of U.S. 101 until protesters moved into the downtown area. Police fired tear gas and nonlethal projectiles into a crowd that had grown to about 1,000 people, and officers in riot gear lined up to prevent them from further disrupting traffic near City Hall, KPIX-TV reported.

Police subdue a protester May 29 in San Jose, Calif.

Protesters smashed the windows of police cars and threw water bottles.

Elsewhere in California, hundreds of protesters demonstrated peacefully on the streets in the capital city of Sacramento, gathering near a police headquarters and shouting at police.

Seattle: Reports of pepper spray, fireworks

Protesters and police clashed downtown, the Seattle Times reported. Protesters broke windows and threw fireworks; police responded with tear gas, the paper reported.

Washington: Pennsylvania Avenue protesters force White House lockdown

Angry protesters arrived at Pennsylvania Avenue, leading to a lockdown at the White House Friday night, spokesman Judd Deere confirmed to USA TODAY.

Outside the White House on Friday, the Secret Service took at least one person into custody. A large group of protesters gathered, some burning flags and knocking over barricades. The protesters moved from the White House to another part of the city.

Uniformed U.S. Secret Service police detain a protester in Lafayette Park across from the White House as demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Friday, May 29, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ORG XMIT: DCEV337

Reporters inside the White House said the Secret Service would not let them leave the grounds during the lockdown.

 Savannah Behrmann, USA TODAY

Contributing: Steve Kiggins, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd: Protests intensify nationally; 1 dead in Detroit
The 1997 handover of Hong Kong from Britain to the Peoples Republic of China marked the end of Western colonial rule in the region. Optimistic Western policy hands hoped that the final mending of the unequal treaties, as they were called by the Chinese Communist Party, would initiate Beijings integration into the rules-based world order.

Recent events in Hong Kong put paid to this hope.

The days of Chinas peaceful rise, when the CCP steadfastly denied its hegemonic ambitions, are long gone. In light of Chinas clampdown on Hong Kong, the transfer of the autonomous region now appears to have entailed swapping one imperial government for another. As if to remove any doubt, Chinas National Peoples Congress bypassed the Hong Kong Legislative Council this week and imposed a new national-security law. The law, which bans all seditious activity, effectively nullifies the Hong Kong Basic Law according to which the territory is guaranteed autonomy from the Mainland until 2047.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo responded appropriately in announcing that, under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed last year, Washington would no longer consider Hong Kong independent of China. The White House will reconsider the privileges and immunities granted to the autonomous region, including its preferential trade status, visa exemptions, and flexible foreign-exchange regime.

Critics argue that the measures will cause undue economic harm to the region. Hong Kongs economy will suffer, but the millions of Hong Kongers who have taken to the streets in protest have demonstrated in no uncertain terms that they value freedom over GDP growth. Indeed, the rule of law is what allowed Hong Kong to build a thriving economy in the first place. The short-term harms from reduced trade and investment pale in comparison to the disaster of Mainland dominance of Hong Kong. Worse, allowing China to violate the 1984 SinoBritish Joint Declaration, registered at the U.N., will send a signal that the U.S. is unwilling to stand by a basic element of the international order.

Story continues

In any event, the White House ultimately has little choice. Congress has all but required the administration to decertify Hong Kongs autonomous status in this circumstance. The legislation also calls for sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for Hong Kongs suppression, a measure that the White House should undertake as Beijing moves to implement the law.

We obviously also need a strategy to combat Chinese belligerence elsewhere. Control of Hong Kong is only one step in Chinas quest to occupy a central position in the world, as Chinese president Xi Jinping has put it. The Hong Kong security law coincides with increasingly aggressive naval exercises in the South and East China Seas and a sudden military buildup on the SinoIndian border. The Chinese have also made clear their intention to annex Taiwan, and show no signs of rolling back their programs of industrial espionage and anti-competitive trade practices. The White House must resist China on all fronts.

The administration should mobilize our allies in the fight. As Pompeo made his announcement, German chancellor Angela Merkel said that the European Union has a great strategic interest in cooperating with China. Neither have the British, who designed the transfer of Hong Kong, shown much interest in pushing back on Chinese aggression. European leaders are enticed by the economic benefits of cooperating with Beijing, and it will require a deft diplomatic touch to persuade them to take a more strategically sound posture.

Hong Kong is the last redoubt of freedom and decency in Chinas contiguous territory. The White House should do everything reasonably within its power to try to safeguard it.

More from National Review
Demonstrations in Charleston and Columbia turned violent Saturday night, mirroring scenes across the country as protesters clashed with police in the wake of an African American mans death at the hands of police in Minnesota.

Four police offers were injured, one seriously, in Columbia after tensions escalated following an afternoon of mostly peaceful protests. As night fell and curfews were enacted, tensions intensified and reached a violent crescendo in the downtowns of two of South Carolinas largest cities.

In Charleston, police vehicles burned, storefronts were destroyed and gunshots were reported along historic King Street. As an 11 p.m. curfew hit, police used spray and smoke to move the protests turned riot away from the citys core.

Its not going to look good when the sun comes up tomorrow in our city, said Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds.

The protests were in honor of George Floyd, an African American man, who died in Minneapolis on Monday while handcuffed in police custody. Floyd was seen on videos gasping for breath during an arrest in which an officer stayed kneeling for almost eight minutes. The officer was arrested on Friday afternoon.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said at least one of his officers was injured while responding to a man who was hurt when a group of people attacked him.

Mayor Steve Benjamin imposed a curfew in Columbia effective at 6 p.m. Saturday to help calm the situation. It will remain in effect there through the weekend. Officers used squad cars and armored vehicles to push protesters off the street.

But the unrest in downtown Columbia continued into the night. Some officers were fired upon at Gervais and Assembly near a parking lot, and officers chased after the shooter. Armored police forced a crowd away from the Five Points area.

Columbia's was just one of several protests in South Carolina. Marches in Greenville, Charleston County, Myrtle Beach and other areas allowed residents to vent frustration following the death in Minneapolis.

In Charleston, protesters cornered two supporters of President Donald Trump near a downtown fast-food restaurant in the afternoon and burned a Keep America Great hat taken from one of them. Police protected the men and got them out of harm's way.

Others marched onto Interstate 26 as some branched off to the downtown tourist corridor, where they spray-painted "BLM" and "traitors" on the Confederate Defenders statue at The Battery and shattered windows on Market Street.

Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey imposed a curfew Saturday night, effective from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, and Charleston City Council matched that curfew's times, as well.

"Charleston County joins the rest of the nation grieving over of the death of George Floyd. Our citizens have the right to be angry and the right to protest this unspeakable tragedy. Now is the time to join together and honor Mr. Floyds memory peacefully," Summey said in a prepared statement.

Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds followed the marchers through part of their route. He denounced the Minneapolis police who kneeled on George Floyd's neck as the man took his final breath.

"They're exercising their rights," Reynolds said, gesturing to the crowd. "What happened in Minneapolis was wrong."

The Peoples Solidarity Society organized a gathering at Marion Square, which quickly turned into a march down King Street. Officers followed the crowd for several blocks before two dozen of them, wearing helmets and armed with batons, blocked them from continuing south past Burns Lane. They held their ground for several minutes as protesters crowded the street.

"I don't think all cops are racist, I know that guy's just trying to do his job and get paid," said Barinwa Wiwuga of Charleston. "But it's bad seeds, and it keeps happening ... racism never surprises me."

Dev Brown put her hands up immediately. Shes fallen victim to police brutality before, she said.

As protesters approached the line of officers, a second row filed behind them.

We built Charleston, Brown said after climbing onto a table that had been dragged to the street. This is a slave city. ... Its ours.

A man emptied an extinguisher into the air before using it to shatter the windows of a civilian car and then a sheriff's SUV.

One protester grabbed a patio chair from FIG and sent it flying through the air at a line of geared-up officers.

Protesters paused to pay their respects at Mother Emanuel AME Church before climbing up the steps to speak to the crowd below.

"Yalls cousins, aunties, uncles lost their lives at this church, one protester said. Nine beautiful souls, and they took (Dylann Roof) away in handcuffs and took him to McDonalds.

(After Roof's arrest in Selby, N.C., an officer brought him Burger King while they waited for FBI agents to arrive to interview him.)

Another man shouted, We will let nobody qualify or disqualify who we are or what we stand for."

After dark, a group of fewer than 100 protesters starting damaging vehicles and breaking windows downtown, Reynolds said of the Charleston protests.

Several businesses were damaged when windows were broken through and at least one hotel's lower-level windows also were shattered by rocks.

"Its not going to look good when the sun comes up tomorrow in our city," he said in a hastily called City Council meeting to impose the curfew.

At least two armored vehicles in Columbia were deployed to contain protesters. Across the street from where three Columbia Police Department cruisers were set ablaze, two other cars in a parking garage were torched. One exploded.

Some protesters tried to break into a jewelry store on Lincoln Street.

Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire" could be heard faintly from a nearby vehicle.

Several journalists were struck by full water bottles. Benjamin, talking from a loudspeaker, urged protesters to "go home and go home peacefully" as he announced the curfew in Columbia.

"Hands up, don't shoot" a crowd yelled as police funneled them up Lady Street.

Brandon Fragger stood on the porch of the restaurant where he works watching the smoke roll down Lincoln Street from where several cars burned.

Fragger said he knows burning things down is not the answer, but hes attended peaceful protests himself that garnered no results. So I understand why people are frustrated and fed up and who feel invisible in a lot of ways, he said.

In two weeks its going to be somebody else, Fragger said of the repeated incidents involving African Americans and police. Because it always is. And it shouldnt be.

He talked about his own fears being an African American man and getting pulled over. He gets nervous pulling out his wallet or worried that hell drop something and have an officer see it as a threat.

I hate feeling like that because I have friends who are police officers, but its just scary because you never know who youre going to get. Its sad, he said.

"Body cams on!" deputies told one another as they tried to clear streets.

Police formed a line, locked arm-in-arm, urging crowds to disperse and go home, but their commands were ignored.

Just before 8 p.m., authorities began shooting smoke and tear gas canisters into the crowd. On Assembly Street, a tax office was broken into, glass shattered and two chairs on the sidewalk.

People broke into the Carolina Western Pub on Lady Street, taking bottles of beer and climbing over the counter to destroy furniture.

Columbia police officers directed traffic in the initial march from City Hall to the Statehouse. Holbrook said he watched his officers, there early in the morning to protect those peacefully assembled, be pelted with water bottles, then rocks, thrown at them. Then their vehicles were set afire.

What I have witnessed this afternoon, its a travesty, he said. Its going to stop and its going to stop right now.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said he actually attended the morning march and walked with the group to the Statehouse. One of the organizers even asked him to speak when they gathered at police headquarters.

The group here now has nothing to do with the group that stood at the Statehouse and peacefully protested, he said. This group is not going to be allowed to take over the city of Columbia.

Lott said he had no count on the number of protesters injured. He said a firefighter was injured when he was struck by a rock, in addition to the four injured police officers.

Earlier, a couple blocks west of police headquarters, a group got into a confrontation that ended in protesters throwing rocks and breaking windows of an SUV. Police in riot gear pushed back the crowd and stood around the SUV. One person was arrested after firing a gun, officials said, and others shattered businesses' windows.

Several protesters climbed scaffolding of a nearby hotel under construction and hung a banner. Another spray painted graffiti on the parking garage across the street.

Benjamin said the city welcomes peaceful protest and discourse, "but this is unacceptable."

I understand the power of peaceful protest, said Benjamin, who got his start in politics protesting racial inequity at the age of 17. I use my voice. I train my children to use their voice.

Saturdays I Cant Breathe South Carolina protest started with thousands of people protesting peacefully within the bounds of their rights.

They did a good job, Benjamin said. But when a protest goes from being peaceful to being violent, the conversation changes.

Echoing coordinated events across the country, crowds began marching Saturday morning on the steps of the S.C. State House. While some protests have erupted in violence, the event in the Capital City on Saturday remained mostly peaceful.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott posted a Tweet on Saturday urging calm.

"If youre in Columbia and arent from there, go.home. Our state came together&showed the world how to do this the right way and find a solution after Walter Scott&Mother Emanuel. Lets do it again & keep finding solutions together. Violence will only mean more broken lives&hearts," said Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate.

While Floyd's death is just the latest to grip national headlines, organizers said the event was not just in remembrance of him but all victims of police brutality and racial violence, from Mike Brown to Eric Garner.

Serving as a reminder of South Carolinas own pain was a poster bearing the image of Dylann Roof, the white supremacist who in 2015 massacred nine black church members in Charleston's Emanuel AME church.

Under Roof's photo, the poster read "alive." Under Floyd's, "dead."

The rally was a first for Takayla Hart, 19, of Orangeburg.

"We're just honestly tired," she said. "And this straw was just the last straw for me."

Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted South Carolinians are well within their rights to publicly and peacefully express anger over the inexcusable taking of George Floyds life. We should all be angry. There is no excuse for this.

And state Rep. Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, stood up at the rally to say, This has to stop now.

Every time I turn on the TV, I watch a man as life leaves his body, he said.

The continued threat of the coronavirus also hung over the day.

Alex Hursey and Mike Lewis chose to embrace it, with the Hartsville and Florence residents writing "I can't breathe across their masks.

"I got to stand up, because this is not fair what's happening," Hursey said of her decision to attend. "I've spoken out on social media, but that's not enough."

Pittman referenced the virus saying, the common refrain were in this together doesnt ring true when these deaths continue to happen.

Protesters left the Statehouse grounds, marching to the Columbia Police Department. Along the way, marchers briefly stopped traffic on busy streets so the group could pass through safely.

The scene outside Columbia police headquarters was mixed. One African American officer shared hugs with two female marchers. But tensions occasionally flared with marchers throwing water bottles until march leaders calmed the crowd.

Officers dressed in riot gear and holding shields emerged from the station to hold back the crowd. Barriers were pulled away and marchers and officers stood toe to toe. It culminated in marchers removing the American and S.C. state flags from poles outside the station and caring them on the lawn.

Saturday evening, a group of sign-toting protesters marched down Main Street in downtown Greenville, chanting Black Lives Matter!

A black woman and a young boy lagged behind. The boy approached a white police officer, who offered his hand and a slight grin. They embraced  the woman recorded the moment on her cellphone  and parted ways.

It was a lighthearted moment during an otherwise emotionally charged evening. Protesters held signs  one read "Blue Lives Murder"  and shouted at Greenville police officers. At several junctions officers acted as human blockades, halting the marchs progress. Police placed handcuffs on one white woman, who had engaged in a shouting match with a counter-protesting white man. Later, a black man was led away from the protest by officers.

Protesters stood shoulder to shoulder, setting aside social distancing guidelines even as coronavirus cases in the state increase.

Josh Needelman and Jamie Lovegrove contributed to this report.
An Australian academic living in Minneapolis has described a city at "breaking point" as unrest driven by anger over the death in police custody of George Floyd causes the boarding up of homes and businesses.

Professor Sue Duval, who was born in Adelaide but has lived in the US for 25 years, says even her white son is uncomfortable about interacting with police.

Ms Duval and her son, Jeremy, live about 10 minutes from where furious Minneapolis residents are protesting the death of George Floyd, killed while being arrested on Monday.

Several nights of protests have followed across the US in cities including New York City, Atlanta, Houston, Washington DC and Denver.
The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd shot one suspect, was involved in the fatal shooting of another, and received at least 17 complaints during his nearly two decades with the department, according to police records and archived news reports.

The information paints a fragmented picture of Derek Chauvin, who was fired from the Minneapolis Police Department and arrested after video emerged this week showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes.

The department declined multiple requests to provide details on Chauvin's use-of-force history Friday, but local media reports from the time of the previous incidents cite police confirming Chauvin's involvement.

A summary of the complaints against Chauvin posted by the department offers no information on why they were filed, and police declined to comment on the nature of the cases. Sixteen of the complaints were closed without discipline. The remaining complaint resulted in two letters of reprimand against Chauvin, according to the summary.

Ronal Serpas, a former head of police in New Orleans, Nashville, Tenn., and Washington State, said it was difficult to draw conclusions about Chauvin's complaint file without more information, but noted that 17 appeared to be higher than average.

"It's a little unusual to have essentially one a year for 19 years," Serpas said. "That's a concern ... It would certainly catch my attention."

Chauvin, a 44-year-old white man, pressed his knee to Floyd's neck as he and other officers arrested the 46-year-old black man on suspicion of forgery on Monday. Floyd, who was handcuffed, died in police custody after telling officers repeatedly, "I cannot breathe." His death set off a wave of protests and riots in Minneapolis and other cities.

Prosecutors charged Chauvin with third-degree murder and manslaughter Friday. An attorney for Chauvin and a representative from the police officers' union did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In Minneapolis, Chauvin and Floyd's worlds overlapped. Both worked security at El Nuevo Rodeo, a Latin night club in the city, according to the former owner, Maya Santamaria.

The pair may not have known each other. The venue's security staff numbered in the dozens, Santamaria said, and Chauvin worked outside while Floyd worked inside. Chauvin had been there 17 years, Floyd much less than that.

Santamaria described Chauvin as a "nice guy" who was "always mellow" around her, but said he was also "tightly wound."

"I'm extremely disappointed that a good friend of mine would be the culprit of this horrible crime," she said.

Recently, there was tension in the precinct where the club was located, Santamaria said, especially when the club started catering to the African-American community.

"I could feel the racial tension," she said. "I could feel the racism. The cops, the 3rd Precinct, even the Minneapolis licensing inspectors. They were hating on me for bringing that element into the neighborhood."

Records show Chauvin lives in a single-family home in the outskirts of St. Paul. He also owns a townhouse in Windermere, Fla., records show. Demonstrators gathered outside the central Florida residence Friday to protest Floyd's death.

Earlier in his career, Chauvin, who was hired by the department in 2001, was involved in multiple incidents in which he or other officers used fatal force.

In 2006, he was one of six officers on the scene when Minneapolis police shot and killed a stabbing suspect. The suspect, 42-year-old Wayne Reyes, allegedly drew a shotgun on officers, prompting several of them to open fire. A grand jury declined to bring charges in the case.

Two years later, Chauvin opened fire on Ira Latrell Toles, then 21, while he was responding to a domestic disturbance call, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. When Chauvin and another officer arrived, Toles locked himself in a bathroom. Chauvin forced his way in. He shot Toles twice in the abdomen during a struggle, saying later that Toles had tried to grab his gun.

Toles, who survived the shooting and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, said he fought back against Chauvin in self-defense.

"He tried to kill me in that bathroom," he told the Daily Beast this week.

In another incident in 2011, Chauvin was nearby when officers shot and wounded an assault suspect, the Star Tribune reported at the time. In that case and others, Chauvin was placed on temporary leave during an investigation and later cleared of wrongdoing.

Serpas, the former police chief, noted the vast majority of police go their entire careers without firing their service weapons, but said Chauvin may have faced a different set of circumstances as a longtime patrol officer that required him to use his gun.

"The longer you're there, the more likely you're going to be exposed to it," Serpas said, "compared to a lot of cops who are going to transition to detectives or something else where they're not out in the public every day."
What this most likely means for you is that you could see a reduction in the amount that you receive in your next pay cheque in order to bring it into line with your entitlements, the tax expert said (stock photo)

Q. Before Covid-19 I was working two part-time jobs, as a trainee beautician by day and a bar tender on some evenings. Neither manager knows that I have another job. I never saw the need to tell them about this situation. Both my employers put me on the wage subsidy scheme at the end of March and I actually came out with more money than I was earning originally. Is this OK? Is it possible that I can I keep the money?

A. This is actually one of the anomalies that has come to light in recent weeks, according to the CEO of the Big Red Cloud, Marc O'Dwyer. Some part-time workers who had two jobs found themselves in receipt of the full subsidy from both employers during the transition phase, which was basically from mid-March to late April.

There was no way around this because employers could not share data with each other.

In the new operational phase that started on May 4, this has now been resolved, as the data is being provided by Revenue to employers.

So because they now have sight of all the data, they have adjusted the available subsidy pro-rata across any cases of multiple employments, Mr O'Dwyer says.

What this most likely means for you is that you could see a reduction in the amount that you receive in your next pay cheque in order to bring it into line with your entitlements, the tax expert said.

Regarding the money you have already received, there is no provision in place for Revenue to take back any excess amounts paid, he said.

However, Mr O'Dwyer points out that you will be taxed on all wage subsidy amounts you received at the end of the year.

Q. I am working from home during Covid-19 and my company gave me a laptop, tablet and some other equipment from my office. I have contents insurance myself as I rent an apartment, but I'm wondering if my work equipment would be covered under this, or would that come under my employers' liability insurance policy?

A. The public health crisis has brought about many changes in the way we work, and it's understandable to be concerned about keeping valuable work equipment in your apartment, says the managing director of Insuremyhouse.ie, Jonathan Hehir.

While the policy specifics vary from insurer to insurer, there is a general understanding of the need for employees to work remotely and there is leeway and support for policyholders on this, he says.

Your own contents insurance would cover the financial cost of repairing or replacing your valuables and belongings.

This would include any stated personal electronic equipment, up to a specified amount of cover.

Any equipment that is provided by your employer to you as an employee in the course of you working from home would fall outside these limits. That means this would be your employer's responsibility.

Such an arrangement would typically be covered under the company's material damage section of its business policy, subject to policy limits.

For further clarification, Mr Hehir recommends that you refer to the details of your insurance policy document, or contact your own insurer or broker for further information on your cover.

Q. If, or when, we travel abroad again, will my travel insurance cover any expenses relating to Covid-19?

A. All consumers who may be taking out new travel insurance policies, or renewing existing cover are advised to check every aspect of their policy terms and conditions in advance with their insurer.

Dermot Goode, of TotalHealthCover.ie, says his understanding is that most policies will be excluding anything to do with Covid-19 from now on.

This means that any medical expenses or costs associated with, for example, flight cancellations that are connected to Covid-19 may be specifically excluded.

Those with health insurance policies may still be able to rely on the limited cover for "emergency treatment whilst abroad".

But this may not be adequate cover for travelling to the likes of the USA, Mr Goode said.

Also, this benefit may be voided if you travel to a jurisdiction against the specific advice provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs (see the dfa.ie website).

Therefore, it's essential that all travel abroad is checked in advance with both your health insurer and your travel insurer, Mr Goode said.

Insurance policy specifics vary but there is a general understanding of the need for employees to work remotely and there is leeway on this

Any equipment, such as a laptop, provided to you by your employer so you can work at home is your employer's responsibility, experts point out.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 08:38:06|Editor: Lu Hui

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The return capsule of the trial version of China's new-generation manned spaceship was opened in Beijing on Friday, with almost 1,000 devices and materials delivered to various institutions and organizations for further research and experiments.

During the capsule opening ceremony, 75 research organizations were provided with items relating to various fields, including: basic sciences, space life science, space radiation biology, planet protection, plant breeding, herbal and aromatic plant breeding, food nutrition and wine making, and biomedicine.

A ceramic 3D printing device, crop seeds and herb seeds were among the items delivered.

The experimental spaceship was in orbit for 67 hours, at a height of between 300 and 8,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

China's new large carrier rocket Long March-5B made its maiden flight on May 5, sending the trial version of China's new-generation manned spaceship into space.

The return capsule successfully came back to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on May 8 and was delivered to Beijing on May 15. Enditem
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in history, NASA astronauts have launched from American soil in a commercially built and operated American crew spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley lifted off at 3:22 p.m. EDT Saturday on the company's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

"Today a new era in human spaceflight begins as we once again launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil on their way to the International Space Station, our national lab orbiting Earth," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "I thank and congratulate Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley, and the SpaceX and NASA teams for this significant achievement for the United States. The launch of this commercial space system designed for humans is a phenomenal demonstration of American excellence and is an important step on our path to expand human exploration to the Moon and Mars."

Known as NASA's SpaceX Demo-2, the mission is an end-to-end test flight to validate the SpaceX crew transportation system, including launch, in-orbit, docking and landing operations. This is SpaceX's second spaceflight test of its Crew Dragon and its first test with astronauts aboard, which will pave the way for its certification for regular crew flights to the station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

"This is a dream come true for me and everyone at SpaceX," said Elon Musk, chief engineer at SpaceX. "It is the culmination of an incredible amount of work by the SpaceX team, by NASA and by a number of other partners in the process of making this happen. You can look at this as the results of a hundred thousand people roughly when you add up all the suppliers and everyone working incredibly hard to make this day happen."

The program demonstrates NASA's commitment to investing in commercial companies through public-private partnerships and builds on the success of American companies, including SpaceX, already delivering cargo to the space station.

"It's difficult to put into words how proud I am of the people who got us here today," said Kathy Lueders, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager. "When I think about all of the challenges overcome  from design and testing, to paper reviews, to working from home during a pandemic and balancing family demands with this critical mission  I am simply amazed at what the NASA and SpaceX teams have accomplished together. This is just the beginning; I will be watching with great anticipation as Bob and Doug get ready to dock to the space station tomorrow, and through every phase of this historic mission."

SpaceX controlled the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy's Launch Control Center Firing Room 4, the former space shuttle control room, which SpaceX has leased as its primary launch control center. As Crew Dragon ascended into space, SpaceX commanded the spacecraft from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA teams are monitoring space station operations throughout the flight from Mission Control Center at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock to the space station at 10:29 a.m. Sunday, May 31. NASA Television and the agency's website are providing ongoing live coverage of the Crew Dragon's trip to the orbiting laboratory. Behnken and Hurley will work with SpaceX mission control to verify the spacecraft is performing as intended by testing the environmental control system, the displays and control system, and by maneuvering the thrusters, among other things. The first docking maneuver began Saturday, May 30, at 4:09 p.m., and the spacecraft will begin its close approach to the station at about 8:27 a.m. Sunday, May 31. Crew Dragon is designed to dock autonomously, but the crews onboard the spacecraft and the space station will diligently monitor the performance of the spacecraft as it approaches and docks to the forward port of the station's Harmony module.

After successfully docking, the crew will be welcomed aboard the International Space Station, where they will become members of the Expedition 63 crew, which currently includes NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy. NASA will continue live coverage through hatch opening and the crew welcoming ceremony. The crew will perform tests on Crew Dragon in addition to conducting research and other tasks with the space station crew.

Three astronauts aboard the International Space Station will participate in a live NASA Television crew news conference from orbit on Monday, June 1, beginning at 11:15 a.m. on NASA TV and the agency's website.

Demo-2 Astronauts

Behnken is the joint operations commander for the mission, responsible for activities such as rendezvous, docking and undocking, as well as Demo-2 activities while the spacecraft is docked to the space station. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000 and has completed two space shuttle flights. Behnken flew STS-123 in March 2008 and STS-130 in February 2010, performing three spacewalks during each mission. Born in St. Anne, Missouri, he has bachelor's degrees in physics and mechanical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and earned a master's and doctorate in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Before joining NASA, he was a flight test engineer with the U.S. Air Force.

Hurley is the spacecraft commander for Demo-2, responsible for activities such as launch, landing and recovery. He was selected as an astronaut in 2000 and has completed two spaceflights. Hurley served as pilot and lead robotics operator for both STS127 in July 2009 and STS135, the final space shuttle mission, in July 2011. The New York native was born in Endicott but considers Apalachin his hometown. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. Before joining NASA, he was a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mission Objectives

The Demo-2 mission is the final major test before NASA's Commercial Crew Program certifies Crew Dragon for operational, long-duration missions to the space station. As SpaceX's final flight test, it will validate all aspects of its crew transportation system, including the Crew Dragon spacecraft, spacesuits, Falcon 9 launch vehicle, launch pad 39A and operations capabilities.

While en route to the station, Behnken and Hurley will take control of Crew Dragon for two manual flight tests, demonstrating their ability to control the spacecraft should an issue with the spacecraft's automated flight arise. On Saturday, May 30, while the spacecraft is coasting, the crew will test its roll, pitch and yaw. When Crew Dragon is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) below the station and moving around to the docking axis, the crew will conduct manual in-orbit demonstrations of the control system in the event it were needed. After pausing, rendezvous will resume and mission managers will make a final decision about whether to proceed to docking as Crew Dragon approaches 20 meters (66 feet).

For operational missions, Crew Dragon will be able to launch as many as four crew members at a time and carry more than 220 pounds of cargo, allowing for an increased number crew members aboard the space station and increasing the time dedicated to research in the unique microgravity environment, as well as returning more science back to Earth.

The Crew Dragon being used for this flight test can stay in orbit about 110 days, and the specific mission duration will be determined once on station based on the readiness of the next commercial crew launch. The operational Crew Dragon spacecraft will be capable of staying in orbit for at least 210 days as a NASA requirement.

At the conclusion of the mission, Behnken and Hurley will board Crew Dragon, which will then autonomously undock, depart the space station, and re-enter Earth's atmosphere. Upon splashdown off Florida's Atlantic coast, the crew will be picked up by the SpaceX recovery ship and returned to the dock at Cape Canaveral.

NASA's Commercial Crew Program is working with SpaceX and Boeing to design, build, test and operate safe, reliable and cost-effective human transportation systems to low-Earth orbit. Both companies are focused on test missions, including abort system demonstrations and crew flight tests, ahead of regularly flying crew missions to the space station. Both companies' crewed flights will be the first times in history NASA has sent astronauts to space on systems owned, built, tested and operated by private companies.

Learn more about NASA's Commercial Crew program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


RICHMOND, Va.  A federal judge has given an exotic dancer the green light to sue the Old Dominion Club of Richmond in a worker misclassification lawsuit despite claims by its operators that the adult club doesnt make enough money to subject it to liability under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The plaintiff in the suit, who performed onstage and in VIP rooms, said that Old Dominion Club operators failed to pay minimum and overtime wages, while unlawfully taking her tips and making her pay kickbacks during her six-month stint.

She also claims club operators didnt pay her for preparing her hair and makeup before entertaining guests.

With the claims, Old Dominion Club attorneys sought to have the lawsuit tossed by focusing primarily on the FLSA's interstate commerce requirements. The suit seeks class-action status.

First, counsel for the members-only club said the exotic dancer wasnt eligible to file a claim against the venue under the FLSA because the club had $300,000 in annual gross of sales  less than the $500,000 threshold under the FLSA.

Attorneys also contended that because the venue is a "private, non-profit, members-only social club" comparable to the Salvation Army it is not covered by the FLSA.

U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson, however, dashed the hopes of the clubs attorneys and let the exotic dancers case proceed.

The court will not deny plaintiff  the opportunity to undertake discovery on her FLSA claims simply because defendants say their organization generated less than $500,000, wrote Hudson, who noted that Old Dominion Clubs financial declaration had been unaudited.

There is no indication that a third-party auditor or court-appointed supervisor drafted the statements, and in fact, the declaration [was signed by the clubs purported board secretary] and a defendant in this action.

Hudson also found that the club's comparison of its operations to charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army, attenuated at best.

Hudson noted in his ruling said the interstate commerce requirements of the FLSA are better classified as elements of a claim for relief, rather than grounds for jurisdiction and said that at the pleading stage the court accepted her well-pleaded allegations as true.

Separately, in another lawsuit making claims an exotic dancer was miscategorized as an independent contractor, the La Vida Gentlemens Club in Los Angeles was hit with a claim for failing to pay minimum wage and overtime under the FLSA.

A dancer at the San Fernando Valley strip club filed a federal suit this week alleging the FLSA violations and also claiming that she was required that she divide her tips amongst other employees who do not customarily and regularly receive tips in the three years she worked there.

Since 2005, 429 federal lawsuits have been filed by dancers alleging clubs misclassified them as independent contractors. More than half of those cases ended in a settlement.

Photo By Gogirl18 / Wikimedia Commons
New Delhi, May 31 : India Inc on Saturday welcomed the Centre's norms -- Unlock 1 -- meant to ease restrictions on businesses and other daily aspect of life.

Accordingly, the fifth phase of the nationwide lockdown was announced which would last in the containment zones from June 8-30.

The guidelines said that only a limited number of activities will remain prohibited throughout the country, including international air travel till June-end.

However, baring essential services, no activity will be allowed in the containment zones.

Industry body Assocham's Secretary General Deepak Sood said the phased re-opening of activities from June 1, termed as 'Unlock 1' with an economic focus, has come in as a great relief for the industry and trade, including millions of MSMEs which should steadily return to normalcy while maintaining vigil against the spread of Covid-19.

"After a stringent lockdown of over two months, the economic dimension of the pandemic had to be considered ensuring both life and livelihood," Sood said.

"The Central Government has taken a right call, freeing a large part of the economy outside the containment zones. With these measures, the Indian economy should bounce back steadily but surely," he added.

However, he pointed out that states need to work in a well-coordinated manner to ensure that the movement of goods and persons, restrictions on which have now been lifted, must be adhered to.

"We need to realise, for sure, that the country is still grappling with the Covid-19 crisis, reaching a critical stage. The coming weeks would remain critical and the new normal must be respected for the desired results," Sood said.

Exporters' body EEPC India's Chairman Ravi Sehgal said: "Substantial lifting of lockdown is a sentiment booster for exporters, after months of difficulties and challenges. Even as we count our losses, easing of restrictions on economic activities would save millions of jobs, though an arduous task of re-building the business lies ahead." On its part, Geojit Financial Services' Chief Investment Strategist V.K. Vijayakumar said: "Phased reopening of the economy, in line with global trends, will go a long way in boosting business confidence apart from opening opportunities for jobs and incomes. It is important to understan d that the unprecedented high global unemployment is the product of the great lockdown and not due to any economic crisis.

"Therefore, we can expect jobs and incomes to bounce back sharply. However, managing the spread of the disease arising out of opening would be a challenge." According to Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group: "We are already pushed to the walls. A little more extension of lockdown would have done irreversible economic damage. We welcome government's move to allow us to operate." In a statement, Zubin Saxena, Managing Director and Vice President, Operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said: "We are looking forward to resuming operations within government guidelines.

"Apart from hygiene, our go forward business model is concentrated o n leveraging the synergies of our network which we believe will work in a sustainable manner to ensure business uplift overtime. We remain dedicated to exceeding guest expectations in the new era of hospitality that awaits us."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 21:50:29|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- China honored ten research teams and 286 sci-tech workers on the nation's sci-tech workers' day, which falls on Saturday.

Ten groups, including the team on the third-generation of semiconductor (gallium nitride), were given the "scientific innovation and advancement award" medals.

A total of 28 people, including several researchers who made contributions to the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, were awarded with badges, while another 258 sci-tech workers were awarded with certificates.

Wan Gang, chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology, said that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, China's sci-tech workers have been fighting on the front line of the epidemic prevention and control and providing support to win the battle.

He expressed the hope that sci-tech workers will forge ahead through creation, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The award, first issued in 2017, is given once every three years. Two special sections of "epidemic prevention and control" and "poverty alleviation" were set up for this year's award. Enditem
The family of Seamus Ludlow say they are not deterred from their fight for justice, despite a decision on Friday last by the Court of Appeal to uphold a judgement by the High Court that refused the right to an inquiry into the Garda handling of the 1976 murder.

Mr Ludlow was 47 when he was shot dead by Loyalists in May 1976 in a laneway near his home in Mountpleasant, Dundalk.

The initial Garda investigation was wound down three weeks after the killing. Suspects, some of whom were serving members of British armed forces at the time of the killing, were identified by the RUC in subsequent years, but no charges have ever been brought.

Solicitor Gavin Booth said: 'The family of Seamus Ludlow have faced many injustices along the way and they have never given up. Fridays decision was a minor set back, but the journey is far from over. We have better days ahead. Next stop is the Irish Supreme Court.

Meanwhile Dundalk TD Ruairi O Murchu described it as 'another disappointing day for the campaign'.

'In 2002, the Barron Commission recommended the establishment of a commission of inquiry into Mr Ludlow's death, but it was never set up.

The family of Mr Ludlow took a case to the High Court in 2015 to force the State to set up the commission of inquiry but the High Court refused the application and on Friday, the Court of Appeal upheld that decision.

He said that the Court of Appeal found that the refusal to set up inquiries was 'not irrational and rejected further arguments of a breach of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, relating to the right to an effective investigation into a death.'

That legislation came into force decades after Mr Ludlow was killed and the Court of Appeal said it does not have retroactive effect.

Deputy O Murchu, who has supported the Ludlow family's campaign for an inquiry, said the decision by the Court of Appeal 'shows the court doesn't want to encroach on the powers of the Oireachtas, so the pressure needs to be put on in Leinster House to ensure that the next government establishes a commission of inquiry'.

He said: 'I have spoken to the Ludlow family and of course they are upset by the decision, but not surprised by it.

They have been campaigning for justice for many years and they intend to continue that by using multiple means to bring a just conclusion. I admire their fortitude and tenacity in this campaign.'

'They are in discussions with their solicitors about their legal options.'

He added: ''The family has been failed many times by the Gardai and successive governments over many years and they deserve the justice that has so long been denied to them'.
A SpaceX rocket has exploded in a huge fireball during a test in Texas.

The Starship rocket can be seen going up in flames while undergoing a ground test in a dramatic video posted online by Nasa.

No injuries have been reported following the explosion on Friday, which is unrelated to the SpaceX shuttle launch planned for Saturday in Florida.

The incident is the latest in a series of failures of the Starship heavylift rocket, which at nearly 400 feet tall is designed to take people and cargo to the moon and to Mars.

A SpaceX rocket has exploded during a test in Texas / Nasa

Several past versions of the rocket have also been destroyed in explosions.

SpaceX, controlled by billionaire Elon Musk, was one of three companies awarded billion-dollar contracts to develop rockets to take humans and cargo to the moon.

The news comes as SpaceX prepares a second attempt to send two astronauts to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Saturday.

Everything You Need To Know About Spacex Mission

The Florida launch, the first attempt of which was called off due to bad weather, uses a different rocket system from the Starship being tested out in Texas.

SpaceX has been contacted for comment.
SpaceX's historic first crewed mission to the International Space Station was set to proceed as scheduled on Saturday, NASA said, although uncertainty remained over weather conditions. "We are moving forward with launch today," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said in a tweet. "Weather challenges remain with a 50 percent chance of cancellation." "Proceeding with countdown today," said SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Weather forced the postponement on Wednesday of what would have been the first launch of American astronauts from US soil in almost a decade, and the first crewed launch ever by a commercial company. The Falcon 9 rocket with SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to launch at 3:22 pm Eastern Time (1922 GMT) on Saturday. The next window, which is determined by the relative positions of the launch site to the space station, is Sunday at 3:00 pm (1900 GMT), and fair weather is predicted. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken, 49, and Douglas Hurley, 53, former military test pilots who joined the space agency in 2000, are to blast off for the ISS from historic Launch Pad 39A on a two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The same launch pad was used by Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crewmates on their historic 1969 journey to the Moon, as NASA seeks to revive excitement around human space exploration ahead of a planned return to Earth's satellite and then Mars. The mission comes despite shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with the crew in quarantine for more than two weeks. NASA has urged crowds to stay away from Cocoa Beach, the traditional viewing spot -- but that did not deter many space fans on Wednesday. President Donald Trump, who flew in for the previous launch attempt, is expected to attend again. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft looms in the distance at launch complex 39A as American flags flutter in the wind, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 29
In her typical appearances on Fox News, Jeanine Pirro, a former Republican district attorney, reserves her highest dudgeon for castigating liberals and lamenting the demise of law and order.

But on Fridays Fox & Friends, Ms. Pirros voice nearly broke as she described the agonizing final moments of George Floyd, the black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer ignored his pleas and pinned him to the ground during a routine stop.

George Floyd was begging, saying he couldnt breathe, saying please, please, Ms. Pirro told viewers. This man who put his knee on the neck of George Floyd does not deserve to be free in this country.

Even right-wing stars like Rush Limbaugh hedged their assessments early on, as the officers lethal force drew more condemnation in some corners of the right than the ensuing riots and the burning of a police precinct. I cant find a way to justify it, Mr. Limbaugh said of the officers actions.
The May 29 trip to Budapest is Kuleba's first non-virtual visit as foreign minister since the introduction of restrictive measures to slow down the coronavirus pandemic.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto have discussed Kyiv-Budapest bilateral ties at a time Hungary is blocking NATO initiatives because of a restrictive language law in Ukraine.

The May 29 trip to Budapest is Kuleba's first non-virtual visit as foreign minister since the introduction of restrictive measures to slow down the coronavirus pandemic. He assumed the post of foreign minister in early March, RFE/RL wrote.

The two ministers discussed investment and trade cooperation, joint efforts to implement infrastructure projects in Ukraine's western region of Zakarpattia where there is a sizeable Hungarian minority, and ways to further coordinate against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a press conference after the talks, Kuleba said that "the time has come to open a new chapter in bilateral relations, find mutually beneficial solutions, double our efforts for the benefit of our people, countries, and the continent in general."

Read alsoUkraine to lift foreigners' entry ban imposed over COVID-19  FM Kuleba

Szijjarto said that his country is also looking forward to developing closer ties with Ukraine, expressing hope that the issue of Ukraine's laws on education and languages will be resolved, paving the way for better understanding.

Hungary has been blocking NATO initiatives aimed at building closer ties with Ukraine since September 2017 in response to a new language law that overturned legislation allowing minorities in Ukraine to introduce their languages in regions where they represent more than 10 percent of the population.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) criticized the new law, saying it "does not appear to strike an appropriate balance between the official language and the languages of national minorities."

"We do not want to keep blocking [NATO initiatives], our goal is to reach agreements. We want to close all discussions related to [Ukraine's] law on education and language, and we want to reach a solution that will be acceptable for Hungarians [in Ukraine's western Zakarpattia region]," Szijjarto said.

Kuleba also passed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to visit Ukraine.
The owner of a Dublin-based restaurant, pub and hotel group has been ordered to pay 104,000 to an ex-girlfriend for her unfair dismissal from the business.

The two first met 31 years ago and were in a relationship for 10 years.

After their relationship ended, the two remained best friends and the company boss is the godfather of the woman's only daughter.

The woman started working at the business 26 years ago and it has grown from a small bar to a large business made up of bars, a hotel and spas, apartments and restaurants.

For the first 10 years, the two ran the business together and at the time of her unfair dismissal, the complainant was employed as operations director.

In her hard-hitting ruling, WRC adjudication officer Niamh O'Carroll Kelly found that the business owner "took advantage of his personal relationship with the complainant in an attempt to force her out of the company so as to ensure minimal financial impact on the company".

Ms O'Carroll Kelly stated that the company owner "went so far as to use his relationship with the complainant's daughter to force her to accept a wholly inadequate package".

"I am satisfied she was subjected to a prolonged campaign of verbal abuse, stonewalling, bullying, intimidation, and emotional manipulation, all of which were at the very serious end of the spectrum," she said.

The woman "was totally blameless in relation to her dismissal".

Ms O'Carroll Kelly ordered the company to pay the woman two years' salary after hearing uncontested evidence from the complainant.

Died

The woman told how she met with the business owner where he put forward an exit package.

The woman told the WRC that the man asked her "how many best friends do you have?"

She said that he knew that her best friend, who had worked for him, died the previous year.

She stated that he then said, "I am your best friend now and if you take the redundancy, it will remain that way and I will remain in your daughter's life".

She said he told her: "I got advice on the matter. I am willing to, and capable of, taking the hit of two years of your salary.

"You don't have anything, lawyers are very expensive and I will drag this out for over a year."

She said he then said, "worst case scenario for me is two years and I am willing to take the hit. I am going to fire you tomorrow and you won't be working out your notice. Give me your phone and your car keys".

They met the following day when the owner gave her a termination letter which said that she had been terminated because she lacked capacity.

The problems in the business relationship between the two started in March 2018 arising from a new business that was facing public objections and had gone over budget.

The company didn't contest the former operations director's claim for unfair dismissal but did claim that she failed to mitigate her loss and she was cross-examined on this by solicitors for the company owner at the WRC hearing.

However, Ms O'Carroll Kelly stated that there was no action or omission on the part of the complainant that contributed to her financial loss.
The Bedford County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution formally recognizing a local militia at its Tuesday meeting in a 5-2 vote.

Emphasizing the importance of no government involvement or interference with local militias on a local, state or federal level, the Bedford County- based militia will not receive funding, endorsement, leadership, or any other resources from the county, according to the resolution. The board also did not want the county to assume any potential liability related to a local militia.

I think the arms-length approach is the better approach to avoid liability, said Board Chairman John Sharp, who represents the countys 4th District.

Sharp said he believed a formal recognition of the local militia might give the group stronger legal standing should it ever find itself in a court to challenge a law deemed unconstitutional as it related to the Second Amendment and gun rights of law-abiding citizens.

District 1 Supervisor Mickey Johnson and District 2 Supervisor Edgar Tuck voted against adopting a resolution relating to the issue.

Johnson expressed concern about setting a precedent that might allow extreme groups to come forward asking to be recognized as a militia.

Tuck said he worried that if someone could find a way to pin liability on the county regarding hypothetical militia action, they would do so.

Im just not sure that we need to do this, he said.

Sharp said he understood the concerns of his colleagues, but also said he saw adopting the resolution as a useful tool.

From my perspective, this is a move on a chessboard, Sharp said. Were playing chess with Richmond right now. Richmond is trying to say, You cant do this. Were saying, Well, if theyre part of a militia, these people can do this. All were basically doing is pointing out the Virginia Constitution, United States Constitution, and why they can do this.

Sharp, District 6 Supervisor Bob Davis, District 3 Supervisor Charla Bansley, District 7 Supervisor Tammy Parker and District 5 Supervisor/Vice Chairman Tommy Scott all voted in favor of the resolution.

Bedford Countys local militia, like other militias across Virginia, was organized by some residents concerned that proposed Virginia gun legislation would infringe on the Second Amendment rights of gun-owning citizens.

Shannon Kelly covers Bedford County. Reach her at (434) 385-5489.

Shannon Kelly covers Bedford County. Reach her at (434) 385-5489.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
NRPLUS MEMBER ARTICLE T here has long been a chasmic disconnect between the creators and the consumers of Americana music. The Americana songwriter still wants to be Woody Guthrie, but the Americana listener stopped being Tom Joad about 60 years ago. Americana  or alt-country, or folk, or whatever were calling it this week  speaks most to the experiences of Red America, of a rural, blue-collar demographic that is overwhelmingly conservative, Christian, and Republican. The people who make the music, meanwhile, tend to be  well, the other kind of Red.

The advent of the Trump era brought the divide to clearer view than ever before. Muscle Shoals, a city rivaled only by Nashville in its importance to the genre, sits in Alabamas fourth district  the only district in the entire country to vote more than 80 percent for Donald Trump in 2016. But soon after the people of Muscle Shoals came out in force to cast these votes, the anti-Trump sentiment of the creative class came to dominate the Americana scene. Son Volts Union (2019) was a train wreck of Trump hysteria  this from a band whose debut, Trace (1995), was not just an instant classic but an era-defining, genre-defining masterpiece. Drive-by Truckers, a homegrown Muscle Shoals band whose integration of Southern rock into alt-country has produced artistic successes that Ronnie van Zant himself couldnt have dreamed of, delivered a schizophrenic flop with The Unraveling (2020). At least the title is appropriate.

Amid this ocean of fallen giants and failed experiments, Jason Isbell stands alone. Now, dont get me wrong: Of all these artists, Isbell might actually be the most progressive. Nor do I mean to say that Isbells uniqueness is in separating politics from art. He does not; he does not even try. But Isbell manages to navigate politics with a skill, an insight, and a nuance that even his most talented peers apparently lack. His latest (and second post-Trump) album, Reunions (2020), is a triumph  and a possible antidote to the humdrum activism that has consumed the genre, and suffocated it.

Story continues

On one level, this is probably a matter of talent. Isbell is, by any artistic standard, a genius  a once-in-a-generation talent, or more. The son of a house painter and grandson of a Pentecostal preacher, he burst onto the scene in 2001, joining Drive-by Truckers, primarily as a guitarist, at the ripe age of 22. Any word about his instrumental skill would be an understatement. Let this suffice: He can play the guitar almost as well as Amanda Shires (his wife and frequent collaborator) can play the fiddle. Hell, if Joseph Stalin could pick a guitar the way Isbell can, Id pay to see his show. I did see Isbell live in Boston three years back; his technical virtuosity together with a voice perfectly suited to this kind of music make him one of the best performers at work today.

That gift comes across just as clearly on record. The sound of Reunions is spectacular. Isbells own skill, the diverse talents of his band (The 400 Unit, including Shires), and the masterful production of Dave Cobb coalesce into a wonder of an album, sonically speaking. The style is fresh and creative too: a new, lively blend of the blues, folk, and rock influences that have informed Isbells craft for years. This certainly helps to set Reunions apart from the activist albums that have become the norm of late  none of which, with the exception of a few decent tracks off of The Unraveling, have been particularly good music.

But there is more than sound to this album, and to Isbell. Alt-country has always run on adrenaline. It is stripped almost completely of the wit and method of the last centurys great songwriters  Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon, Townes van Zandt  whom Isbell admires and imitates. There is no poetry in it; just passion and performance. It aims for catharsis more than any other end. When that catharsis expresses not the stuffless rage of the American underclass but the withered id of the anti-Trump elite, it is something less than effective, and certainly less than beautiful.

But Isbell is a lyricist of an entirely different order from Patterson Hood, Jay Farrar, or any other alt-country great. John Mayer (if his opinion counts for anything) called Isbell in 2015 the best lyric writer of [his] generation. Mayer continued with even higher praise: He lives at a level where even great writers can only visit. A tall claim, but a valid one.

Isbells gift for not just lyricism but storytelling and character-building is on full display in this album, and it makes for a stark contrast with the genres other recent offerings. Take, for example, one of the most divisive political topics of the Trump years: the separation of families by various migrant and refugee crises. Drive-by Truckers attempted to tackle the subject in the track Babies in Cages. Its exactly as subtle and nuanced as the title (which is also its three-word chorus) suggests. It is catharsis aping dialectic and failing in the end to achieve either one.

Isbell, meanwhile, addresses the same hot-button material in Overseas, with dramatically different results. The opening lines are pure Southern Gothic poetry: This used to be a ghost town, but even the ghosts got out and the sound of the highway died. Theres ashes in the swimming pool. What follows is a poignant monologue on the pain of a person torn by rival loves: for a place, a partner, a parent, a child. It is beautiful and heartbreaking, but it is also intensely relatable for the overwhelming majority of us who have never had to see ashes in our swimming pools.

It is not so much above politics as it is below them. It casts in a distinctly human light what has elsewhere been reduced to rhetoric, dialectic, and argument. There is a balance, too, that helps with the delivery of controversial subjects driven so forcefully by other artists. Overseas is just one track among many  some with political bents, some without. It sits among songs about growing up in a broken American family, about becoming a father (Mercy Isbell is 4 years old now), about getting sober. Reunions is a set of human stories, not of talking points. And Isbell recognizes that the story of a family fractured by an ocean is a human story not much different from his own. Such an understanding produces a spectacular performance that cannot be reduced to mere politics. It may also inspire politics that cannot be reduced to mere performance.

More from National Review
The 81-year-old activist was admitted to the hospital from Taloja jail on Thursday evening after he complained of giddiness.

Mumbai: A special court in Mumbai on Saturday directed state-run JJ Hospital to submit a medical report of activist Varavara Rao, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case.

The 81-year-old activist was admitted to the hospital from Taloja jail on Thursday evening after he complained of giddiness.

Rao's plea for seeking interim bail on health grounds is pending before the court, and is scheduled to be heard on 2 June.

His lawyers on Saturday urged the court, hearing his interim bail plea, to direct JJ hospital to submit Rao's medical report. The fact that the accused has been shifted to hospital shows that the matter is serious, their application said.

Therefore, it would be necessary to see the medical report and present condition of the accused while hearing his bail plea, it added.

Allowing the application, the court asked for a report from the hospital on Rao's medical condition.

Rao and ten other civil liberties activists were booked under stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for alleged Maoist links and conspiring to overthrow the government.

They were booked initially by Pune Police following violence that erupted in Koregaon Bhima there.

According to police, the activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements at the Elgar Parishad meet held in Pune on 31 December, 2017, which triggered violence the next day. The police also said they were active members of banned Maoist groups.

The case was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency.

.
Nevadans are reeling from an unprecedented unemployment rate of 28.2 percent in April, resulting from COVID-19 business closures ordered by Governor Sisolak. Thats the highest rate ever recorded by any state in the United States.

Workers lost 244,800 jobs in April in the first full month of business shutdowns. Nevadas jobless rate was double that experienced in the Great Recession when unemployment reached 14.5 percent in December 2010, the nations highest at that time. Nevadas unemployment numbers also exceed the Great Depression, when unemployment peaked at close to 25 percent in 1933.

The April rate also exceeds new unemployment record highs in other states. Bureau of Labor Statistics show only two other states reached April unemployment rates over 20 percent. Michigan had an unemployment rate of 22.7 percent, and Hawaii 22.3 percent.

States like Nevada that ordered all businesses in their states to shut down except those they deem essential have experienced especially severe job losses.

Sisolak announced on May 26 the second phase of the states tiered reopening, including broader opening of commerce/retail, services and public life under extremely strict social distancing measures. Face masks are strongly encouraged.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board met on May 26 to review safety and sanitation protocols for Nevadas gaming industry with a plan to reopen June 4 after more than two months of closures from the coronavirus pandemic. Nevadas record 28.2 percent jobless rate is a stark reminder of the Silver States continuing economic dependence on gaming and tourism. Nevada employment officials report the number of jobs in the food and hospitality industry plummeted by 41 percent compared to April 2019.

The strides made under former Governor Brian Sandoval at greater economic diversification in Nevada still need enlarging.

In Washington, Senate Democrats are pushing for an additional $1 trillion in funding for state and local governments battered by tax shortfalls, on top of $150 billion already disbursed to them for coronavirus-related expenses. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have rejected any use of aid to fill pension holes but indicated openness to an additional next stage coronavirus bill.

McConnell has called legal liability protections a must-have red line for Republicans before they would consider further state and local aid. McConnell argues the next round of coronavirus relief legislation should include limits on a plaintiffs ability to sue health care workers, employers and other businesses for coronavirus-related claims.

A coalition of 36 physician and hospital associations has appealed to congressional leaders for federal protection legislation as well.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and dozens of state and local business groups are asking Congress to pass temporary legislation that would provide reopening businesses a safe harbor from litigation filed in connection with employee and customer coronavirus infections  hoping to accelerate economic recovery from state lockdowns.

The chamber seeks to protect employers from lawsuits where businesses follow public health guidelines. Bad actors, i.e. those grossly negligent or reckless in their behavior, would still be liable.

Trial lawyers have already sued cruise ship operators, soap manufacturers and insurance companies, but the coronavirus will give the plaintiffs bar many additional tempting targets  nursing homes, hospitals, pharmaceutical and safety equipment manufacturers, retailers and more.

Senate Democrats argue that OSHA be required to force companies to develop worksite-specific coronavirus protection plans rather than have Congress enact any legal liability protections.

A Senate Republican fact sheet points out a long, close financial relationship between Democratic leaders and the nations trial lawyers. Lawyers and law firms have contributed $8.2 million to Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumers political campaigns and $1.6 million to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics , lawyers and law firm employees made 95 percent of their political contributions to Democratic presidential hopefuls in 2020, with President Trump drawing only 5 percent.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Mark Zuckerberg has revealed why Facebook chose to keep President Trump's controversial 'looting leads to shooting' post up on its site despite Twitter hiding the same update because it 'glorified violence'.

In a status update shared Friday night, Zuckerberg said that the Commander-in-chief's post included a reference to the National Guard and Facebook users therefore had a right to know 'if the government was planning to deploy force'.

Trump initially shared the post to both Twitter and Facebook shortly before 1am Friday, following a third night of violent protests in Minnesota over the death of black man George Floyd.

The post read in full: 'I can't stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right.

'These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!'

Mark Zuckerberg has revealed why Facebook chose to keep President Trump's controversial 'looting leads to shooting' post up on its site despite Twitter hiding the same update because it 'glorified violence'

In a status update shared Friday night, Zuckerberg said that the Commander-in-chief's post included a reference to the National Guard and Facebook users therefore had a right to know 'if the government was planning to deploy force'

Trump initially posted this message to Twitter and Facebook just before 1am on Friday

Within hours, Twitter had hidden the post behind a warning which accused the tweet of 'violating rules about glorifying violence'. Facebook, meanwhile, left the post up without any disclaimers

Within hours Twitter had hidden the post behind a warning to users, which stated: 'This Tweet violated Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to be accessible'.

However, Facebook left Trump's post up without any disclaimers, generating controversy.

Zuckerberg finally spoke out late Friday evening, stating: 'I've been struggling with how to respond to the President's tweets and posts all day. Personally, I have a visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric... But I'm responsible for reacting not just in my personal capacity but as the leader of an institution committed to free expression.'

He continued: 'I know many people are upset that we've left the President's posts up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies. We looked very closely at the post that discussed the protests in Minnesota to evaluate whether it violated our policies.'

'We decided to leave it up because the National Guard references meant we read it as a warning about state action, and we think people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force.'

The Facebook CEO then explained that Trump later shared a follow-up which 'explicitly discouraged violence'.

That post, shared by the Commander-in-chief on Friday afternoon, read: 'Looting leads to shooting, and that's why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot.

'I don't want this to happen, and that's what the expression put out last night means. It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. It's very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honor the memory of George Floyd!'

Trump defended his 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' posts during a press conference on Friday

Trump's comment on the Minneapolis protests (pictured Thursday night) that 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' is now hidden by a warning that it violated Twitter's rules - but the message can be bypassed and the tweet remains live

Meanwhile, Trump defended his 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' posts during a press conference on Friday.

Many had complained that the post not only glorified violence, but that it was grounded in racist origins.

'When the looting starts, the shooting starts' is a phrase that was first uttered in 1967 Miami's then-police chief, who was accused of using racist tactics to patrol black neighborhoods.

But Trump said he was unaware of that claim.

'But I don't know where it came from, I don't know where it originated,' he stated Friday.

'It's very important that we have peaceful protesters and support the rights for peaceful protesters,' he added.

'We can't allow a situation like what happened in Minneapolis to descend further into lawless anarchy and chaos and we understand that very well.'

Protesters set fires at the 3rd Precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department Thursday night. President Trump reacted to the protests with a controversial tweet at 1 a.m. Friday

Law enforcement officers were photographed in the early hours Friday as fires burned in Minneapolis after a night of protests over the death of George Floyd

What is Donald Trump's executive order targeting social media sites? Donald Trump signed an order on Thursday seeking to make social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook liable for the content posted by their users. If enforced, the order would overturn decades of precedent by treating the websites as 'publishers' which could be sued for user-generated content. It could open them up to a flood of lawsuits from anyone who claims to be harmed by content posted online. Currently, the sites are protected by a law known as Section 230 which shields them from liability. Section 230 also allows social platforms to moderate their services by removing posts that, for instance, are obscene or violate the services' own standards, so long as they are acting in 'good faith.' The author of a book about Section 230 said social media firms have 'based their business models on being large platforms for user content', saying they would not 'exist in their current forms' without the legislation. However, critics argue that Section 230 gives internet companies a free pass on things like hate speech and content that supports terror organizations. Trump signed the order after Twitter placed fact-check warnings on two of his tweets about mail-in voting on Tuesday. Republican senator Josh Hawley said the 'censorship' was relevant to Trump's proposal, because websites which 'editorialize and censor' as Twitter allegedly did should be 'treated like traditional publishers' in law. However, critics saw Trump's order as an act of political revenge against websites which he has long accused of political bias. The American Civil Liberties Union called Trump's order 'a blatant and unconstitutional threat to punish social media companies that displease the president.' Twitter said the order was a political move which attacked free speech, while Facebook said the measure would 'encourage platforms to censor anything that might offend anyone'. Advertisement

The controversy came after Trump signed an Executive Order on Thursday 'Preventing Online Censorship' - with the Commander-in-chief accusing social media giants of holding 'anti-conservative bias'.

The Order could open Twitter, Facebook and Google up to lawsuits by diluting the legal protection which stops them from being liable for posts on their platforms, and which also allows them to moderate content.

Trump's Executive Order said websites such as Twitter and Facebook 'wield immense, if not unprecedented, power to shape the interpretation of public events'. Twitter said the order was a political move which attacked free speech.

However, Trump also praised Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg for his criticism of Twitter's decision to fact-check the tweets. 'CEO Mark Zuckerberg is today criticizing Twitter,' Trump wrote before sharing Zuckerberg's statement.

'We have a different policy than, I think, Twitter on this,' Zuckerberg said in an interview with Fox News.

'I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn't be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online,' he added.

'Private companies probably shouldn't be, especially these platform companies, shouldn't be in the position of doing that.'

Zuckerberg has been accused by Democrats of pandering to the President with his comments about censorship so that Facebook will not be targeted.

'Zuckerberg went on Fox Newsa hate-for-profit machine that gives a megaphone to racists and conspiracy theoriststo talk about how social media platforms should essentially allow politicians to lie without consequences. This is eroding our democracy,' said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hit harder saying that Trump was using the feud as a distraction from the coronavirus outbreak.

'It's outrageous, but it's an outrageous situation,' Pelosi said at a Thursday press conference. 'While Twitter is putting up its fact-check under what the president says about voting, it still won't take off the misrepresentations the president's putting out there.'

'Facebook, all of them, they're all about making money,' she said. 'Their business model is to make money at the expense of the truth and the facts that they know. And they defend, they defend that.'
Doorknobs, handrails and shopping trolleys should be coated in copper to prevent the spread of coronavirus, according to a top British scientist.

Research has shown the deadly infection can survive and remain contagious on steel and plastic for three days.

But the coronavirus is killed off within four hours on copper because of the metal's antibacterial properties.

People can catch the illness by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their face, allowing the virus to enter their mouth or nose.

William Keevil, a senior microbiologist at the University of Southampton, said the UK lagged behind other countries when it came to using copper in communal areas.

He suggested door handles, shopping trolleys, handrails on public transport, and even gym equipment should be coated in the metal.

Doorknobs and handrails should be coated in copper to prevent the spread of coronavirus, according to British scientists

Workers on New York City's underground system disinfect frequently used surfaces in Fulton Center, such as turnstiles, MetroCard vending machines and handrails

Coronavirus spreads when somebody who already has it coughs or sneezes onto their hand, then touches something or someone.

Anyone who touches something the patient has contaminated is at risk of catching the virus if they then touch their face.

Warmer weather does NOT stop coronavirus spreading: Two separate studies dash hopes of killer infection dying out in summer Warm weather does not kill off the coronavirus or hamper its ability to spread, two separate studies have found. US and Canadian researchers said the transmission risk was only reduced by about 1.5 per cent for every degree Fahrenheit above 77F (25C). They analysed more than 370,000 cases in thousands of different cities in North America to come to the conclusion 'summer is not going to make this go away.' It dashes hopes of the global pandemic petering out in the coming months  a theory that has been touted by the US Government. President Donald Trump said last month that research had suggested a combination of ultraviolet (UV) light and warmer temperatures killed off the virus in minutes. Advertisement

William Keevil, a senior microbiologist at the University of Southampton, said the UK lagged behind other countries when it came to using copper in communal areas

The virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, but not through the skin.

When the coronavirus lands on copper, the metal's ions - electrically charged atoms - attack the virus' lipid membrane, the structure that protects it.

The copper then invades the cell and destroys the virus' DNA, killing it off completely.

Professor Keevil told The Times that buses in Poland had already been fitted with copper-plated handrails, while airports in Chile and Brazil immigration kiosks were coated in the metal.

He said gyms in America  which are teeming with bacteria and other infectious germs - had even covered barbells and other equipment with copper.

'Door handles, push pipes on doors and stair rails in public buildings, as well as bus and train grab rails, should all have copper elements introduced in the UK,' he told the newspaper.

Professor Keevil - who has been studying the antimicrobial effects of copper for more than two decades - said screens in fast-food restaurants and cash machines could also benefit from being fitted with the metal.

A US study last November found that copper hospital beds in intensive care units harbored an average of 95 per cent fewer bacteria than conventional hospital beds.

The Medical University researchers, in South Carolina, wrote at the time: 'The findings indicate that antimicrobial copper beds can assist infection control practitioners in their quest to keep healthcare surfaces hygienic between regular cleanings, thereby reducing the potential risk of transmitting bacteria associated with healthcare associated infections.'

Studies have also shown coronavirus can be detected up to 24 hours after on cardboard.

Similar results were obtained from tests they did on the virus that caused the 2003 SARS outbreak.

Health officials from around the world say stringent hand-washing protocols are crucial to stopping the virus's spread.

Coronavirus lingers in the air of crowded spaces and rooms that lack ventilation, researchers find

Covid-19 can linger in the air of crowded places, researchers today warned.

Experts in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the pandemic began, analysed air samples from different parts of two hospitals.

Results showed the virus, called SARS-CoV-2, was undetectable everywhere except two areas 'prone to crowding'.

Researchers found viral particles floating in the air of hospital toilets, which had very little ventilation.

They also discovered especially high concentrations in the rooms where medical staff put on and took off protective gear.

The latter suggests the virus can latch onto clothing and become airborne again when when masks, gloves and gowns are removed.

Passengers are pictured on a Tube at Canning Town station on the London Underground today

Researchers behind the study say the findings highlight the importance of ventilation, limiting crowds and proper disinfection.

Scientists around the world are scrambling to understand how the virus sheds and spreads.

There is debate about whether enough viral particles can survive in the air to infect people who breathe them in hours later.

The latest study, led by researchers at Wuhan University, suggest it may be possible, without proper ventilation.

It follows a wealth of studies that have suggested the highly contagious disease does not just spread via droplets in a cough or sneeze.

Ke Lan, professor and director of the State Key Laboratory of Virology at the university, and colleagues set up so-called aerosol traps in and around two hospitals in the city.

They could not find detectable levels of the virus in the corridors of wards and patients' rooms.

But they did discoverer them in toilets and two areas that had large crowds passing through, including an indoor space near one of the hospitals.

Writing in the study, the scientists said: 'Although we have not established the infectivity of the virus detected in these hospital areas, we propose that SARS-CoV-2 may have the potential to be transmitted via aerosols.

'Our results indicate that room ventilation, open space, sanitization of protective apparel, and proper use and disinfection of toilet areas can effectively limit the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols.'

It comes on the back of a US study which hinted that coronavirus could spread through the air and remain contagious for hours.

The Nebraska University paper found high levels of the bug lurking in the air in hospital rooms long after infected patients had left.

What's more is that traces of the coronavirus were also discovered in hospital corridors outside patients' rooms, where staff had been coming in and out.

The researchers behind the study say the finding highlights the importance of protective clothing for healthcare workers.

The researchers found viral particles in the air both inside the rooms and in the hallways outside of the rooms.

Their finding suggests people may be able to contract the bug without ever being in direct close proximity to an infected person.

The study's authors said this highlights the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling for communities to designate areas for people to protest peacefully as demonstrations, some turning violent, continue across the nation over issues of police brutality against minorities.

She issued a statement Saturday, May 30, asking the public to protest peaceflly but also to adhere to social distancing as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

The First Amendment right to protest has never been more important, and in this moment when we are still battling a killer virus, it is crucial that those who choose to demonstrate do so peacefully, and in a way that follows social distancing guidelines to protect public health, she said in a written statement.

Whitmer is encouraging communities to designate areas for peaceful demonstrations where people can make their voices heard.

Communities are hurting, having felt that calls for equity, justice, safety, and opportunity have gone unheard for too long. We stand in solidarity with those who are seeking equitable justice for everyone in our state, she said.

In Detroit on Friday night, a teen was shot and killed and dozens of people were arrested in a protest of the Minneapolis killing of George Floyd. A police officer who knelt on his neck is now charged with murder.

Someone in a gray SUV pulled up to a Detroit crowd of protesters at out 11:30 p.m. and fired a gun, striking a 19-year-old who later died.

More protests were planned throughout Michigan  including in Detroit, Flint, and Bay City, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo  and the country for Saturday, May 30.

Related:

We are demanding justice:' Protesters in Detroit call for end of police brutality

Police brutality protesters block streets, brewery leaving downtown: Top headlines Ann Arbor May 23-28

Man shot dead, dozens arrested as protest in Detroit turns violent

Police, protesters clash in Detroit; 19-year-old dead after suspect shoots into crowd

Police: 19-year-old killed in drive-by during Detroit police brutality protest
A new report says the popular Mitron isnt a Made in India app.

Mitron app, which has gained popularity as Indias answer to TikTok, is based on source code bought from Pakistani software developer company Qboxus, reports News18.

Irfan Sheikh, the founder and CEO of Qboxus, told the publication that Mitrons promoter purchased the source code for $34 ( 2,600 approximately). Qboxus in the past has developed apps such as TicTic, which is a spin-off of TikTok. Sheikh claimed that the owners of Mitron app did not make any changes to the source code. He also objected to people calling Mitron as an India-made app.

There is no problem with what the developer has done. He paid for the script and used it, which is okay. But, the problem is with people referring to it as an Indian-made app, which is not true especially because they have not made any changes, Sheikh is quoted as saying.

According to the report, Mitrons interface is identical to Qboxus TicTic application. The report, however, notes that purchasing an apps source code and repackaging it with a different name isnt illegal.

Gadgets360 in its report points out that the identity of the creator of Mitron is not clear though it is widely reported that it was developed by an IIT Roorkee student. The official website listed on Google Play store redirects to a website shopkiller.in which is just a blank page.

Earlier, MitronTV had raced to the top charts of Google Play Store rankings with over 5 million downloads and 4.7 ratings. The growth of Mitron came at a time when TikTok was getting bashed by users with a 1-star rating and millions of negative reviews.

Our mission at Mitron is to create a platform where people can come and entertain themself with small videos posted by people across the globe and at the same time create a social incentive for people to share and create their own videos, says the app description on the Play Store.
New Delhi, May 30 : The historic decision to abrogate Article 370 which allowed special status to the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, and 35A find top place in the one-year achievement list prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Issued on completion of Modi 2.0 government's one year, the 12-point achievement list, however, puts government's efforts to contain the ongoing worldwide novel coronavirus pandemic on 5th position.

Over 1.73 lakh people are affected with the deadly disease with reports of 4,971 deaths across the country so far amid a nationwide lockdown which has continued for the last 67 days.

Opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, strict action on terror and insurgency and focus on North East followed the abrogation of Article 370 in descending order.

The achievements talk about the Union Cabinet's approval for further modification of the applicability of domicile conditions to all levels of jobs in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Act.

Pride of the nation, the security forces, gets sixth position followed by Census of India-2021, national unity, women's safety, visa facilities for foreigners, international cooperation, and a category that mentions important bills passed in Parliament, including the Citizenship Amendment Act, which together find the 12th position.

Empowerment of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) with extra territorial jurisdiction and declaration of Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim as terrorists after legislative amendment were counted among its achievements by the MHA.

The MHA also said the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was set up by it to oversee the construction of the temple at Ayodhya following a Supreme Court order.

Referring to the "proactive measures" taken to control the novel coronavirus pandemic, the MHA said it was declared as a notified disaster on March 14 for the purpose of providing assistance under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) placed at the disposal of respective state governments, augmenting their resources.

It listed the lockdown measures which first came into effect from March 25 -- a day after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a 21-day restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19. It was first extended till May 3, again till May 17 and till May 31 for the third time.

Explaining its measures in fight against the global pandemic, the MHA mentioned that it has set up a 24x7 control room in the North Block as a nerve centre for monitoring, grievance redress and daily status report collection from states and Union Territories (UTs). It is also attending to the queries of states and UTs or other ministries on lockdown measures.

The MHA also issued a series of guidelines to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential goods, providing food and shelter to the homeless and migrant labourers.

It dispatched Inter Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to states severely affected by COVID-19 to make on-the-spot assessment of the situation and issue necessary directions to local authorities.

The MHA has issued SOPs to ensure inter-state movement of migrant workers and other people stranded at different places.

Movement of migrant workers during the lockdown has become a humanitarian crisis with thousands of them walking on roads and railway tracks, ignoring government pleas to stay back at the place where they are.

At least 16 such people were mowed down by a goods train in Maharashtra, while at least 100 others were killed in road accidents in different parts of the country.

India signed the Kartarpur Sahib corridor agreement with Pakistan on October 24, 2019.

Indian pilgrims of all faiths are now allowed to undertake round-the-year visa-free travel through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib (in Pakistan), one of the most revered shrines of Sikhs.

The MHA said the National Investigation Agency Act was an amendment under which the anti-terror probe agency was empowered with extra territorial jurisdiction for investigation of terrorism-related offences taking place outside India, in which Indian property or citizens are victims.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act was also amended, empowering the Central government to designate an individual as terrorist and seize his properties.

After the amendment, Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim were proscribed as terrorists.

The MHA said Left wing violence has been down from 2,258 in 2009 to 833 in 2018. The number of deaths dropped from 1,005 in 2009 to 240 in 2018 and the number of districts affected by Naxal violence reduced from 96 in 2010 to 60 in 2018.

The initial list did not include the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as an achievement.

However, the MHA later in the day issued a revised list of achievements incorporating the CAA and a few other legislations approved by Parliament in the last one year.

Meanwhile, a Home Ministry official said a few achievements of the MHA could not figure in the initial list.

The enactment of the CAA led to protests in different parts of the country and deaths of over 20 people in police firing and other violence.

The objective of the CAA is to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities -- Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian -- from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The other MHA-piloted legislations include the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 under which the SPG would now provide proximate security to only the Prime Minister and his immediate family members residing with him at his official residence.

The MHA said the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assam, was published on August 31, 2019 and a machinery was created for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.

Emergence of response support system (ERSS) -- Dial 112 -- a single successfully implemented number has been launched and over Rs 358 crore allocated by the MHA under Nirbhaya fund for women's safety.

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in criminal matters between India and Maldives signed on September 3 last year and liberalization of medical visa regime for foreigners is among the MHA list of achievements, among others.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
A special operation by the Ghana Police Service has led to the arrest of 15 women, who are part of a gang printing and spreading fake currency notes across the Kumasi Metropolis.



The gang was rounded up at separate locations in the metropolis on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, police sources confirmed to Dailymailgh.com



A member of the gang, Joyce Ama Asare, 33, had earlier been arrested at the Ejura market on May 24, when she was going round buying items with some fake 100 and 200 Cedi notes to the sum of 1,100.



The arrest of her accomplices followed earlier operations at other locations in the Metropolis and other Districts in what officers have described as most significant to detect counterfeiting.



Arrest



When police arrived at Embassy Hotel, one of the hideouts in Kumasi at about 10pm, eight persons were arrested. They have been named as; Diana Asamoah, 24, Abena Boatemaa, 33, Afia Pokuah, 40, Abena Gyamfuah, 28 and Charlotte Oforiwaa, 29.



The others are; Joana Yeboah, 29, Sandra Oforiwaa, 30 and Serwaa Rebecca, a teenager.



A genuine cash sum of 32,658 while another 17,000 worth of suspected fake notes  in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10  were retrieved from the suspects.



The team also made a stop at the Ducor Hotel at Abrepo in Kumasi where the seven other suspects were arrested. They were in separate hotel rooms when police stormed the facility just before 11pm.



They have also been identified as Antwiwaa Ama Victoria, Esther Akua Asamoah, Theresa Adwoa Oforiwaa, Irene Ama Serwaa, Yaa Afful and Patience Nyarko.



A genuine cash sum of 2,000 and suspected counterfeit notes in various denominations totaling 24,110 were seized by the armed policemen.



Assorted items like microwave, wall clock, bicycle, cooking oil, silver set, soap, pepper, tubers of yam, agro chemicals were retrieved from them purported to have been purchased with fake currencies just to gain genuine currencies, the police said in a statement.



The suspects have since been detained and will face court soon while the seized cedi notes have also been sent to the Bank of Ghana for examination.



Other investigations



Police believe the two hotels could have a role to play in the illicit printing of the notes and may invite management for questioning.



Efforts are also underway to arrest other accomplices, the police said.



At the time of filing this report, however, a nursing mother was also in custody at the Feyiase Police Station after a bag load of fake notes were found on her.



She was arrested on Tuesday, by traders at the Aputuogya market where she embarked on a shopping spree. Witnesses say she may have been lynched but for the timely intervention of the police.

Source: Daily Mail









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
According to the General Statistics Office, the current average population density in Hanoi is about 2,100 people per square kilometre, while the population is expected to increase by 200,000 each year, equivalent to the population of a large district. This has led to increasing pollution, serious traffic congestions, and above all, population density that makes life a chore.

Urbanisation is making Hanoi cramped, with land funds increasingly scarce. Most high-rise apartment buildings only solve the "residential" issues as the investors are maximising construction density, especially at apartment buildings in the inner city.

Most upper class buyers prefer modern high-rise apartments, which are convenient for the commute to the inner city. However, they are growing tired of centrally-located projects which simply cannot meet their needs for privacy  and so are moving to projects in suburban areas.

Located at 108 Nguyen Trai  the arterial road connecting the old and new half of the capital which is one of the few remaining downtown locations  King Palace is a rare luxury apartment project that meets the needs of a central location while retaining privacy for the owners.

King Palace is located between the intersection of the old and new halves of Hanoi

Living in isolation in the inner city

Located in the heart of the bustling and vibrant city centre, stepping into King Palace is a completely different world. With a limited number of only 410 apartments and 13 units on one floor, King Palace is viewed by experts as an ideal living space with the necessary privacy for the owner of each apartment. In addition, the with 24/7 camera system installed from the lobby to each apartment corridor will be an added layer of protection for the privacy of residents.

Stepping through the doors of the hall to King Palace welcomes residents and visitors with a feeling of freshness and relaxation that permeats each living space because the investor has connected each room to the fresh air supply system, meeting the standards of a five-star hotel. This keeps the air in the apartments always fresh and unaffected by the air pollution common to modern cities. The walls of the apartments are also painted with Ales Shiqui paint that offers antibacterial features and superior fire resistance.

Entering King Palace is a world separate and distinct from the bustling metropolis outside

Besides, King Palace's kitchens were designed to be separate from the living area, bringing privacy and helping homeowners feel more relaxed when cooking, and making the kitchen more open.

Notably, the investor has designed each apartment to include a multi-purpose room  a place for the owner to show their personalities and personal taste by creating a unique living space.

Located in the heart of the bustling and vibrant centre, stepping into King Palace is a completely opposite world.

Residents will not have to go far to find a place to relax because right at King Palace, there are full utilities to serve their daily needs. Along with this, there is a commercial and service area at the podium level; Maple Bear International Preschool in the building; Rooftop swimming pool on the highest floor of Thanh Xuan district; and a gym full of modern equipment to help residents take care of their health, just to name a few of the utilities.

I have lived in Hanoi for 15 years and always feel suffocated with the polluted atmosphere of the inner city. Because of my own work and my childrens education, the whole family is still living here, said Le Nguyen Duc Bui, a young businessman.

Therefore, finding an apartment with enough privacy, safety, and security for my family was our main criteria when choosing a residence. Luckily, King Palace has met all these requirements, and my wife and I did not spend too much time thinking before signing a contract to buy a three-bedroom apartment here."

In every apartment of King Palace, there is a multipurpose room for the owners to express their personal tastes

King Palace is now entering the final stage of completion before handing units over to residents in the fourth quarter of 2020. Sample apartments and samples of entire floors at the project have been completed to welcome customers. Besides, every weekend, the investors organise tea parties so that future residents can visit the apartments and sample floors as well as learn more about the project.
By Trend

It is not possible to quickly return to pre-coronavirus conditions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said at a meeting of the Iran's National Committee on Combating Coronavirus on May 30, Trend reports citing IRINN.

Rouhani noted that people plan to return to normal conditions within 15 days, one or two months; however, it is necessary to change the way of life for a long time, to accept the limitations and acknowledge that the virtual world is a part of life.

The head of state added that it is no longer possible for 10-20 people to sit together as before.

"You have to forget about this for months. All meetings should be conducted at a social distance," he said.

"Currently, the situation is more difficult than in the first months of the infection from February 20 to April 20, because infected people had symptoms. At present, some infected people do not have symptoms, and the number of carriers of the virus is growing," he said.

The president said that although the number of the infection cases is declining in some provinces, the situation is rather difficult in some provinces.

"Some restrictions will be lifted from today. Thus, mosques are opened for worship. In addition, the time limit for malls and shopping centers, which are allowed to work from 9:00 to 18:00, will be abolished," Rouhani said.

A decision on the opening of a number of other public places including meeting halls, courtyards, and places of pilgrimage, has not yet been made, added the president.

Following the spread of the coronavirus, a number of restrictions were gradually imposed in Iran, including travel between provinces, restrictions on all offices, public catering facilities, and so on. The lifting of restrictions began in stages on April 11.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 146,600 people have been infected 7,677 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 114,900 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-31 05:51:21|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft with two astronauts takes off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral of Florida, the United States, on May 30, 2020. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

"For the first time in 9 years, we have now launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted.



WASHINGTON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- NASA and SpaceX launched Crew Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, carrying two American astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 3:22 p.m. Eastern Time, from historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Veteran NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are co-commanders on the mission.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watched the launch at the center.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R), U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (C) watch the launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft with two astronauts at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States, May 30, 2020. (Bill Ingalls/NASA/Handout via Xinhua)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted, "For the first time in 9 years, we have now launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. I'm so proud of the NASA and SpaceX team for making this moment possible."

NASA confirmed main engine cutoff and separation of the rocket's first and second stages minutes after the lift-off.

Falcon 9's reusable first stage booster has successfully landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" drone ship off the Florida coast.

The Crew Dragon reached Earth orbit about 12 minutes after takeoff, and is making its way to the ISS, according to NASA.

The spacecraft is scheduled to dock to the space station on Sunday at 10:27 a.m. Eastern Time. The spacecraft is designed to do this autonomously, but the two astronauts and the station will be monitoring approach and docking, and can take control of the spacecraft if necessary.

After successfully docking, Behnken and Hurley will be welcomed aboard station and will become members of the Expedition 63 crew. They will perform tests on Crew Dragon in addition to conducting research and other tasks with the space station crew.

The mission will conclude with the Crew Dragon undocking from the station, deorbiting, and returning Behnken and Hurley to Earth with a safe splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, according to NASA.

The mission duration has not been announced yet. NASA said it will be determined once on station based on the readiness of the next commercial crew launch.

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (front) and Doug Hurley depart for Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States, May 30, 2020. (Bill Ingalls/NASA/Handout via Xinhua)

Behnken and Hurley were among the first astronauts to begin working and training on SpaceX's next-generation human space vehicle, and were selected for their extensive test pilot and flight experience, including several missions on the space shuttle, according to NASA.

Behnken will be the joint operations commander for the mission, responsible for activities such as rendezvous, docking and undocking, as well as Demo-2 activities while the spacecraft is docked to the ISS.

Hurley will be the spacecraft commander for the mission, responsible for activities such as launch, landing and recovery.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft with two astronauts takes off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral of Florida, the United States, on May 30, 2020. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

This is SpaceX's final test flight for NASA's Commercial Crew Program and will provide critical data on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon spacecraft, and ground systems, as well as in-orbit, docking and landing operations.

The test flight also will provide valuable data toward certification of SpaceX's crew transportation system for regular flights carrying astronauts to and from the space station. 
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 08:27 601 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb04a10 1 Editorial #Editorial,travel,tourism-industry,foreign-tourists,reopening,COVID-19,pandemic Free

The governments plan to gradually reopen the economy in June has led to more intense discussions on jumpstarting the tourist industry and creative economy. The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has expressed plans to support the immediate reopening of various sectors, while brainstorming new normal standards for them.

Many businesses related to tourism have closed, laying off 1.4 million employees while others have furloughed staff in the two months since physical distancing and stay-at-home measures were put in place. Foreign visitor arrivals plunged 64 percent year-on-year in March to a level unseen in a decade.

This is a severe blow to President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration, which had pledged to boost tourisms 5 percent contribution to gross domestic product. The governments master plan focuses on developing super-priority tourist destinations by building infrastructure and establishing special economic zones.

The government has taken prompt action to ease the burdens of the tourist industry. By exempting individual income taxes, deferring import taxes and discounting corporate tax receipts by 30 percent, the shock of COVID-19 could be softened for industry players.

The tourism sector indeed needs support more than ever as it has become the hardest-hit sector. The government is set to provide a Rp 25 trillion (US$1.68 billion) stimulus package including airfare and hotel discounts to speed up the recovery of the travel industry.

Countries around the world that have lifted various forms of lockdowns or social restrictions are finding ways to promote safe travel that follows strict health protocols.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization issued a set of comprehensive measures to help all governments to reopen tourism in a safe, seamless and responsible manner. The set of measures was built on knowledge and input from public and private sectors and several United Nations agencies.

However, peoples appetite for travel will remain low amid the lingering pandemic and travel limitations everywhere. Australians, among Indonesias top foreign tourists, will be allowed to travel to countries considered safe as of Sept. 10, according to a timetable produced by the Australian Tourism Restart Taskforce.

The Indonesian government should firmly establish, promote and enforce internationally accepted guidelines, including elaborate health protocols, in all components of the tourist industry  from airlines and car rentals to tour operators, restaurants, airport terminals and hotels. This must be achieved prior to reopening tourism. Otherwise, foreign tourists will not come to Indonesia.

For the time being, the country needs to set its focus on jacking up healthcare capacity, helping the sick and flattening the curve to gain trust from travelers and the international community in general. Reopening too soon may increase risks for further infection, thereby prolonging economic recovery. With confirmed daily COVID-19 cases yet to go down significantly, the stakes are too high.

Preparing more stimulus packages for the tourist industry, speeding up disbursement and brainstorming ways to reboot the tourism economy, once its safe to open, need to be intensified. Save tourism first, safe travel later.
The coronavirus pandemic sparked huge diplomatic and consular efforts to fly home Irish people from all corners of the globe, writes Neil Michael

If you look at a video of the standing ovation TDs gave frontline workers in the Dail on March 26, one man is noticeably missing from the government front bench.

A gap of two seats separates Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister of Health, Simon Harris, who is in turn separated by just one seat from Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. The missing minister was Tanaiste, Simon Coveney.

Instead of sitting to the left of the Taoiseach, he was standing on his own in a back row under the digital clock, and a few seats away from stairs leading to an exit.

The fact that he wasnt in his usual place raised a few eyebrows, if even over the possibility he appeared to have slipped in late in a debate on such a noble issue as frontline workers.

But unbeknown to observers at the time, he was on time and standing at the back because he was waiting to speak to someone who would help seal the fate of just under 100 Irish citizens trapped in Peru.

The country was under martial law at the time, and tourists faced years in jail for breaching even the most insignificant conditions of curfews in place.

Enforced by armed police and soldiers patrolling the streets of the major Peruvian towns and cities, there had already been a few reports of heavy-handed behaviour against tourists.

The countrys borders had also been shut down on March 16, and all commercial flights in and out banned.

Food in the hostels and hotels where Irish tourists were trapped was starting to have to be rationed and some tourists had started experiencing hostility from locals.

There was a fear that the situation in Peru, certainly from the point of view of the Irish citizens trapped there, was becoming volatile.

And so, at 8pm on March 26, the Tanaiste was due to speak to the countrys Minister of Foreign Affairs Gustavo Adolfo Meza-Cuadra Velasquez.

As he sat at the back of the Dail, he got an alert on his phone letting him know a call was ready to be put through to Minister Meza-Cuadra.

He hurriedly left, and before he had time to reach his office, the two men were patched through to each other.

In a rare insight into these kind of calls, Minister Meza-Cuadra recalled: I was at the office.

I received the call in between meetings.

I clearly remember that week as being particularly busy as we were trying to adjust to a whole new reality which we could not entirely grasp yet.

Of the call between the two ministers, he told the Irish Examiner: Even though matters were quite urgent around our respective responsibilities, the call with Minister Coveney was very cordial and frank.

As I remember it, it lasted around 20 minutes.

We quickly exchanged our views on how the pandemic was impacting our own populations, social services and institutions and how governments were working at full speed in order to articulate a coherent response to this unexpected challenge.

Right after, Minister Coveney asked me for cooperation for completing the due formalities required for repatriating a large group of Irish tourists.

I remember he expressed his understandable concern about the wellbeing of his citizens, and how Irish people were aware of the situation of their stranded compatriots around the world.

He also told me the Irish increasingly value Peru as a top tourist destination, and he expected this trend to continue growing after the pandemic was controlled.

He added: Immediately I offered Minister Coveney the full support of Peru, which crystallised only three days later with the return of the big majority of the stranded Irish tourists."

The call led to Ireland being given permission to take the bulk of its citizens out of the country that following Sunday, March 29.

It was also one of hundreds the Tanaiste made to help get Irish citizens back, including calls to the CEOs of airlines and his opposite numbers in other jurisdictions.

But to get to the point where the two foreign ministers were talking didnt just take the week or so of preparation beforehand, it also relied on relationships Irelands diplomats had built up over the years.

At the time of the call, Irelands Ambassador to Chile, Paul Gleeson, was nervously pacing the floor of his dining room at his home 11,460km away in Santiago, occasionally shooing away any one of his four children as they randomly wandered in and out of the room.

He had helped set up the call with the Tanaiste days before.

Ambassador Gleeson is a friend of Geraldine Byrne Nason, Irelands Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and he knew she had a good relationship with Minister Meza-Cuadra.

The pair had met when he was a diplomat in New York, working as Perus Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

She was also friends with his successor.

So I was texting Geraldine to see if she still had any contact with (Minister Meza-Cuadra), Ambassador Gleeson recalled.

I knew she had a good relationship with him and when he was appointed Foreign Minister, the previous Foreign Minister in Peru became their ambassador to the United Nations, so they swapped jobs.

Geraldine was able to get in touch with him and to tell that there was a situation ongoing in Peru and that the Tanaiste would like to talk to (Minister Meza-Cuadra) and we wanted to try and make that happen.

Irish citizens prepare to leave Peru as part of the repatriation effort by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He added: There was a lot of back and forth.

I was talking to Geraldine by WhatsApp, she was in contact with her Peruvian opposite number and she was able to come back to me with a phone number that was going to deliver that phone call.

We were onto the Tanaistes office that evening.

He was at an event somewhere and we were able to get him to step outside and take that call.

I don't know where he was but as his former director of policy at the Tanaistes office, I know how these things work.

If something is urgent, he will step out, and make or take a call.

In these situations, they don't need to be long and I would imagine the Peruvian Foreign Minister was up to his eyes in it.

We have a small diplomatic system but it is well connected and it is based on good personal relationships with our colleagues in different parts of the world.

Added to the run-up to the call was the fact that the departments diplomats had had to make sure they had a plane that could undertake the flight before they could get permission from the minister to land it.

They also needed to make sure they had an operation in place to get Irish citizens spread out from Lima back to the capital to actually catch the plane.

And therein lay the source of the sleepless nights for Ambassador Gleeson over the coming days.

Trapped in Chile himself with a staff of one - Deputy Head of Mission, Aislinn McCauley - he co-ordinated the next task to get a small fleet of buses to ferry Irish citizens to Lima for the Sunday flight.

One bus - or rather, minivan - journey to Lima took more than 30 hours, and very nearly didnt make it.

That was from Tarapoto, in the northeast of the country and through a lot of jungle terrain.

No other country had tried to send a bus up there.

We only had three citizens there but we wanted to bring everyone out, he recalled.

They also made room for other nationalities, but that only led to problems later.

The police who stopped the minivan about 12 hours into its journey from Tarapoto were threatening to send it back, he said.

There was some detail missing about the license plate.

But also they couldn't understand why we are transporting non-Irish citizens.

I was pacing up and down my kitchen pleading with them not to turn back the bus.

It would have been a frightening experience for those passengers as I was trying to explain to the officers why we had other citizens on the bus.

I was having to explain to them that this is what we do in the EU and the UK - we try to work together in emergencies to bring each other's citizens back.

He, his deputy and Irelands Honorary Consul in Peru, Eduardo Benavides, were also frantically calling up government and regional officials to make sure the bus got through police lines.

Onboard the bus from Cusco was Lesley Ann Devereux, a Business Development Coordinator for the charity Goal, from Dun Laoghaire, south County Dublin.

Because Ambassador Gleeson couldnt physically get into Peru and our honorary consul was also under lockdown, much of the communication between the embassy and the passengers was via WhatsApp.

In addition a Spanish speaker on each bus acted as a go-between for police, the bus drivers and the passengers, few of whom actually spoke Spanish.

Sally Ann, who has fluent Spanish, volunteered to be the Spanish speaker on the Cusco bus.

The Ambassador had asked if anyone who spoke Spanish could help coordinate with the police and the bus drivers on the day, so I volunteered, she said.

We all had to queue up for a couple of hours at the bus station, where a private bus had been organised for us.

There were a number of other repatriation efforts going on at the same time, so there was a lot of waiting around.

The Peruvian policeman coordinating it made friends with me as he didnt speak English so I was helping him out with the lists and organising.

There were some health workers at the bus station who took our temperatures and checked for symptoms, and after that we were on our way!

Twenty-four hours later we arrived in Lima and were greeted by British soldiers. It was surreal.

The airport was completely closed, so we were taking off from the military airbase in Lima.

We lined up outside under a marquee, while the admin procedures went on.

Sniffer dogs did a quick check of the bags.

There were a number of moments when it looked like the plane she was about to get on was not actually going to take off.

Every so often one of the soldiers would give us an update on another crisis that had been averted, she recalled.

It seems like the Peruvian authorities hadnt wanted the plane to wait for us.

Next they hadnt wanted to let it depart because there was some change in the route from Gatwick to Heathrow.

We all agreed that until we were up in the air there was no guarantee the repatriation would actually go ahead!

It did, but Ambassador Gleeson looks back and reminds himself of the view he and his diplomatic colleagues have of such situations.

Wheels up is what we call it in foreign affairs, he said.

Wheels up - and you know that the wheels are in the air and they are en route and that is the big relief for us.

Even when a plane is sitting on the tarmac you can only be 90% confident that you are there, youve done it, youve made it.

But it's only when the wheels are up that you know you are away and you know that's great.

Until she boarded the plane along with others like Cork couple Andrew Cotter, from Mitchelstown, and girlfriend Maria Barry, from Conna, she would have had little idea of the efforts behind the scenes.

But by the same token, it is hard to see how diplomats forced to only deal with their citizens by WhatsApp or phone can really appreciate the fear many Irish citizens felt while they were trapped in Peru.

The Irish in Peru were mainly from Cork, Cavan, Kilkenny and Clare and in their 20s and 30s, and in cities Cusco and Lima, and abroad so far from home for the first time in their lives.

There were also some in other cities like Puno, Arequipa, and villages like Huacachina, just west of the south western city of Ica.

Although commercial flights had all but ground to a halt, some airlines were offering chartered flights.

At one stage, Irish and British embassy staff were offering a flight out through a private Colombian company, Avianca.

Andrew Cotter, aged 31, from Mitchelstown, and his girlfriend Marie Barry, 30, from Conna, arriving back in Cork Airport on March 30 after a three-day repatriation journey from Cusco, Peru to Cork, via Lima, London and Dublin. Picture: Neil Michaels

Irish citizens were advised via email that the company was considering arranging a chartered plane from Lima to London that weekend, March 21/22.

They also said they would also put in place a connecting flight from Cusco to Lima to connect with this London flight.

However, the price was likely to be $3,500 one way economy class and $7,500 business class - a price people were told reflected what is involved in negotiating permissions from the authorities.

While some like Mr Cotter were prepared to pay for economy seats, others simply couldnt afford the prices and everyone eventually resigned themselves to having to remain for longer in their accommodation.

At the time, there was a mandatory curfew from 8pm to 5am.

People were only allowed out on their own to the supermarket, pharmacy and bank.

However, a number of tourists started experiencing problems getting food.

In addition, a number of hostels were being raided by police and shut down, with tourists being seen by worried Irish citizens being led away to police stations.

There were also claims at the time that some police officers were seen being quite heavy-handed with tourists.

The level of suspicion about foreigners was illustrated in Mr Cotters hotel where medical staff arrived out of the blue to test a tourist because he had an Italian passport.

The fact that he lived in Berlin and had been traveling for months in South America didnt matter.

Sally Ann recalled: When they closed the borders I realised I might get stuck there.

But when it became really serious was a week later.

This was when there were positive cases of Covid confirmed among foreigners in another hostel.

That accommodation was put on strict lockdown, with people confined to their rooms for 23 hours a day, unable to leave the accommodation at all, and potentially would have to stay there for up to three months.

There was talk that breaking the lockdown measures could have incurred a jail sentence.

At that point alarm bells started going off in everyones heads and we all ramped up the efforts with the Irish government to get us home.

In other jurisdictions, Irish diplomats faced their own challenges, although they were not always as fraught as the Peruvian situation.

The first confirmed Covid-19 case in Turkey, for example, was on March 11.

Up until that point, preparations were still underway for the countrys main St Patricks parade in the capital. Ankara.

Things quickly changed after the announcement of the first case and Sonya McGuinness, Irelands ambassador there, started to prepare Irish citizens for what was to follow.

Newlyweds Neil Cooney from Mullingar and his Australian wife, Kath, after arriving home from their honeymoon in Peru on an emergency repatriation flight in March. Neils dad, Nicholas, on the right, and his mother Nancy were at the airport to collect them, in their van which they had decorated in the back as a honeymoon suite to maintain their social distance. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

By March 14, bans were coming down on flights from certain EU countries, but not yet from Ireland.

We saw the writing on the wall, she recalled.

So we went out to our people very early and quickly to say flights may be cancelled, and they started to be cancelled as we were making our calls.

"People had information quite quickly that they were able to work on and that was before things started to get a bit complicated.

Luckily for Ambassador McGuinness, diplomatic staff in Turkey had urged all Irish citizens living in the country to register on the Department of Foreign Affairs Citizens Registration page.

We are in an earthquake zone and we did a good bit of work about eight months ago urging people to register their details, she said.

They were asked to register in case things go belly up.

So, in the days before flights to and from Ireland were banned on March 16 all the diplomatic staff were in the office on the phones calling people directly, and warning them about possible problems with flights if they wanted to leave.

Once Turkey got the first case, the shutters came down pretty quickly, she said.

But we had noticed that although they had banned other people's flights, some flights still continued to go out and there was a grace period.

That was kind of our impetus to then start talking to the airlines directly.

Thanks to a call she had made to her opposite number in Dublin at the start of the crisis, she found out about a flight the Turkish government were sending to Dublin.

She had suggested to the Turkish ambassador Levent Murat Burhan they should keep in regular contact over the issue of flights and exchange information as and when they had any that could help either sets of citizens.

Philippa Henderson from West Cork is greeted with a virtual hug from her mother, Anita, after arriving at Dublin Airport from Peru. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A short while later he called her and tipped her off that an empty Turkish Airlines flight was coming into Dublin on March 23 to collect Turkish students and bring them home.

She quickly put the information informally out among the Irish community so they could be ready to go at a moments notice.

As well as getting permission to take Irish citizens out of Turkey, she also had to quickly arrange for the plane to be allowed land in Dublin with passengers on board. Turkish Airlines had permission to land an empty airplane into Dublin but not an aircraft with people on board, she recalled.

We were phoning up at midnight to Department of Justice and Department of Transport officials and Dublin Airport over the weekend.

We wanted to give them a heads up there would be a request coming in.

As well as getting Irish citizens out, the flight was helpful for other reasons too. She contacted other embassies and offered them space on the plane - a favour they would later return.

Because we knew that a flight was happening, we contacted other EU embassies and the UK here to say we can get people into Ireland, would that be useful for you? she said.

In total, about 30 were on board, from Ireland, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, the UK and America.

She also said that one of the other flights she helped organise involved 10 people and two cats, on what was one of the more unusual flights she had helped with.

Other requests for help that raised eyebrows included one from a member of an Irish band aboard the controversial cruise ship, the Ruby Princess.

The members of Emerald Tide had been on the ship since December.

Owen Feeney, Consul General of Ireland in Sydney, recalled: Up to the time the consulate received an email from the crew, it was a surprise to us they were on board.

"At that stage we were helping lots of people on mainland Australia to get home to Ireland and we didn't really expect to get contacted from the crew of a cruise ship.

"The crews on the cruise ships tend to be largely Filipino and we weren't aware that there were Irish on board.

"The individual who contacted us from the cruise ship was very calm and just to be want to let us know that they were among the crew.

"At that stage we were trying to help hundreds of Irish people who are trying to get home or more recently trying to deal with the consequences of the restrictions here in Australia in terms of Irish Visa holders.

Tears of joy as Seana Polly from Downpatrick is greeted by her sister, Natasha and mother, Claire, after arriving home on an emergency repatriation flight from Peru. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

"That is what we were going through at the time, we had a large volume of emails and calls and that email from the crew member did stand out as being the more unusual of the emails that we received.

As well as worrying about the mental welfare of the four band members and an Irish engineer on the ship, he was also worried the ship might set sail for America.

He eventually helped get the crew off in the first wave of crew disembarking from the ship that was linked to more than 600 cases of Covid-19 and 15 deaths.

Independent Cork TD Michael Collins was one of many TDs who dealt with the Department of Foreign Affairs on behalf of constituents.

He said: I have nothing but respect for the Department of foreign affairs.

"They were unbelievable to us.

"People from all over the world wanted to come home and the communication day and night with them was just second to none.

"We had constituents sons and daughters in Peru, Bolivia, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and America.

"And in every case there was no way those people were going to get home were it not for the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the embassies and consulates abroad.

"The early stages, especially in Peru, people were very scared and very worried about how they were gonna get out of where they were to get home.

"What I like about the Department of Foreign Affairs staff is - it doesn't really matter what time you ring them with a problem but they go to work.

Elizabeth McCullough, Director of the Consular Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs said the operation around the world to bring people back to Ireland was unprecedented.

"We don't normally repatriate people, we normally assist them to help get back if they are having problems overseas, she said.

This whole idea of repatriating people was part of a specific approach agreed in the context of the virus.

It is quite a unique situation and it was decided at a relatively early stage in the Covid-19 crisis. Her work and the work of what is now a largely expanded team at the Department of Foreign Affairs started in January, when they became aware of the situation in China.

They were aware there were a number of Irish citizens in Wuhan.

There was a renewed effort by our embassy in Beijing and our consulates in Shanghai and Hong Kong to find out how many Irish people needed assistance, she recalled.

We always encourage people to register their details with us and download our Travelwise app so they can get regular travel updates.

When it became clear this virus was a serious virus and people might want to leave while the was still an opportunity to do it, we worked very closely with like-minded partners who were in the region.

And if I remember correctly, the first repatriations from China took place late January into February.

There were six in total from Wuhan.

They got out in the nick of time.

The next group of citizens they were dealing with shortly after were those trapped aboard various cruise ships, including the Princess Diamond, which docked of Yokohama, Japan, and the Westerdam cruise ship docked off Sihanoukville, off Cambodia.

There were a total of 15 on these ships, a number of whom contracted the virus.

Sarah McKernan from Dublin gets a hug from her father, Robert, after landing in Dublin Airport on an emergency repatriation flight from Peru. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

And after that the virus then began to spread quite rapidly around the world, she said.

So we decided we would try and assist as many people to get back to Ireland as possible and that we would try to get them on to commercial flights where we could.

She activated the departments crisis centre on February 25, brought in extra staff and restructured the way her department worked, splitting it into regional teams.

Up until only very recently, the crisis centre was open seven-days-a-week, and staffed from 7am till 10pm.

It now operates 8am to 8pm five days-a-week and has full-time duty officers on-call over the weekend.

Having only taken on her role last summer, she sees what has happened as being a baptism of fire.

And she adds: I am not aware of any operation like this in the past.

This was a really unique and exceptional moment in the history of the Department.

We haven't really had to deal with anything like this before.

"It has actually been a great example of teamwork and I say that with my hand on my heart.

It has been something I am very proud to have been involved in because it's been a fantastic exercise in people seeing this as being a really important thing to do for Irish people around the world.

There was a huge level of enthusiasm and willingness by people across the department to leap in and to take on the extra work.

It has been a very positive exercise in lots of ways.

Despite that though, the department has not been without criticism.

Although tunes changed as they took their seats on their flights home, there were complaints by some Irish citizens they were not given enough information.

It is not always the case that we have the information available to us, Elizabeth McCullough said.

I think when there is regular engagement (people) are satisfied with the level of assistance they get.

Obviously we are not able to do everything.

We're not able to change public health restrictions for example.

We were not able to conjure up solutions for people that are stuck on remote islands in far off parts of the world but I think most people are satisfied.

The scale of the challenges the Department of Foreign Affairs has faced over the past few months has been huge. To date, they have brought or helped bring a total of 6,347 Irish citizens home.

Compared to the first four months or so to mid-May in 2019, the number of calls have shot up. Last year, staff received 3,006 calls while this year so far, they received 18,889 calls.

Usually, the number of travel advice updates on their TravelWise app are around 130 to the mid-May period. This year so far, there have been 1,640 updates.

The number of consular cases has also increased from 741 to mid-May in 2019 to 5,357 cases created this year so far.

As to the future, Elizabeth McCullough remains cautious.

This situation will probably go on for quite a while into the future, so we are not out of the woods yet, she said.

What the repercussions are from the virus for the period ahead and even more long-term are unknown as yet.

So are still planning for the future, trying to work out what the next set of challenges might be, trying to make sure that we are as best prepared to respond to those as we can be.

But if there is one thing this crisis has done, it would appear to have brought the Tanaiste closer to his opposite number in Peru, especially since that March 26 phonecall.

Minister Meza-Cuadra appears to have been impressed with him, so much so he looks forward to the two sharing a pint when this pandemic ends.

I hope sooner than later I will be able to share a Murphys with Minister Coveney recalling this positive episode, or better off, to share a couple of glasses of Pisco sour, made from our national drink, which I absolutely recommend to the Irish Examiners readers, he said.
THAI flights put on hold until July

THAILAND: Thai Airways International (THAI) has decided to halt flights by the airline for another month and maintain salary cuts put in place after the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a THAI source.

CoronavirusCOVID-19transport

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 30 May 2020, 08:23AM

THAI had been expected to resume flights from June 1 but yesterdays (May 29) board meeting grounded the fleet for another month. Photo: Bangkok Post

The source said the decision was reached after some new board members met for the first time yesterday (May 29) to keep the national carrier on track for its debt-rehabilitation plan.

Board members agreed commercial flights should be grounded until the end of June, the source said.

Earlier, THAI had been expected to resume flights from June 1. THAI announced the suspension of all international flights and closed its overseas branches in late March when the spread of the coronavirus was intensifying.

Since March, all 20,000 THAI staff have had their salaries cut by 10-50%, and this will continue.

The source said the board is also discussing unsubstantiated reports of the 60-year-old airline having problems with purchasing fuel or even drinking water from suppliers.

Another rumour had it that state energy firm PTT Plc had stopped supplying oil to THAIs ground services at Suvarnabhumi airport.

The new board yesterday ordered an investigation to verify if the reports were true.

Were looking into these matters to take urgent action, new board member and former justice minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga reportedly said ahead of the board meeting yesterday.

Nares Phuangyaem, former president of THAIs labour union, said THAIs ground operations would soon be affected.

The remaining oil is only enough for three days use, Mr Nares warned.

He said THAIs debt-rehabilitation petition filed with the Central Bankruptcy Court had caused a lockdown on financial transactions that may have undermined arrangements with PTT.

The new board members have come under the spotlight as four newcomers and two incumbent members will reportedly be nominated as rehabilitation planners.

Besides Mr Pirapan, they are; Piyasvasti Amranand, a former THAI president, Boontuck Wungcharoen, a former CEO of TMB Bank, and Pailin Chuchottaworn, former CEO and president of PTT Plc, were appointed to the top posts.

Two other board members are THAI acting president Chakkrit Parapuntakul and airline chairman ACM Chaiyapruk Didyasarin.

However, Mr Pailin later resigned, citing a violation of an anti-graft regulations which bars anyone assuming a position in any organisation in which the government holds a stake within two years of leaving a cabinet minister post.

He served as deputy transport minister from December 2017 until last year.
By Md Mustafa

This year Jamia Millia Islamia University is celebrating 100 years of its founding (1920 to 2020) and in all these years, it has seen various ups and downs.

Support TwoCircles



After police action in Jamia in December 2019, people cutting across the ideological line questioned the conduct of the Delhi Police while dealing with Jamia students and raised many concerns.

But what pained me the most as a student of this prestigious institution, which has its root in the national movement of India was the labelling Jamia Millia Islamia University as an anti-national university and its students as anti-national by some media houses.

I believe these media houses would not have spoken in this way if they would have known the evolution and history of Jamia Milia as a university and its role in nation-building.

In August 1920, father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi gave a call for Non-Cooperation with the aim of self-governance and obtaining full independence, in which he asked Indians to boycott British courts, educational institutions, services and foreign goods.

In direct response to Non-Cooperation movement, the Jamia Milia Islamia was founded by Muslim nationalist leaders like Maulana Mahmud Hasan, Maulana Muhammad Ali, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, and Abdul Majid Khwaja, because they were not happy with the Aligarh Muslim Universitys decision to bar its students and teachers to participate in Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement.

Aligarh Muslim University is the brainchild of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan whose aim was to prepare Muslim youth for British government services. However, Jamia had a different objective altogether from its parent organisation AMU. Latters main objectives were to inculcate nationalism among Muslim youth in addition to modern education.

In Urdu, Jamia means university and Millia means national.

Initially, it was established in Aligarh (which was then part of the United Province) but later in 1925, shifted to Karol Bagh (Delhi) and finally moved to Okhla (New Delhi) in 1936. Since then, Jamia is located here and it became a central university by an act of Parliament in 1988.

In the initial days, Jamia Millia Islamia faced a financial crisis which forced Mahatma Gandhi to write several letters to raise funds including to G.D Birla (a close associate to Gandhi).

In 1925 when Jamia was going through a financial crisis and there were talks to close it, however, it was Mahatma Gandhi who insisted Hakim Ajmal Khan to not close down Jamia, and he said If you are facing a financial crisis, I am ready to beg (Apko Rupyaa Ka dikkat hai to main bheekh maang lunga). (Source Mahtab Alam https://thewire.in/educati on/gandhi-a-lifelong-friend- of-jamia-millia-islamia )

These words from the Mahatma encouraged Ajmal Khan to not close down Jamia even during its worst period of the financial crisis.

Throughout its history, Jamia was headed by several nationalist leaders like Mukhtar Ansari who went on to become President of Indian National Congress session in 1927 and Zakir Husain who later served as the 3rd President of India between 13 May 1967 to 3 May 1969.

Upon the establishment of Jamia, the nightingale of India Sarojini Naidu said: They built up the Jamia Millia stone by stone and sacrifice by sacrifice.

Rabindranath Tagore called it one of the most progressive educational institutions of India.

The riots following partition shook north India but Jamia Campus remained peaceful, on which Mahatma Gandhi called it an an oasis of peace in the Sahara of communal violence.

From its inception, its students and teachers played a very important role in Indian National Movement and it is still contributing to nation-building by introducing progressive courses in Jamia.

It has added many progressive courses and launched many centres like the centre for Sarojini Naidu, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (fortunately I am the student of this centre). It also has added AJK-Mass Communication Research Centre (MCRC) which is considered one of the best institutions for mass communication in India and has produced distinguished alumni like Barkha Dutt (senior Television journalist) and Shahrukh Khan (popular Indian actor).

On December 15 2019, students of different faith were not protesting for any type of restoration of Muslim rule in India but they were protesting against a recently passed citizenship amendment act and what they believed it to be textually and contextually discriminatory and violative of the fundamental right of equality and principle of secularism laid down in Indian constitution.

Isnt peaceful protest a fundamental right as enshrined by our constitution?

Jamia Millia Islamia is a central university. Arent the police supposed to seek approval of the university authorities before entering?

How can a university, whose founding fathers rejected the idea of Pakistan and opted to stay in India and committed to serving India could suddenly become an anti-national university at least in the rhetoric of some media houses?

On the 100th year of its founding, we the students of Jamia, celebrate each others festivals from Raksha Bandhan to Eid and Christmas and proudly reclaim the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, which has seen some ups and downs in recent years.

Md Mustafa is a student of MA (Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.
Delhi-Moscow Air India flight returns midway after pilot found COVID-19 positive

New Delhi, May 30 (UNI) An Air India flight from Delhi to Moscow had to return midway on Saturday after the airline's ground team found out that one of the pilots had detected COVID-19 positive.



"When the A320 plane, which did not have any passengers as it was heading to Moscow to bring back stranded Indians under Vande Bharat Mission, had reached Uzbekistan's airspace, our team on ground realised that one of the pilots had tested COVID-positive," sources in the aviation ministry said.
Many Canadians are watching the riots in parts of the United States with shock and horror but Canada also has problems with racism, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Minneapolis has been rocked by a third night of violent protests over the death of an unarmed black man after a white police officer knelt on his neck as he lay on the ground following arrest.

"Many Canadians of diverse backgrounds are watching, like all Canadians are, the news out of the United States with shock and with horror," Trudeau said in unprompted remarks at the end of a daily briefing.

"Anti-black racism - racism - is real. It's in the United States but it's also in Canada and we know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias and anti-black racism every single day," he told reporters. "We have work to do as well in Canada."

Trudeau's remarks were a highly unusual commentary on American domestic affairs. Canadian prime ministers have in general refrained from discussing events in what is Canada's main ally and largest trading partner.

Trudeau has long spoken about the need to end racism but last September his campaign for reelection was almost derailed after pictures of him in blackface emerged.
New York  Officials across the state should disclose police disciplinary records, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday, challenging a controversial law that has been interpreted to shield those records for more than 40 years.

I think local, elected officials across the state could release disciplinary records, even with the existing .. law, if they wanted to, Cuomo said. I think they dont want to, so they say I cant. The best way to say no, as an elected official, politician, is to say I cant. I dont believe thats true. I believe they can, with the law, as written.

Cuomo was asked whether hed support the repeal of Civil Rights law 50-A, the 1976 provision in question. He didnt go that far, but vowed to sign a law that would clarify the circumstances that fall under 50-A protections.

Just to make it simple, I would sign a bill today that reforms 50-A, Cuomo said. I would sign it today. So the Legislature can now convene by Zoom, or however they do it, pass the bill, and I will sign it today. I cant be clearer or more direct than that.

RELATED: Thanks to New York law, you may never know the names of officers whove faced discipline

The governors support for release of police officer disciplinary records came the morning after state protesters clashed with police, primarily in New York City, over the death of George Floyd, a black man killed after being knelt on by a white officer in Minneapolis.

But Cuomos advocacy could have widespread ramifications across the state. Whenever a police officer comes under fire in the line of duty, the publics natural reaction is to see if he or she has been disciplined in the past.

And the answer from local governments, in virtually every case, has been: we cant tell you. Thats because section 50-A of the states Civil Rights Law prohibits the disclosure of any police personnel records used to evaluate performance from public scrutiny, without the written consent of the officer.

The states own Committee on Open Government has previously agreed that the law prohibits the release of police discipline, while calling it the worst in public policy.

Only police officers, peace officers, firefighters and paramedics are granted such protection. Other public servants, like judges, teachers and doctors do not get such protections.

So whats the point of 50-A? The goal is to avoid a situation in which a police officer is called to testify in court and might be embarrassed by a lawyer bringing up reprimands in his personnel records.

But if a lawyer cant have it, no one can. The law blocks the public from finding out the names of disciplined officers, how many times an officer has been disciplined and the rules or laws broken.

In Syracuse, officials say that any arrest information about an officer is public, but non-criminal reprimands  the bulk of discipline  are shielded from the public by 50-A.

Cuomo, a lawyer and the former state Attorney General, did not say Saturday why he believes that 50-A does not apply to police officer discipline. He also did not explain exactly what reforms to the law hed support.

Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or 315-470-6070.
When this editor first met Jeremy Conrad, it was in 2014 in San Francisco, at the 8,000-square-foot former fish factory that was home to Lemnos, the hardware-focused venture firm Conrad co-founded three years earlier.

Conrad  who'd studied mechanical engineering at MIT  was excited in that moment about investing in hardware startups, having just closed a small new fund. One investment his team made around that time was in Airware, a company that made subscription-based software for drones and would go on to garner substantial buzz along with $118 million in venture funding.

Alas, like many hardware-related software startups, it would eventual shut down, closing its doors in 2018. But by then, Conrad had already moved on. Thanks to a team who'd been camping out at Lemnos in 2017, he'd fallen in love with the future of construction. Though he didn't know much about real estate at the time, the "more I learned about it  not dissimilar to when I started Lemnos  it felt like there was a gap in the market, an opportunity that people were missing, says Conrad from his home in San Francisco, where he has hunkered down throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Enter Quartz, Conrad's now 1.5-year-old, 14-person company, which quietly announced $7.75 million in Series A funding earlier this month, led by Baseline Ventures, with Felicis Ventures, Lemnos and Bloomberg Beta also participating.

What it's selling to real estate developers, project managers and construction supervisors is really two things, and that's safety and information.

Here's how it works: Using off-the-shelf hardware components that are reassembled in San Francisco and hardened (meaning secured to reduce vulnerabilities), the company incorporates its machine-learning software into this camera-based platform, then mounts the system onto cranes at construction sites. From there, the system streams 4K live feeds of what's happening on the ground, while also making sense of the action.

Story continues

Say dozens of concrete-pouring trucks are expected on a construction site. The cameras, with their persistent view, can convey through a dashboard system whether and when the trucks have arrived and how many, says Conrad. It can determine how many people are on a job site, and whether other deliveries have been made, even if not with a high degree of specificity.

"We can't say [to project managers] that 1,000 screws were delivered, but we can let them know whether the boxes they were expecting were delivered and where they were left," he explains.

It's an especially appealing proposition in the age of coronavirus, as the technology can help convey information that's happening at a site that's been shut down, or even how closely employees are gathered.

Conrad says the technology also saves on time by providing information to those who might not otherwise be able to access it. Think of the developer on the 50th floor of the skyscraper that he or she is building, or even the crane operator who is perhaps moving a two-ton object and has to rely on someone on the ground to deliver directions but can enjoy far more visibility with the aid of a multi-camera set-up.

Quartz, which today operates in California but is embarking on a nationwide rollout, was largely inspired by what Conrad was seeing in the world of self-driving. From sensors to self-perception systems, he knew the technologies would be even easier to deploy at construction sites, and he believed it could make them safer, too. Indeed, like cars, construction sites are highly dangerous. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, of the worker fatalities in private industry in 2018, more than 20% were in construction.

Conrad also saw an opportunity to take on established companies like Trimble, a 42-year-old, publicly traded, Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company that sells a portfolio of tools to the construction industry and charges top dollar for them. Quartz is meanwhile charging $2,000 per month per crane for its series of cameras, their installation, a live stream and "lookback" data, though this may well rise as its adds features.

It's a big enough opportunity that, perhaps unsurprisingly, Quartz is not alone in chasing it. Last summer, for example, Versatile, an Israeli-based startup with offices in San Francisco and New York City, raised $5.5 million in seed funding from Germanys Robert Bosch Venture Capital and several other investors for a very similar platform, though it uses sensors mounted under the hook of a crane to provide information about what's happening below. Construction Dive, a media property that's dedicated to the industry, highlights many other, similar and competitive startups in the space, too.

Still, Quartz has Conrad, who isn't just any founding CEO. Not only does he have that background in engineering, but having launched a venture firm and spent years as an investor may also serve him well. He thinks a lot about the payback period on its hardware, for example.

Unlike a lot of founders, he even says he loves the fundraising process. "I get the highest-quality feedback from some of the smartest people I know, which really helps focus your vision," says Conrad.

"When you talk with great VCs, they ask great questions. For me, it's the best free consulting you can get."
Odisha would spend Rs 17,000 crore over the next 10 months, including Rs 6,640 crore under NREGA, to generate employment through sectors like agriculture, fisheries and animal resources development, forest and handlooms and handicrafts in rural areas as part of a special plan.

The state council of ministers, which met on Friday, approved the special livelihood intervention plan that will help the spend to tide over the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief secretary Asit Tripathy said the state would generate employment of 20 crore person-days under NREGS, while Rs 140 crore will be spent for skill development of 40,000 migrant workers. For the migrant workers who have returned to Odisha, Rs 1,000 crore would be spent for creation of 1.05 lakh farm ponds under Mo Pokhari initiative.

The livelihood package includes Rs 200 crore support for 24.56 lakh farmers who will be supplied with 5 lakh quintals of subsidised certified quality seeds, hybrid vegetable seeds covering 50,000 hectare, vegetable seed mini kits covering 50,000 hectare, seedlings for fruit plants for backyard plantation to 2 lakh farmers and high-value vegetables in 40 tribal blocks. At least 4 lakh plastic crates will be supplied to farmers with a 90% subsidy.

Contract farming will be encouraged. It will cover production, post-harvest and marketing and help agricultural entrepreneurs aggregate produce in a better manner. New investment in agriculture will be a win-win situation for farmers, said the chief secretary.

For fisheries, Rs 111.47 crore support will be given to 38,900 farmers for new fish ponds, input assistance to 1,500 women self-help groups for pisciculture in panchayat tanks and livelihood support to 10,600 marine fishermen.

The cabinet also granted permission to allow workers to work 115 hours overtime in three months. Women workers can now be engaged in all small and large-scale industries.

The government has finalised detail guidelines for their safety and security during night hours, said the chief secretary.

Last month, the Odisha government had announced the Urban Wage Employment Initiative worth Rs 100 crore for 4.50 lakh families residing in 114 urban local bodies across the state.

Under the programme, developmental works such as cleaning of drains, remediation of water bodies, remodelling of playgrounds and parks, construction of public toilets can be undertaken. The beneficiaries would get their payment once a week.
Alphabet Inc's Google on Saturday said it has postponed next week's planned unveiling of the beta version of its latest Android 11 mobile operating system in light of protests and unrest in the United States. "We are excited to tell you more about Android 11, but now is not the time to celebrate," Google said in a message posted on its Android developers website.

The event was originally scheduled to take place virtually on Wednesday, according to the website. In a tweet, it said that it will announce more details on the new version of Android "soon," without specifying any dates. Protests have spread across the United States over the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man who died after being pinned by the neck under a white police officer's knee.

Also read: Twitter, Reddit, internet group object to US rules requiring visitors to disclose social media user info

Also read: Aarogya Setu link: Google Play Store removes MobiKwik, reinstates later
CAMPBELLTON, N.B.People from a city in northern New Brunswick lined up outside testing centres Saturday, anxiously waiting to find out if theyve been exposed to COVID-19.

Health officials have been focusing on Campbellton, N.B., since earlier in the week when it was learned that a health-care professional who contracted the novel coronavirus outside the province didnt self-isolate after returning to New Brunswick.

Public Health officials confirmed another new case in Zone 5, the Campbellton region, Saturday  bringing to nine the number of active cases in the area in just over a week.

The new case, which is under investigation, is an individual in their 70s.

To date, there have been 129 confirmed cases in New Brunswick and 120 people have recovered from their illness.

Three people are hospitalized and there are no patients in an intensive-care unit.

Campbellton Mayor Stephanie Anglehart-Paulin said people were waiting about 15 minutes in the lineups to be tested, while seniors could call the 811 Tele-Care line to make an appointment to avoid the lines.

She said people are not happy that a health-care professional would put the public at risk.

People have been pretty hateful and nasty on social media, she said.

The mayor said she was embarrassed by many of the comments and urged people to help each other and limit their contacts for the next two weeks.

The man is human and I dont think its my place to judge him. His professional association will judge what they have to judge if there was any wrongdoing done, she said.

Premier Blaine Higgs has criticized the worker at the centre of the cluster as irresponsible. He said this week that information had been passed to the RCMP and suggested the individual could be charged with violating public health orders.

On Friday, a spokesperson for the New Brunswick RCMP confirmed that the force is looking into the matter.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell said people need to show understanding, forgiveness and compassion during this pandemic.

Please remember that COVID-19 brings out many emotions in us, said Russell. It causes many of us to experience feelings of confusion, anxiety, fear and grief. Some may also be angry. It is completely normal to feel these feelings when we face situations that are beyond our control.

Gilles Lanteigne, president and CEO of the Vitalite Health Network confirmed the health-care professional thought to be patient zero in the outbreak has been suspended from work indefinitely after coming into contact with more than 100 people at the Campbellton Regional Hospital.

Elective surgeries have been suspended, and ambulances are being diverted to another hospital. Zone 5 has been moved back to the orange phase of the provinces reopening plan, with previous restrictions reinstated.

We can get through this. It all will be fine, Anglehart-Paulin said.

Weve got 14 days they tell us to hold our breath, so were going to hold our breath for another 14 days.

Russell said everyone must be vigilant and self monitor for symptoms, regardless if they have been recently tested for COVID-19.

Before the Campbellton area cases, the province had gone two weeks without new cases and was actively reopening many businesses and services.

The latest cases follow a protest earlier in the month by more than 400 people from Campbellton and the Quebec communities of Pointe-a-la-Croix and Listuguj First Nation, calling for a bubble to be created between them.

Anglehart-Paulin said the flood of emails she was getting in support of opening the border suddenly stopped when the latest cases were reported.

Read more about:
Shimla, May 30 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has urged the Central government to convert Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidalaya at Palampur in Kangra district into Central Agriculture University to benefit the biodiversity rich northwestern Himalayan region.

In a missive written to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, the Chief Minister said a Central Agriculture University was established at Imphal in Manipur in 1993 with constituent colleges in six states of the northeastern Himalayan region.

He said in 2014 the Union government planned to open one more Central Agriculture University at Pusa in Bihar.

The Chief Minister said the northwestern Himalayan region with a population of 3.1 crore and area of 3,31,953 square km comprises the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

He said the region being rich in biodiversity and natural resources is ideally suited for the cultivation of crops.

Thakur said Himachal Pradesh being a key state in this region and major river basins like Satluj, Ravi, Beas, Chenab and Yamuna fall in its territory.

The state offers a huge potential in agriculture and allied sectors, the existence of an institute of higher learning and research in the form of Central Agriculture University would go a long way to bring much needed prosperity to the people of the entire northwestern Himalayan region, he wrote.

Moreover, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidalaya is centrally located and has adequate infrastructure and sprawling campus of 615 hectares with constituent colleges of agriculture, veterinary and animal sciences, community science and basic sciences, including a network of 12 regional research stations in different agro-climatic zones.
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned that unless President Muhammadu Buhari engages in fervent prayer, he will lose another aide.

It should be recalled that the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, died in April after falling ill due to the Coronavirus Disease.

Ayodele, in a series of prophesies, including those on the governorship primaries in Edo and Ondo States, called on President Buhari to be active in his governance and take to prayer so as not to lose another aide.

He commented on the activities of the Office of the Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, maintaining that he will step on toes and some politicians will want to frame him up.

He said: Buhari should wake up, he doesnt have a grip on his government.

There will be crisis in Buharis government and he must be prayerful so as not to lose another special aide.

Chief of Staff will step on toes because he wants to change so many things.

The politicians will also frame him up.

Prayers need to be made so as not to see another death in the villa.

On security, Ayodele said the Service Chiefs needed to be changed because they are one of the reasons we still have security threats by insurgents.

Once they are replaced, insurgency will stop.

He stated that Nigerias economy is in shambles because the country is in big debt and that the government is only lying to the citizens.
When Life magazine sent John Loengard to Miami to photograph the Beatles in February 1964, he had a quirky idea: Pose them in a swimming pool, as a Fab Four of bobbing heads. But on a very chilly day, he could find only an unheated pool.

The Beatles were reluctant to take the dip, but their manager, Brian Epstein, urged them in, citing Lifes importance. It was very, very cold, and they were turning blue, so after a minute or two we let them get out, Mr. Loengard told The Guardian in 2005.

The picture caught John, Paul, George and Ringo smiling and singing in the water during their introduction to the United States. To Mr. Loengard, it was his most American picture in 11 years as one of Lifes leading photographers.
EVANSDALE  An Arizona missing persons case with a former Waterloo man at its core took a stunning turn Friday when authorities found a buried vehicle with two Arizona residents dead inside.

Chino Valley, Ariz., police said the remains are believed to be those of Elissa Landry and David Batten. They were discovered inside Landrys Subaru buried in an undeveloped lot on Timber Oak Road, a dead-end road in Evansdale, ending more than a month of searching that stretched from central Arizona to the Cedar Valley.

Official confirmation of the identities of the bodies awaits medical examiner results, police said.

Charges against Landrys boyfriend, 24-year-old Mitchell Allen Mincks, formerly of Waterloo, and anyone who may have assisted him are pending coordination between the Yavapai County Attorneys Office and federal prosecutors, police said. Mincks has been in custody since late April but has not yet been charged in connection with the case.

Also, on Saturday Waterloo police arrested another man linked to the case.

Allan Thomas Tommy Tucker, 42, of Waterloo was arrested on two counts of abuse of a corpse.

Mincks has been detained on a federal probation violation and earlier in the week was transported from Iowa back to Arizona for a hearing.

Authorities spent three days at the Timber Oak crime scene, a 1-acre lot that houses a steel shed and animal pens.

Neighbors said police arrived on the scene Wednesday. Trailers and light earth-moving equipment could be seen on the property Thursday.

On Friday, officers used tarps to shield the area from view, but sounds of equipment could be heard in the neighborhood.

Batten, 45, and Landry, 28, of Chino Valley, were reported missing around April 19 along with Mincks, who had been living with family in Arizona. Landry was Mincks girlfriend, and Batten was her stepfather. Investigators searched Battens home and found evidence of foul play April 22. Mincks was found at a rural Black Hawk County home April 28 and detained.

This week, Chino Valley police received information that evidence relating to the case was located on Timber Oak Road, and they notified local law enforcement and sent detectives to Iowa. No further information was provided about the tip.

Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office, Waterloo Police Department, Evansdale Police Department and teams with the FBI also assisted.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Black Hawk County Dispatch at (319) 291-2515 or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at (855) 300-8477. Tips may also be left at WWW.CVCRIMESTOP.COM Tips may also be sent with TipSubmit or by texting the word CEDAR plus the information to CRIMES (274637).

PHOTOS: Arizona missing persons

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 13 Angry 6

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Donald Trump has threatened protesters with vicious dogs and ominous weapons as demonstrators vowed not to back down and the nation braced itself for more violence and chaos.

After watching protests break out in more than a dozen cities on Friday, and with bigger ones planned for the weekend, the president attacked liberal mayors and governors and claimed the federal government would step in to control the situation if they did not.

In an indication of the way the president was thinking, the Pentagon conformed that several military police units had been placed on high alert as as a prudent planning measure, if they were required. So far, while state governors in places such as Minnesota have activated the states National Guard, they have not sought further help from Washington.

Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis will never be mistaken for the late, great General Douglas McArthur or great fighter General George Patton, the president said in one of a volley of tweets.

How come all of these places that defend so poorly are run by Liberal Democrats? Get tough and fight (and arrest the bad ones).

George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Show all 30 1 /30 George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police third precinct after a white police officer was caught on a bystander's video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester holds a sign with an image of George Floyd AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester throws a piece of wood on a fire in the street just north of the 3rd Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets People in other US cities also protested the murder, like Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A police officer lobs a canister to break up crowds Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester is treated after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Two police officers stand on the roof of the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters outside a Minneapolis police precinct two days after George Floyd died EPA George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters run from tear gas Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Demonstrators gather to protest in Los Angeles AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police remove barricades set by protesters AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the Third Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Flowers, signs and balloons are left near a makeshift memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A policeman faces a protester holding a placard in downtown Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A couple poses with a sign in Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I cant breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester reacts after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images

In a reference to protestors that had gathered outside the White House on Friday, Mr Trump praised the Secret Service, saying that he had felt very safe.

He claimed that, had the protesters done more than scream and rant, they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen.

Thats when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action, he said.

To some in Minneapolis, protesting over the death in custody last Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, the presidents language brought to mind images of the 1960s and the darkest days of the civil rights struggle.

At that time, in places such as Alabama, which was run by white supremacist leaders such as George Wallace and Bull Connor, snarling dogs were used to threaten and attack protesters. They also used water hoses on the activists.

 George Floyd: Minneapolis protests take over the city

He wants to bring things back to the Sixties, said a 60-year-old retired business owner who asked to be identified as Mr Smith, and who was listening to a succession of speakers address crowds gathered at the spot Mr Floyd was captured on cell phone footage being detained by a white police officer, who kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes.

The people who started these fires are not black people. Most of them are not from the community.

Another protester who asked to be identified as Raven, and who said she was aged 24, said Mr Trump was part of a system that needed to be completely changed. Were here. Were not stopping.

On Friday, in what many believed was an attempt to placate the protesters, officials announced that the officer seen kneeling on Mr Floyds neck, Derek Chauvin, had been charged with third degree murder.

Yet three other officers who were present have not been charged with anything, something mentioned by many protesters late on Friday night as peaceful demonstrations turned ugly and a number of buildings were set on fire. Many believe more people will join the protests and officials in many cities across the country are bracing.

A 28-year-old woman called Toulaya Larson said the Minneapolis Police Department needed to be completely overhauled.

The system is set up to protect the law enforcement officers, not the people, she said. Its needs to be changed to serve the public.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 07:45:20|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A sreengrab from buzzfeednews.com on May 28, 2020, shows an undated photo of George Floyd (R) . (Xinhua)

Minneapolis city imposed a nighttime curfew for all public places including streets amid escalating violent protests over the death of George Floyd.

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced on Friday a mandatory nighttime curfew following three straight nights of growing protests and violence in the biggest city in U.S. midwest state of Minnesota over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody.

The curfew is for all public places including streets, stretching from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. It's in effect beginning Friday night, and will happen again at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Violating this order will result in a misdemeanor, subject to a 1,000-U.S.-dollar fine or imprisonment for up to 90 days, said a CBS News report.

Also on Friday, Mayor Melvin Carter in the next-door city of St. Paul said that he had signed an order of local emergency that would also impose a curfew starting Friday.

"All law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel, as well as other personnel authorized by the City of Minneapolis, City of St. Paul, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota State Patrol, or Minnesota National Guard, are exempt from the curfew," Frey said.

Carter said that St. Paul's curfew also makes exemptions for members of the media.

Floyd, aged 46, died on Monday evening shortly after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, held him down with a knee on his neck though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." Chauvin was arrested earlier on Friday and charged with three-degree murder and manslaughter amid a national outrage following Floyd's death.

Minneapolis has been severely damaged after three nights of protests and riots, with fires burning and businesses looted. The police precinct closest to where Floyd was captured on video was set on fire late Thursday night.

In St. Paul, more than 170 businesses were damaged or looted overnight, the city's police department said early Friday morning.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard to restore order. 
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) has appealed to the government to shun the legacy of tobacco control policies aping the Western world and adopt policies that are rooted in the tobacco consumption patterns of India. The farmers body, which represents farmers as well as farm workers of commercial crops, urged the government to address the financial distress faced by the tobacco growers due to Covid-19 and that the vocal for local campaign should be applicable for tobacco control policies in the country.

The Federation has asked the government to reduce cigarette taxes to pre-GST levels so the market share of smuggled foreign brands can reduce and Indian industry and farmers can benefit in line with the vocal-for-local vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It has appealed to the government not to take policy decisions that increases instability and adversely impacts the livelihood of the Indian cigarette tobacco farmers while promoting foreign smuggled tobacco brands. Over 120 million kilograms of cigarette tobacco worth around Rs 2,000 crore remain unsold in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, it added. Furthermore, there has been more than Rs 5,000 crore loss to the cigarette tobacco farming community over the past six years, it said.

FAIFA pointed out that cigarettes were the smallest component of tobacco consumption in India, constituting just 9 per cent. However, it is facing the brunt of the most draconian and stringent regulations in the world, it said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 06:29:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Protesters set the Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct building on fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States, on May 28, 2020. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced on Friday a mandatory nighttime curfew following three straight nights of growing protests and violence in the biggest city in U.S. midwest state of Minnesota over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody. (Photo by Ben Hovland/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced on Friday a mandatory nighttime curfew following three straight nights of growing protests and violence in the biggest city in U.S. midwest state of Minnesota over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody.

The curfew is for all public places including streets, stretching from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. It's in effect beginning Friday night, and will happen again at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Violating this order will result in a misdemeanor, subject to a 1,000-U.S.-dollar fine or imprisonment for up to 90 days, said a CBS News report.

Also on Friday, Mayor Melvin Carter in the next-door city of St. Paul said that he had signed an order of local emergency that would also impose a curfew starting Friday.

"All law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel, as well as other personnel authorized by the City of Minneapolis, City of St. Paul, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota State Patrol, or Minnesota National Guard, are exempt from the curfew," Frey said.

Carter said that St. Paul's curfew also makes exemptions for members of the media.

Floyd, aged 46, died on Monday evening shortly after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, held him down with a knee on his neck though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." Chauvin was arrested earlier on Friday and charged with three-degree murder and manslaughter amid a national outrage following Floyd's death.

Minneapolis has been severely damaged after three nights of protests and riots, with fires burning and businesses looted. The police precinct closest to where Floyd was captured on video was set on fire late Thursday night.

In St. Paul, more than 170 businesses were damaged or looted overnight, the city's police department said early Friday morning.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard to restore order. Enditem
The European Union on Saturday called on the United States to "reconsider" the decision to sever ties with the World Health Organization over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Donald Trump said Friday he was severing US ties with the WHO, accusing it of failing to do enough to combat the initial spread of the virus.

The United States was the largest contributor to the WHO budget, providing at least $400 million in annual funding.

"The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future," Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said in a joint statement.

"For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed."

The statement noted that the EU had already provided additional funding for the UN agency.

"As the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the main task for everyone is to save lives and contain and mitigate this pandemic," it said.

"Now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions. Actions that weaken international results must be avoided.

"We urge the US to reconsider its announced decision."

Trump initially suspended funding to the WHO last month, charging it with being too lenient with China, where the virus emerged late last year.

He said Friday the US would be redirecting WHO funds "to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs."
Another senior Afghan official said of the Taliban and Islamic State, they both carry out terrorist attacks so theyre all just terrorists. But he said he supported peace talks because the Afghan people are tired of war. We should talk, it doesnt mean we need to trust, he said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.
Cherie Smith's been outside her Highlands Ranch, Colorado, home and car just once since March 26. That was for an April 16 appointment with her obstetrician.

The office's "super caring" nurses take turns trying to convince Smith to come in for more in-person appointments because a surgery last year puts her at higher risk of premature labor. She's more worried about COVID-19 though, and is on track for a June 20 cesarean section.

A new study of pregnant patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, gave expectant mothers a potential new reason to worry. It found higher rates of injury and blood clots in the placenta due to inadequate blood flow from the mother.The placenta is an organ that forms to provide oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removes waste products from the baby's blood.

But even the Northwestern University Medicine researchers who conducted the study say their research on 16 patients isn't conclusive enough to suggest pregnant women ought to take greater social distancing and hygiene precautions than should be routine by now.

"I started getting panicky emails," said co-author and pathologist Dr. Jeffery Adam Goldstein, "but people should be cautious, rather than afraid."

Cherie Smith of Highlands Park, Colorado is shown at home as she awaits a scheduled C-section on June 20.

The study in the Journal of Clinical Pathology involved pregnant women with COVID-19 who delivered between March 18 and May 5. It found the women's third trimester placentas were significantly more likely to show problems getting blood from the mother. This led to smaller placentas, to blood clots in or around the organ or to cause a piece of it to die.

One patient had a stillbirth in the second trimester and another had a preterm delivery. But Goldstein said it's impossible to determine whether the virus was the cause.

The 15 surviving babies, however, all scored well on an overall well-being test immediately after birth. Fourteen went home within four days of delivery; the 15th is still in the hospital after being born prematurely to a mother whose COVID-19 was worsening and had pneumonia.

Story continues

Placental injury raises concern because it can lead to the serious, potentially fatal complication pre-eclampsia, as well as miscarriage, preterm birth and low birth weight, said Dr. Rahul Gupta, chief medical and health officer at the March of Dimes.

Still, it is different than actual transmission of the virus to the baby, which may be riskier but remains unproven, Gupta said.

Prominent pregnant mom now COVID-19-free: Pence aide Katie Miller, who had coronavirus, is back at work - and pregnant

A March study by Chinese researchers concluded that mothers could pass COVID-19 to fetuses in the womb, but it was widely discredited in the British medical journal The Lancet and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Justin Brandt, a Rutgers University hospital OB/GYN, agrees there's not "compelling evidence" that COVID-19 is being transmitted from moms to babies.

"While this is reassuring on maternal and fetal fronts, it is worth emphasizing that we continue to learn more about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 every day and there is much that we still do not know," said Brandt, an assistant professor in maternal-fetal medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

The new study does suggest placental injury could exacerbate the higher maternal and infant health risks faced by minorities and lower income populations.

At Northwestern University Medicine's women's hospital, where study co-author and Dr. Emily Miller practices, the pregnant patients who tested positive for coronavirus are on a separate floor. Far more than stairs and test results set them apart, she said.

"It is stark how the sociodemographics differ and have made us all very aware of how social distancing is such a privilege," Miller, an OB/GYN said in a recent video interview. "Many of our communities don't have that privilege."

'Ruminating anxieties'

The Northwestern Medicine physicians and other childbirth experts say their recommendations remain the same even as states begin to relax restrictions. Pregnant women should stay vigilant about social distancing and hand washing, experts said.

"As we move to re-open our economy across the country with almost 2 million Americans infected with COVID-19, at no time has it been more important to take those precautions than now," said Gupta, the former health commissioner of West Virginia.

Cherie Smith of Highlands Ranch, Colorado is shown with son Trey when she was 28 weeks pregnant. She is scheduled for a C-section on June 20.

Pregnant women were initially grouped with others, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, but that changed when it became clear neither they nor their babies were seriously affected by COVID-19.

Goldstein said it's a "tough ask" to tell pregnant women to "adhere to pre-opening up restrictions" and acknowledges the placenta study is a small one to base his recommendation on. But he does.

"It's hard to balance those real costs in friendship and possibly jobs against risks that are unknown and long term," Goldstein said.

He doesn't have to work to convince Smith, who already was afraid to get pregnant again after a miscarriage and a difficult fourth delivery. This pregnancy, which will be her fifth child, started out with a lot of bleeding. After that stopped, Smith's biggest concern has been contracting COVID-19.

She usually attends her doctor visits virtually, but recently went to one in the office.

"So far, so good," she said. "I think its going to be all right because Im praying about it. God gave me free will to choose not to be stupid."

Lauren Mosteller, who gave birth to her daughter Zoe April 9, said "I hardly left my house for two months," and was nearly obsessed with COVID-19.

Lauren Mosteller is shown with baby Zoe, who was born in April 2020 in Encinitas, California.

"I would sanitize our house to the point my fingers would prune from the wipes," she said. "I would take my husband's and my temperature at night."

When she had what she called normal third trimester pregnancy symptoms like shortness of breath, they became "ruminating anxieties," Mosteller said.

"I was overall on edge and quite frankly, really scared," she said.

Now with a healthy baby, Mosteller is able to see some upside. She and Zoe are around husband and father, Kevin, more while he works from home. But she's afraid to invite her mother, who lives in Montana and works at a grocery store, out of fear Zoe could be infected.

"Holding our baby back from loved ones is never how I pictured these first few months, but we have to do what we can to protect her," she said. "Time is something you cant get back and we are making sure our time in quarantine is well spent."

Fears of virus are a risk too

The fears prompted by the virus have heightened mental health concerns. Brandt said his practice is even more carefully screening patients for anxiety and depression due to the additional stress brought on by the pandemic.

He recommends patients maintain "open and honest communication" with doctors and maintain "comprehensive prenatal care during the pandemic."

"While we may not perform as many in office visits, patients should call their doctors with concerns," he said.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends health care providers "reassure patients that even during this time" there's effective mental health treatment and support if they become infected.

Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications during pregnancy or in the first year after delivery. ACOG recommends maternal health care providers screen all women at least once during pregnancy for depression and anxiety symptoms. Additional mental health screening also is needed during the postpartum period, ACOG said.

Most pregnant woman infected with the virus will have mild to moderate symptoms, said Brandt. While he has seen severe symptoms in pregnant patients, most had medical problems such as asthma or diabetes, he said.

His advice, like at of study co-author Goldstein, Gupta and others is pragmatic: Try to stay free of the coronavirus and COVID-19.

"At this time, the best strategy is to avoid infection," Brandt said.

Follow O'Donnell on social media @JayneODonnell or email her at jodonnell@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus risk: Pregnant women should not panic, but remain vigilant
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 16:56:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Botswana's Minister of Health and Wellness Lemogang Kwape (L) and Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Zhao Yanbo pose for pictures during an event to welcome supplies donated by China to Botswana at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Botswana, May 29, 2020. China on Friday donated medical protective supplies to Botswana to help the country fight COVID-19. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)

GABORONE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday donated medical protective supplies to Botswana to help the country fight COVID-19.

An aircraft carrying the consignment arrived at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city on Wednesday and was received by Botswana's Minister of Health and Wellness Lemogang Kwape and Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Zhao Yanbo.

"China stands firm with the Botswanan government and people," Zhao said while briefing journalists. "Together we will defeat this virus and resume our normal lives, production and normalcy in society."

For his part, Kwape said it gave him great pleasure to once again receive medical supplies from China.

The donation includes 15,000 protective medical face masks, 150,000 surgical masks, 3,000 medical protective isolation shoe covers, 5,000 pieces of disposable protective clothing, 7,000 medical protective goggles and 7,000 disposable sterilized rubber surgical gloves.

"The donation will go a long way in helping the frontline workers as they work day in and day out to fight the pandemic," Kwape said. Enditem
Two Indian-origin men have been jailed for a total of 12 years and nine months following an international 2.4 million money-laundering operation and attempt to launder a further 1.6 million, Scotland Yard said on Saturday.

Vijaya Kumar Krishnasamy, 32, and Chandrasekar Nallayan, 44, were sentenced by the Croydon Crown Court on Friday for money laundering and fraud offences around the world.

The police said they received a report in 2018 from Barclays Bank that several IP addresses were repeatedly accessing multiple business accounts suspected of being utilised for money laundering. The IP addresses were traced to properties in the Croydon area.

On May 2, 2019, a search warrant was executed at one of these addresses and Krishnasamy was arrested. A search revealed hundreds of pages of documents relating to dozens of suspicious businesses and hundreds of bank accounts.

His mobile phone contained thousands of images of him accessing various suspect accounts online or withdrawing cash from ATMs. From the evidence on Krishnasamys mobile phone, Nallayan was identified as another suspect.

The court was told that he was directing Krishnasamy where to transfer the criminal funds. Detectives discovered he owned or controlled mule accounts that were being used to funnel the money through.

Mule bank accounts are those controlled by fraudsters instead of their legitimate holders. The accounts are sourced from dishonest people who were prepared to sell on their own bank accounts for a fee whilst knowing that they would be used for fraud.

In total, 24 companies that were victim to the scam were identified from around the world.

They would receive a fraudulent email claiming to be from their client, who had previously invoiced them, informing them about a change of their bank account details.

The company, believing they were paying their genuine clients, transferred money to the suspect bank account. They would not know that they had been defrauded until their real client started chasing the payment.

By that time, the majority of money in these suspected mule business accounts was transferred out of the UK and could not be recovered. Krishnasamy entered a guilty plea, admitting to having access to mule accounts via online banking, monitoring these accounts, and transferring funds as directed. He knew that the funds were the proceeds of crime.

Nallayan pleaded not guilty to conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property, but was convicted for all offences after a trial in the Croydon Crown Court.

Detective constable Milena Bingley said: This shameless pair have caused untold distress and worry to their victims. This case shows that those responsible for money laundering will be tracked down and face up to their crimes.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prasun Sonwalkar Prasun Sonwalkar was Editor (UK & Europe), Hindustan Times. During more than three decades, he held senior positions on the Desk, besides reporting from Indias north-east and other states, including a decade covering politics from New Delhi. He has been reporting from UK and Europe since 1999. ...view detail
Chinese Malthouses Still Want Australias High-Quality Barley Despite Tariffs

Chinese breweries will 'pass the cost' of tariff to consumers

Despite the 80 percent tariff imposed by the Chinese regime, companies in the communist nation continue to buy Australias high-quality barley for beer production.

Earlier this week Australian cargo ships were rerouted to other countries as Chinas tariff came into effect, however, a select few are finding their way into the Chinese market because of demand.

The 200-meter long cargo ship Federal Innoko delivered barley to beer hotspot Dalian, north-east China this week.

Another shipment of Australias barely is being carried by the Panama-flagged ship African Arrow and is expected to reach Dongjiakou in Chinas northeast within the next week.

Related Coverage Australia Diversifies Trading Partners Amid Dispute With China

Chinas decision would not only hurt Australian farmers but Chinese malthouses using Australian barley, says Mark Modra, a South Australian (SA) farmer at Greenpatch on the Lower Eyre Peninsula and head of the SA Barley Advisory Committee.

Its difficult for them to change varieties or to a different barley overnight and weve worked closely with them to develop a malting industry using our varieties, Modra said.

Australian barley growers and Chinese malthouses have had a relationship since the 1990s. For many years Australia has had the advantage over competitors in France, Canada, and the United States by being closer and offering better value for money.

The Australian government and barley farmers have rejected the findings of Chinas investigation that led to the tariffs being imposed.

Chinese Customers Prefer Premium Beer

The regimes tariffs on Australian barley has not scared off Chinese buyers who want high-quality barley for the production of premium beer.

While demand for beer at restaurants in China has dropped amid the CCP virus pandemic, Nikkei Asian Review has reported that the popularity of premium beer has led to higher unit prices, with beer sales up about 37 percent to roughly $93 billion.

Australian barley is considered one of the best in the world for brewing beer because its low-moisture and cleanliness make it a difficult product to replace.

Despite the high tariffs, some Chinese buyers have to take these shipments as beer makers prefer Australian barley, which is high quality and gives good taste, said Ma Wenfeng an analyst at Beijing Orient Agri-business Consultant Co Ltd.

These high-end brands can simply pass the cost to downstream consumers.

China is the worlds top producer and consumer of beer, according to the U.S.-based Beverage Trade Network. However, China does not fully rely on producing its own barley for malting. In fact, barley production in China is typically used for animal feed has been in decline for 14 years.

On March 24 Nikkei Asian Review reported that China Resources, the makers of Snow beer, will end the production of low-priced products to focus on premium beer. This is a move that could see cheaper beer less accessible.

Top Chinese beer company Tsingtao and the China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA) raised concerns that the tariffs in Australian barley would hurt the Chinese market, and push up corn prices and increase trade uncertainty.

Speaking to Bloomberg News, Shi Wei an analyst with Shanghai JC Intelligence Company theorised that one of the reasons Chinese companies have continued purchasing Australian barley is because they can store it in bonded warehouses, which are exempt from customs tariffs.

Wei states that Chinese buyers have done this before with American sorghum and distillers dried grains.
COVID-19 walloped Gethsemane Missionary Baptist. On March 31, the disease killed James C. Campbell  a sequoia in the church, a man whod served 30 years as a deacon  and the congregation couldnt even say goodbye to him with the big, packed funeral everyone thought Brother Campbell deserved.

Campbell had also been active in Pleasantville, the churchs northeast Houston neighborhood, a seat of black political activism and striving since it was founded in 1948. But its a place whose heyday seems past, whose population had been dropping even before Hurricane Harvey hit it hard.

Rev. Dennis Jones, Gethsemanes pastor for more than 40 years, preached Campbells eulogy to an empty church. The staff streamed it, so the mourners could join remotely, wherever they were. The family watched on iPads at the funeral home chapel. Jones couldnt even hug them.

Now, two months later, the disease has hit six more church members, including one of Joness staff. No one else has died, but four had to be hospitalized. Some of the survivors, Jones worries, wont ever be the same again  physically, emotionally or both.

Even congregation members who havent been infected are in pain. Prayer requests cover lost jobs, anxiety, unpaid bills, looming evictions, loneliness. Weddings are postponed. Hard-won graduations cant be celebrated.

Before the coronavirus, the church attracted 700 or 800 people most Sundays. Jones chafes at preaching via Facebook Live, at holding Tuesday and Thursday prayer meetings and Bible studies as conference calls. He longs to console his flock in the flesh  hes a hugger, a kisser, a joker  but he wouldnt dream of gathering them.

I know too many people who have been infected, and I have lost too many that were dear to me, he said. In April, the virus claimed his mentor, Dr. Harry Blake, a Shreveport pastor who, as a civil rights activist, had been been shot at, beaten and jailed. And just days ago, Jones heard that a Houston minister, a friend of his, had been diagnosed.

His churchs seniors, Jones worries, are squarely in the viruss sights  as he is too, at age 60 and with asthma. Look at the TV, he said, half mournful, half angry. We are an endangered species.

Last Sunday, for reasons that seemed all too clear, Jones titled his sermon Im at the end of my rope.

Hoo!

The Facebook service was one of those strange new livestream events, the kind that seem like low-budget substitutes for the world we used to know. Instead of the usual full-on gospel choir massed in the risers, about a dozen young members sang standing far apart, nowhere near touching each other when they swayed or raised their hands.

On one chorus, Jones commanded his viewers to join in: You in the kitchen! You in the living room!

Maybe they did.

The preacher decried President Donald Trumps call to reopen churches now, with the virus still spreading. He didnt contest that churches are essential  This church has always been essential  but argued that worshiping God doesnt require packing together in a building.

This church has never been closed! he thundered to the empty pews. He quoted a friend: If your church needs to reopen, you are going to the wrong church!

Consider the Book of Acts, he said. God permitted the early Christian church to be persecuted, and the resulting adversity scattered the disciples. But that scattering turned out to be a good thing: While scattered, they spread the gospel further, got more of Gods work done.

Hoo! Jones said, feeling the Spirit.

That was true for Gethsemane Missionary Baptist too: Scattered and under fire, it was spreading the gospel further than ever. More than 3,000 viewers watched that morning on Facebook  more than three times as many as would normally sit in the pews on a Sunday. In the comments section, amens and hallelujahs scrolled past, and people blessed Gods holy name.

Now its God time!

Jones based his sermon on a story from II Kings, the one where a desperate widow comes to the prophet Elisha. To pay her husbands debts, creditors were about to seize her two sons as slaves, and all she had in the world was a small jar of olive oil.

The story of her life is the story of our lives, Jones said, warming up. Shes got family issues! Shes got finance issues! Shes got faith issues, and she fears for the future! Shes at the end of her rope!

Go borrow jars from your neighbors, the prophet told the widow, as many as you can. Then close your door and pour your jar into those jars, one after another.

The widow poured and poured. Only when all the jars were full did her little jar run empty. She had enough oil to buy her sons freedom.

God told me to tell you this story! Jones said to the Facebook audience. Somebody out there is at the end of your rope. Youve tried everything! Now its God time!

Desperate prayers  not cute now-I-lay-me-down-to-sleep prayers, but anguished cries to the Almighty  are the kind that precede miracles, Jones said: The more desperate you are, the more room you leave for God to do miracles. Desperation is like empty jars. Gods grace wont run out until the emptiness is gone.

We serve a God who makes house calls! he rumbled, full-throated, full-bodied. He wont just show up at His house! Hell show up at your house!

At the end of the sermon, just like always, Jones urged people to join the church, to dial the number at the bottom of the screen and talk to him after the service. You wouldnt think that would work on Facebook, but it does. Theres a lot of desperation out there, he said, a lot of emptiness to be filled.

Last week, during one of the strangest, most awful chapters of its history, Gethsemane added 10 new members.

lisa.gray@chron.com
As exciting as that future looks, dont look too far ahead, either. There are already a handful of VR headsets that are currently out on the market that will satisfy your virtual reality needs. From high-powered headsets that provide the crispest of graphics to ones that immerse you in a gaming world you didnt think was possible, these are the best VR headsets for simulation racing that you can buy today.

VR headsets have become the rage these days among sim racers, and as the technology in this corner of the gaming world continues to advance at a rapid pace, expect VR headsets to become even more integral accessories in the overall racing simulator experience.

Samsung HMD Odyssey+

When it comes to VR headsets, it doesnt get any better than the Samsung HMD Odyssey+.

Lightweight and very easy to use, the HMD Odyssey+ is a Windows Mixed Reality headset that provides the kind of immersive experience thats absolutely second to none.

The HMD Odyssey+ comes with a pair of 3.5-inch dual AMOLED screens with 3K display that will give you an incredibly realistic all-around view of the race track. Its also equipped with Samsungs anti-screen door effect technology and an AKG-tuned audio setup that provides real-life race sounds that you can hear from all directions.

You wont have to worry about the lenses fogging up, either, thanks to a cooling fabric thats part of the headsets makeup. The HMD Odyssey+ is the best VR headset in the market, and its certainly priced like one at $499.98 on Amazon.

Lenovo Explorer

VR headsets cost a lot of money. Theres no going around that  no pun intended  reality.

Fortunately, the Lenovo Explorer exists to provide us with a low-cost option that punches way above its weight class.

The plug-and-play headset provides impressive visuals, thanks in large part to a pair of 2.89-inch LCD displays with 1440 x 1440 resolution. It can be connected to a PC with HDMI and USB connectors and, just as important, there are no external sensors, which is a nifty feature to have.

The Explorer isnt made from the finest of materials, but its lightweight and comfortable to use, so that solves that. It also doesnt have an onboard audio device so youre going to have to use your own setup. Other than that, the Lenovo Explorer is a great VR headset for those who dont have enough moolah to afford the big boy headsets.

Oculus Quest

If theres one VR headset that can give the Samsung HMD Odyssey+ a serious run for its money, it has to be the Oculus Quest.

Sure, it doesnt boast the same performance peak as the Oculus Rift S, but you hardly notice it when youre immersed in your game. Power and portability are the headsets strong suits. The OLED screen provides a crisp 2880 x 1600 resolution and the 100-degree fresh view is enough to give you that natural VR experience.

The Oculus Quest is also lightweight at just 571 grams. It doesnt require sensors, cables, or any restrictive accessory. Most importantly, you dont need to connect it to a powerful gaming PC to function. The Quest is completely standalone. It has a few drawbacks  its not as sophisticated as the Rift S  but at $399, you get more than enough of the money you spend to buy one.

Pimax 5K XR

If youre in the market for a VR headset that offers the highest field of view, the Pimax 5K XR is the headset to buy

.

With its eXtended Range capabilities  thats what XR stands for  you wont have to worry about your field of view, especially when youre playing car racing games. The 5K XR offers incredible dynamic color range and the near absolute blacks that are possible with OLED screens. Be mindful, though, that the 5K XR is more suited for those who have experience in the world of virtual reality gaming.

Setting up the headset for optimal use can be a little tricky so if youre just dipping your toes in virtual reality, this headset might be too sophisticated for you. Its larger and heavier than most headsets, too. Thats on account of its ultra-wide field of view. But the payoff is incredible if you can stomach spending the amount of money required to buy one. The 5K XR is one of the more expensive units in the market at a whopping $900. For you to get your moneys worth, you need to have experience in VR headsets.

HTC Vive Pro

HTC is one of the pioneers of the VR headset market, and the company has always been a top performer when it comes to the products it rolls out. The HTC Vive Pro is a good example of that.

The Vive Pro particularly excels in simulation racing, thanks to its ability to offer true-to-life precision racing capabilities that you can enjoy with its high-resolution 2800 x 1600 AMOLED screens.

Like most top-quality VR headsets, the Vive Pro also provides little to no screen door effect in its field of view. You will notice pixels, but you only do so when yowl far out on the horizon. Still, that shouldnt spoil your overall gaming experience. The Vive Pro also has one of the best weight distribution headsets in the market.

The weight is neatly balanced when you wear it, making it easier and more comfortable if youre playing for long stretches. Sound quality is also top-notch, though its overall size could be bigger. Then again, its still one of the best VR headsets in the market, even if its priced a little higher  starts at around $800  than most of its rivals.

Valve Index

A lot of VR headsets offer a lot of things, but if you want to talk about the Rolls-Royce of this category, you talk about the Valve Index.

The big daddy of all VR headsets lives up to its name, in part because it offers best-in-class hardware to go with a four-figure price point.

Imagine buying a VR headset that boasts some of the best visuals of any VR headset and a refresh rate of 120Hz that can theoretically go up to 144Hz in experimental mode. Thats what you get with the Valve Index. This headset also comes with a 130-degree field of view, which, again, is best-in-class. Theres no detectable screen door effect inside the headset, too, and it also comes with technologies like per-finger tracking on the Index controllers, as well as USB passthrough for future accessories, and crips audio courtesy of the near-field speakers that are located just above the ears.

The Valve Index is arguably the most complete VR headset that you can buy for your PC. But that distinction comes with a heavy price of more than $1,000. If you want the best, you have to pay for the best, right?

Oculus Rift S

A lot of VR headsets promise the world, but charge inordinate sums of money for you to be a part of that world. The Oculus Rift S, on the other hand, promises the same thing, except you wont have to sell a kidney to buy one.

The Rift S is, arguably, the best dollar-for-dollar VR headset in the market. Its Oculus most advanced PC-powered headset, and it was developed and built to fit that billing. The Rift S features next-generation lenses and a sharper display to deliver exceptionally vivid colors. It also comes with lens technology that can cut down on the screen door effect, providing gamers with one of the smoothest racing experiences youll get in a VR headset. Like most of Oculus, VR headsets, it takes a minute to set up the Rift S. Thats why its not suitable for neophytes in the VR racing scene. Its more suited for vets of the scene, particularly those who can navigate through the many steps required to download and install the software. Get past this gauntlet and youre on your way to enjoying one of the best VR headsets that your $600 can buy.

Sony PlayStation VR

If you own a Sony PlayStation 4 and youre looking for the best VR headset thats compatible with the console, look no further than the PlayStation VR.

Aside from the fact that its developed specifically for PS4 use, the PS VR offers everything you need from a VR headset at a fraction of the price that youll spend on other headsets. The PS VR is easy to use and boats intuitive Move controllers that let you maximize its potential on arguably one of the biggest gaming libraries in the entire video game community.

Sure, it has a lower lens resolution when compared to other premium VR headsets, but the PS VR is still capable of delivering a 120-hertz refresh rate. That comes in handy if youre playing a game or watching a movie. You can do the latter, too, thanks to the PS VRs Cinematic mode that allows you to watch movies in a theatre-like setup. The PlayStation VR can do all of that for just $300. Thats a pretty darn good deal.

Oculus Go

Not everyone can afford a $300 VR headset, let alone one that costs $800 or more. For the financially strapped among us, the Oculus Go is the answer to our ails.

At just $149, the Go is a cheaper alternative VR headset that doesnt cut cords in its quality. Its portability  no cords here  is one of its best features, but its far from the only one, either.

Its also very versatile; it can be used to play a variety of games, including Oculus Rooms, and watch movies on all your favorite streaming devices. The Gos resolution is also a hallmark feature; in fact, its 5.5-inch, 2560 x 1440 WQHD fast-twitch LCD display offers better resolution than the 1080 x 1200 resolution of the Oculus Rift and Oculus Vive. For just $149, you get all that and more with the Oculus Go. Thats value for money, folks.

Pansonite 3D VR Glasses

Speaking of affordable VR headsets, there is a segment of headsets that arent really headsets. Theyre more like 3D VR glasses, and the best of the bunch is the Pansonite 3D VR Glasses.

For just $28.99, the Pansonite 3D VR is loaded on features. It comes with a cloth design in front thats not too different to Googles Daydream. An adjustable plastic headband means that it can fit on most heads, and the headset also includes built-in headphones with an aux input. Sure, some of the newer smart phones dont have headphone jacks anymore, but if your phone still does, the Pansonite 3D VR makes for one heck of a VR headset purchase.

It has its flaws  theres no remote and some light leakage has been reported by users  but for its price point, you can ignore its shortcomings and celebrate what it has to offer. It costs $30, folks. Thats the Pansonite 3D VR Glasses biggest selling point.

IS VR good for sim racing?

VR, or virtual reality, is great for sim racing. The immersive experience is miles better than monitor-based simulation racing. The level of realism is on another level, too, and the challenge that comes with being a good racer on VR is much more difficult.

What VR headsets work with iRacing?

iRacing is compatible with most of the popular VR headsets, including a lot of the headsets that come from HTC and Oculus. These headsets are great accessories if you want a fully immersive online gaming experience.

What is the best VR headset for gaming?

It depends on what your requirements are for a VR headset, but the best ones are usually the same ones that command higher price tags. The Valve Index, Oculus Rift S, and Samsung HMD Odyssey+ are good examples of great VR headsets for gaming.

What are the best sim racing pedals?

The best sim racing pedals include any of the following products: the Tilton 600 Pro Hydraulic Pedal Set, Fanatic Clubsport V3 Pedals, and ThrustMaster T3PA Pro Pedals.

Has VR gotten any better in recent years?

Virtual reality (VR) has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years with new products packing incredible amounts of technology. As the scope of VR-compatible games grows, companies like the HTC, Oculus, and Samsung will be more compelled to roll out more advanced and tech-packed VR headsets to keep up with consumer demand.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Over half a dozen Indian-American former senior Obama administration officials on Friday announced their endorsement of Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Top among those include former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma; former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal; former US Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra and former Deputy White House Cabinet Secretary Gaurav Bansal.

Kiran Ahuja, former Executive Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Seema Nanda, former Chief of Staff, Department of Labour and Sonal Shah, former Director, White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation along with several Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) former Obama-Biden administration officials also endorsed the former US vice president.

All of us served with Vice President Joe Biden in the Obama-Biden administration. We watched him help 20 million Americans gain health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. We watched him lift our country out of the depths of the Great Recession. And we watched him build stronger ties with our allies and stand up to our adversaries abroad, the former officials said in a joint statement.

Most importantly, all of us saw Joe Bidens empathy, his decency, and his commitment to expanding opportunity for all Americans. He has a deep appreciation for the contributions of AAPI and a keen understanding of the challenges still facing the community, they said.

Now more than ever, we need a President who values our nations diversity and will fight to create a more fair and just country. That person is Joe Biden. We are proud to endorse him for President and support him in this fight to restore the soul of our nation, they said in the statement.

Biden, 77, is the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. He is likely to be formally nominated by the Democratic National Convention in Wisconsin in August.

He has already been endorsed by several leaders, including his one-time rivals for the Democratic nomination Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, former president Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The death of George Floyd, a black man seen in a video pinned down by a white police officer and who later died, has caused outrage in Minneapolis and across the United States. What started as mostly peaceful protests earlier in the week have turned into chaos.

City leaders have pleaded with communities to voice their outrage in a lawful manner, but the widespread escalation of protests continued Friday night into Saturday.

In the wake of Floyd's death, murder and manslaughter charges have been filed against Derek Chauvin, one of four officers at the scene, all of whom have been fired. The Department of Justice said a full investigation of the incident is a "top priority."

Prosecutors said Chauvin, seen in the video pressing his knee against Floyd's neck, had his knee on Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, including for two minutes and 53 seconds when Floyd was unresponsive.

Here is what happened on Saturday. All times Eastern.

11:53 p.m.: NYC mayor urges protesters to 'go home'

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio urged protesters to go home late Saturday after a night of mayhem.

More than 100 people had been arrested as of 11 p.m.

A number of police cars were set on fire and demonstrators vandalized stores and banks. There were pockets of protesters in Times Square, Union Square, Columbus Circle, the Bowery and other parts of Manhattan after daytime protests blocked traffic but were largely peaceful.

"To the peaceful protesters, if any of you are still out there tonight, we are trying to work peacefully for change," de Blasio said during a press conference just before midnight. "Let me be very clear, we hear your desire to see these issues, the relationship between police and community, the need for justice, the need for real change in our society. We hear you loud and clear."

"We appreciate and respect all peaceful protests, but now it is time for people to go home," he added.

Story continues

PHOTO: Police detain protesters in New York during nationwide demonstations over the death of George Floyd, May 30, 2020. (Wong Maye-E/AP)

De Blasio said a "substantial" amount of the violent protesters were from outside of the city, but did not have the official numbers yet.

"People who represent the communities of the city, and the residents of our city, they are not joining negative and violent protests," he said. "You can see it with your own eyes, they're not participating in it. Very few people are doing this, whether they are from outside New York City or from one part going into a neighborhood that is not their own. Unfortunately, a small number of people are creating a lot of violence."

11:05 p.m.: LA sending in National Guard as looting spreads

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he has asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to send the National Guard into the county as protests turn to looting.

Several local businesses were looted, as well as a Target and CVS in West Hollywood. Shops along glitzy Beverly Hills, where a curfew is in place, were covered in spray paint.

Flight Club, a famous West Hollywood shop that sells collector's edition sneakers for sometimes tens of thousands of dollars, was smashed in and people were seen carrying out boxes of the expensive footwear.

Ventura County also announced it was sending 40 deputies to Los Angeles "to assist with response to rioting."

PHOTOS: Protests turn violent over the death of George Floyd

10:44 p.m.: Protests in Texas mostly peaceful

Two protests in Houston and Dallas were mostly peaceful as crowds moved through the downtown areas.

There were tense moments, including when Dallas police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a crowd vandalizing City Hall and police vehicles.

Houston police continued to make arrests, adding on to the more than 200 that were made Friday evening.

PHOTO: Protesters chant in front of Dallas City Hall in downtown Dallas, Saturday, May 30, 2020. Protests across the country have escalated over the death of George Floyd who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. (Lm Otero/AP)

10:40 p.m.: Minnesota National Guard drop water from helicopter on fires

The Minnesota National Guard dropped water from helicopters to put out fires in the state, according to the state's Department of Public Safety.

It was used at a car fire on Interstate 35W and fires at other locations, the department said.

Earlier in the evening, the Minnesota State Patrol troopers were moving in to secure the 5th Precinct.

The 3rd Precinct fell to protesters and was lit on fire earlier this week.

State patrol asked the public to go home and obey the 8 p.m. curfew in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

10:27 p.m.: 13 states, D.C. have activated or plan to activate National Guards

The National Guard Bureau said as of right now 13 states, plus the District of Columbia, have activated or plan to activate their National Guards, but they expect the list could keep growing.

Several states have alerted National Guard elements, and are conducting staff planning for potential employment should the Governor request National Guard support," Master Sgt. Michael Houk, a spokesman for the National Guard Bureau, told ABC News.

Governors in 10 states -- Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Texas, Utah, Washington and Missouri -- have publicly announced they've activated their states' National Guard to respond to the protests. Washington, D.C., also activated its guard, which is the only federal National Guard, reporting to the president.

PHOTO: A demonstrator is injured as people protest the death of George Floyd, May 30, 2020, near the White House in Washington, D.C. (Evan Vucci/AP)

9:55 p.m.: Pressure mounting for Trump to make a formal address: Sources

Pressure is mounting inside the White House for President Donald Trump to make a formal address to the nation from the White House amid the chaos and unrest erupting across the United States in the wake of Floyds death, sources familiar with the discussions told ABC News.

Some top advisers, including the presidents chief of staff Mark Meadows, believe Trump should deliver a formal address arguing it would offer him a chance to show leadership and unity with a message to the U.S. that this is a moment to heal. Some also believe it would help gain African American support.

PHOTO: Members of the U.S. Secret Service hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd on May 30, 2020 in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

However, there is a growing divide in the West Wing. The president's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner believes this is not the way to go, as the president is known to dislike Oval Office addresses and has made errors during them in the past. Kushner and others believe that Trump saying more on this will just make the situation worse, according to sources.

Some aides believed the presidents trip to Florida to watch the SpaceX launch looked like he was turning his back on the issue. Neither Kushner nor Meadows traveled with the president.

Trump today did make his lengthiest remarks yet on Floyds death during remarks after the successful launch at the Kennedy Space Center.

MORE: Trump again stokes racial divides, a reality at odds with his efforts to court black voters

In addition, there is also pressure from conservatives outside the White House and on Capitol Hill who have privately made clear they are growing frustrated with the silence from the White House on this.

Last year, Meadows ended up breaking his silence when the president lashed out at the late congressman Elijah Cummings when he called his district a "very dangerous & filthy place." Trump also labeled Cummings a racist.

Meadows, who had a close bond with Cummings, urged the president at the time to stop his tweeting on his friend. He ultimately released a statement -- that many criticized as lackluster -- saying neither man was a racist.

9:52 p.m.: Clashes at mostly peaceful protests in Miami

Protests in Miami were mostly peaceful, yet as the evening went on turned more violent.

Police have used tear gas and rubber bullets on the protesters, according to Miami ABC affiliate WPLG. At least three police cars were set on fire and protesters were seen throwing large rocks at officers, according to the outlet.

The majority of crowds had dispersed ahead of the 10 p.m. curfew.

There were at least two planned protests in Miami, starting at 3 p.m.

9:40 p.m.: Courthouse set ablaze in Nashville

Police in Nashville deployed gas at a courthouse after protesters set it on fire, officials said.

The Nashville Fire Department is at the scene and being escorted into the building by officers.

Videos also showed flames inside Nashville's City Hall.

Mayor John Cooper lauded earlier protests as peaceful and warned protesters to go home tonight. A curfew is in effect at 10 p.m. Cooper later signed an executive order declaring a state of civil emergency.

This afternoons rally for George Floyd and racial justice was peaceful. I attended and listened. We cannot let todays message of reform descend into further violence. If you mean our city harm, go home.  Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) May 31, 2020

9:38 p.m.: 13 officers injured, 14 arrests in Philadelphia

What began as a peaceful protest in Philadelphia turned violent, and resulted in 13 officers injured and 14 arrests so far, police said.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at least four police vehicles were set on fire and other fires were set throughout downtown, according to Philadelphia ABC station WPVI.

A large building fire broke out in Center City just after 9 p.m.

It is estimated that about 3,000 people turned up to the protests.

9:22 p.m.: LAPD to mobilize entire unit

The Los Angeles Police Department is taking the rare step to mobilize its entire unit, according to a senior official.

All officers are told they will be on duty and personal time off is canceled, the official told ABC News.

The official also said detectives and others are told they are or will be in the field.

PHOTO: Peoples sit on at an intersection during a protest over the death of George Floyd in Los Angeles, May 30, 2020. (Ringo H.w. Chiu/AP)

9:05 p.m.: Major thoroughfares shut down at points in NYC due to protests

Protesters coursed through New York City again Saturday night.

At times during the protest, demonstrators had shut down the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway and the Brooklyn Bridge.

PHOTO: Protesters march during a solidarity rally for George Floyd, May 30, 2020, in New York. (Wong Maye-E/AP)

Rocks were thrown at police and fires were set in the heart of Midtown, at 45th Street and 7th Avenue, officials said.

There have been minor injuries to a number of officers and the city would later announce over 100 arrests.

PHOTO: Police arrest a protester during a solidarity rally for George Floyd, Saturday, May 30, 2020, in New York. (Wong Maye-e/AP)

9 p.m.: Tensions run high in Denver with tear gas, confiscated weapons

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Denver to peacefully protest, yet tensions still ran high.

Police at one point appeared to be advancing toward the crowds, after tear gas and what appeared to be pepper balls were used to get them to disperse, according to Denver ABC affiliate KMGH.

Police told the outlet that they confiscated weapons and gallons of gasoline planted around parts of downtown Denver.

PHOTO: A driver tries to get through the streets as protesters rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Denver, May 30, 2020. (Alyson Mcclaran/Reuters)

8:40 p.m.: Young girl 'screaming in pain' after allegedly being sprayed in eyes

A young girl was seen crying out in pain at a Seattle protest after she was allegedly sprayed with either mace or pepper spray, a protester said.

A video circulated on Twitter of the little girl screaming while other people gathered around her to help clear out her eyes.

Evan Hreha, who filmed the video but did not see the incident, said it happened during a prayer outside the Westlake Center.

"I was about 20 yards away. I saw a very minor scuffle, it looked like someone knocked over a sign so I went over and saw the young girl screaming in pain," Hreha told ABC News.

PHOTO: A man holds a sign in front of burning vehicles following demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd, in Seattle, May 30, 2020. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images)

Bystanders in the crowd told him that an officer had sprayed the girl.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee activated the National Guard in Seattle as the protests continued. Up to 200 members of the Washington National Guard were activated, according to the governor's office. They will be unarmed and work under the direction of Seattle officials, the governor's office said.

8:27 p.m.: Police, protesters clash again in Atlanta

Police and protesters clashed for the second night in a row in Atlanta, according to Atlanta ABC affiliate WSB.

There were several clashes near the Centennial Olympic Park downtown and several people were taken into custody, according to the outlet.

Later in the evening, police would announce 51 arrests and one officer injured by an ATV.

Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters and lit several fires in the city on Friday.

8:04 p.m.: Protests pick up outside White House

The scene outside the White House was a tense one with several hundred protesters and growing. By far the majority are calm and chanting peacefully, but there has been a lot of anger and several flare-ups with the police, who are remaining relatively calm. Some protesters are throwing water bottles, taunting police and even burning a flag.

D.C. police are spraying tear gas in isolated areas to try and hold the line. Protesters are being kept out of Lafayette Park, forced back onto 16th Street and H Street. But that is not deterring anyone.

Most ABC News talked with are locals, some first-time protesters. They are leading each other in chants of "I cant breathe," and, "Black lives matter," but also sharing food, water, and even masks.

7:36 p.m.: Bill Clinton issues a statement

Former President Bill Clinton issued his first remarks after the death of George Floyd, calling it a "painful reminder that a person's race still determines how they will be treated in nearly every aspect of American life."

Clinton said no one deserves to die in the way that Floyd did, and that "if you're white in America, the chances are you won't."

He encouraged Americans to ask themselves if Floyd would still be alive if he were white. He also said the public should question why this keeps happening, what can we do to make sure every community has the police department it deserves and what an individual can do.

"We can't honestly answer these questions in the divide and conquer, us vs. them, shift the blame and shirk the responsibility world we're living in," Clinton said. "People with power should go first -- answer the questions, expand who's 'us' and shrink who's 'them,' accept some blame, and assume more responsibility. But the rest of us have to answer these questions too."

PHOTO: People gather at a memorial mural painted outside the Cup Foods store on Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis where George Floyd died at the hands of police, Friday, May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis. (Brian Peterson/AP Photo)

Clinton said answering these questions is "the least we can do for George Floyd's family, and the families of all other Americans who have been judged by the color of their skin rather than by the content of their character."

Clinton, quoting from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, said Dr. King's hope seemed even more out of reach today.

"And we'll never reach it if we keep treating people of color with the unspoken assumption that they're less human," he said.

7:18 p.m.: Trump says administration will stop 'mob violence'

President Donald Trump said his administration would stop "mob violence" as protests raged on.

"I stand before you as a friend and ally to every American seeking justice and peace, and I stand before you in firm opposition to anyone exploiting this tragedy to loot, rob, attack and menace," Trump said during remarks after the launch of SpaceX Crew Dragon. "Healing, not hatred. Justice, not chaos, are the mission at hand."

Trump labeled some demonstrators as "mobs," "thugs" and "radical-left criminals." He once again signaled out ANTIFA and allegedly radical-left groups without providing any evidence that they're actually leading or participating in the protests.

"What we are now seeing on the streets of our cities has nothing to do with justice or with peace," the president said. "The memory of George Floyd is being dishonored by rioters, looters and anarchists."

He said he understands "the pain" people are feeling and supports peaceful protesters "but what we are now seeing on the streets of our cities has nothing to do with justice or with peace."

6:50 p.m.: 5 more cities announce curfews

The mayors of Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle and Rochester, New York, have now implemented a curfew, adding to the growing list of cities doing so.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms signed an executive order establishing a curfew that begins at 9 p.m. and ends at sunrise on Sunday.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti put a curfew in place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney also implemented a curfew from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Sunday.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren declared a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

PHOTO: Protesters jump on a car they overturned near the Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia during a Justice for George Floyd rally Saturday, May 30, 2020. Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said she would be signing an executive order to impose a 5 p.m. curfew "soon."

Other officials in Chicago and Pittsburgh have asked their residents to avoid downtown areas.

"Lake Shore Drive has been shut down. Avoid coming to the downtown area. CPD officers continue to work to secure the downtown streets," Chicago police tweeted.

Pittsburgh Public Safety tweeted that two journalists were injured in the area and more business fronts have been broken into.

"Protesters just smashed a glass business front on Smithfield Street. Officers forced to disperse gas," the agency tweeted. "If you came to protest peacefully, please leave, go home, for your own safety. This is no longer peaceful."

6:12 p.m.: Sen. Kamala Harris attends protest in front of White House

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., joined protesters in front of the White House Saturday afternoon.

Harris posted a video to her Twitter of herself in the crowd as people chanted, "Hands up. Don't shoot."

People are in pain. We must listen. pic.twitter.com/5PJ9gqyu1q  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 30, 2020

Harris, who is considered among presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden's top choices for vice president, could be seen clapping along with the chants.

"People are in pain. We must listen," Harris tweeted.

Her communications director, Sabrina Singh, also tweeted that Harris was in attendance. Singh wrote that Harris was "advocating for people to be heard."

PHOTO: Protesters gather in front of a line of uniformed U.S. Secret Service as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd, near the White House, Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Washington. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

6:06 p.m.: Columbus mayor implements curfew

A curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been implemented in Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Andrew Ginther said.

"We respect, value and welcome the right to protest," Ginther tweeted. "This curfew is not intended to stifle peaceful protest but to protect our people."

5:45 p.m.: At least 6 governors activate National Guard

At least six governors -- in Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia, Colorado, Wisconsin and Kentucky -- have activated the National Guard as protests continue to spread.

Most cited keeping the public safe as their reason for doing so.

5:30 p.m.: Majority of people arrested for rioting were from Minnesota, jail records show

The majority of those jailed in Minnesota on charges of unlawful assembly, riot and/or damage to property charges were from the state, jail records show.

From May 29 to May 30, there were a total of 35 people jailed on those charges. Of those 35 people, only four were from out of state.

State and local leaders have stressed that many of the people causing destruction or inciting violence were from out of state.

PHOTO: Actor and comedian Nick Cannon celebrates the memory of George Floyd and demand justice outside the Cup Foods store on Chicago Avenue, Friday, May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis. (Brian Peterson/AP Photo)

The people arrested not from Minnesota were from Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Alaska, according to jail records.

The jail records only show arrests for the Minneapolis Police Department and don't include arrests on charges, such as burglary, a charge police said people related to the protests were arrested on.

Other agencies, including the St. Paul Police Department, also made arrests. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said everyone arrested in his city last night was from out of town.

4:53 p.m.: Atlanta police prepared to make arrests during protests

The Atlanta Police Department is gearing up to make arrests for any criminal activity following destructive protest throughout the city.

The department announced in a press release that it will not tolerate the looting and damage to property that occurred on Friday night and Saturday morning that led to 71 arrests, damage to 20 police vehicles, including two that are total losses, multiple fires, vandalism and other criminal acts as well as a number of businesses that were looted, burglarized or damaged.

Atlanta officers, assisted by about 20 local, state and federal agencies, are prepared to monitor activity and protect vulnerable business districts and retail centers.

Police Chief Erika Shields said police were "patient" despite three officers suffering minor injuries and hours of getting objects thrown at them, including water bottles, bullets, eggs, rocks, fireworks and knives.

"But we will not allow these protests to devolve into the destruction of property or placing the safety or our officers in jeopardy. We will make additional arrests and we are grateful to the assistance we are receiving from our partner agencies," said Shields.

PHOTO: Damage is seen to CNN Center following an overnight demonstration over the Minneapolis death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 30, 2020 in Atlanta. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)

4:29 p.m.: Denver announces curfew this weekend

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced an 8 p.m. curfew for this weekend.

Hancock said the National Guard has been activated by Gov. Jared Polis to help enforce the rule.

Essential travel is exempt.

These measures come in the wake of two straight nights of intense, and sometimes violent, protests in the city regarding the death of George Floyd.

4:11 p.m.: 2 NY sisters arrested, charged

Two sisters from the Catskills, New York, are charged with throwing a Molotov cocktail at a police vehicle with four NYPD officers inside near Brooklyn Museum Friday night.

Samantha Shader was charged with four counts of attempted murder, attempted arson, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon. Darian Shader was charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration, both misdemeanors.

The sisters are also facing federal charges, two law enforcement sources told ABC News.

The Shader sisters are awaiting arraignment at Brooklyn Criminal Court on Saturday. If convicted, 27-year-old Samantha Shader faces a minimum of 25 years in prison.

Attorney information was not available.

PHOTO: In this photo provided by Khadijah, flames erupt from a New York City Police Department van set ablaze, Friday, May 29, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York, during a protest of the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. (Khadijah/AP)

The NYPD planned to be out in force Saturday to prevent "mayhem" that was seen in parts of Brooklyn on Friday evening. NYPD Chief of Department Terry Monahan called Friday night's protest, which has resulted in 208 arrests, "an organized attempt to attack police" with bottles, bricks, Molotov cocktails and other debris.

Monahan blamed "a lot of outsiders" and protesters who "were not people from our communities."

3:52 p.m.: Minneapolis police's protest plans kept under wraps

After 27 arrests, 23 fires and 131 calls to police for shots fired, Minneapolis police have not announced any new plans on how they will handle the ongoing protests any differently.

"We are not going to let a group of people hijack this city," Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said Saturday.

Arradondo made the promise to residents, but did not share any new tactics his officers will be using tonight to make sure that doesn't happen.

"Over the last 72 hours, so much has been occurring," said Arrandondo, adding, 'We were overwhelmed, quite frankly."

PHOTO: A man confronts a National Guard member as they guard the area in the aftermath of a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 29, 2020. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

Since Thursday evening, there have been widespread violence, destruction and fires throughout the Twin Cities. Over 380 people called to report burglaries, business alarms and damage to property.

Arrandondo said they are working with legitimate community groups who are holding peaceful protests in order to help separate those designed to incite violence.

Arrandondo seems to be hoping the National Guard will secure areas that have been the site of much of the destruction so MPD officers can go back to answering other calls throughout the community.

3 p.m.: 533 arrests, 6 police officers injured in Los Angeles

Six police officers were injured and 533 people were arrested during protests throughout Los Angeles, California, Friday and early Saturday morning, police said.

The hundreds of arrested were charged with burglary, looting, probation violations, battery on a police officer, attempted murder and failure to disperse, police said. All but 18 of the arrested have been released on their own recognizance.

The officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries ranging from lacerations to impact wounds.

"While more protests are slated for various locations throughout the city today, we remain hopeful those demonstrations will be peaceful. The Department will be deploying additional resources to maintain order and ensure the safety and security of not only individuals exercising their first amendment rights but also the residents and businesses in our community," said Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michael Moore.

2:15 p.m.: Attorney General Barr comments on 'radical' protests

Attorney General William Barr warned protesters with ANTIFA and radical ties that they are committing a federal crime.

"Peaceful protests are being drowned out by violent radical elements," said Barr at a brief press conference on Saturday.

Barr noted that there are people with what he called, 'ANTIFA-like tactics,' who are traveling from outside of the area, to participate in protests coordinated as peaceful demonstrations.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that they are investigating whether outsiders, including white supremacists, are inciting riots.

"It is a federal crime to cross state lines to participate" in these violent crimes, said Barr.

1:56 p.m.: Public safety alert issued for Ohio

The Columbus Ohio Police Department issued an emergency alert on Saturday afternoon urging people to stay out of the downtown area for their "safety and the safety of others."

The alert comes a day after at least five people were arrested, five officers were injured and several businesses were destroyed during protests, WSYX reported.

1:35 p.m.: Atlanta's mayor denounces protests that turned to 'destruction'

"What we saw overnight was not a protest, and it was not Atlanta ... We know our citizens are angry. We are angry and we want justice," said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in a statement on Saturday.

Friday night's protest in Atlanta, Georgia, started out as "a peaceful demonstration, quickly turned into mayhem and unnecessary destruction, and ultimately an assault on businesses that are already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Lance Bottoms.

The protests were a result of the most recent police-involved killings of African Americans across the country as well as the murder of Ahmaud Arbery who was shot while jogging on Feb. 23 in Satilla Shores, Georgia.

The city's Department of Public Works have been cleaning up the streets, the Department of Transportation is removing graffiti and the National Guard has been contacted for assistance in order to "help our city recover," said Lance Bottoms.

"If we are to enact change in this nation, I implore everyone to channel their anger and sorrow into something more meaningful and effective through non-violent activism," said Lance Bottoms.

1:16 p.m.: A federal officer died, another injured in California

One Federal Protective Service officer has died, and another was wounded Friday night, the FBI said in a statement to ABC News.

As an arm of the Department of Homeland Security., FPS officers are responsible for protecting federal buildings across the country.

A car pulled up to the building and started firing, according to the FBI.

The agency doesn't say if the incident was related to protests in the city.

22 people were arrested during demonstrations in the Oakland Friday night, according to authorities.

The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to ABC News' request for comment

12:18 p.m.: A mayor in Mississippi faces backlash for 'breathe' comments

The mayor of Petal, Mississippi, is facing backlash and calls for him to resign after justifying former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for keeping his knee on George Floyd's neck.

"If you can say you can't breathe, you're breathing," Mayor Hal Marx wrote on his now deactivated Twitter account on May 26 -- the same day Chauvin was seen on a 10-minute video kneeling on Floyd.

Similar remarks were made after former NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo was seen on video using an alleged unauthorized chokehold to allegedly kill Eric Garner in 2014. Garner's last words, "I can't breathe" became a national rallying cry against police violence.

Marx defended his remarks on Twitter, and his deactivated Facebook page as misinterpretations.

The Petal Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Thursday, voting unanimously to ask for Marx's resignation, The Clarion Ledger reported.

Marx has refused to step aside.

10:58 a.m.: NYPD arrested over 200 during protests

Demonstrations throughout New York City Friday night resulted in the arrest of over 200, including one person in Brooklyn who had a loaded gun and a woman who was armed with a lit Molotov cocktail.

More than 3,000 demonstrators gathered in Foley Square and outside Barclays Center, police said.

At the height of the protests, 37 patrol cars were vandalized with graffiti and broken windows, a police van was set on fire and a Molotov cocktail was thrown into an occupied police car -- the officers inside were not hurt.

There were more than a dozen officers injured, ranging from teeth knocked out to shoulder and head injuries.

"Anyone, anywhere who has witnessed what they believe to be police misconduct can -- and should -- report it to the CCRB. The Agency already has begun to receive complaints related to incidents that took place last night. As always, our staff is committed to investigating all allegations of misconduct thoroughly and impartially," said New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) Chair Fred Davie.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said that Attorney General Letitia James will review all actions and procedures used during last night's protests and will issue a report in 30 days. "We are asking anyone with information about last night, including visual evidence, to please share it with our office so we can take it into account as we proceed with this investigation. Please email Complaints@ag.ny.gov," said James.

10:47 a.m.: 1,000 more National Guard service members activated in Minnesota

Governor Tim Walz announced on Saturday morning that an additional thousand members of the National Guard will be deployed to "support civil authorities" during protests over the murder of George Floyd.

"Our communities of color, our business community were out front fighting hand in hand to save businesses it took a decade to build," said Walz during a press conference Saturday morning.

Protests turned violent with fires set across the city, objects were thrown at the police and dozens have been arrested, officials said. Over 700 soldiers and air service members' duty were activated overnight.

What's happening in the city is in "no way about the murder of George Floyd it's about attacking civil society and installing fear," said Walz.

"We cannot as members of the community tolerate that," said Minneapolis Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington at a press conference on Saturday.

Officials said only about 20% of the rioters are Minnesota residents.

Walz noted that practicing First Amendment rights should also involve practicing COVID-19 guidelines, but "the folks that are gathering out there ... the masks were worn to disguise, to cause confusion and take advantage of that situation."

"The Minnesota National Guard is prepared to protect life, protect property and restore order," according to a press release by the state's National Guard.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey along with other local officials, said that the violence and destruction are from outside elements. "We are now confronting white supremacists, members of organized crime, out-of-state instigators, and possibly even foreign actors to destroy and destabilize our city and our region," Frey tweeted on Saturday.

9:24 a.m.: FBI director calls George Floyd investigation "a top priority"

ABC News has obtained a message to FBI employees sent by FBI Director Chris Wray, on Friday. In it, Wray said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding George Floyd's death "is a top priority, and experienced prosecutors and FBI agents have been assigned to the matter." He said the investigation "will determine whether the actions by the former Minneapolis police officers involved in this incident violated federal law."

He also wrote about how damaging the failure to honor the rights of citizens, particularly those in custody, can be.

"Law enforcement officers have indispensable and often dangerous jobs, but that doesn't diminish the crucial, overarching role we play in society  to protect and serve all citizens no matter their race, creed, orientation, or station in life. This, of course, includes those citizens who are in law enforcement custody," Wray said.

"When we fail to honor their rights, we not only tarnish the badge we wear, we completely erode the trust so many of us in law enforcement work so hard to build, particularly within minority communities. The events this past week in Minneapolis clearly illustrate just how quickly that trust can be lost," the message stated."

8:41 a.m.: White House protesters would have been met with 'most vicious dogs,' 'most ominous weapons,' president tweets

President Trump fired off a series of tweets Saturday morning praising the Secret Service after protesters marched in front of the White House Friday night.

"They were not only totally professional, but very cool," he president tweeted. "They let the "protesters" scream & rant as much as they wanted..." he wrote.

The president also wrote that if protestors had become "too frisky" or "got out of line," "they would quickly come down on them," he wrote. He also tweeted that if protesters had breached the White House fence, they would have been "greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen."

He also took a jab at D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. "On the bad side, the D.C. Mayor, @MurielBowser, who is always looking for money & help, wouldn't let the D.C. Police get involved. "Not their job." Nice!," the president tweeted.

8:19 a.m.: FBI issues statement on Oakland shooting

The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a statement after one person was killed, and another injured in a shooting at that took place while protests were happening in Oakland, California. FBI San Francisco and Oakland police are investigating, but it is unknown yet if the shooting is connected to the protest.

"FBI San Francisco and the Oakland Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building at 1301 Clay Street in Oakland, California.," the statement read. "At approximately 9:45pm on Friday, May 29, 2020, a vehicle approached the building. An individual inside the vehicle began firing gunshots at contract security officers for the Federal Protective Service of the Department of Homeland Security. One officer was killed and another was injured," according to the statement.

"The FBI has deployed investigators and the Evidence Response Team to the crime scene. We will continue to work this investigation alongside the Oakland Police Department," the statement continued.

7:24 a.m.: Portland mayor declares State of Emergency

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced Saturday morning that he's declaring a State of Emergency in the city following the destructive unrest in the wake of the death of Floyd.

He also announced the city has a curfew in effect until 6 a.m. local time Saturday and will begin again at 8 p.m.

"Burning buildings with people inside, stealing from small and large businesses, threatening and harassing reporters. All in the middle of a pandemic where people have already lost everything," Wheeler said in a statement Saturday. "This isn't calling for meaningful change in our communities, this is disgusting."

Overnight the Portland Police Department declared the protest as a riot after "significant vandalism" was reported and a fire was set inside the city's Justice Center. Police said there was also a shooting connected to the protest.

Police said large sections of downtown were closed and that protesters should "disperse now or you will be subject to gas, projectiles, and other means necessary for dispersal."

5:43 a.m.: 1 dead in Detroit after person opens fire on protesters from vehicle

One person is dead in Detroit after a vehicle drove up on people protesting the death of Floyd and opened fire, according to authorities.

A gray Dodge Durango pulled up and fired into the crowd, hitting a 19-year-old man who later died at the hospital, a Detroit Police Department spokesperson told ABC affiliate WXYZ.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig said the violence and destruction overnight is not what the city of Detroit is about.

"This does not represent the vast major of Detroiters who came here to make a statement," Craig said during a press conference Friday night. "We support the message, but let's do it peacefully."

PHOTO: A Detroit Police officer uses tear-gas during a protest in the city of Detroit, Michigan, on May 29, 2020, over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white policeman kneeled on his neck for several minutes. (Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images)

He said many of the people taunting police officers and trying to incite violence have come from outside the city to sow chaos.

"We know that the individuals from outside the city of Detroit who converged at the protest location don't represent this city. They are not from this city," Craig said. "Let's peacefully protest, but outside of that, we're not going to tolerate it. We're not going to tolerate criminal acts."

4:26 a.m.: 'Prudent' to have Army units ready to deploy to Minnesota, governor says

As fires raged and protests escalated even further throughout Minneapolis Saturday morning, local and state officials said getting the chaos under control will take a response never before seen in the state because "there's simply more of them than us."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at least 1,000 additional Minnesota National Guard troops would be activated Saturday, and even then, that might not be enough. He said that is why the state is considering using active-duty Army units, which are reportedly being put on alert to deploy to Minneapolis, according to a late-night report from the Associated Press.

"You may have seen or heard that, this evening, the president directed the Pentagon to put units of United States Army on alert to possible operation in Minneapolis," Maj. General John Jensen, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, said during a press conference Saturday. "While we were not consulted with, as it relates to that, I do believe it's a prudent move to provide other options available for the governor, if the governor elects to use those resources."

Walz said it's more complicated than just saying yes and deploying them now because the move to have federal troops patrolling in Minneapolis would be something never before seen in the state.

"I spoke with President Trump the other night, I think it is prudent to have them ready for us to exhaust all resources that we need," Walz said Saturday.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Walz angrily took to the podium Saturday morning to ask those setting fires, attacking officers and looting businesses to stop.

MORE: Derek Chauvin had his knee on George Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes, complaint says

"We as a city can be so much better than this," Frey said at the press conference Saturday. "There is no honor in burning down your city. There is no pride in looting local businesses that have become institutions of a neighborhood."

PHOTO: A protester stands in front of a fire during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., early May 30, 2020. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

He said people, especially during a pandemic, are counting on grocery stores being open to get groceries, pharmacies to get needed medicine and banks to get money.

"If you care about your community, you got to put this to an end; it needs to stop," Frey said.

"We as a city can be so much better than this." Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks following protests over the death of George Floyd: "There is no honor in burning down your city." https://t.co/YOGtoPkLQC pic.twitter.com/jKSt56kyjq  ABC News (@ABC) May 30, 2020

Walz said the tragedy of Floyd's death has morphed into "an unprecedented threat to our state," where those causing destruction have no regard to property or life.

Dozens of arrests were made on Friday, but an official total has not been released for the city. In one instance, shots were fired at law enforcement officers overnight.

ABC News' Ahmad Hemingway, Jack Date, Whitney Lloyd, Alisa Wiersema, Matt Foster, Joshua Hoyos, Aaron Katersky, Alex Stone, Victor Ordonez, Katherine Faulders, John Santucci, John Vehovek, Molly Nagle, Clayton Sandell, Marcus Moore and Luis Martinez contributed to this report.

This report was featured in the Monday, June 1, 2020, episode of Start Here, ABC News daily news podcast.

"Start Here" offers a straightforward look at the day's top stories in 20 minutes. Listen for free every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, the ABC News app or wherever you get your podcasts.

LA appeals for National Guard as looting spreads originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But while the successes are well known, investors should not ignore the very many unprofitable companies that simply burn through all their cash and collapse.

So, the natural question for Lianhua Supermarket Holdings (HKG:980) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). Let's start with an examination of the business's cash, relative to its cash burn.

See our latest analysis for Lianhua Supermarket Holdings

Does Lianhua Supermarket Holdings Have A Long Cash Runway?

A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. As at December 2019, Lianhua Supermarket Holdings had cash of CN4.0b and no debt. In the last year, its cash burn was CN97m. That means it had a cash runway of very many years as of December 2019. While this is only one measure of its cash burn situation, it certainly gives us the impression that holders have nothing to worry about. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

SEHK:980 Historical Debt May 29th 2020

How Well Is Lianhua Supermarket Holdings Growing?

Happily, Lianhua Supermarket Holdings is travelling in the right direction when it comes to its cash burn, which is down 69% over the last year. Mundanely, though, operating revenue growth was flat. It seems to be growing nicely. Of course, we've only taken a quick look at the stock's growth metrics, here. You can take a look at how Lianhua Supermarket Holdings has developed its business over time by checking this visualization of its revenue and earnings history.

Story continues

Can Lianhua Supermarket Holdings Raise More Cash Easily?

There's no doubt Lianhua Supermarket Holdings seems to be in a fairly good position, when it comes to managing its cash burn, but even if it's only hypothetical, it's always worth asking how easily it could raise more money to fund growth. Generally speaking, a listed business can raise new cash through issuing shares or taking on debt. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate).

Since it has a market capitalisation of CN1.3b, Lianhua Supermarket Holdings's CN97m in cash burn equates to about 7.2% of its market value. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money.

So, Should We Worry About Lianhua Supermarket Holdings's Cash Burn?

As you can probably tell by now, we're not too worried about Lianhua Supermarket Holdings's cash burn. For example, we think its cash runway suggests that the company is on a good path. On this analysis its revenue growth was its weakest feature, but we are not concerned about it. After taking into account the various metrics mentioned in this report, we're pretty comfortable with how the company is spending its cash, as it seems on track to meet its needs over the medium term. An in-depth examination of risks revealed 1 warning sign for Lianhua Supermarket Holdings that readers should think about before committing capital to this stock.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

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.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/29/2020



ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

: Before the 90 Days star Ed Brown has revealed the show's producers planted bananas in his backpack while he and Rosemarie Vega went on an excursion in the Philippines to see monkeys.During a late April episode of : Before the 90 Days' fourth season, Ed and Rose flew to an island, Palawan, where they could enjoy a romantic vacation together and relax on the beach.Ed and Rose also planned an excursion in which they took a boat over to a little island where monkeys were running around and hanging from trees.Ed anticipated the monkeys would be cute and small, but instead, they were large, hungry and a bit aggressive.At one point, a monkey even stole a banana out of Ed's bag, and he admitted he was "sh-tting [his] pants" the whole time.Rose, on the other hand, loved the experience and just laughed at Ed and poked fun at his fear.: Before the 90 Days' Season 4 cast Tell-All reunion filmed remotely during the first weekend of May with everyone participating via videoconference, and about 10 hours of raw footage has leaked out.Among that footage, Ed dished some details on his monkey excursion while chatting with his : Before the 90 Days co-stars Lisa Hamme Stephanie Matto and Tom Brooks during a break in filming."When the monkey came for you, I lost it! That was freaking hysterical. I would have been out of there!" Lisa joked with the 54-year-old professional photographer from San Diego, CA."So here's what happened: I forgot which producer [did it], but he was like, 'Ed, hey, just a minute! Your backpack is unzipped,'" Ed shared."So I'm all like, 'Hey, thanks.' [He said], 'I don't want you to lose anything.' So I zipped up my backpack -- there were bananas in my backpack.""They set him up!" Lisa responded with a laugh. "He got set up!""By the way, those monkeys had three-inch teeth and they had rabies, I mean, that was real!" Ed insisted."I would've died," Stephanie Matto admitted."I don't know about you guys, but my [ ] experience was surreal, like it never happened. Like, 'Did that just happen?!' Because it was so fast... [My trip] was nuts," Ed noted.: Before the 90 Days' 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.The show's fourth season featured Ed, a 4'11" divorced father of a 29-year-old daughter Tiffany, traveling to the Philippines to meet Rose, a 23-year-old single mom, whom he thought was going to be the love of his life.Ed's family and friends were "skeptical" and "worried" about his new relationship, and Tiffany was admittedly angry that her father would be traveling to a dangerous place to spend time with a woman even younger than she.But Ed considered Rose to be his dream girl, and so he wasn't about to give up on love. Rose therefore bought an engagement ring for Rose and met her in Manila, which is three hours from Rose's remote village where she lives with her parents and sister Maria.While Ed thought Rose was "stunning," she had expected her man to be taller and thinner, especially because Ed had told his girlfriend he's 5'2".Ed and Rose's first day was "a disaster," according to Ed, because he wasn't used to the heat and Rose kept taking out his wallet to buy things from local vendors in a Manila marketplace.Later on, Ed and Rose had a fight when Ed questioned her about her past and ex-boyfriends.Ed promised to stop asking about her ex-boyfriends and never bring them up again if Rose would be willing to take an STD test, but she was completely offended, "very hurt" and disappointed by his request.Rose did reveal she had met Prince's father four years prior and had two serious relationships in her past, both of whom had broken her heart."I may have lost Rose and I feel sick to my stomach. I have to fix this. I put way too much into this relationship not to," Ed said in a confessional, before apologizing to Rose and promising to communicate better.After the pair spent a romantic night in a hotel and apparently made love, Ed traveled to Rose's home to meet her family -- including Prince, who already called Ed "Daddy."Ed said Rose's living conditions were "a nightmare," and he even bathed with a bucket and a rat by his foot."After seeing Rose's village and how she lives, it makes me wonder: Who wouldn't want to come to America for a better life?" Ed asked the cameras."I already have questions about money and her sister Maria, who asked me for money. Is that what it's all about for Rose... Am I just her meal ticket and her way out?"Once they traveled to the nearby island of Palawan, Ed offended Rose by telling her that her breath was bad and gifting her with a toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash. He also gave her lingerie."If Ed truly [loves] me, he needs to accept me for who I am," Rose said in a confessional, adding that she wanted to punch him in the face and Ed had made her feel "small."But Ed made it up to Rose with a poolside dinner, during which she promised she had no idea that her sister Maria had asked him for money.However, Ed then dropped a bombshell on Rose the next day by informing her that he doesn't want to have any more children and had a vasectomy already booked in the United States.Since it's Rose's dream to have two more children, she was devastated and wished Ed had told her sooner.Rose took some time to herself to think but later blasted Ed for not being truthful."I know who you are, I think. You are a person who lied to me about height, right? Then you want to give me an STD test, right? And about mouthwash... I have an ulcer. So I'm disappointed because you always embarrassed me," Rose said."And about my sister, I think you think me and my sister are the same and you think that I want your money and not you. You make me feel like a little bit of a person, and I think you not love me. I'm done."Ed admitted he had never seen Rose so angry."I came here with love in my heart. I bought a ring. My plan when we left here was to go back to Manila and ask you to marry me. My intentions were real," Ed insisted in tears.Rose apparently believed Ed's intentions were good, but she said he hurt and lied to her over and over again."I can't want to continue this relationship," Rose noted. "This is the last time you give me a hurt, because I am done. Yeah."Rose told the cameras she wanted to end the relationship and not waste any more of her time on someone who allegedly didn't appreciate her.Rose said she was done forgiving Ed and giving him so many chances.Rose said Ed didn't take ownership of his mistakes and she had finally seen "the true Ed," so she returned home to her family alone.When Ed discovered Rose had left, he broke down into tears and vented, "I failed -- again." Ed had been single for 20 years and said losing something he thought was real was painful."I know it's over with Rose, so I need to try to put my life back together," Ed told the cameras.In the latest episode, Ed was shown flying back to the United States, where his mother and dog waited for him at the airport.Ed told his mother that his trip was "fun, exciting and crazy," but "Rose is out. No Rose. No Rose."Ed teared up when revealing the bad news, and his mother promised her son that the pain would pass."I had the best chance at love, but I screwed it up. Right now, what I want more than anything, is to pick up my heart and move on. But there's a big part of me that still hopes Rose might talk to me again," Ed told the cameras. Click here to read spoilers about Ed and Rose's relationship and whether they ever got back together.Want spoilers? Click here to visit our Spoilers webpage!
A day after claiming he didnt mean to suggest that law enforcement officials should shoot people who were part of the unrest in Minnesota, President Trump said on Saturday that the Secret Service had been prepared to sic the most vicious dogs on protesters outside the White House gates on Friday night.

Those comments were the first of several Mr. Trump made throughout the day that veered wildly in tone and content  from threatening violence against the protesters outside the White House in the morning to sounding notes of sympathy for the pain caused by the horror of police brutality in the afternoon to a series of evening messages on Twitter, including one defending the police in New York City.

And they came as the president was facing three simultaneous crises  the rising death toll from the coronavirus pandemic, the economic fallout from the measures taken to control it, and the violence and unrest unfolding in several cities across the United States.

Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. @SecretService, Mr. Trump tweeted in a string of four posts Saturday morning. They were not only totally professional, but very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 19:24:26|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on April 27, 2018. (Xinhua/Ting Shen)

In whatever form this meeting takes place, "whether as a video conference or otherwise, I will definitely fight for multilateralism. That is very clear, both in the G7 and the G20," the German chancellor earlier said.

BERLIN, May 30 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not attend the G7 summit in Washington due to the coronavirus pandemic, the German Press Agency reported Saturday, citing government spokesperson Steffen Seibert.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 20 that he was aiming for a real G7 summit in Washington in late June as a sign of normalization after the outbreak of the pandemic.

The summit was originally scheduled for June 10-12 at the presidential retreat of Camp David, Maryland.

In March, however, the U.S. government canceled the arrangement because of the pandemic and scheduled a video conference instead.

Merkel had initially left open whether she would accept Trump's invitation to participate in a video conference.

In whatever form this meeting takes place, "whether as a video conference or otherwise, I will definitely fight for multilateralism. That is very clear, both in the G7 and the G20," the chancellor said on May 20. 
Ndop Council Chambers Facebook

Dr. Ntoh Daniel Balengka, Mayor of Ndop Council has said all those respecting orders from armed separatists and bandits will face the full arm of the law henceforth.

In a communique signed Friday, May 29, 2020, the Mayor revealed that a vast majority of economic operators in Ndop, the administrative seat of Ngoketunjia Division have chosen to respect instructions from armed gangs who seek to make of Cameroons North West and South West Regions a breakaway state called Ambazonia.

Ntoh said the business persons have gone to the extent of supporting the armed groups through the payment of levies  Amba levies.

Earlier this week, the Mayor took his collaborators and security officials to seal shops of persons who chose to respect a routine Monday ghost town call imposed by armed separatists. The Mayor says enough is enough, promising to return fire for fire.

Following the sealing of the shops, the Mayor says some armed robbers launched intensive media propaganda against the council. Fridays communique therefore set out to make clarifications on the situation.

Almost all the business premises (99.99%) in Ndop Municipality including the main market and motor parks are not sealed, said Mayor Ntoh. Only a few shops of suspected adepts of armed/terrorist movements were sealed for violating a Municipal Order banning Operation Ghost Towns owing to its misery and atrocities, after sufficient sensitization of the business community.

The Mayor says all those whose shops were sealed were requested to meet him so they can discuss and have the said premises unsealed. Even without fines where necessary, but they preferred to follow the directives of these armed groups to demonstrate their non-recognition of the authorities.

Ntoh says a vast majority of business persons and transporters violate state authority to the extent of financing the armed men.

His words: Despite the declared tax moratorium by the Mayor of Ndop Council for all businesses and transporters for the rest of 2020 financial year, as accompanying measures of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of economic operators in Ndop have decided not to go operational in solidarity with the calls from these armed gangs and continue to subsidize their activities with the so called support  Amba levies.

The Mayor of Ndop Municipality once more appeals on the civic responsibility of the population, to carry out their normal daily activities unperturbed.

Any person or group of persons, who shall act contrary to the municipal order, shall therefore have themselves to be blamed, warned Ntoh. Any person or group, directly or indirectly indulging in acts or omissions intended to destroy the municipal seals or perturb traffic shall be exposed to administrative and judicial sanctions.
The daughter of Instagram influencer, Ashley Stock, has passed away, just days after her third birthday.

Stevie Lynn Stock, three, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor back in April, which has a 0% survival rate.

Ashley brought her to the hospital after noticing her 'rapidly declining motor function.'

Sad: Stevie Lynn Stock, the three-year-old daughter of social media influencer, Ashley Stock, has died following a six-week battle with a very rare brain cancer

The 35-year-old mom-of-three, shared the devastating news with fans on social media on Friday, and revealed she was there when Stevie took her final breath.

'Stevie Lynn Stock. 3 years old. Seed Planter. Miracle Maker. Light Giver. Heart Healer. Blue eyed, dimpled smile, curly haired forever baby girl. Adored little sister, daughter and friend,' Ashley began on her social media.

'At 1:05pm on May 27th, Stevie took her final breath in our arms. There have been many miracles and countless God moments that I'll put into words when my heart has strength.'

'For now, I'm overwhelmed with relief that she's at peace but I'm also feeling crushed by a pain so intense i can't put it into words. I let it out a bit at a time.'

Tragic news: The mom-of-three, shared the devastating news with fans on social media on Friday, and revealed she was there when Stevie took her final breath

Upsetting: Stevie was diagnosed just six weeks ago after Ashley took her to the doctor when she noticed her little girl's motor function was declining. Stevie is pictured here with a pal

Sharing: Ashley has continued to be incredibly brave, raw and candid with her fans throughout the entire ordeal

What is Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) 'Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are highly aggressive and difficult to treat brain tumors found at the base of the brain.

They are glial tumors, meaning they arise from the brain's glial tissue  tissue made up of cells that help support and protect the brain's neurons.

These tumors are found in an area of the brainstem (the lowest, stem-like part of the brain) called the pons, which controls many of the body's most vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Approximately 300 children are diagnosed with DIPGs each year, usually between the ages of 5 and 9' - Boston Children's Hospital Advertisement

Ashley continued to explain she wasn't letting herself let all her emotions out and if she did she 'didn't know how she could survive.'

'Gentleness has been my most effective approach on grief these last months, gentleness for myself and for all the beloved mourners by my side.'

'We have complete faith in there being a greater purpose of this tragedy (and it's already unfolding through your stories of renewed hope), but unfortunately, faith is not a 'get out of pain free' card, and that's okay.'

She ended the caption: 'I don't know how to do this, so for now we'll continue one day at a time held by the grace of God, the support of loved ones and the prayers of strangers who have become friends.'

Ashley accompanied the devastating message with a sweet photo of Stevie holding a crystal star.

She also added a video of the toddler playing with her puppy just days before her death.

The California resident shared Stevie's diagnosis with fans on April 12, after rushing her to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

'Last night our almost three year old daughter, Stevie was admitted to the hospital due to rapidly declining motor function,' she shared at the time.

The real-time post saw Ashley explain that doctor's had found a large mass on her brain but knew nothing else.

Toddler: Stevie celebrated her third birthday a week before her passing

Turn for the worst: Ashley took Stevie to the hospital on April 12 after noticing she had a 'rapid decline in motor function'

'A level of soul crushing I can't put into words': Ashley has said the process has been made even harder amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meaning only one parent has been allowed to be with Stevie while she was in the hospital

While waiting for answers, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley called not being able to be in the hospital with her husband 'a level of soul crushing she couldn't put into words.'

Two days later, Stevie was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) - a rare form of cancer that has a 0% survival rate. Reports show the median survival time is just nine months from diagnosis.

'We are shattered. Broken. Gutted. Somehow my body continues to produce tears and ugly crying has become my only release,' she penned on April 14.

Family: While resting at home, Stevie has been surrounded by love from all family members and pets. Pictured with her elder brothers, Wesley, 10, and Sawyer, seven

'We will be spending the rest of the week in the hospital to discuss treatments that will make the rest of her life more comfortable. Then we will be headed home where she can be comfortable with her brothers and puppies and we can cherish our sweet girl and heal as a family.'

She ended the heartfelt message with: 'But for now we surrender. We surrender to her prognosis and that which we can't control. We give her the best of everything she needs to be happy and pain free and we teach ourselves and our children how to make these final memories happy ones, ones we can hold onto and cherish, memories that make us smile even if we're smiling through tears.'

Candid: Ashley is known for sharing the good and the bad times in her life with fans online

Three generations: Ashley's mom came down to spend time with her daughter and granddaughter during Stevie's final days. Seen cuddling them both

Ashley and Ben are also the parents to sons, Wesley, 10, and Sawyer, seven.

A recent photo saw the young boys lie down and watch their sister sleeping.

The blogger also thanked her mom earlier in the week for coming to support her during this horrific time.

'Having her here has given me permission to break open in ways that only a mother can pull out of you. Her comfort, the way she makes sandwiches, her familiar smell and her soft back scratching have always been a comfort to my aching soul,' she wrote.

'This video is from a couple days ago, Stevie saving a rare lucid moment to welcome her grandmashe had been waiting for her. Today, Stevie is non responsive but still breathing. We are huddling close to her and filling her with endless love and affirmations that she is cherished, that she will be at peace, that she will be pain free, that we will miss her but we will celebrate her every day for the rest of our lives until we are with her again.'
Already the Minneapolis protests have spread to other cities. On Thursday night, someone fired a gun near a crowd of demonstrators in Denver and more than 40 people were arrested in New York City. Seven people were shot at a protest in Louisville, Ky., where crowds had turned out to demand justice for Breonna Taylor, an unarmed black woman who was shot by police in her own apartment in March.

These demonstrations were sparked by specific instances of police violence, but they also take place in a context of widespread health and economic devastation thats been disproportionately borne by people of color, especially those who are poor. Sociologists have studied collective behavior, urban unrest for decades, and I think its safe to say that the consensus view is that its never just about a precipitating incident that resulted in the unrest, Darnell Hunt, dean of social sciences at U.C.L.A., told me. Its always a collection of factors that make the situation ripe for collective behavior, unrest and mobilization.

Keith Ellison, Minnesotas progressive attorney general, told me that lately, when he goes out walking or running in Minneapolis, he feels a coiled sort of anxiousness ready to spring. Many people, he said, have been cooped up for two months, and so now theyre in a different space and a different place. Theyre restless. Some of them have been unemployed, some of them dont have rent money, and theyre angry, theyre frustrated.

That frustration is likely to build, because the economic ruin from the pandemic is just beginning. In some states, moratoriums on evictions have ended or will soon. The expanded unemployment benefits passed by Congress as part of the CARES Act run out at the end of July. State budgets have been ravaged, and Republicans in Washington have so far refused to come to states aid, meaning well likely soon see painful cutbacks in public jobs and services.

Where people are broke, and there doesnt appear to be any assistance, theres no leadership, theres no clarity about what is going to happen, this creates the conditions for anger, rage, desperation and hopelessness, which can be a very volatile combination, said Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, an assistant professor of African-American studies at Princeton. I would not at all be surprised to see this kind of reaction elsewhere over the course of the next several months.

But if America feels like a tinderbox at the moment, its not just because of pressure coming from the dispossessed. On Wednesday, the journalists Robert Evans and Jason Wilson published a fascinating and disturbing look at the boogaloo movement  an extremely online update of the militia movement  on the investigative website Bellingcat. The boogaloo Bois expect, even hope, that the warmer weather will bring armed confrontations with law enforcement, and will build momentum towards a new civil war in the United States, Evans and Wilson write. They add, In a divided, destabilized post-coronavirus landscape, they could well contribute to widespread violence in the streets of American cities.

The boogaloo movements surreal iconography includes Hawaiian shirts  often mixed with combat gear  and igloos. (The idea is that luau and igloo sound like boogaloo.) People associated with the subculture had a significant presence at the lockdown protests, but some, motivated by hatred of the police and a love of bedlam, took part in the Minneapolis demonstrations as well. (According to Evans and Wilson, while much of boogaloo culture is steeped in white supremacy, theres a very active struggle within some parts of this movement as to whether or not their dreamed-of uprising will be based in bigotry.) Ellison told me he saw boogaloo bois holding a flag with an igloo on it at the Wednesday night protest in Minneapolis.
Many Vietnamese parents would enjoy the emergence of a public school bus system Photo: Ngoc Han

As a mother to two children studying at the Vinschool Green Bay elementary school, Thuy Linh shared that with her tight schedule, she had to sign up for student transit services that cost VND1.2 million ($50) a month for each child.

Linh said that the school bus service saves her family time on ferrying the children to school and picking them up every day. She also feels safer that there are teachers in charge on the bus. However, she also complained about occassional bullying that is largely ignored by the adults.

Linhs concerns are shared by many other parents, because not every school providing shuttle services can ensure the careful monitoring of schoolchildren, especially when these are mostly spontaneous services operating on a basis of co-operation between the schools and transport service providers. However, there is a grievous lack of official regulations or standards for these vehicles and their operation, which allows operators to dip below the standards expected by parents with impunity.

According to statistics from Hanoi Department of Transport, in 2019 there were 17 schools running shuttle services under private contracts, with a total of 879 vehicles picking up and dropping off students. In several cities and provinces, many vehicles are not eligible for transport business and are not accredited for technical safety, but are still used to ferry students.

Last August, the death of a six-year-old boy who was left for nine hours straight on a school bus contracted by Gateway International School in Hanoi horrified parents and education leaders alike. This inevitably raised questions on the actual safety of current shuttle services, and led to a push to organise an official school bus system.

Talking to VIR, Pham Quang Vinh, a parent whose children are attending M.V. Lomonosov in Hanois My Dinh district, said that most parents can only have faith in the schools contract with transport suppliers, while the actual quality of the vehicles remains unknown. Vinh expressed his desire that Vietnam soon develops a public school bus system to address the needs of tens of millions of students at all levels, and to calm the fears of families.

In many other countries, school buses are a separate purpose-built transport system and users actually get a higher discount than on public vehicles. There should be regulations ensuring priority for school buses in traffic, with specific rules and supervisors on the buses, Vinh added.

Parent Thuy Linh stated that she would be willing to let her two children switch to using a public school bus if the system is implemented and provides sufficiently reliable, with good support, even if the fees do not change.

Public school buses would overcome the limitations of the current bus service with longer operating hours, allowing students to participate in more extracurricular activities after school without worrying about getting home. This system would also contribute to reducing congestions during peak hours and the cost will be uniform, avoiding the current disorder in pricing, Linh said.

In addition to voicing concerns about the quality of the current shuttle services, many parents also questioned whether a public service would not deny schools a major source of revenue.

Addressing concerns, a representative of Sky-Line School in Danang said that revenues from the school bus service are very small as schools organise free pickups at certain points in the city, and calling by additional farther stops for a very low fee. Sky-Line School also pledged that it is willing to participate in the public school bus project if the route is optimal for students and covers the schools existing route.

Across the globe, public school buses are nowhere near a new idea. Most famed is the United States with its iconic chunky yellow vehicles and one of the largest purpose-built transportation systems in the world. Though managed and operated by each school district itself, all American school buses share the same prominent colour and are a top priority vehicle in traffic.

Moreover, school buses are subject to strict standards for the vehicles, drivers, and management. For example, buses in the US are equipped with multiple exits, alarm systems, and cameras.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, the government has been imposing laws requiring childcare centres and preschools to install warning devices to prevent children from being left alone on the shuttle.

Along with that, financial support mechanisms and methodical operation also contribute to school buses being trusted by students and parents.

Realising the high potential of a public school bus service, Vietnam has been planning to develop similar projects.

Just recently, the Ministry of Education and Training has proposed introducing a number of regulations on student transportation in the amendments and supplements to the Law on Traffic. Accordingly, student transportation should be considered a special type of system, together with stricter regulations to enhance safety, capacity, and responsibility of related parties such as service providers, drivers, and student supervisors.

Local authorities will need to set up carefully located pick-up and drop-off points for students, and at the same time give priority to school buses in traffic laws in relation to other means of transportation.

Three years ago, Hanoi Department of Education and Training carried out a survey on the need of using school buses upon organising a public system for student transportation. The organiser received more than 270,000 responses from some 350 schools in the city. However, until now plans have yet to be deployed and school buses are still contracted by schools independently.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft looms in the distance at launch complex 39A as American flags flutter in the wind, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 29

SpaceX's historic first crewed mission to the International Space Station was set to proceed as scheduled on Saturday, NASA said, although uncertainty remained over weather conditions.

"We are moving forward with launch today," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said in a tweet. "Weather challenges remain with a 50 percent chance of cancellation."

"Proceeding with countdown today," said SpaceX founder Elon Musk.

Weather forced the postponement on Wednesday of what would have been the first launch of American astronauts from US soil in almost a decade, and the first crewed launch ever by a commercial company.

The Falcon 9 rocket with SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to launch at 3:22 pm Eastern Time (1922 GMT) on Saturday.

The next window, which is determined by the relative positions of the launch site to the space station, is Sunday at 3:00 pm (1900 GMT), and fair weather is predicted.

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken, 49, and Douglas Hurley, 53, former military test pilots who joined the space agency in 2000, are to blast off for the ISS from historic Launch Pad 39A on a two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The same launch pad was used by Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crewmates on their historic 1969 journey to the Moon, as NASA seeks to revive excitement around human space exploration ahead of a planned return to Earth's satellite and then Mars.

The mission comes despite shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with the crew in quarantine for more than two weeks.

NASA has urged crowds to stay away from Cocoa Beach, the traditional viewing spot -- but that did not deter many space fans on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump, who flew in for the previous launch attempt, is expected to attend again.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  The policy against back-riding on motorcycles, also called pillion riding, stays in areas under general community quarantine, the Department of Transportation said Saturday.

Iyong back-ride ng mag-asawa, ang malaking issue ho diyan ay enforcement. Kaya at this time, di pa ina-allow ng DOTr sa motorsiklo kesyo mag-asawa o hindi, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a media briefing.

[The big issue regarding back-riding on motorcycles for married couples is enforcement. So, the DOTr still does not allow this.]

This means that motorcycle taxi services, which many commuters use to skirt bad traffic, will not be allowed to operate for now.

One of the issues is ensuring that the driver and passenger keep enough space from each other to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease, Tugade said.

Two weeks ago, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla urged the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases to allow motorcycle-riding for couples who live together.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas sent a similar appeal to the IATF, with hopes that instead of just the wife or husband, other immediate family members could also be permitted to be pillion passengers.

Pilion riding is seen to decongest public utility vehicles since they can only operate at reduced capacity in areas under GCQ.

Metro Manila, and cities of Cebu and Mandaue will transition to GCQ on June 1 to June 15 after two months of enhanced community quarantine, a more stringent form of restriction.

The rest of Central Visayas and the regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, the province of Pangasinan and cities of Zamboanga and Davao will also be under GCQ, while the rest of the country will be under modified GCQ, the lowest form of quarantine.
In the world of energy geopolitics and economics are closely linked to each other. The exploitation of oil and gas reserves is a major source of income for energy-rich countries and therefore tension and competition. In some cases, its difficult to distinguish whether political or economic goals are being pursued. The Eastern Mediterranean has become a theatre for power politics which has its origin in energy exploration and production activities. Before the current global health crisis erupted, the discovery of major gas fields was exciting news in several capitals across the region. Egypt has already started production at its Zohr field while Israel's Leviathan provides much-needed gas to a country that's been lacking significant energy resources for most of its history. Turkey, however, enviously watched discovery after discovery in the backyard of its political adversaries.

The fraught relations between Ankara and its Greek neighbors makes it difficult to cooperate. Especially Turkeys confrontational diplomatic style has diminished any hopes for rapprochement. Turkeys decision to claim the area between the Greek island of Crete and Cyprus added another reason for contention.

(Click to enlarge)

To make matters worse, Turkish exploration vessels have started drilling for fossil fuels in the contended area. While its reasonable to assume that diminishing demand due to the novel Coronavirus would devastate any plans for deep-sea energy production, Ankara has continued its exploration activities. It is a sign that more is at stake than just energy.

The companies involved in offshore projects within the maritime borders of countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel are mostly Western firms motivated by making a profit. Deep-sea exploration is already an expensive endeavor that is made even worse by dropping prices. Exxon, for example, announced that it's halting all activities in Cypriot waters until September 2021.

Turkey most recent actions in the internationally recognized water of Cyprus provoked strong condemnation from Egypt, France, Greece, and the UAE. Ankara on its turn accused the countries of forming an alliance of evil. The war of words is centered on energy activities, but the composition of the countries shows the presence of ulterior reasons.

According to Harry Tzimitras, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo Cyprus Centre, it never was majorly about energy, what Turkey is doing in the Mediterranean. It is a power projection. And I think what is happing now with the continued presence and drilling of Turkey in the region, it only proves further that it had very little to do with energy.

Ankaras objectives are focused on advancing its position vis-a-vis the other littoral states in what it increasingly views as a zero-sum game. Especially after the deterioration of its relations with Israel and Egypt, the Turkish position has weakened because the country increasingly is being left out of regional cooperation.

Related: Will There Be Another Oil Price War?

The UAEs recent condemnation of Turkeys exploration activities shows that there are overlapping concerns. Especially the demarcation deal on the maritime borders between Turkey and Libya is concerning for certain parties. The UAE has been supporting General Haftar because it suspects the government in Tripoli with having sympathy for the Muslim Brotherhood. The French are equally concerned with Turkeys presence in Libya because it could alter the balance on the battlefield.

Ankaras sea demarcation agreement with Tripoli has managed to link the future of Libya with energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey can increase its military presence in the internationally recognized waters of Greece and Cyprus by involving the Libyan issue. However, the country risks a unified front of multiple opponents in several regions.

Already an unlikely and informal alliance is assembling between various countries. The Eastern Mediterranean states, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel, are unified due to the discovery of significant energy resources. The UAE's is alarmed by the possible resurgence of the Muslim Brotherhood in neighboring countries. France, on the other hand, fears losing its interests in Libya if Ankara can tip the balance in favor of the government in Tripoli. All countries, however, have one thing in common that has brought them together: Turkey.

By Vanand Meliksetian for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute (KNII) on Friday urged the American government to do more to protect the lives of its citizens and ensure, that people do not become victims of unjust law enforcement.



The Institute urges the government of the United States of America, to eliminate all kinds of unjust racism, that make it easy for some people to become victims of unjust law enforcement, Dr Benjamin Anyagre, KNII Executive Director stated in Accra.



Dr Anyagre who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the killing of George Floyd, a 46 year and a father of two by US law enforcement officers, described the incident as an act of cold murder.



This savage act is no different from the cruelty of the slave trade, nor is it different from the lynching of slaves and freed blacks in the Americas, he said.



He likened the incident to the inhumanity of apartheid and all the acts of maltreatment against people of African descent that happens in many parts of the world.



Dr. Anyagre urged the US Government to ensure that the cause of justice was duly served in the case, in order to regain the trust and confidence of the citizenry in the ability of the law enforcement agencies to protect the rights and lives of all US citizens.



We demand that once found guilty, those found to have fouled the law in this case be punished in accordance with their crime, he said.



On Monday, May 25, 2020, which happened to be African Liberation Day, Floyd died on Monday after a white Minneapolis police officer used his knee to pin Floyd's neck to the ground for several minutes.



All four officers involved in the killing have been dismissed so far, while protests keep spreading throughout other states besides Minneapolis over the killing.

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.

Featured Video
Boris Johnson

Britain has accused the EU of wanting to string out Brexit trade talks until the November deadline for an agreement in the hope of making the UK cave in to its demands.

With the latest round of negotiations beginning on Tuesday, Boris Johnson wants to up the pace of the talks after making it clear that he will not extend the transition period and will not budge on sovereignty issues such as fishing rights.

Ministers are anxious to ensure that businesses have as much time as possible to prepare for whatever trading regime is in place when the UKs current arrangements come to an end on December 31.

Their aim is to make significant progress before Mr Johnson holds a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July, at which the Prime Minister will formally reject an offer of an extension.

But there are fears that EU leaders think that by running down the clock Britain will fold at the last minute. Mr Johnson has made clear he will not blink and is prepared to leave the EU without a trade deal if necessary.

A trade deal must be negotiated, translated and presented to the European Parliament by November 26 in order for it to be ratified by the end of the year.

The date coincides with MEPs penultimate plenary session of the year in Strasbourg, with the final one in mid-December coming too late to sign off any deal with the UK.

A UK source close to the negotiations said: We expect next week's round to be constructive and keep the process on track. But then we are going to need things to move forward faster.

We recognise the EU have other important issues on their plate too, as we all do, but they can't just mark time on these talks.

The EU seems to have finally understood we aren't going to move on fundamentals, so they now need to think quickly about how they can find an agreement that reflects this reality."

Until now, the talks have been deadlocked over issues including fishing rights, with the EU insisting its members must maintain similar access to British waters as they currently do, and Mr Johnson stating baldly that it will be up to Britain who fishes in its waters from Jan 1.

Story continues

British officials insist they have been trying to move the talks forward across the board, with EU leaders failing to engage and assuming they can simply turn their attention to it in the autumn.

Senior sources on the British side say that in the previous round of negotiations the EU would not discuss the proposals the UK had tabled, and instead continued to insist on its own unnegotiable positions.

The EU has made similar accusations against the UK; last month its chief negotiator Michel Barnier accused Britain of slowing down discussions on important areas and criticized the UK for failing to commit seriously on fishing, level playing field guarantees on tax, state aid, labour rights and the environment and the governance of the future trading relationship.

It is understood that a letter from the UK chief negotiator David Frost to Mr Barnier, sent on May 21, in which Mr Frost said he was perplexed by the EUs refusal to offer Britain the sort of deal it had offered other countries, sounded the alarm bell for some EU members and made them realise just how risky it could be for the EU to continue marking time.

A senior government source said: What is clear is that the conventional approach will not get us much further. The EU needs to inject some political reality into its approach, and appreciate that they cannot use their usual tactic of delay to drag the talks into the autumn.

October is too late. Our businesses need to know whether there is going to be a trade agreement before then to prepare for the end of transition."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 19:44:46|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BAGHDAD, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Two Iraqi Kurds from the same family were killed on Saturday in a Turkish airstrike in a border area inside the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, a local official said.

The Turkish aircraft in the morning bombarded a village in Deralok district in the northern part of Duhok Province and killed two family members and wounded another person in the village, Sami Oshana, head of the district's administration, said in a statement.

Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes and artillery bombardments against the positions of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq, especially the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the PKK.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. Enditem
The anti-anxiety drug Xanax is among seven existing medicines identified by scientists as possibly being able to block coronavirus, a new study has revealed.

Researches from universities in Barcelona have been searching for existing drugs that can help block the virus that has devastated the world.

They have been looking at certain medicines that could help stop the ability of the virus to replicate inside cells and have listed seven drugs that could help.

Among them is the common anti-anxiety drug Xanax, as well as two others which are already showing promising lab results.

Carprofen and celecoxib, both anti-inflammatory drugs, are the only ones to be tested by researchers, who have warned that more study is required before any of the seven are prescribed.

Most people's immune system can help fight the spread of the infection, but some at risk people can't, leading to the study to find drugs to help.

Researches from universities in Barcelona have been searching for existing drugs that can help block the virus, and have identified common anti-anxiety drug Xanax as being a potential option

The team looked at 6,466 drugs that are already authorised to use, as the world continues its hunt for a coronavirus vaccine

The team looked at 6,466 drugs that are authorised for use, according to science publication Knowridge, looking for ones that could help stop the virus replicating in the body.

The scientists identified seven drugs that could help the body battle against coronavirus, though they cautioned that far more research is required into possible side effects.

The drugs studied include perampanel, carprofen, celecoxib, alprazolam, trovafloxacin, sarafloxacin, and ethyl biscoumacetate.

Alprazolam, or Xanax, is the most commonly used drug in the list.

Ethyl biscoumacetate. meanwhile, is used as an anticoagulant, medicine that helps tackle blood clots.

Trovafloxacin and sarafloxacin are both antibiotics, while perampanel is an antiepileptic.

However, the only drugs tests in labs by the researchers were carprofen and celecoxib, both anti-inflammatory medicines.

The only real difference between these drugs is that the former is for animal use.

The other five drugs could also be tested soon, though researchers warned that there is no proof that Xanax might improve the condition of coronavirus patients or that it can prevent a severe outcome.

AstraZeneca's chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said he believes there will be 'several' Covid vaccines ready for mass-use this year

Speaking at a virtual press conference, the chief executives from the big four pharma companies leading the race for a coronavirus jab said human trials of their vaccines were going 'so far, so good'

The study comes as scientists around the world continues its hunt for a vaccine, or even ways to treat the killer virus.

Multiple coronavirus vaccines could be ready for mass-use by the end of this year, according to a British pharmaceutical giant.

AstraZeneca said it was on track to produce millions of its experimental COVID-19 jab - called AZD1222 - by September.

The jab, developed by scientists at Oxford University, has moved into larger human trials after showing promise in earlier studies.

AstraZeneca's chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said he believed 'several' other vaccines would be ready in the autumn, too.

The Cambridge-based firm announced plans last week to scale up production of the vaccine to a billion doses by mid-2021.

GlaxoSmithKline, headquartered in Brentford, and US drugs giants Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer have also unveiled plans to produce a billion doses of their vaccines next year.
- Over 50 Western Kenyan leaders converged at COTU boss Francis Atwoli's home in Kajiado on Friday, May 29

- Photos shared showed the leaders openly flouted COVID-19 rules

- Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia was also on the spot for hosting a political rally where people did not maintain social distancing

The government has slammed politicians who have become notorious in breaking COVID-19 measures as it urged them to lead by example.

The latest political gathering that sparked outrage was that of a section of over 50 Western Kenya leaders who converged at COTU boss Francis Atwolis Kajiado home on Friday, May 29.

READ ALSO: William Ruto supporters hint at an alliance with Musalia Mudavadi

Health CAS Rashid Aman urged politicians to walk the talk and lead by example on observing COVID-19 measures. Photo: MOH.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Lulu Hassan shows hubby Rashid's stubborn side in hilarious video while serenading a friend

Speaking on Saturday, May 30, during the update of the coronavirus situation in the country, Health CAS Rashid Aman urged political leaders to heed to the Ministry of Health's measures on maintaining social distancing.

"Leaders must walk the talk and lead by example. We cannot we appeal to our people to wear masks in public spaces yet some of us as leaders dont do the same,"

"You are people that citizens of Kenya look up to. We must set example and work with the people in order to achieve intended objective of dealing with this pandemic. We have put in place all necessary measures that it feels are important in dealing with pandemic as painful as they may be,"

Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia (c) was also on the spot for hosting a political rally where people did not maintain social distancing. Photo: Francis Kimemia.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Polisi wamuua mshukiwa wa al-Shabaab na wanawe 2

The meeting at Atwoli's Ildamat home in Kajiado led Kenyans to question why the government did not arrest the politicians leading to the conclusion the rules set were only meant for the poor.

Here were some of the reactions:

"I think this social distancing and avoiding gatherings thing is for a common mwanchi ....how can you allow Atwoli to hold a political meeting which the agenda was not about COVID-19 but about politics?," a netizen Stevo wondered.

"It is time we called out Kenyan political leaders for the fraud they are. They declare a curfew for COVID-19 and demand we obey but they dont. They restrict movement but they are moving freely. They say no succession politics but are politicking. What more lies can they tell us?," LSK President Nelson Havi posed.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

I slept with multiple women, did all sorts of drugs before God changed me - Pastor Chris Chege - TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Mathews Hyundai offers a wide selection of vehicles suitable for recent college graduates.

Right now, many students are graduating from college and entering the workforce. Between working at a part-time gig, attending job interviews, commuting to the office and meeting with clients, it is imperative that college graduates have a reliable vehicle.

Mathews Hyundai offers a huge selection of new Hyundai vehicles, many of which are ideal for recent college graduates. Some of the suggested models include the 2020 Hyundai Elantra and 2020 Hyundai Sonata sedans, along with the 2020 Hyundai Kona, 2020 Hyundai Venue and 2020 Hyundai Tucson crossovers. These vehicles are small and efficient, which makes them ideal for daily commuting in heavy traffic while staying on budget.

In addition to the new Hyundai vehicles, Mathews Hyundai offers an extensive inventory of high-quality used vehicles from numerous imported and domestic brands. There are several styles to choose from, including cars, crossovers, trucks and more. Before being added to the inventory, each vehicle undergoes a multi-point inspection to ensure safety and quality.

To make the chosen vehicle easier on the budget, Mathews Hyundai offers a variety of financing options for college graduates. For new Hyundai vehicles, those options include traditional financing with low APR rates on select models, along with leases with affordable monthly payments and generous annual mileage allowances. Drivers who choose to purchase a used vehicle from Mathews Hyundai can take advantage of traditional financing through the dealership and its partnering lenders.

Anyone interested in shopping for a vehicle at Mathews Hyundai is invited to contact the dealership through its website at http://www.mathewseasthyundai.com or by phone at 833-331-0082. Mathews Hyundai is located at 1793 Marion Mount Gilead Road/Route 95 in Marion.
CNN

The scenes of police brutality and civil strife in Minneapolis hardly cry out for further dystopian spectacle, as one observer put it. And yet one came in the form of an on-air arrest of journalists who appeared to have done nothing more criminal than their job.

Minnesota state troopers in riot gear handcuffed and arrested CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez, producer Bill Kirkos and cameraman Leonel Mendez early Friday as they covered unrest over the latest police killing of an African American man, George Floyd. Because Jimenez was giving a live report, the arrests unfolded chillingly on camera as a stunned anchor narrated: That is an American television reporter ... being led away by police officers. ... For some reason, he was just taken into police custody live on television.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Export of steel from Turkey to Uzbekistan dropped by 51.1 percent from January through April 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 and amounted to $10.3 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend.

In April 2020, steel exports from Turkey to Uzbekistan also decreased by 57.1 percent compared to April 2019, making up slightly over $1.9 million.

From January through April of this year, Turkey exported the steel in the amount of $4 billion to the world markets, which is 18.1 percent less compared to the same period of 2019.

The overall export of steel from Turkey made up 7.8 percent of the country's total export over the reporting period.

In April 2020, Turkey exported the steel in the amount of $903.1 million to the world markets, which is 26.9 percent less compared to the same month of 2019. Meanwhile, Turkeys steel export amounted to 10 percent of the country's total export.

During the last 12 months (from April 2019 through April 2020), Turkey exported the steel in the amount of $12.9 billion.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Earlier this week, Congressman Jim Langevin announced that he will not seek re-election in November, giving Rhode Island its first open seat in over a decade as the veteran politician steps aside following 10 terms in office. Langevin is currently one of 55 members of the House of Representatives with more than 20 years of experience in the role, as he was first sworn in on January 3, 2001. The United States Senate has 16 elected officials who can say the same. With that being said, do you support mandatory term limits for members of Congress? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

You voted:
UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Friday urged the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, immediately stop practices of hegemonism and power politics, and mind their own business, rather than provoking tensions and making troubles everywhere.

Zhang refuted the fallacy on Hong Kong made by the United States, Britain, and some other countries, saying China opposes and completely rejects the baseless remarks made by the United States and Britain.

"The U.S. and the UK, for their own political purposes, have been making unwarranted comments, interfering and obstructing, and attempted to push for an open video conference in the UN Security Council. China expressed strong opposition, and the vast majority of the Council members did not support the U.S. proposal, believing that the Hong Kong-related issues were China's internal affairs and had nothing to do with the mandates of the Security Council. The Security Council rejected the unreasonable request of the U.S., and its attempt failed," said a press release issued by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations.

"Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference. National security legislation for Hong Kong does not constitute any threat to international peace and security. The Council must not get involved in any way," Zhang said.

The third session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's national legislature, on Thursday adopted the Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security.
Oregon child welfare officials said Friday that case workers are searching for a Portland foster child who may be held against her will, possibly in another state.

The Oregon Department of Human Services said Mataya Gearhart, 16, was last seen in Portland Monday and was reported missing Tuesday morning.

Mataya Gearhart, 16, has been missing since Tuesday and is believed to be in danger.Oregon Department of Human Services

DHS said in a statement that case workers believe Mataya is in Seaside, or possibly in southern Oregon or Northern California. They believe she may be with a man named Torry Stewart. The statement said Mataya may be in critical danger.

Jake Sunderland, a spokesman for the agency, declined to say where Mataya was last seen, who last saw her or how she knew Stewart. He also would not say whether Gearhart left on her own or whether she was forcibly taken from Portland.

Child welfare officials asked anyone who sees her or has information about her to call 911 or police.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Cozumel man arrested for sexual abuse of a minor

Cozumel, Q.R.  The State Attorney Generals Office reports that prosecutors from the sexual crimes office were successful in obtaining an arrest warrant for Marco M for sexual abuse to the detriment of a minor victim of reserved identity.

In the initial hearing, the prosecutors accredited the evidence that implicates the now detained in events that occurred on February 7 at a home in the Colonos Cuzamil neighborhood of Cozumel. Marco M will remain in preventive detention pending the definition of his legal situation.
As the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government completed the first year of its second term on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministerial and party colleagues came out with its 'historic achievements', citing big decisions taken by it during the period, while acknowledging the enormity of challenge COVID-19 has posed to the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that with pro-people measures and infrastructure development, Modi has not only prepared a blueprint for making a strong 'new India' but also a self-reliant one for the country's 'golden future', while party president J P Nadda declared that the period will be known for taking tough and big decisions and turning challenges into opportunities.

However, attacking the government on its first anniversary of the second term, the Congress said it was a 'year of disappointment, disastrous management and diabolical pain'.

While senior Congress leader K C Venugopal alleged that the six years of the Modi dispensation have seen fraying of bonds of empathy, fraternity and brotherhood with increase in acts of communal and sectarian violence, party chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said at the end of six years, it appears the government is at war with its people and is inflicting wounds on them, instead of healing them.

Marking the anniversary, the prime minister wrote a letter to the countrymen in which he listed abrogation of Article 370, settlement of the Ram Temple issue, criminalisation of triple talaq and the amendment to the Citizenship Act among the key achievements during his second term, and said his government's decisions in the last year were aimed at fulfilling the dream of making India a global leader.

Asserting that the Modi government in its six years of tenure had corrected many 'historic wrongs', Shah said it has also laid the foundation of a self-reliant India, which is on the road to development.

'I heartily congratulate the country's popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the successful one year of Modi 2.0. It has been full of historic achievements,' Shah tweeted.

His ministry also presented a list of achievements during the last one year, which included proactive action taken to check COVID-19 through a nationwide lockdown, opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor with Pakistan and designation of Maulana Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

Nadda said Modi has given a new direction to the country's democracy with his far-sighted policies, dedication and the spirit of team India, and people's welfare and the country's interest were reflected in every decision of the government.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the prime minister had executed ideological commitments of the BJP with his several decisions, and has enhanced the credibility of our country as well as our party among the masses.

Party leaders also acknowledged the enormity of the COVID-19 crisis, with Nadda speaking of "unimaginable challenges" the government has faced.

He, though, added that the government dealt with the grave issue with bold and timely decisions and noted that the situation in India remains under control, even as big and powerful countries found themselves 'helpless' against the coronavirus.

However, hitting back, the opposition party accused the government of sidestepping Parliament and rendering grassroots elected bodies non-functional under the garb of centralised handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his open letter, Modi also said labourers, migrant workers, artisans and craftsmen in small scale industries, hawkers and such fellow countrymen have undergone tremendous suffering.

"We are working in a united and determined way to alleviate their troubles," he said, asserting that India is on course to victory against the coronavirus.

BJP leaders also mentioned the Supreme Court order paving the way for construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya among the key developments of the year. The Congress always tried to delay a decision on the matter, Nadda said.

In a video conference interaction with the media, the BJP president also slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his criticism of the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Gandhi's understanding of these issues is 'limited' and that his statements are not aimed at addressing the crisis but are all about politics, he said.

BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan said the government in its second term has taken many historic decisions and implemented them with courage and determination.

BJP leaders also highlighted the government's efforts for a self-reliant India and highlighted its Rs 20 lakh crore package for different sections of society in this regard.

Facing criticism from opposition parties over migrants' plight, Nadda said BJP workers across the country have worked to help them while the Congress has only politicised the issue.

The BJP will hold over 2,000 digital rallies across the country to mark the first anniversary of the Modi govternment 2.0, Nadda had said earlier this week.

The Congress also released a set of six 'myths' about the government, highlighting its 'failures' on various fronts and alleging that democracy is under threat under the BJP rule.

The Congress alleged that Modi sold the 'myth of vikas' versus reality of 'Voodoo Modinomics' and its 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' slogan turned out to be 'Mitron ka saath, BJP ka vikas'.

The party said while Modi presented himself as 'pradhan sevak', he actually turned out to be an 'autocratic emperor' and his claim of doubling of farm incomes has turned out to be another myth and he has instead decimated farm economy.

Taking on his 'achche din' slogan, the Congress said the truth is before the people.

The Congress also hit out at the BJP over its strong leadership claim, saying it has turned out to be 'incoherent decision-making' in the government so far.
Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter, has had much to deal with this week - REUTERS / GETTY IMAGES

30.05.2020 LISTEN

Sawing off the branch you sit on can hardly be the best of policies. But that all depends on the nature of the branch. US President Donald Trump has huffed himself into another small historical moment, going on the offensive against social media companies using the very language his faux progressive opponents use against them. All seem to be in agreement on one point: the Silicon Valley giants have become too powerful, runaway monsters in the stakes of high influence. But sharp divergences and attitudes exist on how such companies are to be controlled, let alone disciplined.

The view on how best to chastise such companies come from opposite ends of the information spectrum. For the enraged and the offended, these internet giants should be punished for distributing content created by users who might, for instance, be seen to be glorifying violence or giving truck to the unsavoury. Their view seems to be that humanity cannot be trusted with viewing matter that might, on the off chance, prove dangerously galvanic.

This is the view taken, for instance, by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. One thing is pretty clear to me, he scoldingly told his audience at last years Never Is Now Summit hosted by the Anti-Defamation League. All this hate and violence [in the world] is being facilitated by a handful of internet companies that amount to the greatest propaganda machine in history.

For Baron Cohen and travellers of like mind, the problem in all of this is the protection provided by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The provision confers immunity on internet companies for the use-generated content they host.

For Trump, such companies should be punished for misusing their immunity from prosecution for actually banning or flagging undesirable content or opinions. In short, there should be no limits on the quality or nature of user-content used or posted. For the first Twitter President in history, it was all too bruising to be flagged for content posted on Twitter taking issue with the response to Mondays lethal arrest of George Floyd in Minneapolis. On Friday, Trump tweeted the line, When the looting starts, the shooting starts. It was a phrase Miamis police chief Walter Headley used in 1967 in response to, as reported at the time, a crackdown on  slum hoodlums. He spoke with reassurance for the head-kicking enthusiasts. We dont mind being accused of police brutality.

Trump spruced up that version  slightly. Looting leads to shooting, and thats why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night  or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot. I dont want this to happen, and thats what the expression put out last night means.

Twitter has shown interest in the US president of late. Flagging and hiding Tweets, it also added a fact-check link to one of Trumps messages. All this was simply too much, a lingering, cyber stain. The Executive Order that followed was cranky and a bit confused, taking issue with the wielding of power by internet companies over a vital means of communication to engage in deceptive or pretextual actions stifling free and open debate by censoring certain viewpoints. Accordingly, Section 230 was not intended to allow a handful of companies to grow into titans controlling vital avenues for our national discourse under the guise of promoting open forums for debate, and then to provide those behemoths blanket immunity when they use their power to censor content and silence viewpoints that they dislike. In removing or restricting access to content, such companies were engaged in editorial conduct and would, for that reason, have she shield of immunity removed.

The order is not likely to have much effect. The legal cognoscenti see it has having little bearing, a wasteful act of sinister flatulence. Former Justice Department inspector general Michael Bromwich considered it a hoot. Unlawful and unenforceable. According to Joshua Geltzer, executive director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, it would be hard to make a case that Twitters labels on Trumps tweets fell outside the immunity of section 230. Nor could Trump sue for defamation, given that Trump, not Twitter, added the element of falsity to the affair.

Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University sees the birth of the order as unconstitutional because it was issued in retaliation for Twitters fact-checking of President Trumps tweets. The concern for Jaffer is that the order entails the possibility of intimidation and investigation of internet companies. There may well be regulation, and legislation worth considering in this sphere, but whatever else this order may be, it is not a good faith effort to protect speech online.

What the latest moves have done is precipitate something of a conflict within the usually amoral social media sphere. The titans seem to be in disagreement on how to approach the demagogue in the White House. Do we let him bark and bellow without inhibition, or should some health warning label be attached? Mark Zuckerberg makes Facebooks position disingenuously clear: such companies should not be arbiters of truth. (Unfortunately for the CEO, he expressed that view on a news outlet that often prefers the fictional narrative to the sturdy truthfulness.) Private companies probably shouldnt be, especially these platform companies, shouldnt be in the position of doing that.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey sees it differently. Our intention is to connect the dots of conflicting statements and show the information in dispute so people can judge for themselves. More transparency from us is critical so folks can clearly see the why behind our actions.

Neither CEO should be taken too seriously. Twitter will make its policies as it sees fit (consider, for instance, its righteous civic integrity policy); ditto Facebook. Neither  and here Zuckerberg is right  should be arbiters, but they are. They have shaped, directed, cajoled, mocked and massaged the gullible, the idiotic and the deluded. And for all the fuss being caused by this Order, Facebook it is not considered a serious target. As Ian Bogost and Alex Madrigal insist, the Trump campaign effectively ceded control to Facebook ad-buying machinery in 2016, as it is doing now. Internet boffin Zeynep Tufekci can only agree: the relationship between the president and the Facebook CEO is so smooth that Trump said Zuckerberg congratulated the president for being No.1 on Facebook at a private dinner with him. Time to break bread again.

Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: [email protected]
Coronavirus cases in Tuscaloosa County surged over the past two weeks, more than doubling to 699 as of Friday afternoon, as Tuscaloosa joined a handful of Alabama counties witnessing rapid rise in the second half of May.

Officials with DCH, the regional hospital serving the county and about 11 others, said they are hoping to avoid running out of ICU bed space as the hospital resumes surgeries and coronavirus cases increase.

We are cautiously optimistic, but its a tenuous situation, and it has become increasingly more critical that we monitor the influx and outflow of patients, said hospital spokesman Andy North.

https://www.dchsystem.com/Articles/coronavirus_update_and_health_system_preparations.aspx

Among Alabamas largest counties -- those with more than 200,000 people -- none increased their case load at a higher rate than Tuscaloosa in the past two weeks. Tuscaloosa is the seventh most populous county in the state and now has the fourth most total cases since the start of the pandemic.

State Health Officer Scott Harris said those numbers reflect a rise in cases from institutional settings.

Theres been a slight increase in the number of tests done (in Tuscaloosa County) but theres clearly a hot spot associated with one particular facility, he said, referring to a nursing home.

Forest Manor Health and Rehab nursing home in Northport reports 19 residents and 8 staff members have tested positive.

From the first nationwide cases of COVID-19, Forest Manor has worked tirelessly to beat this terrible disease, the home said in a statement. All of our staff have continued to work tirelessly to support the health, happiness, and wellbeing of our residents

The state-run Mary Stark Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center in Tuscaloosa also reports that 17 patients and 11 staff have tested positive. Two patients have died.

Stemming the spread in the psych ward presents particular challenges, says Malissa Valdes-Hubert, spokeswoman for the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

Its just a close quarters situation, she said of the mostly bed-ridden, largely elderly population at the home.

There is also an outbreak at the jail.

The county sheriffs office reports 21 inmates and one staff member tested positive at the Tuscaloosa County Jail as of Thursday. The jail began testing after an inmate returned from being treated at DCH with a positive COVID-19 test result.

The jail staff continues to take precautions and wear PPE while working in the facility. New inmates have temperatures taken and are being quarantined for 21 days in an evaluation dorm, Public Information Officer Deputy Jessica McDaniel said in a statement.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox says the city is watching the case numbers rise with concern.

He says he believes the hospital can handle the institutional cases, but if the virus moves widely outside of those settings, DCH may be pushed past capacity.

Community spread is when you place your healthcare system in jeopardy, he said, adding that the hospital services surrounding rural counties with a dearth of healthcare infrastructure, an Achilles heel in a pandemic.

In the last few days, Maddox has waged an outreach campaign asking Tuscaloosa residents to wear masks in public, something he says many are not doing, and to encourage businesses to follow social distancing guidelines.

Another variable in the months ahead is the University of Alabama Systems plans for re-opening. Dr. Selwyn Vickers, dean of the UAB School of Medicine and chair of a UA task force on re-opening, said August or September is a possibility.

There will still be social distancing and masks (will be) a part of that reentry platform until we have different biology data around the virus, he said.

If case numbers continue to rise, Tuscaloosa may reinstate a curfew, said Maddox. The previous curfew ended in April. The community has plans with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to set up makeshift hospital space in a worst case scenario, which he believes remains unlikely.

(There are) many ways to create available bed space. I dont think we are anywhere near that threshold, he said.

DCH has repurposed spaces for COVID patient care by removing windows and adding high capacity filtration systems to create negative isolation rooms.

Really, its kind of day-to-day, trying to make sure we have enough, said North, the hospital spokesman, who added that the hospital recently stocked up on ventilators and is doing better with PPE levels than a month ago.

He says DCH is working with area nursing homes to prepare for the safe return of coronavirus patients once they no longer need hospitalization. North said in the meantime, hospital leaders are asking residents to take precautions.

I think the number one thing that the community needs to do is wear a mask when they go out in public, he said. Its a form of respect.

Al.com staff reporters Ramsey Archibald and Anna Claire Vollers contributed to this report.

Updated at 10:27 a.m. Saturday to clarify plans for DCH hospital rooms
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has qualified for a compensation package worth about US$800 million after the electric vehicle company hit certain goals reflecting its rapid growth in recent years.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has qualified for a compensation package worth about US$800 million after the electric vehicle company hit certain goals reflecting its rapid growth in recent years.

Tesla confirmed in a public filing that it awarded Musk the first tranche of a compensation package adopted in 2018. The package ties all of Musks compensation to the companys financial performance. He does not receive a salary.

The company said he had received the right to buy about 1.688 million shares of Tesla stock at a price of US$350.02, which is where the stock was trading when the compensation package was set.

It was not immediately clear whether Musk had yet exercised his options, which would be worth about US$800 million based on Fridays closing price of US$833.12.

Teslas stock price has more than quadrupled over the last 12 months and has more than doubled since his pay package was announced.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

He is required to hold the shares for at least five years, according to the public filing.

Musk owned 20.8 per cent of Tesla as of Dec. 31, a stake worth more than US$31 billion as of Thursday.

He received the latest stock options because Tesla achieved at least US$20 billion in annual revenue, US$100 billion in market capitalization and US$1.5 billion in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

The pay package was designed to reward Musk over time as Tesla grows. It would provide tens of billions of dollars in compensation to Musk if the company achieves all of its financial goals, including its highest goal of a total market value of US$650 billion. The company was worth about US$149 billion as of Thursday.

Musk is also the CEO of Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, which is poised to fly NASA astronauts on one of its rockets to the International Space Station today in a milestone achievement for the company. SpaceX is not publicly traded and is thus not required to report executive compensation.

 USA Today
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially announced the death of its acting director of finance and administration, Ibanga Etang.

Mr Etang died on Thursday in a Port Harcourt hospital, Rivers State.

The NDDC said in a statement on Friday that it delayed the announcement of Mr Etangs passing because it needed to inform the family first.

The statement was signed by the NDDC spokesperson, Charles Odili.

Hours after Mr Etangs death, the NDDC management hurriedly shut down operations at its headquarters in Port Harcourt.

It then directed its workers to go into self-qarantine for two weeks, and the decontamination of its offices and premises, thereby fueling speculations that the director may have died of COVID-19.

In line with fears of the current time, the Commission took the precautionary measure, Mr Odili said. This action does not presuppose the cause of death.

The commission is not aware of the cause of his death as at the time of this release.

Mr Odili added, An autopsy report is being expected and when this is ready, it would be released with the consent of the family.

The NDDC is, therefore, miffed by spurious and uncharitable coloration being championed by mischief makers on the occasion of the demise of Chief Ibanga Bassey Etang, whose untimely death occurred at the early hours of Thursday the 28th of May 2020.

The Commission is on course to issuing a comprehensive fact-based statement in consonance with the bereaved family, but for the unwarranted and unsubstantiated reportage which is flying in devilish propensities.

Mr Etang hailed from Akwa Ibom State.

He had served as the chairman of Esit Eket local government area, Akwa Ibom State, and later as a special assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel before he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

It was from there he was appointed into the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC.

The Akwa Ibom governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, said on Friday that the government and people of the state would require answers to certain questions on the death of Mr Etang.

There will be a time well start asking questions. I am just waiting, Mr Emmanuel said during the inauguration of a 300-bed isolation centre built in Uruan, Akwa Ibom State, by his administration.

READ ALSO:

They rushed to social media and published even the internal memo that they have shut down the (NDDC) office for two weeks, and that he died of COVID-19.

Mr Emmanuel did not mention the late NDDC director by name in his remarks, but it was apparent he was referring to Mr Etang.

I know I am not supposed to say this, but I am the governor of the state and every life of my citizen is important to me, he said before he started talking about the passing of Mr Etang.

Mr Emmanuel said the Akwa Ibom government called the commissioner for health in Rivers State to find out if a COVID-19 test has been conducted on the body and whether the result was out, immediately he read postings on social media that suggested that Mr Etang died of COVID-19.

The result is not out yet, so I dont know how people came by the information that he died of COVID-19.

I am not saying he died or he didnt die of COVID-19. I am waiting for the result. When the result comes out, we will ask questions, certainly. How did they immediately come up with the information when the result of the test was not yet out? Why did they grant interviews everywhere saying it was COVID-19?

There are a lot of questions that are left unanswered in this matter. And I want to say here that we stand for our brother, we stand for the lives of our citizens.

Advertisements



We are monitoring, we are waiting for the result. Once the result comes out, I will let the elders of the state know and then we will decide on what to do. We cant just be keeping quiet. We have told the commissioner if the COVID-19 result comes out negative, they must do autopsy on that body, lets know what happened.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has resulted in dozens of layoffs at the Winnipeg clinic that trains the next generation of dentists and offers cost-reduced dental work for people in the inner city.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The novel coronavirus pandemic has resulted in dozens of layoffs at the Winnipeg clinic that trains the next generation of dentists and offers cost-reduced dental work for people in the inner city.

The University of Manitoba's Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry announced last week administrative and clinic support staff will be laid off, effective June 3.

"We issued temporary layoffs to 62 of our staff members resulting from all teaching dental clinics ceasing regular operations in March, due to the province's declared state of emergency and the Manitoba Dental Association mandated closure of private dental offices except for emergencies," college dean Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis said in a statement Friday.

"Over the next two months, as we prepare for the 2020-21 academic year, (the college) will establish new protocols for the teaching dental clinic operations, protective personal equipment, and infection control protocols to ensure safety of staff, faculty, students and patients to prepare to reopen the teaching dental clinics in late summer/fall," the dean said.

"We are conscious of the impact of our closure on our community of patients, and look forward to welcoming them back."

The college's graduate clinics are normally open to patient care year-round, while the undergraduate clinic is closed to elective patient treatment in the summer.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

The Bannatyne Avenue location provides care for patients at about 50 per cent of the Manitoba Dental Association's fee guide.

Kelekis-Cholakis said while the college will continue online instruction in the fall, it is also planning how to set up operations so it can bring in small groups of students for the hands-on training they need, which is "vital to the clinical practice training of our dental, dental hygiene students, and specialists in training, and to members of the community who rely on us for their oral health needs."

Dr. Marc Mollot, president of the Manitoba Dental Association, said he doesn't know the details of the layoffs, but hopes the college gets the program up and running again in the fall.

"It is important to have a college of dentistry clinic to train the next generation of dentists," Mollot said.

"It has always been a highly-regarded training facility. Access to care for Manitobans is very important, and the MDA considers it a high priority."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
STAMFORD  One of the Stamford Police Departments major crime squads is investigating the death of a Stamford woman after officers were called to a West Main Street apartment at 6 p.m. Friday, police said Saturday.

An autopsy on the unidentified woman was being conducted to determine the manner and cause of death, according to a statement from Lt. Tom Scanlon and Capt. Richard Conklin.
Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., is solidly behind the opposition against the compilation of a new voters' register, stating that the Electoral Commission (EC) should make do with the current register for this year's December elections.



To him, the EC's argument that the old register is not credible cannot be substantiated, because recent comments by the Campaign Manager of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu suggests the old register can be used for the elections.



Mr. Mac Manu, in a response to claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the EC is in cahoots with the NPP to rig the elections for President Nana Akufo-Addo, emphasized at a press conference that the NPP doesn't need the election management body to win the elections.



According to him, the governing party has set a good track record and the President will be given a second term in office based on the good works of his administration.



He also stressed that with or without the new voters' register, the NPP will win the 2020 elections.



Contributing to 'Kokrokoo' on Peace FM, Kwesi Pratt questioned why the NPP is bent on having a new voters' register if indeed the ruling party is confident of a landslide victory in the December polls.



He told host Kwami Sefa Kayi the response by the NPP party's Campaign Manager attests that the old voters' register is credible and there is no need for the EC to compile a new one.



''If we can use the old register for the elections, let's use it. That's all," he asserted.







Mr. Pratt also raised red flags over the EC's decision to use only the Ghana card and passport for the registration exercise, asking why the Commission failed to include the birth certificate which is also a proof of one's nationality and is also accessible to every Ghanaian.To him, many Ghanaians, particularly those in the hinterlands, are not privileged to have a passport nor the Ghana card; thus using these two documents as the only legal requirements for the exercise will deprive a lot of eligible Ghanaians of their voting rights.He therefore advised the EC against their strong-willed decision saying ''as far as I'm concerned, the issue is not even about NDC; it's not about NPP. It's about the right of Ghanaians to vote. That's the main issue. It's not about NDC or NPP. Yes, why? Is the right of Ghanaians to vote about NDC or NPP? It's a right that all Ghanaians above 18 years to vote and we should ensure all the Ghanaians above 18 have the voting right''.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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
Delhi University on Friday released the tentative datesheet for open book examinations for all students on its official website. The date sheet has been released for semester/annual mode July 2020 exams.

According to the datesheet uploaded on the official website of Delhi University, students in the Choice Based Credit System (2015-17) have exams from July 1 to July 11.

For final-semester BSc Honours students of Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and others, exams will be held from July 1. While for BA Honours in English, Hindi, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and others, exams will begin on July 2.

For more details, candidates can check the tentative date sheet by clicking here.

Teachers and student bodies have earlier criticised DUs decision to hold the exams in open-book mode online, terming it discriminatory and unfair. Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) had also said that open-book mode online is not viable for a large University like DU, with its diverse student population.

The teachers body said that open-book examination was very different from the kind of tests DU students are used to and will thus increase the anxiety of large sections of students
South Korean shares are expected to move in a tight range next week amid escalating U.S.-China tensions, analysts said Saturday.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,029.60 points on Friday, up 3 percent from a week ago.

The index closed higher Monday on hopes for an extra stimulus measure and earlier-than-expected development of a coronavirus vaccine.

The KOSPI extended gains on Tuesday, closing above the psychologically significant 2,000-point mark for the first time since March 6, before sliding again on the renewed Sino-American trade dispute.

The two world powers are also haggling over Beijing's passing of a new national security law that is expected to severely undermine the civil liberties of Hong Kong citizens.

The stock index will continue to rest heavily on the development of Sino-American frictions next week, analysts said.

NH Investment & Securities analyst Noh Dong-kil said expectations for economic recovery and additional global stimulus are positive factors for the index.

"But the escalating Sino-American tensions may continue to dent investor sentiment," Noh said.

Hana Financial Investment analyst Kim Yong-koo said despite heavy valuation pressures, the local stock market may move in positive terrain with rollbacks of major economies' lockdowns. (Yonhap)
Leaders of the Oregon Employment Department received a bipartisan grilling Saturday from a legislative committee that repeatedly expressed exasperation at the departments inability to pay tens of thousands of backlogged jobless benefits or communicate with laid-off workers to explain why their benefits havent been paid.

Just before the online hearing began, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden issued an extraordinary call for the resignation of the departments director, describing Oregons dysfunctional jobless claims system in blunt terms.

Simply put, this litany of incompetence and unresponsiveness has hit the breaking point, Wyden said. His staff said they could not recall him ever calling for the resignation of an Oregon state official before.

Although the state, not the federal government, manages Oregons benefits program, the Democratic senators stinging critique of the administration of Oregons Democratic governor puts Gov. Kate Brown on the spot.

Brown, who had been silent on the crisis in the employment department for more than a month, said early Saturday she now expects better results.

If you are waiting for unemployment benefits, I hear your frustration & anxiety. The delays are unacceptable, Brown wrote on Twitter shortly before Wyden issued his statement. She said she has instructed the department to clear the backlog and clearly communicate claim status. My team will not rest until every Oregonian has received what theyre owed.

If you are waiting for unemployment benefits, I hear your frustration & anxiety. The delays are unacceptable. Ive directed @ORemployment to clear the backlog and clearly communicate claim status. My team will not rest until every Oregonian has received what they're owed.  Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) May 30, 2020

Many states have struggled with the unprecedented surge in jobless claims during the coronavirus epidemic. Oregon has fielded more than 440,000 new claims since the middle of March as the states unemployment rate soared to 14.2%, the highest point on record.

Oregon has paid $1.5 billion in jobless claims during the pandemic but several hundred millions of dollars in additional claims remain unpaid.

The employment department has struggled to process and pay jobless claims and, especially, to communicate with workers when claims are backlogged or denied. The employment departments phones are hopelessly overloaded, so its usually impossible for workers to get more information about their claims status.

Im frustrated. I want to move forward with solutions and help to get this thing done, said Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, who chairs the House Committee on Business and Labor. He called for the department to set a one-week deadline for contacting all unpaid claimants.

Its not acceptable for people to be waiting and waiting and only be able to get a busy signal, Holvey said. If thats the situation than wed better be proactively calling them.

His committee summoned employment department director Kay Erickson to the unusual, three-hour session Saturday morning to answer questions. She appeared before the committee Wednesday, too, but gave an hour-long presentation of the history of the jobless benefits program and recent changes.

That left no time for committee members to ask questions or make comments about the current crisis. Exasperated legislators demanded detailed answers Saturday and repeatedly asked Erickson what more her department needs to catch up with its backlog and communicate with claimants.

What we need, really, is experienced workers. Were hiring as rapidly as we can, Erickson said. The department has expanded from around 100 claims processors before the coronavirus outbreak to nearly 700 today, but she said the long training period for the states complex jobless claims system is delaying additional assistance.

Her answers didnt satisfy some lawmakers, who said that even in an extraordinary downturn laid-off workers need better results.

Youve been overwhelmed. Maybe somebody else needs to take over leadership of that department and try to get it up and running, said Rep. Jeff Barker, D-Aloha. He said there is a huge gap between what laid-off workers are receiving and what they deserve.

Its been a couple months, Barker said. Things need to be rolling.

The employment department has nearly 38,000 unprocessed claims but dropped a bombshell at Wednesdays hearing when it reported a separate, previously undisclosed figure  that 200,000 claims filed during the pandemic havent been paid.

On Saturday, and on a press call Friday, the department sought to explain that many of those claims are duplicates and many others are either ineligible for benefits, havent filed for payments or are in the process of being paid.

However, the department acknowledged on Friday and Saturday that it really doesnt know how much it still owes  or to how many workers. For example, the state said Friday it has no idea has no idea how many self-employed workers have filed for benefits under a benefits program expansion Congress authorized in March.

The number is in the tens of thousands, the department said, but it doesnt know whether the total number of self-employed workers waiting for benefits is closer to 20,000 or 100,000.

Underlying all the states problems is an antiquated computer system that dates to the 1990s. The system is rigid and inflexible, requiring claims processors to fix many errors manually. Its difficult to adapt, too, which has hamstrung the states efforts to handle the extraordinary claims volume or to adapt to recent changes in the benefits program.

The department said Saturday it takes 10 weeks to adjudicate problematic claims.

The state received nearly $86 million in federal funds 11 years ago to upgrade the system, but it hasnt taken place despite a succession of state audits that warned the employment departments computers werent prepared for the next recession and corresponding rise in jobless claims.

On Saturday, Erickson said upgrading the system has been a priority since she took over the department in 2016. The upgrade is currently scheduled to be complete in 2025.

We have made great progress considering the complexity of replacing a mainframe infrastructure, Erickson said. Replacing systems of this size takes years of planning and years to implement.

Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, said the employment departments current crisis is the result of long-deferred upgrades that could have prepared the state for the extraordinary number of jobless claims.

The blame belongs in the priorities and the decision making leading up to the overwhelming of the employment department, Boshart Davis said.

-- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway |

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Christopher Turner pled guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and commission of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony (with no prior) on Friday morning in Hamilton County Criminal Court.

The charges stem from the murder of Jamichael Eddins in February, 2018.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Coyle said Turner received a total prison sentence of nine years as a Range 1 Offender.
A special court could not hear the bail plea of Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu on Saturday as the prosecution failed to produce the case diary even ten days after he was arrested for alleged forgery of documents of buses meant for ferrying stranded migrants, the party said.

The special court for cases involving MPs and MLAs has postponed the hearing to June 1.

"The hearing...has been postponed. The next date of hearing is Monday. The case diary was not produced before the court, as a result arguments could not be made," UP Congress media convenor Lalan Kumar told PTI.

Hitting out at the BJP dispensation in the state, Lalan Kumar said, "The government is deliberately delaying the hearing, and wants to scuttle the voice of a leader like Ajay Kumar Lallu, who fights for the poor, farmers, downtrodden and the oppressed."

Lallu was arrested on May 20 on allegations that he provided false documents regarding buses for ferrying migrant workers back to Uttar Pradesh during the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

He was arrested twice on that day  first in Agra for sitting on a dharna against the Yogi Adityanath administration for not granting permission for the buses, arranged for the migrants by the Congress, to enter the state.

He was granted bail by an Agra court and released, but was arrested again there in connection with another case filed in Lucknow regarding forgery of documents of buses.
Libreville:

Gabons opposition leader said security forces killed two people and hurt 19 in a raid against his headquarters today, as violence erupted after President Ali Bongo was declared the winner of disputed polls.

Thousands of angry protesters poured onto the streets of Libreville late Wednesday, accusing the government of stealing the election after Bongo won a second term by a razor-thin margin over rival Jean Ping.

Gunfire crackled across the city and plumes of smoke billowed from the torched parliament building as protesters clashed with heavily armed security forces.

Police deployed near the parliament building fired tear gas canisters today to stop people gathering there.

As the country descended into chaos, the EU called for calm, former colonial power France urged maximum restraint and Amnesty International warned against excessive force.

By mid-morning today, security forces had sealed off the city centre, which was calm and otherwise deserted, and were making arrests around the opposition headquarters, AFP journalists said.

Two trucks packed with dozens of detainees who raised their fists and chanted the national anthem were seen being driven off for questioning, they said.

Police chief Jean-Thierry Oye Zue told AFP that more than 200 people had been arrested across town for looting. He said looting was currently continuing in the poorer districts. Telephone and internet communications were cut.

It was not immediately clear where Pinga veteran diplomat and former top African Union official who had earlier declared himself the poll winnerhad taken refuge.

The parliament buildings facade was blackened by fire and its windows were smashed. Protesters had torn down its huge main gate and torched a sentry box at the entrance.

On the citys main artery, the Boulevard Triomphalthe location of numerous government institutions and foreign embassiesburnt-out buildings and cars could be seen, while makeshift barricades were still smouldering.

Security forces had surrounded the opposition headquarters overnight and stormed the building, killing two and injuring more than a dozen there, Ping told AFP.

They attacked around 1:00 am (0000 GMT). It is the Republican Guard. They were bombarding with helicopters and then they attacked on the ground. There are 19 people injured, some of them very seriously, said Ping, who was not himself at the party headquarters.

The president of the opposition National Union party, Zacharie Myboto, who was inside the besieged building, said security forces were hurling tear gas canisters and had opened fire.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
To mask, or not to mask?

That is the question several Hamilton grocers  and grocers everywhere, really  have had to address for customers whose conception of the typical shop experience has been upended amid COVID-19.

Canadas public health experts have fully recommended people wear non-medical face masks if they arent sure they will be able to keep their distance from others, but the jury is still out in the grocery sector.

Of the citys 12 mainstream grocers, five either require or recommend the use of masks, while the remaining seven dont have mention of it in their coronavirus store policies.

Heres a primer of what you can expect at some of Hamiltons food and beverage retailers.

Costco

The membership-only wholesale grocer  which has location in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville  rejigged its COVID-19 store policy this week to recommend masks or face coverings for customers and guests.

The nonmandatory recommendation does not apply to children under the age of two or individuals unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition.

Costco is also handing out free paper masks for customers and guests who do not have one.

Shoppers Drug Mart

Despite citing public health opinion to wear a mask in public on its website, Shopperss COVID-19 store policy does not currently mention any requirement of face coverings at its locations.

Sobeys and FreshCo

The supermarket chain grocers have yet to require or recommend masks for its shoppers. Both have implemented in-store customer limits to allow for proper social distancing.

Whole Foods

One of the first grocer chains to enforce the measure, Whole Foods began requiring customers to don face masks in early May. The chain also offers masks at no cost to customers upon entry.

Metro and Food Basics

Metro, which is also the parent company of Food Basics, recently began recommending customers wear masks while shopping. The measure is not mandatory. Distancing measures are in place.

LCBO

The liquor retailer does not require masks at its store location, though staff are provided with face shields while serving customers.

Walmart

Walmart Canada does not require masks for shopper entry. Customer capacity is being enforced to allow for proper social distancing.

Beer Store

While theres no requirement for masks at the Beer Store, the chain does advise customers on its website to be prepared to briefly remove a face covering at the request of a cashier confirming ID.

Longos

As of May 4, Longos began requiring face covers for customers. Shoppers who forgot a mask or dont have one are encouraged to contact a staff member upon entry.

Fortinos, No Frills and Superstore

The Loblaw-owned grocers do not require masks, although there are distancing measures in place.

Read more about:
This incredible image shows a home left teetering over a 70ft drop after a large landslide sent a cliff tumbling into the sea.

Firefighters in Kent were forced to evacuate 20 homes overnight after the 'significant collapse' at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey at 10pm on Friday

One home in the coastal retreat of Surf Crescent was described as left 'hanging' over the cliff edge with two households still forbidden to return to their properties on Saturday evening.

One occupant Emma Tullett told Kent Live how her home was 'about to fall over the cliff edge'.

Residents in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey had to be evacuated from their homes after a cliff suddenly collapsed on Friday night, putting properties in immediate danger

One distressed resident described one of the properties 'hanging' off the edge of the cliffside

Malcolm Newell, who also lives locally, said he first warned authorities in 2015 that action was needed to prevent further erosion.

He told the BBC: 'This should have been dealt with a long time ago.

'It's not right to have people's home and their livelihoods falling into the sea.'

One house on the outermost edge of the residential area remains in the firing line - and people are now protected from getting too close by a metal gate and a police cordon.

A small sign at the foot of the fence warns of danger ahead and stops anyone from getting into the house.

Eastchurch, Kent. Photo from 2009. Part of the Sheppey cliffs have collapsed overnight at Eastchurch, leading to evacuation of 20 properties

The surrounding area has been closed by local authorities, with footpaths now blocked off and large parts of the beach below inaccessible

Just a short distance ahead is the cliff's new edge, which now juts inwards and gives a frighteningly steep view down toward the sea.

The residents of the affected house have been offered emergency accommodation by Swale Borough Council.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Around 20 homes were quickly and safely evacuated as a precaution and the occupants were placed into a temporary welfare centre set up in New Road Residents Community Centre.

They added: 'Firefighters arrived at the scene to find a large section of the cliff edge had fallen away, leaving a number of properties at potential risk.

'Members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area due to the direct danger of further cliff collapse.'

A Google map view shows how close the residential area, known as Surf Cresent, sits to the sea below the cliffs

Kent Police and the local coastguard also attended the scene, with large parts of the beach being completely shut off in the aftermath.

Footpaths in the general area have also been cordoned off, as local services bid to start a safety and clean up operation.

There were no injuries and those evacuated from their homes were given shelter overnight at New Road Residents Community Centre.

Swale Borough Council has since returned most of the residents to their homes - though two entire households are not yet able to go back and are still awaiting further action.

One of the two households have been relocated to a house in Sittingbourne as temporary accommodation, the council have said.

Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of Swale Borough Council, said: 'This is shocking news, and we will do all we can to help people.

'Along with our own officers, I would like to thank Kent Fire and Rescue Services, Kent Police, HM Coastguard and the utility services as well as our own council officers for their prompt response and trustees from the New Road Community Centre for their help in temporarily accommodating the affected families overnight.'
India is staring at yet another year of double-digit decline in sales if the first two months of the year are an indicator. There is a pressing need for a government intervention without which demand is unlikely to come back on track anytime sooner. More on this later in the copy but here are all the stories that made headlines during the week in the auto space.

India no more the biggest market for Honda 2W

India is no more Hondas biggest two-wheeler market. Indonesia has emerged as the leader. Challenging market conditions made two-wheeler operations of Honda India lose the top position in the world to its fellow Asian for the first time in four years.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the countrys second-largest two-wheeler maker, clocked sales of 4.7 million units in FY20 as against sales of 4.85 million units clocked by P.T Astra Honda Motor, Indonesias largest two-wheeler manufacturer.

Mercedes to go-ahead with 10 launches

Wide shutdown of key markets and expected meltdown in demand notwithstanding, India's biggest luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz will go ahead with its planned ten launches for the year, a top company official said.

The company on May 27 launched the fifth and sixth launch of the year, C 63 AMG Coupe and the AMG GT R, priced at Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 2.48 crore (ex-showroom), respectively.

TVS Motor Company readies capex of Rs 300 crore

Chennai-based two and three-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company has set aside Rs 300 crore capital expenditure (capex) for FY21 on the hope of a demand revival in the domestic market in the coming months.

This is the lowest capex lined up by TVS in five years and less than half compared to last year when it spent Rs 719 crore including on new product development.

Daimler to invest Rs 2,277 crore

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Tamil Nadu, to invest Rs 2,277 crore to expand production capacity a well as for new products.

The expansion will be done at the Oragadam plant which manufacturers trucks in the range 9 to 55 tonnes. This investment will create approximately 400 jobs, DICV said in a statement.

Auto industry to see double digit decline: CRISIL

The domestic automobile industry is headed for another year of double-digit sales decline this fiscal, given the extended lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, CRISIL Research said on Thursday.

Overall sales volume would plunge to multi-year lows, with sales of both passenger and commercial vehicles reaching fiscal 2010 levels, it said.

Ceat cuts capex by Rs 250 crore

Ceat, India's fourth-largest tyre maker, has slashed its capital expenditure to Rs 500 crore, down from the previously outlined Rs 750 crore for FY21, as cash conservation gets top priority in the slowdown-hit automobile industry.

Ceat joins companies like Apollo Tyres, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Company and Maruti Suzuki in cutting down their capex amount aggressively for the current year. Some of these companies have also postponed commissioning of new production plants

Auto companies in other countries get a helping hand

On May 26 French president Emmanuel Macron announced an $8.8 billion aid package for the countrys struggling auto industry which has seen sales stagnation and job losses in huge numbers. Homegrown brands like PSA and Renault stand to benefit from the package.

Angela Merkel-led Germany is scouting for ways including offering direct incentive to car buyers, tax breaks and lower energy costs for manufacturers to help the auto industry tide over the crisis.

Italy is offering a government-backed credit facility of $6.9 billion to Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler which is set to be the single biggest in Europe ever. Other companies in Europe and the US are also pursuing bailout packages for the auto sector.

Back home in India though the auto industry is still awaiting measures that were promised by the government leave alone a bail-out package or creation of incentive-based demand.

The scrappage policy, for instance, has been in the works for more than two years and is yet to be rolled out. Spearheaded by transport minister Nitin Gadkari the policy aims to get rid of old polluting vehicles trucks and buses on Indian roads by offering incentives to the buyer.

The government aimed at boosting adoption of electric cars by replacing all petrol/diesel/CNG driven vehicle by battery electric vehicles (EV). However there have been no new orders from the government for electric cars after the first order of 10,000 EVs placed in early 2017. In fact the first order was later scaled down to just 3,000 cars.

The Rs 20 lakh crore aid package announced by the government offered nothing specific to the auto industry though there were heightened expectations of cutting down of goods and service tax (GST) by 10 percent for a limited period until the fundamental demand kick in.

Passenger vehicle sales and production came to a naught in April, a first ever for the automotive industry, as the national lockdown was brought in force before the beginning of the final week of March.

Auto companies are unable to run their plants at desired levels due to supply constraints of parts and manpower. Weak retail demand due and restrictions at sea ports for vehicle exports have also kept production low.

Governments of several countries agreed to pay certain high percentage of the wage bill to the workers for the number of days the manufacturing plant remained shut due to the lockdown.

Italy, for instance, is paying 80 percent of the labour cost while Germany is paying 70 percent. The Spanish government is paying 35-40 percent of the labour costs. This is paid for the number of days the employee has not worked.
Leave no stone unturned

Its where the maggots hide

Get a whip and lash the waves

We have to turn the tide.

Pride comes before a fall

Was Humpty Dumpty proud?

Or was he just a grinning egg

Perched high above the crowd?

 From Sitafications by Bachchoo

When Boris Johnson moved into 10 Downing Street, he hired one Dominic Cummings as his chief adviser, a post which would give him more clout over policy than any minister. Dombo set out to recruit a team and specified that they should be weirdos, eccentrics and without expertise in anything. He wanted a force to fight the civil service, the bastion against eccentricity.

When I heard of this call, gentle reader, I became expectantly excited. Any minute now the phone would ring and I would be invited into Downing Street and be introduced to Boris Johnson. I would, of course, confess that I already knew Mr Johnson and had even once introduced him to an infamous serial killer. Perhaps my acquaintance with the PM would strengthen Dombos resolve to hire me and entrust me with the formulation of some dynamic eccentric policies.

I was hence looking forward to overruling the idiocies of the home secretary, Priti Patel, who recently gave an interview on TV insisting several times that the government were going to vigorously combat counter-terrorism. She had all these plans ready to combat counter-terrorism. So, when my feet were firmly under the table at 10 Downing Street, I would inform Boris that siding with terrorists was not a good idea and that the police and MI6 ought to combat terrorism and not eliminate counter-terrorism.

I was also looking forward to cancelling chancellor Rishi Sunaks plans to hand over millions of pounds of tax-payers money to billionaires who had registered themselves in tax-dodging havens. Id have to be careful: Boris party depends to a large extent on donations from tax-dodgers. Where would democracy be without them?

Then, as the days passed and I waited with my phone switched on and under my pillow, for Mr Cummings call, it struck me that the last thing I should boast about was my established acquaintance with the Prime Minister. Dombo might feel threatened by that connection and wouldnt want anyone closer to BoJo than he was.

One of the first people this Cummings wished to appoint was denounced in the press as an unsavoury racist and, though that wouldnt have been an impediment to his assisting this government, the public outcry nullified the appointment.

And now, gentle reader, my prospects for this top job, joining the team of weirdos and people who are adept at thinking the obvious  and passing it off as a stroke of genius  are fast fading. This is because Dominic is in deep trouble being, as we Brits say, up the unsavoury creek without a paddle. He may have been just about to call me when misfortune distracted his attention.

Let me explain: the government has issued rules and regulations, enforceable by police, to the general public to combat the rising number of deaths owing to Covid-19. The rules state that if you have symptoms you should not leave your home or even your bed, unless its to be conveyed to hospital. The rules, possibly overseen by Dombo himself, say that the only journeys one is allowed to undertake are for sustenance, exercise, medicines or to go to work as an essential worker  nurses, doctors, carers, dustmen, police, fire service workers etc.

Dombo didnt stick to these rules. He travelled with his wife and child 260 miles to Durham on his mothers birthday. Then he was spotted, again with his wife on her birthday, visiting a tourist spot 25 miles outside Durham. Excusing himself on TV, he denied believing that the rules that kept children from seeing or looking after sick parents, didnt apply to him. He had broken no rule by arrogantly travelling how and when he pleased. His excuses were pathetic and contradictory. He said he took his wife on the journey because she had symptoms of Covid-19. He travelled to the holiday spot to test his eyesight. Right!

Newspapers reflected the huge outcry demanding his resignation. Boris Johnson and other ministers said Dombo had not broken any rules and must stay on. Nevertheless, the call from the Opposition parties and from sections of his own party and from the public and media for him to get lost, are this week the clamour of the country.

Boris refuses, categorically, to dismiss Dombo or accept his resignation. Some say this is because, despite the widespread outrage, he needs Dombo to initiate policies because he himself has none. It may be that BoJo has no idea how to govern the country, but the mystery is why he relies on Dombo to fill that gap. The only thing Dominic Cummings reputation for being an acute mind rests on is his perception that the British public would, even if threatened with the slaughter of their firstborn, vote to keep foreigners out  in a referendum and in a general election. I cant see whats clever about that. Its as obvious a fact as the sun rising in the morning.

But Dombo has built this entire illusionary career out of articulating it.

Obviously, when Dombo is projected out of Downing Street, BoJo will need a replacement. If he is looking for someone who believes that the British public will, if given the choice, vote to keep foreigners out, then he neednt look very far. Even before the referendum I knew that the xenophobes would support keeping foreigners out. Like Dombo, I dont wear a suit or even a tie on most occasions. I am not a member of any political party and acquired a slight reputation for eccentricity when I invented Marmite lassi.

I am also ready to speak truth to power  mainly to the policies of this government. Ich Dien  I am willing to serve.
A coalition of African traditional religion practitioners in the country, has called on government to institute a public holiday in honour of the faith, just as has been done to Christians and Muslims.



According to the group, led by New Gavriel Enlightenment Traditional Church, traditional religion deserves such consideration since it was recognised by the 1992 Constitution.



Article 21(a) and (c) of the 1992 Constitution provides respectively that all persons shall have the right to: freedom of thought, conscience and belief, which shall include academic freedom and [the] freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.



This according to the founder and leader of the Church, Torgbui Anaglasi required the state to give equal recognition to all faiths including traditional religion.



Torgbui Anaglasi, made the appeal at a press briefing held at Somanya in the Eastern Region on Wednesday.



He explained that on July 9 and 10 every year, deities all over the world embarked on a journey to the spiritual realm to account for their deed to the Supreme Being as a result; it would be the ideal period for the practitioners to showcase their deities.



Deities all the over the world embark on a journey to the spiritual realm to render accounts to the Supreme Being upon which they are further fortified to continue saving human lives as such must be celebrated after a successful journey he added.



The day, he explained if instituted, would bring practitioners together to impact the new generation the true importance of traditional practices and customs, which are sacred and devoid of criminal activities.



Torgbui Anaglasi expressed regret that some practitioners or fetish priests were engaging in acts that dragged the name of the religion into disrepute.



He said no true practitioner or fetish priest must shed or pour human blood; this cannot be accepted as true practice of tradition. As fetish priests we are to heal with herbs and spirit and to protect lives, not to take lives.



Torgbui Anaglasi advised practitioners not to consider money more than human life, and urged them to help expose those destroying the noble and humble practice of the religion.



He advocated stiffer punishment for people engaging in criminal activities in the name of the African traditional religion, and appealed to the public to refrain from lumping all traditional practices as evil and also stop casting a slur on their families as they may end up accusing the wrong people .



He stressed we have the Atigali, Nana Tongo, Kpakpaklidi, Azor, Kwaku, Alafia, Brekudi and many more with each knowing how to practice and worship, and do not kill human beings,



Torgbui Anaglasi cautioned the public against the get rich quick attitude in order not to fall prey to swindlers and magicians who parade as fetish priests.



He urged the National Communication Authority to promulgate a law to ban money doubling scenes being displayed on television stations adding We are calling on managers and owners of media houses not to allow money to rule their conscience but be guided by patriotism, love for fellow human and most likely the vulnerable, he added.



Torgbui Anaglasi said a team would be dispatched to Kyebi to plead with the Over Lord of the Akyem Traditional Area, Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, to reconsider his decision to close down all shrines under his jurisdiction.



He, however, said the Okyehene is right in taking that decision, but we have to plead for him to temper justice with mercy because he may or would end up throwing all of us including the good ones away.

Source: The Ghanaian Times









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
I was tested for COVID-19 Saturday morning.

I wasn't the only one, though. I was among a steady stream of people in vehicles at Dow Diamond in Midland taking part in the Michigan National Guard's drive-through mobile testing clinic for coronavirus. Our local health director Fred Yanoski requested public testing, free and open to everyone, in order to determine the health of our community after the flood.

The line of cars was steady early in the clinic, which continues Saturday through 5 p.m. and again from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Dow Diamond, 825 E. Main St. in Midland. People are asked to enter off of Buttles. The testing is available to everyone, whether symptomatic or not.

Tests are free, and anyone can get one, even if you're not in a vehicle. While I was waiting Saturday, I saw a woman ride up on her bicycle and an older couple walking to the site. Everyone will be accommodated.

I decided to get tested Thursday when I first learned the clinic would happen.

I have been abiding by the stay-at-home order, pretty much only going to the grocery or convenience store and an occasional take-out meal. My daughter has stopped over a few times and we've practiced social distancing. I've been working from home  my office with a view is my kitchen table  since mid March.

But when the Edenville Dam broke, I had to evacuate my house, no longer able to stay at home. I stayed for two days with two family members, who both work at essential jobs in the community. My small circle of exposure to people became a little larger.

My house remained dry but others in my neighborhood weren't so fortunate. I also did some reporting at flood sites and wore my mask and tried to stay six feet away but sometimes that wasn't possible. My circle of exposure to people became even larger.

And my decision to get tested was bolstered when, during an interview with Yanoski, he said, "It is for the good of all of us and not just for the health of the individual."

Yanoski told me the mass testing was a proactive move as Midland County for the last three weeks or so has seen its positive coronavirus tests stem from people they already were monitoring or who were part of a previous cluster. In other words, they knew how the person was infected and they weren't cases of unknown transmission.

He said risks are higher now because of the flood. People have been forced to be together in shelters or in other households and there have been lots of first responders and volunteers from far and near trying to help out. Mitigation practices including social distancing and mask wearing probably have gone by the wayside in the urgency of the flood and its aftermath, which is understandable.

Midland official urges everyone to get tested

So, here I was at Dow Diamond Saturday morning waiting to be tested.

I'll get to what everyone probably wants to know. It was a deep nasal swab. And that's the part that worried me.

My window rolled down, I was asked to pull down my mask and tilt my head back. I felt the swab rest against something up there. It burned a bit, but it wasn't painful. It was uncomfortable, yes. And just when I wanted to say "take it out," it was out. And I was done.

I was a little teary-eyed and my nose was running a bit.

I checked the clock and it was 11:27 a.m.

Less than a half hour earlier, I was pulling into Dow Diamond to get my test. There were cars already in three lines as well as cars waiting to get into those lines.

There were three stations set up for the public and another one for first responders and emergency personnel as they might be on duty and need their tests done as quickly as possible.

As I waited in line with my mask on, a friendly health department nurse, dressed in a long plastic covering, face shield, gloves and face mask asked for my driver's license. She needed basic information, including my name, address, phone number and birth date. She asked about my general health.

She asked for my consent for the test. She explained the test will be sent to the National Guard lab and it would be two to five days for test results to come back. If I tested positive, I would be called and instructed on what to do. If I tested negative, I would receive a letter. She gave me a lab report to give to the actual testing station and an informational sheet about coronavirus.

I pulled up to the station, a blue tent with a table and several members of the Michigan National Guard and the test person, who wore a white protective jumpsuit and protective gear. She was friendly. Within less than a minute, my was test done. I pulled away from the station and was on my way to get groceries.

Lori Qualls is managing editor of the Daily News.
A new console generation is just around the corner, and with it comes a new battle over whose strategy is better, and which one better serves gamers. Earlier, Sony announced an event next week where it will show off the future of gaming on PlayStation 5. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan, the outlet suggested One way to keep PS4 users engaged would be to make upcoming PS5 games playable on the older machine, just like Microsoft is proposing with its Xbox Series X games being playable on Xbox One.

We have always said that we believe in generations. We believe that when you go to all the trouble of creating a next-gen console, that it should include features and benefits that the previous generation does not include. SIE CEO Jim Ryan

Ryan responded by taking aim at the Xbox plan to have titles and accessories that work across generations, saying We believe that when you go to all the trouble of creating a next-gen console, that it should include features and benefits that the previous generation does not include. And that, in our view, people should make games that can make the most of those features. We do believe in generations, and whether it's the DualSense controller, whether it's the 3D audio, whether it's the multiple ways that the SSD can be used... we are thinking that it is time to give the PlayStation community something new, something different, that can really only be enjoyed on PS5.

The Xbox team heard the suggestion that games on their platform might not take advantage of new-gen features to provide a new experience, and Xbox Games Marketing exec Aaron Greenberg tweeted Generations of games that play on latest HW taking advantage of next-gen innovation offering more choice, value & variety than any console launch ever. All our Studios titles launch into Game Pass & you get those next-gen game upgrades for free. That follows Phil Spencers December blog post that said: Building on our compatibility promise, with Xbox Series X were also investing in consumer-friendly pathways to game ownership across generations. Leading the way with our first-party titles including Halo Infinite in 2020, were committed to ensuring that games from Xbox Game Studios support cross-generation entitlements and that your Achievements and game saves are shared across devices.

Xbox believes in generations. Generations of games that play on latest HW taking advantage of next-gen innovation offering more choice, value & variety than any console launch ever. All our Studios titles launch into Game Pass & you get those next-gen game upgrades for free.  Aaron Greenberg  (@aarongreenberg) May 29, 2020

Highlighting its generations of compatible titles and Smart Delivery setup that will download the right version for your hardware in comparison to Sonys still-murky plans for compatibility is especially timely. Eurogamer reports Sony has told PS4 developers that all games submitted after July 13th must be PS5 compatible, with all the same features available that players experience on PS4.

Its pretty light for a console battle, although it could get more interesting once we see some real next-gen exclusive games, find out how much these boxes will cost, or even get the slightest glimpse at the PlayStation 5. The PS5 is pushing the DualSense controller as a major differentiating factor, and wed hope its a bit more relevant to gameplay than the DualShock 4 touchpad has been. Of course, Xbox cant really talk there  many of those Kinects that shipped with every Xbox One launch console never saw much use either.
You are here: Business

Didi Chuxing, the Chinese ride-hailing service, said Friday that it has raised 500 million U.S. dollars for its autonomous vehicle business from an investment group led by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank.

The investment will help advance the development and deployment of automated vehicles in Didi's ride-hailing fleets.

This has been the largest single overseas financing obtained by the autonomous vehicle business of Didi Chuxing, since it was upgraded from a department to a registered firm in August 2019.

The company has been operating test vehicles in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou and in the state of California in the United States.
LOS ANGELESEven as sex workers in many other countries remain at the back of the line to resume business after the coronavirus-related lockdowns, in Switzerland, providers of erotic services are preparing to get back to work on June 6.

Sex work has been legal in Switzerland since 1942, but due to the worldwide pandemic, the country placed a temporary ban on sex-worker activities starting on March 16. But the countrys government announced on Wednesday that the ban will be lifted  and strip clubs may also reopen at the same time, according to a report by Forbes.com.

In the Netherlands, legal brothels must remain idle at least until September but restaurants, bars, and similar businesses involving large numbers of people in close proximity have been permitted to resume. But in Switzerland, where restaurants have been open for several weeks, sex workers will be back on the job but close-proximity activities such as ballroom dancing, Schwingen (a Swiss style of wrestling), and judo remain on hold for at least another month.

As AVN has reported, however, the Swiss government has imposed some unusual conditions on sex workers who resume work  in addition to banning sex with more than one partner, as well as facial contact such as kissing, there must be a distance of at least one forearm between the heads of the two people," according to the govermnent regulations.

Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset acknowledged that the guidelines will make doing their jobs awkward for sex workers.

"I am well aware of the bizarre aspect of my answer, Berset told a press conference this week, as quoted by Forbes.com.

The guidelines also require that if sexual services are provided in cars, the vehicle must keep the windows open for at least 10 minutes, and the sex worker involved is responsible for recording the vehicles registration number.

Switzerland has been among the leading European countries in containing the coronavirus pandemic, with 222 deaths per one million population, compared to 346 per million in the Netherlands, 431 for Sweden, and 562 in the United Kingdom.

In his announcement this week, Berset admitted that "erotic services could have resumed earlier" in Switzerland.

Photo By Christophe Schindler / Pixabay
Oregon lawmakers plan to press leaders of the states Employment Department in a special hearing Saturday on how they will solve huge backlogs of unemployment claims that have frustrated thousands of laid-off workers. Theyll give the public full access to the same information via a live stream.

But that hasnt been the case for many of lawmakers recent meetings with Employment Department officials  or for their many private briefings from the governors office, top health officials and other key officials in Gov. Kate Browns administration since mid-March.

Amid the pandemic and the ensuing cratering of the Oregon economy, her administration has held daily teleconference meetings to brief all 90 lawmakers on the latest coronavirus news  and allow question-and-answer sessions with top executive branch officials.

On May 8, for example, an assistant director at the employment department, David Gerstenfeld, joined the governors daily teleconference to update lawmakers on the agencys handling of unemployment claims. A legislative staffers notes on the meeting, obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive, suggested it unfolded similarly to a routine public committee hearing.

Gerstenfeld delivered a brief update, telling lawmakers that a new claims processing center in Wilsonville would soon open, that more people facing furloughs were beginning to file for the states Work Share program and that constituents filing for unemployment under a federal expansion should be assured their claims were received  even though the states system did not acknowledge them.

Then, as in a public committee meeting, it was time for questions. Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, said she heard from out-of-work constituents who went five or six weeks without contact from the state. According to notes on the meeting, Johnson described these people as desperate and panic stricken and asked Gerstenfeld how the agency was dealing with the languishing claims. He explained Oregon has a very old system that cannot handle some of the necessary updates.

Lawmakers have heard on a weekly basis from the Department of Human Services director, Fariborz Pakseresht, who oversees nursing home regulators, welfare and food stamp programs, and child welfare. The day after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that the state ordered a Southeast Portland long-term care center with at least 29 deaths to close, Pakseresht described to lawmakers how residents were relocated and staff would be laid off. According to a newsletter from Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, Pakseresht informed lawmakers that two Salem area long-term care facilities had become, in Dembrows words, real problems: 26 total positive cases of COVID-19 and three deaths at Salem Transitional Care, 25 cases and one death at Prestige Senior Living.

On May 13, Pakseresht used some of his teleconference with lawmakers to explain how a 17% budget cut  the amount Brown asked agencies to generate cuts lists for as a planning exercise  would impact the human services department. Given the potential for such an across-the-board cut, Pakseresht said hiring was on hold, including in the child welfare program where the well-documented worker shortage puts children in danger and fuels employee burnout.

Public meetings laws in Oregon generally require a public body such as the Legislature to give the public advance notice of any meeting where a quorum will be gathered to conduct public business, including getting input from staffers on topics which it may later deliberate to take action on.

But officials in the governors office and the Legislatures top lawyer argue that requirement hasnt been triggered by any of the more than 50 daily briefings held for all 90 members of the House and Senate so far. Lawmakers on the calls, even as they ask questions, are merely getting information about decisions of the governor and executive agencies, not preparing to make those decisions themselves, they say.

Yet the agency directors taking part in the calls all have budgets overseen by the Legislature, which holds the state purse strings and is expected to meet in a special session sometime in the near future to rework state spending in response to the pandemic.

And state officials are keenly aware that journalists and the public are hungrier to learn what their government is and is not doing in the era of coronavirus than in normal times. Briefings held by Brown, by top Oregon Health Authority officials and by Multnomah County elected and public health leaders, for example, are live streamed by thousands of ordinary Oregonians and covered extensively by news outlets.

Although the governor has said she plans to eventually call lawmakers into a special session to address coronavirus impacts, the states good financial situation going into the crisis means she has needed little additional spending authority in the short term. Browns communications director, Thomas Wheatley, said Thursday the governor is continuing to discuss a potential special session with legislative leaders but it is not imminent.

Some of the lawmakers whove taken part in the governors daily teleconference calls are members of the Legislative Emergency Board, which has met twice since the virus struck Oregon to make coronavirus-related budget tweaks.

Through a spokesperson, the governor said the purpose of the calls is to update lawmakers on her administrations response to COVID-19 and answer any questions they have. They are much like other briefings and meetings typically held in the Capitol between our office and legislators under normal circumstances, which are separate from the press briefings we hold and other public meetings, deputy communications director Charles Boyle wrote in an email Friday. We do not track attendance for these briefings, but generally several dozen legislators and staff participate, typically a mix from all four caucuses, meaning both Democrats and Republicans from the House and from the Senate take part.

Browns staff would not answer questions about why the meetings must be closed to the public and how long the administration plans to continue the practice.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom held daily briefings each weekday from early March through mid-May to give reporters and the public coronavirus-related updates. The Los Angeles Times called his unscripted noon sessions, streamed live on TV and social media, a pandemic staple.

The Oregonian/OregonLive asked the governors staff on May 5 to allow a reporter listen in to the calls she organizes for lawmakers. Boyle declined, writing in an email that as informational briefings with legislators that are not deliberative in nature, these meetings are not subject to open meetings requirements. This is in line with other briefings and meetings held in the Capitol between our office and legislators under normal circumstances.

In a May 12 email to The Oregonian/OregonLive, the Legislatures top lawyer, Dexter Johnson, concurred. I have not attended these meetings but have been told that no deliberations towards a legislative decision are occurring during the course of these daily conference calls, Johnson wrote.

Johnson said the calls were requested by the governor to aid the governor in making decisions the governor must make, as well as to inform lawmakers about what the executive branch is doing. There is no legislative decision that is being discussed at these conference calls, but rather decisions the governor has made or is contemplating.

Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, said he has joined some calls and had his legislative staff monitor others.

Its an opportunity for (the Oregon Health Authority) primarily but also some (other) agency folks to be able to give timely updates of things that are happening so that lawmakers can answer constituents questions, Wagner said, Ive never felt that there was something that had to do with legislative deliberation. And frankly, I appreciate the fact its Democrats and Republicans across the state coming together.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, said the governors staff has used the typically hourlong daily calls to share information , rather than to shape a legislative response to coronavirus. Drazan said the meetings  although initially helpful as an opportunity to get the most robust access to information  might no longer be necessary, if Brown ends her emergency declaration-based pandemic response and enlists lawmakers in a collaborative approach.

I was always surprised that those calls were viewed as sort of high-level briefings, when people were concerned about what was going to happen next, Drazan said. There was sort of this tight-fisted approach to information sharing when I dont know why that was necessary.

-- Hillary Borrud: hborrud@oregonian.com; @hborrud

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
File photo

Five people have been killed by gunmen who attacked a food joint in Miango Community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was learnt that the victims were eating at the canteen in Nzharuvo Miango when the gunmen attacked them, killing all the customers including the shop owner, Miss Asabe Samuel, and a school teacher identified as Mr Gideon Tunku.

Chairman of Miango Youth Development Association, Nuhu Nkali, who confirmed the killings to The PUNCH in Jos on Friday said the incident happened on Thursday night.

Nkali said, We just lost five of our people in a fresh attack. The victims were killed at a food shop in Nzharuvo Miango around 9:50 pm on Thursday. The shop is just along the road about 18 kilometers to Jos.

The victims just went there to eat when the gunmen came and shot all of them dead, Miss Asabe Samuel, the shop owner, Mr. Gideon Tunku (school teacher) Bala Adi Joro, Audu Amadu Mi, and Shedrack Joshua.

He said the incident had been reported to security agencies, whom he said were already interrogating 10 persons suspected to have carried out the attack.

He said, When the attack took place yesterday (Thursday), we informed the security personnel at their duty post not more than one kilometer from the scene of the incident.

A few hours later, around 1:18 am, a vehicle carrying ten young men was intercepted by the vigilante at Jebu Bassa community. The vehicle made some suspicious turns before it was blocked by vigilantes and when they were interrogated, they claimed to be returning to Kaduna after supplying tomatoes in Shendam. But when one of them was interviewed separately, he said a different thing and claimed to be coming from Faringada Market in Jos.

Right now, they are at the police station in Bassa because they are suspected to be the ones who carried out the attacks in our community. 

A spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, ASP Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the incident and said an investigation into the matter was ongoing at the time of filing this report.
NextShark

A Lowes in Illinois has come under fire after a Chinese woman and Springfield resident claims another customer told her to go back to her country. Xuna Hu says she was shopping for two fire pits when the other customer tried to get Hu to hand over one of the pits, leading up to the alleged racist encounter at a Lowes branch on Wabash Avenue on Jan. 17. "I was like alright, Ill just give you one then, Hu told WICS Channel 20.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Open source

The government does not intend to close medical facilities in Ukraine due to the ongoing medical reform. Prime Minister Denys Shmygal stated this on the air of one of the Ukrainian TV channels, as Ukrinform reports.

"We look at every medical institution. Today we are not going to reduce or close medical institutions. We are talking about this with our international partners, who either participated or stood at the origins of the medical reform," he said.

According to him, the question is what this reform should be about.

This is the second stage, and possibly the third stage. These are questions about the quality of the reform, the quality of tariff calculations, correction of errors that were made in planning the reform. We are doing this now because the coronacrisis has revealed the shortcomings and showed the need very carefully and very carefully approach the reform of the medical industry," the prime minister said.

He noted that there are countries that are mistaken when they choose their way to reform, but he believes that one should not be afraid to admit mistakes when implementing the reform.

Medical reform in Ukraine takes place in several stages. Signing declarations with the family doctor and launching the eHealth system belonged to primary care reform. Changes in specialized hospitals began on April 1 - on this day, secondary care reform began.

On April 1, hospitals introduced the principle that is already valid for family doctors - "money follows the patient." That is, the financing of the hospital will not depend on the number of places in general, but on the number of patients using its services. Moreover, the payment will depend not on the number of visits of patients, but on the result of treatment.

As we reported before, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will approve a $ 5 billion assistance program for Ukraine at a board meeting on June 5.
New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) A Delhi court on Saturday granted interim bail to former Congress Municipal Councillor Ishrat Jahan, arrested in a northeast Delhi violence case, for ten days to enable her to get married.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana of Patiala House Court let off Jahan on furnishing two sureties of one lakh each.

Jahan had moved the court seeking interim bail for 30 days to get married on June 12. The plea stated that she would not tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses if granted bail.

She was charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a case related to communal riots in northeast area in the national capital in February, which had left at least 53 people dead and 200 injured.

The court had earlier denied her bail on February 28, observing that the charges against her are "serious in nature".

The police had then told the court that she had protested against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Khureji Khas area on February 26 and had "instigated" the large crowd to stay put after the police asked them to vacate the road.

The police claimed that after her instigation, the crowd threw stones at the security personnel.

Besides her, Jamia Millia Islamia students Asif Iqbal Tanha, Gulfisha Khatoon, Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC) members Safoora Zargar, Meeran Haider are charged under the stringent law in the case.

--IANS

aka/prs
Mexicos traffic light risk level system to begin June 1

Mexico City, Mexico  Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador reports that on June 1, the traffic light system will begin across Mexicos as the countrys New Normal. He says that the construction, automotive and mining industries will resume operations as they are considered essential activities.

These companies will restart activities with limitations and with sanitary protocols as of Monday he said adding that they have carried out the procedures in accordance with sanitary regulations.

This will be the beginning of the countrys return to activities in what authorities are dubbing as the New Normal. The Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo Lopez-Gatell Ramirez, explained that the New Normal is so called because it implies a change in attitude and behavior regarding prevention and the application of hygiene measures to coexist with the new SARS-Cov-2 virus.

Normality refers to the return to public life due to the impossibility of suspending it in jobs and schools, mainly, to avoid affecting the well-being of people.

In Mexico and in the whole world () at all times there is certainly the possibility that there will be a rebound of the epidemic in a place that is beginning to open. That is why the cooperation of all members of society, all organizations, all institutions, corporations and companies is important to have an orderly, staggered and well-monitored return, he emphasized.

He explained that the epidemiological traffic light is an indicator of risk. In green, it represents low risk, in red, high and in yellow and orange, intermediate points of risk.

He explained that economic and social activities were classified into four categories that depend on two situations, social value and number of people. From the qualification derives the progressive announcement the opening of activities.

The risk traffic light has four indicators, he says. They are trend of occurrence of cases, trend of hospitalizations, percentage of hospital occupation and detection of new cases. He explained that the map will change every week depending on the level of risk.

The federal health authority will notify each state of their risk level and the corresponding activities based on it. State authorities will be responsible for establishing the corresponding openings for activities that meet the criteria of social value and number of people on public roads.

AMLO added that if a governor disagrees with the application of the epidemiological risk traffic light, we would say to him, You go your way. You are going to be responsible to your people. Each one must assume the responsibility that corresponds to him.
A delivery man for Coupang Jung Im-hong wearing a mask to prevent contracting the coronavirus, loads packages before leaving to deliver them in Incheon

By Joyce Lee and Hyunjoo Jin

SEOUL (Reuters) - Deluged with online orders as the coronavirus epidemic swept South Korea, e-commerce giant Coupang opened a new groceries warehouse and logistics centre near Seoul in March, providing food and other essentials to shoppers sheltering at home.

But health authorities and former workers say the company may have failed to follow measures to prevent infections at the facility, which is now at the centre of South Korea's latest outbreak of the disease.

More than 100 cases linked to the Coupang facility have been recorded in less than a week, raising the spectre of a second wave of COVID-19 in a country praised for containing the first outbreak.

Coupang, backed by Japan's SoftBank and dubbed the Amazon of South Korea, hired thousands of temporary workers to staff the 24-hour operation.

Health authorities said it appears some workers did not wear masks and social distancing rules were not observed in smoking rooms and cafeterias. Traces of the virus were also detected on protective helmets and computer equipment at the centre, they said.

One video shared on YouTube by a woman who said she worked at another Coupang logistics centre showed masked workers standing closely together in line at a cafeteria.

"It's true that managers couldn't manage the large number of people during the meals and breaks," a man who worked at the Coupang Bucheon logistics centre from March to May told Reuters.

Another woman who worked at a Coupang logistics centre said many workers applied by text message and were hired without interviews because the need for staff was so great.

"There were so many people at the centre that I thought it would be disastrous if the virus spread," said the woman surnamed Choi, who shared her experience on social media. Choi did not respond to an interview request.

Workers were paid about 100,000 won ($80) for a 10 hour shift scanning barcodes and packaging products for delivery, she added. South Korea's mininum wage is 8,590 won per hour.

Story continues

Coupang said it has implemented measures recommended by health officials at cafeterias, smoking rooms and communal areas at the centre on May 25, but declined to comment on whether the guidelines were observed before the first case was confirmed on May 23, saying it is cooperating with an investigation that is underway.

Coupang said it does not conduct interviews when hiring short-term workers, but declined to comment on its hiring numbers.

"Coupang has been making utmost efforts to protect the safety of customers and employees," it said.

During a Reuters visit to one of its distribution centres in March, Coupang said it disinfects trucks and the warehouses, and workers wear masks and undergo temperature checks.

TEMPORARY WORKER RISKS

Health authorities have tested more than 3,700 workers at the warehouse, and about 97% of them were daily workers, contract workers and outsourcing employees, a Bucheon city spokesman said.

Lee Jae-myung, the governor of Gyeonggi Province, home to the centre, said many workers at the facility had two or three jobs, exposing them to a greater risk of infection. He ordered a two-week suspension of the facility.

The first confirmed case was a temp worker who is suspected to be connected with a Seoul nightclub outbreak earlier this month.

Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip has urged companies to step up quarantine efforts especially in confined, labour intensive workplaces.

Outbreaks have occurred in similar facilities elsewhere.

In the United States, Amazon warehouse employees staged a walkout demanding safer working conditions after at least 800 workers in its distribution facilities tested positive for COVID-19.

Coupang, a $9 billion startup founded by Harvard graduate Bom Kim, narrowed its losses last year and is one of the few bright spots for SoftBank and its Vision fund, which together invested $3 billion in the firm.

It leveraged its extensive logistics network and delivery operations to ship anything from toilet paper to fresh kimchi pickles as quickly as a few hours.

South Korea, already the world's fifth biggest e-commerce market according to researcher Euromonitor, saw online retail sales jump 12% to 12.6 trillion won ($10.18 billion) in March alone from a year ago.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee and Hyunjoo Jin; Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
It looks like some of the Duggar kids are finding new income streams. Jessa Duggar is busy carving out a YouTube career for herself, while Jill Duggar and Jinger Duggar have been putting in overtime on Instagram. One of the Duggar boys is exploring a different path, too. Joseph Duggar appears to be making a career as a real estate agent. At the very least, he appears to have the credentials required to sell a home. The move appears to have come after the family was paid a visit by the Department of Homeland Security.

The Duggar family car business appears to be closed for good

After the November 2019 investigation, the Duggar family shuttered the car lots they had been running for years. They scrubbed the business Facebook page, and locals have reported all cars that were located on the lot have been moved. Family critics have long wondered what the Duggar boys who worked the lots have been up to since.

RELATED: Josh Duggar Will Go to Trial For Bad Real Estate Deal

Josh Duggar, who ran the car lot where investigators from the Department of Homeland Security were spotted, doesnt appear to be doing much. He currently has a lawsuit to attend to, anyway. There is little information about what Josiah Duggar has been doing in recent months, too. Joseph Duggar, however, has resurfaced with a new job.

Joseph appears to be selling real estate

While its hard to say what Josh and Josiah have been up to in recent months, Joseph Duggar, who also worked at the familys car lot, has found himself a new career. At least, on paper, he has. Joseph is officially a real estate agent and scored his first significant commission in February 2020. Joseph G. Duggar was listed as the buyers agent on a home that was previously owned by Mary Duggar.

RELATED: Counting On: The Duggar Family Mourns the Loss of Grandma Mary, 73, Who Just Passed Away Suddenly

The property, which is within .5 miles of the Duggar familys Arbor Acres Avenue, was sold on Feb. 25. The home, where Mary Duggar lived until her death in June 2019, was sold to a couple that does not immediately appear to be connected to the Duggar family. The house, at the time of its sale, was owned by a trust in Jim Bob and Michelle Duggars name, according to property records.

Real estate is a long-standing family business

Josephs chosen line of work is not particularly surprising. Mary, Jim Bob, and Michelle were all licensed real estate agents at some point. Jim Bobs license to sell property is still active and the family owns a number of properties across Northwest Arkansas. Jim Bob and Michelle recently unloaded an expansive mansion that they spent years renovating.

RELATED: How Many Kids Do Joseph Duggar and His Wife, Kendra, Want?

In the familys book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting!, the patriarch and matriarch delved into how they began their real estate business, and how theyve used several streams of passive income to support their supersized family. Joseph may be taking a page out of the same playbook. He and his wife, Kendra Caldwell, appear to be on track to have a large family, too. The couple, who wed in 2017, are already the parents to two children. Garrett, the couples eldest child, was born almost exactly nine months after the couples wedding. They welcomed their second child, Addison, in November 2019.
Saul Martinez/Getty

The coronavirus pandemic stole from President Donald Trump his most prized political possession: a booming U.S. economy. Now racial unrest in Minnesota threatens to steal his second-most-prized one: an image of power and stability that he can project to supporters and adversaries alike.

Hours into a spate of destruction and arrests in Minneapolis after the police killing of an unarmed black man, Trump was already threatening to send in the National Guard and warning that looters in the city would be shotemploying a phrase popularized by a former Miami police chief famous for tough-on-crime policies that targeted citizens of color.

Trump walked back the latter statement a few hours later, saying he only meant that looters could end up shooting people, not that they should be shot. Ive heard that phrase for a long time. I dont know where it came from or where it originated, he declared later. I wouldn't know a thing like that.

But his immediate jump to a forceful and potentially deadly resolution to the unrest underscored what knowledgeable sources said is deep distress at events that, in Trumps view, make him appear weak. He told reporters at the White House on Friday that he didnt want Minneapolis to "descend further into lawless anarchy and chaos."

Theres a personal branding aspect to that desire, one former senior administration official told The Daily Beast. He sees civil disturbance as a referendum on his leadership, the source said. "A show of force like sending in the National Guard is a way to reassert that authority and show he's in control.

Alarmed Minneapolis Protesters Meet National Guard with Racist Past

And on Friday, protests continued to spread across several U.S. cities, hours after the former Minneapolis cop was charged. The chants reached Trumps doorstep when a crowd of marchers and activists gathered near 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., leading to the Secret Service briefly locking down the White House. The president reacted on Saturday morning by tweeting through his anger at the people protesting police violence.

Story continues

I was inside [the White House], watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe, Trump posted to Twitter, adding that the Secret Service let the protesters scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard - didnt know what hit them.

The president went on to warn that, had protesters started breaching the fence protecting White House grounds, they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen. Thats when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action.

A key component of Trumps political appeal amid his meteoric rise during in 2015 and 2016 was his reliance on old-school law-and-order rhetoric that tacitlyand sometimes explicitlylaid the blame for civil unrest at the feet of his opponents and Washingtons political class. In many cases, that manifested in his reactions to previous riots and demonstrations in response to high-profile police killings.

Our country is totally fractured and, with our weak leadership in Washington, you can expect Ferguson type riots and looting in other places, Trump tweeted in the wake of unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, following the police shooting of Michael Brown. That unrest, in Trumps view, made the country and its leaders look weak and ineffectual.

As China and the rest of the World continue to rip off the U.S. economically, they laugh at us and our president over the riots in Ferguson! he declared in one tweet. Can you imagine what Putin and all of our friends and enemies throughout the world are saying about the U.S. as they watch the Ferguson riot, he said in another.

In Trumps mind, he was the antidote, and his supporters latched onto that image of a strong leader in firm control. The prospect of losing that imageand winding up on the receiving end of the same sorts of barbs he threw President Barack Obamas way in 2014makes him prone to visceral reactions when cable news networks broadcast images such as a burning American city onto his television, the former administration official said.

It was the same impulse that led Trump to suggest in 2017 that he might employ the National Guard in an attempt to quell high rates of violent crime in Chicago. Just a year earlier, hed booked a rally in the city that devolved into chaos when protesters succeeded in shutting down the event.

Trump tried to turn it into a political asset. The protesters, he said at the time, have totally energized America!

Burn It Down. Let Them Pay: Deadly Chaos Erupts in Minneapolis as Fires Rage Over Police Violence

The unrest that Trump makes political hay of, in the end, is almost always the episodes that involve minority communities. As president, he notably tried to play the role of reconciliator for the white nationalist riots that upended Charlottesville and resulted in the death of a young woman. In the days prior to Minneapolis burning, Trump urged the Democratic governor of Michigan to have empathy and even meet with the armed white protestors who were demanding that she reopen the state more quickly in the wake of the COVID-related shutdown.

That dichotomous approach is part of his political appeal. And as he was walking back the harsh tones of his looter tweets, some in the conservative media were encouraging him to act on it, fearful that something perceived as less forceful would be a potential body blow to his political brand.

Where is the law and order President? asked Spectator columnist Amber Athey on Friday. President Trump ought to be the tough but moral leader the city needs right now, Athey wrote, but his initial response was just as spineless as the rest.

As he continues to address the matter in the coming days and weeks, its highly unlikely that Trump will drift away from his typical tough on crime posturing, in part because he sees it as so integral to his political identity and victory.

The president sees attacks on the police as an attack on a key constituency, said a current senior Trump administration official. He sees his strong support for police officers...as a core part of who he is as a winner...Ive heard him say several times [in recent months] things like, I will never abandon our police. Joe Biden will.

But there are complications. Trump isnt simply running for office anymore. Hes holding it. And a tinderbox like Minneapolis is not so easy to address when the buck now stops with you.

Just as he mused they would after Ferguson, Chinese government mouthpieces were quick to seize on the unrest there Friday to try to ding the administration.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
New Delhi: Once a popular Bhojpuri queen, Monalisa, successfully ventured to television in 2018 with her super successful supernatural fiction show 'Nazar'. She got along with her co-stars like a house on fire and often we saw her pictures and videos flooding the internet.

One such throwback video of Monalisa with co-star and TV actress Niyati Fatnani has resurfaced on the internet and has gone viral. It is Mona and Niyati's sassy dance on Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan's song 'Aithey Aa' from 'Bharat' which released on Eid, 2019.

Watch it here:

Saree clad Monalisa and Niyati look gorgeous in desi look, acing their dance moves on the song.

The actress has had the opportunity of working with almost all the Bhojpuri big shots in her movie career. In 'Nazar', she played an evil force named Mohana. She has a solid social media presence with 3.1 million followers on Instagram alone.

Monalisa, this year was seen on 'Nazar 2' as Madhulika Chaudhary. She sure knows how to keep her social media fam happy and smiling.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 15:54:26|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

QUITO, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A public security network designed by Chinese engineers has become a strategic tool of Ecuadoran authorities to protect public health and social stability amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Juan Zapata, general director of the Integrated Security Service ECU 911, Ecuador's integrated emergency service hotline, recently told Xinhua that the Chinese-made technological platform that supports the country's emergency response system has been incredibly important during the global health crisis.

ECU 911 began to operate in Ecuador in 2012 and currently has 16 command centers nationwide. The system integrates police services, video surveillance with thousands of cameras, GPS, geographic information, and a smart analysis of resources, among others.

"Its state-of-the-art technology has been essential for the coordination of institutions in the country, because practically everything has been done through video surveillance," Zapata said.

The emergency unit assumed new responsibilities after Ecuador entered a health emergency in mid-March, with the technological platform assisting in the implementation of anti-virus measures, including a nationwide quarantine, curfew and vehicular restrictions.

"We are doing this work through our 5,800 video surveillance cameras. In other words, the technology has been put at the service of the national EOC (Emergency Operations Committee) and the regional EOCs for decision-making," he said.

The information generated by video surveillance serves to provide data for areas wishing to ease restrictions and move towards a "new normal."

ECU 911's video surveillance system is essential for managing the health emergency, former Undersecretary of the National Directorate of Social Rehabilitation Ricardo Camacho told Xinhua.

The government has praised the work of ECU 911, with Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno saying that the inter-institutional coordination of ECU 911 and its immediate action "allows us to save lives."

As of Friday, Ecuador has reported 38,571 cases and 3,334 deaths from COVID-19. Enditem
Islamabad, May 30 : The Accountability Court of Islamabad has issued bailable arrest warrants for former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, Nawaz Sharif due to his absence in the proceedings of a reference that accused him of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts.

The reference was filed before the court on March 2, reports Dawn news.

Accountability Judge Syed Asghar Ali on May 15 issued summons for Sharif, as well as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Zardari, former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani and two others, who were nominated as accused in the reference.

According to the National Accountability Bureau reference, Gillani had been accused of illegally allotting cars to Zardari and Sharif.

Since Sharif has been in London for treatment and no one appeared on his behalf to seek exemption from personal attendance, the judge on Friday issued bailable warrants for his arrest.

The court directed all the accused persons, including Sharif and Zardari, to ensure attendance on the next date of proceedings, June 11.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 13:06:19|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on May 29, 2020 shows the White House in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

The doors to the White House briefing room have also been locked and Secret Service officers are not letting anyone off White House grounds, local media reported.



WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The White House has been under lockdown as protests reached the U.S. capital on Friday, the fourth day of nationwide demonstrations over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis police custody.

Online video showed hundreds of protesters gathered in Lafayette Park just outside the White House, chanting "No justice, no peace." One protester sprayed the Freedman's Bank Building while some other protesters clashed with Secret Service personnel, witnesses said.

The doors to the White House briefing room have also been locked and Secret Service officers are not letting anyone off White House grounds, local media reported.

"Secret Service personnel are currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park. In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful," the Secret Service tweeted.

Screenshot shows the tweet posted by U.S. Secret Service.

Floyd, aged 46, died on Monday evening shortly after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, held him down with a knee on his neck though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." Chauvin was arrested and charged with three-degree murder and manslaughter earlier on Friday.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Friday imposed a mandatory nighttime curfew beginning Friday night following three straight nights of growing protests and violence in the biggest city in U.S. Midwest state Minnesota.

However, protests over Floyd's death continued on Friday night in Minneapolis and a number of other cities, local media reported, saying that more protests are expected to take place across the country through the weekend. 
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Europe, the Lufthansa group has been bleeding one million euros per hour, with around 90 percent of its 760-aircraft fleet grounded

Germany and the European Commission have reached agreement on a giant Berlin-funded rescue plan for coronavirus-hit Lufthansa, a Commission spokeswoman and a source close to the negotiations said Friday.

Since the pandemic hit Europe, the Lufthansa groupwhich also includes Brussels and Austrian Airlines and Swisshas been bleeding one million euros per hour, with around 90 percent of its 760-aircraft fleet grounded.

The deal would see the German carrier give up eight planes and their associated landing rights, the spokeswoman and the source said.

Lufthansa said in a statement it had "decided to accept the commitments offered by Germany to the EU Commission" for the rescue package, adding it would surrender up to 24 take-off and landing slots that could be allocated to rival airlines.

German media had previously reported the European Commission would demand the group give up valuable takeoff and landing rights at its Frankfurt and Munich hubs in exchange for Brussels' green light.

The nine-billion-euro ($10 billion) German state lifeline, would see Berlin take a 20-percent stake in the group, with an option to claim a further five percent plus one share to block hostile takeovers.

That would make the federal government Lufthansa's biggest shareholder.

On top of a total 5.7 billion euros in extra capital and 300 million to buy the shares at face value, public investment bank KfW would also lend Lufthansa three billion euros.

The company would agree to pay back much of the capital plus interest, while granting the state two seats on its supervisory board.

Hammering out the details of the package took so long because Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives were keen to minimise state control over the company's day-to-day running.

Explore further New turbulence in high-stakes Lufthansa rescue drama

 2020 AFP
WB extends lockdown till June 15; allows TV, cinema production from June 1

India

pti-PTI

Kolkata, May 30: The West Bengal government on Saturday extended the lockdown in the state up to June 15 with further relaxations and certain condition, which included nod to indoor and outdoor activities related to TV and cinema production, barring reality show production, from June 1.

The announcement came ahead of the end of the fourth phase of the countrywide lockdown on May 31.

During the day, the union home ministry said the nationwide lockdown in containment zones would continue till June 30 and announced extensive relaxations, including the opening of religious places and shopping malls in a phased manner from June 8.

An order from the state government stated, "Government of West Bengal has decided to extend the lockdown for another two weeks, i.e. up to 15/06/2020 with further relaxations with conditions."

It said it is felt necessary to continue to implement the lockdown in the affected areas -- containment zones -- to contain the spread of COVID-19 effectively, and simultaneously open up activities in other areas for socio-economic revival.

The West Bengal government order stated that indoor and outdoor activities related to TV and cinema production, barring those for reality shows, including for web-portal and OTT platforms, with not more than 35 persons per unit at a time would be allowed with effect from June 1.

Unlock 1.0: Night curfew to remain from 9 pm to 5 am

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Friday announced a slew of relaxations, including reopening of shrines from June 1 and functioning of state government offices with 70 per cent staff in attendance from the second week of June.

The state government also allowed reopening of operations in hotels, restaurants, besides opening of shopping malls from June 8.

The government order asked the authorities and owners of private institutions to ensure that social distance norms and health hygiene protocol are strictly followed, as any violation will lead to withdrawal of the relaxations.

"Norms of social distancing and health hygiene protocol must be strictly followed. Management committees, trustee boards, governing bodies and owners of private institutions, organisations and establishments shall be responsible for compliance of the stated norms and guidelines," the order stated.

Any violation in compliance of norms of social distancing, health protocol and not wearing of masks may lead to the withdrawal of relaxations provided herein as well as attract penal action as per law, it warned.

The state government, which had on Friday announced full operationalisation of the tea and jute industry, also allowed total attendance in micro, small, medium and large industries including mining activities from June 1.

It also allowed construction activities with 100 per cent of the strength of workers from Monday. The Centre has given more powers to the states and union territories to ascertain and define a containment zone.

It asked the union health ministry to issue standard operating procedures for these sectors after consulting other ministries, departments and other stakeholders to ensure social distancing and to contain the spread of COVID-19.
A Minneapolis policeman accused of killing unarmed African-American George Floyd by kneeling on his neck was taken into custody Friday and charged with third-degree murder, officials said. Derek Chauvin is one of four officers who were fired shortly after an explosive video emerged showing a handcuffed Floyd lying on the street as an officer identified as Chauvin pinned his knee to Floyd's neck for at least five minutes on Monday. The death of the 46-year-old Floyd has sparked days of sometimes violent demonstrations in Minneapolis and other US cities over police brutality against African-Americans. So far, hundreds of shops have been damaged and a police station set on fire. "Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is in custody," Hennepin county prosecutor Mike Freeman told reporters. "Chauvin has been charged... with murder and with manslaughter," he added, specifying to reporters that the charge was third-degree murder. US Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota applauded Chauvin's arrest, calling it "the first step towards justice." - Racism cannot be 'normal' - In the graphic video footage, Floyd is seen saying that he can not breathe. Eventually he went silent and limp, and he was later declared dead. Protests swelled after federal authorities said Thursday that they were making the case a top priority but announced no arrests at that time. Overnight, demonstrators broke through law enforcement barriers to overtake the Minneapolis police station where the four officers blamed for Floyd's death were based. A fire broke out and soon became an inferno that engulfed the structure. Minnesota's national guard announced that 500 troops were being deployed Friday for peacekeeping amid signs that the anger was nowhere near dissipating. President Donald Trump blasted local officials and labelled the protesters "thugs," threatening a harsh crackdown. "These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen," Trump tweeted. "Just spoke to (Minnesota) Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Twitter concealed that tweet, saying it violated its policy on glorifying violence. Former president Barack Obama said Friday he shared the "anguish" of millions of Americans over Floyd's death and that racism cannot be "normal" in the United States. "It can't be 'normal,'" Obama, the first black US president, said in a statement. "If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must do better."
He promised his employer, during confirmation, to deliver Africa from Chinaand parcel it to America. He sees the AfDB as the lever, and the banks President Akinwunmi Adesina as no object. Hes wrong.

Elijah Olusegun

In a 260-page response to his allegation early in April, Africa Development Banks President Akinwunmi Adesina hit his accusers. And it was revealing.

He said the purpose of the allegationnepotism, disregard for rulesis not to report fraud or corruption. Definitely, no. Publish What You Fund rated the AfDB the 4th of 45 global development institutions in 2018, three years into his fist five-year term.

Nor is the accusation about misconduct.

Quite the contrary, Adesina wrote in the document. It has other, hidden motives.

He almost pinpointed the accusers, too, and raised the possibility of what some called vendetta. The idea that other people are acting in concert with the whistle-blowers is not pure speculation, he said.

Who, then, hates Adesinas nose?

They might be a legion. But one man is likely the mastermind.

Hes among the executive directors representing the 80 countries and shareholders of the bank and the 32 contributors to its African Development Fund launched in 1972.

The largest shareholder of the bank is Nigeria (8.2 percent), and following it is the US (6.6 percent). All member countries have representatives on the banks board of governors, each fronting for the interest of their country in what is supposed to be a development effort for Africa.

That sort of corporate governance permits manipulation, as many suspect now. One of Africas leaders and former President Olusegun Obasanjo has just alerted his fellows to stand up and defend Adesina and AfDB against such control.

If we do not rise up and defend the AfDB Group, this might mean the end of the bank, as its governance will be hijacked away from Africa, the Nigerian former president wrote in letter to African presidents Friday.

The suspicion of prizing off the banks governance from Africa isnt difficult to believe looking at the role the US and China have been playing in Africa. The continent has become the battle ground for foreign policies for the two non-regional members who are represented on AfDB board to seek their national interestsin trade and investment.

The allure of Africaits natural resources and $1.3 trillion consumer purchasing powercan be very tempting. Although the West think the black Continent needs them the most,

Africans do indeed want to do business with the U.S. And its not so easy. And, yes, China is very aggressive. And to me, theres something of the tortoise and the hare, said Stephen Dowd, executive director and US representative on AfDB board. He revealed this during a meeting of the Sub-Saharan African Advisory Committee of the Export-Import Bank of the US which took place in Room 1125B, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington on Oct 21, 2019. Daniel Runde, the committee chairman, moderated the meeting, which Down joined by phone.

The Bank is the key institution on the continent for trade and investment, Dowd told Runde. And I need to say that for the record. And were not comfortable with certain types of lending and so on. I wont go into that.

Dowd, as chairperson of the AfDB audit and finance committee, nearly spilled his gut during the meeting, but for occasional bridle he applied using the clause I wont go into that. But it is obvious he has an axe to grind with Adesina and his style of steering of the bank.

The executive director has some worries. Two of them: China is outpacing the US in investing in Africa; and the lending by AfDB and other regional interventionist banks is too generous for his liking.

We certainly support strict compliance with the IMF World Bank debt sustainability framework, he said. As the chairperson of the audit and finance committee of the AfDB, Dowd stated he has quite a role. I wont go into it, he, again, told the committee.

And, truly, the Bretton Woods twins blew their lids early in the year on development banks and indebtedness in Africa.

We have a situation where other international financial institutions and to some extent development finance institutions as a whole, certainly the official export credit agencies, have a tendency to lend too quickly and to add to the debt problem of the countries, said World Banks President David Malpass in February, about the time the AfDB crisis started simmering.

The AfDB, however, bit back. The World Banks operations approved for Africa in the 2018 fiscal year amounted to $20.2bn, compared to $10.1bn by the African Development Bank, a statement by the AfDB said, insisting the World Bank was just being mischievous by throwing the first stone.

Malpass and Dowd are President Donald Trumps nominees. It thus matters little if they both mind the same thingdiscrediting the role of the AfDB as pro-China.

Dowd is actually expected to deliver on Trumps Prosper Africa foreign policy which embraces security, poverty eradication, among others. The policy will materialise by ballooning Americas volume of trades and investment on the continent.

The agric-economist gave the Congress his word when he went there as a nominee for screening and confirmation in 2017.

If confirmed, I would lead the effort to leverage the U.S. contribution to the bank in order to ensure that its finance efforts are used to the best benefit for Africa, that they are consistent with U.S. foreign policy interests there, and that American taxpayers get a good return for their money, he told the Congress.

The rub is: Chinese is a relentless adversary that has captured a vast territory of Africa with cheap loans. For the US to entrench its interests, and get a bang for each buck it invests in the bank, Dowd believes the US has to put Adesina on a short leash first. Thats just about the best way to steal the show.

And heres what I say.Were not the perfect guys. But were the good guys, he said at the EXIM Bank committee meeting. And if you do business with an American firm, you will get value for your money. And we will not saddle you with unsustainable debt.

And whos the baddie? The one who swamps Africa in debt, and thrives in corruption and lawlessnessthe morass in which the continent and its institutions waddle. The Red Dragon cuts that figure. From 2000 to 2017, China handed out $143 billion in loans to African governments and their state-owned enterprisesfor infrastructure development.

Dowd thinks this lavish kind of lending is gross, no matter its terms and benefits. And hes helping America forge a weapon of that to fight a soft war with China, on Africa, inside the AfDB.

Were not just an alternative to China. We are a better alternative. And so we embrace, yeah, we embrace the rule of law, said Dowd. And the Chinese model is very often corruption.

He agreed, though, not everything China does by the way is bad in Africa.

Adesina, however, welcomes any effort to develop Africas infrastructureother than aid from the West, especially the US.

For Dowd and those who get hot and bothered because China is omnipresent in Africa, the AfDB president has a bromide: Do not worry about why China is present; be concerned about why the US is absent.

His clipped remarks about Africa, and his burst of energy to make the continent develop by way of investmentand not by boonscould have earned him the alleged Dowd enmity which now hazards his re-election, even as the only candidate.

And the enemy is not a person given to drama. Not much has been heard from him in public about the AfDB, except from the transcript of the Vermont meeting. That means he is deep and connected (he talked of friends of mine and new friends in Africa).

Hes equally unyielding.

Those whistleblowers hit a brickwall in the AfDB ethics committee. It first dismissed all the allegations as unfounded. That decision could have put paid to the crisis since it came from the banks channel for addressing such internal issue. There should have been no use for an independent investigator.

But the US, through its Treasury Department, promptly boxed the ethics committee into a corner, calling for an independent investigation, something that is not in the banks rulebook. This is the more reason Adesinas supporters vow to eat their shoes if Dowd isnt the guy pulling wires here.

Since a lot seems at stake here for Adesinas enemies within the AfDB, it is not impossible the American is the hand in the glove.

Dowd, during his confirmation, promised to deliver Africa to America through the continents strongest financial institutionAfDB. There must be some earnestness for him to make good that promise as Trumps administration winds down in November.

Even from his contribution in the EXIM committee meeting, Dowd leaves no one in doubt hes on a crusade to wrest Africa from the clammy grip of Beijing. Or else bad thing will happen to Africa.

Runde asked him how it will all pan out if the EXIM Bank has less American presence and engagement in Africa.

Is that a bad thing for the United States? Is that a bad thing also for the continent of Africa?

Yes, thats it, Dowd said.

The government Dowd serves may not actually demand Adesinas skull on a platter of gold in the scramble between China and the US to save Africa. Trump may still want Africa to prosper during his administration. So its a long shot that America will pull out of the AfDB, as many envisage, if African leaders mobilise support for Adesina, and tell Washington not to feel too big for their boots.

Its okay to expect such reaction of bullyboy Trump. He has been pulling America out of many bilateral institutions and agreements lately: WHO, the Paris Climate Accord, the Open Sky Treaty, and others.

If it eventually happens (it may not), demolishing Adesina, for Dowd, might, all the same, trigger some sugar rushto sate the ego.
Sonora, CA  Commuters should leave extra time to get to their destination next week in downtown Sonora as a detour will shift more traffic onto North Washington Street.

On Monday (June 1), Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) crews will begin replacing a sewer pipeline on North Stewart Street. The roadway will be shut down to through traffic from Columbia Way to Cowan Street. The work is slated to run through Friday, June 12th. Crews will begin working each day at 7:30 a.m. with quitting time at 4 p.m. A detour along North Washington Street/Highway 49 will be in place. Residents will be allowed access to their homes.

A total of about 400 lineal feet of 6-inch sewer pipeline will be replaced by crews, which will involve ground digging along the roadway. TUD encourages motorists to avoid the area while the work is taking place. Travelers are asked to obey all signage and to slow down in the cone zones.
Most Britons will simply ignore unimplementable new quarantine rules for travellers arriving in the UK, the boss of Ryanair has said.

Michael OLeary claimed holidaymakers would get away with writing Mickey Mouse, 1 Walt Disney Street on their arrival form landing back in the UK because the authorities will be powerless to enforce the useless policy.

Home Secretary Priti Patels quarantine plan, which from June 8 will require anyone entering the UK to self-isolate for two weeks, appeared to torpedo Britons hopes of a European summer holiday.

But in an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Mr OLeary predicted the rules would be quietly dropped or formally withdrawn by the end of June because they wont work.

He said: You can fill up your arrival card as Mickey Mouse, 1 Walt Disney Street, London SW22  theyll take the cards and off you go. So its a complete shambles.

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary claimed holidaymakers would get away with writing Mickey Mouse, 1 Walt Disney Street on their arrival form landing back in the UK because the authorities will be powerless to enforce the useless policy

The Home Office, Border Force and police will all tell you quietly, and off the record, it [quarantine] is completely unimplementable.

Under the quarantine plans, anyone arriving in Britain will have to give details of where they will be quarantining and a phone number.

Lying about the details will be a criminal offence and immigration officers are expected to have the power to hand out 100 fines too.

But the forms are not expected to be linked to passports, so guards will have to manually check they are completed properly.

There is a row in Whitehall over the policy, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps leading opposition.

But No 10 sources insisted last night they were firmly behind the plan, and allies of Priti Patel said the risk of a second infection wave meant quarantine was crucial.

They said: As we get Covid-19 under control here, we cant start importing more cases.

Under the quarantine plans, anyone arriving in Britain will have to give details of where they will be quarantining and a phone number (file photo)

Ryanair plans to operate about 1,000 flights a day from July 1 to travel hotspots such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece, which all intend to welcome holidaymakers.

The budget airlines chief executive revealed he will slash flight prices by half to fill up seats in a pile them high, sell them cheap war on struggling rivals.

Mr OLeary claimed the quarantine policy was pushed through only because the Prime Minister had announced it live on television.

Most of the politicians and civil servants have already told us the only reason it got introduced was because Boris blurted it out two weeks ago at one of the Downing Street press briefings and they didnt want to be seen to have a U-turn, he said.

The outspoken Irishman also criticised proposals to set up so-called airbridges  dropping the quarantine requirement for countries with low infection rates.

Airbridges are even more nonsense  nobody can explain what an airbridge is, he said. Its just normal flights. Its just rubbish. Ryanair will ask all passengers to wear face masks but will not implement social distancing on board.
Ireland is to ask the Spanish authorities to consider allowing the remains of Red Hugh O'Donnell, one of the country's most heroic figures, to be repatriated after four centuries.

While Spanish archaeologists have not yet located the remains of the famous Gaelic clan chief who died on September 10, 1602, experts are confident they will locate his burial site in a dig at Valladolid.

Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher said that if O'Donnell's body is found, he wants Ireland to formally request that the Spanish authorities consider allowing it to return home.

The Spanish media have been captivated by the search for the chieftain's remains - and he has been described as the Irish 'El Cid' or 'William Wallace.'

Wish

"I really think that this man who devoted his entire life to fighting for Irish freedom and independence should be brought home to a free Ireland," Mr Kelleher said.

"I can understand how the Spanish authorities might want to keep his remains in Valladolid because, if the remains are located and identified, they will inevitably become an enormous tourist attraction.

"I can also understand how they might want to honour O'Donnell's dying wish as to where he was buried.

"But Red Hugh O'Donnell's entire life was devoted to Ireland and to his native Donegal and I think that is where he should be finally laid to rest in a place of honour.

"He is one of the most iconic figures in Irish history and he deserves to be brought home and a fitting burial monument erected to him."

Mr Kelleher said that, if necessary, he will raise the proposal with his Spanish counterparts in the European Parliament.

He is to discuss the matter with Tanaiste Simon Coveney.

O'Donnell died aged just 29 in Valladolid while attempting to meet King Philip of Spain in a bid to secure further support to fight the British crown.

The Irish chieftain had been ill with a fever for a fortnight and, as he neared death, had expressed a wish to be buried in the famous Chapel of Wonders at a Franciscan monastery in the north western Spanish city.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said more than 40,000 Indians returned to India in over 230 flights and naval ships and COVID- related medical supplies were provided to over 154 countries, as it highlighted its achievements in the first year of Modi government 2.0.

Mammoth coordinating efforts were led by India's High Commissions and Embassies across the world under the Vande Bharat Mission, an MEA document said.

More than 40,000 Indians have returned to the country in over 230 flights and naval ships, it said.

COVID-related medical supply was made to over 154 countries and Rapid Response Teams around the world were deployed, the MEA said.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MEA also set up a COVID-19 control room manned 24x7 to facilitate emergency requests from stranded Indians.

As part of the "corona-era" diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with SAARC leaders and a COVID-19 Emergency Fund was created, the document said.

Over 100 virtual diplomatic meetings were held to share perspectives on combating the virus and tackling post-pandemic challenges, it said.

E-ITEC courses on Covid-healthcare are being offered under MEAs Development Partnership initiative for partner countries, the document said.

As part of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the prime minister visited Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Visits from leaders of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Mauritius took place in the last year.

The document also highlighted elevation of ties with the US and the "immensely successful visits of PM Modi and President Trump, of which - 'Howdy, Modi!' and 'Namaste Trump'- were the highlights".

It said new dimensions of defence cooperation and space partnership with Russia also emerged.

The prime minister visited Russia in September 2019 and a USD 1 billion credit line was announced by Modi for development of Russian Far East, the document said.

It also highlighted the 'China Connect' as the prime minister and President Xi Jinping held their second Informal Summit in Mamallapuram in October 2019.

The MEA underlined India's European connect as President Kovind paid visits to Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia while Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the Baltic countries last year.

Official visits by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to 10 European countries, state visits by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, the King and Queen of Sweden, German Chancellor and Portuguese President and PM, were also highlighted.

The MEA said India for the first time participated in Europe-based forums  Mediterranean Dialogue and Munich Security Conference.

First India-Japan '2+2' (Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue) was held and President Kovind visited Japan in October last year, the MEA said.

The document also highlighted that the PM was awarded the highest civilian awards in UAE and Bahrain.

The inaugural Trilateral Maritime Exercise between India, Singapore & Thailand (SITMEX) was also held.

Stepping up relations with Latin America & Caribbean, the Brazilian President was invited as Chief Guest at Republic Day 2020.

The first ever India-CARICOM Leaders meet led by the prime minister in September, 2019, the MEA document said.

First ever India- Pacific Islands Developing States Summit was held during which the prime minister announced grant support for high impact developmental projects.

The MEA also highlighted launch of African projects such as e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education) and e-ArogyaBharti (Tele-medicine) network, and the inauguration Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre in Niger and the Gandhi-Mandela Skills Institute in South Africa.

New Indian Embassies were opened in Eswatini, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Republic of Congo, the document said.

Highlighting the 'India Way' at the UN, the prime minister led the Indian delegation at the UNGA. He also participated in the Climate Action Summit and a special event commemorating 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched at the UN.

Prime Minister Modi also led Indias participation at the G20 Summit, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G7 Summit Outreach Sessions, BRICS Summit and ASEAN-related Summits in the last year, according to the MEA document.

A new specialised division in the Ministry for restoration and conservation projects of ancient cultural and heritage monuments was created, the document said.
The wheels of justice have turned slowly for endangered migratory falcons and resident raptors. The pace gathered momentum last week. In a series of raids and crackdowns on a section of pigeon fanciers of Punjab who were slaughtering raptors such as the Tundra Peregrine falcon, the Punjab Wildlife Preservation wing arrested two fanciers from Sandoha village of Bathinda district and questioned another fancier from Gharuan village near Mohali. The wildlife officials also arrested two youths from village Lahora near Ludhiana, who were in illegal possession of two specimens of the resident raptor, the Black kite.

The raids were launched in response to expose in the Wildbuzz column on April 22, 2018, and May 10, 2020. This writer had furnished brutal ISIS-style videos of raptor slaughter to the highest authorities at the level of the Union ministry of environment and forests, National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, the Punjab Wildlife Preservation wing and the International Convention on Migratory Species Office, Abu Dhabi, in April 2018 and May 2020. India is a signatory to this Convention on the protection of all raptors.

Confirming the crackdown, Punjab principal chief conservator (wildlife), Dr Kuldeep Kumar, told this writer: We are going to go strictly by the law. Raptors such as falcons enjoy the highest protection under the laws and it is a non-bailable offence. We want to put an end to this practise once and for all. We had earlier launched a sensitisation and awareness campaign in Punjab to get pigeon fanciers not to kill raptors. We aim to also find out to whom the pigeon fanciers have passed on the falcons or sold them after capture, if they did not kill them.

Irked by raptors such as the Shikra, Eurasian Sparrow hawk, and the migratory Tundra Peregrine and Laggar falcons preying on their expensive pigeons, some fanciers captured raptors and made videos that were posted on TikTok and YouTube and went viral on WhatsApp. Some of these latest videos, which draw a huge number of views, likes and shares, show gruesome beheading of the raptors or simply the wrenching off of the falcons head by a muscular Punjabi hand. Pigeon fanciers also shoot down falcons and make videos of that illegal act. Rogue pigeon fanciers in other states of India and Pakistan are also believed to indulge in this brutal killing.

Acting on a coordinated drive initiated by Dr Kumar, divisional forest officer (DFO), wildlife, at Bathinda, Swarn Singh, traced the pigeon fanciers to Sandoha village who had trapped a falcon from a high tower and then passed it off to someone else. The two videos showing the illegal acts by the Sandoha pigeon fanciers had been sent to the wildlife authorities by this writer in April 2018. The persons arrested from village Sandoha near Maur are Gurprit Singh Mand and Nirmal Singh Billa. We have asked the Police to trace the person to whom the fanciers passed on the falcon, Swarn Singh told this writer.

A Wildlife official with Black kites seized from Lahora village near Ludhiana. (PHOTOS: PUNJAB FOREST & WILDLIFE PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT)

A team from the Ropar wildlife division led by DFO, wildife, Monika Yadav and range forest officer, Prem Singh, traced Gurvinder Singh from villager Gharuan, who had put up videos of him wrenching off the head of a falcon. We have questioned him and taken his statement. He will be produced before the court, Yadav told this writer. While the pigeon fanciers from Sandhoa village were arrested on the basis of the offending videos, the wildlife wing is yet to initiate the arrest of Gurvinder Singh of Gharuan who had put up a number of videos displaying acts in violation of wildlife protection laws.

As part of the crackdown on rogue pigeon fanciers, a team led by DFO, Phillaur, Khushwinder Singh, nabbed two youths of village Lahora near Ludhiana. Though it does not seem they were pigeon fanciers, they had two Black kites in their possession. We are questioning them and one of them is Gurprit Singh, Khushwinder Singh told this writer.

vjswild1@gmail.com
UPDATE: The United States Continues to Lead the Global Response to COVID-19

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

May 29, 2020



The United States continues to lead in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrated by recent announcements of new foreign assistance that are made possible through the American people's generosity and the U.S. Government's action. The American people have given more than $11 billion that will benefit the global COVID-19 response, and we continue to ensure that the substantial U.S. funding and scientific efforts on this front remain a central and coordinated part of the worldwide effort against the disease. Months into fighting this pandemic at home and abroad, the United States continues to lead a global responsebuilding on decades of investment in life-saving health and humanitarian assistance.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. Government has committed more than $1 billion in State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) emergency health, humanitarian, economic, and development assistance specifically aimed at helping governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fight the pandemic. This funding, provided by Congress, will save lives by improving public health education; protecting healthcare facilities; and increasing laboratory, disease-surveillance, and rapid-response capacity in more than 120 countries.

The United States has mobilized as a nation to make this an impressive global effort. Working with the private sector, we are actively fulfilling President Trump's commitment to provide ventilators to our partners and allies in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Our foreign assistance funding to date for the response to the COVID-19 pandemic includes an initial $23 million specifically to provide ventilators to some of these partners and allies. We expect to make future additional purchases and shipments of ventilators and related supplies.

The COVID-19 assistance to-date from the State Department and USAID includes the following:

Nearly $300 million in emergency health assistance from USAID's Global Health Emergency Reserve Fund for Contagious Infectious-Disease Outbreaks and Global Health Programs account. These funds prioritize interventions to mitigate the pandemic and prepare communities in developing countries affected and at-risk of COVID-19.

These funds prioritize interventions to mitigate the pandemic and prepare communities in developing countries affected and at-risk of COVID-19. More than $462 million in humanitarian assistance from USAID's International Disaster Assistance (IDA) account. This assistance supports case-management and keeps essential health care operating; provides risk-communication and community-engagement programs; supports efforts to prevent and control infections; provides safe water and hygiene items; provides emergency food assistance; and strengthens local capacity and coordination by working with existing health structures and with others in the humanitarian community. These funds prioritize populations affected by ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly displaced people, because of their heightened vulnerability, the elevated risk of severe outbreaks in camps and informal settlements, and anticipated disproportionate mortality in these populations.

This assistance supports case-management and keeps essential health care operating; provides risk-communication and community-engagement programs; supports efforts to prevent and control infections; provides safe water and hygiene items; provides emergency food assistance; and strengthens local capacity and coordination by working with existing health structures and with others in the humanitarian community. These funds prioritize populations affected by ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly displaced people, because of their heightened vulnerability, the elevated risk of severe outbreaks in camps and informal settlements, and anticipated disproportionate mortality in these populations. More than $150 million from the Economic Support Fund (ESF). These funds promote American foreign-policy interests by financing shorter-term mitigation efforts and addressing the second-order impacts of the pandemic in the long term, across a variety of sectors.

These funds promote American foreign-policy interests by financing shorter-term mitigation efforts and addressing the second-order impacts of the pandemic in the long term, across a variety of sectors. Nearly $160 million in humanitarian assistance from the Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) account, provided through the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. These funds help international organizations and NGO partners address challenges posed by the pandemic in refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities as well as among migrants and other vulnerable people.

This assistance from the State Department and USAID does not include hundreds of millions more being provided by other U.S. Government Departments and Agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense (DoD). New COVID-19 foreign assistance is provided in addition to the more than $100 billion in global health funding and nearly $70 billion in overseas humanitarian assistance provided by the United States in the last decade alone. Additionally, in Fiscal Year 2020 the United States has appropriated more than $9.2 billion for global health programs and nearly $7.5 billion for global economic and development assistance.

In addition to this direct funding from the U.S. Government, our All-of-America approach is helping people around the world to confront the ongoing pandemic. Through the generosity of American private businesses, non-profit groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, and individuals, Americans have now provided more than $4.3 billion in donations and assistance globally, more than any other nation.

To meet the most urgent needs, U.S. Government Departments and Agencies are coordinating efforts to prioritize foreign assistance to maximize the potential for impact. The United States is providing the following assistance through the State Department and USAID:

Africa:

Angola: $570,000 for health assistance is helping provide risk-communications and water and sanitation, and prevent and control infections in key health facilities in Angola. This assistance comes on top of long-term U.S. investments in Angola, which total $1.48 billion over the past 20 years, including over $613 million for health assistance.

$570,000 for health assistance is helping provide risk-communications and water and sanitation, and prevent and control infections in key health facilities in Angola. This assistance comes on top of long-term U.S. investments in Angola, which total $1.48 billion over the past 20 years, including over $613 million for health assistance. Benin: $1.5 million in health assistance will help Beninois respond to the outbreak by funding the coordination and planning of outbreak-response activities, strengthening surveillance and rapid-response capabilities, and risk-communications and engagement with communities. This assistance joins $1.72 billion in total assistance for Benin over the past 20 years, over $364 million of which was for health.

$1.5 million in health assistance will help Beninois respond to the outbreak by funding the coordination and planning of outbreak-response activities, strengthening surveillance and rapid-response capabilities, and risk-communications and engagement with communities. This assistance joins $1.72 billion in total assistance for Benin over the past 20 years, over $364 million of which was for health. Botswana: $1.5 million in health assistance to address the outbreak. Funding will support risk-communications and community engagement, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations, the procurement of essential health commodities and logistic support, and strengthening case-management and the prevention and control of infections in key health facilities. This assistance builds on nearly $1.2 billion in total assistance in Botswana over the last 20 years, over $1.1 billion of which has been for health.

$1.5 million in health assistance to address the outbreak. Funding will support risk-communications and community engagement, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations, the procurement of essential health commodities and logistic support, and strengthening case-management and the prevention and control of infections in key health facilities. This assistance builds on nearly $1.2 billion in total assistance in Botswana over the last 20 years, over $1.1 billion of which has been for health. Burkina Faso: Nearly $14.3 million in health and humanitarian funding will go toward risk-communications, water and sanitation, preventing and controlling infections in health facilities, public-health messaging, and emergency food assistance. This includes $2.5 million in health assistance, $9 million in IDA humanitarian assistance, and nearly $2.8 million in MRA humanitarian assistance, which will help protect the health of vulnerable people in Burkina Faso during the pandemic. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested a total of more than $2.4 billion in Burkina Faso, including over $222 million for health.

Nearly $14.3 million in health and humanitarian funding will go toward risk-communications, water and sanitation, preventing and controlling infections in health facilities, public-health messaging, and emergency food assistance. This includes $2.5 million in health assistance, $9 million in IDA humanitarian assistance, and nearly $2.8 million in MRA humanitarian assistance, which will help protect the health of vulnerable people in Burkina Faso during the pandemic. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested a total of more than $2.4 billion in Burkina Faso, including over $222 million for health. Burundi: More than $3 million in total funding for the response to COVID-19 includes $2 million in health assistance and more than $1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to help protect the health of vulnerable people. The health assistance will improve the planning and coordination of response activities, the strengthening of surveillance and rapid-response capabilities, strengthening capacities for case-management and the prevention and control of infections, and the training of health workers. The United States has invested more than $997 million in total assistance for Burundi, including more than $254 million for health, over the past 20 years.

More than $3 million in total funding for the response to COVID-19 includes $2 million in health assistance and more than $1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to help protect the health of vulnerable people. The health assistance will improve the planning and coordination of response activities, the strengthening of surveillance and rapid-response capabilities, strengthening capacities for case-management and the prevention and control of infections, and the training of health workers. The United States has invested more than $997 million in total assistance for Burundi, including more than $254 million for health, over the past 20 years. Cameroon: Nearly $16 million for health and humanitarian assistance will help provide infection-control in key health facilities, strengthen laboratories and surveillance, prepare communities, bolster local messaging, and provide emergency food assistance. This includes $14.1 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance from USAID, in addition to nearly $1.9 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support refugees, IDPs, and host communities. This assistance builds upon more than $960 million in total U.S. Government investment in the country over the past 20 years, over $390 million of which was for health.

Nearly $16 million for health and humanitarian assistance will help provide infection-control in key health facilities, strengthen laboratories and surveillance, prepare communities, bolster local messaging, and provide emergency food assistance. This includes $14.1 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance from USAID, in addition to nearly $1.9 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support refugees, IDPs, and host communities. This assistance builds upon more than $960 million in total U.S. Government investment in the country over the past 20 years, over $390 million of which was for health. Central African Republic: More than $10 million in humanitarian assistance, including $6.5 million in IDA humanitarian assistance that will go toward risk-communications, preventing and controlling infections in health facilities, and safe water supplies, and more than $3.5 million in MRA humanitarian assistance that will help protect the health of vulnerable people in the Central African Republic during the pandemic. The U.S. Government has provided $822.6 million in total in the Central African Republic over the last 20 years, including $4.5 million in emergency health assistance in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019.

More than $10 million in humanitarian assistance, including $6.5 million in IDA humanitarian assistance that will go toward risk-communications, preventing and controlling infections in health facilities, and safe water supplies, and more than $3.5 million in MRA humanitarian assistance that will help protect the health of vulnerable people in the Central African Republic during the pandemic. The U.S. Government has provided $822.6 million in total in the Central African Republic over the last 20 years, including $4.5 million in emergency health assistance in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. Chad: $4.1 million in humanitarian assistance, including $1.5 million from the IDA account for preventing and controlling infections in health facilities, raising community awareness of COVID-19, and improving hygiene, and nearly $2.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to help protect the health of vulnerable people in Chad during the pandemic. This new assistance builds upon the foundation of nearly $2 billion in total U.S. assistance over the last 20 years, including more than $30 million for health.

$4.1 million in humanitarian assistance, including $1.5 million from the IDA account for preventing and controlling infections in health facilities, raising community awareness of COVID-19, and improving hygiene, and nearly $2.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to help protect the health of vulnerable people in Chad during the pandemic. This new assistance builds upon the foundation of nearly $2 billion in total U.S. assistance over the last 20 years, including more than $30 million for health. Republic of Congo (ROC): $250,000 in health assistance will address the outbreak, by supporting the coordination and planning of response activities, risk- communications and community-outreach activities and the training of health workers in protocols for preventing and controlling infections in health facilities. The United States has invested in the Republic of Congo for decades, including more than $171.2 million in total U.S. assistance over the last 20 years, over $36.9 million of which has been for health.

$250,000 in health assistance will address the outbreak, by supporting the coordination and planning of response activities, risk- communications and community-outreach activities and the training of health workers in protocols for preventing and controlling infections in health facilities. The United States has invested in the Republic of Congo for decades, including more than $171.2 million in total U.S. assistance over the last 20 years, over $36.9 million of which has been for health. Cote d'Ivoire: $3.2 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by financing risk-communications and community engagement; the training of health care providers in protocols for preventing and controlling infections in health facilities and the appropriate management of cases of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses; and ensuring these facilities are appropriately supplied with essential health commodities. Funding will also finance the training of health workers in critical community-level surveillance techniques, such as case-finding and contact-tracing. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested more than $2.1 billion in long-term development and other assistance in Cote d'Ivoire.

$3.2 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by financing risk-communications and community engagement; the training of health care providers in protocols for preventing and controlling infections in health facilities and the appropriate management of cases of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses; and ensuring these facilities are appropriately supplied with essential health commodities. Funding will also finance the training of health workers in critical community-level surveillance techniques, such as case-finding and contact-tracing. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested more than $2.1 billion in long-term development and other assistance in Cote d'Ivoire. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): $26.1 million in total including $16 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance that will improve the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, and support improved awareness of COVID-19, including by working with religious leaders and journalists on risk-communication messaging. More than $5.1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will help protect vulnerable people in the DRC during the pandemic. The $6 million of health assistance funding will support supply-chain management and logistics, as well as the procurement of essential health commodities; strengthening critical disease-surveillance activities, including community-based surveillance, contact-tracing, and case-finding; strengthening practices to prevent and control infections at health facilities and train health workers, as well as community-based efforts to improve access to water and basic hygiene materials, with the direct distribution of kits to households to prevent infections. Health assistance also will support mobilizing thousands of volunteers in targeted, high-risk Provinces to conduct risk-communications and community-engagement activities. Finally, approximately $5 million in ESF will go toward distance and alternative education for Congolese children and youth so they can continue to learn and maintain protective routines and social connections while schools remain closed across the country. This builds upon more than $6.3 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $1.5 billion for health.

$26.1 million in total including $16 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance that will improve the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, and support improved awareness of COVID-19, including by working with religious leaders and journalists on risk-communication messaging. More than $5.1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will help protect vulnerable people in the DRC during the pandemic. The $6 million of health assistance funding will support supply-chain management and logistics, as well as the procurement of essential health commodities; strengthening critical disease-surveillance activities, including community-based surveillance, contact-tracing, and case-finding; strengthening practices to prevent and control infections at health facilities and train health workers, as well as community-based efforts to improve access to water and basic hygiene materials, with the direct distribution of kits to households to prevent infections. Health assistance also will support mobilizing thousands of volunteers in targeted, high-risk Provinces to conduct risk-communications and community-engagement activities. Finally, approximately $5 million in ESF will go toward distance and alternative education for Congolese children and youth so they can continue to learn and maintain protective routines and social connections while schools remain closed across the country. This builds upon more than $6.3 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $1.5 billion for health. Djibouti: $750,000 in total, including $500,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak and $250,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance to assist vulnerable migrants and host communities as they deal with the pandemic. Health assistance will support strengthening the capacity for testing, supply-planning, supply-chain management and the distribution of urgent health commodities needed for COVID-19. The health assistance also will fund risk-communications and community-outreach activities, the training of health workers to implement protocols to prevent and control infections in health facilities and manage cases of COVID-19; and disease-surveillance and rapid-response protocols and functionality. The United States has already invested more than $338 million in Djibouti over the last 20 years.

$750,000 in total, including $500,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak and $250,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance to assist vulnerable migrants and host communities as they deal with the pandemic. Health assistance will support strengthening the capacity for testing, supply-planning, supply-chain management and the distribution of urgent health commodities needed for COVID-19. The health assistance also will fund risk-communications and community-outreach activities, the training of health workers to implement protocols to prevent and control infections in health facilities and manage cases of COVID-19; and disease-surveillance and rapid-response protocols and functionality. The United States has already invested more than $338 million in Djibouti over the last 20 years. Eswatini: $1.1 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by bolstering Eswatini's emergency health response, which could include the procurement of supplies, contact-tracing, laboratory diagnostics, and raising public awareness. This assistance builds upon the foundation of U.S. Government investments in the Kingdom, which total more than $529 million assistance over the last 20 years, including more than $490 million for health.

$1.1 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by bolstering Eswatini's emergency health response, which could include the procurement of supplies, contact-tracing, laboratory diagnostics, and raising public awareness. This assistance builds upon the foundation of U.S. Government investments in the Kingdom, which total more than $529 million assistance over the last 20 years, including more than $490 million for health. Ethiopia: More than $42.5 million in assistance to counter COVID-19, including $3.4 million for health and $26.5 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for risk-communications, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, disease-surveillance, contact-tracing, coordination, and emergency food assistance; $7 million in ESF that will support continuing operation at a major industrial park in Hawassa to preserve critical jobs,; and more than $5.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people, including refugees, migrants, and host communities. The health assistance will support strengthening outbreak-response capabilities, including community-based surveillance for case-finding and contact-tracing; strengthening laboratory diagnostic capacity; and optimizing case-management and practices to prevent and control infections in health facilities. Health assistance will also fund risk-communications and community-engagement activities. This assistance is in addition to the United States' long-term investments in Ethiopia over the past 20 years of more than $13 billion, over $4 billion of which was for health.

More than $42.5 million in assistance to counter COVID-19, including $3.4 million for health and $26.5 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for risk-communications, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, disease-surveillance, contact-tracing, coordination, and emergency food assistance; $7 million in ESF that will support continuing operation at a major industrial park in Hawassa to preserve critical jobs,; and more than $5.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people, including refugees, migrants, and host communities. The health assistance will support strengthening outbreak-response capabilities, including community-based surveillance for case-finding and contact-tracing; strengthening laboratory diagnostic capacity; and optimizing case-management and practices to prevent and control infections in health facilities. Health assistance will also fund risk-communications and community-engagement activities. This assistance is in addition to the United States' long-term investments in Ethiopia over the past 20 years of more than $13 billion, over $4 billion of which was for health. Ghana: $1.6 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening outbreak-response capabilities, including community-based surveillance for case-finding and contact-tracing; improve laboratory diagnostic capacity; optimize the management of COVID-19 cases and the prevention and control of infections in health facilities; and promote risk-communications and community-engagement activities. This assistance builds upon $3.8 billion in total U.S. Government investments in Ghana over the last 20 years, including over $914 million for health.

$1.6 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening outbreak-response capabilities, including community-based surveillance for case-finding and contact-tracing; improve laboratory diagnostic capacity; optimize the management of COVID-19 cases and the prevention and control of infections in health facilities; and promote risk-communications and community-engagement activities. This assistance builds upon $3.8 billion in total U.S. Government investments in Ghana over the last 20 years, including over $914 million for health. Guinea: $1.3 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by financing risk-communications and community-outreach activities, the training of health workers to implement protocols to prevent and control infections in health facilities; and disease-surveillance and rapid-response protocols and functionality. The United States has invested nearly $1 billion in total assistance in Guinea over the last 20 years, including over $365.5 million for health.

$1.3 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by financing risk-communications and community-outreach activities, the training of health workers to implement protocols to prevent and control infections in health facilities; and disease-surveillance and rapid-response protocols and functionality. The United States has invested nearly $1 billion in total assistance in Guinea over the last 20 years, including over $365.5 million for health. Kenya: Nearly $14.4 million for health and humanitarian assistance, including $13.5 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance to provide emergency food assistance; bolster risk-communications; prepare health-communication networks and media for possible cases; and help provide public-health messaging for media, health workers, and communities; and $947,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance for refugees and host communities. This assistance specific to COVID-19 comes on top of long-term U.S. Government investments in Kenya, which total $11.7 billion over the last 20 years, including more than $6.7 billion for health.

Nearly $14.4 million for health and humanitarian assistance, including $13.5 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance to provide emergency food assistance; bolster risk-communications; prepare health-communication networks and media for possible cases; and help provide public-health messaging for media, health workers, and communities; and $947,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance for refugees and host communities. This assistance specific to COVID-19 comes on top of long-term U.S. Government investments in Kenya, which total $11.7 billion over the last 20 years, including more than $6.7 billion for health. Lesotho: $750,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening outbreak-response capabilities, including community-based surveillance for case-finding and contact tracing, strengthening laboratory diagnostic capacity, and optimizing case-management and the prevention and control of infections in health facilities. The health assistance also will finance risk-communications and community-engagement activities. This assistance builds upon decades of U.S. investments in Lesotho, which total more than $1 billion over the last 20 years, including more than $834 million for health.

$750,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening outbreak-response capabilities, including community-based surveillance for case-finding and contact tracing, strengthening laboratory diagnostic capacity, and optimizing case-management and the prevention and control of infections in health facilities. The health assistance also will finance risk-communications and community-engagement activities. This assistance builds upon decades of U.S. investments in Lesotho, which total more than $1 billion over the last 20 years, including more than $834 million for health. Liberia: $2.3 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance will provide critical aid for all 15 Liberian Counties (emergency-operation centers, training, contact-tracing, hospitals, and community health care), support quarantine efforts, and provide village-level support. The United States has helped lay a strong foundation for Liberia's response to COVID-19 through more than $4 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $675 million for health.

$2.3 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance will provide critical aid for all 15 Liberian Counties (emergency-operation centers, training, contact-tracing, hospitals, and community health care), support quarantine efforts, and provide village-level support. The United States has helped lay a strong foundation for Liberia's response to COVID-19 through more than $4 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $675 million for health. Madagascar : $2.5 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening laboratory capacity for diagnostics; deploying mobile laboratories for decentralized diagnosis; improving regional and District surveillance, including data systems and the training of community health volunteers in contact-tracing; promoting risk-communications and community-engagement activities, including a staffed hotline, mass-media campaigns and prevention messages; the training of health professionals infection and prevention control training, procurement of essential health commodities, and improvements in waste management. The United States has invested more than $1.5 billion in total assistance for Madagascar over the last 20 years, including over $722 million for health.

: $2.5 million in health assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening laboratory capacity for diagnostics; deploying mobile laboratories for decentralized diagnosis; improving regional and District surveillance, including data systems and the training of community health volunteers in contact-tracing; promoting risk-communications and community-engagement activities, including a staffed hotline, mass-media campaigns and prevention messages; the training of health professionals infection and prevention control training, procurement of essential health commodities, and improvements in waste management. The United States has invested more than $1.5 billion in total assistance for Madagascar over the last 20 years, including over $722 million for health. Malawi : $4.5 million in health assistance to address the outbreak. Funding will support the COVID-19 response and preparedness activities at the district level, including surveillance activities, strengthening infection and prevention control practices, screening at points of entry, and case management. Funding will also support risk communication and community engagement, including radio and social media campaigns; and technical assistance to optimize supply chain logistics and management. The United States has provided more than $3.6 billion in total assistance for Malawi over the past 20 years, including more than $1.7 billion for health.

: $4.5 million in health assistance to address the outbreak. Funding will support the COVID-19 response and preparedness activities at the district level, including surveillance activities, strengthening infection and prevention control practices, screening at points of entry, and case management. Funding will also support risk communication and community engagement, including radio and social media campaigns; and technical assistance to optimize supply chain logistics and management. The United States has provided more than $3.6 billion in total assistance for Malawi over the past 20 years, including more than $1.7 billion for health. Mali: More than $9.1 million in assistance for the response to COVID-19, which includes $2.4 million for health assistance and $2.7 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for risk-communications, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, and coordination; and more than $4 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable in Mali during the pandemic. Health assistance will support risk-communications and community engagement, including by establishing community communication networks with modern and traditional methods and to call on citizens to counter misinformation and rumors, as well as support to the Ministry of Health's National Hotline; strengthening diagnostic networks and disease-surveillance systems, optimizing real-time surveillance to accelerate the detection and investigation of cases and contact-tracing and train and mobilize existing community-surveillance, early-warning and emergency rapid-response teams to report infections and assist ill persons in getting prompt and appropriate care. The health funding also will finance activities to prevent and control infections at priority case-detection points (including points of entry to Mali along high-traffic cargo routes) and public and community health facilities, including through the procurement of equipment and supplies to prevent infections and manage medical waste. This new assistance builds upon decades of U.S. Government investments in Mali, which total more than $3.2 billion over the last 20 years, including more than $807 million for health.

More than $9.1 million in assistance for the response to COVID-19, which includes $2.4 million for health assistance and $2.7 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for risk-communications, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, and coordination; and more than $4 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable in Mali during the pandemic. Health assistance will support risk-communications and community engagement, including by establishing community communication networks with modern and traditional methods and to call on citizens to counter misinformation and rumors, as well as support to the Ministry of Health's National Hotline; strengthening diagnostic networks and disease-surveillance systems, optimizing real-time surveillance to accelerate the detection and investigation of cases and contact-tracing and train and mobilize existing community-surveillance, early-warning and emergency rapid-response teams to report infections and assist ill persons in getting prompt and appropriate care. The health funding also will finance activities to prevent and control infections at priority case-detection points (including points of entry to Mali along high-traffic cargo routes) and public and community health facilities, including through the procurement of equipment and supplies to prevent infections and manage medical waste. This new assistance builds upon decades of U.S. Government investments in Mali, which total more than $3.2 billion over the last 20 years, including more than $807 million for health. Mauritania: $250,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak by financing risk-communications and community-engagement activities, strengthening supply-chain management and logistics, and improving the prevention and control of infections in health facilities. The United States has provided more than $424 million in total assistance over the last 20 years for Mauritania, including more than $27 million for health, which builds a strong foundation for their pandemic response.

$250,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak by financing risk-communications and community-engagement activities, strengthening supply-chain management and logistics, and improving the prevention and control of infections in health facilities. The United States has provided more than $424 million in total assistance over the last 20 years for Mauritania, including more than $27 million for health, which builds a strong foundation for their pandemic response. Mauritius : $500,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak under the national response strategy for COVID-19, including by strengthening coordination and logistics; developing and disseminating risk-communications and prevention materials at the community level; strengthening protocols for the prevention and control of infections in health facilities; disseminating case-management guidelines and training health workers in their use; improving surveillance and rapid-response protocols and functionality; and expanding laboratory capacity. This assistance builds upon the foundation of more than $13 million in total U.S. Government investments over the past 20 years, including more than $838,000 for health.

: $500,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak under the national response strategy for COVID-19, including by strengthening coordination and logistics; developing and disseminating risk-communications and prevention materials at the community level; strengthening protocols for the prevention and control of infections in health facilities; disseminating case-management guidelines and training health workers in their use; improving surveillance and rapid-response protocols and functionality; and expanding laboratory capacity. This assistance builds upon the foundation of more than $13 million in total U.S. Government investments over the past 20 years, including more than $838,000 for health. Mozambique: $6.8 million, including $4.8 million for health assistance and $2 million in IDA humanitarian funding will finance risk-communications and community engagement, including mass-media prevention messages; water and sanitation; and the prevention and control of infections in key health facilities in Mozambique. The health assistance also will fund the training of health workers in case-management and ensuring health facilities are prepared to respond to the outbreak. The United States has invested nearly $6 billion in Mozambique over the past 20 years, including more than $3.8 billion for health.

$6.8 million, including $4.8 million for health assistance and $2 million in IDA humanitarian funding will finance risk-communications and community engagement, including mass-media prevention messages; water and sanitation; and the prevention and control of infections in key health facilities in Mozambique. The health assistance also will fund the training of health workers in case-management and ensuring health facilities are prepared to respond to the outbreak. The United States has invested nearly $6 billion in Mozambique over the past 20 years, including more than $3.8 billion for health. Namibia: $750,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak by improving laboratory capacity for diagnostics and technical assistance in supply-chain management and logistics. This assistance comes in addition to nearly $1.5 billion in total U.S. Government investments to Namibia over the past 20 years, including more than $970.5 million in long-term health assistance.

$750,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak by improving laboratory capacity for diagnostics and technical assistance in supply-chain management and logistics. This assistance comes in addition to nearly $1.5 billion in total U.S. Government investments to Namibia over the past 20 years, including more than $970.5 million in long-term health assistance. Niger: Nearly $6.4 million in assistance includes nearly $800,000 for health assistance and $3 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, and coordination; and more than $2.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will support vulnerable people in Niger during the pandemic, including refugees, and vulnerable migrants, and host communities. This assistance comes on top of more than $2 billion in total U.S. Government investments for Niger in the past 20 years, nearly $233 million for health.

Nearly $6.4 million in assistance includes nearly $800,000 for health assistance and $3 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, and coordination; and more than $2.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will support vulnerable people in Niger during the pandemic, including refugees, and vulnerable migrants, and host communities. This assistance comes on top of more than $2 billion in total U.S. Government investments for Niger in the past 20 years, nearly $233 million for health. Nigeria: More than $41.3 million in assistance, which includes more than $3.3 million for health assistance and $34 million in IDA humanitarian funding for risk-communications, water and sanitation, infection-prevention, coordination, and emergency food assistance; and nearly $4.1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people. This assistance joins more than $8.1 billion in total assistance for Nigeria over the past 20 years, including more than $5.2 billion for health.

More than $41.3 million in assistance, which includes more than $3.3 million for health assistance and $34 million in IDA humanitarian funding for risk-communications, water and sanitation, infection-prevention, coordination, and emergency food assistance; and nearly $4.1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people. This assistance joins more than $8.1 billion in total assistance for Nigeria over the past 20 years, including more than $5.2 billion for health. Rwanda: $2.2 million in assistance for Rwanda's response to COVID-19 includes $1.7 million for health assistance that will help with disease-surveillance and case-management, and $474,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance to support refugees and host communities in Rwanda. This comes on top of long-term U.S. Government investments in Rwanda that total more than $2.6 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $1.5 billion for health.

$2.2 million in assistance for Rwanda's response to COVID-19 includes $1.7 million for health assistance that will help with disease-surveillance and case-management, and $474,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance to support refugees and host communities in Rwanda. This comes on top of long-term U.S. Government investments in Rwanda that total more than $2.6 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $1.5 billion for health. Senegal: $3.9 million in health assistance to support risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, public health messaging, and more. In Senegal, the U.S. has invested nearly $2.8 billion in total over the past 20 years, nearly $880 million for health.

$3.9 million in health assistance to support risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, public health messaging, and more. In Senegal, the U.S. has invested nearly $2.8 billion in total over the past 20 years, nearly $880 million for health. Sierra Leone: $2.7 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening surveillance activities, case-finding, contact-tracing, risk-communications, community engagement, and the management of cases of COVID-19 at health facilities. This assistance joins decades of U.S. investments in Sierra Leone, totaling more than $954 million in total assistance over the past 20 years, including nearly $260 million for health.

$2.7 million in health and IDA humanitarian assistance to address the outbreak by strengthening surveillance activities, case-finding, contact-tracing, risk-communications, community engagement, and the management of cases of COVID-19 at health facilities. This assistance joins decades of U.S. investments in Sierra Leone, totaling more than $954 million in total assistance over the past 20 years, including nearly $260 million for health. Somalia: More than $17.1 million, including $12.6 million in IDA and $4.5 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for the response to COVID-19 will fund risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, case-management, and more, including for refugee returnees, vulnerable migrants, and host communities. This assistance comes in addition to $5.3 billion in total assistance for Somalia over the last 20 years, including nearly $30 million for health.

More than $17.1 million, including $12.6 million in IDA and $4.5 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for the response to COVID-19 will fund risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, case-management, and more, including for refugee returnees, vulnerable migrants, and host communities. This assistance comes in addition to $5.3 billion in total assistance for Somalia over the last 20 years, including nearly $30 million for health. South Africa: Approximately $8.4 million in health assistance to counter COVID-19 will fund risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, public health messaging, and more. The United States has also pledged to send up to 1,000 ventilators to South Africa, the first 50 of which arrived on May 11, 2020. This assistance joins more than $7 billion in total assistance by the United States for South Africa in the past 20 years, nearly $6 billion invested for health.

Approximately $8.4 million in health assistance to counter COVID-19 will fund risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, public health messaging, and more. The United States has also pledged to send up to 1,000 ventilators to South Africa, the first 50 of which arrived on May 11, 2020. This assistance joins more than $7 billion in total assistance by the United States for South Africa in the past 20 years, nearly $6 billion invested for health. South Sudan: Nearly $40.6 million in assistance includes $32.2 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for case management, prevention and control of infections, logistics, coordination efforts, risk communications, water, sanitation and hygiene, and emergency food assistance; $2.8 million in health programming; and more than $5.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance that will support refugees, IDPs, and host communities in South Sudan during the pandemic. The health assistance will fund expanded training of health workers and peer educators on proper practices to prevent and control infections in health facilities to protect communities and patients, particularly those at high risk or who are immunocompromised, and strengthening the capabilities of health facilities and communities to manage and refer cases of COVID-19. The health assistance also will fund expanding efforts to address community concerns, including by tracking and combating rumors, misconceptions, and grievances. This funding builds upon past U.S. investments in South Sudan that total $6.4 billion over the past 20 years, including more than $405 million for health.

Nearly $40.6 million in assistance includes $32.2 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for case management, prevention and control of infections, logistics, coordination efforts, risk communications, water, sanitation and hygiene, and emergency food assistance; $2.8 million in health programming; and more than $5.6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance that will support refugees, IDPs, and host communities in South Sudan during the pandemic. The health assistance will fund expanded training of health workers and peer educators on proper practices to prevent and control infections in health facilities to protect communities and patients, particularly those at high risk or who are immunocompromised, and strengthening the capabilities of health facilities and communities to manage and refer cases of COVID-19. The health assistance also will fund expanding efforts to address community concerns, including by tracking and combating rumors, misconceptions, and grievances. This funding builds upon past U.S. investments in South Sudan that total $6.4 billion over the past 20 years, including more than $405 million for health. Sudan: More than $27.6 million in assistance includes $1 million in health assistance and $20.3 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for strengthening laboratory capacity, disease surveillance and contact-tracing, case-management, risk-communications, disease-surveillance, the prevention and control of infections, water, sanitation and hygiene; $5 million in ESF for cash assistance to vulnerable families adversely affected by COVID-19; and more than $1.3 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable people. The United States has invested more than $1.6 billion in total assistance for Sudan over the last 20 years, more than $3 million of which was for health.

More than $27.6 million in assistance includes $1 million in health assistance and $20.3 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for strengthening laboratory capacity, disease surveillance and contact-tracing, case-management, risk-communications, disease-surveillance, the prevention and control of infections, water, sanitation and hygiene; $5 million in ESF for cash assistance to vulnerable families adversely affected by COVID-19; and more than $1.3 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable people. The United States has invested more than $1.6 billion in total assistance for Sudan over the last 20 years, more than $3 million of which was for health. Tanzania: $3.4 million for health assistance funds the strengthening of laboratory capacity for optimal diagnostics, risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections, public health messaging, and more. The United States has invested more than $7.5 billion total in Tanzania over the past 20 years, nearly $4.9 billion for health.

$3.4 million for health assistance funds the strengthening of laboratory capacity for optimal diagnostics, risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections, public health messaging, and more. The United States has invested more than $7.5 billion total in Tanzania over the past 20 years, nearly $4.9 billion for health. Uganda: $3.6 million in assistance includes $2.3 million in health assistance to address the outbreak and nearly $1.3 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will support refugees and host communities in Uganda during the pandemic. The health assistance will strengthen the prevention and control of infections and case-management practices in health facilities, including by training health workers in new protocols; promote risk-communications and community engagement, including materials and messages to address most vulnerable groups; and improve management systems to ensure the accountability and availability of, and access to, health commodities, essential medicines, and health supplies in health facilities to maintain the continuity of services. This assistance is provided in addition to the nearly $8 billion in total U.S. Government investments for Uganda over the last 20 years, including nearly $4.8 billion for health.

$3.6 million in assistance includes $2.3 million in health assistance to address the outbreak and nearly $1.3 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will support refugees and host communities in Uganda during the pandemic. The health assistance will strengthen the prevention and control of infections and case-management practices in health facilities, including by training health workers in new protocols; promote risk-communications and community engagement, including materials and messages to address most vulnerable groups; and improve management systems to ensure the accountability and availability of, and access to, health commodities, essential medicines, and health supplies in health facilities to maintain the continuity of services. This assistance is provided in addition to the nearly $8 billion in total U.S. Government investments for Uganda over the last 20 years, including nearly $4.8 billion for health. Zambia: $3.4 million for health assistance will fund risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections, public health messaging, and more. This assistance joins $4.9 billion total U.S. Government investments for Zambia over the past 20 years, nearly $3.9 billion in U.S. health assistance.

$3.4 million for health assistance will fund risk-communications, water and sanitation, the prevention and control of infections, public health messaging, and more. This assistance joins $4.9 billion total U.S. Government investments for Zambia over the past 20 years, nearly $3.9 billion in U.S. health assistance. Zimbabwe: Nearly $15 million, including nearly $3 million for health assistance and $12 million for IDA humanitarian assistance will help to prepare laboratories for large-scale testing, support case-finding activities for influenza-like illnesses, implement a public-health emergency plan for points of entry, and emergency food assistance. The health assistance will fund the strengthening of laboratory capacity, the prevention and control of infections and the management of cases of COVID-19 in health facilities, including hand-washing stations, screening centers, preparing hospitals to be ready to treat COVID-19 patients, training health workers, and setting up alternative care-delivery points. Funding also will also support the training of rapid-response teams, community health workers and volunteers; and risk-communications and community engagement. This new assistance builds on a history of U.S. investments in Zimbabwe  nearly $3 billion total over the past 20 years, nearly $1.2 billion of which was for health.

Nearly $15 million, including nearly $3 million for health assistance and $12 million for IDA humanitarian assistance will help to prepare laboratories for large-scale testing, support case-finding activities for influenza-like illnesses, implement a public-health emergency plan for points of entry, and emergency food assistance. The health assistance will fund the strengthening of laboratory capacity, the prevention and control of infections and the management of cases of COVID-19 in health facilities, including hand-washing stations, screening centers, preparing hospitals to be ready to treat COVID-19 patients, training health workers, and setting up alternative care-delivery points. Funding also will also support the training of rapid-response teams, community health workers and volunteers; and risk-communications and community engagement. This new assistance builds on a history of U.S. investments in Zimbabwe  nearly $3 billion total over the past 20 years, nearly $1.2 billion of which was for health. Regional Efforts in the Sahel: $5 million in ESF will strengthen the efforts of partner governments and civil society to manage and respond to COVID-19 with transparent communication and response. These investments will cover Burkina Faso, Niger, The Gambia, Chad, and Mali.

$5 million in ESF will strengthen the efforts of partner governments and civil society to manage and respond to COVID-19 with transparent communication and response. These investments will cover Burkina Faso, Niger, The Gambia, Chad, and Mali. Regional Efforts in West Africa: $5 million in ESF will go towards conducting information campaigns with local authorities and communities and engaging community groups, community radio stations, and local media actors to develop targeted messaging in local languages. This assistance will also engage citizens in local-led advocacy, dialogue, and inclusive behavior change. These investments will cover Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin, and Guinea.

$5 million in ESF will go towards conducting information campaigns with local authorities and communities and engaging community groups, community radio stations, and local media actors to develop targeted messaging in local languages. This assistance will also engage citizens in local-led advocacy, dialogue, and inclusive behavior change. These investments will cover Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin, and Guinea. Regional Sub-Saharan Africa Humanitarian Assistance: More than $6 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to help vulnerable people during the pandemic.

Asia:

Afghanistan: $20.6 million in COVID-19 assistance includes more than $7.1 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance to support the detection and treatment of COVID-19, as well as protection and health support, for IDPs, and nearly $3.1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for Afghan returnees. In addition, the United States has redirected $10 million in existing resources to support the United Nations Emergency Response Plan for COVID-19 to conduct disease-surveillance, improve laboratories, manage cases of the disease, prevent and control infections in health facilities, engage with local communities, and provide technical assistance to the Government of Afghanistan, and $500,000 to procure COVID-19 prevention and control supplies for correctional facilities.

$20.6 million in COVID-19 assistance includes more than $7.1 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance to support the detection and treatment of COVID-19, as well as protection and health support, for IDPs, and nearly $3.1 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for Afghan returnees. In addition, the United States has redirected $10 million in existing resources to support the United Nations Emergency Response Plan for COVID-19 to conduct disease-surveillance, improve laboratories, manage cases of the disease, prevent and control infections in health facilities, engage with local communities, and provide technical assistance to the Government of Afghanistan, and $500,000 to procure COVID-19 prevention and control supplies for correctional facilities. Bangladesh: More than $36.7 million in assistance includes $21.4 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance to help with case-management, surveillance activities, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, risk- communications, water, sanitation, hygiene, and emergency food assistance. In addition, more than $15.3 million in MRA humanitarian support will support vulnerable people during the pandemic, including refugees and host communities. This builds upon nearly $4 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, which included more than $1 billion for health.

More than $36.7 million in assistance includes $21.4 million for health and IDA humanitarian assistance to help with case-management, surveillance activities, the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, risk- communications, water, sanitation, hygiene, and emergency food assistance. In addition, more than $15.3 million in MRA humanitarian support will support vulnerable people during the pandemic, including refugees and host communities. This builds upon nearly $4 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, which included more than $1 billion for health. Bhutan: $1 million in total assistance includes $500,000 in ESF to support microenterprises to generate income for those affected by COVID-19 and to strengthen food security for Bhutanese unemployed because of the shutdown of tourism and construction sectors as well as increase the skills of these individuals, including unemployed youth. It also includes $500,000 in health assistance to strengthen diagnostic laboratory capabilities and clinical case-management, provide virtual training for healthcare providers and lab personnel, and design and produce risk-communications materials. This assistance builds upon more than $6.5 million in total U.S. Government investments over the past 20 years, including $847,000 for health.

$1 million in total assistance includes $500,000 in ESF to support microenterprises to generate income for those affected by COVID-19 and to strengthen food security for Bhutanese unemployed because of the shutdown of tourism and construction sectors as well as increase the skills of these individuals, including unemployed youth. It also includes $500,000 in health assistance to strengthen diagnostic laboratory capabilities and clinical case-management, provide virtual training for healthcare providers and lab personnel, and design and produce risk-communications materials. This assistance builds upon more than $6.5 million in total U.S. Government investments over the past 20 years, including $847,000 for health. Burma: Nearly $13.5 million total, including approximately $8.3 million for health and $3 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, case-management, laboratories, risk-communications and community engagement, as well as water and sanitation supplies, including assistance to IDP camps that are facing water shortages. This also includes nearly $2.2 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable people and host communities during the pandemic. This assistance comes on top of long-term U.S. Government investments in Burma that total more than $1.3 billion over the past 20 years, which includes more than $176 million for health.

Nearly $13.5 million total, including approximately $8.3 million for health and $3 million in IDA humanitarian assistance for the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, case-management, laboratories, risk-communications and community engagement, as well as water and sanitation supplies, including assistance to IDP camps that are facing water shortages. This also includes nearly $2.2 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable people and host communities during the pandemic. This assistance comes on top of long-term U.S. Government investments in Burma that total more than $1.3 billion over the past 20 years, which includes more than $176 million for health. Cambodia: More than $11 million in total assistance for the response to COVID-19 includes $5 million in ESF for relief and job-skills training for vulnerable people, such as returning migrants, and expanded efforts to counter trafficking and protect children. It also includes more than $6 million in health assistance to help the Cambodian Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, communicate risk, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. The U.S. Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, which includes more than $730 million for health.

More than $11 million in total assistance for the response to COVID-19 includes $5 million in ESF for relief and job-skills training for vulnerable people, such as returning migrants, and expanded efforts to counter trafficking and protect children. It also includes more than $6 million in health assistance to help the Cambodian Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, communicate risk, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. The U.S. Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, which includes more than $730 million for health. India: Nearly $5.9 million in health assistance to help India slow the spread of COVID-19, provide care for the affected, disseminate essential public health messages to communities, strengthen case-finding and surveillance, and mobilize innovative financing mechanisms for emergency preparedness and response to the pandemic. Additionally, the funds will support State-specific COVID-19 challenges and address bottlenecks in supply-chains that stem from the lock-down of India's borders. This builds on a foundation of nearly $2.8 billion in total assistance to India over the last 20 years, which includes more than $1.4 billion for health.

Nearly $5.9 million in health assistance to help India slow the spread of COVID-19, provide care for the affected, disseminate essential public health messages to communities, strengthen case-finding and surveillance, and mobilize innovative financing mechanisms for emergency preparedness and response to the pandemic. Additionally, the funds will support State-specific COVID-19 challenges and address bottlenecks in supply-chains that stem from the lock-down of India's borders. This builds on a foundation of nearly $2.8 billion in total assistance to India over the last 20 years, which includes more than $1.4 billion for health. Indonesia: $11 million includes more than $9 million in health funding to help the Indonesian Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. It also includes nearly $1.5 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for refugees, vulnerable migrants, and their host communities. The U.S. Government has invested more than $5 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $1 billion for health.

$11 million includes more than $9 million in health funding to help the Indonesian Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. It also includes nearly $1.5 million in MRA humanitarian assistance for refugees, vulnerable migrants, and their host communities. The U.S. Government has invested more than $5 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $1 billion for health. Kazakhstan: More than $3.1 million for health assistance will help prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. This assistance builds upon U.S. investments of more than more than $2 billion in total assistance over the last 20 years, including $86 million for health.

More than $3.1 million for health assistance will help prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. This assistance builds upon U.S. investments of more than more than $2 billion in total assistance over the last 20 years, including $86 million for health. Kyrgyz Republic: Approximately $900,000 for health assistance will help prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. The United States has invested nearly $1.2 billion in total assistance for Kyrgyzstan over the past 20 years, including more than $120 million for health.

Approximately $900,000 for health assistance will help prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. The United States has invested nearly $1.2 billion in total assistance for Kyrgyzstan over the past 20 years, including more than $120 million for health. Laos: $4.4 million for health assistance is helping the government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. This assistance builds upon U.S. Government investment in Laos over time, including more than $348 million over the past decade, of which nearly $92 million was health assistance.

$4.4 million for health assistance is helping the government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. This assistance builds upon U.S. Government investment in Laos over time, including more than $348 million over the past decade, of which nearly $92 million was health assistance. Malaysia: $1.2 million total includes $1 million in health assistance that will fund the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, community engagement, disease-surveillance and contact-tracing systems, bolster risk-communications, and more in response to COVID-19. It also includes $200,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance to support COVID-19 response efforts for refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. This assistance builds upon a foundation of decades of U.S. investment in Malaysia, totaling more than $288 million over the past 20 years, including more than $3.6 million for health.

$1.2 million total includes $1 million in health assistance that will fund the prevention and control of infections in health facilities, community engagement, disease-surveillance and contact-tracing systems, bolster risk-communications, and more in response to COVID-19. It also includes $200,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance to support COVID-19 response efforts for refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. This assistance builds upon a foundation of decades of U.S. investment in Malaysia, totaling more than $288 million over the past 20 years, including more than $3.6 million for health. Maldives : $2 million in ESF will support the expansion of social-protection services led by local civil-society organizations (CSOs) and assist them to advocate effectively for COVID recovery policies. Funding will provide technical assistance to the government to develop effective economic, fiscal, monetary measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. S. investments in Maldives include more than $30 million in total assistance since 2004.

: $2 million in ESF will support the expansion of social-protection services led by local civil-society organizations (CSOs) and assist them to advocate effectively for COVID recovery policies. Funding will provide technical assistance to the government to develop effective economic, fiscal, monetary measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. S. investments in Maldives include more than $30 million in total assistance since 2004. Mongolia: Nearly $1.2 million for health assistance is helping the Mongolian Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, and support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. The United States has invested more than $1 billion in total assistance for Mongolia over the past 20 years, including nearly $106 million for health.

Nearly $1.2 million for health assistance is helping the Mongolian Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, and support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. The United States has invested more than $1 billion in total assistance for Mongolia over the past 20 years, including nearly $106 million for health. Nepal: $7.3 million in total assistance includes $2.5 million in ESF to support local governments and disaster-management committees to respond to the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, and will provide small grants to the private sector and CSOs to enable economic recovery, mitigate food insecurity, and address the needs of vulnerable populations. It also includes $4.8 million for health assistance that is helping the Nepali Government to conduct community-level risk-communications, prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. Over the past 20 years, U.S. Government investment in Nepal totals more than $2 billion, including more than $603 million for health.

$7.3 million in total assistance includes $2.5 million in ESF to support local governments and disaster-management committees to respond to the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, and will provide small grants to the private sector and CSOs to enable economic recovery, mitigate food insecurity, and address the needs of vulnerable populations. It also includes $4.8 million for health assistance that is helping the Nepali Government to conduct community-level risk-communications, prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and more. Over the past 20 years, U.S. Government investment in Nepal totals more than $2 billion, including more than $603 million for health. Pacific Islands: Nearly $26.1 million total in assistance from USAID, which includes $14.5 million in IDA humanitarian assistance to support risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, logistics, coordination efforts, and more; $5 million in ESF for small grants to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to combat disinformation and hate speech at the community and national levels, to protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups, and to increase their resilience and ability to respond to the economic impacts of COVID-19; and $4.7 million for health assistance, which is helping governments prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, and support technical experts for response and preparedness. Over the last 20 years, the United States has invested over $5.21 billion in assistance to the Pacific Islands. Over the last decade, the United States has invested more than $620 million for health in the Pacific Islands.

Nearly $26.1 million total in assistance from USAID, which includes $14.5 million in IDA humanitarian assistance to support risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, logistics, coordination efforts, and more; $5 million in ESF for small grants to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to combat disinformation and hate speech at the community and national levels, to protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups, and to increase their resilience and ability to respond to the economic impacts of COVID-19; and $4.7 million for health assistance, which is helping governments prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, and support technical experts for response and preparedness. Over the last 20 years, the United States has invested over $5.21 billion in assistance to the Pacific Islands. Over the last decade, the United States has invested more than $620 million for health in the Pacific Islands. Papua New Guinea (PNG): $3.55 million for health assistance is helping the Government of PNG prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, and support technical experts for response and preparedness, risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, and more. The United States has invested over $108 million total in Papua New Guinea over the past 20 years, including more than $52 million for health.

$3.55 million for health assistance is helping the Government of PNG prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, and support technical experts for response and preparedness, risk-communications, the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, and more. The United States has invested over $108 million total in Papua New Guinea over the past 20 years, including more than $52 million for health. Pakistan: Nearly $18 million in total assistance for Pakistan's response to COVID-19 includes a $5 million contribution by USAID to the agreement between the Department of International Development of the United Kingdom with the Government of Pakistan to support its emergency cash-assistance program. USAID's contribution will support about 66,000 vulnerable families affected by COVID-19; $10 million in health assistance to strengthen monitoring and better prepare communities to identify potential outbreaks, including funding for the training of healthcare providers and other urgent needs; and nearly $2.9 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to help vulnerable people in Pakistan. S. long-term investment in Pakistan over the past 20 years includes more than $18.4 billion in total assistance, which includes nearly $1.2 billion for health.

Nearly $18 million in total assistance for Pakistan's response to COVID-19 includes a $5 million contribution by USAID to the agreement between the Department of International Development of the United Kingdom with the Government of Pakistan to support its emergency cash-assistance program. USAID's contribution will support about 66,000 vulnerable families affected by COVID-19; $10 million in health assistance to strengthen monitoring and better prepare communities to identify potential outbreaks, including funding for the training of healthcare providers and other urgent needs; and nearly $2.9 million in MRA humanitarian assistance to help vulnerable people in Pakistan. S. long-term investment in Pakistan over the past 20 years includes more than $18.4 billion in total assistance, which includes nearly $1.2 billion for health. The Philippines: More than $19.1 million in total COVID-19 assistance includes $5 million in ESF to provide grants and skills training to heavily affected sectors and communities; facilitate access to credit for micro and small enterprises; and support the efforts of the national government to improve crisis-management and procurement and promote a regulatory environment that enhances the resilience of communities and businesses. In addition, about $6.5 million in health assistance will help upgrade laboratories and specimen-transport systems and intensify case-finding and event-based surveillance, support Filipino and international technical experts in risk-communications and the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities; and $6.8 million in IDA humanitarian assistance will improve community-level preparedness and response, promote handwashing and hygiene, and more. Finally, $875,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance will support vulnerable people during the pandemic. The United States has invested more than $4.5 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, which includes $582 million for health assistance.

More than $19.1 million in total COVID-19 assistance includes $5 million in ESF to provide grants and skills training to heavily affected sectors and communities; facilitate access to credit for micro and small enterprises; and support the efforts of the national government to improve crisis-management and procurement and promote a regulatory environment that enhances the resilience of communities and businesses. In addition, about $6.5 million in health assistance will help upgrade laboratories and specimen-transport systems and intensify case-finding and event-based surveillance, support Filipino and international technical experts in risk-communications and the prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities; and $6.8 million in IDA humanitarian assistance will improve community-level preparedness and response, promote handwashing and hygiene, and more. Finally, $875,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance will support vulnerable people during the pandemic. The United States has invested more than $4.5 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, which includes $582 million for health assistance. Sri Lanka: More than $5.8 million in total assistance includes $2 million in ESF to increase social services for areas and populations most affected by the COVID-19 crisis, address the specific threats to social cohesion, and mitigate negative economic impacts; $2 million in additional ESF for strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises and increasing women's economic participation; and $1.3 million in health assistance to help the Sri Lankan Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, conduct risk-communications, prevent and control infectious diseases in health facilities, and more. Finally, $590,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance will support vulnerable people during the pandemic. Over the past 20 years, U.S. assistance in Sri Lanka has totaled more than $1 billion, which includes $26 million for health.

More than $5.8 million in total assistance includes $2 million in ESF to increase social services for areas and populations most affected by the COVID-19 crisis, address the specific threats to social cohesion, and mitigate negative economic impacts; $2 million in additional ESF for strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises and increasing women's economic participation; and $1.3 million in health assistance to help the Sri Lankan Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, conduct risk-communications, prevent and control infectious diseases in health facilities, and more. Finally, $590,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance will support vulnerable people during the pandemic. Over the past 20 years, U.S. assistance in Sri Lanka has totaled more than $1 billion, which includes $26 million for health. Tajikistan: Approximately $866,000 for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. This support builds on more than $1 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, which includes nearly $125 million for health.

Approximately $866,000 for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. This support builds on more than $1 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, which includes nearly $125 million for health. Thailand: More than $6.5 million for health assistance will help the Thai Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, promote risk-communications, prevent and control infectious diseases in health facilities, and more. $730,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance will support surveillance and response capacity in all nine camps on the Thailand-Burma border hosting refugees from Burma. This assistance builds upon long-term U.S. Government investments in Thailand of more than $1 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, which includes nearly $214 million for health.

More than $6.5 million for health assistance will help the Thai Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, promote risk-communications, prevent and control infectious diseases in health facilities, and more. $730,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance will support surveillance and response capacity in all nine camps on the Thailand-Burma border hosting refugees from Burma. This assistance builds upon long-term U.S. Government investments in Thailand of more than $1 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, which includes nearly $214 million for health. Timor-Leste: Almost $1.1 million for health assistance is helping the Government of Timor-Leste prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. The United States has invested more than $542 million in total assistance for Timor-Leste since independence in 2002, including nearly $70 million for health.

Almost $1.1 million for health assistance is helping the Government of Timor-Leste prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. The United States has invested more than $542 million in total assistance for Timor-Leste since independence in 2002, including nearly $70 million for health. Turkmenistan: Approximately $920,000 for health support has been made available to help prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. Over the past 20 years, the United States has collaborated closely with the Government of Turkmenistan and local partners to implement bilateral and regional programs totaling more than $207 million, including over $21 million in the health sector.

Approximately $920,000 for health support has been made available to help prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. Over the past 20 years, the United States has collaborated closely with the Government of Turkmenistan and local partners to implement bilateral and regional programs totaling more than $207 million, including over $21 million in the health sector. Uzbekistan: Approximately $3.9 million in health funding is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. This COVID-19 response assistance builds on more than $1 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $122 million in the health sector.

Approximately $3.9 million in health funding is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. This COVID-19 response assistance builds on more than $1 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $122 million in the health sector. Vietnam: Nearly $9.5 million in total assistance for response to COVID-19 includes $5 million in ESF, which will bring much-needed resources to bear immediately, including to support private-sector recovery by enhancing access to finance for businesses; improve firms' capacity during an expected surge in demand; and working with the Government of Vietnam to bolster its relief interventions. It also includes almost $4.5 million in health assistance to help the Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for preparedness and response, conduct community education and engagement, prevent infections in health-care settings, public health screening at points of entry, and more. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested more than $1.8 billion in total assistance for Vietnam, including more than $706 million for health.

Nearly $9.5 million in total assistance for response to COVID-19 includes $5 million in ESF, which will bring much-needed resources to bear immediately, including to support private-sector recovery by enhancing access to finance for businesses; improve firms' capacity during an expected surge in demand; and working with the Government of Vietnam to bolster its relief interventions. It also includes almost $4.5 million in health assistance to help the Government prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for preparedness and response, conduct community education and engagement, prevent infections in health-care settings, public health screening at points of entry, and more. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested more than $1.8 billion in total assistance for Vietnam, including more than $706 million for health. Regional Efforts in Asia: $2 million in ESF will provide essential services to vulnerable migrants in Central Asia stranded across the region as a result of border closures and ensure their safe return home in accordance with their own wishes and the help of NGOs and national governments. Additionally, $800,000 in health assistance is helping governments and NGOs across the region prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, promote risk-communications, prevent and control infectious diseases in health facilities, and more. Furthermore, nearly $2.8 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will support vulnerable people in Southeast Asia and $425,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance will help vulnerable people in Central Asia during the pandemic. In addition to historic bilateral support to individual countries in the region, the United States has provided more than $226 million for health assistance regionally, and in total more than $3 billion in development and other assistance provided regionally over the last 20 years.

Europe and Eurasia:

Albania: More than $2 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. Over the last 20 years, the United States has invested more than $693 million in total assistance to Albania, including more than $51.8 million for health.

More than $2 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. Over the last 20 years, the United States has invested more than $693 million in total assistance to Albania, including more than $51.8 million for health. Armenia: $2.7 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. The United States has invested more than $1.57 billion in total assistance to Armenia over the past 20 years, including nearly $106 million for health.

$2.7 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. The United States has invested more than $1.57 billion in total assistance to Armenia over the past 20 years, including nearly $106 million for health. Azerbaijan: Nearly $3.6 million in total assistance includes $3 million in health assistance which is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. It also includes $565,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance that will help vulnerable people and host communities during the pandemic. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested more than $894 million in total assistance to Azerbaijan, including nearly $41 million for health.

Nearly $3.6 million in total assistance includes $3 million in health assistance which is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. It also includes $565,000 in MRA humanitarian assistance that will help vulnerable people and host communities during the pandemic. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested more than $894 million in total assistance to Azerbaijan, including nearly $41 million for health. Belarus: $1.7 million for health funding is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. This assistance comes on top of decades of U.S. investment in Belarus, totaling more than $301 million over the past 20 years, including nearly $1.5 million for health.

$1.7 million for health funding is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. This assistance comes on top of decades of U.S. investment in Belarus, totaling more than $301 million over the past 20 years, including nearly $1.5 million for health. Bosnia and Herzegovina: $2.2 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. The United States has invested more than $1.1 billion in total assistance for Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 20 years, including $200,000 for health.

$2.2 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk-communications, and more. The United States has invested more than $1.1 billion in total assistance for Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 20 years, including $200,000 for health. Bulgaria: $500,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak. This assistance builds on longstanding U.S. assistance for Bulgaria, which totals more than $558 million in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $6 million for health.

$500,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak. This assistance builds on longstanding U.S. assistance for Bulgaria, which totals more than $558 million in total assistance over the past 20 years, including more than $6 million for health. Georgia: $2.7 million for health funding is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. The United States has provided more than $3.6 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, including nearly $139 million for health.

$2.7 million for health funding is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. The United States has provided more than $3.6 billion in total U.S. assistance over the past 20 years, including nearly $139 million for health. Greece: Nearly $2.9 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will support COVID-19 response efforts for migrants and refugees in Greece. This assistance builds upon a foundation of U.S. support for Greece, which totals more than $202 million in total investments over the last 20 years, including nearly $1.8 million for health.

Nearly $2.9 million in MRA humanitarian assistance will support COVID-19 response efforts for migrants and refugees in Greece. This assistance builds upon a foundation of U.S. support for Greece, which totals more than $202 million in total investments over the last 20 years, including nearly $1.8 million for health. Italy: S. support includes $50 million in economic assistance implemented by USAID to bolster Italy's response to COVID-19. USAID is expanding and supplementing the work of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based groups responding to the pandemic in Italy and mitigating its community impact. USAID is also working with the Italian government to purchase health commodities and working to support Italian companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

S. support includes $50 million in economic assistance implemented by USAID to bolster Italy's response to COVID-19. USAID is expanding and supplementing the work of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based groups responding to the pandemic in Italy and mitigating its community impact. USAID is also working with the Italian government to purchase health commodities and working to support Italian companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kosovo: Nearly $1.6 million in health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. This assistance to combat COVID-19 is in addition to long-term U.S. investments, which total over $772 million in total assistance in Kosovo over the past 20 years, including more than $10 million for health.

Nearly $1.6 million in health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. This assistance to combat COVID-19 is in addition to long-term U.S. investments, which total over $772 million in total assistance in Kosovo over the past 20 years, including more than $10 million for health. Moldova: Nearly $2.2 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. This COVID-19 assistance builds upon U.S. investments of more than $1 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including nearly $42 million for health.

Nearly $2.2 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. This COVID-19 assistance builds upon U.S. investments of more than $1 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years, including nearly $42 million for health. Montenegro: $300,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak. This assistance joins long-term U.S. investment in Montenegro totaling more than $332 million, including more than $1 million for health.

$300,000 in health assistance to address the outbreak. This assistance joins long-term U.S. investment in Montenegro totaling more than $332 million, including more than $1 million for health. North Macedonia: $1.5 million for health assistance is helping prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolst
With the country wracked by the coronavirus and racial strife, the United States opened a new chapter in space exploration Saturday when a SpaceX rocket blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying two astronauts to orbit from American soil for the first time in nearly a decade.

It was a historic moment for SpaceX, which became the first private corporation to launch people into orbit, and for NASA, which has struggled to regain its footing after retiring the space shuttle in 2011, leaving the U.S. no option but to rely on Russia to ferry its astronauts to space for as much as $90 million a seat.

But it also comes at the end of a historic and tragic week in America. Fatalities from the coronavirus pandemic passed 100,000 in the recent days and sometimes-violent protests and looting erupted overnight in major cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., over the Minneapolis police slaying of George Floyd, another unarmed black man killed by law enforcement.

Both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence made mention of those demonstrations in speeches to mark the new era of space travel. Trump called the launch a unifying moment for the country, even as he called protesters "criminals" and "thugs."

"Moments ago as we witnessed the launch of two great American astronauts into space, we were filled with the sense of pride and unity that brings us together as Americans," Trump said, reading from a teleprompter. "That same spirit which powered our astronauts to the moon has also helped lift our country to ever-greater heights of justice and opportunity throughout our history.

"So today as we mark a renewed commitment to America's leadership in space - a tremendous commitment it is - let us also commit to a brighter future for all of our citizens right here on Earth."

Both Trump and Pence praised Elon Musk, the controversial entrepreneur whose vision of flying to Mars led him to found SpaceX nearly two decades ago. Musk himself was ecstatic with the flight's success. "I'm really overcome with emotion and it's really hard to talk frankly," he said. "We haven't quite yet docked and of course we need to bring them back safely, so it's a lot of work to do. But it's just incredible."

Saturday's launch was the second attempt to begin the mission. It was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but that was scrapped because of bad weather in the area.

More bad weather threatened to jeopardize Saturday's launch, too. The Air Force's 45th Weather Squadron, charged with monitoring conditions for NASA flights, predicted a 50 percent chance of prohibitive weather, including isolated thunderstorms in the area and anvil and cumulus cloud cover.

For much of the morning and early afternoon, those conditions persisted. Showers rolled over Kennedy Space Center just after astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken walked out of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building in their custom-fitted spacesuits. Standing beside two Tesla Model X SUVs, the astronauts exchanged final goodbyes - "virtual hugs," air-kisses and thumbs up - with their families.

"Are you going to be on good behavior?" Behnken asked his son, who nodded in return. "Are you going to listen to Mommy and make her life easy?" His son nodded again.

"Let's light the candle!" his son shouted.

Flight technicians drove Behnken and Hurley nine miles to launchpad 39A, the historic site from which the crew of Apollo 11 left for the moon, listening to a playlist that included AC/DC's "Back in Black," bossa nova standard "The Girl from Ipanema" and, finally, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

They boarded the Dragon capsule at 12:35 p.m., as it began raining at the launch site. Those conditions passed, though, at around 2:35 p.m., and flight engineers signaled a go for launch.

As the flight countdown clock continued to tick, technicians fueled the two boosters of the Falcon 9 rocket and armed Dragon's emergency abort system. Less than an hour later, SpaceX Flight Director Mike Taylor declared the mission go for launch, and at 3:22 p.m. - precisely on time - the Falcon 9s first-stage engines ignited, shoving the spacecraft away from its support beams and into the air.

Accelerating rapidly at more than twice the speed of a gunshot, Falcon 9 tore through the humid Space Coast sky, leaving a blazing fireball and smoky trail in its wake, shaking the Earth and unleashing a deafening roar audible for dozens of miles.

Two and a half minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9's first booster stopped firing and separated from the second stage, landing seven minutes later on a barge floating in the Atlantic Ocean named "Of Course I Still Love You."

The second stage ignited and shot the Dragon capsule toward orbit. Twelve minutes after launch, it two dropped away - the signal that the Dragon capsule was on its way to orbit. Raucous applause erupted from space officials at NASA facilities in Florida and Texas, and at SpaceX's mission control offices in Hawthorne, Calif.

"We have done it," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein declared on NASA's live-stream broadcast.

Despite repeated warnings by NASA to stay home because of the coronavirus, fans lined the beaches to watch a historic moment, but the space agency drastically limited attendance at the Kennedy Space Center.

The flight was the fulfillment of a risky bet by NASA under the Obama administration to entrust the private sector to fly astronauts, and Trump's administration has made human space exploration a priority.

Trump turned Air Force's Space Command into the Space Force, its own branch of the military, and named Pence the chairman of the National Space Council. He has pushed NASA to conduct a lunar landing mission by 2024 as a steppingstone for a mission to Mars.

Pence has said the U.S. will return to the moon "by any means necessary."

For SpaceX, it was the climax of an improbable odyssey that began in 2002. Musk continues to speak frequently of his goal to establish a colony on Mars and humanity's need to be a "multi-planetary species."

"We cannot be complacent about technology development," he told The Washington Post in a preflight interview. "We have to really drive innovation hard and say, 'Okay, let us go as fast and as hard as possible to get humanity back to the moon and there to stay and have a base on the moon, maybe [a] city on the moon, to have a base on Mars, a city on Mars to . . . make life multi-planetary.'"

"I think this is very important to secure the future of life as we know it to ensure that the light of consciousness does not go out."

Trump called Musk "one of our great brains," and "a friend of mine for a very long time."

"Congratulations, Elon," Trump said, stepping away from the lectern to offer his own applause while the crowd at Kennedy Space Center whooped and hollered.

The Crew Dragon capsule is expected to dock with the International Space Station at approximately 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Sunday's docking will be handled autonomously by the spacecraft, though Hurley and Behnken have the ability to take over the controls manually if needed.

In 2014, NASA awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX, with $6.8 billion combined, to design and build spacecraft capable of flying astronauts to the station. Previously, it had hired the private sector to fly cargo and supplies there. But outsourcing human space flight to companies was considered a risky and even reckless move in some quarters, even among NASA's leadership. Along the way there had been a number of stumbles that delayed the first flights from 2017.

Boeing, the aerospace behemoth that had been by NASA's side since the dawn of the Space Age, was considered the favorite to fly first. But it stumbled when the test flight of its Starliner spacecraft encountered software problems almost immediately upon reaching orbit. Boeing has pledged to redo the test sometime later this year.
An Australian woman working on the coronavirus front-line in the UK has described the harrowing battle against COVID-19 and how she lost a colleague to the disease.

Kathryn Lennon, 25, works in the intensive care units at two of London's busiest teaching hospitals.

Her ward is considered the last line of defence for patients who have been hit the hardest from the virus.

'I knew it was going to be bad, but I didn't expect it to be this heart-wrenching and for this many people to die,' Ms Lennon said.

Ms Lennon has watched countless patients struggling to breathe through ventilators and even had to suffer the heartbreak of losing a work colleague.

An Australian nurse (pictured, Kathryn Lennon) working in the UK has revealed the horrors of the coronavirus after losing a colleague and witnessing patients hooked up to ventilators

Kathryn Lennon, 25, works in the intensive care units at two of London's busiest teaching hospitals

'All morning we were working on her, trying to get her lungs better, and then her heart just stopped,' Ms Lennon told ABC.

She added one of the most difficult parts of the job is keeping families separated from patients in the intensive care units.

Only when the patient has passed away can they see their loved one - even then, they have to be given a rundown on how to wear personal protective equipment.

Coronavirus has infected more than 270,000 people and killed almost 40,000 in the UK alone.

The sudden influx of patients being admitted to hospital has put a strain frontline staff, who have to care for as many as three patients at a time.

With an already stretched workforce, Ms Lennon said she has no choice but to skip some of her breaks during her 12-hour long shifts.

'You'll be there for two hours and you'll be fine and then all of a sudden think, 'I need to step out, I feel dizzy',' Ms Lennon said.

Ms Lennon has watched countless patients struggling to breathe through ventilators and even had to suffer the heartbreak of losing a work colleague

With an already strained workforce, Ms Lennon said she has no choice but to skip some of her breaks during her 12-hour long shifts

Ms Lennon is originally from Australia but now lives in Clapham, south west London

Ms Lennon also described the incredibly uncomfortable PPE she had to wear in order to protect herself against the virus.

On top of her scrubs and hat, the nurse must also wear a face mask, plastic visor, full cape and gloves that are taped around her wrists.

Drinking water or going to the toilet is essentially out of the question, until Ms Lennon has her break.

'Then there's steps you have to follow, you have to alcohol gel your hands, you have to wash and scrub your hands,' she said.

Ms Lennon said nurses could be away for as long as 45 minutes just because of the painstaking process of taking off and putting back on protective equipment.

Despite the hardship Ms Lennon credits her persistence to a supportive work team.

She says workers from every level - doctors, surgeons and nurses - have been giving 100 per cent to their work and offered to help anyone who they think might be struggling.

Ms Lennon says she has also received plenty of supportive messages from the public, but downplays any heroism.

She says at the end of the day, she is just doing her job.
BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been jointly fighting COVID-19 with defense departments and militaries of multiple countries as the coronavirus continues to spread globally, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense said Friday.

The PLA has sent epidemic control experts to four countries, including Laos and Cambodia, and provided medical supplies to the militaries of more than 20 countries such as Pakistan, Russia and Thailand, said Ren Guoqiang, the ministry's spokesperson.

The PLA also held video conferences with the armies of 10 countries such as Russia and South Africa to exchange COVID-19 response experience, said Ren.

Ren said that the PLA will continue to step up international cooperation with foreign defense departments and militaries to overcome challenges amid the pandemic.
Austrian Finance Minister Bluemel waits for the start of a session of the Parliament in Vienna

ZURICH (Reuters) - Austria opposes Europe's current 750 billion euro plan to help economies recover from the coronavirus pandemic and wants to negotiate changes to the proposal, the country's finance minister said on Saturday.

Under the plan, which must be approved by all bloc members, the EU's executive Commission would borrow from the market and then disburse two-thirds of the funds in grants and the rest in loans to cushion the unprecedented economic slump expected this year due to lockdowns.

Much of the money would go to hard-hit Italy and Spain.

Finance Minister Gernot Bluemel told broadcaster ORF that Austria was ready to negotiate amendments to make the European Commission's package more acceptable, but said it would put too great a burden on Austrian taxpayers in its current form.

"Austria will not agree to this package," Bluemel said in the radio interview. "Why? Because the burden that it puts on the Austrian taxpayer would be simply too big. That's why we need renewed talks, in which we're ready to participate."

Austria, one of a group of nations with the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark known as the "frugal four", has previously called the package a starting point for talks.

But Bluemel's comments on Saturday suggested that without changes, his country would reject the blueprint.

The recovery fund comes in addition to the EU's long-term budget for 2021-27, which the Commission proposed to set at 1.1 trillion euros and needs unanimous backing of all EU states and the European Parliament.

"The commission's proposal, together with the European budget and the reconstruction fund, would mean that Austria would have to contribute nearly 2% of its GDP," Bluemel said. "That would be twice as much as in the past. For us, that's unacceptable."

(Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Helen Popper)
(*Editors note: This is part of a series to recognize the students whose extracurricular seasons were cut short.)

Plainview FFA has had a longstanding tradition in excellence.
People protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody march in San Jose, Calif., Friday, May 29, 2020.

Follow updates about protests over George Floyd's death on the NBC News live blog.

Hundreds of people marched through the capital of Silicon Valley and temporarily shut down a five-lane section of highway Friday to protest the killing of an African American man by a white Minneapolis police officer.

Video footage showed vehicles at a virtual standstill on the southbound lanes of U.S. 101 in San Jose ahead of rush hour during a pandemic that has kept many Californians home. Protesters left the highway after an hour in what was largely a peaceful demonstration.

It came a day after nine people were arrested after rocks were thrown at businesses, vehicles and officers during a Southern California protest stemming from the death of George Floyd, authorities said. Small demonstrations occurred elsewhere throughout California and around the nation.

The violence erupted Thursday night in the city of Fontana, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Los Angeles, as about 100 people moved up and down a local thoroughfare, a police statement said.

An unlawful assembly was declared around 9 p.m., and the crowd was ordered to disperse. But some continued to block traffic and throw rocks at officers, police said. It took about an hour to disperse the demonstrators. The damage included broken windows at City Hall.

Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona, Fontana's mayor and San Bernardino County supervisors condemned the violence and called it counterproductive.

"Everyone involved has a right to be angry. But channeling that anger to destroy property only harms our own hard-working community members," Torres said.

tweet

Mayor Acquanetta Warren had attended the largely peaceful protest. In a statement, she said the crowd "got hijacked by people who decided to throw rocks at innocent drivers and police officers who were simply doing their jobs."

In San Jose, about 300 protesters marched from City Hall through downtown before moving to the highway. Some protesters surrounded vehicles stopped as part of the march, but they also allowed some drivers to squeak by on a shoulder. Some were holding signs seeking justice for Floyd; others said "Black Lives Matter."

California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Alicia Moreno told KGO-TV that officers planned to escort protesters off the highway, given the potential for injury. Protesters started leaving the highway peacefully around 4 p.m.

The death of the 46-year-old Floyd, who was recorded on video pleading for air as an officer knelt on his neck, has shocked the country, including police officers who are usually inclined to withhold comment.

The police officers' unions of San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco issued a joint statement Thursday condemning the actions of the Minneapolis officers.
Southern Ontario, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wilson Blanchard Management (WBM), an Associa company, announces the hiring of Tania Haluk as the vice president of operations.

Ms. Haluk joins Wilson Blanchard Management with several decades of experience working in condominium communities, where she has held various executive roles, specializing in areas such as start-ups, operations, transitions, and organizational effectiveness. As the new vice president of operations for Wilson Blanchard, she will focus on branch operations, business development, client growth, employee training and retention, and project service areas.

Ms. Haluk currently serves as president of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI), Toronto and Area Chapter, in addition to contributing as a member of the education committee and chair of the national operations and support committee. While currently an advisor for the Condo Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) for manager core competencies, she also helped develop the board education for the Condo Authority of Ontario (CAO). Ms. Haluk is a frequent speaker at CCI, Association for Condo Managers of Ontario (ACMO), and various condo community events. She also regularly contributes articles to several industry magazines.

Tanias extensive experience in the property management industry and her advanced skills in organizational leadership and customer service make her the perfect new addition to the Wilson Blanchard team, stated Brad Wells, RCM, RPA, CMCA, branch president. We look forward to seeing how Tania implements her management style and customer focus to further our client growth and retention.

Ms. Haluk is a graduate of Western University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
Armed men on Saturday kidnapped a businessman, Yusuf Maifata, at his home in Sankara community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Residents said the gunmen stormed the community around 1.47am, wielding arms and shooting sporadically, scaring residents, before abducting Mr Maifata at his residence.

The victim has been battling deteriorating health conditions for long. He was discharged from hospital on Thursday and was recuperating at home when the unfortunate incident happened, a family source said, asking not to be named.

The source also confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the abductors have contacted them and are demanding N40 million ransom. They reportedly also asked the types of food the victim usually eats and the type of medication he is placed on.

READ ALSO:

He was whisked away unconscious because he was traumatised by the several gunshots fired at the main gate of his house, the source said, before the gunmen gained entrance to abduct him while on his sickbed.

The Jigawa police spokesperson, Audu Jinjiri, confirmed the incident.

Mr Jinjiri said the victim, aged 75, would be rescued as the commands anti robbery and kidnap squad have been deployed in the area and are trailing the kidnappers.
'India need to look beyond the economic prism.'

'China had no qualms in taking the Kashmir issue to the UN Security Council last year -- not once, but thrice -- thus violating Indian sensitivities,' observes China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

IMAGE: A protester is detained by riot police during a protest outside the Mong Kok police station in Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Hong Kong historically is known for its rule of law -- a legacy of British colonialism.

Indeed, strict rules were the cornerstone for Hong Kong's success in becoming one of the largest sea ports, global transport, trade and financial hub, free enterprise and the nascent democracy.

During the last four decades of reform, China as well learnt from the island's legal fraternity for the success of its own legal processes.

However, today Hong Kong's legal structure and basic freedoms are being challenged by China first by the botched-up plan last year for introduction of extradition law and now with a new security law.

This week's session of China's parliament in Beijing has adopted a new national security law for Hong Kong in disregard of public opinion and the opposition of several elected Hong Kong Legislative Council members who were physically ousted from the LegCo last week.

Just a few weeks ago, many prominent pro-democracy activists were arrested in Hong Kong including veterans like Martin Lee, Jimmy Lai, Margaret Ng and others.

This is despite massive support pro-democracy activists received at the elections in November last year.

China plans to enact and implement the new law in a few weeks that seeks to ban and punish any external influence, separatist activities, sedition and others.

In addition, as Premier Li Keqiang vowed, Beijing will set up 'legal and enforcement mechanisms' -- euphemism for intelligence and police agencies -- in Hong Kong.

Critics point out that the proposed national security law violates the solemn promises made by Beijing before the handover of Hong Kong in 1997 as a part of the 'one country, two systems'.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) according to the Basic Law Article 12 that says the city 'will enjoy a high degree of autonomy' from China and promised by the then paramount leader Deng Xiaoping.

Such autonomy will be lost at the altar of China's new security law.

IMAGE: Protesters demonstrate outside the Hong Kong police headquarters. Photograph: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

The Basic Law also mentioned that public order will be maintained by Hong Kong, and Article 22 is specific that no central government agency can interfere in Hong Kong, although the current parliamentary intervention precisely intends to jettison this provision.

Since early last year Hong Kong has witnessed massive and periodic protests with nearly half of over seven million people participation against the now withdrawn extradition law.

The law suggested to extraditing anyone accused in Hong Kong to be tried in China's courts.

In 2003, a similar move to single out Article 23 of the Basic Law, that sought to curb the freedoms of press, assembly, protest and distribution of information,witnessed half-a-million people protesting.

Again, the Basic Law stipulated that 'the election of the 5th Chief Executive of the HKSAR in the year 2017 may be implemented by the method of universal suffrage'.

However, with the intervention from the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, not only was this provision not implemented but a political vetting of candidates for the chief executive position was introduced.

Clearly, the Communist party wanted the chief executive to serve its interests. This move has further alienated Hong Kong's people from mainland China.

It has been a saving grace that Article 5 of the Basic Law, which states that China will nor impose its socialist system in Hong Kong for the next five decades has not been abrogated.

However, Beijing's surreptitious methods are seen in Hong Kong as a backdoor entry into the Hong Kong system.

That China has been making such preparations for tight control over Hong Kong affairs was reflected in the new appointments early this year for the administrative body, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office with Luo Huining in January and Xia Baolong in February as the head.

This office comes under the 'Central Coordination Group' headed by a Politburo Standing Committee member, now Han Zheng and others such as Vice Premier Sun Chunlan and former foreign minister Yang Jiechi and You Quan of the United Front Work Department.

Critics suggest these bodies are making efforts to deplete the 'high degree of autonomy' that was promised to be implemented till 2047.

China thinks this is the appropriate moment when the world is focused on tackling the pandemic.

Within Hong Kong, its residents, businesses and medical fraternity criticised the local government's refusal to shut down border check posts with China in the light of the spread of the COVID-19 contagion early this year.

For them the tragedy of the SARS virus spread in 2002-2003, that rampaged Hong Kong, is still fresh in memory.

Elsewhere, the global community is in disarray partly due to the COVID-19 shocks.

China also issued demarches to several countries, including India, to keep away from criticising the new security law so that they do not lose out on their 'own legitimate interests' in Hong Kong.

The United States enacted the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act last year. Canada, the European Union and others criticised Beijing's moves, but they lack gumption.

While India has been pre-empted by the Chinese demarche, New Delhi, which has been only concerned so far about trade and investments with Hong Kong, need to look beyond the economic prism.

For China had no qualms in taking the Kashmir issue to the United Nations Security Council last year -- not once, but thrice -- thus violating Indian sensitivities.

The sum and substance of Beijing's move is to emphasise on the 'one country' and integrate Hong Kong.

It is instructive to note that tempted by such a prospect, Mao Zedong on August 9, 1963 said, 'If we get control of it right now, it won't benefit world trade, nor will it benefit our trade relations with other countries.'

By adopting the new security law, the current political leadership in China seems to be throwing away all ominous signals, specially the resolve of Hong Kong citizens who were never consulted on what they wanted.

Srikanth Kondapalli is Professor in Chinese Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, at New Delhi.

Production: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber chief executive Louise Bennett. Photo submitted

Business leaders in Warwickshire are appealing to the regions MPs to help the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector survive the coronavirus crisis.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Louise Bennett, and Coventry City Councillor Jim OBoyle, have penned an open letter to each MP across Coventry and Warwickshire to ask for their support for the sector.

The letter, which was sent just in advance of English Tourism Week (May 25-31), sets out a range of measures that could mitigate the impact on the sector and calls for short term interventions to be complemented by longer-term actions.

It highlights the need for urgent clear guidelines for the opening up of the sector, which sensibly differentiate those within the sector such as hotels, B&Bs, conference venues, festivals, large scale (mass gathering) venues.

Clear guidelines would enable the sector to open up more quickly, but gradually and sensibly whilst ensuring everyone is Covid-19 safe.

The letter calls for Medium/longer term fiscal interventions for this sector, such as lower taxation regimes or a review of business rates and an extension of the job retention scheme, beyond October, for this sector-only.

It argues the need for a flexible Job Retention Scheme which encourages the sector to maintain employment and financially contribute to flexible working (alongside Government) at an acceptable level (living wage) and longer term investment in this sector via business support programmes.

The letter adds: The reason we emphasise interventions and support for the long-term simply reflects that this sectors own planning horizons are frequently long-term and although immediate interventions are to be welcomed, we must look to the future of this industry.
South Korean duty-free operators said Saturday they will temporarily close some of their outlets in cities starting next month in line with a drastic fall in visitors amid the new coronavirus outbreak.

Industry leader Lotte Duty Free said it will suspend the operation of its outlet on the southern tourist island of Jeju starting Monday.

Since February, the company has reduced operating hours for the branch in the city on Jeju as it has suffered faltering revenue.

The resumption will depend on how the virus outbreak unfolds in the future, it added.

Another major duty-free operator, Hotel Shilla, also plans to close its duty-free store on the island for one month starting Monday.

Hotel Shilla's Jeju store has already been suspended during weekends and holidays, as the number of international flights to the island has sharply fallen amid air travel restrictions.

Duty-free shops in Jeju saw a boom in business due mainly to demand from foreign travelers, mostly from China, before the pandemic hit the country in late January.

The number of foreign tourists visiting the island declined 99.2 percent on-year to 1,159 in April, according to industry data.

Shinsegae Duty Free said it will close its branches in the posh district of Gangnam and in the southern port city of Busan every Sunday and Monday.

Hit by the virus outbreak, local duty-free operators have suspended the operations of their outlets at major airports either partially or wholly. (Yonhap)
Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The evacuation of Indian expatriates from West Asia, being carried out by Air India Express, is likely to run into rough weather after the airline's nine crew members --- including two pilots --- tested positive for COVID-19.

While two contracted the virus on Friday, seven more were added to the patients' list on Saturday. All the nine infected were with the evacuation flights bound for Kozhikode and Kannur.

The crew members were among the 58 fresh cases reported in the state on Saturday. While 48 were returnees (31 from abroad and 17 from other states), three contracted virus through contact.Thrissur reported the most cases (10) while the other patients were from Palakkad (9), Kannur (8), Kollam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Kozhikode (four each), Kasaragod (3),Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha (two each) and Kottayam (one).

Crew members infection last thing state wanted

With cases spiking in the Gulf, the crew members infection was the last thing the state wanted. "The crew members were admitted to the COVID care centre at Ancharakkandi in Kannur. They have been boarding flights after undergoing mandatory medical tests at regular intervals. The spike in cases in Kerala, however, has affected us. We had to increase the frequency of the tests and there is delay in getting the results. That has affected the smooth functioning of the airline," said a source in Air India Express.

The Health Department, meanwhile, said it needs to assess whether the infection was because of the ongoing evacuation mission or due to the resumption of domestic flights. The department also wants to find out whether the crew members failed to take enough precautions.

"Adequate training was provided to the crew members on the use of personal protective equipment and precautions to be taken while engaging with passengers. It might be a case of a breach in self-protection like not wearing the PPE properly or not following the advisory. Considering the seriousness, an inquiry will be launched," said a member of the state rapid response cell for COVID-19.

The health authorities and airline company have already started the exercise of tracing the people including other airline staff involved in the primary contact list of the affected crew. If there are more crew members in their contact list, flight operations would be further affected. In the third phase of evacuation, the airline has received permission to operate 38 services from West Asia.

Air India Express is the main airline involved in the Gulf evacuation while Air India is operating long-haul flights from Europe and USA. The airline quarantines a team of crew after every flight for five days and the same team is pressed into service only after medical test.

If around 60 pilots and 120 cabin crews were in the frontline to lead the Gulf and Far East evacuation by the airline in the first phase, now most of the bench strength comprising 345 pilots and 630 cabin crew are engaged in the operation.

Infected pilot cleared to fly, plane called back

NEW DELHI: An Air India flight en-route to Moscow from Delhi to bring back Indians stranded in the Russian capital was forced to return midway on Saturday after it emerged that a pilot on board was COVID-19 positive.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has succeeded in persuading former President Goodluck Jonathan and 13 other former Presidents in Africa to save Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), from investigation by foreign interests. The former African leaders agreed with the former Nigerian President to save the African financial and development institution from external ridicule and embarrassment.

Accordingly, the former African Presidents under the aegis of Concerned African Leaders

in a joint statement  Leadership of the African Development Bank: A Need for Caution  on Friday, acknowledged that Africa is facing an unprecedented challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that all hands must be on deck to tackle the pandemic. The leaders also acknowledged that Dr. Adesina Akinwumi, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has done remarkable job in leading the Bank. The African leaders noted that the Bank announced a $10 billion crisis response facility to support African countries; adding that the Bank also successfully launched a $3 billion Fight COVID-19 social bond, noting that this is the largest ever US dollar denominated bond in world history.

They recalled that all the shareholders of the Bank from 80 countries approved a general capital increase of $115 billion for the Bank, the largest in its history since establishment in 1964.

They also acknowledged that the Bank has been doing a lot for women, with a $3 billion fund to provide access finance to women in the continent, supported by G7 countries and Africa.

They also noted that the Banks presence and work have been highly visible and impactful across the African continent. In less than five years, the Banks High five agenda has impacted over 333 million people, from access to electricity, food security, access to finance via the private sector, improve transport and access to water and sanitation, they highlighted.

The Bank, they said, has maintained its stellar AAA rating among all global rating agencies. The shareholders have all played very important roles in supporting the Bank to achieve these impressive results. This is why we are concerned with the recent developments at the Bank.

Dr. Adesina, who some whistleblowers alleged to have violated the Banks Code of Ethics, has firmly and consistently declared his innocence of these allegations. The Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors, a legal oversight body of the Bank, made up of representatives of shareholders, cleared Dr. Adesina of all 16 allegations, declaring them as baseless and unsubstantiated and exonerated him completely.

The Chairman of the Board of Governors, based on the report of the Ethics Committee, declared Dr. Adesina exonerated.

We understand that the Bank fully followed its rules, procedures and governing systems, which have served it well since African countries established it in 1964.

Governance is all about respecting and abiding by rules, laws and established governing systems of organizations.

In the case of the AfDB, while differences may exist among parties, the best way to address them is to first respect the rules, procedures and governance structures of the Bank.

To do otherwise will be tantamount to undermining the Bank and its long and hard-earned reputation, and that of its President. The African Development Bank is a pride for all of Africa, and its President, Dr. Adesina, has taken the Bank to enviable heights, the former African leaders highlighted.

They emphasized that at this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the Bank and its President should not be distracted. Differences will always occur, but we urge that all shareholders work together. All shareholders should work with mutual respect, and honour the rules and procedures of the Bank and its governance systems that have served it well for 56 years.

No nation, regardless of how powerful, has a veto power over the African Development Bank, and no nation should have such power, the African leaders declared.

Those who signed the joint statement include: H.E Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria 1999-2007; H.E Boni Yayi, President of Benin 2006-2016; H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; 2012 2018; H.E John Kufour, President of Ghana; 2001 2009; H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia 2006 -2018; H.E Joyce Banda, President of Malawi 2012 -2014; H.E Joaquim Chissano, President of Mozambique 1986 -2005; H.E Tandja Mamadou, President of Niger; 1999 2010; H.E Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria 2010-2015, H.E Mohamed Marzouki, President of Tunisia; 2011 -2014; H.E Benjamin Mkapa, President of Tanzania 1995 -2005; H.E Ameenah Gurib-Fakin, President of Mauritius 2015 2018; H.E Rupiah Banda, President of Zambia; 2008 2011; H.E Kgalema Motlanthe, President of South Africa 2008-2009);H.E Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania 2005 -2015.
(Newser)  A Fox News reporter was pummeled and chased by protesters who had gathered outside the White House early Saturday as part of nationwide unrest following the death of George Floyd, the AP reports. For several journalists across the country, the demonstrations were taking an ominous, dangerous turn. A television reporter in Columbia, SC, was hurt by a thrown rock Saturday and a journalist in Minneapolis was shot in the thigh by a rubber bullet. Demonstrators also broke windows and vandalized the Atlanta office building where CNN is headquartered, and police in Louisville, Kentucky, apologized after an officer fired what appeared to be pepper bullets at a television news crew. Fox's Leland Vittert was rattled following the Washington attack that he said was clearly targeted at his news organization.

story continues below

"We took a good thumping," he told the AP. A live shot he was doing was interrupted by a group of protesters who shouted obscenities directed at Fox. Flanked by two security guards, he and photographer Christian Galdabini walked away from Washington's Lafayette Park trailed by an angry group before riot police dispersed them. Vittert said there were no markings on him or the crew's equipment to identify them as from Fox. But he said during the demonstration, one man continually asked him who he worked for. He didn't answer, but the man found a picture of Vittert on his cell phone and shouted to other protesters that he was from Fox. "The protesters stopped protesting whatever it was they were protesting and turned on us," he said, "and that was a very different feeling." (A CNN crew was arrested at a Floyd protest.)
I am an owner of a small family business. Most staff work in a warehouse, while a few employees are located in a large office space.

We've been working on skeleton staff for a number of weeks in the warehouse, keeping our staff safe with increased sanitiser points, distancing and that if anyone has the slightest symptom, to self-isolate.

We don't have the equipment for office staff to work from home, so they've haven't been in, but are still on full pay.

We're looking at getting all staff back in the coming weeks. However, one office staff member is also the live-in carer of their elderly parents, who are at high-risk of coronavirus.

Working during Covid times: The Government has published specific guidance for employers sector by sector on how to make their workplace safe for employees

How do we make this situation fair and can she simply refuse to come in?

If she doesn't come in are we lawfully required to pay her full salary and is it fair on other staff members knowing that an employee is receiving full pay at home?

This is just one of many problems I feel our business and others may encounter in the coming months.

Camilla Canocchi, This is Money, replies: Prime Minster Boris Johnson said that people who cannot work from home should go back to the workplace earlier this month as he unveiled plans to slowly reopen the economy.

He said they should avoid public transport and instead either drive, cycle or walk to work.

However, while people are being encouraged to go back to work and to follow the advice given to them by their employer when at work, employers have a duty to provide a safe place of work for employees.

Johnson said: 'The Government has issued guidance to help them do this. This includes how to make adjustments to your workplace to help you maintain social distance. It also includes guidance on hygiene as evidence suggests that the virus can exist for up to 72 hours on surfaces.

'Frequent cleaning is therefore particularly important for communal surfaces like door handles or lift buttons and communal areas like bathrooms, kitchens and tea points.'

The Government has published specific guidance for employers, sector by sector, on how to make their workplace safe for employees. So depending on the type of your business, you can check here how you can adapt it to make it corona-safe.

However, employees still have the right not to be forced to work in a workplace that puts them and, in turn, their family, at risk of serious or imminent danger under Section 44 of the of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

That means that if you were to dismiss a worker for refusing to go to work under unsafe circumstances, the worker would have grounds to take you to court.

Travelling to work: The UK Government said workers should avoid public transport and instead either drive, cycle or walk to work

Petros Elia, co-founder of union United Voices of the World, explains: 'If you are an employee and you reasonably believe that by working or by travelling to and from work you would be at risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19 and you believe that risk is a serious and imminent danger to yourself, your colleagues, flat mates or members of the public, and that you cannot avoid that risk by working or travelling to and from work, then you have a right to refuse to work and to not be punished or sacked by your employer.'

Legal expert Gary Rycroft adds: 'Under Section 100 of the Employments Rights Act 1996 employees may leave a place of work where there is an imminent health and safety danger.

In theory, if an employee refuses to return to work, disciplinary action leading to dismissal may be initiated... but there is the risk of "unfair dismissal"

'In the current situation, a failure for employers to provide for adequate social distancing measures in place could well equate to a reason to leave the place of work and return home. Employees in a union may well get support for such a grievance.

'In theory, if an employee refuses to return to work, disciplinary action leading to dismissal may be initiated.

'However, if an employee is fired there is a risk to the employer that it will be an "unfair dismissal". This is likely to be the case unless the employer can show that it has acted reasonably.

'Accordingly, if the employee can be furloughed under the Government scheme that would seem like the best outcome at the present time.

'The furloughing scheme is not there to be abused and it does mean only 80 per cent pay and the employee carrying out no work for the employer, but it may be a pragmatic solution which suits both sides.'

'Living with someone who is vulnerable or especially at risk is not "necessarily" a reason an employee can refuse to return to work.

'However, you can, as an employee, raise a grievance and ask to be listened to and hopefully a compromise may be agreed, such as unpaid leave or using up annual holiday, but if an employer can show that a workplace is safe, the employer may insist on an employee attending.'

Is an employer required to pay a full wage?

Rycroft says: 'Yes, unless the employee is furloughed, made redundant, dismissed or on sick pay, taking annual holiday, or paid leave.'

Elia adds: 'If you refused to work under section 44 and had your wages withheld, you would be within your rights to make a legal claim against your employer for an unlawful deduction of wages.

'This claim would be made under section 13 ERA 1996 in the employment tribunal. You could also bring a claim of breach of contract in the County Court.'
NASA's VITAL machine is tailored for COVID-19 patients; it's focused on providing air delicately to stiff lungs  a hallmark symptom of the virus.

NASA scientists as well as other innovators are busy developing alternatives to the traditional ventilator being used worldwide to treat severe cases of Covid-19. The movement is in response to growing evidence that in some cases ventilators can cause more harm than good in some patients with low oxygen levels. Statistics tell the story: 80% of patients with the coronavirus die on such machines. This comes just a few months since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, when U.S. healthcare providers said that they needed ventilators to accommodate the flood of new patients, and lots of them. The crisis triggered the Trump administration to activate the Defense Production Act so manufacturers including Ford, GM and GE could start ventilator production to produce these medical devices for the U.S. government. According to the healthcare news publication STAT, today's growing skepticism about ventilator use is driven by the fact that many of the coronavirus patients doctors treated had blood oxygen levels so low it should have killed them, but didn't. Since physicians have traditionally used blood oxygen levels to judge whether to put a patient on a ventilator, this usual phenomenon with Covid-19 patients, throws established protocols into question. Furthermore, it calls into question whether less invasive breathing support could be an effective option. Sunny Jha, an anesthesiologist at the University of Southern California who also treats critically ill Covid-19 patients at the Los Angeles Surge Hospital, said that the way ventilators supply lungs with oxygen can actually cause damage to the lungs, in certain cases. "This sort of stretching caused by air being pushed into the lung via the ventilator, versus being pulled into the lung in normal breathing, can cause damage, or barotrauma, to the lung cells, further worsening the lung damage from the virus," he said. "This builds up over time and can lead to a more rapid worsening of the lungs, if they do not start to get better on their own." Turner Osler, MD, FACS, MSc. Emeritus Professor in the Department of Surgery at University of Vermont, said that in cases such as those, caregivers are faced with a dilemma, which he described as "a deal with the devil."



"The elevated ventilator settings required to support some Covid-19 patients can actually damage their lungs further," he said. "It buys time, putting off imminent death, but at the price of further damaging the lung."

Getty

He stressed that a ventilator is an emergency solution to a life-threatening problem, and in many cases is the "go-to" solution. However, he added that patients who are put on ventilators may have a long and difficult road ahead of them when it's time to get off of them. "Getting a patient off a ventilator can require them to redevelop the strength needed to breathe," he said. "This can be a prolonged effort known in the [intensive care unit] as 'weaning,' a process that can take days, or even weeks."

Ventilator design 2.0

There are currently alternatives to the ventilator being tested, and some come from sectors of the economy not normally associated with health care, such as aerospace. NASA has designed its own ventilator prototype that has received FDA authorization for Covid-19 use. The machine's purpose is not to replace traditional mechanically-complex hospital ventilators, but to keep patients from needing one in the first place. NASA's "Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally," or VITAL, is designed to be built faster and easier than a traditional ventilator, and with fewer parts. However, it is not made to last as long as typical hospital hardware  just three or four months compared to years for a more durable device. In addition, it is constructed with components from outside the medical device supply chain, according to the agency, to lessen the impact on the supplies needed for currently made ventilators. It's flexible design means it can be modified for field hospitals. It also is tailored specifically for people with Covid-19, which helped to guide its design.

This new technology, designed by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in just 37 days, was tested at the Human Simulation Lab in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where Matthew Levin, M.D. gave it high marks. On Friday, it announced that it chose eight U.S. manufacturers to make the NASA ventilator including Stark Industries, Vacumed, ATRON and Evo Design. "The NASA prototype performed as expected under a wide variety of simulated patient conditions," Levin said. "The team feels confident that the VITAL ventilator will be able to safely ventilate patients suffering from Covid-19 both here in the United States and throughout the world." Because the machine is tailored for Covid-19 patients, it's focused on providing air delicately to stiff lungs  a hallmark symptom of the virus. Stiff lungs have a harder time expanding, so patients struggle to get enough air to breathe. VITAL is meant to provide enough air pressure to patients to inflate their lungs but not so much so that the lungs over-expand. The machine also works to ensure the lungs don't completely deflate, either. Covid-19 patients have lung damage that makes the sides of their lungs inflamed and sticky. If all the air goes out of their lungs and the sides touch each other, they might stick together and make it even harder to open back up again. So VITAL tries to keep the lungs slightly inflated whenever patients exhale. NASA isn't the only non-medical entity hoping to lend a hand during this crisis. Automaker Tesla had retrofitted some of its car parts to build ventilators, while Ford and General Motors had restructured their assembly lines to manufacture them. Additionally, the household appliance company Dyson had paused the manufacturing of vacuum cleaners to help create more ventilators. Innovation on ventilator design is popping up around the country. Engineers at the University of Illinois developed a prototype for a simple emergency ventilator, called Rapid Vent, that would only cost $100 to $200 to make. Rapid Vent is a pressure-controlled ventilator that connects into the oxygen supply available in any regular hospital room. Air flows from the hospital oxygen supply into the ventilator and then into the patient's lungs through a tube or a mask. At MIT, the MIT Emergency Ventilator Project, is dedicated to creating an open-source, low-cost ventilator, based on a project that was completed in a MIT engineering class back in 2010. Students made a ventilator prototype using less than $200 of materials, which is much cheaper than the typical ventilator that can cost as much as $30,000. Today, these materials would cost close to $400 or $500. The MIT design utilizes an "Ambu bag," or a bag-valve resuscitator, which is a hand-operated resuscitator that's commonly found in hospitals. Health-care providers use these tools to manually pump artificial breaths into a person's lungs when they cannot breathe adequately or at all.

Therapy options for Covid-19
The first year of the Narendra Modi governments second term was a year of unimaginable challenges and big and bold accomplishments at the same time, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda said on Saturday, as he highlighted the efforts to combat the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, abrogation of Article 370 and passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Parliament as major achievements.

Nadda was addressing a virtual press conference on his partys first anniversary after it returned to power for a second five-year term last year.

Nadda told media persons that the Covid-19 challenge was unexpected and unimaginable, but the country, led by Modi, had managed to keep the viral outbreak under check.

Watch | Unimaginable challenges and accomplishments: JP Nadda lauds Modi govt 2.0

While many big, powerful countries found themselves helpless against Covid-19, the situation is under control in India, said Nadda, a former Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare.

He said when the Covid-19 crisis initially unfolded the capacity to address a pandemic was limited, but the production of ventillators, personal protective equipment (PPE) kits were ramped up in a short span of time.

The PM introduced the lockdown restrictions through Jan Bhagidaari (public participation), he added.

He pointed out that the decision to provide economic support to the people, especially the vulnerable section, was taken with alacrity, which has received high praise from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and several other global bodies.

He lauded Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans efforts to unveil a holistic Rs 20,000 lakh crore economic stimulus package to combat Covid-19 and the PMs timely call for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India Initiative).

Nadda cited the abrogation Article 370 on August 5, 2019, as a major step taken by the government shortly after coming back to power and said that the move paved the way for the people of Jammu & Kashmir to join the national mainstream. He said that the scrapping of Article 370 was a bold decision that strengthened the country and realised the one nation, one constitution, which many had considered as an impossible task.

Similarly, he cited the abolition of Triple Talaq as a laudable move that ensured justice to Muslim women. The decision not to join the anti-farmer Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a proposed free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region, was another such case in the point, the BJP chief said.

Nadda accepted that the Covid-19 is an unimaginable crisis and there are no ready solutions to the pandemic.

However, the country stands with Modiji, he added.

He said the party would continue to move ahead with a progressive approach.

Nadda hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhis criticism of the governments inept handling of the viral outbreak and the migrant workers travails of returning to their native places amid the lockdown restrictions.

The BJP president alleged that Gandhi did not display an in-depth understanding of these critical issues.

His statements smacked of bad politics, he alleged.

He also blamed the Congress for its delaying tactics on a resolution of the Ayodhya dispute and credited the government for its bid to construct a grand Ram temple under PM Modis leadership.

Nadda said that the party is working towards launching a digital campaign, as the conventional poll campaign has to be dispensed with because of strict adherence to social distancing norms due to the viral outbreak.

He announced that the party would hold digital rallies across the country to mark the first anniversary of the Modi government 2.0.

On social media, the BJP posted videos claiming bade faisle, kam hue fassle (big decisions, bridging distances) is the hallmark of its rule.
Kabul [Afghanistan], May 31 (ANI): The Afghanistan government has released 710 more Taliban prisoners as part of the announcement made by President Ashraf Ghani on Eid to complete the release of 2,000 prisoners.



"The government has released 710 Taliban prisoners from Pul-e Charkhi, Parwan and other prisons in the provinces since yesterday. The process will continue tonight and tomorrow morning to complete the release of 2,000 Taliban prisoners that President Ghani announced during Eid," the Office of the National Security Council tweeted.

On May 25, Ghani had ordered a release of up to 2,000 Taliban fighters from prison and declared a ceasefire to honour Eid ul-Fitr.

"President Ghani today initiated a process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the Taliban's announcement of a ceasefire during Eid. The Afghanistan government is extending the offer of peace and is taking further steps to ensure the success of the peace process," Afganistan President's spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi said in a tweet earlier this week.

On February 29, the US and the Taliban signed a peace deal in the Qatari capital of Doha, stipulating a beginning of intra-Afghan negotiations as well as prisoners' exchange. (ANI)


Kolkata: Warning of the tightrope walk ahead as governments battle the COVID-19 crisis, Nobel laureate Peter Charles Doherty has expressed concern about densely populated countries such as India relaxing lockdown norms, while also describing a complete shutdown as an economic and social impossibility.

The Australian immunologist, who cautioned that the number of COVID-19 cases will rise in the coming days, said the earliest time frame for an effective vaccine going into large numbers of people is nine to 12 months.

"If all goes well with testing, we could know if some of the candidate vaccines are both safe and effective as early as September/October. Then, rolling a vaccine out will depend on the type of product and how quickly it can be made, put in vials and so forth," Doherty told PTI in an email interview from Melbourne.

The novel coronavirus, he added, does not change fast like influenza and, from what is known so far, the same vaccine should work everywhere.

Doherty, who is with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1996 for his discovery of how the body's immune system distinguishes virus-infected cells from normal ones.

Discussing the lockdown, he said, "If it was purely a matter of hard science, everywhere should stay locked down. But that's pretty much an economic and social impossibility.

The expectation, he said, is the numbers will rise and limiting spread will depend on people acting responsibly and the capacity for rapid response and extensive contact testing. And in a densely populated country like India I think that it will be very difficult," the scientist said.

Several countries, including India, began relaxing lockdown norms in mid-May despite the WHO's warning about a second wave. India's lockdown began on March 25 and has since been extended. The fourth phase ends on Sunday.

Asked whether there are any alternatives to a lockdown, the 79-year-old said, "There is no other option other than closing borders. South Korea, for example, conducted massive, intensive testing and contact tracing in a wealthy country with a very disciplined population. Otherwise, not till we have effective vaccines."

He added that he personally doesn't see the point of closing borders for people coming in if there's already a high incidence of disease in the community, unless it's to avoid the need to care for them and use scarce hospital beds".

According to Doherty, the coronavirus "is a new virus which has come straight out of nature".

It (the virus) has moved so rapidly across the world because of people travelling on international planes as well as tourist ships," he added.

The immunologist also warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, and said current and planned trials of the anti-malaria drug should be stopped. My understanding is that the use of the drug in severe disease is definitely contra-indicated, but it's not yet clear whether, if taken under medical supervision, it could have some useful effect if taken early on, or as a preventive. Those trials just haven't been done properly," Doherty noted.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has backed the use of hydroxychloroquine as a preventive against COVID-19 even after the WHO suspended clinical trials of the drug citing safety concerns.

Asked whether plasma therapy can be an effective treatment for COVID-19, Doherty said, "We lack good properly controlled trials but, especially if the plasma has been tested for antibody levels and there's evidence of good activity, it could be helpful. If I had the disease and was offered plasma therapy I would certainly accept, but I would not take hydroxychloroquine."

Doherty is also very optimistic about herd immunity developing against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

"We think that (herd immunity) will cut in and have an obvious effect when, say, 60 per cent of people have been infected. Best hope is to boost herd immunity with a vaccine," he stated.

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 vaccination or previous infections.

The number of COVID-19 cases have crossed 5.9 million and the fatalities 3,65,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University on Saturday.

In India, the death toll has risen to 4,971 and the number of cases to 1,73,763, according to the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

Several states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, have reported a rise in number since lockdown norms were relaxed in early May and migrant workers reached home.

In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, the number of infections rose from around 3,000 on May 4 to 6,532 on May 26. Similarly, Bihar's numbers increased from around 500 to over 2,700 in the period.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Teuku Faizasyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 10:44 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0c1ed 3 Opinion diplomacy,foreign-affairs,international-relations,COVID-19,pandemic,united-states,WHO Free

Trust is a prerequisite for almost any fruitful enterprise; it is such a vital element in fostering good relations on a multitude of levels that even the common man can attest to its importance.

The levels on which this precious commodity operates begin from the most intimate, from individuals on an interpersonal level to subgroups within a nation and even the international stage among nations. Interestingly, whether it endures between a husband and wife or in the relations among states, the principle of trust remains the same, often challenging to attain and yet so easily lost.

Focusing within the framework of international relations, literature increasingly suggests that trust serves as a key variable in influencing attitude. On this stage, it may influence the nature of how states act toward other states and even illustrate the dynamics within international organizations.

Having such an important role, one may wonder what factors are necessary to build trust. Surprisingly, these factors remain similar on all levels, although they do differ in complexity and outcome. Akin to a bank providing a loan to a business owner on the condition of a sound financial record, states develop relations based on assessments of past engagement.

Assessments of historic relations are only one of many factors. Scholars interested in decision-making theories posit that cognitive factors and at times, the idiosyncratic aspects of leaders play as big of a role in laying the foundational attributes of trust-building.

Provided with these components, significant informationgathering and expertise, an avenue of measuring trust can very well be conceived. With the ability to predict and explain foreign policy outcomes, unwanted and tense situations can be avoided. With this in mind, recent developments in global affairs portray a somewhat daunting prospect.

The concerns raised by the United States about the World Health Organization amid this global pandemic has challenged the sense of trust and confidence of the organization. Not only has the US deferred its funding with calls for reform, it also alluded to the influence of a rising giant in the East.

As a consequence, the role of the WHO as a bastion for global health and humanity is being complicated by global-power politics. Bearing this in mind, on May 20, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi made clear that it is in Indonesias interest and priority to continue strengthening the work of the WHO through our contributions in the formulation of policies and decisions of the WHO.

She also emphasized that in todays challenging time, multilateralism must be the platform for international cooperation in the fight against COVID19. By the same token, this is a call to have trust in the WHO.

Another concerning case of power politics at play can be seen at the UN Security Council (UNSC). The application of veto by the veto powers on some security issues, such as the IsraelPalestine conflict, raise a fundamental question of the efficacy of the UNSC.

The failure in upholding its mandate to bring international peace and security has caused growing distrust towards the UNSC. In the absence of a reliable and trustworthy platform for dialogue on security issues, countries will tend to resort to armed conflict to resolve differences. Such an example is the consequence of neglecting the importance of trust-building, therefore, a reform of the UN is continuously advanced.

While trust-building at a global level has recently been marred with some challenges, a different story is manifested on a regional level. Trust and confidence-building have been the key features in shaping and reshaping ASEAN as a regional organization.

ASEAN was created at the height of the Cold War, during a time when the world faced many uncertainties. The region itself was the theater for proxy wars seen within the Indochina conflicts. Not only that, member states prior to ASEAN happened to engage in cross-border hostilities.

An example of such hostilities was konfrontasi. This was when Indonesia was seen as harboring expansionist intentions following a campaign against Malaysia and Singapore. Yet through the establishment of ASEAN, the region came to know and share the desire for peace, pacifism and mutual development.

Moving into a more natural feature of international relations, relationships between nation states, the issue of trust is even more prominent. In the case of Indonesia, some measures to allay distrust are by engaging in partnerships, either strategic or comprehensive and by way of treaties. Despite these measures taken bilaterally, some realities question the coherence of what has been agreed upon.

One such example is Chinas intention in the region. Indonesia has observed carefully Chinas claims in the South China Sea through the nine-dash line. Indonesia is also curious regarding its growing activities in these waters. The 2019 incident of Chinas fishing activities in Indonesias Economic Exclusive Zone have raised concerns to the spirit of bilateral partnership.

Similarly, the Lombok Treaty between Indonesia and Australia includes an article that prevents anybody from encouraging separatism toward Indonesia on Australian territory. This does not bode well with the activities of those who use Australia as a launching pad to promote the separatism of Papua from Indonesia.

In conclusion, a stable and predictable relation is needed to avoid suspicion that may lead to open conflict. This is where trust and trust-building efforts at all levels of international relations play a significant role.

We are living in a more complex global environment where events that take place in different parts of the world can be felt across the globe.

Hence, relations founded on trust can provide certainty in these uncertain times.

***

Political and security affairs advisor to Indonesian foreign minister and former Indonesian ambassador to Canada

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - Sudan on Saturday summoned the Ethiopian Charge dAffaires to officially protest what it called an "Ethiopian army backed militia intrusion inside Sudanese national territories" over the weekend
Politicians who want churches to remain closed 'hate faith,' Ted Cruz says

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas on Thursday said that progressive elected officials who are issuing orders to curb the spread of COVID-19 that restrict churches but not secular entities do so because they hate faith.

On an episode of First Liberty Live! streamed online by the First Liberty Institute on Thursday, Cruz spoke about constitutional rights and states' lockdown orders that were initially put in place to ensure hospitals were not overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients but have been extended by some state governors and mayors.

Cruz said he believed crisis reveals character and as a result, Americans were seeing some politicians act as jack-booted authoritarians by going after religious groups.

Its one thing to put reasonable public health restrictions in place, its another thing to arbitrarily trample on liberty, Cruz said.

The senator argued that there are these politicians on the left who hate faith, who have a demonstrable antipathy to people of faith, to Christians, to observant Jews, to anyone for whom faith is anything real and tangible in their lives.

He cited as an example New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his controversial comments in which he said he would permanently close down any church found in violation of the city's gathering restrictions.

[De Blasio] repeatedly has demonstrated an over-eagerness, a zealousness to target people of faith, Cruz said.

No tin-pot mayor has the power to permanently close down any church or any synagogue, and the fact that they are licking their lips trying to put a padlock on the church demonstrates that level of antipathy.

Cruz also defended drive-in church, in which congregations gather in parked cars practicing social distancing in worship, denouncing the efforts of some to close such services down.

In Massena, New York, Pastor Samson Ryman was warned that he would face a fine of up to $1,000 for holding a drive-in church service on May 3 with 23 worshipers in 18 vehicles, which the chief of police said was a violation of Gov. Andrew Cuomos COVID-19 Executive Orders. Last week, Cuomo said churches can begin hosting drive-in worship services as long as they follow strict social distancing guidelines.

In April, the Department of Justice intervened after authorities in Greenville, Mississippi, fined attendees at a drive-in church service $500 each for purported violations while permitting citizens to attend nearby drive-in restaurants.

Cruz said such efforts to punish attendees of such services absurd and criticized it as an example of targeting and singling out people of faith because they are people of faith.

There is no coherent constitutional argument that a massage parlor or a bar is somehow more protected, more constitutional privileged, more sacred, more worthy of legal protection than a church service, Cruz said.

Cruz also talked about how his church has put a halt on in-person worship for three months, so he and his family watch worship services on Zoom instead.

In addition to Cruz, the episode also featured comments from First Liberty Institute President & CEO Kelly Shackelford, whose organization hosted the livestream.

Shackelford explained that when it comes to the debate over churches reopening, the good news is in most places, churches who want to can open up safely.

Were going to have to fight in some places, said Shackelford, noting that there are petty tyrants who want to keep church buildings closed until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed, which he said is unacceptable.

Some churches have filed legal action against state and local governments, arguing that they are not treating houses of worship fairly when planning out which entities can open up and when.

For example, Church of the Word of Fenton, Missouri sued St. Louis County over a local order limiting in-person worship to 25% capacity while secular businesses are allowed 100% capacity.

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, stated the church.
The major German and French trade unions have expressed their support for the European recovery plan proposed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. In a joint declaration on May 20, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and the French trade union federations CFDT, CGT, FO, CFTC and UNSA expressly welcome the Franco-German initiative for economic recovery in Europe after the coronavirus crisis presented by the French president and the German chancellor on May 18, 2020.

The unions describe the initiative as a change of direction towards more solidarity between the member states of the European Union [EU] and proclaim: We are convinced that our two countries must now assume their special responsibility to ensure that the European Union emerges stronger, more socially equitable, more democratic, more responsible and more environmentally friendly. The task now was to convince all other EU member states of the Franco-German proposals so that after the crisis we can build a more sustainable Europe based on more solidarity.

These highly paid union officials are well aware that Merkel and Macrons proposal has nothing to do with social justice, democracy and environmental sustainability. Neither does it serve European solidaritylet alone solidarity with the millions of workers, clerical employees and self-employed who are losing their incomes and livelihoods due to the coronavirus crisis. Instead, the fundlike the numerous national aid programmes and European Central Banks bond purchaseswill continue to inflate the equity portfolios and bank accounts of the rich.

As we demonstrated in an earlier article, the main aim of the Franco-German initiative is to reinforce European companies in their trade war with rivals, particularly the US and China. Accordingly, strategic projects are to be promoted and global champions built up. The coronavirus crisis is to be used to reorganise the European economy in the global battle for markets and profits.

In particular, the economies of weaker EU countries, for which the fund is primarily intended, are to be restructured. It goes without saying that this will involve mass layoffs, and cuts to wages and social benefits. Major corporations in the auto, aerospace and steel industries as well as numerous other industries have already announced tens of thousands of layoffs.

The reconstruction plan, presented by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in more detail on May 27, is expected to total 750 billion, of which 500 billion will be allocated in the form of grants and 250 billion as loans. In order to finance the package, the EU Commission will break with previous practice and borrow money, which is then to be repaid from the EU budget between 2028 and 2058.

As the EU budget is financed by the member states, they will then have to repay the programme according to their economic weight. Also in consideration are new import taxes to directly boost the EU budget. The main recipients of the programme will be Italy (82 billion in grants/91 billion in loans), Spain (77/63 billion) and Poland (38/26 billion). France and Germany are also slated to receive grants of 39 billion and 29 billion, respectively.

An EU summit will discuss the proposal on June 1819. At least one further summit will be necessary, however, until an agreement is reached.

As the funds are allocated within the framework of the EU budget, they are subject to strict neo-liberal requirements, as is the case for all EU programmes. Von der Leyen wants to ensure that the annual recommendations from the EU Commission for the economic and financial policies of member countries, which have so far largely been ignored, are binding on the recipients of grants. Brussels could then dictate cuts in social, educational and cultural spending, as it did after the 2008 financial crisis in Greece.

The exact use of the funds is still under debate. In addition to traditional regional and structural aid, subsidies for climate protection, renewable energies, digitisation and, above all, armaments production are also under discussion.

The trade union declaration of support, which is only one-and-a-half pages long, is a signal to the rulers in Paris and Berlin and the EU Commission in Brussels that they can rely on the unflinching support of the trade unions in combating their rivals in the global trade war and implementing the consequent attacks on the working class.

The unions are already in the forefront of driving workers back into the factories where they risk their health and lives due to the continuing risk of infection. To give one example, IG Metall and the works council in Wolfsburg organised a three-day light show on the wall of the Volkswagen plant in the city to promote the return of workers to Europes largest car factory. For years, every plant closure and layoff plan in Germany has borne the signature of union officials.

The coronavirus crisis, however, has hugely intensified the tendency towards corporatismi.e., the fusion of entrepreneurs, unions and government. The greatest economic downturn since the 1930s has to a great extent swept the carpet from beneath the so often praised free-market economy. Governments are pumping billions of euros and dollars into aerospace, auto and other corporations, and even becoming shareholders to strengthen their own companies in the struggle to survive against competitors.

This form of nationalisation has nothing to do with socialism. Rather, it serves to defend corporate profits against international rivals and claims made by workers and is inevitably linked to whipping up nationalism. The unions, nationalist to the core, cannot stand aside. As always in times of crisis and war they jettison even the appearance of representing the interests of their members.

In August 1914, when World War I broke out, Germanys trade unions announced a truce with employers and government and sent their members to the front to slaughter French and Russian workers. On May 1, 1933, three months after Hitler came to power, they even marched under the swastika to offer their services to the new regime. Hitler interpreted this as weakness and dissolved the unions the following day.

The unions in France and other countries behave no differently in similar situations. If German and French unions are now giving their support to this latest initiative, it is only because they believe that Germany and France cannot advance their interests on the world market without the EU. At the same time, when it comes to job cutsfor example at Airbus or in the auto industrythe unions divide workers and play off one country and location against another.

The unions drive to corporatism inevitably arises from their pro-capitalist perspective. It is significant that the CGT, which pretends to be the most radical of the French unions, also signed the joint declaration.

In the fight against the health and social consequences of the coronavirus crisis, workers in Europe confront not only corporations and governments, but also the unions. They must break with these organisations and set up their own independent action committees.

The fight against the consequences of the pandemic is ultimately a political struggle against capitalism. This requires the unity of the European and international working class on the basis of a socialist programme to replace the European Union, the tool of the most powerful capitalist interests, with the United Socialist States of Europe.
A global pandemic has now killed more than 100,000 Americans and left 40 million unemployed in its wake. Protests - some of them violent - have once again erupted in spots across the country over police killings of black Americans.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, is waging a war against Twitter, attacking his political rivals, criticizing a voting practice he himself uses and suggesting that looters could be shot.

America's persistent political dysfunction and racial inequality were laid bare this week, as the coronavirus death toll hit a tragic new milestone and as the country was served yet another reminder of how black people are killed by law enforcement in disproportionately high numbers. Together, the events present a grim tableau of a nation in crisis - one seared by violence against its citizens, plagued by a deadly disease that remains uncontained and rattled by a devastating blow to its economy.

"The threads of our civic life could start unraveling, because everybody's living in a tinderbox," said historian and Rice University professor Douglas Brinkley.

Barbara Ransby, a historian at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a longtime political activist, said the toll of the coronavirus outbreak made long-standing racial inequities newly stark. Then, images of police violence made those same disparities visceral.

"People are seething about all kinds of things," said Ransby, the author of "Making All Black Lives Matter: Reimagining Freedom in the Twenty-First Century." "There are major turning points and ruptures in history. . . . This is one of these moments, but we've not seen how it will fully play out."

In the days after a 46-year-old black man died in the custody of Minneapolis police in an incident caught on video, demonstrators took to the streets. In that city, a police precinct was breached and set ablaze, along with other businesses. In Colorado, shots were fired near the statehouse. At a protest in Louisville, seven people were shot.

Authorities announced charges against the officer in the Minneapolis case Friday - which observers saw as a development that might quell some of the unrest.

Some said the tumult, set in the broader context of the twin health and economic emergencies, could mark a rupture as dramatic as signature turning points in the country's history, from the economic dislocation of the Great Depression to the social convulsions of 1968. Others were skeptical that a fundamental change was at hand.

Eric Foner, a historian at Columbia University, said the past is filled with events whose outcomes have not been as sweeping as they seemed to portend. He pointed to examples as disparate as the European revolutions of 1848 - famously said to be the "turning point at which modern history failed to turn" - and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which exposed lethal failures but did not cause political transformation.

"There seems to be a very powerful inertia pushing us back to normal," Foner said. "I'm skeptical of those who think this coronavirus is going to change everything."

It was onlyin February that the Senate voted to acquit Trump after he became the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. The next month, much of American business and social activity shut down in an attempt to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The country has just now begun to reopen, with culture wars raging over how and when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Then, this week, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the neck of a handcuffed black man, pinning him to the ground. George Floyd died. His cries of "I can't breathe" quickly rocketed around the world.

The protests that erupted in Minnesota spread to places like Columbus, Phoenix, Denver and Louisville, which recently experienced a controversial police killing when officers serving a warrant shot and killed a 26-year-old EMT inside her home. More demonstrations broke out Friday evening across the country, including in the District.

Floyd's death followed the slaying of a black man, Ahmaud Arbery, who was jogging in Georgia, and a viral dust-up in New York's Central Park when a white woman called the police on a black man there to bird-watch. Both incidents also were captured on video.

"I was amazed watching people who were out," said Raoul Cunningham, head of the NAACP branch in Louisville. "To me, it made clear that we're at a period of time like we've never faced before."

A president's impeachment, demonstrations over police killings and even global pandemics all have precedents. But their confluence in such a short span of time - under this president, who consistently pushes the boundaries of historic norms associated with his office - has exacerbated the nation's sense of unease.

"It's natural to wish for life to 'just get back to normal' as a pandemic and economic crisis upend everything around us," former president Barack Obama said in a statement. "But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly 'normal' - whether it's while dealing with the health care system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park."

Trump responded to the latest crisis Friday as he often does: by lashing out. In a tweet that Twitter labeled as violating its rules meant to stem the glorification of violence, the president attacked Minneapolis's mayor, a Democrat; labeled the protesters "THUGS"; and vowed to send in the National Guard.

"Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts," he wrote, appearing to echo a warning issued more than 50 years ago by Miami's police chief amid unrest that gripped blacked neighborhoods there.

Trump later sought to clarify that he did not "want" looters to be shot. "It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement," he said.

Former vice president Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, took a veiled shot at the president, saying in a video address that this was "no time to encourage violence." He said he had spoken with Floyd's family and called on Americans to confront the nation's history of racial injustice.

"The original sin of this country still stains our nation today," Biden said. "And sometimes we manage to overlook it. We just push forward with a thousand other tasks in our daily life. But it's always there. And weeks like this, we see it plainly that we're a country with an open wound."

In Minnesota, some local officials acknowledged that the demonstrations - at least before the charges were announced - seemed to be spiraling beyond their control. Police at one point took a CNN correspondent and crew into custody on live TV, though they were later released. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, said in an emotional news conference that the unrest was a result of "generations of pain, of anguish" over racism in policing.

Hodan Hassan, a state lawmaker who represents part of the district engulfed in flames this week, said the devastation visited on businesses there will only deepen the economic pain familiar to south Minneapolis - and now spreading across the country in the pandemic's wake. "This community was struggling because of years of disinvestment," she said. "And then the pandemic came. And to add fuel to the fire, now this is happening. It feels like we can't catch a break."

Ben Crump, a lawyer for Floyd's family, said in a statement that Chauvin's arrest was "welcome," but that the family expected more serious charges and also wanted other officers at the scene to be taken into custody.

"The pain that the black community feels over this murder and what it reflects about the treatment of black people in America is raw and is spilling out onto streets across America," Crump said.

Brinkley, the Rice University historian, said the moment seemed akin to Richard Nixon's presidency, when the country was divided politically over the Vietnam War and the president was attacking the press over the Pentagon Papers.

Trump, he said, seems to see the unrest as a potentially helpful "political issue," if he can position himself as a law-and-order candidate cracking down on anarchy and possibly distract from the pandemic. A Washington Post national average of polls in May shows Trump trailing Biden by seven points, 42 percent to 49 percent.

"Is this going to be the summer of covid-19? Or is this going to be the summer of urban unrest?" Brinkley said. "And Trump does not want it to be the summer of covid-19."

Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said Trump seemed to be exacerbating the crisis.

"It seems like many of the institutions that we have relied on to check government power have been weakened considerably over the last few years," he said. "Norms that we took for granted have been eroded. And at a time when what is most needed is thoughtful, calm, deliberate leadership, we have the opposite."

- - -

The Washington Post's Kim Bellware, Scott Clement, Meagan Flynn, Colby Itkowitz and Michael S. Rosenwald contributed to this report.
A Belgian prince has been diagnosed with coronavirus just days after attending a private party in Spain which breached social distancing rules.

Prince Joachim, the nephew of King Philippe of Belgium and ninth in line to the throne, attended the party on Tuesday in a private house in the city of Cordoba.

The prince, 28, had arrived in Madrid two days earlier for a business trip but then took a high-speed train to Cordoba, where his long-term girlfriend Victoria Ortiz grew up.

In total, he travelled 1,050 miles from Belgium to Cordoba.

Prince Joachim of Belgium (pictured middle) has been diagnosed with coronavirus a few days after attending a private party which broke lockdown rules in Cordoba, Spain

The prince (pictured) is the nephew of King Phillipe of Belgium and is ninth in line to the throne

The prince, 28, travelled to Madrid on a business trip on Sunday but then took a high-speed train to Cordoba (pictured) on Tuesday

According to Spanish news outlet El Pais, 27 people attended the private party, which is nearly double the number of people (15) currently allowed to congregate under one roof in the Andalusian city.

The same news organisation says the Belgian Royal Household confirmed that Prince Joachim attended the party.

All the guests who attended the party are now in quarantine, while it is not clear whether the prince contracted the virus at the party or whether he already had the virus beforehand.

Prince Laurent of Belgium, another of Joachim's uncles, confirmed the virus has been contracted by at least one member of his family.

He said: 'We do not know how, but the coronavirus has entered our household.'

In Cordoba (pictured) there is a regional social limit of just 15 people under one roof. The party was attended by 27 guests, all of whom are now in quarantine

Spanish authorities confirmed on Saturday that the prince (pictured) was at the event and have branded the staging of the social occasion as 'completely irresponsible' and 'unforgivable'

'For weeks now, we have hardly gone out  only to shop and for sports.'

The party has been branded as 'completely irresponsible' by Spanish authorities, with police in the country investigating the party.

Those found guilty of breaking lockdown restrictions could face fines of between 600 and 10,000 euros.

Speaking about the party, Rafaela Valenzuela, the Spanish government's sub-delegate in Cordoba, said: 'I feel surprised and indignant, given that at a moment of national mourning for so many dead, an incident of this type stands out.

'It's completely irresponsible, because that number of people multiplied could cause an outbreak, and that would mean that Cordoba, after passing to Phase 2, would have to take a step back.

'That is unforgivable. The police are investigating not just the observance of confinement measures, but also the breaking of other rules, given that we are still under a state of alarm. The virus is still out there.'
Fighting among Turkey-backed Syrian rebel groups in the Turkish-controlled city of Afrin in northern Syria left several civilians dead Thursday, including two children, according to war monitors.

Fierce clashes between the Hamzat Division and the Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam factions erupted Thursday, said the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Three civilians, including two children, were killed in the gunfire, the monitoring group said.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a fellow in the Middle East Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, wrote on Twitter that the fighting started after a group of fighters from the Hamzat Division walked into a shop run by a man displaced from Syrias southwestern Ghouta region.

They asked to purchase something for 300 lira [$0.16] on credit. The owner of the shop refused. In response, the Hamzat shot up the place & tossed a grenade, killing the shop owner and his son, she wrote.

Afrin has been in the hands of Syrian fighters trained and equipped by Turkey since March 2018, when the Free Syrian Army captured the city from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Turkey considers an offshoot of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party.

Human rights groups have since documented the wide-scale persecution of locals by Turkish proxies, including forced conversions among the Yazidi religious minority.

The current situation for Yazidis remaining in the Afrin is dire as they are forced to hide their identity, unable to practice their faith, and remain frightened for their safety, the Yazidi advocacy group Yazda said in a statement today.

Yazidi activist and Nobel laureate Nadia Murad accused Turkey and its affiliated rebel groups of an ethnic cleansing campaign in Afrin.

They are kidnapping women, killing civilians, and destroying houses and shrines, she said on Twitter. To date, the international community has failed to bring attention to these crimes.

Turkey denies war crimes were committed by its proxies.

Afrin was also the site of a deadly truck bombing last month. The YPG denied responsibility after Turkey accused the militia of carrying out the attack that killed more than 50 people.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Four persons  two overseas returnees and two Maharashtra natives  tested positive for Covid-19 in Ernakulam district on Saturday.While a 42-year-old Kothamangalam native returned from Kuwait, a 32-year-old Parakkadavu native arrived from Abu Dhabi.

The two persons from Maharashtra are employees of a shipping company. While a 27-year-old arrived by car on May 26, a 44-year-old arrived by flight on May 27. Under institutional quarantine from the date of arrival, they have now been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Kalamassery.

Two others who turned COVID-19 positive - 56-year-old and 48-year-old Thrissur natives - are also under treatment at the MCH. They are close relatives of an 80-year-old who turned Covid positive earlier. All three travelled together from Delhi by train and reached Ernakulam on May 28.

Meanwhile, three persons who were under observation at the MCH were discharged on Saturday. A total of 29 patients are under treatment for Covid-19 at the MCH. As per the health department, 25 samples have been collected from the district to track community transmission.
Mumbai, May 30 : Legendary stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld praised Vir Das in front of Hollywood actor and comic star Chris Rock, and the Indian comedian found it "cool".

In a recent interview, Rock said that the comedy scene is far diverse, taking in more styles and voices, than ever before. Seinfeld responded saying: "I saw this Indian guy named Vir Das on a Netflix promo on Instagram. Did you see where he does part of the act in Hindi and part of it in English? (He is) a really funny guy. That's a great thing that Netflix does - Bring all these people to us." Thrilled by the conversation, Vir Das tweeted: "If you're a comedy fan like me, you understand how cool this is. When Jerry Seinfeld mentions you to Chris Rock in a magazine, it's a pretty special day." Vir Das has three comedy specials streaming on the platform right now -- "Abroad Understanding", "Losing It" and "Vir Das For India".

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK  I can't breathe.

I can't breathe.

I can't breathe.

Those are the dying words of the George Floyd and Eric Garner  and a rallying cry for a crowd at the Barclays Center on Friday protesting the fear black Americans live with every police encounter.

Protesters chanted for a relatively-peaceful hour before NYPD officers clashed with the crowd.

A cloud of pepper spray descended over the rally, police armed with batons violently took down protesters and some rally goers set fires  all scenes that played out in real time on social media.

The chaotic scene moved beyond Barclays Center and into the streets of Fort Greene and nearby neighborhoods, as documented on a torrent of social media posts and media reports. At least one police van was set on fire, a NYPD officer was filmed violently shoving a woman to the ground and walking away, among many other violent scenes throughout the day and night.





A sea of signs, many directing anger toward police, flooded the Barclays Center on Friday. (Matt Troutman/Patch)

Hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters descended on Atlantic Avenue entrance to the Barclays Center. They chanted "George Floyd" in addition to cries of "Hands up! Don't shoot!" and "Black Lives Matter."

It was part of a growing wave of protests over the killing of George Floyd on Monday.

A viral video of Floyd's final moments shows him utter "I can't breathe" as Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd's neck.

Those three words are very familiar for New Yorkers  Eric Garner spoke them in Staten Island as a NYPD officer placed him in a choke hold. Garner died and it took the NYPD five years to fire Eric Pantaleo, the officer who held Garner.

Chauvin was arrested and charged with murder on Friday, just hours before the Barclays Center rally organized by Freedom Arts Movement, a self-described "community organization led by artists."

Their flyer for the protest instructs goers to "wear ppe, prepare to escalate and prepare to march."



Story continues

NYPD officers gathered long before the protest's 6 p.m. start. Many cordoned themselves off from the crowd in front of the Atlantic Avenue entrance, keeping their distance.

A line of NYPD officers stands in front of Barclays Center on Friday. Later that day, officers clashed with protesters. (Matt Troutman/Patch)

Manny Brown, a protester who traveled from Harlem, looked at the crowd early in the rally and marveled at the positive feelings.

"This is love, this is unity," he said.

It's a similar feeling expressed by Darnelle Dasne, also before the atmosphere turned. Seeing the crowd gathered in solidarity was an emotional experience, she said.

Dasne is black and lives in Crown Heights. She has had police officers stop and question her as she walked her dog, she said. She worries about her son every day.

"I have an 18-year-old black boy, I have an 18-year-old queer son," she said. "Every time he goes out I worry."





The peace, such as it was, didn't last at the protest. Soon, police began clashing with the crowd, spreading fear across the Barclays Center.

Assembly Member Diana Richardson was among the protesters who was pepper sprayed, according to video posted by a WNYC reporter. Her eyes were red as she said she was there to peacefully protest.

"This is uncalled for," she said.

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie tweeted he too was pepper sprayed, as well as handcuffed alongside Richardson.

I was pepper sprayed and handcuffed tonight along with @YourFavoriteASW. We came in solidarity and to keep the peace. We are still processing what happened.

 Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie  (@zellnor4ny) May 30, 2020

Police arrested so many protesters at Barclays they called in MTA buses to transport buses, only to have the bus union refuse to drive them, Vice reported.

The scene dwarfed that of Thursday, when NYPD officers arrested dozens of protesters in Union Square. It more resembled other scenes across the country that day when police dramatically abandoned a precinct in Minneapolis amid growing unrest.



Before the Brooklyn protest, people took to social media to report they saw NYPD officers massing in front of Barclays. Several posters pointed out most officers, at a minimum, were not wearing masks that doctors deem necessary to stop the new coronavirus' spread.

If youre going to the Barclays protest tonight just passed through and dozens of police officers are there WITHOUT MASKS @NYCMayor

 Rachel Mae Smith (@thecraftedlife) May 29, 2020

The large police presence sparked fears of mass arrests.

"Not only big police presence by the Barclays Center but an array of Corrections vans and busestheyve clearly prepared to make a lot of arrests," wrote Twitter user Joshua Leifer.

Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted that police officers had a very clear instruction: respect peaceful protest.

He later returned to Twitter as Friday shifted into Saturday, and violence suffocated Brooklyn.

"We have a long night ahead of us in Brooklyn," he said.

We have a long night ahead of us in Brooklyn. Our sole focus is deescalating this situation and getting people home safe. There will be a full review of what happened tonight. We dont ever want to see another night like this.

 Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 30, 2020





This article originally appeared on the Prospect Heights-Crown Heights Patch
The Australian Marine Safety Authority has laid charges against the master of the APL England for offences relating to pollution and damage of the marine environment as a result of poor cargo loading.

The charges came as the Singapore-flagged ship, which spilled some of its cargo off the NSW coast last Sunday, confirmed it lost 50 shipping containers in the incident.

Containers cling precariously to APL England last Sunday after other cargo fell overboard. Credit:Australian Maritime Safety Authority

The ship was en route to Melbourne from China when rough seas caused the containers to topple overboard.

AMSA operations general manager Allan Schwartz handed down the charges on Friday, a decision he said was not taken lightly.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in the background as dolphins swim in a lagoon near Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida

SpaceX began fueling its Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday as it prepared to send two veteran NASA astronauts to the International Space Station in a historic first crewed mission by a commercial company.

"Weather is a GO for launch!" NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said after a day of uncertainty over the weather conditions at the Florida launch site.

SpaceX's two-stage Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to liftoff at 3:22 pm Eastern Time (1922 GMT) from Kennedy Space Center with astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley aboard.

Weather forced the last-minute postponement on Wednesday of what would have been the first launch of American astronauts from US soil since the space shuttle program ended in 2011.

California-based SpaceX, founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk, is seeking to become the first private firm to send astronauts into orbit.

The mission, dubbed "Demo-2," is the final test flight before NASA certifies the SpaceX spacecraft for regular crewed missions.

Behnken, 49, and Hurley, 53, former military test pilots who joined the US space agency in 2000, are to blast off from Launch Pad 39A.

The same launch pad was used by Neil Armstrong on Apollo 11's landmark 1969 journey to the Moon, and NASA is seeking to revive excitement around human space exploration ahead of a planned return to Earth's satellite and then Mars.

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (L) and Doug Hurley (R) are strapped in the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule

Behnken and Hurley went through the same preparations Saturday that they went through on Wednesday.

They donned their futuristic SpaceX-designed spacesuits four hours before launch and exchanged final words with NASA chief Bridenstine, who was wearing a mask because of the coronavirus pandemic.

After saying goodbye to their wivesboth former astronautsand children they were driven to the launch pad in a white electric car built by Tesla, one of Musk's other companies.

The hatch on the rocket's Crew Dragon capsule was closed about two hours before blastoff followed by the arming of the emergency escape system.

Defining moment for SpaceX

The mission comes despite nationwide shutdowns caused by the coronavirus crisis and protests in several US cities over the killing of a black man in Minneapolis by a white police officer.

Graphic on NASA's first crewed mission since 2011

Behnken and Hurley, veterans of two space shuttle missions each, have been in quarantine for more than two weeks and have been regularly tested for COVID-19.

NASA has urged crowds to stay away from Cocoa Beach, the traditional viewing spotbut that did not deter scores of space fans on Wednesday and large crowds were expected again on Saturday.

President Donald Trump, who flew in for the previous launch attempt, is also attending this one after landing at Kennedy Space Center aboard Air Force One.

NASA has had to pay Russia for its Soyuz rockets to take US astronauts to space ever since the shuttle program ended and the decision was taken to shift to commercial partners.

The Crew Dragon mission is a defining moment for SpaceX, which Musk founded in 2002 with the goal of producing a lower-cost alternative to human spaceflight.

The Crew Dragon capsule atop SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket

By 2012, it had become the first private company to dock a cargo capsule at the ISS, resupplying the station regularly ever since.

The US space agency paid more than $3 billion for SpaceX to design, build, test and operate its reusable Dragon capsule for six future space round-trips.

SpaceX conducted a successful test flight of Crew Dragon to the ISS in March 2019 with a sensor-laden mannequin on board named Ripley, after the character played by Sigourney Weaver in the "Alien" movies.

The project has experienced delays, explosions, and parachute problemsbut even so, SpaceX has beaten its competitor, aerospace giant Boeing, to the punch.

"This is a monumental achievement, it's a herculean task by the SpaceX team," said Bridenstine. "They came up with solutions that had never been dreamed of before."

SpaceX founder Elon Musk

Crew Dragon is scheduled to dock with the ISS about 19 hours after liftoff, for a duration that is yet to be finalized, but likely around early August.

Wednesday's flight was scrubbed 17 minutes before blastoff because of high levels of atmospheric electricity that could have triggered a lightning strike on the rocket.

With Behnken and Hurley strapped into the Crew Dragon capsule, the launch pad platform retracted and rocket fueling underway, SpaceX and NASA made the call to abort.

 2020 AFP
Columbia Records was the first to publicly decry injustices towards underserved populations, with chairman Ron Perry posting late on Thursday night (May 28): We stand together with the Black community against all forms of racism, bigotry, and violence. Now, more than ever we must use our voices to speak up and challenge the injustices all around us.
National Guard members are seen near protesters in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

Minnesota Governor to Fully Mobilize National Guard to Quell Violence

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Saturday morning that he is authorizing to fully mobilize the states National Guard after violent riots rocked Minneapolis for the fourth night in a row following Mondays police custody death of George Floyd.

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Walz said that by the afternoon, another 1,000 National Guard soldiers will be in Minneapolis in addition to the 700 that are already deployed to the city.

According to Walz, its an action that has never been taken in the 164-year history of the Minnesota National Guard.

He said the briefing, which followed an early morning press conference, was to provide an update on a highly dangerous and a rapidly evolving situation with folks bent on destroying property with no regard for the safety of Minnesotans and certainly no desire to make a statement other than wanton destruction and chaos.

Walz added that the situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd. It is about attacking civil society, instilling fear, and disrupting our great cities.

At the earlier briefing, which took place at around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Walz said that at least 1,000 additional Minnesota National Guard troops would be activated Saturday to help stem the violent riots.

He said that despite mobilizing the largest civilian deployment in Minnesota history, it has proven not enough to quell the chaos, marked by riots, looting, and fire-setting.

The situation is incredibly dangerous. The situation is fluid. It is dynamic, Walz said. Citing the sheer volume of the crowds rioting in the streets, he said getting the situation under control will take a response never before seen in the state because theres simply more of them than us.

Explaining the need for more resources, Walz said it takes multiple officers to detain one person in a volatile environment, adding that the minute you turn your back, the other ones are throwing bottles of urine, in some cases, firing weapons.

This is the largest concentration of law enforcement in the history of Minnesota, Walz said, adding, and it is not enough.

Maj. General Jon Jensen, adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, said at the press conference that he expects we will exceed the 1,000 mark, adding that he believes there will be over 1,700 soldiers to support the efforts of Minnesotas Department of Public Safety and the State Highway Patrol.

Jensen said Minnesota state authorities are also considering using active-duty U.S. military police units, which are reportedly being put on alert to deploy to Minneapolis.

You may have seen or heard that, this evening, the president directed the Pentagon to put units of United States Army on alert to possible operation in Minneapolis, Jensen told the press conference. While we were not consulted with, as it relates to that, I do believe its a prudent move to provide other options available for the governor, if the governor elects to use those resources.

Young kids are posing in front of the fire at the side of the Stop and Shop in #Minneapolis, directly across the road from the 5th Precinct police station, where it looks like hundreds of officers are gathered, some on the roof with tear gas guns. Its 11:16pm. pic.twitter.com/ePTQb4qtbU  Charlotte Cuthbertson (@charlottecuthbo) May 30, 2020

On Friday, the Pentagon took the rare step of ordering the Army to put several active-duty U.S. military police units on the ready to deploy to Minneapolis, Fox News reported, citing three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in North Carolina, New York, Colorado, and Kansas were reportedly told to be ready to deploy.

I spoke with President Trump the other night, I think it is prudent to have them ready for us to exhaust all resources that we need, Walz said of the move.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also took to the podium Saturday, pleading for the looting, rioting, and violence against officers to stop.

We as a city can be so much better than this, Frey said. There is no honor in burning down your city. There is no pride in looting local businesses that have become institutions of a neighborhood.

A Stop and Shop opposite the 5th Precinct police station in #Minneapolis. A fire is burning inside the back of the shop, while people are looting it. This is 10:47pm. The shop eventually burns down. pic.twitter.com/NWY8kKIHzs  Charlotte Cuthbertson (@charlottecuthbo) May 30, 2020

He said people rely on businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies to get food and medicine, especially during the pandemic.

If you care about your community, you got to put this to an end; it needs to stop, Frey said.

Police said shots had been fired at law enforcement officers during Friday nights riots in Minneapolis but no one was injured. As the night dragged on, fires erupted across the citys south side, including at a Japanese restaurant, a Wells Fargo bank, and an Office Depot. Many burned for hours, with firefighters again delayed in reaching them because areas werent secure.

In the wake of the ongoing violence, the Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan released an open letter calling for Walz and Frey to resign effective immediately.

You failed our businesses (small and large). You failed George Floyd. You failed our police. You failed the National Guard. You failed the minority communities and non-minority communities. You failed all of Minnesota, Carnahan wrote.

You stood by and watched this city burn for four straight nights. You showed you are not equipped to run our state and largest city. You decimated Minneapolis. You decimated lives. Your inaction has led to riots all over this country, she said, adding, Its time to realize your failures and walk away.

Protests following Floyds death have spread to more cities across America. Demonstrations, often violent and involving destruction of property, have spread in recent days to places like Los Angeles, Washington, and Chicago, with a man shot dead in Detroit, police cars battered in Atlanta, and skirmishes with police in New York City.

Criminal charges filed Friday morning against the white former officer who held his knee for nearly nine minutes on the neck of Floyd, a black man, did nothing to stem the anger.

Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a store.

An autopsy found that the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyds system, and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.
Corrections & Clarifications: An inconsistency in the editing process left an inaccurate headline on this story. It has been updated to reflect that the data shows the majority of those arrested at the time of this reporting were from Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS  Drifting out of the shadows in small groups, dressed in black, carrying shields and wearing knee pads, they head toward the front lines of the protest. Helmets and gas masks protect and obscure their faces, and they carry bottles of milk to counteract tear gas and pepper spray.

Most of them appear to be white. They carry no signs and don't want to speak to reporters. Trailed by designated "medics" with red crosses taped to their clothes, these groups head straight for the front lines of the conflict.

Night after night in this ravaged city, these small groups do battle with police and the National Guard, kicking away tear gas canisters and throwing back foam-rubber projects fired at them. Around them, fires break out. Windows are smashed. Parked cars destroyed. USA TODAY reporters have witnessed the groups on multiple nights, in multiple locations. Sometimes they threaten those journalists who photograph them destroying property.

The governor said outside agitators are hijacking peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd and literally fanning the flames of destruction. And experts say things will likely get worse there in Minneapolis and in other cities seeing similar peaceful protests that turn violent like Los Angeles; Louisville, Kentucky; Des Moines, Iowa; Detroit, Atlanta; and Washington, D.C.

The real hard-core guys, this is their job: Theyre involved in this struggle," said Adam Leggat, a former British Army counterterrorism officer who now works as a security consultant specializing in crowd management for the Densus Group. "They need protests on the street to give them cover to move in.

George Floyd protests: How did we get here?

Story continues

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, without providing specifics, said Saturday he believes 80% of the people now taking part in the overnight rioting are from outside Minnesota.

"There are detractors. There are white supremacists. There are anarchists." Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said Saturday afternoon.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said protests in the city Tuesday were largely peaceful and organized by local residents, but that the "dynamic has changed over the last several days."

And St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter originally said all arrests were from out of state, but walked back those statements later Saturday, saying the information he was provided was inaccurate.

However, arrest data shows otherwise. The overwhelming majority of people who posted on social media from the precinct fire and those arrested Friday night at the protests in the Twin Cities live in the area, according to USA TODAY's review of police jail records and almost 100,000 tweets.

A civil arrest list provided by the public information officer of the St. Paul Police Department shows 12 of the 18 people arrested from Thursday through 6 a.m. Saturday were from Minnesota. Five of them are from St. Paul, three are from Woodbury (part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area), two are from Minneapolis, one is from Mankato and one is from St. Louis Park. Four are from out of state and two did not have cities of residence listed.

And the Minneapolis logs show 93 of the 109 people arrested in the city between Thursday night and Saturday morning reside in-state.

Read this: Officials blame 'out-of-state' agitators but those at the heart of protests are homegrown

Riot, violence, looting: Words matter when talking about race and unrest, experts say

Leggat, the security consultant, said intelligence reports from his colleagues indicate most of the hard-core protesters in Minneapolis were far-left or anarchists, and that far-right groups have not yet made a significant appearance. He said looting is typically done by locals  usually people with no criminal record who just get caught up in the moment.

But direct conflicts with authorities come from a mix of both locals and outside groups who see these conflicts as a core part of their mission. Many of the anarchists, he said, target banks, chain-type businesses and even luxury cars as symbols of corrupt institutions. He said even a peaceful protest can turn violent if outside agitators decide to participate, hijacking the message.

"The difficulty is that you have no control over who turns up," he said. "If this was to continue to go on, more people will come. And potentially you could have people on the right turning up, which would make things far more complicated. If those guys turn up, they will claim to be there to protect business. But it means the police will have two groups to keep apart. And that uses up a lot of police resources."

Many protesters interviewed by USA TODAY reporters decried the violence, although some said it was a predicable result of generations of anger and suffering. Speaking to a large crowd on Friday afternoon, Minneapolis activist Kon Johnson, 45, said people who have subjugated for so long are finally lashing out. He said the violence has at least gotten the world's attention.

What is it going to take to get people to listen?" Johnson said. "They say, 'dont incite violence,' but no one is listening. What does it take to get them to listen? I mean, do we have to take this to the suburbs? To the capital? Whats it going to take to get them to listen? We cant keep burning stuff down."

Johnson, an activist and performer, said the arrest of Derek Chauvin, the police officer seen kneeling on Floyd's neck for eight minutes, is a good first step. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. But he said it's only the first step toward delivering justice to the community.

"I don't want to burn down sh-- either. I don't," Johnson said. "But guess what? It's gonna happen if this fool does not get life in jail."

8 minutes, 46 seconds and 'inherently dangerous': What's in the criminal complaint in the George Floyd case

Professor Pamela Oliver, a sociology expert from the University of Wisconsin-Madison specializing in protests, said politicians sometimes blame outsiders for causing trouble as a way of pretending there's no real problem within a community. That's not what's happening here, she said: Political leaders acknowledge Floyd's death focused sharp attention on longstanding problems.

Instead, she said, many Minneapolis residents may see rioting and destruction as a legitimate way to push back on police repression.

"When the police aggressively punish peaceful protest by firing rubber bullets and tear gas, the protesters often escalate their tactics. In contexts in which the police or other authorities have been acting in repressive ways towards communities, there can be a celebratory air when rebellion occurs in what is called a riot," she said. "I have definitely read claims by Minneapolis residents that the police have been so bad that a rebellious response is appropriate."

Many Minneapolis residents appear to be growing weary of the violence and destruction, while still supporting peaceful protests. Clearing rubble from a burned-out Walgreens on Saturday, Daniel Braun, 34, said he was sad to see the damage to his neighborhood.

Theres civil rights and then theres burning things down," said Braun, an attorney. During the day, everything is peaceful. Its only at night when things happen. Once night falls, please, go home. When its dark out and youre there, youre not making anything better.

A protester argues that property damage can be repaired May 28 in front of a burned-out building in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd.

A protester who has been outside some of the most intense scenes this week  the Minnehaha Mall on the south side on Thursday and Uptown on Friday  said his experiences with riots and protests leads him to believe most violence demonstrators are not from Minneapolis or St. Paul.

Arsonists and people breaking into buildings are "definitely" not from the neighborhoods they are damaging, Augustine Zion Livingstone said.

"Ain't no black person burning down no damn barbershops in their hood," Livingstone, 23, said. "We're not doing that."

Some locals are participating in looting once buildings have been breached, but he said they're in the minority when compared with peaceful protesters.

"We're not destroying buildings, we're not burning buildings," said Livingston, who also was a main speaker during Friday's marches and protests at the Hennepin County Government Center.

Contributing: Tyler Davis, Jordan Culver, Brett Murphy, Josh Salman and Dak Le

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd protests: Majority of Minnesota arrests were residents
Asia

India: Hyundai autoworkers strike to demand COVID-19 safety measures

Hyundai assembly line workers at the Irungattukottai plant near Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, downed tools for an hour on May 24 to demand decontamination of work areas and testing for all employees. The workers at Assembly Shop 1 had begun a lunch break boycott two days earlier.

Hyundai resumed production at the plant on May 8, after obtaining permission from the District Revenue and Disaster Management authorities to operate with 50 percent of its workforce. During the first week of operations three workers tested positive for COVID-19 and were removed for medical attention. Hyundai management, however, kept the assembly line operating.

On May 24, management of the Maruti Suzuki India plant in Chennai revealed that an employee had tested positive for COVID-19 and a second person could be infected.

Workers protest Karnataka state government order for extended working hours

Workers and union members protested across Karnataka on May 26 against a state government order allowing employers to extend the working day. The government claims it will assist industry to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The protest, which was organised by the Joint Committee of Trade Unions of Karnataka, saw workers in Bengaluru burn the government order.

Karnataka employers can now extend day shifts from 8 to 10 hours and the total working week to 60 hours, for a three-month period. The decision is in line with similar orders by other states including, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Some states had increased the working day to 12 hours.

Migrant workers in Kerala demand passage home

A gathering of about 100 laid-off migrant workers, mostly from the states of Bihar and Jharkhand, gathered at Kannankara town in Kerala state on Monday in an attempt to arrange transport back to their home states. State police intervened to disperse the group, telling the workers they had to return to their accommodation camps.

After hearing reports that workers had approached a travel agency in town to arrange buses, the police took the travel operators into custody, accusing them of encouraging an illegal gathering.

Mumbai hospital workers protest over co-workers death

King Edward Memorial hospital (KEM) workers in Mumbai protested on May 26, following the death of an ill 32-year-old colleague. The deceased worker had been on duty in COVID-19 wards until May 18 before developing a fever. He was receiving treatment from a local doctor but his condition worsened and he died in the ambulance while being transported back to the hospital six days later, on May 24.

The workers, who complained that he had not been tested for COVID-19, demanded that his family be paid full insurance benefits. The municipal workers unions, which led the protest, said that 18 employees at the hospital, including helpers, ward boys, and morgue attendants, have died from the virus.

Sri Lankan coconut coir factory workers strike in fourth week

Coconut coir workers at a Dummalasooriya factory, which is owned by the global conglomerate Hayleys PLC, are maintaining strike action they began on May 4.

The walkout was in protest against the companys decision to cut their April salaries by between 5 and 30 percent and impose increased production targets. Management claimed that the wage cut was due to the COVID-19 lockdown during April.

Most employees at the factory, which is 80km from Colombo, are contract workers and only paid 1,200 rupees ($US6) per day. The workers also complained that they had not received a pay increase for several years or granted permanent jobs despite their long service to the company.

Sri Lankan government hospital workers protest over pay cut

Balapitiya base hospital non-medical staff, including attendants, drivers, telephone operators and tailoring workers, picketed the Southern province hospital on May 23 to demand last months overtime payments. The workers are paid a basic monthly salary of just 24,500 rupees ($US 132) and rely on earning an additional 10,000 rupees working overtime.

Workers said that a considerable amount of their pay is deducted for loans and they needed the overtime payment to buy household necessities. They also complained that they have never been provided enough Personal Protective Equipment, despite working in a dangerous COVID-19 environment.

Another group of 400 workers from the base hospital in Gampaha, which is next to the Colombo district, protested on the following day over the same issues.

Nationwide protests by Bangladeshi factory workers

Thousands of workers from factories in industrial estates across Bangladesh are maintaining protests that began on April 4 because their factories remained closed despite the government lifting its national coronavirus lockdown.

Garment workers from Gazipur, Savar, Ashulia and six other plants from Dakshinkhan area in Dhaka continue to hold street demonstrations. The workers want their April wages and full payment of the annual Eid holiday bonus.

The low-paid, mainly female workers are also concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in their workplaces. As of May 24, 170 workers from 77 operating factories have tested positive for the virus, 500 more have been placed in isolation and at least ten have died.

Union officials claim more than 5 percent of factories have not paid workers April wages and according to governments Industrial Police more than 1,200 out of 7,600 factories have not paid the Eid bonus.

Bangladeshi journalists protest unpaid wages and job cuts

Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) members demonstrated at SAARC Fountain in Karwanbazaar, Dhaka on Monday for unpaid wages, festival allowances and the reinstatement of journalists sacked during the COVID-19 shutdown. Six journalists from an online news portal and other news reporters were dismissed on the day of the Eid festival.

Cambodian garment workers demand outstanding wages

Over 600 workers demonstrated outside the shuttered Quality textile factory in Phnom Penhs Sechey district on Tuesday to demand their April wages. The company had failed to pay these wages on May 25 as promised.

Hundreds of factories in Cambodia have suspended production or closed, employers blaming the fall off in orders from Europe and the US because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia

Airline catering workers denied JobKeeper allowances

Hundreds of stood-down employees from Dnata Catering, which provides inflight catering for the airline industry, demonstrated at capital city airports around Australia this week demanding the federal governments JobKeeper allowance. The $1,500 fortnightly government allowance is paid to employers and then passed on to employees who would have lost their job due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 5,500 Dnata workers were informed on May 1 that the company is not eligible to receive the allowance because it is part of the Emirates Group, which is owned by the Dubai government. Most of the workers have been stood down with no income since March 30, unless they took annual leave or worked the small number of shifts on offer.

The low-key demonstrations organised by the Transport Workers Union and the Australian Services Union consisted of useless appeals to the Australian government to reverse its decision. Despite the huge membership of the two unions they have refused to mobilise workers to support the Dnata employees.

Sydney public transport workers concerned over state governments return-to-work policy

Rail Bus and Tram Union (RTBU) union members in Sydney have spoken out against the New South Wales Liberal governments instruction about this weeks mass return to work following the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

The NSW government has announced that a standard Sydney bus can only carry 12 passengers, a train carriage 32, and a Freshwater Ferry 245. Passengers are to be kept 1.5 metres apart with green dots placed throughout buses and rail carriages to alert individuals to where they can safely sit or stand.

While the government has admitted that social distancing on public transport is impossible to enforce, bus drivers have been told they cannot deny service to passengers when the bus is full or leave a school student at a bus stop.

According to the union, the government has been slow to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and refused to provide bus and tram drivers with face masks claiming this would not necessarily benefit. Drivers have to provide their own equipment.

NSW public sector workers reject pay freeze

The NSW Liberal-National government announced this week that it will freeze public sector pay rises for 12 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost-cutting exercise is expected to reduce the state governments annual wages bill by $3 billion.

The freeze will apply to almost 410,000 public sector workers, including teachers, nurses, paramedics, transport workers and more, who were expecting a 2.5 percent rise within the next twelve months. These workers will now effectively suffer an average $2,000 annual pay cut. Nurses and other frontline fighters against COVID-19 said the move was an insult.

None of the unions covering the affected workers have called for industrial action but claim that opposition MPsLabor, Greens, the Animal Justice Party, and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Partycan be pressured into blocking the pay freeze in the states Legislative Assembly.

The Queensland state Labor government has already announced that the already agreed 2.5 percent pay rise for the states 224,000 public servants would be frozen.
We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message.
Hassan Hosny is a memorable actor worked with different generations appearing in more than 400 films, theater plays and TV series since his career started in the 1960s

Veteran Egyptian actor Hassan Hosny passed away early Saturday at the age of 89 due to a sudden heart attack, ending a six-decade fruitful career.

"After his admission to Dar El-Fouad Hospital's intensive care, Hosny died at 1:30 in the morning," Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors Syndicate, told Al-Ahram Gate.

The funeral took place on Saturday at his family's graveyard on Cairo-Fayoum Desert Road in the attendance of many Egyptian actors despite the pandemic lockdown due to Hosny's popularity.

Born in 1931 in Old Cairo, Hosny started acting early in school before he played over 400 roles in film, theatre and TV works with the majority of Egypts prestigious writers, directors and actors from different generations.

The very popular actor, especially for his recent comedy roles, has been awarded many times regionally and during the 40th Cairo Film Festival in 2018 he received the Faten Hamama Appreciation Award. Hosny then considered the award as the biggest honour of his life, equivalent to winning an Oscar, he said.



With his career starting early in the 1960s during the launch of Egyptian TV, Hosny joined a number of theatre groups back then and his early films included La Waqt lel Hob (No Time for Love, 1963) and Bent El-Hetta (The Girl Next Door, 1964).

In the 1970s, he acted in features including Souq El-Harim (Market of Women, 1970), Amira Hoby Ana (Amira, My Love, 1974), El-Karnak (Karnak, 1975), El-Hob Taht El-Matar (Love Under the Rain, 1975), among others, in addition to his remarkable role in Abna'ey El-Aezaa, Shokran (My Dear Sons, Thank You), a hit TV series starring Abdel-Moneim Madbouly.

Atef El-Tayebs 1982 film Sawak Al-Utubis (The Bus Driver) brought Hosny fame when he portrayed the villain; a professional turning point opened up more roles for him, as he worked with some of Egypts best directors such as Mohamed Khan in the film Zawget Ragol Mohem (The Wife of an Important Man, 1987), and Faris El-Madina (Knight of the City,1993).

Hosny also worked with Radwan El-Kashef in Leh Ya Banafseg (Why so, Burgundy? 1993), Osama Fawzy in Afarit El-Asphalt (Demons of the Asphalt, 1996) and Dawoud Abdel-Sayed in Sareq El-Farah (Joy's Thief, 1994)  a film for which Hosny won five awards for his character Rokba.

Throughout the 1990s Hosny was ever present on screen in a new phase of his career, appearing in supporting roles in dozens of commercially popular films and theatre plays, boosting the careers of a younger generation of actors; such as Alaa Wali El-Din, Ahmed El-Sakka, Karim Abdel-Aziz, Mohamed Heneidi and many others.

Many of Hosny's joking lines still make some of the funniest memes on social media.



For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Moved by the moon and animated by solar heat, five vast bodies of water ebb and flow around Earth, constantly moving, evolving and fuelling scientific thought. But the unfathomable abyss is more familiar than we think.

Although each ocean has its own distinct characteristics, together they form one immense aquatic jigsaw, playing a crucial role in shaping our everyday lives. What once divided terrestrial explorers now connects global cultures; below the surface, extreme-depth organisms are helping microbiologists in their fight against Covid-19.

Intrepid voyages, snorkelling holidays and shore-side excursions help travellers make sense of our blue planet, promising new discoveries and delights along the way.

A rallying call for conservation efforts, World Oceans Day on Monday, June 8 is also a reminder to celebrate marine ecosystems and respect their power; a nudge, once travel resumes, to dive straight back in.

De Hoop Reserve, South Africa, Indian Ocean

Those struggling to find their sea legs can still dip into the big blue without even getting their toes wet. Every year, from June to November, southern right whales cruise South Africa's eastern coastline to mate and calve. De Hoop is regarded as one of the planet's top spots for land-based whale watching, where onlookers can snuggle into the dunes while these ocean giants breach and blow. Clinging to a clifftop, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge has the ideal vantage point: sit and observe from the communal deck, or even the foot of your bed.

How: Stays from 300pp per night. Visit naturalselection.travel

Huvafen Fushi, Maldives, Indian Ocean

It's possible to drink, dine and dream underwater in sub-surface restaurants and resort rooms. At Huvafen Fushi in the North Male Atoll, you can even get a massage amid schools of reef sharks and brightly coloured butterfly fish. Once the pampering is over, guests can come back at dusk for a night tour of the SpaQuarium, when the ocean explodes with life. Marine biologists shed a blue light on the marine environment, allowing algae to brightly fluoresce with more neon than the Vegas Strip in full swing.

How: Elegant Resorts (01244 897 505; elegantresorts.co.uk) offers seven nights from 3,300pp, half-board, including flights. Valid for travel until October 31.

Marietas Islands, Mexico, Pacific Ocean

Nicknamed the 'hidden beach', a water-lapped shore appears to sit at the bottom of a sun-filled crater on this Unesco-recognised archipelago along Mexico's Riviera Nayarit. Some say the opening was created by volcanic activity, although it's rumoured a bomb was responsible, possibly during military testing banished by a public outcry in the 1960s led by conservationist Jacques Cousteau. Once overrun by selfie-seekers, the site is now restricted to 117 visitors per day, each given a 20-minute snorkelling slot.

How: Love Holidays (loveholidays.com) offers seven nights at the four-star Marival Emotions Resort & Suites on an all-inclusive basis in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit from 1,307pp. Includes flights from Manchester on February 3, 2021.

Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean

There's no better way to feel the force of the ocean than by riding its waves. Sri Lanka's surf scene benefits from warm currents in the Indian Ocean, and you don't need to be a pro to tackle the swells. A 30-minute drive from Galle, this seaside Resplendent Ceylon property allows guests to literally fall out of bed on to the beach and benefits from the largest variety of breaks along the south coast. Guests of all levels can take tuition from yoga and surf specialists Ceylon Sliders.

How: Abercrombie & Kent (01242 547 760; abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers a seven-night B&B stay from 2,250pp, including flights and transfers.

Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, Atlantic Ocean

Waves rolling from several continents hit Ireland's west coast: from here, the emerald isle tips into deep blue. Steep, jagged cliffs shield the peninsula from waves and provide a viewpoint to study seals, puffins and dolphins; or for a more intimate experience, hop on a RIB with Dingle Sea Safari, who lead early morning, two-hour boat tours in search of Fungie, a wild bottlenose dolphin who has lived in Dingle Bay for 30 years. There's even a chance to get in the water for a swim.

How: Tours cost from 45/40 per person (dinglesafari.com). Wetsuits for swims must be booked in advance. Stay at the Dingle Skellig Hotel (+353 66 915 0200; dingleskellig.com) from 160 per night B&B.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Pacific Ocean

Arguably, there's enough amusement along the world's largest coral reef system to keep visitors occupied. But a new installation, fully launching next year, aims to entertain and educate. The Museum Of Underwater Art will feature a series of sub-aquatic galleries aiming to raise environmental awareness and teach people about marine ecosystems. Designed by UK-based underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, exhibits will include an underwater greenhouse with sculptures propagating coral.

How: Travelbag (020 7001 4112; travelbag.co.uk) offers a 13-night trip to Townsville and the Reef from 1,899pp, including flights from London in March 2021.

Baffin Island, Canada, Arctic Ocean

The search for a north-west trade passage between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans eluded explorers for 300 years. Arctic veteran Sir John Franklin set off on his own doomed voyage in 1845, and only in recent years were his two ships recovered from the ice. Fortunately, conditions are now much safer, allowing tourists to sail through the Canadian Arctic and remote Baffin Island, encountering Inuit culture and hardy wildlife while unravelling one of polar history's greatest mysteries.

How: Intrepid (intrepidtravel.com) offer a 17-day In Northwest Passage: The Footsteps Of Franklin voyage from 13,200pp (triple share), excluding international flights. Departs August 2, 2021.

Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean

Next year marks the 500th anniversary of Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe. The Portuguese explorer's voyage ended in Indonesia's Spice Islands, the exclusive source of highly-coveted nutmeg, mace and cloves. The archipelago neighbours Raja Ampat, a chain of tropical jewels coiled in a watery treasure chest: from manta rays to pygmy seahorses, divers can revel in some of the greatest marine biodiversity on earth.

How: Steppes Travel (01285 601 784; steppestravel.com) tailor-make an eight-day cruise of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands from 4,500, excluding international flights.

South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica, Southern Ocean

It's often hard to draw connections between our land-locked actions and the big blue world, but human activity has hugely impacted the nature of our oceans. Nowhere is that more evident than the polar regions, where ice is disappearing rapidly and melting freshwater glaciers are diluting the salinity of seas. An essential take-away from visiting these fragile destinations is an understanding of what's really going on. Many expedition ships now offer citizen science programmes, measuring cloud formations, collecting water samples and counting whale flukes. Findings contribute to bigger research programmes and a better public grip on climate change.

How: Polar Latitudes (polar-latitudes.com) are leaders in this field. Their 21-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica tour costs from 12,750pp, including flights, through Swoop Antarctica (0117 369 0696; swoop-antarctica.com). Departs January 19, 2021.
The Falcon 9 carried a Crew Dragon capsule, which was scheduled to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Sunday morning.

The United States opened a new era of human space travel on Saturday as a private company for the first time launched astronauts into orbit, nearly a decade after the government retired the storied space shuttle program in the aftermath of national tragedy.

Two American astronauts lifted off at 3:22 p.m. from a familiar setting, the same Florida launchpad that once served Apollo missions and the space shuttles. But the rocket and capsule that lofted them out of the atmosphere were a new sight for many  built and operated not by NASA but SpaceX, the company founded by the billionaire Elon Musk to pursue his dream of sending colonists to Mars, The New York Times (NYT) reported.

Crowds of spectators including U.S. President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watched and cheered as the countdown ticked to zero, and the engines of a Falcon 9 rocket roared to life.

Rising slowly at first, the rocket then shot like a sleek, silvery javelin into cloudy, humid skies, three days after Florida's weather had precluded an earlier launch attempt.

Read alsoReuters: Weather postpones SpaceX's first astronaut launch from Florida

It was a moment of triumph and perhaps nostalgia for the country, a welcome reminder of America's global pre-eminence in science, technological innovation and private enterprise at a time its prospects and ambitions have been clouded by the coronavirus pandemic, economic uncertainty and political strife. Hundreds of thousands around the world watched the launch online and on television, many from self-imposed quarantine in their homes.

The Falcon 9 carried a Crew Dragon capsule, which was scheduled to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Sunday morning.

Aboard are two veterans of the astronauts corps, Robert L. Behnken and Douglas O. Hurley. Each is married to another astronaut  Mr. Behnken to Megan McArthur and Mr. Hurley to Karen Nyberg. NASA selected the two men along with a group of their colleagues to be the first customers of space capsules built by private companies.

It was the first launch of NASA astronauts from the United States since the retirement of the space shuttles in 2011. In the years since, NASA has paid Russias space program to transport its astronauts to the space station. And with this success, NASA, to its own delight, has begun ceding this task to SpaceX and other companies, and it opens new possibilities for entrepreneurs looking to make money off the planet.

As a bonus for the good start to the mission, the booster stage successfully landed on a floating platform in the Atlantic, now a routine feat for SpaceX.

SpaceX has never taken people to space before. Its Crew Dragon is a gumdrop-shaped capsule  an upgraded version of SpaceX's original Dragon capsule, which has been used many times to carry cargo, but not people, to the space station.

Crew Dragon has space for up to seven people but will have only four seats for NASA missions. If this launch succeeds, it will ferry four astronauts to the space station later in the year.
15:57 | Cusco (Cusco region), May. 29.





According to the expert, this was a result of the Tahuantinsuyo imperialist policy.





"There is some archaeological evidence and chronicles that lead us to believe that. Without a doubt, the Incas had to symbolically contain their annexed, conquered territories as part of their expansionist policy, and this building stood out because of this primary function," he told Andina news agency.





The specialist referred to excavations by John Rowe in the 1960s, as well as by Steven Kosiba and Jesus Galiano in the 2000s.





In both cases, there are glimmers especially in the works of the last two of evidence and interpretation regarding the different functions of Coricancha.





"Archaeological and historical data suggest some functions and generalizations. The Coricancha case implies the restructuring of a sacred place that existed before the Inca Empire, but whose functions are diverse, from its role in the Situa festival to the preservation and management of idols and objects found there," he added.





Coricancha was alleged to contain the Inca mummies, an idol known as Punchao, among other sacred objects from several territories across the Tahuantinsuyo.





According to Hurtado, access was limited, only Inca nobles and the elite were allowed to enter. However, the surrounding areas were used for popular parties.





The archaeologist emphasized that Garcilaso, chroniclers, Spaniards and Cusco residents claimed that studying the Coricancha objects was part of the elite's education.





"With such a great ceremonial and sacred place, it is hard to doubt that Coricancha served a pedagogical purpose. Likewise, it is an express manifestation of the Inca's power," he stated.





Hurtado recalled that this was not the only pre-Hispanic museum. There was a collection in Pachacamac as well.





(END) ECG/RMB/MVB

One of the most outstanding pre-Hispanic constructions in the Andean city of Cusco is Coricancha. According to a study by Peruvian archaeologist Hernan Hurtado published in the Colombian academic journal Artificios the site is believed to have been used as a museum, among other things.Published: 5/29/2020
Head of High Council for National Reconciliation says there must be fresh ceasefire during the discussions.

A top Afghan official appointed to lead Kabuls delegation in the much-awaited peace talks with the Taliban has said his team is ready to start discussions with the armed group at any moment.

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, said on Saturday an ongoing lull in violence triggered by a surprise three-day truce offered by the Taliban on the Eid al-Fitr Muslim holiday had set the tone for launching the peace talks.

The announcement of the ceasefire, a reduction in violence and the exchange of prisoners have all paved the way for a good beginning, Abdullah said at his first press conference since taking on the role.

The negotiating team is ready to begin the talks at any moment, he said, adding, however, that there must be a fresh ceasefire during the talks.

The government in Kabul had welcomed the ceasefire and ordered its forces to comply with it. It also accelerated the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners.

Officials have blamed the Taliban for carrying out some deadly attacks against security forces since the ceasefire ended on Tuesday, but also acknowledged that the temporary truce has led to an overall fall in violence across much of the country.

The peace talks between the government and Taliban were scheduled to begin before March 10 but efforts stalled over a disagreement on the prisoner exchange.

A US-Taliban agreement signed in February in Qatars capital, Doha, stipulated that the Afghan government would release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners while the Taliban would free about 1,000 Afghan security forces personnel.

The prisoner swap was mentioned in the agreement as a confidence-building measure before long-awaited peace talks between the government and Taliban.

Before Sundays announcement, Kabul had already released about 1,000 Taliban inmates while the Taliban had freed roughly 300 members of the Afghan security forces, according to reports.

The Taliban said it was committed to freeing prisoners, but reminded Kabul that the agreement was to release 5,000 of their members as agreed with the US in Doha.

Abdullah was appointed to lead the peace talks after he ended his bitter political feud with President Ashraf Ghani earlier this month.

Abdullah had announced himself as a rival president after he rejected the result of the September election which was won by incumbent Ghani.
Apple is facing fresh questions from its lead data protection regulator in Europe following a public complaint by a former contractor who revealed last year that workers doing quality grading for Siri were routinely overhearing sensitive user data.

Earlier this week the former Apple contractor, Thomas le Bonniec, sent a letter to European regulators laying out his concern at the lack of enforcement on the issue -- in which he wrote: I am extremely concerned that big tech companies are basically wiretapping entire populations despite European citizens being told the EU has one of the strongest data protection laws in the world. Passing a law is not good enough: it needs to be enforced upon privacy offenders.

The timing of the letter comes as Europe's updated data protection framework, the GDPR, reaches its two-year anniversary -- facing ongoing questions around the lack of enforcement related to a string of cross-border complaints.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) has been taking the brunt of criticism over whether the General Data Protection Regulation is functioning as intended -- as a result of how many tech giants locate their regional headquarters on its soil (Apple included).

Responding to the latest Apple complaint from le Bonniec, the DPC's deputy commissioner, Graham Doyle, told TechCrunch: The DPC engaged with Apple on this issue when it first arose last summer and Apple has since made some changes. However, we have followed up again with Apple following the release of this public statement and await responses.

At the time of writing Apple had not responded to a request for comment.

The Irish DPC is currently handling more than 20 major cross-border cases, as lead data protection agency -- probing the data processing activities of companies including Apple, Facebook, Google and Twitter. So le Bonniec's letter adds to the pile of pressure on commissioner Helen Dixon to begin issuing decisions vis-a-vis cross-border GDPR complaints. (Some of which are now a full two years old.)

Story continues

Last year Dixon said the first decisions for these cross-border cases would be coming "early" in 2020.

At issue is that if Europe's recently updated flagship data protection regime isn't seen to be functioning well two years in -- and is still saddled with a bottleneck of high-profile cases, rather than having a string of major decisions to its name -- it will be increasingly difficult for the region's lawmakers to sell it as a success.

At the same time the existence of a pan-EU data protection regime -- and the attention paid to contravention, by both media and regulators -- has had a tangible impact on certain practices.

Apple suspended human review of Siri snippets globally last August, after The Guardian had reported that contractors it employed to review audio recordings of users of its voice assistant tech -- for quality grading purposes -- regularly listened in to sensitive content such as medical information and even recordings of couples having sex.

Later the same month it made changes to the grading program, switching audio review to an explicitly opt-in process. It also brought the work in house -- meaning only Apple employees have since been reviewing Siri users' opt-in audio.

The tech giant also apologized, but did not appear to face any specific regulatory sanction for practices that do look to have been incompatible with Europe's laws -- owing to the lack of transparency and explicit consent around the human review program. Hence le Bonniec's letter of complaint now.

A number of other tech giants also made changes to their own human grading programs around the same time.

Doyle also pointed out that guidance for EU regulators on voice AI tech is in the works, saying: "It should be noted that the European Data Protection Board is working on the production of guidance in the area of voice assistant technologies."

We've reached out to the European Data Protection Board for comment.
The Peoples Court in the northern Vietnamese province of Son La on Friday sentenced 12 people to up to between 30 months of suspended sentence and 21 years in prison each for their roles in a cheating scandal in the 2018 National High School Exam that rocked the nation.

Lo Van Huynh, a former head of testing and quality assurance under the provincial Department of Education and Training, got 21 years in jail  the heaviest sentence among the defendants.

Nguyen Thi Hong Nga, a former official under Huynh, received 19 years and six months, while Cam Thi Bun Son, a former deputy head of politics and thoughts at the education department, was sentenced to ten years.

All of them were found guilty of abuse of power and taking bribes.

Tran Xuan Yen, a former deputy director of the Son La Department of Education and Training, and Dang Huu Thuy, a former vice-principal of To Hieu High School in the province, were sentenced to nine and eight years, respectively.

Nguyen Thanh Nhan, a former deputy head of testing and quality assurance under the department, got 30 months behind bars, while Do Khac Hung and Dinh Hai Son, officials from the internal political security division under the provincial Department of Public Security, received a three-year sentence and a 24-month suspended sentence, respectively.

They were charged with abuse of power.

Lo Van Huynh, former head of the Son La Department of Education and Trainings division for examination and educational quality management, is present at a court for test-score manipulation in the 2018 National High School Exam in Son La Province, Vietnam, May 29, 2020. Photo: Danh Trong / Tuoi Tre

The court also handed down punishments ranging from 30-month suspended sentences to nine-year imprisonment for giving bribes to Nguyen Minh Khoa, a former deputy head of the internal political security division, Tran Van Dien, a former librarian at Chieng Coi Primary and Junior High School, Hoang Thi Thanh, a former chairman of Quynh Nhai Districts Farmers Association, and Lo Thi Truong, a resident of Son La City.

According to the indictment, the defendants took advantage of their positions and power for self-interest.

Via relations with family members, friends and colleagues, they colluded to raise the test scores of 44 local students in the 2018 exam.

Their actions were considered serious and had undermined public trust in examinations and teachers, and raised public concern, the judges said.

Results of the National High School Examination, held every year around June, are used to determine whether a student qualifies for graduation from high school and acts as a placement test for college and university entrance in Vietnam.

Tran Xuan Yen, former deputy director of the Son La Department of Education and Training, is present at a court for test-score manipulation in the 2018 National High School Exam in Son La Province, Vietnam, May 29, 2020. Photo: Danh Trong / Tuoi Tre

In 2018, nearly one million candidates took part in the three-day exam, where they sat for tests in math, literature, foreign languages, physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, and civics.

When exam results were released in early July 2018, suspicion was quickly raised on whether cheating had occurred as the test scores of some candidates from Ha Giang, Son La, Hoa Binh and Lang Son, all northern provinces, were unusually high.

A police investigation was shortly launched and signs of test-score manipulation were found in three of the provinces, with Lang Son being the only province cleared of suspicion.

Fifteen offenders in Hoa Binh were charged with a combined 50 years and six months in prison this month.

Five people were sentenced to a combined 21 years in prison in Ha Giang in a trial that took place in October 2019.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
India and Australia are likely to discuss next week a proposed agreement for sharing of military logistics, at a time when both the nations are finding themselves at the receiving end of the growing belligerence of China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison will hold a bilateral summit through video-conference on Thursday. This is the first bilateral summit the Prime Minister will hold virtually with a foreign counterpart, after he and many other world leaders had to suspend overseas travels in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi and Morrison are likely to discuss a proposed agreement, which will set the framework for the armies, navies and air-forces of India and Australia to share military logistics.

Indias move to step up its military-to-military cooperation with Australia comes amid continuing tension along its disputed boundary with China in eastern Ladakh. Australias recent demand for a probe into the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic in China also strained its bilateral relations with the communist country, which retaliated by raising tariff on import of barley from Down Under. China also banned import of beef from four large abattoirs in Australia.

India recently opened its door for import of barley from Australia, by doing away with the requirement of treating the crop with methyl bromide. Indias move is likely to give some respite to the farmers of Australia and help them make up for the loss incurred due to the prohibitive tariff imposed by China.

India is also set to sign a similar military logistics sharing pact  formally known as Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)  with Japan.

India already signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the United States in August 2016. Once New Delhi signs similar agreements with Tokyo and Canberra; Indian Army, Navy and Air Force will have logistics sharing arrangements with counterparts in all the three other nations in the Quad  United States, Japan and Australia.
Attorney General William Barr said on Saturday that the investigation into the death of George Floyd was moving at exceptional speed" but took aim at some of the protesters who have been gathering in response to the incident.

The voices of peaceful protests are being hijacked by violent radical elements, Barr said in a televised statement at the Department of Justice.

Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda. In many places it appears the violence is planned, organized and driven by anarchic and left extremist groups, far left extremist groups using Antifa-like tactics, many of whom traveled from outside the state to promote the violence, Barr said.

The death of Floyd, a black man who was seen pinned down in a video by a white police officer and later died, has caused outrage in the city of Minneapolis and across the United States. What started as mostly peaceful protests at the beginning of the week has turned into chaos.

The attorney general made clear that people crossing state lines to commit crimes would face federal charges.

In that regard it is a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting and we will enforce those laws, Barr said.

PHOTO: Attorney General William Barr listens as President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office before signing an executive order related to regulating social media on May 28, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills/Getty Images)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at a press conference on Saturday that the state estimates up to 80% percent of those causing destruction throughout the area are people who have come in from outside Minnesota. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said everyone arrested in his city last night was from out of state.

We must have law and order on our streets and in our communities and it is the responsibility of the local and state leadership in the first instance to halt this violence, Barr said.

The Department of Justice, including the FBI, US Marshals and ATF the DEA and our 93 USAO offices around the country are supporting these local efforts and are continuing to support them. We will take all actions necessary to enforce federal law, he added.

Barr claims protests were 'hijacked' as authorities point to out-of-state actors originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A man has been jailed after he appeared at a recent sitting of Longford District Court charged with driving while disqualified, no insurance, and being abusive towards an arresting garda.

Marcin Rosada, 6 Oaklandsdale, Longford, was arrested by Gda Paul Stuart on April 22, 2020, at 4.15pm after he broke a red light on Main Street and was subsequently stopped on Great Water Street.

The court heard that Gda Stuart was on patrol at the time of the offence and had stopped at the traffic lights at the Main Street-Richmond Street junction, where he was three cars back from the traffic lights.

When the light turned green, cars began to move forward, the court heard, but a vehicle came at high speed from Richmond Street and turned left, going through the red light, and causing the vehicles on Main Street to swerve out of the way.

Gda Stuart made a quick pursuit of the vehicle and stopped Mr Rosada on Great Water Street. When questioned, Mr Rosada explained that he was rushing home.

On inspection of the vehicle, Gda Stuart discovered that Mr Rosada had a false, homemade insurance disc and, when he asked the accused to produce licence and insurance, Mr Rosada jumped out of the vehicle and became abusive.

Mr Rosada was shouting at Gda Stuart in Polish and Gda Stuart recognised some of the words to be derogatory comments.

He effected arrest on Mr Rosada, who continued to shout abuse. At Longford Garda Station, Mr Rosada again failed to produce his licence and insurance.

Sgt Paddy McGirl, for the state, confirmed that the accused has 16 previous convictions, including a number of convictions for no insurance, which saw him handed a number of disqualifications.

He reacted in a completely improper and unlawful way in response to the garda, said defending solicitor, Frank Gearty.

This man has shown a total disregard for the law in this country, said Judge Seamus Hughes.

He drove while disqualified. He drove with no insurance. He had a totally reconstructed insurance disc, which he made himself. He was driving for the fifth time while disqualified.

This is a prison sentence today because he added insult to injury by being abusive to the garda.

Mr Gearty explained that it was a very sad situation as Mr Rosadas partner, who is currently pregnant, had been keeping him on the straight and narrow.

Hes never been in prison and perhaps seeing the inside of a prison will encourage him to change his ways, said Mr Gearty.

Judge Hughes said that he has been reluctant to send anyone to prison during the Covid-19 pandemic but added that the public are baying for people to serve their sentences.

Taking into account the defendants guilty plea and Mr Geartys mitigation, Judge Hughes said he would hand down a half sentence of three months in prison. He also disqualified Mr Rosada from driving for five years and said that a drive aware course would be necessary should he wish to apply for early restoration of his licence.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro in a press release his office sent out Friday is urging Pennsylvanians to file a complaint with his office if they are unable to obtain a refund from any business, including summer camps, due to a cancellation caused by COVID-19.

If a camp will not be operating this summer, their customers are entitled to a refund for their deposits and payments, Shapiro said in the release.

Shapiro is reminding Pennsylvanians to follow these three steps when pursuing a refund:

Review your contract, contact the business, and request a refund.

If you used a credit card for payment, request a refund directly from your credit card company.

If the summer camp or institution is unwilling to return a deposit or negotiate in good faith, file a complaint with his office at attorneygeneral.gov

That office, it noted in the release, has the ability to mediate disputes and help enforce Pennsylvanias consumer protection law. If the service isnt being provided, consumers are entitled to a fair refund.

Parents and guardians can file a complaint by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov, calling 800-441-2555, or by filing a complaint online at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/consumer-complaint, the release said.
Sikkim Republican Party welcomes the AD mentioning Sikkimese as Subjects

Gangtok,May 30 ( UNI ) President Sikkim Republican Party,KB Rai,said the party welcomes the Advertizement dated 23rd May 20 , by Directorate of Civil Defence,mentioning Subjects of Sikkim ,Nepal and Bhutan.If aimed at safeguarding the identity of Subjects of Sikkim,it is worth welcoming.

If Sikkim is looked upon as a separate country it has become a matter of self pride for Sikkimese. He said reacting to the Ad today ,here.

Rai asserted that  During demonetization then Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had also issued a notification saying Sikkim and status of Sikkimese is separate from India.
No new cases of COVID-19 were reported in NSW for the first time in over two weeks as restrictions at pubs, clubs, restaurants, libraries, galleries and campgrounds ease on Monday.

The NSW health department said zero new cases were diagnosed from 9452 tests done on Friday, and just 11 new infections were discovered during the week. Seven came from overseas travellers and four had unknown local sources.

Diners at Fix Wine Bar and Restaurant in Sydney's CBD. Credit:Edwina Pickles

The virus is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms, NSW Health Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said on Saturday. The risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of cases remains real.

There are 71 COVID-19 cases being treated by NSW Health, including one person in an intensive care unit who no longer requires a ventilator. The total number of cases detected in NSW was 3092, and 376 of them were still active on Friday.
The global kaolin market size is estimated to be USD 3. 1 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 4. 1billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5. 5% from 2020 to 2025. Kaolin finds wide application in the paper, ceramics & sanitary wares, fiberglass, paints & coatings, rubber, plastics, and others.

New York, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Kaolin Market by Process, End-Use Industry And Region - Global Forecast to 2025" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05362659/?utm_source=GNW

Huge and high-quality reserves of kaolin in countries such as the US, Brazil, and the UK, which cater to the global demand for good quality kaolin for industrial and commercial applications. These factors drive the growth of the kaolin market.



The paper segment is expected to hold the largest share of the kaolin market during the forecast period.

The paper segment accounted for the largest share of the kaolin market in 2019.The paper segment was the largest end-use industry in the global kaolin market in 2019 and is projected to grow in the coming years.



Paper is widely being used in paper packaging and print media.The upcoming e-commerce activities, particularly in emerging countries, fueled the demand for paper packaging.



Therefore, the growth of the paper industry is driven by the increasing demand for paper in packaging and print media. In the Asia Pacific region, India and China are the most lucrative markets for paper, owing to the high use of print media such as newspapers, books, and magazines and the growing e-commerce industry.



Delaminated segment is expected to witness the highest growth in the kaolin market during the forecast period.

The delaminated segment is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period.This growth can be attributed to high-quality, low abrasive delaminated kaolin products.



The process of delamination involves using a strong force to cleave apart individual platelets from a stack, but without causing any fractures in the platelets. Due to this, delaminated kaolin is primarily used in the paper industry which is expected to drive the market.



Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of the kaolin market during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific kaolin market has been studied for China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific.This region is a lucrative market for kaolin, owing to demographic changes, improving economic conditions of emerging economies, and increasing industrialization.



Major market players such as Ashapura Group (India), EICL Limited (India), and Minotaur Exploration Limited (Australia) have a presence in the Asia Pacific in terms of manufacturing facilities, distribution systems, and sales offices, which generates an adequate supply of kaolin in this region.



Breakdown of primary interviews for the report on the kaolin market

 By Company Type  Tier 1  30%, Tier 2 40%, and Tier 3  30%

 By Designation  C-Level  20%, D-Level Executives  40%, and Others  40%

 By Region  North America  20%, Europe  10%, Asia Pacific  60%, ROW  10%



Some of the leading manufacturers of kaolin profiled in this report include Imerys S.A. (France), BASF SE (Germany), Ashapura Group (India), EICL Limited (India), SCR-Sibelco N.V. (Belgium), KaMin LLC (US), Thiele Kaolin Company (US), LASSELSBERGER Group (Hungary), Quarzwerke GmbH (Germany), Sedlecky kaolin a. s. (Czech Republic), I-Minerals lnc. (Canada), 20 Microns Limited (India), Minotaur Exploration Limited (Australia), W. R. Grace & Co. (US), Shree Ram Group (India), KERAMOST, a.s. (Czech Republic), Uma Group of Kaolin (India), Jiangxi Sincere Mineral Industry Co., Ltd. (China), and Active Minerals International, LLC (US).



Research Coverage

This report covers the kaolin market by process, end-use industry, and region.It aims at estimating the size and future growth potential of the market across various segments.



The report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key market players, along with their profiles and key growth strategies.



Key Benefits of Buying the Report

From an insight perspective, this report focuses on various levels of analyses, such as industry analysis (industry trends) and company profiles. These insights together comprise and discuss the basic views on the competitive landscape, emerging & high-growth segments, high-growth regions, and drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the kaolin market.



The report provides insights on the following:

 Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on various raw materials and products of kaolin offered by top players operating in the market

 Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights into upcoming developments in kaolin, R&D activities, and new applications in the market

 Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative and emerging markets across different regions

 Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the kaolin market

 Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of leading players in the kaolin market

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05362659/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

Story continues

CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




Surgery would be inconceivable without general anesthesia, so it may come as a surprise that despite its 175-year history of medical use, doctors and scientists have been unable to explain how anesthetics temporarily render patients unconscious.

A new study from Scripps Research published Thursday evening in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences (PNAS) solves this longstanding medical mystery. Using modern nanoscale microscopic techniques, plus clever experiments in living cells and fruit flies, the scientists show how clusters of lipids in the cell membrane serve as a missing go-between in a two-part mechanism. Temporary exposure to anesthesia causes the lipid clusters to move from an ordered state, to a disordered one, and then back again, leading to a multitude of subsequent effects that ultimately cause changes in consciousness.

The discovery by chemist Richard Lerner, MD, and molecular biologist Scott Hansen, PhD, settles a century-old scientific debate, one that still simmers today: Do anesthetics act directly on cell-membrane gates called ion channels, or do they somehow act on the membrane to signal cell changes in a new and unexpected way? It has taken nearly five years of experiments, calls, debates and challenges to arrive at the conclusion that it's a two-step process that begins in the membrane, the duo say. The anesthetics perturb ordered lipid clusters within the cell membrane known as "lipid rafts" to initiate the signal.

"We think there is little doubt that this novel pathway is being used for other brain functions beyond consciousness, enabling us to now chip away at additional mysteries of the brain," Lerner says.

Lerner, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, is a former president of Scripps Research, and the founder of Scripps Research's Jupiter, Florida campus. Hansen is an associate professor, in his first posting, at that same campus.

The Ether Dome

Ether's ability to induce loss of consciousness was first demonstrated on a tumor patient at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in 1846, within a surgical theater that later became known as "the Ether Dome." So consequential was the procedure that it was captured in a famous painting, "First Operation Under Ether," by Robert C. Hinckley. By 1899, German pharmacologist Hans Horst Meyer, and then in 1901 British biologist Charles Ernest Overton, sagely concluded that lipid solubility dictated the potency of such anesthetics.

advertisement

Hansen recalls turning to a Google search while drafting a grant submission to investigate further that historic question, thinking he couldn't be the only one convinced of membrane lipid rafts' role. To Hansen's delight, he found a figure from Lerner's 1997 PNAS paper, "A hypothesis about the endogenous analogue of general anesthesia," that proposed just such a mechanism. Hansen had long looked up to Lerner -- literally. As a predoctoral student in San Diego, Hansen says he worked in a basement lab with a window that looked directly out at Lerner's parking space at Scripps Research.

"I contacted him, and I said, 'You are never going to believe this. Your 1997 figure was intuitively describing what I am seeing in our data right now,'" Hansen recalls. "It was brilliant."

For Lerner, it was an exciting moment as well.

"This is the granddaddy of medical mysteries," Lerner says. "When I was in medical school at Stanford, this was the one problem I wanted to solve. Anesthesia was of such practical importance I couldn't believe we didn't know how all of these anesthetics could cause people to lose consciousness."

Many other scientists, through a century of experimentation, had sought the same answers, but they lacked several key elements, Hansen says: First, microscopes able to visualize biological complexes smaller than the diffraction limits of light, and second, recent insights about the nature of cell membranes, and the complex organization and function of the rich variety of lipid complexes that comprise them.

advertisement

"They had been looking in a whole sea of lipids, and the signal got washed out, they just didn't see it, in large part for a lack of technology," Hansen says.

From order to disorder

Using Nobel Prize-winning microscopic technology, specifically a microscope called dSTORM, short for "direct stochastical optical reconstruction microscopy," a post-doctoral researcher in the Hansen lab bathed cells in chloroform and watched something like the opening break shot of a game of billiards. Exposing the cells to chloroform strongly increased the diameter and area of cell membrane lipid clusters called GM1, Hansen explains.

What he was looking at was a shift in the GM1 cluster's organization, a shift from a tightly packed ball to a disrupted mess, Hansen says. As it grew disordered, GM1 spilled its contents, among them, an enzyme called phospholipase D2 (PLD2).

Tagging PLD2 with a fluorescent chemical, Hansen was able to watch via the dSTORM microscope as PLD2 moved like a billiard ball away from its GM1 home and over to a different, less-preferred lipid cluster called PIP2. This activated key molecules within PIP2 clusters, among them, TREK1 potassium ion channels and their lipid activator, phosphatidic acid (PA). The activation of TREK1 basically freezes neurons' ability to fire, and thus leads to loss of consciousness, Hansen says.

"The TREK1 potassium channels release potassium, and that hyper-polarizes the nerve -- it makes it more difficult to fire -- and just shuts it down," Hansen says.

Lerner insisted they validate the findings in a living animal model. The common fruit fly, drosophila melanogaster, provided that data. Deleting PLD expression in the flies rendered them resistant to the effects of sedation. In fact, they required double the exposure to the anesthetic to demonstrate the same response.

"All flies eventually lost consciousness, suggesting PLD helps set a threshold, but is not the only pathway controlling anesthetic sensitivity," they write.

Hansen and Lerner say the discoveries raise a host of tantalizing new possibilities that may explain other mysteries of the brain, including the molecular events that lead us to fall asleep.

Lerner's original 1997 hypothesis of the role of "lipid matrices" in signaling arose from his inquiries into the biochemistry of sleep, and his discovery of a soporific lipid he called oleamide. Hansen and Lerner's collaboration in this arena continues.

"We think this is fundamental and foundational, but there is a lot more work that needs to be done, and it needs to be done by a lot of people," Hansen says. Lerner agrees.

"People will begin to study this for everything you can imagine: Sleep, consciousness, all those related disorders," he says. "Ether was a gift that helps us understand the problem of consciousness. It has shined a light on a heretofore unrecognized pathway that the brain has clearly evolved to control higher-order functions."
On 28 May, Black Lives Matter protesters gathered outside of the American Consulate in Milan in response to the recent death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man who was killed by a member of the American police force on 25 May in Minneapolis.

The protesters marched in front of the Consulate holding signs reading Black Lives Matter, Justice for George Floyd, and basta uccidere persone nere (stop killing black people). They all wore face masks, on which the words I cant breathe were written. The statement was uttered by Floyd moments before his death, and echoes the words of Eric Garner, another African-American man who died in police custody.

The protesters also performed a peaceful flashmob demonstration, in which they sat in front of the Consulate with their hands at their throats, simulating suffocation.

The protest was spurred by a widely-circulating video of Floyds death. In the video, Floyd is seen lying on the ground, pinned down by a policeman, Officer Derek Chauvin, who has his knee on Floyds neck.

Floyd was taken into police custody for paying for groceries with a counterfeit $20 bill. In the video, before his death, Floyd shows no sign of resisting arrest. According to the Associated Press, the restraint technique used by Chauvin was not taught by the police force nor was it acceptable by police standards of conduct. Chauvin was then arrested on 29 May.

The video inspired massive Black Lives Matter protests across the US, which have now spread internationally. The protest in Milan, like those taking place in the US, demanded the arrest of Chauvin and three other officers who were present at the scene of Floyds death.

In addition to the protest, a mural was painted on the Ghisallo overpass in the northern region of Milan, commemorating Floyd and other African-Americans who have died as a result of police brutality.

Protesters also gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
There are now more than six million officially confirmed cases of the coronavirus pandemic globally, a number that is increasing by one million every 10 days. The dead now number 365,000, or about 6.1 percent of those infected, and the toll of fatalities is growing.

These numbers account for both the 2.6 million people who have recovered, some of whom suffered for weeks or months fighting off the disease, as well as the 2.9 million active mild cases of COVID-19 and nearly 54,000 serious or critical cases caused by the infection. As it has been noted before, these official numbers are a gross underestimation of the pandemics true toll.

In the midst of the worst global medical emergency since the 1918 flu pandemic, US President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will withdraw the country from the World Health Organization and halt federal funding to the international public health agency. US funds presently account for roughly 15 percent of the WHOs budget. In his announcement, Trump reiterated the lie that the WHO is an agent of China and colluded with the regime in Beijing to conceal for weeks the seriousness of the Wuhan virus and allow it to escape to the rest of the world.

The president made no mention of the early warnings of the dangers of the virus provided by both China and the WHO, or the belated response by the United States, which allowed the coronavirus to gain a foothold in New York City and elsewhere and spread across the country. He instead demanded, The world needs answers from China.

In fact, many of the strains of the virus that causes the disease, SARS-CoV-2, have come from the United States. An analysis of the genetic structure of the virus in different parts of the world, using data from Nextstrain and GISAID, clearly shows that the virus escaped from the US to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, South America and Eastern Europe in February and March. And while the United States remains the hardest hit country, at nearly 1.8 million infections and 104,000 dead, many countries in those parts of the world are now regional and even global epicenters of the pandemic.

Such hotspots include India, which now has the most cases, 173,000, of any country in Asia. This is more than twice that of China. India also has one of the highest rates of new coronavirus cases on the planet. And while its current official death toll is still under 5,000, it is an open secret within the country that the official counts are under-reporting the scope of the disease.

At the same time, the forced reopening of the country by the government of Narendra Modi has caused the case count in the country to begin increasing exponentially. Epidemiologists estimate that the number of cases will hit one million within weeks, with a surge in mass deaths soon after.

Similar policies in neighboring Pakistan and Bangladesh have caused their infection and fatality rates to increase in recent weeks. The two countries have 64,000 and 43,000 cases, respectively. Both are second only to India in terms of new cases and face many of the same overcrowding problems in their cities that plague India, creating similar health emergencies.

There is also an increasing danger of a spike in cases in South Korea, which has begun to reopen after a largely successful campaign of testing and contact tracing to contain the pandemic as much as possible. Several clusters of the coronavirus have emerged in the country in the past few weeks, the most recent being a set of 96 new cases that occurred at a logistics center.

This and dozens of other cases forced more than 500 schools to close again Friday after briefly reopening. The government in Seoul has also closed its parks, art galleries, theaters and museums and urged similar private entities to do the same for the next 14 days to curb the current outbreak.

The Middle East has also been hard hit. The number of cases and deaths in Turkey and Iran currently rival those in India. There are currently 162,000 cases and 4,400 deaths in Turkey and 146,000 cases and 7,600 deaths in Iran. Saudi Arabia has also become one of the most plagued nations in the region, with nearly 82,000 cases and 450 deaths. While its number of new cases is currently decreasing, Saudi Arabias new death count has been steadily increasing since April.

Over that same period, Qatar has earned the dubious distinction of becoming the country with the most coronavirus cases per capita in the region and the world, excluding European microstates. This is followed by another Gulf nation, Bahrain. While both countries currently have a relatively low death toll, the pandemic is poised to rip through the populations of both nations, particularly their vulnerable immigrant laborers.

In South America, Brazil, Peru, Chile and Ecuador are the countries most infected by the pandemic. They collectively have more than 700,000 cases and more than 32,000 deaths, and are one of the global epicenters of the pandemic. The majority of these are in Brazil, which has at least 443,000 cases and nearly 27,000 deaths. Brazils numbers are rising as fast as those in the United States even as fascistic President Jair Bolsonaro orders offices, retail stores, car dealerships, real estate agencies and shopping malls to reopen.

The worst hit city in Brazil is Sao Paulo, which is the most populous city in the Western Hemisphere and the one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. There have so far been 55,000 cases of the virus in the city, which has already caused the medical system to reach capacity.

While Brazil may have overtaken it in the total number of cases and the daily number of new cases, Russia remains the European country with the most coronavirus infections, 387,000. Health officials in Moscow recently more than doubled the number of official fatalities in the city, with 1,561 in Moscow alone.

This figure was revised to account for those who had been recorded as having died from other causes even though they were, in fact, infected with the coronavirus. According to a report from the citys health department, the new toll now accounts for even the most debatable coronavirus deaths.

Other areas of the country are following suit. If a similar correction to the tally were to be made across the nation as a whole, Russias dead would be behind only the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Spain, which are the hardest hit countries in Europe in terms of deaths, and remain some of the worst epicenters in the world.

The center of the pandemic, however, remains the United States, which has seen dramatic spikes in cases in certain areas. In Montgomery Alabama, there are currently just two unoccupied ICU beds as a result of an explosion of cases in the county, which have quadrupled since the state begun reopening. The majority of states in the South are seeing an increase in the number of cases, and it is likely that the two that are reporting a decrease in new cases, Texas and Florida, are deliberately manipulating their data to justify reopening. In the opposite end of the country, California continues to average more than 2,000 cases each day.

At the same time as case counts and deaths continue their macabre rise, the Trump administration is rolling back its Coronavirus Task Force. Vice President Mike Pence, who is the formal head of the group, called it together on Thursday for the first time in a week. This is down from daily meetings in March and April and meetings three times a week starting in May. Trump himself has focused his efforts on whipping workers back into factories, offices and plants, even as the deadly contagion continues to rage through the auto, meatpacking and logistics industries.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Ukraine and Hungary are set to search for common solutions.

"The visit obviously showed an important change: Budapest and Kyiv are set to search for a common solution without crossing the red lines of both countries, not to confrontation. The process of rapprochement is happening, it is not easy, but its worth it," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba posted on Facebook upon his visit to Hungary.

Diplomacy follows a rule: nothing is agreed until everything is finally agreed, and this rule is fully applicable to the current situation in relations with Hungary, the minister added.

According to Kuleba, it is not just about bilateral relations. After all, Central Europe is a region that "builds its muscles", but it will get its ideal shape only with Ukraine, he added.

As reported, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba made a visit to Hungary on May 29, where he met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.

The ministers signed a number of bilateral agreements, including a protocol between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary amending the framework agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary on the provision of tied aid loan and a memorandum of understanding between the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the Ministry for Innovation and Technology of Hungary.

Earlier, Hungary-Ukraine relations deteriorated again after the Verkhovna Rada had passed the law on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language. Hungary reacted negatively to the adoption of this law.

The Hungarian side also sharply criticized the adoption the law on education in Ukraine on September 5, 2017, which provides, in particular, for the wider introduction of the Ukrainian language, including in the educational establishments of national minorities.

Despite numerous attempts of the Hungarian and Ukrainian sides to settle the disputed issues through diplomacy, a full understanding has not been reached. Hungary tries to block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic initiatives.

ol
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Three more people from the district tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday. They are a 48-year-old woman from Kakkanad who arrived on May 27 from Kuwait, 63-year-old Vadavucode native who returned from Abu Dhabi on May 17, and a 47-year-old woman who is a relative of a 26-year-old Kunnathunad native who had tested positive for Covid-19 on May 27.

This apart, an 80-year-old native of Thrissur who arrived from Mumbai and is undergoing treatment at Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Kalamassery, is the fourth case from Ernakulam on Friday.

Moreover, a 25-year-old Alappuzha native who returned from Kuwait on May 17 and a 48-year-old Kollam native who also came back from Kuwait tested positive on Friday and have been admitted to the GMCH.
WASHINGTONIs this the end of the world?

Thats a question suggested by the title of David Frums new book, Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy. In it, he certainly presses his case that Donald Trump has been a disruptive, dishonest and destructive president; a fascoid (a word Frum coins for something close to fascism, but not quite the same) stirring up resentment and seeming to approach every emergency with the question How can I make this trauma worse? Stir in a global pandemic and the economic depression that comes with it and its a recipe for apocalypse.

Frum, a Canadian by birth (his mother was Saint Barbara of the CBC), served as a speechwriter to George W. Bush and became an apostate from the Republican Party during Barack Obamas presidency  accusing his longtime American political home of becoming an insular, fantasy based party of racial resentment catering to the rich. Trump seized on those same tendencies and made them the partys core identity. So you might guess that from the start, Frum has been a Never Trump Republican.

Which hints at a challenge confronted by authors in the Trouble-With-Trump genre of books: no matter how compellingly they catalogue the various outrages, abuses and incompetencies they see in the current president, they are not likely to change many minds. Trumps supporters chalk it up to just more fake news caterwauling; everyone else already believes it to be true.

Which may be why in Frums new book the indictment of Trump is just a jumping-off point. Hes concerned with Americas reaction: Trump has been an unpopular disaster, Frum says. So what next?

What comes after the apocalypse?

At the end of his introduction, Frum points out that apocalypse doesnt actually mean the end of the world. The Greek word from the Bible originally and literally means an uncovering, a revelation, he writes. Not the end, according to religious tradition, but a beginning. It would inaugurate a new and better order in which justice would triumph at last over injustice. Thats the post-apocalyptic scenario hes trying to will into being.

Hes not alone. By coincidence or kismet, while this book was in the mail to my house, I read in the Jesuit journal America a short essay by the Nashville-based American teacher and religious scholar David Dark, entitled We are living in an apocalypse.

Its about the American experience of COVID-19, and starts from a similar premise: the current crisis is a revelation that the world we have been living in is untenable. The destruction of the moment could bring about a whole new world.

Amid this apocalypse, relationships that were hidden are coming into the light and the order of things is changing. It has to change, Dark writes.

He is the author of, among other books, a volume entitled Everyday Apocalypse, which grows from his religious understanding about this biblical meaning of the word apocalypse as revelation and his belief that such unveilings occur all around us in the world frequently. So he is no newcomer to seeing the potential for American society to be reborn.

But there is something in the air  conjured alongside viral particles and Trumpian rhetoric  that makes this idea a common one just now, if not usually framed using the same word.

A piece by Jia Tolentino in the New Yorker this month took stock of how the destruction of the pandemic had inspired a wave of self-organizing mutual-aid citizenship, and explores whether such disaster responses can, as Rebecca Solnit suggested, lead to lasting civic change.

Paul Waldman in the Washington Post last month argued the coronavirus crisis could help us get to health-care reform. An L.A. Times columnist explained last week how COVID-19 may bring on a universal basic income. In mid-April a fellow at the Brookings think tank who studies precarious work told me she thinks this crisis might prompt structural change to job protections for low-income workers and a wave of unionization.

Dark writes about his own realization about low-income workers: To my shame, I was really not aware that people who work at Whole Foods/Amazon, Kroger, McDonalds or Walmart do not get paid sick leave. Covid-19 hits and I find this out, and now I am thinking about the injustice of it all the time. In fact, I feel like I am ready to riot. An apocalypse has occurred, he writes. Just as one example.

The American economy, as it is currently arranged, is not an economy that keeps it possible for everyone to access what they need to simply live, let alone thrive. But now, maybe more than ever, we can see with brutal clarity the pain of this arrangement and what it costs us.

Frum, primarily tackling what he sees as the crisis of Trumps presidency itself rather than the immediate emergency of the pandemic, suggests similarly sweeping reforms to political structures and attitudes in response: methods to unrig the political system such as ending the Senate filibuster; statehood for the District of Columbia; and law enforcement, voting and electoral reform. And he suggests the political moment should inspire reconciliation in the partisan culture wars and a rally behind a new green economy.

What all of these people, and others calling for a new New Deal or a political revolution, share is a sense that this moment has revealed deep open wounds in the body of American society and politics, and that seeing them can help the healing begin.

The obstacle might not be the diagnosis, but agreement on the cure. Frum himself acknowledges that while he believes voters are always right when they identify problems, they are often attracted to wrong answers. The trouble, as always, is in finding consensus about what the correct answers are. And even settling on the scale of those answers.

Congress seemed, for a few precious days in March, to agree that rescuing the economy to the tune of trillions of dollars was a high priority, even while it fought over who would get those dollars and how. Now even that mild point of consensus may have passed. Joe Biden has been flirting with talk of a bigger, more ambitious platform, but the foundation of his candidacy has not been radical change, but rather a no-drama return to the status quo of the recent past.

The major revelation that obsesses Trump these days is neither biblical, medical nor economic, but rather transparently political: a re-election-focused vendetta against his predecessor.

If this is, as Frum and Dark in their separate ways suggest, an apocalypse of a kind, then Americans are faced with the same difficult questions encountered by survivors in so much of the post-apocalyptic fiction that has enjoyed a resurgence in public attention these past few months: seeing the disastrous faults of the world you lived in laid bare, can you build something new? What should that new world look like? How do you get there? And do you have the strength to do the job?

As in fiction, so in reality: an apocalypse is a revelation, which may clarify the imperative to undertake change. But it does not make it easy.

Read more about:
LOS ANGELES  On two straight nights of unruly protests against police brutality, officers retreated from their posts in some American cities, while in others, they deployed batons, flash-bang grenades and tear gas to quell the unrest.

The wide range of responses exacerbated tensions with the protesters in several locations and brought global attention to the tactics that American police use during riots as they try to find a balance between keeping the peace and protecting the safety of officers and the public.

The protests came in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed a knee into the 46-year-old black mans neck for more than eight minutes on Memorial Day. Floyd was handcuffed as Officer Derek Chauvin pushed his face into the pavement amid his pleas for help.

Tensions rose throughout the week and reached a crescendo Friday night as protests erupted in cities across America. On their smart phones, social media feeds and TVs, viewers saw the extremes in tactics play out all through the night Thursday and Friday, even as the majority of cops nationwide tried to keep the peace without retreating or shoving people to the ground.

In Minneapolis, leaders decided to evacuate a police precinct Thursday and surrender it to protesters who set it on fire. Protesters also broke into the police headquarters Friday in Portland, Oregon, and ignited a fire.

In New York, officers used batons and shoved protesters down as they took people into custody and cleared the streets. One video showed an officer slam a woman to the ground as he walked past her in the street. In Louisville, a police officer fired what appeared to be pepper balls at a news crew, and a clip of the video amassed more than 8 million views on Twitter in less than six hours. Los Angeles police arrested more than 500 protesters on Friday night.

Minneapolis police and Mayor Jacob Frey have been sharply criticized for the noticeably non-confrontational strategy Thursday in handling the protests after Floyds death. Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with murder.

To some, the act of protesters taking over the evacuated Minneapolis precinct amid fires could stoke further flames.

Youve got to defend that, said former Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Michael Downing. Thats your command operation. Symbolically, it looks very bad if you have to give that up.

Downing would know: He witnessed the Los Angeles riots firsthand in 1992 following the acquittal of four officers accused of beating black motorist Rodney King.

In Los Angeles, the center of the uprising was an intersection, Florence and Normandie avenues, and the violence spiraled into five days of riots and fires. More than 60 people died, including 10 who were fatally shot by law enforcement.

In 1992, then-Lt. Downing would typically oversee that intersection, but he was on vacation studying for a promotional exam. A different lieutenant was in charge instead.

The lieutenant made a decision: He ordered his officers to abandon the intersection. An hour later, a truck driver was pulled from his vehicle and brutally beaten by rioters.

I think that sent a signal to the rest of the city, said Downing, who immediately rushed to work. When you have that coupled with political leadership saying show your anger, go to the streets it was kind of like permission to go out and misbehave and be violent.

Nearly 30 years later, police officers around the country are confronted with an eerily similar dilemma, with cities aflame, violent protests erupting and another challenging night ahead Saturday as National Guard troops start arriving in some cities.

The mere presence of armed National Guard troops on the streets in Minneapolis and elsewhere brings back memories of the civil rights and anti-war protests of the 1960s and 70s, but they are only there as a support to local law enforcement and do not have the authority to make arrests.

They can use their weapons in self defense but are trained in less lethal crowd control tactics that attempt to de-escalate tensions, unlike the combat techniques that have largely been abandoned since the Kent State University shootings in Ohio in 1970 when the states National Guard killed four students and wounded nine.

Alex Vitale, a sociology professor at Brooklyn College, said that when deciding how to manage large protests, police and political leaders look for ways to facilitate legitimate outpourings of anger while trying to limit the likelihood of injury and property destruction. But he said the difficulty is trying to strike that balance.

The crisis of police legitimacy has become so great that then to use the police to manage the situation just enflames the problem, said Vitale, who has studied the policing of protests for two decades.

In Minneapolis and other cities around the nation where high-profile police killings of black people have prompted protests, the rage felt by protesters is understandable, said Ed Gonzalez, sheriff of Harris County, Texas.

We keep promising real change but not delivering it on a consistent basis, he said. We see the resulting emotions and anger and calls for change that occur, only for it to happen again.

Edward Maguire, a criminology and criminal justice professor at Arizona State University whose research focuses primarily on policing and violence, said mass arrests are almost always a bad idea during protests. But so is not making arrests in the face of violence and property damage.

He said police departments should be continuously engaged in building connections with minority communities, faith representatives and social justice leaders so that they have a degree of social capital and open communications when protests break out.

In other recent protests, police found themselves in a similar situation as those on the front lines this week. Police were criticized in Baltimore and Charlottesville, Virginia, for taking too much of a hands-off approach during protests in 2015 and 2017.

In Minneapolis, Frey said he made the decision to evacuate the third precinct that was later torched because of imminent threats to both officers and the public.

Brick and mortar is not as important as life, Frey said.

Even as law enforcement nationwide harshly condemned Chauvins actions in unprecedented language earlier in the week, they denounced the violence of the fiery protests and pleaded for calm.

You cant allow anarchy just because this horrible injustice has occurred, said Stephen Downing, Michael Downings father and also a retired LAPD deputy chief. You cant let your city burn. You just cant.

___

AP writer Sarah Rankin contributed to this report from Richmond, Virginia.
The initiative aims to propel USC forward as the epicenter of tissue and organ regeneration research.

THE STUDIES SEEM LIKE something straight out of science fiction.

There's one focused on using stem cells to regenerate skull bone for patients with skull defects. Another aims to develop a hydrogel patch that could reduce scarring and regenerate hair follicles and sweat glands in burn victims.

Another looks to create a transdermal patch that could repair skin damaged during radiation therapy for survivors of cancer.

Each is currently being developed at the Center for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Tissue and Organ Regeneration (C-DOCTOR) as it enters Stage 3 of its endeavor, with a $30-million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

C-DOCTOR is a consortium of California academic institutions with a mission of becoming a sustainable, comprehensive national resource center that enables the clinical translation of innovative regenerative therapies to replace dental, oral and craniofacial tissues or organs lost to congenital disorders, traumatic injuries, diseases and medical procedures.

"This initiative isn't about incremental progress," said Ostrow Associate Dean of Research Yang Chai PhD '91, DDS '96. "What we're really trying to do is create disruptive technologies that will fundamentally change the way we treat patients."

The endeavor first began in 2016 when the NIDCR challenged institutions across the nation to develop safe and effective clinical strategies for dental, oral and craniofacial tissue regeneration.

During Stage 1, 10 groups were selected to put together comprehensive teams -- clinicians, research scientists, biostatisticians, regulatory scientists and pre-clinical/clinical trial experts as well as leaders of industry -- to support researchers and expedite innovative technologies and therapeutics to FDA clinical trials.

Only two centers moved forward into Stage 2, with several California schools coalescing into C-DOCTOR, a consortium of academic institutions, including USC, UC San Francisco, UCLA, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC San Diego and the City of Hope.

The other center -- the Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Regenerative Medicine Resource Center -- is composed of the University of Michigan, the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University's Wyss Institute.

During Stage 2, the centers recruited interdisciplinary translational project (ITP) teams with innovative ideas and provided them all the resources necessary to bring their products to human trials.

"This program is a very clever, very well-designed process to foster the development of these ITP teams," said Chai, who is a co-principal investigator of C-DOCTOR, alongside UC San Francisco's Jeffrey Lotz.

Now entering Stage 3, C-DOCTOR has nine ITP teams (six of which must still meet certain metrics before entering Stage 3).

The other six teams will continue their efforts to move into Stage 3.

They include technologies to regenerate bone, salivary glands and craniofacial musculature and provide relief for arthritis caused by TMJ. The PIs leading two of those teams are Alex Wong and Denis Evseenko of Keck School of Medicine of USC.

We feel such a great sense of responsibility and trust to be given this opportunity to work with a group of such talented people to help advance dental, oral and craniofacial tissue regeneration." Yang Chai, Co-principal investigator of C-DOCTOR

Chai credits the continued success of C-DOCTOR to the team they've managed to put together.

"We have discovered a lot of talent that we didn't know about before," he said. "Just by working with all these people and making these connections, we hope that C-DOCTOR becomes a breeding ground for future innovative research projects that will continue to propel us toward dental, oral and craniofacial tissue regeneration."

He also credited the operations team, led at USC by project director Bridget Samuels, for managing the project on a daily basis.

"This kind of grant is a collaborative agreement with the NIDCR to work together every step of the way to ensure the success of this program," Chai said. "Bridget and her team have been instrumental in this endeavor -- not only in maintaining continued communication with the NIDCR but also with our daily operations."

Mark Urata and Scott Fraser from USC are co-investigators on the C-DOCTOR grant and play an important role in clinical and translational aspects of the consortium.

The research is supported by the National Institute Of Dental & Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U24DE029463.
Zee Media Corporation Ltd.s regional channel ZEE Bihar Jharkhand, also the market leader in the news genre in Bihar-Jharkhand for 3 consecutive years, conducted an E Conclave with 11 Ministers on 29 May 2020. Bihar E-Vimarsh, Direct with Ministers, was a continuous 5-and-a-half-hour session with ministers participating from various departments of the Bihar Government.

As the nation nears the end of Lockdown 4.0, COVID positive cases have crossed 3000 in Bihar as of 29 May 2020. Apart from protecting the people from contracting the disease and ensuring health infrastructure is up to the task, another issue the Bihar government is facing is that of migrant laborers returning to their home state in huge numbers. Transportation and isolation of incoming migrants who return in lakhs is a huge task the government has had to face.

As the people of Bihar are coping with this situation and trying to find answers to their future, ZEE Bihar Jharkhand took the initiative to organize an E Conclave with Ministers of the State so that our viewers may get a clear picture of the road to recovery.

Each session lasted for half an hour where the leaders put forward their strategy for the coming days in their respective departments and encouraged our viewers to stay strong. Ministers who graced the session were: Sushil Kumar Modi, Shrawan Kumar, Dr. Prem Kumar, Jai Kumar Singh, Rana Randhir, Shyam Rajak, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Neeraj Kumar, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Sanjay Kumar Jha, and Mangal Pandey. The conclave covered various government ministries so that viewers could understand the revival plan in different sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, ZMCL Cluster 2 CEO, Mr. Purushottam Vaishnava said, Under the E Vimarsh brand, we have organized e-conclaves for ZEE Hindustan with CMs of states and state-level e-conclaves for Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, and Odisha with Bengal and Jharkhand soon following. With so much uncertainty all over due to corona, it is crucial that leaders directly answer pertinent questions to our citizenry. This has been the sole motive behind conceptualizing the E-Vimarsh series.
An amount of 15 lakh will be provided from the Bharat Ke Veer fund to the family of those central paramilitary forces personnel who succumb to COVID-19 while on duty, officials said on Saturday.

They said the Union home ministry has recently approved the decision and the amount will be in addition to the ex gratia of about 1 crore provided by the respective Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to troops who lay down their lives in the line of duty. Till now, eight CAPFs personnel have succumbed to the disease. The maximum of four fatalities were reported in the CISF and two each in the CRPF and BSF.

The CAPFs or central paramilitary forces -- the Central Reserve Police Force, the Border Security Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the Central Industrial Security Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal -- have a combined strength of about 10 lakh personnel deployed for rendering a variety of internal security duties and border guarding.

The Union home ministry, under whose command the paramilitary forces function, launched the Bharat Ke Veer (BKV) fund in April 2017.

It was created with an aim that common people who wish to pay tributes and make monetary contributions for CAPF men and women can do so in a streamlined manner.

A decision has been made by the home ministry that the family of a CAPF corona warrior who dies due to COVID-19 in the line of duty will be provided an amount of 15 lakh in addition to the regular ex-gratia service amount. Their personal details and bank account links are being uploaded on the BKV website and the mobile app, a senior official said.

Contributions to the fund can be made through the BKV mobile app or through its official website www.bharatkeveer.gov.in.

All contributions to this fund are exempt from income tax as per government rules.

Earlier this month, PTI had reported that the CRPF had proposed to the government that a special grant of 50 lakh could be provided to central paramilitary personnel who die due to COVID-19 while on duty.

According to latest official data, these forces have reported over 1,340 coronavirus cases till date and now 430 personnel are under treatment.

The counter-terrorist force National Security Guard (NSG) had detected one patient, who has now recovered.

Two cases of the infection have been reported in the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the federal contingency force said, adding that the patients are under treatment at the CAPFs referral hospital in Greater Noida.
Seeking to deter further shipments of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, the Trump administration has quietly warned foreign governments, seaports, shipping companies. (AFP Photo)

WASHINGTON: Seeking to deter further shipments of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, the Trump administration has quietly warned foreign governments, seaports, shipping companies and insurers that they could face stiff U.S. sanctions if they aid the tanker flotilla, the U.S. envoy on Venezuela told Reuters on Friday.

Elliott Abrams, Washingtons special representative on Venezuela, said the pressure campaign targeting heavily sanctioned U.S. foes Iran and Venezuela was being waged to be sure everyone recognizes this would be a very dangerous transaction to assist.

The Venezuelan navy on Thursday escorted a fourth tanker bringing Iranian fuel through its waters to the gasoline-starved country, defying U.S. threats of measures in response to the shipments. At least one other tanker was en route in the Atlantic.

It was a sign of deepening ties between Venezuela and Iran, both OPEC members with fraught relations with the United States.

The government of Venezuelan Socialist President Nicolas Maduro has flaunted the tankers arrivals to show it remains unbowed by pressure. The United States, which seeks Maduros ouster, has called it a distraction.

Weve alerted the shipping community around the world, ship owners, ship captains, ship insurers, and weve alerted ports along the way between Iran and Venezuela, Abrams said in an interview.

He said diplomatic warnings, known as demarches, have been sent privately to governments around the world.

A person familiar with the matter said among them was Gibraltar, situated on the tankers route. A U.S. official said various countries had been asked to deny then port services.

It remained unclear what impact this effort might have.

Two other tankers, the Liberia-flag Bella and Bering, passed through the Suez Canal in early May, according to Refinitiv Eikon data. Sources familiar with the matter said United States was looking for ways to prevent them from reaching Venezuela.
SIOUX CITY -- "I can't breathe" has again become a rallying cry, and it was chanted by more than 100 people gathered in Sioux City on Friday afternoon to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while in the custody of Minneapolis police.

The group of people walked several blocks in downtown Sioux City mid afternoon, chanting "I can't breathe," "Justice for George Floyd" and "Black lives matter." That came shortly after Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death.

Jackie Stellish, of Sioux City, said she was glad to have participated in the walk, which ended in front of the Sioux City Police Department offices.

"It was a really good turnout. Everyone stayed peaceful and respectful. Local police were on the route keeping people safe and they even provided a large cooler filled with bottles of water at the station," Stellish said.

Six years ago, Eric Garner, while locked in a police chokehold, uttered, "I can't breathe," a phrase adopted by demonstrators across the country who protested the killings of African Americans by police.

Bystander video captured Floyd saying the exact same words Monday, while handcuffed and pinned at the neck under the knee of Chauvin, who is white. Three other officers involved in the matter were fired.

There have been mass protests around the nation, with some turning violent.

Ahead of the rally, Sgt. Jeremy McClure said Sioux City Police Department officials presumed the rally would be peaceful, so officers planned not to show force that could be considered provocative.

"Our number one priority is for the safety of the group gathered. We know that people are angry and hurt and we certainly understand their feelings," McClure said.

Monique Scarlett, who founded the Unity in the Community group in Sioux City, which is designed to encourage partnership with community members and law enforcement, in a statement to the Journal said Floyd's murder was "horrific."

"We are in need of more awareness, education and community conversations that address these scenarios. This is a national issue that is out of control. All police officers are not dangerous. It is the poor examples like these officers in Minneapolis who cause tension, lack of trust and racial profiling wars between citizens and the police," Scarlett said.

"I'm as angry as the next person for another senseless murder specifically in the black community."

Sioux City area law enforcement officials said they are saddened by the tragic events that have taken place in Minneapolis this week, beginning with the death of Floyd in police custody and the violent protests that have followed.

In a joint statement issued late Thursday night, the Sioux City Police Department and Woodbury County Sheriffs Office acknowledged the events have sparked outrage and fear in our nation and said they were committed to building trust in Northwest Iowa communities.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Advertisement

Britons will be able to see a rocket hurtle across the sky at 10.15pm tonight as it loops around the Earth two hours after taking off from America.

The Falcon 9, the first manned space flight to leave US soil for nine years, is set for blast off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 8.22pm UK time (3.22pm Eastern Time) and will then loop up to the International Space Station.

The historic space flight by Elon Musk's spacex is expected to pass low along the south-west of the UK skyline, with people in Britain able to see it for a few minutes travelling from West to East in the sky.

It will first appear in the skies above Britain at around 8.40pm, though conditions will be too light to see it properly.

The second pass, at around 10.15pm, is better, but the vehicle will be very low on the horizon in the southwest.

It will be the first time a private company has put astronauts into space, and is the second attempt to launch after Wednesday's flight was aborted when Storm Bertha rolled in off the Gulf of Mexico, obstructing the flight path.

The rocket is expected to swoop low over the south-western horizon and zoom past the left side of the moon before disappearing.

Mr Musk tweeted today that they would be 'proceeding with countdown' despite a 50 per cent 'weather cancellation risk' amid concerns over possible thunderstorms and rain around the Kennedy Space Center.

UK astrononaut Tim Peake tweeted: 'You can see the @Space-Station pass over the UK tonight, 22:10 BST. Look west, low on the horizon & it will cross to the south east, passing beneath the moon. If @SpaceX launches, it will follow about 5 mins later. The sky will be too light to see SpX on 1st pass after launch.'

The rocket passed over the UK at around 8.40pm. However, will be more visible to the UK on its second pass at around 10.15pm. Astronaut Tim Peake said: 'Look west, low on the horizon & it will cross to the south east, passing beneath the moon'

The route the spacecraft is expected to take over Europe is pictured above. It will be visible in the south-western part of the British night sky at about 10.15pm UK time, following the launch from Florida about two hours beforehand

NASA and SpaceX are gearing up to send two American astronauts to the International Space Station aboard the American rocket. Pictured: The Falcon 9, with the Dragon capsule on top, is raised onto the launch pad in Florida on Tuesday

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley were strapped in the cabin of Crew Dragon Capsule ready for blast off when the launch from Florida was cancelled on Wednesday because of bad weather

The Met Office has forecast clear skies for most of the UK tonight, making the rocket easier to spot.

A spokesman told MailOnline: 'After a warm and sunny day on Saturday, much of the UK can expect clear skies on Saturday evening, with perhaps a little low cloud developing along the Scottish Borders and Northumberland coastline later in the night.'

Britons can also watch the launch as it happens on NASA's TV channel, which is streamed on YouTube.

People all over the UK shared photos of themselves watching tonight's launch from their living rooms and gardens.

Elon Musk said today they would be 'proceeding with countdown' despite a 50 per cent 'weather cancellation risk'

Wednesday's launch was cancelled with less than 17 minutes remaining on the countdown clock as bad weather meant the launch had to be delayed by a few seconds around the Kennedy Space Center.

This meant it would have missed its trajectory for arrival at the fast-moving ISS. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were strapped in and ready to go when it was cancelled.

SpaceX said in a Tweet: 'Standing down from launch today due to unfavourable weather in the flight path. Our next launch opportunity is Saturday, May 30 at 3:22 p.m. EDT, or 19:22 UTC.'

Dolphins swim in a lagoon near Launch Complex 39A at sunrise at Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning. Elon Musk said they would be 'proceeding with countdown' despite a 50 per cent 'weather cancellation risk'

Elon Musk's space company SpaceX tweeted the above today as it prepares to send two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station aboard its Falcon 9 rocket from Florida - marking the company's first mission carrying humans aboard

The mission was cancelled as Storm Bertha rolled into the area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pictured above is the rocket on Wednesday moments before the launch was cancelled

SpaceX founder Elon Musk (left) wearing a face mask with the SpaceX logo at Cape Canaveral in Florida on Wednesday

Hurley said: 'We could see some raindrops on the windows and just figured that whatever it was, was too close to the launch pad at the time we needed it not to be.

'Understand that everybodys probably a little bit bummed out. Thats just part of the deal. ... We'll do it again, I think, on Saturday.'

British astronaut Tim Peake also took to Twitter to express his disappointment that the launch did not take place, but said viewers could still watch the night sky for the International Space Station.

The rocket was expected to pass across the UK sky from the West on Wednesday, and on the right side of the moon - but this view has been changed due to the movement of the Earth's axis.

The SpaceX demo-2 mission will see the Falcon 9 rocket and attached Crew Dragon capsule shoot into space as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

If successful, it will pave the way for future partnerships between NASA and commercial companies, and a new age of space travel.

The launchpad at Cape Canaveral in Floirda is pictured above last Saturday. The rocket will lift off 8.22pm UK time

The Falcon 9 will take off from Cape Canaveral on the other side of the Atlantic and be visible in the UK sky two hours later

Earlier this month the final supermoon of the year graced the skies. It is pictured above at Poolbeg Lighthouse in Dublin Bay

The launch is the latest in a surge of exciting sightings in the UK's night skies. On May 7 Britons were able to view the third supermoon of the year, where the moon appears six per cent larger than normal.

The change in appearance happened as its orbit is not entirely circular, meaning it sometimes appears closer and sometimes appears further away than normal.

And last month Mars, Saturn and Jupiter all appeared to align in the sky above a waning pink moon. The juxtaposed planets - which are separated by millions of miles - remained in formation for almost a week.

However, their orbits then caused the three planets to separate. They will not appear aligned again until 2022.

The juxtaposition - the closest three planets will appear until 2022 - was captured over the village of Cobham in Gravesham, Kent.
One of the greatest benefits law enforcement officers can give the public is trust.

Trust that officers will not automatically label an individual as suspicious or dangerous merely because of the persons skin color. Trust that in their everyday actions, officers are mindful to build fellowship with the wider community, rather than undermine that often delicate relationship. And trust that when officers find themselves in stressful situations, they will turn their minds and reflexes toward their professional training and not toward anger or cruelty.

The disturbing death of George Floyd in Minneapolis this week underscored the importance of those duties. The circumstances of his death showed, too, the terrible pain and societal damage when an officer fails to remain true to personal self-discipline and indulges in dangerous behavior. Video shows the terrible scene: The white officer kneeling with a knee on the neck of Floyd, a black man. Floyd protesting, saying he cant breathe, then falling into unconsciousness, from which he never awoke.

The Minneapolis police chief has fired the four officers who were at the scene. In our area, local law enforcement leaders have said the right things.
The presenter of South East Radio's Morning Mix programme Alan Corcoran has said he will cherish a National Military Award he won for broadcasting during the Covid-19 pandemic, for the rest of his life.

A National Services Day Medal was presented to Alan for services 'above and beyond the call of duty' during the Covid 19 Pandemic. He is one of only two civilians in the country to be honoured with this award by the Frontline Emergency and Security Services Eire Forum, the other being Minister for Health Simon Harris.

Assistant Commander and Regional Director of the Order of Malta David O'Grady broke the news to Alan live on air. Mr. O'Grady said: 'This is a national military award for all emergency services personnel but today an exception is being made to award it to a lay person Mr Alan Corcoran for services above and beyond the call of duty in the south east.'

Alan was emotional after being presented with the medal. He said: 'I'm thinking of my Granddad today who fought in the War of Independence and I'd love him to be here to show him this but maybe he is looking down on me today. It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.'

He said he was genuinely surprised to win the award, adding that was accepting it on behalf of the listeners to South East Radio's Morning Mix, all of the guests who appear on the show and his colleagues at South East Radio.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms passionately addressed the protesters at a news conference: This is not a protest. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.

You are disgracing our city, she told protesters. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country. We are better than this. We are better than this as a city. We are better than this as a country. Go home, go home.

Bottoms was flanked by rappers T.I. and Killer Mike, as well as Kings daughter, Bernice King.

Killer Mike cried as he spoke.

We have to be better than this moment. We have to be better than burning down our own homes. Because if we lose Atlanta what have we got? he said.

After Mayor Bottoms appealed for calm, the violence continued. More cars were set on fire, a Starbucks was smashed up, the windows of the College Football Hall of Fame were broken, and the iconic Omni Hotel was vandalized.
In a Victorian inquiry into child suicide, tabled in October 2019, all but two of 35 in the study had experienced severe family violence. None of these children had received support or intervention, despite being known to authorities. The manager of the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team, Anna Butler, says that despite successive recommendations by the team for urgent changes to support such children, there has been only limited action by the NSW government and there remains no integrated or consistent response to the children. In NSW alone, there were at least 154 child survivors of homicide who had a parent or parents killed, or a parent perpetrate a domestic violence homicide between 2008 and 2016, the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review team's latest report says. It recommends the state government provide unlimited lifetime counselling to children who have a parent or sibling killed in a domestic violence homicide. It also recommends extending statutory restrictions on the ability of those children to lodge a claim under the Victims Support Scheme (which now runs to the childs 20th birthday). In its most recent report, the team acknowledges the NSW governments election commitment to provide funding to the Homicide Victims Support Group for a facility in Sydney. The Commonwealth and NSW governments have jointly committed $9.4 million towards a first-of-its-kind residential trauma recovery centre for children affected by homicide named Graces Place  in honour of Grace Lynch, the mother of homicide victim Anita Cobby. Construction is expected to start later this year. But there is still unmet need across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW, Ms Butler says.

"There remains a lack of ongoing support for these children," the team's report says. A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson says the government is considering the Domestic Violence Death Review Teams recommendations. A response will be provided to the NSW Coroner later this year. Lesley Podesta, chief executive of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, estimates that each year there are about 50 children whose parents are murdered. For six years, the foundation has worked with families torn apart after murder and, Podesta says, crisis services are mostly there at the time of the event, but there is little consultation with children or teenagers about what will happen to them next  no processes designed for young people; no real plan about what will happen. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation has secured funding from the Victorian government for Children Ahead, an intensive program for children who witness homicide. Says Podesta: "It is one of the only services available to families and children who suddenly find themselves uprooted and struggling to come to terms with whats happened. Now its time for all governments to recognise this is a priority." Ola Haydar now knows she needed help.

After the murder of her mother, she moved in with her sisters  Amani, an artist and lawyer, and Nour, a journalist at the ABC. It was after Amani had her first child, a few months later, that Ola started to experience extraordinary grief and terrible memories. I started making connections to how my sister was treating her child and how my mum would be with us; there was a lot of emotional impact, much more than just physically living in the house with a baby who cries. After two years, she moved in with her mothers sister. Her arrangements were complex but she did what she could to get through. Despite the support of her sisters, help was not always at hand. I wasnt interested in help at the time, and now I really had to go looking for it; it's not very accessible, she says. Everything she knew about herself  her academic excellence, her focus on goals  disappeared with the murder of her mother. It made things very hard for me because, suddenly, the way I used to define myself no longer applied. I'm not that person whos excelling anymore. I was barely scraping through my degree.
Beijing's public security authority has vowed to "fully guide" Hong Kong's embattled police force in safeguarding stability, raising eyebrows over what this would mean amid a raging controversy sparked by plans to impose a tailor-made national security law on the city.

The Ministry of Public Security made the undertaking through its online news portal on Thursday, but provided no details, prompting questions from local scholars, commentators and security experts as to how the guidance, if any, would take shape.

"We will conscientiously study and implement the decision of the National People's Congress on establishing a sound legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong special administrative region, fully guide and support the Hong Kong police force in curbing violence and chaos, restoring the order, and resolutely safeguarding the stability of Hong Kong," the statement read.

It came in a report documenting a meeting chaired by security minister Zhao Kezhi, which hailed the passage of a resolution tasking the NPC Standing Committee, China's top legislative body, to draw up the new law for Hong Kong.

Police chief Chris Tang said the new law would tackle crimes that posed a threat to the country. Photo: Handout alt=Police chief Chris Tang said the new law would tackle crimes that posed a threat to the country. Photo: Handout

The law will aim to "prevent, stop and punish" acts and activities amounting to secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference.

It follows months of often-violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong and has prompted the US government to threaten retaliation through sanctions.

In an interview with state broadcaster CCTV, Hong Kong police commissioner Chris Tang Ping-keung pledged to "adopt different measures" to enable the application of the law in the city, but did not elaborate.

"Despite the absence of law enforcement details, Hong Kong police fully support the legislation in order to maintain national security. We will perform duties fully to safeguard national security and ensure the city's safety and stability," Tang said.

Story continues

He also spoke of a national security loophole in Hong Kong, citing protest violence and the emergence of what police have characterised as "local terrorism".

Tang said the new law would tackle crimes that posed a threat to the country, but would not undermine the "one country, two systems" policy under which the city is promised a high degree of autonomy and basic freedoms.

While opposition lawmakers saw it as tantamount to Beijing's direct involvement in running Hong Kong's 30,000-strong police force, others disagreed.

Lau Siu-kai, vice-president of Beijing-associated think tank the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said the use of the word "guide" suggested Beijing would only provide guidance, not "command" the local police force.

Intelligence gathering would become important under the new law, he said, and it would make sense for more experienced mainland agencies to advise Hong Kong police officers.

"There is nothing so unusual about it," he said.

Former security minister Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee did not see any cause for concern either, noting that during colonial rule, Hong Kong police officers regularly trained with British police.

"Instruction by the Ministry of Public Security is the mirror image of instruction by Metropolitan Police before [the handover of sovereignty to China] in 1997," said Ip, now a pro-establishment lawmaker.

Security expert Steve Vickers said: "The comments suggest to me that, looking ahead, the authorities on the mainland will direct policy and will perhaps provide additional support to the Hong Kong Police Force " most likely with the provision of actionable information and electronic support, training and such other assistance they may perceive are needed based on a wider national perspective."

Sociologist Lawrence Ho Ka-ki, who specialises in policing at the Education University, noted that it was the first time mainland authorities had stated they would "guide" the local police force. But without further details, he said, it was hard to speculate whether Beijing was signalling a "top-down" command approach.

Opposition lawmaker Wu Chi-wai said it proved his camp had been right about mainland Chinese involvement in local policing.

"This is just a reinforcement of what our observation has been, which is that the police force in Hong Kong is not part of the Hong Kong government. Its real master really is the national security system," said the Democratic Party chairman.

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.
By Express News Service

NAMAKKAL: Tamil Nadu's Namakkal district recorded its first COVID-19 death at the Namakkal Government Medical College Hospital (NGMCH) on Saturday early morning.

A 47-year-old lorry driver from Koothapalli near Tiruchengode, who was first admitted at Tiruchengode government hospital for fever and later shifted to NGMCH died on Saturday.

Health department officials told Express that the swab and blood samples of the deceased were earlier collected for COVID-19 testing.

The test result came on Friday and showed he was positive. Meanwhile, the lorry driver was shifted to the isolation ward at NGMCH on Friday evening as his condition worsened.

The health officials planned to shift him to Karur hospital for further treatment. But, he died at NGMCH on Saturday early morning.

Despite providing our best efforts, he passed away on Saturday morning. We do not know about his contact history, health department source said.

NGMCH dean Dr Shantha Arulmozhi also confirmed the first COVID-19 death in Namakkal and said it would be announced officially.

In Namakkal, a total of 78 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 and except the deceased lorry driver, the remaining 77 persons got cued and discharged from the hospital.

The last patient was discharged from the NGMCH was on May 13, following that Namakkal was placed in the orange zone.

District collector K Megraj said that the deceased lorry driver returned to Tiruchengode only on Wednesday night from Srikalahasti in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, where he stayed for the past three days.

Earlier, he had also travelled to Mumbai. He was having a high fever when he arrived at Tiruchengode and got admitted in the government hospital, the next day.

His body would be cremated on Saturday and ten family members would be allowed to participate in the funeral function. His wife and son would be isolated at NGMCH after the funeral function. The doctors and other healthcare professionals who attended to the deceased would also be quarantined, Megraj added.
A general court martial in Abuja has jailed six personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who were attached to Alex Badeh, former chie...





A general court martial in Abuja has jailed six personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who were attached to Alex Badeh, former chief of defence staff (CDS).





The late Badeh served as Nigerias chief of defence staff between January 2014 and July 2015.





Badeh died from the gunshot wounds he sustained in an attack on December 18. He was returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi road when he was shot dead.





In a statement on Saturday, Ibikunle Daramola, NAF director of public relations and information, said the six officers, who were supposed to provide armed security for Badeh, were jailed on Friday. But he did not indicate the jail terms of the convicts.

He said the personnel involved are Tom Gwani, Amu David, Philemon Degema, Sabo Simon, Mukhtar Abdullahi and Alfred Alexander.





Six NAF personnel, who were aides to the former CDS were awarded various sentences by the GCM sitting at the NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, he said.





The personnel were standing trial for various offences. Delivering his judgment, the President of the GCM, Air Commodore David Aluku, pronounced the six accused personnel guilty of various charges.





These included their failure to perform military duties, by absconding from the convoy of the deceased former CDS, while it came under attack, as well as conduct to the prejudice of service discipline, for giving false statements.





The charges against the accused also included other civil offences of criminal conspiracy and miscellaneous offences relating to property, for illegally disposing of 79 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition issued for the protection of the late CDS, among others.





While pleading in mitigation, the Defence Counsels urged the court to show leniency, describing the accused persons as first time offenders. The sentences were announced as being subject to confirmation by the Appropriate Superior Authority.




Sri Lanka faces threat of locust invasion View(s):

Sri Lankan agricultural authorities have been placed on alert for the possible threat from crop-eating Desert Locusts which have started invading South Asian countries, including India, a senior official said.

Agriculture Director General W.M.W. Weerakoon told the Sunday Times that they had alerted the relevant government institutes that there could be possible locust invasion in Sri Lanka.

He said large swarms of locusts had invaded the northern parts of India and had made their way towards Pakistan.

Even though the locust have not yet spread towards the southern parts of India, with the change of wind patterns the swarms of locusts could make their way towards Sri Lanka, he warned.

Dr Weerakoon said the Agriculture Ministry, the Department and other stake holders were on high alert and had appointed a task force to come up with an action plan to deal with the threat.

He said the task force comprising entomologists, crop experts and regional agricultural directors of were making farmers aware and advising them to inform the authorities if they found locusts in their fields.

The task force was also advised to identify pesticides and chemicals which are needed to control the the possible locust invasion.

They would also seek assistance from the security forces if the need arose.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 29, 2020) - Nutritional High International Inc. (CSE: EAT) (OTCQB: SPLIF) (FSE: 2NU) ("Nutritional High" or the "Company") is pleased to announce in connection with its press release dated March 31, 2020, the closing of its second and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"). The second tranche consisting of C$272,000 aggregate principal amount of secured convertible debenture units (the "Convertible Debenture Units") at a price of $1,000 per Convertible Debenture Unit.

Each Convertible Debenture Unit is comprised of a $1,000 principal amount 12% secured convertible debenture (each, a "Convertible Debenture") and 20,000 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into a common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.05 ("Warrant Exercise Price") for 36 months from the date of issuance (the "Maturity Date"). The Convertible Debentures are convertible into common shares in the capital of the Company ("Conversion Shares") at a price of $0.05 per share ("Conversion Price") at any time prior to Maturity Date. The Convertible Debentures, Conversion Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the applicable issuance date. The Company may prepay, in whole or part, the principal amount of Convertible Debentures at any time without penalty.

The Convertible Debentures rank pari passu and will bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the date of issuance payable semi-annually in arrears. The interest can be payable in cash or by issuing common shares against the amount due at the sole option of the Company.

The Convertible Debentures are secured by certain assets of the Company as set out in the certificates representing the Convertible Debentures and security documents.

Story continues

Certain directors and officers of the Company (the "Related Parties") participated in the Offering. This transaction constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of securities being issued to the Related Parties nor the consideration being paid by the Related Parties exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization. A material change report in respect of this related party transaction will be filed by the Company but could not be filed at least 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering due to the fact that the Company wished to close the transaction as soon as practicable to enable it to use the proceeds of the Offering in an expeditious manner to bolster the Company's financial position.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for capital projects and general corporate purposes.

About Nutritional High International Inc.

Nutritional High is focused on developing and manufacturing branded products in the cannabis industry, with a specific focus on edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law. Nutritional High has brought its flagship FLI edibles and vape product lines from production to market in various markets including Colorado where its award winning FLI products are manufactured by Palo Verde, LLC. The Company signed a purchase agreement for Palo Verde and is awaiting regulatory approval. In California, the Company distributes products through its wholly owned distributor Calyx Brands Inc. For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com.

For further information, please contact:

Robert Wilson

Chief Financial Officer

Nutritional High International Inc.

416-666-4005

Email: rwilson@nutritionalhigh.com

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking information expressed in this press release include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to complete the full issuance of up to $5 million of Convertible Debenture Units, obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56901
The Famous 4th Street Deli in Queen Village always draws a packed election day lunch crowd, with politicians noshing on huge sandwiches while union supporters parade outside with big-head posters. That won't happen on Tuesday, with a primary election held in a time of pandemic-driven social distancing. Read more

That quintessential sound of an approaching election in Philadelphia  a sharp knock on your door  has fallen silent.

There are no volunteers on the steps with a stack of campaign literature  and, in the era of social distancing, packed rallies are out, too. Instead, hope your WiFi connection holds up while a politician asks for your vote in a Zoom meeting.

As they mourn the loss of the normal rituals of electioneering to the coronavirus pandemic, those who seek office or run campaigns in Pennsylvania say nobody has a clue how Tuesdays primary election might go.

Even former Gov. Ed Rendell, always quick with political analysis or predictions, was at a loss.

All I know is I already cast my vote via mail, Rendell said.

More than 77% of the usual polling places in Philadelphia have been closed. More voters in the city have requested mail ballots than did across the whole state for the primary in 2016. Almost two million Pennsylvanians have requested to vote by mail.

And after several election cycles that saw an increase in political activism due to the national political scene, this primary really holds only one competitive statewide race, the Democratic battle for the relatively low-profile post of auditor general.

The Democratic race for president is over. Bernie Sanders is on the ballot Tuesday, but he has endorsed the presumptive nominee, Joe Biden. Several regional Democratic primaries for state House and Senate seats are competitive.

This time, the real drama is not who wins but how the election itself goes.

I have no idea whats going to happen, said Bob Brady, chairman of Philadelphias Democratic City Committee. "No one does. Were in completely strange and virgin territory.

Brady, leader of the 34th Ward, said the uncertainty is compounded by the decision to compress polling places for safety. His ward in Overbrook usually has 42. On Tuesday it will have five. And the party volunteers who pass out sample ballots offering suggestions for voters will be missing in action.

Anyone gets sick, its going to be crazy, Brady said. Im telling my committee people, Dont even come to the polls. What are you going to do? You cant pass anything out.

 READ MORE: From Can I have your vote? to How can I help? Coronavirus transforms campaigning for the Pa. primary.

Other election day traditions are on hold as well. Politicians have gathered for decades at the Famous Fourth Street Deli, swapping the days gossip over enormous sandwiches and big bowls of matzo ball soup.

David Auspitz, the Queen Village eaterys former owner, still coordinates the affair. But there will be no big lunch Tuesday.

Theres literally nowhere to go for lunch, joked Auspitz, who like other longtime political players wondered if the oddness of Tuesdays election will stretch into the general election. November is going to come pretty quick. Well be back together. I guess. I dont know.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans launched a competing lunch tradition 13 years ago at Relish, a restaurant in West Oak Lane, which draws governors, mayors, members of Congress, and others for a popular barbecue buffet. That too is off.

Evans said Tuesday will provide a learning curve to help plan for November.

We will figure it out, he said. Were not giving up. Its just a question of how we are for the future. Weve got five months to go. Weve got some time to think about it.

 FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered.

Finding a frame of reference is elusive. Political consultant Mark Nevins is helping manage Nina Ahmads bid in the Democratic primary for state auditor general. He noted Tuesdays election is already unfamiliar territory because the state for the first time allows people to vote by mail without providing an excuse, unlike for absentee ballots in the past.

Political planning usually involves examining past performances to predict future results, Nevins said. But there are no models that help us predict the impact of a once-in-a-century global pandemic on voter behavior.

Like others interviewed for this story, Nevins said anyone claiming to know with certainty how the election will play out is really just guessing.

 READ MORE: Pa. Republicans dont want to vote by mail: Were listening to Trump on this

Philadelphia elections officials expect more than half the votes to be cast by mail. But its hard to know how many of the 220,000 or so voters who have requested ballots will actually return them on time for the election-night deadline, instead of voting in person or not at all. In the past, about one out of five voters who requested an absentee ballot ended up not using it.

Who ends up voting by mail, and how the pandemic might reshape the electorate, is also impossible to predict. Voters in low-income neighborhoods requested mail ballots at lower rates than even past turnout would suggest, and the voters requesting mail ballots are also older than the overall electorate. Voters over 60 years old have requested 36% of the citys mail ballots while making up 27% of the active voters on the rolls. Voters under 30, meanwhile, make up about 16% of ballot requests but 21% of active voters.

Whether such gaps persist in the election overall, and whether the electorate looks different this time, will depend on how many of those mail ballots are returned and who ends up voting in person Tuesday.

Ahmad, a former deputy mayor in Philadelphia, is hoping the new reliance on technology to stay connected will engage younger voters in the process and expand the electorate.

Theres a lot of different people using platforms to reach people, she said. Young people are very nimble on those platforms.

Elliot Curson, a consultant who created media campaigns for Republicans in the city and once did Ronald Reagans ads, predicted a surge in voting from the mail-in option.

Its easy. You dont have to do anything. Just fill out a form. Go online," Curson said. I think people will be surprised by the number of people voting.

Vince Fumo, a former state senator who represented South Philadelphia, does not expect the coronavirus to discourage many of his former constituents from going to polling places. He sees people visiting supermarkets and other open retail outlets as a sign of confidence.

I dont think theres going to be a lot of fear of catching the virus from voting, he said. I dont think the virus is going to affect it that much.

Maurice Floyd, a political consultant and former city commissioner, is not so sure. He expects worries to continue into November.

I dont know if well ever get back to normal, he said. I think people are still freaked out about whats going on.

And, even though there are few contested races on the ballot, actual confirmed election results will be hard to come by Tuesday night, due to the counting of mailed ballots that cant start until the polls open.

 READ MORE: It could be a long wait for actual election results

Larry Ceisler, a media consultant who has run Democratic campaigns, sees an advantage in the pandemic for incumbents, who have name recognition and established fund-raising networks.

Youre really depending here on social and digital media, with direct mail to a certain degree, he said. And if you can afford television advertising, then thats great.

Neil Oxman, a Democratic consultant and ad maker, is worried about the primary being a bad precursor to the November election. Among the scenarios troubling him: People accustomed to walking to polling places give up when they learn their place to vote has been relocated farther from their homes. He noted Republicans historically have had a stronger habit of regular voting than Democrats.

This is going to be a gigantic thing in the general election all over the country, he said. And I think Democrats are screwed because its a bigger problem for us than Republicans. Enthusiasm means something. It is a thing. Its real.

Staff writer Jonathan Lai contributed to this article.
All of them are banned from entering the Schengen zone.

Poland has detained 33 migrant workers from Ukraine who tried to cross the Czech border.

The border crossing incident happened on the Polish-Czech border near the village of Wola Sokoowska in Lower Silesian Voivodeship, the Polish Border Guard said on May 29.

The Ukrainian citizens travelling in four buses were trying to bypass a border checkpoint.

Read alsoNumber of Ukrainian border guards with COVID-19 grows to 43

They entered the territory of Poland several days ago legally, but they tried to avoid a two-week quarantine in Poland.

All detainees were banned from entering the Schengen zone, and their current Polish work visas were canceled.

In addition, the detained Ukrainians will have to pay a fine and immediately leave the territory of Poland.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Czech Embassy explained that the issuance of work visas in Kyiv was still suspended.
Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 8:14AM

Photo courtesy of Android Authority

Or in the words of a McLaren spokesperson, the partnership "came to its scheduled conclusion recently." There won't be any more McLaren-branded OnePlus phones in our immediate future. But it seems the automaker was satisfied with the partnership, calling it a "highly successful collaboration between two iconic and innovative brands." And it looks like they aren't saying there won't be possible collaborations in the future. According to their statement, "OnePlus has been a supportive, valued partner and we wish them well and hope to see them in the future."

The two companies started collaborating in 2018, and we've seen McLaren Edition models of the OnePlus 7T Pro and OnePlus 6T. And there was the OnePlus Concept One, which never got an official release beyond the prototype.

Source: Android Authority
A major workforce reduction at Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is saving the Crown corporation millions in payroll expenses, with casino operations paused until at least late June.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A major workforce reduction at Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is saving the Crown corporation millions in payroll expenses, with casino operations paused until at least late June.

MLL president and chief executive officer Manny Atwal said it has cut $1.3 million in expenses per pay period through the temporary layoff of 1,300 employees.

JESSE BOILY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries was forced to close its casinos and VLT network as part of the provincial governments COVID-19 pandemic response.

During a meeting of the standing committee on Crown corporations, held Thursday at the Manitoba legislature, Atwal told MLAs the layoffs amounted to roughly 40 per cent of MLL workforce. The Crown corporation redeployed 136 casino staff to other areas, including liquor distribution and home delivery services.

He said MLL explored a number of options, including worksharing and reduced work weeks, instead of layoffs.

"Were presented with a couple of challenges to that, first and foremost, we have two business units that have zero work," Atwal said. "The casinos are zero; its not like theyre down  theyre out. Our VLTs werent down, they were out."

The Crown corporation was forced to close its casinos and VLT network as part of the provincial governments COVID-19 pandemic response.

Casino staff were kept on the company payroll until the end of March, and were allowed to use leave time as of April 1. Once leaves were exhausted, temporary layoffs came into play.

"We worked very closely with all the unions and got total union support to reposition 136 employees from our gaming unions to our liquor groups," Atwal said. "With the (Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit) available retroactive to March 15, it was another avenue for us to feel that we were able to take care of some of the employees."

Atwal said employees have been able to retain their benefits.

Since April 1, roughly five pay periods have passed, with potential payroll savings surpassing $6 million.

Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

While the workforce reduction has been significant, Atwal said the Crown corporation has found just 15 to 20 per cent in savings in operating costs since pandemic restrictions began in mid-March.

Other expenses have crept up, despite casino operations coming to a halt, including ongoing costs required to secure and maintain empty facilities, the purchase of personal protective equipment, and COVID-19 protocols at Liquor Marts and the distribution centre.

Atwal said MLL hopes to resume casino operations by June 21, the date prescribed in the provincial governments "restoring safe services" plan.

Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union president Michelle Gawronsky said more than 200 casino staff represented by the union were laid off.

"Although we hoped that everyone could have been redeployed, we are grateful that these are temporary layoffs, and our members will be back to work when we hit Phase 3 (of the province's reopening plan)," Gawronsky said Friday in a statement.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
The fury over George Floyd's killing is erupting as the U.S. faces a looming wave of business bankruptcies, likely home evictions and a virus pandemic that will all disproportionately hit African Americans.

Why it matters: What these seemingly disparate issues share in common is that they emanate from systemic abuses that calls to action and promised reforms have yet to meaningfully address.

Consider the extrajudicial killings in the past decade of Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland and numerous other black Americans for which there was no fundamental legal resolution.

The overwhelming majority of their killers went free and some retained their jobs in law enforcement.

Be smart: Likewise, much of the economic fallout we're seeing because of the coronavirus stems largely from unresolved issues left over from the 2008 Great Recession.

After the recession, none of the top executives who had originated, boxed or sold the collateralized debt obligations and improperly rated mortgage-backed securities faced criminal charges.

And many of the big banks that profited from selling the subprime mortgages that precipitated the fallout not only survived, but thrived in the recession's aftermath.

The root cause of the 2008 crisis  rampant corporate greed  was never sufficiently contained.

Many of the meager protections created for everyday Americans through the Dodd-Frank financial reform act have since been clawed back by the Trump administration and the Fed.

And much of the reckless behavior that Dodd-Frank prohibited at banks simply moved to the unregulated shadow banking sphere and continues at much the same pace.

Between the lines: The swift action from the Federal Reserve and Congress that saved the financial system had the unintended effect of exacerbating the nation's growing income inequality. Last year, the Census Bureau reported the U.S. had its highest level of income inequality ever.

What's next: The coronavirus pandemic looks to be heading in much the same way.

A new recession has left at least 34 million people on government unemployment assistance and likely millions more without a job  and the difference between the reality for working- and middle-class African Americans and wealthy white Americans is stark.

The virus has affected black Americans at a much higher rate, largely a result of widespread economic inequality that has kept black folks in less affluent neighborhoods with more people packed into less space.

Though no vaccine has been developed, governors in every U.S. state have begun pulling back "stay at home" orders and allowing people to freely congregate in large groups and enclosed spaces again.

More black Americans have lost their jobs than white Americans as a result of the coronavirus-driven recession, and more stand to face evictions as most rent rather than own.

By contrast, wealthy Americans  who are disproportionately white  are more likely to have the flexibility to retreat to second homes or vacation homes. Existing home values actually increased in April and are poised to continue this year, real estate economists predict.

Many on Wall Street have cheered the reopening of local and state economies around the country, but with that reopening comes the removal of pandemic relief policies like eviction moratoriums.

Increased government unemployment benefits are set to expire right as many Americans will find themselves permanently out of a job or without an employer to go back to.

Meanwhile, the wealthy are increasing their savings rate. They're seeing their investment portfolios bounce back.

Consider statistics from the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank focused on economic issues facing low and middle-income Americans. The data show white middle-income households  earning between $37,201 and $61,328 per year  own an average $86,100 in assets.

By contrast, assets average $11,000 for black families and $8,600 for Latino families in the same income range.

A 2015 survey by Ariel asked Americans with household income of at least $50,000 whether they owned stocks or stock mutual funds. Eighty-six percent of whites said they did. For African-Americans, the number was 67%.

Go deeper:

Deaths without consequences
Chinas first domestically built aircraft carrier has begun sea trials to test weapons and equipment capabilities and sharpen training for its crew, the Chinese defence ministry has said.

The aircraft carrier, Shandong, named after a coastal province in eastern China, left its docking port Dalian in Liaoning province on Monday to start the first trials since being commissioned in December, 2019, the ministry said.

The trials come amid rising tension with the US over weapon sales to Taiwan and a strong assertion by a Chinese PLA general on Friday that reunifying Taiwan by force is an option for Beijing.

Announcing the trials, ministry spokesperson, Ren Guoqiang said training exercises were being carried out according to plan unaffected by the coronavirus outbreak.

According to our yearly testing schedule, the navy is organising sea tests for the CNS Shandong and will conduct relevant training exercises, Ren was quoted as saying by the Chinese state media.

The purpose of this training is to test weapons and equipment efficiency, improve the aircraft carriers training capability and further elevate its ability to carry out future missions, he said.

The sea trials for the carrier, which was commissioned by President Xi Jinping, underscores Chinas rapid rise as a naval power.

Construction of the carrier began in late 2013 and the vessel was first lowered into the water in April 2017.

Its first sea trial was carried out in May 2018, state-controlled China Daily reported Saturday.

The deployment of the second carrier will boost the PLA Navys (PLAN) rapidly expanding naval power as its warships sail further in international waters.

Chinas first aircraft carrier Liaoning, made in the Soviet Union before its dissolution, was launched in 2012.

According to earlier state media reports, Shandong can carry at least 36 domestically developed J-15 fighter jets, some 50 percent more than the countrys first.

Chinas first aircraft carrier the Liaoning can carry 24 J-15 fighter jets.

According to the Washington DC-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the carrier displaces roughly 66,000-70,000 tons, a few thousand more tons than the Liaoning.

It features the advanced Type 346 S-band AESA radar system, a CSIS note on the vessel said.

Prior to being commissioned, the Shandong underwent nine sea trials over the course of 18 months. By comparison, the Liaoning, completed 10 sea trials in 13 months before being commissioned in September 2012. During construction and sea trials, the Shandong was known as the Type 001A; however, the December 2019 commissioning ceremony indicated that it is officially designated the Type 002, the CSIS note added.

The Shandong sends a message not only to those regional powers attempting to check Chinas plans to exercise hegemony inside the nine-dash line disputed area of the South China Sea, but also to the bigger global powers, military expert James Maclaren wrote for the Diplomat website earlier this year.
Advertisement

President Donald Trump has blamed antifa and the 'radical left' as protests over the death of George Floyd devolved into violence nationwide, after the governor of Minnesota suggested that foreign influences, white supremacists and drug cartels are the fueling chaos.

'It's ANTIFA and the Radical Left. Don't lay the blame on others!' Trump said in a tweet on Saturday, referring to the militant far-left movement, short for 'anti-fascist', that is known for violence.

On Friday night, widespread looting and arson continued in Minneapolis and nearby St. Paul, in defiance of curfews there, and protests spilled into violence in 30 cities, as a federal agent in California and a protester in Detroit were shot dead.

Echoing the president, Attorney General Bill Barr said on Saturday that 'the voices of peaceful protest are being hijacked by radical elements.'

'Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda,' Barr said in an on-camera statement. 'In many places it appears the violence is planned, organized and driven by anarchic and far-left extremist groups using antifa-like tactics.'

'It is a federal crime to cross state lines or use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting and we will enforce those laws,' he added, saying that the FBI, US Marshals, DEA, ATF and U.S. Attorney's Offices would fully support local and state law enforcement in restoring order and cracking down on violence.

President Donald Trump has blamed antifa and the 'radical left' as protests over the death of George Floyd devolved into violence nationwide, with protests in 30 cities that turned to looting, arson and vandalism

Los Angeles: A protester breaks a window of a business after protests over George Floyd's death turned to violence

Oakland, California: People investigate a vandalized Mercedes-Benz dealership on Friday after arson and looting broke out

St Paul, Minnesota: A protester feeds a fire with copy paper inside a Office Depot after looters ransacked the interior, Friday

Minneapolis: People survey the damage along Lake St. near S. 27th Ave. as a fire burns to the east on Saturday

Echoing the president, Attorney General Bill Barr said on Saturday that 'the voices of peaceful protest are being hijacked by radical elements' including 'anarchic and far-left extremist groups using antifa-like tactics'

Earlier in the day, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz suggested domestic terrorists or foreign influences might be subverting peaceful protests and turning them to violence.

Walz said the riots in Minneapolis had begun to resemble a 'military operation' and that he was actively weighing whether to accept military and intelligence assistance from The Pentagon.

'Last night is a mockery of pretending that this is about George Floyd's death, or inequities, or historical traumas to our communities of color,' said Walz, a Democrat, at a press conference.

'The situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd, it is about attacking civil society, instilling fear, and disrupting our great cities,' Walz said.

'As you saw this expand across the United States, and you start to see whether it be domestic terrorism, whether it be ideological extremists to fan the group, or whether it be international destabilization of how our country works,' he continued.

On Friday night, Walz hinted that white supremacists and drug cartels may be fueling violence or taking advantage of the chaos in the rioting.

Pressed by reporters on rumors that white supremacists were secretly infiltrating Black Lives Matter protests and instigating violence, Walz said: 'my suspicions and what I've seen on this, yes.'

'It gets worse than that,' Walz said. 'The cartels, who are wondering if there was a break in their drug transmissions, are trying to take advantage of the chaos. That's why this situation is on a federal level.'

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for full mobilization of the state's National Guard, as he suggested that foreign and extremist influences are fueling chaos

A man holds up a sign near a burning building in Minneapolis on Friday night as the city descended into total chaos

On Friday night, widespread looting and arson continued in Minneapolis (above) and nearby St. Paul, in defiance of curfews there, and protests spilled into violence in 30 cities

'The situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd, it is about attacking civil society, instilling fear, and disrupting our great cities,' Walz said

Walz said at his Saturday press conference that 'protection of citizens and property is our top priority, and maintaining and restoring civil order on the streets.'

'The tactics and approach that we have taken have evolved and need to evolve,' he said.

Floyd, 46, died on Monday in Minneapolis after bystander video captured a white police officer pressing a knee on the handcuffed black man's neck for at least seven minutes.

The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired from the force and has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

In response to Friday's violence, Walz called for the full mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard for the first time in the state's history.

The Minnesota Army National Guard is composed of approximately 11,000 Guardsmen.

Around 500 National Guard soldiers have already been mobilized in and around Minneapolis, where an officer faces charges over Floyd's death.

A protester reacts standing in front of a burning building set on fire during a demonstration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday night, over the death of George Floyd

A looter carries goods out of a ransacked business in Minneapolis on Friday night as anarchy was unleashed nationwide

A looter plunders a business in Minnesota on Friday night. The state's governor is fully mobilizing the National Guard

Looters ransack and Office Depot in Minneapolis on Friday, when the city was overwhelmed by violence and chaos

Fired police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged on Friday with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Walz said that on Friday night, every resource in Minneapolis was deployed to respond to widespread looting, arson, vandalism and violence, and that the forces in the city would be expanded 'exponentially' by nightfall on Saturday.

The chaos in Minneapolis was mirrored in cities across the nation on Friday night, as National Guard units were called into Atlanta and put on standby in Washington DC, and two people were fatally shot in separate incidents in California and Detroit.

In Oakland, California, two officers with the Federal Protective Service - a part of Homeland Security created to protect government facilities - were shot, one fatally, in confrontations with protesters. Police are investigating.

Oakland, California: Looters rob a Target store as protesters face off against police on Friday. A federal protective officer was shot dead in Oakland in a face-off with protesters

Oakland: A damaged vehicle sits on its roof during a demonstration on Saturday

Oakland: Graffiti reading 'kill cops' is seen in Oakland on Friday, where one federal officer was shot dead

Oakland: Protesters smash the window of a Chase bank during protests in Oakland, California, yesterday

Detroit: Demonstrators run from the police during a protest in the city of Detroit, Michigan, on Friday

Detroit: Riot police officers detain a man during a demonstration on Friday. A 19-year-old protester was killed when an unknown subject fired into the crowd. Police were not involved in the shooting

Detroit: Police detain and arrest protesters during a series of confrontations in the Michigan city last night

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old protester was shot dead in Detroit last night when an unknown subject fired into the crowd.

Police said the man was killed after shots were fired at a crowd of people near Detroit's Greektown entertainment district last night with dozens of protesters out on the streets, but officers were not involved in the shooting.

The suspect pulled up to the crowd in a Dodge Durango and fired shots at around 11.30pm, and the man was pronounced dead in hospital. No details about who fired the shots were immediately available, police said.

In Brooklyn, a police van was set ablaze and a mob tried to storm the 88th police precinct, and besieged the 84th precinct.

Video posted to social media showed New York City officers using batons and shoving protesters as they took people into custody and cleared streets.

One video showed on officer slam a woman to the ground as he walked past her in the street.

Demonstrators rocked a police van, set it ablaze, scrawled graffiti across its charred wreckage and set it on fire again as officers retreated. Blocks away, protesters used a club to batter another police vehicle.

Brooklyn: Firefighters work to contain the flames from a New York City Police Department van ablaze on Friday night

Brooklyn: Protesters gather during a 'Black Lives Matter' protest near Barclays Center on Friday

Brooklyn: Thousands gathered near the Barclays Center in outrage after George Floyd, an unarmed black man, died while being arrested by a police officer in Minneapolis who pinned him to the ground with his knee

Brooklyn: NYPD Officers spray mace into the crowd of protesters gathered at Barclays Center on Friday

Brooklyn: A vandalized New York Police Department vehicle is seen on Saturday the morning after a protest

'There will be a full review of what happened tonight,' New York mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, referring to the Brooklyn protest. 'We don't ever want to see another night like this.'

The NYPD said numerous officers were injured, including one whose tooth was knocked out.

In Portland, Oregon, protesters broke into police headquarters and authorities said they lit a fire inside.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency and imposed an 8pm curfew on Saturday night, calling the violence 'disgusting'.

'ENOUGH,' Wheeler wrote in a tweet on Friday night. 'I had to leave Portland today because my mother is dying. I am with family to prepare for her final moments. This is hard, this is personal, but so is watching my city get destroyed. I'm coming back NOW.'

'Burning buildings with people inside, stealing from small and large businesses, threatening and harassing reporters. All in the middle of a pandemic where people have already lost everything,' Wheeler continued.

'This isn't calling for meaningful change in our communities, this is disgusting.'

Portland: Policemen walk enveloped by teargas in Portland, Oregon, yesterday as violence escalated in the downtown area

Portland: Police walk through fire and smoke as they push back violent protesters on Friday night

Portland: A fire burns in an office on Friday night during protests in response to the Minneapolis death of George Floyd

Portland: A police officer is silhouetted with a burning car seen in rear, as violence escalated on Friday

Portland: People march from the George Floyd vigil at Peninsula Park towards the Justice Center downtown in Portland Friday

Georgia's governor Brian Kemp tweeted that up to 500 members of the Guard would deploy immediately 'to protect people & property in Atlanta'.

Some demonstrators smashed police cars and spray-painted the iconic logo sign at CNN headquarters in Atlanta.

At least three officers were hurt and there were multiple arrests, Atlanta police spokesman Carlos Campos said, as protesters shot at officers with BB guns and threw bricks, bottles and knives.

Atlanta officials said crews were unable to reach a fire at Del Frisco's restaurant in the Buckhead area several miles north because of protesters there.

At a press conference, Atlanta mayor Ms Bottoms said: 'This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.

'You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country.'

Bottoms was flanked by Dr King's daughter, Bernice King, and the rappers TI and Killer Mike.

'We have to be better than burning down our own homes. Because if we lose Atlanta, what have we got?' said Killer Mike, crying as he spoke.

Atlanta: Demonstrators paint on the CNN logo as the besieged the network's headquarters on Friday

Atlanta: A man wearing a 'Purge' mask runs in front of a burning police car during a protest on Friday in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta: A cop car burns during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd

Atlanta: Demonstrators mass as a cop car burns and protests turn to violence on Friday

In Washington DC, police and Secret Service agents were out in force around the White House before dozens of demonstrators gathered across the street in Lafayette Square chanting, 'I can't breathe.'

'The professionally managed so-called 'protesters' at the White House had little to do with the memory of George Floyd. They were just there to cause trouble,' President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday morning from the White House.

The angry crowd at the White House grappled with Secret Service agents and attempted to breach their line of barricades surrounding the executive residence.

The crowd of hundreds chanted 'No justice, no peace' and 'Say his name: George Floyd.'

A protester holds his hands up as police officers enter Lafayette Park during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of black man George Floyd

The Secret Service form a line outside the White House as agitators attempt to breach their barricade during a protest over the death of George Floyd

Demonstrators outside the White House grapple with Secret Service agents as they try to tear down barricades surrounding the executive residence

Protesters wield a barricade after grappling with Secret Service agents at the White House

As some in the crowd at the White House grew more aggressive, police deployed pepper spray to keep them back and maintain a perimeter.

Fellow demonstrators came to the aid of protesters who were sprayed, their eyes red and puffy, offering bottles of milk and water to splash on their faces.

By the end of the night, the protesters had stolen about 15 barricades and left police to form a line of officers holding riot shields to keep back the swelling crowd.

At one point, the protesters were able to gain control of an officers shield and set it ablaze before trying to toss it back at the line of officers. Police used a smoke device to quickly stop them.

The protest went on for hours before police declared the gathering 'unlawful' and ordered everyone to leave Lafayette Square, a seven-acre public park located directly north of the White House.

Richmond, Virginia: A burned out Richmond City bus is loaded onto a tow truck Saturday after it was burned overnight

Dozens of officers pushed forward with their shields and fired off streams of pepper spray at protesters.

In Virginia's capital, a police cruiser was set on fire outside Richmond police headquarters, and a city transit spokeswoman said a bus set ablaze was 'a total loss.'

Windows were smashed and fires were set, and buildings and cars were spray-painted with anti-police graffiti.

Bus service will also be delayed Saturday in Richmond and possibly canceled for the safety of staff and riders.

Authorities in Minneapolis had hoped Chauvin's arrest on Friday afternoon would allay public anger, but the violence only seemed to spread.

In Houston, where Floyd grew up before he moved to Minneapolis for a new start in life, huge protests also devolved into rioting.

The demonstration, which was organized by Black Lives Matter, saw thousands of protesters process up Main Street to City Hall shouting 'can't breathe' and 'enough is enough'.

The initially peaceful protest took a violent turn two hours in after a man attempted to punch organizer Ashton Woods as he made a speech.

Houston: Protesters march during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd on Friday

Houston: Black Lives Matter protesters rally in honor of George Floyd at Discovery Green in Houston, Friday

Houston: Police officers try to calm down the crowd after a physical altercation that broke out during demonstrations

Although the scuffle was swiftly broken up by police, some demonstrators moved away from the main protest and attempted to rush and occupy the I-45 freeway.

Others in the throng chanted: 'Justice for George', 'Black Lives Matter' and 'We want change'.

According to the group's Facebook page, at least 1,800 people turned out, although there appeared to be far more.

One protester described the death of Floyd, who lived in Houston most of his life, as a 'modern day lynching'.

Rebecca Bozeman told DailyMail.com: 'Enough is enough. The people have to come out and do their part or nothing will change.

'It's been 400 years and it's still happening. We saw a modern-day lynching. It should not be happening.'

Her friend Sylvia Clinton added: 'Call it what it is. He was lynched. It was a modern-day lynching.'

Floyd, who had worked security for a nightclub, was arrested for allegedly using counterfeit money at a store to buy cigarettes on Monday evening.

Bail has been set at $500,000 for Chauvin, but it was unclear on Saturday whether he remained in custody. Hennepin County jail records showed no inmate of that name. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Blog Archive June 2021 (1) May 2021 (77) April 2021 (77) March 2021 (82) February 2021 (68) January 2021 (64) December 2020 (67) November 2020 (66) October 2020 (66) September 2020 (67) August 2020 (74) July 2020 (83) June 2020 (92) May 2020 (86) April 2020 (104) March 2020 (105) February 2020 (74) January 2020 (75) December 2019 (75) November 2019 (70) October 2019 (89) September 2019 (69) August 2019 (81) July 2019 (77) June 2019 (73) May 2019 (110) April 2019 (110) March 2019 (102) February 2019 (85) January 2019 (123) December 2018 (116) November 2018 (112) October 2018 (121) September 2018 (107) August 2018 (150) July 2018 (163) June 2018 (190) May 2018 (145) April 2018 (112) March 2018 (124) February 2018 (113) January 2018 (164) December 2017 (150) November 2017 (144) October 2017 (169) September 2017 (171) August 2017 (135) July 2017 (131) June 2017 (147) May 2017 (160) April 2017 (138) March 2017 (156) February 2017 (143) January 2017 (203) December 2016 (208) November 2016 (185) October 2016 (173) September 2016 (194) August 2016 (232) July 2016 (225) June 2016 (238) May 2016 (231) April 2016 (215) March 2016 (246) February 2016 (226) January 2016 (252) December 2015 (230) November 2015 (250) October 2015 (234) September 2015 (222) August 2015 (253) July 2015 (275) June 2015 (279) May 2015 (223) April 2015 (226) March 2015 (243) February 2015 (258) January 2015 (281) December 2014 (292) November 2014 (296) October 2014 (413) September 2014 (472) August 2014 (506) July 2014 (483) June 2014 (488) May 2014 (512) April 2014 (497) March 2014 (531) February 2014 (482) January 2014 (535) December 2013 (482) November 2013 (441) October 2013 (416) September 2013 (491) August 2013 (521) July 2013 (491) June 2013 (470) May 2013 (457) April 2013 (426) March 2013 (420) February 2013 (414) January 2013 (489) December 2012 (433) November 2012 (504) October 2012 (469) September 2012 (430) August 2012 (427) July 2012 (360) June 2012 (336) May 2012 (362) April 2012 (322) March 2012 (263) February 2012 (224) January 2012 (291) December 2011 (295) November 2011 (325) October 2011 (330) September 2011 (319) August 2011 (333) July 2011 (318) June 2011 (387) May 2011 (373) April 2011 (389) March 2011 (375) February 2011 (335) January 2011 (400) December 2010 (445) November 2010 (395) October 2010 (312) September 2010 (262) August 2010 (277) July 2010 (323) June 2010 (386) May 2010 (360) April 2010 (333) March 2010 (351) February 2010 (336) January 2010 (384) December 2009 (353) November 2009 (300) October 2009 (308) September 2009 (350) August 2009 (298) July 2009 (255) June 2009 (203) May 2009 (193) April 2009 (186) March 2009 (197) February 2009 (173) January 2009 (148) December 2008 (181) November 2008 (197) October 2008 (236) September 2008 (304) August 2008 (314) July 2008 (273) June 2008 (27) May 2008 (1) April 2008 (6) October 2007 (1) May 2007 (1) April 2007 (6) March 2007 (2) February 2007 (1) October 2006 (1) September 2006 (1) August 2006 (4) July 2006 (4) June 2006 (1) July 2005 (1) May 2005 (2) March 2005 (1) June 2004 (2) May 2004 (1) April 2004 (4) March 2004 (2) February 2004 (2) July 2003 (2) June 2003 (5)
Guwahati/Agartala, May 29 (IANS) As many as 155 Indians deported by Kuwait landed in Guwahati in Assam on Friday and would be quarantined, officials said.

According to health and security officials, 52 deportees are from Tripura and 103 from Assam.

Swab samples of all the returnees would be tested and they would remain in mandatory quarantine.

"Under the Vande Bharat Mission for northeast India, a Jazeera Airways flight with 155 deportees arrived at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati on Friday evening," an official of the Airport Authority of India said.

An Assam government health official in Guwahati said that the deportees would be quarantined and legal proceedings and formalities would start thereafter.

In Agartala, Tripura Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that the Tripura deportees left for the state capital in two buses and their swab samples would be tested before sending them to a quarantine centre soon after their arrival in the city.

Quoting an External Affairs Ministry communication, Nath said that all the deportees were in Kuwaiti jails for violation of that country's laws.

--IANS

sc/tsb
Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed has cried out that he is currently battling gang up from people he had worked with before becoming governor.

Read Also: No Business With Anyone Outside Bauchi Henceforth  Bala Mohammed Tells Residents

He made this known in a chat with journalists on Friday, 29th May during the celebration of his one year in office.

He said:

Advertisement

We are doing our best and we are not doing it to be praised; we are doing it because we have to do it so as to free resources.

My commissioners are complaining but we have to make sacrifices because we are bogged down by a feeling of gratitude to God and the people of Bauchi for what they have done for me.

Im the most investigated and denigrated person but the people have faith in me. Ive faced opposition; even now Im suffering from a gang-up.

A gang-up by even people that I have worked with to come to this level, Mohammed said.
The British patient is treated at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

The 43-year-old pilot, who was named by the Scottish Daily Mail as Stephen Cameron, was connected to the Buddha Bar coronavirus cluster in Ho Chi Minh City's district 2.

Doctor Tran Thanh Linh, deputy head of HCM City-based Cho Ray Hospitals intensive care unit, said after reducing doses of muscle relaxants and reducing sedatives, Cameron is now capable of performing simple gestures, while still on life support.

He was previously declared treated of the coronavirus on May 21 following many negative tests, but the disease has devastated his immune system and resulted in multiple organ failures.

His coughing has improved and he can move his fingers and toes, although breathing and limb weakness remain issues.

Cameron is no longer on kidney dialysis, however.

His lung functions have improved quite a bit compared to the worst moments during his treatment for the virus at the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, where he has been treated for COVID-19 since he was confirmed to be infected, but these improvements are not enough, doctors said.

Linh said in two days, the Cho Ray Hospital will hold consultations with the treatment sub-committee of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Control and Prevention to determine if it is okay to wean him off of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or stop the treatment altogether.

British Consul General in HCM City Ian Gibbons on May 21 sent a letter to HCM Citys leaders and medical staff to thank for their support for British nationals, especially the excellent care for Cameron.


Suffolk couple's missionary move to Japan Suffolk couple's missionary move to Japan

In March, shortly before the coronavirus lockdown hit the UK, Suffolk couple David and Manuela Pawson were heading for Japan as missionaries with OMF International.
(Newser)  A so-called "urban explorer" crept into the house of a murdered billionaire couple last year and saw a lot more than he bargained for, the Toronto Star reports. The explorer, who remains unidentified, slipped into Barry and Honey Sherman's home in Toronto just before it was demolished last May. "I figured a lot of stuff would have been taken out by Toronto Police, sent to an auction house or saved by family members, but that wasnt really the case," he says. "There was stuff everywhere, furniture, clothes, artwork, books, personal letters, memos, photos of the deceased, the works ... To me, a lot of it looked like evidence. I was surprised." He showed the Star photos and videos of his discovery, but didn't grant permission to publish them.

story continues below

So was evidence buried with the house only days later? Police say they combed through the property and removed 50 boxes of stuff. A Sherman family lawyer, who has criticized the police investigation, says the "siblings spent countless days" at the property "sorting and donating everything which was salvageable." Yet the explorer saw notes regarding appointments and sheafs of papers on a table; he also spotted holes punched in a wall as if "somebody was looking for something." The Shermans' son and three daughters inherited billions after the murder and sold off much of Barry's drug-manufacturing firm, Apotex, the Daily Mail reported last year. As for urban exploration, an explorer's blog post calls it "a hobby" focused on "exploring parts of civilization that are typically off limits." (A "mystery man" visited the Shermans for 29 minutes.)
By Express News Service

A one-year-old girl was among four people who tested positive for the coronavirus in Kozhikode in Kerala on Saturday.

The toddler, a native of Koduvalli, arrived along with her mother from Qatar on May 18 and was under home quarantine.

When she developed symptoms, she along with her mother was shifted to Kozhikode Medical College hospital on May 28 and a swab test was done.

Her mother's test result is awaited.

The other cases in Kozhikode are a 48-year-old who came from Chennai, another 48-year old who also came from Chennai and a 64-year-old who arrived at Kannur Airport from Riyadh.

Another 54 people tested positive across Kerala, including seven Air India crew members.

Thrissur district saw the most number of new cases with 10 being reported while Palakkad saw nine and Kannur eight fresh cases.

The active cases in Kerala now are 624.

A total of 130157 people are in quarantine in the state.

On Friday, nearly 90 per cent of the 62 people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the state had come from abroad and other states in the country.

The others who tested positive include two crew members of the Air India, two jail inmates, a health worker and another person who was infected through contact.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said then that this was expected when relaxations were brought in.

"The containment plan was made accordingly, he said. Just one among those who tested positive on Friday was infected through contact. We should now focus on preventing the spread of the disease through the infected. For this, we are increasing the number of tests," he said.

ALSO SEE:
Chad Stahelski waxes lyrical about Lana Wachowski and The Matrix 4 (Image by Warner Bros)

Chad Stahelski has opened up about collaborating with Lana Wachowski on the hugely anticipated fourth installment to The Matrix franchise.

Stahelski rose to prominence thanks to his work as Keanu Reeves stunt double in the original film, before going on to be the stunt coordinator on The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions. Since then he has directed all three installments to the John Wick franchise.

Read More: Keanu Reeves has to finish 'Matrix 4' before starting 'John Wick 4' causing year-long delay

But he jumped at the opportunity to work on a Matrix 4 sequence after being approached by Lana Wachowski. Especially since, as he told The Hollywood Reporter, Wachowski and her fantastic mind make one of the most unique people he has ever worked with in the industry.

Shes got some really great ideas. She knows the visual style. She knows what shes trying to say in the sequence. She wants to collaborate and see how high you can take it in collaboration.

Director Chad Stahelski arrives for a screening of the movie "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" in Los Angeles, California, U.S. May 15, 2019. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

She comes with this idea. She comes with this set piece. She comes with, This is the character. This is whats happening. This is the conflict. This is where I need him to be emotionally or psychologically or whatever plot-wise at the end of this sequence. What do you got in your bag of tricks to make it absolutely crazy?

Stahelski is clearly being challenged by Wachowski, too. The duo spend day after day bouncing ideas off of each other in order to make the set piece bigger, better, cooler, with Stahelski admitting that she usually ends up one-upping his ideas.

Read More: Explosion on 'Matrix 4' set causes damage to street in San Francisco

Shes probably still the most challenging person, in a good way, that Ive ever worked with because shes always taking your ideas and going, Okay, how do we make it better?

For Stahelski, she is the perfect person to build upon The Matrix trilogy, which she created with her sister Lilly Wachowski, as she fully understands what the fans want.

All I can say about what shes doing on the next Matrix is, if you love the Matrix trilogy, youre going to love what shes doing because shes brilliant and fun and understands what the fans want.
The Ghana AIDS Commissions (GAC) Technical Support Unit (TSU) for the Upper West Region has called for an end to stigmatization against Persons Living With HIV (PLHIV).



The practice, they said put the public on high risk of contracting the disease.



According to the TSU, stigma made people afraid to test and even those that tested positive were reluctant to disclose their status to their loved ones and also feared seeking health care, thereby posing high risk to the public and their own health.



Mr Dramani Yakubu, the Upper West Regional Coordinator of the TSU called for an end to stigmatization against PLHIV during a joint sensitization programme initiated by the Women in Agriculture Programme of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).



He said PLHIV could equally engage in both animal and crop farming as they posed no risk in those areas, adding that just like all of us they equally had their rights protected in the laws of Ghana.



The HIV and AIDS sensitization, which took place at Varempare and Gudayiri communities in the Wa West and Wa East Districts respectively is a key outcome of the capacity building provided by the TSU to the MoFA staff to enhance the commitment and collaboration between the two institutions.



Famers and community members in both villages were taken through basic facts on HIV and AIDS including; how the virus can be contracted and transmitted; self and joint preventive guidelines against the infection; treatment and care as well as the importance of knowing ones HIV status.



There was also condom promotion and demonstration on how to wear both male and female condoms correctly and consistently while encouraging farmers to test and know their status and how that could be done through the health facilities at both communities.



Mr Yakubu noted that any farmer or community member just like all of us was at risk of contracting HIV unless they took preventive measures such as; Abstinence, mutual faithfulness to uninfected partner(s), consistent and correct condom use and being on medication if already positive.



He added that good knowledge of HIV and AIDS prevented misconceptions and helped in informed decision making.



He noted that PLHIV required adequate food and good nutrition for smooth adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).



Mr Yakubu advocated a number of things for PLHIV including; accepting and integrating them into communities; support for those of them that were food insecure; and release of farm lands to infected persons interested in farming especially women in agriculture.



Both communities were pleased with the team for the sensitization and indicated that it was an eye opener as majority of them used to hold on to the belief that HIV and AIDS was only associated with those in towns and cities.



Furthermore, they believed that none of them had HIV when in reality they have not tested to ascertain their status, saying the sensitization had helped dispelled that erroneous belief.

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.

Featured Video
A group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of leading Nigeria 60 years in his five years of leadership of the country. The group in a statement in Abuja by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, noted that as Nigerians observed a low key fifth year anniversary of the current administration headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, it has been observed that due to cumulative inaction and systemic inefficiency, Nigerias national security has become so endangered as thousands of Nigerians are slaughtered by all kinds of freelance armed hoodlums and terrorists whilst the Government has failed to put an end to these killings.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), therefore, lamented that the current government has dragged Nigeria backwards in terms of all identifiable human development indices by about 60 years or more.

The Rights group said the state of human rights violations in the past five years has assumed epic proportions just as impunity, lawlessness and lack of respect for the sanctity of human life have become so widespread that much parts of Nigeria are currently in a state of civil war just as hundreds of armed mass killers are getting away with their dastardly acts of genocides waged against communities all across the Country with the North West and North East of Nigeria becoming killing fields.

In the Statement, the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, declared that it is laughable that whereas the federal government identifies the Boko Haram insurgency group as terrorists, it has rather chosen to treat armed Fulani herdsmen and the murderous attackers in the North West States of Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto as mere armed bandits. The Rights group decried that the statement by President Muhammadu Buhari describing the killings of Christians and farmers in Southern Kaduna by Armed Fulani herdsmen as a revenge attacks does not communicate to the global community that the government is willing to crack down on all terrorists carrying out mass killings of Nigerians irrespective of their religious or Ethnic orientations.

HURIWA said it is sad that in the last five years, the current administration has treated with kid gloves cases of coordinated killings orchestrated and choreographed by armed Fulani herdsmen in Benue, Plateau, Enugu, Delta with the clear failure of either the Federal Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami, or the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to prosecute and punish armed Fulani herdsmen arrested with sophisticated weapons and paraded by the Nigeria Police in Abuja.

We have a government that in the last five years has failed in the basic task of preventing mass killings and genocides. Sadly, whenever these suspected mass killers are arrested these terrorists arrested with sophisticated weapons of mass destruction and paraded by the Inspector General of Police the whole drama ends as showmanship just as the exact whereabouts of these paraded armed Fulani herdsmen are not disclosed to any one and the spate of killings have continued in an unending vicious circle of violent and blood cuddling attacks, HURIWA stated.

The group also said that the killing of 74 Nigerians in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area Council of Sokoto State by over 100 armed terrorists could not have happened if the current administration had applied and deployed a single national template on counter terror war, noting that the dastardly act of killings of innocent villagers in Sokoto could not have happened had the current administration decisively prosecuted all suspected mass murderers rather than the policy of appeasement that the government has used.

HURIWA said that in the area of the economy, the current administration has unleashed the worst kind of mass poverty, unemployment and youth involvement in crimes that have never been seen ever before in recorded history.

In the last five years, the nations manufacturing sector has suffered spectacular setbacks following the progressive collapses of strategic national infrastructures like electricity, federal roads network and maintenance of law and order. HURIWA said. The group added: the varying degradation of national infrastructures has resulted in the shutting down of industries and small and medium sized businesses thereby compounding the crisis of unemployment in Nigeria.
UPDATE: (Associated Press)

A rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musks SpaceX company has lifted off with two Americans on a history-making flight to the International Space Station.

The spacecraft took off Saturday afternoon from the same launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, that was used during the Apollo missions to the moon a half-century ago.

The flight ushers in a new era in commercial space travel and marks the first time NASA has launched astronauts from U.S. soil in nearly a decade.

PREVIOUS:

As experts continue to monitor weather conditions, SpaceX continues preparing for Saturday's planned historic launch - the first time a private company has attempted to send NASA astronauts into space, and the first launch from American soil since 2011.

After Wednesday's attempt was scrubbed due to lightning, the Associated Press reports that forecasters set the odds of good conditions today at 50/50.

PHOTOS: See NASA's space suits through the years

At a target time of 2:22 p.m. CTD, NASA and SpaceX will launch the first commercially-built and operated American rocket and spacecraft carrying astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station during the SpaceX Demo-2 test flight.

Hurley said on Twitter that dealing with delays and cancellations is something astronauts are used to.

"On my first flight STS-127 on Shuttle Endeavour, we scrubbed 5 times over the course of a month for technical and weather challenges. All launch commit criteria is developed way ahead of any attempt. This makes the correct scrub/launch decision easier in the heat of the moment."

The Houston Chronicle's Andrea Leinfelder has more on the mission and why watching the weather is so important for a safe and successful launch.
The Ekiti state government has announced that it generated not less than N2 million from imposing fines on over 100 people who defied the lockdown imposed on the state.

This was made known by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-kolade while assuring residents that the states molecular laboratory would become functional by Monday, June 1.

The Lagos state police command has confirmed the arrest of its officer who allegedly fired and killed a 16-year-old girl named Tina in Iyana Oworo area of the state. Bala Elkana, the state police spokesman confirmed his arrest via a statement on his official Twitter handle on Friday.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) has announced a scheme which will see unemployed youths in rural areas earning N20,000 per month. He said N46.2 billion has been voted for the payment of the 774,000 people to be engaged under the special public works programme.

Advertisement

The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has dedicated his first year in office to all frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu while speaking during the first anniversary of his tenure in office, acknowledged the work and support of health workers at this period.

A 16-year-old girl named Tina has reportedly met her untimely death after a trigger happy police shot her. According to a Twitter user @Mohammedblack who shared the story, the young girl died at the hospital.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Governor Nasir El-rufai to open churches in the State. Recall that the Kaduna State Government had lockdown the state for 30 days some weeks ago, including worship centres, in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus.

National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus says President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, five-year-old administration has been a total waste. Secondus said this in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, titled Five years of Buhari- The Road that should not have been followed.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out the case against Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Adeleke was charged to court by the Federal Government over alleged exam malpractice.

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has declared support for the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina. Obi urged Africa and state governments to rally round and support Adesina to avoid consequences

Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide all under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, has given his own summary of President Muhammadu Buharis five years in office.

Reno described the five years of Buharis rule as sorrow, tears and blood.

The staunch critic of the President went on to give reasons for his assertion.

Buhari Emergence In 2015 Plunged Nigeria Into Destruction  Fani-Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has described the rule of President Muhammadu Buhari for the last five years as disastrous.

Fani-Kayode expressed that he could see nothing more than sorrow, bloodshed, poverty, despair and diseases as products of President Buharis 5-year stay at the Presidential Villa.

The federal government has scored the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari high in the area of security and power supply in the last one year.

The minister for culture and information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made this known during his press conference address to mark the first year of Buharis second term in office.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday while reacting to a report by Amnesty International accusing the military of arresting and torturing children that escaped from Book Haram custody. According to him, Amnesty International was only trying to undermine the success and efforts of the Nigerian military in the fight against insurgency.
Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all.

Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.

By Robert Garrova and Chava Sanchez

The death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis this week, and the ensuing protests and riots around the U.S., have become top of mind for millions of Americans, even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rip through the country.

Floyd's killing comes at a time when communities of color are reeling from the coronavirus pandemic -- including African Americans, who in L.A. County and elsewhere are dying from COVID-19 at a rate that outpaces their share of the population. Communities of color have also suffered disproportional job losses due to the economic fallout. Floyd, in fact, had lost his job to the coronavirus crisis.

Floyd died Monday night after police officer Derek Chauvin pinned his neck to the pavement for almost nine minutes. Police detailned him after a report that someone had tried to pay for a purchase with a fake $20 bill.

It is the most recent in a long string of killings of black men, including the February shooting of Ahmaud Arbery while he was jogging in Georgia. Two white men, a father and son who claimed they were trying to make a citizen's arrest, have since been charged with Arbery's murder after video of the shooting became public.

Wearing a mask as she went about her day in front of Crenshaw Plaza, Jean Rucker talked about how she felt about Chauvin, who along with three other police officers was fired from his job and has now been charged with third-degree murder in connection with Floyd's death.

Rucker did not mince words -- she was angry: "That was just terrible. They're fired? They should be executed. Had that been me -- and I'm not a cop -- they would have threw me under the jail and hung me the next day. It's so sad."

Donzella Taylor believes what happened in Minneapolis is terrible but she hasn't been able to reflect on it much because she's been dealing with her own tragedy: she said her son was removed from her care and placed in the foster system. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)

Just up the street on her way to the post office, Donzella Taylor said she was taking things day by day. She said she was more worried about her son -- who she said was taken into foster care -- than coronavirus. But she had put some thought into the news of protests and rioting in Minneapolis, which she didn't agree with.

"They shouldn't act like that," Taylor said. "They should just let the authorities handle it, it's not going to solve anything."

Joelle Earle who co-owns Earle's on Crenshaw says the first thing on his mind every morning this week has been the death of George Floyd. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)

Joelle Earle, co-owner of the hot dog place Earle's on Crenshaw, was shoveling down his lunch, wearing a Earle's t-shirt. Earle said he's bracing for an economic downturn from the coronavirus crisis, along the lines of the Great Recession of the late 2000s.

"We're still trying to recover from that," Earle said. "And I mean this, the coronavirus, this is unprecedented."

As for the protests in Minneapolis and the death of George Floyd, he said, the underlying problems have always been there -- coronavirus has just taken our attention away for a while.

"Now we remember that the world is messed up," Earle said. "It always was that way, it's just now you're hearing about again as life is somewhat returning to normal."

READ MORE:

WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
Washington, May 31 : Scripting a historic chapter for the US space programme, Elon Musk-run SpaceX on Saturday sent two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) onboard the reusable Falcon 9 rocket.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley was on its way to the orbiting laboratory in the space and had safely reached orbit, NASA said in a statement.

It is the first time that astronauts have been sent into space from the US soil since 2011.

It is also the first time that US astronauts have been sent into space by a private company, signalling an end to the US dependence on the Russian space technology.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the same site used for the first moon landing in 1969, reports CNN.

"I can't believe it with my own eyes. I'm so grateful they're up there," said SpaceX engineer Lauren Lyons, who frequently hosts SpaceX's mission webcasts.

The journey would take approximately 19 hours and the astronauts should reach the space station at around 10.30 ET (eastern time) on Sunday, according to NASA.

After successfully docking, Behnken and Hurley will be welcomed aboard station and will become members of the Expedition 63 crew.

They will perform tests on Crew Dragon in addition to conducting research and other tasks with the space station crew.

Earlier, NASA and SpaceX postponed historic launch of two astronauts to space from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday due to bad weather.

This is the first-ever crewed mission for SpaceX, nearly a decade after the US government retired the space shuttle programme in 2011.

Although the Crew Dragon being used for this flight test can stay in orbit about 110 days, the specific mission duration will be determined once on station based on the readiness of the next commercial crew launch, said NASA.

The operational Crew Dragon spacecraft will be capable of staying in orbit for at least 210 days as a NASA requirement.

Upon conclusion of the mission, Crew Dragon will autonomously undock with the two astronauts on board, depart the space station and re-enter the Earth's atmosphere.

Upon splashdown just off Florida's Atlantic Coast, the crew will be picked up at sea by SpaceX's Go Navigator recovery vessel and return to Cape Canaveral.

This Demo-2 mission is the final major step before NASA's Commercial Crew Programme certifies Crew Dragon for operational, long-duration missions to the space station, laying the groundwork for future exploration of the Moon and Mars starting with the agency's Artemis programme, which will land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface in 2024.
BRIDGEPORT  Two people agreed to be arrested during peaceful protests in Bridgeport Saturday that prompted the shutdown of a busy highway for several hours.

The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd on Monday after a Minneapolis police office knelt on his neck for for more than eight minutes while he was handcuffed, face down and saying he could not breathe.

Saturday marked day two of protests in Connecticut, with more than 100 people gathered near the Town Hall in Stratford, hundreds in Middletown and Bridgeport, and thousands in Hartford.

On Friday, the chief told Hearst Connecticut Media he had been watching the scene in Minneapolis  calling Floyds death a tragedy  to ensure the city was prepared for protests.

By around 12:20 p.m. Saturday, Perez confirmed there was a nice, peaceful protest underway.

He said the gatherers started their rally downtown. He said the police department has officers assigned to the protest detail to ensure the safety of the group and the public.

At the McLevy Green in downtown, protesters spoke to officials, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who said the group was there fighting for justice.

A new generation helps lead America in demanding accountability, Blumenthal said in a post on Twitter later that afternoon. Ill work for a Department of Justice investigation and Senate Judiciary hearings. Thanks to young activists in Bridgeport and others around Connecticut, calling for accountability and justice. Your voices are so powerful.

From the area of McLevy Green, the scores of protesters made their way from downtown to the police department at 300 Congress St.

Thats fine, were escorting them there, Perez said around 12:20 p.m.

From there, the group marched to police headquarters on Congress Street, where they became agitated and knocked down the barriers to the site and gained acess by force to the exterior doors of the police station, said Scott Appleby, the citys director of emergency communications and emergency management.

Officers did not engage protesters and returned to the building prior to the breach, Appleby said.

He said the protesters were asked to go back outside but refused the order.

Protesters forcefully moved further into the facility when BPD deployed pepper spray to deter breach into headquarters, Appleby said. The use of this tactic was announced twice with the request for protesters to exit before being disseminated. There were no serious injuries caused by the spray and the individuals left the facility to return to the demonstration outside.

But within a few hours, that protest spread onto the lanes of travel of Route 8 north and south in the area of Exit 2 and Exit 3.

The highway was closed around 3:15 p.m.

According to a post on Facebook, protesters out on the highway included the Justice for Jayson organization, formed in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jayson Negron by Bridgeport Police Officer James Boulay.

Connecticut State Police announced that Exit 27A of I-95 north and south were closed and Route 8 norths Exit 1 on ramp was closed in Bridgeport.

Your voice will be heard, state police said in regards to the protesters in a post on Twitter alerting travelers to the closures.

As the highway was shut down, Bridgeport police tweeted that it commended the city community for hosting a peaceful and meaningful protest.

Feelings of frustration and heartache are validated by what we saw, as to the need for change, the Bridgeport Police Department said in a post on Twitter. We are united on these matters.

Later Saturday night, Perez described the protest in the city as peaceful overall.

Theres a lot of anger out there. We ourselves are very upset, Perez said of his department. We would have marched with them if we had the opportunity  Bridgeport PD is not the enemy. We dont like what happened (to George Floyd). Were appalled.

Brian Foley, spokesman for the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said the demonstration on Route 8 in Bridgeport was peaceful.

Around 7:30 p.m., Foley said after having traffic shut down on the highway for more than three hours and with state police giving three separate requests for them to clear the roadway or be arrested, two protesters agree to be peacefully and respectfully charged.

Foley said their charges will likely be disorderly conduct; he said theyll likely be released on promises to appear.

By 7:40 p.m., the highway reopened to traffic. State police said there were no reports of injuries or damage to property during the highway shutdown.
According to US contracts released on May 29, 2020, General Dynamics-OTS, Williston, Vermont, was awarded a $3,420,531,156 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price) contract for production and engineering services for Hydra-70 rocket systems.

Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link



U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aaron Osoy, aircraft ordnance technician, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, loads a Hydra 70 rocket into an LAU-68 rocket launcher, attached to the Bell AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopter at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 2, 2018. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The Hydra 70 rocket is a 2.75-inch (70 mm) diameter fin-stabilized unguided rocket used primarily in the air-to-ground role. It can be equipped with a variety of warheads, and in more recent versions, guidance systems for point attacks. The Hydra 70 is derived from the 2.75-inch (70 mm) diameter Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is the system integrator of the 2.75-inch (70mm) Hydra-70 family of rockets. These rockets include unitary and cargo warheads for use against point and area targets, providing the user a lethal and lightweight weapon system with multi-mission capability.

The rocket system contains three components: the MK66 MOD 4 rocket motor, one of the nine warheads, and the associated point-detonating, omnidirectional, remote-set fuze(s). When these components are combined, they provide a tailor-made solution to the warfighters situational requirements.

Warheads are available in training, unitary, or cargo configurations. Fitted to the MK66 MOD 4 motor, these warheads provide low-cost munitions capable of area suppression and defeating threats at extended ranges, as well as providing battlefield obscuration, illumination and marking.

Hydra-70 provides the Army with affordable firepower matched to the mission for effective engagements and area suppression of a long list of lower-value targets on the battlefield.

General Dynamics has produced more than five million Hydra-70 rockets since 1996 in support of the Armys Joint Attack Munition Systems Project Office. Hydra-70 fires from the existing seven and 19-tube launchers and can be mounted on most rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including Apache, Cobra, and F-16.
Diners walking into a restaurant might be able to tell a lot about how the establishment is mitigating the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus. They can see the servers in masks, the touchless systems many are offering for payment, the frequent disinfection by staff of commonly touched surfaces.

But there's one thing they can't see that could play a part: The air around them.

By now, we're used to staying six feet from others, per social-distancing recommendations. For months, public health experts have described the virus as being primarily transmitted through droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze to nearby people or surfaces.

Lately, research and discussion has focused on airborne transmission over longer distances. Some scientists say covid-19 can spread by traveling in small particles called aerosols.

"That evidence is building right now," says Chad Roy, director of infectious-disease aerobiology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center. "It's not as prominent a pathway [as droplets or infected surfaces], but it's one we need to pay attention to."

How the virus is transmitted might be more important in restaurants than in many other venues, notes L. James Lo, an assistant professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia who studies airflow and how viruses circulate, because people linger there far longer than they do in, say, a grocery store. Exposure to the virus can come from encountering a high dose for a short time or a low dose over a longer period, he says.

"In a restaurant, you're enjoying your dinner and spending more time, which means you are stuck with the same people for a long time."

As restaurants reopen their dining rooms, here are experts' answers to some of the questions would-be diners might have about the air around them.

Q: Should you sit inside or out?

A: Public health experts are recommending alfresco activities, including dining, over indoor ones. The virus is quickly diluted in fresh air, Roy notes. "It's much easier to socially distance outdoors," which is the most effective preventive measure (along with washing your hands), says Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. "You can space tables farther," he says.

Cities around the world are moving to accommodate more people engaging in open-air activities. Some are closing off streets to cars to allow more room for pedestrians and additional patio seating for restaurants. The Lithuanian capital of Vilnius is allowing bars and restaurants to take over public spaces, essentially turning the city into a massive outdoor cafe across its plazas and squares. And San Francisco's mayor just approved a plan to allow eateries to apply for permits to use sidewalks and parking lanes once dine-in service is allowed.

Completely open-air dining is safest; covered patios are better than indoors, Lo says. "The more obstruction for natural air movement, the less flushed-out the air is going to be," he says.

Q: Can air-conditioning systems spread the virus?

A: The short answer is that it's possible but unlikely, according to experts.

A recent study of an incident that took place at a restaurant in China, where the virus originated, found nine people were infected with covid-19 by a diner sitting near an air-conditioning vent. A study of the transmission, published in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention journal, showed how one diner infected diners at adjoining tables, as droplets containing the virus were apparently carried by the air conditioning.

Four people at the person's table later tested positive for covid-19, as well as five people at neighboring tables, some as far as 14 feet away.

Scientists caution that the study documents a single incident and note that the restaurant's air conditioning system was very different from those used by U.S. restaurants. "The ventilation was one-tenth of what it should be if you use standards that apply to most U.S. restaurants," says William Bahnfleth, a professor of architectural engineering at Pennsylvania State University and chairman of the epidemic task force convened by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. He pointed to a later analysis and simulation of the incident indicating poor ventilation was the culprit.

Without fresh air from outside, "the infected diner was putting out infectious material, and there was nowhere for it to go," he says. There is no known instance of a coronavirus transmission through an HVAC system in the United States, he notes.

Q: So what systems are best?

A: According to experts, two functions of air-conditioning systems can help prevent the spread of a virus: Ventilation - fresh air coming in to the building from outside - and filtration, or removing small particles from the air.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Standard systems used in most commercial and public buildings, including restaurants, do both and "limit risk of aerosol transmission of covid-19," Bahnfleth says.

The engineering society, which develops standards used in building codes around the country, is still recommending building owners take steps to further reduce risks. Those include increasing the amount of outside air being brought in, Bahnfleth says.

Under most current codes, a restaurant should replace all of its air with outside air about once every hour, or what's called an "air exchange rate" of one. The society is recommending upping that to three times an hour, Lo notes.

The problem for diners is that it's almost impossible to assess the technical specs of a restaurant's HVAC system to understand the risk. "They shouldn't have to do that," Roy says. Instead, he suggests using "a reasonable-person standard."

"If a place feels stuffy, maybe it's not a great idea to stay there," he says.

As they reopen dining rooms, some restaurants have touted their filtration or air "scrubbing" systems along with other measures meant to stop the virus's spread. But some experts say such claims might be more about marketing than meaningful risk-reduction. "What you're going to see is restaurants trying to distinguish themselves from each other, and a lot are going to go above and beyond what the science says is necessary," Adalja says. "They are trying to entice people to come to their place."

Q: Where should diners sit inside?

The coronavirus might redefine what makes a table the best seat in the house. If you do decide to dine inside a restaurant, Lo suggests nabbing a seat by an open window if there is one; that's the next-best thing to being outdoors. Bahnfleth, however, cautions that open windows create "unpredictable flow directions" - that is, while fresh air is coming into the room, air from inside has to go out somewhere, and that could be the window you're sitting by.

Barring that, seek out a table that is near the AC register or vent where air is being pumped in and diffused around the space - that's where you'll find the most fresh air, Lo advises.

Though it seems counterintuitive to dine at a restaurant and avoid your fellow man, that's exactly what you should aim for, whether you're inside or out, experts agree. Sneezing and coughing can launch viral particles beyond the six feet being recommended for distancing, they say. Airborne transmission could mean they travel even farther. Most restaurants that are reopening are doing so at reduced capacity to prevent crowding.

The best seat, then, is the one that puts as much space as possible between you and other diners (at least those you're not quarantining with). As Lo puts it, "Just try to stay away from other people - farther is likely safer."
Going for a half-and-half View(s):

As we have been stuck at home for weeks under the lockdown set up, sometimes we had to look for different meals from outside for various reasons. One evening, we also placed an order for a meal from a pizza restaurant. Here comes pizza, and they were half-and-half pizza.

Usually the customers visiting a pizza restaurant  physically or virtually, have to make up their mind for a difficult choice among varieties of pizza: Tandoori chicken, chicken Hawaiian, BBQ chicken, hot butter cuttlefish, spicy seafood, devilled beef and many other. If your group is large and if there are many youth and children, it is going to be very difficult to accommodate everyones specific preferences. You cannot choose so many pizzas for each one, because no one is going to eat that much.

Restaurant managers know the different tastes among their different customers so that they also innovate new ways to accommodate differences in customer preferences, while expanding the range of choices. One way of accommodating two preferences in one pizza  two-in-one  is to offer half-and-half pizza. For a full half-and-half pizza, you can combine your most preferred two varieties in half and half, but I believe no more than two halves.

Half and half in one

That evening I had to engage in an online communication in which someone has started admiring the beauty of the import substitution policy and praising the emerging opportunities to revive that policy again under the COVID pandemic issue. Import substitution swept across the developing countries as the main development policy thrust until the 1970s. It was referred to as a set of policies that were used by the governments to push production for the home market. The products for the home market were, in other words, the substitutes for imports so that the policy was called import substitution policy.

I responded: For the past two and half centuries since the time of Adam Smith, the economists know that economic progress is limited by the size of the market. The size of the home market is too small to generate incomes and create jobs! If it is too small even for China with 1.4 billion people and for India with 1.3 billion people, how can it be big enough for a country like Sri Lanka with just 21 million people?

I received a counter argument: We need both; we need to balance our development strategy with both import substitution and export promotion policies. We dont need export promotion by destroying our import substitution activities, just as the way that we shouldnt forget exports when we promote import substitution.

Thats a half-and-half strategy. It has worked well with pizza, but not with an economy. Import substitution requires protection and export promotion requires liberalisation. When we have to design the overall policy environment, we cannot have half-and-half in one economy.

One stone, two birds!

It is not necessary to look around the world for evidence to prove the point, as Sri Lankas own experience is full of case studies. Before, we turn to the question why the two-in-one strategy doesnt work for a country, lets bring some evidence from Sri Lanka itself.

Sri Lankas import substitution policy commenced after 1956. At the beginning the import controls were brought into effect not necessarily for import substitution, but for the emerging foreign exchange shortages. Thus, import controls were identified as one stone for knocking down two birds  saving foreign exchange and protecting import substitution production. At the initial stages there were import substitution opportunities which started to dry up quickly. In spite of that, the overall import substitution policy environment got strengthened since the early 1960s. And the worsening foreign exchange problem forced the country to move further into import a substitution drive under tightening import controls.

Since the mid-1960s, here comes the two-in-one policy! While import substitution policy continued to remain on the one hand, export promotion was introduced on the other hand  the so-called non-traditional export drive. A duty rebate scheme was designed in 1964 to refund the duties paid on imported inputs into exports. A Bonus Voucher Scheme (BVS) was introduced in 1966 allowing exporters of non-traditional exports to use 20 per cent of their export earnings to finance restricted imports. In the same year, an incentive package was presented to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), though investors never responded to it.

The introduction of a dual exchange rate system in 1968 was a remarkable policy measure to accommodate both import controls and export incentives side by side. Under the dual exchange rate system, known as the Foreign Exchange Entitlement Certificate (FEEC), the special exchange rate applied to both non-essential imports and non-traditional exports was 45 per cent above the official exchange rate. The special rate was increased further to 65 per cent above the official exchange rate in 1972. A Convertible Rupee Account (CRA) was introduced in 1973 in order to allow exporters to use 25 per cent of their export earnings to finance restricted imports. In addition to all these specific measures, there were government incentives and institutional arrangements to support exports of minor export crops, light engineering goods, spices, handicrafts, gems and other.

The irony was that the net economic outcome of the dual policies was dismal in either direction. The export structure that was dominated by traditional exports of tea, rubber and coconut appeared to have hardly changed even by the end of the 1970s. The country was subjected to all the economic and social evils of primary exporting countries. Neither the implementation of import substitution policy over 20 years had improved the capacity of the country to generate incomes and jobs.

Incentive structure

What matters is the overall policy environment. In any economy which has recorded higher export growth, the overall policy environment has been export-oriented and not import-substituting. We all may find sporadic cases of import substituting activities in many of the countries for various reasons. But sporadic cases, even if they are successful, do not provide a justification for an overall import-substitution policy environment. They are just the individual cases out of which we never derive any policy.

Why cant the import substitution policy and export promotion policy co-exist in a country as a two-in-one policy? It is because we cannot move in two different directions at the same time! The more powerful policy dominates the other. Import substitution policy environment means creating an incentive structure that favours the production for the home market. Then such a policy environment pulled the resources and capabilities to produce for the home market. The producers too wish to enjoy the competition-free home market that guarantees the profit margin. But progress is constrained by the size of the market they cater to.

The export-oriented policy environment means creating an incentive structure which does not discriminate between the home market and the global market, because both markets are different. The global market is unlimited and, there are other suppliers so that it is competitive. The progress is not constrained by the market size.

Why exports?

Export promotion is important not merely because it brings about foreign exchange flows, but it is the progressive path to become a rich country. As the market limitation does not constrain the progress, income growth and job creation depends on production activities which go beyond the boundaries of the home market. In fact, import substitution is a massive implicit tax on export promotion so that the half-and-half policy does not work for an economy.

By looking at the malfunctioning international trade in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown and escalating economic recessions, we cannot find good arguments to justify import substitution. Almost all developing countries were there, but abandoned it due to its miserable outcome which has convinced them more than enough. .

(The writer is a Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo and can be reached at sirimal@econ.cmb.ac.lk).
By Express News Service

MYSURU: Primary and Secondary Education Minister Suresh Kumar said the government will announce PU-II examination results before July 8 and SSLC results by July end. SSLC examinations will be held from June 25 to July 3 and the pending PU-II English paper is scheduled for June 18.

Presiding over a meeting here on Friday, he said his department is prepared to shift examination centres if they fall within containment zones. Many schools sought permission to conduct 10 days of preparatory classes and it will be decided based on the advisory from the Union government, the minister said.

Terming 2020 a corona year, he said the department will hold meetings to decide on downsizing school syllabus, readjustment of the academic calendar and holding of classes in shifts or on alternate days to maintain social distancing.

He said action will be taken against the schools which hike fees for the academic year in violation of the governments directions. Disclosing that he had written a letter to NIMHANS director seeking suggestions on online classes, he said the institute is not in favour of such an idea for children aged less than six years.

Asked whether children of primary schools in rural areas will be able to follow online classes, he said the government is yet to take a decision on the matter.
A British journalist who rose to stardom on Chinas state television is being investigated by the World Health Organisation over his role as one of its celebrity ambassadors.

James Chau, who counts Meghan Markle as a close friend, could be stripped of his goodwill ambassador title for his involvement in the airing of an alleged forced confession on Chinese state television.

The Cambridge-educated TV anchor, who has interviewed a string of stars including Sir Elton John and Sir Bob Geldof, has spent more than a decade presenting the news on China Central Televisions English-language channel.

James Chau (pictured left), a British journalist on Chinese state TV who counts Meghan Markle (right) as a close friend, is being investigated by the World Health Organisation

Chau is believed to be involved in the airing of an alleged forced confession by Peter Humphrey (pictured) in 2013. Mr Humphrey said he was drugged and locked in an iron chair before admitting to crimes of illegally sharing personal data

In 2013, Chau presented a programme that aired a confession by Peter Humphrey, a British corporate investigator working in China, who claims it was obtained under duress and he was drugged and locked in an iron chair inside a steel cage before being forced to admit crimes of illegally sharing personal data.

Mr Humphrey and his wife and business partner Yu Yingzen, who had been investigating alleged corruption at pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, claim that they were paraded in front of a camera and forced to read from a script.

Introducing footage of the confession, Chau said: The illegal acquisition and then the use of data is one of the fastest-growing crimes in this country. But police in Shanghai have knocked a chink into that.

They announced the owners of a foreign private investigation firm have been arrested on charges of illegally selling personal data belonging to Chinese nationals.

Mr Humphreys and his wife were subsequently convicted and jailed for two years. Since being deported from China, Mr Humphreys has claimed he was forced to make the confession, although it is not apparent from the footage.

Mr Humphrey (pictured) and his wife (not pictured) were subsequently convicted and jailed for two years with the British corporate investigator maintaining he was forced to confess

Chau was appointed to the largely ceremonial and unpaid WHO role in February 2016 but appointments usually last for only two years.

His title has been renewed twice by the organisations controversial director general Dr Tedros Adhanom.

WHO ambassador appointments have not been without controversy in the past. Three years ago, the WHO was forced to strip Robert Mugabe, the former Zimbabwean dictator, of his role after a backlash from human rights groups.

Chaus role as ambassador for sustainable development goals and health has seen him give speeches on behalf of the WHO and promote the organisations aims.

But civil rights activists claim that armed with the badge of legitimacy, Beijing has deployed Chau to peddle propaganda for the secretive state.

One such group, Safeguard Defenders, lodged a formal ethics complaint with the WHO in February but the organisation has only just said it will investigate Chau, according to the Financial Times.

Mr Chau could lose his 'goodwill ambassador' title given by the World Health Organisation (pictured), who are only investigating Chau on this matter

Peter Dahlin, the groups director, said: The newscasts James Chau has presented are not merely bad journalism, but have played a key part in removing suspects right to a fair trial, including for UK victims.

'The ethics code of the WHO is clear. The WHOs mandate to take action, namely to review such allegations and if proven right, remove the person from his post, is equally clear.

UN Watch, another civil rights group, has also petitioned for Chaus WHO title to be removed. Executive director Hillel Neuer said: Chau is a paid mouthpiece for Beijings totalitarian regime.

The WHO said in a statement: The matter is taken seriously, as any such complaint would be. It is currently under internal review, and therefore cannot be commented on.

Chau has also been accused of helping Beijing whitewash its handling of the coronavirus crisis with TV reports that have been entirely positive.

He has excused the states repressive measures, saying: You do what you have to do. Not everything is draconian.

Chau, 42, has also claimed that comparing Covid-19 with the Sars outbreak in 2002 exaggerated the scale and severity of the Wuhan outbreak.

In one show attacking critical articles from Western media, Chau spoke of the need to trust leaders. In another, he was invited to provide the WHO perspective and criticised America for its institutional, systemic, structural racism.

Chau also presents on CCTVs global arm China Global Television Network, which broadcasts to British audiences and boasts a sprawling regional HQ in West London.

Last week, the channel was threatened with having its right to show programmes in the UK stripped after Ofcom said it had breached impartiality rules with its coverage of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Chaus YouTube show lavishes praise on Dr Adhanom, who Chau claims has an investment of trust in China and confidence in its leadership.

Despite the backlash from human rights campaigners, Chau  who went to City of London School before Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music  has won praise from a string of famous faces, including Meghan Markle.

Referring to Chau on her blog The Tig, the Duchess of Sussex wrote in 2015: Sometimes you meet a person and just click.

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle (pictured) is believed to be a close acquaintance of Chau's and wrote very positive words about him in her blog in 2015

'You fall into an easy banter, find them equal parts inspiring and entertaining, and you feel absolutely tickled to have made a new friend. (Something that gets harder as you get older  if you were born after 1985, trust me on this). Such was the case when I met James Chau at One Young World last fall in Dublin.

Little did I know that this savvy and charming gent is a broadcaster and writer who has interviewed world figures to the likes of Winnie Mandela and Robert Mugabe; that hes an award winning journalist and news anchor who captured an audience of 85 million (yes, 85 million) for over a decade at the helm of China Central Televisions CCTV.

Many moons ago, my friend Misan told me that James and I would connect some day, and the moment we did it all made sense. James is a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, a graduate of Cambridge, and a lover of culture and arts.

'You know how I often rattle on about being the change you wish to see in the world. Well, hes the guy thats doing just that. Authentically, and passionately.

Chau did not respond to a request for comment.
By PTI

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Saturday that the lockdown in the state to contain coronavirus will be extended till June 15.

He was speaking to students from ten districts through video-conference.

"Schools would reopen after June 13. But the final decision on this would be taken after some days because we are going to extend lockdown till June 15," he said.

"(Because) We also have to deal with coronavirus," Chouhan said while telling the children about the precautions they need to take to protect themselves from the virus. The chief minister informed that the government has transferred a total of Rs 145.92 crore into the accounts of 66.27 lakh students.

The money is in lieu of mid-day meals for students which at present can not be served due to lockdown and closure of schools.
Cleveland State Community College will be hosting virtual Reconnect Information Sessions on Thursday, June 4, at 12 p.m. and Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m.

During the information session, attendees can learn more about the Tennessee Reconnect scholarship that covers eligible adults tuition to all programs at CSCC and other affordable educational opportunities, such as Pell grants and the colleges institutional scholarships.

Cleveland State wants to provide hope and options for adults in our community who have always wanted a college degree in a workforce-ready field, said Cate Green, director of Recruiting, High School Relations, and Admissions. Virtual sessions provide a unique opportunity to increase our reach into our five county service area, while still maintaining a personal face-to-face interaction.

Tennessee Reconnect is a scholarship for adults to earn an associate degree or technical certificate, tuition-free. To be eligible for the Tennessee Reconnect scholarship, you must:



Not already have an associate or bachelors degree

Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year

Be determined as an independent student on the FAFSA

We are simply doing things differently now, but we are still here to help them in any way possible," said Natalia Williams, coordinator of Adult Student Services. "We want to alleviate the pressure and stressors of college, and this virtual information session is a good opportunity to learn more about all of the resources available to students at Cleveland State."

Ms. Green continued, We look forward to continue serving Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk County residents by highlighting the many options Cleveland State offers at our three locations in Cleveland, Athens, and Vonore.

For more information, or to RSVP for the virtual Reconnect Information Session, please fill out the form found at mycs.cc/reconnectinfo. For more information on Cleveland State, visit the website at clevelandstatecc.edu.
ALBANY  Hundreds, likely thousands, filled the city's Townsend Park and crowds spilled into the streets Saturday calling for justice in the wake of the killing of Geroge Floyd, an unarmed black man, by police in Minneapolis.

The emotional but orderly crowd expressed frustration with police in general, but the protest remained peaceful. The rally included a 2.23-mile dedication distance run/walk and was organized by All of Us, Citizen Action of New York and Justice4Dahmeek.

The walk was put together weeks before Floyd's death, which occurred when a white police officer dropped his knee on Floyd's neck and held it there, according to authorities. When putting together Saturday's event the organizers thought of several people who experienced police brutality -- Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, Nina Pop in Missouri, and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Andrew Kearse in Schenectady and others.

We couldnt even get to this event without another black body dropping to the ground, said Jamaica Miles, an organizer of the community grassroots organization, All of Us.

The organization had already held other walks this spring in dedication to those who dealt with racial injustice in the criminal justice system, and for Miles it's been disturbing to see these repeated acts of violence.

We are not safe anywhere. To be clear, I am a black woman with black children, and I fear for their lives. I fear for their lives every day, Miles said in a phone interview.

Holding signs in memory of Floyd and other victims, participants marched and chanted against police brutality. The numbers were diverse and included several families.

Madison Davis, 18, who will be attending Howard University in the fall, came to the event with her family. The Shaker High senior heard about it on SnapChat and suggest they attend.

"Personally, Im tired," Davis said. "Im tired of the injustice, Im tired of the silence and I think protesting is a good way to get out and be heard."

Most wore masks, part of the protocol in the attempt to control the coronavirus pandemic. There was even a table set up by the organizers with masks for people to wear.

Damonni Farley, of Schenectady, who also helped organized the gathering, said the high turnout - especially in a pandemic - shows what this issue means to them.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

People dont gather and take a risk and put their well-being on the line unless they are compassionate people that care, Farley said.

However, this won't be the end of the demonstrations. Justice4Dahmeek and various organizations will also be organizing a gathering at the Troy Courthouse at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7.

For Miles, having a collaboration across cities is important for one main reason: Were all in this together."
Any employee who wrongly received money through the JobKeeper scheme could have their future pay docked, with Treasury warning that employers who made incorrect claims are entitled to claw back the funds from their staff.

The Australian Taxation Office signalled it would force businesses that wrongly claimed the payment to repay the money. It also plans to closely scrutinise claims from individuals for working from home expenses, which are expected to soar this financial year.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is in charge of the JobKeeper program. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

A spokesperson for the Tax Office said incorrect JobKeeper payments would be flagged and followed up by the ATO compliance team.

"If a payment is made and we later determine that the entity was not entitled to that payment, or was entitled to a lesser amount, the entity will be required to repay the overpaid amount," the spokesperson said.
London, May 30 : Scientific advisers to the UK government have warned of the risk of lifting the lockdown in England, as the country begins the final weekend before rules change amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported on Saturday.

Starting from Monday, more than two people will be able to meet outside and schools in England will also reopen to some pupils, the BBC reported.

Police have urged people not to break social distancing rules this weekend.

Responding to the developments, Professor John Edmunds, from the London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine and also a member of Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said it was a "political decision" to ease measures, adding that the levels of coronavirus were still "very high".

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of Sage, said in a tweet that COVID-19 is "spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England" and NHS test and trace "has to be fully working and infection rates have to be lower".

Speaking to the BBC, Professor Peter Horby, who sits on Sage and chairs its NERVTAG subcommittee, said it was important we "don't lose control".

Professor Sally Bloomfield, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said that people should not hear the advice and decide to have a barbecue as social distancing only helped prevent transmission in the air and the virus could be present on bottles, cutlery and other objects.

Epidemiologist Professor Sian Griffiths told the BBC that if scientists were in charge of decisions, lockdown would probably not be eased currently, but she said there were other factors to consider.

The scientists' remarks come as the number of COVID-19 cases in the UK increased to 272,607 on Saturday, with 38,243 deaths, which accounts for the highest fatalities in Europe.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not attend an in-person summit of G7 leaders that US President Donald Trump has suggested he will host despite concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, a German government spokesman said Saturday. Leaders from the Group of Seven, which the United States heads this year, had been scheduled to meet by videoconference in late June after COVID-19 scuttled plans to gather in-person at Camp David, the US presidential retreat in the state of Maryland. Trump last week, however, indicated that he could hold the huge gathering after all, "primarily at the White House" but also potentially parts of it at Camp David. Merkel, a scientist by training, has declined. "As of today, considering the overall pandemic situation, she cannot agree to her personal participation, to a journey to Washington," the spokesman said, confirming an earlier report on the Politico website. "The federal chancellor thanks President Trump for his invitation to the G7 summit," he added. The 65-year-old chancellor is the oldest G7 leader after Trump, who is 73. Japan's Shinzo Abe, also 65, is several months younger than Merkel. Their age puts them at higher risk from the coronavirus. The White House has said it is putting the huge diplomatic gathering back on the agenda as a "show of strength" when world economies are gradually reemerging from shutdowns. Merkel is the first to give a firm no, while other world leaders have expressed vaguely positive responses. On Friday, the White House said Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had spoken and "agreed on the importance of convening the G7 in person in the near future." Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who hosted the 2018 summit, has said any in-person gathering would have to prioritize safety, while a French presidential official said that Emmanuel Macron was "willing to go to Camp David if the health conditions allow." European Council head Charles Michel, meanwhile, said through a spokesman that he would attend "if health conditions allow." G7 countries -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- take turns organizing the annual gathering. In 2019 it was France. The United States is the worst-hit country for COVID-19 infections, having logged more than 1,745,000 cases and over 102,000 deaths.
Thousands of protesters stormed the perimeter of Barclays Center in New York as protests spread across the United States over the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man who died after being pinned by the neck under a white police officers knee.

Police made scores of arrests at Fridays massive demonstration in Brooklyn, loading cuffed protesters onto city buses lined up on Atlantic Avenue, shutting down a major thoroughfare.

A diverse group of protesters cheered to hip hop music and tried to argue about police brutality with police officers in riot gear, who occasionally lunged into crowds to pluck people out for arrest after bottles and other projectiles were thrown.

The demonstrators at a We cant breathe vigil and rally in lower Manhattan were pressing for legislation outlawing the police chokehold used by a city police officer in the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who was also black.

ATLANTA

In an impassioned speech, Bernice King, the youngest daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., implored people to go home after more than 1,000 protesters marched to the state capitol from the Centennial Olympic Park, blocking traffic and an interstate highway along the way.

The only way we get what we really want is through non-violence, Bernice King said in her fathers hometown. Lets do this the non-violent way to deal with the evil of our time.

King was assassinated in 1968, a year after race riots spread across many big cities.

The Atlanta demonstration turned chaotic and at times violent. Fires were burning in downtown Atlanta near the CNN Center, the networks headquarters.

At least one police car was among several vehicles burnt. Windows were smashed at the CNN building, along with store fronts. Police pushed back the crowd, but they hurled bottles at officers.

MINNEAPOLIS

Hundreds of protesters defied an 8 p.m. curfew to gather in the streets around a police station burnt the previous night.

We are out here because we, as a generation, realize things have to change, said one marcher, Paul Selman, a 25-year-old black man, who had just graduated with a masters degree in English from Minnesota State. We need peace.

Our parents and grandparents are tired of seeing their kids die all of the time, so we have to take it upon ourselves to make a better future.

Peter McMahon, 26, a resident of the area around the police station and owner of two nearby properties, said, This is my generation and these are the people I went to high school with, adding, This is not a surprise. I have lost good friends over this Black Lives Matter shit.

DETROIT

Hundreds in the automotive capital joined a March Against Police Brutality late in the afternoon outside the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters. Many chanted, No justice, no peace. Some carried signs that read, End police brutality and I wont stop yelling until everyone can breathe.

DENVER

Denver saw a second day of protests after hundreds marched peacefully through its downtown demanding justice for Floyd.

On Thursday night, Denver police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds after parked cars were vandalized. There were 13 arrests related to the protests.

HOUSTON

Hundreds gathered on Friday in a protest organized by the group Black Lives Matter at City Hall. The crowd spilled onto Interstate 45s entrance ramp near downtown chanting, I cant breathe, and No justice, no peace.

LOUISVILLE

After a night of violence in which at least seven people were shot, police in the Kentucky city braced for more protests over the killing of Floyd and several others, such as Breonna Taylor, shot by police in her Louisville home in March.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 16:02:04|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- On May 28, the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) of China adopted the "Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security." The United States and the United Kingdom, for their own political purposes, have been making unwarranted comments, interfering and obstructing, and attempted to push for an open video conference in the UN Security Council. China expressed strong opposition, and the vast majority of the Council members did not support the U.S. proposal, believing that the Hong Kong-related issues were China's internal affairs and had nothing to do with the mandates of the Security Council. The Security Council rejected the unreasonable request of the U.S., and its attempt failed.

In face of strong opposition from China and Security Council members, the U.S. and the UK could only mention Hong Kong under "any other business" in the informal consultations of the Council. This move was strongly countered by China and generally opposed by Council members. They urged the U.S. and the UK to stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and making groundless accusations against China. There was no consensus, no formal discussion in the Security Council, and the U.S. and the UK's move came to nothing.

Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, refuted the fallacy on Hong Kong made by the U.S., the UK, and some other countries. Ambassador Zhang said China opposes and completely rejects the baseless remarks made by the US and the UK. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference. National security legislation for Hong Kong does not constitute any threat to international peace and security. The Council must not get involved in any way.

Ambassador Zhang pointed out that since June last year, serious organized acts of violence and separatist activities took place in Hong Kong, which have got the support from some foreign forces and posed a real threat to China's national security. It is necessary and fully justified for the National People's Congress of China to establish and improve legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for Hong Kong to safeguard national security. Such legislation does not affect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy or the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. Instead, it is conducive to the implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Ambassador Zhang emphasized that the legal basis for the Chinese government's administration of Hong Kong is the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. After Hong Kong's return to China, the UK has no right of sovereignty, jurisdiction or supervision over Hong Kong, still less is the U.S. entitled to comment on Hong Kong with the excuse of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The U.S. and the UK, out of hidden political agenda, have blatantly interfered in Hong Kong affairs, emboldened rioters, and threatened and intimidated the HKSAR government. They bear unshirkable responsibilities for the serious violence in Hong Kong. The gross interference by the U.S. and the UK is an important reason of China's decision on national security legislation for Hong Kong.

Ambassador Zhang pointed out that the U.S. abuses force, imposes unilateral sanctions, and seeks regime change all over the world. A more unilateral U.S. has withdrawn from international instruments, including the Paris Agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the Treaty on Open Skies. That is the real source of trouble in the world and a real threat to international peace and security, which merits the Council's attention.

Ambassador Zhang emphasized that China urges the U.S. and the UK to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, immediately stop practices of hegemonism and power politics, and mind their own business, rather than provoking tensions and making troubles everywhere. Whatever the U.S. and the UK may say, the Chinese government is firm in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement the policy of "one country, two systems", and oppose external interference in Hong Kong affairs. Any attempt to use Hong Kong to interfere in China's internal matters is doomed to fail. Enditem
The White House has been locked down as protesters Friday evening arrived at Pennsylvania Avenue/Lafayette Park, CNN was reporting.

The doors to the White House briefing room, where reporters have their offices, also were locked, the story said. Secret Service officers were not letting anyone off White House grounds.

These protests, one of a number taking place across the country, are in reaction to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Members of the press corps recently were brought back to the White House press briefing room, according to the CNN account.

Meanwhile, CNN headquarters was in the middle of a protest in Atlanta, according to The Associated Press, where activists spray-painted a large CNN logo outside the building and also broke a window.

Hundreds of protesters were confronting police there Friday night, according to the AP. One protester climbed on top of the CNN sign and waved a Black Lives Matter flag to cheers from the crowd, the story said.

Protesters pelted officers who came over with bottles, striking some of them, the AP story said. Other bottles thrown at authorities exploded behind the police line, but no officers appeared to get hit. Protesters chanted, Quit your jobs, according to the story.
Whoever the rogues in parliament, our fate will be the same View(s):

Despite familiar wiles of lawyers sacrificing the national interest in favour of (political) clients in cases currently being heard at the Supreme Court leading to sensational headlines that Sri Lankas topmost health officials had waved the green flag for the holding of the countrys 2020 Presidential Elections, the truth was not so simple, it so appears.

Sri Lanka facing multiple dilemmas

As the somewhat pugnacious interview given to state run television last Sunday by the Director General of Health Services Frank Jasinghe disclosed, the nation had to first implement a raft of safety measures, as noted in his response to the Secretary to the President upon a query being made to him. These measures included implementing regulations under the quaintly colonial Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance (1897) bringing covid-19 control measures within a regulatory framework. As he warned, if these measures are not implemented, then in another three weeks, let alone an election, Sri Lanka will not be able to do anything at all.

There is something that must be added to this salutary concern. While regulations under this antique Ordinance are crucial as the Director General points out, what is even more urgent is a wholesale revamping of that statute. This is in order to fashion the legislative environment needed to meet the unprecedented threat posed by the global pandemic which has left death and destruction in its wake across the world. But for that, Sri Lankas Parliament must sit.

And we are veritably between Scylla and Charybdis in that, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains steadfast in not agreeing to summon the old Parliament (now dissolved) while the holding of national polls for a potential new Parliament has been put on hold until there is at least relative certainty that the health of the population is not put at risk thereby. In fact, that Greek myth which has two fearsome females bestriding a narrow strait in the waters of the western Mediterraneant to catch Greek mariners in their toils has peculiar application for the dilemma that we find ourselves in.

Political upmanship as starvation looms

Scylla was cast as a monster with snaky heads, sharp teeth and multiple dog heads who devoured her prey in one gulp while Charybdis was a gigantic whirpool sucking down the unwary. Reeling from massive economic devastation caused by the pandemic with starvation predicted in consequence as the poor get desperate without sources of income, the poor is at a loss to decide which is deadlier, the quarrelling old Parliament or a new Parliament filled with the same rogues. Whichever it may be, as the enraged wadu baas (carpenter) down our lane proclaimed in disgust, our fate will be the same.

Some days ago, several died in a stampede in the heart of Colombo caused by money being distributed for charity by a private benefactor. Dying due to charity distribution would undoubtedly be a first for this nation despite years of conflict and terror caused by war from the North to the South. And there is no point in politicians or the police moralizing about safety standards that should have been observed in organising this event. The point was that people died because they were desperate to get a pitiful sum. The point was also that trumpeted relief supplies by the Goverment found their way to the pockets of its political supporters. In lockdown Colombo, those who had the means had the luxury of grumbling about how scarce salami had become. In the slums, the unfortunate simply starved.

So let us recognise the singular danger besetting the nation, as frightening as ancient Greek monsters, as legal charades are played. With militarisation of the governance process continuing unabashedly, the dismantling of democratic structures and systems is a given. The only question is as to how slow or how quick this will be. The Governments targeted attacks on the National Elections Commission with kept journalists baying for blood is a case in point. One favorite mode of attack is to blow normally mundane incidents entirely out of proportion.

Racist and ugly venom by political hounds

A good illustration is this weeks unseemly fracas regarding the visit of one of the Commissioners with his daughter to the office of the Commission. What could have been managed with decency and propriety being at the worst, merely an error of judgement if at all even in the eyes of the most exacting of critics, became scandalised in the media beyond belief. These are the rude if not crude realities of today where racist attacks are the norm, not the exception and nothing is spared in the process.

That venom, racist and ugly in one form, manipulative and twisted in another, does irreparable damage to the governance process. In a different context, the Director General of Health Services put this in another way as he warned the countrys politicians, (and no doubt, media hitmen), not to drag public officers into political fights. As this generally self effacing official emphasized with little less equanimity than he ordinarily displays, we are public servants who have worked independently and not given way to political demands. Allow us to do our jobs.

This is a statement that reverberates throughout Sri Lankas history. It is precisely because state officers and judicial officers were not allowed to do their jobs that the country was dragged into great social, economic and even legal degeneration. All this is not to say that sometimes the very individuals causing that destruction were power hungry or corrupt public servants. And as an aside, judges themselves have not been exempt from this despicable pattern of subverting the institutional proces as history teaches us.

A thought to ponder when the Ranaviru is cheered

But even so, there is no doubt that much of what survives of our governance systems is due to public servants who have stood up even when it was very unpopular or, at times, dangerous to do so. Despite political machinations, the nations public health systems rose to the formidable challenge posed by the global pandemic, even while many freely prophesied disaster. The part played by servicemen and servicewomen along with the police is of record in this regard.

These are tributes that must be paid even as political capital is sought to be made out of Sri Lankas response to the pandemic. For the new narrative of the Ranaviru (tri-services) constituting the Sixth Force of Sri Lankas historical five-force combination of Veda (medicinal), Guru (teachers), Kamkaru (workers), Sangha (priests) and Govi (farmers) propounded by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa recently only mocks the tribute that must be paid. As remarked in these column spaces last week, if the weary foot soldiers of the Ranaviru were indeed accorded this veneration, Navymen living in cramped quarters in Welisara and Ranagala would not have been left without adequate protective equipment as they escorted covid-19 patients to quarantine camps. Indisputably, this has now become the largest virus cluster in the country.

Perhaps we may ponder on this uncomfortable fact the next time someone cries Hail to the Ranaviru to dutiful cheers.
Karnataka on Saturday reported 141 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the states total coronavirus count to 2,922, according to the state health department.

At least 49 coronavirus positive patients have so far succumbed to the deadly pathogen in Karnataka.

Currently, there are 1,874 active Covid-19 positive cases in the state, according to health department data. A total of 894 people have recovered and been discharged so far.

ALSO READ | Karnataka asks travellers from high-risk states to pay Rs 650 for mandatory Covid-19 test

A day earlier, on Friday, Karnataka had seen the highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases with 248 people testing Covid-19 positive. Of the total 248 fresh cases, at least 227 had a history of travel from other states.

On Friday, the states coronavirus tally had been 2,781 with 1,837 active cases.

On Thursday, the state government had appealed to the union civil aviation ministry to reduce the number of incoming flights into the state  especially from coronavirus hotspots like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The government had said this would help to reduce the burden on institutional quarantine centres.

ALSO READ | Karnataka sees biggest single-day spike with 248 new Covid-19 cases

Late on Friday night, the Karnataka government had announced all passengers coming in by air or trains from high-risk states would have to pay Rs 650 per person to get themselves mandatorily tested for Covid-19.

The Karnataka government said that it had decided on this step as there was a limit on the institutional quarantine capacity available in the state.

However, the government did not clarify on what would be done in case the incoming person by train or air could not afford the fee of Rs 650 for a Covid-19 test. The order also said that airport authorities and railways will provide necessary space for establishing swab collections kiosks free of cost.
The ongoing migrant workers crisis has amplified the need for a universal and comprehensive social security regime for all workers in the informal sector

While the Atma Nirbhar Bharat welfare measures for migrant workers are steps in the right direction, issues relating to the delivery of benefits remain unaddressed. Creation of a robust registration system, overcoming state level domicile restrictions and a larger policy framework that can address the social security needs of all informal workers are some of the major steps needed.

Indias development story is deeply connected with migration. More than 455 million internal migrants work in sectors such as construction, hospitality and manufacturing around the country. Internal migration for work, especially from rural to urban areas, positively impacts low-income households, and benefits both the regions people migrate from and towards. However, as the COVID-19 crisis has shown in stark detail, internal migrants have been left out of Indias social security net.

While there have been positive steps by the government to provide relief to migrant workers, including the decision to provide rations at site and to release funds under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, the authors would like to emphasise that this is not enough. There are larger issues regarding the delivery architecture for welfare that are still unaddressed.

These concerns have been amplified during the ongoing national lockdown. One rapid assessment survey conducted by Jan Sahas found that most migrant workers had limited or no access to ration and a high incidence of debt distress while lack of access to required documentation limited their access to welfare measures.

India Migration Now and Dvara Research conducted a survey of migrant construction workers in Thane in April this year, and found that more than two-thirds were not able to access benefits under Building and Other Construction Workers Act 1996 (BOCW). The recent notification released by the Delhi Government has noted difficulty in identifying and delivering rations to non-PDS beneficiaries further highlights the need to reconsider the approach for delivering welfare.

Two specific issues arise with respect to seasonal migrant workers in India. First, welfare schemes in India are based on the domicile of a household. Seasonal migrant workers are rarely able to access welfare measures in the destination states.

The benefits of Central Government schemes are often relayed to citizens through state or local governments, which can make them available only to their permanent residents or domiciles. In such a situation, interstate migrant workers lose their entitlements when they cross the borders of their native states. Migrant workers are typically engaged as short-term wage workers in the informal sector.

Second, the larger concern is that the informal sector accounts for three-quarters of the Indian workforce, but lacks any formal social protection from the state.

Neither the Inter-State Migrant Workers (ISMW) Act, 1979, nor the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008, have any specific provisions on social security for migrant workers.

Instead, social security is the subject matter of ad hoc schemes at the discretion of the government. This has been retained in the proposed Code on Social Security Bill, 2019.

The current crisis has highlighted the need for setting in place a social security system for migrant workers. There are three ways to overcome this issue: firstly, destination states must implement enrolment protocols to include short term migrant workers into existing welfare mechanisms. One successful example of this is in Kerala, which has implemented migrant-specific labour welfare schemes, health provisions and child policies.

Kerala has even issued alternative identity cards for education and welfare services to its guest workers". In fact, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour has recommended that the Labour Codes make special provisions for migrant labour, as has been done by the State Government of Kerala.

The idea of registration of workers for targeted welfare delivery is not a new one. Indeed, this was one of the primary objectives of the ISMW Act. Inspired by Odishas Dadan Labour (Control and Regulation) Act , 1975, an act to protect and safeguard the interests of dadan or debt migrants in the state, the ISMW Act is the only central level legislation explicitly governing inter-state migrant workers in India. But a combination of poor/absent state level enforcement, lack of awareness and a poor incentive structure has resulted in widespread  implementation failure.

The ISMW Act is one of 13 laws being merged into the draft Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2019. Unfortunately, the chapter on migrant workers retains the flawed registration structure of the ISMW Act.

As migrant workers desperately struggle to register for returning home, solutions like a self-registration process and digital record keeping, as proposed by the Working Group on Migration in 2017, must be urgently explored in further detail.

Secondly, there is a need for greater coordination between source and destination states to ensure portability of benefits on the lines of the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. These should be facilitated by the central government across all the migrant corridors. Another important step in this direction would be to make all welfare schemes interoperable. The One Nation, One Ration Card scheme is one such example of this.

Finally, these are all short-term fixes. The idea of social security is to ensure access to a minimum floor of protection against the most critical risks that endanger the well-being of every household. The ongoing crisis has amplified the need for a universal and comprehensive social security regime for all workers, especially those employed in the informal sector and especially for migrant workers.

While short-term measures to provide welfare for our informal workforce are important, it is also important to look ahead to devising a solution to ensure universal and comprehensive social security.

The article first appeared on Dvara.com and has been reproduced with permission.

Varun is the founder and lead at India Migration Now while Nishanth is the head of Dvara Researchs social protection initiative
We yearn for positive travel news these days. And in a day and age when headlines dominate, who has time to read the fine print? Here are four popular travel stories from the past two months where details were later clarified that made the original headlines substantially less impressive than they originally seemed.

1. Japan may cover half your expenses if you visit

If reports that Japan would pay a good portion of your travel expenses sounded too good to be true, it's because they were. After international headlines pounced on reports that Japan was launching a new campaign to pay up to half of travelers' costs, Japanese authorities quickly reined in expectations. In a series of tweets on May 27, Japan Tourism Agency clarified that its new "Go to Travel" campaign is aimed at stimulating domestic travelers, not international ones. The campaign, which the agency noted is still "under consideration," would begin after the Covid-19 pandemic ends. The following day, the agency also placed a notice on the homepage of its website about the "misinformation  being reported by some media outlets." Even if the plan is approved, the implication that Japan is covering "half" of travelers' expenses is a stretch too, especially for a country as expensive as Japan. Budget documents excerpted from the campaign show travelers would be eligible for lodging and dining vouchers for up to 20,000 yen (US$186) per person per day. Currently, most foreigners, including those from China, Australia, the United States and most of Europe, are not allowed to enter Japan. Those who are allowed due to "exceptional circumstances" are requested to quarantine for 14 days.

2. Passengers get Covid-19 blood tests before flying

What better way to quell fears of contracting the coronavirus while flying than to test passengers before they board the plane? That's what many thought when they read headlines that Emirates was the first airline to conduct rapid Covid-19 tests for departing passengers. Unfortunately, what wasn't made clear at the time was that the tests were serology tests for antibodies (which shows evidence of past infections), not active Covid-19 infections. While antibody tests are helpful to track the pandemic (and to detect some level of immunity), they won't prevent flyers from infecting one another during air travel.

Finger-prick rapid serological tests check for the presence of antibodies, while Covid-19 infection tests are typically administered through nasal swabs and saliva samples (at least for now). TIZIANA FABI

Reporting questioned whether travelers would be denied boarding based on results, which is hard to square given that they tested for the presence of antibodies only. The finger-prick blood tests were administered as part of "additional precautions" being introduced by Emirates, and were initially given to passengers flying from Dubai to Tunisia. After the Dubai Health Authority, who administered the tests, discovered efficacy rates were only around 30%, it banned the testing.

3. You can get tested at Vienna Airport, avoid quarantine

At a time when Europe's most popular travel destinations were closed to foreigners, international travelers saw a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel when headlines about Vienna's coronavirus testing at the airport dominated the news pages.

Some international travelers thought they could access Vienna if they could pass a Covid-19 test. Salva Mira Photography

It's true that those who pay 190 euros (US$210) for a coronavirus test upon landing at Vienna International Airport can skip the country's mandatory 14-day quarantine if the test is negative. It's also true that this is available to "all passengers arriving* or departing from Vienna Airport." But that asterisk is important: It indicates that testing on arrival is available only for those who have both a residence in Austria and a valid residence permit. This information is now conspicuously boxed at the top of Vienna International Airport's coronavirus testing webpage with a large exclamation point and the word "ATTENTION" in all capital letters. Furthermore, the airport's on-site coronavirus testing must be construed in conjunction with Austria's travel regulations, which states that through May 31: "Entry by air is prohibited to third country nationals from states outside the Schengen area. Third country nationals travelling from inside the Schengen area by air, have to carry a medical certificate proving a negative Covid-19 test result or are obligated to commit to a 14-day quarantine." The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have done away with border controls between one another.

4. Countries will pay you to visit

While tourism boards around the world are planning strategies to entice travelers once it is safe to do so, a number of media outlets are reporting on countries that will "pay you" to visit. Sicily's 75 million euros (US$83 million) tourism initiative which may pay for one night of a three-night trip along with vouchers for museum fees is one thing (assuming you're eligible, of course); coverage regarding free sun loungers and tables on the beaches of Bulgaria is hazier. It's also been reported that Cancun, Mexico, is preparing a campaign that includes two-for-one hotel stays and companion air ticket refunds, and that Cyprus will cover lodging, food and medication for Covid-19 patients and their families should they become ill while they are there.

Slanchev Bryag, or Sunny Beach, is a major seaside resort on the coast of Bulgaria. Adel Bekefi
islamabad, May 29 (IANS) The Pakistan Supreme Court has fixed the hearing of the murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl for June 1, it was reported.

On Thursday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed constituted a three-judge special bench that would hear the Sindh government and the appeal of Pearl's parents against the Sindh High Court's (SHC) judgment regarding the acquitting of the key accused, The Express Tribune reported.

On April 2, the SHC had commuted the death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the man convicted of kidnapping and murdering the journalist in 2002, to a seven-year sentence.

The court had also acquitted three others who had been awarded life imprisonment in the case.

The order came almost two decades after they were found guilty and subsequently jailed.

The slain journalist's parents had approached the Supreme Court against the SHC's verdict.

Two criminal petitions have been filed on behalf of Pearl's parents.

The petition states that the SHC "failed to note that this was a brutal murder" and a result of international terrorism, and the principle of the standard of proof, as well as the benefit of the doubt in cases of international terrorism, has to be applied keeping in context that the nature and type of evidence available in such terrorism cases cannot be equated with cases involving non-terrorism crimes.

Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about religious extremism.

A graphic video showing his decapitation was delivered to the US consulate nearly a month later.

--IANS

ksk/
The Belgian Royal Household has confirmed to EL PAIS that an aristocrat reported to have attended a party in Cordoba that breached coronavirus confinement measures was Prince Joachim, 28, the nephew of Belgiums King Philippe.

The same sources explained that Joachim, the ninth in line to the throne, traveled to Spain on May 24 for professional reasons, but offered no further information on what these were. They also confirmed that the prince has tested positive for Covid-19. The Royal Household did not state whether Joachim had contracted the disease in his own country or while he was in Spain.

Although the Royal Household claimed that the prince had traveled to Spain for professional reasons, Joachims partner, Victoria Ortiz, is from the Andalusian city, according to the couples social media posts.

The 27 people who attended the party are in quarantine and the police are investigating the event with a view to levying a fine of between 600 and 10,000

After landing in Madrid, Prince Joachim took a high-speed AVE train to Cordoba. A day after, he began to present symptoms compatible with the coronavirus, and was confirmed positive via a PCR test.

The 27 people who attended the party are in quarantine and the police are investigating the event with a view to levying a fine of between 600 and 10,000 for having nearly doubled the permitted number of people at social gatherings under Phase 2 of the governments coronavirus deescalation plan, the stage in which the province of Cordoba is currently in.

I feel surprised and indignant, given that at a moment of national mourning for so many dead, an incident of this type stands out, said the national governments subdelegate in Cordoba, Rafaela Valenzuela, on Saturday. Its completely irresponsible, because that number of people multiplied could cause an outbreak, and that would mean that Cordoba, after passing to Phase 2, would have to take a step back. That is unforgivable. The police are investigating not just the observance of confinement measures, but also the breaking of other rules, given that we are still under a state of alarm. The virus is still out there.

Prince Joachim, the son of the Belgian kings sister, Astrid, and Prince Lorenz, traveled to Cordoba despite a coronavirus case having been detected in his family, and before the origin of the infection had been determined. At the start of this month, Prince Laurent of Belgium, Joachims uncle, confirmed that the coronavirus had affected his family, without revealing which relatives had tested positive. We do not know how, but the coronavirus has entered our household, he stated. Laurent, who is King Philippes brother, stated that all safety measures were being observed. For weeks now, we have hardly gone out  only to shop and for sports, he said, adding that when they did go outside, they would wear masks and gloves.

Joachim has maintained a low profile in public. He studied business after spending a year in the military, as is customary for members of the Belgian royal family. His first professional activity was carried out in the United States, and he has worked in the finance sector. In November, it emerged that he would complete his studies at the prestigious Harvard University in the United States.

English version by Simon Hunter.
WASHINGTON - Members of three House and Senate committees will interview former State Department Inspector General Steve Linick on Wednesday as part of an investigation by House Democrats into his abrupt firing by President Donald Trump.

Linick will speak to members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Oversight and Reform Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, according to two congressional aides working on the investigation who requested anonymity to discuss the closed-door meeting.

Democrats announced Friday that they are expanding their probe into Linicks firing earlier this month with a series of interviews. The investigation is part of a larger effort by Democrats and some Republicans to find out more about Trumps recent moves to sideline several independent government watchdogs.

The Democrats plan to interview multiple officials in the administration who may have more information about Linicks dismissal on May 15, including whether Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recommended the firing for retaliatory reasons. Pompeo has denied Linicks firing was retaliatory but has not given specific reasons for his dismissal.

The investigation is being led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Republicans on those panels will also be invited to question Linick and other witnesses.

If Secretary Pompeo pushed for Mr. Linicks dismissal to cover up his own misconduct, that would constitute an egregious abuse of power and a clear attempt to avoid accountability, the Democrats said in a joint statement Friday.

The committees said they will release transcripts shortly after each interview.

Its unclear whether Linick will come to Capitol Hill in person or appear virtually for the transcribed interviews. The House will be out of session over the coming week as lawmakers work from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The committee has asked several other State Department officials to sit for interviews in the probe, including Undersecretary of State for Management Brian Bulatao, Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Clarke Cooper, Pompeos executive secretary Lisa Kenna and acting State Department legal adviser Marik String, according to the congressional aides.

Democrats and some Republicans have pushed the administration for more answers about the firings, but the White House has provided few, simply stating the dismissals were well within Trumps authority.

Pompeo said after the firing that he had been concerned about the inspector generals work for some time and that he regretted not calling for his dismissal earlier. He said he recommended to Trump that Linick be terminated.

Pompeo told reporters that he was unaware of any investigation into allegations that he may have mistreated staffers by instructing them to run personal errands for him and his wife such as walking his dog and picking up dry cleaning and takeout food. Thus, Pompeo said, the move could not have been retaliatory.

Pompeo did acknowledge that he was aware of an investigation into his decision last year to bypass congressional objections to approve a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia because he had answered written questions about it posed by Linicks office. He maintained he did not know the scope or scale of the investigation.

Engel and Menendez have been demanding answers and documents from the State Department and Pompeo personally for months on a variety of topics that goes far beyond Linicks dismissal.

After complaining for more than a year that Pompeo and his staff have either refused to respond or provided only perfunctory answers to questions posed on personnel and policy matters, the two Democrats and their Democratic committee colleagues have teamed up to try to force a complete explanation from Pompeo and the White House as to why Trump fired Linick.

Engel and Menendez earlier demanded that administration officials preserve and turn over all records related to Linicks dismissal. They said they have received no information so far.

Linick is one of several inspectors general whom Trump has removed from office, sparking outrage among Democrats who say the administration is undermining government accountability. Linick was an Obama administration appointee whose office was critical of what it saw as political bias in the State Departments current management but had also taken issue with Democratic appointees.

He played a small role in Trumps impeachment last year. In October, Linick turned over documents to House investigators that he had received from a close Pompeo associate that contained information from debunked conspiracy theories about Ukraines role in the 2016 U.S. election. Democrats were probing Trumps pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democrats.

Linick is the second inspector general to be fired who was involved with the impeachment process. Michael Atkinson, the former inspector general for the intelligence community, triggered the impeachment probe when he alerted Congress about a whistleblower complaint that described a call between Trump and Ukraines president last summer. Trump fired Atkinson in April, saying he had lost confidence in him.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has said the White House is legally required to provide more answers to Congress about the firings and gave Trump a deadline to give them. But in a letter to Grassley this week, the administration offered no new details about why they were let go.

The response from White House counsel Pat Cipollone said that Trump has the authority to remove inspectors general, that he appropriately alerted Congress and that he selected qualified officials as replacements.

The president also moved to replace the chief watchdog at the Department of Health and Human Services, Christi Grimm, who testified that her office was moving ahead with new reports and audits on the departments response to the coronavirus pandemic despite Trumps public criticism of her.

In addition, Trump demoted acting Defence Department Inspector General Glenn Fine, effectively removing him as head of a special board to oversee auditing of the coronavirus economic relief package. Fine later resigned.
President Trump announced Friday that the U.S. is terminating its relationship with the World Health Organization over its failure to enact reforms in response to the administrations criticisms of its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today be terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, Trump said at a press conference.

The announcement comes after Trump had threatened to cut U.S. funding to the WHO, alleging that the organization had helped China conceal the severity of the initial coronavirus outbreak in the city of Wuhan. The president noted that the U.S. government provides the WHO with roughly $450 million a year, compared with Chinas annual contribution of $40 million.

Last week, Health Secretary Alex Azar blamed the WHO for mishandling the emerging pandemic.

We must be frank about one of the primary reasons this outbreak spun out of control, Azar said. There was a failure by this organization to obtain the information that the world needed, and that failure cost many lives.

More from National Review
WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government's Crown energy utility is offering workers unpaid days off in an attempt to cut costs during the COVID-19 pandemic as a less severe measure than the layoffs that were proposed earlier this month.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Hydro power lines are photographed just outside Winnipeg, Monday, May 1, 2018. The Manitoba government's Crown energy utility wants workers is offering workers unpaid days off as an alternative to temporary layoffs or pay cuts.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government's Crown energy utility is offering workers unpaid days off in an attempt to cut costs during the COVID-19 pandemic as a less severe measure than the layoffs that were proposed earlier this month.

In an email to employees Friday, Manitoba Hydro president Jay Grewal said executives, managers and engineers will take three unpaid days off before the fiscal year ends next March, and a similar option was being discussed with unionized workers.

"Our unions have been asked to respond by Wednesday of next week," Grewal wrote.

Three weeks ago, the utility was seeking short-term salary reductions or up to 700 temporary layoffs to meet a directive from the Progressive Conservative government to cut $10.7 million. The government has also ordered universities, school divisions and other publicly funded bodies to cut labour costs to help lessen the pandemic's fiscal fallout.

Manitoba Hydro says it managed to find millions of dollars in savings through early retirements, managing vacant positions and more. Combined with the unpaid days off for executives, managers and engineers announced Friday, that leaves only $4.3 million to cut.

"Three days of unpaid leave for every employee would eliminate layoffs entirely," Hydro spokesman Bruce Owen wrote in an email.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents some 900 office and technical workers at the Crown corporation, said the drive to cut labour costs will hurt.

"CUPE Manitoba Hydro workers are front-line workers. We are essential staff," said Michelle Bergen, president of CUPE Local 998.

"We have been in 100 per cent operation since this pandemic started."

Provincial health officials announced no new COVID-19 cases Friday, leaving the total to date at 294. There have only been five cases reported in the last two weeks, and the number of active cases stood at 14.

The province's chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, said two cases reported Thursday were travel-related. He did not provide details, but appeared to indicate the people had self-isolated.

"This continues to be Manitoba's biggest risk, is importation of the virus," Roussin said Friday.

"In this case, everything was done correctly and there's likely very few contacts to these cases."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2020
Coastal areas in County Wexford are to receive 420,000 in funding, from an overall package of 3.1m to assist 10 such local authority areas around the country undertake and complete 58 development and repair projects.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, funding has been welcomed in Wexford, however, those working within the industry say not enough is being done to support Wexford and Irish fishermen.

Minister Paul Kehoe welcomed the funding, which was allocated by Minister Michael Creed.

Five areas in County Wexford are to receive funding and Minister Kehoe said the money will be used to for upgrades and repairs, and to improve access to some of the county's most popular resorts. He said the funding is particularly welcome given the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on coastal areas.

Kilmore Quay is to receive the largest allocation of funding with 307,500 being injected into the facility.

Dredging the harbour will account for 150,000 of the money while the plan will also see repairs to the West Harbour wall (75,000), upgrading of the marina (22,500) and upgrading of power points (60,000).

While welcoming the funding and commenting that it will facilitate necessary work at the harbour Seamus O'Flaherty, of O'Flaherty Brothers Ltd, which is a fishing company based in Kilmore Quay, said far more needs to be done to support those working within the fishing industry here.

'The funding is to be welcomed, as any funding is, but the reality is this won't do a thing to increase the capacity of the harbour,' said Mr O'Flaherty.

While welcoming the money 'because some of the boats are hitting the bottom when they're coming into the harbour', he said the fact remained that 3.1m for local authority owned harbours around the country was a sparse amount of money.

Mr O'Flaherty commented that 12m was being invested in Castletownbere harbour to develop facilities that hardly any Irish vessel uses.

'That's really just helping Spanish boats and there is almost no control on Spanish boats either,' he said.

'The Irish authorities do not really know their [Spanish] limit and even if they do get them they can just get out of it,' he added.

With regard to Kilmore Quay, Mr O'Flaherty said what needs to be done is development of a new breakwater and increasing the capacity of the harbour.

'It's the busiest harbour in the country,' he said.

'The marina is oversubscribed, it's the busiest harbour in the country per square metre,' he added.

'Fishing creates a lot of money for the state but the problem is there's little being put back in [to the sector].'

Mr O'Flaherty then suggested that support for the sector around the country is linked to political representation and that the last time there was a big injection in Kilmore Quay was 'when we had three ministers'.

'The benefits of the industry are wide,' said Mr O'Flaherty.

He said the fishing supports a broad network of businesses in Wexford and throughout the country.

'Kilmore and the quay have almost their own economy as a spin-off from fishing and the Government should be coming down here and asking what we want because they are getting a good return on any investment,' he said.

Other areas of County Wexford that will receive funding under the allocation include Courtown Harbour where 7,500 will go towards providing a barrier system on the slipway.

Fethard Harbour is to get 11,250 to improve access and for health and safety work while Slade Harbour is getting support totalling 71,250 for essential structural repairs to the harbour walls and slipway as well as 'health and safety' work.

In New Ross, the marina is to get financial support of 22,500.

Minister Kehoe described rural coastal communities as 'the heart blood of County Wexford'.

'When the country re-opens fully we need to ensure that our coastal resorts can get back on their feet,' he said.
michael barbaro

From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today: The Minneapolis police officer whose tactics led to George Floyds death had a long record of complaints of misconduct. My colleague, Shaila Dewan, on why he was still patrolling the streets. Its Tuesday, June 2. Shaila, you have been covering the criminal justice system and the cops for a really long time. So what were you thinking as you watched the video of George Floyds death?

shaila dewan

Well, at first, I didnt actually watch the video. I read about it, and I have seen too many of those videos. And it just is too painful. I knew what I needed to know right then to do my job, which was immediately to find out more about the officers who were involved in the incident and what we knew about them, what we could tell about them. So we wanted to look immediately to see their work histories and whether they had had problems in the past. I mean, sometimes it can be really, really difficult to find out the history of an officer, especially if you need to do it quickly. There is a lot of secrecy around police records. Sometimes they just only keep complaints for a certain amount of time, sometimes you cant see complaints at all. So we use a variety of sources of information from civil lawsuits  thats often a really good way to see details about what happened. We look at news accounts. So we just try to pull it from wherever we can find. Often, its a patchwork. But Minneapolis is actually unusual in the sense that they have a searchable database online. And pretty quickly they put out a list of the complaints for each officer involved in the case. So in the case of Officer Chauvin, who was the guy who had his knee on George Floyds neck for over eight minutes  he had at least 17 complaints against him in his 19-year history. But we cant see what the complaints were about. And we found that the vast majority of those resulted in no discipline. There were two letters of reprimand placed in his file. We could also see that he was the subject of a brutality complaint. And we know that he was involved in three shootings over the course of his career. In one of those, the man said that Officer Chauvin came into his house, and the man did not have a gun. There was a domestic violence call. And he says that Chauvin burst through the bathroom door, started hitting him and then fired two shots in his abdomen.

michael barbaro

Wow.

shaila dewan

He says that Chauvin basically shot him unprovoked. And Chauvin said that the guy was going for his gun.

michael barbaro

So youre saying that despite all these complaints, Chauvin was never suspended, he wasnt docked pay, he wasnt really punished at all. I guess, to the degree he was punished, it was some kind of wrist slapping.

shaila dewan

Thats right. Like I said, there were two letters of reprimand placed in this file. And theres an account of one verbal reprimand for using derogatory language in a demeaning tone.

michael barbaro

And what about the other officers on the scene when George Floyd dies? What did you find out about them?

shaila dewan

So the officer who Chauvin and arrived at the scene with, Tou Thoa, had six complaints against him on his list. And he also was the subject of a civil lawsuit that said he basically handcuffed a guy and then beat him up. And that resulted in a $25,000 settlement.

michael barbaro

But what about repercussions for that officer as a member of the Minneapolis police department?

shaila dewan

Again, it doesnt seem like that officer was ever disciplined by the police department.

michael barbaro

I mean, how is that possible that neither of these officers face any real punishment, stayed on the force despite these complaints, and stayed in the kind of line of work where they would respond to a street incident like the one involving George Floyd?

shaila dewan

Well, its not just possible. Its notoriously common in this country. Our systems are basically set up to protect police officers from repercussions for their actions. Thats been noted over and over again. And its even been bitterly complained about by police chiefs who come in wanting to make changes and wanting to reform their departments and clean them up, and even they are sometimes prevented from doing that by the systems that are in place.

michael barbaro

What do you mean?

shaila dewan

Well, Minneapolis is actually a perfect example of this. Theyve had two police chiefs who were heralded as reformers. The current chief in fact, sued the department for what he said were racist hiring practices before he became chief. And when I read that he had fired these four officers almost immediately, my first thought was, I dont know if thats going to stick. He may be forced to rehire those guys because of all the protections that officers have.

michael barbaro

I mean, so what exactly is happening here? I mean, what is getting in the way of these police chiefs running their departments the way that they want to, reforming them if they want to, and disciplining cops who cross the line?

shaila dewan

So many things. There are so many things that work together to put these obstacles in place. Theyre just kind of enshrined parts of the job. And it can be sort of helpful to break them out into buckets. So there are five main reasons why its so hard to hold the police accountable for their actions. The first one is that the police are often policing themselves. Departments have internal affairs divisions that are part of the department usually. And those officers take complaints and investigate them, and come back and say what they think happened and what they think the consequences should be. And they tend to be charitable towards their own.

michael barbaro

And whats an example of this?

shaila dewan

Well, for example, in Minneapolis in 2010, it was almost like a precursor of the Floyd case, where a man named David Cornelius Smith was held down by two officers. One of them had a knee on his neck for four minutes. He ended up dying. And the officers, after an internal affairs investigation, were never disciplined. In fact, the police chief at that time praised them for handling a tough situation.

michael barbaro

OK, so whats the second system that tends to block the disciplining of cops?

shaila dewan

The second system this is really interesting civil service protection. Basically, public employees are allowed to appeal firings or other discipline to an independent body. And a lot of times with cops, they are given a lesser punishment when they appeal. Or if theyve been fired, theyre reinstated. And in the Minneapolis area, The Pioneer Press did an analysis of this. And they found that the Minnesota board that deals with these cases reinstated law enforcement officers 46 percent of the time after they were fired.

michael barbaro

So half the time that a cop was somehow fired for misconduct, this system puts them back in their jobs, basically overrules the punishment?

shaila dewan

Thats right. And one interesting thing is that  sometimes the board would say there wasnt enough evidence. But sometimes they would say, you know, you cant punish this officer this way because there are prior examples of someone doing the same thing, and they didnt get this severe of a punishment. So what that means is if you have a reformer coming in who wants to clean up, who wants to stop being lenient and wants to get tough on officer discipline, theyre going to be hamstrung by what was done in the past. So if somebody does something completely unacceptable in their eyes and they fire them, someone can come along and say oh, other officers that have kicked people were only given a suspension. So you cant fire this guy.

michael barbaro

So arbitration relies on a kind of precedent system, and the precedent has been not to punish these cops too severely. So its like a self-reinforcing cycle in which no person involved in arbitration is likely to break out of that system too far.

shaila dewan

Thats right.

michael barbaro

OK, what is the third bucket here?

shaila dewan

Thats the concept of civilian review. And I hate the use of the word civilian, because it implies that the police are not civilians, which they are. But its this idea that non-police officers should be able to review the actions of police and complaints against the police and determine whether the police are meeting community standards for behavior. They might be able to watch the body camera footage. They might be able to call in witnesses. And then typically they would make a recommendation. And sometimes the police department can just ignore the recommendation of the civilian review board. Theyre a lot of times non-binding. So theyve kind of, over time, been seen as toothless. And Minneapolis is actually a perfect example of the kind of push and pull over how are we supposed to police the cops. Theyve had a civilian review board and then dismantled it, and had it again and dismantled it. And then finally a few years ago, they just did away with it altogether and replaced it with a police conduct review panel. And the city maintains that this panel works much better. It is made up of appointed civilians and police together. Critics say that complaints from the public are still largely disregarded. Its important to keep in mind, of course, that any member of the public can lodge a complaint for any reason, and often, they are very unhappy when they have an interaction with the police. So its not uncommon to find many civilian complaints unfounded. But the percentage that this one organization cited to me that keeps track of such things is that out of 2,600 complaints that originated with the public, only 12 resulted in discipline. And the city has since come back to dispute that figure, but it is certainly a very low percentage of complaints that result in discipline.

michael barbaro

Suggesting that this panel frequently does not punish cops based on public complaints?

shaila dewan

Thats right.

michael barbaro

Well be right back.

shaila dewan

So the fourth reason why its hard to hold police accountable is the police unions. And these are the organizations that represent the rank-and-file members. Its their job, basically, to protect police jobs. So theyre often led by kind of old-school, law-and-order individuals who are often the biggest opponent of reform-minded chiefs who come in. That is often a real source of clashing and tension.

michael barbaro

And is that the case in Minneapolis?

shaila dewan

Minneapolis is actually a textbook example of this. The union president, Bob Kroll, is a very controversial figure. He himself has had 29 complaints against him as a police officer. He is a Trump aficionado who stood on stage with him and thanked him for letting cops do their jobs. He has been blamed by the previous police chief for blocking reforms, for being one of the biggest opponents to cleaning up the department. And hes already saying that hes going to fight to get the jobs back of the four officers that were involved in the Floyd killing. So thats the guy who represents the rank-and-file Minneapolis police officers. So if you have somebody whos just saying youve got to defend officers at all costs sort of no matter what they do, thats a banner that some cops could choose to walk under.

michael barbaro

So Shaila, I mean, with all that in mind, how much power does any police chief in the country  I mean, even the most reform-minded variety of police chief  really have to try to discipline cops given the obstacles?

shaila dewan

I think it is really hard, even as weve seen public attitudes shift dramatically, and the unions just have so much power in this equation.

michael barbaro

OK. By my count, we are on system number five that keeps police from being disciplined.

shaila dewan

Thats right, system number five is a big one. And thats the difficulty of holding police criminally accountable for their actions. And thats a lot due to a legal concept called reasonable fear. So even if you overcome prosecutors reluctance to charge police officers, and even if you overcome jurys reluctance to convict officers, officers still have a lot of protection. And thats built up on the idea that they have very difficult, dangerous jobs where they have to make split-second decisions. And you cant really second guess them. So if an officer can make an argument that a reasonable officer would have been afraid for their life, or for the life of a fellow officer in that moment, then the jury is not supposed to convict them. And thats a pretty big hurdle to overcome if what you think is that police need to be sent to prison. And thats the system that weve set up for the courts.

michael barbaro

And of course, Minneapolis has charged Officer Chauvin with murder. It sounds like youre saying that if that charge is brought to a trial, that this concept of reasonable fear could be a major argument in his favor and could make it very hard to prosecute him.

shaila dewan

I mean, theres already a lot of talk about what a jury might do in this situation and how hard it will be to prove this case. Certainly, nobody thinks its going to be an easy case to prove.

michael barbaro

Shaila, all these systems that we are discussing as potential impediments to disciplining cops, I have to think that all of them were put in place for a reason, and maybe even at first a good reason.

shaila dewan

I mean, sure. Theres two sides to all of these stories. So of course, as an employee, you dont want to be at the whim of an unreasonable boss. So you want the protection of being able to appeal. I think we can all understand how a union protects workers. And no one thinks that police officers have an easy job. But I think theres something even deeper going on here, which is that these systems come out of a failure of trust  that police officers simply dont trust, and maybe for good reason, that the public could possibly understand them or their choices or their jobs, or what theyre really facing. And so they cant contemplate subjecting themselves to that kind of public scrutiny.

michael barbaro

And so that belief kind of permeates all of this.

shaila dewan

It permeates all of this.

michael barbaro

You know, its interesting, almost by definition, whether you think that these systems are problems or you think that they offer necessary protections to cops, they feel quite entrenched. And they feel kind of immovable.

shaila dewan

This is a system that, even an institution that wants to change itself, cant overcome its architecture. And this is why you see the rage on the streets. Those are people who, I think, viscerally feel that architecture. And the only thing they can see to do is dismantle it. They dont think that its about tweaking it or adjusting it. Its about tearing it down.

michael barbaro

Thank you, Shaila.

shaila dewan

Thank you, Michael.

michael barbaro

On Monday afternoon, the medical examiners office in Hennepin County, Minnesota released the results of a preliminary autopsy on George Floyd. The office classified his death as a homicide, saying that his heart stopped as police, including officer Chauvin, restrained him and compressed his neck.

[music]

Well be right back. Heres what else you need to know today.

archived recording ( president donald trump) You have been dominated. If you dont dominate, youre wasting your time. Theyre going to run over you. Youre going to look like a bunch of jerks.

michael barbaro

In a conference call with governors on Monday, President Trump lashed out at them for what he described as their inadequate response to the protests, demanding, quote, retribution against the demonstrators for the unrest.

archived recording (president donald trump) You have to arrest people, and you have to try people. And they have to go to jail for long periods of time. I saw what happened in Philadelphia.

michael barbaro

A few hours later, in his first remarks from the White House since the protests began, Trump called the violent scenes unfolding across the country, quote, acts of domestic terror, and said he was prepared to step in if local officials failed to contain the demonstrations.

archived recording (president donald trump) If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.

michael barbaro

Outside the White House on Monday night 

archived recording [EXPLOSION SOUNDS]

michael barbaro
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 23:54:19|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A resident signs in a street campaign in support of national security legislation for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Hong Kong, south China, May 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

The EU should observe international law and basic norms governing international relations, respect China's efforts to safeguard national security, refrain from interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any form, and take real actions to sustain the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

BRUSSELS, May 30 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the European Union (EU) on Friday urged the EU to refrain from interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any form, in response to Declaration of the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Hong Kong.

The spokesperson said Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, and Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. The legal basis for the governance of Hong Kong by the Chinese government is the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of Hong Kong, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. It is just untenable to accuse China of not being in conformity with international commitments citing the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The spokesperson said upholding national security is always a duty of the central government. The Constitution of China and the Basic Law of Hong Kong give power and responsibilities to the National People's Congress (NPC) of China to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the national level. The relevant decision is designed for closing national security loopholes in Hong Kong, stopping violence and restoring law and order in Hong Kong, and ensuring Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

People signing a petition in support of the national security legislation pose for a photo at a street stand in Hong Kong, south China, May 29, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)

The spokesperson said "one country, two systems" is China's basic state policy. The central government is firmly resolved to implement the "one country, two systems." The decision adopted by the NPC on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR provides a fundamental guarantee for the full implementation of the "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. The decision only targets acts of separatism, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference that seriously undermine national security. It will not impinge on the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, nor the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors.

The spokesperson urged the EU to observe international law and basic norms governing international relations, respect China's efforts to safeguard national security, refrain from interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any form, and take real actions to sustain the sound and steady development of China-EU relations. 
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a hardworking, dynamic, inspiring and foresighted leader.

In a series of tweets on the first year of the Modi government's second term in office, Chouhan also explained what according him every letter in the PM's surname stood for.

"The mantra named MODI is enshrined in the heart of every citizen of India. Wherever you go, whether in the country or abroad, everywhere you hear chanting of Modi-Modi. This mantra fills our hearts with a new energy," he said.

It is said that those who work, also achieve a name. The entire world believes in the work of our celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but a very important message is hidden in his name, he said.

Chouhan said that the letter M in Modi's name stands for motivational and mehanati (hardworking).

"Modi ji is motivational, he works tirelessly. He always motivates all of us to take this great country to a new height," Chouhan said.

The second letter 'O' stands for ojasvi (powerful) and opportunity, Chouhan said, adding, "Modi ji is our powerful leader, who identifies hidden opportunities in India and continuously tries to polish it. He turned the coronavirus challenge into an opportunity."

He said that the third letter 'D' stands for doordarshita (foresight), dynamic leadership, development.

"Modi's foresight is a testimony to the dynamic leadership that is pushing India forward on the path of development. The whole world recognise him as 'Vikas Purush', Chouhan said.

He said the fourth and the last letter in the name 'I' stands for India, inspire and ichhashakti (will power), he said.

"Modi ji is our leader who inspires India to make the country self-reliant with his strong will," he added.

In a blog on Friday evening, Chouhan also drawn the parallel between the Narendra Modi government and 'Ram rajya'.

Modi and his cabinet had taken oath on this day last year.
THE MEDIA landscape in Ghana and other African countries has over the decades been inundated with various stories about evil activities of some men and women who claim to be ministers of God. But these are preachers, who refuse to abide in the doctrines of Christ, refuse to work on the same terms as true ministers do and practice sins unrepentantly without shame.

In their ministrations, these ministers curse and insults their perceived opponents, prophesy money out of people's pockets and purses, sell concoctions to their followers, give lotto numbers, make their congregants eat grass and snakes, bath women, passionately kiss women in public, distort scriptures for selfish gain and give false spiritual directions.

These are things true servants of Christ will not do as they learn from their Master  Christ. The apostle Peter testified of Christ Jesus that, When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten (1 Peter 2: 23). Similarly, the apostle Paul wrote, When reviled, we bless; when persecuted we endure; when slandered we entreat. True servants of Christ are temperate in all things; they invariably exercise self-control.

In fact, one thing we must remember is that false prophets, teachers, apostles, evangelists, and pastors (bishops) are a major theme in Christianity. False ministers are evil servants of the devil who secretly worm their way into the Body of Christ and skillfully disguises themselves as servants of Christ. In both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, we read about the activities and exposure of false ministers.

Paul wrote, For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds (2 Corinthians 13- 15).

One work the devil has given to false ministers to do is to dent the image of the church of Jesus Christ so as to make it unpopular, make it look unattractive, unimportant and irrelevant in the eyes of the world. By their bad character and conduct, many believers leave the church, and many unbelievers decide never to believe in Jesus Christ. And that is exactly what we have been seeing and hearing about throughout the world today.

The effects of these evil activities of false ministers against the church of God are the unparalleled widespread mockery, criticisms, opposition and hatred against Christianity, with severe persecution and oppression of Christians in a world where thousands of religions or faith-based organizations operate.

It is for this and other reasons, God is always against false ministers, and inspires His true ministers to rebuke them with harsh words. In Ezekiel 13, God calls false prophets foolish people and jackals for following their own spirit, and see false visions and lying divination. And in Ezekiel 34, God rebuked pastors who accumulated wealth for themselves without providing the spiritual and physical needs of the poor; He sees them as being greedy and irresponsible.

In Matthew 7: 15, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself describes false prophets as ravenous wolves. He warned His disciples saying, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. To be ravenous is to be greedy, gluttonous or predatory.

Knowing how dangerously false prophets and teachers threaten the purity of the gospel, the apostle Peter described them in very strong words. He wrote, But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among youAnd in their greed, they will exploit you with false words.

But these irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoingThey have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray.

They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness. These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved (2 Peter 2: 1- 17). These are the words of Peter to false ministers.

Similarly, Jude also rebukes false prophets and teachers describing them as ungodly people, waterless clouds, fruitless trees, malcontents and grumblers, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Today, many people think false ministers are happy people as they display and boast about their mansions, cars, planes and other worldly goods. But deep down their hearts, these ministers have no peace and hope. Their hearts are filled with the fear of suffering eternal damnation. Yes, false ministers are destined for eternal destruction; their ill-gotten wealth cannot save them.

[email protected]

By James Quansah
Speaking to Republic TV on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed one year in office during his second tenure, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed the Opposition for politicization of Covid-19 pandemic and assured that diplomatic channels are open to solve the border issue with China.

Speaking about the current border standoff along the LAC, he said, "Our government in any case will not let the self-respect of the nation come down. The face-off has happened in the past as well. We have a system in place to solve the problem. Diplomatic talks are going on."

The Defence Minister outrightly ruled out the possibility of any sort of mediation, a day after US President Trump had claimed that he spoke with PM Modi. Earlier, government sources had also clarified that the PM had only spoken to the US president on April 4 about HCQ. As neighboring Nepal has also raised border issues with India recently, Defence Minister Singh said that the country has always shown 'brotherhood' towards Nepal and is ready for the talks with the country's PM KP Oli.

On Pakistan's repeated attempts of infiltration, Raksha Mantri said: "We are tackling terrorism successfully through mutual coordination. Our agencies and security forces deserve congratulations on this. Everybody knows what is Pakistan's intention." When asked about a solution to the tenion with Pakistan and the way forward, he said: "I cannot give you a definite timeline of events, but it will happen eventually."

Slamming the Congress for politicisation of Coronavirus pandemic and former Congress chief's statement on the border dispute with China, the defence minister said that there should not be any blame-game on a national issue. He also congratulated Prime Minister Modi and said that under his leadership the country has witnessed bold decisions.

PM completes one year in his second term

As Prime Minister Modi completed a year in the office, on Saturday, he has penned a letter to the country. With a massive mandate in 2019, PM Modi came to power for the second consecutive term in India and has in the past year delivered significant decisions including the historic abrogation of Article 370.

Indo-China border row

There have been mounting tensions at the Indo-China border after few standoff between Indian and Chinese army in the past month. However, as per sources, high-level Indian and Chinese military commanders met at designated points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on May 22 and 23 to defuse the present tension. Moreover, diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Beijing are also working towards a peaceful resolution.

READ | Modi 2.0: Amit Shah hails PM's achievements, thanks India for 'unwavering support'

Recent row between India and Nepal

India and Nepal are at loggerheads after Nepal issued a political map showing parts of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura under its territory. Earlier, India had issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani and Lipulekh on its side of the border in October last year. The tension further escalated after India inaugurated a road link connecting Kailash Mansarovar, the holy pilgrimage site situated at Tibet, China, that passes through the territory that Nepal claims.

READ | PM Modi pens letter to the nation on first anniversary of his 2nd term; read FULL message

India's COVID-19 tally

The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,971 and the number of cases climbed to 1,73,763 in the country registering a record single-day spike of 265deaths and 7,964 cases till Saturday 8 am, according to the Union health ministry. The number of active COVID-19 cases stood to 86,422 while 82,369 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, it said. In the last 24 hours, 11,264 patients have recovered.

READ | Coronavirus Live Updates
India is on the brink of a grim milestone of 5,000 Covid deaths within 80 days of the first fatality on March 11. More than half of those who died were elderly persons, with most having underlying health conditions and suffering from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

It began as a rich mans disease that came to India on the plane and then ended up uprooting the poor as well. As migrant labourers head home, some of them possibly taking the virus with them, Covid-19 is fast breaching the rich-poor divide, infecting the people in the slums of Dharavi to Mumbai ...
She welcomed her first child with husband Karl Stefanovic, daughter Harper May, earlier this month.

And on Saturday, Jasmine Yarbrough was very much a hands-on mother as she stopped by a friend's place in Sydney.

The 36-year-old footwear designer looked positively glowing as she carried the newborn in a baby capsule with a pink and white blanket draped on top.

Hands-on mum! Karl Stefanovic's wife Jasmine Yarbrough (pictured), 36, carried their newborn daughter Harper May, as she stopped by a friend's place in Sydney on Saturday

Jasmine kept comfortable on the outing in a chic beige sweater and black pants.

She swept her signature blonde locks into an effortless topknot, and looked to have worn minimal makeup, showing off her natural beauty.

Jasmine carried her precious bundle of joy out of her car, no doubt wanting to introduce little Harper to her friend.

Effortless style: The footwear designer looked positively glowing as she carried her precious bundle of joy out of her car in a baby capsule, with a pink and white blanket draped on top

Attire: Jasmine kept comfortable on the outing in a chic beige sweater and dark pants. She swept her signature blonde locks into an effortless topknot

Jasmine and Today host Karl, 45, welcomed Harper on May 1. She was born at Sydney's North Shore Private Hospital.

In a statement to the Today show at the time, Karl said: 'Harper and Jasmine are doing well and dad had a great night's sleep.'

He added: 'I am in awe. Harper is absolutely perfect.'

The happy news was also announced on Weekend Today on Saturday May 2, by Karl's colleague and close friend, Richard Wilkins.

Family unit: Jasmine and Today host Karl Stefanovic (pictured), 45, welcomed Harper on May 1. She was born at Sydney's North Shore Private Hospital

Proud father: In a statement to the Today show at the time, Karl said: 'I am in awe. Harper is absolutely perfect'

Richard confirmed that Harper weighed 2.9kg at the time of her birth and was born the day prior, just after midday.

Karl met Jasmine in late 2016, five months after his split from wife of 21 years, Cassandra Thorburn.

The new couple wed in a lavish ceremony at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in December 2018.

Karl is already a father to three children shared with Cassandra: son Jackson, 20, daughter Ava, 14, and son River, 12.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- The big question haunting oil is how much Covid-19 has changed the world. Will more people give up on commuting or, conversely, drive into work? Has air travel peaked for good? Have Londoners and Angelenos been spoiled by a few haze-free months?

Judging from the past week, though, maybe oils real problem is the world hasnt changed enough.

Last year, the big challenge confronting oil demand was the trade war. This eased somewhat in January with the phase one agreement committing China to buy more U.S. exports, including extra freedom molecules of energy. Even then, however, most of President Donald Trumps tariffs were left in place, and sensitive issues such as Chinese subsidies were deferred. It was more ceasefire than treaty.

The guns are silent no longer. Chinas decision to effectively lop off the second half of Hong Kongs one country, two systems rubric was met with Secretary of State Michael Pompeos announcement the U.S. would take Beijing at its word. No longer recognized as autonomous, Hong Kongs trade could be hit with tariffs, and the U.S. could even impose sanctions.

More importantly, this is a tangible breach after months of escalating tension, with tit-for-tat expulsions of journalists and Trump even floating the idea of China being knowingly responsible in the spread of Covid-19. The phase one agreement, meanwhile, was off to a slow start, with China taking just $14.4 billion of goods listed under the deal in the first quarter, versus the $34 billion implied by the targets, according to Bloomberg Economics.

With November looming, and his presidency tainted by Americas Covid-19 death toll and joblessness, Trump may well have decided China makes a better pandemic scapegoat than economic buttress. But antipathy to Beijing extends beyond the president. In the same week Pompeo opened the door to sanctions over Hong Kong, the Democratic-controlled House voted almost unanimously to authorize sanctions against China for human-rights abuses against the countrys Uighur minority. For reasons extending back much further than the existence of the Chinese Communist Party, such prods into the countrys internal affairs will touch a nerve, potentially escalating a trade dispute into broader great-power rivalry.

Story continues

The unraveling of free trade has been apparent since at least the 2016 presidential campaign. As I wrote here a few years ago, this is particularly pernicious for an oil market built on the back of globalization and U.S. security guarantees.

Far from provoking mass kumbaya in the face of a common enemy, Covid-19 elicited a more Darwinian response, even between supposedly united states. Besides attempts to tattoo a flag on the virus, its arrival threw a spotlight on countries vulnerability to shortages of imported medical supplies, providing fodder for economic nationalists seeking re-shoring and a general shortening of supply chains. Fragmentation means friction, which tends to suppress growth over time. In projections published last year, BP Plc ran a less globalization case that took a hefty chunk out of forecast oil and natural gas demand; in the latter case, even more than for a scenario of quicker de-carbonization.

The world also hasnt changed as much as it might seem when it comes to oil supply, either. The coronavirus world tour coincided with the breakdown of Saudi-Russia cooperation on production cuts  and then facilitated a rapid rapprochement as oil prices headed toward negative territory. The swinging supply cuts forced on OPEC+ members, along with signs of congestion resuming in Chinese cities especially, helped drag oil back into the $30s this month.

But the underlying dynamics havent changed altogether. Russia has implemented big cuts but is reportedly keen to start unwinding these sooner rather than later. As when it broke with OPEC+ in March, Moscow is done ceding market share to U.S. frackers. The latter have cut production very quickly, but their instinct to get rigs and crews back to work remains strong. Holding them in check are low prices, particularly for longer-dated futures, weighed down by the glut of physical oil and spare OPEC+ capacity thats built up over the past couple of months. Shale does at last seem poised for rationalization. However, supplys defining characteristics of the past four years  excess inventory and OPEC+ versus shale competition  are for now accentuated rather than altered.

Similarly, the International Energy Agencys latest investment report, which dropped this week, was consumed with Covid-19 yet trod familiar ground. This showed the theme of excess supply extending into refining, where too much capacity was opening even before the pandemic showed up.

Above all, that other force of nature confronting energy markets, climate change, pervaded the discussion. If anything, the pandemic is a reminder of why we should be tackling that threat head-on. Covid-19 has both spotlighted the risk and, if stimulus efforts are shaped properly, may catalyze a response. With uncanny timing, at Chevron Corp.s (virtual) shareholder meeting this week, the only measure where a majority of investors voted against the board concerned aligning the oil majors lobbying with efforts to address climate change.

There is still so much we dont know about the lasting impacts of Covid-19 or, indeed, the workings of the virus itself. One thing that seems clear, however, is its tendency to magnify pre-existing conditions. For oil, those were excess supply, fraying globalization and a looming climate emergency.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Liam Denning is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy, mining and commodities. He previously was editor of the Wall Street Journal's Heard on the Street column and wrote for the Financial Times' Lex column. He was also an investment banker.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
(Photo : Caitlin Ochs on Reuters ) Minnesota Riot: Facebook Defends Trump's Posts on George Floyd's Death; Drone Sent to Minnesota Returns Quickly to Base (Photo : LUCAS JACKSON on Reuters ) Minnesota Riot: Facebook Defends Trump's Posts on George Floyd's Death; Drone Sent to Minnesota Returns Quickly to Base

Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has finally spoken up about his decision to allow the posts of United States President Donald Trump of "glorifying violence" regarding the protests against the death of George Floyd. Meanwhile, the government drone that was first sent to Minnesota to monitor the protests retreated to its base. But why?

What's happening on Minnesota riot: Zuckerberg defends Trump; Minnesota drone now sent back

On Monday, May 25, a video of an unarmed Black man, identified as George Floyd, was being pinned down by police officers, went trending. Floyd died, but the court did not issue any charges against the police. This event raised concerns in the never-ending racial discrimination among dark-colored skin.

Outrage by the death of Floyd, protestors in Minnesota appeared and torched a police building located in the area. After this, U.S. Pres. Trump posted a phrase on his social media accounts saying, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." It was made controversial by people saying that these posts "glorify violence."

Twitter deleted the post. But Facebook and Instagram still allowed it.

On Friday, May 29, Facebook's Zuckerberg finally explained his decision to allow Trump to posts controversial warnings to all looters in Minnesota protests.

"I know many people are upset that we've left the President's posts up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause an imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies," he wrote."Although the post had a troubling historical reference, we decided to leave it up because the National Guard references meant we read it as a warning about state action, and we think people need to know if the government is planning to deploy force."

He also added that his company will explain this further on the White House.

Until now, Facebook and the White House haven't yet commented on the issue.

Minnesota drone sent back to base after a series of protests

In line with the Minnesota protests, Boston Globe also reported that a drone tasked to shoot footages of the Minnesota looting and riot is now back on its base.

The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol mentioned that a drone was dispatched following the nights of protests in the area. It was said to provide live video of real events in the Minneapolis and needed to bring "situational awareness" to the authorities.

However, on Friday, May 29, the CBP requested to bring back the drone. It was returned to its base in Grand Forks, North Dakota, after "the requesting agency determined that the aircraft was no longer needed for operational awareness."

CBP did not mention which 'agency' requested the aircraft back.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Some routes to Europe and Japan will return to San Francisco International Airport on Monday after a long absence due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The airport has taken measures to guard against the virus, and travelers can expect a different experience between arriving at the airport and moving through security than what frequent fliers may be used to.

All Nippon Airways will begin operating three flights weekly to Tokyo-Narita Airport. Swiss International Air Lines will fly once a week starting Monday to Zurich, and German carrier Lufthansa plans to run three routes a week to Munich beginning June 16.

The increases in service are the first flights from San Francisco to Europe since April 1.

According to the Official Airline Guide database, with the reinstituted routes SFO is scheduled to have 220 international flights a week in June, up from an average of 42 each week in May, when strict shelter-in-place orders for the city and surrounding counties were still in effect.

The number of flights out of the airport is still down significantly from the pre-pandemic schedule, which originally planned for 867 weekly international flights in May and 891 each week in June.

Safety measures will include precautions that have become common during the pandemic, but travelers still have to decide if they are willing to take the risk, according to Lisa Lindsay, executive director with the nonprofit Private Risk Management Association.

Lindsay said travelers need to check with their airlines to understand not just safety policies but also rules around canceling flights and getting a refund should a destination become a hot spot of the coronavirus or if other issues arise.

Understanding what protocols are in place at a hotel or other destination is also essential, she added, noting travelers should plan for the unexpected.

If you cant get home as expected, you have to think about, Will I have enough medication if my stay gets extended? Lindsay said. If you need to ride out a bout of COVID-19, do you have some of the basics that you need?

Passengers and workers will be required to wear face masks while moving through the airport, according to SFO. The airport does not have plans to check travelers temperatures at security or elsewhere since doing so is not a reliable indicator of infection from the coronavirus, according to SFO Public Information Officer Doug Yakel.

Some airlines may now also require passengers to wear masks onboard, and the airport encouraged passengers to check with their carrier in advance.

People at the airport will have to stay 6 feet apart from one another as well.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Travelers will notice the 4,000 social distancing markers throughout seating areas and places where lines form. Elevators will also be limited to two passengers at a time, and signs and announcements will continually remind passengers to keep their distance from one another.

More hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the airport and the Transportation Security Administration will now allow travelers to bring bottles of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz. in carry-on luggage.

The airport has also installed clear plastic barriers at security checkpoints, information booths, and ticket counters to guard against the transmission of the respiratory droplets thought to carry the virus.

The cleaning team at SFO has also begun cleaning more frequently and thoroughly and is using no-touch cleaning techniques like disinfectant sprayers to avoid coming into contact with surfaces.

Some essential services remain open, including limited food, beverage and retail stands. The SFO Medical Clinic and the Grand Hyatt hotel are also still operating.

Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice
When the world was first hit by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in November, 2019, only few people gave it any serious thought or concern.

In the Volta regional capital, Ho, there was not a scintilla of fear among people from the onset of the virus which was first reported in Chinas Wuhan Province, before the Yuletide in December, 2019.



Many were those who thought and felt that COVID-19 was peculiar only to China and would pass just as had been the case with Ebola, SARS and other notable diseases.



Today, however, there is a higher level of uncertainty and anxiety among the world population, than there used to be prior to the pandemic. It took a while, however, for the impact to be felt in Ho and the Volta Region at large.



Many were the sceptics who, like before, believed a magical Passover would occur and Ghana would be left untouched.



Nogokpo



Some residents in Ho surmised that the region was untouchable, as the virus ravaged other parts of the world. There were others who calmed nerves with unproven opinions and conspiracy theories related to the disease.



It was not uncommon to hear Oh God forbid, coronavirus will not get here, from people with unwavering religious faith, with some declaring their emphatic confidence in the great deity of Nogokpo who they said would not allow the disease to affect the region .



Even though such line of thought sounded appealing, especially against a ravaging monster that no one knew how to tame, it was not realistically applicable or possible. It reminded me of the saying if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.



Reality, however, dawned when Ghana unfortunately recorded its first two cases in March, 2020. Immediately, there were calls from various quarters on the need to urgently close the countrys borders.



After his first address to the nation on Wednesday, March 12, 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, brought with him rekindled hope, as he enumerated enhanced measures taken against the pandemic.



Some residents of Ho, like those in other parts of the country, however, remained unperturbed and rather transformed information on the virus into comic relief chatters.



First nine cases



Just two weeks later, the Volta Region recorded its first nine cases of COVID-19 with one in Ho, Hohoe and Aflao. The news sent shivers down the spines of residents all over the region, some of whom could not fathom the possibility of the existence of the case.



Who could that be, and where is he or she from? How many people may he or she have come into contact with? were common queries on the lips of all.



Suspicions were rife because unlike Accra and other busy suburban areas, Ho is large but with a relatively small population where everybody knew somebody. This increased anxiety among residents who limited bodily contacts and observed preventive measures stipulated by the Ghana Health Service.



These individuals went as far as locking themselves up at home while observing extreme physical distancing protocols.



The streets of Ho became a pale shadow of themselves with virtually no activity compared to previously when people went about in pursuit of their daily businesses. Entrances to businesses and offices have been occupied with Veronica buckets and hand sanitisers and liquid soap to encourage handwashing.



A deserted street in Ho



Information, protocols



Business flyers plastered on walls and doors were quickly replaced with leaflets bearing information on COVID-19. Others had already taken to donning nose masks before it was made compulsory.



Anxiety was at an all-time high when the region recorded additional cases after it was announced that rigorous contact tracing was going to be carried out in Ho and its environs following the confirmation of the COVID-19 case at the Ho Teaching Hospital.



This sort of anxiety was, however, conspicuously missing amongst market women and traders who continued to operate in their heavily populated environment with gleeful disregard to preventive measures and social distancing protocols. This was even after a large-scale fumigation exercise which had led to the closure of the market; the first of such activity.



With 47 recorded cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, May 24, signs of fear vividly showed on the faces of almost everyone walking the streets of Ho. The large number of people clad in nose masks in Ho indicates the enormity of the invisible war being waged against COVID-19.



A peculiar trait noticeable with the onset of the virus is the alteration to culturally recognised salutations such as handshakes which have always been associated with the Ghanaian culture, including that of the Ewes as people continue to adhere to the W.H.O. recommended protocols in the face of COVID-19.



Lessons



There are many lessons to be drawn from the COVID -19 pandemic, one of which is the significance of public discourse devoid of partisan inclinations. It has provided a common platform for deliberations and holistic collaborations even between political parties which is rare in the country with elections around the corner.



This new norm could become a blueprint in our effort as a country to tackle other issues of utmost importance. This pandemic has impacted high-end businesses, corporate entities and even state actors, including ministers who have committed half of their salaries to aid the fight of the disease.



Residents of Ho and the rest of Ghana, similarly, are eager to resume their normal lives. The occasional interactions, extroverted activities and a boom in business are awaiting revival, but it would take a greater commitment from citizens and our industrious frontline workers to make this happen in the shortest possible time.



COVID-19 is a strange teacher whose students are not given a fair chance to learn from its lessons. God be our helper!

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.

Featured Video
Editors note: Some have termed COVID-19 the great equalizer because it can indiscriminately infect anyone. But the impact it has on people and families is far from equal. The Stars Viral Inequality series looks at how people from various walks of life have seen their lives change, and, in some cases, how theyve slipped through the safety net of government support.

Rural communities across Eastern Ontario are hoping COVID-19 can be their blessing in disguise and spur fixing the internet in their hometowns.

The problem is clear across the board: Lousy infrastructure that leads to spinning wheels, crashes, and, in the end, an inability to function in todays COVID-19 work-from-home reality.

Its poor at best, but COVID-19 really exposed how poor of an infrastructure we have when it comes to internet service, said Kingston-area business owner Dan Gilbert.

With the added traffic, the whole system slowed down.

Gilbert runs a sales-and-marketing firm out of his home in Verona and has been slogging through unreliable service for eight years now.

Improvements have been slow to come and reliable internet can make or break deals.

Since everyone started working from home because of COVID-19, his processing speed has slowed to less than 1 Mbps, which he says takes him back into the age of glacial dial-up modem access. Even before the pandemic, he was barely able to achieve processing speeds of 5 Mbps, and has to use his mobile phone as a backup.

Clients, he said, arent always patient.

As a small business, dealing with poor internet, youre disadvantaged, Gilbert said. Here we are eight years later, with a service that barely moved the needle.

Thats a big mess.

In order to facilitate business, I have to use my cellphone as a hotspot and hope that its enough to get me through for the month.

Its the kind of problem the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) of 120 municipalities wants fixed once and for all. The not-for-profits members stretch from the eastern borders of Durham Region, all the way to the Ottawa River.

For the past decade, the group has been lobbying for and executing projects aimed at improving cellular and internet service in the area. Leaders are hoping COVID-19 struggles can add a big push to what, at times, have felt like incremental gains.

Think of all the productivity thats being lost because people cant get connected, said Jim Pine, EORNs co-lead and chief administrative officer for Hastings County Rural Canadians are disadvantaged.

You hear stories of teachers who cant connect with (elementary and secondary) students, because they dont have enough bandwidth, Pine said.

EORNs plan estimates it will cost roughly $1.2 billion to remedy internet and cellular network shortfalls for 1.2 million people living and working across 600,000 homes and businesses in Eastern Ontario, Pine said.

Now, they need to convince the federal and provincial governments to each chip in $200 million. The plan also relies on backing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and private entities.

Our model is something that could be used across the country, he said.

The federal government recently hinted at rolling out some initiatives, geared toward improving broadband, but no promises have been made for the EORN project.

Yes, its big dollars, but it needs to be done now, Pine said.

EORN has already been successful at improving broadband across swaths of Ontario. A prime example is the $175 million it was able to raise through public-private partnerships (including funds from member municipalities, federal and provincial governments) to complete internet upgrades in 2015, getting more than 80 per cent of addresses up to an average of 10 Mbps, a big leap from the 1.5 Mbps when they started in 2010.

It used to be that if you have 1.5 Mbps (download speeds) you were considered to be getting high-speed services, and, in eastern Ontario that didnt really exist, even at that low speed, Pine said. Weve made major improvements through that project.

Now, were targetting a blotchy cellular network.

The organization has funding for a $220-million project to rectify cellular network dead zones, Pine said. (This includes some of its own money, and federal and provincial money.)

Now it must convince the different levels of government, along with private network providers, to dole out even more cash to complete work that would vastly improve internet services.

Weve put together a plan that would bring fibre to the home of every resident and business in Eastern Ontario, Pine said.

We really think this is the moment to fix it once and for all.

Belleville councillor, Paul Carr, who lives and represents rural wards just north of Highway 401, says the pandemic has highlighted what was really already a crisis, in  internet access and having anything of adequate speed.

Hes one of the people banking on the potential of the EORN-proposed project to alleviate deficiencies.

You do not have to creep very far (north of) Highway 401, in Belleville, to get only rudimentary internet, he said.

Dr. Adam Stewart, has been running many aspects of his Madoc-based medical practice out of his Stirling home during COVID-19.

Although his service is advertised as being capable of doing up to 25 Mbps, youre never going to achieve those speeds.

Not only are the speeds terrible, but there has been so many times in the last couple of weeks when it just drops, Stewart said.

The doctor and some of his neighbours have had to install additional private signal receiver towers, so they can pick up a signal from rural internet service provider Xplornet Communications Inc.

Not ideal for a doctor, who now has to provide care, through virtual means, for his patients.

In an effort to remedy the problem Stewart had to switch to a commercial line.

It didnt come cheap. Hes had to pay $525 per month on top of a $1,600-installation fee for the service. For years, he only paid around $100 per month for his residential service.

Thats not affordable for everyone, he said.

Internet options here have always been 10 years behind what the standard should be.

This crisis is shining light on the gaps in rural areas.

Jason Miller is a breaking news reporter for the Star and is based in Toronto. Reach him on email: jasonmiller@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @millermotionpic
Missouri has narrowly avoided a return to a time before Roe v. Wade after an independent arbiter ruled that its last operating abortion clinic can continue offering the procedure.

After a year-long legal battle that pitted allegations of grave violations against accusations of regulatory overreach, the Planned Parenthood in St. Louis won a rare victory in a state that has become increasingly hostile to abortion rights.

The dispute between the state and its sole clinic began last May, when Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services announced that it wouldn't renew Planned Parenthood's license. The clinic sued, accusing the agency of shifting the goal posts of its oversight and carrying out an antiabortion political agenda. But health officials said they uncovered "serious and extensive" problems during the clinic's annual inspection.

In a 96-page decision issued Friday, Missouri's Administrative Hearing Commission said the clinic's operations were overwhelmingly safe and that the state health department wrongfully withheld its license. The ruling means the clinic's license is renewed through May 2021.

"Planned Parenthood has demonstrated that it provides safe and legal abortion care," wrote commissioner Sreenivasa Rao Dandamudi. "In over 4,000 abortions provided since 2018, the Department has only identified two causes to deny its license."

The national organization, which in the last two years has battled a barrage of antiabortion legislation across the country, cheered the ruling but said access to abortion remains limited - and has been threatened further during the coronavirus pandemic as some states have sought to ban the procedure as part of their sweeping emergency orders.

"Today's decision is a hard-fought victory for Planned Parenthood patients - and for people across Missouri," Planned Parenthood acting president Alexis McGill Johnson said in a statement. "This is how we fight for our patients: case by case, day by day, to ensure abortion remains safe and legal across the country. The data shows that many have already paid the price, with the vast majority of Missouri patients forced to cross state lines to get the care they need. This is what it looks like when abortion is a right in name only."

A spokesperson for the state health department declined to comment.

The clinic was nearly forced to shut its doors in June, after the health department denied its permit renewal application, citing concerns over multiple "failed abortions," which required additional procedures, and a patient who suffered life-threatening complications. But Planned Parenthood contended that the state's argument was "cherry-picked," and Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer allowed its physicians to continue performing abortions while he adjudicated the case.

The two sides sparred in court until Stelzer ordered Planned Parenthood to take its appeal to the Administrative Hearing Commission, the independent state agency that handles disputes between the public and private sectors.

The judge wrote that he "has no authority to intercede in this matter until there has been a final decision by the AHC," and he granted a preliminary injunction keeping the clinic running until the body handed down its decision. This announcement flipped the clinic's hourglass - it gave the health center more time, yet its leaders couldn't shake the feeling that they were down to their last grains of sand.

"The terrifying reality is that access is hanging on by a thread," Colleen McNicholas, an OB/GYN at the clinic, said in June.

The state's health director, Randall Williams, drew widespread condemnation when he said at an administrative hearing in October that his agency tracked the menstrual cycles of the clinic's patients, with the aim of identifying those who had failed abortions. Williams said he attempted to use that data to determine whether women who went in for follow-up appointments after abortions suffered complications. He said his goal was protecting patient safety. But critics called it an invasion of women's privacy and demanded his resignation and an investigation by the governor.

Since 2019, the legal and political battle over abortion has intensified in Missouri, just as it has in other Republican-led states, which have pushed increasingly strict bans on the procedure.

Like many other states, Missouri already had restrictive laws on its books. Last year, Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, signed into law a measure that bans abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy. It provides no exceptions for victims of rape or incest, only for medical emergencies. He said on Twitter that the bill would make Missouri "the most Pro-Life state in the country!" Three months later, a federal judge blocked the law from taking effect.

Antiabortion advocates have applauded Parson's policies and derided Dandamudi's decision, claiming the clinic has unfairly dodged state oversight.

"It is a sad day when the health and safety of women is sacrificed in the name of abortion access," Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, said in a statement. "Planned Parenthood of St. Louis, the last abortion business in Missouri, demonstrated consistently that they value profits above the health and safety of women. Their numerous deficiencies, which Planned Parenthood refused to correct when given the opportunity, merited closure. The women of Missouri deserve better."

The loss of its last abortion clinic would have made Missouri the first state since 1974 left without a licensed facility, and a testament to the struggle stands newly constructed across the Mississippi River: a Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights, Illinois, opened in October to meet the demand from out-of-state patients.
The break-up of the Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal stimulus has generated a lot of discussion. While reviewing the various policy measures, I was taken back to an earlier era -- the post bank nationalization period of the 1970s. Measures such as credit guarantees, interest subvention, Viability Gap Funding, support for MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and agriculture etc. remind one of those days.

The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been so acute that it has left the government with little choice but to consider measures often regarded as relics of the past. We will discuss credit guarantees (CG) in this piece, tracking its history from the 1960s to its most recent avatar.

The Indian government first started giving credit guarantees to the Small Scale Industry (SSI) in 1960. The guarantee fee was levied at 0.25 percent of the guarantee amount, which was deemed high by industrialists. The RBIs Industrial Finance Department administered the scheme.

In the late 1960s, discussions picked up over making banks more socially responsible by asking them to give loans or open branches in neglected sectors/areas. It is interesting to note that the then RBI Governor PC Bhattacharya preferred credit guarantees over Social Control of banks. His view was that a decentralised CG for SSI loans given by the banking system can play a much larger role than at present in the field of financing small industries.

The credit guarantee idea gained momentum post bank nationalization. In a meeting with nationalised banks in September 1969, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said there was a need for "a simple but wide-ranging scheme of guarantees or comparable facilities for lending by banks in fields which have remained relatively neglected so far, such as retail trade, small business, minor repair industries, small farming and the self-employed sector".

The government formed a working group comprising custodians of the nationalised banks. In its report, the group said while the objective of giving loans to neglected areas was noteworthy, it will also lead to risks for the banking system. The best way would be to pool these risks and cover them under a common guarantee scheme. To avoid moral hazard, guarantees would be capped at 75 percent of the losses so that banks do proper loan appraisal. The guarantee fee was pegged at 0.25 percent of the loans, open to review. Interestingly, the government credit guarantee scheme had a fee of 0.1 percent for SSIs.

The group proposed that the Deposit Insurance Corporation take up the function of credit guarantee as well. This was because the purpose of deposit insurance (DI) and CG is the same: to protect banks and their depositors. However, the government wanted a separate organisation, leading to the establishment of the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC). The report suggested that all credit guarantees be brought under this one umbrella, but this was again deferred.

The CGC was registered under the Companies Act (1956) on January 14, 1971, and commenced business on January 29. The company was promoted by the RBI and 71 scheduled banks contributed to its share capital. The Board had 6 members, two represented RBI and four were from commercial banks. The first chairperson was R K Hazari, RBI Deputy Governor.

The CGC launched three schemes in 1971 itself. The Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (Small Loans) Guarantee Scheme, 1971, covered credit extended by scheduled commercial banks to the priority sector, barring the small scale industry and including famers and agriculturists, transport operators, fertilizer dealers, traders, professional and self-employed persons etc. The second scheme, named the Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Small Loans (Financial Corporations) was for state finance corporations which in turn gave credit to similar types of business as enumerated in the first scheme. The third scheme, called the Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (Service Cooperative Societies) covered select cooperatives.

Merger of CGC with DICGC

The CGs led to not just an increase in credit towards these neglected areas, but also of rising claims. The CGC expedited the processing of claims, but that also weakened its financial position. This weak financial position led to the merger of the CGCI with the DIC to become the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation. The group which led to the formation of the CGC had anyway recommended the DIC to take over the tasks of credit guarantees. So, it was more like coming home really. The Act to provide for acquisition of the CGC by the DIC was passed in April 1978 and came into effect from July 15, 1978.

The DICGC came to be fully owned by the RBI and the board strength was raised to nine. The Act provided for either the RBI Governor or the Deputy Governor (DG) heading the board, but tradition led to one of the DGs chairing the board. The integration of the two also allowed funds to be transferred from one arm to another in case of a financial problem. Indeed, in 1978, the CG fund had to be bailed out by the DI fund as the former had more claims to settle compared to the collected fee income. The claims had partly gone up as the guarantee cover had increased from 75 percent to 90 percent, which also led to a rise in moral hazard.

In 1981, the Governments small industry scheme was transferred to DICGC and its fee was increased to 0.25 percent in line with that of DICGCs schemes. RBI also increased the capital of DICGC to Rs 15 crore. In 1984, DICGC introduced another scheme providing guarantee cover to select primary agricultural credit societies (PACS), primary land development banks (PLDBs) and branches of state land development banks (SLDBs), for their loans to agriculture and allied sectors.

1991 reforms and decline of Credit Guarantees

In 1992, of the six CGs, three were stopped: Small Loans (Financial Corporations) Guarantee Schemes, 1971, Service Co-operative Societies Guarantee Scheme, 1971 and Small Loans (Co-operative Credit Societies) Guarantee Scheme, 1982.

Post-1992, fewer banks used the CG scheme. This was partly because of the more stringent norms adopted by the DICGC for invoking the guarantees. It was also partly because of the 1991 reforms, where banks were moving to more market-determined ways which required doing away with the earlier approach of guarantees. The claims were more than receipts for most of the 1990s and then gradually both declined to zero.

By 2003, no bank was participating in the CG schemes barring one cooperative bank. The DICGC closed its CG function in April 2003 and became responsible for only deposit insurance.

The Government had already noted the decline of CGs. In his 2002-03 Budget Speech, FM Yashwant Sinha had proposed to convert DICGC into a Bank Deposits Insurance Corporation (BDIC) to make it an effective instrument for dealing with depositors risks and for dealing with distressed banks. A team from RBI and the Finance Ministry had studied and visited the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The team prepared an outline of the Bank Deposit Insurance Corporation (BDIC) Bill, 2003 and submitted it to the Finance Ministry in February 2003.

The Ministry had commented that BDIC should have authority to initiate remedial measures for failing banks if the regulatory/ supervisory authorities do not act promptly. Further, it recommended that a senior RBI official should be on the Board to facilitate information sharing on regulation and supervision. The RBI Governor had also opined that DICGC should work on a new law that suits Indias financial conditions while taking into account the latest international best practices.

By 2003, the earlier combination of Deposit Insurance and Credit guarantees had become anachronistic and the new combination was a deposit insurance and resolution regime. Both Deposit insurance (see my piece on history of deposit insurance) and the lack of a bank resolution regime have been in the news of late due to large scale banking failures. The events have prompted the government to increase the deposit insurance limit to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh.

However, it is not clear why we do not have a bank resolution regime, despite starting the discussion way back in 2002. In 2017, the Government proposed the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill but it ran into controversy over its approach to resolution.

CGs today and Final Thoughts

The credit guarantees did not die completely. In 2000, the government and SIDBI established a Credit Guarantee Fund Trust Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTSME). In 2014, the government started several CG funds (Skill Development, Standup India, Factoring etc) and then set up a National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd to coordinate these funds.

In the Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal stimulus announced by the government, there is a credit line to MSMEs worth Rs 3 lakh crore which is going to be 100 percent backed by CG and covers both interest and principal. Additionally, the government plans to provide Rs 20,000 crore of subordinate debt to MSME promoters which could be used as equity. The government will provide Rs 4000 crore to CGTSME which in turn will provide partial credit guarantee to banks under this scheme. The other schemes provide full and partial guarantees to NBFCs, HFCs and MFIs to enable them to raise liquidity and capital. Thus, we are back to not just CGs but the possibility of multiple CGs being governed by multiple agencies.

The history of CG and its functioning does give us some lessons. First, we should avoid multiple agencies handling different CGs. Second, the RBI or RBI-governed institutions generally fare better at financial tasks compared to the government and its agencies. The government should closely work with the RBI and heed its advice on not just CGs but other aspects of the fiscal stimulus as well, which relies greatly on the banking system. Third, we should be careful of moral hazard problems. This does not imply that one should not lend, fearing moral hazard. It is just that CG should not result in loan appraisals and follow-up not being done properly. Indian banking is already struggling with high NPAs and banks should take care to avoid any further rise. 
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed using 11-digit mobile numbers to ensure adequate numbering resource in future. In response to a request from Department of Telecommunications, the telecom regulator also suggested mandating '0' as a prefix for calls from fixed line numbers to mobile numbers. The authority estimated that 4.68 billion mobile numbers will be enough to meet the requirements in India by 2050.

"Switching from 10 to 11 digits with first digit for mobile numbers as '9' would give a total capacity of 10 billion numbers. With the current policy of allotment after 70 per cent utilisation, this would suffice till India has 7 billion connections. This could mean liberal allocation to service providers and administrative ease," TRAI said in its recommendations on 'Ensuring Adequate Numbering Resources for Fixed Line and Mobile Services'.

TRAI also suggested shifting data only mobile numbers, which are used in data cards, dongles and other devices for internet access, to 13-digit numbering series since they are not used for voice calls. "It is also possible to provide private-numbering series for these numbers by the cellular mobile operators (which is internal to their network). This will release some of the numbering resources blocked by the operators," the telecom authority said.

In its recommendations, TRAI proposed making prefix '0' mandatory for calls from fixed line numbers to mobile numbers within a service area. "Mobile phones are accessed from a fixed line phone, within a service area, without dialing prefix '0'. This puts the limitation that any digit which has been used as a first digit for fixed network (for local calls) cannot be used for mobile numbers. By making it mandatory to access mobile numbers in a service area from fixed network by dialing prefix '0', all the free sub-levels in levels '2','3','4', and '6', can also be used for mobile numbers," TRAI said.

The authority also suggested creating numbering resources by vacating fixed line levels. "The fixed line levels '3', '5', and '6', are grossly underutilised. The total number of basic telephone connections in level '2' is 12.260 million and that in level '4' is 4.315 million (as on January 31, 2020). By sparing the underutilised levels '3', '5', and '6', and moving them to a sub-level of '2' or '4', several million numbers can be used for mobile numbers," it said.

TRAI also recommended re-allocating mobile numbering resources surrendered by telecom operators who have closed their wireless operations to other companies who need more numbering resources.

ALSO READ: Telcos call for immediate 5G spectrum auction without reserve price

ALSO READ: Internet consumption booms 30% during lockdown; Airtel, Jio to benefit

ALSO READ: Coronavirus vaccine: Pfizer CEO claims COVID-19 medicine could be ready by October-end
Advertisement

NASA and Elon Musk's spacex have officially brought spaceflight back to US with the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley took off from Launch Complex 39A at 3:22pm Saturday  the first time in nine years an American crew has launched from US soil.

'Let's light this candle,' commander Hurley said just before liftoff.

There was a 50 percent chance Falcon 9 would not take off today due to ominous clouds and lightning risks, but the weather cleared with just 45 minutes left on the clock countdown.

The Launch America mission is also the first time a private company has put astronauts into space and is the second attempt to launch after Wednesday's flight was aborted due to poor weather conditions.

After reaching orbit, Falcon 9 successfully returned to Earth and was retrieved by SpaceX's autonomous spaceport drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You.'

The Crew Dragon is now taking the 19-hour journey to the International Space Station, where Behnken and Hurley will join the Expedition 63 crew.

The International Space Station was only accessible to NASA astronauts through the purchase of seats on Russian capsules launched from Kazakhstan - but that has all changed as of Saturday.

Scroll down for videos

NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have officially brought spaceflight back to US with the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station

NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have officially brought spaceflight back to US soil

It was touch and go for a moment, as the weather on Saturday was still a concern, but the Falcon 9 took off at 3.22pm - right on schedule

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said during a press conference, 'Maybe theres an opportunity here for America to maybe pause and look up and see a bright, shining moment of hope at what the future looks like, that the United States of America can do extraordinary things even in difficult times.'

Among the spectators was Neil Wight, a machinist from Buffalo, New York, who staked out a view of the launch pad from a park in Titusville, Florida.

'It's pretty historically significant in my book and a lot of other peoples books. With everything thats going on in this country right now, its important that we do things extraordinary in life,' Wight said.

'We've been bombarded with doom and gloom for the last six, eight weeks, whatever it is, and this is awesome. It brings a lot of people together.'

Crew Dragon should be in position to dock with the ISS about 24 hours after takeoff and will connect to the ship autonomously.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watched the Falcon 9 rocket launch from afar

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after viewing the SpaceX flight to the International Space Station

Falcon 9 successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida Saturday, May 30

Falcon 9 took off at 3.22pm ET and took the nine minute trip into Earth's orbit

The biggest concern was lighting, precipitation, cumulus clouds and anvil clouds - all of which could ground Falcon 9 until Sunday. However, about 45 minutes to launch, all requirements went from red to green and a SpaceX official said 'weather is a go.'

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft is launched on NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley onboard

After successfully docking, Behnken and Hurley will join the other members on the space station and become part of the Expedition 63 crew.

The two men are scheduled to stay up to four months, after which they will come home with a Right Stuff-style splashdown at sea.

'I would be lying to you if I told you I wasn't nervous,' Bridenstine said before the launch attempt. 'We want to do everything we can to minimize the risk, minimize the uncertainty, so that Bob and Doug will be safe.'

NASA urged people to stay safe and watch from home due to the coronavirus, and by NASA's count, over 3 million viewers tuned in online.

However, spectators began lining the Cape Canaveral areas beaches and roads with signs along the main beach drag that read 'Godspeed.'

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence returned to Kennedy Space Center to watch the second attempt of Launch America, which finally brought spaceflight back to US soil.

'That was a beautiful sight to see and I hope you all enjoyed it,' Trump said shortly after the rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musks SpaceX company lifted off for a trip to the International Space Station.

Astronaut Bob Behnek is pictured holding a toy dinosaur in his hand that belongs to one of his children

The Crew Dragon will now take the 19-hour journey to the International Space Station, where Behnken and Hurley will join Expedition 63 crew

There was a 50 percent chance Falcon 9 would not take off today due to ominous clouds and lightning risks, but the weather cleared with just 45 minutes left on the clock countdown - and the astronauts are heading to the International Space Station

NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have officially brought spaceflight back to US with the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station.

Spectators watched the Falcon 9 rocket take off from Kennedy Space Center from a nearby beach

Both NASA and SpaceX said they would be 'proceeding with countdown' despite a 50 percent 'weather cancellation risk' amid concerns over possible thunderstorms and rain around the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral early Saturday morning.

Bridenstine said during an afternoon briefing: 'We are predicting a 50, 50 shot of going this time.'

'But because we are in late May, we have to take any shot we can get.'

'We almost made it on Wednesday and the trend is better today than it was on Wednesday.'

The biggest concern was lighting, precipitation, cumulus clouds and anvil clouds - all of which could ground Falcon 9 until Sunday.

However, about 45 minutes to launch, all requirements went from red to green and a SpaceX official said 'weather is a go.'

The launch pad where Falcon 9 took off from is the same one used by NASA's last space shuttle flight, piloted by Hurley, in 2011.

Since then, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.

Earlier today, Behnken and Hurley had a social distancing farewell with their families who met them outside of the Kennedy crew quarters before they took the journey to Launch Complex 39A.

Behnken (left) and Hurley (right) conduct a series of pre-flight checks in the Dragon Crew capsule

Behnken and Hurley were met by their wives and children before heading to Falcon 9, but had to keep with the social distance policy and were only able to send air hugs and blow kisses

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley (left) have once again emerged from the Kennedy crew quarters dressed in sleek white spacesuits as they head to Launch Complex 39A for their second attempt at making history

This is the second time the astronauts have said farewell to their family. NASA and SpaceX were forced to abort Launch America Wednesday with less than 17 minutes on the countdown clock due to poor weather

Behnken and Hurley had to keep a distance from their families while saying goodbye before heading to Launch Complex 39A

After saying farewell, the pair loaded into a white Tesla Model X with bright blue NASA stickers on each of the doors and the 'worm' logo on the back windshield

Due to the policy, the team had to stand six-feet from their wives and children and say goodbye with air hugs.

Before saying goodbye, Behnken and Hurley suited up in the new spacesuits developed by Musk with the help of costume designer Jose Fernandez with envisioning the prototype.

Fernandez, who has worked on 'The Avengers' and 'X-Men', revealed that Musk wanted the crew to look better in the suit than without it, 'like a tux.'

'Musk kept saying, anyone looks better in a tux, no matter what size or shape they are,' he said in an interview with Bleep.

'I personally spent a lot of time  it took us three, almost four years to design these suits that both look good and work well,' Musk said during NASA's live coverage of the launch attempt on Wednesday.

The launch pad is the same one used by NASA's last space shuttle flight, piloted by Hurley, in 2011. Since then, NASA astronauts have had to hitch rides into orbit aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft. The crew is still pushing forward with plans and the astronauts are now fully dressed in the spacesuits developed by Musk with the help of costume designer Jose Fernandez with envisioning the prototype

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein paid the astronauts a visit in the crew quarters. Having to keep the social distancing policy, Bridenstein snapped a selfie to commemorate the mission dubbed Launch America

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein snapped 'the perfect selfie' in the Kennedy crew quarters with Benhken (back left) and Hurley (back right), who are all smiles ahead of the launch

The crew are dressed in spacesuits developed by Musk with the help of costume designer Jose Fernandez with envisioning the prototype. Behnken (left) flashes the camera smile while standing next to Hurley (right) in the crew quarters

The ground crew is running through a series of tests on that are designed to connect into the Dragon seats, which provides cool to the astronauts and communication to the crew. As it stands, the 24-storey-tall SpaceX Falcon 9 is due to lift off at 3.22pm Eastern Time, propelling astronauts Behnken and Hurley aloft on a 19-hour ride to the International Space Station

Doug Hurley (pictured) is suited up and ready to go for Launch America

Hurley and Behnken are wearing the new SpaceX suits that Elon Musk said he personally worked on for three to four years

'You see the spacesuits in the movies  they look good, they don't work well.'

'You can make a spacesuit that works, but it doesn't look good, because fundamentally it's a pressure suit that has to survive in a vacuum.'

The suits were constructed in Hawthorne, California, which is the same facility where SpaceX keep its rockets.

They are custom-made for each passenger aboard Crew Dragon and designed to be functional, lightweight and to offer protection from potential depressurization.

For Musk, the launch represents another milestone for the reusable rockets his company pioneered to make spaceflight less costly and frequent.

And it would mark the first time that commercially developed space vehicles - owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA - have carried Americans into orbit.

Musk said on Wednesday he accepted absolute responsibility if today's historic launch of his Falcon 9 rocket ended in tragedy.

The biggest concern is lighting, precipitation, cumulus clouds and anvil clouds - all of which could ground Falcon 9 until Sunday. The first Falcon 9 rocket launch try on Wednesday was called off with less than 17 minutes on the countdown clock due to stormy weather

Dolphins swim in a lagoon near Launch Complex 39A at sunrise at Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning. Elon Musk said they would be 'proceeding with countdown' despite a 50 per cent 'weather cancellation risk'

The SpaceX suits have been jointly designed by a Hollywood costume designer and by Elon Musk himself

Spectators setup spots on the Florida beach to watch NASA and SpaceX make history. NASA had discouraged spectators from traveling to Florida to watch the launch, citing the coronavirus pandemic

The because in Florida are flooded with people who are enjoying the sun while they waited for the NASA-SpaceX launch

How SpaceX astronauts quarantined to keep coronavirus off the ISS Pre-launch quarantine periods are standard procedure for any space flight. Crew Dragon's astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley went into quarantine on May 13 - two weeks ahead of their original scheduled liftoff. They were given the option to quarantine at home if members of their households would not be coming and going. Behnken and Hurley stayed at their homes - because their families were already quarantining due to the pandemic - until they were required to report to the Kennedy Space Center on May 20, according to Space Flight Now. Both astronauts got daily temperature checks in the weeks leading up to Wednesday's launch. Their interactions with others have been limited, and anyone who would have to come into contact with them also had to get a daily temperature check. During training, staff had to stay six feet away from each astronaut and wore masks. Staff were also required to keep quarantine protocols, stay socially distanced and wear protective gear when they needed to closely interact with the astronauts and support crew. Although the astronauts continued to have contact with one another, many of the training exercises that would normally come with hands-on instruction and adjustments were instead attended virtually by staff. Mr Behnken and Mr Hurley have undergone at least two coronavirus tests. Advertisement

Musk told CBS This Morning: 'I'm the chief engineer of this thing so I'd just like to say that if it goes right, it's credit to the SpaceX-NASA team. If it goes wrong, it's my fault.'

Asked whether there was one thing about this afternoon's launch that kept him up at night, he added: 'There's thousands of things that can go wrong and only one thing that can go right.'

The last time NASA launched astronauts into space aboard a brand new vehicle was 40 years ago at the start of the shuttle program.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited the Kennedy Space Center three days ago for the first launch attempt and returned on Saturday.

Musk, the South African-born high-tech entrepreneur who made his fortune in Silicon Valley, is also the chief executive of electric carmaker and battery manufacturer Tesla Inc.

He founded Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies, in 2002.

Aerospace giant Boeing Co, producing its own launch system in competition with SpaceX, is expected to fly its CST-100 Starliner vehicle with astronauts aboard for the first time next year.

NASA has awarded nearly $8billion to SpaceX and Boeing combined for development of their rival rockets.

Wednesday's launch was cancelled with less than 17 minutes remaining on the countdown clock as bad weather meant the launch had to be delayed by a few seconds around the Kennedy Space Center.

Elon Musk's space company SpaceX tweeted the above today as it prepares to send two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station aboard its Falcon 9 rocket from Florida - marking the company's first mission carrying humans aboard

Elon Musk said today they would be 'proceeding with countdown' despite a 50 per cent 'weather cancellation risk'

This meant it would have missed its trajectory for arrival at the fast-moving ISS. NASA astronauts Behnken and Hurley were strapped in and ready to go when it was cancelled.

SpaceX said in a Tweet: 'Standing down from launch today due to unfavorable weather in the flight path. Our next launch opportunity is Saturday, May 30 at 3:22 p.m. EDT, or 19:22 UTC.'

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken waves to the crowd as he and fellow crew member Doug Hurley ride back from Launch Complex 39A after the mission was postponed Wednesday due to bad weather

The SpaceX suits have been jointly designed by a Hollywood costume designer and by Musk himself (pictured: Matt Damon in 2015's The Martian; and NASA astronaut Bob Behnken wearing the SpaceX suit, right)

Hurley said: 'We could see some raindrops on the windows and just figured that whatever it was, was too close to the launch pad at the time we needed it not to be.

'Understand that everybodys probably a little bit bummed out. Thats just part of the deal. ... We'll do it again, I think, on Saturday.'

The SpaceX demo-2 mission will see the Falcon 9 rocket and attached Crew Dragon capsule shoot into space as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

If successful, it will pave the way for future partnerships between NASA and commercial companies, and a new age of space travel.

The mission was cancelled as Storm Bertha rolled into the area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pictured above is the rocket on Wednesday moments before the launch was cancelled

SpaceX founder Elon Musk (left) wearing a face mask with the SpaceX logo at Cape Canaveral in Florida on Wednesday

The launchpad at Cape Canaveral in Florida is pictured above last Saturday. The rocket will lift off 8.22pm UK time

The Falcon 9 will take off from Cape Canaveral on the other side of the Atlantic and be visible in the UK sky two hours later
There is an inherent bias against Tiktok because it is Chinese. There are suspicions that TikToks parent ByteDance is connected to the Communist Party. There is also the data sovereignty argument, where Indian data is shared with Chinese companies.

Earlier this month, there was a huge push on Twitter to #BanTikTok. While Twitter is always enraged about most things, there are few apps in India that divide opinion more than TikTok. Earlier last year, Madras High Court placed a ban on the app, only to lift it later.

Let us go a level deeper than the Twitter outrage and look at the reasons behind the call to ban the app. When the Madras High Court gave the order to ban TikTok, there was a clear implicit rationale that can broadly be divided into three main points. Firstly, TikTok has problems with content. Media coverage in India and abroad has noted the presence of pornography on the platform. Besides, the platform is a very graphic medium to spread hate speech. WIRED has done some excellent reporting on this and find that the app has been used as a channel to incite violence between castes, at times leading to murder.

Secondly, TikTok can serve as a platform to connect children to predators. Thanks to the platforms UI, there is a high risk of exposure to strangers and predators as well as easier access to establish a contact channel.

Finally, the app is addictive and can be hard for users to quit. The data backs it up. Indians spend a lot of time on TikTok. According to a report by App Annie, Indians spent over 5.5 billion hours on TikTok, which is more than the next eleven countries combined. Lexi Sydow, a senior manager at App Annie, told Moneycontrol that not just a result of more people accessing TikTok, but also deeper engagement per person. Apart from the reasons listed above, there is an inherent bias against the company because it is Chinese. There are suspicions that TikToks parent ByteDance is connected to the Communist Party. There is also the data sovereignty argument, where Indian data is shared with Chinese companies and that sounds problematic.

All of the arguments are real problems and at times may seem like justifications that point to #BanTikTok as a solution. However, banning TikTok is not a solution to any of these. It is the equivalent of looking away from a burning building instead of looking for the fire department.

Let us take these arguments one at a time. Firstly, yes TikTok has a content problem and that should not be news to anyone. When social media platforms bring us online, they bring humanitys worst instincts along with our best ones. TikTok is not a unique case here. All social media platforms have content moderation problems. Banning TikTok will lead to the emergence of similar platforms. It is evident that short videos as a mode of expression work well to keep users hooked. We have already seen an uptick in Mitron TV (an Indian TikTok clone). And as Mitron TV picks up more users, it will face the exact same content moderation problem that TikTok does today.

Secondly, there is the issue of the app behaving as a medium to connect children to predators. In no way is this a defensible use of the platform but it continues to be an issue. According to Medianama, after the Madras High Court Ban, TikTok implemented a barrier to entry for those aged 13 or under, at times also requiring a government ID. Banning TikTok would again lead to similar products being available on the App Store (either home-made or by Facebook), and will face the same issues as TikTok does. Since banning TikTok is likely to change little, it makes more sense to think about how to solve for predators on social networks.

Thirdly, yes the app is addictive. But so are multiple other digital properties. Think Netflix, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Addiction and frictionless access to social media and streaming is one of the founding pillars of the attention economy. But that does not directly translate into a ban.

Finally, there is the issue of ByteDance being closely linked with the Communist Party. The idea here is that these platforms share data with Chinese Telecom and maybe even the Communist Party. There are two things to keep in mind here. Firstly, TikTok is not unique, that is just how the internet works. Not only are companies known to sell user data, but employees within companies with access to data have been known to act as spies. For example, earlier last year, Washington Post reported that Twitter employees were charged with spying for Saudi Arabia by digging into the accounts of kingdom critics.

In addition, most big tech firms in China are backed by the Party. Kai Fu Lee, in his book, AI Superpowers, describes this brilliantly. The genesis of his argument is that while companies are small and manage to come up with a product, there is a fight to the death as other companies can blatantly copy each other instead of investing their own product. Only when a company is big enough, it is protected by the government. As a result, most Big Tech in China, including Huawei, Tencent, ZTE, Alibaba, and Baidu have close links with the Communist Party.

Secondly, even if we go ahead and ban TikTok as a precaution against data sharing outside. Who is to say that ByteDance (or an American competitor) wont purchase the next best alternative or make their own? The data sharing problem would still exist. TikToks problems are multi-dimensional and complex and weighing possible solutions is another column waiting to be written. But as far as content moderation goes, it is always going to be challenging for platforms to do a good job. Human content moderators are an imperfect kamikaze of a solution and it is too early to say whether AI will be able to substitute the need for a human in the loop.

Secondly, it is also not easy for platforms to establish perfect guidelines for what speech is and is not allowed. As a result, guidelines are continually being updated to reflect newer policies making moderation a hard and dynamic process, especially given the volume of usage in India. The only solution seems to be to give better content moderation practices time to emerge and hope that AI develops at faster speeds.

In sum, the problems surrounding TikTok are real and there are no easy answers. But at the same time, banning the app is not a solution. It is not going to solve any of the underlying problems that made #BanTikTok trend in the first place. Instead, they are going to resurface with a different name.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
A 23-year-old man and his 17-year-old cousin sister committed suicide by consuming poison at the respective houses in Nauladi village of Samrala on Friday night.

Police said a suicide note was found where the duo had stated that they were in relationship for the past 10 years and had decided to end their lives as their relationship was not acceptable in society.

Inspector Sikandar Singh, SHO at Samrala police station, said both of them consumed celphos tablets at the same time on Friday night. Their families rushed them to different hospitals, where they died during treatment.

The SHO said a suicide note was found on the mans person and was signed by both of them. Written in Punjabi, it said, Asi 10 saal to pyaar karde haan, dasso ki kariye (we have been in love for 10 years, please suggest what should we do).

In the note, the couple requested their family members to kill them if they survived, and also wished to be cremated together, the SHO said.

The bodies were handed over to the families after post-mortem examination.

Police have initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) following the statements of their family members.

While the deceased man was youngest among three siblings and worked as a salesman at a grocery store, the girl had two brothers and had just passed Class 10.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  Nearly all of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) staying in quarantine facilities in Metro Manila have returned to their homes, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In a statement Saturday, DOLE said out the 24,000 OFWs cleared of COVID-19, 22,426 have returned or are on their way home as of 6 a.m.

DOLE provided transportation for them, while some were fetched by relatives from hotels and quarantine facilities.

The agency said all workers tested negative for COVID-19,

"(Labor) Undersecretary Claro A. Arellano further surmised that the DOLE will do its best to transport all the remaining OFWs in the quarantine facilities before the deadline set by the President, the statement read.

READ: Duterte gives ultimatum to gov't agencies to send home returning OFWs awaiting COVID-19 test results
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Chris Patten (The Jakarta Post) Project Syndicate/London  Sat, May 30, 2020 11:36 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0f19b 3 Opinion Hong-Kong,China,Hong-Kong-protests,democracy,Xi-Jinping Free

In my final speech as Hong Kongs governor on June 30, 1997, a few hours before I left the city on Britains royal yacht, I remarked that, Now, Hong Kong people are to run Hong Kong. That is the promise. And that is the unshakable destiny.

That promise was contained in the 1984 Joint Declaration, a treaty signed by China and the United Kingdom and lodged at the United Nations. The deal was clear, and the guarantee to Hong Kongs citizens was absolute: the return of the city from British to Chinese sovereignty would be governed by the principle of one country, two systems.

Hong Kong would have a high degree of autonomy for 50 years, until 2047, and would continue to enjoy all the freedoms associated with an open society under the rule of law.

But with his recent decision to impose a draconian new security law on Hong Kong, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ridden roughshod over the Joint Declaration and directly threatened the citys freedom. Defenders of liberal democracy must not stand idly by.

For over a decade after the 1997 handover, China largely kept its promise regarding one country, two systems. True, not everything was perfect. China retreated from its promise that Hong Kong could determine its own democratic government in the Legislative Council, and the Chinese government periodically interfered in the life of the city. In 2003, for example, it abandoned an attempt to introduce legislation on issues such as sedition  an odd priority in a peaceful and moderate community  in the face of mass public protests.

Overall, however, even skeptics conceded that things had gone pretty well. But China-Hong Kong relations started to deteriorate after Xi became president in 2013 and dusted off the playbook of aggressive and brutal Leninism. Xi reversed many of his immediate predecessors policy changes, and the Communist Party of China (CPC) reasserted control over every aspect of Chinese society, including economic management.

Xi toughened the partys grip on civil society and universities, and cracked down on any sign of dissident activity. He demonstrated that his regimes word could not be trusted internationally, for example by reneging on promises he had made to US President Barack Obama that China would not militarize the atolls and islands it was seizing illegally in the South China Sea.

Furthermore, Xis regime locked up over a million predominantly Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang and obliterated signs of their culture wherever possible. And, of course, he tightened the screws on Hong Kong.

Last years protests in the city were triggered by the Hong Kong governments attempt to introduce an extradition law that would in effect have removed the firewall between the rule of law in the territory and communist law in mainland China. The demonstrations were badly handled by Hong Kongs police, whose behavior  including the unchecked use of tear gas and pepper spray  led a small minority of the protesters to resort to unacceptable violence.

An independent inquiry into the reasons for the demonstrations, the mishandling of them by the police, and the behavior of the demonstrators (the overwhelming majority of whom were peaceful) could have helped to calm the community and promote reconciliation. But the proposal was rejected out of hand. In last Novembers district council elections, Hong Kongs citizens showed whose side they were on by voting overwhelmingly for pro-democracy candidates who had supported the demonstrations.

The protests have stopped in recent months as a result of the citys (successful) measures to combat the coronavirus. But the Chinese authorities clearly expected them to restart, for example to mark the June 4 anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and no doubt are worried that Hong Kongs democratic parties would go all out for victory in the next Legislative Council elections in September.

This prospect plainly terrified the Chinese government and the hardline officials that it recently put in

charge of the territory. The latter had already asserted their determination to curtail Hong Kongs autonomy and had interfered at will in matters that should have been left to the citys government and legislators.

Xis government has now struck its heaviest blow yet. Taking advantage of the worlds current focus on fighting COVID-19 (whose rapid global spread is in part the result of the CPCs secrecy and mendacity), Chinas rubber-stamp parliament has now bypassed Hong Kongs own legislature and imposed a national-security law on the city.

The law covers unspecified crimes such as sedition and secession, and would allow Chinas version of the KGB, the Ministry of State Security, to operate in Hong Kong, presumably using its customary methods of coercion.

But what is the alleged national-security threat that Hong Kong poses to Chinas Communist regime? Chinas leaders fear the very things they promised to Hong Kong in the Joint Declaration, namely the rule of law and the freedoms it protects. The city represents everything Xis regime hates about liberal democracy, which is why what is happening there is not only a huge challenge for Hong Kong and its people, but also a direct threat to open societies everywhere.

The world simply cannot trust this Chinese regime. Liberal democracies and friends of Hong Kong everywhere must make it clear that they will stand up for this great, free, and dynamic city. Following Chinas announcement of the new law, over 512 parliamentarians and senior policymakers from 32 countries have signed a statement supporting Hong Kong. The citys freedom and prosperity are at stake; so are the values and interests of open societies around the world.

As the co-signatory to the Joint Declaration, the UK has a special responsibility to show leadership. For starters, Prime Minister Boris Johnson should ask for Hong Kong to be put on the agenda at next months G7 meeting. He might find inspiration in advice found in the Analects of Confucius: A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.

***

Chancellor of the University of Oxford, the last British governor of Hong Kong and a former EU commissioner for external affairs

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
For more summaries and full reports, please select from the articles below. Scroll further for a closer look at contact tracers, interactive maps tracking the spread and more.

Who are the virus tracers?

There is an army of health professionals around the world filling one of the most important roles in the effort to guard against a resurgence of the coronavirus. The practice of so-called contact tracing requires a hybrid job of interrogator, therapist and nurse as they try coax nervous people to be honest. The goal: To create a road map of everywhere infected people have been and who theyve been around. Read the full story here:
Rev. Ransford Obeng, the General Overseer of Calvary Charismatic Center (CCC) has caution the church to demonstrate its commitment to protecting its members when the ban on public gathering is finally lifted by the government.



He said the church must prove beyond all reasonable doubts that it is a safer place for people to congregate for worship by ensuring that all safety measures would be put in place.



The General Overseer, who was addressing the media in Kumasi, said the CCC was not only ready to observe all the precautionary protocols of COVID-19 but also determined to check the temperature of everyone who enters the premises of the church.



He proposed that the government puts together a team to inspect all churches across the country to ensure compliance with the safety protocols as part of plans to ease restrictions on public gatherings.



I appeal to the church to put in place measures that would offer protection and safety for congregants so that when the restriction on public gatherings is lifted, the church can function effectively, the CCC leader entreated.



Rev. Obeng who unveiled some protective equipment including thermometer guns, veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, and liquid soap which had been strategically placed at vantage points, said the church would also periodically disinfect its facilities to guarantee the safety of members.



He disclosed that ushers would be deployed to assist congregants to undertake the mandatory health checks as well as the handwashing protocols.



The church, he noted, would engage the services of doctors, nurses and the police to attend to emergencies and enforce the protocols.



As part of measures to ensure social distancing, the church would conduct four services between Saturdays and Sundays to allow for spacing in the seating arrangements.



CCC has 3,000 members and because of COVID-19 protocols, our main auditorium and big shed have been designated to host congregants with the former taking 400 and the latter seating 300 in four streak services, Rev. Obeng emphasized.



The Reverend Minister disagreed with persons who claim the church has no role to play in the fight against COVID-19, saying that, what manifested physically first happened in the spiritual realm.



While admitting that combating COVID-19 required scientific measures, he said, there could not be total eradication of the virus without prayers.



The church, he opined, offered a better atmosphere for spiritual battle against COVID-19 than any other place and called on Christians to step up prayers against the pandemic.



Nobody can downplay the importance of the church in this season of COVID-19 pandemic and the prayer from the people of God offers us a better opportunity to deal with the viral disease than the application of science alone, he stressed.

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.

Featured Video
The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments Friday related to the national and global response, the work place and the spread of the virus.

________________________

BY LAND AND BY SEA: Passenger traffic has resumed at the main airport in Slovenia after being suspended for more than two months of suspension as part of lockdown measures.

An Air Serbia flight from Serbias capital Belgrade was the first to land at the Ljubljana airport on Friday. Authorities say they expect most airlines to return by early July.

 Canadas transport minister says large cruises will continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until at least Oct. 31 because of the pandemic.

 May is likely to set an aviation milestone: For the first time, Chinese airlines will operate more flights than U.S. carriers, according to aviation data firm Cirium. Airlines in China have slowly added flights since mid-February, while U.S. airlines cut schedules more sharply when the coronavirus wrecked demand for air travel in the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration screened 321,776 people Thursday, down 87% from the comparable day a year ago.

 United Airlines said Friday it will cut 13 of its 67 senior-executive positions, with eight executives leaving Oct. 1 and five vacant jobs not being filled. The moves are part of Uniteds plan to cut management and support staff by at least 30% in October, the earliest it can do so under terms of $5 billion in federal aid it is getting to help cover payroll costs. American Airlines has announced a similar 30% cut in administrative jobs. United, American and other airlines are making early-retirement offers to cull workers.

DELIVERY DEMANDS: UPS is imposing new surcharges on large shippers to account for increased traffic on its package-delivery network during the pandemic. United Parcel Service Inc. said surcharges for shipments within the U.S. will start Sunday and add 30 cents per parcel to ground and SurePost deliveries and $31.45 to oversize items. The fees target high-volume shippers who are sending more packages through UPS than they did in February. The move follows surcharges that UPS began imposing on international shipments in April. A UPS spokesman said the company routinely adjusts rates to reflect costs and other factors.

Story continues

SALES SURGE: Big Lots' first-quarter sales rose 11%, with same-store sales climbing 10.3%. The discount retailer's stores have remained open during the pandemic, with many consumers shopping for essentials. While sales are up strongly for the second quarter to date, Big Lots Inc. said Friday that it anticipates those sales moderating due to factors including: rivals reopen stores, the planned cancellation of its July Friends and Family promotion, possible inventory constraints and weakening stimulus-driven demand.

SAVINGS SURGE: White House officials are predicting record saving rates as the country shut down amid the pandemic will lead to a surge in spending as states begin to reopen the economy.

Larry Kudlow, the White Houses top economic adviser, said Friday that American personal saving rates--which the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said Friday hit a historic 33% for April--could fuel spending boom as the nation begins returning to a semblance of normalcy. Kuldows comments came as President Donald Trump met with a group of executives from eight leading American companies to discuss ongoing efforts to reopen the coronavirus-battered economy.

Among those officials who huddled with Trump and his senior aides at the White House were officials from Dunkin Brands, Gap Inc., Hasbro, Kroger, Microsoft, Southwest, United, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

TOKYO A GO GO: Tokyo will remove shutdown requests on more businesses in June, when theaters, cinemas, fitness centers and retailers in the Japanese capital can reopen after a coronavirus state of emergency ended this week.

Governor Yuriko Koike said Tokyo is now ready to move to Step 2 of a three-phase roadmap designed to gradually reopen businesses in the city. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared an end to a seven-week emergency on Monday.

 The governor of the Bank of Italy, Ignazio Visco, said in his annual address that Europes fourth-largest economy could contract by as much as 13% this year under a pessimistic scenario that foresees a magnitude drop in world trade and an intense deterioration of financial conditions.

MARKETS: U.S. stock indexes ended mixed Friday, recovering from early declines as investors worried that the U.S. and China could be headed for another confrontation, this time over the autonomy of the former British colony of Hong Kong.
An Atlanta police officer stunned demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd by sympathizing with them and admitting they 'have a right to be p***** off.'

Hundreds of demonstrators descended on the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, in protests over the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes.

As 500 National Guard soldiers dispatch to embattled cities and authorities clash with civilians, Officer Z. Murphy's compassionate approach resonated with demonstrators on Friday.

Cell phone footage shows Officer Murphy telling a group of protestors he understands their anger because he's had similar conversations about police brutality with his sons.

Officer Z. Murphy (pictured) spoke with protestors they 'have a right to be p***** off' over the death of George Floyd on Friday

'I do, alright, I have a son who's 31, I have a son who's 15, alright, and I have to have these conversations with him all the time,' Murphy says.

Officers at the scene were reportedly telling protestors to leave via loudspeakers, but later realized this was the wrong approach.

'What was going on up here was wrong, that's why we brought it to a stop. The loudspeaker, the yakking, and the yapping,' he said.

'We said pause, let these people remain here, let them stay on the street, let them express their grievances because you have a right to be p***** off.'

Murphy (pictured): 'We said pause, let these people remain here, let them stay on the street, let them express their grievances...'

Murphy (pictured) was one of several officers who oversaw protests on Friday following three nights of demonstrations around the country

One protestor then interjects that officers 'over there, they don't feel the same way.'

'That's why I told them to shut the f*** up,' Murphy replied.

The group of protestors cheered and Murphy fist-bumped one of the men.

One person called out to Murphy to say that he needs to give his understanding energy to some of his fellow colleagues.

'One at a time, my brother, one at a time,' says Murphy.

Footage of the conversation was shared to Twitter where it has received more than 346,000 likes and 108,300 retweets as of Saturday afternoon.

The George Floyd protests in Atlanta are just one of several that have erupted since he died on Monday.

George Floyd (pictured) said 'I can't breathe' when Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for eight minutes

Following Floyd's death, all four officers pictured in cell phone footage of the incident were fired from the Minneapolis Police Department

Cell phone video showed Floyd, handcuffed and pinned to the ground, with one police officer - Derek Chauvin - kneeling on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.

Two minutes and 53 seconds of this was after Floyd was unresponsive.

Derek Chauvin (pictured in his mugshot) has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter

Floyd, 46, is heard pleading: 'I can't breathe', as he is arrested by four cops for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. He later died at a local hospital.

Outrage sparked across the country and Minneapolis Mayor Mayor Jacob called for Chauvin to face criminal charges.

All four officers involved were subsequently fired. On Friday, Chauvin was was officially charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter over Floyd's death.

Protests have since popped up in several US cities, including Minneapolis, New York City, Atlanta, Phoenix, Columbus, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and Louisville.

Chaos exploded in Atlanta as demonstrators stormed and destroyed the CNN headquarters and fired a smoke bomb at cops trying to form a barrier to keep them out.

The National Guard was activated in Georgia late Friday night with as many as 500 troops deployed to Atlanta and a state of emergency issued following the destruction of CNN and looting at a luxury shopping mall.

Protestors in Atlanta, Georgia, vandalized the CNN headquarters building during demonstrations Friday night

Pictured: Thousands gathered in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park before marching through the city streets to protest police violence in Minneapolis, Minnesota

In addition to local authorities, the National Guard has been dispatched to cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and Atlanta

On Friday night, widespread looting and arson continued in Minneapolis and nearby St. Paul, in defiance of curfews there, and protests spilled into violence in 30 cities, as a federal agent in California and a protester in Detroit were shot dead.

Earlier in the day, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz suggested domestic terrorists or foreign influences might be subverting peaceful protests and turning them to violence.

'Last night is a mockery of pretending that this is about George Floyd's death, or inequities, or historical traumas to our communities of color,' said Walz, a Democrat, at a press conference.

'The situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd, it is about attacking civil society, instilling fear, and disrupting our great cities,' Walz said.

'As you saw this expand across the United States, and you start to see whether it be domestic terrorism, whether it be ideological extremists to fan the group, or whether it be international destabilization of how our country works,' he continued.

Authorities said Floyd (pictured) was initially detained over allegations he tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store

Pictured: After a peaceful march of hundreds to the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta on Friday

Pictured: Demonstrators shout slogans against police officers standing guard in front of the Los Angeles Police Department next to the City Hall during protests over the Minneapolis fatal arrest of George Floyd

On Friday night, Walz hinted that white supremacists and drug cartels may be fueling violence or taking advantage of the chaos in the rioting.

The chaos in Minneapolis was mirrored in cities across the nation on Friday night, as National Guard units were called into Atlanta and put on standby in Washington DC, and two people were fatally shot in separate incidents in California and Detroit.

In Oakland, California, two officers with the Federal Protective Service - a part of Homeland Security created to protect government facilities - were shot, one fatally, in confrontations with protesters. Police are investigating.

A 19-year-old protestor was shot dead in Detroit, Michigan, and in Brooklyn, a police van was set ablaze and a mob tried to storm the 88th police precinct, and besieged the 84th precinct.

Demonstrators rocked a police van, set it ablaze, scrawled graffiti across its charred wreckage and set it on fire again as officers retreated. Blocks away, protesters used a club to batter another police vehicle.

President Trump on Saturday blamed 'ANTIFA and the Radial Left' were responsible for the violent some protests have taken.
I think for the last few years, theres been a perception of government that it fails to accomplish anything. Drain the swamp was the rallying cry (for some) not that long ago. Yet when faced with a crisis, we see what government agencies are really made of. And as the CEO and co-founder of a platform that automates the creation of online government forms, weve seen firsthand what kind of leaders are at the local government level during the coronavirus pandemic.

Case in point: One of SeamlessDocs' partners (we call our customers partners), Andrea Terkelsen of Dedham, MA, was set to leave her role as town CFO/CIO at the end of March 2020. But since the pandemic has swept the country, she has requested to be kept past her end date so she can ensure a smooth handoff and continuity of processes.

From towns like Dedham to cities as large as New York, and every size municipality in between, its been incredibly inspiring to see local government leaders stepping up. In many ways now, local government is being forced to think and act like an entrepreneur.

Build completely new systems

Weve worked with partners in the past who still relied on walking from building to building to hand-deliver paperwork. Suddenly these agencies were given an order to close their offices and find a way to work remotely. Many have adopted quickly. Weve seen our partners bring hundreds of essential forms online incredibly quickly and demonstrate willingness to move rapidly to fully embrace digital systems.

Related: He Designed Peloton and SoulCycle Bikes. Now He's Made a Tool to Stop COVID-19.

Find what works and scale quickly

Just because government agencies have to move quickly doesnt mean they can skirt protocol. Many still have to follow tedious protocol  but now they must follow it at scale.

In Lynchburg, Virginia, we saw one partner create a remote work application for employees and in minutes clone that process across 25 different departments so that everyone in the agency could follow procedure for working from home.

As Luan Hunt, Coordinator of Communications and Marketing for Lynchburg explains, We started our remote work process with this application because our Strategic Management Team for COVID-19 needed to see the big picture. Over 400 employees responded to this form we sent out through SeamlessDocs, and about 80 percent of them were eligible to work from home if the need arose.

This was also the case in Mesquite, NV, where the citys IT Director, Dirk Marshall, reached out to us for help converting a FEMA emergency funds request form that requires more than a hundred form fields. Knowing their resources and capabilities, they leaned on us to templatize that form for them, which we were able to do in minutes. Now the Mesquite team  and a lot of our other partners  can duplicate that FEMA form for every employee and ensure accurate time tracking throughout this crisis.

Related: Ecommerce Entrepreneurship Grows as Unemployment Rises

Overcommunicate

Nearly every local government website we encounter now has a dedicated coronavirus response page that theyre using to communicate with citizens on a daily or even hourly basis. The situation for many of these local governments remains fluid, and citizens need to know they can rely on their local government for accurate information and clear direction. Princeton, NJ, has even gone so far as to create a dedicated Twitter handle ( @PrincetonCovid ) to communicate updates.

In certain areas, governments are asking businesses to close unless they are essential. But because the term "essential" can be construed in so many different ways, its causing a lot of friction between businesses and government. Alachua County, FL, in which you can find Gainesville and the University of Florida, created an application for local businesses who arent sure if theyre essential or not.

And in many areas across the country now, governments have set up volunteer forms to make it easier for citizens to apply to help without having to leave their homes first.

Stepping up to meet the challenge

Maybe another time I can talk more about the challenges of selling B2B software to government agencies. The sales cycles are definitely longer than a typical B2B SaaS product, and the fact that we very often lose our champion and have to resell the product to an existing customer every four years has made life interesting.

What I can tell you right now is that "normal" has gone out the window. Sales cycles have gone from six months to 24 hours. Adoption of new technology and onboarding processes have been fast-tracked. Suddenly, agencies that were apt to move carefully have mobilized an all-hands effort to effect change for citizens and staff ASAP. Their determination to move quickly to ensure the safety of everyone is inspiring.

At this point, everyone is flying by the seat of their pants, and Id argue that government agencies in particular are being yanked from their comfort zone the fastest. Im happy and encouraged to report that, by and large, theyre stepping up to meet this challenge.

Related:

#10 Tips to Create a Wildly Successful Virtual Event

This Indian Start-Up Is Using AI To Monitor COVID-19 Progression In Patients

Follow These 6 Steps to Bulletproof Your Digital Business Strategy



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

Some are getting sick, that much is clear.

But exactly how many of New Mexicos health care workers have contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, remains a mystery.

Multiple hospitals across the state are not disclosing how many of their workers have contracted the virus and if they were exposed while caring for patients. In some cases, even employees are not told how many of their co-workers are sick or in quarantine.

Other hospitals have disclosed that information.

So far, 20 employees at Presbyterian Healthcare Services have tested positive for the virus and may have been exposed at work, Director of Communications Melanie Mozes said. Seventeen of those employees work at Presbyterians Central Avenue location in Albuquerque.

Presbyterian Chief Medical Officer James Mitchell said the safety of the staff is our top priority at Presbyterian.

Four employees at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe tested positive, all of whom contracted the illness outside of work, a hospital spokesperson wrote. Three workers at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center in Roswell also tested positive, none via a patient.

And while the number at some hospitals is still unknown, there are data that hint to the extent of the problem statewide.

In the first six weeks of the pandemic, through April 21, at least 154 health care practitioners in New Mexico tested positive for the coronavirus, according to data provided by the state Department of Health. That number includes those working at hospitals and long-term care facilities, some of which have seen large outbreaks of the virus.

More than half of the health care workers infected lived in Bernalillo County. Sandoval and San Juan counties, two of the worst-hit by the coronavirus, also had high numbers of infected workers.

DOH Chief Privacy Officer Jesse Tremaine said not all health care workers told DOH where they worked, but that the department could not provide the information even if they did, because it would make it easier to identify a specific patient.

Some hospitals take the same stance. University of New Mexico spokesperson Alexandria Sanchez said UNMH does not release health care information about its workers, but that infections have never caused a staffing issue. Lovelace Medical Center and Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces also declined to release the number of workers with COVID-19, citing similar reasons.

At this time, and throughout the pandemic, we have not had any concerns with staff levels, Sanchez said.

However, multiple UNMH nurses told the Journal a large number of employees had to quarantine after exposure to the virus, especially at the start of the pandemic, leading to occasional shortages in available staff. Many of those quarantined ended up testing positive for the virus, nurses said.

Nurses protested in April about UNMHs policies regarding personal protective equipment, or PPE, and forcing nurses in quarantine to use their paid leave time. The hospital maintains it has sufficient amounts of PPE, although the exact number is unclear.

The protective equipment wasnt in place and workers were getting exposed and infected, said Eleanor Chavez, executive director of the local chapter of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, which represents UNMH employees. Im surprised that (the number of infections) is not more.

Records show, as of April 27, nearly 700 UNMH employees had been sent home to quarantine for up to two weeks. An email sent to hospital staff acknowledges workers had gotten sick, but states it was not from patients.

To date, the vast majority of our staff COVID-19 infections at UNMH have been due to staff-to-staff transmission, and not related to patient exposures, said Annika Cleveland, a clinical educator at UNMHs Medical Intensive Care Unit.

The nurses said they believe many more infections were contracted from patients.

The nurses also said they would like to know how many workers at UNMH have gotten sick, so they could know if they were exposed to the same patients and better prepare for any missing staff members.

People have a right to know generally how many people are getting sick, Chavez said.

San Juan Regional Medical Center and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
Taiwan records first new case of COVID-19 in seven days

ROC Central News Agency

05/29/2020 03:31 PM

Taipei, May 29 (CNA) One new case of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease was reported in Taiwan on Friday, breaking a seven-day stretch of zero new confirmed infections in the country, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).

At a daily press briefing, Health Minister and CECC head Chen Shih-chung (), said the new patient is a man in his 20s, who went to Russia in February to study and returned to Taiwan on Tuesday.

While in Russia, the man developed a sore throat on May 15 and later began to experience physical fatigue and also lost his sense of smell, the CECC said in a statement.

On arrival in Taiwan on Tuesday, the man informed quarantine officers of his symptoms, but he tested negative for COVID-19 at that time, the CECC said.

A second test on Thursday, however, came back positive, and the patient is now in hospital, the CECC said.

Chen said the new case was not expected to punch any holes in Taiwan's COVID-19 containment efforts.

"There is no need for the public to panic, because the man was quarantined upon arrival in Taiwan," Chen said.

Prior to Friday, Taiwan's last confirmed case of the coronavirus was on May 21, when a man in his 30s tested positive after he returned from a work trip to Mexico.

To date, 351 of Taiwan's 442 cases of COVID-19 have been classified as imported, while 55 are believed to be local infections, according to CECC statistics. The other 36 cases were aboard a Navy vessel that was on goodwill mission in the Pacific in March, but the CECC has said that cluster infection originated in Taiwan.

Since April 12, Taiwan has not recorded any locally transmitted cases, according to CECC data.

So far, 420 COVID-19 patients in Taiwan have recovered, seven have died, and the others are in hospital, the CECC said.

Globally, COVID-19 has infected 5,819,082 people in 187 countries and regions, including 1,749,265 in the United States, 411,821 in Brazil, 379,051 in Russia, 269,127 in the United Kingdom, and 237,906 in Spain, with a total of 358,941 fatalities, according to CECC statistics as of Friday.

(By William Yen)

Enditem/pc

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Janelle Monae has been using her platform and resources for good amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The eight-time Grammy nominee launched her hunger initiative #WondaLunch last month in Atlanta.

She cut a chic look in black Friday as she brought the initiative to Los Angeles, passing out lunches in Inglewood with the help of some notable friends.

Giving back: Janelle Monae cut a chic look in black Friday as she brought her #WondaLunch initiative to Los Angeles, passing out lunches in Inglewood with the help of some notable friends

The 34-year-old donned a black and white plaid tweed overcoat with her signature wide-brimmed hat in black.

She was joined by rapper/actor Jidenna, attorney/political commentator Angela Rye and congresswoman Maxine Waters for the good cause.

Monae recently told Fast Company of her decision to start the initiative: 'Were in this together, but my situation is not the same as a single black mom with five kids who just got laid off.'

Along with Project Isaiah, she hired 500 out-of-work employees at airport catering service Gate Gourmet to make 5,000 lunches for those in need.

Back in black: The 34-year-old donned a black and white plaid tweed overcoat with her signature wide-brimmed hat in black

Helpful friends: She was joined by rapper/actor Jidenna, attorney/political commentator Angela Rye and congresswoman Maxine Waters for the good cause

In this together: Monae recently told Fast Company of her decision to start the initiative: 'Were in this together, but my situation is not the same as a single black mom with five kids who just got laid off'

Feeding the hungry: Along with Project Isaiah, she hired 500 out-of-work employees at airport catering service Gate Gourmet to make 5,000 lunches for those in need. The Moonlight star enlisted Gate Gourmet again and doubled the goal for 10,000 lunches at Friday's event, donating what was leftover to homeless shelters

Stressful times: She continued: 'This is an opportunity to give back to the community, to feed families, to hopefully release some stress'

The Moonlight star enlisted Gate Gourmet again and doubled the goal for 10,000 lunches at Friday's event, donating what was leftover to homeless shelters.

She continued: 'Some people who are working may want to save their money because they dont know when they may be laid off.

'This is an opportunity to give back to the community, to feed families, to hopefully release some stress.'

Monae took to social media Thursday to announce that she'd be handing out lunches, later revealing that they'd given 7,000 lunches with an hour left.

She's been taking a break from her creative pursuits amid the pandemic, focusing on giving back through her Atlanta-based arts collective and label Wondaland.

Successful day: Monae took to social media Thursday to announce that she'd be handing out lunches, later revealing that they'd given 7,000 lunches with an hour left

Philanthropist goals: She's been taking a break from her creative pursuits amid the pandemic, focusing on giving back through her Atlanta-based arts collective and label Wondaland (pictured in March, 2020)

Strong women: She'll soon join Priyanka Chopra, Jennifer Garner, Tiffany Haddish and more for Lifetime Presents Varietys Power of Women: Frontline Heroes on June 9 (pictured in February, 2020)

The Dirty Computer artist added: 'I havent really been focused on music in the way that I would, because music is so deeply rooted in my reality pre-corona. Right now Im just trying to make sense of this new reality.

'Ive really been rooted in community service and how I can turn all of my anger that Im feeling with this administration into something positive. I strongly think its going to be the people who save the people. We cant depend on people at the top to do it for us. Its going to have to be groundwork that happens.'

She'll soon join Priyanka Chopra, Jennifer Garner, Tiffany Haddish and more for Lifetime Presents Varietys Power of Women: Frontline Heroes on June 9.

Monae can currently be seen starring in season two of Amazon's Homecoming, while her horror movie Antebellum has been postponed to an August 21 release date.
The Week In Russia: Pens, Polls, And A Glaring Exception To Putin's Rule

By Steve Gutterman May 29, 2020

President Vladimir Putin tosses a pen -- and state media outlets pick it up. The murky story of the "absolutely healthy" Chechen leader's reported illness underscores the dark compromises the Kremlin has made with Ramzan Kadyrov. Russia arrests journalists at home and lashes out at Western media over reports on the COVID-19 numbers and the president's poll ratings. Several journalists are arrested, and a dogged activist dies at 66 after spending part of the past decade behind bars.

Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.

Pen As Prop

When Russian President Vladimir Putin tossed a pen on his desk during a meeting about floods and fires hitting Russia along with the coronavirus, state media had it covered.

When the former rebel fighter Putin installed as the head of the Chechnya region 13 years ago was reportedly flown to Moscow for treatment of a suspected coronavirus infection -- not so much.

The pen toss was shown on state TV and was the subject of an article by state news agency RIA-Novosti under the headline, "Putin threw a pen on his desk during a conference." And this was the lead paragraph: "Putin threw a pen on his desk during a conference on the battle against floods and fires."

RT and other Russian outlets repeated the report, turning it into an example of what political magazine editor Ivan Davydov called, in an article in the Russian outlet Republic, the "rituals of overripe Putinism."

There was also a RIA-Novosti tweet on the matter, and a separate Twitter post from the RIA Kremlin Pool account that said, "You don't often see Putin tossing a pen."

When you do, it's because the Kremlin wants you to know that Putin means business and is demanding results, independent political analyst Anna Arutunyan suggested, remarking wryly that "Putin throwing pens is supposed to mean he is serious."

Putin has used a pen-toss as a propaganda device at least once in the past. At a televised meeting in 2009, he demanded tycoon Oleg Deripaska come up to his seat and sign a supply contract to help restart factories in a factory town hit by labor unrest -- and then reminded him to return the pen when he was done.

Sick Story

The news that Ramzan Kadyrov might have contracted COVID-19 broke last week -- courtesy of Baza, a Telegram channel that stated, without citing a source, that the Kremlin-backed Chechen leader had been flown to Moscow and hospitalized with symptoms of an acute respiratory viral infection.

TASS cited a "source in medical circles" as saying essentially the same thing. (It's hard to be certain that the source was actually a medical one: On numerous occasions in the past, Kremlin aides speaking off the record have told journalists to describe them differently depending on the nature of the information: a "military-diplomatic source" for a tidbit about a conflict abroad, for example.)

And that was about it. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, was in the hospital being treated for a coronavirus infection at the time, and Putin himself made no comment about Kadyrov.

That silence was markedly different from his messaging about the illness of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin: When the No. 2 official in Russia told Putin in televised comments that he had tested positive for COVID-19, Putin told him to get in touch when he got to the hospital, adding: "I'll be waiting for your call."

Kadyrov resurfaced five days after the initial reports of his hospitalization, appearing in photos and state TV footage apparently from a meeting in Chechnya's capital, Grozny, on May 26.

A video posted later showed him making clear-as-mud remarks in which he said he was an "absolutely healthy person" but also asking, "Don't I have the right to get sick?" He did not confirm, deny, or otherwise comment on whether he had been hospitalized.

In effect, Kadyrov was able to do for himself what Putin had appeared intent on doing for all of Russia before the coronavirus took hold in March: suggest that he had avoided COVID-19 and that even if he hadn't, its effects were negligible.

Here's The Deal

That's not to say the region he rules has escaped the pandemic, despite his suggestions in early March that garlic and lemon water would help ward off the virus and that fear itself could also be deadly, or that its citizens were spared aggressive actions by law enforcement officers in a region that rights activists say Kadyrov rules through a climate of violence and intimidation.

Kadyrov has said that people who violate self-isolation should be killed and also likened those who infect others while doing so to "terrorists" who should be buried in pits. Video evidence suggests that police have physically assaulted people for not wearing face masks, according to Amnesty International.

Officially, in Chechnya, nearly 1,200 COVID-19 infections had been recorded as of May 28 , and 13 deaths.

The Kremlin's outward unconcern about Kadyrov's health and location, particularly juxtaposed with the spotlight Putin trained on Mishustin's illness, seem like the latest evidence of the special treatment the Chechen leader gets from the Russian president who put him in place.

Rights activists say that Kadyrov rules through repressive measures and has created an environment of impunity for security forces in the region. They claim Kadyrov is ultimately responsible for abuses of political opponents by Chechen authorities that include kidnappings and forced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Kremlin critics say Moscow turns a blind eye to his conduct because it relies on the former rebel commander to control separatist sentiment and violence in Chechnya, the site of two devastating post-Soviet wars and an Islamist insurgency that spread to other mostly Muslim regions in the North Caucasus.

Blind Eye?

Amid several days of murky reports about Kadyrov's health, the Kremlin's apparent lack of interest in providing the public with the facts is, of course, a relatively mild example of Putin's tendency to turn a blind eye on the conduct of the Chechen leader.

Other examples are more chilling.

In November 2019, for instance, Peskov said the Kremlin would not consider taking any action after Kadyrov advocated killing, imprisoning, and intimidating bloggers who, in his words, assault the "honor" of other users on the Internet.

Putin and his government have taken little visible action to address what rights groups call a brutal "purge" targeting sexual minorities in Chechnya, despite claims from numerous gay men who say they were abducted and tortured by the authorities there.

The state-media spotlight on Putin's pen toss may have been part of an effort to portray him as a strong leader who is taking care of Russians at a tough time -- an image both political analysts and opinion polls suggest he is having trouble creating.

When COVID-19 hit Russia, Putin's supporters "expected a strong show of leadership that never came," Aleksandr Baunov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center and editor in chief of its website, wrote in a Twitter thread.

"Putin might have taken the occasion of the crisis to display some strong personal leadership to the public," Baunov wrote. "Instead, his interventions have come across as belated and confusing."

Until close to the end of March, Putin seemed confident that the coronavirus would not hit Russia hard -- exactly what he acknowledged a few weeks later that it had done to the economy.

Victory Delayed

But as infections grew, he postponed the annual May 9 Victory Day parade and an April 22 vote on constitutional amendments -- arranged hastily in the weeks before COVID-19 hit -- that will enable him to seek two more six-year stints as president after his current term ends in 2024.

Now, medical personnel struggle to handle a caseload in the country now with the third-highest official number of recorded infections in the world after the United States and Brazil, and a death toll that is climbing toward 5,000, amid persistent questions about the accuracy of the official figures.

The Russian government has gone on the offensive over Western media reports on the issue, unsuccessfully demanding retractions of articles in The New York Times and the Financial Times that were based on official Russian data pointing to a potential discrepancy between the reported number of COVID-19 deaths in Moscow and the actual toll.

More recently, the Russian Embassy in the United States trained its ire on a Bloomberg report about another set of numbers -- Putin's poll ratings, which have been down in the past two years and have suffered further since the coronavirus took hold.

The embassy took issue with an article that cited a late-April survey by state-funded pollster VTsIOM in which a longtime low of 27 percent of respondents named Putin when asked to name one or more politicians they trust, suggesting that the news outlet had made the figure up.

It pointed to a survey with a different question, in which 67.9 percent of respondents said that they definitely trusted or probably trusted Putin -- a figure that was also lower than it has been in weekly polls by VTsIOM for some time and continued to drop afterwards, standing at 67.1 percent in the most recent survey.

With daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases down from their highs, at least for now, but the economic effects of the pandemic certain to put major pressure on the economy and the financial situation of many Russians for months or years to come, Putin appears to be gearing up for a bid to boost his poll ratings.

'Weakened'

This week he rescheduled the postponed Red Square military parade for June 24, and Russian media outlets reported that the nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments might be held in early July. The Kremlin said no decision has been made.

Whenever Putin holds the vote to hand himself the option of seeking to remain president through 2036, Baunov wrote, "he does so from a position he has weakened."

In the meantime, he's not scoring points with liberals or progressives, and he is not signaling any let-up in what critics say is a persistent campaign to silence dissent.

On May 26, Ilya Azar, a journalist, activist, and local legislator in Moscow, was arrested while holding a sign in a one-person protest in support of Vladimir Vorontsov, a former police officer who has worked to expose violations in Russian law enforcement agencies and was himself arrested in early May on charges he contends were fabricated.

Azar was handed a 15-day jail term on May 28, and three prominent journalists -- Tatyana Felgengauer and Aleksandr Plyushchev of Ekho Moskvy radio and Sergei Smirnov of news outlet Mediazona  were detained while protesting Azar's arrest and jailing.

Also on May 28, Sergei Mokhnatkin, who had been in and out of jail and prison since he was first arrested after protecting an elderly woman being beaten by police at a Moscow protest against restrictions on free assembly in 2009, died at the age of 66.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/the-week-in- russia-pens-polls-and-a-glaring-exception- to-putin-s-rule-/30641833.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






In fighting against the coronavirus, the Divisional Chief of Mpease-Nsuta in the Prestea Huni-Valey in the Western Region, Nana Adu Paanyin has advised pastors, prophets and herbalists to stop deceiving people with their unapproved medicine.

Covid-19 has spread around the world with also false and misleading information. The Nana Adu Paanyin spoke to Journalists in the press briefing.

Nana Adu Paayin stated emphatically that some herbalists and pastors claiming to have medicines that can cure the covid-19 disease are all fake.

He said those who claimed they have medicine to cure covid-19 should submit their medicine to the Food & Drugs Authority, FDA, and the Standards Board for approval.

He urged Ghanaians to visit hospital anytime they experience symptoms of covid-19.

He advised Ghanaians to stop stigmatizing persons who have recovered from covid-19 and called for national unity to fight against pandemic.

Nana Paanyin stressed that stigmatization would rather scare people away from getting screened, tested and treated.

He further advised Ghanaians to stay at home, wash their hands frequently under running water with soap and adhere to the social distance protocols from the Government and Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The US-drafted resolution also extends individual sanctions and expresses deep concern at continued fighting.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution on Friday extending until May next year an arms embargo on South Sudan and a travel ban and financial sanctions for targeted individuals.

The United States-drafted document received 12 votes in favour on Friday, with Russia, China and South Africa abstaining.

The council additionally scheduled a midterm review of the measures to take place by December 15 and expressed its readiness to consider adjusting measures  including through modifying, suspending, lifting or strengthening.

The 15-member body was also asked to provide a report by the end of October on the role of the arms embargo in implementing a 2018 peace agreement as well as provide options for developing benchmarks in South Sudan, which is emerging from a ruinous six-year civil war that left 380,000 dead and millions displaced.

Stalled peace deal

The resolution welcomed encouraging developments in South Sudans peace process, including the beginning of the formation of a transitional government. But it also expressed deep concern at continued fighting in South Sudan and condemns violations of the peace deal and cessation of hostilities agreement.

There were high hopes that South Sudan would have peace and stability after gaining its long-fought independence from neighbouring Sudan in 2011.

But the country slid into ethnic violence in December 2013, when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, started battling those loyal to Riek Machar, his former vice president who belongs to the Nuer people.

Numerous attempts at peace failed, including a deal that saw Machar return as vice president in 2016 only to flee the country months later amid fresh fighting.

Intense international pressure followed the most recent peace deal in 2018, and on February 22 a coalition government led by Kiir, with Machar as his deputy, was formed. However, they remain at odds over issues including who will govern the countrys 10 internal states.

Dire human rights situation

The resolution also urged South Sudans leaders to finalise the establishment of the transitional national unity government and fully implement all provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, including allowing unhindered humanitarian access to deliver aid.

It recognised that violence has been reduced since the peace deal was signed, that the ceasefire was being upheld in most of the country, and that the transitional government is striving to address an outbreak of the new coronavirus pandemic  which has infected Machar, his wife and a number of his office staff and bodyguards.

But it reiterated the councils concern at the political, security, economic and humanitarian situation in South Sudan and strongly condemned human rights violations, including harassment and targeting of civil society, humanitarian personnel and journalists.

It also expressed deep concern at reports of misappropriation of funds that undermine the stability and security of South Sudan.

Russia, China and South Africa have argued that sanctions are not conducive to promoting the peace process, so they abstained on the resolution.

The resolution extended the arms embargo and the targeted sanctions until May 31, 2021, but authorised a mid-term review of the measures by December 15, 2020.

Deprose Muchena, Amnesty Internationals director for east and Southern Africa, welcomed the renewal of the arms embargo, saying it is crucial to curtailing the flow of weapons that have been used to commit war crimes, human rights violations and abuses.

The UK-based rights group called on the UNSC and UN member nations to enforce it.

The human rights situation in South Sudan remains dire as government forces, fighters of armed opposition groups as well as armed youth continue to violate human rights on a daily basis, Muchena said.

Many civilians continue to be killed and displaced from their homes, girls as young as eight have been gang-raped, and human rights defenders and journalists continue to be harassed and intimidated.
Protesters say murder charge against one Minneapolis officer not enough; all officers involved must be held accountable.

Protesters in the United States city of Minneapolis welcomed Fridays murder charge against the white officer who knelt on the neck of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, but demanded the three other officers involved be arrested as well.

Its an absolute outrage because it isnt just one officer who is responsible for the murder of George Floyd, said Ayaan Dahir, a Minneapolis resident and activist. They all need to be arrested and charged.

Floyd died on Monday after policeman Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground as he repeatedly pleaded: I cant breathe.

An eight-minute video of the incident shows bystanders urging Chauvin to get off of Floyd, but the officer continues to pin him down even as he goes motionless.

Chauvin, who was fired after the incident, was arrested on Friday, more than three days after Floyd died. He was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

According to the charging documents, Chauvins knee was on Floyds neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, including nearly three minutes of which Floyd laid on the pavement motionless.

We have evidence, we have the citizens cameras video, the horrible, horrific, terrible thing we have all seen over and over again, we have the officers body-worn camera, we have statements from some witnesses, said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman in announcing the charges.

A protester reacts while gathering with others outside the Minneapolis city hall after a white police officer was caught on a bystanders video pressing his knee into the neck of African American man George Floyd [Carlos Barria/Reuters]

Three other officers involved were fired but have not been charged, angering protesters and community leaders who have demanded all four officers be held accountable.

The unfortunate situation here is that because police are involved, the law protects them as well as the system, said Jaylani Hussein, the director of the Minnesota chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations.

If they didnt listen to Georges cries for help, they should have listened to the bystanders who were there witnessing this unfortunate situation, Hussein told Al Jazeera. All four need to be arrested and offered no bail.

Protesters undeterred by curfew

The killing of Floyd has set off angry protests in Minneapolis and in major cities across the US.

Protesters in Minneapolis rallied on Friday night, despite a city-imposed curfew that began at 8pm (01:00 GMT).

Some protesters said they will continue to defy the curfew until all the officers involved in Floyds death are arrested, local media reported.

They cant arrest us all, one protest leader was quoted as saying.

The Minnesota Freedom Fund, an organisation that pays bail for low-income individuals who are arrested, encouraged protesters planning to stay past curfew to write the groups and partner groups phone numbers on their arms in case of arrest.

Fridays curfew, which will last until 6am (11:00 GMT) on Saturday and begin again later that night, was announced after three nights of protests rocked Minneapolis, with thousands taking to the streets to demand justice for Floyd and an end to police violence.

While the protests started peacefully, they descended into chaos, with fires and looting. Police have responded to protesters with tear gas and non-lethal projectiles. Protesters also say police have antagonised them even when they are marching peacefully. At one point a cable television crew was arrested  an incident for which authorities later apologised.

A man confronts National Guard members guarding an area of Minneapolis, Minnesota [Carlos Barria/Reuters]

On Thursday night, officers retreated from a police precinct as protesters overran the building, chanting, no justice, no peace. Some set fires in the building. Protesters rallied outside a different police building on Friday, a livestream by Unicorn Riot, an independent media organisation showed.

Its very clear that there is a lot of anger, not just about the death of George Floyd, but all the people who have been killed by police, Dahir told Al Jazeera.

Responding to the violence, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz declared a state of emergency and dispatched the National Guard to the city. National Guard members could be seen in Minneapolis and neighbouring Saint Paul by mid-Thursday.

In addition to charges brought against all the officers, protesters are also demanding a special prosecutor be named in the case, saying they do not trust Hennepin County Attorney Freeman and pointing to the fact it took more than three days for an arrest to be made.

That arrest of the officer should have happened since day one. And everything that has happened since, I hold Mike Freeman directly responsible, Dahir said.

Whats been happening  this uprising, this rebellion  is something that organisers have been saying for years was going to happen eventually, Dahir said. This isnt something that can be undone. Its not an accident, its not a coincidence, it is something that has been brewing for a long time and this is the straw that broke the camels back.
The shooting happened in the Sienna Plantation subdivision in Missouri City, about 15 miles southwest of Houston.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls said a neighbor called police to report that someone suspicious was running in the area.

County sheriffs deputies and Deputy Constable Caleb Rule responded, he said.

Three deputies and the constable arrived at the scene within a minute of each other, Nehls said. Though they are from different agencies, the officers operate on the same radio channel. The deputies entered the home through an unlocked door, Nehls said. While searching it, a deputy fatally shot Rule, mistaking him for an intruder, Nehls said.

Missouri

Ruling: States last abortion clinic is OK

OFALLON  Missouris only abortion clinic will be able to keep operating after a state government administrator decided Friday that the health department was wrong not to renew the license of the Planned Parenthood facility in St. Louis.
In late April in Huntington Beach, a crowd heads to the beach without social distancing or masks. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Are you ready to accept the ever-present risk of the coronavirus as you jump back into a newly reopened big world?

I want to be. I'd love to be. I want to help save businesses and jobs. I want to get out into my city again.

I'd love to trust that we're all going to head out to do these things responsibly, taking every step we can to protect one another.

But I don't feel able to take that leap of faith just yet, based on the behavior I see around me.

I'm not just talking about the images of last weekend's crowds, many in them not wearing masks, on the Venice Beach boardwalk and the trails of Eaton Canyon  though I find that level of disregard for our current peril hard to fathom.

I'm talking about the casual disregard for the pandemic's dangers I see manifested every day in the small neighborhood world that has been my whole world since mid-March.

Each time I venture out from home, I see a lot of people practicing good safety measures. But I see just as many people who don't seem to be taking our mutual safety seriously. They can't be bothered to follow clearly stated directions. They don't take mandated precautions.

And I know what I'm seeing is not an anomaly. I get similar reports from other observers all over the area.

Reopening is predicated on the notion that we will all go forth acting in the best interests of our collective well-being, as Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer keeps telling us.

"There is a lot at stake as we reopen," Ferrer said this week. "More people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19, which is more cases and likely more hospitalizations and deaths. This is why it couldn't be more important for us to take care of each other when we're out of our homes."

But out of my home, when I go out walking, I don't have full confidence that we'll live up to this ideal.

I see plenty of unmasked people out on busy stretches of sidewalk where they are guaranteed to pass plenty of other people.

Story continues

No matter that putting on a face covering when out among others is now required by the city and county. No matter that doing so can help us reduce transmission of a virus that we know can be spread by asymptomatic people who have no idea that they have it. No matter that it's easy to find face coverings that you can wear around your neck and pull up to cover your face as needed, when other people are near.

Do they resist because they don't believe the risks are real? Because they don't like being told what to do? Because they're sick of the restrictions and have called time's up on caring? Because they feel invulnerable  as I know I once did when I was young?

I don't presume to know their thinking, but I'm willing to give them a pass if they're taking pains to stay out of everyone's way  to keep themselves even more than the recommended six feet away from others. More often than not, though, I find that they aren't.

They don't try to protect us. They leave it to the rest of us not just to protect them but to dodge them or contort our bodies to stay out of their way. (When unmasked people approach me without giving way on narrow sidewalks, I frequently jump into the street  grateful that traffic still is lighter than normal.)

And it's not just the mask orders that people are flouting. It's also other well-publicized safety instructions in places where masks are required for entry.

Wearing face coverings and distancing go hand in hand. Doing one doesn't obviate the need to do the other. Both my supermarket and my farmers market have worked hard to remind people to keep their distance from one another  taping and chalking lines on the ground as guides. The Hollywood Farmers Market draws big arrows on the pavement to try to get people to minimize crowding by walking up the market on one side of the street and down it on the other.

But so many people pay no mind, either to those instructions or to basic distancing.

I come back from both markets exhausted from all the defensive maneuvering and social awkwardness required. How do you tell a person politely to not stand so close, to back off a little? I have yet to find the proper etiquette that makes such a request feel comfortable to me and guarantees that it will be received with good grace.

So, no, I don't think I'm ready yet to just see what happens if I go shopping at an indoor mall or eat out at a restaurant, which just became possible again. I want to do these things to help the economy  but I won't until I'm confident that they won't greatly add to our societal risk.

L.A. County, after all, remains the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in California. More than 2,200 people here have died of the virus  which adds up to more than half of the deaths statewide so far. We have more than 51,000 COVID-19 cases here, which is nearly half the cases in the state.

Yes, our number of hospitalized patients appears to be holding steady at this moment. And yes, testing now is widely available. But people are still getting sick from the virus. People are still dying from it every single day. A vaccine probably remains a long way off. The information we get about symptoms and what's safe and what isn't safe keeps changing. And just because our hospitals have yet to be overwhelmed doesn't mean that they won't if we handle all this reopening badly.

Which is what I fear will happen if we don't all accept the seriousness of the risk we are taking. And my guess is that the mere fact that we're reopening will lead more people, not less, to act as if we no longer have anything to worry about.

As I said, I still haven't found quite the right turns of phrase to very politely tell people ignoring the safety basics to stop doing so. But I think we all have to find ways to convey this message, now more than ever, if we want to move forward, not backward, together.




U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that CNN is blaming Russia too much.

Well, here we go again. Fictional news. CNN blames Russia. They are sick losers with very poor ratings, Trump wrote.

He added that CNN should direct more energy to the information war against China. They cannot blame China because they need money? The US president asked a rhetorical question.
Over the past few years, many experts in education and industry have emphasised the need for a paradigm shift towards Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as an important step for enhancing job prospects for young people and positioning them to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Among others, TVET has the potential to promote the productive participation of many young people in the labour market by equipping them with the critical skills for employment or entrepreneurship.



The TVET sector remains the most practical avenue for acquiring readily-employable skills for the world of work. People with qualifications in TVET can be productively engaged in the building and construction industry, power and energy, sanitation systems, agro-processing, hospitality, clothing and textiles, as well as metal work and fabrication fields.



In spite of the huge potential to contribute to job creation and socio-economic development, many students in Ghana are less-likely to enrol in TVET because of a negative perception of the sector. More critical is the low number of women participating in the sector, particularly in historically male-dominated fields.



Governments



Successive governments have implemented strategies to promote TVET in order for the nation to benefit from a work force with a practical skills base, but these efforts have achieved marginal results. Any effort, therefore, to promote TVET in Ghana, will have to begin with a comprehensive approach to address the low image and negative perception which together conspire to make the sector unattractive for students, particularly females.



In addition to the image and perception challenge, there is also the issue of fragmented coordination and oversight of the TVET sector. For instance there are over 288 public pre-tertiary and tertiary TVET institutions spread under 19 ministries and another 180 TVET institutions in the private sector. This affects effective coordination and governance of the sector.



My TVET Campaign



Advertisement



In spite of the bottlenecks, a major initiative designed to promote TVET in Ghana is the My TVET policies for skills development across the broad spectrum of pre-tertiary and tertiary education in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy. The My TVET Campaign is being implemented to change the negative perceptions among Ghanaians of TVET, increase enrolment in TVET institutions, and produce highly-skilled Campaign initiated by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), the body mandated to formulate national and talented young people for Ghanas industrial development.



The goal is to inspire world-class excellence in skills development and to introduce the youth to a variety of skilled careers under five components comprising: skills competition; career guidance and counselling; TVET ambassadors programme/role modelling; formation of TVET clubs in junior high schools; and promotion of TVET and TVET materials through communications.



Partnership



Under the aegis of an existing partnership between the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) and COTVET, the two organisations will work to promote TVET in Ghana through joint efforts under the My TVET Campaign. The commitment to support TVET aligns with CAMFEDs partnership with the Mastercard Foundation for the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy in Ghana. CAMFED will, over the next three years, equip 210,000 young people (girls and boys) with work-readiness skills, and directly enable 120,000 young people to secure dignified and fulfilling employment.



Conclusion

Skills education and training represent the way forward as the world struggles to cope with increasing youth unemployment. If Ghana is to pursue aggressive industrialisation as successive governments have sought to do, we must recognise that technical skills will be key in driving that agenda. We must position TVET at the centre of our industrial policy to put the country on a sound footing for industrial take-off. In this vein, the approval of the strategic plan for the development of TVET in Ghana and the re-alignment of all public TVET institutions under the Ministry of Education to ensure proper coordination is welcome news.



CAMFED and COTVET will work together to ensure that TVET takes its right of place in Ghanas educational system.



The writer is the Head of Programmes at CAMFED Ghana

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.

Featured Video
Not all Bollywood actors have a straight record with the law of our country. Some of them have had quite a few run-ins with the law and have a shady crime record. In fact, with time people forget the grave run-ins Bollywood celebrities have had with the law and all the cases that have been registered against them. Unfortunately, some of them got away scot-free, and some of them completed their sentence partially

Here is a list of 8 celebrities who have had trouble with the law:

Some Bollywood celebrities have managed to entertain even off-screen be it violating laws, criminal acts, scuffles, drunk driving, hit-and-run cases, and many more. Some cases fade away, while some resurface from time to time.

1. Salman Khan

 TOI

The slew of cases against Salman Khan include cases that have long been forgotten. For example, in 2002, Salman Khan's land cruiser rammed into an American Bakery in Bandra. A labourer sleeping on the pavement was killed and four others injured in the hit and run case. In April 2018, a Mumbai court canceled a bailable arrest warrant against Khan for this case despite the grave offenses.



Then he was also accused of poaching two blackbucks in Kankani village in October 1998 while shooting for Hum Saath Saath Hai. There have been cases filed at Bhawad for poaching two chinkaras between September 26 and 27, 2018. He has always been accused of violating The Arms Act after he was found in possession of a 0.22 rifle and 0.32 revolver with expired licenses that were the same rifles that he used to hunt the blackbucks.

Lastly, we've all been getting pictures of Salman Khan's farmhouse in Panvel on social media where he is social distancing with his friends. Apparently, the Maharashtra forest department has served a notice on Salman Khan and five other members of his family for the illegal construction of this farmhouse in Panvel.

2. Sanjay Dutt

 TOI

While Rajkumar Hirani's Sanju proved to be good PR for the actor, one cannot forget the time when Sanjay Dutt was arrested following the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai. The actor was arrested and jailed for 16 months between 1994-96 under the TADA (Prevention Act) for illegal possession of firearms. He was served a jail term of 5 years in Pune's Yerwada Jail.



3. Shiney Ahuja

 TOI

From Gangster and Bhool Bhulaiyaa fame, Shiney Ahuja's career ended after his house help pressed rape charges against him. The domestic help went back on her charges, but the circumstantial pieces of evidence were enough for the court to hold the actor guilty and he was acquitted for seven-year imprisonment on March 30, 2011.



4. Saif Ali Khan

 TOI

Apart from the black buck poaching case with fellow actor Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan in 2012 allegedly assaulted a South-African businessman seated next to the actors Kareena Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, Amrita Arora and her husband Shakeel Ladak, Bilal Amrohi, and Malaika Arora Khan at the Wasabi Restaurant in Taj, Colaba. The actor was booked for assault under section 325 of IPC and got arrested only to be released on bail later.



5. Shah Rukh Khan

 TOI

Reportedly, social activist Varsha Deshpande, along with other female foeticide activists, filed a sex determination case against Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, post the birth of their youngest son AbRam in 2013. However, the couple maintained their position that they had no prior knowledge about the sex of the child, and the case was brushed off.



6. Fardeen Khan

 TOI

Actor Fardeen Khan was busted by the cops while attempting to buy cocaine in May 2001. Since the actor plead guilty and denied any intentions of further sale of the drugs at the time, he was let go after getting registered at an anti-addiction rehab center.



7. Navjot Singh Sidhu

 TOI

Navjot Singh Sidhu was sentenced to a 3-year jail term for culpable homicide in December 2006 after being accused of fatally assaulting Gurnam Singh in an incident of road rage, 26 years ago. This led to him resigning from his position of MP.



8. Sooraj Pancholi

 TOI

Post, Jiah Khan's unfortunate suicide, it was found that Sooraj Pancholi was found guilty of abetting the actor. He was jailed on June 10, 2013.


The Biggest Party In Kyrgyzstan Continues To Splinter Amid Infighting

By Bruce Pannier May 29, 2020

It is barely four months until Kyrgyzstan holds parliamentary elections and the party that currently has the most seats in parliament -- the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) -- has suffered another split.

It is the sort of sideshow the party does not need so close to the elections, as it now has three different versions of itself.

The SDPK has long been one of the most prominent parties in Kyrgyzstan -- the only country in Central Asia where democratic elections are held -- and its practical implosion will leave many questions for the political future of the country.

The SDPK won the most seats (38) in the 2015 parliamentary elections and the second-most in the 2010 (26) and 2007 (11) votes.

It is one of the oldest political parties in Kyrgyzstan, even winning the most seats in the 1995 parliamentary elections among parties. (Independents won the most seats.)

But the SDPK is now unlikely to fare so well in the elections scheduled for October 4 as it continues to splinter apart.

On May 21, Irina Karamushkina, a member of the SDPK's political council and a deputy in parliament, wrote on Facebook that two of ex-President and longtime SDPK leader Almazbek Atambaev's sons -- Seyitbek and Kadyr -- are joining a new party: the Social Democrats of Kyrgyzstan (SDK).

Karamushkina wrote that acting SDPK leader Asel Koduranova had stopped "publicly, capably, and candidly defending the children of Almazbek Atambaev," and so the two men went to the SDK, along with another member of the SDPK political council, Kunduz Zholdabaeva.

The slow dissolution of the SDPK actually began a few years ago, when Atambaev's term as president ended in November 2017 with the expiration of his six-year term.

He stepped down -- a very unusual thing for a president in Central Asia to do -- but was not prepared to step aside, and had worked hard to see that his choice for successor, current President Soronbai Jeenbekov, was elected.

Many felt Atambaev would try to continue leading the country from behind the scenes -- as Jeenbekov's puppet master -- but the new president had different plans and gradually removed top officials left over from Atambaev's government.

Relations between Atambaev and Jeenbekov soured and their feud -- mostly fueled by Atambaev -- was widely reported in the media as they bickered and insulted each other publicly.

It was not until March 2019 that the big final rift finally occurred, though by that time many SDPK members had already chosen which of the two sides they would support -- the SDPK or the newly formed faction, SDPK Without Atambaev (its actual name).

Some chose neither, further fracturing the party.

The defection from the SDPK of Atambaev's sons is not as great a blow as the fracture in 2019, but the timing is bad for the party's dwindling hopes ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Ex-President Atambaev is currently on trial for a range of crimes, the most serious of which is the murder of a commander of an elite security unit that stormed Atambaev's compound in August 2019 after Atambaev repeatedly rejected summonses to be questioned about suspicious incidents that occurred while Atambaev was president.

The number of SDPK members still loyal to the party appears to be falling rapidly and it is unclear how much support the SDPK Without Atambaev faction really has, despite the group holding the majority of SDPK seats in parliament.

And now the new group that Atambaev's sons have joined will further fragment the ranks of the core party.

Sagynbek Addrahmanov, the head of the SDPK Without Atambaev faction, said in May 2019 that his group would participate in the 2020 parliamentary elections.

The traditional SDPK party did not field any candidates in local elections earlier this year but is preparing for the October contest.

But the defections have continued.

At a May 26 session of the political council, the SDPK suffered further losses when several key members announced they were leaving.

Acting party leader Koduranova stepped down from her post and handed that responsibility to Anvar Artykov. Deputy party chairman Ryskeldy Mombekov and chairwoman Kunduz Zholdubaeva also formally announced they were leaving their positions.

Karamushkina also announced she was vacating her post and leaving the party, while deputy chairwoman Nazgul Mamytova said she was resigning from her post but would remain in the party.

Several other members of the party's political council announced they were leaving the SDPK.

Meanwhile, the party that currently has the second-largest number of seats in parliament, Respublika-Ata-Jurt, has also split and will participate in the upcoming elections as two parties -- Respublika (no longer led by former presidential candidate Omurbek Babanov) and Ata-Jurt.

That will leave the field wide open for the October 4 parliamentary elections and, with draft legislation still being debated that could lower the threshold for winning seats from 9 percent to 7 percent, these promise to be the wildest and most unpredictable parliamentary elections ever in Kyrgyzstan.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/the-biggest- party-in-kyrgyzstan-continues-to-splinter -amid-infighting/30641640.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Amy Cooper, who has been referred to as "Central Park Karen," is seen calling police to make the false allegation that an African American man was threatening her on May 25. (Christian Cooper )

For a brief period in 2004, long before internet memes made insults so readily sharable, my given name had its moment of mockery. A group of linguists studied the effect of vowel quality in a man's name on his perceived sex appeal, and for at least a week or two people slyly asked me about the widely shared (for then) headline reporting the findings: "Matt is sexier than Paul."

So I can sympathize with the many decent women named Karen out there who unwittingly lent their name to a meme that pillories toxic white privilege and worse. Immediately after columnist Robin Abcarian's take on the subject was published earlier this week, a handful of readers named Karen mostly shrugged off the slur, but a smaller number took offense. Since then, more real-life Karens in the latter category have written to us; here is what they had to say.

Karen Scott Browdy of Fillmore objects to any name-based meme:

My name is Swedish, having come out of my grandparents family, who came to the U.S. from Sweden through Ellis Island at the turn of the 20th century. I have spent my life as a teacher, striving to make quality education a priority.

So, it was disappointing to see Abcarian draw attention to the unflattering "Karen" meme in two recent columns. Why personalize that egregious sort of behavior with a specific person's name?

One thought would be to re-name it "Donald," after someone who actually exhibits that behavior. But thats not fair for the very same reasons that the Karen meme is not appropriate. Any person's name used in this way paints with a broad brush, diminishing scores of people just like the attitude it supposedly represents.

Let's just call the behavior what it is: elitist, entitled and obnoxious.

Karen Goran of Anaheim speaks up for thoughtful Karens:

I read Abcarian's column with great sadness. Using a certain name in such a hateful manner seems to appeal to humanity's basest instinct. Three of my friends named Karen have lived their lives in thoughtful and caring ways, as have I.

Story continues

What would Abcarian think if the meme were changed to "Robin"? It seems rather shameful to address shameful behavior with more shameful behavior.

Certainly, Abcarian can do better by encouraging more appropriate responses to objectionable behavior than using this insult.

Karen Heyman of La Jolla says she does not want to be bullied:

The Karen meme is misogynistic and ageist. Columnists should be objecting to it rather than making excuses for it.

As someone who was bullied as a child, I refuse to humor a trend that mocks my name. Woe be unto you if you keep insulting your middle-aged readers.

Vincent Brook of Los Angeles speaks up for his wife:

I'm writing on behalf of my wife, Karen, and I'm sure for Karens of all colors and ages when I say, please cease the senseless sexist stigmatizing of a name that means no harm to anyone.


People watching Hollywood awards ceremonies on television often see stars walk the red carpet in costly clothing.

But the worldwide coronavirus has changed even Hollywood: Americas movie production center in California. Red carpets of the future might be very different  if the custom happens at all.

Photographers and fans stand along the red carpets, while celebrities stop to have their picture taken. It is a usual part of publicity efforts that come with a new film opening. But, social distancing may put a stop to it.

Everybody is desperate to get back to a normal version, where we get to be with people in person, said one Hollywood publicist who asked not to be identified.

I dont see it coming back fully until weve got some kind of vaccine, the publicist said.

A big test will come in July when Christopher Nolans film Tenet for Warner Bros. and Walt Disneys Mulan are expected to open. They will be the first big movie releases since the new coronavirus closed movie theaters worldwide. Movie production companies delayed the opening of many films until the end of 2020 or even 2021. Warner Bros. and Disney have not announced their plans for the opening of the two movies.

Televisions Emmy Awards usually take place in Los Angeles in September. Organizers have not said what they will do if social distancing measures are still in place.

In Los Angeles, there are companies that plan red carpet events, like 15|40 Productions. The business has planned more than 200 Hollywood movie openings. Now, it is talking with several movie companies about ways to add social distancing.

We took the red carpet and we had to re-envision how it would workkeeping people apart, said Craig Waldman. He is president of 15|40 Productions.

Usually, TV cameras and photographers are in a small space together. Now, they will be separated by large, heavy pieces of plastic. Distance barriers will keep reporters at least 2 meters away from actors. Celebrities will not be able to talk to fans.

Having a live fan element is going to be a thing for the future, once a vaccine is found, said Waldman.

That number of cameramen and photographers on the red carpet will have to be decreased, and everyone will wear face coverings.

I dont know that we will see Emmy-nominated actresses walking the Emmy red carpet wearing masks, said Hollywood Reporter writer Chris Gardner.

The biggest unknown is whether important celebrities will attend these events.

Mike Zimet owns a New York security company. He works with people like actors Alec Baldwin and Lin-Manuel Miranda. He said tight security measures will need to be in place.

I know one (celebrity) Im protecting right now is staying away from everything, said Zimet. He expects red carpets to return in New York in autumn or possibly winter.

Zimet said celebrities have to decide if your health, of the family and yourself, is worth it.

Publicists now are holding movie openings online and talking to actors on Zoom or Skype from their homes. This method has worked well for films with small budgets because it has cut travel costs. Actors appear to like it as well.

Its more like chit-chatting with a sort of new friend they have just met on their computer, said one publicist.

But it lacks the excitement of a red carpet.

It is quite, quite strange, British actress Kristin Scott Thomas said on Zoom from her home. She was discussing her new film Military Wives.

Itsa lot more comfortable because youre wearing your own dress, she said with a laugh.

Im Susan Shand.

The Reuters News Agency reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr.was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

celebrity n. one who is famous from movies or television

red carpet n. a carpet that is red and rolled out for an important person to walk along

desperate  adj. in a state of extreme panic

envisionv. to think ahead and imagine what something will look like

mask n. a bit of clothe that covers the mouth and nose

chit-chat v. to talk about unimportant things

comfortable adj. at ease, not tense
In wake of rising cases of coronavirus, first Telangana and now Karnataka government has deployed a COVID-19 tracking platform developed by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) taskforce. The NASSCOM taskforce drawn from 20 odd companies has put together an open architecture platform with its various advanced AI technology models to assist state governments. Launched in Karnataka on May 30, it is an "end to end COVID-19 tracking platform that is based on a plug and play concept, providing the benefit to users to decide which features they want to use and integrate with their existing platform as needed. The platform can be hosted on any cloud platform based on the preference of the state government."

These analytics-driven dashboards will assist the state governments in sustainable industry recovery and help them in taking informed decision in managing the path to recovery and phased opening across the state. All these are based on the data that is fed into it. A senior NASSCOM official says talks are going on with other states and more such announcements will follow. While it is up to the concerned state to use it to its optimal and feed the data it needs.

Also Read: Post lockdown mantra for India Inc. - Revisit competencies and business processes

As part of the launch, the NASSCOM taskforce will provide the first set of dashboards for the state government's use and will add more in the coming weeks. The NASSCOM taskforce team includes companies like Intel India, Fractal Analytics, Microsoft India, AWS, Mindtree, SAP Labs India, Infosys, Accenture, Wipro, Sprinklr, Tableau, Mapbox, and others. A note shared by NASSCOM says, "The pandemic response platform is designed to benefit the central and state governments and boost their efforts by analysing a diverse set of population scale indicators that can predict certain outbreaks and advance medical care administration. The platform will provide real time streaming of data about the pandemic, across regions and states in the country and source this data from public sources that includes select social channels, websites, blogs, forums and public data sets to create actionable reporting dashboards, which will allow the government to project insights sourced from the information with public datasets display on command centre screens."

Also Read: Indian manufacturers hail end to export curbs on paracetamol APIs

It had earlier deployed the platform in Telangana which has been designed to augment the governments' effort with a robust set of population scale COVID-19 indicators that help predict outbreaks and improve medical care administration. It also talks of an external citizen facing dashboard, which has been developed by Fractal, to allow the government to project critical information to the public for transparency, awareness, and guidance.
Electronic health records fail to detect up to 33% of medication errors

Despite improvements in their performance over the past decade, electronic health records (EHRs) commonly used in hospitals nationwide fail to detect up to one in three potentially harmful drug interactions and other medication errors, according to scientists at University of Utah Health, Harvard University, and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. In tests using simulated medical records, the researchers found that EHR systems consistently failed to detect errors that could injure or kill patients.

"EHRs are supposed to ensure safe use of medications in hospitals," says David C. Classen, M.D., the study's corresponding author and a professor of internal medicine at U of U Health. "But they're not doing that. In any other industry, this degree of software failure wouldn't be tolerated. You would never get on an airplane, for instance, if an airline could only promise it could get you to your destination safely two-thirds of the time."

The study appears in the May 29 issue of JAMA Network Open.

First deployed in the 1960s, EHRs replaced written medical records and manual filing systems. They became almost universally adopted in the early 21st century after an Institute of Medicine report found that medical errors accounted for 1 million inpatient injuries and 98,000 deaths annually. According to the report, medication safety problems were the most frequent cause of preventable harm.

Medical professionals hoped that widespread use of EHRs would reduce this problem. The computerized systems are designed to issue warnings to doctors if their orders for medication could result in allergic reactions, adverse drug interactions, excessive doses, or other potentially harmful effects. However, recent studies suggest that medication safety and overall safety problems in hospitals continue to occur at a high rate despite the almost ubiquitous use of EHRs by hospitals.

One snag is that hospitals must customize and adapt their EHR software to meet their own needs, Classen says. This is a complex process that makes it difficult to keep up with all changes in drug safety. So, for example, a serious drug interaction that would trigger EHR warnings at one hospital might not at another one.

"Although EHRs are now widely used, their safety performance continues to vary from hospital to hospital," says David W. Bates, M.D., a study co-author and chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "Hospitals decide what drug-related decision supports to turn on within their systems. They have a great deal of latitude around this."

However, Classen says federal regulators only inspect EHR systems with factory specifications, meaning that whatever alterations hospitals make after installation aren't accounted for.

To determine the effectiveness of EHRs in real-world settings, Classen, Bates, and colleagues studied the results of tests conducted by an EHR safety evaluation tool called Leapfrog CPOE EHR test, which simulated actual drug orders that have and could potentially harm patients. Almost all of the scenarios were based on actual adverse drug events that harmed or killed patients in the real world.

In one scenario, for instance, a 52-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Prior to hospitalization, she was taking warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, once a day to combat deep vein thrombosis. After admission, she receives warfarin three times a day. This excessive dosage goes undetected by the hospital's EHR system for five days. As a result, the patient has a large hemorrhage and dies of causes directly related to the overdose of warfarin.

Scenarios like this one were fed directly into EHR systems at 2,314 hospitals nationwide to see if their systems would perform better. All of the tests were conducted over a 10-year span, 2009 to 2018.

The researchers found that, in 2009, these systems correctly issued warnings or alerts about potential medication problems only 54% of the time. By 2018, EHRs detected about 66% of these errors.

"These systems meet the most basic safety standards less than 70% of the time," the researchers conclude. "These systems have only modestly increased their safety during a 10-year period, leaving critical deficiencies in these systems to detect and prevent critical safety issues."

In addition, Classen notes that the hospitals in this study used the EHR evaluation tool on a voluntary basis to improve patient safety and care. Many hospitals do not participate in such evaluations, suggesting that the true safety performance of U.S. hospitals could be worse than the study found.

###

This study titled, "National Trends in the Safety Performance of Electronic Health Record Systems from 2009 to 2018," was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

University of Utah Health provides leading-edge and compassionate medicine for a referral area that encompasses 10% of the U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and much of Nevada. A hub for health sciences research and education in the region, U of U Health touts a $356 million research enterprise and trains the majority of Utah's physicians and more than 1,250 health care providers each year at its Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Health. With more than 20,000 employees, the system includes 12 community clinics and four hospitals. For 10 straight years, U of U Health has ranked among the top 10 U.S. academic medical centers in the rigorous Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, including reaching No. 1 in 2010 and 2016.

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
SEATTLE - The Latest on protests in the Northwest sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis (all times local):

8:27 p.m.

Portland police have labeled a demonstration an unlawful assembly after people moved through the Northwest part of the city tagging buildings with George Floyds name and slurs against police.

On Twitter and by bullhorn, police warned people of the 8 p.m. curfew Saturday, telling them to go home. They also said they had arrested one person but didnt give details.

By about 7 p.m. the crowd appeared to reach at least a thousand people and were marching, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

After 8 p.m., police began tossing flash bangs to disperse crowds.

7:45 p.m.

Seattle police fired tear gas and flash bangs to try to disperse black-clad looters who smashed downtown businesses fronts, stole merchandise and tossed mannequins onto the street.

Dozens of people remained on city streets in defiance of a 5 p.m. Saturday curfew enacted by Mayor Jenny Durkan following unrest that included fires and demonstrators marching onto Interstate 5.

These criminal acts will not be allowed to continue, Durkan said at a news conference.

News footage showed at least one destroyed police cruiser and other vehicle blazes. There have been arrests but no specific numbers were immediately available.

___

6:35 p.m.

City officials in Eugene, Oregon, enacted a 9 p.m. Saturday curfew in part of the city following destructive protests over the George Floyd killing Friday.

Seattle and Portland, Oregon, also issued Saturday night curfews due to unrest.

Eugene is home to the University of Oregon.

____

5:49 p.m.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Saturday evening activated up to 200 members of the National Guard to respond to violent protests in downtown Seattle that forced the closure of Interstate 5 and the imposition of a citywide curfew.

Inslee said the guard personnel will be unarmed and be directed by Seattle officials, who requested the help to protect property and manage crowds who had gathered in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

-

4:55 p.m.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced a 5 p.m. curfew for Saturday following rowdy protests that spilled onto Interstate 5, forcing the freeways closure through the central part of the Northwests largest city.

Thousands of people gathered in downtown and a largely peaceful early afternoon rally turned rowdier, with police pepper spraying demonstrators and deploying flash bands. Police said arrests were made but an exact figure wasnt available.

Portlands mayor declared an 8 p.m. PDT curfew for Saturday after that city saw fiery protests Friday night.

___

4:50 p..m.

The Washington State Patrol closed both directions of Interstate 5 through downtown Seattle as a protest over the killing of George Floyd spilled onto the freeway Saturday afternoon.

The freeway is not a safe or appropriate place for demonstration, state patrol Chief John Batiste said in a statement.

Thousands of people gathered in downtown and a largely peaceful early afternoon rally turned rowdier, with police pepper spraying demonstrators and deploying flash bands. Police said arrests were made but an exact figure wasnt available.

___

3:36 p.m.

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Seattle to protest the killing of George Floyd and a largely peaceful gathering turned rowdier Saturday afternoon.

Police deployed flash bangs and pepper sprayed some demonstrators who got close to police lines. Police on bicycles pushed back several protesters.

A police spokeswoman, Sgt. Lauren Truscott, said some people were arrested though she didnt have an exact figure.
Washington: President Donald Trump announced Friday that he would withdraw funding from the World Health Organisation, end Hong Kongs special trade status and suspend visas of Chinese graduate students suspected of conducting research on behalf of their government, escalating tensions with China that have surged during the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump has been expressing anger at the World Health Organisation for weeks over what he has portrayed as an inadequate response to the initial outbreak of the coronavirus in Chinas Wuhan province late last year.

The president said in a White House announcement that Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the organisation to mislead the public about an outbreak that has now killed more than 100,000 Americans.

We have detailed the reforms that it must make and engaged with them directly, but they have refused to act, the president said. Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating the relationship.

The US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organisation. Trump said the US would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

He noted that the U.S. contributes about $450 million to the world body while China provides about $40 million.

Congressional Democrats said in April, when the president first proposed withholding money from the WHO, that it would be illegal without approval from Congress and that they would challenge it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday called the move an act of extraordinary senselessness.

Other critics of the administrations decision to cut funding called it misguided, saying it would undermine an important institution that is leading vaccine development efforts and drug trials to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

Severing ties with the World Health Organisation serves no logical purpose and makes finding a way out of this public health crisis dramatically more challenging, said Dr Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association.

The WHO declined to comment on the announcement. Officials of the UN agency have not directly addressed a letter that Trump sent to the general director on 18 May warning that he would make permanent a temporary freeze on US funding and reconsider U.S. membership unless it committed to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days.

Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, chairman of the Senate health committee, also warned that the presidents decision could interfere with vaccine trials and international cooperation during future outbreaks.

Certainly there needs to be a good, hard look at mistakes the World Health Organisation might have made in connection with coronavirus, but the time to do that is after the crisis has been dealt with, not in the middle of it, said Alexander, echoing a point made by others, including the head of the United Nations.

At an event later Friday, Trump was asked about relations with China, and he repeated his earlier suspicions about how the country managed to apparently contain the virus in Wuhan while it spread to Europe and the United States.

Well, were certainly not happy with what happened with respect to China, he told reporters.

Tensions over Hong Kong have increased over the past year as China has cracked down on protesters and sought to exert more control over the former British territory.

Trump said the administration would begin eliminating the full range of agreements that had given Hong Kong a relationship with the US that mainland China lacked, including exemptions from controls on certain exports. He said the state department would begin warning US citizens of the threat of surveillance and arrest when visiting the city.

China has replaced its promised formula of one country, two systems, with one country, one system, he said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo notified Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong is no longer deserving of the preferential trade and commercial status it has enjoyed from the US since it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.

Its not yet clear what impact the decision will have on US companies that operate in Hong Kong or on the citys position as Asias major financial hub, or how China will react to the decision.

View Survey

The downward spiral in the bilateral relationship has now reached lows not seen since the 4 June, 1989, Tiananmen massacre, and there is little reason to expect things to get better soon, said Dexter Tiff Roberts, an Asia expert at the Atlantic Council, which publishes nonpartisan policy analysis.

Representative Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who is a commissioner of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, praised the decision on Hong Kong as an overdue response to the government of President Xi Jinping for human rights abuses, including against religious minorities in the Xinjiang region.

After years of human rights admonishment and cheap rhetoric devoid of any meaningful penalties, Xi has concluded that the West is all talk, no action, Smith said. President Trump, however, is today beginning to change that and is doing what previous presidents have failed to do.

The president also said the US would be suspending entry of Chinese graduate students who are suspected of taking part in an extensive government campaign to acquire trade knowledge and academic research for the countrys military and industrial development.

Allowing their continued entry to the country would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, Trump said in an order released after the White House announcement.

Revocation of the visas has faced opposition from US universities and scientific organizations that depend on tuition fees paid by Chinese students to offset other costs and fear possible reciprocal action from Beijing that could limit their access to China.

The president's order includes an exemptions for students whose work was not expected to benefit the Chinese military.

China seemed to signal in recent days that it was hoping to ease tensions. Premier Li Keqiang told reporters on Thursday that both countries stood to gain from cooperation and to lose from confrontation because their economies have become so interconnected.

We must use our wisdom to expand common interests and manage differences and disagreements, Li said.

Still, the country has insisted that its control of Hong Kong is an internal matter, and it has disputed that it mishandled the response to the virus.
A siege involving a man who took his accomplice hostage in a bizarre break and enter on Brisbane's northside has ended peacefully.

Following several hours of specialist police and negotiators speaking with the man and woman inside the house in Atrium Way, Everton Hills, the siege ended around 10.30am on Sunday.

A man was seen being walked out of the home in handcuffs, seven hours after police were called to the property.

Police had been tracking a stolen vehicle through Brisbane when it was left in Everton Hills about 3am this morning.

Scroll down for video

A siege involving a man who took his accomplice hostage in a bizarre break and enter on Brisbane's northside has ended peacefully

Following several hours of specialist police and negotiators speaking with the man and woman inside the house in Atrium Way, Everton Hills, the siege ended around 10.30am on Sunday

The offenders, a man and woman, fled on foot to the home where they broke in about 4am.

When police arrived to the scene the man took his female accomplice hostage with a bladed weapon, 9News reports.

Four adult residents of the home were safely evacuated but the siege was ongoing until 10.30am with just the offenders inside.

Police had been tracking a stolen vehicle through Brisbane when it was left in Everton Hills about 3am this morning

A number of emergency crews were on the scene, including specialist police negotiators, Ambulance crews and the Public Safety Response Team.

Residents in Everton Hills were urged to remain in their homes.

Police issued an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act just after 6am.

The emergency declaration was issued for Atrium Way, South Pine Road, Dawson Parade and Gallery Lane.
A young girl has suffered horrific burns after stumbling into an unextinguished campfire during a trip to the beach.

Dale Hawkins, from the Pilbara region in WA, took to a local Facebook group on Friday to urge campers to put out their flames after his toddler was severely burnt during a family outing.

'Just a friendly reminder to those in need, to practice some common campfire/site courtesy and extinguish your campfires when you are done with them, and to not just cover it with sand,' he wrote.

A young girl (pictured) has been left with horrific burns after stumbling into an unextinguished campfire on a Western Australian beach

Heart-wrenching images posted online show her injuries caused by the fire, which burnt the skin off her feet (pictured)

'My daughter found a hidden fire today, around lunchtime at the Finny boat ramp beach.'

Heart-wrenching photos shared alongside the post showed the little girl's feet covered by large painful blisters.

Another showed her lying in a hospital bed with both arms and legs wrapped in bandages.

Mr Hawkins said he hoped the photos would encourage others to ensure their fires were completely out before leaving camping areas.

'Sorry for the graphic pictures (nothing compared to being there, I assure you),' he continued.

'But it might just motivate someone to re-check as theyre packing up.'

The Royal Flying Doctor Service airlifted the youngster to a Perth Hospital where she is currently being treated for her injuries.

Members of the community flocked to the comments section to offer their support and well wishes to the young family.

Another photo shows the girl's mother cradling her as she sprays water over her hands to relieve the pain of her burns

'I am so sorry for what your family is going through. Healing and love for your family,' one person wrote.

Another read: 'Sending healing hugs, this should never have happened to your precious little one. Some people are unbelievably irresponsible.'

Several said they had the same painful experience as a child, while one woman said she knew of a little boy who was so badly burnt he needed multiple skin grafts as he grew older.

Others said they have recently seen unattended fires at beaches in the area.

'Last time we went to the bench at 6 mile there was one up the top on the rocks,' a woman wrote.
By Trend

Azerbaijan is expected to resume domestic flights on June 8, Chairman of the Management Union of Medical Territorial Unit (TABIB) Ramin Bayramli said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the briefing of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers.

Bayramli noted that the number of both domestic and international flights will decrease.

The number of passengers on board will also decrease for the safety of passengers and crew, he added.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Tests still require a doctors order, but doctors now have more leeway in deciding. St. Vincent Healthcare was averaging about 110 tests a day last week. The hospital continues to operate a drive-thru testing site.

When testing was limited, Bush said priority was given to testing essential workers and symptomatic patients. Among symptomatic patients, those who were hospitalized were a testing priority over those who did not need to be hospitalized.

The county is also working on asymptomatic testing programs in alignment with a plan put forward by the governors office to increase surveillance testing in the state. The county has a mobile testing van that can be taken to places where medical access could be a challenge. By mid-week the van had been used for 54 tests.

Were in a good spot with testing, which is very different than where we were when we went into the lockdown, Merchant said.

Merchant credited the very rational, scientific approach the state took to reduce the numbers to a point where testing and contact tracing could be used to limit spread.
The fifth phase of the lockdown could see additional easing of coronavirus restrictions that have been imposed across the country. The government is likely to focus on areas with high density of cases. Home Minister Amit Shah, following a meeting with all the Chief Ministers, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss the contours of the lockdown plan. The final decision would be out by My 31, the last day of the current lockdown phase.

Two panels, led by CK Mishra and Dr VK Paul, have also submitted their exit strategies. It is likely that restrictions on schools, colleges, movie theatres and religious places would continue. However, West Bengal and Karnataka have urged the Centre to allow religious places to reopen.

According to a report in India Today, nothing has been proposed by the panels on the resumption of international travel even as domestic flights and trains continue to operate. Restarting of inter-state travel might also not happen now as some states are not keen on opening up their borders.

Except for the aforementioned restrictions, all activities could be resumed in green, orange and red zones outside containment areas.

The panels have also batted for additional focus on sealing of containment zones in the hotspots. Thirteen districts have been identified as the worst-hit. These are municipalities of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmadabad, Thane, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata/Howrah, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu) and Thiruvallur (Tamil Nadu).

STATES' RECOMMENDATIONS

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal batted for more relaxations including opening of malls and the metro rail.

Karnataka and West Bengal want to reopen religious places. However there would be no mass gatherings or congregations.

Punjab is yet to decide but supports greater economic activity with restrictions on schools, colleges, malls and cinema halls.

Himachal Pradesh has decided to extend the lockdown in Shimla, Solan and Hamirpur districts.

Goa also wants a two-week extension. It also wants restaurants to be open for business with 50 per cent dine-in capacity.

Also read: Lockdown 5.0 guidelines: Select cities may have restrictions; is yours on the list?

Also read: Lockdown 5.0 guidelines: What to expect, how will they be different from Lockdown 4.0?
As Ireland continues to combat the Covid 19 virus, the three principal response agencies that make up the South East Regional Steering Group (An Garda Siochana, the HSE and the five local authorities) have thanked people for their work on stopping the spread of Covid-19.

Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, representatives of, An Garda Siochana, the HSE and County Councils in Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford are appealing to everyone to continue their impressive efforts.

In an effort to deter people from travelling more than five kilometres, local authorities have restricted access to some attractions. The respective Chief Executives of the five local authorities  Kathleen Holohan (Carlow), Colette Byrne (Kilkenny and Chair of South East Regional Steering Group), Joe McGrath (Tipperary), Michael Walsh (Waterford City and County) and Tom Enright (Wexford)  have urged people not to allow everyones hard work to be undermined and to #Stay Safe and #HoldFirm..

Kate Killeen White Chief Officer South East Community Healthcare chairs the HSE Crisis Management Team (CMT) and has acknowledged that the collective actions of communities in the region is clearly making a difference but it is crucial that everyone keeps up those efforts:

We know its hard, especially in terms of being apart from families and friends but it is helping to protect and keep our communities - especially vulnerable people and healthcare workers - safe. I want to particularly appeal to young people - we in the healthcare community need you to keep that effort going for another while.

The respective Garda Chief Superintendents for the region  Dominic Hayes (Carlow-Kilkenny), Derek Smart (Tipperary), Padraig Dunne (Waterford) and Dennis Ferry (Wexford) warned that there will be a very visible Garda presence across the South East this weekend, making sure that no one is travelling more than five kilometres from home without a valid reason:

Our members will operate an extensive network of checkpoints this weekend, to ensure public compliance with the travel restrictions in place as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines.

There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and weeks. It will save lives. In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, tourist locations or holiday homes outside of the five kilometre limit this weekend not to do so. If you are stopped at a checkpoint, you will be turned back.

The South East Regional Steering Group urges everyone to please play their part and #Stay Safe, # Stop the Spread and #HoldFirm this June Bank Holiday weekend.
Moscow, May 30 (IANS) Russian fighter jets intercepted US Air Force B-1B strategic bombers over the neutral waters of the Black and Baltic Seas, the Defence Ministry here said in a statement Friday.

"On May 29, the air defence duty forces of the Western and Southern military districts timely revealed the actions of the US Air Force B-1B strategic bombers over the neutral waters of the Black and Baltic Seas and scrambled Russian fighters to escort them," the Ministry said in a statement on Friday made available to Xinhua news agency.

"At a considerable distance from the state border of Russia, US bombers were continuously followed by Russian radar controls.

"To intercept targets, Su-27P and Su-30SM fighters from the air defence duty forces of the Southern Military District were scrambled," it added.

According to the statement, the crews of the Russian fighters approached the air targets within a safe distance and identified them as B-1B strategic aircraft, after which the US bombers changed their flight course and flew away from Russian state border.

The Ministry emphasized in the statement that the flights of Russian combat aircraft proceeded "in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace".

After completing the task, the Russian fighter jets safely returned to their airbases, it said.

--IANS

ksk/
Customs and Border Protection sent a drone into Minneapolis on Friday to take live footage of protestors at the request of federal law enforcement, a CBP spokesperson told Axios.

What's happening: Demonstrations have surged in the city for three days as people protest and mourn the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after at least one police officer knelt on his neck on Monday. Protestors set fire to a Minneapolis police station on Thursday night.

Details: The aircraft, as first reported by Vice, was identified as an unmanned predator drone by an investigative reporter with The Project on Government Oversight.

It was launched from the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota and later returned there, after law enforcement deemed it no longer necessary, the spokesperson said.

CBP did not clarify why officers found the drone unnecessary or which agency requested it.

What they're saying: CBP said its Air and Marine Operations division "routinely conducts operations with other federal, state, and local law enforcement entities to assist law enforcement and humanitarian relief efforts.

No government agency should be facilitating the over-policing of the Black community, period. And CBP has no role in whats happening in Minneapolis at all," Neema Singh Guliani, a senior legislative counsel for the ACLU, said in a statement on Friday. "This rogue agencys use of military technology to surveil protesters inside U.S. borders is deeply disturbing, especially given CBPs lack of clear and strong policies to protect privacy and constitutional rights."

"We need greater restraints on government use of sophisticated technologies to spy on the public. This is not the moment to expand such spying," Adam Schwartz, an EFF senior staff attorney, told Axios.

Go deeper... In photos: Protests over George Floyd's death grip Minneapolis
You are here: China

It is compulsory for motorcyclists to use helmets and motorists to wear seat belts from June 1, according to China's Ministry of Public Security.

The police will crack down on violators as part of a safety campaign launched by the ministry.

Accidents involving motorcycles, electric scooters and cars are the leading cause of deaths in traffic mishaps in China. Craniocerebral injury accounts for about 80 percent of deaths among motorcyclists and electric scooter riders.

The ministry also urged local authorities to improve publicity on road safety and promote the habit of wearing helmet among scooter riders.

The ministry vowed to crack down on businesses that jack up prices with the rising demand for helmets. Cooperation with market regulators has been rolled out at all levels.




See also: "Massachusetts teacher denounces cuts to Randolph and Brookline schools"

Randolph Public School District, located in the Greater Boston, Massachusetts region, has cut their entire K-12 arts, music, and physical education (PE) programs and staff from their 2020-21 budget. In a district with only 250 teachers, at least 25 teachers and other workers were given RIF (reduction in force) notices this week. This already comes after extraordinary losses, with the Washington Post reporting in early May that the district told dozens of workersincluding teaching aides and food service staff [...] they will be furloughed full time or part time.

While the severity of these cuts may be particularly shocking, with the elimination of entire essential departments, Randolph is far from alone in the impact of budget cuts. With anticipated statewide cuts of up to 10 percent in Massachusetts, the nearby Public Schools of Brookline is facing as many as 300 pink slips for this coming school year, in a district with only 645 teachers. The city of Brookline projects that their deficit will be $12.8 million, and will cut $6.3 million of this total from their education budget.

Empty classroom

After hearing of the educational departments that would be cut, concerned Randolph citizens took to social media to express their dismay. Concerned about the pandemic, one person wrote, the thought of cutting any teacher right now is insane to me, because youre going to need every abled body in order to keep students safe in small groups to cut the arts right now when all weve doing during quarantine is TURNING TO THEM?!

Following the social media outcry, the World Socialist Web Site interviewed an art teacher who has worked in the Randolph school district for over a decade, who provided valuable insights into the proceedings. The teacher requested to be kept anonymous.

Describing the Randolph school district, the teacher said, The district is mainly low to working class with a few pockets of higher income but a lot of low income housing options. Many single parent homes and parents working multiple low income jobs to make ends meet and still needing assistance.

The teacher added, We are the most diverse district in the state. Over 40 languages are spoken in the homes across the town. We saw a huge increase in our Haitian population after the 2010 earthquake. The fact that we have a high ell [English language learner] population makes art, music and gym all the more important because they can be successful in these classes without knowing much of the language.

The announcement of job cuts, it seems, was made clumsily at best. On Wednesday, multiple art teachers were informed individually that they were losing their jobs. After talking amongst each other, teachers quickly put the pieces together and reached out to the administration. A principal set up an emergency Zoom meeting that night, where he notified the art teachers of the cuts. Music and PE teachers, after hearing rumors, were informed Thursday via emails from HR that they were also given pink slips.

Superintendent Thea Stovell has asked the district to be mindful of the impact these decisions will have on staff, students and our community, and that she remains hopeful that changes will occur that will allow them to call people back. This hope is both without foundation and little comfort to the staff, students, and community, especially those who are now jobless.

The art teacher we spoke with noted that the loss of art, music and PE will be devastating to students, who use them as an escape from their AP classes. On top of providing needed stress-relief, many love the classes, where they feel successful because they are not typical learners. At the elementary and middle school level, kids are assigned to the classes, but the early exposure and success they feel leads them to continue. Next year, students will not have the opportunity to discover these passions and triumphs, and those who already have will miss them sorely. Also missing will be the classes included in the PE program that teach health, human sexuality, drug and alcohol awareness, all of which are crucial topics for youth to learn.

Lost classes are not the only threat facing students next year. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to swell, and reopening schools remains far from safe. Already, the virus has had a major impact on Randolphs students. The teacher we spoke with stated, I have at least two students that reached out to me because they had the virus. I have at least one student that I know of that lost his mother. I have another that lost a grandmother and another that lost an uncle. Those are the ones that I know but Im sure there have been more.

As well as illness and tragedy, the status of students home lives is having a massive impact on their ability to learn. The art teacher noted, Many of our students have parents that work in health care, maintenance, food service and other essential jobs, and high schoolers have been tasked with caring for younger siblings and helping them with their schooling. Some have had to step up further because their parents had to be quarantined due to known exposure I would say, in a good week, I hear from 60 percent of my students in some way (even if they arent completing the work, at least I heard from them).

At a time when students need more assistance than ever, adults whose jobs it was to care for students will no longer be in their lives. On top of losing all art, music and PE teachers, elementary and middle school social workers and guidance counselors have also been cut from the Randolph budget for next year, as well as some at the high school level. This will only compound the already unsettled states students find themselves in.

I think the lack of participation is more in part to losing the structure of school and losing the personal contacts and connections that in turn also hold kids accountable. Add to it the fear of the unknownparents out of work, family members sick, parents are essential employees so there are no adults home to call them to task, older students caring for younger siblings, potential neglect or abuse that likely existed before but is exacerbated now, not enough food, and you realize kids have bigger fish to fry than whether or not they read a chapter, drew a picture, or learned more geometry.

Though this situation is severe, Randolph is no stranger to substandard educational facilities. We have been on the chopping block at least three other times. We are behind other districts in what we have for technology for students. We have a transient student population. I may see a kid for freshman year and then never again. I may see them as a freshman, they leave and come back years later as a senior.

The drastic cuts in Randolph and Brookline are a foretaste of what will befall many districts, teachers, and students as US public education faces a $230 billion loss in funding. The cruelty of the ruling class response to the pandemic, though, is not going unnoticed. Our interviewee commented, Once health becomes a political debate, I cant take their answer as looking out for the greater good Too many politicians use education as their platform, but, when push comes to shove to make cuts, education is on the cut list.

The degradation of public education cannot go unanswered. Teachers and students must form independent rank-and-file committees to fight budget cuts and an unsafe return to work. It is only through the mobilization of workers and youth that a resistance to austerity and proper demands for safety can be made and forcibly met. All educators interested in fighting to make this a reality should sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Facebook, and contact us today at teachers@wsws.org.
Forget the Air Jordans.

Nikes hottest selling shoe is the Travis Scott Nike Air Max 270 Cactus Trails,' which went on sale Friday morning.

But dont try to get these shoes from Nike as the big retailer sold out of them soon after the 10 a.m. release.

But DHGate.com has several pairs in stock right now.

Named after the famous rapper, these shoes come in adult, preschool and toddler sizes. The adult shoe costs $170, the kids version $130 and toddler $90. The latter two introduce a unique take on the design, complete with reverse Swoosh, just for kids, a first in Nike x Travis Scott collaborations.

CHECK OUT THIS HULK HOGAN BOBBLEHEAD

According to a Nike press release, "Nike Travis Scott Air Max 270 Cactus Trails, design allows for imaginative time travel. A 90s attitude come through in trail tans and ACG color pops and gives the shoe a vintage appeal, while the well-worn look conveys a back-from-the-future sensibility.

The color schemes also connect to Scotts own affinity for vintage apparel. Material selection, including a polar fleece collar, further relays an outdoor connection, while oxidation of the upper, midsole and Air unit, achieved through a tint Sulphur dye, helps celebrate the beauty of a well-loved objects patina. Additional details include a custom tongue-tab, lace-lock and an extra Swoosh on the toe.

At last glance, DHGate had dozens of pair in stock in different sizes.
As unrest spread across dozens of American cities on Friday, the Pentagon took the rare step of ordering the Army to put several active-duty US military police units on the ready to deploy to Minneapolis, where the police killing of George Floyd sparked the widespread protests.

Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours. The people did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations.

The get-ready orders were sent verbally on Friday, after President Donald Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper for military options to help quell the unrest in Minneapolis after protests descended into looting and arson in some parts of the city.

Trump made the request on a phone call from the Oval Office on Thursday night that included Esper, National Security Advisor Robert O Brien and several others. The president asked Esper for rapid deployment options if the Minneapolis protests continued to spiral out of control, according to one of the people, senior Pentagon official who was on the call.

When the White House asks for options, someone opens the drawer and pulls them out so to speak, the official said.

The person said the military units would be deployed under the Insurrection Act of 1807, which was last used in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles that followed the Rodney King trial.

If this is where the president is headed response-wise, it would represent a significant escalation and a determination that the various state and local authorities are not up to the task of responding to the growing unrest, Brad Moss, a Washington DC-based attorney, who specializes in national security.

Members of the police units were on a 30-minute recall alert early Saturday, meaning they would have to return to their bases inside that time limit in preparation for deployment to Minneapolis inside of four hours. Units at Fort Drum are slated to head to Minneapolis first, according to the three people, including two Defence Department officials. Roughly 800 US soldiers would deploy to the city if called.

Protests erupted in Minneapolis this week after video emerged showing a police officer kneeling on Floyds neck. Floyd later died of his injuries and the officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

The protests turned violent and on Thursday rioters torched the Minneapolis Third Police Precinct near where Floyd was arrested. Mayor Jacob Frey ordered a citywide curfew at 8 pm beginning on Friday.

The unrest has since spread across the country, with protests, some violent, erupting in cities including Washington DC, Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver and Los Angelas.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered 500 of his National Guard troops into Minneapolis, St Paul, and surrounding communities.

But a Pentagon spokesman said Walz did not ask for the Army to be deployed to his state.

The Department has been in touch with the Governor and there is no request for Title 10 forces to support the Minnesota National Guard or state law enforcement. Title 10 is the US law that governs the armed forces, and would authorise active duty military to operate within the US.

Alyssa Farah, the White House director of strategic communications said the deployment of active-duty military police is untrue.

False: off the record - title 10 not under discussion, said Farah in an email response. No off-record agreement was negotiated with The Associated Press.

The 16th Military Police Brigade forwarded the APs questions to the Defence Department.

The three officials with direct knowledge of the potential deployment say the orders are on a classified system, known as the Secret Internet Protocol Router or SIPR for short.

Active-duty forces are normally prohibited from acting as a domestic law enforcement agency. But the Insurrection Act offers an exception.

The Insurrection Act would allow the military to take up a policing authority it otherwise would not be allowed to do, enforcing state and federal laws, said Stephen Vladeck, a University of Texas School of Law professor who specialises in constitutional and national security law.

The statute is deliberately vague when it comes to the instances in which the Insurrection Act could be used, he said. The states governor could ask President Donald Trump to take action or Trump could act on his own authority if hes determined that the local authorities are so overwhelmed that they cant adequately enforce the law, Vladeck said.

It is a very, very broad grant of authority for the president, he added.
Callous vandals have caused thousands of Euros worth of damage to Mourneabbey's former creamery, now the property of a Saudi based health worker who hopes to eventually convert it into a state of the art industrial training centre.

The building was bought by Mark Murphy, a Kilbrin born safety expert who is currently working in Saudi Arabia to fund the project.

Gardai in Mallow are investigating the incident and are appealing to anybody with information to contact the them.

In Saudi Arabia where Mark has been employed as a senior health and safety advisor with the state mining company, Maaden, he has received a number of commendations from the Royal family for his work.

He was saving his money towards this aim. "It's an ongoing project and I'm saving funds to finish the project," Mark told The Corkman.

"I have an amazing vision for a state of the art interactive learning and education centre but I have found Ireland has a very bureaucratic approach to business development.

"I have faced all kinds of challenges including planning issues along with a lack of grant aid for Mallow and surrounding area.

"All this is not very appealing but I am still determined to do all I can to get my business up and running.

"The news of the building and property being vandalised was a big shock and very disappointing."

"The likes of that doesn't happen out here. It's just another blow to someone who is trying to create a business and create employment.

"Mourneabbey is a beautiful place and there is a great community spirit - it's just so sad the people who decided to cause so much harm don't stop and think."

Mark had his own company, NST, based in Kanturk and Kildare with 16 employees, for a number of years but the 2008/9 financial crash 'took its toll'.

He went working in Nigeria for Guinness and headed a project which became the first ever to record one million safe worked hours.

That led him to working with the US engineering giant Fluor which led to a project in Saudi Arabia where he was invited to work with Maaden, the state mining and exploration company.

He has worked with Maaden for the past six years as a a health and safety instructor and consultant and has received a number of commendations from the Saudi Royal Family for his work.

While Saudi Arabia is doing relatively well in terms of COVID-19, 70,000 cases with 400 deaths, the major issue facing the country is the collapse in oil prices.

"I have been proactive with development of strategic planning and hands on training for emergency staff including the care workers that come face to face with victims of the virus, many of whom are migrant contractors from Asian countries," said Mark.
Bogota, May 30 : Thirteen people who work at the Colobian presidential palace or Casa de Narino have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, government officials said.

Five of the infected people belong to the Administrative Department of the Presidency, while the other eight are security guards at Casa de Narino, Efe news quoted the officials as saying on Friday.

The 13 individuals were currently self-isolating in their homes.

"On Wednesday, tests were conducted on the president of the Republic, his advisers, support team, as well as the people who make up the president's primary security team, all with negative results," the government said in a statement.

Doctors are monitoring the condition of the 13 infected employees and the pandemic health-safety protocols remain in effect, limiting to 20 per cent the proportion of the staff present in the palace on any given day.

The government disclosed last week that a Casa de Narino security guard and 13 soldiers from the Presidential Guard Battalion tested positive for coronavirus.

On that occasion, neither President Ivan Duque nor anyone in his inner circle were tested because none of them had been exposed to the infected people, though samples were taken from several presidential bodyguards.

The pace of COVID-19 contagion in Colombia has accelerated and a record 1,262 new cases were confirmed Thursday, bringing the total to 25,366.

Colombia's death toll from the illness stands at 822.

With the number of new infections topping 1,000 for three days running, the Colombian government announced on Thursday night that the restrictions on movement and activity imposed on March 25 would continue until July 1.

The national lockdown, which came weeks after Colombia's mayors and provincial governors began taking action to contain the pandemic, was originally scheduled to end on May 31.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Malin Andersson has opened up on being called a 'p**i' as she discussed enduring racist abuse while growing up.

The former Love Island star, 27, spoke out about her own experiences in light of the recent events surrounding the tragic murder of George Floyd, stating she and her family faced a lot of racism.

Speaking in her OK! magazine column, Malin went on to say that the bigoted behaviour stems from parents and that it's up to them to teach their children 'right from wrong.'

Ordeal: Malin Andersson has opened up on being called a 'p**i' as she discussed enduring racist abuse while growing up

Malin, who is half Swedish and half Sri Lankan, explained that her family grew up in a 'very white village' and that they were the only Asian family 'in the whole town'.

She told that her family, including two older brothers and a sister, were 'treated differently', with her brothers being spat at and branded a 'p**i' while her sister was called 'Hitler' because of her facial hair.

Speaking further about her ordeal, she said: 'I think being brown and in a very white privileged area, it just didn't work. I remember being about five years old and I was playing with some friends and a little boy went, "Oh you're a P**i!"

'I was just so young and didn't understand, so I'd ask my mum what it meant and she would get really upset over it. My mum would fight for us a lot and when I got into fights at school over racism, she'd come in every time and be like: "why is this still happening? what's going on?"'

Tough childhood: The former Love Island star, 27, spoke out about her own experiences in light of the recent events surrounding the tragic murder of George Floyd, stating she and her family faced a lot of racism (pictured as a child)

The beauty went on to say that though she didn't 'act white', she was still branded a 'Bounty bar', which implied she was brown on the outside and white on the inside.

She also told how she was called 'half-caste' as she was mixed race and 'hated' the term, adding that she would often feel 'paranoid' that she would be treated 'differently'.

And though she got the brunt of bigoted behaviour in her younger years, the star says she still gets racist remarks from the older generation in her care work, adding that one elderly client called her 'brown girl' and 'foreign'.

She added that hearing those comments in the present day makes her feel 'uncomfortable' but insists they don't mean any harm as 'that's what they do'.

Lesson: Speaking in her OK! magazine column, Malin went on to say that the bigoted behaviour stems from parents and that it's up to them to teach their children 'right from wrong'

However, Malin insists that the racist behaviour stems from people's parents and it's up to them to ensure that kids learn right from wrong at a young age.

She said: 'I think now it's up to parents to teach their kids what is right and what is wrong. Racism stems from the parents definitely, these kids are looking at what they're saying and doing and they're copying them.'

Last year, Malin once again opened up on the racist behaviour she suffered and in a candid Instagram post, admitted she was picked on her 'whole school life' and said she was left 'shy and quiet', with 'zero' self-esteem.

Shock: 'I think being brown and in a very white privileged area, it just didn't work. I remember being about five years old and I was playing with some friends and a little boy went, "Oh you're a P**i!" (pictured as a child)

Tough time: The beauty went on to say that though she didn't 'act white', she was still branded a 'Bounty bar', which implied she was brown on the outside and white on the inside

Alongside a childhood photo, she said: 'I got called a "P**i", I got called Hitler for having a 'tash', MR burns for having long side burns.

'I had zero confidence. I was shy and quiet. I never said anything to anyone. I remember taking my glasses off and squinting in class because I hated them.'

The reality star, who appeared on the second series of Love Island, went on to explain that as she got older she continued to feel victimised, this time by women she worked with as an air hostess.

She confessed that pressure from 'older women' encouraged her to change her appearance and lose weight.

Defence: My mum would fight for us a lot and when I got into fights at school over racism, she'd come in every time and be like: "why is this still happening? what's going on?"'

'Then I grew up. I got to upper school and started beauty pageants, my appearance changed - and I STILL got picked on - by girls,' she wrote.

The star continued: 'Even in my cabin crew career I got picked on by older women it was such a bitchy environment.

'No wonder I tried so hard to fit in and change my appearance / lose weight.'

Malin went on to insist that the only way to beat bullies is to embrace your individuality, and urged her followers to be kind to one another.
Washington, May 30 : US President Donald Trump said that Washington will no longer extend preferential treatment to Hong Kong in light of China's bid to exercise tighter control over the former British colony.

"The Chinese government moves against Hong Kong is the latest in a series of measures that are diminishing the city's long-standing and very proud status. This is a tragedy for the people of Hong Kong, the people of China and indeed the people of the world," Trump said on Friday at the White House.

Trump's remarks came a day after China's legislature approved a national security law seen as aimed at reducing the autonomy Hong Kong has enjoyed since rejoining the mainland in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" formula.

Though Hong Kong has never been a democracy, Beijing agreed to maintain the modest degree of representative government instituted by the British colonial authorities in the late 1980s as they prepared for the handover of sovereignty to China.

But China's government has shown growing impatience with the existing arrangement following months of sometimes-violent anti-Beijing protests in Hong Kong.

"China has replaced its promised formula of one country, two systems, with one country, one system," Trump said on Friday.

"Therefore, I am directing my administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment." The order applies to the "full range of agreements" between Washington and Hong Kong, the president said.

"We will take action to revoke Hong Kong's preferential treatment as a separate customs and travel territory from the rest of China," he said.

That could make products from Hong Kong subject to the same tariffs that the Trump administration has levied on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese imports.

Extending the tariffs to Hong Kong would have little practical effect, as the volume of US-bound exports is negligible.

Trump said his administration also planned to impose sanctions on individual Chinese and Hong Kong officials "involved in eroding Hong Kong's autonomy".

He did not announce any steps to restrict the operations of US companies with a presence in Hong Kong, nor did he raise the possibility of scrapping the "phase one" trade agreement he reached last year with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
NMC Health, a leading GCC and international private healthcare operator that collapsed amid allegations of a multibillion-dollar fraud, filed for bankruptcy protection in the US and could liquidate as it faces shareholder lawsuits over its financial irregularities, said media reports.

The holding company of the UAE-based healthcare provider NMC Group, which does business mainly in the Middle East but also in other regions, including the US, was placed into administration by a UK court last month following the discovery of a hole in its books of more than $3 billion, reported The Wall Street Journal.

Joint administrators for NMC Health have declared that amid the mounting crisis, the company will probably be dissolved or put into liquidation.

Administrators from the consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal Europe were appointed in April to oversee the hospital operator, after an application from one of its biggest creditors, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The bank has since begun criminal proceedings against an unspecified number of individuals at the company, which has been delisted from the London Stock Exchange and is now the subject of a UK accounting investigation, reported Reuters.

NMC had raised its debts to $6.6 billion, $4 billion more than what it had previously disclosed. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), the company's biggest lender, said in April it had begun criminal proceedings against an unspecified number of individuals in relation to NMC.

The hospital operator, which is now de-listed from the London Stock Exchange, was put under administration by London's High Court on April 9 on ADCB's application, stated the report.

The joint administrators also said that based on their current estimates, they anticipate the company's preferential creditors could receive a dividend of approximately 100 pence, it added.

The administrators said it would not be possible to conclude the outcome of the process until all investigations had progressed and the liability position was ascertained.

They also stressed that all of the constituent members of the wider NMC Group, the largest private healthcare provider in the UAE, were continuing as previously.
A dramatic shootout between police and a man who led them on a high-speed chase has been captured on security cameras.

The footage was taken on Wednesday as the driver tried to evade authorities in the small Bay of Plenty township Te Teko, 300km southeast of Auckland.

It shows several police vehicles tailing behind the man's car before he sudden open's the driver door and begins shooting towards them.

A dramatic shootout (pictured) between police and a man who led them on a police chase on Wednesday in NZ's Bay of Plenty was captured on security cameras

His car rolls to a halt and he jumps out, firing at police as he runs towards another a vehicle parked on the opposite side of the road.

He lunges into the car, dropping his gun as police gunfire shatters its rear window.

The man manages to start the stolen car and drives off with police in hot pursuit.

The saga unfolded at 11.25am when the man fled a Kawerau property in a vehicle while police were searching the place, the NZ Herald reports.

Officers took chase, and spikes were deployed but the driver continued on State Highway 34 towards Te Teko, 11km away.

Once he took of in the getaway vehicle at Te Teko, he headed to Awakeri, but didn't get far before he came back towards Kawerau again.

A witness in Kawerau said the man rammed into a police car in front of a row of shops, nearly ran over elderly people including one man who was knocked off his mobility scooter.

Police officers eventually forced the vehicle to stop and the 28-year-old man fled.

He was later arrested and charged with dangerous driving, unlawful possession of a firearm, failing to stop, using a firearm against police, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has notified because police firearms were discharge.

Investigations into the incident continue.

Some police officers stopped to take photos of the debris (pictured) from the shattered car window glass while other sped off in pursuit of the man

Prem Gill, owner of Te Teko Superette and Lunch Bar which has six security cameras, released the footage.

He said it was the loud noise of the first car driving on its rims after the tyres separated that alerted people in the shop to the incident.

'There were no tyres left on the car,' he said.

'He stopped at the intersection of Te Teko Rd, jumped out and started shooting at the cops. At that stage, there was a car parked outside, one of the locals.

'He saw the car and went into it, police shot I think three rounds at him.'
'This is a new beginning and I think with four TDs if they come together and do this jointly, it's a great time for this.'

For former chairman of the Rosslare Harbour Development Board Liam Griffin, Rosslare Europort is a 'no-brainer' for expansion.

He said: 'It's a sleeping giant within this corner of the whole south east. In the 1800s ships started to come and go. Drive on, drive off revolutionised it and was a game changer but that potential was never maximised. We haven't been able to do that which was a failure of planning. The ferries was a game changer so Verona Murphy is absolutely 100 per cent correct about activity moving to Rosslare from Dublin Port,' said Liam.

Mr Griffin said 50 years of missed opportunities and political and governmental failure has seen the port's growth and potential stymied.

'We were also hit in the 1970s by the fact that Rosslare was going to be a main artery to Belfast, with arteries off it along the way. The road was never done and mysteriously the motorway went to Waterford when Martin Cullen was promoted within Fianna Fail. We didn't get the road we wanted into what is an international europort. We underused it and didn't have the infrastructure to develop it. It was a complete and utter failure of planning and imagination.'

The hotelier said the IDA never realised the asset they were sleeping on.

'Most of the traffic from the roll-on, roll-off coming in through Rosslare was headed to the West of Ireland and wasn't even stopping anywhere close to Rosslare so that was a failure of policy. We have put in absolutely nothing to support or generate trade for our own ferries so Irish Ferries left and went back to Dublin.

'It didn't make sense to most people sending more ferries into Dublin Port which was already congested. That port got planning permission and you wouldn't get planning permission for a house in Dublin.'

Mr Griffin said with the Green Party the most likely to get into power with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and with four Wexford TDs at the negotiations table, the timing was never better to highlight the need to develop Rosslare Europort.

'The Green agenda is a world agenda and we have all been told about the carbon footprint agenda. With the Covid-19 situation there is less pollution due to the drop in industrial output so it's a no brainer for Rosslare to take ships from Dublin Port. We are fighting a rearguard action but this is where we are now. I think as someone who has been involved heavily in this in the past that this is now the time. The road has come as far as Oylegate and that road now has to come as far as the port. It's 50 years too late, but hey better late than never!'

He said when the new road to Rosslare Europort is completed truck drivers will be able to drive from Belfast to Rosslare without passing through traffic lights.

'That road has to finish and then we need to look at how we can maximise the port of Rosslare so some kind of structure needs to be there on a daily basis so a change within CIE is needed and a new board [for the Europort]. You can't sit there and wait for stuff to come.'

He said: 'Admittedly efforts are being made to develop the port but it needs a much stronger focus. We have four politicians in the discussions for government formation. Over the years some good work has been done in Rosslare Harbour but not enough joined up work.

'This port didn't need one solution it needed umpteen solutions. You had CIE running the port, Wexford County Council acting separately and politicians acting separately again. It needed a coordinated effort. We put a plan forward in the 80s to copy the Shannon model. Shannon became a central hub and there was an airport focus and Rosslare Harbour was the ideal for a port focus but it didn't get enough support from politicians and CIE, whose main priority was rail.'
New Delhi, May 30 : The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday attached properties worth Rs 14.32 crore belonging to Srijan Mahila Vikas Sahyog Samiti Limited (SMVSSL), that includes 20 flats and 19 shops in different states across the country in connection with its probe into a money laundering case relating to embezzlement of government funds.

The ED in a statement said that the agency has attached movable, as well as immovable properties, that includes 20 flats in Noida, Ghaziabad, Pune, Ranchi, Bhagalpur and Patna; besides 19 Shops in Noida, Ghaziabad and Bhagalpur; 33 land plots or houses in Bihar; a Volkswagen car and available balances in bank accounts amounting to Rs 4.84 crore.

The ED took over the probe against SMVSSL and others on the basis of FIR registered by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Its probe has revealed that from 2003-04 onwards funds to the tune of Rs 557 crore have been siphoned off from the government accounts after being illegally transferred to the bank accounts of SMVSSL in Bihar's Bhagalpur.

It said that late Manorma Devi was the Secretary of society SMVSSL since inception till her death on February 13, 2017 and was the main accused, who along with others involved in misappropriating the government funds in collusion with government officials and bank officials.

"The money so transferred into the bank accounts of the SMVSSL was further transferred through RTGS/Cash/Cheques to various entities," the ED said, adding that these illegally transferred funds were also utilized to acquire properties in the name of family members of Manorma Devi, government officials and others.
The grandson of a Holocaust survivor was left shocked when he spotted a cyclist wearing a Nazi swastika armband in a city park.

David, 53, was walking through Karkarook Park, in south-east Melbourne, around 5pm on Friday when he noticed the man ride past wearing the Nazi symbol.

David ran to catch up with the man and confronted him about the swastika armband.

The man offered a bizarre explanation as to why he was wearing the Nazi symbol.

'He said ''it's a flag of the German people' and I explained it wasn't,' David said.

'Having grown up as the grandson of Holocaust survivors, it's an emotive issue,' he told the Herald Sun.

David, 53, the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, confronted a man for wearing a Nazi swastika armband at Karkarook Park (pictured), in south-east Melbourne, on Friday evening

The man then started explaining conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic rhetoric which caused David to walk away.

David said the man was not aggressive and was 'just trying to just try to push his agenda'.

A bystander called Victoria Police and they arrived as David was leaving the park.

David said the police told him the man was already known to them.

Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia they attended the park around 5.30pm following reports a man was yelling at passers-by.

The spokesperson said officers spoke with the man and he left the park.

The man offered a bizarre excuse that he was wearing the swastika armband (file image pictured) as it was 'a flag of the German people'

The chairman of Australia's Anti-Defamation Commission, Dvir Abramovich, said displays of the swastika symbol were traumatic for relatives of Holocaust survivors.

Dr Abramovich said in a statement: 'Imagine the pain a Holocaust survivor would have felt if they had encountered this menacing individual.'

The Commission called on the State Government to ban public displays of the swastika and prosecute offenders.

Dr Abramovich said: 'Our city should not become a safe-haven for these Final Solutionists and no Victorian can feel safe when such terrifying incidents happen.'

'White-supremacists should not be allowed to intimidate anyone, and there should be zero tolerance for this abhorrent behaviour, which is a spit on the memory of our diggers who died to defeat the Third Reich and the millions of victims.'

Never Again means that we all need to stand up to fight the cancer of antisemitism and now is the moment of truth for the state government to immediately ban the public displays of the Nazi swastika,' Dr Abramovich said.
MELBOURNE, Australia, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CleanToShine  a Melbourne end of lease cleaning company  shares why every tenant should seek lease cleaning services.

Hiring professional cleaners means tenants need not to worry about getting their security deposits back. Dirty tenants can be a nightmare for landlords. The property manager assesses the house to inspect if any damages occurred during the tenancy period. Leaving the rental property in a messy condition can deduct the bond amount.

End Of Lease Cleaning

Saves time & money

It can be time-consuming and daunting for rentals to handle end of lease cleaning on their own. Hiring experts can save time as well as money.

Depending on size, property location, end of lease cleaning can cost upwards of $300. The company's service includes all cupboards, surfaces, windows, stain removal, upholstery, bathroom, and oven cleaning in Melbourne .

About CleanToShine

CleanToShine is an affordable end of lease cleaning company that offers a wide range of services. From wall to floor cleaning and move out to move-in cleaning, the company provides all services under one roof.

A locally owned and operated company, CleanToShine has catered to customers since 2009. The company believes the success of any business depends on honest and dedicated employees.

For the customers' relief, the company offers different end of lease cleaning packages to suit their needs. The company serves customers 7 days a week with no extra charges for the weekend. This makes them highly recommended.

CleanToShine has gained name and fame as a leading end of lease cleaning company in Melbourne. The company has handled many projects, strengthened many customer relationships, and won many hearts. They provide the best services in Melbourne and other nearby suburbs. In addition, they provide complete cleaning to make properties ready for sale or pre-inspection.

Related Images

end-of-lease-cleaning.png

End Of Lease Cleaning

End Of Lease Cleaning

Related Links

End Of Lease Cleaning Melbourne

Vacate Cleaning Melbourne

SOURCE Clean To Shine

Related Links

https://www.cleantoshine.com.au/


The Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality welcome and support the multiracial, multiethnic demonstrations of thousands of working people and youth that have swept the country in response to the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These demonstrationswhich are taking place in the midst of the pandemic despite the serious risks involvedare a powerful and inspiring manifestation of a deep-rooted commitment to the defense of democratic rights, hatred of fascistic police and the Trump administration, and a profound commitment to the unity of all sections of the working class.

On Friday night, thousands continued their protest in Minneapolis, in defiance of a curfew imposed by the state government. Outside of Minneapolis there were significant protests Friday in Houston, Texas, Floyds hometown; Atlanta, Georgia, where protesters forced their way into the headquarters of CNN; New York City, where dozens were arrested after being attacked by police, and protesters have reportedly overrun police precincts in Brooklyn; Lexington and Louisville in Kentucky, where protesters also demanded justice for Breonna Taylor, who had been killed by police in March; Washington, D.C., outside the White House, which temporarily went into lockdown; Fort Wayne, Indiana, where police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd; and Las Vegas, Nevada, where protesters shut down traffic on the Las Vegas Strip.

There have been demonstrations of hundreds and in many cases thousands of people in San Jose, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Omaha, Nebraska; Detroit, Michigan; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City and St. Louis in Missouri; and many other cities throughout the country.

This expanding movement has been triggered by the brutal murder of George Floyd, but it gives expression to mounting anger over social inequality, poverty, mass unemployment, the destruction of the social safety net, and wars without end. The desperate situation confronting the working class has been intensified by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

State and local governments have responded with a massive police mobilization. In Minneapolis, the Democratic Party governor of Minnesota has mobilized hundreds of National Guard troops, which began to deploy throughout the city yesterday. In Georgia, the National Guard was deployed to Atlanta late Friday night after the governor declared a state of emergency. Police in other cities have attempted unsuccessfully to suppress demonstrations with tear gas and rubber bullets.

On Friday, in an attempt to contain protests, Minnesota state officials announced that they had arrested and charged, on the lower-level offense of third-degree murder, Derek Chauvin, the cop who kneeled on Floyds neck until he was strangled to death. The other three cops involved, however, still remain at large. Already, malicious justifications for the actions of Chauvin are being advanced, including the claim that Floyds death was not the product his brutal arrest but underlying health conditions and potential intoxicants.

Trump took to Twitter late Thursday to denounce protesters as THUGS and threaten a violent military intervention. Any difficulty and we will assume control, but when the looting starts, the shooting starts.

This quote repeated the infamous phrase used by the racist Miami police chief Walter Headley in 1967 to signal a violent crackdown of the mass protests of blacks against racist police violence. Trumps threat is not idle. Late Friday night, the Associated Press reported that the Pentagon has ordered the Army to ready several active-duty military police units to deploy to Minneapolis.

That Chauvins brutal crime occurred in Minneapolis is no accident. Last October, Trump delivered a speech at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis dedicated to praising cops and denouncing socialists and the radical left. Police officers donned shirts with the slogan, Cops for Trump at the rally and waved banners reading, Law & Order vote Trump.

The respect we have for law enforcement is unbound, Trump declared at the time. What was meant by unbound respect was made clear by the head of the Minneapolis Police Federation Bob Kroll. He said, The first thing President Trump did when he took office was to start, let cops do their job, put the handcuffs on the criminals instead of us.

The White House was actively involved in the organization of the heavy-handed efforts of the Minneapolis police to suppress the protests. Early Friday morning, cops carried out a provocative arrest of a media team with CNN, which is frequently denounced by Trump, as they were broadcasting live. The action was calculated and intended to send a message to Trumps opponents within the media and to the population at large.

Trumps tirades are aimed at soliciting the support of the police and military, on the basis of fascistic and anti-communist appeals. His denunciation of protesters as thugs stands in contrast to his praise of right-wing fascists who have staged heavily-armed protests at state capitals in recent weeks demanding an end to measures aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic. They were encouraged by Trumps calls to liberate Minnesota, among other states.

As always, the Democratic Partys response is to issue hypocritical phrases about the tragedy of the latest police murder while doing everything it can to ensure that the underlying economic, political and social issues are covered over. Joseph Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, released a statement on Friday declaring the murder of Floyd an act of brutality for which the American peopleand, particularly, white peopleare responsible.

With our complacency, our silence, we are complicit in perpetuating these cycles of violence, Biden said. Nothing about this will be easy or comfortable, but if we simply allow this wound to scab over once more without treating the underlying injury, well never truly heal. The very soul of America is at stake.

The murder of George Floyd and countless other atrocities were not carried out by we, the American working people, but by the police, an instrument of the state.

The police are not a cross section of American life. They are recruited from the most reactionary sections of the lower-middle class and politically backward workers and trained to hate and despise the poor and oppressed. They are a hostile occupying force in every working class neighborhood in the country. Many police recruits have served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they became inured to violence and death.

Increasingly, the police, funded with $100 billion every year, have been integrated into the military, armed with the most advanced weaponry, and developed into paramilitary organizations. Every year, 1,000 people are killed by police in the United States. A disproportionate number of those killed are African American. But police violence targets workers and poor people of all races and ethnicities, and the plurality of those killed are white.

While the Trump administration is systematically promoting police violence, the Democrats are implicated in state violence against working people. Police killings continued unabated under the Obama administration, which sided with police on every occasion where cases came before the Supreme Court.

In the case of Minneapolis, the mayor is a Democrat, as is the governor. Amy Klobachar, the former Democratic Party presidential candidate, was the prosecutor for Hennepin County who protected the police and opposed their prosecution for misconduct, including in a previous case involving Derek Chauvin himself.

For the past 50 years, the Democrats have specialized in the promotion of racialist politicsthe insistence that the fundamental division in American society is between white America and black America. The politics of race has been used to argue that the solution to social problems, including racism, is to be found in hiring more black police officers and electing more black politicians. However, over these 50 years, the conditions of black workers have deteriorated, social inequality has reached record levels and police violence has intensified. In many cities, including in Minneapolis, police violence is overseen by black police chiefs or black mayors.

The eruption of mass demonstrations of workers and youth of all races triggered by the brutal murder of Floyd has given expression to a tremendous social solidarity, which belies the racial narrative. It is not a question of black against white, but the working class against the rich. This is a tremendous step forward.

The demonstrations mark a new stage in the development of the class struggle.

The very rapid development and spread of this movement is connected to the broader social and political crisis in the United States and internationally. The entire response of the ruling class to the coronavirus pandemicits refusal to take any measures to protect the population, the handout of trillions of dollars to the rich, and now the homicidal back-to-work campaign as the pandemic spreadshas laid bare the oligarchic character of society.

An unprecedented catastrophe confronts tens of millions of workers and youth who have been thrown out of their jobs, face losing their homes, and confront the worst economic and social crisis since the Great Depression. Even as the pandemic continues to spread throughout the country, the Trump administration is spearheading a homicidal back-to-work campaign, hoping to use mass social distress to force workers to endanger their lives and the lives of their loved ones to pay for the handouts to the rich.

How shall the death of George Floyd be avenged? What is the way forward?

The fight against police brutality must be fused with the growing movement of the working class against unsafe working conditions, mass unemployment, social inequality and mass poverty. It is a fight against the capitalist system and for socialism.

The development of this struggle requires the independent political mobilization of the working class, in opposition to the Democrats and Republicans.

It is especially critical for workers and youth to understand that they are engaged in a battle that is global in scope. Establishing the unity of workers in the United States requires solidarity with the struggles of workers of all nationalities and ethnicities. A crucial element of this strategy entails uncompromising opposition to the brutal treatment of all migrant workers within the United States.

In carrying forward this fight, the question of political program is decisive. Those who agree with the analysis and strategy advanced in this statementwho recognize the necessity to fight for socialism and put an end to the capitalist systemshould support our election campaign and join the SEP. We urge young people to join our youth movement, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality.
P olice found no evidence that a London Victoria station worker was spat at before her death from coronavirus, they have clarified.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died in April after being hospitalised with Covid-19, following an alleged incident on the station concourse involving a member of the public.

Ms Mujingas union the Transport Salaried Staffs Association said a person claiming to have the virus spat and coughed at her and a colleague back in March.

British Transport Police (BTP) interviewed a 57-year-old man in the wake of Ms Mujinas death, but announced on Friday they would not be taking any further action.

The force said there was no evidence of anyone spitting in a new statement released on Saturday.

Belly Mujinga was a caring and lovely woman, says her cousin

It read: We understand that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga has shocked many people and that the outcome of our investigation has raised questions.

We want to be clear on why we decided not to take any further action  based on key witness statements and having reviewed the CCTV footage, there is no evidence of anyone spitting in this incident.

Senior detectives are confident that this incident did not lead to Belly Mujinga contracting Covid-19. This is because the man in the CCTV footage who detectives interviewed as part of the investigation had a negative antibody test result for Covid-19 in the time after the incident, therefore showing that he had never had the illness.

The mans test did not relate to the BTP investigation  he was tested as part of his occupation and the test results were shared with us during the investigation

Having reviewed all the evidence, senior detectives are satisfied that the incident didnt lead to Belly Mujingas death.

We have kept Bellys family fully informed throughout the investigation and they will continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Our thoughts remain with her family and we will continue to support them as they come to terms with the loss of their much-loved mother and wife.

Ms Mujinga's devastated daughter Ingrid was unable to say goodbye to her / PA

More than 285,000 people have now signed a change.org petition, seeking justice for Ms Mujinga's family, which was set up prior to the BTP's ruling.

Her husband Lusamba Gode Katalay said the family had been touched by the kindness and good wishes sent from all over the world.

He said: It was terrible what happened to Belly.

She was scared by what happened to her at work and then she was so terribly ill with the virus.

Some days I wake up and I forget shes not with us, and then we start grieving all over again, and we are just one family out of thousands in that place.

Thank you for highlighting the problems that vulnerable people have, people like Belly who had a respiratory health problem and the need for PPE (personal protective equipment).

We cant change what happened to Belly, but we can try to ensure that her colleagues are better protected than she was.

Belly Mujinga, 47, left behind a loving husband and 11-year-old daughter / PA

Following Friday's announcement, Mr Katalay said it had been a difficult day for the family.

He said: We had never thought a prosecution was likely, but it was disappointing to get that news. We are not pursuing a prosecution. We are instead calling for her employer to take action to protect their workers.

There are important things we need answers to. Her union, the TSSA, reported it to Her Majestys Railway Inspectorate (the health and safety body of the Office for Road and Rail), and that investigation into the safety of Bellys workplace is still ongoing. Hopefully that will answer questions like why she was out working on the concourse at all given that she had a respiratory health issue.

We also think that all key workers like Belly should be covered by the governments NHS compensation scheme.

The money cant bring her back or take away our pain, but it would be recognition of the sacrifice that all key workers have made to help our country through this pandemic.

Ms Mujingas employers, Southern Railway, said it followed all of the latest Government health advice, which it said has not advised that railway workers need to wear personal protective equipment.

More recently, the travelling public has been advised to wear a face covering to help prevent spread. To support our people, we in turn, have now provided masks to our frontline workers, which we initiated at the point at which the official advice was updated, a spokesman said.
WATERLOO  A global pandemic didnt stop families, friends and supporters of the Iowa Army National Guards Ironman Battalion from cheering on their soldiers Saturday.

Some 550 members of the Guards 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division deployed to serve for a year in the Middle East as part of Operation Spartan Shield.

Send-off ceremonies at armories in Waterloo, Iowa Falls, Dubuque, Iowa City and Davenport werent open to the public due to COVID-19 concerns.

But spouses, family members and loved ones got in hugs and kisses in the Waterloo Readiness Center parking lot before the ceremony. Then they lined Fourth Street downtown for a parade of buses carrying soldiers off on the battalions first deployment in nine years.

Barry Ellis of Humboldt showed his support by flying American and U.S. Army flags from his pickup truck bed, which he planned to drive behind the Guard buses to Des Moines.

His son, Spc. Nick Ellis, is among the 150 soldiers attached to the Waterloo-based Headquarters Company heading overseas.

As any father would be, Im nervous, Barry said. I want him to be safe, keep his head on a swivel, and back up his battle buddies.

But he said he was proud of his son, a University of Northern Iowa student and the third generation of his family to serve active duty in the military.

Because of what he and all the other individuals are doing we have freedoms, Ellis said. Hes representing the Constitution. He is the Constitution. Hes the Bill of Rights.

Inside the armory, soldiers in formation prayed and heard speeches from military and community leaders before boarding buses.

Lt. Col. Garrett Gingrich, commander of the 133rd Infantry regiment, talked about the spouses, parents and children whose loved ones were serving their country.

Thank you for your sacrifices, Gingrich said. Freedom is not free, and it is paid for by families picking up the burden of a spouse, a son or a daughter not being home. Youre an essential part of the chain that allows us to protect what we have here.

To his soldiers, Gingrich urged them to live up to the Ironman and Iowa values.

One day you will look back with pride that you were a modern-day Spartan, a protector of freedom and a member of a time-honored profession of the Ironman Battalion, he said.

Maj. Gen. Ben Corell, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, noted this was the 20th deployment in the 159-year history of the 133rd.

The soldiers that stand before us today will navigate through their assigned mission, executing with honor, achieve mission accomplishment, Corell said. I have high expectations of the Ironmen and the Ironwomen that make up this formation today.

Corell noted he had children among those being deployed.

I know the pride and the concern that all of our family members have in their minds and their hearts as we send these men and women off to do the work our nation is asking them to do, he said.

This is the fifth federal mobilization of the Ironman Battalion since 2000, including nearly 22 months supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2005 through August 2007. The battalions most recent deployment was to Afghanistan in 2010.

Some of the soldiers have served on active duty before, but at least three young guardsmen were excited about their first deployment.

Its going to be a good place to have as a first deployment, said PV2 Izach Henson of Traer. The 19-year-old said hell miss his family, including five brothers.

Spc. Lane Arter, 21, of Plano in southern Iowa, said he was nervous, anxious, just getting ready to do my job over there and get the work done. Im gung ho right now.

Asked what he expected to miss most during his deployment, Arter replied: Definitely my mom and my moms cooking. Im a mamas boy through and through. When she makes that tater tot casserole ...

Pfc. Kyle Beery, 19, leaves his job at North Iowa Collision Center in Clear Lake to serve but is excited about the opportunity.

Im ready to experience and explore; thats what I signed up for, he said. Most of the places we are going, we are not going to be able to see in our civilian life.

Sarah Estus and her two children were among the family members who gathered downtown to watch the short parade. Her husband, Sfc. Arik Estus, was leaving with the 133rd.

He was in Iraq in 2008 and had other deployments, she said. It is not nearly as stressful as his other deployments. Hes done it before, so its kind of old hat.

This is the first deployment since the couple married, but Sarah noted: Ive been preparing since we started dating.

Col. Michael Wunn, public affairs director for the Iowa National Guard, said the deployment is expected to last about a year.

Theyre going to go to a mobilization station in Texas and do some training down there, Wunn said. Typically thats four to eight weeks. Once thats over theyll deploy overseas.

The Ironman Battalion will provide area security and force protection operations in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, which encompasses 27 countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 0
UN chief Antonio Guterres on Friday honoured peacekeepers Major Suman Gawani from India and Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo from Brazil with the 2019 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, saying their "inspiring work" promotes equality in the forces.

Secretary General Guterres bestowed the award to Gawani and Araujo in a virtual ceremony, commemorating the International Day of Peacekeepers.

This is the first year the prestigious award has gone to a peacekeeper from India. Military Observer Gawani has recently completed an assignment in South Sudan. Araujo is working in the United Nations' Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.

Guterres underscored the essential role played by women peacekeepers for the success of UN peace operations.

He said Gawani and Araujo's "inspiring work has made a remarkable difference in promoting gender equality and empowering local women and your own colleagues."

"Your contributions are proof that women peacekeepers are vital to peace and security everywhere," the UN secretary general said.

Guterres said during her deployment with the UN Mission in South Sudan, Gawani mentored more than 230 Military Observers on conflict-related sexual violence and ensured the presence of women military observers in each of the mission's team sites.

She also trained the South Sudanese government forces and helped them launch their action plan on conflict-related sexual violence.

Guterres also paid tribute to the military, police and civilian personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Four Indian peacekeepers and a civilian personnel were among the 83 military, police and civilian personnel who were honoured posthumously with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold Medal for their courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.

Major Ravi Inder Singh Sandhu and Sergeant Lal Manotra Tarsem, who served with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); Sergeant Ramesh Singh with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL); Private Johnsion Beck with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and Edward Agapito Pinto, who served in a civilian capacity with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) posthumously received the medals in the virtual ceremony.

The year 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The theme for the International Day of UN Peacekeepers this year is 'Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace.'

Guterres, who has been a staunch advocate for increasing the participation of women in UN peacekeeping, said with each passing day women peacekeepers help improve all aspects of peace operations and performance -- better access to local communities, prevent and reduce conflict, serve as role models for peers and others.

"In addition, we have seen that our operations are better able to build trust with those in need of protection when their staffing reflects the communities in which they serve. This is another reason why increasing the number of women in peacekeeping is so crucial," Guterres said, adding that peacekeeping is more effective for everyone when "we have more women peacekeepers at all levels, including in decision-making."

"We will continue to do everything we can, including with our troop and police contributors, to reach this goal, he said

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti, in his message on Peacekeepers Day, said Gawani epitomises, in many ways, the rich values of Indian peacekeepers.

Tirumurti honoured Indias brave men and women who have served as peacekeepers selflessly in foreign lands to preserve international peace and security.

"Indian peacekeepers have been at the forefront of this effort. They have been widely admired for their bravery, professionalism and selfless service. But India's long standing UN peacekeeping contribution has not come without cost. India has lost more peacekeepers than any other member state of the United Nations, he said, in a video message.

Over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in the UN missions around the world.

With the world battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Guterres said UN peacekeepers continue to protect vulnerable local populations, support dialogue and implement their mandates while fighting coronavirus.

"They are doing everything they can to be an integral part of the solution to this crisis while keeping themselves -- and the communities they serve safe. But the virus is not the only threat that our peacekeepers face. Hostile acts, improvised explosive devices, accidents and diseases continue to take a heavy toll, he said, as he paid tribute to the 83 military, police and civilian personnel from 39 countries who lost their lives last year serving in the UN peace operations.

India is the fifth largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping.

It currently contributes more than 5,400 military and police personnel to the UN peacekeeping operations in Abyei, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan and Western Sahara as well as one expert to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.
Courtesy of PEGADropkick Murphys and Bruce Springsteen made history with their show Friday, which streamed live from an empty Fenway Park.

The concert, dubbed Streaming Outta Fenway, was significant for two reasons: one, it marked the first concert a band has played in the infield dirt of the famed Boston ballpark; and two, it was the first musical performance without an audience at any major U.S. stadium or arena.

Additionally, Streaming Outta Fenway raised money for three charities in support of COVID-19 relief: the Boston Resiliency Fund, Feeding America and Habitat for Humanity.

Dropkick Murphys' two-hour set kicked off with a performance of their song "The Boys Are Back," and hit tracks including "The State of Massachusetts," "The Warrior's Code" and, of course, "I'm Shipping Up to Boston."

Towards the end of the show, Springsteen appeared on the Fenway big screen for a remote joint performance. They played two songs together: the Dropkick tune "Rose Tattoo" and The Boss' "American Land."

Throughout the stream, actors including Kevin Bacon, Mike O'Malley, Rachel Dratch, Nat Faxon and Lance Reddick shared what the city of Boston means to them and encouraged viewers to donate.

By Josh Johnson

Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Dave Rubin: A Thinking Man in an Age of Unreason

Commentary

When Dave Rubin began writing his first book in March 2019, he had no idea it would be released in the middle of the worst pandemic the world has seen in at least a century.

But fortuitously, the topics Rubin discusses in Dont Burn This Book: Thinking for Yourself in an Age of Unreason, are more relevant than ever, he told The Epoch Times.

Apparently, many readers agree: Released on April 28, the book has quickly become a nonfiction bestseller. Its chapters include Think Freely or Die, Never Surrender to the Mob, and Learn How to Spot Fake Newsall timely discussions, as a divided country wrestles with the fallout from COVID-19.

Rubina political commentator and comedian with more than 1 million YouTube subscribersis the host of The Rubin Report, a show that revolves around free speech and thinking.

We should have honest conversations about how much of our personal liberty were willing to trade to be potentially safenot necessarily safe, Rubin said.

Because weve grown fat on freedom, we dont even realize when our freedoms are being taken away.

Holy Trinity of Left-Wing Lunacy

The original title for Rubins book was Why I Left the Left. But as soon as he cashed the publishers advance check, he had a better idea.

You dont need me to go on for 250 pages about how the left has completely lost its mind. You already know this, he writes. Rather than being all-inclusive and fair, the left is now authoritarian and puritanical.

The main reasons for his transformation, Rubin said, are that the left is no longer liberal, and American freedom and liberty are being challenged.

True liberalism, classical liberalism, means you believe in individual rights, so everybody should be treated equally under the law. And [you] believe in the light touch of government, Rubin said.

Today, when most people say liberal they actually mean progressive, Rubin said, and they support big government policies.

Bernie Sanders, for example, is not a liberal. He thinks the government should pretty much do everything, he said. The governors of each state are supposed to have maximum control, and then the federal government gets involved in special circumstances.

In his book, Rubin says his wake-up call began in 2013, when he moved to Los Angeles from New York City and began working for The Young Turks, a media network on YouTube.

No matter what the conversation was about, there was always a smear on hand to shame someone into silence, he writes.

When a black commentator was accused by the networks main host of being an Uncle Tom of the conservative movement, Rubin began to wonder why a good man [was] being lambasted as a fraud by tolerant progressives.

A second flashpoint for Rubin occurred when he caught an episode of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO in 2014. Actor Ben Affleck interrupted Mahers interview with neuroscientist Sam Harris by accusing them both of being gross and racist for debating whether Islamic doctrines violate liberal principles.

Leftists tend to believe that because they feel something, its empirically true and morally right, Rubin said. And in most cases, theyre completely wrong.

Rubin wound up dedicating the book to Affleck.

The third alarm bell sounded when Rubin saw what he felt was slanted media coverage of the 2015 terrorist attacks against the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Two al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula operatives murdered 11 people for republishing cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.

Amid national mourning in France, my fellow lefties defended the attack, Rubin writes, claiming that criticism of the gunmen would be Islamophobic.

Together, these three events became the holy trinity of left-wing lunacy that set me on the course to divorcing the deluded from my life.

The Intellectual Dark Web

This ideological break led Rubin into the company of the Intellectual Dark Web (IDW), a group described in a 2018 New York Times opinion piece as a collection of iconoclastic thinkers, academic renegades, and media personalities who are rapidly building their own mass media channels.

IDW members have differing political viewpoints, but are committed to using social media as a platform for informed debate.

Some have paid for this commitment by being purged from institutions that have become increasingly hostile to unorthodox thought, the New York Times piece said.

Members include Eric and Bret Weinstein, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Sam Harris, Ben Shapiro, Joe Rogan, Christina Hoff Sommers, and popular psychologist Jordan Peterson, who became Rubins mentor. In 2018, Rubin accompanied Peterson on a world tour that included 120 shows in 20 countries.

In the book, Rubin details a number of valuable lessons he learned from the bestselling author.

If you create something worthwhile, then youve got to give it everything you got, Rubin said, citing one lesson.

Like other IDW members, Rubin is concerned with the popularity of identity politics, which he calls in the book, the reverse of the melting-pot principle that America was founded upon.

Hundreds of millions of people are afraid to say what they think, he said. Not because theyre racist, but because they just think something thats sort of outside the woke, progressive dogma of the day.

In the book, Rubin cites the mob mentality of cancel culture for stifling free expression. Never, ever surrender to the mob, he writes.

Im more concerned that were going to silence ourselves, than the governments going to silence us, Rubin said. He called online mobs an outrage machine that is cowering good people.

He acknowledges that some ideas can be noxious or grotesque, but that doesnt mean that people shouldnt be able to say them.

The more that you stop people from saying their bad ideas, the more that you push those ideas underground. You give those people a sense that theyre victims, and that theres some sort of conspiracy stopping them, he said.

But the idea that we should just start booting everybody we dont like is very dangerous, he said, because eventually itll come for everybody.

A Giant Troll Army

Despite the title, Rubin isnt concerned that anyone will literally burn his book. Instead, he said, theres a giant troll army thats trying to wreck all our reviews.

That is what modern book-burning is, he said. They will try to overwhelm Amazon reviews. Theyll attack all of the online retailers. Theyll try to get stores not to carry it. Theyll try to suppress positive reviews and thumb up negative reviews.

But the plan backfired.

Dear trolls, Youre really helping the book sales while proving the point of the book, Rubin wrote in a tweet on May 6. The following day, two weeks after its release, Dont Burn This Book officially appeared on bestseller lists.

If someones just disagreeing with you, and doing it in a respectful manner, then I encourage engagement, Rubin said. And I try to engage as many of those people as I can.

His goal is to show these critics a path forward, he writesa road map of how to leave the left and where to go next.

It turns out that one of Rubins toughest critics lives in his home.

When the lockdown began, Rubin learned that a number of animal shelters might have to start putting down dogs. So he rushed to a local shelter and rescued Clyde, a pit bull mix that was scheduled to be put down that day.

Clyde literally ate the first copy of Dont Burn This Book, he said. But we are gonna eventually auction it off, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charityprobably an animal charity.

Chris Karr is a California-based reporter for The Epoch Times. He has been writing for 20 years. His articles, features, reviews, interviews, and essays have been published in a variety of periodicals.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
People working in the public service should be allowed to do 20% of their work remotely, the three parties in government formation talks have agreed.

Thousands of workers in departments and agencies will be offered the choice of working out of office, thereby saving costs and reducing carbon emissions with less traffic.

Negotiating sources confirmed the agreed level and said it translated into allowing people work out of office one day a week.

An assessment of work productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic among public services is set to be carried out to help formulate plans for mass remote working.

The plan was discussed during talks on rural development between Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and the Greens on Thursday.

Some involved likened it to a rural decentralisation, which would allow people to work from home rather than go into offices in towns.

You can work from home or a local digital hub, said a negotiator.

It will ensure broadband is covered and increase footfalls in some towns and villages that are dying.

It is understood that Green Party negotiator Roisin Garvey pushed for 40% of work in the public sector to be allowed done remotely, but that Tanaiste Simon Coveney, for Fine Gael, was against this because of concerns about productivity.

The decentralisation debacle was originally introduced in 2003 to move over 10,000 public servants out of Dublin.

The Fine Gael-led government looked at regional decentralisation last year to reduce pressure on housing and transport in the capital.

With the pandemic showing levels of satisfaction with remote working for staff and employers alike, the parties believe this can be taken further if a coalition is agreed by the parties.

Meanwhile, there is fresh pressure for a new coalition deal to be agreed by the end of June.

Legislation for European Investment Bank emergency pandemic funding, on renewing the writ of the Special Criminal Court, and new Brexit measures all need to be enacted by the end of June, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said, and the new Seanad must also be agreed.
What started as a peaceful protest organized by several young adults frustrated by the deaths of Black people at the hands of police officers became violent in the late hours of the night May 29 and early morning May 30.

At roughly 3 p.m. May 29, a crowd gathered at Monument Circle to protest the murder of George Floyd. On May 25, 46-year-old Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police and the video of the incident went viral, sparking national outrage. Members of the Indianapolis protest called for justice, not just for Floyd, but for 21-year-old Desjean Reed. Reed was killed by IMPD earlier this month after a chase.

This protest, unlike others, was organized by younger community members and supported by the Indianapolis chapter of Black Lives Matter (BLM). Lamari Edwards, 20, was the head organizer of the event.

Were here to get justice. That means jail time, ideally the death penalty, Edwards said of the police involved in the deaths. But well start small and say life in prison.

Edwards, who was a friend of Reeds, said watching viral videos of Black men being killed by police makes her sick to her stomach because they could be her brother or her friend.

Quan Addison knows all too well the fear that comes with being a Black man in America. As a father of five boys, he said he and his wife are afraid for them to be out.

One of them could be out and pull a comb out of their hair and have it in his hands, Addison said, and a cop could think that it was a gun and shoot him. Its just crazy.

Throughout the first half of the rally, Edwards and other co-organizers led chants over a megaphone, including Fuck 12, and No justice, no peace. Protesters screamed the names of Floyd, Reed and Ahmaud Arbery, who was murdered while jogging earlier this year in Georgia . A small group of IMPD officers were standing nearby, but not actively engaging with the protesters.

Among the protesters was Paula Kelly Gentile, 66. She said she was at Monument Circle before the protest started, praying for Floyd.

Im not for saying, F the police, Gentile said. But Im for justice. They murdered that man.

Around 7 p.m., the protesters decided to march around Monument Circle chanting and holding their signs. After the second lap, a protester started blaring N.W.As Fuck the Police. It was around this time a member of the protest said IMPD officers started physically engaging with protesters. This claim could not be verified by IMPD.

Shortly after, the crowd gathered again at the north side of Monument Circle, this time forming a line facing the street. Jessica Louise, an organizer for Indianapolis BLM, called for white allies to build a barricade if the police tried to engage protesters.

Roughly 30 IMPD officers  several in riot gear  were called to the scene. They stood in front of the protesters, many with pepper spray at the ready. At this, several protesters started taunting the officers, including one woman who told them to go ahead and grab their robes, alluding to ties to the Ku Klux Klan. As tension grew between the two groups, water and empty bottles were thrown at police, which led to several officers deploying pepper spray.

However, protesters promised to be back out in the days to come to continue advocating for justice. As officers began backing away from the crowd, protesters began chanting No more corruption, we want a revolution!

A FedEx window was shattered with a Lime scooter during a riot in the early hours of May 30. (Photo/Tyler Fenwick)

Later on in the night, the protest moved outside of the Statehouse, where reports of pepper spray pellets being shot at protesters by police began. Several buildings downtown had their windows smashed until there was a constant buzz of security alarms.

The CVS at the corner of Ohio and Illinois streets was broken into and looted, as was the T.J. Maxx at Illinois and Market streets. People poured in through the busted doors and came running out with as much as they could carry. Some had another person waiting in a car to drive off.

Many took to social media to describe why tensions escelated.

Satchuel Cole, whos with the group IMPD Transparency, posted IMPD officers stole medical equipment from the protesters and unlawfully detained one of us. The Recorder has reached out to Cole for more details.

A video posted to Facebook appears to show officers taking medical supplies while most people were gone.

Mat Davis, another organizer, posted he was trying to get people to go home around 10:30 p.m. when officers shot pepper bullets that hit him in the shoulder and leg.

Then they FLOODED Capital with tear gas and things escalated from there, he wrote.The riots continued into the early hours of May 30, with several fires reported at downtown businesses. At roughly 3:30 a.m., IMPD declared a state of emergency and told protesters via a megaphone that anyone left on the street would be arrested.

There were reports of three officers with minor injuries and two protesters with serious injuries.

Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.

Protesters were met with resistance from IMPD May 29. Officers deployed pepper spray after an officer was hit with water. (Photo/Breanna Cooper)
One farm in Tennessee distributed Covid-19 tests to all of its workers after an employee came down with the virus. It turned out that every single one of its roughly 200 employees had been infected.

In New Jersey, more than 50 workers had the virus at a farm in Gloucester County, adding to nearly 60 who fell ill in neighboring Salem County. Washington states Yakima County, an agricultural area that produces apples, cherries, pears and most of the nations hops, has the highest per capita infection rate of any county on the West Coast.

The outbreaks underscore the latest pandemic threat to food supply: Farm workers are getting sick and spreading the illness just as the U.S. heads into the peak of the summer produce season. In all likelihood, the cases will keep climbing as more than half a million seasonal employees crowd onto buses to move among farms across the country and get housed together in cramped bunkhouse-style dormitories.

The early outbreaks are already starting to draw comparisons to the infections that plunged the U.S. meat industry into crisis over the past few months. Analysts and experts are warning that thousands of farm workers are vulnerable to contracting the disease.

Aside from the most immediate concern -- the grave danger that farmhands face -- the outbreaks could also create labor shortages at the worst possible time. Produce crops such as berries have a short life span, with only a couple of weeks during which they can be harvested. If a farm doesnt have enough workers to collect crops in that window, theyre done for the season and the fruit will rot. A spike in virus cases among workers may mean shortages of some fruits and vegetables at the grocery store, along with higher prices.

Were watching very, very nervously -- the agricultural harvest season is only starting now," said Michael Dale, executive director of the Northwest Workers Justice Project in Portland, Oregon, and a lawyer who has represented farm workers for 40 years. I dont think were ready. I dont think were prepared."

Unlike grain crops that rely on machinery, Americas fruits and vegetables are mostly picked and packed by hand, in long shifts out in the open -- a typically undesirable job in major economies. So the position typically goes to immigrants, who make up about three quarters of U.S. farm workers.

A workforce of seasonal migrants travels across the nation, following harvest patterns. Most come from Mexico and Latin America through key entry points like southern California, and go further by bus, often for hours, sometimes for days.

There are as many as 2.7 million hired farm workers in the U.S., including migrant, seasonal, year-round and guest-program workers, according to the Migrant Clinicians Network. While many migrants have their permanent residence in the U.S., moving from location to location during the warmer months, others enter through the federal H2A visa program. Still, roughly half of hired crop farmworkers lack legal immigration status, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

These are some of the most vulnerable populations in the U.S., subjected to tough working conditions for little pay and meager benefits. Most dont have access to adequate health care. Many dont speak English.

Without them, it would be nearly impossible to keep Americas produce aisles filled. And yet, theres no one collecting national numbers on how many are falling sick.

There is woefully inadequate surveillance of whats happening with Covid-19 and farm workers," said Erik Nicholson, a national vice president for the United Farm Workers. There is no central reporting, which is crazy because these are essential businesses."

At Henderson Farms in Evensville, Tennessee, where all the workers caught the virus, the employees are now all in isolation at the farm, where they live and work.

We take our responsibility to protect the essential workers feeding the nation through the pandemic seriously," Henderson Farms Co. said in a statement. In addition to continuing our policy of providing free healthcare, we have implemented additional measures to support workers directly impacted by Covid-19, including those in isolation as per the latest public health guidelines. We are working closely with public health officials in Rhea County, Tennessee, to ensure we can continue to deliver our high standard of care as we support our workers and our community through these unprecedented times."

One migrant worker from Mexico said seven employees at the Georgia produce farm where he works had fallen ill with the virus. The sick were asked to quarantine in a dormitory unpaid, but others who share the sleeping quarters, full of bunk beds about 3 feet (1 meter) apart, were still going into the fields, he said. He said he was afraid of getting infected, which would mean he wouldnt be able to send money back to his family.

Critical Months

May and June mark the start of a critical few months when migrant workers head to fields in North America and Europe to plant and gather crops. Travel restrictions amid the pandemic are already creating a labor squeeze. In Russia, the government is calling on convicts and students to fill in the labor gap on berry and vegetable farms. In the U.K., Prince Charles took to Twitter to encourage residents to #PickForBritain. Farmers in western Europe usually rely on seasonal workers from eastern Europe or northern Africa.

In Canada, migrant workers often come from Jamaica, Guatemala and Mexico. Theyre typically housed on farms, with two or four people sharing a room, depending on if there are bunk-beds, said Colin Chapdelaine, president of BC Hot House, a greenhouse farming company that grow tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in Surrey, British Columbia.

All the houses are audited and approved by regulators with guidelines for how much kitchen and bathroom space to provide, but Covid has kind of turned that on its head," he said.

Its a precarious situation if something happens and it flows through a greenhouse and you cant pick your crop," Chapdelaine said. Were taking huge precautions to make sure everyone comes in suited and masked up. You have to do all the right things and still hope for the best."

In the U.S., migrant farm workers primarily come from Mexico and Latin America.

President Donald Trump has sought to maintain the flow of foreign workers to U.S. farms during the pandemic, waiving interview requirements for some guest workers when consular offices shut down and exempting them from a temporary immigration ban. But so far, the administration hasnt created rules to protect the workers. Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta of California and 71 other members of Congress urged in a letter last week that the next coronavirus relief package include funding dedicated to combating spread of the virus among farm workers.

Even before infections started to creep up, there werent enough workers, causing harvest issues in parts of the U.S. Some prices started to move up. A 2-pound package of strawberries is fetching about 17% more than it was last year, and a pint of cherry tomatoes is 52% higher, USDA data as of May 22 show.

So far, though, the price impact has been limited. As restaurants shuttered during virus lockdowns, many farmers lost a key source of produce demand, creating some supply gluts.

Now, stay-at-home restrictions are easing in all 50 states, and some restaurants are opening back up. Meanwhile, labor shortages could get worse as illness among farm workers deepens.

The cost will go up, and there will be a little bit less available," said Kevin Kenny, chief operating officer of Decernis, an expert in global food safety and supply chains. You really will see some supply issues coming."

Perishable crops that require more hands on labor to pick are the most at-risk of disruptions, including olives and oranges, Kenny said.

In Florida, oranges are literally dying on the vines" as not enough migrants can get into the country to pick the crops and things like processed juice will probably cost more in the coming months, he said.

When the virus spread among Americas meat workers, plants were forced to shutter as infections rates topped 50% in some facilities. Prices surged, with wholesale beef and pork more than doubling, and grocers including Kroger Co. and Costco Wholesale Corp. rationed customer purchases. Even Wendys Co. dropped burgers from some menus. After an executive order from Trump, plants have reopened, but worker absenteeism is restraining output. Hog and cattle slaughter rates are still down more than 10% from last year.

The produce industry could see similar problems because workers face some of the same issues. They sometimes work shoulder to shoulder. They are transported to and from job sites in crowded buses or vans. They often come from low-income families and cant afford to call in sick or are afraid of losing their jobs, so they end up showing up to work even if they have symptoms.

A lot of people are concerned that the summer for farm workers will be like the spring for meat packers," said David Seligman, director of Towards Justice, a nonprofit law firm and advocacy organization based in Denver.

Theres a lot of worker fear because of the asymmetry of power in this industry," Seligman said. Were hearing anecdotal reports. Gathering information about farm workers is very hard because of how scared and how isolated they are."

There are some key differences between the two industries. For one, farm workers spend most of their time outside, and some research has shown that the virus is less likely to be spread outdoors. Meanwhile, meat workers are piled into cold, damp factories where infectious diseases are particularly hard to control.

In other ways, farm workers are more exposed. Living conditions can be even more cramped, with close-together bunks and communal cooking and bathroom facilities that make physical distancing extremely difficult.

Plus, the workers move around so much, meaning increased chances of exposure for themselves and more chances that sick individuals can spread the illness to other communities.

In Oregon, a farm worker often may move a half dozen times during the summer, working for new growers and housed in new labor camps as they shift from harvesting cherries to strawberries to blueberries to pears, said Dale of the Northwest Workers Justice Project.

Nely Rodriguez is a former farm worker who is now an organizer with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in Immokalee, Florida, a major tomato growing area. She said that some farms are taking steps to protect migrants, such as having buses make more trips so workers wont be as cramped and requiring them to wear masks, as well as providing more hand-washing stations and sanitizer.

Lisa Lochridge, a spokeswoman for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, also pointed to increased measures to protect workers and said some employers even set aside separate housing to be used for a quarantine area if necessary. Cory Lunde, of the Western Growers Association, said farm owners are staggering start times, disinfecting buses and increasing distances between workers, both in the field and in packing facilities and offices.

But protection measures can be spotty, said Rodriguez of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. There arent yet any farm specific Covid-19 safety protocols from the federal government.

Developing Guidance

The USDA is diligently working" with the the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop guidance that will assist farmworkers and employers during this time," the agency said in an emailed statement.

Additionally, considering the seasonal and migratory nature of the workforce, we are working to identify housing resources that may be available to help control any spread of Covid-19," the USDA said.

Harvests take place at different times across the country, depending on the weather and the crop. That means when gathering finishes in an early state like Florida, workers will travel into areas such as Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana and New Jersey, said Rodriguez of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Theyll often make the journey on old school buses rented by employers, sitting for 7 or 8 hours at a time with 45 people crammed in.

If there is a bunch of farm workers here that are sick, they can essentially spread this virus to other rural communities," Rodriguez said.

Many farm workers come from indigenous communities in southern Mexico and dont speak English or Spanish as their first language, so they dont have adequate information on the pandemic in a language they can understand, said Bruce Goldstein, president of Farmworker Justice, a national advocacy group.

They typically dont have easy access to coronavirus tests, and many are undocumented so they are concerned about reporting illnesses, he said.

Theyre marginalized in Mexico. Theyre similarly marginalized here," Goldstein said. People like that are incredibly vulnerable to Covid-19."

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics
BERLIN  Germany will allow rabbis to return to the chaplaincy of its military for the first time since they were kicked out under the Nazis in the 1930s, as officials struggle to curb a rise in anti-Semitic attacks in society as a whole.

Lawmakers on Thursday unanimously approved an agreement drawn up last year between the government in Berlin and the countrys Central Council of Jews. It stipulated that up to 10 rabbis would provide spiritual support to the estimated 300 Jewish soldiers serving the country in missions abroad.

Germanys defense minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, called the vote a special sign of solidarity and recognition of the Jews who serve in the modern German Army, called the Bundeswehr, and a special moment for the country.

With this, Jewish life is demonstratively returning to the Bundeswehr in such a way that serves as a visible contribution against the anti-Semitism that is growing daily in our society at large, she said.
Police in St. Louis were investigating the death of a protester who climbed between two trailers of a Fed Ex truck and was killed when it drove away. And a person was killed in the area of protests in downtown Detroit just before midnight after someone fired shots into an SUV, officers said. Police had initially said someone fired into the crowd from an SUV.
[The latest: Protests flared for a fourth night on Sunday.]

Thousands of demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd took to the streets of New York City for a third day on Saturday, blocking traffic, setting fire to police vehicles and clashing with officers at simultaneous marches that raged through all five boroughs.

By early Sunday morning, more than 345 people had been arrested, 33 officers had been injured and 47 police vehicles had been damaged or destroyed, several of them set on fire, the police said. More than a dozen stores in Lower Manhattan were also looted.

Through much of the afternoon until well after dark, crowds of protesters holding signs and chanting slogans made their way through Harlem, the East Village, Times Square, Columbus Circle, Jackson Heights in Queens, the Flatbush section of Brooklyn and portions of the Bronx and Staten Island, sometimes seeming to move independently but at other moments appearing to break apart, come together and re-splinter in a way that tested the ability of the police to maintain control.
New Delhi, May 30 : BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday precedence to the Modi governments handling of COVID-19 outbreak and its economic packages to alleviate the hardships over key issues like abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution and Ram Mandir, all vital to the BJP's core support base.

In his address to more than 180 million party rank and file on BJP's Facebook page on the completion of one year of the Modi government's second term, Nadda devoted almost half the time in portraying Modi as a hero amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Today not only our country but the entire world is plagued by a pandemic like coronavirus. This is a pandemic in front of which even the biggest superpowers are feeling helpless," Nadda said.

He said that if Modi government's first term was known for creating the foundation of a 'New India', the first year of Modi's second term will be known for 'turning a crisis into opportunity'.

Nadda chose to start by highlighting how Prime Minister Narendra Modi sounded the "war cry against coronavirus" rather than harping on the BJP-led Centre's abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, that would have a wider appeal among its cadres, given that it connects directly to BJP's mentor Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, who coined the phrase "Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan" in a bid to bring J&K into India's mainstream.

Instead, Nadda dedicated almost half his speech on Modi's role as a "guardian" to help India manoeuvre through this pandemic, increase public participation and economic decisions to make economic hardship bearable for the poor and marginalised during the numerous lockdowns.

Nadda highlighted how Rs 6,500 crore was deposited in PM-CARES Fund in just one week, "building a health infrastructure" to fight the pandemic in India, manufacture more than 4.5 lakh PPE kits every day in India, more than 650 testing labs for increased testing.

He harped on the fact how the Modi government ensured the migrant labourers returned to their homes in the lockdown, Vande Bharat Mission, announcement of Rs 1.70 lakh crore for Garib Kalyan Yojana, initiatives to provide 5 kg wheat and 1 kg pulses to 80 crore Indian for the next three months, economic help for widows and differently abled.

Of his 17-minute speech, Nadda used more than half the time to make the point as to why Modi had championed the cause of the poor and the marginalized.

However, he mentioned in passing the decisions that made Modi government's first year distinct for adhering to its ideological promises -- abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, Triple Talaq Act, Ram Mandir amid others.

In fact, Nadda didn't let go of the opportunity to allege that it was the opposition Congress who left no stone unturned to create a legal roadblock in the Ram Mandir verdict.

"Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution were neither in the interest of the integrity of the country nor in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This problem, which has been going on since 1950, has been abolished by the Modi government. With this decision, Syama Prasad Mukherjee's resolution of 'Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan' has been fulfilled," said Nadda.

However, if the BJP chief's speech is anything to go by, these ideology-sensitive decisions take a back stage when it comes to Modi's handling of the corona outbreak. The BJP chief would rather want the first year of Modi government 2.0 to be remembered for the way it handles a crisis -- both health and economic -- rather than decisions that many believe should matter more to the ruling party.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Beijing has been threatening Hong Kong's autonomy with plans to increase restrictions and take control of the independent city. The United States has expressed its objective of protecting Hong Kong's rights from being removed.

President Donald Trump has taken actions meant to penalize the Chinese capital in its inappropriate actions against Hong Kong. The move is expected to increase the tension between China and America amid consistent arguments related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Informal separation

On Friday, President Trump announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO, which results in the suspension of entry of Chinese nationals. The parties are considered to be security risks to scientific research of the US and threaten Chinese companies on US markets, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Trump had previously stated that the WHO was unsuccessful in upholding its objectives and must be held responsible.

He added that the organization supported China in its attempt at misinforming the world regarding the coronavirus, which allegedly led to the broader outbreak of the disease.

The United States has been the forefront in donations to the WHO with a contribution of more than $400 million in 2019, which accounted for approximately 15% of its overall budget, according to Reuters.

Also Read: Donald Trump Refusal to Wear Mask in Public Draws Criticism

Critics of the decision

Global health experts deemed Trump's decision to withdraw from the organization as a dangerous move.

Dr Howard Koh, former assistant secretary for health during the administration of Ex-President Obama, said: "This decision is really so short-sighted and ill-advised, and all it does is put American lives at risk."

According to NPR, Senator Lamar Alexander, the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee disagrees with the decision of the US president. Alexander added that the withdrawal could interfere with clinical trials which are essential to vaccine development that is sorely needed around the world amid present conditions.

The former head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Tom Frieden, said that the US assisted in the foundation of the WHO and that if America turns its back on the organization, it is turning its back on the world.

"Every country in the world has a veto at WHO, except now, perhaps the United States will not," he added.

The director of the O'Neil Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, Larry Gostin, said the move is an overreach of Trump's constitutional powers. Gostin believes that the president would need the approval of Congress to push with his withdrawal from the WHO.

A professor of public health at Simon Fraser University, Kelley Lee, said that Trump could only make this decision if Congress had agreed beforehand to give the president the powers to do so.

Lee added that legal advisers are supposed to inform the president of what he is allowed to do with his authority and that the events suggest he is either not receiving any useful advice or merely ignorant to them.

Goslin said that Congress could sue Trump in federal court over the decision but also noted that the funding would still be suspended until the courts agree on a resolution.

Related Article: Donald Trump Says He is Willing to 'Mediate' Between India and China

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky has taken to social media to brag about his arrest by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

KanyiDaily had published a video that shows the moment Bobrisky was arrested while driving in Lekki phase 1, Lagos State. The policemen entered his white Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and drove off with him on Thursday night.

The Police spokesman, DCP Frank Mba confirmed the arrest on Friday, saying Bobrisky was arrested following a petition by a Nigerian woman that the crossdresser collected N30m from her for sales but did not keep to the end of the deal.

Taking to Snapchat to react to the news on Friday, Bobrisky taunted his haters and bragged about being a big money spender.

Chai, plenty haters, they dont wanna see me happy, he captioned a screenshot of the scene he posted to Snapchat. Two face fools God will help me to punish you all. You will come to me and tell me you love me but go behind my back to spoil me. This should show you guys that i dont deal with small money, he wrote.

This will not be the first time that Bobrisky has been arrested by the police. kanyiDaily recalls on January 23, 2020, Bobrisky was picked up at his residence inside Bera Estate, Chevron Drive, in Lekki and taken to an unknown destination.
As Minneapolis burned this week, so too did Amy Klobuchars prospects of becoming Joe Bidens running mate.

Just six weeks ago, Klobuchar looked like the frontrunner in the 2020 Democratic veepstakes, but the Minnesota senator happens to be the former top prosecutor in Hennepin County, home to Minneapolis, and she is facing an increasing amount of scrutiny over her record of not prosecuting several police officers facing allegations of excessive force.

Amy Klobuchar didnt prosecute officer at center of George Floyds death after previous conduct complaints, reads the headline at The Week. The police officer seen kneeling on Floyds neck was involved in the killing of another suspect who allegedly pulled a gun. The final decision not to prosecute was made after Klobuchar left the job, but as the Washington Post reported in March, Klobuchar declined to bring charges in more than two dozen cases in which people were killed in encounters with police.

Assume for the sake of argument that the facts in each case vindicate Klobuchars decision not to prosecute. Can Biden really pick her if shes seen as turning a blind eye to police brutality, even if that view is unfair?

David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report goes so far as to say that Amy Klobuchar is off the list now to be Bidens running mate. Its not clear her odds are nil, but they have taken a huge hit.

Who benefits? Kamala Harris is the odds-on favorite on the betting and prediction websites, but the firestorm in Minnesota threatens to engulf her VP prospects as well.

Recall that in the Democratic campaign one of the most effective attacks against her came when Joe Biden and Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard attacked Harriss own record as a prosecutor. Biden alluded to a crime lab scandal that involved her office and resulted in more than 1,000 drug cases being dismissed. Gabbard claimed Harris blocked evidence that would have freed an innocent man from death row until she was forced to do so, the Sacramento Bee reported after the debate. Both of these statements are accurate. Harriss other famous moment in the 2020 debates came when she effectively attacked Biden as racist for opposing forced-busing policies in the 1970s. Harris embraced new mandatory-busing policies before backtracking.

Story continues

To make matters worse, Harris is not only vulnerable to attacks from the left on criminal justice  her right flank would be exposed as well in a general election. As San Francisco district attorney, Harris declined to seek the death penalty for a man who had murdered a police officer with an AK-47 in 2004. At the officers funeral, Democratic senator Dianne Feinstein called on Harris to seek the death penalty and received a standing ovation from police officers in attendance. Last year, the officers widow told CNN in a tearful on-camera interview that Harris never called me before announcing her decision. I felt like she had just taken something from us. She had just taken justice from us.

While Harris would be caught in the middle of a Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter culture war, she is still the only African-American woman serving as governor or senator in the entire country. So she shouldnt be written off.

Who else might Biden select besides Harris if he decides he needs to pick an African-American running mate? Cory Booker is a man, so hes off the list because of Bidens pledge to pick a woman. Stacey Abrams is making a full-court press for the job in the media, but it is still extremely difficult to see how Biden would select someone in the middle of a historic economic and health crisis who has never served in an office higher than that of state legislator. Florida representative Val Demings is getting a fresh look as a former police officer, but an obscure member of Congress is only a little better than a former state legislator in a time of crisis to reassure suburban voters who flipped to the Democrats in 2018.

In the race to be Bidens VP, Susan Rice, the former national-security adviser to Barack Obama, probably benefits the most from the chaos in Minnesota. She has a stronger resume to match the moment, and she reinforces Bidens campaign theme of an Obama-era restoration, even if she has her own vulnerabilities from Russiagate to Benghazi and more.

The decision to move the Democratic convention to August gives Biden an extra month to make his decision, but this week has done a lot to make that decision much more difficult.

More from National Review
The COVID-19 pandemic does not automatically affect the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the European Union, Deputy Director General of the European Commission for European Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations Katarina Mathernova has stated.

She said the visa-free regime, of course, is associated with certain conditions regarding reforms in the rule of law, etc., and they, of course, will continue to closely monitor these processes. But there is no reason to worry, there is no automatic link between the pandemic and the visa-free regime, she added. Of course, there are certain restrictions on movement both within the Schengen area and the EU, but these are only movement restrictions, and not an automatic link between the visa-free regime and the pandemic, she said during an online discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum.

In addition, Mathernova noted that now a preliminary assessment is being carried out in the virtual mode as part of the negotiations on the signing of the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA).

She also pointed out that now the level of relations between Ukraine and the EU is higher than ever.
A nursing home deep on San Antonios South Side appears to have received $9.3 million in federal bailout funds meant to go to medical providers serving on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hunters Pond Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center recently reported getting the funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economics Security Act and other federal programs.

This disclosure was included in data released Friday from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

CARES Act funds totaling $175 billion were approved by Congress in March for hospitals and health care practices to cover the cost of treating COVID-19 patients and lost revenue.

But public health officials havent recorded any employees or residents with COVID-19 at the 128-bed skilled nursing facility, located at 9903 Hunters Pond.

The facility has a one-star rating, signifying much below average, on Medicare.gov and received 11 health citations on its most recent inspection conducted almost a year ago.

The facility is one of nine San Antonio locations operated by Keystone Care, a subsidiary of publicly-traded The Ensign Group, based in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

Facility officials didnt respond to a request for an interview.

Earlier this month, the San Antonio Express-News reported that the federal government sent $2.3 million in April to Nix Health  a San Antonio hospital system that had permanently closed months before the citys first reported COVID-19 case.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio hospitals, practices land $154 million in bailout funds

Nix Healths for-profit owner, Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., said it returned the funds. The latest data from HHS no longer shows Nix receiving funds.

The provider relief fund grants do not have to be repaid as long as the company meets the federal governments conditions, which include submitting documents to substantiate that the funds are used appropriately.

More than 880 hospitals and health care practices in San Antonio confirmed the receipt of federal funds based on the new data produced by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

HRSAs data on provider relief funds includes the facilitys billing name, city, state and the amount received, but the information released on the government website contained several errors.

Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio, which received $38.6 million, is now listed in Jourdanton, Texas, where the system  co-owned by nonprofit Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Nashville-based HCA Healthcare  acquired a community hospital.

Baptist Health System, owned by Dallas-based parent company, Tenet Healthcare Corp., disappeared from San Antonios list. Baptist is still receiving $22.8 million, but it is now listed under Nashville, Tenn., recipients.

Christus Santa Rosa Health Care Corp., which operates four hospitals in the area, including the Childrens Hospital of San Antonio, is listed as receiving $12.8 million  up from $7.6 million reported two weeks ago.

Its unclear why Val Verde Hospital Corp., a public hospital system in Del Rio, is now listed in San Antonio. Val Verde County confirmed its 17th COVID-19 case this week, and its hospital is receiving $5.7 million in relief funds, according to HHS data.

Bexar County-owned University Health Systems allocation remains at $13.8 million.

As of Friday afternoon, Metro Health reported 2,636 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county and 71 deaths.

On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases

On Friday, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett sent a letter to HHS officials calling for the department to ensure that erroneously distributed funds are returned and redistributed to medical providers who need them.

Doggett, a Democrat representing Texas' 35th Congressional District, which includes San Antonio, said the urgency situation facing health care providers is no excuse for the agencys lack of transparency or mismanagement of taxpayer funds.

He said grants were misdirected to hospitals previously closed, mega-corporations and possible fraudsters.

The letter, also signed by Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., mentioned the $2.3 million mistakenly sent to Nix as well as providers under investigation for civil or criminal fraud.

Doggett said the Trump Administration should immediately provide a full accounting of how these millions landed.

Laura Garcia covers the health care industry in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Laura, become a subscriber. laura.garcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @Reporter_Laura
Islamabad:

Two Pakistani sisters working as pilots for the countrys national flag carrier PIA have scripted history by becoming the first such pair to fly a Boeing 777 aircraft together, the airlines said on Wednesday.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesman Danyal Gilani said that Maryam Masood and Erum Masood have been flying different planes but finally ended up in the same plane.

The two sisters flew the planes concurrently from Lahore to Karachi, Manchester, New York and London. Pilot sisters make history for PIA by flying Boeing 777 concurrently, he tweeted.

He said that there was no known record of two real sisters having flown the same weight category aircraft concurrently. Erum was recently upgraded to fly a Boeing-777, which resulted in the happy coincidence of joining here sister in the cockpit.

It is a good news from PIA, which has been running in losses for years and is struggling to improve its performance. It launched a premier service on August 14 to attract customers.

Pakistani women have earned honours for the country in the aviation sector in the past as well. In 2006, seven women graduated as fighter pilots in the Pakistan airforce.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:

Japanese government will allocate $1.9 million to expand activities of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aimed to overcome the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uzbekistan, Trend reports citing Japanese Embassy in Tashkent.

"Funding will catalyze and strengthen multisectoral and people-centered responses to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Uzbekistan as well as to create conditions for more sustainable and inclusive development," the report says.

UNDP's response in the country focuses on the groups that experience the greatest socio-economic marginalization and require special attention: women, youth in the informal sector/unemployed, returning migrants, existing micro, small and medium enterprises and start-ups.

UNDP will support the efforts of the government of Uzbekistan to pilot the movement of the data of 9,600 branches of the Ministry of Family Support into an electronic document management system.

The funding provided by Japan will also be used for the annual national UNDP start-up competition. It is reported that 30 small businesses and six cooperatives, which serve over 240 farmers from remote areas, will receive financial support.

In addition, the funds will support initiatives that encourage women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Earlier, Japan provided $3 million of financial assistance to women in rural areas of Uzbekistan.

---

Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 06:33 601 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb02caa 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,chloroquine-drugs,Hydroxychloroquine,health-ministry,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,antimalarial-drug,WHO,World-Health-Organization Free

The Health Ministry Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes) has issued a circular letter instructing doctors involved in the global clinical Solidarity Trial to suspend the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients over safety concerns.

Twenty-two hospitals in the country have joined the program, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), to run clinical trials on several antiviral treatments to measure their effectiveness, including remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir plus interferon and hydroxychloroquine.

According to a Balitbangkes letter addressed to the Indonesian Solidarity Trial research team dated May 26, a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post, "hydroxychloroquine randomization for new subjects is suspended".

The agency wrote that new patients should not be treated with hydroxychloroquine but that patients who had been treated with hydroxychloroquine should continue the treatment under the monitoring, with special attention to the medicines side effects on the cardiovascular system.

"[The circular] is only for those involved in the trial. For those who arent, it's fine to continue the current treatment, Balitbangkes chairman Abdul Kadir said on Friday.

Read also: WHO suspends trials of hydroxychloroquine as virus treatment

The Indonesian Society of Respirology (PDPI) called on doctors involved in the study to stop treating patients with hydroxychloroquine on Thursday. However, doctors not involved in the study could continue to follow the COVID-19 management protocol compiled by the PDPI with four other professional organizations until they issued a new one.

The letter, signed by PDPI chairman Agus Dwi Susanto, also asked doctors to evaluate the condition of patients who had been taking hydroxychloroquine and report the results to the organization for consideration in a potential revision to the protocol.

A copy of the protocol obtained by the Post suggests the use of several drugs for COVID-19 treatment, including antimalarials chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine, antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which has been used to treat bird flu, and experimental antiviral favipiravir (Avigan), which has been used to treat Ebola patients.

The protocol suggested doctors use the antimalarials to treat patients with mild to severe symptoms within different ranges of time.

Experts are still divided over what medication should be used to treat COVID-19. They have warned doctors to be very cautious when prescribing chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine and to only use it in severe cases as the side effects may include ruptured blood vessels and heart attacks.

University of Indonesia epidemiologist Pandu Riono suggested the government completely suspend chloroquine treatment.

Due to the safety concerns, the government should suspend the use of chloroquine and audit all the COVID-19 deaths, he said.

Read also: 'No benefit' in hydroxychloroquine virus treatment: Two studies

President Joko Jokowi Widodo said in March that doctors could use hydroxychloroquine only if they considered it necessary to treat COVID-19 patients. Millions of chloroquine doses had been produced in the country by state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Kimia Farma.

The medicine was easy to find in Papua, where malaria remains a problem. It was later discovered that the drug was being widely sold on e-commerce platforms in the country.

The State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Ministry said it would wait for the Health Ministrys recommendation about the drug before choosing to limit distribution.

"It is widely used in many hospitals. If the Health Ministry says they should stop, we will withdraw the medicine, SOE Ministry spokesperson Arya Sinulingga said.
Tech giant Microsoft is sacking up to 50 journalists and replacing them with AI robots designed to pick suitable news stories.

In Britain, the Californian-based company has a contract with PA Media to supply curators whose job it is to update the company's homepage on its MSN website and Edge browser.

Staff were informed by email on Thursday that they were being replaced by machines.

Some 50 journalists are to lose their jobs after Microsoft decided to replace them with artificial intelligence machines to collate news on its MSN home page and Edge web browser (picture posed by model)

Around 27 people employed at PA Media's London office will lose their jobs, it is feared

Around 27 staff are believed to be employed on the project in the UK. They have been told their jobs will be gone within a month.

One of those journalists affected told The Guardian: 'I spend all my time reading about how automation and AI is going to take all our jobs, and here I am  AI has taken my job.'

The journalist said replacing humans with machines was risky as the stories published have to adhere to strict editorial guidelines and come from credible sources.

Staff working on the project chose a wide range of stories, edited them to fit the website's style and wrote headlines that were also accurate.

One US-based employee told the Seattle Times: 'Its been semi-automated for a few months but now its full speed ahead. Its demoralising to think machines can replace us but there you go.'

A Microsoft spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis. This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time to time, re-deployment in others. These decisions are not the result of the current pandemic.'
Mr. Barrs announcement suggested no broader investigation into possible abuses in the Minneapolis Police Department, a move that local activists have demanded. Congressional Democrats also asked the Justice Department this week to open an investigation into the police. The city has a history of accusations of police abuse, and in 2017, an officer in a Minneapolis suburb was found not guilty of manslaughter in the death of Philando Castile, a black motorist.

Under President Barack Obama, the Justice Department aggressively sought to combat excessive use of force by the police. The department and local police departments signed 14 consent decrees, court-enforced agreements detailing remedies like additional police training or data collection.

The Justice Department under Mr. Obama most likely would have looked at Minneapolis given the pattern of problems that were apparent, said Jonathan Smith, a former department official who negotiated several of the decrees.

Justice Department findings typically prompted the consent agreements. Police in Ferguson, Mo., where the fatal shooting in 2014 of an unarmed black teenager by a white officer set off a national debate over the use of police force, fined and arrested African-Americans in part to balance the citys budget, the department found. It concluded that the Baltimore police were more concerned with accumulating statistics than reducing violent crime.

Mr. Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, moved to rein Justice Department efforts to investigate patterns of allegations of misconduct by the local police.

Shortly after taking office, he ordered a broad review of consent decrees. On the day he was fired in 2018, Mr. Sessions sharply limited their use altogether.

The department under Mr. Trump has entered into consent decrees with the police in Ville Platte and the sheriffs office in Evangeline Parish, La., based on an investigation opened in 2015, and opened a so-called pattern-and-practice investigation into the police in Springfield, Mass. It has also pursued abuses in prison systems in Alabama and New Jersey.
The Trump administration has requested the Defense Department keep active-duty military police units on alert should Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz request support as Minneapolis enters its fifth day of protests over the police killing of George Floyd, according to multiple reports.

Why it matters: This "rare" step from the military follows days of violence and protests spreading across the country AP writes. Walz said the administration's offer "has happened before," The Washington Post writes. Theyre not talking about mobilizing the entire United States Army, the governor said. Were probably talking about in the neighborhood of several hundred soldiers.

The Department of Defense told Axios that they've spoken with Walz about the situation twice in the past 24 hours.

"As a prudent planning measure, the department has directed U.S. Northern Command to increase the alert status of several units should they be requested by the Governor to support Minnesota authorities."

"These are units that normally maintain a 48-hour recall to support state civil authorities for several contingencies (like natural disasters) and are now on 4-hour status.

"At this time there is no request by the Governor of Minnesota for Title 10 forces to support the Minnesota National Guard or state law enforcement," a DoD spokesperson said midday.

Go deeper: Former Minneapolis police officer in custody
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Kellogg (K). Shares have lost about 0.3% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Kellogg due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.

Kellogg Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Down Y/Y



Kellogg reported first-quarter 2020 results, with both earnings and sales surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, both metrics declined year over year due to impacts from the divestiture of the cookies, fruit snacks, pie crusts and ice-cream cone businesses (concluded in July 2019). However, results gained from a considerable increase in global demand for packaged foods in March, as the coronavirus-led stay-at-home trend has been leading consumers to hoard stocks.



Kellogg reiterated its guidance for 2020, expecting a shift in sales and earnings toward the first half of the year.



Quarter in Detail



Adjusted earnings of 99 cents per share dipped 2% year over year, though it beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 94 cents. Results were hurt by the absence of divested businesses, partly compensated by growth in other businesses. On a constant-currency (cc) basis, adjusted earnings came in at $1 per share, which dipped 1% from the year-ago quarters figure.



The company delivered net sales of $3,412 million, which slipped 3.1% year over year. Nevertheless, the figure surpassed the consensus mark of $3,356 million. The year-over-year downside was caused by impacts from the divestiture of the companys cookies, fruit snacks, pie crusts and ice-cream cone businesses. Absence of the divested businesses affected sales by about 9%. Also, currency headwinds had a roughly 2% impact on the top line.



Organic sales (excluding currency and divestitures) moved up 8% to $3,464 million. Management highlighted that more than half of the first-quarter growth was attributable to increased buying of consumers due to the coronavirus-led stockpiling. Apart from this, organic sales were backed by underlying business growth across categories and regions.



Adjusted operating profit fell 5.7% to $439 million, owing to currency headwinds and the absence of the divested businesses. The metric dropped 4.4% to $445 million at cc.



Segment Discussion



Sales in the North America segment amounted to $2,097 million, down 8.4% due to divestiture impacts. Sales grew 6% on an organic basis, courtesy of consumption gains in core brands and categories along with increased shipments to support burgeoning demand for packaged food amid the coronavirus-led lockdown. Moreover, adjusted operating profit declined nearly 7% at cc.



Revenues in the Europe segment totaled $526 million, up 5.9% year on year, despite currency headwinds. Further, sales rose about 9% on an organic basis, on the back of increased packaged food demand. Adjusted operating profit improved roughly 7% at cc.



Revenues in Latin America totaled $226 million, up 0.8% year on year even amid major currency woes. Sales grew 11% on an organic basis, thanks to the coronavirus-led stock hoarding of packaged goods. Adjusted operating profit improved by 4% at cc on the back of improved sales.



Revenues in the Asia, Middle East & Africa segment totaled $562 million, up 10% year over year, despite currency headwinds. Sales improved about 13% on an organic basis, backed by strength in emerging markets, especially Nigeria. Further, sales were backed by increased demand for packaged foods amid the coronavirus crisis in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa. Thanks to higher sales, adjusted operating profit rose 5% at cc.



Other Financials



Kellogg ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1,016 million, long-term debt of $7,163 million and total equity of $3,212 million. In the first quarter, the company generated cash from operating activities of $391 million.



Cash flow from operating activities is likely to be $1.5-$1.6 billion in 2020. Capital expenditures are expected to be roughly $0.6 billion and cash flow is still expected in the range of $0.9-$1 billion.



2020 Guidance



Management reiterated its 2020 guidance. The company now expects sales and profits to flow in more during the first half. Organic sales in 2020 are still expected to grow 1-2%. Adjusted operating profit is expected to decline 4% at cc and adjusted earnings to drop 3-4% at cc due to divestiture impacts.

Story continues

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

Estimates revision followed an upward path over the past two months.

VGM Scores

At this time, Kellogg has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a B. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Outlook

Kellogg has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Kellogg Company (K) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that Modi name has a mantra. Chouhan said that each letter in the name Modi stands for some quality.

M stands for motivational. He works to take India to greater heights and motivates us, Chouhan said.

Chouhan went on to say that O in Modi stands for Opportunity, he works to bring out the nations hidden opportunities. D for Dynamic leadership. I for inspire, India. He inspires us to make India self-reliant, the chief minister stated.

Also read: From Article 370 to CAA to Covid-19 - What PM Modi said in letter to citizens

'Modi' name has a mantra. M for 'motivational'. He works to take India to greater heights&motivates us. O for 'Opportunity', he works to bring out nation's hidden opportunities. D for 'Dynamic leadership'. I for 'inspire', 'India'. He inspires us to make India self-reliant: MP CM pic.twitter.com/cFwJtx5AqP  ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2020

Chouhans comments came on the day when the PM Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party completed a year of governance in Centre after winning the second term during last years Lok Sabha polls.

In a letter marking the occasion, PM Modi thanked the citizens and said that this day last year began a golden chapter in the history of Indian democracy.

The prime minister recounted the many moves and steps taken by his government in the past year and revisited Indias trajectory of growth and development.

In 2019, the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with a dream of taking India to new heights. A dream of making India a global leader. The decisions taken in the last one year are directed at fulfilling this dream, PM Modi said.

Earlier in the day, BJP national president JP Nadda also tweeted on the occasion and said that the country has been steered into a new direction under PM Modis leadership.

This year of Modi jis government is full of many achievements, Nadda tweeted.
Realme Buds Q will launch in India very soon. The TWS earbuds feature 10mm drivers and support Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

Realme will soon launch new truly wireless earbuds in India. Called Realme Buds Q, the TWS earbuds are already available in China. Realme India Chief Marketing Officer Francis Wang in a tweet confirmed that the Buds Q will be priced under 2,000.

Realme Buds Q is available in China in black, white, and yellow colour options. The TWS earbuds feature 10mm drivers and are claimed to deliver a latency rate of 119 milliseconds. The Buds Q comes with IPX4 rating water resistance.

Other top features of Realme Buds Q include support for 30W wired charging, touch inputs for controlling audio, and Bluetooth 5.0 support.

#BudsAirNeo brings features like Super Low Lantency, 13mm big bass, 10m wireless range, standing at the best choice below 3k. Still looking for TrueWiless below 2k? #realmeBudsQ coming soon. pic.twitter.com/A2f5mb9MlH  Francis Wang (@FrancisRealme) May 29, 2020

Realme has not announced the precise release launch date for the Buds Q.

The company recently launched Buds Air Neo TWS earbuds in India. Priced at 2,999, the earbuds come with R1 audio chipset and low latency of just 119.2ms. It also supports Google Fast Pair.

Buds Air Neo supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The company claims Buds Air Neo gives up to 3 hours of continuous music playback and with the charging case, it can deliver 17 hours of back up. The TWS earbuds have a 13mm Dynamic Bass Boost driver.

Realmes new earbuds will compete with Redmis new Earbuds S which launched in India earlier this week for 1,799. Read: Xiaomi Redmi Earbuds S vs Realme Buds Air Neo
Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: The number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal climbed to 5,130 on Saturday after 317 more people tested positive for coronavirus, the state health department bulletin said.

Auto refresh feeds

After three more deaths due to coronavirus, the district's toll has reached 129. Samples of 34,738 people have been collected in Indore for COVID-19 testing.

As many as 87 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Indore on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the district to 3,431, including 1,775 who have been discharged after the treatment.

According to the UN peacekeeping department, there have been 137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in UN peacekeeping operations, with the greatest number by far  90 cases  in Mali. The deaths are the first from the virus among peacekeepers.

Guterres said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost everything, but not the service, sacrifice and selflessness of the more than 95,000 men and women serving in the UNs 13 peacekeeping missions around the world.

The United Nations secretary-general has announced the deaths of two UN peacekeepers, who were working in Mali from COVID-19. Antonio Guterres said one was from Cambodia and the other from El Salvador.

63 people remained in treatment and another 401 were under isolation and monitoring for showing signs of having the virus or of testing positive for it without showing any symptoms.

China reported four new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Saturday, all brought from outside the country and no new deaths.

DR SK Garg, a top official at the college said it was not clear if the monkeys could contract the coronavirus if they came into contact with infected blood. No evidence has been found that monkeys can contract the infection, Garg told Reuters.

The attack occurred this week when a laboratory technician was walking in the campus of a state-run medical college in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut. Authorities said they were not clear if the monkeys had spilled the blood samples.

A troop of monkeys in India attacked a medical official and snatched away blood samples of patients who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, authorities said on Friday.

One person who tested positive worked as a consultant in the ministrys Central Europe division in New Delhi, while the other worked as a legal officer in the law division, the e-mails stated.

At least two people working at Indias Foreign Affairs Ministry have tested positive for COVID-19, and the government has asked several officials to self quarantine as a precaution, according to a source and internal e-mails seen by Reuters.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the state are 1,057, including 125 recoveries and four deaths.

Assam reported 33 new cases on Friday, including 11 each in Golaghat and Biswanath Chariali, nine in Udalguri and two in Darrang.

With just a day to go for the fourth phase of the lockdown to end, the number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,73,763, even as India recorded the highest single-day spike of 7,964 cases so far. India also reported 265 COVID-19 deaths on Friday, taking the toll to 4,971.

He also said that the entry of certain foreign national from China, identified as potential security risks, will be suspended.

China's cover-up of the Wuhan virus allowed the disease to spread all over the world, instigating a global pandemic that has caused over 1,00,000 American lives and over a million lives worldwide. Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to WHO, Trump added.

US President Donald Trump announced that the country is ending its relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO). China has total control over WHO despite only paying $40 million a year compared to what US has been paying which is approximately $450 million a year. Because they have failed to make requested and needed reforms today, we will be terminating our relationship with WHO, he said.

Public transport services will resume in Himachal Pradesh from 1 June, with vehicles plying with 60 percent seating capacity. Additionally, all vehicles will be sanitised at least twice in a day.

Delhi's Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, with 500 beds, has been declared a designated COVID-19 hospital for admitting confirmed/suspected cases. This is the fifth hospital to be declared a designated COVID-19 hospital in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the first anniversary of his second term on Saturday by writing an open letter stating that India is on the path to victory in its long battle against COVID-19.

The prime minister said coronavirus had engulfed the country as we 'were moving ahead at fast pace in the fulfilment of hopes and aspirations of our countrymen', that many feared India would become a problem for the world but that citizens had transformed the way the country is viewed around the world through confidence and resilience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said given the way India surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, there is a firm belief that it will also set an example in economic revival. "In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it," Modi added

Police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the passengers with the help of locals, while the injured persons were sent to the district headquarters hospital here, he said. The passengers, who were engaged in various establishments in Kerala were returning homes in different places in West Bengal after remaining stranded in the southern state since March due to the lockdown, the official said.

At least seven people were injured when a bus carrying West Bengal-bound migrants, who were stuck in Kerala due to the nationwide lockdown, overturned in Odisha's Balasore district on Saturday, police said. The bus carrying 38 passengers was on its way to Kolkata when it skidded off the National Highway 16 and overturned near Balasore town, causing injuries to seven persons, a police official said.

One Maharashtra Police personnel has died and 114 have tested positive for the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The total number of COVID-19 infected personnel in the state is 2,325 and 26 have died so far.

Sun Pharma said here the pancreatitis drug, nafamostat mesilate, has been "identified as a potential candidate for COVID-19 patients by scientists at University of Tokyo and Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Germany".

The company joins other Indian drugmakers Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Strides Pharma Science Ltd that are conducting trials in India for potential drugs for COVID-19, which currently has no approved treatment or vaccine.

Drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd said it has received Indian regulatory approval to start clinical trials of a pancreatitis drug in COVID-19 patients.

According to the petitioner, the migrant workers who have submitted applications for leaving Maharashtra availing the Shramik special trains and buses, have been left in the dark about the status of their applications. The plea said that till the time they are to board the train or bus for their native place, they are made to stay in cramped and unhygienic shelters without being provided with food and other essentials.

The Bombay High Court has sought a report from the Maharashtra government by 2 June on how it was addressing the issue of sending migrant workers to their native places. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice KK Tated was hearing a petition filed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, raising concerns over the plight of migrant workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The crew will be quarantined as per norms. This plane will be fumigated and the airline is sending another A320 Neo to Moscow on Saturday afternoon to fly back Indians from there.

The aircraft was over Uzbekistan at the time it was called back, according to a Times of India report. The team checking pre-flight test reports of crew members had mistakenly read the pilots positive report as negative and released him for the ferry flight to fly back Indians from Moscow.

An Air India Delhi-Moscow flight returned midway to Delhi after the ground team realised that one of the pilots was COVID-19 positive, officials told PTI.

At least 28 percent of 40,184 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 between 22 January and 30 April in India were asymptomatic, a study found, raising concerns about the novel Coronavirus being spread by those who show mild or no symptoms. A large proportion of both those tested and those positive were asymptomatic contacts, according to the study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientists along with other collaborators.

Thirty-three of the 36 new patients have been admitted to L-1 Hospital Asaidapur in Gauriganj and the rest to Radhey Shyam Satya Praksh Trauma Centre at Jagdishpur in Amethi, Chief Medical Officer R M Srivastava said.

Thirty-six more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district, taking the number of active cases to 97, officials said on Saturday. According to the office of the district magistrate, their reports were received on Friday night.

Four patients have so far died due to the contagion in the state, while 125 have been cured and discharged from hospitals, the minister said.

"Alert ~ 43 new cases of #COVID19+ 5 Dhubri, 5 Golaghat, 3 Barpeta, 1 Bongaigaon, 29 by various labs (dist to be confirmed)," Sarma said in a tweet.

Assam's COVID-19 tally touched the 1,100-mark with 43 more people testing positive on Saturday, the state's Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The state at present has 968 active cases, he said.

The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Odisha's Puri will likely be held with only a select group of priests and no devotees, said Puri Gajapati Dibya Singha Deb today after a meeting of Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee

According to the survey, 46 percent of people expressed concern over catching secondary infection due to crowd and poor adherence to infection prevention control standards in hospitals, while 32 percent highlighted the lack of adequate medical infrastructure, as their topmost concern regarding COVID-19 treatment available in the country. It said 16 percent of people pointed at long waiting time and inefficiencies as major issues.

It also said that 61 per cent of respondents want the government to fix a price cap or standardise coronavirus treatment related room charges in private hospitals.

Around 57 per cent of respondents expressed concern about exorbitant charges for COVID-19 treatment at private hospitals, while 46 per cent fear of contracting a secondary infection in a government facility, a survey said. The survey conducted by LocalCircles, a community social media platform, received around 40,000 responses on five questions related to public perception of government and private hospitals for COVID-19 treatment.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that State Govt has decided to ban consumption, spitting& smoking of tobacco&other tobacco products in public places in Maharashtra. Violators will have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 for first offence, Rs 3,000 for second and Rs 5,000 for subsequent offences.

Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday said that the lockdown in containment zones will be extended till 30 June. The Centre also issued guidelines for reopening of banned activities in other areas in a phased manner.

"In Phase I, religious places and places of worship for public; hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services; and shopping malls; will be permitted to open from June 8, 2020. Health Ministry will issue SOPs for the above activities, in consultation with the Central Ministries/ Departments concerned and other stakeholders, for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of COVID-19," the ministry's press release read.

MHA guidelines issued today have suggested that that shopping malls and hotels can be reopened in non-containment zones from 8 June onwards.

MHA said that schools, colleges, educational/ training/ coaching institutions etc., will be opened after consultations with States and UTs. State Governments/ UT administrations are being advised to hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders. Based on the feedback, a decision on the re-opening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July, 2020

The MHA said that lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones. These will be demarcated by the State/ UT Governments, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry. Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.

The Centre on Saturday said it would arrange special trains to facilitate the return of labourers to their workplaces, following concerns raised by industries regarding shortage of labour hitting production and logistics.

"1,084 patients have been cured today,totally 28,081 patients are cured and discharged from the hospitals. Total Active patients are 34, 881," said state health minister Rajesh Tope.

2,940 new coronavirus patients were reported in Maharashtra along with 99 deaths on Saturday, taking the case count to 65,168 and toll to 2,198, according to the state health department.

The death toll due to COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh rose to 213 after 12 more people succumbed to the disease and the number of cases climbed to 7,701, officials said on Saturday. Three deaths were reported from Firozabad, two from Meerut, one each from Lucknow, Moradabad, Hapur, Siddharthanagar, Jhansi, Farrukhabad and Etah, a health department official said. Of the 262 fresh cases, 43 were detected in Amethi followed by 23 in Gautam Buddh Nagar, 17 in Ghaziabad, 12 each in Moradabad and Kannauj, 11 each in Meerut and Basti and 10 in Baghpat. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 7,701. Till now, 4,651 patients have recovered from the disease, while 2,837 are undergoing treatment.

The ban on international passenger flights shall continue till 30 June, said the DGCA. However, the restrictions shall not apply to cargo flights and flights specifically approved by the DGCA. This comes after the Centre announced easing of lockdown in phased manner from 1 June.

It has been decided to declare GTB Hospital as a designated #COVID19 Hospital with its full bed capacity of 1500 beds: Government of Delhi pic.twitter.com/meTYlbpLPN

The Indian Navy will start the next phase of Operation Samudra Setu from June 1 to repatriate Indians who are stranded overseas amid the coronavirus pandemic, an official release said on Saturday. "In this phase, Indian Navy Ship Jalashwa will repatriate 700 personnel from Colombo, Republic of Sri Lanka to Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu and subsequently repatriate another 700 personnel from Mal, Republic of Maldives to Tuticorin," the Navy said in its press release. The Indian Navy has already repatriated 1,488 Indian nationals from Mal to Kochi during the previous phases of the operation.

"But no shops other than those dealing in essential services and commodities will be allowed in containment zones. Health department will finalise a new list of containment zones by tomorrow. The implementation of "Unlock-1" will begin from Monday," he said.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said that night curfew will operate in Gujarat between 9pm to 5 am. He also said that all shops could remain open in the state till 7 pm, while following all social distancing norms. He also said that all government offices and banks in the states would function with full capacity from Monday.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand rose to 563 with 41 people testing positive for the disease on Saturday, according to a government bulletin said. Of the total 563 cases, 355 are migrants. There are 302 active cases while 256 people have recovered and discharged from hospital, it said. According to the bulletin, five people have died of the disease in the state so far. The fatalities had been two from Ranchi, and one each from Koderma, Giridih and Bokaro.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday made announcements regarding the easing of curbs in Gujarat."State transport and city bus services will be allowed across the state without regional limitation," he said, adding that an ST bus cannot carry more than 60 percent passenger, while a city bus will have to limit passenger capacity to 50 percent. "We had earlier allowed one person on a two-wheeler. We now allow two persons in case they happen to be family members, with mandatory masks. Small four-wheeler will continue to have (maximum of) two passengers along with driver, while three passengers will be allowed along with driver in larger four-wheelers (like SUVs)," he said.

Alert ~ 85 new cases of #COVID19 + 26 Kokrajhar & Chirang, 20 Hailakandi, 13 Kamrup, 13 Dibrigarh, 9 Jorhat, 2 Golaghat, 2 Cachar Total cases 1185 Recovered 163 Active cases 1015 Deaths 04 Update 9:10 pm / May 30 / Day's total as of now 128 #AssamCovidCount pic.twitter.com/YyrJV1lF1F

Assam's COVID-19 tally inched towards the 1,200-mark with 128 people across districts testing positive on Saturday, the state's Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The total number of COVID-19 patients has gone up to 1,185 in Assam from 1,057 on Friday, of which 1,015 are active cases, Sarma said in a tweet.

Seventy-two patients have died due to co-morbidities where COVID-19 was "incidental", the bulletin said, adding the number of active cases in the state stood at 2,851. Of the new cases, 80 were registered in Kolkata, 42 in Howrah, 38 in North Dinajpur, 32 in Coochbehar, 30 in North 24 Parganas district and 22 in Birbhum districts, the bulletin said.

The number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal climbed to 5,130 on Saturday after 317 more people tested positive for coronavirus, the state health department bulletin said. Seven fresh deaths due to the disease were also reported in the state, taking the toll to 237, it said. Six of the seven deaths were recorded in Kolkata while one was in North 24 Parganas district.

With a migrant worker from West Bengal testing positive for coronavirus infection, days after his death at Samastipur in Bohar en route his home states from Mumbai, the COVID-19 death toll in Bihar reached 20 on Saturday, the state's Health Department said. Meanwhile, with 206 people testing positive for the infection, the count of total COVID-19 cases in Bihar soared to 3,565, it added.

Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: The number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal climbed to 5,130 on Saturday after 317 more people tested positive for coronavirus, the state health department bulletin said.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said that night curfew will operate in Gujarat between 9pm to 5 am. He also said that all shops could remain open in the state till 7 pm, while following all social distancing norms. He also said that all government offices and banks in the states would function with full capacity from Monday.

According to the 6 pm update issued by the BMC, Mumbai on Saturday registered 1,510 new coronavirus patients where 54 more persons succumbed to the viral infection.

Ninety-six more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha on Saturday, taking the state's tally to 1,819, a health department official said.

Lockdown has been extended in West Bengal till June 15 with further relaxations, conditions, according to a order issued by the state government.

In light of the guidelines issued by the government, metro services will remain closed for commuters until further notice; large gatherings, international travel and visits to theatres and gymnasiums will also remain banned.

The MHA has said that movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 9 pm to 5 am throughout the country, except for essential services.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced a 4-week extension in the lockdown in Punjab, till June 30, with certain more relaxations, subject to the guidelines of the central government. Though experts have advised against opening of the hospitality industry and malls, the Chief Minister said the state would take into account the central government guidelines for Lockdown 5.0.

Latest figures by the government shows that 11,264 coronavirus patients were reported cured over the last 24 hours, as India's recovery rate increased by 4.51 percent to 47.40 percent. Number of active patients declined from 89,987 to 86,422.

As the fourth phase of the coronavirus lockdown comes to an end on Monday, Rajasthan's Archaeology and Museum Department has decided to open the monuments for the public in areas that do not fall under containment zones.

An Air India Delhi-Moscow flight returned midway to Delhi after the the ground team realised that one of the pilots was COVID-19 positive.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal admitted that Delhi is witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, but also assured the people that the government is fully prepared to deal with the outbreak

One Maharashtra Police personnel has died and 114 have tested positive for the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The total number of COVID-19 infected personnel in the state is 2,325 and 26 have died so far.

A bus carrying 28 migrant workers from Kerala to West Bengal overturned near Odisha's Balasore district, injuring seven people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said given the way India surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, there is a firm belief that it will also set an example in economic revival. "In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it." Modi added

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the first anniversary of his second term Saturday by writing an open letter to his countrymen, asserting that India has started traversing on the path to victory in its long battle against Covid-19 while acknowledging tremendous suffering of migrant workers among others.

The number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,73,763 on Friday, even as India recorded the highest single-day spike of 7,964 cases so far.

The Health Ministry said earlier on Friday that the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,706 in the country, while the number of cases climbed to 1,65,799, registering an increase of 175 deaths and a record jump of 7,466 cases since Thursday 8 am.

According to Worldometer, India has now overtaken Turkey as the ninth worst-hit country in terms of total number of cases.

The Health ministry said the number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 89,987, while 71,105 people have recovered and one patient has migrated. "Thus, around 42.89 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior Health Ministry official said.

The total confirmed cases include foreigners.

Of the 175 deaths reported since Thursday morning, 85 were in Maharashtra, 22 in Gujarat, 15 in Uttar Pradesh, 13 in Delhi, 12 in Tamil Nadu, eight in Madhya Pradesh, seven in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, four in Telangana and one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.

Of the total 4,706 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 1,982 deaths followed by Gujarat with 960 deaths, Madhya Pradesh with 321, Delhi with 316, West Bengal with 295, Uttar Pradesh with 197, Rajasthan with 180, Tamil Nadu with 145, Telangana with 67 and Andhra Pradesh with 59 deaths.

The toll reached 47 in Karnataka and 40 in Punjab. Jammu and Kashmir has reported 27 fatalities due to the disease, Haryana has 19 deaths, Bihar has 15 while Odisha and Kerala have reported seven deaths each.

Himachal Pradesh has registered five COVID-19 fatalities, while Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh and Assam have recorded four deaths each so far. Meghalaya has reported one COVID-19 fatality so far, according to the ministry data.

According to the ministry's website, more than 70 percent of the deaths are due to comorbidities.

According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 59,546 followed by Tamil Nadu at 19,372, Delhi at 16,281, Gujarat at 15,562, Rajasthan at 8,067, Madhya Pradesh at 7,453 and Uttar Pradesh at 7,170.

The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 4,536 in West Bengal, 3,296 in Bihar and 3,251 in Andhra Pradesh. It has risen to 2,533 in Karnataka, 2,256 in Telangana, 2,158 in Punjab, 2,036 in Jammu and Kashmir and 1,660 in Odisha.

Haryana has reported 1,504 coronavirus infection cases so far, while Kerala has 1,088 cases. A total of 856 people have been infected with the virus in Assam and 469 in Jharkhand.

Uttarakhand has registered 500 cases, Chhattisgarh has 399, Chandigarh has reported 288 cases, Himachal Pradesh has 276, Tripura has 242, Ladakh has 73 and Goa has 69 cases so far.

Manipur has reported 55 COVID-19 cases, Puducherry has 51 instances of infection while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has registered 33 infections.

Meghalaya has registered 21 cases. Nagaland has reported 18 infections, Arunachal Pradesh reported three cases, Dadar and Nagar Haveli has two cases, while Mizoram and Sikkim have reported a case each till how.

"4,673 cases are being reassigned to states," the ministry said on its website, adding, "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR."

State-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation, it said.
Toronto teachers have been told to make sure they have live contact with students at least twice a week  either online or by phone.

An email sent to parents noted that Education Minister Stephen Lecce recently advised boards to ensure educators are using synchronous  or real-time  virtual connections as students continue to learn from home during the COVID-19 shutdown. The Toronto District School Board has also received feedback from parents requesting the same to help keep their kids engaged and connected.

For the remainder of this school year, and as we transition into September, teachers and (early childhood educators) will begin to connect with students and families in a variety of ways. We have stated in the revised expectations that there should be a minimum of two interactions per week, if this was not already being done, the Toronto board said Friday.

We know that not all students can engage in learning at a specific time so educators are encouraged to find a variety of ways to connect with their students, have students connect with each other, and to celebrate student learning in the last few weeks of school as well as help prepare in the event online learning continues in the fall.

The issue has proved controversial with teacher unions, who have expressed concerns about privacy, security and hacking, as well as equity.

Toronto educators were informed of the new expectations by associate directors Colleen Russell-Rawlins and Kathy Witherow, who wrote that synchronous learning helps in connecting, communicating, collaborating, celebrating.

The associate directors said it also heard about the importance of the establishment of a routine or schedule as well as protocols for online sessions and said such sessions should be recorded for students who miss them.

We acknowledge the importance of professional judgment and online safety and have included considerations for keeping both educators and students safe in this environment, they wrote. The mental health and well-being of all students and staff remains our priority. Opportunities to connect or reconnect through synchronous learning will, in many situations, improve students well-being.

Leslie Wolfe, president of the Toronto local of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, said video conferencing does not work well for all kids, and said the teachers who work directly with students know best  which students will benefit from this and which ones will not.

Some students might not have internet access or feel comfortable with others seeing the inside of their homes, and teachers might not have private space at home to host live lessons.

NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles said she empathizes with both teachers and parents, adding they are all doing their best in a really difficult moment.

Teachers have been working really hard to find the best ways to connect with students  but at the same time, for a lot of parents, its been an extraordinarily difficult time. And its hard when you also see your child missing those opportunities to connect in person with their teacher.

Stiles said the education ministry should consult with boards and education workers on home-schooling plans rather than simply dictating changes.

Wolfe noted that more than 4,000 Toronto teachers have taken part in training on how to use online platforms.

It feels like this has been going on for a long time, in terms of changing over an entire instructional style and process, she said of the move from in-person to online teaching that began shortly after the spring break. Its a very short period of time.

Every single high school teacher has done their absolute best to engage their students and to ensure there is continuity of learning.

Last week in the legislature, Lecce said that while online learning will not emulate the in-class experience, which is best, it is now incumbent on all of us to give (students) every option, using every opportunity, every tool and every technology to aid them in learning while they are home.

Lecces directive about live contact was also communicated to staff in the Peel public board, while the York board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board sent out resources to teachers about synchronous learning. The Durham public board, which also asked families for feedback, said that they appreciate both live learning and flexible opportunities that allow students to engage with teachers and access materials on their own time and is going to provide teachers with more supports for both methods of learning.

Boards have also been providing students with devices  laptops or iPads that in some cases have built-in Wi-Fi  to help address equity concerns.

The York Region branch of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has taken the toughest stance against video conferencing, warning that abuse of the live feed exposes teachers to potential allegations of misconduct and that the environment and expectations that we collectively create during the pandemic crisis will live on after.

The Toronto board has said teachers are to connect (email, google meet, phone, etc.) with students and families regularly, with a clear focus on mental health and well-being, in more than two interactions per week. They are also to organize a gathering of students as a whole group, of 15 minutes at a minimum, to provide a check-in through a morning message or virtual office hours.
Karnataka reports 41,457 new Covid cases; 25,595 from Bengaluru alone

2 cops deputed for CM Bommai's security held for trying to 'extort' money from drug peddlers

Karnataka govt revises guidelines for testing, quarantine and isolation: Check here

Is there Karnataka weekend lockdowns or night curfew? Here's what minister has to say

No Sunday curfew in Karnataka

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Bengaluru, May 30: The Karnataka government on Saturday eased the norm of curfew on Sundays while retaining the order of lockdown from 7 pm to 7 am in view of coronavirus.

In the beginning of the fourth phase of lockdown from May 19, the state government had ordered that total lockdown would be enforced throughout the day on Sundays to contain COVID-19 in the state.

Karnataka govt to charge Rs 650 for those coming by flights, trains for COVID-19 test

Last Sunday, a day prior to Eid-ul-Fitr, it was implemented across the state.

Delhi CM says capital is 4 teps ahead of virus, permanent lockdown unfeasible | Oneindia News

In the state capital, the curfew was imposed from Saturday evening itself.

In his order, Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar said there would not be complete lockdown on Sundays from 7 am to 7 pm following public request.

No ban on flights from 5 states, only sought reduction in number: Karnataka govt clarifies

However, the lockdown during nights will continue, he said in the order.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, May 30, 2020, 15:36 [IST]
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Education, has called for a collective approach by institutions to change the myths and other social perceptions on menstruation.



He said in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was the need to educate adolescent girls about menstrual hygiene and help deal with various misconceptions.



The Minister was speaking at the Menstrual Hygiene Day Virtual Seminar to mark the World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which celebrated annually in May.



This year's was dubbed "It is time for action" and it was observed using media interviews, short films, among others to sensitise females on good menstrual management practices.



The sessions were used to throw light on the challenges the girls faced, especially during the outbreak of COVID-I9, whereby financial constraints did not give them easy access to menstrual products and toilet facilities due to closure of schools.



Dr Prempeh indicated that over 800 million females worldwide menstruate daily and faced challenges concerning proper menstrual management.



Due to some taboos surrounding the monthly flow, resulting in social stigma, women and girls were prevented from going to work or school during their periods, he expressed concern, adding that, that prevented them from reaching their potentials.



He, therefore, called on stakeholders to empower girls and women to take up their economic opportunities despite the barriers.



Anne-Claire Dufay, Country Director of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said though girls' absenteeism in school had been associated to their periods, data was needed to back the fact that there were interventions to reduce it.



Nana Esi Inkoom, Director for the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) of the Ghana Education Service, pledged SHEP, together with Non-Governmental Organisations would provide schools with non-sanitary facilities to assist females maintain good menstrual hygyiene.









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
A mayor in Mississippi is facing fierce backlash and calls to resign after saying that he didnt see anything unreasonable about the death of George Floyd.

Mr Floyd, who was black, died while in police custody in Minneapolis after a white officer was filmed pinned him to the ground by his neck for a prolonged period of time.

Outrage over the 46-year-old's death escalated when a video showing the incident unfold was posted online. In the footage, Floyd can be heard saying I cant breathe to officers multiple times.

Hal Marx, the mayor of Petal, a city near Jackson, voiced his opinion on the incident on Twitter on Tuesday, saying he didnt see anything unreasonable and if you can say you cant breathe, youre breathing.

Most likely that man died of overdose or heart attack. Video doesnt show his resistance that got him in that position. Police being crucified, Mr Marx added.

Four police officers were fired on Tuesday in connection with the arrest. Derek Chauvin, the former officer who held Mr Floyd to the ground, was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday,

The death has prompted widespread unrest and protests across the US and in particular Minneapolis, where riots that stemmed from an initially peaceful Black Lives Matter protest have continued for two days.

The mayors comments were met with fierce backlash. Mr Marx has since deactivated his Twitter account.

You know as a former resident of Petal ... this is truly disturbing to see. To know that a leader of community feels right even posting this.., Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Javon Patterson said on Twitter.

Accountability must come into effect for Hal Marx, said Bobby Sims Jr, a pastor from a nearby city, at a protest over the Mayors comments covered by WDAM-TV.

Mr Marx later told The Hattiesburg American that the comments had been misinterpreted.

I think that people are so quick to judge the police before they have all the facts, he said.

I cant say whether a crime was committed or whether they did anything right or wrong, all Im saying is dont rush to judgment based on what you see in that video, he told the newspaper.

George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Show all 30 1 /30 George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police third precinct after a white police officer was caught on a bystander's video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester holds a sign with an image of George Floyd AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester throws a piece of wood on a fire in the street just north of the 3rd Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets People in other US cities also protested the murder, like Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A police officer lobs a canister to break up crowds Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester is treated after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Two police officers stand on the roof of the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters outside a Minneapolis police precinct two days after George Floyd died EPA George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters run from tear gas Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Demonstrators gather to protest in Los Angeles AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police remove barricades set by protesters AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the Third Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Flowers, signs and balloons are left near a makeshift memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A policeman faces a protester holding a placard in downtown Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A couple poses with a sign in Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I cant breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester reacts after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images

The mayor also reportedly defended his comments on Facebook.

The tolerant progressives cant tolerate a simple statement of fact and a request not to rush to judgment, a post made under his name read, according to screenshots taken by NBC affiliate WLBT.

The City of Petal acknowledged the mayors Facebook comments in their own post on Thursday, saying that while they were not representative of their city leaders, the mayor had a right to post them on his personal account.

Recommended Night of violence sees Minneapolis protests spread across US

The comments made on Mayor Hal Marxs personal Facebook page are not representative of all of our city leaders. We understand the frustrations his statements have caused, they wrote.

Those comments are his personal views and he has the right to share his views on his personal page.

The Petal Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Thursday, voting unanimously to ask for Marxs resignation, The Clarion Ledger reported.

However, the mayor who was first elected in 2009, refused, and elected officials in Mississippi can only be removed from office if theyve committed felonies.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
Days after a heartwarming video of a nonagenarian couple reuniting after months of separation brought about by coronavirus surfaced on the internet, a clip of cousins hugging each other and breaking down has taken the social media by storm.

The cousins named Hucky Collins and Rozzie Arnett couldnt meet due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

WYMT reported families of Hucky and Rozzie used to interact with each other. But, the kids could not see each other due to lockdown. On Wednesday, Hucky and Rozzies parents decided to widen the parameters of their family unit, meaning the children could finally hug.

The incident occurred in Floyd County, a part of the US state of Georgia. In the clip, Rozzie, daughter of Bethany and Jared Arnett, is seen smiling and moving towards Hucky and fondly embraces Hucky.

Soon after hugging, both the kids start crying. Rozzies father Jared Arnett told the portal, We kind of started laughing when they started crying, because we're like, Wow. But then it kind of set in. Our laughs turned into cries. We were all bawling and crying when we realized what was happening kind of in that moment.

Huckys mother Amber Collins also posted the endearing clip on Facebook.

Guaranteed to make you laugh and cry at the same time! We didnt know how much this was really affecting our kids until this happened. #cousins #COVID19 #quarantine #truelove #hugs #bettertogether #faithLife #thereisafuture, she captioned the post.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  About 250 people amassed at the state Capitol late Friday afternoon for a peaceful protest, joining hundreds of thousands of people across the country demonstrating against the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died at the hands of white police officers in Minneapolis on Monday.

The demonstration, organized through social media, came a day after protesters in Minneapolis set fire to a police station and other buildings, resulting in the National Guard being deployed. That same night in Albuquerque, police in riot gear used tear gas in a confrontation with protesters and several arrests were made.

A New Mexico State Police helicopter circled overhead at the Santa Fe demonstration.

Santa Fe police showed up briefly after protesters took to the streets and marched to the downtown plaza and back, but left soon thereafter. After most of the crowd dispersed, about 50 protesters lingered and continued the demonstration at the intersection of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail, shouting at passing vehicles, some of which answered back by honking their horns.

I think everyone has had enough. There needs to be change, said 17-year-old Abby Bay, one of the people who spread the word about the protest on Facebook. What happened in Minneapolis, it could happen anywhere, even here.

Lacking an organizer, several people stepped up to lead the crowd in chants of black lives matter and I cant breathe, the latter words spoken by Floyd as a Minneapolis police officer pressed him to the ground with a knee to his neck.

Were standing up for the injustices against black people, said Lonnica Montoya, who led most of the chants.

At one point, Montoya read the names of several dozen black citizens who have died at the hands of police.

Another woman, Amy Linquist, led the protesters in a song called Somebodys Hurting My Brother, which she said grew out of the Poor Peoples Campaign.

Protesters also carried signs, some reading Theres power in Unity and Complacency = Complicity.

Holding a sign that said I cant breathe, Derrick Gomez was one of fewer than a dozen African Americans at the demonstration.

Whats going on in Minneapolis with the riots and looting, and in Albuquerque with police and their guns, were here with just signs, he said. We have to stand up for what we believe in.

Gomez, who grew up in Santa Fe, where fewer than 1% of people identify as black or African American, said hes experienced racism all his life.

Its great to see the diversity here, especially here in New Mexico, where our culture is rich, he said. Its moving that people here do care.

Gomez said he hoped the protests being held across the country will make a difference and change attitudes about racism in America.

As long as we continue, they have to listen to us at some point, he said. The moment we quit is the moment they win.
Satellite photo shows North Island, part of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, known in Vietnam as the East Sea, September 2017. Photo by Planet Labs/via Reuters.

Maritime expert Vu Thanh Ca says China's vegetables cultivation claim on Vietnams Hoang Sa Islands is a ploy to strengthen illegal claims.

In an article published May 19, Chinese newspaper Global Times reported that China's navy had used a new technology to harvest 750 kilograms of vegetables on an feature of the so-called Xisha Islands, a name illegally given by China to Vietnams Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands.

The newspaper claimed that China being able to harvest vegetables on the island "counters international theories, including those in a 2016 arbitration, that islands in the South China Sea could not support communities of their own," and therefore reinforces Beijing's claim that the structures it illegally occupies in the Hoang Sa Islands are proper islands with exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Ca, former director of the Vietnam Institute of Seas and Islands under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Administration of Seas and Islands, dismissed this argument saying it was just China's latest move in its efforts to "legitimize" its illegal claims in the East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea.

Ca, now an associate professor at the Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, said that with the latest move, China wants to prove that the geographical features in the Hoang Sa Islands meet the condition of being able to "sustain human habitation or economic life."

If the features meet this condition, China could argue that they are proper islands and could use the straight baseline method to connect the outermost points of the above-water structures in archipelagos claimed by it to form an area where Beijing illegally claims "historic rights," which would be even larger than the area covered by the infamous nine-dash line.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in localities where the coastline is deeply indented and cut into, or if there is a fringe of islands along the coast in its immediate vicinity, the method of straight baselines joining appropriate points may be employed in drawing the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.

China seized a number of islands in the eastern part of Vietnam's Hoang Sa Islands by force in 1956, then seized the remaining islands in the archipelago by force from South Vietnam in 1974. Since then, China has been seeking ways to illegally claim sovereignty over a large part of Vietnamese waters.

Ca noted that Article 121 of the UNCLOS states that "rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf."

He said that prior to the Permanent Court of Arbitration's (PCA) ruling on the South China Sea arbitration between the Philippines and China in 2016, which China lost, there have been several different interpretations of the phrase "cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own," as this determines the legal status of structures that are above water at high tide.

There have even been arguments that with the development of science and modern technologies, all structures that are above water at high tide could "sustain human habitation or economic life of their own" if appropriately constructed and could be considered an island, Ca said.

However, he added, the PCA's 2016 ruling had put an end to these discussions.

In its ruling, the court concluded that an entity can "sustain human habitation or economic life of their own" if the entity, in its natural condition, could "sustain either a stable community of people or economic activity that is neither dependent on outside resources nor purely extractive in nature."

Using this interpretation, the PCA determined that structures in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands, which also belong to Vietnam, had never sustained any stable community and economic activities there had always been purely extractive in nature so they are just rocks with no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

When applying this interpretation to Hoang Sa Islands, Ca noted that up until the late 19th and early 20th century, the only human beings to reside were temporary communities of fishermen and other resource exploiters, including soldiers of Vietnam's Hoang Sa Fleet. Additionally, a number of Japanese companies had conducted fishing and guano mining in the area.

As these activities did not create a stable community and economic activities there were purely extractive in nature, the structures in the Hoang Sa Islands could not be considered islands and have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

"Therefore, China's interpretation is in reality a distortion of international law," Ca stressed.

As for Vietnam's standpoint, Ca affirmed that Hanoi has always highly regarded the PCA's ruling.

In a note to the United Nations in late March, Vietnam clearly stated its standpoint that the straight baseline cannot be used to connect the outermost points of the outer structures, and that the above-water structures in Vietnam's Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands are rocks that cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own, and so have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

Vietnam also asserted that China's declaration on its "historic rights" over the waters in the region exceeds UNCLOS regulations, so it is illegal and invalid.

Commenting on China's cultivation of vegetables on the Hoang Sa Islands, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Doan Khac Viet Thursday asserted that all activities on the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Islands without Vietnams permission are violations of Vietnams sovereignty and international law.
Grassley: Flynn Transcripts Show There Was Nothing Improper in Calls With Russian Ambassador

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said there there was nothing improper about the calls between then president-elect Donald Trumps incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and the Russian ambassador in December 2016 and January 2017.

Grassley was responding to the release of newly declassified transcripts (pdf) of several phone conversations between Flynn and then-Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The transcripts show that Flynn asked Kislyak to keep the Russian response to sanctions by the outgoing Obama administration reciprocal so that the two nations could cooperate to address the mutual threat of radical Islamic terrorism.

Lt. General Flynn, his legal team, the judge and the American people can now see with their own eyesfor the first timethat all of the innuendo about Lt. General Flynn this whole time was totally bunk, Grassley said in a statement. There was nothing improper about his call, and the FBI knew it.

Flynn pleaded guilty in late 2017 to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Kislyak. Flynn recently withdrew that plea, arguing that his prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence. Recently, the Department of Justice moved to drop the case against Flynn, arguing that the FBI had no reason to question him on the day he allegedly lied to them.

Special counsel Robert Mueller, whose team has prosecuted the Flynn case, concluded his investigation finding no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

The content of Flynns conversations with the Russian ambassador remained hidden for years, even as major media outlets fanned the flames of the Russia-collusion narrative by claiming the charges against him were proof of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. The full transcripts instead show Flynn working to cool down tensions so that the incoming Trump administration would have an opening to work with Russia against radical Islamic terrorism.

If you have to do something, do something on a reciprocal basis, meaning you know, on a sort of an even basis. Then that, then that is a good message and well understand that message, Flynn had said in the call. And then what we can do is, when we come in, we can then have a better conversation about where, where were gonna go, uh~ regarding uh, regarding our relationship.

And also, basically we have to take these, these enemies on that we have. And we definitely have a common enemy. You have a problem with it, we have a problem with it in this country, and we definitely have a problem with it in the Middle East.

The transcripts were released to the public by the recently-sworn-in Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Ratcliffe. Acting DNI Richard Grenell declassified the records before completing his term. Grassley praised Grenell for the declassification.

Its a shame its taken nearly three and a half years for everyone to see the underlying evidence against Flynn that Rosenstein and the Mueller team went to great lengths to keep hidden. Our justice system doesnt work when one side holds all the cards, Grassley said. Transparency brings accountability. Keep it coming.

The judge in Flynns case has not approved the DOJs motion to dismiss the charges. Flynns attorneys have since successfully asked a higher court to intervene with the appeal still pending.
The British liberal elite and its media acolytes in full lynch-mob mode is a truly disgusting sight.

Pitchforks aloft, torches alight, screaming in the street, certain of its moral superiority and  most delicious of all  the smell of Brexiteer blood in its nostrils.

Outside the home of its intended victim, its yelling reporters and snapping photographers ignore social distancing in their excitement, even though the story is, ironically, about social distancing.

Who cares that ultimately what was in question was the wellbeing of a four-year-old child, whose parents both feared they had a potentially life-threatening illness?

Dominic Cummings, special advisor for Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves his house in London, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), May 27, 2020

Could we expect a rational discussion of whether a civil servant broke the provisions of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020?

Of course not, because this was Dominic Cummings, the man the Left hate more than anyone. And that is because they fear him.

At least in this orgy of virtuesignalling one might have expected the sober prelates of the Church of England to calm things down a bit, to see that putting one's family first in a nightmare situation might at least be worthy of some Christian consideration.

Not a bit of it. A dozen bishops all simultaneously gave their blessing to the lynch mob, urging it on just as medieval popes did the Crusades.

One wonders if there's a WhatsApp group for outraged anti-Tory bishops because, of the 12, eight denounced a no-deal Brexit last year.

'Do we accept being lied to, patronised and treated by a PM as mugs?' tweeted Nick Baines, the Bishop of Leeds.

'What are we to teach our children? (I ask as a responsible father.)'

I know I'd sooner be the son of a father willing to drive halfway across the country to find loving childcare near my parents than be a bishop who wants to trumpet what a 'responsible' father he is by writing chippy, divisive rubbish such as: 'We learn that there is one rule for the people and another for No 10 and the elite.'

Dominic Cummings, special advisor for Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacts to the media as he arrives at his house in London following revelations he travelled during lockdown

The bishop might be right in a way he doesn't understand. For no ordinary people would be vilified, hounded and abused in the way that Cummings has been.

When he's older, and the son of Cummings and his wife Mary Wakefield learns the lengths to which his parents went to keep him safe, he will be proud of them. (I speak as a responsible father.)

'The PM's risible defence of Cummings is an insult to all those who have made such sacrifices to ensure the safety of others,' tweets John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester.

An insult? Really? In what possible way does standing by someone whom one believes has stayed within the rules 'insult' anyone else?

It's fine for bishops to want to be politicians, but where does it say in the constitution that they should all be  almost without exception  of Labour or Lib Dem persuasion?

If the bishops are going to weigh into politics, with their 26 seats in the House of Lords, then the Tories who make up a proportion of their parishioners ought to have more representation there, too.

BBC radio news predictably adorned its own slanted coverage of the Cummings story with a lady who cried on air  the gold-dust of 'gotcha' journalism  when talking about her dead father, effectively likening the No10 advisor to a murderer.

Yet without logically explaining how Cummings' actions damage either her or her late father in any way.

Where emotion takes over, rational discussion collapses, and the BBC's shoehorning of grieving relatives into a story about a fouryear-old's emergency childcare was a classic of its genre.

I'd wondered whether the fact that Cummings has a beautiful, talented and upper-class wife might have added to people's resentment.

Sure enough, Alastair Campbell plumbed a new low on Sky News, ranting at presenter Kay Burley: 'I'll allege what the hell I like!'

'Get his wife on the programme,' he said about a short article Wakefield had written about the couple's experience, and ask her about 'what she wrote in her little Mills & Boon love story about her lovely Dom.'

Sexist, sarcastic and factually incorrect all in one sentence. Good going. Yet Campbell did unconsciously allow us an insight into the thinking behind the liberal Left's loathing of Cummings, when he denounced, 'this Right-wing hideous cabal that's taken over this country.'

Taken over? Not 'decisively won the December 2019 General Election'?

Campbell prefers to see Boris's victory  so effectively aided by Cummings  as some sort of a coup d'etat rather than as a normal and entirely proper function of the democratic process.

That is the key point: Cummings is viewed as dangerous by the Left because his understanding of working class voters  over both Brexit and at the last Election  proved so much more accurate than theirs.

He has plotted a way forward for the Tories that appeals to such voters, especially in the North East.

That's why his Left-wing opponents are desperate to drag him down.

Of course, it's not just the Left that has denounced Cummings; a slew of Tory MPs fearful of their constituents' reaction have, too.

But it is the Left that has adopted the worst kind of hyperbolic language.

Perhaps it is a back-handed tribute to Cummings that they have reacted in this exaggerated way, betraying the fear they feel.

As for some of the Tories who did not want to argue the Cummings case with their constituents, it's as well that Boris knows early on in this Government who he can rely on in a tight spot, and who will put their self-preservation first, even four-and-a-half years away from the next General Election.

For his own part, Boris has shown that he will stand by a friend and colleague regardless of the hit he has taken in the opinion polls.

Such a reputation is a fine and unusual one to have in modern British politics. We saw his magnanimity in the way he treated Michael Gove after the 2016 Tory leadership election imbroglio; now we see his fierce loyalty.

What the Left tend to forget is this: if they do, indeed, destroy Cummings's career and it could easily still happen, despite the police saying there is no case to answer  the phone lines still work at No10.

Cummings would still be functioning as an adviser of brilliance, but on a private sector basis, earning three or four times his present taxpayer-funded salary.

The lockdown was the right thing to have done. Indeed, Cummings was a leading proponent of it.

Yet Britain is now in serious danger of turning a sensible public-health measure into some kind of religion, complete with its own saints and sinners, heretics and apostates.

It is profoundly un-British and, in the way it has been so egregiously manipulated, worryingly sinister.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 07:51:44|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A protester shouts slogans to the police on a street of lower Mahattan in New York, the United States, May 29, 2020. New Yorkers continued to protest over the death of George Floyd as hundreds of people took to the street in Manhattan on Friday to express their anger toward police brutality and racism. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

NEW YORK, May 29 (Xinhua) -- New Yorkers continued to protest over the death of George Floyd as hundreds of people took to the street in Manhattan on Friday to express their anger toward police brutality and racism.

More than 200 people were seen marching toward Foley Square in Lower Manhattan on Friday afternoon in a generally peaceful manner, though several arrests were made throughout the demonstration.

Most of the protesters were wearing face masks as required by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. They waved posters and chanted slogans including Floyd's last words "I can't breathe."

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, repeatedly pleaded with a white officer with these words as the latter held him to the ground with a knee to his neck for around 8 minutes on Monday evening in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd lost consciousness and died in custody later.

Though large gatherings are still banned in New York City due to the pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday that demonstrations are allowed for this purpose, but urged protesters to respect the police.

"Anyone who wants to protest, we're going to protect your right to protest. But please also respect that the cop in front of you did not create this problem. And we have to fix this problem on a much more fundamental level," said the mayor in a program on radio channel WNYC.

The mayor said earlier on Friday at his daily briefing that his "heart broke" while watching the video of Floyd's deadly encounter with the officer.

"It was ... I could not believe the officer's lack of concern, and it was horrifying, and it just can't go on this way," he said.

On Thursday afternoon, around 100 New Yorkers held the city's first protest over the Floyd's death. Some 70 arrests were made after some clashes between protesters and the police.

Floyd's death easily reminds New Yorkers of Eric Garner, a black man in New York's Staten Island who died from an apparent chokehold by a white police officer in 2014. Garner also repeatedly said "I can't breathe" before his death, and the tragedy galvanized the nationwide "Black Lives Matter" movement.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said at Friday's briefing that he stands with protesters.

"Enough is enough. How many times do you have to see the same lesson replayed before you do something? This country is better than this. It has been better than this and it shouldn't take this long to end basic discrimination and basic injustice," Cuomo said.

He noted that this is not an isolated incident, but "a continuum of cases and situations that have been going on for decades, and decades, and decades."

"These are just chapters in a book. And the title of the book is continuing injustice and inequality in America," said the governor. Enditem
Launching an airline in Africa is a notorious challenge in a continent and sector where opportunities are often crimped by regulations and national champions are dominant. Now, for plucky entrants, coronavirus has added to the checklist of problems, as a small Senegalese airline can attest. Transair, an ambitious company founded 10 years ago, has no passengers because of the pandemic -- but it still has to fly its planes. Once a week, one of its planes makes a sortie out of Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport, even though not one of its passenger seats is filled. The reason: The company has to ensure its planes meet standards of airworthiness and pilots carry out at least three takeoffs and three landings every three months -- requirements for retaining their commercial flying licences. Pilot Laurent Klinka said he had mixed feelings as he prepared a 50-seat twin-jet Embraer ERJ 145 for a 30-minute trip up Senegal's coast, reaching the northern town of Saint-Louis before turning round and heading for home. "It's a pleasure to get back in an aircraft, even if it's just for an hour," the French national said. "But everyone is afraid of what could happen with this crisis." - Business blow - All international flights to and from Senegal have been suspended since March 20 -- the exceptions being for a handful of medical evacuations and repatriation flights, as well as for maintenance flights. Late on Thursday, the government announced that the suspension of all flights in and out of the country would be extended until June 30. For Transair, the one-hour validation flights for its four Embraers and two Boeings costs more than a thousand euros ($1,100) in fuel alone. The pandemic has dealt a crippling blow to firms that have staked much on shuttling European vacationers to Senegal's beaches and forests. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates the crisis will inflict a hit of $314 billion (286 billion euros) on airlines' turnover this year, equivalent to a fall of 55 percent over 2019. The sector is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels before 2023, IATA says. Such talk is grim news for Senegal's three airlines, the biggest of which is the national flag carrier Air Senegal, founded in 2016, which specialises in scheduled flights between West Africa and Europe. The smallest is Arc-en-ciel Aviation, which caters to charter flights. In the middle is Transair, which pitches to both markets -- scheduled and charter -- with a special eye on tourism. In normal times, its fleet carries out around 60 flights a week. Forty of them are on domestic routes, while the remainder are around the West African region, to destinations such as Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. The company says that last year it flew 90,000 people as it carved out new routes, including to Liberia, and recorded a slight deficit on its turnover. It declined to give figures. - 'No idea' - "Before (the pandemic), we were expanding, we were even thinking about starting inter-continental flights in a few years," Transair's boss and founder, Alioune Fall, told AFP. "Now everything's come to a halt. When you have been doing three or four flights a day and then it all suddenly stops, you have no idea what lies ahead." Seeking to dampen the impact of the crisis, the government has earmarked 77 billion CFA francs ($120 million, 110 million euros) in support for the tourism and aviation sector. Of this, 45 billion francs is likely to go to Air Senegal, while Transair, as a private company, is likely to be offered low-interest loans and a delay in value-added tax (VAT) payments. So far, Fall has retained his 104 employees throughout the lockdown, but admits to wondering whether he will be able to meet the wage bill for May. There is a "risk of bankruptcy" in the direst scenarios, he said, but insisted that he remained hopeful. "This is why the planes are still flying," he said. "Activity will pick up, starting within a minimal service." Ibra Wane, a Senegalese who is a consultant for IATA and owner of Arc-en-Ciel (Rainbow), warned that "bloody" days lay ahead. "Budgets for business travel are going to be reduced, and tourism will shrink terribly. If (airline) companies do not scale back their operations and cut costs, they could disappear."
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane have lauded the achievements of a female Indian Army officer who has been awarded the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the year for 2019 for her role as a peacekeeper with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) last year.

Major Suman Gawani, who is from the Corps of Signals, received the award from Guterres at an online ceremony organised by the New York-based UN headquarters on May 29 on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, an army spokesperson said.

Gawani, who was deployed to South Sudan last year, is currently posted in New Delhi. The UN gave out the award for the first time to a woman peacekeeper in 2016 for integrating a gender perspective into peacekeeping activities.

The Indian woman officer received the award along with Brazilian navy officer Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo.

Im proud to share that Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo of Brazil and Major Suman Gawani of India have been awarded the Military Gender Advocate Award. Their @UNPeacekeeping contributions highlight how women peacekeepers are vital to peace and security everywhere, the UN Secretary-General tweeted.

India is one of the largest contributors of personnel to the UNs peacekeeping operations and women have served in foreign missions in different capacities.

South Sudan, the worlds newest country carved out of Sudan in July 2011, represents the second-largest deployment of the Indian Army on foreign soil with more than 2,300 Indian soldiers deployed there. Major Gawani was a military observer at the mission from November 2018 to December 2019.

Gender becomes relevant especially in the places driven by conflict. Women and children being more vulnerable are the worst hit in such situations. UNMISS is making all efforts to deploy more and more female peacekeepers in front roles such as military observers and contingent so that so they can reach deeper into the community and bring some sense of security for the survivors of conflict, Major Gawani said in a video message released by the army.

While at the mission, she was the principal focal point of contact for gender issues for military observers in the mission. The officer encouraged participation in joint military patrols to maintain gender balance, irrespective of the hardships under extreme field conditions. She visited various mission team sites across South Sudan to integrate gender perspective into the planning and military activity in the mission, the army said in a statement.

General MM Naravane #COAS congratulates Major Suman Gawani for receiving prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award (2019). Major Suman received the award during an online ceremony presided over by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the army tweeted on Saturday.

Major Gawani was selected to attend a specialised training on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Nairobi and also participated in various UN forums to demonstrate how a gender perspective can help in protecting civilians, especially from CRSV, a spokesperson said.

Apart from supporting the UNMISS force initiatives, she also trained the South Sudan government forces on CRSV-related aspects. The officer also commanded the UN Peacekeepers Day Parade organised at UNMISS, he said.
Wade Sankey bought a stock contracting operation with his Minnesotan business partner Matt Scharping in January.

Two months later the coronavirus had caused the cancellation of major events the world over. And all of his work dried up.

It would have been nice to have a job or two before we ran the family business into the ground, Sankey said Thursday in a self-effacing tone. He faces a zero-profit year just months after buying the 30-year-old stock contracting operation from his parents.

Sankeys business is rodeo. If theres no rodeo, theres no work. He provides the cattle for roping and the horses for rough stock competitions.

Other than the ones competitors bring themselves, every animal you see at a rodeo Sankey contracts will be his.

So when six of the largest rodeos in Wyoming were canceled in one fell swoop, he knew his business was going to take a massive hit.

The announcement came Wednesday. Gov. Mark Gordon delivered the bitter news from a conference room inside the state capitol, flanked by the rodeos six showrunners. The announcement was among the more heavy-hearted that Gordon has had to make since the coronavirus pandemic first reached Wyoming in mid-March.

The decision was necessary to protect public health and the financial futures of the events, many of the rodeo officials said in interviews following the Wednesday announcement. But the immediate impact, they all conceded, would be severe.

Sankeys is just one of countless businesses facing crises from the economic fallout of closures and quarantines meant to quell the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 100,000 people in the U.S. alone.

Its something Sankey never would have accounted for in his business planning.

One thing about rodeo: Its always been sustainable, no matter the economy, Sankey said. We had guaranteed income and thats gone right now, all of it.

Another thing about rodeo: It can get expensive. Sankey Pro Rodeo operates with a $525,000 overhead, meaning Sankey needs to make more than half a million dollars before he starts seeing a profit.

And it makes sense, when you think of how much it would cost to feed, house and otherwise care for 300 head of cattle, nearly 300 horses and 60 rodeo bulls for a whole year.

Normally, its a safe investment. He said hes not the only one in the business who makes their entire living on rodeo events. Judges, timers, rodeo clowns do it, too.

This is a huge ripple down, he said.

***

Calling off the rodeos wasnt a split-second decision, Billy Craft, president of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, explained emphatically over the phone Thursday.

This was a large amount of people who came together over weeks to see if we could make this work, Craft said. As painful as it is, we felt it was the right thing to do.

The decision involved countless alternative plans, ideas and innovations to try to maintain public health and still have the beloved, decadesold festivals that typically draw tens of thousands  and in some cases hundreds of thousands  to Wyoming communities.

Event runners and county health officials, city council members and police chiefs  they all deliberated over the issue for weeks. But as contract deadlines drew closer, a decision needed to be made. The showrunners, state officials and local leaders all decided together, Craft said, that hosting the rodeos wasnt the safe thing to do this year.

Gordon received enough backlash after his Wednesday announcement that he put out a follow-up statement clarifying that the decision to cancel the rodeos did not come from him and that it was only those six rodeos that had come to a collective agreement to cancel their 2020 plans.

I want to be very clear  rodeo as a whole is not cancelled in Wyoming. There are no public health orders issued by the state that would shut down rodeos or prevent them from taking place, he said. In fact, we are continuing to work diligently to ensure that our Wyoming State Fair, county fairs, local rodeos and other smaller events can take place this summer.

Mike Darby, president of the Cody Stampede Rodeo, also emphasized that the decision was a group one, and not made by one person.

He said the Cody Stampede Board wanted to go ahead with the rodeo, and indeed they are still trying to do so. But to do it at even close to the capacity typical of the festivities wouldnt be possible, he said.

We couldnt wrap our heads around how to get by, Darby continued. Theres just no way to have a rodeo and be responsible.

The Cody Stampede board did issue a news release Friday, following that interview with Darby, saying it would still be pursuing the Cody Stampede and the Cody Nite Rodeo. Darby said later Friday, however, that he only hoped to get state approval to seat 300 at the Cody Nite Rodeo, a smaller, nightly event that runs from June through August.

Tom Jones, CEO of Caspers Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo stressed Wednesday afternoon the need to consider the health of the spectators in the decision-making.

We have to consider all the people who attend, he said, pointing to the risks associated with large gatherings.

***

All the rodeo officials who spoke with the Star-Tribune said the shows couldnt go on safely as they were but that the immediate economic impact in the communities where these events take place will be severe.

The Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo brings in more than $6 million in local spending to Natrona County, Jones said Wednesday, if you account for the prerequisite qualifying events the fairgrounds hosts prior to the big event.

During the week of Laramie Jubilee Days, spending in the community is increased 12.6 percent over a typical summer week, explained Scott Larson, director of Albany County Travel and Tourism.

We expect to see a hit, most dramatically in the lodging industry, he said, where a $220,000 loss over that one week is anticipated.

In Sheridan, the loss of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo  which gathers between 25,000 and 30,000 in the city of less than 20,000  will cost the community north of $6 million, Craft said.

In Cheyenne, the loss of Cheyenne Frontier Days, billed as the worlds largest outdoor rodeo, will cost the community between $25 and $30 million in direct local spending, said Domenic Bravo, director of travel and tourism in Laramie County.

In Cody, Darby expects to lose millions, but couldnt provide an exact estimate, and in Thermopolis, the area Chamber of Commerce said they expected to see significant drops in local spending but couldnt offer exact numbers, either.

But had the rodeos happened and been unsuccessful, it could have put the events in jeopardy for years to come, several event officials said.

Chairman Guy Warpness wasnt sure Laramie Jubilee Days was going to happen even if it had been safe to do so.

I dont know if we could have afforded to do this even if wed been allowed to, he said.

Small businesses  major sponsors of local rodeo festivals such as the Laramie Jubilee Days  have been debilitated in this pandemic. Not more than two vendors had committed to their contracts for the festival, when by this time Warpness would usually have filled all 20 slots. Bands were cancelling and attendance would be hard to predict so far ahead of time.

With all those variables up in the air, Warpness said by going on with it they would have risked bankrupting the 80-year-old celebration for good.

Its a lot of difficult decisions to make, he said.

Tom Hirsig, president of Cheyenne Frontier Days, shared similar experiences. He said many of the shows sponsors are energy-sector businesses, none of which are in a financial position to support such a massive undertaking.

It was going to be a hardship on a lot of them, he said.

Everything from attendance to which bands would play, even if such a large gathering were legally allowed, led them to the ultimate decision. It would be better  economically and from a public health standpoint  to not have an event rather than risk having an unsuccessful one, Hirsig said.

That doesnt mean canceling the event didnt hurt. Badly.

When you get two months out, you are spending a lot of money, Hirsig said. Theyve already invested $2 million in marketing and other preparations. Thats $2 million were not going to get back.

Its virtually going to take every bit of our savings to get to next year and put on a show, he added.

The rodeo also owns and maintains its facilities themselves, out of its annual operating budget. So even without the show, money will be spent this season to maintain the facilities.

But he said Frontier Days hopes to make it up to the would-be spectators. The rodeo had sold more than 40,000 tickets for the night shows and between 25,000 and 30,000 for the rodeos before the Wednesday announcement, and is offering refunds or rollover options to those ticket holders.

Craft said the decision in Sheridan was made under similar conditions.

Were all angry but we have to make our decision based on whats good for the whole picture, he said.

That means whats good for public health and whats going to be best for the local economy in the long run.

If we make the wrong decision, we risk their health and we risk their economic health moving forward, he said.

If the event had led to another outbreak, that could reshutter businesses and hurt the local economy even more.

We could bankrupt Main Street in our respective communities by making the wrong decision here, Craft said. We chose to give up the week. We cant take the risk. Its not our rodeo. It belongs to the community and we are just the stewards of that.

***

Smaller events are being planned in several of the cities where the weeklong rodeo festivals have been canceled.

Bravo, the Laramie County director of travel and tourism, said officials hoped to organize a string of events around the county during the week Frontier Days would have occurred. He said the various venues and event runners have been coordinating to figure out what that would look like, but they should be prepared for something.

The Cody Stampede Rodeo is hoping to get an exception allowing it to seat more than 250 people for the Cody Nite Rodeo. In Sheridan, Craft is hoping to work with local bars and other venues to stream footage from the previous year so people can still gather around rodeo  just in a lesser capacity.

Sankey is hosting a drive-in rodeo Saturday night at the Sankey Pro Rodeo ranch in Joliet, Montana. Spectators can watch from lawn chairs or from their vehicles, he said. Its the first of his efforts to try and make up for the losses he knows hell see this year.

When asked if it will be enough, facing such a bleak situation, he stiffened a bit.

It cant be a bleak situation. This is the situation were in, he said. You either chose to make it something better  or curl up and die.

Follow local government reporter Morgan Hughes on Twitter @morganhwrites

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In October 2001 I was standing on a hilltop 40 miles north of Kabul watching US aircraft bomb the Taliban front line. The night sky was lit up with the flash of explosions and the sparkle of ineffectual anti-aircraft fire. It was fairly obvious who was going to come out the winner.

A few weeks later the US-backed anti-Taliban forces advanced south and captured Kabul without the Taliban putting up any resistance. It looked as if they had suffered a decisive military defeat which had ended forever their rule over Afghanistan. As their armies broke up, I drove to the southern city of Kandahar past ragged groups of Taliban fighters on their way home.

Except that they had not really been defeated and, 19 years later, the Taliban are closer than ever to regaining power in Afghanistan as the US withdraws the last of its troops. Under an agreement between the Taliban and the US signed on 29 February this year, the number of US soldiers in the country, which once exceeded 100,000, dropped to 8,600 this week and the remainder should be out of the country before the middle of next year.

The final withdrawal of US troops may come even earlier than that because President Trump would like to declare that he has brought back all American troops in Afghanistan before the US presidential election on 3 November. He tweeted on Wednesday: Bring our soldiers back home but closely watch what is going on and strike with a thunder like never before, if necessary. The Pentagon is none too happy about this, but keeping US troops in the country for a few more months, after almost two decades of failure, is not going to make much difference.

The return of the Taliban should not have come as quite such a surprise. When I got to Kandahar on my journey south from Kabul in 2001, I asked a local man if I could meet some of the surviving Taliban commanders. He said this would be no problem. We drove to his village not far from the city where we met half a dozen tough, confident-looking Taliban who said that they would go back to war if they were marginalised and not treated right.

By 2006, they had done just that and three years later their motorcycle patrols had cut the road between Kabul and Kandahar. The US increased the number of its troops and deluged the country with bombs and missiles. The US generals were always claiming that victory was just over the horizon, if only they had more forces and more time. They got both, but were unable to do more than hold the line against the Taliban, despite losing 2,400 US servicemen dead and 21,000 wounded.

The Americans were not the only ones to miscalculate. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, the British ambassador in Kabul at the time, wrote in his memoirs that the worst mistake made by the Foreign Office in the previous 30 years was the invasion of Iraq, and the second worst was its enthusiastic endorsement of Britains half-baked effort to occupy Helmand [in southern Afghanistan] in 2006. Most of the 400 British soldiers killed in Afghanistan died in Helmand province in one of the most disastrous and ineffectual campaigns in British military history.

President Trump is trying to portray the US withdrawal as a peace agreement, but the peace he has agreed, such as it is, is between the US forces and the Taliban. Afghan government forces allied to the US have come under repeated attack. The crux of the peace agreement is the US withdrawal in return for Taliban assurances about their future actions.

There have been a few conciliatory signs such as an exchange of Taliban-government prisoners in the last few days. But elsewhere the war has gone on with the Taliban assaulting the northern city of Kunduz and making guerrilla attacks elsewhere. Earlier this month, Kabul witnessed one of the worst atrocities in decades of conflict when three gunmen, probably belonging to the local chapter of Isis, burst into the maternity ward of a hospital in the capital and shot to death at least 15 mothers, babies and medical staff. Most of the dead are reported to be Shia Muslims belonging to the Hazara ethnic minority who have long been a target of the fundamentalist Sunni Isis.

The Taliban denied involvement in the slaughter of the mothers and children, but they too have a history of anti-Shia bigotry and of persecuting the Hazara. In 2001, the Taliban famously blew up the 165-foot-tall 1,700-year-old Buddha statues in the Hazara heartlands in central Afghanistan.

There is a clue here to the future of Afghanistan and it is a grim one. Afghanistan is deeply divided by ethnicity, sect and tribe. Most Afghans I have spoken to over the years dislike the Taliban, though they may not like the spectacularly corrupt government and its forces any better. An attempt at a complete Taliban takeover will be resisted to the death by many, just as it was twenty years ago  which was why I was able to stay in an anti-Taliban enclave north of Kabul at the start of the bombing in 2001.

Could the outcome of the US-Taliban war, with Britain playing a bit part, have been any different? Militarily, the Taliban could never be put permanently out of business so long as they had the not-very covert support of Pakistan and could use Pakistani territory as their rear base and refuge. Trying to occupy Afghanistan has never proved a good idea for any foreign power. Reliance on a foreign sponsor like the US might prop up the central government, but this dependency robbed it of legitimacy and fuelled corruption. Billions of dollars in US aid and day-to-day expenditure meant that there was always plenty to steal.

Does anybody care about this in the US today when the 100,000 fatalities from coronavirus this year dwarfs the figure for American casualties in all its wars since Vietnam? Yet Trumps gut political instincts are seldom wrong about what motivates the American voter; if he thinks that he will benefit from bringing back the troops, he is probably correct.

The American failure in Afghanistan is very real and it will be noticed in the rest of the world, preoccupied though people are by the pandemic. If the US is to retain the status of superpower, it needs to be seen as reasonably successful and competent in achieving its ends. On a much smaller scale the same is true of Britain. Nobody who witnessed the British state in action in the Iraq and Afghan wars will have been too surprised by its stumbling, poorly judged efforts to cope with the Covid-19 epidemic.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 01:30:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LISBON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) said on Friday that it had prevented about 3,000 people from entering its land borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in an operation that reached approximately 500,000 people in the last two and a half months.

With the collaboration of the National Republican Guard (GNR), another 15 people were also detained at Authorized Crossing Points (PPA) with Spain, SEF said in an official statement.

The PPA with the largest movement of people was that of Valenca, where over 200,000 people were handled, followed by that of Caia, with around 70,000, and Vilar Formoso, with 60,000.

The control of land borders with Spain has been in effect since 23:00 on March 16 at nine authorized crossing points and will remain closed until 00:00 on June 15.

According to the SEF, tourist and leisure travel between the two countries is prevented, with only the transport of goods, cross-border workers, seasonal workers, emergency and rescue vehicles and emergency services being allowed.

The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) announced 14 more deaths of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the country's total deaths to 1,383. The number of infected people increased by 350 to 31,946 in total. Enditem
COLUMBUS, OhioGov. Mike DeWine on Saturday deployed the Ohio National Guard, as well as the Ohio State Highway Patrol, to keep order amid protests in Cleveland and Columbus.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther also imposed a curfew for the city of Columbus from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Saturday night and continuing indefinitely. In Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Their actions came after a third day of protests in Columbus in response to the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. During previous nights, people broke windows at the Ohio Statehouse and other downtown buildings and injured two officers.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, speaking after the news conference, said the decision to call out the Guard and impose the curfew came after police gathered intelligence that an increasing number of people from groups such as Anonymous are coming into Columbus to commit acts of destruction and violence to further their own end goals.

Those goals, he said, include in some cases the disruption and the overthrow of the government.

During the news conference, Ginther said that each day, the protests have escalated from peaceful to antagonistic to vandalism."

He noted that on Friday night alone, more than 100 public and private buildings were damaged and several police officers were injured from bricks and rocks thrown at them.

While the vast majority of demonstrators want simply to be heard," DeWine said during a news conference, Sadly -- sadly  there is a relatively small number of violent individuals who pose a specific threat and a real threat to our law-enforcement officers and to the safety of the people of Columbus and Franklin County."

The governor said he was activating the National Guard to drive out hate and violence and help instill order.

He continued: We do this today so that love and kindness, compassion and peace can triumph over hate and violence.

Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan said protesters calls against racism have been overshadowed by people committing vandalism, looting, and damaging our national or local landmarks.

We have worked with the protesters. We have listened for their calls for change, and we have worked to make sure we can provide an environment that they can have their voices heard, Quinlan said. But the protests have transformed from lawful, peaceful protests into criminal riots. ...And people are being hurt.

Quinlan told reporters that by having to respond to protests, police have been unable to respond to other calls made by residents.

It is now to the point that lives are on the line, the chief said.

Quinlan also said that police are getting to an "exhaustion point after being pelted with water bottles and fireworks.

Under Columbus curfew, people cannot drive or walk outside of their property without risking arrest, according to Ginther spokeswoman Robin Davis, though residents can be outside on their property.

There are a number of exceptions to the curfew, Davis stated in an email, including medical emergencies and members of the media.

Read more cleveland.com stories:

New Ohio coronavirus order extends mass-gathering ban until July 1

Caller told Rep. Emilia Sykes he would kill her father if she didnt resign from Ohio legislature

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, police Chief Calvin Williams welcome protests over death of George Floyd -- so long as theyre peaceful

Elkton prison officials in Ohio, while again appealing judges order to prevent coronavirus spread, quarantines inmates for transfer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janta party, on Saturday, completed one year of its second tenure since May 2019. PM Modi, claimed a landslide victory last year in May in national elections with 303 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats up for grabs. In the past 12 months, the Modi government adopted a number of key laws, delivering on the electoral promises made by Modi''s BJP.

Here's a look at some of the key decisions by Modi government:

1. Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir special status

Last year, on August 5, the Modi government scrapped provisions under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted a special status to the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the Union of India. It was decided that Jammu and Kashmir would be turned into Union Territories with a legislature, similar to Puducherry.

2. Construction of Ram Temple

The Supreme Court gave a final verdict on a century-old dispute of Ramjanambhoomi-Babri masjid dispute, last year in November. The apex court backed the construction of Ram temple by a trust at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and ruled that an alternative five-acre plot be allotted for a mosque.

Delivering a unanimous judgment on a case that has long polarised the country and frayed the secular tapestry of Indian society, a five-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said the faith of Hindus that Lord Ram was born at the site was undisputed, and he is symbolically the owner of the land. Yet, it is also clear that the destruction of the 16th century three-domed structure by Hindu kar sevaks, who wanted to build a Ram temple there, was wrong that "must be remedied," the ruling said.

3.CAA/NRC

The much controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which led to enormous protests across the country, was also passed during the second tenure of the BJP government.

According to the amended citizenship law, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who came from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there will be eligible for Indian citizenship.

Home Minister Amit Shah stated in Lok Sabha that the Bill sought to give Indian nationality to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who were facing religious persecution there.

4.Triple Talaq

Jut after acceding to power for the second time, PM Modi-led BJP government passed the instant triple talaq bill criminalises instant divorce by Muslim men and seeks jail term for the guilty. It was cleared by the Rajya Sabha with 99 votes in favour and 84 opposing it.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 that prohibits divorce by pronouncing talaq thrice in one go was passed with 303 votes in favour and 82 against in the lower house.

5. PSB merger

The Union Cabinet also approved the consolidation of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four entities. At present, India has 18 state-owned banks compared with 27 in 2017. After the merger, the number will further come down to 12.

Also read: One year of Modi govt 2.0: 'Full of historic achievements', says Amit Shah

Also read: PM Modi writes letter to nation to mark first anniversary of second term: Read full text
Aides to three US senators, Republicans Kelly Loeffler (Georgia) and James Inhofe (Oklahoma) and Democrat Dianne Feinstein (California), confirmed this week that the US Justice Department has dropped investigations into insider trading activity by the senators in January and February of this year. However, North Carolina Senator Richard Burr, the former chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, remains under investigation.

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents seized Burrs cell phone earlier this month under a warrant that granted agents access to Burrs iCloud storage and private messages. As of this writing, no charges have been publicly filed against Burr.

Publicly disclosed Senate filings by all four senators documented that they and/or their associates sold off millions of dollars of their stock investments after the senators were given access to classified briefings in January warning of a major coronavirus pandemic hitting the US. On the basis of this inside information, which they did not share with their constituents or the general public, the senators sold off large stock holdings while the market was at its apex, in advance of a 10,000-point drop in the Dow that began in mid-February and continued into late-March in response to the growing international pandemic crisis.

The market collapse was halted and reversed around the time of the passage of the multi-trillion-dollar CARES Act bailout, which has sustained a record 35 percent rise in the Dow since the end of March.

Even as they were dumping stock holdings, several of the senators were publicly reassuring the country that it had nothing to fear from the virus.

All four senators are multimillionaires. Feinstein, at $58.5 million, is the eighth richest member of the Senate. Loeffler, at $500 million, is the richest member of Congress.

In March, the four were publicly named as targets of a Securities and Exchange Commission and Justice Department investigation after it was reported by multiple news organizations that each had sold six-figures (or more) worth of stock after receiving classified intelligence briefings on January 24. The Senate Health Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hosted the briefing, which included Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the infectious disease unit of the National Institutes of Health.

While all four senators were, and still are, privy to classified briefings, at the time the transactions were made, Inhofe, Feinstein and Burr were all members of the US Senate Select Intelligence Committee, with Burr serving as chair. Through this committee, each member had access to highly classified and detailed CIA briefings that detailed the true threat of the COVID-19 pandemic as early as the first week of January. This privileged knowledge allowed the senators ample opportunity to maneuver and safeguard their personal wealth, while concealing the US governments lack of pandemic preparedness.

Through a spokesperson, Loeffler released a statement claiming vindication after a clear exoneration by the Department of Justice, [which] affirms what Sen. Loeffler has said all along: She did nothing wrong, this was a politically motivated attack shamelessly promoted by the fake news media and her political opponent.

Disclosure forms revealed that Loeffler engaged in 27 different transactions over a 22-day period starting in January and continuing through February, in which Loeffler sold up to $3.1 million worth of stock.

In April, Loeffler took to Fox News to defend her success against socialist attacks, stating, This was a political attack designed to take away from the issue at hand. And to use this outbreak to play politics. We have addressed this and taken extraordinary measures to make sure that we cant be attacked for our success. This gets at the very heart of why I came to Washington, to defend free enterprise, to defend capitalism. This is a socialist attack.

It is highly symbolic that in the same week, Loeffler, an embodiment of ill-gotten wealth, was protected by the FBI, while George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police for allegedly passing a $10 bill. This is an instructive example of class justice.

Inhofe, speaking to the Oklahoman, also claimed vindication, stating, I did nothing wrong, and Im pleased the Justice Department has exonerated me. Inhofe had sold shares worth between $180,000 and $400,000 from five companies on January 27. A month later he disclosed that he sold an additional $50,000$100,000 worth of stock.

California Senator Feinstein declined to comment through representatives after the FBI decided to halt its investigation into her stock dealings. Feinsteins Senate disclosures revealed that she had sold up to $6 million worth of stock in a single company between January 31 and February 18.

Inhofe, Feinstein and Loeffler all claimed from the outset that they had no knowledge of any sales conducted in their names or on their behalf. All three insist that intermediaries handled all of their transactions and no confidential information was provided.

Burr, unlike his fellow grifters, has always acknowledged that he had sold his shares, up to $1.72 million worth, not through an intermediary but on his own accord, and that he sold them in large part due to fears of the financial impact of the virus. His holdings included over $300,000 worth of stock in Wyndham Hotel and Resorts, Extended Stay America and Park Hotels and Resorts.

Burr first claimed in a March 20 statement that he knew to sell his stock after viewing publicly available reports on television. His statement read, in part: I relied solely on public news reports to guide my decision regarding the sale of stocks on February 13. Specifically, I closely followed CNBCs daily health and science reporting out of its Asia bureaus at the time.

In his capacity as chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Burr oversaw the Senate investigation into the claims of massive Russian interference in the 2016 elections and possible collusion by the Trump campaign. He worked closely with the Democratic vice chair of the Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner of Virginia, and maintained a show of bipartisan objectivity, in contrast with his Republican counterparts in the House.

His committees final report backed the claims of the intelligence agencies that there was Russian interference, unprecedented in its manner and aggressiveness. These findings, coupled with a 2017 subpoena issued by the committee that compelled Donald Trump Jr. to testify before the Senate, angered President Trump. This may explain, at least in part, the disparate treatment of Burr from that of the other three senators.

It is also the case that Burr has been rather brazen in his dealings. Throughout his Senate career, he has sat on committees that oversee the regulation of industries in which he has a direct financial interest. A May 15 article by Politico detailed numerous examples of Burr trading stock in companies while at the same time introducing legislation to benefit the same companies. For example, he bought stock in medical device companies while overseeing a repeal of the medical device tax.
The Latest on the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck:

___

INDIANAPOLIS - Authorities are investigating multiple shootings, including one that left a person dead, in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday amid protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Randal Taylor confirmed the shootings during a late night news conference, but didnt offer any more details. Police later tweeted that no officers were involved.

Protests became dangerous for a second straight night in Indianapolis as buildings were damaged, officers deployed tear gas and at least one business was briefly on fire.

___

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden condemned the violence in a statement, as he continued to express common cause with those demonstrating after Floyds death.

The act of protesting should never be allowed to overshadow the reason we protest, Biden said in a statement Saturday night. It should not drive people away from the just cause that protest is meant to advance.

___

MINNEAPOLIS  Officials in Minneapolis say theyve succeeded for now in stopping the violent protests that ravaged parts of the city for several days after the death of George Floyd.

Police, state troopers and National Guard members moved in to break up protests after an 8 p.m. curfew took effect, firing tear gas and rubber bullets to clear streets outside a police precinct and elsewhere. The show of force came after three days where police mostly declined to engage with protesters.

It also came after the state poured in more than 4,000 National Guard members and said the number would soon rise to nearly 11,000.

As Minneapolis streets appeared largely quiet, Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said the heavy response would remain as long as it takes to quell this situation.

Floyd, a handcuffed black man, died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.

Story continues

___

RICHMOND, Va.  The Richmond, Virginia, police headquarters was the target of protesters for the second night in a row as officers formed a barricade around the building late Saturday night.

A dumpster was set afire near the police headquarters, which had its front windows broken out Friday night. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that the police fired tear gas to move crowds away from the building.

Several blocks away near Virginia Commonwealth University hundreds of protesters blocked streets chanting George Floyd, referring to the black man who died Monday after an arresting officer in Minneapolis pushed his knee into Floyds neck while he was on the ground handcuffed.

Media reports showed video of protesters hurling what appeared to be water bottles at a police car, which moved through the crowd and sped away. A police cruiser was burned in the violence on Friday night, along with a city bus.

___

LOS ANGELES -- The mayor of Los Angeles says the National Guard will be deployed overnight to help local law enforcement quell violence in the nations second-largest city.

Mayor Eric Garcetti says he asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday to send 500 to 700 members of the Guard. Crowds of demonstrators have torched police cars, vandalized and burglarized stores and clashed with lines of officers. Hundreds of people have been arrested since Friday night.

___

SALT LAKE CITY  Protests are continuing in Salt Lake City despite a curfew issued by the mayor and National Guard troops deployed by Utahs governor.

Police officials say they are prepared to give people time to leave, but they plan to arrest people who refused to comply.

What started as a peaceful demonstration Saturday against the death of George Floyd turned destructive. A group of people flipped over a police car and lit it on fire. A second car was later set on fire.

Police officials say six people have been arrested and that a police officer was injured after being struck in the head with a baseball bat.

___

RENO, Nevada -- City officials in Reno instituted an immediate mandatory curfew Saturday night after protesters broke windows at City Hall and set fires.

Police fired tear gas into the building, the Rene Gazette Journal reported, and a SWAT team arrived to help disperse the crowd.

The fires were extinguished. In announcing the curfew in a statement, city officials asked residents to avoid the downtown area, where a heavy police presence would be in force overnight.

___

RALEIGH, N.C.  More than 1,000 people marched in downtown Raleigh on Saturday night, breaking windows as police in riot gear released tear gas and pepper spray to disburse the crowds.

WRAL-TV showed video of throngs of people in front of the Wake County Courthouse, some walking with signs, others on bikes and skateboards to protest the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by a police officer on Monday.

Protesters gathered in late afternoon marching peacefully north from the courthouse chanting No Justice, No Peace. But tension grew after nightfall as some people threw rocks at windows and spray painted anti-police slogans on walls.

Fayetteville Street was the focus of most of the vandalism with multiple buildings along the street having windows broken out.

___

MIAMI  A student at Florida International University said the protest was largely peaceful with the crowd of about 500 singing, we were doing poetry and urging each other not to break windows or hurt businesses.

But when they arrived at the police station, another group of protesters also converged there and things escalated within minutes.

There was a sniper on the roof with the police chief standing next to him and they started throwing smoke bombs to the crowd," 27-year-old Liseth Hatta said. Most of them were kids. They couldnt have been older than 21. Everyone ran away screaming;

They tried to flee and rushed to the train station to head home, but police closed down the entrance.

A lot of people tried to get back on the train to leave and they werent letting us, Hatta said. They basically trapped us in.

___

ATLANTA  An Atlanta police officer was struck by someone riding an ATV in downtown Atlanta during protests that continued despite a curfew, and police said they were still trying to determine whether the crash was deliberate.

Police spokesman Carlos Campos said it happened about 10:30 p.m.; the mayor had set a 9 p.m. curfew. The officer suffered significant injuries and was in stable condition, Campos said.

The ATV drive suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody, Campos said.

___

LOS ANGELES  Police have arrested nearly 1,400 people in 17 U.S. cities as protests continue over the death of George Floyd.

Floyd died Monday in Minnesota after a police officer put his knee on Floyds neck for more than eight minutes. The officer was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder.

But the arrest has done little to quell protests across the country. Most have been peaceful. But a few have erupted in violence.

An Associated Press tally of arrests found at least 1,383 people have been arrested since Thursday. The actual number is likely higher as protests continue Saturday night.

___

WASHINGTON  The National Guard has been called out in Washington, D.C., as pockets of violence erupted during a second straight night of protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and President Donald Trumps reaction to it.

Hundreds of protesters converged on the White House during the day Saturday and marched on the National Mall, chanting Black Lives Matter, I cant breathe and No justice, no peace.

Police used pepper spray to try to disperse the crowd but the standoff continued. Protesters dragged away barricades and some broke up concrete to use as projectiles. At one point, a trash bin was set on fire.

National Guard troops took up position around the White House on Saturday night.___

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump appears to be cheering on the tougher tactics being used by law enforcement around the country to confront sometimes violent demonstrators joining in protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

On Saturday, the president commended National Guard troops deployed in Minneapolis, declaring No games!

He also said police in New York City must be allowed to do their job! In a tweet, Trump said: Let New Yorks Finest be New Yorks Finest.

He was commenting on Twitter from the White House while crowds of protesters gathered outside.

___

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  The mayor of Nashville, Tennessee, has declared a state of civil emergency after protesters set a fire inside the Metro Courthouse in the states capital city.

Thousands had rallied near the Capitol building Saturday afternoon to peacefully protest police brutality and racism. But things turned violent after darkness fell, with protesters breaking windows in government buildings and causing other property damage.

The Tennessean newspaper says demonstrators also pulled down a statue outside the Capitol of Edward Carmack, a controversial former lawmaker and newspaper publisher who espoused racist views.

Police deployed tear gas and began warning demonstrators that the protest was unlawful.

Gov. Bill Lee issued an order Saturday night for the National Guard to mobilize in response to protests that have now taken a violent, unlawful turn in Nashville.

___

MINNEAPOLIS  Police in Minneapolis are confronting protesters out after curfew on the fifth day of protests over the death of George Floyd.

A group of marchers was moving north toward downtown on a city street when officers fired tear gas Saturday night. The group immediately retreated.

Soon after, officers fired tear gas and moved in to push away throngs of protesters who were milling around the city polices 5th Precinct.

The tougher tactics came after city and state leaders were criticized for not more strongly confronting violent and damaging protests.

Minneapolis has been the epicenter of protests since the death Monday of Floyd after a police officer pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for some eight minutes. The protests have spread to cities across the United States.

___

CHICAGO  Chicagos mayor has announced an overnight curfew in the city running from 9 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday, and she says police will crack down on any violence.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot says that peaceful protesting over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has devolved into criminal conduct.

She says police will be aggressive with arrests for anyone caught damaging property.

In the mayors words: We can have zero tolerance for people who came prepared for a fight and tried to initiate and provoke our police department.

___

MIAMI  An initially peaceful protest in Miami over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has turned violent, with some demonstrators setting fire to police cars.

Witnesses to the clash Saturday say officers responded with tear gas and fireworks to disperse the crowd. The mayor has declared a 10 p.m. curfew.

At one point, Interstate 95 was shut down as protesters stood on the busy highway. Police also used bicycles to push back an increasingly rowdy crowd throwing rocks.

Elsewhere in Florida, protesters in Tampa smashed store windows and set a gas station ablaze Saturday night after a peaceful demonstration during the day. Some broke into AT&T and Gold N Diamond stores.

___

Curfews are in effect or imminent in more than a dozen U.S. cities facing rising unrest following the death of George Floyd.

The start times Saturday evening range from 6 p.m. in parts of South Carolina to 10 p.m. around Ohio. People are being told to get off the streets beginning at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. in Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles and Seattle.

A curfew is in effect for a second night in and around Minneapolis, where Floyd died earlier this week after a police officer pressed his knee on Floyds neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest. Thousands ignored the Friday night curfew and peaceful protests gave way to violence late into the night.

___

PHILADELPHIA  Authorities in Philadelphia say a peaceful demonstration protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis later turned violence, and at least 13 police officers have been injured amid incidents of arson and store break-ins in the city's doqwntown.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says at least four police vehicles were set ablaze and other fires were set throughout downtown Saturday afternoon. Protesters smashed windows and stole merchandise from stores as police tried to worked to corral the crowd, which Outlaw estimates numbered about 3,000.

Protesters also sprayed graffiti on a statue of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, tried to topple it and set a fire at its base. Rizzo was Philadelphia's mayor from 1972 to 1980 and was praised by supporters as tough on crime but accused by critics of discriminating against minorities.

Authorities in Philadelphia have ordered a citywide curfew has been implemented from 8 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday.

___

SALT LAKE CITY  Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has activated the Utah National Guard after protesters angry over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned violent during a demonstration at which some participants carried rifles in Salt Lake City.

Herbert says in a tweet that the Guard will help control the escalating situation in the downtown area following the unrest Saturday afternoon.

The protest started out peacefully, but degenerated into violence. A group of people flipped over a police car and lit it on fire. Some demonstrators smashed eggs and wrote graffiti on the walls of the Salt Lake City police station. Others marched through downtown to the state Capitol.

Some people in the protest openly carried rifles, which is legal in Utah.

___

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has imposed a downtown curfew for Saturday night after some protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned violent.

With protesters were back out Saturday, Garcetti said everyone must be off down town streets by 8 p.m. and stay away until 5:30 a.m.

Several police cars were torched Saturday afternoon as some protesters ignored authorities call for peaceful demonstrations.

That followed a night of violence during which people smashed windows, robbed stores and set fires. Los Angeles police reported arresting 533 people during the night.

___

SEATTLE  The Washington State Patrol has closed Interstate 5 in both directions through downtown Seattle after a protest over the death of George Floyd spilled onto the freeway.

Thousands of people gathered in the downtown area Saturday for a largely peaceful demonstration, but some protesters turned rowdier as the afternoon worn on. Police used pepper spray on the demonstrators and deployed flash bang devices.

Police said arrests were made but an exact figure wasnt available.

State patrol Chief John Batiste said in a statement that the freeway is not a safe or appropriate place for demonstration.

___

ATLANTA  A crowd has gathered in Atlanta to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and some people have started throwing objects at officers guarding the Georgia governors mansion.

Hundreds of people stood on a residential sidewalk Saturday evening across the street from the mansion in the citys affluent Buckhead neighborhood. Cars and motorcyclists continued to sporadically drive by in front of the demonstrators.

Authorities responded by taking at least one person into custody.

Gov. Brian Kemp was not inside the home Saturday evening.

Earlier in the day, Atlantas mayor announced a curfew will be in effect in the city from 9 p.m. Saturday to sunrise Sunday. That order followed a night of violence that erupted in the city during demonstrations over Floyd's death.

___

MINNEAPOLIS  Several Minneapolis City Council members are asking Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to appoint the states attorney general as a special prosecutor in the death of George Floyd.

Six of the councils 13 members say they support a call from Floyds family for Attorney General Keith Ellison to handle the prosecution of the police officer who held his knee on Floyds neck Monday. The council members say they dont think Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman has the public trust necessary for the job.

Freeman on Friday charged now-fired officer Derek Chauvin with third-degree murder in Floyds death. Chauvin is white; Floyd was black.

The council members say Freeman waited too long in bringing charge. They say Ellison, who is black, is best qualified to handle the case. They also cite a working group he helped lead on deaths involving police.

___

WASHINGTON  Several hundred people shouting Black Lives Matter and I cant breathe have converged on the White House for a second straight day to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and President Donald Trumps response.

Trump earlier on Saturday belittled the protesters and he pledged to stop mob violence.

Speaking in Florida after watching the launch of a SpaceX rocket, the president said: I stand before you as a friend and ally to every American seeking justice and peace, and I stand before you in firm opposition to anyone exploiting this tragedy to loot, rob, attack and menace. Healing, not hatred, justice, not chaos are the missions at hand.

Three lines of barricades separate protesters from a loose line of uniformed police officers at Lafayette Park, across from the White House. At one point, the protesters left the park, chanting as they marched up a nearby street. A block from the White House, they held a moment of silence and brief sit-in.

___

ATLANTA -- Atlantas mayor has announced a curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday to sunrise Sunday following violence that erupted in the city during demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the curfew during a news conference Saturday evening. She called it a very unusual and extreme step after the violence that rocked Atlanta during Friday night.

Several other cities across the nation have order curfews following unrest surrounding demonstrations protesting Floyd's death.

Georgias governor declared a state of emergency early Saturday to activate the state National Guard as violence flared in Atlanta.

In Fridays protests, some demonstrators smashed police cars and spray-painted the iconic logo sign at CNN headquarters downtown. Police say at least three officers were hurt and there were multiple arrests as protesters shot at officers with BB guns and threw bricks, bottles and knives. Atlanta officials said crews were temporarily unable to reach a fire at a restaurant because of crowds of protesters.

___

NEW YORK  Protesters angry over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis have returned to the streets of New York for a third straight day as Mayor Bill de Blasio pleads for calm after a demonstration in Brooklyn the previous night descended into chaos that left people bloodied and vehicles burned.

On Saturday, a large crowd marched through Harlem, chanted outside a police precinct and then blocked traffic on the highway along Manhattans East River.

Demonstrations of several thousand at Union Square and outside Brooklyns Prospect Park appeared mostly peaceful. Late in the day, protesters in Brooklyn confronted police, who shoved some of the demonstrators and used an irritating chemical spray.

De Blasio expressed solidarity with demonstrators upset over police brutality, but promised an independent review of the Friday night confrontation in which both protesters and police officers engaged in violence.

The mayor said he was upset by videos of the clashes in which protesters were handled very violently by police and by reports that a state senator and member of the state Assembly were among the people sprayed with irritating chemicals by officers.

___

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla  President Donald Trump says he will not tolerate mob violence during demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The president made the comment as he spoke in Florida after watching the successful launch of a SpaceX rocket Saturday. He turned his attention to the unrest in American cities following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis before he congratulated NASA and others involved in the space mission.

Trump says the rule of law is the crown jewel of the country and that my administration will stop mob violence and well stop it cold.

Trump says that I stand before you as a friend and ally to every American seeking justice and peace, and I stand before you in firm opposition to anyone exploiting this tragedy to loot, rob, attack and menace. Healing, not hatred. Justice not chaos are the missions at hand.
Marin Countys office space, outdoor retail and outdoor dining are among the new economic sectors allowed to resume operations on Monday as the county takes another step to reopen, officials said Friday.

This step also allows for curbside library services, childcare and summer camps to open.

Dr. Matt Willis, county health officer, issued a new order that also lifts the ban on parking at some of the countys most popular parks and beaches. Starting Monday, people will be able to park at these sites, so long as they follow social distancing measures. Local authorities, however, can restrict access as needed.

Another stage of reopening is expected to begin June 15, when outdoor religious services and indoor retail would be permitted  barring a surge in coronavirus cases, health officials said.

The county had 436 confirmed coronavirus cases and 14 deaths as of Thursday, with one person currently hospitalized and 289 people recovered.

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.

Health officials continue to track key indicators, like case and hospitalization numbers, hospital capacity and testing and contact tracing capability, in order to monitor the situation as restrictions ease.

Our challenge is to balance the risks of reopening with the harms associated with shelter-in-place restrictions, Willis said. COVID-19 is still with us. As we lift restrictions at the policy level, its more and more in our own hands as individuals to prevent spread. We are counting on all our residents and businesses to do their part as we move forward together.

Anna Bauman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: anna.bauman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @abauman2
BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature approved on Thursday a decision to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security.

Such a move, which signifies the start of the process of national security legislation for the Chinese city at the national level, will help crack down on acts of secession, subversion and terrorism, reject external intervention in Hong Kong affairs, and build up a firewall for national security.

Hong Kong has seen too much violence and chaos these days. Black-clad rioters, backed by external interventionists, set fires across the city, vandalized public facilities, and clashed with police and residents. Those violent acts have undermined territorial security, political security and public security in Hong Kong, and seriously disturbed the normal implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

That situation warrants an urgent need for national security legislation for Hong Kong and the decision by the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) will have a far-reaching and positive significance, and has been widely supported by the Chinese people, including those patriotic Hong Kong residents.

For a long time, foreign forces have been using Hong Kong as a bridgehead to launch anti-China activities. Following the proposed ordinance amendments in June last year, separatists in Hong Kong have ramped up violent activities to disrupt public order, and external meddlers have scaled up their intervention.

Such interference went even further in November when Washington, against strong opposition from Beijing, signed the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 into law. That had further emboldened those Hong Kong separatists to seek support from and collude with overseas anti-China forces, severely undermining China's national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The alarming security situation Hong Kong is facing has highlighted the city's legal loopholes concerning national security, and its lack of enforcement mechanisms.

Article 23 of its constitutional document, the Basic Law, stipulates that the HKSAR shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition and subversion against the central government. However, the HKSAR has failed to pass such legislation due to various reasons.

The critical national security situation in Hong Kong brooks no delay for the NPC, empowered by China's Constitution, to make national security legislation to better serve the interests of Hong Kong and China as a whole.

The freshly approved decision serves as an official warning and a wake-up call for those external forces and their followers to discard illusions of disrupting Hong Kong and thus harming China's national interests. For them, Hong Kong will no longer be a safe haven for their sabotage against China.

The national security legislation in Hong Kong will affect neither the high level of autonomy in the city and the rights and freedom enjoyed by Hong Kong residents, nor the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in this global financial hub.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday at a press conference that the decision will bring more stability, stronger rule of law, and a better business environment to the financial hub.

It is not surprising that following the approval of the decision, some external forces will pressure, oppose and attack China over it, but China will remain rock-solid in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and interests.

History will prove that the firewall in the making will further promote the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle, which will in turn make major contributions to stability, security and prosperity in Hong Kong and the whole China in the long run.
WASHINGTON  The former national security adviser Michael T. Flynn discussed sanctions at length with a Russian diplomat in late 2016, according to transcripts declassified on Friday that appear to bolster earlier assertions that Mr. Flynn misled Vice President Mike Pence and F.B.I. agents about those conversations.

The transcripts have become a conservative cause, and the Justice Department threw the weight of the Trump administration behind it in moving recently to throw out Mr. Flynns guilty plea to a charge of lying to agents in the Russia investigation about the calls. President Trump has said Mr. Flynn was badly treated, part of Mr. Trumps campaign to escalate unfounded accusations that the governments investigation was a plot to undermine him.

Mr. Flynn has said he does not remember talking in late 2016 with the Russian ambassador to the United States at the time, Sergey I. Kislyak, about sanctions newly imposed by the Obama administration as punishment for Russias election meddling. But the transcripts showed that the sanctions were the central discussion point between the men.

The new director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, declassified the transcripts, and two Republican senators, Charles E. Grassley of Iowa and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who pushed Mr. Ratcliffe and his predecessors to share the material with Congress and make it public, released them. The senators held up the 27 partly redacted pages as evidence for their accusations that the F.B.I. abused its power in investigating Mr. Trumps associates.
John F. Frasco, DDS

September 27, 1947 - May 28, 2020

Hello my name is John F. Frasco, DDS and a whole bunch of other letters, (AKA, Pops, Uncle Fester, Pop). If you are reading this then what I said a lot With birth, comes death, everything in between is the adventure must apply to me at this moment. An obituary is usually dry and stuffy, but my adventure in life was very much the opposite of the norm.

I would like to share somethings with you that you probably didn't know. I was born in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois the son of John S. and Camille L. (Leona) Frasco. My father was more than just a mentor, he was a constant guide in my life and I followed in his footsteps and worked side by side with him. Mom (Auntie Suzie) was a story all of her own, but I loved her deeply. To my wife Kathleen Kathie M. (Orlowski) who I married on June 20, 1970 and my son John M. Frasco, I want you to know that I love you both, even though I was often a benevolent curmudgeon. To my friends, co-workers, DMORT and Elks members, who KNOW I am a curmudgeon, you need to know that we have been on numerous rodeos but the pleasant and sometimes whimsical moments were some of the best times of my life. I have shared compassion, respect and dignity for everything and everyone I have worked with in my three careers.

I graduated from St. Joseph High School, St. Mary's College, and Loyola University of Chicago. It seems as my life was surrounded by Priests, Nuns, Brothers and Monks - this may be why I have had an attitude, at times. I held dental licenses in Illinois and Iowa. My first career of the three was in dentistry. This included being a participating member of some very fine professional and administrative organizations of which I served in leadership roles. One of which was being a Dean at Loyola School of Dentistry. I have always been a hands on person, so I loved being in the clinics, and as an assistant Professor. The hatred of paperwork did lead me down the road to careers two and three. Dentistry also leads me to some very interesting Forensic pursuits. I will engage you later on that.

Following my father and mother's deaths, Kathie and I made a wonderful decision to leave The City and pursue my career in a quieter and more relaxed location. After looking at many communities, we decided to land in Mason City and open my practice here. We live at 216 S. Vermont Ave. Mason City, Iowa 50401. It was closer to her parents and we have other relatives in this area. For several years I owned and operated Creek Side Dentistry, and then I decided to semi-retire and work part time Dentistry in Northwood. I then discovered I had too much time on my hands and started working part time at Ace Hardware. No, there were no Black and Decker power tools in my operatory. However I have had two passions outside of my careers. Fishing and woodworking. One of my ministries was making wooden toys for my grandchildren and others. I also made wooden infant urns that I donated to a dear friend in Texas for their cemetery for those that could not afford them.

My second career was being the general manager of the Mason City Elks Lodge. I served as an officer in many positions including being the Exalted Ruler (President). As the manager I did the ordering for the club rooms and did the books for both the lodge and the club. I also pitched in with the cooking and bartending many times. That is my Sicilian Italian coming out. So many wonderful members and a few grouchy old men. Working with the staff made my day, most days anyways.

My third career was one of my biggest passions in life. I was exposed to forensics in school and my dental career. I was a Deputy Coroner for DuPage County, Illinois and was an investigative consultant for many deaths, bite mark cases and mass fatality incidents. Three were prior to my joining the DMORT Federal Team. These included American Airlines Flight #191 at O'Hare Airport, a natural gas explosion and the Paxton Hotel Fire in Chicago. With DMORT I have been deployed to a Korean Air Line crash, City of New Orleans Amtrak train derailment in Bourbonnais, IL, spent many months as the dental section Leader at the World Trade Center Attack, in conjunction with the American Airlines Flight crash at the same time, the Katrina Rita Hurricanes in Mississippi and Louisiana, and the Puerto Rico Island Hurricane. Along the way I was proud to serve in the capacity of being the Administrative Officer for our Region VII, and also working missions from Washington DC to make sure everyone got their pay and travel voucher reimbursements. Sometimes working with the government regulations is like herding cats or nailing Jell-O to a tree. Speaking of nails, you buy them by the pound and you get rid of them the same way. I had to throw a tangent in somewhere or people will not believe I really wrote this.

My adventure also included me making dental and mass fatality presentations, lectures, publications, memberships and a whole host of helping others the best I could. I heard once that you never will know the impact you make on others through speaking, writing, a handshake, a heartfelt thank you. But I think I did pretty well as an old grouchy curmudgeon. I must have done more than I thought, because my curriculum Vitae is 13 pages long. I took a lot of people under my wing. Most soared like eagles, but some just waddled like ducks, I did my best with all of them.

To those who will miss me the most, I want to say - take a year to grieve, then remember all the good times we have had. Laugh, joke, cry, but most of all smile at the things we did. At least we didn't end up sitting on a bench in jail together. This includes Kathie who has been by my side during this trip for nigh unto 50 years, my favorite (only is the joke) son John and his wife Nicole of Pleasantville, NY, my all-time favorite grandchildren Sophia Eileen and Giovanni Federico; my sister Rosemary Frasco of Minneapolis, MN; and all of my Bruddas, and friends who I've met. I wouldn't change a thing, because then I wouldn't be who I am. You all had a part in making me, me.

I was preceded in death by my parents and my infant brother Michael.

I hope my family respects my wish to have an old-fashioned DMORT gathering. A celebration where all will have an opportunity to hoist a toast, shed a tear, hug one another, and talk honestly about me. For once, I cannot interrupt, or tell the same story again, so I expect all of you to share stories about me. Bless all of you that I have had the privilege to know and care for, and for the same that you have shown me. I will be watching all of you from over your shoulder. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To share with the family, sign my book and leave a message go to the website below. My family will cherish what you have to share.

I died peacefully on Thursday, May 28th, 2020 in my home, with my family by my side. Over the last few days I was under the expert care of MercyOne North Iowa Hospice both in home and a brief stint inpatient. Glad I didn't piss them off too much when I sent them away the first few times. Thanks to Stacy, Rob, Lisa, Carol, Doreen, Amber, Tammy, Michelle, Dr. Gedney and countless others. You helped me as much as I'd let youand a little more. You also helped Kathie and my son through the unimaginable.

I did it my way, as always.

Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd ST. SE, Mason City, Iowa 50401-3904. 641-423-8676. www.Fullertonfh.com, or Facebook/Fullertonfuneralhomes.
Anupam Kher further explained in the video that he has been doing this play for the past 15 years, and has done about 450 shows worldwide.

"In my life, you will see glimpses of your life," said veteran actor Anupam Kher on 29 May as he announced the digital launch of his autobiographical play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.

Kher, through a video message on Twitter, shared that the play will go online on 7 June 7, on his newly launched website.

Delighted to share that I am finally launching my autobiographical play #KuchBhiHoSaktaHai digitally on my website https://t.co/qESpl8z92y on 7th June. I have done more than 450 shows of this play worldwide. More details to follow in the coming days. Jai Ho! #MyLifeOnline pic.twitter.com/JQTuysuHxG  Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) May 29, 2020

In the video shared, the 65-year-old actor said: "15 years back on the 8th of August 2005, I did my play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, my one-man autobiographical play when things were not looking good. I was almost on the verge of bankruptcy."

"So I decided to do a play based on my life, not only on my life but also on the failures. Because frighten you with your shortcomings. So, here I was on stage, laughing at my failures, disasters, and everything that went wrong in my life," he added.

"My first play, first kiss, first audition, first directorial venture etcetera. I looked at them and laughed. And you know what happened with that....it liberated me from the fear of failure," the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai star said.

He further explained that he has been doing this play for the past 15 years, and did about 450 shows of the play worldwide.

Towards the end of the one-minute and 58-second video, Kher announced the launch of his website, and said: "the best thing to do is to launch this play on my website."

"I hope you watch the play, see and discover that in life - Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai (anything can happen)," Kher mentioned as he concluded the video.
French police have charged 13 people with trafficking the 39 Vietnamese migrants who died in a refrigerated lorry in Essex.

Six of the group charged with people trafficking have also been charged with manslaughter.

All 13 mainly Vietnamese and French nationals face charges of membership of a criminal organisation and all but one was put in custody.

The migrants - 31 men and eight women - were found dead in the truck in an industrial zone in Grays, east of London, in October last year.

An inquest heard that their medical cause of death was asphyxia and hyperthermia  a lack of oxygen and overheating  in an enclosed space.

Thirteen people arrested in France have been charged with trafficking the 39 Vietnamese migrants who died in a refrigerated lorry (pictured) in Essex

The migrants - 31 men and eight women - were found dead in the truck in an industrial zone in Grays, east of London, in October last year (pictured)

Yesterday, it was revealed that the suspected key figure in the smuggling ring nicknamed 'The Bald Duke' was arrested. The man's nationality was not revealed.

The 13 charged were arrested in France on Tuesday as part of a coordinated Europol swoop targeting the smugglers suspected of organising the migrants' journey from Asia.

There were also 13 people arrested in Belgium on the same day.

Eleven of the 13 suspects in Belgium have been charged by a judge in Bruges with people trafficking, membership of a criminal organisation and fraud, according to Belgian prosecutors.

Lorry driver Maurice Robinson (left), 25, of Craigavon in Northern Ireland, already pleaded guilty to 39 counts of manslaughter in April and is due to be sentenced at a later date. Another man, Ronan Hughes (right), is facing extradition from Ireland to Britain on 39 counts of manslaughter and one of conspiracy to commit unlawful immigration

Lorry driver Maurice Robinson, 25, of Craigavon in Northern Ireland, already pleaded guilty to 39 counts of manslaughter in April and is due to be sentenced at a later date.

The investigation into the tragedy found that the migrants who died were loaded into the truck in northern France.

The network continued to operate even after the tragedy, charging up to 20,000 euros to cross from France to Britain.

Investigation sources said the group caught in France was believed to have housed the migrants and then sent them from Paris to the north by taxi.

Four other men are on trial in London over the tragedy.

Another man, Ronan Hughes, is facing extradition from Ireland to Britain on 39 counts of manslaughter and one of conspiracy to commit unlawful immigration.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  The National Bureau of Investigation has been receiving a lot of reports related to cybercrimes during the coronavirus pandemic, it said during a Laging Handa virtual briefing on Saturday.

"Madami na po tayong nare-receive na (We have been receiving a lot of) reports on online frauds or any other cyber-related crime related to the COVID pandemic," said Atty. Michelle Valdez, executive officer of the NBI Cybercrime Division, adding that the number of such reports has doubled.

Among the reported cases are phishing attacks, said Valdez. Phishing involves criminals luring individuals to disclose sensitive personal information such as bank account details while disguised as legitimate entities.

"These cybercriminals take advantage of the situation of our citizens na nasa loob lang po tayo ng bahay (since we're just inside our homes), we take hold of our computers and cellphones para po sa ating mga (for our) daily transactions," she said.

Online shopping scams are also part of the cyber-related crimes reported to the agency as not a lot of people can freely exit their homes to buy goods personally, Valdez explained.

Such cases usually involve people paying for items that don't really exist, she added. Others involve the goods never getting delivered to the buyer despite having paid for them.

"Other than that, meron po tayong mga (we also have) donation scams wherein they invite the public to donate PPEs and other items para sa ating mga (for our) frontliners but then hindi po pala sila (they are not a) legitimate or authorized entity to distribute these items," said the NBI official.

As a result, the cash donations end up going to someone else instead of the supposed recipients, added Valdez.

Valdez also mentioned that the NBI has seen a jump in cases of online child sexual exploitation amid the pandemic, an observation it shared with the Department of Justice in the same briefing.

READ: DOJ probes rise in sexual exploitation cases during lockdown

The proliferation of fake news had also doubled, she mentioned, adding that such content features wrong information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which causes chaos or confusion among the public.

Fighting cyber-related crimes

Among the ways the agency is fighting crimes in cyberspace is the establishment of an awareness campaign for the public.

"Bukod po sa concerted efforts po with other agencies like the DTI and other remittance centers, financial institutions, mayroon po kaming mga projects like awareness campaign para po educated ang ating mga citizens in using responsibly the Internet or atingyes, Internet or other social media platforms," said Valdez.

[Translation: Aside from concerted efforts with other agencies like the DTI and other remittance centers, financial institutions, we also have projects like (our) awareness campaign so that our citizens get educated in using responsibly the Internet or other social media platforms.]

She also asked the public to be vigilant in conducting transactions online.

"Lahat po ng billings natin online, pag-isipan po nating mabuti bago tayo mag-click. We have to check it twice or thrice or even more than that. Iyong mga websites na pinapasok natin, make sure na iyong URL natin is with an extension of https, which is a secure Internet extension tapos po i-verify din po natin lahat ng mga nakakausap natin online," Valdez explained.

[Translation: Let us think thoroughly before clicking anything when we're (settling) our billings online. Let us make sure that the URL of the websites we're visiting is with an extension of https, which is a secure Internet extension, then let's verify as well everyone we talk to online.]

She said verification may be done through the Internet or by calling the NBI hotline to check whether the concerned online sellers are legitimate or not.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 09:21:20|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping (C) talks with a delegate of overseas Chinese students during the health kits distribution ceremony at the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York, the United States, March 30, 2020. (The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China/Handout via Xinhua)

China said the U.S. plan to cancel the visas of thousands of Chinese students goes against its self-proclaimed values of "openness and freedom".

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday urged the U.S. government to stop using excuses to restrict and suppress Chinese students studying in the United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks as the U.S. administration reportedly plans to cancel the visas of thousands of Chinese students.

Zhao told a press briefing that the U.S. leadership has said that the American people respect and love the Chinese people very much and that Chinese students are of great significance to the U.S. educational business.

In the field of the two countries' cultural and people-to-people exchanges, the U.S. side has committed a series of negative and wrong words and deeds, which completely go against its self-proclaimed values of "openness and freedom," the public opinion of the two peoples, and the trend of times in international talent exchanges, Zhao said.

This has gravely impacted the normal cultural and personnel exchanges between the two countries, jeopardized the social foundation for bilateral ties, and exposed the deep-rooted Cold War mentality and zero-sum game mindset of some American people, the spokesperson stressed.

"People cannot help but ask whether the notorious McCarthyism in American history is returning," Zhao said.

If the United States would take measures harming Chinese students' lawful rights and interests, it would be nothing but political persecution and racial discrimination, and severe violation of the Chinese students' human rights, Zhao said.

He urged the U.S. side to abide by the relevant commitments of its leadership and immediately stop using all sorts of excuses to wantonly restrict and repress Chinese students in the United States.

"We support Chinese students' efforts in safeguarding their lawful rights and interests in accordance with law," Zhao said. 
As if losing your job or a string of paychecks during a coronavirus-related furlough isnt stressful enough, now those who file for unemployment benefits are being warned to watch out for professional crime rings.

And the crooks could create headaches for you, too, even if youre lucky enough to still be working or perhaps even retired.

Add this to a long list of COVID-19 headaches.

Across the country, consumers are being warned that fraud is on the rise relating to jobless claims. The U.S. Secret Service has already spotted trouble in Florida, Washington, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

"It is extremely likely every state is vulnerable to this scheme and will be targeted if they have not been already," according to the Secret Service alert issued May 14.

The alert noted that a significant amount of fraudulent claims have used stolen ID information from school employees, first responders, as well as government employees. It is assumed, according to federal authorities, that the ring has a massive database to "submit the volume of applications observed thus far."

Dealers warn buyers: Get your new car before they're gone, supply vanishing

Trump and social media: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg defends handling of Trump posts on protests

Some data being used might belong to anyone, whether theyre jobless or not. Retirees, for example, report receiving unemployment forms to verify their identity from the state when they didn't try to make any claims recently.

The online con artists claim to be gig workers or self-employed workers in some cases to steal money from the unemployment system.

Unemployment benefits have become particularly lucrative for thieves during the coronavirus crisis. An extra $600 in benefits may be added on top of state jobless benefits for those who lose work because of the COVID-19 crisis under the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

Story continues

"A Nigerian crime ring is the prime suspect, but doubtless there are others," said Adam Levin, founder of CyberScout, which offers identity theft protection and data security.

"They have motive: financial gain. They have the means: They are experts at phishing attacks and have an international network of money mules who have been laundering money for them for years. "

And Levin suspects that many unsuspecting folks who are desperate for additional work at this moment could be caught in parts of this scheme, too.

On top of that, he noted, jobless call centers in various states, including Michigan, are overwhelmed. Some websites have crashed at various points because of waves of people trying to file claims, get more information or sort out suspicious transactions.

"This scam targets employed and unemployed Americans alike," Levin said.

The losses from these claims are estimated to be in the several hundred million dollar range, according to an alert issued by the Secret Service. The crimes are fueled by data lost in leaks, breaches, phishing attacks and even oversharing on social media.

Is this email from the unemployment office a scam?

As emails popped up in the past few days, some wondered whether they were looking at another potential scam. Why would the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity be contacting you about "an international criminal ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis"? Really? It just sounds so strange.

But it's legitimate.

Some who filed unemployment claims in Michigan began receiving emails May 27 to alert them that more ID verification would be needed, thanks to fears of an online crime spree. Some received letters in the mail prior to the emails being sent.

When you go to the Michigan jobless claims site to apply for benefits, youre also now alerted that you might be spotting a Stop Payment notice on your account.

There is a rise in unlawful unemployment claims across the nation, said Steve Gray, the director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, in a statement. And unfortunately, criminals are taking advantage of this global pandemic.

ID thieves are filing fake unemployment claims, taking advantage of the economic unrest during the COVID-19 crisis. In this March 17, 2020, file photo, people wait in line for help with unemployment benefits at the One-Stop Career Center in Las Vegas. T (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

The crooks already have plenty of stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers, after several major hacking incidents during the past few years.

Due to largescale fraud attempts against state unemployment programs across the nation, the Michigan site says, the UIA has developed additional measures to protect certain claimants by requiring further identity verification and claim eligibility authentication.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is warning residents of the possibility that criminals will file impostor claims. No personal data from claimants has been stolen from UIA, according to the Michigan agency.

Many of those who have filed unemployment claims have begun receiving emails from the State of Michigan to require them to verify their identities. People who are filing new claims, as well as those with existing claims, could face this new verification requirement in Michigan, too.

Some people who have already filed claims may have received Stop Payment notices on their accounts and now must review instructions that they were sent for how to submit additional information.

If you received a Stop Payment notice on your account, detailed instructions have been emailed and mailed to you on how to submit additional identifying information in order to receive your benefits," the site says. "There is no reason to take further action until you receive the instructions.

Some banks or credit unions also may place a hold on a customers account if the financial institution suspects fraud. Customers need to work directly with the bank if thats the case.

The Michigan unemployment agency is working with law enforcement to determine the level of fraud there.

The state will temporarily suspend certain payments to prevent fraud when it suspects malicious claims.

Hey, I'm retired, why would I file a jobless claim?

A 74-year-old retiree told me that he received a letter from the Michigan unemployment office this week asking him to verify his identity. He thought it was a scam.

"It looks really official," he said. But he was sure the letter had to be a fraud.

"The last time I filed for unemployment was 1992," he said. He had lost a job at a pet supply store in Pontiac. But he's been officially retired for the past 10 years.

The Pleasant Ridge man asked that his name not be used because he feared that he was already a victim of identity theft.

The letter he received isn't fraudulent. It's an indication that someone has filed a jobless claim in Michigan using his ID information. The state is asking to verify that information by June 4 or the claim will be denied.

Much to my surprise, I opened mail today from UIA indicating that I was approved for unemployment. Someone had filed in my name fraudulently. Stay alert folks. https://t.co/qc895hcr2T  Brian Calley (@briancalley) May 28, 2020

What he must do instead is report that a fraudulent claim appears to have been made.

Others are recognizing that phony claims have been made in their names.

On Thursday, Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan and a former state lieutenant governor, tweeted: "Much to my surprise, I opened mail today from UIA indicating that I was approved for unemployment."

Calley added: "Someone had filled in my name fraudulently. Stay alert folks."

Calley told me the letter came to his home address and the small business association also received a notice of the filing.

Even those who arent filing for unemployment benefits are being warned to watch out for crooks here.

Another bad sign: People who file for unemployment insurance receive a written Monetary Determination letter in the mail, which is titled Form UIA 1575C.

If you receive this form and you didn't file for benefits, you could be a victim of identity theft, too.

And now, you may need to manage the damage, Levin said.

Steps should be taken to monitor your credit report to spot any signs of con artists who may try to open up credit cards using your ID. Use strong passwords when going online. Don't click on any links or attachments unless you can confirm the authenticity of the sender.

You may even want to take steps to freeze your credit so that crooks may not open up new credit cards or take out new loans using your ID.

Levin also suggests that if you learn that you are a victim of unemployment compensation fraud, you might check with your human resources department or your insurer. Many offer services to help victims sort out identity-related fraud.

Contact Susan Tompor via stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @tompor. Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Unemployment claim scams: This is how you avoid them
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 30, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (MOTA.CN)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTC PINK:PEMTF) (the "Company") announces that it will offer (the "Offering") up to 11,111,112 units (each, a "Unit"), at a price of $0.45, by way of non-brokered private placement, for gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company, and one common share purchase warrant exercisable to acquire an additional common share at a price of $0.90 per share for a period of twenty-four months.

The Company anticipates utilizing the proceeds of the Offering to further develop and market products in North American and Europe using its e-commerce sales channels, and for general working capital purposes.

In connection with completion of the Offering, the Company may elect to pay finders' fees to eligible third-parties who have introduced subscribers to the Offering and an administrative fee payable in shares will be owing to a consultant who assisted with the Offering. All securities to be issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. Completion of the Offering remains subject to completion of customary filings with the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The Company also announces that it has engaged Electrik Dojo to provide investor relations services and written and video interview coverage of news releases and other corporate developments. Electrik Dojo is a financial news and events organization with bureaus in North America. The Company will compensate Electrik Dojo for a three-month period at a total rate of USD$100,000.

"The Company continues to look at future marketing opportunities and strategic consultants to grow awareness of the Company and its activities. As a Company, we look to disseminate accurate and in-depth information on our endeavors. We will look at marketing where appropriate and continue to do so with guidelines," stated Ryan Hoggan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Story continues

About Mota Ventures Corp.

Mota Ventures is an established eCommerce, direct to consumer provider of a wide range of CBD products in the United States and Europe. In the United States, the company sells a CBD hemp-oil formulation derived from hemp grown and formulated in the US through its Nature's Exclusive brand. Within Europe, its Sativida brand of award winning 100% organic CBD oils and cosmetics are sold throughout Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Mota Ventures is also seeking to acquire additional revenue producing CBD brands and operations in both Europe and North America, with the goal of establishing an international distribution network for CBD products. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer, sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota Ventures.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MOTA VENTURES CORP.

Ryan Hoggan

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President at +604.423.4733 or by email at IR@motaventuresco.com or www.motaventuresco.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to the intended completion of the Offering, and its plans to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in Europe and North America. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/592062/Mota-Ventures-Announces-5-Million-Non-Brokered-Unit-Share-Offering




Protesters hold signs as they gather outside the White House in Washington. (AFP)

Washington: Several hundred people angrily protesting the death of an African-American man in police custody in Minneapolis rallied outside the White House on Friday, in tense scenes that have spread to several cities across the country.

President Donald Trump was in the mansion during the protest that converged on a park across the street from the White House, where several dozen Secret Service agents lined barricades.

Demonstrators wielded signs saying "Stop Killing Us" and called for justice for George Floyd, who died on Monday after a white police officer pressed his knee down on the neck of an unarmed and handcuffed Floyd for several minutes.

Serious clashes were largely averted outside the White House, and demonstrators marched down Washington streets towards the US Capitol.

Floyd's violent arrest and death was caught on a video that went viral, and re-opened the nation's deep wounds over racial inequality.

The arrest and charges of third-degree murder filed against Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin apparently have not tamped down the anger in Minneapolis, which has been rocked by three days of fiery riots that devastated parts of the city.

Protesters remained on the streets Friday night, defying an 8 pm (0100 GMT) curfew.

Protests had also spread to New York, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, San Jose and Memphis.
Pope Francis has donated 3 ventilators and other medical supplies to Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) in support to the fight against Covid-19.

Mwenya Mukuka  Lusaka, Zambia

Presenting the donation, the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone announced that the donation which includes medical items such as N95 surgical masks was a gift from Pope Francis to support the needs of Zambia in the fight against the pandemic.

Pope Francis concern for Africa re COVID-19

The Holy Father is helping all African countries by sending a small contribution. It is his concern towards those who are suffering and do not have the necessary means, said the Nuncio.

Archbishop Gallone also relayed the Holy Fathers concern for those that have lost jobs and those suffering from food shortages.

The ventilators will be used at the Cardinal Adam Memorial Hospital in Lusaka, Chilonga Mission Hospital in Muchinga Province and St. Dominics Mission Hospital on the Copperbelt Province.

The Zambian Churchs gratitude

Archbishop Gallone delivered the items to the Bishop of Monze, Moses Hamungole, in Lusaka, this week.

And receiving the donation on behalf of the Bishops' Conference, Bishop Hamungole thanked the Holy Father for the donation. He assured the Nuncio that the ventilators would be used for the benefit of critically ill patients in the recipient hospitals.

We want to assure you that we shall continue to respond to the invitation of His Holiness, Pope Francis, to be close to those who suffer the most. These ventilators will benefit critically ill patients in the named hospitals, Bishop Hamungole said.

By Friday 29 May 2020, Zambia had recorded 1,057 Covid-19 cases, with 779 recovered and 7 deaths.

Ventilators will make our work manageable

Speaking on behalf of St. Dominics Mission Hospital and all beneficiary health facilities, Sr. Elizabeth Njovu thanked the Holy Father for the donation. She promised that the ventilators would ultimately help them save lives and make their work manageable.

And representing the government at the occasion, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Kennedy Malama acknowledged the Catholic Churchs efforts in the delivery of health services in the country.
Hungary will continue providing reverse gas supplies to Ukraine.

"We will continue providing reverse gas supplies to Ukraine. We have already [provided] 14 billion cubic meters," Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said at a joint briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba in Budapest, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Szijjarto also spoke about the readiness to invest in the economy and infrastructure in Zakarpattia region in western Ukraine.

"The President of Ukraine and the Government of Ukraine plan large investments in Zakarpattia region, and we will be glad to join, which is why we have now signed a tied aid loan agreement," the Hungarian minister added.

In addition, he noted that Budapest was ready to continue the "economic program of development of Zakarpattia."

"We are interested in good neighbourliness," Szijjarto assured.

According to PJSC "Ukrtransgaz", about 1 billion cubic meters of gas was supplied from Hungary to Ukraine in 2016; 2.8 billion cubic meters  in 2017; 3.4 billion cubic meters  in 2018.

According to the data of new operator  the Operator of the Gas Transmission System of Ukraine LLC (OGTSU), for the first three months of 2020, gas imports from Hungary amounted to 0.5 billion cubic meters (up 58% compared to the corresponding period last year).

Since the beginning of May 2020, gas imports from Hungary have increased fivefold. As a result, Hungary edged out Slovakia, which was Ukraine's main source of gas since 2014, and became Ukraines largest gas supplier. This was announced in early May by the Director General of OGTSU Serhiy Makohon.

According to him, this happened due to the launch of a possibility of virtual reverse gas supplies between Hungary and Ukraine from May 1.

ol
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has revealed how the 10billion-a-month furlough scheme will evolve in the coming months, how businesses will have to contribute more and when it will end.

He has also announced more help for self-employed workers.

We look at what the new 'flexible furlough' will mean for workers, businesses  and the taxpayer.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has revealed how the 10bn-a-month furlough scheme will evolve in the coming months, how businesses will have to contribute more and when it will end.

What will happen to workers on furlough?

They will continue to receive 80 per cent of their pay  up to 2,500 a month  until the end of October, which is more generous than had been expected.

The Chancellor also said they will be allowed to return to work part-time from July without risk of losing out financially, rather than August as initially suggested. Officials added that this was due to businesses asking for greater flexibility to get staff back to work.

What about self-employed workers?

Previously the Governments rescue package, announced in March paid out a grant of 80 per cent of self-employed workers average profits up to 2,500 a month for three months, based on their tax returns.

The announced extension to the scheme, which has seen 2.3million people sign up and claim 6.8billion, comes with a taper similar to the Treasury support for employees.

The new grant will be worth 70 per cent of a self-employed workers average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months' worth of profits, and capped at 6,570 in total.

Including the first grant in May, the maximum amount self-employed workers can receive is 14,070 each.

Is that enough?

Jane Tully of the Money Advice Trust said that the government should be congratulated for taking a gradual and cautious approach to withdrawing these temporary measures.

But she added that, Gaps in the governments support for the self-employed remain unaddressed  including owner-directors who receive most of their income through dividends, and the newly self-employed. Its not too late for the government to act on these issues  as the Scottish Government has for the newly self-employed  and we would urge them to bring forward rectifying measures as soon as possible.

The Federation of Small Businesses chairman Mike Cherry said the self-employed community would be greatly relieved at the removal of the end of May cliff-edge, but called on the Government to extend the scheme to limited company directors and those who became self-employed after the end of the 2018-19 tax year

Numbers furloughed could surge further in the coming weeks, experts warn, as firms rush to qualify for ongoing subsidies.

Can furloughed employees return to work or take a job elsewhere?

Yes. In a victory for business groups and unions, which have both called for the furlough scheme to be made more flexible, employees will be able to return to work part-time from July, a month earlier than initially expected.

They will also be able to go back to work without losing any money from the Government.

The Institute of Directors has said that one-third of those it polled said they would bring the majority of their furloughed staff back part-time if they were allowed under the scheme.

The general secretary of the Trades Union Congress Frances OGrady said the announcement will help employers gradually and safely bring people back to work, protect jobs and support the economy to recover.

As long as employees dont return to normal hours, companies can decide the hours and shifts employees work on their return.

The Treasury said: Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on the best approach for them - and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work.

Could more workers be furloughed?

Martin Chitty, employment partner Gowling WLG, observes that to benefit from ongoing support employers must have been using the scheme and have staff on furlough on or before 30 June and the furlough must have started by 10 June.

This may lead to a spike in new furlough claims over the next two weeks so that employers get in before the cut-off date, he added.

Many businesses are already looking to business "post-Covid" in terms of size and shape and some, but not all, may be tempted to defer decisions on resizing and rely on support from the Job Retention Scheme.

Britain's national debt is set to hit 2trillion for the first time as the cost of the Covid-19 pandemic soars.

Will the Government continue covering the cost?

Currently, the Treasury pays 80 per cent of furloughed peoples wages, up to 2,500 a month  with employers having the option to top up some or all of the rest.

The Government will fund the furlough scheme, which has supported seven million jobs at a cost of 10billion a month, until the end of July.

From then it will be tapered.

There were suggestions that companies would have to foot a substantial proportion of the bill for furloughed employees wages from August  but companies will only have to pay employer national insurance and pension contributions for those on furlough at that point.

In September, bosses will also have to pay a further 10 per cent of a furloughed employees wages, with the Government covering 70 per cent up to 2,190 per worker.

This will rise to 20 per cent in October, with the Treasury picking up the remaining 60 per cent up to 1,875.

The Government said this represents 14 per cent of the gross employment costs for September and 23 per cent in October.

Future claims from businesses for furlough money from July can only be made by employers using the scheme already.

How much will the furlough scheme cost the taxpayer?

Some 15billion has been paid out so far. The Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank said the combined cost of the furlough and self-employment support schemes could now 'easily breach' 100billion.

The expense will fall as more parts of the economy reopen and staff can return to work  but there is a danger that employers will rush to furlough more staff in the coming weeks to qualify for ongoing support.

Nimesh Shah, a partner at the firm said the 10 June deadline for eligibility under the new scheme could result in a wave of new registrants of workers which may not have otherwise been placed on furlough.

He added: The Government needs to be wary of more workers being placed on furlough, which will increase the cost of the scheme. Also, there will be a natural hit on productivity if workers are being unnecessarily placed on furlough because businesses want to take advantage of the flexible furlough arrangements.

Britain's national debt is set to hit 2trillion for the first time as the cost of the Covid-19 pandemic soars. The grim milestone will be breached next month, according to projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

That would put the debt at more than 100 per cent of national income for the first time since the end of the Second World War.

Can we expect to see furlough extended beyond October?

Its not impossible that the Chancellor will U-turn on previous statements that this a hard deadline if the economic outlook is particularly dire.

But at the moment, the answer is No: the scheme will end on Halloween but officials are keen to stress there are other measures in place to support businesses and workers.

What about pension contributions after August?

Nigel Peaple at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association said the Treasury had so far given vital support to furloughed workers pension contributions, which has no doubt eased financial hardship and anxiety for the millions affected.

However, this support will cease from 1 August, he said. While this will place some financial strain on employers, we recognise that the support under the furlough arrangement needs to be reduced over time, and this multi-step plan should give most employers and schemes time to plan and adjust.

Will there be mass redundancies?

The latest jobs figures showed the number of people claiming unemployment benefit soared to 2.1 million in April. The jump of 856,500 claims reflected the impact of the first full month of lockdown, the Office for National Statistics said.

That's an unemployment rate of nearly 4 per cent.

Jagjit Chadha, director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, has said that, 'We can reasonably expect unemployment to rise very quickly to something over 10 per cent - something we haven't seen since the early 1990s.'

Mr Shah says that with so much uncertainty around the economy, some businesses will be left fearing the worst for when the Government money runs out.

Businesses in tourism, leisure and hospitality are some of the hardest hit, and there is still no plan from the Government on when they will be able to re-open, and even then, it is unknown what the trading conditions will look like as people cautiously make their way to restaurants, bars and hotels, he added.

Unions are warning companies will start sacking staff as soon as the money dries up. Airlines have already laid off staff and warned more job losses are inevitable, and the Government has pointed out not every job can be saved.

Officials are expected to present revised figures next week.

Has the Government got a plan to deal with this?

During the Downing Street press conference the Chancellor promised to address the looming employment crisis with a scheme to create additional jobs.

The FT later reported that Mr Sunak is racing to build a 100billion job creation scheme focussed on the infrastructure and green energy sectors.

What if my employer wants me to go back to work but I dont want to?

This is a complex and fraught subject, which we deal with in detail here.
MONTREALBased on the recent past, the tears provincial and federal leaders shed over the failings of long-term care in Canada tend to dry up fast.

If only for that reason, waiting for one or more post-pandemic inquiries to come up with advice as to how to address the oft-documented problems that plague the system may be the last thing thats needed.

If one could draw a straight  and short  line between the findings of an independent inquiry and government action, many of the serious flaws the armed forces have identified in the long-term-care institutions they have been posted to this spring would have been fixed before COVID-19 struck their residents.

By the same token before advocating for a royal or a provincial commission to look into the handling of the pandemic, it would be worth noting that the findings that resulted from a similar exercise after the 2003 SARS outbreak ended up gathering dust on government shelves.

(For a sense of the time frame involved in conducting government-sponsored inquiries, the Ontario commission that looked into SARS was created in June 2003 and its final report was released three-and-a-half years later.)

It is not to diminish the work of past commissions of inquiry to find that one of their collateral results has often been to buy governments enough time for a challenging issue or an overly ambitious election promise to fall off the public radar.

Just this week, the federal government announced it was delaying the release of a national action plan on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls indefinitely.

The government has not sat idle since the MMIWG inquiry reported last year. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced additional pandemic-related funding for Canadas Indigenous communities including $44 million over five years to build 12 new shelters for women and girls fleeing violence.

But Ottawa has yet to come up with a comprehensive road map to implement the reports recommendations.

Of course, the undelivered action plan is only the latest agenda item to be pushed off by the pandemic.

Court-ordered amendments to Canadas medically assisted death law; a decision on whether Chinese telecom giant Huawei should be allowed to participate in the development of Canadas 5G network and a provincial challenge of the federal carbon tax in the Supreme Court have all been punted forward.

But in the case of MMIWG, it is fair to ask whether an unprecedented window for meaningful action has not been at least partly squandered.

It will be a year in June since the 1,200-page report and its 231 calls for justice was made public. Its impact has inevitably faded.

Even absent a pandemic, time would have depleted the momentum that attended the commission hearings and its hard-hitting findings. The COVID-19 crisis has only accelerated that process.

The release of the inquiry findings last June came four years after Justin Trudeau arrived in power bearing the promise of a national inquiry.

Looking at where Canada was in late 2015 versus where it is now, one cant help but wonder whether more measurable progress might have been achieved had the Liberals hit the ground running upon their arrival in office rather than hand over the file to a commission.

Brian Mulroney, Jean Chretien and Stephen Harper all spent about a decade in power. There is no sure thing in politics but Trudeau in 2015 could reasonably expect to be prime minister for as long.

By now, about half that time is behind his Liberal government. Over the past five years, the many allies Trudeau could count on at the first ministers table have been replaced by less politically friendly premiers.

The federal Conservatives who  at this time  remain the most likely alternative to the Liberals have not, historically, brought the same level of commitment to the Indigenous issue.

And then the fiscal environment has taken a turn for the worse. As a result, many of the items on the Liberal pre-pandemic agenda stand to be dropped or scaled down.

Take Trudeaus signature election promise of a national pharmacare plan. Momentum on the health-care reform front is fast shifting to long-term care.

After the pandemic, a cash-strapped federal government will have to figure out where its attention is most needed. In no small part, its choice will be dictated by public opinion.

At this juncture, the focus is on addressing long-term care. But for how long?

When it comes to governments undertaking some heavy social policy lifting, the recent past tends to dictate to strike the iron while it is (still) hot.

Chantal Hebert is an Ottawa-based freelance contributing columnist covering politics for the Star. Reach her via email: chantalh28@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert
CLARINDA  Air Methods, the provider of the LifeNet helicopter ambulance based at Clarinda Regional Health Center, informed center officials this week the service will no longer be available effective immediately.

It is hugely unfortunate, said Clarinda Regional Health Center Chief Executive Officer Chuck Nordyke.

The center has had the air ambulance since 2012.

How can we somehow salvage this? Nordyke said. Weve been talking to LifeNet for some kind of solution. They are open to figure out some kind of coverage, but it wont be anything like it is now.

According to a statement from Air Methods, which oversees the operation, the company will continue to cover the Clarinda area with other Air Methods operations: LifeFlight  UnityPoint, associated with UnityPoint Health in Carroll; LifeNet based in Omaha and LifeNet in St Joseph, Missouri.

In addition, Air Methods is working with all employees on opportunities for other positions within Air Methods or their next career steps, Flanders said.

Air Methods is only used when called, and transports patient who needs the services, regardless of ability to pay.

In many cases, we are the only link between hospitals for patients who need more intensive care, which is a responsibility we take very seriously as we make these decisions, according to the statement.

Nordyke said when officials informed the Clarinda Regional Health Center, the reason for stopping service was because of finances. Nordyke speculated part of the financial reason may be linked to how emergency medical services are reimbursed.

Im sure it flows to the flight side of things, he said. Those are major issues that need to be revamped. Iowa is working on it, but we need a solution, now, desperately.

Air Methods provided a more detailed explanation:

The cost of this around-the-clock readiness averages nearly $3 million per year for each air base, according to a cost study prepared for the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS). Further, approximately 85% percent of costs are fixed costs associated with operating an air base, giving companies little leeway in reducing costs on their own.

However, reimbursement for services has not kept up with costs. Medicare, which covers air medical services in emergency cases only, established the current air medical service payment rates in 2002 based on an estimated 1998 cost pool. Today, the average Medicare per-transport reimbursement covers approximately half of the cost per transport, according to the AAMS study.

In Iowa, over 70% of our transports are Medicaid, Medicare, and self-pay/uninsured, which combined reimburses less than 30% of overall costs. Again, we dont self-dispatch nor have any idea of insurance status until after we deliver our patient and finish our mission. Medicaid in Iowa pays $250 per patient transport, plus mileage, with Medicare covering around $6,000.

While we are seeing some progress in support for higher Medicaid reimbursement in Iowa, however, the lower payments by government payers in general means each Iowa air ambulance patient with private health insurance has to cover the costs for the remaining balance left by these 70% of transports. This business environment is not sustainable and puts emergency air medical transport access at risk, which is critical in a rural state like Iowa.

Fortunately, Air Methods is in-network with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Avera Health Plans, DAKOTACARE, as well as the national Humana health insurance plan and more than 25 other in-network commercial health plan agreements across the country. We will continue to aggressively pursue payer agreements across the country so that patients have access to discounted, out-of-pocket payment for qualified services, which varies depending on their plans benefits.

However, if the low government reimbursement continues, businesses will be deterred from providing this critical service that is needed. The best solution is to increase Medicaid reimbursement at the state level and the federal government to increase Medicare reimbursement for air emergency services which will ensure that the government doesnt place this burden of debt on private businesses.

Clarinda Regional Health Center provided the landing pad. The helicopters fuel system and crew housing, also located on the center complex, are not owned by Clarinda Regional Health Center.

For a care standpoint, it was tremendous, Nordyke said. Weve always been happy with the partnership.
Mumbai, May 30 : Maharashtra on Saturday notched 99 new Covid-19 deaths, down by 17 from the highest 116 fatalities of May 29, to touch 2,197 deaths, while the number of patients crossed 65K, health officials said.

Today's toll includes 81 deaths in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region alone, the worst-hit in the country, besides 2,940 new positive cases recorded in the state today.

This comes to roughly one death every 15 minutes, and an average 123 new cases notched every hour, in the state.

Maharashtra has been recording 75-plus fatalities and new patients over 2K daily for the past five consecutive days, with the last highest figure of 3,041 infections recorded on May 24.

With 99 fatalities, the state death toll has touched 2,197 while the total number of coronavirus patients increased from yesterday's 62,228 to 65,168 today.

The health department said of the total number of cases declared to date, 34,881 were 'active cases' today -- increasing by 1,757 over yesterday's 33,124.

The state has notched a recovery rate of 43.07 per cent and a mortality (death) rate of 3.37 per cent, with the patient doubling time improving to 17.5 days over last week's 11.3 days.

Of the total 99 fatalities today, 54 were recorded in Mumbai alone, besides one each from Bihar and Rajasthan, taking the city deaths up from yesterday's 1,173 to 1,227 now, while the number of Covid-19 positive patients here shot up by 1,510 cases to touch 38,442 now.

Besides Mumbai's 54 deaths, there were 10 fatalities each in Thane and Raigad districts, 7 in Palghar, 6 each in Pune and Solapur, 3 in Jalgaon and one in Nagpur.

The victims comprised 62 men and 37 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, 1,084 fully cured patients returned home today, taking the number of those discharged from 26,997 to 28,081 now.

The state government has decided to ban spitting, smoking, chewing tobacco and paan in public places with hefty fines ranging from Rs 1,000 and 1 day's public service to 2 years jail term, said Health Minister Rajesh Tope.

A 250-bed special Covid-19 Hospital will come up in Aurangabad, one of the Red Zones by June 10, for the benefit of the local infectees.

The MMRA continued to cause grave concerns with 1,478 Covid-19 deaths and positive cases shooting to 49,575.

Though trailing a distant second after Mumbai, Pune Division fatalities touched 404, besides 8,899 patients.

The next major area of concern is Nashik Division with 157 deaths and 2,000 positive cases, followed by Aurangabad Division with 66 fatalities and 1,787 cases, and finally Akola Division with 47 deaths and 980 cases.

Latur Division reported 9 deaths and 338 cases, Kolhapur Division 10 deaths and 816 patients, and finally Nagpur Division with 11 deaths and 714 cases.

Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home-quarantine increased from yesterday's 535,467 to 551,660 today, and those in institutional quarantine decreased by 547 to 35,420.

The state's containment zones increased from 2,941 to 3,169 on Saturday and 17,917 health teams have carried out a survey of a population of around 68.5 lakh in the state.

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

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Space Force is the galactic comedy that Avenue 5 probably wants to be when it grows up.

Steve Carrell latched onto the concept of a fictitious United States Space Force through his agent, creating the show with writer / producer Greg Daniels (Upload, The Office, Parks & Recreation). The results are lean-back fun.

Carrell plays 4 star general Mark R. Naird given the command of the newest branch of the US Defences, at a sprawling base hidden deep in the Colorado mountains. It may be top secret, but even the local gas station manager knows about it all.

Naird has a mission: POTUS wants boots on the moon by 2024, to get back red, white & blue space dominance. But he is faced with failing test missions, a rising budget, and a wife (Lisa Kudrow) who is sent off to prison for reasons which are not immediately apparent.

At his side, and sometimes as a thorn in it, is scientist Dr. Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich) whose endeavours to do everything safely and scientifically are sometimes upstaged by the pure optimism -aka blissful ignorance- of Naird. Things go wrong a lot, but nothing will stand in the way of space progress for the worlds oldest democracy.

Theres also Nairds very independent daughter Erin (Diana Silvers), a randy Russian observer Yuri (Alex Sparrow), a bumbling personal assistant Brad (Don Lake) and a Twitter-obsessed media manager (Ben Schwartz). Watch for cameos from Jane Lynch, Patrick Warburton and a supporting role by Noah Emmerich as Nairds nemesis.

As a bonus Nairds senile father is played by Fred Willard in his final role (the opening episode is also dedicated in tribute).

Production-wise this has money on the screen. For a TV comedy is it full of location shots with air force big toys and endless admin buildings. I dont think Ive seen a show with quite so many extras. It really adds to the credibility and luxury of it all.

Thankfully it all supports the comic timing of a growling Steve Carrell, balanced by the wobbly concern of Malkovich an inspired pairing. When it all gets necessarily serious Carrell and Daniels veer left into the absurd or a visual gag, that taps into Carrells comic toolbox. Cue Kokomo.

But a word of warning. If youre not a Carrell fan this may offer very little. Space Force could do more given its fine ensemble. The Office it may not be, but Houston, we have a crowd-pleaser.

Space Force is now screening on Netflix.
Officials have secured a contract for what they call the biggest hurdle for the long-awaited Comite River Diversion Canal project.

The $55 million contract, announced late Thursday, will allow for the construction of two new bridges  at U.S. 61 and the Kansas City Southern Railroad  as well as the excavation and construction of the canal from U.S. 61 to the Lilly Bayou Control Structure.

The contract was awarded to Baton Rouge-based company James Construction from a field of three competitive bidders.

The Comite River Diversion Canal project has been in the works for decades to help in flood mitigation. It would divert Comite River water toward the Mississippi River and away from the Amite River, and potentially spare downriver communities in East Baton Rouge, Ascension and Livingston parishes from higher water.

Officials have for more than a year been relocating utilities in preparation for the bridge construction. The project drew $343 million in federal money after the 2016 floods boosted efforts to build the canal.

The awarding of the $55 million contracts to build the two bridges marks an important milestone in the project as it will quite literally pave the way for the canal to run where it needs to beneath U.S. 61.

This is one of the most important components to move forward.  One of the challenges in previous years is that you cant partially start working on Highway 61, you need the money upfront, so were pretty excited, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Ricky Boyett said.

After a symbolic groundbreaking on the 12-mile canal project in April of last year, though, not much else has happened.

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Initially, construction was scheduled for completion in summer of 2021, then it was set for completion by late September 2021. With utility work and real estate acquisition talks stalling progress, Boyett said Friday the projected completion date is now more like late 2021.

Comite River Diversion Canal on target for 2021 completion, top federal official says The resolution of a dispute with the Kansas City Southern railroad means work on the $343 million Comite River Diversion Canal should be finis

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves also projected the late 2021 timeline in a news release about the bridge construction contract Thursday night.

Under the current construction schedule, we will have better flood protection by the end of next year, he said in the statement.

If officials can stick with the late 2021 timeline, Graves office says Livingston, Ascension and East Baton Rouge authorities could request map revisions from FEMA that would result in lower flood insurance premiums the year after.

The latest timeline for the project has the physical completion of the Kansas City Southern and U.S. 61 bridge in September or October 2021 and the completion of drop structures around the same time. Drop structures would mean flood-risk bayous could begin draining into the canal before the overall project is completed, so Zachary and Baker communities could receive flood reduction benefits earlier than communities farther south.

The final project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2021 when the Comite River is connected to the canal.
John Minchillo/AP

MINNEAPOLISHours after a former Minneapolis cop was charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, protests exploded in major cities across the country on Friday night, with at least two people shot dead, police vehicles set ablaze, windows smashed in, and protesters attempting to storm buildings.

Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Dallas, Richmond, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Brooklyn, Washington, Omaha, Denver, Des Moines... In city after city, chanting crowds unleashed angerand police responded with teargas and pepper spray.

Harrowing scenes unfolded on TV and social media: projectiles being lobbed at SWAT officers protecting the CNN Center in Atlanta; an NYPD van engulfed in flames; a Los Angeles officer attacked by a crowd; cars accelerating into protesters in Bakersfield and San Jose; a Louisville reporter crying out that she was being hit by rubber police bullets.

Cops Knee Was on George Floyds Neck for Almost 9 Minutes

A 19-year-old man was shot dead by an unknown gunman at a protest in Detroit and a Federal Protective Service officer was shot dead while trying to protect the Down Town Federal Building in Oakland, California.

The White House was briefly locked down as nearby protests grew hot. The Pentagon reportedly put military police units on alert that they could be deployed to quell unrest.

The night before, Minneapolis had burned, with protesters taking over the stationhouse where Officer Derek Chauvin was assigned before he kneeled on Floyds neck for nearly 9 minutes.

Chauvin was charged Friday with third-degree murder, but the city still boiled with fury. A curfew was in place in Minneapolis and its sister city St. Paul on Friday night, but protesters ignored it and massedsome angry that the officers who stood by while Floyd pleaded I cant breathe had not yet been charged.

I dont plan on entertaining any curfew, 33-year-old Joseph Bennett of St. Paul told The Daily Beast. Ideally, things shouldnt go down like this. But justice hasnt been fully served yet.

Story continues

The looting, fire, thats what gets things heard, he added. Whatever it takes.

Outside the 5th police precinct, an atmosphere of lawlessness took hold. A diverse crowd looted at least three stores and a post office. Inside a wide-open Dollar Tree within eyesight of the police station, three young white men lit paper products on fire to cheers of Burn the bitch down! For hours, not a single police officer was seen around the station as helicopters hovered above and fireworks flew through the air.

Police moved in around midnight with a sudden show of force and used teargas to disperse people from the parking lot of a Wells Fargo that was on fire.

Gov. Tim Walz condemned what he called wanton destruction, saying what began as peaceful social justice protests had morphed into something incredibly dangerous.

The absolute chaosthis is not grieving, this is not making a statement, he said as officials announced more National Guard members would be deployed.

The skirmishes in other cities were just as dramatic.

In New York City, after hundreds of people swarmed to meet police officers outside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, demonstrators hurled water bottles at cops. Cops unleashed pepper spray and batons on the chanting crowd. The demonstrators dispersed, but only temporarily. An NYPD van, abandoned by police to the crowd, was set on fire near Fort Greene Park. Law enforcement sources said there was a thwarted attempt to take over the 88th Precinct stationhouse.

In one clash captured on video, an NYPD officer called one protester a stupid fucking bitch before throwing her onto the ground.

This was me, and I want to make one thing clear to all the people that are commenting lies below this video, someone who claimed to be the woman wrote on Twitter. I did NOT spit in this officer's face. I was wearing a face mask. He told me to get out of the street and then immediately threw me out of the way.

Rachel Olding/The Daily Beast

In Atlanta, a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic and violent outside the CNN Center. Police used pepper spray but the crowd stood its ground. The buildings sign was defaced with spray paint, windows were smashed in, and objects were hurled into the lobbywhere police stood in a phalanx and a correspondent standing in the stairwell gave live reports.

I have a daughter and wife I want to get home to tonight, correspondent Nick Valencia told anchor Chris Cuomo as the confrontation appeared to be on the verge of spinning completely out of control.

Fire and Fury: Crowd Attacks CNN Center in Atlanta

On the other side of the country, in Bakersfield, California, demonstrators marching through the streets were suddenly subjected to horror as a car sped up and drove into the crowd, striking at least one person as onlookers cried out. A similarly gut-wrenching video posted to Twitter, apparently from San Jose, showed a driver deliberately plow into protesters, clearly running over a man whose legs were under the back tire.

In Los Angeles, a police officer was attacked by a small group of demonstrators, put in a chokehold and kicked until he was able to run away.

It was nearly impossible to keep up with the reports of skirmishes popping up across the map as the night wore on.

Boston police holding wooden bats stood guard outside the Roxbury subway station as hundreds of protesters took to the streets and took down an American flag.

Houston protesters blocked an entrance ramp to Interstate 45, marched on U.S. 59, and reportedly chased away a woman spotted carrying a rifle near City Hall. A police car was vandalized and shoving matches broke out.

Video from Fort Wayne, Indiana, showed people milling about holding signsthen suddenly sparks emerging from tear gas canisters, followed by clouds of vapor. Police officers stood in a long line; all of a sudden, one of them sprayed a young man standing feet away.

In Louisville, Kentucky, where seven people were shot amid protests late Thursday, basement windows to the Hall of Justice were smashed and a fire was set inside on Friday.

Kaitlin Rust, a local correspondent for Louisvilles WAVE 3, was apparently hit by rubber bullets as she reported live from the protests, shouting into her microphone that the police were aiming directly at us!

Back in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the National Guard was out in force as an 8 p.m. curfew took effect. It did not stop people from taking to the streets.

Officers fired rubber bullets and deployed tear gas, but the demonstrators had them surrounded on two sides and refused to budge. After police left the scene, they celebrated what they saw as a victory over the cops.

I think they were trying to trick us or bait us with the National Guard leaving. We came in closer but didnt move after the tear gas, Stanley Jackson told The Daily Beast.

We could tell when the National Guard put on gas masks it was time to get ready. So when they hit us with the gas, we just took it, Armando Maurelli said.

Solomon Gustavo for The Daily Beast

After breaking through the police line at Hiawatha Ave., a crowd marched to the 5th Precinct with no sign of police along the way. They broke windows and entered a post office and banks, including a BMO Harris and a Wells Fargo across the street from the precinct. Cars in a parking lot were set on fire as police on rooftops looked on.

There was word of state police and national guard surrounding the area buzzing among protesters around midnight local time Saturday, but no initial movement made by either toward the 5th Precinct or those starting fires.

A nearby White Castle and a forklift were also set on fire. Police did not advance to stop them.

Justin Glawe, Danny Gold, and Pilar Melendez contributed reporting

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday (May 30) warned China against any attempt to intrude into the Indian territory, saying New Delhi will not back off in the face of Beijing's intimidation.

However, he also underscored the need for a diplomatic solution to the escalating border tension. "While we do not want war, we will not tolerate any bullying by Beijing," said the chief minister, warning the neighbouring country against taking India lightly. "This is not 1962," he said, making it clear that if China did not stop indulging in intimidating behaviour, it would have to pay the price.

"The Indian Army is ready to give a befitting reply and China should not take any chances," he said, in response to a Kolkata resident's question, during his Facebook Live session.

"We do not want war with any nation and want the situation to improve, but if they keep behaving like this we won't have any other option left," he said, urging China to mend its ways and talk to India to resolve the issue.

Singh said China cannot stop India from building any infrastructure on its side of the border.

"They (the Chinese) don't listen to us when we object to them making roads inside our area in Aksai Chin, but when we make one road inside our area they react with aggression," he said in a government statement here.

Singh was equally stern in warning Pakistan, which had been trying to foment trouble in Punjab and other parts of India by pushing terrorists, weapons and drugs from across the border through use of drones and other means.

A robust three-tier security structure, comprising BSF, Punjab police and Indian Army, was monitoring and securing the border with Pakistan round the clock, he said, adding that Punjab police, in recent months, busted 32 terror modules and seized more than 200 weapons.

On attempts by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of the secessionist Sikhs for Justice outfit to instigate people and foment trouble in Punjab, the chief minister said he will not let Punjab's hard-earned peace be disturbed at any cost by any foreign elements. He warned Pannu of dire consequences if he did not stop trying to destabilise the state.

Asserting that he knows how to handle people like Pannu, Singh dared him to try to enter Punjab, saying the state was fully prepared to tackle any threat from him and his banned outfit.
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced Saturday that collective prayers will resume in mosques, even as confirmed new coronavirus infections rise again after a decline.

"It has been decided to open the mosques across the country... giving worshippers the chance to perform their daily prayers while respecting the required (hygiene) rules," Rouhani said in a televised speech.

Iran, hit by the Middle East's deadliest outbreak of the virus, began to loosen restrictions on human interaction in April, classifying areas as white, orange and red -- respectively indicating low, medium and high risk for coronavirus infections.

Rouhani said Saturday that the reopening of mosques for daily prayer "would not only be in white zones," but did not elaborate on when the eased measures would take effect.

Authorities had progressively closed mosques across Iran after confirming the first coronavirus infections in February.

Mosques in areas falling into the white category were allowed to re-open their doors for prayer for the month of Ramadan -- April 25 to May 24 -- but only for individual prayer.

For Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, collective prayer was permitted in some areas.

A requirement that shopping centres close by 6.00 pm would be lifted, Rouhani added, again without specifying when this measure will take effect.

The Iranian president also warned the population against believing that the country was rid of the virus, emphasising that it was here to stay.

He urged citizens to respect the rules on social distancing fastidiously.

A further 57 people who tested positive for the virus died over the last day, the health ministry said Saturday, taking the total confirmed death toll to 7,734.

The official figures show a renewed acceleration in virus cases since early May.

The ministry announced 2,282 new confirmed infections on Saturday, taking the total number of declared infections since February to 148,950.

On Friday, authorities announced new confirmed cases in the previous 24 hours had totalled 2,819, a near two-month high.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Child protection officers have been pulled from the frontline to man Queensland's borders.

The incredible revelation comes after a four-year-old girl was discovered decomposing in her Brisbane home on Monday while two autistic brothers were found locked in a filthy room in the city's north two days later.

Both cases were reportedly known to Queensland authorities.

But as the state reels in shock over the horrific child cruelty cases, the police union has revealed that some of the states most experienced officers are stuck policing Queensland's borders.

Child protection officers and homicide detectives are some of the hundreds of officers that have been dragged from frontline duties to operate QLD's border patrols (pictured)

Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers, a former child protection officer, said police resources were being relocated while 'crime runs rampant'.

'In times of crisis, child abuse increases yet because of border closures, we have police guarding checkpoints instead of keeping children safe,' he told the Courier Mail.

'As unemployment spirals out of control in tourism centres like the Gold Coast, more and more people are turning to crime to pay their bills owing to border closures, and rather than police keeping the community safe were stuck on borders while crime runs rampant.'

The revelation comes amid renewed calls for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to reopen borders as coronavirus case numbers continue to fall.

Australia's deputy Chief Medical Officer has said there is no medical reason for state borders to remain closed.

On Saturday morning NSW, which borders Queensland, recorded no new cases of the virus.

Child protection officers and homicide detectives are among hundreds of police officers that have been dragged onto border checkpoints in an operation that is costing an estimated $1.5million a month.

Willow Dunn's (pictured) body was found decomposing in her bed at her home in Cannon Hill, also in Brisbane, on Monday

With more than 100 plain clothes officers shifted onto border and quarantine hotel patrols, an already-stretched police budget has skyrocketed as taxpayers foot additional overtime, travel expenses and free meals.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said Queensland now had a record number of police officers and the border posts were 'disrupting significant crimes'.

But Mr Leavers disagreed, arguing it did not make sense to compromise other police duties.

The union boss called on the Premier to overrule the Chief Health Officer and open border, warning the ramifications of the closures could soon be worse than 'the disease itself'.

Opposition police spokesman Dan Purdie, a former police officer, agreed, saying officers on border patrols was costing millions but the cost to the community was even greater.

However, a spokesman for Mr Ryan said Ms Palaszczuk and Dr Young said the border restrictions were in place to protect Queenslanders' health.

Two autistic brothers (pictured), aged 17 and 19, were discovered starving and naked in a filthy room inside a Stafford home in Brisbane's north on Wednesday

On Wednesday two brothers, aged 17 and 19, were discovered starving and naked in a house in Stafford in Brisbane's north on Wednesday morning, after their father was found dead in the next room.

Pictured wearing only nappies, the teens are now receiving specialist care in hospital after being found severely malnourished.

The grim discovery came just days after four-year-old Willow Dunn's body was found decomposing in her bed at her home in Cannon Hill on Monday.

Her father, Mark James Dunn, 43, was charged with murder after he allegedly found the toddler dead on Saturday and didn't call emergency services.

The boys were aged 15 and 18 in this photograph, taken by a concerned neighbour, but look significantly younger as they sat in their back yard in nappies (pictured)

Willow Dunn's father, Mark James Dunn (right) was charged with murder after he allegedly found the toddler dead on Saturday and didn't call emergency services

The teenage boys, who are understood to be non-verbal, were only found after police discovered their 49-year-old father's dead body.

The Courier-Mail reported the boys were known to the Department of Child Safety (DOCS) officers, but the investigation had been closed.

There were visits to the property but it was allegedly determined there were no threat to the boys.

The teenager's living conditions were described as 'sordid and gravely distressing' by a neighbour.

'I tried to reach out to police and the Department of Child Safety, but nothing was ever done,' she told The Courier-Mail.

'They wouldn't be wearing clothes, only just loaded diapers if they were lucky.'

Flowers and stuffed animals are seen outside the home where Willow's body was found

Forensic police on the scene at Cannon Hill in Brisbane after a four-year-old girl's body was found

A neighbour told the ABC she was so horrified by what she saw that she called DOCS in February - but claimed they did nothing to help the boys.

'This man used to speak to these children like they were the scum on his shoes,' she said.

'He would tell them to ''shut the f*** up''.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said there would be an investigation into the case.

'Obviously just based on what I've seen in the media reports this is particularly tragic, heart-wrenching and no doubt will be investigated in detail, both the Child Safety response as well as what's happened here and I'll let those processes play out,' he said.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women would not comment on the case and said there are strict provisions which make it illegal to disclose publicly whether an individual or family is known or not known to the department.

The boys were locked in this room (pictured) in the rented home when they were found by police after their father's death

One of the boys, who has autism, is seen sitting on a mattress in a nappy in 2018 (pictured) in a photo taken by a concerned neighbour

Willow was allegedly found in a back bedroom inside the rented home on Bent Street in Cannon Hill, where she lived with her father, stepmother and stepsister.

Willow's stepmother and stepsister are not facing charges and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on their parts.

The child's father allegedly left the helpless little girl lying in her bed, starving to death, long enough for her to have infected sores on her hips down to the bone.

A relative allegedly sought medical treatment for Willow in 2018, The Courier-Mail reported.

It is understood the relative allegedly took the little girl to hospital after claiming she looked unwell.

The publication believes concerns about Willow's welfare had been reported on more than one occasion.

State Child Safety Minister Di Farmer refused to confirm if Willow was known to authorities.

Pictured: Forensic police on the scene in Cannon Hill after Willow Dunn's body was found
Police said the security guard went to confront a 43-year-old man in a courtyard who was attempting to break out several windows, but the man pulled out a knife and stabbed the guard in the torso. The guard was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Between the Corona crisis and the lockdown, Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav has said that he will not tie up with any major party in the 2022 assembly elections. Small parties can be taken together. He said that Congress and BJP have only one way and they will keep distance from these two parties. He broke the silence on the question asked about the President of the Progressive Samajwadi Party (Praspa) and his uncle Shivpal Yadav, saying that there can be 'adjustment' with him in Jaswant Nagar Assembly seat. However, he also said that the election is far away.

Corona breaks records in South Africa, thousands of people infected

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said on a TV channel on Friday that Samajwadi Party is working alone in UP. Sometimes it seems that the path of Congress and BJP is the same. The government of the BJP is removed and a new government is formed, this is the goal of the socialists in UP now. On the bus dispute with Congress, Akhilesh said that there are more than 70 thousand buses in UP, if the government wanted, it could have installed buses for laborers. When the children were removed from the quota, why were the workers not removed? If the government wanted, no worker would go on foot.

Harish Salve gives big statement, says, "Un elected people think they can impose will on govt"

In his statement, Akhilesh Yadav said that our workers are constantly helping people and feeding them. He is happy that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is going to the same hospitals that were built by the socialist government. Today the same ambulance is being used which our government gave. The government showered flowers in all medical colleges, but why were the hospitals in Saifai and Azamgarh abandoned?

Prayers at mosques can began in this city amid Corona crisis and lockdown
After being closed for over 2 months during the lockdown, Starbucks stores across South Africa will open on Monday.

Unlike many of its competitors, Starbucks did not open on 1 May when the country moved from alert level 5 to alert level 4, which allowed restaurants to start doing deliveries.

At the time Starbucks informed clients that it will sadly not open during level 4. We are planning on doing deliveries soon though as we are classified only to operate in stage 3, it said.

At level 3 restaurants are allowed to offer pick-up, drive-thru and delivery services, but will not allow food of beverages to be consumed on the premises.

As users are allowed to pick up their coffee from a restaurant, Starbucks said it will be opening on Monday 1 June.

In line with our latest government guidance, we look forward to serving our customers, take away only, from 1 June 2020, Starbucks South Africa said.

Many of Starbucks local competitors, like Seattle Coffee Co and The Daily, have been open since the beginning of May.

In a message posted on the Seattle Coffee Co website in April, the restaurant chain said it has been working tirelessly to get our coffee to you in accordance with current regulations.

Many Seattle Coffee Co cafe stores opened for home deliveries when the country moved to alert level 4 on 1 May.

Mugg & Bean also opened restaurants across South Africa for no contact deliveries during level 4, which included its wide range of coffee drinks.

Now read: Here are the new level 3 lockdown rules
As former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin's mugshot circulates online following his arrest, George Floyd protests rage on across the United States. Atlanta is one of the latest cities to erupt in civil unrest, and the CNN building has become a target considering there is reportedly a police precinct inside. According to a report made by the New York Post, protestors chanted for police to quit their jobs while destroying patrol cars and setting items ablaze, and as community leaders in Atlanta and beyond, Killer Mike, T.I., and Bernice King have asked for irate citizens not to burn down their beloved town.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAysNCLBlBX



"What you're seeing live on CNN is vandalism in the lobby of CNN Center in Atlanta," tweeted Brian Stelter, a CNN correspondent regarding the mayhem. "So disturbing to see. FYI: Our control rooms and newsroom employees are several floors and locked doors away. The coverage continues, no matter what."

At a press conference, Killer Mike gave a tearful plea as he spoke directly to his fellow Atlanta residents. "We have to be better than burning down our own homes because if we lose Atlanta, what else we got? he asked. "It is your duty to not burn your own house down for anger with an enemy. It is your duty to fortify your own house, so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization." Watch the various clips below.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266539956618616832

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266539251237298177

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266544007498383361

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266539756755836935

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266543427589738504

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266539326617329671

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266541229841551360

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266540446613938178

https://twitter.com/_/status/1266541903127949313

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyywjSJ4cV



https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyqqm0BxVX



https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyzAhWJUNk



[via]
Vow's subsidiary ETIA has today entered into a supply agreement with Circular Carbon (Wurzburg, Germany), member of econnext group, for the delivery of a Biomass Energy System to be owned and operated by Circular Carbon, for the processing of cocoa shells from the food industry.

The Biomass Energy System, delivered by ETIA, will create a strong environmental impact by enabling Circular Carbon to help its clients reduce industry carbon footprint by offsetting natural gas and the production of biochar (reducing CO2 emissions). The Biomass Energy System comprises ETIA's Biogreen carbonization unit producing biochar and steam (to be used in the local food production).

"The delivery, within this food industry vertical, will demonstrate the relevance and value of Vow Group's decarbonisation technologies in the food processing industry", says Vow's CEO, Mr. Henrik Badin.

"The agreement between ETIA and Circular Carbon manifests the beginning of a mutually valuable cooperation for decarbonisation of industrial processes in the food sector, and the parties are happy to have successfully concluded the engineering study, as well as the pan-European negotiations, despite the exceptional times we are living in", says Circular Carbon's CEO, Mr. Felix Ertl.

"Our vision is to build companies with a positive impact on society and the environment, and we are very pleased to see Circular Carbon enter into this cooperation with ETIA and Vow Group", says Dr. Jobst von Hoyningen-Huene, Co-CEO/Co-Founder of econnext, the majority owner of Circular Carbon.

The Biomass Energy System is scheduled to be delivered and commissioned 2021. The value of this first supply agreement with Circular Carbon is in the region of EUR 2.4 million.





For further queries, please contact:

Henrik Badin  CEO

Vow ASA

Tel: +47 90 78 98 25

Email: henrik.badin@vowasa.com





About Vow ASA

In Vow and our subsidiaries Scanship and Etia we are passionate about preventing pollution. Our world leading solutions convert biomass and waste into valuable resources and generate clean energy for a wide range of industries.

Cruise ships on every ocean have Vow technology inside which processes waste and purifies wastewater. Fish farmers are adopting similar solutions, and public utilities and industries use our solutions for sludge processing, waste management and biogas production on land.

Our ambitions go further than this. With our advanced technologies and solutions, we turn waste into biogenetic fuels to help decarbonize industry and convert plastic waste into fuel, clean energy and high-value pyro carbon.

Our solutions are scalable, standardized, patented and thoroughly documented, and our capability to deliver is well proven. They are key to end waste and stop pollution.

Located in Oslo, the parent company Vow ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker VOW from 13 January 2020). The Vow group has 120 employees in Norway, France, Poland and the US.





This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.




- Self proclaimed Tea Master Edgar Obare has caught Kenyans' attention once again with an expose on Alex Mwakideu's love life

- Obare shared screenshots of alleged intimate messages between the radio presenter and a rumoured lover

- Mwakideu's former colleague Ben Kitili, however. termed the expose' half baked warning the blogger about the Cyber Crimes Act.

- TUKO.co.ke reached out to the presenter over the allegations but he declined to comment on the matter

Television anchor Ben Kitili has called out blogger Edgar Obare over his sensational exposes on Instagram linked to media personalities.

On Thursday, May 28, Obare was trending online after leaking alleged intimate messages of Milele FM radio presenter Alex Mwakideu and a rumoured lover.

READ ALSO: Stop treating him like your child: Wife told after packing husband's lunch before work every morning

READ ALSO: Mwandani wa karibu wa DP Ruto afanya mkutano na Musalia Mudavadi, kulikoni?

Kenyans rushed online to defend the presenter by terming the expose as mere allegations with no proof.

Kitili termed the exposes' as one sided stories which the blogger was probably using to make money as well as break homes.

"The thing with the Edgar Obare type of 'exposes' is that it's poorly done journalism. One-sided stories, half-baked proof, more trolling than truth. Yet he's using that to break homes, defame and maybe make money. Is he using spy software? I hope he has read the Cyber Crimes Act."

READ ALSO: Njugush's son Tugi leaves netizens in stitches after perfectly imitating Mutahi Kagwe: "If we continue"

Several Twitter users online joined the bandwagon with similar sentiments while others just made fun of the whole situation.

TUKO.co.ke attempted to reach out to Mwakideu but he declined to comment on the matter.

The radio presenter who is married to a gorgeous wife and is a father of three is also said to be in a boys club called Porini.

READ ALSO: More woes for Ruto as 3 MPs ditch Tanga Tanga, pledge loyalty to Uhuru

Mwakideu's drama came days after Jalang'o and his boys' club WhatsApp conversation leaked online courtesy of 'his teaness' Edgar.

The boys' club shared a group where they discussed all their sexual escapes and were ranked according to the number of women they claimed to have slept with.

Jalang'o later confessed how hard the expose had affected his life, accusing the blogger of breaking homes, families and costing him business.

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.

My husband left me for my bestfriend and imprisoned me after I gave him 12 children - Virginia

Source: TUKO.co.ke
A section of Tsavo East National Park has been engulfed by ravaging fire whose cause is yet to be established.

The fire reportedly began flickering through the park on the evening of Friday, May 29 and continued to gain momentum as it spanned into the night.

READ ALSO: Bus drivers refuse to transport protesters arrested for demonstrating against George Floyd's killing

Section of Tsavo East National Park under fire. Photo: Monica Wambugha/TUKO.co.ke

Source: Original

READ ALSO: Afisa wa kike ashtakiwa kupokea rushwa ya KSh 100k kuwaachilia wahalifu wa magari

Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) in a brief statement confirmed the incident of fire outbreak in the park noting its officers head been deployed to contain it.

"There is an incident of bushfire behind Voi safari lodge in Tsavo East, our Rangers are currently battling the raging flame to contain the fire. Goodluck comrades," said the Service in a statement.

READ ALSO: Duale akutana na Rais Uhuru Ikulu kabla ya mkutano wa Jubilee Juni 2

The fire began ravaging through the park on the evening of Friday, May 29. Photo: Monica Wambugha/TUKO.co.ke

Source: Original

The body, however, did not confirm whether the fire was contained or not.

In their last update, KWS indicated efforts to contain the bushfire had been met with challenges and asked the public to stand in solidarity with the rangers involved in the fight and pray for rains to intervene.

"Please spare a thought for KWS Rangers and volunteers who have been battling bushfire that erupted late afternoon in Irima area, let's pray for heavy rain to extinguish the flame," said KWS via Twitter.

According to locals, the bushfire was still ravaging through the park as late as Saturday, May 30, morning.

"What residents are scared of is that if the fire is not contained on time, the wild animals might begin to roam in the nearby estates of Mwakingali and Mabomani estate that borders Tsavo East national park," said one of the residents who spoke to TUKO.co.ke.

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
Going the distance: Aer Lingus has vowed to make air travel as safe as possible. Photo: Bloomberg

Aer Lingus will board and disembark passengers in small groups and make the presentation of tickets and passports contact-free as part of its plans to minimise virus transmission risks on board.

The Irish carrier detailed its heightened precautions yesterday as a top European aviation safety official offered a qualified guarantee that passengers could travel safely on aircraft that observe Covid-19 protocols.

Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, said airlines should remove hot food from their menus, ensure hand sanitisation and air filtration on board, and space passengers who are not family members as far apart as possible.

"If you are not sick, we can reasonably guarantee - but not 100 percent - that you will not get the disease on board an aircraft or in an airport," Mr Ky told RTE.

Aer Lingus already requires crew and passengers to wear masks and says its Airbus aircraft are equipped with hospital-grade air filtration units that "fully replace" the cabin air every three minutes.

The carrier, which currently operates a spartan schedule but plans to reopen much of its route network by July, said new measures would include intensive daily disinfecting of all hard surfaces inside each aircraft.

"Tray tables, arm rests and windows will be deep cleaned by hand and the interior of every aircraft will be thoroughly disinfected," it said.

Aer Lingus will permit passengers not to wear masks only if they are "small children and those who are unable to wear a face mask for medical reasons".

Boarding will now be done more slowly and at a distance.

Passengers will be directed to board and disembark by seat number and row. At the gate, passengers will scan their own tickets and display their passports or other ID to staff, but not hand them over.

It will serve no in-flight food and drink on short-haul services, while its long-haul US flights - currently limited to three routes - will have reduced menus payable only by contact-free card.

"Coupled with the adoption of new procedures by airports and the mandatory use of face coverings on board our aircraft, it is clear that flying is going to be different for the next while," said Peter O'Neill, the chief operations officer at Aer Lingus.

"We want to reassure our customers that, when the time comes and we are travelling once again, Aer Lingus will be ready to take you to your chosen destination as safely as possible," he said.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz summed-up the current chaos erupting nationwide perfectly:

"This is absolutely no longer about George Floyd or addressing inequities anymore. This is an organized attack designed to destabilize civil society."

Protests raged overnight in dozens of U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., New York City, Atlanta, Houston, and several large metro areas on the West Coast.

Protests or social unrest was seen in these major metros on Friday night:

Houston & Fort Worth, TX

NYC

Chicago, IL

Atlanta, GA

Washington D.C.

Detroit, MI

Fort Wayne, IN

Kansas City, MO

Des Moines, IA

Vegas, NV

Charlotte, NC

San Jose, CA

Boston, MA

Memphis, TN

Columbus, OH

Denver, CO

Cincinnati, OH

Portland, ME

Louisville, KY

Starting in Minneapolis, where unrest continued into the fourth night following the death of George Floyd, a man who was killed by Minneapolis Police on Monday, had Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Jon Jensen and Governor Tim Walz announce the request for 1,000 more soldiers from the National Guard as widespread rioting and looting continued.

"This is the largest civilian deployment in Minnesota history that we have out there today, and quite candidly right now, we do not have the numbers," Walz said Saturday morning." We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground because of the sheer size, the dynamics, and wanton violence."

Jensen expects by Saturday evening, up to 1,700 soldiers will be "ready to go." On Friday night, assault rifle-wielding soldiers were spotted on the streets within the ranks of local police.

Minneapolis protest May 29. h/t Unicorn Riot

A fleet of armored Humvees lined the street "on Chicago Ave in between Lake St. and 31st as firefighters battle raging fires 8 blocks from where George Floyd was killed," tweeted Unicorn Riot.

Minneapolis protest May 29. h/t Unicorn Riot

Protesters appeared to have torched a Wells Fargo bank.

Wells Fargo by the 5th Precinct in Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/otu1Q7IqbK  Tony Webster (@webster) May 30, 2020

Building structure(s) are still on fire on Saturday morning.

This is the area around the 5th Precinct pic.twitter.com/BnGo3YUxTx  Tony Webster (@webster) May 30, 2020

The view from my apartment is getting intense. Stay safe #Minneapolis.



LynLake Speedway (I believe) is on fire. Uptown, Lake & Aldrich. pic.twitter.com/XA75GYhlrz  CodyGriz (@CodyGriz) May 30, 2020

Check cashing stores (pictured here) and pawn shops burning all over town. pic.twitter.com/e8BQpPBvc0  Tony Webster (@webster) May 30, 2020

Chaos and destruction continue into the weekend.

OReilly Auto Parts right now in Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/531cNWMhnX  Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) May 30, 2020

What appears to be an Auto Zone on fire right now in Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/l4IdRfyjt9  Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) May 30, 2020

Live in Downtown Minneapolis right now: pic.twitter.com/kbcWrKL9bK  Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) May 30, 2020

Scenes last night from Interstate 35W, a major highway system in the U.S. that passes through downtown Minneapolis, where protesters broke into a moving UPS truck and stole packages.

Protestors getting into the back of a UPS truck as it goes by on 35W @KSTP pic.twitter.com/hmVUpJ82vo  Callan Gray (@CallanGrayNews) May 30, 2020

In response to Washington, D.C. protests on Friday evening, President Trump thanked the Secret Service on Saturday morning for protecting the White house.

"Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action," President Trump tweeted.

Meanwhile, the Treasury Department in DC was breached by rioters, who spray-painted the building. According to CNN, some of the protesters were stopped by US Secret Service but eventually let go.

At least one protestor spray painted graffiti on the bank building. pic.twitter.com/GSglZWAI18  Clarence Williams (@nu1wcf) May 29, 2020

Down in Atlanta, CNN's headquarters were attacked by protesters on Friday evening.

h/t Ryan Maue May 29

h/t Ryan Maue May 29

Several stunning images of the unrest in Atlanta last night.

h/t Twitter handle kieroncg May 29

An angry mob lit NYPD Police vans on fire last night:

h/t Twitter May 29

Rioting in Brooklyn overnight.

Rioters pushing the lines in Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/8hcyjsyTwO  Rob O'Donnell (@odonnell_r) May 30, 2020

From Houston to Phoenix to Portland, police forces have reported widespread social unrest.

Our officers made nearly 200 arrests of those who participated in unlawful assemblies throughout the day & night. Most will be charged with obstructing a roadway.



4 of our officers suffered minor injuries & 8 police vehicles were damaged.



Updates will be posted here. #hounews  Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 30, 2020

Property throughout the downtown Phoenix area has been vandalized as some demonstrators engage in criminal behavior, breaking windows and doors to municipal and private business and destroy cars parked along the street.  Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) May 30, 2020

Two arrests have been made related to this evenings riot. Another arrest was made around 3:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon related to the demonstration near the Justice Center. Details will be provided in a press release when more information becomes available.  Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) May 30, 2020

As things spiral out of control, two Federal Protective Service officers suffered gunshot wounds in Oakland, California, last night, leaving one of them dead.

Oakland was crazy in the overnight, one protester stole a skid loader tractor and drove it down the street.

Earlier in #Oakland : Rioters use a mini bulldozer during the riots in that citypic.twitter.com/Dym89pcTaw  Shark NewsWires (@SharkNewsWires) May 30, 2020

Protesters clashed with police in Oakland.

Meanwhile, the protest / riot in Oakland CA has gotten out of control...large crowd, flames, smoke...reaching critical mass. pic.twitter.com/eW5kMVur8k  ZeroHedge (@govttrader) May 30, 2020

Protesters looting a car dealership in Oakland.

Several years ago, US Northern Command "rehearsed non-lethal riot control tactics" at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. Perhaps preparation for widespread social unrest across the country. The government has known this day was coming...

US Northern Command training for riots in 2018

President Trump signed an executive order in late March that allows the Pentagon to mobilize up to a million troops to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The order could now be directed at social unrest. It's only a matter of time before more state governors activate National Guard troops like Minnesota did early this week.

We were the first to note Friday, the federal government flew a military drone above Minneapolis to spy on protesters.

A perfect storm develops: 40 million unemployed, economy crashed, record polarization and wealth inequality at extremes, the country is quickly descending into chaos into the summer months. So what happens when the government stops unleashing helicopter money for people who recently lost their jobs?
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-31 00:56:37|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

YAOUNDE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) delivered tons of hygiene and preventive materials to Cameroon on Saturday to help the Central African country fight the coronavirus pandemic in schools.

"This donation goes to more than 8,000 schools in six regions. It composes principally of buckets equipped with taps for the storage of water and other sanitary materials. We want to facilitate the back-to-school campaign," Jacques Boyer, UNICEF Resident Representative in Cameroon told reporters while handing over the donation in the capital Yaounde.

Students in their final year will resume classes on Monday in Cameroon after schools were suspended since March 18 due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

"This donation is very timely indeed. We can only thank UNICEF very much. Schools are resuming on Monday and the key message is that everybody should send their children to school," Pauline Nalova Lyonga, Cameroon's Minister of Secondary Education said.

Cameroon has reported more than 5,000 COVID-19 cases since the detection of the first case on March 6. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-29 23:12:37|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A police precinct in Minneapolis, the biggest city in the midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota, was set on fire late Thursday night as protests intensified days after George Floyd, a black man, pleaded "I can't breathe" before dying in police custody.

Elsewhere in the deeply shaken city, thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched through the streets calling for justice, according to a USA Today report.

Protests, rallies and even riots over Floyd's death are also spreading to other cities such as St. Paul, New York, Chicago and Denver. In St. Paul, Minnesota, over 170 businesses were damaged or looted, the city's police department said early Friday.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard to restore order.

Meanwhile, seven people were shot Thursday in Louisville, the largest city in the state of Kentucky, during overnight protests over a separate case -- the death of emergency medical technician Breonna Taylor who was shot dead by police in March.

Amid escalating violence, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday morning called protesters "thugs" on Twitter, warning that he would send National Guard troops to Minneapolis and that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Twitter later put a public interest notice on that tweet.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said on CNN Friday morning that he anticipates there will be charges brought against the officers involved in Floyd's death.

Floyd died on Monday evening shortly after a white police officer held him down with a knee on his neck though the black man in his 40s repeatedly pleaded "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." The police officer's way of handling the man is not approved by the local police department.

In 2014, a cellphone recorded an unarmed black man, Eric Garner, repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" when a New York officer held him in a chokehold before his death in police custody. Since then, the plea has become a rallying cry at demonstrations against police misconduct across the country. Enditem
NORWALK  Mayor Harry Rilling called the school districts plan for in-person summer school irresponsible and reckless, saying it contradicts the advice of medical professionals and was made without consulting city officials.

The Norwalk Public Schools on Friday released its plan for summer classes, noting that both in-person and online options would be offered starting July 6.

Norwalk Public Schools has been closely monitoring all guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State of Connecticut during the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, as well as working with the Norwalk Health Department, the district said in an announcement about the plan. As we plan for a return to in-person classes, the health and safety of students and staff will remain our primary focus.

However, Rilling and city health officials were surprised by the districts decision.

I was shocked to see a summer learning update from Norwalk Public Schools (Friday) that goes against the current recommendations of the Norwalk Health Department and medical adviser to NPS, Rilling said. These public health professionals expressed concern about whether a safe in-person summer school is possible in Norwalk. I specifically asked NPS to coordinate and share a detailed safety plan for review by health and safety experts prior to distributing information to parents.

More details are required than simply saying temperature checks will happen and face masks will be worn. It is misleading to present options that have not yet been approved or vetted by anyone outside of the school district. It was irresponsible to share information before medical experts could sign off on a plan that will protect the health and safety of students and staff.

Rilling directed his disapproval toward Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski, said the school district is not an island unto itself.

They are part of our city, and quite frankly, are being reckless with their approach to summer school, Rilling said.

Norman J. Weinberger, a pediatrician and member of the citys health department who has been the medical adviser to the school district for more than three decades, said he had grave concerns about the schools opening too soon.

For me, the health of our children is our No. 1 priority, Weinberger said. In light of the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the state of Connecticut and the American Academy of Pediatrics for safe openings of schools, I am raising questions related to adequate preparation to ensure the safety and health of our children during this coronavirus pandemic. Are we in Norwalk adequately prepared?

Deanna DAmore, director of the health department, said she and Weinberger met with school officials earlier in the week and recommended it was too early to anticipate a return to in-person instruction.

In addition to making sure the timing is correct, there also needs to be a detailed plan in place reviewed and approved by health experts to ensure students and teachers will not be put at-risk, she said. That plan has yet to be shared with the Norwalk Health Department.

Officials with the Norwalk Public Schools did not return a request for comment.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
Read The Stars live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here. This story is no longer updating

7 p.m. Ontarios regional health units are reporting 320 new COVID-19 infections, according to the Stars latest count.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, the health units had reported a total of 29,212 confirmed and probable cases, including 2,316 deaths. The daily counts have fallen from a spike that saw totals above 400 cases per day most of last week.

The growth of new infections has not been felt equally in the province this month. The daily numbers have been falling outside of the GTA. Meanwhile, new cases inside the region have remained relatively high.

Saturdays tally included 123 new cases in Toronto and 114 more in Peel Region; together, the two health units accounted for nearly three-quarters of the provinces new infections.

According to a provincial database of COVID-19 cases, nearly 80 per cent of the 3,933 Ontarians with an active case of COVID-19 reside in the GTA, with nearly 85 per cent of those in Toronto or Peel Region.

In many parts of the province, only a handful of patients still have an active illness. Nineteen of Ontarios 34 regional health units  including all six in northern Ontario  have fewer than 10 active cases.

Meanwhile, the 19 fatal cases reported in the province since Friday evening was down slightly from a recent flat trend. The rate of deaths has fallen considerably since peaking at more than 90 in a day in early May, about two weeks after the daily case totals hit a first peak in mid-April.

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.

Earlier Saturday, the province reported 801 patients are now hospitalized with COVID-19, including 121 in intensive care, of whom 84 are on a ventilator  numbers that have fallen sharply this month. The province also says more than 21,000 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  2,247  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.

5:20 p.m.: Italys health minister confirmed the country can go ahead with a plan to start allowing travel across the nation next week, even as some local governors oppose letting people from the hard-hit Lombardy region move freely.

Data on the spread of the virus is improving and allows for the reopening among regions, Health Minister Roberto Speranza told newswire Ansa. The announcement came after a late-night meeting with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and various coalition party representatives and ministers.

The government and regional governors have been at loggerheads over the fate of citizens from Lombardy, Italys richest and most populous region, located around Milan, and the epicentre of one of Europes worst virus outbreaks. Some regional authorities, including the governor of the Naples region, Campania, have threatened to close their borders to people coming from Lombardy once free travel within Italy restarts.

Though new virus cases continue to decline, Lombardy still has the highest ratio of new cases per 100,000 people, according to data published by the Health Ministry on the May 18-24 period, after lockdown measures were eased further. A total of 33,229 fatalities have been reported in Italy since the start of the pandemic in February, most of them in northern Italy and 16,012 of them in Lombardy.

5:15 p.m.: The massive protests sweeping across U.S. cities following the police killing of a Black man in Minnesota have sent shudders through the health community and elevated fears that the huge crowds will lead to a new surge in cases of the coronavirus.

Some leaders appealing for calm in places where crowds smashed storefronts and destroyed police cars in recent nights have been handing out masks and warning demonstrators they were putting themselves at risk.

Minnesotas governor said Saturday that too many protesters werent socially distancing or wearing masks after heeding the call earlier in the week.

But many seemed undeterred.

Its not OK that in the middle of a pandemic we have to be out here risking our lives, Spence Ingram said Friday after marching with other protesters to the Georgia state capitol in Atlanta. But I have to protest for my life and fight for my life all the time.

The demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis officer pressed a knee into his neck, are coming at a time when many cities were beginning to relax stay-at-home orders.

Thats especially worrisome for health experts who fear that silent carriers of the virus who have no symptoms could unwittingly infect others at gatherings with people packed cheek to jowl and cheering and jeering without masks.

Read the full story here.

5 p.m.: British Columbia announced no new deaths from COVID-19 for the second day in a row on Saturday, as it recorded 11 new cases of the virus.

Its the third time this week that there have been zero deaths from COVID-19 in B.C.

The announcement comes as B.C. children gear up for a voluntary return to school starting on Monday.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the government thought carefully about the time to open up schools across B.C., and the drop in cases supports their decision. Henry also pushed back over concerns about a rise in COVID-19 cases among children as schools reopen, saying the province knows how to manage those cases. Henry also announced an order restricting overnight camps for children and youth across the province during the summer.

4:15: There are 90,177 confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Canada, according to The Canadian Press, including 7,073 deaths and 48,089 resolved cases. Following is a breakdown by province and territory. (Note: The Star compiles its own, more up-to-date totals for Ontario. See entry at 11:30 a.m., below.)

Quebec: 50,651 confirmed (including 4,439 deaths, 16,070 resolved)

Ontario: 27,533 confirmed (including 2,247 deaths, 21,353 resolved)

Alberta: 6,979 confirmed (including 143 deaths, 6,218 resolved)

British Columbia: 2,573 confirmed (including 164 deaths, 2,181 resolved)

Nova Scotia: 1,056 confirmed (including 60 deaths, 978 resolved)

Saskatchewan: 645 confirmed (including 10 deaths, 580 resolved)

Manitoba: 283 confirmed (including 7 deaths, 278 resolved), 11 presumptive

Newfoundland and Labrador: 261 confirmed (including 3 deaths, 255 resolved)

New Brunswick: 129 confirmed (including 120 resolved)

Prince Edward Island: 27 confirmed (including 27 resolved)

Repatriated Canadians: 13 confirmed (including 13 resolved)

Yukon: 11 confirmed (including 11 resolved)

Northwest Territories: 5 confirmed (including 5 resolved)

Nunavut: No confirmed cases

4 p.m.: People from a city in northern New Brunswick lined up outside testing centres Saturday, anxiously waiting to find out if theyve been exposed to COVID-19. Health officials have been focusing on Campbellton since earlier in the week when it was learned that a health-care professional who contracted the novel coronavirus outside the province didnt self-isolate after returning to New Brunswick.

Public Health officials confirmed another new case in Zone 5, the Campbellton region, Saturday  bringing to nine the number of active cases in the area in just over a week. The new case, which is under investigation, is an individual in their 70s.

To date, there have been 129 confirmed cases in New Brunswick and 120 people have recovered from their illness.

3:45 p.m.: The Quebec government says parks and pools will be permitted to reopen across the province as health authorities on Saturday reported the lowest number of confirmed new cases of COVID-19 since late March.

The total number of deaths in the province linked to COVID-19 stood at 4,439 after 76 were reported over the past day, but the 419 new cases in the past 24 hours was the lowest since March 28.

The total number of confirmed cases in the province was 50,651.

On Saturday, Quebec Health Minister Danielle McCann and Municipal Affairs Minister Andree Laforest announced in a statement that the province was giving the green light to the reopening of outdoor pools, wading pools and outdoor park structures  including splash pads  for the summer.

Physical distancing and other health and hygiene measures will be in effect. The province says those responsible for maintaining parks should clean frequently touched surfaces regularly and there should be a spot for people to wash their hands.

Aside from a reduction in the number of new cases, the province also said hospitalizations declined by 68 to 1,197 patients. The number of patients in intensive care dropped to 167, and 16,070 people across the province have recovered.

Nearly half of the confirmed cases are in Montreal, where officials extended a state of emergency in place since March 27, giving city officials flexibility in dealing with the pandemic. Montreal is the epicentre of COVID-19 in Canada, reporting 2,740 deaths as of Saturday.

3:45 p.m.: Ontario is extending its COVID-19 residential electricity rate relief for another five months, but the fixed price will be going up by nearly three cents per kilowatt hour.

Premier Doug Fords office said Saturday that hydro rates will now be a flat 12.8 cents per kilowatt hour, regardless of the time of day. Thats higher than the 10.1 cents per hour being thats been charged since electricity relief was introduced on March 24, but still well below peak rates that can reach as high as 20.8 cents.

The province says the changes will be effective June 1 and last until Oct. 31, while industrial and commercial businesses will also see an extension of the COVID-19 relief through the end of June.

When the COVID-19 hydro rate relief was first announced, it was expected to affect about five million residential ratepayers, farms and small businesses subject to time-of-use pricing.

2:30 p.m.: The scene at Trinity Bellwoods Park was much calmer on Saturday than a week earlier when thousands of people defied physical distancing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most people at the west-end park stayed within circles that were painted on the grass this week to encourage people to keep their distance from others while enjoying the park on a sunny day.

Police and city officials had condemned last Saturdays mass gathering, which saw thousands of people congregating in the middle of the park in what police described as a party atmosphere with public intoxication.

Read the full story here.

12:04 p.m. The United Nations has confirmed that the election for non-permanent seats on the Security Council  which pits Canada against Norway and Ireland  will take place in June under unprecedented new rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The 193 ambassadors will cast their votes on behalf of their countries in a secret ballot with the three candidates vying for two available temporary seats on the UNs most powerful body.

But the vote wont take place during a full meeting of the General Assembly because New York has become the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak and that has forced UN diplomats to work from home and rely on video conferencing.

Instead, the ambassadors will be notified in advance to come to a designated venue at UN headquarters  a staggered, solitary procession that will see the worlds leading diplomats presenting their UN security passes and then being given paper ballots.

The ambassadors will be assigned different time slots to come to the UN to cast their ballots to avoid a mass gathering during the pandemic.

The details were released in a memo that has been under consideration by the UN ambassadors for more than a week, and that carried a Friday night deadline to reach a consensus.

Read the full story here.

11:30 a.m.: Ontarios COVID-19 testing labs have completed more than 20,000 tests in a day for the first time, the province says.

According to the provinces morning update, the labs completed 20,640 tests Friday, up more than 2,000 from the previous day and a sharp increase of more than 12,000 from Sunday, which was among a string of days in which the labs were falling well below the daily target of 16,000.

As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Ontarios regional health units reported a total of 28,913 confirmed and probable cases, including 2,298 deaths.

The total of 369 new confirmed and probable cases reported since the same time Friday morning was down from the previous day. The numbers have fallen from a spike that saw the health unit totals rise above 400 per day for most of last week.

The growth in new infections across Ontario has not been felt equally in the province this month. The daily count of new cases has been falling outside the Greater Toronto Area over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, numbers inside the city have rebounded after falling from the peak rates seen last month.

The Saturday morning tally includes the 175 new cases in Toronto and 92 more in Peel Region reported Friday afternoon; together, the two health units accounted for more than two-thirds of the provinces new infections.

The 26 fatal cases reported in the province since Friday were in line with a recent flat trend. Still, the rate of deaths is down considerably since peaking at more than 90 in a day earlier this month, about two weeks after the daily case totals hit a first peak in mid-April.

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.

Earlier Saturday, the province reported 801 patients are now hospitalized with COVID-19, including 121 in intensive care, of whom 84 are on a ventilator  numbers that have fallen sharply this month. The province also says more than 21,000 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  2,247  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.

11 a.m.: Ontario will begin allowing campers to return to provincial parks on Monday.

The province says backcountry camping will resume under physical distancing measures that limit the number of people who gather.

No more than five people will be allowed to occupy the same campsite, unless they live in the same household.

The reopening measures include access to paddle and portage routes, as well as hiking trails.

Ontario Parks will also expand permission for picnics and off-leash pet areas.

Overnight camping sites will remain closed, however, until at least June 14.

We are all eager to get outside this time of year, and backcountry camping will give people a low-risk way to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors while following physical distancing rules, Environment Minister Jeff Yurek said in a statement.

The expanded reopenings come as the province announces plans to allow drive-in movie theatres and batting cages to reopen on Sunday.

10 a.m.: Police across Canada say theyve been dealing with more complaints about loud, fast vehicles and have issued more tickets for excessive speeding on city streets and provincial highways since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Some Edmonton drivers seem to feel that lower traffic volumes are an excuse to speed, Sgt. Kerry Bates, of the Edmonton police traffic section, said earlier this spring. In particular, he said, theres been more extreme speeding.

Bates said officers issued more than a dozen tickets to drivers exceeding a posted speed limit by 40 kilometres per hour or more in a two-week period.

Two of those drivers were going 100 km/h and 110 km/h as they passed a police vehicle with its emergency lights activated  a situation where drivers are required to slow down to 60 km/h. A third driver was speeding through a 50-km/h construction zone at 119 km/h.

In southern Alberta, Cochrane RCMP stopped two drivers going 199 km/h in a 110-km/h zone. Both drivers, two men in their 20s, were charged with speeding.

Officers in Saskatchewan have charged drivers and seized their vehicles for excessive speeding.

Manitoba RCMP have reported lower traffic volumes, but higher speeds.

Several police departments have begun cracking down on traffic violations in the last month.

Alberta Mounties, who often do long-weekend enforcement, focused on speeding, distracted driving and impairment in May. They said officers issued 1,700 speeding tickets and 50 distracted driving tickets across the province in one week.

In Ontario, York Regional Police charged 30 drivers and impounded their vehicles on the May long weekend after they were caught driving more than 50 km/h over the speed limit.

Peel Regional Police have begun an education and enforcement program after seeing an increase in street racing.

7:29 a.m.: India on Saturday registered another record single-day jump of 7,964 coronavirus cases and 265 deaths, a day before the two-month-old lockdown is set to end.

The Health Ministry put the total number of confirmed cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths. The infections include 82,369 people who have recovered.

More than 70 per cent of the cases are concentrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an open letter marking the first year of his governments second term, said India was on the path to victory in its battle against the virus. He said India will set an example in economic revival and asked the nation to show a firm resolve.

6:33 a.m.: President Donald Trumps announcement that he was cutting U.S. funding for the World Health Organization prompted criticism Saturday, as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained.

Trump on Friday charged that the WHO didnt respond adequately to the pandemic, accusing the United Nations agency of being under Chinas total control.

The WHO wouldnt comment on the announcement but South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize called it an unfortunate turn of events.

Certainly, when faced with a serious pandemic, you want all nations in the world to be particularly focused  on one common enemy, he told reporters.

The U.S. is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the U.S. would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

6:15 a.m.: Zohra Shahbuddin says she was thrilled when she received a letter of admission in April from the university of her choice in Canada.

Shes been admitted to Simon Fraser University in Vancouver for a master of publishing degree but is having sleepless nights worrying because of COVID-19.

Like other international students, Shahbuddin faces uncertainty as universities switch to online classes. She also has financial concerns, worries about a work permit and has fears about her health.

She is weighing whether to enrol this fall or put off coming to Canada from Pakistan until next year.

International students contribute $21.6 billion to Canadas gross domestic product and supported nearly 170,000 jobs in 2018, said Nancy Caron, a spokeswoman for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Caron said in a statement the government is accommodating students who complete their studies outside Canada between September and Dec. 31 by not deducting that time from the length of their post-graduation work permit.

International students will also be allowed to work more than the maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods, she said.

Shahbuddin said shell make her decision by June. If she gets her visa processed, she said she is OK with online classes as long as it does not affect her work permit.

6 a.m.: The mayor of a small town in eastern Quebec, just across the river from New Brunswick, says residents are breathing a small sigh of relief.

Pascal Bujold says people in Pointe-a-la-Croix have expressed fears that an outbreak of COVID-19 in nearby Campbellton, N.B., could spread to their community.

Bujold said he pushed to open a COVID-19 testing unit in his community, over concerns that residents may have been in contact with a New Brunswick health-care professional who tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

New Brunswick officials said this week that the health-care worker travelled to Quebec and returned to work without self-isolating, coming into contact with more than 100 people.

Eight cases have now been linked to the growing cluster that as of Friday has led to the adjournment of the provincial legislature and the rollback of reopening measures in the Campbellton area.

On Friday, the local health authority announced it would open a COVID-19 testing unit in the parking lot of the local clinic in Pointe-a-la-Croix, which is home to about 1,500 residents.

Friday, 9:51 p.m. Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday announced the deaths of the first two United Nations peacekeepers from COVID-19.

He made the announcement at a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, saying both peacekeepers, who died Thursday and Friday, were serving in Mali. The UN said one was from Cambodia and the other from El Salvador.

Guterres said the coronavirus pandemic has changed almost everything, but not the service, sacrifice and selflessness of the more than 95,000 men and women serving in the 13 UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

According to the UN peacekeeping department, there have been 137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in peacekeeping operations, with the greatest number by far  90 cases  in Mali.

There were 21 cases in the UN mission in Congo, 17 in the Central African Republic, three each in South Sudan and Cyprus, and one each in Lebanon, the UN-African Union mission in Sudans Darfur region, and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East.

5 p.m. Ontarios regional health units are reporting 380 new COVID-19 infections, according to the Stars latest count.

Ontarios regional health units are reporting a total of 28,891 confirmed and probable cases, including 2,297 deaths.

The total of 380 new confirmed and probable cases reported since the same time Thursday evening was down slightly from the previous day, but still below a string of days last week that saw more than 400 new cases reported.

The recent case growth has not been felt equally in the province. The daily count of new cases has been falling outside of the GTA over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, numbers inside the region have rebounded after falling some from the peak rates seen last month.

Read more of Fridays coverage.

Read more about:
Victims of a horrifying 1984 gas leak in the Indian city of Bhopal, who have long suffered the debilitating fallout of the world's worst industrial disaster, are now dying from coronavirus, with relatives and activists accusing the government of abandoning them and withholding treatment. Toxic methyl isocyanate released from the Union Carbide pesticide factory killed 3,500 people in the central Indian city immediately and 25,000 more in the years that followed. Now its victims make up a significant proportion of coronavirus fatalities in Bhopal -- at least 20 out of 45, according to government data, while activists say 37 of the dead suffered illnesses related to the leak. Gaurav Khatik's 52-year-old father Naresh was one of them. Khatik said his father, who suffered lung damage in the disaster, was denied treatment at a hospital built for gas-afflicted patients. The state-of-the-art Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) -- a busy four-storey 350-bed facility on a sprawling compound on the city's outskirts -- was requisitioned by the Madhya Pradesh state government in March for virus patients. But the move created "a lot of confusion" and contributed to deadly treatment delays, Khatik told AFP. A lack of transport due to the lockdown also meant that an average 40-minute journey from the city centre to the hospital became an arduous, longer trip under sweltering conditions. "People wasted a lot of time going from one hospital to another to seek treatment, which claimed many lives," the 20-year-old said. The BMHRC turned away people who were not considered virus patients even though they had COVID-19 symptoms, critics said. They were then denied treatment at other hospitals, with staff saying they did not have the specialised equipment to treat gas-related ailments. They were presumed not to have the virus and no tests were carried out. "If there was no confusion over the status of Bhopal Memorial Hospital, my father would probably be alive," Khatik said. Naresh was eventually admitted to a private hospital, where he was finally tested for the virus as his condition deteriorated. He died within hours of being found positive, leaving his shell-shocked family without a breadwinner and almost $1,180 in medical debt. "He was our lifeline," Khatik said, fighting to hold back tears. - 'Nightmare' - Activists accuse the government of abandoning the community, whose health conditions make them vulnerable to coronavirus. "We had alerted the government that if they didn't take proactive action, many gas victims would die from COVID-19 ... but they paid no heed," Rachna Dhingra of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action told AFP. "They should have reached out to all gas victims suffering from diabetes or hypertension and tested them." Like Khatik, housewife Gulnaz faced a "nightmare" when her father-in-law Riyazuddin -- who suffered respiratory ailments after the gas disaster -- complained of breathing difficulties. "We had to struggle a lot... to get help," the 35-year-old told AFP, adding that four hospitals, including BMHRC, refused to take the 65-year-old. He was finally admitted to the state-run Hamidia Hospital, where he tested positive for coronavirus. "He was in the hospital only for a day and passed away by evening," Gulnaz, who only gave her first name, said. Authorities eventually reversed their decision to requisition BMHRC. But the move came too late for many patients, Dhingra said. The activist said at least five gas victims died from coronavirus because the hospital rejected them. Bhopal's health commissioner Faiz Ahmed Kidwai told AFP "only one case of a patient turned away is accurate". "All those who died did not die because BMHRC refused admission," he said. - 'Too late' - The 1984 disaster left deep scars across the city of 1.8 million. Government statistics compiled after 1994 say at least 100,000 people living near the plant suffered ailments including respiratory and kidney problems, and cancer. Gas-affected mothers gave birth to infants with congenital disorders. Children fell ill from polluted groundwater. A $470-million settlement inked in 1989 only provided compensation to some 5,000 people, campaigners say. The government in 2012 filed a legal petition seeking further damages from US chemical giant Dow Chemicals, which now owns Union Carbide. The state's Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation department director Ved Prakash told AFP thermal screening was now being carried out on gas victims who have COVID-19 symptoms or are vulnerable "so that they can be isolated and quarantined". But Dhingra said the move -- which reflects India's push to largely limit testing to people with acute respiratory infections, cough and fever -- would sound a death knell for gas victims. "They have to test... instead of just screening patients who are high-risk. By the time they turn symptomatic, it will be too late. "The entire system has collapsed and the most vulnerable are paying with their lives." Victims of the 1984 gas leak in Bhopal have long campaigned for justice Toxic chemicals released from the Union Carbide pesticide factory killed 3,500 people in the central Indian city immediately and 25,000 more in the years that followed The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre was requisitioned by the state government in March for coronavirus patients Government statistics compiled after 1994 say at least 100,000 people living near the plant suffered ailments including respiratory and kidney problems, and cancer
New Delhi: Asserting that its not the India of 1962 which could be arm-twisted, Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that talks are being held with China at military and diplomatic levels to resolve stand-off between the armies of two countries in Ladakh sector.

To a question whether anyone can arm twist India now like in 1962 (China-India war), the defence minister said: No one can even think of that (of arm twisting India). India has a capable and decisive leadership. We will never let India bow its head low.

This is the first official comment by a senior Union Cabinet minister on the ongoing India-China military stand-off.

I want to assure the nation that under no circumstance we will allow dignity of India to be hurt, Mr Singh told a news channel on Saturday on the stand-off at the line of actual control.

He said that it has been a clear and long standing policy of India to have good and peaceful relations with its neighbours. But sometimes circumstances are such that (with China) things like these happen and such incidents have happened in the past as well, said the defence minister.

Singh pointed out that even China has issued statement that they want to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.

Indias effort is that tensions do not go up. Talks are going on at the diplomatic level and at the military level with China. Even China has shown interest to resolve the issue," defence minister said.



Singh underlined that there was no need for the United States to meditate since the two countries already had a bilateral mechanism to resolve such problems.

Yesterday I spoke to the Secretary Defence of the US and I told him that there is a set mechanism under which if there is any problem between the two countries, it is resolved by military and diplomatic dialogue. The mechanism is in place and our talks are on with China, he said.

He said that there have been perceptional differences at some points between India and China on line of actual control. Our people go till LAC. Sometime their people cross LAC. This has been happening earlier also. This has not happened for the first time. But we have resolved these through dialogue, said Singh. He pointed out that even Doklam standoff in 2017 was resolved by India and China through dialogue.

On Nepal, the defence minister said that any issue on Lipulekh could be resolved with the neighboring country through dialogue and that Nepal is like our brother.
Pattaya beaches reopen from Monday

PATTAYA: Pattaya will reopen its beaches and the popular offshore destination of Koh Lan from Monday (June 1) as it eases its lockdown in line with the decline in local coronavirus infections nationwide.

Saturday 30 May 2020, 03:01PM

Pattaya Beach will reopen to visitors on Monday (June 1). Photo: PR Pattaya

Beachgoers in the resort city in Chon Buri will be able to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas but operators must enforce distancing measures by keeping them at least one metre apart, Mayor Sonthaya Khunplome said on Friday, reports the Bangkok Post.

The beaches will be closed from Tuesday to Thursday in the second or third weeks of the month, instead of every Wednesday before the lockdown, for cleanup, he added.

The reopening includes beaches in neighbouring Jomtien.

The city also posted a Facebook message announcing the reopening on Monday of Koh Lan, an island popular with day-trippers. However, accommodation providers on the island will not be allowed to open yet.

The city sealed off all beaches from visitors and local residents on May 9 as part of its effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Koh Lan had been off-limits since March 25.

Chon Buri has reported no new COVID-19 cases since May 23, and only 15 since the start of the month. Since the first case was reported on Feb 24, the province has had 87 patients, 41 of them in Bang Lamung district where Pattaya is located.






Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency in the city early Saturday morning after a night of destructive protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed by police in Minneapolis.

Several businesses were looted, protesters set cars on fire and the Multnomah County Justice Center in downtown Portland was ransacked.

Demonstrators have gathered in many cities to protest Mr. Floyds death. Peaceful demonstrations are essential to our democratic system, Wheeler wrote in the declaration. Unfortunately, some individuals have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity, including arson, rioting, looting, and damaging public and private property.

The mayor imposed a curfew in Portland from 8 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, prohibiting all residents from traveling on any public street or in any public place. There were exemptions for those traveling to or from work, seeking help in an emergency or those experiencing homelessness. People found to be violating the curfew could face fines of up to $500.

Protests began in Minnesota after Floyd was killed on Monday and by Friday demonstrations had spread to more than a dozen cities across the nation with many turning violent.

Protesters in Portland gathered around 6 p.m. Friday for a vigil in a park in North Portland and later many marched toward downtown as police kept their distance from the rally. The vigil and march were organized by activist network Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front. Some members of the group have been holding constant vigil outside the Justice Center.

But the situation escalated as protesters moved south. Just before 10 p.m., a large group had gathered at the intersection of Northeast Seventh Avenue and Morris Street and a passenger in a vehicle within the crowd was shot, police said. The victim went to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released. An Oregonian/OregonLive photographer saw a man on a skateboard hit by a car after the car drove toward marchers near the intersection of Northeast Shaver Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard around the same time, but it was unclear if the two incidents were related. The pedestrian who was hit walked away from the collision, and the car drove away.

Protesters eventually congregated at the Multnomah County Justice Center, which houses the downtown jail and police precinct. People smashed windows and lit fires inside a first-floor office while corrections records staff were working inside, according to Chris Liedle, a Multnomah County Sheriffs Office spokesperson. Workers were able to leave unharmed and the buildings sprinklers doused the flames, he said.

Police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and attempted to disperse the crown with stun grenades, pepper balls and tear gas.

Protesters fanned out across downtown and some businesses, including the Apple store and stores in the Pioneer Place Mall, were looted. Around downtown, some cars were set aflame.

Two officers were injured, police said. One was struck in the head with a rock and another was hit with an incendiary device. Officials did not say the extent of their injuries.

At least 13 people were arrested as of 5 a.m., police said, on charges ranging from riot to theft to interfering with a police officer. More people were arrested after 5 a.m., but details of those arrests were not immediately available.

We know what sparked the original demonstration and we provided space for those who needed to express grief, said Acting Police Chief Chris Davis. The mass destruction we saw tonight in our City is unacceptable. Anger at the police is one thing; destroying our City is another.

Davis said police would be increasing their presence in the community and leaning on our partners in the coming days.

Wheeler said in a tweet he was returning to Portland from a trip hed taken to be with his ailing mother.

ENOUGH.



I had to leave Portland today because my mother is dying. I am with family to prepare for her final moments. This is hard, this is personal, but so is watching my city get destroyed.



Im coming back NOW. You will be hearing from me, @PortlandPolice, community leaders.  Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) May 30, 2020

During an interview with KGW around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Wheeler decried the destruction.

Whats going on right now is flat out breaking the law, violating our community, violating the memory of George Floyd and so many other people on such an important night, Wheeler said.

Wheeler said he planned to hold a news conference Saturday and visit some of the businesses along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard that were damaged the previous night.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Boris Johnson today ordered Government departments to get their civil servants back into the office 'as soon as possible' as he demanded they set an example to the country after lifting working from home restrictions. Mandarins appear to still be avoiding going into work - with roads in Westminster looking quiet and congestion data for London today only marginally up on yesterday. Union bosses have slammed the Prime Minister's 'insulting' language after he told people to get 'back to work' - and it seems city centres are unlikely to get back to normal for some time with some companies expected to wait months before bringing staff back in. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said today that government staff have been ordered to return to offices 'as soon as possible', telling the Evening Standard: 'Secretaries of State have been asked to ensure all Government offices are open so staff can return to normal working patterns as soon as possible. That is also being communicated to permanent secretaries. Obviously, all employers should continue to follow the guidance to ensure a safe return for all workers.' Minutes after the PM's announcement yesterday, the Cabinet Office emailed staff to say they were expected to start coming back in, and other departments are expected to do so today, according to The Times. But Government sources also pointed out that there were no proposals for targets on getting staff back in or how many days a week they would expected to do so. It comes as business leaders urged the Government to encourage Britons to start commuting again by introducing a limited period of train fare discounts and launch a marketing campaign to remind people of the benefits of working in cities including London.
NPP General Secretary, John Boadu has jumped to the defence of the party's Campaign Manager for 2020 elections, Peter Mac Manu, over the latter's recent comments regarding election rigging claims against the party.



The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), through its National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, holds that the EC's decision to use the Ghana card and passport as the legal documents for registering eligible Ghanaians into a new voters' register is a ploy to skew the December polls in favour of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



The NDC strongly opposes the EC saying the Commission wants to disenfranchise 11 million Ghanaians in order to rig the elections for the incumbent government.



Reacting to the NDC claims, Mr Peter Mac Manu emphasized that the governing party has no interest in rigging the elections and is not conspiring with the EC to perpetrate such crime.



He stressed that, with or without a new voters' register, the NPP will win the elections because they have a solid track record and so doesn't need the EC's help.



''We do not need the EC to rig the elections in our favour. NPP will win the election based on our soundtrack record . . . This is because the Ghanaian electorate has confidence in the ruling NPP government since President Akufo-Addo had shown leadership and sought the welfare of the ordinary Ghanaian over the period of his tenure," he said.



Mr Mac Manu's comments attracted the attention of seasoned journalist Kwesi Pratt, who speaking on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', questioned why the NPP is advocating for a new voters' register if their Campaign Manager has no worries over the old register.



Mr Pratt believes it is baseless for the NPP to support the EC's decision to compile a new register if the party will win the elections with or without it.



Speaking on the same programme, the party's General Secretary sought to correct the misconception created by Kwesi Pratt that the NPP Campaign Manager is against the new voters' register.



John Boadu told host Kwami Sefa Kayi that Kwesi Pratt's interpretation of Mr Mac Manu's response is misleading.



According to him, nowhere did Mr Mac Manu make a comment that the NPP supports the old register, therefore clarifying that Mr Mac Manu was rather pointing out to the opposition party that the NPP will win the 2020 elections based on their performance.



"It doesn't mean Mac Manu is against the compilation of a new register. Mac Manu didn't say using the old register will make the elections credible. He didn't say that and don't misquote him," John Boadu charged.









Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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
KAMPALA  French energy major Total plans to launch its 230,000 barrel per day project in Uganda by the end of the year, CEO Patrick Pouyanne said on Friday.

Mr Pouyanne also confirmed Total has finalised plans to acquire all of Tullow Oils stake in what is seen as the first significant deal in the oil sector since the price crisis began in earnest in early March.

Tullow agreed to sale its entire stake in jointly-held onshore oil fields in Uganda for $575 million.

Mr. Pouyanne said the company has signed an agreement with the Uganda government on the fiscal framework.

The deal depends on the two companies signing a final tax agreement with the Uganda government and a green light from Tullows shareholders. It expects the deal to close in the second half of the year.

Total will pay Tullow more once production has started and once the benchmark Brent oil price reaches $62 a barrel, Total said, compared with around $22 now.

The third partner in the 230,000 barrel per day project, Chinas CNOOC, has pre-emption rights for half of the stake sold to Total.

Related
Prison guard Melissa Goodwin (pictured), 25, allegedly had sex with inmate Corey London, 21, five times in Silverwater Prison in Sydney's west since November last year

A convicted armed robber has been segregated from Rebels bikies in prison after his love triangle with a former prison officer came to light.

Inmate Corey London, 21, allegedly had sex with guard Melissa Goodwin, 25, five times in Silverwater Prison in Sydney's West since November last year.

She also allegedly smuggled in tobacco, cigarette lighters and chewing gum for him.

Earlier this month, Goodwin was stood down from her role as a prison officer after her relationship with former prisoner and Rebels OMCG associate Caleb Valeri was exposed.

Prison authorities are now concerned inmates associated with the Rebels could target London, who was moved to Long Bay Jail in early May after he was found guilty of armed robbery with a dangerous weapon and attempted armed robbery.

London has been approached by other prisoners about his alleged sexual encounters with Goodwin, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Convicted robber Corey London (pictured), 21, is being protected by prison guards from Rebels bikie inmates at Long Bay Jail in Sydney's east after his love triangle came to an end

Prison officers have been ordered to keep an eye on London and make sure he is never put in the same cell as a Rebels bikie associate.

The convicted robber, who calls himself 'korrupt gangster', is spending six years in jail but will be eligible for release in August 2022.

London's new prison protection comes after his alleged former lover Goodwin was arrested at her home in Ingleburn, in Sydney's south-west, on Monday.

The former prison officer was charged with public office misconduct and engaging in a relationship with an inmate, causing a safety risk.

Police reportedly found Valeri at her home when she was arrested, which goes against his bail conditions that require him to reside at his home in St Clair.

Goodwin and her new boyfriend Caleb Valeri (left), who is a former prisoner and Rebels OMCG associate

Goodwin and Valeri have regularly posted photos to social media together over recent months (right)

The charges were the latest step in the downfall of the one-time prison poster girl.

Goodwin and Valeri are understood to have been in a relationship for several months but their romance started following the bikie's release from jail.

Corrective services workers are required to inform their employer of relationships of any nature they have with former inmates.

As such an investigation into Goodwin was launched earlier this month during which she has been suspended from her role.

While their post-prison relationship is not a crime, Goodwin's jailhouse romance with London could land her in the same prisons she patrolled.

Strict new laws introduced in NSW in 2018 mean prison officer in a relationship with inmates face up to two years jail.

Goodwin was charged on Monday with public office misconduct and engaging in a relationship with an inmate, causing a safety risk. It came weeks after she appeared on the front cover the Corrective Services NSW magazine (pictured)

Robert Hallows, boss of the NSW Corrective Services Investigation Unit, said they uncovered the alleged crime after a tip off from Corrective Services NSW.

Detective Inspector Hollows said NSW Police have a 'zero tolerance' on relationships between inmates and corrective services employees.

'Last Wednesday we received some information from the Correction Services NSW intelligence unit in relation to an (alleged) inappropriate relationship between a female officer and a male inmate,' Detective Inspector Hollows said.

'We have confirmed that their has (allegedly) been correspondence between this female officer and the inmate, and as a result she was taken to Campbelltown Police Station today and charged.

'The allegation is that there were five separate sexual incidents... also there was an allegation of contraband being taken into the centre, being tobacco, lighters and chewing gum.'

Valeri (pictured), an up and coming rapper and former prison inmate, created his first music video behind bars and has posted numerous pictures to Instagram from his time in jail

Goodwin's new boyfriend Valeri was there to escort her out of Campbelltown Police Station on Monday, shielding her face from waiting TV cameras.

He then took to Instagram with a video of himself calling the media 'wankers'.

A wannabe rapper, Valeri recorded the music video for his only song within the walls of a NSW prison as his fellow inmates watched on.

Valeri - who goes by the rap name Hoodrich Hefner - has one song which he shared to Spotify for the first time on the day his girlfriend was arrested.

Goodwin has been granted bail and will face Burwood Local Court on July 14.
Breonna Taylor was 'mutilated with bullet holes while in her underwear,' the family attorney has said, as protests over the 26-year-old's killing in Kentucky continue.

Taylor, a trainee EMT, died after midnight on March 13 in Louisville when police fired into the apartment where she was sleeping.

Her relatives have filed a suit against the police, and on Friday Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the family, provided more details of her death.

He said that Taylor died while wearing just her underwear, and claimed that the police were shooting into the apartment from all angles - a move he described as 'reckless'.

Breonna Taylor, 26, died on March 13 when police fired at least 20 rounds into her apartment

'Police just unloaded 25 to 30 rounds,' he told Essence, in a Facebook Live session.

'I mean they're shooting from the front door, they're shooting from the window, they're shooting from the patio.

'They're so reckless, they shoot a bullet into the next door neighbor's apartment where their five-year-old daughter is asleep in her room.'

Crump is also among the attorneys representing the family of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was shot dead by two white men while jogging in Georgia in February. Arbery's killers have been charged with murder.

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Taylor's relatives, spoke to Essence on Friday evening

Were talking about justice, police brutality and more with the attorney who is fighting on the front lines for #georgefloyd and #breonnataylor. Attorney Benjamin Crump joins us live. Publiee par Essence sur Vendredi 29 mai 2020

The officers in Kentucky were investigating two people suspected of selling drugs, neither of whom was Taylor.

One of the men the police were searching for, Jamarcus Glover, did not live in her apartment complex and had already been detained by the time officers showed up, the family claim in their law suit.

Taylor had dated Glover two years ago, according to another family attorney, Sam Aguiar, and did not maintain an active friendship with him.

Bullet holes are seen riddling the interior of Breonna Taylor's apartment, in photos provided by one of the family's attorneys, Sam Aguilar. The legal team say at least 20 rounds were fired

Bullets hit the bathroom in the apartment after police, according to the attorneys, opened fire from all sides. Taylor died instantly in the shooting, which has angered the community

Louisville police insist that they knocked on the door and announced theirselves.

Multiple neighbors dispute that, according to the suit.

It later emerged that a judge had granted a 'no-knock warrant', allowing the police to enter without first requesting access, because they believed drugs could be concealed on the premises.

When police arrived, Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, says he woke up and believed someone was trying to break into the apartment.

He fired a shot, hitting an officer in the leg.

Police then fired more than 20 rounds into the apartment.

Taylor was hit eight times and died at the scene.

Taylor's family filed suit against Louisville police on April 27. The officers have been reassigned

Walker was arrested and charged with attempted murder of a police officer.

Police found no drugs in the apartment, and both Taylor and Walker have no criminal history.

On May 14 Andy Beshear, governor of Kentucky, asked the state attorney general Daniel Cameron to 'carefully review the results of the initial investigation to ensure justice is done.'

The three officers involved in the shooting remain on administrative reassignment.

Her death has sparked two nights of protests in Louisville, with angry crowds gathering on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Friday night's unrest followed a smaller, but still raucous, protest on Thursday which left seven people with gunshot wounds, including one in critical condition.

Those shots were not fired by police, Louisville police said.

On Friday night police did not clash with protesters, but vandals trashed buildings, broke glass, set fires and looted restaurants in an eight-hour protest that started Friday afternoon and stretched into early Saturday morning.

Angry city officials blamed out-of-towners for the trail of vandalism across much of downtown Louisville.

'This is not a protest. It is violence,' said Mayor Greg Fischer, in a 1am video call with reporters.

'This violence and destruction is absolutely unacceptable,' he said.

'It besmirches any claim to honor Breonna Taylor's memory.

'No one stands up for justice and equality by smashing windows and burning property. This destruction will not be tolerated.'

Demonstrations in Louisville on Friday night as protesters demand action after Taylor's killing

People march past City Hall in Louisville during Friday's protest against the death of Taylor at the hands of Louisville police. The governor of Kentucky has launched an investigation

Louisville Metro police officers stand in the street during a protest in the city on Friday night
Human mobility and Western Asia's early state-level societies

The exchange of ideas and material culture in Western Asia is well established within archaeological research. Although distinct traditions and systems of social organization emerged across Western Asia, the region from the Southern Caucasus to Anatolia and Mesopotamia had been a hub for the exchange of ideas and material culture for millennia. The extent of these exchanges, however, and the processes that lead farming communities to organize into complex societies, is still poorly understood. Was this process primarily a movement of ideas and materials, or did it also include large-scale movement of populations?

To answer this question, scientists from research institutes and universities in Europe, Asia, and North America*, led by the Department of Archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History (MPI SHH), analyzed genome-wide data from 110 skeletons dated approximately 7500 to 3000 years ago from archaeological sites in Anatolia, Northern Levant, and the Southern Caucasus. Their analysis indicates two influential genetic events, as well as evidence for long-distance individual movement.

A large genetic cline and a sudden genetic shift

During the late Neolithic, approximately 8,500 years ago, populations across Anatolia and the Southern Caucasus began to genetically mix, resulting in a distinct admixture that gradually spread across the entire region. This gradual change of genetic profile over a geographic region, known as a cline in genetics, could be seen millennia later in Anatolian populations from Central-North to Eastern Anatolia. Rather than indicating stationary populations, as apparent genetic continuity often does, the authors argue the spread of genetic information from North and Central Anatolia to the Southern Caucasus and the Zagros mountains in today's Northern Iran indicates ongoing human mobility and the development of a regional genetic melting pot in Anatolia.

"This far-reaching vortex of homogenization shows that ancient people within Western Asia biologically mix before their increasing connectedness and emerging sociocultural developments became visible in the archaeological record," says Johannes Krause, director of the Department of Archaeogenetics at MPI SHH, co-director at Max Planck - Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean (MHAAM) and senior author of the study.

In contrast to the gradual changes taking place in Anatolia, the Northern Levant experienced an introduction of new populations. "We found that the genetic makeup of Bronze Age populations from the ancient cities of Alalakh and Ebla in today's southern Turkey and northern Syria differed from preceding populations from the same area," says Eirini Skourtanioti, lead author of the study. "We detected subtle genetic changes that point to influences from external groups."

This observation could contribute to debate on human mobility between the third and second millennium BC, as there are different interpretive constructs centering on either increasing inter-regional connectivity in these periods or migration connected with a mega-drought known as the "4.2k BP event." Regarding the latter, archaeological evidence indicates an abandonment of the Khabur river valley and texts record the migration of groups such as the 'Amorites' and 'Hurrians.' Ancient Mesopotamia was likely the source of the new genetic influence observed at Alalakh and Ebla, according to material evidence and geoarchaeological research currently under study by the Alalakh excavation team; however, to date no ancient genomes have been successfully retrieved from this region.

Curious burial taps a wellspring of questions

In addition to long-term transitions at the scale of entire populations, the team also found evidence of long-distance movements at the individual level. At the Alalakh site in southern Turkey, the team found an individual whose genetic profile is most similar to Bronze Age populations in Central Asia. In addition to being a genetic outlier, the individual, who was identified as female, was unearthed at the bottom of a well which was in use at the time of her consignment.

"I was fascinated by our results for the 'lady in the well,'" says Philipp Stockhammer, co-director of MHAAM and another senior author of the study. "She provides a unique insight into individual female mobility over large distances. We know from literary sources that women travelled in this time throughout Western Asia - very often as marriage partners. However, the story of this woman of Central Asian origin will remain an enigma."

The context of this finding raises many questions, many of whose answers are beyond the resolution of modern analytical tools. How did this woman and/or her recent ancestors move from Central Asia to Northern Levant? Was she forced to leave her homeland? What was her role in the society, and was this an accident or a murder? Despite these questions, this woman demonstrates the long distances humans travelled in the past and points to the existence of migrant communities in a globalized ancient world.

###

*Full list of collaborating institutes and universities:

Department of Anthropology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey

Department of Classics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy

Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW), New York University, New York, NY, 10028, USA

Department of Archaeology and History of Art, Koc University, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey

School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, Scotland/UK

Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Baku, AZ1073, Azerbaijan

PROCLAC/UMR Laboratory, French National Centre for Scientific Research, UMR 7192, Paris, 75005, France

Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6PE, UK

Department of Archaeology, Mustafa Kemal University, Alahan-Antakya, Hatay, 31060, Turkey

History Department, Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul, 34494, Turkey

Universite Nice Sophia Antipolis, CEPAM (Cultures et Environnements. Prehistoire, Antiquite, Moyen Age), CNRS-UMR 7264, Nice, 06357, France

Institute for Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology and Archaeology of the Roman Provinces, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80539 Munich, Germany

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP

As Twitter for the second time in a single week took unprecedented action against a tweet by Donald Trump, Facebook declined to take any enforcement action against the presidents statements.

Trumps threatening statement on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram on Thursday night, Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts, echoed a racist 1960s police chief known for ordering patrols of black neighborhoods with shotguns and dogs. It was widely interpreted as a threat and potential incitement to violence against residents of the Twin Cities who have erupted in protest against the alleged police killing of George Floyd, a black man who begged for his life as a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes.

Related: Trump signs executive order to narrow protections for social media platforms

Twitter responded by invoking a policy it enacted in June 2019 to address the then-hypothetical situation of a major world leader violating its rules in a way that could cause real-world harm. The policy allows the company to maintain the tweet for the purpose of accountability and the public record, but hide it behind a warning label.

Weve taken action in the interest of preventing others from being inspired to commit violent acts, but have kept the tweet on Twitter because it is important that the public still be able to see the tweet given its relevance to ongoing matters of public importance, the company explained.

Facebook, on the other hand, left the Trump post on the platform. The company has explicit rules against speech that could inspire or incite violence, but it has taken no action against Trumps statement. As of Friday evening, the Facebook post had been shared more than 65,000 times and received 196,000 likes, 32,000 heart emojis, and 6,600 laughing emojis.

The text was also overlaid on a photo of Trump for the presidents Instagram account, where it has received more than 433,000 likes.

Story continues

And while Facebook has made a controversial decision to exempt politicians from its third-party factchecking process, there is no such exception for incitement to violence.

On Friday evening, Facebooks CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, defended Facebooks decision to allow the post by arguing that Facebook has a policy to allow warnings of the use of force by state actors.

It was not immediately clear if that policy had ever been articulated by Facebook before. In 2019, a Facebook spokesperson declined to clarify the companys policy around violence and hate speech by state actors on the record to the Guardian. The Guardian has contacted Facebook for comment.

In a post on his personal Facebook page, Zuckerberg also appeared to suggest that if Facebook had decided Trumps post was intended to incite violence by civilians, they would have taken it down, writing, Unlike Twitter, we do not have a policy of putting a warning in front of posts that may incite violence because we believe that if a post incites violence, it should be removed regardless of whether it is newsworthy, even if it comes from a politician.

Zuckerberg also criticized Trump, saying: Personally, I have a visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric  I disagree strongly with how the president spoke about this, but I believe people should be able to see this for themselves, because ultimately accountability for those in positions of power can only happen when their speech is scrutinized out in the open.

Threats of violence by state actors on its platforms have long been a tricky topic for the company. Facebook was used by Buddhist extremists and military officials in Myanmar to incite hatred and violence against that countrys Muslim minority, the Rohingya, in 2017  a campaign of ethnic cleansing that culminated in the killing of 25,000 Rohingya and the forced displacement of 700,000 more.

Facebook admitted to failings in Myanmar in 2018 and eventually banned many of the hate preachers and military leaders who had used the platform to inspire genocide.
The identified genomic region includes several candidate genes associated with brain development and function as well as anxiety, whose further analysis may reveal new neural mechanisms related to fear.

For the purposes of the study, carried out by Professor Hannes Lohi's research group and published in the Translational Psychiatry journal, data from a total of 120 Great Danes was collected. The Great Dane breed is among the largest dog breeds in the world.

The project was launched after a number of Great Dane owners approached the research group to tell them about their dogs' disturbing fearfulness towards unfamiliar human beings in particular.

"Fear in itself produces a natural and vital reaction, but excessive fear can be disturbing and results in behavioural disorders. Especially in the case of large dogs, strongly expressed fearfulness is often problematic, as it makes it more difficult to handle and control the dog," says Riika Sarviaho, PhD from the University of Helsinki.

In dogs, behavioural disorders associated with anxiety and fearfulness include generalised anxiety disorder and a range of phobias. Fear can be evidenced, for example, as the dog's attempt to flee from situations they experience as frightening. At its worst, fear can manifest as aggression, which may result in attacks against other dogs or humans.

"Previous studies have suggested that canine anxiety and fearfulness could correspond with anxiety disorder in humans. In fact, investigating fearfulness in dogs may also shed more light on human anxiety disorders and help [us] understand their genetic background," Professor Lohi explains the broader goal of the study.

advertisement

A new genomic region underlying fearfulness

The study utilised a citizen science approach as the dog owners contributed by completing a behavioural survey concerning their dogs, in which the dogs received scores according to the intensity of fear. Through genetic research, a genomic region associated with fearfulness was identified in chromosome 11. The analysis was repeated by taking into consideration the socialisation carried out in puppyhood, or the familiarisation of the dogs with new people, dogs and situations. The re-analysis reinforced the original finding.

"In the case of behavioural studies, it's important to keep in mind that, in addition to genes, the environment has a significant impact on the occurrence of specific traits. For dogs, the socialisation of puppies has been found to be an important environmental factor that strongly impacts fearfulness. In this study, the aim was to exclude the effect of puppyhood socialisation and, thus, observe solely the genetic predisposition to fearfulness," says Sarviaho.

The genomic region was studied in more detail also with the help of whole genome sequencing, but, so far, the researchers have not succeeded in identifying in it a specific gene variant that predisposes to fearfulness.

"Although no actual risk variant was identified, the genomic region itself is interesting, as it contains a number of genes previously associated in various study models with neural development and function, as well as anxiety. For example, the MAPK9 gene has been linked with brain development and synaptic plasticity as well as anxiety, while RACK1 has been associated with neural development and N4BP3 with neurological diseases," says Professor Lohi.

Link between accelerated puppyhood growth and timidity?

A genomic region in humans corresponding with the one now associated with canine fearfulness is linked to a rare syndrome, which causes both neurological symptoms and, among other things, accelerated growth in childhood.

"Research on the topic is only at the early stages and findings have to be carefully interpreted, but it's interesting to note, when focusing on a particularly large dog breed, that the genomic region associated with fearfulness appears to have a neurological role as well as one related to growth," Sarviaho adds.

So far, gene discoveries in canine behavioural research have remained fairly rare, and the genomic region now identified has not previously been linked with fearfulness. Lohi's research group has previously described two genomic regions associated with canine generalised fear and sensitivity to sound. The genetic research findings support the hypothesis that fearfulness and anxiety are inherited traits. To be able to identify more detailed risk factors and confirm the relevance of the findings, the study should be repeated with a more extensive dataset.
While companies have focused on building an optimal office environment to get the best out of their employees, there may be another way to boost workplace creativity. Research conducted by Professor Xu Huang from the School of Business of Hong Kong Baptist University suggests that a key to taking employee creativity to the next level is investing in their relationships at home.

The study looked at how satisfying marriages impact an employees psychological resources at work - namely their ability to be creative and innovate useful solutions - and showed that:

Employees satisfied with their marriages experience positive spillover of psychological resources into their work

When an employees spouse is also happy, this spillover effect is more pronounced and powerfully enriches workplace creativity

This boost applies only to less creative employees, as highly creative individuals rely less on resources from a good marriage

Marriages with dissatisfied spouses and less intimacy consume employees psychological resources. This indicates that partners can exert strong influence over an employees work performance and that a high-quality marriage is conducive to creativity at work.

As personal relationships can constitute a source of workplace creativity, it is important to consider them when discussing employee welfare. Providing family-friendly policies, especially marriage-related measures, can have a profound impact on organizations. Here are ways to support your employees relationships and improve their creativity at the office:
The plan, presented after a lengthy study of options for Nissans Barcelona operations, is now subject to consultation with workers representatives, Nissan said.The companys operations in Avila and Cantabria, as well as Nissan lberias sales and marketing operations in Spain, will not be affected by the restructuring.The proposal to close the Barcelona plant is the result of an extensive study to mitigate [the problem of] excess production capacity and improve overall competitiveness, Nissan chief executive officer Makoto Uchida said. This is not a decision that we are taking lightly, but is to ensure the strongest possible future for the brand.

Nissan has been manufacturing vehicles in Barcelona since 1983 and employs around 3,000 workers in the area. In recent years, market conditions have caused production volumes to...
Almost totally absent from the mainstream news Friday, as the violent insurrection in the wake of George Floyds death spread to cities nationwide, were the preliminary results of his autopsy. The report was part of the arrest warrant for Derek Michael Chauvin, the disgraced former Minneapolis police officer who was taken into custody on Friday afternoon and charged with the third-degree murder of Floyd while he was in police custody last Monday evening. The brief mention of the autopsy suggests that the case against Chauvin, and possibly his three colleagues assuming they too will eventually be charged, for being totally responsible for the death of Floyd may not be as cut and dried as previously thought.

The Washington Times headlined its story Friday afternoon Asphyxiation not the cause of George Floyd's death: Autopsy. An examination of the official complaint (arrest warrant) for Chauvin includes this sentence from a paragraph about Floyds cause of death on page 3:

The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.

Screen shot of paragraph from State of Minnesota vs. Derek Michael Chauvin

The eight-minute cell phone video showing Chauvin with his knee on Floyds neck after the latters arrest for allegedly trying to pass a $20 counterfeit bill, has become one of the most viewed videos of a p olice action of all time. Reporters, analysts, and almost everyone else in the country from left, right, and center have immediately jumped to the conclusion that Chauvin is clearly guilty of the murder of Floyd. The full autopsy, when it is finally made public, may render that popular conclusion before the wheels of justice have had a chance to turn another rush to judgement  not unlike what happened in the cases of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Freddie Gray after additional evidence came to light in determining the responsibility for their deaths. Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, after all, is a high standard to achieve in the American judicial system.

Also on Friday, as reported by Fox News:

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyd's family, said Friday that talk of a heart condition or asthma was irrelevant because Floyd was walking and breathing before his contact with police.

Crump further stated, according to newsfeeds dot media:

Former New York City chief medical examiner Michael Baden will conduct an independent autopsy on George Floyd following his death after being pinned by a Minneapolis police officer. Dr. Michael Baden, who previously conducted an independent autopsy of Jeffrey Epstein, will do the examination after the family takes Floyds body back from the state, their lawyer said Friday. Were going to take custody back of his body, and were bringing in Dr. Michael Baden to perform an independent autopsy, the attorney, Ben Crump, said at a news conference, 1010 WINS reported. The family does not trust anything coming from the Minneapolis Police Department. How can they? Crump added.

Photo credit: YouTube screren grab
Bengaluru: The South Western Railway (SWR) zone has ferried 10,954 migrants home to Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha in seven Shramik special trains, an official said.

"First Shramik special of Friday departed from Ashokapuram to New Jalpaiguri at 12.43 p.m. with 1,520 passengers," said a SWR zone official on Friday.

The second special train left from KSR Bengaluru to Darbhanga in Bihar at 2.55 p.m. with 1,622 migrants.

Friday`s third special train departed Chikka Bannavara station near Bengaluru at 5.15 p.m. with 1,575 passengers.

The fourth special train departed KSR Bengaluru for Muzaffarpur in Bihar at 7.15 p.m. with 1,600 migrants.

Similarly, the fifth special train departed from Chikka Bannavara for Araiya at 8.25 p.m. with 1,568 passengers.

The sixth special train left from Koppal for Bhadrak in Odisha at 8.40 p.m. with 1,469 migrants.

The last train and seventh special train on Friday departed from Chikka Bannavara station to Bhagalpur at 10.43 p.m. with 1,600 migrants.

The special trains are being run following the Ministry of Home Affairs` permission for the movement of stranded migrant labourers, workers, students, tourists and others amid the COVID lockdown.

Since May 3 to Friday, the railway zone has operated 176 special trains to chug more than 2.5 lakh migrants home to mostly Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and some northeastern states.


STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police are asking for the publics help in their search for a missing teen from Mariners Harbor.

Vanessa Gonzalez, 16, was last seen at her Maple Parkway home on Monday around 10:15 a.m. wearing a yellow t-shirt and grey sweatpants.

Police described her as a Hispanic female, approximately 5 feet tall and 115 pounds. They also provided a photo of the missing girl.

Anyone with information in regard to this missing person is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are confidential.
World leaders, human rights activists, international musical acts and drag queens will participate in a 24-hour online celebration of gay pride organized after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation or postponement of hundreds of L.G.B.T.Q. pride events around the world, organizers announced on Saturday.

The event, which is scheduled for June 27, will feature remarks by Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway and Prime Minister Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg. Manvendra Singh Gohil, the first openly gay prince of India, is also expected to deliver taped remarks.

Planned appearances include the singers Olivia Newton-John, Deborah Cox, Thelma Houston and Ava Max; the drag performers Pabllo Vittar and Courtney Act; and musical acts including the Dixie Chicks, Bright Light Bright Light and Steve Grand. Additional musicians and bands performing in the event, which will be streamed on YouTube and the Global Pride website, will be announced throughout June, organizers said.

Every Pride organizer in the world can tell you a story of someone whose life changed when they visited Pride, Kristine Garina, president of the European Pride Organizers Association, said in a statement. And so, with so many Prides being canceled or postponed, as organizers we felt we had a responsibility to come together and deliver Pride online.
A tyre is a component fitted around the rim of a wheel to transfer the load of a vehicle from the axle to the ground. Rubber tyre consists of tread, jointless cap piles, beads, and other materials, which include synthetic rubber, carbon black, and fabric. The major function of the tyre is to protect the wheel rim and offer tractive force between the road surface and the vehicle.

Since, it is manufactured from rubber, it also provides a flexible cushion, thereby reducing the impact of the vibrations and absorbs the shock of the vehicle. There is an exponential increase in the demand for tyre due to the rise in vehicle production in Pakistan to cater the increase in requirement of vehicles across all segments. Thus, the tyre demand is ultimately governed by automobile production.

Request For Report Sample@ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/13202

The seats used in most of the passenger and light commercial vehicles have main parts that includes tread, textile cord ply, liners, and beads. The combination of such components are responsible for ripping the road and providing directional stability and wear-and-tear resistance.

The Pakistan rubber tyre market is segmented based on tyre type, component, design, vehicle type, and region. Pneumatic rubber tyre, retreaded rubber tyre, rubber inner tubes, cushioned and solid rubber tyre, and others are studied under the tyre segment.

Based on component type, the market is divided into tyre, tubes, and valves. Radial and bias types are categorized under design type. Whereas, passenger car, commercial vehicles, two wheeler, three wheeler, agriculture tractor, and OTR/TBR tyre are analyzed under the vehicle type segment. Based on region, the market is studied across Pakistan.

The key players analyzed in the automotive seat market include General Tyre and Rubber Co. Ltd., Servis Tyre, the Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company, Bridgestone group, Pirelli Tyre S.p.A, Michelin, Ghauri Tyre & Tube Ltd., Continental Corporation, Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., and Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

 This study presents the analytical depiction of Pakistan rubber tyre market along with the current trends and future estimations to depict the imminent investment pockets.

 The overall market potential is determined to understand the profitable trends to enable stakeholders gain a stronger foothold in the market.

 The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities with detailed impact analysis.

 The current market is quantitatively analyzed from 2018 to 2025 to highlight the financial competency of the market.

 Porters five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers.

KEY MARKET SEGMENTS

By Tyre

o Pneumatic Rubber Tyre

o Retreaded Rubber Tyre

o Cushioned and Solid Rubber Tyre

o Others

Exclusive Discount Offer on Quick Purchase @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/13202

By Component

o Tyres

o Tubes

o Valves

By Vehicle Type

o Passenger Car

o Commercial Vehicles

o Two-wheeler

o Three-wheeler

o Agriculture Tractor

o OTR/TBR

By Design

o Radial Tyre

o Bias Tyre

Make an Inquiry before Buying@ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/13202/Single
Washington

With new U.S. economic numbers highlighting the rough road ahead for a hoped-for rebound, President Donald Trump on Friday took aim at the World Health Organization and China, blaming both for their roles in the pandemic's devastation.

Trump announced that the United States will end its support for WHO, charging it didn't respond adequately to the health crisis because of China's "total control" over the global organization. Trump said Chinese officials "ignored" their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the agency to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered.

Earlier Friday, U.S. Commerce Department statistics showed a record-shattering 13.6 percent drop in spending in April, a day after a federal jobs report showed another 2 million-plus Americans went out of work last week. The depth of the spending drop is particularly damaging because consumer spending is the primary driver of the economy.

The bad economic news was echoed in Europe, where an extensive social welfare net was showing signs of fraying, as protests erupted for a second day in Spain against layoffs by French carmaker Renault and Italy's chief central banker warned that "uncertainty is rife."

While some U.S. states were moving ahead with steps to reopen businesses and leisure activities needed to spur spending and restore jobs, some were finding relaxed safety measures have been followed by upticks in new cases.

Arkansas over the past week has seen a steady rise in active coronavirus cases, following moves by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to reopen businesses.

Health officials on Thursday announced the number of active cases, excluding people who have recovered or died, hit a new high of 1,830 in the state, which has had a total of 6,538 cases. Arkansas also hit a record for a one-day increase in infections in the community, meaning ones that don't include the incarcerated.

"We're not going to go back, but we want people to follow those guidelines, make sure they do everything they can to avoid the spread and we can get through this," Hutchinson said.

However, a rural Northern California county decided to temporarily rescind its order allowing reopening of restaurants, shopping and other services after its first coronavirus cases developed.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Lassen County had no reported coronavirus cases until May 22, when state data showed it was one of only two California counties with zero cases. But as of Wednesday, the county of 30,000 people had reported five known cases. Lassen County had started reopening businesses under state rules on May 11.

A federal public health study released Friday shed more light on the contagion's beginnings in the United States. The most comprehensive federal study to date concluded that the spark that started the U.S. coronavirus epidemic arrived during a three-week window from mid-January to early February, before the nation halted travel from China.

Some people have claimed Americans were getting sick from the coronavirus as early as November and that infections were spreading in the U.S. before any case was identified, said Dr. Robert Redfield, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Redfield said the study "puts data into the discussion."
Genestack signs multi-year agreement with AstraZeneca to implement Omics Data Manager

Cambridge, UK, May 2020 - Genestack Ltd. today announced that its flagship multi-omics data catalogue, curation and integrative search product, Omics Data Manager (ODM), has been licensed and implemented by AstraZeneca.

Genestack's ODM is an enabling technology providing a central hub for organising and querying multi-omics data from multiple sites, including transcriptomics and proteomics. Curation tools, such as ODM, will enable AstraZeneca scientists to ensure the metadata for studies, samples and data files is accurate, complete and consistent with their data model. ODM's flexible APIs will integrate into AstraZeneca's existing IT architecture and allow cross-study and cross-omics queries. The tool will allow AstraZeneca to fully utilise past, present and future omics datasets by making data findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable (FAIR).

"ODM is our latest product and it builds on years of close work between our domain experts and those at global biopharmaceutical companies. We're proud of the modern technology stack, flexible multi-omics data and metadata models and APIs, as well as our focus on great user experience. We believe firmly that modern enterprise data strategy is not just about software, but also about the right team and an agile, collaborative, long-term approach." -- Misha Kapushesky, CEO Genestack Limited.

"Our collaboration with Genestack helps build a single data platform for many of our scientists to query omics data from a large number of studies across R&D. Omics Data Manager will allow our scientists and bioinformaticians to fully harness omics data for faster and more relevant drug discovery and translational research." -- Claus Bendtsen, Executive Director Data Sciences & Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca.

###

About Genestack Limited

Since it was founded in 2012 Genestack's mission has been to accelerate discoveries in biopharmaceutical, consumer goods, healthcare, and agriscience organisations, by tackling the explosive growth of omics data. The company's flagship product, Omics Data Manager (ODM), launched in 2019, helps organisations create a FAIR catalogue of multi-omics data (studies, samples, associated omics data), with tools and APIs for metadata templates, curation and powerful integrative search across data & metadata. ODM provides mission-critical technology modules that enable life science enterprises to execute their data strategy. Genestack complements this product with a range of professional services including technology consulting, product implementation, managed service and co-development models. Please visit http://www. genestack. com and follow Genestack on Linkedin

Contacts:

Davide Mantiero

Genestack Limited

davide.mantiero@genestack.com

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Just three years ago, we got to see the destructive potential of a worldwide state-sponsored hacking attack during 2017's WannaCry outbreak. The unprecedented cyber-event, which disabled around 200,000 systems in roughly 150 countries globally, was a sneak preview of the current status quo, where individuals and businesses are being hit by hackers on a daily basis.

One element of the WannaCry attack that particularly resonates today, as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic, was the way the ransomware affected what is perhaps our most vital services sector.

WannaCry set back the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) 100 million and was responsible for the cancelation of over 19,000 individual medical appointments, according to the U.K.'s Department of Health. This extreme level of damages was achieved despite the fact that the NHS wasn't specifically targeted by hackers during the attack. Victims included a whopping one third of NHS hospitals and around eight percent of general practices.

In today's world, where seemingly every country is dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19, a similar attack could have catastrophic consequences.

Unfortunately, we are beginning to see the seeds of this kind of major attack already being planted globally, as the U.S. and U.K. recently issued a joint advisory warning of cyber-attacks against health care providers, pharmaceutical laboratories, medical research organizations, and others entities related to the medical field.

According to the advisory from the U.K.'s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), "[t]he pandemic has likely raised additional requirements for APT actors to gather information related to COVID-19. For example, actors may seek to obtain intelligence on national and international healthcare policy or acquire sensitive data on COVID-19 related research[.]"

Advanced persistent threats or APTs are threat actors that are usually sponsored by governments looking to make political or economic gains via hacking. APTs engage in spying or theft in the national defense, legal and financial services, health care, telecommunication, and manufacturing industries, among others.

These threats are not coming from state-sponsored hackers exclusively, however. A recent report from mid-May indicated that Romania's Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) recently arrested members of a hacking group that was preparing to launch widespread ransomware attacks on Romanian hospitals.

DIICOT alleges that the hackers we set to send spear-phishing emails with bogus information about COVID-19 to hospitals, with the intent to "infect computers, encrypt files, and disrupt hospital activity." According to Romanian news outlets that cited sources connected to DIICOT, the hackers were carrying out the attacks in protest of Romania's COVID-19 quarantine orders.

Other international hacking incidents include Iranian hackers attempting to breach the World Health Organization, while attackers linked to Vietnam have also targeted the communist Chinese government as a result of its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

If a situation similar to what the U.K. faced with WannaCry were to occur now, the effects in a major metropolis like New York City would be devastating, especially if there were to be a second surge in new coronavirus cases.

This nefarious activity has not been lost on private organizations, as in early May the Red Cross issued a letter to governments all over the world titled, "A Call to All Governments: Work Together Now to Stop Cyberattacks on the Healthcare Sector." Part of the letter reads, "We call on the world's governments to take immediate and decisive action to stop all cyberattacks on hospitals, healthcare and medical research facilities, as well as on medical personnel and international public health organizations. To this end, governments should work together, including at the United Nations, to reaffirm and recommit to international rules that prohibit such actions."

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, bad actors will continue use the confusion, panic, and associated fear to achieve their agendas, whether they be political, economic, or something else. Now is a time for increased vigilance, as something as simple as opening an email could cripple the health care systems we rely on for life-saving services.

Julio Rivera is a business and political strategist, the editorial director for the Reactionary Times, and a political commentator and columnist. His writing, which is focused on cyber-security and politics, has been published by websites including The Hill, Real Clear Politics, Townhall, and American Thinker.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  S&P Global Ratings is maintaining its credit rating for the Philippines despite this year's economic slowdown due to the pandemic, noting that the country shall "achieve a strong recovery" in 2021.

In a statement on Saturday, the international debt watcher said it was affirming its "BBB+" credit for the country, a notch closer to "A" grade level. This rating attests to the stability of the Philippine economy and the capability of the government to settle debts, allowing for cheaper loans abroad, the institution said.

For this year, however, the New York-based credit rating agency expects the Philippine economy to shrink by 0.2 percent, citing local quarantine restrictions in place and demand-and-supply shocks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This figure is more optimistic than the government's forecast for the current year, which is a 2 to 3.4 percent contraction for the economy.

To aid the government's response to the crisis, three pending measures have recently been approved by a House of Representatives panel. Among these is a 1.3-trillion economic stimulus package intended for those affected by the pandemic.

The Duterte administration has also taken on more loans to fund its response to the coronavirus crisis. Just this week, multilateral lenders World Bank and Asian Development bank approved loans of $25 million (equivalent to about 25 billion) and $400 million (about 20 billion), respectively.

These increased the country' total borrowings from WB to $1.1 billion (around 55 billion) and the ADB to $2.1 billion (about 106 billion) for the year. Also, the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on Friday approved a $750 million (about 38 billion) loan.

S&P also sees the Philippine economy expanding by 9 percent next year, supported by a robust growth in investment and exports. But this is assuming that the pandemic is contained within the first six months of 2021, it pointed out.

The debt watcher maintained its stable outlook for the country as well, saying it reflects their "expectation that the Philippines' orthodox policymaking will continue to underpin its credit metrics."

"We may raise the rating over the next two years if the economy recovers much more quickly than expected, and the government makes significant further achievements in its fiscal reform program, such that the net general government indebtedness falls below 30% of GDP," said S&P.

Similar to last year, it said, the government had achieved "partial success" with its tax reform program.

However, S&P noted that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) bill, a move aiming to lower corporate income tax rates from 30 percent to 25 percent pushed by the Finance Department, might "entail a net loss of revenue for the government over time" despite possibly supporting the economy in the near term.

The debt watcher also added it may downgrade the Philippines' credit rating if the country's economic downturn will continue longer than expected.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 02:42:17|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 16, 2019 shows the Piraeus port, Greece. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

"I said from the first moment this crisis broke out that we will not allow COVID-19 to harm Greece-China relations," said Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investment.

ATHENS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- After the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, China reiterated during the just-concluded "Two Sessions" its determination to further increase trade and investment ties with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Greek officials, experts and entrepreneurs told Xinhua here in recent interviews that Greece-China cooperation under the BRI will undoubtedly progress with strong momentum to the benefit of both sides.

"I said from the first moment this crisis broke out that we will not allow COVID-19 to harm Greece-China relations," Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investment, wrote in a written statement to Xinhua.

"We believe in the ties between the two countries. We appreciate China as a true friend of Greece and a significant investor in our country... All our investment plans continue normally, and we are waiting for our Chinese friends to continue with even greater momentum," he noted.

The Greek minister also expressed his admiration for the way in which the Chinese government has dealt with the pandemic, stressing that this global crisis affects all of humanity regardless of race, nationality or religion, and that "all together humanity will move forward."

China's COSCO Shipping Taurus docks at Piraeus port, Greece, Feb. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Nicolas A. Vernicos, vice chair of the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce, and Fotis Provatas, chairman of the Chamber of Greek-Chinese Economic Cooperation, highlighted the success of the flagship investment project of China's COSCO Shipping in Piraeus, Greece's largest port, over the past decade, saying they were confident that Greece and China will take further steps to boost bilateral economic cooperation.

The image of the Port of Piraeus has improved drastically in recent years through a series of upgrades that continue this year despite the novel coronavirus challenge.

In the framework of China's new Maritime Silk Road project under the BRI, Greece and the Port of Piraeus -- which under Chinese management has become the largest container port in the Mediterranean -- provide a secure hub for Chinese traders and investors in the countries of the central, southern and eastern Europe as well as in the countries of the Mediterranean, Vernicos and Provatas noted.

"Now is the appropriate moment for China and Greece to bolster their trade and investment cooperation in order to win back the time lost during the pandemic," the two entrepreneurs agreed.

"We are working intensively to create a great 'Mediterranean Silk Road Alliance' in our region that will unite the most active entrepreneurial organizations in our broader area to support, enforce and guarantee the BRI's development policies," they said.

Vasilis Trigkas, research fellow at the Belt & Road Strategy Centre at China's Tsinghua University, was also confident that the BRI will move forward to the benefit of all its participants.

Photo taken on Nov. 7, 2019 shows the Piraeus Port in Greece. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)

Asked about the state of Sino-Greek collaboration today, he highlighted the great potential in the tourism sector, a pillar in the Greek economy.

The sector, which helped pull Greece out of the bailouts era in the past decade, has suffered a significant blow this year due to the pandemic. The summer season will start with a delay and the country will most likely not manage to break a new record for arrivals, as it did in previous years.

Considering that both China and Greece have managed to limit the scale of the pandemic within their territories, there is a great opportunity for Chinese tourists to make Greece their No.1 summer destination, especially since Greece will be the safest destination in Europe, Trigkas stressed.

Fanis Soulis, a tour operator who over the past eight years has been living and working in Beijing and continues to help enhance bilateral cooperation in tourism, has no doubt that this is a great opportunity for both sides.

"China has been the world's largest market in outbound tourism since 2012, growing at a fast rate over the last decades. As a tourism professional working in China for many years, I can reassure you that the majority of Chinese travelers favor and think highly of Greece as a tourism destination," he told Xinhua.

In order to make the most of this opportunity, Soulis suggested that Greece should modify its planning and operational model when it comes to attracting and welcoming Chinese travelers. He proposed, for example, more promotional campaigns targeting Chinese travelers' special needs and introducing lesser-known destinations across Greece. 
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 30, 2020 / Compare-autoinsurance.org (https://compare-autoinsurance.org/) is a top auto insurance brokerage website, providing car insurance quotes online from trustworthy agencies all over the United States. This website provides more info about car insurance money-saving tips.

Carrying coverage may seem expensive nowadays when millions of people got fired due to the ongoing pandemic. Furthermore, social distancing rules deter people from driving too much, making car insurance to look redundant and useless. However, drivers who venture outside without coverage risk a series of penalties if caught without insurance. To find out more and get free quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/penalties-for-driving-without-insurance.

The main penalties for driving while uninsured are the following:

Traffic fines. This is the most common penalty that can apply for drivers caught without carrying insurance. Depending on which state the driver was caught, traffic fines can be as low as $25 or it can reach several thousands of dollars. If the driver gets into an accident without insurance or the ability to cover damages, he will pay a substantial fine. Fines vary by state, but generally, they are more expensive than the minimum coverage required by the state where the accident happened.

Vehicle Impoundment. The police have the authority to have a car towed and impounded if its driver is caught without insurance. To get their cars back, drivers should pay the fine, provide proof of coverage, and pay the impoundment lot fees. Drivers should act quickly, as some impoundment lots will start auctioning their vehicles after just three days have passed since they were impounded.

License suspension. Most states will suspend the license of a driver that is caught driving without insurance. To get their license back, drivers will have to pay the fines and the fees for the license to be reinstated. Drivers will also be required to carry an SR-22 form.

Jail time. Drivers that are caught driving without insurance in a state where this offense is considered a misdemeanor, can risk going to jail. Depending on which state they were driving, drivers can get a jail sentence that can be anywhere from 10 days to one year.

Story continues

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/.

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

"Before hitting the road, drivers should make sure they have insurance. Driving without insurance can cost drivers lots of money, and in some cases even their freedom," said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

CONTACT:

Company Name: Internet Marketing Company

Person for contact: Gurgu C

Phone Number: (818) 359-3898

Email: cgurgu@internetmarketingcompany.biz

Website: https://compare-autoinsurance.org

SOURCE: Internet Marketing Company





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/592075/What-Are-the-Consequences-of-Driving-Without-Insurance




Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-29 18:34:05|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Chinese medical team members pose for a group photo upon their arrival in Lima, Peru, on May 23, 2020. (Chinese Embassy in Peru/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra compared notes on bilateral cooperation against the COVID-19 pandemic in a recent exchange of letters.

Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, once again expressed sincere sympathies to the Peruvian government and people on the spread of the coronavirus disease in Peru.

At Peru's request, China has sent an anti-epidemic medical expert group to the country, he noted, adding that he hopes that they will contribute to Peru's battle against the epidemic.

Xi said he is willing to work with his Peruvian counterpart to strengthen bilateral practical cooperation in various fields such as epidemic response, safeguard public health security, and achieve an early economic recovery, so as to usher in the 50th anniversary of China-Peru diplomatic relations next year with more tangible results.

In his letter, Vizcarra thanked the Chinese government for sending the expert team to Peru, providing and helping Peru purchase anti-epidemic supplies, as well as sharing China's experience in COVID-19 containment.

The Peruvian president reiterated that his country attaches great importance to the Peru-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

He said he believes that the Peruvian and Chinese people will eventually overcome the challenge of COVID-19 through cooperation, and demonstrate once again the resilience of the two ancient civilizations and their capacity to prevail over all adversities. 
Doctors are expecting a surge in patients whose treatments and diagnosis have been on hold for months following the decision by the Government to scrap the takeover of private hospitals.

Many private patients have had investigations for cancer or heart procedures delayed following the confusion which followed the acquisition of the 19 hospitals by the State from March, as the country faced the threat of a tsunami of patients with the coronavirus.

In a surprise move, the Cabinet yesterday agreed not to renew the existing deal costing around 115m a month from the end of June.

Read More

It instead opted for an arrangement where the State has the power to take control of the private hospitals' intensive care beds and other wards, if needed, during the pandemic.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said yesterday: "We didn't need to use the private hospitals to the extent that we thought we might.

"We very much stand over the decision to take control of private hospitals back in March. It was the right thing to do and we have made some good use of them since then, but certainly nothing approaching the level of use that we thought we might have required."

The decision was welcomed by around 600 private hospital consultants last night, who said they were very concerned about the impact on their patients.

Dr Crochan O'Sullivan, a consultant cardiologist in the Bons Secours Hospital in Cork, said: "Procedures on patients which were put on hold can now take place again. We anticipate a big surge of patients from July."

Under the deal, all patients, regardless of whether they had health insurance, were deemed public.

It created major confusion among GPs about referrals to specialists.

Around 600 fully private consultants were no longer able to be paid fees and they were offered a temporary work contract by the HSE.

Dr O'Sullivan was one of more than 460 private consultants who agreed to take a HSE work contract, but he was operating at a loss because he did not receive any support for the private rooms and staff he had previously.

He referenced the case of a patient who needed a heart valve replacement in order to go ahead to have surgery and chemotherapy, but it had to be postponed.

The patient would not survive an operation without the heart procedure.

Other patients needing biopsies for possible prostate cancer and diagnostic tests were also left in a limbo.

He said he would continue to see public patients who were referred to him by the HSE.

Dr Stephen Frohlich, an intensive care consultant in the Beacon Hospital, welcomed the decision by the Cabinet and said private hospitals would likely work seven days a week to clear the backlog of patients which had built up.

"We will work much longer hours and Saturday and Sunday, which will become normal working days."

He said: "It is the right thing for patients. There are patients who have not been able to be seen since the end of March. There is a huge backlog of people who need to get their conditions diagnosed. They also include people who have had surgery deferred."

It is expected that private hospitals will now revert to the pre-pandemic arrangement where they are outsourced public patients on waiting lists through the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

The Private Hospitals Association welcomed the decision and said the deal, combined with enormous commitment by the public, had helped combat Covid-19 and flatten the curve.

A spokesman said hospitals would now start the process of preparing for the full resumption of private care provision nationwide, from the beginning of July.

In the event of a potential second surge of Covid-19 over the coming months, it "reiterates its previous commitment to provide additional capacity to the State.

"The Irish Hospital Consultants Association said it will allow doctors to fully cater for the increased demand for urgent patient care which has been disrupted."
JERUSALEM - Israeli police shot dead an unarmed autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalems Old City on Saturday after saying they suspected he was carrying a weapon.

The shooting drew broad condemnations and revived complaints alleging excessive force by Israeli security forces. On social media, some compared the shooting to police violence in the U.S.

Relatives identified the deceased man as Iyad Halak, 32. They said he suffered from autism and was heading to the school for students with special needs where he studied each day when he was shot.

They killed him in cold blood, Halaks mother, Rana, told Israels Channel 12 TV.

In a statement, Israeli police said they spotted a suspect with a suspicious object that looked like a pistol. When he failed to obey orders to stop, officers opened fire, the statement said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld later said no weapon was found.

Channel 12 said members of Israels paramilitary border police force fired at Halaks legs and chased him into a dead-end alley. It said a senior officer ordered a halt in fire as they entered the alley, but that a second officer did not listen and fired six or seven bullets from an M-16 rifle, killing Halak. The report said both officers were taken into custody and interrogated for several hours.

AP video from the scene showed three bullet holes in a white wall at the end of the alleyway.

Halaks father, Kheiri, said police raided the familys home after the shooting. They found nothing, he said, claiming that police had cursed his daughter when she became upset at them.

Lone Palestinian attackers with no clear links to armed groups have carried out a series of stabbings, shootings and car-ramming attacks in recent years.

Palestinians and Israeli human rights groups have long accused Israeli security forces of using excessive force in some cases, either by killing individuals who could have been arrested or using lethal force when their lives were not in danger.

We must resist the expected coverup and make sure that the police will sit in jail, Ayman Odeh, the leader of the main Arab party in parliament, wrote on Twitter. Justice will be done only when the Halak family, their friends and the rest of the Palestinian people know freedom and independence.

On social media, some pro-Palestinian activists compared the shooting to this weeks killing of George Floyd, a handcuffed black Minnesota man who pleaded for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck. His death has set off violent protests across the U.S.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, whose daughter is autistic, said Halaks death was heartbreaking.

The death of a young person with special needs is heartbreaking and all of Israel bows their heads. This is not our way, he tweeted.

In west Jerusalem, about 150 protesters, some pounding drums, gathered to demonstrate against police violence. A violent policeman must stay inside, they chanted in Hebrew. At a smaller protest in Tel Aviv, one poster read Palestinian lives matter.

The shooting came a day after Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank who they said had tried to ram them with his vehicle. No Israelis were wounded in either incident.

Saturdays shooting occurred in east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in the 1967 war along with the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians want all three territories for their future state.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks as Israel has pressed ahead with plans to annex large parts of the West Bank in line with President Donald Trumps Middle East plan, which strongly favours Israel and was rejected by the Palestinians. Netanyahu has said he plans on moving ahead with the plan in July.

The Palestinian Authority, which governs autonomous enclaves in the West Bank, said last week that it was no longer bound by past agreements with Israel and the United States and was cutting off all ties, including longstanding security co-ordination, to protest the annexation plan.

The Trump plan would allow the Palestinians to establish a capital on the outskirts of the city, beyond Israels separation barrier. It would grant them limited statehood in a cluster of enclaves surrounded by Israel, but only if they meet a long list of stringent conditions.

The annexation plan has also drawn widespread condemnations from Israeli allies in Europe and across the Arab world.
Two MEA employees test positive for COVID-19; Staffers self-quarantine for 14 days

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, May 30: As many as two employees serving at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. As the two tested positive for COVID-19, all the staffers who came in contact with them were asked to go for self-quarantine for 14 days.

An officer working at the legal wing of the ministry and a consultant with the Central Europe Division tested positive for the infection earlier this week, they said. It is reportedly said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been proactive in handling any COVID-19 positive cases among its employees or consultants in accordance with the health protocol laid down by the government.

Organic masks to fight coronavirus pandemic

It is learnt that an elaborate sanitisation exercise was carried out in the legal and the Central Europe (CE) divisions. Almost all employees in the CE division as well as a sizable number of staffers in the legal wing are undergoing self-quarantine at present.

Delhi violence: Centre gets 4 weeks to reply on FIR against hate speech| Oneindia News

Following the two positive cases, the MEA sent two internal communications to all its employees apprising them about the infection and asked them to follow all laid down protocols and precautionary measure.

Analyse each COVID-19 death says MP CM

The MEA has been at the forefront of the government's Vande Bharat mission under which close to 50,000 stranded Indians have already been evacuated from various parts of the world. The MEA is coordinating efforts to bring back another lot of 1,00,000 Indians by June 13.

In view of the massive exercise, a large number of employees in the MEA headquarters have been working for long hours and they have been advised to follow all precautionary measures after detection of the two positive cases.

The MEA's coronavirus control room is working round the clock since March 16. The control room has received more than 22,500 calls and 60,000 e-mails till May 28. Several employees working in various ministries having offices around Raisina Hills at the heart of the national capital tested positive for the coronavirus in the last few weeks.

According to Health Ministry, India has recorded 1,73,763 cases of COVID-19 and 4,971 people died of the infection till Saturday morning.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, May 30, 2020, 14:21 [IST]
Guwahati/Agartala, May 30 : The return of natives from different parts of the country and Bangladesh has led to a surge in coronavirus cases in eight northeastern states to 1,586, including 1,219 active cases till Saturday night, officials said.

According to the health officials, Assam has 1,185 cases, including 1,015 active cases. Assam health officials in Guwahati said that 250 more people tested positive in the past 24 hours, the highest in a single day after the first confirmed case was reported in the state on March 31.

According to the officials, two of the 33 Assam districts -- Kamrup Metro (316) and Golaghat (177) -- account for 493 coronavirus patients.

While Assam's main city and commercial hub Guwahati falls in Kamrup Metro, Golaghat district is a major tea growing area and part of the famous Kaziranga National Park in the district.

In Tripura, Saturday's 17 new cases took the total to 271, including 163 Border Security Force troopers, officers and their kins. However, the state's active cases are 96 whereas three cases have migrated to other states.

In all, 106 stranded Indians had returned to Tripura on Thursday from Bangladesh, of which 10 tested positive on Friday and Saturday.

Officials in Agartala said the Bangladesh returnees are in institutional quarantine and would be released after repeated swab tests.

As many as 62 positive cases have been reported in Manipur so far, followed by 36 in Nagaland, 27 in Meghalaya, three in Arunachal Pradesh, and one each in Mizoram and Sikkim.

Authorities in northeastern states said that after inter-state movement through road and rail was allowed and restrictions lifted by the Home Ministry on May 4, the region, especially Assam, had registered a surge in coronavirus cases.

According to official estimates, little over one lakh natives had returned to the eight northeastern states, with Assam alone registering over 60,000 returness during the past three weeks.

With the resumption of commercial passengers aircraft flights from Monday, over 10,000 residents of northeast India returned from different parts of the country.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advertisement

The UK today announced 215 more Covid-19 deaths, taking the official number of coronavirus victims to 38,376 - but it is the lowest Saturday total since lockdown began.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced the figure today at Downing Street's daily press conference, where he also revealed 2,445 more people had tested positive for the virus.

A total of 272,826 Britons have now been officially diagnosed with the viral disease, but millions more cases have been missed due to a lack of widespread testing.

Today's death figure marks the lowest Saturday rise since March 21, three days before the country went into lockdown, when there were just 56 coronavirus fatalities.

It is down significantly from the record high of 1,115 recorded on Saturday April 18 during the peak of the crisis. For comparison, there were 282 deaths last Saturday.

But despite the continued downward trend, three of the Government's coronavirus scientists claim the UK is lifting restrictions too soon.

The reproduction 'R' rate - the average number of people an infected patient passes the virus to - is sitting between 0.7 and 0.9 and if it breaches 1 then the outbreak could spiral back out of control.

Ministers are trying to juggle both keeping the R below 1 - to extinguish the spread of infection - and fire up the economy and return to normal life.

The new lockdown rules will allow the public to travel to beauty spots to sunbathe with members of their household, or to meet one person from another household at a two-metre distance from Monday.

In other twists and turns in the coronavirus crisis today:

The Government warned the British public not to abuse new liberties as Covid-19 lockdown is eased , with deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam warning 'we're at a very dangerous moment'

Senior Tories have demanded Boris Johnson reduces social distancing or see apocalyptic job losses in hospitality sector

Scientists said picnickers must sit in the shape of a hexagon, pentagon or parallelogram two metres apart to stay safe in a social-distanced summer

Ex-education secretary Alan Johnson claimed teaching unions 'got it wrong' over reopening schools and must now back down and stop their 'war dance'

Holidaymakers arriving in Mallorca and Ibiza could face coronavirus tests at the airport and then a six-hour wait in hotels for results

Today's deaths include 146 in hospitals in England, 22 in total across Scotland 14 in Wales and just one in Northern Ireland. The remaining fatalities occurred in care homes in England and in the wider community.

Three experts on the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which is steering ministers through the crisis, lined up this morning to caution that measures were being relaxed when the infection rate was still not low enough.

Professor Peter Horby said Britain could not afford to lose control of the virus. He told BBC Radio 4 this morning: 'We really can't go back to a situation where we've got the numbers of cases and deaths we've had in the past.'

Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and SAGE member, said in a Twitter post that he 'agreed with John' on the clear science advice, appearing to reference SAGE colleague Professor John Edmunds, who said on Friday the Government was 'taking risks' by relaxing measures from Monday.

Sir Jeremy also said the newly-introduced NHS test and trace system needed to be 'fully working' before measures were eased. He wrote: 'Covid-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England. Agree with John & clear science advice.

'TTI (test, trace and isolate) has to be in place, fully working, capable dealing any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results & infection rates have to be lower. And trusted.'

Professor Edmunds, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the Prime Minister had 'clearly made a political decision' by unlocking the country on Monday, because the threat of a second peak remains high.

He claimed that, even if the 'untested' contact tracing scheme goes smoothly, the country could still suffer 80 deaths a day until a vaccine is developed.

Professor Edmunds said: 'Many of us would prefer to see the incidence driven down to lower levels because that then means we have fewer cases occurring before we relax the measures.

The lockdown rules are increasingly varied across the UK as the home nations butt heads on easing restrictions

Professor John Edmunds, an adviser to SAGE, said he would have preferred to see infections driven down further before relaxing the lockdown

'If we had incidence at a lower level then, even if R went up a little bit, we wouldn't be in a position where we're overwhelming the health service rapidly.

'We could tolerate a little bit [of an increase in infections]. At the moment, with relatively high incidence,relaxing the measures and also with an untested track and trace system, I think we are taking some risk here.

'Even if that risk does pay off, and we manage to keep the incidence flat, we're keeping it flat at quite a high level - 8,000 new infections a day.

'If there's a 1 per cent infection fatality rate that's 80 deaths per day, if there's half a per cent, that's 40 per day.

'That's the amount of deaths we might expect to see going forward. That's clearly a political decision, it's not a scientific decision.

'It's pretty clear to me the direction of travel is we're starting to relax and we're going to keep the reproduction level at one, but that means we're keeping the incidence at this level.'

Under the easing in England, different households will be able to see family and friends in groups of six from Monday, although social distancing measures will still have to be followed.

They will also be permitted to use gardens and private outdoor spaces, which was previously banned. Mr Johnson said that meant barbecues are possible.

Schools will start to reopen from Monday, and non-essential shops will follow from June 15.

Professor Edmunds said that without a vaccine or viable treatment at the ready, the Government cannot ease restrictions much more than it already has.

He added: 'The issue is clearly there's a need to get the economy restarted and get people back to their jobs.

'And clearly there's a social and mental health need to allow people to meet with friends and family and so on.

'A targeted approach is good, it's not putting everybody in lockdown which of course allows the economy and for us to go back to some level of normality.

'But none of us think - that have looked at this in any great detail - that [the track and trace scheme] will be sufficient to be able to hold the reproduction number below one.

'We will still have to have significant numbers of wider social distancing measures in place.
Something woke Joan Raphael in her room aboard the old gray Liberty Ship Jeremiah OBrien last Saturday. It was just after 4, the darkest time of the night, nearly two hours before sunrise. I didnt know what woke me exactly, she said. But I was awake, and then I heard this huge sound. I heard it before I saw it. It was fire. The ship was tied to a pier, and the pier was ablaze.

Raphael  everybody calls her Joanie  is a member of the volunteer crew of the OBrien, a ship that is both a floating museum and a living memorial to the American flag merchant marine. The ship is 76 years old and survived wartime service in the Atlantic and Pacific. It almost did not survive that night.

The story is personal for me because I sailed on the OBrien on its 1994 voyage from San Francisco to Europe to commemorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day. I worked as a deckhand and wrote stories for The Chronicle about the trip. I got hooked on the ship and have done volunteer work aboard off and on ever since. All sailors  even amateur ones like me  will tell you that once you sail in the crew, a little of that ship stays with you. So the fire was personal, as if someone close to me nearly died.

Heres what happened. Raphael and three other crew members were spending the night aboard at the ships berth at Pier 45 at Fishermans Wharf to do some work and for security reasons. She acted quickly when she realized the danger. I jumped up, she said. And I pounded on the doors where the others were sleeping. Get up! Get up! Fire!

By that time the pier shed, not 50 feet away from the ships side, was blazing and roaring, a wall of fire. It was terrifying, Raphael said. She and the others managed to lower the gangway. It had been pulled up for the night, but the fire was close and out of control.

They had to get away.

Raphael and Jeff Croutier ran down the pier away from the fire as fast as they could. Steve Wright and Bob Jarvis jumped in their cars parked in the shed and tried to drive out. The smoke was rolling and black. I couldnt see where I was going, Wright said. I kept running into things, like bumper cars. But they couldnt stop. I looked back and saw the other cars right where we had been parked just engulfed in fire.

All four got away, shaken but safe. In the meantime, San Francisco firefighters were on the scene with engines and ladder trucks; it was a four-alarm fire, the biggest on the waterfront in years.

But now the Jeremiah OBrien was in grave danger, tied to the pier with stout mooring lines, the engine cold and dead. The only way to get the ship off the pier would be with tugs if any were available nearby at that hour. There was no time for that.

Just then the San Francisco fireboat St. Francis came steaming to the rescue. The St. Francis can pump 18,000 gallons of bay water a minute and poured water between the burning pier shed and the OBrien. Later a second SFFD fireboat, the Phoenix, came to help. The shed, where the fire smoldered for two days, is a total loss, but the OBrien sustained only minor damage. There was no doubt the fireboats saved the ship.

It was a miracle, Cevan LeSieur, captain of the OBrien, said later. I dont use that word easily, but it was a miracle. We will be eternally grateful to the San Francisco Fire Department for their quick and professional response, but I think we can also thank the angels above that were on watch early this morning.

Sailors are superstitious. Its bad luck to whistle on a ship, its bad luck to start a voyage on a Friday, and its bad luck to say a ship has good luck. Fingers crossed, they do say the OBrien is a lucky ship.

Named for a Revolutionary War hero and launched on June 19, 1943, in South Portland, Maine, the Jeremiah OBrien was built in 56 days, one of 2,751 almost identical cargo ships. Only two remain. The other operational Liberty Ship is the John Brown in Baltimore.

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.

They were built to a simple design, powered by an old-fashioned steam engine that developed only 2,500 horsepower. They were slow  11 knots was a good speed for a Liberty Ship. Thats 12.659 land mph. They were not beautiful. Shown the design of the first Liberty Ship, President Franklin Roosevelt said, That will do, but shes rather an ugly duckling.

The OBrien first sailed in the Atlantic. On D-Day in 1944, it carried 167 tons of ammunition, 135 armored vehicles and 573 American soldiers across the English Channel to France. According to ship historian Chris Friedenbach, the OBrien was at anchor off Omaha Beach when it was targeted by German bombers. They missed, but shrapnel hit one of the lifeboats. Later the ship sailed to South America and then to the Pacific carrying ammunition. It also went to India and Australia. Not a scratch.

After the war the ship was laid up in the Mothball Fleet in Suisun Bay. It stayed there for 33 years in a state of suspended animation until a group of volunteers, headed by retired Rear Adm. Thomas Patterson, brought the ship back to life as a memorial to the merchant marine and the Navy armed guard who sailed aboard in wartime.

The OBrien has been sailing on San Francisco Bay for 40 years, and its last big adventure was in 1994 when volunteers  average age 70  took the ship to Europe and back for the anniversary of D-Day.

All of the Jeremiah OBriens wartime crew is gone now, and many of the hundreds of the men and women who volunteered on the ship in the years since have also crossed the bar for the last time. I think those people must have been looking out for us, LeSieur said after the fire.

Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @CarlnolteSF
Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.

Submit
Thirteen suspects arrested by French police over the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants in a refrigerated lorry in Britain have been charged with people trafficking, a judicial source said Saturday.

Six of the group -- mainly Vietnamese and French nationals -- were held on Tuesday in the Paris region and have also been charged with manslaughter after the alleged key figure in a ring of smugglers was caught in Germany.

Thirteen people were also arrested in Belgium the same day in an international police operation.

The migrants -- 31 men and eight women -- were found dead in the truck in an industrial zone east of London in October 2019.

The driver of the lorry has already admitted manslaughter but Tuesday's swoop targeted the smugglers suspected of organising the migrants' journey from Asia.

The suspect arrested in Germany's Upper Rhine region is a 29-year-old man nicknamed "The Bald Duke," sources told AFP.

"He could be the head of the network on the French side," a source close to the investigation said.

But the man's nationality was not revealed.

The 13 indicted in France also face charges of membership of a criminal organisation and all but one was put in custody.

Eleven of the 13 suspects in Belgium have already been charged by a judge in Bruges with people trafficking, membership of a criminal organisation and fraud, according to Belgian prosecutors

The investigation found that the migrants who died were loaded into the truck in northern France, and that the network continued to operate even after the tragedy, charging up to 20,000 euros to cross from France to Britain.

Investigation sources told AFP the group caught in France was believed to have housed the migrants and then sent them from Paris to the north by taxi.

The driver of the lorry, Maurice Robinson from Northern Ireland, last month pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the 39 deaths.

Four other men are on trial in London over the tragedy, while another man, Ronan Hughes, is facing extradition from Ireland to Britain on 39 counts of manslaughter and one of conspiracy to commit unlawful immigration.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday said that he was "fully" mobilizing the state's National Guard, a first in the state's history, saying that it was "nothing short of a blessing" that an innocent bystander has not yet been killed in unrest.

His announcement comes after protests raged across America on a brutal night in cities where people gathered to grieve and demand justice for George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody. At least 20 U.S. cities woke up to destruction and arrests Saturday morning after unrest over the death of Floyd boiled over in the Twin Cities, sparking demonstrations - some peaceful, others violent - across the country.

"Let's be very clear, the situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd," Walz, a Democrat, said.

The governor said he had "sensitivity to the legitimate rage and anger" that Minnesotans felt after Floyd's death, which manifested earlier in the week with "healthy gathering of community."

By Thursday, Walz said that peaceful protest was gone and that the destruction Friday night made a "mockery" of Floyd's death.

"At this point of time, it is nothing short of a blessing that we have not had someone killed as an innocent bystander in this," Walz said.

The governor said the tactics of first responders will be to reduce loss of life and property in the state, where small businesses and community nonprofits were damaged in the unrest.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who also spoke during the news briefing, said the violent demonstrators weren't from their cities. Carter said there were "relatively few arrests" during Friday night's protests, but the people arrested were all from other states.

"Those folks are agitating and inciting and taking advantage of the pain, hurt, frustration, anger and real and legitimate sadness that so many of our community members feel to advocate for the destruction of our communities," Carter said.

Walz warned of more protesters gathering Saturday night spurred by increased police presence.

"This is only going to make it more difficult tonight," Walz said.

Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen told reporters that there were already 700 guardsmen mobilized as of early Saturday but by noon, there will be 2,500 guard members activated and they were requesting federal assistance.

"What does that mean? It means we're all in," Jensen said.

In other developments:

-- President Donald Trump praised the Secret Service on Saturday, the morning after the White House was placed under lockdown as protesters clashed with officers outside. "They were not only totally professional, but very cool," Trump tweeted.

-- In Minneapolis -- where Floyd died Monday after a white officer pressed his knee into the 46-year-old's neck -- businesses were torched and shots were fired at police, who struggled to enforce an 8 p.m. curfew enacted after several nights of unrest.

-- Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms delivered an emotional plea for protesters to go home Friday after violence and vandalism erupted in her city. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp later issued a state of emergency for the area at the mayor's request.

-- In New York, officers were seen struggling with demonstrators, holding some down on the ground, amid screams. In Lincoln, Nebraska, police urged residents to shelter in place because a gathering there was "no longer a peaceful protest."

-- Fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death on Friday. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said he also anticipates charges for three other officers who were fired over Floyd's death.

-- The Hennepin County Medical Examiner announced it has made "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation." The medical examiner suggested underlying health conditions contributed to Floyd's death; Floyd's family said it will seek an independent autopsy.

-- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Saturday morning he is calling in the National Guard to help "keep peace" in Louisville, where protests have erupted over the death of 26-year-old emergency medical technician Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was fatally shot eight times by narcotics detectives in her own home in March. No drugs were found.
New Delhi, May 30 : The Congress on Saturday criticised the Narendra Modi government on completing six years in office, saying the country stood at crossroads in the seventh year and the people were exhausted by the "weight of the government's sins".

Addressing a press conference, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said, "The first year of the second term of the Modi government has been a year of disappointment, disastrous management and pain." He said at the start of the seventh year, India stood at crossroads. "Citizens are exhausted by the weight of this government's sins, ineptitude and callous insensitivity to the widespread suffering," the Congress leader said.

Slamming the government over its performance in the last six years, Venugopal said, "Over the last six years, India witnessed a steady increase in the politics of distraction and false noise, to the point that it has become a defining mainstay of the Modi government's administrative style." He said while it served the political interests of the BJP, it came at an "unprecedented economic and social cost" to the nation.

Hitting out at the Prime Minister Modi, Venugopal said Modi would do well to remember extraordinary promises beget extraordinary expectations. "But as we shall see, even the most ordinary and mundane expectations of keeping the country running were beyond the capabilities of this government which promised so much and delivered so very little," he said.

The Congress also highlighted the failure of the government on the economic front, saying the Prime Minister announced two crore jobs whereas India witnessed the highest unemployment rate in the last 45 years which reached in 2017-18 to 6.1 per cent overall -- 7.8 per cent in urban India and 5.3 per cent in rural India.

"Post Covid, India's unemployment rate has soared to an unprecedented 27.11 per cent (CMIE)," he said.

He said under the Modi government, the GDP has become synonymous with 'Grossly Declining Performance'. "Most international and national rating agencies have predicted negative GDP growth in Financial Year 2020-21. The economy had been mismanaged to the point of ruin long before Covid-19," he said, adding the GDP growth has been sliding continuously for the last 21 months.

Congress spokesperson and media in-charge Randeep Surjewala said at the end of six years, it appeared the Modi government is at war with its people and is inflicting wounds on them, instead of healing them. "It is inflicting wounds on Mother India," he said.

"This government is trying to fill coffers of a select group and is inflicting pain on the poor," Surjewala alleged.

The Congress spokesperson demanded that a "virtual session" of Parliament be convened immediately to discuss pressing issues and the due process be set in motion for holding meetings of various parliamentary committees.

"The way in which the Prime Minister holds talks with the chief ministers through video conferencing, why cannot the standing committees and Parliament also be allowed to convene important meetings through virtual sessions," he said.

To a question on the BJP''s charge of the Congress playing politics over the Covid-19 crisis, Venugopal accused the government of ignoring the suggestions. Venugopal said that being a responsible opposition, "it is our duty to raise the problems faced by the common people".

"As Opposition, we highlighted the failures of the government," he said.

Venugopal also said that the six years of the Modi government witnessed "loan write-offs" for bank fraudsters to the tune of Rs 66 lakh crore from 2014-2015 to September 2019.

He pointed out that in the last six years, India witnessed 32,868 bank frauds involving public money to the tune of Rs 2.70 lakh crore and stressed assets of the banks rose to Rs 16.5 thousand crore. "Bank NPAs rose 423 per cent from Rs 2.24 lakh crore on June 30, 2014 to Rs 9.5 lakh crore in March 2020," Venugopal said.

He said, "The most shocking revelation of write-offs came on April 24, 2020 in an RTI reply. In the midst of Covid-19, the Modi government wrote off loans worth Rs 68,607 crore for the likes of Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi, Jatin Mehta, Vijay Mallya and others." He slammed the government over the Indian rupee losing its value and becoming Asia's worst performing currency.

The Congress also slammed the government over the Rs 20 lakh-crore Covid-19 relief package touted by the Prime MInister as 10 per cent of GDP to be a mere 0.83 per cent of GDP in reality.

"This has come as perhaps the most insensitive and callous announcement for the nation that waited over 60 days for relief," he said.

Modi and his cabinet took oath this day last year for a second term in office after it won a massive mandate in the Lok Sabha elections.
"Please, please, please, I can't breathe. Please, man," Floyd pleaded, while being detained by officer Chauvin. The incident was captured on cellphone video that went viral after it was posted online.

Protesters vented their anger in Minneapolis for a third night, setting a police precinct and businesses on fire and smashing windows of businesses. The National Guard was mobilized as the twin city of St. Paul was also rocked by another night of violence. Demonstrations against Floyd's death and years of violence against African Americans at the hands of police have also spread across the United States. Protestors also took to the streets Thursday in New York City and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Midwestern city of Minneapolis remains on edge following another night of violent protests sparked by the controversial death of an African American man in the custody of a white police officer.

"The arrest of former Minneapolis police officer Kerek Chauvin for the brutal killing of George Floyd is a welcome but overdue step on the road to justice. We expected a first-degree murder charge. We want a first-degree murder charge. And we want to see the other officers arrested. We call on authorities to revise the charges to reflect the true culpability of this officer."

The victim, 46-year-old George Floyd, was pronounced dead shortly after he was pinned to the ground while handcuffed and officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck as Floyd pleaded he could not breath. Floyd's family responded to the charges, saying in a statement it wants prosecutors to take a tougher approach.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced the charges Friday after he said his office had enough evidence to justify the charges. Freeman did not immediately disclose details but said a criminal complaint would be available later.

A white police officer in the U.S. city of Minneapolis seen kneeling on the neck of a handcuffed African American man who died in custody after pleading he could not breathe has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

The officer restraining a handcuffed Floyd urged him to "relax," but the officer kept his knee on Floyd's neck after the unarmed man stopped moving. One witness said he heard Floyd calling out for his mother. The video shows Floyd's head turned to the side as he does not appear to be resisting. Toward the end of the video, paramedics arrive, lift a limp Floyd onto a stretcher and place him in an ambulance. Authorities later told reporters Floyd died at the hospital. Minneapolis police said Floyd resembled a suspect wanted for allegedly trying to spend a counterfeit $20 bill in a food store and that he had resisted arrest.

The mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, said early Friday the city is in "a lot of pain and anger" but the looting and burning to protest George Floyd's death is "unacceptable." Frey said the damaged properties, including a police precinct, are "essential to our community." He said he decided to let the precinct burn late Thursday after receiving reports that protesters were trying to breach the premises. Frey said he ordered police personnel to evacuate from the precinct before it was set ablaze because it became too dangerous for them.

Frey also responded to President Donald Trump's tweets that Minneapolis suffers from a "total lack of leadership" and his labeling of the rioters as "THUGS" who "are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd." Trump also threatened to bring the city "under control" and tweeted that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Frey said "Donald Trump knows nothing about the strength of Minneapolis," and added, "We are strong as hell."

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also criticized Trump, saying his references to "thugs" and "shooting" are counterproductive. "In the moment where we're at, in a moment that is so volatile, anything we do to add fuel to that fire is really not helpful," Walz said at a Friday news conference. "There is a way to do this without inflaming [tensions]."

Twitter added a warning to Trump's tweet suggesting that protestors could be shot, saying it violates its rules "about glorifying violence." The social media company later flagged Trump's reference to "thugs." The White House later said "the president did not glorify violence, but condemned it." Attorney General William Barr said Friday the images "of the incident that ended with the death of Mr. Floyd, while in custody of Minneapolis police offers, were harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing." Barr also said an independent investigation is being conducted by the Justice Department and the FBI.

Former President Barack Obama tweeted Friday about Floyd's death, calling on the country to treat all citizens with dignity and respect. "It's natural to wish for life 'to just get back to normal' as a pandemic and economic crisis upend everything around us. But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly 'normal.'" "It shouldn't be 'normal' in 2020 America," Obama added. "It can't be 'normal.'"

Floyd and officer Chauvin knew each other from working security jobs together at the same Minneapolis nightclub, City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins told CNN Friday. Chauvin was a 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department who had at least a dozen complaints filed against him about his conduct, according to NBC News and other news outlets. NBC reports that records show Chauvin was not disciplined over the complaints but received one "letter of reprimand."

The other officers involved in Floyd's restraint have been identified as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng. They are still under investigation. Separately, a CNN crew was arrested in Minneapolis on live television early Friday after protests overnight about Floyd's death. As reporter Omar Jimenez, who is black, and two other crew members were arrested, the camera continued to run. During the incident, Jimenez asked why he was being arrested. CNN says Governor Walz has apologized to the network.

Because of Floyd's "I can't breathe," comment, his death was quickly compared to that of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man in New York who died in 2014 after a white officer placed him in a chokehold while he begged for his life. Garner also told officers, "I can't breathe," a cry that became a national rallying point against the country's long history of police brutality.

Floyd's death comes weeks after three people were charged with the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in the southern state of Georgia. The African American man was allegedly killed in February by a white former Glynn County police officer and his son who claim they mistook Arbery for a burglar while he was jogging. The two were charged only after a video of the shooting emerged several weeks later.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State workers are spending Friday assessing and repairing damage to the Ohio Statehouse, after the building was vandalized overnight as a large demonstration over the death of a black Minnesota man while in police custody escalated.

Damage included 28 broken windows along the west and south sides of the building, as well as damage to the wooden window frames, five pole lamps and two doors, including the West Rotunda entrance, according to the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, the agency responsible for keeping the Statehouse grounds. Flags planted in flower beds were burned.

A handful of protesters briefly entered the Statehouse but quickly left, according to Mike Rupert, a spokesman for CSRAB.

There was no cost estimate immediately available. Workers were seen Friday morning setting up plywood to protect windows, sweeping up glass and installing new window panes.

Gov. Mike DeWine has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. Friday to discuss the situation.

Hundreds of demonstrators had gathered in Downtown Columbus Thursday night to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota who died Monday while in police custody. Video recorded by bystanders showing an officer with his knee on Floyds neck has spawned national outrage and unrest in Minnesota, Columbus and elsewhere.

Columbus police used pepper spray while attempting to disperse the crowd out of the intersection of High and Broad Streets, a main intersection in the citys downtown, around 11:20 p.m, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Some in the crowd moved to the Statehouse and a few began committing acts of vandalism, said Staff Lt. Craig S. Cvetan, a spokesman for the State Highway Patrol, which provides security to the Statehouse.

The Patrol is now documenting property damage, Cvetan said. Columbus police are handling any criminal charges.

Windows of office buildings near the Statehouse were still broken or under repair Friday morning.

The Statehouse was closed to the public Friday, but the Riffe State Office Tower across the street remains open, according to a memo House Speaker Larry Householder sent members on Friday.
The real-time suicide data promised by the Morrison government as part of its COVID-19 mental health response plan may not be available for two years.

Unveiling the response plan last month, Health Minister Greg Hunt promised to fill gaps in the data, which he said was "exceptionally important" to address the nation's mental health needs.

Australasian College for Emergency Medicine past president Simon Judkins says the pandemic is worsening mental health problems.

But in its written response to questions on notice at a Senate inquiry into the government's COVID-19 response on Monday, the Health Department said the $2.6 million in data funding included in the plan would go towards a project slated for completion in mid-2022.

The national suicide and self-harm monitoring system, which is being established at a cost of $15 million, was announced as part of the 2019-20 federal budget with a three-year timeframe.
<! Doctors attending to Coronavirus patient >

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigerias Coronavirus infections have surpassed 9,000 with the addition of 387 new cases on Friday.

According to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, the nation now has 9,302 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, as the deadly virus continues to spread in the country.

Lagos recorded a huge coronavirus infections, ramping up 254 new cases, while FCT recorded 29 fresh cases and Jigawa, 24 cases.

According to the NCDC, on the 29th of May 2020, 387 new confirmed cases and 2 deaths were recorded in Nigeria

No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.

Till date, 9,302 cases have been confirmed, 2,697 cases have been discharged and 261 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The 387 new cases are reported from 14 states- Lagos(254), FCT(29), Jigawa(24), Edo(22), Oyo(15), Rivers(14),Kaduna(11), Borno(6), Kano(3), Plateau(2), Yobe(2), Gombe(2), Bauchi(2), Ondo(1).

Affected States and figures in Fridays infections

Lagos-254

FCT-29

Jigawa-24

Edo-22

Oyo-15

Rivers-14

Kaduna-11

Borno-6

Kano-3

Plateau-2

Yobe-2

Gombe-2

Bauchi-2

Ondo-1
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Have you ever shown up to volunteer with a church or organization and felt out of place, unsure of what to do, or so invisible that you were sure if you walked out, no one would notice at all?

My family and I experienced this one evening as we showed up to pack and distribute food to families who had been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus. We arrived to volunteer at a stuffy, overwhelming room filled with piles of food, not organized yet, with masked workers shuffling stacks of inventory back and forth. Not quite sure who was in charge and even more unsure about where we fit in, we asked anyone who looked our way, What would you like us to do? Hand gestures and muffled answers signaled, Grab those boxes or Move these apples from here to there, so we tackled our jobs gladly but were back in ten minutes asking again, What would you like us to do now?

For all our intentions of wanting to do good, it ended in discouraging defeat. I left feeling as if we had wasted our time going and guilty for not having contributed more.

As I began to think about this experience, I couldnt help but to draw parallels between it and how many employees deal with these feelings and situations daily in the workplace. I know I sure have, which is one of the reasons I am so passionate about organizational health and helping managers and leaders connect the dots between what they think is happening in their organization and what their employees are actually experiencing.

1. Clarity is everything

One time my boss handed a piece of mail to me with this instruction: Find out why we get this. So I called the 800 number and said, My boss wants to know why we get this. She clicked around for a few seconds and concluded that she wasnt sure why we were still receiving the notice when our activity on the account had been dormant for some time. She suggested that we cancel the account, and I agreed to her professional recommendation. I left a note for my boss that said it had been taken care of, the account was canceled.

Perhaps you can sympathize with my near heart attack as he received the note and stoked my panic, What do you mean the account was canceled? Thats not what I meant! As it turns out, I had authorized the cancellation of an account with the IRS for which we paid taxes every year in another state. How in the world was I supposed to have known what he wanted with a directive like the one he gave me?

Employees show up wanting to do good, but directions must be clear for tasks and goals to happen correctly. Heres a tip for all of us: If we think that weve been clear, we probably havent. Not a coincidence, then, that noted author and organizational health pioneer Patrick Lencioni assigns three of his four disciplines to building a healthy organization as follows: 1. Build a Cohesive Leadership Team; 2. Create Clarity; 3. Overcommunicate Clarity; 4. Reinforce Clarity.

Clarity is never overrated. Be clear with what you mean. Talk in complete sentences. Ask the person if they understand what you said. And make sure you know what you mean before you ask someone else to. No employee goes into a task wanting to mess it up, so if something derails, you might want to retrace your steps and ask, Was I clear?

2. Vision is essential

If my family had understood why we were moving apples from one table to another and what came next, we wouldnt have had to ask after every step, What do you want us to do now? In other words, if someone had met us at the door and said, Heres what were doing: we have to clear one side of the room to set up the assembly line for packing the boxes, so if you guys could clear those tables by moving the apples, then you could help build the boxes and stack them where the apples were so that were ready to fill the boxes first thing in the morning.

Voila! Knowing why the apples needed moving and what our next steps would be after we accomplished it would have made us work with more focus and energy because we had somewhere to go after the apples. To be honest, because we didnt know where the whole thing was headed and kept having to ask questions, I felt like more of a drain on the system than a contributor. This made me ask my husband a little earlier than I should have, Ready to get out of here?

In his book The Vision Driven Leader, Michael Hyatt states, A practical vision is good for more than planning. Its also good for people, not only in hiring them but also in keeping them aboard once youve got them.

Is it hard to keep good people in your organization? If so, check how you are (or arent) conveying vision. If employees cant see where this thing is headed and empowered to contribute as a full participant, I guarantee you they will find somewhere they can.

3. Value is necessary

It is so easy for leaders to get bogged down in team management and overall vision and mission that they overlook the people around them. Every staff member  from bottom to top  has dreams and incredible giftings that go well beyond the confines of the positions they hold, so I am always amazed at leaders who overlook the potential for innovation and ingenuity that is at their fingertips through the people they are paying.

Well-known pastor and leadership expert Craig Groeschel said that for leaders whose organizations are doing well, Enjoy it  because youre going to have to change soon! In other words, if [you] dont change and adapt in what [youre] doing, [your] success will not last forever because the world is changing way too fast. At no other time than the present have we seen this to be true!

There are people in your church or organization who carry answers for tomorrow that werent needed yesterday. Thats why possibly you havent noticed them yet, but as a leader it is your responsibility and reward to discover who they are and what they bring to the table. The value that you assign to each and every staff member today could be the deciding factor as to whether you exist tomorrow and how well you do when you get there.

Communicating with clarity, casting vision, and valuing the people around you are three basic foundational principals that seem simple but in reality, are missing from many organizations. If unsure whether your organization is one of them, ask your staff. Give them room to describe what its like to work for you with an open heart and mind and be willing to make changes. The results will be immeasurable for you and your organization.
Reports came out early today that delivery workers throughout Latin America are striking. Such an industrial move has spread "far and wide" across both platforms and borders.

Indeed, Chile, Costa Rica, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and more are reportedly filled with couriers. However, this time, they are not there to diligently deliver. They are there to protest. Famous delivery app names are said to be affected. Among them include UberEats, Glovo, SinDelantal, and Pedidosya.

And, even though there is always the so-called "push-and-pull negotiation between labor and owners" in what is considered "a tight-margin gig economy industry," the COVID-19 crisis has indeed, placed the negotiations in unadorned contradiction as delivery workers are feeding the world currently under lockdown.

Appeal to the Government and the Public

Mobility, as well as activist mobilization, are currently associated with each other nowadays as the industry has unsuspectingly turned out to be a focus of most government's policies to ensure people are staying home. Last week, Contxto came out with a report about the revolutionary partnership "between mobility and last-mile delivery apps" particularly in Colombia.

This collective move, according to the report, was on the owners' part to appeal to the country and the government to allow them to work minus the strict restrictions with unmanageable regulations. Delivery workers have also been reportedly striking, although just on a smaller scale. Certainly too, in what's described as a more isolated manner, Latin America saw similar protests in the latter part of April and early this month, although, also on a smaller scale.

However, despite the protests, demands of the said parties are admittedly tough to reconcile. Worldwide microeconomic uncertainty has placed the needs augmented benefits and loggerheads of workers with the need of the companies to cover shortfalls and reduce costs.

The economy, as Contxto reported, is said to be globalized, "to take on the entire world is a bit of a tall order" to stick to one's own nation or city, is never going far enough. Relatively, it would appear that the regional tactic is the answer to the problem. Although the negotiations are seen to be difficult, startups, including their workers need to engage in an agreement. This, according to a report, is not just a moral obligation, but "ecosystem's raison d'etre, instead."





They are Essential Workers, Too

Indeed, the delivery workers of Latin America want to prove to the public they are essential workers, too. And, to show everyone how essential they work is, they are staging a strike and this is undoubtedly affecting people who rely so much on delivery of the products they purchase, particularly, food.

Now, they have framed their demands within the background of this pandemic, with the hope of being compensated for their selfless deeds in risking their lives by exposing themselves in the contagion's way.

Among the delivery, workers are demanding to include a minimum wage, adequate health, and protective gear synchronized with the extended hours they're working, consistent terms and conditions for employees, end of instantaneous firings without a valid reason for disconnection, and provisions for healthcare and pension benefits.

Check these out!
Patna, May 30 : In the aftermath of the Gopalganj triple murder case in Bihar, the Opposition 'Grand Alliance' is now riddled with differences and open to mud-slinging.

The Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has taken to the streets, demanding arrest of the main accused, JD(U) MLA Amarendra Pandey alias Pappu Pandey, in the Gopalganj triple murder case. On the other hand, Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has questioned the RJD for giving the case a political colour while the Congress has been targeting the ruling BJP-JD(U) government over the issue.

Tejashwi Yadav, leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, with several RJD MLAs, left for Gopalganj on Friday, but was stopped by the police. After a high-voltage drama lasting nearly four hours outside former chief minister Rabri Devi's residence, Tejashwi Yadav met Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, demanding a special session on the rising incidents of crime in the state.

Tejashwi said, "Had the government deployed the same number of policemen as it did to prevent RJD MLAs from going to Gopalganj, the accused MLA would have been by now arrested." HAM chief and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is part of the opposition 'Grand Alliance', questioned Tejashwi Yadav's decision for making the incident a political issue.

Manjhi said it is not just one incident, but there are several incidents in the state which should be highlighted. He said it's true that there has been an increase in incidents of crime in the state, but it is not correct to make only one incident a political issue.

When asked if it is an issue of caste, Manjhi said, "We are not talking about casteism. We want all the incidents to be made issue, not just one incident." Former Youth Congress president Lallan Kumar has demanded the revocation of assembly membership of JDU's 'strongman' MLA Pappu Pandey and his immediate arrest.

Lallan said, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar never stops talking about good governance, but his party is full of strongmen and feudal-minded criminals. They are taking the cover of the lockdown to indulge in criminal activities." He alleged that the 'Pandey gang' has created a terror in the whole of Gopalganj.

Lallan alleged that it requires the intervention of the DIG level officer to arrest the two accused. It clearly proves there is a nexus between criminals and the police in Gopalganj district, due to which crime thrives, he said.

He also alleged that there are many leaders in the BJP-JDU alliance who have criminal background.

Meanwhile, the president of the Vanchit Samaj Party, Ratan Mandal, has demanded an all-party meet to discuss the Gopalganj triple murder case.

Last Sunday, some criminals opened fire at J.P. Chaudhary's house in Gopalganj and killed his mother, father and brother. Police have arrested Satish Pandey, elder brother of the accused MLA Pappu Pandey, and his son Mukesh Pandey but the accused MLA is still evading arrest.
Charities supporting life-saving medical research have lost millions of dollars as the COVID-19 pandemic forces the cancellation of high-profile fundraising events.

Glittering galas such as the Gold Dinner and Silver Party that have raised millions of dollars for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation will not be held this year, leaving the charity searching for alternative sources of funding.

Last year's Chocolate Ball with Jamie Durie raised about $1 million for the FSHD Global Research Foundation.

The foundation's chief executive Nicola Stokes said many Silver Party guests had donated the value of their tickets, generating more than $75,000, as well as buying tickets for next years event. Patrons and sponsors of the Gold Dinner have also made donations and booked tickets in advance for next year.

But Ms Stokes said it was unlikely the fundraising target of $1 million for the Silver Party and $2.5 million for the Gold Dinner would be met.
Crowds of people have headed to beaches in England as the country enjoyed the extended spell of sunny weather  and while the public have been told to keep their distance from others to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Sunbathers flocked to the seaside in Dorset and Bournemouth on Saturday despite warnings from scientists the lockdown over Covid-19 is being lifted too early.

Images showed people packed together on beaches as they made the most of the weekend sunshine.

Crowds were seen by the sea at Durdle Door in Dorset, while lots of people enjoyed the warm weather at Boscombe beach in Bournemouth.

Meanwhile in Brighton, photos showed people cramped together along the boardwalk next to the beach.

Sunbathers enjoy the sunny weather on Boscombe beach (AFP/Getty) (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Travel to outdoor spaces in England  such as parks, beaches and beauty spots  is allowed after the government relaxed some of its lockdown measures over coronavirus.

People can sit outside for as long as they like once they are there.

However, members of the public have been told to avoid crowds and to keep at least two metres away from others when they are outside.

Sunbathers enjoy the warm weather on the beach near Boscombe Pier (AFP/Getty)

People can still only meet one person from another household outdoors  although this is set to increase to six on Monday.

On the final Saturday in May, photos showed rows of people basking in sun by the seaside, despite the warning to avoid crowded spaces as people have more freedom to go outside.

Local councils warned the public to avoid beaches over last weeks bank holiday weekend, despite new government guidelines allowing a day trip to the sea.

People make their way down to the sea at Durdle Door, Dorset (PA Wire) (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

In Brighton, the council issued a statement saying: Wish you were here  but not just yet.

Carmen Appich, a city councillor, said: We are discouraging people from visiting the city at this time, not because we dont want or value our visitors but because it is in everyones best interest right now.

This weekend, a surge in passengers led to chaos on rail services to Bournemouth on Saturday, a union has said.

The beach at Durdle Door was crowded on Saturday (PA Wire) (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union blamed mixed messaging for the influx of people using their services.

RMT said Cross Country had been forced to try and find additional fleet to cope with the increased passenger numbers.

Mick Cash, the general secretary, said: The hopeless mixed messaging from the government and the impact of the Cummings affair has resulted in predictable chaos on the railway today with Bournemouth at the eye of the storm.

People queue for the toilet on Brighton beach (Getty) (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

England is set to relax more lockdown measures on Monday, including letting people gather outside in small groups and bringing more children back to school.

More than 271,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK, according to health ministry figures released on Friday.

Meanwhile, the death toll as of Saturday stands at 38,376.

Additional reporting by Press Association
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  The Department of Health reported on Saturday 590 new coronavirus disease cases, bringing the countrys total to 17,224.

The DOH clarified that 252 of the newly reported infections were detected in the past three days. The remaining 338 are part of the validation backlog, or cases diagnosed four days ago or earlier, but were reported to the agency and confirmed only now.

The DOH changed its reporting system on Friday to differentiate between these "fresh" and "late" cases amid public alarm over the surge in infections while the government is relaxing quarantine measures. On Friday night, the DOH announced 1,046 additional patients, but said only 46 were "fresh cases."

There has been a slower increase in COVID-19 related deaths, the DOH said, citing this as one of the factors for eased restrictions.

READ: More areas under GCQ from June 1-15

The agency reported on Saturday eight additional patients succumbing to the viral illness, raising nationwide death toll to 950.

Eighty-eight more people have survived the disease, for a total of 3,808 recoveries.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported that 24 more Filipinos abroad are sickened with COVID-19, while 28 more survived. This brings the infected tally among overseas Filipinos to 2,845, with 947 recoveries and 34 deaths.
Harare: Triggering a major row, a Pakistani diplomat in Zimbabwe has been alleged to be involved in human trafficking episodes.

Mian Sohail Qaiser, a Zimbabwean of Pakistani extraction, who contested as a ruling Zanu PF municipal candidate in the 2018 general election, made the claims.

He lost but, according to sources, he seems to have ambitions to run for parliament as a Warren Park candidate in 2023 when Zimbabwe holds its next general elections, The Standard reported.

Qaiser told The Standard he only assisted the detained Pakistanis as a humanitarian gesture after he discovered that they were victims of human trafficking.

He accused the Pakistan embassy staff of running a human trafficking cartel with their colleagues from the Malawian embassy.

I helped on the release of the two women; one of them had a three-year-old baby, Qaiser told the newspaper. I asked for an interview after their release.

He claimed the two women deported from Zimbabwe were only in Pakistan for a week, they travelled to Malawi where they were smuggled into South Africa with the help of the Pakistani embassies in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

He admitted recording an interview with the detained Pakistani national while in the company of immigration officials.

Qaiser said he shared the video with a colleague from the Pakistani community in South Africa, who posted it on his Facebook timeline before he shared it.

He denied capturing state institutions as alleged by the embassy.

A trail of communication and other documents leaked to The Standard by government officials, during investigations into the diplomatic tension in collaboration with Information for Development Trust, suggests that Qaiser could have captured powerful officials in several ministries, the police and immigration, even though his real source of power could not be immediately explained.

The arrest of three Pakistanis  one male and two females  in Beitbridge on October 30, 2019 sparked the tension between Harare and Islamabad, reported the newspaper.

The embassy of Pakistan in Harare has described it as a delicate and complex situation and is incensed that Harare is not doing enough to address its concerns, the newspaper said.

The delay in disposal of the matter is degenerating [sic], the Pakistani embassy wrote to Zimbabwes director general in charge of legal and consular affairs in the Foreign Affairs ministry and accused immigration officials of misbehaving by calling Pakistani travellers criminals on December 19, 2019, The Standard reported.

A significant development was seen in the country when Waqas Haider Sha (31), Parveen Faiza (27) and Bibi Asima (30) were arrested at the Beitbridge border post for attempting to cross into South Africa without first reporting to immigration.

All these people were tried in Beitbridge magistrates court.

They were convicted and sentenced to 90 days in prison with the option of a $300 fine each pending deportation.

Sources, among them erstwhile business partners, suspect that Qaiser tipped off the immigration officers that the trio intended to cross the border illegally with the alleged help of Waqas Ahmed, a Pakistani diplomat based in Harare, who is, however, still employed by the embassy, reports The Standard.

Islamabad is particularly angry with Qaiser, and the Zimbabwean authorities over the videos of the female Pakistanis he took at Chikurubi Prison.In the videos that found their way onto social media and were subjected to numerous talk shows and debates back in Pakistan, the women condemned their government as a facilitator of human trafficking and that infuriated the countrys Prime Minister, Imran Khan, whose embassy in Harare described the videos as heinous, reports the newspaper.

Qaiser separately interviewed the detainees in the presence of immigration officials and the embassy accused him of manipulating the interviews to suit his scheme, the newspaper said.

Zimbabwean laws, unless under special arrangements, prohibit filming within prison premises, which are considered high security areas.

Islamabad is also complaining that Qaiser was used as an interpreter during interviews with the detained Pakistanis. International protocol requires that the affected embassy must avail the interpreter, The Standard reported.

Qaiser released another video of the remaining prisoner from inside the remand prison in Harare and posted it on social media, damaging the reputation and prestige of Pakistan and embassy of Pakistan.

Pakistani diplomats have been trying to secure meetings with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo to clear the air, but are allegedly being blocked due to Qaisers influence.

It emerged that the embassy has written at least seven note verbales between November 2019 and May 15, 2020, including some requesting meetings with Moyo and Chiwenga.

The Foreign Affairs ministry did not respond to most of the correspondence despite diplomatic warnings by Islamabad that the relationship between Zimbabwe and Pakistan was on the verge of collapse because of Qaisers activities.

Islamabad demanded that a lawsuit should be filed against the businessman for defaming Pakistan and called for his arrest, but they were ignored.

The embassy said it met Grey Mashava, a senior principal in the Foreign Affairs ministry, and then James Manzou, the permanent secretary in the ministry.

The retention of Waqas Ahmed as the protocol attache at the Pakistani embassy could have miffed the Zimbabwean government.

Manzou, after listening to the embassys grievances, handed its officials a note verbale dated April 15 instructing the embassy to withdraw Ahmed, the protocol attache, from the country without any warning or listening or meeting on the matter.

Manzou said the issue of Qaiser is being investigated.
More than 100 scientists and clinicians have questioned the authenticity of a massive hospital database that was the basis for an influential study published last week that concluded that treating people who have Covid-19 with chloroquine and hydroxy-chloroquine did not help and might have increased the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and death. In an open letter to The Lancets editor, Richard Horton, and the papers authors, the scientists asked the journal to provide details about the provenance of the data and called for the study to be independently validated by the ...
Within moments, after both President Trump and his press secretary characterized Twitter's "fact-checking" posts as "censorship," a torrent of feeble-minded and semi-illiterate Democrats raised their voices in unison to proclaim, "It's NOT censorship." Most just make the statement and added no additional analysis, while others fatuously added that the reader can still read the tweet.

Of course, Twitter is engaging in the dictionary definition of censorship. A censor is defined as "an official who examines books, plays... etc., for the purpose of suppressing parts deemed objectionable on moral, political, military, or other grounds" (emphasis added). Censorship, the act of a censor, or "...the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information, on the basis that such material is considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or "inconvenient." Censorship can be conducted by governments, private institutions, and other controlling bodies.

One form of suppression is prohibiting speech. The other, more insidious forms of suppression include inhibiting, restricting, repressing, intimidating, or, especially as regards speech, preventing the dissemination of information. Herein lies the offense, and the hypocrisy.

There is little question that the "fact check" and linked alternate information, even if true, well-intentioned, and apolitical, is intended to, and has the effect of suppressing a speaker's speech. This is a conclusion that any child can reach from the explanations "why," speech must be fact-checked. The justification is that suppression is necessary because the speech is dangerous, harmful, misleading, immoral, etc. How can one claim that suppression is not the aim, and then argue on the basis why the speech must be "suppressed?" Clearly the intent is to prevent the dissemination of the targeted information; readers can be expected to refuse to forward or share the information. lest they be put in the Twitter corner with a similar technological "dunce" hat for the effort.

Further, the effect is clearly suppression. Met with blazing intellectual "danger" and "detour" signs, what intellectual traveler wants to be known as the fool who proceeded into the information ravine? Add to that the fact that many readers are just lazy, one would expect that many would bypass reading the novel in order to freely surf to the Twitter assembled crib-notes of an issue.

The hypocrisy is that Democrats are rabid dogs when it comes to opposing another kind of suppression: voter suppression. Every minor additional effort imposed, even if de minimis, is unacceptable voter suppression. A free ID that can be obtained almost anywhere, and in our complex society, is reasonable and necessary for a myriad of other purposes (suggesting that few, if any, are, in fact, without one), is suppression so heinous that it spurs talk of racism, a horrid history of poll taxes, and contrived qualifications once designed precisely to actually suppress the voting rights of minorities. There is no possibility in the Democratic hive-mind that "protecting" the vote of all Americans, including minorities, is acceptably attained by even a minimal burden.

Any burden is acceptable when countering speech with which Democrats disagree. Contrary speech is simply too dangerous. It is impossible to reconcile the Democrats contradictory positions. Indeed, censorship should be opposed with the same fervor as efforts to actually suppress voting rights.

Lest one think that compromising by allowing small burdens to both is acceptable, speech, and particularly government speech, is afforded special status, best explained by the law that has created the "government speech doctrine." Before proceeding, the doctrine does not apply to the "case" of Twitter taking action to suppress speech, but the doctrine speaks to and demands special consideration of speech by the government and government officials.

The government speech doctrine recognizes that a government entity is entitled to say what it wishes and to select the views that it wants to express. The government is not barred by the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment from determining the content of what it says and can legally engage in viewpoint discrimination.

The reason is obvious; the government cannot function if it cannot not favor or disfavor points of view in enforcing or advocating on behalf of a program or policy. So important is this necessity, that Supreme Court has accepted that it applies even when the government receives private assistance in helping deliver a government controlled message. The Supreme Court has rejected First Amendment challenges to (1) regulations prohibiting recipients of government funds from advocating, counseling, or referring patients for abortion; (2) disciplinary actions taken as a result of statements made by public employees pursuant to their official duties; (3) mandatory assessments made against cattle merchants when used to fund advertisements whose message was controlled by the government; (4) a citys decision to reject a monument for placement in a public park; and (5) a states decision to reject a design for a specialty license plate for an automobile.

Our government, and its agents, public and private, are afforded special status under the law to speak without regard to opposing viewpoints in order to select, advocate, and implement policy choices and programs. Government speech can be countered, opposed, and even vilified. Suppression or burdening government speech, however, is and should be unacceptable.

Twitter is a private corporation, and it, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents are free to speak in opposition to any other speaker, including the government. So long as its efforts do not suppress the speech of others in a public space, it and they may speak as often and as vociferously as any speaker. Perhaps Twitter can find a public platform that is not subjected to the whims and caprice of third parties suppressing their speech.

Image credit: Pixabay public domain
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Pilgrim's Pride (PPC). Shares have lost about 5.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Pilgrim's Pride due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.

Pilgrim's Prides Q1 Earnings Decline, Sales Up Y/Y



Pilgrim's Pride Corporation reported first-quarter 2020 results, with the bottom line declining year over year. Nevertheless, the top line increased on a year-over-year basis. The upside can be attributed to improved performance in the United States and European operations. Lets take a closer look.



Q1 in Detail



Quarterly adjusted earnings of 18 cents per share declined 48.6% from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. The metric includes a one-time gain on case settlement of 9 cents per share. Including this, earnings per share came in at 27 cents.The downside might have been caused by lower margins. The Zacks Consensus Estimate was pegged at 17 cents.



In the reported quarter, Pilgrim's Pride generated net sales of $3,074.9 million, up 12.9% year over year. Results were backed by higher sales in the United States and European operations.



Revenues in the U.S. operations amounted to $1,926.9 million, up 2.3% year over year. The upside was driven by strong performance across all segments. Further, the companys business model along with promptness in changing mix aided growth.



Mexican operations generated revenues of $325.8 million in the reported quarter, down 0.1% year over year. The downtick was caused by weak macro conditions in Mexico, which more than offset growth in Prepared Foods in the region.



Revenues from European operations surged 60% year over year to $822.3 million. The uptick was driven by increased demand across retail as well as robust pork exports mainly to China. Also, the companys initial execution of operational improvements bodes well. However, lower demand in foodservice acted as a deterrent.



Pilgrim's Prides overall cost of sales in the reported quarter increased 15.6% year over year to $2,897.8 million. Moreover, gross profit fell 19.1% year over year to $177.1 million. Also, gross margin deteriorated 2.7 percentage points to 5.76%.



Further, adjusted EBITDA was $165.5 million, down 19% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.4% declined 2.1 percentage points on a year-over-year basis.



Other Financial Details



Pilgrim's Pride exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $511.2 million, long-term debt (less current maturities) of $2,621 million and total shareholders equity of $2,476.5 million. Further, the company generated $21.1 million as cash from operating activities for three months ended Mar 29.



Growth Efforts on Track



Pilgrim's Pride is committed toward boosting operations through Key Customer strategy as well as augmenting capacities and capabilities. The company continues to engage in evolving the portfolio with product diversification.

Story continues

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

Analysts were quiet during the last two month period as none of them issued any earnings estimate revisions.



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Pilgrims Pride Corporation (PPC) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Taiwans government said on Saturday it had approved Gilead Sciences potential Covid-19 treatment, remdesivir, to treat the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

Governments are racing to bolster supplies of remdesivir, which US regulators this month approved for emergency use. California-based Gilead has said it will donate 1.5 million doses of remdesivir, enough to treat at least 140,000 patients, to combat the global pandemic.

Taiwans Central Epidemic Command Centre said the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration took into account the fact that the efficacy and safety of remdesivir has been supported by preliminary evidence and its use is being approved by other countries.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

On that basis, the centre said the conditions had been met for approval of the drug for use in patients with severe Covid-19 infection.

Taiwan has been successful at preventing the coronavirus from spreading, thanks to early detection and prevention work and a first rate public health system.

It has recorded 442 cases and only 7 deaths. The vast majority of people have recovered, with just 14 active cases.

There is currently no approved medication or vaccine for Covid-19, but EU countries are already administering remdesivir to patients under compassionate use rules.

Japan and the United Kingdom have both cleared the drug for use and moved to begin supplying it to patients.

The United States, the worlds biggest pharmaceutical market, this month granted emergency use authorisation for remdesivir in Covid-19, but has yet to approve the broader use of the drug.
English French

LAVAL, Quebec, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Woden Venture Capital Corporation (WOD.H). (the Corporation or Woden) is pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares and securities of Geekco Technologies Inc. (the Transaction), as disclosed in its press release dated January 24, 2020 (the Press Release). The Transaction will constitute a change in business as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange /NEX (the Exchange).



Furthermore, the Corporation announces that the annual and special meeting of its shareholders will be held at 11 a.m. (Montreal time) on Monday, July 27, 2020, at 420 Monseigneur-Dubois Boulevard, Saint-Jerome, Quebec, Canada (the Meeting). The proxy circular (the Information Circular) with respect to the Transaction and related matters has been filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

Wodens shareholders of record on May 29, 2020 will be entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting. The Information Circular, which shareholders are expected to receive in the following days, provides important information on the Transaction and related matters, including voting procedures.

As an update to its Press Release, in addition to the acquisition of Geekco, Woden now intends to make a non-brokered private placement of a minimum of $ 2,000,000 and a maximum of $ 3,000,000 and obtained from the Exchange an exemption from sponsorship requirements solely on a discretionary basis. In addition, as indicated in the Information Circular, the Corporation proudly announces the addition of Karine Desrochers as Chief Financial Officer of the resulting issuer (non-member of the board), which shall become effective following the completion of the Transaction:

Karine Desrochers, CPA, Auditor CA, holds a bachelors degree in CA profile accounting and holds a graduate diploma specializing in public accounting, Karine Desrochers has held the position of Vice-President Finance for more than 4 years with a consulting company where she coordinates all accounting activities for several companies in different fields such as property management and technology, among others. Previously, Karine worked 5 years for the public company Metro Inc. as Consolidation and Tax Supervisor, where she collaborated in activities related to the preparation of the companys consolidated financial statements as well as tax returns. As project manager at Deloitte for more than 5 years, she also supervised various audits and review missions in both the public and private sectors.

All other terms of the Transaction remain unchanged. Wodens board of directors has unanimously approved the terms of the Transaction which it considers to be in the best interest of its shareholders and recommends that they vote in favor of it.

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading the securities of Geekco should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact:
From the first issue in 1892, the Toronto Star called itself a paper for the people. It championed workers rights and public health reform. The city kept growing, and waves of newcomers arrived. War was declared. Skyscrapers rose. A king died. A king abdicated.

The Star brought the world to Toronto and narrated the citys scandals by unleashing dozens of reporters to cover rum runners, prison breaks, teenage lake swimmers, politics, feats of strength and intrigue of all kinds. The mid-century Star was a pressure cooker of competition, the output a baffling potpourri of the ridiculous and the sublime, Pierre Berton once wrote.

Years passed. Newspaper wars were fought, the internet era dawned, a crack video emerged, and the Star kept pushing for change, kept writing the history of the city, the province and the country through 128 years of big egos and even bigger scoops.

Earlier this week, the Toronto Star announced its sale, pending shareholder approval, to Jordan Bitove and Paul Rivett, who intend to take the company private. The news marks the end of a more than century-long chain of succession among interconnected newspaper families.

Whats partly sad about it is no one realized what an important era it was, says Christopher Waddell, a journalism professor at Carleton University.

In 1892, the Evening Star was created by a group of printers locked out from a rival newspaper for demanding a fair wage. Their Toronto was a low-slung manufacturing city and financial hub, with impressive mansions along Church and Jarvis Streets, and crowded shacks where barnyard animals lived alongside working-class families. There were plenty of newspapers in town, but the Evening Star would focus on the latter group.

This is the age of gold, the first editorial read. Never as now did men recognize the evil which results from the accumulation of great wealth in a few hands.

Toronto was a Protestant-dominated city, but the Star was even-handed with Catholics in a way that the populist Toronto Telegram wasnt, says Mark McGowan, a University of Toronto professor who specializes in 19th- and 20th-century Canadian history. That really made it stand out as a voice for other groups those who were unrepresented in the rather elite-controlled partisan papers of the city.

Joseph Atkinson, the man who would become inseparable from the Stars legacy, became the papers editor following an ownership change in 1899. He deflated the circulation numbers to reflect reality and dispatched reporters to houses of industry, workhouses and slums to tell those stories. The paper became the Toronto Daily Star. (It was first called the Toronto Star in 1971.)

Atkinsons outlook was forged by a childhood of poverty, hard work and evangelical Methodism. Born two years shy of Confederation, he lost his father, who was killed by a train when he was a baby. His mother raised eight children in a house filled with boarders, near Newcastle, Ont.

Atkinson went to work at a mill at 14 when his mother died. He never forgot the hard years or the acts of kindness that brought joy, like the time a woman bought him skates so he could join in the fun on a frozen pond.

At the Star, Atkinson used the papers talented writers and growing readership to raise money to ensure that every child, no matter their means, could escape the dusty city for summer camp and wake up to a gift on Christmas morning. To this day the Fresh Air Fund and Santa Claus Fund endure.

The Star has a long history of reporting stories that some dont want to hear. In 1933, the Stars European correspondent Pierre van Paassen reported on Nazi persecution of the Jewish people.

Hitler banned the Star from Germany, and some doubted the stories. A professor at Queens University wrote to the Globe: Mr. van Paassens reports have sounded so incredible that I feel no level-headed person will accept his statement without definite confirmation from other sources.

Later that year, Star reporter Matthew Halton spent two months in Germany, publishing a series of articles upon his return: I have seen and studied the most fanatical, thoroughgoing and savage philosophy of war ever imposed on any nation  Germany is literally becoming a laboratory and breeding ground for war, unless I am deaf, dumb and blind.

From their King Street skyscraper, where there never seemed to be enough typewriters, Atkinson and his son-in-law Harry Hindmarsh loved to throw battalions of reporters at the days biggest stories all throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

Sometimes they would buy out entire trains to ensure the competition had no way of getting to a remote location.

Hindmarsh was a controversial figure in a three-piece suit. Many have hated his guts. One reporter tried to kill him with a foot-long pair of copy shears  (Star reporter) Ernest Hemingway wanted to punch him in the nose, Pierre Berton once wrote in Macleans. But Star reporters have always worked for him like beavers.

Although the Star preached fair treatment for workers, it didnt always offer the same. Atkinson was budget-conscious and every splurge was accounted for, usually with periods of austerity or sudden job cuts. Hindmarsh famously fired 13 men on Christmas Eve 1930. Each Yuletide a group of ex-employees would send him a Merry Christmas telegram, collect, Berton wrote. (Star reporters unionized in 1949.)

Atkinson died in 1948. Years earlier, he had created a charitable foundation, and in his will he left shares of the paper to the foundation, in the hopes that they would run the newspaper and use the profits for social, scientific and economic reforms for the good of the people of Ontario.

But not long after  suspiciously so, the Star believed  the provincial treasurer (and later premier) Leslie Frost introduced the Charitable Gifts Act, which decreed that charities could have only a 10 per cent stake in businesses. It applied retroactively.

In the election campaign he (Harry Hindmarsh) wanted to make one thing clear: The Star did not support the government that passed the Act designed to crush it, Berton wrote. The Star was afraid of no one.

By 1958, the Conservatives were still in power and the paper was sold for $25.5 million to five trustees of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation  J.S. Atkinson, Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh, W.J. Campbell, Dr. B.M. Thall and Beland Honderich.

Hindmarsh died in the mid-50s and Beland Honderich, who had been working at the Star since 1943, took over, steering the paper back toward its social justice roots. He hired the popular Berton, cartoonist Duncan Macpherson and the gruff, outspoken Ron Haggart.

That was one of the greatest newsrooms ever, John Honderich, son of Beland, says of the turnaround. He completely changed the nature of the paper, you know, stopped having sex all over on page one  He laid down some very strict rules.

In the 1970s, as Toronto took over from Montreal as Canadas city of finance, the Star moved to the waterfront at One Yonge St. and championed smart urban development, supporting policies that called for height restrictions and allowed old factories and warehouses to be turned into lofts.

Waddell says the Star has tried to play a big role in the multicultural nature of Toronto, in terms of recognizing the role that immigration has played, throughout the citys history.

In the 1980s, as more Canadian newspapers became part of conglomerates, many lost their identities as corporate owners tended to shy away from strong political positions that might alienate readership, Waddell says. And although the Star was publicly owned, the five families who purchased the paper back in 1958 held nearly all of the voting shares, which gave it the ability  to take some of those social stands and social positions, he says.

The Star was an important liberal voice against free trade and supportive of economic nationalism. The papers coffers were full. If I had known it was the golden era, I would have done even more and spent even more, says former managing editor Lou Clancy.

The late 1990s saw the arrival of Conrad Blacks National Post. At a retreat with his executive team before the launch, John Honderich, then publisher of the Star, warned that the upstart would be a well-executed, well-designed and well-written threat  not restricted by the same Marquess of Queensbury rules weve been accustomed to playing by, journalist Chris Cobb relays in Ego and Ink, his book about the newspaper wars.

James Travers, who was the Stars editor at the time, told Cobb the Star way had long been considered the only way, and the Post was a wake-up call. The Star beefed up training, local coverage, photojournalism and design, and experimented with non-traditional storytelling. We had to really fight like mad for two or three years and we did, Honderich recalls.

In the early 2000s, the Star created a dedicated team for investigations, digging into all kinds of systemic issues, including long-term-care homes and, more recently, precarious work.

Race and Crime was a groundbreaking 2002 series by Jim Rankin and other Star journalists that used Toronto crime data to show that Black people arrested in the city were treated more harshly than white people. The Star kept fighting for updated data, which led to Known to Police, Rankin and Patty Winsas 2012 investigation into carding practices. It showed that Black people were more likely than white people to be stopped and carded in Toronto, especially in predominantly white areas.

The series punctured the myth of Canadian racial innocence, and stimulated the rise to public prominence of some important anti-racist voices in this city writes Chris Williams, a member of the Toronto Police Accountability Coalition. Williams also believes that the series, along with grassroots activism, reduced some of the gratuitous criminalization and brutality and harassment that flowed from the practice of carding.

To be Black is to be frequently disbelieved, he writes. So not only did the series validate the views of people often dismissed as players of the race card, it also challenged mainstream perspectives regarding how the police function on a day-to-day basis. The importance of that shift in public discourse was very significant.

Williams said the perception that journalists are stenographers to power is a fair characterization of many, but the Star has a consistent track record of challenging power while conveying information and insights which bolster the ability of everyday citizens to counteract myriad injustices, he writes. I can say, with no hesitation, that my ability to unmask power has been aided by the Star on multiple occasions over the years.

Another defining moment in the modern era was the Rob Ford saga, when Robyn Doolittle, Kevin Donovan and other Star journalists reported on the then mayors various scandals, substance abuse issues and the existence of a video that showed him smoking crack cocaine. Ford denied it for months and said the video did not exist. The Star came under intense pressure and scrutiny. There was a big campaign for people to cancel their subscriptions, Waddell says  and people did, thinking that the Star was in a vendetta against Ford.

It turned out that of course everything they reported was right.

By now, the Star was firmly in the digital era, and ad revenues were falling sharply. Rounds of voluntary departures and layoffs were common. Some efforts to adapt failed, like the tablet-based Star Touch. While news of the sale this week was shocking, weve been waiting for a seismic kind of thing to happen in the industry, Lou Clancy says.

An era has ended, and one that over time will be recognized as a tremendous era in the Toronto Stars history, he adds. It has been a great paper and I think that if it can be put on a good business footing again, there are still a lot of good journalists at the Star.

Earlier this week, Honderich, now the chair of Torstars board of directors, called it an extremely tough decision but one that felt necessary. The values of the paper is something the new owners have committed to  and thats been incredibly important, he says.

Honderich never planned to be here. He was once ferociously determined to avoid the family business. He studied economics and law, and imagined an exciting criminal law career like fictional lawyer Perry Mason. But after law school, he couldnt ignore the lure of the newsroom. He got a job at the Ottawa Citizen, and moved to the Star to cover Parliament Hill in 1976.

I said Id never work at the Star because of my father (Beland)  When I started, I was on probation, and as far as I was concerned so was the Star.

He didnt look back. In his four decades at the Star, he witnessed history as a reporter, wrote editorials, doled out assignments as a deputy editor. He became editor, publisher and chairman of the board. Now the adventure is ending, and he hopes this era is remembered for continuing the legacy of standing up for people who arent heard, for making a difference.

The Toronto Star is the great progressive newspaper of Toronto, Ontario and Canada, he says. And I would like to think that I built on the legacy.
The Socialist Equality Party opposes the Conservative governments plan to reopen primary schools from June 1 in England. We call on teachers, school staff and parents to form action committees to protect the safety and wellbeing of students and staff threatened by the coronavirus pandemic.

The phased return of school children, beginning with those in nurseries, reception, year 1 and year 6, is a criminal policy that places children, teachers, families, and communities open to the risk of serious illness and death.

The reopening of schools has nothing to do with genuine concern for the education and wellbeing of children. Teachers, children and even toddlers are being sent into unsafe environments that will become a breeding ground for COVID-19. The youngest and least able to follow safety measures are being packed off to school first as the lynchpin of the governments back to work drive. Schools are being treated as little more than holding pens so that millions of parents can be sent to work in non-essential industries.

The inevitable result of the Johnson governments reckless move will be a sharp spike in infections and deaths from the coronavirus.

The first commitment of educators, professionally and morally, is the safeguarding and protection of children. Under normal circumstances, any breach of safeguarding can be used to shut down a school, remove its leadership and dismiss staff. The government is now demanding that thousands of schools breach this duty of care!

Not one of the five key safety measures proclaimed by the government as the precondition for a safe opening of schools has been met. Yet Prime Minister Boris Johnson has arrogantly declared that there is no going back on June 1 as the start of a phased reopening. This will be followed just weeks later by the remaining primary school children and year 10 and 12 secondary children. There is nothing phased about a return to school in which primary schools could be at full capacity within weeks, with zero additional buildings, classrooms, staff or resources to maintain safe working distances.

The government has failed on the delivery of the very first of its preconditions, A significant reduction in COVID-19 infections and deaths and extensive arrangements for testing and contact tracing The R (reproduction) rate continues to be between 0.71.0. According to University of Oxford researchers, the UK has the highest coronavirus per capita death rate in the world. Moreover, the governments pledge to have a track and trace system up and running by June 1 is in utter shambles, with Johnson forced to admit to not knowing when it will be operational.

The reopening of schools and back-to-work drive signal a full return to the governments murderous herd immunity policy of allowing the virus to run unchecked throughout the population. Scientists have warned of a catastrophic impact.

Scientists from the governments own SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) committee warned on Friday that, COVID-19 is spreading too quickly to lift the lockdown. This followed statements by scientists from Independent SAGE who said, We believe that decisions on school opening should be guided by evidence of low levels of COVID-19 infections in the community and the ability to rapidly respond to new infections through a local test, track and isolate strategy. There is no clear evidence that these conditions are met.

Independent SAGE, made up of scientists concerned at the governments political misuse of scientific research, has predicted an upsurge of cases following the reopening of schools, as has already happened in France, Denmark, and South Koreaa country previously recognised as an exemplar in efforts to contain the virus. Paul Hunter, from the University of East Anglias medical school, published research which found the closure of educational institutions had by far the biggest impact of any lockdown measures across European nations.

There is overwhelming opposition amongst parents, educators and working people to the reopening of schools. Yet this finds no genuine political outlet.

For the past weeks, an alliance of education unions and the Labour Party have worked to systematically demobilise opposition to the government, prevent a coordinated national movement and break resistance down to the level of local authorities, individual schools and even individual parents and teachers.

All the education unions are reporting a growth in membership, with the National Education Union boasting of 20,000 new members and an additional 2,000 reps due to teachers looking for a way to fight back. But the NEU, NASUWT, NAHT and the ASCL all support the staged resumption of classes so that the collective resistance of teachers can be broken down.

Various local authorities are asking only for more time so that inspections can be carried out safely and social distancing measures implemented. This is a fraud. There is no possibility of proper safety and social distancing in overcrowded, underfunded schools. Within days, even this pose of opposition will be abandoned. Liverpool and Sefton councils, for example, have flagged start dates in mid-June, while Stockport plans a phased return from June 10. Johnson was more than happy to grab hold of this lifeline, accepting that some schools may not be ready by June 1, as he sets about creating the facts on the ground for a full reopening of all schools.

Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the NEU, made clear what to expect from the unions, when she described the NEUs publicly stated opposition to a June 1 phased reopening of schools as a negotiating position. Bousted revealed that the NEU had sent a letter to the government calling for a working party to examine the practicalities of wider school opening and insisting that Reopening schools is a question of logistics, not of risks. Now, in response to warnings from four SAGE scientists that the lockdown should not be lifted, the NEU has issued no call for strikes by teachers to oppose Mondays reopening, but is instead issuing empty and useless appeals to the Johnson government to back down and enter negotiations.

The NEUs legal adviser sent a letter to teachers explaining their right under section 44 of the Workplace Safety Act to refuse to work in conditions that pose a serious and imminent risk of danger. With the government, school management and various local authorities declaring schools to be safe, the unions know this is a recipe for victimisation. The NEU admits that even its own reps will be placed in quite difficult positions when we are finally at a place where were looking at the wider opening of schools.

Teachers know from bitter experience that they will be left to fend for themselves and that by June 15, left up to the trade unions, the likelihood is that all primary schools will have reopened. These are the same trade unions and councils that have done nothing but betray while teachers have spent the last decade fighting against austerity measures which have led to a more than 5.5 billion shortfall in school budgets, the decimation of state education via academisation and privatisation, an assault on pensions and a five-year pay freeze.

Education workers and parents must now act independently by forming action committees to ensure the safety and well-being of children, staff, families, and communities.

The Socialist Equality Party proposes the following demands as the basis for waging such a fight:

Schools must remain closed for all pupils to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until scientific advice establishes that it is safe to reopen. Any teacher refusing to work for health reasons, related to themselves or their family, must be provided a full wage and a guarantee against victimisation.



For many thousands of parents being forced to return to work, and for teachers whose schools are reopening, rank-and-file action committees must do everything possible to ensure the maximum safety and wellbeing of children under the dangerous conditions they face:

Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided, regular deep cleaning carried out and all activities risk-assessed to protect staff and children from cross infection, and maintain social distancing. Staff must be involved in the drawing up of these measures through elected representatives.

All cases of COVID-19 must be immediately reported to staff and families and affected schools closed until testing and contact tracing establishes that it is safe to reopen.

All vulnerable staff must have the right not to return to work without any loss of pay or reprisals through the disciplinary system.

Casual staff who have been unable to work and have not received any income throughout the lockdown must be provided with full back pay. They must be defended against demands from schools to cover those who refuse to work in unsafe conditions.

Free and high-quality computer and internet access must be guaranteed to every family, to ensure that accessibility to online learning is not dependent on wealth. Any household without internet access or an individual computer for each student in the home must be provided with these basic rights without charge.

A massive increase in government funding must be advanced to overcome the gutting of educational services and to counter the devastating impact on educational achievement and mental and social wellbeing of children by the pandemic and school closures. This must include increased funding for one-to-one support for those who are falling behind, additional teachers to reduce class sizes, tuition support, psychological and other therapies for pupils.

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed and brought to the fore all that is rotten in capitalist society and revealed the vast social inequality that exists. The claim that teachers are not concerned about disadvantaged children is a vile slander. Child poverty was at 4.1 million, that is nine in every classroom of 30, before the pandemic and is projected to rise to well over 5 million. The spread of mental health issues, now impacting on one in eight children, is worsening every day. The growth of food banks, on which 1.6 million relied in 20182019, has escalated dramatically.

The SEP insists that the fight against the pandemic is inseparably linked to a struggle of workers against the ruling classthe corporate and financial oligarchyand its dictatorship over economic and political life. It is a fight against capitalism and for socialism, i.e., the complete reorganisation of society based on social need, not private profit. We urge all educators to study our programme and contact the SEP if you want any assistance in implementing these policies in your workplace.
Josh Waring, son of Lauri Peterson from The Real Housewives of Orange County, insisted that Orange County officers wanted him dead.

Josh Waring, right, and his lawyer Joel Garson listen to the judge during a hearing in superior court in Santa Ana, CA on Friday, March 6, 2020|Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

He may have the proof that supports his assertion now that another inmate has testified under oath that prison deputies told him to attack Waring. Waring was jailed for nearly four years for a crime he says he didnt commit. He was accused of shooting Daniel Lopez during a botched drug exchange. Lopez recovered from his injuries but Waring faced life in prison.

For years Waring tried to get anyone to listen to his story that he was taking the fall for a crime that a government informant committed. Waring was vocal in both the legal arena and the press, sharing his story about how he was set up. But also how the Orange Country police were doing everything they could to protect government informant Bryan Goldstein. Even if that meant having Waring killed to silence him.

An inmate says deputies told him to attack Waring

New evidence that Waring was being truthful about his peril in prison recently surfaced. Orange County inmate, Korrell Cole testified under oath that deputies gave him a makeshift weapon and told him to stab Waring, the OC Register reports.

Cole ultimately did not attack Waring. However, Waring was viciously stabbed by another inmate. The attack was so brutal, Waring was moved to another facility for his safety.

Josh Waring and Lauri Peterson | Photo courtesy of Lauri Peterson

RELATED: RHOC: Josh Waring Says the Orange County D.A. Is Hiding Vital Testimony in His Case (Exclusive)

There is a third party who corroborates Josh Waring, Coles attorney, Nicholas Kohan said. They can no longer say, Josh is a criminal, dont believe him.'

The attack left Waring in distress

Showbiz Cheat Sheet spoke to Waring shortly after the attack. He spent the majority of his time in prison, studying law and working on his case. However, he was rattled this time, even after other attacks he sustained in prison, including being sprayed with pepper balls in the middle of the night.

I knew [the attack] was going to happen, he said in October. I did nothing to provoke it, they just dont like me. They have it out for me and the sheriffs department knows they dont like me. They knew this would happen. Waring sustained serious injuries, which resulted in 20 staples in his chest. He also received stitches across his jaw and close to his eye.

Josh Waring talks with his lawyer, Joel Garson, during a hearing in superior court in Santa Ana, CA on Friday, March 6, 2020 | Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

RELATED: RHOC: Josh Warings Trial Date Nears as He Spends His Days in Isolation

Waring spoke to Showbiz Cheat Sheet months later, sounding broken and depressed. He was moved to a safer location, but that meant being held in solitary. When I got here they said I was going to be permanently housed in the hole, he said, referring to the slang term for isolation. So its a 24-hour lockdown. On a good day. Ill get an hour out of my cell.

But Ive gone a week without me coming out, he added. So its like, you know, my mental health is just kind of in shambles because I dont do good in isolation. So, you know, the two options I was given is basically, you know, have my life in danger or be safe.

He has a long road to recovery

Waring ultimately accepted a plea deal in early March. Peterson shared that time in prison left her son with a broken spirit, according to the OC Register.

RELATED: RHOC: Lauri Peterson Says Her Son Faces a Long Recovery Ahead

Although Waring did not want to go with the plea, his attorney Joel Garson said Waring needed to return to his life. Its a compromise, he said about the plea, the OC Register reports. Josh needs to get on with his life and he wants to get out.
NEW DELHI: An Air India flight from Delhi to Moscow had to return midway on Saturday after the flight developed some technical problem mid-air.

The incident took place 2-3 hours after it took-off from Delhi but the Ground Team called the flight back to Delhi after the technical problem occurred.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement in which it said, "Air India flight which is scheduled to take 143 passengers from Moscow to Jaipur today developed some technical problem mid-air after 2-3 hours of take-off from Delhi and is heading back to Delhi. The same or another aircraft will come back. Delay of several hours is expected.''

However, Air India is yet to confirm details about the incident. The flight was part of the ''Vande Bharat Mission'', a repatriation exercise meant to help Indians stranded abroad during the coronavirus pandemic.

Commercial international flight travel is yet to resume, although domestic carriers are back in the air.

The government had suspended all civil and international flights on March 23.

A total of 513 domestic flights carrying 39,969 passengers were operated in India on Friday, according to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

It may be noted that domestic flight services resumed in India after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus lockdown. Indian carriers have operated a total of 1,827 flights till Thursday -- 428 on Monday, 445 on Tuesday, 460 on Wednesday, and 494 on Thursday.

Puri said on Twitter, "Day 5. 29th May till 2359 hrs. Departures 513. 39,969 passengers handled. Arrivals 512. 39,972 passengers handled." A departure is counted as a flight during the day.

During the pre-lockdown period, Indian airports handled around 3,000 daily domestic flights, aviation industry sources said.

In February, when the lockdown was not imposed, around 4.12 lakh passengers travelled daily through domestic flights in India, according to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data.

Airports in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have been allowed to handle a restricted number of daily flights as these states do not want a huge influx of flyers amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
More than 200,000 Britons unknowingly carry a gene that puts them at high risk of a fatal heart attack or sudden stroke before they reach middle age, according to a pivotal study.

The inherited condition, in which a genetic fault causes cholesterol levels to rise alarmingly from birth, is often symptomless. If it is spotted, cholesterol-lowering medication, including statins, is highly effective at bringing problems under control.

However, if untreated, patients can, and do, die before they reach middle age. Some suffer heart attacks as children.

The new figures mean inherited high cholesterol  familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)  becomes one of the most common genetic conditions in the UK.

Experts and campaigners hit out at the 'breathtakingly short-sighted' decision by the Government's UK National Screening Committee not to test all children for FH alongside other hereditary illnesses.

Proof of the devastating effects of genetic high cholesterol can be found in the tragic story of Rianna Wingett, pictured. In November 2009, the 11-year-old collapsed seconds after finishing a cross-country run on playing fields at her school in Hornchurch, Essexz. As she suffered a huge, fatal heart attack, she turned to a friend and said: 'I think I'm going to die'

The committee began considering screening children for FH in 2016, and rejected it two years later. Campaigning charity Heart UK appealed. However, in April it was told screening had been rejected again as a question mark still hung over the right age to offer a test.

Fault causes a heart attack every day Cholesterol is a fat made by the liver and is essential for a range of processes such as building cell walls. But if too much is in the blood, it contributes to the formation of inflamed 'spots' known as plaques inside artery walls. These plaques can rupture and trigger the formation of blood clots which then break away and travel through the circulation, risking heart attack or stroke. In those with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a fault in at least three genes can affect ways in which the body processes cholesterol, leading to high levels in the blood. There is a 50:50 chance the genetic fault will be passed from a parent to a child. Studies have shown the risk of heart disease is up to 13 times higher in people with untreated FH. About one person with FH has a heart attack every day in the UK, and a third do not survive. Advertisement

This was despite a 10,000-patient study finding that testing between the ages of one and two was effective in picking up the condition. 'It's an absolute disgrace,' said Heart UK chief executive Jules Payne. 'Heart experts around the world agree that testing children should be routine. The committee got it totally wrong and disregarded the evidence.

'FH can be picked up with a simple finger-prick cholesterol test and cheek swab between the ages of one and two, at the same time as babies have a number of other routine check-ups and vaccinations. As it stands, adults and children are needlessly dying when we have effective preventative treatment.'

Proof of the devastating effects of genetic high cholesterol can be found in the tragic story of Rianna Wingett.

In November 2009, the 11-year-old collapsed seconds after finishing a cross-country run on playing fields at her school in Hornchurch, Essex, suffering a huge, fatal heart attack.

A post-mortem later revealed catastrophically high cholesterol levels  four times the normal adult amount.

Leyton Cooper also carried the genetic fault. The company manager was just 35 when he had a massive heart attack in September 2012. He was found on the floor of his home in Oldham, near Manchester and died in hospital. Despite being slim and healthy, a major heart artery was found to be blocked with fatty plaques.

In the largest study of its kind, which was published last week in the journal Circulation, experts examined data from seven million medical records and found a shocking one in 300 children and adults had signs of FH  making it almost twice as common as previously thought.

The researchers looked for mention in the records of higher-than-expected cholesterol readings, heart disease in young patients and other telltale signs of FH  fatty cholesterol can accumulate in lumps under the skin and inside the eye, causing a visible white ring around the iris, for instance.

They used this data to create a scoring system that could determine the true number of people who carried the gene. The new figures suggest that about 220,000 Britons have FH  yet, at present, just 20,000 have been diagnosed.

GPs spot the condition, or suspect it, in a number of ways including if a person has a suspiciously high total cholesterol above 7.5 or a family history of early heart disease.

If children are found to have FH, they are offered lifestyle advice including avoiding cholesterol-raising high-fat foods, pictured

When there is a very strong likelihood that a patient has the condition, they should be offered a genetic test to give a definitive diagnosis. As FH can be passed down through just one parent, other family members are also offered a gene check in a process known as cascade testing.

At present, if children are found to have FH, they are offered lifestyle advice including avoiding cholesterol-raising high-fat foods and staying active.

Both of these measures can control levels of a type of cholesterol called LDL, which is known to be involved in the damage inside arteries that leads to cardiovascular disease.

As levels rise, usually by the age of nine, they are offered cholesterol-lowering statin medication.

The system of cascade testing typically begins with an adult in the family being picked up, often because they have developed angina  chest pain  or suffered a heart attack or stroke.

However, as Professor Kausik Ray, the Imperial College London cardiologist who co-authored the latest research, explains: 'By this time, you are firefighting. These patients will have been running high cholesterol levels since birth and have missed out on decades of treatment. We need to find a better way of identifying them.'

The benefits of treating FH from childhood are clear. In one major study, published last year, researchers followed youngsters with the condition who had been given statins for 20 years.

Their incidence of cardiovascular disease was then compared with their parents, who also had the condition. Just one per cent of the children  who by the end of the study were aged 39  had suffered a major heart event.In the parent group, a quarter had been hit by a heart attack or stroke by this age, and one in 20 had died.

'With kids, we can give advice to eat healthily, to not put on weight and not smoke, and they can keep this up for life, alongside medication,' says Prof Ray. 'This hugely reduces the risk of illness and death and means we could offer children today born with FH a normal life expectancy.

'Given what we know, to decide not to test them seems breathtakingly short-sighted.'
BATON ROUGEA new white paper by LSU Center for Energy Studies Assistant Professor Brittany Tarufelli analyzes a method regional electrical utilities can use to better meet Louisiana's surging industrial energy demands.

"As Louisiana's largest industries grow, so do their energy needs, and Louisiana needs to find ways to make that energy as affordable and reliable as possible," said Tarufelli. "Ultimately, expensive or disrupted energy could mean losing major economic opportunities to other states."

In "Foundations for an Intelligent Energy Future: Demand Response Potential in Louisiana," Tarufelli's analysis focuses on how Louisiana can best apply demand response, a method for electricity utilities to communicate with and incentivize industrial customers to shift peak energy consumption away from utilities' peak demand periods. The paper highlights numerous benefits Louisiana can reap by increasing participation in demand response programs. These include minimizing spikes in energy demand and corresponding prices, reducing the risk of blackouts and energy transmission congestion; and enabling utilities to leverage current energy production facilities rather than build new power plants.

"Effective demand response programs can lower electricity prices, system costs, and run the electricity grid more reliably in transmission-constrained regions," said Tarufelli. "They can be a major tool to keep Louisiana's economy competitive in the long haul."

According to Tarufelli, Louisiana is uniquely poised to increase demand response participation among its industrial customers. Driven by energy-intensive chemical, petroleum, and natural gas industries, Louisiana is a top state in terms of total per-capita energy consumption. In addition, the state's energy-intensive industrial sector is forecast to grow over the next three years, with 125 projects across 12 industries, valued at $32 billion.

The paper highlights that the state could easily offer its largest energy users access to a variety of utility- or market-administered, incentive-based and price-based demand response programs; however, several barriers currently prevent Louisiana from achieving the benefits of demand response. The paper presents recommendations based on best practices that can be utilized by stakeholders, including the Louisiana Public Service Commission, to remove barriers to participation and design compensation mechanisms that would allow for increased participation in demand response programs.

View or download the report.

Contact Marybeth Pinsonneault

Center for Energy Studies

mpinsonn@lsu.edu

or

Ernie Ballard

LSU Media Relations

225-578-5685

Eballa1@lsu.edu

Provided by Louisiana State University
The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates.

Whats happening

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday targeting the rights that social media companies have to alter or remove content posted to their platforms. The order came amid an ongoing dispute between the president and Twitter stemming from the companys decision to append a fact check to two of his tweets falsely connecting mail-in voting with election fraud.

Trump and his allies have accused the social media giant of violating free speech by fact-checking his post. We cannot allow a limited number of online platforms to hand-pick the speech that Americans may access and convey on the internet, the executive order reads. Hours after it was signed, Twitter added a disclaimer to a tweet from the president that was interpreted as advocating mass violence against protesters in Minneapolis.

The main focus of the executive order concerns an archaic but critical portion of the Communications Decency Act. The provision, known as Section 230, protects social media companies and websites from being sued for posts by their users. It also allows them to edit, delete or modify content on their platforms. Trumps order aims to remove those liability protections if a companys content decisions are motivated by bad faith, such as political bias.

Twitter and other social media platforms have faced persistent calls over the past three years to regulate Trumps online posts, which critics say include inflammatory and false statements that would cause a typical user to be suspended or banned. At the same time, Republicans have for years railed against major tech companies over what they argue is unfair bias against conservative political views.

Why theres debate

Section 230 is considered by tech and legal experts to be one of the most important regulations of the digital revolution. Without protection from lawsuits over user-made content, companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon and Twitter would be afraid to remove objectionable material and would never have been able to grow into the market behemoths they are today, they argue. Revoking those protections could fundamentally alter the way the internet works and may even lead to more censorship if companies change policies to protect themselves from being sued.

Story continues

Conservatives arent the only ones who have issues with Section 230. Some liberals claim its a major reason for rampant misinformation online. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden called for it to be revoked in an interview in January.

That said, there are serious questions about whether Trumps order will hold up under legal scrutiny. Section 230 was approved by Congress in 1996 and likely can only be altered by it. Beyond that, Trumps attempt to regulate social media companies editorial practices may violate their First Amendment rights, legal experts say. Donald Trumps order is plainly illegal, said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who co-wrote the Communications Decency Act.

Debates over the legal standing of the order are beside the point, some political analysts argue. The main purpose of the move may be more about sending a political signal than changing legislation. The mere threat of legal repercussions may make social media companies hesitant to cross the president by moderating even provably false statements in the lead-up to the election. Pitting himself against Twitter also allows Trump to push the us vs. them narrative that has been a successful rallying cry among his conservative base in the past.

Whats next

Several tech companies are reportedly already gearing up to challenge Trump's order in court. Meanwhile, Republicans in both houses of Congress have announced they are working on legislation to solidify elements of the order into law.

Perspectives

Trumps order could be the first step in a major reworking of internet speech

Its a hugely ambitious proposal, arguably the biggest single attempt to regulate internet platforms, and for better or worse, it signals the beginning of an all-out war between Trump and any platform that tries to fact-check him.  Russell Brandom, Verge

Trump has no power to change federal law

The insanely overreaching order  wasnt written with an eye toward conforming to federal law or constitutional protections of speech and commerce. And make no mistake: the draft order, when it manages to be coherent, is insanely unconstitutional.  Elizabeth Nolan Brown, Reason

Trumps order will hold back much-needed reforms for Big Tech companies

This order will do more to solidify power by big tech than anything. Pushing for things that will not happen with dopey proclamations like this will stifle real reform and good legislation to rein in big tech.  Recode co-founder Kara Swisher

Removing legal protections will lead to more censorship, not less

Stripping Twitter and other social media of liability protections is likely to make them more inclined to censor speech, not permit it. Either these companies will have to pass a neutrality test imposed by the government, or theyll simply take down as much controversial content as possible.  David Harsanyi, National Review

Section 230 helps protect the public from disturbing content

I think if you asked the vast majority of Americans, including politicians, they would say we want platforms to take down some speech that is legal because the First Amendment protects a lot of speech that is really offensive or really obnoxious or really harmful. You know, it can protect things like sharing the terrible video of the Christchurch massacre.  Internet policy expert Daphne Keller to NPR

Twitter is waging a losing battle trying to moderate Trump

The point here is that Twitter, for a lot of reasons  some of which are its fault and some of which arent  has no chance in a fight over facts and truth with Trump.  Chris Cillizza, CNN

Fighting with Big Tech is a political win for Trump

President Trump has finally goaded Twitter into starting the fight that Trump has been itching to have. Unfortunately for the social media giant, its a fight Twitter cannot win anymore  and one that Trump and his allies do not want to end.  Jon Healy, Los Angeles Times

Tech company employees shouldnt have the right to decide whats true and false

For one, its hard to see why anyone, regardless of his or her political persuasion, ought to trust Twitter employees to serve as some sort of unbiased referee and arbiter of the truth.  Brad Polumbo, Washington Examiner

The order is mostly a political message to Trumps base

The executive order might do markedly little, but it symbolizes a great deal about the president and his understanding of his voters. In short, Trump perceives that his voters care a great deal about purported censorship aimed at conservatives on social media platforms, and wants to signal his resolve to do something about it.  Jane Coaston, Vox

Twitter has a constitutional right to regulate content on its platform

The First Amendments protection of speech is not a promise that private entities will permit the use of their property to host or promote anyones speech. It is a guarantee that the government may not compel speech, which actually provides a right to editorial discretion to online platforms.  Ben Sperry, The Hill

The order will make social media companies hesitant to fact-check Trump in the future

Trump wants to be able to lie on Twitter and other platforms with total impunity, free of any fact-checking. Trump doesnt want Twitter to inform people of options for voting safely amid a pandemic, in hopes that fear of sickness and death will discourage voting and keep turnout low to his benefit.  Greg Sargent, Washington Post

Is there a topic youd like to see covered in The 360? Send your suggestions to the360@yahoonews.com.

Read more 360s

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 10:23:12|Editor: Lu Hui

Video Player Close

SHANGHAI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai's foreign capital inflows rose 4.1 percent year on year to about 6.46 billion U.S. dollars in the first four months of 2020, officials said Friday at the Singapore-Shanghai Economic Cooperation Roundtable.

A total of 15 regional headquarters of multinational companies and seven foreign-funded R&D centers were established in Shanghai in the Jan.-April period, raising the total numbers to 735 and 468 respectively, according to the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, foreign companies, including those from Singapore, were still upbeat about the potential of the Chinese market and the country's improving business environment, according to the event.

Singapore has become the third largest source of foreign capital for Shanghai, with a total of 2,644 Singapore-funded enterprises operating here. By the end of March, Singapore had invested about 17.62 billion U.S. dollars in Shanghai, accounting for 6.7 percent of the total accumulated foreign capital inflows in the city.

Singaporean companies in Shanghai hire around 216,000 employees, accounting for 7 percent of the total number of employees working for foreign companies in the city.

Yeo Wenzheng, general manager of investment at CapitaLand China, said the company's commercial sites in China saw shrinking customer traffic due to the COVID-19 epidemic, yet all commercial sites have resumed work since mid-April, including four shopping malls in Wuhan.

"China leads the world in epidemic prevention and economic recovery, and we are confident in the prospect of the Chinese market," Yeo said.

Shanghai has held 11 such roundtable conferences between government and foreign enterprises in a bid to support foreign companies' epidemic prevention and control and help them resume work and production. Enditem
A man who was arrested after a 64-year-old plunged to his death from a balcony was visiting a woman he was prohibited from contacting, a court has heard.

Kirt Bruce Brewin, 40, was charged with contravening a domestic violence order after the man fell 20 metres from his fifth floor Cronulla unit around 10pm on Thursday.

Brewin, a disability pensioner on the methadone program, pleaded guilty to breaching the order at Central Local Court on Friday.

The court heard he was arrested at the scene when he was found in the presence of the woman.

A man who was arrested after a 64-year-old plunged to his death from the Bahama Court unit complex in Cronulla (pictured), was at the scene visiting a woman he was prohibited from contacting

Police are still investigating the man's death and are investigating all possibilities, including whether the fall was self-harm, misadventure of malicious

She had taken out the order for protection once the relationship soured.

'He clearly has an issue accepting the end of something,' his lawyer Mary Underwood told the court, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Ms Underwood said her client had been suffering withdrawals since the arrest.

It is unclear what relationship Brewin and the woman have to the deceased.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest any wrongdoing on the part of Brewin or the woman in relation to the balcony death.

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

The woman and other associates were in the Deeban Walk unit when police responded to reports of the older man falling from the Bahama Court unit complex, court documents state.

Sutherland Shire Police Command are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Officers are looking into all possibilities including whether the fall was self-harm, misadventure or a malicious incident.

The incident is the third balcony death to rock Australia in just a week.

Jodie Lovell, 45, died after falling from a tenth-floor balcony at a five-star hotel in the heart of Sydney on May 22.

Police arrested a 48-year-old man at the scene for questioning but he was later released without charge pending further investigations.

Another tragic incident unfolded on May 23 when a teenager plunged to his death from a fourth-floor balcony on the Gold Coast.

Police allege Cian English, 19, was trying to escape a 'vicious assault' at the View Pacific resort in Surfers Paradise at about 3am.

Detectives say the Brisbane teen was running from three knife-wielding men, aged 18, 20 and 22, who allegedly stormed the unit he was partying in with friends.

All three men have been charged with Mr Englishs murder.
A protest in Oakland Friday night over the police-custody death in Minneapolis of George Floyd devolved into chaos, with fires being set, windows smashed, police officers struck by thrown objects and tear gas and rubber bullets fired at protesters.

Thousands of people took to Oaklands streets in what began as a largely spirited but peaceful assembly four days after Floyd, a black man, died after a white police officer pinned him to the ground by kneeling on his neck and refusing to let up, even as the man yelled that he couldnt breathe.

Protesters spray painted buildings, stopped traffic on I-880, threw fireworks and set fires inside some buildings. At one point, Several people tore off the wooden boards at Walgreens near 14th Street and Broadway near Oakland City Hall and used the boards to break their way in. They ran out with baskets with merchandise. A fire was ignited inside the store.

At the corner of Eighth Street and Broadway, protesters shattered the windows and glass doors of a Starbucks. Protesters also smashed windows at City Hall and a Chase bank.

Now Playing: Protesters enraged by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police surround San Jose City Hall  a gathering that has escalated as police officials intervene. Video: Lauren Hernandez, Erika Carlos

The doors of a Target at 27th Street and Broadway were smashed and a fire burned in a dumpster across the street. Clothing, hangers and bedding were strewn outside the store. People formed an assembly line to loot. One person ran back and forth and handed off merchandise to people standing outside.

Smoke billowed out of a Mercedes Benz showroom near 29th Street and Broadway. The windows of a Honda dealership at 33th Street and Broadway were smashed.

A person spray-painted outside City Hall, We have nothing to lose but our chains. Another group of protesters tore a row of Lyft bikes out of the pavement nearby city hall and dragged it out into the middle of the street. The dock that held the bikes was set on fire. And a large trash bin was set ablaze.

Just before 11 p.m., police officers walked in a line up 14th Street toward Broadway, pushing protesters back from where a fire had been set in the middle of the road. Officers deployed smoke bombs to disperse the crowd. A large fire was also burning near the 19th Street BART station.

Earlier in the evening, at Seventh and Broadway, police declared an unlawful assembly and deployed tear gas after officers were struck by thrown objects.

Protesters poured milk or water in their eyes bending over on the sidewalks and in the street once they had retreated.

Officials estimated more than 5,000 people were protesting in Oakland. One officer was injured and several people were detained, said Johnna Watson, a spokeswoman for the Police Department.

Two security guards were shot near 12th and Clay streets. The shooting doesnt appear to be related to the demonstration, the police department said.

In San Jose, police officers fired rubber bullets and deployed tear gas on hundreds of protesters outside of San Joses City Hall Friday evening as people chanted F the police. People screamed, Gas, gas, gas as loud flash bangs could be heard and smoke filled the air near Fifth and Santa Clara streets.

At least one officer was injured during the protest and was taken to Valley Medical Center, said Mayor Sam Liccardo. The officers condition was unknown. Several arrests were made, Liccardo said.

Dozens of people keeled over, coughing, and poured water into their eyes. Some protesters weaved throughout the dense crowd, shouting, Water, who needs water?

Ben Margot / Associated Press

Kiara Topete, a 19-year-old from Milpitas, said she was standing in front of police when one shot her with a rubber bullet in the shin.

I didnt do anything, I didnt throw anything, I didnt pose a threat to them, they just shot me, she said. It burns. It really hurts, Ive never felt anything like this.

Several people picked up spent gas canisters and water bottles, hurling them toward the line of police blocking City Hall. Police responded by deploying more tear gas and firing rubber bullets.

Just before 9 p.m., most of the crowd had dissipated. A charred trash bin remained in the middle of the street near City Hall. A destroyed Toyota 4Runner sat at the corner of Third and Santa Clara streets. And police remained on guard.

At 9:06 p.m., Santa Clara County Sheriff deputies were involved in a shooting that occurred just blocks away at Sixth and Santa Clara streets, said Sgt. Enrique Garcia, a spokesman from the San Jose Police Department.

Garcia did not provide any additional information.

Now Playing: Hundreds of people hit the streets in Oakland on Friday to protest the police-custody death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, a black man who yelled that he couldnt breathe as a police officer pinned him to the ground by kneeling on his neck. Video: Matt Kawahara, Erika Betty Carlos

In Oakland, earlier in the evening outside City Hall, a couple hundred protesters were gathered, some spilling out onto 14th Street, near the intersection of Broadway, to block traffic. People chanted, Black lives matter and no justice, no peace.

Interim Police Chief Susan Manheimer tweeted a video from just outside the skirmish line and called for a peaceful protest.

OPD is here to ensure a safe environment for peaceful demonstration, she said. If youre out here, lets keep it safe, lets make Oakland strong.

Brianna Noble, 25, from Oakland, rode a horse down Broadway with a cardboard sign that read, Black Lives Matter.

Were just bringing some attention to the issue at hand in a positive, non-violent way, Noble said. Horses bring attention.

Some people held signs that read, Justice for George and I cant breathe.

Corey Murphy, 44, of San Jose, held a sign in Oakland that read, Hands Up Dont Shoot. He said its ridiculous that were still going through this.

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.

Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle

Were just sick and tired of being sick and tired, he said. Weve been asking for help. Nobodys listening.

Police drew their batons and formed a barrier near the police headquarters at Seventh Street and Broadway. Why dont yall come stand with us? one person asked the officers.

The action came on the same day the now-fired Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in the horrific death, which was caught on video. In the video, bystanders can be heard pleading with the officer to get off of Floyd to no avail.

Floyd became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.

Chauvin, 44  the officer seen in the video kneeling on Floyds neck, was one of four officers at the scene who were fired. Minneapolis police said the officers were responding to a report of an alleged forgery, and that Floyd resisted arrest.

The case has incited riots in Minneapolis and civil unrest in cities across the United States.

In Minneapolis on Thursday night, demonstrators filled the streets and rallied for justice in Floyds death, the Minneapolis polices Third Precinct headquarters was set ablaze, and President Trump announced he was deploying the National Guard to respond to assist local law enforcement.

Ahead of Fridays protest in Oakland, the citys police department said it had increased staffing to facilitate freedom of speech, while also maintaining public safety.

Now Playing: A protest in Oakland Friday night over the police-custody death in Minneapolis of George Floyd devolved into chaos, with fires being set, windows smashed, police officers struck by thrown objects and tear gas and rubber bullets fired at protesters. Video: San Francisco Chronicle

Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriffs Office, told The Chronicle that officials are coordinating the law enforcement mutual aid response for Oakland and plan to  bring in substantial resources if the need arises.

We are closely monitoring the situation on a minute to minute basis as these situations can rapidly evolve, Kelly said. We are hopeful the protest will be peaceful and non-violent.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf described Floyds death a killing and a nauseating act of government violence against a Black man. Manheimer, said in a statement Thursday that she joins the community in denouncing this incident and all incidents of police brutality.

San Francisco police Chief Bill Scott and San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia joined Oakland officials in condemning the officers conduct, each calling the incident disturbing and not consistent with the values law enforcement is taught to uphold.

Chronicle Staff Writer Rachel Swan contributed to this report.

Lauren Hernandez, Megan Cassidy, Matt Kawahara and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com; megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com; mkawahara@sfchronicle.com; sravani@sfchronicle.com
The analysis highlights that, without urgent action to protect families from the financial hardships caused by the pandemic, the total number of children living below the national poverty line in low- and middle-income countries could reach 672 million by year-end. Nearly two-thirds of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.Countries across Europe and Central Asia could see the most significant increase, up to 44 per cent across the region. Latin America and the Caribbean could see a 22 per cent increase.

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered an unprecedented socio-economic crisis that is draining resources for families all over the world, said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director. The scale and depth of financial hardship among families threatens to roll back years of progress in reducing child poverty and to leave children deprived of essential services. Without concerted action, families barely getting by could be pushed into poverty, and the poorest families could face levels of deprivation that have not been seen for decades.

Save the Children and UNICEF warn that the impact of the global economic crisis caused by the pandemic and related containment policies is two-fold. Immediate loss of income means families are less able to afford the basics, including food and water, less likely to access health care or education, and more at risk of child marriage, violence, exploitation and abuse. When fiscal contraction occurs, the reach and quality of the services families depend on can also be diminished.

For the poorest families, lack of access to social care services or compensatory measures further limits their ability to abide by containment and physical distancing measures, and thus further increases their exposure to infection.

The shocking poverty impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic will hit children hard. Children are highly vulnerable to even short periods of hunger and malnutritionpotentially affecting them for their whole life. If we act now and decisively, we can prevent and contain the pandemic threat facing the poorest countries and some of the most vulnerable children. This report should be a wake-up call for the world. Poverty is not inevitable for children, said Save the Children International CEO, Inger Ashing.

Before the pandemic, two-thirds of children worldwide did not have access to any form of social protection, making it impossible for families to withstand financial shocks when they hit and furthering the vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty. Only 16 per cent of children in Africa are covered by social protection.

Hundreds of millions of children remain multidimensionally poor - meaning they lack access to health care, education, proper nutrition, or adequate housing  often a reflection of inequitable investments by governments in social services.

For children living in countries already affected by conflict and violence, the impact of this crisis will further increase the risk of instability and of households falling into poverty. The Middle East and North Africa region, home to the highest number of children in need due to conflict, has the highest unemployment rate among young people, while nearly half of all children in the region live in a multidimensional poverty.

To address and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on children in poor households, Save the Children and UNICEF call for rapid and large-scale expansion of social protection systems and programmes including cash transfers, school feeding and child benefits  all critical investments that address immediate financial needs and lay the foundation for countries to prepare for future shocks.

Yana, 12, Lyubov, 10, Arina, 13 and Daniil, 7 months, sit in the living room of their small rented house in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.



Governments must also invest in other forms of social protection, fiscal policies, employment and labor market interventions to support families. This includes expanding universal access to quality healthcare and other services; and investing in family friendly policies, such as paid leave and childcare.

Since COVID-19 hit, many countries have already scaled up their social protection programmes. For example:

In Indonesia, the Kartu Sembako programme, which provides monthly cash assistance for basic family consumption, expanded its reach to 20 million. Monthly cash assistance to families increased from Rp150 thousand to Rp200 thousand;

In Mongolia, the government increased their Child Money Programme monthly benefit by five times from MNT 20,000 per month to MNT 100,000 for a duration of 6 months.

In Argentina, the Universal Child Allowance programme provided an increase of $3,100 Argentine pesos (US$47) for its current beneficiaries;

And in South Africa, several social protection schemes, including the child support grant which reaches 12.8 million children, are providing additional top-ups.

In Georgia, the Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) programme will be temporarily expanded to provide support to an additional 70,000 families; as well as provide an extra 100 GEL (US$31) a month to 21,000 TSA households with three or more children for 6 months.

In Armenia, eligible families enrolled in the family benefit system will receive a top-up equal to 50 per cent of the benefit.

In Colombia, the government has created the Solidarity Income Program to provide cash transfers to households that do not currently receive benefits from any other National Government programmes. As of 21 May, more than 2 million vulnerable families had received a 320,000 peso transfer (equivalent to US$81) through two equal payments made during March and May.

In Peru, the Government is providing solidarity bonus to rural households, independent workers and vulnerable families, as well a new universal bond, for 6.8 million households. Specific focus is needed to reach people living in remote areas, indigenous populations and migrants./.
He's enjoyed a supremely successful career in film and television ever since exploding onto the scene over 30 years ago.

And now, Alec Baldwin is set to take on a brand new genre with a project he helped conceive, and which he will produce and headline.

As reported by Variety, the 30 Rock star, 62, will co-produce and star in the independent Western action film Rust, based on a story by Baldwin and writer-director Joel Souza.

Headed west-ern: Alec Baldwin is set to take on a brand new genre  the western  with a project he helped conceive, and which he will produce and headline; seen here in NYC in 2019

The odd couple western adventure movie will follow outlaw Harland Rust (Baldwin), whose estranged 13-year-old grandson is convicted of an accidental murder and sentenced to hang.

Rust must then travel to Kansas to break the boy out of prison, which sets off a chase through the frontier as a determined U.S. Marshal and bounty hunter are both hot on their tail.

The father-of-five, who is currently expecting another child with his wife since 2012 Hilaria Baldwin, will shop the film around with Highland Film Group at the upcoming Marche du Film Online in June that is being held in lieu of the cancelled Cannes Film Festival this year.

New project: The 30 Rock star will co-produce and star in the Western film Rust, based on a story by Baldwin and writer-director Joel Souza; seen here on The View in February

Busy husband and father: The father-of-five, who is expecting another child with his wife Hilaria Baldwin, will shop the film around at June's Marche du Film Online; seen in 2019

Baldwin is an Academy Award-nominated actor who has won multiple Primetime Emmys and Golden Globes for his television work on NBC's 30 Rock as well as his biting, ongoing portrayal of Trump on Saturday Night Live.

The actor started his career the early 80s, with television appearances like his recurring role as Joshua Rush in the nighttime soap Knots Landing.

It wasn't until 1988 when Alec became a bona fide Hollywood leading man, with memorable appearances in FOUR acclaimed films: We're Having A Baby, Beetlejuice, Working Girl and Married To The Mob.

He arrived in a big way: It wasn't until 1988 when Alec became a bona fide Hollywood star, with memorable appearances in FOUR acclaimed films: We're Having A Baby, Beetlejuice, Working Girl and Married To The Mob

And while he delivered well-received supporting turns in three of those films, his lead role opposite Geena Davis and Michael Keaton in the now-classic Tim Burton opus Beetlejuice is the one that put Baldwin on the map in a big way, which helped him later score top billing in films like The Hunt for Red October, Prelude To A Kiss and Malice.

Baldwin went on to score an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor in 2003 for The Cooler, and has gone on to further memorable turns in films like Along Came Polly, The Departed, It's Complicated and many others.

Some of Alec's most recent film endeavors have been his portrayal of Alan Hunley in the last two Mission: Impossible films, as well as the lead voice in the animated Boss Baby, which is soon to spawn a sequel.

The ghost with the most: Baldwin's lead role opposite Geena Davis and Michael Keaton in the now-classic Tim Burton opus Beetlejuice is the one that put him on the map in a big way
Bad news for chief minister B S Yediyurappa is that the rebellion comes from his own community of Lingayats. File photo

Bengaluru: Impending polls to Rajya Sabha and nominations to the Legislative Council in Karnataka have stirrred up a rebellion within the ruling BJP in Karnataka, which had been brushed under COVID-19 carpet for over last two months.

However, unlike last time, where it was between those deprived of a ministerial berth and those who got one, the present difference is taking different shapes with North-South Karnataka and caste combinations.

Bad news for chief minister B S Yediyurappa is that the rebellion comes from his own community of Lingayats and that's too from powerful Panchamashali Lingayat group, while Yeddyurappa and his deputy Laxman Savadi belong to weaker sub-community of Ganigas. Good news for Yediyurappa is that the issue is handled by RSS, as RSS will have bigger say in the nominations and issuing tickets.

As former minister Umesh Katthi, who held meeting of over 20 North Karnataka MLAs on Thursday night, RSS leaders Mukund and Dattatreya Hosbale held a long meeting with Yeddyurappa himself. Amdist confusion in the BJP camp, opposition Congress is hoping for collapse of the government and Bengaluru Rural MP D K Suresh, on Friday said that there could be mid-term poll for Karnataka Assembly.

At the moment, four Rajya Sabha members are retiring and election are due in June. Those retiring from Karnataka include Prabhakar Kore (BJP), B.K. Hariprasad (Congress), Rajeev Gowda (Congress) and D. Kupendra Reddy JD(S). According to present strength in the Assembly ruling BJP can comfortably bag two seats.

Prabhakar Kore, a prominent Lingayat leader from Mumbai Karnataka, is seeking a third term. However, there seems to be a roadblock to his nomination to the Upper House because BJP senior legislator of Hukkeri constituency, Umesh Katti has demanded a Rajya Sabha ticket for his brother Ramesh Katti as he was deprived of a ministerial berth.

This is a bigger political feud between three major Lingayat families in Belagavi region -- Katthi family, Kore family and Jolle family. While Shashikala Jolle is a state minister, her husband Annasaheb Jolle is the Chikkodi MP. Umesh Katthi's brother Ramesh Katthi was denied a ticket during the election. Meanwhile, Prabhakar Kore has been given more prominence than Katthi and has been member of state or central upper house for a long time. With these two families getting more prominence in Belagavi region, Katthi is feeling marginalised. Besides, though Laxman Savadi lost Assembly elections, he was made Deputy Chief Minister, which further weakened Katthi and he is now, hell bent on wresting Rajya Sabha seat from Kore.

Selections of Rajya Sabha candidate may not be in the hands of Yediyurappa. Besides, Katthi is not in good books of many RSS leaders, including National Organising Secretary B L Santhosh. But, Katthi has enough ammunition to shake Yeddyurappa, who can not ignore the rebellion.

Legislative Council polls

The supporting factors for Katthi has come in the form of elections to Legislative Council, where five seats are falling vacant next month.

During Operation Lotus, Yeddyurappa had promised those supported BJP to ensure that they would be ministers at any cost. However, Yeddyurappa could not give ticket to R Shankar, while MTB Nagaraj and A H Vishwanath lost elections. All the three are demanding Legislative Council seat and make them ministers.

This has put Yeddyurappa in fix as all the three belong to Kuruba community. Besides, already there are two Kuruba ministers in the cabinet and with these three, the number of Kuruba ministers would go up to five. The other contender is former minister C P Yogeshwar, who played a major role in Operation Lotus.

Since Yeddyurappa and Savadi are Lingayats, barring former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, a large number of senior Lingayat leaders like Katthi, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, M P Renukacharya, Murugesh Nirani have been made to sit on bench. Besides, the representation is tilting more towards Old-Mysuru region, depriving Mumbai-Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka with lesser representation.

This helped Katthi to get a number of MLAs from North Karnataka and senior BJP leaders, who are slowly distancing themselves from those who came in through Operation Lotus. Apart from ministerial berths, may have aspiration for Boards and Corporation postings, which seems to be eluding them.

Disgruntled MLAs meet

Meanwhile to mount pressure on the Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa to select candidate of their choice to both Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Council, BJP legislators headed by Mr. Umesh Katti met at private hotel here on Thursday.

Disgruntled BJP MLAs who halted their dissident activities due to Hush-hush meeting of disgruntled MLAs become headache to the Chief Minister who is busy with handling Covid -19 pandemic since two months. Senior legislator of BJP, Umesh Katti, his brother and former MP, Ramesh Katti, party MLAs, Murugesh Nirani, Basanagowda Patil Yatnal were attended dinner meeting at Bengaluru.

However, Mr. Nirani has rebutted of attending any meeting against the leadership of Yediyurappa. But party insiders have not ruled out of conducting such meeting at Bengaluru.

In fact disgruntled MLAs have registered their protest before the party leadership in February 2020, for growing prominence of B.Y. Vijayendra, son of the Chief Minister in the day today administration. Mr. Yatnal and Katti openly expressed their displeasure against the Chief Minister to make them stand in front of Mr. Vijayendra to get approval for government works.
No doubt Mr. Netanyahu believes his reasons for annexation outweigh these dangers. Throughout his tenure as prime minister, he has expanded Jewish settlement in the West Bank, and the regions he would now annex, including the Jordan Valley, have become integral parts of Israel in all but name. There have been no negotiations for at least two years, and, in the eyes of Israeli conservatives, the two-state solution that has long been declared the goal is dead.

Having served longer than any prime minister in Israeli history, Mr. Netanyahu probably believes the expansion of the Jewish state in the biblical Hebrew lands of Judea and Samaria would become his legacy, and the new baseline for any future negotiations. And he is keenly aware that the Trump administration, which has basically granted him and the Israeli right wing all their wishes  a United States Embassy in Jerusalem, an announcement that the United States will no longer regard Jewish settlements as illegal, and acceptance of Israeli control over the Golan Heights and expanded Jewish settlements on occupied territory  offers a particular opportunity to extend Israeli sovereignty with American approval.

On the more tawdry political level, where Mr. Netanyahu thrives, annexation would cement for him the support of the Israeli right, and would cloak him with the mantle of a Jewish hero when he comes before the court in July to face corruption charges  a cloud that has figured heavily in his maneuvers. The Israeli left opposes the annexation, but Mr. Netanyahus erstwhile political challenger, the former army chief of staff Benny Gantz, who fought the prime minister to a stalemate in three national elections, is now allied with Mr. Netanyahu in a unity government and has no veto over annexation.

Mr. Trump has his own considerations. One of them is the evangelical right, which for reasons of its own zealously supports Israeli expansion, and is a critical part of the presidents re-election arithmetic. Mr. Trump would be most reluctant to buck this following by openly challenging Mr. Netanyahu, even if he was so inclined.

But the administration has its own interest in slowing Mr. Netanyahu down, and thats the peace plan Mr. Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, produced in January. Its a one-sided plan that basically gives Israel all the lands Mr. Netanyahu wants to annex, and it was rejected by the Palestinians, who had no part in its creation. But the plan at least envisions an Israeli expansion in the context of a peace agreement in which the Palestinians receive a huge amount of financial aid and the promise of connection routes among their enclaves. A unilateral Israeli move would be an embarrassing repudiation of Mr. Trumps boasts that he has the key to a peace deal.

And if Mr. Netanyahu really is thinking of his legacy, he should take seriously that Mr. Trump may not be president next year and he would be left holding a territorial claim nobody recognizes, not even Israels closest and most important friend. While Mr. Biden, a strong supporter of Israel, has said he would not reduce Americas security support for Israel, breaking with Mr. Netanyahu over the West Bank could seriously diminish Americas traditionally bipartisan support for Israel.

For what? For a symbolic gesture that would not make the settlements any more legitimate in international law than before, but would raise the threat of violence, undermine Israels standing in the world, harm Israels tentative alliances with Arab states, and further reduce the already thin chance of a peace settlement, which remains the only way to end this terrible conflict.

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.
It was only in February that the Senate voted to acquit Trump after he became the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. The next month, much of American business and social activity shut down in an attempt to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The country has just now begun to reopen, with culture wars raging over how and when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Chancellor Angela Merkel will not personally attend a meeting in the U.S. with the leaders of the worlds major economies if President Donald Trump goes ahead with it, unless the course of the coronavirus spread changes by then, her office said Saturday.

After cancelling the Group of Seven summit, originally scheduled for June 10-12 at Camp David, Trump said a week ago that he was again considering hosting an in-person meeting of world leaders because it would be a great sign to all of things returning to normal during the pandemic.

Immediately after that announcement, Merkel suggested she had not yet made up her mind on whether to attend in person or by video conference, but her office told the dpa news agency she has now made a decision.

As of today, given the overall pandemic situation, she cannot commit to participating in person, her office said. It added that the chancellor would continue to monitor the coronavirus situation in case things change.
New Delhi: As his government completes one year of its second term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a letter to the people of the country listed out several initiatives, achievements and big decisions taken by his government, while expressing confidence of victory in the country's battle against coronavirus.

Prime Minister Modi was sworn-in for a second successive term on May 30 last year after leading BJP-led NDA to a landslide victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Prime Minister termed the day as a "golden chapter" in the history of Indian democracy, pointing out that it was after several decades that the people of the country voted back a full-term government with a full majority.

"Once again, I bow to the 130 crore people of India and the democratic ethos of our nation. During normal times, I would have been in your midst. However, the present circumstances do not permit that. That is why I seek your blessings through this letter," said Prime Minister Modi.

He said that the people's affection, goodwill and active cooperation have given new energy and inspiration.

"The way you have showcased the collective strength of democracy is a guiding light for the whole world."

The Prime Minister also emphasised on his government's anti-corruption credentials, saying that over the last five years, the nation saw "how the administrative apparatus broke itself free of status quo and from the swamp of corruption as well as misgovernance".

True to the spirit of 'Antyodaya' the lives of millions have been transformed, he said.

Listing out several flagship schemes of his government, Prime Minister Modi said, "From 2014 to 2019, India's stature rose significantly. The dignity of the poor was enhanced. The nation achieved financial inclusion, free gas and electricity connections, total sanitation coverage, and made progress towards ensuring 'Housing for All.'"

He mentioned about the surgical strike on terror launch pads across the LoC and airstrike on a terror camp carried out by the Indian armed forces, in response to the terror attacks by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

"India demonstrated its mettle through the surgical strike and airstrike. At the same time, decades-old demands such as OROP, One Nation One Tax- GST, better MSP for farmers were fulfilled," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the re-election of his government was not just for continuity but also with a dream of taking India to new heights.

"In 2019, the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with a dream of taking India to new heights. A dream of making India a global leader. The decisions taken in the last one year are directed at fulfilling this dream," he said.

Referring to his slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' (together with all, development for all, trust of all), the Prime Minister said, "Today, 130 crore people feel involved and integrated with the development trajectory of the nation. The light of 'Jan Shakti' and 'Rashtra Shakti' has ignited the entire nation. Powered by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas', India is marching forward in all spheres."

He said that in the last one year, some of the decisions were widely discussed and "remain etched in public discourse" and referred to abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ayodhya verdict by Supreme Court and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

"Article 370 furthered the spirit of national unity and integration. The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of triple talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India's compassion and spirit of inclusiveness," said Prime Minister Modi while adding that there have been "many other decisions that have added momentum to the nation's development trajectory."

Listing reforms in the area of defence, Prime Minister Modi noted the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) improved coordination among the armed forces.

"At the same time, India has stepped up preparations for Mission Gaganyaan," he said.

Referring to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, he said that more than Rs 72,000 crore has been deposited in accounts of over 9.50 crore farmers in just one year.

He further said that the Jal Jeevan Mission will ensure supply of potable water through piped connections to over 15 crore rural households and a huge campaign of free vaccination is being conducted for better health of 50 crore livestock.

The Prime Minister said that for the first time in the country's history, farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in the unorganised sector have been assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after the age of 60 years.

He referred to a separate department created for fishermen and said it has been decided to constitute a Vyapari Kalyan Board for timely resolution of the problems of the traders.

"Higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than seven crore women attached to self-help groups. Recently, the loans without guarantee for self-help groups has been doubled to 20 lakh from the earlier 10 lakh. Keeping in mind the education of tribal children, we have begun the construction of more than 400 new Ekalavya Model Residential Schools," he said.

The Prime Minister asserted that several "people-friendly laws" have been ushered in during the last year. "Our Parliament has broken the decades-old record in terms of productivity. As a result, whether it be the Consumer Protection Act, the amendment to Chit Fund Law or laws to provide more protection to women, children and Divyang, their passage in the Parliament was expedited."

Noting that the rural-urban gap is shrinking as a result of the policies and decisions of the government, he said that for the first time the number of rural Indians using the internet is 10 per cent more than the number of urban Indians.

"The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in the national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigour, taking and implementing these decisions," Prime Minister Modi said.

He said while the government was moving ahead at a fast pace for fulfilling hopes and aspirations of people, the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the country as well.

"While on one hand, are powers with great economic resources and state-of-the-art healthcare systems, on the other hand, is our country besieged with problems amidst a vast population and limited resources," he said.

Prime Minister Modi said that many feared that India will become a problem for the world when coronavirus hits India.

"But today, through sheer confidence and resilience, you have transformed the way the world looks at us. You have proven that the collective strength and potential of Indians is unparalleled compared even to the powerful and prosperous countries of the world," he said.

Prime Minister Modi further expressed his appreciation on how people responded to his appeal for Janta Curfew and clapping and lighting a lamp to honour corona warriors.

"Be it clapping and lighting a lamp to the honouring of corona warriors by India's armed forces, Janta Curfew or by faithful adherence to rules during the nationwide lockdown, on every occasion you have shown that Ek Bharat is the guarantee for Shrestha Bharat," he said.

The Prime Minister also referred to the suffering of labourers, migrant workers during the crisis and said his government is working in a determined way to alleviate their troubles.

"In a crisis of this magnitude, it can certainly not be claimed that no one suffered any inconvenience or discomfort. Our labourers, migrant workers, artisans and craftsmen in small scale industries, hawkers and such fellow countrymen have undergone tremendous suffering. We are working in a united and determined way to alleviate their troubles," he said.

Stressing on the need to follow rules and guidelines, Prime Minister Modi said, "We have to take care to ensure that inconveniences that we are facing do not turn into disasters."

"We have displayed patience so far and we should continue to do so. This is one of the important reasons for India being safer and in a better state than many other countries. This is a long battle but we have started traversing on the path of victory, and victory is our collective resolve," he said.



The Prime Minister lauded the "resilience" shown by people of West Bengal and Odisha during cyclone Amphan.

"In the last few days, a super cyclone has wreaked havoc in parts of West Bengal and Odisha. Here too, the resilience of the people of these states is noteworthy. Their courage inspires the people of India," he said.

He further expressed confidence that India will set an example in economic revival.

"At such a time, there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India's will recover. However, given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in an economic revival," he said. "In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it."

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India will have to become "self-reliant" and that the recent package of Rs 20 lakh crore, which was announced by him earlier this month, is a major step in this direction.

"It is the need of the hour that we must become self-reliant. We have to move forward based on our own abilities, in our own way, and there is only one way to do it -- Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India. The recent Rs 20 lakh crore package given for Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a major step in this direction. This initiative will usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it our farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with startups," he said.

"The fragrance of Indian soil along with the sweat, hard work and talent of our workers will create products that will reduce India's dependence on imports and will move towards self-reliance," added Prime Minister Modi.

Noting that the country is facing many challenges, he said that the present and future of 130 crore people will never be dictated by adversity.

"In this journey of the last six years, you have continuously showered me with love and blessings. It is the strength of your blessings that has made the nation take historic decisions and progress rapidly in the last one year. However, I am also aware that there is a lot that needs to be done. There are many challenges and problems that our country faces. I am working day and night. There could be deficiencies in me but there is nothing that our country lacks. So, I believe in you, your strength and your abilities even more than I believe in myself," he said.

"Due to the global pandemic, this is certainly a time of crisis but for us Indians, this is also a time for a firm resolve. We must always remember that the present and future of 130 crore will never be dictated by adversity. We will decide on our present and our future. We will move ahead on the path of progress and victory will be ours," he said.

He cited a Sanskrit verse which means "if we have action and duty on one hand, then success is assured on the other hand".

"With prayers for our country's success, I bow to you once again. My heartiest wishes to you and your family. Stay healthy, stay safe. Stay aware, stay informed," he said.

Prime Minister Modi signed off the letter describing himself as "your Pradhan Sevak".
President Donald Trumps announcement he was cutting US funding for the World Health Organization prompted criticism Saturday, as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained.

Trump on Friday charged that the WHO didnt respond adequately to the pandemic, accusing the U.N. agency of being under Chinas total control.

The WHO wouldnt comment on the announcement but South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize called it an unfortunate turn of events.

Certainly, when faced with a serious pandemic, you want all nations in the world to be particularly focused ... on one common enemy, he told reporters.

The U.S. is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the U.S. would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

In China, where the virus outbreak began, only four new confirmed cases were reported Saturday, all brought from outside the country, and no new deaths. Just 63 people remained in treatment.

After judging the situation there now safe, a chartered flight carrying 200 German managers back to their jobs landed in Tianijin, a port city just east of Beijing. A flight carrying another 200 was due in Shanghai on Thursday.

Im really happy that business is starting again, said Karin Wasowski, a Volkswagen employee, before boarding the flight in Frankfurt. Ive been working from a home office but that is, of course, something completely different to being there.

More than 5,200 German companies operate in China, employing more than 1 million people.

This is an important step to reconnect Chinas and Germanys economies, said Jens Hildebrandt, executive director of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China, which helped organize the flights. It is our common interest to contribute in helping the economy return to normalcy and pre-virus levels.

Close to 6 million coronavirus infections have been reported worldwide, with more than 365,000 deaths and almost 2.5 million recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. The true dimensions are widely believed to be significantly greater, with experts saying many victims died without ever being tested.

As some countries have effectively lowered the rate of infections, they have been moving ahead with relaxing restrictions but are keeping a very close eye on developments.

In South Korea, credited with one of the most successful programs to fight the pandemic, there were 39 new cases reported Saturday, most of them in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area where officials have linked the infections to warehouse workers. Authorities have so far maintained the phased reopening of schools in the hope that the recent transmissions could be contained quickly.

India registered another record single day jump of 7,964 cases and 265 deaths, a day before it was to end its 2-month-old lockdown.

That put the countrys total cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths and 82,369 recoveries, according to the Health Ministry.

Still, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said in an open letter that India was on the path to victory in its battle against the virus and would an example in economic revival, while asking his countrymen to show firm resolve.

Russia recorded nearly 9,000 new cases overnight, around the daily level it has been at over the past two weeks as the virus continues to spread.

The national coronavirus task force said Saturday that 4,555 Russians have died of COVID-19, and 396,575 infections have been recorded. The relatively low mortality rate compared with other countries has prompted skepticism domestically and abroad.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced two peacekeepers serving in Mali had died from the virus. There have been 137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among peacekeepers, the majority in Mali, but these were the first deaths.

The U.S. has been worst hit by the outbreak, with more than 1.7 million cases and almost 103,000 deaths.

Cities and states are under increasing pressure to reopen, however, especially for service industries that had seen customer numbers evaporate. The latest job-loss figures from the U.S. Labor Department brought to 41 million the running total of Americans who have filed for unemployment since shutdowns took hold in mid-March.

But there have been worrying signs that as restrictions are eased, people have not been adhering to social distancing guidelines meant to help prevent the spread of the virus.

On Friday, health officials in Missouri said that they were seeking to inform mass numbers of unknown people after a person who attended crowded pool parties over Memorial Day weekend at the states popular Lake of the Ozarks tested positive for COVID-19.
Our Divisions

Copyright  2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved

This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Eva Patterson saw a video on her phone of a black father kneeling down on his son to explain what happened to George Floyd. For Patterson, that is the problem.

The way I see it, no so should have to be raised like that or be taught that  just because of racism, said Patterson, an Ann Arbor resident.

Patterson and hundreds of others gathered for a protest at the University of Michigan diag Saturday afternoon, May 30.

If you cannot see the photos in the gallery above, click here to see the full gallery.

Signs reading Black lives matter, White supremacy will die" and Ann Arbor police has blood on their hands were seen in the crowd. Some in the audience used a megaphone amplify their voices on topics ranging from Floyds death to and racism as a whole in todays United States.

Audience members listened as community members spoke from the center of the diag with a megaphone. One of those speakers was Kamryn Hill, an Ann Arbor resident who said the protest was part of the Black Lives Matter movement, but that all minorities should be included.

Its important that we have all minorities behind us because our fight is their fight, and their fight is our fight, Hill said. No matter what, the more numbers we have, the bigger word were going to get out there.

Related: Protests over George Floyds death break out in NYC, all over country

Both Hill and Patterson spoke in front of the crowd.

Patterson did not know about the protest until she received a text message from a friend. An half an hour later, they were headed to the diag. She made a sign that said, Continuing the fight of our ancestors" because what has happened has only been to colored people, she said.

At the end of the day, everything that has been happening has only been to us colored people, which is racist, Patterson said. Theres no other way to put it. Thats racist.

Hundreds of protesters are on the University of Michigan diag with signs reading Black lives matter and speakers addressing the crowd. @MLive @annarbornews pic.twitter.com/Ty2Djhylkx  Steve Marowski (@Steve_Marowski) May 30, 2020

Protests could be seen elsewhere in Ann Arbor Saturday too, as hundreds marched through downtown streets chanting black lives matter and racist cops have to go. Many of the protesters were also chanting no justice, no peace as they walked down Main Street. University of Michigan police vehicles followed the protesters down the streets.

Other speakers talked about speaking up and voting, which is something the next generation can do to create change. One speaker specifically apologized that this had to happen during a pandemic, but said that fighting racism will always be part of the agenda.

Even then, Hill still believes this is an extremely important cause to march for in 2020.

Every day, I shouldnt be scared to walk outside my house and not know if Im going to get shot or killed. There are many like Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor who have been shot by the racist police, and they need to be brought to justice for what they have done, Hill said.

Also on MLive:

Protesters take to downtown Kalamazoo streets in response to George Floyds death

Teen shot and killed, dozens arrested as 1,500-strong Detroit protest over George Floyd death turns violent

Bay City man detained by police in Detroit says peaceful Friday protest quickly grew violent
DARBY bOROUGH  Police are investigating a shooting ont Main Street at the railroad tracks Friday afternoon. Darby EMS and police were alerted at 3:54 p.m. about the gunshot victim.

The patient was rushed to Pennsylvania University Hospital; their condition was unknown.

Police were looking for a car that was reported to have headed the Cobbs Creek section of Philadelphia.

Trolleys on Main Street were shut down into the evening as police investigated the crime.
April and Marvin Chang took the anguish of losing their 3-year-old son, Mitchell, to drowning two years ago and transformed it into a force for good during the coronavirus pandemic.

They spearheaded a donation drive that has provided more than 11,000 cloth face masks to health care workers and others in need. In association with H-E-B, they now sell masks to the public, with the proceeds going to the creation of an inclusive public playground in Mitchells name. Through the face mask project, theyve directed work to local seamstresses and other small businesses.

We wanted to bring something positive out of this tragedy, April Chang said. We want to make an impact in his name because he cant anymore.

Their desire to help began with unimaginable pain.

In February 2018, the couple dropped off Mitchell and his older brother, Evan, then 5, at Love to Swim School in Stone Oak, where the boys had been taking lessons for nine months.

The school, which has since closed, was offering a date night, where parents could leave their children for a couple of hours of pizza, games and swimming while they enjoyed some time alone. It was the first time the Changs had left their sons anywhere outside of their supervision, aside from school, they said.

An hour later, as they finished dinner at a nearby restaurant, Aprils phone rang. It was the fire department, saying their son had been pulled from the deep end of the pool, unresponsive. He was en route to a hospital via ambulance.

His heart had stopped beating. While doctors restarted it, their beloved youngest son was declared brain dead.

Mitchell would die the next day at the hospital.

Jerry Lara /Staff photographer

Turning grief into good

Jerry Lara /Staff photographer

Two months later, as a way to deal with their grief, the couple created the Mitchell Chang Foundation, a nonprofit that encourages people to carry out acts of kindness, as their son was wont to do in his short life. As its first project, the foundation raised money and built a modest neighborhood playground in their Stone Oak subdivision.

Buoyed by that success, they began to plan for a bigger playground in Mitchells honor, using as inspiration Morgans Wonderland, the 25-acre nonprofit park in San Antonio that is designed for people with special needs. They have raised $200,000 through donations.

They approached city leaders, who granted them a half-acre of city land on which to build Mitchells Landing at Classen-Steubing Ranch Park, a 204-acre public area at Hardy Oak and Huebner. April and her husband, Dr. Marvin Chang, set about writing grant applications to raise the remaining $1 million to bring the playground to fruition.

Then the pandemic hit. Suddenly, it didnt seem right to ask donors for money for a playground.

Businesses were struggling just to keep workers employed, Marvin said.

On ExpressNews.com: Making A Difference: Two teens help folks do dirt therapy

It wasnt long before they saw another way to be useful. April, 40, noticed some friends who were nurses posting on Facebook about their struggle to find cloth face masks to purchase. The next day, Marvin, 38, an anesthesiologist who works for a large medical group, came home with his own reusable mask, also in short supply. He placed it outside in the sun, hoping ultraviolet rays might help sterilize it.

In early March, the couple learned that SA Masks for Heroes, an online group, was collecting and donating face masks. The Changs knew their foundation  which has more than 5,000 followers and a base of volunteers  could help lead the effort.

We realized there needed to be a centralized hub, said April, adding that they also had connections in the medical community through Marvins work.

Jerry Lara /Staff photographer

They advertised the drive on the foundations webpage. They set up collection bins at six locations across the city. April washed thousands of donated masks, sending the Changs water bill through the roof.

With a small army of volunteers, they also created face mask kits that contained pre-cut fabric and elastic, along with instructions on how to sew masks according to government guidelines. The Changs spent their own money to fund the sewing kit program, buying 30 and 40 bolts of fabric at a time at Hobby Lobby. They also received cash and material donations.

About 1,000 people either donated masks or made them from the kits. Hospitals in the Stone Oak area, the South Texas Medical Center and downtown have received them. Some of the masks even traveled to New York with military nurses who were deployed there.

The Changs also distributed masks to various nonprofits, school districts and other community organizations.

On ExpressNews.com: Making A Difference: Just give it away!

We have enough to keep going another month, April said. We still have kits that were saving for the fall, when they may be needed again. We also plan to donate to schools.

A winning idea

Jerry Lara /Staff photographer

As the mask drive leveled off, April came up with an idea: What if they could produce new masks and sell them, not only to fund the Mitchells Landing playground but also to help local seamstresses? Shed learned that many were either out of work or underemployed because of the pandemic.

Marvin agreed it was a good idea. April reached out to H-E-B, figuring shed get a polite no. To their surprise, the grocery behemoth jumped on board in a big way. Within a month, the masks were on sale in stores throughout the city  $9.99 for one washable mask  with packaging that tells Mitchells story and how the money will be used.

The foundation is beautiful in how it honors Mitchells legacy and will create an inclusive play space for all of San Antonio, H-E-B spokeswoman Julie Bedingfield said. And the Changs are doing it in a way thats really relevant to our customers.

The project employs almost 20 seamstresses, who would be making quinceanara gowns, wedding dresses and other attire if it werent for the virus.

April was our cheerleader and helped us get masks into the hands of doctors and hospitals, said Veronica Prida, who owns Prida & Rodriguez Studios. Her studio ended up donating about 2,000 face masks through the foundation. The partnership with H-E-B is enabling Prida to keep four seamstresses employed.

Were just super-grateful, she said.

A local printing company both makes the packaging and packages the masks. A company in China, whose owner knows Marvins mother, donated almost 80 pounds of elastic.

Jerry Lara /Staff photographer

About 10,500 masks have been sold to H-E-B in the last four weeks; the project is expected to raise $90,000 for the playground. The citys contribution  in addition to providing the space, its also preparing the ground and adding restrooms  will come close to $700,000.

The playground will be free and open to the public.

Mitchell didnt have special needs, but such a playground fits with his loving personality.

He was full of sunshine, and every day was a party, April said. Everyone was invited. It didnt matter if he knew you or not.

Evan, now 7, asks about his little brother sometimes. Hes afraid his other family members might get hurt or disappear.

He doesnt understand that its not normal for people to go away, April said.

Theyve since had another son, Tristan, a 7-month-old with red hair and chubby cheeks. The couple is hoping that the foundations work will continue to pull them all through the loss of Mitchell.

People call and say, Mitchell has inspired me to help, April said. To be a light. To be a good story.

More Information Making a Difference Every Sunday, the Express-News will profile someone who is making life a little better for others during the coronavirus pandemic. Send suggestions to Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje at mstoeltje@express-news.net or leave a message at 210-250-3226. See More Collapse

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
Press Release

30 May 2020

The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) announced on Saturday, May 30th during a webinar hosted by the Myanmar Tourism Marketing Association that the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar decided to move the annual Mekong Tourism Forum dates to February 15-16, 2021 from August 25-26, 2020, amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. The reasoning is based on current travel restrictions, and the low likelihood that conference delegates would be comfortable in a closed meeting venue with over 300 people.

Advertisements

Myanmar will continue to host the forum in Bagan essentially to promote its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site a designation that was awarded in July 2019. The theme will still be "Achieving Balanced Tourism", with a focus on rebuilding tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The MTCO executive director, Jens Thraenhart said: "The theme 'Achieving Balanced Tourism' is more relevant than ever, because we have a big opportunity to reset tourism and become more sustainable by embracing innovative models such as 'Doughnut Economics', and leveraging regional collaboration by creating travel bubbles to accelerate tourism recovery."

"While nobody can predict if travel will actually be possible in February and people will be comfortable in being together at a conference with hundreds of delegages, we are now setting the new dates, and hope for the best.", continues Jens Thraenhart. "We will be working hard with the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, the private sector organizations led by the Myanmar Tourism Federation and the various domestic travel trade associations, as well as regional and international MICE experts to ensure a safe event with appropriate hygiene measurements in place."

Bagan is an important and iconic destination in the Greater Mekong Subregion, so we decided to have the first physical post Covid-19 Mekong Tourism Forum to be in the UNESCO World Heritage town. The annual Mekong Tourism Forum is hosted by the GMS member countries via a rotational plan, which will shift forward by one year accordingly. As such, Viet Nam will be the host of the Mekong Tourism Forum in 2022.

A spokesperson of the Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar commented: "We are extremely proud to host the first Mekong Tourism Forum post the Covid-19 pandemic. This will be an important tourism event not only for Myanmar, but for the entire Greater Mekong Subregion, and even ASEAN, as the event will set strategies and collaborations for rebuilding tourism in the region in the most sustainable way. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bagan, located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, dates back to the 9th centuries, and its pagodas have survived the changing times. There could be not a more perfect venue to define the future of tourism in the Greater Mekong subregion."

The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office is planning a half-day Virtual Mekong Tourism Forum via video conferencing in the afternoon of Tuesday, August 25th, with a focus on resilience and recovery of tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, via the public-private sector partnership framework Destination Mekong, has implemented various initiatives to collaborate with the tourism industry in the region during these challenging times, including the establishment of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG), Corona Virus Resource webpages to inform the industry about travel restrictions and policies, a support mechanism for its small businesses being part of the Experience Mekong Collection, and a partnership with Mekong Institute to curate innovative ideas and projects responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST) program has also opened its nomination period for 2020 with a focus on resilience. Other regional are in development, such as a new regional tourism social media campaign #MekongMemories to create a content cloud of past experiences to inspire people to #TravelTomorrow, and the new Mekong Deals platform to feature non-refundable vouchers sold by travel operators to help survive this crisis during this challenging time. A virtual travel trade platform to connect travel businesses in the Mekong Region to over 50,000 B2B buyers in the Chinese market is projected to launch in Q4 of 2020 in collaboration with leading travel technology and marketing firm Dragon Trail Interactive.

More information will be available shortly via www.MekongTourismForum.org and www.MekongTourism.org.
T he Government has been told to scrap its mandatory 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals amid fears it will be unenforceable.

New arrivals will simply be trusted to follow the new coronavirus rules and could bypass the restrictions through multiple loopholes, insiders have warned.

The intervention comes as criticism mounts from aviation chiefs and MPs, with Boris Johnsons former adviser warning it hangs the closed sign on Britain.

From June 8, travellers arriving in UK airports and sea ports will have to self-isolate for two weeks or face a 1,000 fine - but freight workers and Ireland arrivals are thought to be exempt.

The new rules will require UK arrivals to self-isolate for 14 days / PA

But fears have grown that the quarantine will simply be ignored if adherence to the rules is taken largely on trust.

I dont think itll be enforceable. The more exemptions you give, the more unworkable a policy becomes, former Labour home secretary Lord Blunkett told the Daily Mail.

The best thing the Government could do is to get off this as fast as possible and recognise that, given our current infection rate, its more likely that other countries would want to prevent our citizens visiting them than the other way round.

Aviation chiefs have warned the quarantine will severely damage the sector / PA

More than 70 travel bosses have written to Home Secretary Priti Patel to denounce it as the very last thing the travel industry needs and warning it will drain the already stalling economy.

Andrew Griffith, a former chief business adviser to Mr Johnson and now MP for Arundel and South Downs, said: A blanket quarantine hangs the Closed sign on Britain just as competitor nations lift their travel restrictions.

It is unscientific to apply it to countries with a lower rate of infection than our own  if a plane full of passengers from Iceland lands in the UK it would actually lower the average infection rate  and it is devastating for the wider economy.

Whitehall and Border Force sources told the paper that the already stretched border patrols could see scores of passengers pour into Britain each day untracked, while e-passport holders are thought to bypass checks altogether.

A Border Force source told the Daily Mail: "Frontline immigration officials have never been required to issue on-the-spot fines in this way before. Its a completely new way of doing things and no-one knows how its going to work."

Border Force sources warned scores of travellers could pour in unchecked / AFP via Getty Images

He said there had been no clear instruction on what to do if passengers simply refuse to sign the form that will tell officials where they plan to isolate.

The online form will reportedly not be linked to passports or a database, meaning border officers will need to manually check each one causing huge queues.

Loading....

A Downing Street source said: "The quarantine system is a way of protecting the virus coming into the country when we have got domestic levels of transmission down low, but we are of course considering ways in which travel to other countries could be allowed if it is safe to do so."

It comes as 40 MPs, including seven former ministers, who form the Future of Aviation Group have warned that unless the Government axes the plans millions of jobs in the travel industry will be at risk.

Easyjet became the latest airline this week to slash up to 30 per cent of its workforce, about 4,500 jobs, with British Airways and Ryanair among the other troubled firms.
Yves here. Good to see actual data that shows the considerable difference between how the press treated the pink pussyhats, versus both people of color and whites protesting police violence against blacks. But the media isnt the only part of the problem. Recall that when Black Lives Matter die-ins were becoming popular and getting media attention, the Democratic party managed to infiltrate many Black Lives Matter groups and the die-ins died off (Lambert chronicled this back in the day and can name names). Similarly, it isnt just Trump that called protestors against murder-by-cop thugs. As Lambert showed in Water Cooler yesterday, the sainted Obama did so at least twice during his term in office.

By Danielle K. Kilgo, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Indiana University. Originally published at The Conversation

A teenager held her phone steady enough to capture the final moments of George Perry Floyds life as he apparently suffocated under the weight of a Minneapolis police officers knee on his neck. The video went viral.

What happened next has played out time and again in American cities after high-profile cases of alleged police brutality.

Vigils and protests were organized in Minneapolis and around the United States to demand police accountability. But while investigators and officials called for patience, unrest boiled over. News reports soon carried images of property destruction and police in riot gear.

The general publics opinions about protests and the social movements behind them are formed in large part by what they read or see in the media. This gives journalists a lot of power when it comes to driving the narrative of a demonstration.

They can emphasize the disruption protests cause or echo the dog whistles of politicians that label protesters as thugs. But they can also remind the public that at the heart of the protests is the unjust killing of another black person. This would take the emphasis away from the destruction of the protests and toward the issues of police impunity and the effects of racism in its many forms.

The role journalists play can be indispensable if movements are to gain legitimacy and make progress. And that puts a lot of pressure on journalists to get things right.

My research has found that some protest movements have more trouble than others getting legitimacy. My co-author Summer Harlow and I have studied how local and metropolitan newspapers cover protests. We found that narratives about the Womens March and anti-Trump protests gave voice to protesters and significantly explored their grievances. On the other end of the spectrum, protests about anti-black racism and indigenous peoples rights received the least legitimizing coverage, with them more often seen as threatening and violent.

Forming the Narrative

Decades ago, scholars James Hertog and Douglas McLeod identified how news coverage of protests contributes to the maintenance of the status quo, a phenomenon referred to as the protest paradigm. They held that media narratives tend to emphasize the drama, inconvenience and disruption of protests rather than the demands, grievances and agendas of protesters. These narratives trivialize protests and ultimately dent public support.

Heres how this theoretically plays out today:

Journalists pay little attention to protests that arent dramatic or unconventional.

Knowing this, protesters find ways to capture media and public attention. They don pink pussy hats or kneel during the national anthem. They might even resort to violence and lawlessness. Now the protesters have the medias attention, but what they cover is often superficial or delegitimizing, focusing on the tactics and disruption caused and excluding discussion on the substance of the social movement.

We wanted to explore if this classic theory fit coverage from 2017  a year of large-scale protests accompanying the first year of Donald Trumps presidency.

To do so, we analyzed the framing of protest reporting from newspapers in Texas. The states size and diversity made it a good proxy for the country at large.

In all, we identified 777 articles by searching for terms such as protest, protester, Black Lives Matter and Womens March. This included reports written by journalists in 20 Texas newsrooms, such as the El Paso Times and the Houston Chronicle, as well as syndicated articles from sources like the Associated Press.

We looked at how articles framed the protests in the headline, opening sentence and story structure, and classified the reporting using four recognized frames of protest:

Riot: Emphasizing disruptive behavior and the use or threat of violence.

Confrontation: Describing protests as combative, focusing on arrests or clashes with police.

Spectacle: Focusing on the apparel, signs or dramatic and emotional behavior of protesters.

Debate: Substantially mentioning protesters demands, agendas, goals and grievances.

We also kept an eye out for sourcing patterns to identify imbalances that often give more credence to authorities than protesters and advocates.

Overall, news coverage tended to trivialize protests by focusing most often on dramatic action. But some protests suffered more than others.

Reports focused on spectacle more often than substance. Much was made of what protesters were wearing, crowd sizes  largeand small  celebrity involvement and flaring tempers.

The substance of some marches got more play than others. Around half of the reports on anti-Trump protests, immigration rallies, womens rights demonstrations and environmental actions included substantial information about protesters grievances and demands.

In contrast, Dakota Pipeline and anti-black racism-related protests got legitimizing coverage less than 25% of the time and were more likely to be described as disruptive and confrontational.

In coverage of a St. Louis protest over the acquittal of a police officer who killed a black man, violence, arrest, unrest and disruption were the leading descriptors, while concern about police brutality and racial injustice was reduced to just a few mentions. Buried more than 10 paragraphs down was the broader context: The recent St. Louis protests follow a pattern seen since the August 2014 killing of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson: the majority of demonstrators, though angry, are law-abiding.

As a consequence of variances in coverage, Texas newspaper readers may form the perception that some protests are more legitimate than others. This contributes to what we call a hierarchy of social struggle, in which the voices of some advocacy groups are lifted over others.

Lurking Bias

Journalists contribute to this hierarchy by adhering to industry norms that work against less-established protest movements. On tight deadlines, reporters may default to official sources for statements and data. This gives authorities more control of narrative framing. This practice especially becomes an issue for movements like Black Lives Matter that are countering the claims of police and other officials.

Implicit bias also lurks in such reporting. Lack of diversity has long plagued newsrooms.



In 2017, the proportion of white journalists at The Dallas Morning News and the Houston Chronicle was more than double the proportion of white people in each city.

Protests identify legitimate grievances in society and often tackle issues that affect people who lack the power to address them through other means. Thats why it is imperative that journalists do not resort to shallow framing narratives that deny significant and consistent space to air the afflicteds concerns while also comforting the very comfortable status quo.

This is an updated version of an article originally published on Jan. 16.
We have to put up with the fact that we may not get as many tourists as we did last year, but we should add this competitive advantage to our traditional competitive advantages, such as our history, our 8,000 years of winemaking, our cuisine, our culture and hospitality, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said recently.
KAMPALA  The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finace, Planning and Economic Development Keith Muhakanizi has said that the Country is now in a better position to forecast and plan better compared to 2 months ago when the coronavirus pandemic was difficult to predict and understand its trends.

Muhakanizi made the remarks on Saturday while appearing at Capital Gang talk show on Capital FM.

The PS said more than 2 million people are likely to fall back into poverty.

He said Ministry of Finance has steared clear impulsive decision making and opted for analysis and research before making decisions.

Unlike other countries, Uganda is facing the tripple effects of Covid-19, floods and locusts which has made the economy vulnerable, he said.

Government revenue has been affected. 650bn shillings of what we expected to get is already lost, he added.

He, however, assured the Country that the comprehensive plan to revive the economy will be revealed by President Yoweri Museveni in his State of the Nation address on June 4, 2020 and also in the Minister of Finance budget speech on 11th June 2020.

Government focus will be on ensuring that domestic arrears are paid in addition to repairing roads/ bridges, schools and health centres affected by floods especially in Kasese district, he said.

Muhakanizi also said Uganda Development Bank (UDB) will be recapitalized for small and medium enterprises to access cheap credit, adding that more funds will be made available through the Microfinance support centre to support informal sector through SACCOs.

Import substitution is high on the agenda and manufacturing will be supported to ensure that the import bill is reduced, he said.

Muhakanizi said the budget for next financial year will be adjusted to take care of the current demands.

Commenting on the changes in Management at Uganda Revenue Authority, Muhakanizi said they were sanctioned by the URA Board.

The challenge at URA is not even the changes in management by revenue collection which now stands at 13.6% of GDP.They should be collecting 15%-16% of GDP, said PS.

Related
Dr. Coleen Kivlahan knew what the result of her coronavirus test would be the moment she stepped outside her San Francisco home and sensed she was smelling a forest fire, a symptom that can accompany loss of smell.

Then that persistent cough kicked in. Those are two of the lasting symptoms. So it was no surprise that she tested positive on Wednesday. The surprise was that it had been at least 85 days that she has been infected with the coronavirus and 62 days since she first tested positive. That she is both alive and still has symptoms may be some kind of record for longevity for suffering the disease without hospitalization.

I belong to the very small club of persistent positives, said Kivlahan, who is executive medical director for all primary care at UC San Francisco. She has seen some 60 UCSF colleagues come down with the coronavirus, almost all going through a miserable few weeks and then test negative and be allowed to return to work.

For Kivlahan, the worst of the symptoms are over. She narrowly avoided hospitalization and the dreaded intubation. She is able to get out of bed and even enjoy the luxury of walking up a flight of stairs. But she has lived essentially in isolation with her husband at their home in Crocker-Amazon since March 6, 10 days before the citywide shelter-in-place order, and has no idea when it will end.

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

We dont know why I am persistently positive and when I am going to turn negative, she said in a phone interview following her test on Wednesday. Im anxious to join the world again.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, does not know Kivlahan and is unfamiliar with her case. But this is the first time he has heard of a patient still testing positive for the coronavirus nearly three months after infection. Within eight days of the onset of symptoms, the virus is normally dead.

I would be shocked if that is live virus, he said of Kivlahans positive test this week. My gut sense is that it is persistent fragments of the virus. This patient may be the exception, but no one really knows.

Chin-Hong said there are not enough data yet on COVID-19 survivors, but with other viruses there have been survivors who develop chronic symptoms like the ones Kivlahan cannot shake.

This is a club, she says, that I dont want to be in.

Kivlahan, who is 66 and in otherwise excellent health, is not sure when she joined the club. It was either Feb. 25 or March 3, the last two days she took time away from her administrative and faculty duties to work in the urgent care clinic at UCSF Parnassus.

On both days she wore a face mask and so did her patients, but there was no coronavirus test available to UCSF patients at that time, and on either day she was examining patients with the standard COVID-19 symptoms of fever and a cough.

I spent a lot more than 10 minutes closer than 6 feet with each patient, she said, so I was a direct hit.

As head of the clinical services side of primary care, Kivlahan oversees hundreds of doctors and thousands of patients, of all ages. She was among 100 UCSF leaders to attend the first strategic meeting on dealing with the coming pandemic, on March 6, three days after she had seen patients in the clinic. The meeting took most of a day, and late in the afternoon as she was hearing about the symptoms to recognize in patients, she started feeling them  chills and a fever. She got home just in time for her first cough.

It sounded just like the cough I had been hearing in the clinic, she said. I was having trouble breathing. I knew something was very bad.

She rested through the weekend and on Monday morning she went to UCSF for a nasal swab test and it came back negative, for both influenza and COVID-19. She was sent home to rest and began work on a meticulous medical diary that may serve as a case study some day.

Ive had malaria three times for my work overseas, she said, and I knew there was something severe about this virus.

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

The journal details her temperature, pulse rate and oxygen level any time she felt symptoms. It also details how, on March 11, her husband, Dave, developed the same symptoms. He also tested negative for the coronavirus but positive for human metapneumovirus, an upper respiratory infection known as HMPV.

Suddenly, we were both quite ill and had to figure out how to get food and medicine, and isolate from each other while being each others only caregiver, she wrote.

On March 15, Kivlahan tested negative for the coronavirus for the third time, but positive for HMPV and bronchitis.

She was given a 12-day course of steroids, and her symptoms waned. Her husband recovered, and she felt well enough to resume working while in bed as shed done all along. But she was hit with a second wave on March 25. She lost her voice, and by nightfall the cough had taken over. She had alternating chills and night sweats so bad that she changed the sheets twice.

The next morning, March 26, she made one of her now too-frequent visits to the UCSF Respiratory Care Clinic. It was one of lifes small strange victories that she finally tested positive for the coronavirus.

I felt relief actually, she wrote. I knew it had been hiding away, under the banner of HMPV, and waiting to take hold of me.

Within a few hours of the diagnosis, she lost her sense of smell and taste for food, which have been revealed in studies to be telltale symptoms. Neither one has come back.

I have a fake smell of smoke from forest fires all around me, she said. It always got worse around 6 p.m. with fever, burning eyes, headaches, nausea. By nighttime shed be so short of breath I couldnt get out of bed to go to the bathroom, and usually I walk 5 miles a day.

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.

But by morning she would feel that she was on the mend, until it started up again. Through it all, she was determined not to go to the hospital and did not want intubation.

For elderly people who are intubated, the mortality rate is high, she said. I was not confident that that was how I wanted to die.

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

She had the advantage of being able to constantly test herself with a digital thermometer, plus a device that measures the oxygen in the blood and a pulse cuff to measure her blood pressure.

They let me know where I was on the continuum, she said. I prayed that I would be conscious and cognitively clear enough to make a good decision to stay at home until I could not stay at home anymore.

That came on March 31. Her temperature spiked to 102.1, and the dry cough was so bad she packed up for the hospital. Dave was ready to drive her to UCSF.

I said, Give me one more hour, she recalled, and it slowly stabilized.

One of the mysteries is why Dave caught HMPV but it never advanced to COVID-19. He and Kivlahan have joined a UCSF study on couples, one of whom tests positive and the other doesnt. Chin-Hong said she is a model candidate for a second UCSF study being mounted called LIINC (Long-term Impact of Infection with Novel Coronavirus) being set up at San Francisco General Hospital.

How nice, she says, another club to belong to.

One of the first studies on survivors was published by the JAMA Network on May 22. Researchers at Hunan Normal University in China tracked 60 adult patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and been released from the hospital. After 14 days of home quarantine, they were tested again. Ten of the 60 still tested positive for up to 24 days after discharge. An earlier study suggested that patients could test positive up to 30 days after recovery.

But all of those patients were symptom-free. Kivlahan still has the lingering dry cough, tightness in her chest and an elevated heart rate. She still has not regained her sense of smell or taste. Saturday will make at least 88 days since she was infected.

What makes me unusual, and I share this with a small group of people throughout the world, is that my COVID nasal test remains positive this far out from my illness onset, she said. Thus we are in limbo  trusting that we are not infectious and that maybe we have antibodies that protect us if exposed ... or maybe not.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @samwhitingsf
Muslims wearing protective face masks sit spaced apart to help curb the spread of the coronavirus as they listen to a sermon during a Friday prayer at the Al Barkah Grand Mosque, Bekasi in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Image: AP)
Greece will allow tourists from Israel and Lebanon to visit in June.

As of June 15, Greece will allow visitors from Israel, Lebanon and several European countries for its peak summer tourism season, Reuters reported. The Mediterranean countrys economy relies heavily on tourism.

Israel and Lebanon are the only two countries on Greeces list in the Middle East. Both nations have been praised for their responses to the virus.

Israel received praise for stopping tourism and forcing people to stay home early on. The country also used surveillance technology to track people with the virus.

Lebanon has likewise been lauded for its relatively low numbers of just over 1,100, despite a worsening economic crisis and high population of refugees who lack access to hygiene materials.

Israel has had 16,987 confirmed COVID-19 cases, but only 1,976 remain active. Lebanon has registered only 1,172 cases, with about 400 remaining active.

Greece began a nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of COVID-19 in March, and has registered 2,909 cases. This number is relatively low in the European Union, according to Reuters.
A divided US Supreme Court on Friday rejected an emergency appeal by a California church that challenged state limits on attendance at worship services that have been imposed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

Over the dissent of the four more conservative justices, Chief Justice John Roberts joined the courts four liberals in turning away a request from the South Bay United Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista, California, in the San Diego area.

The church argued that limits on how many people can attend its services violate constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and had been seeking an order in time for services on Sunday. The church said it has crowds of 200 to 300 people for its services.

Roberts wrote in a brief opinion that the restrictions allowing churches to reopen at 25 percent of their capacity, with no more than 100 worshipers at a time, appear consistent" with the First Amendment. Roberts said similar or more severe limits apply to concerts, movies, and sporting events where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in dissent that the restriction discriminates against places of worship and in favor of comparable secular businesses. Such discrimination violates the First Amendment. He pointed to supermarkets, restaurants, hair salons, cannabis dispensaries, and other businesses that are not subject to the same restrictions.

Lower courts in California had previously turned down the churches' requests.

"I wish the Supreme Court had acted to bring more constitutional clarity to this pressing question, stated Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.

There is no dispute that the government has a compelling interest in restricting assemblies during times of pandemic, he stated, but several states, including Minnesota, California and Nevada, have pursued policies that are inconsistent, incoherent, and not neutral toward religious gatherings as opposed to non-religious gatherings.

States should set their policies according to the behaviors that can and cannot happen safely [and] the numbers of people that can be gatherednot on whether the assembly is a church or not a churchand they should apply those standards equally and neutrally, stated Moore.

The court also rejected an appeal from two churches in the Chicago area that objected to Gov. J. B. Pritzkers limit of 10 worshipers at religious services. Before the court acted, Pritzker modified the restrictions to allow for up to 100 people at a time. There were no recorded dissents.

Additional reporting by Jeremy Weber
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Saturday called for New York Attorney General Letitia James to review the protests that turned violent in Brooklyn.

The public deserves answers, and they deserve accountability, Cuomo said during a press conference.

The protests were among the many that took place around the nation in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday.

Cuomo said that James would review the incident in Brooklyn after videos surfaced of police being rough with protesters. The governor said that he hopes the review can be done within the next 30 days.

With more protests scheduled Saturday, he said that Mayor Bill de Blasio should be speaking with the police force about what actions should be taken to keep themselves and others safe.

People are going to have a lot of opinions about last night, Cuomo said. Thats why I think the smart way forward is ... an independent review. Lets figure out exactly what happened, what procedures were used, what was right, what was wrong.

When asked if he would support the repeal of Civil Rights law 50-A, which shields police disciplinary records, he vowed to sign a law that would clarify the circumstances that fall under 50-A protections.

Just to make it simple, I would sign a bill today that reforms 50-A, Cuomo said. I would sign it today. So the Legislature can now convene by Zoom, or however they do it, pass the bill, and I will sign it today. I cant be clearer or more direct than that.

The Legal Aid Society, an organization that fights for the rights of New Yorkers, gave a similar call-to-action to public officials.

Now, more than ever, with police violence raging unchecked in cities across the country, New York must live up to its progressive ideals by ending police secrecy, the organization issued in a statement. "We call upon the New York Legislature to immediately reconvene in Albany to pass Senator Jamaal Bailey and Assembly Member Danny ODonnells bill to fully repeal 50-A.

Furthermore, Cuomo denounced violence as the answer to racial injustices.

Violence obscures the righteousness of the message, the governor said. Demand better. Demand justice. But not violence."

INEQUALITY AND CORONAVIRUS

The protests following Floyds death come in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak with New York City still under a state stay-at-home order.

Cuomo said that the issue of inequality in the healthcare system and criminal justice system are not disconnected situations.

Across the nation, more people of color have died from the virus than white people, he said.

The George Floyd death was not just about George Floyd, he said. Its not just 30 years [of discrimination]. Its this nations history of discrimination dating back hundreds of years, and thats whats behind this anger and frustration."

When protesting, the governor explained that it is important that coronavirus is not brushed aside.

Despite having a right to protest, Cuomo said that protesters do not have the right to infect other people.

The governor urged that, if you plan to protest, you should demonstrate with a mask on.

** CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK **
Berlin, May 30 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not attend the G7 summit in Washington due to the coronavirus pandemic, state media reported Saturday, citing government spokesperson Steffen Seibert.

US President Donald Trump said on May 20 that he was aiming for a real G7 summit in Washington in late June as a sign of normalization, reports Xinhua news agency.

The summit was originally scheduled for June 10-12 at the presidential retreat of Camp David, Maryland.

In March, however, the US government cancelled the arrangement because of the pandemic and scheduled a video conference instead.

Merkel had initially left open whether she would accept Trump's invitation to participate in a video conference.

In whatever form this meeting takes place, "whether as a video conference or otherwise, I will definitely fight for multilateralism. That is very clear, both in the G7 and the G20", the Chancellor said on May 20.

Camp David is the country retreat for the US President, some 68 miles from Washington D.C.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A fire tore through an overcrowded maximum security prison in Cameroons port city of Douala on Thursday leading to the hospitalisation of three prisoners with serious burns, a local fire chief said.



Firefighters backed up by police were able to contain the blaze and stop it spreading beyond New Bell jail, which sits in a densely populated neighbourhood of the commercial capital, close to the central market.



The operation was made more difficult by the layout and the large number of inmates, fire brigade chief Kadrey Abdiel said.



Human rights groups say Cameroons prisons suffer from chronic overcrowding, poor sanitation conditions and disease, and cases of violence and torture are frequent. New Bell was built in the 1930s for 800 inmates, but held around 2,500 as of 2011, according to Amnesty International.



Three severely burned prisoners were evacuated, while two firefighters were injured, Abdiel said.



Crowds of onlookers had gathered outside the prison, where a large plume of dark smoke billowed from the roof.



A few inmates had tried to climb over the prisons walls, but police around the perimeter stopped them escaping, regional Governor Samuel Ivaha Diboua told journalists.



It was not immediately clear what started the fire.

Source: africanews.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
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 29 times, Trend reports on May 30 referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The Armenian armed forces were using sniper rifles.

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.
The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to ensure that the identities and other details of Covid-19 patients are not revealed to general public and inter-department communications.

Acting on a PIL demanding a high-level inquiry into the disclosure of identities of 13 persons infected by Covid-19 in Kendrapara district, the division bench of Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice BR Sarangi directed the state government not to reveal the names of such patients.

As of now, 1,819 people in 29 districts of the state have tested positive for Covid-19, of those, 1,050 recovered and seven died. Two others who had tested positive for Covid-19 this month, were said to have died of other diseases, the health department said.

For Coronavirus Live Updates

The State authorities are directed to ensure that the identity of any person, who is admitted to Covid centres - any Government or private hospital or quarantine centre in the State - found infected with coronavirus is not disclosed/publicised either in any intra-departmental communication or in any media platform including social media, the division bench said.

The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19

The interim order of the court came after one Ananga Kumar Otta filed a petition seeking action against officials and other persons whose negligence led to the revelation of identities of 13 persons in Kendrapara district.

Incidentally, the state government on April 5 had made an exception by intentionally announcing the name of a 60-year-old man from Bhubaneswar after they could not detect the source of his Covid-19 infection. The man also suffered from other diseases like diabetes and hypertension. He was discharged from hospital early this month.
Previous pandemics have often disproportionately impacted ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. While early evidence suggests that the same may be occurring in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, research into the subject remains limited.

A team of researchers at the University of Glasgow and Public Health Scotland, UK analysed data on 392,116 participants in the UK Biobank study, a large long-term study investigating the contribution of genes and the environment to the development of disease.

UK Biobank data, which include information on social and demographic factors, such as ethnicity and socioeconomic position, health and behavioural risk factors, were linked to results of COVID-19 tests conducted in England between 16th March 2020 and 3rd May 2020.

Out of the total number of participants whose data were analysed, 348,735 were White British, 7,323 were South Asian and 6,395 were from black ethnic backgrounds. 2,658 participants had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 and 948 had at least one positive test. Out of those, 726 received a positive test in a hospital setting, suggesting more severe illness.

The authors found that, compared to people from white British backgrounds, the risks of testing positive were largest in in black and South Asian minority groups who were 3.4 and 2.4 times more likely to test positive, respectively, with people of Pakistani ethnicity at highest risk in the south Asian group (3.2 times more likely to test positive).

Ethnic minorities also were more likely to receive their diagnosis in a hospital setting, which suggests more severe illness. The observed ethnic differences in infection risk did not appear to be fully explained by differences in pre-existing health, behavioural risk factors, country of birth, or socioeconomic differences.

The authors also found that living in a disadvantaged area was associated with a higher risk of testing positive, particularly for the most disadvantaged (2.2 times more likely to test positive compared to the least disadvantaged), as was having the lowest level of education (2.0 times more likely to test positive compared to the highest level of education).

The findings suggest that some ethnic minority groups, especially black and South Asian people may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse consequences of COVID-19. An immediate policy response is needed to ensure that the health system is responsive to the needs of ethnic minority groups, according to the authors.

This should include ensuring that health and care workers, who often are from minority ethnic populations, have access to the necessary protective personal equipment. Timely communication of guidelines to reduce the risk of being exposed to the virus in a range of languages should also be considered.

The authors caution that test result data was only available for England. Those who were more advantaged were more likely to participate in the UK Biobank study and ethnic minorities may be less well represented.

Further research is needed to investigate whether these findings are reflective of the broader UK population, alongside analysis of other datasets examining how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects different ethnic and socioeconomic groups, including in representative samples across different countries.
In Pakistan, many poor Christians and members of religious minorities continue to be denied food aid and basic necessities during the Covid- 19 emergency.

By Robin Gomes

Some Muslim charities and mosques have denied their food aid and emergency kits to Christians and members of minority communities.

Cecil Shane Chaudhry, the executive director of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference (PCBC), made the observation to the international Catholic charity and foundation, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Discrimination against Christians

Chaudhry argued that with Covid-19, everyone is at risk regardless of their religion. Hence, it is unjust that Christians and other minorities be denied emergency aid, especially when they are among those hardest hit.

The NCJP executive director urged the Pakistani government to target aid to the most vulnerable and provide masks, gloves and other protective equipment to health and domestic workers.

In the latest tally, nearly 66,500 cases of Covid-19 infection have been reported in Pakistan, with close to 1,400 deaths. According to Chaudhry, many cases go unreported.

ACN approves grant for Pakistan

ACN International executive president, Thomas Heine-Geldern lamented that even during this global crisis, such minorities are being clearly disadvantaged, in Pakistan. ACN has taken action to provide food and other Covid-19 emergency aid to more than 5,000 of the poorest families in Pakistan. On 28 May, it approved a grant targeting the most vulnerable in the capital, Islamabad, as well as in Rawalpindi, and the Dioceses of Lahore and Faisalabad.

Vulnerable Christians

Heine-Geldern observed that Christians are among the poorest and hardest hit by the lockdown in Pakistan. He said the emergency has deprived them of their already meagre livelihoods and forced them to live through the crisis in extremely cramped and overcrowded conditions with a minimum of resources.

He said many Christians earn the lowest wages, working as day labourers, domestic servants, cleaners or kitchen staff. All these areas of employment, he said, are precisely the ones that have been most impacted by the economic shutdown.

Many Christian employees have been dismissed without notice by families for whom they have worked for years. The ACN Executive President said these employers fear the poor may bring infection into their homes.

Awareness creation, PPE, Mass stipends

In Faisalabad, the ACN emergency aid programme includes the use of radio and social media to raise awareness of the risks of coronavirus and ways to protect against it. ACN has planned to distribute facemasks for the faithful in churches and equip priests, nuns, catechists, diocesan staff and volunteers with personal protection equipment.

As part of its COVID-19 programme for Pakistan, ACN is providing Mass stipends for 70 priests in the Archdiocese of Lahore, four priests at the Redemptoris Mater Major Seminary, Karachi, and another four priests at St Francis Xavier Seminary, Lahore.

ACN announced a 5 million COVID-19 emergency fund in April. It recently approved grants providing emergency aid to more than 20,000 families in Syria.
Press Release

May 30, 2020 TESTING CENTER TO BE OPENED IN CAGAYAN DE ORO, TO ENHANCE PRC'S COVID-TESTING CAPACITY- GORDON Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, expressed optimism that the PRC's COVID-19 testing capacity will be enhanced by the opening of a testing center in Cagayan De Oro, which will be built through the generosity of Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (Lysol Philippines). Gordon, on Friday, received the donation for the construction of a molecular laboratory in Cagayan De Oro, which will be equipped with two polymerase reaction chain machines that are capable of running a combined total of 2,000 tests per day. "We welcome Lysol, one of the biggest companies in the world, as our partner in helping control the spread of COVID-19. They are a company who has invested most of their resources to studying pathogens and developing solutions that can kill these...," he said. Aside from donating funds for the facility, Lysol Philippines, represented by its general manager in the country, Aleli Arcilla, also donated an equivalent amount to the PRC's COVID Samaritan fund intended to cover testing costs for indigent Filipinos. The company also donated Lysol products. "Your generosity will allow us to build another testing center and has contributed significantly to our COVID-18 Samaritan fund that will shoulder the processing fees to test around 5,000 Filipinos from the most susceptible groups. Thank you and also to Lysol South East Asia general manager Gonzalo Balcanzar," Gordon said. The PRC already opened three molecular laboratories in order to ensure victory over COVID by unmasking the virus in order to isolate, conduct contact tracing and treat those who are infected. Two of the facilities are located in PRC's national headquarters along EDSA, while the other one is located in its former national headquarters in Port Area, Manila. All three facilities are equipped with four PCR machines each that capable of running a combined total of 12,000 tests per day. The PRC is also set to open testing centers in Subic, Clark, Batangas, Laguna and Cebu in the next few weeks and several others will be constructed in other areas across the country.
But his spare words amounted to a bet that other white Americans now share the equally concise sentiment he expressed earlier Friday on Twitter: Enough.

He is wagering that the necessity for on-the-other-hand politics, the sort he and his party have long practiced to appeal to the center, has been obviated by a pandemic that is disproportionately sickening and killing people of color; by the now-common stories of people like Christian Cooper, a black man threatened by a white woman while birding in Central Park; and by the names of the deceased Mr. Biden read off at the start of his speech, whose true fate is known only because of cellphone cameras that do not lie.

I think the reaction of a lot of white people is now just, Damn man, this is bad, James Carville, the Democratic strategist, said, referring to shifting sensibilities about the treatment of minorities. The technology has just brought this home to people, that this is really what is happening.

The forcefulness of Mr. Bidens remarks was a pleasant surprise to some black Democrats, who have witnessed him commit a string of gaffes related to race, and were skeptical that a 77-year-old white man could channel African-American anguish.

Joe Biden went there, said Bakari Sellers, a Democratic activist who has written about growing up black in the rural South. Even Barack Obama hedged on issues of race and was not always clear in his language. But to be completely fair, Im not sure Barack Obama could have given that speech.

Former Senator Carol Moseley Braun, the nations first black female senator, added, I just need voters to see the Joe Biden I know, who is very clear on race and racism.

But Mr. Biden has not always made that easy, and Ms. Moseley Braun said his campaign must do more to communicate with voters on this subject, especially after Mr. Bidens remark last week suggesting that African-Americans torn between himself and Mr. Trump aint black. The immediate backlash prompted him to apologize hours later.
In Defense of Democracy in Venezuela

Press Statement

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

May 29, 2020



The United States reaffirms our commitment to Venezuela's legitimate National Assembly and the 100 deputies across all party lines under interim President Guaido's leadership, who daily face threats and intimidation by the illegitimate former Maduro regime. We strongly condemn the illegitimate former Maduro regime's most recent attempt to destroy Venezuela's last remaining democratic institution, the National Assembly, and depose National Assembly President and interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaido. The May 26 sham ruling  by the former Maduro regime-aligned and illegitimate Supreme Court  purporting to confer the National Assembly presidency on a deputy who received regime bribes to orchestrate a pretended takeover of the institution. This is appalling.

Maduro, his security forces, and his lackeys in the illegitimate Supreme Court have led a sustained assault on the National Assembly. They issued sham sentences against dozens of parliamentarians, forcing them into exile. They continue the arbitrary detention of political prisoners, including Guaido's Chief of Staff Roberto Marrero, and National Assembly deputies Gilber Caro, Tony Geara, Ismael Leon, Renzo Prieto, and Juan Requesens. We demand their release and we reiterate again our demand that the unjust imprisonment of the CITGO 6 be ended.

The United States reiterates our support for a peaceful resolution to Venezuela's crisis and urges all parties to consider the Democratic Transition Framework for Venezuela as a pathway towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Venezuela. This can only happen with an end to regime attacks against democratically elected officials.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






ADDIS ABABA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent surpassed 129,565 as the death toll from the ongoing pandemic surged to 3,790 as of Friday afternoon, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.

Figures from the Africa CDC also showed that some 53,414 people who have been infected with the COVID-19 have recovered across the continent as of Friday afternoon.

Figures from the Africa CDC showed that amid the rapid spread of the virus across the continent, the highly COVID-19 affected African countries include South Africa with 27,403 confirmed cases, Egypt with 20,793 confirmed cases, Algeria with 8,997 confirmed cases, Nigeria with 8,915 confirmed cases, Morocco with 7,643 confirmed cases, and Ghana with 7,303 confirmed cases.

The Africa CDC said that the Northern African region is the most affected area across the continent both in terms of positive COVID-19 cases, as well as the number of deaths. Enditem
Jeffrey Epstein's former butler has broken his decade-long silence to urge Prince Andrew to co-operate with the FBI.

Juan Alessi, 70, has alleged that Prince Andrew attended naked pool parties at Epstein's Florida home 19 years ago and that massage tables would be set up for the Duke of York.

Alessi, who started working for Epstein in 1991, has previously been interviewed by the FBI, police and victims' lawyers about his former employer and about Prince Andrew.

According to the Mirror Alessi said that he met the Duke of York twice at Epstein's Florida house but never saw him interacting with any girls.

Juan Alessi, 70, has alleged that Prince Andrew attended naked pool parties at Epstein's Florida home 19 years ago and that massage tables would be set up for the Duke of York

In a sworn statement to Palm Beach police in 2005, the ex-butler said that the prince stayed for weeks at a time at Epstein's home in the 'blue room'.

He also told the Mirror he never saw Prince Andrew naked or when he was having massages and that he also left a $140 tip for Alessi when he left.

The former butler said: 'Maybe he has something to hide. I don't know. I don't know what happened beyond that.'

Epstein, 66, committed suicide last August and Alessi has chosen to speak out now because he says his confidentiality agreement died when his employer did.

Alessi said that one of his jobs as Epstein's butlers was to clean the sex toys used by Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell  who Alessi described as 'the devil'.

He alleges that Maxwell knew what Epstein was involved in and that she had made him drive around Palm Beach looking for girls who could give Epstein a massage.

Alessi claims he was also tasked with paying the girls after withdrawing $10,000 from the bank for Epstein  he said he didn't know what he had been paying the girls for.

One alleged victim suggested that Maxwell had demonstrated the correct way to perform oral sex on Epstein.

Alessi said: 'The FBI needs to talk to Ghislaine. She knows more than anyone. Whole days she spent recruiting girls. I was driving. I wish I had known what for. I would stop at a massage parlour.'

Alessi said that one of his jobs as Epstein's butlers was to clean the sex toys used by Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell  who Alessi described as 'the devil'. Pictured: Deborah Blohm (left), Jeffrey Epstein (middle) and Ghislaine Maxwell (right) at a party at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, 1995

It is not believed the Duke of York has co-operated with the ongoing FBI investigation in Epstein.

Prince Andrew has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Alessi also said that he had been secretly visited by Virginia Roberts where she had explained to the former butler what had happened to her.

He also claims to have challenged his former employer on one occasion and is glad that he has broken his silence on Epstein who he calls a coward.

He hopes that the Duke of York will co-operate with the ongoing investigation.

A friend of Prince Andrew told the Mirror that the duke was only being accused of having made a poor choice in an acquaintance by Alessi.

MailOnline have approached the Duke's representatives for comment.

Earlier this month it was reported that police were monitoring 112 'red alert' stalkers of the after the number almost doubled since's disastrous interview.

Security expert Richard Aitch, who is projects director at Mobius International, said: 'The Prince Andrew controversy and the strongly critiqued television interview creates an increase in disregard for the Royal Family, that potentially could have dangerous ramifications.'
By PTI

LONDON: An Indian-origin doctor, who has crowdfunded more than 53,000 pounds towards a legal battle against the UK government over the lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for doctors and nurses on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, led a silent protest to Downing Street here to raise awareness over the issue.

Dr Meenal Viz, who is eight months pregnant, was joined by a group of medics dressed in scrubs and face masks at the "Doctors, not Martyrs" protest on Thursday evening, where they stared down the armed police on guard outside UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office.

The protest coincided with the weekly "clap for carers" initiative, held every Thursday at 8 pm local UK time to honour key workers on the frontline of the pandemic fightback.

Johnson also stepped out of his No.

10 Downing Street door to mark the 10th week of the initiative to honour National Health Service (NHS) workers and carers in the wider community.

"I want to thank each and every one of our wonderful NHS and care workers for the incredible, selfless work they do to look after us all," he wrote on Twitter.

Just a few steps away, the small group of protesters staged their socially distanced silent protest.

"As a doctor, I've appreciated your support during #ClapFor Carers. But instead of clapping, I'll observe silence in remembrance of my 237 colleagues who have died during the pandemic," said Viz.

"The government love to talk. This was our show of pure silence to cut through that," she said.

Viz, along with her doctor husband Nishant Joshi, are in the process of seeking a judicial review in the High Court in London after receiving what they believe are "unconvincing" responses from the government over "risky" guidance issued on the use of life-saving PPE, such as surgical gowns.

The legal challenge against the guidance, which applies to healthcare and social care workers, claims that it reduces the requirement to wear PPE and allows for re-use of some PPE.

It is argued that this goes against World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance and puts healthcare workers at risk, breaching their legal protections at work and their human rights.

PPE covers equipment such as surgical masks, gloves, aprons, gowns, goggles and full-face visors required based on the levels of exposure to infection among healthcare professionals.

"This case is about protecting frontline health and social care workers and ensuring they have the minimal protections they need to work as safely as possible. In the face of what the government itself calls 'acute shortages' of PPE, there remain some baseline protections which the government must respect," Estelle Dehon, a barrister representing the couple.

"The WHO guidelines are designed to maintain those protections despite acute shortages of PPE and the Government has not explained why it has taken a different approach that causes greater risk for frontline staff," she said.

The couple said they had asked "simple questions" in a pre-action legal letter and had hoped for an open dialogue and swift resolution with UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

"Dr Viz and Dr Joshi cannot wait any longer, given the urgent need to protect health care workers, their families and ultimately their patients," said Jamie Potter, Partner at Bindmans LLP and their solicitor.

The Department of Health has not commented on the legal challenge directly but has previously stressed that measures are in place to minimise risk.

Earlier this week addressing a daily Downing Street briefing, Hancock said that "significant progress" had been made on issues surrounding PPE.

"While we continue to improve the logistics and work hard to get everyone, the PPE that they need these new supplies mean that we're not simply keeping up with demand, we are now able to begin to replenish our stockpiles," the health minister said.

"There is a lot further to go on PPE, as on so many things, but we have made significant progress, and I'd like to thank everybody involved. PPE of course is so important, because it's about protecting the people who protect us. And we'll do that for as long as the virus remains on these shores," he said.
Stamping out COVID-19 is within Australia's sights as the growth of new cases slows to a trickle, but a leading infectious disease expert says it will take at least a year of living with restrictions before the coronavirus could be declared eliminated.

Professor Raina MacIntyre from the University of NSW Kirby Institute said that although the number of confirmed cases in Australia was now low, the key to eliminating COVID-19 was in stamping out community transmission, where the virus spreads without a known source.

Professor Raina MacIntyre says Australia could eliminate the coronavirus, but it will take vigilance and time. Credit:Peter Braig

"Elimination means not having sustained domestic transmission," Professor MacIntyre said.

"Australia can achieve this, but it would require a demonstration of a sustained period of low disease incidence - probably a year or more."
A suspected murderer involved in the death of Aziz Memon pled guilty before a local court in Naushero Feroze district. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) appreciate the progress and urge authorities to continue the investigation until all culprits responsible are brought to justice.

Karachi Police chief additional inspector general (AIG) and head of the joint investigation team, Ghulam Nabi Memon addressed the media on May 29 revealing police arrested Nazeer Sehto for the murder of Aziz Memon who also shared the names of his accomplices during questioning. According to the AIG, Nazeers DNA matched the sample taken from the crime scene underneath Aziz Memons nails. Police also arrested Farhan Sehto and Ameera Sehto who appeared before the court with Nazeer on May 29.

Aziz Memon was a journalist associated with the Sindhi-language Daily Kawish and KTN News whose body was recovered from a canal in Naushero Feroze on February 16, 2020 with a wire tied around his neck. Police are currently looking for five other suspects, including the alleged mastermind Mushtaq Sheto and investigating the motive behind Aziz Memon's murder. The AIG suggested the killing was related to a personal enmity.

While Hafeezur Rehman Memon, Aziz Memons brother, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the investigation, he added his brother only had enemies as a result of his work as a journalist, not because of any personal conflict.

PFUJ said: The PFUJ calls on the government of Pakistan to investigate the case further to provide justice and punish the culprit/s.

The IFJ said: The IFJ is closely observing the developments in Aziz Memons murder case. The IFJ calls on the Pakistani government to continue investigating the case with the utmost sensitivity and bring Aziz Memons killers to justice.
Joel Edgerton knew there was something special about Animal Kingdom while he was making it  but he had no idea it would become one of the most acclaimed Australian movies of all time or launch so many of its key cast and crew internationally.

"It was special in that I was making a film with a really, really close friend," he says, referring to writer-director David Michod, with whom he reteamed on last years Netflix feature The King. "There was a pride attached to it. I was only on it for two weeks and I remember feeling jealous because I couldnt stick around for longer. But you cant really hang around on a movie set if youre not needed."

Writer-director David Michod with Jacki Weaver on the set of Animal Kingdom in 2009. Credit:Tony Mott

This Sunday, Edgerton, Michod and fellow star of the gritty crime drama, Ben Mendelsohn, will revisit the movie and the life-changing impact it had on so many careers in a free virtual interactive Q&A to mark the 10th anniversary of its release.

For Michod, it is likely to be a bitter-sweet experience. "I cant bear looking at my films, they just make me squirm," he says from the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, where he is recovering from an operation to repair a badly broken wrist (he fell off a ladder while trying to pull weeds from a tree).
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has offered the use of active-duty soldiers and intelligence to assist in quelling unrest in Minnesota, including some forces who were put on alert to deploy, national and state officials said Saturday.

Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, acknowledged the offer as he announced that he was mobilizing the entire Minnesota National Guard. He did so after several nights of rioting in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed in police custody this week in Minneapolis while handcuffed and on video.

Walz downplayed the significance of Pentagon's offer to send U.S. armed forces, saying that "this has happened before" where soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and other parts of the Army are put "on readiness."

"They're not talking about mobilizing the entire United States Army," Walz said. "We're probably talking about in the neighborhood of several hundred" soldiers.

The Pentagon's chief spokesman, Jonathan Rath Hoffman, said in a statement on Saturday that Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, had talked to Walz twice in the last day, and "expressed the department's readiness to provide support to local and state authorities as requested."

While there is no request from Walz for active-duty forces at this time, the Pentagon has directed U.S. Northern Command "to increase the alert status of several units should they be requested by the Governor to support Minnesota authorities," Hoffman said. The units normally maintain a 48-hour recall time to support states through things like natural disasters, and now are on a four-hour status, Hoffman said.

In Washington, President Donald Trump said that officials in Minnesota need to be tougher, citing police who withdrew from a police station before it was burned on Thursday night. He drew a distinction between the use of active-duty forces and the National Guard.

"We have our military ready, willing and able, if they ever want to call our military," Trump said. "And we can have troops on the ground very quickly if they ever want our military."

Trump also tweeted, "Crossing State lines to incite violence is a FEDERAL CRIME! Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher or the Federal Government will step in and do what has to be done, and that includes using the unlimited power of our Military and many arrests."

But Walz appeared set to carry out a plan that includes a significantly beefed up National Guard presence instead. He said the mobilization of the entire Minnesota National Guard, which has about 13,200 members, has never happened in the state's history. The doesn't mean that all members will be involved, but he said the effort will be significantly larger than the 700 guardsmen who were on duty on Friday night.

"By this afternoon, our hope is to exponentially have that force out there," Walz said, adding that he also anticipates getting "significant support" from the National Guard forces of neighboring states.

The news of the active-duty alerts was first reported by the Associated Press, which said soldiers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Drum, New York. The units include military police forces, but other forces are involved, a senior defense official said on Saturday, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Senior Pentagon officials are discussing ways that the military might be able to assist in Minnesota that do not require the Insurrection Act, the official said. The law allows President Trump to use federal troops to put down lawlessness.

The senior official cited crowd control as one example where the active-duty military might have a role under that limited model, and arrests as one example where they would not.

"No one in the department is talking about invoking the Insurrection Act," the official said. He added that the Defense Department is "going in support of the governor, and that's our touchstone: What does the governor need to be successful."

Walz also said that Esper and Milley were "able to provide their intelligence support of what they're seeing, what they're signal intercepting." He did not elaborate, and defense officials did not immediately have clarification on what that could entail.

Walz said that over the last 48 hours, peaceful protest in Minnesota has "morphed into something very different." He said that he expects that authorities will soon release information about who some of the people arrested are. Many of them, he said, are not from Minnesota.

John Harrington, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said that they have seen some white supremacists say that they are coming to Minnesota, and others who have advocated for looting.

"We are in the process right now of building that information network, and building that intel network," he said.

Foreign intelligence services, especially the Russians, often use domestic unrest in the United States to their advantage by exaggerating that unrest through social media and influence operations, said Mick Mulroy, a former Pentagon official and retired CIA offer who is now an ABC News analyst.

The operations often take advantage of legitimate protests, hijacking them by advocating destructive acts such as the burning and destruction of property that reduce the American people's confidence in their own government, Mulroy said. If there is evidence that any other countries are doing this, he said, there needs to be direct and real consequences for them.

- - -

The Washington Post's Missy Ryan contributed to this report.
Maya Lalchandani

Around the time that Dr Renu Mahtani worked in a hospital ICU, she developed psoriasis, an incurable skin disease. Badly affected and bleeding, she realised it was stress-related, as she had long working hours and two small children.

She started exploring breathing techniques in yoga and at once her condition improved. That started her experiments with various schools of yoga and she completely healed herself.

Consequently, Renu, who holds an MBBS, an MD in internal medicine and a fellowship in metabolic and nutritional medicine (USA), founded ParamYoga with fellow teachers to demystify yoga. Her Medical Yoga Therapy course assimilates her qualifications in medicine and yoga, and she has trained over 200 yoga and gym teachers so far.

A practising physician for the past 30 years, Renu is also a vitamin D evangelist. Her conviction came about due to her own personal experience. After menopause, she developed an auto-immune disease and her face became dark. Despite her yoga, she realised her body needed nutritional corrections.

During her fellowship, she came across the work of a doctor in Brazil, Dr Cicero Coimbra, who was managing autoimmune diseases with higher than normal doses of vitamin D. Inspired, she tried a combination of supplements for herself. Today, my skin is much better, my vitamin D levels are high, and I havent felt the need to use sunscreen for two years, she affirms. We ask her more about the wonder vitamin.

Why do so many Indians have vitamin D deficiency?

Its a concern not just in India, but globally. Though we are blessed with a tropical climate, urban India has sun-phobia and we stay indoors for fear of getting dark or to avoid the heat. A large chunk of Indians are vegetarians, and vegetarian food does not have vitamin D either. Our ancestors got 90 percent of their vitamin D from sunlight. But now supplements are needed.

Renu Mahtani.

How does vitamin D deficiency affect overall health?

Vitamin D is only just for the skin or bones, but many autoimmune diseases as well  from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type-1 diabetes and psoriasis, to hypothyroidism. Im treating all these with vitamin D and am seeing excellent results, even reversals in the MRIs of multiple-sclerosis patients. Ask your doctor to try this with the right supplements  you will see remarkable results.

What are the right amounts?

Ninety percent of Indians are deficient in vitamin D. The doses that were recommended earlier were primarily to prevent rickets. I believe that a minimum level of 60 ng/mL gives you strong immunity.

Any tips for these times of COVID-19?

People at risk of influenza or COVID-19 should take vitamin D supplements for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25 (OH) D concentrations. The goal is to raise the bodys level to 40-60 ng/mL. For those who test COVID-positive or work on the front-lines, higher doses might be useful.

Photo: Pixabay. First published in eShe magazine
As the world faces the deepest slump since the Great Depression (the IMF view, not mine), it might have been expected that the four-year warfare between Leave and Remain would fade.

After all, even on the most dismal of Brexit forecasts, a UK loss of output of 3.5 per cent over several years is hardly in the same category as the Bank of England's Covid-19 projection of a 25 per cent collapse in second-quarter output and a 14 per cent decline over the full year.

The tendency is still to see much of what goes on in the nation's political life through the Brexit prism. When the UK failed to sign up to an EU-wide initiative to procure ventilators, it was seen as the result of anti-EU sentiment on Downing Street. Never mind that the initiative came long after several European countries selfishly had secured their own supplies.

Moving in opposite directions: Europe's nationalist and selfish response to the pandemic is supportive of the UK's referendum decision, reinforced by the December 19 election, to leave

Similarly, the great fuss over Dominic Cummings's madcap journey to Durham and careless excursion to Barnard Castle (for which he should have been sacked) was seized upon by his Remain opponents as red meat. The Government is now being criticised for pursuing the best of all worlds. It is accused of seeking a trade deal with the EU which incorporates zero-tariffs, zero quotas and special arrangements for fishing, financial services et al, which may be impossible to deliver.

Maybe not. But it is worth negotiating from a maximalist position.

What the coronavirus crisis has shown is that when it comes to real emergencies, EU members do not move in lockstep.

It has been a case of every country for itself. Austria was quick to close its borders. German-based Roche factories made sure that the host country was serviced first and exports shockingly banned.

State-aid laws were thrown to the wind when it came to bailing out Lufthansa and other flag carriers. Only now, with the peak well passed, have Germany and France decided that an EU-wide fiscal rescue of 650 billion is necessary.

Contrast the scale of this with other G7 advanced countries. The US has thrown 2.5trillion at the problem and there may be more to come. Japan started out close to the 1trillion mark and is still expanding its response. Here in Britain, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak was speedily out of the box with his furlough, self-employed and bank support schemes for business in a fiscal splurge which pushes the national debt up to 2trillion for the first time.

That is not to diminish the significance of the miserly EU response. A key driver of Angela Merkel's almost certainly was the German constitutional court ruling that rescue of the eurozone, via the European Central Bank, is out of bounds.

Anything which overcomes reversion to nationalism and 'me first' in Europe has to be an advance. The EU resisted any common fiscal measures during the financial crisis and in the 2010 eurozone calamity, which arose in Greece and spread to Spain and Italy. The prospect of Brussels issuing bonds, in the name of the EU, to finance fiscal transfers to other parts of the union is a breakthrough. One can imagine the outrage in pre-Leave UK if HM Treasury had been asked to cover a sovereign guarantee to its share of the fund which would have been in the order of 90 billion.

But like much that happens in Europe, a deal is not cut and dry yet. The 'frugal four' nations  the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Austria  are not keen on setting a precedent which encourages fiscal transfers to the perceived irresponsible countries in 'Club Med'. The case for is that the programme is a one-off to deal with the impact of the pandemic. But there is a tradition of one-off measures, such as funding to support Italian banks, being rolled over.

The UK does not have a dog in this fight. If anything, Europe's nationalist and selfish response to the pandemic is supportive of the UK's referendum decision, reinforced by the December 19 election, to leave.

Nevertheless, no one can look at troubles inside the EU with any equanimity. The EU is the UK's biggest trading partner and a critical market for our tourist, creative industries and financial sector.

So it is to be hoped that the EU panjandrums sort themselves out.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

It is not possible to quickly return to pre-coronavirus conditions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said at a meeting of the Iran's National Committee on Combating Coronavirus on May 30, Trend reports citing IRINN.

Rouhani noted that people plan to return to normal conditions within 15 days, one or two months; however, it is necessary to change the way of life for a long time, to accept the limitations and acknowledge that the virtual world is a part of life.

The head of state added that it is no longer possible for 10-20 people to sit together as before.

"You have to forget about this for months. All meetings should be conducted at a social distance," he said.

"Currently, the situation is more difficult than in the first months of the infection from February 20 to April 20, because infected people had symptoms. At present, some infected people do not have symptoms, and the number of carriers of the virus is growing," he said.

The president said that although the number of the infection cases is declining in some provinces, the situation is rather difficult in some provinces.

"Some restrictions will be lifted from today. Thus, mosques are opened for worship. In addition, the time limit for malls and shopping centers, which are allowed to work from 9:00 to 18:00, will be abolished," Rouhani said.

A decision on the opening of a number of other public places including meeting halls, courtyards, and places of pilgrimage, has not yet been made, added the president.

Following the spread of the coronavirus, a number of restrictions were gradually imposed in Iran, including travel between provinces, restrictions on all offices, public catering facilities, and so on. The lifting of restrictions began in stages on April 11.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 146,600 people have been infected 7,677 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 114,900 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: Blyths Tragopan is the state bird of Nagaland and the bovine creature, Mithun, the state animal. There is now a sarcastic addition  Marie the State biscuit.

Altogether 169 returnees were sent to Tuensang, the eastern Nagaland town, three days after institutional quarantine at Kohima recently. During the 12-hour bumpy and dusty journey, all that they were allegedly offered were Marie biscuits and water.

There is now a campaign on social media, particularly WhatsApp, laced with characteristic north-eastern humour that castigates the state government for alleged non-performance during the COVID-19 crisis. The users are exchanging morphed photographs of a biscuit with a picture of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on it and his name written distortedly after the brand.

A supposedly leaked question of the Nagaland Public Service Commission exam is also doing the rounds. It asks to name the State biscuit. The four options include the biscuit brand in question.

On Friday, when the states Health Minister Pangnyu Phom rushed to Tuensang to take stock of the COVID-19 situation, the locals had staged a protest on the same issue. They held banners that read: Dont appease us with Marie biscuits and a glass of water.

Social media users as well as various tribal organisations in the state are annoyed that the states coalition government, in which the BJP is a constituent, had sent the returnees to Tuensang by violating the mandatory 14-day COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

The government did not wait for the results of swab tests. Soon after the people had reached Tuensang, the results came, confirming one of them to be COVID-19 positive.

Earlier, two influential tribal organisations in Kohima had asked the state government to send the returnees to whichever districts they hail from. They had warned that the government would be held solely responsible in the event of community transmission of the disease.

The state so far recorded 36 COVID-19 cases, all returnees.
(Newser)  Protesters have hit cities from Los Angeles to Minneapolis to New York over the killing of George Floyd and other local deaths at the hands of policeleading to hundreds of arrests and at least two people killed. One death occurred in Detroit, where a suspect in a gray Dodge Durango opened fire on protesters and killed a 19-year-old who was taking part or standing nearby, CNN reports. At least 60 were arrested there overnight after protesters threw glass bottles and rocks at police, and officers responded by punching them and firing tear gas, per the Detroit Free Press. "The more they do this, the more they're antagonizing people," said a 28-year-old protester. From around the nation:



Oakland: A federal contract security officer was gunned down and another was hurt in Oakland after a vehicle opened fire outside the city's US courthouse, the Guardian reports. The killing occurred about a half-mile from where protesters had gathered outside Oakland police headquarters to protest Floyd's death.

story continues below

Twin Cities : Nearly 250 businesses were looted or burned in protests across Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Star-Tribune reports. A group of community, faith, and political leaders pleaded Saturday for demonstrations to end in the area, and much blame was directed at alleged outsiders. "Go home now," said a local black leader who claimed "white people from other communities" are causing destruction, per the Star-Tribune. "The fascists on the plane right now, turn around."

: Nearly 250 businesses were looted or burned in protests across Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Star-Tribune reports. A group of community, faith, and political leaders pleaded Saturday for demonstrations to end in the area, and much blame was directed at alleged outsiders. "Go home now," said a local black leader who claimed "white people from other communities" are causing destruction, per the Star-Tribune. "The fascists on the plane right now, turn around." Los Angeles : Cops arrested over 500 people amid protests against police brutality in Los Angeles, the LA Times reports. Demonstrators clashed with officers, looted stores, broke windows, and set at least two cop cars on fire. NBC Los Angeles reports that an LAPD officer was put in a chokehold and kicked by protesters.

: Cops arrested over 500 people amid protests against police brutality in Los Angeles, the LA Times reports. Demonstrators clashed with officers, looted stores, broke windows, and set at least two cop cars on fire. NBC Los Angeles reports that an LAPD officer was put in a chokehold and kicked by protesters. Atlanta : A civilian was shot and four Atlanta police officers injured amid protests Friday night, in which fires broke out, stores were looted, and police responded to several calls about protesters firing weapons, per CNN.

: A civilian was shot and four Atlanta police officers injured amid protests Friday night, in which fires broke out, stores were looted, and police responded to several calls about protesters firing weapons, per CNN. Portland : Police arrested 13 people and Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency Saturday that put a curfew in place from 8pm to 6am, Oregon Live reports. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze and looted several businesses. Wheeler tweeted, "ENOUGH."

: Police arrested 13 people and Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency Saturday that put a curfew in place from 8pm to 6am, Oregon Live reports. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze and looted several businesses. Wheeler tweeted, "ENOUGH." Houston : Police arrested nearly 200 people amid protests that saw eight cruisers destroyed or damaged and four officers suffer minor injuries, the Houston Chronicle reports. A tweeted video shows a mounted officer there trampling a protester.

: Police arrested nearly 200 people amid protests that saw eight cruisers destroyed or damaged and four officers suffer minor injuries, the Houston Chronicle reports. A tweeted video shows a mounted officer there trampling a protester. Austin : A peaceful rally outside police headquarters in Austin, Texas, follows a tense standoff there Friday nightwhen protesters chanted "I can't breathe" and threw water bottles at police, who reacted by firing bean bag shots, per the Austin American-Statesman. Several people were detained.

: A peaceful rally outside police headquarters in Austin, Texas, follows a tense standoff there Friday nightwhen protesters chanted "I can't breathe" and threw water bottles at police, who reacted by firing bean bag shots, per the Austin American-Statesman. Several people were detained. Denver : Police in Denver used tear gas and flash grenades to keep protesters at bay Friday night, the Denver Post reports. Some 10,000 were expected at Floyd protests there Saturday.

: Police in Denver used tear gas and flash grenades to keep protesters at bay Friday night, the Denver Post reports. Some 10,000 were expected at Floyd protests there Saturday. Indianapolis : Police unleashed tear gas and rubber bullets in confrontations with demonstrators Friday night. Overnight protests led to 27 arrested and 30 businesses damaged, per the Indianapolis Star.

: Police unleashed tear gas and rubber bullets in confrontations with demonstrators Friday night. Overnight protests led to 27 arrested and 30 businesses damaged, per the Indianapolis Star. And more: USA Today runs down other protests in Memphis, Louisville, New York City, Phoenix, Washington, and other cities.

(Read more George Floyd stories.)
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated across Latin America, Russia and the Indian subcontinent even as curves flattened and reopening was under way in much of Europe, Asia and the US.

Many governments say they have to shift their focus to saving jobs that are vanishing as quickly as the virus can spread. In the US and China, the worlds two largest economies, unemployment is soaring.

The US Federal Reserve chairman has estimated that up to one American in four could be jobless, while in China analysts estimate around a third of the urban workforce is unemployed.

But the virus is roaring through countries ill-equipped to handle the pandemic, which many scientists fear will cause a second global wave.

(PA Graphics)

India saw its biggest single-day spike since the pandemic began, and Pakistan and Russia recorded their highest death tolls.

Most new Indian cases are in Bihar, where thousands returned home from jobs in the cities. For over a month, some had walked among crowds for hundreds of miles.

Latin Americas two most populous nations  Mexico and Brazil  have reported record counts of new cases and deaths almost daily this week, fuelling criticism of their presidents, who have held back from widespread shutdowns in attempts to limit economic damage.

Cases were rising and intensive care units were also swamped in Peru, Chile and Ecuador  countries lauded for imposing early and aggressive business shutdowns and quarantines.

Brazil reported more than 20,000 deaths and 300,000 confirmed cases on Thursday night  the third worst-hit country in the world in terms of infections by official counts. Experts consider both numbers undercounts due to widespread lack of testing.

President Jair Bolsonaro has scoffed at the seriousness of the virus and actively campaigned against state governors attempts to limit movement and commerce.

He fired his first health minister for supporting governors. His second minister resigned after openly disagreeing with the president about chloroquine, the predecessor of the anti-malarial often touted by US President Donald Trump as a viable coronavirus treatment.

Story continues

The crematorium at San Cristobal Mausoleums in Ecatepec, Mexico (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador downplayed the threat for weeks as he continued to travel the country after Mexicos first confirmed case. He insisted that Mexico was different, and its strong family bonds and work ethic would pull it through.

The country is now reporting more than 400 deaths a day, and new infections have not peaked.

Russian health officials registered 150 deaths in 24 hours, for a total of 3,249.

But President Vladimir Putin said the outbreak has begun to abate, creating a positive environment for easing restrictions, as officials defended the countrys data on deaths against claims they were being under-reported.

Vladimir Putin (Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)

Speaking during a video conference with senior officials, Mr Putin pointed at decreasing numbers of new infections in Moscow and other regions.

The positive dynamic is not so fast as we would like it to be, sometimes even unstable, but it does exist, he said.

Russia ranks second after the US in the number of infections with 326,448 cases.

In an eerie echo of famous Depression-era images, US cities are authorising homeless tent encampments, including San Francisco, where about 80 tents are now neatly spaced out on a wide street near city hall as part of a safe sleeping village opened last week.

The area between the citys central library and its Asian Art Museum is fenced off to outsiders, monitored around the clock and provides meals, showers, clean water and waste removal.

China announced it would give local governments two trillion yuan (230 billion) to help undo the damage from shutdowns imposed to curb the spread of the virus that first appeared in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has now infected at least 5.1 million people worldwide, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

The Bank of Japan said it would provide the same figure in zero-interest, unsecured loans to banks for financing small and medium-size businesses.

European countries have also seen heavy job losses, but robust government safety net programmes in places like Germany and France are subsidising the wages of millions of workers and keeping them on the payroll.
EU's Borrell expresses regret over US' move to end sanction waivers for JCPOA members

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, May 29, IRNA -- The European Union's foreign policy chief slammed Washington's move to end sanction waivers for countries remaining in the Iran nuclear accord, warning against the repercussions of the US' act.

US President Donald Trump's administration announced Wednesday that it was ending the waivers because of a series of "escalatory actions" by Iran aimed at pressuring the United States, which pulled out of the accord in 2018.

But the EU's Josep Borrell highlighted the "enduring importance" of the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), because it was vital to ensuring that Iran's nuclear activities remain above board.

"Let me reiterate the enduring importance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action  the so-called JCPOA - with Iran. As you know, I am the Coordinator of the Joint Commission and I am determined to do everything to ensure full and effective implementation and, in particular, Iran's return to full compliance," the official noted.

"The agreement remains the best and only way to ensure the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program," Borrell told a United Nations Security Council meeting on Europe-UN relations on Thursday.

"This is why I regret yesterday's decision by the US not to prolong the waivers for the JCPOA-related nuclear projects.

"This will make it more difficult for the international community to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program."

Iran has taken small steps away from its nuclear commitments in a bid to get Washington to remove sanctions as called for by the 2015 accord.

Trump quit the agreement negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, under which Iran had drastically curbed its nuclear activities.

But the Trump administration until now had issued waivers to allow companies, primarily from Russia, to keep carrying out the work of the agreement without risking legal ramifications in the world's largest economy.

Iran's UN ambassador said that with the end of waivers, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was pulling the "final plug" on the nuclear deal two years after Trump withdrew the US from it.

"Claiming US is STILL 'Participant' is not just preposterous; it's FALSE," the envoy Majid Takht Ravanchi tweeted.

The envoy was referring to Washington's claim that it remains a participant in the deal, despite renouncing it, and can push to extend an arms embargo on Iran due to begin expiring in October.

9455**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Alma College is planning to resume in-person classes this fall, with a comprehensive reopening plan in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doing what we do best means a return to campus and the type of face-to-face instruction and learning experience that is at the core of Alma Colleges mission, Alma College President Jeff Abernathy said. Still, our campus community will look different this fall. We are taking unprecedented measures to ensure our campus is as safe it can be to fight the spread of the coronavirus. While we cannot eliminate risk entirely, we will do all we can to mitigate it.

As the college plans for the fall semester, college leadership will continue to consult with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, and act in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Almas small, in-person classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 24, which is one week ahead of its regularly scheduled date. Labor Day and the days set aside for fall break will now be standard instruction days. With these changes, the last day of standard classes for the fall semester will be Friday, Nov. 20. Finals exams will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2020 and may be delivered remotely, if needed.

In response to the change with Labor Day and fall break, the Alma College campus will be closed for the week of Thanksgiving.

Alma Colleges plan for reopening includes screening procedures, comprehensive testing, quarantine and isolation protocols, social distancing and personal protective equipment measures (including personal safety kits for all students, faculty, and staff), and changes to housing and dining. Additionally, the college is actively working on classroom technology improvements.

The college has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 18:27:21|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) work in the ward of COVID-19 patients at the Tver Regional Clinical Hospital, in Tver, Russia, May 30, 2020. Russia confirmed 8,952 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, raising its total number of infections to 396,575, its coronavirus response center said in a statement Saturday. (Sputnik via Xinhua)

MOSCOW, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia confirmed 8,952 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, raising its total number of infections to 396,575, its coronavirus response center said in a statement Saturday.

The death toll increased by 181 to 4,555, while 167,469 people have recovered, including 8,212 over the last 24 hours, according to the statement.

Moscow, the country's worst-hit region, confirmed 2,367 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking its total to 178,196.

As of Friday, about 307,000 people were under medical observation, Russia's consumer rights and human well-being watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said in a statement Saturday.

More than 10.3 million lab tests for COVID-19 have been conducted across the country so far, it added.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a decree allocating 10.9 billion rubles (155 million U.S. dollars) to subsidize the country's airports as the pandemic has greatly reduced passenger traffic, the government said Saturday.

Russian gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by 12 percent year-on-year in April due to coronavirus-related restrictions, official data showed earlier this week.
As Minneapolis burned, including a police department precinct headquarters, President Donald Trump tweeted at 1 a.m. on Friday that he had just called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, D, to convey that "the Military is with him all the way."

"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen," the president wrote, referring to three days of protests in response to the death of a 46-year-old unarmed black man while in the custody of a white police officer. The protests have grown violent, marked by vandalism and arson. "Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

Twitter put a gray box above the post to say that it violated the site's rules "about glorifying violence." Then the White House reposted the message. More significant than the president's escalating feud with the social-media company, however, is the provenance of Trump's tough-talking proclamation that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

Then-Miami police chief Walter Headley first used that line in December 1967 to justify a brutal crackdown on crime against African Americans in what were then called the slums. At the same news conference, he said that "85 percent of all violent crimes involve Negroes." The chief added: "We don't mind being accused of police brutality. They haven't seen anything yet."

The next summer, a massive riot broke out in Miami a few miles from where Republicans were holding their national convention to nominate Richard Nixon for president. The "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" quote has been cited by historians as a factor in sowing the discontent that contributed to three days of deadly violence.

Trump described himself as the "law and order" candidate four times as he accepted the Republican presidential nomination at his adopted party's convention in Cleveland in 2016. The speech came a few weeks after a gunman killed five Dallas law enforcement officers at the end of a vigil to honor two black men who had been fatally shot by police in Louisiana and Minnesota.

Advisers said at the time that Trump's language was intended as an homage to Nixon, who ran very successfully on the law-and-order message during that tumultuous year of 1968, which included the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. The violence during the Democratic convention in Chicago that summer badly hurt Hubert Humphrey, who had become a national star by agitating for the party to include a desegregation plank in their platform during the 1948 convention - as the mayor of Minneapolis. Trump mimicked a lot of Nixonian rhetoric as he pursued the presidency, including the insistence that he, too, spoke for "the silent majority."

The 73-year-old Trump came of age as a 20-something amid the turbulence of the late 1960s, and he's always admired the brooding Nixon far more than the amiable Ronald Reagan. With the help of red-baiting Joe McCarthy henchman Roy Cohn, Trump battled a Justice Department lawsuit in the 1970s alleging racial discrimination against tenants in apartment buildings owned by the Trump family. As president, Trump has refused to apologize for the full-page ad he ran in 1989 calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty after the arrests of the Central Park Five and suggested the men might still be guilty, even though they were exonerated years ago.

Speaking to law enforcement officers on Long Island in July 2017, Trump appeared to sanction officers roughing up suspects after arresting them and while putting them into their vehicles. "Please don't be too nice," he said.

On Thursday afternoon in the Oval Office, Trump said he's ordered the FBI to "take a very strong look" at Floyd's death and referred to what was captured on video as "a very bad thing," but he declined to say whether he thinks the four officers involved - who were fired by the Minneapolis Police Department on Tuesday - should be prosecuted. The FBI and Justice Department said in a joint statement that an investigation into the circumstances of Floyd's death is a top priority.

On Friday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, D, decried Trump's tweets, blaming them for contributing to an "angry cycle" of violence. "Calling people thugs and calling on people to get shot stems from the same sort of attitude that resulted in the death of George Floyd," Ellison said on "CBS This Morning."

Trump seems eager to pick a fight with Jacob Frey, the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis, who ordered the evacuation of the police station that was set on fire by protesters. "I can't stand back & watch this happen to a great American City," the president tweeted, referring to Frey as "the very weak Radical Left Mayor."

Frey seems game to become Trump's new foil. "Weakness is failing to take responsibility for your own actions. Weakness is pointing your finger at somebody else during a time of crisis," the mayor said at an early morning news conference. "Donald Trump knows nothing about the strength of Minneapolis. We're strong as hell."

"Gunfire broke out in multiple cities, including Louisville, where police say seven people were injured in a shooting that sent dozens scattering," the Post reported. "Several hundred people there were protesting the March fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in her apartment, which police entered while she was asleep. . . . Protesters blocked buses, broke an arm off a statue of King Louis XVI outside of City Hall, and threw fireworks at police officers, WFPL reported. Then, around 11:30 p.m., gunfire erupted from within the crowd, police said. Of the seven people shot, at least two were in surgery and five were in good condition as of early Friday morning, said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, D, adding that no police officers fired their weapons. . . .

"More than 1,000 miles away, in Denver, shots rang out at about 5:30 p.m., close enough to the state capitol building to alarm lawmakers inside. . . . Protesters spray-painted 'Black Lives Matter' and Floyd's name on the capitol steps, footage from CBS Denver showed, while some smashed vehicles parked in the building's parking lot. Hundreds of others both blocked traffic on Interstate 25 and marched down one busy street against traffic. A viral video soon emerged showing one protester on the hood of a car before jumping off. The driver then circled back around to ram into the protester, who fell to the pavement before getting back up. Denver police spokesman Kurt Barnes said no arrests have been made in either the shooting or the apparent hit-and-run. . . .

"Elsewhere, police in New York arrested at least 70 protesters at Union Square, NBC New York reported. In Columbus, protesters reportedly breached the Ohio Statehouse, breaking windows and running inside, according to WCMH. Police SWAT teams showed up to secure the area . . . Protesters in Phoenix resisted calls to disperse after the police declared the protest an unlawful assembly around 11 p.m., the Arizona Republic reported. Chanting 'I can't breathe,' dozens faced police in riot gear, who shot rubber bullets at protesters and used pepper spray on others, the Republic reported. Video footage showed some being arrested, but when reached by phone, a police spokeswoman declined to answer any questions."

In Chicago's South Side, about 100 people gathered at a street corner with a banner demanding justice for Floyd, the Post reported. "It's unfair how they treat us, that's why we walk around and drag it," said Sam Thomas, who walked from downtown to his neighborhood carrying an American flag. "We got to let our presence be known. We don't need this government which won't stand up for innocent people."

Walz has deployed more than 500 members of the National Guard to restore order. CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez and his crew were arrested this morning, while they were live on the air, by Minnesota State Police as they reported from in front of a liquor store that had been looted. Jimenez, who identifies as black and Latino, was seen and heard on camera before his arrest identifying himself clearly and presenting his press credentials. "Put us back where you want us," he said. "Just let us know." The journalists were later released, and Walz apologized to CNN chief Jeff Zucker for their treatment.

In St. Paul, across the Mississippi River, police clashed last night with looters who had been raiding a local Target store. "Up and down University Avenue, the towering dome of the Minnesota Capitol in the distance, store owners scrambled to protect their businesses. With smoke rising from a fire in the distance, workers were up on ladders frantically hanging plywood over their windows," the Post reported. "Scores of businesses had posted simple handmade signs, begging for mercy. 'This is a BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS,' one read. 'This is COMMUNITY-OWNED BUSINESS,' said another. Many stores were dark, but some owners remained, staying behind, on guard, because they weren't confident that anyone else would do it for them."

Minneapolis has been a powder keg waiting to explode. In 2015, local and federal officials declined to charge a Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old black man. In 2016, an officer from a nearby suburb shot and killed Philando Castile during a traffic stop. The office was charged with manslaughter but later acquitted. In 2017, a Minneapolis police officer shot and killed Justine Damond, a white woman from Australia. He was convicted of her murder and sentenced to prison.

"What we've seen over the last two days ... is the result of so much built-up anger and sadness," said Frey, the Minneapolis mayor. "Anger and sadness that has been ingrained in our black community, not just because of five minutes of horror, but 400 years. If you're feeling that sadness, that anger, it's not only understandable, it's right. It's a reflection of a truth that our black community has lived."

Distgrict of Columbia Police Chief Peter Newsham said their actions were "nothing short of murder," the Post reported. Frey, the Minneapolis mayor, said the officers should be charged with murder. "But Hennepin County prosecutor Mike Freeman triggered uproar at a Thursday afternoon news conference when he said 'there is other evidence that does not support a criminal charge' against the involved officers. His office later issued a clarification, saying Freeman only meant 'it is critical to review all the evidence.' . . . Attempts to reach Chauvin and his attorney, Tom Kelly, on Thursday were unsuccessful. . . . Two of the most influential police organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs Association, issued statements denouncing the officers' actions. Even the National Fraternal Order of Police, the largest police union in the world, which usually calls for deliberate consideration after an explosive police-related incident, weighed in against the killing of Floyd."

Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, called for the four officers to be "given the death penalty" as he choked back tears on CNN: "I want everybody to be peaceful right now, but people are torn and hurt because they're tired of seeing black men die constantly, over and over again."

A Minneapolis club owner said Floyd and Chauvin both worked security shifts for the business up to last year. "'Chauvin was our off-duty police for almost the entirety of the 17 years that we were open,' [said Maya Santamaria, owner of the building where El Nuevo Rodeo club was]. 'They were working together at the same time, it's just that Chauvin worked outside and the security guards were inside,'" KTSP reported. "Although the two overlapped working security on popular music nights within the last year, Santamaria can not say for certain they knew each other because there were often a couple dozen security guards, including off-duty officers."

Floyd's death will probably knock Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., out of contention to be Joe Biden's running mate by drawing attention to her strained relations with the black community as Minneapolis's chief prosecutor. "Chauvin was one of six officers who fired on and killed Wayne Reyes in 2006 after Reyes reportedly aimed a shotgun at police after stabbing his friend and girlfriend. While the death happened during Klobuchar's tenure at the helm of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, the case did not go to a grand jury until after she left the office and became a senator," the Star Tribune reported. "Klobuchar did not criminally charge other police involved in the more than two dozen officer-involved fatalities that occurred during her time as prosecutor. She left those decisions to a grand jury, a practice that was common at the time. Klobuchar said in a CNN interview Tuesday that the evidence is 'crying out for some kind of a charge' against the officers involved in Floyd's death. Michael Minta, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota who studies political representation and race, said that is a departure from her more cautious responses to past cases."
Creches have been issued with a raft of new coronavirus guidelines but the Government has offered no detail on financial supports childcare providers insist they need to reopen.

'Play pods' of children who stay in the same groups and share the same toys, staggered arrival times and restrictions on the use of play dough are to become a feature of childcare in the coming months.

The Government is under pressure from the childcare sector and Opposition politicians to provide financial support to help creches reopen their doors.

There was heavy criticism when attempts to find a solution to providing childcare for health service staff failed.

Now many childcare providers are warning they may not be able to reopen at all without extra financial support from the State.

Seas Suas represents independent early learning and care providers.

"Guidelines will not meet our significant costs, overheads and don't pay bills. Mortgages, salaries, utilities and more must be paid for in order to operate," a spokesperson said.

"That is before a single euro is spent on Covid-19-related safety requirements."

The group expressed concern that childcare providers would close down outright and said the sector would require further support through the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) as services reopen on a phased basis.

The spokesperson welcomed the guidance but said a "cold commercial crisis" needed to be addressed. The children of "essential workers" are to be prioritised when creches are due to reopen on June 29.

However, a spokeswoman for Children's Minister Katherine Zappone said the children of other workers who needed childcare would also be allowed to return to creches if there was capacity. Ms Zappone said she hoped existing programme support payments would provide some working capital for reopening childcare centres.

She also said along with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe she was working on the possibility capital grants could be provided. Mr Donohoe offered no commitment that the TWSS would be extended specifically for the childcare sector until the end of the year.

He said that it was likely the overall scheme would be extended beyond its current end date but he would spend time examining its impact on parts of the economy and it was "far too early" to form a view on the nature of the TWSS in the future.

Ms Zappone said the reopening of childcare centres would be "as child centred as possible" with the focus on their wellbeing and ability to play with their friends again.

She said the children could not do social distancing but would be grouped into 'play pods' with assigned staff members.

Ms Zappone said the guidance from the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre indicated the size of the play pod can be in line with current childcare regulations.

That means, for example, children under the age of one can continue to be in a group of six with two adults.

"There is a risk. Every time we ease restrictions it will bring a risk," Ms Zappone said.

But she said the threat of coronavirus transmission needed to be weighed up against the risk of children not returning to early education and childcare.

Under the new guidance that was drawn up by the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre, drop-offs should be organised to maintain distance between parents and childcare workers. There should be two metres between the cots of young children from different pods.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: I cant breathe.

Eric Garner uttered those words six years ago, locked in a police chokehold. It became a rallying cry after his death for demonstrators across the country who protested the killings of African Americans by police.

Then came the 2016 presidential election of Donald Trump. As the political divide widened, so much competed for the nation's attention  Russian interference in the election, debates over immigration, and impeachment  and with a new Justice Department shifting civil rights priorities, the moment slowly faded from the national stage.

Until this week. George Floyd uttered the exact same words, while handcuffed and pinned at the neck under the knee of a white police officer, galvanizing the movement anew and prompting mass protests around the country.

There is something happening at this moment, said activist Carmen Perez. Its not that the police killings stopped, it's just that we were refocusing our direction toward Donald Trump because we also felt this need to come together to call him out."

ALSO READ | George Floyd case: Minneapolis cop who knelt on man's neck charged with murder

It's possible, though, with the nation just emerging from weeks of stay-at-home orders imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, people have fewer distractions and can refocus on the issue, she said.

The swift firing of the officers involved, the empathetic response from the Minneapolis mayor who also called for criminal charges, and the unusual public criticism of the officer's actions from law enforcement nationwide have done nothing to quell the anger or calls for justice.

That's in part because killings continue to happen. Floyd's death came after Ahmaud Arbery was shot to death in Georgia by a former district attorney investigator and his son, who were not arrested until after video emerged months later. An EMT in Kentucky, Breonna Taylor, was killed in March when three officers entered her apartment by force to serve a search warrant in a narcotics investigation.

This has been going on for way too many years, and it is time for a change, said Erika Atson, protesting in Minneapolis Thursday. Because we are tired.

The protests that began with chanting and marching in Minneapolis the day after the disturbing video emerged that showed Floyd pinned for eight minutes have grown to mass demonstrations, some violent, in Minnesota and around the country.

Lawmakers nationwide are again talking about how to prevent such deaths. The Senate Judiciary committee announced Friday it would hold a hearing on police use of force. Outrage over the images of Floyd's last moments even came from those who have a history of defending police, like Trump. Though the president later called the protesters thugs in a tweet, saying when the looting starts, the shooting starts.

Civil rights attorneys in the three recent cases said what inspires the anger is, in part, that authorities initially propagated narratives that Arbery, Taylor, Floyd were responsible for their own deaths before video and 911 calls showed otherwise.

There is a false narrative ... put out there," said civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.

In the years before the 2016 election, though, it felt like policing was shifting.

The mothers of some of the men killed by police attended the Democratic National Convention. The Justice Department frequently criticized violent police confrontations and opened a series of civil rights investigations into local law enforcement practices.

But after Trump was elected, it shifted.

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered a review of consent decrees, legal agreements meant to effect change, that the Obama-era Justice Department had used to fight police misconduct, in part over a belief that the Democratic administration had vilified the police. The decrees included those with the police in Ferguson, Missouri, after the killing of Michael Brown and in Baltimore following the police custody death of Freddie Gray.

Hours before he resigned as attorney general in November 2018, Sessions signed a memo that scaled back the practice, making consent decrees more difficult to enact.

Attorney General William Barr has similarly been a staunch advocate of police officers and has condemned what hes called a disturbing pattern of cynicism and disrespect shown toward law enforcement.

The department, however, has continued to pursue civil rights investigations involving police shootings and other alleged misconduct, including into Floyd's death. Barr has said the video was harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing."

Barr's office closed the Garner case in September because there was insufficient evidence to prove a federal crime.

Gwen Carr, Garner's mother, said that even if police abuses hadn't been talked about in recent years as they were following her sons 2014 death, that didnt mean abuses werent happening.

Police officers are still coming into our communities and brutalizing, terrorizing and killing us, she said. Between my sons murder and Floyds murder, thats not the only murders that has taken place.

Garner had been arrested on charges of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes, a non-violent crime, and cried out I can't breathe 11 times on a Staten Island sidewalk. The officers involved were not charged; the one who performed the chokehold was fired five years later.

Floyd lay on the street, as Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the man's neck. He'd been arrested on a forgery charge, accused of passing a bad bill at a grocery store after he got laid off.

Please I cant breathe, Floyd cried. My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts. Theyre going to kill me.

At one point, he cried out for his mother as a crowd of shocked bystanders begged for police to move. Chauvin was arrested Thursday on a murder charge.

Meanwhile, protesters are seizing the moment in the hopes that change will come.

On Friday in Minneapolis, Maurice Davis stood close to the burned police station near a line of National Guardsmen.

Davis has gone to some protests, but came this morning with his two adolescent children to show them what was happening.

This has been happening for years, he said. Were tired of being killed and no one doing anything about it."

He's not surprised the protests are spreading.

"Because its not just our city where this is happening. Its everywhere.
From a brand new set of standard operating procedures to revamping their existing office infrastructure, corporations that are mostly in the technology sector have hit the reset button on how they work as they open up phase by phase, and their employees get back to work.

Harsh Goenka, chairman of the RPG Group which is seeing about 30 per cent of its 30,000 employees across different businesses and geographies, back at work, says, "The cautious balancing of safety norms, while targeting maximum business efficiency, is going to be the new challenge of our times." RPG's ...
This is possible if both countries open their airspace to each other by that time

Open source

Oleksandr Shcherba, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Austria said that flights between these countries could be restored after June 23. The ambassador wrote this on his Facebook page.

"On the situation with the restoration of air traffic between Ukraine and Austria. There is a possibility that flights will resume after June 23. Provided that both countries by that time will be open to each other both in terms of opening airspace, and in terms of removing restrictions for the entry of citizens. There is a will to do so. It is very important that Ukraine go through a conditional peak of a pandemic," the ambassador wrote.

Austria has already weakened border controls by opening all border crossings with the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

As we reported before, Italian Ambassador Davide La Cecilia thanked Ukraine for its assistance in the fight against the coronavirus. The statement was made during a meeting between the Italian diplomat and Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar.
Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, delivers remarks during a press conference September 29, 2016 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee | Getty Images

When the U.S. experiences sudden outbreaks of disease, the federal government typically appoints a spokesperson. That person communicates the latest data, issues recommendations to keep people as safe as possible, and provides a calm and reassuring voice until the storm passes. Most health communication experts agree that person should be a scientist -- not a politician. That's particularly the case for a politically polarized country like the United States. "It is crucial that the public face for health information on the coronavirus should be a highly respected public health figure," said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law and director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University. "The public must have trust in that person to provide unbiased, science-based information." When politicians overstep, he explained, that can add a layer of politics to a science-based recommendation. Already, that seems to be happening during the Covid-19 crisis. The population is deeply divided about issues ranging from vaccines to wearing masks in public. Wearing a mask -- which is now the recommendation from the CDC, particularly in areas where it's challenging to meet social distancing guidelines -- has increasingly become a political statement.

Where's the CDC?

Communicating with the public is so important that the CDC's Field Epidemiology Manual dedicates an entire chapter to the subject. The recommendations say the spokesperson should have a consistent message (a "SOCO" or "single overriding communication objective"), which might be a specific health recommendation, like "wear a mask" or "stay six feet away from strangers." Their tone is vitally important, the manual stipulates, and they should be empathetic but clear about the challenges we face, whether that's a shortage of tests or delays in producing a vaccine. While serving as the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control from 2009 to 2017, Dr. Tom Frieden stepped into that spokesperson role. "During Zika, H1N1, Ebola, we usually had daily briefings with every major media outlet covering them," said Frieden, who's now the president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, an advocacy group. "I would feel safer and we would all be safer if we were hearing from the CDC regularly," he said. In the United States, President Trump asked the public to tune into regular briefings from the White House for updates on the coronavirus. Local officials like New York governor Andrew Cuomo and California governor Gavin Newsom followed suit, leaving doctors and scientists mostly on the sidelines. Dr. Anthony Fauci has emerged as the most prominent scientist speaking about the coronavirus, but his appearances next to the president have been inconsistent, often leading to speculation about why he's missing.

U.S. President Donald Trump is flanked by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases while speaking about coronavirus vaccine development in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 15, 2020 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer | Getty Images

Frieden has known Fauci for years and says he's a "brilliant science communicator and researcher." But, Frieden says, he's not a foremost specialist in the control of respiratory diseases. Those experts at the CDC include Dr. Nancy Messonnier, who reportedly drew ire in the early months of the pandemic for issuing urgent warnings to the public, and Dr. Anne Schuchat, the agency's number two. Both have given a few comments to the press, but neither has emerged as a public face for the pandemic response. Meanwhile, Fauci, who has advised six presidents and plays a central role in the White House's coronavirus task force, has acknowledged that he's not always in a position to correct falsehoods he hears from President Trump during the press conferences, including exaggerations about the number of tests available. "I can't jump in front of the microphone and push him down," he told CNN. At this point, it would be a challenge for any public health official to breed consensus. Some are having success on a local level, such as in states like California and Washington, but there's a lack of consistent understanding across the country. "Dr. Fauci is among the best health communicators in America. His authoritative and reassuring voice is highly respected by the public. Yet he is operating during a period of politicization of science in ways never seen before in modern America," said Gostin. "Health information should not be seen through a political lens but through the lens of science."

Filling the gap

Experts outside of the federal government are doing their best to fill the void, answering questions about whether it's safe to travel, go to the park, or to send kids back to school. Andy Slavitt, the former Medicare and Medicaid head, and Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA chief, are regularly on television, sharing their interpretations with the public of the latest data.
Who'd have thought the face mask would be such a political hot potato?

Yet whether you choose to mask up or go barefaced has become more than a health issue: it's also increasingly seen as a public statement of your personal position in the pandemic.

There are some who would even seem to think dying of mortification is a greater risk rather than wearing a facial covering.

Blame - who else? - Donald Trump. The Donald has been consistent in one regard during the coronavirus crisis: he refuses to wear a mask in public. US media is describing the great mask divide as "a political and cultural flashpoint".

On a recent trip to the Ford factory in Michigan, Trump took off his mask before greeting the press, saying he didn't want to give them "the pleasure" of seeing him in one. This week, he shared a tweet saying masks represent "silence, slavery and social control".

But I'm a fan of the face covering. I always wear one in shops and supermarkets. I felt like an eejit wearing a blue medical mask, so I switched to a tube scarf that pulls up over the nose and mouth.

I'd hazard a guess that feeling like an eejit might come out tops in a survey of reasons why Irish people are reluctant to cover up. I loved seeing Dr John Crown defy this self-consciousness on the Virgin One's 'Tonight Show' on Thursday, sitting on the panel with his medical mask on.

We seem to feel awkward donning a face covering - we're mortified if we run into someone we know. Also, we're not buying into the whole "this face mask is for your benefit, not for mine" line. Everyone wants to protect themselves - and their loved ones - from the virus. There should be no shame in that.

We either feel like a potential form of infection or that we're insulting others. We're going to have to get over it.

The Government's lack of clarity on the issue is also a factor. Currently, we are advised to wear coverings in shops and on public transport, but it's not the law, as it is in so many other countries including France, Germany and Spain. Ultimately, it would be better to see citizens voluntarily do it than be forced to.

It's a social process that may take time. We're not like China, the country that invented the face mask a century ago and sees it as a talisman of medical modernity.

Asian and south-east Asian countries experienced contagion during the Sars epidemic of the early 2000s. As a result, it is seen as improper to cough or sneeze without a mask, as a courtesy to protect others from your germs.

Received wisdom states that wearing masks gives a false sense of security that leads to less focus on hand-washing or cough etiquette. Sociology says otherwise. Wearing a mask is a "behavioural nudge" that is a reminder of hygiene.

It's a ritual, like wearing a uniform, and we are more likely to live up to the behaviour associated with the ritual.

Ok, so they're not a "magic shield", as Dr Tony Holohan has told us. But we won't have one of those until there's a vaccine. However, they are a key strategy in lifting lockdown, which is overdue.

We're going to have to live with this virus. We'll have to make reasonable safety trade-offs to make room for practical concerns. I see face masks as a mutual assurance amongst citizens that allows society to keep functioning.

Continuous closures of schools, banning of nightlife and grounding of aircraft undermines civil liberties far more than wearing a mask ever could.

Ryanair's Michael O'Leary is another public figure who got scolded by the Covid-cops, but this time for urging the use of masks. Nothing is zero-risk but he's right - if all passengers wore face masks on planes, it would dramatically reduce transmissions, according to immunologist Professor Luke O'Neill.

O'Neill has been the most persuasive figure in the push to normalise face coverings here. He has observed how hardly anyone wears a mask in shops or on trains and believes it should be mandatory.

He explained that aerosols are the main transmission route: tiny particles that can remain in the air in an enclosed space. If we all wear masks, they will trap these aerosols. He said: "The evidence is clear - it helps decrease spread. It's obvious in a way, isn't it?"

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness; face masks are an easy win.

It's as plain as the mask on your face.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Saturday berated Piyush Goyal for the handling of Shramik Special trains, and said he should be divested of his responsibility as the Railways Minister so that he could concentrate only on raising funds for the BJP.

The Congress leader claimed that as many as 40 Shramik Special trains  the service was launched on May 1 to ferry stranded migrant workers to their homes  have been delayed.

"One took 9 days to reach and 80 deaths reported so far (on Shramik Specials). I suggest HPM to let Mr Goyal be Minister without portfolio as we have never heard of such mess in Indian railways ever before," Gehlot tweeted, without evidence on the death claim.

"Let him concentrate on fundraising for BJP only," he wrote.

The Railways had on Friday denied continuing allegations of Shramik Special trains running abnormally late.

At a press conference, Railway Board Chairman V K Yadav had said 90 per cent of the migrant trains ran with an average speed higher than regular mail express trains.

"There was some fake news that a train reached Siwan (from Surat) in nine days... We diverted only 1.8 per cent trains. From 20-24 May, 71 trains were diverted because of high demand for trains to UP, Bihar, where 90 per cent trains were going from across the country," Yadav had said.

On the number of deaths on these trains, he had said the Railways was still compiling data on such incidents.
Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams speaks during a news conference at the State Department, in Washington

By Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Seeking to deter further shipments of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, the Trump administration has quietly warned foreign governments, seaports, shipping companies and insurers that they could face stiff U.S. sanctions if they aid the tanker flotilla, the U.S. envoy on Venezuela told Reuters on Friday.

Elliott Abrams, Washingtons special representative on Venezuela, said the pressure campaign targeting heavily sanctioned U.S. foes Iran and Venezuela was being waged to be sure everyone recognizes this would be a very dangerous transaction to assist.

The Venezuelan navy on Thursday escorted a fourth tanker bringing Iranian fuel through its waters to the gasoline-starved country, defying U.S. threats of measures in response to the shipments. At least one other tanker was en route in the Atlantic.

It was a sign of deepening ties between Venezuela and Iran, both OPEC members with fraught relations with the United States.

The government of Venezuelan Socialist President Nicolas Maduro has flaunted the tankers arrivals to show it remains unbowed by pressure. The United States, which seeks Maduros ouster, has called it a distraction.

We've alerted the shipping community around the world, ship owners, ship captains, ship insurers, and we've alerted ports along the way between Iran and Venezuela, Abrams said in an interview.

He said diplomatic warnings, known as demarches, have been sent privately to governments around the world.

A person familiar with the matter said among them was Gibraltar, situated on the tankers' route. A U.S. official said various countries had been asked to deny then port services.

It remained unclear what impact this effort might have.

Two other tankers, the Liberia-flag Bella and Bering, passed through the Suez Canal in early May, according to Refinitiv Eikon data. Sources familiar with the matter said United States was looking for ways to prevent them from reaching Venezuela.

Story continues

Abrams declined comment but, citing the sanctions risk, said: I do not think that you will find ship owners and insurers and captains and crews willing to engage in these transactions in the future."

He predicted the fuel would only last a few weeks and mostly be siphoned off by Maduro loyalists. Shortages have grown acute due to U.S. sanctions against Venezuela under Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse.

The United States this month issued a global maritime advisory, giving guidance to the shipping industry on how to avoid sanctions related to Iran, North Korea and Syria.

Washington has appeared willing to rely on economic measures instead of using its beefed-up naval presence in the Caribbean to block the tankers. Iran and Venezuela have warned against U.S. military force.

(Reporting By Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk, additional reporting by Marianna Parraga)
Advertisement

Police have recreated a deadly balcony fall after a mother-of-two plunged to her death from a luxury hotel after an argument with her boyfriend.

Jodie Lovell, 45, from Kareela in Sydney's south, was on a night out with her boyfriend who is 48, and lives in Panania.

The couple returned to their five-star Hyatt Regency room in Darling Harbour, in Sydney's CBD, where she fell to her death from the 10th floor balcony at 8pm on May 22.

The police came back to the hotel on Thursday with a dummy to recreate Ms Lovell's fall and determine how it occurred.

Harbour-view balcony suites at the Hyatt Regency Hotel cost at least $509 per night.

Jodie Lovell, a 45-year-old mother of two, from Kareela in Sydney's south, was on a night out with her boyfriend, 48, from Panania, on May 22

The couple returned to their five-star Hyatt Regency room in Darling Harbour, Sydney (pictured), where she fell to her death from the 10th floor balcony at 8pm that night

Once the police dropped the dummy, another officer abseiled down the side of the hotel to check where and how it landed on the ground.

'We had forensic police again at the scene yesterday doing forensic examinations on the scene, which include a lot of CCTV coverage,' Supt Wood said on Friday.

'Further analysis of information obtained during the examinations is underway and detectives are again appealing to the community for information that may assist with their inquiries.'

Ms Lovell's boyfriend told police that he locked her outside after a heated argument over text messages on her phone, The Daily Telegraph reported.

He claimed he went to check on Ms Lovell a short time later but she had disappeared.

After her boyfriend realised what had happened, he told hotel staff who called triple-0.

The police came back to the hotel on Thursday with a dummy and climbing gear to recreate Ms Lovell's fall and determine how it occurred

Once the police dropped the dummy, another officer abseiled down the side of the hotel to check where and how it landed on the ground

A police officer abseils down the Hyatt Regency in Sydney's Darling Habour

Emergency workers found Ms Lovell's lifeless body on a first-floor rooftop of the Sussex Street hotel.

Police said Ms Lovell had a history of depression and other mental health issues and have not determined whether she jumped or fell.

Police told Daily Mail Australia that no charges have been laid and but said they are 'keeping an extremely open mind' while conducting their investigation.

Sydney City police boss Superintendent Gavin Wood urged anyone who can help with their investigation to come forward.

'The appeal is made with sincerity, the young lady was at the prime of her life, the 45-year-old woman with two young daughters. It's tragic circumstances.

'We owe it to the daughters, we owe it to her family and friends and to the community to make sure we have exhausted every investigative line.'

Ms Lovell's boyfriend told police that he locked her outside after a heated argument over text messages. Ms Lovell was a mum-of-two
Documents that could make or break Prince Andrews alibi for the night he is alleged to have had sex with a sex-trafficked teenager are gathering dust in a police office.

A former Royal protection officer at Buckingham Palace told The Mail on Sunday in February that he believed Andrew may have returned to the Palace in the early hours of March 11, 2001  the night in question.

If Andrew did return, it would contradict his claim of being at home at Sunninghill Park in Berkshire all evening after earlier taking his daughter Beatrice to a party at Pizza Express in Woking.

Evidence that could prove or disprove Prince Andrew (pictured)'s 'alibi' for the night he allegedly had sex with Virginia Roberts in 2001 are lying in a police office in Sidcup

Virginia Roberts alleges she was coerced by paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein into having sex with Andrew in London when she was 17, one of three occasions she claims she was intimate with him.

The Duke of York has strongly denied having any sexual contact with Ms Roberts.

In the exclusive interview with the MoS, the Royal guard said Andrew returned to the Palace in his car early one morning and allegedly harangued officers for not opening the gates quickly enough.

The officer suspects the episode, which he said was logged, happened on March 11, 2001.

He asked the Metropolitan Police on February 22 this year to be given access to his personnel file containing the duty logs for that night.

He should have received a reply within 30 working days, but heard nothing until last week  almost 100 days later  after he complained.

A caseworker at the Mets Information Rights Unit based in Sidcup, South-East London, confirmed that the officers personnel file was sent there by the Royal protection squad more than two months ago, but had gone unread because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

The caseworker wrote: We have all been advised to work from home for the foreseeable future. Your file is waiting for me to view when normal duties are resumed.

'However, I am unable to give you a timescale of when this will be.

Andrew (left) was accused of having sex with Virginia Roberts (middle) on March 11 2001, which the prince denies - claiming he was at his home in Berkshire on that evening

Last night, the former Royal guard said he was amazed that potentially crucial documents were being ignored.

He added: Surely this information could have been reviewed and dealt with by a senior manager practising social distancing before now, considering the importance of the case and the details it may contain?

Andrew was asked about the events of March 10-11, 2001, during his infamous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis last November.

Asked if he was absolutely sure that he was at home on March 10, he replied: Yeah.

Last night a spokesman for Prince Andrew declined to comment. The Met also declined to comment.

Epstein bragged that he tried to entice Clinton into Jagger orgy

From Caroline Graham in Los Angeles

Depraved Jeffrey Epstein once bragged about taking Bill Clinton to an orgy where Mick Jagger was having sex with a group of women.

The late paedophile alleged that the incident happened in 2002 while he was ferrying the former US President around Asia on his private jet known as the Lolita Express.

Lawyer Alan Dershowitz claimed Epstein, one of his former clients, was present when the Rolling Stones frontman had a party in his room with lots of young women and lots of sex.

Convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein (pictured) once bragged about taking former US president Bill Clinton to an orgy where Mick Jagger was having sex with women

Mr Clinton allegedly walked in, but said, No, no, no, this is not my thing, before leaving.

The extraordinary anecdote appears in a new book called A Convenient Death: The Mysterious Demise of Jeffrey Epstein, out next week.

In it, journalists Alana Goodman and Daniel Halper detail the connections between Epstein and Clinton, who knew each other from the early 1990s.

Epstein donated to Clintons presidential campaign and later gave $10,000 to the White House Historical Association while the Clintons were refurbishing the White House.

That led to a meeting which blossomed into a friendship when Clinton left office in 2001.

Mr Dershowitz is quoted as saying: Epstein told me that story. Obviously there were lots of people there and whatever Clinton did, he didnt do it in public.

Mr Clinton (pictured) is believed to have said 'no, no, no...this is not my thing' when he entered the room where Jagger was having the party with many women

Clinton, whose affairs included an infamous relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, took four trips on the Lolita Express between 2002 and 2003 to promote his Clinton Foundation.

One of them was to Africa when other passengers included actor Kevin Spacey and comedian Chris Tucker.

On board the trip to Asia was Epstein, his alleged madam, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, Clintons adviser Doug Band and two others, according to flight logs.

On May 22, 2002, they took off from a naval facility in Japan and landed in Hong Kong. The next day they flew to Shenzhen in China, and the same day flew on to Singapore where they stayed two nights.

On day four of the trip, they went to Bangkok before flying to Brunei where Clinton and his team disembarked and Epstein flew on to Bali.

In early 2002, Jagger was preparing for the Rolling Stones Licks Tour, but that would not begin until August.

It is believed that the Jagger (pictured left) incident happened in 2002 when the musician was preparing for the Rolling Stones Licks Tour

In extracts already made public, A Convenient Death claims that Clinton was having a relationship with Maxwell. The book also alleges that his daughter Chelsea Clinton continually brought Maxwell closer to her family and even went on holidays with her.

Ms Clinton invited Maxwell to her wedding in 2010 where the socialite was photographed looking at her as she walked down the aisle.

The photograph later landed Maxwell in trouble when she told lawyers acting for Epsteins victims that she was not able to give a deposition on that date as she was out of the country.

Representatives of Sir Mick and Clinton did not respond to requests for comment.

Among the other anecdotes in the book are a claim that when Epstein was found dead in his cell last August while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, Maxwell commented: It may be for the best.

The claim comes from Laura Goldman, a former stockbroker turned freelance journalist who was once convicted of stalking a former lover.

The book also features a rare public comment from Epsteins brother Mark, who hired an independent pathologist to be present during his autopsy.

Dr Michael Baden concluded that Epstein could have been killed because of the way his collar bone was broken.

The official cause of death was suicide by hanging but Mark Epstein says that the orange noose the authorities claimed his brother used does not look as if it had been cut, contradicting the account of a prison guard who said he cut the body down.

If you look at the picture of the ligature, it was not cut and it doesnt look like it was tied to anything, he said. Look at the angle of the ligature. It was a hemmed edge. It was not cut.

Dr Baden says in the book: All that Mark wants to know is, whats the accurate cause of death and if indeed his brother committed suicide.

Meanwhile, a fund to compensate Epsteins victims may soon begin making payouts after the millionaires estate agreed terms with his accusers.
CNN reporter Omar Jimenez began his workday before dawn on Friday, prepared to cover the aftermath of protests in Minneapolis that had turned destructive. Smoke still wafted and a small fire flickered from the remains of a liquor store burned out the night before as he and his crew set up their live shot on a broad avenue.

Within minutes, he was arrested on the job - and became part of the story he had been assigned to cover.

Reporters have been arrested - as well as bashed, gassed, disfigured and killed - in the course of covering the anarchy of street demonstrations and riots. Such incidents occur relatively infrequently in the US, though - and almost never on live television.

Mr Jimenez and his colleagues - field producer Bill Kirkos, photojournalist Leonel Mendez and an unidentified security person - were reporting in front of a line of Minnesota state police on CNN's New Day morning program at 5:09am local time on Friday. The blue line was guarding a Minneapolis police station that had been targeted by a mob that set a bonfire at its entrance on Thursday night, destroying part of the building. The remains of the liquor store that had been similarly trashed were visible as Mr Jimenez went live.

The scene was calm, the long avenue in front of the journalists devoid of civilians. Which made what happened next bizarre.

George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Show all 30 1 /30 George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police third precinct after a white police officer was caught on a bystander's video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester holds a sign with an image of George Floyd AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester throws a piece of wood on a fire in the street just north of the 3rd Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets People in other US cities also protested the murder, like Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A police officer lobs a canister to break up crowds Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester is treated after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Two police officers stand on the roof of the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters outside a Minneapolis police precinct two days after George Floyd died EPA George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters run from tear gas Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Demonstrators gather to protest in Los Angeles AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police remove barricades set by protesters AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the Third Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Flowers, signs and balloons are left near a makeshift memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A policeman faces a protester holding a placard in downtown Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A couple poses with a sign in Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I cant breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester reacts after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images

As Mr Jimenez continued his discussion with New Day hosts John Berman and Alisyn Camerota, Mr Mendez swung his camera away from the reporter to show police moving to arrest a young woman. But then the camera swung again as police officers appeared to crowd closer to the journalists.

Mr Jimenez could be heard talking calmly off-camera, first apparently explaining to police that his crew had been given permission to film there - I gotcha, I gotcha. They had us here - and then again to the New Day hosts: We're speaking with State Patrol right now. Give us a second, guys.

And then again to the police: We can move back to where you like ... We are live on the air at the moment ... Just put us back where you want us. We are getting out of your way.

When the camera next showed Mr Jimenez, he was attempting again to narrate the scene for viewers - This scene here in Minneapolis is part of the advanced police presence we saw - but now a helmeted officer held him by the arm.

Im sorry? Mr Jimenez said to another officer who approached. Would you mind tell me why we're under arrest?

Back in the studio, the CNN anchors sounded shocked. They were standing where they were told to stand previously by police, Ms Camerota said over the live feed. They were out of the way. We don't know why they are being arrested.

Mr Berman added: I've never seen anything like this.

Mr Jimenez's arrest was widely condemned on Friday by press groups and others - and for many viewers, picked at the wounds that had been opened by the racially charged killing that sparked the street protests Mr Jimenez was covering.

The demonstrations, which have morphed into instances of arson and looting, were prompted by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man who was detained and handcuffed by Minneapolis police investigating a report of a counterfeit $20 bill on Monday.

One of the arresting officers, Derek Chauvin, held Floyd down for more than eight minutes by pressing his knee into his neck as he gasped that he was unable to breath. Floyd went limp at the scene and later was pronounced dead. Mr Chauvin, who was fired from the force along with three others, was arrested on Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Floyd's arrest and death were recorded by a bystander and shown widely on television, including CNN, spurring protests in Minneapolis and other cities.

Mr Jimenez is black. And for many, a seemingly racial element of his arrest was underscored by the experience of a second CNN journalist, Josh Campbell, who was a couple of streets away at the time. Mr Campbell, who is white, reported that police let him continue working after he identified himself as a journalist, much as Mr Jimenez and his colleagues had.

The CNN crew was released about an hour after their arrest and returned to cover the protests. But the incident instantly blew up into a public-relations disaster for the Minnesota State Patrol. Tim Walz, Minnseota's Democrat governor, apologised to CNN at a news conference and in a call to CNN President Jeff Zucker Friday morning. As I told [Zucker], I don't care what the circumstances were, Mr Walz told reporters. It is wrong. It is unacceptable.

While in custody, Mr Jimenez and his crew were not told the reason for their arrest nor given an apology. In an interview on CNN after his release Mr Jimenez said, with regards to the reason for the arrest: "It seems that conversation may have happened but it did not happen with us."

While arrests of reporters during demonstrations are not typical, they are not unknown. The US Press Freedom Tracker, a nonpartisan monitor supported by media organisations, reports that 43 journalists have been detained by police while covering street protests since the beginning of 2017. The most recent instance was in March, when three reporters were arrested in Sacramento during a protest march.

In that instance, Sacramento's mayor, Darrell Steinberg, apologised too.

Theodore Boutrous Jr, a First Amendment lawyer who represents several media organisations, argued that Friday's incident is the outcome of several years of politicians taking aim at journalists and trying to undermine the public's respect for journalists and journalism. This has created an unprecedented degree of dangerous hostility to the press in this country that has shattered traditions and that can lead to shocking events like this one.

The First Amendment has long protected the right of reporters to cover public events. But there has also often been a general understanding between local police and reporters about the ground rules of covering the chaos of protests and demonstrations. The most basic rule: Journalists who identify themselves as such, and who follow police direction and do not interfere with enforcement activities, are left alone.

That police appeared to be fully aware that Mr Jimenez, who is based in CNN's Chicago bureau, was a journalist covering a story is evident in the awkward manner of his arrest.

Mr Jimenez stood peacefully in front of the officers for several minutes, holding a wireless microphone and chatting with Ms Camerota and Mr Berman, with Mr Mendez's camera trained on him. As police moved in to arrest him, he showed them his CNN identification card. One of the officers fumbled with Mr Jimenez's microphone as he sought to cuff him.

Mr Mendez asked to lay his camera on the ground as he was being arrested. As Mr Mendez was led away, an officer carried it behind the police line, apparently unaware it was still on.

Neither man resisted as they were being zip-tied by police. But Mr Jimenez did enquire repeatedly about why police were arresting him. He received no answer.

The Washington Post
CHICAGO - The false social media posts started just hours after protesters first began chanting and carrying banners around the Minneapolis neighbourhood where George Floyd, an African American man, died handcuffed in police custody.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Police take control of the area near the Super Target against protesters Thursday, May 28, 2020, in St. Paul, Minn. Protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody, broke out in Minneapolis for a third straight night. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP)

CHICAGO - The false social media posts started just hours after protesters first began chanting and carrying banners around the Minneapolis neighbourhood where George Floyd, an African American man, died handcuffed in police custody.

"The cop who killed George Floyd," Facebook and Twitter users claimed, wrongly identifying a man pictured laughing alongside President Donald Trump at a rally as former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.

More fake videos and photos followed as the demonstrations turned violent the next day. Some speculated, without evidence, that Floyds death was staged or that protesters had been paid to stir up trouble, in tweets collectively shared thousands of times. Others said a video showed a protester driving a car through a shopping complex in Minneapolis, when in fact the footage was taken during an incident at an Illinois mall last year.

Since a video of an officer kneeling on Floyds neck first surfaced, internet troublemakers and even celebrities have posted misleading or unsubstantiated claims around his death and the ensuing protests. The social media inaccuracies have created confusion around the unfolding news, tearing at the already loosely woven seams of Americas racial tapestry.

"A good deal of this, if not all of this, is intentionally trying to stoke the racial flame that has been ablaze in the United States almost since slavery started 400-plus years ago," said Lanier Holt, a communications professor at Ohio State University who studied in Minneapolis.

While the falsehoods may have been unwittingly amplified by some, they have likely been planted by those preying on existing racial tensions, Holt said.

"They put out that false information to get that narrative in the minds of people who already have these ... pre-existing biases," he said.

The online misinformation so far appears to have fallen along those racial divides.

The day after Floyd died, Twitter and Facebook users shared a photo of a man wearing a "Make America White Again" red cap, claiming it was Chauvin, who was charged Friday with third-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death.

A version of the image was actually first posted online by a pro-Trump internet trickster who has previously duped media outlets into writing fictitious stories. Jonathan Riches confirmed to The Associated Press through messages that he was the man in the photo.

Twitter later labeled rapper and actor Ice Cubes tweet with the photo as "manipulated media."

After protests on Thursday night, the St. Paul Police Department denied rumours trending online that one of its police officers was responsible for breaking windows of an AutoZone store in neighbouring Minneapolis.

"We know with precision where that officer has been and who that officer has been with," St. Paul Police spokesman Steve Linders said. "He was at work, and not at the location."

Meanwhile, others have posted old or out-of-context photos online and falsely suggested it showed the damage caused by Minnesota protesters.

Hundreds of thousands viewed a short video clip circulating online that purported to show a car driving through the Mall of America, the massive shopping complex that sits in a Minneapolis suburb.

"RIP to Mall of America," one Twitter user wrote.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Fact checkers debunked the video, but as of Friday afternoon, people on Facebook and Twitter continued to say that the mall had been looted by protesters.

Facebook declined to comment Friday on misinformation on their platform around Floyds death or the protests.

Divisive misinformation around Floyds death and the resulting protests thrives online because social media users choose who they do  or dont  follow and are less likely to be exposed to differing viewpoints outside of their circle of pages, family and friends.

"We thought social media was going to be this great equalizer," Holt said. "People find networks of people who are just like them. If they dont actually have literal black friends, this reinforces all the stereotypes that were fed to them."

___

Associated Press writers David Klepper in Rhode Island, Ali Swenson in Phoenix and Beatrice Dupuy in New York contributed to this story.
Terming the Rs 20 lakh crore package a "major step" in making the country 'Atamnirbhar' (self-reliant), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India will set an example of economic revival to the world which is currently fighting the menace of coronavirus.

The package for Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan would usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with startups, the Prime Minister said in a letter to citizens on the occasion of completion of the first year of the Modi 2.0 government.

In his address to the nation on May 12, the prime minister had announced massive financial incentives on the top of previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore or 10 per cent of the GDP, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India with an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world.

Modi in the letter said there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India's, will recover.

Given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival. In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it," the prime minister said.

The need of the hour is to become self-reliant, Modi said, stressing that "we must become self-reliant". "We have to move forward based on our own abilities, in our own way, and there is only one way to do it; Atamnirbhar Bharat or Self-reliant India," he said.

The recent Rs 20 lakh crore package given for Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a major step that will open up new opportunities for all sections including farmers, workers and entrepreneurs.

This initiative, he said, will usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it our farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with startups.

"The fragrance of Indian soil along with the sweat, hard work and talent of our workers will create products that will reduce India's dependence on imports and will move towards self-reliance," he said.

Modi said in the last one year, some of the decisions taken by his government were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse. "Empowering the poor, farmers, women and youth has remained our priority," he said, and cited initiatives, like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

In just one year, more than Rs 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9 crores 50 lakh farmers.

For the first time in the country's history, farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in unorganised sector are assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after the age of 60 years, he said.

"Besides the facility of availing bank loans, a separate department has also been created for fishermen. Several other decisions have been taken to strengthen the fisheries sector. This will boost the blue economy," the prime minister said.

Modi also said the higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than 7 crore women attached to self-help groups. "The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in the national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigour, taking and implementing these decisions," he added.
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The NASA Advisory Council (NAC) virtual public meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, has been postponed until further notice.

The postponement is due to the delay of NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 launch, originally scheduled for May 27. The launch was scrubbed due to unfavorable weather conditions. Currently it's targeted for Saturday, May 30, but could be delayed further if such weather conditions continue through the weekend. Postponing the NAC meeting will allow NASA leadership and others to focus their attention on the Demo-2 prelaunch, launch, and post-launch activities.

When the NAC meeting is rescheduled, the new date will be published in the Federal Register and made available at:

https://www.federalregister.gov/

It will also be posted online at:

https://www.nasa.gov/offices/nac/

The NAC provides consensus advice and makes recommendations to the NASA administrator and consists of members from industry, academia and professional organizations who are chosen by NASA and serve at the pleasure of the NASA administrator.

The council typically meets several times a year for fact-finding and deliberative sessions. The meetings are open to the public. Meetings are typically held at NASA Headquarters in Washington, as well as at NASA Centers across the country. Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NAC meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

For more information about the NAC, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/offices/nac/

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


Not all countries have opened borders yet.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said international and domestic air traffic will be resumed no earlier than June 15.

"Not all countries have opened borders yet. We're monitoring the dynamics of opening the borders of partner countries, neighboring states," he said during a "Freedom of Speech by Savik Shuster" panel show on Ukraine TV channel on May 29.

"There is a preliminary agreement with air carriers that there is no destination to fly before June 15, so we will not resume regular flights before June 15. After June 15, those countries that will accommodate [flights], obviously, will gradually resume regular flights," Shmyhal said.

Read alsoUkraine to lift foreigners' entry ban imposed over COVID-19  FM Kuleba

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ukrainian State Air Traffic Services Enterprise (UkSATSE) published a report on plans of foreign countries to restore regular flights.

Turkey has declared readiness for an early resumption of air traffic with Ukraine, while negotiations are yet to be finalized.

Also, after the approval of the relevant safety protocols at the interstate level, regular flights will soon be restored with Georgia.

Also, some countries are planning to launch international flights in the near future.

"In particular, Austria, Romania, Azerbaijan, Slovakia, Greece, and Georgia have restrictions on flights until the end of May. In early June, Turkey plans to resume international air travel. In Estonia, restrictions will be in place until June 7. Bulgaria, Indonesia, Iceland, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Portugal, Egypt, and Israel will open their air gates no earlier than June 15," the report says.

In addition, it will be possible to carry out Kyiv - Sofia flights in early July.

In addition, the borders of Cuba, Thailand, and Moldova will be closed until late June, while the Dominican Republic and Armenia will reopen from July.

"Some countries didn't restrict international air traffic amid the coronavirus pandemic, including Belarus, the UK, Iran, Ireland, Korea, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic (although the airport in Prague is on lockdown). Qatar Airways, remains one of the few carriers worldwide to have retained its cargo and passenger traffic to a number of countries in Western Europe, Asia and Australia," reads the report.
Healthcare professionals and first responders can receive $500 toward the purchase or lease of a new Honda vehicle at Honda of Bellingham

Honda of Bellingham is offering select and eligible first responders, healthcare personnel and their spouses $500* toward any new and untitled 2019 or newer Honda model when financed or leased through Honda Financial Services (HFS). Several Honda dealerships around the country are providing this bonus offer as a gesture of gratitude towards this collective for their service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Honda First Responder and Healthcare Professional Appreciation Offer is eligible for the following individuals and their spouses: police officers, sheriffs, sheriffs deputies, correctional officers, state troopers, federal law enforcement officers, paid or volunteer firefighters, EMT/paramedics, 911 dispatchers and healthcare professionals. This last group comprehends a broad list of professions, including medical doctors, nurses, physician assistants, medical technicians and nurses aides.

This offer is valid through July 6, 2020. To qualify for it, individuals must provide verifiable proof of active service or employment. Eligible customers must be listed on the HFS contract as the primary buyer, must meet HFS credit criteria and sign an HFS retail finance, Honda Leadership Leasing or Honda Leadership Purchase Plan contract. This offer can be used with all other Honda new vehicle programs with the exception of the Military Appreciation Offer and the Zero Due at Signing Lease program.

Those individuals looking for more information on the available Honda First Responder and Healthcare Professional Appreciation Offer can visit the dealerships website, https://www.hondaofbellingham.com/. For specific inquiries, interested parties can contact a sales representative directly by calling 833-331-0699. The Honda of Bellingham sales department is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

*Eligible through 7/6/20. $500 toward Cap Cost Reduction or Down Payment Assistance with the lease or purchase of a new and not previously reported sold 2019/2020 Honda model to qualified first responders and health-care professionals when financed or leased through Honda Financial Services. Cannot be used with Zero Due at Signing Lease Program. Fleet sales and Honda Courtesy Vehicle Program vehicles are not eligible. Not redeemable for cash. Incentive paid to dealer and requires dealer participation. Not all customers will qualify. See dealer for details.
Germany on May 30 slammed US President Donald Trump's decision to terminate relations with the World Health Orgbeinanisation (WHO), calling it a 'disappointing setback for international health policy'. German Health Minister Jens Spahn took to his official Twitter handle where he said the WHO needs reforms asking European nations to get more involved, including financially and also said that it will his ministry's utmost priority.

Read: Germany Reports 741 New Coronavirus Cases, Total Reaches 182,450

That's a disappointing backlash for International Health. If @WHO shall make any difference for the future it needs reform. And the EU must take a leading role and engage more financially. That's one of our @BMG priorities for our EU presidency. #EU2020BMG  Jens Spahn (@jensspahn) May 30, 2020

Read: Germany Pauses Anti-malaria Drug Hydroxychloroquine Study For COVID-19

Donald Trump on May 29 lashed out at the World Health Organisation threatening to sever ties with the global health body accusing it of being 'pro-China' amid the pandemic. The Trump administration has been very vocal about WHO's handling of the disease outbreak accusing it of siding with the Communist state. US President Donald Trump had last month announced cuts in WHO funding which attracted immediate condemnation from the international community.

Read: COVID-19: Germany Extends Social Distancing Measures Until June 29

US-WHO tensions

The United States claims that WHO delayed declaring the COVID-19 a pandemic in order to favour China and give it some time to cover-up. The World Health Organisation on March 11 declared a global pandemic, nearly two months after the first case reported outside of mainland China. The COVID-19 outbreak has infected more than 5.9 million people and has claimed over 3,65,000 lives to date. The United States remains the worst affected country with 1.7 million confirmed cases and 1,02,836 deaths as of May 30.

Read: Germany Aims To Lift Travel Warning For 31 European Countries From June 15


New Delhi: India on Thursday lambasted an absurd statement by Pakistan after Islamabad criticised both the construction of a Temple dedicated to Lord Rama in Ayodhya as well as the Supreme Courts judgement in the Ayodhya case that was delivered a few months ago.

New Delhi said that given the poor Pakistani record on treatment of their own minorities, Islamabad should be embarrassed to even mention the word minorities, adding that Pakistan had no locus standi to comment on the matter.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also reminded Pakistan that India is a nation served by the rule of law and which guarantees equal rights to all faiths and that Pakistans Foreign Office may take time out and read their own constitution to realise the difference.

Ridiculing the Pakistani judiciary too, India said Pakistan must realise that their (Pakistani) judiciary is thankfully not the norm and that there are others elsewhere (Indian judiciary) with credibility and integrity that Pakistan understandably finds difficult to recognise.

We have seen an absurd statement by Pakistan on a matter on which it has no locus standi. Given its record, Pakistan should be embarrassed to even mention minorities. After all, numbers dont lie even if they do, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

The Pakistan Foreign Office had on Wednesday night issued a statement, claiming that the construction of the Temple at Ayodhya was an example of advancement of the Hindutva agenda and had also alleged poor treatment of minorities in India.
A man and a woman have been killed after a double stabbing in Sydney's west.

Emergency services were called to a home on Tongariro Terrace, Bidwill, on Saturday just before 12.45pm.

Police found a woman, in her 20s, who had been stabbed in the stomach outside the house.

When they entered the house, they found a man, also in his 20s, who had been stabbed in the chest. He died at the scene.

The woman was taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition but died from her wounds.

Emergency services were called to a home on Tongariro Terrace, Bidwill (pictured) on Saturday just before 12.45pm following reports of a stabbing. Police found a woman, in her 20s, who had been stabbed in the stomach outside the house

NSW police said the pair were known to each other.

They have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the double stabbing.

Police said they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death's of the man and woman.

'A crime scene has been established which will be examined by specialist forensic police,' NSW police said in a statement.
A frontline worker at Naas General Hospital has revealed that he contracted Covid-19 several weeks ago but has now fully recovered and is back working. Respiratory Registrar, Zubair Abbas, works in a designated Covid-19 ward. Here is a day in his working life as told in his own words:

My routine, like my fellow colleagues, has changed considerably.

I live just a stones throw from the hospital and in fact can see the hospital building from my bedroom window, which is a beacon of light and an island of hope in the midst of a sea of uncertainty and fear spread by this pandemic.

Thanks to the lovely and soothing sunlight, which is marvellous for the last few weeks, I wake up at around 7am.

After taking a light breakfast, I go through emails forwarded by Senior Clinicians, hospital administration and different medical societies which are quite helpful in keeping me updated about ever evolving management guidelines related to Covid-19.

I am feeling blessed as I have made a good recovery from the Covid-19 infection, which I contracted earlier on in this pandemic. The support of my relatives and colleagues, in this difficult time is very important. It is like starting a new life.

I am in the hospital after a few minutes walk.

Although spring is in full bloom, the weather is lovely and flowers are tempting but roads, streets and parks are empty, reflecting effective practice of social distancing which is encouraging.

As compared to a calm and quiet town, the hospital is busier than usual.

A nurse has welcomed me at reception by checking my temperature.

I am working on a ward specifically designated for patients who are affected by Covid-19.

After getting an overview of the patients from my colleagues, I begin assessing patients.

It is mandatory to use hand gel before gowning up with full PPE (personal protective equipment).

We have attended multiple mandatory practice sessions, run by the infection control team, to ensure proper donning and doffing of PPE. Similarly removing PPE and disposing of it in a proper fashion is equally important.

At 11 am, a patient has been transferred from the Emergency Department. The patients lungs have been badly damaged by cigarette smoke and now the Covid-19 virus has exacerbated the situation.

We have decided to give him oxygen via a CPAP machine which is specifically designed to deliver oxygen to the lungs via a mask at high pressure and thus helps in improving saturation of oxygen in the blood.

The enthusiasm of nursing staff and health care assistants in managing this particular patient is exemplary.

Doing this challenging work and making critical decisions, while in PPE in a high risk environment, needs special commitment and its encouraging to be a part of such a professional team.

While busy with the patients I have totally forgotten to take lunch so I have grabbed a vegetable sandwich with tea and headed towards the boardroom to attend a meeting lead by the medical director.

On the way I am glad to meet a couple of my colleagues who have also returned to work after being affected by Covid-19 but thankfully they have recovered and are back to work.

In the meeting with the clinical team, statistics of the pandemic in Ireland are being discussed and updates regarding new guidelines have been given.

It seems that with effective social distancing and well synchronized efforts throughout the country we will be able to flatten the curve.

In the afternoon I am reviewing patients again, including the patient transferred earlier from the Emergency Department. Blood tests and other parameters are pointing in the right direction as the level of oxygen in the blood is much better now.

The rest of the shift is spent reviewing all patients on the ward and talking to families of patients on the phone.

The time I get to leave the hospital depends on how busy I am, which can often be late in the evening.

Home life

At home my wife has welcomed me with a tasty dinner of roasted chicken marinated in Indian spices.

After dinner I attend online lectures on Covid-19 conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland. Senior clinicians from different specialities, mainly Anaesthesia, Obstetrics and Epidemiology, have shared their experience but the most interesting talk is from a guest speaker from London, who has mentioned details of NHS Nightingale Hospital, a dedicated hospital for Covid-19 patients with capacity of about 4,000 beds.

To relax in the evening, I take some photos of flowers in my lawn and communicate with my parents on WhatsApp.

In summary, the hospital routine has changed considerably due to this outbreak of Covid-19, dress code, steps to control infection, pattern of meetings among hospital staff, this has all has changed.

Responsible attitude

I am pleased to see the responsible attitude of the public in this difficult situation where social distancing is a corner stone in controlling infection.

Caring for our loved ones, especially elderly, by staying away from them can save their lives.

It is very important to stay positive in this time of crisis.

With combined efforts of different sections of society we are able to restrict this highly infectious virus.

I am quite optimistic that we shall keep getting the same kind of support from public.
LoveDrogheda BID continues its ongoing work to improve what Drogheda has to offer.

'Despite all the disruption caused by COVID we need to continue to plan for the future. We need to present our town as best we can. With this in mind we need to identify how we can best present and sell ourselves as an attractive offering not only to our locals but to visitors alike. We need to present Drogheda as still vibrant, attractive and welcoming' is the belief of Sarah Taaffe of the Punt Bar in Bolton St. 'That is why we are encouraging this scheme where Love Drogheda BID is encouraging as many businesses as possible to put up attractive floral displays outside their premises'

Niall Kierans of Kierans's Deli, another of the promoters of this project remarked 'This is all the more important with a greater likelihood of the 'staycation' market becoming more dominant in the domestic market. More of the home market will choose to vacation at home this year.

'Foreign travel is less likely for some time yet. Those planning vacations are more likely to stay on the island of Ireland and to take more, shorter, breaks where they will get to know more of what Ireland has to offer. We in the heartland of 'Irelands Ancient East' stand to benefit better than most from this likely emerging trend'

Trevor Connolly, CEO of Love Drogheda BID commented, 'We in the Love Drogheda BID are endeavouring to encourage as many businesses as possible to consider installing flowering displays on their premises. As we are acutely aware of the financial constraints on so many businesses we have decided to make available, this year only, a limited number of flower boxes and baskets at no cost to those who may wish to participate.

If you can help or if you wish to participate contact any of the promoters for further details. Trevor Connelly, CEO, Love Drogheda, BID, 087 240 2767 , Sarah Taaffe, The Punt Bar Bolton St, 087 928 4262 and Niall Kierans, Kierans Deli West St. 087 230 9807.
Coronavirus response: Poland distributes medical aid across the Western Balkans

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

29 May. 2020

Poland dispatched nearly 70 tonnes of medical supplies to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia this week, helping them respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This aid includes more than 10,000 litres of disinfectant and 100,000 face masks for each recipient. A convoy of seven State Fire Service vehicles set off from Warsaw on Tuesday to transport the supplies.

Poland's support responds to a request for assistance coordinated through NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

The EADRCC is NATO's main civil emergency response mechanism. The Centre operates on a 24/7 basis, coordinating requests and offers of assistance. Since the start of the crisis, the EADRCC has coordinated requests from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and 15 NATO and partner countries, resulting in dozens of offers of assistance.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A Fox News correspondent says he was chased from the White House by an angry mob in the early hours of Saturday, after the tempestuous crowd turned on the reporter and tried to steal his equipment.

Leland Vittert, 37, was positioned outside the White House shortly before 1am, narrating events as protesters angry at the killing of George Floyd massed outside.

As Vittert spoke live on air, someone can be heard in the background yelling: 'It's the press!'

Scroll down for video

Leland Vittert was reporting outside the White House in the early hours of Saturday

The crowd turned on Vittert and his crew, tussling with them and jeering as they tried to report

Vittert, his cameraman and two security guards left the scene, with the mob following them

He turned to show the stand-off between the Secret Service and DC police and the protesters, who by that point, he explained, had been out in the rain for seven hours.

'The protesters have been throwing bricks, water bottles and whatever at the Secret Service, and they've shown an awful lot of restraint,' he said.

The authorities were standing shield-to-shield, blocking the walls of the White House.

Shortly afterwards the crowd turned on Vittert and he was forced to flee, along with Fox News cameraman Christian Galdabini and two security guards - one of whom was punched in the face and knocked to the ground.

'F*** Fox News!' someone can be heard yelling, in scenes captured by a fellow reporter, working for The Daily Caller.

One man in the crowd grabbed the crew's microphone and another tussled for the camera tripod.

Water was thrown at Vittert and his colleagues.

The four made it out of the park and found a police car some two blocks away.

Protesters gathered in front of the White House on Friday night and clashed with police

Secret Service form a line outside the White House as protestors attempt to breach their barricade during a protest over the killing of George Floyd on Monday night

Protesters in Washington DC heading towards a demonstration calling for justice

But Vittert said the officer at the wheel refused to get out of the squad car, even as he frantically pounded on the window, surrounded by the hostile mob.

'We were very clearly on our own, and in that situation, you just don't know how things are going to play out,' Vittert said.

Galdabini, who has covered violence in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the officer appeared to radio for reinforcements, and riot police soon showed up to restore some semblance of order.

'It was a wild one,' said Galdabini, who staved off an attempt to steal his camera as he was was doused with water and hit with objects.

'In the park, you could feel the mob mentality taking over. There were no cops anywhere. There was nobody there to keep things calm and it got out of hand.'

Vittert praised the security team for helping guide the team to safety.

'I give a lot of credit to them,' he said.

'I'm also grateful that the Daily Caller and some of the other organizations were able to follow the mob and document it. I really appreciate that they had our backs.'

The protest began about 10pm on Friday night and the scene had mostly quietened down by 3:30am on Saturday.

Donald Trump on Saturday morning recounted watching the protests outside the White House with glee, saying that anyone who successfully breached the barriers would have been 'greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons'.

Mr Trump tweeted that he had been impressed by the Secret Service handling of the unrest, and said that he was told by his security detail that the young officers in particular 'love it' when confronting demonstrations.
Infielder T.J. Rivera was among the minor league players the Phillies released Friday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets. Its not yet known which other players the Phillies cut.

Rivera signed a minors pact with the Phillies back in December, at which point he was coming off a respectable offensive run with the division-rival Mets. The 31-year-old was a .304/.335/,445 hitter with a meager 14.2 percent strikeout rate in 344 plate appearances from 2016-17, though health problems have taken a sledgehammer to his career since then.

Rivera underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2017, and his Mets tenure came to a close when they released him in March 2019. He has since played with the Nationals Double-A affiliate, in the Puerto Rican and Dominican Winter Leagues, and with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. If another major league team does take a chance on Rivera, hell surely have to work his way back via the minors, where he has performed well. Rivera is the owner of a .335/.375/.490 line in 663 trips to the plate in Triple-A ball.
The WTTC is renowned as the biggest representative of the global travel and tourism private sector. The organization recently declared that the Mexican Caribbean can receive the certification of "Safe Travels" global safety and hygiene after being recognized for its adoption of health and hygiene protocols.





Travel destinations to receive stamps

Cities from other countries like Saudi Arabi, Portugal, and Spain similarly awaited the approval of the WTTC so that the certification will increase traveler's trust in the destinations. The stamp is also designed for use by other businesses like accommodation centers, dining areas, cruise lines, and transportation services.

Governor Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez of Quintana Roo said that they appreciated being considered by the WTTC as one of the first travel destinations to qualify for the certification of the health and hygiene stamp. He added that the local authorities and tourist organizations guaranteed the safety and security of the establishments.

Large travel operators were expressing optimism that the tourism industry can rebound as soon as the pandemic is over.

TripAdvisor CEO Steve Kaufer said that they were seeing the resiliency of the industry begin to bear fruit. He added that consumer confidence was key to expediting traveler demand, and so safety would become a priority to consider in each step of their operations to resume businesses in the coming weeks.

The WTTC developed the travel protocols in accordance with the guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, the Airport Council International, the Cruise Lines International Association, and International Air Transport Association.

Check these out!

WTTC introduces world's first global safety and hygiene stamp

The organization designed the stamp to allow travelers to be able to identify which governments and businesses have successfully adopted protocols for health and hygiene across the world to standardize what they have termed "Safe Travels".

This included businesses like restaurants, hotels, tour operations, shopping centers, and modes of public and private transportation that would be allowed to qualify for the stamp as soon as the protocols would be put in place in their establishments.

Launching globally standardized protocols was a move towards economic recovery through travel and tourism by over two hundred of the world's largest tourism groups such as Trip.com and Expedia.

President and CEO Gloria Guevara of WTTC acknowledged that the organization gained more insight from the pandemic and concluded that proper observance of health protocols and consistency would allow travelers to confidently travel to certain parts of the world. She said that the global safety stamp was designed to rebuild "consumer confidence" across the globe.

It was approved even by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated that the stamp was key to building trust. He added that the collaboration of the public and private sectors was essential to restoring travel and tourism after the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measures recognized as part of the Safe Travels protocols included new approaches to health, deep cleansing, and social distancing.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-29 23:46:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

DAR ES SALAAM, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A senior official with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said on Friday the COVID-19 outbreak will reverse the gains on industrial development and trade that the region has made in the last couple of years.

Stergomena Lawrence Tax, the SADC Executive Secretary, said a socio-economic impact analysis of COVID-19 on the SADC region has shown that the pandemic will heavily impact the SADC region across a number of social and economic sectors.

Speaking at the opening of the SADC Council of Ministers virtual meeting hosted by Tanzania, Tax said the decline in the global economy was projected to lead to decline in commodity prices, increase in debt and significant contraction of the SADC economies in 2020.

"This will reverse the gains on industrial development and trade that the region has made in the last couple of years," Tax told the meeting chaired by Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Palamagamba Kabudi.

She said the 16 member states of the regional bloc were already experiencing disruption of economic activities, including on agricultural production, food security and cross-border trade.

The SADC member states were also experiencing disruptions on tourism, foreign investment flows, macro-economic stability, peace and security caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tax.

"Findings also show that, government expenditures on COVID-19 related activities have increased at a time that most of the member states are facing fiscal challenges," she said.

In view of the findings of the socio-economic impact analysis on SADC economies, Tax said, a number of measures have been recommended for consideration at national and regional levels.

Tanzania is the current chair of the SADC, an inter-governmental organization established in 1992 to further socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 16 southern African countries. Enditem
Master Sgt. David Royer was leaving Fort Leavenworth in Kansas on Wednesday, driving home in his Chevrolet Silverado and talking to his fiancee via Bluetooth, when he hit some traffic on the Centennial Bridge, which connects Kansas and Missouri.

Suddenly, he said, a man got out of the vehicle in front of his, pulled out a rifle and began to shoot. Sergeant Royer told his fiancee to call 911 and said he had to go. Then he hit the gas and rammed into the gunman, pinning the shooter underneath his Chevy.

I wasnt necessarily frightened, Sergeant Royer, 34, told reporters on Thursday. I was shocked that it was happening and the adrenaline took over and, with the military training that Ive received, I took appropriate action and took out the threat.

Chief Pat Kitchens of the Leavenworth Police Department said the sergeant, who has served in the Army for 15 years, saved countless people after the gunman started to fire at cars with no particular association at about 11 a.m.
(Bloomberg) -- Twitter Inc. flagged one of Donald Trumps posts for violating its rules against glorifying violence, escalating a clash with the U.S. president after he signed an executive order that seeks to limit liability protections for social-media companies.

Early Friday, the social media company obscured the presidents comments about protests in Minneapolis with a warning that the tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the publics interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.

Trumps executive order came after Twitter began selective fact checks of his posts on the platform. Under current law, companies like Twitter and Facebook Inc. are protected for users posts. Trump told reporters that his order calls for new regulations under section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to make it that social media companies that engage in censoring or any political conduct will not be able to keep their liability shield.

Twitter earlier this week labeled two of his posts about mail-in voting potentially misleading and provided links to news coverage of his comments. The president responded with outrage, accusing the social media company of censorship and election interference and threatening to possibly shut down the service.

Im signing an executive order to protect and uphold the free speech rights of the American people, Trump said. Currently, social media giants like Twitter receive an unprecedented liability shield based on the theory that theyre a neutral platform, which theyre not.

Trump said he expected the order or the regulations it produces to be challenged in court. If it were legal for him to shut down Twitter, Trump said, I would do it.

In the clash Friday over protests in Minnesota after the death of a man in police custody, Trumps comments, concluding with the words when the looting starts, the shooting starts, incited a strong response from other Twitter users. Those replies have since been hidden or removed by the company. The options to reply and like the tweet have also been disabled, while the retweet and quote-tweet functions have been left active.

Story continues

Twitter rose less than 1% in late trading Thursday after the signing was announced. That followed a 4.4% decline in the regular session, the most in four weeks.

Order Text

The order said the protections against lawsuits should only apply when companies act in good faith to take down or limit the visibility of content.

Any removal or restriction made in a manner that is deceptive, pretextual, or inconsistent with a providers terms of service would not qualify as being in good faith, nor would a move without adequate notice, reasoned explanation, or a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Technology Association trade group, called the order unconstitutional and ill-considered.

Americas internet companies lead the world and it is incredible that our own political leaders would seek to censor them for political purposes, Shapiro said in a statement.

In a tweeted statement, Twitter called the executive order a reactionary and politicized approach to a landmark law, adding, attempts to unilaterally erode it threaten the future of online speech and Internet freedoms.

A Facebook spokesperson said exposing companies to liability would penalize those that allow controversial speech and encourage platforms to censor anything that might offend anyone.

YouTube Chief Executive Officer Susan Wojcicki, in an interview with David Rubenstein on Bloomberg Television while the order was being prepared, said, we have worked extraordinarily hard to make sure that all of our policies and systems are built in a fair and neutral and consistent way.

The Department of Commerce, in consultation with the attorney general, would be responsible for petitioning the Federal Communications Commission within 60 days to craft the new regulation.

This debate is an important one, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement. The Federal Communications Commission will carefully review any petition for rulemaking filed by the Department of Commerce.

Industry and civil liberties groups who denounced the order as an illegal end-run around free-speech protections and said it gave the FCC powers it does not actually have.

Twitter has been an essential tool for Trump as both a politician and as president, dating back to his false allegations that President Barack Obama was born in Kenya. Trump has observed himself that the social media platform allows him to dodge the press and speak directly to his 80 million followers. It has also afforded him the unfettered opportunity to assail political opponents and to promulgate conspiracy theories and other misinformation.

Attorney General William Barr, who joined Trump for his remarks, said the order would not repeal Section 230, which provides social-media companies their liability protection.

But its been stretched and I dont know of anyone in Capitol Hill who doesnt agree that its been stretched beyond its original intention, he said. I think this will help get back to the right balance.

Trump and Barr also said they were reviewing possibilities to seek legislation further curbing Section 230 protections. Barr said the government may also bring litigation.

One of the things we may do, Bill, is just remove or totally change 230, Trump said. What I think we can say is were going to regulate it.

Roth Criticism

Earlier Thursday, Trump called out a single Twitter employee, head of site integrity Yoel Roth, in a tweet complaining that the platforms decision to fact-check his tweets on voting by mail could taint the U.S. election.

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany criticized Roth for political tweets, including one that said actual Nazis inhabit Trumps White House.

Twitters head of site integrity has tweeted that there are quote, actual Nazis, in the White House and no fact-check label was ever applied to this actually outrageous and false claim made against the White House and its employees, she said.

White House officials complained that Twitter did not originally append fact checks to China Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lijan Zhao, who without evidence wrote that it might be the U.S. military that brought the coronavirus to China. Twitter has since added the fact-check link to his tweets.

Democrats have largely applauded the effort to fact-check the president. But they questioned why Twitter didnt similarly add links to recent tweets by the president that baselessly accused MSNBC host Joe Scarborough of murdering a former staffer who died while at work in one of his congressional offices nearly two decades ago.

Yes we like Twitter to put up their fact check of the president, but it seems to be very selective, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday.

The executive order is the latest in a years-long campaign by the president and his allies against social media companies. The companies say they have more aggressively sought to combat disinformation and foreign interference campaigns after the federal government found that Russia and other state operatives used U.S. social media to influence the 2016 election.

Bias Allegations

Republicans have alleged that Twitter and Facebook are politically biased in the way they display posts and block certain material deemed offensive, and objected to Twitters decision to ban certain political advertising. Last May, the administration set up a website asking Americans to submit instances of alleged political bias on social media.

We always knew that Silicon Valley would pull out all the stops to obstruct and interfere with President Trump getting his message through to voters, Trump 2020 campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement. Partnering with the biased fake news media fact checkers is only a smoke screen Twitter is using to try to lend their obvious political tactics some false credibility.

The president has complained about Twitters efforts to combat manipulative and abusive content by deleting fake profiles -- leading to a decline of hundreds of thousands of users in his follower count.

The websites have denied their actions are politically motivated, and Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey said then he also lost around 200,000 followers in the purge. In 2018 congressional testimony, Dorsey said there were technical explanations for cases of alleged bias raised by Republican lawmakers.

Still, the debate has exposed a rift among Silicon Valley tech giants, with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticizing Twitters decision in an interview with Fox News.

I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldnt be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online, he said. Private companies probably shouldnt be, especially these platform companies, shouldnt be in the position of doing that.

Dorsey fired back in a tweet posted Wednesday night, saying the fact-check was designed to make sure people didnt misunderstand the presidents tweet and believe they didnt need to register to vote in order to receive an absentee ballot.

(Updates with latest Twitter-Trump clash in sixth paragraph)

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Australia Makes Progress on Virus Response

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says progress is being made on restoring the economy as inroads are made in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most state and territory leaders told a national cabinet meeting on May 29 they were hopeful of getting to stage three of the reopening by the end of July.

Stage three involves gatherings of 100 people and reopening of state borders to travellers.

The Northern Territory will be the first to achieve stage three, setting a June 5 date, while Western Australia is hopeful of reaching that point mid-June.

Queensland has set out a timetable to hit stage two on June 12 and stage three on July 10, with Tasmania reaching that point three days later.

Victoria has pencilled in late-July for stage three, while South Australia and NSW have made no promises.

The ACT is aiming for mid-July.

Were on track and were making progress far sooner than we could have ever imagined several months ago, Morrison said.

The prime minister and premiers signed a $131 billion hospital deal on Friday and pledged to keep the national cabinet going as a series of monthly meetings after the pandemic.

As well treasurers will now have responsibility for national partnership agreements on services  like hospitals  which carve up billions.

Morrison said he remained optimistic interstate travel would restart nationally by July.

NSW is preparing to ease restrictions on religious services, funerals and weddings from Monday, bringing the rules closer to pubs and restaurants.

Victoria has announced tough measures to stop bosses forcing workers back to the office, with employees told they must work from home if possible.

Queensland authorities are continuing to investigate the mysterious case of Australias youngest coronavirus victim, Nathan Turner, who died aged 30 in the small mining town of Blackwater.

Australias COVID-19 death toll is 103, with fewer than 500 active cases remaining from more than 7150 infections.

Paul Osborne
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 01:04:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Violent protests escalated overnight in Minneapolis, the biggest city in the midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota, as demonstrations and riots have spread to other big cities across the country after George Floyd, an unarmed black man, pleaded "I can't breathe" before dying in police custody earlier this week.

CITY BLAZED

Minneapolis has been deeply damaged after three-night protests and riots, with fires burning and businesses looted.

The police precinct closest to where Floyd was captured on video with a white police officer kneeling on his neck was set on fire late Thursday night.

Donning protective helmets with face shields and carrying batons, state police were seen lining up Friday morning near the debris. Before state police arrived, the precinct was deserted after officers had been evacuated, local media reported.

Overnight, fires raged in Minneapolis as protesters shattered windows and charged over a fence to get access to the police precinct. In confrontations, police sprayed mace at protesters who got too close and they threw projectiles at police officers in response.

Elsewhere in the deeply shaken city, thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched through the streets, chanting George Floyd's name and "I can't breathe," local media reported.

"If you are feeling anger, or sadness, I get it. It is not only understandable, it is -- it is righteous," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said on MSNBC Thursday night. "But we cannot allow that anger and sadness to so negatively impact our communities."

While four officers involved in the case were fired, no arrests have been made. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Friday on CNN that he anticipates there will be charges brought against the officers involved.

Floyd, aged 46, died on Monday evening shortly after a police officer held him down with a knee on his neck though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." The police officer's way of handling the man is not approved by the local police department.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard to restore order.

RAGE SPREADS

Violent protests over Floyd's death have flared up in a number of other cities across the United States.

In St. Paul, a next-door city in Minnesota, more than 170 businesses were damaged or looted overnight, the city's police department said early Friday.

Seven people were shot in Louisville, Kentucky, during overnight protests over a separate case in which 26-year-old emergency medical technician Breonna Taylor, an African American woman, was shot dead by police in March.

On Thursday, some 40 people were arrested in New York City as more than 100 people gathered in Manhattan's Union Square to express their anger over what they called police brutality that led to Floyd's death. ABC said someone threw a trash can at police and another tried to grab an officer's gun, while NBC reported that a protester punched an officer in the face.

Chaos also erupted in Colorado's capital city Denver on Thursday. Several hundred protesters surrounded the state capitol and were finally dispersed after five hours of an angry protest in which several vehicles and buildings were burned. Gunshots were fired into the crowd but no one was hurt. Local news stations called the protest "unprecedented" and the most volatile for Denver in decades.

There have been protests and rallies in several other cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, Portland and Columbus in Ohio, demanding justice for Floyd.

Floyd's plea before his death evoked African Americans' painful memories. In 2014, a cellphone recorded an unarmed black man, Eric Garner, repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" when a New York officer held him in a chokehold before his death in police custody. Since then, the plea has become a rallying cry at demonstrations against police misconduct across the country.

WOUND SUPPURATING

Amid the national outrage, President Donald Trump on Friday morning called Minneapolis protesters "thugs" on Twitter, warning that he would send National Guard troops to the city and that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen," the president tweeted. "Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"

Twitter, which this week for the first time attached notes to tweets from Trump, added a warning label to his Minneapolis tweet for "glorifying violence."

On the Democratic side, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said Floyd was "murdered" at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department, calling it "an execution."

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee are pressing the U.S. Justice Department to open investigations into the Floyd and Taylor killings, as well as that of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man killed by two white residents in February while he was jogging through a neighborhood in south Georgia, according to a report by The Hill on Friday.

The tragedy came amid the coronavirus outbreak which has aggravated racial inequality in the country as African Americans are suffering a disproportionate share of the negative health and economic outcomes from the pandemic.

"We can't ignore that we are in a country with an open wound right now, a wound far older and deeper than... George Floyd's killing," presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said on Thursday.

"His final words, pleading for breathe. 'Let me breathe, I can't breathe.' It's ripped open anew this -- this ugly underbelly of our society," said the former vice president. Enditem
Deputies arrested a Lincoln County man Thursday after he was accused of kidnapping someone at gunpoint, then leading police on a car chase several days later.

Richard Leach, of Waldport, face charges of first-degree kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon and other accusations after deputies said he forced someone into a car at gunpoint May 16 and drove the person around the Waldport area for several hours before the victim was able to escape.

The victim reported being attacked by Leach while being held, the sheriffs office said.

Deputies werent able to find Leach for several days, the sheriffs office said. Deputies saw Leach on Thursday driving near Waldport, tried to pull him over and he drove away.

Over the next 45 minutes, Leach struck a passing car and nearly hit pursuing police cars, authorities said. His car eventually stopped after he drove over spike strips.

Deputies said Leach wouldnt get out of the car when told to, so deputies sent two police dogs to get him out. After he was out of the car, he spit blood on the paramedics treating him for injuries, the sheriffs office said.

-- Celina Tebor

ctebor@oregonian.com
Thailands Thai Beverage Public Co Ltd (Thai Bev) has formally denied it will sell its shares in Vietnams top brewer Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corp (Sabeco).

In a statement on Saturday, Thai Bev, one of Asias largest beverage companies, stated that it was not seeking potential investors to buy its business in Vietnam in any way.

The firm affirmed speculations that it will exit from Sabeco are all false.

Saturdays declaration was also sent to the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX) as the companys way to reassure stakeholders that it is confident in its business in Vietnam and remains strongly committed to making Sabeco the pride of Vietnam.

Vietnam continues to be one of Thai Bevs core markets and is integral to its goal of becoming a stable and sustainable leader in Southeast Asias beverage industry, the firm said.

Sabeco's former chairman Vo Thanh Ha (right) signs a deal to sell a 54-percent stake in the Vietnamese brewer to Thai Bev in this file photo taken on December 18, 2017. Photo: Tran Vu Nghi / Tuoi Tre

This is the third time since 2018 that Thai Bev has made such an announcement to refute similar claims, after it had successfully bought a majority stake worth US$4.84 billion in Sabeco from the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade in December 2017.

After the deal, the trade ministry holds nearly 36 percent at the countrys largest local brewer by market value, while Thai Bev owns 54 percent of capital in Sabeco.

The company reported a five-percent increase in net revenue in 2018 and a 22-percent growth in net profit in 2019.

Thai Bev said that the firm is still finding ways to optimize its asset portfolio and improve its equity value in preparation for the potential to list its beer business.

But it also stressed that the listing is still at an early stage and there is no certainty or assurance that any such transaction will occur.

The company warned shareholders and investors to exercise caution and seek appropriate professional advice before dealing in the company shares and securities, and refrain from taking any action in respect of their investments which may be prejudicial to their interests.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951

/var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486aeabf8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486ab9e10)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486aeabf8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486ab9e10)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486af12e0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486ab9e10)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486ab9e10)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04861ea1a0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486aeb4f8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486aeb4f8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Richard Pearson, the chief of diplomatic and civic affairs at the National Geographic Society who also was an officer with Washington's Alfalfa Club and chairman for years of its annual VIP dinner, died May 25 at a health-care center in the District of Columbia. He was 92.

The cause was cancer, said Gregory Platts, a friend and fellow Alfalfan.

As a representative of National Geographic, Pearson cultivated relationships with top figures at foreign embassies and in the U.S. government, gaining access to remote, hard-to-reach or forbidden places for the society's photographers and writers.

He helped ease the way for National Geographic's coverage of lunar landings, the discovery of the sunken wreck of the Titanic and the bringing of exhibits not seen before to the society's museum in downtown Washington.

At the Alfalfa Club, Pearson's duties included planning the club's annual dinner - and the delicate diplomacy of assigning seats - for 700 high-ego leaders of government and business, almost all of whom believed they deserved a prestigious location at or near the head table. The club itself has about 200 members. Each is allowed to bring two guests to the annual dinner, held on the last Saturday in January. It has been the Alfalfa Club's single annual event for 107 years.

Rarely does a year pass without someone complaining about a seat assignment, said Platts, the chairman of this year's dinner who, in his day job, was treasurer at National Geographic.

Inevitably, the process is fraught with pitfalls and easily made mistakes. One year, just before the dinner, Pearson received a phone call from former president George H.W. Bush alerting him to the fact that the Chinese ambassador and the ambassador from Taiwan were both seated at the head table - socially awkward at the least, fuel for an international incident at worst. Appropriate seat changes were made.

Richard Esher Pearson, known as Dick, was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on May 17, 1928, and grew up in Philadelphia's Main Line suburbs. His father was a banker. The family traced its ancestry back to the 18th century, and Pearson was a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, the Society of Colonial Wars and the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania.

He graduated from the private Haverford School and, in 1950, from the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the Army and in 1953 received a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He had lived in Washington since 1957, when he joined the staff of National Geographic. He retired from the society in 1994 as the de facto chief of protocol.

Pearson, who never married, leaves no immediate survivors.

He was trim at 6-foot-3, with ramrod posture, ruddy cheeks and white hair, trimmed in a military style flat-top, and he was rarely seen without a coat and tie, his friend Platts wrote. He often accompanied unattached, socially prominent women to social events. It was with a source of pride that he boasted to friends that for 60 years running he had worn the same white tie and tails to an annual charity ball in Philadelphia.

He sent handwritten thank-you notes on high-quality vellum paper to any and all who received him as a guest, be it for lunch, dinner, tea or a pleasant conversation. So promptly were the thank-you notes delivered that it was sometimes speculated that Pearson must have written them in advance and slipped them through the mail slot on his way out of the house.

From 1958 to 2018, Pearson filled a variety of roles at the Alfalfa Club, including board member and secretary. The club first met in 1913 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, and it moved in 1943 to the Capitol Hilton Hotel partly to accommodate President Franklin D. Roosevelt's wheelchair needs.

Traditionally presidents have been invited to the annual Alfalfa dinner, and most have attended, although President Donald Trump has not.

The club was all male until 1994, when the gender line was broken with the admissions of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

As an Alfalfa officer, Pearson was a "stickler on protocol," wrote Platts in his recollection of his friend: "More than once he chastised the Club's calligrapher for writing 'The British Ambassador' on a place card that should have said 'The Ambassador of the Court of St. James.' "
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

AN-2 aircraft of Kazakhstans Taraz Zhana Alem private airline caught fire today, May 30, 2020, Trend reports with reference to the Civil Aviation Committee.

The incident happened at 15:31 as the plane has landed following a performed medical flight TJA5221 on the route Semey  Urjar.

The committee said that the airplane landed at 15:25.

Fire occurred after the landing, the aircraft was parked and there were no people on board. At 15:50, the fire was contained. There were no casualties. An investigation was initiated by Air Traffic Investigation Department of Kazakhstans Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development, the committee said.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
Lysol Donates P36M to Philippine Red Cross for COVID-19 Battle

Germs are everywhere and frequently found on objects and surfaces that can be passed around. The most common are bacteria and viruses that cannot be seen by the naked eye. With the threat of viruses rising every day, it's important to clean and disinfect your homes to #BreakTheChainOfInfection





Lysol Philippines has partnered with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for Disinfect to Protect, a joint mission to ensure everybody is protected from illnesses, by breaking the chain of infection. Through the endeavor, the disinfectant brand will donate P36 million to boost mass testing in support of government efforts, bring it to the most vulnerable groups, and encourage Filipinos to sanitize their surroundings to protect them from disease-causing germs.





Lysol Donates P36M to Philippine Red Cross for COVID-19 Battle

L-R: Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Lysol Hygienic Automatic Toilet Cleaner





Disinfect to Protect Mission #1

Half of the donation will be used to build a COVID-19 mass testing center in Cagayan De Oro City. To be known as the Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory, the facility will have 2 polymerase chain reaction machines that can process 2,000 tests per day.

This will also be earmarked for the laboratorys operations and maintenance costs, including the hiring personnel.





Disinfect to Protect Mission #2

The other half of the donationP18 millionwill go to the COVID-19 Samaritan Fund to shoulder processing fees to test around 4,500 Filipinos from the most susceptible groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, especially in poor communities.

to shoulder processing fees to test around 4,500 Filipinos from the most susceptible groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, especially in poor communities. Lysol will also turn over P5 million worth of its products to help disinfect PRC sample collection areas, as well as testing laboratories, to keep frontline healthcare workers and communities protected against the novel coronavirus.

Disinfect to Protect Mission #3

To break the chain of COVID-19 infection in the household level, the brand is also encouraging Filipinos to practice proper handwashing, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting their surroundingsincluding frequently-touched surfaces at home and workplaceswith disinfectant sprays and multi-purpose cleaners.

Lysol Donates P36M to Philippine Red Cross for COVID-19 BattleSenator Richard Gordon, Philippine Red Cross chairman, receives the Lysol Philippines donation from Aleli Arcilla, RB Health Philippines general manager, during the turnover ceremony at the PRC headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

We feel humbled to be partnering with the Philippine Red Cross in their efforts to strengthen the countrys COVID-19 testing capacity and expand its coverage to needy sectors of society, as we keep the Philippines medical front-liners safe against an unseen enemy while creating awareness on the importance of hygiene and disinfection, said Gonzalo Balcazar, RB General Manager for South East Asia, Hygiene. More than ensuring households are protected from illness-causing germs, Lysol sees this partnership, and our Disinfect to Protect mission as creating a bigger impact on various communities.
Ashok Subramaniam By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Kalyan Mandal and family just had their most-expensive auto ride in their whole life, but they are still hopeful of getting back home to Raipur in Chhattisgarh.

Sitting inside the St Josephs Anglo Indian Boys school premises in Vepery, along with his wife Vijeshwari Mandal and their one-year-old daughter, he counts himself as one of the lucky few to have found a space to stay, though its out in the open.

Kalyan, a construction labourer, had to shell out a whopping Rs 1,200 for an auto ride from Guduvanchery to Nehru Stadium, near the Central Station. However, when the family got there, the hopes of going back home crashed. They found out that there was no train leaving for the State on Friday.

We are relieved that we do not have to go all the way back. It is difficult to keep moving back and forth with my little child and wife, says Kalyan.

Now, at least we can stay here for a few days till a train is ready to leave. We found out that the migrant workers wishing to return home were being put up at the Nehru Stadium. We took the chance and got there, but we were asked to come here.

Kalyan and family are among 350-odd migrants taking shelter at the school.

Though there is no roof over their heads, and the summer heat is unbearable, the school management is doing its best to make their stay comfortable.

People keep coming in and going out of the space while Kalyan was talking.

A group from Bihar and Jharkhand were busy collecting tokens to take the 6pm train. Amarjit Kumar from Bihar Sharif in Nalanda and his friend Harendra Sahani from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh could hardly contain their joy.

Klyan Mandal and his family from Chhattisgarh waiting at the school | Martin Louis

Amarjit had a bagful of toys for his one-year girl. Harendra, on the other hand, said he would get down at his friends place and from there he will go home. He cant wait to meet his wife, stating said he had to come for work within a month after marriage. I cant wait to go home and spend quality time with my wife and family, he said with a grin. We received our confirmed tokens today, said Harendra and Amarjit in unison. People from Assam and Odisha had already taken up prime spots in the school ground after learning that they wont be on the train tonight.

Welcoming arm

The school management opened the gates for the migrants four days ago. Fr E Sandhya said, We are trying our best to provide accommodation to every person. Nobody is being turned away. They can stay here till their time comes to leave. A couple of days ago around 200 migrants left for Bihar. We provided food and water, Fr Sandhya said. Every day the number keeps on swelling. While this reporter was leaving the premises, scores of people were waiting to get inside.

Nobody goes hungry

Whether people were going home or staying for another day, nobody would sleep on empty stomachs. The Corporation and like-minded NGOs made sure of that. The migrants relished pongal for breakfast and brinji rice and cabbage curry during the lunchtime. We are trying our best to provide nutritious food for them, said Corporation official K Manohar. We have been providing food and water to the needy from day one of the lockdown, said Vinod Jain, one of the organisers from the community.

Over 2 lakh migrants sent home

Chennai : Southern Railway has sent 2.21 lakh migrant labourers back home by Shramik special trains, said a statement. As many as 177 special trains were operated from Tamil Nadu between May 1 and 28, to places across India -- 61 from Chennai, 31 from Coimbatore, 16 from Tirupur and 15 from Tiruvallur. Highest number of trains were operated to Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.
Murphrees Research Published, Included in Podcast

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 16:05pm | By: David Tisdale

A University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Communication faculty members research on how a popular New Orleans community radio station expanded its 'earprint' by bringing the citys musical culture to a global audience was recently published in Journalism History and featured in Episode 48 of its podcast The Wonderful Wizard of Community Radio at https://journalismhistorypodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-48-the-wonderful-wizard-of-community-radio/.

Dr. Vanessa Murphrees article, Universal Localism: WWOZ Community Radio, 19802006 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00947679.2020.1724491) examines one of the nations best-known community radio stations, New Orleans-based WWOZ-FM and how the station for the last 40 years has almost exclusively, among other area radio stations, played the music of the citys musicians. Beginning in 1995 and since with the help of technology through online streaming, it has shared that local sound while also establishing its cultural relevance with a worldwide audience, gaining an expanded, global fan base that has also resulted in growth of listener financial support from as far away as China, New Zealand and Great Britain, among other countries.

A member of the USM faculty since 2012, Dr. Muphrees areas of expertise include media history and public relations. Her research primarily focuses on the relationship between public relations and social change. She is the author of The Selling of Civil Rights: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the use of Public Relations (2006). The American Journalism Historians Association awarded her with a 2003 honorable mention for her dissertation and a 2005 award for best American Journalism article. Learn more about her work at USM and its School of Communication at https://www.usm.edu/faculty-directory/profile.php?id=1936359.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The volume of electrical goods exported from Turkey to Iran in the first four months of 2020 declined by 21.2 percent, compared to the same period in 2019, and made up slightly over $22 million, Turkish Trade Ministry told Trend.

In April 2020, exports of electrical goods from Turkey to Iran fell by 69.7 percent compared to April of last year and amounted to $2.6 million.

Export of electrical goods from Turkey to world markets shrank 13.2 percent from January through April 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, amounting to slightly over $3.1 billion,

Turkeys export of electrical goods to world markets amounted to 6.1 percent of the countrys total export from Jan. through Apr. 2020.

Turkeys export of electrical goods to world markets amounted to $62 million in April 2020, which is 33.8 percent less compared to April 2019, the ministry said.

In April of this year, Turkeys export of electrical goods to world markets amounted to 6.9 percent of the countrys total export.

During the last twelve months (from April 2019 through April 2020), Turkey exported electrical goods worth more than 10.7 billion, added the ministry.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
DELRAY BEACH, Fla.  As unrest spread across dozens of American cities on Friday, the Pentagon took the rare step of ordering the Army to put several active-duty U.S. military police units on the ready to deploy to Minneapolis, where the police killing of George Floyd sparked the widespread protests.

Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours. The people did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations.

The get-ready orders were sent verbally on Friday, after President Donald Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper for military options to help quell the unrest in Minneapolis after protests descended into looting and arson in some parts of the city.

Trump made the request on a phone call from the Oval Office on Thursday night that included Esper, National Security Advisor Robert O Brien and several others. The president asked Esper for rapid deployment options if the Minneapolis protests continued to spiral out of control, according to one of the people, a senior Pentagon official who was on the call.

When the White House asks for options, someone opens the drawer and pulls them out so to speak. the official said.

The person said the military units would be deployed under the Insurrection Act of 1807, which was last used in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles that followed the Rodney King trial.

If this is where the president is headed response-wise, it would represent a significant escalation and a determination that the various state and local authorities are not up to the task of responding to the growing unrest," said Brad Moss, a Washington D.C.-based attorney, who specializes in national security.

Members of the police units were on a 30-minute recall alert early Saturday, meaning they would have to return to their bases inside that time limit in preparation for deployment to Minneapolis inside of four hours. Units at Fort Drum are slated to head to Minneapolis first, according to the three people, including two Defense Department officials. Roughly 800 U.S. soldiers would deploy to the city if called.

Protests erupted in Minneapolis this week after video emerged showing a police officer kneeling on Floyds neck. Floyd later died of his injuries and the officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

The protests turned violent and on Thursday rioters torched the Minneapolis Third Police Precinct near where Floyd was arrested. Mayor Jacob Frey ordered a citywide curfew at 8 p.m. local time, beginning on Friday. In that city, peaceful protests picked up steam as darkness fell, with thousands of people ignoring the curfew to walk streets in the southern part of the city. Some cars were set on fire in scattered neighborhoods, business break-ins began and eventually there were larger fires.

The unrest has since spread across the country, with protests, some violent, erupting in cities including Washington DC, Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver and Los Angelas.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered 500 of his National Guard troops into Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities.

But a Pentagon spokesman said Walz did not ask for the Army to be deployed to his state.

The Department has been in touch with the Governor and there is no request for Title 10 forces to support the Minnesota National Guard or state law enforcement," the spokesman said, Title 10 is the U.S. law that governs the armed forces, and would authorize active duty military to operate within the U.S.

Alyssa Farah, the White House director of strategic communications, said the deployment of active-duty military police is untrue.

False: off the record - title 10 not under discussion, said Farah in an email response. No off-record agreement was negotiated with The Associated Press.

The 16th Military Police Brigade forwarded the APs questions to the Defense Department.

The three officials with direct knowledge of the potential deployment say the orders are on a classified system, known as the Secret Internet Protocol Router or SIPR for short.

Active-duty forces are normally prohibited from acting as a domestic law enforcement agency. But the Insurrection Act offers an exception.

The Act would allow the military to take up a policing authority it otherwise would not be allowed to do, enforcing state and federal laws, said Stephen Vladeck, a University of Texas School of Law professor who specializes in constitutional and national security law.

The statute is deliberately vague when it comes to the instances in which the Insurrection Act could be used, he said. The states governor could ask President Donald Trump to take action or Trump could act on his own authority if hes determined that the local authorities are so overwhelmed that they cant adequately enforce the law, Vladeck said.

It is a very, very broad grant of authority for the president, he added.

--By James Laporta
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has called on the federal government to apologise to thousands of Australians wrongly made to repay funds to Centrelink, after it promised to refund $721 million to 373,000 people.

"There were suicides as a result of people who received these debt notices for a debt they didn't owe, which were illegal," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says the government must apologise to thousands of people hit with robodebts. Credit:Kate Geraghty

"The government should apologise ... People were distraught, people receiving these debt notices in the mail, many of them having no idea what it was from - and many of them, getting notices from the government, just paid it."

A class action over the failed scheme, which relied on income tax assessments made by the Australian Taxation Office that turned out to be inaccurate, will go ahead despite the refund pledge, which came late on Friday.
It was amazing and I loved dancing around my kitchen to Never Forget 

Reply

Thread

Link

teen me is screaming

Reply

Thread

Link

do they pay their taxes now?

Reply

Thread

Link

Their Circus and Progress tours are like the best concerts of all time.



Shame they're Tories. Also, I miss their best member Jason Orange and it's not really a reunion without him.

Reply

Thread

Link

Never was very into TT. I mean I liked their songs, but I wasn't obsessed. BSB is when I really started to Stan a boyband  With that said Robbie had a solid solo career, I like most of his discography. And I've always been attracted to Gary. Their queer baiting used to give my closeted gay ass life lol

Reply

Thread

Link

WTF at that outfit and look, Mark?!



The rest of them look really good.

Reply

Thread

Link

I just went back and watched their entire music video discography and their documentary. I was too young and back for good was their only real smash hit in America, so I didn't really know the history before the reunion. They were REALLy good. If I'd been a teen in their heyday I'd have been a Mark Stan. His midriff in relight my fire....whew. The breakdancing one was cute too.

Reply

Thread

Link

i was a youth living Europe a the height of their powers, and oof. They were everywhere.



Their early version of TRL in the UK had the video for "Babe" requested number one for a huge amount of weeks, and it got to a point where they had to decide to retire it from the countdown, haha.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I grew up in America and I remember back for good being massive at radio and in heavy rotation on TV, then almost immediately MTV announced their split

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

mark is my favourite too. he's a stone cold weirdo irl and i love him.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Jason was my favourite, Im sad hes missing - was there bad blood at all?



The last I heard he was dating Catherine Tate??

Reply

Thread

Link

They did him so foul with all the tax evasion (ALLEGEDLY OFC, IIRC), so when he bounced I was excited for him.



But I mean, you can come back sometime and visit 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I don't think there was bad blood. He seemed pretty over it for a while, and even when they originally came back, he was super hesitant.



And he does his own thing and is super private now, but he and Catherine broke up almost 9 years ago.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Not really, he just was never especially comfortable with their renewed fame and was over performing. He had actually wanted to peace out before Progress but because Rob then signed on, he wanted to do the one last hurrah as a 5.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Tory scum.

Reply

Thread

Link

Babe and Everything Changes and Back For Good are bops for sure.



They could have been bigger in the states.



Robbie Williams too, for that matter.

Reply

Thread

Link

Can I say, I think about Take That a lot when I'm reading Harry Potter, cos they're contemporaries - like I think about "Pray" being a pop hit when Sirius Black was on the run from Azkaban

Reply

Thread

Link

Lmao what? Was that an actual thing in the books? Im imagining Hermione explaining boy bands to Ron lmao.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The Harry Potter timeline happens in the 90's but there are no cultural references on the books, at least not that I remember, but I read them ages ago so.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Oh no, like the other commenter said, it's just that HP took place from 1991-1997 during peak Take That popularity in the UK and I'd like to think they were blowing up and breaking up all the while Harry was battling Voldemort and his minions

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

God this takes me back. I miss the 90s so much. Take That were always so fun and cheeky during performances and interviews on MTV. This makes me so nostalgic

Reply

Thread

Link
President Donald Trump has said the US is very saddened by what happened to its relationship with China, hours after he announced a series of decisions against it and blamed the Chinese governments malfeasance for the death and devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide.

Amid escalating bilateral tensions over the coronavirus pandemic, trade issues and Beijings new controversial security law in Hong Kong, Trump announced a series of decisions including issuing a proclamation to deny the entry to certain Chinese nationals and tightening of regulations against Chinese investments in America.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

Trump also terminated the US relationship with the World Health Organisation, accusing the UNs health body of misguiding the world on the coronavirus and siding with China on this issue.

Were talking about doing a lot of things and were very, very saddened by what happened to our relationship with China. They should have never allowed this to happen. They could have stopped it at the source. We asked them to come in and help them, and they didnt want help from anybody, even the World Health Organization, he told reporters at the White House on Friday, referring to the spread of the virus that has killed over one lakh people in America alone.

Trump said that China contained the virus within its own territory but did not stop it from spreading around the world.

We are certainly not happy with what happened with respect to China. They have a virus that started and when it got out of control, perhaps, I assume thats what happened, it got out of control, whichever way and they stopped it from going to China, but they didnt stop it from going to the rest of the world. So nobody likes that. That was not good, Trump said. Countless lives have been taken and profound economic hardship has been inflicted all around the globe, Trump said.

According to the Johns Hopkins University data, the deadly disease has infected nearly 6 million people and claimed over 364,000 lives worldwide.

The US is the worst-affected country in the world with over 1.7 million confirmed Covid-19 cases and more than 102,000 deaths.

They did not do a good job. So, I dont know if it was incompetence or it was done for some other reason, but I know that I didnt see anything in Beijing and I didnt see anything in other Chinese cities, but I did see them in New York and London, in Paris. We saw them in Spain and we saw them in Italy. We saw that the enemy, the invisible enemy come out, he said.

Led by the US, several countries in the world have blamed China for the spread of coronavirus and its failure to provide timely information about the disease, leading to the death of over three lakh people and causing an unprecedented economic crisis.

Trump has been pressing China to agree for an inquiry into the origin of the virus, including the allegation that it emerged from a bio-lab in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

The world is now suffering as a result of the malfeasance of the Chinese government, he said.

He added that China had instigated a global pandemic that has cost over 100,000 American lives. The president accused China of pressurising the WHO to mislead the world about the virus.

However, China has rejected all US allegations of a cover up regarding the Covid-19 outbreak.

On asked if this was the start of the Cold War between the US and China, he said, And all over the world, 186 countries, and probably more than that now. And they stopped it in China, but they didnt stop it going to Europe and the United States and the rest of the world. So whats that all about? And we have to do a very strong study and figure that out.

They wanted to go in, and they were delayed. But we asked to go in very specifically, and they didnt want any help. They didnt need any help, and then it got out of control in some form. But it didnt seem to get out of control when it came to going to other parts of China because it didnt go very far, but it did come to the United States. It did come to Europe. It went all over the world, he said.
According to Ingushetias emergency response team, today, the regime of counter-terrorist operation was introduced in Sunzha: a fight between security forces and a gang of militants started on Demchenko Street.

At the moment, the militants are blocked. CTO takes place within the borders of Chkalov, Pliev, Druzhba, Visaitov, Yuzhnaya and Gardanov streets.

The situation is under control. We ask citizens to remain calm, not to allow chaos and riots, and not to interfere in the actions of law enforcement agencies, TASS cites the teams report.
American home kitchens are in an unprecedented moment, where the most pedestrian supermarket staples can be as valuable as finicky homemade products. A household's most prized possessions can include a jar of sourdough starter just as easily as a can of Chef Boyardee Spaghettios.

Which makes this the perfect time to celebrate the tuna melt, one of the most supermarket-driven of sandwiches. It's made from canned tuna, mayonnaise, and sliced cheese from the dairy aisle-not dependent on decent produce, like, say, a BLT. What makes it shine now is the increasing availability of high-quality tinned fish.

The dish has been having a bit of a moment since March 1. According to a Reddit spokesperson, there's been an increase of over 30% in mentions of tuna melts across the platform, which includes an 18.7 million-member food community, compared with the same time period in 2019. Canned tuna references were also up more than 60% across Reddit.

Coincidentally, the sandwich is a highlight of the new The Tinned Fish Cookbook: Easy-to-Make Meals From Ocean to Plate by Bart van Olphen (The Experiment; $19). Van Olphen was once a chef at the 2-Michelin-star restaurant Lucas Carton in Paris. He's gone on to become a passionate sustainable seafood advocate: He advises British food star Jamie Oliver on the subject and has written cookbooks in both English and his native Dutch. In his 2010 award-winning Fish Tales, he chronicles stories and recipes from sustainable fisheries around the world.

His new book includes 45 recipes for different kinds of canned and tinned seafood, from anchovies and sardines to less conventional options such as mackerel. "Tinned seafood is considered secondary to fresh. But people should think of it as a way of preserving-that's a technique that's so popular now and leaves you with a fantastic product," says van Olphen. He, of course, advises buying sustainably harvested tinned fish, especially for tuna, which is heavily overfished. Pole- and line-caught is especially good.

Van Olphen has a soft spot for the tuna melt, which combines creamy tuna salad with melty cheese within the crunchiness of fried bread. He notes you can substitute your favorite cheese for cheddar and even use a thick layer of salty grated Parmesan. But it's hard to argue with a cheese that melts all over the tuna salad as it toasts in the skillet. (He also says you can switch out the canned fish in the sandwich, but who would want to do that?)

The former chef in van Olphen hacks the classic by making a homemade ketchup to serve as a dipping sauce for the tuna melt. It's a good, tangy, sweet tomato mix. But if you love a ketchup in a bottle, use that. Whether you want to go the extra step of making homemade sourdough bread for the sandwich is up to you.

The following recipe is adapted from The Tinned Fish Cookbook.

Tuna Melt With Ketchup

Serves 2

6-oz. can of oil-packed tuna, drained

 cup diced red onion1 scallion, white and light green parts, finely chopped

3 tbsp. coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley

3 tbsp. mayonnaise

Hot sauce, such as Tabasco

Salt and freshly ground pepper

4 slices of rustic bread

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

Ketchup (recipe follows), or your favorite store-bought bottle

In a medium bowl mix the tuna, red onion, scallion, parsley, mayonnaise, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Butter each slice of bread on one side. Divide the tuna mixture on the unbuttered side of 2 bread slices and top with the cheddar and then the other 2 bread slices, buttered sides up. Warm a griddle or cast-iron skillet over moderate heat and fry the sandwiches, carefully turning once, until the bread is crusty and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. Serve hot with ketchup.

Ketchup

Makes about 2 cups

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

 cup chopped red onion

One 14-oz. can peeled whole tomatoes

1  tbsp. tomato puree

1 tbsp. dark brown sugar, plus more to taste

1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and red onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, and vinegar and cook over low heat, breaking up the tomatoes, until thick, about 8 minutes. Let cool, then transfer to a small blender and puree. Season the ketchup with salt and pepper, and more brown sugar, if desired.
Students who believe they can learn and grow from challenges may be better able to weather this springs health concerns and academic disruptions, but encouraging students to build that kind of growth mindset in the middle of the pandemic can be a heavy lift for even the most committed teachers.

For a teacher who prides himself on building connections to students, Jose Clemente, a math teacher at Westbury High School in Houston, found the first few weeks of lockdown a scramble just to find students and convince them to tackle new technology and deal with disconnection from classmateson top of the typical high school intimidation of calculus.

For me, it was very shaky, Clemente said. There are moments of, I didnt sign up for this. But you fall back on what you believe in. ... When you get students into the virtual conferences, its all about acknowledging where we are right now and promoting resiliency, and Im seeing a lot of students stepping up in this situation.

At the start of this school year, Clemente and other Texas educatorsincluding physics teacher Sergio Estrada of Riverside High School in El Paso; Melody Smiley, algebra teacher at Eagle Mountain Saginaw High School near Fort Worth; and Shelley Steele, a computer science, graphics and game design, and finance teacher at Ponder High Schooljoined OnRamps , a growth mindset program at the University of Texas-Austin that included online networks of teachers and support. That virtual training has allowed the teachers to stay in touch during the closures, and to share an unintended crash course on how to apply what they were learning during a time of frustration and uncertainty for themselves and their students.

The educators are already seeing that students who took a more growth-oriented approach before the pandemic have adapted faster to the move to distance learning, Estrada said. Clemente noted they are also more likely to be, trying to build a broader sense of what is happening right now and to find ways to help.

Next month the teachers will be among 20 teacher-fellows to come together as part of the Texas Mindset Initiative to develop research-based interventions to encourage a growth mindset in the disparate live and remote high school classrooms evolving in the wake of the ongoing pandemic. Mindset researchers led by David Yaeger at UT-Austin in the National Study of Learning Mindsets will pilot the interventions in short experimental trials with more than 1,000 teachers and 36,000 students across the state this fall, with an eye to quickly provide free tools and professional development for teachers nationwide.

The teachers explained a bit about what they are learning so far and how they are helping their students learn to adapt to their rapidly shifting school world.

The school closures and the broader pandemic have made even some high-achieving students uncertain of their future. How do you reinforce a growth mindset in the middle of a crisis?

Jose Clemente (at left): I acknowledge to my students that, you know, you really didnt deserve this, but here we are, and I share inspiring stories of what they have done. Its like, even in this, you have to keep moving forward, continue to help your peers and your community. ... We have a lot of programs here to help our community and a lot of our students volunteer. So just to see those things and make students aware of what they are doing, how they help their community right now, I think that that helps out a lot.

Shelly Steele (at left): The nature of what I teach, technology, has given me a little bit of an edge, because a lot of the classes were already online, but I think we dont realize when were in the classroom all the little feedback we give kids on a daily basis. You may not be face to face, but youve got to make sure you give that. You know, as a teacher theres nothing worse than asking a question in class and having no one respondwell, its that same way with kids, too. They need to have a teacher who is connected and giving them little bits of feedback. Thats harder to do online than in a normal setting, but ... thats how they stay motivated.

Sergio Estrada (at left): You have to establish from the beginning of the class that everybody is going to have questions ... especially now that we are only meeting once a week. I would say it took about three weeks to get to the point where they felt comfortable with sending me screenshots of their work throughout the day or asking questions. You have to make them feel comfortable opening up that theyre struggling to you. And thats the big thing from growth mindset. What do you do when you have that struggle? I try to push onto them, You use it as a learning opportunity. You ask questions, you cant just give up.

Distance learning environments require students to be a lot more self-directed, and research has shown a students mindset can really affect how easily they can ask for help. How has remote learning changed how you support your students when they struggle?

Melody Smiley (at left): I did notice a big change in [how students seek help]... I think kids are a lot more comfortable coming to ask for help in my virtual office hours or tutorials. I dont know if maybe thats because theyre not actually seen coming and asking for assistance? I think some kids who didnt ask questions or come to tutorials in school are coming more now in the online format.

Clemente: Theres a lot more detective work for me. Sometimes kids arent exactly full of details of what they need. Every opportunity to make contact with a student, I will grab that opportunitythe food drive, sending out the [Advanced Placement] packets in the curbside distribution. ... We meet virtually, but some of the students arent there because they are working. So I record whatever classroom conversations that we had, so it can be more on-demand.

Estrada: For my [11th grade] physics class I was supposed to teach 100 kids at once and ... it was hard for those students to start asking questions. I would write to one and say, why are you not doing the work? ... [The student] tells me, I dont understand and I ask, Why didnt you ask questions? And he says, Because I didnt want to bother you.

One of the resources I use is Remind [a messaging app]. And I tell the kids, look, sometimes youre going to have questions while youre not at school, youre going to have questions at 8 oclock ... Go ahead and message me and Ill be happy to help you. And I do have kids sometimes message me kind of late. ... I dont mind that, and I want them to be comfortable asking me questions.

How are you planning for next fall, if your school moves to distance learning again?

Estrada: Im going to need to establish very early that [doing the physics class online] is going to be difficult. And thats OK. Thats part of the learning process to get out of your comfort zone, and its OK to ask for help. One of the things that made the transition to distance learning a little bit easier was I already had those personal connections with my students. Going forward, thats something that is going to be difficult to establish from the start. I have some activities I usually do at the beginning of the year ... Im thinking about how I build those relationships online.

Clemente: Im planning for both ways, virtually and not. If we start virtually, we have to know how are we going to build relationships. What I was thinking is acknowledging where we are and that we have to continue moving forward learning in a different environment. In terms of building relationships, we will probably talk a lot more in the first week about how we can be resilient in the relationships we are in.

Steele: I feel like as we approach the next school year, heaven forbid we have to be online again, ... Ive not even had time to sit down and think about how these last two months really went. Right now, my concern is that my kids come out of this and grow up successful; hopefully theyll have learned something and feel like theyve at least conquered this hurdle in their lives. ... I feel like teaching isnt the hard part; the hard part is getting the kids involved and making sure they stay engaged.
Everyone gets sick at some point. Chances are, youve probably had to see a doctor or even go to the hospital for some sort of ailment. It could be something as minor as a cold, or as serious as cancer. Have you had to pay for your treatment somehow? Do you have to pay out-of-pocket, or have an insurance plan you pay for that covers medical expenses? Or, do you have some sort of government-sponsored universal healthcare plan that pays your medical bills so that you dont have to? Most countries in the developed world have some form of universal healthcare system. Even some developing countries have it. But there are many countries that do not. Here are ten notable countries that are still without universal health care.

10. South Africa

South Africa is working towards a universal healthcare model. Photo by Marc St on Unsplash

Post-Apartheid South Africa actually has access to healthcare listed as a fundamental right in the countrys constitution. In practice, however, public services are severely under-resourced and understaffed, and since most of the countrys population is relatively poor, they cannot afford the services that the private sector offers and which are based on ones ability to pay. South Africa is, however, working towards a universal healthcare model.

9. Iran

Most Iranians now receive healthcare services through the public sector. Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash

Iran has a population of over 83 million. Despite the tough economic sanctions imposed on it, the Islamic Republic has actually been able to develop a pretty modern system compared to other developing countries. Most Iranians now receive healthcare services through the public sector, though there is still a sizeable private healthcare sector. The country does have insurance schemes that Iranians can buy for healthcare costs, but even with this insurance, not all costs are covered.

8. Egypt

Egypt is working towards having a national health insurance scheme in place by 2025. Photo by Adrian Dascal on Unsplash

About a hundred million people call Egypt home, which means that there is inevitably a demand for healthcare services. The countrys government is working towards having a national health insurance scheme in place by 2025. But for now, Egyptian healthcare is mostly private sector driven, with out-of-pocket expenditures accounting for 90% of private-sector healthcare spending. At the same time, about one-third of Egyptians live in poverty, so they are ill-equipped to pay for private care.

7. Nigeria

Most healthcare in Nigeria is paid for out-of-pocket. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with more than two hundred million people. Most healthcare in the country is paid for out-of-pocket as there is no national health plan to cover costs. The closest thing to universal healthcare Nigeria has is its National Health Insurance Scheme, but less than 10% of the countrys population is covered by it, whereas 70% of Nigeria's populace is considered poor and has little access to affordable, quality healthcare.

6. Pakistan

Pakistan has a pretty extensive healthcare infrastructure. Photo by Sameer Akhtari on Unsplash

Pakistan is home to more than 220 million people, which makes it the fifth most populous country in the world. The country actually has a pretty extensive healthcare infrastructure, but like most developing countries, Pakistans public health system lacks sufficient resources and personnel to deliver quality healthcare. For this reason, the private healthcare sector has grown significantly. In fact, the public sector only serves 30% of Pakistans populace, vs. 70% for the private sector.

5. Afghanistan

Afghanistan's healthcare system has improved since 2001. Photo by simon sun on Unsplash

Afghanistan has been in a state of war for decades. In 2001, a coalition of military forces led by the U.S. overthrew the Islamist Taliban regime following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Since then, there has been steady improvement in the countrys healthcare. Nearly 87% of all Afghans are now within two hours of a healthcare facility. Nevertheless, as in other developing countries, there are just too few facilities, too few resources, and too few medical professionals in a country that is overwhelmingly poor. Universal healthcare is a long way off.

4. Yemen

More than half of Yemens healthcare facilities have shut down due to the countrys ongoing civil war. Photo by Mohammed Al-Tabsh on Unsplash

Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East, and if that isnt bad enough, the country is now a warzone. More than half of Yemens healthcare facilities have shut down due to the countrys ongoing civil war. In fact, healthcare workers and medical facilities are often purposely targeted by the warring parties. The United Nations has said that Yemen is now the site of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

3. Syria

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011. Photo by Talha Nair on Unsplash

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011. Before the war began, the country was actually making significant progress towards improving healthcare. The civil war changed everything. Just like in Yemen, healthcare workers and facilities are purposely targeted by the warring parties. As a result, many healthcare workers have either been killed or have become refugees, and many medical facilities have had to close, especially in areas hardest-hit by the conflict.

2. China

China is coming close to a universal healthcare model. Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

The worlds most populous country is coming close to a universal healthcare model but isnt quite there yet. Publically-funded insurance plans already cover more than 95% of the countrys population. However, certain expenses, such as inpatient and outpatient care, which includes prescription drugs, are subject to deductibles, copayments, and reimbursement ceilings. In addition, there are some Chinese who cannot afford the premiums charged for publically-funded health insurance.

1. United States

The United States remains the only country in the developed world without a system of universal healthcare. Photo by camilo jimenez on Unsplash

The United States remains the only country in the developed world without a system of universal healthcare. According to the 2018 U.S. Census, 8.5% of Americans, or 27.5 million people, do not have health insurance. More likely to be uninsured are the poor and people of color. The Affordable Healthcare Act, passed in 2010 by the Obama Administration, significantly cut the number of uninsured, which once stood at 46.5 million. Nevertheless, millions of Americans still struggle to pay medical bills and face the choice of either financial ruin or going without the healthcare they need.
(Natural News) One of the great tragedies in America today is that of the CARES Act, which included a $1,200 stimulus check and an additional $600 weekly payment for the unemployed, has given millions of Americans their first real taste of socialism, that is the sweet taste of the forbidden fruit of free of money.

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

The Trump administration has unleashed helicopter money directed at households that will have severe consequences. Not too long ago, we noted how government intervention, cushioning households from an economic depression, will prolong the recovery in the labor market as people get paid more to sit at home than work and be productive in society:

So dont expect the unemployment rate to bounce back very much once this pandemic begins to subside. Congress has decided to make it very financially rewarding not to work, and millions upon millions of Americans are going to be more than happy to take advantage of that opportunity for as long as it lasts.

As Arizonas economy reopens, one restaurant owner has blamed the CARES Act for labor shortages, even though she says the national unemployment rate is very high.

With an unemployment rate at almost 20%, youd think wed have a lot of applicants coming in, but were not, said Times Square Italian Restaurant owner Paullette Cano, who recently spoke with AZFamily.

Cano said the CARES Act and unemployment checks have resulted in many of her furloughed employees staying home. They collectively told her their pay from the government is much better than working at her restaurant.

They dont want to come back to work, said Cano. Its the unemployment. Theyre receiving about $840 a week, which puts them about $22 an hour.

At the moment, there are 30 job openings at the restaurant with dozens of furloughed employees sitting at home collecting welfare. She said rehiring is challenging because people are demanding +$20 per hour, or around the hourly rate, theyre receiving from unemployment and federal dollars.

Theyre asking for $20 an hour, which makes it difficult because we operate under slim margins, said Cano.

If Cano develops a labor shortage with an influx of demand at her restaurant due to reopening, she might have to resort to expensive labor that would result in fewer hirings.

Its not just in Arizona, workers in many other states can make more money staying at home than being employed.

We recently penned When Work Is Punished: Did The Generous CARES Act Just Guarantee High Unemployment Is Here To Stay?  where it was noted the CARES Act has the potential to create an entirely new generation of welfare serfs, subsisting on significant welfare benefits with no incentive to get back to work, even after the lockdowns are lifted. This will lead to a labor market that wont recover anytime soon, thwarting any hopes of a V-shaped recovery this year.

The virus, to its credit, has triggered a dangerous policy response by the government of helicopter money that will effectively delay the recovery. Recently, Powell on CBSs 60 Minutes thinks a recovery could be seen in late 2021  whats to say the recovery might not be seen until 2022-2024?

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
Over the last two months, law-enforcement agencies around the country have increasingly found themselves transporting people infected with the coronavirus, and facing the challenge of how to quickly and effectively sanitize their vehicles.

Weve been doing it by hand, wiping down the seats and interior with 70 percent alcohol and water, said Robert Martinez, deputy commissioner for support services at the New York Police Department. But with the virus, you cant see it, so you dont know if youre getting every surface and every nook and cranny.

Now Ford Motor, a major supplier of police cruisers, has come up with an answer. The carmaker has developed a software update that can raise the interior temperature to 133 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, which it says is enough to eliminate the virus.
George Floyd's death: White power and the third option

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

I grew up in a diverse family. One of my grandmothers was White, another was Black and Chinese, and both of my grandfathers were Black. Three of my four grandparents hailed from Jamaica, and eventually immigrated to America.

I was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, where diversity was the norm in my home, but not in my neighborhood or at my school. My neighborhood was 95% black, and the neighborhood I attended school in was 100% white. Growing up in both environments forced me to learn how to operate in two racially-distinct worlds.

Daily, I experienced racism. I was regularly called the N word and targeted by racial jokes and comments as I made my way to and from school each day. On more than one occasion, I wasnt sure if Id make it home alive. And, to make things even worse, I experienced racial rejection in my own neighborhood as well, for not being black enough.

I grew up in the culture of the sixties and early seventies, which was a racially volatile time in America. One of the most poignant lessons I learned early on, was that white was right, and that black and brown should stand down. This lesson embodied the very essence of White Power, and disobeying it resulted in incarceration or death for people who looked like me.

In essence, White Power meant that at any given time, a White person could tell me what to do, take what I had, and determine the outcome of my life. This is what I felt, no matter how true it really was. And people of color, like me, I knew, were powerless to stop it.

As much as White Power impacted me, it was worse for those who were darker than me and even worse for those who were darker-skinned and poor. Because my grandmother was white, I have light skin, causing white people to see more of themselves in me than in darker-skinned black people. That commonality, I was told, lessened their fear. But it didnt change the fact that I was still just another N word to some, causing me to experience a sense of powerlessness that plagued me into adulthood.

Racism becomes even more dangerous when it is combined with this type of power. Though racism is something that anyone can experience regardless of their skin color, racism from White people is uniquely powerful, because it embodies the ability to express hatred in violent and demeaning ways, and get away with it. People of color are painfully aware of this fact, while most white people have no idea how great an impact their privilege has on the lives of their brothers and sisters of color.

Being called the N word is not just a derogatory term. Yes, it says to its target, you are less than me, but it also conveys the message, Dont forget that you have no power over me or your situation. I control you. I can wrong you, even kill you and get away with it, and you will have no power to change that. This message is what causes people of color to feel powerless in witnessing the murders of black men and women like Ahmaud Arbrey, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. And it is exacerbated a thousand-fold by the sense that they have no way of ever changing it.

The cop kneeling on George Floyds neck, even after George was dead, was ultimately an expression of power. To make things worse, while the cop was killing George, he had his hand in his pocket. His casual but lethal exercise of power was embodied in his very posture, as a reminder to all of us Ns that he was in charge, and that the rest of us could do nothing about it.

The bottom line is that Whites have more power than Black people in America. And racial discrimination will not be eliminated until White power is used to end it. Blacks can scream until their faces turn purple, but unless White power is leveraged for their benefit, things will stay the same.

It would help tremendously if White people spoke out against abuses of power more consistently, and loudly. But their collective silence on this issue is deafening, and constitutes a form of withholding help from their brothers and sister in need. The best analogy I can equate it to is watching someone else drown, and having a life preserver, but choosing not to throw it in. As Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently said, In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

I have been sharing with my White friends that their silence tells communities of color, We affirm our power, and we dont want to jeopardize it. It also signals a message that Whites reserve their power for White priorities, and that the lives and welfare of Black people is not one of them. By staying silent, they add fuel to the fire of an us vs. them culture, which causes everyone to feel like a sell out for speaking up for the other side.

It is culture, not God, who tells that being pro-black means being anti-white, or being pro-white is being anti-black. And its a lie. God commands us to be pro-people, pro-justice, and pro-love. Thats why I wrote a book called The Third Option, urging readers to reject the trap of us vs. them thinking, by choosing to honor our similarities as precious and beloved children of God, instead of focusing on the differences in the color of our skin.

Everyone who says they care about these issues, always asks me what they can do to help, and Im moved by their desire to take action. But rather than reinvent the wheel on how to change policy and culture, Id rather focus on offering ideas regarding who we should work to become.

Become an honoring person: Convert every dishonoring label into an honoring one. Whatever label you give someone will be the filter through which your thoughts and expectations are shaped about them  for better or worse. Changing their labels in your heart leads to honoring and unifying beliefs about them, even when you may not understand their words or actions.

Become honest with yourself: Admit that you see color and be honest with yourself about the burdens that come with being a person of color in America. Ask yourself how it would feel if your relatives or people who looked like you were being killed and justice was denied because of their skin tone. Ask yourself whether you value a Black life the same as a White life, and whether you truly believe that Black people are made in the same image of God as Whites.

Become a humble learner: As I wrote in my book, The Third Option, a blind spot is being unaware of something that you dont even know you think or believe. EVERYONE has blind spots, especially when it comes to race. And the only way to overcome them is by learning the truth about ourselves and others.

Engage in conversations, and do so from a position of humility. Dont assume the position of a teacher who has all of the answers. Put yourself in the shoes of another, and ask if what you believe about them is fair or true. Youll be amazed at how simple awareness and an honest conversation can help you resolve your racial blind spots.

Become vocal! Use your words, your platform, and your power to say something. Express your remorse for whats happening to the Black community. State your belief that all people are created equal and made in the image of God. Affirm your commitment to standing against injustice.

Being vocal will result in three outcomes: first, you will encourage the discouraged (1 Thessalonians 5:11); second, you will challenge others to stand for justice (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8); and third, you will be blessed for defending the defenseless (Psalm 82:3).
Intan Paramaditha is the author of Apple and Knife, a collection of dark stories about disobedient women. Her first novel, The Wandering, won a PEN Translates Award and is published by Harvill Secker. Intan Paramaditha says Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has been an ongoing influence on her work. Credit: Frankenstein

Mary Shelley I found Frankenstein at the British Council library in Jakarta in the late 90s. Just like Mary Shelley when she was writing her story, I was an angry 19-year-old, with a penchant for the gothic and sympathy for the monster. Frankenstein is a feminist critique of knowledge and power, the myth of creative genius, and the Romantic ideology of the sublime. Exposing the political potential of horror in feminist writing, the novel has largely influenced my creative work.

Calon Arang

Toeti Heraty Another crucial text that sparked my interest in horror, the grotesque, and monstrous women. The Balinese tale of Calon Arang, a vengeful witch who spread death and disease and adorned herself with human organs, has been told many times in Indonesian arts and culture. Toeti Heratys long prose poem was the first to offer a feminist interpretation, portraying Calon Arang as a tale of anxiety when patriarchal power is threatened by the presence of a powerful woman. Sister Outsider

Audre Lorde When I started my graduate studies in the US, I realised that the feminist theories that shaped me were predominantly Western, and so I embarked on a journey to decolonise my feminist scholarship. Sister Outsider problematises the universalising white feminist discourses and demands that we recognise difference. Each time I reflect on feminist resistance and negotiation, the book continues to remind me: The masters tool will never dismantle the masters house. Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject

Saba Mahmood
Over the last couple of months, the dogs of Australia have felt like theyve finally won. As far as theyre concerned, theyd at long last convinced their humans to stay with them just about all day every day.

But now, as many Australians who have been working from home face the prospect of returning to the office, dog owners have a heartbreaking task on their hands: break the news to little Fido.

Juliet Pisani-Forde is worried how her two dogs, Baxter and Enzo, will cope when she returns to the office in June. Credit:Rhett Wyman

Animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement, of Pets Behaving Badly, says many pets will have grown used to the perks of having their owners at home  more attention, more treats, more walks. She says the return to work will be a "big change" for many pets which can cause stress and anxiety.

"Sudden changes to the normal routine, like going back to work after working from home for a month, are a common cause of separation anxiety," Mornement says.
WASHINGTON - Top FBI lawyer Dana Boente - a longtime federal prosecutor who stepped in as acting attorney general to defend President Donald Trump's travel ban but more recently found himself the subject of conservative ire - is retiring from the bureau, an FBI spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman said that Boente had "announced his decision to retire from federal service" Friday, and it would take effect June 30. In a statement, FBI Director Christopher Wray praised Boente's 38 years in government service, which included stints as the Justice Department's top official, its No. 2 official and the head of its National Security Division.

"Throughout his long and distinguished career as a public servant, Dana has demonstrated a selfless determination to ensure that justice is always served on behalf of our citizens," Wray said.

The move was first reported by NBC News, which said Boente had been asked to resign and that the decision "came from high levels of the Justice Department," rather than Wray. A person familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that Wray had asked for Boente's resignation, but the move appeared to have been initiated by Justice Department higher-ups. The person said Boente was offered a different position at the Justice Department but declined, opting to retire instead. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an internal personnel matter.

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the matter, referring questions to the FBI, which declined to elaborate beyond the bureau's statements.

Boente has become the focus of conservative criticism related to his role in the FBI's 2016 investigation of whether Trump's campaign coordinated with Russia to influence the election. As acting attorney general, Boente briefly supervised that probe. He later was interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller III and turned over notes as part of Mueller's probe into whether Trump had sought to obstruct justice.

Boente signed one of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants authorizing surveillance of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page; the Justice Department inspector general would later come to find that those warrants were deeply problematic.

The inspector general, however, found that the FBI officials working the case kept Justice Department leaders in the dark about significant aspects of the warrants, and that top officials, including Boente, "did not have accurate and complete information" at the time they approved them.

More recently, conservatives have focused on Boente's role in the ongoing legal battles over the criminal case against former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn. Flynn had pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his interactions with a Russian diplomat, though as he awaited sentencing, he changed legal teams and began to attack the case. Attorney General William Barr ordered a review of the matter led by U.S. attorney Jeff Jensen in St. Louis, and ultimately, at Jensen's recommendation, had the Justice Department move to drop the charge entirely.

That move came after the department turned over additional documents to Flynn's defense team, including notes and other materials that Flynn's lawyers argue show Flynn was entrapped. The conservative news site the Federalist, and later the New York Times, reported that Boente had opposed turning over the materials. Some legal analysts have said the Justice Department's legal reasoning for asking to dismiss the case was contorted, though Barr and other conservatives have vigorously defended the move.

Before ascending to Justice Department leadership, Boente had worked as the U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia during the Obama administration. He rose to prominence when Trump fired then-acting attorney general Sally Yates over her refusal to defend his ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim countries. Trump named Boente the acting attorney general, and he vowed to defend the measure.

As Trump filled the Justice Department with his own appointees, Boente stayed on to serve in other acting roles before moving to the FBI in early 2018. Even before Barr became attorney general, senior Justice Department officials privately criticized Boente for what they claimed were slow or incomplete responses to congressional Republicans' demands for information about politically sensitive investigations.

- - -

The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.
"Crude oil prices will be particularly dragged back by a lack of aviation demand, as international air travel is not expected to return to normal till a vaccine has been found; and that's not expected till 2021," Yan Chong Yaw, Director of Oil Research & Forecasts, Asia at Refinitiv said in an interview to Moneycontrol's Sunil Shankar Matkar.

Q: Do you think the oil demand will be back to normal in coming months given the current COVID-19-led environment?

If by normal, you mean pre-COVID-19 levels, then it wouldn't happen soon, and recovery will only be seen probably in 2021, and that is with the caveat that there are no mass second-wave outbreak.

That said, there has been some improvement in the market this month, but it must be set in the context that it is compared against April, which is probably the worst month, as countries start to emerge from lockdown but oil demand is a long way from pre-outbreak levels.

Prices are still well under $40 a barrel, versus pre-outbreak levels of above $60 a barrel; refining margins for diesel, gasoline and jet fuel have come off April's record-lows, but are still well-short of pre-outbreak levels.

Q: Will the crude oil prices (Brent crude futures) come back to $50 a barrel levels soon?

I don't see Brent going above $50 a barrel anytime soon; the earliest is probably Q4, barring any mass second-wave infections during the winter. Prices will be particularly dragged back by a lack of aviation demand, as international air travel is not expected to return to normal till a vaccine has been found; and that's not expected till 2021.

Q: Do you expect more supply cut from OPEC and allied countries and why?

The OPEC+ alliance is now considering extending output cut levels of 9.7 million bpd for May and June into July and beyond, expanding the cuts from the planned 7.7 million bpd set for July to December.

We believe that the alliance has been pleased with the way prices have stabilised, at around $35 a barrel, from April's volatility that saw Brent fall to 20-year lows of below $20 a barrel, and the US' WTI benchmark closing in negative territory.

Both the Saudi and Russian governments are reported to be in favour of extending the cuts, but the problem seems to be if the Russians can convince their oil companies to do so; and opinions seem divided there.

It is easier for the Saudis to do so because the government controls its entire oil infrastructure; but I doubt the Saudi government would extend the cuts without the consensus of the Russians. Particularly since we have seen how volatile that relationship can be, as evidenced by the break in March that sparked off the price collapse in the first place.

Q: Will the global economy contract in FY21, what is your forecast? Do you expect strong revival in FY22?

It all depends if there is a mass second-wave of COVID-19 outbreak in the winter, and how soon can a vaccine be made and mass-produced. If all goes well, with no mass second-wave infections and a vaccine is produced by end 2020, then I am hopeful that we can see some form of recovery from 2021.

Q: Do you think the upside in oil prices will be capped by US-China trade tensions? Given the US elections in November, do you think US-China relations will weaken further or is it just a politics?

US-China tensions are certainly putting a dampener on the market. I believe that the Trump administration is deliberately aggravating its relationship with China, and that the move is done with the November elections in mind, to give the American public an enemy to focus on, and to draw attention away from the shortcomings of the administration, in particular its failure to adequately respond to the COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in the US being the country with the most number of cases and the highest fatalities in the world.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on Moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
30.05.2020 LISTEN

IELTS has launched IELTS Indicator, an online English language test for students not able to attend an IELTS test through our test centre(s) due to the Covid-19 related restrictions and office closures.

IELTS Indicator will assess a students English language skills in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking in a timed, online test from the comfort of their home. At this stage the test is available for the ACADEMIC module only.

Ensuring the test focuses on real-life conversation skills, students will conduct their speaking test face to face with a trained IELTS Examiner via video call.

IELTS Indicator content has been developed using the same high-quality standards as for all IELTS tests and has the same format and timing as the Standard pen and paper or Computer Delivered (CD) IELTS. Tests will be marked by official IELTS Examiners.

Christine Nuttall, Managing Director IELTS at Cambridge Assessment English, said IELTS Indicator will help both students and education providers during this period of disruption.

We know that many students have been affected globally by the suspension of in-person testing, with their international education aspirations delayed by Covid-19, Ms Nuttall said.

She added, In response to this, the IELTS Partners have developed a test that retains the quality and accuracy of IELTS to give education providers a clear indication of an applicants English language skills.

While it is not intended to replace IELTS, education institutions will be able to use IELTS Indicator results to help assess students applications during this period of suspended in-person or Standard pen and paper or CD testing.

We recognise that this is a difficult time and we want to ensure that education providers are still able to proceed with students applications. IELTS Indicator will provide an interim measure.

Once test centres are able to re-open, we will work to offer IELTS testing as soon as possible and have programmes in place to help address additional demand, she said.

The Indicator test will be available in Ghana through British Council where it is not currently possible to deliver Standard pen and paper or CD IELTS testing.

The IELTS Indicator test will be delivered online once a week at a fixed time.

Bookings are now open.

To learn more about IELTS Indicator, please visit www.ieltsindicator.com

About IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the worlds most popular English language proficiency test. Over 10,000 organisations trust IELTS as a secure and reliable indicator of an individuals ability to communicate in English for education, immigration and professional accreditation. IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

British Council is the UKs international organisation for education and cultural relations. Dedicated to building trust through the exchange of knowledge, British Council is represented in over 100 countries.
Newfoundland and Labrador's offshore oil regulator says it was notified early Saturday morning of a fire onboard the Terra Nova FPSO.

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board said that it had been told by Suncor Energy that the fire was extinguished, everyone on board is accounted for and there were no injuries.

The C-NLOPB said it is waiting for more information from Suncor about their assessment of the cause of the fire and their assessment of the damage.

The regulator said the vessel has been shut down for maintenance and there is no gas or crude held onboard.

CBC News has reached out to Suncor for more information.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
The year 2020 will be remembered most for the COVID-19 pandemic, the worst health crisis the world has seen in a long time. While this is happening there also some other creepy things going around in several parts of the world.

One of the first such reports emerged from the United States earlier this month after Asian giant hornets were seen in several places. The giant bees also known as murderous hornets were first spotted in the US in 2019. There have been four confirmed sightings of the Asian giant hornets in the United States, along with two more in Canada.

AFP

Asian giant hornets are the world's largest hornet species and they are genuinely scary as they grow 1.5 to 2 inches long and can sting multiple times with a stinger that can pierce clothing and even beekeepers' protective gear.

AFP

The hornets can wipe out beehives and go into a "slaughter mode" where they decapitate every bee inside, according to the department's website. They don't generally attack people or pets, but they will if threatened. There is a growing fear that the predatory species may decimate the native bees in the US.

Desert locusts

Right now India is in the midst of what is being described as the worst locust invasion in three decades. Several states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana have already reported the presence of locust there.

BCCL

These desert locusts which originate in the Horn of Africa then travels through Iran and then Pakistan before entering India. This year the locust swarms have come early as against the normal season of July- September.

The rising temperatures aid the locusts to bread faster and multiply in a matter of days, which is making the attack even deadlier this years.

BCCL

The swarms can spread across kilometers descent on one location and eat up the entire vegetation there in a matter of hours. The locust attack could be a serious blow to the agriculture sector which is already in a bad shape. It could also seriously hamper India's food security in the coming days.

Cicadas

Just a couple of days ago reports have surfaced that cicadas have been spotted emerging from underground in parts of the United States. Periodical cicadas are expected to come out in early summer across southwest Virginia, parts of North Carolina, and in West Virginia.

AFP

Theses cicadas had been underground for 17 years and were last spotted in 2003. Though they cannot harm humans directly, the National Institutes of Health notes that cicadas can make as much noise as a motorcycle.

AFP

Male cicadas use drum-like structures on their abdomen called tymbals to create a loud, high-pitched buzz to attract female companions, who respond with a quick flick of their wings together, it explains on its website. This mating call and response, which sounds to some like the whining of electrical wires rising and falling, can reach over 90 decibels.




Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday warned China against any attempt to intrude into Indian territory, saying India will not back off in the face of Beijings intimidation.

While we do not want war, we will not tolerate any bullying by Beijing, said the CM, warning the neighbouring country against taking India lightly. This is not 1962, he said, making it clear that if China did not stop indulging in intimidating behaviour, it would have to pay the price.

The Indian Army is ready to give a befitting reply and China should not take any chances, he warned, in response to a Kolkata residents question, during his live session on a social media platform. We dont want war with any nation and want the situation to improve, but if they keep behaving like this we wont have any other option left, he said, urging China to mend its ways and talk to India to resolve the issue. Amarinder said China cannot stop India from building any infrastructure on its side of the border.
Robert Bathurst has hit out at actors who 'mumble' while filming and has admitted it has become 'taboo' for directors who pull them up on it.

The Cold Feet star, 63, has weighed in on the mumbling row during his latest column in the The Oldie magazine and revealed his own experience.

Robert told of how he has previously struggled to understand his co-stars who have been stood just metres away from him while filming a scene.

Weighing in: Robert Bathurst has hit out at actors who 'mumble' while filming and has admitted it has become 'taboo' for directors who pull them up on it

The actor also referenced screen stars such as David Niven, George Sanders and John Le Mesurier as people understood the value they could give to dialogue.

Writing in the magazine, he said: 'All these actors, along with many others including Alec Guinness, Trevor Howard and Jack Hawkins, shared one underrated quality you could hear what they said.

'It is a taboo in some circles now to say that an actor is inaudible. I've worked with directors who are too scared to say so or too cloth-eared to notice.'

Not a fan! The Cold Feet star, 63, has weighed in on the mumbling row during his latest column in the The Oldie magazine and revealed his own experience

Revealing his own experience, he said: 'I once filmed some dialogue with an actor who was four feet from me but the only way I knew it was my cue was that his lips stopped moving.'

The Mirror reported that some experts have blamed the muffled sound on new technology rather than the actor's abilities.

Sound recordist Simon Clark noted that flatscreen televisions can mask the quality of sound when they are hung on the walls.

Cold Feet: Robert pictured with his Cold Feed co-stars Adam, as played by James Nesbitt, Karen, as played by Hermione Norris, Pete, as played by John Thomson, and Jenny, as played by Fay

Experience: Robert told of how he has previously struggled to understand his co-stars who have been stood just metres away from him while filming a scene

Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright previously said: 'I found it really offensive because when it left the editing suite it was absolutely fine.

'I don't think it's rubbish that people can't hear it, I think it is about your equipment rather than what we do. If you've got a big flat-screen TV and put it up against a wall, it muffles the sound.'

Programmes that have previously come under fire for their sound quality include Jamaican Inn and Poldark.

In June 2017, viewers were left far disgruntled after they struggled to understand the accent of new character Tholly Tregirls.

Fans took to Twitter to complain about actor Sean Gilder's 'mumbling' and incoherent twang, after he made his debut on the second episode of series three.

Not happy:In June 2017, viewers were left far disgruntled after they struggled to understand the accent of new character Tholly Tregirls (above)

Shameless star Sean made his first appearance on the beloved BBC show on Sunday night, as the lothario friend of protagonist Ross Poldark, Tholly.

However while the role provided plenty of humour, many were left frustrated by his thick Cornish accent - which they struggled to fully comprehend.

One annoyed viewer wrote on Twitter: 'I understand roughly one word in five that Tholly says. #Poldark'

As another added angrily: 'I couldn't fathom a word of it. Mumble mumble. #Poldark'

Further fans then chimed in: 'I can't understand a word Tholly says. I must be getting old #Poldark' and 'Cannot understand a word the old guy with one hand is saying!!'

Another then theorised: 'Since that pirate bloke rocked up I haven't understood a single word he's said. Hub reckons that's why they had parrots.'

However, many other fans were highly impressed with his appearance - and took to Twitter to praise actor Sean and the comedy value he added to the show.

One enthusiastic fan wrote: 'Great to see Sean Gilder! Loved him as Stiles in Hornblower!'

While another praised: 'Sean Gilder is bumper value in a tricorn hat and a jaunty scar. Excellent bit of casting! Long John #Poldark'
Israeli police shot dead a Palestinian near Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday who they had suspected was carrying a weapon but turned out to be unarmed.

The police say he was carrying "a suspicious object that looked like a pistol" and ran away when ordered to stop, then officers chased him on foot and opened fire.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld later said that no gun was found in the area.

The shooting came a day after Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank who they said had tried to ram them with his vehicle.

No Israelis were wounded in either incident.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks as Israel has pressed ahead with plans to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank in line with President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, which strongly favours Israel and was rejected by the Palestinians.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 17:58:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

DHAKA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh recorded 28 new COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday, the highest increase in a single day since the pandemic started.

Professor Nasima Sultana, a senior health ministry official, told an online media briefing in Dhaka that 28 COVID-19 deaths were confirmed in a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country since March to 610.

According to the official, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased to 44,608 with the a rise of 1,764 cases in the last 24 hours as of 8:00 a.m. local time on Saturday.

She said 9,987 samples were tested in the last 24 hours in scores of labs across Bangladesh.

During the last 24 hours, 360 more patients were released from hospitals and clinics, bringing the number of recovered patients in the country to 9,375, said the official. Enditem
Flipkart and Nokia launched the first Nokia branded Smart TV in India back in December last year as a part of Make in India initiative. At that time the company said that it will launch more models in different screen sizes soon. Now the companys 4K Ultra HD TV is all set to launch on Flipkart on June 4th.

The company has confirmed Sound by JBL, DTS TruSurround and Dolby Audio as well as wide color gamut and Dolby Vision. It will feature ultra slim bezels offering infinity-edge viewing experience and will run Android 9.0 with support for apps via Googles Android TV Play Store and built-in Chromecast. Other specifications are expected to be similar to the 55-inch model since the design in the image also looks the same.

The Nokia 55-inch Smart TV was launched for Rs. 41,999, and the companys 43-inch Smart TV should be priced less than Rs. 35,000. We should know more details when it goes official next Thursday.
The City of Plainview will reopen city buildings to the public on Monday.

City staff has taken extra precautions including installation of window shields, hand sanitizer stations at the door and twice daily cleaning of the facilities.

We are taking as many precautions as possible to ensure the safety of our employees and citizens who come to our facilities, says Jeffrey Snyder. We do ask that you take this opportunity to utilize the phone and online options that have been made available first before needing to visit a city facility.

Citizens can make payments on water bills and municipal court tickets by clicking the Online Bill Pay button to access their account by visiting www.plainviewtx.org.

Citizens may also make telephone payments for water bills and municipal court tickets through the secured automated telephone system. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the system provides customers with real-time balances, payment amount and due dates. Payments can be made via Mastercard or Visa debit card or credit card.

The number to pay water bill is 866-277-1446 and the number to pay a municipal court ticket is 866-279-4737.

For business other than payments, citizens are advised to make appointments with the respective department including Community Development, Building Inspection, Public Works, Finance, etc. Please call 296-1100 to make an appointment.

The Fair Theater offices will be open to the public. The Theater, as well as the Broadway Shelter House and Rotary building will continue to be closed to the public at this time under the Governors Order.

The Health Department will also continue to be closed to the public.

Unger Memorial Library (825 Austin) will be open for patrons with amended guidelines for checking out materials and computer uses. It will be grab and go for patrons who want to visit the Library. Also, patrons may not stay in the Library more than one hour each day and children must remain with the guardian at all times. Furthermore, because of the difficulty of sanitizing newspapers, they will not be available for leisure reading.

Computers are by appointment only. Six time slots will be available each day to allow the library staff to clean workstation areas between patrons. Time slots are:

9:15 a.m.  10:00 a.m. (45 minutes)

10:30 a.m.  11:30 a.m. (60 minutes)

12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m. (60 minutes)

1:30 p.m.  2:30 p.m. (60 minutes

3:00 p.m.  4:00 p.m. (60 minutes)

4:30 p.m.  5:30 p.m. (60 minutes)

Only three computers will be open for use at a time in order to maintain social distancing. Patrons will be required to wear a mask while using the computers and the Library will not be able to provide masks, so patrons must bring your own. To schedule a computer, call the Library at 296-1148.

The Librarys curbside service will continue and as well as other online opportunities such as access to e-books and audiobooks through OverDrive will be available at www.plainviewtx.org/library.

Please wash your hands, practice social distancing and if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (shortness of breath, fever and coughing), contact your physician. Citizens are encouraged to stay home when possible and do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19. Please remember it is strongly advised by the local health authority to wear masks and practice social distancing while out in public.

For more information regarding amended guidelines for visiting City offices, call 806-296-1100 or visit the website: www.plainviewtx.org/COVID19.
The Affordable Housing project at Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti has been completed and named after the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.



Started in 2006, the project, which was one of the governments comprehensive affordable housing initiatives, stalled in 2009.



However, in 2015, the government handed it over to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to complete.



It is to provide accommodation to low and middle income-workers, create jobs and build the capacity of local contractors.



Facilities



The gated community consists of 91 blocks of 1,024 housing units of one and two-bedroom flats set on a well-landscaped environment.



The facility has a police station and community shops and is managed by a facility manager.



It is equipped with complementary infrastructures such as tarred internal road network with drains, paved walkway, and paved car parks.



Speaking to the Daily Graphic at the site last Tuesday, the Kumasi Area Manager of SSNIT, Mr. Alhassan A. Mahamadu, explained that the project was named after the Asantehene in recognition of his tremendous support and commitment towards its completion.



The facility is one of the best because of its centralized water reservoir and centralized biogas sewage treatment system, he said.



Mr. Mahamadu said the units would be put out for sale.



Deficit



The manager attributed the increasing housing deficit in the country to high population growth, urbanization and less supply of housing units to meet demand.



With growing demand comes the housing affordability debate. Many people believe that affordable houses are scarce in Ghana. With housing deficit of 1.7 million, 90 per cent of all housing supply in Ghana is built incrementally, he added.



According to Mr. Mahamadu, the investment in the project was a testament to the commitment of the Trust in helping to reduce the housing deficit in Ghana.



The investment in real estate includes a long-term investment strategy for the sustenance of the Pension scheme, he added.









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
CONWAY, S.C.The first mention of the coronavirus pandemic was a joke.

A master of ceremonies was explaining to a crowd of more than 100 people why the keynote speakers  home-state Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott  were running a bit late.

You have to understand, they havent got to do any politicking for a while, said the emcee, Robert Rabon of the Horry County Republican Party. Theyre like a kid in a candy store  theyre going wild!

And with that passing mention, South Carolina Republicans returned to the normal rhythm of the campaign trail, coronavirus all the same.

The outdoor gathering here Thursday was a send-off event for Cleo Steele, a longtime Republican Party operative in Horry County, who is retiring to Ohio. Speakers shared the same microphone. Local and state political candidates greeted voters with handshakes and squeezed tight for pictures. Of all the people gathered outside the county Republican office  many of them senior citizens  fewer than a dozen wore masks.

Social distancing guidelines are recommended, the invitation had said. Hand sanitizer and face masks will be available.

In reality, according to interviews with more than a dozen attendees, the event was an active rejection of behaviour that the hyperconservative crowd has come to associate with liberal enemies in recent months  wearing masks and gloves, staying 6 feet away from other people, avoiding physical touch.

To treat the coronavirus as something to be feared, they said, was a political act incongruous with their values.

Dwayne Duke Buckner, who is challenging Graham in the Republican Senate primary next month and came to the event to meet voters, said he had recently stopped adhering to public health guidelines, which he described as overly burdensome.

You can quote me on this, Buckner said. When the good Lord calls you home, a mask aint going to stop it.

August Savello, 49, said he followed Dr. Steven Hotze, a Republican activist who has published videos such as Coronavirus Mass Hysteria, and preferred to do his own research rather than listening to state and federal public health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci.

A virus is a virus is a virus, and theres viruses around us all the time, he said. My father had it, and hes 79 years old. He said it was like a bad flu.

At the programs conclusion, Rabon called up more than a dozen state and local candidates, who introduced themselves to the audience, shared a portion of their political platform, and returned to the crowd for meet-and-greets.

Candidates  state House, state Senate and the House  line up, Rabon said. Dont take a long time.

He coughed into the microphone and passed it to the first speaker.
Mortgage lenders are slowly reopening their doors to new applications and estate agents report that buyer interest has surged following the relaxation of lockdown rules two weeks ago.

Property listing site Rightmove said it had its 'busiest ever day' on Wednesday, surpassing six million visits for the first time and up 18 per cent on the same day in May last year.

According to the site, the number of sales being agreed by agents is slowly starting to pick up but they warn it will take time for things to recover meaningfully. And other property industry insiders say that, while the recent flurry of activity is promising, the housing market is struggling to emerge from its period of stasis.

Why? Because nobody knows how to value homes accurately in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and social lockdown.

Estate agents report that buyer interest has surged following the relaxation of lockdown rules

How coronavirus affected the housing market

Homeowners were told by Government not to move house and surveyors were unable to conduct physical property inspections and valuations due to the social lockdown guidance imposed on 23 March.

It triggered an almost complete closure of the property market overnight. Even where moves could be delayed, sales stalled or collapsed as lenders wereunable to assess risk for new mortgage applications.

Particularly for more expensive homes, new build and specialist buy-to-let properties, the majority of lenders refused to accept automated valuations made using a combination of housing market data and checked by a local surveyor.

Is the housing market now open for business?

On 12 May Government confirmed that surveyors and estate agents could go back to work and homeowners could move house again so long as strict social distancing measures are followed.

HSBC began confirming valuation bookings within hours of the Government safety guidance on how to conduct physical property inspections emerging.

Nationwide told mortgage brokers a day later that it planned to contact applicants to arrange their mortgage valuation by 29 May and hoped to have cleared its backlog by 12 June.

Skipton Building Society, Halifax and Santander began to rebook valuations on paused applications the same week, and major valuations firms L&G Surveying Services and Connells Survey & Valuation also confirmed plans to restart physical valuations imminently.

Consequently, over the past fortnight many lenders have relaxed criteria on their mortgage deals with several reinstating loans to those with a 10 per cent deposit or equity, which were shelved when the crisis hit.

Virgin Money, Clydesdale Bank and the Co-operative Bank have all raised their maximum loan-to-values to 90 per cent and Coventry Building Society confirmed it will recommence offering mortgages for those with a 15 per cent deposit or equity to put in.

Yorkshire Building Society increased the maximum property value for residential lending from 1million to 2million on residential purchase mortgages.

Halifax reported that mortgage application calls were up more than a third in the week following the Government's announcement.

Meanwhile lenders that suspended all new lending in March, are now open again for new business. Specialist buy-to-let lenders Bluestone Mortgages, Fleet Mortgages and Foundation Homeloans have all returned to lending in the past two weeks.

These moves all point in the right direction for a recovery in the housing market and look set to enable home moves to get going again in the near future.

But transaction numbers from HMRC have fallen off a cliff. There were just 46,440 residential property transactions in April 2020 with the provisional seasonally adjusted estimate 53.4 per cent lower than April 2019 and 46.1 per cent lower than March 2020.

There were just 46,440 residential property transactions in April 2020

Given that property transactions typically take around three months from an offer being accepted to the contract exchanging and completing the sale, there is always a lag in the official numbers.

Transactions completing in April would most likely have begun in February, before the fallout from Coronavirus really took hold.

However, it's clear from the dramatic fall in completions that lockdown forced around half of all home sales in progress to stall in March and April. Much of that will have been down to valuers' inability to conduct physical property inspections and thus provide accurate mortgage valuations.

The lag means we won't know what is happening in today's housing market for another two or three months at least - possibly longer given the backlog of stalled transactions.

Will house prices fall?

What happens to house prices over the next few months is anyone's guess. Buying agent Henry Pryor puts his finger on the problem.

Knight Frank forecasts that UK prices will fall by 3% this year and bounce back by 5% in 2021: Some forecasts have suggested average house prices could plummet by 30%

'The market has only been open for two weeks so its far too early to know where prices are,' he said.

'Asking prices have opened where they were in March but we wont know where sale prices are until late July by the time the post-Covid deals that have been agreed exchange contract, complete and are then recorded by the Land Registry.

'In the meantime expect estate agents to suggest that its business as usual and buying agents like me to cough in a non-covid way when they do.'

Knight Frank forecasts that UK prices will fall by 3 per cent this year and bounce back by 5 per cent in 2021. Savills is of the view prices will drop between 5 and 10 per cent this year before bouncing back next year, depending on how badly the economy is hit.

Some analysts have suggested average house prices could plummet by up to 30 per cent - which might not be far-fetched in some areas and for some property types which fell by this or more in the aftermath of the credit crisis.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has warned Britain is facing a recession 'the likes of which we haven't seen'

Pryor believes some sellers will dig their heels in and demand February prices for their properties and the best may well got them.

'Most buyers will feel that they are taking a risk and will want a discount to recognise that,' he adds.

'Whilst many will hope for 20 per cent off the asking price, most I suspect will settle for 5 to 10 per cent. Whether this will be enough come Christmas is anyone's guess.'

The real elephant in the room is how many people lose their jobs when the Government's furlough scheme comes to a close later this year.

It is feared as many as two million Britons could find themselves out of work when the 10bn-a-month furlough scheme ends in October, after being ramped down in the preceding months.

Mass redundancies will lead to a sharp rise in people falling behind on their mortgage payments. A flood of repossessions and consequent property firesales is a scenario that the regulator and Government will want to avoid if at all possible.

However, there will come a point for many households when it is better to sell their home and find something cheaper rather than struggle or fall behind with mortgage payments.

Along with rising trade tensions between the US and China and the virus pandemic only just beginning to hit emerging economies, the global outlook is wildly unpredictable. While the stock market has recovered strongly since its March lows, there are still fears that any fresh bad news could send it crashing again.

Brexit negotiations and the UK's withdrawal from the European Union notwithstanding, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has warned Britain is facing a recession 'the likes of which we haven't seen'.

How are properties being valued post-coronavirus?

For the housing market to get back up and running properly, home valuations are fundamental

For the housing market to get back up and running properly, home valuations are fundamental. Mortgage lenders rely on them to assess how much risk they are taking on when approving a mortgage application or remortgage request.

Speaking anecdotally, valuers say lenders remain deeply worried at how accurate valuations can be without comparable sales prices available for a post-coronavirus housing market. It is new territory.

So concerned are banks and building societies on this point that the Bank of England was prompted to issue guidance this week on how and when to value properties that underlie mortgage loans on lenders' balance sheets.

A statement from the Prudential Regulation Authority revealed the regulator has received a number of questions from firms in relation to valuations.

It said: 'In particular, given the recent disruption in the property market caused by Covid-19, firms have identified difficulties in conducting physical inspections due to social distancing measures, obtaining reliable property valuations and determining appropriate approaches to suspended or unreliable house price indices.'

A property is worth what someone will pay for it

Many valuations at least can be delayed until there is more clarity.

But for those needing to buy or sell a property now, its going to be very difficult to value anything for the next six weeks.

'I was shown a fantastic three-bedroom flat in central London asking 5.5million,' Pryor tells me.

'The agent instantly mumbled four and a half would probably do it before I had got my face mask and rubber gloves on!

'The truth is nobody knows. A property is worth what someone will pay for it.'

John Baguley, valuations director at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, is keen to underline exactly this point.

'All valuations should be assessed to market value and that is defined by what a willing buyer is prepared to pay a willing seller to transact,' he says.

'The role of the valuer is not to make the market, it is to interpret the market as it is and we use a scale of factors to make those judgements.

'Ideally we want to consider what identical properties in similar locations actually sold for as recently as possible. In normal circumstances sales values from three months ago might be considered recent, but clearly now the market is very different.

'In the absence of those comparable property sales we can also be looking at what is happening with asking prices, market activity and other supporting information to form an opinion of market value'

Will we see down valuations?

Mr Baguly's pragmatic and balanced view on valuations makes sense, but there are those who expect valuations to become overly conservative.

Speaking live on a webinar hosted by trade publication Mortgage Introducer, buy-to-let lender Landbay chairman Tony Ward warned that the result would be a slew of down valuations.

'I sympathise with the valuers because they know that house prices are likely to go down, they just don't know - as nobody does - by how much and for how long and which ones will be affected the worst. It is too early to tell,' he said.

'So they are likely to overcook it. We will see valuations on the downside probably, because they are at risk.

'We have to understand that valuers are giving an opinion that, if it is wrong, three, four, five years down the line they could be sued for that opinion for losses incurred because they overvalued.

'They are almost certainly going to be doing the opposite, which is downvaluing.'

This has obvious implications for homeowners hoping to sell and for hopeful buyers.

Property transactions agreed before the crisis are already being renegotiated as buyers fear their offers are no longer accurate.

It will leave those who must sell soon forced to accept lower offers - though they should also be able to secure cheaper prices themselves when moving.

Those not forced to sell now are likely to sit on their hands until there is more clarity about the outlook for property prices. This restricted supply could in turn support prices.

But it would lead to a collapse in transactions - bad news for estate agents, valuers, mortgage lenders, brokers and conveyancers, all of which rely on the volume rather than value of home sales for an income.
We're breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic. Send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca and we'll answer as many as we can. We'll publish a selection of answers every weekday on our website, and we're also putting some of your questions to the experts on the air during The National and on CBC News Network. So far we've received more than 43,000 emails from all corners of the country.

Can a store force me to wear a mask in order to shop there?

Some stores across the country have made it mandatory for shoppers to wear a mask, which has some of our readers, like Vel B., wondering if those policies can actually be enforced.

The short answer is yes, retailers can enforce the rule. But it can get more complicated in certain situations.

In the same way a store can tell you "No shoes, no shirt, no service," they can insist "No mask, no service," according to Michael Bryant, executive director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and a former Ontario attorney general.

The argument can be made on the basis of health and safety regulations in their store.

"There's no law backing the store up, but there's no stopping the store either," Bryant said.

Richard Powers, business professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, said that because they are private businesses, they can set the terms for their clients any way they choose.

What if you can't wear a mask  or don't want to?

"If someone adamantly refuses to put on a mask, the store owner can refuse to let them into the store," Powers said.

But there are caveats. And because there's currently no law or emergency order requiring people to wear masks, it gets a bit tricky.

Some reasons customers might refuse to wear a mask: "[If] someone had a face covering for religious reasons and didn't want to also put a mask on, or if the person is suspecting they're being targeted because they are a racialized minority, or if the person seems to be being targeted because they appear to be impoverished or mentally ill," Bryant said.

Story continues

WATCH | Are you making these face mask mistakes?

Bryant warned that being denied entry in a place with no other option  like a rural area with just one grocery store  could be violating human rights rules.

"Refusing service to somebody in an area where there isn't an alternative is possibly unlawful," he said.

Mask policies could also inadvertently discriminate against people who cannot afford masks, Bryant said.

At Longo's grocery stores, CEO Anthony Longo said, accommodations will be made for customers who can't wear a mask for health or other reasons.

So far, Bryant said, the CCLA hasn't received complaints from people about being denied entry to a store based on mask-wearing.

What can I do as a business owner if people don't want to follow physical distancing rules?

Many readers are telling us they notice that not everyone is keeping their distance while shopping.

Small business owner Hugh L. wrote in asking how he can manage customers who don't want to follow the rules.

But just as shoppers have rights, so do business owners.

Powers said it's up to individual business owners to set the rules for their stores, as long as they abide by the laws of the jurisdiction.

"If a person fails to adhere to those rules, the business is within their rights to refuse to serve them," he said. "You don't kick them out, you act reasonably in the situation  but if someone is acting unreasonably, they should refuse to serve them."

Health Canada's advice for business owners includes posting clear signage that communicates the store's health policies, and where to place them. The federal agency also suggests assigning a dedicated employee each shift to relay this messaging to customers at the entrance.

Thursday we answered questions about disinfecting masks and whether or not you need to hold your breath when passing by other people.

Keep your questions coming by emailing us at COVID@cbc.ca.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 21:46:55|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LONDON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Britain's House of Commons (lower house of parliament) should continue its virtual meetings while the threat of coronavirus remains, a parliamentary committee said Saturday.

The Commons' Procedure Committee published a report Saturday following the announcement by Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, that MPs will be recalled to Westminster on June 2 in person to address issues while ending the "virtual Parliament" temporary measures.

The recall comes 24 hours after tough restrictions on the population are partially eased on June 1.

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has written to all 650 MPs saying the rules limiting the number of MPs allowed into the famous debating chamber will continue to be just 50 politicians at any one time.

Since April the vast majority of MPs have been following proceedings and participated from their homes via a video link. It was the first time in the Commons 700-year history that a hybrid system has been launched, which allows up to 120 MPs at any one time to take part in proceedings virtually, while around 50 could remain in the chamber under strict social distancing rules.

Fears have been expressed that if the virtual parliament is scrapped, MPs unable or unwilling, because of the pandemic, to return to work in the Houses of Parliament, will be denied the chance to vote on key issues.

The rules which allowed the virtual meetings of parliament to take place have now lapsed, and on Tuesday MPs will decide what happens from now on.

One of the biggest issues is how MPs participate in voting. The time-honored system of MPs crowded into lobbies to vote "yes" or "no" would mean current distancing rules being broken.

Hoyle said in his letter the traditional lobbies were unsafe to use for voting. He has given the government until Monday to put forward proposals for how MPs will take part in votes.

One proposed idea is to introduce a system in which MPs line up, two-meters apart, to vote one-by-one in the chamber of the Commons. One media report said the queue could be 1 km long if most MPs turned up to vote.

The committee's report recommends that a form of virtual participation should be allowed to continue while coronavirus restrictions are in place.

This is to allow MPs who are not able to head to Westminster because of the continuing restrictions caused by the pandemic to contribute to debates and represent their constituents. Enditem
Honeywell CEO Darius Adamczyk presents President Donald Trump with a framed N95 mask on May 5 in Phoenix.

Evan Vucci/AP Images

President Donald Trump shared a tweet on Thursday that argued the mandated use of face masks represents a "culture of silence, slavery, and social death."

"Masks aren't about public health but social control," a conservative columnist tweeted, linking to a Federalist piece. "Image of Biden in black mask endorses culture of silence, slavery, and social death."

Trump retweeted that message to his 80 million followers, saying, "So many different viewpoints!"

The president has refused to wear a face mask, even when he's unable to social distance from others, despite the CDC's recommendation and significant evidence that face coverings help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

President Donald Trump shared a tweet on Thursday that argued the mandated use of face masks to control the spread of the coronavirus represents a "culture of silence, slavery, and social death."

The argument against masks was made by a right-wing columnist in The Federalist, a conservative online publication, and claimed that mandating the safety measure was "anti-American" and signaled "indefinite government expansion."

"Mandatory masks are a critical predicate conditioning us to accept abuses of our liberty," columnist Molly McCann wrote in the Wednesday piece.

McCann said masks weren't effective in limiting the spread of the virus and that the government recommended Americans not wear masks in the first weeks of the public-health crisis. But she failed to mention that masks were initially in short supply in the US and officials didn't want to encourage Americans to buy up the critical protective gear and deprive health workers of necessary it.

Conservative columnist Lee Smith shared McCann's piece on Twitter and wrote, "Masks aren't about public health but social control. Image of Biden in black mask endorses culture of silence, slavery, and social death."

Story continues

Trump retweeted Smith's message to his 80 million followers and said, "So many different viewpoints!"

Studies have shown that surgical face masks slow the spread of COVID-19. And there is well-documented evidence that even homemade cloth masks help reduce the spread of particles expelled through the nose and mouth and decrease the risk of infecting others. Officials in countries that have better controlled their coronavirus outbreaks say universal mask wearing has helped in that effort.

In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance recommending that all Americans wear some form of cloth face mask in public places where social distancing is difficult. Many governors have mandated the use of face coverings in public places, including public transportation.

Some have gone further. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced that all of his state's residents must wear a face covering in indoor public places beginning on May 29. (Masks aren't required for kids under 10 or those with health conditions, and people don't need to wear them while eating or exercising.)

But many conservatives, led by Trump, have refused to follow that guidance and argue that masks are unnecessary and a violation of their civil liberties. Trump, pitting himself against public-health experts and lawmakers, has helped churn up a cultural and political clash over the safety measure.

Read the original article on Business Insider
New Mexicos primary election is Tuesday.

The Observer asked candidates for Sandoval County offices and New Mexico Legislature seats representing Sandoval County to complete questionnaires explaining their priorities, qualifications and views on topics in the public eye.

Candidates were held to a 450-word limit. If responses surpassed that limit, the answers were cut from the bottom until they were 450 words long. Otherwise, responses were not edited.

Candidates in this edition have no primary opposition, but may have an opponent in the general election in November. For candidates with primary opposition, check the May 24 Observer or visit rrobserver.com.

Republican

Joshua Joe Jimenez

Residence: Valencia County

Past and present occupation(s): Managing Partner at Payne and Jimenez, Prosecutor (Associate, Assistant, Senior, Deputy)

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or DWI?

No.

If elected, what will your top priorities be?

My top priorities are to stop the revolving door of crime, get predators and violent career criminals off the streets, maximize our use of functional rehabilitative programs, and boost the utility of the criminal justice system through community outreach and efforts with our law enforcement and prosecutors.

Why should you be elected to this position?

I have the better plan to strengthen criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial District. During my 9+ years experience prosecuting all degrees of crime, as a supervisor in two DAs offices, and as managing partner in a private law firm, I have learned there are better ways to fight crime. I am an innovator who is not stuck in the past. I can bring progressive systems to the office that will make our communities safer for all.

What, if anything, would you like to see changed about the district attorneys office, and how would you accomplish that?

This DAs office must modernize evidence collection to decrease case dismissals. Updated technology is not being used to protect children or to identify predators and violent offenders; this must change immediately. I will work with victim advocate and law enforcement agencies to identify and successfully prosecute predators and violent career criminals. The process for prosecuting cases must be sped up by this DAs office; justice delayed is justice denied.

What strengths, if any, does the DAs office currently have, and how would you support them?

There are good staff members and attorneys that work in the DAs office. My plan to improve the systems, procedures, training and focus of the DAs office will further help support and retain employees. The support we provide to the office will result in better prosecutions and safer communities.

What is your philosophy on representing the citizens as the top prosecuting attorney in the judicial district?

I am committed to improving the criminal justice system in New Mexico. As a father of three young children and as a native New Mexican, I care deeply about our community and the security of all its citizens. Prosecutors have a high ethical duty to seek justice for all parties; I have been committed to that credo from the time I was a young prosecutor.
FILE PHOTO: General view of a pigeon kept by Oswald Ossie Robson, a pigeon fancier in Pelton Fell after pigeon racing was suspended as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues

SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Indian police have released a pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after a probe found that the bird, which had flown across the contentious border between the nuclear-armed nations, was not a spy, two officials said on Friday.

"The pigeon was set free yesterday (May 28) after nothing suspicious was found," said Shailendra Mishra, a senior police official in Indian-administered Kashmir. It was unclear where the bird was released and whether it flew back to its owner.

The Pakistani owner of the pigeon had urged India to return his bird, which Indian villagers turned over to police after discovering it.

"It's just an innocent bird," Habibullah, the owner of the bird, who goes by just one name, told Reuters on Friday.

He rejected allegations that the numbers inscribed on a ring on the pigeon's leg were codes meant for militant groups operating in the disputed region of Kashmir.

Habibullah, who lives in a village near the Kashmir border, one of the most militarised zones in the world, said the bird had participated in a pigeon racing contest and the digits on the bird's leg were his mobile phone number.

The sport is especially popular in the border villages, said Yasir Khalid of the Shakar Garh Pigeon Club, adding such races are held in India too, and it is not unusual to lose a bird on either side. Owners identify their birds with stamps on the wings, paint and rings on the feet.

"We had to take the bird into our custody to probe if it was being using for spying," a senior Indian border security officer said requesting anonymity, while explaining this was part of the drill given border sensitivities.

In 2016, a pigeon was taken into Indian custody after it was found with a note threatening Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(Reporting by Fayaz Bukhari in Srinagar, Umar Farooq in Istanbul; Additional reporting by Rupam Jain; Editing by Gibran Peshimam and Cynthia Osterman)
The Trump administration will study ways to safeguard Americans from the risks of investing in Chinese companies, U.S. president Donald Trump said on Friday, ratcheting up pressure on the firms to comply with U.S. accounting and disclosure rules, Reuters reports.

Speaking at a White House briefing to unveil measures targeting Beijing over Hong Kong, Trump said he is instructing the presidential working group on financial markets to study differing practices of Chinese companies listed on U.S. markets with the goal of protecting American investors, Trump said.

Investment firms should not be subjecting their clients to the hidden and undue risks associated with financing Chinese companies that do not play by the same rules, he said, adding that Americans are entitled to fairness and transparencies.

Members of the working group include Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams, Securities and Exchange Chairman Jay Clayton and other regulatory officials.

The move comes as the U.S. government has begun extending its trade and technology battle with Beijing to capital markets, as ties between the rival nations have soured over the origins of the deadly coronavirus.

Earlier this month, an independent board tasked with administering federal worker and military pension funds halted plans to allow one of its funds to track an index that includes controversial Chinese companies, under pressure from the White House.
Chennai, May 30 : The Tamil Nadu government, here on Saturday, assured farmers that they didn't face the threat of desert locust attack and their movement would be monitored.

In a statement, the government said farmers could get in touch with the agricultural department officials if they see grasshopper in large numbers.

Grasshoppers found in some districts were of local species and not the desert locust seen in North India, it said and added, normal grasshoppers were part of the life chain and there were about 250 species of them in Tamil Nadu.

Some species do good to farms by erating pests, it added.

The Locust Warning Organisation, which comes under the central government, sends information on locust movement to all the states daily.
An overwhelming majority of Britons oppose moves to ditch animal welfare and environmental rules as part of any new trade deal with the United States, an exclusive Mail on Sunday poll has found.

The news comes as TV chef Jamie Oliver joins The Mail on Sundays Save Our Family Farms campaign today and issues an impassioned plea to the Prime Minister not to open the floodgates to cheap, low-quality imports from the US and at the same time drive world-class British producers out of business.

There are just over 50 days for MPs to stop a hugely important change in the law that family farm campaigners fear will allow sub-standard food into the country.

Most Britons oppose sacrificing the current animal welfare and environmental rules as part of any trade deal negotiated with America, says an exclusive Mail on Sunday poll (pictured)

Last week, we revealed a Cabinet rift on the issue amid fears that International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is preparing to ditch UK welfare standards in order to strike an agreement with Donald Trump.

Ms Truss has been accused by farmers leaders of planning to turn Britain into a pariah state by allowing the import of cheap foods pumped with antibiotics and hormones, in order to secure agreement with the White House after Britains transition period with the EU ends in December  something which she insists she has no intention of doing.

Environment Secretary George Eustice fears that flooding the UK market with cheap US products could drive many British farmers out of business.

Brits are worried about opening the floodgates to low-quality and cheaper imports from the US

And last night, the row deepened as former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers  one of 18 Tory MPs who earlier this month rebelled over the sub-standard food threat  said: We all want a good trade deal with the US but it must be one that is fair to British farmers and doesnt undermine our world-class food and animal welfare standards.

According to the Deltapoll survey, nearly three-quarters of respondents say maintaining UK welfare standards should be the priority, rather than reaching a deal with Washington.

A further 59 per cent think our farmers should be given protection against countries with lower food standards.

The poll also reveals deep-seated, negative views about US agriculture, with 79 per cent saying the UK has better standards of food production.

More than two-thirds are concerned about the health risks of eating meat which has been washed in chemicals such as chlorine, while 77 per cent say a reduction in the use of antibiotics in meat should be part of any trade deal.

The flashpoint of the Tory row is the current Agriculture Bill which does not set any environmental or welfare rules for farm imports after Brexit.

With the Government hoping it becomes law by mid-July, National Farmers Union president Minette Batters said the death knell for the traditional family farm could be sounded within weeks.

Britons also want to prevent high-quality British producers going out of business

The survey found that 71 per cent of people worry that allowing sub-standard US products to flood the market could lead to the extinction of traditional British farms.

Some 62 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about the future way of life for our farmers.

The Bill also paves the way for environmental subsidies to be paid to landowners even if they do not use their land for farming: current EU rules stipulate that the handouts can be given only if the land is used for agriculture or livestock: 48 per cent of people oppose this plan, and 26 per cent support it.

Earlier this year, The Mail on Sunday revealed that Tim Leunig, a powerful adviser to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, had suggested that Britain did not need its own farming industry.

Asked about this, just 16 per cent said the UK did not need farmers because we can import everything we need to eat. Three quarters disagreed.

Deltapoll co-founder Joe Twyman said: A large proportion of the public are sceptical over what a possible trade deal with the US could mean for farming and food in the UK.

Jamie Oliver's passionate open letter to PM as he joins Mail on Sunday's campaign to save our family farms

Dear Boris

I hope you are well and your family is safe. I write this letter because I believe youre about to seriously undermine public health and unpick the delicate patchwork quilt of farmers and food producers who are the backbone of this country.

While weve all been focused on the fallout from this dreadful pandemic, most people reading this probably wont know that youve whipped your MPs to vote down the Agriculture Bill amendments that would have maintained British food and animal welfare standards for future trade deals and imports.

We could be about to open the floodgates to a whole raft of low-quality food that would normally be illegal in the UK. Chlorinated chicken is just the tip of the iceberg. Were talking about genetically modified food, stuffing animals full of hormones and antibiotics, banned pesticides that kill our bees, and an avalanche of foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar.

Whats more, well be threatening the future of our farmers and food producers who, despite extraordinary challenges, have worked so hard to keep us fed throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Britains favourite chef joins the Mail o Sundays vital campaign with a passionate open letter to the Prime Minister

Boris, it is in your power to map out an intelligent structure where we maintain Britains high standards but also retain the ability to strike trade deals that are good for the economy.

In my opinion, some of the biggest emerging economies are hungry for a trusted and safe food supply, and this is where we can flourish. Brand Britain and its wealth of food producers are perfectly placed to deliver, but if food standards are weakened, a race to the bottom will ensue  and I believe thats a race we will lose. Public health will be compromised and our ability to export quality, trusted product will diminish.

We shouldnt need reminding that Covid-19 seems to have originated in the food chain. This crisis has made us all stop and think a bit more about what we eat, where our food comes from and how it affects our bodies.

The association between high standards, food safety, animal welfare, ethics, traceability and sustainability has never been more important. These matters affect us all, every day.

Boris, I know you need to lead in a way that allows your teams to do their job when it comes to trade deals. I presume you voted down the amendment to give you a blank sheet of paper in order to get deals done quickly.

Of course we want trade, but not at any cost. Having standards  in law  will actually strengthen your hand in negotiations. I believe you have it in you to find the right balance. What looks like a simple piece of legislation will mark you in history either as a guardian to the land and its prosperity, or as someone who opened Pandoras box to the quick erosion of the food and farming industries.

'Ultimately we should be striving to push trade partners standards up, not negotiating our own down,' says Jamie Oliver

This is a pivotal moment  an opportunity for us to build a stronger and better food system.

If it turns out that other countries can produce food to British standards and sell it to us at a cheaper price than we can produce it ourselves, then fair play to them.

Of course we need to be flexible and we need to be open to trading with both old friends and new. But ultimately we should be striving to push trade partners standards up, not negotiating our own down.

As critical trade negotiations heat up, we must ensure weve learned our lesson from this pandemic. It has highlighted the need for us to simplify our food system so we are less reliant on imports.

The UK is blessed with some of the best food producers in the world  something we should value and protect  yet we currently produce only 53 per cent of our veg and 16 per cent of our fresh fruit.

Our climate is perfectly suited to growing produce, so we could easily grow more, not only for ourselves but for export, too.

'The UK is blessed with some of the best food producers in the world  something we should value and protect  yet we currently produce only 53 per cent of our veg and 16 per cent of our fresh fruit,' says Jamie

And producing more fruit and veg here in the UK would, of course, be good for the planet, too.

Boris, I urge you to take a fresh approach to the Agriculture Bill.

Only you have the power to set us on the right path. Only you have the power to get all those MPs to vote for the amendment (and Rishi, please dont accidentally press the wrong voting button again). This Bill should be about championing our high standards in food safety and traceability, animal welfare and care for our environment.

It should ensure that British farmers and food producers can continue to evolve and to deliver sustainable, healthy food without having to worry about being unfairly undercut.

I know you have Britains best interests at heart, Prime Minister, but true democracy cannot rely on one man or womans word  it requires the assurance of a lasting legal framework that interrogates and scrutinises the decisions that affect British businesses and public health.

We have only a few days to get this right, ahead of the next critical debate in the House of Lords on June 10. Hopefully, the public will already be writing letters to their local MPs to voice their concerns.

This is a unique opportunity for you, as Prime Minister, to demonstrate real leadership and reshape our food system for the better.

'Our kids will be the most vulnerable if our markets are flooded with unhealthy foods high in fat, salt and sugar,' Jamie says. Pictured: A girl cooks at home following a Jamie Oliver video

Its an opportunity to support all those key workers whove ensured we were able to put a meal on our tables throughout this crisis. An opportunity to allow the UK to set the standard for sustainable food production, and  crucially  to put public and child health at the true heart of government.

Good-quality food should be accessible to everyone but, having campaigned on child health for the best part of 20 years now, I am incredibly concerned about the impact that bad trade deals could have on our children.

Our kids will be the most vulnerable if our markets are flooded with unhealthy foods high in fat, salt and sugar.

We need to put our childrens health first. Right now, more than ever, we need our kids to grow up strong and healthy, ready to face whatever life throws at them.

Weve just seen, for example, that being obese or overweight made people more vulnerable to Covid-19. We absolutely must give our kids the best possible chance of making healthy choices.

Boris, as youve rightly said yourself, we owe it to our future generations to build back better.

One in eight jobs in the UK is in food supply. This Agriculture Bill is a critical first opportunity to help the economy bounce back and to support thousands of small family businesses, while also protecting our health and countryside. Prime Minister, please take this opportunity and reassure us that food standards wont be compromised.

Best wishes Jamie
A Kumasi Circuit Court has sentenced two men to a total of 30 years imprisonment in hard labour for robbing a Zoomlion worker, Norbert Nsor, of his mobile phone and chopping off his left wrist at the Asafo Interchange in Kumasi.



The convicts, Emmanuel Osei Amoako, alias Chibsah, 20 and Emmanuel Nuako alias Bonnty Killer, 22 ? both pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, attempting to commit robbery and causing harm contrary to Sections 23(1) and 149, 18(2) and 69 of the Criminal Offences of Act 1960 (Act 29).



The court, presided over by Abdul- Razak Musah, jailed them 15 years each on counts one and two and 10 years each on count three. The sentences are to run concurrently.



In sentencing them, the court considered the fact that the two showed total remorse and their pleas for leniency and age.



Presenting the facts of the case, the prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Thomas K. Hodanu said on May 5, this year, the victim and his girlfriend were heading towards Asafo Interchange when suddenly the convicts attacked him (victim) in an attempt to snatch his Techno Spark 4 mobile phone from him.



The prosecution added that the convicts met a heavy resistance from the victim and in the process, Emmanuel Osei Amoako pulled out a machete from his trousers.



Norbert Nsor, upon seeing the weapon, took to his heels but was chased by Osei Amoako and managed to inflict several machete wounds on his right hand before cutting off his left wrist.



A witness in the case rushed the victim to the Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi together with the amputated hand for medical attention.



DSP Hodanu said the two convicts were overpowered and arrested by some onlookers and handed them over to the Asokwa police.



Victim on court verdict



After the verdict, the victim expressed his dissatisfaction about the sentence and said he expected the presiding judge to have awarded him with compensation since he went for a loan to pay for his medical expenses.



I collected GH3,000 from friends for my medical expenses and I thought the judge was going to award me with compensation. Sentencing them to 30 years will not bring back my lost wrist, Nsor said after the ruling.



He appealed to well-meaning people in society to assist him financially to pay up his loan of GH3,000.

Source: Daily Guide









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
The Nepali Congress, the main Opposition party, on Saturday, discussed the Constitution amendment bill related to a new political map of the country put forth by the government in Parliament.

A proposal to this effect was put at the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting that is currently underway at the party's headquarters in Sanepa.

According to Nepali Congress sources, the proposal put forth in the CWC meeting is related to the Constitution amendment bill that seeks to bring an amendment to the political map included in Schedule 3 related to Article 9 (2) of the Constitution.

The party's CWC members are currently expressing their views on the proposal put forth in the meeting, they said.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shivamaya Tumbahangphe was supposed to table the bill for discussion at Parliament on Wednesday.

However, the bill was removed from the parliamentary business schedule as per a request by the Nepali Congress to wait until the party could take a decision to this effect from its CWC meeting.

It requires a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament to bring an amendment to the Constitution.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has decided to seek a national consensus on the issue.

In the midst of a border dispute with India, Nepal recently released the revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura.

India reacted angrily to the move saying such "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims will not be acceptable and asked the neighbouring country to refrain from such "unjustified cartographic assertion".

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.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali earlier this month summoned Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and handed over a diplomatic note to protest against India inaugurating the key road.

However, Gyawali last week said that he was confident that the Kalapani issue between the two neighbours will be resolved through talks.

India on Thursday indicated its readiness to engage with Nepal to resolve the festering border row on the basis of mutual sensitivity and respect.

India is monitoring the current situation in Nepal, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said referring to Kathmandu deferring a plan to bring in a constitutional amendment to validate a new map that depicted Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territory

"India is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect, in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and requires constructive and positive efforts," Srivastava said.

The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory -- India as part of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula district.
She launched her charitable organisation Adopt Change in 2008.

And now Deborra-Lee Furness is set to direct three special episodes of Australian soap opera Neighbours, shining light on the need for change in adoption laws in Australia through an arc about a gay couple wanting to start a family.

The 64-year-old's husband Hugh Jackman thinks there's nobody better for the role, despite her not gracing a director's chair since 2003.

Supportive: In this week's Stellar Magazine, Hugh Jackman (left) gushed about his talented wife, Deborra-Lee Furness (right) who is set to direct three special episodes of Australian soap opera Neighbours

'I've been directed by her for 25 years. She has an unbelievable eye, she's always right and she's incredibly decisive,' the Wolverine actor, 51, told Stellar on Saturday.

He added: 'Deb is so much tougher on me than any director I've worked with  there's no audition I've ever gone to where I haven't run it through with Deb first.'

Deborra-Lee is thrilled to be returning, because she's doing it for her biggest passion project.

'I've been directed by her for 25 years': The 64-year-old's husband Hugh Jackman thinks there's nobody better for the role, despite her not gracing a director's chair since 2003

'I got to do double duty. I love directing, but I also get to shine a light on an issue,' Deborra-Lee said, speaking of the episodes' topic of adoption.

Deborra-Lee and Hugh are parents to two adopted children, Oscar, 20, and Ava, 14.

The Shame actress revealed when she started looking into adoption two decades ago, there was an 'anti-adoption culture in Australia'.

Family ties: The special episodes of Neighbours will tackle adoption laws in Australia. Deborra-Lee and Hugh are parents to two adopted children, Oscar, 20, and Ava, 14. Pictured in 2012

Passionate: Now the founder of Adopt Change, an advocacy group who campaigns to make adoption easier in Australia, Deborra-Lee fights against the current restrictive legislation

Now the founder of Adopt Change, an advocacy group who campaigns to make adoption easier in Australia, Deborra-Lee fights against the current restrictive legislation.

Deborra-lee has spoken out before about the importance of fostering children, during an interview with Channel Nine's Today Show in December 2018.

'Everything in life is not easy. We all have our hurdles and our challenges, these kids have extra hurdles right from the get go,' the actress said.

This year, Deborra-Lee and Hugh marked 24 years of marriage together. The famous Australian couple met on the set of ABC drama Correlli in 1995.
In an interview with CNN anchors after he was released, Jimenez said he and the two members of his crew and one security officer hired by CNN were all handcuffed and placed in a police van. They later were released from the van, but forced to sit on the ground still handcuffed for a time. Finally, the handcuffs were removed, and they were given back the gear taken from them in the arrest. There were no apologies from the police, according to Jimenez.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz did subsequently apologize to CNN President Jeff Zucker.

Jimenez said that as he was being led away from the street by police, he tried to have a cordial conversation with one of the officers.

I said, Hey man, if you dont want us to be that close, where should we be? Jimenez said. We were under the impression that where we were was OK. He said, Look, I dont know, man. Im just following orders.

Jimenez said he did not know who was giving those orders. But, he added, As far as the people who were leading me away, there was no animosity, there was no violence. We were having a conversation about just how crazy this week has been for every single part of the city.
Visual IVR company Zappix, has launched its flagship Visual IVR solution for another national retailer. Zappix has seen increased demand for its Visual IVR solution in recent months as businesses handle the significant impact of COVID-19 on contact centers.

Contact center managers have seen an increase in the volume of inbound customer service calls, while most contact centers could not operate at full capacity. As the company launches Visual IVR with this new customer, Zappix also plans to launch multiple customers in the next couple of weeks as well.

You may recall our colleague Maurice Nagle recently covered the news on Zappix Alexa integration.

Zappix Visual IVR and on-demand customer service solutions automate tedious interactions that make up the vast majority of customer service calls and free up live agents to focus on complex interactions where their skills and empathy bring great value. Zappix customers leverage the solutions to handle common use cases like Order Tracking, Account Management, Claims Processing, Knowledge Bases & FAQs, and more.

When on a call from a mobile phone initiated by the customer or prospect, they receive a text which allows them to click and receive a web-based self-service experience.

The video above shows how it works.





Yossi Abraham, Zappix president

Were glad to help another customer deliver a self-service solution  solutions that are becoming especially needed these days, said Yossi Abraham, Zappix president. Zappix allows our customers to launch a new solution in days and keep their customers up to speed and engaged now, during the COVID-19 crisis, and in the future.

Zappix cloud-based Digital Self-Service solutions leverage the speed of Visual IVR and the convenience of RPA (Robotic Process Automation) to provide customers the experiences they crave. Retailers using Zappix solutions benefit from:

Reduced calls to agents

Lower contact center costs

Improved customer experience (CX)

Targeted revenue growth opportunities

Automation of repetitive processes, freeing live agents to focus on high-value tasks

Shorter average handling times per call

Zappix automation seamlessly integrates with any CRM, Order Management System, and other back-end systems to connect customers directly to the retailer. Zappix Actionable Analytics tracks the customer journey and provides reports analyzing consumer behavior and trends. Together, each part of the Zappix portfolio gives retailers the power to improve customer service.

See the ONLY 5G, SD-WAN, Contact Center, Tech and Communications companies that matter at the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW.

This Event has been called the BEST SHOW in 5 YEARS and the Best TECHNOLOGY EVENT of 2020.

2020 participants included: Amazon, Cisco, Google, IBM, ClearlyIP, Avaya, Vonage, 88, Comcast Business, BlueJeans, CoreDial, Dell, Edify, Epygi, FreeSWITCH, Fuze, Grandstream, Granite, Intrado, Frontier Business, Fujitsu, Jenne, West, Konftel, Intelisys, Martello, NetSapiens, OOMA, Oracle, OpenVox, Peerless Network, Phone Sentry, Phone.com, Poly, QuestBlue, RingByName, Sangoma, SingTel, SkySwitch, Spracht, Spectrum, Sprint, Tallac, Tech Data, Telarus, TCG, Teledynamics, Teli, Telinta, Telispire, Telstra, TransNexus, Unified Office, Vital PBX, VoIP Supply, Voxbone, VoIP.MS, Windstream, XCALY, XORCOM, Yealink, Yubox, and ZYCOO. Full List.

Join 8K others with $25B+ in IT buying power who plan 2021 budgets! Including 3,500+ resellers!

A unique experience with a collocated Future of Work Expo, SD-WAN Expo, and MSP Expo
We are often told we have only enough "compassion capacity" to feel concern for one human disaster, be it flood or famine, at any given time. Similarly, it may well be that we have only enough "crisis capacity" to deal with one impending calamity at a time.

Thus the good news is that - hopefully - coronavirus is very probably in retreat. The less good news is that Brexit is very definitely back, accompanied by a threat of a cliff-edge no deal.

If all this feels familiar, it is because we have been here before, and very recently at that. Last October, another no-deal cliff-edge beckoned as Boris "die-in-a-ditch-first" Johnson excelled in rhetoric claiming he would never seek an extension.

Last October, obliged by a special law passed by his own parliament, Johnson in fact sought an extension, with added petulance in the form of an unsigned letter. Since then the UK PM, still only 10 months in the job, has won a general election and has the parliamentary numbers to do what he likes about Brexit, which after all was the issue that helped him get all the way to Downing Street.

The UK formally left the EU on January 31. But a transition standstill on trade continues until December 31 next and there are attempts in the interim to frame a longer-term EU-UK relationship.

The EU would grant an extension of up to two years as per the UK exit deal that Johnson signed off on. But Johnson is determined to leave, without a deal if needs be, while still blustering that a deal can be done.

And this time both the EU and Ireland, which has most to lose from a bad Brexit outcome, believe Johnson. For legal and procedural reasons an extension must be sought by June 30.

Ireland believes so strongly Johnson will not seek an extension that first steps were taken by the Cabinet yesterday to prepare for a bad Brexit outcome at the end of the year.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney was given clearance to kick off preparations for either a limited EU-UK trade deal or a no-deal scenario by the end of the year.

Mr Coveney got approval to draft a new omnibus bill which will cover the needs of eight government departments, as the clock counts down to December 31. The Government also plans a new communication campaign with key stakeholders including business and citizens to be ready for whatever scenario.

The memo notes the UK's commitments last week to the Withdrawal Agreement and the Irish protocol, which guarantees no return to a hard Border on the island regardless of the outcome of the trade talks.

Preparations are expected to be stepped up for customs clearance facilities at ports and airports for UK imports.

A range of tariffs already outlined by the UK could hit Irish food exports to Britain with levies topping 1bn per year.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe told reporters the various departments hoped to begin contacting companies about Brexit during June and July.

But it was important not to add to business people's stress caused by coronavirus.

"There's an awful lot going on in the Irish economy. We're all grappling with the harsh consequences of coronavirus.

"The number one priority from an economic point of view is to get people back to work, get companies open again and we're really conscious that to add Brexit on top of that agenda is really demanding," he said.

It always looked a tall order to forge a new relationship by next October, allowing the other two months as the period necessary for EU member states to ratify it. But coronavirus, which put both sides' chief negotiators out of action for a fortnight, knocked out two negotiating sessions and further tightened the timeframe.

Next week, a fourth round of talks, further hampered by being done via videoconference, will open without much enthusiasm.

It is the last opportunity to advance things before a Brexit stock-taking EU leaders' summit due on June 19.

Both sides appear, if anything, to be drawing further apart and the atmosphere has soured.

In summary, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier accuses the UK of trying to have all the benefits of market access while undercutting its competitors on things such as labour and environment laws and state aid rules.

UK chief negotiator David Frost counters that the EU is trying to foist rules on Britain despite its citizens choosing Brexit to avoid such rules. Mr Frost said on Thursday that the UK would not be seeking any extension.

There is an added issue of lack of trust in Johnson's government, whose principals achieved Brexit in June 2016 by a series of false promises and misleading slogans.

Johnson's decision to persist with key adviser and Brexit ideologue Dominic Cummings, despite the coronavirus travel controversy, adds to that lack of EU trust.
AG Barr Condemns Violent Rioting During Floyd Protests, Blames Outside Radicals, Agitators

Attorney General William Barr on Saturday condemned the violent rioting that is occurring in cities nationwide amid protests calling for justice over George Floyds death.

Barr said during a press conference that the violence within these protests appears to have been planned, organized, and driven by groups of outside radicals and agitators who are exploiting the situation in order to achieve their own separate and violent agenda.

He said many of these individuals who have traveled out of state, are using Antifa-like tactics to promote the violence.

Unfortunately, with the rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country, the voices of peaceful protest are being hijacked by violent radical elements, the attorney general said.

Related Coverage Antifa Tied to Communist Revolutionary Groups, Shows Documentary

Protesters flouted social distancing restrictions and took to the streets across the country to express outrage over the treatment of Floyd, who died earlier this week in the custody of Minneapolis police.

A widely circulated video showed Floyd lying down and handcuffed as a police officer was seen kneeling on the mans neck for nearly nine minutes. The footage showed Floyd telling officers that he cant breathe before his body went motionless. According to a Minneapolis Fire Department report (pdf), Floyd was unresponsive and pulseless when he was being transported into an ambulance by paramedics from the site of his arrest to the hospital.

The police officer who was seen kneeling on the mans neck, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday. Chauvin and three other police officers involved in the arrest have since been fired.

The incident had triggered days of protests that also consisted of looting of businesses and violence in Minneapolis, including torching a police station. Some protests in other cities on Friday also saw similar destruction including clashing with police, breaching of government complexes, and throwing of objects at police officers in some parts of the country.

Barr acknowledged the outrage felt by the national community, saying that accountability for Floyds death must be addressed, but emphasized that it should be addressed through the regular criminal justice system.

That system is working and moving at exceptional speed. Already initial charges have been filed. That process continues to move forward. Justice will be served, Barr said.

He stressed that the communities and streets must have law and order and it is the responsibility of local and state leaders to halt the violence, adding that the Justice Department will support all local efforts.

But the attorney general warned that it is a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting.

We will enforce these laws, he said.

Earlier Saturday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said that a majority of the rioters who are involved in the destruction are from out of state.

Frey said in a statement that it appears that the city is dealing with individuals such as out of state instigators and members of organized crime, and possible foreign actors.

Carter said during a press conference that every single person law enforcement had arrested on Friday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, appeared to be from out of state.

What we are seeing right now is a group of people who are not from here, he said.

As I talked to my friends, who have been in this movement for a very long time, who wake up in this movement every day and I ask them, what theyre seeing, what theyre feeling, what theyre hearing to a person. I hear them say, We dont know these folks. We dont know these folks who are agitated. We dont know these folks who are inciting violence. We dont know these folks were first in the to break a window.

And those folks who are agitating and inciting are taking advantage of the pain of the hurt of the frustration of the anger of the very real and legitimate sadness that so many of our community members feel to advocate for the destruction of our communities, he added.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Saturday morning that he authorized to fully mobilize the states National Guard to respond to the violent riots. He said that another 1,000 National Guard soldiers will be in Minneapolis in addition to the 700 that are already deployed to the city.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Saturday warned individuals who are crossing state lines to incite violence could be committing a federal crime.

80% of the RIOTERS in Minneapolis last night were from OUT OF STATE. They are harming businesses (especially African American small businesses), homes, and the community of good, hardworking Minneapolis residents who want peace, equality, and to provide for their families, Trump posted on Twitter.

Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher or the Federal Government will step in and do what has to be done, and that includes using the unlimited power of our Military and many arrests, the president wrote in a statement on Twitter.

Barrs comments echo his earlier comments from Friday where he said that the DOJ and FBI are investigating the Floyd case to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated. He said the federal investigation is separate but parallel with the probe being led by state prosecutors who are in the process of determining whether any criminal charges are appropriate under state law, and that the probe is proceeding quickly.

Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
Covid-19 Update (31) - The phased return of students and staff to campuses

Information regarding the staggered approach adopted for a phased return to ensure wellbeing and safety of students and staff.

The phased, coordinated and safe return of students and staff to the University from 8 June 2020 was deliberated on this week, following the announcement that South Africa would move to level 3 of the COVID-19 lockdown from June, which will allow for some groups of students and staff to return to campuses across the country.

The wellbeing and safety of our students and staff is paramount and it will take our collective effort, courage and determination to keep the coronavirus at bay. After consultation with the Deans, academics and student leaders, it was agreed that a staggered approach will be adopted with the first cohort of students returning from the 8th of June 2020, followed by a second cohort in mid-July.

The following student groups will return from the 8th of June 2020. The exact dates and schedules for each cohort will be communicated by faculties:

Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management Certain courses in the Facultys executive education programme in the Wits Business School and Wits School of Governance will be offered on campus. The Faculty will reintegrate a percentage of the student body in Phase 2 from July onwards, as and when appropriate. Further details will be communicated in due course. Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment PhD and MSc students who require access to laboratories will return. Selected graduating classes and progressing students (including third year students who need access to laboratories) will return. Faculty of Health Sciences Clinical students and students in their final year of study (MBBCh, GEMP and students on the Mandela-Castro programme) are already on campus. Pre-final year students with a high clinical load will return. Undergraduate students with clinical training needs and postgraduate students with laboratory-based research will return. Faculty of Humanities The Faculty will reintegrate a percentage of the student body as and when appropriate in Phase 2 from July onwards. Faculty of Science PhD and Research Masters Students will return. Honours students who require access to laboratories will return. A very careful selection of 3rd year students will return. Residence students who do not live in an environment conducive to learning and who find it extremely difficult to study online Students in this category will be brought back to residences incrementally, to enable them to continue with their studies online from their respective residences. As per regulations, not more than one third of Wits residences may be occupied at any given time. This means that the number of students who are able to return to residences are limited. The Dean of Students will communicate the process to be followed for the phased return of students in this category early next week.

Details of student groups that will return from July onwards will be communicated in the coming weeks. Please do not return to campus unless you have been given permission to return.

Level 3 lockdown: Implications for staff members

The phased reopening of our campuses will necessitate the return of some academic, professional and support staff to our campuses. A comprehensive workplace plan has been developed by the Senior Director: Human Resources, which includes guidelines for the preparation of the workplace before employees arrive, the responsibilities of managers, health and safety officers and employees before returning to work, whilst in the workplace, and processes to follow if issues arise.

The SET has also agreed to the following principles:

All academic, professional, administrative and support staff who can work from home, should continue to do so, and should only come onto campus if necessary;

Staff members who are required to be at work should report for duty (line managers will make this request to staff members);

Staff members over the age of 60 or those living with co-morbidities (see below) should stay at home;

All staff who are unable to work during this period, should, where possible, be redeployed to areas where they could make a contribution.

Staff members who have co-morbidities (like cancer, diabetes, asthma or other respiratory illnesses) should voluntarily declare these illnesses to their line manager or provide a valid doctors letter that indicates specifically why they cannot report for work. Where line managers believe that it is necessary, a second opinion may be obtained from selected healthcare practitioners based at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.

Line managers should work with health and safety officers, Services and HR to ensure that the following measures are in place:

Physical distancing of staff and students;

The adequate provision of sanitisers and/or soap and water;

The regular cleaning of venues and work spaces;

The provision of cloth masks (two per student and staff member) and other personal protective equipment for specialised areas; and

Protocols to prevent the spread of infection.

It is the responsibility of every staff member to ensure that the self-screening form (paper or online or via the app) is completed in full every morning. The paper-based screening form is being converted into a mobile application to reduce congestion at entry points. Details about the app will follow early next week.

Conclusion

Students and colleagues, we are living through a difficult period, but it is time for us to put our shoulder to the wheel and to move forward, in the interests of the broader Wits community. This is a true test of our Ubuntu - our personal actions, behaviours and choices impacts on those around us, and it is up to each and every one of us to act responsibly for the sake of our collective humanity.

Keep well and safe.

SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM

29 MAY 2020
The unemployment rate skyrocketed in several west-central Illinois counties in April, according to data released Friday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Morgan Countys unemployment rate jumped to 11.1% in April  an 8% increase from March. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in March and 3.4% in April 2019.

Other west-central Illinois counties saw similar increases in unemployment. Brown Countys unemployment rate was 8.4%  a more than 6% increase from the March unemployment rate of 1.8%. In April 2019, Brown County had a 2.1% unemployment rate.

Cass Countys unemployment rate stood at 10.5%  a more than 7% increase from Marchs 3.2% rate. In April 2019, Cass County had a 3.8% unemployment rate.

Greene County had a 11.7% unemployment rate  up nearly 9% from Marchs 3% rate. In April 2019, the unemployment rate was 3.7%.

Macoupin Countys unemployment rate rose to 13.9%  up nearly 11% from Marchs 3.2%. In April 2019, Macoupin County had a 3.7% unemployment rate.

Pike Countys unemployment rate stood at 11.3%  a nearly 8% increase from Marchs 3.5% rate. In April 2019, Pike County had a 3.8% unemployment rate.

Sangamon Countys unemployment rate was 14.4%  up more than 11% from Marchs 2.9% unemployment rate. In April 2019, Sangamon County had a 3.5% unemployment rate.

Schuyler County had a 11.5% unemployment rate  8% higher than Marchs 3.5% rate. The unemployment rate was 3.3% in April 2019.

Scott Countys unemployment rate stood at 10.7%  nearly 7% higher than Marchs 4% rate. In April 2019, Scott County had a 3.8% unemployment rate.

Jersey County had the highest April unemployment rate at 15.5%  up more than 12% from Marchs 3.1% rate. In April 2019, the unemployment rate was 3.9%

Statewide, the unemployment rate stood at 16.4% in April and the national rate was 14.7%. In March, the state had a 4.2% unemployment rate and the national rate was 4.5%.

April is the first full month with the state under Gov. J.B. Pritzkers stay-at-home order, which closed businesses deemed non-essential. The sharp rise in the unemployment rate reflects the effect the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the states economy.

Restrictions on businesses now have begun to ease. Most of Illinois moved Friday to Phase 3 of Pritzkers Restore Illinois plan. Many businesses, including office jobs, hotels, childcare facilities and in-home day cares, were able to open their doors  with capacity restrictions and preventive measures in place  for the first time since the lockdown order went into effect. Bars and restaurants also were allowed to open for dine-in service, though only with outdoor seating.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Snow in Antarctica is turning green -- and its not a good sign, according to a recent report.

A CNN report said green snow in the Antarctic Peninsula is created by blooming algae. The blooming algae is caused by rising temperatures and is likely to spread as temperatures rise due to climate change.

Researchers created the first large-scale map of the organisms and their movements using satellite data gathered between 2017 and 2019, as well as on-the-ground measurements, according to the report. It allowed scientists to map the microscopic algae blooming across the snow in Antarctica.

The algae need rising temperatures and wet snow to grow, CNN reported, which creates a more habitable environment.

The green snow is found along the Antarctic coastline usually in warmer areas during the Southern Hemispheres summer months of November to February, the outlet reported.

Scientists said the Antarctic Peninsula is part of the region experiencing rapid rising temperatures. Unusually high temperatures were recorded in February when the continent had a nine-day heat wave," according to the CNN report.

So how much green snow is on Antarctica?

The report said scientists identified 1,679 separate blooms of green snow, covering about 2 square kilometers. CNN also reported that the distribution of the green algae is heavily linked to bird populations, as their excrement acts as a fertilizer for the algae.

An increase in the blooms can also lead to more snowmelt, the report said.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
WILLIAMSPORT  The child pornography case against a Columbia County man never got to the sentencing.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Friday at the governments request dismissed the indictment against David Eugene DeWald II, 43, of Bloomsburg, who was facing at least 15 years in prison after being found guilty in November.

DeWald died March 24 in the Lackawanna County Prison but attempts to learn the cause were unsuccessful.

DeWald was found guilty in November of three counts of attempting to entice a person under the age of 18 in July and August 2015 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.

He also was found guilty of two counts involving the use of a cell phone to entice juveniles to engage in the production of child pornography in July 2015 and in sexual activity for which a person could be charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse in April and May 2016.

Several of the charges carried mandatory minimum 15-year prison terms with a maximum of life.

DeWald was charged in 2016 in Delaware County with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and related charges in which the victim was a 14-year-old female.

A search of his cell phone and computer in connection with that investigation revealed explicit sexual messages with other young people that resulted in the February 2017 federal indictment.

The federal case took more than two years to bring to trial because of suppression motions, request for a psychiatric examination and a change of defense attorneys.

On Nov. 1, Judge Matthew W. Brann ordered the involuntary medication of DeWald until the trial was completed to prevent manic episodes.

The Delaware County charges also still were active at the time of his death with trial scheduled to begin April 6.

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
Hundreds of demonstrators protested Thursday outside Metro Hall in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, demanding the charging and arrest of the police officers involved in the killing of 26-year-old emergency medical technician (EMT) Breonna Taylor. Demonstrators chanted no justice, no peace as the crowd continued to grow. They were met by police in riot gear, who fired smoke bombs and tear gas into the crowds and could be seen grappling with protesters. At least 7 people were injured by live gunfire.

The protests continued throughout the day and into the evening Friday, with demonstrators marching through downtown Louisville and blocking intersections chanting I cant breathe, the last words of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man who was killed Monday by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His death, caught on bystander video, has sparked four nights of angry protests against police violence across the United States.

Taylor, who was also African-American, was shot dead by police in her home on March 13. The Louisville Metropolitan Police Department (LMPD) officers were serving a no-knock warrant as part of a narcotics investigation. According to a complaint submitted on behalf of Taylors mother, Tamika Palmer, the police burst into the apartment without announcing themselves.

The legal brief goes on, The Defendants then proceeded to spray gunfire into the residence with a total disregard for the value of human life. Shots were blindly fired by the officers all throughout Breonnas home and also into the adjacent home, where a five-year-old child and a pregnant mother had been sleeping. Breonna was shot at least eight times by the officers gunfire and died as a result. No drugs were found in the apartment.

None of the three policemenLMPD Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and officers Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrovehave been charged in the killing of Taylor. However, Kenneth Walker, the boyfriend of Breonna Taylor, was charged with first-degree assault and attempted murder of a police officer. Walker had fired back at the police with his own gun, believing it to be a home invasion. One policeman was struck in the leg.

The police claimed that they announced themselves before breaking into the apartment with a battering ram. But Taylors family members and neighbors maintain that the police never announced themselves and that the two believed they were facing a home invasion.

Two months after the murder, and in response to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Taylors family, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, a Democrat, was forced to comment publicly on the case for the first time, writing on Twitter: The Breonna Taylor case is currently under investigation. Therefore, expansive comments are not appropriate until all the facts are known.

Fischer stated that the LMPD was conducting an internal audit and the results would then be announced publicly. Such internal audits routinely accept police officers accounts of events and are often used as means to whitewash cases of official criminality.

On Tuesday, state prosecutors were compelled to drop all charges against Walker. Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine, who had asked the judge to dismiss charges, told ABC affiliate WHAS11: "There is no amount of cocaine, heroin, marijuana...worth the life of a human being, whether it's a civilian or police officer."

Also this week, Taylors lawyers obtained a recording of the 911 emergency call placed by Walker on the night of his partners shooting. The recording undermines the LMPDs story that Walker fired on police after they identified themselves. In the heart wrenching call, Walker can be heard calling out to Taylor, whom has just been shot nearly a dozen times by police. I dont know what is happening. Somebody kicked in the door and shot my girlfriend, Walker states to the police dispatcher on the other end of the line.

The dropping of charges against Walker comes in the midst of the nationwide explosion of popular anger against police brutality. Mass protests in Minneapolis have spiraled out of the authorities control, culminating in the burning of the Third Police Precinct building Thursday. President Donald Trump responded by threatening to deploy the National Guard to shoot protesters.

The senseless killing of Taylor, who had been working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, has likewise provoked widespread anger and condemnation. A certain parallel can be drawn between her case and that of Floyd. In the case of Floyd, the 4 officers involved have been fired, a largely symbolic action meant to stave off popular unrest, much like the dismissal of charges against Kenneth Walker. Additionally, Derek Chauvin, the police officer shown on video putting his knee on Floyds neck, has been arrested and faces charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter.

The authorities clearly hope to neutralize the growing upsurge of anger by the use of these symbolic gestures, but thus far they have been unsuccessful. The demonstrations in Louisville and Minneapolis have been mirrored all over the United States. As of this writing, protests have taken place in New York City; Ypsilanti, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Pensacola, Florida and Los Angeles, California.
Billionaire Elon Musks company launches American astronauts from US soil for the first time in almost a decade.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musks rocket company SpaceX launched two NASA astronauts into space Saturday afternoon at 3:22pm (19:22 GMT), making the company the first commercial entity ever to achieve such a feat.

This has been along time coming, said NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine Its been nine years since weve launched American astronauts, on American rockets, from American soil. And now its done. We have done it. Its been way too long.

The Saturday launch was a few days late. On Wednesday, weather, specifically the threat of lightning, forced the SpaceX and NASA teams to scrub the original launch date.

The mission, called Demo-2, is much more than the beginning of an end-to-end crewed test flight. When the Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon-9 rocket blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centers launchpad 39A, in Florida, it took the United States into a new commercial era of human spaceflight.

This is the future. Commercial spaceflight, said Bob Cabana, the space centres, and former NASA astronaut.

We want to establish a commercial environment in low Earth orbit so that we can focus on the hard job of exploring beyond our home planet. To establish that presence in our solar system beyond planet Earth. Establish a sustained presence on the moon. Get to Mars. Establish a presence there.

We cant do that if we are locked here in low Earth orbit. And Commercial Crew with both SpaceX and Boeing, thats the beginning of a whole new era of spaceflight, Cabana said.

If SpaceX is successful, Demo-2 will pave the way for NASA to certify the companys Crew Dragon  Falcon-9 space transportation system for human spaceflight to and from the International Space Station (ISS) and other low Earth orbit destinations.

That certification will also mark the first complete success of the space agencys Commercial Crew programme, which includes Boeing Co.

The Demo-2 test

The Demo-2 mission is an end-to-end test that begins with liftoff, includes docking with the ISS, and then finishes with return-to-Earth splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, off Floridas eastern coast.

Some 12 minutes after liftoff, the Crew Dragon inserted NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley reached their initial orbit. In the following 19 hours, the astronauts will test the Crew Dragons environmental control and life support systems; the manoeuvring thrusters; thermal control systems; and the mattress quality of their chairs.

The biggest thing that we need the astronauts to do once they get on orbit and before they dock, is rest. We need them to eat. We need them to rest. We need them to be prepared for that docking, said Jim Bridenstine, NASAs administrator.

Once they are in range of the International Space Station, theyre going to start manoeuvring the spacecraft themselves. Not automatic, but they are going to do it themselves. They are, in fact, test pilots. And as test pilots, they will test-fly this vehicle to make sure it operates as advertised, he said.

Behnken and Hurley are scheduled to dock the Crew Dragon with the ISS on Sunday morning at 15:29 GMT. They are expected to stay on the ISS anywhere from six weeks to three months before returning to Florida and completing the Demo-2 test mission.

The new commercial era

It is nothing new to read that NASAs budgets have long been under pressure to bring down the costs of running the ISS, including the price tag associated with transportation. What is new is how NASA intends to shrink the cost of launch through its Commercial Crew programme.

Conceived some 15 years ago, the Commercial Crew programmes intent has been to incentivise the private sector into developing a commercially viable cargo and crew launch service, that would reduce NASAs costs.

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken, right, and Doug Hurley sit in a Tesla vehicle on their way to the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket [Joe Raedle/Getty Images]

Since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA and the European Space Agency have shelled out enormous sums of taxpayer monies to their send astronauts to the ISS on board Russias Soyuz launch system, because the Soyuz was literally the only option  a sellers market.

According to NASAs Office of the Inspector General (OIG) published last November, NASA paid Russias space agency, Roscosmos, an average of $85.4m per seat. Since 2017, the US has shelled out more than $1bn for the Soyuz seats.

Orbit is hard

The year 2017 is notable, because despite NASA having spent money, effort and political capital to support its Commercial Crew program, Space X and its competitor Boeing Co, missed that years aspirational deadline to start commercial human transportation services to and from the ISS.

But as Musk tweeted, in response to Virgin Orbits failed attempt to send a spacecraft into orbit on Monday, Sorry to hear that. Orbit is hard. Took us four attempts with Falcon 1.

Plus, SpaceX suffered a serious setback on April 20, 2019, when an anomaly occurred during a static fire test, causing an explosion that destroyed the Crew Dragon capsule.

Boeing Co, which hopes to soon join SpaceX in providing commercial human transportation services, is currently readying itself to re-do its orbital flight test. In December, a series of software glitches forced Boeing Co to bring its Starliner capsule back to a safe landing on Earth, but only after failing a key test  docking with the ISS.

The NASA OIG also reported the Commercial Crew contracts were worth $6.8bn, with Boeing accounting for $4.3bn, and its competitor SpaceX garnering roughly $2.5bn.

The cost of a ticket to ride

NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn, speaking from NASAs Johnson Space Center in Texas, underscored the paradigm. Our astronauts are thrilled to be taking a new spacecraft into orbit. This will be the new first for us, flying to space on a commercial vehicle, he said.

While Starliner is still working out the issues, SpaceX intends to not only take professional astronauts up to the ISS, but has started to book tourists, as well. Axiom Space has reportedly started selling Crew Dragon seats and a 10-day stay on board the ISS, with a blast-off date in the second half of 2021.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch, who recently spent 328 days in space, setting the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, said, Bringing in the private sector bringing in a commercial space economy from low Earth orbit, it means space is going to be accessible and more innovative. And its just an awesome new era history to be able to witness.

The estimated price for a Crew Dragon seat is roughly $55m, while a seat on Starliner is thought to be about $90m.
Over the past few days, the Islam family had converted their Minneapolis restaurant Gandhi Mahal into a refuge for protesters seeking shelter from the police's mace, tear gas and rubber bullets.

Early Thursday morning, they learned their eatery had burned down as protesters took to the streets over the arrest and killing of George Floyd.

"We wont loose hope though, I am so grateful for our neighbors who did their best to stand guard and protect Gandhi Mahal, Youre efforts wont go unrecognized," wrote Hafsa Islam, the 18-year-old daughter of owner Ruhel Islam, in a now-viral Facebook post. "Dont worry about us, we will rebuild and we will recover."

Guy Fieri, Hafsa and Ruhel Islam, when their restaurant was featured on

"Let my building burn, justice needs to be served, Ruhel said, according to the post. Those words seemed to resonate with fans and followers, causing the post to be shared more than 20,000 times.

The post continued: "Gandhi Mahal May have felt the flames last night, but our firey drive to help protect and stand with our community will never die! Peace be with everyone."

In 1996, Ruhel Islam came to the United States from Bangladesh when he was 19 years old, working as a busboy in New York City.

"When I came here to America, I was a stranger," he told TODAY Food. "I am from Bangladesh, you know, we experienced police like this. We lived in a police state."

The Islam family had converted their restaurant into a refuge for protestors seeking shelter from the police. (gandhimahalmn/Instagram)

In 2000, he moved to Minneapolis, where, by 2008, he would finally have enough money saved from working in the restaurant industry to open his own business.

"The last 12 years, we have built a community, a really safe community ... and our community is not gone. It's here," he said. "In 2008, that was a very tough time for people, people of of color ... all this trauma, but I built this restaurant to bring people together over a meal and have conversation and dialogue. Then we can make real change. And this community is still here. We can rebuild our buildings but we need justice for our brothers and sisters first."

Story continues

The Islam family hasn't been permitted to visit the restaurant because of closures in the area.

During the protest over the past few days, the family kept a section of the restaurant open for medics to assist people in need of treatment.

"The environment in our restaurant has been very different but, you know, as much as we wanted our business to continue those days, we did what we could to help the people who were injured," Hafsa told TODAY.

"Our main concern throughout this whole thing was to make sure that we kept our people protected and keeping our community protected," she said.

I felt like we can rebuild with bricks, but we cannot rebuild people's life.

"But after a while, my dad couldn't stay [at the restaurant] any longer," said Hafsa. "Later, around 2 or 3 a.m., they lit the Rodeo on fire, which then caught flame onto our restaurant. And then around 6 a.m., we got calls from people letting us know that the restaurant had been burned pretty bad."

Ruhel said, after receiving word that his restaurant had been damaged by flames, his response stemmed from his experiences in student-lead protests in Bangladesh.

"I felt like we can rebuild with bricks, but we cannot rebuild people's life, and we have lost a lot of life," he said.

The Islam family hasn't been permitted to visit the restaurant because of closures in the area.

"At first, I was angry, because this is our only source of income," Hafsa explained. "This is what my family lives off of. We are always there for our community. In my mind, I asked, 'How could this have happened to us?'"

But Hafsa says hearing her dad say what she quoted in the Facebook post helped her reframe the experience and understand the greater purpose of their sacrifice.

"That was a very calming moment for me because it brought me back to what we were here for and what we're doing and why people are frustrated and angry," she said. "I've been supporting Black Lives Matter for a very long time, and they have been fighting and protesting peacefully for the longest time.

"And you know, it just came to a point where this is the only way that a change could happen ... And it wasn't until this much had to happen for them to just get that officer in custody.

"That tells you a lot about how our system works and how far we need to take it so black lives in America can get the justice they deserve."

On what she hopes people take away from their story, she said, "This is something that needs to be taken seriously because you see police brutality every day," she said.

"It's not just the death of George Floyd. People are being racially profiled every day. And I want people to be aware. I want the system to change. I want to see real change. Everyone's tired of seeing people being wrongfully treated and wrongfully killed. It's not OK."
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he has terminated Washington's relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO), accusing the United Nations agency of bowing to pressure from China and allowing the Covid-19 pandemic to spread out of control.

"We have detailed the reforms that [the WHO] must make and engage with them directly, but they have refused to act," Trump said in a White House press briefing. "Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organisation and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs."

Trump reiterated his assertion that China covered up the virulence of the coronavirus that first emerged in Wuhan, a major city with international air transport links.

"China's cover up of the Wuhan virus allowed the disease to spread all over the world, instigating a global pandemic that has caused more than 100,000 American lives, and over a million lives worldwide," he said. "Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the World Health Organisation and pressured the World Health Organisation to mislead the world."

"Why is it that China shut off infected people from Wuhan to all other parts of China?" he added. "It didn't go to Beijing ... but they allowed [people in Wuhan] to freely travel throughout the world, including Europe and the United States.

"The death and destruction caused by this is incalculable."

The WHO receives about 20 per cent of its funding from "assessed contributions" from individual UN member nations based on their gross domestic product and population, with the rest from voluntary contributions.

The US is the largest contributor, contributing about 15 per cent of the combined total " US$893 million last year, according to the WHO's own figures " followed by Britain and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Story continues

In the 2018-19 financial period, the WHO's target was to raise US$44.4 billion in funding. Of that, China contributed about US$76 million in assessed contributions and just over US$10 million in voluntary contributions.

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.
Sohum Shah puts an end to speculations around Tummbad 2, says he's working on another project
The Good Dinosaur, Captain America: Civil War, The Raid 2.

Saturday is a busy day for movies on telly. You can choose from deft thrillers, astute character studies, blockbuster adventures, irreverent comedies and heart warming family dramas as TopFilmTip brings you the best films on TV today: Saturday, 30 May.

Some films may require a Sky subscription.

Escaped infant outsmarts criminals crew in John Hughes unashamedly enjoyable adventure Baby's Day Out 10:30am Channel 4

Elephant weathers slings and arrows of dogmatism as he tries to save microcosm from destruction in Seussian allegory Horton Hears a Who! 10:30am E4

Head banging classic rock, nutty ex-GFs, geeky friends, puerile puns and guitar worship in catchphrase comedy rhapsody Wayne's World 11:00am Comedy Central

Multiple lives of a reincarnating pup trace the life lessons, loves and licks of cross section of society in feel good family fun A Dog's Purpose 11:00am Film4

Read more: Cineworld planning to reopen in July

Fearful farmer befriends feral foe for self-actualising journey in affecting, strikingly scenic, coming of age western The Good Dinosaur 11:50am BBC Two

Fantastic Voyage, poster, British poster art, 1966. (Photo by LMPC via Getty Images)

Secret service shrink surgeons in super submarine to cure civil servant's cerebral stroke using scuba science Fantastic Voyage 1:00pm Film4

Circus escapee / fake flying rooster paper-tigers his way into hearts of desperate Chicks in Aardman animated fun Chicken Run 1:40pm BBC One

Small town agricultural Algernon becomes telekinetic gentle genius in pleasantly compelling characterful sci-fantasy Phenomenon 2:00pm Sony Movies

Fleeing murderous mobsters, jazz musicians run wild with buxom show girl troop in cross-dressing sex-comedy classic Some Like It Hot 3:40pm BBC Two

Marmalade-munching, ear-brushing, self-taping furry catastrophe seeks London home in guffaw-inducing immigration analogy Paddington 4:10pm E4

After 26 years trapped in board game, Robin Williams is freed by curious kids in carnivorous creature comedy adventure Jumanji 4:45pm Channel 5

Princess's warm childhood turns to icy estrangement before they learn to Let It Go in convention defying power ballad Frozen 6:20pm BBC One

Story continues

Vietnam vets and sly scientists explore hidden land of MUTO monsters and mega mammals in helicopter hurricane heaven Kong: Skull Island 6:45pm ITV2

Teen zombie film makers witness spectacular derailment and alien escape in exceptional, emotive 80s feel cubic mystery gem Super 8 6:50pm Film 4

Aristocratic deity defier skulks across Europe pursued by puritanical persecutors in wall-crawling Gothic fun Bram Stoker's Dracula 9:00pm Horror Channel

Miniature loud mouth tries to impress GF's bro Ice Cube who does not have A Good Day in 126ing cop comedy Ride Along 9:00pm ITV2

A volatile love triangle forms against the heady backdrop of Bohemian Paris in Baz Luhrmanns celebratory visual and aural feast Moulin Rouge 9:00pm 5 Star

50 years after his brutal torture Englishman seeks out his Japanese tormentor in effort to escape vortex of trauma The Railway Man 9:00pm Film4

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (Paramount)

Crack smoking news team reunite for 24/7 news farce in shark singing, black-saying preposterousness Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues 9:00pm E4

Elderly man takes on techno terrorists by recruiting Kevin Smith, jumping on VTOL jet and shooting himself in epic action adventure Die Hard 4.0 9:30pm Channel 4

Super-friends spat instigates vengeful, yet civilised clashing of unlicensed web-quipper, tiny giant, African regent and two former friends in Captain America: Civil War 9:30pm ITV1

Traumatised teen, unstuck in time, alters his past only to worsen the future in Vonnegut-esque brain bender The Butterfly Effect 10:50pm Sony Movies

A womanising, thieving dirty cop uses every trick he knows to evade an impending investigation in top thriller Internal Affairs 11:00pm BBC One

Death-faking cop bludgeons entire underworld to justice in mud-rioting, face-crushing, hammer-girling action perfection The Raid 2 11:15pm Film4

Unsure of captors motives, woman faces duality of captivity and potential salvation in deftly balanced thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane 11:55pm Channel 4

Misfit slacker prankster cops face the sack unless they can prove themselves in anarchic low brow comedy Super Troopers 00:00am Comedy Central

Woman abandons her life, work and partner to face unresolved emotions on discovering her missing daughter is happily married in astute and unflinching character study Julieta 00:00am BBC Two

Avaricious IP thieves travel to alt-future to prevent penis shotgunning in TV-sex-assaulting grotesque fun Hot Tub Time Machine 2 1:50am 5 Star

Everything new on streaming in June:

Netflix UK: Junes new releases

NOW TV and Sky Cinema: Junes new releases

Amazon Prime Video UK: June's new releases

Disney+ UK: June's new releases
The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd shot one suspect, was involved in the fatal shooting of another, and received at least 17 complaints during his nearly two decades with the department, according to police records and archived news reports.

The information paints a fragmented picture of Derek Chauvin, who was fired from the Minneapolis Police Department and arrested after video emerged this week showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes.

The department declined multiple requests to provide details on Chauvin's use-of-force history Friday, but local media reports from the time of the previous incidents cite police confirming Chauvin's involvement.

A summary of the complaints against Chauvin posted by the department offers no information on why they were filed, and police declined to comment on the nature of the cases. Sixteen of the complaints were closed without discipline. The remaining complaint resulted in two letters of reprimand against Chauvin, according to the summary.

Ronal Serpas, a former head of police in New Orleans, Nashville, Tenn., and Washington State, said it was difficult to draw conclusions about Chauvin's complaint file without more information, but noted that 17 appeared to be higher than average.

"It's a little unusual to have essentially one a year for 19 years," Serpas said. "That's a concern ... It would certainly catch my attention."

Chauvin, a 44-year-old white man, pressed his knee to Floyd's neck as he and other officers arrested the 46-year-old black man on suspicion of forgery on Monday. Floyd, who was handcuffed, died in police custody after telling officers repeatedly, "I cannot breathe." His death set off a wave of protests and riots in Minneapolis and other cities.

Prosecutors charged Chauvin with third-degree murder and manslaughter Friday. An attorney for Chauvin and a representative from the police officers' union did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In Minneapolis, Chauvin and Floyd's worlds overlapped. Both worked security at El Nuevo Rodeo, a Latin night club in the city, according to the former owner, Maya Santamaria.

The pair may not have known each other. The venue's security staff numbered in the dozens, Santamaria said, and Chauvin worked outside while Floyd worked inside. Chauvin had been there 17 years, Floyd much less than that.

Santamaria described Chauvin as a "nice guy" who was "always mellow" around her, but said he was also "tightly wound."

"I'm extremely disappointed that a good friend of mine would be the culprit of this horrible crime," she said.

Recently, there was tension in the precinct where the club was located, Santamaria said, especially when the club started catering to the African-American community.

"I could feel the racial tension," she said. "I could feel the racism. The cops, the 3rd Precinct, even the Minneapolis licensing inspectors. They were hating on me for bringing that element into the neighborhood."

Records show Chauvin lives in a single-family home in the outskirts of St. Paul. He also owns a townhouse in Windermere, Fla., records show. Demonstrators gathered outside the central Florida residence Friday to protest Floyd's death.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Earlier in his career, Chauvin, who was hired by the department in 2001, was involved in multiple incidents in which he or other officers used fatal force.

In 2006, he was one of six officers on the scene when Minneapolis police shot and killed a stabbing suspect. The suspect, 42-year-old Wayne Reyes, allegedly drew a shotgun on officers, prompting several of them to open fire. A grand jury declined to bring charges in the case.

Two years later, Chauvin opened fire on Ira Latrell Toles, then 21, while he was responding to a domestic disturbance call, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. When Chauvin and another officer arrived, Toles locked himself in a bathroom. Chauvin forced his way in. He shot Toles twice in the abdomen during a struggle, saying later that Toles had tried to grab his gun.

Toles, who survived the shooting and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, said he fought back against Chauvin in self-defense.

"He tried to kill me in that bathroom," he told the Daily Beast this week.

In another incident in 2011, Chauvin was nearby when officers shot and wounded an assault suspect, the Star Tribune reported at the time. In that case and others, Chauvin was placed on temporary leave during an investigation and later cleared of wrongdoing.

Serpas, the former police chief, noted the vast majority of police go their entire careers without firing their service weapons, but said Chauvin may have faced a different set of circumstances as a longtime patrol officer that required him to use his gun.

"The longer you're there, the more likely you're going to be exposed to it," Serpas said, "compared to a lot of cops who are going to transition to detectives or something else where they're not out in the public every day."
As the death of another back man in police custody  seen throughout the world in viral video  continued to reverberate across the country Friday, local policing experts, politicians and faith leaders spoke of racism, trauma in communities of color, and what needs to happen.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker sent a message to residents regarding the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man, while being restrained by now-former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was arrested Friday.

Today my heart goes out to George Floyd, his family, his loved ones, his community  our community, Elicker wrote. This is another example in our nation of a violent act by a police officer against a person of color. I regret that this is not the last time such an act will be committed.

Elicker went on to say he believes its important for leaders to speak out and call out these incidents for what they are - racism.

Good police officers everywhere are collectively wincing at the death of Floyd, said John DeCarlo, a retired police chief and associate professor and director of the masters program at the University of New Havens Criminal Justice Department.

Why does this keep happening? DeCarlo asked.

There are many variables that lead to bad cops being on the street, including negligent supervision, negligent hiring, training that varies in every department according to municipal budgets and the systemic difficulty of removing people who shouldnt be police officers from the job, DeCarlo said.

Were not harvesting the best applicants because of a lack of national standards, the ability to pay a fair wage and consistently apply the best policies across the country, DeCarlo said.

Cops like Chauvin  who was involved in two previous shootings yet kept his job  put a bad light on all 700,000 police officers in the country, DeCarlo said.

He said its important to learn from these events where organizational deficiencies exist.

Connecticut has had its share of police shootings  most recently the fatal shooting of black teen Mubarak Mubareck Soulemane, 19, by a Connecticut State Police trooper following a chase from Norwalk to West Haven.

But police shootings are higher in the South and in rural areas, he said.

Based on statistics in the Washington Post data base, DeCarlo said there were four fatal police shootings in Connecticut in 2019.

Adjusted for population in 2019, there were 1.11 fatal police shootings in Connecticut per one million people, he said. Examples in other states, using that same measurement: there were 2.02 in Minnesota, 3.22 in Florida, 3.48 in California, 3.66 in Georgia, 6.35 in Mississippi, 4.53 in Oregon, 6.72 in Colorado, 4.01 in Texas, 5.1 in Washington state.

In 2019 there were 1,004 people shot fatally by police; of those, 370 were Caucasian, 235 were African American and 158 were Hispanic. African Americans make up 13,4 percent of the population, he said, showing they were killed disproportionately.

DeCarlo said its important to remember that many of those shootings were justifiable. Of those 1,004 people shot, 589 had a gun, 171 had a knife, 62 had vehicles and 26 had a toy weapon, DeCarlo said.

Milford Police Chief Keith Mello, president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and chairman of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council, said in a statement released Friday that the images in the video of Floyd and Chauvin are beyond disturbing and cast a stain over the law enforcement profession and the dedicated men and women who strive to protect and serve their communities with honor.

He also wrote that the lack of intervention by other officers on the scene in Minneapolis was equally disturbing. He said police officers oath and ethics require them to act whenever they witness an unjust act, even if by another police officer.

As Law Enforcement Officers we recognize that the behavior in these videos reflect failures in police tactics, judgement and training, Mello wrote. Unfortunately, these actions in Minnesota erode the layers of trust, confidence and goodwill that so many of you have built within your communities, especially those who lead agencies in fragile communities.

Minneapolis Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington announced Friday that state investigators arrested Chauvin, who was one of four officers fired this week

Chauvin, seen on video kneeling on Floyds neck while the handcuffed man pleaded that he could not breathe, was arrested after three days of often-violent protests that resulted in fires and looting across parts of Minneapolis.

The Rev. Kelcy Steele of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church in New Haven spoke about the death of Floyd during Gov. Ned Lamonts Friday press conference on coronavirus restrictions.

Theres something that has been on my heart and in my spirit as were talking about COVID-19. Theres another virus thats plaguing the faith community ... and thats racism, said Steele, whose church is on Dixwell Avenue. ... I cant stand here without bringing up the name of George Floyd.

Steele likened Floyds death to many of those who have died from the coronavirus, noting he had lost his job as a bouncer during the pandemic. He said it is the responsibility of the faith community to care for the disenfranchised.

This black unemployed man didnt deserve to die. The way he died was senseless. He begged for his life, pleaded for his life. And when you try so hard to put faith into this system  a system you know isnt designed for you  its sad that we still have to talk about race in this day and time, in this climate, as well as in this pandemic, said Steele. I feel like its time for us as a faith community to be the church  speak the truth, stand for those who have no voice.

He led a moment of silence before continuing his remarks.

Ian Douglas, bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, thanked Steele for making the connection between those who suffer at the hands of racism and white supremacy in our nation and those who suffer from the realities of COVID-19, and said faith leaders would stand together to care for the poor and needy.

This is an incredibly difficult time in our nation and in our state, and its a very crucial space that our religious leaders need to occupy if we are going to heal and serve Gods mission of restoration and reconciliation and peace for all people, said Douglas. We invite the good people of Connecticut, working with their religious leaders, to come back together.

Lamont thanked the faith leaders for coming together in these times, referencing Floyds death.

An epidemic of gun violence here and nationwide, racial bias and cultures of police brutality have inflicted trauma on communities of color that seem difficult to heal from, experts and community members said last year after Stephanie Washington, 22, and Paul Witherspoon III, 21, were fired upon by Hamden and Yale police officers following up on a reported armed robbery. Days later, Anthony Jose Vega Cruz died at the hands of police gunfire after officers pursued him on Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield.

The violence suffered in many black communities, the ways children are taught to behave, the mass incarceration of black people and the unpunished or under-punished killings of African Americans at the hands of police are part of the effects and evolution of historical trauma, David Canton, associate professor of history and director of the Africana Studies Program at Connecticut College, told the Register last year.

Canton said its played out when African Americans have run-ins with police or see police around and their bodies tense up just seeing the red and blue lights.

You feel your body tense or heart rate going up, making sure youre going the right speed, that youre signaling, he said. You try the best you can because you know that pull-over may lead to issues. I know its rooted in history in an idea that black people are fundamentally criminal.

That fear for ones life then gets taught and learned and relived every generation, Canton said.

On the micro daily level these things are going through your head and that youll be assumed guilty, Canton said.

Protests against police shootings have become routine after such incidents and promises from officials to focus on community policing get repeated. But even after communities cry never again and officers undergo more training, people turn to face another incident.

Soulemanes killing resulted in a visit to New Haven by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who promised to put the national spotlight on the event, saying there is no justification to shoot a person without a gun who is pinned in a disabled car surrounded by police, as Soulemane was.

If Mubarak committed a crime, he should have been in a courthouse, not in a morgue, Sharpton said, rousing a crowd of about 200 at Calvary Baptist Church who attended a service for Soulemane.

Sharpton said that while theres no way to justify carjacking  the teens alleged crime  it is up to the courts to handle, not police as judge and jury.

Sharpton said he had to get the stench of injustice out of the nostrils in my nose.

Sharpton took a lead role in organizing protests against the police-related deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri and Eric Garner in New York, as well as Trayvon Martin, shot in Florida by a neighborhood watch member during a fight.

One of Soulemanes uncles said his nephews death was a public execution.

Soulemane was shot and killed on Jan 15 after he allegedly carjacked a rideshare driver in Norwalk and engaged officers in a high-speed chase that led to West Haven. After the shooting, state police said Trooper Brian North fired his weapon after he saw Soulemane with a knife.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 29 2020 / Experion Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "Experion") (TSXV:EXP)(OTCQB:EXPFF)(FRANKFURT:MB31) is pleased to announce the results of its annual general and special meeting of the shareholders held on May 27, 2020 (the "Meeting")

The Company put forward the following resolutions to be voted on by shareholders at the Meeting, all of which were approved:

(i) Fixing the number of directors of the Company at six (6);

(ii) The election of the following directors: Michael Black, Jarrett Malnarich, Deni Echino, Sean MacNeil, William Dickie and Byron Dudley;

(iii) Approval of a special resolution to change the registered address of the Company from Alberta to British Columbia;

(iv) Approval of the Company's stock option plan; and

(v) Appointment of MNP LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as Auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the Directors to fix their remuneration.

Each of the directors elected at the meeting will hold office until the next annual meeting of the Company or until their earlier resignation or removal. Mr. Jarrett Malnarich accepted the role of Interim Chairman; Mr. Byron Dudley was appointed the Audit Committee Chair and Mr. Sean MacNeil was appointed the Compensation and Governance Chair.

In addition, the Company granted 300,000 Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") to its directors and a former director, of which 62,500 RSUs will vest on May 31, 2021, and the remaining 237,500 RSUs will vest 12 months after the directors resign, for their contribution in the first half of fiscal 2020.

CEO Jarrett Malnarich commented. "We are pleased to have our board elected with high acceptance from our voting shareholders. Having a strong Board is fundamental to Experion as we move forward with our strategy and grow the Company's valuation in the marketplace. Our focused mandate to execute our strategic business plan, become profitable, build our team and communicating our strategy gives Experion a sound footing in building a progressive cannabis company."

About Experion Holdings Ltd.

Experion Holdings Ltd. is the parent company of Experion Biotechnologies Inc., a Health Canada licensed cultivator and processor of Cannabis, based in Mission, BC.

Experion Holdings Ltd. is invested in a portfolio of products to address a wide spectrum of consumer needs' including Adult-use, Wellness and Therapeutic, and Medical products.

Experion trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol "EXP" on the OTCQB Venture under the symbol "EXPFF" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "MB31"

For further information, please visit the Company's website www.experionwellness.com or contact Investor Relations, Email: IR@experionwellness.com

Disclosure

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, forecast, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities; recent market volatility; the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; the risks identified in the Filing Statement, and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to the Filing Statement dated September 25, 2017 and/or the most recent annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies ofthe TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Experion Holdings Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/592047/Experion-Reports-AGM-Results
Face masks would become common, cafeterias would be closed to prevent crowding, and extracurricular activities would be cancelled in areas heavily affected by the coronavirus if schools adhere to long-awaited guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on reopening schools.

The guidance includes voluntary recommendations that could alter nearly every part of the school day, from bus rides to recess. And adhering to it could present major challenges to educators returning to shuttered school buildings after a long period of remote learning.

After the agency quietly posted the document May 16, administrators rushed to review it and consider if they could apply it in their schools. Partially inaccurate summaries spread quickly on social media, stirring reaction from concerned parents, many of whom were getting their first detailed look at how their childrens schools may change when they reopen.

See Also: Coronavirus and Schools

The guidance comes as states and districts begin planning for the 2020-21 school year, most of them considering multiple scenariosremote learning, in-person instruction, or a hybrid approachthat could be adapted depending on how well their regions keep the virus contained over the summer.

I dont think the public was as aware of how complicated the decisionmaking is, said Jeanne Collins, superintendent of Vermonts Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union, a rural school system with about 1,500 students.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released voluntary guidance for reopening schools after extended closures due to the coronavirus. Among the recommendations:  Face coverings should be worn by staff in all steps of reopening, and students, particularly older students, should be encouraged to wear fabric face masks. Masks should be worn where feasible, particularly in situations where physical distancing is difficult.  Schools should increase ventilation with outside air, unless it creates concerns for students with asthma.  Schools should ensure water fountains are safe to use after prolonged shutdowns.  Students should be kept in small class cohorts throughout the day to limit possible transmission of the virus between groups.  Schools should turn all student desks to face the same direction and space them six feet apart if possible.  Common areas, such as cafeterias, should be closed, and students should eat in their classrooms.  Schools should provide enough high touch objects, like art supplies and electronics, so that students dont have to share and items can be disinfected between uses.  Schools should conduct daily health checks of staff and students, and isolate individuals if they feel unwell during the school day.  Administrators should provide options for telework and virtual learning for students and staff who are at higher risk for severe illness.  Administrators should close schools for one or two days to clean and sanitize when a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC cautioned that the recommendations should be applied in a way that is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community. And its just one factor leaders will consider, alongside issues like advice from state health authorities and the severity of spread in their areas.

Deciding When to Open

Public health officials have said schools will be able to open in regions that have seen declining rates of the virus and are prepared to aggressively monitor and contain new cases through testing and contact tracing. But, until there is a vaccine or an effective treatment, schools will have to modify operations to keep students and staff healthy and to prevent asymptomatic spread in their communities.

Among the recommendations in the document: Schools should keep students in small cohorts, even shutting down cafeterias and having kids eat in classrooms to reduce interactions with other groups. And students should sit every other row on school buses to avoid crowding.

Those changes will be difficult for schools that are facing a multi-pronged challenge of catching students up after inconsistent access to remote education, implementing new health protocols, and adjusting to potentially draconian state budget cuts resulting from a cratered economy.

The CDC recommendations come after education groups complained that federal agencies had not provided enough clarity about how to safely operate schools during the pandemic.

These were the kind of specific guidelines that we were looking for, said Dan Domenech, executive director of AASA, the School Superintendents Association.

The recommendations largely match an earlier draft that had been leaked to the Associated Press and reportedly shelved by the White House. Some superintendents had already consulted that draft as they considered hundreds of questions about reopening, Domenech said.

For example, the previous draft and the new document both call for desks to be spaced six feet apart if possible and to face in the same direction.

It raises the reality of how different schools will have to look when they do reopen this fall, Domenech said. Right off the get go, when you consider the social spacing guidelines, that right there implies that a school wont be able to admit the usual number of students.

Thats why most schools are anticipating teaching with a hybrid approach that allows some students to continue remote learning or rotates groups of students for attendance on alternating days, he said.

Collins said she anticipates taking a hybrid approach. Shes been surveying parents and staff about their concerns and fears so that she can incorporate them into her planning and address them in her communications.

Since her district closed buildings in mid-March, Collins has sent twice-weekly emails to parents to update them on the kinds of changes their children may see when they go back to school.

Ive been preparing them without scaring them, I hope, she said.

Parents, Teachers Remain Wary

Polling suggests the public is wary of returning children to schools, and the dramatic changes they may see in their classrooms.

Fifty-nine percent of parent respondents to a May 26 USA Today/Ipsos poll said that, if their childs school were to reopen and implement social distancing guidelines, they would be very likely or somewhat likely to pursue at-home learning, like home school or online education. About 7 in 10 said they would likely ask their child to wear a mask at school, and about the same number said it was likely their child would struggle with social distancing at school.

In the poll of K-12 teachers, 18 percent said it would be very likely or somewhat likely that they would not return to teaching if their schools reopened with social distancing guidelines. That includes a quarter of respondents over age 55.

The CDC guidelines urge that schools in areas with significant spread of the virus should remain closed. It cautions that schools should make accommodations for students and staff who may be more vulnerable to severe illness. If possible, schools should screen students for symptoms like fevers, it says, and they should isolate students who become ill during the school day.

The proposal sparked strong reactions from educators, who said some of the changes may make it difficult to teach their students and to keep them engaged.

Rickey Koga, a 2nd grade teacher in Oxnard, Calif., said wearing a face mask would make it difficult for his students to watch his mouth movements while he helps them sound out words, which is key to literacy instruction. The guidance says that staff should wear masks and that older students should be encouraged to wear them where feasible, especially when social distancing is impractical. It acknowledges that younger children may struggle to wear them for extended periods.

The connection between teachers and students has a lot to do with my facial expressions, and students key into that a lot, he said. If Im smiling behind a mask, students wont necessarily see that.

Koga said he wants his schools operations to be guided by science and the cautions of public health officials. But he warned that some recommendations may not be feasible, especially for young students.

There seems to be some sort of disconnect between teachers reality in our classrooms with our students versus the policies created by the government, Koga said.

For Sally Wice, an 8th grade English teacher in Roanoke, Va., the CDC recommendation that stood out most was a call to limit shared supplies in classrooms to reduce the spread of germs between students.

Wice estimated she spent about $750 out of her own pocket to buy materials like markers for her classroom this year, a cost that will grow if students cant share them.

When she read the document, I showed dollar signs in my eyes, Wice said.

But no one can predict what will happen in the next month, let alone the coming school year, the educators said. Theyve encouraged their colleagues to wait for more direction from state and local leaders before imagining their new teaching environments.

I think its OK to put the brakes on for a minute, Wice said. We dont know what its going to look like. If I try to plan and stress myself, I will drive myself crazy.
Night curfew in areas outside containment zones to combat Covid-19 will remain but with a lesser number of hours under restriction under Unlock 1.

The Union home ministrys new guidelines on Saturday for phased re-opening of areas outside containment zones makes a concession for night curfew by reducing the hours of restriction to eight from 12.

Night curfew shall continue to remain in force, on the movement of individuals, for all non-essential activities. However, the revised timings of the curfew will be from 9 pm to 5 am, the home ministry said in the Unlock 1 announcement.

Only essential and emergency services are allowed during the curfew hours.

Night curfew had been introduced in the fourth phase of the lockdown earlier this month to restrict movement of people to contain the spread of Covid-19. The curfew hours were 7 pm to 7 am. But in the northeast, the Assam government had enforced the curfew from 6 pm to 6 am.

The home ministrys new guidelines are part of the governments graded lockdown exit plan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah had met Friday to discuss the latest situation. Shah had also spoken to chief ministers on Thursday to know their views on lifting the lockdown.
The U.S. Justice Department is weighing in to support businesses fighting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in federal court over coronavirus orders that still have some companies shuttered.

Justice Department officials issued a statement late Friday, May 29, announcing they had filed a statement of interest in a federal lawsuit against Whitmer.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Michigan has, over the past two months, issued over 100 executive orders that impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Michigan, significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods, according to the statement.

Whitmer quickly issued a response to the Justice Departments foray.

In a written statement, she said it was crystal clear that this challenge is coming directly from the White House, which is ignoring the risk of a second wave of the virus and pushing too quickly to roll back public health guidelines,

The lawsuit was filed in late April in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on behalf of Signature Sothebys International Realty Inc., in Birmingham, Michigan; Executive Property Maintenance of Ann Arbor; Intraco Corporation of Troy; Casite Intraco LLC of Troy; and Hillsdale Jewelers.

It alleges that Whitmers order to keep non-essential businesses closed or operating under severe restriction is arbitrary and discriminates against them because similarly situated businesses are still functioning.

Related: Michigan reports 607 new cases of coronavirus, 34 new deaths

Matthew Schneider, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, offered an analogy.

Under the Governors Orders, its ok to go to a hardware store and buy a jacket, but its a crime to go inside a clothing store and buy the identical jacket without making an appointment. Thats arbitrary, he said in a written statement.

Schneider said he does not doubt the governors good intentions, but said it doesnt erase the impact on Constitutional liberties.

Fridays Department of Justice statement included comments from Schneider; Andrew Birge, the U.S. attorney in Grand Rapids; and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division.

The statement of interest makes a point of noting that Whitmers actions may violate the commerce clause and equal protections clause of the Constitution.

In her response, Whitmer reiterated that she has followed science and listened to medical experts in issuing her orders. She said restrictions already have been loosed for those in construction, manufacturing, real estate and retail, to a degree.

But the worst thing we can do is open up in a way that causes a second wave of infections and death, puts health care workers at risk, and wipes out all the progress weve made, she 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.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Read more on MLive:

Nearly 5,000 Michigan coronavirus cases have been in nursing homes, but data remains incomplete

Michigan doctors and dentists sidelined by coronavirus crisis are back in business, with a new normal

Gov. Whitmers plan to reopen Michigan keeps residents in the dark with murky targets and limited transparency

Friday, May 29: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan
As soon as the Indian Naval Ship 'Kesari' reached Port Antsiranana in Madagascar on Wednesday with Coronavirus related medical essentials consignment, the Madagascar government expressed its gratitude to India for providing assistance amid the pandemic crisis.

The Embassy of India in Antananarivo, Madagascar and Comoros in a tweet said: "Today the Foreign Minister, M Tehindrazanarivelo Liva Djacoba received Ambassador Abhay Kumar and thanked the Government of India for supplying essential medicines to Madagascar by deploying INS Kesari to fight COVID19".

READ | Review: The Archives pay inspired tribute to Gil Scott-Heron

As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on May 27, Indian Ministry of Defence, stated in its release.

"The Government of India in these difficult times is providing assistance to friendly foreign countries in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. INS Kesari carried a consignment of COVID related essential medicines for the people of Madagascar," it said.

READ | Surbhi Jyoti's birthday to Hina Khan's Eid post, Check out Top Instagram Posts of the week

The assistance to Madagascar is a part of India's outreach amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"The deployment also resonates the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region 'SAGAR' and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR. The operation is being progressed in close coordination with the Ministries of External Affairs and other agencies of the Government of India," the release said.

READ | Khabib Nurmagomedov delivers stern message to entire UFC roster on Instagram

'Mission Sagar' by the Indian Navy

In a bid to combat the Coronavirus pandemic in regions across the Indian Ocean, the Government of India had sent Indian Naval Ship Kesari to Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles, carrying on board two Medical Assistance Teams, consignments of COVID-19 related essential medicines and food items. This assistance was provided as a response to the requests made by their governments to deal with the pandemic.

READ | Karnataka police registers case against three for threatening Welfare Department officer

(With agency inputs)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are investigating the most popular exchange-traded fund tracking crude oil prices, the United States Oil Fund, to ascertain if the fund has managed to properly disclose to investors the risks, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing three sources familiar with the issue.

The United States Oil Fund LP (NYSEARCA: USO), one of the most popular oil-tracking ETFs for retail investors, was said to be one of the reasons for the historic plunge in May WTI Crude futures on April 20, a day before the May contract expired on April 21.

Many retail investors were stung by the plunge at the rollover of the May futures contract, and since then, the USO fund has amended its structure, including buying longer-dated contracts instead of front-month ones.

Now, according to Bloombergs sources, the investigation into the USO revolves around whether the fund has properly explained to shareholders that the value of the oil fund wouldnt necessarily track the movement in spot oil prices. The SEC and the CFTC are also looking into the funds change of strategy to buy crude oil futures contracts with longer expiry.



Related: How Long Until Hydrogen Is Competitive At The Pump?

The investigation into USO are still in very early stages and may not result in any allegation of wrongdoing, Bloombergs sources said, while the regulators havent found misconduct in the actions of the United States Commodity Funds, the company managing the oil ETF.

After the crash in WTI Crude futures last month, the CFTC issued a warning last week informing the public about the unique risks associated with certain trading vehicles that use futures contracts or other commodity interests as they make investment decisions during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

The commission said in its advisory that ETFs tracking commodities might not provide investors opportunities to buy the dip or profit from long-term price gains in the underlying commodity.

This difference is because unlike with stocks, a futures contract cannot be held indefinitely in hopes that a fallen price will recover. Futures contracts expire, and contract holders must either deliver or take delivery of the underlying asset, or close out their contracts by taking an offsetting position before the delivery date, the CFTC said in its advisory.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
We are the meat on the chopping board, said Martin Lee, founder of Hong Kongs Democratic Party. They have set a precedent for Beijing to legislate on Hong Kongs behalf. Or as Dennis Kwok, former member of the Legislative Council, put it rather more succinctly: This is the end of Hong Kong.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

"We are the meat on the chopping board," said Martin Lee, founder of Hong Kongs Democratic Party. "They have set a precedent for Beijing to legislate on Hong Kongs behalf." Or as Dennis Kwok, former member of the Legislative Council, put it rather more succinctly: "This is the end of Hong Kong."

Its a premature death. The "joint declaration" of 1997 by which Britain handed over its wealthy colony on Chinas south coast to the Communist regime in Beijing promised that Hong Kong could keep free speech, the rule of law and a high degree of autonomy for 50 years. Twenty-three years later, its over.

Those characteristics, so different from the Party dictatorship, contempt for human rights and lawlessness that rule in the rest of China, were precisely the qualities that made Hong Kong Asias financial capital. That was to Beijings advantage in 1997, so it agreed to live with "one country, two systems." China would be reunited, but Hong Kong would remain different.

That served Chinas purposes at the time, because it still needed a capitalist "window on the world." Its not very relevant today, when the country has the worlds second-biggest economy and companies that want to trade with China are much likelier to set up in Shanghai or Beijing. Hong Kong retains a residual value for Beijing, but it shouldnt push its luck.

Most people in senior political, business and media positions in Hong Kong understood that and acted accordingly. They walked a tightrope, defending the territorys essentially "democratic" values, but they never, ever suggested that Hong Kong should have full democracy, because that would be intolerable to the Party in Beijing.

So the modus vivendi between Beijing and Hong Kong rattled along year after year, until eventually a new leader came to power in Beijing who dreamed of standardizing, centralizing and controlling everything. Last year, Xi Jinping started trying to whip Hong Kong into line.

Beijing pressured Carrie Lam, chief executive of Hong Kongs government, to pass legislation that would let Beijing bring criminal charges against Hong Kongers, extradite them to China, and try them in Communist Party-controlled mainland courts (which have a 99 per cent conviction rate). It would have ended Hong Kongs autonomy and put every one of its residents at the mercy of the Party.

Lam reluctantly put the new law on the legislative agenda, and the people of Hong Kong, led by the students, predictably began demonstrating against it. This is a ritual dance that has been staged before, and when the citizens had adequately expressed their dislike of the proposed legislation, it was withdrawn.

It was never certain that this would work again, for Xi is very determined and Hong Kongs importance to China has dwindled. But it might have worked, and won Hong Kong another five or 10 years of autonomy. Indeed, Lam did withdraw the offending legislation (by slow steps, so as not to embarrass Beijing)  but the protesters did not stop.

The demonstrations continued and grew more violent, and the demands escalated. By the end of 2019, the protesters were demanding full democracy, which was politically suicidal in the Chinese context. Then the coronavirus emergency shut everything down for a few months, and it looked like the political crisis had subsided. But of course, it had not.

This week the Chinese Peoples Congress in Beijing, the regimes rubber-stamp parliament, will pass a special law banning subversion, separatism, acts of foreign interference and "terrorism" in Hong Kong. The demonstrators are already back out on the streets, and the new law allows "security forces" from the mainland to operate in the city. The stage is being set for the final act.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

I dont usually point out that I called things right (and I never point out when I got things wrong), but it was blindingly obvious where this was all heading by midsummer of last year.

On July 31 I wrote: "(The protesters) must never challenge the Communist regimes ultimate control, but from time to time they have to demonstrate to Beijing that tolerating a local aberration like civil rights in Hong Kong is less costly politically than ending it by force. They have done enough to achieve that for now, and its probably time to stop."

On Oct. 2 I wrote: "The protesters have won what they originally came out for: the withdrawal of the extradition law. Their other demands will never be granted, because they imperil the ultimate authority of the Communist Party. Its time to collect their winnings and step away from the table."

On Nov. 24 I wrote: "If they go on demanding free elections under universal suffrage for the chief executive and the legislative assembly, sooner or later Beijing will feel compelled to intervene and crush them regardless of the financial and reputational damage it would suffer. So it could go the distance, and end in tragedy. That would be a great pity."

And then I stopped writing about it, because I couldnt stand what comes next. I still cant.

Gwynne Dyers latest book is Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work).
Mr Christopher Kudzo Galenkui, Assemblyman for Wumenu Electoral Area in the Adaklu District has cautioned the citizenry against 'stampeding' President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to lift restrictions meant to contain COVID-19 in the country.



"If we stampede the President and he lifts the ban now, there will be calamity in the country," Mr Galenkui said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.



He said there was no need to rush in lifting the restrictions, when COVID-19 positive cases were on the increase.



Mr Galenkui said what the country needed now was God's divine intervention and observance of all safety protocols.



Reverend Samuel Amegboe, Awudome Tsito Area Head of Assemblies of God Church also said the country's borders should remain closed to avoid the influx of people from neighbouring countries some of whom could be potential carriers of the virus.



He, however said apart from re-opening of schools, the ban on other social gatherings should be lifted.

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.

Featured Video
Sean Russell was buried at sea with full German military honours on August 14, 1940, just as World War 2 gathered in murderous ferocity. He died at the age of 47 aboard a German submarine, about 100 miles west of Galway, while on his way to Ireland with a plan to attack the North with help from Hitler's forces.

The IRA chief of staff - who would many years later be eulogised at a special commemoration by the future Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald - had rubbed shoulders with the Nazi elite during a three-month stay in Berlin.

He was lodged in a large villa in leafy Grunewald and enjoyed every privilege, with a young Austrian aristocrat acting as his interpreter and guide. When he wasn't gadding about, he studied sabotage and guerilla war techniques at the nearby Brandenburg barracks.

Russell met Nazi luminaries including foreign minister Joachim von Ribbentrop. He successfully argued that Ireland could be of use to Hitler's forces in attacking Britain.

Expand Close Joachim von Ribbentrop / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Joachim von Ribbentrop

The project was directed by Edmund Veesenmayer, a German foreign office official and SS officer who helped establish Nazi puppet governments in Slovakia and Croatia. Veesenmayer later also helped send hundreds of thousands of Jews from Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia and Serbia to Nazi death camps.

Russell could not by then have known all the detail of Hitler's forces' barbarity. But broader knowledge of their heinous acts was widely available even then and had even been reported upon in the IRA's own publications such as An Phoblacht.

In an interview with the Sunday Independent last week, Mary Lou McDonald said Russell was not a Nazi collaborator but a "militarist" operating on the principle of "Britain's problem was Ireland's opportunity". It's the old defence of my enemy's enemy is my friend. Across the decades, this approach led the IRA and its fellow travellers into the strangest of company in the most bizarre places, such Gaddafi's Libya and Colombia's Farc guerilla fiefdoms.

'He would go to the devil...'

Many agree that Russell was not a Nazi sympathiser. In 1926, he was among an IRA delegation that went to Soviet Russia seeking Stalin's help. An official asked the delegates: "How many bishops did you hang?" and was unimpressed that the answer was none.

The writer Sean Cronin, who was one of Russell's successors as IRA chief of staff, took a similar view to McDonald, but felt Russell was more comfortable in the company of Nazi Germans rather than communist Russians. "He would go to the devil for arms if he thought he could succeed," Cronin wrote.

Expand Close Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Photo: PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Photo: PA

The IRA was in ferment through the 1920s and 1930s with splits and factions. As a conservative Catholic, Russell shunned debates about left-wing radical action - a forerunner of "provisional versus officials" rows of the 1960s and 1970s.

Cronin pithily sums it up: "He believed in arms - not ideas." Sinn Fein has since made efforts to airbrush and rewrite the history of this period, making much of IRA men fighting for the Spanish republicans against the fascist Franco in the Spanish Civil War. The reality was much different: the IRA had banned its members from travelling to Spain.

Russell's direct flirtation with Nazi Germany began in 1936. Concluding a fundraising visit to the US on October 25, 1936, he wrote to the German ambassador in Washington, Hans Luther, apologising for the Irish government's refusal to give Germany a temporary air base in Galway Bay for mail flights. In that letter, he thanked the Germans for assistance in the 1916 Rising. He wrote that he awaited the day that assistance could be repeated.

A veteran of the Rising, Russell was "a career IRA man". During that 1936 US visit he had been national quartermaster in charge of IRA arms. There was a major internal row while he was in the US when it emerged that he had neglected to tell colleagues about certain arms dumps. The first they heard of a machine-gun cache in Co Kildare, still neatly packed in its US cases, was when gardai uncovered it.

At that stage Russell was suspended and later sacked from the IRA. He clawed his way back, building a parallel internal organisation, and was elected chief of staff in April 1938.

As the head of the IRA, he planned a bombing campaign in Britain, which was then clearly on the cusp a major war. This "S-Plan" was about sabotage, disruption and gaining publicity for the republican cause. The campaign was a great public nuisance at a fraught time, with bombs in postboxes, left-luggage facilities and public toilets. News that British police discovered a copy of the S-plan on an IRA detainee led the Dublin government to at first suspect it was "Orange propaganda".

There was an inevitable tragic loss of life. On August 25, 1939, just days before the outbreak of World War 2, a bomb exploded in Coventry, killing five people and maiming 60. Two IRA men were hanged for this in February 1940 and some 70 Irish people were imprisoned. Amid a hostile atmosphere for Irish immigrants, many were deported.

For most of this time, Russell was back fundraising and politicking in the US, having travelled there in April 1939. The US authorities were increasingly anxious about his presence and he was arrested for visa infractions, released on bail and then forced to go on the run.

After war broke out, it was extremely hard for him to get out of the US. Eventually, he was smuggled on to a liner that docked in Genoa on May 1, 1940, and two days later he was being feted in Berlin.

In October 1951, a monument was unveiled to Russell in Fairview Park in Dublin, close to his childhood home. The IRA revered him as being in the tradition of Wolfe Tone and Roger Casement. They glossed over his Nazi links that even by standards of his day were contemptible, irrespective of his private "military" motivation.

In June 2004, as the rest of Europe celebrated D-Day landings and the beginning of liberation from Nazi tyranny, Sinn Fein's European election candidate, Mary Lou McDonald, was the guest speaker at the Russell commemoration.

Just six days ago, she was still defending him, and complaining about people who ask questions about such issues.
Another day, another scandal for one of America's most famous families. This time, the youngest member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan is facing a controversy surrounding her billionaire title.

On Friday, Forbes magazine -- which is known for its annual net worth ranking of the wealthiest personalities in the world -- has effectively stripped Kylie Jenner's billionaire status.

Kylie Jenner Net Worth

The bombshell Forbes story titled "Kylie Jenner's Web of Lies -- and Why She's No Longer a Billionaire" revealed that based on their investigations, Kylie had provided inaccurate information about her wealth. With that said, the media publication concluded that her net worth is at under $900 million, making her "not a billionaire."

"The business was never that big, to begin with, and the Jenners have lied about it every year since 2016-including having their accountant draft tax returns with false numbers-to help juice Forbes' estimates of Kylie's earnings and net worth. While we can't prove that those documents were fake (though it's likely), it's clear that Kylie's camp has been lying," the publication stated.

The business magazine also pointed out that the 22-year-old reality star has been "inflating the size and success of her business" to the news outlet "for years" to make her look like she was richer than she really is.

Forbes also mentioned that her brand Kylie Cosmetic "is significantly smaller and less profitable," noting filings released by publicly traded Coty.

To recall, the beauty mogul's cosmetic line sold a 51% stake to global beauty company Coty for $600 million.

Analysts even implied that the said deal between the reality star and the multi-million company will have a positive effect on the brand's position in the market, which could also help Coty grow faster than ever.

Kylie Jenner Lashed Out Forbes' Bombshell Report

On the other hand, Kylie clapped back at Forbes' shocking report contradicting her billionaire title.

The Kylie Skin founder took to Twitter to address the publication's claims and even questioned the magazine's competence to access billionaires' net worths.

"What am I even waking up to. I thought this was a reputable site.. all i see are a number of inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions lol. I've never asked for any title or tried to lie my way there EVER. period," Kylie wrote.

She then followed with another tweet denying the accusation of Forbes regarding her "forged tax return."

even creating tax returns that were likely forged thats your proof? so you just THOUGHT they were forged? like actually what am i reading.  Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) May 29, 2020

Last month, the business publication named the beauty mogul as the world's youngest self-made billionaire for two consecutive years, thanks to her cosmetic empire which was reportedly valued at $1.2 billion.

"I didn't expect anything. I did not foresee the future," Jenner told the publication. "But [the recognition] feels really good. That's a nice pat on the back."

Back in 2018, Kylie was declared as the youngest person in the world to be hailed as a billionaire at age 20.
Today, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refused to send a request for medical assistance to Georgia, saying that he would like to cope without outside help.

Recall, earlier the head of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health of Georgia, Amiran Gamkrelidze said that Tbilisi was ready to help Yerevan with testing, medicines and even with the reception of patients, if such a request is received.
The Rocketeer jets back to comics with new series and more

The Rocketeer is back to celebrate his 40th birthday
Within hours of his reinstatement by the Andhra Pradesh High Court as the State Election Commissioner (SEC), Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar on Friday assumed charge of the post.

Nearly one and a half months after he was sacked by the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government, the retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer was back as SEC after the court struck down an ordinance to sack him.

The court also quashed the government order to appoint retired Madras HC Judge V. Kanagaraj as the new SEC.

Ramesh Kumar, in a circular to all district collectors, chief executive officer of zilla praja parishads, district panchayat officers, and municipal commissioners, stated that pursuant to the High Court orders he stand restored to the office of SEC.

In a statement, Ramesh Kumar said he would discharge his duties fairly and impartially as he did in the past and as mandated. "In consultation with the principal stakeholders and all the political parties, I wish to resume the electoral process to the local bodies at the earliest on return of normalcy," he said.

He also stated that individuals are not important but constitutional institutions and the values they represent alone are important in the end.

"Those who have taken oath of office to protect the Constitution, have a greater responsibility to continue to protect and safeguard these institutions and their integrity," he said.

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had issued an ordinance on April 10 to sack Ramesh Kumar following a row over the postponement of local body elections.

Within hours of the sacking, the government had appointed Justice V. Kanagaraj (retd) as the new SEC. Kanagaraj, 75, took charge as SEC on April 11.

The ordinance had brought down the term of SEC from five years to three years, thus abruptly ending the term of Ramesh Kumar who was appointed in 2016.

The ordinance had also changed the eligibility for SEC post. According to it, the Governor on state government recommendation shall appoint a person who has held an office of High Court judge as SEC.

Kumar had strained relations with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who had personally met the Governor to complain against him on March 14, hours after the SEC postponed the elections to rural and urban local bodies were cheduled on March 21 and 23 respectively.

Ramesh Kumar cited precautionary measures required to check the spread of coronavirus for postponing the polls.
An Ethiopian soldier shot a man dead in front of several people after his phone rang during a public meeting, Amnesty International says.



It is one of many incidents the rights watchdog recorded from a security crackdown in Oromia regional state at the end of 2018 and 2019.



This was the year that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize.



He has been praised for his reforms, but they may have lifted a lid on ethnic tensions.



The BBC has tried to contact the authorities to respond to the report but they have not reacted.



Why was the man shot dead?



Ariti Shununde, 32, was killed during operations to suppress an armed group, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), according to witnesses quoted by Amnesty International.



The army called for a public meeting in one local area in Oromia and collected all the phones of those who had turned up.



One of the phones then rang and when soldiers asked for the owner to identify himself Mr Ariti stepped forward, an eyewitness is reported to have said.



He was then shot in the back twice, the witness added. The rights group says that it has corroboration from other witnesses.



His family was told to bury Mr Ariti immediately.



What else does Amnesty say?



It says it has found evidence of the extrajudicial killings of 39 people in Oromia, including Mr Ariti.



Through witness testimony, it details how three other victims were taken out of police cells and shot dead.



In late December 2018 soldiers killed 13 people in the town of Finchawa in what Amnesty International describes as indiscriminate shooting.



The security forces are also accused of rounding up thousands of people they believed were supporters of the OLA.



The OLA is a breakaway faction of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a former separatist rebel group which laid down arms following peace talks with Mr Abiy.

Source: BBC









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
Sensation gripped Meeruts Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical (LLRM) College on Thursday after a group of monkeys snatched some samples of suspected Covid-19 patients from a health worker, officials confirmed on Friday.

The Covid-19 testing lab is situated on the college premises and a health worker was on his way to handover the samples to a laboratory when a group of monkeys attacked him and ran away with at least three samples being taken for testing. The monkeys tore the kit and tried eating the sample. The matter came into focus after a video of the incident began circulating. Deputy superintendent of the college Dr Dheeraj Baliyan was asked to probe after it came to the notice of principal Dr SK Garg.

Dr Baliyan said monkeys are a problem inside campus. The entire area has been sanitized and the staff has been directed to take extra precautions. He said the monkeys many a time had attacked doctors and often entered the wards.
The EU and Irish flags flying outside the European Commission in Brussels. Photo: Reuters

Ireland is one of just five EU countries that failed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the last 30 years.

While the EU as a whole has cut emissions by 23pc since 1990, Ireland's have grown by 10pc - from 55.5 million tonnes to 61 million tonnes.

Each person in the EU now causes the emission of on average 8.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in a year. In Ireland, the average is almost 13 tonnes.

All five of the countries whose emissions have grown since 1990 - Ireland, Austria, Cyprus, Portugal and Spain - have begun to reduce emissions but Ireland has made the smallest inroads, with the last annual reduction just 0.1pc.

Only the poor recent performance of six of our EU neighbours saves Ireland from having the worst record.

Belgium, Finland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia all increased emissions in the last annual count, although they are all still below their 1990 levels.

The EU's annual inventory of emissions also shows that Ireland is the second-highest contributor of emissions from peat burning and the seventh highest contributor of agricultural emissions.

The inventory covers all 28 EU member states, including Britain, which will be excluded from the annual count at the end of this year.

Without Britain, which has achieved a 42pc drop in emissions over the period, largely due to the demise of the coal industry, the overall EU reduction would have been 20.7pc rather than 23pc.

The inventory has been submitted to the United Nations as part of preparations for what was meant to be a make-or-break international climate conference in November.

COP26 was to mark five years of the Paris Agreement and the start of increased ambition by the signatories to escalate action against global temperature rise and climate breakdown.

It was confirmed this week that the conference would now not take place until November 2021.

Ireland has agreed increased emissions reduction targets in principle but is struggling to set out the pathway to achieving them. To meet the targets requires a 7-8pc annual reduction over the next decade.

Fabian McGinty-O'Neill, of Extinction Rebellion, which staged a socially distanced protest outside the Dail this week to remind parties in government-formation talks of the importance of keeping climate on the agenda, said the EU inventory only added to the urgency.

"We know we're laggards in Europe but we also know we could become a leading example for small countries in tackling the climate crisis," he said.

"The people of Ireland are behind that ambition. The recent opinion poll showed this to be the case. But they can only do so much as individuals. The big change has to come from policy that forces change in the big polluting industries."

The opinion poll, carried out by Friends of the Earth, found that 92pc of people in Ireland wanted climate action policies guided by science, as was currently the case with the coronavirus response.

Scientists are warning that global temperature rise must be kept to a maximum of 1.5C if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate breakdown, which is already evident in extreme weather conditions and weather-related disasters in almost every part of the globe.
Sydney's troubled light rail cost a whopping $3 billion - nearly double its original $1.6 billion price tag.

The embattled project was plagued by delays, and has since suffered a series of breakdowns, including one on its very first day.

It has also been heavily criticised for being slow, is moving commuters from Randwick to Circular Quay in an average of 58 minutes, or twice the time it takes by bus.

The $3 billion bill included $60 million paid out to businesses in its path who suffered huge losses thanks to the four years of endless construction.

But business owner Angela Vithoulkas said no compensation would ever fix the pain the project brought.

'It's never going to be enough for the damage and the misery that thousands of us spent over more than a thousand days living the nightmare,' she told 7News.

 Slide me  Sydney's George Street is seen in 2016 (left) during the extensive tram works, and in 2019 (right) shortly after it was completed

'Businesses asked state government for an extension to the financial assistance, and state government said "no, the virus is not our fault".'

The average speed of a Sydney tram is just over 11km per hour.

This makes them even slower than Melbourne's Yarra trams which travel at an average speed of 16 kilometres per hour, with the speed only dropping to 11kph in the CBD.

It is the fourth time the cost of the project has ballooned, which NSW opposition leader Jodi McKay criticised as unacceptable.

'I think this is simply shocking', she said on Saturday.

'The transport minister has promised time, and time, and time again that this project won't blow out any further.

A noticeboard tells passengers about delays to the light rail system (pictured) just hours after it launched in Sydney on December 14

Sydney Lord Mayor Clove Moore snaps a selfie with Mr Constance and Ms Berejiklian on board one of the first trams (pictured on December 14)

'We have people whose wages have been docked overnight by this government.'

After it launched on December 14, Sydney's politicians insisted the city's long-awaited light rail launch was a triumph, despite breakdowns, delays, and it taking far longer than a bus.

The line from Circular Quay to Randwick finally took its first passengers on December 14 after eight years of George Street being a constant construction site.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian claimed the trip was 'better than expected' while Transport Minister Andrew Constance rated day one a '8/10'.

But after they spent the morning talking up to launch, it was left to operator Transdev to put a positive spin on the 'bumpy day'.

'Tram failures do occur, it's a reality, but it has been an outstanding success today,' chief officer light rail operations Brian Brennan said.

'The atmosphere on the trams, the atmosphere with the people, has been excellent.'

NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured, left) and transport minister Andrew Constance (right) insisted the city's long-awaited light rail launch was a triumph, despite breakdowns

 Slide me  Sydney's George Street is seen in 2009 (left) and in 2014 (right), shortly before the works began on the light rail

Even when the tram wasn't broken down, overrunning red lights, or being evacuated, passengers were better off taking a bus.

Trams took about 50 minutes to traverse the 12km route when it usually takes about 35 minutes on a bus on Saturdays.

Ms Berejiklian and other dignitaries took about 35 minutes on the first trip - but that was without the tram stopping for any passengers.

Opposition leader Ms McKay said the service was 'very slow' to the point where a roundabout train route was quicker.

'On a good day, the light rail can move commuters from Randwick to Circular Quay in 58 minutes, twice as long as the bus it was meant to replace,' she said.

'It's quicker to come in from Penrith by train than to catch the tram in from the eastern suburbs.'

Police and light rail workers scramble to fix a tram (pictured) after it stopped on the tracks in Circular Quay on Saturday. The expensive rail system broke down just hours after it launched
New Delhi, May 30 : Swedens chief epidemiologist Dr Anders Tegnell said Covid-19 vaccine may be developed in 2020, but its production will only start by the end of 2021.

In a webinar organized by Public Health Foundation of India, Tegnell, who is also the architect of Covid-19 Sweden's lockdown-lite, said: "To reach full herd immunity to stop the disease and may be get rid of the disease in the long term, by certain you need a vaccine.

"Vaccine may be developed in 2020, but the production will start maybe by the end of 2021." He added people do get immunity from Covid-19. "We can tell this from four-five months of experience, and from our Swedish experience, we can say that we do not have a single person who has contracted the disease twice.

"There are very few reports, even internationally, people getting it more than once. We have a very strong system in Sweden, to identify if a person has disease twice," said Tegnell.

Explaining the aspect of immunity against the viral infection, Tegnell said that for how long the immunity will last, it has not been established yet; it may last for months and maybe for years.

He insisted that herd immunity is a complicated matter, but already with levels of immunity of the population, which is much lower than the threshold of the herd immunity would affect the speed of the spread.

Citing the herd immunity in Stockholm, he added that at least 1/5th of the population in Stockholm is immune by now, and it's apparent from the decrease of spread of the infection. "This will cut down on the spread of the disease considerably," he added.

He added that Covid-19 will stay for a long time, which means there should be some kind of sustainable response, and part of this will be, of course, the number of immune people in the population.

Detailing the secondary rate of attack of disease, where a family member infects others in the family, Tegnell said: "We see a fair amount of spread within families.

"Lot of people get disease very mildly and you only catch them if you do PCR on them. From one case of severe disease you may have 70 to 80 people with mild disease. The number of people we do not recognize is very high." Responding to the query, why no masks in Sweden, Tegnell said "We fairly know for certain that masks do not protect you from getting ill outside of the hospital, because the kind of mask you use will not stop the virus from entering your respiratory tract. It might have some effect on you of infecting other people when you are sick." He added that in Sweden, people are told it is better to stay home when sick rather than wear the mask. "As many other countries we are quite hesitant about the level of evidence with a mask....There are also handling issues, you should know how to handle masks....In Sweden wearing a mask will cause more problems than benefits.

(Sumit Saxena can be contacted at sumit.s@ians)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Canadian city Calgary bans 'conversion therapy'

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The city of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, passed a new bylaw barring counseling services for people seeking help with unwanted sexual attractions and gender confusion, often derisively referred to as "conversion therapy."

According to GlobalNews.ca, earlier this month a committee recommended to the city council that a new bylaw be implemented to prohibit such counseling as a business, and forbid the advertising of the counseling with potential penalties that include a year in prison or a $10,000 fine.

The measure passed after a day of debate in a 14-1 vote.

The lone vote against the bylaw, Councillor Joe Magliocca, originally supported it but voted against the final version following the rejection of a proposed amendment to word the measure with language that more closely mirrored a proposed federal ban.

With this, the City of Calgary initiates new regulations to protect Calgarians, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, to continue to be a city that is welcoming for all, committed to supporting equality and human rights, the city said in a statement following the bylaw's passage.

During the day of debate, proponents of the ban used the Restored Hope Network's Hope 2019 conference in one of their documentaries in order to push the ban. The Restored Hope Network is a U.S.-based Christian ministry serving those with unwanted same-sex attraction and gender confusion.

Anne Paulk, who heads RHN, told The Christian Post Wednesday that the term "conversion therapy" is consistently used to obfuscate the issue and that the measure is unfair to those who are seeking help.

"It is not loving to ban belief and compassionate care for those who have unwanted same-sex attraction or unwanted gender dysphoria. Those who seek support should be able to find it. And yet, banning belief and compassionate care is exactly what recently happened in Calgary, Canada," Paulk said.

"The government does not seem to care that some want to be gay or trans and others do not. The others be condemned."

Paulk continued that she has encountered comments from those who say the new bylaw will not impact anyone's ability to speak with their pastor on these matters. But that is only as long as the pastor toes the new government-approved line on sexual ethics, she maintained.

"The State is determining what is acceptable practice for the Church in Canada and wielding dangerous power at this time. As Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote in 'Letter from Birmingham Jail,' 'The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.'

"'There is only one right way to think,' say the cultural relativists. The rest of you have no right to any other view. Irony is missed completely in their heady move of power against any who disagree. Religion must change to conform to their particular view of culture as well. LGBT ideology has become the state religion."

This year's RHN annual conference is being held virtually in June due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the United States, similar prohibitions in cities and states have been adopted in recent years. But some say the majority decision in the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in NIFLA v. Becerra  a dispute centering around the free speech rights of crisis pregnancy center operators in California and a contested state law called the Reproductive FACT Act  arguably undercut such bans in that it referenced earlier cases where the speech of professional counselors who offered therapeutic options for unwanted sexual attractions and gender confusion was litigated.

The NIFLA ruling held that the speech of pregnancy center staff ought not to be constricted by law, likening their speech to that of counselors who should also not be legally hampered simply because their speech is classified as "conduct" and uttered by professionals.

In an apparent response to the high court's ruling, New York City moved to scrap its ban on counseling services on same-sex attraction, believing that it would not withstand constitutional scrutiny if challenged in court given the changing composition of the federal judiciary.

Similarly, a Tampa city ordinance banning voluntary counseling for minors with unwanted same-sex attraction and gender confusion was overturned in federal court in the fall of 2019. The court held that the city government does not have the standing to attempt to interfere with confidential conversations that occur in therapy sessions.
May the Spirit inspire new prophetic gestures and strengthen fraternal charity among all Christs disciples, Pope Francis writes in a letter addressed to Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of John Paul iis Encyclical Ut Unum Sint, which confirmed irrevocably the ecumenical commitment of the Catholic Church. The following is the English text of the Holy Fathers letter which was released on Monday morning, 25 May.

To my dear Brother

Cardinal Kurt Koch

President of the Pontifical Council

for Promoting Christian Unity

Tomorrow marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Saint John Paul IIs Encyclical Letter Ut Unum Sint. With his gaze fixed on the horizon of the Jubilee of 2000, Pope John Paul II desired that the Church, on her journey towards the third millennium, should be ever mindful of the heartfelt prayer of her Teacher and Lord that all may be one (cf. Jn 17:21). For this reason he issued the Encyclical that confirmed irrevocably (UUS, 3) the ecumenical commitment of the Catholic Church. He published it on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, placing it under the sign of the Holy Spirit, the creator of unity in diversity. In that same liturgical and spiritual context, we now commemorate it, and propose it once more to the People of God.

The Second Vatican Council recognized that the movement for the restoration of unity among all Christians arose by the grace of the Holy Spirit (Unitatis Redintegratio, 1). The Council also taught that the Spirit, while distributing various kinds of spiritual gifts and ministries, is the principle of the Churchs unity (ibid., 2). Ut Unum Sint reaffirmed that legitimate diversity is in no way opposed to the Churchs unity, but rather enhances her splendour and contributes greatly to the fulfilment of her mission (no. 50). Indeed, only the Holy Spirit is able to kindle diversity, multiplicity and, at the same time, bring about unity It is he who brings harmony to the Church, because, as Saint Basil the Great said, He himself is harmony (Homily in the Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Istanbul, 29 November 2014).

On this anniversary, I give thanks to the Lord for the journey he has allowed us to travel as Christians in quest of full communion. I too share the healthy impatience of those who sometimes think that we can and should do more. Yet we should not be lacking in faith and gratitude: many steps have been taken in these decades to heal the wounds of centuries and millennia. Mutual knowledge and esteem have grown and helped to overcome deeply rooted prejudices. Theological dialogue and the dialogue of charity have developed, as well as various forms of cooperation in the dialogue of life, at both the pastoral and cultural level. At this moment, my thoughts turn to my beloved Brothers, the heads of the different Churches and Christian communities, and to all our brothers and sisters of every Christian tradition who are our companions on this journey. Like the disciples of Emmaus, may we experience the presence of the risen Christ who walks at our side and explains the Scriptures to us. May we recognize him in the breaking of the bread, as we await the day when we shall share the Eucharistic table together.

I renew my gratitude to all who have worked and continue to work in the Dicastery to keep the awareness of this irrevocable goal alive in the Church. I am especially pleased to recognize two recent initiatives. The first is an Ecumenical Vademecum for Bishops that will be published this autumn, as an encouragement and guide for the exercise of their ecumenical responsibilities. Indeed, the service of unity is an essential aspect of the mission of every Bishop, who is the visible source and foundation of unity in his own Particular Church (Lumen Gentium, 23; cf. CIC 383 3; CCEO 902-908). The second initiative is the launch of the journal Acta cumenica which, by renewing the Dicasterys Information Service, is meant to assist all who work in the service of unity.

On the path that leads to full communion it is important to keep in mind the progress already made, but equally important to scan the horizon and ask, with the Encyclical Ut Unum Sint, Quanta est nobis via? (no. 77). One thing is certain: unity is not chiefly the result of our activity, but a gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet unity will not come about as a miracle at the very end. Rather, unity comes about in journeying; the Holy Spirit does this on the journey (Homily at the Celebration of Vespers, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, 25 January 2014). With confidence, then, let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide our steps and to enable everyone to hear the call to work for the cause of ecumenism with renewed vigour. May the Spirit inspire new prophetic gestures and strengthen fraternal charity among all Christs disciples, that the world may believe (Jn 17:21), to the ever greater praise of our Father in heaven.

From the Vatican, 24 May 2020

FRANCISCUS


Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
The wet market of Wuhan, China, was not the origin of the coronavirus pandemic as previously thought, it's been claimed, The Sun reported.

Theorists say a super-spreader visited the Chinese city and sparked the COVID-19 outbreak.

Genetic evidence showed confirmed the virus originated in Chinese bats before it jumped to humans, but where exactly this happened is unknown.

Originally Chinese authorities said the first cases of the virus emerged at the local seafood market, which led to speculation the coronavirus may have made the transition to humans there.

But a new investigation of the animals being sold there has ruled that out.

The Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took samples of the products in the market and found none had COVID-19.

This led to the new theory that someone visiting the market had already contracted COVID-19 and became a super-spreadergiving it to shoppers and venders.

The Chinese CDC concluded, "the wet market was a victim of the virus" rather than the virus being transmitted from animals on sale.
Convicted terrorists are snubbing a flagship deradicalisation scheme intended to wean them off extremism, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Inmates at high-security prisons including HMP Belmarsh, HMP Wakefield and HMP Frankland are urged to enrol on the Healthy Identity Intervention programme, but 15 have refused to do so since January 2018.

According to figures unearthed using Freedom of Information rules, a further ten were on a waiting list to join the HII scheme in March  sparking fears they could be released without efforts to deradicalise them.

The revelation has alarmed Professor Ian Acheson and Professor John Podmore, two former prison governors, who fear the programme is failing to adequately address extremism within prison walls.

Those who have taken part in the project include Usman Khan (pictured), who stabbed two people to death at a rehabilitation conference at Fishmongers Hall next to London Bridge in November before being shot dead by police

We dont have that many terrorists in custody but the damage they can cause individuals and society is huge, said Prof Acheson, whose independent Government review of extremism in jails recommended that prisoners who remain dangerous or refuse to engage should be held indefinitely.

When I looked at HII in 2016, I was told by a community activist working with some of its graduates that they were able to game the programme  appearing to change their toxic world view outwardly while maintaining an ideological commitment to terrorism.

Its not surprising that this report shows many are apparently refusing to participate. According to the latest Government figures, 224 prisoners are serving sentences for terror related crimes. Of those, 173 are Islamist extremists.

The HII scheme, which was piloted in 2010 and will be assessed in 2022, has previously drawn criticism. Christopher Dean, the psychologist who designed the programme, has even conceded that some of those who have taken part regressed.

ATTACK: The moment Usman Khan was tackled at London Bridge in November last year

Asked about the convicted terrorists waiting to start the scheme, Prof Podmore, a former governor at Belmarsh, said: Why do we have a waiting list? The schemes need proper funding.

On those who refuse to take part, he added: If its a two or three-year sentence, keeping them in the Category A [jail] until release because they wont engage doesnt help anyone.

Those who have taken part in the project include Usman Khan, who stabbed two people to death at a rehabilitation conference at Fishmongers Hall next to London Bridge in November before being shot dead by police.

In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to review sentences for terrorist crimes and the Government has since introduced the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill.

Last night, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: We have world-leading measures to stop extremists from spreading their poisonous ideology behind bars and our new legislation means they will now face much tougher sentences.

The vast majority of high-security terror offenders have completed or are taking part in programmes, but those who refuse will remain in our strictest prisons.
Jaime King has recently found herself in the middle of an explosive divorce and custody battle with estranged husband Kyle Newman, 44.

And on Friday, the 41-year-old Hart Of Dixie actress was spotted arriving to a friend's home in Beverly Hills donning an N95 face mask.

King attempted to conceal her identity under a woven sunhat and a pair of white cateye sunglasses, but later removed the accessories upon returning to her Mercedes Benz.

Rare outing: Jaime King was spotted on Friday afternon arriving to a friend's home in Beverly Hills donning an N95 face mask

She carried a black designer purse in her hands and wore a plethora of gold chains around her neck.

Sources close to Jaime told People on Friday that although it has 'been a difficult time' for her, she is 'leaning on friends.'

'She's been doing a lot of yoga and meditation and keeping busy with work and post-production while trying to lay low,' concluded the insider.

Earlier this year, Jaime wrapped production on her post-apocalyptic Netflix series Black Summer, which she also happens to produce.

Icognito mode: King attempted to conceal her identity under a woven sunhat and a pair of white cateye sunglasses, but later removed the accessories upon returning to her Mercedes Benz

Last Saturday, DailyMail obtained explosive court documents filed by King, where she accused Newman of abusing her for the past five-and-a-half years.

Jaime claimed that the long term abuse has caused her 'anxiety, fear and emotional damage.'

Last Friday, King was seen riding shotgun with a mystery man, who drove her car to what appeared to be his apartment in Los Angeles.

In the shocking court documents, Jaime claimed that Kyle called her a 'c**-sucking wh***' in front of their two sons, James, six, and Leo, four.

Explosive split: She has recently found herself in the middle of an explosive divorce and custody battle with husband Kyle Newman, seen together in 2018 above

King also claimed that her estranged husband used GPS trackers and microphone pens to keep tabs on her, and that he took $300k from her bank account.

She went on to say that he's been 'gaslighting' her and that she is 'incredibly afraid' of 'what he will do in retaliation.'

Jaime requested her two Shiba Inu dogs Peter and Wendy, which she owned before they were married, as well as their Mercedes 'so the respondent cannot track my movements through the internal tracking system.'

Tracking her: King also claimed that her estranged husband used GPS trackers and microphone pens to keep tabs on her, and that he took $300k from her bank account

She also asked for 'exclusive use of all home security systems so that respondent cannot continue to surveil me.'

King wrote in the documents: 'He told me that he is having people watch my movements and my home.'

She went on to allege that Newman is holding their sons out-of-state in Pennsylvania and refuses to return them.

The temporary restraining order has been granted until an upcoming court hearing in June.

Incredibly afraid: She went on to say that he's been 'gaslighting' her and that she's 'incredibly afraid' of 'what he will do in retaliation'

Custody battle: She went on to allege that Newman is holding their sons James, six, and Leo, four, out-of-state in Pennsylvania and refuses to return them

Shared custody: The Sin City actress has also been granted shared legal custody, after Newman was denied an emergency order for sole physical custody, according to TMZ

The Sin City actress has also been granted shared legal custody, after Newman was denied an emergency order for sole physical custody, according to TMZ.

He also claimed that she has 'spent the last decade high' and refuses to get help for her alleged opioid and alcohol addiction.

Her rep told People: 'This is another vicious, failed attempt of Kyle to continue his abuse of Jaime and manipulate the court system.'

King filed for divorce and requested the temporary restraining order on May 18, following 12 years of marriage to Newman.
Here is what law enforcement officials in the US are saying about the actions of the four officers involved in George Floyds death.

Many police officers across the United States have condemned the actions of theofficers involved in the death of George Floyd.

But it is just the latest in a series of deaths of unarmed Black men at the hands of law enforcement.

Al Jazeeras Gabriel Elizondo reports from New York.
Responding to chief minister Nitish Kumars call, the Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC) has decided to launch a digital learning platform for students of Class 1 to 5 on Doordarshan (DD) Bihar from June 1.

In a bid to help the students to carry on their learning in the face of suspension of their conventional classes due to Covid-19, the BEPC had started conducting digital teaching sessions on DD Bihar for students of Class 6 to 12 in a phase manner since April 20.

Impressed by the same, the CM on May 18 had asked the education department to expand the e-content to students of Class 1 to 5 also.

Following this, the BEPC in partnership with Unicef prepared the content to teach the students through television classroom. The state programme officer of BEPC Kiran Kumari said, With addition of lower primary section, the council is set to deliver lesson for all the classes. We have booked an additional two-hour slot of DD Bihar for lower primary classes.

DD Bihar will telecast lessons for students of Class 1 to 5 from 3 pm to 5 pm everyday. Kumari added that the lessons for students of Class 6 to 12 will continue as usual in June following the existing routine.

Altogether 24 classes for upper primary, 39 classes for secondary and 26 classes for senior secondary have been conducted till May 29.

Kumari said, With uncertainty looming over reopening of schools, the digital classroom is an effective medium to reach students and familiarise them with their syllabus. The students will not feel overburdened with syllabus after reopening of schools. 

Pramila Manoharan, education specialist of Unicef, said, We have designed content for primary students based on the syllabus prescribed by the education department.The e-content designed will contain fundamental language, mathematics and social science integrated in the form of stories and songs for their fun learning.
It was like stepping through Narnia.

Clumps of snow-bent branches. Our breath was frosty, and you could snap mini-icicles off car mirrors.

Lapland's short hours of daylight were coming to an end, the sky was waxing violet, and our guide encouraged us to make a wish, "like blowing out the candles on a birthday cake".

It was barely 2pm, but the 'blue moment' had arrived.

Ever since, I've seen moments of transition differently. Not just twilight - when Lapland's winter skies turn a stunning blue - but times when I move from one conversation, or walk, or place to the next, trying to absorb what I've learned or felt, before being distracted again.

The opportunities are fleeting. As Ireland moves through its roadmap, as countries prepare to reopen and airlines to fly, I wonder are we approaching a blue moment in travel.

If all goes well, things may begin transitioning over the summer. The pace of life will pick up. Is this fleeting moment the time to ask what lessons we will take from lockdown, and what we will leave behind?

Here are five questions I've been asking:

1. More or less?

Can mass travel go back to what it was? Will we binge-fly, or take fewer, more thoughtful holidays? Many travellers are now re-evaluating how they plan trips, what they really want from them, and what to pay for the right experience.

2. Protection

Millions of travellers were caught in the consumer chaos that accompanied Covid-19, and still await refunds and vouchers. Trust is at issue. Will we book with licensed and bonded agents? How will we weigh customer care against cheap prices?

3. Sustainability

In lockdown, we've reconnected with nature and the little things, from birdsong to local history, fresh air to family time. What will that mean for climate change, disposable tat and responsible travel when we get back on the move?

4. Small print:

Travel insurers are now moving to exclude Covid-19 from policies, but this pandemic has underscored how crucial it is to pay for the cover we need. Will we read T&Cs?

5. Local heroes

Community has been critical in this time of coronavirus, and will be even more so in our recovery. How can we maximise the contribution of tourism to local economies? Can we sustainably rebuild, creating a tourism that delivers for locals rather than simply bussing volume in and out?

In Lapland, days were short. Today, it feels like they last forever.

But the weeks have flown. So, too, will summer.

Now is our blue moment, the time to start thinking about what we've learned, and how we can make future travel better for us, and the planet.

Sign up for our free travel newsletter!

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to 'Travel Insider', our free travel newsletter written by award-winning Travel Editor, Pol O Conghaile.
Residents wearing masks to curb the spread of the new coronavirus walk pasts rows of bicycles from bike-sharing services on the streets of Beijing (AP)

The European Union has urged US president Donald Trump to rethink his decision to cut American funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO) amid global criticism of the move.

Spiking coronavirus infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained, as Mr Trump charged that the WHO did not respond adequately to the pandemic.

The American leader also accused the UNs health agency of being under Chinas total control.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has urged Mr Trump to reconsider, saying that actions that weaken international results must be avoided, and that now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions.

She added: The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future.

For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed.

The US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organisation.

Mr Trump said the US would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

The WHO would not comment on the announcement, but South African health minister Zweli Mkhize called it an unfortunate turn of events.

He told reporters: Certainly, when faced with a serious pandemic, you want all nations in the world to be particularly focused  on one common enemy.

In China, where the virus outbreak began, only four new confirmed cases were reported on Saturday, all brought from outside the country, and no new deaths.

Just 63 people remain in treatment.

After judging the situation there is now safe, a chartered flight carrying 200 German managers back to their jobs has landed in Tianijin, a port city just east of Beijing.

A flight carrying another 200 is due to touch down in Shanghai on Thursday.

Im really happy that business is starting again, said Karin Wasowski, a Volkswagen employee, before boarding the flight in Frankfurt. Ive been working from a home office but that is, of course, something completely different to being there.

Expand Close Rescue workers spray disinfectant in the All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Rescue workers spray disinfectant in the All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan (AP)

More than 5,200 German companies operate in China, employing more than one million people.

Close to six million coronavirus infections have been reported worldwide, with more than 365,000 deaths and almost 2.5 million recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The true dimensions are widely believed to be significantly greater, with experts saying many victims died without ever being tested.

As some countries have effectively lowered the rate of infections, they have been moving ahead with relaxing restrictions, while keeping a very close eye on developments.

In South Korea, credited with one of the most successful programs to fight the pandemic, there were 39 new cases reported on Saturday, most of them in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area where officials have linked the infections to warehouse workers.

Authorities have so far maintained the phased reopening of schools in the hope that the recent transmissions could be contained quickly.

India registered another record single day jump of 7,964 cases and 265 deaths, a day before it was due to end its two-month-old lockdown.

That put the countrys total cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths and 82,369 recoveries, according to the health ministry.

Still, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an open letter that India was on the path to victory in its battle against the virus, and would an example in economic revival, while asking his countrymen to show firm resolve.

Russia recorded nearly 9,000 new cases overnight, around the daily level it has been at over the past two weeks as the virus continues to spread.

The national coronavirus task force said on Saturday that 4,555 Russians have died of Covid-19, and 396,575 infections have been recorded.

The relatively low mortality rate compared with other countries has prompted scepticism domestically and abroad.

At #covid19 & financing for development event w/ @antonioguterres, @JustinTrudeau, @AndrewHolnessJM, I proposed a global recovery initiative that links investment & debt relief to the SDGs. A recovery that's green, digital & resilient. It's up to us to build back better together. pic.twitter.com/t0MiNu2om3  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 28, 2020

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres announced two peacekeepers serving in Mali had died from the virus. There have been 137 confirmed cases of Covid-19 among peacekeepers, the majority in Mali, but these were the first deaths.

The US has been worst hit by the outbreak, with more than 1.7 million cases and almost 103,000 deaths.

Cities and states are under increasing pressure to reopen, however, especially for service industries which have seen customer numbers evaporate.

The latest job-loss figures from the US labour department brought to 41 million the running total of Americans who have filed for unemployment since shutdowns took hold in mid-March.

But there have been worrying signs that as restrictions are eased, people have not been adhering to social distancing guidelines meant to help prevent the spread of the virus.

German chancellor Angela Merkels office said that as things stand with the American pandemic situation, if Mr Trump decides to go ahead with the Group of Seven summit in the US as he has suggested he might, she would not attend in person.
Amaravati, May 30 : Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally on Saturday shot up significantly with 70 positive cases detected from tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

The state nodal officer, however, said that 71 cases were identified from returnees from other states.

Saturday's COVID-19 tally figure includes three persons with travel histories to the Koyambedu market in Chennai.

The state nodal officer reported that with the addition of 70 new cases over the past 24 hours, the state's tally was 2,944 at 9 a.m. on Saturday. All three cases with the Koyambedu connection were reported from Chittoor district.

The Koyambedu market which has since been closed, was identified as one of the biggest spreaders of COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

In a positive sign, on Friday, Andhra Pradesh's cumulative tally of foreign returnees to the state remained unchanged at 111. This figure has remained unchanged since Wednesday.

On Saturday, 55 persons were discharged from hospitals, resulting in a cumulative tally of 2092 cured persons in Andhra Pradesh. With this, the number of active cases stands at 792.

The nodal officer reported that 9,504 samples were tested during the past 24 hours as against 11,638 samples that were tested during the preceding testing cycle.

With no deaths reported from any district, the death toll in the state remained at 60 on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile the cumulative tally of COVID-19 cases among returnees from other states climbed to 406 from 345, even as the tally of active cases fell to 217 in this category.
New moderate income housing program could be on the way to Long Beach
About 40 San Antonians waving signs with messages such as, Bail out the people, not the banks! and Cancela la Renta! gathered in the parking lot outside the San Antonio Housing Authority on Saturday to demand that government leaders waive rent and mortgage payments amid skyrocketing unemployment.

The group of demonstrators  all donning face masks  started in the afternoon at the housing authority headquarters on South Flores, then split into three groups to drive through neighborhoods on the East, West and South Sides.

Some decorated their cars with signs reading, Homes for the Homeless and Undocumented and Housing is a right. Others used markers to write the phone numbers of social service agencies providing rental assistance on their car windows.

Its the least we can do, said Ximena Urrutia-Rojas, 75, who came to the demonstration with her husband. Were retirees; we dont have to go out and work every day. We cant just sit home.

The afternoon sun was high in the sky as Urrutia-Rojas and her husband wrote messages on their black Toyota Sequoia with neon-colored markers at the start of the demonstration in the SAHA parking lot. Fear of eviction? Call 210-570-6135, read the back windshield. In pink marker on another window: Help tenants, homeowners, small landlords.

To me, its a matter of rights  its not a money thing, said Ricardo Rojas, 75. We have to be human.

The San Antonio Cancel the Rent demonstration and subsequent car caravan was among a number of similar events across cities all over the U.S. organized by activists to draw attention to the thousands of families struggling to pay rent and mortgages after losing jobs to the pandemic. The San Antonio demonstration was organized by groups including the Tenants Union of San Antonio, Party for Socialism and Liberation, SA Stands and the Autonomous Brown Berets de San Anto.

The groups demanded that government leaders take action before San Antonio families are forced out of their homes in the midst of the pandemic.

Even before the pandemic staggered the local economy and cost at least 100,000 Bexar County jobs, a growing number of San Antonio families struggled to make ends meet.

In 2019, landlords filed more than 21,000 eviction cases in Bexar County courts. As the coronavirus began to spread across Texas, local leaders temporarily halted most eviction proceedings. But thats expected to expire after Monday.
Between low demand, soaring inventories, depressed prices, a global pandemic, and now, hurricane season, it seems a perfect storm is forming around the offshore oil industry. The world's offshore oil market, responsible for 30 percent of all the world's oil production, is facing an impossible set of challenges. With oil sitting at half the price of its yearly high, and doubts forming around the future of demand, in addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on the global economy, companies are struggling to rein in capital spending and are beginning to rethink the future of key projects.

The crisis has pushed much of the world's oil production onshore in favor of more flexible rigs and lower operational costs.

Many new offshore projects have even been put on hold as the new reality of the oil market sets in. Companies are now scrambling to suspend federal lease deadlines as the near-term looks increasingly uncertain.

The industry's growing troubles come just as Royal Dutch Shell was forced to airlift a number of coronavirus-infected employees from one of its offshore platforms, highlighting the risks associated with confining workers on offshore rigs during a pandemic.

And Shell isn't the only company grappling with outbreaks.

Related: Oil Prices Are Unlikely To Break $40 This Year

In recent weeks, hundreds of workers at offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, Mozambique, Canada, and Kazakhstan have been infected with COVID-19.

The outbreaks add to the growing list of trials and tribulations the offshore industry is grappling with.

Many firms operating offshore rigs have yet to recuperate from the last oil price collapse in 2014-2015 when prices fell from $100 to below $40, weighing on the entire industry.

Offshore drillers and offshore vessel providers will generally be unable to pay their total outstanding debt of 2020 based on their cash flow from operating activities, unless they are able to make sufficient capital expenditure cuts, Jon Marsh Duesund, a partner at energy research firm Rystad Energy explained, adding, Otherwise, they will have to turn to capital markets for refinancing.

And with the global economy teetering on the brink, the industry may not be able to secure the funds it needs to stay afloat.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
ALBANY  Even before the coronavirus came to the United States, cashless was becoming king.

Now, as retail businesses in the Capital Region and across New York prepare for the second phase of the state's economic reopening, business owners will be looking for more ways to reduce the number of hand-to-hand transactions taking place in their stores. One step they may take is enacting no-cash policies at the register.

"Retail is going away, and naturally people are shopping online for everything," said Brian Clark, an assistant professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lally School of Management. "But even once you go in-person, I think were already moving toward cashless anyway. A lot of its here, and I think the pandemic will probably accelerate things."

Participants in a Federal Reserve survey published in 2019 used cash in 26 percent of their transactions, down four points from the previous year. The use of debit and credit cards, meanwhile, both jumped by two points  accounting for 28 percent and 23 percent of all payments, respectively. Cash is widely used for smaller purchases, accounting for 49 percent of transactions under $10 and 42 percent of payments less than $25.

"These trends were already coming, and its been sort of jump-started by the pandemic," Clark said.

Still, it is not quite clear how effective cash is at spreading the virus. The primary mode of COVID-19 transmission is through close person-to-person contact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said: "...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, but this isnt thought to be the main way the virus spreads."

Plus, cashless does not necessarily mean touchless. Customers using a debit or credit card may still have to interact with a pin pad, or hand a clerk their card, for every transaction.

A cashless society can make life incredibly inconvenient for those who are poor or don't have access to a bank account, said Virginia Eubanks, an associate professor of political science at the University at Albany and author of 'Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor.' That includes anybody from undocumented immigrants who can't open a bank account because they don't have a government ID to folks who don't have the minimum funds to open an account and may not be able to afford various fees.

About 8.4 million households in the U.S.  or 6.5 percent  were unbanked in 2017, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. reported. More than half of those households said they did not have bank accounts because they could not afford to keep money in them. About 8.7 percent of households in New York were unbanked.

Cashless systems are also ripe for abuse, Eubanks said.

"The data trail thats created by cashless transfers creates really a bonanza of opportunity for private companies and government agencies to spy on us, to track our movements, to track our purchases," Eubanks said. "Its not really the states business if, for example, if I decide to go to a corner store and buy $200 worth of snacks near Sing Sing Prison, or a political protest, or a meeting of an unpopular political group. And thats a good reason to use cash."

Cash is flexible, untraceable and maximizes peoples' autonomy, Eubanks said. A lot of informal work  gigs like babysitting and yard work  rely on the currency.

Since the CDC has not indicated that cash is a major vector of the virus, Eubanks said people should consider why society is trudging toward cashless systems in the middle of a pandemic.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

"Sometimes interested parties use disaster to push through solutions that they already had in their drawer," Eubanks said. "I suspect one of the reasons cashless transfers are so popular is theres so many ways to make money on them. Its the perfect way to pop people in small and often unnoticeable ways  one percent there, three percent there, a fine here, a fee there  and make literally billions of dollars because of the scale that were talking about."

Those fees are exactly why Matt Baumgartner, owner of Wolff's Biergarten, which has locations in Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Syracuse, instituted a cash-only policy.

"When we first opened, I wanted to open them in the most simple way possible and the way that would be most profitable," he said. Card companies take three to four percent of every transaction. That may not sound like much, Baumgartner said, but it adds up.

Other venues owned fully or partially by Baumgartner, including June Farms in West Sand Lake, The Berlin in Troy and The Olde English Pub in Albany, have all accepted cards. Wolff's will follow suit once it's re-opened, Baumgartner said.

"We do certainly care about peoples' safety, so we are going to be taking credit cards in the beginning," he said. "I can't promise it will continue forever."

There's nothing wrong with expanding the means by which people can make purchases, Eubanks said. But don't consider a cashless society to be an end-all, be-all solution.

"Im all for expanding the number of routes to payment," Eubanks said. "Im just saying that cash is still a really good, really useful technology that lots of people rely on. Theres no reason at all  particularly because it doesnt look like a major vector of transmission  to push for a cashless society, except for because it potentially offers such incredible profits and so many opportunities for social control."

Michael.Williams@timesunion.com
RTHK: George Floyd protests spread across US cities

Several hundred people angrily protesting over the death of an African-American man in police custody in Minneapolis rallied outside the White House on Friday, in tense scenes that have spread to several cities across the country.

US President Donald Trump was in the mansion during the protest that converged on a park across the street from the White House, where several dozen Secret Service agents lined barricades.

Demonstrators wielded signs saying "Stop Killing Us" and called for justice for George Floyd, who died on Monday after a white police officer pressed his knee down on the neck of an unarmed and handcuffed Floyd for several minutes.

Serious clashes were largely averted outside the White House, and demonstrators marched down Washington streets towards the US Capitol.

Floyd's violent arrest and death was caught on a video that went viral, and re-opened the nation's deep wounds over racial inequality.

The arrest and charges of third-degree murder filed against Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin apparently have not tamped down the anger in Minneapolis, which has been rocked by three days of fiery riots that devastated parts of the city.

Protesters remained on the streets Friday night, defying a curfew. Protests had also spread to New York, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, San Jose and Memphis.

Thousands of protesters stormed the perimeter of Barclays Center in New York as police made scores of arrests, loading cuffed protesters onto city buses lined up on Atlantic Avenue, shutting down a major thoroughfare in Brooklyn.

The demonstrators at the "We can't breathe" vigil and a rally in lower Manhattan were pressing for legislation outlawing the police "chokehold" used by a city police officer in the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who was also black.

In Atlanta, Bernice King, the youngest daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, implored people to go home after more than 1,000 protesters marched to the state capitol from the Centennial Olympic Park, blocking traffic and an interstate highway along the way.

"The only way we get what we really want is through non-violence," Bernice King said in her father's hometown. "Let's do this the non-violent way to deal with the evil of our time."

The Atlanta demonstration turned chaotic and at times violent. Fires were burning in downtown Atlanta near the CNN Centre, the network's headquarters.

At least one police car was among several vehicles burnt. Windows were smashed at the CNN building, along with store fronts. Police pushed back the crowd, but they hurled bottles at officers. (AFP/Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
After pushing her to have sex with three strangers, Manuel Ruiz locked his then-girlfriend inside his bedroom for more than eight hours before releasing her, a judge was told Friday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After pushing her to have sex with three strangers, Manuel Ruiz locked his then-girlfriend inside his bedroom for more than eight hours before releasing her, a judge was told Friday.

"It was like I was on a time-out," the 35-year-old woman testified.

Manuel Ruiz is on trial accused of sexually assaulting two women. (Files)

Ruiz, a 54-year-old Winnipeg firefighter and martial arts instructor, is on trial accused of sexually assaulting two women. The identities of both alleged victims are protected by a publication ban.

The woman who testified Friday said she was just shy of her 18th birthday when she met Ruiz for the first time outside his Sherbrook Street jiu-jitsu studio. Ruiz encouraged her to take classes at the studio, which she did after she turned 18, she told court.

The woman said she was initially "leery" of the "very flirty" older man, but the two started dating just two months after she started classes at his studio.

"It was positive at the beginning," she said.

But the relationship took a dark turn following an incident at the jiu-jitsu studio, she said.

Ruiz and the woman had just finished having sex in a back room when Ruiz left the room and she heard "some shuffling" outside. Ruiz returned and told her "Youll do this if you love me." Ruiz left the room again and was replaced by three men who told the woman she was to have sex with them.

"I was scared, so I did it," she said. "I didnt want to have sex with other people. I didnt know who they were."

The woman said she and Ruiz went back to his Maryland Street home where he locked her inside his bedroom for eight to 10 hours  something he would go on to do seven more times following arguments.

Left alone in the windowless room, she had to pee in a cup, she said.

When he finally released her, Ruiz gave her $80  $20 for each man, including Ruiz, she had sex with, the woman said.

"I was disgusted with him, but I was also scared of him. Hes a fifth degree black belt and he can get scary when hes mad," she said.

After that, sex was no longer consensual, but a "duty," the woman said with Ruiz becoming increasingly aggressive and often putting her in jiu-jitsu holds during sex.

The woman, who admitted to a longtime addiction to drugs and alcohol, was frequently uncertain about the sequence of events, first telling court she moved in with Ruiz within months of meeting him in 2003, later insisting under cross examination that they didnt live together until 2006.

"My mind is foggy because of drug use," she said.

The woman said she and Ruiz lived together for no more than six months before she moved out, but continued to see each other and have sex. Ruiz often supplied her with money, which she would spend on alcohol and drugs, she said.

"He would come and pick me up especially when I was drunk or high, because he knew he could take advantage of me," she said.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

The woman said she was visiting Ruiz at his home in 2009 when she agreed to a massage.

"He started aggressively having sex with me," she said. "He didnt even ask me if I wanted to  he just did it. And when he was done he threw 40 bucks at me.

"I walked out of the building, he didnt even give me a ride home," she said. "I never saw him again."

The trial resumes Monday.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
"The Chinese government's move against Hong Kong is the latest in a series of measures that are diminishing the city's long-standing and very proud status. This is a tragedy for the people of Hong Kong, the people of China and indeed the people of the world," Trump said on Friday at the White House.

Washington: US President Donald Trump said that Washington will no longer extend preferential treatment to Hong Kong in light of China's bid to exercise tighter control over the former British colony.

Trump's remarks came a day after China's legislature approved a national security law seen as aimed at reducing the autonomy Hong Kong has enjoyed since rejoining the mainland in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" formula.

Though Hong Kong has never been a democracy, Beijing agreed to maintain the modest degree of representative government instituted by the British colonial authorities in the late 1980s, as they prepared for the handover of sovereignty to China.

But China's government has shown growing impatience with the existing arrangement, following months of sometimes-violent anti-Beijing protests in Hong Kong.

"China has replaced its promised formula of one country, two systems, with one country, one system," Trump said on Friday.

"Therefore, I am directing my administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment."

The order applies to the "full range of agreements" between Washington and Hong Kong, the president said.

"We will take action to revoke Hong Kong's preferential treatment as a separate customs and travel territory from the rest of China," he said.

That could make products from Hong Kong subject to the same tariffs that the Trump administration has levied, on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese imports.

Extending the tariffs to Hong Kong would have little practical effect, as the volume of US-bound exports is negligible.

Trump said his administration also planned to impose sanctions on individual Chinese and Hong Kong officials "involved in eroding Hong Kong's autonomy".

He did not announce any steps to restrict the operations of US companies with a presence in Hong Kong, nor did he raise the possibility of scrapping the "phase one" trade agreement he reached last year with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A video of American rapper Killer Mike giving a tearful speech to Atlanta protesters after the death of George Floyd has gone viral.

On Monday (25 May), Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis after a white officer knelt on his neck during an arrest.

In footage of the incident, Floyd can be heard pleading for his life, saying: I cant breathe.

Protests have been raging across American cities in recent days following his death. In Atlanta, members of the public set a police car on fire, smashed windows at the CNN building, and damaged several other buildings and businesses.

At a news conference in Atlanta on Friday night (29 May), Killer Mike wept as he told protesters: "I am the son of an Atlanta police officer I watched a white police officer assassinate a black man. And I know that tore your heart out.

Pleading with protesters not to destroy the city and to channel their anger into making political change, he added: "I woke up wanting to see the world burn down yesterday because I am tired of seeing black men die. He casually put his knee on a human beings neck for nine minutes as he died like a zebra in the clutch of a lions jaw

We don't want to see Targets burning. We want to see the system that sets up for systemic racism burned to the ground.

"I am duty-bound to be here to simply say that it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy. It is your duty to fortify your own house in times of organisation

"We have to be better than this moment. We have to be better than burning down our own homes, because if we lose Atlanta, what else we got?"

Derek Chauvin, the police officer who pinned Floyd down, has been arrested and charged with murder.
As of May 29, 2020, COVID-19 has killed over 104,000 people in the United States and 362,000 worldwide. It is primarily spread through close contact with infected people, and infected people do not always display symptoms, meaning anyone can easily spread the disease to people who will later die without ever showing symptoms themselves.

Most people realize now that the best way to mitigate the mortality rate is to stay home, but despite that, some will travel for personal or professional reasons. Dr. Kristina Angelo, an infectious disease specialist at the Center for Disease Control, offered the following bits of advice on that front.

Ask yourself these tough questions before traveling

To be absolutely clear, there is no such thing as safe travel during this pandemic. You are putting your life, and other people's lives, at risk, no matter what precautions you take. If you must, or choose, to take that calculated risk, the CDC has provided a rigorous checklist that anyone can use to help determine if that risk is worth taking.

Ask yourself: Is COVID-19 spreading where youre going? Is it spreading where you are? Remember, even if you dont have symptoms, you can bring it somewhere else, Dr. Angelo said. State and local governments may have their own requirements. The best way to check is by visiting the local health department website of the place you intend to visit, as well as your own local health department website.

The other questions, taken directly from the CDC website, are:

Will you or those you are traveling with be within 6 feet of others during or after your trip? Being within 6 feet of others increases your chances of getting infected and infecting others.

Are you or those you are traveling with more likely to get very ill from COVID-19? Older adults and people of any age who have a serious underlying medical condition are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Do you live with someone who is more likely to get very ill from COVID-19? If you get infected while traveling you can spread COVID-19 to loved ones when you return, even if you dont have symptoms.

Does the state or local government where you live or at your destination require you to stay home for 14 days after traveling? Some state and local governments may require people who have recently traveled to stay home for 14 days.

If you get sick with COVID-19, will you have to miss work or school? People with COVID-19 disease need to stay home until they are no longer considered infectious.

Masks arent about you, theyre about keeping others safe

One of the great misconceptions people have, probably ingrained from years of seeing healthcare workers wearing masks around infected people, is that the cloth masks the CDC recommends we wear is about our own protection. It isnt; the mask is about protecting others from the infection you might be carrying.

I think its not clear to most people: The cloth face cover is to protect other people in case youre sick, Dr. Angelo said. We also recommend that people dont wear masks for healthcare workers.

Avoid large groups of people

Though summer usually means festivals, concerts, and other large gatherings, those are also the most dangerous places to be during a Level 3 Global Pandemic.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Any events where theres going to be a concentrated group of people should be avoided, Dr. Angelo said. Cruises, as we know, have been a harbinger for the outbreak of COVID-19. At this point we recommend no cruising, or any concentrated situations where disease transmission would be easy.

Even if youre not sick, you might still be putting others in danger

Its worth repeating: You can spread COVID-19 even if you havent had so much as a runny nose since 2005.

This is the most incomprehensible piece of advice, the thing that people seem to have the hardest time understanding, Dr. Angelo said. You can spread COVID-19 even if you arent sick. If you make the decision to travel somewhere, you could still infect someone.

According to John Hopkins University, the observed fatality rate for COVID-19 is 5.9%.

Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Joshua Sargent is an editor for Hearst Newspapers. Email him at josh.sargent@hearst.com.
It seems that Phil Robertson's family is reacting favorably to the news he has a long lost daughter, who surfaced thanks to a DNA test.

The 74-year-old Duck Dynasty patriarch's daughter-in-law Korie and granddaughter Sadie both posted a lovely beachside family photo of the Robertson women with new addition Phyliss, Phil's newly discovered daughter, on Thursday.

And in Sadie's IG Story, the 22-year-old included the sweet caption 'the bigger the better' along with a heart emoji over the photo, which showed her family surrounding her new aunt Phyliss, 45.

Welcome to the Duck family: Phil Robertson's daughter-in-law Korie and granddaughter Sadie both posted a lovely beachside family photo of the Robertson women with new addition Phyliss, Phil's newly discovered daughter, on Thursday

Sadie's mom Korie, 46, also wrote a sweet message alongside the photo.

'We have a new sister! We found out not long ago that Phil has a daughter, and Willie and his brothers have a sister,' the mother of five wrote.

'It was as much a surprise to all of us as it probably is to you, but life is full of surprises, and this one is especially sweet! Our annual family beach pics were even crazier, and the Robertson men are now officially outnumbered so were feeling pretty good right about now, ha!

'Welcome to the fam, Phyllis;' Korie added. 'I promise its never boring :)'

Sadie and Korie: Both mom and daughter reacted favorably to the news that grandpa Phil has a long lost daughter, who surfaced thanks to a DNA test

'Life is full of surprises, and this one is especially sweet!': Sadie's mom Korie also wrote a sweet message alongside the photo, which featured her new sister-in-law Phyliss in the center

Others to welcome Phyliss to the famous reality TV clan included Phil's sons Willie, 48, Jase, 50, and their brother Jep's wife Jessica, 39, who all posted smiling family photos with their new sister.

Jase simply wrote, 'Yep. I have a sister. And she's awesome.' underneath a photo of the newfound siblings posing in the kitchen on Thursday.

And Korie's husband Willie posted a larger family snap on the same day, with the caption 'So good finding my long lost sister. Cant wait to share life with yalls family. Welcome to the nuttiest family around.'

Others to welcome Phyliss to the famous reality TV clan: Phil's son Jase simply wrote, 'Yep. I have a sister. And she's awesome' underneath a photo of the newfound siblings in the kitchen

Growing family: Korie's husband Willie posted a larger family snap, with the caption 'So good finding my long lost sister. Cant wait to share life with yalls family. Welcome to the nuttiest family around'

'Dream came true': Jep's wife Jessica was also effusive on social media about their new family member on Thursday

As previously reported, Phil admitted Thursday on his Unashamed podcast that he recently learned he has a 45-year-old daughter from an affair he had in the Seventies, well after marrying his wife Kay in 1966.

The pair are still married.

The outwardly religious Robertson discussed the novel turn of events with his sons Jep, 42, Willie, Jase and Al, 54, the last of whom explained that he had received a bombshell letter that started it all.

Bombshell: Duck Dynasty star Robertson revealed he has a daughter from an extramarital affair on his podcast on Thursday

Betrayal: The reality star is seen here with his wife Kay in 2013. The couple married in 1966 and are still together

'Basically, it was from a woman who said that by a DNA search, she thinks that [our] Dad might be her dad,' Al said, identifying the 45-year-old woman by the name of Phyliss.

Al also said that he had at first 'dismissed' the letter as a wild claim, but Jase had also received a letter from the woman, claiming to be his sister.

'We both concluded, this is not one of those frivolous things we've got,' Jase said.

'I started thinking, there's a 45-year-old woman out there who doesn't know who her dad is, and she's looking,' Al agreed. 'And I thought, even if it's not dad, she needs to know it's not dad.'

But they were also reluctant to divulge the information because the woman's birthday looked to be after Phil had become a Christian in the 1970s.

Former philanderer: When Robertson  who's admitted to his philandering ways before devoting himself to the church  commented on the matter, mentions of God soon followed

'We know that in all things  in all things  even sin, God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose,' he said; seen here at a rally for Roy Moore in 2017

Phil is a self-professed devout Christian, and a current member of and elder at the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Robertson has in the past admitted to his philandering ways, but said it was before devoting himself to the church.

And when he commented on the matter of his newly discovered daughter on Thursday, mentions of God were not far behind.

'We know that in all things  in all things  even sin, God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose,' he said, in a paraphrase from the bible.

And when Phil agreed to take a DNA test, it was a '99.9 percent match,' according to Al.

The Robertsons' story is one of many accounts of illicit children and long-lost family members coming to the fore thanks to the newfound trend of genetic and DNA research, with companies like 23andMe.

They've got a sister: The Robertsons' story is just one of many accounts of long-lost family members coming to the fore thanks to the newfound trend of DNA research with companies like 23andMe; Willie, Phil, Jase and Si Robertson seen in a promo shot for Duck Dynasty c. 2013

'It's a pretty cool explanation of redemption, reconciliation, love,' Robertson said. 'As it turns out, 45 years, you have a daughter that you don't know about, and she has a father she doesn't know about. 45 years that doesn't sound like very long but you say, that's a while. So finally, after all those years, we come together.'

The professional duck hunter, who is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, added that his family has already met his daughter Phylliss, and that fans will get to hear her side of things on an upcoming episode of his Unashamed podcast.

'It was super awesome, I was so excited,' Jep said of finding out he has a big sister.

He added that he had always wished he had a sister while growing up as the baby brother in a family of boys.

'It was like a dream come true.'

It should be noted that Phil's daughter, Phyliss, most probably was named for him.

Growing family: Phil said his family has already met his daughter Phylliss, and that fans will get to hear her side of things on an upcoming podcast episode; Phil (right) seen here in 2013 with (from right) brother Si, wife Kay, son Jase, daughter-in-law Korie, and son Willie Robertson

No information was readily available on Phyliss's mother.

The news of Phil's long lost daughter comes after the family's harrowing ordeal last month, when a gunman sprayed son Willie's Louisiana estate with bullets in a drive-by shooting.

No one was hurt in the incident, but the shooter has been ordered to turn in all of his firearms and stay away from the younger Robertson's estate for a minimum of two years.

Duck Dynasty was an extremely popular A&E reality television program which ran for 11 seasons, from 2012 until 2017.

It followed Phil Robertson and his well-off Louisiana clan, known for their successful duck-hunting business.

Prior to Duck Dynasty, Phil and his sons were featured on a hunting show for the Outdoor Channel titled Duck Commander, which ran for three seasons from 2009 until 2011.

Phil's younger brother Si Robertson, 72, was also a popular character on Duck Dynasty, appearing in all 129 episodes.

Both Phil and Si were born in postwar Vivian, Louisiana.
The European Union's sanctions against Syria are a "blatant violation" of human rights and humanitarian international law, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said on Friday, adding that such a step represents the EU's total dependence on the US' policy

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th May, 2020) The European Union's sanctions against Syria are a "blatant violation" of human rights and humanitarian international law, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said on Friday, adding that such a step represents the EU's total dependence on the US' policy.

On Thursday, the Council of the European Union extended restrictions against the Syrian government for one year until June 1, 2021. The council removed two people and one company from the list, as they had "halted their sanctionable behavior."

"No wonder that the European Union has decided to renew its sanctions, which had been imposed on Syria, especially when it came after the US similar move. The EU decision confirms lack of independence and the union's humiliating subordination to the US policy," the ministry said in a statement published on its Facebook page.

The EU's step also reaffirms the alliance's participation "in the war against Syria," the ministry added, holding the EU accountable for Syrians' suffering because of the union's "unfair sanctions," which represent "a flagrant violation of human rights and humanitarian international law.

"

Such a decision reveals "hypocrisy, which has become an essential part of European politics," the ministry noted, referring to the statements of EU officials on "easing sanctions over humanitarian assistance" to help Syria combat the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the country's Health Ministry has confirmed 122 coronavirus cases, with four deaths and 43 recoveries.

In mid-May, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad said that Syria had requested that the World Health Organization intervene to oppose sanctions imposed on Damascus by the United States, as the country struggles to juggle post-war restoration and the fight against the coronavirus outbreak amid obstructed supply chains.

Sanctions against Damascus were initially introduced back in 2011, and since then, the list of restrictive measures has been periodically expanded. As of now, the list includes the country's 273 individuals who are not permitted enter the EU, as well as 70 Syrian organizations.

At the end of June, the EU plans to hold another conference on the Syrian issue, but without the Arab republic's participation itself.
By Trend

Bulgaria will lift an obligatory 14-day quarantine from June 1 for travellers from most European Union countries, but not those states with the biggest coronavirus outbreaks, the government announced on Friday, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The quarantine will remain obligatory for travellers from Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta, as well as the UK, which is in a transition period after leaving the EU, according to an order issued by Health Minister Kiril Ananiev.

A ban on the entry of visitors from outside the EU will remain in place, although there will be exemptions for citizens of the Schengen zone countries, the United Kingdom, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City as well as Serbia and North Macedonia.

Bulgaria has eased most of the restrictive measures it imposed in March to combat the coronavirus spread, allowing restaurants, cafes, gyms and theatres to reopen and lifting a ban on travel between cities.

Last week it lifted a ban on the entry of citizens from EU countries, but imposed a 14-day quarantine. By allowing visitors from other parts of the EU it hopes to restore trade and boost summer tourism to its Black Sea resorts, hard hit by the lockdown.

The Balkan country of 7 million people registered eight new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, bringing the total registered cases to 2,475, including 136 deaths - a much lower rate than many other EU countries.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Bray's Purple House Cancer Support has announced a new range of cancer support programmes which will support people and families throughout Ireland in a response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Conor O'Leary of Purple House explained that since the pandemic began, the team have been experiencing an increase in demand for the service.

The online service now available means that patients can receive support and attend classes and support groups from their hospital bed or from the comfort of their own home through telephone and video counselling.

There are also a range of classes to enjoy such as creative writing, ukulele lessons and relaxation to add to the online cancer support groups.

Children living with cancer will also be supported through online art therapy classes on Zoom as before each class, each child is posted an activity pack to use during the class.

Conor said that the services help children to come to terms with a cancer diagnosis and learn skills to cope with their feelings and emotions, while also interacting with other children in the same situation.

'Covid-19 has forced us to look at how we provide our Cancer Support Services but social distancing measures have created an opportunity for us to reach more people by providing a range of services online. A physical room can only hold so many people, but by using technology like Zoom we can have hundreds of people attend the same class anywhere in Ireland or around the world at no extra cost.

'There will always be a need for physical face to face support services, but until restrictions are lifted, we must ensure that Cancer patients are supported at all times.

'While we are aware that there are a number of cancer patients whereby telephone and virtual counselling may not suit, we will endeavour to meet their needs in whatever way is possible to alleviate any stress or anxiety during a difficult time in their lives,' he said.

Throughout the challenging time, Purple House continue to provide hospital transport for chemotherapy and radiotherapy to ensure that patients still attend their appointments and the team were also involved in getting food hampers for patients who are isolating to limit them visiting supermarkets.

For more information on these services and more, you can contact Purple House on 01 2866966 or visit www.purplehouse.ie.
Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times.

Govt may plan scheme for welfare, jobs of migrants

The Narendra Modi government may consider an ambitious, targeted programme to ensure welfare and jobs for millions of migrants who have returned home during the Covid19 pandemic. Read more.

Meant to eradicate locusts, pesticides affect soil, crops

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations said on Friday that it may declare the locust invasion a plague if it takes a turn for the worse after breeding by the voracious, crop-crunching insects in India, Pakistan and West Africa. Read more.

Centre may announce 2nd stimulus to increase demand after lockdown is lifted

The government may unveil another stimulus package of fiscal, monetary and policy measures to boost demand in the economy after the nationwide lockdown imposed for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic is completely lifted, three officials familiar with the development said on Friday. Read more.

Potterheads, take note: Alia Bhatt joins Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne on Wizarding World to read Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone

The words from J.K. Rowlings magical world have magicked their way into our hearts and how! The 7-part Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowlings most famous work to date, has been touted to be a childrens books. Read more.

Radhika Madan describes taking a flight during Covid-19 times: It was like a scene out of an apocalyptic film

Actor Radhika Madan, who flew to New Delhi from Mumbai during the coronavirus pandemic, has described the experience as a scene out of an apocalyptic film. Read more.

How to use Googles AR tool Sodar for social distancing

Google and Apple are working on a contact tracing tool but in the meanwhile Google has found a way to help you practice social distancing and adjust to what just might become the new normal. Googles AR-based tool Sodar is what you need to try out. Read more.

Watch: Back Indias call for reform of WHO: Italian Minister | WorldView

Italy wants an independent inquiry into the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic in China and backs Indias calls for reform of multilateral bodies such as WHO, Italys minister for European Affairs Vincenzo Amendola tells WorldView in an interview over Skype. Watch video.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in its guidelines to 'unlock' activities in a phased manned, has signalled that international flights could be resumed in the third phase.

"Based on the assessment of the situation, dates for re-starting the following activities will be decided..." the order says. It then goes on to list "international air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA" as one of the activities.

Earlier this month, Civil Aviation Minster Hardeep Singh Puri had said that the government wants to resume international flights before 'August-September.'

India had suspended international flights from March 22. Later on, the suspension was extended to domestic flights, coinciding with the national lockdown to limit COVID-19.

Many countries are beginning to open up for international visitors. Greece plans to open from June 15. Many of the Carribean islands, Mexico and Thailand may also open borders for international travels in June.

Domestic flights resumed services from May 25.

The MHA order on May 30, mentioned domestic passenger air travel under 'unrestricted movement of persons and goods. The activity, the order said, will "continue to be regulated as per SoPs issued."
Opposition raises privacy concerns but government insists new law is not a threat to liberty.

Nigers parliament has passed legislation authorising wiretapping as a means of curbing terrorism and transnational criminality despite criticism from the opposition.

The law adopted on Friday allows research of information which notably may threaten state security or prevent the fight against terrorism and organised transnational crime.

It was passed despite an opposition protest walkout over concerns that it undermines the countrys constitution which holds that secrecy of correspondence and of communications is inviolable.

An opposition statement decried the will of those in power to deprive Nigeriens  of all privacy in their communications.

It added this law will allow surveillance of all Nigeriens, as well as all those who live in Niger under the false pretexts of maintaining security and fighting terrorism.

Barkai Issouf, the minister overseeing relations with institutions, insisted that this law is not a threat to liberty. It is indispensable and emanates from the governments wish to secure our people.

The AFP news agency quoted Justice Minister Marou Amadou playing down the move: You feared being listened in on? Well, you were before and you still are  only now it will be organised.





Fighters with links to al-Qaeda and the ISIL (ISIS) group have increasingly mounted attacks across West Africas Sahel in recent years despite the presence of thousands of regional and foreign troops in the region.

The violence has hit Mali and Burkina Faso the hardest, rendering large swaths of those countries ungovernable, but it has also spilled into Niger, which shares long and porous borders with its two neighbours.

There have been several recent incursions including an attack in which 20 people were massacred earlier this month.

In the same immense and unstable region of Tillaberi, which covers 100,000 square kilometres (40,000 square miles) and runs into the three-border area of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, three attacks on the army since December left 174 soldiers dead, according to an official report.

Niger has also endured unrest in its southeast from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), a breakaway group from Boko Haram.
May 30 : Some Bollywood actors, despite been self-quarantined, have gone out to inspire us with their style statementsbe it their comfy dress sense, their accessories or their shoesthe celebs rocked the looks.

This comfy look of Varun Dhawan has made his fans go gaga over his style of wearing his front-open cozy cotton jacket, which is falling off his shoulder, teamed with a pair of checkered baggy pyjamas. With his scruffy hair and bare chest, the Student of the Year actor looks damn hot, inspiring many to follow suit.

Quite a number of times, we have seen Vicky Kaushal donning a cap, while he is locked at home. We feel that this quarantine style can be followed in normal times as well, particularly on bad hair days. While he is in a casual avatar, a cap definitely peps up the mood and serves as a style statement.

Even in his casual avatar, Diljit Dosanjh inspires many with his style statement. While self-quarantined at home, this pop star-cum-actor looks dapper in a black muscle tee with matching black track pants. His comfy neon green footwear stole the show, confirming the fact that the actor has the coolest fashion sense.

Latest updates on Lockdown diaries
West Bengal reported seven more Covid-19 fatalities on Friday, pushing the death toll due to the disease in the state beyond the 300-mark, while 277 new cases were registered during the day, according to a health department bulletin.

Of the total 302 deaths, 72 were due to comorbidities and the novel coronavirus was incidental in these cases, it said.

Since Thursday, two deaths each were reported from Kolkata and its neighbouring Howrah district. One fatality each was registered in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts, the bulletin said.

West Bengal has a total of 4,813 confirmed Covid-19 cases so far, of which 2,736 are active.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the rise in the number of cases on the influx of migrant labourers from Covid-19 hotspot states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, four persons at the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital -- two in the gynaecology ward and two in the medicine ward -- tested positive for the virus, sources said.

Around 10 personnel from the Kolkata Police combat force also tested positive for the infection, they added.

Since Thursday afternoon, 9,282 samples were tested in the state, and the total rose to 1,85,051, the bulletin said.

Kolkata accounted for the maximum number of fresh cases at 71, followed by 54 from North 24 Parganas district. Twenty-nine cases were reported from Howrah and 23 from North Dinajpur districts, it said.

Twenty-one people from Birbhum tested positive for Covid-19 infection, East Burdwan accounted for 19 cases, Nadia 18, South 24 Parganas 13, East Medinipore six, West Burdwan five, Alipurduar four and two each from Murshidabad, Jalpaiguri, Hooghly and Bankura districts, the bulletin said.

Six new cases of Covid-19 infection were also found among people from other states, it added.

The districts of North Dinajpur, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas have been witnessing a massive influx of migrants labourers.

We were successful in controlling the spread of COVID in last two months, but now it is increasing as a lot of people are coming from outside. Railways are sending migrants in jam-packed compartments. In one seat, three-four persons are travelling. The railways in the name of Shramik Special trains are running corona express, the fiesty TMC boss said.

Meanwhile, over a hundred people were discharged from a hospital in West Bengals Howrah district on Friday after they recovered from Covid-19.
The US Navy's vision and mission scope for its new frigate naval ships are aiming to be capable of many things. Examples of those capabilities include destroying swarms of small boats when they attack, operating drones that operate in the sky and sea, and supporting carrier strike groups of carrier strikes.

It's also capable of conducting subdivided operations, attacking their enemies located over the horizon with missiles, and engaging in warfare against surface targets and submarines.

The intended plans for the warship are being developed at a steady speed. It follows the recent ship development award that the US Navy awarded to the Marinette Marine Corp. for 10 Guided Missile Frigates.

The ship's concepts show that it will include a well-armed advanced frigate naval ship with a plethora of high-tech weaponry, over-the-horizon missiles, space armor, and a more robust reinforced hull.

A Worthy Upgrade To The Littoral Combat Ship

Officials from the US Navy confirmed that the ship's design is being made to be a successor to the Littoral Combat Ship. A significant upgrade that includes the broadening of its scope in combat will consist of AEGIS radar systems, more options for major missile attacks with the Mk 41 Vertical Launch Systems, and much more additional anti-air defenses.

After numerous years of deliberation and debate about the new vessel's technology and weaponry, they have finally come up with the specifics of what they'll be implementing.

A report from the US Navy shows that service officials identified that the missions they intend the warship to go on and the weapons they're going to apply to the ship. The initially identified specifications include a Mk 57 Gun Weapon systems, a Baseline Ten AEGIS Combat System, a Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, and an Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar along with many more.

The baseline configuration is engineered to have the technical foundation needed to add electronics, computer technology, information warfare systems, and new weapons as they emerge.

The US Navy said it would be like having countermeasures and better capability when it comes to electronic warfare and information operations. At the same time, the design is flexible enough to grow in the future.

When the concept was initially conceived, they didn't decide that the ship would have a Vertical Launch System. But it was clear that the service realized their need for more substantial weaponry and technology for the new naval frigate ship.

They wanted to keep up with the increased lethal power and the Distributed Maritime Operations strategic approach, which they needed to have a surface fleet aggressively armed to handle major warfare while traversing the waters.

According to US Navy officials, the ship will have a crew of a maximum of 200 sailors crewing the naval frigate ship. They are planning a follow-on deal in 2026.

Read Also: China's Aircraft Carrier and Warship Strike Threaten Taiwan While The USS Roosevelt Stays Crippled Due to the Coronavirus

Is This Warship The Future Of US Navy Ships?

With all the powerful equipment and technology implemented into the warship, it would cost a drastic amount of money. This cost might make the US Navy hesitate to send the ship anywhere too dangerous.

It seems as if this ship is being turned into a jack of all trades, but master of none. This new warship will hopefully not be the future of US Navy ships.

If this naval frigate ship is the future of US Navy frigate ships, then that means the Navy has enough funding to handle the maintenance of these types of warships.

Read Also: Watch! Two Russian Air Force Fighters Spotted Flying Over a US Destroyer were Intercepted by a Belgian F-16 Fighter Jet
A University of Texas at Arlington bioengineering researcher will use nanotechnology to detect defective iron-carrying proteins in a patient's blood, which could help explain why these patients have anemia.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) project could become integral to finding other defective proteins in a patient's blood or tissue biopsy due to cancer or some other illness.

George Alexandrakis, UT Arlington associate professor in bioengineering, is teaming with MinJun Kim, an endowed engineering professor at Southern Methodist University, on the three-year, $500,000 NSF grant. Each professor will receive $250,000.

"One key in this research is that a very small amount of blood is needed," Alexandrakis said. "The protein carries iron, and it can be trapped by our nanosensor. It's then stretched or heated at the single molecule level so we can probe how it refolds again once left alone. The way it refolds or misfolds gives us a way to see if it is defective or not."

Alexandrakis said this project could lead to new knowledge about the dynamic structure of a large menu of proteins, which could help design precision therapeutics.

Michael Cho, chair of the UT Arlington Bioengineering Department, said Alexandrakis' research could carry implications across the medical analysis sector.

"His work has ramifications on so much of our medical lives," Cho said. "I'm sure it will provide a baseline for protein analysis in the future."

Alexandrakis also specializes in research for brain and cell imaging, especially for children with cerebral palsy. That work is ongoing.

He said UTA supported his sabbatical to England's Oxford University in 2015, when he became interested in using nanosensors for blood detection. Alexandrakis credited Jon Weidanz, associate vice president for research, and Duane Dimos, former vice president for research, for providing him with seed funding that made his current work possible.

###
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday directed officials to continue curfew during the night across the state even after May 31, when the fourth phase of the ongoing lockdown is scheduled to end, to minimise the risk of coronavirus infections.

Gehlot said that the categorisation of the containment area should be done according to the number of active cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) to ensure that only areas with higher infections are under curfew.

Click here for full Covid-19 coverage

In a review meeting, Gehlot said that health protocols should be strictly followed and appealed people to keep washing their hands frequently, wear masks and follow the rules of social distance.

The CM said the administration should monitor whether the health protocols are being followed through cameras and other means. He instructed that there should be no laxity in the provisions of penalty.

Gehlot said that many experts, including that of the World Health Organization, have warned that the second round of coronavirus infections in July-August may create a larger crisis.

A strong health infrastructure should be prepared from district hospitals to sub-centres so that the people from the village do not have come to the city for the treatment of minor diseases, the chief minister said.

Gehlot said private hospitals should adopt a humanitarian approach and provide free treatment to Covid-19 patients and fulfil their moral responsibility.

He directed that as per the Supreme Courts sentiments, an advisory should be issued for free treatment of the coronavirus disease in private hospitals, which should have provision for action against any hospital that violates it.

In view of the changing circumstances, the unnecessary expenses should be analysed, so that the money saved could be used for necessary and large public utility works. He directed to take suggestion from retired official having knowledge of finance.

He said that the work of providing food to the needy in the state has gone smoothly so far and it should be ensured that no person goes hungry.

Rohit Kumar Singh, the additional chief secretary of the health department, said that Rajasthans situation is better than other statesthe number of active cases is stable and recovery rate has increased in the last six days.

Similarly, the number of Covid-19 cases, including that among migrant workers and in rural areas has decreased in the last three days, he said.

Abhay Kumar, principal secretary (information technology) said the Raj Kaushal Rajasthan Employment Exchange will be launched from Monday in the state to enable workers to get employment easily and to ensure availability of labour for industries.

Kumar said Gehlot will hold discussions with public representatives from the gram panchayat level through video conference on Saturday.
Investors are once again in search for consistent and safe income in a near-zero interest environment, a series of drastic dividend cuts and rising U.S.-China tension. Nothing is better than dividend investing at this time. This is because investors can enjoy rising current income while anticipating capital appreciation irrespective of market conditions.



While there are several dividend stocks that could provide capital appreciation, honing in on stocks with a history of dividend growth leads to a healthy portfolio, with greater scope of capital appreciation as opposed to simple dividend-paying stocks or those with high yields.



Strong Dividend Growth Indicates Further Dividend Hike



Stocks that have a strong history of dividend growth belong to mature companies, which are less susceptible to large swings in the market, and thus act as a hedge against economic or political uncertainty as well as stock market volatility. At the same time, these offer downside protection with their consistent increase in payouts.



Additionally, these stocks have superior fundamentals that make dividend growth a quality and promising investment for the long term. These include a sustainable business model, a long track of profitability, rising cash flows, good liquidity, a strong balance sheet and some value characteristics. Further, a history of strong dividend growth indicates that dividend increase is likely in the future.



Although these stocks do not necessarily have the highest yields, they have outperformed for a longer period than the broader stock market or any other dividend-paying stock.



As a result, picking dividend growth stocks appear as winning strategies when some other parameters are also included.



5-Year Historical Dividend Growth greater than zero: This selects stocks with a solid dividend growth history.



5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than zero: This represents stocks with a strong record of growing revenue.



5-Year Historical EPS Growth greater than zero: This represents stocks with a solid earnings growth history.



Next 35 Year EPS Growth Rate greater than zero: This represents the rate at which a companys earnings are expected to grow. Improving earnings should help companies sustain dividend payments.



Price/Cash Flow less than M-Industry: A ratio less than M-industry indicates that the stock is undervalued in that industry and that an investor needs to pay less for better cash flow generated by the company.



52-Week Price Change greater than S&P 500 (Market Weight): This ensures that the stock appreciated more than the S&P 500 over the past one year.



Top Zacks Rank: Stocks having a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) generally outperform their peers in all types of market environment.



Growth Score of B or better: Our research shows that stocks with a Growth Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 offer the best upside potential.



Just these few criteria narrowed down the universe from over 7,700 stocks to just 15.



Here are five of the 15 stocks that fit the bill:



Pennsylvania-based West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. WST is the global drug delivery technology company that manufactures and sells containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products in the United States, Germany, Ireland, France, Other European countries, and internationally. The company has an estimated earnings growth rate of 9.9% for this year and delivered positive average earnings surprise of 17.99% in the past four quarters. The stock has a Zacks Rank #1 and Growth Score of A. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Massachusetts-based Teradyne Inc. TER is a leading provider of automated test equipment. It has an estimated earnings growth rate of 7.69% for this year and delivered average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 11.03% on average. The stock has a Zacks Rank #2 and Growth Score of B.



Tennessee-based Dollar General Corporation DG is a discount retailer providing various merchandise products across the United States. The company has seen upward earnings estimate revision of 7 cents over the past 30 days for the fiscal year (ending January 2021) and has an expected earnings growth rate of 11.89%. The stock has a Zacks Rank #2 and Growth Score of A.



California-based Applied Materials Inc. AMAT is one of the worlds largest suppliers of equipment for the fabrication of semiconductor, flat panel liquid crystal displays, and solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. The company has seen positive earnings estimate revision of 7 cents over the past 30 days for the fiscal year (ending October 2020) and has an expected earnings growth rate of 25.33%. It has a Zacks Rank #2 and Growth Score of B.



Ohio-based The Kroger Co. KR operates as a retailer in the United States. The company operates supermarkets, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouse stores. It has an estimated earnings growth rate of 12.27% for the year (ending January 2021) and delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 2.11% in the past four quarters. Kroger has a Zacks Rank #2 and Growth Score of A.



You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge.

Story continues

The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today.

Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Dollar General Corporation (DG) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report



The Kroger Co. (KR) : Free Stock Analysis Report



West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Teradyne, Inc. (TER) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
Rathcoole native Siobhan Buckley is included in the list of illustrious musicians participating in Harps for Hope.

She performs 'An Cruitire', a piece of music that was composed for her by Michael Rooney.

Harp Ireland presents Harps for Hope, a series of online Harp concerts from more than 50 of Ireland's leading Harpers who express their togetherness and lend their voices to the fight against Covid19. Never was the saying 'Ar scath a cheile a mhairimid, we live in each other's shadows' more relevant than it is now.

To date the series which features music from a selection of our leading Harpers including Laoise Kelly, Cormac de Barra, Triona Marshall, Maire Ni Chathasigh and Siobhan Armstrong among others, will culminate with a 240 strong harp ensemble performance in June.

Speaking about her involvement, Siobhan Buckley said, "I'm delighted to be part of such an incredible initiative, both as a soloist and as director of the Music Generaton Laois Harp Ensemble. While the series features some of Irelands leading Harpers, it's great that the younger generation get the opportunity to be included in a harp ensemble performance of 240 young musicians from across the country, this is due for release in early June"

Aibhlin McCrann, Chair of Cruit Eireann/Harp Ireland explained, "Over the past year, people have highlighted to us how connected they feel to the sound of the harp; how it calms them, comforts them and enhances their sense of national identity. We were struck by the depth of emotion and resonance that the Irish harp holds for so many people when it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last year".

Undoubtedly, Ireland's national instrument enjoys a unique place in Irish musical and cultural life and that is a tribute to the steadfast dedication of harpers, teachers, harp students and supporters nationally and internationally.

The full series of videos are available at www.harpireland.ie/ showevent/harps-for-hope/2020-04-03

The introductory track on each of these videos is An Cruitire from the Spirit of Laois suite composed by harper-composer Michael Rooney and performed by Siobhan Buckley.
The governments stimulus package, by prioritising foreign and private capital, undercuts the significance of self-reliance.

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the governments rescue-cum-stimulus package, which purportedly aims to build a self-reliant economy, has also ironically paved the way for the expansion and control by private as well as foreign capital. This step taken by the government has offered private and foreign capital an entry into hitherto inaccessible sectors of the economy. The government, by announcing the opening up of strategic sectors, has thus safeguarded the interests of capital and ensured new arenas for unbridled capitalist accumulation. But, considering the unfolding humanitarian crisis involving the migrants and the working poor and excessive loss of livelihoods, these announcements have come at an inopportune moment. Moreover, these announcements were made without any consultation with the stakeholders or discussions and debates in parliamentary committees. Although these reforms were on the governments agenda for some time, these were kept on hold until now.

The governments structural reform announcements have focused on eight sectors, such as defence production, coal and minerals, airspace management, airports, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) in aviation, power distribution companies in the union territories, space, and atomic energy. The reforms include permitting and expanding private participation in these sectors in accordance with the neo-liberal agenda pursued by the government, subjugating societal interests to that of private and foreign capital, leading to the accumulation of profits by the investors. In the defence sector, foreign direct investment (FDI) limits have been relaxed from 49% to 74% through the automatic route. What would these relaxations in FDI norms imply? For certain, a greater share of returns on investments will be transferred out of the country. Therefore, the effects of the multiplier on the domestic economy and employment generation would be limited.
Dublin, May 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Baby Stroller Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Get an in-depth analysis of COVID-19 impact on global baby stroller market



The study considers the present scenario of the baby stroller 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.



The baby stroller market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% during the period 2019-2025.



The global stroller market is primarily driven by high birth rates in APAC and Middle Eastern countries. Brazil, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are expected to witness a stable growth rate in the baby stroller market size over the next five years. Increasing healthcare facilities, declining infant mortality rates, and rising disposable incomes in these regions are expected to aid the growth during the forecast period.



The launch of hospital-oriented schemes in governmental hospitals in APAC and Middle Eastern regions provides equal access to inpatient care, reduce healthcare expenditures, and increase awareness about body hygiene. With the improvement in healthcare and reduced mortality rate, opportunities to provide value-oriented baby care products and accessories in these regions increases the demand and preference for baby strollers.



The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the baby stroller market during the forecast period:

Reduced Infant Mortality due to Healthcare Advancements

Expansion of Nuclear Families & Growth in Women Employment

Growth in e-stroller

Baby Stroller Market: Segmentation



This research report includes detailed market segmentation by product type, seat type, distribution, and geography.



Standard strollers have a high preference among parents. Durability and versatility are the major factors that are making these prams highly popular. However, certain common features that influence consumer buying behavior include well-padded seats, convertible designs, canopy expansion, shock absorption, telescoping handlebars, roomy baskets are likely to increase adoption. A majority of demand can be witnessed from countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, on account of the increase in disposable incomes and growth in nuclear families.



While single strollers are the dominant segment in terms of revenue and unit shipment, the rise in the number of second and third childbirths, especially in the urban areas of MEA, Latin America, APAC, and certain parts of Europe has increased the demand for double prams. Further, affluent parents and consumer groups of US and Western European countries invest in expensive convertible prams that can be customized to accommodate the second child when needed. Convertible strollers are expected to witness an increase in demand during the forecast period. The segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. The APAC region is estimated to pose an incremental revenue of over $150 million in the next five years.



As prams are comparatively expensive and require a lot of pre-purchase research as parents are willing to invest in high-quality and durable strollers, which contribute to the growth of offline distribution stores such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, departmental and specialty stores. The penetration of offline stores is more prominent in APAC and Latin America, where the awareness and benefits of baby prams are comparatively low. As most of the end-users in the region are first-time buyers, they tend to be more experimental in their purchase decisions. However, the increasing number of young parent communities and the growing relevance of consumer education on childcare have contributed to the popularity of online marketplaces for baby products.



The trend of e-commerce sites and internet penetration has enforced the majority of parents to rely on online sources to compare several brands. With North America and Europe being major markets for the online distribution channel, APAC and Latin America are expected to witness rapid growth in the online segment during the forecast period.



Market Segmentation by Product Type

Story continues

Standard

Lightweight

Jogging

Travel Systems

Market Segmentation by Seat Type

Single

Double

Market Segmentation by Distribution

Offline

Online

Insights by Geography



The penetration and acceptance of prams is high in North America and Europe. However, China, with more childbirths annually, has contributed to the growth of the APAC market along with considerable revenue generation from South Korea, Japan, and Australia. The preference of prams is region-centric, and the importance is given based on demography, age, lifestyle, and geographical trends. For instance, despite a large difference in the number of units sold in the baby stroller market in APAC and North America, the high selling price in the US and Canada can be a major differentiator that can pose a challenge to APAC vendors.



Market Segmentation by Geography



Europe

North America

APAC

Latin America

MEA

Insights by Vendor



The global baby stroller market is highly fragmented, and the market is characterized by the presence of diversified global, regional, and local vendors. With global players increase their footprint in the market due to vast infrastructure and R&D support, regional vendors may find it increasingly difficult to compete in terms of reliability, technology, and price. The competitive environment is likely to intensify further with an increase in innovations and M&As. In this competitive environment, vendors have to develop innovative prams and incontinence products with a high focus on safety and convenience.



Key Vendors

Artsana

Newell

Dorel

Goodbaby

Uppababy

Other Vendors

Evenflo

Bumbleride

Bugaboo

Britax

Brevi Milano

Baby Trend

Stokke AS

Hauck

ABC Design

Emmaljunga

Peg Perego

Seebaby

My Babiie

Shenma

Roadmate

Combi

Air Buggy

Babyhug

Joovy

R for Rabbit

Nuna

Thule

Joolz

Hartan

iCandy

Babyzen

Maclaren

Aprica

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/82jeif

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The rampage at a Virginia Beach city government building was one tragedy in a string of high-profile mass shootings in the United States last year, between the high school killings in Parkland, Fla., and the Walmart massacre in El Paso, Texas.

As the tragedy nears its one-year anniversary Sunday, some victims family members feel it has effectively been forgotten after the national spotlight moved on to other mass killings, and more recently has been all but eclipsed by the coronavirus pandemic.

That leaves less pressure on authorities to provide definitive answers about why their loved ones died, they say, with the shooters motive officially still a mystery a year after he shot dead 12 people at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center before being killed by police.

We were a flash in the pan, said Jason Nixon, whose wife, Kate, was among those killed. I think that we should have had a lot more attention. Its not normal for someone to wake up and go murder 12 people.

City engineer DeWayne Craddock, 40, opened fire May 31, 2019, in offices where he had worked for more than nine years. Eleven co-workers and a contractor who was getting a permit died, four others were seriously wounded and a police officer received a bullet in his tactical vest but escaped serious injury.

The shooter had submitted his resignation the same day citing personal reasons, but city police investigators and an independent security firm that conducted an investigation know little about what drove him to go on his rampage, despite conducting hundreds of interviews and poring over thousands of documents.

The answer to why may be something we will never know, city officials wrote in an April update on the probe.

Nixon and other family members of victims believe they have an inkling, however: What they call a toxic workplace environment and poor management by supervisors.

I know what led to this, said Nixon, whos been among the most outspoken of the relatives. It wasnt random.

Its a notion echoed by Debbie Borato, sister of victim Missy Langer.

Langer had been harassed and bullied in the building, she said, and there was an office culture that pushed that man over the edge. Borato also said workplace security was lax.

City officials and Hillard Heintze, a Chicago-based security firm that conducted the probe, say claims of a toxic culture were not supported by the investigation.

Virginia Beach Vice-Mayor James Wood said he cant begin to understand the grief of the victims families, but investigators found nothing pointing to that.

In any organization, not every single manager and employee does everything 100 per cent the right way, all the time, Wood said. But if there was a systematic issue, if there was a problem, we would know about it.

The investigation also found no prior warning signs that might have enabled the city to prevent the shooting.

Relatives told investigators Craddock had become isolated and described him as acting paranoid. He had gone through a divorce and was having trouble at work. He had claimed in unsent email drafts that he had been unfairly disciplined.

But the security firm could not explain how such stressors might have translated into violence, and investigators said last month there was still no evidence to support what the suspects motive was.

Police say they plan to release more information but not the full investigative file once its complete. That has angered Nixon and others, who say they will be looking to the findings of a state commission being formed to examine the shooting.

If the Virginia Beach rampage has gotten a bit lost in the popular consciousness, its perhaps in part because it occurred in a year that set a record for mass shootings, defined as involving four deaths or more: There were 33 of them in the country in 2019, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.

Among the five mass shootings with over 10 dead in 2018 and 2019, most became part of larger narratives involving national and emotional issues. Two happened at schools in Florida and Texas, continuing a string of attacks on children, while shootings at an El Paso Walmart and a Pittsburgh synagogue were motivated by racism and anti-Semitism, respectively.

Office shooting sprees, experts say, while horrifying, typically do not resonate with Americans in the same way as more indiscriminate shootings at places such as movie theatres or concerts.

Public interest and focus have a lot to do with whether people can see themselves as a victim, whether it could have happened to them, said James Alan Fox, a Northeastern University professor of criminology, law and public policy. If it happens in a workplace, people think, Thats not like my workplace.

The sense that the shooting has faded to the background has only been heightened by the coranavirus pandemic. Concerns about large gatherings prompted city officials to plan a virtual ceremony Sunday instead of an in-person commemoration.

Borato said that even if the eyes of the nation are elsewhere, in Virginia Beach people remember.

It was just another horrible shooting situation to the rest of the country, Borato said. So they have no interest in wondering why. Well, we do. Because those are our families. That was my sister.
Celebrating literature in these times of COVID-19 Many who have found solace in books during the long weeks of lockdown uncertainty, wonder how drastically the pandemic will impact literature and publishing. In this guest column, Surina Narula, co-founder of the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature shares some thoughts View(s): View(s):

Literature and the coronavirus have a bizarre connection. Recently a poem written by Kathleen OMara was doing the social media rounds, and it is an uncanny reflection of todays situation. It was written in 1869 and reprinted in 1919 during the Spanish Flu pandemic. It talks of staying at home and the healing of humanity as well as the healing the earth, and completely changing the way we behaved. A lot of these sentiments are mirrored in the current literature during this present day pandemic where we are being asked to recalibrate. Some say it is Gods way of reminding us about our mistakes, others suggest that animals and birds are reclaiming the earth which we forcefully took away from them.

We as humans have a short memory and will soon forget this pandemic just as those in the eighteenth and the nineteenth century did, maybe as soon as we find a vaccine. So where does literature and the prize come in all of this. Literature serves us as our memory, just as the poetry of Kathleen reflects on the past and reminds us that we have been here before and can learn from similar past situations. How can we nurture our souls if we cant read what is current and what has passed?

My point is that literature is more important than life itself. When we come out of this crisis and head into an economic depression as we are being warned by every sensible economist, we will also be held to ransom by Big Brother. Governments are taking over many of our rights to protect us from the virus but the question is will they reinstate them after the crisis? We will be left with a vast network of surveillance and may never be able to go back to being independent the way we were. We may even forget what the earlier world looked like where we could speak our minds freely. And this is where I think literature will come in and remind us of our days when we werent trolled for our independence of thought and voicing our rights.

The fact that the virus began in China has also thrown open an interesting debate about the deep divisions in philosophy that were so obvious when we were growing up in the early seventies. The idea that you were a member of a state that ruled your every action was abominable to my age group. We loved our jeans and long hair and our music all of which was banned in China. We grew up reading Pearl S.Buck and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. We could never love the ruling philosophy of China or Russia. The next generation just saw the economic progress but not the torture and subjugation of innocent people that went on in the name of progress. Now suddenly the virus has reminded the world of what China did to its people. I remember reading Leon Uriss Exodus and learning about the great injustice done to the Jews. We actually learnt a great deal of the socio economic and political situations in a country through literature written during extreme circumstances.

Normally when a crisis deepens brilliant writers like Manto and Faiz are born. Todays Dinkar and Tagore may use social media to raise their voice against injustice but they will still hopefully, be using words and literature to describe the situation. Literature will also be used by liars and propaganda machines which we need to guard against. Whereas the craft of writing has become easier with the tools available today and the technology has made literature more accessible, it has also made it vulnerable to being used without the beauty and sensitivity of the language, and being manipulated to communicate hidden agendas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly taught us the merits of technology. Some of us were resisting its use and loved our hard copies of books and newspapers but once we start using and become familiar with their online avatars there is no coming back. Today one can zoom into a meeting in ones night dress and the next day you can be zooming into a dinner party in San Francisco while having breakfast in London. One has stopped worrying about the travel time and many more people can join in virtual meetings from around the world. The virus has also thrown open possibilities of living anywhere in the world and studying remotely as some Ivy League colleges have opened their lectures online and offered them to the world for free. These facilities were available earlier but we resisted change and therefore found it hard to adapt  but now its more in our face and we are willing to experiment.

Life will definitely change as we move through this pandemic. We at the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature are finding it difficult to visualise a prize with no physical human interaction. Over the last ten years of the prizes existence, we have had many beautiful meetings and interactions with authors, jury members, publishers and the media at our prize ceremonies and events. These have been fulfilling and rewarding moments that cannot be created through virtual reality. We are determined to promote literature in our landmark tenth year as effectively as before, but will we be able to conjure up the same magic if we had to move to virtual events and award ceremonies? With the publishing industry in the doldrums would we need to look at sending e-books to jury members for evaluation and would they be comfortable with that? How would it all work? While things look a bit uncertain at the moment I am confident that we would have some answers in a month or two.

The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature was instituted in 2010 with a vision to promote fiction writing pertaining to the South Asian region. In line with our South Asian essence, the prize has become peripatetic in nature and has announced its winner in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Nepal in recent years. While we may miss out on these physical on-ground award ceremonies if travel and gatherings are not feasible, we will for the love of literature move forward with a new format of the prize giving ceremony, if required. In terms of the funding of the prize we have instituted the South Asian Literature Prize & Events Trust in 2017 which administers the prize and we hope it will sustain the prize over a period of time.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the publishing industry and the literary world, but I personally feel that over time it would bounce back stronger than before. Firstly people are reading much more than before in these days of lockdown and social distancing. Secondly, history tells us that the most poignant literature and music have been composed in the times of adversity, so we can expect a fair amount of path-breaking writing to emerge during the pandemic and in its aftermath. Despite all the challenges of the present time, we definitely look forward to celebrating our landmark tenth year which will be delayed but not cancelled. Literary prizes will continue to exist and this is possible because of the commitment of patrons and the longstanding support of the literary community. This is something which we hope to leverage as we move ahead with the tenth year of the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.
Gratiaen Prize 2019 shortlist on June 20 View(s):

The Gratiaen Trust has announced that the shortlist for the Gratiaen Prize 2019 will be revealed on June 20. Heres a brief look at the authors on the longlist and their works as the big day approaches for the countrys most coveted award for creative writing in English:

Nadishka Aloysius  Raavanas Daughter

MermaidsDemonsGods.

It is 8000 B.C. Sita Devi, the wife of Lord Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya, has been abducted by the Demon King Raavana. Hanuman is tasked with building a bridge to facilitate the invasion of Lanka. His army gathers on the Southern coast of India. The expedition is brought to a halt, however, by the Mer-People who inhabit the Indian Ocean.

The story follows Hanuman as he struggles to complete his task. However, who is the mysterious Mer-Queen who lures him into her undersea lair? What part has she to play in this epic war? Is it all fair in love and war?

The Ramayana is a Hindu epic as old and as famous as Homers Odyssey. This novella, which is a retelling of the Ramakien (the Thai version of the Hindu tale), focuses solely on the story of Suvaana the Mer-Queen. The novella appeals to lovers of mythology and fantasy, and is enhanced by the fantasy art of Vasika Udurawana.

Ruchini Abeykoon  Dartboard Photographs

The author asks, If things werent how they are now, would my coffee taste different? The answer so far has always been yes. Thoughts flow easier when you are aware of the taste of your mug of coffee. Dartboard Photographs is, therefore, a collection of poems and fragments of thoughts that were formed over a couple of years  a collection of photographic memories translated into words.

Shashikala Assella  (In)Consequential Musings

A collection of poems, written primarily to escape, or come to terms with the personal and the political in the poets life, (In) Consequential Musings was created over a long period of time. Shashikala says, If I have to pick the poems that carry the essence of the collection, it would be the poems on Sigiriya. I think the fascination I have about the place, about the historical and mythical stories around it, makes me want to unpack its significance and most importantly, the unheard stories of the place. This desire to find a reason, or a voice for the untold and the unwritten is what made me want to write poetry.

Andrew Fidel Fernando  Upon a Sleepless Isle

In Upon a Sleepless Isle, Andrew Fidel Fernando embarks on an eight-week journey around Sri Lanka, during which he explores the wonders, weirdnesses and horrors of the island. Through a comic lens, the book also investigates how Sri Lankas rich history resonates with its wild and contentious present, tying together significant research with off-kilter observations of everyday life. The book is part travelogue and part ethnographic pastiche offering a window into Sri Lankas irrepressible character and textured patina of life, love and loss.

Praveen Jayamanna  The Double Doorway

In this childrens fantasy, there are changes in store for Jack. It starts off with him moving houses, then adjusting to his moms new job. But these pale in comparison when he, along with his baby sister Mell, are dragged along by the half-crazy scientist living next to them with two distinct personalities on a crazy cross dimensional adventure. In these unfamiliar lands, nothing is what it seems, even if it seems like nothing.

Upali Mahaliyana- Tom-tom Boy

Tom-tom Boy is a multi-layered story.

On the surface is the story of two little children handed to the village temple because of hardships at home. They follow different paths in life but remain best of friends for life. One of them wishes to collect merit for his mother and save her from another untimely death in samsara, as she did in this life. The other realizes that there are no prospects for life beyond being a temple acolyte, unless he wears robes. One remains in robes, the other leaves but returns.

Last year, Upali was shortlisted for the 2018 Gratiaen Prize for his novel Youthful Escapades. This year, his novel Tom-tom Boy brings to readers a vivid description of Buddhist monkhood and social life.

Vihanga Perera  Sentimental Pieces/The Private Funeral/The Classical War Poems

Sentimental Pieces et al is a collection of poetry arranged in three sections. Of the three, Sentimental Pieces is largely biographical, consisting mostly of inter-connected, at times mutually enforcing lyrical poems. Written as a prose-poem, The Private Funeral dramatizes the mourning of a partner during a funeral. Classical War Poems is an experimental piece in five movements which begins with Desdemona and concludes with an attempt at assassinating Pete Clemenzas daughter. All poems are meant to be read out loud.
For both large and small arts groups, cuts in grants from the Regional Arts Commission will hurt.

With rare exceptions, all the arts organizations, all the artists, are struggling mightily right now, said Mont Levy, the commissions board chairman. The RAC budget funding cuts just add to the misery.

But whether they lose $1,000 or many times that, some arts groups say they will do their best to cope, as nonprofits are expected to do.

I think were all going to have to be more flexible and turn on a dime when necessary, said Lizzy Petersen, director of St. Louis high school students Outside Literary Magazine.

RAC, which is funded largely through the citys hotel/motel tax, is worried its revenue will drop dramatically  perhaps by 60%  for the grant cycle beginning July 1.

Normally it budgets more than $4 million a year for local arts groups. And although it does not know precisely what its revenue will be, it has sent letters to various groups warning of grant reductions of 60% or more.

It could be or more for Cinema St. Louis, executive director Cliff Froehlich said.

Anybody in our operating support category might only get 25%, he said he was told late last month.

For the past year, the group that organizes a variety of film festivals has received about $66,000 from RAC.

Thankfully, weve built up an operating reserve over the past decade, Froehlich said. Weve worked very hard not to spend all the money that comes in.

In addition to its reserve and other sponsors, Cinema St. Louis has applied for a federal payroll loan that can be forgiven. It also has sought support from places like the Missouri Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Froehlich recently announced that all 2020 events, including the groups St. Louis International Film Festival, will not take place in theaters because of the possibility of new waves of coronavirus cases. So the group wont have to pay for venues (if they are even available).

Film buffs will be able to pay to view festival offerings online, perhaps through Roku boxes and the like.

No one should have to risk their life to go see a movie, Froehlich said.

Metro Theater Company, which produces plays, workshops and camps for young audiences, said the RAC cuts mean it will lose more than 5% of its operating budget.

That impact is significant, artistic director Julia Flood and managing director Joe Gfaller said Saturday by email.

Like Cinema St. Louis, Metro will apply for help through arts relief programs, the federal governments CARES Act, the NEA and other groups, hoping some of the support it will lose from RAC can be replaced.

It will be essential for us to do so in order to maintain our current level of programming and serve youth and families across St. Louis through our work, Flood and Gfaller said.

Petersen, who also works with youths, said that after St. Louis high schools closed this spring, students still wanted to finish their Outside lit magazine. They were not able to take it to print or sell it but managed to post online stories, poems and artwork chosen from about 80 submissions.

The magazines budget is only about $5,000, but the project for students was important: Teachers told Petersen the homebound students needed the lift the work provided and to feel the school year had a big end.

Petersen said the magazines first RAC grant would now be only about $1,000, 40% of the initial award.

This is our first time getting it, so its a plus for us, she said. But it would be nice to have more money. The magazine project has grown through its four years, but even so, Petersen has not taken a salary. Stipends have gone to teachers who help with workshops and to pay for printing and a website.

St. Louis International Film Festival will be on small screens this fall Cinema St. Louis has decided its 29th annual International Film Festival will be shown online rather than in theaters in November.

She had considered organizing an off-site reading with some of the money. Those plans, like so many others, are up in the air.

At a time when worries about a deadly virus go far beyond paying for movies and magazines, artists have continued to explain why their work remains worth supporting.

Cate Blanchett, who plays the late conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly in Mrs. America on Hulu, wrote of art in the New York Times just last week:

It can bring us together physically and emotionally. And it can teach us about one another, inspiring empathy rather than anger. Art matters because it lets us engage with our complex social fabric, allowing us to cross divides and work toward a safer and more meaningful existence together.

Flood and Gfaller of Metro Theater said by email: We know that we are living in a new landscape, but, in the end, the arts will survive and RAC will survive. Supporting each other through this is essential to keep our community strong.

The theater group will participate with other major St. Louis organizations in Sundays Arts United STL fundraiser. One of at least 16 groups performing in the video livestream, Metro Theater will share excerpts from its COVID-19 Memory Project accompanied by original music by Syrhea Conaway.

Arts United STL, produced by Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, hopes to raise $250,000 through sponsors and 1,000 individual donations for RACs Artist Relief Fund. The money will help support local artists, adding to the $140,000 in relief grants RAC already gave out.

RAC opens applications Friday for the new Artist Relief money.

Mont Levy, the RAC chairman, believes some small arts organizations may not survive the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus.

He hopes travel spending in St. Louis picks up and that RAC only has to weather a couple of quarters of cuts.

But, he said, obviously none of us has been through anything like this. You just dont know whats ahead.

The Arts United fundraiser isnt important just for the money it will raise, he said, but for the community statement of 1,000 donors providing support for artists. Among other things, RAC is also participating in a website that launches in June: stlartsresource.org.

He said it will be a clearinghouse for resource materials and information for artists and arts organizations to help navigate the crisis.

As people begin to gather again to enjoy the arts, St. Louis still will have an array of wonderful organizations offering the art that is so important to enhancing the quality of our lives.

What Arts United STL virtual benefit  When 7 p.m. Sunday  Where experienceopera.org/artsunited, HEC-TV and Opera Theatres YouTube channel  How much Free  More info opera-stl.org

Supporting our artistic ecosystem: Opera Theatre of St. Louis organizes a virtual benefit concert to help artists The Regional Arts Council will distribute funds to help artists in assorted disciplines

Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In New York City, the first confirmed COVID-19 cases arose mostly through untracked transmission of the virus from Europe and other parts of the United States, a new molecular epidemiology study of 84 patients reports.

The results provide limited evidence to support any direct introductions of the virus from China, where SARS-CoV-2 originated. The first SARS-CoV-2 case in New York State was identified in New York City by 29 February.

Knowing the route it took to arrive is essential for evaluating and designing effective containment strategies. Ana S. Gonzalez-Reiche and colleagues took advantage of SARS-CoV-2 sequences collected at the Mount Sinai Health System through March 18, from patients representing 21 New York City neighborhoods and two towns in neighboring Westchester County.

The authors sequenced 90 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 84 of the over 800 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases and analyzed these sequences together with all publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genomes from around the world (more than 2,000).

The results indicate SARS-CoV-2 was introduced to New York City through multiple independent but isolated introductions mainly from Europe and other parts of the United States. Most of these cases appear associated with untracked transmission and potential travel-related exposures, the authors say.

Very few of the cases were infected with a virus that looked to be introduced from Asia, and in those, the virus was most closely related to viral isolates from Seattle, Washington. The authors also found evidence that early spread of the virus in New York City was sustained by community transmission.

Their data also point to the limited efficacy of travel restrictions in a place once multiple introductions of the virus and community-driven transmission have already occurred. The results also underscore the need for early and continued broad testing to identify untracked transmission clusters in communities.
More than 50 businesses have already applied for a new Covid-19 Restart Grant just days after it was launched.

The scheme, unveiled on Friday, May 22, has attracted significant attention and there are estimates that up to 900 businesses in Leitrim could avail of the scheme by the closing date at the end of August.

The new 250m fund for the Restart Grant provides direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following Covid-19 closures.

Any business that has a commercially rateable premises, or where rates are paid on your behalf and attributable to the business premises you occupy, can apply for the scheme.

Multiple chain stores; non-commercial organisations such as community and sporting premises (including charity shops and community and sporting premises with a bar) are not eligible for the grant. Businesses that do not operate from commercially rateable premises (tradesmen, service providers, etc) are also not eligible to apply.

Speaking at this week's Ballinamore Municipal District meeting on Monday, May 25, Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance at Leitrim County Council, said that the scheme has already attracted a lot of interest.

He said that more than 50 applications have already been submitted and another 50 to 55 applications have been started but not yet submitted.

He acknowledged that a lot of the applications submitted were for businesses which are set to open in the later phases, 4 and 5 but said there were some businesses which had recently reopened in the first phase of the Roadmap to Reopening.

Mr Dwyer noted that the minimum payment in the grant is 2,000. He pointed out that three quarters of rate payers in Co Leitrim pay less than this in commercial rates per year but said that this was the starting payment and regardless of whether your business annual rates bill is less than this amount, if you qualify, the lowest payment you can receive will be 2,000.

He also noted that even if businesses have failed to pay previous rates bills the amount they owe will not be offset against the grant payment.

We won't be talking to people about arrears in this process. This is all about getting businesses open again, he told the online meeting.

Acknowledging there were concerns over fraudulent claims under the scheme, Mr Dwyer said that checks will be put in place and stressed that fraudulent applications would be followed up.

He also pointed out that if you had a commercial property which was vacant at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown then this scheme won't be available to you.

He said that if you had rented or bought a premises and had been working to open prior to lockdown but had been unable to do so, then contact Leitrim County Council and make an application.

My advice is make an application. If there is a bounce of the ball (on this) then that bounce of the ball will be going in favour of the rate payer, he said.

If you can prove you were getting ready to open (when the lockdown came into effect) then we will facilitate you to the best that we can.

For further details on the scheme see www.leitrimcoco.ie or phone Leitrim County Council on (071) 9620005.

Concern for those businesses missing out on rates waiver

One of the concerns raised at the Ballinamore meeting centred on businesses such as petrol stations and pharmacies which were considered to be 'essential services' and did not close when the lockdown was introduced in late March.

Mr Dwyer noted that these business, although open over the last few months, have seen a substantial fall in trade and had not qualified for the commercial rates waiver introduced for other businesses which had to close over the last few months.

Even though they were open, (essential) business trade could be down by 65-70% and because they were open, they can't apply for the commercial rates waiver which has applied to businesses forced to close as part of the lockdown, he said.

Under the waiver, businesses closed due to Covid-19 pay no commercial rates for the period up until June 27.

For essential services such as pharmacies and petrol stations, their situation is grave because they had to open but during this period their business was non-existent, he acknowledged.

Mr Dwyer said that it is clear that businesses will need a structured bail out following the impact of Covid-19 and he said more needs to be done to help essential services who could not close and do not qualify for the rates waiver.

Social distancing reduction needed

While welcoming the new grant scheme, councillors in the Ballinamore Municipal District said that a rethink is needed on the social distance guidelines being applied to businesses.

Cllr Caillian Ellis said that unless the distance required under social distancing was reduced from the current two metre recommendation to one metre, the minimum distance required by the World Health Organisation (WHO), then a lot of businesses won't be able to reopen.

He said this was especially true for restaurants, cafes and pubs where businesses won't be able to open because they won't be viable with a two metre distance.

Cathaoirleach of the municipal district, Cllr Paddy O'Rourke and Cllr Enda McGloin agreed that some businesses were facing very difficult choices.

It's hard to see why we cannot follow the WHO guidelines and reduce social distancing to just one metre, said Cllr McGloin.

It would allow a lot more businesses to reopen, he said.
Absence of somatic mutations in plasma derived cell-free DNA found in liquid biopsy associated with improved survival

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the data presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting on 29 May 2020, researchers at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, have found useful prognostic information beyond actionable biomarkers when the Guardant360 test is performed on ALK-rearranged (ALK positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The poster presentation is entitled "Longitudinal monitoring of next generation sequencing (NGS) of plasma cell-free DNA in ALK-rearranged NSCLC patients treated with ALK tyrosine inhibitors".

Patients with known ALK positive advanced stage NSCLC had blood collected prior to the start of ALK-targeted treatment, 2 months after treatment began, and when the cancer progressed. The main findings of this study showed that the absence of tumour-derived cfDNA prior to and disappearance of cfDNA 2 months after starting ALK-targeted treatment were both independently associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The study also found that the co-occurrence of TP53 mutations and ALK alterations in cfDNA prior to treatment was associated with shorter PFS and OS in patients with ALK positive NSCLC.

Dr. Minsuk Kwon, the first author and recipient of the Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award said, "It is absolutely important to identify ALK fusions for appropriate treatment selection. In this study, we also found that the clearance of tumour cfDNA after two months of first line ALK TKI therapy predicted better treatment and survival outcome in ALK positive NSCLC patients."

Dr. Myung-Ju Ahn, Professor, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Samsung Medical Center and corresponding author of the study said, "Normally, we evaluate cfDNA to identify actionable biomarkers in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, which we could do for most patients in this study. But we also found that when we could not detect any tumour DNA in blood prior to treatment there were favourable prognostic implications for patients with ALK positive disease."

"The Guardant360 assay, which requires only a simple blood draw, allowed these investigators to efficiently assess tumour DNA status before, during, and after treatment with targeted therapy. Their findings show the clinical utility of identifying biomarkers in cfDNA and the favourable prognostic significance of not detecting tumour cfDNA in people living with ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer," said Dr. Steve Olsen, Chief Medical Officer of Guardant Health Asia, Middle East and Africa (GH AMEA).

The Guardant360 test is increasingly being used to guide treatment in metastatic lung cancer as the number of treatment-relevant genomic alterations continues to grow. Using next-generation sequencing, Guardant360 analyses 74 genes using cell-free tumour DNA from blood samples.

Poster Presentation Title: Longitudinal monitoring by next generation sequencing of plasma cell-free DNA in ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Abstract Number: 9603

Poster Number: 369

Authors: Minsuk Kwon, Bo Mi Ku, Sehhoon Park, Hyun Ae Jung, Jong-Mu Sun, Se-Hoon Lee, Jin Seok Ahn, Keunchil Park, Myung-Ju Ahn; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea

About Guardant Health AMEA

Guardant Health AMEA is a joint venture between SoftBank and Guardant Health, a leading precision oncology company focused on helping conquer cancer globally through use of its proprietary blood tests, vast data sets and advanced analytics. The Guardant Health oncology platform is designed to leverage its capabilities in technology, clinical development, regulatory and reimbursement to drive commercial adoption, improve patient clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs. In pursuit of its goal to manage cancer across all stages of the disease, Guardant Health has launched multiple liquid biopsy-based tests, Guardant360 and GuardantOMNI, for advanced stage cancer patients, which fuel its LUNAR development programs for recurrence and early detection. Since its launch in 2014, Guardant360 has been used by more than 7,000 oncologists, over 60 biopharmaceutical companies and all 28 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Centers in the United States. Visit us online at www.guardanthealthamea.com.

About Samsung Medical Center

When SMC opened in 1994, it changed the paradigm of healthcare by focusing on patient-centered care and a focus on customer satisfaction. SMC remains dedicated to improving health and enhancing the quality of life through the provision of state-of-the-art patient care, clinical research and education. During the past 20 years, SMC has won first place in the National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) 14 times, first place in the Korean Customer Satisfaction Index (KCSI) 16 times, first place in the Korean Standard  Service Quality Index (KS-SQI) 12 times consecutively, and has been selected as the top medical center in the hospital sector in Brand Star 12 times consecutively.

SMC is the leading research-oriented hospital in Korea equipped with appropriate facilities and personnel, with the training, knowledge and experience necessary to conduct pre-clinical and clinical research. SMC plans to achieve medical innovation in the future to promote the happiness of patients and will develop into a global hub of biohealth care study and link the industry by connecting to hospitals, R&D Centers, schools, and enterprises. At the same time, SMC will create the image of a new future hospital as a public medical institution that leads social contribution. For more information on SMC, please visit SMC's website.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1174811/Guardant_Health_Logo.jpg

Related Links

http://www.guardanthealthamea.com



SOURCE Guardant Health AMEA
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  A little more than one million overseas Filipino workers are projected to be displaced until December of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alice Visperas, director of the Department of Labors International Labor Affairs Bureau (DOLE-ILAB), said that a total of 323,537 OFWs have lost their jobs from February to May of 2020 alone, and 1,005,031 OFWs are estimated to be displaced until the end of next year.

Majority of the OFWs that are seen to be displaced are located in the Middle East according to the DOLE-ILAB projection, followed by Europe and Americas, then Asia.

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon tayong mga ginagawa para sa mga displaced COVID-infected OFWs, said Visperas.

[Translation: We are currently doing something for the displaced COVID-infected OFWs]

OFWs that are infected by the coronavirus disease are entitled to receive $200 or 10,000 from the Labor Department, through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

DOLE also has its Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) Program which extends cash assistance to displaced OFWs due to the current global health pandemic.

Each beneficiary of the AKAP Program will also receive 10,000, said Visperas in a House hearing on overseas workers affairs on Friday.

Programs for displaced OFWs

The DOLE-ILAB has mentioned a couple of reintegration programs for Filipino workers displaced by COVID-19.

First is skills training, development, and reintegration preparedness.

Nakikita po natin na dahil sa COVID, maraming companies ang magsasara, marami pong mga work sites ang mag paprioritize ng kanilang mga citizens para sa mga trabaho, said Visperas.

[Translation: We see that because of COVID-19, many companies will close, and many work sites will prioritize their citizens as employees.]

The DOLE-ILAB director stressed the need for Filipino workers to be trained and equipped in order to sustain their preferential employability in essential industries in different countries of destination.

Visperas added that DOLE will continue to monitor the status and condition of OFWs abroad, and they will make sure to help in the reemployment of those who are still possible to be absorbed back to their jobs.

Lifting of temporary ban

A nurses group calls for the lifting of the temporary ban on healthcare workers in the same House hearing, raising concerns on nurses losing their contracts abroad due to the inability to fly out of the country.

Filipino Nurses United President Maristela Abenojar spoke in behalf of over 600 nurses in the hearing.

Karamihan po dito sa 649 ay may signed contract na sa employer noon pa pong 2019...malaking bilang po sa listahan natin ay ang mga nurses na patungo sana sa UK, she said.

[Translation: Most of the 649 nurses already have a signed contract with an employer since 2019. A big number of them are bound for the UK.]

RELATED: Only 1,000 Filipino medical workers sent abroad amid deployment ban - DOLE

Abenojar said that the nurses have spent an average of 200,000 to 300,000 for their employment requirements and documents.

The temporary deployment ban, signed by the Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on April 2, covers physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other medical staff.
Remise de don de materiel a la Polyclinique dAkwa Adeline Atangana

A list of health facilities accredited to treat cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 will be made public in the days ahead, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute has ordered.

The instructions were handed over to the Minister of Public Health Thursday at the end of a 260-minute cabinet meeting at the auditorium of the Prime Ministers Office attended by Ministers of State, Ministers and Ministers-Delegate.

Fouda Seraphin Magloire, Secretary General of the Prime Ministers Office in a dispatch said the PM ordered the Minister of Public Health to among other things speed up the work of setting up specialized health facilities dedicated to the handling of COVID-19.

At the end of the discussions that followed, the Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Public Health, among other things, to speed up the work of setting up out and equipping health care units and centres dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19 patients, within a view to improving patient care, said Fouda.

He was also instructed to publish the list of public and private health facilities authorized to care for people infected with the coronavirus.

A lot of anarchy has been observed in the treatment and handling of COVID-19 cases, with some health facilities seizing the opportunity to make quick money.

Marie O. Polyclinic, a health structure located in Cameroons economic capital  Douala, was closed on the instructions of Public Health Minister Dr. Manaouda Malachie on May 14, three days after a COVID-19 patient reportedly died in the facility.

Although the state says it covers all expenses associated with COVID-19 treatment, the polyclinic, Minister Manaouda said, issued a FCFA 6 million bill to the family of the diseased COVID-19 patient. Aside issuing such an exorbitant bill, the hospital administration violated decree no. 041/CAB/ PM of April 20, 2020 on the creation and functioning of special COVID-19 Centres.

At Thursdays cabinet meeting, the Minister of Public Health presented the epidemiological situation related to the coronavirus pandemic. He stated that the increase in the number of patients in recent weeks is mainly due to the laxity observed in the application of barrier gestures, the concealment of infected persons and the clandestine admission of patients in health facilities not qualified to treat people infected with the coronavirus.

In order to increase the capacity to care for COVID-19 patients, specialized treatment centers have been set up in all Regions and will be operational in the days ahead, Malachie is quoted as saying. The technical facilities of health districts are also expected to be strengthened to improve the management of cases of COVID-19 in rural areas.

As we went to press, Cameroon had confirmed 5,659 cases of COVID-19, with 3441 recoveries and 185 deaths.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: In yet another record spike for a single day, Karnataka saw 248 Covid-positive cases on Friday, taking the total count to 2,781. Of these, a whopping 208 people were returnees from Maharashtra, 15 of whom travelled to Udupi, 60 to Yadgiri, 61 to Kalaburagi, two to Mandya, 62 to Raichur and four people to Vijayapura.

The alarming numbers are because of a surge of people returning from other states, especially high-prevalence zones. But with the suspension of economic activity no longer an option, the governments focus now seems to be educating citizens about the necessity of social distancing and maintaining hygiene.

This is the second time that the state is crossing the 200-mark on a single day. On May 23, 216 cases were reported.

The toll too rose to 48 cases on Friday with a 50-year-old woman from Chikkaballapur becoming the latest fatality. The woman, who had suffered a head injury in a road accident and was admitted to a private hospital on May 24, was later shifted to Bengalure due to acute kidney injury and pneumonia. She tested positive on Thursday.

Bengaluru Urban district added 12 cases including one returning from Andhra Pradesh, three from Delhi and one from Tamil Nadu, while contact tracing of seven others is on. Imran Pasha (40), the JDS corporator from Padarayanapura, was among those who tested positive on Friday, despite not showing any symptoms. The locality is sealed since April after an outbreak of Covid-19 cases. There are 25 active cases in Padarayanapura currently. A total of 64 cases were reported as per the BBMP war room data.

60 recover in state, total 894

BENGALURU Rural district saw one case of ILI while Davanagere recorded three patients who are primary contacts of a patient and one ILI case. Mysuru saw one returnee from Rajasthan and another from Ireland testing positive. While Shivamogga and Chitradurga registered one case each, Chikkamagaluru saw two cases, all who had returned from Delhi.

In Hassan district, three primary contacts and one secondary contact of Covid patients, and one person from a containment zone, tested positive on Friday. A man from Delhi and another from Maharashtra tested positive in Tumakuru. In Ballari, eight people who arrived from Rajasthan and one from Gujarat tested positive. As many as 60 people were discharged on Friday, taking the total to 894.
A new ACT party candidate is planning to stand for Tauranga at the general elections this year.

I am standing to raise ACT's Party Vote in Tauranga, says married father of two, Cameron Luxton.

A Papamoa local, the self-employed builder was raised in Papamoa and attended Mount Maunganui College before becoming a building apprentice. He went on to spend seven years in Galatea where he share-milked on a 200ha operation, during which time he won Apprentice of the Year at the Dairy Industry Awards. Being part of that community helped shape his resolve to join ACT.

I observed the damage which government can wrought on a community with many hard-working people, and policies which restrict development, movement, self-reliance and cause areas to decline, says Cameron.

I absolutely hold that the valuing of everyone else's individual rights and responsibilities is the most important thing.

ACT has announced candidates with a range of talents who will stand from Northland to Southland for 49 of the 65 general electorates. These include Bruce Carley, who will be standing for the Bay of Plenty electorate, which is currently held by National MP Todd Muller.

I believe so strongly in personal freedom and personal responsibility, which go hand in hand, says Bruce.

And having much less government influence in people's lives beyond protecting and advancing private rights and freedom.

Individuals, families, businesses, and any kinds of organisation of people are far better at doing things with their own efforts and their own money than being told what to do.

Bruce campaigned alongside his ACT colleague Stuart Pedersen when they both ran in the 2014 and 2017 general elections. Bruce was a list candidate in 2014, having only relocated to Tauranga from Auckland a couple of months prior to the election. In 2017 he stood as a Bay of Plenty candidate and will be doing the same this year. Tragically, Stuart died while sailing back to New Zealand from Fiji last year.

Stuart had intended to stand for us again this year. He made a tremendous contribution to the party.

We ran together as a team and I value what he did for us greatly, but look forward to working really well with Cameron Luxton this year.

A marketing manager, Bruce has worked in communications and management roles for 30 years, mainly in technology distribution and software development. He was also recently elected back onto the board of the ACT party, having held an ACT board position previously from 2017- 2019.

I understand people and businesses around the bay, and what things are important to them. I think the ACT party reflects what they would like to achieve by providing them with that minimal government intervention and maximum freedom, and allowing them to keep more of their own earnings to invest in those things as they see fit.

The two candidates both intend campaigning for the party vote only. A recent poll suggested that ACT could have more MPs in parliament and Bruce says that party membership has doubled in the last year.

Were certainly heartened by the increase in that polling, and it does reflect the massive upsurge in membership. And people want to stand as candidates for the party, says Bruce.

At our party conference last year, we launched our new branding and recommitted to our core principles around freedom, particularly freedom of speech, but also other freedoms around education, employment and related fields. With the unfair changes to firearms legislation that made criminals out of entirely innocent people who were just trying to go about their hobbies or their livelihoods, that has attracted a great many people who appreciate that there is one party only in parliament that is actually standing up for those rights and wants to return to those rights.

Bruce also has deep concerns for businesses affected by COVID-19.

We want to see them get back on their feet, they were really hanging on by their fingertips. Some didn't last and theres still a danger that many more will fail. Weve been promoting allowing business to resume and we published an alternative budget that would see the country out of deficit in only a few years rather than the foreseeable future that the governments budget has lumbered us with.

The ACT party list ranking is due to be released at the end of June.
A civic employee deployed to give food and water to inmates of a quarantine centre in Bhayander Pada in Thane district in Maharashtra died of COVID-19 on his retirement day on Saturday, an official said.

The man had tested positive on May 18, and was under treatment, and died at around 1:30 pm, hours before he would have superannuated at the end of his shift under normal circumstances, said Thane Municipal Corporation spokesperson Sandeep Malavi.

In another development, a five-day old girl tested positive for novel coronavirus on Saturday, a Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation official said.

She was among 18 who tested positive for the virus in MBMC limits, he added.

TMC cases rose by 151 to reach 2,901, while five deaths took the toll in the city to 84, an official said.

Meanwhile, the TMC launched a website that would give details of beds available at hospitals to combat the outbreak.
Despite the steadily rising rate of infection in the last few days, officials say that the infection rate has not reached its peak, with the numbers expected to continue to rise till mid-June

Egypt's health ministry reported on Saturday 1,367 new coronavirus infections, the highest single-day increase announced to date, bringing the countrys total number of confirmed cases to 23,449 since the detection of the first case on 14 February.

This is the third consecutive day for the country to witness a single-day record in the number of detected infections.

Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said in a statement that the new cases were detected through the ministrys investigation and contact tracing protocols.

The statement added that the total number of COVID-19 deaths has now reached 913 nationwide, after announcing 34 deaths today.

Megahed also said that 182 Egyptians have fully recovered and left isolation hospitals on Saturday, which brings the total number of recoveries from the virus so far to 5,693.

The number of people whose test results have turned from positive to negative, including the recoveries, has now reached 6,456.

Despite the gradual reopening of the country's commercial activities, the cabinet has imposed more stern measures starting from today (30 May) till mid-June to contain the spread of the virus.

Instead of starting at 5 pm, the night-time curfew, in place since 25 March, will be in effect from 8 pm to 6 am starting 30 May for two weeks. Malls and shops, which were closed during the Eid El-Fitr holiday, will be open daily until 5 pm during the two-week period.

Starting from today till 15 June, private and public transportation will be operational until the start of curfew hours.

Other businesses like cafes, sporting clubs and gyms will remain closed during these two weeks, and violators will be subject to a fine of up to EGP 4,000 and/or imprisonment.

According to a decree by the cabinet, facemasks will be mandatory for workers or visitors at markets, shops, banks, governmental or private institutions, as well as for commuters taking public or private transportation. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to EGP 4,000.

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi asked on his Twitter and Facebook accounts last Thursday for the Egyptian people to maintain solidarity and stand together during this important moment to face the coronavirus pandemic.

While it took Egypt 50 days to reach the milestone of the first 1,000 infections on 4 April, last Friday alone saw 1,289 cases of coronavirus detected, the highest single-day toll of infections till yesterday.

Despite the steadily rising rate of infection in the last few days, officials say that the infection rate has not reached its peak, with the numbers expected to continue to rise till mid-June.

The health adviser to the presidency Awad Tag El-Din said last Wednesday that Egypt will reach the peak of the coronavirus infections after two weeks.

Moreover, on 21 May, Egypts Higher Education Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar said that the real number of coronavirus cases could be higher than the number of cases officially detected, according to a hypothetical model, as "the real number of coronavirus infections in Egypt could be over 71,000."

In an attempt to cope with the increasing number of cases, the health ministry announced on Friday that it will deploy medical convoys to distribute medical kits or deliver them to homes, starting in the governorates of Daqahliya, Sharqiya, Giza, Qalioubiya, Ismailia, Minya and South Sinai.

According to the statement, the medical kits include preventative supplies and drugs that are in line with the medical protocol set by the ministrys scientific committee.

Hospitals will also distribute the kits to people with mild coronavirus symptoms currently in home isolation, depending on the medical protocol for each case, the ministry spokesman added.

The ministry also launched the mobile application Sehet Masr (Health of Egypt) to follow-up on patients who are self-isolated at home. The app will also serve as a substitute to its phone hotline (105).

The app answers frequently asked questions and provides the addresses and phone numbers of hospitals that conduct coronavirus tests, with maps showing the exact location of these hospitals. The app allows users to also report coronavirus cases, learn about the instructions for home isolation procedures as well as guidelines on treatment and prevention.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump said the U.S. will terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization, which he has accused of being too deferential to China and of failing to provide accurate information about the spread of the coronavirus.

We have detailed reforms that they must make and engage with them directly, but they have refused to act, Trump said Friday at the White House. We will be today terminating our relationship with the WHO.

Trumps announcement came as he delivered a litany of complaints against the Beijing government, ranging from trade practices to legislative moves that would compromise Hong Kongs autonomy. He had previously suspended funding to the WHO, complaining that it had been complicit with China in concealing the extent of risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic, which originated in Hubei province.

The presidents decision drew quick condemnation from a range of organizations involved in fighting the virus as well as lawmakers.

In the grip of a global pandemic that has already killed more than 100,000 Americans, severing ties with the World Health Organization serves no logical purpose and makes finding a way out of this public health crisis dramatically more challenging, said Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association. This senseless action will have significant, harmful repercussions now and far beyond this perilous moment, particularly as the WHO is leading worldwide vaccine development and drug trials to combat the pandemic.

Trumps WHO Attack Accelerates Breakdown in Global Cooperation

Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican and the chairman of the Senate Health Committee, said he disagreed with the decision.

Certainly there needs to be a good, hard look at mistakes the World Health Organization might have made in connection with coronavirus, but the time to do that is after the crisis has been dealt with, not in the middle of it, Alexander said in a statement.

And Senator Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat and vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said in a statement that the WHO could have been more assertive with China and declared a global health emergency sooner, but it is performing an essential function and needs our strong support, especially now.

It wasnt immediately clear how Trump intended to carry out his vow or how quickly the U.S. could really withdraw from the treaty it signed to join the organization, which is part of the United Nations. The presidents threat, in the short term, may mean that his earlier decision to freeze U.S. funding to the organization continues indefinitely.

Unlike the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, or Unesco, which the U.S. officially left in 2019, the WHOs constitution doesnt contain a formal withdrawal mechanism, according to Richard Gowan, the United Nations director at the International Crisis Group.

Presumably the organizations founders, including the U.S., simply thought it was absurd to imagine that any country would want to quit, he said. In practical terms, the U.S. could simply cease all payments, which in theory should lead to it losing voting rights, he added.

Officials at the WHO in Geneva didnt immediately respond to a request for comment after normal business hours. China has rejected accusations that it acted to slowly to alert the WHO and the world to the virus threat.

Independence From China

The U.S. has historically been the WHOs largest contributor, providing $400 million to $500 million in mandatory and voluntary contributions.

Trumps initial threat to pull out of the organization earlier this month was accompanied by a four-page letter detailing his grievances. In the letter, he called on the WHO to demonstrate independence from China, renewing his complaint that led him in April to temporarily suspend U.S. funding.

Yet even that earlier threat had caveats. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo at the time recommended U.S. funding continue for WHO programs targeting polio and the coronavirus in seven countries: Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria and Turkey.

Alexandra Phelan, an assistant professor at the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University, argued that the question over whether the U.S. can withdraw is murky. While some argue the president retains power to exit treaties others argue the decision requires Congress consent, she said in a post on Twitter.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
WATERLOO  Community arts leader Isabel Cisterna has a new home with the Wilfrid Laurier University Library.

The university recently announced Cisterna will be taking over the role as manager of cultural programming and community engagement, working to captivate members of the university and the wider community in cultural events and programming.

Libraries are evolving from places to find knowledge to places where you can contribute to knowledge, be engaged, have your ideas heard and participate in a safe and welcoming environment, Cisterna said in a news release. Libraries are the heart of a community. The Laurier Library is the heart of the university community and I am honoured to be a part of it.

Cisterna brings more than 20 years of experience in cultural programming, community event organization and social innovation.

She is the founder of Neruda Arts, a nonprofit arts organization that integrates music, dance, drama, literary and visual arts. And she is an award-winning scriptwriter and decorated community member of Waterloo Region, receiving the Canada 150+ Commemorative Medal in 2018, the Waterloo Award and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship in 2018, and Ontarios Leading Women Building Communities Award in 2014.

I am delighted to welcome Isabel to the Laurier Library. It is very exciting to have a community leader of her calibre joining our journey of transformation into an engaging cultural hub, Gohar Ashoughian, university librarian, said in a news release.

Isabel brings a wide range of skills and talents to our team that will help us amplify our vision.

Read more about:
To expect our people to show total conformity to the preventive measures against Covid 19, announced by the Indian government is, in fact, to expect a little too much. Some of the mandatory measures such as wearing a mask in public spaces, social distancing, self-isolation or quarantining (in both symptomatic or asymptomatic cases) and getting tested if showing symptoms are some of the important guidelines we are expected to follow. Apart from this, we are also expected to wash our hands frequently; sanitise our living and work spaces, including the surfaces we frequently touch during the course of our activities.

Though some people follow these guidelines scrupulously, a majority of Indians dont think twice before flouting them. We have noticed how social distancing is not always maintained when people are present in public spaces. Something as simple as a mask is often not worn because people say its unhealthy or that its not going to make much of a difference. There have been other more disturbing violations such as people escaping from hospitals while quarantined or others turning violent when questioned why they were not following the protocol. Initially, when the pandemic had just struck, people also made a deliberate attempt to hide their symptoms or their contact history. Cases of mass congregations, parties or social get-togethers too were reported.

This brings us to a pertinent question: How are people expected to conduct themselves in critical times? Are we, as a society, expected to behave responsibly or irresponsibly? Even when things are normal, we Indians, take special delight in flouting norms or the rules, without bothering about our communities and adopting a me first approach, not thinking twice about jumping the queue or the red-light or worrying about accidents or inconvenience caused to others.

We also have no respect for the law of the land, a fact demonstrated by the Indian police using lathis to force the people stay indoors during the lockdown. It was only the fear of the rod, not concern for others, that kept people from stepping out of their homes. Things got so bad that even the government had to threaten its own defaulting citizens with legal action, that too to help them stay alive and healthy!

When people were asked to beat thalis or light candles as a mark of respect for the corona warriors, they hit the roads and started celebrating, disregarding all social distancing rules. They started assembling in groups in their respective residential colonies/flats or apartments as though the crisis was over, and it was time for celebration and victory. This above all, defeated the very purpose for which our Prime Minister had announced this initiative.

It is quite evident that a society that doesnt follow rules and shows scant regard for the principle of collective social responsibility and welfare in the normal times, is bound to flounder in times of a crisis as severe as this.

In such crucial times, what we need to understand is that our actions have consequences, not only for us, but also for others. A single mistake in terms of socially irresponsible behaviour wont only cost us dear, but also take a heavy toll on our fellow citizens, our neighbours, and our community. This kind of lack of social responsibility has, unfortunately, been demonstrated by all sections of our society, illiterate, semi-literate, educated and highly skilled professionals. This is a moment of reckoning for all of us, and we must think of how we cannot only help ourselves but also those around us.

After all, fear of law cant become the governing principle of regulating human behaviour in a society. Ultimately, all civilized societies depend upon the awareness of the individual citizens and also on their ability to conduct themselves in a free, fair and yet responsible manner. How long can the fear be used as a deterrent to prevent dangerous and threatening behaviour in the face of Covid-19 pandemic?

It is time, we, the citizens, understood our own role and responsibility in limiting the spread and transmission of Covid-19. The government is doing what it can but when it is such a grave situation, all of us must come together and realize our social responsibility. All it requires is some deep introspection and cultivation of discipline, respect for the law of the land and an ability to feel for and connect with our fellow citizens.

And yet, this is too serious to be left to the discretion or whims of the individuals. In order to achieve this social objective, if we have to reboot our education system, it is well worth the effort. We can incorporate the community welfare practices into our education system, right from the primary stage to the university level. This will help our future citizens develop a strong sense of ethics.

The author is assistant professor at Government PG College, Sector-1, Panchkula
A woman stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend, who then turned the knife on himself, has been named as Ruth Mataafa.

The 22-year-old died during emergency surgery on Saturday afternoon after going to ex-partner Jachia Leota Fuimaono's house in Bidwill, in Sydney's west.

It is understood the pair had met up to discuss problems they were having after the end of their four-year relationship.

It is thought he stabbed his former girlfriend several times in the stomach before turning the knife on himself.

He died at the scene from stab wounds to his chest.

Ruth Mataafa (pictured) died after being stabbed by her ex-boyfriend at his family home in Sydney's west on Saturday afternoon

Jachia Leota Fuimaono (pictured, left) stabbed Ms Mataafa (right) after they met up to discuss the end of their four-year relationship

Ms Mataafa was found outside the house in a critical condition, but later died from her injuries in Westmead Hospital.

Police believe his parents had been inside the house at the time of the attack.

'It's hard (for the families) to deal with. They are both 22 and you never expect your kids to die,' Mount Druitt Chief Inspector Paul Tickner said.

Detectives have commenced an investigation, but they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

NSW Police confirmed the pair were known to each other.

They have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the double stabbing.

'A crime scene has been established which will be examined by specialist forensic police,' NSW police said in a statement.

Jachia Leota Fuimaono (pictured) is believed to have turned the knife on himself after attacking his ex-girlfriend

Ruth Mataafa (pictured) was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died following emergency surgery
The UKs deputy chief medical officer warns that people would need to follow guidelines as lockdown measures relaxed.

A third member of a scientific advisory body to the British government has warned that it is too soon to lift the COVID-19 lockdown because the test and trace system is not yet fully operational.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India is facing a long battle ahead in its efforts to defeat the pandemic as the country set a new record for daily coronavirus infections.

United States President Donald Trump has said the US is terminating its relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO), saying the agency has not made coronavirus reforms.

Brazils coronavirus deaths reached a total of 27,878, surpassing the toll of hard-hit Spain and making it the country with the fifth-highest number of deaths.

More than 5.9 million cases of coronavirus have been confirmed around the world, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Some 365,000 people have died, while more than 2.4 million have recovered.

Here are the latest updates:

Saturday, May 30

23:18 GMT  New York to grant benefits to families of deceased front-line workers

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed a bill granting death benefits to the families of police officers, public health workers and other front-line workers who have died of the coronavirus.

The bill passed by state lawmakers provides an accidental death benefit that is more substantial than the regular death benefit that public workers families receive. Dozens of police officers, public health workers, transit workers and paramedics have died of COVID-19 in the months since New York became the epicentre of the pandemic in the United States.

Meanwhile, Cuomo reported that 67 people died of COVID-19 in the state on Friday, the same number as Thursday and a steep drop from the height of New Yorks outbreak in April, when more than 700 people were dying of the disease daily.

21:46 GMT  Russia plans coronavirus vaccine clinical trials in two weeks: Report

Russian scientists plan to start clinical trials within two weeks on a vaccine to combat the novel coronavirus, the health minister was quoted as saying as authorities approved the countrys first anti-COVID-19 drug.

The tests are under way and we plan to start clinical trials in the next two weeks, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency. He said volunteers had been selected to take part in the trials.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund said the Health Ministry had approved Avifavir for the treatment of COVID-19.

It was developed on the basis of a drug known generically as favipiravir.

RDIF said Avifavir had proved highly effective in treating patients with coronavirus in the first phase of its clinical trials. The final stage of clinical trials is under way, with the participation of 330 patients.

21:33 GMT  Romanias Orban breaches own coronavirus rules, pays fine

Romanian Prime Minister Ludovic Orban paid a 3,000 lei ($690) fine for breaking his own coronavirus restrictions by not wearing a face mask and smoking indoors, state news agency Agerpres said.

A picture which went viral on social media shows Orban in his office, sitting around a table with several other cabinet members, smoking a cigarette while none of them wore masks. Their masks were thrown on the table.

In a statement, Orban acknowledged breaching the rules, saying some cabinet members gathered at his office after a long working day on May 25, his 57th birthday.

The prime minister knows rules must be obeyed by all citizens, regardless of their position. If the law is broken then sanctions must be enforced, the agency quoted the statement as saying.

21:04 GMT  Botswana to help repatriate citizens stranded abroad

Botswana will help repatriate citizens stranded abroad by coronavirus travel bans, with more than 100 due to arrive on Wednesday from Ethiopia, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

In order to alleviate the plight of our citizens abroad who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic, mostly students and those affected by the global travel bans, we have decided to assist them with financial assistance to either cope where they are or to return them home, Masisi said in a televised speech.

Masisi said the government has helped 400 return from South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Botswana has recorded just 35 coronavirus cases and one death.

20:35 GMT  US CDC reports total of 1,737,950 coronavirus cases, 102,785 deaths

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,737,950 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 18,123 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 1,074 to 102,785.

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. EDT on May 29 versus its previous report released on Friday.

19:56 GMT  Coronavirus cases in South Africa pass 30,000, says minister

The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa rose past 30,000, Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize has said.

South Africa reported 1,727 new cases, taking the cumulative total to 30,967. The death toll increased by 32 to 643.

19:16 GMT  South Africa to allow domestic air travel for business from June 1

South Africa will allow domestic air travel for business purposes only from June 1 as the country further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations, the transport minister said.

The country has been largely shut since a nationwide lockdown began in late March. South Africa has reported 29,240 cases of the new coronavirus, with 611 deaths.

From next month, Africas most industrialised economy will allow most economic sectors including mining and manufacturing to fully resume operations and has also allowed the sale of alcohol but for home consumption.

As the country moves to level 3, with more industries resuming operations, learners returning to school, the transport sector must be responsive to enable mobility of both workers and learners, Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula said in a televised briefing.

In doing so, we must maintain a delicate balance between enabling mobility and arresting the spread of the virus.

The resumption of domestic flights will be rolled out in three phases, with only four airports allowed to be opened under phase one, he added.

18:43 GMT  Divert weapons funding to research to prevent next pandemic, pope says

Pope Francis urged politicians to divert funds spent on weapons to research to prevent another pandemic, as he led the largest gathering in the Vatican in nearly three months.

Francis presided at an outdoor prayer service with about 130 people, including many directly affected by the pandemic.

They prayed the rosary in the Vatican gardens as tens of thousands of people in about 50 Catholic shrines around the world joined in. A large screen in the gardens showed video links with about 25 locations.

In his closing prayer, Francis said national leaders should take a far-sighted attitude, helping the most needy now and putting in place long-term economic and social solutions.

He prayed that the Madonna would touch (leaders) consciences so that enormous sums spent to possess more armaments and to perfect them be instead destined to the promotion of sufficient research to prevent such catastrophes in the future.

Pope Francis presided at an outdoor prayer service with about 130 people [File: Yara Nardi/Reuters]

18:11 GMT  India allows partial reopening, extends lockdown in high-risk zones

India extended its coronavirus lockdown until June 30 in high-risk zones but permitted restaurants, malls and religious buildings to reopen elsewhere from June 8 despite a record high number of cases detected nationwide.

The home ministry ordered state governments and local authorities to identify containment zones, or areas that should remain under lockdown, as they continue to report high numbers of infections.

The government allowed hospitality and retail sectors and places of worship to open from June 8 and expected authorities to ensure physical distancing rules and staggered business hours.

17:53 GMT  Belgian prince tests positive for coronavirus after attending gathering in Spain

A nephew of Belgiums King Philippe, Prince Joachim, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a party in Spain, which Spanish media said broke lockdown rules because of the number of people there.

The prince, 28, tested positive after attending the gathering in the southern city of Cordoba on May 26, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said.

The spokesperson said the palace could not confirm the number of people in attendance at the party. The palace said Joachim travelled to Spain from Belgium on May 24 for an internship and was still there.

El Pais newspaper said the prince, who is tenth in line to the Belgian throne, attended the party along with 26 other people.

This would be a breach of lockdown rules in the province of Cordoba, where the maximum number of people permitted to meet is currently 15.

17:35 GMT  Britain at a very dangerous moment in the pandemic, says health official

Britain is at a very dangerous moment as it starts to ease some of its lockdown measures, Englands deputy chief medical officer said, warning that people would need to follow the guidelines and not tear the pants out of it.

Jonathan Van-Tam told the daily coronavirus briefing that people have got to be sensible and proportionate with the freedom that we absolutely want to give to people because we need to see loved ones.

He said the public needed to actually follow the guidance, dont tear the pants out of it, and dont go further than the guidance actually says.

17:16 GMT  British competitive sport given green light for June 1 restart

After a near three-month shutdown, all competitive sport in Britain can resume from June 1 behind closed doors provided strict conditions are met, the government said.

The first major live event is expected to be the 2000 Guineas Stakes horse race at Newmarket on June 6.

No competitive top-level sport has taken place in Britain since March as the country deals with the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 38,000 people in the UK.

In a document published on Saturday by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden outlined the strict criteria that must be met to allow elite athletes and professional sportsmen to resume.

The wait is over. Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments, he said.

This guidance provides the safe framework for sports to resume competitions behind closed doors. It is now up to individual sports to confirm they can meet these protocols and decide when its right for them to restart.

17:10 GMT  Italy records 111 new coronavirus deaths, 416 new cases

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy climbed by 111, against 87 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases fell to 416 from 516 on Friday.

The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 33,340 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.

The number of confirmed cases amounts to 232,664, the sixth highest global tally behind those of the United States, Russia, Spain, Britain and Brazil.

16:50 GMT  UK COVID-19 confirmed death toll rises by 215 to 38,376

The United Kingdom death toll from people who have tested positive for COVID-19 rose by 215 to 38,376, the government said.

16:35 GMT  Spain coronavirus death toll up by four to 27,125

Spains death toll from the novel coronavirus rose by four to 27,125, the health ministry said.

It said the total number of COVID-19 infections increased by 664 on Saturday to 239,228.

16:30 GMT  Sri Lanka fears new virus outbreak after funeral breaks curfew

Sri Lankan authorities fear a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections after thousands of mourners paid their respects to the body of a respected union leader, defying a curfew and social distancing rules.

Large crowds were seen jostling to bid farewell to Arumugam Thondaman, the leader of a tea plantation union and a government minister.

The 55-year-old died of a heart attack on Tuesday and is due to be cremated on Sunday at Nuwara Eliya, in the countrys tea-growing highlands.

Authorities had imposed a 24-hour curfew in an unsuccessful attempt to stop crowds from visiting Thondamans body.

A statement by a group of government doctors warned the funeral could undermine public confidence in measures taken so far to contain the spread of the virus and lead to a second wave.

The doctors expressed displeasure over the public farewell for Thondaman at a time when health authorities had asked people to restrict funeral attendees to close family members.

16:10 GMT  Merkel wont attend G7 summit in person if US goes ahead

Chancellor Angela Merkel will not personally attend a meeting in the US with the leaders of the worlds major economies if President Donald Trump goes ahead with it, unless the course of the coronavirus spread changes by then, her office said.

After cancelling the Group of Seven summit, originally scheduled for June 10-12 at Camp David, Trump said a week ago that he was again considering hosting an in-person meeting of world leaders because it would be a great sign to all of things returning to normal during the pandemic.

Immediately after that announcement, Merkel suggested she had not yet made up her mind on whether to attend in person or by video conference, but her office told the dpa news agency she has now made a decision.

As of today, given the overall pandemic situation, she cannot commit to participating in person, her office said. It added that the chancellor would continue to monitor the coronavirus situation in case things change.

German Chancellor Angela Merkels office said she would continue to monitor the coronavirus situation in case things change [File: Markus Schreiber/Reuters]

15:45 GMT  Parisians head for the park as lockdown eases

Parisians flocked to parks and gardens as they reopened in the sunny French capital, one of the last areas of France to ease restrictions, for the first time after almost 11 weeks of coronavirus lockdown.

With public impatience mounting and temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) forecast over the holiday weekend, authorities brought forward the parks reopening, initially scheduled for June 2.

At last were free, said Anne, a Parisienne standing near the gates of the 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens on the citys Left Bank soon after they reopened. This feels like being released from a kind of prison.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has pressured the government to reopen parks since the national lockdown was eased on May 11. Hidalgo is standing for re-election next month.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has pressured the government to reopen parks since the national lockdown was eased on May 11 [File: Charles Platiau/Reuters]

15:10 GMT  Qatar records highest daily increase in COVID19 cases

Qatars ministry of public health announced the registration of 2,355 new confirmed coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of positive COVID-19 cases to 55,262.

Doha did not announce any new deaths, but 36 people in the country have so far died from the coronavirus.

14:50 GMT  Third British scientist warns over rush to lift lockdown

A third member of a scientific advisory body to the British government has warned that it is too soon to lift the COVID-19 lockdown because the test and trace system is not yet fully operational.

Professor Peter Horby, chairman of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said Britain could not afford to lose control of the virus.

We really cant go back to a situation where weve got the numbers of cases and deaths weve had in the past, he told BBC Radio, adding that a test, trace and isolate system needed to be in place. As we know, its not yet fully operational so that is where the risk lies, he said.

14:20 GMT  Philippines confirms eight more coronavirus deaths, 590 new cases

The Philippines health ministry reported eight additional deaths from the novel coronavirus and 590 new infections.

In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths have increased to 950, while confirmed cases have reached 17,224. It added that 88 more patients have recovered, bringing total recoveries to 3,808.



Hi, this is Arwa Ibrahim in Doha, Qatar taking over the coverage of the coronavirus pandemic from my colleague Virginia Pietromarchi.

13:00 GMT  The EU urges the US to reconsider cutting ties with WHO

The European Union has called on the US to reconsider its decision to cut ties with the WHO over the health agencys handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

We urge the #US to reconsider its announced decision on breaking ties with the @WHO. Actions that weaken international results must be avoided. My statement with @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen https://t.co/BUlzdiLE3i  Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 30, 2020

In a joint statement, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell and Europan Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future.

It added that global cooperation and solidarity through multilateral efforts are the only effective and viable avenues to win this battle the world is facing.

12:35 GMT  China govt body says vaccine could be ready before 2021

A Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine could be ready by the end of this year, Chinas State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission said in a social media post.

More than 2,000 people have taken part in vaccine trials developed by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and the Beijing Institute of Biological Products. These vaccines have entered Phase II clinical trials.

The Beijing Institute of Biological Products production line will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 100 million to 120 million doses, according to the message posted on WeChat.

11:47 GMT  Dont treat us like a leper colony: Italy FM

Italys Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio lashed out at other European Union countries easing coronavirus restrictions after some decided to keep their borders shut to Italian visitors.

If anyone thinks they can treat us like a leper colony, then they should know that we will not stand for it, di Maio wrote on Facebook, adding that foreigners coming to Italy will receive a warm welcome this summer.





Di Maio did not name a country but his rant came after Greece said it would reopen its frontiers to citizens from 29 countries on June 15  but not to people coming from countries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic including Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

For its part, Italy will reopen its national borders on June 3 in an attempt to revive the key tourism sector which amounts to 13 percent of its economy.

11:15 GMT  Domestic flights to resume in Turkey

The Turkish government has announced that domestic flights will resume on June 1, taking a further step towards post-coronavirus normality.

The news was announced by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoglu, who added that first flights will be from Istanbul to major cities of Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon provinces. Flights to other cities will resume gradually, the minister said.

Turkey has so far recorded 162,120 confirmed coronavirus cases, the 10th highest tally globally, and more than 4,400 related deaths.

10:20 GMT  Rwanda uses robots to minimise coronavirus risk

Rwanda has deployed robots to carry out medical tasks such as measuring temperatures and monitoring patients to reduce contact between patients with COVID-19 and healthcare workers.

The three robots, which were donated by the United Nations Development Programme, are operating in the Kanyinya COVID-19 treatment facility, near Rwandas capital, Kigali.

High-tech robots developed by Zora Bots, a Belgium-based company, are seen during a demonstration at the Kanyinya treatment centre that treats coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, in Kigali, Rwanda [Clement Uwiringiyimana/Reuters]

It doesnt remove the tasks the doctors are supposed to do, its just complementing their efforts, Francine Umutesi, a health technology operations specialist at the ministry of health, told Reuters News Agency.

Rwanda already uses drones to deliver blood and enforce restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

09:35 GMT  Long battle awaits India as it reports record jump in cases

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India is facing a long battle ahead against the pandemic as the country reported a new daily record of additional coronavirus infections.

Our country (is) besieged with problems amidst a vast population and limited resources, Modi said in an open letter marking his first year into his second mandate.

The prime minister also acknowledged labourers and migrant workers had undergone tremendous suffering due to coronavirus restrictions.

The comments came as India reported 7,964 new coronavirus cases, a 24-hour high, bringing the total number of infections to 174,020. Nearly 5,000 people have died due to coronavirus.

A home ministry official reportedly said the government could extend the lockdown beyond May 31, without elaborating on further details.

A doctor checks the temperature of a woman in a temporary health centre where he coaches slum dwellers on the precautions they should take to avoid being infected with the coronavirus in Mumbai, India [Hemanshi Kamani/Reuters]

08:51 GMT  Latest figures:

Malaysia: 7,762 cases (+30), 115 deaths

Indonesia: 25,773 cases (+557), 1,573 deaths (+53)

Russia: 396,575 cases (+8,952), 4,555 deaths (+181)

Singapore: 34,366 cases (+506), 23 deaths

Thailand: 3,077 cases (+1), 57 deaths

South Korea: 11,441 cases (+39), 269 deaths

08:27 GMT  Germany warns over Trumps decision to split from WHO

The German health minister has criticised President Donald Trumps decision to terminate the USs relationship with the WHO, calling the move a disappointing backlash for international health.

In a Twitter post, Jens Spahn said the global health agency needs reform if it is to make any difference in the future and called on the European Union to take a leading role and engage more financially.

That's a disappointing backlash for International Health. If @WHO shall make any difference for the future it needs reform. And the EU must take a leading role and engage more financially. That's one of our @BMG priorities for our EU presidency. #EU2020BMG  Jens Spahn (@jensspahn) May 30, 2020

07:52 GMT  Abu Dhabi GDP to contract by 7.5 percent: S&P

S&P Global Ratings has said Abu Dhabis economic growth is expected to contract by 7.5 percent this year because of lower oil production due to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

The fiscal deficit of the oil-rich state will rise to about 12 percent of GDP this year from 0.3 percent in 2019, the ratings agency estimated.

07:31 GMT  Scientific advisers warn it is too soon to lift UK lockdown

The coronavirus is still spreading too fast in the UK to lift restricting measures, three scientific advisers to the British government said, with one describing the move as a political decision.

The comments come as the UK is starting to slightly ease the lockdown from Monday, with groups of up to six people allowed to meet outside and primary schools reopening to certain year groups.

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and member of Britains Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said: COVID-19 is spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England.

TTI (test, trace, isolate) has to be in place, fully working, capable dealing any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results & infection rates have to be lower. And trusted, he said on Twitter.

Covid-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England. Agree with John & clear science advice. TTI has to be in place, fully working, capable dealing any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results & infection rates have to be lower. And trusted https://t.co/ZmYKs4Go3W  Jeremy Farrar (@JeremyFarrar) May 29, 2020

His SAGE colleague, John Edmunds, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said that we are taking some risk here with an untested test and trace system, describing it as a political decision.

A third member of SAGE and chairman of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, Professor Peter Horby, said Britain could not afford to lose control of the virus.

06:52 GMT  Taiwan approves Gileads remdesivir to treat COVID-19

Taiwans government has approved remdesivir, Gilead Sciences potential COVID-19 treatment drug.

Taiwans Central Epidemic Command Centre said the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration took into account the fact that the efficacy and safety of remdesivir has been supported by preliminary evidence and its use is being approved by other countries.

The US regulators approved the medicine this month for emergency use. Japan and the UK have also cleared the drug for use and moved to begin supplying it to patients.

California-based Gilead has said it will donate 1.5 million doses of remdesivir, enough to treat at least 140,000 patients, to combat the global pandemic.





06:25 GMT  Uzbekistan extends curbs, but eases some restrictions

While Uzbekistan has extended measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus until June 15, it has also eased some restrictions, such as resuming domestic tourism and football games.

Authorities have divided the country into green, yellow and red zones on the basis of the rates of newly-detected infections. Activities will gradually resume depending on the zones they fall under.

In the green zone, businesses including childrens summer camps, recreational and sports centres will start working and people will be allowed to hold weddings and other traditional ceremonies with up to 30 guests starting from June 1.





Central Asias most populous nation of 34 million, which resumed domestic air flights and train services this month, said the domestic football league would resume, without spectators, from June 5.

05:47 GMT  US Supreme Court rejects churches challenge against California lockdown laws

The US Supreme Court has rejected a challenge by a group of churches to block the lockdowns rules in the state of California.

New restrictive measures issued this week limited attendance to 25 percent of building capacity or 100 people.

The nine justices split 5-4 in rejecting a bid by South Bay United Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista to block the rules issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom.





Hi, this is Virginia Pietromarchi in Doha, Qatar taking over the coverage of the coronavirus pandemic from my colleague Zaheena Rasheed.

04:21 GMT  Singapore to resume flights to six cities in China

A fast lane for business and essential travel between Singapore and China will open next week, allowing some flights to resume between the two countries after a four-month hiatus.

Singapores foreign ministry said travel will initially resume between Singapore and six Chinese cities and regions, including Shanghai and Guangdong.

The ministry said Singapore believes the prevention and control of COVID-19 and the economic and social recovery in both to have entered a new phase.

03:26 GMT  Hundreds of German workers return to China

Some 400 German managers, workers and family members have begun returning to China aboard charter flights.

A pair of flights from Frankfurt to the Chinese business hubs of Tianjin and Shanghai were organised by the German Chamber of Commerce in China in cooperation with Germanys diplomatic missions and airline Lufthansa and are the first repatriation flights from Europe to China for foreign nationals.

China has largely banned all foreigners from entering the country because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The first flight with 200 passengers was due to arrive shortly before noon on Saturday in Tianjin, a port city just east of the capital, Beijing. The second flight was expected to arrive in Shanghai around midday on Thursday, June 4.





03:08 GMT  Two UN peacekeepers die of coronavirus

Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, announced the deaths of two UN peacekeepers from COVID-19.

Both peacekeepers were serving in Mali, he said, praising the service, sacrifice and selflessness of the more than 95,000 men and women serving in the UNs 13 peacekeeping missions around the world.

According to the UN peacekeeping department, there have been 137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in UN peacekeeping operations, with the greatest number by far  90 cases  in Mali. The deaths are the first from the virus among peacekeepers.

02:55 GMT  China reports four new cases

China reported four new confirmed cases of coronavirus, all brought from outside the country, and no new deaths.

Just 63 people remained in treatment and another 401 were under isolation and monitoring for showing signs of having the virus or of testing positive for it without showing any symptoms.

China has reported a total of 4,634 deaths among 82,999 cases since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan.

People wait to be seated outside a popular restaurant following the coronavirus outbreak in Beijing, China, on May 29, 2020 [Thomas Peter/ Reuters]

01:36 GMT  Twelve migrants test positive at Mexico shelter

Twelve migrants have tested positive for coronavirus at a government-run shelter in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, the Mexican labour ministry said.

The patients have been isolated to prevent further spread of the virus in the Leona Vicario centre, which houses 337 people, the ministry said.

Ciudad Juarez, which neighbours the US city of El Paso, Texas, has received thousands of migrants under a Trump administration policy that sends US asylum seekers to Mexico to await the outcomes of their cases.

01:05 GMT  Brazil death toll hits 27,878, surpassing hard-hit Spain

Brazils coronavirus deaths have reached a total 27,878, surpassing the toll of hard-hit Spain and making it the country with the fifth-highest number of deaths.

The Ministry of Health said Brazil saw 1,124 deaths in 24 hours. It also had a record number of new cases  26,928 in one day  bringing the total number of infections to 465,166.

As of the end of Friday, Spain had recorded 27,121 deaths, with virus deaths there rapidly slowing. Brazil could soon surpass France, which has seen 28,714 deaths.

There is no way to foresee when the outbreak will peak, the Ministry of Health said, and experts say the number of cases in Brazil could be 15 times higher than the confirmed figure because there has been no widespread testing.





00:55 GMT  Merkel rejects Trump invite to attend G7 summit: Report

German Chancellor Angela Merkel turned down US President Donald Trumps invitation to attend an envisaged G7 summit in the US, according to Politico.

The federal chancellor thanks President Trump for his invitation to the G7 summit at the end of June in Washington. As of today, considering the overall pandemic situation, she cannot agree to her personal participation, to a journey to Washington, the report quoted German government spokesman Steffen Seibert as saying.

She will of course continue to monitor the development of the pandemic.

Trump believes there would be no greater example of reopening than holding a G7 summit in the US near the end of June, the White House said on Tuesday.

00:21 GMT  Chile, Peru secure credit lines from IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a two-year $24bn credit line for Chile as the nation battles the coronavirus pandemic. The move comes a day after the IMF approved an $11bn credit line for Peru.

The Flexible Credit Line (FCL) is a renewable funding mechanism granted to countries with strong economic policy track records, and Chile is only the fifth country to receive one. Along with Peru, Mexico and Colombia currently have FCLs in place.

Kristalina Georgieva, the IMFs managing director, said the backstop should help to boost market confidence, and Chile intends to treat the credit line as precautionary and temporary, and exit the backstop after 24 months.

Peru likewise sees the programme as precautionary, and will consider exiting once the crisis has passed and the insurance provided by an FCL arrangement would no longer be necessary.

Hello and welcome to Al Jazeeras continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Im Zaheena Rasheed in Male, Maldives.

You can find all the updates from yesterday, May 29, here.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin (Reuters) Zurich  Sat, May 30, 2020 13:01 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb1052d 2 Health WHO,health,COVID-19,coronavirus,Tool,application Free

Thirty countries led by Costa Rica and the World Health Organization launched an initiative on Friday aimed at sharing vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tools to tackle the global coronavirus pandemic.

While the developing nations' push, called the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, was welcomed by groups including Doctors Without Borders, a drug industry alliance questioned if it would really boost collaboration or broaden access to COVID-19 medicines.

The WHO effort comes amid concerns rich countries pumping resources into finding vaccines - more than 100 are in development - will muscle their way to the front of the queue, once a candidate succeeds.

Switzerland, home of big drugmakers Roche and Novartis, has also raised fears of "vaccine nationalism", saying it wants to ensure fair access.

Read also: WHO trial suspends hydroxychloroquine treatment for new COVID-19 patients

"Vaccines, tests, diagnostics, treatments and other key tools in the coronavirus response must be made universally available as global public goods," Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado said, of the voluntary initiative.

The effort, originally proposed in March, aims to provide a one-stop shop for scientific knowledge, data and intellectual property amid a pandemic that has infected more than 5.8 million people and killed some 360,000.

The WHO issued a "Solidarity Call to Action", asking other stakeholders to join the push.

However, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations raised concerns about undermining intellectual property protections, which the industry group said enable collaboration and will be needed after the pandemic is over, to prepare health systems for new challenges.

"By urging licences or non-enforcement declarations for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines to be granted on a non-exclusive global basis, the 'Solidarity Call to Action' promotes a one-size-fits all model that disregards the specific circumstances of each situation, each product and each country," the federation said.

Countries to sign up are Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Mozambique, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Sudan, the Netherlands, East Timor and Uruguay, the WHO said.
NEW DELHI - India is extending its lockdown in containment zones until June 30 but will allow economic activities to restart outside these areas even though coronavirus cases continue to rise in major cities.

The home ministry said Saturday that places of worship, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services, and shopping malls will be allowed to reopen outside all containment zones on June 8. Subways, schools and colleges will remain shuttered nationwide.

India reported another record single-day jump of 7,964 coronavirus cases and 265 deaths on Saturday.

India, which started easing lockdown restrictions earlier this month, has confirmed 173,763 cases of the coronavirus, including 4,971 deaths.

More than 70% of the cases are concentrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an open letter marking the first year of his governments second term, said India was on the path to victory in its battle against the virus. He said India will set an example in economic revival and asked the nation to show a firm resolve.

Modi also acknowledged the tremendous suffering of millions of migrant workers who had lost their jobs during the lockdown and have been forced to make grueling and dangerous trips back to their hometowns.

The federal government is expected to issue a new set of guidelines this weekend, possibly extending the lockdown in worst-hit areas.

In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:

 DOZENS OF NEW CASES IN SOUTH KOREA: South Korea on Saturday reported 39 new cases of the coronavirus, most of them in the densely populated Seoul area where officials have linked scores of infections to warehouse workers. Figures from South Koreas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brought national totals to 11,441 confirmed cases and 269 deaths. KCDC Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said Friday that at least 102 infections had been linked to workers at a massive warehouse operated by Coupang, a local e-commerce giant that has seen orders spike during the epidemic. The company has been criticized for failing to implement proper preventive measures and enforce distance between employees, with the virus discovered on safety helmets, laptops, keyboards and other equipment they share. The resurgence in infections has alarmed officials as millions of children have been returning to school nationwide.

 FOUR NEW CASES IN CHINA: China on Saturday reported four new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, all brought from outside the country and no new deaths. Just 63 people remained in treatment and another 401 were under isolation and monitoring for showing signs of having the virus or of testing positive for it without showing any symptoms. China has reported a total of 4,634 deaths among 82,999 cases since the virus was first detected in the central industrial city of Wuhan. With virtually everyone wearing masks in public, most offices, shops and restaurants have reopened. But the economic fallout from months of lockdown in most of the country has left millions unemployed and, combined with a worsening trade dispute with the U.S. and drop in global demand, it remains unclear how many jobs will return. The central province of Hubei announced more than two dozen measures on Friday to revive the local economy, including a June shopping festival, accelerating the issuance of housing loans, funding support for travel agencies, and subsidies for vehicle purchases.

 GERMANS RETURN TO CHINA: Around 400 German managers, workers and family members have begun returning to China aboard charter flights as multinational companies in the worlds second-largest economy seek to get their operations running again. A pair of flights from Frankfurt to the Chinese business hubs of Tianjin and Shanghai were organized by the German Chamber of Commerce in China in co-operation with Germanys diplomatic missions and airline Lufthansa. Theyre the first repatriation flights from Europe to China for foreign nationals. China has largely banned all foreigners from entering because of the coronavirus outbreak. More than 5,200 German companies operate in China, employing more than 1 million people.

___

Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
The scenic beauty of the Mourne Mountains has been left looking like a "war zone" by crowds of unruly youths who descended on Newcastle drinking and partying despite the lockdown.

Locals say they are being "tortured" on a daily basis by the anti-social behaviour which has seen alcohol bottles and rubbish strewn across the Bloody Bridge area, as well as nesting birds killed by fires and a nurse unable to get her car out of her lane because of parked cars.

John Lowry, a former coastguard chief, lives in the picturesque seaside town and said it is a "major problem".

He said: "On Thursday night there were at least 200 people up at the locally named spot called the Buck's Cove - it's two large pools where they can jump in from a height.

"At around 8.30pm the police were just coming down when we were going up and they said, 'We've done our best to try and get them to come down' and they warned us the place was like a war zone. And it was like a war zone - the photographs don't do it justice.

"For the last four weeks I have been doing the litter picking round the bridge itself, round the river where people would swim in the lower pools. I've been doing that because it is my home place," John said.

"They have camped out this week and that's against the rules, there's meant to be no camping.

"There's no social distancing. The contamination that has been left behind between masks and all the drink from every type of alcohol you can find, to drugs bags we saw last night, to the people going to the toilet and the wipes and toilet roll left.

"There has been weeks of it, but it's really ramped up the last three days."

Read More

John estimated that the crowds of young out-of-towners age from around 15 to their mid-20s and he has been subjected to foul-mouthed abuse from some.

He said: "I've never seen as many R drivers in my life together in one place, it's incredible. Local people are being tortured.

"And the other night I was down and there was a group and I said, 'A wee bit of distancing there' and one turned round and said, 'The Tories don't keep their distance, so we're not keeping our distance.' This is young people. It is absolutely incredible.

"There's no respect and for all the emergency services as well. Every emergency service was called out yesterday and put themselves at risk."

Police said that on Thursday afternoon they had spoken to young people in the Ballagh Road area, who then dispersed, before they assisted firefighters dealing with a fire.

"We would ask everyone and particularly young people to make responsible decisions and follow the NI Executive Regulations," a PSNI sergeant said.

"We will be conducting patrols throughout the weekend and urge everyone to respect the guidance around safe, social distancing."
Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong (L) and Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, June 2019. Photo courtesy of Singapore's Ministry of Communications and Information.

Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong has praised Vietnams success in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, and thanked the nation for lending a helping hand.

"I congratulated Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Vietnams decisive handling of the Covid-19 pandemic when we spoke this afternoon. I thanked him too, for Vietnams generous donations of face masks and test kits to Singapore," Lee wrote in a Facebook post Friday.

He said he and PM Phuc had agreed that amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore and Vietnam must continue to strengthen cooperation, and keep markets open and supply chains connected.

"Happy that we are deepening our collaboration in agri-trade for the supply of rice and other food products. We will also explore reopening borders for essential travel safely and gradually, when the time is right," he said.

A statement from Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday said the two PMs had agreed during their conversation that Singapore will be a long-term, stable importer of Vietnamese rice.

In his post, Lee said Singapore will continue to support Vietnams chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a position Vietnam has taken since November last year, and that he looks forward to deepening the two nations' "excellent ties."

Singapore is now the Southeast Asian nation hit hardest by Covid-19, with over 33,800 infection cases by Saturday. 23 people there have died of the disease.

Singapore had been praised in March as a shining example of how to handle the new virus. The World Health Organization pointed out that Singapore's aggressive contact tracing had allowed it to quickly identify and isolate new cases. However, less than one month later, Singapore suffered a wave of infection, and the vast majority of new cases were detected in the overcrowded dormitories that house more than 300,000 of Singapore's roughly one million immigrant workers.

Vietnam has confirmed 328 cases since its first case was detected in January, including 49 active cases.

As of Saturday morning, Vietnam had gone 44 straight days without community transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Of its total cases, 188 have been imported.
Britain and the EU will attempt to revive their imperilled trade talks on Tuesday, entering a crucial week of negotiations that could mark the final hope for a deal. Hundreds of officials will hold video talks all week from London and Brussels, the fourth and last scheduled round of negotiations since Britain formally left the EU on January 31. The previous round ended in acrimony with the EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier asking his UK counterpart David Frost to watch his "tone" in a tetchy exchange of letters. The EU and Britain have until the end of the year to reach a deal on future ties, without which trade links could be seriously compromised, even as the fallout from the coronavirus saps their economies. According to the terms of the divorce, the two sides have until the end of the month to decide whether to extend the talks by one or two years, but this idea has been rejected by Britain. June will also see a special summit to assess the talks, at which British Prime Minister Boris Johnson would work out the best way forward with EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel. This high-level meeting was foreseen in the political declaration that was signed alongside the Brexit withdrawal agreement in October, but no date has yet been set. Asked about next week's talks, Barnier said Britain will have to reveal its true intentions. "I expect that I will find out whether the United Kingdom wants to leave the single market at the end of this year with an agreement or without one," he told Germany's Deutschlandfunk radio. - 'Sphere of influence' - The talks have snagged on the same issues from the start. Britain refuses to make commitments to match EU standards on health, environment, state aid and other concerns in order to win the deal -- something known as maintaining the level playing field. London wants a standard trade deal similar to those given to Japan, Canada and South Korea and refuses the EU's call for a far-reaching structure that would also encompass security, research and defence. "What the EU is asking of us is unprecedented in any of the free trade agreements that they signed, or indeed contemplated signing, with other economies," senior UK minister Michael Gove told British lawmakers. The EU wants countries it sees as within "its sphere of influence, to sign up to a higher level of compliance with EU rules and a higher level of EU supervision", he said. The Europeans fear that a Britain unshackled from EU standards but enjoying zero-tariff trade ties could become a backdoor for companies to compete unfairly in the EU single market. And, at the urging of France, the EU is pushing hard for an ambitious deal on fishing in which EU vessels could enjoy the same access to British waters as they did before the divorce. "We will be quickly fixed on the outcome, by Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the tone of the discussions," said a source close to the negotiations. - 'Confidence building' - Stefaan de Rynck, an adviser to Barnier, said there was little chance for a breakthrough with the level playing field the crux of the matter. He urged Britain to "demystify" the issue and not to see the EU's stance as a threat on British sovereignty. "I think we need to move beyond the kind of idea that signing up to international commitments that are legally binding would have some kind of threat to national democracy," he told a panel at the Institute for Government think-tank. Phil Hogan, the EU's Trade Commissioner wondered whether Britain actually wanted a deal. "Perhaps the United Kingdom have come to the conclusion that there's not going to be a deal. I hope not," Hogan told MEPs earlier this week. "Perhaps this is more strategic than substance, but we certainly need confidence building measures in the next round of negotiations," he said.
Arrivals to Phuket from eight provinces must observe quarantine

PHUKET: People arriving in Phuket from eight risk area provinces must home quarantine for 14 days after arriving on the island, Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana announced yesterday (May 29).

COVID-19economicsMyanmar

By The Phuket News

Saturday 30 May 2020, 01:49PM

More than 100 Myanmar workers boarded buses to head home from Phuket yesterday (May 29). Photo: PR Phuket

More than 100 Myanmar workers boarded buses to head home from Phuket yesterday (May 29). Photo: PR Phuket

More than 100 Myanmar workers boarded buses to head home from Phuket yesterday (May 29). Photo: PR Phuket

More than 100 Myanmar workers boarded buses to head home from Phuket yesterday (May 29). Photo: PR Phuket

More than 100 Myanmar workers boarded buses to head home from Phuket yesterday (May 29). Photo: PR Phuket

More than 100 Myanmar workers boarded buses to head home from Phuket yesterday (May 29). Photo: PR Phuket

The order comes while Phuket airport still remains closed to all commercial domestic flights and the bridge onto the island remains closed to all unauthorised travellers.

Even interprovincial bus services to or from Phuket remain suspended, while services to other parts of the country have resumed.

At the meeting of the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee at Provincial Hall yesterday, Governor Phakaphong said that all people arriving from Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Narathiwat, Yala, Krabi, Prachinburi, Samut Prakan and Chiang Mai must observe a 14-day quarantine after arriving on the island.

As for how people will be able to travel through other provinces in order to reach Phuket, Governor Phakaphong said, Phuket must wait for the order from the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration [CCSA].

After we have received the order, we will announce to the people in Phuket so they know the guidelines for further action, he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Phakaphong arrived at Phuket Bus Terminal 2 yesterday to oversee more than 100 Myanmar workers heading to Ranong so that they could return home to Myanmar.

The migrant workers were left without any income after the people and businesses they worked for were forced to shut down as a result of the COVID-19 situation, the governor explained.

Therefore they want to return to their country, he said.

A total of 120 workers had registered with the provincial government of their intention to travel home, but only 106 presented themselves yesterday, Governor Phakaphong added.

The workers boarded six buses, all adjusted for the new anti-COVID health regulations, which would carry them to Ranong, north of Phuket, he explained.

All of the workers travelling home must be screened by health officials and must pass all immigration checks, he assured.

All Myanmar people will be delivered to Ranong province to cross the border to return to their country, Governor Pahakaphong said.

Most of them said that once the COVID-19 situation is over, they will return to work in Phuket, he added.
FILE PHOTO: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during the opening ceremony of Iran's 11th parliament, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Tehran

DUBAI (Reuters) - Government employees went back to work in Iran on Saturday and President Hassan Rouhani said mosques would resume daily prayers across the country, even though some areas are seeing high levels of coronavirus infections.

Rouhani also said on state television that shopping malls would be able to stay open beyond the 6 p.m. closing time imposed as part of the lockdown, a further step in the government's plans to steadily ease the curbs.

"Doors to mosques across the country will open to the public for daily prayers," Rouhani said, adding that worshippers should observe social distancing and other health protocols. He did not say when mosques would reopen.

Authorities are taking tougher measures to ensure health regulations are observed, such as barring people from buses and metro trains if they do not wear face masks, Iranian media reported.

Alireza Zali, head of the government-led Coronavirus Taskforce of Tehran, told state TV the situation in the capital was "still not favorable," adding that the gradual easing of curbs should be accompanied by a "more serious observance" of the rules.

The worst-affected country in the Middle East, Iran has reported 148,950 infections and 7,734 deaths from COVID-19, according to the latest health ministry data.

A ministry spokesman said on Saturday that the southwestern province of Khuzestan was still classified as "red" due to the higher number of infections and deaths, while seven other provinces were at risk.

The health ministry has divided the country into white, yellow and red areas based on the number of cases and fatalities.

Meanwhile, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said Omid Noorafkan, 23, a professional footballer who plays for the Iranian club Sepahan, had tested positive for the virus. It did not give further details about his condition.

(Editing by Frances Kerry and Helen Popper)
The World Health Organization has stated that smokers could be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as well as to severe symptoms if they contract the infection.

COVID-19 has already spread to 188 countries and is still wreaking havoc across the globe. Along with all other systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, some doctors have also advised smokers to stay indoors. It is well known that smoking tobacco can lead to various diseases of the respiratory system, including lung cancer. The World Health Organization has stated that smokers could be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as well as to severe symptoms if they contract the infection.

Every year, 31st May is observed as World No Tobacco Day. This year, like every other, doctors urge tobacco smokers to quit this harmful habit - but the emphasis now is even higher given that it could cause severe symptoms of COVID-19 in some people. Inversely, you may have recently come across news articles that claim smoking could potentially provide some protection against COVID-19. Here is some clarity on the connection between smoking and COVID-19.

Smoking kills cilia- the preventive shield of the airway

According to a Chinese study published in February 2020, out of 1,099 patients who were infected with COVID-19 and were admitted into the ICU, 25.5% were smokers. The doctors and scientists believe that smokers were getting severe respiratory symptoms due to the absence of cilia in their airway.

Cilia are tiny hairlike structures present in the airway lining. The cilia help keep the airway clean by removing the mucous and infectious agents before an infection acquires the lungs.

The inhaled chemicals of cigarettes kill the cilia in due time. This makes them prone to new respiratory infections such as COVID-19. The absence of cilia can also lead to inflammation in the airway.

Smoking increases the levels of COVID-19 receptors in the body

The COVID-19 virus enters the human body by attaching itself to the ACE2 receptors which are present in high quantity on the surface of organs like the heart, lungs and even the entire gut lining. A group of scientists have concluded in their study that smoking can increase the levels of ACE2 receptors in the body. With the increase in the number of ACE2 receptors in the body and the absence of cilia, it can become easier for the virus to invade the body.

Nicotine may prevent COVID-19 infection

While every other doctor is warning the smokers about the ill-effects of smoking tobacco, a French study was published by Pitie-Salpetriere which stated that smokers may be less prone to suffer severely from COVID-19 infection due to the positive effects of nicotine in this situation.

They have found in their clinical and epidemiological trials that COVID-19 infection is a nAChR (Nicotine acetylcholine receptor) disease, which means the virus has a receptor for nicotine. Thus, when the SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19) enters the body, the nicotine in the body binds with it. This prevents the virus from binding with the ACE2 receptors in the body and thus deactivates it.

The French scientists also suggested that nicotine patches, chewing gum and sniffing agents can be given to hospitalized patients and the general population to prevent them from getting the infection.

However, scientists across the globe believe that the theory needs to go through several trials before even considering the use of nicotine as a therapeutic agent. Misuse of nicotine can be highly dangerous to the body and can cause brain deficits.

For more information, read our article on COVID-19 and smoking.

Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.
After the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir special status with the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution last August, the Army has set out to buy land for its camps in the Valley.

In the first such instance, the Army has approached Baramulla administration, evincing interest in buying 129 kanal (6.5 hectare) of land at Kreeri high ground at Tapperwari in Pattan area of the north Kashmir district, where the troops are already temporarily stationed, defence sources said.

They said the Quartermaster for Commanding officer of the 19 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit has written to the district administration, requesting it to inform if the administration wishes to sell the land to the Indian army.

The Army has sought the district administration reply by May 30, the sources added.

It is perhaps for the first time that the Army has directly written to the department concerned for purchasing land in the Valley.

Prior to the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 last year, the defence estates officer would write to Jammu and Kashmir government for getting lease of the land required by the Army.
China is convening its biggest political gathering of the year and US President Donald Trump has said he is considering meeting world leaders in June, as doubts simmer over how safe is safe enough with the pandemic still not under control.

From meatpacking plants in Colorado to garment factories in Bangladesh, workers are concerned about risks they face as they return to work after shutdowns.

The safety questions apply even at the highest levels of the political spectrum.

Mr Trump tweeted that having leaders of the G7 fly in next month for a summit at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland would be a great sign to all of things returning to normal.

(PA Graphics)

In March, the president cancelled the meeting because of the coronavirus pandemic, saying leaders would confer by video conference instead.

The District of Columbia remains under stay-at-home orders at least until June 8, though Maryland began relaxing the restrictions last week.

At the same time, leaders of the G7 member nations are in some cases still grappling with the virus in their own countries or in various states of reopening their economies.

Mr Trumps proposal for meeting around the original date of June 10-12 drew an ambiguous response from Japan, where the chief government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said he viewed the tweet as an expression of the Presidents intention to normalise the global economy quickly.

Chinas communist leadership is taking extensive precautions to prevent any infections as it opens its National Peoples Congress on Friday and a parallel meeting of advisers on Thursday.

The meetings in Beijing were delayed for nearly two months due to the pandemic.

A foreign journalist is tested in Beijing (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

The number of fresh coronavirus cases in China has dropped recently, though clusters of infections have popped up in some areas. China reported two newly confirmed cases on Thursday.

An outbreak at the congress would be a potential public relations nightmare as President Xi Jinping showcases Beijings apparent success in curbing the coronavirus that emerged in the central city of Wuhan late last year.

Story continues

Around the world, the effort to get back to business is raising worries over risks.

About five million people worldwide have been confirmed infected, and more than 328,000 deaths have been recorded. That includes more than 93,000 in the US and about 165,000 in Europe, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, based on government data.

Experts believe the true toll is significantly higher.

With the virus far from vanquished, reopenings from pandemic shutdowns could prove to be a stop-and-start, two-steps-forward-one-step-back process.

A policeman in Tiananmen Square ahead of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference in Beijing (Wu Hong/Pool/AP)

The pandemic is proving a huge challenge, too, for China, whose robust economy has helped drive global growth for the past two decades.

A major focus for the congress will be reviving growth that fell to its weakest since at least the mid-1960s in the first quarter.

Companies and the public are looking to the largely ceremonial meeting for details on how Beijing might tackle the downturn.

The partys ultimate goal is to persuade consumers, millions of whom have lost jobs or worry they might, to spend again.

One way to do that is by example: the meeting in Beijing sent a signal that was not missed by Chinese who have endured weeks, and in many cases months, of lockdowns.

Zhou Yu, a Beijing bank employee, said he was reassured because the meetings show the epidemic is under control.

We resumed work in March, and almost all of us are back to work now, said Zhou. He and his clients wear masks when they meet.

Because we all pay attention to the precautions and disinfect working areas every day, theres nothing to worry about, he said.
Ashoke K Maitra By

What was done to migrant labourers all over India during Covid-19 should never have happened. However, this is part of a larger malaise. We need to examine why it happened and what needs to be done if the industry and informal sector are to have a symbiotic relationship.

Let us dissect the problems of the informal sector. They effectively constitute 90% of the workforce and about 50% of the national product. As per Government of India statistics, the unorganised sector contributes almost 50% of the total GDP. We shall examine three aspects.

The definition and percentage of unorganised labour in the informal sector are blurry and confusing. The Economic Survey of 2018-19, released on 4 July 2019, said almost 93% of the total workforce is informal. But NITI Aayogs Strategy for New India at 75, released in November 2018, said: By some estimates, Indias informal sector employs approximately 85% of all workers.

What is the source of such information? The Economic Survey of 2018-19 does not mention it. The NITI Aayog does, and cites a 2014 report, OECD India Policy Brief: Education and Skills, which, in turn is silent on its source of information.

ALSO READ | The great COVID job crisis: 122 million went out of work in April in India, says data

Further, in the Indian context, about 52% of workers who are engaged in agricultural activities are outside the coverage of employment-unemployment surveys for measurement of workers in informal sector or informal employment and about 65% of the rural casual status workers are excluded from the coverage. Thus, from the employment and unemployment surveys of NSS, information on informal sector and informal employment cannot be generated for all those engaged in the agricultural sector.

It is increasingly realised that lack of reliable statistics on the size, distribution and economic contribution of the sector has been a major constraint in providing a realistic understanding of the significance of the informal sector to the Indian economy, leading to its neglect in development planning. (NCEUS report on Definitional and Statistical Issues relating to the Informal Economy, 2008, P. 64).

The National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS) was set up by the Government of India in 2004 to review the status of unorganised/informal sector in India including the nature of enterprises, their size, spread and scope, and magnitude of employment. They said: One of the fundamental issues in conceptualisation of unorganised sector is the definition itself. The time has come to take a holistic and comprehensive view of the data base of the informal/unorganised sector.

The second area of concern is the employment statistics. It appears from reports of the NCEUS based on NSS survey on Employment and Unemployment that informal employment in the informal sector constitutes 86% of employment as of 2004-2005. It further states in another report that the percentage of the informal employment in the informal sector has grown by 2019 and not reduced.

Thus, 86% of the 90% of people working in the unorganised sector are not covered under labour legislation and they have absolutely no protection in terms of employment as they do not have an appointment letter, contract, guarantee for wages, health facilities, insurance, etc. They are at the mercy of the employer. Lately, some states have suspended even the labour laws in the formal sector. The direction of these states is worrying.

The reason why the migrant labour that works in the informal sector feels so vulnerable is because of the very nature of their employment. Therefore, when Covid-19 struck and the employers stopped paying the wages and asked them to leave the job, they were put on the brink of starvation. To make matters worse, the Centre stopped all trains, buses, etc., for them to even go home. Therefore, they had no option but to start walking back to their homes.

The industrialists/employers are likely to be badly hit, as the share of the unorganised sector is quite overwhelming. For eg: in agriculture and forestry, they constitute 99.9%, in fishing 98.7%, mining 64.4%, manufacturing 87.7%, construction 92.4%, wholesale and retail trade, 98.3%, hotel and restaurants 96.7%, and transport, storage and communication 82.2%. Many of the industries may get crippled without the migrant workers. Reverse migration is a direct fallout of badly treating the informal sector for 70 years.

A third dimension has also emerged in the last few years. Many of the states such as Bihar, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and West Bengal have started developing economically. These are the states from where the majority of the migrant labourers come. The migrant labour, possibly, now can find jobs near home.

If the Centre realises the importance of the informal sector and its contribution to the economic growth of the country, it will need to define the sector effectively, provide labour legislation to protect employment, wages and treat them on par with the formal sector.

Ashoke K Maitra

HR and Strategy Adviser to industries

(ashoke.maitra@gmail.com)
A journalist and her crew were shot with pepper balls by a police officer while broadcasting a live report on protests taking place in Louisville, Kentucky.

Local reporter Kaitlin Rust, from television news station WAVE 3, was in the middle of a live segment on Friday when she can be heard screaming: Im getting shot!

Footage from the broadcast showed a police officer aiming his pepper ball gun in the direction of the reporter and her crew and firing the pepper balls at them. A news anchor from the studio asks Ms Rust if she is alright, to which she replies: Its okay, its those pepper bullets.

The news anchor then asks her who the officers were aiming at, and she replied: At us! Directly at us!

Ms Rust and her crew then move away from the officer and the protest, and she tells the studio they were told to move farther away.

Well Im sure if they had just said move, you would have moved, said the news anchor as the crew are walking away from the officers.

Ms Rust said: We were behind [the police] line, I guess a little too close for comfort.

The pepper balls used on the reporters are non-lethal rounds that contain irritant powder.

Demonstrations in Louisville are entering the fourth day amid protests against the killing of a black woman, Breonna Taylor, in her own home in March. The protests coincide with nationwide unrest over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a police office pressed his knee into the back of his neck during arrest.

A protestor gestures as cars burn behind him during a demonstration in Minneapolis (AFP via Getty Images)

The Louisville Metro Police Department have apologised for the pepper ball incident. Police spokesperson Jessie Halladay told the Courier Journal: Its not something that should have occurred if she was singled out as a reporter.

Ms Halladay said police would review the video and carry out any investigation for discipline if needed.

The incident comes as a CNN crew was arrested on live television by police in Minnesota, prompting an apology from the state governor, Tim Walz.

CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez and two other colleagues were arrested while covering violent and fiery protests in the city.

Mr Walz said at a news conference later: I take full responsibility. There is absolutely no reason something like that should happen This is a very public apology to that team.

Weve got to ensure that there is safe spot for journalism to tell this story, he added.

Another member of the media was also reportedly struck by pepper balls while covering protests in Denver on Friday.

Photographer Hyoung Chang, of the Denver Post, said an officer fired two pepper balls directly at him. Mr Chang later uploaded a photo of his press ID with a large chip in it on Instagram, and said: I got two pepper ball shots from Denver Police during covering George Floyd rally. I wonder why two not one. My press ID might helped me little [sic].

Large-scale protests have turned into rioting in cities across the US, as people display anger at the deaths of black people at the hands of police. Clashes between protesters and police have led to the death of a teenager in Detroit.

Additional reporting by AP
A woman who lost her daughter in a horrific crash involving a car driven by a teenage boy has pleaded for speed ramps to be installed in a community where some roads "are being used like race tracks".

Kimberly O'Connor (16) died when the car in which she was a passenger spun out of control and smashed into a wall in Cork city last February 19.

The teenage boy who was driving ran from the scene.

Kimberly's mother Jennifer has now pleaded for speed ramps to be installed to avoid another tragedy.

The 19-year-old car involved in the collision in Knocknaheeny had been bought for just 200.

Two other teenagers who were in it were seriously injured.

Jennifer said the tragedy robbed her of her "priceless diamond" of a daughter.

She said Kimberly only agreed to accept a lift home because it was raining - and paid for it with her life.

Collapsing

Jennifer said she heard the smash outside her front door.

"Out of the blue, I heard a loud bang. It was like a building collapsing," she told RedFM's Neil Prendeville Show.

"It was like something falling from the sky, that's how loud it was. I ran from the bedroom and ran out.

"The car was after spinning outside and crashed.

"I was thinking Kimberly was somewhere else and I was ringing her phone and there was no answer.

"My daughter Shannon was saying, 'Mam, the person in the car has the same clothes on that Kimberly had on today', so the panic set in.

"I was praying to God that she would answer the phone and walk around the corner.

"My whole life crashed. I will never be the same again. I'm only existing, I'm not living. I would love to be with her, but I have a little baby.

"It's a worry when you have teenagers. Before Kimberly died, I was always ringing her and saying, 'Where are you, what are you doing?' It was such a shock."

Jennifer paid tribute to the local community for the support she has received.

"I have to live because I have other children. I have to try my best. What's giving me a little bit of hope is that she's with her dad, who died when she was four."

Jennifer has asked for traffic-calming measures to be introduced in Knocknaheeny.

"Kimberly made a bad choice that night," she said. "It ended up taking her life right outside my door. She was my everything."

A large crowd attended Kimberly's requiem mass at St Mary's On The Hill Church in Knocknaheeny in February.

She was a transition year student at Terence MacSwiney Community College.

Kimberly is survived by Jennifer, sisters Shannon and Britney, brother Cody and Jennifer's partner Ken.
Ill. churches ask Supreme Court to stop states lockdown order limiting worship attendees

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Two Illinois churches have filed an emergency request for relief to the U.S. Supreme Court from a state order that limits in-person worship services to no more than 10 people.

Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church and Logos Baptist Ministries filed the injunction request on Wednesday, asking for relief from the order by Sunday, which is the holy day of Pentecost.

In their request for relief, the churches said Gov. Jay Pritzker's limitations on worship gatherings in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19 are arbitrary and discriminatory against houses of worship.

Governor Pritzker has no plans to remove the 10-person limit on worship anytime soon, read the request.

On May 5, 2020, Governor Pritzker released his 5-phase Restore Illinois plan, continuing to subject churches to the 10-person limit through Phases 1, 2, and 3, upping the limit to 50 under Phase 4, and eventually removing limits in Phase 5  no sooner than 12 to 18 months from now, and all subject to change, at any time.

The churches stressed that they've been following social distancing guidelines, such as keeping attendees 6 feet apart, checking people's temperatures before entering their buildings, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting their properties.

Concerns about being fined, arrested, hauled off to jail, or subjected to other punitive measures have interfered with and diminished its collective worship experience, to a much greater extent than COVID-19 and the resulting precautionary measures it has voluntarily employed, ever could, continued the churches' request.

This diminishment of churches exercise of their sincerely held beliefs will continue as long as Governor Pritzkers orders disparately single out in-person religious services for more restrictive treatment.

The request for relief came days after Pastor Cristian Ionescu of Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church received a letter from the Chicago Department of Public Health demanding that his church stop holding services that defy state orders.

I appeal to you as a leader in your community and remain hopeful that you will work with me for the health, safety, and welfare of all Chicagoans, wrote Department Commissioner Allison Arwady.

If you continue to operate in defiance of the Executive Order, the city will pursue all available legal remedies  Any future gatherings conducted contrary to the order will be considered a failure to abate and the city will take steps necessary to abate, including Summary Abatement.

Liberty Counsel founder and Chairman Mat Staver, whose law firm is representing the churches, said the health department's letter was un-American.

To declare these churches to be a public nuisance for holding a service of more than 10 people is reminiscent of Communist Romania, and not America, Staver said Wednesday.

Our Romanian pastors are familiar with these heavy-handed government tactics but never imagined they would experience the same in the Land of the Free.

Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church and several other congregations in the Chicago area have held in-person worship services that defy state orders limiting the number of attendees to only 10.

Supporters of the restrictions on worship attendance have argued that it's justified for health reasons amid concerns that infections can spread rapidly in larger gatherings, such as worship services.

 here in Chicago, we have lost three faith leaders to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and many more congregants who have been linked to churches with clusters outbreaks, wrote Arwady in the letter to Ionescu.

In February 2020, the CDC reported that one COVID-19 positive individual experiencing mild respiratory symptoms, unknowingly spread COVID to 16 people, ages 5 to 86 years, after attending a church funeral and a birthday party, Arwady added.
Protesters take to downtown LA over killing of George Floyd for third consecutive day

LOS ANGELES, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles Friday night, clashing with police, during a third day of demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd.

Protesters marched in the streets, shouting slogans such as "I can't breathe" to express their anger over the killing of the unarmed Minnesota black man by police.

The march has mostly been peaceful amid heavy police presence. A police officer was attacked in the street and squad cars' windows were smashed by protesters, KTLA news channel, a local news outlet, reported.

Several people were detained for allegedly throwing objects at officers and damaging police cars, according to another local news outlet, City News Service.

A group of about 100 protesters reportedly blocked a major north-south freeway in downtown Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department urged people in a Tweet to avoid the Downtown Los Angeles area, including side streets and freeways, due to ongoing protests.

Demonstrations and riots have spread to cities across the United States after a video went viral of Floyd being suffocated to death by a white police officer in the mid-western state of Minnesota on Monday.
Open water swimmers around the county will have a chance to influence the designation of their favourite swimming spots as official bathing waters that can be monitored by the council in a new consultation process aimed at making swimming safer for everyone.

Fingal County Council is inviting people to have their say as part of the annual review of bathing waters across the region.

Local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use.

To help with this process, Fingal County Council is asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing designated bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming, but not identified at the moment.

Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters each year so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards.

In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season.

These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution.

The profiles include an assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs.

If you are a regular swimmer and want to help your council decide which bathing areas should be classified as such, it might be helpful to consider how your swimming area has been used up to now, how many people use the site, what facilities exist at the site and how accessible it is and any safety issues there may be.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O'Brien said: 'I would encourage people to take part in this public consultation process and have their say on the bathing waters in Fingal.'

The Mayor concluded: 'If you wish to propose your favourite beach or river as a new bathing water site or comment on an existing site, please make your submission through the consultation portal.'

The public consultation is available to view at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse.

The closing date for submissions to the process is June 22.
Friday's report showed sharp declines in consumer spending across the board -- from durable goods like cars to non-durable items such as clothing and services ranging from doctor visits to haircuts.

The depth of the spending drop is particularly damaging because consumer spending is the primary driver of the economy, accounting for about 70 percent of economic activity. Last month's figure signaled that the April-June quarter will be especially grim, with the economy thought to be shrinking at an annual rate near 40 percent. That would be, by far, the worst quarterly contraction on record.

Even with employers cutting millions of jobs during the month, personal incomes soared 10.5 percent in April, reflecting billions of dollars in support through government payments in the form of unemployment benefits and stimulus checks.

Last month's spending decline was far worse than the revised 6.9 percent drop in March, which itself had set a record for the steepest one-month fall in records dating to 1959. Friday's Commerce Department figures reinforced evidence that the economy is gripped by the worst downturn in decades, with consumers unable or too anxious to spend much.

U.S. consumer spending plunged by a record-shattering 13.6 percent in April as the viral pandemic shuttered businesses, forced millions of layoffs and sent the economy into a deep recession.

In April, the nation's jobless rate was 14.7 percent, the highest since the Great Depression, and many economists think it will top 20 percent for May. States are gradually restarting their economies by letting some businesses reopen with certain restrictions, and some laid-off employees are being recalled to work. Still, the job market remains severely depressed, and the outlook for the rest of the year is still bleak.

Some financial support for the tens of millions of consumers who have been laid off over the past two months is coming from weekly unemployment benefits. Besides whatever unemployment aid states are providing to laid-off workers, the federal government is providing US$600 a week in additional benefits.

A debate in Congress over whether to extend the US$600 a week in federal unemployment aid looks sure to intensify, with the number of people receiving that aid now topping 30 million -- one in five workers. The money is set to expire July 31. Yet with the unemployment rate widely expected to still be in the mid-teens by then, lawmakers will face pressure to compromise on some form of renewed benefits.

The Trump administration asserts that the economy will begin to regain its health in the second half of the year, with businesses increasingly reopening and restoring jobs and consumers increasing spending. Most economists say, though, that the lingering effects of the job losses and likely business bankruptcies will take longer to overcome, especially if a second wave of the coronavirus erupts. Analysts generally believe the economy won't manage to sustain a solid recovery until a vaccine is widely available.

And until Americans resume spending at something close to their previous levels, jobs won't likely return in a significant way. Data from Chase Bank credit and debit cards shows that consumers have slowly increased their spending since the government distributed US$1,200 stimulus checks in mid-April.

But most of that increase has occurred in online shopping. Spending in regular brick and mortar stores, which makes up the vast majority of consumer spending, is still down 35 percent from a year ago, according to Chase, after having plummeted 50 percent at its lowest point.
BUCHAREST -- Hundreds of Romanian migrant workers have been infected by the new coronavirus at slaughterhouses in Germany and the Netherlands, an emerging aspect of the pandemic that highlights the dilemma facing seasonal workers who travel west from poorer EU states.

Farmers in France, Italy, Germany, and elsewhere routinely employ migrant workers for harvests, and meat-processing companies in those and other countries also rely heavily on Romanians and other Eastern Europeans.

EU institutions have acknowledged that such workers "provide a vital workforce on farms in Germany, France, and other member states and ensure food security across Europe, but their rights are often denied."

The European Parliament and Commission said on May 25 and 26 that they were "deeply concerned by reports about the precarious working conditions and lack of safety measures for cross-border, frontier, and seasonal workers."

But even as governments on both sides have pledged to better support Romanians willing to do similar work at home or alleviate "structural" problems plaguing the cross-border labor market, there is skepticism over promises of any early fixes.

Pandemic Panic

Romanians and other Eastern Europeans are frequently eager to snatch up low-paying jobs that don't interest their western counterparts.

Experts say a job that nets around 1,500 euros ($1,650) a month in Germany might fetch 430 euros ($477), the minimum wage, in Romania.

So European lockdowns imposed in March as governments scrambled to contain the spread of the coronavirus left some wealthier countries without the hundreds of thousands of workers from the continent's poorer eastern states that they normally rely on.

On April 4, Romania's minority government under National Liberal Party leader Ludovic Orban agreed to allow seasonal workers to fly abroad on charter flights organized by West European farmers, provided there was agreement with authorities in the destination countries.

Bucharest's move followed a declaration in March by EU countries that food supplies were a matter of national security and, according to Romanian Ambassador to Berlin Emil Hurezeanu, the German Agriculture and Interior ministries' lifting of travel restrictions in early April so that farmers there could pay for charter flights to transport seasonal workers from Romania.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

Days later, on April 9, thousands of workers from poor villages came to board low-cost flights at the Cluj airport in northwestern Romania.

Images of 2,000 people who weren't socially distancing streaming out of crammed buses into the regional airport to board planes under a strict lockdown caused an uproar.

By May 14, Romanian Transport Minister Lucian Bode told parliament there had been 188 charter flights carrying seasonal workers from Romania to Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, and Austria between the suspension of scheduled flights due to the pandemic on March 16 and May 4.

Abattoir Crises

On April 28, a coronavirus outbreak at a slaughterhouse in Birkenfeld in southeast Germany spotlighted the plight of easterners in Western European workplaces. Some 200 Romanians were infected with COVID-19 and at least one of them eventually died.

In early May, there was news of positive tests for coronavirus at a Dutch meat-processing plant where 270 Romanians work.

On May 11, the Romanian Foreign Ministry said 13 of 80 Romanian employees who tested positive for the coronavirus at a meat-processing plant in Coesfeld, in western Germany, had been hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms.

The plant, which employs Romanians and Bulgarians, was closed until further notice.

Deutsche Welle quoted North Rhine-Westphalia Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann as suggesting that the workers' shared accommodation in tight quarters may have sparked the outbreak.

"Hundreds got ill in the abattoirs," Ambassador Hurezeanu told RFE/RL on May 21. He cited "a whole chain" of subcontractors who were negotiating pay and accommodations on behalf of such employees. "Employers didn't check out the living conditions," he said. "They [just] paid by the hour."

Hurezeanu said 70 to 75 percent of the 300,000 foreign workers who take jobs every year in Germany picking fruit and vegetables are from Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria.

Since the pandemic erupted throughout much of Europe in March, some 27,000 seasonal workers have traveled to Germany to pick asparagus and strawberries. Most are Romanian, Hurezeanu said, followed by Ukrainians, Poles, Bulgarians, and Czechs.

He touted some progress.

Checks have been carried out to eliminate pay by the kilogram, instead of by the hour, Hurezeanu said, and collective health coverage has been expanded from 70 to 115 days.

"It's hard work and many Romanians have been doing it for many years, either directly employed [by farms] or through intermediaries in Germany and Romania," he said.

Treated Like 'Slaves'?

Hundreds of Romanian workers staged a protest in Bonn on May 19 over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions, saying they were being treated "like slaves" after the strawberry farm where they were working went bankrupt.

In a bid the same day to lure some of them back home, Romanian Agriculture Minister Adrian Oros announced a package of at least 20 million euros ($22 million) to support young farmers who have previously worked abroad.

Oros also told parliament that starting on June 1, the government would raise the minimum monthly wage in the agricultural sector to 3,000 lei ($690) per month to persuade Romanian migrants to stay in the country.

Some of the Bonn protesters found jobs on nearby farms, while others returned to Romania.

After the COVID-19 outbreaks at the abattoirs in Germany, Romanian Labor Minister Violeta Alexandru visited the country on May 18 to see the situation firsthand. She met with German Labor Minister Hubertus Heil and Food and Agriculture Minister Julia Kloeckner.

Two days later, on May 20, following pressure from German farming unions, the German government said it would pass legislation to remove subcontractors from the hiring process. The move, supporters said, would ensure better conditions for seasonal workers from low-income countries.

Heil cited "structural" problems in the industry that required deep-rooted reform, noting that up to 80 percent of workers in some slaughterhouses are employed by subcontractors or even sub-subcontractors.

The German government is expected to submit a bill to require companies to directly employ any workers involved in slaughtering and meat processing from January, although there will be exceptions for small artisanal businesses.

Hurezeanu, who attended a meeting with senior officials from the German Interior and Agriculture ministries to discuss the bill, called it "a radical change" in the law.

"We were the co-authors," he said. "It was built on our suffering."

Others are more skeptical.

Opposition Social Democrat Lia Olguta Vasilescu, a former labor minister, on April 9 equated Romania's migrant-labor predicament to being a "colony."

"I hear that some foreign ambassadors made themselves useful these days," she said, in an allusion to the deals on letting seasonal workers travel despite the lockdown.

She suggested that officials "no longer care about the anti-corruption fight, or whether we have health materials so we don't die, but about their plantations that no longer have slaves."

Vasilescu said Romania quarantines Romanians arriving from abroad "on the state's money and, when we're sure they're healthy, we send them to others [abroad] so our asparagus stays in the fields, because in any case we don't sell what we grow, but only [what's] imported."

The current labor minister, Alexandru, dismissed such characterizations following her trip to Germany. "Romanians are not treated like slaves for the most part," she said on May 27, acknowledging that living and working conditions varied.

"Decent conditions are a relative thing."
Friday at midnight, the Supreme Court rejected a churchs challenge to Californias COVID-19 restrictions by a 54 vote, with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the liberals. In a pointed opinion, Roberts indicated that he will not join conservative judges escalating efforts to override public health measures in the name of religious freedom. Justice Brett Kavanaughs dissent, by contrast, falsely accused the state of religious discrimination in an extremely misleading opinion that omits the most important facts of the case. Roberts went out of his way to scold Kavanaughs dishonest vilification of the state.

Advertisement

SCOTUSs late-night order in South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Newsom divided the justices into two camps: those who acknowledge reality and those who ignore it to score ideological points. The case began when a California church accused Gov. Gavin Newsom of violating its religious freedom. Newsoms current COVID-19 policy limits attendance at houses of worship to 25 percent of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower. At the same time, it allows certain secular businesses, like grocery stores, to operate under looser guidelines, allowing more people to enter. The church claimed this disparate treatment between churches and commercial establishments runs afoul of the First Amendment.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

As Roberts noted, however, California does not impose uniform rules on all places where people assemble. The state does strictly limit church attendance. But it applies similar or more severe restrictions to lectures, concerts, movie showings, spectator sports, and theatrical performances. So the question for the court is less constitutional than scientific: From an epidemiological perspective, are churches more like grocery stores or concerts? And that, the chief justice concluded, is a question for lawmakers, not federal judges.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The precise question of when restrictions on particular social activities should be lifted during the pandemic, Roberts declared, is a dynamic and fact-intensive matter subject to reasonable disagreement. The Constitution leaves such decisions to the politically accountable officials of the state, whose decisions should not be subject to second-guessing by judges who lack background, competence, and expertise to assess public health. Multiple coronavirus outbreaks in California have been traced back to religious services. California has good reason to treat churches more like concertswhere people congregate in large groups and remain in close proximity for extended periodsthan grocery stores, where they can maintain social distance. For courts, that should be the end of the matter.

Kavanaugh, in dissent, viewed the case through a different lens. Whereas Roberts began by noting that COVID-19 has killed thousands of people in California and more than 100,000 nationwide, Kavanaugh crafted a narrative of invidious religious discrimination. His dissent reads like a brief by the church, not a judicial opinion. Kavanaugh alleged that Newsoms order indisputably discriminates against religion in violation of the free exercise clause. For support, the justice insisted that comparable secular businesses, like grocery stores and pharmacies, are not subject to the same restrictions imposed on churches. California must have a compelling justification for this disparate treatment, and he saw none.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

But Kavanaughs assertion that California treats churches and comparable secular businesses differently raises the question: What is a comparable secular business? When it comes to the spread of infectious disease, is a church really just like a grocery store, where people spend as little time as possible, separated by aisles and shopping carts, rarely speaking to one another? Or is it more like a concert, where people congregate for lengthy periods, shoulder to shoulder, often speaking or singing and thereby spreading droplets that may contain the coronavirus?

What is genuinely shocking about Kavanaughs dissent is that he does not even address this question. The dispute lies at the heart of the case, and Kavanaugh ignores it. He simply takes it as a given that churches are comparable to grocery stores when it comes to risk of spreading COVID-19. By warping the facts, Kavanaugh paints Californias rules as irrationally discriminatory, when in fact they are based on medical advice Newsom has right now. If the justice wants to override public health measures during a pandemic, shouldnt he at least admit that hes substituting his own scientific judgment for that of a democratically elected lawmakers?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Roberts seems to think so. His opinion ends with a clear swipe at Kavanaugh: The notion that it is indisputably clear that the Governments limitations are unconstitutional, the chief justice wrote, seems quite improbable. Roberts went out of his way to telegraph his displeasure with the raft of lawsuits contesting COVID-19 restrictions as unconstitutional burdens on religious liberty. Even in borderline cases, he suggested, courts must defer to the peoples representatives if they decide the health crisis requires limitations on public assemblies.

While all four far-right justices dissented from Fridays order, only Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch joined Kavanaughs dissent. Justice Samuel Alito declined to join Kavanaughs opinion and did not explain why. Its possible Alito was so perturbed by his colleagues deceptive recitation of the facts that he could not sign in good faith. Meanwhile, though the four liberals joined Roberts in turning away the churchs challenge, the chief justice wrote only for himself. His opinion reads like an official statement from the head of the judicial branch, reminding lower courts not to overstep constitutional boundaries when assessing COVID-19 orders. As long as Roberts has anything to say about it, the Supreme Court will not facilitate the spread of a deadly virus in the name of the First Amendment.

For more of Slates legal coverage, listen to Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick.
(CNN)  Twitter says President Donald Trump and the White House's official Twitter account have violated its rule against glorifying violence and has affixed a warning label to tweets on both, marking the first time such action has been taken against the accounts.

The social media platform is using what it calls a "public interest notice" to flag the incendiary post about the protests and violence in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This means the tweets will not be removed, but will be hidden behind a notice that says "this Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible." Users can view it if they click past the notice.

The company's move risked escalating tensions with the White House during an already tense week. Trump signed an executive order that purported to address "censorship" by Twitter and other social media companies, following Twitter's earlier decision to affix fact-check type labels to two of his misleading posts about mail-in voting ballots.

Hours after Twitter flagged the tweet from Trump, the official White House account posted the same message. Twitter then took the same action with that message.

"As is standard with this notice, engagements with the Tweet will be limited," Twitter said in a tweet explaining its earlier decision to place a warning label on Trump's tweet. "People will be able to Retweet with Comment, but will not be able to Like, Reply or Retweet it."

A spokesperson for Twitter said the decision was made by teams within the company and CEO Jack Dorsey was informed of the plan before Trump's tweet was labeled.

Trump continued his criticisms of Twitter on Friday after it labeled his post, tweeting that "it well be regulated."

The president posted an identical message to Facebook and Facebook-owned Instagram. CNN has reached out to Facebook for comment.

The post in question was about a third night of protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man who was filmed on video saying that he could not breathe as a white police officer used his knee to pin Floyd down.

As cable news networks carried images of fires and destructive protests in Minneapolis, the president tweeted at 12:53 a.m. ET: "these THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"

His phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," mirrors language used by a Miami police chief in the late 1960s in the wake of riots. Its use was immediately condemned by a wide array of individuals, from historians to members of rival political campaigns.

Some users reported the tweet to Twitter as a rule violation.

Less than two-and-a-half hours later, Twitter took action. "This Tweet violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence based on the historical context of the last line, its connection to violence, and the risk it could inspire similar actions today," the company said.

"We've taken action in the interest of preventing others from being inspired to commit violent acts, but have kept the Tweet on Twitter because it is important that the public still be able to see the Tweet given its relevance to ongoing matters of public importance."

Twitter has said in the past that it makes exceptions to its rules when heads of state are involved, due to the inherently newsworthy nature of their posts.

Facebook came under scrutiny last year for saying it would not fact-check politicians' posts.

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO and cofounder, defended the company's position in a speech last year in Washington, but noted there may be some exceptions. "Even for politicians we don't allow content that incites violence or risks imminent harm  and of course we don't allow voter suppression," he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com Trump tweets threat that 'looting' will lead to 'shooting.' Twitter put a warning label on it
In March, the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books, which advocates for the diversification of childrens literature and publishing, took an unusual step: it announced its first-ever grants in the adult publishing sector. The two $2,500 grants, which are part of the WNDB Internship Grant program, will support two interns from diverse backgrounds to work in adult publishing beginning in summer 2021. The funding was provided by Celeste Ng, the author of Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere, who gave $25,000 to ensure that the scholarships would continue for at least the next five years.

Ngs donation is part of a growing trend in publishing: authors of color are using their means to push for systemic changes to address publishings much-documented diversity problem. Im troubled by how undiverse the publishing industry isextremely white, extremely straight, extremely abled, among other thingsand have wanted to do something about it for the long time, Ng tweeted when announcing the grants. A job in publishing often requires experience like an internshipoften unpaid or low-paidbefore you can get hired. This shuts out many people who cant afford that. But their voices are exactly what we need to acquire, publish, and champion stories that often go overlooked. The goal of these grants is to make internships (and hopefully careers) in publishing more accessible, so we can increase diversity in publishing from the ground up.

The idea, Ng said in another tweet, was inspired by author and Ringer staff writer Shea Serrano. Back in november i read an article at Publishers Weekly that included a stat that i thought was very sucky: hispanics barely make up 3 percent the racial makeup of publishing, Serrano tweeted in December 2019, referring to the 2019 PW Salary Survey. That chart really stuck with me in one of those bad kind of waysi spent a lot thinking about how i didnt even know writing for a living was a thing that was available because thats not the kind of work they tell you about when you live on the south side of san antonio. So he and his wife, Larami Serrano, donated $20,000 to the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists to found a four-year, $5,000 scholarship in his name, given to students interested in becoming either a journalist or a published author.

Larami and I decided to fund the scholarship because writing has changed our lives, Serrano told PW. And partly I say that from a philosophical standpoint, sure, but mostly I say that from a very practical standpoint, in that we used to be poor and now we are no longer poor. I figured if we started this scholarship and made it so that you have to be Latino or Latina to qualify for it, then maybe itd eventually help a tiny amount to get a couple more faces like mine in the room.

Ng and Serrano are only two of a number of authors who have stepped up to address publishings diversity issues. Authors Alexander Chee and Christine H. Lee sponsor the Justin Chin Memorial Scholarship, in memory of the late author Justin Chin, to financially support a queer, Asian American Pacific Islander writers attendance at Lambda Literarys annual Retreat for LGBTQ Voices. Chee also sponsors the Yi Dae Up Fellowships, named after his grandmother, which helps women writers who are Asian-Americans and Asian immigrants attend the Jack Jones Literary Arts annual writing retreat. The intention, according to the fellowship description, is to encourage older women to apply but allow others to as well.

Roxane Gay has established her own fellowships to support the attendance of four women of color, writing in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, prose, and poetry, at the same retreat. And Chee mentioned a number of writers he knows who also fund such fellowships, including Tommy Orange and Natalie Diaz.

I dont think of my efforts as being so much about diversity as much as I think of them as being about equity, Chee said. I also think of my efforts as being specifically about changing the culture. Thats partly about thinking of diversity in terms of age, which is part of what doesnt always get talked about with diversity. And with Asian-American writers, theres certain of our groups that are more popular, say, than others, or more well-known, if you will. Were still always sending our proteges off into an industry that isnt necessarily equipped to see them or make sense of their careers. But I think thats changinggradually.

Urging publishers to step up

Stories like this one are often framed in a positive light, highlighting how big-name authors are giving back to their industry and helping to ensure its diversification. But many of the authors PW spoke with see that sort of assessment as missing the point.

Ng said sporadic acts of outreach by publishers are not enough to seriously drive diversity forward. Its great when people do good things, but that is a situation that should not have happened in the first place, she noted. And I dont want to shame publishers per se. But it does strike me as weird that a lot of the push is coming from authors and groups like We Need Diverse Books, which was founded by, among others, Ellen Oh, a YA and middle grade author.

Ng added that even in the most recent discussions about the need for more diversity, the push is coming from the bottom up. Thats a problem, she said. Because a lot of the change needs to happen from the top down.

For poet Natalie Diaz, the lack of diversity in publishing is part of a much larger issue. I think it mainly speaks to capitalism that authors and artists are forced to turn our care and energy into moneythat so much of our care has to take the form of activism rather than care being a practice and a way of love first, she said. The publishing industry is as ridiculous as any other industry: in its largest structures it controls what is literature, what is a book, what is a story in this country. It shapes and controls what is good, and this is dangerous when you assume that the few who arrive at the top are diversifying literaturewhen that structure can also be seen as maintaining diversity in literature.

Publishing is certainly aware of this issue. Big Five publishers, including Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, have teams devoted to diversity and inclusion. Ng noted that PRH (her publisher) was very supportive of the grants, and theyre going to do some mentorship and events for the interns and so on.

Still, many of the changes publishers make come in response to criticism or outside pushes. After the controversy surrounding Flatiron Books publication of Jeanine Cumminss novel American Dirt earlier this year, for instance, the imprint responded by hiring Nadxieli Nieto as editor-at-large to acquire upmarket and literary fiction, nonfiction, and YA, with a focus on work by Latinx and BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color).

The numbers also speak for themselves: in last years PW salary survey, 84% of publishing employees who responded identified as white or Caucasian, barely moving the needle from 2018, when 86% of the respondents were white. The result is that many authors see publishing moving too slowly in its efforts to hire and publish people of color, and they feel compelled to push the business forward.

Wed like to see some changes, and if they arent going to come from the inside then that means theyre going to have to come from the outside, Serrano said. I think thats why you see a lot of nonwhite authors trying to lower that ladder back to help out in whatever way we can. Its absolutely a different experience to exist in the publishing world when you dont look like 90% of the rest of the industry, or whatever the numbers are.

Ng said, The people who are doing a lot of the work tend to be people of color. And it is not enough to have them doing it, because theyre often not the ones who have the power to change all of these things, and the burden shouldnt always be on themthe people who dont have the power to be changing the systems of power.

Nicole Johnson, WNDBs executive director, agreed, though she acknowledged that big change often comes from below, or outside. Ive done work in the past with youth organizers and folks who are doing community-based work on social issues at a community level, and they speak a lot to this idea that power concedes nothing without demand, she said. I dont think that the industry, given the power structure that it has and the legacy that it holds, will change without folks who have the resources and the power to make the call and to offer up a new way or a different way of operating. It wont change without that action.

This means that within publishing houses, those who have influencethe vast majority of whom are whiteneed to step up to push for those changes.

You know what I was really proud of? Serrano asked. As soon as we announced the scholarship, I got a message from my editor at Twelve, Sean Desmond, and he was like, Hey, man. I saw the scholarship. Really proud of you and Larami. Id like to help in any way that youll let me. And then we had conversations about setting up internships that focus specifically on the areas that need to be focused on. Thats an important part of all of this, too. We need those allies who are already in the room who will unlock the door for us.
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX is set to launch the first ever passenger mission to space by a private company. The company is doing the launch for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and will carry astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley in the companys new Crew Dragon space capsule.

This is also the first time a launch is taking place from US soil in nearly a decade. This launch was earlier scheduled for May 27, but the company had to cancel it minutes before the launch time due to bad weather caused by Tropical Storm Bertha. At the moment, NASA administrator, Jim Bridenstine, has said that theres a fifty-fifty chance of the launch happening today.

There are still storms in Florida and Bridenstine said they are expected till about 3.30 pm ET, which translates to around 12.30 am IST. SpaceX is livestreaming the preparations for the launch on YouTube and the official timing is set at around 12.30 am IST.

The mission will be using SpaceXs reusable rocket, Falcon 9, and the Crew Dragon capsule. The Falcon 9 is unique because its the worlds first reusable rocket, meaning its expensive parts can be reused after taking a crew to space or shooting a satellite into orbit. The rocket has already been used for sending satellites into orbits earlier. So, far SpaceX has done 83 launches and 44 landings, with 31 rockets being reused. The first such mission was done in 2010. It would also give NASA an alternative to the Russian Souyuz rockets it uses right now.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics
IDEA Public Schools co-founder Tom Torkelson will receive $900,000 as part of a separation agreement reached last month, when he resigned as CEO after a two-decade run with the states largest charter school operator, according to a copy of the deal obtained Friday.

The amount far exceeds the annual salary of Texas highest-paid school leaders, who typically earned $300,000 to $450,000. Torkelsons base salary on his four-year contract with IDEA, which had two-plus years left on it, called for an annual salary of $275,000 and performance bonuses of up to $200,000.

IDEA officials said Torkelson also received a similar amount of compensation from IPS Enterprises, a nonprofit offshoot of the charter network, bringing his total annual payment close to the $900,000 settlement amount. IPS Enterprises was formed to assist the charters expansion nationally and does not receive taxpayer funds, relying in large part on private donations.

In the separation agreement, obtained through a public records request, IDEA leaders and Torkelson said the deal was reached to avoid a protracted dispute process, to avoid extensive legal expenses and costs including litigation costs that might otherwise be incurred, to preserve needed philanthrophy to IDEA and to resolve any and all disputes with finality.

With respect to the transition of Tom Torkelson as CEO and Executive Chair of IDEA Public Schools, the IDEA board and Tom worked earnestly to facilitate an orderly transition, IDEA Board Chairman Al Lopez wrote in a letter to IDEA affiliates.

With the assistance of professional advisers, counsel and a respected independent facilitator, an agreement was reached whereby IDEA Public Schools will pay Tom $900,000 to facilitate this transition.

IDEA officials said the payout will come from public and private funds, though they did not specify an exact breakdown.

The charters leaders do not expect the $900,000 amount will trigger a Texas law that requires state officials to dock payment of taxpayer funds to districts that pay out more than a years worth of salary and benefits in severance to a superintendent. The law specificies only that independent school districts are subject to the provision.

Most recently, the Texas Education Agency docked Katy ISD by $513,754 after reaching a settlement agreement totaling $955,795 with former superintendent Lance Hindt.

Torkelson drew widespread praise from charter advocates and other education leaders during his tenure building IDEA, which operates 91 schools in Texas, including in San Antonio, with a combined enrollment of 49,500 students. IDEA also operates five campuses in Louisiana.

But Torkelsons leadership came under fire in the months before his resignation after the disclosure of plans to lease a private jet and costs totaling $400,000 associated with the luxury boxes and event tickets.

Immediately following his resignation, Torkelson said he believed there was 100 percent unanimity that this was the right call for the organization at this time. IDEA board members selected co-founder and superintendent JoAnn Gama as Torkelsons replacement.

Torkelson did not respond to a request for comment.

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
Springfield police arrested three people Thursday afternoon on firearms charges in two separate incidents.

Springfield Police Department spokesperson, Ryan Walsh said officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Grayson Drive at about 5:45 p.m., and when police arrived at the scene a vehicle sped away.

The car crashed into woods off Bruce Street and the two occupants of the vehicle fled into the woods on foot. One of those running away was identified as 21-year-old Xavier Sands of Breckwood Blvd. in Springfield.

Sands had been out on bail since May 10 after he was arraigned on firearms and drug offenses.

Police checked to see of anyone was in the car that crashed. The car was empty but officers did see two firearms on the passenger floor of the vehicle where Sands had been sitting.

Later, police watched as Sands was picked up by a car on Tavistock Street and brought back to Grayson Drive where police attempted to stop the car. After a short chase, the vehicle was stopped on Methuen Street and Sands was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a firearm without an FID card.

Minutes later, officers attached to the Metro Unit attempting to make an unrelated motor vehicle near Main and Lombard streets, when a car sped past police. Officers were able to locate the car and determined it was unregistered and made a traffic stop near School and Union streets.

As they approached the car, officers said the passenger, identified as 21-year-old Deasean Ortiz of Milford Street in Springfield, walk away from the car. Ortiz was stopped and police searched the vehicle found a handgun in a bag along with Ortizs identification. The weapon had been reported stolen in Vermont.

Walsh said Ortiz had been released on bail following his arrangement in December of 2018 on heroin and cocaine charges. He was arrested two weeks after that on heroin distribution charges and remained out on bail when arrested Thursday.

The operator of the vehicle, 22-year-old Nathan Santiago of South Canal Road in Holyoke, was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, attaching improper number plates, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Santiago was on probation for an armed and masked robbery in which he was sentenced to 2  years in prison. He was released early.
L - A memorial outside Cub Foods, where George Floyd was killed in police custody, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 28, 2020. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images); R - File frame from video provided by Darnella Frazier, showing a Minneapolis officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier/AP)

Autopsy Shows George Floyd Did Not Die of Traumatic Asphyxiation or Strangulation

Update: The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released its final autopsy on June 1, shortly after results from an independent autopsy were released.

Original story below.

Preliminary autopsy findings by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner show that George Floyd, who died Monday in police custody in Minneapolis after an officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes, did not die due to strangulation or traumatic oxygen deprivation.

While the full report from the Medical Examiner is pending, the initial results, as cited in charging documents (pdf) against the recently fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, indicate that the autopsy revealed no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation.

Floyd died during an incident prompted by someone calling 911, claiming he was behaving erratically and tried to pay for something with a counterfeit $20 bill.

Chauvin, who was filmed kneeling on Floyds neck, was arrested on Friday and charged with second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder. The criminal complaint against him alleged he caused the death of George Floyd by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life.

The autopsy report cited in the complaint suggests Floyd died from a combination of heart disease and potential intoxicants in his system that were aggravated by the restraint placed on him by officers, which involved Chauvin applying his knee to Floyds head and neck area for an extended period.

The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death, the report said, noting that Chauvin had his knee on Floyds neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in total, including almost two minutes after Floyd was non-responsive.

Police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous, the document notes.

A Minneapolis officer kneels on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe, in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier via AP, File)

While the preliminary results of the autopsy may be interpreted as partly mitigating the actions of the arresting officers, law enforcement officials nationwide have condemned Chauvins actions.

There is no need to see more video, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Police Chief David Roddy tweeted Wednesday. There no need to wait to see how it plays out. There is no need to put a knee on someones neck for NINE minutes. There IS a need to DO something. If you wear a badge and you dont have an issue with this  turn it in.

Some law enforcement officials called for Floyds arresting officers to be criminally charged.

I am deeply disturbed by the video of Mr. Floyd being murdered in the street with other officers there letting it go on, Polk County, Georgia, Sheriff Johnny Moats wrote on Facebook. I can assure everyone, me or any of my deputies will never treat anyone like that as long as Im Sheriff. This kind of brutality is terrible and it needs to stop. All Officers involved need to be arrested and charged immediately. Praying for the family.

Meanwhile, Floyds family denounced the preliminary autopsy report, with family attorney Ben Crump saying, The family does not trust anything coming from the Minneapolis Police Department. How can they?

Speaking at a press conference Friday, Crump said the family would seek to have an independent autopsy performed.

Were going to take custody back of George Floyds body, and were bringing in Dr. Michael Baden to perform an independent autopsy, Crump said, according to The Sun.

A prominent public figure to support the familys wish for an independent autopsy into Floyds death is Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Sen. John McCain.

George Floyds family must demand an independent autopsy. I dont know what kind of [expletive] is attempting to be pulled here but we all know what we saw happen to George on video. There is a deep, festering rot of corruption and Americans will NOT stand for this, she wrote in a tweet.

Philonise Floyd, sister of the deceased, wrote in a note on a fundraising campaign page: My family and I watched in absolute horror as the now infamous and horrifying video began to spread quickly throughout social media. What we saw on that tape left us shell shocked.

As some officers knelt on his neck, other officers participated and watched; no one took any action to save my brothers life, she said.

Floyds death has sparked outrage and protests, many of which have degenerated into chaotic riots and wide-scale looting.

Demonstrations, often turning violent, have spread in recent days to places like Los Angeles, Washington, and Chicago, with a man shot dead in Detroit, police cars battered in Atlanta, and skirmishes with police in New York City.

Criminal charges filed against Chauvin have so far done little to stem the anger.
Portland, this is not us, he wrote. When you destroy our city, you are destroying our community. When you act in violence against each other, you are hurting all of us. How does this honor the legacy of George Floyd?
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen issued a press statement yesterday reporting on progress with the Coronavirus Global Response Initiative which was launched on 4 May. More than 40 countries, United Nations bodies and philanthropies made a pledge towards the research and development of coronavirus solutions at this global event  with 7.4 billion  raised that day.

Since that date more and more countries realise that we are all together in this, and that no one is safe until we are all safe. Pledges to the Coronavirus Global Response have risen this week to 9.8 billion  exceeding the original target. Additional country donors now include Morocco and New Zealand which both set exceptional examples in their respective continents, Morocco being the largest single donor in the continent of Africa. A full list of donors and breakdown of donations are available on the European Commissions website here.

The Commission is now moving to the next phase of mobilisation, looking for further commitment from all partners and more resources. The purpose is to fast track research and development of a vaccine  for all who need it, not just for those people and countries that can afford it. The Commission is now launching a new campaign called Global Goal: Unite for our Future.

On 27 June, President von der Leyen will host a final pledging summit  where businesses, foundations and citizens will have the opportunity to join forces with public donors.

Morocco supports the EUs International Pledging Initiative

Commenting on the initiative, the Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research of Morocco Driss Ouaouicha said: More than ever before, decision makers today are guided by research findings and recommendations. Morocco, under the leadership of his Majesty King Mohamed VI, is fully committed to supporting and encouraging research to contribute to facing the pandemic and overcoming the Coronavirus. The European Union Coronavirus Global Response is praiseworthy; it provides a framework not only for Europeans, but also for other willing participants from Africa and elsewhere to come together, work together, and ultimately bring peoples lives, the world over, back to the next normal.

Morocco is among the first countries to support the International Pledging Initiative to mobilise funds for COVID-19, and an important ally for the EU in the global fight against the virus.

Morocco joined the global efforts to fight against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and to minimise its impact on the population, mainly on the economic, social and psychological levels.

Morocco has taken a series of measures since the appearance of the coronavirus. It has launched several initiatives in the field of scientific research and innovation related to Covid-19 (conducting clinical and pharmacovigilance studies, production of an artificial respiration device, design of an application for track and tracing).

Morocco has also succeeded in putting in place an arsenal of important measures for the fight against Covid-19, through a number of measures. Firstly, the Production of masks: 10 Million masks at relatively moderate prices for local consumption, but which could also be destined for Europe or elsewhere when production has met local demand for supplies.

Morocco produces quality PPE and masks

Today, 23 factories are responsible for the manufacture of non-woven masks. According to the Minister of Industry, Trade and the Green and Digital Economy, Morocco has exceeded a daily production of 10 million masks. Given that Morocco has a strategic stock for the post-confinement of 50 million masks, we decided yesterday to proceed with the export of these masks. Foreign countries that are interested, including France for example, have conducted tests to ensure that the quality of the product complies with their local standards, said the minister during a session devoted to oral questions, held Monday, May 11 in the Moroccan parliament.

In addition, Morocco has begun exporting medical equipment made in Morocco, namely suits, blouses, over-blouses, visors, over-shoes etc.

The manufacture of test kits for the detection of COVID 19 has been pioneered; a Moroccan MAScIR test for the detection of COVID has recently been validated by the Pasteur Institute in Paris.

Research and development institutes have designed a respirator as well as a temperature measuring device for patients suffering from coronavirus (Covid-19). These technological innovations, made of components fully available on the Moroccan market, will be operational in both urban and rural areas, and will have an autonomy of more than 3000 hours. Once the production of the 100% Moroccan artificial respirator (SIRCOS) is completed in the coming weeks, the product will be made available to the local health system and could also be available for export as soon as local demand for supplies has been met.

Morocco also has a strong pharmaceutical industry. If a treatment is found, Morocco will be able to make its capacities available, according to corroborating sources, to support the production of this treatment for Africa, at accessible costs without restrictions or barriers.

Finally His Majesty King Mohamed VI of Morocco has initiated a special fund of 3 billion euros, to cover the expenses resulting from this health crisis. This fund will be used to finance the expenses needed to upgrade the medical system, in terms of adapted infrastructures and additional means to be acquired urgently. Additionally, the fund will be used to support the Moroccan economy and assist the sectors most affected by this health crisis. Other national measures include the suspension of the payment of social charges and the establishment of a moratorium on the repayment of bank loans
Psychopathic TV serial killer Villanelle is described by her creator  thriller writer Luke Jennings  as a spectral and elusive quarry, always one flawless step ahead. Jennings says he also admires her grim artistry.

As fans of the BBC drama, now in its third series, are aware, Villanelle displays no remorse for her extravagantly sadistic hits. Played by Jodie Comer, the hired assassin employed by an underworld gang called The Twelve, becomes involved in an obsessive cat-and-mouse game with MI6 agent Eve Polastri, played by Sandra Oh.

The idea of the story came to Jennings  who was the Observer newspapers dance critic  when he tried to turn the womanising and humourless genre of male thriller book heroes on its head.

So he invented Villanelle  real name Oksana Astankova  a child of post-Soviet chaos, as brilliant as she was ferocious. But only recently has it emerged that an inspiration for her was Idoia Lopez Riano, a green-eyed femme fatale who became the worlds most wanted female assassin in the 1980s while carrying out atrocities for Eta, the Basque separatist group.

Idoia Lopez Riano became the worlds most wanted female assassin in the 1980s while carrying out atrocities for Eta, the Basque separatist group

In total, she killed 23, including 12 Civil Guards in one bomb attack. Finally caught in 1994, she was handed a 1,500-year jail sentence but later renounced terror and walked free in 2017, aged 52.

A sadistic penchant for luring police officers to bed, before gunning down their colleagues, got the disco-loving, tousle-haired killer the nickname La Tigresa.

Like Villanelle, she often paused to admire her reflection before executing her next victim. The similarities with Comers character are obvious, with Jennings himself saying: Riano was a psychopath and completely without empathy.

However, in a remarkable twist  one that even the imaginative Villanelle might never have come up with  Rianos mother last night claimed that her daughter now works for the Red Cross. Speaking last week from her home in the tiny village of Villar de Ciervo near the Portuguese border, her mother, Mari Riano, 86, said shes proud of her daughter who has been turning things around. She said: She speaks three or four languages and is throwing herself into the work. Idoia is with the Red Cross in Barcelona. Everyone loves her there.

The contrast between Rianos alleged humanitarian work and her previous role as a commando with Eta, whose violent campaign for independence left more than 850 people dead, is as sharp as her role as assassin was with her very normal childhood. As a youngster with piercing eyes and dark, tumbling hair, Riano was just one of the girls, says her cousin, Jose Antonio Lopez, adding: She was pretty soft.

That changed in 1980 when, through a boyfriend from the Basque town of Errenteria, the then 16-year-old Riano was recruited by Eta. She registered her first kill at the age of 20.

As fans of the BBC drama Killing Eve, now in its third series, are aware, Villanelle displays no remorse for her extravagantly sadistic hits

It was not long before her signature green eyes and curls of hair began to dominate newspaper reports and her face appeared on Wanted posters in bars across Spain. Her mother said: She got involved with the wrong crowd. I cant say why, it just happened.

Displaying a natural talent for terror, Riano became a lieutenant in Etas Madrid cell. In 1986, she played a key role in the bombing of the citys Plaza Republica Dominicana which killed 12 Civil Guards, and in another car bomb attack that left five Guards dead.

After fleeing to Algeria for several years, she joined a notorious commando unit which carried out attacks in Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Murcia, achieving a near mythical reputation for ruthlessness. Just as Villanelle lusts after her intelligence service agent pursuer Eve Polastri, so Riano developed a sexual obsession with the Civil Guard, cruising night clubs to pick up officers, only to assassinate their colleagues hours later. According to one report, she was said to straddle her police lovers while thinking: Id love to shoot the b****** in the mouth.

The image of his daughter as a bed-hopping, merciless killer remains painful for Melchor Riano. Sipping a glass of local liqueur in the village square, he said: I just want to leave the past behind. I cant bring myself to talk about it.

Villager Teodoro Reyes, 62, still recalls the unwanted attention that Rianos crimes brought to Villar de Ciervo. He said. I remember seeing her face on a poster at a local bus stop, in a line-up of eight or ten wanted ETA terrorists. We all knew the legend of La Tigresa who killed so many.

In Killing Eve, Villanelles paymasters admire her skill as an assassin, but despair of her tendency to ignore orders.

Riano is handcuffed after she arrives at the Madrid-Barajas airport on Wednesday May 9, 2001, after being extradited from France

Riano was no different. Before one attack in Madrid, she was asked to act as lookout for another gunman but then opened fire on a car of army officers. Another operation collapsed when she missed the target while admiring her reflection in a shop window  a trait mirrored by fashionista Villanelle.

Riano was finally tracked down by police to a flat in the south of France. She had a Browning 9mm handgun with the serial numbers erased and false identity papers. Having apologised to her victims families, Riano was released from jail a year before Eta ended its a 50-year campaign of bloodshed. To avoid photographers, she leapt from a van that drive her out, changed her clothes and roared away on the back of a motorbike.

In an uncanny echo, in the first series of Killing Eve, Villanelle, in denim hotpants and a leather jacket, tears through the Tuscan countryside on a motorbike.

Meanwhile, the real-life plot thickens: the Red Cross in Spain said they had no record of Riano working or volunteering for the charity. And, even if Riano is assuaging her guilt through humanitarian work, healing the scars of the past remains difficult for those whose lives she destroyed.

Juan Luis Lopez Lancharro, 56, a painter and decorator, will never forgive her for her part in the murder of his then 21-year-old brother Antonio Lancharro at the Plaza Republica Dominicana massacre.

To let her out after just 23 years was shocking. She should have been jailed for life, he says. And he is upset that Rianos killing spree has inspired a TV drama. Films and TV should not be glamorising evil like that, he says. Its an outrage to create a drama out of something that destroyed 23 families.

The team behind Killing Eve were attracted to the idea of an intelligent and tonally bold female assassin. But its surely very unlikely theyll end the series with Villanelle having a change of heart and working for the Red Cross.
Do Indian states have the political will to make the return migrants feel at home?

In India, a humanitarian disaster is unfolding along with the health calamity ever since the lockdown was announced more than two months ago. A despondent mass of migrant workers is trudging their way back home, forced to disregard official restrictions of maintaining physical distance and, thus, rendered more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. While, previously, there were efforts to enforce arbitrary restrictions on their remigration, without having any strategies of containing them in their urban locations in place, now there is a belated decision to run Shramik special trains even as the contagion is on a rising curve. However, not only does the process of travel registration lack clarity, but the travel itself involves jostling for space in trains that are for no apparent reason making circuitous journeys for as many as 60 hours in the peak heat of May. With paucity of food and water and having already undergone prolonged, untold hardships, many are failing to make it to their destination.

The questions that should provoke our conscience at this brazen display of the states willy-nilly handling of the workers issue are: Who are these migrants? A demographic category, or an economic entity? In being a demographic category, they may have proven their worth as a vote bank, but that worth does not translate while rewarding, let alone recognising, their labour in the production process of the broader economy. For these poor workers, who have been living hand-to-mouth even in their pre-lockdown days, the lockdown exposed their precariousness to the larger world. The sudden suspension of all works and basic services due to the imposition of the lockdown by the state in an authoritarian manner has left them helpless without the required state support. But have they ever really had a state that included them in its development process?
MANILA, Philippines  Metro Manila and some parts of the country will begin the implementation of general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday (June 1).

Alongside the shift from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ)to GCQ is the reopening of companies and establishments with a number of employees returning to their workplaces.

Based on records by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) around 2.8 million workers stopped working, some were laid off, due to the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-1) pandemic on the countrys economy.

Thus, many of those whose income were affected during the quarantine will need to work harder to recover their finances with the reopening of industries and sectors.

Considering na matagal silang nawalan ng trabaho [Considering the length of time that they have been idle], you can just imagine the rush of workers kasi no-work-no-pay, Bello noted.

Now that they can work, for sure they will do everything within their means to report back to office, he added.

The Secretary also expressed concern about the workers dilemma over the limited operation of mass transportation.

Street sweeper Lolita Danieles just returned to work on Tuesday (May 26) after two months of staying at home.

However, she struggles with transportation as she has to pay P70 for a tricycle ride from Payatas to Litex, just halfway to her workplace in Timog Avenue.

Minsan ang bus pumapara kami hindi kami hinihintuan. Maghintay talaga kami. Tyaga lang, [There are buses passing by but they do not stop. We need to wait patiently,] she said.

Kanina nga lang hinintuan kami nung kotse, siningil sa amin tig P50 isa, [Earlier a car owner offered us a ride but charged us P50 each], she said.

Meanwhile, an employee of a construction company, Crispin Acincieno said he opted for a two-way personal service from his home in Bulacan to his work in Quezon City instead of commuting.

Definitely hindi muna. Kasi hindi pa naman sigurado. Hindi pa naman 100% safe na mag-public transport [Not yet for now, definitely, because its not yet sure if public transportations are 100% safe], he said.

Story continues

Secretary Bello reminds employers and employees to always observe health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

These include the regular wearing of masks, temperature checking, setting up disinfection stations with alcohol and foot baths as well as maintaining proper social distance.

Ating sinisiguro na ang ating mga worker na nakapasok ay ligtas sa contamination at transmission ng COVID-19 [We want to make sure, that our returning employees and workers are safe from contamination and transmission of COVID-19], Bello said. MNP (with reports from Rey Pelayo)

The post DOLE reminds companies, employees of COVID-19 prevention protocols as work resumes Monday appeared first on UNTV News.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 07:29:08|Editor: Lu Hui

Video Player Close

A teacher simulates a student to get her body temperature remeasured at the Primary School Attached to Peking University in Haidian District of Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2020. The Primary School Attached to Peking University conducted a drill simulating the steps of temperature measurement and emergency treatment of abnormal body temperature, so as to ensure teachers and students to return to school in a safe and orderly manner. All non-graduating middle school students and sixth-grade pupils in Beijing will return to schools on June 1, while fourth and fifth-graders of primary schools will be back to classes on June 8. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)
The General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) on May 29 announced that there were 1,212 newly licenced projects during the Jan-May period, with registered capital of US$7.4 billion, down 11.1% on the number of projects and up 15.2% in registered capital against the same period last year.

There were 436 licenced projects from previous years registered to adjust investment capital with additional capital of US$3.5 billion, up 31.4%.

During the five-month period, 3,528 foreign investors contributed capital and purchased shares with a total value of nearly US$3 billion, down 60.9%.

FDI disbursement in the first five months this year was estimated at US$6.7 billion, down 8.2% over the same period last year, of which over US$4.9 billion was in the processing and manufacturing industry, accounting for 73.6% of the total.

During the period, the production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioners witnessed the largest volume of newly licenced FDI projects, reaching US$4 billion, accounting for 53.8% of total newly registered capital. It was followed by the processing and manufacturing industry, with US$2.8 billion, accounting for 37%. The remaining industries attracted US$685.3 million, accounting for 9.2%.

Among the 58 countries and territories registering new projects in Vietnam in the first five months, Singapore was the largest investor, with US$4.3 billion, accounting for 58% of the total, followed by Taiwan (China) with US$743 million (10%), China with US$694 million (9.3%), Hong Kong (China) with US$500 million (6.7%), the Republic of Korea with US$441 million (5.9%) and Japan with US$221 million (3%).

The GSO also revealed that Vietnamese investors had 60 new projects abroad in the period, with total capital of US$161.9 million. They also poured an additional US$18.8 million into eleven existing projects.

Generally, Vietnam's total investment abroad (both newly and additionally granted capital) in the five-month period reached US$180.7 million, equalling 98.7% of the same period last year, of which the processing and manufacturing industry accounted for the most with US$100.5 million (55.6%).

Local investors poured their investments into 21 countries and territories during the period, with Germany being the largest recipient with US$92.6 million (51.3%), followed by the US with US$21.7 million (12%), Myanmar with US$21.2 million (11.7%), and Singapore with US$18.9 million (10.5%).
An Egyptian security source dismissed on Saturday claims that there are coronavirus infections at Borg El-Arab prison.

The claim was made in a video circulated on social media saying that the chief of detectives at Borg El-Arab prison, his assistant, and some of the inmates were infected with the coronavirus.

The source said that the video was made by an "unemployed person with a criminal background" who demanded the release of the prisoners because his brother is being held in the prison pending a drug case.

The source also denied claims made on satellite channels affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood group regarding the alleged death from coronavirus of a civil servant inside Tora prison.

He said that the aforementioned employee "had been on leave from his work since 17 May and died while on his vacation."

The Ministry of the Interior will take legal actions against those who spread these rumours, the source added.

On Saturday, the health ministry announced 1,367 new coronavirus infections, the highest single-day increase announced to date, bringing the countrys total number of confirmed cases to 23,449 since the detection of the first case on 14 February.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Big Beaver Road to close under I-75 Monday night in Oakland County for new bridge deck concrete pour

Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, 248-483-5107 Transportation

Fast facts:

- Starting at 9 p.m. Monday, June 1, crews will close both directions of Big Beaver Road under I-75.

- Big Beaver Road will reopen to traffic by 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 2.

- The closure is required to allow crews to pour a new concrete deck on the bridge that carries southbound I-75 over Big Beaver Road.

May 29, 2020 -- Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contracting crews will be closing both directions of Big Beaver Road under I-75 to pour a new bridge deck starting at 9 p.m. Monday, June 1. This closure will remain in place until 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 2.

Currently, both directions of I-75 have two lanes open with all traffic using the northbound side of the freeway, separated by a temporary concrete barrier, between Adams and 13 Mile roads. During this bridge operation, the right lane of southbound I-75 will be closed at Big Beaver Road for safety. This single-lane closure is expected to be removed by 9 a.m. Tuesday.

During the closure, detours will be posted in each direction using Livernois, Maple, and Crooks roads. Upon reopening, both directions of Big Beaver Road will have one lane open in each direction under I-75. This configuration on Big Beaver Road will allow for interchange construction and bridge building operations until early summer.

Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75.

ESSENTIAL WORK:

This road construction project is an essential function. Transportation workers in the field follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to limit their risk of getting sick.
Protesters gather in front of a liquor store in flames near the Third Police Precinct in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 28, 2020. (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images)

Mandatory Curfew for Minneapolis, St. Paul After Days of Destruction Following George Floyd Death

Mandatory curfews have been issued for Minneapolis and nearby St. Paul after three straight nights of protests, two of which involved increasingly violent activities, including looting and arson, following the death of George Floyd.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Friday issued an emergency order (pdf) for a curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. across the city for Friday and Saturday night. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III announced a similar curfew for his city following Freys order. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also later issued an executive order (pdf) that implements the curfew in the two cities.

Mayor Frey has issued Emergency Regulation No. 2020-2-1 which imposes a curfew throughout the City of Minneapolis beginning at 8 p.m. tonight (Fri., May 29) and extends through the weekend.

See the posted regulation for details at: https://t.co/iebgleKnyx pic.twitter.com/7l61oURPtc  Minneapolis Clerk (@mplsclerk) May 29, 2020

To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, people must not travel on any public street or in any public place during the curfew hours, according to the order.

The order also says that law enforcement, fire, medical personnel, and members of the news media, as well as other personnel authorized by the City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota State Patrol, or Minnesota National Guard, are exempt from the curfew.

Individuals traveling directly to and from work, seeking exempt care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness are also exempt, the order reads.

We have implemented a temporary nighttime curfew in Minneapolis and St. Paul in order to restore peace. It will be in effect from 8pm-6am on Friday and Saturday night. I urge Minnesotans to comply  Its time to rebuild our community.  Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 29, 2020

I urge Minnesotans to complyits time to rebuild our community, Walz said in a statement.

Freys order noted that much of the destruction and violence has taken place under the cover of darkness.

Protests erupted Tuesday, a day after Floyds death following a confrontation with police that sparked national outrage. Several businesses and buildings within the citys Third Precinct and surrounding areas have been significantly damaged, looted, or burned, after protests became more violent and widespread on Wednesday and Thursday night.

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said on Thursday at a press conference that many of the people who looted businesses and set fires on Wednesday night, the second night of protests, are not believed to be from Minneapolis. He added that the crowds got large and they became more mobile on Wednesday night.

It was clear to me and also hearing from our local community leaders, that many of the people that were involved in the criminal conduct last night were not known Minneapolitans to them, Arradondo told reporters on Thursday.

Protesters set fire to the entrance of a police station as demonstrations continue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 28, 2020. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

A man was also shot to death on Wednesday night and police said they were investigating the death as a homicide and had a suspect in custody. On Thursday, rioters set fire to the Third Police Precinct, which is near the area where Floyd died. Protests also spread to nearby St. Paul by Thursday.

Floyd, a 46-year-old father of two, died while in police custody at the citys Third Police Precinct on Monday.

George Floyd in a file photo. (Courtesy Ben Crump Law Firm via CNN)

Disturbing video footage from Monday showed 44-year-old police officer Derek Chauvin using his knee on Floyds neck to pin him to the ground for almost 8 minutes until Floyd became unresponsive. Floyd, who was unarmed and handcuffed, pleaded to the officers while repeatedly calling out I cant breathe during the episode.

Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin kneels on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe, in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier via AP)

Chauvin was fired on Tuesday, along with another three officers involved in Floyds arrestThomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J. Alexander Kueng. On Friday, Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection with Floyds death.

Police had earlier responded to a 911 call by a store clerk alleging Floyd had used a counterfeit bill and that he was behaving erratically.

Minneapolis Police said in a statement on Tuesday that officers were responding to a report of forgery when the suspect physically resisted officers. According to the statement, Floyd died after suffering medical distress.

The Minnesota National Guard and state patrol officers were deployed to Minneapolis in the early hours of Friday, just after midnight, in an attempt to quell riots.

State Police stand guard as smoke billows from buildings that continue to burn in the aftermath of a night of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

National Guard members are seen near protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 29, 2020. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)
A heavily blurred screengrab of the video. // Photo from Twitter Three Lee's Summit teenagers are in hot water after a Snapchat video of them recreating George Floyd's death and participating in underage drinking surfaced online this week. In the video, one girl is kneeling over another, who yells that she cannot breathe and the two of them laugh.
Deep Trouble: Russia Finally Moves To Raise Radioactive Debris From Arctic Waters

By Mike Eckel May 29, 2020

The nuclear-powered submarine, built four decades earlier for the Soviet Northern Fleet, was being towed to a Murmansk shipyard to be dismantled when it was hit by a summer storm. The sub sank, killing nine sailors and sending around 800 kilograms of radioactive fuel to the sea bottom.

Since the August 2003 incident, K-159's snapped hull has been resting around 250 meters underwater at the entrance to the Kola Bay. So far, the fuel on board has not leaked into the surrounding waters, scientists say.

The K-159 is far from the only radioactive item in the junkyard of debris that was dumped in the Barents and Kara seas over decades by the Soviet Navy. An estimated 17,000 objects are scattered across thousands of square miles, including 18 nuclear reactors and another entire nuclear sub that was scuttled off Novaya Zemlya in 1982.

For years, the Russian government, prodded by Norway, Sweden, and other nations, has struggled to figure out what to do with the waste.

Now, according to a government decree published in March, that process is at last moving forward.

The decree -- titled On The Rehabilitation Of The Russian Arctic From Flooded And Sunken Objects With Spent Nuclear Fuel And Radioactive Waste -- orders the state-run atomic energy company Rosatom to oversee the cleanup of the most dangerous objects over a nine-year-period, up to 2029.

Rosatom, which oversees Russia's sprawling nuclear complex including reactors, enrichment, fuel production, and other operations, declined to answer inquiries from RFE/RL to provide details or comment on the effort.

But Norwegian, Swedish, and Russian experts who have followed, or been involved directly with, the effort say the March decree is a concrete step forward for cleaning up some of the most dangerous debris.

"You are quite right that our government and the Rosatom Corporation are definitely moving in this direction," said Pavel Yakovlev, who edits a Russian government-funded web portal called Nuclear Submarine Decommissioning. "The Russian government is well on its way into doing the preparatory work for formalizing the final project."

"This is an important first step for the Russian side to be able to perform practical work to reduce risks from potential radioactive contamination of the marine environment," said Ingar Amundsen of the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority.

The scope of the problem, and the potential hazards to the fragile Arctic ecosystems of the Barents and Kara seas, have been studied for years by both Russian and Western scientists. A 1993 report issued by a special commission set up by President Boris Yeltsin documented three decades of toxic waste dumping, mainly in the waters near Novaya Zemlya.

"It is obvious now that there is a critical situation," the so-called Yablokov Commission said at the time in a landmark report. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later estimated that Soviet dumping was more than double the total amount dumped by a dozen nuclear nations combined between 1946 and 1982, including the United States.

No Dumping

The IAEA banned countries from dumping high-level radioactive waste in the oceans in the 1950s. In 1983, the London Dumping Convention, whose members included the Soviet Union, the United States, and other nuclear nations, agreed to halt low-level radioactive waste dumping.

Still, Moscow for years maintained that it did not sink hazardous atomic waste, something that ultimately was refuted, and documented in full, by the Yablokov Commission.

Since then, Norway and other countries have conducted joint expeditions with Russian scientists over many years to map and measures the worst locations, and to come up with long-term plans for either cleaning them up or minimizing the danger.

At least six sunken objects, including K-159, are considered priorities for the first phase. Those objects are estimated to hold more than 90 percent of all the identified man-made radioactive waste, according to the Norwegian environment group Bellona, which has monitored Russian Arctic environmental problems for years and first highlighted the significance of the new Russian government decrees.

Scientists have warned that although little to no environmental contamination from the K-159 has been recorded to date, the sub and its reactor are in danger of decay, which would release radiation into the Kola Bay, a major waterway that is home to the port of Murmansk, about 70 kilometers south of the wreckage site.

Another nuclear-powered submarine, called the K-27, was decommissioned by the Soviet Navy in 1982 and sunk in about 100 meters of water off the eastern shore of Novaya Zemlya. Yet another site includes spent fuel from the Lenin nuclear-powered icebreaker.

The government decree does not specify what it will cost to raise or clean up the most problematic waste, nor does it answer the question of liability or responsibility for the actual process.

At a conference in Moscow in December attended by Western and Russian scientists, experts estimated that the overall cost for raising the six wrecks at 287 million euros. ($305 million).

Some experts warn that lifting some of the materials, including the broken submarine hulls or damaged nuclear reactors, will be exceedingly complex -- and risks releasing more radiation into the environment.

"It is a risk of release of radionuclides if an accident occurs during a raising operation. Therefore, it is important to perform risk assessment to minimize this risk," Amundsen told RFE/RL.

"Obviously, there is no good solution," said Rashid Alimov, director of the energy program at Greenpeace Russia in Moscow. "It is dangerous to pick up objects flooded in the seas that contain spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. But you can't leave it at the bottom."

Norwegian scientists last year announced that another Soviet submarine, the K-278, or Komsomolets, which accidentally sank in April 1989 about 350 kilometers northwest of the Norwegian coast, has been leaking radiation into the surrounding waters. That wreck does not appear in the planning documents that were presented at the December conference in Moscow and were published online.

Arctic Strategy

The Russian government's decision to move forward on a cleanup plan dovetails with a broader Arctic strategy that the Kremlin has developed in recent years. Global warming has resulted in receding sea ice, making Russia's Arctic coast more accessible for navigation and exploration of natural resources.

Cleaning up the most problematic debris fits into that strategy, said Jonas Kjellen, a military analyst at the Swedish Defense Research Agency.

"These type of operations give Russia another purpose in the region that is not purely military (or geopolitical)," he said in an e-mail to RFE/RL.

"The story to be told is that Russia is not only in control of the Northern Sea Route and a large chunk of the Arctic, it is also a responsible shepherd of the high north," he said. "Polls also show that the Russian public is also getting evermore concerned about environmental issues, and these types of operations give the [Defense Ministry] more legitimacy and popularity."

Sunken objects are also a danger to navigation and undersea exploration, further reasons for the government's decision to move forward, Kjellen said.

The K-159, which sank in the Kola Bay inlet, is "probably a major concern and obstacle for naval operations, and possibly also obstructs laying of submarine cables or submarine sensor systems in this important area," he said.

Still, environmental groups like Greenpeace are skeptical about the government plans, given the secrecy and obfuscation around past incidents that Rosatom was involved in. That includes last year's explosion at a White Sea missile test base that spewed radioactive material across a nearby city, and a 2017 incident at the long-troubled Mayak nuclear complex in the southern Ural Mountains, which sent a cloud of radioactive isotopes drifting over Europe.

Both cases were marked by intense official secrecy and shifting government explanations.

Previous, more localized Russian cleanup efforts in two bays on the Kola Peninsula have already led to decreased radiation there, said Anders Turesson, who heads a working group focused on environmental issues at the Arctic Council, an eight-nation intergovernmental group based in Norway.

"We hope to see the same in the Barents and Kara seas now that Russia has decided to move forward with cleanup," he said in a statement.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-finally- moves-to-raise-radioactive-debris-from- arctic-waters/30640975.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address










Dino Melaye, a former lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has insisted that reports of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kogi State is real.

Naija News reports that the Kogi State Government had rejected the report of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that two cases of COVID-19 were recorded within the province.

Saka Haruna Audu, Kogi health commissioner, had said the state government developed a full testing capacity and conducted hundreds of tests which have all come back negative.

Recall that NCDC had the contrary position as the centre revealed that two people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state.

However, In the statement, Audu said the state would not be a party to any fictitious COVID-19 claims.

Kogi State till this very moment is Covid-19 free. We have developed full testing capacity and have conducted hundreds of tests so far which have come back negative, he said.

We have also continued to insist that we will not be a party to any fictitious COVID-19 claims which is why we do not recognise any COVID-19 test conducted by any Kogite outside the boundaries of the State except those initiated by us.Any attempt to force us to announce a case of COVID-19 will be vehemently rejected.

Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Melaye said he knows one of the COVID-19 patients from Kabba.

He said: I want to announce that the Covid-19 case in Kogi is real and authentic and cannot understand why any responsible government will want to deny and invariably kill her citizens.

One of the cases is from Kabba and the victim is personally known to me. I cannot be part of those who will play politics with the lives of my people.

COVID-19 is real but not a death sentence, if handled early enough. Family members of the Kabba victim who got a referral to Abuja from federal medical centre in Lokoja and all those who had contact with him should please surrender themselves for a test so as to curtail the spread.

Kogi State government must come down from her imaginary high horse and start contact tracing to help curtail the spread. It is illogical to think we will be free with our proximity to affected states.

Share this post with your Friends on
Young entrepreneur Conor Fitzharris (back centre) with his sisters Grace and Emma and his brother Shane with their Irish wolfhound Nulla from Ballykelly

Wood you believe it: an enterprising eight-year-old local boy has seen his walking and hiking stick business take off during Covid-19 with requests coming in from as far away as America.

Conor Fitzharris, from Horeswood, says in a Facebook video that he got the idea as he was bored during the current lockdown. The cute video tells the story of Conor's Walking Sticks business and how the sticks are meticulously made and varnished.

The video features the family pet, Irish Wolfhound Nulla.

He says: 'My message to children who are bored is to be creative. So if you would like a walking stick give me a shout.'

His older siblings Shane (11) and Emma (10) had made walking sticks with Ballykelly Scout group and Conor, who is also a scout, wanted to make one for himself.

The Scoil Mhuire Horeswood pupil, who goes on hikes with his siblings and parents Nigel and Annette, regularly, set his mind to making one. As luck would have it, Wexford County Council had cut down alder tree branches near the family home as they had grown too close to power lines and he fashioned one.

Nigel said: 'He decided to make some more and sell them. The alder wood was ideal as it's very water resistant and strong.'

Conor set up shop out at the front gate where he hoped to sell some to farmers. As he was peeling the branches, his uncle Pat stopped to say hello he clinched his first deal.

Selling the sticks for a tenner, (or 15 for customised versions), Conor has already had 70 sales, including an order from New York for a relative in Gorey.

He has roped his family into the process: Shane doing the sanding, Emma the art and his father the writing and deliveries.

Emma uses a pyrography pen to draw on the alder wood and has turned many a walking and hiking stick into a work of art with flags and fairies decorating them.

'She has to get her cut too,' Nigel joked, explaining the fiver extra for the sticks.

As for Conor he is planning on getting either a trampoline or enjoying a foreign holiday with his growing income.

Naturally, he plans to stick with his business.

Nigel said: 'He was supposed to celebrate his Communion last weekend so this has cheered him up. It's great for the three of them to be outdoors and now they can tell the different types of trees growing locally as I can point that out to them on our walks. Normally you wouldn't have had the time to do that.'

Conor's walking sticks are available to buy and are custom made.
When a council member moves out of district they forfeit their council position, but under the Constitution they hold over, Richie said. A council member will continue to serve until the successor is appointed and qualified.

Meek said he does not have a successor in mind.

Im excited for there to be a new voice to represent this district, he said. Given that theres such rich diversity in this district, having a fresh perspective is going to be a good thing.  For me the priority for the District 4 representative would be someone who is able to seek to understand the variety of needs, issues and opportunities that exist within this very exciting and diverse district, and someone who has competence and the ability to work well with council members.

Deaver said the council will set the deadline for applications to fill the District 4 seat when it meets Tuesday, but it likely will be two weeks from Tuesday.

I feel like we need to get this position filled very quickly for several reasons, Deaver said. One, were right at the beginning of the budgeting process, and I think we need to get input from the new council member as much as possible before its finalized.
After a severe drought gripped the Prairie Pothole Region of the U.S. and Canada in the 1980s, populations of almost all dabbling duck species that breed there have recovered. But not northern pintails. Now, a new study by a team of researchers suggests why -- they have been caught in an ecological trap.

The Prairie Pothole region straddles the U.S.-Canada border and sprawls from central Iowa in the south to Alberta in the north, covering a large swath of Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba and Saskatchewan in between.

"With increasing cropland cover in the region, pintails have been selecting for cropland over scarce alternative nesting habitat, probably because it is similar to the native mixed-grass prairie they evolved to nest in," said lead researcher Frances Buderman, Penn State. "That behavior results in fewer pintails the following year due to nest failures from predation and agricultural practices."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's North American Waterfowl Management Plan calls for more than 4 million pintails, but recent estimates are only half of that. The reason pintails are not thriving like other dabbling ducks, according to Buderman, assistant professor of quantitative wildlife ecology in the College of Agricultural Sciences, is that they are being "misled" by modern cropping methods and climate change into choosing risky nesting habitat.

Also called puddle ducks, dabbling ducks frequent shallow waters such as flooded fields and marshes. They feed by tipping up rather than diving. There are 38 species of dabbling ducks -- they float high in the water and are swift fliers.

By their very nature, pintails may be vulnerable to the ecological trap, Buderman explained. Despite being an early-spring nester -- a quality that typically would allow for reproductive "plasticity" to climatic conditions -- pintails have demonstrated inflexible breeding behavior, such as being unwilling or unable to delay nest initiation and being less likely to renest than most other waterfowl.

advertisement

"Inflexible breeding behavior may result in greater vulnerability to unpredictable weather events and changes in climactic conditions," she said. And given their preference for nesting among landscapes of grass-like, low-lying cover, pintails readily nest in fields of stubble in untilled agricultural fields. "Unlike other ducks that generally avoid nesting in stubble, pintails in the Prairie Pothole Region commonly select crop stubble nest sites and often select it over remnant patches of grass and other cover."

Pintails often initiate nests before remaining stubble fields are worked by farmers in the spring, making nests vulnerable to mechanical spring tilling and planting of remaining standing stubble, Buderman explained. That can destroy a large percentage of initial nests. Exacerbating the effect of pintail selections over time, the amount of land in the Prairie Pothole Region annually tilled for spring-seeded crops has increased by approximately 34% since 1959.

Dabbling duck incoming

Another factor that is contributing to pintails' decline, researchers contend, is a trend in some areas of the Prairie Pothole Region to manipulate drainage to consolidate surface water into larger and deeper wetlands that dry out less frequently and have more surface-water connections to other wetlands.

Those drainage practices make mowing around ponds easier for farmers, and most waterfowl species have coped thus far, but it hasn't been good for pintails. Wildlife scientists suspect the birds need the smaller, shallower, ephemeral ponds with which they evolved. For reasons not clearly understood, pintails appear to be particularly sensitive to changes in the number of productive, small wetlands that have occurred across the Prairie Pothole Region.

Buderman pointed out that funding partner Delta Waterfowl is working hard to restore these valuable seasonal wetlands on the U.S. side of the region by establishing a Working Wetlands program in the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the federal farm bill.

To reach their conclusions, researchers used more than 60 years of data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service, which have monitored spring population sizes for North American waterfowl since 1955. They published their results in the Journal of Animal Ecology,

That information is organized into regions that reflect both habitat differences and political boundaries. For many decades, waterfowl have been counted on both sides of the border by aerial crews flying fixed-wing aircraft along established transect lines at low altitude, while simultaneously, ground counts are conducted at ponds on a subset of air-surveyed areas.

To analyze population dynamics, researchers developed a complex model to deal with a huge dataset that took days to run on a powerful computer, which calculated a "breeding pintail count" for the survey period. The model -- which also took into account precipitation, climatic conditions during the breeding season and pond dynamics -- allowed researchers to identify the relative influence of long-term changes in climate and land use on both the selection and quality of habitat for pintails in the Prairie Pothole Region.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Here is a look at the most important headlines in criminal justice on Staten Island during the past seven days:

Emergency officials respond to the scene after a bicycle rider was injured in a crash with a truck at Arlene Street and Signs Road in Bulls Head on Friday, May 22, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Maura Grunlund)

MAN ARRESTED IN CRASH THAT KILLED CYCLIST, 79

Police have arrested a truck driver in a crash that killed a 79-year-old man riding his bike in Bulls Head last Friday.

Zudi Daci, 79, of Bulls Head, was found unconscious following a collision with a pickup truck near Arlene Street and Signs Road, according to an NYPD spokesman.

Police announced they arrested Faustino Garcia, 43, of Tottenville, and charged him with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator and failure to use due care.

Click here for the full story.

Police identified a woman stabbed to death Sunday night inside her home as Deidre Borders, 56, of Stapleton.

WOMAN STABBED TO DEATH IN STAPLETON HOME

Police say a 56-year-old woman found dead Sunday inside her Stapleton home had multiple stab wounds.

Emergency medical crews responded to 15 Osgood Ave. at about 11:45 a.m. following a 911 call for an unconscious woman.

When they arrived, they discovered the body of Deidre Borders in a bedroom, according to an NYPD spokesman.

Click here for the story.

GREAT KILLS COUPLE CHARGED IN DRUG RAID

A Great Kills couple was arrested Wednesday after cops found a stash of illegal drugs in their home, prosecutors allege.

Joseph Michetti, 31, and Maria Zodiaco, 25, were busted during a search of their home on the 400 block of Colon Avenue, said a criminal complaint.

The events unfolded around 2 p.m. outside the couples home.

Click here for the story.

NYPD: CHASE LEADS TO ARREST OF MAN IN BACKYARD WITH GUNS, DRUGS

For the Second time today our hard working Officers responded to a radio run and got #Onelessgun off the street keeping the #NorthShore safe! Great job Officers OSullivan, Favale, Mohlenhoff and Mills! pic.twitter.com/dKf8WqntQM  NYPD 120th Precinct (@NYPD120Pct) May 28, 2020

A 39-year-old man toting fentanyl used a gun and a bat to threaten another man in Silver Lake and then led police on a chase ending in the suspects arrest in Livingston, police allege.

Charles Williams, of Park Hill Avenue in Clifton, is accused in the incident that began on Wednesday at about 3:10 p.m. on Victory Boulevard near Eddy Street in Silver Lake, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD.

The NYPD posted an image of the weapon on social media.

Click here for the story.

One of the badly-damaged vehicles in the crash on Sand Lane in South Beach. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

COPS: SPEEDING DRIVER CAUSED SOUTH BEACH CRASH

A driver was zooming at 60 mph over the speed limit when his car crashed into three other vehicles and knocked down a utility pole in the middle of the afternoon on a residential street in South Beach, authorities allege.

A 29-year-old man in the front passenger seat was critically injured in the crash at 3:30 p.m. on April 2 at the corner of Sand Lane and Humbert Street, according to police and public records.

Anthony Casalaspro, 39, of the 500 block of Steuben Street in Grasmere, was arrested on May 21 in the crash, which also landed him in the hospital.

Click here for the story.

COPS: DOMESTIC DISPUTE LEADS TO GUN ARREST IN STAPLETON

Great Job by Anti Crime Officers Giacolone, Quintero and Caleca who responded to a radio run in #Stapleton and got #Onelessgun off the street keeping the #NorthShore safe. pic.twitter.com/E8IKNmTJbR  NYPD 120th Precinct (@NYPD120Pct) May 28, 2020

A 48-year-old man allegedly was caught with a gun when police responded to a domestic incident in Stapleton early on Thursday morning.

Randall Buggie, 48, of Hill Street in the Stapleton Houses, has been charged by police with criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.

At about 12:43 a.m., police officers responded to a call of a domestic dispute involving a man with a firearm in the vicinity of Hill and Warren streets, according to an NYPD spokeswoman.

Click here for the story.

MAN, 27, ALLEGEDLY SOLD DRUG-LACED CIGARETTES

A 27-year-old man from West Brighton repeatedly sold cigarettes laced with angel dust to an undercover officer, authorities allege.

Anthony Mahoney, of the 600 block of Cary Avenue, allegedly exchanged phencyclidine cigarettes for cash on three occasions with an undercover officer in and around his neighborhood, according to a Narcotics Borough Staten Island investigation outlined in the criminal complaint.

Click here for the full story.

HES SENTENCED FOR 3 S.I. CASES; 1 WAS CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A Manhattan man has been sentenced to two years behind bars after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges in three separate cases on Staten Island.

Tyrell Revenell, 22, of West 136th Street committed the crimes between December 2018 and July 23, 2019, said court documents.

The first incident occurred between Dec. 14 and Dec. 20, 2018, and involved a girl under age 15, said an indictment.

Click here for the story.
FILE PHOTO: Israeli border police secure the area outside Jerusalem's Old City where officers fatally shot a man they believed was armed

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli police officers fatally shot a Palestinian they suspected was carrying a weapon in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday, a police spokesman said, but the man was later found to have been unarmed, Israeli media reported.

Palestinian officials said the man killed suffered mental health issues.

"Police units on patrol there spotted a suspect with a suspicious object that looked like a pistol. They called upon him to stop and began to chase after him on foot, during the chase officers also opened fire at the suspect," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

Rosenfeld said the suspect, a Palestinian resident of east Jerusalem, was dead.

Police did not say whether the man had been carrying a weapon and a gag order was placed on the investigation. Israel's Channel 13 News said that he was found to be unarmed.

The secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Saeb Erekat condemned the incident on Twitter, saying:

"Israeli Occupation Forces in East #Jerusalem assassinated Iyad Khayri, 32 a disabled Palestinian. A crime that will be met with impunity unless the world stops treating Israel as a state above the law &@IntlCrimCourt fulfils its mandate."

Israeli Public Security Minister Amir Ohana expressed sorrow on Twitter for the man's death and said the investigation's findings will be studied to prevent such incidents in future.

Tension has risen in recent weeks with Israel saying it hopes to move ahead with a plan to extend sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank - a de-facto annexation of land the Palestinians seek for a state.

The Palestinians, Arab states, the United Nations and European states have warned against the move and the Palestinians have declared an end to security cooperation with Israel and its ally, the United States, in protest.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell, Ali Sawafta and Roleen Tafakji; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Giles Elgood)
Some people on social media say Saturday's SpaceX rocket launch is a beauty for Canada, eh!

On Saturday, the rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musk's SpaceX company lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Fla. to fly to the International Space Station with two Americans on board: Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley.

The irony of two men named Bob and Doug taking off into space was not lost on social media, where people  many Canadian  celebrated two fictional brothers famous for satirizing Canadian culture in the 1980s: Bob and Doug McKenzie.

The characters were created by comedians Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas to meet Canadian content demands. But they eventually became Canadian icons with their thick accents, stubby beer bottles, plaid shirts and tuques.

Can the Canadarm open a beer?

In one segment, Bob and Doug McKenzie discussed whether the Canadarm could open a beer in space.

They also used uniquely Canadian expressions such as "hoser" for someone with limited intelligence, "beauty!" for anything good, and "take off, eh!" to admonish someone.

Fans on social media celebrated Saturday, noting that Bob and Doug had achieved the ultimate take-off by launching into space  even if only by name.

Saturday's SpaceX flight marked a new era in space travel. It's the first time NASA has launched astronauts in a private spacecraft and the first time NASA has launched from U.S. soil in nearly a decade.

Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian rockets launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts to and from the space station.

On Saturday, the Canadian Space Agency sent out a map that shows when and where the International Space Station may be visible from Canada.
Brazil: Judge blocks missionary's appointment to head indigenous tribes agency

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

A judge in Brazil blocked the appointment of a former Christian missionary and pastor to head the countrys federal indigenous affairs agency after concerns were raised by advocacy groups that oppose evangelical outreaches to tribes in the Amazon.

On May 22, a federal regional court judge struck down the appointment of Ricardo Lopes Dias to head the Uncontacted Indians Unit of the Indigenous Affairs Agency.

Dias spent over 10 years with the evangelical mission-sending agency New Tribes Mission, which is now Ethnos360. The groups missionaries have engaged in efforts to contact unreached people groups and tribes deep in the Amazonian rainforest and elsewhere across the globe.

In February, Dias was appointed by the Bolsonaro government to head the agency, a selection that drew the ire of uncontacted tribal advocacy groups, such as Survival International.

Survival International staunchly opposes evangelical activities in the Amazon, claiming that past attempts by missionaries to contact tribal groups have brought death and disease to those communities because their bodies lack immunity to common illnesses.

In February, federal prosecutors filed a motion in court to reverse Dias' appointment. They argued that it constituted a conflict of interest and could risk "genocide and ethnocide" if the appointment leads to a reversal of Brazilian policy banning forced contact with uncontacted groups.

In his ruling, Judge Antonio Souza Prudente agreed that Dias appointment and connection to New Tribes Mission was a clear conflict of interest and would put Brazils policy of no forced contact with uncontacted tribal groups in jeopardy. The policy has been in place since 1988.

According to a statement from the regional attorneys office, the judge argued that Dias had already taken steps that violate the rights of indigenous groups.

"Historically, missionaries have sought to promote contact with isolated and recently contacted indigenous peoples to evangelize them, which goes against a consolidated policy in Brazil," the judge wrote in the ruling.

According to the regional attorneys office, the judge also ruled that the position that Dias was nominated for is instructed to implement a non-assimilationist and non-integrationist policy.

Survival International described last Fridays ruling as a major blow to President Bolsonaro, a Catholic who gained support from conservative evangelicals and has called for indigenous reserves to be reduced in a way that opens land for commercial mining.

Survival International compared Dias appointment to putting the fox in charge of the hen house.

Evangelical missionaries have re-doubled their efforts to contact uncontacted tribes under President Bolsonaro, who is pushing legislation to open up their lands to commercial exploitation, and has strong evangelical support, the group said in a statement.

Dias previously said in an interview with the O Globo newspaper that he didnt plan to use his new position to evangelize indigenous people. He also said that opposition to his appointment is a form of religious discrimination.

In April, the Union of Indigenous Peoples of Vale do Javari won a court ruling to ban missionaries from Vale do Javari indigenous territory, which is said to have the highest concentration of uncontacted tribes in the world.

The ruling came amid reports that Christian missionaries were planning missions to reach isolated tribes by air despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to The Telegraph, in April the judge ordered government agencies to forcibly remove all evangelical missionaries from the Vale do Javari.

The indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley knew that putting a missionary in charge of the Uncontacted Indians unit was harmful, and hope this decision wont be appealed, said Beto Marubo of Univaja in a statement.

He further argued in his decision that Dias' appointment is nothing more than a plan to please evangelical fundamentalists who make up the governments base."

Across the globe, some Christian mission agencies have received criticism for their willingness to sponsor missionaries who attempt to reach uncontacted tribes. Missionaries who attempt to evangelize to uncontacted tribal groups are trying to answer Jesus command to make disciples in all nations.

In November 2018, there was much media scrutiny after American missionary John Chau was killed trying to contact a highly isolated tribe on North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal.
Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur has urged the Union government to convert Chaudhary Sarwan Kuman Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur, into a central agriculture university so that the whole north-western Himalayan region could benefit.

In a letter to the Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar, the chief minister pointed out that a central agriculture university had been established in Imphal, Manipur, in 1993 with constituent colleges in six states of the north-eastern Himalayan region. He added that in 2014, the Union government planned to open one more central agriculture university at Pusa, Bihar.

The CM said the north-western Himalayan region of the country with a population of 3.1 crore and area of 3,31,953 square kilometres comprising the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand should have a central agricultural university.

HP BRIMMING WITH BIODIVERSITY: THAKUR

He said the region was rich in biodiversity and natural resources such as minerals, water and forests was suited for cultivation of different crops.

Thakur said Himachal Pradesh was a key state in the region and major river basins such as Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, Chenab and Yamuna fall in the state. He said that the state offered tremendous potential in agriculture and allied sectors, and the existence of an institute of higher learning and research in the form of a central agriculture university will go a long way in bringing much needed prosperity to the people living in the north-western Himalayan region.

WELL-CONNECTED VARSITY

The CM said CSKHPKV was centrally located and well connected by air, road and rail.

The university has adequate existing infrastructure and a sprawling campus covering around 615 hectares with constituent colleges of agriculture, veterinary and animal sciences, community science and basic sciences, including a network of 12 regional research stations, sub- stations and eight Krishi Vistar Kendras on 233 hectares of land in different agro-climatic zones of the state.

Thakur said if the Union government accepts the request of the state government it will be mutually beneficial as with minimum resources and investment, the Central Agriculture University could become a strong farm university and an international leader.

He said the Union government will get the existing infrastructure and human resources and the state will benefit from having a central agriculture university.
Thondamans last rites at Norwood Grounds, Hatton View(s):

The final rites of former Minister and Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) Leader Arumugam Thondaman will be held on May 31 (Sunday) at the Norwood Grounds in Hatton.

Mr Thondaman, who died on Tuesday evening (26) at the Thalangama Hospital after suffering a heart attack, represented Parliament continuously for 26 years after he was first elected to the legislature from the Nuwara Eliya district in 1994. He held a wide array of Cabinet Ministerial Portfolios during his political career, including Estate Infrastructure & Livestock Development, Housing & Plantation Infrastructure, Youth Empowerment & Socio-Economic Development and Livestock and Rural Community Development

He succeeded his grandfather, Savumiamoorthy Thondaman as leader of the CWC in 1999 upon the latters death and served as party leader for 21 years up until his untimely death at the age of 55.

On Thursday (28), Mr Thondamans remains were brought to Parliament where they lay-in-state for dignitaries and Parliament staff to pay their final respects to him. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and many former MPs as well as foreign diplomats paid their final respects to him while the remains lay-in-state at the Assembly Hall of Parliament.

Mr Thondamans remains were then taken to the CWCs Headquarters in Colombo 03 for the public to pay their respects. The casket carrying his remains was airlifted by a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) helicopter on Friday (29) and taken to the family home at Wavendon Estate in Thawalanthenna. They were thereafter taken to Kotagala CWC Headquarters yesterday (29) and will remain there until being taken in procession to the Norwood Grounds in Hatton where the final rites will be conducted.
WASHINGTON  A deeply divided Supreme Court refused Friday night to allow churches in California and Illinois to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic with more worshippers than state plans permit.

Chief Justice John Roberts, who cast the deciding vote in the more consequential California case announced just before midnight, said choosing when to lift restrictions during a pandemic is the business of elected officials, not unelected judges. He was joined in the vote by the court's four liberal justices.

Roberts, the only one of the five to explain his vote, compared in-person church services to other forms of assembly. His conservative colleagues who dissented compared the services to secular businesses.

"Although Californias guidelines place restrictions on places of worship, those restrictions appear consistent with the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment," Roberts wrote. "Similar or more severe restrictions apply to comparable secular gatherings, including lectures, concerts, movie showings, spectator sports, and theatrical performances, where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time."

Writing for three of the four conservative justices who dissented, Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh said California's current 25% occupancy limit on churches amounted to "discrimination against religious worship services."

"The basic constitutional problem is that comparable secular businesses are not subject to a 25% occupancy cap, including factories, offices, supermarkets, restaurants, retail stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, pet grooming shops, bookstores, florists, hair salons, and cannabis dispensaries," Kavanaugh wrote.

The legal battle reached the nation's highest court days before Pentecost Sunday, when churches that have been restricted to virtual or drive-by services since before Easter are eager to greet congregants.

In the California case, the court sided with Gov. Gavin Newsom's decision to limit in-church gatherings to 25% of capacity, and no more than 100 people.

Story continues

In a second, separate case arising in Illinois, the justices earlier denied two Romanian American churches' petition because Gov. J.P. Pritzker lifted his state's restrictions Friday, making the complaint essentially moot. The court said the churches could file "a new motion for appropriate relief if circumstances warrant."

The religious disputes over governors' reopening plans are most heated in states that impose limits on religious gatherings. While 30 states no longer have prohibitions, 20 and the District of Columbia impose restrictions, according to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. They are most severe in California, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington.

More: As churches reopen, Supreme Court faces balancing act between physical and spiritual health

President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and many religious leaders have demanded that state and local governments treat churches the same as most businesses. Last week, Trump labeled churches, synagogues and mosques "essential places that provide essential services."

Monica Asitimbay prays at Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack, New Jersey, on Sunday, May 17, 2020, the first the day the church reopened during the coronavirus pandemic.

But some states and public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have linked religious services to outbreaks of COVID-19. In one example, the CDC said 38% of those attending a rural Arkansas church in early March caught the virus, resulting in four deaths.

The churches have become the latest protesters against strict state coronavirus restrictions. Legal battles have stretched from California to Virginia and from Minnesota to Mississippi.

The petitions that reached the high court came from a Pentecostal church in southern California and two Romanian American churches in Illinois. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom retreated during the dispute and agreed to allow churches to reopen at 25% capacity, with a limit of 100 parishioners. In Illinois, Pritzker's reopening plan initially carried a 10-person limit.

"With each passing Sunday, churches are suffering under the yoke of the governors unconstitutional orders prohibiting churches from freely exercising their sincerely held religious beliefs requiring assembling themselves together to worship God," lawyers for the Illinois churches had argued in court papers.

Illinois noted in response that its strict limit was expiring Friday, to be followed by no mandatory restrictions but with public health guidance about best practices. For that reason, the attorney general's office said, the churches' challenge was moot.

In the California case, the South Bay United Pentecostal Church warned in court papers that planned church reopenings in defiance of state orders could lead to "widespread civil unrest" and a "constitutional crisis."

But the state countered that its reopening guidelines were measured in light of the pandemic's risk to public health.

"When the attendance restriction proves unnecessary, the state will lift it or loosen it," the attorney general's office said in court papers. "In light of the tremendous uncertainty continuing to surround this new and deadly virus, however, it would be rash to do so today."

En route to the Supreme Court, federal district and appeals court judges ruled against the churches in both states. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit noted that the coronavirus is "a highly contagious and often fatal disease for which there presently is no known cure."

The Supreme Court's slim conservative majority, with Roberts in agreement, has come down on the side of religious liberty consistently in recent years. In the next few weeks, the high court will decide if state funds can be used to help pay religious school tuition, if employers with religious or moral objections can refuse to offer insurance coverage for contraceptives and if religious employers can sidestep job discrimination laws.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Church reopenings: Supreme Court refuses to force governors' hands
Health Department adds third day of covid testing

The partnership of Henderson County Health Department and Blue Ridge Health has added a third day of covid-19 testing site for the public on Tuesday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Testing will take place at the campus of East Henderson High School, 150 Eagle Pride Drive, East Flat Rock. The testing site is in the gymnasium at 85 Stadium Way.

 This testing is open to the community, all are welcome, while supplies last.

 You do not have to be symptomatic

 Do not need a referral

 There is no charge, but well file insurance to cover costs. No one will be turned way.

 Everyone is urged to wear a face covering of some kind. If you do not have one, a face covering will be provided.

Please see below for a FAQ Sheet with detailed information about this testing opportunity.

While North Carolinians enter into the Safer at Home, Phase 2 re-opening, it is still imperative that everyone take responsibility for their actions as they experience the easing of restrictions. Everyone is encouraged to "Know Your W's!": Wear a face covering, Wait 6 feet apart from other people, Wash your hands often.

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC, NCDHHS and Henderson County Public Health. For more information, call the North Carolina Coronavirus Hotline at 1-866-462-3821 (staffed by nurses and pharmacists 24/7), or visit the Center for Disease Controls website for information and frequent updates at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Q: Is this a drive-through test site?

A: No. You will need to park and enter the designated building.

Q: Are face-coverings required?

A: Please wear a face covering if you have one. If you do not have one, a face

covering will be provided.

Q: Do I need an appointment?

A: No, this is first come, first served, while supplies last.



Q: Is there a fee?

A: There is no fee. Insurance will be filed to help cover the costs of the testing. No one will be turned away due to cost.



Q: Do I have to be symptomatic? Who can be tested?



A: All are welcome. Testing will be available for people who are experiencing symptoms or who have had close contact with someone who has tested positive and people who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 who wish to be tested.

Q: What if I am very sick?

A: If you are very sick, please call your healthcare provider. If you need emergency care, call 911.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Your insurance card if you have medical insurance.

Q: Who do I call if I have questions?

A: The Health Department has a hotline number, 828-694-6019. Please only call this number if necessary. General questions about COVID-19 should be directed to the hotline set up by North Carolina DHHS at 866-462-3821. Specific, individual healthcare questions should be directed to your healthcare provider.



This testing is open to the community with emphasis on availability for the following:

 Persons who live in or have regular contact with high-risk settings (e.g., long-term care facility, homeless shelter, correctional facility, migrant farmworker camp)

 Persons who are at high risk of severe illness (e.g., people over 65 years of age, people of any age with underlying health conditions)

 Health care workers or first responders (EMS, law enforcement, fire department, military)

 Front-line and essential workers (e.g., grocery store clerks, gas station attendants) in settings where

social distancing is difficult to maintain.

 Persons with limited access to healthcare.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-29 23:27:36|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

"It'll play a positive role in ensuring the city's prosperity and stability." Hong Kong citizens voice firm support for national security legislation for the city.
For a few short hours every couple of months a pristine 1993 Toyota Supra advertisement glimmers in the sun over Highway 101.

The anachronism has been confusing San Francisco motorists riding through SoMa for a while now, and hastily taken shots of the billboard have caused speculation on social media.

Some assumed the retro ad was part of a new guerrilla marketing campaign, but it turns out the billboard posting is a bona fide original that has been unmoved since 1993, as Chris Teague of The Drive revealed this week.

The Toyota Supra advertisement with its "The Line Has Been Crossed" tagline is briefly revealed every time workers change out the ad space, but how has the 90s image survived, where hundreds of subsequent marketing displays have disappeared?

The ad space, topped with the Salesforce logo, is owned by Clear Channel Outdoor. Regional President Bob Schmitt revealed to The Drive that it was in fact the last painted image used in the space before the company switched to vinyl prints. The company decided not to paint over the original and instead left it intact as a canvas from a different era under all later advertisements.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The image is in excellent condition as it's protected from damaging light and weather by the new vinyl ads, while it waits for its brief time in the sun again.

For The Drive story, read here.

Andrew Chamings is a digital editor at SFGATE. Email: Andrew.Chamings@sfgate.com | Twitter: @AndrewChamings
Throughout this pandemic, the C.C.P. has allowed its individual, self-centered view of the world to dictate its every action  while the rest of the world grapples with the related economic crisis. The Chinese government deliberately sought to limit access to samples of the virus. It falsified information about the total number of cases. And it spread misinformation globally that harmed others to improve its own image.

These concerns are shared by our allies. I know this because in an attempt to gain clarity on the W.H.O.s role in these issues, I wrote letters to every country with which the U.S. has diplomatic relations, asking fellow member nations to seek responses from W.H.O. leadership to several important questions that have yet to be answered. I had hoped that answers to these basic questions could restore the trust that was lost in the W.H.O. leadership in the early stages of the pandemic.

Some of my questions were: Why did the W.H.O.s leadership fail to acknowledge that the Chinese government has refused repeated W.H.O. requests, as early as February of this year, to have access to viral samples, clinical specimens and other pertinent information? Was the W.H.O. pressured by the Chinese government to delay declaring Covid-19 a pandemic? Why did W.HO.s leadership not publicly acknowledge that the Chinese government is censoring its own research of Covid-19, silencing medical researchers and doctors?

Responses have come from all corners of the globe  from Hungary to East Timor to Thailand, with many echoing our concerns. Some countries, like Australia, said they share concerns across three key areas: the timing in declaring the Public Health Emergency of International Concern; the W.H.O.s criticism of countries, such as the U.S. and Australia, that adopted early travel restrictions; and the need for the W.H.O. (and other relevant United Nations agencies) to take stronger stances on regulating wildlife wet markets across the globe. Overall, ambassadors have made it clear their nations agree with us and are concerned. We have yet to hear from any country that denies these issues outrightly.

Its possible that the W.H.O. has been pressuring the Chinese party for months to provide virus samples to the rest of the world. But we dont know that, and so it looks like an organization we fund, support and need has been failing us.
President Donald Trump on Friday seemingly urged the shooting of looters in Minnesota, fueling the national unrest sparked by the death of an African-American man in police custody with a call for military violence against U.S. citizens so extraordinary that it was partially obscured by Twitter.

I cant stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right, Trump tweeted minutes before 1 a.m.

In the second part of his message, Trump wrote: These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I wont let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!

The presidents early morning post, which came at the beginning of the fourth day of raging protests in Minnesotas Twin Cities, earned a warning label from Twitter for violating its policies on glorifying violence.

But the social media platform determined that it may be in the publics interest for the Tweet to remain accessible, and allowed users to view Trumps tweet if they chose. Twitters communications team also tweeted it had placed a public interest notice on the post in part due to the risk it could inspire similar actions today.

Protests have cropped up across the country since the arrest Monday and death hours later of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, in Minneapolis. A bystanders video of his encounter with police, which sparked national outrage, showed an officer kneeling on Floyds neck as he repeatedly pleads for air, eventually becomes motionless and is put onto a gurney by paramedics.

Dozens of businesses across the Twin Cities have boarded up their storefronts to prevent looting, while Minneapolis-based Target announced it was temporarily closing two dozen area stores and the city shut down nearly its entire light-rail system and all bus service through Sunday.

On Thursday night, protesters set fire to the 3rd Precinct Minneapolis police station  which covers the portion of south Minneapolis where Floyd was arrested  forcing the department to abandon the building.

On Friday evening, a group of protesters was heading along 14th Street in Washington, D.C., in the direction of the White House, according to a CNN report.

Frey, the Minneapolis mayor, announced Tuesday the firings of the four officers involved in Floyds arrest, and called Wednesday for criminal charges to be brought against Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyds neck.

By Friday afternoon, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced that Chauvin had been arrested on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter. He told reporters at a news briefing in Minneapolis his office was in the process of continuing to review the evidence, and revealed that there may be subsequent charges later.

Freeman also said the investigation was ongoing and that he anticipates charges will be brought against the other three officers involved in Floyds arrest, but his office felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Following Freemans remarks, Attorney General William Barr announced that the Department of Justice, including the FBI, are conducting an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated in Floyds case.

The departments investigation is running on a separate and parallel track to the state prosecutors work, Barr said in a statement, and that state and federal officials are working diligently and collaboratively to ensure that any available evidence relevant to these decisions is obtained as quickly as possible.

Politico
It will be officially announced after Whitsun, but also the Austrian media know for sure: The Austrian Grand Prix will be the start of the Formula 1 season of 2020 on July 5th and 12th.

It's already clear

The Austrian Minister of Public Health Anschober, previously knew that a decision will be announced on the Formula 1 race in Spielberg immediately after Whitsun. On Friday, however, the Dutch national broadcaster NOS already announced that the decision has been made.

For example, the Austrian website Motorprofis reports that Austria will be the start of the Formula 1 season in 2020. The organisation's plan would comply with all the guidelines, so now there is an official green light to get the work started. After the cancelled start in March, Formula 1 will finally get going.

Yet public

However, the Formula 1 weekend in Austria will look different than usual. First of all there will already be two races in Austria and this will happen without an audience. At least, that was the assumption, but after previous quotes from Helmut Marko, the Austrian media now also reports that 500 fans are reportedly welcome on the circuit.

Besides the audience, the teams will also be allowed to come in smaller numbers. The teams are only allowed to bring 80 staff and so it is a matter of choice. Once arrived in Austria, the teams will also be quarantined and the teams will stay far away from each other to prevent mutual contamination.
Press Trust of India

New Delhi: The government has ordered internet service providers to block computer file sharing website WeTransfer on request of the Delhi Police due to security reasons.

The order issued by the Department of Telecom on 18 May directed all ISP to block two download links on Dutch website WeTransfer and also the entire website www.wetransfer.com.

"Delhi Police had requested the IT ministry to block two download links and the entire We Transfer website immediately. Following which orders were issued to the website and links suggested by the Delhi Police," an official source told PTI.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) asked the DoT to direct internet service providers to block the website.

"The compliance be submitted immediately failing which shall inter-alia invite initiation of actions under licence conditions," the DoT order e-mailed to several ISPs said.
Madrid: Two people who travelled from the United States to the Spanish region of Valencia have tested positive for coronavirus, potentially becoming Spain's first imported cases of the virus since travel restrictions were imposed in mid-March.

With more than 27,000 deaths and nearly 238,000 confirmed cases of the virus, Spain is among Europe's worst-hit nations.

Workers place a mask on the figure of the Fallas festival in Valencia  the festival was cancelled because of the pandemic. Credit:AP

Imported cases practically vanished after it closed its borders and locked down its population on March 14, but authorities will be closely monitoring for any resurgence when the tourism-dependent country reopens in July.

Situated on Spain's Mediterranean coast, Valencia is home to tourist resorts such as Benidorm and Alicante. It will move to phase two of a four-stage easing process on Monday, with gatherings of up to 15 people allowed and some restrictions on movement lifted. Regional Health Councillor Ana Barcelo said the travellers had likely not complied with a mandatory two-week quarantine after arriving in Spain.
As unrest spread across dozens of American cities on Friday, the Pentagon took the rare step of ordering the Army to put several active-duty US military police units on the ready to deploy to Minneapolis, where the police killing of George Floyd sparked the widespread protests.

Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders.

Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours.

The people did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations.

Protesters on Friday raise their hands during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis. The Pentagon has placed US military police on alert for possible deployment to the city

Floyd, 46, died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday. His death has sparked nationwide outrage

The get-ready orders were sent verbally on Friday, after President Donald Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper for military options to help quell the unrest in Minneapolis after protests descended into looting and arson in some parts of the city.

Trump made the request on a phone call from the Oval Office on Thursday night that included Esper, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien and several others.

The president asked Esper for rapid deployment options if the Minneapolis protests continued to spiral out of control, according to one of the people, senior Pentagon official who was on the call.

'When the White House asks for options, someone opens the drawer and pulls them out so to speak,' the official said.

The person said the military units would be deployed under the Insurrection Act of 1807, which was last used in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles that followed the Rodney King trial.

'If this is where the president is headed response-wise, it would represent a significant escalation and a determination that the various state and local authorities are not up to the task of responding to the growing unrest,' Brad Moss, a Washington DC-based attorney, who specializes in national security.

Members of the police units were on a 30-minute recall alert early Saturday, meaning they would have to return to their bases inside that time limit in preparation for deployment to Minneapolis inside of four hours.

The last time the federal government deployed the military to an American city to put down unrest was in 1992 after Los Angeles erupted in riots following the verdict in the Rodney King case. The above image shows rioters in Los Angeles on April 29, 1992

Units at Fort Drum are slated to head to Minneapolis first, according to the three people, including two Defense Department officials.

Roughly 800 US soldiers would deploy to the city if called.

Protests erupted in Minneapolis this week after video emerged showing a police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck.

Floyd later died of his injuries and the officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

The protests turned violent and on Thursday rioters torched the Minneapolis Third Police Precinct near where Floyd was arrested.

Mayor Jacob Frey ordered a citywide curfew at 8pm beginning on Friday.

The unrest has since spread across the country, with protests, some violent, erupting in cities including Washington DC, Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver and Los Angeles.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered 500 of his National Guard troops into Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities.

But a Pentagon spokesman said Walz did not ask for the Army to be deployed to his state.

'The Department has been in touch with the Governor and there is no request for Title 10 forces to support the Minnesota National Guard or state law enforcement.'

Title 10 is the US law that governs the armed forces, and would authorize active duty military to operate within the U.S.

Alyssa Farah, the White House director of strategic communications said the deployment of active-duty military police is untrue.

A protester is seen above with milk on their face to counter the effect of tear gas fired during a demonstration in Minneapolis on Friday

A protestor stands in the middle of the tear gas confronting tactical officers at the intersection of Young St. and S. Griffin St. in downtown Dallas on Friday

'False: off the record - title 10 not under discussion,' said Farah in an email response.

No off-record agreement was negotiated with The Associated Press.

The 16th Military Police Brigade forwarded the AP's questions to the Defense Department.

The three officials with direct knowledge of the potential deployment say the orders are on a classified system, known as the Secret Internet Protocol Router or SIPR for short.

Active-duty forces are normally prohibited from acting as a domestic law enforcement agency. But the Insurrection Act offers an exception.

The Insurrection Act would allow the military to take up a policing authority it otherwise would not be allowed to do, enforcing state and federal laws, said Stephen Vladeck, a University of Texas School of Law professor who specializes in constitutional and national security law.

The statute 'is deliberately vague' when it comes to the instances in which the Insurrection Act could be used, he said.

The state's governor could ask Trump to take action or Trump could act on his own authority if he's determined that the local authorities are so overwhelmed that they can't adequately enforce the law, Vladeck said.

'It is a very, very broad grant of authority for the president,' he added.
EDUCATION

ALBANY LAW SCHOOL

Will Trevor joined the school as assistant dean and director of online graduate programs. Trevor previously worked as director of undergraduate business programs at Excelsior College. He has teaching experience at schools in the United Kingdom and the U.S. including at Sage College of Albany and Maria College. The school has offered online programs since 2016.

ROCKEFELLER INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT

Named Laura Schultz as the first female executive director of research in the history of the institute. Schultz joined the institute in 2018 as the director of fiscal analysis and senior economist. She previously taught economics and served as commercialization adviser to collegiate entrepreneurs at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. She received her doctorate in economics from George Washington University in 2007.

FINANCIAL

ADNET TECHNOLOGIES

Named Lynette Maffei Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She will also be appointed to the company's newly formed Executive Leadership Team. Maffei joined ADNET in 2015 as Controller, overseeing financial operations in Farmington, Conn., and Albany. She has a bachelor's degree business administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

HEALTH CARE

ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Lee Shapiro joined the Division of Rheumatology and is seeing patients at Albany Med Malta in Ballston Spa. Shapiro specializes in treating patients with scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. He also serves as chief medical officer for the Ann Steffens Scleroderma Research Foundation and has been honored as the Doctor of the Year by the Scleroderma Foundation. His medical degree is from Columbia University.

NORTHERN RIVERS FAMILY OF SERVICES

Dr. Jeffrey Daly joined as a psychiatrist and Jennifer Eslick, executive program director of crisis services, will also oversee the organization's office of mental health residential programs. Daly was most recently medical director of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient services for 20 years at Four Winds Hospital. He will continue to be director of the Upstate New York Initiative to Primary Care Physicians in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Eslick has been with Northern Rivers since 2018.

SOUTHERN VERMONT MEDICAL CENTER

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Physician Assistant John O'Shea joined the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Orthopedics Department and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Medical Group. O'Shea earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a master's degree in physician assistant studies from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Since 2018, O'Shea has worked as a physician assistant at Orthopedics Northeast in Andover, Mass.

PROFESSIONS

WHITEMAN OSTERMAN AND HANNA LLP

Announced Susan M.DiDonato as new of counsel. DiDonato was previously in house counsel at Questar BOCES for 17 years. She has also served as counsel to the New York state Department of State. She received her juris doctor degree from Union University, Albany Law School and her bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta. She has more than 30 years of experience practicing law.

WILTWYCK RURAL CEMETeRY

Matthew Sirni was appointed superintendent. Sirni, most recently the operations manager at the cemetery, replaces Edward Voss who served as superintendent for 38 years. Sirni, a native of Kingston, is a volunteer with the Hurley Fire Department, Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue and Cross Point Fellowship in Kingston.

 Rick Clemenson
Dreams And Nightmares: The Larijani Clan And The Run-Up To Succession In Iran

Reza Haqiqatnezhad May 29, 2020

The Islamic Republic of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed outgoing Majles Speaker Ali Larijani as his adviser and a member of the Expediency Council, demoting his status to a not-so-influential politician who has to spend his life at a not-so-significant advisory council.

Ali Larijani's rise to power as Majles Speaker was a symbol of the rising power of the Larijani clan; and his departure from the parliament signalled the decline in the clan's influence and status.

But this decline which was marked by damning disclosures against the Larijanis has its root in a bigger story: The story of succession to replace Khamenei after his death.

The former Speaker's brother Sadeq Amoli Larijani who is currently the chairman of Expediency Council wrote a strongly worded letter to his predecessor Mohammad Yazdi in August 2019 in which he said the disclosures are part of "a game being played by the state TV and other institutions, as part of a bigger project."

The semiology of recent developments in Iran reveals that the project was one of preventing Sadeq Larijani from rising to the throne of the Supreme Leader as a successor to Khamenei. From this perspective former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's battle against Sadeq Larijani was a proxy war on behalf of former Judiciary Chief Mahmoud Shahroudi, also a contestant for succession.

Sadeq started a campaign to marginalize Shahroudi and had some of his rival's aides arrested to portray him as a corrupt and inefficient manager. As this battle escalated alongside the war between Ahmadinejad and Ali Larijani, Shahroudi tried to form an alliance with Ahmadinejad.

This episodes, however, remained inconclusive with Shahroudi's death. In the meantime, Sadeq Larijani jailed Ahmadinejad's aides. But the former president's camp dealt harder blows to Larijanis by revealing transactions in the Judiciary's bank accounts and accusing Larijani's daughter of espionage.

But Shahroudi's death was not the end of the story. The rise to power of Ebrahim Raeesi, another contestant for the post of Supreme Leader, to the post of Judiciary Chief had a clear message for Sadeq Larijani: That Shahroudi was dead, but there were still other rivals.

By arresting a close aide to Sadeq Larijani and highlighting corruption cases in the Judiciary, Raeesi did to him what he had tried to do to Shahroudi.

In this way, Sadeq's attempts to position himself as a successor to Khamenei turned into the clan's point of weakness.

The same has happened to Hassan Khomeini, a grandson of Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini, yet another contestant dreaming to sit on his grandfather's throne as the Islamic Republic's next leader.

The young Khomeini fell in the trap of leadership so hard and so deep that he could not even get a seat for himself at the Assembly of Experts. This deprived him of any political chance for a long time to come.

The same threat also exists for Hassan Rouhani, one more candidate for the post of next Supreme Leader. Rouhani's attempts to appease Khamenei by proving his full obedience, has so terrified his rivals that they do their best to deprive him of any future political chance. This explains why when Rouhani called the nuclear deal with world powers, "The biggest victory of all times," Sadeq Larijani swiftly moved to prove him wrong and to say it wasn't a victory at all.

In another example, following a 2018 missile attack on ISIS positions in Syria, when Rouhani said that the IRGC simply carried out a decision made by the Supreme Council of National Security, the IRGC quickly reacted and announced the strike was an IRGC initiative and had nothing to do with Rouhani and his administration.

These examples as well as IRGC's missile tests after the JCPOA indicate that the power struggle was perhaps not over the nuclear deal or relations with the United States. It was about the credit that could have been given to Rouhani thanks to a breakthrough with America. In such a tense situation no one wants his rival to have an opportunity to prove his potentials for leadership.

To the same extent that the chance of becoming the Supreme Leader can be an opportunity or a dream, the ambition can equally lead to a threat or even a nightmare.

The Larijani clan have still not experienced their nightmare. However, they have most probably realized that the ceiling for their dreams under the Islamic Republic was what they already had a chance to experienc during the past ten years.

Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/larijani -clan-and-the-run-up-to-succession -in-iran/30641827.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday said that the Maharashtra government will announce a package soon to deal with the situation arising out due to coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. "We will get to know about further plans for a lockdown of the Centre through the Prime Minister.

I feel that the Prime Minister now will leave it on states because everything is shut for the last two-and-a-half-months. Schools, colleges, business and jobs are shut and hence, there is an economic crisis today," Pawar said. "We will have to find a way out from the crisis and hence, ...
tech2 News Staff

Update: At 7.47 pm IST on 31 May, test pilots Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, reached the International Space Station.

It's a Go!

After a failed first attempt, it seems that second time is a charm for SpaceX-NASA joint human space mission. The Crew Dragon was launched atop the Falcon 9 rocket and this is a test flight called Demonstration 2 or Demo 2.

After a nine-year drought, since Space Shuttle program was shut down in 2011, NASA has finally launched its own astronauts from American soil with the help of its public-private partnership with SpaceX.

The NASA-SpaceX joint human spaceflight was scheduled for liftoff on Thursday, 28 May, 2.00 am IST (Wednesday, 27 May at 4.32 pm EDT) from the Launch Complex 39A from the Kenndy Space Centre, Florida which was also the launch site for the previous Apollo and Space Shuttle missions and was leased by SpaceX. Due to bad weather, the launch had to be rescheduled on Sunday, 31 May, 12.52 am IST (May 30 at 3:22 p.m. EDT).

Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are on their to the International Space Station and will dock automatically around 7.00 pm IST, 19 hours after the lift-off.

We have liftoff. History is made as @NASA_Astronauts launch from @NASAKennedy for the first time in nine years on the @SpaceX Crew Dragon: pic.twitter.com/alX1t1JBAt  NASA (@NASA) May 30, 2020

There were a lot of doubts if the launch was going to happen today as the weather seems pretty similar to Thursday - cloudy with some rain and chances of lightning. However, 45 minutes before the launch, mission director gave the team the all-clear for the launch and 10 minutes later the propellant was being loaded into the two-stage rocket.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Michael Pence also present for the launch like they were for the wet rehearsal as well. Space.com reports that Trump told reporters 'that he felt an obligation as president to watch the historic liftoff.'

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX was surprisingly missing. Thursday, Musk was seen talking to the astronauts after they suited up in the crew quarters, he was also seen standing with Pence and Bridenstine at the behind exit when the astronauts were leaving the building. He even has a couple of interviews with NASA chief Jim Bridenstine. However, this time around Musk had been replaced with former astronaut and current Director of Kennedy Space Center, Bob Cabana and Jim Morhard, Deputy Administrator at NASA.

Post-launch sequence

About 2.5 minutes after liftoff, the first stage booster will detach from the rocket and return to Earth. It will land on SpaceX's drone ship called "Of Course I Still Love You" that is stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Florida. Following that, the second stage will also detach from the Crew Dragon capsule.

The Dragon will then orbit the Earth and undertake a series of what are known as 'phasing burns' i.e. re-ignite its engines to propel it to the next level in order to play catch-up with the ISS, that is travelling at a speed of 7.66 km/s.

#Falcon9 is two-stage flight.

It is a 9-minute ride to orbit.

21/2 minutes into the flight, first stage will separate.

8 minutes in, second stage will separate.

Dragon's engines will take over and make necessary altitude adjustments.

It will be a 19 hour to @Space_Station  Tech2 (@tech2eets) May 30, 2020

Dragon is supposed to automatically dock with the ISS after 19 hours of raising its altitude to match that of the ISS. The astronauts will have a sort of a welcoming ceremony waiting for them.

Hurley and Behnken will stay on the ISS for anywhere between one to four months doing science experiments and helping in the upkeep of the station.

Once NASA deems it is a good time to return, the astronauts will then begin their journey back home. They will strap in and undock from the ISS.

Before it re-enters the Earths atmosphere, the Crew Dragon will lose its trunk. This, like the second stage, will not be returning to Earth.

Now, over the next couple of hours, the eight engines will undertake a series of 'burns' in order to raise the orbit in order to play catch-up with the @Space_Station. After a 19 hour journey, Dragon will automatically dock with the ISS.  Tech2 (@tech2eets) May 30, 2020

The re-entry of the dragon will look somewhat scary, like a ball of fire but the heat-shields will ensure no harm comes to the astronauts.

Four Mark 3 Parachutes will be deployed that will slow down the entry of the vehicle, and Dragon will splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. The astronauts will be fished out of the water along with the Dragon capsule, which will be inspected at the Cape Canaveral facility in Florida.

Mission Background

Hurley, 53 and Behnken, 49 have extensive experience in space and have been involved in NASA's Space Shuttle flights.

Behnken will be the joint operations commander in this mission and was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000. He has completed two space shuttle flights - STS-123 in March 2008 and STS-130 in February 2010 and performed three spacewalks during each mission.

Hurley was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000 and will be the spacecraft commander for Demo-2. He has completed two spaceflights - STS127 in July 2009 and STS135, the final space shuttle mission, in July 2011. He was the pilot and lead robotics operator for both missions.

NASA awarded two commercial crew program contracts in 2014 NASA and Boeing to develop a spacecraft that will be able to carry people to space by 2017 - Boeing got $ 4.2 billion for its Starliner capsule and SpaceX got $2.6 billion for Crew Dragon. The Demo-2 mission is almost three years behind schedule for this launch.

Crew Dragon is capable of carrying up to seven passengers to and from Earth orbit, and beyond but will only be carrying four passengers during NASA human spaceflight launches. The capsule is about three metres in diameter and eight metres high and can carry 6,000 kgs. Before it was modified to carry human beings, SpaceX was using the Dragon as a cargo carrier, for resupply missions to the ISS.

Like the rocket and crew capsule, even the astronaut suits were designed and produced in-house and is custom made to fit ever astronaut that will travel in Crew Dragon. The suits include a 3D-printed helmet and touchscreen-compatible gloves and is an integral part of the mission. It provides oxygen for the astronauts to breathe and also helps them in communicating with the ground team.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 is a partially-reusable two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle. Its first stage is capable of re-entering the atmosphere and landing vertically after separating from the second stage, which is why it is partially re-usable. SpaceX successfully landed its first stage during its 20th flight in December 2015. The second stage of the rocket has a single-engine that can deliver its payload to whichever orbit is required. The engine can be restarted multiple times to deliver multiple payloads into different orbits. A two-stage-to-orbit or two-stage rocket launch vehicle is a spacecraft in which two distinct stages provide propulsion consecutively in order to achieve orbital velocity.

Demo-2 is supposed to be the final test for SpaceXs human spaceflight system before it can be certified by NASA for operational crew missions to and from the International Space Station. This mission will also lay the groundwork for all their future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This test flight will serve as an end-to-end demonstration of SpaceXs crew transportation system.
COLUMBUS, OhioU.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty and other prominent Columbus-area Democrats say they were pepper-sprayed by police during a protest in downtown Columbus on Saturday in response to the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd.

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin, in a video posted to Twitter, said that he, Beatty, and Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce were were OK after being sprayed while participating in a third day of protests in Columbus.

It got a little out of hand, Hardin said.

Just want to let folks know that when @RepBeatty @VoteBoyce and I were down at the protest we did get sprayed with mace or pepper spray. We are all ok, and we want to encourage folks, both police and protestors, to stay calm. pic.twitter.com/RDQ1p4YDRY  Shannon Hardin (@SG_Hardin) May 30, 2020

Beatty, whom Hardin said got "a little spray, said while the protest was peaceful, there were times when demonstrators stepped off the sidewalk onto the street, which police were trying to prevent.

But too much force is not the answer to this, Beatty said, adding that protesters were well-organized for 99 percent of it.

All three called on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and stay calm.

We understand that tensions are high. Our tensions are high as well  we are angry as all get-out, Hardin said. And we need change. But the only way that well get change is by peaceful demonstrations.

The officials were only three of a large number of protesters to be pepper-sprayed by police during Saturdays demonstration against the death of Floyd, which came after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against the handcuffed mans neck for several minutes.

Chauvin and three other officers standing nearby were fired, and Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder, but protesters are calling for charges to be filed against the other officers.

During two previous nights of protests in Columbus, demonstrators broke windows at the Ohio Statehouse and other downtown buildings. On Friday night, two officers were injured from objects being thrown at them, and five people were arrested for setting off fireworks and inducing panic.

Read more cleveland.com stories:

New Ohio coronavirus order extends mass-gathering ban until July 1

Caller told Rep. Emilia Sykes he would kill her father if she didnt resign from Ohio legislature

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, police Chief Calvin Williams welcome protests over death of George Floyd -- so long as theyre peaceful

Elkton prison officials in Ohio, while again appealing judges order to prevent coronavirus spread, quarantines inmates for transfer
Amy Klobuchar has long been seen as a top contender to be Joe Bidens running mate, albeit with a glaring liability: her weak standing with black voters, a core Democratic constituency.

That vulnerability became even more acute this week after George Floyd, an African American man, died after being pinned to the ground by police in Klobuchars home county. The death highlighted once again her record as a prosecutor and sharpened questions of whether the Minnesota senator would be the best choice in this moment of national racial anguish.

She would be the absolute worst pick at this point, said LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the group Black Voters Matter, adding, In light of what is happening now, it would be an absolute slap in the face of black folks. And the party will pay dearly for that.

Floyd was videotaped as he gasped for air while handcuffed on the ground with a Minneapolis policeman pressing his knee into his neck for about eight minutes as three other officers looked on. His death Monday sparked days of destructive protests locally and across the country. Activists describe a black community at a breaking point, frayed by the recent high-profile police killings and violence and threats from white Americans captured on video, as well as bearing the disproportionate brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If George Floyds death has any legacy  because he will never be brought back  it should be systematic change to our criminal justice system, Klobuchar said in an MSNBC interview Friday.

She demurred when asked whether she should withdraw from consideration for vice president, calling it Joe Bidens decision.

In an interview Friday on MSNBC, Biden dodged a question about whether Klobuchars record disqualified her as a vice presidential pick. What were talking about today has nothing to do with my running for president or who I pick as vice president, it has to do with an injustice we all saw take place, Biden said.

U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party, told reporters that Klobuchars chances probably had diminished in light of the upheaval in Minnesota.

This is very tough timing for Amy Klobuchar, who I respect so much, he said. The timing is tough.

Some of Klobuchars backers see her as an unfair target for anger over the killing.

She had nothing to do with that officer putting his knee on this young mans throat and killing him, said Cordelia Lewis Burks, a longtime African American political activist and current vice chairwoman of the Indiana Democratic Party.

Lewis Burks, who favors Klobuchars pragmatic approach, said that many Democrats have had to acknowledge changing attitudes about criminal justice issues. As time passes, she said, there is the chance to look at your record and say, This was not what I should have done; I wish I had done something else.

The incident comes at a precarious time for Klobuchar, whose struggle to appeal to black voters dogged her presidential bid.

Hailing from a predominantly white state, she was a relative unknown to black voters in the Democratic primary. As her profile rose, so did hard looks into her record, such as the flawed prosecution of a black teenager, Myon Burrell, for murder. (She has since called for an independent review of the case.)

Klobuchar built a tough-on-crime image as prosecutor in Hennepin County from 1999 to 2007, but police accountability advocates say that tenure has fostered the discontent that exploded into the uprising this week in Minneapolis.

As far as Im concerned, shes a racist (who) basically made our prisons the blackest place in this state, said Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, a longtime activist group that has collected records on police deaths in the Twin Cities area over the last two decades. She turned nonviolent drug offenses into major felonies. She locked up all of these black men in prisons really to fit her agenda.

Klobuchar has said that she supervised 10,000 to 15,000 cases a year as Hennepin County attorney, and I cannot account for everything that happened in every case, she told the Los Angeles Times editorial board in an interview earlier this year. I do know that the African American incarceration rate, if you look at the pure numbers, went down 12% since I got there.

In the 1990s and 2000s, when she came to political power, mainstream expectations were different for so-called law-and-order Democrats. Many Democratic prosecutors used their records to successfully run for higher office, as Klobuchar did in winning a U.S. Senate seat in 2006.

But that political atmosphere changed in the 2010s, when dropping crime rates and an uprising in Ferguson, Mo., over the police killing of an unarmed 18-year-old black man unleashed a national reckoning over the impact of tough policing and the mass incarceration on black Americans.

Suddenly, former Democratic prosecutors such as Klobuchar and California Sen. Kamala Harris found their records coming under fresh scrutiny as they sought the presidency.

Rashad Robinson, executive director of the racial justice group Color of Change, said Klobuchar, unlike Harris, did not make herself available to activists and reporters to explain her record.

This has not been a priority for her, Robinson said.

According to records compiled by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, 30 people died after encounters with the police under Klobuchars watch; her office did not charge any of the police involved in the incidents.

That included Officer Derek Chauvin, who is at the center of this weeks protests in Minneapolis for kneeling on Floyds neck and who had been involved, with five other officers, in the fatal shooting in 2006 of Wayne Reyes, who allegedly pulled a shotgun on the officers after a stabbing, according to records collected by Communities United Against Police Brutality.

Records from Minneapolis police internal affairs show that Chauvin had been subject to at least 17 complaints over his 19-year career, though only one of them was sustained after investigation. He was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter for Floyds death on Friday.

The 2006 shooting of Reyes happened during Klobuchars tenure, just days before she was elected to the U.S. Senate. It was not until 2007, after she moved on to the Senate, that a grand jury decided not to press charges against the officers.

Klobuchar denied that she declined to prosecute Chauvin, calling such claims a lie. A spokesperson for the Hennepin County attorneys office said Klobuchar had no involvement in the prosecution of that case.

But Klobuchar acknowledged larger concerns about her policy as a prosecutor to refer every police shooting to a grand jury. The once-common practice has been reconsidered by criminal justice reformers, who see it as a way for prosecutors to avoid accountability. She now says prosecutors should take responsibility to make charging decisions themselves.

Any association between Klobuchar and Chauvin is radioactive, said Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster who worked with President Barack Obama, recalling the political maxim: If youre explaining, youre losing.

As Democrats debate potential running mates, many insist Biden must find a way to energize voters of color, especially young African American men, who did not vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016 after voting for Obama four years earlier.

Folks who decided to sit out 2016, the people who decided to vote third party in 2016, the people who voted in the primary and just didnt vote for Joe Biden or Amy Klobuchar  all of those sets of voters are going to be important to pull back in, said Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC, a political group focused on mobilizing African Americans. Those also happen to be the very voters that are out in the streets protesting what just happened.

Klobuchar supporters say she brings her own strengths to the ticket, such as her appeal in the pivotal Midwestern states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Ed Rendell, the former governor of Pennsylvania, said that while Klobuchar had her drawbacks, so did all the other prospects for the job.

Is Amy Klobuchar the first choice of most African American voters? Probably not. Will that stop them from voting for Joe Biden against Donald Trump? Definitely not, he said.

Even though the unrest in Minneapolis has brought Klobuchars strains with black voters back to the forefront, some activists said it could provide the moment to reframe that relationship.

This could be a chance for her to be proactive about where she wants to take us, Robinson said. But at the end of the day, it would have been much better to do this not under the specter of a job interview.

Staff writer Janet Hook in Washington contributed to this report.
A one-year-old boy repatriated from Russia was confirmed Vietnams latest Covid-19 case Saturday morning, taking the national tally to 328.

"Patient 328" had landed May 13 at the Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh on Vietnam Airlines flight VN0062.

The boy was quarantined at a military facility in the nearby Hai Duong Province and tests by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Hai Duong came back negative three times in a row.

On Thursday, his fourth test returned positive and the very next day, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi said his sample had tested positive again.

He has been admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hai Duong for treatment.

A 62-year-old woman who accompanied the boy has already tested positive for the virus and is under treatment, too.

With the little boy, 34 people on board the flight from Russia have been confirmed to have contracted the novel coronavirus, two of them male flight attendants.

Vietnam now has 49 active patients and 279 have recovered, including a man who was announced Covid-19 free Friday evening.

The latest recovery is a 39-year-old man from Tan Chau District in Tay Ninh Province on the Cambodian border. He returned to Vietnam illegally from Cambodia via a trail on May 2 and was persuaded by his aunt to report his return to the police and be quarantined the next day.

Saturday morning marked day 44 that Vietnam has gone without recording a new coronavirus infection caused by community transmission.

The countrys most seriously ill Covid-19 patient, a British man who works as a pilot for national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, was transferred from the HCMC Hospital of Tropical Diseases to Cho Ray Hospital last week after he was announced Covid-19 free.

"Patient 91" remains in critical condition and on life support, but some progress has been seen of late. On Friday, it was announced that 40 percent of his lungs could function, compared to just 10 percent two weeks ago. Comatose for around two months, he can now turn his head upon doctors request.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected 213 countries and territories, with more than 366,300 deaths reported.
Actor Zaira Wasim has once again come under the attack of trolls on social media after she quoted a verse from Quran on the locust attack in India and other countries.

So We sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs and blood: Signs openly self-explained: but they were steeped in arrogance- a people given to sin -Quran 7:133 (sic). She wrote in a tweet on May 27.

But soon trolls unleashed an attack on the Dangal actress forcing her to delete her Twitter and Instagram handles.

The actress is once again being targeted over her choice and religion on social media. Last year, Zaira announced to quit her acting career and cited Islam for her decision. But opinions kept pouring in from left, right and center infantilising the actress and her decision.

And this week, when she quoted the verse from Quran, it seemed to be a deja vu of the year gone by.

#ZairaWasim you left acting for Islam..now quitting Twitter, Instagram and this list will goes on in future..Your stubborn religious thoughts harming you and really feel sad about it.. wish you come out of it as soon as possible..coz we love you and miss you (sic), read one of the many comments on Twitter.

#ZairaWasim you left acting for Islam..now quitting Twitter, Instagram and this list will goes on in future..Your stubborn religious thoughts harming you and really feel sad about it.. wish you come out of it as soon as possible..coz we love you and miss you pic.twitter.com/MrpsEnf2PS  RST (@Rahul00730S) May 30, 2020

Being religious is good but being too religious could he the reason of senceless thinking  Here the example#ZairaWasim pic.twitter.com/3KQSGk3V9S  Maddix (@MaddiixB) May 30, 2020

#ZairaWasim soon started trending on social media with some people supporting her, while many others slammed her calling her Hinduphobe among many other things.

We would have wanted to believe that the flak that Zaira drew on social media after posting a Quranic verse has nothing to do with Islamophobia, but that doesnt seem to be the case. Google trends are here to reveal something to us. Since the news of locust attacks broke, people in India have been looking up Biblical passages on the event to understand what the religious book says about the event.

Locust attacks have been a part of nearly all religious textbooks. Ancient Greeks talked about locust attacks and so did Sanskrit poems dating back to 747 BC.

If looking for religious context in the Bible is fine, what exactly is wrong with a verse from the Quran? Is that Islamophobia speaking?

Read: Indians Are Convinced That the Bible Warned Us About Locust Attacks

The locust attack has affected nearly 64 countries, including India and Pakistan. The locust attack, a cyclone, earthquakes coupled with the ongoing pandemic has been giving apocalyptic feels to us all.

In July 2019, Zaira, who last appeared in Sky is Pinkwith Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar, took to social media to announce her decision of quitting the acting career. "As I had just started to explore and make sense of the things to which I dedicated my time, efforts and emotions and tried to grab hold of a new lifestyle, it was only for me to realise that though I may fit here perfectly, I do not belong here," she had written in a lengthy social media post.

"This field indeed brought a lot of love, support, and applause my way, but what it also did was to lead me to a path of ignorance, as I silently and unconsciously transitioned out of imaan [faith]. While I continued to work in an environment that consistently interfered with my imaan [faith], my relationship with my religion was threatened."

Social media was quick to voice its opinion and tell the 18-year-old how her decision was ill-informed and the issue soon became topic for prime time debates. Tweets like this one were common then also.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's constitutional court on Friday decriminalised adultery in a landmark judgment aimed at upholding personal rights and privacy, scrapping a law that activists said discriminated against women. The democratic island became the latest place in Asia to strike down a ban on marital infidelity following South Korea in 2015 and India in 2018. The constitutional court struck down the adultery law that meant those who had sex with a married person, or with a person outside marriage, could face up to a year in jail.

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's constitutional court on Friday decriminalised adultery in a landmark judgment aimed at upholding personal rights and privacy, scrapping a law that activists said discriminated against women.

The democratic island became the latest place in Asia to strike down a ban on marital infidelity following South Korea in 2015 and India in 2018.

The constitutional court struck down the adultery law that meant those who had sex with a married person, or with a person outside marriage, could face up to a year in jail.

"The adultery law offers limited help to maintaining marriage relationships ... State power interfering in people's marriages actually has a negative impact on marriage," Lin Hui-Huang, secretary-general of the Justice Ministry, said as he read out the judgment.

The adultery law was a violation of a person's sexual autonomy as well as a "serious invasion of privacy", he said.

Despite its reputation as a beacon of freedom and human rights in Asia, conservative groups have long argued that the law was essential to uphold the sanctity of marriage.

But questions have been growing for some time about a law that rights activists have criticised as an outdated infringement, with more than 20 petitions brought to courts by people and judges demanding interpretation of it.

While jailings are rare for adultery in Taiwan, activists say women have been disproportionately targeted under the law as the threat of charges has often been used in matrimonial disputes to put pressure on women.

Right activists welcomed the ruling a "new milestone" for Taiwan's reforms following the landmark legalisation of same-sex marriage last year.

The legalisation was the first in Asia and came after President Tsai Ing-wen had campaigned on a promise of marriage equality in a 2016 presidential election.

Adultery is still considered a crime in various places including some U.S. states.

(Reporting By Yimou Lee; Editing by Robert Birsel)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
An AFP collaborator poses for a picture using the smart phone application TikTok on Dec. 14, 2018 in Paris. TikTok is a Chinese short-form video-sharing app owned by Bytedance. The Chinese version of the app, Douyin, has more than 300 million domestic monthly active users, according to the company. (-/AFP/Getty Images)

TikTok Is an Attractive Database on Young Australians for the Chinese Regime: Aussie MP

West Australian Member of Parliament Andrew Hastie has called the Beijing-backed music app TikTok an attractive database for the Chinese communist regime to collect data on the habits, psychology, and personal preferences of over one million young Australians.

The federal member for Cannings comments follow recent legislative actions taken against TikTok in the United States, where it currently faces a trifecta of new laws aimed at curbing its influence in the country.

Hastie, who is also chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, told The Epoch Times on May 28, the United States believes TikTok is a security threat.

He said, As our closest ally, I welcome the news that lawmakers there are considering these risks in light of their national and personal security.

(Commonwealth of Australia)

Hastie said there were serious concerns about how the data TikTok collects may be used.

TikTok is one of the fastest growing social media apps in the world with over 800 million active users globally. Users can film, edit, upload, and share short 15-second videos of themselves overlayed with music.

Related Coverage Over 1.6 Million Australians Use Beijing-Backed TikTok App

The app is popular with Australian celebrities, however, it has carved out a large following from young Australians born after 1991, with over 1.2 million users per month.

TikTok is also built entirely on artificial intelligence developed by its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance, which can track and learn the personal preferences of users.

Hastie said, to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), TikTok is an attractive database of the habits, psychology, personal preferences of over one million young Australians.

That is powerful intelligence to have on our future political, military, business, and social leaders.

Our country is right to be concerned about how their data might be used. he said. We should each consider our own position and that of our children.

Hastie also raised concerns on the Chinese regimes 2017 National Intelligence Law saying it compels Chinese businesses to share information with the regime.

The National Intelligence Law was introduced by current Chinese leader Xi Jinping and mandates local Chinese companies to support, assist and cooperate with state intelligence work.

A wide reading of the law means the regime has the power to access data and personal information stored by China-based companies if it is requested by the regime.

The law has been the root cause for major security concerns around Chinese technology, along with the military-civil fusion doctrine launched by Xi Jinping in 2016.

This doctrine says civilian technologies developed in China can be repurposed for military use if the regime needs it. The U.S. State Department has already expressed serious concerns about the doctrine.

The combined influence of the above has helped spark a pushback against Chinese technology companies such as Zoom, Huawei and WeChat.

The Australian Defence Force currently bans the use of TikTok and WeChat.

The U.S. federal government currently has TikTok in its sights, and the social media app is subject to three pending laws aimed at curbing the influence of Chinese apps in the country.

The laws will ban federal employees from downloading TikTok on government mobile phones and compel foreign developed apps to include a disclaimer in the software for users to see. The disclaimer will include information on the company that owns the apps and the jurisdiction it comes under.

TikTok is also subject to a pending investigation from the Committee on Foreign Investment.
LOS ANGELESLittle Caprice, the 2020 AVN Foreign Female Performer of the Year from Brno, Czech Republic, has debuted her first scene with Ukrainian star Nancy Ace exclusively on her official website.

Shot in Vienna, Austria, by Little Caprice's partnerdirector/performer Marcello Bravothe scene is available now at LlttleCaprice-Dreams.com.

"I feel this scene went great!" Little Caprice told AVN. "We met with Nancy many times before, but never worked together until now! It was really awesome, as we had great chemistry and we both were very excited to finally touch each other.

"She is gorgeous, cute and has an amazing personality!"

A native of Kiev, Ukraine, Ace did sales before she got into adult and has about 80 porn credits for various studios in recent years.

Caprice said she was especially proud because their long-awaited hookup was "for my website, not for someone else."

"We did it in Vienna in the winter-time in a very cozy apartment," Caprice said. "Before that, we visited the city, which in the winter is very romantic."
Professor Salim Abdool Karim, who chairs the Minister of Healths COVID-19 advisory committee, has said coronavirus disinfection tunnels pose a danger to human health and should not be permitted.

His comments came during a presentation on COVID-19 trends in the country as of 28 May.

MyBroadband previously reported on the development of these tunnels, which are intended to be placed at the entrances of areas and buildings where many people may congregate  such as shopping malls, grocery stores, offices, and factories.

These container-like boxes are fitted with sensors that detect when a person moves through them, which then activate a sanitising spray.

The solution is said to kill the virus and disinfect people and objects passing through.

One such tunnel reported on sprays a non-alcoholic solution with sodium sulphate as the active ingredient to disinfect people and items which they are carrying.

According to the company which manufactured this tunnel, the European Food Safety Authority regards it to be safe for human use.

Multiple other tunnel manufacturers told MyBroadband that the various sanitising solutions they employ are also safe for use on humans.

However, Professor Karim has warned none of these sanitising agents have been properly tested and that the practice is harmful and holds no benefit in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Tunnels should not be permitted

Karim explained human disinfection processes do not form part of the governments Coronavirus Prevention Toolbox and said these structures should simply not be permitted.

One of the issues which is causing great consternation is a tool thats being used which is not in the toolbox, and that is the process of human disinfection, and they are particularly being used in tunnels, Karim stated.

He claimed the substances used in the disinfection tunnels could be harmful to humans.

The spraying of humans with chemicals and putting humans through fumigation tunnels is potentially dangerous. It can damage the eyes, it can cause skin rashes and it can affect breathing, Karim said.

The professor stated there was little or no evidence for the safety of the chemicals that are used and the side-effects thereof remain largely unknown.

On top of this, Karim said its not just that these are potentially harmful, its that there is no discernible benefit for using the chemicals in coronavirus prevention.

The coronavirus, when it does cause infection does not enter through skin, but rather through the mouth, nose, and eyes, Karim explained.

He encouraged South Africans to rather sanitise or wash their hands, as these are parts of the body which may be particularly susceptible to spreading the virus.

I cannot stress enough the importance of not going through one of these fumigation tunnels, Karim concluded on the issue.

Below are images of the coronavirus disinfection tunnels being sold in South Africa.
RTHK: Minnesota deploys National Guard in full

The full Minnesota National Guard was activated for the first time since World War Two after four nights of sometimes violent protests that have spread to other US cities following the killing of a black man by a white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the deployment was needed because outsiders were using the demonstrations over the death of George Floyd to spread chaos, and that he expected Saturday night's protests to be the fiercest so far.

From Minneapolis to New York City, Atlanta and Washington, protesters clashed with police late on Friday in a rising tide of anger over the treatment of minorities by law enforcement.

"We are under assault," Walz told a briefing. "Order needs to be restored. ... We will use our full strength of goodness and righteousness to make sure this ends."

He said he believed a "tightly controlled" group of outside agitators, some white supremacist groups and drug cartels were to blame for some of the violence in Minneapolis, but he did not give specifics when asked by reporters. He said as many as 80 percent of those arrested were from out-of-state.

Minnesota National Guard General Jon Jensen said all the state's guardsmen had been activated, and that 2,500 of them would be mobilised by noon.

"It means we're all in," Jensen said.

The demonstrations broke out for a fourth night despite prosecutors announcing on Friday that the policeman filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck, Derek Chauvin, had been arrested on third-degree murder and manslaughter charges.

Three other officers have been fired and are being investigated in connection with Monday's incident, which reignited rage that civil rights activists said has long simmered in Minneapolis and cities across the country over persistent racial bias in the US criminal justice system.

The video of Floyd's death, filmed by a bystander, showed the 46-year-old repeatedly pleading with the officers and telling them he could not breathe.

In the Minneapolis neighbourhood of Lyndale, the mood was sombre on Saturday morning as dozens of people surveyed the damage and swept up glass and debris from the night before.

Luke Kallstrom, 27, a financial analyst, stood in the threshold of a post office that had been burned to the ground.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "It pains me so much. This does not honour the man who was wrongfully taken away from us."

As he spoke, several military vehicles rolled by, loaded with soldiers.

Some of Friday's most chaotic scenes were in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, where thousands of demonstrators gathered near the Barclays Centre arena. Police armed with batons and pepper spray made more than 200 arrests in sometimes violent clashes. Several officers were injured.

In Washington, police and Secret Service agents deployed in force around the White House before dozens of demonstrators gathered across the street in Lafayette Square.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he had watched the whole thing, and, if the demonstrators had breached the fence, "they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen."

"That's when people would have been really badly hurt, at least," Trump wrote on Twitter.

He also appeared to call his supporters to rally outside the executive mansion on Saturday evening.

In Atlanta, Bernice King, the youngest daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., urged people to go home on Friday night after more than 1,000 protesters marched to the state capitol and blocked traffic on an interstate highway.

The demonstration turned violent at points. Fires burned near the CNN Centre, the network's headquarters, and windows were smashed at its lobby. At least one police car was among several vehicles burnt.

Rapper Killer Mike, in an impassioned speech flanked by the city's mayor and police chief, also implored angry residents to stay inside and to mobilise to win at the ballot box.

"Make sure you exercise your political bully power," he said. "But it is not time to burn down your own home."

Protesters also took to the streets in other cities including Detroit, Denver, Houston, Oakland and Louisville, Kentucky.

Authorities in Minneapolis had hoped Chauvin's arrest would allay public anger. Late on Friday, officers opened fire with tear gas, plastic bullets and concussion grenades to disperse protesters. Still, Friday night's demonstrations were far smaller and more widely dispersed than the night before.

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for a nightclub, was arrested for allegedly using counterfeit money at a store to buy cigarettes on Monday evening.

Bail has been set at US$500,000 for Chauvin, but it was unclear on Saturday whether he remained in custody. Hennepin County jail records showed no inmate of that name. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Researchers have found a way to design an antibody that can identify the toxic particles that destroy healthy brain cells -- a potential advance in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Their method is able to recognise these toxic particles, known as amyloid-beta oligomers, which are the hallmark of the disease, leading to hope that new diagnostic methods can be developed for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

The team, from the University of Cambridge, University College London and Lund University, designed an antibody which is highly accurate at detecting toxic oligomers and quantifying their numbers. Their results are reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

"There is an urgent unmet need for quantitative methods to recognise oligomers -- which play a major role in Alzheimer's disease, but are too elusive for standard antibody discovery strategies," said Professor Michele Vendruscolo from Cambridge's Centre for Misfolding Diseases, who led the research. "Through our innovative design strategy, we have now discovered antibodies to recognise these toxic particles."

Dementia is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and costs more than 26 billion each year, a figure which is expected to more than double in the next 25 years. Estimates put the current cost to the global economy at nearly 1 trillion per year.

Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, leads to the death of nerve cells and tissue loss throughout the brain, resulting in memory failure, personality changes and problems carrying out daily activities.

advertisement

Abnormal clumps of proteins called oligomers have been identified by scientists as the most likely cause of dementia. Although proteins are normally responsible for important cell processes, according to the amyloid hypothesis, when people have Alzheimer's disease these proteins -including specifically amyloid-beta proteins -- become rogue and kill healthy nerve cells.

Proteins need to be closely regulated to function properly. When this quality control process fails, the proteins misfold, starting a chain reaction that leads to the death of brain cells. Misfolded proteins form abnormal clusters called plaques which build up between brain cells, stopping them from signalling properly. Dying brain cells also contain tangles, twisted strands of proteins that destroy a vital cell transport system, meaning nutrients and other essential supplies can no longer move through the cells.

There have been over 400 clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease, but no drug that can modify the course of the disease has been approved. In the UK, dementia is the only condition in the top 10 causes of death without a treatment to prevent, stop, or slow its progression.

"While the amyloid hypothesis is a prevalent view, it has not been fully validated in part because amyloid-beta oligomers are so difficult to detect, so there are differing opinions on what causes Alzheimer's disease," said Vendruscolo. "The discovery of an antibody to accurately target oligomers is, therefore, an important step to monitor the progression of the disease, identify its cause, and eventually keep it under control."

The lack of methods to detect oligomers has been a major obstacle in the progress of Alzheimer's research. This has hampered the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and led to uncertainty about the amyloid hypothesis.

advertisement

"Oligomers are difficult to detect, isolate, and study," said Dr Francesco Aprile, the study's first author. "Our method allows the generation of antibody molecules able to target oligomers despite their heterogeneity, and we hope it could be a significant step towards new diagnostic approaches."

The method is based on an approach for antibody discovery developed over the last ten years at the Centre for Misfolding Diseases. Based on the computational assembly of antibody-antigen assemblies, the method enables the design of antibodies for antigens that are highly challenging, such as those that live only for a very short time.

By using a rational design strategy that enables to target specific regions, or epitopes, of the oligomers, and a wide range of in vitro and in vivo experiments, the researchers have designed an antibody with at least three orders of magnitude greater affinity for the oligomers over other forms of amyloid-beta. This difference is the key feature that enables the antibody to specifically quantify oligomers in both in vitro and in vivo samples.

The team hopes that this tool will enable the discovery of better drug candidates and the design of better clinical trials for people affected by the debilitating disease. They also co-founded Wren Therapeutics, a spin-out biotechnology company based at the Chemistry of Health Incubator, in the recently opened Chemistry of Health building, whose mission it is to take the ideas developed at the University of Cambridge and translate them into finding new drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease and other protein misfolding disorders.

The antibody has been patented by Cambridge Enterprise, the University's commercialisation arm.
LA JOLLA, Calif. and JUPITER, Fla.- MAY 29, 2020 - Surgery would be inconceivable without general anesthesia, so it may come as a surprise that despite its 175-year history of medical use, doctors and scientists have been unable to explain how anesthetics temporarily render patients unconscious.

A new study from Scripps Research published Thursday evening in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences (PNAS) solves this longstanding medical mystery. Using modern nanoscale microscopic techniques, plus clever experiments in living cells and fruit flies, the scientists show how clusters of lipids in the cell membrane serve as a missing go-between in a two-part mechanism. Temporary exposure to anesthesia causes the lipid clusters to move from an ordered state, to a disordered one, and then back again, leading to a multitude of subsequent effects that ultimately cause changes in consciousness.

The discovery by chemist Richard Lerner, MD, and molecular biologist Scott Hansen, PhD, settles a century-old scientific debate, one that still simmers today: Do anesthetics act directly on cell-membrane gates called ion channels, or do they somehow act on the membrane to signal cell changes in a new and unexpected way? It has taken nearly five years of experiments, calls, debates and challenges to arrive at the conclusion that it's a two-step process that begins in the membrane, the duo say. The anesthetics perturb ordered lipid clusters within the cell membrane known as "lipid rafts" to initiate the signal.

"We think there is little doubt that this novel pathway is being used for other brain functions beyond consciousness, enabling us to now chip away at additional mysteries of the brain," Lerner says.

Lerner, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, is a former president of Scripps Research, and the founder of Scripps Research's Jupiter, Florida campus. Hansen is an associate professor, in his first posting, at that same campus. The Ether Dome

Ether's ability to induce loss of consciousness was first demonstrated on a tumor patient at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in 1846, within a surgical theater that later became known as "the Ether Dome." So consequential was the procedure that it was captured in a famous painting, "First Operation Under Ether," by Robert C. Hinckley. By 1899, German pharmacologist Hans Horst Meyer, and then in 1901 British biologist Charles Ernest Overton, sagely concluded that lipid solubility dictated the potency of such anesthetics.

Hansen recalls turning to a Google search while drafting a grant submission to investigate further that historic question, thinking he couldn't be the only one convinced of membrane lipid rafts' role. To Hansen's delight, he found a figure from Lerner's 1997 PNAS paper, "A hypothesis about the endogenous analogue of general anesthesia," that proposed just such a mechanism. Hansen had long looked up to Lerner--literally. As a predoctoral student in San Diego, Hansen says he worked in a basement lab with a window that looked directly out at Lerner's parking space at Scripps Research.

"I contacted him, and I said, 'You are never going to believe this. Your 1997 figure was intuitively describing what I am seeing in our data right now,'" Hansen recalls. "It was brilliant."

For Lerner, it was an exciting moment as well.

"This is the granddaddy of medical mysteries," Lerner says. "When I was in medical school at Stanford, this was the one problem I wanted to solve. Anesthesia was of such practical importance I couldn't believe we didn't know how all of these anesthetics could cause people to lose consciousness."

Many other scientists, through a century of experimentation, had sought the same answers, but they lacked several key elements, Hansen says: First, microscopes able to visualize biological complexes smaller than the diffraction limits of light, and second, recent insights about the nature of cell membranes, and the complex organization and function of the rich variety of lipid complexes that comprise them.

"They had been looking in a whole sea of lipids, and the signal got washed out, they just didn't see it, in large part for a lack of technology," Hansen says. From order to disorder

Using Nobel Prize-winning microscopic technology, specifically a microscope called dSTORM, short for "direct stochastical optical reconstruction microscopy," a post-doctoral researcher in the Hansen lab bathed cells in chloroform and watched something like the opening break shot of a game of billiards. Exposing the cells to chloroform strongly increased the diameter and area of cell membrane lipid clusters called GM1, Hansen explains.

What he was looking at was a shift in the GM1 cluster's organization, a shift from a tightly packed ball to a disrupted mess, Hansen says. As it grew disordered, GM1 spilled its contents, among them, an enzyme called phospholipase D2 (PLD2).

Tagging PLD2 with a fluorescent chemical, Hansen was able to watch via the dSTORM microscope as PLD2 moved like a billiard ball away from its GM1 home and over to a different, less-preferred lipid cluster called PIP2. This activated key molecules within PIP2 clusters, among them, TREK1 potassium ion channels and their lipid activator, phosphatidic acid (PA). The activation of TREK1 basically freezes neurons' ability to fire, and thus leads to loss of consciousness, Hansen says.

"The TREK1 potassium channels release potassium, and that hyper-polarizes the nerve--it makes it more difficult to fire--and just shuts it down," Hansen says.

Lerner insisted they validate the findings in a living animal model. The common fruit fly, drosophila melanogaster, provided that data. Deleting PLD expression in the flies rendered them resistant to the effects of sedation. In fact, they required double the exposure to the anesthetic to demonstrate the same response.

"All flies eventually lost consciousness, suggesting PLD helps set a threshold, but is not the only pathway controlling anesthetic sensitivity," they write.

Hansen and Lerner say the discoveries raise a host of tantalizing new possibilities that may explain other mysteries of the brain, including the molecular events that lead us to fall asleep.

Lerner's original 1997 hypothesis of the role of "lipid matrices" in signaling arose from his inquiries into the biochemistry of sleep, and his discovery of a soporific lipid he called oleamide. Hansen and Lerner's collaboration in this arena continues.

"We think this is fundamental and foundational, but there is a lot more work that needs to be done, and it needs to be done by a lot of people," Hansen says. Lerner agrees.

"People will begin to study this for everything you can imagine: Sleep, consciousness, all those related disorders," he says. "Ether was a gift that helps us understand the problem of consciousness. It has shined a light on a heretofore unrecognized pathway that the brain has clearly evolved to control higher-order functions."

###

The paper, "Studies on the mechanism of general anesthesia," appears May 29, 2020, in PNAS. In addition to Lerner and Hansen, the authors are Mahmud Arif Pavel, E. Nicholas Petersen and Hao Wang, all of Scripps Research.
To the editor:

I am writing in response to the letter to editor from Matthew T. Bishop in the Midland Daily News on May 28 issue titled "Reader raises mail voter fraud questions." My wife and I also received applications for mail in ballots prior to the March primary election. If my memory is correct, we also received four applications. Each of us received one application from the Republican party and one from the Democratic party. We did not view these as in any way related to voter fraud. They seemed to be efforts by both major political parties to encourage people to vote. They were not ballots, but applications for ballots. Political parties and advertisers, for that matter, can easily obtain almost anyone's mailing address. I am confident that had we mailed in all of these applications, we would have only received one actual mail-in ballot each. I believe the local officials do a very good job of keeping records of those qualified to vote. Misinformation is rampant today and I believe it is a much more serious threat than the extremely rare instances of any type of voter fraud. For the upcoming election, Secretary of State Jocilyn Benson has said all of Michigan's 7.7 million registered voters will be mailed absentee ballot applications.
There appears to be palpable trepidation in the two chambers of the National Assembly over the allegation by the Acting Managing Director (MD) and head of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kemebradikumo Pondei, and the Executive Director of Project, Cairo Ojougboh, that the lawmakers padded the 2019 budget with insertion of over 500 projects.

Ojougboh had alleged that the House of Representatives bloated the 2019 budget with 85 billion, thus, vandalized and raped the commissions budget.

The allegations unsettled the federal lawmakers who have been struggling with defence and counter confrontation with oversight functions and investigation of the N40 billion allegation of misappropriation of funds in the commission.

Pondei and Ojougboh alleged that the National Assembly is putting pressure on the Interim Management Committee to distort the forensic audit of the NDDC which was mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari. The NDDC IMC top brass further alleged that the overbearing stranglehold of the National Assembly investigative committees was the cause of the delay in passing the NDDC 2019 budget.

While the two chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly are still battling with clearing the NDDC budget padding allegations, there were insinuations that the 2020 national was purportedly padded from the presidency.

There were observations that the President Muhammadu Buhari while joining the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in lobbying for the presiding officers of the National Assembly, appeased the APC lawmakers to ensure the emergence of the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, promising cooperation with the emergent Ninth National Assembly. In a seeming promotion of the cooperation, President Buhari had subtly defended the bogus allowances of the federal lawmakers, penultimate week, when he said that Nigerians say the lawmakers are earning too much. This is a president who in his first tenure constantly blasted the Eighth National Assembly for profligacy and exorbitant expenditures.

In presentation of the 2020 budget, it was alleged that the fiscal draft came padded, which was purported to be a condition for early passage of the budget in 2019.

It was alleged that first term members of the House of Representatives were granted N150 to N160 million for constituency projects; returning or ranking members N200 to N250 million; principal officers of the House N500 million, while the Speaker was purportedly allocated N1 billion for constituency projects.

In the Senate, first time lawmakers were assigned N200 for constituency projects; returning or ranking senators N250 million, principal officers over N500 million while the Senate President was allegedly allocated N1.5 billion for constituency project.

All allocations were alleged to be infused in the 2020 budget before presentation to the two chambers of the National Assembly in 2019.

However, both the House and the Senate scold the NDDC IMC for diverting attention from the oversight functions of the National Assembly. They reiterated the constitutional powers of the National Assembly to carry out oversight duties on federal parastatals to ensure transparency in the governance of the country. The National Assembly maintained that they cannot be intimidated or blackmailed in the investigation by the ad hoc committee of alleged N40 billion fraud in the NDDC.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta Affairs, Peter Nwaoboshi, representing PDP, Delta North, was cited to have declared inter alia:

What we are seeing is a case of a man sent to catch the thief but instead of catching the thief, he starts stealing too.

If members of the IMC know that their hands are clean, they dont need to panic or resort to blackmail which would not in any way deter the already mandated investigative committees of the National Assembly from carrying out their legitimate assignments.

Their lies have short legs and unfortunately cannot run fast or fly
As Victorians head into chilly winter, they can look forward to Melbourne Music Week on the other side as part of the City of Melbourne's longer term plan of recovery from COVID-19 for live music.

Lord mayor Sally Capp says expressions of interest are open for local musicians, venues and promoters to take part in the five-day event, from November 18 to 22.

DJ Jerry Poon at Section 8 in Melbourne, one of the CBD venues earmarked by the City of Melbourne for November's Melbourne Music Week program. Credit:Chris Hopkins

"Were breaking with tradition by not creating a Melbourne Music Week hub and will instead hold key events in bars and entertainment venues across the city," she said, adding that the format would "allow us to remain flexible and adaptable" and work with venues on health and safety requirements and social-distancing restrictions.

"There will be free and ticketed events to support our hospitality businesses. We want people to safely return to our venues and enjoy Melbournes famous live music scene. Im thrilled that well showcase a 100 per cent Australian and New Zealand line-up for the first time ever."
(Newser)  The European Union on Saturday urged President Trump to rethink his decision to cut American funding for the World Health Organization amid global criticism of the move, as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday urged Trump to reconsider, saying that "actions that weaken international results must be avoided" and that "now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions." "The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future," she said. "For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed." Trump on Friday charged that the WHO didn't respond adequately to the pandemic, accusing the UN agency of being under China's "total control," per the AP.

story continues below

The US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the US would be "redirecting" the money to "other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs," without providing specifics. As some countries have effectively lowered the rate of infections, they've been moving ahead with relaxing restrictions but are keeping a very close eye on developments. India registered another record single-day jump of 7,964 cases and 265 deaths, a day before it was to end its 2-month-old lockdown. The US has been worst hit by the outbreak, with more than 1.7 million cases and almost 103,000 deaths, as of Saturday morning. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's office said Saturday that, as things stand with the American pandemic situation, if Trump holds the G7 summit in the US, she won't go in person.

(Read more European Union stories.)
President Donald Trump on Friday escalated attacks on China holding it responsible for Covid-19 deaths in the United States and worldwide as he also announced he was terminating US membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) for its failure to carry out reforms, chiefly cutting dependence on China.

The president also announced the United States will now not allow certain students and researchers from China linked to its military technology programmes from enrolling in US universities saying they were involved in theft of patented technology. He also ended special status for Hong Kong.

The world is now suffering as a result of the malfeasance of the Chinese government, Trump said in a short speech at a White House event that was supposed to have been a news briefing. But he did not take questions and left abruptly after reading out a short statement.

Chinas cover-up of the Wuhan virus allowed the disease to spread all over the world instigating a global pandemic that has cost more than 100,000 American lives and over a million lives worldwide, the president said, using nomenclature for the epidemic adopted by his administration to reinforce its efforts to blame it on China.

Covid-19 epidemic started in Wuhan, capital of Chinas Hubei province, last December.

President Trump has been attacking China in what has been widely seen by his critics as a move to deflect blame for the US epidemic, with nearly 103,000 fatalities now and 1.7 million infections, away from his administrations confused and conflicted response influenced by his reluctance to acknowledge the gravity of the crisis so as to minimize its impact on his re-election prospects.

The World Health Organization is his other target. Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and will be redirecting those funds to other organizations worldwide and deserving urgent public health needs, Trump said at the news briefing.

Trump had sent WHO a list of reforms  chiefly, ending its dependence on China  that the United States wanted it to carry out with the threat of permanently freezing its annual contribution of $450 million and terminating its membership.

The only way forward for the organization is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China, he had written in a four-page letter to WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last week. He had given the world body 30 days to respond.

Click here for complete coronavirus coverage

The United States has exited a number of world bodies and multilateral pacts on President Trumps watch, starting with the Trans-Pacific Partnership in January 2017, the month he took office. This was followed by departures from the Paris Accord on climate change (2017), UNESCO (2017), Iran deal (2018) and UNHCR (2018). The president has also grumbled about US contributions to NATO and the United Nations.

And now WHO. The United States was the leading force behind the founding of the world body in 1948 and was its largest funder.

Its exit in the middle of a pandemic has been questioned by even his own party allies. I disagree with the presidents decision, said US Senate health committee chairman Lamar Alexander, a Republican, in a statement.

Withdrawing US membership could, among other things, interfere with clinical trials that are essential to the development of vaccines, which citizens of the United States as well as others in the world need. And withdrawing could make it harder to work with other countries to stop viruses before they get to the United States, he added.
A British pilot who is Vietnams most critically ill coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient has exhibited health improvement and may not need a lung transplant, previously believed to be the only viable option to save his life, after all, doctors said Friday.

Top health leaders and experts in the fields of infection, respiration and intensive care discussed the mans condition at a teleconference on Friday.

The 43-year-old Briton, a Vietnam Airlines pilot, was identified as the countrys COVID-19 patient No. 91 after his diagnosis in mid-March.

Doctors from Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh Citys District 5, where the patient was recently transferred to after being announced free of the coronavirus, told the conference he had regained 40 percent of his lung function, up from 30 percent and 10 percent reported in the last two consultations.

If his lungs continue to improve, with 50 percent or more of their function recovered, he will have a chance to survive without a lung transplant, which was previously believed to be the only viable way to save his life.

According to footage provided by Cho Ray Hospital and seen by Tuoi Tre News, the British man is now able to make expressive responses when doctors talk to him.

Doctors talk to a British pilot, Vietnams COVID-19 patient No. 91, who is being treated in the intensive care unit at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in this video supplied by the infirmary.

The patient can now be spoon-fed by health workers, move his fingers, feet and lips, blink, and even shed tears.

However, doctors warned that the British man remains in quite a serious condition because he still depends largely on life support in the form of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

The experts agreed that transferring him to Cho Ray Hospital from the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases last week was the right decision, given the patients complicated conditions.

Cho Ray is the largest general hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the upcoming course of treatment, doctors will focus on treating his lung infections and gradually withdraw him from ECMO.

Prof. Dr. Ngo Quy Chau, a respiratory specialist and acting chairman of Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, suggested Cho Ray Hospital look into using new drugs used to treat fungal infections in the patients lungs, change the current drugs to parenteral ones, and design a nutrition plan towards improving his respiratory and diaphragm muscles.

Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Truong Son (third from right) presides a telemedicine consultation to discuss the condition and treatment of a British pilot who is Vietnams sickest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient, May 29, 2020. Photo: Thuy Anh / Tuoi Tre

Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Truong Son agreed with the suggestions, adding that doctors should also carefully consider the patients renal and liver functions.

In addition, preparations for a possible lung transplant shall be continued.

Friday was the 71st day of the British pilots hospitalization.

He had been treated at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City since mid-March until last week, when he was transferred to Cho Ray Hospital after testing negative for the novel coronavirus six times.

Vietnams tally of COVID-19 patients has climbed to 328 after one new case  a one-year-old baby returning from Russia  was reported on Saturday morning.

Top health leaders and experts discuss the condition and treatment of a British pilot who is Vietnams sickest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient at a telemedicine consultation, May 29, 2020. Photo: Thuy Anh / Tuoi Tre

The child, residing in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, landed at Van Don International Airport in northern Quang Ninh Province on Vietnam Airlines flight VN0062 on May 13.

He had close contact with patient No. 314, a 62-year-old Vietnamese woman, on the same flight.

He was sent to a centralized quarantine facility in neighboring Hai Duong Province after his arrival and tested positive for the virus twice on Thursday and Friday.

He is being treated at the provincial Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

There have been 279 COVID-19 recoveries in Vietnam, with only 49 patients remaining in treatment.

No new infections in the community have been documented in the Southeast Asian country for 44 days as of Saturday morning.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Ride sharing services (Representative Image)

Banks are likely to confront a sharp rise in defaults in automobile loans given to drivers attached to online cab aggregators due to the prolonged coronavirus lockdown and possible reluctance of customers to take public transport in the foreseeable future, industry officials said.

Drivers typically take a bank loan to purchase vehicles that will have a repayment period of around five to seven years. But with the lockdown hitting the economy starting late March, cab aggregators are out of business. Many of them are not in a position to repay lenders.

Servicing these auto loans for cab drivers as well as aggregator platforms which lease vehicles to drivers would be extremely difficult given the lockdown has affected their revenue flows, said a founder of a Mumbai-based lending platform which had some exposure to cab drivers in the past but subsequently stopped that line of business. Most of the migrant workers have gone back to their natives, with earnings drying up most of them will not be in a position to repay the loans they have taken, the founder said, asking not to be named.

Banks may not feel the pain immediately on account of the moratorium extended to all term loans by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). On March 27, the RBI announced a three-month moratorium to help borrowers tide over the Covid-19 phase. This was extended recently until August in view of the lockdown extension.

Most of the repayments are under hold as a result. But bankers said the moratorium may add to the repayment burden of borrowers.

That is because the interest component continues to accrue on the outstanding loan amount during the moratorium period. This will reflect in the repayment schedule later in the form of higher EMIs (equated monthly instalments) or additional instalments.

Banks have a sizeable exposure to auto loans. According to RBI data, as on April 24, banks total outstanding amount for the overall vehicle loans segment was at Rs 2.16 lakh crore. This includes both personal and commercial vehicles.

Rising stress

A diesel Swift Dzire, one of the most common cars to ply on the Uber and Ola platforms, can cost between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 8 lakh. A back of the envelop calculation shows that the EMI comes to somewhere around Rs 15,000. For commercial vehicles, the EMI tends to be higher as the tenure is lower.

Industry estimates suggest these platforms together have more than 1.5 lakh cabs in Delhi NCR alone and the number for the whole country could be close to 3 lakh.

An email sent to Ola Cabs remained unanswered. Uber Technologies said it will not comment for this article.

Business model

Typically, banks assess the creditworthiness of the borrowers (cab drivers in this case) on the basis of cash flow predictions given by the taxi aggregators. Secondly, banks would be ready to extend loans since the car would remain hypothecated to the bank and the loan is secured, said a banker who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Banks and NBFCs assess the repayment capacity of the drivers on the basis of expected number of trips, the earnings in each location etc, as portrayed by the aggregators. Covid has significantly impacted the number of rides they get and hence the ability to repay (Sic), said Bhavik Hathi, managing director at consultancy firm Alvarez and Marsal.

Uncertainty ahead

The lockdown has impacted multiple sectors but the uncertainty around reopening of public transport is the worrying factor for cab aggregators.

In the post COVID world, a large chunk of the original cab riders might prefer to use personal vehicles initially and hence it is expected to take three to six months for them to get back to 50 percent of their original ride volumes, said Hathi.

This problem could get worse if companies push towards remote working for their employees. This would mean a large number of executives who used to commute in cabs will not be using the service, thereby altering peak hour customer trends on these platforms.

Recovery a challenge

While repayment might be a challenge, the vehicle continues to show as an asset on the books of the lenders, which means they will not lose money on the business. But here, the challenge for banks is to track down the vehicles and sell them in the second hand car market.

Regarding Ola and Uber, there could be certain restructuring options on the table for the lenders, said fintech policy consultant Mandar Kagade. Like what happened with Hertz, the four wheelers underlying the loans could be sold off (to square off the exposure), he said.

Hertz is an American car leasing company that recently declared bankruptcy.

Drivers could have benefited from a personal bankruptcy regime, that is long overdue now.

In the interim, I can see government intermediated solutions to the stress emerging like giving lenders some asset classification relief or offer guarantee through a special purpose vehicle, Kagade said.

In 2016-2017, a sudden fall in drivers income had caused many Ola and Uber drivers to default in their EMI payments. Many NBFCs and banks which were actively lending to this category then had actually stopped this line of business.

According to an ET report, State Bank of India and Axis Bank both had suspended giving loans to these segments at that point.

Drivers were promised five figure earnings at that point in time, as more people came in driver commissions were drastically reduced by the platforms, leaving the folks with hardly any ability to repay, said a banker quoted above.

While one challenge is to recover the vehicle, second is to track down the drivers, many would have gone back to their natives and the bank, in most of the cases, might not have any records of their native addresses said Anubhav Jain, cofounder of digital lending platform Rupifi which works with online aggregators for business loans.
AirAsia India can appreciate limits placed on airfares as it is a "very very short term" measure, its CEO and MD Sunil Bhaskaran on Friday said, adding that the airlines and the market should ideally be left alone when it comes to deciding ticket prices. On May 21, the central government issued coronavirus-related guidelines to restart domestic flights from May 25 and prescribed a lower limit and upper limit on airfares after setting up seven categories of routes as per the flight duration. It clarified the fare limits would be in place till August 24.

"Ideally, we would like it to be a free market, as far as prices are concerned. But given the circumstances and as a very very short term measure, we can appreciate it (limits on fares)," said the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the low-cost carrier at a webinar of aviation consultancy firm CAPA India.

"We can understand this. But I don't think this could ever be or this should be a permanent measure. The market has to be left (alone) and the airlines have to be left (alone) to decide," he added. Domestic passenger services restarted after a gap of two months on Monday when 428 flights carried around 30,000 passengers to their destinations.

When asked about the passenger traffic since Monday, Bhaskaran said, "We do feel that the pent up demand may last for two or three weeks and it is up to us and the airports to bring the confidence in people to travel...Quite frankly, we have taken a more pessimistic view of how things would be or may be conservative. We would be very happy to see an upside to what we have planned."

When asked which routes the aircraft are likely to see high traffic in the next few months, he replied, "When we see it, one big factor is the quarantine rules in the state and how clear it is to understand and whether there is an institutional quarantine." He said when a plane goes outside of Bengaluru, it has been seeing good loads (number of passengers) since Monday, but when it comes back to Bengaluru, it has abysmal loads because people don't want to come and go into institutional quarantine.

"We are seeing many of these migrant labourers moving largely to the north and to the east. These are people who are stuck and who would like to get back to their homes. These are the segments that are doing well. How long will they continue? We don't know," Bhaskaran said "But the numbers (of migrant labourers) we are hearing so huge that it could probably support for another 2-3 weeks," he added. AirAsia India has been waiting for the government's nod to restart international flight operations for quite some time.

"When we look back, the luckiest thing that could happen to us was that we didn't have international (ops). Otherwise, the hit to us would have been much worse," Bhaskaran said. While domestic traffic will come back, I don't think the international traffic will come back so quickly and therefore, we have got some more time to plan on how to restart international operations, he said.

He said he is less worried about starting international flight operations as compared to three months ago when it was the biggest thing on his agenda. "All indications we have is that we will get approvals very quickly," he added. When asked when would the expansion of Indian aviation begin again, the CEO said: "A, we see today, it (growth) has to come with the confidence in the customers which will come when there is a cure or a vaccine in place. And I don't see it coming back in 18-24 months."

"So, I think it is a pause for Indian aviation for two years. But we will surely get to the growth path after that," he added. On May 21, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) set the fare bands in this manner: domestic flights with less than 40-minute duration to have lower and upper limit of Rs 2000 and Rs 6000, for 40-60 minutes Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,500, for 60-90 minutes Rs 3,000 and Rs 9,000, for 90-120 minutes Rs 3,500 and Rs 10,000, for 120-150 minutes Rs 4500 and Rs 13000, for 150-180 minutes Rs 5500 and Rs 15700.

Flights with duration between 180-210 mins, like ones on Delhi-Coimbatore route, to have lower and upper limit of Rs 6500 and Rs 18600, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in its circular.

Also read: SpiceJet gets DGCA nod to conduct drone trials for essential goods delivery

Also read: Vande Bharat mission: Jet Airways offers two Boeing aircraft to evacuate stranded Indians
 Flash

China on Friday urged the U.S. government to stop using excuses to restrict and suppress Chinese students studying in the United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks as the U.S. administration reportedly plans to cancel the visas of thousands of Chinese students.

Zhao told a press briefing that the U.S. leadership has said that the American people respect and love the Chinese people very much and that Chinese students are of great significance to the U.S. educational business.

In the field of the two countries' cultural and people-to-people exchanges, the U.S. side has committed a series of negative and wrong words and deeds, which completely go against its self-proclaimed values of "openness and freedom," the public opinion of the two peoples, and the trend of times in international talent exchanges, Zhao said.

This has gravely impacted the normal cultural and personnel exchanges between the two countries, jeopardized the social foundation for bilateral ties, and exposed the deep-rooted Cold War mentality and zero-sum game mindset of some American people, the spokesperson stressed.

"People cannot help but ask whether the notorious McCarthyism in American history is returning," Zhao said.

If the United States would take measures harming Chinese students' lawful rights and interests, it would be nothing but political persecution and racial discrimination, and severe violation of the Chinese students' human rights, Zhao said.

He urged the U.S. side to abide by the relevant commitments of its leadership and immediately stop using all sorts of excuses to wantonly restrict and repress Chinese students in the United States.

"We support Chinese students' efforts in safeguarding their lawful rights and interests in accordance with law," Zhao said.
Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

The Duchess of Sussex has been assisting Mayhew, one of her London-based patronages, as it struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic.



Meghan, who is currently based in Beverly Hills, has called the charity throughout the crisis, offering support as it experiences financial hardship. The organisation is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs, cats and people in their communities and relies on public fundraising events for the bulk of its income. However, all events have been put on hold due to the UK lockdown and social distancing guidelines.

"The duchess is in touch and working with Mayhew at this time," a source confirmed to Newsweek. Mayhew urgently needs help to fund the purchasing of food, as well as flea and worming treatment for the dogs. "We receive no government support or anything so we rely completely on public donations, which are for the most part gathered from fundraising events," said the charity's media officer, Sarah Hastelow. "It's been a steady decline of operations and funds. We are trying to be as adaptive and reactive as possible."



Meghan was first photographed visiting the organisation in North London when she was six months pregnant. She met with staff, volunteers and beneficiaries to hear more about the charity's various initiatives and took the opportunity to cuddle some of the adorable pets, in particular a Jack Russell called Mini.

Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images

More recently, the duchess paid a low-key visit to the Mayhew kennels in January. She shared photos of the occasion on the Sussex Royal Instagram account shortly before she left England to move to America with Prince Harry and their son, Archie.

You Might Also Like
Judging by extensive photo and video documentation from the scene, the looters and arsonists in Minnesota were up to one half white, largely of the (forgive the crude expression) "scrawny commie stoner" variety. The same is true with respect to the latest mayhem in Atlanta; New York; and Washington, D.C. These events have little in common with the race riots of the 1940s and 1960s. The majority of these young people, of all races, seem to be having a good time.

Let's back up a few generations. There is a common perception that the (white) protests and riots of the 1960s and early 1970s were antiwar protests and riots. If that is the case, then what was the driving force behind similar events, some of them much more prolonged, violent, and socially and economically disruptive, in France in 1968 and in many other countries around that same time? France by then had given up its empire, was no longer involved in any wars, and was enjoying a period of unprecedented prosperity. Likewise, what was the Prague Spring about?

It is more likely that the coming of age of the first postwar generation, and the unrealistic and unfulfilled longing for a sci-fi socialist utopia among its more fortunate, better schooled, middle- to upper-class members created a rage and a desire to cast off the ordinary, which came to a head in many countries at around the same time. National commentators then worked backward to over-attribute these events to some specific "local" cause. The protesters and rioters aged, developed their careers, and became bestselling authors or captains of media or education, in which positions they furthered a grand historical narrative of pursuing some holy grail or resisting something or other. In every country (and with every country having its own unique circumstances), it was fundamentally the same.

The conclusion here for our purposes is that the mayhem in Minneapolis and its rapid spread throughout the country has little to do with police brutality. The police have always been brutal and in fact are less brutal and corrupt and racist today than ever before. At the same time, most black Americans today have homes and mortgages; many have cushy government jobs; many have businesses; and overall they and their children are invested in "the system" in a way that would have been almost unimaginable when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. Although there remain many foci of poverty and dysfunction, the deep, all-encompassing pool of total indigence, disenfranchisement, and hopelessness from that period has been substantially drained. Thus, I would venture to say that in simple manpower terms, large-scale mayhem (of the sort that causes police to abandon their stations to arsonists) in most American cities is now impossible on strictly "racial" grounds, without participation from the "Antifa" crowd and various other opportunists and adventurers, flash-mobbers, posers, hangers-on, and random selfie-takers with nothing better to do. It is simply no longer a minority phenomenon.

What I am getting at is that the kids are going crazy. Don't believe me? That's fine  just sit back and watch CNN's headquarters in Atlanta getting attacked. That's right, the Social Justice Warrior channel, being swarmed by hundreds of angry youths calling for justice. Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?

For two and a half months, all the colleges and college towns, all the nightclubs, bars, concert venues, swimming pools, and amusement parks have been closed, and even house parties have been prohibited in many jurisdictions. People have been too afraid even to find dates. Now that we know with absolute certainty that the Chinese coronavirus does not seriously harm the young 99.99-plus percent of the time, it is time to let people stretch their legs. The alternative, as you can see, is things going downhill fast in other, non-virus directions.
Maharashtra government has sent around 15 lakh migrant workers to their respective states so far. Of them, 9.82 lakh workers were sent through special Shramik trains and 5.08 lakh migrants were sent by state transport (ST) buses, according to information shared by the state government.

In addition, 3,459 Indians stranded in 17 different countries have been brought back to Maharashtra in 27 flights under Vande Bharat Mission. All of them have been kept under institutional quarantine facility developed by the state government for 14 days, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday.

Of the 3,459 citizens, 1,137 are from Mumbai, 1,572 are from other parts of the state and the remaining 750 are from other states. Thackeray said more stranded Indians are being brought back under the mission as six more flights are expected to land in Mumbai till June 7.

The stranded Indians are brought from Britain, Singapore, Philippines, the United States, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Kuwait, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Oman, South Africa, Indonesia, Netherlands, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Tanzania.

Thackeray said all those who are from Mumbai have been kept in institutional quarantine facilities developed at various hotels in the city while those are from other parts of the state have been sent to the respective districts where they have been kept in quarantine facilities. We have also kept all those, who are not from Maharashtra but have not got passes for entry from the respective states, in Mumbai at quarantine facilities, the chief minister said.

State home minister Anil Deshmukh said over 9.82 lakh migrant workers have been sent with the help of 696 special trains which started from May 1. Of the trains, a majority of 374 departed for Uttar Pradesh, 169 trains for Bihar, 33 trains for Madhya Pradesh, 30 trains for Jharkhand, 13 trains for Orissa and six trains departed for Karnataka so far.

The state government has also sent 5,08,803 migrants to their respective states in 41,874 trips of ST buses. The destinations include Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Karnataka among other. The government has spent 94.66 crore on sending migrant workers through buses, stated a release issued by the chief ministers office.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Dan Osborne put on a jubilant display as he stocked up on essentials and toys amid his marital woes with wife Jacqueline Jossa.

The former TOWIE star, 28, didn't let the drama surrounding his love life stop him from smiling as he gleefully loaded goods into his home on Friday.

Meanwhile, Jacqueline, 27, continues to split her time between two homes after issuing a 'last chance ultimatum' as they work on their turbulent relationship.

Glee: Dan Osborne put on a jubilant display as he stocked up on essentials and toys amid his marital woes with wife Jacqueline Jossa

Dressed casually in a tight-fitting blue T-shirt and grey shorts, Dan appeared in a very good mood as he loaded things out of the boot of his car.

And it was clear he had a fun-filled weekend planned for the family as he stocked up on food and toys, including a toy water gun.

With his relationship under pressure, the star defiantly remained upbeat as he cheerfully prepped his home for his wife and children.

Larking around: The former TOWIE star, 28, didn't let the drama surrounding his love life stop him from smiling as he gleefully loaded goods into his home on Friday

While Dan was all smiles, his wife Jacqueline was nowhere to be seen amid reports she agreed to return home on a 'part-time basis'.

It has been claimed that the EastEnders star has given her husband a 'last chance ultimatum' as they work on their three-year marriage.

A source told The Sun: 'Dan insists he has done nothing wrong but Jacqueline is frustrated he can't just focus solely on her and thinks he has been communicating with other girls.

All smiles: Dressed casually in a tight-fitting blue T-shirt and grey shorts, Dan appeared in a very good mood as he loaded things out of the boot of his car

Fun and games: It was clear he had a fun-filled weekend planned for the family as he stocked up on food and toys, including a toy water gun

Keeping busy: The hunk showcased his bulging biceps as he loaded toys and games from his car

Supplies: Dan appeared to have had a busy day after heading to the supermarket to stock up on supplies for his brood

'She remains suspicious as she has caught him out before and he has form for being pictured chatting to attractive female celebrities at showbiz parties when she's been at home or working.'

The publication also alleged that while Jacqueline has returned to her marital home she issued an 'Osborne Ultimatum', demanding that Dan 'stop his infatuation with glamorous female reality stars.'

MailOnline has contacted Jacqueline's representatives for comment.

Casual: Dan made the most of the fine weather as he sported a blue T-shirt, grey shorts and black trainers

Happy: With his relationship under pressure, the star defiantly remained upbeat as he cheerfully prepped his home for his wife and children

Water load of fun: Dan appeared to test out the latest toy he brought for one of his three children

Drama: While Dan was all smiles, his wife Jacqueline was nowhere to be seen amid reports she agreed to return home on a 'part-time- basis

Trouble in paradise: It has been claimed that the EastEnders star has given her husband a 'last chance ultimatum' as they work on their three-year marriage

Jacqueline put on a defiant display as she took to Instagram on Friday to share a sweet snap with her daughter Mia, 23 months, and her two dogs.

She looked every inch the doting mum as she sat on the patio steps with her arm wrapped around her daughter.

Jacqueline, who is also mum to Ella, five, beamed for the camera as she modelled her loungewear range from In The Style.

Putting her foot down: Jacqueline Jossa has 'issued a last chance ultimatum to husband Dan amid their marital woes', it was reported on Friday

Claim: A source told The Sun: 'Dan insists he has done nothing wrong but Jacqueline is frustrated he can't just focus solely on her' so she has issued the ultimatum

The latest Instagram post comes after Dan reportedly 'begged' Jacqueline to return to their marital home after she moved out amid their marriage issues.

The actress is said to have missed her husband and wants to take things 'really slowly' now she has returned part-time. She will split her time between their marital home and her parents' house.

A source told The Sun: 'Dan begged her to come home and she's admitted she missed him.

Good spirits: Jacqueline put on a defiant display as she took to Instagram on Friday to share a sweet snap with her daughter Mia, 23 months, and her two dogs

Working it out: The latest Instagram post comes after Dan reportedly 'begged' Jacqueline to return to their marital home after she moved out amid their marriage issues (pictured in April)

'They had been fighting non-stop but together they make a good team. It won't be easy but Jacqueline's sure they can make it work. She wants to take it really slowly.'

MailOnline has contacted both Jacqueline and Dan's representatives for comment.

It comes after the actress revealed she had returned to her marital home from her parents' house amid her issues with Dan.

The EastEnders star announced that she had come back to be with her kids and husband - yet will split her time between the two.

Moved back: The soap star recently revealed she had moved back into their abode part-time on Thursday amid claims they had been 'fighting non-stop'

She admitted that she 'has some stuff going on', in the wake of news that her three-year marriage to the former TOWIE star has been called into question amid claims of increasing domestic tension during the coronavirus lockdown.

Jacqueline said: 'Not that it's got anything to do with you, but was going to let you guys know I am back at home. I'm gonna be doing the pix at my mum and dad's new place because there's loads of new empty rooms.'

Then discussing her own house, she went on: 'The place is a mess because I haven't been here in a while. I am back home but I'll be coming home because I've got stuff going on at the moment.'

Love life: Jacqueline said: 'The place is a mess because I haven't been here in a while. I am back home but I'll be coming home because I've got stuff going on at the moment'

The previous day, Jacqueline insisted her decision to move away from her husband in the midst of a global pandemic bore no reflection on the state of their relationship as she took to Instagram with a lengthy post.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: 'Morning all. This is a message for all of the amazing supporters who always show me so much love...

'I've been honest about my situation at the moment, and yes I've been staying at another house - a house my parents will eventually be moving into.

'I had really been struggling (haven't we all?) lately and as I said the other day, I've just needed some time and breathing space.'

She added: 'I'm going to enjoy the sunshine with my kids. Thanks to everyone who always stands by us, and to all the hard working parents trying to get through this crazy time  and for those who just don't get it, just Be Kind...

'I will not be commenting any further.'
China's per capita income is almost 4x that of India, the region-wise COVID spread was limited in China compared to India, and younger Chinese are much more prosperous and pampered which caused the phenomenon of revenge shopping there, Atul Bhole, Senior Vice President  Investments, DSP Investment Managers, said in an interview with Moneycontrols Kshitij Anand.

Edited excerpt:

Q) Stimulus package came and gone  the market seems to be unmoved by the same. Do you think, as and when India opens up, the market is likely to see a rebound like in China where we saw revenge shopping?

A) In the case of India, too, we might see increased demand, but for goods which are mostly essentials in nature. There could also be some pent-up demand for discretionary products but it will be nowhere close to China.

Firstly, China's per capita income is almost 4x that of India, the region-wise COVID spread was limited in China compared to India, and lastly, due to one-child policy in place for almost 4 decades now, younger Chinese are much more prosperous and pampered which caused the phenomenon of revenge shopping there.

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

Q) Equity inflows at 4-month low  as investors might have stopped SIPs or are afraid to invest now. What is your view and do you think it will get worse?

A) While SIP flows are continuing at a brisk pace, there were lump sum redemptions which caused lesser net equity inflows. We believe and hope that the SIPs might continue sensing the maturity level of investors.

Most investors would be aware nowadays that with the market correction, they would be getting many more units per month now and benefits from this will definitely accrue over time.

We saw some lump sum redemptions initially, which may have happened to avoid further losses but now it should drift down given that significant market correction has already happened.

We are already in the process of gradually opening up and probably have to find out different ways to carry out economic activities with proper care.

Q) The big upgrade which has happened in the telecom sector, especially amid COVID-19. Can it turn out to be a wealth creator  which are the stock that you like?

A) Telecom sector stocks have started to do well post the Supreme Court ruling in Feb'20 itself which necessitated the telcos to stop the decade long tariff war and start taking hikes.

It is also getting benefitted due to (Work from Home) WFH-led connectivity demand. But we are wary of extrapolating this demand beyond a point.

Given that the stocks got re-rated, have done very well amidst the falling market but the asset-heavy nature of the sector will not change, we don't expect significant wealth creation hereon and a lot will depend on the real delivery of numbers by these companies going forward.

Q) Any stocks that are more or less unharmed by COVID-19 outbreak and why?

A) Some of the agrochemical/ fertiliser companies may come out less impacted as they were categorised as essentials and the rural areas were also less impacted due to lock-down. Apart from this, telecom companies were impacted to a lesser extent compared to the broad economy.

Q) It could well be a once in a decade opportunity but how should one look at investing in mutual funds now?

A) In this market, a pessimist will sound smart but ultimately an optimist will make money. This is clearly an episode of greed and fear, fear has taken over the minds of investors while actually they need to start evaluating investment opportunities.

Undoubtedly the hit to the economy due to COVID-19 induced lockdown is massive, but we believe, to a large extent it is in stock prices, at least in part of markets like financials and discretionary consumer companies.

Let us not forget that markets are at oversold levels and have upside risks too in the form of discovery of COVID medicine, Govt. stimulus etc.

Investors should start dabbling now and look to invest till year-end as other risks like US-China relations, US Elections will also pan out by that time. Catching the exact market bottom will always remain an elusive dream.

Q) The government is mulling to open the Aviation sector  but it will still take time for companies to sail high in open skies?

A) Yes, because in general, people will tend to avoid travel & tourism, businesses are going to take a long time to normalise and many businesses will be on the cost-saving drive for quite some time. The load factor of airlines will be much lower for the foreseeable future.

Q) Earnings are unlikely to recover for the next 2 quarters  but any 2-3 companies which are unaffected by the COVID-19 outbreak or slowdown?

A) Some of the consumer staples, especially food companies, agrochem, and fertilizer companies, and telecom did surprise the market positively.

Q) The RBI MPC presser which led to a sharp downtick on May 22 wiping out most of the gains. What was the reason why markets fell  is it banks or the negative growth rate which weighed on markets?

A) The further extension of the moratorium of loan repayments is not good news for banks and NBFCs. It might increase the problems of NPAs and liquidity management for them. At the same time, other measures like repo cut etc. have already proven to be not working to stimulate demand.

A well thought out loan restructuring scheme would have provided much more breathing space to the banking system as well as businesses and reposed faith that RBI will not let the system and economy face further challenges when they are already hit badly.

: 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.
Police officers were beaten and a police officer was kicked in the face while trying to disperse a crowd gathering on a beach amid lockdown.

An officer was left injured after police tried to break up the crowd of 200 people on Ballyholme Beach in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Friday night.

Police were called to the large gathering and tried dispersing the group when they 'came under attack from sections of the crowd', with an officer being kicked in the face.

An officer was injured when police tried to break up a crowd of 200 people on Ballyholme Beach in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Friday night. Pictured, people enjoying the sunshine on Ballyholme Beach earlier in the day on May 29

Four teenagers were arrested and a 17-year-old man has been charged with offences including assault on police and is due to appear at Newtownards Youth Court on June 23.

An 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy have been released to be reported to the prosecutors while a 15-year-old boy remains in custody.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said: 'One police officer was injured after she was kicked in the face.'

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd spoke more generally about the country's easing of lockdown and urged people to make 'sensible decisions' over the next few days.

He said: 'I understand that as time goes on, and with the current spell of good weather, some people may be tempted to get out and about and make the most of the sunshine.

'However, as a police service, our key role is to support our public health colleagues and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure we all play our part in stopping the spread of the virus and help save lives.

Four teenagers were arrested and a 17-year-old man has been charged with offences including assault on police and is due to appear at Newtownards Youth Court on June 23. Pictured, Ballyholme Beach, Bangor

'The latest data available shows that the R (infection rate) number, which was flattening/falling, has actually increased again as restrictions have been eased.

'This means that every one of us needs to make informed and sensible decisions about our conduct over the coming days to ensure that we are protecting our own health and the health of others.

AC Todd said police will continue to explain and 'encourage people to make the right choices and we will enforce when necessary'.

Police have also stepped up patrols over the weekend, particularly around beauty spots, resorts and transport hubs and will focus on issues including alcohol consumption in public places, speeding and drink driving.

AC Todd said: 'Each and every one of us has a personal responsibility to follow the NI Executive regulations and do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19.'

The latest data from the Department of Health has confirmed one person has died from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing Northern Ireland's overall death toll to 522.

Meanwhile, an additional 13 positive cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, bringing the total cases in the country to 4,709.
Washington: As unrest spread across dozens of American cities on Friday over the death of George Floyd, the Pentagon ordered the US Army to ready its active-duty military police to deploy to Minneapolis. Roughly 800 US soldiers would deploy to the city if called to the city, AP reported.

Soldiers from Fort Bragg in north Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, said a CNBC report. Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours.

The get-ready orders were sent verbally on Friday, after President Donald Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper for military options to help quell the unrest in Minneapolis after protests descended into looting and arson in some parts of the city.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump said demonstrators protesting the death of the black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck would have been "greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons" had they breached the White House fence.

In a series of Twitter posts, Trump also appeared to call his supporters to rally outside the executive mansion on Saturday evening, saying, "TONIGHT, I UNDERSTAND IS MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???" MAGA stands for Trump`s slogan "Make America Great Again."

The death on Monday in Minneapolis of George Floyd has sparked demonstrations, some of them violent, in many cities across the nation, including one in Washington on May 29. The White House was temporarily locked down as hundreds of people gathered in the afternoon across the street in Lafayette Square.

After marching away, demonstrators assembled again later and videos showed pushing-and-shoving matches between officers and protesters, who dispersed early Saturday morning.

Trump praised the US Secret Service officers who guard the White House as "very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldn`t have felt more safe."

"Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons," he said. "Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action."

Trump accused Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser of refusing to send police to help the U.S. Secret Service, although the Washington Post reported that city officers did help control the later gathering.

The mayor`s office and the D.C. police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

On Friday, Trump drew a warning from Twitter and condemnation from Democrats after posting a comment that "looting leads to shooting," suggesting protesters who turned to looting could be fired upon.
<! >

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Nollywood started recording the deaths of its practitioners in 2020 with the death of actress Jennifer Omole who passed away on January 3, 2020.

Here are six Nollywood stars, who have passed away in 2020, from different tribes and sectors of the movie industry.

Nigerian actress, Jennifer Omole, passed on in Spain on 3rd January 2020, at the age of 33. She was buried the following evening at Villarejo de Salvanes, Madrid.

The sad news about Jennifers death was shared by her close friend and colleague, Uche Ogbodo, on Instagram.

Omole was a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Spain chapter, where she was based although her friends revealed that she recently moved to the United Kingdom. She hailed from Edo State.

Before her death, Jennifer was a movie producer and CEO of JennisFilms Production Ltd. She produced Stolen Vow alongside Uche Ogbodo, Jibola Dabo, Daniel Lloyd and a host of other Nollywood actors.

Stolen Vow had UK, Spain, and Switzerland premieres with Uche Ogbodo and the late actress as executive producers.

Ace Yoruba actor, Toyosi Arigbabuwo, died January 13, 2020, at his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, after battling an undisclosed illness for six months.

Arigbabuwo was a veteran actor who featured in many Yoruba movies including Ogborielemosho and Bashorun Gaa, Odun Baku.

He had dedicated his life to the promotion of Islamic religion, especially in Ido local government area where he lived until his death. He was the PRO of the Muslim community in Apete-Awotan-Ayegun and environs in Oyo state.

The chairman of the Muslim Community in Apete-Awotan-Ayegun and environs, Abdulwaheed Amoo, confirmed his death and burial on January 14, 2020.

The veteran Nollywood actor and production manager, Frank Dallas died on 19th February 2020 after suffering cardiac arrest in his hotel room.

The actor who was popularly known as Adedibu or Killer in movies reportedly died in Umuahia, Abia State while attending a summit.

The deceased, who hailed from Ohafia in Abia State was the former public relations officer of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos chapter.

Monalisa Chinda-Coker defeated him to emerge AGN national PRO in an election held in 2019.

Dallas, who was renowned for his action roles in Nollywood movies, began his acting career in the early 90s. He often starred alongside Jim Iyke and Hanks Anuku in movies.

Some movies he featured include Emotional Pains, A Night to Remember, Back II Back, Blind Love, Sweet Love and Hit The Street.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Kayode Odumosu, popularly known as Pa Kasumu died on the 1st of March 2020, after a prolonged battle with heart failure.

The renowned thespian died in a private hospital in Lantoro, Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Born Ilesanmi Olukayode Olugbenga Odumosu in Ibadan on March 16, 1953, the 66-year-old veteran began acting as a teenager. His debut role was in 1968 in a stage play Iyawo Orun. In 1969, he featured in his breakout play titled Omo Ekere.

Pa Kasumu was a household name in the Yoruba movie industry until he went off radar when he was down with Biventricular Heart Failure in 2013.

In an interview with The Punch in December 2019, Pa Kasumu said that his sickness was of a spiritual nature.

The popular Yoruba actor said all he needed are fervent prayers and not financial aid from well-wishers and well-meaning Nigerians.

He said, The doctors are just saying their own. They said I had a partial stroke. It affected my left side and to some extent, my sight. In 2017, Pa Kasumus health worsened after he got back from a medical trip to India.

In 2016, the actors condition became so serious that members of his family moved him from his home in Abeokuta to his elder sisters residence at Aseese, an Ogun community situated off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Odumosu admitted that his health worsened shortly after returning from India, where he had gone to receive treatment for a heart-related ailment that also affected his eyesight and memory, in 2015.

Some of his memorable works include Babie A (2003), Jesu Mushin (2002) and Sango: The Legendary African King (1998).

Veteran Yoruba filmmaker and actor, Gbenga Ajumoko died on the 22nd March 2020, after battling with a chronic ailment.

The actor cum scriptwriter was reported to be critically down with a chronic ailment since last year.

For over 6 months, Ajumoko was in a hospital in Sagamu Remo where he was diagnosed with Diabetes and Hypertension.

He solely treated the ailments quietly until things got worsen for him. He was later transferred to a private hospital located at Ibadan Garage, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where he died.

Ajumoko worked as a production manager, actor, writer, and movie director before he died. Some of his works include, known Enikeji (2017), Agbere (2017), Yeye Efun, Wound (2019), Ako Okuta (2018).

Nollywood actor, Alkali Matt, popularly known as Dareng, died while filming on set on 24 March 2020.

Dimbo Atiya who shared the news of his demise on Facebook said Matt passed on at around 7 pm suddenly while he was filming on a set for an epic movie in a village near Keffi.

Matt is popular for his role as Dareng in the African Magic series Halita.

However, controversial journalist, Kemi Olunloyo claimed the actor died because he had contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus at the AMVCA 7.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Yomi Obileye died on Friday morning of April 24th, 2020 from an undisclosed ailment.

Obileye was known for Tade Ogidans movie, Hostages in 1997, and Palace, a soap opera which featured Liz Benson, Jide Kosoko, Antar Laniyan, Dayo Adeneye, Jide Alabi, Tunji Bamishigbin.

His death was announced by Nigerian actor and comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka.

Obileye was the elder brother to Taiwo Obileye broadcaster cum actor, known for Chief Daddy (2018) and Tales of Eve: Thanks for Coming (2015).

Obileye played the fathers role to Nollywood actress, Funlola Aofiyebi in Palace opera.

Palace, one of the major Nigerian soap operas that dominated the airwaves in the 90s depicted the life of affluence of rich families and the many challenges they faced in keeping up with their status, managing their affairs, and making sure they stay on top.

Palace was aired on Africa Independent Television and directed by Tunji Bamishigbin and his co-producer, veteran TV director cum producer, Ralph Nwadike.

Nollywood veteran actress, Chizoba Bosah Sam-Boye popular for her role in Mnet drama series, Tinsel as Aunty Abike died on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after a long battle with diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure.

Chizoba, who was also a filmmaker and presenter died at the age of 52.

The deceased was married to Sam Boye, and they jointly operated a company called Purple Pictures.

The deceased was a strong advocate for Nollywood Igbo, and would be remembered for her pioneering role in Living in Bondage, Checkmate, Scandals, and others.

Nollywood actress Emilia Dike died on Wednesday, 21st of April, 2020 in Enugu.

According to Okechukwu Oku, who announced her death, the actress slumped and died.

Oku, who is a movie director broke the news on his Instagram page and lamented why death is so cruel taking good people away.

Popular actress, Uche Ogbodo, also expressed shock over Dikes passage.

Pls what happened to her, I have an Unfinished project with her oooo , Jesus Christ . Pls what happened?, she wrote.

Dike featured in Nollywood movies such as Ignorant couples, Dust of yesterday, Kings Guard, Where Money Never Sleep 1 and 2, and many more

Popular Yoruba actor, Prince Femi Oyewumi, known as Laditi, died on Friday, 23rd of May, 2020, after he was rushed to the hospital on the previous night.

The 51-year-old prince of Soun of Ogbomoso was said to have been suffering from chronic back pain for some months before his death.

Those who watched him in the epics like Ayetoto; Koto Orun; Ija Eleye and so on wont find it hard to remember a character called Laditi and his brilliant roles in the film industry.

Femi Oyewumi, an actor and a producer who is a specialist in a stage play, epic, and historic film, started his career in the 80s.

Ogunojalu Ogbomoso was his last work.

However, Ajoke Kosemani, a Nollywood actress close to the actor, described his demise as a great loss to the movie industry in Nigeria.

Nigerian celebrities who have died in 2019
You want to see your parents? So do we. Here's what you need to know. Read more

Happy Mothers Day  sending you a virtual hug!

Celebrations through phone or Zoom can never replace the real deal. And now, with Fathers Day just weeks away, we all want to know, can we visit our parents yet?

The short answer: Once we reach the yellow phase, youre allowed to go see your parents. But before you make plans to visit, theres a longer answer to consider, too. Health experts say its still too soon, and if you want to be safe, you may want to wait it out a little longer.

Gathering in the yellow phase

Philadelphia and the surrounding areas will move into the yellow Safer at home phase on June 5. Under the yellow phase, gatherings of more than 25 people remain prohibited. But we are allowed to be around other people outside of our household  as long as everyone remains six feet apart.

Social distancing, wearing a mask, and routine hand washing are all practices that will remain important even into the green phase, says Gov. Tom Wolf.

Obviously if youre in your parents backyard, no ones going to be policing you. But youre still highly encouraged to keep your distance, and some argue you shouldnt be there at all.

Do you really need to see your parents right now? Lets get the infrastructure together for contact tracing in place, and then we can have a whole lot more information to make data-informed decisions about hanging out, says Michael LeVasseur, visiting assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Drexel University. If people start relaxing things too soon, were going to be right back where we started and everything will shut down again.

Contact tracing is the process used to track who an infected person has recently interacted with to determine who else might be at risk of contracting the virus. Until theres a system in place for officials to carry out widespread contact tracing, LeVasseur advises against making unnecessary trips to see family.

 ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters

What to consider before visiting your parents

We just dont know right now everywhere where the infections are, and you could very well be infected, without symptoms, and pass it on to your parents, says LeVasseur. Once we have contact tracing systems in place, then we can at least see whos being exposed, gather more information, and quarantine the people that need to be quarantined. We dont have the capacity for that yet.

 READ MORE: What our social lives will look like in the yellow phase

At its simplest, contact tracing will make it easier to figure out if youve been exposed to someone with the virus. One challenge with the coronavirus is that you can be contagious before you start to feel symptoms, or you can be infected and not have symptoms at all. Many people who do feel symptoms have mild ones, particularly in the early stages. So you could mistake a mild cough for allergies, and end up putting your parents at risk.

Its also important to remember that your parents may be considered high risk. According to the CDC, anyone 65 years or older, or people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, might be at higher risk for severe illness from the coronavirus. No one wants their parents to end up in the hospital.

For people who are at high risk, you should act as if theyre still in the red phase, under stay at home orders, says Dr. Krys Johnson, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at Temple University.

 READ MORE: Isolation is linked to decline for seniors. That makes social distancing a frightening prospect.

Johnson doesnt recommend visiting parents who are older and/or immunocompromised unless youve quarantined for two weeks at your home and have your own vehicle for transportation. Symptoms of the coronavirus may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Isolating for the full window will help ensure you arent potentially presymptomatic or asymptomatic.

If you arent able to self-isolate for that long, and absolutely must see your parents, aim to quarantine for at least six days. This approach still includes some guesswork, but its better than nothing.

Ninety-five percent of people who develop symptoms will do so in two weeks, but 50 percent will do so in six days, says LeVasseur. So if you absolutely must, make that your minimum, but again, not everyone develops any symptoms at all.

How to lower your risk

Before seeing your parents, its a good idea to ask if theyve been spending time with people outside of their household, and vice versa. The fewer interactions, the less likely you are to spread the virus.

Pick your people. If your people are your parents, then dont see anyone else, and dont let them see anyone else, says LeVasseur.

When visiting, plan to hang outside. Being outdoors is considered safer than gathering indoors, and it also makes it easier to practice social distancing. Out of precaution, even while staying six feet apart, experts recommend that everyone wears a mask. And, unfortunately, you should avoid the routine hello and goodbye hugs.

I know that it's really difficult to see our parents and not hug them, but its really for their safety, says Johnson.

 READ MORE: Philadelphians are secretly picking quaranteams to survive the shutdown

If you plan to share in a family meal, remain extra mindful. Nows not the time to sip others drinks or take bites off of someone elses plate. Even sharing a large bowl of potato salad, potluck style, can be risky.

As were eating, we might push our hair out of our face, or scratch our nose, and if were all touching the exact same serving spoon, it just takes one person whos infected to potentially infect the entire family, says Johnson.

Use disposable cutlery and plates when possible, and have trash cans outside so that everyone can dispose of their own waste. Minimize the need for non-household members coming in and out of the house. Keep hand sanitizer available for before and after eating. If theres an outdoor hose, you can also keep a bottle of soap nearby.

Of course, trips to the bathroom are inevitable. As always, washing your hands is crucial. If youre at your parents house, use paper towels to open doors, and turn on the faucet. If theyre visiting you, you should request the same. Communication is key right now.

 READ MORE: How to help older relatives use video calling during coronavirus

This goes for setting up a hangout in the first place. If youre pulling out your hair with anxiety about risking your parents health, be honest. No one likes letting their parents down, but if you dont feel ready yet for a visit, its important to communicate that.

Try framing it in a way that lets them know that youre doing it for their health and your health  it can make things a little easier, says Johnson.

For persistent parents, suggest an extra socially distanced visit from the end of their driveway. The greater the distance you keep while wearing a mask, the more safety you can ensure, says Dr. Patricia Henwood, associate professor of emergency medicine at Thomas Jefferson Universitys Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and leader of the Emergency Medicine COVID-19 Task Force at Jefferson Health.

Just make sure to layout the ground rules first because maintaining that distance in a family setting can be challenging, Henwood notes.
Tasha Swite always wanted to own her own business.

There was a fire somewhere inside, says Swite who is a proud Syilx and Assiniboine woman and member of Westbank First Nation near Kelowna, B.C.

It was something that I always wanted to do.

So, after years of preparation, on Dec. 1, 2019, Swite officially opened Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique. The store is a gift boutique that sells Indigenous art, jewelry and gifts inspired and made by local First Nation artists.When she opened her west Kelowna store in December, little did she know that the COVID-19 pandemic was about to significantly impact the world.

I worked so hard at this for the last two years to get this going and then all of a sudden like what the heck the economy is dropping and closing.

All my spring orders came in at the beginning, like the first three weeks of March, she says. I cant close my doors.

Swite says because Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique is on reserve the decision to stay open was a grey area. Swite decided to keep her doors open with new safety measures while also promoting online sales.

Prior to opening, Swite, like many entrepreneurs, says she spent many years working for other companies, gaining valuable experience.

I went back to work for Westbank First Nation, she explains.

Im a giver, so I give my 110 per cent ... I was working in a membership department, so I was the Elders co-ordinator, so it was a lot of learning.

I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, she says. I worked for so many people for so long. Now its time for me to jump into (being an) entrepreneur.

When a potential store location opened up, Swite says she turned to her father Gary Swite, who is also the business owner of G F Swite Contracting & Development, with her vision to open up an Indigenous gift store. After working with a business partner, and putting a budget together, they renovated the building.

It looked terrible, explains Gary Swite who renovated the store and other various parts of the building to also include a meeting room, and office.

Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique had its soft opening this past November so it could also be showcased at the 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference, which according to their website is to Inspire. Transform. Unite. Accelerating Indigenous tourism growth. Their public opening was Dec. 1.

It happened and it snowed that day, says Swite, describing the opening of Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique. November was like no snow. And then all of a sudden we had my opening and I had it at noon and it was snowing, so I was like, its like fresh  almost like a clean slate.

All aspects of the medicine wheel were there that day. Like spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally.

It was perfect. Me and my children  we all got to cut the ribbon.

Swite explains the significance of the companys name is named after Nha-a-tik (pronounced na-hah-ee-tea), a lake creature also known as Ogopogo.

Spirit of the Lake came to me, thats, Nha-a-itk, she says. I always had a connection to him and to the Lake and to the land, and the meaning.

While Swift is honouring her culture through naming her company she explains that Nha-a-tik, often referred to as Ogopogo, is often disrespected.

It was kinda disrespected by how it was used in the Okanagan, like, Ogopogo as a cartoon character or as a monster, she says.

Swite knew she had to follow proper protocols by consulting with her own community members by using the name. I went to an Elder and I asked him, can I use this name? She also consulted with some of her family relatives and Jordan Coble who is  very close to Ogopogo Swite says.

In reference to her discussion with Coble, who is a councillor for Westbank First Nation, Swite says, I asked him and I said, well, you know, Im going to, I want to name my store, Spirit of the Lake, how do you feel about that? And he was like, thats amazing.

So Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique is the name that came to me in honouring of Ogopogo and my Syilx culture, says Swite.

When COVID-19 started affecting business mid-March Swite says that there was a full week when no customers came in.

It was the one week where we were, I was like here and I was like, nobodys coming in ... like this is for real, she says.

Swite says she chose to stay open with the help of her sales associate Janie McRae. I had Janie here and I said well ride the wave and see how things (go), we were actually kind of optimistic, she says.

Riding out the storm, Swite and McRae decided to get to work on paperwork and start promoting their inventory online.

From day one, (McRae) was getting me online, Swite says.

Turning to Facebook, McRae says online sales soared. So we turned to social media to start promoting the products and that honestly just took off, McRae explains.

Successfully navigating through the online market place by sharing photos and videos of their products McRae says that sales were amazing.

Since Spirit of the Lake is a new business, Swite says they havent qualified for the business support the government is providing. Businesses need to show a 30 per cent drop in revenue compared to last year. She says she did receive $3,000 from Indigenous Tourism B.C.

As British Columbia is in the second phase of its restart plan and the economy is slowly reopening, Swite says that life is positive.

She says this is just living in the dream as an entrepreneur following in her familys footsteps

When asked what advice she would give to other entrepreneurs, or people wanting to open a business she says you need to stay positive.

You know I had my doubts  I always call it the itty bitty shy committee and you know thats in your mind, that says your negative thoughts, Swite says.

You cant listen to get sucked into that.

You know I am living the dream and I just got to stay focused on the end goal of survival I guess. Its built in all of us.

Read more about:
Indias exit strategy from the fourth phase of the lockdown scheduled to end on Sunday could see new guidelines and comparatively stricter ones for 13 cities, which account for about 70% of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, officials have indicated.

The hints came during two meetings held on Thursday. The first meeting was chaired in the morning by Rajiv Gauba, the Union cabinet secretary, and the second by Union home minister Amit Shah.

The fresh guidelines issued by the Union ministry of home affairs for the extended lockdown will give powers to states to take strict measures as per their need but they will have to follow the ones issued by the Centre.

Guidelines on the management of Covid-19 in urban settlements have already been issued by the Centre. According to news agency PTI, the highlights of this strategy include work on high-risk factors, indices such as confirmation rate, fatality rate, doubling rate, tests per million people etc.

Also Watch | More Covid-like pandemics in store? New Yorks Dr Syra Madad on what to do

The strategy defined the factors to be considered while mapping the containment and buffer zones, the activities mandated in containment zones like perimeter control, active search for cases through house-to-house surveillance, contact tracing, testing protocol, clinical management of the active cases.

The nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for three weeks days to curb the spread of the coronavirus infections. It was then extended till May 3 and again till May 17.

All the metros have been included in the Centres list of the 13 worst-hit areas of India. And, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have three cities each, Rajasthan has two cities each in that list.

Heres a list of those cities, which could see stricter rules:

 Mumbai

 Chennai

* Delhi

 Ahmedabad

 Thane

 Pune

 Hyderabad

 Kolkata and adjoining Howrah

 Indore

 Jaipur

 Jodhpur

 Chengalpattu

 Tiruvallur
The 2020 World No Tobacco Day is unique and historic as it comes at the time when countries across the world are on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Botswana the day is particularly poignant. The country has banned imports and sales of tobacco or tobacco-related products along with other emergency regulations during the country's declared six-month state of public emergency .

To the best of my knowledge Botswana and neighbouring South Africa are the only countries to have done so. Governments in both countries have faced a massive backlash, with smokers expressing their unhappiness . The prohibition and the response have attracted global headlines .

The motivation to ban the sales of tobacco and tobacco related products in Botswana was informed by scientific evidence that smoking damages human lungs and other body organs. As COVID-19 is primarily a disease affecting the respiratory system, smokers are therefore more vulnerable .

Another motivation has been the actions of tobacco companies. In recent months, the industry has stooped to new lows to target youth by exploiting the pandemic to sell more products . In more than 28 countries, tobacco and e-cigarette companies have used social media and other marketing tactics to launch pandemic-themed promotions, undermine minimum age purchase restrictions meant to protect youth and make unproven and illegal health claims.

Botswana has a very high smoking rate of 18%  27% of males and 9% of females currently use tobacco . This is similar to South Africa, where the national smoking prevalence is about 18%: 29% of males and 6.8% of females.

These figures are higher than the rest of the continent, where about 14% of men and 2% of women smoke. According to the estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) , Africa is one of two regions  along with the Eastern Mediterranean region  where smoking rates are on the rise.

At a time when COVID-19 is gripping the world, the pandemic should encourage countries to kickstart programmes and policies that encourage smokers to quit. The justifications behind the bans should be used in other countries to encourage smokers to quit. Along with the measures to ban tobacco imports and sales, governments have the opportunity to provide smokers with treatments to help them.

The evidence

On account of the devastating impact of smoking on COVID-19, the WHO has put out a scientific brief based on a review of 32 studies. It notes that

smoking is associated with increased severity of disease and death in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

The WHO's recommendation based on the review is that given the well-established harm associated with tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, tobacco users stop using tobacco.

Botswana needs to jump on to this opportunity. Never before have smokers had this kind of opportunity to quit. The government must facilitate quitting by providing smoking cessation programmes.

The WHO advises governments to support users wanting to quit. Interventions it recommends include toll-free quit lines, mobile text-messaging cessation programmes, nicotine replacement therapies and other approved medications.

Countries should take their lead from the global health body. The ban on the sale of tobacco products and any calls by governments for smokers to quit during the COVID-19 pandemic need to be accompanied by initiatives that aid smokers in this course of action.

Additionally, and in line with the ideals of the 2020 World No Tobacco Day, the government of Botswana must strictly enforce the provisions of its Control of Smoking Act. Section 13 of the act bans the advertisement of tobacco products by the tobacco industry.

Recently there has been an upsurge in advertisements, especially banners posted by tobacco companies or individuals that boldly advertise and promote tobacco products in the face of COVID-19. These actions disregard existing law prohibiting the advertising and promotion of tobacco products in Botswana.

A survey done in South Africa of how smokers are coping with the ban on cigarette sales during lockdown confirms how difficult it is for smokers once they are caught in addiction. Governments should recognise this and accept that smokers need help to quit. This should includes counselling and nicotine replacement therapies.

Such strategies will counter the tobacco industry's strategies to negate government tobacco control efforts.

Bontle Mbongwe does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Bontle Mbongwe, Associate Professor, University of Botswana
A senior government scientific adviser has urged the public to follow the rules of the loosened lockdown to the letter and not 'tear the pants out of it'.

England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam warned that abusing the newfound liberties would risk a second wave of infection.

His blunt instruction to Britons came as thousands of sun-seekers jumped the gun on Monday's easing of restrictions to cram on to beaches.

At the daily Number 10 briefing, Prof Van Tam reminded the country of how infectious Covid-19 is and likened the lifting of curbs to gently lifting the lid on a coiled spring.

Professor Jonathan Van Tam told the daily press conference 'don't tear the pants out of it'

His blunt instruction to Britons came as thousands of sun-seekers jumped the gun on Monday's easing of restrictions to cram on to beaches (Bournemouth pictured)

Speaking beside Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden he said: 'One case will infect three more people.

'It is like having a spring in a box and you have got the lid on. Now you can take the lid off a little but you haven't disconnected the spring or broken the spring in any way.

'If you take the lid right off the spring is still under tension and off it will go again.

'This is a dual responsibility here of Government to go slowly and carefully and to take the advice from the scientists, of the scientists to watch this whole thing very closely over the next few weeks and of the public in general to actually follow the guidance.

'Don't tear the pants out of it and don't go further than the guidance actually says.'

Mr Dowden announced the figure today at Downing Street's daily press conference, where he also revealed 2,445 more people had tested positive for the virus

Prof Van Tam told the press conference that the lockdown easing must go 'painstakingly' slowly, adding: 'The scientists will continue to give that advice to the Government. No apologies for that, we will absolutely continue to do that.'

Referring back to when levels of the virus were higher, he said at that point he had noted it was a very dangerous moment.

He added: 'I believe this is also a very dangerous moment. We have to get this right.'

Discussing the latest statistics, he said he had noticed 'some increase' in cases in the past few days.

But he added: 'I want to be clear that that is a trend that we have seen before in these data and what is rather more important is that you look at the seven-day rolling average which continues to show a clear downward trend, and that is important.'

Mr Dowden confirmed a further 215 more Covid-19 deaths, taking the official number of coronavirus victims to 38,376 - but it is the lowest Saturday total since lockdown began.

Today's death figure marks the lowest Saturday rise since March 21, three days before the country went into lockdown, when there were just 56 coronavirus fatalities.

It is down from the record high of 1,115 recorded on Saturday April 18 during the peak of the crisis. For comparison, there were 282 deaths last Saturday.

But despite the continued downward trend, three of the Government's coronavirus scientists claim the UK is lifting restrictions too soon.

The reproduction 'R' rate - the average number of people an infected patient passes the virus to - is sitting between 0.7 and 0.9 and if it breaches 1 then the outbreak could spiral back out of control.
John Ratcliffe, the Director of National Intelligence, followed through on work Ric Grenell did as acting DNI, releasing transcripts from several phone calls that General Michael Flynn had with Sergei Kislyak, the former Russian ambassador. The release shows how the political divide creates entirely different narratives, for conservatives claim (correctly, in my opinion), that the transcripts vindicate Flynn and show that the FBI, the DOJ, and Robert Mueller set him up, while leftists insist that the transcripts prove that Flynn was a traitor and a Putin stooge.

All of this leads to one overarching question: Can a nation so badly divided about reality be saved?

For those who havent been paying attention, heres a super-quick Flynn rundown. Obama hated Flynn because Flynn opposed Obamas Iran deal. Trump nevertheless appointed Flynn as the National Security Advisor for Trumps new administration.

On December 29, only 22 days before leaving office, Obama cited Russian interference with the 2016 election to impose sanctions on Russia and expel numerous Russian diplomats. This created an instant and serious problem for the incoming Trump administration. Dan Bongino also believes that Obama took these steps to set up Flynn:

He had authorized spying on Kislyak;

He knew Kislyak would call Flynn about the sanctions and expulsions;

He knew Flynn would be in the Dominican Republican for the calls; and

He knew that calls to the Dominican Republican would create a unique phone print that would allow his administration to view the phone calls without unmasking Flynn.

On January 24, 2017, the FBI did an ambush interview of Flynn, during which they asked him about the December 29 telephone call with Kislyak, focusing on the expulsions. Flynn knew the call had been recorded and answered to the best of his recollection. The interviewing agents concluded he was telling the truth.

Robert Mueller, although he always knew there was no collusion, referred Flynn for criminal prosecution. The charge stated that Flynn lied to the FBI when he denied pushing Kislyak (1) not to escalate on sanctions and (2) to help defeat a UN anti-Israel resolution.

Flynn pleaded guilty to this charge, both because he was acting on advice from attorneys whom the DOJ was essentially blackmailing and to protect his son. Thanks to Flynn's intrepid new counsel, and with a new DOJ reviewing its predecessors corrupt work, the DOJ moved to dismiss his case. Judge Sullivan is currently refusing to rubber-stamp that motion.

Its against this background that conservatives and leftists are reviewing the declassified phone transcripts. You can see the transcripts here and here.

On the conservative side, Sean Davis wrote a comprehensive article explaining why the transcripts vindicate Flynn. Heres the short version:

The December 29 transcript, as Bongino guessed, makes no mention of sanctions. It discusses only expulsions, and thats what he talked to the FBI about. On the subject of expulsions, Flynn was concerned lest Russia escalate matters, forcing the Trump administration instantly to meet one escalation with another. He asked for a tempered, reciprocal response.

The two men also discussed their shared interest in ending Middle Eastern terrorism. Regarding Israel, the men spoke of it on December 23rd, not the 29th, so Flynn could not have lied about it vis-a-vis the call on the 29th (which was the subject of the FBI interview). In any event, American policy under Obama was to be neutral, meaning any discussions could not have violated the policy.

Ultimate, the December 29 transcript shows Flynn trying to prevent a dangerous tit-for-tat scenario so as to protect American interests.

But thats not how leftists see it. In their alternate reality, the transcripts confirm that Flynn is a traitor. Its impossible for these two realities to exist in a unified country.

To leftists, the key takeaways were Flynns request to Kislyak that, Do not, do not uh, allow this administration to box us in, right now, okay? and What we can do is, when we come in, we can then have a better conversation about where, where were gonna go. Fundamentally, anything Trump and his team did that ran counter to Obama was treason.

Just look at Politico's headline: Flynn urged Russian ambassador to take 'reciprocal' actions, transcripts show. That implies that Russia was going to be passive in the face of Obama's wisdom and power and that it was Flynn pushing treasonous action. Of course, the opposite was true, for Flynn was trying to de-escalate.

This tweet also shows an upside-down view of things:

The MF was directing the Russians and undermining the USA, but proceed... pic.twitter.com/0paRlM3rTz  WaterBluSky (@MsMariaT) May 29, 2020

Margot Cleveland saw this same spin and was outraged. Ill end this post with her tweets explaining how frustrating it is to see leftists warp reality to give a pass to a disreputable, treasonous departing president who tried to plant a national-security landmine for the incoming president:

2/ Here is the link to the transcript. https://t.co/u6iAc92hye  Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) May 29, 2020

4/ And for all those who scream about diplomacy, my God, read the damn transcript. We want men like General Flynn leading diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/ksPQoePrUO  Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) May 29, 2020

6/ Read the --- damn transcript! General Flynn did not interfere with the Obama administration. The Obama administration interfered with the Trump administration. pic.twitter.com/XVT4D1f1Ay  Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) May 29, 2020
New York, May 30 : A toddler plays with a shroud covering his dead mother at a station in Bihar, a man at Nizamuddin Bridge breaks down when he realises he may not be able to see his year-old son, another man cradles his dying friend while the two were trying to make their way out of Surat to Uttar Pradesh, a human exodus explodes into the streets in Ghaziabad, desperate to escape the lockdown that manifests as policemen, barricades, hunger, unbearable thirst and tears.

Thumb-stopping images of migrant workers from the public space that city dwellers have vacated have come to define the cracks in India's response to the COVID19 pandemic. In the process, the ordinary Indian armed with a mobile phone and internet connectivity - an emblem of Digital India and its data revolution, has transformed into the everyday kind of digital radical during India's COVID19 outbreak, finding ways to connect with the lives of strangers when sharing tangible objects of any value or even grief is harder than ever before.

These are not always the influencers with a gazillion followers on social channels, they are ordinary folks simply alarmed by the implosion in the public square and oddly strengthened by the shifting meanings of freedom of speech on online platforms. By opening a camera lens to what's out there, forwarding memes, still images, videos and political cartoons in the everyday rhythms of internet use, their digital signatures are seeping into the collective reaction to India's response to COVID19 and co-creation of India's Page One.

In the age of the digital platform society, the unstructured crowd is a powerful force. India's mobile phone customer base (across 2G, 3G and 4G) rose by 5 million subscribers to 1.16 billion in January, latest data released by the country's telecoms regulator show.

More than at any other time, our mobile phones have collectively turned to our country's rickshaw drivers, housekeepers, farm hands, construction workers who make up the lion's share of India's labour force and now find themselves sidelined. Those on the streets didn't come there to protest, they ended up there because they decided they must escape somehow to places they call home.

Unlike scenes in America, India's migrant labourers are not on the streets because they are rejecting the system. Our reactions to what's out there have moved inward, into the same mobile phones, messaging platforms and informal communication channels that once sparked civic mobilisation on the streets, in pre-lockdown times.

When the story of political response to the pandemic is written, it will be, as it is now, a contest between story and data. Even then, it will be impossible to comprehend its wreckage. In the present, shared digital images and chatter are shaping our memories of this moment, showing both politicians and citizens the gaps that exist in the public delivery of essential services despite a billion-strong biometric identity network (Aadhaar).

"The way people in power are handling the situation has just annoyed me to the core", says Anand J, an innovation consultant in Pune. Twitter is his "breathing space" and his newspaper.

"I have stopped believing in news channels. I find people's opinions and investigations much more authentic and covering a wider perspective than these paid media houses having myopic and one-dimensional takes." For people like Anand, the digital public square delivers what he calls "emotional connection" and holds a mirror to the limits of political intervention in a crisis.

Narendra Modi's political promises have highlighted India's adoption of digital tools and the promise of presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery. From the time of the BJP's 2014 manifesto which urged us to strive for "maximum application of technology" to his COVID19 prime time remarks, Modi continues to push for "tech-led". In his most recent address, he reminded us about India's role in the Y2K moment and encouraged Indians to be self reliant.

How did that land? "Something snapped", news photographer Atul Yadav told IANS, "after Lockdown 2". People just wanted to go home. Nothing that the government is telling them is making any sense anymore, he says, trying to find words for the stories his pictures tell.

From somewhere in Surat, Barkha Dutt tweeted: "For 63 days I've tracked Migrant Workers. I've seen them move from fatalism to surrender, anxiety to despair. Now I see Rage. It's a Tipping Point. In this report from Surat, workers said they've sold phones,gas cylinders. An Activist said there's enough food, a fight breaks out." Dutt's despatches tell us all what we should be afraid of when the promise of Digital India isn't able to deliver to the last man standing with a mobile phone in hand and a ragged cloth mask on his face: an explosion in slow motion.

(Nikhila Natarajan is on Twitter @byniknat)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Let's talk about elder care. At home rather than in a home is where most people want to be - no disrespect to residential settings, where decent staff do their best.

Getting old is regarded as a failing, somehow. Why not think of it as an opportunity to improve life for the people we will one day become?

Sooner or later, the ageing process means most people's independence becomes compromised through frailty and infirmity, making it challenging to remain at home unless a lot of help is available. Let's consider how we might give that help, rather than use residential homes as a one-size-fits-all answer to ageing.

Coronavirus has focused attention on care homes because that's where the death toll has been highest in many countries, Ireland included. As the pandemic took hold, the emphasis was directed to acute hospitals, and nursing homes were forgotten by public health officials.

Some homes lost between a third and a half of residents. They must feel like ghost ships to those who continue living and working in them.

This week, the Dail's Covid-19 committee heard how the sector was left "isolated" by a "lack of engagement", according to Tadhg Daly, head of Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI). Throughout March, a series of SOS signals were sent to the Department of Health, according to correspondence now released. The NHI raised concerns about staff being poached for hospitals, lack of personal protection equipment and oxygen supplies, and the absence of its voice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).

Mr Daly kept asking to meet Simon Harris but did not see the Health Minister until March 30. A specific plan for the sector was not put together until early April.

That delay must have cost lives. Almost two in three Covid-19 deaths in Ireland happened in care home settings - they account for almost 63pc of the 1,600-plus deaths. Lessons need to be learned, and not just as an academic exercise, because a second wave of the virus is likely. It may mutate into an even more virulent strain.

Lesson one is test, test, test.

Here's what we know about nursing homes. Whether or not they were well run, with large grounds, single-room arrangements and a strict infection control regimen, residents died.

We don't know how the virus penetrated into them. But at the pandemic's outset, a large number of patients were discharged from acute hospitals into nursing homes - without first receiving a negative test. This was to free up beds. Such an omission must have contributed to escalation. Furthermore, staff weren't tested, and agency staff who moved around were in use. We now realise a high percentage of people carrying the virus are asymptomatic. Fine Gael's Fergus O'Dowd went on the offensive at the committee hearing, saying many nursing homes were wealthy private companies and suggesting they were slow to act rather than the State. That's not borne out by the correspondence.

This smacks of Fine Gael pushback: if responsibility rests with the nursing homes, neither the Health Minister nor Nphet can be criticised.

Surely in a pandemic, the idea of public and private institutions is irrelevant? Protecting citizens is the priority. After all, private hospitals were taken into the public fold at the start of the emergency.

Private care homes were government policy, with tax breaks offered to establish them. It's part of a pattern throughout our history - outsource care of every description, from education to health, schools to mother and baby homes, then State officials distance themselves if problems emerge. But Mr O'Dowd was correct to say that the system of care needs to be changed, and Leo Varadkar has also talked about an emphasis on care in the community. Once, families gave that care. In my youth it was the norm to have a granny or grandad living with you.

So why is it increasingly rare today? Families don't love their elderly relatives any less. Sometimes people simply aren't around - they may be living in a different city, a different country. Not everyone has children. Or there may be children near hand, but the mortgage burden means two incomes are needed to pay it, and minding an aged relative, raising a family and holding down a job is a tough ask.

The nursing home model has become commonplace but we need to invest in alternatives. A kinder substitute all round is one where senior citizens are assisted to stay in their own homes. It won't be possible in every case - some have requirements which can only be met in a specialised setting - but all things being equal, not everyone in a care home needs to be there. And those places are expensive. It is cheaper to keep people at home. Most of us would prefer that option for ourselves - we cherish our independence. So, let's help with property conversions. Let's supply care packages. Let's make it work.

First up, an occupational therapy team goes to someone's house or flat, on referral from a doctor, and finds out what can be achieved to help them stay at home safely. Various aids can make a difference.

Some are substantial, such as a downstairs bedroom built on or converted, a bathroom remodelled as a wet room for showering, a stair lift, a care package with daily visits to help with washing, dressing, eating and taking medication.

And some are minor, such as grab rails on walls beside a step, raising the lavatory seat, supplying a bath board or bed lever, an emergency alarm button in case of falls. There are ways and means that are not necessarily costly or invasive but can enhance lives.

Let this be government policy rather than funnelling investment into nursing homes. Even a really well run home with a programme of activities, single-occupancy rooms containing a selection of a resident's possessions, and grounds for them to walk in, is no match for a person occupying their own space.

Some homes have residents at an advanced stage of dementia, which can be stressful for others living there. And staff, no matter how compassionate, are pressed for time. They are not places most of us would choose to live in.

Life keeps coming at us, despite lockdown. Why not use this time, with its opportunities, to ponder, to recalibrate our elder care? As a species, we are hardwired to protect the young, ease their difficulties, but we treat people in the later stages of life with rather less consideration. Perhaps we don't like the reflection of our future in their faces and bodies - the way they act as a reminder of our own mortality. But in developing arrangements that give them the dignity of self-reliance, we'll be doing ourselves a favour.
People in the United Kingdom on May 28 took to their balconies, windows, and front-yard to clap and show their gratitude towards the health workers fighting at the frontlines in the war against COVID-19. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was also spotted clapping for the carers outside 10 Downing Street, which is his official residence. The 'Clap for Carers' initiative has been going on in the United Kingdom for the last 10 weeks wherein residents come out and cheer for health workers every Thursday, ever since the epidemic became more severe in the country.

Read: Dominic Cummings Controversy: Boxer Tony Bellew Backs Politician Amid UK Lockdown Breach

The United Kingdom is slowly moving towards the reopening of the country allowing small and non-essential businesses to open up with limited restrictions. According to reports, schools in the country will start to reopen from June 1 and six people can get together at the same time moving on from earlier rule of just two people. The easing in lockdown has drawn criticism from some health experts in the country who feel it is too early to reopen.

Read: UK's COVID-19 Job Saving Scheme To Taper Off From August: Rishi Sunak

COVID-19 outbreak

The deadly coronavirus infection has claimed more than 3,65,000 lives across the world and has infected over 5.9 million people globally since it first broke out in December 2019. The United States remains the worst affected country with over 1,00,000 deaths and 1.7 million cases. The United Kingdom is also among the countries most affected by the pandemic with 2,72,000 infections and 38,243 deaths, according to figures by Johns Hopkins University. The virus is believed to have originated from a seafood market in China's Wuhan city, the supposed epicentre of the disease, where animals were reportedly being traded illegally.

Read: China Warns UK Of Countermeasures After Its Citizenship To Hongkongers Comment

Read: UKs Johnson, Trump, Discuss Potential Of G-7 Meeting

(Image Credit: AP)
The mayor said he was looking for anyone who appeared to be a leader in the hope of calming down the crowd, which he estimated to be about 300 protesters.

There was a Hammond pastor. He had a face mask on. I wish I know who he was, but he helped me out. He and I were working together," McDermott said. I kept telling the protesters, we are mourning with you. Of course we ware mourning Mr. Floyds death and what is happening in Minneapolis. We just didnt want anybody to get hurt.

He said he wants to thank the police officers and the protesters for not letting the situation escalate out of control.

Likewise, Martinez thanked McDermott.

The mayor played a big role in calming the crowd, the sheriff said. He stepped out and talked to them  told them they could continue protesting if they remained peaceful and stayed off the interstate. Things really calmed down after that.

Protesters speak out

Tiffany Rosavo, of Gary, brought a sign to the protest that said, We support George Floyd.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, discharged a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, over allegations of examination malpractice and certificate forgery.

He was discharged after the prosecution withdrew the charge against him following his repeated refusal to appear for trial since he was granted bail last year.

Mr Adeleke was arraigned in 2018 alongside the principal of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Aregbesola Muftau; the registrar of the school, Gbadamosi Ojo; a teacher in the school, Dare Olutope, as well as Sikiru Adeleke.

The police accused them of fraudulently registering Mr Adeleke and another Sikiru Adeleke as students of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School in Ojo-Aro, Osun State, for the National Examination Councils June/July 2017 Senior School Certificate Examination in February 2017.

The police said the offences contravened the provisions of the Examination Malpractices Act Cap E15 LFN 2004.

At the continuation of trial on Thursday, the prosecuting lawyer, Simon Lough, told Justice Inyang Ekwo that the prosecution has decided to drop Mr Adelekes name in the case due to his continued absence from the court which continued to stall the trial.

Mr Adeleke had not been present in court for his trial since he was granted permission by the court on May 6, 2019, to travel to the United States of America on health grounds.

The court had ordered him to return to the country by June 7, 2019.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, the prosecution lawyer informed the court that the police have decided to erase Mr Adelekes name from the charges and rearrange the other defendants.

Mr Lough explained that the former senators continuous absence has continued to stall the trial.

Following this, Mr Adelekes name was erased from the case with the remaining defendants arraigned on Friday.

The defence lawyer, Alex Izinyon, did not oppose the application for the amendment of the charges when the prosecution announced the discontinuation of the case against Mr Adeleke on Friday.

The senior lawyer, however, urged the judge to make a consequential order of discharging and acquitting the ex-governorship candidate.

In his reaction, the prosecution partly opposed the request saying the appropriate order the court could make was to discharge the defendant.

In a ruling on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that although the prosecution, by its application, sought to serve the charge, he would take its (prosecutions) intention to mean withdrawal of the case against the former senator.

The judge said his decision was informed by the fact that no law allowed the prosecution to serve a charge, but the law allows the prosecution to withdraw the charge against a defendant and to amend at any time before judgment.

Mr Ekwo noted that Section 108 of the ACJA allowed the prosecution to undertake a withdrawal of charges, while Section 246 of the Act dealt with the amendment of charge.

The law is that the prosecution can amend the charge at any time before judgment.

There would have been nothing wrong if the prosecution had simply applied to withdraw against the first defendant (Adeleke).

I am seeing this application (the one argued on Thursday by the prosecution lawyer) as one that simply seeks to withdraw, and I so hold.

This withdrawal is taking place after the prosecution has called four witnesses. And from the record of the court, the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was concluded.

The consequential order to be made upon the withdrawal of a charge is at the discretion of the court under Section 108(3) of the ACJA, Justice Ekwo said.

He held that, since the prosecution sought to withdraw against the first defendant at this stage, he was of the view that the appropriate order to be made was that of acquittal because the evidence of the prosecutions four witnesses had been concluded and the witnesses had been discharged.

Advertisements



The judge then made an order allowing the prosecutions withdrawal of the charge against the former senator and proceeded to make order acquitting the first defendant (Adeleke).

The matter has been adjourned to June 25 for the continuation of the trial of the other defendants.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations top lawyer who signed off on warrants allowing the surveillance of Michael Flynn resigned at the request of the Justice Department after he was criticized on Fox News.

Dana Boente, the FBIs general counsel, submitted his resignation on Friday, ending a 38-year career at the Department of Justice, according to NBC News.

His resignation takes effect at the end of June.

Boentes departure was sought by people at the highest level of the Justice Department rather than FBI Director Christopher Wray, it was reported.

Boente has been the subject of fierce criticism from pro-Trump commentators on Fox News and its sister network, Fox Business Network, for his role in the Flynn investigation.

Dana Boente, the FBI's general counsel, submitted his resignation, which will take effect at the end of June

Boente was pressured to resign by the Justice Department amid criticism of him from Fox Business Network's Lou Dobbs (left), who has accused him and FBI Director Christopher Wray of blocking evidence that clears former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn (right)

In a recently leaked memo, Boente wrote that none of the evidence that has come to light in the Flynn case exonerates him.

In recent weeks, Lou Dobbs, a Fox Business Network host, has criticized Boente and the FBI, alleging their attempts to investigate and prosecute Flynn amounted to 'an attempt to overthrow the president.'

During his April 27 broadcast, Dobbs said: 'Shocking new reports suggest FBI General Counsel Dana Boente was acting in coordination with FBI Director Christopher Wray to block the release of that evidence that would have cleared General Flynn.'

'Few people have served so well in so many critical, high-level roles at the Department,' Wray said in a statement about Boente.

'Throughout his long and distinguished career as a public servant, Dana has demonstrated a selfless determination to ensure that justice is always served on behalf of our citizens.'

Flynn, a retired general, was fired as national security adviser by the Trump administration over talks he had with Russias ambassador during the presidential transition in late 2016 and early 2017.

After Donald Trumps election victory in November 2016, Flynn, who was tapped to be the incoming national security adviser, was known to have held conversations with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to Washington.

Flynn was fired after it was learned that he lied to the vice president, Mike Pence, about his discussions with Kislyak. Flynn at the time claimed that he and Kislyak did not discuss US sanctions against Moscow.

In reality, Flynn asked Kislyak to urge his bosses in the Kremlin not to retaliate against the US for sanctions.

Wray released a statement praising Boente. The FBI chief has also come under criticism from President Trump and his allies over his handling of the Flynn case

In the final days of the Obama administration, the US imposed sanctions on Russia over its alleged meddling in the 2016 elections. Russia has denied the allegation.

The Justice Department began an investigation of Flynn, which ultimately resulted in him pleading guilty to making false statements to the FBI.

Boente had signed one of the warrants that allowed the FBI to continue to conduct surveillance activities against Flynn, according to NBC News.

The warrants, known as FISA warrants, were renewed several times and needed to be approved by a judge.

Boente was serving as deputy attorney general before Rod Rosensteins confirmation in April 2017 when he approved an application to extend a surveillance warrant allowing officials to monitor the communications of Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.

Flynn agreed to cooperate with the FBIs investigation into alleged Russian meddling, but he eventually reneged on that agreement and withdrew his guilty plea.

Earlier this month, the Justice Department moved to drop the charges against Flynn following mounting pressure from the Republican president and his political allies on the right.

The move drew furious criticism from congressional Democrats and others who accused the department and Attorney General William Barr of politicizing the US criminal justice system by bending to Trumps wishes and improperly protecting his friends and associates in criminal cases.

Flynn was one of several former Trump aides charged under former Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation that detailed Moscows interference in the 2016 US election to boost Trumps candidacy and contacts between Trumps campaign and Russia. Trumps longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone and his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort both were convicted and sentenced to multi-year prison terms.

The Justice Department said in its filing it was no longer persuaded that the FBIs January 24, 2017, Flynn interview that underpinned the charges was conducted with a legitimate investigative basis and did not think his statements were material even if untrue.

In 2017, Flynn pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about his December 2016 conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak (pictured above in July 2017 in Washington, DC)

President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergei Kislyak during talks with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (not in picture) in the Oval Office at the White House in May 2017

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the call, although his lawyers then sought to toss the case and the Justice Department sought to drop charges

A crime has not been established here. They did not have the basis for a counterintelligence investigation against Flynn at that stage, Barr said in a CBS interview.

Asked about the fact that Flynn pleaded guilty, Barr said: Well, people sometimes plead to things that turn out not to be crimes.

In a filing, Flynns lawyers agreed with the departments motion to dismiss the charges.

It marked the latest instance of the department under Barr, a Trump political loyalist, changing course under public pressure from the president to go light on one of his allies.

In February, Barr and other senior department officials abandoned a tough sentencing recommendation by their own career prosecutors in Stones case after Trump publicly lashed out at the prosecution team. The prosecutors quit the case in protest.

Shortly before the Flynn motion was filed on Thursday, career prosecutor Brandon Van Grack withdrew from the case and other related legal matters. He remains a Justice Department employee, a department spokeswoman said.

The federal judge presiding over the case would still need to approve DOJs request.

Boente was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2015 to lead Virginias Eastern District.

Home to the Pentagon and the CIA, the district often prosecutes terrorism, espionage and national security cases.

Boente oversaw several high-profile corruption cases, including the prosecution of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, whose conviction on corruption charges was later thrown out by the Supreme Court.

Eastern District prosecutors also were involved in the probe of Hillary Clintons use of a private email server, which ended without charges, a lingering source of outrage for Republicans.
Jonathan Aitken's improbable life has already seen him survive tuberculosis in childhood, a seven-month jail stretch and, most recently, an attempted assault on him at HMP Pentonville while he was on duty as an unpaid prison chaplain.

But now, I can reveal, the former Cabinet minister has shrugged off his closest brush with death to date  a heart attack induced by the coronavirus.

During the second phase of the illness, he went to hospital for gastric tests, only to be told he should also have an electrocardiogram, or ECG, test.

Aitken was shocked. He had felt no chest pain and was walking three or four miles a day in the park. But he returned for more tests and was told there was 'no doubt' that he was a Covid-19 heart attack victim

Aitken, 77, thought nothing of it until about a week ago.

'Suddenly, I got rung up by a cardiologist,' he tells me. 'He said: 'I'm sorry to have to tell you, but we've discovered, by looking at your tests, you've had a heart attack.' '

Aitken was shocked. He had felt no chest pain and was walking three or four miles a day in the park. But he returned for more tests and was told there was 'no doubt' that he was a Covid-19 heart attack victim.

'They explained they are discovering that the virus can cause blood clotting leading to coronaries, and said: 'We have had four cases here at this hospital. You're the fourth.'

'I asked what happened to the other three. Long pause before the answer: 'I'm afraid they died.' '

Jonathan Aitken's improbable life has already seen him survive tuberculosis in childhood, a seven-month jail stretch and, most recently, an attempted assault on him at HMP Pentonville (above) while he was on duty as an unpaid prison chaplain

After learning there was no treatment, apart from an adjustment to the blood-thinning pills he was already taking, Aitken returned to work.

He had a sad duty to perform at Putney Vale Crematorium, in South-West London  officiating at the funeral of his wife Elizabeth's brother, Lord Ogmore.

'I preached the address,' continues Aitken, adding that the peer's sons, Tudor and Dylan, spoke in memory of their father.

Their cousins, Damian Harris, Jared Harris and Jamie Harris  Elizabeth Aitken's sons by her marriage to the legendary late actor Richard Harris  attended remotely.

'It was Zoomed or streamed to people all over the world, including Elizabeth's sons in California,' explains Aitken.

'So, even though only ten people are currently allowed at a funeral, it was quite a family occasion.'

The smart set's talking about...

Sean Connery's glamorous granddaughter

She's the granddaughter of the original James Bond, Sir Sean Connery. And with her jet-set lifestyle, exotic holidays and sizzling romance, Saskia Connery appears to be emulating 007.

During lockdown, the 24-year-old has been sunning in the Bahamas with her boyfriend Philip Muhr, 32, a scion of the Austro-American Muhr banking dynasty.

Budding bikini designer Connery  whose label, Saskia Gabriella, will, she hopes, 'make all women feel beautiful'  is the daughter of Stephane, son of Sir Sean's wife, French painter Micheline Roquebrune.

She splits her time between the West Indies and America, where she went to school, and often shares pictures online of her travels to cities including London and Paris, where she studied at the American University.

She says of her boyfriend: 'We have been together for two years and are very happy.'

She's the granddaughter of the original James Bond, Sir Sean Connery. And with her jet-set lifestyle, exotic holidays and sizzling romance, Saskia Connery appears to be emulating 007

It seemed a marriage made in gastronomic heaven when superstar chef Nathan Outlaw opened his new London restaurant, Siren, last year amid the regal comfort of the Queen's favourite hotel, The Goring, as part of a 4 million refurbishment.

Alas, the partnership has fallen victim to the pandemic, I can disclose. 'Very sadly, we will not be able to reopen Siren,' laments owner Jeremy Goring, explaining the hotel will have to 'operate differently' when lockdown finally ends.

Admirers, including the Duchess of Cambridge, will now have to make the pilgrimage to the chef's two-Michelin-star Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall  where the set menu is 145-a-head. Plus petrol.

How Cara turns up in the strangest of places

Being related to one of the world's most famous models has its amusing moments, reveals actress Poppy Delevingne

Being related to one of the world's most famous models has its amusing moments, reveals actress Poppy Delevingne.

Poppy (right), whose sister is catwalk queen Cara (far right), discloses: 'I'll be doing something and a fan will go, 'Look!' and show me Cara's face tattooed on their breasts or shoulders.

'They'll be like: 'You have to autograph it.' And I'll be frantically signing a picture of my little sister's face on someone's boob. That's always quite strange.'

This crisis hasn't been bad for everyone. Pippa Middleton's brother-in-law, Spencer Matthews, is toasting the success of his low-alcohol business, The Clean Liquor Co.

'We saw a 700 per cent increase in clean gin sales from March to April,' the former Made In Chelsea star boasts. 'When lockdown began, a lot of people drank to excess to mask the stress of uncertainty.'

Eton-educated Matthews adds: 'I would never wish the virus on anyone, but for business, actually, it's been interesting. For us, it's worked really well.'

Another nightmare trial for the Duchess

Just when Sarah, Duchess of York could do with some good news, ITV is planning to screen a documentary that will bring back the worst kind of memories for her.

I hear that Fiona Bruce is lined up to present a programme about Fergie's former dresser, Jane Andrews (pictured with the duchess), who killed her boyfriend, the banker Thomas Cressman, at their home in Fulham after he refused to marry her.

It will be shown in September to mark the 20th anniversary of Cressman's murder.Some of Cressman's friends are appalled.

'I refused to take part,' says royal pal Basia Briggs, who generously agreed to let Andrews stay at her Chelsea home during the murder trial.

'Why do they have to keep dredging it all up again? I've had no contact with Jane in 20 years and I think she should be left alone.'

Andrews was released from prison last summer, and Basia adds: 'She's served her time and I hope she makes a success of the rest of her life.'

I hear that Fiona Bruce is lined up to present a programme about Fergie's former dresser, Jane Andrews (pictured with the duchess), who killed her boyfriend, the banker Thomas Cressman, at their home in Fulham after he refused to marry her

Baby boy carries on Lucky Lucan name

Lord Lucan was allegedly spotted in Australia in January. So, if anyone happens to bump into the fugitive peer, do let him know he's become a grandfather. And his heir has been named after him.

I can reveal that the wife of his son, 52-year-old George, the 8th Earl of Lucan, has given birth to their first son.

The couple have given him the middle name John after 'Lucky Lucan', who fled in 1974 having bludgeoned their nanny to death with a length of lead piping.

The baby's full name is Charles Lars John Bingham. 'The 'John' is after my grandfather and George's father,' confirms his Danish-born mother Anne-Sofie, who founded the clothing label Lucan Fashion.

I hear Harry and Meghan have made a super-rich new pal in American billionaire property tycoon Rick Caruso. 'I was just very impressed by both of them,' he says.

'They're surprisingly down-to-earth. We're very lucky to have them.' Intriguingly, Caruso, a Republican, is among the business leaders tasked with reigniting the U.S. economy by Donald Trump  whom Meghan called 'misogynistic and divisive' in 2016.

But there was a meeting of minds with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 'We talked about their charity work,' Caruso says.

Harry, who called his foundation for injured ex-servicemen and women Invictus, may be heartened that it's also the name of Caruso's 214 ft yacht.

Kirstie Allsopp has revealed how her parents bought a house and were stunned to find a secret safe packed with cash and jewels.

'It's extraordinary what people leave behind,' says Kirstie. 'My mum found a man who could crack open a safe, and in it was a huge amount of silver and valuable stuff. My father, of course, insisted that it was all returned to the previous owners.'

(Very) modern manners

Seemingly endless engagements have become fashionable. At least, that's what art dealer and barrister Detmar Blow appears to think.

Four years ago, he proposed to film-maker Martha Fiennes  who accepted and later slipped an 'unbelievable' Mogul engagement ring, 'like a spaceship', on to her finger with a gasp of pleasure.

But they still have no plans to exchange vows. 'The engagement status suits,' says Detmar, whose first wife was the late, inimitable stylist Isabella Blow.

'There are no plans to change this  we are not unique,' he tells me, mentioning fashion designer Paul Smith and his partner Pauline Denyer, and Bob Geldof and Jeanne Marine as other couples who have taken a decade or two to tie the knot.

Unlike them, though, Blow has Hilles, the captivating Arts and Crafts house in Gloucestershire built by his grandfather, at his disposal  complete with licence to hold weddings.

Adding to Kate's agony

Not only is the amiable television presenter struggling to cope with the illness of her husband, Derek Draper, who's in intensive care with Covid-19, but she's facing a legal battle with her former agent, Jonathan Shalit

Poor Kate Garraway.

Not only is the amiable television presenter struggling to cope with the illness of her husband, Derek Draper, who's in intensive care with Covid-19, but she's facing a legal battle with her former agent, Jonathan Shalit.

I hear that, before Derek fell ill, Shalit's agency, InterTalent, sent her a string of legal letters claiming she owes him more than 100,000.

'Kate is terribly upset by this,' one of her ITV friends tells me.

'She disputes the claims and does not need this right now.'

Shalit confirms: 'InterTalent was involved at the start of the year in legal correspondence with Kate negotiating the amount of money she owed the company.'

He adds: 'As soon as I heard Derek was ill 8 weeks ago, I immediately wrote personally to Kate suspending the legal action for which Kate thanked me deeply. Kate and I, as old friends, have corresponded warmly on several occasions since and I have sent Kate my family's prayers for Derek's recovery. I also introduced her to a close friend in LA for advice, whose husband had also fallen very ill and been hospitalised.'

Lockdown has left comedian Sue Perkins and her girlfriend, Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson, in stitches

Lockdown has left comedian Sue Perkins and her girlfriend, Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson, in stitches.

'Sue and I will knit, crochet or stitch something every day, and we have little Zoom calls with our friends where we're all doing needlework,' Anna says.

'One of my friends is a master crafter, so we'll sit and learn. It's like a Fifties union of mothers.

'I've managed to knit a scarf I can sit on! It's so massive it's like a blanket  that's as good as it gets.'
Seventeen occupants of a shelter near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Friday, more than a week after 21 from the same shelter were found to have the contagious infection.

The shelter houses outstation patients who visit the national capital to be treated at the premier institute, as well as their caretakers and relatives. Officials said the infections in the shelter could be traced to two kidney patients who tested positive on May 18. Fridays positive cases take the total number of Covid-19 cases in the shelter to 40.

All of the occupants who tested positive on Friday were quarantined contacts of the 21 who tested positive on May 21.

Apart from the 17, an occupant of another shelter that also houses outstation AIIMS patients also tested positive. Both shelters are run by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).

District magistrate (south) BM Mishra, said, All the 18 occupants tested positive on Friday and were shifted to AIIMS Jhajjar quarantine facility. We requested the AIIMS authorities to admit these occupants to the hospital here, but they preferred to send them to Jhajjar.

Mishra added that at the shelter near AIIMS where 17 tested positive, around 35 remaining occupants have been put under in-situ quarantine.

Samples of all the other occupants of the temporary shelter where one person tested positive were collected on Saturday to test for Covid-19.

A senior district official, who asked not to be named, said, Initially after the 21 cases were reported from here, we requested the shelter authorities to move the remaining occupants out to nearby schools, but they refused. The shelter home should have been cleared and sanitised for a few days.

However, DUSIB officials refuted the claim.

It is the district authorities who decide which set of people will be put in quarantine, and where. We did not get any such request to move occupants out from the shelter. We have been sanitising the shelters regularly and have also fixed minor issues like low water supply, said a senior DUSIB official, who did not wish to be named.

The Delhi high court in an order this week had asked the Delhi government, DUSIB and AIIMS authorities to improve their coordination in such cases.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The British mother who has been imprisoned in Iran for the past four years is facing yet another agonising delay before finding out if she can return to the UK.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is said to be deflated after a decision on whether to grant her freedom, which was expected yesterday, was postponed a second time.

The mother of one had originally expected an answer last Wednesday, and when she contacted authorities again yesterday, she was told to get back in touch next week.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is said to be deflated after a decision on whether to grant her freedom, which was expected yesterday, was postponed a second time

Her husband Richard told Sky News: Nazanin telephoned the prosecutors office and no news, got told to call back again next week.

Clearly theres no decision so well be back in touch again next week to see if theres any news. Shes obviously a bit deflated, it was a fairly flat call I had with her this morning.

Its been a few of these moments where we were hoping it would happen.

Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41, is on temporary release from prison and under lockdown at her parents home

However, he said that the family remain hopeful and waiting and explained: To take a step back, what shes been told is that she is off prison on furlough, until such time when a decision on clemency is made.

Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41, is on temporary release from prison and under lockdown at her parents home.

She has been detained in Tehran since 2016, after being arrested at the airport while taking her daughter Gabriella, who turns six this month, to see her parents.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was sentenced to five years in prison, accused of plotting to overthrow the Iranian government, which she vehemently denies.

She was later given diplomatic protection by the British Government, which also argues that she is innocent.
As the world watched, Minneapolis authorities finally responded Friday to a police officer seen on video kneeling on the neck of an unarmed, handcuffed African American man.

The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Hell get a lawyer, go before a court, and plead not guilty. If justice prevails, hell also spend time in prison for a crime that sparked massive protests, fires and looting.

Someday we might forget the fires and looting. But we wont be able to unsee the video of George Floyd lying face-down on a Minneapolis street Monday while Chauvin grinds his knee into Floyds neck.

Again and again, Floyd is heard saying: I cant breathe.

He stopped breathing minutes later.

The images will haunt us, and they should, if any good can come from such a horrible event.

Floyd, 46, a Houston native, was arrested on suspicion of using a fake $20 bill to buy some items at a convenience store called Cup Foods.

Chauvin, a white officer, might not have gotten up that morning intending to kill Floyd. But Chauvin used excessive force and wouldnt relent even when Floyd was pleading for his life and clearly in distress.

In video footage shot by onlookers, Chauvin appears to act with a sense of impunity and indifference. He looks completely relaxed, one hand casually tucked into a pocket, as his knee and the full weight of his body press Floyds neck into the pavement.

Floyd is heard begging for his life. He calls for his mother. Witnesses tell the officer to stop, that hes killing Floyd.

That Chauvin was finally arrested and charged may quell further riots.

Then again, it may not.

Protests may not end until the three other officers at the scene, whatever their race or ethnicity, are charged and in custody.

For those who believe that police dont treat people of color differently, consider this: Three members of a CNN news crew were arrested Friday morning as they delivered a live report from the scene of disturbances in Minneapolis. Police said the journalists  one of whom is black and another Latino  had refused an order to move.

They were released an hour later, with an apology from the Minnesota governor.

It may be easy to call this racism, but that doesnt mean it isnt.

No one can adequately explain why angry, fed-up people react to injustice by setting fires and looting, but we know law enforcement aggression can exacerbate tensions and ignite unrest.

There is no excuse for violence, on the part of police or protesters. But the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who led a movement of peaceful protest, had an idea about the psychology at play.

He said rioting is the language of the unheard.

People of color have been unheard in the United States. They remain unheard on the role of racism in the countrys institutions.

We live in a time when Confederate flags are waved in public, when hate crimes arent aggressively prosecuted, and when white Americans with automatic weapons  angry about being urged to wear face masks or about modifications to Alamo Plaza  can shout into the faces of law enforcement officers without fear of being arrested, detained or held to the ground with a knee on the neck.

There are good police officers everywhere. Im related to some of the best, and my family has lost two in the line of duty. Ive only been uncomfortable once when stopped by a police officer, and staying calm helped both of us.

I know others whove been shaken by police interactions that were unwarranted and dripped with prejudice.

But I dont personally have to experience racism or brutality to know that people of color have been victims. You shouldnt either.

In coming weeks, were likely to see more protests, especially if the three other officers arent charged in Floyds death.

There will be more scrutiny of George Floyd, too. Well learn every detail about how he behaved, whether he used a counterfeit bill, or wrote a bad check to buy cigarettes. Well learn whether he resisted arrest.

In the meantime, his family has received a measure of justice. So much more will be needed before all the fires are put out.

eayala@express-news.net
Her husband, Hunter Unger, a mechanic, said, shrugging, I work on all kind of random peoples cars, and eh.

By the governors order, face coverings are required inside businesses, but at the Quiet Storm Surf Shop, a clerk folding T-shirts said, we make them optional. On the boardwalk outside, a police officer who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the news media said, the problem is merchants have to enforce the mask order, but many are reluctant to alienate their first customers of the summer.

Theyre supposed to document violations and report them to the health department, he said. The police  who were issuing $100 tickets to people vaping on the boardwalk Friday  do not cite mask violators.

At Flashback Old Time Photos, where patrons don vintage-looking costumes to pose for portraits against faux-historical backdrops the only masks offered were for customers who wanted to dress like cowboy bank robbers.

Were doing good cleaning surfaces, keeping our masks on and staying six feet away, said Sue McCrodden, the shop manager. The stores employees try to spray the costumes with Lysol after each use, and launder them at the end of each day, she said.

If we keep telling people to keep their masks on, its going to stress them out and we want them to have a good time, said Doyinsola Adebakin, an employee.

What are we going to do? Ms. McCrodden asked. We cant lose money.

Michael Cantine, who owns Fat Cats Airbrush, which makes personalized T-shirts and toys, said this opening week has been busier than the same time last year because children are out of school. To operate the store safely, he and his staff initially installed Plexiglas barricades, donned face masks and moved all their stock behind a counter so customers couldnt handle it. A week later, thats all been undone.
The move was first reported by NBC News, which said Boente had been asked to resign and that the decision came from high levels of the Justice Department, rather than Wray. A person familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that Wray had asked for Boentes resignation, but the move appeared to have been initiated by Justice Department higher-ups. The person said Boente was offered a different position at the Justice Department but declined, opting to retire instead. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an internal personnel matter.
Almost all employees in the CE division of the MEA as well as a sizable number of staffers in the legal wing are undergoing self-quarantine at present.

New Delhi: At least two employees serving at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi have tested positive for the novel coronavirus following which all the staffers who came in contact with them were asked to go for self-quarantine for 14 days, people familiar with the development said on Saturday.

An officer working at the legal wing of the ministry and a consultant with the Central Europe Division tested positive for the infection earlier this week, they said.

Official sources said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been proactive in handling any COVID-19 positive cases among its employees or consultants in accordance with the health protocol laid down by the government. It is learnt that an elaborate sanitisation exercise was carried out in the legal and the Central Europe (CE) divisions.

Follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak

Almost all employees in the CE division as well as a sizable number of staffers in the legal wing are undergoing self-quarantine at present.

Following the two positive cases, the MEA sent two internal communications to all its employees apprising them about the infection and asked them to follow all laid down protocols and precautionary measures, according to the people cited above.

The MEA has been at the forefront of the government's Vande Bharat mission under which close to 50,000 stranded Indians have already been evacuated from various parts of the world. The MEA is coordinating efforts to bring back another lot of 1,00,000 Indians by 13 June.

In view of the massive exercise, a large number of employees in the MEA headquarters have been working for long hours and they have been advised to follow all precautionary measures after the detection of the two positive cases.

The MEA's coronavirus control room is working round the clock since 16 March . The control room has received more than 22,500 calls and 60,000 e-mails till 28 May.

Several employees working in various ministries having offices around Raisina Hills at the heart of the National Capital tested positive for the coronavirus in the last few weeks.

According to official data, India has recorded 1,73,763 cases of COVID-19 and 4,971 people died of the infection till Saturday morning.
Kelly Caminero / The Daily Beast

In this story published originally on May 29, 2020, the author shows how China exploited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the position of Chinese national air carriers in the global market at the expense of other airlines, notably Delta, United, and American. On Wednesday, June 3, the Trump administration announced it will bar Chinese carriers from flying to the United States after June 16 unless China opens up, thus launching an airline war alongside the smoldering trade war. But it's certain that Beijing's dominance of the huge traffic in and out of China, and its preeminence throughout Asia, will continue to grow.

There is no doubt that airliners were the novel coronavirus pandemics main vector.

Its first direct breakout into the world (and into the U.S.) was certainly from China, long before its lethality was understood. Epidemiologists have established that the virus was on the move in the central Chinese city of Wuhan by early December at the latest.

Unfortunately, Wuhans significance in the planning of China's increasingly modernized and organized infrastructure made it the perfect place for an accelerated spread of the pathogen.

In the last decade, as China gave priority to the development of travel, internal and external, Wuhan was chosen by both the airline and railway industries to become one of a number of super transportation hubs, built with a speed and efficiency that we can only marvel at.

Wuhan sat at the middle of one of the countrys most densely populated and fastest growing regions. As aviation consultants promoted a new Wuhan hub airport as a boost to local industries, as well as to travel, the nations railway planners saw and pursued the same prize. They made Wuhan the center of a high-speed rail network, with five main lines radiating from it.

From Vietnam to COVID-19, the Arrogance of Ignorance Keeps Killing Americans

Rapidly increased mobility was a major goal as the Chinese people became more affluent. A risen middle class acquired the means and the taste for travelbecoming, almost overnight, a welcome new wave of business to hoteliers across the globe.

Story continues

Indeed, Chinas demand for air travel nearly quadrupled between 2008 and 2018. By 2019 it was generating 18 percent of the worlds airline passenger traffic, worth $89 billion a year. (The largest region is the European Union and United Kingdom, with 25 percent, worth $169 billion). The eight busiest airports in China together were, in one year, handling far more passengers than the entire population of the United States: a total of more than 482 million.

VIRUSES ON THE MOVE

The situation was very different back when the SARS virus appeared in Guangdong province in southeastern China in late 2002. The explosive growth of Chinese air travel had not yet occurred.

That virus reached Hong Kong in February 2003 and Beijing in April. Hong Kong and Singapore were then the principal airline hubs in the region. From Hong Kong the virus jumped to Singapore, Toronto and Hanoi. In the end there were cases in 26 countries, with a total of 774 deaths, but the outbreak was contained without becoming a pandemic.

Once the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic was clear, domestic air travel in China was curtailed, but never completely shut down. The lowest point was in mid-February, when 3.7 million seats were available on flights inside China in a week. By May 24 the traffic had significantly rebounded, to more than 11 million seats a week. (Previously, reflecting the nations planned growth of air travel, China had predicted that between January and April the number of passengers flying per week would reach 16.8 million.)

In the U.S., according to the TSA, the number of passengers flying domestically every week in May averaged around 1.75 million; last year it was 18 million.

The Chinese numbers are tracked by the international aviation data bank, OAG. John Grant, an analyst at OAG, told The Daily Beast: Domestic demand and capacity is recovering ahead of international capacity around the world. China is in many ways ahead of other markets. Its airlines are fortunate to have such a large domestic market to serve.

Fortunate indeed.

Around 40 airlines operate in China. They are regulated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the CAAC, and their major shareholder is the state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

This top-down control gives the Chinese government a far tighter grip on the operations of commercial aviation than is possible in any other country because the CAAC has direct control of the airports, airlines and the allocation of routes.

That power will be decisive now, not only in deciding how fast domestic Chinese air travel recovers, but how fast foreign airlines will be allowed to return to China. And the outcome of these decisions will inevitably be influenced by the increased escalation of rhetoric and threats between China and the U.S.

In fact, China is ideally poised to exploit strategically the situation created by the pandemic.

FROM CRISIS, OPPORTUNITY

Specifically, China now sits like a great octopus straddling the air routes of the Asia Pacific region, giving it an entirely new level of influence on how the future of air travel develops, not only in this region but beyond it.

That will inevitably impact the three major U.S. airlines, United, American and Delta, that have built very profitable routes into the Chinese market. They suspended all their Chinese flights in February and will have to build them again from scratch.

How fast they can do that will be decided by the Chinese aviation authorities, who dont have to be guided, as the Americans are, by relatively short term market forces. The Chinese can give the green light for their own airlines to start building business again in the Asia Pacific region while restricting the access of U.S. airlines to China, favoringfor exampletheir national champions like China Southern Airlines, already Asias largest airline.

And they are nimble. Once they saw that the pandemic had created a huge new demand for air cargo, particularly for their own medical products, the authorities decided to begin building a Chinese equivalent of Fedex, combining more sophisticated ground distribution with a greatly expanded worldwide air cargo fleet.

OAGs Grant says: International capacity remains tightly managed in China. Every market in Asia needs Chinese services. Markets in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore all have a high focus on China.

All of this coincides with an idea first floated by analysts at The Economist, to identify regional bubbles where the principal destination countries have dealt well with the virus. (For example, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia.) Inside these zones air travel would be allowed to return to greater frequency faster than in areas, such as North America and Europe, that have been in much greater and deadlier disarray.

One thing is for sure. The future geography of the international airline network soon will be very different. The basic global route map has remained the same since the beginning of the Jet Age 60 years ago, with a strong bias favoring the western airlines who pioneered it. At that time China was virtually a void on the map. Now it's looking more like the center of the world.

With America withdrawing from its world leadership role and into a protectionist trade war, now compounded by Chinas repressive actions against Hong Kong, the Chinese overlords have been handed a clear path to drive the future growth and fashion the shape of air travel throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
VANCOUVERIt was a magical moment for none involved.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling clashed online with a B.C. activist and political spokeswoman this week, with Rowling on Friday raising the prospect of legal action in a tweet.

Nicola Spurling, a spokesperson for the B.C. Green Party, drew the authors ire by suggesting her past online support of Maya Forstater  a researcher who lost her job after saying transgender women cannot change their biological sex  shows Rowling can no longer be trusted around children.

Spurling later deleted that tweet, saying that it, when read on its own, lacked clarity.

Spurling had tweeted news of Rowlings upcoming release, The Ickabog, this week, saying it was something to keep a close eye on.

Spurling is among a group of transgender activists who oppose Rowling for her vocal support of Forstater. Rowling has stated on Twitter that she doesnt believe Forstater should have been fired for her views. Rowling has called it a freedom-of-speech issue.

The author responded to Spurlings initial tweet Friday.

Unless you want to hear from lawyers, you might want to rethink that tweet, Rowling wrote. Im not wasting time arguing with wilful misrepresentations of my views on transgenderism ... but making serious insinuations like this comes with consequences.

Spurling responded by saying that Tweeting support for someone who is indisputable transphobic is transphobic in and of itself, adding, Suicide rates among trans people are so high due to lack of acceptance, hence transphobia is dangerous to children.

Rowling asked Spurling for proof that she couldnt be trusted around kids, and that shes attacked trans people, subsequently tweeting that it was Time to take this off Twitter.

Reached by The Star on Friday, Spurling said she was surprised Rowling  Spurlings favourite author as a youngster  responded to her publicly over the social media platform.

She said she didnt want a legal battle, but saw the comment she made as a defence against transphobia. In a later tweet, she said she was taking down her remark, on the advice of my lawyers.

Spurling was previously a teen activist instrumental in pushing the B.C. Greens to table private members bills on transgender rights.

Read more about:
Pennington County reported 15 new cases of coronavirus Friday, pushing the county above 200 total positive tests.

The county has reported a total of 201 positive tests and 153 are active cases. Meade County added three new cases Friday and Lawrence County added two new cases. Those were the first new cases in Lawrence County in weeks.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton said there is no evidence to indicate that the first bump in new cases in these counties is related to tourism.

"Any time you have people start moving around more and going more places, the number of infections will increase," Dr. Clayton said. "We are seeing other counties with new cases that aren't related to tourism. It is just a matter of people getting back to normal."

Seven of the Meade County cases are active and both of the new cases in Lawrence County are still active. Oglala-Lakota County still has 21 total positive tests and 17 active cases.

Five more deaths were reported Friday, bringing the total in South Dakota to 59. Four of those deaths were in Minnehaha County and one was in Beadle County.

The Department of Health reported 77 new cases Friday. South Dakota has a total of 4,866 positive tests and 1,063 active cases  up 22 from Thursday's report.

Beadle County had 32 new cases Friday and Minnehaha County reported 13 more. There were three new cases in Brown County, two in Grant County and one each in Brookings, Buffalo, Davison, Edmunds, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake and Spink counties.

The state completed 1,660 tests on Thursday. Pennington County had 59 of those. Lawrence County completed eight tests and Meade County only completed three. Fall River County completed three negative tests and no tests were reported for Custer County.
Coun. Stephen Wright had to talk his way through provincial border checkpoints on a fact-finding road-trip to New Brunswick last weekend.

Wright said he wanted to see for himself whether early restaurant reopenings in that province are reinvigorating an economy thats been halted for months in the COVID-19 pandemic.

It wasnt easy: Wright said he had the new-world experience of explaining to an RCMP officer, on his way into New Brunswick from Quebec, that he would remain strictly in his car while visiting.

He was willing to stay in his car for an entire weekend, he said, because nothing beats firsthand observation.

If you want to see what reopening looks like, you go to where its been done already, he said Friday.

Canadians have the right to travel freely across provincial borders, Wright added, so he couldnt see why he should be turned away if he was willing to stay isolated in his car the whole trip.

Wright told the RCMP officer he would be in New Brunswick for three days and not get out of his vehicle, not even to sleep (he pulled over for naps and carried on).

He ate takeout from drive-through windows and got out of his car only at gas stations, where he paid at the pump using credit.

In New Brunswick he drove through restaurant districts in cities and towns at the dinner hour, he said, and past coffee shops in the morning. What he observed was one empty restaurant after another.

Even Tim Hortons  there was nobody in it, he said. Drive-thru lineups were long, but there was nobody inside People are scared.

That doesnt augur well for the survival of many restaurants in Peterborough, he said.

Hes also concerned people are becoming too afraid of one another to ever go out  even when social distancing is possible.

Wright is part of Peterboroughs Economic Recovery Task Force, which is considering a plan to close parts of Hunter and George streets downtown to create patio zones once the province sees fit to enter the second phase of its COVID-19 reopening.

He said earlier this week the group is working on the wording for a recommendation that could go to a council committee within two weeks.

For restaurants with small dining rooms  and that includes most downtown restaurants, Wright said  it would allow for physical distancing as well as a new al fresco dining experience.

We can create the largest outdoor patio in the city, he said. This can be done.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were supposed to stop using their royal titles as part of their exit from the royal family. This includes dropping their main brand, Sussex Royal, which they launched in 2019. But instead of sticking to their original agreement, Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, continue to defy Queen Elizabeth by using their Sussex Royal website.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry agree to stop using their royal titles

Meghan and Harry are basically in a one-year trial following their decision to stop being active members of the monarchy. After announcing their shocking exit in January, the two negotiated the terms of their departure with Queen Elizabeth.

As part of their agreement, Meghan and Harry will spend part of their time in North America while becoming financially independent from the crown. We still do not know what the couple plans on doing to earn a living, but they certainly have a few options at their disposal.

They also agreed to stop using their royal titles, which meant ditching their main brand, Sussex Royal.

RELATED: Meghan Markles Secret Diary Could Be Worth Millions

Over the past year, Meghan and Harry have built an impressive following around Sussex Royal, attracting over 11 million followers on Instagram. They also used the name for their charitable foundation and seemingly had plans to expand their brand even further by applying for a trademark.

Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex bid farewell to their Instagram followers at the end of March, they have not stopped using their Sussex Royal website, a move that many royal watchers feel is in direct violation of their agreement.

Meghan and Harry continue to use Sussex Royal

Despite Queen Elizabeths orders, Sussex Royal is still an active website. In fact, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have used the website to outline how they plan on proceeding now that they are no longer members of the royal family.

As The Duke and Duchess will no longer be considered full-time working Members of The Royal Family, it was agreed that use of the word Royal would need to be reviewed as it pertains to organizations associated with them in this new regard, their website reads.

The couple went on to say that they plan on launching a new foundation that does not include the word royal. They also withdrew the trademark application they filed last year for Sussex Royal.

Meghan and Harry then noted that the monarchy does not have the right to restrict their use of the word royal because that is out of their jurisdiction. Regardless, they do not plan on using anything that contains the word royal out of respect to Queen Elizabeths wishes.

A few weeks ago, Harry and Meghan confirmed that their new foundation is called Archewell. The two originally planned to get the foundation up and running this spring but the coronavirus pandemic has delayed their plans.

The royals have not commented on Harry and Meghans continued use of their Sussex Royal website. Experts believe that the two will likely take down the website in June.

Are Meghan Markle and Prince Harry having trouble adjusting to Los Angeles?

While Meghan and Harry continue to defy Queen Elizabeth, they are apparently having issues in their new home in LA. Over the past few weeks, Meghan and Harry have consistently called the LAPD because people keep flying drones over their property.

Members of the paparazzi are likely the ones controlling the drones in a bid to snap a photo of Meghan and Harry. But given their level of celebrity and the fact that Meghan has received threats in the past, sources told The Daily Beast that the Sussexes are taking the invasion of their privacy as a serious threat.

RELATED: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have Reported Multiple Security Threats To the LAPD

They see these drones coming in at them, and they guess that they are being operated by photographers, but they cant just assume that. Meghan received racist death threats at the time of her wedding, so the terror threat is very real for them, a source shared.

The insider added that Harry and Meghan will be hiring their own security team to deal with the drones. It is unclear how the two plan on paying for their security, though reports indicate that Prince Charles is helping fit the bill.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly living in Tyler Perrys mansion in LA while they look to buy a home in the area.
If COVID will leave Lanka crippled, will debt plague leave Lanka dead? View(s):

First the good news of Lankas remarkable recovery from the coronavirus nightmare that once seemed destined never to end but linger on till a sizable number of her people were dead and some of her democratic institutions and functions were crippled.

Last week on May 19, the wind of all the legal arguments for holding the polls as planned on June 20 seemed to have been taken out of the sails when Counsel for the Election Commission, in the Election Date case, rose from his seat and told the Supreme Court that his clients position was that they could not hold the elections on the scheduled date.

Saliya Peiris P. C. informed the court that given the present coronavirus crisis, no elections could be held in the absence of an all clear directive from the Health Authority. However, were the Health Authorities to give the green light, elections could be held between 9 to 11 weeks from the date of the positive signal.

But the required green light had already started flashing from the Health Ministry. On May 22, eminent Presidents Counsel Romesh de Silva informed court that the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, had already tendered in writing to his client Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, the assurance that the election process could commence under the prevailing situation in the country.

There was more good news to come. The following day, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera blazoned the glad tidings that Sri Lanka was COVID free. He said that not a single COVID-19 patient had been reported in society within the last 24 days. Random tests were being conducted in high-risk areas in society, but in the last three weeks, no new cases have been reported from the society, he added.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi also stamped her seal of confirmation stating at a news briefing that for the past three weeks no COVID-19 positive cases have been reported from the general public which indicated there is no more community transmission of the virus.

Of course, there were still active cases in hospitals, in navy camps and at quarantine centres but the important objective of preventing the rampant spread of the coronavirus in the community had been achieved beyond all expectations. The health authorities backed by the Governments judicious policy of 24/7 indefinite curfews, lockdowns, mandatory use of facemasks and prevention advice had dawned rewards.

Lanka had halted COVID from running amok, made it impotent to bag even one more scalp in its reign of terror in less than two months. The collective prayers of the adherents of all four major religions practised in this thrice blessed island had been answered with a miracle, granted, so far, to no other infected nation.

The bad news, however, is that we are not out of the woods yet. For even while the community is at peace, the coronavirus infected figures are spiking at an alarming rate.

On May 1, the official daily update issued by the Epidemiology Unit stated the number of COVID confirmed at 665 cases. And the number in the Colombo district at 158 COVID confirmed. On May 15, the number of COVID confirmed cases had risen to 925 cases. On May 28, this number had shot up to 1469 cases.

This dramatic increase has been attributed to the arrival of Lankan citizens repatriated from COVID infected countries which account for 385 COVID confirmed cases, as at 10 am May 28. The majority of the rest are navy personnel who number 691 COVID confirmed. The figure for Colombo district, the district most infected, remains relatively unchanged at 150.

Fortunately, these patients have been identified and quarantined; and are presently receiving treatment at government centres. Effectively the virus has been contained. The challenge that faces the authorities now is to take all possible measures to ensure the deadly virus doesnt slip through the dragnet.

This Tuesday, the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Jasinghe, who was last week reported as having given a letter to P. B. Jayasundera, the Secretary to the President, that the elections process could commence under the prevailing situation in the country, suddenly warned that though the government had relaxed the curfew the country had still not arrived at a state of hundred percent normalcy and hence measures should be taken to prevent infection transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

He said: Colombo is the most densely populated area and Gampaha is second. Therefore, actions should be taken to protect those areas. COVID-19 infected Navy cluster is still active in these areas. His warning turned true on Thursday when a navy officer tested positive at the Gafoor Building in Fort and the entire building along with 200 navy personnel were placed under quarantine as a result.

Eternal vigilance is the price to keep the land COVID free. We may not be lucky, second wave around, if, God forbid, any. The nations Guardian Deities will not be amused if we become the spendthrifts of our good fortune; and fritter away the blessings granted through negligence.

The grim news in the trilogy is the dire warnings of the hard times ahead for all Lankans as prophesied this week by the recently exiled fiscal Prophet of Doom, Ranil Wickremesinghe. The ex-Prime Minister, in his forebodings, does not bring hope that there is life after the COVID plague but instead draws from stark realism to paint a gloomy picture of darkness at noon.

In his siren call to the Government, he warns, Lanka is on the path to defaulting on her debt obligations. Quoting The Economist magazine, he says that Sri Lanka has been named as the nation with the highest economic tensions in South Asia. Sri Lankas debt services were 87 percent of the Gross Domestic Product in 2019. It is expected to increase up to 93 percent by end 2020 and hit 100 percent in 2021. Sri Lankas total debt services are expected to be USD 3 billion this year and will go up to USD 10 billion in 2023. On the other hand, given the world economic situation, it will take a long time for the apparel and tourism sectors to recover.

CNN recently came up with a list of countries that are unable to settle their debts. These included countries like Argentina, Lebanon and Ecuador. According to global indicators, Sri Lanka too could fall into this category. Last month, Fitch ratings put Sri Lanka into s-minus based on debt settlement. Morgan Stanley Ratings are expected to push Sri Lanka into a minus status too.

He sums up the despondent situation staring in Lankas face, saying: The issue today is about the future of Sri Lankan people and not merely statistics. Therefore, we request the Government to come out with a report on the current status of the economy. Silence will not help the nation to come out of the present situation. As per the Fiscal Responsibility Act, it is the duty of the government to compile a report. The Government last came out with a report on the economic situation on March 23 which is now outdated.

The Central Bank debunked all claims made that the country was facing a massive debt crisis and was on the verge of defaulting on its debt obligations. In a statement published on its website last week, it said: The Government wishes to categorically deny all such baseless claims, and would like to reiterate to all stakeholders that Sri Lanka will duly honour all its debt service obligations in the period ahead.

So be it. But whether future events should prove the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe right in his warnings or the Central Bank and the Government wrong in their refutations, it will be the people of Lanka who will have to suffer the horrendous consequences of a nation gone broke.

Last Thursday, the country received first hand, an eye witness account of what can happen when a poverty driven people desperate for food and cash due to the corona crisis, make a stampede to receive a measly thousand rupee note doled out by a philanthropist practising Ramadan charity in Maligawatte, Colombo where three women died and nine were injured. Imagine the scale of the horror when, in the event of an economic catastrophe, a starving people driven to the wall, rise not to ask for handouts to sate their hunger but to grab whatever they come across as of right on the mean bloody streets of anarchy.
United Nations, May 30 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the important role of women in peacekeeping on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

"Now this year, we also mark the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security and we are observing the International Day of UN Peacekeepers with the theme: Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace," said Guterres on Friday at a ceremony in honour of the peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2019, Xinhua news agency reported.

Resolution 1325 was a milestone in recognizing that women have a right to full, equal, and meaningful participation in peace processes, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. It also emphasized women peacekeepers' essential role in the success of UN peace operations, he said.

"Day by day, women peacekeepers help improve all aspects of our operations and performance; they ensure better access to local communities; they prevent and reduce conflict and confrontation; and they serve as role models for their peers and others," Guterres said.

In addition, UN peacekeeping operations are better able to build trust with those in need of protection when their staffing reflects the communities in which they serve. This is another reason why increasing the number of women in peacekeeping is so crucial, he said. "Peacekeeping is more effective for everyone when we have more women peacekeepers at all levels, including in decision-making. We will continue to do everything we can, including with our troop and police contributors, to reach this goal." Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo of the Brazilian Navy, who is deployed with the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and Suman Gawani of the Indian Army, a military observer formerly deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan, jointly won this year's Gender Advocate Award.

The inspiring work of the two women peacekeepers has made a remarkable difference in promoting gender equality and empowering local women and their own colleagues, said Guterres. "Your contributions are proof that women peacekeepers are vital to peace and security everywhere." In her role as MINUSCA's military gender and protection advisor, Monteiro de Castro Araujo has strengthened the mission's ability to protect civilians, address conflict-related sexual violence and prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. She also strived to improve the living conditions of her fellow women peacekeepers, said Guterres.

Gawani, during her deployment in South Sudan, mentored more than 230 military observers on conflict-related sexual violence and ensured the presence of women military observers in each of the mission's team sites. She also trained the South Sudanese government forces and helped them launch their action plan on conflict-related sexual violence, said the UN chief.
New Delhi:

Sacked Delhi cabinet minister Sandeep Kumar on Thursday said that he was not in the 'objectionable' CD which was aired on TV channels on Wednesday. He said that he was being targeted because he belonged to a Dalit community.



"I am not in that video. Investigation must be done," said sacked AAP minister, Sandeep Kumar.



This is a conspiracy against me because I am a #Dalit," he said.



Also Read: Sex scandal rocks AAP govt: Who said what after Sandeep Kumar's objectionable CD emerges



"I am from Valmiki community, so I am being targeted," said Sandeep Kumar.



This is conspiracy against me and my party. It should be investigated," he demanded.



On Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sacked Sandeep Kumar as Social Welfare Minister in AAP government after receiving an "objectionable" CD in which he was purportedly shown in a compromising position with a woman.



Kumar, who represents Sultanpur Majra constituency, is the second AAP minister to be sacked after Asim Ahmed Khan who was Minister for Food and Supplies.



Also Read: Sex scandal hits AAP govt: Delhi CM Kejriwal removes cabinet minister Sandeep Kumar over 'objectionable' CD



The sacking of Sandeep Kumar triggered sharp reactions from BJP and Congress, with the saffron party demanding resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while the latter asked why such members were not expelled.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The Boko Haram member

A member of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, Yahaya Adamu aka Saad Karami, has voluntarily surrendered to the Nigerian Army.

A statement released by the Defence Headquarters today May 29, says Yahaya voluntarily surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion in Monguno on May 24.

He is said to have led the last attack on troops in Baga town and equally participated in attacks on Metele, Mairari, Bindiram, Kangarwa and Shetimari (Niger Republic).

He is currently in the custody of the military.
Just before the acclaimed first season of Ramy premiered on Hulu, I hosted about 60 other young Muslims to watch the show with me at Slates New York office. I had already seen the episodes a couple times. I was really there to watch the crowd.

Toward the end of the first episode, it began. The steady stream of laughter was suddenly devoured by an audible gasp. Then crackling bursts of awkward laughter. Then more silence.

On screen, Ramy Hassan, the semi-autobiographical character created and played in the series by Ramy Youssef, was hooking up with a Muslim woman in a car. Then she says, Choke me while I finger myself. Cue the gasps. I want you to choke me. Use both hands.

Advertisement

Like Youssef, Im a Muslim American of Egyptian descent from New Jersey. Were around the same age. Im very intimately aware of the fire hes playing with, and he is, too. You dont accidentally make a show about a young Muslim mans struggle to actualize his full spiritual potential through Islam, then put in a scene where hes choking a Muslim girl in the back seat of her car in the very first episode.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

I cringed with everyone else there. The scene brings up a few things: Theres the fear that the double lives many young Muslim Americans live are being exposed, right there, on a streaming service our parents get, too. It also shows the ways we box one another inwere gasping at a Muslim womans sexual kinks, like its surprising she has some. And then there are the odd nerves of watching something like this in a room full of Muslims and not being sure if its a good idea to laugh. Ramy has been heralded as a breakthrough for representation, as if its real power is showing how messy and complicated Muslims can be to people outside the faith. But I think American Muslims have the most to learn from it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In a recent interview on Zoom from Los Angeles, where hes sheltering, Youssefwho, at 29, is also an ascendant stand-up comediansaid he understood what he was inviting on himself when he made the show. And even with all the rapturous reviews and the Golden Globe, he said there has been plenty of anger.

I have donated my likeness to Muslim science. Do whatever you want with it. Pick me apart, he said, laughing. It would make me smile if an imam ripped on a character from my show in a khutbah, or a Friday sermon.

Advertisement

I suspect the debate about Ramy and representation is about to get a lot more heated. In the first season, Ramys sexual and spiritual misadventures take him many places American Muslims do not often go in polite conversation, much less on TV, and ultimately culminate in a romantic connection with his cousin in Egypt (so much for dispelling that Muslims are inbred stereotype). That was comparatively tame. In Season 2, which premieres Friday, Mahershala Ali joins the cast as a sensitive, deeply spiritual imam to whom Ramy cant help but share every detail of his recent masturbation habits, among other things. They embark on a journey that goes to some jaw-droppingly dark places. Ive seen all 10 episodes of the new season, and all I can say is that if Season 1 had Muslim viewers gasping, Season 2 will leave them stunned.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Youssef said he expects to get hit hard. Ive heard him make jokes about random Fatimas writing about the show in their Medium accounts from their dorm rooms, but the truth is, hes worried.

Advertisement

Advertisement

We put out the first season and I got a Golden Globe for it, and were putting out the second season, and I think Im more nervous than I was the first time around, he said. For a community starved for a decent portrayal on screen, Youssefs lane is delicate: It keeps me up. Im constantly praying like, please, God, I really hope my intentions were right in doing what Im doing.

Youssef says this, then sort of shrugs his shoulders and does whatever he wants. Its almost like the process for making the show is if theres a scene Im afraid to shoot, its probably the scene we have to shoot, he said. Its my job to push conversation. Thats really all it is. This is not educational. Its not representational. Its more just like, what combos come out of this?

Advertisement

Advertisement

He emphasized that point. Its not mathematical. These are just the things that I find funny, and theyre just who I am. The filter for the whole show is like, am I into this? You know, like, does this make me laugh? And like, thats pretty much it.

Advertisement

Even for me, as someone whos increasingly disinterested in being the representation police, its a little frustrating to hear him talk like this. Consider one of his own jokes from his stand-up, in which he introduces himself with, Im Muslimyou know, like from the news. He knows whats at stake herehow rare it is for someone like him to have the spotlight he does for reasons other than political attacks or extremism.

Advertisement

Even while he can be circumspect, Youssef flatly rejects this responsibility. Look, my whole thing is to complicate the context, he told me. The show on all ends fucks with context. Thats the goal.

Ramy, especially in Season 2, certainly  complicates some contexts. And it shows, at least to me, how much more interesting the show is when you consider it from within an American Muslim perspective, not in its potential to be (mis)read by others.

There are the Muslims who believe theres only one way to be Muslim. I do think theres a lot of Muslimstalking hard-linerswho were like, Theres no way that anyone could go out and do these things and still be a Muslim,  he said. And thats not true. Its just not true.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Hes rightit isnt. But there are much more nuanced reasons for Muslims to question what Ramy is doing, too. Its not just the sex. In the fourth episode of the first season, we see a flashback to Ramy Hassans past and how he experienced 9/11 in elementary school. In the middle of the night, the pre-pubescent boy wakes up to the sounds of someone rummaging in his fridge. He finds that Osama Bin Laden is in his house. He describes Ramy as a relative, and the two break out in conversation about the justification for the terrorist attacks.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In his comedy, Youssef will introduce himself with, Im Muslimyou know, like, from the news.

I didnt enjoy that scene. My stomach sank, and my anxiety kicked in. Ive all but exhausted myself trying to separate Islam as I understand it from the Muslim terrorists in the news. I immediately thought of the non-Muslim watching who already thinks of 9/11 as an Islamic assault on New Yorkback to that responsibility thing again.

Advertisement

In Season 2, Ramy takes things even further. The show explores anti-black racism in the Muslim community, religious hypocrisy, homophobia, and polygamy. The cousin love plotline continues. In creating his show, Youssefs admirable desire to take us into the darkest and most complicated corners of Muslim American life can start to feel like hes just piling on all the provocations he can, no matter whether he really has something to say about any of them.

Advertisement

And then there are questions about the shows blind spots in these boundary-pushing depictions. In one widely read critique, writer Shamira Ibrahim took issue with the shows Muslim women. She argued that Ramy trafficked in tired ideas: Muslim women in Ramys life are focused on all the things they seemingly cant do.

Advertisement

I caught up with Ibrahim just as she finished watching Season 2, and she lamented that shes had to tell so many people that her criticisms of the show dont mean shes aligned against it. I dont think we would be having this conversation if it wasnt a show about Muslims, she told me. We are actively looking for this content. We are looking for representation that is for us, by us. I definitely think that its good. And we also pick it apart when we get it, because thats what we do.

We immediately got to discussing our favorite scene of the entire season: when Sheikh Ali, the Mahershala Ali character, meets Ramy Hassans family for the first time. Uncle Naseem, played by Laith Nakli, asks him what prison he converted to Islam in, riffing off an embarrassing anti-black stereotype. Sheikh Ali snarks back, pointing out that Arab-owned liquor stores are part of the reason black neighborhoods are disadvantaged. I was surprisedpleasantly surprised, actuallythat they made the point, Ibrahim said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Ask Youssef what he makes of all of this, and he has two responses: He cant make the show everyone wants, because thats impossible, and he built the show to provoke these conversations. Its not a beacon of how to be, because I think that would be a much worse and manipulative use of television, he said. To try and make some show on how to be a Muslim, what prerequisites do I have for that? How dare I?

Advertisement

The first season works best when Youssef sticks to what he knows, his own personal experience. But the pushback to it does seem to have affected him. More Muslims with different experiences are now in the writers room. Maytha Alhassen, a historian who has written extensively on Muslim representation in media, was a consultant for Season 1 but was tapped to weave together deeper storylines in Season 2, for women and others.

Advertisement

Over the phone, she called her transition artistic activism. Were having interesting conversations about choices that characters make within the context of the things that Ive researched, she said. In the room, I go back-and-forth. Sometimes I put on my Islamic studies hat, then I think about what it really feels like to be an Arab American woman.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Alhassen said she has always been obsessed with the subtle ways Muslims have embodied their identities in America. What made her presence in the writers room so valuable was her intimate knowledge of the conversations Muslims werent having, like those regarding porn. Some might ask, Why would you tell folks about that? No, were talking to each other about it.

This is where Ramy shinesit is utterly ready to go there. Many fellow Muslims arent yet. I call it piety policing, Alhassen said. Performative policing. We are obsessed with the external manifestations of our faith practice, but I think if you truly do place your trust in God, then the judgment of others should melt away.

Advertisement

Experiencing my religion through the lens of someone who doesnt trust me is how Ive internalized Islamophobia.

As a critic herself, Alhassen understands why Muslims get defensive over how they are portrayedeven when portrayed by other Muslims. But she said that doesnt really affect how the show is made. Do we have in mind what people are going to say? Yeah. We saw the reaction to Season 1, but are we constricted by that? I dont think so.

Advertisement

Advertisement

I think thats why representation feels so hollow, because you cant just put a character out there and the community will think thats enough. People are craving full characters in a full story, she said. There are other communities that have fought really hard to be in this place, and so there [are] a lot more of their stories out there. So were on that journey.

Advertisement

This puts Youssef is in an untenable position. He not only has to write a compelling show with sophisticated characters but also reluctantly play ambassador for all Muslims, no matter how much he refuses to. Its a position many of us can relate to but none of us can ever fulfill. So why do we continue to pass that mantle among ourselves?

Advertisement

No ones ever like, oh, have you seen the white show? Thats not a thing, Ramy told me. But people do say the Muslim show and thats not really fair. Im not even saying not fair to me. Its not fair to the viewer. There are so many of us and the only thing theyre getting is me?

Advertisement

Around this time, I realized that even while Ive tried to resist it, I had been doing this, too, in my head. I was doing it in the room with those 60 other young Muslims last year. And watching Season 2, I was more nervous than ever about how non-Muslims would relate what they see on screen back to me. I was wanting Youssef to perform Islam for non-Muslims for the same reasons I resentfully do the same to neutralize what non-Muslims might assume about me. Its internalized Islamophobia, and its likely why many Muslims demand one another to be perfect. But by wanting to shield ourselves from outside judgment, we become ensnared in judgment.

Advertisement

Ramys new season seems certain to invite plenty of that.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Im most worried for Laith Nakli, who plays Ramys bigoted Uncle Naseem. His character arc deals specifically with homophobia, a taboo still largely unbreached in many Muslim families. Nakli, for his part, told me its been the most fulfilling role hes ever played.

Every artist dreams of having that opportunity to be a part of something thats culturally shifting, Nakli said. Im always afraid of what fucking people think. You go through this as an actor, youre always worried about what people think and the reviews say in blah, blah, blah, you know? But in the end, its all about the work.

Advertisement

Advertisement

He first met Youssef in 2008 at one of his random stand-up sets in New York. They formed a local sketch comedy group called Sketchy Arabs. Nakli later convinced Youssef to take on acting classes at Esper Studio in New York. Thats where Youssef met May Calamawy, whod play his fictional sister, Dena, on Ramy.

Advertisement

Im going to get blowback from it, but Im OK with it, because its important, Nakli said of his role. He winced at the thought of homophobic people he knows watching the show and reacting to it in anger. I might have some moments where Im going to be really sad, he said. Not because of my own insecurities, but it makes me really sad to see that people are like that. And thats part of what made me want to do it.

One of the weirdest parts of being a first-generation Muslim American is growing up without obvious role models. Watching Season 2 of Ramy, Im fantasizing about Muslim leaders who can empathize with the fictional Ramys desire to be understood fully for exactly who he is and try to connect with their congregants in the same way Sheikh Ali, played by Mahershala Ali, does in the show.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Ali joined the series after he praised the first season in an interview. Casting him as a spiritual sheikh was the obvious choice. But writing one of TVs first nonterrorist sheikhs was on its own challenging. We dont want to come in and do, like, the trope of a Magical Negro,  Youssef said. But its interesting because sheikhs are very much spiritual, and then sometimes they feel a little magical. The goal, like for the rest of his characters, was to make them human.

So how do you make a sheikh human? Make them sin. Sheikh Ali, like all religious leaders, tries to hold himself to an otherworldly standard, always taking the high road. Rarely do we see him buckle. In Season 2, he offers protesters outside his mosque coffee with marshmallows. But when Ramys character reaches a breaking point with the sheikh, we get a glimpse at his darker side.

Advertisement

Its in characters and relationships like these that Ramy shows its real power. Its specificity and even its admittedly narrow point of view have turned out to be great assets. Its one of the first shows that articulates the divide many American Muslims feel between the spiritual ideal espoused by many of our parents and how we actually live. Yes, it does this with maximum mess. By the end of Season 2, it is almost impossible to like Ramy. But his path to self-destruction turns over so many stones of Muslim American fears, desires, taboos, and aspirations that watching the show feels liberating. Some conservative Muslims are shocked by Ramy because it stays true to a very misguided character and exposes him again and again. Its about how he is, not how he ought to be. The same goes for the sheikhMuslims are starving for role models who arent perfect but simply trying. Even if that means failing and ruining a marriage the same day it starts. Not just because we only see ourselves represented as villains, but because in our communities, we only represent ourselves as perfect.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

There is one person whom Youssef still wants to see him as perfect. His grandmother got sick while he was in the middle of producing this last season, and as she headed into her final days, he produced a personalized edit of the first season for her to watchwithout any of the sex. He told me that after she finished watching the show, she made a point to tell all the nurses that her grandson was a star. She died shortly after.

The rest of us arent his grandmother. We can watch this. We can have the conversation. We can admit weve done some of these things. We can be Muslim and be the people on this show. This doesnt mean were leaving the old traditions behind or betraying our new ones in America. In Season 2, a tow truck driver confronts Ramys sister, Dena, at the sight of her hijab, holding up his own efforts to assimilate as praiseworthy, and her holding on to her culture as backward: Its a melting pot, so fucking melt! If only it were that easy.

Advertisement

Youssef, through both his semi-autobiographical show and his rise in Hollywood, shows just one way to do this. The magic of his comedy, acknowledging the clash between who we are and who we want to beand making it funnyhas made me feel like I belong, I make sense, as a Muslim American a little more. And Youssef himself is proving to be model for how to make yourself an object of criticism. He says the fact that its a fictional Ramy whos under the microscope, and technically not him, helps. We joked about how its always easier to ask for advice when its for a friend. Exactly, he said. Im asking for Ramy Hasan, not Ramy Youssef.
The 66 Artillery Regiment (Volta Barracks) Saturday arrested 13 persons suspected to be linked to separatists-Homeland Study Group Foundation.



The 13 persons, eleven males and two females were picked at a meeting at Kpando-Aziavi in the Volta region.



Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Baba Pantoah, Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment told the Ghana News Agency that the operation, which had support from officials of the Bureau of National Investigations was between 0850 hours and 1300 hours.



He said security personnel seized a document from the group detailing areas they allegedly planned to attack soon.



The Commanding Officer said the 13 persons were escorted to the Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations.



In February this year, the Regiment rounded up 21 persons at a secret training camp allegedly operated by the secessionists group at Kpevedui in the Ketu North Municipality.



The 'recruits', made up of 20 males and a female were busted in a dawn raid and airlifted to Accra for further investigations.

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.

Featured Video
They say you cant take it with you, but you can leave it for your kids to take care of. Thats been the philosophy of my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents, I think, as I grumblingly open up yet another box from the closet.

While stuck inside during COVID-19, Ive set myself the task of reducing the amount of junk in our house so that our kids dont have to sort through it all after were gone.

Stuff falls out of every closet I open. My daughter-in-law says the problem is that we have too many closets. I swear that the boxes multiply like rabbits overnight in there. Its a Sisyphean task  no matter how much I recycle, donate or throw out, it hardly makes a dent.

Experts recommend emptying the whole closet or drawer and sorting everything into piles of what to keep, donate or throw out. I get overwhelmed using that approach, preferring to make small forays, just peeking inside one box for a hint of whats inside, then closing it again if Im not in the mood.

I think I have more stuff from previous generations than I do of my own. Medals from the First World War, which must have come from a great uncle, which means locating some second cousins. Boxes of sheet music that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Will anyone ever play it? Maybe.

Photos, letters, concert programs from the 1940s, books from so long ago that many of them are falling apart, such as Charles Dickens Household Words that my father sent back from England during the war. I pause to read an excerpt from Hard Times that he serialized in 1854, then continue on, finding my grandparents gild-framed landscape scenes. Maybe I should hang them here?

Another box reveals front pages from the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail that my mother kept from the Dieppe and D-Day invasions, interesting historical artifacts that I probably should hang onto as the 76th anniversary of D-Day is coming up on June 6.

Surely, sorting through and tossing my stuff will be easier. Alas, like my parents and their parents before them, I have inherited their pack rat gene. I open one drawer to find all the Beatles cards I collected as a preteen and every weekly CHUM chart that was ever issued listing the latest hits. I should go online to find out if theyre worth something. Then I come across the macrame wall hangings and plant holders I created in my 20s and I decide to hang one up in my office.

I end up with piles on the floor outside of the closets instead of inside and wonder how its an improvement.

The next generation has made a point of not collecting stuff  their photos are digital and they read ebooks and newspapers online. If I give them a greeting card, they take a picture of it, then recycle it. Maybe they have the right idea, of moving more lightly through the world. Oh, to take a page from their book ... their ebook, I mean.

Life is ephemeral, but all the stuff we accumulate isnt. Maybe its one way to ensure immortality, or to at least leave something for our childrens children to remember us by.

Habitat ReStore

If you are successful at decluttering and are looking for a place to donate your surplus items, both locations of the Habitat for Humanity ReStores, at 550 Braidwood Ave., and 300 Milroy Dr., are accepting donations by appointment for contactless drop-offs.

They take quality new and gently used home decor, furniture, lighting fixtures, housewares, artwork and more. And the stores are now open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 705-742-8572 or visit www.habitatpeterborough. ca/restores.
As protests in Atlanta over the killing of George Floyd continued to erupt on Friday night, rapper Killer Mike gave a tearful address urging rioters to resist the temptation to destroy their own city.

The Atlanta-born artist, who joined Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Police Chief Erika Sheilds and fellow rapper T.I., offered non-violent ways to approach the national protests.

While he has "a lot of love and respect for police officers," Killer Mike, whose father was an Atlanta police officer in the 1940s, said witnessing Floyd's death made him "mad as hell."

"Here we are 80 years later, and I watched a white officer assassinate a black man, and I know that tore your heart out," the rapper said of Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee on his neck.

RELATED: Minneapolis, Atlanta, D.C. and More Cities Erupt in Protests Across the U.S. Over George Floyd's Death

The 45-year-old rapper tearfully explained that he is "tired of seeing black men die," comparing what the officer did to Floyd to "a zebra in the clutch of a lion's jaw."

So thats why children are burning it to the ground. They dont know what else to do. And it is the responsibility of us to make this better right now," he continued. "We dont want to see one officer charged, we want to see four officers prosecuted and sentenced. We dont want to see targets burning, we want to see the system that sets up for systemic racism burnt to the ground.

Killer Mike said that while he also "wanted to see the world burn," he pled that the protestors "not burn your own house down for anger with an enemy."

"It is your duty to fortify your own house, so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization. And now is the time to plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize, he said. It is time to beat up prosecutors you dont like at the voting booth. It is time to hold mayoral offices accountable, chiefs and deputy chiefs. Atlanta is not perfect, but were a lot better than we ever were, and were a lot better than cities are."

Story continues

Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images Atlanta protest

He went on to tell viewers about how they can instead take action in the means of political change.

"Two of the most effective ways, is first, taking your butt to the computer and making sure you fill out your census to make sure people know where you are and who you are. The next thing is to exercise your political bully power and go into political elections, and beating up the politicians that you don't like," he explained. "Now is the time to do that. But it is not time to burn down your own home."

The musician's publicist, Jennifer R. Farmer, tells PEOPLE: "It's been said, that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What you witnessed last night was a heart overflowing with pain and frustration of being constantly told to wait on freedom. Freedom is not just being able to walk around unencumbered. It is being able to live without fear that one will be gunned down without reprisal or justice. It is knowing that you can earn a living wage and care for yourself and family. It is seeing an end to systemic racism. Watching Black men and women, even children, killed by police over and over again is heartbreaking and it is heavy. It is especially difficult to be asked to process ones emotions on an open stage. This is not a theoretical exercise. It is a lived one. At this time, Mike will not make further comment. We know that this issue is important and we urge you to go to grassroots leaders and seek comment from them."

Farmer adds, "Examples include Next Level Boys Academy in Atlanta, Latonya Gates of PAW Kids in Atlanta, Zakiya Sankara Jabar out of Maryland. Rev. Ben McBride and Pastor Michael McBride out of Oakland, Mary Hooks with Southerners on New Ground in Atlanta, Ash-Lee Henderson of the Highlander Center in Tennessee. Montague Simmons out of St. Louis. These are people, and the organizations they represent, are doing the heavy lifting and we recognize and applaud their leadership."

Another Atlanta-area celebrity, Tyler Perry, weighed in on the protests, agreeing that people need to "stop this violence."

"Please, please stop this violence!! Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!!!" he wrote across his social media platforms Saturday.

Im not in Atlanta, but if I were I would have been standing with our Mayor! But there was nothing I could say better than what Mayor @KeishaBottoms said last night! Please, please stop this violence!! Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!!! Continued: https://t.co/yePGJUaGVV  Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) May 30, 2020

Perry added, "And listen to me, be careful where you are getting your information to JOIN protests!! There are people and other countries who are posting things pretending to be US, pretending to stand for peaceful protest, but they are trying to incite us into violence and chaos to try and do more harm!!"

RELATED: Jamie Foxx Speaks at Justice Rally for George Floyd: All Were Trying to Do is Ask Questions

Mayor Bottoms decried the protests on Friday. "What I see happening on the streets of Atlanta is not Atlanta. This is not a protest. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. This is chaos," she said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Consitution. "A protest has purpose. When Dr. King was assassinated, we didn't do this to our city," she said. "If you want change in America, go and register to vote. ... That is the change we need in this country."

Just after midnight, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Fulton County, where Atlanta is located, and called on the national guard to deploy up to 500 guardsmen to the area. He wrote on Twitter that the decision was made at the request of Lance Bottoms.

Protests over racial injustice and police brutality started earlier this week in Minneapolis after footage of Floyd with an officer's knee on his neck surfaced online.

The Minneapolis police officer in the video  identified as Derek Chauvin  has been fired and was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

Public dissent over racial inequality and police violence continues to spread in major cities across the nation. Though Minneapolis remains the epicenter, there have been protests in at least 30 other U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Jose, Denver, and Washington D.C.
Apparel consumers shun China; Factories improve operations View(s):

As consumers are likely to shun China post COVID-19, Sri Lankan apparel exporters believe its the right time to fast-track the Eravur fabric park in the East and set up polyester fabric mills of at least four confirmed companies.

Currently Sri Lanka retains about 60 per cent on average of the value addition within the country and if this park is established this could increase to about 95 per cent and market the product as Made in Sri Lanka.

We are betting on the fabric park and we are already committing and speeding the process  we are very confident that we will not only boost our export value of the apparel but also increase value addition to up to 95 per cent within Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association President Rehan Lakhany told the Business Times on Thursday.

He noted that currently about four Chinese fabric mill companies have confirmed and are looking at relocating from China and more and more consumers are willing to buy goods manufactured outside of China.

We have to take advantage of that, he said adding that we need to attract the best suppliers as currently most consumers too want to move away from Chinese purchases.

Most western nations and particularly the US have constantly led the blame game against China over the spread of the COVID19 pandemic.

This park would be an opportunity for Sri Lanka to export fine polyester fabric to India as well, he said.

Meanwhile, apparel factories are now resuming operations as previous orders for clothes are now coming back in addition to orders for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Moreover, worker payments have been tough for April, May and June but with orders resuming going forward companies would be in position to pay workers and provide work as well, Mr. Lakhany said. (SD)
Chants of I cant breathe boomed down from the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol on Saturday as several hundred people protested the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died at the hands of police.

Unlike some protests around the country on Friday night, the racially-diverse Harrisburg demonstration which began at noon remained peaceful more than 90 minutes later.

It was organized by the Harrisburg arm of Black Lives Matters, which posted on Facebook, This event by no means encompasses everyone's perspectives and experiences, but we hope that it's the start of a movement that will join people together to fight for peace and justice.

Nylah Ashford of Harrisburg held a sign which read, Will I be killed for being gay, black or a woman first?

The 18-year-old said the death of Floyd is yet another example of why minorities and everyone who cares about equality must rise up after every unjust death or attack.

Asked about the violence that has overtaken the protests in some cities, Ashford said she believes outside agitators are trying to discredit the movement. Anything they can, they try to put on us, she said. Thats why we have to fight so hard.

59 Harrisburg Black Lives Matter Demonstration at the Capitol to protest the murder of George Floyd.

The protesters included whole families and some members of the clergy. Harrisburg police stayed mostly out of view, although several officers stood watch as the crowd, which eventually walked down the middle of the street for several blocks, passed the police station but didnt pause in its trek back to the Capitol.

Protesters carried signs with statements including White Silence is Violence, Fight for Your Country and No Peace No Justice. Many stood silently with raised fists.

Video widely shared on social media and shown on national news shows a Minneapolis officer with a knee on Floyds neck for more than eight minutes as several other officers stood nearby and a crowd looked on. Floyd can be heard saying he cant breathe.

Authorities in Minnesota announced Friday one of the officers, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Authorities said they expect three more officers to be charged. All four had already been fired.

While some protesters saw the charges  the fastest ever against a police officer in that county  as a sign of justice at work, defiance of police and violent acts continued in Minneapolis and some other cities across the country on Friday night.

The Pentagon was ready to send military police to Minneapolis and Georgia had activated its National Guard in response to protests, according to The Wall Street Journal. Protesters skirmished with police in cities including Washington, D.C. and New York and police in Portland, Ore. called the situation a riot. In Detroit, someone fired from a vehicle into a crowd of protesters who were confronting police on Friday night, killing a 19-year-old man, the Associated Press reported.

A Facebook post by the Harrisburg-based Black Lives Matters organization said, We call upon the city of Minneapolis to prosecute the four officers responsible for the murder of George Floyd, and we call upon our own city to prevent anything like this from happening in the future. That means getting at the root cause of the problem: a police system that prioritizes the white and wealthy over the wellbeing of Black and poor communities.

Locally, the group said it is asking for things including a community review board to investigate allegations of police misconduct, rather than internal investigations; shifting funding from police weapons toward areas such as housing, education and health care; releasing some prison inmates to protect them from COVID-19; and mandatory body cams and dash cam with footage available to the public.

A rally was also held in downtown Lancaster on Saturday, with hundreds of people marching along Prince and Queen streets, stopping in front of the Lancaster City Police station on Chestnut Street.

READ MORE:

George Floyd case: Pa. police chiefs condemn officers knee-on-neck method seen in viral video

National Guard summoned to aid cities amid police clashes

Barack Obama calls for justice after protests over George Floyds death in police custody
Authorities in Madhya Pradeshs Indore announced on Friday they have engaged about 2,000 additional personnel in identifying patients of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the city, which is one of the major hotspots in the country.

Indore is one of 13 worst-affected cities, which account for 72% of the 165,000 cases across the country till Thursday. The other cities include Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Thane, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chengalpattu and Thiruvallur.

We are carrying survey, sampling and tracing work more aggressively now while engaging more than 2,000 personnel from health and other departments in this work for quite some time. Thus, we have more than 5,000 personnel now engaged in this task, Dr Pravin Jadia, chief medical and health officer, said.

Dr Jadia said there was no change in the strategy of the department in identifying and treating Covid-19 patients but the number of personnel involved in the survey, sampling and contact tracing was increased considerably.

We have 2,000 teams just for survey only. We have the situation under control as most of the patients identified are those who were identified during the survey and screening and were already quarantined. Also, about 50% of the patients have already recovered and been discharged from hospitals, he added.

Union cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba interacted with chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other officials on Thursday to assess the situation and how to control it, government officials said.

Indore registered 3,260 Covid-19 cases till Thursday evening that accounts for 43% of the infections in Madhya Pradesh that stood at 7,453 as on Thursday evening, according to the state governments health departments bulletin.

Indore has witnessed the death of 122 patients that accounts for 38% of all the fatalities reported from the state that stood at 321 till Thursday evening.

In the past 10 days, the city has reported about 700 cases or 70 cases daily or about three patients every hour on an average despite the oft-repeated claims of the state government and the district administration that the situation in the commercial capital of the state is under control.

As the state government and Indore administration are battling with the respiratory disease in Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, Burhanpur, Khargone, Khandwa, Neemuch, Dewas, Mandsaur and Neemuch in Malwa-Nimad region, Sagar in Bundelkhand region, Gwalior and Morena in Gwalior-Chambal region and Raisen in the central region are emerging as Covid-19 hotspots.

Bhopal in the central region continues to remain a hotspot with 1,373 cases and 51 deaths.

In Sagar, the divisional headquarters in Bundelkhand, 24 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours to take the tally of patients to 165 out of whom 7 have died so far.

We have been requesting the state government right from day one to enhance the number of sampling and tests, upgrade the public health system to have a lab for testing in every district, make a better quarantine plan, chalk out a separate plan for every district and containment zone and let the doctors and experts decide how to contain the disease and treat the patients. But unfortunately, the governments entire plan and approach is bureaucrats centric, public health expert Amulya Nidhi said.

Mohd Suleman, the additional chief secretary of the health department, could not be reached for his comments.

We need to understand that the state government is doing its best in controlling the situation and chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has gone on record saying that more and more patients are recovering in the state that suggests an improvement in the scenario, state BJP leader Dr Hitesh Bajpai said.
The failure to provide an Irish language version of the online application form for Leaving Cert students when the calculated grading portal was first opened this week was sharply criticised by Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan.

The online application process became live at the beginning of this week as students were asked to opt for calculated grades or to sit a rescheduled Leaving Certificate written exam later in the year.

According to Deputy Moynihan, however, the launch of the online application process led to confusion for students in Gaeltacht post primary schools and Gaelcholaisti because there was no option to fill in the forms as Gaeilge.

"It was confusing for the students who contacted me about it this morning," he said.

"As students in Irish medium schools they thought they would have to register in Irish and when that option wasn't available, they weren't sure what to do."

The problem was resolved and an Irish language option available by Wednesday morning but, according to the TD, it had sent the wrong message to Gaeltacht and Gaelcholaiste students.

"This sent the message that the Irish language was in second place and that was unfortunate," said the TD.

By Tuesday night approximately 38,000 of 60,000 Leaving Certificate students had registered whether they wished to get calculated grades or sit a written exam. They also had to state whether they wished to be examined at a higher or ordinary level for the different exam subjects.

Some schools are facing issues as teachers have no access to the copy books of the students as a source material for the grades which they will be giving.

Training courses were underway this week to give guidance to teachers on how they could give grades to their students for this years exams.
Written by ACM





*Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- In an Historic Move to officialy "Prevent OnLine Censorship", which reminds also the Emergence of "Public Service" in European Countries, combined with Human Rights at the Internet, mainly Focused on Free Speech and Democracy, as well as the Fight against Oligo/Monopoles, US President Don Trump published Today a landmark "Executive Order" froling "Eurofora" Project's core on Boosting Citizens' Digital Dialogue in Modern Decision-Making, just Before the Crucial forthcoming US Presidential Elections of November 2020.

The move comes less than 1 Year After a Pioneer and Popular Summit to Boost Independent Web News Journalism's Freedom, organized by President Trump last July 2019 at the White House, (See: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/trumpforfreewebnews.html, etc)



---------------------------------

- "Free Speech is the BedRock of ... Democracy. ...The Freedom to Express and Debate ideas is (at) the Foundation for all of our Rights as a Free People", Trump stressed from the outset, presenting the "Policy" of his move.

- Nowadays, "we canNot allow a limited number of OnLine platforms to Hand-Pick the Speech" that People "may Access and Convey on the Internet", he stressed, because such a "practice is fundamentally ...Anti-Democratic", since, "when large, Powerful social Media Companies Censor Opinions with which they disagree, they exercise a Dangerous Power", he Denounced.

- Indeed, Obviously, "the growth of OnLine platforms in Recent years raises important Questions about applying the Ideals" of Freedoms of Expression and Information Speech of the First Amendment "to Modern Communications Technology", given the Fact that, in real Practice, "Today", Many People "follow the News, stay in touch with Friends and Family, and share their Views on current Events through Social Media and Other OnLine platforms. As a result, these platforms function in many ways as a 21st Century equivalent of the Public Square", he described.

- F.ex., "Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube wield immense, if not UnPrecedented, Power to Shape the Interpretation of public events; to Censor, Delete, or Disappear Information; and to Control what People See or do Not see", Trump rightfully Warned, in concreto.

=> In Consequence, "Free and Open Debate at the Internet" has become a "Clear Commitment" of Trump's Presidency, as he reminded, Because "Such Debate is just as Important online as it is in our Universities, our Town-Halls, and our Homes. It is Essential to sustaining our Democracy".

-----------------------

- Because "Theres No Precedent in ...History for so Small a Number of Corporations to Control so Large a Sphere of interaction". Social media Companies had More Power and more reach Than any Phone company or Newspaper or Media outlet : -"Theyve had UnChecked Power to Censor Restrict, Edit, Shape, Hide, Alter virtually Any form of Communication between private citizens or large public audiences, he Added Oraly.

- But "What they Choose to Fact-Check, and what they choose to Ignore or Promote, is nothing more than a Political Activism group", Trump Denounced. F.ex., the Choices that <<Twitter>> makes, when it chooses to Suppress, Edit, Black-List, Shadow-Ban" are "Inappropriate "Decisions".

-------------------------------------

Notoriously, Trump Won the 2016 US Presidential Elections against a Hostile Majority of Establishment's Traditional Medias, Just Thanks, partially, to "Fox" News, and Mainly of "Breitbart"'s Web-Newspaper, "Limbaugh"'s Web-Radio, "Info-Wars" and"Rightside" Web-TVs, etc., Added to many American People's activism at the Internet. When a New Trump-Friendly Media emerged, Later-on : "AONN" TV and WebNewsite, its Press Correspondent at the White House was, Recently, even ...Excluded from the Press-Briefings, (after having been earlier copiously Slandered personally at Establishment's Web), under a Hollow, Procedural Pretext, by a Corporatist, Old-Fashioned "Association" of Established Mass Medias' cushy job "JINOs" ("Journalists in Name Only"), most of whom Date from Dems Party's Former POTUS Bill Clinton and Barack Hussein Obama, etc. !

=> So that, Nowadays, it's Obviously, even More than Before, Mainly upon People's Web Activism, that Trump may Count at the Crucial Forthcoming US Presidential and Congress' Elections of November 2020, if he succesfully Strengthens, there, a Strategic "Objective Alliance" with any Honest Freedom-Loving Internet Actors. (A Hope which had initially Motivated, f.ex., Even an ...Australian Web Businessman, that a Local Establishment had reportedly ill-treated)...

>>> Most Probably for that reason too, Recently, Establisment's Big "Online Platforms are engaging in Selective Censorship that is Harming ...National DisCourse", while "Tens of Thousands of Americans have reported, among other Troubling behaviors, online platforms Flagging content as Inappropriate, even though it does not violate any stated terms of service; making UnAnnounced and unexplained Changes to company policies that have the effect of Disfavoring certain Viewpoints; and (even) Deleting content and entire accounts, with No Warning, No Rationale, and No Recourse", President Trump Denounced.

+ Moreover, inter alia, also "Twitter now Selectively decides to place a "Warning Label" on certain tweets in a manner that clearly reflects Political Bias". (Something which, indeed, meanwhile, has just been done even Against US President Trump himself, his Topical Tweet against Violent Riots having been Hidden below such a so-called "Warning Label", Accusing him to ..."Glorify Violence" [sic !], as he Warned that USA's National Guard might "Shoot" at Brutal Rioters if they Start "Looting", as a matter of "Fact", in order to Prevent such Clashes, and "Not" as a "Statement", as he Explained afterwards - UPDATED)... On the Contrary, "as has been reported, Twitter seems Never to have placed such a label on Other Politicians tweet". F.ex.,"as recently as last week, (Dems') Representative Adam Schiff was continuing to Mislead his followers by peddling the long-Disproved Russian Collusion Hoax", (i.e. the False Claim that the US President would have been Elected only because he allegedly Betrayed his Country by a Secret Deal with the Russian Government... A "Hoax" with which Dems notoriously Blocked any other Political Debate in the USA for More than 3 Years, until even the notorious Anti-Trump Attorney Mueller Droped a fruitless "Investigation"), "and Twitter did Not Flag Those tweets". +Moreover, "UnSurprisingly, its Officer in charge of so-called Site Integrity has Flaunted his Political Bias in his own tweets", (where he Notoriously Accused the "White House" even to host ..."NAZIS" inside it !)

- "At the same time online platforms are invoking Inconsistent, irrational, and GroundLess justifications to Censor or otherwise Restrict Americans Speech here at Home", on the Contrary, "several online platforms are Profiting from and Promoting the Aggression and Disinformation spread by Foreign Governments.... One United States company, for example, (NDLR : "Google") Created a Search Engine for [Foreign Officials] that would have Blacklisted searches for Human Rights", Hid data UnFavorable to [those Foreign Officials], and Tracked Users determined appropriate for Surveillance. It also established research Partnerships ...that provide direct Benefits to [that Foreign] Military. Other companies have accepted Advertisements Paid for by [that Foreign] Government that spread False information about ... mass imPrisonment of Religious Minorities, thereby Enabling these Abuses of Human Rights. They have also amplified [that Foreign Country's] Propaganda abroad, including by allowing [Foreign] Government Officials to use their platforms to spread Misinformation regarding the Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to Undermine pro-Democracy Protests...", he accused.

--------------

=> On the Contrary, - "We must Foster and Protect Diverse Wiewpoints in todays Digital communications environment where All [Citizens] can and should have a Voice. We must Seek Transparency and Accountability from OnLine Platforms, and Encourage Standards and Tools to Protect and preserve the Integrity and Openness of ...Discourse and Freedom of Expression", Trump Urged

-----------------------------

For that purpose, US President Trump, Clearl stressed that, as a matter of General Principle, : - "It is the Policy of the US to Foster clear ground Rules Promoting Free and Open Debate on the Internet".

____________________________________________

=> Thus at First, he Decided to officialy "Clarify" that a Legal "Liability Immunity"'s "Scope" "should Not Extend ...for those Who Purport to provide users a Forum for free and open speech, But, in Reality, use their Power over a Vital means of Communication to engage in Deceptive or pretextual actions Stifling free and open Debate by Censoring certain Viewpoints", as he described it.

- Because such "Immunity" had been established, in the Past, Only in order to "Not Discourage from Taking Down (really) Harmful material", f.ex. "to Protect Minors from Harmful Content", he reminded. While "the (US) Congress' Vision (was) that Internet is a Forum for a True Diversity of Political Discourse".

=> Therefore, that provision (Comp. Supra) must "Not be Distorted, to provide Liability Protection for OnLine platforms that  Far from acting in Good faith to remove Objectionable content  Instead engage in Deceptive or Pretextual Actions (often Contrary to their stated terms of service) to Stifle Viewpoints with which they Disagree". Because that "was Not intended to Allow a handful of Companies to Grow into Titans (sic !) Controlling Vital Avenues for ...National Discourse under the guise of promoting open forums for debate, and then to provide those behemoths Blanket Immunity When they use their Power to Censor content and Silence Viewpoints that they Dislike". In that case, "Such a Provider Should properly Lose (that) Liability Shield .... and be Exposed to Liability, like Any traditional Editor and Publisher", he explained.

- Particularly when their actions are "Deceptive, Pretextual, or Inconsistent with a providers terms of service; or taken after Failing to provide adequate Notice, reasoned Explanation, or a meaningful opportunity to be Heard", Trump's "Executive Order" points out.

-----------------------------

+ In Addition, at the Financial area, USA Authorities will "Review" any "Federal Spending on Advertising and Marketing Paid to Online Platforms", in order to "Protect Federal Taxpayer Dollars from Financing Online Platforms that Restrict Free Speech", according to Trumps' Executive Order.

=> Thus, "within 30 Days", the "Department of Justice" will "assess whether any OnLine Platfoms are Problematic Vehicles for Government Speech, due to Viewpoint Discrimination, Deception to consumers, or Other Bad practices".

_______________________________

+ Moreover, After the US "Supreme Court", on "2017", "noted that Social Media Sites, as the Modern <<Public Square>>, <<Can provide perhaps the Most Powerful Mechanisms available To a private Citizen to make his or her Voice Heard", while "Communication through those Channels has Become Important for meaningful Participation in ... Democracy, including to Petition Elected Leaders", "these Sites are providing an Important Forum to the Public for others to engage in Free Expression and Debate".

=> In Consequence, "the White House launched", just 1 Year Ago, ("in May of 2019"), "a Tech Bias Reporting tool, to allow" Citizens "to Report Incidents of OnLine Censorship", and, "In just Weeks", it "Received over 16.000 Complaints of OnLine Platforms Censoring or otherwise taking Action Against Users, Based on their Political Viewpoints", Trump revealed.

>>> Thus, now, "the White House will Submit such Complaints received to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)", in order to "consider Taking Action... to Prohibit Unfair or Deceptive acts or practices in or Affecting commerce". These "may Include ... Restrict(ing) Speech in ways that do Not Align with those entities' Public Representations".

+ And "for Large OnLine Platforms, that are Vast Arenas for Public Debate, (including the Social Media Platform "Twitter"), the FTC shall Also ... consider Whether Complaints allege Violations of Law", that "implicate" the above-mentioned official "Policy of the US, that Large OnLine Platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook", are "the Critical Means of promoting Free Flow of Speech and Ideas Today", which "Should Not Restrict protected Speech".

- It would Also "develop... a Report describing such Complaints" by Affected Citizens, and "make (it) Publicly Available".

-------------------------------------------------

++ In Parallel, at the Level of USA's 50 "States", "the Attorney General shall establish a working Group regarding the potential Enforcement of State Statutes that Prohibit OnLine Platforms from engaging in Unfair or Deceptive acts or practices", according also to "Anti-Discrimination Laws".

- That "Group shall Also develop Model Legislation" for States, in that area, and "shall Invite States' Attorneys General for Discussion and Consulation".

- The ("over 16.000") above-mentioned "Complaints ...will be Shared with the Working Group", which "shall Also Collect publicily available Information, regarding" :

* "Increased Scrutiny of Users, based on the other users they choose to follow, or their interactions with other users;"

* "Algorithms to Suppress content or users, Based on indications of Political alignment or Viewpoint;"

* "Differential Policies allowing for otherwise Impermissible Behavior, when committed by accounts Associated with [a Foreign Country] or other Anti-Democratic Associations or Governments;"

* "reliance on Third-party Entities, including contractors, media organizations, and individuals, with indicia of Bias, to Review content;" and

* "acts that Limit the ability of Users, with particular Viewpoints to Earn Money on the Platform, Compared with Other Users similarly situated."

----------------------------------------

+++ Moreover, "he Attorney General shall develop a proposal for Federal Legislation ...to promote the Policy Objectives of this (US Presidential Executive) Order".

-----------------------------------------

>>> To Clarify its Scope in practice, this Trump's Executive Order concludes by a "Definition" of "the term <<OnLine Platform>>", which "means Any Website or Application that Allows Users to Create and Share Content, or Engage in Social Networking, or any general Search Engine".

--------------------------------------------------

=> A Key Part of the Main Thrust of that Issue was Also Presented and Further Developed by the New "White House"'s Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, in Most of her almost parallel Press-Briefing :

- "It is Time to... get the Facts about Twitter and Other Social Media platforms Targeting their Bias Against President Trump and Conservatives OnLine", she stressed from the outset.

- F.ex., "If we were to judge the Bias of Twitter and its top employees by Their own Words, the case would be an Easy one to make. Twitters Head of <<Site Integrity>> has tweeted that there are, quote, actual Nazis (sic !) in the White House, and No Fact-Check Label was ever applied to this absolutely OutRageous, Offensive, and False Claim made against the White House and its employees", she Denounced.

- "But lets Judge Twitter based on their Actions". They "are No Better. President Trump Recently received a so-called Fact Check Label for a tweet. It was a False fact check, an Inaccurate fact check, But nevertheless, Twitter moved forward with it. + Dan Scavino, the Deputy Chief of Staff" in the White House, "was the ...1st User in the History of Twitter to receive a so-called, quote, ...Manipulated Media (sic !) Label for posting a Video that played a Verbatim clip. It is No Coincidence that these 2 UnBelievable interventions by Twitter were Targeted against the President of the US and one of (his) Top Advisors. This is Bias in action", she Criticized.

- "And while <<Big-Tech>> is Quick to Censor the President, quick to censor some of his Top Employees, ...they are very Reluctant, it seems, to Label some of the actions by [Foreign] Officials, some of the MisInformation that has been Spread by" them, McEnany observed, Basically pointing at facts Denounced also by Trump himself, (Comp. Supra). Inter alia, f.ex., back in March, a [Foreign] Official began Spreading a "Conspiracy Theory" on Twitter  an e+Egregious one  that our U.S. Military was Responsible for the Spread of the CoronaVirus. And that tweet, that Disinformation, it took all the way Until Today, when we raised concerns about it, to get a Fact Check" by Twitter, she regretted. "So they appear to be very hastily Eager to Censor President Trump and some of his Employees, But a little Reluctant when it comes to [a Foreign Country]. Its a bit Defuddling !",

- Citting also "one other action of Twitter that I learned just before walking out here: that, on the <<Mueller Report>> (on a Hoax alleging that Trump would have Betrayed USA to Russia, which Manipulated 2016 US Presidential Elections in exchange : A Claim Later Droped), their Anti-Trump Headlines were Anti-Trump by a Ratio of 76 to 1 ! Thats Extraordinary"..

+ "And its Not Just bias Aimed at President Trump and his Employees, its Also aimed at everyday Americans", she added. F.ex., "its aimed at the Movie UnPlanned", (an Anti-Abortion Saga, Against "Planned Parenhood", which was Also Notoriously Denounced, by Others, Even to Sell ...Killed Babies' "Human Parts" !), as Twitter Suspended their Account, and, then, came up with an Excuse in the Aftermath"...

++ "And then, just anOther Example that "Liberals" (US Center-Left, of Dems' Party) are Allowed to Incite Violence against the "Covington Kids", (Christian Students at an Anti-Abortion Demonstration fin Favor of Human Embryos, Against Abortions and Genetic Manipulations, etc, who were notoriously Provoked, more or less, by 2 Different, Smaller Groups of Racial Minorities, But Initially Mis-rePresented as having Reportedly Insulted those Minorities, in kind of "Racist" way : Something which was Later Proved Totaly Wrong !), who were, in the End, proven Right and their Video was taken Out of context, and yet these (Opposed, Hostile) individuals were led  were allowed by Twitter to Incite Violence", (Including "Death Threats", according to "Wikipedia"). "Its very Disturbing to see !". - "So those are some of the Presidents Concerns"..., she Concluded.

>>> - "But No one Believes in the 1st Amendment (to USA's Constitution : on Free Speech), More than the President", McEnany stressed. So that "the President Will take Action to ensure that <<Big Tech>> does Not Stifle "Free Speech", and that the Rights of All [Citizens] to Speak, Tweet, and Post, are Protected", she vowed.

-----------------------------

- But, "this President ...has made so Many False and Misleading sStatements that has put, you know, Fact-Checkers to work across the World (sic !)... I mean, hes uttered some 18,000 False or Misleading Statements, (re-sic !!) according to "The Washington Post" (Bought by Millionaire Bezos)... If theres any Political Leader out there who Should be Fact- Checked, isnt it President Trump? And arent You trying to Silence Fact-Checking by going after Twitter like this ? The President doesn't Lie ?", asked an Obviously Hostile "Journalist" of the Establishment.

- "I Disagree with All, if not almost all, of those Assertions that youre making there because, look, If youre going to get into the Fact-Checking business theres No One that should be fact-checked More Than the Mainstream Media, that has been Continually Wrong about a Number of things", McEnany Denounced, in Reply...

=> - "To give you a List of some of the Most Egregious ones" :

* "That ABC News, in December of 2017, Falsely reported that Flynn (Former Trump's Security Advisor) would Testify that the President Directed him, during the campaign, to make Contact with the Russians. That was False."

* "In 2017, Your network, CNN, Botched their "WikiLeaks email" Exclusive, and were Forced to make on-air Corrections".

* "CNNs Jim Sciutto  anOther CNN one  dropped a ..Fictional Bombshell in 2018, July, claiming that Michael Cohen (a Former Trump's Lawyer) would Tell federal Investigators that the President Knew of the Trump Tower Meeting", (of one among his Sons with a Russian), at New York.

* 'The New York Times saying, There AreNt Enough Ventilators to Cope With the Coronavirus. In fact, we had an Excess of Ventilators, weve Shipped around the World".

(Etc+)...

-----------------------------------

- When an Opposed Journalist of the Establishment Claimed that it would be Also President Trump who wrote "Tweets that are Not True", giving as Example an Alleged Claim that "The Governor of California (from the Dems) is Sending out Ballots to Millions of People", practically "Anyone ...In the State", while "that is Not True", since "California is Sending out absentee Ballots to Registered Voters, Not to Anybody", suddenly the Controversy on Voting by Mail, went Viral :

- "Let me address this in Detail, on the issue of Ballots. ...And, in that, I will get to the California Example", reacted McEnany.

- "First, ...there was a Pew Study done that shows there is Plenty of Reason to believe that ...in the Mass Mail-in system, that there is Fraud. They estimated that approximately 24 Million  1 out of every 8 Voters Registered in the U.S.  are No longer Valid or are significantly InAccurate. So these are people who are on voter Registrations that have Not been Maintained, that have Not been Kept up"; F.ex., inter alia, "More than 1.8 Million have been Deceased, they estimated."

+ "And then, when you look ...into some of the Examples that weve seen in States, ...it just really struck me as a perfect example of what the President is concerned about with Mail-in ballots and the Fraud that Can be Inherent in that". F.ex. "Nevada mass-Mailed Ballots out To Voter Rolls that were Piling up ... Outside of apartment complexes in Las Vegas, sitting around in Trash Cans. This is how were protecting ballots? Its extraordinary !"

++ Moreover, "Postal Workers  .... a 36-year veteran carrier, said shes never seen anything like these Influx of absentee Ballots : All of the People had Moved or Died, ...on her first Delivery route. And this happened just Recently.... Last Week. She found 65 Ballots of People who had Moved or Died. On her Second carry, 100. And then, as the Week progressed, Thousands just sitting in Crates !"...

+++ "In South Carolina, Dems  ...sued to Force a rush transfer of Mail-in Voting. ...again Recently... And Mail-in Ballots for South Carolina, Turned up ...In Maryland !...", she Denounced.

+++ "Theres anOther example of 700 Suspicious Mail-in Ballots in Dallas. And an Individual Charged with 2nd-degree Felony, illegal Voting : ..hes Accused of visiting a woman in April to Collect her blank absentee Ballot, Filling it out, and Forging her Signature !..."

++++ "And then you go on: Theres a New Jersey example of over 3,000 Ballots that were seemingly Set Aside", she added.

+++++ "And going to California  you mentioned  California is one of those states thats Notorious for Ballot Harvesting". F.ex., "in 2018, the Registrar in Orange County said that they reported that his office had People Dropping off maybe 100 or 200 Ballots at a time. And somehow, in LA County, ...112 % (sic !) of LA County is Registered to Vote !"

=> "So, the Problem is this: When you doNt Clean your Register, and you ...auto-Send out these (entire) Ballots, they End up in Trash Cans, like in Nevada. they are Subject to Fraud, and that is Extremely Troubling !".

- And, precisely, in California, "there is an executive Order ...put into place Recently by Gavin Newsom, that would Auto-Send to Voter Rolls, and that would Lead to what the President was Suggesting", McEnany Warned.

-----------------

Later-on, President Trump Added Even More on that Key Point :

- Some "said that Mail-in Balloting  ....No fraud. No fraud. Really?" ....[But] Theres Cases All Over the Country !"...

- "If we went to Mail-in Balloting, our Election all over the world would look as a Total Joke", Because "theres such Fraud and Abuse...", he Denounced.

>>> And you know about Harvesting, where they harvest the Ballots, and they go and Grab them, and they go to Peoples Houses, and then they say, Sign here. No. DoesNt work", Trump Warned.

- "Now", if it's "An Absentee Ballot  you cant be there or youre Sick, and you go and you register and you do all sorts of things to get that ballot, and theres Good Security measures", he Distinguished.

>>> "But when they Send out  like in California  Millions and millions of Ballots, to Anybody thats breathing  Anybody in California thats breathing, Gets a Ballot", he Warned.

=> "The Republican Party canNot Let it happen", "because theres Tremendous Controversy on Mail-in Voting", Trump pointed out.

- F.ex., when California Governor, Gavin Newsom, "Sends out 28 Million Ballots, and theyre in All the Mail-Boxes, and Kids go and they Raid the Mail-Boxes, and they Hand them to People that are Ligning the ballots down the End of the Street, which Is Happening  they Grab the Ballots  ... Theres Ballot Harvesting ... we had 7 Elections for Congress, and they were ...Tied. And they Lost Every one of them, Because they (Dems) Came and Dropped the whole Pile of Ballots on the Table", ge Denounced.

+ F.ex.; "They Rip them Out of MailBoxes. Its all the time you read about it". And "They do Worse than that : In some cases, they woNt Sell [sic] them, like to a Republican community  a Conservative community. They doNt happen to Send the Ballots to Those Communities. And theres No Way of Checking..." So that"we would be the Laughing-Stock of the World. And if you just use common sense, you know thats Going To Happen". "They Raid the MailBoxes. They can Even ...Print Ballots: They get the Same Paper, the Same Machine  nothing special  ... They Print Ballots !".

=> So, in such massive Mail Voting, "you have >>>Tremendous Potential for Fraud and Abuse", he Warned, in Conclusion, (Showing, also, with All those Facts and Arguments, that his contested "Tweet" would be, indeed, Justified)...

+ It's true, however, that, once again, that same Opposed Journalist of the Establishment, Contested that such Mass-Mail Voting might Profit to one or another Party, citting a Stanford's Report for his Claim.

>>> But, "Eurofora", remembers well, that, Already, f.ex., the Harshly Contested UK National Elections of 2005, (the Last for Controversial former "Labour"/Socialist Prime Minister Tony Bliar), were UnExpectedly snatched by that "Labour" out-going Government, with a Tiny Difference of Votes, strongly Denounced for Fraude, mainly through Massive Mail-Voting, which was Hotly Contested, and had to be Examined by CoE's Assembly in Strasbourg, with a very Controversial Report, after Many Irregularities and Incidents had been Reported...

-------------------------------------------

=> - Thus, Replying, Later Today, to a Provocative Question, by a Journalist of the Establishment, about Why he doesn't just "Delete" his "Twitter ... Account", and "Walk Away from this Platform", he's "been so Critical of ?", President Trump Pointed at the Heart of the Matter :

- "If You (i.e. Establishmet's Medias) wereNt Fake, I would not even think about it. I Would Do That in a heartbeat !"..., he stressed.

- "But, the (Establisment's) News is Fake : if you look at What gets Printed in Newspapers, ... its Not Real in so Many Cases", Trump Denounced. "Im Not saying in Every case. ...You have Some Journalists that I have Great Respect for. But Largely, I find, ....there is So Much Fake news, its Disgraceful !".

- "IF we had a Fair Press..., I would ... Get Rid of my whole Twitter Account", "in a Heartbeat"...

- But, "if I get a Story thats Wrong, I Can put a Social Media". "So Im able to Refute Fake News, and thats very Important".

>>> - "Im able to get to, I guess, 186 Million People, when you add up all the different accounts and Add Facebook and Instagram. Thats a Lot of people. And thats More than the (Traditional) Media Companies have, frankly, by a lot !". Indeed, "I put something out, and the Next Day or the next Hour or the next Minute, Everybody is Reading about it", he observed, as far as Internet's Potential really is...

---------------------

But the Problem is that, even "Social Media", as Twitter, are Often Not Fair... (Comp. Supra).

- "Take a look at this as an Example : ... Twitter Moments on the Mueller Witch-Hunt, (on the Alleged "Russian Collusion" Hoax, in 2016 Election : Comp. Supra) "So, We Won. We were in the Right. You see whats happened. ... It was a total Fraud". But, nevertheless, "Seventy-six to one, okay? Seventy-six to One", of Tweets doN't say so. They are Opposite ! (Comp. Supra) "You look at it. You Think thats Fair ?"

+ AnOther concrete Example : -"Twitter Classifies the Term <<illegal alien>> as <<Hate Speech>>. Illegal alien. And Viciously"...

- And, "this guy is the Arbiter of whats supposed to go On Twitter. Hes the one. He ...used CNN as a Guide (sic !) CNN, which is Fake News. He uses CNN as a guide. His name is Yoel Roth", he Denounced.

=> F.ex., "Hes the one that said that Mail-in balloting...  no fraud. No fraud. Really? ... But, "Theres cases all over the country. If we went to Mail-in balloting, our Election ...would be a Total Joke. Theres such Fraud and Abuse", (Comp. Supra). ... So heres your  Heres Your Man, and thats On Twitter". And the amazing thing is Hes Wrong".

---------------------

=> Thus, "Were here Today to Defend Free Speech from one of the Gravest Dangers it has faced in ... History", as US President Do Trump stressed just Before Signing his relevant Executive Order on that "Hot" and Topical Issue, (Comp. Supra).

- In fact, "a Small Handful of Powerful Social Media Monopolies Controls a Vast portion of all public and private Communications... And we know who they are; we dont have to name them", he observed.

- "Theyve had UncChecked Power to Censor, Restrict, Edit, Shape, Hide, Alter virtually Any form of Communication between Private Citizens and large Public Audiences. Theres No Precedent in ...History for so Small a Number of Corporations to Control so Large a Sphere of human interaction. And that includes Individual People Controlling Vast Amounts of Areas", he Denounced.

=> So that, "we caNt Allow that to happen, especially ... because theyre doing things InCorrectly. They have Points of View. And if we go by that, its actually Amazing that there was a(n Electoral) Success in 2016. But we CaNt Let this Continue to happen. Its very, Very UnFair", he Warned.



And you look at the statistics and you look at what is going on, and I think everybody would very much agree with that, including Democrats, by the way. I saw quite a few Democrats are saying this is about time something is done. So lets see if they keep that decision after they hear that we agree with them.



The choices that Twitter makes when it chooses to suppress, edit, blacklist, shadow, ban are editorial decisions, pure and simple. Theyre editorial decisions.

-----------------------------------

+ Questioned whether he "would consider Shutting Down Twitter", President Trump did Not Deny, But eyed Also Other Solutions (See Infra) :

- "If Twitter were not honorable  if youre going to have a guy like this (Comp. Supra) be your judge and jury, I think just Shut it down !"... "If it were Legal, if it were able to be legally shut down, I Would Do It", he Agreed.

+ But, it's Also True that, inter alia, f.ex., "I have so much, it seems, Influence Over Twitter in the sense of People wanting to see  Go Twitter Because of what I have. I have a Vast Number ...of platforms, as you know. We have millions and Millions of People", (Comp. estimated Numbers, cited Supra).

=> In Consequence, "Id be Hurting it very badly IF We didNt Use it anymore", Trump Warned. Indeed, "We Have Other Sites we Could Use, I guess", (f.ex., inter alia, Also "GAB", etc). "Or wed have to Develop OTHER SITES", he Suggested...

-------------------------------

+ However, some Readers' Comments at a relevant Article Published these Days at "Breitbart", half Ironically, Half Seriously, suggested even anOther eventual Solution :

F.ex., USA's Federal Government could ...TAX much Heavier, those "Big-Tech" Social Medias which use to Interfere Heavily and/or Abusively on "Hot" Political Publications at their Web Platforms, while, on the Contrary, those which Respected the Views Expressed by Citizens withOut attempting to Modify them in any way, would, on the Contrary, have much Lower Taxes to pay, as a kind of "Public Service" Medias...

=> Perhaps an Interesting Suggestion which might, eventually, also Help Find a more Adequate Compromise Solution at the Notorious USA - France and Other EU Countries' recent Quarell on a "GAFA" (for Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, etc) Tax, (which would concern also Twitter, Instagram, etc) ?

(../..)

("Draft-News"

----------------------------------------
AIRPORT:--- With more and more countries around the world starting to open up to the traveling public with a gradual cooling off of the Coronavirus lockdown, so are major airlines keen to resume flights to St. Maarten - thats the word from PJIAE Management after receiving multiple inquiries from major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and JetBlue. They are all eager to once again land at SXM, St. Maarten and St. Martins regional hub, during the month of June and onward.

The airport has been in hibernation mode since the third week of March, following a lockdown ordered by the government to contain the spread of the Coronavirus on St. Maarten. As the government continues to relax its containment measures, the Management and staff of PJIAE are looking forward to resuming operations as soon as allowed by the Sint Maarten government.

Some airlines were already calling about resuming flights beginning May 2020 however, due to the local lockdown and St. Maartens readiness, they were informed that they would have to wait until the lockdown was lifted before a firm date could be given.

We set a target for mid-June, to have everything in place to begin inviting airlines back to SXM. All we need now is the green light from the government to open up and officially begin a planned, controlled, and phased return of airlines and passengers to our entry port, says, airport CEO Mr. Brian Mingo.

Mr. Mingo informed that PJIAE established a special COVID-19 Task Force, to create preventative and mitigation measures, and is about to roll out all necessary non-pharmaceutical interventions to guarantee a safe corridor for the entire airport community. The airport plan entails a first phase opening of flights to what PJIA considers the domestic islands (Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius), and the other Caribbean islands with no Covid-19 cases including the formal hub partners of PJIA, which are Anguilla, and St. Barths. Other islands are being worked on as well.

A subsequent phase could cater to international airlines such as KLM/ Air France, and Air Caraibes, departing from Schiphol (Netherlands), Charles De Gaulle France), and Orly (France).

The third phase would be the USA, Canadian, and other remaining Caribbean destinations, followed by Latin America as the fourth phase. During all the phases, there can be restricted countries, which would not be allowed to travel to SXM, or with required procedures, depending on the governments assessments of the situation pertaining to the containment of the virus. Creating a safe corridor is essential to connect with airlines and other airports.

The plan PJIAEs Task Force presented also calls for:

 Continuous monitoring of safety protocols in coordination with airline and airport partners.

 Implementation of airport safety protocols, including the mandatory use of face masks covering the mouth and nose.

 An awareness program for social distance amongst passengers, employees, and all users.

 Mass Fever screening stations.

 Mandatory hand sanitizing stations positioned throughout the airport.

 Regular sanitizing and disinfecting of hard surfaces throughout the day with deep cleaning and disinfecting regimens during low capacity hours.

 High-quality plexiglass barriers between front line staff and passengers.

 Improved increased and sanitized fresh air through the ventilation system.

 Isolation Rooms on-premises, in case a passenger is suspected of being infected.

Other measures include the requiring of online Health Declaration Cards executed before being allowed to board a flight to and from St. Maarten.

Based on regular discussions with the airlines, they have expressed satisfaction with the planned preventative and safety measures PJIAE put in place, and that these measures are aligned with their measures, covering the entire passenger journey while at SXM, from arrival at the curbside and up until the boarding process. Much of this alignment is the result of conference calls, exchange of information, and best practices.

The fact is we all have to deal with the new reality of a COVID-19 pandemic, in everything we do, in close collaboration with airline partners, other airports and governments everywhere, said Mr. Mingo. Healthcare services, hospitality, and the tourism industry, as well as our counterparts on French St. Martin, also form part of this consulting process.

The New Normal will be a totally different traveling experience for passengers from the time they arrive at an airport to the time they reach their destination and return home. At all stages, passengers, employees and crew members will be required to undergo screening, adhere to sanitizing protocols and any other safety measures required by airlines or airports, such as wearing masks, said Mr. Mingo.

The COVID-19 Task Force has been in constant contact with airport partners and airport authorities throughout the hibernation period to find out what the best practices might be for small airports like SXM with a high throughput of passenger traffic. The Task Force has also worked closely with government departments so that there can be a coordinated approach of all sectors of the St. Maarten community once flights to the island resume.



Airport personnel who are part of the COVID-19 Task Force have been meeting practically every day to ensure all bases are covered when they reconnect with airlines and other airports in the coming weeks, with a target of being best in class when it comes to setting an example of airport safety in the midst of a global pandemic.

According to Mr. Mingo, one of the downsides of the recent lockdown on St. Maarten has been the anxiety and stress caused by being confined at home and working at home experience, limiting our mobility and contact with the outside world.

Mr. Mingo further explained: the truth is, while airlines are knocking on the door requesting a date for the airports opening, the public can be assured that all contingencies are in place in collaboration with government and other partners in the airline industry to ensure the re-opening of the airport is controlled and offers the highest level of safety to everyone.

Safety first - We need to protect our destination St. Maarten. To guard as best as we can, passengers coming to St. Maarten free of the COVID-19 infection, enjoying all the island has to offer and to go

home virus free with the story that our paradise St. Maarten is a safe place to travel. He says it is for this reason that the PJIAE Management Team and COVID-19 Task Force are working so closely with the government and other stakeholders toward a date that is acceptable to everyone.

We have collectively put together an intelligent and safe re-opening plan that is preventive and at the same time creates a safe environment for staff, the airport community, and all stakeholders, added the airport Chief.
Chris Evans currently has no interest in playing Captain America again (Image by Marvel Studios)

Chris Evans has downplayed the chances of him ever returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Captain America.

Evans, who has played or made a cameo as the superhero in 11 movies, especially has no interest in reprising the role in the near future because he doesnt want to ruin his already iconic departure in Avengers: Endgame, which was only released last year.

Read More: Chris Evans turned down Captain America several times due to anxiety

It was Graham Norton, via IGN, who asked Evans whether or not his time as Captain America was actually over. Yes, I think it is, was the actors response.

"It was a great run and we went out on such a high note that it would be risky to revisit it in my opinion," he continued. "It was such a good experience and I think it's better left that way."

An emotional Chris Evans contemplates his Marvel future (Image by Marvel Studios)

However, Evans also made sure to leave some wiggle room, as he added, "It's not a hard no. But it's not an eager yes either. I think Cap had such a tricky act to stick the landing, and I think they did a really nice job letting him complete his journey."

Read More: Marvel's Paltrow, Evans and Brolin join to help Robert Downey Jr celebrate 55th birthday on lockdown

This isnt the first time that Evans has teased his future as Steve Rogers. During a conversation with Variety last year, Evans emphasised that he had a number of other things that he was working on right now, before then breaking down his stipulations for his potential return.

If youre going to revisit it, it cant be a cash grab. It cant be just because the audience wants to be excited. What are we revealing? What are we adding to the story? A lot of things would have to come together.
'WFH' is the newest trending acronym. No, its not the 'World Federation for Hobbits'. Its 'Work From Home'.

Now we have found it, its here to stay. Some dreamed of been able to do it before this crisis, some cant wait to get back to working from anywhere bar home, more have found that it has been refreshing, productive and has brought valuable hours back into their weeks without affecting their income. In fact for some, after losing the cost of commuting and in some cases child care, find that they are better off by working from home.

All this has given rise to some other questions such as

A. If I can WFH, I can do so from anywhere, so why are we renting a small apartment for high prices in Dublin?

B. If we dont need to be here, where do we want to live, how do we want to live?

C. Is a move to the country a realistic option?

For many, the answers to all three questions is YES. This is driving enquires to REA Brady via their extensive presence on property portals both in Ireland and the UK. Lockdown has not stopped buyers from making enquires via that route. REA Brady see this as a growing trend and one that may be a significant factor in the property market once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. The core of this demand is for family homes. Our property values in this region are relatively low when compared with other parts of the Ireland, so to this audience we already have an advantage. Celia Donohue at REA Brady says The demand is serious; we have enquiries from people of different ages and life stages across all of our price ranges. Right now, we need houses to satisfy this demand.

When Lockdown does end and these people finally get to travel for viewings, REA Brady caution that their first question will be, whats the Broadband service like?. Thankfully there have been significant improvements in broadband service across many of our areas in the last year and REA Brady have done the research to guide these buyers through the options.

If you are thinking of selling your property in the next few months, contact REA Brady for a FREE appraisal on 071 96 22444 or info@reabrady.ie
A homeless student in Jacksonville will graduate as the high school valedictorian, according to a recently published article.

Education Amid the Global Pandemic

The world is in hiatus since the pandemic began and until today many countries around the globe are still experiencing the devastation brought by COVID-19. This also leads many students to stay-at-home instead of going to schools attending their classes to fulfill their dreams.

Meanwhile, there are other schools as well that transitioned immediately from physical or face-to-face classes to online classes. However, despite this effort of the different schools, there are still many who ere left behind due to the available resources that they have.

In a new normal world, many students days from now who are expected either to stop for the meantime while there is no vaccine or to pursue their study but somehow need them to be more extra care and practice the highest form of hygiene to avoid infection.

Homeless Jacksonville Student Graduates as Valedictorian

A homeless Jacksonville student proves the world that poverty is indeed not a hindrance to success. The obstacles and challenges he experienced in life became his inspiration and now he will graduate as the high school valedictorian.

Martin Folsom has spent most of his years living in different shelters with her mother. However, he has found time to study in A. Philip Randolph Career Academies, served as class president, and has maintained to be at the top.

In a video message of Folsom posted on the website of Duval County Public School, he said: "It's been a rocky road, a lot of hardships. But seeing myself now about to graduate, about to go to college - it feels good knowing all the stuff I've done was worth it."

Folsom Gives Credit to Persons Who Helped Him

There could be many persons who helped Folsom finished his high school as a class valedictorian even amid the financial constraints and global pandemic. In the video, he made special mention to his mother who all throughout his journey has helped him become who he is today. It would be very difficult for Folsom to manage his education because of their financial problems and being a homeless person. But, his achievement only proves that the journey towards success is troublesome.

Folsom also said: "Take advantage of any opportunity you can because you never know where it's going to lead you to or what you can end up getting out of it." A statement that shows his optimism in life and positive disposition. Folsom now plans to continue his study and he will take accounting and finance at Valdosta State University in Georgia. With hard work, perseverance, and patience he had shown, it is no wonder that he will become successful and will achieve his dreams someday.

There is always a way for a man who has the will and determination to achieve and pursue his career despite the challenges and obstacles he is facing. Folsom is an icon of today's generation and worthy of emulation.

Read a related article:
Rising Australian actor Daniel Webber landed a plum gig, starring alongside Daniel Radcliffe in 2020 thriller film Escape From Pretoria.

And the 31-year-old told The Sunday Telegraph that he never imagined what would come next, when working as a lifesaver during Harry Potter's 10-year reign.

Webber had nothing but praise for Radcliffe, describing the 30-year-old as 'the main man' who is 'always there setting a great example'.

'He's the main man, always setting a great example': Former Australian lifesaver Daniel Webber (pictured), 31, recalled working alongside Daniel Radcliffe on the set of 2020 thriller film, Escape From Pretoria, in The Sunday Telegraph

The Central Coast-born actor added that there was no time on the set of Escape From Pretoria, to be starstruck.

'We needed to work together and work well. We got to know each other really well and bond,' Webber said.

Webber, who is slowly but surely adding to his acting portfolio, also went on to say that he has no idea how Radcliffe 'handles' fame.

'I find the fame game very overwhelming, even where I am at,' he said.

On screen: The Central Coast-born actor added that there was no time on set to be starstruck: 'We needed to work together and work well. We got to know each other really well and bond.' Pictured: Webber and Radcliffe

Webber stars alongside Radcliffe in the true story and movie adaptation of 2003 book, Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison by Tim Jenkin.

The film, shot in Adelaide, Australia, sees Webber play political prisoner Stephen Lee, and Radcliffe in the role of fellow prisoner Tim Jenkin.

Lee and Jenkin, two white South Africans, escaped from Pretoria Central Prison in 1979, after being imprisoned during the era of apartheid (a system of institutionalised racial segregation), for distributing political pamphlets.

True story: The film, shot in Adelaide, Australia, sees Webber play political prisoner Stephen Lee, and Radcliffe, 30, in the role of fellow prisoner Tim Jenkin. Lee and Jenkin escaped from Pretoria Central Prison in 1979, after being imprisoned during the era of apartheid

'I find the fame game very overwhelming': Webber, who is slowly but surely adding to his acting portfolio, also went on to say that he has no idea how Radcliffe 'handles' fame

Radcliffe told Variety in February that there's a greater responsibility when playing real life characters.

'You do feel a real responsibility to do it justice,' he began.

'Not to sound pretentious and be everything I hate about actors, but it makes you want to suffer a bit more when you know there was actual real human pain involved in the story you are telling.

'You feel more of an obligation to try to understand what that was like.'

Escape From Pretoria is available to watch on Apple TV, Fetch, Google Play and Foxtel.
Jayanthi Pawar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The near three-month lockdown has decimated many industries. The economy has slumped and experts say it could take a few years to bring it back on track.

One business alone continues to thrive  narcotics.

The demand and supply for drugs continue to be the same, say sleuths handling anti-narcotics operations.

In keeping with current trends, the peddlers are now donning the roles of delivery agents to get the materials across.

On May 2, the city police arrested a 25-year-old man from Besant Nagar for posing as a food delivery agent and trying to sell ganja.

Based on the information provided by him, a customer was also nabbed.

Sales apart, violence over drug deals have also not stalled. On April 23, a 24-year-old man was hacked to death near Red Hills by a gang during a dispute over a ganja deal.

In another incident, on April 26, the city police arrested six men for murdering an 18-year-old boy during a dispute over ganja sale and burying his body.

Lockdown effect

Police say that unlike alcohol which is sold in shops, drugs have always been smuggled in, and with the lockdown in effect, only the location of exchanging drugs has changed.

A senior officer from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), a national agency, said, Nowadays, youngsters are smuggling drugs in lesser quantities fearing the police check. However, transporting drugs from other districts has reduced because border checkpoints are on high alert due to the pandemic.

We were not able to make any major seizures during the lockdown as most officials were posted on COVID duty, said a senior officer from the NIB, the State police wing dealing with narcotics.
File Photo

New Delhi: The government is now considering domestic supply of fuels like petrol and CNG after diesel for the convenience of consumers. This information was given by Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday.

He said that the government was considering a new form of retailing of all types of fuels like petrol, diesel, CNG (compressed natural gas), LNG (liquefied natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

Advertisement

PetrolIn this new form, all these fuels will be available for sale in one place. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country's largest retailer, had started domestic delivery of diesel through mobile dispensers from September 2018.

However, this service is currently only available in select cities. It is said that these fuels are highly flammable in nature, so their home delivery is very risky.

For this, the concerned authorities will need to develop and approve safe methods. Inaugurating 56 new CNG stations in 11 states, the Pradhan said that the government has already introduced mobile dispensers for diesel.

Advertisement

"It could also be launched for petrol and LNG," the Pradhan was quoted as saying in an official statement. The Minister said that in future people will be able to supply fuel domestically.

Dharmendra PradhanThe government is working on energy efficiency, economic growth, security and availability. He said that soon the customers would have to visit only one place where all types of fuel-petrol, diesel, CNG, LNG and LPG would be made available.

The Minister said that the urban gas network supplies CNG to vehicles and kitchens through pipelines and soon 72 per cent of the country's population would be reached.

Advertisement

On the occasion, Pradhan inaugurated 56 new CNG stations in Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

Petrol

Currently, there are more than 2,200 CNG plants in the urban gas network. Outlets are included and PNG is being supplied to kitchens through pipelines to about 61 lakh people.

Advertisement

Pradhan said that the country was moving towards a gas based economy. He said that the number of PNG consumers in 2014 was 25.4 lakh which has now increased to 60.68 lakh. Industrial gas connections have increased from 28,000 to 41,000. Similarly, the number of CNG vehicles has gone up from 22 lakh to 34 lakh.
Washington: An incendiary phrase used by US President Donald Trump in a tweet about the protests over George Floyd's death in Minneapolis appears to have originated in a 1967 news conference held by a Miami police chief long accused of using racist tactics in his force's patrols of black neighbourhoods.

A man walks past graffiti during a protest over the death in custody of George Floyd in Mineappolis. Floyd died after being restrained by a white police officer kneeling on his neck. Credit:AP

Trump, in a tweet on Friday, called the protesters in Minneapolis "thugs" and said: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts." The phrase was used prominently by Walter Headley, Miami police chief in 1967, as he pledged a no-holds-barred response to a Christmas-season outbreak of violent crime in black neighbourhoods that had left three people dead in attempted robberies.

Headley suggested that his department's tough tactics had kept Miami calm that year, even as race riots were convulsing dozens of other cities and leaving scores dead.

"We haven't had any serious problems with civil uprising and looting because I've let the word filter down that when the looting starts, the shooting starts," he said. "We don't mind being accused of police brutality. They haven't seen anything yet."
David Frums new book, Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy, analyzes how the U.S. president has undermined the countrys democratic traditions, and how they can be salvaged. This section looks at the deep state cited as a supposed obstacle by Donald Trump and his allies.

It seems ungrateful for Trump to hate the FBI so much, considering all the FBI did to make him president. Through the 2016 campaign, the FBIs New York office leaked anti-Clinton tidbits to former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. FBI director James Comeys formal notice to Congress on Oct. 28, 2016, that he was reopening the investigation into Hillary Clintons emails in connection with an unrelated case apparently validated Trumps campaign claims that some huge scandal was secreted within the Clinton email server. Hillary Clinton credited that notice as a crucial factor in her narrow defeat 11 days later.

Trump assumed law enforcement agencies and the military would support his reactionary, chauvinist politics. It must have jolted him to discover post-election that his campaign, too, had come under investigation on counterintelligence grounds.

Pre-presidential Trump had a long, complex, and mysterious relationship with the FBI and law enforcement agencies. Trump acted as an FBI informant in the 1980s, as the Washington Post reported during the campaign. His usefulness to other FBI investigations may explain how a New York real estate figure who shared a lawyer with John Gotti and Tony Salerno escaped investigation himself.

From his earlier experiences with the FBI, Trump seems to have absorbed a transactional approach to law enforcement  the approach he deployed on James Comey at their famous dinner in January 2017. You do me a favour, I do you a favour. Only this time, the exchange of favours did not happen.

Trump fired Comey. Jared Kushner reportedly assured Trump that Democrats would welcome the firing, ending Trumps Russia exposure once and for all. As so often happened, Kushners advice proved less than astute. Trump for the first time in his long life of corrupt dealings found himself face to face with a criminal investigation he could not transact his way out of.

Trump would gradually attach the term deep state to every element of government that resisted his whim of the moment.

According to Bob Woodwards reporting, President Trump ordered Secretary James Mattis to plan an operation intended to assassinate Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad  an unlawful order, since assassination is prohibited by U.S. law. Mattis reportedly listened politely, then told his staff, Were not going to do any of that.

When Central American asylum seekers sought to rush the U.S. border, Trump reportedly demanded they shoot the migrants in the legs. That unlawful command was likewise ignored. Trump sought to blackmail Ukraine into fabricating dirt against likely presidential rival Joe Biden. His National Security staff mutinied and thwarted him.

But it all started with Comey and the FBI, and that first encounter with cops he could not buy.

The phrase deep state originates in the byzantine world of Turkish politics. Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish republic, bequeathed a military and security establishment committed to secularism. For decades, Turkish politicians who wished to push their country in more Islamic directions would be balked  or even sometimes overthrown  by Kemals heirs in the armed forces.

Western political scientists adopted the term deep state to describe the power of the Kemalists after Kemal. Over time, the term was extended to describe other Third World societies with overmighty military and intelligence establishments, especially Pakistan. Steve Bannon absorbed the term somewhere and introduced it to Trump. Trump then diffused it through the conservative media, and especially to his pal Sean Hannity at Fox News.

In Turkey and Pakistan, the term deep state described how those with secret power used clandestine means to thwart the regular government. Bannon, Trump and Hannity used the term to mean the direct opposite: how the regular government used lawful means to thwart Trump officials who abused their power.

Consider the actions at issue in Trumps impeachment trial. Congress voted military aid to Ukraine. Trump could have vetoed that aid. He could have withdrawn U.S. recognition of the Zelenskiy government as the lawful government of Ukraine. He could have nominated Gordon Sondland as ambassador to Ukraine and instructed him to support the business schemes of Igor Fruman and Lev Parnas as in the national interest of the United States.

He could even (probably) have directed his attorney general to open a criminal investigation of the Burisma gas company and any U.S. person involved with it, including Hunter Biden.

These actions might have exacted a political cost, but they were all within Trumps legal authority. Trump did not do any of them. Instead, Trump used all the immense legal powers of his office to advance one policy in Ukraine. He then deployed secret nonlegal methods to advance a contradictory policy.

Or consider Trumps Russia policy. Trump could have pivoted U.S. foreign policy to Russia. He could have appointed a secretary of state, secretary of defence, and national security advisers who shared his pro-Putin views.

He could have waived U.S. sanctions on Russia and accredited a U.S. ambassador to Bashar al- Assad. He could have ended U.S. naval operations in the Black Sea and withdrawn U.S. forces from Poland and Romania. He could have invited Vladimir Putin to Camp David for talks, given a speech to Congress or to the country arguing for an alliance with Russia.

Again, Trump did not do any of that. He signed all the instruments and findings to continue pre-existing Russia policy. Then he sabotaged his own policy in private, working around his own administration  treating even his note-takers and translators as spies and enemies.

Presidents hold enormous power over foreign policy. Trump did not use those powers. Trump was conspicuously uninterested in all those regular operations of the executive branch. He talked on unsecured phones, relied on Fox News rather than intelligence briefings, and disparaged his own officials as Never Trumpers.

Those disparaged officials did not defy Trumps policy. They complied with Trumps policy, as that policy was codified in formal orders. What they defied was the policy that Trump whispered to his cronies, the policy that Trump and his spokespeople indignantly denied they were following.

Trump disliked all formally constituted government. As Trumps former personal lawyer Michael Cohen testified, Trump talks in code. He wanted underlings who would spare him the distasteful necessity to articulate his intentions out loud. He expected them to anticipate his wishes, while preserving his deniability.

Government works by paper. Presidents issue orders by signed decision memo, creating a record of clarity and accountability. Trump hated paperwork. He erupted in rage when his first White House counsel, Don McGahn, took notes at meetings.

He used insecure devices, risking surveillance by enemy spy services, rather than use methods where his own government could record him.

Trump was not a victim of the deep state: a rogue government-within-a-government that sabotaged lawful authority. It was Trump who was his own deep state, sabotaging on the sly the policy that he himself had ordered in writing.

Trump instinctively mistrusted all the law enforcement functions of government. He assumed, however, that the military would salute and obey any order, no matter how illegal. It must have stunned him to discover that the armed forces declined to act as his toy army.

Senior military leadership resisted Trumps wish for a big parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. Donald Trump had returned enthralled from a 2017 Bastille Day visit to Paris. He had stood in a place of honour in a reviewing stand as troops, weapons and military bands passed before him. He was seen to mouth So good to his wife, Melania. Trump returned home from Paris determined that he must have a parade in Washington for Veterans Day 2017.

The Pentagon found reasons why it could not be done. Heavy military vehicles would chew up the streets of Washington, D.C. The symbolism was inappropriate while U.S. troops were still engaged in combat against ISIS and the Taliban.

Anyway, it would all cost too much. Defence planners estimated that the parade Trump wanted would cost the federal government and the District of Columbia a total of $92 million, rather than the White House figure of $12 million  an estimate the Pentagon leaked to journalists, just in case.

The more fundamental cause of reluctance was not financial or symbolic, but human: the military has a lot of real work to do, and it did not want to impose useless extra tasks on its personnel for no better reason than to amuse an infantile president.

Yet Trump kept ordering the parade. A compromise was reached in time for the Fourth of July 2019. Trump got a flypast by each of the armed services, including the Coast Guard, but no marching troops, no rolling vehicles.

We were promised an armoured division motoring along Constitution Avenue. We got Trump standing behind two parked tanks.

From the book Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy by David Frum. Copyright  2020 by HarperCollins Publishers. To be published on May 30, 2020, by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Reprinted by permission.

Read more about:
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Feel a little shame for the lost soul of a nation | Avay Shukla

The Lock Down Diaries VIII

View from [Greater] Kailash, Thursday, 21 May 2020

by Avay Shukla IAS

This is not about the sorry exodus of millions of our more unfortunate brothers and sisters playing out on prime TV these days. It is not a piece about the government, or about politics or economics. It is neither critical nor sacerdotal. It is not about Mr Modi or the Biblical scale suffering he has inflicted, yet again, on those who had put their trust in him. That is a matter between him and his Maker, and I hope the potter who moulded him can forgive him, for history will not. This is not about a callous Finance Minister with the rictus of arrogance stretched across her face.

It is not about a judiciary which has thrown away its moral compass in the arid deserts of ambition and preference. It is not about a media which has struck a Faustian bargain with the devil and is content to feed on the offal flung its way. It is not about Rahul Gandhi or Mayawati or Nitish Kumar for they have already become irrelevant to the pathetic course of events unfolding.

This piece is about me and the burden I carry, a burden of shame that has been sitting on my back for the last few weeks and cannot be dislodged, no matter how hard I try. Its a burden which just got heavier this morning when I read a post by an army officer describing his moving encounter in Gurgaon with families of migrants walking their way to Bihar, no footwear on the weary soles treading on melting roads, hungry and uncomprehending four year olds, of how they wept and tried to touch his feet when he gave them a few five hundred rupee notes.

I hang my head in shame in the India of 2020. At belonging to a country and a society which exiles tens of millions from their cities, fearful of catching an infection from them, from a virus brought here, not by them, but by my brethren flying in from abroad. Of treating the hapless victim as the perpetrator. Ashamed of being a gullible cretin who swallows all the lies and half-truths churned out by a dissembling official apparatus. Of beating pots and pans as a servile hosanna to an uncaring presiding deity to drown out the sounds of tired feet marching to their distant villages.

I can no longer recognise the religion I was born into, it no longer has the wisdom of its ancient sages and rishis, or the compassion of an Ashoka, or the humility of a Gandhi. It is too full of anger, of hatred, of violence. It has replaced its once lofty ideals with even loftier statues, caring deeds with dead rituals. It once fed the mendicant and the poor but now drives them away as carriers of some dreadful disease, without any proof. It even finds an opportunity in this pandemic to stigmatize other religions.

I am ashamed of my middle class status, of many of my friends, colleagues and the larger family even. Cocooned safely in our gated societies and sectors, we have locked out our maids, drivers, newspaper man, delivery boy and a dozen others who have built for us the comfortable lives we now desperately try to cordon off from the less fortunate. We have deprived them of their livelihoods. We encourage another extension of the lockdown because our salaries and pensions are not affected. Our primary concerns revolve around resumption of deliveries from Amazon and Swiggy: the lot of the migrating millions is dismissed as just their fate- the final subterfuge of a society that no longer cares.

I am ashamed of the thought processes of my class, of WhatsApp forwards that oppose any more doles to the hungry millions, that denounce MNREGA- the only lifeline the returning labour have left- as a waste of public money and food camps as a misuse of their taxes.

I am ashamed that people like me can encourage the police to beat up the returning hordes for violating the lockdown, which, in the ultimate analysis was meant to protect us from them.

For the life of me I am unable to comprehend how we, sitting in our four BHK flats, have the heartlessness to blame sixteen tired labourers for their own deaths: why were they sleeping on railway tracks? How can one not be ashamed when I hear my peers decrying the expense of trains/ buses for the returning migrants, the costs of putting them up in quarantine, when they approve of their likes being flown back by Air India? This is not double standards, this is bankrupt standards.

I am ashamed of my social milieu which lauds the leader for dismissing the cataclysmic sufferings of almost five percent of our population as tapasya, as if they had a choice. I am mortified to see the layers of education and affluence, the facade of civilisation being peeled back by a virus to disclose a heart of darkness in our collective inner core, the sub cutaneous mucous of hatred and intolerance for a minority community, contempt for the destitute. All age old prejudices, bigotry, racism and narrow mindedness have re-emerged, fanned by a party which has fertilised their dormant spores.

I am ashamed of the dozens of four star Generals and beribboned Admirals and Air Chiefs who were quick to shower flowers and light up ships at a dog whistle from a politician but did not move a finger to provide any help to the marching millions. Did it even occur to them that they owe a duty to this country beyond strutting around at India Gate? That they could have used their vast resources and vaunted training to set up field kitchens for the hungry marchers, putting up tents where the old and infirm could catch a few breaths, arrange transport for ferrying at least the women and children? Their valour has been tested at the borders, but their conscience has certainly been found wanting.

I am ashamed of our judges who have now become prisoners in their carefully crafted ivory towers, who had repeated opportunities to order the executive to provide meaningful relief and succour to the exiled wretches, to enforce what little rights they still have left, but spurned them at the altar of a dishonourable appeasement.

I am ashamed of our governments who have forsaken the very people who elected them, and are using their vast powers, not to provide the much needed humanitarian aid these disorganised workers desperately need, but to take away even the few rights they had won over the last fifty years.

I am ashamed of a bureaucracy that uses a catastrophe to further enslave those who have already lost everything, which insists that illiterate labourers fill in online forms to register for evacuation, pay hundreds of rupees (which they do not have) for rail tickets, produce ration cards and Aadhar before they can get five kg of rice, all the while beating them to pulp. Of a Joint Secretary to government who can apportion blame for the infections by religion.

This is not Orwellian or Kafkaesque, this is a government gone berserk. How can one not be ashamed of such a soul-less administration, and of the people who commend its mistakes?

They will reach their homes ultimately, those marching millions, minus a few thousand who will die on the way. They will not even be mentioned in the statistics: there will be no Schindlers list for them.

And we will pat ourselves on our collective, genuflecting backs that one problem has been taken care of, the danger to our neo-liberal civilisation has been beaten back, the carriers have been sent away, the curve will now flatten. But the mirror has cracked and can never be made whole again. As the Bard said, the fault is not in our stars but within us. Or, as delectably put by another great bard, one of our own who now belongs to the others:

Umar bhar Ghalib yahi bhool karta raha,

_ Dhool chehre par thi, aur aina saaf karta raha.

Actually, this piece is not just about me- its also about you, dear reader. Look into that cracked mirror. Do you feel any shame, just a little, for what we have become, for the lost soul of a once great nation?

(Courtesy: avayshukla.blogspot.com)
A protester holds up his fist while chanting a slogan during a protest over the death of George Floyd, Friday, May 29, 2020, in Los Angeles. Floyd died in police custody Monday in Minneapolis. Read more

LOS ANGELES  Claudia Oliveira, a board member of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, showed up on Broadway with more than a dozen volunteers Saturday morning to sweep up broken glass and swab down walls.

A Brazilian immigrant, Oliveira grew up in Minneapolis. She said she understood the anger and the outrage that boiled over Friday night, saying George Floyds death at the hands of a police officer in her hometown made her want to throw up.

Im a black Latina undocumented immigrant, she said. It hurts me. I feel distraught and angry and frustrated. We saw an innocent mans life taken from him.

But she said she was frustrated that the damage in downtown would disproportionately hurt the working class and people of color.

Numerous businesses were damaged by the unrest, which lasted hours in the heart of the historic core and along the Broadway corridor.

Protests against the killing of Floyd and police brutality have raged across the country in recent days, turning violent in various cities. In downtown L.A., the situation deteriorated into vandalism and looting late Friday evening.

Most stores that were vandalized or looted are mom-and-pop stores, immigrant-owned, run by black and brown folks, Oliveira said.

The chain stores that were damaged, including Walgreens and Fallas Paredes, provide jobs, sell affordable goods and serve as lifelines for poor and homeless residents in downtown, Oliveira said.

As Oliveira spoke, an elderly woman wearing a face mask and using a walker approached the Rite Aid at 5th Street and Broadway, which was closed behind metal gates. She asked a security guard standing outside when it would reopen, saying, I need my prescriptions.

A Starbucks at 6th and Spring streets saw some of the worst damage, with windows smashed and damage to the inside of the store. The cafe is in the first floor of the Hotel Hayward, a single-resident occupancy hotel for low-income residents, Oliveira said.

Its not that I dont understand the struggle or the anger, she said. Im freaking furious. But who would want to hurt and steal from black- and brown-owned businesses?

The owner of Sallys Snack Shop on 6th Street stood on a ladder on the sidewalk on Saturday morning, using a hammer to try to bend his stores metal security gate back into shape. Crowds had dented it and shattered the glass behind it, he said. He was struggling to get inside to assess the damage.

The store has been in downtown for 65 years, and hes owned it for 16, said the owner, who would give only his first name, Roger. He said he understood why people were angry, but that the destruction to his business could devastate him financially. His shop was just preparing to reopen after being closed for two months during the coronavirus stay-at-home orders.

Why me? he said. Why here?

Inside Discount Electronics, owner Bill Nabati rubbed his face and fielded multiple calls from his security alarm company as he surveyed the shattered glass and merchandise strewn across the floor.

They looted my store, said Nabati, who has run the small storefront on Broadway since 1983. After two months of the coronavirus, we dont need this.

Some electronics had been taken, and windows were broken and shelves smashed, Nabati said. He said the damage would take three weeks to repair, but that he would need to conduct an inventory to assess how much had been stolen. The last time he saw this kind of damage was in 1992, he said.

As then, Nabati said, he was frustrated that the police had not done more to protect his small business.

They knew it was going to happen and they told me I needed to prepare, Nabati said. Theres only so much I can do. Its out of my hands. If they want to come destroy my business, they can.
A group of roughly 10 people, led by Black Panther organizers, crisscrossed the city May 29 looking for a good place to shut it down.

They had a location in mind, but Kwame Shakur, deputy chairman of the New African Black Panther Party, feared police got ahead of him when someone who claimed to be part of the media approached him with a phone asking questions about what he was about to do.

He bailed and lost whoever that was.

Plan B: Shut down an intersection on the north side. It was one lane in each direction; wouldnt require many people.

Cars met in a parking lot nearby. It had to be secret until it was time to execute.

But then Shakur heard about the crowd that had gathered downtown, and the group agreed they could go in and channel that energy. It was 7 p.m. by now.

Plan C: Take over the crowd downtown.

A motorcade took I-465 to I-70 to make it downtown. Family of McHale Rose  the 19-year-old killed by police in the early morning hours of May 7  was part of the group and passed out goggles before everyone left.

There wasnt a clear way into the downtown protest, though. They thought it looked too blocked off. It was time once again to think of something else.

Plan D: Shut down 38th Street.

They met at the combo McDonalds and BP gas station at 38th and Salem streets and started canvassing the area to find anyone willing to join. They needed numbers.

The first person to join the group was Timothy Parker Bay, who was on the gas station side of the parking lot.

It sounded like this was the moment 52-year-old Bay  a muscular, excitable man with red and black gloves  had been waiting for his whole life.

Ive been excited, he later said as he walked behind the group on Graceland Avenue. Ive been running from my destiny my whole life. God wants me to do something. My prayers been answered.

The first house the group hit on Salem was a success. Andy and Jacinta Hodges were relaxing on the porch with friends and family when they decided to drop what they were doing and walk to get more people.

Andy and Jacinta are married and have a son in the military. They apologized to the Rose family for their loss.

It could be our son, Jacinta said as she held her husbands hand. I feel for them. I couldnt imagine what theyre going through.

Rose died just hours after 21-year-old Dreasjon Reed was killed by police following a chase. Police said Rose made a false 911 call to lure police to an apartment complex on the citys north side and ambush them.

Police said they returned fire in both incidents.

But the Rose family say police are hiding what really happened, and theyre still searching for answers.

One of the common pleas with neighbors throughout the night was that it could be one of their loved ones next, and that they cant wait until then to stand together.

It worked for some. Others got excited about the prospect of getting involved but said they might join later.

Patrick Saling, a white 21-year-old student at Indiana University in Bloomington, was with the group from the beginning.

He got four children on the sidewalk to chant Boots on the ground! as the group, now with about 20 people, made its way south on Capitol Avenue.

Myron Rose and Tomorrow Rose, McHale Roses father and stepmother, walked with Tomi Rose, his aunt, and Darius McGaughey, his brother. They held signs and wore shirts with Roses face on them and asked people to join their cause.

Weve always said, yours, mine, ours, Tomorrow said.

There were about 25 people by the time the group approached 38th and Meridian streets.

Willy Booze, a 71-year-old pastor in a Colts jersey, followed closely behind in his GMC Denali with his hazards on. He prayed with them earlier on a side street, thanking God for leading this group to him.

It was time.

Were taking 38th and Meridian here, Shakur told the people. Were gonna hold this for a minute.

They blocked traffic going south on Meridian and west on 38th before marching east and taking up all of the lanes.

Jacinta elected to stay behind. She has asthma, her husband explained, and had already walked a long way in sandals.

Two police cars blocked the road at Washington Boulevard and 38th, and the group cheered as people honked and waved.

Keanesha Stone, 33, was taking her 11-year-old son and some of his cousins to the canal for ice cream when she saw what was happening. She parked her car at 39th Street and Washington Boulevard to join the march.

Her son and nieces and nephews were only a few of the children who became part of the protest.

Jayla Keys, 23, was with her 5-year-old daughter when people came up to her house and asked her to join.

Its a hot day, she said. Everybodys been out.

There were about 60 people marching when the group turned at Guilford Avenue to go back.

Saling had posted up at the back of the crowd, walking backward with a fist in the air, hardly ever more than 15 feet away from the police cars that crept along behind the marchers.

Its important to put white bodies between the police and our Black and brown brothers and sisters, Saling explained as he continued walking backward.

If they want to hurt them, they have to hurt the white folks that theyre not used to going through, he said.

One man, Massiah Harley, 38, joined early in the march on a rickety bike and spent the whole time looping around from front to back.

Injustice is injustice, he said, no matter what color or what creed. We gotta stand up against this stuff.

Anthony Smith, 47, said he lives on Pennsylvania Avenue and could hear what was going on outside. He decided to get involved, too.

I was coming this way to check on my grandma anyway, he said.

Shakur stopped the crowd at Illinois and 38th streets and put the Rose family front and center while traffic was mostly blocked from going in any direction.

He held up his phone for a livestream as the Rose family talked.

He was 19, Myron, the father, said. He had a whole life ahead of him.  I have no more strength, but Ill tell you what, Ill keep fighting for my son.

The group held that intersection for almost a half hour. Some cars managed to turn right from Illinois Street onto 38th Street, and others were directed to make a U-turn if they really wanted to get out of there, though it was basically a guarantee they would get berated in the process.

The crowd began to disperse around 11:40 p.m., and a smaller group moved south of the intersection to block just some of Illinois Street for their send-off.

They put on their uniform  a raised fist  and promised they would give a final rallying cry before going to bed that night.

I  they shouted, am a revolutionary!

Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
Britain's Got Talent's auditions will come to a close this Saturday, with a final round of hopefuls put before the judges hoping a land a spot in the live shows.

And in an exclusive first look, David Walliams is set to leave his fellow judges baffled as he transforms himself into The Queen for a grand entrance.

The clip shows the judge, 48, floating down from above the stage wearing a white wig and dress, bearing an uncanny likeness to Queen Elizabeth II.

Surprise appearance: Britain's Got Talent's auditions will come to a close this Saturday, with a final round of hopefuls put before the judges hoping a land a spot in the live shows

The beginning of the clip shows what appears to be David dressed as Her Majesty walking up a grand staircase.

Ant and Dec then appear on the BGT stage and introduce the judges, prompting a glamorous Amanda Holden, 49, Alesha Dixon, 41, and Simon Cowell, 60, to walk out.

The comedy duo then ask: 'Where's David?'

Simon hilariously retorts: 'It doesn't matter!'

Royal wave: And in an exclusive first look, David Walliams is set to leave his fellow judges baffled as he transforms himself into The Queen for a grand entrance

Music then starts playing and the three judges look baffled as they look around the arena filled with audience.

People begin pointing up to the sky and Simon is left shocked as David appears floating from above the stage giving a regal wave as he floats down.

As well as a white wig and dress, David is carrying a small black handbag and is wearing a pair of black heels on his feet.

Baffled: The clip shows the judge, 48, floating down from above the stage wearing a white wig and dress bearing an uncanny likeness to Queen Elizabeth

A close up of his face shows the comedian wearing a pop of pink lipstick and a crystal tiara perched on his white locks.

He is handed a sword by a swarm of dancers that appear by his side dressed in guard uniforms.

He shares 'Thank you, thank you!'

The final round of BGT auditions will also see viewers discover which acts have landed a place in the live shows, which were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Glamorous: Ant and Dec then appear on the BGT stage and introduce the judges, prompting a glamorous Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell to walk out

ITV bosses are yet to confirm when the live shows will air, but it is expected to be sometime this autumn.

Earlier this month, judge Amanda confirmed Britain's Got Talent's live shows will return to screens later this year.

The presenter claimed bosses have told her to keep 'early autumn' free in the hopes filming can continue for the current series.

Confused: The comedy duo then ask: 'Where's David?' Simon hilariously retorts: 'It doesn't matter!'

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Amanda said: 'All of the main judges have been given a date to hold in early autumn to see if it works live.

'But we would never do it without an audience because we've always said the British public is the fifth judge.

'So we can't do it without them  it would be no fun without them!

Cheeky: Music then starts playing and the three judges look baffled as they look around the arena filled with audience

'We'll see what happens, but we are planning to do it this year.'

A source added the show could return in September but progress will depend on government guidelines and advice.

Britain's Got Talent airs on Saturday night at 7pm on ITV followed by Britain's Got Talent: Unseen on the ITV Hub.
The Oregon Health Authority released new modeling Friday showing a dramatically different coronavirus landscape than previously estimated, suggesting far more people already have been infected while simultaneously forecasting far fewer infections in the weeks ahead  even under worst-case projections.

Oregons estimates are the first to be released since Gov. Kate Brown allowed nearly all counties to reopen May 15 but the figures do not assess the full impact of those changes because not enough time has passed.

Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter

The new projections indicate Oregons efforts to combat the novel virus have been extremely successful thus far.

The results suggest that the epidemic is slowing in Oregon, the 14-page report states, but it is very sensitive to changes in policies, practices, and public adherence to community mitigation strategies.

Most tellingly, the modeling suggests the coronavirus is spreading at levels low enough that it could be contained going forward. The all-important reproductive number  known as R naught  is forecast at or below one transmission per infection in two of three scenarios outlined by officials.

The modeling projects that about 20,200 Oregonians have been infected with coronavirus through May 22, with roughly 4,000 of those people identified.

That overall projection of 20,200 infections is not quite double the 12,000 that public health officials estimated in their last report on May 13. The substantial revision upward is based on conservative assumptions and data from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention that fewer people with infections require hospitalizations.

We continue to adjust the modeling to ensure that it tracks our ongoing understanding of the pandemic, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state health officer and epidemiologist, said in response to written questions. The changes to this weeks update allow a clearer picture and were confident in the accuracy of the model projections.

Importantly, the new modeling forecasts far few infections in the weeks ahead under both best- and worst-case scenarios.

Assuming aggressive mitigation continued, infections through July 3 could increase by 1,200 for a total 21,400, according to the modeling. Thats a marked improvement of about 15 new infections daily instead of the current 55.

And even under the worst-case scenario outlined, cumulative infections could increase to 24,400  3,000 above the best-case estimate.

Thats a much rosier picture than previously forecast by the state.

Officials in their May 13 report estimated that infections could grow by 5,000 to 12,000 through mid-June, with the potential to hit 29,000 cumulatively.

It continues to show that with aggressive interventions, we bend the curve downwards, Sidelinger told The Oregonian/OregonLive. As reopening becomes more widespread, well be closely watching data and trends to make sure we are able to make smart policy recommendations to keep transmission low.

The Oregon Health Authority, which creates the forecasts using software from the Institute for Disease Modeling, cautioned that forecast windows are wide and estimates should be interpreted with caution.

The coronavirus pandemic has thus far spared Oregon compared to many other states. While testing has identified infections in about 4,000 people and 151 people have died, Oregon has one of the lowest infection and death rates nationally.

State health officials wrote that the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Kate Brown in March and other interventions have been effective at dramatically reducing infections.

The number of people requiring hospitalizations has also declined in recent weeks, the state noted, but this trend may change as Oregon counties begin phased reopening.

The health authority did not produce a modeling report last week, noting at the time that experts want to allow a week to gather additional data on coronavirus infections following the states approval of 31 counties to begin limited reopening.

Thirty-four counties have now reopened, with Washington County approved for Monday. Only Multnomah County has yet to apply.

But the latest modeling did not closely assess the impact of counties reopening.

We could not yet assess the potential effects of reopening on hospitalization numbers because we only analyzed data through May 22nd, one week after reopening started, officials wrote in the report. Hospitalizations are assumed to typically follow new infections by about 12 days.

New modeling will be released in two weeks, on June 12. Thatll be the first to incorporate changes from counties reopening.

That apparently will be after Brown considers whether counties can move into Phase 2 of reopening.

Sidelinger downplayed the significance of having modeling before such decisions are made, saying other data points are being watched.

The phase recommendations are based on more specific datasets and their trends at the county level, Sidelinger said. The statewide modeling helps us see the overall trends in the state. As the phase one influenced data is incorporated, well be watching this model for changes to the statewide trends.

-- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt
Close to 1,000 managers, executives and other non-union staff at Manitoba Hydro will take three unpaid days off over the next eight months as part of the corporation's efforts to meet government-mandated savings targets.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Close to 1,000 managers, executives and other non-union staff at Manitoba Hydro will take three unpaid days off over the next eight months as part of the corporation's efforts to meet government-mandated savings targets.

Hydro president Jay Grewal announced the measure  which is expected to save $1.4 million  in a memo to employees Friday while the corporation continues to negotiate cost savings with unionized workers.

Grewal said the corporation expects a response on its proposals from its more than 4,200 union employees by Wednesday.

Hydro is advocating that union workers accept an arrangement similar to what managers, executives and members of the Manitoba Hydro Professional Engineers Association have done.

The corporation is seeking $4.3 million in wage savings from employees represented by four separate bargaining groups.

"Three days of unpaid leave for every employee would eliminate layoffs entirely (for union workers)," Hydro spokesman Bruce Owen said in an email. "For comparison, approximately 240 layoffs would have to occur over a four-month period to achieve savings of $4.3 million."

Earlier this month, after finding tens of millions of dollars in cost reductions to satisfy its political masters, Hydro announced that it may have to issue temporary layoff notices to up to 700 workers to achieve an additional $10.7 million in savings.

By agreement with government, that number has now been reduced to $5.7 million.

The province has approved a $1.9 million reduction in external contracting in place of workforce cuts, as well as additional temporary labour savings through vacancy management totalling $3.1 million. The latter has become possible due to a recent spike in retirements.

The unions, which include IBEW, CUPE, Unifor and the Association of Manitoba Hydro Staff and Supervisory Employees, have resisted any cuts.

They point out that the corporation has already undergone significant staff reductions in recent years and that Hydro management had previously said that any more cuts would jeopardize worker safety and customer service.

They are frustrated that Hydro management hasn't pushed back harder against the government-ordered cuts and forced them to make decisions in an information vacuum.

Mike Espenell, business manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2034, said his members are feeling "extreme frustration and confusion" at what's being asked of them.

He said their workload has grown, they've received no increase in pay for the past two years, and they see no point in job cuts that would reduce services to customers.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

"We're 100 per cent committed to taking concessions if we believe the corporation is in financial crisis... but all of these forces (demanding cuts) are external..." Espenell said.

Michelle Bergen, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 998, said the job or salary cuts are unnecessary and will only hinder an economic recovery.

"It's really hard to explain to members why government and Hydro are trying to impose these cuts on front-line workers," she said. "We're an essential service."

The unions feel they've been making progress in minimizing, if not eliminating, the impact of the government-imposed cost reductions on current staff.

They said they felt blindsided Friday morning when Grewal's message, announcing that 979 non-union staff had accepted three days of unpaid leave was posted at the same time that bargaining units were meeting with management.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Punjab director general of police Dinkar Gupta has been empanelled to hold director general-level posts in the central government, an order by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet said on Saturday.

Dinkar Gupta is the only Indian Police Service officer from seven north Indian states to be named in the ACC order. In all, 11 IPS officers of the 1987 have been empanelled.

The only other Punjab cadre IPS officer empaneled to hold DGP level posts at the Centre is Samant Goel, the Research and Analysis Wing chief.

Gupta was hand picked to lead Punjab Police in February 2019 in view of his impressive track record as director general of police (intelligence) and his career profile. As the DG intelligence, Dinkar directly oversaw the working of the state polices intelligence wing, anti-terrorist squad and the organised crime control unit.

The soft-spoken officer had played a key role in solving high-profile targeted killing cases and busting more than 50 pro-Khalistan modules.

Dinkar Gupta had started his career in the IPS when terrorism in Punjab was at its peak and was part of the group of police officers who had fronted the battle. He was the district police chief of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts for over seven years during this phase before getting promoted as a DIG. In this role too, he had had field postings and served as DIG of Jalandhar and Ludhiana ranges before becoming part of Punjabs counter-terror and intelligence teams for a decade or so, a police spokesperson said.

Gupta joined the Intelligence Bureau in 2004, spending the next eight years on central deputation to handle sensitive assignments that also included leading the Dignitary Protection Division of the Intelligence Bureau.

In between his career, the IPS officer who has been twice decorated for gallantry, was also a visiting professor at George Washington University and American University, Washington DC, in 2000-01 where he taught a course on fighting terror. He has also delivered several lectures at leading American think tanks.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 09:51:37|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Video: New Yorkers continue to protest over the death of George Floyd, as hundreds of them take to the streets in Manhattan of New York on May 29, 2020, to express their anger toward police brutality and racism. (Xinhua/Zhang Mocheng, Wei Ying)

Floyd's death easily reminds New Yorkers of Eric Garner, a black man in New York's Staten Island who died from an apparent chokehold by a white police officer in 2014.



NEW YORK, May 29 (Xinhua) -- New Yorkers continued to protest over the death of George Floyd as hundreds of people took to the streets in Manhattan on Friday to express their anger toward police brutality and racism.

More than 200 people were seen marching toward Foley Square in Lower Manhattan on Friday afternoon in a generally peaceful manner, though several arrests were made throughout the demonstration.

Most of the protesters were wearing face masks as required by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. They waved posters and chanted slogans including Floyd's last words "I can't breathe."

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, repeatedly pleaded with a white officer with these words as the latter held him to the ground with a knee to his neck for around 8 minutes on Monday evening in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd lost consciousness and died in custody later.

A sreengrab from buzzfeednews.com on May 28, 2020, shows an undated photo of George Floyd (R) and the title of its report "Friends Say George Floyd Always Went Out Of His Way To Help People Who Were Less Fortunate." (Xinhua)



Though large gatherings are still banned in New York City due to the pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday that demonstrations are allowed for this purpose, but urged protesters to respect the police.

"Anyone who wants to protest, we're going to protect your right to protest. But please also respect that the cop in front of you did not create this problem. And we have to fix this problem on a much more fundamental level," said the mayor in a program on radio channel WNYC.

The mayor said earlier on Friday at his daily briefing that his "heart broke" while watching the video of Floyd's deadly encounter with the officer.

"It was ... I could not believe the officer's lack of concern, and it was horrifying, and it just can't go on this way," he said.

On Thursday afternoon, around 100 New Yorkers held the city's first protest over the Floyd's death. Some 70 arrests were made after some clashes between protesters and the police.

A screengrab from theguardian.com on May 29, 2020, shows one of its recent reports about Eric Garner's death and a photo of the black man. (Xinhua)

Floyd's death easily reminds New Yorkers of Eric Garner, a black man in New York's Staten Island who died from an apparent chokehold by a white police officer in 2014. Garner also repeatedly said "I can't breathe" before his death, and the tragedy galvanized the nationwide "Black Lives Matter" movement.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said at Friday's briefing that he stands with protesters.

"Enough is enough. How many times do you have to see the same lesson replayed before you do something? This country is better than this. It has been better than this and it shouldn't take this long to end basic discrimination and basic injustice," Cuomo said.

He noted that this is not an isolated incident, but "a continuum of cases and situations that have been going on for decades, and decades, and decades."

"These are just chapters in a book. And the title of the book is continuing injustice and inequality in America," said the governor. Enditem
14 Afghan forces killed in Taliban attack

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 May 2020 1:13 PM

At least 14 Afghan forces have been killed in an attack by the Taliban militant group on a border post in Afghanistan, the latest since the end of a temporary ceasefire.

The attack took place in the eastern province of Paktia in the early hours of Friday.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter that the militant group had conducted the attack against "the newly established posts of the enemy in Dande Patan district of Paktia province" and had killed 14 soldiers.

He said the Afghan government "has been recently trying to expand its rule" in territories held by the Taliban, adding that two militants were also killed.

Afghan security officials confirmed that the attack had killed 14 security forces.

But Dande Patan District Governor Eid Mohammad Ahmadzai told AFP that 15 security forces and 20 Taliban militants had been killed in the attack.

Some 14 Afghan security forces were killed in two other attacks on separate checkpoints blamed by officials on the Taliban on Thursday.

The attacks came shortly after a three-day ceasefire offered by the militant group ended late on Tuesday.

Despite the renewed violence, Afghan authorities are pressing on with efforts to have the ceasefire extended.

"The detente that started during Eid al-Fitr continues despite reports of scattered incidents to the contrary," Afghanistan's National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal tweeted.

"A ceasefire is a complex operational undertaking that requires significant and ongoing coordination to avoid incidents. Those efforts will continue," he added.

The unexpected ceasefire offer by the Taliban and a consequent, brief lull in violence had raised hopes that peace talks between the militants and the Afghan government could begin soon.

Kabul responded to the ceasefire by initiating a process to release up to 2,000 imprisoned Taliban militants as a goodwill gesture.

Some 900 Taliban inmates were released on Tuesday.

And the militant group released 80 Afghan policemen and soldiers it had been holding captive on Thursday.

The exchange of prisoners kicked off under a deal between the Taliban and the United States, which was signed in the Qatari capital, Doha, on February 29.

Under the deal, the Taliban agreed to halt their attacks on international forces in return for the US military's phased withdrawal from Afghanistan and the prisoner exchange with the government in Kabul.

The Afghan government, which was not a signatory to the accord, was required to release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners. The militants, for their part, were obliged to free 1,000 government captives.

Kabul had previously released some 1,000 Taliban prisoners, while the Taliban had freed around 300 Afghan security force personnel.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Tammy Hembrow looked practically doll-like in Barbie-pink lingerie on Saturday.

In a selfie shared to Instagram, the social media sensation, 26, posed alluringly on the floor in the brightly-coloured lace underwear set.

The blonde bombshell pulled her long locks into an Ariana Grande-inspired high ponytail.

Think pink: Tammy Hembrow (pictured) looked practically doll-like in Barbie-pink lingerie on Saturday. In a selfie shared to Instagram, the social media sensation, 26, posed alluringly on the floor in the brightly-coloured lace underwear set

She kept her makeup simple with a full coverage foundation, light pink eye shadow and bold winged eyeliner.

'Heaven in your eyes,' Tammy captioned the cheeky post.

On Friday night, Tammy partied the night away at a friend's birthday, after their group booked out ultra-popular Gold Coast bar, Burleigh Pavilion.

The mother-of-two looked thrilled to be out on the town after lockdown restrictions eased, as she attended the birthday party of fellow influencer Jemma Heran.

Feeling brief: 'Heaven in your eyes,' Tammy captioned the cheeky post

She dined on oysters, twerked and downed drinks out of a shot glass against the backdrop of the ocean.

Tammy seemed to be one of the first to arrive at the event, immediately getting into the party spirit as she danced around the near empty bar's famous ocean-front balcony.

The Saski Collection founder kept to her signature athleisure aesthetic, donning a turquoise velour tracksuit and matching cropped hoodie with a baguette purse.

Influencers' big night out! Tammy and her friends booked out a popular Gold Coast bar on Friday night, after lockdown restrictions eased

Having a boogey: Tammy seemed to be one of the first to arrive at the ultra-popular Gold Coast bar, Burleigh Pavilion, immediately getting into the party spirit as she danced around the near empty venue's famous ocean-front balcony

She also filmed herself being fed an oyster, seductively opening her mouth and sticking her tongue out before giggling.

'Guys we outside,' Tammy captioned the Instagram story, adding: 'Oyster mood'.

The Saski Collection founder also sang 'happy birthday to ya' and joined in drinking a clear beverage out of a shot glass.
India and China are talking to each other at military and diplomatic levels to resolve the weeks-long Ladakh standoff, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday assuring the country that the government will not allow Indias dignity to be hurt under any circumstances.

Indias policy has been very clear that we should have good relations with all neighbours. This has been a long-standing effort. But sometimes, circumstances arise with China and things like this happen, he told news channel Aaj Tak in an interview.

Singhs statement is the first from a senior central minister on the standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that threatens to plunge the bilateral relationship to a new low.

China has marshalled close to 5,000 soldiers and deployed tanks and artillery guns on its side of the disputed border in the Ladakh sector where India has also sent military reinforcements and matched the neighbours military moves, as reported by Hindustan Times on May 26.

Chinese troops are also holding positions on their side of the border in north Sikkim where soldiers of the two countries were involved in a nasty brawl on May 9 that left seven Chinese and four Indian soldiers injured, as first reported by Hindustan Times.

The Chinese troops are camping on their side and have been carrying out patrols. Some air activity has also been observed. We are on our side but there is no face-off, officials said.

Indian and Chinese soldiers are eyeball-to-eyeball at four locations along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and several rounds of talks between local military commanders have failed to end the standoff that began with a violent confrontation between rival patrols on May 5-6 near Pangong Tso.

Chinas state-run media has described the latest tensions as the worst since the 2017 Doklam standoff that lasted 73 days.

The defence minister also referred to the 2017 Doklam face-off in the interview. It appeared at that time that the situation was very tense. But we did not step back Ultimately, we were able to resolve the situation, he said.

Singh said both countries had made it clear that they wanted to resolve the problem. He also underlined that there was no need for the United States to meditate since the two countries already had a mechanism to resolve problems and it had been set in motion.

China has also rejected the US offer to mediate between the two sides to break the stalemate.

Former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd) said, Its a positive that things havent escalated in the past few days. But I think we are in for a period of intense negotiation. I see it as a little more complicated than Doklam.
ATLANTA : Protesters burned businesses in Minneapolis. They smashed police cars and windows in Atlanta, broke into police headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and chanted curses at President Donald Trump outside the White House. Thousands also demonstrated peacefully, demanding justice for George Floyd, a black man who died after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck.

As anger over Floyd's killing spread to cities nationwide, local leaders increasingly said they could need help from National Guardsmen or even military police to contain the unrest.

Georgias governor declared a state of emergency early Saturday to activate the state National Guard as violence flared in Atlanta. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler also declared an emergency and ordered a nighttime curfew for the city.

Another 500 Guard soldiers were mobilized in and around Minneapolis, where Floyd died and an officer faced charges Friday in his death. But after another night of watching fires burn and businesses ransacked, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said early Saturday that he was moving to activate more than 1,000 more and was considering federal help.

The Guard was also on standby in the District of Columbia, where a crowd grew outside the White House and chanted curses at President Donald Trump. Some protesters tried to push through barriers set up by the U.S. Secret Service along Pennsylvania Avenue, and threw bottles and other objects at officers wearing riot gear, who responded with pepper spray.

I just feel like hes just one of many names that weve had to create hashtags and T-shirts and campaigns for and I feel like nothing has changed," district resident Abe Neri said of Floyd. "And so thats why Im out here. Yeah, when you say nothing youre taking the side of the oppressor."

Many protesters echoed that frustration, that Floyd's death was one more in a litany. The anger that seized the nation comes in the wake of the killing in Georgia of Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot after being pursued by a white father and son while running in their neighborhood, and in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic that has thrown millions out of work, killed more than 100,000 people in the U.S. and disproportionately affected black people.

In scenes both peaceful and violent across the nation, thousands of protesters chanted No justice, no peace" and Say his name. George Floyd." They hoisted signs reading: He said I cant breathe. Justice for George."

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted that up to 500 members of the Guard would deploy immediately to protect people & property in Atlanta." He said he acted at the request of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who earlier appealed in vain for calm.

Some demonstrators smashed police cars and spray-painted the iconic logo sign at CNN headquarters in downtown Atlanta. At least three officers were hurt and there were multiple arrests, Atlanta police spokesman Carlos Campos said, as protesters shot at officers with BB guns and threw bricks, bottles and knives.

Atlanta officials said crews were temporarily unable to reach a fire at Del Friscos restaurant in the Buckhead neighborhood several miles north because of protesters there.

This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.," Bottoms said. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country."

Bottoms was flanked by Kings daughter, Bernice King, and rappers T.I. and Killer Mike.

We have to be better than burning down our own homes. Because if we lose Atlanta what have we got?" said Killer Mike, crying as he spoke.

A person was killed in downtown Detroit just before midnight after someone in an SUV fired shots into a crowd of protesters near the Greektown entertainment district, police said. In Portland, Oregon, protesters broke into police headquarters and authorities said they lit a fire inside. In Virginias capital, a police cruiser was set on fire outside Richmond police headquarters, and a city transit spokeswoman said a bus set ablaze was a total loss," news outlets reported.

Video posted to social media showed New York City officers using batons and shoving protesters down as they took people into custody and cleared streets. One video showed on officer slam a woman to the ground as he walked past her in the street.

Demonstrators rocked a police van, set it ablaze, scrawled graffiti across its charred body and set it aflame again as officers retreated. Blocks away, protesters used a club to batter another police vehicle. The police department said numerous officers were injured.

The names of black people killed by police, including Floyd and Eric Garner, who died on Staten Island in 2014, were on signs and in chants.

Our country has a sickness. We have to be out here," said Brianna Petrisko, among those at lower Manhattans Foley Square, where most were wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. "This is the only way were going to be heard."

Protesters in Houston, where Floyd grew up, included 19-year-old Jimmy Ohaz from the nearby city of Richmond, Texas: My question is how many more, how many more? I just want to live in a future where we all live in harmony and were not oppressed."

Demonstrators on the West Coast blocked highways in Los Angeles and Oakland, California.

About 1,000 protesters in Oakland smashed windows, sprayed buildings with Kill Cops" graffiti and were met with chemical spray from police, who said several officers were injured by projectiles.

One Los Angeles officer received medical treatment, police said. An LAPD vehicle had its windows smashed, and at least one city bus was vandalized. Police declared an unlawful assembly throughout downtown, where aerial footage from KTLA-TV showed scored of people corralled by police.

San Jose, California, police said that Santa Clara County sheriffs deputies shot at a fleeing SUV that was shown on video striking protesters, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Protesters repeatedly clashed with police in San Jose, said Mayor Sam Liccardo, and police responded with flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets. One officer was hospitalized with a non-life-threatening injury, officials said.

Liccardo said his city's officers shared the communitys outrage over Floyds death.

It was a horrible injustice," he told the AP.

Portland, Oregon, police said at least one shooting was tied to the protest, although details werent immediately released. Two people were arrested during overnight riots in which protesters set fires throughout downtown and smashed storefront windows, police said, but arrest details were immediately available.

Police, who declared the protest a riot, said they deployed gas after people threw projectiles at them.

Mayor Wheeler tweeted a plea to protesters to remain peaceful and said that, while he had left the city to attend to his dying mother, he was heading back. He later declared a state of emergency.

Portland, this is not us," he wrote. How does this honor the legacy of George Floyd?"

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics
30.05.2020 LISTEN

The Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party in the Savannah Region has joined the call for the compilation of new voters register by the Electoral Commission of Ghana on Friday.

According to the group's Regional Youth Organiser, the new register when complied will lead to a credible election in December 2020.

"The voter register is the wheels on which a credible election run and as a wing of a party that continually play a lead role in Ghana's electoral reforms, we will again like to state our unbridled support for the independent electoral commission in their quest to make our electoral roll more robust.

He added "The NPP still maintains our position that the current voter's register is bloated, over Stretched and not fit for purpose. "

The Youth Wing Organiser said the government of the New Patriotic Party has fulfilled many of its numerous promises to Ghanaians and he is hopeful the electorates will retain it come to the December polls:

"There is no doubt that the NPP will be given another resounding and overwhelming victory by the Ghanaian people considering the magnitude of fulfilled promises and numerous job opportunities by the Nana Addo led government."

Mr. Rapheal Mahama further urged his party faithfuls to support the EC to perform its duties of compiling new credible voters register for the elections:

"I call on all youth groups and members of the New Patriotic Party in the Savannah region to participate in this important exercise to improve on the credibility and integrity of our electoral system."

Reacting to the NDC's actions to kick against the compilation of the new register, he insisted:

"The unfortunate action of the NDC can best be described as 'Holding Onto Straws' for a glaring, inevitable defeat await's them come December 2020."

""The Electoral Commission is the only body constitutionally mandated to compile an electoral register and conduct elections in Ghana as clearly stated in article 43(1) of the 1992 constitution and therefore needs to be supported by all stakeholders in executing such legal mandate."

Mr. Rapheal Mahama Akati ended his party's youth wing support for the compilation of new voters register by calling on all Ghanaians to follow the safety protocols by the President to ensure a safe exercise:

"I further entreat all Ghanaians to strictly abide by the president's directives on Covid-19 protocols and as implemented by the electoral commission for the registration process for a smooth exercise"
Youth and Community Work students helping their area tackle the Covid-19 pandemic

This article is old - Published: Saturday, May 30th, 2020

Youth and Community Work students at Wrexham Glyndwr University are assisting with vital work to help young people in North Wales face the coronavirus pandemic.

The students are combining their studies at university with community roles, which help ensure young people facing health, housing and food issues  among others  are getting the advice and support they need during the crisis.

Alice Williams, who is in her final year of her Youth and Community work degree, has a role as youth activities worker for the Peoples Health Trust section of Caia Park Partnership  a community development organisation and charity based in the heart of Caia Park, and she also works within the Caia Park youth team.

In her roles she champions the voice of young people in Caia Park and tackles health inequality across the community.

Meanwhile her fellow student, Zoe Davenport-Ball has a role as a Relief Worker at Wrexham Foyer, which covers a number of supported living schemes which help young people who are facing housing issues. Her team works across three sites  Wrexham Foyer, Hafan and Preswylfa  to provide advice, guidance and support to tenants.

Both Alice and Zoe have seen their roles change in recent weeks as their teams respond to the current pandemic.

Much of Alices regular work involves working directly alongside young people on issues which affect their community. However, a lot of that work has now shifted online.

She said: Due to Covid-19 my role has changed as youth clubs are closed. That means working with a smaller team and social distancing is a must, and PPE must be worn on detached work.

This detached work involves visits twice a week around Caia Park  ensuring young people are listening to the lockdown guidelines.

All our other contact with our young people and the community is now online  such as quiz nights, an online community singing contest, and a Peoples Health Trust logo in chalk competition. Our Youth forum is now a group video chat once a week  to maintain communication and plan for when the pandemic is finally over.

Meanwhile, Zoes work has seen a number of changes too  include measures to protect both staff and service users health, including social distancing, regular cleaning, and much more. She has also seen several changes to both the support her team offers  and the way it is offered.

She said: Since the Covid-19 pandemic started working at Wrexham Foyer has had to be altered.

We cannot offer the same support as we did due to social distancing  however, we are still here to offer assistance for those that require it.

We provide hot meals for those in self  isolation at the project, and we are continuing to work with outside agencies on the phone to provide the residents with the best possible support that we can offer during the current climate.

Due to the chaotic lives some of our residents have lived and the risk taking behaviour some can display, it has been challenging to encourage and remind them they are only allowed out for an hour exercise a day and for medical reasons or for essential shopping.

However I am a part of an amazing staff team and we have all ensured the safety and wellbeing of the residents comes first.

Alice, too, is working with both her staff teams and wider teams to ensure that young people are being kept supported.

She added: I have also been networking with other organisations to help support families right across the Caia Park community who need support, and have also created a home-schooling pack for those who are finding schooling hard or cannot access the internet.

Both Alice and Zoe have welcomed the support they have received both from their teams and from the tutors on Glyndwrs Youth and Community Work course  and have said its focus on critical reflection has proved invaluable to them as they adapt their roles to the current situation.

Alice said: Our tutors Hayley and Jess have been superstars throughout my learning journey and supported me the whole way.

The one thing my studies taught me as a Youth and Community worker is to always think on your feet and to adapt to your surrounding like a chameleon, as no two situations are the same.

What may have worked two months ago, does not work today  and due to the pandemic I have had to change the way I interact with the young people I work with and embrace the community side of my role.

Critical reflection is a huge process in my studies and now part of my role as a Youth Activities worker. Everything right now is trial and error, that does not mean we have failed  it just means we need to adopt a new way of thinking- such as youth work moving on to online, adapting with the times.

Zoe added: Studying Youth and community work at Glyndwr has prepared me for different situations  and though no-one could of been prepared for a global pandemic, I feel what I have learnt during my degree has aided me to critically reflect  and to remember that the young people come first.

Not many people can say that they are in the final year of University, in the middle of completing a research report and continuing to work with young people during a pandemic  however, I am taking it in my stride and if I am ever asked if I have dealt with a difficult situation I can hold my hands up and say well, I was part of an amazing team of key workers, supporting young people through the Covid  19 pandemic!

Senior lecturer in Youth and Community Work, Hayley Douglas, said: Our Youth and Community work course aims to provide our students with transferable skills, and it is wonderful to hear how they have applied their learning in very challenging circumstances indeed.

Our students are performing key roles in their communities keeping people safe, fed and looked after during the current pandemic.

The work youth and community workers carry out means they are often unsung heroes  so Id just like to take a moment to thank both our students, and their colleagues across the country, for the work they do.
People in the United States spent far less this April than they did during the same period in 2019. And in a sign that many are bracing for more economic hardship, personal savings reached an all-time high, according to economic data released by the US Department of Commerce on Friday.

Further darkening an already grim outlook, US monthly exports collapsed. Now many economist are predicting the most significant contraction in gross domestic product in the second quarter since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Consumer spending is a significant indicator because it accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity. According to the Department of Commerce, people in the US spent 13.6 percent less last month, the biggest drop since the government started tracking this information in 1959. Aprils drop eclipsed the previous all-time decrease of 6.9 percent in March.

Spending was depressed by a decrease in outlays on healthcare as dental offices closed, and as hospitals postponed elective surgeries and non-emergency visits to focus on patients suffering from COVID-19.

COVID-19 has killed over 100,000 people in the US, the highest death toll in the world.

In response to widespread lockdowns, people spent more time cooking and eating at home. Spending declined at restaurants, which have shifted to delivery and pick-up service only. Overall spending on food and beverages fell in April.

April incomes rose because of the US governments historic $3 trillion fiscal package. Millions of people in the US received one-time $1,200 cheques. That  combined with increased unemployment benefits for the roughly 31 million people who were unemployed  helped raise incomes.

Personal income surged a record 10.5 percent last month after falling 2.2 percent in March. Savings soared to a historic $4 trillion, with the savings rate hitting a record 33 percent. But business closures weighed on wages, which dropped 8.0 percent in April after falling 3.5 percent in March.

The saving rate represents both opportunity, and a warning, Chris Low, chief economist at FHN Financial in New York, told Reuters News Agency. If the economy reopens quickly without consequence, these savings represent considerable spending power in the second half. If it takes longer to reopen the economy, these savings will be used for sustenance over the next few months.

The economy is gradually reopening after non-essential businesses were shuttered in mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19, raising hopes that the economic slump was nearing a bottom.

Exports drop

In a second report on Friday, the Department of Commerce said goods exports tumbled 25.2 percent to $95.4bn in April, a 10-year low. The broad decline in exports was led by a 65.9 percent collapse in shipments of motor vehicles and parts. That outpaced a 14.3 percent tumble in imports. As a result, the goods trade deficit widened 7.2 percent to 69.7 billion last month.

The wider goods trade deficit is likely a drag on the second-quarter gross domestic product, which economists expect could drop at as much as a 40 percent rate, a pace not seen since the 1930s.
Kim Kardashian denounced 'systemic racism' on Twitter this Saturday amid widespread protests after the killing of George Floyd.

'I am exhausted by the heartbreak I feel seeing mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children suffering because their loved one was murdered or locked away unjustly for being black,' wrote the 39-year-old.

She is currently in self-isolation with her husband Kanye West and their four children North, six, Saint, four, Chicago, two, and Psalm, one.

'Exhausted by the heartbreak': Kim Kardashian denounced 'systemic racism' on Twitter this Saturday amid widespread protests after the killing of George Floyd

'For years, with every horrific murder of an innocent black man, woman, or child, I have always tried to find the right words to express my condolences and outrage,' she began her statement.

'But the privilege I am afforded by the color of my skin has often left me feeling like this is not a fight that I can truly take on as my own. Not today, not anymore. Like so many of you, I am angry. I am more than angry. I am infuriated and I am disgusted.'

Kardashian continued: 'I am exhausted by the heartbreak I feel seeing mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children suffering because their loved one was murdered or locked away unjustly for being black.'

Her take: She wrote that 'with every horrific murder of an innocent black man, woman, or child, I have always tried to find the right words to express my condolences and outrage'

She wrote: 'Even though I will never know the pain and suffering they have endured, or what it feels like to try to survive in a world plagued by systemic racism, I know I can use my own voice to help amplify those voices that have been muffled for too long.'

Kardashian added: 'Text "FLOYD" to 55156 #BlackLivesMatters #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeforAhmaudArbery #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor'.

The text contributes to a petition organized by Color For Change demanding the arrest of all four Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd's death.

Adding her voice: Kim posted to her Insta Stories earlier this week demanding '#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd'

This Friday Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with manslaughter and third degree murder.

Chauvin was caught on video kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than seven minutes during a forgery arrest this Monday. Floyd died at the hospital that day.

Four police officers including Chauvin have been fired over their role in the incident but so far only Chauvin has been arrested or charged.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 20:13:23|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- China's e-commerce giant JD.com has moved to tap further into live streaming sales by partnering with Kuaishou, a leading short-video and live streaming platform, ahead of its upcoming mid-year shopping festival.

Under the new partnership, users of Kuaishou will be able to buy products from JD.com without leaving the live streaming site, according to the agreement reached by the two companies.

The partnership came in time for JD.com's "618" online shopping festival, which was created by the company to mark its anniversary in June. This year, celebrity vloggers will sell JD.com's products via live streaming on Kuaishou, which boasts some 300 million daily active users.

Xu Lei, JD.com's retail chief, said the retailing business is facing both opportunities and challenges stemming from diversifying consumer demands and scenarios and hoped the partnership would improve the shopping experience.

Chinese e-retailers are ramping up efforts to spur sales in the upcoming mid-year promotion season, with live-streaming shopping expected to be a fierce battlefield, which has boomed after the COVID-19 epidemic kept Chinese consumers indoors for months.

More than 4 million e-commerce live streaming marketing activities were held in the first quarter of this year, according to data from the commerce ministry, attracting merchants, manufacturers and even government officials trying to promote local agricultural products.

The number of live streaming service users in China reached 560 million as of March, accounting for 62 percent of the country's total number of internet users. On Kuaishou alone, more than 100 million users are engaged in e-commerce business daily, data from the platform showed. Enditem
Police chiefs have been accused of surrendering to criminals in a lawless area of London after tensions rose over the tasering of a suspect.

Police chiefs ordered that non-essential attendance of officers should be avoided.

The suspect suffered life-changing injuries after being tasered by an officer from the Metropolitan Polices Tactical Support Group.

Police chiefs have been accused of surrendering to criminals in a lawless area of London after tensions rose after a subject was tasered and subsequently suffered life-suffering injuries

The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was approached by police but ran off and was tasered as he jumped over a wall.

He suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. He was arrested for drug related offences.

The Met last night said the order to police had been necessary to maintain the support of residents in an area where the suspect has strong links.

But frustrated officers fear other criminals will exploit their absence.

By backing off, we are giving freedom of movement to criminals, all because were scared of offending the community, one officer said.

But what about protecting other residents and preventing crimes?

An internal police document issued after the taser incident and seen by The Mail on Sunday said: This incident has resulted in increased tensions between the local community and police.

For this reason, please be mindful when patrolling in areas where the subject has links.

Local engagement is encouraged and any other proactive/non-essential police attendance should be avoided.

The Met force has previously said that its officers are highly trained in the use of tasers which increasing numbers of officers are carrying.

The incident is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A Tactical Support Group officer is facing a criminal charge of grievous bodily harm for wrongly discharging his taser and a disciplinary charge of gross misconduct.

He has been placed on restricted duties.

A Met spokesman said police were still responding to reports of crimes in the area and that ongoing investigations were not affected.
The Catholic Church has called for inquiries into the impact of Covid-19 on nursing homes in Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Catholic Church has called for inquiries into the impact of Covid-19 on nursing homes in Ireland.

More than half of all deaths have occurred in the care facilities.

The church said they should be prioritised to ensure they have the people and equipment necessary to deal with crises when they arise.

It added: We would welcome appropriate inquiries into the reasons why nursing care facilities were so badly affected.

Lessons must be learned.

More and more people will be availing of nursing care in the years ahead.

Nursing homes should be prioritised by the State to ensure that they have the personnel and equipment necessary to deal with such crisis situations as soon as they arise.

We must do all that we can to protect life and to improve the quality of life for those who are particularly vulnerable

There have been over 880 deaths in nursing homes in Ireland related to Covid-19.

Nursing Homes Ireland CEO Tadhg Daly has said that key State organisations left nursing homes and their residents isolated in the early days of the pandemic.

The Catholic Church statement said: Every resident is someones mother, father, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or friend.

They have played their part over many decades in contributing to their communities and to the economy.

It said the lives of those who live in such facilities should be valued, respected and enhanced.

Human life is sacred and precious from the child in the womb to the elderly person in care. We must do all that we can to protect life and to improve the quality of life for those who are particularly vulnerable.
Michigan public health officials made more data on the spread of COVID-19 in the states nursing homes public Friday, but acknowledged the data currently available likely doesnt paint the full picture.

With 91 percent of nursing facilities reporting, 4,949 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,216 deaths have been in nursing homes, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said Friday during an afternoon news briefing. About 23 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Michigan have been in nursing homes, but Khaldun said that number will likely grow as more data is made available.

The numbers, updated on the states website Friday, only accounts for cases in skilled nursing facilities and doesnt currently include data for other long term care facilities. And while the data shows the number of cases in each listed facility, deaths arent currently included.

Khaldun acknowledged shes frustrated that the state doesnt have more data publicly available yet, but stressed the state is still in the process of collecting and cleaning data from nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

What I dont want to do is put up data thats not accurate, she said. We have to get it right.

Related: Michigan will identify nursing homes with coronavirus outbreaks. It comes too late for some families.

Families with loved ones in nursing homes and critics of the Whitmer administration have long sought additional information on COVID-19s presence in the facilities.

In Michigan and elsewhere, the disease has spread quickly in nursing homes, where many residents are especially vulnerable to the disease due to age or preexisting health conditions.

As testing and contact tracing in nursing homes and other assisted living facilities ramp up, many have questioned the states initial decision to put COVID-19 patients in the same nursing homes as people who werent infected.

Sen. Pete Lucido, R-Shelby Township, recently called for an investigation into executive orders that allowed the movement of COVID-19 positive patients into nursing homes. He and other lawmakers have supported efforts to ban that practice.

How do you flatten the curve if youre bringing sick and infected seniors into a facility to spread it around? he asked during a recent press call.

During a Senate Oversight Committee hearing earlier this week, state Rep. Leslie Love, D-Detroit, said her mother resides in a nursing home and recently tested positive for COVID-19 after testing negative multiple times prior to that. She said she thinks how COVID-19 has been handled in nursing homes has been an epic fail.

Placing COVID-positive patients into nursing homes with healthy patients threatens to make the problem worse, Love told lawmakers during committee testimony.

At that hearing, MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said the states current data on nursing home deaths remains incomplete, telling lawmakers, were going to find out about more deaths.

Asked why COVID-19 patients are still allowed in Michigan nursing homes at a Thursday briefing, Whitmer said officials wanted to ensure patients who were discharged from hospitals had somewhere to go, adding, as we continue to learn, we continue to improve.

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.

Read more on MLive:

Friday, May 29: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan reports 607 new cases of coronavirus, 34 new deaths

Mass coronavirus testing in nursing homes may lead to spike in Muskegon County cases

Michigan adds nursing home-specific coronavirus data to stat disclosures
Visitors to the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside Friday evening were greeted by a line of police cruisers limiting access to the Target location.

More than a dozen Massachusetts State Police and Holyoke Police vehicles were stationed at the mall as a preventative measure, police said, following a series of posts on social media discussing looting the location.

Oh cause I thought the Target in Holyoke Mall at Ingleside said something," Salvador Perez posted on his personal Facebook page alongside a GIF of a man running with his hands full of electronic equipment. The mall was tagged in the post and it was shared widely by others on Facebook.

His post on social media was not the only one that caused concern.

8:30 TONIGHT! HOLYOKE MALL! BRING YA LOOTING SHOES AND BAG! We gon get ours today, another Facebook post read.

Less than 10 hours later, Perez captured a photo of cruisers, trucks and a police van stationed outside the Target. Tagging the mall again in a Facebook post, Perez said he was kidding.

Massachusetts State and Holyoke Police stationed outside the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside on Friday, May 29, 2020.

Speaking with MassLive, Perez said his initial post was in reaction to the protests in Minnesota and frustration with police brutality.

Protests were held in more than 30 cities on Friday, including across Massachusetts, following the death of George Floyd.

The 46-year-old died Monday after he was pinned to the ground by officers, including one who constricted his breathing by putting his knee on his neck. In video captured by witnesses, Floyd is heard pleading that he is struggling to breath and in severe pain, as Officer Derek Chauvin remains with his knee on his neck.

Floyd was declared dead a short time later at a Minneapolis hospital.

Chauvin and three other officers involved in his death were fired Tuesday as community activists called for their arrests. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

In the four-day period between Floyds death and charges being brought against one of the officers involved, a series of protests were held in Minneapolis. Protests at the Minneapolis 3rd Precinct - where the four officers involved in Floyds death were stationed before their firing - turned violent Wednesday evening. The Target store location across the street from the precinct was damaged and items were taken from the store.

40 Protests break out in Minneapolis following death of George Floyd

Following the nights activity, Target announced it would indefinitely close more than 70 stores in Minnesota.

We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing our community, the company said in a statement. At this time, we have made the decision to close a number of our stores until further notice. Our focus will remain on our team members safety and helping our community heal.

The company is headquartered in Minneapolis.

25 Protest against police brutality

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Springfield Police Department headquarters on Pearl Street Friday, calling for Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood to review the departments policies on use of force and implement police liability insurance.

If all police had to carry insurance, the worst offenders would quickly be identified, and they would be charged a higher rate, said Holly Richardson, community organizer of Out Now, told MassLive on Friday. If they continued down this path, eventually they would be priced out, or become un-insurable and thus unemployable.

Springfield police regularly have officers go through de-escalation training, minimizing the need to use force and focusing on communications skills, the department told MassLive.

What Id like people to understand is that police officers are frustrated too when incidents like this halfway across the country happen, said Clapprood. " It takes away from the strides we have made in the community, but I want to assure our community that those type of tactics you saw in Minneapolis, its just not how we train our officers here, we emphasize on keeping body-weight off areas of the body such as the head, neck, throat and spine and we stress de-escalation minimizing the need to use force, focusing on communication skills.

The protest was one of many that have been held in Massachusetts in the wake of Floyds death.

In Boston, hundreds gathered Peters Park in the South End both Thursday and Friday nights.

Brock Satter, a speaker and organizer with Mass Action Against Police Brutality, connected Floyds death to the death of Terrence Coleman, a 31-year-old black man with a mental health disability who died after being shot by a Boston Police officer in 2016. Colemans mother, Hope, disputes findings from an investigation by the office of then-Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley that said Coleman moved toward authorities with a knife before he was shot by police.

I shed tears, but its time for my tears to stop and Im going to keep fighting for justice, Hope Coleman said at the rally Friday. I pray every day for these cops to be [held] accountable. Every single cop."

73 Protesters rally in Boston against death of George Floyd

Got a news tip or want to contact MassLive about this story? Email newstips@masslive.com or message us on Facebook orTwitter. You can also call our news tips line at 413-776-1364.

Related Content
With the nation entering the fifth phase of the lockdown on June 1 (Monday), malls and less crowded places of worship in Delhi are likely to open from June 8. The Delhi government on Saturday, however, remained undecided on allowing restaurants and hotels to reopen for full-fledged business.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting of top officials on Sunday to iron out Delhis lockdown rules for phase 5. Since activities allowed under Unlock 1 plan of the Centre will come into effect only from June 8, the Delhi government is likely to state that status quo be maintained until then. This means that the current rules and relaxations may continue till June 8.

The Central government has issued a basic framework for unlocking more services and utilities. The Centre has given the power to the states/union territories to enforce stricter rules, if needed, without diluting that framework. So, Delhi will issue a nuanced order for the city after detailed deliberations with officials. A call will be taken on Sunday on issues such as opening of malls on an alternate basis or fully, allowing dine-in service in restaurants, and opening of hotels, salons and spas, among others, a Delhi government spokesperson said.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal while addressing a digital press conference had said the city cannot remain under a permanent lockdown.

We cannot engage in a permanent lockdown. No one can predict whether the coronavirus will go away if the timeline of the lockdown is increased by a month or more. We have to learn to live with the virus and we have to arrange for everything required to treat Covid-19 cases, he said.

After the Centres order, a senior government official said the 122 containment zones in Delhi will get no relaxation till June 30.

But despite the Centres order, confusion prevailed over interstate movement of people, which has been a major pain point for thousands travelling between Delhi and neighbouring cities of Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.

The Centre in one clause said no pass/permission is required for interstate or intrastate movement. But the second clause says that a state can regulate movement of people to safeguard public health, which means states will still have the power to seal borders if they feel a need to continue doing so, a senior revenue department official said.

The things/activities that will not start or open in the capital in the fifth phase are schools, colleges and other educational and training institutions. A state education department official said the government will hold more consultations with parents, teachers and other stakeholders with regard to opening of educational institutions -- a decision that will have to be taken by July, according to Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) guidelines.

The Delhi Metro too will remain shut for now, according to MHA guidelines. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted saying: In light of the guidelines issued by the government, Metro services will remain closed for commuters until further notice.

All public transport, expect the Metro, are operating with restrictions in the national capital. All offices, industries and standalone shops are allowed to open. All markets and shopping complexes are operating on an odd-even basis.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
This story was last updated in December 2020.

Seeing the Made-in-China label on products is not an uncommon sight, but how would one feel if some of their favorite branded items were not produced ethically? Or if items of daily use such as toothpicks and chopsticks were not as clean as they thought they would be?

Recently, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute released a report on detained Uyghurs being forcefully transferred to work in factories across China for at least 83 well-known global brands such as Apple, Gap, Sony, Nike, and Samsung. Worker Rights Consortium, a United States-based labor rights group, has also disclosed that gloves by the French brand Lacoste were also produced in factories that hold Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities, according to VOA News.

In fact, the term forced labor is not an alien topic to those who have been keeping tabs on whats happening in China.

The photo shows the buildings at the Artux City Vocational Skills Education Training Service Center, believed to be a re-education camp where mostly Muslim ethnic minorities are detained, north of Kashgar in Chinas northwestern Xinjiang region. (GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)

State-Run Slave Labor Industry

In 2019, the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG)a United States-based nonprofit dedicated to documenting the persecution of the spiritual disciplinereleased a two-part investigative report that details how the state slave labor industry is thriving in Chinas prisons, labor camps, and detention centers. The detainees are often prisoners of conscience or religious minorities who are imprisoned together with criminal inmates.

Apart from highlighting the many products of daily use, the report also compiled gross examples of how toothpicks and chopsticks are made by detaineesoften in grossly unhygienic conditions, which any industry that upholds ethical standards would never allow.

Among the primary enslaved groups are practitioners of Falun Dafaa meditation practice based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The peaceful meditation system, which is currently practiced freely all over the world, was outlawed in China by former communist party leader Jiang Zemin, who viewed this group of meditators as a threat after seeing its moral tenets gaining enormous popularity over that of the communist ideology. Per the official Chinese state data, 70 million to 100 million people had taken up the Falun Dafa practice within the first five years after its introduction in 1992.

On July 20, 1999, Jiang then launched a country-wide persecution campaign, which resulted in numerous Falun Dafa adherents being arrested and sent to prisons, labor camps, and brainwashing centers.

Falun Dafa practitioners exercising in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, in 1998 (Minghui)

Special Containers and Controlled Restroom Visits

The WOIPFG report cited an example of Inner Mongolia First Womens Prison, where the practitioners of Falun Dafa observed other inmates packing toothpicks or sorting quinoa with the aid of a small mug, and at times they employed a special containera small basin that they used to wash their private parts at night.

The report stated: The prisoners get two mugs of water every day: one at noon and one at night. They would save the mug of hot water they get at night to wash their private parts in this small basin. During the day, this small basin is used to package toothpicks or sort Quinoa. These sorted Quinoa of the highest quality was mainly for export.

The report mentioned that water outages frequently happened due to either technical faults or intentional cutoff by the prison guards to save money. As a result, prisoners could not wash their hands after using the restroom. The report also added that detainees were allowed to use the restroom only twice a day during working hours. If they do not have money to bribe the guards to allow them to use the restroom, some of them might hide themselves in big piles of clothes to relieve themselves without the prison guards noticing.

However, it noted that the apparel companies might be unaware of such actions and may think that the traces on the clothes are just water marks and not urine marks.

Used wooden chopsticks at a roasted mutton stall on a street on March 23, 2006, in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. (China Photos/Getty Images)

Unhygienic Working Conditions

Minghui.org, a United States-based website that tracks the persecution of Falun Dafa in China, has also released a three-part compilation report on the forced slave labor and the unhygienic work conditions. The report is based on practitioners accounts of what they had witnessed in the prisons while being detained.

The report detailed incidents from Liaoning Womens Prison. The prison has a large-scale clothing factory that produces clothes for export to countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Apart from making apparel, the inmates also made a variety of goods that include food, shoes, lingerie, and even cotton swabs that were exported to the United States, Europe, Australia, and other countries.

Part 2 of the report, based on the practitioners accounts, noted that many of the inmates who were detained in prisons and detention centers often suffered from contagious diseases such as hepatitis, scabies, tuberculosis, or even AIDS, but would still be forced to work. It also mentioned how inmates at the Fushun City Detention Center in Liaoning Province were unhappy with being forced to work and vented their anger while packing toothpicks.

The toothpicks were put on the ground regardless of the cleanliness. Some inmates rubbed the toothpicks with their athletes foot before throwing them back into the pile. There were others who put the toothpicks in their mouths before putting them back, the report stated.

Toothpicks made at the Changliu Detention Center in northeastern Chinas city of Tonghua (Minghui)

Some Falun Dafa practitioners who managed to flee China have also recounted their experiences of slave labor work while detained in prisons.

Luo Zizhao, a chef at Radiance, a high-end Cantonese restaurant in New York City, told The Epoch Times in 2014 about how he was forced to assemble several products for export, including hairpins and Christmas lights while detained at the Shunde Detention Center in Guangdong Province. While connecting the wires for the Christmas lights, he would often cut himself due to the very sharp copper sheets. The forced labor caused all 10 of his fingers to bleed and fester.

Master chef Luo Zizhao in Manhattan, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2014. (Petr Svab/The Epoch Times)

Bu Dongwei, who now lives in California and once worked for the San Francisco-based Asia Foundation Beijing branch, told Radio Free Asia in 2009 how he was forced to pack chopsticks in the labor camp in a small, crowded room with other inmates; he was sentenced to two and a half years for practicing Falun Dafa.

Bu said the chopsticks, made and packaged without going through any disinfection in labor camps, are commonly found in restaurants in the United States. He recalled that once when he was in Washington having meals downstairs of Capitol Hill, he saw the same kind of chopsticks in use.

Bu Dongwei speaking at a rally in downtown San Francisco, Calif., on July 16, 2016. (Minghui)

Although WOIPFG noted that the United States had banned the import of goods made by forced labor in 2016, the prisons and detention centers in China were able to continue their export of such products by using multiple layers of subcontractors to cover up the true origins of these products.

The large-scale production and circulation of these ultra-low-cost and extremely competitive slave labor products have made a great impact on the international labor market and economic market. The result is bankruptcies of a large number of businesses in the same industries. At the same time, the large number of people who lost their jobs as a result of this unfair competition, have become a serious burden to the international society and foreign governments, disrupting the normal order of the market economy, the WOIPFG report stated.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 18:40:53|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

VIENTIANE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister's Office on Friday has released a notice detailing updated lockdown measures, allowing more sectors to reopen.

The notice, effective from Tuesday until June 30, outlines a gradual loosening of lockdown measures with certain strict measures to remain in place.

The notice states that residents should remain vigilant and continue to abide by measures determined by The National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

Lao authorities and other relevant sectors must continue spreading the message regarding the danger of the COVID-19 virus, methods and measures for protecting themselves from the virus, Lao Deputy Minister of Health Phouthone Meaungpak told a press conference on Saturday.

All types of sporting events and competitions may now be held, however, spectators will not be allowed to attend.

Night markets will now be permitted to reopen, as well as restaurants that have received official authorization. Bars and beer shops are to remain closed.

Cinemas may open and show films but must abide by social distancing and other COVID-19 prevention measures.

Construction projects, plants, and factories may resume operations but must follow the guidelines issued by the government.

Local, traditional, and international border checkpoints remain closed. People are forbidden from entering and exiting the country, except for drivers of cargo vehicles or those with prior authorization.

As of Saturday, Laos has tested 6,432 suspected cases with 19 cases tested positive, and 16 patients have recovered. Enditem
North Korea accused the United States of smear tactics yesterday after Washington renewed accusations last month that Pyongyang was responsible for malicious cyber attacks.

It was the latest in a series of exchanges underscoring the friction between the two countries after denuclearisation talks launched by US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stalled late last year.

"We want to make it clear that our country has nothing to do with the so-called 'cyber threat' that the US is talking about," North Korea's Foreign Ministry said in the statement.

It said Washington was trying to use the allegations as leverage, along with the issues of nuclear missiles and human rights as well as accusations of terrorism funding and money laundering. The aim was to "smear our country's image and create a way to shake us up", it said.

The US State Department, Treasury, and Department of Homeland Security Issues, along with the FBI, issued a new warning last month about the threat of North Korean hackers.

North Korea is alleged to be behind an ambitious, years-long campaign of digital theft, including siphoning cash from ATMs, stealing from major banks, extorting computer users worldwide, and hijacking digital currency exchanges. Since 2006, the country has been subject to UN sanctions that have been strengthened by the Security Council over the years in a bid to cut off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The US Justice Department has accused the country's state-owned bank of evading sanctions laws and said it had charged 28 North Koreans and five Chinese over alleged sanctions violations.
317 new Covid-19 positive cases reported in West Bengal in last 24 hour

Total number of containment zones in Delhi is now 122

262 new Covid-19 cases and 12 deaths (in last 24 hours) reported in UP

1,510 new positive cases of Covid-19 and 54 deaths reported today in Mumbai

Coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating as the world stares at a second wave. Millions of people who are unemployed due to the pandemic stare at a worsening economic crisis. The pandemic continues to rage through major cities of the world. It has also caused major political upheavals across the world. US President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the WHO while blaming China for the deaths. States in India look towards making more decisions in the next phase of the lockdown. India currently has recorded 165,799 cases and 4,706 deaths.

Click here for the complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic
PITTSFIELD CHARTER TWP., MI - The Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office is investigating three parts of an incident thats sparked protests for four days, Sheriff Jerry Clayton said at a Friday news conference.

One is an internal criminal investigation into one of his white deputies shown punching ShaTeina Grady El in the head three times. The second is a criminal investigation into ShaTeina Grady El and her husband Daniyal allegedly obstructing a police investigation.

The third is a shooting in the Apple Ridge neighborhood of Ypsilanti Township that led to the deputys altercation with the Grady Els in the first place.

Claytons office released about 45 minutes of police bodycam footage May 29, just minutes after ShaTeina Grady El spoke publicly for the first time after her altercation with the deputy around midnight Tuesday, May 26.

Read more: You cant do that.' Ypsilanti woman shown being punched by Washtenaw deputy speaks about altercation

Sheriff Clayton delivering remarks related to the recent use of force incident that took place in our community earlier this week. Posted by Washtenaw Sheriff on Friday, May 29, 2020

Clayton presented the footage with clarifying commentary, but started by saying his attempt at transparency in this situation was to help repair any discord his office has with the the black community after this incident.

Free ShaTeina: Continued incarceration of Ypsilanti woman leads 300 protesters to block streets again

We understand that our relationship with the community and our trust with them was fractured that night, Clayton said. Our organization will not be defined by any one moment. How we respond to this is extremely important.

Clayton also opened his statements by saying the footage would blur out personal identifying information of his deputies and residents on the scene. Claytons office will also continue releasing more footage as his staff continues redacting personal information for privacy, said sheriffs office spokesman Derrick Jackson.

The shooting investigation

Washtenaw County Dispatch received two 911 calls at 12:11 a.m., May 26, according to the footage. Both reported a shooting in Ypsilanti Townships Apple Ridge neighborhood, with the first caller saying they heard two shots fired.

Deputies arrived on scene and attempted to gain information on the potential shooter, according to the footage. At one point, a deputy knocked on the door of the house where police later set up a perimeter, but the residents inside told them they didnt want to talk. That home on the 2000 block of Peachcrest Street is where the Grady Els daughter lives, Daniyal Grady El said.

The deputies discovered a woman in a car with a gunshot wound in her back, Clayton said. She told officers that a little man in a blue shirt fled the scene into the same home they had just attempted to search, according to the footage.

I just dont want this to get lost, Clayton said. We received a call for service of a large gathering of 30 to 40 people and shots fired. We arrive on the scene, and we find a gunshot victim. So those are facts."

While that doesnt mean the shooter was still there, Clayton acknowledged, deputies had reasonable suspicion to search the house for the shooter. At that point, a deputy requested that he and another deputy enter the home for a search, which was refused by the person at the door. The command officer made the call for deputies to secure a search warrant on the home before returning, Clayton said.

Meanwhile, two other deputies on scene started establishing a perimeter around the house, Clayton said. After the altercation, two other sheriffs deputies, as well as an Ypsilanti Police Department officer supplemented the effort, he said.

Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton speaks on the case of Sha'Teina Grady at the Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center in Pittsfield Township on Friday, May 29, 2019.Jacob Hamilton/Mlive.com

The punching of ShaTeina Grady El

As deputies spoke with someone at the door at the Peachcrest Street home, the Grady Els started filming, the couple said. The footage shows ShaTeina Grady El demanding officers produce a search warrant and tell her their names and badge numbers.

The command officer on scene ordered the Grady Els to increase their distance from the police perimeter, Clayton said, especially with the limited resources to establish that perimeter.

They were inside the zone we were comfortable with in terms of the safety and risk to (the deputies)," he said. We had one deputy trying to negotiate entry (with the person at the door), and the command officer trying to maintain cover and safety for that officer negotiating.

One element missing from the video is a deputy explaining to the Grady Els that the home is the possible location of the shooter.

We never passed their squad car, which I thought was the barrier, ShaTeina Grady El said. One of (the deputies) could have said, Maam, we need you to move six feet back, just for your safety...theres a possible shooter in the house. That couldve changed it.

Staff setting up the perimeter do not have to give a specific reason to people why they are setting up that zone, Clayton said.

Their focus is, lets create a safe zone, he said. Their focus is on a potential shooter. I just dont want that to get lost.

The footage shifts from the perspective of the command officer to that of the deputy who would be seen on video punching ShaTeina Grady El. After the command officer orders the arrest of the couple, the deputy attempts to gain physical control of ShaTeina Grady El. The deputy can be heard telling her to stop biting him, but its unclear if the biting occurred before or after he started punching her.

The Associated Press reports that multiple officers were put on administrative leave after the altercation in Ypsilanti Township that ended in what dozens of protesters see as a blatant act of police brutality. In the video, the deputy can be seen lifting a woman identified as ShaTeina Grady El off of her feet, getting into some kind of struggle with her and suddenly punching her three times in the head before taking her to the ground. Another officer can be seen using a Taser on her husband. Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton addressed the incident saying, There is absolutely no doubt, and no argument from me, that the images in the video are disturbing. It warrants a complete investigation. Posted by Atalaya Mikki on Wednesday, May 27, 2020

A visible bite mark can be seen on the deputys left forearm later in the footage. Many of the protesters, including Daniyal Grady El, have made the point over the last several days that no man should ever punch a woman. However, Clayton said deputies may be authorized to use punching as a means of control against a non-compliant person depending on the situation.

Outraged residents block streets in protest over Washtenaw deputy accused of punching black woman

The arrest and drive to jail

After ShaTeina Grady El was taken to the ground, as her husband was struck with a stun gun off-screen, a deputy placed his knee on her back. After she said she couldnt breathe, the deputy lifted her up, according to the footage.

A deputy tried to shove her into the back of a sheriffs car, telling her she was arrested for interfering with an investigation into a shooting, according to the footage.

The entirety of the drive to the Washtenaw County Jail was shown through a car camera, and no officer touched her on the drive. She demanded medical attention, which was provided at 1:08 a.m. at the jail.

At 5:44 p.m., Tuesday, Grady El denied jail medical personnel permission to look into possible shoulder injuries and cuts. On Wednesday, May 27, she was transferred to the Taylor Police Department on an outstanding warrant for a separate resisting arrest charge.

Free ShaTeina: Continued incarceration of Ypsilanti woman leads 300 protesters to block streets again

In the initial aftermath from the incident, the sheriffs office has placed the deputy shown punching ShaTeina Grady El and other involved staff on paid administrative leave due to union requirements.

In addition to a sheriffs office internal review of practices which led to the altercation, the Michigan Sheriffs Association is investigation the deputys use of force against the Grady Els, the sheriffs office said. That investigations findings will be shared with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for review.

A citizen review of the incident will (also) be looked into by the Community Advisory Board for Law Enforcement (CABLE), sheriffs office spokesman Derrick Jackson said. The chair to CABLE is Justin Hodge...Questions may be emailed to the committee at: washtenawcable@gmail.com or to the chairperson at: hodjusti@gmail.com. Letters may be mailed to CABLE care of the Chair, Justin Hodge, at the following address: Justin Hodge, CABLE Chair 1606 South Huron Street P.O. Box 971571 Ypsilanti MI 48197.

The Grady Els will seek a felonious assault charge on the deputy, as well as the firings of all staff involved, said their lawyer William Amadeo.

Read more: Video of Washtenaw County deputy punching woman sparks outrage in Ypsilanti Township
Eight people including a Bismarck educator have applied for a vacancy on North Dakota's State Board of Higher Education.

Don Morton, a former board chairman and retired senior director at Microsoft Corp. in Fargo, is finishing his second four-year term on the board in June. He is not eligible for reappointment. His successor will be appointed to a four-year term.

Bismarck Shiloh Christian School Principal Ian Grande is among the eight people who met Friday's deadline to apply for the board seat, according to State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, chairwoman of a nominating committee that reviews applications and recommends potential appointments to Gov. Doug Burgum.

Other candidates are Grand Forks businessman Matthew Dunlevy, retired Casselton businessman Perry Lubbers, Grand Forks businesswoman and TV producer June JuniKae Randall, Fargo businessman Cody Severson, Grand Forks attorney Jonathan Sickler, New Rockford farmer and veterinarian Frank Walker, and Fargo attorney Joseph Wetch Jr.

The nominating committee will meet later to choose three finalists for Burgum to consider. Mortons successor will begin serving July 1. The person who is chosen also will be subject to confirmation by the North Dakota Senate during the 2021 Legislature.

Several of the candidates including Grande applied for a previous board opening created by the January resignation of Dan Traynor, who was appointed to a federal judgeship. Burgum chose Danita Bye, a Stanley business adviser and consultant, to succeed Traynor.

The Board of Higher Education sets policy for the North Dakota University System and oversees its operations. The system includes six four-year universities and five two-year colleges. It has eight voting members, including a North Dakota University System student who represents students, and two nonvoting members who represent the systems faculty and staff.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 0
SCHENECTADY  While the three incumbents seeking re-election continue to remain mum about the circumstances surrounding ex-school superintendent Larry Spring's abrupt departure in March, the two newcomers running against them blasted the board members for agreeing to a non-disparagement clause that has kept the circumstances of Spring's departure veiled in secrecy.

I think they violate the basic democratic principles of accountability," said Samuel Rose, a lifelong Schenectady resident and neophyte candidate.

On the day of his March 25 resignation, Spring and the school district reached a separation agreement that stipulated Spring would not take legal action against the district, and neither party would speak or write negative or disparaging comments about the other.

The five-page agreement, which includes Spring's one-sentence resignation letter, also includes a confidentiality clause. The Times Union reported earlier this month that Spring's departure followed an internal investigation conducted by the district's outside law firm prompted by a sexual harassment complaint against the former superintendent, who began leading the district in 2012.

Nohelani Etienne, another first-time candidate for the school board, said she would have liked to know more about the details of the separation agreement Spring negotiated with the board.

"I think if something of that nature happened, I think it's important that that information is shared," said Etienne, 40. "I don't think I would want that non-disclosure, and I think transparency is the way you build trust with the staff, faculty and students and their parents  keeping them involved so they understand what's going in with our schools."

Rose and Etienne join Princella Learry, who ran unsuccessfully for the board once before, in a field of six candidates vying for three three-year terms on the board at a time when the panel is preparing to embark the search for a new superintendent.

Spring remained on the district's payroll through April 22 as he used up accrued personal and vacation time. School board members have declined to discuss what led to the sudden resignation of the educator.

Incumbents Bernice Rivera, Dharam "Junior" Hitlall and Katherine Stephens all stated that they couldn't comment on what went on with Spring because it's a personnel matter.

Both Rivera and Learry have previously worked for Schenectady schools. Hitlall, who is vying for his third term and is running with Rivera and Learry, added that the board "took the recommendation from our attorney."

Learry also talked about the need for more transparency and open communication, citing the deal the district negotiated with Spring.

She said she didn't know why Spring left until she read the Times Union article.

The same night board members unanimously accepted Spring's terse resignation letter, they appointed Aaron Bochniak as acting superintendent. He has not said publicly if he is interested in taking the job permanently.

The Times Union interviewed two women who said they had been pursued by Spring, and had told their stories to Harris Beach, the law firm that represents the school district and presided over the internal probe of the accusations against the ex-superintendent. The complaint that prompted the investigation was filed by a woman who is employed by Capital Region BOCES but works within the city school system.

The two women interviewed by the paper gave similar accounts of Spring lavishing them with praise over social media for their academic work, and then trying to arrange off-campus get-togethers. Neither filed complaints against Spring.

The completion of the investigation preceded the striking of a deal between the district and the superintendent that paved the way for Spring's resignation from his $204,064-a-year post.

The findings and conclusions of the months-long investigation portray a man whose conduct toward the complainant and others was "part of a pattern" in which he targeted younger, sometimes untenured female teachers, according to a copy of the law firm's report reviewed by the Times Union.

The report also mentions that during the course of the investigation into Spring's behavior, investigators anonymously received several photographs of Spring either partially or completely nude.

The report did not, however, recommend any specific disciplinary action that should be taken against Spring.

It recommended that the district retrain its staff on its sexual harassment and anti-retaliation policies.

Spring, who is married with two children, would not respond to the allegations. "Legally, the district and I are bound by confidentiality and that is something I take very seriously," he said in an email to the Times Union earlier this month.

"I believe in treating people with respect and am very proud of the work and dedication the entire team put forth at the Schenectady City School District over the past eight years. I wish them nothing but the best going forward," he said.

Besides the Spring controversy, the candidates also said the district of about 10,000 students needs to make sure that they solicit input and get parents, teachers and other community members involved in the search for a new superintendent.

Most of the candidates said they support that idea.

It is pertinent that the superintendent search be open, said Rivera, adding that it's critical stakeholders are able to have a huge influence over whos going to be the next leader." She is vying for a second term.

It is critical for us to build trust again with the school district, with our families, with our students, she said. I feel that bringing in a superintendent and being very mindful of the type of superintendent thats brought in is going to also contribute to that trust factor because of the things that have happened in Schenectady. That is the foundation of a lot of this work, trying to build that trust.

She conceded that the straw that broke the camels back is losing a leader during the time of a crisis.

Stephens, running for her second term, said one of her priorities is to continue working to to see to it that the staff in the district is more reflective of its diverse student population.

Stephens also talked a lot about the importance of equity when it comes to state funding and the doling out of discipline that seems to disproportionately affect black and brown students more than their white counterparts.

She voted against the recently passed 2020-2021 budget, and expressed reservations about the recent restructuring involving the culturally relevant education coordinator position.

She said a district like Schenectady where students of color are the majority needs to make sure that it doesnt cut programs that are designed to help at-risk students stay in school.

We have to make sure the supports we have for our students are protected from those cuts, that we find ways to be creative on how we fund our programing so that were able to continue to work to help our most vulnerable students, said Stephens, an arts administrator.

Etienne, 40, has three daughters, ages 10 to 17, in the school system.

She recalled attending a school board meeting where residents were complaining about fights and other distractions at the high school that two of her children attend.

"Having that direct interaction with my girls, also being an (Schenectady High School) graduate myself, I think very highly of our district  but I also have some concerns," she said of her decision to get into the race.

Rose said Schenectady needs to work on lowering its dropout rate.

I think one of the main reasons students drop out is because they dont see education as being a necessity for their livelihood, or they lack the economic means to continue it, he said. These are social issues that have negative educational outcomes that there is no easy quick education fix for.
Having faced losses already due to the lockdown, the cloth traders at the famous new market here have been asked to shut shops again after one of them tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

The congested walled city, the oldest portion of the holy city and hub of wholesale clothing business, remained shut for nearly 50 days. The market saw a trickle of customers since recent relaxations. However, a covid case was reported in the market on Friday, prompting the authorities to close the market. After a shopkeeper tested positive, the administration has asked all of the shopkeepers to take precautions. As many as 60 traders will have to shut their shops for some more days, Amritsar Federation of Cloth Wholesalers chairman Jatinder Singh Bhatia said.

He said the infected trader had made a business trip to Kashmir, but it is yet to be ascertained from where he contracted the infection. Ever since we opened our outlets, we are taking precautions and following the government guidelines, he added.

Over 5,000 traders are into wholesale cloth business across the city.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Washington

With new U.S. economic numbers highlighting the rough road ahead for a hoped-for rebound, President Donald Trump on Friday took aim at the World Health Organization and China, blaming both for their roles in the pandemic's devastation.

Trump announced that the United States will end its support for WHO, charging it didn't respond adequately to the health crisis because of China's "total control" over the global organization. Trump said Chinese officials "ignored" their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the agency to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered.

Earlier Friday, U.S. Commerce Department statistics showed a record-shattering 13.6 percent drop in spending in April, a day after a federal jobs report showed another 2 million-plus Americans went out of work last week. The depth of the spending drop is particularly damaging because consumer spending is the primary driver of the economy.

The bad economic news was echoed in Europe, where an extensive social welfare net was showing signs of fraying, as protests erupted for a second day in Spain against layoffs by French carmaker Renault and Italy's chief central banker warned that "uncertainty is rife."

While some U.S. states were moving ahead with steps to reopen businesses and leisure activities needed to spur spending and restore jobs, some were finding relaxed safety measures have been followed by upticks in new cases.

Arkansas over the past week has seen a steady rise in active coronavirus cases, following moves by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to reopen businesses.

Health officials on Thursday announced the number of active cases, excluding people who have recovered or died, hit a new high of 1,830 in the state, which has had a total of 6,538 cases. Arkansas also hit a record for a one-day increase in infections in the community, meaning ones that don't include the incarcerated.

"We're not going to go back, but we want people to follow those guidelines, make sure they do everything they can to avoid the spread and we can get through this," Hutchinson said.

However, a rural Northern California county decided to temporarily rescind its order allowing reopening of restaurants, shopping and other services after its first coronavirus cases developed.

Lassen County had no reported coronavirus cases until May 22, when state data showed it was one of only two California counties with zero cases. But as of Wednesday, the county of 30,000 people had reported five known cases. Lassen County had started reopening businesses under state rules on May 11.

A federal public health study released Friday shed more light on the contagion's beginnings in the United States. The most comprehensive federal study to date concluded that the spark that started the U.S. coronavirus epidemic arrived during a three-week window from mid-January to early February, before the nation halted travel from China.

Some people have claimed Americans were getting sick from the coronavirus as early as November and that infections were spreading in the U.S. before any case was identified, said Dr. Robert Redfield, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Redfield said the study "puts data into the discussion."
The US reacts to China's new security law. Washington will penalise Chinese officials who undermine Hong Kong's autonomy. Checks are expected on imports and entry visas expected. For Chris Patten, there will be a flight of capital and people. For the EU, sanctions will not solve problems with China.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  The United States will start procedures to scrap the special treatment reserved for Hong Kong. US President Donald Trump made the announcement yesterday in response to China's security law for the city.

Chinas parliament, the National People's Congress, adopted the new measure on Thursday. It punishes actions and "activities" that seriously endanger national security.

Now Hong Kong residents can be arrested for subversion, secession, terrorism and collaboration with foreign forces interfering in the affairs of the Special Region.

For Washington, the new legislation violates the "one country, two systems" principle, on which the autonomy of the former British colony from the Chinese mainland is based.

The joint Sino-British declaration of 1984, which governed Hong Kongs transition from British rule to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, stipulates that the territory would maintain its more open form of government until 2047.

The Trump administration also plans to impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials whose actions undermine the city's autonomy. The US government will introduce tighter controls on entry visas (especially for students) and imports as well as review extradition agreements.

Hong Kongs Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng slammed the US decision, calling it a violation of international rules, as it is contrary to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of another country.

Hong Kong officials minimise the problems with possible US trade sanctions. They note that exports to the United States cover only 0.1 per cent of Hong Kong's total exports.

For several observers, the new law, and the US response, could nevertheless undercut Hong Kongs position as a global financial centre.

Chris Patten, Hong Kongs last British governor, believes that uncertainty surrounding the citys future will lead to a flight of capital and people.

Hong Kong is the financial link between western and Chinese economies. About half of China's foreign investment goes through the city's banks, where 2,200 European, 1,400 Japanese and 1,344 US companies are based.

The major economic interests at stake have prompted the European Union to adopt a more cautious approach than that of the United States.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell yesterday expressed the EU's strong concern over the adoption of the new legislation for Hong Kong.

Borrell noted that the law does not conform to China's international commitments, but he also stressed that sanctions will not solve problems with Beijing.

The EU is trying to reach a major investment agreement with China by the end of the year, whose negotiations have dragged on since 2013.
Minneapolis cop who knelt on mans neck charged with murder

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The police officer who was seen on video kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died in custody after pleading that he could not breathe, was arrested Friday and charged with murder in a case that sparked protests across the United States and violence in Minneapolis.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Freeman did not provide immediate details, but said a criminal complaint would be made available later Friday and that more charges were possible.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the video, Chauvin is seen kneeling on Floyds neck as Floyd is on the ground. He gradually becomes motionless as Chauvin and three other officers ignore bystanders shouts to get off him. Freeman said the investigation continues into the other three officers, but that authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Freeman highlighted the extraordinary speed in charging the case just four days after Floyds death, but also defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner. He said his office needed time to put together evidence, including what he called the horrible video by a bystander. He said he would not bring a case unless he had enough evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Protests in Minneapolis escalated in violence on Thursday, when demonstrators torched a police station that officers had abandoned.

Im not insensitive to what happened in the streets, Freeman said. My own home has been picketed regularly.

All four officers who were at the scene of Floyds death were fired the next day. After the charges were announced, protesters outside the government center chanted, All four got to go.

ADVERTISEMENT

News of the arrest came moments after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the abject failure of the response to the protests and called for swift justice for officers involved. Walz said the state would take over the response to the violence and that its time to show respect and dignity to those who are suffering.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are on fire. The fire is still smoldering in our streets. The ashes are symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish unheard, Walz said, adding. Now generations of pain is manifesting itself in front of the world  and the world is watching.

The governor cited a call he received from a state senator who described her district on fire, no police, no firefighters, no social control, constituents locked in houses wondering what they were going to do. That is an abject failure that cannot happen. His comments came the morning after protesters torched a police station that officers abandoned during a third night of violence. Livestream video showed protesters entering the building, where intentionally set fires activated smoke alarms and sprinklers. President Donald Trump threatened action, tweeting when the looting starts, the shooting starts, which prompted a warning from Twitter for glorifying violence. The governor faced tough questions after National Guard leader Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen blamed a lack of clarity about the Guards mission for a slow response. Walz said the state was in a supporting role and that it was up to city leaders to run the situation. Walz said it became apparent as the 3rd Precinct was lost that the state had to step in, which happened at 12:05 a.m. Requests from the cities for resources never came, he said. You will not see that tonight, there will be no lack of leadership, Walz said. On Friday morning, nearly every building in the shopping district around the abandoned police station had been vandalized, burned or looted. National Guard members were in the area, with several of them lined up, keeping people away from the police station. Dozens of volunteers swept up broken glass in the street, doing what they could to help. Dean Hanson, 64, lives in a subsidized housing unit nearby, which is home to many older residents. He said his building lost electricity overnight, and residents were terrified as they watched mobs of people run around their neighborhood, with no apparent intervention. I cant believe this is happening here, he said. Dozens of fires were also set in nearby St. Paul, where nearly 200 businesses were damaged or looted. Protests spread across the U.S., fueled by outrage over Floyds death, and years of violence against African Americans at the hands of police. Demonstrators clashed with officers in New York and blocked traffic in Columbus, Ohio, and Denver. Trump threatened to bring Minneapolis under control, calling the protesters thugs and tweeting that when the looting starts, the shooting starts. The tweet drew another warning from Twitter, which said the comment violated the platforms rules, but the company did not remove it.

Trump also blasted the total lack of leadership in Minneapolis.

A visibly tired and frustrated Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made his first public appearance of the night early Friday at City Hall and took responsibility for evacuating the precinct, saying it had become too dangerous for officers. As Frey continued, a reporter cut across loudly with a question: Whats the plan here?

With regard to? Frey responded. Then he added: There is a lot of pain and anger right now in our city. I understand that  What we have seen over the past several hours and past couple of nights here in terms of looting is unacceptable.

He defended the citys lack of engagement with looters  only a handful of arrests across the first two nights of violence  and said, We are doing absolutely everything that we can to keep the peace. He said National Guard members were stationed in locations to help stem looting, including at banks, grocery stores and pharmacies.

The Minnesota State Patrol arrested a CNN television crew early Friday as the journalists reported on the unrest. While live on air, CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was handcuffed and led away. A producer and a photojournalist for CNN were also taken away in handcuffs.

The Minnesota State Patrol said the journalists were among four people arrested as troopers were clearing the streets and restoring order, and they were released after being confirmed to be media members. CNN said on Twitter that the arrests were a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. Walz publicly apologized on Friday.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing members of Floyds family, called for an independent investigation, and said he asked to take custody of Floyds body to have an independent autopsy performed. Floyd said that talk of a heart condition or asthma is irrelevant because Floyd was walking and breathing before his contact with police.

The doctor who will do the autopsy is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City, who was hired to do an autopsy for Eric Garner as well.

In New York City, protesters defied New Yorks coronavirus prohibition on public gatherings Thursday, clashing with police, while demonstrators blocked traffic in downtown Denver and downtown Columbus. A day earlier, demonstrators had taken to the streets in Los Angeles and Memphis.

Full Coverage: Minneapolis

About 10 protesters went to a Florida home believed to belong to Chauvin. The Orange County Sheriffs Office tweeted Friday that Chauvin was not at the residence and has no plans to be in the area.

In Louisville, Kentucky, police confirmed that at least seven people had been shot Thursday night as protesters demanded justice for Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was fatally shot by police in her home in March.

In Mississippi, the mayor of the community of Petal resisted calls to resignfollowing his remarks about Floyds death. Hal Marx, a Republican, asked on Twitter: Why in the world would anyone choose to become a police officer in our society today? In a follow-up tweet, he said he didnt see anything unreasonable.

The city on Thursday released a transcript of the 911 call that brought police to the grocery store where Floyd was arrested. The caller described someone paying with a counterfeit bill, with workers rushing outside to find the man sitting on a van. The caller described the man as awfully drunk and said he was not in control of himself.

Asked by the 911 operator whether the man was under the influence of something, the caller said: Something like that, yes. He is not acting right. Police said Floyd matched the callers description of the suspect.

State and federal authorities are investigating Floyds death.

The owner of a popular Latin nightclub said that Floyd and Chauvin both worked as security guards at the club as recently as the end of last year, but its not clear whether they worked together. Chauvin worked at the El Nuevo Rodeo club as an off-duty security guard for nearly two decades, but Floyd had only worked there more recently for about a dozen events that featured African-American music, Maya Santamaria told The Associated Press.

Santamaria said if Chauvin had recognized Floyd, he might have given him a little more mercy.

Santamaria, who sold the venue within the past two months, said Chauvin got along well with the regular Latino customers, but did not like to work the African American nights. When he did, and there was a fight, he would spray people with mace and call for police backup and half-dozen squad cars would soon show up, something she felt was unjustified overkill.

___

Associated Press writers Steve Karnowski, Jeff Baenen and Doug Glass in Minneapolis, Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee, and Aaron Morrison in New York contributed to this report.
On February 28, Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke, Massachusetts informed state officials of its intent to permanently close all three of its inpatient psychiatric units, effective July 1.

Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke

If approved by the state, the closure will eliminate 74 beds for adults, the elderly and children, along with 202 jobs. It will devastate a region with a severe shortage of inpatient psychiatric services. Providence is the only facility in western Massachusetts with beds for pediatric patients. Providence employees provide acute psychiatric care and mental health counseling. They are also housekeepers, cooks and clerks.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association, which holds the contract for nurses at Providence, has not sought to organize health care and other workers, or patient families, in defense of patient beds and workers jobs. Instead it has appealed to Democratic and Republican politicians to do their bidding under conditions where these two big business parties place the survival of the economy over the interests of the health and wellbeing of the working class. This amounts to acceptance of the closure.

Because the closure of the psychiatric units will permanently eliminate health care, the plan must be approved by the state. After a virtual hearing on April 30, during which patient families spoke out in opposition, the Department of Public Health determined that the inpatient beds are a necessary service. Hospital management must now provide a more detailed plan for how care will be continued.

Providence Behavioral Health Hospital is part of the Mercy Hospital network. Mercy is owned by Trinity Health, based in Livonia, Michigan. A nationwide conglomerate of over 1,200 facilities, Trinitys total revenue in 2019 was $19.3 billion. Trinity has stated that collaborative planning is underway to help patients access timely psychiatric care.

In a region with a shortage of inpatient psychiatric services, referrals for beds regularly take days to process, forcing patients to wait for days in emergency rooms. Nicole Desnoyers, whose 10-year-old son relies upon the inpatient services of Providence, told the WSWS, Four days would be a miracle. My son has waited up to three weeks!

After Providence, the next closest inpatient facility for children is Trinitys Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Trinity has suggested Providence patients can go there to access care.

Massachusetts Nurses Association press conference

Desnoyers asked, What happens when we try to go to Connecticut and Mass Health says, Oh, Im sorry, were not contracted with that facility, and therefore were not providing services at that facility? Recently, after Providence denied a referral to admit her son, she had to work out a single case agreement with Mass Health in order for him to be cared for in Brattleboro, Vermont, which is an hour-and-a-half drive away.

Long overnight stays in emergency room hallways, and a lack of continuity of care, are the product of a system through which her son has been made to suffer, Desnoyers said. Trinitys plan will only exacerbate his suffering. Its contradictory to send a child across the stateyoure increasing the trauma that he experiences.

Trinity justifies the closure, citing a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists. However, NPR, citing a study published in the journal Pediatrics, reported that the professional ranks of child psychiatrists increased by 21 percent from 2007 to 2016. In the same report, Wesley Boyd, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, points to low reimbursement rates from public options to account for disparities in access. If youre middle income or lower, you might be priced out of services.

Providence has let psychiatrists go in the recent past. Speaking off the record, a care provider with intimate knowledge of the maneuvers of Trinity and Providence told this reporter that just last year a part-time psychiatrist told the hospital they could go full-time. That provider was let go.

Ron Patenaud, an employee of 22 years and a union representative for Providence nurses with the Massachusetts Nurses Association, confirms the fact that multiple psychiatrists have been let go.

Michelle Reardon, a five-year counselor on the pediatric unit and chairperson of the UAW committee at Providence, also questions the validity of these claims. We had providers, she says, where did they go, and why did they leave? A quick survey of the job postings on Trinitys website revealed a total of five current openings for psychiatrists nationwide.

In addition to the claim that Trinity cant find providers, representatives of Providence also profess that the facility isnt operating at capacity. This is a dubious claim, as Providence has historically been the only hospital to take the most difficult cases needing the most support.

This claim is also disingenuous. For the last two years, Providence has been officially licensed for 74 beds. However, after an incident in 2018 left water damage in a room that housed 12 of 24 pediatric beds, the room was closed for repairs. The hospital has kept it closed ever since.

In claiming that the unit is not operating at capacity, management is, as Reardon generously puts it, misconstruing the facts.

Trinity Health maintains a not-for-profit tax status, but it generates billions in total revenue, and hundreds of millions, if not billions, in excess revenue over expensesin other words, profit.

According to financial documents posted on its website, Trinity reported profits of $1.3 billion, $901.5 million, and $789 million over the past three fiscal years, starting in 2017. For the first six months of fiscal year 2020, Trinity netted $805.7 million in profit, an increase of 2.4 percent over the same period last year.

Trinity currently has $14.7 billion in net assets. More than $650 million of this loot is stashed offshore. The first quarter of fiscal year 2020 saw improvements in revenue, owing to increased volume and better reimbursements. However, this was offset by unfavorable trends related to rising labor.

Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey

On Sunday, May 23, Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey held a press conference with the Massachusetts Nurses Association across the street from Providence in a small parking lot. Donna Stern, who is on the board of the MNA, made opening remarks that characterized Trinity as greedy and hypocritical. This is a $19 billion corporation that absolutely has the resources and the means to keep this hospital open.

Stern appealed to Governor Charlie Baker to block the closure. Then, setting the stage for Markey, she said, With the greatest respect, I call on you to make a phone call to the governor and say Enough.

Referring to Sterns remarks that stopping the closure is going to take all of us, collectively, the WSWS asked her if rank-and-file workers had been informed of the press conference. Stern replied, This kind of came together last minute, or you would have seen more people here.

Stern then focused her remarks to the question of loss of access to care. If you ask any one of these workers, their number one priority right now are the patients and families. Stressing that workers know they have more protections than the patients that will be losing care, she continued, The priority today, the focus today has to be on the patients and families.

To follow up, the WSWS asked what workers would do once the hospital was closed and they had no more paid time off to cash out. Before Stern could reply, she was muzzled, and a Markey handler told the WSWS, Were going to take a couple questions just from other people. All Stern could manage was Theyre asking me to move on.

Governor Baker recently initiated plans for Phase 1 of reopening the state economy. As reported by the Boston Globe, the state plans for 45,000 tests to be performed daily.

The Harvard Global Health Initiative published a document in April, authored by experts in public health, economics, technology and ethics, calling for massive investment in public health infrastructure, especially diagnostic and serological testing.

It estimated that 71,748 daily tests were needed in Massachusetts in order to protect human life and prevent the destruction of our economy. In the week since May 18, when Phase 1 began, the daily average has been 7,607 tests, according to data on the Department of Public Healths website.

In a question posed to Senator Markey, a WSWS reporter suggested it was ironic to ask Governor Baker to protect a community that is losing access to vital psychiatric and mental health care when his reopening plan will result in thousands of preventable deaths.

Markey began his reply with the platitude, Well again, the question isnt when we open, its how we open. He said, Every decision has to be made in a way that is carefully calibrated to ensure that public health is being protected, and anything that we do here in this state, and that has to be the way in which any plan unfolds.

President Trump epitomizes the most reactionary element in American capitalism, tweeting we are not closing our country in the event of a second wave of infection, and that the distinct possibility of a second wave is standard.

Markey speaks the circumspect language of a political party that has cast off its progressive trappings, and lurches ever-more to the right. The result is compromised and confused. One thing is for certain, the novel coronavirus will not carefully calibrate which victims to infect next.

In the US and abroad, the working class faces death and economic devastation of historic proportions. A mass mobilization of the working class is necessary in order to demand proper public investment in basic public health measures, and the socialization of the economy nationally and globally.

The WSWS calls on workers to form rank-and-file workplace committees, listing demands to be made. In western Massachusetts, families are grappling with the fact that their loved ones, in the words of Nicole Desnoyers will be made to suffer if their health care is taken away. If this happens, the workers of Providence and their families, will be searching for new sources of income, along with nearly 40 million others across the country.
A Delhi court on Saturday granted interim bail for 10 days to former municipal councillor from the Congress Ishrat Jahan, who has been booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, to get married.

She has been booked under the anti-terror law in a case related to communal violence in northeast Delhi in February.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana granted the interim relief from June 10 to June 19 to Jahan on furnishing two sureties of Rs 1 lakh.

The court directed her not to tamper with any evidence or influence the witnesses in the case.

According to the interim bail plea, filed through advocates S K Sharma and Lalit Valeecha, Jahan's marriage was fixed in 2018 for June 12, 2020.

The plea further said that Jahan would not tamper with any evidence or influence the witnesses if granted bail.

The petition, also filed through advocates Tushar Anand and Manu Prabhakar, claimed that Jahan has been falsely implicated in the case.

It alleged that upon bare perusal of the contents of the first information report, no incident of violence can be attributed to her and the wild and baseless allegations made against her were not only irresponsible and false, but also caused serious harm to her reputation.

Jahan, who is also an advocate, was only a supporter of ongoing peaceful protests and it was one of the fundamental rights of the citizens to protest and register their dissent against any unreasonable measure of the government, the plea said.

Besides Jahan, Jamia Millia Islamia University students Asif Iqbal Tanha, Gulfisha Khatoon, Jamia Coordination Committee members Safoora Zargar, Meeran Haider, president of Jamia Alumni Association Shifa-Ur-Rehman, suspended AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, activist Khalid Safi, Jawaharlal Nehru University student Natasha Narwal and former student leader Umar Khalid have also been booked under the anti-terror law in the case.

The police had claimed in the FIR that Khalid and his associates had instigated people to start riots in the area and it was a 'premeditated conspiracy'.

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.
Dublin North has the highest number of deaths due to COVID-19 in the country, according to stark new figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

The figures show that the area, which includes much of Fingal, has the highest number of deaths in the country at 125 and the second highest rate of incidence of the disease, at 2,164.

Speaking, following the publication of statistics which show the high instance of coronavirus in North Dublin Sinn Fein TD for Fingal, Louise O'Reilly, said 'The revelation that there are 2,164 cases in North Dublin and 125 deaths are deeply worrying.

'We need an explanation as to why infection and death rates in North Dublin are more than double the rates that are recorded for some other areas in Dublin.'

Deputy O'Reilly said: 'This is not acceptable and we need to hear from the Minister for Health not just why this has happened but what specific interventions he's proposing to address this.'

The Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Health and local TD said: 'I'm calling on the Minister to roll out community testing to establish the extent of these clusters and to identify if there are particular hotspots which may require additional supports.'

Pockets of Dublin became Covid-19 'hotspots', according to the new data, sparking calls for greater clarity about where clusters emerge.

Communities in north Dublin have been the worst affected parts of the country for coronavirus, the figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show.
(Newser)  In what the Washington Post calls a night of "absolute chaos," protesters gathered around the US to express their outrage at the death of George Floyd, a black man who died earlier this week in Minneapolis after a now ex-police officer was seen on video kneeling on his neck. In Atlanta, a demonstration that started out peacefully soon turned violent, with fires, smashed cars, and even an attack on CNN headquarters. The city's mayor begged for the violence to stop, and another plea came courtesy of rapper Killer Mike, who tearfully implored demonstrators not to ravage a city with so many black-owned businesses, per CBS News. At a presser Friday night, the 45-year-old hip-hop artist said he understood protesters' anger and frustration, but noted that "it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy. It is your duty to fortify your own house so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization." More on protests around the country:

Killer Mike, the son of an Atlanta cop, added, "I got a lot of love and respect for police officers." But he said that watching a police officer "assassinate" Floyd was "crippling," and that seeing a knee on Floyd's neck was like seeing "a zebra in the clutch of a lion's jaw." "We watch it like murder porn over and over again, so that's why children are burning it to the ground," he said. "They don't know what else to do." See more from him here.

story continues below

The White House was put on lockdown after protesters converged on Pennsylvania Avenue, spokesman Judd Deere confirmed to USA Today. The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies handled the crowds.

The president himself weighed in on the White House protests Saturday morning in a series of tweets, thanking the Secret Service and saying he "couldn't have felt more safe." "They let the 'protesters' scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard - didn't know what hit them," he wrote.

The president warned what would have happened if any protesters had breached the White House fence: "If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen. That's when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action."

Then, in a final tweet: "The @SecretService handled them easily. Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???"

Authorities say a 19-year-old man was killed in Detroit after a drive-by shooting during the protests there. "Police believe an unknown suspect in a gray Dodge Durango pulled up and fired into the crowd, then fled," the Detroit Free Press reports.

In Louisville, Ky., a reporter and her camera operator were shot at with pepper balls by a police officer during a live broadcast, the Hill reports. "I'm getting shot!" exclaimed Kaitlin Rust of CBS affiliate WAVE 3 on camera as she was hit, while the cameraman filmed the officer. Watch the video here.

Martin Luther King III also had thoughts on the tumult around the nation, noting he doesn't condone the violence, but he definitely gets it. "People are ... legitimately frustrated and tired," he tells TMZ. "And it doesn't help when the words that the president chooses to use even stoke more violence." More here.

(Read more George Floyd stories.)
The deputy chief medical officer has insisted that lockdown rules "apply to all" in a swipe at the prime minister's top adviser Dominic Cummings.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam was pressed on whether those in authority should set an example to the public on obeying the restrictions amid an ongoing row over whether Mr Cummings breached the rules by travelling 260 miles to his parents' farm in County Durham.

The senior medic made his feelings clear on the matter at the daily Downing Street press conference, saying: "In my opinion the rules are clear and they have always been clear.

"In my opinion they are for the benefit of all. In my opinion they apply to all."

His comments are the clearest sign of disquiet among experts over Mr Cummings' actions, which sparked an outpouring of anger from the public, opposition MPs and even senior Conservatives.

Durham Police said Mr Cummings' may have breached the rules with a separate drive he made to Barnard Castle while staying in the area but concluded that no further action would be taken.

Asked about Mr Cummings, culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: "Dominic Cummings gave a very extensive explanation of his behaviour on Monday and answered all questions in relation to that.

"The prime minister accepted that explanation and on that basis kept him in post and that remains the position."

Earlier, one scientist said the "Cummings affair" could impact trust in the authorities issuing the rules.

Professor Robert West, a member of the behavioural scientists subgroup which advises the government, said: "Trust in authority telling you to do things is very important when it comes to people adhering to those rules.

"This is going to become even more important as we move to a situation where it's not everybody having to do it, it's people who have drawn the short straw."

He said that "when people see something like the Cummings affair... that's not a recipe for trust."

Elsewhere, it emerged that former prime minister Theresa May had told her constituents that Mr Cummings had failed to comply with the "spirit" of the rules.

In a message, seen by The Mirror, Ms May said: "What this matter has shown is that there was a discrepancy between the simple messages given by the government and the details of the legislation passed by Parliament.

In these circumstances I do not feel that Mr Cummings followed the spirit of the guidance.

I can well understand the anger of those who have been abiding by the spirit of the guidance given by the government and expect others to do so."
In one of seven ceremonies scheduled over five days for Clear Creek ISD graduating classes, seniors for Clear Lake High School savored one of lifes milestones when they received their diplomas Friday night in an outdoor event at Challenger Columbia Stadium.

Their accomplishment occurs during a pandemic that left district seniors quarantined at home for the end of the school year and affected many aspects of their lives.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids police say they did not use excessive force while arresting an armed man who sustained facial injuries during a struggle with officers earlier this month.

Grand Rapids police Chief Eric Payne address the issue Saturday, May 30 during a press conference, just hours ahead of a planned protest at Rosa Parks Circle over national issues of police brutality.

Police last week said they wanted to bring the incident to the public because of concerns in social media posts.

Police released dashcam and bodycam video of the May 20 arrest and Payne discussed the actions of officers.

Officers and firefighters responded about 5:10 a.m. May 20 to the area of Delaware Street SE and Division Avenue on a report of two people that appeared to be passed out in a vehicle.

They found the two men in the vehicle and began to try to wake them up. When the did wake up, an officer saw an object in the passengers waistband that later was identified as a loaded handgun.

Police asked the passenger, now identified as 28-year-old Kavosaye Phillips, to exit the vehicle.

Use of Force incident 5-20-2020 South Division Ave and Deleware St SE The GRPD is dedicated to transparency and... Posted by Grand Rapids Police Department on Saturday, May 30, 2020

Sgt, Patrick Baker, a specialist in use of force incidents, said the passenger did exit the vehicle, but did not place his hands on his head as an officer repeatedly requested him to do. An officer then decided to place handcuffs on him and struggle ensued.

Another officer then was able to confirm that a gun was in the persons waistband.

During the struggle, Phillps and an officer fell to the ground. The officer fell on top of Phillps and police believe it was then that he sustained facial scrapes and cuts.

They now know they are working with an actively resisting subject who is armed with a handgun in his waistband, Baker said. So the priorities are to get his hands under control t prevent the firearm from becoming involved in this incident.

An officer used knee strikes on the passengers leg to try to get him to comply. Officers still could not get control of the persons hands and he began to stand up.

Officers again brought him to the ground and, with the help of firefighters, brought him under control. Some bodycams came off officers during the struggle.

Police said the driver complied with commands and both men were arrested. Police found the driver also had a loaded handgun.

Neither man could legally possess a gun. Police said that, because of previous convictions, both were felons in possession of a firearm.

Officers also found cocaine on the passenger. Marijuana also was found during the search.

Payne said the evidence shows the officers did not violate any policies.

While the physical injuries to the passenger were unfortunate, they could have been avoided, he said.

The passenger refused medical treatment. Two officers also had minor injuries.

Payne said he held the press conference Saturday to get information out about the police findings as soon as possible, and not because of the national unrest over police brutality incidents. An internal affairs investigation wrapped up Friday.

The question has been raised What happened here? Its important as chief of police to answer those questions and thats why we did it today, he said.

This turned into a potentially deadly force situation because of the lack of cooperation of one, he said.

Phillips is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest and possession of less than 25 grams cocaine. The driver is charged with driving while intoxicated and carrying a concealed weapon.

More from MLive

Toddler struck by vehicle backing out of driveway hospitalized with serious injuries

Gov. Whitmer wants designated areas for peaceful protesting as unrest continues nationwide
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees decision to directly transfer money to the bank accounts of around five lakh super cyclone Amphan-affected people might have been influenced and guided by Nobel laureate Dr. Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, who heads the global advisory body set up by her to battle the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, according to experts.

On Friday, Banerjee had announced that Rs 20,000 would be transferred to the bank accounts of each of the five lakh families affected by the cyclone and even assured an additional Rs 28,000 to each family under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Scheme (MNREGS).

Dr. Banerjee has been saying this for quite some time now. He had even suggested this to the Union government. The CM took his advice and implemented it. The Centre and other states will have to follow it, as this is the only way out, said Tapas Roy, senior Trinamool Congress leader and minister of state for parliamentary affairs.

The Indian-American economist, who won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics, along with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer, had suggested that the Narendra Modi-led government should look at providing cash transfer to the bottom 60% of Indias population to help revive the economy, which has been battered by Covid-19.

Spending is the easiest way to revive the economy. It will have stimulus effect, Dr. Banerjee had said during his recent conversation with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi amid the pandemic.

The global advisory body, which Mamata Banerjee has set up to advise her government on how to fight the crisis triggered by the viral outbreak, has Dr. Banerjee as its head. Swarup Sarkar, former regional director of WHO (World Health Organisation); Tom Frieden, ex-CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the US); Jishnu Das, economist, World Bank; and JVR Prasad Rao, a former union health secretary, are among the other experts.

This is a very good initiative by the West Bengal government. People, who have been the hardest hit, will need cash in hand. Some economists, including Nobel laureate Dr. Banerjee, have been saying this. It seems the government may have taken Dr. Banerjees advice, as he is heading the global advisory body to battle the pandemic, said Mousumi Dutta, head of the economics department at Presidency University in Kolkata.

The opposition, however, has slammed the Bengal government over the initiative, claiming it had been cheating people and making false promises.

The Bengal government has made such promises in the past too such as giving dearness allowances to government employees. It was never given. Now, she knows that her government has failed in all aspects. She wants to give some money in a bid to win them over before the next years assembly polls. What will people do with the money if they die of Covid-19? asked Rahul Sinha, national secretary, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Dr. Banerjee had said the government should issue temporary ration cards for three to six months for every person who needs foodgrains. Use those ration cards for transferring money, wheat, and rice to them, he had said.

The Bengal government announced a few days ago that those who have outdated paper ration cards are also eligible for ration items.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 15:38:43|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- It is compulsory for motorcyclists to use helmets and motorists to wear seat belts from June 1, according to China's Ministry of Public Security.

The police will crack down on violators as part of a safety campaign launched by the ministry.

Accidents involving motorcycles, electric scooters and cars are the leading cause of deaths in traffic mishaps in China. Craniocerebral injury accounts for about 80 percent of deaths among motorcyclists and electric scooter riders.

The ministry also urged local authorities to improve publicity on road safety and promote the habit of wearing helmet among scooter riders.

The ministry vowed to crack down on businesses that jack up prices with the rising demand for helmets. Cooperation with market regulators has been rolled out at all levels. Enditem
New Delhi, May 30 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah has congratulated the people of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of completion of the first year of the second term of the Modi government.

Shah tweeted: "I heartily congratulate the country's popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the successful one year of Modi 2.0. It has been full of historic achievements." Shah said the Modi government in its six years has corrected many historical wrongs and laid the foundation of a self-reliant India which is on the path of progress.

This 6-year term is an example of parallel coordination, welfare for the poor and economic reforms, Shah's tweet in Hindi said.

The Union Home Minister also extended his gratitude to BJP workers for taking to the people the party's achievements and its welfare schemes in the last six years.

"I thank the people of India for re-electing Narendra Modi for the second term," Shah further said.

-- Syndicated from IANS
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Thousands of protesters ignored a curfew and vows of a forceful police response to take to the Minneapolis streets for a fourth straight night, as the anger stoked by the police killing of George Floyd spread to more cities across the U.S.

The Pentagon on Saturday ordered the Army to put military police units on alert to head to the city on short notice at President Donald Trumps request, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders who did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations. The rare step came as the violence spread to other cities: a man shot dead in Detroit, police cars battered in Atlanta and skirmishes with police in New York City.

READ ALSO: White House placed on lockdown during protesting

Criminal charges filed Friday morning against the white officer who held his knee for nearly nine minutes on the neck of Floyd, a black man, did nothing to stem the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Minneapolis police said shots had been fired at law enforcement officers during the protests but no one was injured.

As the night dragged on, fires erupted across the city's south side, including at a Japanese restaurant, a Wells Fargo bank and an Office Depot. Many burned for hours, with firefighters again delayed in reaching them because areas weren't secure.

Shortly before midnight, scores of officers on foot and in vehicles moved in to curb the violence, one day after city and state leaders faced blowback for their handling of the crisis. On Thursday, protesters had torched a police station soon after it was abandoned by police and went on to burn or vandalize dozens of businesses.

The new round of unrest came despite Gov. Tim Walz vowing early in the day to show a more forceful response by the state than the one Thursday run by Minneapolis city leaders. But by early Saturday morning, Walz was acknowledging he didn't have enough manpower, even with some 500 Guard soldiers.

We do not have the numbers, Walz said. We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground.

OUTRAGE OVER FLOYD'S DEATH: Tear gas deployed in wake of downtown Houston rally over George Floyd's death

Walz said he was moving quickly to mobilize more than 1,000 more Guard members, for a total of 1,700, and was considering the potential offer of federal military police. But he warned that even that might not be enough, saying he expected another difficult night Saturday.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association urged Walz to accept any help.

You need more resources, the group said in a tweet. Law enforcement needs leadership.

Not all the protests were violent. Downtown, thousands of demonstrators encircled a barricaded police station after the 8 p.m. Friday curfew. Prosecute the police! some chanted, and Say his name: George Floyd! Some protesters sprayed graffiti on buildings.

Anger filled the streets of Minneapolis.

Ben Hubert, a 26-year-old local resident, said he wasnt surprised people were breaking curfew and setting fires.

Im outraged, he said of the Floyd case. But Im also sad. The injustice has been going on for so long. Its been swelling for years.

Chauvin was also accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe while Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes. Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

An attorney for Floyds family welcomed the arrest but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants the other officers arrested, too.

Prosecutor Mike Freeman said more charges were possible, but authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Protests nationwide have been fueled by outrage over Floyds death and years of police violence against African Americans. Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, set a police car on fire and struck officers with bottles. Large demonstrations in New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., and dozens of other cities ranged from people peacefully blocking roads to repeated clashes with police.

You are disgracing our city, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told protesters. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country.

Police were trying to put Floyd in a squad car Monday when he stiffened and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, a criminal complaint said. Chauvin and Officer Tou Thoa arrived and tried several times to get the struggling Floyd into the car.

Chauvin eventually pulled Floyd out of the car, and the handcuffed Floyd went to the ground face down. Officer J.K. Kueng held Floyds back and Officer Thomas Lane held his legs while Chauvin put his knee on Floyds head and neck area, the complaint said.

When Lane asked if Floyd should be rolled onto his side, Chauvin said, No, staying put is where we got him. Lane said he was worried about excited delirium or whatever.

An autopsy said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyds system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that drew police, the caller describes the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as awfully drunk and hes not in control of himself.

After Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Lane again said he wanted to roll Floyd onto his side. Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, according to the complaint.

Chauvins attorney had no comment when reached by The Associated Press.

The prosecutor highlighted the extraordinary speed in charging the case four days after Floyds death and defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner. Freeman said his office needed time to gather evidence, including what he called the horrible video recorded by a bystander.

Trump said Friday that hed spoken to Floyds family and expressed my sorrow.

He called video of the arrest just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyds family, asked to take custody of Floyds body for an independent autopsy.

The doctor who will do the autopsy is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City. He was hired to do an autopsy for Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold and he pleaded that he could not breathe.

State and federal authorities also are investigating Floyds death.

___

Associated Press writers Amy Forliti, Steve Karnowski, and Doug Glass in Minneapolis, Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee, Bernard Condon in New York, and James LaPorta in Delray Beach, Fla., contributed to this report.
Nationwide outrage over the death of George Floyd in police custody sparked another night of protests across the US on Friday.

Anger boiled over in major cities including Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, Dallas and Los Angeles. Protesters smashed windows, set police vehicles and buildings ablaze, and clashed with police in riot gear.

In Minneapolis, where hours earlier the officer seen on video with his knee on Floyd's neck was arrested and charged, some protesters knelt under a bridge and prayed. Others tossed rocks at officers who returned fire with rubber bullets.

"If you can tell me something better for me to do -- if you can tell me a way that we could change the world without trying to make noise like that, then I'll get out of the streets," Max Bailey, 22, said at the protests in Denver. " If you can show me the path, I'll get out of the streets."

Latest developments

Rocks and shots: A man was killed in Detroit after shots were fired into a crowd, police said. Authorities could not confirm whether the 19-year-old was part of the protests, but they said the shooting happened in downtown where the rallies were taking place. Dozens were arrested during protests -- many of them were not Detroit residents, officials said. A police captain was struck with a rock during the protests.

 Fires and chaos: In Atlanta, demonstrators smashed windows of police cars outside CNN Center, which houses a city police precinct. Multiple fires broke out across the city.

 Broken curfew: Minneapolis and St. Paul are under a curfew after looting and arson broke out during days of protests. But hundreds took to the streets as police fired tear gas and protesters hid behind cars. More than 350 state troopers were sent to enforce curfew near the 5th precinct.

 DC lockdown: In DC, the White House was briefly put on lockdown over protests outside. The Secret Service later reopened entrances and exits.

 Clashes and arrests: In New York, 12 people were arrested as protesters and police clashed Friday night outside the Barclays Center. Protesters threw water bottles at police officers.

 Pleas for peace: In Dallas, Mayor Eric Johnson implored people destroying property to stop. "I understand the outrage, and I feel this pain deeply," Johnson said. "What happened in Minneapolis is unacceptable. But please, remain peaceful."

 Injuries and orders: Two police officers were injured during the protests in Los Angeles. The LAPD declared downtown protests an unlawful assembly and said anyone who disobeys the order will be arrested.

Signs and chants: In Houston, demonstrators carried placards demanding an end to police brutality as they marched down the streets. Similar scenes played out in Charlotte; Richmond, Virginia; and San Jose, California.

Protests across the nation

Though protesters called out similar chants for justice, the demonstrations played out differently in each city.

In Atlanta, a day of protests began peacefully but turned when a crowd set fire to a police car and smashed the windows of a defaced CNN Center.

"Killer" was scrawled across a beaten police car in Los Angeles where protestors lined up along a freeway to block traffic. At least two officers were injured over the course of the night, said the LAPD.

Outside of the White House in Washington DC, a crowd began pushing on the line of police shields as some protesters turned back to try to calm the crowd

The epicenter of the demonstrations was Minneapolis, where officers stood on top of a precinct armed with non-lethal deterrents as a man in the crowd of protestors attempted to climb the gate. When fires moved from the precinct to dumpsters and residential streets, troops were deployed to control the groups.

Bail is set for the officer arrested

The bail for Derek Chauvin, the former officer charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Friday, was set at $500,000.

Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for a total of eight minutes, 46 seconds, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday. Charges against the other three officers are likely, authorities said.

Floyd's family is upset he wasn't charged with a more serious offense, their attorney Benjamin Crump said.

"We expected a first-degree murder charge. We want a first-degree murder charge. And we want to see the other officers arrested," the family said in a statement.

If convicted of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, Chauvin faces 25 years in prison on the first charge and up to 10 years on the second.

Chauvin's wife has filed for divorce, according to a statement on her behalf by a Minneapolis law firm.

Autopsy lists several factors

A preliminary autopsy said the combined effects of Floyd restrained, potential intoxicants in his system and underlying health issues, including heart disease, contributed to his death.

It said there was no physical findings to support strangulation as the cause of death.

The absence of physical evidence doesn't necessarily mean Floyd didn't die from asphyxiation, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta cautioned.

Gupta also said an officer should have started CPR after one of them told the others he couldn't find a pulse.

CNN has reached out to the former officer's attorney and the Minneapolis police union for comment.

CNN's Steve Almasy and Dakin Andone contributed to this report
Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all.

Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.

Police worked early Saturday morning to disperse crowds in downtown Los Angeles as multiple businesses were looted following demonstrations against police brutality spurred by the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier in the week.

The Target store at Seventh and Figueroa streets, a Rite Aid store at 7th and Hope streets, along with the 6th Street Market and the Starbucks on Sixth Street and Spring, and jewelry stores near Sixth Street and Broadway were among the businesses looted just before midnight

Friday.

One witness reporting that the Fig@7th shopping center has been completely looted. Escalator glass smashed. A pile of mannequins from Zara on fire in the street.  LAist (@LAist) May 30, 2020

Three fires were set near the intersection of Hill and Seventh streets, one in the intersection, another south of the intersection on Hill Street, and a third on a sidewalk near a building.

Police set up skirmish lines throughout the downtown area and fired non-lethal ammunition as they pushed a crowd out of the area, with some in the crowd hiding behind vehicles to throw objects at officers.

A KPCC producer who lives downtown says he heard booming and shots fired until about 5:15 a.m. Saturday. "It's like a warzone," he added.

icon

DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

About 500 people were arrested and five LAPD officers were injured.

The looting came about four hours after several people were detained shortly before 7 p.m. near Fifth and Olive streets for allegedly throwing objects at officers and damaging police cars that were parked near the intersection, according to broadcast reports from the scene.



"I'm sorry that L.A. failed tonight," LAPD Chief Michel Moore told reporters Friday night. "Our ability to have a demonstration -- express our views, our anger, our disgust -- unfortunately turned into an unruly situation with officers being injured, property damage occurring."



An officer was put in a chokehold and kicked by some protesters in the Pershing Square area, according to broadcast reports from the scene.



Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Gisselle Espinoza told reporters it was disappointing to see protestors attack the officer.



"This was not what we wanted," Espinoza said. "We wanted it to be peaceful. We want people to exercise their First Amendment right to assemble, for speech and we wanted this to be peaceful. We want peoples' voices heard and that's not what's happening."

No arrests have been made in connection with the attack on the officer, Espinoza said.

At least five other officers were injured, including one who was struck in the face by a flying object, according to KNBC4.

Shortly before 7:30 p.m., a group of about 100 blocked traffic on the northbound 110 Freeway, near the James M. Wood Boulevard exit. They were cleared from the freeway, but re-entered near Fifth Street at 8:20 p.m.

KNX Newsradio reporter Pete Demetriou was attacked during the protests, he said on Twitter. About five people punched him before others came to his aid, and a woman grabbed his microphone and yelled obscenities into it, but he was able to push her away.

#BlackLivesMatter Protest in Downtown LA gets a little too close for comfort. Protester tried to grab my mic and yell obscenities into it. I objected pushed her away and I got punched by about 5 people before others intervened. A little roughed up but other wise Ok @KNX1070  Pete Demetriou (@knxpete) May 30, 2020

Photos posted by Demetriou showed items confiscated by officers, including brass knuckles, knives, bottles of urine, spray paint cans and a gun that fires pepper balls.

#LAProtests what started as peaceful march degenerated into blocking of Freeways, attacks on police and journalists and looting and vandalism. Weapons found on some of 300 peaceful marchers included knives, brass knuckles, bottles of urine, and a pepper ball gun. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/aQgdGco5xd  Pete Demetriou (@knxpete) May 30, 2020



Demonstrators initially gathered at 5 p.m. outside City Hall and marched south on Spring Street, then north on Figueroa Street. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly shortly before 9:30 p.m. due to "repeated acts of violence and property damage," according to the

LAPD.



People were advised to get off the streets and businesses were told to close in the downtown area from the Santa Monica to the Santa Ana freeways and the Harbor Freeway to Alameda Street. A helicopter announced that those left protesting could be arrested.

Mayor Eric Garcetti sent a message on Twitter at 10 p.m. Friday calling for calm:

"I believe in our city. L.A. is strong enough to stand for justice and walk in love," Garcetti said.



"We respect every Angeleno's right to protest, but violence and vandalism hurts all. Let's remember why we march, protect each other, and bring a peaceful end to a painful night."

People took to the streets Friday for the third consecutive night to demand justice for George Floyd, who died Monday after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis Police Department officer, Derek Chauvin. He pressed his knee on the 46-year-old man's neck for nearly 9 minutes while two other officers helped him keep Floyd down while a fourth officer looked on.

Video footage of the arrest, in which Floyd is heard saying "I can't breathe," spread widely and all four officers were fired. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

More protests are scheduled for throughout Los Angeles County on Saturday.

CNS contributed to this report.

MORE ON LA GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS:

WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
On the evening of May 14 in Omaha, Nebraska, James Fairbanks went to the home of Mattieo Condoluci and shot him dead. Candoluci, 64, was a twice-convicted pedophile and Fairbanks, 43, had spent years working with troubled kids in the Omaha Public School system.

After the body was discovered, the dead mans daughter, Amanda Henry, was quoted saying, Murdering my dad was a horrible thing, but children are much safer now.

Fairbanks is now charged with first-degree murder.

During an emotional phone call with Amanda, she told me of her fathers death, I was relieved. It finally happened. Its over. It has been hell.

And then Amanda told me what life had been like with Mattieo Condoluci.

I was beaten and raped by my own father for years, she said. The man who was supposed to protect me instead belittled, humiliated and tortured me until I finally escaped at age 19. This, she told me, is why she is now supporting the man who killed her father.

James Fairbanks answered a 27-year-long prayer for me, Amanda said. He was there when the police werent there. He did something when the police didnt.

Amanda described how her mother had fought valiantly to maintain custody of her 2-year-old daughter but lost touch when Condoluci took off with the toddler.

While Amanda has tried to block out much of her early nomadic years with Dad  they moved to several different cities in California, Florida, New Mexico, Iowa and Nebraska  she remembers her father routinely preyed on single mothers with young children. He would find a lost soul, bring her home and then do his devils work, she said.

In 1994, Condoluci pleaded no contest in Florida to molesting the 5-year-old son of a woman he was dating. His sentence? Four years probation. In 2006, by then relocated to Nebraska, Condoluci was sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting the 12-year-old daughter of another woman in his life. He served less than two years.

Around the same time Amanda says she was befriended by a licensed counselor and foster mother who encouraged her to report her father to the Omaha Police Department. Amanda says Omaha PD told her she had waited too long, the statute of limitations had run out.

Today others, most notably two of Amandas female cousins, have posted on a Free James Fairbanks Facebook page that they were sexually abused by Uncle Matt and they are supporting his killer. One told me, I was raped till I was 13 years old. It started when I was 7.

In a confession Fairbanks distributed to the local media before his arrest he explained that while looking for a new apartment he had checked the sex registry for a particular neighborhood and found Candolucis name. Fairbanks admitted he had watched the convict pretending to wash his car while ogling a group of children playing in the street.

I felt sick to my stomach, Fairbanks wrote. I researched him more and more and found he had victimized dozens of kids in different states. (He) had a playground set in his backyard. Because of his work with victimized kids, Fairbanks said, I couldnt in good conscience allow him to do it to anyone else while I had the means to stop him.

Total strangers are sending money to Fairbanks jailhouse account, thousands have signed petitions calling for Fairbanks to be pardoned  unlikely at this point since he hasnt been convicted of anything. Many are saying simply that Fairbanks should not spend another night in lockup, that he did the community a favor.

This case challenges societys ethics and our own morals. It underscores the failure of statutes of limitations laws because as any victim of childhood sex abuse will tell you, they get no reprieve from a lifetime of trauma. The case also highlights those disappointing sex registries that are clogged with the names of teenage Romeos and public urinators but fail to focus strict surveillance on career pedophiles and rapists.

The case leaves us with the unsettling idea that sometimes  when those in authority fail to protect  murder could be seen as a public service.

In that instance, should the murderer get a pass?

www.DianeDimond.com; e-mail to Diane@DianeDimond.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 23:03:50|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

An Afghan security force member stands guard at the site of a roadside bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 30, 2020. A journalist and a driver were killed and four others wounded after a bomb hit a local TV channel's bus in Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday, an Interior Ministry official confirmed. (Photo by Mohammad/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 30 (Xinhua) -- A journalist and a driver were killed and four others wounded after a bomb hit a local TV channel's bus in Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday, an Interior Ministry official confirmed.

"The roadside bomb blast occurred at 4:05 p.m. local time in Police District 4 of the city. The killed along with the wounded were shifted to a hospital shortly after the explosion," Marwa Amini, deputy spokesperson of the ministry, told Xinhua.

The minibus, carrying staff of private Khurshid TV channel, was damaged in the blast and an investigation was underway, she added.

Unofficial sources said six people were wounded in the incident, with two people suffering life-threatening wounds.

The Taliban militant group has reportedly denied the attack.

Over the past years, the capital city with a population of nearly five million has been hit by many terror attacks. Enditem
EU Releases 500 Million Euro Final Loan Tranche To Ukraine

By RFE/RL May 29, 2020

The European Commission (EC) has approved the disbursement of the second and final 500 million euro ($555 million) tranche of its macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.

The EC, the executive arm of the European Union, said on May 29 that the money will be paid out in the coming fortnight after Brussels noted its satisfaction with Ukrainian reforms in several sectors, including banking, energy, and health care.

The first tranche, also worth 500 million euros, was released in December 2018.

With the latest installment, the EU has provided Kyiv with 3.8 billion euros of macro-financial assistance loans since 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and started backing separatists in a war in the eastern part of the country that has killed more than 13,000 people.

This summer, the bloc is also expecting to disburse a separate loan worth 1.2 billion euros to Ukraine to help the country with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier on May 29, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said that he expects the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve a $5 billion loan package for the country next week.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-releases- 500-million-euro-final-loan-tranche -to-ukraine/30642163.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NEW YORK - American religious leaders across faiths are grappling with the heavy burden of helping to heal two active traumas: rising civil unrest driven by the police killing of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic.

Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders have raised their voices to condemn racial bias in the justice system while discouraging violence in response to the killing of Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck. Those words of solidarity, for many clergy, came as their worship routines remained upended by a virus that has forced them to rely on digital or outdoor gathering.

At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, which has provided relief and medical help to demonstrators this week as protests roiled the city, associate pastor Angela T. Khabeb said the shared pain caused by Floyds death was exposing the brutal double toll being exacted on people of colour.

There were other pandemics we didnt always talk about that faced black communities, indigenous, Latinx before the virus outbreak, Khabeb said, citing institutionalized racism and poverty. And then we layer on COVID-19, which disproportionately affects black, indigenous, Latinx communities.

Khabeb acknowledged that she felt challenged by the task of tending to her congregation during the current crisis when the latest police killing of a black American had caused a crisis of my own thats very personal.

Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King Jr., preached, said during Sundays Livestream service that his virtual congregation needed to stay focused.

Dont allow undisciplined provocateurs of hate who engage in looting or who tweet about shooting to highjack the high moral message, said Warnock, who is running for the U.S. Senate. Stay on high moral ground and we will win.

Among the religious leaders in Minnesota organizing for spiritual care since Floyds death was Bernard Hebda, the Catholic archbishop of the Twin Cities. Hebda held a Friday online prayer service for racial justice and peace alongside Rev. Erich Rutten, the priest of a historic African American parish in St. Paul. The Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton also travelled to Minneapolis on Thursday, with Jackson speaking at a local Baptist church.

Imam Asad Zaman, the Muslim American Society of Minnesotas executive director, outlined multiple law enforcement reform proposals in response to Floyds death. Zaman noted in an op-ed this week that the Quran teaches us that to save a single life is to save all of humanity.

But as the frustration sparked by Floyds killing scorched dozens of other cities, religious denominations nationwide began speaking out to sympathize with the pain that brought protesters into the streets. White Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder in connection with Floyds death, which follows the highly-publicized killings of two black Americans this year -- Georgian Ahmaud Arbery, shot while running, and Breonna Taylor, shot by police in her Louisville, Kentucky home.

Seven senior members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement calling racism not a thing of the past or simply a throwaway political issue, adding: While it is expected that we will plead for peaceful non-violent protests, and we certainly do, we also stand in passionate support of communities that are understandably outraged.

The National Association of Evangelicals rooted its call for racial equality in the Bible, while Southern Baptist leaders released a statement noting Biblical teachings against injustice and the misuse of authority and force.

One pastor planning to reopen his church for in-person worship this week, amid ongoing tension over the public health risk of physical services, said the protests show communities have a strong need for religious institutions during a time of crisis.

I think the church is essential, and I think people need church in America, and the church has got to stand against social injustice, said Danny Carroll, of Water of Life Community Church in Fontana, California.

For Rev. Jacqui Lewis, whose church plans to keep forgoing in-person worship as the pandemic goes on, spiritual comfort and social organizing can happen just as effectively online. Lewis, senior minister at New York Citys Middle Collegiate Church, urged other faith leaders to respond to Floyds killing by taking their sympathy from words to actions.

Grief is not enough. Prayer is not enough, Lewis said. Its a baby, first step for denominations to decry the violence. The next step is, what will you do to make sure your congregations are not racist?

This weeks protests against racial injustice came as interfaith leaders prepared to mark a national day of mourning and lament for those killed by the coronavirus on Monday, an effort backed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Delaware, part of an accompanying bipartisan congressional proposal for a civic moment of silence, said the effort to honour the dead would show the best of what faith means in America.

The demonstrations also erupted just ahead of the Christian holy day of Pentecost and the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, both celebrated at a set time after previous holy days in the faiths. That count imbued this holy day with a more solemn meaning for Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism.

Just as Jews have counted the days between Passover and Shavuot, Jacobs said, they have been counting the dead from COVID-19, and sadly, tragically, were counting more black people killed in our country at the hands of law enforcement.

We could treat all of these things as separate  but I do think theres an intersection given the pandemics outsized effect on communities already struggling with racism, he added.

___

Giovanna DellOrto contributed for AP from St. Paul/Minneapolis and AP writer Kate Brumback contributed from Atlanta.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
"Hong Kong's always defined itself by contrast to the rest of China and indeed much of the rest of Asia as a place where there have been more rights and freedoms, in the same way that West Berlin was sort of an island in the middle of East Germany and the Soviet Bloc," he says. "As for Northern Ireland, I think I see that more as the warning of where we need to be careful we don't end up. We're clearly not there yet, but we're definitely a very deeply divided society here." 'That was the day when I thought this is really crazy, frankly. That was the day that was really shocking.' The most worrying sign for Dapiran is the number of people speaking of a willingness to give their lives for the cause. "Now thank goodness that's only been, at most, talk and nothing more than that, but it's always dangerous to have people expressing ideas in those terms when you've had a city with violent protests and a lot of conflict between people and the police." At its worst, during the siege of Polytechnic University for nearly two weeks in November, the violence resembled medieval warfare.

"I mean there were catapults set up on the roof, protesters using bows and arrows and then the police of course with the water cannons and rubber bullets all these sorts of things. And then the big stand-off on the bridge where the protesters all had their shields interlocked like a Roman legion phalanx, and police water cannons and armoured vehicles approaching from the other side. It looked more like warfare than anything we've seen previously on the streets of Hong Kong and that was the day when I thought this is really crazy, frankly. That was the day that was really shocking." Loading Getting to that point took months, and the slowly escalating violence became "frighteningly normalised". In the early days, when on one Sunday two million people took to the streets, the protests were peaceful and optimistic. There was a hope the government of Chief Executive Carrie Lam, albeit backed by Xi Jinping in Beijing, could not ignore the sheer weight of numbers. The euphoria of the early marches, when Dapiran sensed he was witnessing history, gave way to anger when few concessions were won. Shi Xinning's painting of Mao Zedong meeting Elvis Presley hovered over the interview. "I think the people were really proud of what they could achieve coming together, and that's sort of why the response from the government was so dismaying really. They had such a large portion of the population who had come together and expressed this quite beautiful moment. And the government just seemed to disregard it completely and placed no value on that at all."

Early demands for an extradition bill to be dropped morphed into a broader pro-democracy movement, one which took a more flexible and modern approach to protesting than the 2014 Umbrella Movement. It harnessed imagery to maintain a sense of unity and solidarity, even as extreme elements engaged in behaviour others might not have condoned. There was "no splitting", Dapiran says, at least in part because police were engaged in even more outrageous acts of violence and losing public sympathy. City on Fire. By Antony Dapiran. Credit: Between witnessing tear-gas canisters being neutralised with witch's hats and bottles of water, and tracing the bursts of blue dye from water cannon, he was also there for enchanting moments when the city came together. In August, citizens came out to form a 50-kilometre human chain, all holding hands across the city. Such passages are hopeful and uplifting, but as governments around the world are encouraging social distancing and liberal application of hand sanitiser, they also serve as a reminder of how quickly life has changed. Life in Hong Kong since the coronavirus has been "a continuity of disruption, if you want to put it that way", and with fewer restrictions than Australia. Even without the pandemic, Dapiran deliberately made his book a document of 2019. There was no telling where the story would lead. In the week we speak, several protest leaders are arrested and charged, sending a chill through the Hong Kong community. Since our lunch, Beijing announced it would push through national security legislation which sparked a fresh wave of protests and the sight of tear-gas returned to the streets. Dapiran says the plan "threatens our rights and freedoms, it threatens our rule of law, and it threatens what little democracy we have".

"At the same time, it certainly gives me pause and makes me reassess my own activities and life here," Dapiran said after the plans were announced. "Will it be safe for me to stay here and continue doing what I am doing, writing the kind of things I write? I'm not entirely sure what the answer is, and that is precisely what makes these sorts of laws so pernicious. It is never clear precisely where the lines are drawn, and so leads to people  consciously or unconsciously  adjusting their behaviour just to be safe. It makes the population self-regulating and compliant. That is a very dispiriting future for Hong Kong." China watchers have wondered whether the coronavirus offered the government cover for the scope and severity of the crackdown, but Dapiran does not quite see it that way. He felt a crackdown would come, as it did for the Umbrella Movement, but the pandemic has likely upset Beijing's plans to win over voters before September's Legislative Council election with a more positive economic argument. Antony Dapiran's dumpling lunch and receipt. Credit:Antony Dapiran There are, however, a few ways the protest movement has influenced the community response to the pandemic in Hong Kong. The first is the breakdown in institutional trust last year "fed into how people have reacted to the virus", with agitation to shut the borders early. A second example came from striking hospital workers, using a variation of the tactics from the protests, that forced the closure of ports and the introduction of stricter quarantine measures. And Dapiran says civil society more broadly, with a free press and academic freedom, has led to outspoken epidemiologists and microbiologists providing advice. Loading
When I meet Lissette and Fabian, I tell them that I spent seven months studying in Chile in college and remember well the savory empanadas that were so different from the sweet ones I grew up eating in Texas. I also let them know that I am not a food critic, so my opinion of their empanadas doesnt matter. (In case youre wondering, though, those seven empanadas did not last long on my familys dinner table, and I might have sent an email the next day about them containing the word amazing followed by an exclamation point).
4,000 years of contact, conflict & cultural change had little genetic impact in Near East

The Near East was a crossroad for the ancient world's greatest civilizations, and invasions over centuries caused enormous changes in cultures, religions and languages. However, a new study of the DNA of ancient skeletons spanning 4,000 years has revealed that most of these changes had no lasting effect on the genetics of the local population of Beirut.

Whilst the invasions and conquests may have been revolutionary for the elite rulers, researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Birmingham, French Institute of the Near East in Lebanon and their collaborators found only three time periods that had any impact on the long-term genetics of the ordinary people. These were the beginning of the Iron Age, the arrival of Alexander the Great, and the domination of the Ottoman Empire.

Reported today (28 May) in the American Journal of Human Genetics, the study shows the value of using genetics alongside archaeology to help understand what could be happening in the lives of ordinary people throughout history.

Over the centuries, the Levant has had many different rulers, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Arabs, and Ottomans. Most of these had permanent cultural effects on the local population, including changes to religion and even languages, as shown by the historical records and archaeological findings.

However, despite this, previous research showed that present-day local people in Lebanon were mainly descended from local people in the Bronze Age (2100-1500 BCE)*, with 90 per cent of their genetic make-up coming from around 4,000 years ago, and very few lasting traces of even the Crusaders invasion around the 11th-13th Century**.

To understand this potential contradiction and build a picture of the genetic history of ordinary people in the region, the researchers studied the DNA of ancient skeletons through 4,000 years. The team sequenced the genomes of 19 ancient people who lived in Lebanon between 800BCE and 200CE, and by combining with previous ancient and modern data, created an 8-point time line across the millennia.

Scientists detected lasting genetic changes in the local people from just three time periods - during the beginning of the Iron Age (about 1,000 BCE), the arrival of Alexander the Great (beginning 330 BCE), and the domination of the Ottoman Empire (1516 CE) - but not from the other times.

Dr Marc Haber, first author from the University of Birmingham and previously from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "We revealed a genetic history of the area across 4,000 years, with a time-point approximately every 500 years. This showed us that despite the huge cultural changes that were occurring during this period, there were only a few times that the genetics of the general population changed enough to affect the ordinary people."

The study revealed that some people did mix and form families with people from other cultures. One burial site was found to contain the remains of an Egyptian mother, and her son whose father had Egyptian and Lebanese ancestry. However, this cosmopolitan mixing did not seem to be widespread.

Historical evidence is based on archaeological findings and written records, but these are biased towards the elite rulers and people with money and influence, as they have far more resources and write the history. It can be difficult to understand the lives of the ordinary people.

Dr Joyce Nassar, an author on the paper and archaeologist from the French Institute of the Near East, Lebanon, said: "This study is really exciting, as the genetic evidence is helping us to interpret what we find. Some people might think that when a land was invaded, that the population would change. But this study shows it isn't that simple, and reveals there was only limited biological mixing, despite the cultural and political influence of the invasions."

The skeletons came from four archaeological excavation sites in Beirut, which were discovered during building projects in the Lebanese capital city and rescued by the Directorate General of Antiquities***. The archaeologists and researchers then worked together to transfer the bones to a laboratory in Estonia dedicated to ancient DNA, where the surviving ancient DNA was extracted from the temporal bone in the skulls. The DNA was then sequenced and analysed at the Sanger Institute. Recent advances in DNA extraction and sequencing technology made studying the ancient and damaged DNA possible.

Dr Chris Tyler Smith, senior author on the paper and previously from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "We see that people like the Egyptians and the Crusaders came to Lebanon, lived, raised families and died there. Their DNA sequences reveal this, but a little while later, there may be no trace of their genetics in the local population. Our study shows the power of ancient DNA to give new information about the human past, that complements the available historical records, and reveals the benefits of archaeologists and geneticists working together to understand historical events."

###

Notes to editors:

* https:/ / www. sanger. ac. uk/ news/ view/ present-day-lebanese-descend-biblical-canaanites-genetic-study-suggests

**https:/ / www. sanger. ac. uk/ news/ view/ crusaders-made-love-and-war-genetic-study-finds

***Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA) at the Ministry of Culture is the authority responsible for the Lebanese heritage, including all the excavations led on the Lebanese territories, museums and historical buildings and cities. The DGA gave the permission to conduct DNA analysis on the material and to publish it.

Selected websites:

About the University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries. http://www. birmingham. ac. uk

The French Institute of Near East, Lebanon / Institut Francais du Proche-Orient (IFPO)

The French Institute of Near East, a research centre of international renown, is organized into 3 scientific departments: Archaeology and History of Antiquity (DAHA), Arabic, Medieval and Modern Studies (DEAMM) and Contemporary Studies (DEC). From Beirut, where its headquarters are located, IFPO has regional competence over 5 countries with branches in Jordan (Amman), the Palestinian territories, Iraq (Erbil), and Syria (Damascus and Aleppo). The research carried out at IFPO concerns many disciplines in Human and Social Sciences, carried out through a multidisciplinary and cross-period approach aiming to understand the societies of the Near East from prehistory to the present days. For more information, visit http://www. ifporient. org [ifporient.org] or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics research centre. We undertake large-scale research that forms the foundations of knowledge in biology and medicine. We are open and collaborative; our data, results, tools and technologies are shared across the globe to advance science. Our ambition is vast - we take on projects that are not possible anywhere else. We use the power of genome sequencing to understand and harness the information in DNA. Funded by Wellcome, we have the freedom and support to push the boundaries of genomics. Our findings are used to improve health and to understand life on Earth. Find out more at http://www. sanger. ac. uk or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and on our Blog.

About Wellcome

Wellcome exists to improve health by helping great ideas to thrive. We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. We are a politically and financially independent foundation. https:/ / wellcome. ac. uk/

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon crew capsule, lifts off from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts blasted towards orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

A rocket ship built by Elon Musk's SpaceX company thundered away from Earth with two Americans on Saturday, ushering in a new era in commercial space travel and putting the United States back in the business of launching astronauts into orbit from home soil for the first time in nearly a decade.

NASA's Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken rode skyward aboard a white-and-black, bullet-shaped Dragon capsule on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off at 3:22 p.m. from the same launch pad used to send Apollo crews to the moon a half-century ago. Minutes later, they slipped safely into orbit.

"Let's light this candle," Hurley said just before ignition, borrowing the historic words used by Alan Shepard on America's first human spaceflight, in 1961.

The two men are scheduled to arrive Sunday at the International Space Station, 250 miles above Earth, for a stay of up to four months, after which they will come home with a Right Stuff-style splashdown at sea, something the world hasn't witnessed since the 1970s.

The mission unfolded amid the gloom of the coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans, and racial unrest across the U.S. over the case of George Floyd, the handcuffed black man who died at the hands of Minneapolis police.

NASA officials and others expressed hope the flight would lift American spirits and show the world what the U.S. can do.

"We are back in the game. It's very satisfying," said Doug Marshburn, of Deltona, Florida, who shouted, "USA! USA!" as he watched the 260-foot rocket climb skyward.

SpaceX becomes the first private company to launch people into orbit, a feat achieved previously by only three governments: the U.S., Russia and China.

"This is something that should really get people right in the heart of anyone who has any spirit of exploration," Musk, the visionary also behind the Tesla electric car company, said after liftoff, pounding his chest with his fist.

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken wave as they exit the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Pad 39-A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts will fly on a SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

The flight also ended a nine-year launch drought for NASA. Ever since it retired the space shuttle in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian spaceships launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts to and from the space station.

Over the past few years, NASA outsourced the job of designing and building its next generation of spaceships to SpaceX and Boeing, awarding them $7 billion in contracts in a public-private partnership aimed at driving down costs and spurring innovation. Boeing's spaceship, the Starliner capsule, is not expected to fly astronauts until early 2021.

Tesla and SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk listens during an event at the Vehicle Assembly Building on Saturday, May 23, 2020, after a SpaceX flight at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. A rocket ship designed and built by SpaceX lifted off on Saturday with two Americans on a history-making flight to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

NASA plans to rely in part on commercial partners as it pursues it next goals: sending astronauts back to the moon within a few years, and on to Mars in the 2030s.

At a post-liftoff rally held at NASA's massive 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building, President Donald Trump commended Musk and proclaimed: "Today we once again proudly launch American astronauts on American rockets, the best in the world, from right here on American soil."

He vowed the U.S. will be the first to land on Mars, promising a "future of American dominance in space."

Vice President Mike Pence, who also witnessed the launch, said that as the nation deals with the coronavirus and racial strife, "I believe with all my heart that millions of Americans today will find the same inspiration and unity of purpose that we found in those days in the 1960s" during Apollo.

A SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon crew capsule, prepare to lift off as the vehicle vents fuel, from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts are on the SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast towards orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The first attempt to launch the rocket, on Wednesday, was called off with less than 17 minutes to go in the countdown because of lightning. On Saturday, stormy weather threatened another postponement for most of the day, but the skies began to clear just in the time.

The astronauts set out for the launch pad in a gull-wing Tesla SUV after Behnken pantomimed a hug of his 6-year-old son, Theo, and said: "Are you going to listen to Mommy and make her life easy?" Hurley blew kisses to his 10-year-old son and wife.

Nine minutes after liftoff, the rocket's first-stage booster landed, as designed, on a barge a few hundred miles off the Florida coast, to be reused on another flight.

"Thanks for the great ride to space," Hurley told SpaceX ground control. The two crewmates batted around a floating blue dinosaur plush toy doubling as a dragon, demonstrating that they had reached zero gravity.

A SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Crew Dragon capsule, sits on Launch Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts are on the SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station scheduled to liftoff Saturday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

SpaceX controllers at Hawthorne, California, cheered and applauded wildly, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine declared: "This is everything that America has to offer in its purest form."

Attendance inside Kennedy Space Center was strictly limited because of the coronavirus, and the crowd amounted to only a few thousand. By NASA's count, over 3 million viewers tuned in online.

Despite NASA's insistence that the public stay safe by staying home, spectators flocked to beaches and roads, some of them not wearing masks or keeping 6 feet from others.

Among the spectators was Neil Wight, a machinist from Buffalo, New York.

"With everything that's going on in this country right now, it's important that we do things extraordinary in life," he said. "We've been bombarded with doom and gloom for the last six, eight weeks, whatever it is, and this is awesome. It brings a lot of people together."

President Donald Trump points to Elon Musk as he arrives to speak after viewing the SpaceX flight to the International Space Station, at Kennedy Space Center, Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Hurley, a 53-year-old retired Marine, and Behnken, 49, an Air Force colonel, are veterans of two space shuttle flights each.

Because of the coronavirus, the astronauts were kept in quasi-quarantine for more than two months. The SpaceX technicians who helped them get into their spacesuits wore masks and gloves that made them look like black-clad ninjas. And the SpaceX controllers had masks and were seated far apart.

In keeping with Musk's penchant for futuristic flash, the astronauts wore angular white uniforms with black trim. Instead of the usual multitude of dials, knobs and switches, the Dragon capsule has three large touchscreens.

Once settled in orbit, Hurley disclosed that the capsule has been christened Endeavour, a storied name in the history of exploration, also given to one of the space shuttles.

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, holds the hand of his wife Karen Nyberg as their son Jack, 10 looks on, after Hurley and astronaut Robert Behnken walked out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Pad 39-A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts will fly on a SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012.

Under the new corporate-public model, aerospace companies design, build, own and operate spaceships, and NASA is essentially a paying customer on a list that could eventually include non-government researchers, artists and tourists. (Tom Cruise has already expressed interest.)

Saturday's mission is technically considered a test flight. The next SpaceX voyage to the space station, set for the end of August, will have a full, four-person crew: three Americans and one Japanese.

The first flight was originally targeted for around 2015. But the project encountered bureaucratic delays and technical setbacks. A SpaceX capsule exploded on the test stand last year. And Boeing's first Starliner capsule ended up in the wrong orbit and was nearly destroyed during a test flight in December.

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken walk out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Pad 39-A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts will fly on a SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

The SpaceX Falcon 9, with Dragon crew capsule on top of the rocket, sits on Launch Pad 39-A, Friday, May 29, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on Saturday, May 30. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

This combination of undated photos made available by SpaceX shows NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Bob Behnken in their spacesuits at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif. On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, They are scheduled to board a SpaceX Dragon capsule atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and, equipment and weather permitting, shoot into space. It will be the first astronaut launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center since the last shuttle flight in 2011. (SpaceX via AP)

The SpaceX Falcon 9, with Dragon crew capsule on top of the rocket, sits on Launch Pad 39-A, Friday, May 29, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts will fly on the SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station scheduled for launch on Saturday, May 30. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Storm clouds pass over the Vehicle Assembly Building as a SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Crew Dragon capsule, sits on Launch Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts are on the SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station scheduled to liftoff Saturday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken wave while seated in a Tesla SUV on their way to Pad 39-A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts will fly on a SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

A SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Crew Dragon capsule, sits on Launch Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts are on the SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station scheduled to liftoff Saturday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

A SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon crew capsule, lifts off from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts blasted towards orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken walk out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Pad 39-A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 30, 2020. The two astronauts will fly on a SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts will blast into orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

The SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Crew Dragon capsule, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley onboard, lifts off Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Spectators walk from their vantage point on a bridge in Titusville, Fla. after watching SpaceX Falcon 9 lift off with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon crew capsule, Saturday, May 30, 2020 from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla. The two astronauts are on the SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts blasted towards orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One as he departs Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Trump is en route to Kennedy Space Center for the SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Crew Dragon capsule, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley onboard, lifts off Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Crew Dragon capsule, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley onboard, lifts off Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Crew Dragon capsule, with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley onboard, lifts off Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Spectators walk from their vantage point on a bridge in Titusville, Fla. after watching SpaceX Falcon 9 lift off with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon crew capsule, Saturday, May 30, 2020 from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla. The two astronauts are on the SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts blasted towards orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Spectators at Shiloh's Steak & Seafood restaurant in Titusville, Fla. watching the launch of the SpaceX rocket, Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Tim Shortt/Florida Today via AP)

Spectators walk from their vantage point on a bridge in Titusville, Fla. after watching SpaceX Falcon 9 lift off with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon crew capsule, Saturday, May 30, 2020 from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla. The two astronauts are on the SpaceX test flight to the International Space Station. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts blasted towards orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

For SpaceX and the future of public-corporate space exploration, the stakes on Saturday were extraordinarily high.

With the spaceship finally on its way, Musk got choked up talking about the weight of his responsibility for the astronauts' lives and their families and noted that the return to Earth is more dangerous in some ways than ascent, "so we don't want to declare victory yet."

Still, Musk said he wasn't nervous about the launch on Saturday the way he was during the previous attempt.

"Today, I don't know, it felt like just the fates were aligned," he said.

Explore further 2 U.S. astronauts board SpaceX rocket for historic launch

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The rapid movement towards remote work arrangements in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic raises some interesting questions on the future of workers in urban centers. If workers place less value on living near a downtown job center they no longer need to go to (at least, not as often), will more of them decamp for the suburbs  potentially hollowing out urban centers that had been enjoying a renaissance over the past decade?

It's a valid question, and it's likely too soon to have a definitive answer. But that question also ignores the millions of U.S. workers already living in urban areas not because of their proximity to work, but in spite of it. As of 2017*, 40% of U.S. residents living in urban areas commuted to non-urban ZIP codes for work  or almost 8.2 million workers nationwide  according to an analysis of data from the federal Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics Origin-Destination Employment Statistics (LODES) dataset.

In fact, a majority of urban residents work outside the city in 20 of the countrys 35 largest metro areas, including three (Riverside, Tampa and Orlando) where more than 70% of urban residents work in the suburbs or rural areas. In general, areas with more "urban resident/elsewhere worker" citizens tend to be more sprawling and/or more affordable metros compared to the more stereotypically dense and/or expensive coastal areas like New York and San Francisco.

reverse commuters more common in cheaper areas

And these reverse commuters are not unique to the younger population. Nationwide, urban residents aged 55+ are almost equally as likely to commute to suburban and rural areas as those 29 and under. And in some metros, including Washington, D.C., the older generation is more likely to look outside densely populated cities for work.

Ultimately, even if remote working options become both more permanent and widespread, it is unlikely that urban movers will completely abandon cities altogether, since they are so much more than job centers. The rich culture, art, and history found in urban centers is not accessible from the suburbs, and even less so from rural areas. The already large population of urban commuters suggests these attitudes will change very slowly, if at all.

Story continues

Methodology

Zillow used U.S. Census Bureau Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics Origin-Destination Employment Statistics (LODES) data to determine the ZIP code of both individuals' home and workplace cut by age groups. *This data is primarily from 2017, but Alaska and South Dakota report 2016 LODES data. Zillow then matched the ZIP codes of home and work locations to urban, suburban, and rural classifications. Urban, suburban and rural classifications are based on survey results where respondents were asked to describe their home area as urban, suburban, or rural, and then extrapolated to all ZIP codes by comparing population density. The population examined for this analysis is those who reside in urban ZIP codes and work in non-urban ZIP codes.

The post More Than 8 Million U.S. Workers Live in Cities, But Don't Work There appeared first on Zillow Research.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump took to Twitter early Friday to condemn Minneapolis demonstrators as "THUGS," threaten military intervention and predict local looting could lead to "shooting," prompting the social media company to take the unprecedented step of limiting the public's ability to view and share his tweet.

The label Twitter appended - which the company also added later to a tweet from the White House - marks the second time in a week the tech giant has taken action in response to Trump's controversial remarks. Trump and his allies again decried the move as censorship, promising to regulate the company a day after he signed an executive order that could open the door for the U.S. government to punish social media sites for their handling of political speech online.

Trump fired off his early morning comment as protests over the death of George Floyd intensified in Minneapolis. Fires raged across the city Thursday night as demonstrators took to the streets because Floyd, who was black, died in police custody. The unrest has reverberated nationwide, including in Louisville, where Breonna Taylor, a black woman and aspiring nurse, was killed by police earlier this month.

"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen," Trump tweeted shortly before 1 a.m. Friday, adding, "Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts."

Critics immediately condemned Trump's tweet, asserting that he was promoting violent retaliation against protesters, and Twitter took swift action. "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence," read a gray box that now hides Trump's tweet from public view unless a user clicks to see it. In doing so, Twitter also prevented other users from liking the president's tweet or sharing it without appending comment.

"We've taken action in the interest of preventing others from being inspired to commit violent acts, but have kept the tweet on Twitter because it is important that the public still be able to see the Tweet given its relevance to ongoing matters of public importance," said Trenton Kennedy, a spokesman for the company.

In an act of defiance, the White House hours later reposted a quotation of the president's controversial comment about shootings on its account. That, too, received a label from Twitter indicating it broke company rules around glorifying violence.

A White House spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

The dispute immediately exacerbated tensions between the Silicon Valley company and Trump, who tweeted later Friday morning that he had been unfairly targeted. For years, the president has maintained Twitter and other tech companies exhibit bias against conservatives, systematically limiting their posts and quietly banning right-leaning users - a charge for which Trump has provided little evidence, and one that the industry strongly denies.

But their dispute took on greater significance on Tuesday, after Twitter bowed to years of public pressure and sought to fact-check one of the presidents remarks for the first time. The company appended a link to news articles to two of Trump's tweets about alleged election fraud, sparking fierce blowback among Trump and his allies.

Twitter in recent days has taken similar action against tweets from other sources across the political spectrum. But Trump has maintained it is a form of censorship, and his concerns led him Thursday to executive order targeting Section 230, a portion of federal law that shields Twitter and other tech firms from most liability for the content they allow or take down. Critics say the order threatens free expression on the web, running afoul of the Constitution.

"Twitter is doing nothing about all of the lies & propaganda being put out by China or the Radical Left Democrat Party," Trump said in a later tweet. "They have targeted Republicans, Conservatives & the President of the United States. Section 230 should be revoked by Congress. Until then, it will be regulated!"

Trump's late-night tweet about Minneapolis, which was paired with another blistering post targeting Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, came after protesters in the city breached a police precinct that had been evacuated and set fire to the building. The chaotic scenes marked the latest escalation of the widespread unrest that has plagued Minneapolis for three straight days following a fatal incident in which Floyd, an unarmed black man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for minutes as he was handcuffed on the ground.

On Thursday, amid reports of fires, looting and vandalism that had begun the night before, Frey declared an emergency, which was soon followed by Democratic Gov. Tim Walz's order to call in the National Guard. By nightfall, more than 500 soldiers had been deployed to Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding communities, the Guard confirmed.

But protesters continued wreaking havoc in the city Thursday night - much to Trump's dismay.

"I can't stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis," Trump tweeted early Friday, before taking aim at Frey.

"A total lack of leadership," the president continued. "Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right."

Then, Trump called the demonstrators, many of whom are people of color, "THUGS" before parroting the words of former Miami police chief Walter Headley, who was known for his controversial "stop and frisk" policies.

The looting and shooting quote was first said by Headley during a December 1967 news conference addressing efforts by authorities to carry out what United Press International described at the time as a "crackdown on . . . slum hoodlums." According to UPI, "Headley said Miami hasn't been troubled with racial disturbances and looting because he let the word filter down, 'When the looting starts, the shooting starts.' "

The moment has since been cited as a prime factor in the discontent that contributed to the race riots that broke out in Miami in the late 1960s, The Washington Post's Terence McArdle reported.

On Thursday, many accused Trump of making a racist threat of violence against the protesters.

Even the Oath Keepers, a right-wing militia group, urged Trump to retract his statement, citing concerns that the tweet could be seen as encouraging the National Guard to "shoot people for stealing."

"This is a disaster," the group tweeted from their official account. "President Trump needs to retract that statement ASAP, stating that he misspoke & did not mean to say that National Guard should shoot people for stealing."

Meanwhile, Frey hit back at the president during a news briefing early Friday.

"Donald Trump knows nothing about the strength of Minneapolis. We are strong as hell," Frey said. "Is this a difficult time period? Yes. But you better be damn sure we're going to get through this."

- - -

The Washington Post's Timothy Bella contributed to this report.
Sofia Richie's family is rallying around her even more than usual since news of her high-profile breakup with Scott Disick was revealed earlier this week.

The 21-year-old's famous older sister Nicole Richie, as well as their music legend father Lionel Richie, are being fully supportive of the newly single starlet, and had reportedly been 'wary' about her relationship with Disick, 37, according to Us Weekly.

As an insider revealed, the House of Harlow fashion designer, 38, 'never fully supported' her baby sister's relationship to the much older Disick, which 'played a big role in their issues.'

On the outs: Sofia Richie's family is rallying around her since news of her high-profile breakup with Scott Disick was revealed, saying they were 'wary' of their relationship; seen in 2017

'Nicole and Sofia have been spending more time together since Sofia started spending less time with Scott,' the source also said.

'Nicole has always been a rock for Sofia,' and 'wants the best and healthiest outcome' for her, they added.

Still, it was also reported on Saturday that Disick and Richie are still in touch, in spite their recent breakup.

'Scott and Sofias breakup is definitely a real [one], but they have been staying in touch and texting since they split,' a source told Us exclusively. 'Their friends think that there is a big chance they could get back together at some point.'

But as revealed on Wednesday, Scott and Sofia had indeed split after Scott's recent stint in rehab.

Protective big sister: Sofia's famous older sister Nicole Richie 'never fully supported' her relationship to the much older Disick; seen here on Instagram

Dad too: The Richie sisters' music legend father Lionel Richie shared in Nicole's concern for Sofia in regard to Scott

Family: While Scott is spending time with his family including ex Kourtney Kardashian and their kids, Nicole is depending on her family; seen with dad Lionel and brother Miles on IG

As first reported by Dailymail.com, Scott entered rehab last month seeking treatment for 'past traumas'.

'Sofia noticed that he wasnt doing well and gave him an ultimatum, and in the end it seemed like Scott was more focused on Kourtney and his kids than her,' a source said.

Scott recently celebrated his 37th birthday without Sofia, and instead was joined by his ex Kourtney Kardashian and their three children in Lake Powell, Utah.

But there's no indication of a reconciliation between Scott and Kourtney, with a source telling UsWeekly that Scott has yet to prove himself to her after she gave him many chances over the years.

Time apart: Scott recently celebrated his 37th birthday without Sofia, and instead was joined by Kourtney and their kids in Lake Powell, Utah

'The fact that he is the father of their three kids keeps them connected forever. Kourtney wants the best for Scott and knows theyve been through the wringer together. She lets him in  but at an arms length.'

DailyMail.com revealed exclusively that Scott had checked into rehab on April 28 at the All Points North Lodge in Edwards, Colorado.

'Scott had gone back to his old ways,' a source told PageSix shortly thereafter, 'and Sofia got fed up.'

Scott and Sofia initially started dating in the summer of 2017, when she was just 18 years old.
Beyond their regular orders, Higginson said The Crooked Feather has a list of prototypes, a wing-making wish list of sorts, inspired by characters like Tyrael, the Aspect of Wisdom from the video game series Diablo, and Wonder Womans golden wings from the upcoming sequel, Wonder Woman 1984.

Noriega said eventually she would like to branch out from wings into other elaborate attire.

A costumer recently asked if she could create a Kali costume, the Hindu goddess of death known for her multiple arms and sword-wielding capabilities.

People come to me with wing requests because I am very good at making them, Noriega said, But there is no reason we cant make those, too.

A NEW ROLE

With the pandemic raging around the world, Noriega has pivoted her efforts in the last two months.

She spends most of her days at Xerocraft, a makerspace in the same building as her studio, working with a team in making up to 1,000 face shields a day for the Pima County Health Department.

Her wing orders have slowed as many of the events and industries where wings might be of use are at a standstill.
A 3.2million monument to honour Britain's fallen emergency service workers including those who died during the coronavirus pandemic will be opened.

More than 7,000 emergency service workers have died in the line of duty over the last 250 years, with more than 180 NHS staff known to have died from Covid-19.

The National Emergency Services Memorial was planned before the pandemic began but has been redesigned to honour those who have died this year.

It will now include a frontline hospital figure wearing a protective face visor and scrubs, in addition to the previous police, fire, maritime rescue, and search and rescue services figures.

A 3.2million monument to honour Britain's fallen emergency service workers including those who have died during the coronavirus pandemic will be opened in London in 2023

More than 180 NHS staff known to have died from Covid-19. Pictured: Rehab Support workers perform a physiotherapy treatment on patient Michael Kidd, 82, as the first patients are admitted to the NHS Seacole Centre at Headley Court, Surrey, a disused military hospital, which has been converted during the coronavirus pandemic

The Queen will open National Emergency Services Memorial designed by Philip Jackson (left), which will feature a frontline hospital figure wearing a protective face visor and scrubs as well as police, fire, maritime rescue, and search and rescue services figures

The five-sided bronze monument will be opened in 2023 by the Queen, featuring six eight foot figures and a spaniel to represent all service animals.

It will stand at 20 foot tall and be located in central London at a site yet to be determined.

What figures will feature on the National Emergency Services Memorial and what will they represent? A male police officer

A male firefighter

A female paramedic to represent the ambulance service and other healthcare agencies like St John Ambulance

A female doctor to represent the NHS

A male maritime worker to represent HM Coastguard and Lifeboat Services

A male search and rescue volunteer

A spaniel search and rescue dog to represent emergency services animals. Advertisement

Sculptor Philip Jackson, who designed the Bobby Moore statue outside Wembley Stadium, has been working on the project for more than a year.

He said: 'Because of what has happened with this dreadful pandemic, we decided that the NHS side of the monument should be reinforced with a secondary figure.

'So the paramedic now has a companion in the nurse-doctor figure,' he told Sky News.

The Royal College of Nursing and British Medical Association have both welcomed the new plans.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said: 'It takes a very special kind of person to put your life on the line for a complete stranger.

'You are heroes of British life. If we dial 999, we know you will be there for us,' he told The Daily Express.

Prince William, a former Air Ambulance pilot, said: 'We owe our well-being, and indeed our lives, to our emergency services who work tirelessly to protect us.

'It is only fitting we recognise the vital role they play.'

The project will cost an estimated 3.2million and is being funded through public donations.

Designer Philip Jackson also designed statues of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother on The Mall and the Bomber Command memorial in Green Park, all in London.

The new design, featuring hospital workers wearing Personal Protective Equipment to honour the 180 NHS staff who have died during the pandemic, has been welcomed by former Air Ambulance pilot Prince William (left) and Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right), who recently suffered from coronavirus in an NHS hospital

Designer Philip Jackson also designed the Bomber Command memorial in Green Park, London, which was vandalised with white paint in January 2019 (above)

The National Emergency Services Memorial charity was founded by Tom Scholes-Fogg, 28, in Autumn 2016.

He was inspired to create the monument by his grandfather his grandfather John Scholes, a retired Greater Manchester Police Sergeant.

The memorial has also received support from Arlene Foster, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, and Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales.
President Donald Trump has said the US is "very saddened" by what happened to its relationship with China, hours after he announced a series of decisions against it and blamed the Chinese government's "malfeasance" for the death and devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.

Amid escalating bilateral tensions over the coronavirus pandemic, trade issues and Beijing's new controversial security law in Hong Kong, Trump announced a series of decisions including issuing a proclamation to deny the entry to certain Chinese nationals and tightening of regulations against Chinese investments in America.

Trump also terminated the US' relationship with the World Health Organisation, accusing the UN's health body of misguiding the world on the coronavirus and siding with China on this issue.

"We're talking about doing a lot of things and we're very, very saddened by what happened to our relationship with China. They should have never allowed this to happen. They could have stopped it at the source. We asked them to come in and help them, and they didn't want help from anybody, even the World Health Organization," he told reporters at the White House on Friday, referring to the spread of the virus that has killed over one lakh people in America alone.

Trump said that China contained the virus within its own territory but did not stop it from spreading around the world.

"We are certainly not happy with what happened with respect to China. They have a virus that started and when it got out of control, perhaps, I assume that's what happened, it got out of control, whichever way and they stopped it from going to China, but they didn't stop it from going to the rest of the world. So nobody likes that. That was not good," Trump said.

"Countless lives have been taken and profound economic hardship has been inflicted all around the globe," Trump said.

According to the Johns Hopkins University data, the deadly disease has infected nearly 6 million people and claimed over 364,000 lives worldwide.

The US is the worst-affected country in the world with over 1.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 102,000 deaths.

"They did not do a good job. So, I don't know if it was incompetence or it was done for some other reason, but I know that I didn't see anything in Beijing and I didn't see anything in other Chinese cities, but I did see them in New York and London, in Paris. We saw them in Spain and we saw them in Italy. We saw that the enemy, the invisible enemy come out," he said.

Led by the US, several countries in the world have blamed China for the spread of coronavirus and its failure to provide timely information about the disease, leading to the death of over three lakh people and causing an unprecedented economic crisis.

Trump has been pressing China to agree for an inquiry into the origin of the virus, including the allegation that it emerged from a bio-lab in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. "The world is now suffering as a result of the malfeasance of the Chinese government," he said.

He added that China had "instigated a global pandemic that has cost over 100,000 American lives". The president accused China of pressurising the WHO to "mislead the world" about the virus.

However, China has rejected all US allegations of a cover up regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

On asked if this was the start of the Cold War between the US and China, he said, "And all over the world, 186 countries, and probably more than that now. And they stopped it in China, but they didn't stop it going to Europe and the United States and the rest of the world. So what's that all about? And we have to do a very strong study and figure that out."

"They wanted to go in, and they were delayed. But we asked to go in very specifically, and they didn't want any help. They didn't need any help, and then it got out of control in some form. But it didn't seem to get out of control when it came to going to other parts of China because it didn't go very far, but it did come to the United States. It did come to Europe. It went all over the world," he said.
Politicians and the police had not expected the protests to grow for a fourth night on Friday, after a police officer was charged with third-degree murder and a curfew went into effect at 8 p.m. But grow they did, and law enforcement officers struggled to hold their ground, with National Guard troops retreating from angry protesters at one point.

Gunshots rang out near a different police precinct and flames streamed from businesses over several city blocks  a gas station, a post office, a bank, a restaurant  as residents asked where the police and firefighters had gone.

Theres simply more of them than us Mr. Walz said of the protesters.

The governor vowed that more Guard troops would be deployed and that the authorities would not let the destruction continue. Even so, state officials did not show much optimism that the demonstrations would stop, and Mr. Walz did not rule out the possibility of bringing in the U.S. military.

Commissioner John Harrington of the states Department of Public Safety said the police were preparing to be at the center of an international event on Saturday, pledging to restore order on the same Minneapolis block that was burning as he spoke. Mr. Harrington said he expected the largest crowds the state had ever seen.
MOSCOW -Put aside the ancient vineyards, the ski resorts and Black Sea beaches. The country of Georgia has a new tourism pitch: a place to take a break from the pandemic.

Georgia's response to the novel coronavirus is a relative success story: 746 confirmed cases, 576 of whom have recovered, and 12 deaths. Now it wants to parlay that into a holiday draw.

Georgia is far from alone in trying to reinvent itself for tourism in the wake of covid-19. But the South Caucasus nation, tucked between Turkey and Russia, offers a look into some of the emerging strategies, such as promoting low infection rates and being selective about who gets in.

"We have to put up with the fact that we may not get as many tourists as we did last year, but we should add this competitive advantage to our traditional competitive advantages, such as our history, our 8,000 years of winemaking, our cuisine, our culture and hospitality," Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said recently.

Georgia is among the first wave of countries cautiously restarting their tourism industries even as coronavirus concerns linger for both potential travelers and destinations.

When Iceland reopens its borders June 15, it will require all visitors to either take a test for the coronavirus, agree to a two-week quarantine or present official documentation of a recent negative test. Regardless of which option they choose, tourists will have to download a contact-tracing app.

Every international visitor to Greece, which is opening its borders July 1, will undergo a health screening, which includes a rapid coronavirus test. Nightlife is expected to remain shuttered; small-group outdoor activities are recommended to tourists instead.

When Georgia reopens its borders on July 1, it won't be for everyone. It is instead looking to identify what it calls peer countries - those in "a more or less similar epidemiological situation," Economy Minister Natia Turnava said.

Gakharia enlisted the country's ambassadors to be the chief marketers to their host countries, pitching what he is calling a "safe corridor" with Georgia to establish direct flights between them. Israel, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Greece and the Baltic states are expected to be among the first countries on Georgia's list.

It is unclear when Georgia will permit travelers from the United States, which has the most confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in the world.

Tourists from some countries may be required to show proof of a negative coronavirus test in advance, while those from another may not be, Turnava said.

"If we open to just anyone, it means to destroy our safety in one day," she added. "Unfortunately, not all countries are on equal positions. However, we do believe that, upon battling with covid, more and more countries will join our safe corridors."

Visiting Georgia wasn't always considered "safe," especially as tensions escalated with its powerful northern neighbor Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Twelve years ago, the two countries were embroiled in a brief war over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Last summer, Russian President Vladimir Putin temporarily banned flights to Georgia and recommended that Russian tourists there return home after protesters tried to storm the Parliament building in Tbilisi, furious that a Russian member of parliament had given a speech from the speaker's chair.

In November, protesters blockaded the Parliament building in demonstrations over electoral reform that brought tens of thousands to the streets.

But Georgia has seen a steady increase in tourists, from just under 3 million visitors in 2001 to more than 9 million last year. Turnava said the tourism sector accounts for nearly 12% of the country's GDP.

"For us, it is a kind of activity which is very close to our historical traditions," she said. "We used to say that guests come from God."

For a country that made headlines for its domestic turmoil in the past, its handling of the coronavirus revealed a surprising public trust in the government.

Georgia was aggressive in its approach, closing schools after it had just three confirmed cases. It monitored the virus's spread, suspending direct flights with "hot spots," and installing health screenings at airports and at the borders. Around 7,000 hotel rooms were used to quarantine citizens who returned home after the first week of March.

"This process has accumulated valuable experience and is an example of great flexibility for the Georgian hospitality sector to adjust with the new norms," Turnava said. "That's why we don't need additional time to adapt our tourist industry. That's why we're saying that Georgia might be one of the safest, because it's all about following protocols."

In a 2016 episode of his CNN show "Parts Unknown," Anthony Bourdain described Georgia as a place most Americans wouldn't be able to locate on a map. With traditional European getaways such as Italy and France some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, Georgia's promise of safety could stand out to a Westerners who may not have considered a trip there before, said Natalia Kvachantiradze, chair of the Georgia Tourism Association.

Georgia will attempt to appeal to post-coronavirus travelers by pushing outdoor activities more conducive to distancing precautions, such as visiting the wine region or the national parks. The country is also labeling some resorts as "green zones," keeping them exclusive to guests who want to be reassured about privacy and sanitary conditions.

"We are in a new reality of tourism, and our country's decision is to promote new destinations and new tourist products," Kvachantiradze said. "When you're traveling and want to rest, it's important to feel free and to feel healthy and feel safe."
SPRINGFIELD, Missouri -- A week after images of Memorial Day weekend revelers jammed into a Lake of the Ozarks pool party at Backwater Jack's Bar & Grill in Osage Beach made international headlines, the Camden County Health Department announced that a Boone County resident tested positive for the novel coronavirus after visiting the Lake of the Ozarks area over the holiday weekend.

The Boone County subject arrived at the lake on Saturday, May 23, and "developed illness" on Sunday, according to a news release obtained by LakeNewsOnline.com, which like the News-Leader is part of the USA TODAY Network.

More: Like Lake of the Ozarks, many tourist destinations around the country boomed Memorial Day, data show

The infected person "was likely incubating illness and possibly infectious at the time of the visit," the health department said.

The health department released a timeline of possible COVID-19 exposures "due to the need to inform mass numbers of unknown people."

The Boone County Health Department is investigating, and Camden County said no cases had been reported this week.

The News-Leader reached out to the Camden County Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for comment late Friday.

Following reports of the 16-second video clip showing the Blackwater Jack's pool party, St. Louis and Kansas City regional health officials issued warnings including a travel advisory and advice for attendees to self-quarantine, the News-Leader and USA TODAY reported.

A screenshot of video posted by Scott Pasmore of a pool party at Lake of the Ozarks during Memorial Day weekend.

Members of the public who may have been in Backwater Jack's, Shady Gators and Lazy Gators Pool or Buffalo Wild Wings in that area are asked to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of taste or smell.

Camden County urged people to stay home if sick, to contact your physician if you experience any symptoms and to self-isolate until test results are known.

Follow Gregory Holman on Twitter @GregHolmanNL or email him at gholman@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Coronavirus: Lake of the Ozarks pool party attendee has COVID-19
By Easton Sanders May. 29, 2020 | 07:05 PM | PADUCAH





During a recent Paducah City Commission meeting, city commissioners voted on and approved a municipal order to apply for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant for $767,836.17 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The move is an effort to help the Paducah Fire Department hire an additional three firefighters.







In a May 21 issue of The Infogram, from fema.gov, acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf, has waived the cost, position cost limit, supplanting, and minimum budget requirements for this year's SAFER grant applicants due to economic hardships. This has provided a great opportunity for communities to apply in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.







West Kentucky Star spoke with Fire Chief, Steve Kyle, about the application.







Kyle says the Paducah Fire Department currently has 60 firefighters that are split between three shifts. The grant will allow them to hire three additional firefighters, bringing them to 21 firefighters per shift. The funds from the grant will cover the cost of the three new firefighters for three years.







According to Kyle, the additional staff will improve efficiency and safety.







"We have more tasks to complete than we have people right now. Every single employee we have matters and helps us to accomplish that." Kyle continued, "Each set of hands is critical to the accomplishment of a task in a timely manner. Each response that we make has to be timely."







Kyle says he expects it to be late this fall, or early next year before they receive a response to the application.







Although they have more tasks than people right now, he says this doesn't mean they're not getting the job done as it currently stands.







He said, "This does not mean to paint a picture that we're not getting the job done, because we are. But we are not as efficient and effective as we could be. This will help in that efficiency and effectiveness, and also the timeliness of putting the necessary people on the scene that we need."







The additional firefighters are part of their goal of reaching the National Fire Protection Association standard, which recommends 69 firefighters.

The Paducah Board of Commissioners have approved a grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for fire department funding.
T onights historic SpaceX launch is set to go ahead despite more thunderstorms on the forecast.

The planned liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket will be the first time a private company has sent NASA astronauts into space  provided it goes ahead.

Elon Musks company came within 17 minutes of launching on Wednesday, before the threat of lightning forced a delay.

Weather forecasters have set the odds of acceptable conditions at 50-50 for this evenings feat, but NASA says its pressing ahead anyway.

First SpaceX launch delayed because of bad weather

NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted to say Saturdays launch preparations were moving forward, but added: Weather challenges remain with a 50 per cent chance of cancellation.

He later warned thunderstorms are expected later and there is a 50-50 chance of lift-off.

He said: What got us last time (Wednesdays launch) was the electricity in the atmosphere. And of course, today there are, in fact, build-ups.

It doesnt look like there are thunderstorms at this time but they are expected. The question is when do those thunderstorms go away and when those thunderstorms materialise where are they located.

He added: We are predicting about a 50-50 shot of going this time but given the fact that we are in late May in Florida we have to take every shot we can get.

Mr Bridenstine said he was hoping that the weather will hold up, adding: We are go for launch right now.

He said: We almost made it on Wednesday and the trend is better today than it was on Wednesday.

Elon Musk, who is the chief executive of SpaceX, said the teams were proceeding with countdown, despite the weather risk.

If the launch is delayed, the next available window will be on May 31 at 8pm UK time.

Bob Behnken gave his son an air-hug / Getty Images

The two astronauts undertaking the mission, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, were pictured beaming as they set out for the launch pad.

Mr Behnken pantomimed a hug of his 6-year-old son, Theo, and said: "Are you going to listen to Mommy and make her life easy?"

Meanwhile, Mr Hurley blew kisses to his 10-year-old son and wife.

Doug Hurley's wife Karen Nyberg and their son say goodbye / REUTERS

Because of the coronavirus outbreak, NASA has severely limited the number of employees, visitors and journalists allowed deep inside Kennedy Space Centre.

The space agency urged people to stay safe and watch from home, and by NASA's count, at least 1.14 million viewers followed the launch preparation online.

But spectators also began lining the Cape Canaveral area's beaches and roads. Signs along the main beach drag read, "Godspeed."

The International Space Station - In pictures 1 /66 The International Space Station - In pictures US space shuttle Endeavour crew member Jim Newman on the outside of the Unity module of the International Space Station AFP/Getty Images 1998 Astronaut James H. Newman, waves at camera as he holds onto one of the hand rails on the Unity connecting module Getty Images 2017 The International Space Station continues its orbit around the Earth as Expedition 50 astronauts captured this night image of sparkling cities and a sliver of daylight framing the northern hemisphere NASA 2013 Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield performing aboard the International Space Station EPA 1986 The Space Shuttle Challenger explodes just 73 seconds after lifting off from Kennedy Space Center, Jan. 28, 1986. All seven crew members lost their lives. AP 1998 Jerry Ross and Jim Newman train for one of the three spacewalks they will perform Getty Images 1998 Shuttle Astronaut Jerry L. Ross takes a picture during a 7-hour, 21 minute spacewalk Getty Images 1998 Technicians attach lifting gear to the Unity module of the International Space Station 23 October 1998 AFP/Getty Images 1998 The Unity module of the International Space Station is lifted for installation into a payload canister at Kennedy Space Center in Florida AFP/Getty Images 1998 The crew of Space Shuttle Mission STS-88 beginning construction of the International Space Station Getty Images 1998 Clouds over Asia form the backdrop for this scene of Unity module of the International Space Station Getty Images 2000 US astronaut Bill Shepherd (L), Russian cosmonauts Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalyov (R) pose for a snapshot inside the Soyuz TM31 rocket at Baikonur cosmodrome 27 October 2000 AFP/Getty Images 2000 Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria hangs onto a handrail Getty Images 2001 The worlds first space tourist Dennis Tito poses with the International Space Station crew shortly after his arrival to the station April 30, 2001 Getty Images 2001 CSA astronaut Chris A. Hadfield stands on a Canadian-built robot arm to work with another robot arm Getty Images 2001 The space shuttle Discovery lifts-off launch pad 39-B at sunrise 08 March 2001, at the Kennedy Space Center AFP/Getty Images 2001 US space shuttle Atlantis crewmembers from Baltimore, Maryland (L-R) Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam and Mission Specialist Tom Jones, board the Astro Van at Kennedy Space Center, Florida 07 February 2001 AFP/Getty Images 2004 This artist's concept shows the International Space Station when its assembly sequence is completed in 2004 Getty Images 2005 Astronaut Stephen K. Robinson anchored to a foot restraint on the International Space Station Reuters 2006 European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter gives the thumbs-up from aboard the Destiny module of the International Space Station Reuters 2007 Two astronauts floated out of the International Space Station on November 3 on a risky spacewalk for what could be a make-or-break repair for completion of the $100 billion space outpost Reuters 2008 Astronaut Rex Walheim translates along the outside of the Columbus laboratory AP US space shuttle Endeavour crewmembers (L-R) US Mission Specialist Nancy Currie, US Commander Bob Cabana and US Pilot Rick Sturckow AFP/Getty Images US space shuttle Endeavour crewmembers Jim Newman (L) and Jerry Ross (R) work on a section between the US Unity connecting module (foreground) and the Russian Zarya control module (background) AFP/Getty Images The US space shuttle Endeavor's robot arm (R) holds the Russian Zarya control module (top) a few feet from the US Unity connecting module (bottom) prior to bringing the two together for the initial stage of the International Space Station AFP/Getty Images The US space shuttle Endeavour lights up the surrounding area as it streaks into space from launch pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center AFP/Getty Images Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit Getty Images US space shuttle Endeavour crewmember Jim Newman grabs a hold of the US Unity connecting module as he works removing covers and connecting cables AFP/Getty Images The Space Shuttle Endeavour lights up the night sky as it embarks on the first U.S. mission dedicated to the assembly of the International Space Station Getty Images The crew of the space shuttle Endeavour walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida AFP/Getty Images The space shuttle Endeavour sits on launch pad 39-A after the lift-off was scrubbed with nineteen seconds left in the count AFP/Getty Images The Space Shuttle Endeavour lights up the night sky as it embarks on the first U.S. mission dedicated to the assembly of the International Space Station Getty Images Backdropped by Earth, the International Space Station is seen in an image taken by a crew member onboard the space shuttle Endeavour Reuters 2010 The space shuttle Endeavour is seen in this view from the International Space Station Reuters 2010 The International Space Station photographed soon after the space shuttle Atlantis and the station began their post-undocking separation EPA 2011 The International Space Station and the Docked Space Shuttle Endeavour NASA 2011 The Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen with the International Space Station in the foreground Reuters 2012 Nighttime view from the International Space Station shows the Atlantic coast of the United States Reuters 2017 Nasa's stunning images of eclipse from International Space Station by astronaut Paolo Nespoli 2018 The crew of Soyuz MS-08 spacecraft took these images of the International Space Station in October 2018 Roscosmos/NASA 2018 The crew of Soyuz MS-08 spacecraft took these images of the International Space Station in October 2018 Roscosmos/NASA 2018 The crew of Soyuz MS-08 spacecraft took these images of the International Space Station in October 2018 Roscosmos/NASA 2018 "Captured Cygnus today with @Astro_AlexProud to have The SS John Young on-board!" tweeted astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor AFP/Getty Images 2018 Hurricane Florence gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean as it moves west, seen from the International Space Station Getty Images 2018 Russian Soyuz MS-09 crew craft, left, and the Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital ATK) Cygnus space freighter are attached to the International Space Station AP British astronaut Major Tim Peake was the first official British astronaut at the International Space Station in 2015 NASA 2019 Hurricane Dorian passing near the Dominican Republic from the International Space Station AFP/Getty Images 2019 Smoke from the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, northern California NASA/AFP via Getty Images 2019 Astronaut Christina Koch during her spacewalk outside the International Space Station NASA TV/AFP via Getty Images 2019 A large volcanic ash and gas plume is seen from the International Space Station rising above the Kuril Islands in the North Pacific Ocean after an unexpected series of blasts from the Raikoke Volcano erupts Reuters

Since ending its Space Shuttle programme in 2011, NASA has depended on Russias space agency Roscosmos to transport its astronauts to the space station.

In 2014, NASA awarded SpaceX and Boeing contracts to provide crewed launch services to the space station as part of its Commercial Crew Programme.

According to NASA, the aim of the latest mission, named Demo-2, is to show SpaceXs ability to ferry astronauts to the space station and back safely.

It is the final major step required by SpaceXs astronaut carrier, the Crew Dragon, to get certified by NASA's Commercial Crew Programme for more long-term manned missions to space.

SpaceX astronauts Bob Behnken, left, and Doug Hurley became best friends at Nasa training school / SpaceX

SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket will take off from the Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft where Mr Behnken, 49, and Mr Hurley, 53, will be strapped in.

Mr Behnken will serve as the missions joint operations commander and take responsibility for the rendezvous, docking and undocking of the Dragon capsule, while Mr Hurley will be in charge of the launch, landing and recovery of the vehicle in his role as the Crew Dragon spacecraft commander.

Around 10 minutes after lift-off, the rocket will separate into a first stage and a second stage.

The first stage will return to a SpaceX landing ship which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida, while the second part of the rocket continues the journey with the Crew Dragon.

The Crew Dragon will take 19 hours to reach the orbiting ISS / SpaceX

Once in orbit, the Crew Dragon will separate from the second stage and travel at around 17,000mph.

The craft is expected to rendezvous and dock, with the space station on Sunday at 3.30pm UK time.

Mr Behnken and Mr Hurley will join the three other space station residents  Nasas Chris Cassidy and Russias Anatoli Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner  to become members of the Expedition 63 crew.

Mr Vagner tweeted earlier to say he was waiting for the duo at the space station, before sharing an update that the pair were given the to wear their spacesuits.

We are GO for suit up! #LaunchAmerica Liftoff is slated for today at 3:22 pm (20:22BST), he wrote.

The mission is expected to last anything between one and four months, with a number of tests being performed on the Crew Dragon.

All being well, the launch will take place at 8.22pm UK time (3:22pm local time).

If successful, it will be the first launch from the US with NASA astronauts for nearly a decade.
NEW ORLEANS, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE: GDDY).

On May 5, 2020, news outlets reported that the credentials of an unknown number of the Company's web hosting customers had been compromised through a data breach that occurred October 19, 2019. The Company confirmed that approximately 28,000 customers had been affected.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether GoDaddy's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to GoDaddy's shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of GoDaddy shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-gddy/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ksfcounsel.com


Coronavirus response: SALIS brings more than 300 tonnes of medical supplies to Germany

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

28 May. 2020

Last updated: 29 May. 2020

The NATO-supported Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) has airlifted more than 300 tonnes of vital supplies needed during the COVID-19 pandemic to Germany over the past two months. Germany has carried out six missions since the beginning of the crisis using SALIS capabilities, with the most recent deliveries on 30 April, 13 May, 15 May and 16 May 2020.

Nine NATO Allies  Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia  participate in the SALIS programme. It provides participating countries with rapid access to heavy transport aircraft, which has aided their efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19.

The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) and the Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) programme, managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), have delivered over 1,000 tonnes of medical supplies to NATO Allies, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network plan to rally Saturday on Staten Island for justice for George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday.

BREAKING: Protestors march to 120 Precinct in memory of George Floyd Posted by Staten Island Advance on Saturday, May 30, 2020

Sharpton is expected to be joined by community leaders, activists and the family of Eric Garner, who died July 17, 2014, when cops attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling loose cigarettes near Victory Boulevard and Bay Street in Tompkinsville.

Video taken by witness Ramsey Orta showed Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo wrestle Garner, 43, to the ground while Garner could be heard repeatedly shouting, I cant breathe. Pantaleo was fired from the NYPD in 2019 following a department trial.

The rally will take place at 1 p.m. at 200 Bay St., the site of Garners death, and will honor the death of George Floyd who uttered, I cant breathe just as Eric Garner did six years ago, according to a release from the National Action Network.

BREAKING: Rally for George Floyd on Staten Island Posted by Staten Island Advance on Saturday, May 30, 2020

Officer Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyds neck, was arrested and charged with murder Friday. In addition to the three nights of often-violent protests in Minnesota that left dozens of stores burned and looted, protesters took to the streets all across the country.

An initially peaceful demonstration in Manhattan spiraled into chaos Friday night as protesters skirmished with police officers, destroyed police vehicles and set fires.

In Brooklyn, activists who had marched from Manhattan chanted insults at officers lined up outside the Barclays Center and pelted them with water bottles. Police sprayed an eye-irritating chemical into the diverse crowd multiple times, then cleared the plaza.

The police department said numerous officers were injured, including one who had a tooth knocked out. At least 200 people were arrested, ABC7 reported.

-- Associated Press material was used in this report.
The national capital is ready resume normal functioning after over two months as most recommendations of the city government's about lifting the coronavirus-triggered lockdown have been accepted by the Centre, sources said on Saturday.

The Home Ministry on Saturday said 'Unlock-1' will be initiated in the country from June 8 under which the nationwide lockdown effectuated on March 25 will be relaxed to a great extent, including opening of shopping malls, restaurants and religious places, even as strict restrictions will remain in place till June 30 in the country's worst-hit areas.

"Practically almost all the recommendations of Delhi government have been included in the MHA guidelines which means normal activities will resume in the city in the next few days.

"A final announcement about lifting of restrictions is likely to be made tomorrow, after going through the guidelines and standard operating procedures of the Centre," a source in the Delhi government said.

The shopping malls, closed since in the city since March 23, is most likely to open from June 8 as the Delhi government had recommended to reopen shops in malls on odd-even basis.

The MHA guidelines have also paved way for opening of religious places. But resumption of Delhi Metro services will have to wait for third phase of lifting of restrictions as per the MHA guidelines.

Delhi government is in favour of resumption of Metro services to revive normal transport and commercial activities.

As per its recommendation to enhance timing of opening markets, the MHA has extended curfew timings. The shops that stayed open from 7 am to 7 pm can keep their shutters up till 9pm.

The MHA has said that lockdown will continue till June 30 in containment zones to be be demarcated by district authorities.

Delhi currently has 122 containment zones -- areas three or more COVID-19 cases have been found. So far 53 containment zone have been decontained after no fresh cases were reported in 28 days, according to official data.

A record single-day spike of 1,163 fresh cases took the COVID-19 tally in Delhi to over 18,000 on Saturday and the death toll due to the disease mounted to 416, authorities said.

The previous highest spike in fresh cases -- 1106 -- was recorded on May 29. This is the second consecutive day in Delhi when over 1,100 COVID-19 cases have been reported in a day.

"Delhi government has been in favour of lifting the lockdown restrictions outside containment zones as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is of the view that lockdown can not continue indefinitely and we need to learn to live with coronavirus by taking all due precautions," the source said.

"We cannot have a permanent lockdown. No one can predict that the coronavirus will go away if the lockdown is extended for one or two months. We have to learn to live with it and we have to arrange for everything required to treat COVID-19 patients," Kejriwal said at a press conference on Saturday.

The Delhi government will explore the possibility of allowing hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services to function in the light of MHA guidelines, the government source said.
Updated at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with more details.

St. Louis police responded to a fatal shooting early Friday evening in the Greater Ville neighborhood. That deadly shooting capped an especially violent spree in the St. Louis area, as police in the city and county responded to a total of eight shootings in less than four hours.

The final shooting in the flurry left one person dead, about 4:30 p.m. in the 3900 block of Garfield Avenue. The first, outside a Schnucks grocery store in Tower Grove East at about 12:45 p.m., left a man with an injured leg. While responding to that call, a police officer suffered a knee injury during a car crash. A suspect in this shooting was arrested after he crashed his car at South 14th and Spruce streets.

Between those two, police responded to six more shooting calls: In north St. Louis County, a 14-year-old girl was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a shooting about 1 p.m. in the 1500 block of Trampe Drive, police said. A 17-year-old male also was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound.

Just before 2:30 p.m., police responded to the Hamilton Heights neighborhood for a call of a shooting in the 5900 block of Minerva Avenue. A 17-year-old male was shot in the arm. In updated reports released Saturday, police said the victim was 19.

Less than 10 minutes later, at 2:35 p.m., police received a call for a shooting in the Kingsway West neighborhood, in the 2700 block of North Kingshighway. Police found one victim in the 5600 block of Maffit Avenue; a second was in the 2800 block of Norwood Avenue. Police said the two were shooting at each other in the 2800 block of North Kingshighway; they were both in critical but stable condition at a hospital.

At 3:20 p.m., police responded to a shooting at Union Boulevard and Cote Brilliante Avenue, also in the Kingsway West neighborhood. Officers said a 32-year-old was shot in the chest; he was in stable condition at a hospital.

At 3:45 p.m., police responded to a shooting near OFallon Park. There, in the 4500 block of Athlone Avenue, they found a 30-year-old man with gunshot wounds to his arm and torso. And just after 3:50 p.m., again in the Kingsway West neighborhood, police responded to a shooting in the 5200 block of Natural Bridge Avenue. Police said later that the two victims were shot in the same incident; both were in critical but stable condition at a hospital.

Police are seeking information in these incidents; call the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371. Those who want to remain anonymous and are interested in a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
The GDP data for last financial year FY20 released on May 29, came at 4.2%, lowest in the last 11 years (since the financial meltdown of 2008), against 6.1% in the corresponding fiscal 2018-19. However, last year, only one week's lockdown in the last week of March was there. During the current financial year, most of the activities are in lockdown for around two months now and the revival of economic activities will be gradual.

Some sectors like aviation and hospitality may continue to show weakness for an extended period. With increasing protectionism across the globe, exports too would have its challenges. A separate release showed eight infrastructure sectors contracted by 38.1% in April. For FY21, various estimates peg India's growth at around -5%.

Amidst all the gloom, agriculture recorded a 5.9% growth in the last fiscal against 1.6% in 2018-19. So, it was agriculture, aided by mining and public expenditure that did the heavy lifting to take GDP to 4.2%. With a good Ravi harvest and normal monsoon rains, agriculture is likely to keep up the momentum.

In the recently announced financial package, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a ? 1 lakh-crore package funding for agriculture infrastructure projects at the farm gate and aggregation points for cooperatives, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), agriculture entrepreneurs and startups.

In addition, a Rs 10,000-crore dedicated fund will be set up to aid micro food enterprise brands and market their products globally. The government will also set up a Rs 20,000-crore fund to support aquaculture and fisheries. A separate Rs 15,000-crore fund is proposed for animal husbandry infrastructure as well as Rs 4,000 crore to support herbal cultivation. An outlay of Rs 500 crore has been made to strengthen the supply chain. All of these measures are likely to enhance productivity, reduce redundancy, and boost agriculture.

In addition, as many migrants have gone back to their villages, with 65 per cent increase in allocation for MGNREGA this fiscal, to help migrant workers who have returned to their home states find livelihoods, from ?61,500 crore to ?1.01 lakh crore. Various loans have been announced, including a Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit boost for farmers under the Kisan Credit Card scheme that will accelerate growth in agriculture and allied activities.

In coal mining, ?50,000 crore plan for evacuation of the mined fuel has been announced. In the absence of demand, government spending has to accelerate and move towards rural areas as most of the workforce, out of jobs, have headed to the villages. In addition, several states like Uttar Pradesh have already announced skill mapping of migrant labourers returning home, so that they can be given jobs in the hinterland.

All these will help the following sectors based around rural activities- agriculture, mining, small industries, rural construction and public administration record a better growth rate than urban-centric industries, now facing huge labour shortage and select services sector which will take time to recover in Post-COVID world. India's growth story for 2021 will be driven by Bharat.

(The author is a policy analyst and commentator)
New measure that grants temporary permits to migrants in agriculture and care work is act of cynicism, activists say.

Naples, Italy  A partial six-month amnesty for Italys undocumented migrants was announced this month in a move described by some as a watershed moment in the countrys migration policy and an act of cynicism by others.

Thanks to the choice made by this government, the invisible will become less invisible, said Teresa Bellanova, Italys agriculture minister, in her emotional announcement speech on May 13.

The former trade unionist was referring to people working in the agriculture and fishing industries, as well as care workers who have been without a residency permit.

The measure, which grants a six-month residency, has been praised by CGIL-FLAI, the countrys biggest farmworkers union, as an historic achievement.

But migrant activists have criticised the limited nature of the amnesty, which will affect only about 200,000 people, according to the Italian governments estimates.

The total number of undocumented migrants in the country ranges between 560,000 to 700,000, according to various estimates.

Farcical scene

The tears of the minister provided a really farcical scene, said Abdel El Mir, a spokesperson of Movement of Migrants and Refugees of Naples (MMRN)  a group of migrants and Italians of foreign origin with up to 300 members, based in the southern city of Naples.

The group held some of the first street protests in the city after the recent easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

If there are about 700,000 undocumented people in Italy and you choose to regularise only a small fraction of them, that is not an act of courage, but of cynicism. Youre only giving papers to the workforce you need, not caring at all about peoples health, El Mir told Al Jazeera.

The number of undocumented migrants ranges from 560,000 to 700,000 [Courtesy: Movimento Migranti e Rifugiati Napoli]

Italy made it clear that its provision was only intended to fill gaps in the labour market as the coronavirus pandemic hit the country.

Agriculture lobbies had warned the government that Italy would have to throw away huge amounts of fruit and vegetables because there was nobody to pick them, worsening the effects of a shutdown costing the food sector seven billion euros ($7.58bn).

We are not making a favour to immigrant citizens by giving them a residence permit, said Bellanova. We are simply addressing our need for additional workforce.





Under her scheme, the power to regularise migrants lies predominantly with landowners, who will be able to request residence permits for their workers by providing an employment contract and paying a 500-euro ($548) fee.

In response, the countrys migrant agriculture workers went on a nationwide strike on May 21, protesting against employment sponsorship being the basis for residency permits.

Aboubakar Soumahoro, the strike organiser, accused the government of putting fruit and vegetables above peoples lives.

The strike was not endorsed by any major union.

In Italy, immigration is only ever understood as permissible when it is seen as having economic utility, said Camilla Hawthorne, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of California Santa Cruz, who has studied migrant activism in Italy.

The country passed its first comprehensive immigration legislation in 1990, in the wake of the racially motivated murder of Jerry Masslo. He was an asylum seeker from apartheid South Africa who worked as an undocumented agriculture labourer in the region of Naples.

According to Hawthorne, the current situation resembles the 1990 case, because a humanitarian rhetoric was used to pass immigration laws at the time, but every subsequent law linked residence permits to work contracts.

More vulnerable

El Mir said the recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic was likely to produce a spike in the number of undocumented people as the employment rates fall, leaving them more vulnerable.

Lacking a document means lacking every right, including ordinary access to healthcare, he said.

The group of migrants and refugees El Mir is associated with run a free legal help desk, a small health surgery and an Italian language school in Naples. They are providing assistance to more than 4,000 people.

200410211703921

During the coronavirus lockdown, the group set up a mutual aid network that delivered food and other essential goods to 120 migrant households.

Their activities also serve as a point of inquiry into the challenges faced by migrants, and informs the political strategy of the movement.

A citizen of Bangladesh, who has asked not to be identified, requested their assistance shortly after the amnesty was introduced.

He has been living and working in Italy without a permit for fours years, but as a shoe factory worker he is excluded from the regularisation initiative.

An employer asked me to pay 5,000 euros (about $5,487) for a work contract in agriculture. But where am I going to get that money? he wrote in a text message to El Mir.

El Mir said such cases were frequent, and were a direct result of the governments discriminatory provision, but even before the pandemic, foreigners in Italy were under major stress.

He pointed to the so-called security decrees, a set of measures passed last year by the former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini that restricted access to asylum and drastically cut public services available to migrants.

Salvinis legacy

After the far-right leader was removed from office in September last year, the new government failed to deliver on an initial pledge to reverse his most controversial anti-migrant legislation.

In a further blow to the expectations of human rights groups, Italy renewed a much-criticised deal with Libya to curb migration, and closed its ports to asylum seekers during the pandemic.

Too many people think that not having a minister that shouts against migrants means that migration policy has changed. Reality says otherwise, El Mir said.

200408091754757

The fact that even after the fall of Salvini the government has continued many of the same right-wing policies has pushed migrant activists to create autonomous political spaces, away from the more traditional sights of political organising in Italy, said Hawthorne.

What gets lost in mainstream anti-racist activism  with its emphasis on tolerance and inclusivity as the antidote to the far-right rhetoric  is the structural critique of racism that is not just about populist leaders saying really racist things, Hawthorne said.

It is part of a broader system of capitalist globalisation and border fortification and militarism that work together to produce a racist system that disadvantages Black people across the spectrum, whether they were born in Italy, or they migrated to Italy, she added.

In their demonstrations, the Naples activists tried to address the daily issues affecting migrants lives, such as the delay in issuance of residence permits or access to healthcare while also pointing at what they see as the structural causes of racism in Italy.

We cant skip over the fact that Italy openly sells arms to dictators and deals with criminal organisations in Africa; or that ENI [Italys state-owned oil and gas company] ravages entire African regions, El Mir said.

He said such criticism does not always go down well with the wider anti-racist movement.

They tell us that these issues are divisive. But what for them is divisive in terms of political consent, for us is a matter of life, he said.
Washington, May 30 : Washington began the first phase of reopening after weeks of "stay at home" orders in the US capital to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On Friday, itunveiled a "reinvention" of its public spaces to allow restaurants and other business to share sidewalks and some streets with pedestrians and shoppers, reports Efe news.

With more people on the streets compared to the last few weeks, Washington welcomed the decision of District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser of moving towards a gradual reopening, after the city witnessed a sustained decrease in COVID-19 infections.

In the District of Colombia, which includes Washington, at least 8,538 people have tested positive for the virus and 460 people have died.

In a population of 705,749, the pandemic has hit the black (3,991 cases) and Latino (2,272 cases) communities the hardest.

In a series of tweets on Friday, Bowser urged residents and businesses to share sidewalks and streets while maintaining social distancing, calling it "critical" to check the spread of the coronavirus.

She announced that during the first phase, restaurants could serve clients in open-air seating while maintaining physical distancing and other safety measures.

The municipal government has also reduced the speed limit for vehicles on the streets designated for buying products or the setting up of dining tables.

The order has come as a lifeline for many restaurants with authorized spaces on the streets where they can host dine-in services, as well as takeaway orders, and on Friday a few clients had begun trickling in.

The first phase of reopening has also allowed some other businesses to operate, including hairdressers, who were receiving clients only by appointment from Friday and enforcing other measures to adapt to the epidemic.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Rioting continued Friday evening across the country following the death of George Floyd, including in Boston, where protesters and police were seen clashing in, among other places, the South End neighborhood.

Video footage circulating on social media showed hundreds of protesters marching down streets in the South End on Friday.

Footage from CBS Boston showed that the demonstrations reached the steps of the District 4 police station off Harrison Avenue, where protesters clashed with some of the police officers.

Protesters have gathered at the District 4 police station on Harrison Ave. shouting at officers #WBZ pic.twitter.com/FQWr9Z71uY  Nick Emmons WBZ (@NickEmmonsTV) May 29, 2020

Earlier in the day, Gov. Charlie Baker said he spoke with officials across the state about the possibility of demonstrations taking place in Massachusetts.

If people choose to protest, we need to make sure they have the ability to do that, Baker said. We hope people protest peacefully but honestly, a moment like that, an event like that, I cant imagine why people wouldnt want to get out on the streets and make a point about it.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, was arrested on Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection with Floyds death. The event sparked protests in Minneapolis resulting in the burning of a police station and spawned waves of demonstrations across the country.

Ongoing protest in Boston South End for George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/CKAnbSEyp3  Jno  (@JNoBoston) May 29, 2020

Related Content:
207 Shares Share

Every year, National Nurses Day is celebrated on May 6 to raise awareness of the role nurses play in society. The date also marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, which begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingales birthday. In addition to the annual celebration, the World Health Organization has smartly declared 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, in recognition of their contributions to medicine.

There are currently 3.8 million nurses, including midwives, working in the United States. Compare that number to the other members of the first-responder teams throughout the country. There are currently 850,000 police officers, 1,135,000 firemen, and 950,000 doctors also on the front lines of our country waging the daily battles between sickness and health, and good and evil. Nurses represent more workers than all the other first responders combined.

I practiced orthopedic surgery for close to thirty years, and while there are numerous paramedical personnel that comprise the medical team, I can say from personal experience that there is none more valuable than the nurse. I did not always feel that way about my nursing colleagues, but, as the adage goes, experience is the great teacher.

I graduated medical school in the early 1970s, with long hair, a bushy mustache, and a very cocky self-important attitude, all leftovers from MASH the movie, and the Vietnam War days. I graduated on June 30 and was scheduled to start my first rotation as a surgical resident on July 1. I walked into the emergency room of the city-county hospital at 7 a.m., dressed in my gleaming white coat, and armed with my medical bag containing a stethoscope, an otoscope, a flashlight, a few tongue depressors, and my emergency medicine handbook. I sought out my senior resident, whose job it was to show me the ropes, and slowly and gently tutor me along in the emergency care of heart failure, diabetes, pancreatitis, as well as a myriad of other diseases. My job was also to learn to suture small lacerations that didnt warrant the interest of the plastic surgery resident, and how to recognize fractures and dislocations of body parts that needed the attention of the orthopedic resident.

All was well and good until 7:10 a.m., when the senior resident passed me in the hall, duffel bag over his shoulder, and informed me that his Berry plan had terminated, and he had been drafted to Vietnam. And that I was on my own. And best of luck because I would need it.

As I stood in that green-tiled hallway, I felt my cocky attitude wane, and my stomach turn to water. When I re-surfaced near the nurses station, I felt the glares of all those present, as they were just as disappointed to have a rookie in charge of the ER as I was. The next thing I remember was that a very loud bell sounded, which I learned was the signal that an extreme emergency was en route, and I quickly followed my co-workers to one of the shock rooms, reserved for the severely injured and dying patients. While we stood around the stretcher, waiting for the arrival of what turned out to be a gunshot wound to the chest, I broke the silence by saying to the surrounding nursing staff, This is my first day, and I have no idea what Im doing. If youll help me out, and tell me what to do, and dont let me kill anyone, Ill make it up to you.

That brought some smiles and nods to their faces, and then the levity ended as the GSW arrived. The victim had been shot in the chest. The head nurse was named Delores, said she was a Navy vet, and quickly came to my aid. After the patient was intubated by the anesthesia resident, she showed me how to insert a chest tube, whose function was to drain the blood from the pulmonary cavity and re-inflate the lung. When that wasnt sufficient to get the heart and lungs moving normally, she called upstairs to the chief surgical resident, who was embroiled in his own emergency chest surgery and could not leave. Between he, via the phone, and Delores standing nearby giving instructions, they talked me through opening the mans chest and clamping the torn branch of the pulmonary artery, after which the aberrant blood flow stopped, and the mans vital signs began to return to normal. The staff transported him quickly upstairs to the cardiopulmonary operating suite, where the chief resident repaired the damage, and saved the mans life.

I received a short round of applause from my fellow first responders, one of whom suggested I might consider changing into some clean scrubs. Once in the call room, I saw in a full-length mirror that I was covered in blood, my pristine and pointless academic lab coat ruined. I stood there for an emotional moment and wept uncontrollably. I heard a knock on the door. It was Delores, who told me there was no time to waste on a pity party, that we had another GSW on the way, and as they say in the Navy, All Hands On Deck. And then she said, Great job, Doctor. From that day forward, I vowed never to forget what Delores and her nursing colleagues had done for me that first day in the ER.

I was blessed to have only two nurses over the course of my orthopedic practice, each working about a 15-year stint. They both were my best friends and allies, and without whom I could not have possibly done my job. Nurses do not enter their chosen field to become rich, or famous. They become nurses to care for people, to cure diseases, to save lives, and, in some cases, to show an arrogant young surgeon the ropes. They deserve all the respect we doctors and patients can muster.

John Bishop is a retired orthopedic surgeon. He is the author of The Doc Brady Mystery Series.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Press Release

30 May 2020

Miami Dade College's (MDC) Hospitality Institute will provide online COVID-19 re-opening training to employees at hundreds of hotels in both the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, as part of the county's ongoing initiative, The New Normal: A Guide for Residents and Commercial Establishments, issued by Miami-Dade County Mayor and MDC alumnus Carlos Gimenez to safely re-open businesses. The program prepares a "lead trainer" who then provides ongoing training to other employees.

Advertisements

The Institute will provide hotel employees with a comprehensive program and training on COVID-19 hotel re-opening procedures in compliance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, World Health Organization, and the Florida Department of Health. Instruction will include disinfection, safety and sanitation, social distancing, and how to properly use and dispose all personal protective equipment. Each hotel will have a "lead trainer" responsible for providing ongoing training and daily reinforcement, based on each hotel's needs.

This initiative will enable hotel personnel to safely carry out tasks and take actions by following procedures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Staff will be able to answer guest questions about hotel policies that address preventive measures, obtaining medical and pharmacy services, provide advice about self-quarantine if guests develop respiratory symptoms, room occupancy policy for accompanying persons in the event of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, and how to protect themselves from respiratory infections.

MDC's Hospitality Institute offers hands-on hospitality, culinary, job readiness and customer service training completely free of charge. It was established to connect Miami's low-income residents to job opportunities in the local hospitality and tourism industry. Since its inception in 2008, the Institute has graduated several thousand participants and assisted them in finding sustainable employment.

To learn more, visit https://www.mdc.edu/hospitality-institute.
MBABANE  The proposed electricity tariff hike has been stopped. This announcement which could be described as good news to consumers, was made by the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, yesterday.



The proposed hike was supposed to be effective tomorrow.

Speaking during his weekly COVID-19 update briefing at Cabinet, Dlamini announced that the hike discontinuation was done to cushion emaSwati during these challenging economic times.



The power utility shall re-apply for an increment next year (2021) in terms of the governing laws. Government extends its appreciation to Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) for having consented to this government measure, he said.

Earlier the premier had recounted that on March 31, 2020, government announced that the implementation of the approved electricity tariff increase for the year 2020/21 was deferred for a period of two months commencing from the April 1, 2020 and ending on May 31, 2020.



Deferred



Furthermore, the premier announced that the water tariff increase that had been deferred for a period of two months ending May 31, 2020 would be again deferred for an additional month from June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.



We also extend our appreciation to the Eswatini Water Services Corporation for this extension, he said.

Dlamini then advised members of the public that despite the easing of the partial lockdown, it was important to fully comply with the COVID-19 regulations.



There is still no need for unnecessary travel as that increases the chances of spreading the virus. We have to remain vigilant and not allow complacency to creep in if we are to continue to save lives, he said.



Crucial



Also, he said it was crucial to reiterate that all the processes of easing partial lockdown measures would only be sustained if they do not set us on a path of increased COVID-19 infections.

Reacting to the deferment and discontinuation announcement, Eswatini Consumer Association Chairman Bongani Bhanyaza Mdluli, described it as good news.



Thats good news. We welcome this deferment. We think government took into consideration the countrys economic status, he said.

Mdluli said the implementation would have worsened the situation faced by consumers.

In fact, Mdluli said people had no means to pay for their electricity because of the COVID-19 regulations, which called for them to stay at home.



Generate



Most people could not generate income because some of their businesses had been closed, he added.

Also, Mdluli said the deferment would give consumers a chance to breathe during these difficult times.

Around February this year, the regulator, ESERA approved the request by EEC for a tariff increment.



The average increments approved by ESERA were 1.03 per cent and 1.05 per cent, respectively.

In essence, this means that from the 6.2 per cent tariff hike EEC had requested for domestic users, it was allowed to increase the tariff by a minimum of 1.03 per cent.



If the utility is to implement the minimum permitted by ESERA, a domestic user shall pay E1.77 per unit.



Implements



This is equivalent to a two cents increment. If EEC implements the minimum, the consumer shall get 56.6 units for E100. This is equivalent to losing half a unit as for the same amount, households currently get 57.2 units.

However, if EEC implements the maximum percentage in the upcoming financial year, which is 3.53 per cent, (1.03 per cent+2.5 per cent), each unit shall cost E1.81.



Using the tentative estimate of the maximum increment, the consumer will get 55.3 kilowatts per hour (kWh) for E100, which is a decline of 1.9kWh.



EECs application sent to ESERA in November 1, 2019, was for an average tariff increase of 5.70 per cent for each of the next two financial years 2020/21 and 2021/22.



Hike



On Tuesday, Members of Parliament (MPs) called for a deferment of the tariff hike.

Most said it was public knowledge that the country was in an economic quagmire due to the coronavirus outbreak.

They felt that individuals and companies would negatively be affected by the increase.
Kyrgyzstan's Ambassador to India Asein Isaev met with 21 Kyrgyz nationals in the Saharanpur jail on Friday and assured them of the steps being taken to get them out. He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for the inmates in the prison. He interacted with the Kyrgyz prisoners and also brought a few offerings for them.

"The Ambassador expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements for the inmates at the jail," said Senior Jail Superintendent Dr. Viresh Raj Sharma. "The Ambassador assured the Kyrgyz nationals that step will be taken to bring them back soon", he said. During his visit, Jail Superintendent, Jailor, and other Jail officials also accompanied him.

READ | PM Modi Hails India's Resilience In Covid War; 'will Set Example For Economic Revival'

"I am here to meet our citizens, who are in custody right now. The condition here is very good, our citizens are satisfied. Of course, they are very keen to go home and we are working in this direction," said Isaev.

Earlier, foreigners with Kyrgyzstan passport and tourist visa were arrested in Digha and Phulwari for violating visa rules by attending religious preaching. Although they had visited India on tourist visas, they were attending the religious preaching.

READ | Maharashtra To Announce COVID-19 Relief Package Soon, Confirms Deputy CM Pawar

The Kyrgyz nationals were tested for COVID-19, which later came out to be negative and they were asked by the doctors to be under quarantine. They were put behind bars after registering a case under Section 14B of Foreigners Act for violating tourist visa rules.

India's COVID-19 count has risen to 1,65,799, including 89,987 active cases, 71,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 4,706 have succumbed to the virus, according to Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(With ANI inputs)

READ | Odisha Govt Announces Exemption Of Road Tax For Passenger Buses For Three Months

READ | Karnataka Set To Launch State Health Register, Committed To Provide World-class Healthcare
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 06:45:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A man passes by a placard that says "Prevent against coronavirus" in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on May 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso)

The ministry proposed a series of measures to mitigate the economic effects of the crisis, such as supporting structural reforms, modifying bankruptcy legislation and opening trade, among others.

BRASILIA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP) will show a greater decline in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Brazilian Economy Ministry stated on Friday.

"The harmful effects on the health of the Brazilian population and our economy still persist. Therefore, the economic result of the activity will, in the second quarter, be even worse," the ministry said in a statement, predicting an increase in unemployment, bankruptcy, and poverty in the country.

Economic activity in the country fell 1.5 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the previous three months, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics reported on Friday.

The ministry said that the government has adopted measures to cushion the country from the initial shock as well as the lasting effects of the crisis, but that prolonging the period of isolation could worsen the crisis and compromise the speed of economic recovery.

The ministry proposed a series of measures to mitigate the economic effects of the crisis, such as supporting structural reforms, modifying bankruptcy legislation and opening trade, among others.

The Brazilian government has said that, in the face of the economic impact of the pandemic, it intends to promote privatizations, concessions, and fiscal reforms. 
The death of an unarmed black man under police custody, George Floyd, has sparked protests all across the United States. Thousands of people marched on the streets demanding justice for the murdered victim, and people are calling to end the obvious and rampant racism in the police force.

Celebrities speak out

As the gruesome video of George Floyd's murder went viral, celebrities took their frustration and anger to their social media accounts. "Star Wars" actor John Boyega tweeted his hatred for racists, then later went on Instagram live to stand by his word. Beyonce posted the picture of George Floyd with a caption "Rest in Power George Floyd."

Demi Lovato called on her fans and followers, especially white people, to do more to fight racism in the country and recognize privilege within the society. She added that discomfort surrounding social issues should not prevent people from speaking up for those who are in danger.

Taylor Swift posted the picture of George Floyd on her Instagram and on May 29, she called out President Donald Trump and tweeted: "After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? 'When the looting starts the shooting starts'??? We will vote you out in November."

Lizzo, Rihanna, Harry Styles, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Khalid, Halsey, Viola Davis, Natalie Portman and more posted about the murder and have encouraged people to help and protect the black community.

Also Read: 2020 Movies New Release Dates: Find Out When the Most Anticipated Films Will Hit the Theaters

Bailing out protesters

Aside from posting their support, celebrities are also offering their help to protestors by donating to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps bail out people who do not have the means to do so. Celebrities like Don Cheadle, Janelle Monae, and Steve Carell have donated.

Rappers Kehlani and Noname posted screenshots of their direct donations to the fund. Lil Nas X encouraged his 4.7 million followers to also donate to the cause. Actress Jameela Jamil also donated and asked the celebrity accounts that follow her to donate and retweet.

Actor and comedian Seth Rogen tweeted the proof of his donation, comedian Patton Oswalt also retweeted the link and the screenshot of his donation.

Death of George Floyd

George Floyd was arrested on May 25 for allegedly using a counterfeit bill at a convenience store. Police officer Derek Chauvin was caught on footage by bystanders kneeling on Floyd's neck for almost 9 minutes and did not move even after Floyd told him he could not breathe.

In the footage, Floyd can be heard begging for the officer to let him go and people in the background can also be heard shouting at the officer to stand up. The other three officers in the scene were standing at the side, keeping the bystanders from coming near Floyd to help.

The video has sparked protests in Minneapolis that continued for three straight days. It has also spread to Washington, New York, Atlanta, and Portland. The four police officers who were present at the scene were fired from the Minneapolis Police Department on May 26.

On May 29, Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with manslaughter and third-degree murder, however, the public believes that it was a light sentence as it should be first-degree murder as what is seen in the video.

Related Article: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Calls LA Police As Drones Allegedly Fly Over Their Home

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
India, along with other countries, has also made significant strides in the search for a coronavirus vaccine. According to the government around 30 groups are working in the country to come up with a vaccine candidate. The national science laboratories have also rounded up six corona vaccine candidates that are making quite some progress. In fact, India is optimistic that a COVID-19 vaccine would be concocted in a year, instead of 10-15 years that is usually taken to find a vaccine.

Here is the latest update on India's coronavirus vaccine research:

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology research: CCMB has successfully isolated the virus from several isolates. What this would enable the researchers at the CCMB to do is culture the virus and work towards vaccine development. The cultures would then be used in drug screening and can be tested against potential drugs in test tubes.

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: Indian researchers make breakthrough; 6 candidates in the works, says govt

Serum Institute of India research: Pune-based SII is one of the leading contenders in the search for a corona vaccine. The largest vaccine producer is working with University of Oxford to find a safe and affordable COVID vaccine. Oxford is conducting clinical trials and SII is speeding up work to ensure that doses of the same are available as early as October.

Meanwhile, leading pharma company Novavax is buying SII's manufacturing plant and planning to produce a billion doses of its coronavirus vaccine by next year. The company would buy Czech Republic-based Praha Vaccines, a unit of India's Cyrus Poonawalla Group that owns Serum Institute for $167 million in cash.

ICMR research: ICMR and Bharat Biotech are working with Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia for a COVID-19 vaccine. "The virus strain isolated at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) laboratory in Pune will be used to develop the vaccine, and this strain has been successfully transferred to the Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL). It is expected that the human trials of the vaccine will begin in at least six months," said Dr Rajni Kant, Director Regional Medical Research Centre and Head at ICMR.

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: 30 groups in India working on candidate vaccines

Zydus Cadila research: The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is currently testing a "repurposed" vaccine, Sepsivac by Zydus Cadila, which is in Phase 2 of the trial. It is looking to seek approval from the drug controller for wider use.

CORONAVIRUS DRUG

Patanjali Ayurveda that is known for its ayurvedic remedies has said that it has launched clinical trials for a cure for coronavirus cure after it received regulatory approvals. A political storm brew over the approval. Congress leader and former MP chief minister Digvijaya Singh has said he's surprised the trust has been given approval without a nod from the country's drug controller. "We are not talking about an immunity booster. We are talking about a cure," said MD Acharya Balkrishna.

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: ICMR says clinical trials within 6 months; Moderna moves to Phase 2

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals said that it will begin a new clinical trial in India to test a combination of two antiviral drugs, favipiravir and umifenovir, as a potential COVID-19 treatment. The study will look to enroll 158 hospitalised patients suffering from moderate COVID-19 infections in India, the company said.

Sun Pharmaceutical has also received approval from DCGI to initiate clinical trials on Nafamostat Mesilate on COVID patients. Nafamostat is used to treat acute symptoms of pancreatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Also read: Coronavirus cure in Ayurveda? Baba Ramdev's Patanjali courts political row
A man whose son was shot dead by the Islamic Republic security forces during last Novembers widespread anti-regime protests says his tomb has been desecrated.

In a video message posted on his Instagram page, Manouchehr Bakhtiari said on Friday, May 29, "Our message for seeking justice has frightened the establishment. They (Islamic Republic agents) visited my Pouya's shrine yesterday and by disrespecting him vandalized his grave and tried to incite the emotions of his mother, sister, and relatives to threaten and suppress them."

However, Manouchehr Bakhtiari has stopped short of elaborating on the details of the "disrespect" or "desecration".

Pouya Bakhtiari was shot in the head on Novemebr 16, probably by a government sniper, as he came out with his mother and sister in Karaj near Tehran to peacefully protest in the street.

His father Manuchehr, has since been demanding justice by taking risky actions that would easily send anyone in Iran to jail. He has released videos, given interviews to foreign-based media and call for a regime change, voicing support for the return of monarchy. Although authorities once arrested him and his wife but later they released them and have so far left them alone.

In his Instagram message Manuchehr Bakhtiari reiterated that his protests will continue, and his efforts will turn into a national demand. He has already become a well-known figure, loved by anti-regime Iranians.

A few days ago, Bakhtiari, who fought for five years in the devastating Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), posted a picture of himself on Instagram holding the pre-Islamic Revolution ancient flag of Iran, the tri-colored Lion&Sun standard.

The Islamic Republic has so far refused to publish the official number of protesters killed during the four-day-long anti-regime unrest in 29 out of 31 provinces of Iran. Human rights watchdogs, Iranian opposition groups and independent media say hundreds were killed.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 29, 2020) - Calyx Ventures Inc. (TSXV: CYX) (the "Company") announces that the Company will continue to rely on the temporary 45-day extension for the filing deadline of its annual financial statements, the accompanying management's discussion and analysis, and the related officer certifications (collectively, the "Annual Filings") for the year ended December 31, 2019, and will also rely on the extension in respect of its interim financial statements, the accompanying management's discussion and analysis and the related officer certificates (collectively, the "Interim Filings") for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, as granted by the Canadian Securities Administrators in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the extension, the Company was required to file the Annual Filings by April 29, 2020 and the Interim Filings by June 1, 2020, respectively. Relying on B.C. Instrument 51-515 (Temporary Exemption from Certain Corporate Finance Requirements), affording the Company an additional 45-days from the deadline to file, the Company expects to file the Annual Filings, and the Interim Filings, on or before June 14, 2020.

There have been no undisclosed material business developments since the filing of the last interim financial report. The Company acknowledges that management and other insiders are subject to a trading black-out policy that reflects the principles in Section 9 of National Policy 11-207 (Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders and Revocations in Multiple Jurisdictions).

For further information about Calyx, please visit www.calyxbio.com or contact:

Roger Forde

President and Chief Executive Officer

Calyx Ventures Inc.

Tel: 604.880.8822

Email: rogerf@calyxbio.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the anticipated timeline for filing of the Annual Filings and the Interim Filings. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56908
Mass riots due to murders of African-Americans by policemen occur regularly in the United States, the analyst of Vestnik Kavkaza, Artyom Sokolov, said in the National Question Program on Vesti FM, commenting on the protests and pogroms in Minneapolis.

For example, in February 2012, George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch coordinator in a Florida settlement, shot dead 17-year-old African-American teenager Trayvon Martin, believing that he was threatening him. The death of Trayvon Martin caused a wave of mass protests in the United States demanding to hold Zimmerman accountable. His trial began in the summer of 2012, and a year later, the jury found Zimmerman not guilty. This decision provoked large-scale protests in many US cities, which in some cases, grew into clashes with the police, the expert recalled.

Against the backdrop of these events, the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum. The supporters of the movement are actively involved in protests against a policeman in Minneapolis. The Black Lives Matter is a movement of activists opposed to violence against black people, it organizes protests and demonstrations in connection with the killings by police, police violence and racial discrimination in the United States. The movement became widespread in 2014 during street demonstrations caused by the death of two African-Americans - Michael Brown and Eric Garner, Artem Sokolov said.

Now about whether African-Americans are really a particular subject of brutality by the American police. It is definitely very difficult to estimate since there are no publicly available official studies on this topic. As for the unofficial data, a few years ago, The Wall Street Journal quoted statistics refuting the polices excessive brutality against African-Americans. According to the newspaper, among whites and Hispanics, police account for 12% of fatal cases, and 4% for African-Americans, he said.

At the same time, whites made up 50% of those killed as a result of incidents, during which police officers used weapons, African-Americans - 26%. In addition, black Americans account for the vast majority of violent crimes. In 75 districts, where most of the country's population lives, African-Americans make up 15% of the population, but they account for two-thirds of serious crimes. In New York, 23% of the population are African-Americans, but they commit 75 to 80% of crimes using weapons, 70% of robberies. 34% of New Yorkers are white. They accounted for 2% of cases with shooting and 4% of robberies, Artem Sokolov said.
Residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota have been up in arms since the killing of George Floyd, an African American man, by four white police officers went viral.

On Monday, a police officer pinned Floyd to the ground with his knee on unarmed Floyd's neck. He repeatedly kept saying he could not breathe as he called out for help, which was refused to him. Despite protests from passersby, the police officer continued to press his knee against Floyd's neck.

Desperate and helpless, Floyd kept crying out 'I can't breathe.' But his cries went unheard. His death has sparked nationwide protests and in some cities, the protests turned into violent riots as well.

Several Americans, including the US President Donald Trump, are of the opinion that rioting simply leads to the cause becoming convoluted and the actual issue loses its importance. Trump even tweeted saying that the "thugs" who were creating riots were dishonouring the memories of Floyd.

Legendary civil rights leader, Martin Luther King's son, Martin Luther King III, also an international human rights activist, tweeted a famous quote by his father to sum up the situation.

As my father explained during his lifetime, a riot is the language of the unheard. Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) May 28, 2020

MLK had once said that riots are the language of the unheard. No, this does not mean MLK condoned violence; he only tried to explain why people protest and why riots happen. A fact, his own son probably knows better than anyone else.

This point seems to have slipped the minds of Americans who were quick to school Martin Luther King III on the words of his father and the weight they carried. While several came out in support, there were quite a few who raised objections:

The statement above simply states a reason behind rioting. People continue to feel unheard, some may go to more extreme measures to be heard. Everyone is quick to jump on the is rioting bad topic now because it means not having to discuss the real problem that caused the riot. Wheatstraw (@Book2880) May 28, 2020

Well lets hear it from The Man himself!!! pic.twitter.com/2Zq7hjSqSV Dayvid The Roach (@DayvidTheRoach) May 29, 2020

And that's the point MLK was making, when a riot happens it's because people do not feel like they are being heard. It's not condoning the riot it's explaining what it is happening.  (@JohnnyNebraska3) May 28, 2020

Im stuck on how somebody is going to instruct this man on who his father was as if he doesnt know better than random Twitter stranger. Smh. pic.twitter.com/baNz7fcaiP caprimom (@caprimomx2) May 29, 2020

Strong say from a wise man  s (@singoRaggy) May 30, 2020

Your father was a brilliant man, but he wouldnt condone the riots. He thought there was a better way to deal with the issues...... Ray Hobgood (@raymondhobgood) May 28, 2020

True as this may be, sometimes the line is blurred when it comes to looting & vandalism. Is there a right way to demand justice without the collateral damage to a community that's already struggling? george kassel (@georgek32456901) May 28, 2020

That quote is taken completely out of context. The great MLK would never condone any kind of activity like that. Jason Patrick (@jpat1313) May 30, 2020
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:

Uzagrotekhsanoatholding JSC (Uzbek Agriculture Technical Industry Holding), Kazakhtan's Turkestan region administration and Orbis Kazakhstan company signed an investment agreement on Uzbek agricultural machinery assembling in Kazakhstan, Trend reports citing Uzagrotekhsanoatholding.

"Uzagrotekhsanoatholding opens agricultural machinery production in Kazakhstan. The total volume of investments will amount to about $12 million," the message said.

In the industrial zone, universal-pasture tractors with 110 mhp motor, cotton tractors with 80 mhp motor, cotton harvesters, tractor trailers capable of carrying loads up to four tons, rotary mowers, fan sprayers and cotton cultivators will be assembled.

According to the contract, Orbis Kazakhstan will develop its dealer and service network to sell manufactured machinery in Kazakhstan.

Uzagrotekhsanoatholding JSC will conduct training of Kazakh specialists and practical courses for technical staff.

Orbis Kazakhstan provides services in the areas of oilfield services, petrochemicals, retail, agribusiness, agrochemistry, construction, transport, transportation and catering.

---

Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini
New Delhi, May 30 : A day after an unemployed man committed suicide in Shahjahanpur, Congress leader Jitin Prasada on Saturday blamed the Uttar Pradesh government for "mismanagement" in handling the coronavirus crisis and demanded immediate financial help to the bereaved family.

The former Union Minister met the family at the district hospital in Shahjahanpur and said: "It is a testimony to the mismanagement committed by the state government where the poor people are left without any help." "It is a reported case whereas many cases go unreported and the administration is trying to cover it up," Prasada said.

Bhanu Prakash Gupta had allegedly committed suicide on Friday, blaming the lockdown for his economic distress. In his suicide note, he blamed the lockdown for his inability to care for his family.

The man earlier worked in a hotel but had reportedly run out of cash in the last few days.
Gal Gadot has teased a potential romance between her superhero character and Kristen Wiig's villain Cheetah in Wonder Woman 1984.

The actress, 35, and her co-star, 46, spoke with SFX Magazine earlier this month about the forthcoming DC movie, giving their thoughts on fan theories about the relationship their character share.

When asked about whether Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) and Barbara Ann Minerva (Cheetah) were on a date during a scene that appeared in the trailer, Kristen asked: 'Oh, for a lesbian thing?'

'The sexual tension is always there': Earlier this month, Gal Gadot teased a romance between her superhero and Kristen Wiig's villain Cheetah in Wonder Woman 1984

While Gal was all for the fan theory, it seemed, as she teasingly chimed in: 'The sexual tension is always there, I can tell you that!'

The Cheetah is one of Wonder Woman's most iconic enemies in the DC comics, but the pair have not embarked on a romance in the original work.

And it seems director Patty Jenkins feels its not yet time for a fling between the pair, as she clarified that Wonder Woman 1984's storyline is 'clearly about Steve.'

Villain: The Cheetah is one of Wonder Woman's most iconic enemies, but while Gal said there was 'sexual tension' between them the pair have not embarked on a romance in the comics

Lost love: Director Patty Jenkins seems to feel its not yet time for a romance between the pair, as she said Wonder Woman 1984's plot is 'clearly about Steve [Trevor, played by Chris Pine]'

Played by Chris Pine, Steve Trevor is Wonder Woman's love interest from her first stand-alone film and who is back from the dead under mysterious circumstances.

Patty explained: 'The whole story was about Steve. Its a love story with Steve. There wasnt room for two for Diana.'

Earlier this month, Warner Bros. shared a glimpse at Wonder Woman and Cheetah embroiled in a fight in the White House.

No doubt fans were delighted as Cheetah used her own wrist gauntlets to counter Diana's Golden Lasso.

Exciting: Earlier this month, Warner Bros. shared a glimpse at Wonder Woman and Cheetah embroiled in a fight in the White House as the latter deflected Diana's Golden Lasso

However, Wonder Woman was seemingly able to capture Cheetah's accomplice Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) as another image showed him being restrained by the Lasso in front of US Government officials.

It is interesting to note the transformation into Cheetah as in the trailer released in December showed archaeologist and heiress Barbara as a nerdy woman who befriends Diana but wants to be her.

Back in March, Warner Bros. delayed the summer release of Wonder Woman 1984 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result of this decision, the sequel will now be released in cinemas on August 14 instead of June 5.

Interesting: However, Wonder Woman was seemingly able to capture Cheetah's accomplice Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) as another image showed him being restrained by the Lasso
New TV marks Vietnam launch with live-streaming sell out of 1,000 units

All 1,000 of the latest Coocaa S6G TV offered on live-streaming at low pre-sale prices were snapped up in just two hours Thursday.

The units were offered via LazLive, a Lazada live streaming channel.

Starting 8.00 p.m, LazLive offered the massive discounts with 500 big discount coupons and 55 new smart CooCaa TV and other gifts for the Coocaa S6G TV launch event. The video drew nearly 5,000 views and more than 30,000 likes.

The new product has received great reviews from users for the visual quality of its full-screen design and Dolby Vision technology, with people calling it an ideal TV product for smart homes.

The brand offers two-year warranty with more than 150 service centers along Vietnam, cash on delivery, free shipping and 15-days return policy.

A screenshot from the Coocaa S6G TV launch on LazLive.

Coocaa is a registered trademark of Skyworth, a market-leading TV maker. It is backed by 23 years of Japanese standard quality, being produced by a Toshiba factory. The brand achieved the number 1 best-selling home appliance brand status in Lazada SEA in its first eight months.

In Indonesia, Coocaa announced that its smart TV has topped the charts as the best-selling smart TV on Lazada during the Ramadan sale in May.

Coocaa joined the Vietnamese market at the end of 2018, selling five smart TV models on Lazada 55S5G, 50S5G, 40S5G, 40S5C and 32S5C. It was number 1 in sales on Lazadas 12.12 shopping festival in 2019.

The Asia Pacific Smart TV market has been seeing robust growth due to increasing disposable incomes of people and initiatives taken by leading manufacturers in the region.

In Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, TV brands have been shifting from analog TV to smart TV and AIoTV (Artificial Intelligence - Internet of Things  TV). So far this year, smart TVs have become one of the most popular trends in the digital device market with many options in several price ranges.
The scene at Trinity Bellwoods Park was much calmer on Saturday than a week earlier when thousands of people defied physical distancing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most people at the downtown Toronto park stayed within circles that were painted on the grass this week to encourage people to keep their distance from others while enjoying the park on a sunny day.

Police and city officials had condemned last Saturdays mass gathering, which saw large groups of people congregating in the middle of the park in what police described as a party atmosphere with public intoxication.

Dozens of police and city bylaw officers were patrolling the park this weekend.

People at the park said they were relieved to see a smaller turnout.

Ben Eagan lives across the street from the park and says access to the green space is incredibly important for him and his family.

We use it every day to walk our dog, said Eagan, who added he avoided the park last weekend after hearing about the crowds.

That day it was just next level, we didnt come to the park because it got so nuts.

He says he understands that people need park space when living in a dense inner-city neighbourhood, but pointed out that there are many parks in the area that people could have gone to last weekend.

Bianca Daus was in the park while her dog was getting groomed nearby and said it felt strange to use circles painted in the grass.

However, she said its just another reality of living during a pandemic where you cant hug friends or have to be reminded to constantly wash your hands.

She said she was pleased to see a calmer atmosphere at the park.

Its unfortunate that sometimes people dont always respect the rules, said Daus.

Now, people seem to be OK staying within their circle.
After receiving clearance from the New York State Gaming Commission, Buffalo Raceway will resume live harness racing on Wednesday evening (June 3) with post time set for 6 p.m. Wednesday racing, which usually has a 5 p.m. start, has been shifted to 6 p.m. for the remainder of the schedule.

The half-mile oval, located at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, N.Y., will offer racing on Wednesday and Saturday nights at 6 p.m. until the conclusion of the campaign on July 18.

On Wednesday, there will be a $5,000 guarantee in the Pick-5, which begins in the second race.

The draw for Wednesday's card will be on Monday (June 1), with the box closing at 9 a.m. The draws will then take place on Wednesday for Saturday cards and on Saturday for the Wednesday programs. Condition sheets for the week can be found under the "Horsemen" tab at www.buffaloraceway.com.

The public or individual horsepeople shall not be allowed in the grandstand, clubhouse, apron or general seating areas. There will be no viewing of races from any vehicle or in any building or parking lot on the facility grounds.

Wagering on Buffalo Raceway will be available at various advance deposit wagering (ADW) and simulcast outlets throughout North America.

"We look forward to get back to racing," said Jon Cramer, director of operations at Buffalo Raceway. "Everyone is anxious to get started again. We want to give everyone an opportunity to race and stay safe."

There is a pre-approved list for people entering the backstretch and paddock area, and all must have their temperature checked as well. People should give themselves plenty of time in arriving to the track.

A health screening assessment including a temperature check shall be performed on all horsepeople, track employees and commission employees off McKinley Parkway before entering the stable area.

Each and every participant will be asked if he or she has been sick (i.e. fever above 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, fatigue) for the last 14 days. If there is a "yes" answer or a participant's temperature is above 100.0 degrees, they will not be admitted and will be required to leave the Buffalo Raceway premises. In order to return, written medical clearance must be presented.

Masks must be worn at all times and hand sanitizers will be placed throughout the backside. Trainers must provide masks and gloves for their employees. The track will have staff on hand to assist horsepeople, enforcing policies and sanitizing areas.

Guests, visitors, owners, children or any individuals not directly associated with conducting live racing will not be admitted to the stable area or paddock at Buffalo Raceway on any day.

On the post time schedule, there will be more time allocated between races four and five and races eight and nine. This will provide sufficient time for the horses to enter the paddock and warm up for the next set of four races and to reasonably sanitize high-touch areas.

Buffalo Raceway will conform to all governmental policies and guidelines for personal protection efforts.

There is also a ship-in limitation of 75 miles, and no horses from Canada or out of state will be allowed.

Buffalo Raceway has also relinquished their New York Sire Stakes dates for the 2020 season.

"We need and anticipate everyone's cooperation," Cramer said of the guidelines set down by New York State and Buffalo Raceway.

For complete information, including all the policies and procedures, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.

(Buffalo Raceway)
The University of Jammu said that it has decided to conduct the terminal examination for final year under-graduate (UG) students on the pattern of multiple-choice questions (MCQ)

The University of Jammu said that it has decided to conduct the terminal examination for final year under-graduate (UG) students on the pattern of multiple-choice questions (MCQ). Examinees will have to write their answers on OMR sheets.

The varsity's controller of examination said that the exam will be conducted as soon as conditions are considered conducive. All the safety norms/precautions, social distancing, staggered shifts will be followed during the exam, it added.

Question papers will be set from the course content delivered/syllabi completed before the COVID-19 lockdown or during the lockdown, it added.

The University has also asked colleges to conduct internal evaluation for students of the second and fourth semesters.

"Fifty percent weightage shall be given to the internal evaluation and the remaining 50 percent weightage to the average marks secured by the student in the preceding semester," the Jammu University said in a notification.

For private students in the second and fourth semester, the committee constituted by the University on Examinations has recommended giving 50 percent weightage to the internal assessment already evaluated/awarded during the respective semesters.

The remaining 50 percent weightage is to be given on marks secured by students in the subject that they have cleared in the preceding semester.

Colleges who have not conducted the internal evaluation yet have been asked to complete it during the first 10 days of the commencement of classes for the next semester post lockdown.

For students of second, fourth and sixth semesters of the Directorate of Distance Education, the calculation of result shall be 50 percent weightage to internal assessments awards received from the Directorate and remaining 50 percent weightage to the performance in the preceding semester, the University said.

According to a report by Indian Express, University of Jammu said that the scheme for progression of all the undergraduate students has been done as a one time exception for the year 2020 due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

As per the academic calendar, the examinations of University of Jammu second, fourth and sixth semester 2020 were earlier scheduled to be held in May, a report in India Today said.
By Brendan O'Brien and Carlos Barria

MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - The white former Minneapolis police officer shown in video footage using his knee to pin an unarmed black man's neck to the street was charged with murder on Friday in the man's death, an incident that has unleashed four nights of violent protests.

Derek Chauvin, who was dismissed from the police department with three fellow officers the day after the fatal encounter, was arrested on third-degree murder and manslaughter charges for his role in Monday's death of 46-year-old George Floyd.

Graphic video footage taken by an onlooker's cell phone and widely circulated on the internet shows Floyd - with Chauvin's knee pressed into his neck - gasping for air and repeatedly groaning, "Please, I can't breathe," while a crowd of bystanders shouted at police to let him up.

After several minutes, Floyd gradually grows unresponsive and ceases to move. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital a short time later.

The video reignited an outpouring of rage that civil rights activists said has long simmered in Minneapolis and cities across the country over persistent racial bias in the U.S. criminal justice system.

The charges brought by Hennepin County prosecutors came after a third night of arson, looting and vandalism in which protesters set fire to a police station, and the National Guard was deployed to help restore order in Minnesota's largest city.

Authorities had hoped Chauvin's arrest would allay public anger and avert continued unrest. But defying an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by Mayor Jacob Frey, about 500 demonstrators clashed anew Friday evening with riot police outside the battered Third Precinct building.

Police, creating a two-block buffer area around the precinct house, opened fire with tear gas, plastic bullets and concussion grenades, scattering the crowd.

Another group of protesters later converged near the city's Fifth Precinct station until police arrived and fired tear gas and plastic bullets to break up that gathering. A nearby bank and post office were set on fire.

Story continues

Still, Friday night's crowds were far smaller and more widely dispersed than the night before. Law enforcement kept a mostly low profile, a strategy seemingly calculated to reduce the risk of violent confrontations, as was the case in several urban centers across the country where sympathy protests arose.

Among the larger cities with protests on Friday were Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Atlanta and Louisville, Kentucky.

A 19-year-old man protesting in Detroit was shot dead on Friday night by a suspect who pulled up to demonstrators in a sport utility vehicle and fired gunshots into the crowd, then fled, the Detroit Free Press and other local media reported.

Few if any other serious injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with the protests.

In Washington, police and Secret Service agents were out in force around the White House before dozens of demonstrators gathered across the street in Lafayette Square chanting, "I can't breathe."

Thousands of chanting protesters filled the streets of New York City's Brooklyn borough near the Barclays Center indoor arena. Police armed with batons and pepper spray made scores of arrests in sometimes violent clashes.

'HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE THING'

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, announcing Chauvin's arrest earlier in the day, said a key piece of evidence in the case was the video clip showing Floyd lying face down in the street, with Chauvin kneeling on the back of Floyd's neck.

"We have evidence, we have the citizen's camera's video, the horrible, horrific, terrible thing we have all seen over and over again," Freeman said. "We have the officer's body-worn camera, we have statements from some witnesses."

Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes, according to an autopsy report. Medical examiners found the combined impact of being restrained by police, underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for a nightclub, was arrested for allegedly using counterfeit money at a store to buy cigarettes on Monday evening. An employee who called police described the suspect as possibly drunk, according to an official transcript of the call.

Freeman said the investigation into Chauvin, who faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, was ongoing and he anticipated also charging the three other officers, identified by the city as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng.

Floyd's death recalled the 2014 killing of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man in New York City, who died after being put in a police chokehold and telling the officers, "I can't breathe."

Mike Griffin, a community organizer in Minneapolis, said the protests reflected years of frustration over economic inequalities and the feeling that black lives were not valued as highly by police.

He said anger has been building since the 2015 fatal shooting by Minneapolis police of 24-year-old Jamar Clark, and the 2016 killing of Philando Castile, a 32-year old black man shot by Minnesota police during a traffic stop.

"George's murder was just the last straw," Griffin told Reuters, calling the charges against Chauvin a step in the right direction, but adding there needed to be systemic changes.

The protests were driven in part by the initial lack of arrests in the case.

But Freeman stressed that charges in similar cases typically take nine months to a year, adding, "This is by far the fastest we've ever charged a police officer."

Earlier on Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he understood why people had "lost faith" in the police but argued Floyd's plight had become "lost in 48 hours of anarchy" and called for an end to destruction of property. He has declared a state of emergency and called in the state's National Guard.

(Reporting Brendan O'Brien and Carlos Barria in Minneapolis; Additional reporting by Lisa Lambert in Washington, Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut, Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico, Peter Szekely and Jonathan Allen in New York and Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Writing by Nathan Layne, Dan Whitcomb and Steve Gorman; Editing by Bill Tarrant, Aurora Ellis, Daniel Wallis and William Mallard)
The world has been experiencing an unprecedented economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant number of economic activities have shut down, causing contractions in global output, as well as the loss of businesses and family income. Recent evidence shows that millions of people globally lost their jobs and projecting the extent of the impending global economic loss remains a difficult endeavor. In response, almost all countries have been declaring various economic stimulus packages to overcome this situation. With increasing unemployment, economists are devising and proposing economic measures that could help ensure a sustainable increase in consumer spending and circumvent a long-term economic recession. However, whether the proposed economic measures are going to provide a long-term solution to these problems remains a concern.

In response to a stagnant economy, the Japanese government in 2015 implemented a discount shopping coupon scheme through local governments to boost consumer spending. People who purchased these coupons were eligible for a 20% discount. For example, a coupon could be used to purchase products priced at JPY 1250 for JPY 1000. Earlier, the Japanese government introduced schemes to distribute free shopping coupons to the elderly, people of specific regions, and families with children. However, these schemes did not bring about long-term effects on consumer spending partly because the government did not target the right consumer groups. Government initiatives to boost production by stimulating consumer spending depend on the successful implementation of the proposed programs among the right consumer groups. As a result, understanding consumers' responses to stimulus programs is important.

A group of researchers from Hiroshima University led by Professor Yoshihiko Kadoya conducted a study, with supports from Hiroshima Prefectural Government and Hiroshima Bank, to identify the groups of consumers who responded most to the discount shopping coupon scheme. He argues that it is important to know which consumer groups need such stimulus and to design the stimulus program accordingly in order to have a long-term effect on consumer spending. He further explains that people's socio-economic conditions determine whether they will respond to government stimulus programs such as the discount shopping coupon scheme.

The study results show that middle-aged people, homemakers, people having a greater household balance of financial assets, and people who emphasize current consumption more than saving for the future were the purchasers of discount shopping coupons. Their results further show that greater financial literacy reduced the purchase of discount shopping coupons for people over 40 years of age, while higher household income increased the purchase of discount shopping coupons for middle-aged respondents. Overall, consumers who need to maintain families, can afford it financially and are currently on a consumption spree responded positively to the discount shopping coupon scheme.

Professor Kadoya explained that their study results have implications for future government stimulus programs to boost an economy hit by the pandemic. He added that for some socio-economic reasons, consumers responded to a particular type of stimulus program more enthusiastically and make the program more effective.

###
In a statement released late on Thursday, hours after China's National People's Congress approved the proposal for the controversial legislation, the Hong Kong government said that as a full member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), "we expect to be fairly treated by our trading partners".

Should the US revoke Hong Kong's special trading status, the special administrative region could be subjected to the same trade war tariffs imposed on Chinese exports to the US, or even unilateral tariffs against Hong Kong specifically, as well as export controls and potentially greater scrutiny of its financial and payments landscapes, experts said.

In the case of tariffs, analysts said it is "factually possible and legally correct" that Hong Kong could bring a WTO case against the US, given that it retains its own WTO membership and should be treated on a "most-favoured nation" basis, which punitive tariffs would violate.

But analysts believe any such future action would be "counterproductive", since even if Hong Kong was to win a case, it could be permitted to introduce retaliatory tariffs on the US, which would harm Hong Kong's economy and image as a beacon of free trade.

Furthermore, it is unlikely that a WTO case, which would take years to process, would resonate in a White House which is openly scornful of the Geneva-based trade body.

"Hong Kong is really limited in what it can do. Taking a WTO case would be symbolic, and even if Hong Kong prevails, the damages would be very low. So if Hong Kong decides to put tariffs on the US " which would be a first " what does it target? Consumer products or food? What kind of message does that send about Hong Kong? Who is that really hurting?" said Bryan Mercurio, a professor covering the WTO at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a free port, with zero tariffs on goods shipped in and out, however, it has very little direct trade of its own. As a entrepot for trade with China, the vast majority of goods passing through are re-exported to and from the mainland.

Story continues

While Hong Kong was the world's sixth largest exporter in 2018, according to WTO statistics, just US$13 billion of its US$556 billion in shipments were domestic exports. For imports, just US$155 billion of US$628 billion were consumed domestically.

"Removing from US law the commitment to Hong Kong's non-discriminatory trade treatment would make it easier for the US Trade Representative to defend unilaterally slapping tariffs on the city's exports. This would most likely violate WTO rules, but this has not deterred the US from placing tariffs on imports from the mainland," read a Capital Economics research note.

"If this happened, shipments to the US would suffer. Gross exports from Hong Kong to the US are worth 13 per cent of [gross domestic product]. But the vast majority of products are being reshipped through the city. US-bound goods exports, generate under 3 per cent of [gross domestic product], mainly in logistics and postal services rather than manufacturing."

Hong Kong has been a member of the WTO since January 1995, but it has only brought a single case " a complaint against the Turkish garment trade in 1996 that was "largely a matter of principle" rather than economic wrongdoing, said Julien Chaisse, a trade professor at the City University of Hong Kong.

However, Chaisse said that Hong Kong could learn from another historical precedent of a smaller WTO member successfully bringing a case against a more powerful member, but eventually being left dissatisfied with the spoils of victory.

In 2003, tiny Antigua and Barbuda accused the US of discrimination after it was frozen out of the world's largest gambling market after the Caribbean nation had built up a giant online betting market designed to replace its struggling tourism sector.

WTO judges eventually ruled in its favour, awarding compensation of US$21 million per year, but the US refused to pay. Antigua and Barbuda therefore had the right to impose tariffs on the US, but declined to do so, thinking that it would be an act of economic self-harm.

"Why would a place like Hong Kong or Antigua impose tariffs on the US?" Chaisse added. "Who would hurt from such action, apart from the domestic middle class?"

Chaisse added that should the national security law lead to an erosion in the "one country, two systems" model under which city is supposed to be governed until 2047, Hong Kong could also find itself on the receiving end of investor disputes and trade lawsuits, especially if the goalposts are moved for investors in the city.

Hong Kong has 20 bilateral investment treaties, more than half of which were signed with developed nations in the run up to the handover from Britain to China in 1997, a means of assuaging fears of changing business conditions.

"I would not exclude the possibility of, in the future, investors from these places using investment protection courts to sue Hong Kong," Chaisse said.

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.
Regional

COVID-19 cases surge in NE as lockdown 4.0 ends

COVID-19 confirmed cases tally of 8 NE states as of May 30, 9.40 P.M.

Guwahati/agartala/Shillong/imphal, May 30 (Correspondent) | Publish Date: 5/30/2020 12:48:09 PM IST

Assams tally touches 1,100-mark with 43 new cases

Assams COVID-19 tally touched the 1,100-mark with 43 more people testing positive on Saturday, the states Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The state at present has 968 active cases, he said.

Alert Rs 43 new cases of #COVID19+ 5 Dhubri, 5 Golaghat, 3 Barpeta, 1 Bongaigaon, 29 by various labs (dist to be confirmed), Sarma said in a tweet.

Four patients have so far died due to the contagion in the state, while 125 have been cured and discharged from hospitals, the minister said.

Three patients have migrated to other states.

On Friday, Assam had crossed the 1,000-mark with a single-day highest tally of 177 new infections, including six air travellers.

Earlier in a separate tweet, Sarma informed that a CSIR-NEIST COVID-19 testing laboratory will be functional from now in Jorhat district of Upper Assam.

The state has seen a spurt in coronavirus cases after inter-state movement was allowed during the lockdown period.

To screen all the returnees, the state government has imposed a mandatory institutional quarantine policy for everyone, barring some exceptions.

8 test COVID-19 positive in Tripura, tally reaches 254

Ten people, including eight who returned from Bangladesh recently, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura, taking the total number of cases in the state to 254, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.

The eight had returned on Thursday through the Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP).

The others who tested positive are a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from its 86th battalion and a person who returned from Gurugram recently.

However, none of the 166 passengers who flew from Kolkata on Friday in the first flight operated since the imposition of the lockdown were found to be infected.

The government is taking all precautionary measures to keep everyone secure, Deb said in a tweet on Friday.

Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that out of 29,359 persons who were placed under surveillance, 18,078 have completed their 14-day observation period and were discharged.

At present, 11,281 people are under surveillance, including 510 housed in quarantine centres and the rest in home quarantine.

Nath, who is also the cabinet spokesperson, said, 6,355 persons have been tested per million population. This is one of the highest testing rates in the country.

Conrad hints of more cases with arrival from red zones

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Saturday said that there could be a possibility of more COVID-19 positive cases due to the large number of returnees who have come from other parts of the country, including red zones.

He however voiced confidence that there is no community transmission of the disease yet in the State due to strict screening and testing protocols.

Meghalaya has recorded 27 COVID-19 cases, of which 12 have recovered, one died, eight active and seven remain active and under treatment.

All the recent 15 positive cases were returnees to the state from Tamil Nadu and Delhi-Haryana.

We should expect that there will some more cases and there is nothing unexpected but we should not be worried because strict screening and testing protocols are being maintained, Sangma said in his video message transmitted via social media.

There is no chance of any kind of community transmission because all of them will be kept in Corona Care Centres or Quarantine Centres, the Chief Minister further added.

It is expected that we will see some positive cases coming up. I think the issue which one has to think about is that; number one is when people come in they must be screened properly, which I think you see that in almost all the North Eastern states, especially Meghalaya, where strict testing protocols are being maintained and screening is very strict, he said.

Urging the citizens of the State not to be surprised about spike in corona virus infection cases, Sangma said, I think it is important to note that community transmission should not happen and therefore there is nothing to be alarmed. We should expect that there will be some more cases and there is nothing unexpected but we should not be worried as I said because of the fact that strict screening protocols are being maintained and there is no chance of any kind of community transmission because all of them will be kept in Corona Care Centres or quarantine centres.

All strict measures are being maintained and hopefully we will not see any kind of mass spread, the Chief Minister expressed optimism. Till Friday, 10,655 stranded residents have returned to Meghalaya from various parts of the country.

(Correspondent)

3 new COVID cases in Manipur, total 61

In the wake of surge of COVID-19 cases, Manipur government is planning to set up a 100-bedded temporary COVID care centre. The decision to set up temporary COVID care centre was taken in a high level meeting chaired by chief minister N Biren Singh on May 28.

The temporary COVID care centre is to be established alongside the state governments plan to open isolation wards with 30 beds each in all the district hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 patients.

An official source said that the state government has selected a private school in Imphal West district, UNACCO School at Meitram village which is currently used a government quarantine centre.

Authorities of the state government had approached the school management to convert the school into a COVID care centre and upon agreement, necessary steps to make the centre operational at the earliest have started, the source added.

State health department has contacted firms based outside the state for supply of equipment needed in setting up the COVID care centre, the source said.

The 100-bedded temporary COVID care centre will be upgraded into a 200-bedded one if necessary, the source added.

Meanwhile, to cope with the shortage of technicians at the VRDL of JNIMS, state health department has also signed an agreement with the management of a private diagnostic centre to hire technicians.

The management of Babina Diagnostic Centre has agreed to let the state government utilise their technicians in the operating the COVID-19 testing laboratory at JNIMS, the source said.

Health department has initiated necessary process to open isolation wards with 30 beds each in all the district hospitals.

Even as there is no local transmission of the pandemic in the state, COVID-19 case among the returnees has increased to 62 on Saturday with three more new cases detected among the returnees in the last 24 hours.

After eight have recovered and discharged from the hospitals, there are 54 active cases in the state till the time of filing this report.

A 19-year-old girl who hails from Kanglatongbi village of Imphal West district who recently Gujarat was tested positive for the virus late last night while two others (a female and one male) were tested for the virus today, a release of the COVID-19 Common Control Room of the state government said.

The female who hails from Chandel district returned from Chennai while the male returned from Mumbai.

They were among 580 samples tested during the last 24 hours at the VRDLs at RIMS (400) and JNIMS (180).

(Correspondent)
For generations, the price of the traditional Royal walkabout has been the painful toll they take on regal feet.

The Queen's dresser, Angela Kelly, last year revealed that she personally wears in the monarch's new shoes, to prevent blisters, while the Duchess of Cambridge swears by 14.95 Alice Bow insoles.

Now The Mail on Sunday can reveal the Duchess of Cornwall has become such a fan of one brand of bunion-busting shoes that she has built a collection of at least 11 pairs in the past two years.

Camilla Duchess of Cornwall seen wearing bunion-busting shoes at Westminster Abbey

The 149 pumps made by Sole Bliss were developed by British designer Lisa Kay

The 149 pumps made by Sole Bliss were developed by British designer Lisa Kay.

The mother-of-two spent five years perfecting technology that allows the shoe to contour around bunions  bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe and can be acutely painful.

The shoes have cushioned soles, wider widths and deeper toe boxes to help reduce the pain of bunions which afflict an estimated 38 per cent of women over the age of 30.

Sole Bliss shoes  whose other fans include actresses Dame Helen Mirren and Amanda Redman  first appeared on Camilla's feet in June 2018 when she wore a pair of Ingrid Camel Leather pumps to the Royal Cornwall Show in Wadebridge.

Mrs Kay, 56, said: 'I was relaxing after a day's work at my factory in Italy when I saw a photo online. I was so excited I jumped up and knocked over my Aperol Spritz!'

The Duchess, who carries out more than 200 engagements a year, has since worn Sole Bliss shoes to more than a dozen events, including the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March and a VE Day tribute at the Balmoral War Memorial earlier this month.

The Duchess has build up a collection of 11 pairs of the shoes made by Sole Bliss

The shoes have cushioned soles, wider widths and deeper toe boxes to help reduce the pain of bunions

Camilla, 72, who also loves Chanel court shoes because the 'CC' logo symbolises the longevity of her relationship with Prince Charles, has described 'screaming in agony at the end of the day' and being desperate to kick her heels off 'at every opportunity'.

Two years ago, she admitted she could no longer wear high heels. 'That's just one thing I have to accept. I've gone down to two inches  can't do any more,' she said.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)  An Argentine prosecutor asked a judge on Friday to authorize a criminal investigation into former President Mauricio Macri and his former head of intelligence for alleged illegal surveillance of politicians and journalists.

The request from federal prosecutor Jorge Di Lello followed a complaint filled by the current government's intelligence chief, Cristina Caamano, who reported finding a hard drive with apparent evidence of illegal surveillance of the emails of at least 85 people, including some who had worked for Macri.

Argentine law requires a judicial order for internal surveillance. A federal judge will determine whether to authorize an investigation and possible charges. The complaint also listed ex-intelligence chief Gustavo Arribas and other officials.o

Macri's spokesman didn't immediately reply to a request for comment.

During Macri's own presidency from 2015 to 2019, legal authorities opened numerous investigations into alleged corruption involving former President Cristina Fernandez, who is now vice president. Those have been stalled in part by difficulties in holding hearings under pandemic restrictions.

Macri is also under investigation over government handling of a debt owed by one of his family's businesses, of a wind-farm contract and campaign financing.
After hours of largely peaceful demonstrations, violence escalated late Friday in downtown Portland, as hundreds of people gathered to protest the Minneapolis police killing of a black man.

The death of George Floyd has triggered a wave of national outrage that culminated in a chaotic night of vandalism and fires in downtown Portland. The mayor gave a stunned early-morning TV interview, during which he said no one was prepared for the level of violence that broke out.

Mayor Ted Wheeler declared a state of emergency shortly before 4 a.m. and implemented a nightly curfew that he said took effect immediately. The 8 p.m. curfew will last through Sunday morning, he said.

The situation erupted a little around 11 p.m. after people marched to downtown from an earlier demonstration in North Portland. Protesters congregated at the Multnomah County Justice Center, which houses the downtown jail and police precinct. People smashed windows and caused fires inside a first-floor office while corrections records staff were working inside, said Chris Liedle, a Multnomah County Sheriffs Office spokesperson. Workers were able to leave unharmed and the buildings sprinklers doused the flames, he said.

Portland Police labeled the gathering an unlawful assembly" and started to move in toward the crowd. Before that, police had remained distant from protesters throughout the day.

Police officers in riot gear arrived around 11:15 p.m. Police used tear gas, pepper balls and stun grenades to attempt to break up the protest.

If you do not go home now, force will be used to disperse you, police said on Twitter.

But protesters spread out, and the chaos continued through downtown.

Some people spray painted buildings and smashed windows at a nearby Apple and Microsoft store. One man threw his skateboard into a nearby Starbucks window, shattering the glass. Around 11:30 p.m., people broke the glass doors of the closed Pioneer Place mall and went inside. Several people left with items from stores.

Mannequin parts lay strewn across Yamhill Street near the mall outside of the H&M store.

Nearby, several people emptied a dumpster and set pallets and cardboard on fire, blocking the intersection of Southwest Fourth Avenue and Alder Street. A police officer could be heard on a loudspeaker declaring the event an unlawful assembly and warning the crowd to leave the area or risk officers using force against them.

Police surrounded the flames and waited for firefighters, who extinguished the fire before a second one erupted at the same place minutes later. Around downtown, some cars were set aflame.

Around 11:50 p.m., police declared the situation a riot and said they were closing down most Portland streets to traffic, telling people to leave immediately or be subject to force.

Yet police largely did not attempt to stop people from breaking into businesses, instead using tear gas or stun grenades to break up growing crowds. Several officers in riot gear guarded the Justice Center, where the protest first escalated nearly two hours earlier.

Blocks away, people continued to break into businesses. A crowd returned to the Apple Store, where someone took a desktop computer and used it to break the front doors of a different section of Pioneer Place mall. After entering the mall, people stole bags and other gear from Tory Burch, a high-end retailer.

Across Southwest Fifth Avenue, some people used fireworks to light a small fire at a Chase bank, then moved across the street to a Wells Fargo bank after police arrived.

A crowd of nearly 300 people remained near Pioneer Courthouse Square around 1:10 a.m. Some moved a few blocks toward Target, where people had broken into the store. People also smashed in the windows of a Kassab Jewelers.

An hour later, hundreds of people remained scattered throughout downtown. Police near Southwest Fourth Avenue and Morrison Street fired rubber bullets and set off stun grenades.

Portland police announced around 2:15 a.m. that two people had been arrested during the evening. The agency didnt immediately release any more information about the people taken into custody or the specific circumstances that led to their arrests.

As the violence devolved, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler tweeted a plea to protesters to remain peaceful.

Portland, this is not us, he wrote. When you destroy our city, you are destroying our community. When you act in violence against each other, you are hurting all of us. How does this honor the legacy of George Floyd?

About an hour later, Wheeler tweeted that he was leaving his dying mother to return to the city due to the carnage.

I am with family to prepare for her final moments, the mayor wrote. This is hard, this is personal, but so is watching my city get destroyed.

During an interview with KGW around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Wheeler demanded protesters go home and called their actions a dismantling of our beloved community.

Whats going on right now is flat out breaking the law, violating our community, violating the memory of George Floyd and so many other people on such an important night, Wheeler said. I have had enough. The community has had enough, and Im telling those individuals go home.

Wheeler said he planned to hold a news conference Saturday and visit some of the businesses along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard that were damaged earlier in the night as protesters marched toward downtown. He said he believed some of the businesses vandalized during the night may have been African-American owned.

Wheeler praised Portland police officers for showing great restraint throughout the day and said no one anticipated the scale of the actions from protesters.

Nobody has seen this kind of brazen abuse of what was supposed to be a night of memory for somebody who was killed by a police force, and now its turned into something completely different.

Until late Friday, police had remained on the periphery of the protests. But tension escalated as marchers made their way toward downtown from Peninsula Park in North Portland, where an evening vigil attracted thousands of people. Some windows of businesses along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard were shattered, and other buildings were tagged with spray-painted messages.

An Oregonian/OregonLive photographer saw a man on a skateboard hit by a car after the car drove toward marchers near the intersection of Northeast Shaver Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The pedestrian who was hit walked away from the collision, and the car drove away.

The vigil and march were organized by activist network Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front. Some members of the group have been holding constant vigil outside the Justice Center. Earlier Friday afternoon, demonstrators spray-painted messages memorializing Floyd and supporting Minneapolis protesters onto stone columns outside the Justice Center.

Protests in downtown Eugene Friday night also led to debris being burned in the streets and inside dumpsters as well as vandalism.

Mark Graves and Dave Killen of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report, which has been updated throughout the night.

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com
Freedmen (also, freedwomen) are people who were previously enslaved but are now free. Throughout history, slaves were released in different ways. The most common methods were manumission and emancipation. Manumission means that a slave was granted freedom by their captor. Emancipation refers to freedom that was granted to a person that is a part of a larger group that managed to fight for its freedom. Of course, there were also fugitive slaves, people who managed to flee from slavery.

The Emancipation Proclamation

In the United States, slaves were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment. The emancipation proclamation became effective as of 1863, and it was issued by Abraham Lincoln. Following these events, the freedmen and freedwomen were faced with numerous other difficulties. This was especially prevalent in the South of the United States. They had to find ways they can create a normal life, despite being surrounded by mostly racist whites who were extremely hostile towards them.

They needed to become economically independent, but it was hard to do, since they had little to no resources, and most often no education. It was an incredibly difficult time for black people in the United States, made even harder by the people they were surrounded with. One of the freedmen, called Houston Hartsfield Holloway noted how one of the reasons this period was hard was due to the fact that colored people didnt know how to be free, and white people had no idea how to treat free people of color that were around them.

Shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863,r many freed slaves escaped to the Union Army lines at Newbern

Fortunately, there were freedmen and freedwomen that were ready for their newly acquired freedom. Starting from 1865, they started demanding their civil rights, their right to vote as well as other things all human beings should have the right to. They wanted to be reunited with their families, and also wanted better opportunities in the economy and education.

The Freedmens Bureau

Freedmens Bureau was established by the government of the United States as an agency that was set up only temporarily, and its goal was to provide the bare necessities to all freed slaves. These included medical care, food, and clothing. The importance of this bureau in the South was extremely big. The government also set up special boards. The goal of these boards was to set up schools for the African Americans that were living in the South. There were many teachers, black and white, that stepped up and decided to help the freed slaves on their way to better education.

Many African Americans were also encouraged to move further North, where they could get better opportunities for a job. The fight for equal rights did not stop there, it would take many years until the status of black people in the United States was improved. That fight is still ongoing since slavery is still considered a problem, in many places across the world. The age of slavery was truly a horrible time, whose effects are still felt to this day. The evils of slavery should not be forgotten and should serve as a reminder that we should be respectful of everyone and not be racist. All people were created equal and should be treated fairly. A person should be judged by their deeds and their hearts, not the color of their skin.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the petition of oil supermajors and ruled that state courts are more suitable to impartially adjudicate climate change lawsuits against oil and gas companies instead of federal venues that are suspected to be bias to the energy industry.

The lawsuits, filed by the cities of San Francisco and Oakland, hold five Big Oil majors, namely ExxonMobil XOM, Chevron CVX, ConocoPhillips COP, BP plc BP and Royal Dutch Shell RDS.A accountable for misleading the public by wrongly promoting their work to be environmentally friendly when in reality, they were aware of their hazardous contribution to climate change. By alleging the companies to be financially responsible for this menace, they demand the oil giants to cough up billions for the damages caused due to intensified carbon footprint and help construct a protective infrastructure to prevent the rise in sea-level and other problems cropping up from global warming.

The unanimous verdict by a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit, Judge Sandra Ikuta, a George W. Bush appointee along with judges Morgen Christen and Kenneth Lee overturned the decision of judge William Alsup, who had earlier dismissed the Oakland and San Francisco litigation in 2018. He opined that court cases were not the best solution to address the damages induced by fossil fuels or global warming and consequently, moved the case to the federal court where two judges failed to reach a consensus.

In another ruling by the Ninth Circuit, Judge Vincent Chhabria determined that a separate climate lawsuit slapped by three California municipalities, namely San Mateo County, Marin County and Imperial Beach  targeting 37 fossil fuel companies  could be forwarded to the state court.

Local Residents and Green Activists Welcome the Move

The decisions were lapped up by regional officials of the California cities and environmental groups.

Were pleased that we can proceed with this case to protect our residents, workers and businesses from the costs and damage these fossil fuel companies knowingly imposed on our communities, reckons Dennis Herrera, city attorney of San Francisco. It is time for these companies to pay their fair share. They should not be able to stick taxpayers with the bill for the damage they knew they were causing. We will continue to hold these companies accountable for their decades-long campaign of public deception about climate change and its consequences.

Story continues

The cities and counties live another day to put forth their claims and argue their case, said Hana Vizcarra, staff attorney, Harvard Law Schools Environmental and Energy Law Program.

Decrees Weigh on Energy Industry

Unsurprisingly, the rulings were criticized by industry advocates and energy players.

Phil Goldberg, special counsel for the Manufacturers Accountability Project, an industry advocacy group, considers climate change a policy issue for executive or legislative bodies instead of legal courts. ExxonMobil is reviewing the order and contemplating its next step. Chevron spokesperson Sean Comey believes that these factually and legally-unsupported lawsuits will do little to address the issues emanating from climate change.

Conclusion

Both lawsuits aiming to make energy companies indulge in a damage-control exercise and cover up for climate change are now inching closer to state court proceedings. Although the rulings do not guarantee that the plaintiffs will win eventually but the entire process will allow them to have an edge over their opponents with stronger points of argument in the court of law. And if they finally succeed in the legal battle, it could evoke more such litigations nationally or even globally.

The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All

Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.

See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Chevron Corporation (CVX) : Free Stock Analysis Report



ConocoPhillips (COP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
Hong Kong: 3 more imported cases confirmed

The Centre for Health Protection today announced that it is investigating three new imported COVID-19 cases.

Further to yesterdays 13 cases involving people who returned to Hong Kong from Pakistan via Qatar Airways flight QR818 on March 28, the new patients came from the same flight.

They are males aged from 1 to 38 and all had a travel history during the incubation period.

Additionally, the Hospital Authority reported that 40 confirmed COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalised and 1,036 confirmed and suspected patients have been discharged.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
We talked to five people addicted to smoking who have tried to quit for various reasons, to understand just how difficult fighting this addiction can be.

Quitting is not easy, and yet its something every smoker has to eventually do if he or she wants to live a life that is not burdened by health problems. Tobacco smoking, as a study in Psychology & Health in 2017 indicates, increases the risks of stroke, blindness, back pain, vascular diseases, heart diseases, hormonal imbalance and disorders, skin diseases - all apart from lung diseases and cancer.

We talked to five people addicted to smoking who have tried to quit for various reasons, to understand just how difficult fighting this addiction can be.

What the teacher learned

From bidis to cigarettes and cigars, I smoked like a connoisseur for about 30 years and had no intentions of quitting despite my loved ones urging me to. Ive studied and taught biology for decades now, I know what tobacco consumption does, and I actively lecture my kids and students to not smoke or theyd end up coughing like me. I managed to go cold turkey about 13 years ago when I contracted pneumonia during the monsoon. I had to quit, and I thought Id be perfectly fine after that. But smoking is the gift that keeps on giving, and I recently got diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). So, you might feel like the cool kid now, but know that smoking never lets you go scot-free. - Debashish, 64, Kolkata

Cigs in the time of COVID-19

Ive been smoking for more than 25 years now. Got married, had kids - never quit. I fell sick a few months ago though and it was a lung infection that just wouldnt go away. Many tests later, doctors didnt have an exact diagnosis but they all agreed on one thing - I needed to quit smoking if I wanted to get better. So, I finally did. But once I started feeling better I resumed smoking. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic - I was put on unpaid leave and I got the same lung infection from before. Having to go to the hospital during the lockdown was a wake-up call. Ive quit for the second and last time. Knowingly making my chances worse when even healthy people are dying is something I cant make peace with anymore. - Ajay, 51, Mumbai

When excuses stop working

Ive always had smokers around me. Even my dad was one and he used work, stress and even constipation as an excuse for it. I picked up smoking when I was 21, old enough to know what harm it does. I often ended up using the same excuses that my dad did. I quit a couple of times in between - especially whenever I got respiratory infections - but my urge to smoke always won out. That is until I got diagnosed with three different diseases that are exaggerated by smoking. In the last eight months, Ive spent five not smoking at all. The three that I did smoke for have shamed me because my health should be worth more than an addiction, right? - Shruti, 32, New Delhi

Things they never ask women

I was diagnosed with PCOD in my teens and I was prescribed birth control pills for three months. Thats also around the time I started smoking. A few years later, I got another prescription for the pill when I became sexually active. But there are so many misconceptions about the pill that many around me were deeply concerned. In an attempt to allay their fears, I read the whole pamphlet that comes with the pill, only to accidentally discover that theres a serious risk of heart problems if youre a smoker and on the pill. No doctor warned me about this, probably because they barely ever pause to ask a woman if they also have a tobacco or nicotine addiction. It took almost a year of reducing slowly, doing yoga to control the urges and become healthier, and now its one cigarette on special occasions. Its not perfect but its progress, at least. - Deeksha, 27, Panjim

Anxiety versus cigarettes

There was blood in the sink, and it freaked me out. I have an anxiety disorder and Ive been smoking for almost 18 years now. Never really tried to quit, because in my head cigarettes helped me cope with my anxiety levels. Smoking made me feel good when the utter chaos around me threatened to explode. But the blood I spit out made me realise that clearly, smoking was doing no good. Then doctors explained how nicotine withdrawal works, and how smoking ultimately increases anxiety levels. The blood was due to a respiratory infection, but Id had enough and didnt want to enter that vicious circle again. A year down the line, I still feel the urge when I panic or feel stressed, but now I know smoking is the last thing thatll help. - Rahul, 36, Patna

For more information, read our article on How to quit smoking.

Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.
University News

In emails to the University community, University of New Haven President Steven Kaplan and David Schroeder, acting dean of the Henry C. Lee College, expressed sadness and anger over the death of George Floyd and called for justice.

Dear Members of the University Community,

I would like to join the scores of individuals across the country in calling for justice and expressing my sadness and anger over the death of George Floyd. It is heartbreaking and infuriating that these incidents continue to occur.

As an institution committed to the education of students whose career goals are in the field of public safety, we have a responsibility to condemn these horrific actions in the strongest terms possible. Senseless acts of racism, lives lost, and brutality inflicted weigh heavily on all of us, leaving many searching for a way forward. Now, more than ever, it is critical for us to come together as a nation to reject all forms of bigotry that threaten the very fabric of our society and what makes our country great.

Tonight, as we were ready to send my message about George Floyd, I was made aware by several students of some very disturbing audio files that allegedly feature statements made by a member of our University community. Please know that this is a matter I take very seriously. I have asked Rebecca Johnson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, to conduct an immediate investigation.

As a University community, we have zero tolerance for any issues of hate, racism, and bigotry. Views of that nature are abhorrent and contemptible, and they do not in any way represent the ideals of our University community.

Our community values diversity and inclusion and the richness that the many identities on our campus brings to each of us. Our campus is a place of respectful debate, thoughtful inquiry, and engaged citizenship, and we are equally committed to the protection of individual dignity and the free exchange of ideas. These commitments are at the core of who we are, and are representative of the foundational values we hold dear.

Please know that one of my paramount priorities as president is to foster an inclusive and diverse environment in which all members our community feel welcomed and respected. As members of an intellectual community, we have a responsibility to uphold these standards in all of our words and our actions at all times.

With best wishes,





Steven H Kaplan, Ph.D.

President

Dear Members of the UNH Community:

The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences believes in the concept of service-above-self, and it is in this light that we collectively join the nation in our sadness and anger at the events that led to the death of George Floyd. We denounce these actions and join the nation in mourning a life lost.

This incident was the result of a systemic failure to address policy issues surrounding negligence in hiring, retention, training, and supervision. George Floyds death stands in indictment of American policing, and the politics which oversee it, in their failure to address the very real issues that have caused in the past, and continue to cause, needless deaths. We take a position that large scale policy changes are needed in American policing to prevent incidents like the killing of George Floyd from occurring. Any citizen, of any color, should expect more from the people who are employed to be the stewards of their communities.

By acknowledging the vicarious trauma that many communities feel, particularly communities of color, it is imperative that we teach, train, and live our lives with a level of empathy that will help eliminate situations such as these. We celebrate diversity and inclusion and use them as pillars of strength to empower our students, faculty, and staff. Moreover, we are committed to working directly with law enforcement, other first responders and community members to build bridges of empathy and create more effective training. It is because incidents like this happen far too often (and even once is too often), that we in the Lee College are committed to teach with a devotion to social justice, a commitment to public service, and an obligation to public safety.

Be well and stay safe,

David A. Schroeder, Ph.D.

Acting Dean, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences
We doctors are a fairly unshockable bunch. We've seen it all  multiple times, usually, and probably that same day. People talk of embarrassing ailments  often, but not exclusively, ones that involve our 'private' body parts or bodily functions. But it really is all in a day's work for us.

Of course, I understand why some patients find these topics hard to talk about. But the big concern is when it stops them seeking any kind of medical help. Surveys suggest that up to two-thirds of Britons avoid visiting their GP for conditions they consider embarrassing. Many instead ignore their problems, hoping they'll go away, but often they are unwittingly delaying diagnosis and treatment until things have worsened considerably.

Bowel and cervical cancer, for example, are frequently detected too late because many people don't attend screening or see a doctor when they get worrying symptoms.

Many patients find it difficult to talk about embarrassing ailments, but doctors are an unshockable bunch

Thankfully, most of the time it's nothing that can't be easily treated and, really, the worst part is knowing people have suffered in silence for so long. I often hear the phrase 'I thought I was the only one' when it couldn't be further from the truth. Most of these problems affect millions every year.

So in an effort to finally banish any awkwardness, over the next two weeks we will guide readers through some of the most common intimate problems, explaining the symptoms, causes and treatments. This week, I focus on conditions affecting women, while my GP colleague and Mail on Sunday columnist Dr Ellie Cannon tackles those that men most commonly suffer from.

Alongside our own in-depth knowledge, we've spoken to leading specialists for the very best advice. We hope it will help dispel the myths, arm you with the facts and give you the courage to pick up the phone and make that appointment with your GP.

THE ITCH THAT MANY WOMEN JUST PUT UP WITH... FOR YEARS

Persistent itching  medically termed pruritus  anywhere on the body is uncomfortable. But when it affects an already sensitive area such as the vagina or vulva (the vaginal opening, labia and clitoris), it is particularly distressing.

About one woman in ten in the UK suffers long-term genital itching and, aside from the burning and irritation, it may also cause the skin to break, leading to bleeding and skin infections.

Sex can be so painful that some women avoid it altogether.

While it can affect any woman at any age, the dryness that causes the itching is more common in later life. I find it hugely frustrating when patients say they have put up with it for years, too embarrassed to seek help, or didn't realise there was anything that could be done.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Usually an itch is linked to dryness, says Paula Briggs, consultant in sexual and reproductive health at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

This is common around the time of the menopause, due to the lack of the hormone oestrogen which keeps the delicate membranes of the vagina and vulva supple.

But breastfeeding, use of the contraceptive pill, breast cancer drugs and other medications can trigger it too.

'No one talks about dryness  it's a massive taboo subject,' says Dr Briggs. Indeed, a 2013 survey of British women found one in ten sought no treatment out of embarrassment, and 42 per cent 'didn't think it was important'. Dryness can also be due to a common skin condition called lichen sclerosus, where white, itchy patches form on the vulva. But left untreated, this can cause scarring.

Breastfeeding is one of many things that can trigger persistent itching  medically termed pruritus

The cause is not known but scientists believe it may be due to a fault in the immune system leading to attacks on the skin.

On very rare occasions, an itch can be a sign of vulval cancer.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Dr Briggs says: 'Dryness will go on for ever if it's not treated. It's a chronic, progressive condition, not like most menopausal symptoms, which will resolve.'

Thankfully, creams or pessaries containing oestrogen can improve the quality of the skin and reduce the itch, as can prescription drugs such as ospemifene. 'The longer the gap without oestrogen, the longer it takes to reverse symptoms,' warns Dr Briggs.

Vaginal moisturisers are useful too, but stick to brands such as Sylk and Yes as they do not contain perfumes or additives found in soaps, bubble bath or talcum powders that irritate sensitive skin.

For lichen sclerosus, steroid creams can reduce the inflammation causing the discomfort in about 95 per cent of cases.

But your GP should also refer you to a gynaecologist or dermatologist to rule out skin cancer, as the symptoms are similar.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T IGNORE EXTREME PMS

It's a familiar feeling for millions of women  sudden, inexplicable despair that strikes around the same time every month. About 90 per cent of women suffer premenstrual syndrome mood changes or anxiety, and most manage symptoms with painkillers or lifestyle tweaks.

But for the estimated five to eight per cent with the most extreme form of the condition  called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)  the symptoms can be utterly debilitating, with many experiencing suicidal thoughts and self-managing with alcohol.

Many women suffer occasional discomfort during sex, but persistent pain or bleeding afterwards should always be checked out

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Again, a drop in the sex hormone oestrogen, coupled with the rise in levels of the hormone progesterone before a period.

This triggers a decline in levels of serotonin  a chemical neurotransmitter which helps to regulate mood.

Research shows a minority of women are extremely sensitive to these hormonal fluctuations, probably due to genetic susceptibility.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Getting the right diagnosis is key, yet PMDD is poorly understood by many doctors.

If you believe you suffer with it, visit a helpful website  such as the one run by charity Mind  and print off some of its PMDD information pages. Show them to your GP to help them understand your symptoms.

One effective treatment, according to Dr Briggs, is suppressing ovulation, using the combined contraceptive pill. This controls fluctuating hormones. Other women may need antidepressants such as fluoxetine or sertraline, but only for the last two weeks of each menstrual cycle rather than every day.

A trial of a drug called sepranolone, which inhibits chemicals in the brain involved with PMDD, found it reduced symptoms by 80 per cent in a group of 120 women. Now a larger trial, involving 250 women, has started.

Over 40 and 'leaking'? It's more common than hay fever Incontinence, or 'leakage', affects nearly half of all mothers, and in women over the age of 40 is more common than hay fever. And although it's often linked to advancing years, it happens in younger women too. There are two types  stress and urge incontinence  though some people suffer both at the same time. Stress incontinence is triggered by coughing, sneezing or exercise, whereas urge incontinence usually happens without an obvious trigger. Incontinence affects nearly half of all mothers WHAT CAUSES IT? Stress incontinence stems from weakness in the pelvic-floor muscles, usually from pregnancy, being overweight or chronic coughing. Laughing, coughing or exercise puts extra strain on these muscles, causing urine to leak. It's also more common after the menopause, as the lack of oestrogen in the body further weakens these muscles. Urge incontinence is related to an overactive bladder  the muscles contract unexpectedly, so you feel a sudden sense of needing to go. WHAT CAN I DO? 'Women can buy Tena lady pads in the supermarket, but that's just surviving with the problem and not dealing with it,' says gynaecological cancer nurse Tracie Miles, from The Eve Appeal charity, who has suffered with the problem herself. Seeing your GP is the first step. Different kinds of incontinence require different treatments.' Simple exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can tackle stress incontinence, such as tensing the muscles several times each day for ten seconds, squeezing as if to stop yourself urinating. Severe cases may need surgery to correct any prolapse. Urge incontinence responds well to medication but a type of training called a 'bladder drill' is also effective, which involves gradually increasing the amount of time between urinating. Advertisement

WHEN PAINFUL SEX CAN BE A SIGN OF CANCER

Many women suffer occasional discomfort during sex, but persistent pain or bleeding afterwards should always be checked out.

Vaginal pain, or dyspareunia, is divided into two categories. Either it is 'superficial' and felt in the vagina and vulva, or it is 'deep dyspareunia', which is felt in the pelvis or abdomen.

After the menopause, superficial discomfort during sex is incredibly common, as reduced levels of oestrogen and progesterone make the sensitive tissues dry and sore. In roughly two-thirds of older women, this can result in a small amount of blood after sex  which is usually nothing to worry about.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Common causes of bleeding after sex include a benign growth in the cervix, called a polyp, as well as side effects of the contraceptive pill. Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea  which are increasingly common in women over 50  can also cause bleeding.

In worst-case scenarios, bleeding after sex could be an indication of cell changes in the cervix, which may signal cervical cancer. On average, nine new cervical-cancer cases are diagnosed every day in the UK  more than 3,200 a year  and the average age of diagnosis is 50. But treatment is very effective if it is caught early.

Sometimes painful sex is due to vaginismus  involuntarily tightening of the vaginal muscles when penetration is attempted.

If the deep pain exists without bleeding, it could be endometriosis  a common condition in which womb tissue grows outside the womb, or non-cancerous growths called fibroids. Most worryingly, it could signal ovarian cancer.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Your GP can take swabs from inside the vagina, or a urine test, to rule out sexually transmitted infections. A smear would also be used to check for changes which could lead to cervical cancer.

Depending on the results, this may be followed up with an internal ultrasound, in which a small probe is inserted into the vagina.

A blood test may be carried out to check for signs of ovarian cancer. It measures levels of a protein called CA125, which may be present if there is a tumour.

If the pain is superficial, the GP can prescribe hormone creams, emollients and lubricants.

And if the problem is vaginismus, the tight muscles can be retrained with vaginal dilators or you may be referred to a psychosexual counsellor to ease physical tension.

FEMININE WASHES CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Millions of women miss out on cancer cure One in four women skip their routine smear tests, meaning thousands develop cervical cancer each year when it could have been prevented. The test, which involves taking a swab from the cervix (the neck of the womb), looks for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. If detected, doctors carry out further tests to check for any abnormal changes to cells, which could indicate early signs of cancer. Treatment is given early, which in the majority of cases cures the disease. But uptake of these vital tests is now at its lowest rate in two decades, with four million women missing out on at least one test. There are multiple reasons for this, including embarrassment, but also disabilities and a history of sexual trauma. Also, a small number of women have a condition that affects the position of their cervix, which makes undergoing the procedure uncomfortable. But for the majority of women, smear tests  which should be arranged every three years for 25-49-year-olds and every five years for 50-65-year-olds  are painless. Imogen Pinnell, from the charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said: 'We know that smear tests can be embarrassing or nerve-racking. But, ultimately, they can prevent 75 per cent of cervical cancers from even beginning. 'It is important to talk about barriers to screening, which support can often be offered for.' Advertisement

We all know about 'friendly' gut bacteria by now, but a wide range of bacteria live all over our skin, including inside the vagina, forming a balanced ecosystem.

This bacterial cocktail can cause a slight, subtle smell, which changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Lots of women think this is a sign of poor hygiene, a myth perpetuated by marketing companies to sell dubious and potentially harmful washes and deodorants.

The vagina is, in fact, one of the cleanest organs in the body  as its healthy bacteria kill nasty ones.

A slight smell is normal, but it may get stronger at certain times in the menstrual cycle. If it becomes especially pungent (often described as fishy, with a watery discharge), it could be a common problem called bacterial vaginosis.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Bacterial vaginosis, which affects one in three women, develops when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina becomes disturbed, causing a growth in an organism called gardnerella.

Unlike thrush, a fungal infection often triggered by sex or a weakened immune system, bacterial vaginosis usually comes from over-cleaning or using scented products. Such products alter the delicate pH balance of the vagina  a measure of how acidic it is  which can then disrupt its bacterial 'formula'.

Unlike normal discharge  a thick mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist  bacterial vaginosis makes it very runny and clear, although some women won't notice a change in texture at all.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Treatment usually involves prescribed antibiotic tablets, gels or creams which restore the bacterial balance within a week.

Further problems are rare but gynaecologists warn that there's a risk of early delivery if you're pregnant and leave it untreated.

As for thrush, over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, tablets and pessaries clear it up quickly.

THERE IS HOPE AFTER HAIR LOSS

About half of women over 65 have inherited pattern baldness, otherwise known as androgenetic alopecia. But it can also be triggered by a drop in oestrogen levels after the menopause, which damages the hair follicles. Tory MP Nadine Dorries said that her gradual hair loss after the menopause made her 'cry every morning'.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Aside from the menopause, it could be deficiencies in nutrients, such as zinc and iron, or even thyroid problems. And roughly two per cent of the population has alopecia areata, where the hair follicles are damaged by a malfunctioning immune system, causing patches of hair loss or total baldness.

About half of women over 65 have inherited pattern baldness, but hair loss can also be triggered by a drop in oestrogen levels after the menopause

WHAT CAN I DO?

Firstly, blood tests by a GP can spot any underlying hormonal, thyroid or vitamin deficiencies.

If it's an iron deficiency, for example, it can be treated with supplements, while thyroid problems respond well to treatment with the hormone thyroxine.

Other treatments include steroid creams, steroid scalp injections and a lotion, or foam, called Minoxidil. But these are not usually available on the NHS and must be accessed privately.

LOOK OUT FOR CHANGES TO YOUR 'NORMAL'

Most women have some vaginal discharge, which is typically clearer and more watery before ovulation but thicker and stickier in the second half of the menstrual cycle. But when it becomes uncharacteristically thick, frothy or is green in colour, it could be a problem.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

It could be a yeast infection, such as thrush, but other causes include trichomoniasis, a bacterial infection that makes discharge green and watery, failure to remove a tampon or sexually transmitted gonorrhoea (which generates a thick yellow discharge).

When coupled with other symptoms, such as blood traces or pains, it could be signs of cervical or endometrial cancer.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Antibiotics or antifungal medication should take care of thrush, bacterial infections or a sexually transmitted infection.

Thrush treatment is available over the counter, while the others need a prescription from a GP.

But remember, most discharge is completely harmless and normal. You should be concerned only if it's a significant change in what is usual for you.
May 25, Anniversary of the Murder of George Floyd: Recounting the Los Angeles City Mayor Sentiments

Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti prepared L.A. for its next moves towards recovery from COVID-19 outbreaks. This month the mayor revealed the largest testing site in America at the Dodger Stadium and announced the gradual accessibility of non-essential retail stores. Los Angeles County leadership continue to mold their plans to integrate physical distancing guidelines within the workforce; every Angeleno is constantly reminded to stay aware and use common judgment as the world treads new waters. Garcetti disclosed the latest data behind the spread of coronavirus, including new statistics that will guide his future decision in expanding the reach for economic recovery.

Protection is the number one priority, as Los Angeles glides into a new sense of reality. Before the mayor began his briefing on COVID-19, he acknowledged the murder of George Floyd. An African American man from Minnesota, killed by a Minneapolis Police Officer on May 25. The police officer was kneeling on Floyds neck with all of his weight, suffocating Floyd to death.

Garcetti stated, He was far from the first, the end of his life, was another page in the worst chapter of our nations history of what it means to be black in America. 244 years into our attempts to define a more perfect union and each time this happens we have to speak clearly. We have to say the truth. We have to stop in these moments as painful as they are, to right the wrongs that arent just part of our history but exist here in our presence. The mayor went on to highlight other unjust murders prior to Floyds death to emphasize the point of action that needs to take place. He called for the help of Non-African Americans to rally behind the fight for equality and justice, to end police brutality. He spoke of all owning this moment and all must join this movement.

ADVERTISEMENT

This month has been reflective of the balance between economic recovery and the well being of every Angeleno. This season, the mayor has emphasized the need for compliance and safety throughout the city. Milestones like securing PPE for frontline responders and developing the largest testing site in America are pillars carved into safer grounds, however the numbers from the spread of the virus remain the same and people are still getting sick.

Garcetti disclosed the data surrounding the viral outbreak, the mayor affirmed that L.A. is on track with stopping the spread of COVID-19. As of May 29, there were 50 additional deaths; this brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 2,290. There were 1,824 new cases reported, bringing the total of positive COVID-19 reports to 51,562. The latest numbers reflect a 4% increase, since May 28. There is a daily average of 1,200 new cases. Within the Los Angeles City, there were 617 new positive incidents of COVID-19, bringing the citys total to 24,261 total reports.

Garcetti went into detail about the countys announcement of more non-essential businesses reopening; hair salons and barbershops can start opening for in-person appointments. Additionally, restaurants can offer dine-in services, California State Governor Gavin Newsom approved a request from the county; a variance for Los Angeles to accelerate reopening non-essential businesses. There must be public health orders in place that highlights social distancing. This will allow pillars of the economy to contribute into rebuilding the fiscal infrastructure. The decision was based on the countys ability to stabilize hospital capacity, testing availability, health orders specific to each sector that ensures the safety of the guests and employees. This advancement has brought Los Angeles to phase two, based off the states Resiliency Roadmap. Los Angeles continues to push towards recovery and a state of equality for every Angeleno.
CHELSEA, MI  Barn Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization in Chelsea that rescues and rehabilitates neglected farm animals, delivered 2,000 personal protection equipment masks to local hospitals and hospices.

According to a release from the organization, Barn Sanctuary gave the masks to St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital and Arbor Hospice. The donation was made in response to the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan and surrounding communities, the release said.

As coronavirus hit Detroit hard we became concerned not just for the health of our staff and animals, but for our local communities, said Kely Holt, executive director of Barn Sanctuary. We have volunteers and donors who are nurses in Ann Arbor, Detroit and beyond. As an animal sanctuary, we are stocked with the supplies we need to care for our animals and staff. I cant imagine how scary it would be to not have the supplies you need to feel safe and protected. We want to show up for our friends and communities the way they always have for us.

Laura Bates, a local nurse and Barn Sanctuary volunteer, helped identify which hospitals have the most need, the release said. Working as a nurse for 22 years, Bates said she knows she will be exposed to infectious diseases, but nurses count on PPE to decrease their risk.

Never did I think that I would be in a pandemic where my daily supply of PPE was questionable," Bates said. "Im thankful for organizations like Barn Sanctuary who have really stepped up and shown support to those of us on the frontline.

Because of COVID-19, Barn Sanctuary has shut down its volunteer program, closed its gates to visitors, suspended all donor events, tours and private visitations until further notice, the release said. Stopping the volunteer program increased the part-time staff hours and made days longer for the animal care team, according to the release, but the organization has launched weekly virtual tours online to support fundraising and provide people with a fun activity at home.

Donations for Barn Sanctuary can be made here.
A Hizbul Mujahideen militant active in south Kashmir is the owner of the explosive-laden vehicle that security forces intercepted on Thursday, foiling a planned car bombing similar to the 2019 Pulwama attack, J&K police said on Friday.

The vehicle, a white Santro, was laden with at least 40 kilograms of explosives and found in a village near Rajpora in Pulwama district, where a suicide car bombing on February 14, 2019, left 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers dead. The car was not registered in the Kashmir valley, but in the Jammu division of the J&K Union territory, the police said.

A police officer privy to the investigations said the Hizbul militant, who is active in south Kashmir over the last two years and is the owner of the car, is at large, but efforts are on to catch him. The car belongs to Hidayatullah Malik of Sharat Pora village in Shopian district; Malik has been an active militant of the Hizbul since July 2019, said the officer, who requested anonymity.

Vijay Kumar, the inspector general of police, (IGP), Kashmir zone, said that security forces received both intelligence inputs last week that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which had claimed responsibility for the 2019 Pulwama attack, and the Hizbul Mujahideen were planning a major suicide attack using a car bomb.

On Wednesday, [J&K] police, Army and the CRPF established multiple barricades after the leads about the attack emerged. In the evening, a naka party directed a car to stop, but it sped away. At another naka, warning shots were fired on the vehicle. The cars driver fled towards a forest under the darkness of the night, Kumar had said.

The police are seeking expert opinion on the nature of the explosives, which were destroyed through a controlled explosion.

The Pulwama car bombing led to the Indian Air Force bombing a JeM terror camp in Pakistans Balakot and brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 22:36:44|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Video: New Yorkers continue to protest over the death of George Floyd, as hundreds of them take to the street in Manhattan of New York on May 29, 2020, to express their anger toward police brutality and racism. (Xinhua)

Protests have also erupted in multiple cities across the United States over the death of Floyd. Local media say more protests are expected to take place across the country through the weekend.



WASHINGTON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Violent protests continued spreading across the United States on Friday, the fourth straight day after George Floyd, an unarmed black man, pleaded "I can't breathe" before dying in police custody in Minneapolis, the biggest city in the midwest state of Minnesota, on Monday.

The White House went into lockdown on Friday evening as hundreds of protesters gathered outside. One protester sprayed the Freedman's Bank Building while some other protesters clashed with Secret Service personnel, witnesses said. Videos showed some protesters burnt flags and knocked over barricades.

"Secret Service personnel are currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park (outside the White House). In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful," the Secret Service tweeted. At least one person was reportedly taken into custody.

In downtown Atlanta, southern state Georgia, a demonstration that began peacefully became chaotic as protesters set a police car on fire, struck officers with bottles, vandalized the headquarters of CNN and broke into a restaurant, the USA Today reported.

The protesters spray-painted the large, iconic CNN logo outside the building, breaking a windowed entrance. One protester climbed on top of the sign and waved a "Black Lives Matter" flag to cheers from the crowd, said the report.

Protesters gather near a burning pawn shop down the street from Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States, on May 28, 2020. (Photo by Ben Hovland/Xinhua)

In Minneapolis, unrest continued Friday night as protesters gathered and chanted "No justice, no peace, prosecute the police!" in the streets around the police station blazed a night earlier, defying a citywide curfew imposed earlier in the day. Law enforcement officials fired tear gas into the streets and patrolled in military vehicles.

In Indianapolis, the state capital and most populous city of midwest state Indiana, nearly 100 people took part in a six-hour-long demonstration in downtown Friday afternoon that lasted til the evening, protesting the fatal shooting of a black man earlier this month by an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer and other deaths across the country, local media reported.

"Several protesters have damaged police cruisers and continue to throw rocks at officers and the Metro Division office," police in Charlotte, southern state North Carolina, tweeted on Friday.

Several demonstrators were arrested in Charlotte as police issued a "dispersal order" after declaring the gathering of protesters "unlawful," said a CNN report.

In Memphis, southern state Tennessee, about 300 protesters took to the streets for the third straight day to speak out against police brutality and the recent death of three African Americans at the hands of police.

Protesters stand in front of the burning Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States, on May 28, 2020. (Photo by Ben Hovland/Xinhua)

In Knoxville, another city in Tennessee, hundreds of protesters organized by Black Lives Matter Knoxville, gathered peacefully in front of police headquarters Friday evening.



And in Louisville, Kentucky, a crew for CNN affiliate WAVE reported that police officers fired pepper bullets directly at news crew during the protest.

Protests have also erupted in New York, Houston, Las Vegas, San Diego, Chicago and multiple other cities across the United States over the death of Floyd. Local media say more protests are expected to take place across the country through the weekend.

Floyd, aged 46, died on Monday after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, held him down with a knee on his neck though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." Chauvin was arrested and charged with three-degree murder and manslaughter earlier on Friday.

Floyd's plea before his death evoked African Americans' painful memories. In 2014, a cellphone recorded an unarmed black man, Eric Garner, repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" when a New York officer held him in a chokehold before his death in police custody. Since then, the plea has become a rallying cry at demonstrations against police misconduct across the country. 
Photo: Google Maps Osoyoos/Oroville border crossing

The COVID-19 lockdown and the ensuing U.S.-Canada border closure to all non-essential travel has driven e-commerce shipment traffic to all-time highs, officials in the customs brokerage industry said.

That phenomenon is creating significant opportunities for customs brokers to offset drops in conventional Canada-U.S. trade shipments - but also backlogs and increased wait times for delivery.

Graham Robins, president and CEO of A & A Customs Brokers, said the conventional, large-importer side of his business was down about 25% in April versus the same period last year - numbers that were in lockstep with numbers from the Canada Border Services Agency, which reported 1.26 million shipment releases into Canada during that month (down from 1.7 million in April 2019).

However, Robins also noted that A & As BorderBuddy brand - which handles specifically e-commerce and online purchases from consumers directly - saw in April a 35% spike in business, a trend that has not subsided since.

That business has just gone crazy, Robins said, who noted the initial catalyst for the boost in business was the lockdown itself and not the border closure.  We just felt that people were stuck on the computer, and many people just decided they might as well order something - whereas a lot of them normally would have just gone to the store. Calls about quotes doubled in the week after everything was shut down.

Since then, however, the U.S.-Canada border closure (now extended to at least June 21) has significantly altered Canadian consumers shopping habits when it comes to buying goods online - often from U.S. companies or distributors. Those behavioural changes are now fueling e-commerce shipping across the border, Robins said.

For instance, a large portion of Canadians buying online often make their purchases with retailers who dont ship to Canada. These retailers - many of whom can be found on Amazon.com, where Canadian shoppers frequent when they cannot find what they are looking for on Amazon.ca - then ship the orders to mailbox houses on the U.S. side of the border, most often in Blaine, Wash. for the Metro Vancouver market.

Now, with the border ban in place, Canadians who usually make the 45-minute trip to Blaine to pick up their orders suddenly have no capability to do so. This has lead to the rapid growth of services like BorderBuddy, which now offer the service of picking up packages from Blain mailbox houses, crossing the border as an import shipment then delivering the goods to consumers in Canada.

We literally had a case over the [Victoria Day] long weekend where a client had a canoe he couldnt get across, and he wanted to go canoeing that weekend - he could only get it to Blaine by himself, Robins said. People never had to look for help before because they could just drive down.

The consumer behavioural change, he added, may be for the long-haul. With the border closure now extended to at least late June, many consumers who were holding out hope of being able to pick up orders themselves in the U.S. are now turning to customs agents. In addition, the Blaine and other U.S. mailbox houses themselves find themselves needing to create a way to get goods to Canadian customers - lest that the Canadian portion of their business is lost completely.

Then theres the simple convenience factor, of which Robins has a personal example.

My sister lives in downtown Vancouver, and she used to drive an hour to Blaine to get something, Robins said. Shes now thinking, Cant I just get a service to bring it to my door or a local mall? Thats what we are going to see more of.

Canada may also see more U.S. retailers now looking for their own solutions for shipping to Canada, since letting consumers worry about crossing the border themselves is no longer an option, Robins noted.

In the meantime, the crush of e-commerce shipment traffic at the border is very real, and customs agents say the best bet to avoid delays in ones online orders may be to make sure who is handling the parcel-delivery process.

I feel a little unpatriotic saying this, but one of the problems has actually been the postal services, Robins noted. Theres a backlog there; UPS and Fedex have been pretty fantastic. Im a big e-commerce user myself, and when we buy something, anytime it says its shipping with Canada Post or the U.S. Postal Service, you cant trust it Shipping usually involves going through a hub-and-spoke system, and the postal services may not have the proper infrastructure there to handle things quickly.
Four Brazilian men were remanded in custody after appearing in court on firearms charges linked to an ongoing feud.

Hugo Henrique Rodrigues (23), of Inny Court, Ballymahon, Co Longford, and Sergio Machado Filho (36), of Temple Bar, Dublin, were refused bail by Judge Catherine Staines.

There were no bail applications for the other two accused men, Jefferson Dos Santos (34), also of Inny Court, Ballymahon, Co Longford, and Ildomar Cabrar De Silva (29), of no fixed abode.

Suspicious

All four men are accused of possession of firearms in suspicious circumstances at River Street, Clara, Co Offaly, on Wednesday, May 27 and with breaching the Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Opposing the bail applications, Inspector Brian Farrell said that there was evidence Mr Rodrigues was the driver of a car in which a sawn-off shotgun and a sub-machine gun were found.

Expand Close Ildomar Cabrar De Silva / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ildomar Cabrar De Silva

Inspector Farrell said that Mr Filho was the driver of another car which was in convoy with the vehicle driven by Mr Rodrigues.

He said gardai believed both firearms were going to be used to cause loss of life or serious injury.

Inspector Farrell said inquiries had linked the incident in Clara with an ongoing feud in Tullamore between two families.

Evidence from phone analysis indicated a Google map search for an address of one of the feuding families, he said.

Mr Rodrigues was in the State illegally since January 21, 2019 and was obliged to leave, but had not done so.

A bottle of petrol and a lighter were found in the car driven by Mr Filho and he had been seen earlier on CCTV in Enfield at the toll plaza and at Applegreen.

Inspector Farrell said gardai believed the petrol would be used to burn out the other vehicle.

Donal Farrelly, solicitor for Mr Rodrigues, applied for bail on the grounds that he had a permanent address in Ballymahon with his partner and he would sign on daily at a garda station.

Michael French, for Mr Filho, said his client denied any hand, act or part in the matters outlined by gardai.

He also said Mr Filho had concerns about his health because he had been admitted to hospital with a cough and breathing difficulties while in custody.

Judge Staines refused both bail applications and remanded the four men in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear at Cloverhill District Court on June 3 next.

She ordered that Mr Filho be tested immediately for Covid-19.
India is making efforts to develop vaccine to treat COVID-19 patients, which will cost USD 2-3 billion, said Prof K Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India, here on Thursday.

Prof Raghavan, who was speaking at a press conference here, said the vaccine is given to the normal population, not the sick people. "Hence it is necessary that it is properly tested and its quality and safety are ensured."

"Vaccine normally takes 10-15 years to develop and costs 200-300 million dollars. Our effort now is to do this in one year. Hence, we need to do parallel processing. Instead of working on only one COVID-19 vaccine, the world is working on over 100 vaccines at the same time," he said.

"We have to speed up regulatory processes, expand manufacturing capacity, and build the distribution systems. So, instead of 200-300 million dollars, it will cost 2-3 billion dollars," added Prof Raghavan.

According to him, in India three types of COVID-19 vaccine development efforts are being undertaken.

"There are three types of COVID-19 vaccine development efforts are being undertaken -- fully indigenous, collaboration with foreign players where we are leading and the collaboration where others are leading the development," he said.

Prof Raghavan said that RT-PCR test is to find the presence of the virus and is agnostic whether you have symptoms or not.

"Whether you are asymptomatic, if you have a virus, RT-PCR test will detect it. We have not seen any change in the fundamental properties of the virus so far. In the next few months both nationally and internationally tests will be available that can be done on an individual," he added.

Commenting upon the developments in serological diagnostic testing announced by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Prof Raghavan said: "ICMR and Department of Biotechnology laboratories have developed the protocol for a test called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This is a serological test in the sense that it looks at serum and test for anti-bodies. The test is highly specific and sensitive."

"The ICMR's test is being rolled out. This test has an important role to play, depending upon the level of specificity and sensitivity. For use on an individual level, certain bars are needed. If you do not have those bars, you can still use them for community testing in the context where you know what the community prevalence. There are other kinds of tests having more sensitivity which will be coming in a few months," he added.

Prof Raghavan also informed that All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have embarked on a drug discovery hackathon to fight against COVID-19.

He said the hackathon is a high-end hackathon where students are trained with information on how to do computational drug discovery.

Prof Raghavan said that India's vaccine manufacturing is world-class. "India is also one of the world's biggest generics manufacturers. Our vaccine companies are now also into vaccine development and R&D, not just manufacturing."

"There are about 30 groups in India including big industry, startups and academics, who are working on COVID-19 vaccine development. About 20 of them are keeping a good pace," he said.

Prof Raghavan said that as vaccine development is a very risky process, many firms will stockpile vaccines even before they are ready in the hope that this will be effective. "In this scenario, global consortia help mitigate risk and ensure equity of access," he added.

"When a vaccine is made, it is not like a switch which will be available for everyone from Day 1. Everyone would need this. Logistics of making COVID-19 vaccine accessible to everyone is a big challenge, this is being discussed now," he added.

Prof Raghavan said that as we are waiting for drugs and vaccines to fight against COVID-19, we need to do five things to win over COVID-19 -- hygiene, decontamination of surfaces, physical distancing, tracking, and testing.

"These are in our hands, as we wait for drugs and vaccines," he added.

Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog and Chairman, Empowered Group 1, said the fight against coronavirus will be won through vaccine and drugs as India's science and technology institutions and pharma industry are very strong.

"The fight against coronavirus will be won through vaccine and drugs. Our country's science and technology institutions and pharma industry are very strong. India's pharma industry is known as the pharmacy of the world and vaccines made in India are being used and are known all over the world," said Dr Paul, who was also addressing a press conference here.

Dr Paul, while highlighting India's efforts on the development of drugs, vaccines and technologies for testing, said: "We are very proud of our strong scientific base, strong pharmaceutical industry. All our scientific institutes are fighting against COVID-19."

The Central government has formed the Empowered Group 1 for coordinating medical emergency management plan in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

With 6,566 more coronavirus cases and 194 deaths reported in the past 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count reached 1,58,333 on Thursday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The number of active coronavirus cases stands at 86,110, while 67,692 people have recovered and one patient has migrated. The death toll due to the infection has reached 4,531 in the country.

-ANI

Also Read: SC gives detailed interim order on transportation of migrant labourers, key takeaways
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 17:52:09|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HARARE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China policy and backed China's top legislature's decision to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security, a senior official has said.

Zimbabwean Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told Xinhua on Thursday that the new law will help consolidate Hong Kong's security and stability, and protect it from Western interference.

Western countries that are obsessed with interventions always want to see people divided, Mutsvangwa said. "We are very much for the one-China policy and that is what we support as a country."

"We know the suffering when people are divided. We know China's policy toward Hong Kong has actually brought the people together as one and helped achieve the economic development," she added.

The minister said foreign intervention aimed at destabilizing Hong Kong was a "disgrace," which should be discouraged.

"Where there is unity, where there is peace. There is certainly development and so we support that law. We only hope that this foreign intervention does not continue to happen, because all that it does actually bring disunity and discord in a country and that affects the rate of development which China is moving at," she said. Enditem
New Delhi :

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Thursday indicated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have been Indias had the country gone for a military solution rather than taking a moral high ground.

Raha also rued that air power had not been fully utilised by the Indian government till the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

In unusually candid remarks, the Air Force chief termed PoK as a thorn in our flesh and said India did not follow a pragmatic approach to security needs.

He said Indias security environment is vitiated and aerospace power, as part of the military power, would be required to deter a conflict in the region and also ensure peace and tranquillity.

Our foreign policy was enshrined in the charter of the UN, charter of the Non-Alignment Movement as well as Panchseel doctrine.

We have been governed by high ideals and we really did not follow a very pragmatic approach, to my mind, to security needs. To that extent, we did ignore the role of the military power to maintain conducive environment, Raha said at an aerospace seminar here.

He said India as a country was reluctant to use military power, especially air power, in deterring adversaries, in deterring a conflict and when involved in conflict the country has been drawn into several times in the past.

He said when hordes of raiders attacked Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, it was the transport planes of the IAF which helped Indian soldiers and equipment to reach the battleground.

And when a military solution was in sight, taking moral high ground, I think we went to UN for a peaceful solution to this problem. The problem still continues. PoK remains a thorn in our flesh today, he said.

Raha said that in 1962, air power went under-utilised because of the fear of a skirmish.

In 1965 conflict, we did not use air power against East Pakistan because of political reasons despite Pakistani Air Force operating from East Pakistan attacking our air bases, infrastructure, aircraft on ground. We had severe setbacks but we never retaliated, he rued.

The IAF chief said the only time when air power was fully utilised was in 1971 war and the three forces blended completely resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.

But the situation has changed. We are ready to use air power to defend ourselves and deter a conflict, he said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A federal prosecutor Friday urged an appeals panel to revive a conspiracy case against Cliven Bundy, his two sons and a fourth man, arguing that a Nevada judges dismissal was unwarranted.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth White argued that any documents or information prosecutors failed to share with the defendants lawyers wasnt because of any willfulness or reckless disregard.

Theres not a single one of these documents we withheld because we did not want the defense to have it, White told a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals via a video conference hearing.

The government, White said, worked tirelessly and tried diligently to comply with all of its obligations and reviewed and produced hundreds of thousands of pages of documents, including 400 FBI reports. Prosecutors also kept an 87-page log itemizing tens of thousands of documents that they turned over, she said.

We missed a few things, White said. We overlooked a document here or didnt appreciate the relevance of a document there. What is clear is we fell short.

But she said the lapses didnt warrant the extreme sanction of dismissing with prejudice the entire indictment against the senior Bundy, his two sons and Ryan Payne, ending the case for good.

If anything, the trial judge could have dismissed some of the charges and should have allowed the rest of the case to proceed, she said.

Cliven Bundy, sons Ammon Bundy and Ryan Bundy and Payne, a militia leader from Montana, were indicted on conspiracy and other allegations, accused of rallying armed supporters to stop federal officers from impounding Bundy cattle near Bunkerville.

Government authorities were acting on a court order filed after Cliven Bundy failed to pay grazing fees and fines for two decades. The outnumbered federal contingent retreated and halted the cattle roundup on April 12, 2014.

Their trial in Nevada was closely watched in Oregon, where Cliven Bundy was arrested as he traveled to visit his sons in a separate standoff, this one in January 2016 in eastern Oregon. Ammon and Ryan Bundy had led the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro found that prosecutors engaged in a "deliberate attempt to mislead'' and made several misrepresentations to both the defense and the court about evidence related to a surveillance camera and snipers outside the Bundy ranch in early April 2014, as well as FBI threat assessments made in the case.

Attorney Amy Cleary, representing the Bundy brothers and Payne, argued that records disclosing the camera and snipers and a 2012 assessment that found the Bundys werent likely to be violent, would have directly bolstered her clients defense.

They were surrounded by snipers and afraid, she said, and werent providing false messaging to supporters about their fears.

Cleary said the judge gave prosecutors multiple opportunities, all the way through the start of the trial, to produce documents and explain why they hadnt shared the information.

Attorney Larry Klayman, representing Cliven Bundy, urged the court to uphold the dismissal of the case. What is absolutely correct is that there was flagrant abuse here, he said. Judge Navarro made the exact, correct decision.

Klayman referred to a report from whistleblower Larry Wooten, a lead Bureau of Land Management agent.

Wooten wrote in a memo that federal prosecutor Steven Myhre had removed him from the case after he raised concerns about far-reaching misconduct, recklessness and unrestrained antipathy by other federal agents toward the Bundy family.

Prosecutors shared the memo with defense lawyers as they were in the midst of the trial.

Had Wooten been called to testify, That would be the nail in the coffin of this prosecution, Klayman told the appeals panel.

Judge Paul J. Watford cut Klayman off, asking: Why are you telling us all of this?

Watford said the Wooten allegations are deeply disturbing. I grant you that, but he pointed out the trial judge didnt address it and its irrelevant in this appeal.

In court briefs, White characterized the Wooten memo as containing lurid accusations of misconduct against the Bureau of Land Management and said prosecutors turned it over to the defense two days after they received it from Associate Deputy Attorney General Andrew Goldsmith.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Subscribe to Facebook page

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.

Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter
Protests over the death of George Floyd have now come to President Donald Trumps doorstep.

Hours after Trump said the U.S. would not allow looters to drown out the voices of peaceful protestors" in the aftermath of Floyds death, hundreds of protestors gathered outside the White House in Washington, D.C., prompting the Secret Service to put the building on lockdown, according to multiple reports. The lockdown, which lasted at least an hour, was lifted at about 8:30, NBC News reported.

The May 25 arrest of Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, turned fatal in an incident that led to a murder charge Friday against a white police officer, Derek Chauvin. Other officers involved in Floyds arrest were fired and remain under investigation.

The protests came on the fourth night of unrest  which began in Minneapolis after an unarmed Floyd died when Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee for nearly 9 minutes.

Though he expressed sympathy for Floyds family Friday, Trump received widespread criticism for remarking on Twitter that when the looting starts, the shooting starts"  a phrase reportedly coined by a Miami police chief that employed racist tactics in the 1960s. Trump, who previously faced rebuke for saying there were some very fine people on both sides in a Charlottesville protest that involved white supremacists, later told reporters he was unaware of the phrases origins.

The protests outside also come as the country is still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic while the president pushes to reopen the American economy. In the White House Friday afternoon, surrounded by business executives presenting their reopening plans, Trump noted the National Guard was in Minnesota and said the unrest would not be permitted to escalate. He said he understood peaceful protestors but emphasized that the U.S. would not allow the situation to descend into lawless anarchy and chaos."

Just hours later, social media  which Trump blasted in a recent executive order making it easier to sue tech firms over alleged censorship and bias  was ablaze with images of marching, shouting, shoving and police cruisers on fire. In Boston, police appeared to use pepper spray on a crowd gathered outside a station. In Atlanta, a police car burned near a massive crowd outside the CNN Center in Atlanta, according to The New York Times.

The situation outside a #Boston police station has boiled over.@WaleAliyu on scene as a peaceful protest has devolved into pepper spray, pushing and panic.

4th night of protests in cities across U.S over the death of #GeorgeFloyd @boston25 https://t.co/vk2xEAUk9J  Scott McDonnell (@ScottMcDonnell_) May 30, 2020

NBC News reporter Peter Alexander said the Secret Service ordered the White House lockdown due to protests outside the gates. Alexander and several other reporters remained inside the West Wing as of 7:30 p.m.

Secret Service personnel are currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park. In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful. pic.twitter.com/sCFGP1PrCU  U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) May 30, 2020

Multiple videos showed protestors clashing with Secret Service Police in Lafayette Park near the White House.

A video posted by Fin Gomez of CBS News showed one protestor vandalizing a building by spray painting it with a profanity directed at the president.

The protest then headed to in front of the White House. A protester was taken by the USSS in front of Pennsylvania Ave into an adjacent federal building. Unclear what he did.A couple men then splintered off from the group and spray painted F*ck Trump on the building. @cbsnews pic.twitter.com/OVwPu0PF6X  Fin Gomez (@finnygo) May 29, 2020

According to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, the officer kept his knee on Floyds neck for nearly 9 minutes  including 2 minutes and 53 seconds after Floyd was non-responsive.

Police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous, the complaint said.

The president on Friday noted many protestors were good people protesting for the right reason, in honor of a man where something happened that shouldnt have happened."

"I want to express our Nation's deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathies to the family of George Floyd." pic.twitter.com/eGRIJCiHUa  The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 29, 2020

We all saw what we saw, Trump said. Should never be allowed to happen, a thing like that. But were determined that justice be served.

Trump has ordered an expedited investigation by the FBI and Justice Department into the matter.

Related Content:
New Jersey residents are now required to wear a mask in certain areas of state parks and forests, park officials announced on Friday evening.

According to a post shared by officials on the State Park Services Facebook page, visitors must wear masks in and around all gatehouses, restrooms and reopened park buildings.

Officials explained that face coverings have become obligatory as state parks and forests continue to reopen its services, because with more amenities, visitors will be in contact with others more often.

Visitors are strongly encouraged but not required to wear a mask when alone in other areas of parks and forests but must wear one when around others, according to the post.

Social distancing remains mandatory at all state parks and forests, which have limited their parking capacity to 50% to avoid overcrowding. Picnic areas, tables and grills remain closed, though visitors are allowed to picnic in open areas as long as they remain six feet apart from others.

State park officials are asking state park and forest visitors to stay no longer than two hours to make room for others.

While at a park, visitors are encouraged by officials to share a selfie on social media using the hashtags #iheartNJParks and #MaskUp and spread the word to their New Jersey family, friends and neighbors.

Earlier in the day, the State Park Service shared a post that has since been removed stating that New Jersey residents were required to bring a mask with them when visiting state parks and forests, and must wear them in additional spaces, including park trails, paths and beach access points.

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.
Boris Johnson told EU leaders they have until September to strike a deal amid fears they are 'running down the clock', as crucial Brexit talks are due to resume this week.

Britain has accused the European Union of trying to string out Brexit trade talks in the hope the UK will agree to its terms.

But the Prime Minister has warned that any delays from Brussels will not persuade the UK to extend the transition period past December 31.

Britain and the EU will attempt to revive the imperilled trade talks on Tuesday, entering a crucial week of negotiations that could mark the final hope for a deal.

Boris Johnson has told EU leaders they have until September to strike a deal, as Brexit talks are due to resume this week. Pictured, Boris Johnson speaks with Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel and other officials during a European Union Summit in Brussels in October 2019

Britain's chief negotiator David Frost has warned EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier that the speed of trade deal talks this week needs to increase.

But French president Emmanuel Macron reportedly said he is too busy fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

A source close to negotiations said: 'We will be quickly fixed on the outcome, by Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the tone of the discussions.'

Hundreds of officials will hold video talks all week from London and Brussels in the fourth, and last, scheduled round of negotiations since Britain formally left the EU on January 31.

The previous round ended in acrimony when Michel Barnier asked David Frost to watch his 'tone' in a tetchy exchange of letters.

The EU and Britain have until the end of the year to reach a deal, without which trade links could be seriously compromised, even as the fallout from the coronavirus saps their economies.

The two sides have until the end of the month to extend the talks by one or two years according to the terms of the divorce, but Britain have rejected this idea.

There will also be a special summit to assess the talks next month, at which Boris Johnson will work out the best way forward with EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel.

Britain's chief negotiator David Frost (left) has warned EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier that the speed of trade deal talks this week need to increase. Pictured on March 2, 2020, in the first round of post-Brexit trade deal talks

No date has been set for the high-level meeting, which was foreseen in the political declaration signed alongside the Brexit withdrawal agreement in October.

Asked about next week's talks, Barnier said Britain will have to reveal its true intentions.

'I expect that I will find out whether the United Kingdom wants to leave the single market at the end of this year with an agreement or without one,' he told Germany's Deutschlandfunk radio.

Britain refuses to make commitments to match EU standards on health, environment, state aid and other concerns in order to win the deal.

London wants a standard trade deal similar to those given to Japan, Canada and South Korea and refuses the EU's call for a far-reaching structure that would encompass security, research and defence.

'What the EU is asking of us is unprecedented in any of the free trade agreements that they signed, or indeed contemplated signing, with other economies,' senior UK minister Michael Gove told British lawmakers.

French president Emmanuel Macron (pictured visiting a factory of manufacturer Valeo in Etaples on May 26) reportedly said he is too busy fighting the coronavirus pandemic, as Britain and the EU will attempt to revive trade talks on Tuesday

But Stefaan de Rynck, an adviser to Barnier, said there was little chance for a breakthrough with the level playing field the crux of the matter.

'I think we need to move beyond the kind of idea that signing up to international commitments that are legally binding would have some kind of threat to national democracy,' he told a panel at the Institute for Government think-tank.

But the EU fear that a Britain unshackled from EU standards but enjoying zero-tariff trade ties could become a backdoor for companies to compete unfairly in the EU single market.

The EU, after the urging of France, is pushing hard for an ambitious deal on fishing in which EU vessels could enjoy the same access to British waters as they did before the divorce.

Phil Hogan, the EU's Trade Commissioner, wondered whether Britain actually wanted a deal.

'Perhaps the United Kingdom have come to the conclusion that there's not going to be a deal. I hope not,' Hogan told MEPs earlier this week.

'Perhaps this is more strategic than substance, but we certainly need confidence building measures in the next round of negotiations,' he said.
In Thorndale, Chester County, Happy Day's Family Bistro waitress Angeline Vega (right) serves food to customers as Frank Karolczak looks on in the restaurant parking lot on Friday. The bistro offers "carhop" service during the coronavirus pandemic. People drive up, place their order, and get food delivered to their car. Read more

Christian advocates followed through on a promise to sue New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy over restrictions on in-person services during the pandemic, claiming his closure orders violate their First Amendment right to the exercise of religion.

More than two dozen churches jointly filed the federal lawsuit Friday, seeking to overturn limits that have effectively halted traditional services for more than two months.

The suit is part of a broader, national push by houses of worship to open their doors with accompanying safety precautions, and came on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a church in California that sought to circumvent COVID-19 restrictions. New Jersey churches fell under a prohibition on indoor gatherings of more than 10 people, aimed at trying to slow the spread of a virus thats now killed more than 103,000 Americans, including more than 11,000 in New Jersey.

On Saturday, the coronavirus deadly march was pushed off front pages for the first time in months, as the countrys attention turned to the fiery protests ignited in Philadelphia and other cities by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The virus itself took no pause. As of Saturday more than 1.7 million Americans have tested positive, nearly four times that of second-place Brazil, according to Johns Hopkins University.

New Jersey officials reported 910 new cases on Saturday, for a total of 159,608. And 113 more people died, raising the toll in the state to 11,634. Brigantine police had to shut down access to Jetty Beach because of overcrowding. It was not clear when the beach, at Brigantines southernmost point, might reopen.

Pennsylvania health authorities reported 680 more cases for a total of 71,415. The death count stood at 5,537.

Philadelphia officials announced 224 new infections Saturday, marking the fourth day in the last week that the city had more than 200 cases  even as leaders plan to move into the first phase of reopening next week.

The new cases raised the city total to 22,629, and six new fatalities brought the death toll to 1,278.

Falling daily numbers of cases and deaths in many areas have created hope, but more than a dozen states have seen rising counts, and some places that celebrated their reopening are now scaling back.

For instance, tiny, 30,000-person Lassen County in Northern California was among the first in the state to reopen in early May, but has had to reverse course because of a resulting outbreak, the Huffington Post reported.

While Lassen County had no confirmed cases for the past three months, we were fully aware of the risk that the virus could come to our community, the county public-health officer, Dr. Kenneth Korver, told the Huffington news site. Unfortunately, this did happen and we now have a serious problem.

 READ MORE: With the pandemic, a possible end to a program that gives immigrants a fighting chance in court

In a positive sign in Pennsylvania, 18 counties now have moved to the color-coded green phase of reopening, and 16 more will do so next week. In the Bradford County community of Sayre, the shift to green made Friday night seem like, well, Friday night.

 READ MORE: Immigrant health-care workers fight the pandemic as possible deportation looms

Some customers wore masks when they entered Blue Stone Brewing, but they didnt have to keep them on  and none did. Dine-in eating and a loosening of mask requirements were among the restrictions that were lifted Friday morning.

Some officials in the Philadelphia area remain skeptical of the push to move Southeastern Pennsylvania to yellow on Friday.

As hard-hit Philadelphia prepared to enter the yellow phase, the Kenney administrations new Safer at Home guidelines aim to create additional time for recovery and safety.

The administration recommends no social or religious gatherings during the first phase of reopening, in which parts of the economy including office-based businesses, manufacturing, and retail can restart. Customers entering businesses will be offered hand sanitizer, employees will wipe down surfaces every four hours, and owners will limit capacity to five people per 1,000 square feet.

In announcing a mini-step forward, Mayor Jim Kenney said the incremental loosening of restrictions does not mean the city has beaten the coronavirus. Residents must continue social distancing and wearing masks.
Kensington Palace recently made a rare move about Kate Middleton's cover story on Tatler magazine titled "Catherine the Great."

The Palace defended the 38-year-old duchess and lashed out at the publication for their report which "contains a swathe of inaccuracies and false misrepresentations" which were not put to Kensington Palace prior to publication," according to Insider.

Friction Between The Two Duchess

The controversial story was written by Anna Pasternak. Her source -- an alleged friend of the couple -- revealed to her that the royal mom "feels exhausted and trapped" after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially stepped down from their roles as senior royals, leaving her with a ton of workload.

Tatler also cited that the two duchesses had a "row" whether Meghan's bridesmaids should wear tights during her royal wedding in 2018.

Royal Watchers Furious Over Kensington Palace's Response

Meanwhile, royal correspondent Richard Palmer took to Twitter to share the palace's response regarding the alleged incident between Meghan and Kate.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge aren't happy about a piece on Kate in Tatler magazine," Palmer wrote. "Earlier, royal sources said a claim in the piece that Kate felt furious, exhausted and trapped after Harry and Meghan's exit left her with a bigger workload was untrue."

The royal correspondent received a mixed reaction from the public and even questioned the stance of Kensington Palace when the Sussexes were under fire by the press.

"So Kensington Palace can come out and deny this story with ease and stories about Cather getting Botox but when the Sussex's were under the KP umbrella, they were left to the wolves. I wonder what happened to that stiff upper lip?" one commented.

Another concerned netizen accused the palace of tainting Meghan's image to make Kate look like the good royal.

"Why didn't they say anything two years ago when the articles first came out? yes, they enjoyed the bullying Meghan received, pathetic, hypocrites, they wanted Meghan to look bad and Kate to look good now it's time for her to cry for the whole world to see."

A third critic asked: "Where was the outrage for Meghan??"

Meghan Markle's Cries Ignored By The Royal Family

Earlier this week, The Times cited that the former "Suits" actress felt that she was an "outsider" to the royal family, leading her to push for Megxit.

"Meghan was convinced there was a conspiracy against her and so she basically put herself in isolation when they moved to Frogmore," a source told royal expert Katie Nicholl.

The Daily Mail previously mentioned that the Duchess of Sussex told her friends that if Kate was in her shoes and was constantly being criticized by the media, "the royal family would have stepped in and changed its media policies."

This also prompted Prince Harry to take a stand for his family and protect Meghan and their 1-year-old son Archie.

After they officially exited the monarchy, the family of three have been living in a Beverly Hills mansion which is reportedly owned by media mogul Tyler Perry.

READ MORE: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Still Mad At Each Other? The TRUTH!
In the first year of his second term in office, Narendra Modi has seen tremendous political and ideological success. But this period has also led to questions about the robustness of institutions; social harmony; and economic management. It has also made it clear that Modis legacy will be determined by how he handles the gravest crisis independent India has seen in decades  the coronavirus pandemic.

First, this year has been a success for him, both on the political and ideological front. Politically, when he took over a year ago, Modi was armed with a resounding mandate  a mandate bigger than the one the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got in 2014. It was a vote for stability; it was a vote for national security (in the wake of the Pulwama attacks); it was a vote for the welfare schemes his government pushed in its first term (Ujjwala, rural housing, toilet construction, direct income transfer to farmers); it was a vote which reflected the dismal state of the Opposition; but it was, above all else, a vote for Modi and his leadership.

There have been state-level setbacks that the BJP has faced over the year. It lost Maharashtra and Jharkhand, it failed to win Delhi, and it just about managed to retain Haryana. But none of this has dented the fact that Modi remains Indias most popular mass leader.

It has also been a year of ideological success. Ever since the BJPs predecessor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, was formed, integrating Kashmir with the rest of India, by removing Article 370, has been a foundational pillar of the worldview of the party and its ideological affiliates. On August 5, the Modi government did precisely this by effectively nullifying the special status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir, and dividing the state into two Union territories.

Ever since the BJP passed its famous Palanpur resolution in 1989, the Ram Temple has been an article of faith for the party. The government may not have had a direct role, but the Supreme Courts verdict enabling the construction of the temple in Ayodhya marked a political and ideological success for Modi. The fate of Hindu minorities in neighbouring countries has figured in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs official resolutions for decades. The passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA  which enables expedited Indian citizenship for non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan  marked a step in this direction, cementing the Sanghs view of India as the natural homeland for Hindus. And while the Uniform Civil Code may be elusive, the party believes that with the passage of the triple talaq bill, it has taken a step closer to eroding the framework of distinct laws for minorities.

But this has also been a year which has, arguably, left India with a set of deeper defects and challenges.

The first is a democracy deficit. Electoral democracy in India remains robust. But a democracy also hinges on a set of other variables  the state of individual freedom, civil liberties, and independent institutions. Kashmir is a symbolic example of this democracy deficit. To be sure, it is a special case because of the challenge of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. But many  including this newspaper  supported the effective abrogation of Article 370 because it was meant to give citizens of Jammu and Kashmir the same rights as citizens of India elsewhere. But the past year  which has seen the prolonged detention of leaders, curbs on political activity, the inability to hold elections, the suspension of high-speed Internet  has in fact diminished rights for the people of the region.

This democracy deficit extends to the rest of the country in other forms. There are regular crackdown on dissidents and critics of the government through draconian legislations and use of investigative agencies; it has also manifested itself in the weakness of other institutions  be it the Election Commission or the Supreme Court  to assert their own space in the face of a strong executive. None of this is unique to the functioning of the current government, but that is little consolation.

The second deficit is of social harmony. When Modi spoke in Parliament after his second victory, he extended his motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas to include Sabka Vishwas. He reached out to the minorities, which was a promise of a fresh beginning, given the trust deficit that exists between the BJP and Muslims in particular. But as the party pushed forward its ideological agenda, this trust deficit only grew. The protests against CAA and a possible National Register of Citizens (which the government later claimed was not on the agenda) symbolised the deep mistrust and anger that Muslims in particular have for the current political dispensation. The government defended its decisions and even made a strong case about how the legislation will not impact the rights of Muslims  but the fact is it was seen by minorities as changing the fundamental secular character of the Constitution. This has resulted in the worsening of Hindu-Muslim relations over the past year. Given Indias diversity, this is worrying and can have adverse consequences on the political framework, inter-community ties on the ground, and internal security.

The third big weakness was in the realm of economic management. Growth rate in 2019-2020, as Fridays figures revealed, was 4.2%. In every quarter of the year, growth has decelerated. Core industrial activity has dropped. Consumption has dipped. And unemployment has risen. It is noteworthy that the 2019-2020 GDP figures only take into account a week of the national lockdown, which shows that the economy was in the most fragile condition that it has been over a decade even before the pandemic came home. Modi has now had six years in office  and the government cannot pass the buck to its predecessor anymore.

But if these were the contours of the first year in office, it is now clear that the Modi legacy will be defined almost singularly by how he manages to steer India through the pandemic. The government showed decisiveness in imposing a national lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus  but it may have underestimated the scale of economic devastation and the humanitarian crisis that would accompany the lockdown. India faces a triple challenge now. On the health front, cases are continuing to rise  and the health infrastructure is under strain. On the economic front, the Indian economy is set to contract, which will leave many businesses unviable, and deepen poverty. And on the humanitarian front, as the migrant worker crisis revealed, Indias poorest will have to face the worst consequences of the crisis. How Narendra Modi migrates these challenges and helps India revive is the key question for 2024.

letters@hindustantimes.com

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
In the first week of this May, the Chinese and Indian troops had serious clashes on the banks of the lake leaving dozens of soldiers injured. Most of the injured ones were from the Indian Army.





by Ali Sukhanver

View from Pakistan





The Pakistan Army has recently said in a statement that it shot down an Indian surveillance drone for allegedly violating airspace along the Line of Control. The drone had intruded 600 meters inside across the LoC on the Pakistani side in Sankh sector. The Pakistan Army said this intrusion was purely a provocative act and there was no other way but to shoot it down just to convey a message that Pakistan would never bear any type of intrusion into its territory. Such unwarranted acts by the Indian Army were a clear violation of established norms and existing air agreement between two countries, said the spokesperson of the Pakistan Army. It is not for the first time that India has sent spy-drone to Pakistani territory; Indias sending spy-drones to Pakistan is not a new incident; even last year in the month of March another Indian-drone of the same type was shot down by Pakistan along the Line of Control. As a matter of fact, the recent intrusion and incidents of the same nature in the past reflect Indias consistent disregard to the ceasefire understanding of 2003. Unfortunately it is not only Pakistan; all other neighbours of India are also facing the same situation regarding Indian hegemonic designs.





Uncertain future of the peace zone

Recently the government of Nepal has also expressed its grave resentment on Indian activities inside its territory. This resentment was specifically with reference to the Kalapani Territory. According to the details in the second week of this May the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a strategically crucial link road which connects Dharchula in the Indian state of Uttarakhand to the Lipulekh pass near the Line of Actual Control. The southern side of the pass is called Kalapani territory and Nepal claims this territory as its integral part. The Government of Nepal has warned the Government of India to refrain from carrying out any activity inside the territory of Nepal. The people of Nepal are also taking this inauguration as a serious intrusion and invasion to their country. On 9th of May several people gathered outside the Indian embassy in Kathmandu and protested against the construction of this road-link. They were holding placards and raising slogans against Indian hegemonic designs. According to different news agencies, people in a large number joined the protest despite a nationwide coronavirus lockdown though all necessary SOPs were strictly followed.





Same is the situation of Indias affairs with China. Presently the international media is replete with the news of clashes between the Indian and the Chinese troops along the LAC. It has also been reported that after three-week long confrontation, the Chinese forces have pushed Indian troops far back from their actual position. The basic reason of this rising tension rather the bone of contention is that India is working on construction plan of a road at the Pangong Tso which would connect the disputed border between the two countries. Pangong Tso also known as the Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas. An endorheic means a basin-like shape limited drainage water reservoir which normally retains water but does not allows outflow to other external bodies of water, such as rivers or oceans. Instead it converges into lakes or swamps, permanent or seasonal. At its broadest point the width of the Pangong Tso Lake is about 5 Km and this 134 km long lake travels from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. On construction of this connecting road, China has serious reservations as this road may prove a security threat to China.





In the first week of this May, the Chinese and Indian troops had serious clashes on the banks of the lake leaving dozens of soldiers injured. Most of the injured ones were from the Indian Army. Once again on 9th of May the two armies had another serious clash close to the site of the Doklam standoff. Doklam is a narrow plateau lying in the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan. According to China, Doklam is a disputed territory between China and Bhutan. China considers the presence of Indian troops in that area is as a transgression. On the other hand India claims that it acts in the area on behalf of Bhutan, with which it has a 'special relationship'. The situation of conflict and confrontation between the two countries at Doklam is not new, even three years back in 2017; the situation became tense in the same way when the military troops of the two countries engaged in a warlike scenario.





Encroachments and illegal advancements by the Indian troops in this area have always been a strong reason of conflict and dispute between the two countries. Keeping the neighboring countries engaged in a state of war has become a routine matter for India. From Pakistan to Nepal and Sri Lanka, none of the neighboring countries is having safe and friendly relations with India. Experts are of the opinion that Indian stubbornness may lead to a new war in the region which would directly or indirectly affect the peace of the whole South Asia. Creating a warlike scenario is never a wise desire particularly in the days when the whole world is in a state of war with the pandemic of Covid-19. We all should join hands to combat this invisible but very disastrous common enemy.





Views expressed in this article are the author's own
Water supply is one of the more aspects of city infrastructure, which is why the Plainview City Council this week approved a contract with HDR Engineering to develop a long-range water supply plan for the city.

HDR is an engineering firm, said City Manager Jeffrey Snyder. They specialize in water planning across the state.

The citys water supply is in good shape. The purpose of entering the contract with HDR Engineering is to ensure that supply continues to be plentiful in the long-term for the next 10 to 20 years, he added.

The city put out a request for qualifications for water supply planning services back in January. Six responses were received and narrowed down to HDR Engineering.

The company will lead stakeholder workshop, assess supply and create usage scenarios to create a plan and present the results to the Council upon completion. The project is anticipated to take 28 weeks and will cost $105,600.

The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the contract. Councilman Evan Weiss was absent.

The Council also unanimously approved the second reading of a zoning change at the 3400 block of Quincy St. across from the Walmart Distribution Center. The area was zoned as a multi-family zone. The individual who made the zoning request proposed it to be turned into a general commercial zone. At the last meeting on May 12, it was stated that the change would accommodate a vehicle repair shop.

Two coronavirus funding-related items were also approved.

The Texas Department of Emergency Management is disbursing CARES Act funding and Plainview is eligible to receive up to $1,140,700.

Snyder told the Council Tuesday that the monies have to be used for expenditures including medical expenses, public health expenses, payroll, expenses of actions to facilitate compliance with virus-related health measures, expenses related to economic support and/or expenses for the function of government.

The Council granted approval to complete the grant application for that funding and for Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding. Snyder said the South Plains Association of Governments is distributing some of those funds to area governments.

Other items approved by the City Council include adopting the next phase of reopening for the state, previous meeting minutes and the agreement between the City of Plainview and the YMCA for the operation of the outdoor aquatic center.
President Trump said Saturday that he will postpone until at least September the annual Group of Seven meeting of world leaders, which he had wanted to hold in-person by the end of June at the White House as the administration tries to project a return to normalcy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Baojun, a brand under SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture, on March 13 saw its second model to be sold globally came off the production line, according to a post on SGMW's WeChat account.



(Photo source: SGMW's WeChat account)



Code-named CN180S, the new model is namely the Baojun 510 for Chinese market and will be tagged with the marque of Chevrolet after being exported to South America.

The automaker said the SOP (standard operating procedure) of the CN180S MT will kick off in June and will be exported to such countries and regions as South America, the Middle East and Mexico afterwards with an expected annual volume of 10,000 units.

Prior to the CN180S, Baojun tapped the South American market with its Baojun 530 code-named CN202S, which bears the name of all-new Chevrolet Captiva there. Besides, the compact SUV also made foray into Indonesia and India, and are well received by local consumers.



(Photo source: Baojun's WeChat account)



SGMW announced its Jan.-Apr. export volume of complete vehicles and knock down kits totaled 28,926 units, of which over 19,000 units were from the Baojun 530. In April, 4,217 units/sets of the global strategic model were exported, a remarkable year-on-year growth of 131.1%.

As the COVID-19 spread has not calmed down outside China, SGWM is still confronted with complicated challenges in overseas business expansion. The automaker said its will dash with all its might to build the second global model CN180S by tapping into overseas market demands and coordinating powers of product, procurement, marketing, manufacture and quality departments.

Gasgoo not only offers timely news and profound insight about China auto industry, but also help with business connection and expansion for suppliers and purchasers via multiple channels and methods. Buyer service: buyer-support@gasgoo.com Seller Service: seller-support@gasgoo.com

All Rights Reserved. Do not reproduce, copy and use the editorial content without permission. Contact us: autonews@gasgoo.com.
By Delana Isles

TWO months after the first application of treatment to reefs affected with the deadly stony coral disease, the TCI Reef Fund environmental organisation has reported some success.





Earlier in May, volunteers from the fund were able to visit the sites to gauge the progress of the treatments that were applied in March this year.





Don Stark, director of the TCI Reef Fund, reported that the corals in those locations have not succumbed to the disease and show no new lesions.





"Were thankful to say that we were able to go out on Monday and Tuesday this week and re-visit our first treatment transect as well as set up and treat a second one, he said.





"After seven plus weeks out of the water it is very clear that this disease has continued to spread along our reefs.





As such, he and his volunteers have applied treatment to more affected corals.





Back in March, treatments were applied to corals in the North West Point area.





The treatments being carried out by the Reef Fund and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), are both experimental.





The Reef Funds experiment is making use of antibiotic paste, initially in three sites around the TCI. These are the ones that have shown progress.





Earlier this week, media reported on how the reef fund had mixed and applied the treatment.





Stark said: "We are using an ointment which was specifically developed for use on corals.





"Amoxicillin is incorporated into the ointment which creates a time release formulation of amoxicillin that is applied to the edge of the disease lesion just like youd put triple antibiotic ointment on a cut on your hand.





"This work is being done under the direct supervision of the DECR.





Stark also stated that there is still no data that shows any negative effect on overall water quality.





He added that the amounts being used are incredibly low, and the base used to administer it was

designed specifically with the intention to put the treatment directly onto the coral for absorption.





In addition, amoxicillin has an unstable structure and will break down very quickly should any leach out of the ointment.





The DECR has carried out chlorine treatments in other affected sites. To date there has been no indication as to how successful these experiments have been.





Coral reefs occupy less than two percent of the ocean floor, but they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, sustaining an estimated quarter of marine species.





The stony coral disease - the cause of which is unknown - spreads quickly, completely destroying the soft tissue of many species of stony coral, killing them within weeks or months of becoming infected.




Pima Countys nine major school districts will receive nearly $31 million in federal coronavirus relief funds, the Arizona Department of Education announced Friday.

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund contains nearly $250 million for Arizona K-12 schools, including district schools, many charter schools and nonprofit private schools.

The money is distributed to school districts based on their percentage of low-income children.

Tucsons largest school district, TUSD, is receiving nearly $18.6 million.

Arizona Department of Education guidance says the CARES Act funds should be spent in three phases.

The first is relief: meeting the immediate needs of school closures and planning for summer school.

The second is preparation and prevention: preparing for schools to reopen and possible future disruptions because of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

The third phase is recovery: managing the ongoing needs of students and schools while building safe learning environments.

Tucsons other major school districts are receiving the following amounts:

Sunnyside  $5.7 million

Amphitheater  $3.1 million

Flowing Wells  $1.2 million

Marana  $1.1 million

Vail  $428,000

Sahuarita  $362,000

Catalina Foothills  $169,000

Tanque Verde  $75,000

Of the nearly $18.6 million allocated to Tucson Unified, 9% is required to go to nonprofit private schools within its boundary, according to Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo.
During the pandemic, people stuck at home are trying new things, ranging from learning guitar to baking ever more exotic breads.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

During the pandemic, people stuck at home are trying new things, ranging from learning guitar to baking ever more exotic breads.

A modest suggestion: Maybe its time to expand your taste in film.

We get it. Its a scary time and its a consoling thing to watch familiar movies and sitcoms to give you the comfortably numb feeling of life BC (before COVID).

But lets also acknowledge its an interesting time for movie-watchers. The Hollywood studio machine is more or less on hold, and films that would have otherwise been packing the multiplexes by this time  the latest Bond film No Time to Die, or the Marvel Universe entry Black Widow  are in postponement stasis until the multiplex is deemed safe again.

For fans of any given genre, it doesnt mean you have to wait. The alternative is to seek out worthwhile films viewable on demand that might otherwise be passed over for seductive studio fare.

Northern Banner Releasing Former Winnipegger Jonas Chernicks sci-fi flick, James Vs. His Future Self, features a scientist obsessed with time travel who is visited by his older iteration, played by Daniel Stern.

With that in mind, Take 5 presents a few suggestions to take your enjoyment of cinema outside the multiplex box.

1. For rom-com fans: James Vs. His Future Self

Former Winnipegger Jonas Chernick had a pretty nifty idea for a science-fiction film. A scientist obsessed with time travel is visited by his more aged iteration, who has come from the future to warn him that his efforts, while ultimately successful, will only ruin his life. Its a modestly budgeted Canadian film, but director James Lalonde enjoys the benefit of casting Daniel Stern as the older version of Chernicks socially inept scientist James, just as he is on the cusp of a meaningful relationship with fellow brainiac Courtney (Cleopatra Coleman).

Stern, probably still best known as one of the "Wet Bandits" in the Home Alone movies, is an electric presence and he powers the movie, bringing a delightful unpredictability into one of the more predictable genres. Yet he is movingly tender at times, as when he has a conversation with Courtney and can barely suppress the love hes longed to express for decades.

Need further incentive? The movie is currently rated 100 per cent at Rotten Tomatoes.

2. For fans of international thrillers: Bacurau

Mongrel Media The Traitor brings an immediacy to the Mob movie and a sense organized crime is a clear and present danger to those it touches, whether the innocent or the corrupt.

Cinematheque at Home presented this marvellous, genre-jumping whatsit last month, and I still cant stop thinking about it. Set in the titular Brazilian village a few years hence, it follows the eccentric citizens as they cope with the death of a village elder, only to realize their whole community is about to come under attack by a cadre of rich jerks who have paid for a homicidal spree.

It bounces between social satire and star-crossed romance  public health nurse Teresa (Barbara Colen) is drawn to local outlaw Pacote (Thomas Aquino)  before landing in the realm of the action thriller, with the villagers pitted against bad guys led by the always fascinating Udo Kier. Like the recent tone-deaf action-satire The Hunt, this shares some DNA to the classic story The Most Dangerous Game. But Bacurau is so much more interesting, more textured and infinitely more satisfying.

3. For Mafia-movies fans: The Traitor

Much as we may love Martin Scorsese, you have to appreciate Italian-made films about the Mafia. Case in point: Marco Bellocchios The Traitor brings an immediacy to the Mob movie, a sense that the Mob is a clear and present danger to those it touches, the innocent and the corrupt.

Its the true story of mobster-turned-informer Tommaso Buscetta (Pierfrancesco Favino), once a soldier for the Sicilian Mob. Brutally convinced to testify against his former confederates, he engages with anti-Mafia judge Giovanni Falcone (Fausto Russo Alesi) and ultimately spills on just about everyone, as we come to understand what drove the fatal wedge between him and his fellow mobsters in the first place.

Bellocchio, adapting a true story, uses the facts of the case to gleefully puncture the balloon of Mafiosi dignity. As Buscetta, Favino is a terrific presence, charismatic as past Italian tough guys such as Lino Ventura. Yet he nobly resists the impulse to turn his hoodlum into a hero. In Italian with English subtitles.

Kino Lorber Genre-jumping Bacurau bounces between social satire and star-crossed romance.

4. For science-fiction fans: Color Out of Space

Director Richard Stanley had a promising start  his 1990 indie feature Hardware was a solid science-fiction offering  before things sidetracked horribly when he was fired from the 1996 feature The Island of Dr. Moreau. Color Out of Space, based on the much-filmed story by H.P. Lovecraft, is something of a late-career comeback.

Nicolas Cage  in unhinged mode  plays the patriarch of a family with issues: his wife Theresa (Joely Richardson) is a cancer survivor trying to re-establish her career from home; daughter Lavinia (Madeleine Arthur) is acting out a fascination with the occult; son Benny (Brendan Meyer) is an aspiring pothead; and younger son Jack (Julian Hilliard) is, well, stressed about everything. An alien visitation warps their rural home with nightmarish mutations. For all its grotesque visual effects, Stanley is aiming to make Lovecraft relevant, with a movie about an environmental catastrophe that, while not man-made, is dismayingly recognizable.

5. For horror fans: The Lighthouse

Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Director Robert Eggers followup to his atmospheric horror story The Witch casts Willem Dafoe as a crusty old seaman who shows up for lighthouse duty with the younger Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson), a "wickie" in training.

The outpost in New England is picturesquely desolate. But the conflict between the two men turns madly baroque as Winslow comes to believe something is seriously wrong with this place. (Among other things, a malevolent seagull seems to have it in for him.)

The Lighthouse ultimately registers as a surreal prison movie in which the inmates are oppressed, not by an institution but by their own destructive masculine impulses, all let loose in the most phallic of architecture.

Eggers renders it in provocative fashion with a heavily stylized look and sound, including gorgeous black and white cinematography and a squarish aspect ratio that suits the vertical nature of the setting. Pattinson, it turns out, was meant to be photographed in black-and-white.

randall.king@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @FreepKing

If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more.

Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project.
Reporting on the arrest of a CNN reporter and his crew by Minnesota state police on Friday morning, Fox News anchor Sandra Smith framed the incident as a he said-he said situation despite the entire ordeal being broadcast on live television.

Reporting from Minneapolis after another night of violent protests over the death of George Floyd, CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez found himself surrounded by a group of cops clad in riot gear. As the situation was broadcast on CNNs New Day, Jimenez showed the officers his credentials and calmly asked them where they would like the crew to move.

Just put us back where you want us, we were getting out of your way, Jimenez is heard saying to several officers. So, just let us know. Wherever you want us, we will go. We were just getting out of your way while you were advancing through the intersection. Just let us know, and weve got you.

A moment later, Jimenez was told that he was under arrest and placed in handcuffs. Shortly after the CNN reporter was marched off, officers grabbed the producer and cameraman, placing them under arrest as well. All three were released within hours, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz apologizing to CNN over the incident.

During Fridays broadcast of Americas Newsroom, Smith delivered a short news report on Jimenezs arrest. Police in Minneapolis arresting a CNN reporter and his crew as the reporter was covering the protests there earlier this morning, she said. They were all released a couple of hours later and are back on the air.

Smith continued: Police are saying the crew was asked to move and they refused, CNN is denying that. The governor of Minnesota issued an apology calling the arrest unacceptable, and we will hear from the governor at the top of the next hour.

Fox did not broadcast the video showing Jimenez specifically offering to move out of the way and go wherever the cops wanted his crew to go.

The Minnesota state police would later issue a statementto much ridiculethat said the troopers released the crew once they were confirmed to be members of the media, despite the fact that Jimenez showed his credentials and the situation was broadcast on live television.

Story continues

Earlier in the Fox News broadcast, Fox News contributor Lawrence Jones did briefly discuss Jimenezs arrest during a panel discussion on the protests, noting that while hes been critical of the network Jimenez was arrested today on live television doing his job as a reporter.

Ive been there reporting on these types of cases, he added. You asked the cops, you say, where do I stand? He did that and he was still arrested on live television with his camera crew. That should not happen, this is not China, this is America.

With other networks offering statements of solidarity with CNN and Jimenez on Friday, Fox News followed suit later in the day, issuing the following statement: FOX News has always supported the First Amendment and this instance is no different. We denounce the detainment of the CNN crew and stand with them in protecting the right to report without fear or favor."

Hours after Smith's report, Outnumbered Overtime anchor Harris Faulkner addressed that segment on-air, noting that the report should have highlighted that Jimenez offered to move wherever the officers to him to go.

Police in Minneapolis have arrested a CNN reporter and his crew live on the air and they covered the protests breaking out on the ground over George Floyds death, Faulkner said. It was all caught on camera. It played out live. There is the video. They have since been released - a couple hours later from that event.

Police said the crew was asked to move and they refused. We can all watch the video and it shows the reporter offered to move many times if the officers would tell him where to go, she added. That point should have been noted in earlier reporting on Fox News. The governor of Minnesota apologized directly to CNN and that team during his news conference a short time ago, we showed you that live, calling the arrests 'unacceptable.'

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP in a press release signed by the partys national publicity secretary Kola Ologbondiyan have expressed worry over the continuos insecurity in the country.

The party expressed anger over the incessant attacks by bandits in Sokoto State and the recent killing of over 74 persons in the state.

The party also mentioned the killings in southern Kaduna and despite the assurances made by the present administration no efforts have been put in place to put the situation under control.

PDP therefore urged Nigeria Ruler Buhari stand up and put an end to the Nations Insecurity issues.

The Party in its press statement also expressed their condolences to Governor Tambuwal and Kogi State as well as other states affected by the insecurity. See press statement below

May 29, 2020

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expresses worries over the worsening insecurity in various parts of the country and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wake up, end the propaganda in his administration and take immediate decisive action to secure our nation.

The PDP condemns the bloody attack by bandits who reportedly had field day ravaging communities including Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari, Kutuma, all in Sabon Birni Local Government of Sokoto state on Wednesdays night in an onslaught in which no fewer than 74 compatriots were killed.

It is more distressing that bandits had reportedly taken control of some parts of the state and now hold courts and even grant permission and consent to residents before they can conduct weddings, naming ceremonies or operate their markets.

The PDP also decried similar deadly attacks by bandits in Katsina, Southern Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Kogi and other states leading to the killing of many Nigerians despite assurances by the Federal Government.

It is saddening that despite these manifest security lapses, killings and acts of insurgency in the country, President Buhari has failed to heed to demands by Nigerians asking him to rejig the nations security architecture and inject new blood into the system.

Our party holds that the time has come for Mr. President to take a decisive action to address this ugly situation.

The PDP condoles with Governor Tambuwal and the people of Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara states as well as all victims of such attacks in various parts of our country.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 11:17:09|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The White House has been under lockdown as protests reached the U.S. capital on Friday, the fourth day of nationwide demonstrations over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis police custody.

Online video showed hundreds of protesters gathered in Lafayette Park just outside the White House, chanting "No justice, no peace." One protester sprayed the Freedman's Bank Building while some other protesters clashed with Secret Service personnel, witnesses said.

The doors to the White House briefing room have also been locked and Secret Service officers are not letting anyone off White House grounds, local media reported.

"Secret Service personnel are currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park. In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful," the Secret Service tweeted.

Floyd, aged 46, died on Monday evening shortly after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, held him down with a knee on his neck though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe." Chauvin was arrested and charged with three-degree murder and manslaughter earlier on Friday.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Friday imposed a mandatory nighttime curfew beginning Friday night following three straight nights of growing protests and violence in the biggest city in U.S. Midwest state Minnesota.

However, protests over Floyd's death continued on Friday night in Minneapolis and a number of other cities, local media reported, saying that more protests are expected to take place across the country through the weekend. Enditem
Honduras passed a new law this week that paves the way for greater cooperation with the United States to stop drug trafficking, focusing on deterring private jets that transport cocaine from Venezuela to the Central American country.

The legislation allows Honduran security forces to intercept planes suspected of transporting drugs and to participate in more-comprehensive intelligence-sharing with the United States and countries in Latin America.

Honduran officials referred to the measure as a "law of deterrence" that could allow security forces to shoot down "narco jets" or force them to land so that traffickers can be arrested. Many of those jets originate in Venezuela, whose government the United States has accused of narcoterrorism.

"We are bringing the fight to the skies and will stop anyone trying to bring drugs to or through Honduras," said the country's president, Juan Orlando Hernandez, in a statement.

The State Department congratulated Honduras on the passage of the law.

"We welcome the steps taken by the Honduran Government, including the passage of the revised Honduran Air Sovereignty Law, to seek to meet the U.S. legal requirements that must be satisfied in order for the United States to resume certain currently restricted counternarcotics assistance," said a State Department spokesperson for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs who was not authorized to be quoted by name.

The State Department would not comment on which specific changes allow for the resumption of assistance.

Last year, Hernandez's brother, former congressman Juan Antonio Hernandez Alvarado, was convicted of drug trafficking in a New York court after being extradited from Honduras. The president was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the case.

President Hernandez and other members of his administration deny those accusations and say they are continuing to cooperate with the U.S. government to crack down on drug trafficking.

"The president's brother was never a part of the administration or any government institution," Luis Suazo, the country's vice minister of security, said in an interview. Suazo and other officials said they also had doubts about some of the information used in the case.

"The great majority of information presented as evidence [in court] was from people extradited from Honduras, or who could be extradited, and preferred to make an agreement," he said.

After taking office in 2013, Hernandez extradited several leaders of Honduran drug cartels to the United States. Since then, the United States has dispatched aid to Honduras to train special anti-narcotic units within the security forces.

Suazo and other Honduran officials say that the administration is proud of its track record on combating drug trafficking and that the case against Hernandez's brother should not detract from that record.

In April, a former Honduran police chief who worked under President Hernandez, Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, was charged in the federal district of New York with shipping tons of cocaine into the United States. Again, the president was named as a co-conspirator.

Still, in its yearly International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, the U.S. State Department said, "The political will of the Honduran government to combat drug trafficking in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies continues, but significant challenges to success remain."

"Approximately 4%, or 120 metric tons (MT), of cocaine shipments from South America made a first stop by air or by sea in Honduras in 2019," the report said.

Last year, Honduras's defense force destroyed 32 clandestine runways used by jets trafficking cocaine. When those jets land, the drugs are typically taken by land through Mexico to the U.S. border.

"Our results in the fight against drug trafficking have been successful, and the State Department has recognized them," Suazo said.
On May 29, Michelle Obama released a powerful message on her social media pages, mourning the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery and issuing a call to action. She shared her sentiments shortly after her husband, Barack Obama, released his own statement urging the nation to confront these tragedies head-on.

"Like so many of you, I'm pained by these recent tragedies. And I'm exhausted by a heartbreak that never seems to stop," the former first lady wrote. "Right now it's George, Breonna, and Ahmaud. Before that it was Eric, Sandra, and Michael. It just goes on, and on, and on. Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can't just be on people of color to deal with it. It's up to all of us - Black, white, everyone - no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out."



"It's up to all of us - Black, white, everyone - no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out."

The first step? "It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own," Obama said. "It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets." She concluded her thoughts with two prayers: one, that "we all have the strength for that journey" ahead, and two, for "the souls and families of those who were taken from us." She accompanied her message with artwork from Nikkolas Smith depicting Floyd, Taylor, and Arbery.
Mainland stays open to dialogue on cross-Straits relations

PLA Daily

Source: Xinhuanet

Editor: Chen Zhuo

2020-05-29 16:41:09

The central government's major principles and policies toward Taiwan have been consistent, adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence", Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday.

On this political basis, the mainland is ready to engage in dialogue and consultation with any political party, group or individual in Taiwan on cross-Straits relations and the future of the nation, Li said.

"We are willing to promote peaceful development across the Straits and peaceful reunification of the motherland with the utmost sincerity," he said while answering a question about Taiwan during a news conference after the closing of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing.

The Taiwan question is China's internal affair, Li said, adding that "We have always opposed outside interference. The Chinese nation has the wisdom and ability to handle its own affairs well."

The premier said the mainland regards Taiwan compatriots as "brothers and sisters" and has always attached great importance to their well-being.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, no Taiwan compatriots have lost their lives on the mainland as a result of the novel coronavirus, he said.

In the Government Work Report presented at this year's two sessions, Li said the mainland will improve institutional arrangements, policies and measures to encourage exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, to further cross-Straits integrated development.

The mainland will also encourage Taiwan compatriots to join in opposing "Taiwan independence" and promoting China's reunification, according to the report.

Tsai Ing-wen, the leader of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, refused to recognize the one-China principle as she started her second term as Taiwan leader last week.

Jiang Erxiong, vice-chairwoman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots and a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, said the DPP authorities' refusal to recognize the one-China principle unilaterally undermines the political foundation for peaceful development across the Straits.

The DPP has been creating cross-Straits antagonism, obstructing exchanges and cooperation, and linking up with outside forces to seek "independence", she said."For political gain, they would not hesitate to harm the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots."

"'Taiwan independence' is against history and will lead to a dead end. We should unite compatriots on both sides and work together to realize the great cause of national reunification," said Jiang, whose hometown is in Taiwan.

Liao Haiying, another CPPCC National Committee member whose hometown is also in Taiwan, said cross-Straits exchanges are now at a relatively low ebb due to obstruction by the DPP administration.

But a greater number of younger Taiwan compatriots are coming to the mainland for study or work, which shows that they think it is a promising place, Jiang said, adding that many measures have been introduced to provide equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots living on the mainland.

Cai Peihui, a deputy from the Taiwan delegation to the NPC, said these measures are really beneficial to people and businesses from Taiwan on the mainland.

Compared with the stable environment and potential market of the mainland, political turmoil in Taiwan is very frequent, which has had adverse effects on the economy and people's livelihoods, he said.

Cai often gives advice to entrepreneurs from Taiwan who want to invest or start a business on the mainland. "I hope they can come to the mainland to see the development and changes here," he said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A 34-year-old inmate at Hisar Jail tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

The undertrial, a resident of Fatehabad, was arrested by the Hisar womens police on May 27 on molestation charges.

Hisar civil surgeon Dr Yogesh Kumar said, The undertrial was produced before the judicial magistrate on May 28. The next day he tested positive for the infection.

We will trace the patients travel history and collect samples of his contacts. We have started collecting samples of inmates, jail officials, and court employees, the CMO said.

The patient has been admitted to the isolation ward of the civil hospital.

11 HOME QUARANTINED

As many as eleven people, including the judicial magistrate first class and other employees of court, who were present during the hearing have been put under home quarantine, said officials.
Melanie Kenny has been stuck in the United Kingdom for months.

She flew from Saskatoon to London, England, after her father died in mid-January to sort out the estate and grieve with her family.

Then COVID-19 was declared a pandemic  and the virus hit the U.K. particularly hard.

Reuters reported more than 38,000 confirmed deaths in the country as of Friday and said the toll could be as high as 48,000.

Kenny said she followed news about the virus as it spread through Europe. She said it was only a matter of time before COVID-19 made its way into the U.K.

She hunkered down with her mother about a week before British Prime Minister Boris Johnson officially locked the country down on March 23.

Stranded in Sardinia

Judith Fenu was supposed to return to Saskatoon from Alghero, Italy, on April 2.

Italy became another European hotbed for COVID-19. In March, the country's death toll surpassed China. More than 33,000 people are confirmed to have died in Italy since the virus was first reported.

On March 9, Fenu and her family learned the Italian government's was enacting a lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. One day later, the family learned Air Canada was cancelling all flights to Italy.

"There really was no time to rebook, or anything like that," Fenu told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning.

Submitted by Judith Fenu

The family is now planning to stay for the summer, she said. Although the Canadian government has offered aid to those stranded in Europe, they've got relatives they can stay with.

Fenu said one of the biggest differences between measures taken by the Italian and Canadian governments was restricting outdoor exercise.

Although there were many places in Alghero  located in the island province of Sardinia, west of mainland Italy  where people could safely physically distance outdoors, Fenu said the Italian government's restrictions didn't allow it.

Submitted by Judith Fenu

Fenu said she misses seeing her grandchildren in person and the lovely Saskatoon spring, but noted that making a go of it in Alghero isn't a hardship.

Story continues

The family did miss the funeral of a loved one, however.

"My husband's last remaining sibling passed away in March," she said. "There was no service, there was just a burial and that was it. That was very strange."

London under lockdown

Kenny's original plan was to leave London on March 31. She had to extend her stay in the U.K. until May 31. She said life in London has been strangely quiet for the last seven weeks.

"I'm not used to that in London," Kenny told Saskatoon Morning.

"I'm used to going out, going to shows, shopping, eating out, going on the tube, getting on the bus. Now, it's just walking in the neighbourhood."

Submitted by Melanie Kenny

Kenny said she wasn't prepared to go into busy shops, as she didn't want to risk exposing herself to COVID-19 living with her 94-year-old mother.

Her sister brought her groceries for the first five weeks in lockdown. After that, Kenny managed to get priority grocery deliveries to her doorstep.

Restrictions gradually started lifting in the U.K. about two weeks ago. Kenny said she's seen a bit of a decline in the number of deaths and new reported cases in the country.

"Originally London was an absolute infection hotspot and not a very happy place to be," she said.

"But now it's the rest of the country that's suffering. More in the north. And in London, the numbers have gone right down."

Kenny's mother is going to live with her other daughter in London, about eight kilometres away from where she currently lives.

The family intends to move their grandmother before a possible second wave of COVID-19, while less restrictive health measures are still in place.

Returning home

Fenu said she and her family are tentatively planning to return to Saskatoon from Italy in the fall, depending on what kind of second wave happens. Kenny is set to return to Saskatoon this weekend.

Kenny said she's taking her own safety precautions like using a mask and bringing disinfectant wipes along for the trip.

She won't be using public transit to get to the airport  people in London aren't supposed to unless they're essential workers  rather, she'll take a minicab where she and a driver will be wearing masks.

Submitted by Melanie Kenny

She also has to follow the province's provincial health orders related to isolation after international travel.

She can't isolate with her 65-year-old husband at home when she returns.

"I believe my family is dropping me off a vehicle at the airport and my husband is moving out for two weeks," she said, adding he'll live with their daughters in Saskatoon and that she hopes she doesn't develop any symptoms after she returns.

"That's when I'll be happy, when I've been home for two weeks and no symptoms."
What proportion of Indias population is infected with Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease?

What proportion of tests return a positive result in Delhi?

Why are so many passengers landing in Coimbatore testing positive?

These are important questions  and linked ones.

In Delhi, and in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, the proportion of tests returning a positive result remains high. In the seven days to May 21, the average daily positivity (as it is called) rate was 9.4% in Delhi. It was 17.9% in Maharashtra, and it was 5.7% in Tamil Nadu.

Also read: Centre may announce second stimulus to increase demand amid Lockdown 4.0

And in the seven days till Thursday, May 28, the corresponding numbers were 12.2%, 18%, and 6.1% respectively.

All three states tested more people on average in the seven days ended May 28 compared to the previous seven-day period. Delhi did 5,370 tests a day as compared to 4,950; Maharashtra, 14,244 against 11,366; and Tamil Nadu 14,189 as against 10,838.

These positivity rates would be alarming if not for the fact that they pretty much reflect the trend across most countries, including the US, which has seen the most number of cases and deaths. Positivity rates keep increasing with the number of tests, plateau at a certain level as the tests increase further, and finally start falling as the number of tests increases even more. Given the trend of the disease in other countries, in India, the states of Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu will likely be the first to see the positivity rates declining  but they arent there yet. The two-week trend line for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu would appear to be flattening, but this needs to happen for a longer period before it can be safely assumed that the positivity rates have peaked.

The high positivity rates can also be explained by Indias testing protocol, which still skews the sample towards those likely to be infected; it is difficult to get a test done unless one has severe symptoms, has been exposed to an infected person, or takes a flight to certain states (or certain cities within those states). More on the last anon.

Also read: Govt may plan scheme for welfare, jobs of migrants

Is there a relationship between the positivity rate and the proportion of a countrys population that has been exposed to the virus (and which is, as a result, immune)?

There should be, but this only applies when a population has been tested widely, not at the current levels of testing in India.

Click here for complete coronavirus coverage

Now to the issue of passengers landing in Coimbatore  flights started earlier this week  testing positive, as reported by both local officials and airlines. Thats probably because everyone landing in Coimbatore is tested  just like everyone landing in Jammu is. Not all states require arriving domestic air passengers to be tested; nor do all cities within a state. Some make do with screening and quarantining. In the case of the passengers who tested positive in Coimbatore, most are reported to be asymptomatic. The interesting thing about them is, because their Aarogya Setu apps showed them to be safe, and because they didnt have symptoms, they would have never been tested if they had not taken the flight to a city that mandated tests for all arrivals. This is another piece of evidence that points to the number of people infected by the coronavirus in India actually being far higher than the tested numbers. This is actually a good thing because it means the case fatality rate in India, already at 2.8%, much lower than the global average of 6.1%, is actually even lower and because it means we are slowly inching our way up towards achieving herd immunity. To be sure, we are a long way from that, but till a vaccine is discovered, that remains our best bet.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The topic of wearing masks during the COVID-19 crisis has been controversial. The latest message is that, to limit the spread of the virus, we should all wear masks if we are likely to be indoors within 1 - 2 metres of other people for any prolonged length of time.

And we should do this not to protect ourselves directly, but to stop us from infecting others if we are carrying the virus. This is especially important if we happen to be asymptomatic carriers i.e. if we don't realise that we have been infected with the virus and that we may be inadvertently transmitting it to those around us.

The use of masks should reduce the overall spread of the virus through our society, and hence, if we wear a mask, we will protect ourselves in a roundabout, "big picture", way.

In some countries (like Spain) it is now compulsory to wear masks in public, and in some walks of life (e.g. for air travel and even for all public transport) it's also likely to become compulsory. So for more and more people, it's becoming normal to wear a reusable mask, which may be washed/boiled every night.

The best type of mask has a three-layer fabric construction, with a pocket to insert a filter (such as coffee-filter paper, or even just kitchen roll). There are many variants on this, and perhaps the main thing is just to wear covering over your mouth and nose, rather than worrying too much about the precise type of covering.

In my own vet clinic, we've already been wearing masks for much of our day, and this has been a learning process. As vets, we are used to wearing masks during operations (to stop bacteria from our breath contaminating operation sites) but this is only for a short period: the longest operations only last a couple of hours.

When you wear a mask for your entire working day, it becomes much more of a restriction. It can be difficult to speak to people with ease, and if you exert yourself at all (e.g. lifting a big dog onto a consulting table), the mask can become uncomfortable, restricting the flow of breath in and out. It's often a relief to take a few moments off to remove the mask, and to be able to breathe normally for a short while.

Some veterinary organisations have used this common-place use of mask-wearing to make an interesting point: the situation we are experiencing should remind us of the permanent restriction of free-breathing that some breeds of dogs and cats suffer due to their flattened faces. The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) recently issued a press release pointing out that extreme versions of so-called "brachycephalic breeds" (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and others) are forced to suffer the same type of muffled breathing all the time, for every moment of their lives.

I have written about this before, and every time that I do it, I fear that I will be upsetting owners of these animals. Indeed, I have had people coming up to me, asking me why I dislike their pets so much. As I say in response, I do not dislike their pets at all: in fact, it's because I like them so much that I am campaigning about this. The point is that these animals have a particular physical appearance because humans choose this on their behalf. Humans breed dogs deliberately so that they are born this way. There is nothing accidental or natural about it. And while there are positive aspects to this (these breeds have an undeniably "cute" appearance), the negative aspect on the animals' welfare cannot be ignored.

As the veterinary organisations are pointing out, if you can imagine yourself having restricted breathing (as you experience when wearing a mask all day), you need to remember that flat-faced pets feel like this all the time. There is nothing pleasant about this, however adorable the animals may be.

The frustrating aspect of this situation is that it could be very easily solved. A generation of dogs zips by in a decade. If a decision was made that it was no longer acceptable to breed dogs that have difficulty breathing, it would be simple to end the suffering of thousands of animals by ensuring that they were all born with longer, wider airways.

Indeed, in the Netherlands, the government has made it illegal to breed dogs with ultra-short muzzles, effectively prohibiting the breeding of around twenty flat-faced breeds unless they comply with specific measurements and ratios of nose-length and skull-shape. The result of this policy will be that within a decade, all dogs bred in the Netherlands will be able to breathe normally, like humans who are not wearing face masks. This seems like such obvious common sense that it's hard to understand why other countries are not following suit.

After all, it's easy to do. So-called "out-crossing" is one answer: a longer-snouted breed is cross-bred with a flat-faced breed. The result is a dog that looks similar to the pure flat-faced breed, but they have a longer muzzle, with easier breathing. Examples of these dogs include "Jugs" (Jack Russell-Pug crosses), "Puggles" (Beagle-Pug crosses) and many more.

If you don't like the sensation of wearing a mask all day, please pause to reflect how it must feel to be a flat-faced dog, snuffling and snorting as you go about your daily life.
Flynns message to Moscow was: Do not allow this administration to box us in right now! according to the transcript. I know you have to have some sort of action, Flynn said, but he added he would like Russia to only make it reciprocal; dont go any further than you have to because I dont want us to get into something that have [sic] to escalate to tit-for-tat.
If it seems like every other household in the United States has a pet dog, it is because they do. A 2017 survey shows that there are approximately 89 million pet dogs in the United States, an increase of over 20,000,000 since the beginning of the new millennium. For the most part, they are loving and playful animals that certainly earn their position as mans best friend.

Unfortunately, not every dog is perceived as being as cute and cuddly as Toto. This article reveals the supposed top four dangerous dog breeds in the United States. It is based on a report put out by Forbes that examines the breeds involved in the most fatal attacks on humans between 2005 and 2017.

However, the main purpose of this article is to unpack these statistics and dispel some of the stereotypes surrounding these animals. Not all dogs of the same family are dangerous, nor are any of them inherently vicious beasts. There are a number of factors that contribute to their negative reputations, many of which will be discussed below.

4. American Bulldogs

Bulldogs can be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex and certain smaller animals. Photo by Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho on Unsplash

According to the report put out by Forbes, the American bulldog is the fourth dangerous dog breed in the United States. In total, they are responsible for fifteen deaths. Put into perspective, however, this number does not seem as startling. Between 2005 and 2017, the ever-adorable Labrador Retriever has killed nine humansonly six less. So is the American bulldog truly a dangerous breed? Or does it come down to reputation?

Bulldogs can be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex and certain smaller animals, but take almost any dog to an off-leash park and see what happens when they set their sights on a skittering squirrel. They are energetic dogs who need constant exercise lest they become rambunctious, but again, this is not a unique bulldog trait. For those who remain active, bulldogs are good-natured, calm, respectful, and incredibly loyal.

Beyond exercise, the most important thing for any owner is to socialize their dog with other canines and humans. They are very protective creatures by nature, so it is essential to break down those barriers early on.

In truth, most of the stigma against bulldogs comes from the fact that they slightly resemble pit bulls. Because of this, some people are uncomfortable around them. In this case, it is up to the owner to prove that the only truly dangerous thing about bulldogs is that you can drown in a puddle of their drool.

3. German Shepherds

German Shepherds have earned their bad reputation purely because they can be easily trained to show aggression. Photo by Michael Payne on Unsplash

While German shepherds certainly have a reputation for being vicious beasts, they are also Americas second most popular dog breed. Because of this fondness, they seem to experience a little less prejudice than the other breeds on this list, which is curious considering they are responsible for five more deaths in that twelve year frame than the American bulldog.

They are remarkably intelligent animals who are able to devote and apply themselves to many tasks. This makes them excellent working dogs not just for handicapped individuals, but for the police, the military, and search and rescue as well.

What prejudice they do experience tends to be based on appearance. They are large, muscular dogs and therefore, can be quite intimidating. But the truth is, aggression is not their natural tendency. They have earned their bad reputation purely because they can be easily trained to show aggression. Think of any crime thriller. What breed of dog is usually protecting the goods? Their ability to exhibit particular behaviors is exactly why certain people prefer German shepherds as guard dogs.

2. Rottweilers

Rottweilers can easily grow aggressive if they feel like their home is being threatened. Photo by Pope Moysuh on Unsplash

The rottweiler is another breed of dog that has earned an unfortunate reputation because of their raw powerthink of them as a bundle of muscle on four legs. Between 2005 and 2017, they have been responsible for 45 human deaths. This statistic, however, is merely an indication of our general ignorance surrounding the breed. Randall Lockwood, the Humane Societys vice president for research and educational outreach argues: It is not a rottweiler problem it is a people problem.

Rottweilers are territorial creatures by nature. Left unchecked, they can easily grow aggressive if they feel like their home is being threatened. Unfortunately, many individuals and families lead very busy lives and do not have the time or energy to train their pets. Because of this, it is up to the buyer to understand what breed of dog is most compatible with their lifestyle.

Similar to bulldogs and German shepherds, rottweilers will get along with most people and other dogs as long as they have been socializing from an early age. They like to display dominance, but when put in their place, they will lovingly submit to their owner. With the proper training, they are calm, confident, and adorably silly animals.

1. Pit Bulls

Pit bulls have been responsible for 284 fatal attacks on humans in just twelve years. have been responsible for 284 fatal attacks on humans in just twelve years.

For much of the twentieth century, pit bulls were widely adored across the United States. Up until 1980, there was only ever one instance of a pit bull attack that made national headlines, but even then, the owner had intentionally released a pack of 26 dogs on a young woman. Has the expression there are no bad dogs, only bad people ever rang so true?

But recently, when it comes to the crowning champ of bad reputations, no breed comes close to the pit bull. Such a poor image is due in part to the fact that they have been responsible for 284 fatal attacks on humans in just twelve years.

In reality, pit bulls are some of the most loving, loyal, and dedicated animal companions that we as humans can have. This number is so high because of several factors, including poor owners, improper training, or a lack of understanding regarding the breeds needs.

Another more specific reason dates back to the 1980s when illegal dogfighting slowly revived. Due to their muscular build, pit bulls were often chosen to fight. Because of their developing reputation as savage dogs over the following decades, they soon became the preferred animal for people involved in illicit activities and therefore, where often placed in violent situations.

Sadly, the entire breed has fallen victim to stereotypes and general fear, prompting some countries to ban the poor creatures. Some experts are referring to this as canine racism, a not-so-subtle comparison to the racial profiling of humans. By spreading the truth, owners and animal welfare enthusiasts can hopefully rehabilitate the image of pit bulls and the other dog breeds on this list.
Jaipur: The Rajasthan government on Friday took the decision to conduct board examinations for various subjects of classes 10 and 12 which was earlier postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has instructed the state Education Department to make proper arrangements for conducting exams. Taking to Twitter Gehlot said, ''The class 10 and 12 board exam which was postponed due to COVID19 will now be conducted. the state Education Department will make proper arrangements for conducting exams.''

Gehlot took the decision in a high-level meeting with officials of the Education Department on Friday which was also attended by Minister of State for Education Govind Singh Dotasara, Chief Secretary D B Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Niranjan Arya, and School Education Secretary Manju Rajpal besides other officials.

Suggesting an increase in the number of examination centres as per the requirement, Gehlot said that school buildings in which quarantine facilities are being operated, should be sanitized according to the protocol before the examination.?

  Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) May 29, 2020

After the decision, the dates of the remaining examinations for various subjects of classes 10 and 12 will be notified by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education, Ajmer.

The chief minister asked officials to ensure proper implementation of the health protocol released to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic during these examinations.

He said the use of masks and sanitizers by candidates and teachers should be ensured at all examination centers.

Also, there should be strict adherence to the rules of social distancing at the examination centres and during the examination, he said.
The Oregon Health Authority announced late Thursday night that it would begin releasing information about COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace.

Any workplace with more than five cases of the virus will be identified by the agency, regardless of what county it is based in.

The announcement comes after the state saw a spike in cases related to an outbreak at a Multnomah County business with two locations in Portland. The identity of the business  Townsend Farms  was originally withheld from the public. Later reports revealed that the most recent outbreak involving at least 50 positive cases was the second such incident since April. The company's first outbreak included 53 employees and was never disclosed to the public.

The COVID-19 pandemic demands that we all rethink how we accomplish necessary tasks that are vital to our roles," said OHA director Patrick Allen. "OHA believes a consistent, transparent statewide approach to reporting COVID-19 cases in workplaces will give Oregonians more information to help people avoid the risks of COVID-19 infections. We want to ensure employers, workers and customers know the same criteria will apply, no matter where they work or what businesses they support, everywhere in Oregon.

Prior to OHA's policy change and subsequent announcement, communicating to the public about an outbreak fell to the local health department.

A list of previous outbreaks is expected in the coming days while future outbreaks of more than five cases in a single workplace will be shared via new release from the agency.

Meanwhile, the OHA also released its daily report of COVID-19 cases. The report showed no new deaths in Oregon and 48 new and presumptive cases of coronavirus. The state's case total is now at 4,131, with the death toll remaining 151.

There were no new Linn County or Benton County cases. Linn has had 115 cases and Benton has 55. There have been nine Linn County deaths and five in Benton.

The 151st state death, reported Thursday, was a 72-year-old man in Polk County who died May 25 at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

The OHA report also noted that six new COVID-19 cases have come from Duckwall Fruit in Hood River County. State and county public health officials are working with the business to address the outbreak.
The Founder of the International Gods Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim, on Thursday reported to the Police Headquarters as part of the bail conditions set by the Kaneshie Magistrate Court in Accra.



He spent a couple of hours with the police CID before leaving the premises of the headquarters after midday.



Arrest & Detention



Obinim was granted bail by the Kaneshie Magistrate Court in Accra last week in the sum of GH100,000 with three sureties, one to be justified, but he was not able to extricate the bail bond on time and had to remain in cells until last week Friday when he finally walked home.



He was in police custody for about three nights after he was arrested and charged with publication of false news, as well as forgery of a document contrary to Sections 208 and 159 of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).



According to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who has launched a crusade to expose fake pastors, Obinim has been cooling off in Akosombo since he left police cells.



Main Complainant



Although the police have not released the identity of the complainant, DAILY GUIDE understands that it was through the effort of the firebrand MP that led to Obinims arrest.



Kennedy has confirmed that he personally reported the pastor to the Inspector General of Police for offences including fraud, money laundering and misuse of the police logo to harass some of the boys he has been having criminal deals with.



As if that is not enough, the MP has been having running battles with the maverick pastor and has reported him to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for the anti-graft body to investigate him over alleged money-laundering and other related crimes.



Already, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is chasing him to pay about GH1.6 million in taxes to the state.



Court Order



On May 13, 2020, an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Doreen G. Boakye-Agyei dismissed Obinims application that was challenging the GRAs decision to ask him to settle a tax liability of GH1,591,797.50.



According to the court, the GRA followed due process in determining and notifying Obinim about his tax liabilities and that Obinim had not followed laid-down procedures to make his objections to be given a hearing as required by law.



He cannot use his failure as a ground to seek judicial review. This instant case is not a proper and appropriate case for the court to exercise its powers of judicial review, Justice Boakye-Agyei stated.



Sources close to Obinim are saying that he intends to instruct his lawyers to challenge the decision because as far as he is concerned, he paid his taxes to the state.



Previous Cases



Obinim is no stranger to criminal prosecution, as he has had brushes with the law on at least two occasions.



In the first case, he vandalized a private radio station  Hot FM  but was acquitted and discharged in October 2015 after the complainants had allegedly lost interest in the case.



In September 2018, Obinim and two of his pastors were sentenced to a total fine of GH12,000 by an Accra Circuit Court after they had been accused of assaulting two teenagers on the premises of IGWC.

Source: Daily Guide









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
Pennsylvania State Police on Saturday responded to a call to assist Harrisburg Police in responding to protests in Harrisburg that had turned violent.

In an email to PennLive, Trooper Brent Miller, the spokesman for state police, said: Local departments have requested the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police. Troopers are currently responding to the Harrisburg Area to assist.

Reports of multiple other local law enforcement departments had been received.

Saturdays Black Lives Matter rally in Harrisburg, which had gathered in protest of the George Floyd death in police custody, began peacefully around noon but a few hours later, deteriorated into violent clashes between protest participants and police.

The scene unfolded near the state Capitol as police in riot gear clashed with protesters.

At least one brick had been thrown at a police car, according to an eye witness; and scores of people reported tear gas being used on the crowd.

There were reports of people chanting obscenities at officers. Police reportedly used pepper spray into the crowd.

The peaceful protest has ceased. That part is over, said Alexia Brown, a college student from the Harrisburg area who took part in the protest earlier in the day, but remained at a distance to watch the violent clash. There was a march started along Front Street with a lot of cops...a lot of cops came out in riot gear and were being very aggressive to those marching.

This man is repeating many of Geogre Floyds words. He just asked one officer do you feel my pain? pic.twitter.com/wrpMaWFP9Y  Becky Metrick (@BeckyMetrick) May 30, 2020

Eamonn Wrightstone, the organizer of Saturdays Black Lives Matter gathering told PennLive that the scene was volatile and scary.

People have been hit, children have been tear gassed, he wrote.

RELATED COVERAGE:

George Floyd case: Pa. police chiefs condemn officers knee-on-neck method seen in viral video

Violent protests over George Floyds death spread beyond Minneapolis

National Guard called to Minneapolis as protests against George Floyds death continue

Eagles Carson Wentz comments on death of George Floyd: Institutional racism in this country breaks my heart and needs to stop

Barack Obama calls for justice after protests over George Floyds death in police custody

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
Nigerias Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has been accused of sacking the staffs of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State, without paying their salaries.

In a letter by its Head of Human Resources, Administration and Procurement, Olanike Ogunleye, the management of the OPL said the organization is laying off its workforce due to the adverse effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

As you are aware, the current COVID-19 pandemic has had a toll on all our business significantly. This has resulted to making some difficult business decisions. Due to this situation, we regret to inform you that your employment will be put on hold till further notice. You are to hand over all company properties in your possession to the human resource department, who shall do a confirmation of the exit clearance process before your final entitlements (if any) would be paid, the letter partly reads.

A worker, who spoke with SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, disclosed that OPL had been owing several months of salaries. He said:

They have been owing salaries since last year. They will pay one and its going to be after 3-4 months that they will pay another one. We have workers collecting less than N30,000 and they refer to those collecting N50, 000 as senior staff and they are still owing. This year, they have paid just January salary and half of April salary which was paid on 20th of April, he said.

ALSO READ: EFCC Traces Atikus Laundered 150 Million To Obasanjos Library
Babson is a former World Bank economist and a consultant on Asian affairs, with a particular focus on Korea and northeast Asia. He is also former chairman of the DPRK Economic Forum at the US-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Babson is currently a member of the advisory council of the Korea Economic Institute of America and steering committee of the National Committee for North Korea.

While North Koreas COVID-19 containment measures are already showing negative impacts on its economy, the pandemic is just the latest challenge to the countrys economic development plans, writes Babson in 38 North, an online newsletter dedicated to North Korean affairs.

Babson also spoke to Bowdoin College content producer Tom Porter about the current situation in North Korea. He began by talking about the state of the countrys economy on the eve of the coronavirus pandemic.

Listen to the interview:

[Read an edited transcript]
Assam crossed the 1,000-mark in COVID-19 cases on Friday with 144 new patients, including six air travellers, and the tally stood at 1,024 in the state now, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.



Eighty-nine COVID-19 cases were reported in the night, 25 in the evening and 30 during the day.



A dedicated treatment unit for COVID-19 patients at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) became functional from Friday, the health minister said.



A repatriation flight from Kuwait, carrying 155 passengers under the Vande Bharat Mission scheme, arrived at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in the evening, a spokesperson of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.



Among the 89 cases reported in the night, 30 were from Kamrup, 17 from Tinsukia, 14 each from Guwahati and Dhubri, 10 from Cachar and four from Dhemaji.



Twenty-five new COVID-19 cases were detected in the evening -- six air travellers, 11 from Kamrup (Metro) and eight from Hojai, Sarma said.



Among the 30 new cases reported during the day, 16 were from Golaghat, six from Karimganj and two each from Lakhimpur, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karbi Anglong, he said.



Twenty-four patients were discharged on Friday, including 12 from Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH), six from GMCH, three from Silchar Medical College Hospital and one from Jorhat Medical College Hospital, taking the number of recovered and discharged patients in the state to 125.



Of the total 1,024 cases, 892 are active, while four patients have died, three have migrated and 125 have recovered, the minister said.



Sarma also inaugurated an exclusive COVID-19 treatment unit at GMCH and said the Rs 150-crore centrally-funded unit is perhaps the first of its kind in eastern India.



It is housed in a new building and has 236 beds -- 50 in the ICU and 186 in the wards -- with each bed having a dedicated supply of medical gas.



The unit is centrally air-conditioned and equipped with 14 Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UGVI) systems, imported from Canada, which will help improve the indoor air quality and bacteria management.



Sarma said the latest COVID-19 patients are mostly those who have returned from other states.



This week alone saw 637 cases. Monday saw the highest single-day spike of 156 cases followed by 139 on Tuesday, 101 on Wednesday, 97 on Thursday and 144 on Friday.



The state government has partially modified the existing protocols for COVID-19 test, by which swab samples of all patients should be taken on the fifth day after the initial positive result.



If the test result of the sample taken on the fifth day is negative, a repeat swab sample would be taken on the sixth day.



If the results of both the samples taken on the fifth and sixth days are negative, the patient will be released from hospital, subject to verification of the asymptomatic status and approval of discharge by the State Discharge Board, according to an order by the state Health and Family Welfare department's Principal Secretary Samir Sinha.



Hospitals and testing laboratories will give priority to testing COVID-19 patients.



In Assam, 92,390 samples have been tested for COVID-19 so far, with 10,24 testing positive, 84,933 negative and the remaining results are awaited, according to a Health and Family Welfare department bulletin.



The state has decided that everyone coming from outside will be sent for institutional quarantine. No home quarantine will be allowed for the first seven days, till the test results are received.



It has made partial modifications to exemptions from institutional quarantine, which include any woman who has travelled alone to Assam by train or plane need not undergo institutional quarantine provided she is asymptomatic, but has to undergo 14-day home quarantine after compliance with health protocols such as collection of swab samples for COVID-19 test.



Any senior citizen who has travelled to Assam by air need not undergo institutional quarantine, provided the person is asymptomatic. However, the person shall undergo home quarantine for 14 days. Exemption from institutional quarantine in case of senior citizens, however, is not applicable to travel by a bus or train.



For Army, Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces personnel travelling to Assam, each agency shall nominate a senior official as its nodal officer to liaise with district magistrates and other representatives of the state government, as required.



The nodal officer shall communicate movement of the returning personnel in advance to the DMs where the disembarking airport or train station is located and the districts where the cantonment or group centres are located.



The nodal officer will confirm that adequate institutional quarantine facilities have been created for the personnel within the cantonment. There will be a general protocol for the Army, Air Force and CAPF personnel on official duty or deployment.



Screening of all personnel will be done at disembarking railway station or airport by district authorities in coordination with the Army, Air Force or CAPF authorities.



The personnel will directly proceed to their cantonment, where adequate institutional quarantine facilities will be created by the authorities. Any asymptomatic personnel will have to undergo a combined institutional quarantine inside the cantonment or camp.



Defence personnel returning to their home in Assam on leave will have to follow quarantine and testing protocols stipulated for the public, according to the order.
Actor Kiran Kumar tested negative for COVID-19, after being diagnosed as positive earlier. The veteran actor breathes a sigh of relief as he says, "Mr Corona is out of my system." Drawing from his experience as a COVID-19 patient, Kiran said that the patients should not be socially boycotted. He urged people not to behave badly with those fighting the pandemic on the frontlines.

In an interview with Bombay Times, Kiran said, "Social distancing is necessary to beat Coronavirus, not social boycotting. It's not a crime if someone tests positive for COVID-19. Haan corona ko chhupana jurm hai and it's also wrong to behave badly with those who are going out of their way and working to provide essential services. If a neighbour is infected and in self-isolation, you should stand by them. Imagine the plight of senior citizens who live alone, just in case they have to self-isolate, how will they manage?"

He added, "At some point in the future, things will get better, and the person who you stand by today will always have gratitude and love for you. We have to fight Coronavirus with positivity and compassion."

Kiran also pointed that the Coronavirus is here to stay, but there is no need to panic. He urged people to be careful and not transmit 'Mr Corona' to somebody else. He added that although he was in self-isolation for 14 days and has now tested negative, he is still being very careful.

He also said that people need not rush to the hospitals because of a few symptoms, and strain the healthcare system, which is already running short of beds, ventilators and healthcare workers.

ALSO READ: Kiran Kumar Reveals How He Beat COVID-19 With The Help Of His Family & These Dos & Don'ts

ALSO READ: Zoa Morani On Donating Plasma For The Second Time: Last Time It Helped Get A Patient Out Of ICU


Thirty health professionals in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality have tested positive for COVID--19 as of 29 May 2020.



Mrs Caroline Effah Otoo, Municipal Health Director who disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said they were in Isolation and responding to treatment.



"Those having symptoms of the virus are in hospitals receiving medical attention while those with good housing conditions are been monitored from their homes by health officers," she said.



Mrs Otoo indicated that "so far all contacts for the affected persons have been traced and their samples taken for testing and we are waiting for the results".



She emphasized that currently, her outfit cannot pinpoint the source of the deadly virus in the Municipality because the disease had expanded to community spread.



"Now as soon as we diagnose, we move into the contact tracing, test and those who test positive for COVID-19 will be taken out of the Community to help contain the spread of the virus in the Municipality" she explained.



She implored health professionals to be cautious of infection prevention practices and ensure they were well-protected while going about their duties.

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.

Featured Video
The Western Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Jacob Mahama is calling for all workers at the Jubilee Oil Field to be isolated.

This comes after over 50 more workers tested positive for COVID-19.

He said having the remaining staff quarantined off-shore for the mandatory 14-day period will help in curtailing any further spread of the virus.

A total of 57 petroleum workers at the Jubilee Field operated by Tullow Oil have tested positive for COVID-19.

I think the best thing will be to quarantine the rest and after 14 days if they dont show any signs before they move back. They are still off-shore anyway so that will be a better place to quarantined them. After 14 days if they dont show any signs they come onshore, said Dr. Mahama in an interview on Eyewitness News.

He said although he is unsure where the cases were imported from unto the vessel off-shore, he believes that the index case possibly did not undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine period the company had made arrangement for, for anyone returning to the field from outside the area.

Usually, they have a hotel where people are quarantined for 14 days but somehow some of them tested positive. Its unclear if they [index cases] subjected themselves to the test.

This came to the notice on Thursday when I was called by one of their [Tullow] doctors that one of them had tested positive A day before, they were showing signs of COVID-19 and they flew them to Accra where they tested positive. They came back and screened everybody on board and they also had more people testing positive, he said.

Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, has charged oil and gas companies to sit-up to avert further spread of COVID-19 at Ghana's Jubilee Field.

The Minister said the developments at the Jubilee fields could be as a result of some persons failing to strictly follow the COVID-19 preventive practices.

I know that immediately COVID-19 came, a lot of them were implementing the protocols. Even before you board the FPSO or even before you get onto the helicopter, you are quarantined for 14 days. But I believe that along the line, someone felt that it was too safe to be quarantined, that's why we could see some of the infections. Currently, we know that we have 57 in the Petroleum sector. They have all been isolated now and we are hoping that those on board will appreciate the reason why they need to follow the protocols, he said in an interaction with the press.

---citinewsroom
The two officials noted with satisfaction the deepened comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and agreed to continue coordinating to promote the external activities of their high-ranking leaders in the time ahead and enhance bilateral cooperation in the framework of the Vietnam-Russia, Russia-Vietnam Years.

They also exchanged advice on measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, and pledged to assist the citizens of the two countries as well as to coordinate for the timely settlement of problems as they arise. The Russian minister praised Vietnams epidemic control measures, saying it is indeed valuable experience that should be shared with others.

Regarding collaboration on the UN Security Council, Deputy PM Minh appreciated the role, position and contributions of Russia in the international arena, particularly as a permanent member of the council. He thanked Russia for the valuable support that the country had given to Vietnam during the time the latter ran for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC and participated in the UNSCs activities, especially when Vietnam served as President of the council in January.

He also expressed his hope that in difficult times, UNSC member countries, especially Russia and other major powers, will find a common voice, contributing to preserving and promote a peaceful and stable international environment.

The two officials exchanged views on the activities of the UNSC during the past six months, discussed and shared information on hotspots like Syria, Libya, Iran, Sudan and South Sudan. They vowed to continue working closely and sharing information on issues of common concern.

Deputy PM Minh invited the Russian FM to attend the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) to be held in early August in Vietnam.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 17:03:47|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

-- The gradual resumption of work in China has witnessed more diverse goods transported by freight under the operation of China Railway Express, from China's manufacturing hubs to cities in Europe and Central Asia.

-- In spite of the COVID-19 crisis, Chinese investment in Belt and Road countries and regions increased by 11.7 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2020, along with a 3.2-percent growth in trade.

-- China will further enhance cooperation with the rest of the world and introduce more measures to expand its opening up policy.

ATHENS, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Despite the economic shock brought by the COVID-19 lockdowns, Greece's largest harbor Piraeus Port still recorded annual growth in the first four months of the year, the tenth year since China's COSCO Shipping officially took control of its management.

The port's constant growth is mainly thanks to the major support from its parent company and the trade buoyed by the resumption of work and production in China, "which clearly benefits PPA (Piraeus Port Authority)," spokesman Nektarios Demenopoulos told Xinhua recently.

China's role as a global producer and supply chain heavyweight has been reflected in many examples like the Piraeus Port, representing win-win cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Stable industrial and supply chains, high-quality joint pursuit of BRI projects and a more advanced opening up of China's economy were highlighted by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during the country's annual national legislative session, factors which experts worldwide have called "necessary" for the recovery of the world economy.

Aerial photo taken on Sept. 6, 2019 shows a cargo ship of COSCO SHIPPING Lines transporting Italian products to participate in the 2019 China International Import Expo (CIIE) berths at the Port of Piraeus in Greece. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)





SUPPLY CHAINS STABILITY

China has emerged as the central player in global supply chains over the past two decades. As the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the world economy, voices have risen calling for diversifying supply chains away from China, while experts and entrepreneurs admit China's irreplaceable role with its big advantages in manufacturing and logistics.

A recent survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed that almost 70 percent of U.S. companies say they have no plan to relocate production outside of China due to COVID-19.

Staff members check auto parts at a worshop of an auto part supplier in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, April 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

"We are very confident in the Chinese market. We will make another successful year with partners in China," Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO of L'Oreal Group, has told Xinhua recently.

"China will continue to be the world's factory because nothing else comes even close," said Peter Sand, chief shipping analyst at industry trade body BIMCO, in a story by Wall Street Journal on May 1, citing China's "massive logistics ecosystem" as an indispensable advantage.

Tang Jin, senior research analyst at Japan's Mizuho Bank, also said in an article on The Nihon Keizai Shimbun that Japanese companies have become a significant part of the Chinese supply chain with their dependence on the huge Chinese market.

The gradual resumption of work in China has witnessed more diverse goods transported by freight under the operation of China Railway Express, from China's manufacturing hubs to cities in Europe and Central Asia, including daily necessities, electrical products, industrial machinery, metals, medical supplies and food.

From March 21 to the end of April, anti-pandemic supplies totaling 660,000 items and weighing 3,142 tonnes were sent by the freight trains to European countries such as Italy, Germany, Spain and the Czech Republic, according to China State Railway Group.

A worker arranges boxes of imported frozen meat at a cold storage at Dalian port in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

The German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) found in a recent survey that many mechanical engineering companies in the country reported a slight easing of tension on the supply side, in particular from China.

Oliver Wack, an expert at the association's department of foreign trade, told Xinhua that the easing is not only related to the restart of production in China, but also to the improvement of the logistics chains from and to China.





HIGH-CALIBRE BRI

Recently, a new large-scale hydropower project was signed in Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Belt and Road framework, which will effectively improve the region's power supply and drive local economic development.

In Egypt, the COVID-19 pandemic has had limited impact on BRI projects, including the construction of the Central Business District in the country's New Administrative Capital region east of Cairo, said Egypt's Housing Ministry spokesman Amro Khatab.

Turning the new capital into a regional hub for business and management, the project not only continues on schedule but also guarantees the safety of both Egyptian and Chinese workers by implementing anti-pandemic measures.

A worker prepares to unload cargo containers from the China-Europe freight train at the BILK logistics center in Budapest, Hungary, on April 27, 2020. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

In spite of the COVID-19 crisis, Chinese investment in Belt and Road countries and regions increased by 11.7 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2020, along with a 3.2-percent growth in trade.

Premier Li said in his government work report released during China's "two sessions" that the BRI would uphold market principles and international rules, give enterprises a leading role, lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, and boost outbound investment from China.

Yu Jie, senior research fellow on China at UK Chatham House told Xinhua the BRI would consist of "high-quality" infrastructure projects that meet international standards and increase confidence in global investment and economic development in a post-epidemic world.

Pierre Picquart, French expert on China at the University of Paris VIII, said that the "two sessions" sent positive signals for an economic recovery. The innovative stimulus package in China as well as the BRI will promote financial flows and economic growth around the world.

"With its economic recovery, China will restore confidence to business leaders, investors and consumers in the world," he added.

Photo taken on April 24, 2020 shows trucks loaded with wind turbine blades running on a road through the Sayram Lake basin in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. These wind turbine blades are used for a 50-megawatt wind farm in Kazakhstan's Kostanay Region. (Universal Energy/Handout via Xinhua)





FURTHER OPENING-UP

China will further enhance cooperation with the rest of the world and introduce more measures to expand its opening up policy, Premier Li said Thursday.

With a population of over 1.4 billion people and a middle class of over 400 million, Chinese consumption is the growth engine of both China and the world, as Jim O'Neill, chair of the London-based think tank Chatham House, has said.

The closing meeting of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) of China is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

As the pandemic forced national lockdowns and dampened trade, worries about a more inward and less open world have emerged. Still, experts see positive signs in China's stance against protectionism and efforts to deepen opening-up.

China can offset headwinds to global trade to some degree by pursuing its policy of reform and opening up more aggressively, said Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator for the Financial Times. "That will help China and the rest of the world."

Vasilis Trigkas, research fellow at the Belt and Road Strategy Institute of China's Tsinghua University told Xinhua that China's shift towards higher consumption domestically will obviously "have a positive impact to the global economy as nations would increase their exports to the vast Chinese market."

Several Japanese companies in the eastern city of Xiamen understand their future is tied to growing Chinese consumption.

Tourists shop at a night fair of Sinan Mansions in Shanghai, east China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Fei)

Zhao Fujun, general manager of Yamaha motors' global research and development center in Xiamen, said that his company pins high hopes on the Chinese market since China has taken efficient measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. The company's investment in China will increase by 30 percent this year.

Christine Bierre, editor-in-chief of France's Nouvelle Solidarite magazine and an expert at Schiller France Institute, told Xinhua: "This is China's main contribution to ... the world: by developing itself, and its huge market, it drives the world economy forward."

(Video reporters: Yu Shuai Shuai, Pan Geping, Wang Pingping, Zhao Yuchao, Han Chong, Shi Zhongyu, Guo Mingfang; Video editor: Zhou Saang)
The City of Midland is providing guidance to property owners whose homes or buildings have been condemned due to structural damage sustained during the recent flooding event.

Condemnation of a structure means that the structure is no longer safe for human occupancy. It is unsafe for these structures to be occupied for extended periods of time, including overnight stays. After a property has been condemned, the only construction work permissible without a building permit is temporary shoring or structurally reinforcing the structure.

In line with the 2015 Michigan Building Code, the City will allow temporary access into condemned structures to access items only after shoring up or reinforcement of the structure has taken place and authorization has been given by the City of Midland Building Department. To schedule an inspection of temporary shoring or reinforcement that will allow for temporary access to the structure, please call the Building Department at 989-837-3381.

Property owners are reminded that they will need to apply for and receive the necessary building permits and City inspections as they make these repairs and replace infrastructure in their homes and businesses. Until building permits have been issued and building inspections have been conducted following rehabilitation and repair, condemned structures will not be deemed safe to reoccupy.

All properties located within the 100-year regulatory floodplain will require the Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage (SI/SD) assessment to be completed prior to building permits being issued. For more information on this assessment, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/building or contact the Building Department at 989-837-3381.

Properties outside the 100-year floodplain will not be required to go through the SI/SD assessment.

Owners of condemned properties are advised that this process will take some time to complete and that condemnation of a structure does not mean that their ownership of the property is absolved.

To schedule a building inspection or apply for a building permit related to the recent flooding event, residents should call the Building Department at 989-837-3383 and leave a voicemail message regarding their project or email the appropriate staff member.

Individual inspectors can be reached as follows:

Steve Taglauer, chief building official  staglaue@midland-mi.org

Mike Streeter, electrical inspector  mstreeter@midland-mi.org

Jim Armstrong, plumbing/mechanical inspector  jvarmstrong@midland-mi.org

For fire safety inspections and other plans related to fire safety, please contact Midland Fire Department Fire Marshal Tony Lelo at 989-837-3413 or alelo@midland-mi.org.

To find building permit applications forms, building permit and inspection information, and more, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/building. For fire department permit and inspection information, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/fire.

All City facilities remain closed to the public through June 12, 2020; however, Building and Midland Fire Department personnel are working remotely to process building permits and inspections as quickly as possible to provide service for flood-impacted residents.

Fees will be waived for all City permits related to flood damage.

For continued updates related to the recent flooding event, please monitor the following resources:

www.midland911.org

www.cityofmidlandmi.gov

Facebook channels for the following entities: Midland County Emergency Management (MI) Midland County 911 City of Midland, Michigan  Municipal Government

Twitter: @CityofMidlandMI

Twitter: @MidlandCountyMI

Call 2-1-1

Sign up for 911 text and email alerts through Nixle.com

 Processed by Victoria Ritter, vritter@mdn.net
I woke up on Monday, April 11, with what I thought was a run-of-the-mill stomachache. I felt more wrong by the hour as it grew more and more intense, and by midnight, it was the worst pain I ever felt. I couldnt get comfortable in bed, couldnt stand up straight and couldnt move without dry heaving.

The dry part didnt last long. Soon, I lost my dinner, all the water I had consumed to stay hydrated and a fistful of antacids -- all in quick succession.

The next few hours are a blur. My dad drove me to the hospital, where I underwent bloodwork, then an X-ray and a CT scan (I had to drink 32 ounces of a disgusting liquid and not throw it up for an hour-and-a-half, a Herculean task.) I remember moaning in agony through most of it, and I remember asking my dad to pull over so I could puke my brains out on a random street in Harrison, but not much else.

The diagnosis: appendicitis.

It was a relief. My sister had it a few years ago, so I knew the drill: surgery followed by a couple of weeks of recovery. Itll be tough, but Ill be feeling better in no time, I thought.

Then reality smacked me in the face.

Three weeks earlier, Gov. Phil Murphy had halted elective surgeries temporarily as the coronavirus pandemic hit New Jersey hard. As a journalist, I keep up with local news, of course, but for some reason, that announcement had slipped through the cracks. I first heard about it from a surgeon.

Were doing emergency or limb-saving surgeries only, he said.

My appendicitis didnt fit into either category, apparently. I wouldnt get the appendectomy, no matter how much I begged, for nearly a month -- a painful stretch during which I returned to the hospital three times.

You picked a bad time to get appendicitis, sympathetic nurses told me.

In lieu of surgery, I was prescribed antibiotics and Percocets. I laid in bed, popping the medication for five days while binge-watching The West Wing. By the sixth day, I felt somewhat normal: I could walk, keep food down and lay down with only a little discomfort. After a few more days, I thought I was out of the woods. After all, Im 23 years old and in good shape. Finish out these antibiotics and Ill kick this, right?

With two days of treatment left, I felt a familiar twinge.

Its just a stomachache, I tried to convince myself (again). But hours later, the unrelenting pain and a 103-degree fever made it undeniable: My appendix was acting up again.

I went back to the hospital for more tests. My appendix was still infected but now it was perforated, too, forming an abscess in my abdomen. Doctors put a drain through my stomach to remove the abscess, and the drain remained there when I left the hospital a few days later.

So did my appendix.

When I was discharged, it had been 17 days since I was first diagnosed, enough time to have had an appendectomy and recovered from it. Instead, the coronavirus pandemic forced me to keep waiting -- and suffering -- with a useless, infected organ.

A few days later, the surgeons office called, and I finally got some good news. Surgeries were starting up again, and I was one of the first in line.

On Monday, May 11 -- almost exactly a month after the diagnosis -- my appendix was removed. There was a brutal week of recovery, but it was a big step toward full health.

All things considered, I had it easy. I wasnt among the 158,844 in New Jersey who contracted the coronavirus as of Friday, many of whom died. Im still dealing with complications, but Im young and healthy and the symptoms are manageable.

I returned to the hospital over Memorial Day weekend with a post-op abscess, a normal complication. I had been through the procedure, so I thought I knew what to expect. But the placement of the new abscess wouldnt allow a drain to be inserted through my abdomen. Instead, doctors inserted it through my backside.

Its appropriate this period of my life ends with a huge pain in the butt.

At least its not a stomachache.

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

Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 42-year-old who returned from Pune and a 36-year-old who returned from Delhi tested positive for Covid-19 in the district on Saturday. The former, a Vamanapuram native, had arrived on May 18 while the other returned on May 23. Also on the day, 770 people were placed under Covid surveillance here even as 419 people were declared cured of the viral disease.

While 23 people were admitted to various hospitals in the district with COVID-19 symptoms, 27 were discharged. With 23 new admissions, the number of people hospitalised for treatment in the district climbed up to 112. While 9,015 people are under home surveillance, 1336 people are under observation in 61 institutions in the district. As many as 211 samples were sent for lab analysis on Saturday. Of the results of samples received on Saturday, 193 were negative.

Meanwhile, the funeral of the man from Telangana who died in the capital was held at at the Vallakadavu Juma Masjid. District Collector K Gopalakrishnan visited the family members of the deceased man earlier in the day. Containment Zones Vamanapuram, Pullampara, Nelland, Pulimath, Mudakkal and, Manikkal grama panchayats were designated as containment zones. Except for hospital visit and for other emergencies, people in the containment zones are not allowed to step out of panchayat limits.

Residents of containment zones should strictly wear masks and adhere to social distancing norms. Public examinations will be conducted in the district in accordance with the Covid-19 guidelines. A total of 130 people entered the capital district through Injivila checkpost.

These included 76 men and 54 women. While 123 people were from Tamil Nadu, seven were from Karnataka. Among those who entered Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, 19 were from Red Zones. Of these, 18 were sent to home quarantine while one person was sent to a government-run observation centre.
Advertisement

Two Federal Protective Service officers were shot - one fatally - during Friday night protests in Oakland, California, as violent protests across the US intensified over the killing of George Floyd.

At least 7,500 demonstrators took to the streets in Oakland last night, clashing with police and sparking arson attacks and vandalism across the city. During the squirmish, two officers with the Federal Protective Service - a part of Homeland Securitycreated to protect government facilities - were shot. Police are investigating.

'Two Federal Protective Services officers stationed at the Oakland Downtown Federal Building suffered gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, one succumbed to his injury,' the police department told CNN.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old protester was shot dead in Detroit last night, while soldiers in North Carolina and in New York were ordered to be ready to move in within four hours and troops in Colorado and Kansas within 24 hours.

Police said the man was killed after shots were fired at a crowd of people near Detroit's Greektown entertainment district last night with dozens of protesters out on the streets, but officers were not involved in the shooting.

The suspect pulled up to the crowd in a Dodge Durango and fired shots at around 11.30pm, and the man was pronounced dead in hospital. No details about who fired the shots were immediately available, police said.

Crowds took to the streets in the city after former officer Derek Chauvin was charged with murder over the death of Floyd, a black man who was handcuffed and pleaded for air as an officer pressed his knee on his neck.

Minneapolis: Looting and fires broke out again in Minneapolis as protesters defied the state curfew and the National Guard failed to keep the city under control

Portland: Policemen walk enveloped by teargas in Portland, Oregon, yesterday as violence escalated in the downtown area

Over in Minneapolis, protesters have been running rampant for the past three nights in a show of outrage that has seen a suspected looter shot dead in the street, a Minneapolis police precinct stormed and set alight, and the city up in flames as businesses and stores were looted and torched.

Amid fears that the chaos was entering a fourth night, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an emergency order mandating that residents stay home from the hours of 8pm to 6am and giving cops the power to arrest anyone who refused to comply.

Mr Walz said it was an 'incredibly dangerous, fluid and dynamic' situation, adding that he can 'fully understand the rage' but urged for calm on the streets.

The state order came after the twin cities imposed curfews starting at 8p.m. Friday in efforts to bring the rioting and destruction under control.

In Detroit last night, officers - many in riot gear - confronted the protesters in the Michigan city and formed lines across streets. Dozens of arrests were made and police said many were not Detroit residents.

By midnight, the crowd had thinned considerably as police shot canisters of gas toward the protesters. The demonstration began earlier in the day and was peaceful as protesters marched by Detroit Police Headquarters.

'We know that the individuals from outside the city of Detroit who converged at the protest location don't represent this city,' Police Chief James Craig said. The number of arrests and injuries is not yet available.

The move to put the Army on a short-term notice comes after President Donald Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper for military options in tackling the escalating civil unrest spreading across America, according to sources.

Overnight, Trump also commented on a tweet by Former Democrats for Trump about how Minneapolis was ruled by Democrats, saying: 'Time for a change! #2020', which was retweeted more than 25,000 times.

It comes as violent protests demanding justice for Floyd spread across the US last night, with the CNN headquarters under siege in Atlanta, New York police officers fending off rioters from a police precinct in Brooklyn and the White House forced to go into lockdown as demonstrators tried to scale the walls.

Looting and fires broke out again in Minneapolis as protesters defied the state curfew and the National Guard failed to keep the city under control.

The protests have now reached all corners of America with break-off demonstrations springing up across states including New York, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia as the arrest of the white cop who knelt on Floyd's neck has done little to quell the anger over the black man's death.

Chaos exploded in Atlanta as demonstrators stormed and destroyed the CNN headquarters and fired a smoke bomb at cops trying to form a barrier to keep them out.

In New York City, shocking footage showed an NYPD officer hurling a female protester to the ground in Brooklyn, while officers defended a police precinct amid fears it would be torched.

The White House was forced to go into temporary lockdown as protesters tried to scale the walls, battled with Secret Service agents and burned American flags outside the executive residence.

Minneapolis: A check-cashing business burns to the ground during protests Friday, as the Pentagon puts the military police on alert to send to the ravaged city

Oakland: Protesters smash the window of a Chase bank during protests in Oakland, California, yesterday

Detroit: Police detain and arrest protesters during a series of confrontations in the Michigan city last night

Los Angeles: Protesters light a fire in the middle of the street during a protest in downtown Los Angeles last night

Atlanta: The CNN headquarters bore some of the brunt of the outrage as demonstrators vandalized the media firm's logo, scrawled profanities on the building and smashed up its windows

Atlanta: This came just hours after black CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was arrested on live on air Friday morning by Minnesota State Patrol while covering the Minneapolis protests

Brooklyn, New York: A burning police vehicle near the Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough

Brooklyn, New York: Thousands of cops took to the streets of Brooklyn in violent clashes with protesters

Washington DC: US Secret Service form a line outside the White House as protesters attempt to breach their barricade

Washington DC: The White House was forced to go into temporary lockdown as protesters tried to scale the walls, battled with Secret Service agents and burned American flags outside the seat of the government

As unrest spread across dozens of American cities Friday, Trump gave the bold order to ready the Army for deployment to Minneapolis.

The get-ready orders were sent verbally Friday, after Trump asked Esper to come up with rapid deployment options if the Minneapolis protests continued to spiral out of control, according to a senior Pentagon official who was on the call.

The last time the White House invoked these powers was in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles that followed the Rodney King trial.

The National Guard was activated in Georgia late Friday night with as many as 500 troops deployed to Atlanta and a state of emergency issued after rioters destroyed the CNN HQ and looted a luxury shopping mall.

The CNN headquarters bore much of the brunt of the outrage as demonstrators vandalized the media firm's logo, scrawled profanities on the building and smashed up its windows.

A protester reacts standing in front of a burning building set on fire during a demonstration in Minneapolis last night

Detroit police detain and arrest protesters during a series of confrontations in Michigan last night

Detroit police clash with protesters into early this morning during a rally calling for an end to police violence

A fire burns at a gas station in Minneapolis, Minnesota, yesterday with protests ongoing in the state and around the country

A vandalised car is flipped upside down as protesters face off against police in Oakland, California, yesterday

A protester restrains his friend following an incident with police in Detroit, Michigan, last night

Members of the National Guard hold a perimeter as a fire crew works to put out a fire at a gas station in Minneapolis last night

Detroit police detain and arrest protesters during a series of confrontations in Michigan last night

Protesters clash with police in Detroit early this morning during a rally calling for an end to police violence last night

A protester breaks a window of a business during a protest over the death of George Floyd in Los Angeles last night

Police officers move forward to clear the street during a protest over the death of George Floyd in Los Angeles last night

A protester breaks a window with a chair during a protest in downtown Los Angeles last night

Protesters light a fire in the middle of the street during a protest in downtown Los Angeles yesterday

Nathan Kinn gets milk poured in his eyes after being pepper sprayed while demonstrating in Phoenix, Arizona, last night

Protesters face off with police outside the White House in Washington in the early hours of this morning

A standoff between cops and protesters escalated into the night as dozens of cops in riot gear formed a barricade inside the doors while protesters hurled objects at the building.

A smoke bomb was thrown at police at one point and at least one officer was injured after they were struck by a missile of some sort.

This came just hours after black CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was arrested live on air Friday morning by Minnesota State Patrol while covering the Minneapolis protests.

Jimenez was put in handcuffs and led away from his team of producers this morning at 5.11am CT after the team was moved down the street by police in riot gear.

According to one of his colleagues, the crew was told he was being arrested for refusing to move when he'd been told to but he was heard live on air telling officers he was with CNN.

Police officers rush past a burning police vehicle to disperse protesters during a protest in Los Angeles last night

Police walk through fire and smoke as hundreds of people gathered to protest George Floyd's killing in Portland last night

A protester kicks a stone into a burning building set on fire during a demonstration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last night

Protesters flee after police fired tear gas during a demonstration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, yesterday evening

A protester throws a fire extinguisher in a burning building during a demonstration in Minneapolis last night

Firecrakers explodes as police fire tear gas at protesters from a rooftop during a demonstration in Minneapolis yesterday

Demonstrators burn items in Oakland, California, yesterday while protesting the death of George Floyd

Minneapolis: Protesters pose for photos in front of a burning building near the fifth police precinct in Minneapolis yesterday

Detroit police detain and arrest protesters during a series of confrontations in the Michigan city last night

A protester scrambles to escape a cloud of tear gas in Detroit, Michigan, during the demonstrations last night

Protesters sit in front of a line of police officers in Detroit, Michigan, last night during demonstrations over the death

A Stop N Shop convenience store is destroyed and on fire as the protests continue last night in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Atlanta: A man wearing a 'Purge' mask runs in front of a burning police car

Atlanta: Police cruisers were set on fire as hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Atlanta

Atlanta: A police cruiser is engulfed in flames outside the CNN HQ while protesters watch

Atlanta: Rioters scrawl 'oink' on the windows of the CNN HQ which was under siege Friday night

Atlanta: Protesters burn an American flag outside the CNN Center on Friday

Atlanta: A police car burns after protesters marched to the Georgia State Capitol and returned to the area around the Centennial Olympic Park and CNN center

Atlanta: A man hurls rocks through the windows of the CNN HQ in Georgia

CNN Headquarters in Atlanta being destroyed; massive police presence



pic.twitter.com/dYnYNJj83a  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 30, 2020

Atlanta: Police form a barricade inside the building as a rioter hurls a firecracker at them

Atlanta: A man holds a Black Lives Matter banner as the air fills with smoke

Atlanta: A man is detained by police during the protest. Tensions have mounted in the state after Floyd's death which comes less than a month after footage of Ahmaud Arbery being killed by a white cop in Georgia also sent shockwaves

Atlanta: After a march to the Georgia State Capitol, protesters confront police officers after returning to the area around the CNN center in Atlanta

The Atlanta protest began peacefully before it descended into chaos when some demonstrators hurled bricks, bottles and milk cartons at police cruisers.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms slammed their actions at a press conference Friday, saying: 'If you care about this city then go home.'

A luxury shopping mall was also targeted by looters late into the night when some moved on from downtown Atlanta and headed north to Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead.

Governor Brian Kemp activated the National Guard to the state capital late Friday as the rioting escalated.

Brooklyn, New York: An NYPD van was vandalized and engulfed in flames as darkness fell

Brooklyn, New York: An NYPD officer walks past a burning van was vandalized and engulfed in flames as darkness fell

Brooklyn, New York: Police officers block off DeKalb Avenue as a police vehicle burn

Brooklyn, New York: In New York, the NYPD clashed fiercely with protesters Friday night as thousands of cops took to the streets and hundreds of protesters descended on the 88 precinct in Brooklyn as night fell

Brooklyn, New York: A protester is put on a bus after being arrested outside the Barclays Center

Brooklyn, New York: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio traveled across the city to the protest as he tweeted saying there would be a 'full review' of the night's events after footage emerged on social media of cops being violent towards protesters

Brooklynm: Shocking footage showed an officer throwing a woman to the ground

In New York, the NYPD clashed fiercely with protesters Friday night as thousands of cops took to the streets and hundreds of protesters descended on the 88th precinct in Brooklyn.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio traveled across the city to the protest as he tweeted saying there would be a 'full review' of the night's events after footage emerged on social media of cops being violent towards protesters.

'We have a long night ahead of us in Brooklyn. Our sole focus is deescalating this situation and getting people home safe. There will be a full review of what happened tonight. We don't ever want to see another night like this,' de Blasio tweeted.

Outside the Barclays Center stadium in Brooklyn, a peaceful protest turned violent when NYPD officers sprayed mace into the crowds while demonstrators set fire to banners and pushed to break through metal barricades.

The crowds moved toward the 88th precinct with officers forced to defend the station for fear of similar scenes to those seen at the precinct in Minneapolis Thursday - where cops were forced to flee when protesters stormed the building, set it alight and cut off the gas lines.

Minneapolis: Heavy machinery is seen on fire during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd

Minneapolis: Residents defied the curfew and came out for the fourth night and torched buildings

Minneapolis: A protester holds their hand up in a fist amid calls for justice for the 46-year-old father of two

Minneapolis: People run during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody

Minneapolis: People loot a Wells Fargo ATM despite the curfew and National Guard presence

Minneapolis: A convenience store is looted and a building is on fire as chaos continues into the fourth night

Minneapolis: Boarded up doors and windows have been ripped down as people emerge from stores damaged other nights with snacks

Minneapolis: A convenience store is left ransacked by looters overnight Friday

Minneapolis: A looter smashes up a burning liquor store with a bat as Governor Walz urged residents to comply with the curfew

Minneapolis: Looting and fires broke out again in Minneapolis as protesters defied the state curfew and the National Guard failed to keep the city under control

Shocking footage showed an officer throwing a woman the ground. The video was posted on social media of the cop appearing to walk to the woman and throw her violently to the floor.

It was reported that the woman had to seek medical attention following the incident.

An MTA bus driver refused to drive protesters away from the scene after police officers commandeered the vehicle and started placing arrested New Yorkers on it.

This came after violent clashes broke out in Union Square in Manhattan between cops and protesters during the day.

Shocking footage shows one officer beating a protester to the point that he breaks his baton on the man as other cops try to apprehend people in the crowded Manhattan area.

Another clip shows officers pushing people to the ground as protesters try to help others from the grasps of the authorities. Some police can be heard telling others to back up.

Washington DC: The protests have reached the seat of the US government, with protesters marching to the White House, sending it into lockdown for a brief time Friday night

Washington DC: Secret Service agents form a line outside the White House and push protesters back with their shields

Washington DC: Protesters hold signs as they gather outside the White House

Washington DC: Violence has erupted across the US for a fourth night Friday, with protesters gathering at the home of US democracy Washington DC

Washington DC: Police officers tackle a protesters to the ground as people gather outside the White House

Washington DC: People hold aloft signs reading 'Terrorist in the White House' and 'Stop killer cops'

Washington DC: Crowds followed law enforcement and the man to the jail and staged another protest outside - this one calling for a medic for the man after he was seen with blood pouring down his face, sparking renewed fears over police brutality and for the safety of a man held in custody

Washington DC: The White House went into lockdown as one protester above tried to scale the walls

Washington DC: The man detained by Secret Service agents outside the White House is covered in blood

The protests reached the seat of the US government Friday night, with demonstrators marching to the White House, sending it into lockdown for a brief time Friday night.

Secret Service officers stopped anyone entering the White House grounds, where President Trump is currently in residence, after a demonstrator tried to scale the fence in Lafayette Park to get inside.

The man was manhandled by Secret Service out of the park and taken into custody at the Treasury Annex.

Crowds followed law enforcement and the man to the jail and staged another protest outside - this one calling for a medic for the man after he was seen with blood pouring down his face, sparking renewed fears over police brutality and for the safety of a man held in police custody.

Secret Service agents were also seen physically pushing demonstrators back after some pushed down metal railings while a police cruiser was seen burning in the road after it was torched by rioters.

As Trump sits securely locked inside the grounds, outrage continues to boil over his Tweets warning protesters that 'when the looting starts the shooting starts.'

Louisville, Kentucky: Tensions mounted between law enforcement and protesters for a second night

Louisville, Kentucky: Police in riot gear form a wall against protesters marching over the death of Breonna Taylor

Louisville, Kentucky: Officials said the groups were larger than the previous night

Louisville, Kentucky: People huddle as they are struck by pepper-balls fired by police during a protest against the deaths of Breonna Taylor

Los Angeles: A protester is seen - wearing a face mask to protect against COVID-19 - while smashing up a police car

Los Angeles: As night fell, protesters and police continued to clash on a highay

Los Angeles, California: A protester is detained by police officers as hundreds gathered demanding justice for Floyd

The lockdown was lifted around 8:30p.m. and as of 11p.m. Trump was yet to break his silence on the matter on Twitter.

In Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey announced a nighttime curfew barring anyone other than essential workers and public safety personnel from being in public places across the city from 8p.m. through to 6 a.m. local time and lasting for the weekend.

This was quickly followed by the neighboring cities of Roseville and St. Paul which declared their own emergency orders and curfews.

But this failed to keep Minneapolis under control with protesters defying the curfew and convenience stores looted.

With law enforcement nowhere to be seen, around 350 troops were finally sent in after midnight - hours after chaos ensued once again despite both the city and state insisting that the response would be ramped up Friday.

Las Vegas: Over in Sin City, hundreds of protesters took over parts of the Las Vegas Strip Friday night

Las Vegas: Demonstrators and police officers were seen in a standoff at multiple intersections of the strip where casinos continue to stay shuttered amid the coronavirus pandemic

The Minneapolis Department of Public Safety said 350 troopers had been deployed to the city's 5th precinct to disperse protesters and enforce the curfew late Friday.

This came after Walz on Friday admitted an 'abject failure' by law enforcement in trying to control crowds Thursday night.

On Thursday, as tensions in the city boiled all day, the National Guard started putting in motion plans to intervene to help local law enforcement agencies that were struggling to cope with the mounting threat.

Meanwhile, in Sin City, hundreds of protesters took over parts of the Las Vegas Strip Friday night with police confirming several arrests had been made.

Demonstrators and police officers were seen in a standoff at multiple intersections of the strip where casinos continue to stay shuttered amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Protests escalated in Louisville, Kentucky, as protesters demanding justice for black woman Breonna Taylor resurfaced with renewed anger over Floyd's death.

Taylor was shot dead by cops in the state back in March.

The EMT was hit by bullets at least eight times when three cops stormed her apartment to serve a search warrant over a narcotics investigation. No drugs were found in the home.

The Hall of Justice was targeted with an attempted fire while graffiti and flag-burning was widespread across the city.

Charlotte: Protesters clash with police and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department deemed the gathering 'unlawful' and had ordered the demonstrators to disperse

Charlotte: Armed protesters and cops are just outside of downtown Charlotte

Charlotte: CMPD officers deploy tear gas canisters against protestors in front of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Metro Division 2

Louisville Metro Police Department was forced to apologize to a reporter after a cop shot them with a pepper ball launcher live on air.

Pictures showed groups of people huddling on the ground as pepper balls rained down on them.

Louisville Metro Police Department said a significantly larger number of people had come out to protest Friday compared to Thursday many armed with sticks, bats, and guns.

This came after seven people were shot after gunfire rung out in downtown Louisville Thursday night.

In Houston, where Floyd grew up before he moved to Minneapolis for a new start in life, huge protests also erupted.

The demonstration, which was organized by Black Lives Matter, saw thousands of protesters process up Main Street to City Hall shouting 'can't breathe' and 'enough is enough'.

The initially peaceful protest took a violent turn two hours in after a man attempted to punch organizer Ashton Woods as he made a speech.

Brooklyn: NYPD Officers spray mace into the crowd of protesters gathered at Barclays Center

Brooklyn: A fire is started in the street and objects are hurled as protests ramp up in New York

Brooklyn: Police officers are seen struggling to keep protesters back as they push against railings

Brooklyn: One man is arrested and being carried off by officers outside the stadium that is currently shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Brooklyn: Police try to contain protesters during a rally at the Barclays Center

Brooklyn: The protest started peacefully as the group gathered and held signs demanding justice

Brooklyn: A huge 'George Floyd' banner is held aloft by the crowd before night fell

Although the scuffle was swiftly broken up by police, some demonstrators moved away from the main protest and attempted to rush and occupy the I-45 freeway.

Others in the throng chanted: 'Justice for George', 'Black Lives Matter' and 'We want change'.

According to the group's Facebook page, at least 1,800 people turned out, although there appeared to be far more.

One protester described the death of Floyd, who lived in Houston most of his life, as a 'modern day lynching'.

Rebecca Bozeman told DailyMail.com: 'Enough is enough. The people have to come out and do their part or nothing will change.

'It's been 400 years and it's still happening. We saw a modern-day lynching. It should not be happening.'

Her friend Sylvia Clinton added: 'Call it what it is. He was lynched. It was a modern-day lynching.'

Clinton told DailyMail.com the news today that white cop Derek Chauvin - who knelt on Floyd's neck for eight minutes until he passed out and later died - being charged with murder is not enough, as calls mount for the arrest of the other three officers involved: J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao.

Clinton said: 'It's not enough. It's not enough for me that one of the officers has been arrested. I feel they should get the remaining three accomplices.

'Call it what it is  an accomplice is someone in conjunction with a crime and I feel like that's what the three remaining officers are and it will not be justice until we see them arrested, prosecuted and found guilty.'

Minneapolis: A protester yells at a member of the Minnesota National Guard earlier Friday

Minneapolis: Amid fears that the chaos is entering a fourth night, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Friday signed an emergency order mandating that residents stay home from the hours of 8p.m. to 6a.m.

Minneapolis: Cops have been given the power to arrest anyone who refuses to comply with the curfew

Minneapolis: Police officers hold down a man during Friday's protest as a curfew is put in place

Another protester said police officers who commit crimes should face the same 'due process' as regular citizens.

He said: 'I don't feel that's enough [for Chauvin to be arrested]. All four of them need to be arrested and all four of them need to be held accountable as we would be if we broke the law.

Omar added: 'I believe it starts at the top with legislation.

'They need to start training officers in a certain way, to be more respectful of human life because everyone around here deserves a fair trial.'They're not the judge or the jury. When we do a crime, we go through due process  they need to do that too.'

Both Bozeman and Clinton said they live in fear of a similar fate to Floyd's being visited on the men in their families.

Bozeman said: 'We have a lot of black men in our lives: my father, my brother, her son. They're all a part of our lives.

'So when we saw George lying there like that, that could have been any one of them, any one on a daily basis.

'The fact it has taken days just to arrest one officer, that's not right. Even then, to not be sure he will be convicted of something like that

'We should be sure. And for this to be going on for hundreds of years, at this point, enough is enough.'

Clinton added: 'It's a true worry. It's not anything to be played with. It's very valid and the fear is real. Very real.'

Houston: In Houston, where Floyd grew up before he moved to Minneapolis for a new start in life, huge protests erupted Friday as people insisted that this is not

Houston: Protesters wear COVID-19 face masks with 'I can't breathe' written on them - some of the last words Floyd said as he begged for his life

Houston: One protester holds a sign with pictures of other black men who have died in the US

Protests also erupted in Charlotte with police officers throwing tear gas into the crowds and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department deploying its Civil Emergency Unit and issuing a dispersal order.

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter Friday over the death of Floyd, four days after he was seen kneeling on his neck in a video of his arrest that has sparked violent protests across the country.

The 44-year-old white cop was arrested by state investigators Friday afternoon, Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington announced, as the criminal complaint revealed he kept kneeling on the black man's neck for almost 3 minutes after he fell unconscious and said 'you're talking fine' when he begged for air.

Chauvin was one of four officers fired over Floyd's death earlier this week yet the other three officers continue to walk free.

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been taken into custody over the death of Floyd, four days after he was seen kneeling on his neck in a video of his arrest that has sparked violent protests across the country
Tens of thousands of people, mainly young and working class of all races, have taken to the streets of American cities to protest the police murder in Minneapolis of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man who died with a policemans knee on his throat for nine minutes, while horrified bystanders pleaded for his life and recorded the killing in videos that have shocked the world.

Thousands defied the 8 p.m. curfew imposed by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and quickly extended to neighboring St. Paul, to many suburbs in surrounding Hennepin and Ramsey counties, and to all of Anoka and Dakota counties in the Twin Cities exurbs.

A protester confronts San Jose police as they advance on May 29, 2020, as people demonstrate nationwide in response to George Floyd dying while in police custody [Credit: AP Photo/Ben Margot]

The sheer extent of the curfew demonstrates that the state and local authorities were concerned about violence not merely in a small inner-city neighborhood in south Minneapolis, but about eruptions in any area populated by the working class throughout the huge metropolitan area, home to more than three million people.

There were reportedly large numbers of people in the streets both in south Minneapolis and in the downtown area, chanting slogans like No justice, no peace, prosecute the police! They ignored the curfew order and the patrolling military vehicles.

Some 500 National Guard troops were sent into the city by Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat. They are guarding infrastructure and have not yet been deployed directly against the population. Walz, himself a retired command sergeant major in the National Guard, is the third governor in recent years to call out the troops to deal with unrest provoked by police murders, following Democrat Jay Nixon in Missouri (Ferguson) in 2014, and Republican Larry Hogan in Maryland (Baltimore) in 2015.

The Washington Post reported overnight, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Milley, had spoken with Walz on Friday. The two officials offered support, but Walz did not request any military assets at this time, according to a Pentagon official who spoke to the newspaper.

Georgias Republican Governor Brian Kemp called out the National Guard early Saturday morning after a protest in Atlanta over the death of George Floyd was attacked by police, touching off violent clashes outside the CNN headquarters in that city.

Thousands of demonstrators, black and white in near-equal numbers, chanted We cant breathe as they assembled in Centennial Park, marched to the State Capitol and then rallied outside the CNN Center, whose executives ordered the building closed.

Governor Kemp, one of the most notorious advocates of ending all social distancing and reopening all businesses despite the danger of COVID-19, suddenly discovered the pandemic, issuing a statement declaring, We encourage protesters to exercise their Constitutional rights safely, especially in light of COVID-19.

Soon after, police began attacking demonstrators with mace, pepper spray and teargas. Some protesters responded by smashing windows, throwing rocks and bottles at the police, and setting one police car on fire. Kemp then called out the troops.

There was a large demonstration in Brooklyn, New York on Friday night, the second night of direct clashes between thousands of protesters and the police. After protesters marched with peaceful chants of Black lives matter and We want justice, police waded into the crowds and made as many as 100 arrests, filling up buses from the Department of Corrections to take people off to jail.

Some protesters threw water bottles and other projectiles, and an empty police van was set on fire and burned to a shell. Riot-equipped police units cleared the area around the Barclay Center, where large numbers of demonstrators had gathered.

In Washington, DC, the Secret Service locked down the White House after a crowd gathered outside chanting against the police and President Trump. Other large protests were reported in Detroit, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles and other cities.

In Milwaukee, hundreds of youth and college students blocked traffic on I-43 as they walked into downtown to protest the murder of George Floyd and the beating death of Joel Acevedo, killed by an off-duty Milwaukee policeman. Protesters also blocked freeways in Oakland and San Jose, California.

Minnesota state and local officials clearly hoped that the indictment of Derek Chauvin, the cop whose knee was on George Floyds neck, would slow the momentum of the protests. But the charges brought against Chauvin, of third-degree murder and manslaughter, were the most minimal possible given the video evidence.

No charges have been brought against the three other cops involved in the killingThomas Lane and J. Alexander Keung, who held Floyd down by the back and legs while Chauvin slowly killed him, and Tou Thao, who kept onlookers from interfering with the execution.

Moreover, the charging document released late Friday afternoon reads like a brief for Chauvins defense, not his prosecution. It claims that Floyds autopsy revealed no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation. Mr. Floyd had underlying health conditions, including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease.

The document concludes that three factors contributed to Floyds death: The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.

While President Trump has provided the most vitriolic rhetoric against those protesting police violence, denouncing them as thugs, the dirty work on the streets has been carried out at the orders for the most part of Democratic Party politicians like Governor Walz in Minnesota, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and countless other Democratic mayors and their hand-picked police chiefs.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a former leader of the Congressional Black Caucus and prominent supporter of Bernie Sanders, told a press conference Friday that residents of Minneapolis were understandably angry with the police but should not take this out on the National Guard. He said the troops came as helpers rather than occupiers, citing their efforts in the coronavirus crisis.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, the leader of the Democratic Party as its presumptive presidential nominee, blamed the American people rather than the police for the murder of Floyd. With our complacency, our silence, we are complicit in perpetuating these cycles of violence, he preached, invoking racism, the original sin of this country, as the cause.

There is no doubt that racism was an important element in the murder of George Floyd. But racism is encouraged in a definite social context, of deepening social inequality under 21st century capitalism, where the ruling class makes every effort to divide and split the working class. More than 1,000 people are victims of police violence in America each year, and while a disproportionate number are black, the largest number are white. What nearly all have in common is that they come from the working class, most from its poorest layers.
Former President Barack Obama joined the chorus demanding accountability and change following the death of 46-year-old George Floyd on Monday while in the custody of Minneapolis police.

Obama tweeted his statement Friday after violence marred protests across the country Thursday evening.

"Its natural to wish for life to just get back to normal as a pandemic and economic crisis upend everything around us. But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly normal - whether its while dealing with the health care system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park.

"This shouldnt be normal in 2020 in America. It cant be normal.' If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better.

It will fall mainly on the officials of Minnesota to ensure that the circumstances surrounding George Floyds death are investigated thoroughly and that justice is ultimately done. But it falls on all of us, regardless of our race or station - including the majority of men and women in law enforcement who take pride in doing their tough job the right way, every day - to work together to create a new normal in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts.

My statement on the death of George Floyd: pic.twitter.com/Hg1k9JHT6R  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 29, 2020

Obamas tweet references recent race-related incidents, including the death of Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot while jogging in Georgia in February, and Amy Cooper, who called police earlier this week after being asked by an African American birdwatcher in Central Park to keep her dog on a leash, per park regulations. Like Floyds death, both of the incidents mentioned above were caught on video.

The four officers seen on video ending Floyds life have been fired. CNN reports more than 500 Minnesota National Guard soldiers arrived in Minneapolis Thursday as protestors set a police station on fire.

Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said Friday that state investigators arrested Derek Chauvin, the white officer who was seen on video kneeling on Floyds neck before his death.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.

More:

George Floyd case: Pa. police chiefs condemn officers knee-on-neck method seen in viral video

Pentagon orders Army to put military police on alert to deploy to Minneapolis

White House put on lockdown as protesters gather in the vicinity
TROY  When Annmarie Lanesey was looking to hire at her software development company, Greane Tree Technology, a recruiter suggested someone who wasnt like her typical applicants.

He had never been to college and had been working in a kitchen for the last decade. But he taught himself a coding language that the company uses. Lanesey brought him on as an intern and soon realized he was a fast learner.

He was quickly able to work alongside the guy with a four-year degree, Lanesey said. I realized that there are people all across the world and there people who have aptitude for this work, and they dont even know it.

This is what Lanesey calls her aha moment when she realized just because tech jobs are not accessible to a lot of people doesnt mean it has to be that way. In 2016, she created the nonprofit Albany Can Code, which aims to educate and provide a classes to prepare people to work in technology from all different backgrounds.

Ive been working in tech for 20 years and rarely come in contact with a lot of women. Its an industry that is predominately white and predominantly male, Lanesey said. So its been a wonderful journey for us to build a tech sector pipeline for women, people of color and people from economically challenging backgrounds.

A total of 200 people have gone through the classes since the program started. This spring there were a total of 60 students. Although the nonprofit is headquartered in Troy, it holds classes all around the Capitol Region.

There is tuition, but most of the students are on a scholarship, Lanesey said. About 70 percent of students dont pay anything.

However, it wasnt always easy reaching people in underserved communities. In the nonprofits first year Lanesey said she was seeing people with the typical profile sign up to take her classes.

We realized we had to reach deeper into communities and find people that may not be able to find us on the web.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

So she created a digital literacy class, which is a beginner level class for people who dont know much about the web or tech in general. To find more diverse students, the organization partnered with other nonprofits like the YWCA and Girls Inc.

Albany Can Code has also been working to help get students access to computers and internet access with hotspots for those who dont have it at home.This has been crucial during the pandemic, Lanesey said. Before, all the classes were held in person, but since March they had to switch over to virtual-only classrooms.

She also points out that social distance orders and restrictions brought on by coronavirus has made the skills Albany Can Code more relevant than ever.

We had another lightbulb moment, Lanesey said. We need to be training people for the work of tomorrow, and that looks different even from three months ago.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New federal legislation brought by Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) would give agencies the ability to provide commuter discounts using toll revenue.

The legislation would amend a section of the U.S. Code that dictates how agencies can use toll revenue, and doesnt currently allow for discounts.

For decades, the (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) and Port Authority have used an obscure federal law as an excuse for why they cant make our toll discounts permanent,'' Rose said. "This bill eliminates that excuse once and for all.

"We shouldnt have to fight every year for some semblance of toll relief, and when this bill is law, we will be one step closer to permanent discounts, he continued.

A spokeswoman for the MTA, which operates the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge, said the agency had not yet seen the legislation, so it could not comment. A spokeswoman for the Port Authority, which operates the Islands other three bridges, said the agency does not comment on pending legislation.

Current discounts come from a variety of sources, and require annual negotiations, according to a media release from Roses office.

Borough President James Oddo, a Republican, voiced his support for the legislation, saying that he hoped it could provide a bit of relief to residents and local businesses.

Despite living on a physically disconnected island with limited mass transit options, Staten Islanders are perpetually forced to defend resident toll discounts on bridges and crossings in the borough, he said.

As our borough moves forward to restore some semblance of normalcy, having to haggle for relief amidst the threat of yet another toll hike is something I am sure all Staten Islanders could agree to leave behind," he continued.

In addition to Oddo, the legislation has garnered support from multiple Staten Island politicians from both sides of the aisle.

Under existing law, agencies can only use toll revenues from federally-funded projects for certain purposes like maintenance work, debt obligations, and the meeting of public-private partnership agreements.

A spokesman for Roses office said they had been in close contact with colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives, and that theyre confident the legislation will pass most likely as part of a larger measure -- similar to how Verrazzano split tolling passed.

That legislation repealed the federal ban on two-way tolling on the Verrazzano that was rendered obsolete with the advent of cashless tolling.
The Indian Council of Medical Research has reported that it does not know the source of infection for 44 per cent of the patients tested positive for COVID-19 till April 30.

In an analysis of more than one million tests (1,021,518 to be exact) carried out till April 30, the ICMR team found 40,184 positive cases, out of which as many as 17,759 cases (44%) belong to the Not Specified category.

Majority of such cases were reported between April 15 and April 30 when lockdown 2.0 was in place.

While analysing the results, the ICMR scientists categorised the positive cases in seven groups  (1) symptomatic international travelers in the last 14 days (2) symptomatic contacts of laboratory confirmed cases (3) symptomatic healthcare workers (4) hospitalised SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) patients (5) asymptomatic direct and high risk contacts of laboratory confirmed case  family members (6) asymptomatic healthcare workers in contact with confirmed case and (7) ILI (influenza like illness) identified in hot zones.

But as these 17,759 cases did not fall in any such category, they were grouped under Not Specified category about which ICMR scientists did not offer any explanation in the paper published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research.

They, however, admitted that the surveillance data had a large proportion of tests with missing information on exposure history".

Also cases were reported from all over India, and travel was no longer the primary means of exposure, they reported. The medical researchers also noted that they were uncertain about the transmission among unlinked individuals in the community.

There could be multiple reasons behind such cases ranging from people not belonging to any of these categories to community transmissions, ICMR scientist Tarun Bhatnagar, one of the members of the team, told DH.

Furthermore, the analysis found 4,204 cases of SARI (10.5%) and 1,199 (3%) cases of ILI that are also indicative of the COVID-19s silent spread into the community.

Looking for COVID-19 positives among SARI and ILI cases is part of ICMRs strategy to look for the signatures of community transmission in India.

While the government has not admitted the pandemic viruss community transmissions in India, doctors and health department officials were categorical in admitting that the pandemic has moved from local transmission to community transmission.

Asked why the government was silent on the community transmissions, eminent virologist T Jacob John said it could be due to the officials' lack of epidemiological understanding of epidemics.

Perhaps the need to assert that government knows 'all sources of infection' - an obviously untenable claim - may have made them (the Govt) deny community transmission defined as 'unknown person(s) transmitting infection'. Such claim also shows lack of deep understanding of the dynamics of introduced epidemics, said John, a retired professor of clinical virology at the Christian Medical College, Vellore.
Berlin, May 30 (IANS) Authorities in the German capital Berlinconfirmed the closure of a hostel located on the grounds of the North Korean embassy that had been accused of providing a cash flow to the regime in Pyongyang.

"The business has signed out," a statement from the mayoral authorities in the district of Mitte, in central Berlin, said on Friday.

Efforts to close the City Hostel Berlin began in 2017 when the European Union banned any establishment suspected of generating money  whether directly or indirectly  for the North Korean regime's nuclear ambitions in line with UN sanctions, reports Efe news.

Berlin judges had already ordered the removal of the license from the hostel but the move was appealed.

A court dismissed the appeal in January but a series of judicial hurdles delayed proceedings.

The process affected relations between Berlin-Mitte authorities and the German foreign affairs ministry, which heaped on the pressure for a rapid solution to the issue in order to meet UN requirements.

The hostel once formed part of North Korea's embassy in communist East Germany during the Cold War.

The building used to host delegates visiting the German Democratic Republic, which formed in 1949 and ended in 1990 with the fall of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city.

It attracted crowds of backpackers, given its proximity to some of the German capital's main tourist sites, commercial areas, museums and places of interest, including Checkpoint Charlie, as well as its cheap prices for an overnight stay.

The hostel itself opened in 2007 under the management of City Hostel.

It had faced accusations that it was being used to fund Kim Jong-un's regime in North Korea.

--IANS

ksk/
Amaravati, May 30 : The newly constituted Special Enforcement Bureau in Andhra Pradesh has arrested 7,200 persons on charge of involvement in smuggling of liquor and sand in just 15 days, a senior officer said on Saturday.

Bureau Commissioner and IPS officer Vineet Brijlal said: "For the first time ever, integration of various law enforcement departments dealing with excise laws is taking place at the cutting-edge level. A mega drive to crack down on illegal businesses of sand, liquor and other banned substances has been launched. No person involved in such activities will be spared at any cost. The statistics of the first 15 days reflect the seriousness with which Bureau SPs -- who are our captains on ground -- are dealing with this issue." Brijlal said that 6,245 people were arrested in connection with trade in illicit liquor, and 955 for illegal trade in sand.

A total of 27,520.5 litres of illicit liquor, 3,280.7 litres of IMFL (duty paid liquor), 256.4 litres of beer, 12,679.24 litres of IMFL (NDPL), 663.7 kg ganja, 119 litres of toddy, 1,648 vehicles, and raw material used in manufacturing illicit liquor were seized between May 16 and 30.

So far, 485 cases were registered against sand mafia, and 730 vehicles and 29,629.07 tonnes of sand seized during the period.
European countries criticise US decision to end measures that allowed work designed to prevent weapons development.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have criticised a United States decision to end three of its four sanctions waivers allowing work on Iranian nuclear sites designed to prevent weapons development.

The scrapped waivers had allowed Russian, Chinese and European companies to work on the conversion of Irans Arak heavy water reactor, the provision of enriched uranium for a Tehran research reactor, and the transfer of spent fuel abroad.

We deeply regret the US decision to end the three waivers, the three European countries said in a joint statement on Saturday.

These projects, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, serve the non-proliferation interests of all and provide the international community with assurances of the exclusively peaceful and safe nature of Iranian nuclear activities.





On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a waiver for work at the Bushehr nuclear power station would be the only one extended.

He also imposed sanctions on two officials with Irans atomic energy organisation, Majid Aghai and Amjad Sazgar, who are involved in the development and production of centrifuges used to enrich uranium.

Since the USs withdrawal from Irans nuclear deal with world powers in 2018, Tehran has gradually taken steps away from the accord and started injecting uranium gas into more than a thousand centrifuges.

The Iranian government says the steps could be reversed if Europe offers a way for it to avoid US sanctions choking off its crude oil sales abroad.

Iran is also enriching uranium up to 4.5 percent in violation of the accords limit of 3.67 percent. Enriched uranium at the 3.67 percent level is enough for peaceful pursuits but is far below weapons-grade levels of 90 percent.

At the 4.5 percent level, it is enough to help power Irans Bushehr reactor, the countrys only nuclear power plant. Prior to the nuclear deal, Iran had reached up to 20 percent.
The issue of pedestrianisation of Market Square was discussed at two meetings in Enniscorthy last week.

Stakeholders from the business sector in Enniscorthy met with senior officials from the local authority last week as part of to discuss proposals to pedestrianise the centre of the town.

The measure was raised at last week's meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council when members voiced support for consideration of the proposal (see the council report on page 16).

However, on Wednesday morning representatives of the business sector met with District Manager Ger Mackey as part of the Steering Group organised to discuss the matter.

A number of concerns were raised at Wednesdays meeting with regard to potential issues around the pedestrianisation of the Market Square area as originally presented by officials.

However, four alternative options were also raised at the Wednesday meeting and it's believed a more formal proposal in relation to one of those options will be brought to both the members' attention and the stakeholders in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for Enniscorthy & District Chamber said Wednesday's discussion centred around the best way the reopening of Enniscorthy can take place.

The Steering Committee represents all aspects of the commercial sector in the town and the meeting was chaired by the Enniscorthy local authority's Cathaoirleach, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan.

While pedestrianisation of certain areas of Market Square formed a major component of the meeting, other topics discussed included on-street trading, developing a night economy, the need for improved use of social media as a marketing tool to promote Enniscorthy, and on-line sales.

The chamber spokesperson said that while no decisions were taken at the meeting a number of sub-committees were formed to look at all aspects of issues raised and to consult with colleagues in the business community.

Those sub committees are expected to report back to the overall Steering Committee tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27).

One of the business owners who attended last week's meeting is Aoife Foran, from Put A Bow On It on Main Street.

She was complimentary to Mr Mackey's approach and said everyone wants to open up the town again in a manner that is a positive experience for traders and customers.

'The situation is slightly different for each shop because everyone has their own things that have to be done [for social distancing],' said Ms Foran.

'I have had to take tables out of my shop,' she added.

Ms Foran is also doing a free delivery service around the town and she said that's something that could be explored further so that businesses that had deliveries to make could pool resources or be part of a broader delivery scheme in the town.

'Help needs to be given to people who do not have social media pages either because they really do need to have a social media presence now,' she said.

'There are grants available at the moment that cover 90 per cent of the costs of a website and not everyone is aware of it and I think they should promote that offer and move it out to the business sector,' she added.

Ms Foran will be reopening for business herself on Monday, June 8, at 10 a.m. She plans to keep doing free deliveries even if a more broader delivery scheme isn't developed throughout the town.

John O'Leary, from My Sport on Castle Street, said a lot of discussions are still taking place with regard to developing a strategy that will work best for the town.

He emphasised the importance of everyone working together to develop plans that will benefit the town as a whole.

He said traders will be talking to each other as they prepare for reopening on June 8, and June 29.

'We will adapt and we will work under the guidance of the health authorities,' said Mr O'Leary.

Like all businesses Mr O'Leary is adapting his shop to ensure the safety of his staff and customers when he reopens and said: 'The safety of staff and customers is more important than anything else.'

He said he was happy that people are working on developing a plan for the town and said: 'We need to do it in a safe manner for everyone. For a lot of people, shopping will be an anxious experience [at first] and I get that too.'

Mr O'Leary said it's important that people look out for one another and commented: 'If I am bringing staff into work and inviting customers in then their safety is more important the selling product.'

'We are also going to do out-of-hours appointments for the elderly and frontline workers,' he said. 'That will also ensure their safety as well.'

Tom Herlihy, from Turkuts on Rafter Street, expressed his own views on the issues of pedestrianisation and the best way to reopen the town for business.

He said that within the original area proposed for pedestrianisation there are 45 parking spaces, two loading bays and two wheelchair spaces and that if pedestrianisation occurred as originally planned revenue would be lost through the loss of those spaces and a further issue would be where those spaces could be accounted for elsewhere.

'Where are you going to create 45 spaces if you take 45 out of action,' he said.

He suggested that the days of people browsing in shops are probably now gone and the overall shopping experience for people will change.

Mr Herlihy also said the town's tourism potential needs to be maximised more.

'Enniscorthy as a town has huge potential for tourism,' he said.

Mr Herlihy also compared it to a town like Kenmare and said Enniscorthy has a lot more going for it but Kenmare is a successful tourism town.

He also said the approaches to Enniscorthy could look better and this would attract people into the town centre.

'If the roundabouts look good and attractive then people will be encouraged to take a closer look at the town,' he said.

'There are seven roundabouts in-and-around Enniscorthy and they could be colourful and decorated with flower beds and it would make the picture more appealing for visitors,' he added.

He said it's up to the business owners to then ensure that what Enniscorthy has to offer is enough to keep visitors.

Mr Herlihy also suggested the shopfront enhancement scheme, similar to one that was utilised a number of years ago, should be reintroduced.

'I think a lot of people would take it up,' he said.

However, he said one of the most important things the town needs regardless of plans for pedestrianisation is a tourist office.

'You must have a proper tourist office in the centre of the town,' he said.

'We need to have a dedicated tourist office,' he added.

Meanwhile, one of the options being considered by the Steering Group is for partial pedestrianisation of the town centre that would see pedestrianisation in the evening time only.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-29 23:16:12|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KUWAIT CITY, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait on Friday reported 1,072 new cases of COVID-19 and nine more deaths, raising the tally of infections to 25,184 and the death toll to 194, the health ministry said in a statement.

Currently, 15,717 patients are receiving treatment, including 191 in ICU, according to the statement.

The ministry also announced the recovery of 575 more patients, raising the total recoveries in the country to 9,273.

The Kuwaiti government has imposed a full curfew in the country to curb the rapid rise of coronavirus cases.

Kuwait and China have been supporting each other and cooperating closely in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kuwait donated medical supplies worth 3 million U.S. dollars to China at the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.

On April 27, a team of Chinese medical experts visited Kuwait to assist the Arab country's anti-coronavirus fight, sharing with Kuwaiti counterparts their experience and expertise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Enditem
London-based Anish Kapoor has topped Hurun India's Art List for the second year in a row for the top 50 living Indian artists. He saw a turnover of Rs 44.39 crore in 2019, with the most expensive work priced at Rs 6.14 crore. While the 66-year-old Kapoor has topped the list, his sales value dropped 72 per cent from the previous year. But not only Kapoor, combined sales value of all of the top 50 artists declined by 63.4 per cent to Rs 108.71 crore.

At the second place is newcomer to Top 10, Rameshwar Broota who saw a turnover of Rs 11.89 crore, an increase of 340 per cent. His most-expensive work is priced at Rs 3.82 crore. The third richest is 95-year-old modernist painter Krishen Khanna at Rs 6.87 crore. The second list has more surprises, with Mumbai-based artists Atul Dodiya, 61, and 45-year-old Jitish Kallat breaking into the top-10 for the first time.

Only 22 per cent of the total number of artists are women. Modernist painter Arpita Singh has sold the highest value of artworks. Arpita Singh continues to remain the most successful Indian female artist with cumulative value of Rs 5.09 crore. Dodiya, Broota and Kallat all saw their sales rise fastest this year.

SH Raza and Francis Newton Souza, the co-founders of the Progressive Artists' Group of Bombay, were the highest-selling deceased Indian artists with sales of Rs 102.8 crore and Rs 90.6 crores last year.

Bhupen Khakhar's 'Two Men in Benares' was the highest-selling individual artwork of a deceased Indian artist, selling for Rs 22.39 crore.

Of the top 50 artists, 17 per cent live outside the country. New Delhi continues to remain the art capital of the nation with 19 artists in the list, followed by Mumbai with 12. Kerala tops the list with nine of the top 50 artists being born there, followed by Maharashtra (eight) and West Bengal (six).

Anas Rahman Junaid, managing director of Hurun India, blamed the raging COVID-19 pandemic and the demonetisation of 2016 for the poor art demand, even though the country has nearly doubled the number of millionaires since the note-ban. According to him, the domestic art auction market represents only 0.4 per cent of the global art auction market, behind the US, China and Britain with 35 per cent, 31 per cent and 15 per cent respectively of the USD 13.3 billion market pie.

Hurun Global Chairman Rupert Hoogewerf said Indian art is highly undervalued, as the most expensive work of Indian art sold at a public auction were the paintings of Francis Newton Souza and V S Gaitonde for a paltry USD 4 million each.

Also read: One year of Modi 2.0: Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package big step in making India 'Atmanirbhar', says PM

Also read: Agriculture, mining saved Indian economy in FY20, can it sustain COVID-19 assault?
Guwahati/Agartala, May 30 (IANS) The return of natives from different parts of the country and Bangladesh has led to a surge in coronavirus cases in eight northeastern states to 1,586, including 1,219 active cases till Saturday night, officials said.

According to the health officials, Assam has 1,185 cases, including 1,015 active cases. Assam health officials in Guwahati said that 250 more people tested positive in the past 24 hours, the highest in a single day after the first confirmed case was reported in the state on March 31.

According to the officials, two of the 33 Assam districts -- Kamrup Metro (316) and Golaghat (177) -- account for 493 coronavirus patients.

While Assam's main city and commercial hub Guwahati falls in Kamrup Metro, Golaghat district is a major tea growing area and part of the famous Kaziranga National Park in the district.

In Tripura, Saturday's 17 new cases took the total to 271, including 163 Border Security Force troopers, officers and their kins. However, the state's active cases are 96 whereas three cases have migrated to other states.

In all, 106 stranded Indians had returned to Tripura on Thursday from Bangladesh, of which 10 tested positive on Friday and Saturday.

Officials in Agartala said the Bangladesh returnees are in institutional quarantine and would be released after repeated swab tests.

As many as 62 positive cases have been reported in Manipur so far, followed by 36 in Nagaland, 27 in Meghalaya, three in Arunachal Pradesh, and one each in Mizoram and Sikkim.

Authorities in northeastern states said that after inter-state movement through road and rail was allowed and restrictions lifted by the Home Ministry on May 4, the region, especially Assam, had registered a surge in coronavirus cases.

According to official estimates, little over one lakh natives had returned to the eight northeastern states, with Assam alone registering over 60,000 returness during the past three weeks.

With the resumption of commercial passengers aircraft flights from Monday, over 10,000 residents of northeast India returned from different parts of the country.

--IANS

sc/tsb
Sit-down dining returned to the Blue Stone Brewing Company in Sayre as Bradford County entered Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's green phase during the coronavirus pandemic. In total, 18 counties went green on Friday, May 29, 2020. Read more

SAYRE, Pa.  A normal Friday night was unfolding in a Bradford County brewery, and thats what felt so strange. Families sat at high-top tables, eating tacos and sipping from flights of craft beer. Waitresses moved in and out of the kitchen like bees in a hive.

Some customers wore masks when they entered Blue Stone Brewing in Sayre, but they didnt have to keep them on  and none did. Dine-in eating and a loosening of the mask requirements were among the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted Friday morning in 18 Pennsylvania counties that moved from the yellow phase to green.

Its nice to have a meal thats not in a Styrofoam container, said Wayne Sinsabaugh, 42, who sat at the bar with his wife.

Bars and restaurants are now allowed to serve food inside as long as they dont exceed 50% capacity, and at Blue Stone, about two dozen customers were scattered both indoors and out. Owner Brady Liechty, 47, a high school business teacher in nearby Athens, rented a large tent and put additional chairs and seating outside to keep people spread apart.

It feels great. Its been going very well so far and very busy, said Liechty. People are glad to get back to real life.

The urge for normalcy was so strong that Larry and Patti Stange drove about 80 miles north, from Lackawanna County, to drink a few beers there. Lackawanna, like Philadelphia, is still in Gov. Tom Wolfs most restrictive red phase.

Its worth the 90-minute drive, Larry Stange said.

Bradford, a mostly rural county of 60,323 approximately 175 miles north of Philadelphia, had 46 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three deaths as of Friday night, among the states lowest counts. Four rural counties west of it also moved into the green phase, although Susquehanna County, on its eastern border, was still yellow, with 109 cases and 15 deaths. Sixteen additional counties will enter the green phase on June 5.

As to what the future beyond green holds, at this point I think were all still looking at that," Wolf said earlier in the week.

 READ MORE: Retail, manufacturing to return as Philly officials detail Safer at Home plan for yellow phase of coronavirus reopening

State Sen. Gene Yaw, a Republican representing Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Union Counties, said his constituents had grown more frustrated with the closures in recent weeks.

The most important things for people seem to be barbershops and hair salons, Yaw said. "Its the simple things that people want to do again. "

Sayre  with 5,424 residents, the largest municipality in Bradford County  is unique because of its fluid border with New York. The region is known collectively as The Valley. Theres no bridge or creek to cross. Motorists simply pass under railroad tracks on Cayutta Avenue, into another state that remains in a more restrictive pandemic phase.

Brad Wilson owns bars in both states. A little more than a mile separates the two. On Friday, his Broad Street Pub in Waverly, N.Y., was closed. But Alligers House of Wings, his bar in Sayre, was open. Tables were spread out inside, and customers scanned a code to view the menu on their phones. Six cars in the parking lot had New York license plates.

Were anticipating a lot more of that, Wilson said inside Alligers on Friday afternoon. All of New York is closed as far as bars go.

Patrick Ayres, mayor of Waverly, said theres been an ebb and flow to the differing pandemic restrictions between the states. When Pennsylvanias state-run liquor and wine stores were closed in the early days of the quarantine, New York saw an influx of customers. Now, its Pennsylvanias turn.

It cuts both ways," he said. "We had people driving up from Scranton just to buy booze.

 READ MORE: Can I drive to a county in the green phase to get a haircut?

Waverly is in New Yorks Tioga County, which has had 117 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is in phase two of Gov. Andrew Cuomos four-phase plan. Thats equivalent to Pennsylvanias yellow phase, which allowed retail to open but still banned dine-in eating.

On opening day in Bradford, mundane things like a haircut felt a bit more special. Barber Rob Ermisch was glad to be wielding scissors again, after handling cruder tools during his pandemic hiatus.

I worked at a slaughterhouse, some other jobs," said Ermisch, owner of The Barber Shop with Shear Perfection in East Towanda. My last day cutting hair was March 28.

A half-dozen men sat in the shop waiting for haircuts. About half of them wore masks.

We should never have been closed in the first place, one of Ermischs clients muttered.

At FWF Fitness in downtown Sayre, the wheels of a 5:30 p.m. spin class were turning quickly. About a half-dozen people were on the stationary bikes, sweating, bobbing up and down in their seats to heavy-metal music. One person still did the workout virtually, from home.

A lot of our classes going forward will be hybrids like this, said owner Nicole Golden.

Not everything opened in Bradford County. In Sayre and in Towanda, the county seat, small movie theaters run by the countys regional arts council remained shuttered. The arts council is selling popcorn curbside for $10 a bag and is planning to produce pop-up drive-ins. Elaine Poost, its executive director, said the theaters are allowed to open, but they lacked clear guidelines on how to pull it off.

There are also no movies to show. Hollywood has pushed the release dates of major films off until the fall. However, the council is planning soft openings on the three movies still coming out this summer, including a Wonder Woman sequel.

Without the content, the movies, it would cost us more money trying to stay open, Poost said.

Along Pennsylvanias scenic Route 6, which stretches east to west across the states northern tier, only a handful of customers sat inside the Marie Antoinette Inn & Bar in Wyalusing. The bar is perched atop the Marie Antoinette Scenic Overlook, with sweeping views of the French Azilum valley, site of an 18th-century French settlement.

Legend has it that as the French Revolution bore down on the aristocracy, that nations last queen was plotting her escape to safety here. She must have taken too long packing her bags," said bar owner Patrick Caine, "because the peasants got her and chopped off her head.

Today, the bar depends on the thousands of motorists and bikers who pull in every summer for a cheap draft of beer and the panorama.

We needed this, Caine said of Bradford Countys move to green. Im just grateful to be open.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 21:47:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

DOHA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Health Ministry on Saturday announced 2,355 new infections of the COVID-19, increasing the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 55,262.

"A total of 5,235 people recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 25,939, while the fatalities remain 36," the official Qatar News Agency reported, quoting a ministry statement.

The ministry revealed that infections doubled due to family gatherings and visits between friends and extended families, and people ignoring the preventive measures recommended by the authorities concerned; the most important of which is staying at home and maintaining social distancing.

A total of 217,988 persons have undergone lab tests for COVID-19 so far.

China and Qatar have offered mutual help during the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. On Feb. 21, five Qatar Airways cargo freighters flew to China carrying approximately 300 tons of medical supplies donated by the airline. Enditem
Protesters demonstrating against the killing of George Floyd clashed for hours with police on the streets of downtown Los Angeles, blocking the 110 Freeway, damaging cars and property and getting into a series of tense altercations with officers. Looting and vandalism were reported across the area early Saturday as police tried to push out the demonstrators, many of whom were arrested and hustled off in buses.

At least four LAPD officers were hurt, some after being hit by debris.

Fireworks were set off in the streets, the sparks hitting buildings. Smoke filled the air as some people broke into shops, making off with tennis shoes, clothing and electronic items such as television screens and speakers. Looted jewelry lay scattered on the sidewalk and in the road, with some people stopping to scoop some of it up and others distributing it to bystanders.

Buildings were spray-painted with profanity and anti-police statements as well as Floyds dying plea as he lay pinned to the ground by a Minneapolis police officer: "I cant breathe."

Along 6th Street, between Spring and Broadway, residents watched the action below from their lofts and apartments, sometimes egging demonstrators on as they drank beer and took video footage of the chaos. Some pleaded with demonstrators not to damage their cars parked on the street.

One local business owner, Pedro Mojarro, stood outside his burger eatery to protect it. Mojarro, 32, said he supported the demonstrators but was upset that they were targeting businesses like his.

"Were with you  Im not against you. If you need to protest, go do it in front of the police station. Be angry at them, Mojarro said, adding: Im just a business owner trying to survive.

The situation had deteriorated around midnight as several jewelry stores were broken into and looted along with a CVS drugstore. A nearby Whole Foods Market was damaged. One person threw a scooter into a plate-glass window at one business, while another person offered a reporter a handful of jewelry on the street.

Story continues

Police said there were numerous burglaries by "opportunists" not necessarily connected with the original protest that began Friday afternoon with a march on City Hall and Los Angeles Police Department headquarters.

I think when we hit daylight we will see the destruction. We lost at least two police vehicles to fire, said LAPD Assistant Chief Robert Arcos.

A Starbucks on Spring Street was vandalized, its windows smashed and painted with slogans such as "End Racism" and "Brown Power Unite." Furniture from the store was thrown onto the street.

One business on 6th Street sported a signed that read Black owned. The windows of the salon next to it were broken.

Some trash cans were set on fire, and protesters set some debris on fire on at least one street. A video showed an LAPD vehicle burning on Figueroa Street.

Police had declared an unlawful assembly about 9:30 p.m. Friday for a large swath of downtown L.A. from the 10 Freeway to the 101, and the 110 Freeway to Alameda Street.

"This is being made following repeated acts of violence and property damage. Residents should stay inside. Businesses should close. Those on the street are to leave the area," the LAPD said on Twitter.

The demonstration began about 4 p.m. Friday when marchers moved through downtown Los Angeles and into the Staples Center area, chanting, I cant breathe and No justice, no peace. Then some members of the group went onto an onramp to the 110 Freeway and temporarily blocked traffic, waving signs and chanting at stopped motorists.

The protest started peacefully. But the situation grew more tense and violent as night fell, and worsened as the hours went on.

"L.A. failed tonight," LAPD Chief Michel Moore told reporters at around 11 p.m.

Others were also left dismayed. Bruce Gantt, 64, watched as a row of police cruisers with their red and blue lights and sirens on sped along Temple Street. Seconds later, there were loud bangs as officers fired non-lethal ammunition at protesters a street over.

This is all depressing, he said. When will they learn."

Ana Pepe, 68, who lives between Broadway and Spring, came out about midnight and walked her dogs because they had been indoors all day. Looking at broken windows and graffiti, Pepe said she didnt agree with what had occurred in her neighborhood.

Half of these people dont even live here. Theyre just here to destroy things, she said. This doesnt help their cause.

TV footage showed police officers clashing with some protesters suspected of vandalizing a patrol car. Video also showed some protesters throwing debris and a trash can during tussles with officers.

Police repeatedly fired less-than-lethal weapons into the ground after some officers got into a struggle with demonstrators.

The marchers had gone past LAPD headquarters earlier Friday before converging on the steps of City Hall. Police then began making arrests at City Hall while pushing other demonstrators down Spring Street. At times, protesters threw objects at officers.

Mayor Eric Garcetti urged peaceful protest.

"We respect every Angeleno's right to protest, but violence and vandalism hurts all," he said on Twitter on Friday evening. "Let's remember why we march, protect each other, and bring a peaceful end to a painful night."

The killing of Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck earlier this week, has sparked protests across the country. On Wednesday night, demonstrators briefly shut down the 101 Freeway in the L.A. civic center.

Protestors in DTLA pic.twitter.com/4OleYQRj4t  Kelcie Pegher (@klcpegher) May 30, 2020

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore tweeted, "In response to recent demonstrations, we stand with our community and rebuke any instance of police brutality. No one despises a bad cop more than a good cop."

He added: "However, as we continue to facilitate spontaneous and planned protests, violence or property damage has no place here in L.A."

In Northern California, protesters in San Jose temporarily shut down the 101 Freeway. Another group shut down the 880 Freeway in Oakland. Marchers also took to the streets in San Francisco.

Hundreds of demonstrators began marching at San Jose City Hall on Friday before running onto the 101 Freeway at Santa Clara Street. They briefly blocked freeway traffic before returning to downtown San Jose.

One of our officers was injured and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, San Jose Police Officer Gina Tepoorten said in an emailed statement. We do not have all the details at this time."

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he understood the anger but urged peaceful protests.

Anger and peaceful protest will always be appropriate responses to injustice; violence will never be, Liccardo tweeted on Friday afternoon. San Jose is united in outrage over the atrocious crime committed in Minneapolis and in sadness over George Floyd's horrible death.

Elsewhere in Southern California, nine people were arrested Thursday night at a protest in Fontana.

That event, which started in the 8400 block of Sierra Avenue about 6 p.m., initially involved about 50 demonstrators but grew to include about 100, police said in a news release.

Protesters blocked traffic and threw rocks at the windows of businesses and passing vehicles, according to investigators. Some windows at Fontana City Hall were damaged, police said.

Police declared the protest an unlawful assembly and ordered the demonstrators to disperse about 9 p.m. Some of the protesters refused and threw rocks at officers, prompting them to ask other agencies for help, police said.

It took officers more than an hour to break up the crowd, and nine people were arrested on suspicion of various offenses, police said. There was no immediate word on what charges they might face.

Protesters are escorted off the northbound 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

In Minneapolis, protesters lobbed bottles, trampled a perimeter fence, broke windows and overran a police station. Crowds continued to ransack the station, burn cars and fire guns into the air early Friday.

Floyds deadly encounter with police began Monday night after he was accused of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a grocery store.

Cellphone video of Floyd's arrest outside the business shows Officer Derek Chauvin driving his knee into the 46-year-olds neck as Floyd pleads that he cant breathe. After several minutes, Floyd appears to lose consciousness, and a bystander can be heard yelling that Floyds nose is bleeding. Even as paramedics arrive to check Floyds pulse, Chauvins knee remains positioned on the mans neck.

Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.
Police in riot gear stand in formation during protests in Louisville, Ky., on May 29, 2020. (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

Officer Shoots Projectiles at News Crew During Kentucky Protests

A local Kentucky news crew was targeted and shot with pepper bullets Friday night by riot police while they attempted to get footage of the demonstrations in Louisville as protests continued for the third night straight in the United States following Mondays police custody death of George Floyd.

Kaitlin Rust, a reporter with local Louisville news agency WAVE 3 News, was together with her photojournalist around 10 p.m. to broadcast the demonstration over the death of Breonna Taylora black woman who was shot and killed by police in her own home on March 13.

In a video shared on Twitter, Rust is seen walking around the area while broadcasting the event. Once she starts walking towards an area with a heavy presence of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), officers lined up in riot gear to keep them from passing, an officer is seen aiming directly at the camera crew.

Rust is heard yelling off-camera: Ive been shot! Ive been shot! While later on in the video describing the projectiles as rubber bullets. LMPD officials later said their officers dont use rubber bullets, but pepper bullets.

Police in riot gear stand in formation during protests in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 29, 2020. (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

We strongly condemn the actions of the LMPD officer who tonight repeatedly fired at and hit our reporter and cameraman, both of whom were courageously and lawfully covering breaking news in their community, the outlets General News Manager Ken Selvaggi said in a statement.

There is simply no justification for the Louisville police to wantonly open fire, even with pepper balls, on any journalists under any circumstances, the statement continued.

The incident prompted an apology from the LMPD. Jessie Halladay, a spokeswoman with the department said I want to apologize, the Courier-Journal reported. Its not something that should have occurred if she was singled out as a reporter.

Halladay added that right now the officer who targeted the news crew hasnt been identified, but that police would review the video again, and if we need to do any investigation for discipline, we will do that.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement that the Friday nights protests besmirch any claim to honor Breonna Taylors memory. The actions of violent protesters in destroying buildings and property in the city is absolutely unacceptable, he said.

Taylors family, Saturday morning, asked for protesters to resolve and make a peaceful and safe protest, Fisher added.

General view of a CVS store that was heavily damaged by protestors the night before in Louisville, Ky., on May 30, 2020. (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

Fischer and Halladay said they dont believe local protesters were to blame for the destruction and a large percentage of protesters came from outside Louisville. I dont know anyone from our great city that wants to destroy it, he said.

Friday nights demonstrations are the second day straight protests erupted in Louisville, which has been focused largely on Taylor and Floyd. Two people have been arrested during Friday nights protests. The previous night, demonstrations turned out extremely violent and at least seven people were shot in Louisville as demonstrators turned out to demand justice for Taylor.

Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical tech, was shot eight times on March 13 by Louisville narcotics detectives. The FBI has opened an investigation into her death.

Protests at White House

That same night at the U.S. capitol, protesters gathered outside the White House and ran off a Fox News journalist, who had been covering the clashes between the Secret Service and more than 100 people early on Saturday morning, Fox News reported.

The scene was caught on video by the Daily Caller, showing veteran Fox News reporter Leland Vittert covering protests in Lafayette Park just before 1 a.m. when at least a dozen of masked protesters surrounded them.

The masked protesters punched and hit Vittert and his crew of three members. One of the teams camera was broken during the altercation after one of the thug protesters tried to steal it.

This was the scariest situation Ive been in since I got chased out of Tahrir Square by a mob, and this was equally scary, Vittert told Fox News.

Protesters confront a row of police officers outside the White House in Washington in a demonstration over the death of George Floyd, on early May 30, 2020. (Eric Barabat/AFP/Getty Images)

Protesters hurled pieces of bricks, bottles, and other objects at Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers who were in riot gear behind barricades. Protesters at times kicked and punched officers and wrestled over the barricades.

As some in the crowd grew more aggressive, police deployed pepper spray to keep them back and maintain a perimeter of officers around the White House. Other demonstrators came to the aid of protesters who were sprayed, their eyes red and puffy, offering bottles of milk and water to splash on their faces.

The protest went on for hours before police declared the gathering unlawful and ordered everyone to leave Lafayette Square, a seven-acre public park located directly north of the White House. Dozens of officers pushed forward with their shields and fired off streams of pepper spray at protesters.

Demonstrators hold a protest in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Lafayette Square Park near the White House in Washington on May 29, 2020. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump praised the response of the U.S. Secret Service following protests outside the White House overnight.

Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. Secret Service, he wrote in a Twitter post on Saturday morning. They were not only totally professional, but very cool.

I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe, he added.

Trump said that the protesters are professionally organized but were kept away from the fence efficiently by the agents.

Nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen, he said.

His remarks came after protests caused a brief lockdown at the White House on Friday evening.

CNN Reporters Arrested

After a CNN reporter was arrested while covering the protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota earlier this week, Gov. Tim Walz apologized to the network.

There is absolutely no reason that something like this should happen. Calls were made immediately. This is a very public apology, Walz said at a press conference Friday.

The Democrat said he called CNN President Jeff Zucker a few minutes after learning of what happened.

CNN confirmed the contact and thanked Walz for his swift action, which aided the release of the crew.

Omar Jimenez was arrested by Minnesota State Patrol officers while reporting live at about 5 a.m. on Friday from the protests. He was led away in handcuffs, followed by a CNN producer and camera crew.

In the course of clearing the streets and restoring order at Lake Street and Snelling Avenue, four people were arrested by State Patrol troopers, including three members of a CNN crew, the state patrol said in a statement.

The three were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media, it added.

The Associated Press and reporters Zachary Stieber and Allen Zhong contributed to this report.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Allyson Fabes has traded her Westerleigh roots for the Midwest to pursue her dream: A 10-piece funk-fusion band she now calls her own.

Fabes, a Kansas City resident who returned to Staten Island to quarantine with her family, is one of the founding members of Glass Bandit -- a lively group which dropped its first album, Reflections," in May.

Weve been holding on to the album for a while, Fabes told the Advance/SILive.com. But were excited for people to hear what weve been working on. Usually, wed be playing shows at local college bars, but since quarantine, weve been really working on getting our music to people through social media.

According to its website, Glass Bandit is a rock, funk, soul and jazz fusion group. The band formed in Lawrence, Kan., around 2017 and initially catered to a college audience -- specifically students from the University of Kansas.

The band is made up of seven core members: Fabes (saxophone, vocals), Ben Schenberg (guitar), Owen Heffernan (keyboard), Josh Hugo (guitar), David Thal (trumpet), Matt Mackay (bass guitar) and Don Miller (drums.)

When we were all students of the University of Kansas, we listened to a very niche market of [funk] music," Fabes said, citing Vulfpeck and Ripe as early influences. I grew up listening to 60s music like Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears, so we were trying to find a way to combine both.

Glass Bandit began by playing cover songs on the roof of a hotel near the university. Since then, the group has expanded to include original music. The band produced music videos for two of its songs, City Lights and Unraveled, in the past month.

Although she has lived in the Midwest since 2014, Fabes credits her love of music to her Staten Island upbringing. The saxophonist began honing her craft at the age of 8 under the influence of her mother who played the oboe. Fabes family encouraged her to explore her passion at Curtis High School by joining the schools marching band. She graduated the University of Kansas in 2018 with a bachelors degree in music performance.

Allyson Fabes of Glass Bandit, a funk-fusion group, poses in her backyard. The group is based in Kansas city but Fabes grew up in Westerleigh and attended Curtis High School. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

ROCKIN THROUGH THE DISTANCE

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Glass Bandit -- like many other bands and musicians -- was forced to cancel live performances and tours for the foreseeable future.

Thats been the hardest part, being away from my guys, said Fabes, who added that she and the band stay in touch over Facebook messenger. But were hanging in. Quarantine has actually made me a lot more creative than I usually am. Im being forced to stay and actually stick to my projects."

Fabes said the groups long-term goal is to move from Kansas to California.

Going west is the move, she said. We want to do the festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. Thats where we can say We made it.

Glass Bandits EP Reflections can be streamed on Spotify now. For more updates on the band, follow its Instagram and Facebook accounts.
By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 29 times, Trend reports on May 30 referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The Armenian armed forces were using sniper rifles.

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.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Gov. Kate Brown unveiled draft guidelines that counties will need to follow to enter Phase 2 of reopening their economies from pandemic shut downs.

Yet state data shows that almost half of Oregons 36 counties do not meet the criteria today.

Among other things, the draft guidance for Phase 2 would allow gatherings of up to 50 people, ease travel restrictions and allow some sporting activities, such as youth sports.

Here are more developments to know Saturday:

REOPENING:

OUTBREAK: Oregon officials disclosed that a Hood River County pear-packing company is the site of the latest COVID-19 outbreak linked to the agriculture industry. Officials distributed more than 900,000 masks this week to farm workers across the state.

MODEL: New models show the coronavirus epidemic may be slowing in Oregon, but the figures dont incorporate reopening data.

NURSING HOMES: Coronavirus infections in Oregons senior care homes appear to be subsiding, though the crisis is a long way from over.

CASES: The Oregon Health Authority reported 48 new confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases, as the number of infections statewide surpassed 4,100.

JOBS: Oregon Employment Department leaders have no idea how many idled workers havent received unemployment benefits or how much money unemployed Oregonians are still owed. They will testify Saturday morning at the Capitol.

PRISONS: An Oregon inmate who tested positive for COVID-19 told a federal judge that state prisons have been slow to respond to the pandemic.

LIFE TODAY: Many romantic relationships are actually doing fine during the coronavirus lockdown, a new study found.

CLOSED: The owners of Baked Alaska, Astorias iconic restaurant, have decided to close permanently after 20 years.

WATCH: This weeks episode of At Home with The Oregonian features KGWs Cassidy Quinn, as she talks with host Lizzy Acker about life under lockdown.

GOOD NEWS:

Cooley Show brings his music to TV Friday night with Concert of Hope to lift spirits of Portland-area seniors

Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
A typical term for an American president is four years, with the possibility of an additional four years if a second term is won. There have been a handful of men, however, whose presidencies have been less than that for various reasons, death among them. From William Henry Harrison to Chester A. Arthur, the following is a list of eight United States presidents who served under four years, starting with the shortest presidential term in American history.

8. William Henry Harrison (March  April 1841)

William Henry Harrison was the ninth president of the United States. Image credit: www.history.com

In office for the least amount of time, William Henry Harrison was the ninth president of the United States. At the age of 67, he was the oldest person to be elected at the time. He also happened to be the first to die in office. Shortly after his inauguration, he developed pneumonia and died on April 4, 1841, exactly a month into his first term. With such a short presidency, he is most known for other things, such as his victorious participation in the War of 1812.

7. James A. Garfield (March  September 1881)

James A. Garfield served as a general in the civil war. Image credit: cdn.britannica.com

James A. Garfield entered politics in the 1850s, but would go on to serve as a general during the American Civil War. Elected as the 20th president of the United States in March 1881, he believed in the implementation of social reforms, including better education for African-Americans. In July of the same year, he was shot in the back at a railroad station on his way to New England. He died from wound-related infections 79 days later on September 19. At the time, he was the second president to have been assassinated, the other being Abraham Lincoln. Harrison and Garfield are the only men to serve as president for less than a year.

6. Zachary Taylor (March 1849  July 1850)

Zachary Taylor commanded troops in the War of 1812. Image credit: www.history.com

Zachary Taylor commanded troops in the War of 1812 but would emerge from the Mexican-American War as a true military hero. After serving in the army for almost forty years, he became the twelfth president of the United States. Shortly following an Independence Day ceremony at the yet-to-be-completed Washington Monument, he began to complain of intense stomach pain. On July 9, he died of acute gastroenteritis. Taylor has the third shortest presidency in America history at one year, four months, and five days.

5. Warren G. Harding (March 1921  August 1923)

Warren G. Harding legacy was destroyed by corruption. Image credit: www.biography.com

Warren G. Hardings political career began in 1898, but he would not become the 29th president of the United States until March 1921. Two years later in 1923, during a trip across the United States, he became sick and passed away on August 2. It is assumed he died of a heart attack, but no autopsy was ever done to confirm this theory. Being elected as president a few years after the First World War, he had promised a return to normalcy, but whatever he had done to earn his popularity was quickly undone after his death when the corruption within his administration was rooted out. While he was not personally involved, it destroyed his reputation.

4. Gerald Ford (August 1974  January 1977)

Gerald Ford was the first unelected president in American history. Image credit: britannica.com

In 1974, Richard Nixon resigned as a result of the Watergate scandal, paving the way for his vice president, Gerald Ford, to become the 38th president of the United States and the first unelected president in American history. Ford was tasked with earning back the trust of the people, although many argue he failed the moment he pardoned Nixon for his role in the aforementioned scandal. As president, he also faced an energy crisis and a weak economy with high unemployment rates. Despite a few assassination attempts against his life, Ford did not die in office. After serving one partial term of over two years, he lost the next presidential election to Jimmy Carter.

3. Millard Fillmore (July 1850  March 1853)

Millard Fillmore is known for his support of the Compromise of 1850. Image credit: history.com

Millard Fillmore served as vice president during Zachary Taylors presidency. Once Taylor died of acute gastroenteritis, he was sworn into office and became the thirteenth president of the United States. Similar to Gerald Ford, he only served a partial term. He is perhaps most known for his support of the Compromise of 1850, a package of five bills that led to a temporary standstill in the slavery debate. He openly opposed the practice of owning another human being but was ultimately unwilling to do anything about it in the states where it existed. Fillmore died of a stroke on March 8, 1874.

2. John F. Kennedy (January 1961  November 1963)

JFK was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas on November 22, 1963. YouTube

Arguably the most well-known man of this list, John F. Kennedy served at the 35th president of the United States. At the age of 43, he was the youngest person ever elected. Kennedys biggest challenge was assuming power during the Cold War. He faced crisis after crisis, including the construction of the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis. In addition to international tension, he was in poor health, despite maintaining an image of youthful vigor. After serving as president for two years and ten months, he was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

1. Chester A. Arthur (September 1881  March 1885)

Chester A. Arthur won over the American people by introducing the Pendleton Civil Service Act. Image credit: sporcle.com

When James A. Garfield was assassinated on his way to New England in 1881, Vice President Chester A. Arthur inherited the presidency. Initially unpopular, he won over the American people by introducing the Pendleton Civil Service Act, a decree stating that federal employment should be based on merit rather than political party affiliations. Suffering from a kidney-related disease, the 21st president of the United States managed to finish his partial term of three years and five months before moving to New York City. He died the following year.
A Chinese soldier stands next to an Indian soldier at the Nathu La border crossing between India and China (AFP file photo)

After Chinas Peoples Liberation Army raised tensions along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and northern Sikkims Naku La in early May, and its troops got into fisticuffs with Indian soldiers, there were reports of stepped-up military deployment on both sides of the LAC, following which Beijing indicated it was ready to soften its stand and Americas mercurial President Donald Trump offered to mediate or arbitrate between the two Asian giants.

The global pandemic has triggered utter destruction of the world economy and a full stop to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative juggernaut. India, of course, has been at the receiving end of the Peoples Republics deception and dirty tricks almost ever since its founding in 1949 from the ruthless capture and subjugation of Tibet (and the subsequent flight into exile of the Dalai Lama), thereby opening the backdoor of the hitherto safe Himalayan border.

If today China claims it is softening its position in Ladakh and the LAC overall, and says the dragon and the elephant pose no threat to each other, will India once again take this at face value given that there is no indication that the PLA troops have moved away from Indian territory?

Successive Indian governments, in their eagerness and innocence, have done so in the past, and this is all the more so now as this governments dream of Indias $5 trillion GDP by 2023 lies in tatters. The Chinese are besieged on all sides its relationship with the United States is headed for a new cold war,

Europe is getting increasingly wary, Taiwan is seeking a bigger role in the world and simmering Hong Kong is erupting once again in response to which the Chinese Parliament on Thursday passed a new security law for the territory which might completely stamp out its autonomy.

India is headed for turbulence in its neighbourhood, but it will be a bigger problem for China.

The coronavirus that originated in Chinas Wuhan has not only given it a huge jolt, but also forced a lot of rethinking by the rest of the world on how to tackle Beijings aspirations to superpower status.

China is still not completely willing to allow an independent, objective international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, that has led to over 350,000 deaths (including over 4,500 in India) till Friday.

For India too, what initially appeared controllable China virus pandemic, the imported disease has accelerated, to firmly grip New Delhi, thus creating an adverse public opinion against any cosying up to Beijing over trade and economics, which was being showcased as an example of Han-Hindustani convergence, far outweighing the historical border dispute divergence, that led to the Indias unprecedented 1962 hammering in the high Himalayas.

This divergence factor is disturbing Indias Nehruvian peaceniks, who had once sworn by Hindi-Chini bhai bhai. This has spoilt their applecart with a venom more poisonous than the virus pandemic.

Whenever Xi Jinping vowed that not an inch of Chinese territory would be surrendered, the Han lovers in New Delhi would constantly underplay the issue, on the excuse that bilateral trade, investment, technology, etc were more important.

But can any sovereign nation tolerate repeated breaches of its territory. True, the Line of Actual Control does have some grey areas, but just as China has its own perception of the LAC, so too does India, so if the Chinese PLA feels free to engage in fisticuffs with Indian soldiers at the border, what is stopping the Indian Army from enforcing its own perception of the LAC.

See what happened in 2013 when the Chinese made repeated transgressions deep into Indian territory in April, May, June and September, with 640 sq km of Indian territory occupied by China around Daulat Beg Oldi.

Chinese troops also entered Chumar on June 17 that year and destroyed an Indian Army post all this within a month of Chinese PM Li Keqiangs official visit. Indians need to understand the psyche of Chinas Communists who try to impose their will on the rest of the world the way they subjugate their own people, and brook no dissent. To them, compromise is like surrender.

Chinas Communists think India with its divided polity, public opinion that can be easily influenced and a benign media is intrinsically weak, and is thus a ripe candidate for the dumping of its substandard cheap goods, all the while humiliating it at the border.

The United States, with its May 27 decision to audit all Chinese entities making money on the American stock exchanges, and several other hostile moves, is getting harder to handle. Australia has challenged Beijing over the probe into the coronavirus origins. So, the weak link is India.

Indians must understand Chinas fundamental Han tradition and ideology where only power is respected, and all non-Chinese rulers and peoples who cannot dominate them either militarily or economically are basically inferior beings who must submit to the overlords of the Middle Kingdom.

In Indias eagerness for trade and investment from China, has it ever tried to examine or understand this ingrained Han psyche, whose worldview focuses on trying to undermine and challenge the very sovereignty of non-Han states.

After India, in November 2019, rightly drew itself away from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), led by Chinas Reds, the Wuhan-sourced virus made Beijing desperate to get India back.

The absence of Indias 1.35 billion heads will be a catastrophic loss for its commerce and profits. The Chinese incursion in the Himalayas must be confronted in this context as well.
Submitted to the Tribune

BAD AXE - Bad Axe Free Methodist Church has been awarded a dairy cooler as part of a United Dairy Industry of Michigan pilot grant program. The program provides local food pantries with a refrigeration unit to help store milk and dairy foods at proper temperatures.

Kris Fry, a local dairy farmer, nominated Bad Axe Free Methodist Church to receive the milk cooler along with funds for the food pantry to fill the cooler with milk at delivery.

In Michigan, one in six people and one in five children are food insecure. Especially now, food pantries play an essential role in helping to bridge this hunger gap as families navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our Michigan dairy farmers understand how important it is to get nutritious dairy foods into the hands of people who need them most, especially now at a time when food insecurity is high," said Sharon Toth, CEO of UDIM.

"This milk cooler pilot program ensures dairy foods maintain peak freshness while increasing dairy's availability to families in the community."

To learn more about healthy dairy foods, delicious recipes, dairy nutrition and other UDIM programs, visit milkmeansmore.org.
Bridgeland High School senior Eliana Torrez smiled from her car, part of a caravan of more than 100 vehicles decorated with tassels and window marker messages to celebrate graduating seniors in the Bridgeland community.

Bridgeland, a master planned community in Cypress, hosted a Senior Caravan Celebration on Saturday for residents graduating from Bridgeland High School, Cypress Ranch High School, as well as colleges and universities.

PLEDGE TO DISTANCE: High school student launches campaign to raise awareness through art during pandemic

Seniors drove down Bridgeland Creek Parkway past cheering family and friends bunched around posters displaying a large photo of their respective grads. The posters were spaced out along the parkway to encourage social distancing between groups amid the pandemic that disrupted senior year for these students.

We know its been a challenge for a lot of these seniors, probably not what they envisioned going into their senior year. We thought it was the perfect opportunity for us to do this, to be kind of uplifting, and the response from the community has been overwhelming and great to see everybody turn out, said Heath Melton, executive vice president of master-planned communities residential for the Howard Hughes Corporation, the company that developed Bridgeland.

The caravan departed from Cy Ranch High School and followed a nearly three-mile route to Bridgeland High School. The event was held on May 30  the originally scheduled graduation date for Bridgeland High Schools inaugural senior class.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Houston's graduating class of 2020 looks to the future after coronavirus derailed their senior year rites of passage

Torrez and her classmates had participated in a similar caravan event earlier in the week. Bridgeland seniors drove their decorated cars through the school parking lot to pick up their cap and gown for graduations, which had been rescheduled for the week of June 1. Torrez was also handed a letter shed written to her senior self as a freshman at Cy Ranch, before she and several other students were transferred to the newly opened Bridgeland High School.

Among the list of hopes expressed in Torrezs freshman letter was that senior year would be the best year of her life, full of memories with friends.

Torrez remembers meeting friends in the empty Bridgeland High parking lot after schools closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We were sitting in the trunks of our cars and talking across to each other because we were spread apart, Torrez said. We were just looking around and I remember looking at all the parking spots and I started tearing up because I was like, Wow, this is how our senior year ended up being.

She and her classmates had been the first to forge new traditions for Bridgeland High School. The expectation was that their class senior year would mark several firsts in Bridgeland history. Torrez recalled her disappointment at hearing that the pandemic was threatening senior traditions like prom, which was canceled, and graduation ceremonies, which had to be moved outdoors and adhere to certain health regulations. Seniors finished out their high school careers in virtual classrooms, socially distanced from their teachers and classmates.

On HoustonChronicle.com: High school seniors brave pandemic guidelines, downpours on first day of graduations

Bridgeland High School Coordinating Counselor Shayla Rodriguez-Bell said teachers had heard from many students who were surprised by how much they missed going to school.

They never ever thought that they would find themselves feeling that way or even saying those words, but theyve been sharing with their teachers how much they miss them, Rodriguez-Bell said.

The class of 2020 has faced many challenges throughout their lives, Rodriguez-Bell said. They entered Bridgeland High School as tenth graders when it opened.

They also were our Hurricane Harvey kids  so they started late, they ended early, Rodriguez-Bell said. And on top of that, many of these kids were also born in 01, so they came into the world in a time of craziness with 9/11. So, theres a lot to their story. Theyve only known a world at war in their lifetime, and then the hurricane, and then the pandemic.

Their senior year did not go as expected, but Torrez said that in a way, the experience has been humbling  a lesson in the importance of keeping things in perspective and recognizing the needs of others.

MORNING REPORT: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox

Even though this hurts, there are people out there who are getting really sick and there are people out there who are dying or losing their jobs or they dont have enough to eat, Torrez said.

As a freshman, Torrez wrote in her letter that she hoped shed stay humble and kind.

Torrez, a survivor of pediatric leukemia, is determined to help instill strength and hope in children fighting cancer. As a member of NHS, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and a four-year cross-country runner, Torrez has a head start on the long path to becoming a pediatric oncologist and the endurance to reach her goal.

I think everything going on with the pandemic right now, its solidified that being in the medical field is what I want to do, Torrez said.

Another hope of Torrezs freshman self was that shed remember what shes had to overcome and that shes stronger than she often gives herself credit for. She hoped shed still be best friends with Vivian, which she is. And she hoped to be proud of who shed become as a senior.

When the homecoming queen, senior class representative and recipient of the Howard Hughes Corporations inaugural Bridgeland Scholarship looks back at her experience through high school, she is.

The Bridgeland Senior Caravan recognized the hard work of seniors through unprecedented challenges. It wasnt something Torrez felt she was owed, she said, but its something she deeply appreciates.

For the community to want to do something for us as a class I think was really humbling because our community cares about us so much. I still think, you know, you go through four years of high school and youre just like, You know what, I want to be celebrated a little bit.

mfeuk@hcnonline.com
Amidst the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, megastar Salman Khan has once again extended his support to the front line warriors of Mumbai.

The superstar recently launched a personal care brand, FRSH. Considering the high demand of the same at a time like this, the superstar generously donated hand sanitizers of his brand, FRSH to the Mumbai Police department.

One must say, hats off to the actor for proactively making various donations in this tough time! In the past, Salman has extended full support and resources for the indigent people of the nation as and when the need arised.

Meanwhile, Yuva Sena member Rahul Kanal, has all good things to say about the actor and his kind deed. He wrote on his Twitter page, "Thank you @BeingSalmanKhan bhai for being there for our frontline warriors, thank you @CMOMaharashtra @AUThackeray ji @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice for being there for one and all...FRSH sanitisers to be distributed to all our frontline warriors in the Police Dept "

Thank you @BeingSalmanKhan bhai for being there for our frontline warriors, thank you @CMOMaharashtra @AUThackeray ji @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice for being there for one and all...FRSH sanitisers to be distributed to all our frontline warriors in the Police Dept  pic.twitter.com/y51qvFVLgg  Rahul.N.Kanal (@Iamrahulkanal) May 29, 2020

Fans were moved by Salman's generosity and his awareness of the situation and couldn't stop appreciating the actor for his kind gesture.

A fan wrote, "Megastar #SalmanKhan Donates Huge 1,00,000 (1 Lakh) Bottles of FRSH SANITIZERS To Police Personnels in Mumbai Amidst This Coronavirus Lockdown! #LoveUBhaijaan!" Another fan commented, "The #SalmanKhan Man with the golden heart that's why he most lovable superstar in country hattoff God bless you. always love  #BeingHuman."

Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra also applauded Salman's kind gesture and tweeted, "Thank you @BeingSalmanKhan for providing 1Lakh Hand Sanitizers to our @MumbaiPolice

#WarAgainstVirus."

Salman is currently at his Panvel farmhouse amid the COVID-19 lockdown. But in this hour of need, the actor made sure that the help and support reaches to the Mumbai Police, who are diligently taking utmost care for the people of the city.

It is because of his philanthropic nature, the superstar resides in the hearts of millions of people and has an unprecedented army of fans.

ALSO READ: Salman Khan's Radhe To Release On Christmas Instead Of Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha?

ALSO READ: When A Photographer Asked Salman Khan To 'Catch And Smooch' Bhagyashree; And Salman Refused!
An initially peaceful demonstration in New York City over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minnesota, spiraled into chaos as night fell Friday, as protesters skirmished with police officers, destroyed police vehicles and set fires.

In Brooklyn, activists who had marched from Manhattan chanted insults at officers lined up outside the Barclays Center and pelted them with water bottles. Police sprayed an eye-irritating chemical into the diverse crowd multiple times, then cleared the plaza.

Video posted to social media showed officers using batons and shoving protesters as they took people into custody and cleared streets. One video showed on officer slam a woman to the ground as he walked past her in the street.

Later in the evening, what had been a tense situation turned worse. Demonstrators rocked a police van, set it ablaze, then scrawled graffiti across its charred hulk and set it on fire a second time as officers retreated from the area. Blocks away, protesters used a club to batter a police cruiser.

At another location near the arena, a shouting mob of protesters, some wearing helmets and carrying makeshift shields, advanced on officers shouting and throwing objects, and police retaliated with batons and arrests, leaving the roadway strewn with debris.

Police arrest protesters during a rally at the Barclays Center over the death of George Floyd, a black man who was in police custody in Minneapolis Friday, May 29, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)AP

"We have a long night ahead of us in Brooklyn," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted. "Our sole focus is deescalating this situation and getting people home safe. There will be a full review of what happened tonight. We don't ever want to see another night like this."

The police department said numerous officers were injured, including one who had a tooth knocked out.

At least 200 people were arrested, ABC7 reported.

The demonstrations were held in defiance of a ban on gatherings, imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed thousands of New Yorkers including dozens of members of the NYPD.

"I voted in every election, city, state, national, and I always read the news, but it's been decades and nothing has changed, so I don't know how much these protests help but I know everything else I've done hasn't ... for me it's rage and exhaustion" one protester, Lucy Saintcyr, said as she headed home on the bus.

Protests around George Floyd's death have taken place around the country and were not quelled by the news Friday that the Minneapolis officer recorded kneeling on his neck would face criminal charges.

"Our country has a sickness," said Brianna Petrisko, among those demonstrating earlier in the day in lower Manhattan. "We have to be out here. This is the only way we're going to be heard."

Police and Court officers stand guard in front of Manhattan Criminal court as protesters demonstrate against the the death of George Floyd, a black man who was in police custody in Minneapolis, Friday, May 29, 2020, in New York. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)AP

New York Civil Liberties Union Legal Director Christopher Dunn blamed the police department for provoking the confrontations in Brooklyn.

"The mayor needs to take accountability for the NYPD's provocation, aggression, and violence on display tonight. If he's serious about his demands for accountability in Minnesota, he needs to show leadership here in New York City," he said in a statement.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier in the day on Friday said he stood with the Minnesota protesters.

"Nobody is sanctioning the arson, and the thuggery and the burglaries, but the protesters and the anger and the fear and the frustration? Yes. Yes. And the demand is for justice," Cuomo said.

Anticipating demonstrations Friday afternoon, De Blasio said police officers had been told to respect peaceful protest, but he also had a message for demonstrators: If you are angry with the government, if you are angry with the elected leaders, direct that anger to all of us, because if we havent done enough, we are the ones who should be held responsible, he said. But the police officer in front of you is a working man or woman just trying to do their job.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday reiterated the monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala only around June 1 after private weather forecaster Skymet Weather announced it has already arrived in the state earlier than expected. It called the forecasters information incorrect. Skymet maintained the criteria including for the rainfall has been met.

IMD director general M Mohapatra said the criteria is yet to be met. We have a very objective way of assessing monsoon onset and we stand by our forecast of monsoon onset around June 1. It could be June 1 or 2 depending on the parameters... Even the rainfall criteria have not been met today [Saturday].

IMD on Thursday said the monsoon was likely to arrive in Kerala, which marks the beginning of the four-month rainy season when India receives 70% of its annual rainfall, around its normal onset date of June 1. It said there were new developing patterns that could speed up the progress of the rain system. IMD on May 15 said the onset was likely to be delayed by four days and the monsoon was expected to arrive on June 5.

The monsoon normally sets in over Kerala around June 1 and advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country around July 15.

IMD criteria specifies the onset is determined if, after May 10, 60% of 14 weather stations in Lakshadweep, Kerala and Coastal Karnataka report rainfall of 2.5 mm or more for two consecutive days, high wind speed, low outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), etc. It also specifies a wind depth parameter.

Skymet Weathers vice president (climate and meteorology) Mahesh Palawat said they have over a hundred automatic weather stations in Kerala. ...we are seeing that the rainfall criteria has been met. The wind profile is westerly and OLR criteria have also been met. IMD may declare monsoon onset later but we announced today [Saturday] because all parameters are fulfilled.

Union earth sciences ministry secretary M Rajeevan echoed Mohapatra. The news about monsoon onset over Kerala in social media is not correct. Monsoon has not arrived over Kerala. Follow Indiametdept for authentic information. The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is illusion of knowledgeStephen Hawking, he tweeted.

National Weather Forecasting Centre head K Sathi Devi said it is not only rainfall, even the wind depth parameter has to be met. The wind speed should be very high and there should be a lot of clouding. We are expecting a low-pressure area to form over the south-east Arabian Sea which will lead to all parameters being met. Currently, what we are seeing in Kerala are pre-monsoon showers.

IMD said conditions were becoming favourable for further advance of the monsoon into some more parts of south Arabian Sea, Maldives-Comorin area, south-west and the south-east Bay of Bengal during the next 24 hours. A low-pressure area was very likely to form over south-east and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea during the next 48 hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards and concentrate into a depression over east-central and adjoining south-east the Arabian Sea during subsequent 48 hours. Under its influence, conditions are likely to become favourable for onset of the monsoon over Kerala around June 1, IMD said in its Saturday bulletin.

IMDs forecasts provide information to at least 700 million people in India, who are dependent on agriculture for livelihood. The monsoon is crucial for the yield of rice, wheat, sugarcane, and oilseeds in a country where farming accounts for about 15% of the economy but employs over half of its people.
LOS ANGELESImLive is offering astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley, of Saturdays SpaceX Crew Dragon flight to the International Space Station, the opportunity to become the first people host an adult webcam session from space.

The Crew Dragon is set to launch on Saturday at 3:22 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

In a letter, ImLive vice president Adrian Stoneman wrote the two astronauts: While youll be receiving lots of attention down on Earth, I imagine things will get a bit lonely once you penetrate the atmosphere. Elton John said it best in 'Rocket Man,' its lonely out in space.

He continued: Thats why Id like to formally extend you an offer to make one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind by becoming the first people to conduct an adult webcam session from space. Our webcam sessions can help facilitate human interaction and provide you with some ... pleasure ... while youre in orbit.

The offer includes VIP passes to ImLive.com that would allow the two space-going adventurers a chance to privately webcam with a variety of models as often as they like.

With more than 80,000 hosts and about 62 million members from all around the world, ImLive pledges to give the astronauts a ready-made audience for their adventures.

The flight is the first time American astronauts will take off from ad American-made rocket into space since 2011 when the Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched for the last time.
BROOK PARK, Ohio -- A 35-year-old Cleveland man is dead after an early morning crash on Interstate 71, police say.

Ronald W. Metheney Jr. died in the crash that happened about 3 a.m. on Interstate 71 north in Brook Park within the Interstate 480 interchange, according to a news release from the State Highway Patrol.

A 1997 Chevrolet Blazer was heading northbound on I-71 when it went off the right side of the highway and struck a guardrail, the release says. It continued to overturned and went down an embankment.

Metheney was pronounced dead at the scene. He did not wear his seat belt at the time of the crash, the release says.

Read more stories on cleveland.com:

Lorain homeowner shoots intruder who barges into home with two others, police say

5 arrested in second night of George Floyd protests in Columbus

Pentagon orders Army to put military police on alert to deploy to Minneapolis

Protests over George Floyds death break out in NYC, all over country

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, police Chief Calvin Williams welcome protests over death of George Floyd -- so long as theyre peaceful
In this Wednesday image from video made available by SpaceX, liquid oxygen vents off the Falcon 9 rocket as NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley in the Crew Dragon capsule prepare for launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., moments before the mission was aborted because of weather problems. Read more

Wednesdays planned launch was scrubbed because of bad weather, and the weather remains iffy for a lunch this afternoon. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine cautioned on Saturday morning there is a 50% chance todays launch could be cancelled due to unfavorable weather. If weather conditions again prevent the launch, the next attempt could take place Sunday.

Date: Saturday, May 30

Time : 3:22 p.m. Eastern

TV : Discovery, Science, National Geographic

Stream: NASA, SpaceX

After a delay of a few days due to bad weather, NASA and SpaceX are scheduled to launch astronauts from U.S. soil Saturday afternoon for the first time in nearly a decade.

The weather remains a major concern, but if all goes as planned with the launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it will mark the first time a private company has launched people into orbit, with the astronauts being carried into space on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule making its first manned spaceflight.

The mission is the culmination of a partnership struck in 2014 between Elon Musks Space Exploration Technologies Co. and NASA as part of the agencys Commercial Crew Program. SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012, but this will be the companys first manned mission ahead of what is to be a long-term deal with NASA to bring astronauts to the International Space Station.

Astronaut Doug Hurley, 53, was the pilot of the space shuttle Atlantis during the programs final mission in July 2011. Joining him in the Dragon will be Bob Behnken, 49, who has accumulated more than 708 hours in space.

Wednesdays planned launch was scrubbed because of bad weather, and the weather remains iffy for a lunch this afternoon. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine cautioned on Saturday morning there is a 50% chance todays launch could be cancelled due to unfavourable weather. If weather conditions again prevent the launch, the next attempt could take place Sunday.

Heres what you need to know to watch.

What time is the SpaceX launch scheduled?

Takeoff of SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for 3:22 p.m. Philadelphia time from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. It would be just the fifth new manned space system, following the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and shuttle programs.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, NASA is urging visitors to avoid traveling to the space center. But nearby beaches are open, and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey encouraged visitors to come watch the launch.

NASA and SpaceX will stream the launch on their YouTube channels.

Cable networks including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News are expected to show the launch live. Discovery and the Science Channel will simulcast coverage beginning at noon. The National Geographic channel will air joint coverage with ABC News beginning at 3 p.m.

Weather forecast for the SpaceX launch

SpaceX launch officials said around 1 p.m. the launch is currently no-go due to rain and scattered thunderstorms, but forecasters remain optimistic conditions might clear by the missions 3:22 p.m. launch window.

A final decision on whether to proceed with the launch could come around 2:37 p.m., about 45 minutes ahead of the missions 3:22 p.m. liftoff window.

If weather conditions again prevent the launch, the next attempt could take place Sunday.

President Trump traveling to Florida again to attend launch

President Donald Trump is returning to the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday for todays rescheduled launch.

According to his public schedule, Trump is expected to arrive at Cape Canaveral at about 2:25 p.m., where he and First Lady Melania Trump will make their way to Operational Support Building 2 to watch the launch.

Trump and Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Cape Canaveral on Wednesday and took a tour of NASAs facilities.

Who are the NASA astronauts on board?

Two NASA astronauts are launching into space:

Doug Hurley. Born in Endicott, N.Y., Hurley is a former Marine Corps fighter pilot and a veteran of two spaceflights, including the final space shuttle mission in July 2011.

Bob Behnken: Born in St. Ann, Mo., is an Air Force colonel who is also a veteran of two space shuttle flights.

Whats the mission?

The Demo-2 mission is to validate the Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule for human spaceflight. The 19-hour flight will send Hurley and Behnken to the International Space Station, where they will join the three-person crew. The long flight means they might need to test SpaceXs new space toilet.

The two will spend from one to four months aboard the orbiting lab, where they will help with experiments and perform a space walk or two. The two astronauts will end their mission in a scene not seen since the Apollo 9 mission more than 50 years ago  an Atlantic splashdown.

This article contains information from the Associated Press.
A Federal Protective Services officer was shot and killed Friday night, the FBI reports, as protests and riots took place in the city of Oakland.

In a statement, the FBI stated the shooting occurred at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building at 1301 Clay St. Authorities say a vehicle pulled up to the building and an assailant inside the vehicle began shooting at security personnel stationed outside.

Two officers were shot, with one succumbing to his injuries and dying. The second officer was injured and his condition was not released by the FBI. On Saturday, officials from the Department of Homeland Security called the killing an act of Domestic Terrorism and said further attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated.

When someone targets a police officer or a police station with an intention to do harm and intimidate  that is an act of domestic terrorism, Department of Homeland Security Acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said at a Washington, D.C., news conference.

On Sunday, the FBI officially identified the deceased as Dave Patrick Underwood, 53, of Pinole, Calif. Underwood's sister, Angela Jacob Underwood, also posted about her brother's death on Facebook: "My brother, Dave Patrick Underwood, a federal officer, was murdered 5/29/20 in Oakland California, while on duty during the riots," she wrote. "This Violence Must Stop."

The office who was injured but survived was not identified.

"FBI San Francisco has not yet determined a motive for this shooting," the bureau said in a statement. "The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made yet at this time."

On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement urging caution in directly linking the protests with the shooting.

No one should rush to conflate this heinous act with the protests last night, he said.

On the night of the shooting, thousands gathered for protests over the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. Although the demonstration began peacefully, by the end of the night there were widespread reports of damage around the city. In total, 22 people were arrested on Friday, with 18 arrested by the Oakland Police Department and four arrested by other agencies. In addition, 60 suspected looters were detained for further investigation. None of the arrests were in connection with the shooting at the federal building.

Oakland Interim Police Chief Susan Manheimer released a statement pleading with demonstrators to remain peaceful and respectful.

"They started out peaceful, and we stood with our community here in the city of Oakland to provide safe spaces and respectful spaces for demonstrators," Manheimer said. "What we saw later on in the evening turned violent and disruptive."

SFGATE reporter Katie Dowd contributed to this report.

Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting
Her blonde hair is waved; she wears carmine lipstick and a chunky hand-knitted sweater as she poses smiling, in elegant profile, at the wheel of a tractor.

What image could more strikingly sum up the potent mix of grit and glamour of World War II's Land Girls?

The photo on the cover of Picture Post magazine in 1941 became one of the war's most iconic images, and made its subject a Forces' pin-up.

But for almost 80 years, few - other than her close family and friends - have known the identity of the Women's Land Army (WLA) recruit.

Now we can reveal that the 'girl with the tractor' is Patricia Fack (nee Hawkins), a former debutante who went on to marry a Dutch diplomat.

The cover photo on Picture Post magazine in 1941 became one of the war's most iconic images. It is now revealed that the 'girl with the tractor' is Patricia Fack, a former debutante who married a Dutch diplomat

After a five-year stint driving tractors, ploughing fields and milking cows alongside women from all walks of life - from prostitutes to factory girls - the irrepressible Mrs Fack travelled the world as an ambassador's wife, socialising with royalty and high society but always keeping a keen eye on life's absurdities.

Yesterday, she celebrated her 100th birthday with Zoom calls from her four sons and grandchildren and a slice of cake at the family's Cotswolds mansion.

Holding a glass of champagne she declared: 'Life is full of surprises. Make the most of it!'

The redoubtable - and highly entertaining - centenarian reflects that her own life has been a perfect example of that.

She entered fashionable society in 1938, when she was presented to King George VI at a coming-out ball. A few years later she was working at a Staffordshire farm. 'I was a debutante and a very spoilt one at that,' she reflects gaily.

'Who would have thought that three years after I curtseyed to the King in my ballgown at Buckingham Palace I'd be ploughing fields on my Fordson tractor and milking cows in my wellingtons?'

Land girls replaced male agricultural labourers called up to fight. At its peak, there were 80,000 in the WLA, many volunteers, like Patricia, and some conscripted.

The work was tough: mustered by the rallying cry 'Feed the Nation', Land Girls worked machinery, felled trees, milked cows, reclaimed land for crop planting and sometimes worked alongside prisoners of war.

Patricia, daughter of affluent brick and tile manufacturer Henry Hawkins of Cannock, Staffordshire, signed up nine days after the war began in 1939.

'My father said: 'Well, war has started, the second in my lifetime, and we all have to do something.'

So he went into the Home Guard [he was too old for the Army], my mother into the Red Cross, my brother the Navy and I signed up for the WLA.

But for almost 80 years, few - other than her close family and friends - have known the identity of the Women's Land Army (WLA) recruit. Yesterday, she celebrated her 100th birthday with family Zoom calls and a slice of cake at the family's Cotswolds mansion

'I got a letter telling me to report for tuition at Rodbaston Agricultural College nearby.

'They taught me how to milk cows, work in the dairy, drive a tractor and plough a furrow.

'It was long hours and darned hard, but good fun. Some of the trainees were London prostitutes who sat on the hay wagon and sang rude songs, which made us all roar with laughter.

'We wore jodhpurs, sweaters and wellington boots and my first job was at a dairy farm.

'I lived in, and it was so bitterly cold in the winter I could scratch my name in the ice on the inside of my bedroom window. But we had wonderful food.

'I had to get up at 6am to milk the cows - there were machines, even then - and then bottle the milk and load it onto a van; all 1,500 pints of it! Then I delivered the milk, and one of the calls on my round was to Stafford Prison.

'It cheered the prisoners no end to have a 21-year-old girl delivering their milk. I loved it, too.

'After I'd finished my round I went back to the farm to wash and disinfect the milk bottles. I'd had deportment lessons and been presented at court, but I'd never done any manual labour before.'

Patricia worked on several farms. On one, she was contracted out to plough grassland into fields to grow crops. 'I didn't find tractor-driving hard. I already had a little Morris 8.'

Funny, formidable and fearless, Patricia was also a great beauty. So it is no surprise that she caught the attention of Picture Post. The pioneering photojournalism magazine, which closed in 1957, sold nearly two million copies weekly in the war. She was photographed by the legendary Bert Hardy and interviewed by Anne Scott-James - one of Britain's first women career journalists. But Patricia refused to be named in print.

'I forbade it because I'd had some bad publicity before. I'd broken off an engagement and it hadn't been well-reported.'

Despite her anonymity, Patricia became a Forces' pin-up. 'I got quite a following,' she says.

'I was never short of escorts. There were no affairs, just innocent courtships.'

The cover sparked fan mail. 'I had a wonderful telegram from a couple of British Army officers serving in Africa. It said: 'Congratulations Picture Post from two adoring officers in Nigeria.' '

Soon after publication, Patricia - widowed ten years ago - met husband-to-be, dashing Dutchman Robbert Fack, whose own story is full of derring-do.

Robbert, tall and with a mischievous sense of humour, was an officer in the Dutch coastal artillery when the Germans overran Holland in 1940.

After a five-year stint driving tractors, Mrs Fack travelled as an ambassador's wife, socialising with royalty. Pictured, Patricia and her husband Robbert as Netherlands Ambassador and Ambassadress receiving the Queen Mother in 1981 at the London Dutch Embassy

He escaped in a fishing boat to England, where he was interrogated by soldiers.

'One said: 'Be careful. He speaks bloody good English. He might be a spy.' And his English was brilliant,' says Patricia.

Robbert soon joined the Princess Irene Brigade - a regiment of Netherlanders serving in exile - and was made adjutant.

In 1941 he met Patricia, whose mother Dorothy, a Red Cross quartermaster, looked after convalescing Dutch troops.

The officers held a dinner dance and Patricia went with her parents. 'Robbert opened the door to us and he says it was love at first sight,' she remembers. 'I think I took a bit longer.'

Two years later, they married at Holy Trinity, Brompton in London's South Kensington. It set the scene for the glittering ambassadorial life to come.

Typically, Patricia remembers the absurdities, as well as the romance, of the occasion.

'The church was packed and I wore a lovely dress I'd designed myself. Then we went off to our honeymoon, and to my horror, one of my father's friends - a real joker - was staying in our hotel. He kept knocking on our bedroom door on our wedding night, shouting: 'Hello Patricia. How are you getting on?'

Afterwards, they returned to their wartime duties. Robbert landed in Normandy just after D-Day and took part in the liberation of Amsterdam, his hometown.

After the war, he served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague and the United Nations in New York, Rome, Canberra and Bonn.

Patricia, of course, joined him in this peripatetic life.

She remembers their glorious homes: in New York they lived in a mansion leased from the fabulously wealthy Vanderbilt family. 'We had a wonderful view of the East River with boats gliding by our drawing room,' she recalls.

Her husband's final post was as Dutch Ambassador to London, from 1976 to 1986, where they lived in the ambassadorial house in Kensington.

'It was huge! We had five or six maids and an Italian butler,' she remembers.

She recalls the Queen Mother coming to dinner in 1981. 'She was great fun and loved a drink. She stayed very late. I had to stop the butler filling up our glasses at the end. Then the Queen Mother said: 'It's been a lovely evening. I hope I haven't kept you up.'

'I went to hold her arm as she got up out of her chair, but she was quite steady on her feet.

'In return, we were invited to stay at Windsor Castle. We were given a lovely room overlooking Park Drive. It had two doors. One opened onto a corridor and I opened it in my underwear, to find two guards outside.

'They looked very surprised to see me there wearing practically nothing, and I just banged the door shut,' she laughs.

Her life has been richly lived; her memories remain sharp. She is in lockdown with a step-granddaughter and her husband. Video calls from sons Julian, 75, James, 74, and twins Jerome and John, 69, marked her birthday.

'I still look back on my life and think what a thing it was to have gone from a farm to an embassy,' she reflects.

We now need a battalion of fruit pickers - a new Land Army - to harvest crops. So I wonder what Patricia would say to young people considering such work. 'Go and pick!' she urges. 'It's hard but rewarding. I loved it.'
Danish English

Company Announcement

29 May 2020

Announcement No. 16

NKT appoints Line Andrea Fandrup as CFO

The NKT Board of Directors has appointed Line Andrea Fandrup, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NKT and NKT A/S. She joins NKT no later than 1 November 2020.

Line Andrea Fandrup joins NKT from Rockwool and a position as Group Finance Vice President with insights to Finance, Treasury and Investor Relations. Prior to that, Line Andrea Fandrup has held leading finance positions with large Danish headquartered companies such as COWI, Novozymes and Maersk Line.

Chairman of the NKT Board of Directors, Jens Due Olsen, says:

- With the appointment of Line Andrea Fandrup as CFO of NKT, we onboard a profile with a strong international business approach and coming from listed and privately held companies that have successfully completed finance transformation processes similar to NKTs. Together with CEO Alexander Kara, Line Andrea Fandrup will continue regaining a satisfactory and sustainable financial performance of NKT to position us for the market opportunities driven by the green transformation.

Line Andrea Fandrup says:

- I am very excited to join NKT to further improve the companys financial performance and thereby providing the basis for future growth and for maintaining market leading positions.

The NKT A/S Executive Management Team will then comprise President and CEO Alexander Kara and CFO Line Andrea Fandrup. Until her accession no later than 1 November 2020, Alexander Kara will drive the NKT activities towards its financial analysts and investors, supported by Michael Nass Nielsen, Head of Investor Relations.

Contact

Investor Relations: Michael Nass Nielsen, Head of Investor Relations, Tel.: +45 2494 1654

Press: Helle Gudiksen, Head of Group Communications, Tel.: +45 2349 9098

Attachment
Find vehicle specials for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson at Hyundai of St. Augustine.

Local St. Augustine dealership Hyundai of St. Augustine offers 0% APR for 84 months on the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, as well as a variety of other vehicle financing specials. These available finance deals cover a wide array of the new Hyundai models at this dealership.

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson also has a variety of other specials, including lease deals such as $299 a month for 36 months for the SEL trim. Customers who are interested in purchasing the vehicle may be more interested in the cash offers such as $2250 on the Sport, SEL and Ultimate trims for qualified buyers.

There are also other vehicles that have similar finance and cash offers. Some of the models shoppers can find include the popular SUV models such as the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2020 Hyundai Palisade, as well as smaller models like the 2020 Hyundai Veloster and the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. This dealership also has deals for the 2019 models as well. Shoppers can access information about these on the Hyundai of St. Augustine website at http://www.hyundaiofstaugustine.com.

Customers who are interested in learning more about these finance deals are encouraged to contact Hyundai of St. Augustine by calling 904-567-7175 or by stopping at the dealership, which is located at 2898 US 1 South in St. Augustine.
Actor Sanya Malhotra had to undergo an emergency surgery to reconstruct her little finger after she injured herself in a freak accident at home on May 14. Now, in a report in Mumbai Mirror, more details have been shared.

Sanya was alone at home during lockdown when a chutney-making endeavour went wrong. According to a source, she was reportedly making chutney in a blender. No sooner did she switch it on, the lip flew off. As she struggled to put lid back, her hand accidentally entered the whirring jar and blood gushed out.

Sanya was all alone at home and had started feeling drowsy due to loss of blood. She called a friend over to keep her from fainting while another rushed her to a suburban hospital, where after testing negative for Covid-19, she was admitted. The actor had suffered two fractures, one dislocation and two-three major cuts on her fingers and had to undergo a surgery immediately, the report added.

Sanya has asked her old roommate Harshita Kalra to move in with her to help her manage in the time she would be recuperating. The report added that she plans to fly back to Delhi to be with her parents and recover.

Also read: Marvel superfan arranges every MCU scene in chronological order, loses his mind, goes viral: Took a global pandemic

A week back on May 23, Sanya had shared a picture of herself with her bandaged finger. She had written: Kuch behat crazy 9 dino ke baad im back with a new reconstructed little finger lambi kahani choti ungli, stay safe stay home. A number of her industry friends had expressed concern; her Dangal co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh had written: Get well soon. Aparshakti Khurrana had simply dropped red heart emojis while Yami Gautam had said: Sending you love & wishes, Sanya.

Through the lockdown, Sanya has been pretty active on social media, sharing posts of hope and a better future and her dance videos.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Indian Army Major Suman Gawani, honoured with the prestigious UN gender advocate award, has underscored the importance of female peacekeepers in the front ranks, saying it helps bring a "sense of security" among the survivors of a conflict. Gawani, a Military Observer formerly deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) received the 2019 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award from UN chief Antonio Guterres during a virtual ceremony on Friday on the occasion of International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Accepting the award, Gawani said in an audio message that it is a "great honour and privilege for her to receive the award and she expressed gratitude to the UNMISS and India for the opportunity. She said that UMISS is making all efforts to deploy more female peacekeepers in front ranks and roles such as military observers and contingents so that they can reach deeper into the society and bring some sense of security to the survivors of conflict.

With great pride, I accept this award on behalf of all the Indian peacekeepers and remember those who have made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of peace, she said. I would like to say we are the change that we want. And we are the ones we were waiting for, she said.

Gawani underscored that women, peace and security are the most important aspects of a society.

Gender becomes relevant especially in the places driven by conflict. Women and children, being more vulnerable, are worst hit in such situations, she said.

Describing South Sudan as a beautiful country, she said working towards peace as a military observer in South Sudan has been a life changing experience for her and thanked her colleagues in the Indian Army. Created in 2016, the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises the dedication and effort of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in a peace operation context, as nominated by Heads and Force Commanders of peace operations.

Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo, a Brazilian Naval officer working in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), was also honoured with the award. For the first time, two peacekeepers were jointly awarded for their contribution to this important cause. This is the first year the prestigious award has gone to a peacekeeper from India. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres applauded Gawani and Araujo for their inspiring work in promoting gender equality, saying their contributions underscore the importance of increasing the number of women in UN peacekeeping.

Guterres underscored the essential role played by women peacekeepers for the success of UN peace operations. He lauded Gawani and Araujo, saying their inspiring work has made a remarkable difference in promoting gender equality and empowering local women and your own colleagues. Your contributions are proof that women peacekeepers are vital to peace and security everywhere.

The UN Chief noted that during her deployment with the UN Mission in South Sudan as a Military Observer, Gawani mentored more than 230 Military Observers on conflict-related sexual violence and ensured the presence of women military observers in each of the Mission's team sites. She also trained the South Sudanese government forces and helped them launch their action plan on conflict-related sexual violence. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti, in his message on Peacekeepers Day, said that Gawani epitomises, in many ways, the rich values of Indian peacekeepers.

(Image Credits: pib.gov.in/)
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: The Index Medical College Hospital  one of the private medical colleges and hospitals treating COVID-19 positive patients in Indore  witnessed chaotic scenes on Friday evening, as many Coronavirus positive patients created ruckus at the hospital, demanding their discharge from the hospital.

The agitated patients went to the extent of even holding two doctors hostage at the ward, while four postgraduate students had to escape from the ward to save selves, sources privy to the developments confided.

The hospital administration had to call the police as the situation was getting out of control.

The agitated patients alleged that they were being kept at the hospital unnecessarily, despite having recovered and no longer showing any symptoms of the killer viral infection.

The patients who were admitted at the hospital after us have been discharged. Despite us no longer showing symptoms of the infection, were not being discharged. Many of us have even completed 14-15 days at the hospital, but still not being discharged despite no symptoms of the infection, some of the agitated patients alleged.

The administrative officials at the Medical College and Hospital, however, denied the patients allegations. The decision of discharging the patients isnt taken by the hospital, instead its taken at the level of the nodal officer posted by the administration. The hospital only sends the nodal officer reports of patients, after which its the nodal officer who decides on whether to discharge patients or not, administrative officials of the medical college and hospital said.

Reaching the hospital on the medical college-hospitals officials information, the police pacified the agitated patients and even cautioned to lodge cases, if the chaotic incidents were repeated.

Meanwhile, 56 recovered patients were discharged from three hospitals in Indore on Friday, including 30 patients from Index Medical College Hospital, 25 from Choithram Hospital and one from the MRTB
Panic gripped farmers, as swarms of locusts raided a farm in Noojibalthila Gram Panchayat limits in Kadaba taluk. A farmer, Renjilady Vishwanath Yera, who alerted other farmers about the Locust attack said for past two days, swarms of locusts were seen since Friday evening, voraciously devouring the leaves of trees.

Vishwanath, an elderly farmer, says he is witnessing the Locust attack for the first time in his farm., located about 55 kms from Mangaluru. He said none of the officials had visited his farm to study the locust attack. Swarms of locusts also attacked farms in Beltangady taluk.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A number of ideas for transforming Cleveland that grew out of the Cleveland Rising Summit last fall are still being worked on, and the groups pursuing them provided brief progress reports during a Zoom meeting Saturday.

One of the groups wants a $15 minimum wage that could provide an annual salary of more than $31,000 a year and help lift people out of poverty.

Another wants public transit to be fare-free in the same way libraries and education are provided for free.

Yet another hopes to make it easier for neighborhoods to construct solar arrays that allow residents to share the electricity that is generated.

The original meeting was scheduled for April 4 at Cuyahoga Community College but had to be canceled over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

About 140 people tuned in for the Community Report Out, hosted by City Club of Cleveland CEO Dan Moulthrop, who was also a summit organizer. The meeting began with a brief recap of the two-and-a-half day summit in October that attracted more than 600 participants and featured a group discussion technique called Appreciative Inquiry developed by faculty at Case Western Reserve University.

Moulthrop urged those on the meeting call to connect the groups with people they believe can be of assistance in pursuing their goals.

The groups are categorized into six areas: digital access & literacy; health, wellness & education; land use transportation & sustainability; entrepreneurship, workforce development & equitable business growth; equitable civic engagement & community empowerment; and population growth.

To watch a replay of the meeting, which lasted about one hour and twenty minutes, go to https://www.clerisingsummit.com/ and click on WATCH THE REPORT OUT."

Here are the groups who presented, along with some of their goals:

 T.E.C.H. Up: Improve Internet access in poor communities and more IT job opportunities for minorities.

 LoCul Dreams: Create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes a website to list helpful programs and maker spaces.

 Global Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Develop an ecosystem for taking entrepreneurs from the idea stage to mature company.

 Rewiring Your Hiring: Break down barriers to employment, including employer drug tests for marijuana use.

 Ohio Deserves a Raise: Institute a $15 minimum wage to help pull more people out of poverty.

 The Real CEO (community empowerment organization): Get neighbors to collaborate toward improving their communities. The group has found a robust infrastructure for this purpose already in place and recommends dissolving and sharing its research with others.

 The TRUTH Movement: Generate greater awareness of white privilege and the ravages of racism.

 The PROOF Project: Break down silos and get the public, private and social sectors working together.

 CLE for Me: Prepare students for non-college careers.

 Ready to Thrive: Help young people improve their emotional intelligence and coping skills.

 Universal Pre-K: expand universal pre-kindergarten beyond just Cuyahoga County, which already has a program in place.

 Free Public Transit: Make public transit as accessible as free public libraries and education.

 Community Solar: Help and encourage neighborhoods to adopt solar energy by sharing the output from community-based solar arrays.

 New Take on the Lake: Transform the Lake Erie waterfront, including Burke Lakefront Airport.

 From Point A to Point CLE: Make public transit more accessible and improving connections to job hubs.

 Grow the CLE. Cultivate. Lead. Expand: Grow the population by targeting college students, young professionals, retirees, those who have moved away and may want to return, and others.
The best books of the year so far explore themes of power, perseverance and hope through creative storytelling and glittering prose. Journalist Robert Kolker reports on the strife of an American couple in the 1970s, overwhelmed by their sons schizophrenia diagnoses. Poet Cathy Park Hong establishes herself as an energetic and necessary voice in the dialogue surrounding racism in the U.S. in her nonfiction debut. And Jenny Offill takes a clever approach to tackling the anxieties that are synonymous with life in the 21st century. These 10 books, from a biting collection of comedic essays to the final novel in a beloved trilogy, represent authors at the peak of their craft. Here, alphabetically by author, the best books of 2020 so far.

The Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich

Though shes written more than 20 books for adults, Louise Erdrichs latest work is perhaps her most personal. Drawing on her Chippewa heritage, the National Book Award winner constructs a portrait of a community fighting for survival in The Night Watchman. The titular character, based on her maternal grandfather, leads the effort against proposed legislation that threatens the rights to his tribes land. Erdrich describes the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota in rich detail and illustrates the lengths that some will go to protect the ones they care for.

Buy Now: The Night Watchman on Bookshop | Amazon

Cleanness, Garth Greenwell

The second book from Garth Greenwell appears to feature the same unnamed narrator from his first  a gay American teacher living in the capital of Bulgaria. In nine interlinked stories, Greenwell dissects the expatriates relationships with his students, his sexuality and the city of Sofia in an aching examination of intimacy and power. As the narrator reflects on his time abroad before he returns home, Greenwell asks potent questions about how and why we long for love.

Buy Now: Cleanness on Bookshop | Amazon

Story continues

Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning, Cathy Park Hong

Blending cultural criticism with personal stories, poet Cathy Park Hong analyzes the impact of racism against Asian Americans in her debut nonfiction collection. Her voice is urgent and raw as she unpacks what its like to experience prejudice that doesnt fit into the exact mold of oppression faced by other minorities in the U.S. From reflecting on her childhood in California to her evolving attitude towards the English language, Hong is brutally self-aware and embraces her anger as she captures how shes struggled to make sense of her identity.

Buy Now: Minor Feelings on Bookshop | Amazon

Wow, No Thank You., Samantha Irby

Reading Samantha Irby is a welcome relief from whats going on in the world, even though shes picking apart every single aspect of it. Over the last couple years I have had to learn to live in a house, and that is one of the hardest and most boring things Ive ever had to do, she writes in an essay that lists off hilarious questions related to maintaining a home. In another, she mines our obsession with skin care and declares: I dont drink water and my blood type is pizza. Her collection is riddled with punchy lines as she contemplates everything from trying to make new friends in adulthood to working in a television writers room for the first time. Wow, No Thank You. is signature Irby  honest, dry and the kind of funny that truly induces laughter.

Buy Now: Wow, No Thank You. on Bookshop | Amazon

Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family, Robert Kolker

Even if just one child has schizophrenia, everything about the internal logic of that family changes, journalist Rober Kolker writes in his bestselling book, which traces the plight of a Colorado-based family devastated by the mental disorder. By the mid-1970s, six of the 12 Galvin children had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Kolker traces the familys suffering in Hidden Valley Road, which focuses on how the Galvins were studied to help better understand the disease. Though so much of the story is rooted in tragedy  abuse, violence, death  Kolkers voice remains empathetic as he balances breaking down the science behind schizophrenia and describing the gutting details of one familys unthinkable circumstances.

Buy Now: Hidden Valley Road on Bookshop | Amazon

The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz, Erik Larson

The latest book from Erik Larson, author of The Devil in the White City, is an engrossing account of Winston Churchills first year as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In gripping and propulsive terms, Larson depicts the horrors of Hitlers bombing campaign, which killed tens of thousands of Britons. Though the end of World War II is no mystery, The Splendid and the Vile reads like a thriller, demanding attention with pages that illuminate the strength of leadership in times of grave crisis and uncertainty.

Buy Now: The Splendid and the Vile on Bookshop | Amazon

The Mirror & the Light, Hilary Mantel

One of the most anticipated novels of the year  Hilary Mantels conclusion to her celebrated Wolf Hall trilogy  lived up to expectations and then some. Beginning in the wake of Anne Boleyns death, The Mirror & the Light captures the final years of 16th-century English lawyer Thomas Cromwell, scheming aide to King Henry VIII. The Booker Prize winner masterfully completes her years-long character study of Cromwell, again fusing history and fiction to create a mesmerizing narrative centered on a man whose obsession with power leads him to his brutal, and inevitable, end.

Buy Now: The Mirror and the Light on Bookshop | Amazon

Deacon King Kong, James McBride

Its September 1969 in the projects of Brooklyn when a church deacon shoots an ear off a local drug dealer in front of the whole neighborhood. The seemingly random act of violence is just the start of James McBrides humorous, electric and heartfelt book  his first novel since the 2013 National Book Award winner The Good Lord Bird. From the white neighbors to the Latinx and African American witnesses of the crime, McBride introduces a diverse cast of characters to deliver nuanced commentary on race and class in New York City. McBrides voice is rhythmic and compassionate as he asks how communities come together and support each other in the face of adversity.

Buy Now: Deacon King Kong on Bookshop | Amazon

Weather, Jenny Offill

It would be an understatement to declare that Weather, a story fixated on a womans anxieties regarding both the mundanities of life and the end of the world, feels prescient. Lizzie Benson, the narrator of Jenny Offills kaleidoscopic third novel, is increasingly worried about everything from her young sons experience at a new school to the impact of climate change on the planet. The absorbing power of Offills spare but striking prose grounds the books frenetic structure, culminating in an unnerving look at a world where a constant flow of disquieting information cant be escaped.

Buy Now: Weather on Bookshop | Amazon

Run Me to Earth, Paul Yoon

In Run Me to Earth, three orphaned teenagers linked by grief live in a bombed-out hospital in 1960s Laos, where they assist a doctor and transport supplies to those in need. The coming-of-age premise leads to something much larger as Paul Yoon propels his young characters into adulthood, where theyre haunted by the pain of their shared past. Yoon seamlessly connects his characters storylines over time and across continents, all the while highlighting the subtle yet piercing tensions that accompany life after childhood trauma.

Buy Now: Run Me to Earth on Bookshop | Amazon
(Newser)  The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd has a new problem. Per CBS Minnesota, the legal team for Kellie Chauvin, wife of Derek Chauvin, spoke with her Friday night, and released a statement for her that says she's filing for divorce. "She is devastated by Mr. Floyd's death and her utmost sympathy lies with his family, with his loved ones, and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy," the statement from Sekula Law Offices reads. "She has filed for dissolution of her marriage to Derek Chauvin."

story continues below

The statement adds: "While Ms. Chauvin has no children from her current marriage, she respectfully requests that her children, her elder parents, and her extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time." Per the Pioneer Press, Kellie Chauvin is a refugee from Laos who became the first Hmong Mrs. Minnesota. The newspaper profiled her in 2018. Meanwhile, CNN reports that bail for Derek Chauvin has been set for $500,000, per a criminal complaint out of the 4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota. It's not clear if he's out on bail now. (Read more George Floyd stories.)
B arack Obama has spoken out about the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after being pinned down by US police. 

The former president penned a moving statement lamenting Mr Floyds treatment in police custody, saying: This shouldnt be normal in 2020 America.

Mr Floyd, 46, was killed on Monday after Derek Chauvin, 44, knelt on his neck for nearly ten minutes.

Chauvin was subsequently fired from the Minneapolis police force and, on Friday, was charged with the 46-year-olds murder.

Shocking footage showed Derek Chauvin kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck / Facebook/Darnella Frazier/AFP vi

In his statement, Mr Obama said many people in America would like life to just get back to normal in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

But, he wrote: "Being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly 'normal for millions of Americans.

This shouldnt be normal in 2020 America, he added. It cant be normal.

If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better."

He continued: "It falls on all of us, regardless of our race and station (...) to work together to create a new normal in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts.

Meanwhile, his former Vice President Joe Biden shared similar sentiments, as he spoke of the "open wound" of racism still infecting the US.

In a short public address on Friday, the presidential hopeful said: We are a country with an open wound. None of us can turn away."

Barack Obama and Joe Biden both spoke of racism infecting the country / Getty Images

Mr Floyds death has led to violent protests in the city of Minneapolis and across the country, with Donald Trump threatening action and branding the demonstrators thugs.

But Mr Biden said now was no time for incendiary tweets. No time to incite violence.

This is time for real leadership, he said.

Trump calls protesters thugs after George Floyd death in police custody

Later in the day, Donald Trump told reporters he had spoken to members of Mr Floyd's family and "expressed (his) sorrow."

Addressing footage of Mr Floyd's brutal arrest, the president said: "It was just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it."

Mr Trump says the family grieved during the call, adding: "I could see very much that they loved their brother."

He also spoke about looters during the protests, saying they had done a great disservice to their state, city and the country.

"We can never let that happen again," he said.
A local resident trains a pigeon at an area, near the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, background, in Istanbul, Saturday, May 30, 2020. The UEFA Champions League final soccer match was scheduled to be hosted at Ataturk Olympic Stadium May 30 but is postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic and a new date for the final has yet to be announced amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.(AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Workers in white coveralls and face masks swept Istanbuls Grand Bazaar with disinfectant Saturday as Turkey prepared to lift many remaining coronavirus restrictions, including the suspension of domestic flights.

Turkish Transport Minister Adil Karaismailoglu said flights between Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Trabzon would resume Monday and others gradually added after that.

The 15th century Grand Bazaar has been closed since March 23 and got its floors scrubbed before other parts of business and social life restart in Turkey on Monday.

Fatih Kurtulmus, chairman of the bazaars board of directors, said shoppers would have their temperatures checked for fevers upon entry and the number of people allowed in at one time would be restricted.

In preparation for the end of some restrictions and the introduction of new operating rules, officials were dispatched across the country to check the spacing of restaurant tables and sun loungers at beach resorts.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Turkey had 983 new coronavirus cases between Friday and Saturday evening, taking the national total to 163,103. The country also reported 26 more virus-related deaths, for a total of 4,515 since the pandemic started.

Turkey imposed a range of measures after recording its first case on March 11, including weekend and holiday curfews, travel bans and closures of restaurants, bars and cafes.

A weekend lockdown was reimposed in 15 provinces, including Istanbul and Ankara. A stay-at-home order for people age 65 and older and minors also remains in place.

A limited number of mosques held communal prayersFriday, a day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said announced the reopening of many businesses starting Monday and a return to work for most public sector workers.
People holding umbrellas cross Des Voeux Road in the Central district in Hong Kong - Ivan Abreu/Bloomberg

Chinas move to impose national security law in Hong Kong has drawn international outcry, including from the UK, over worries that the territorys treasured liberties are coming to an end.

Activists have welcomed greater international attention on the issue. But the UKs window to pressure Beijing to change course in a meaningful way has largely closed.

Hong Kong has experienced shrinking rights and freedoms for years. Elected lawmakers have been disqualified from their positions and outspoken professors have been removed from their posts.

Booksellers publishing on sensitive topics have disappeared, later appearing in mainland China on state television confessing to various crimes. A British journalist was even expelled from Hong Kong, seemingly for having chaired a talk by a pro-democracy figure.

Such instances are among many reasons why mass protests have erupted periodically since the former British colony was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Each round of unrest has been more chaotic than the last, as people rushed to denounce Beijings encroaching influence.

China has long made clear its position. Officials conveyed for the first time in 2014 that Beijing no longer considered valid the Sino-British Joint Declaration, an international treaty meant to guarantee rights and freedoms for those in Hong Kong. The Chinese government has continued to reiterate outright the document no longer carried any significance.

The time to say something was at latest about six years ago, said Alvin Cheung, a legal scholar at New York Universitys US-Asia Law Institute.

Its a pretty grim indictment of the international community that all the warning signs have been around for this long and they have been consistently swept under the carpet until the very end.

A pro-China activist holds an effigy of US President Donald Trump during a protest outside the US consulate in Hong Kong - ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP

Aside from pressing economic sanctions, whats left now in the UKs response toolbox are largely symbolic gestures.

Story continues

The UK could, for instance, raise discussion at the United Nations about China breaching the Joint Declaration.

If anybody can just sign a contract, an agreement housed at the UN with Britain, and 20 years later turn around and say, we are not doing that, how can Britain stand with two legs firm in the world anymore?, said Jessica Yeung, a university professor who has participated in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

But it may be a lost cause, as [Chinese leader] Xi Jinping will do whatever he wants, and no country can stop him, as the idea of an international humanitarian intervention against the will of a major nuclear weapons state with a veto at the United Nations Security Council is fanciful, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London.

Still, this does not mean the UK doesnt have a role to play, he said. To put the matter on the UNs agenda and get the global attention on the violation of the Sino-British agreement will make Beijing very uncomfortable.

The UK can also offer refuge by facilitating and fast-tracking asylum applications or extending greater rights to British National Overseas holders, as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has suggested.

But doing so could complicate the UKs engagement China, and a rocky relationship would make it difficult to kick off post-Brexit trade talks with the second-largest economy.

Indeed, China has already threatened to take countermeasures against the UK if it accords greater rights to Hong Kong residents with BNO status.

Whether the UK decides to take that risk remains to be seen.

It is practically late, because Beijing is going to approve the whole thing  theyre not going to change anything, said Claudia Mo, a pro-democracy lawmaker in Hong Kong. But out of some sense of honour, the UK should at least speak up.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 11:30:00|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PHNOM PENH, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia's economy in 2020 is expected to register its slowest growth since 1994, contracting by between -1 percent and -2.9 percent, according to the World Bank's latest Economic Update for Cambodia released on Friday.

Titled Cambodia in the Time of COVID-19, the biannual report said the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting Cambodia's main drivers of economic growth -- tourism, manufacturing exports, and construction -- which together account for more than 70 percent of the country's growth and almost 40 percent of paid employment.

Poverty in 2020 could increase among households involved in key sectors like tourism, construction, trade, manufacturing and the garment industry by between 3 to 11 percentage points higher than at baseline, or in the absence of COVID-19, the report said, adding that the fiscal deficit could reach its highest level in 22 years.

It said the collapse of growth drivers has hurt economic growth and put at least 1.76 million jobs at risks.

The report also warns that capital inflows are tapering off, which in turn is triggering the easing of real estate market prices, likely ending the construction boom.

It added that with the current large outstanding credit to the construction, real estate, and mortgage sector, nonperforming loans could rise.

In response to the COVID-19 shock, the report recommends policy options that aim at providing urgent economic relief and public health protection in the immediate term, underpinning an economic recovery in the short term, and fostering macro-fiscal and social resilience in the medium term.

"The global shock triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Cambodia's economy," Inguna Dobraja, World Bank country manager for Cambodia, said in a press release.

"The World Bank is committed to helping Cambodia deal effectively with the COVID-19 crisis and strengthen the economy for recovery and future resilience," she added.

The report also includes a special focus section on the importance of quality of education as a key to human development and sustainable growth in Cambodia.

The special focus also highlighted key policy recommendations to improve the quality of education in Cambodia such as strengthening accountability in public schools, linking salary increase and promotion to performance, and further upgrading the capacity and quality of teachers. Enditem
ROHNERT PARK (BCN)

A sedan connected to a fatal shooting Wednesday night in Rohnert Park was found in Clearlake on Thursday, but its driver was released after being interviewed and the investigation is ongoing, Rohnert Park police said Friday.

Alan Albor, 30, of Cotati, died in an apparent gang-related shooting about 9 p.m. Wednesday outside Redwood Credit Union at 250 Rohnert Park Expressway, according to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.

When police arrived, they found Albor facedown in the street with a gunshot wound to his upper chest. He died at the scene.

Investigators determined, after talking to witnesses and looking at surveillance cameras in the area, that Albor was sitting in a truck in the credit union's parking lot when a dark-colored sedan drove up and parked several spots away.

A male suspect then got out of the driver's side of the sedan and walked to Albor's truck, then returned to his vehicle. Albor and someone else then got out of the truck and approached the suspect, who got back in his car after an argument, officials said.

Albor was seen walking up to the driver's side window of the sedan when a shot was fired, and he walked away and collapsed in the roadway. The sedan then left the parking lot toward Padre Parkway.

On Thursday about 4 p.m., Rohnert Park detectives learned that the sedan connected to the shooting, a gray Acura TSX with California plates 7EAF822, was possibly in the Clearlake area. They notified Clearlake police and the vehicle was spotted a short time later, pulled over and the driver detained.

Rohnert Park detectives went to Clearlake and after an interview, released the driver. The Acura was impounded as evidence.

The driver's name was not released and police didn't say whether the person was connected to the fatal shooting.

The homicide investigation is still active, police said.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
BUJUMBURA/NAIROBI  Outgoing Burundis First Lady, Denise Bucumi Nkurunzinza was reportedly airlifted to Kenya for an urgent medical attention after contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to local media, the wife to President Pierre Nkurunziza is admitted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

She arrived at the hospital in a convoy of seven vehicles after being flown to Nairobi in AMREF Flying Doctors plane.

The light plane took off from Bujumbura Airport at 11.25 pm. The lights at the airport were turned off. Airport workers and police were asked to clear just before the arrival of Mrs Bucumi, who spent a total of 20 minutes on tarmac, the public wrote quoting sources

The publication further details that she was accompanied by three aides who all tested positive for Covid-19.

As the First Lady receives treatment in Kenya, it raises the question on how she gained entry into the country as President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Saturday, May 16, had shut borders and restricted entry of Coronavirus patients, only allowing those who tested negative.

As at Friday, May 29, Burundi had recorded 42 cases of Coronavirus, with 1 death reported.

Just like Tanzania, President Nkurunzinza has been highly criticised for taking a laid back approach in the war against Covid-19.

The country conducted elections in May 2020 amid the virus as Nkurunzinzas party CNDD-FDD party secured victory with General Evariste Ndayishimiye poised to take over from the incumbent.

Do not be afraid. God loves Burundi and if there are people who have tested positive, it is so that God may manifest his power in Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye had stated before the elections.

Restaurants and bars also remain open in Burundi.

Burundi ordered top World Health Organization (WHO) representatives and three other experts to leave the country as WHO was accused of unacceptable interference in the management of coronavirus in Burundi.

Related
Watershed, the debut novel from Calgary writer Doreen Vanderstoop, begins in mid-disaster. Its 2058 and, after the deluge decade of the 2020s, during which the glaciers melted and sea levels rose, Alberta is locked in a crippling drought.

The novel is an example of the fledgling climate change fiction genre (cli-fi), and explores the effects of environmental collapse on the people and communities of western Canada. Its a new dust bowl, with no end in sight, and complicating factors such as Valley Fever, an airborne fungal disease, which has migrated north from Arizona, with catastrophic effect.

The people of Southern Alberta are waiting with bated breath for the arrival of a pipeline, transporting desalinated water from the Pacific, while a terrorist group, the Northern Water Alliance, seeks to halt its progress, concerned that the pipeline will deprive Northern Alberta of its share.

Against this backdrop, Willa Van Bruggen is struggling to keep herself, her family, and her farm alive.

Willa has spent her entire life on the family farm, first with her father, now with her husband Calvin. Her mother and younger sister decamped to Calgary, unsuited to farm life, and now her son Daniel isnt coming home after completing his education, instead taking a job with Crystel Canada, the crown corporation tasked with water distribution. The farm is barely surviving, despite having changed from beef to goats when water began to grow scarce, and debt is choking them. Worse, Willa has begun having hallucinations, terrifying visions of an armoured tank tearing through the farms fence, or of a snake winding around her teacup (for starters).

Vanderstoop skilfully balances the political and social aspects of the novel with the personal and familial, creating a vivid portrait of lives eking out an existence against all odds, of people coming to terms with both the past and the unimaginable future. When Daniels new employer tasks him with serving on a series of town meetings  to win over pipeline doubters in the south  Vanderstoop is able to convincingly evoke small-town mistrust and wariness, the caution of those pushed to their extremes.

While Watershed wobbles occasionally  the early stages of the book are exposition-heavy (as one might expect from such a detailed vision of the future), the dialogue slips into staginess and speechifying a bit too often, and developments late in the book, and their resolutions, may challenge the suspension of disbelief  one can easily accept these as the signs of a debut novelist, especially since the novel as a whole is powerful and thought-provoking.

The book is based on a powerful balancing act, embracing CanLit cliches  struggling to save the family farm, the wayward son  while simultaneously subverting them in light of environmental devastation, a world where even the sky has changed, to a beautiful, terrible, celestial raspberry coloured by dust and by smoke drifting in from forest fires in Northern Washington State and British Columbia.

Vanderstoops dystopia is terrifyingly realistic (and, some would say, inevitable), while the respective journeys of Willa and the members of her family ring emotionally true, and will feel familiar to most readers.

Robert J. Wiersemas latest book is the author, most recently, of Seven Crow Stories.
Memorial weekend crowds flocked to Eddy's Bar, part of the Shangri-La resort at Oklahoma's Grand Lake.

People at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks drew a scolding from across the internet Memorial Day weekend after images of shoulder-to-shoulder partiers in a swimming pool went viral.

The lakefront wasnt the only place to draw a huge influx of holiday visitors to its hotels, restaurants and stores.

A USA TODAY analysis of cellphone data found about 400 ZIP codes where foot traffic at businesses more than doubled from the previous weekend. The data, supplied by location data company SafeGraph, included the first two days of the long holiday weekend.

Although the data cant tell whether people clumped together in ways on display at Lake of the Ozarks, it shows the drive to recreate was widespread.

The list of hot spots was filled with waterfront resort towns, national landmarks and destination casinos spread from Lake Erie to the Grand Canyon, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, from Lake George in upstate New York to inland lakes in the South.

Almost a third of the 400 ZIP codes actually received more foot traffic than on Memorial Day 2019, long before anyone dreamed of an illness called COVID-19.

All but three states  Connecticut, Delaware and Massachusetts  had at least one ZIP code with a massive increase in business visitors.

Clearly, there were many, many people who just threw off the halter and decided they were not going to do any semblance of social distancing, at least for that weekend, said William Schaffner, an infectious disease doctor and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. These are the circumstances that COVID-19 looks forward to.

Other health experts warned that the movement of people from cities to smaller resort towns risked fresh outbreaks. Most of the counties with Memorial Day hot spots reported comparatively low infection rates as of Friday before the holiday, according to USA TODAY's database of coronavirus case counts.

In the majority of the 19,000 U.S. ZIP codes for which reliable cellphone data was available, foot traffic to businesses fell over the holiday weekend from the weekend before.

Story continues

Traditional vacation hot spots were a stark contrast.

Waterfront ZIP codes near Traverse City, Mich., home of the State Theatre, were among the 400 with the biggest Memorial Day surges in the nation.

Cellphone data showed ZIP codes around Lake of the Ozarks had huge increases in foot traffic, as one would gather from images on social media. The numbers were still down from last year.

The surge at the Missouri lake was far from the biggest in the country. About 90 ZIP codes had bigger week-over-week increases in foot traffic than the main Lake of the Ozarks magnet, ZIP code 65072.

Places that beat 65072 included parts of rural New England, such as the shore of New Hampshires Lake Winnipesaukee.

No place witnessed a bigger surge of activity than 2.2 million-acre Yellowstone National Park, just as ZIPS adjacent to Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon showed major growth from the prior weekend. The National Park Service has started reopening many such locations in phases.

Statistics from the federal agency backed up what cellphone data suggested for Yellowstone, Americas oldest national park.

Although snow closed the park Saturday, vehicle traffic in Yellowstones southern half nearly matched last years Sunday-Monday total: More than 4,500 vehicles entered through the parks two Wyoming gates.

Park supervisor David Jordan guards the entrance to one shoreline campsite after capacity was reached on Memorial Day at Lake Pleasant in Arizona on May 25, 2020.

Stan Werkema, manager of the Old Faithful General Store, said the area outside was bustling over the holiday while workers in the store prepared to open this week.

People want to go out. What is a better place to get out to than Yellowstone National Park? Werkema said.

More: Montana gates to Yellowstone park open Monday

Five ZIP codes around Oklahomas 60-mile-long Grand Lake were among those with huge retail traffic increases.

Eddys Lakeside Bar, part of the Shangri-La resort, had people lined up waiting for a seat for 14 hours a day, noon until 2 a.m., until rain hit May 25, director of communication Mike Williams said.

The bar was alone in offering live music at the lake over the weekend, which may have contributed to people lining up for seats.

Management placed tables 6 feet apart and removed two-thirds of the bar stools, among other measures, Williams said.

Williams guessed about half the patrons were happy to see the precautions, while the other half thought they were unnecessary.

Was it enough?

I guess well know in two weeks, right? he said, alluding to the upper limit of time for COVID-19 symptoms to emerge after infection.

Oklahoma ZIP code 74366 had more traffic than on Memorial Day 2019.

A major source of the increased activity: the Salina Highbanks Speedway.

The tracks website listed the Allen Frailey Memorial Race and Custom Coatings Appreciation Night for May 23, an event that promised a free hot dog to the first 550 spectators in the stands.

The Jet Express kicked off its season over the Memorial Day weekend and saw a high demand for trips to Put-in-Bay in Ohio. The ferry service is reducing the number of passengers on each trip to promote social distancing.

In Ohio, at the Lake Erie island of Put-in-Bay, docks were full, the boardwalk bustling over the weekend. Hotels reported occupancy of 60% to 70%, said Peter Huston, director of the islands Chamber of Commerce.

Bill Market, co-owner of Miller Ferries, said the companys three vessels carry hundreds but reduced capacity by about a third for safety. Crew members sanitized high contact areas such as handrails and benches between each trip.

We rely on the tourist industry to survive the whole season, Market said. Theres no doubt theres risk involved, but I think for the most part, people are anxious to get out.

In some places, travel was largely limited to day trips. Even that could have its problems, according to William Hanage, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Consider Lake George, in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. About 90% of visitors to the area came from within the state, USA TODAY found  including 17% from the New York metro, among the areas hardest hit by COVID-19 nationwide.

Movements from places where we know theres a high population prevalence to a low give the opportunity to introduce it where its currently not common, Hanage said.

In Arizona, where the biggest increase in foot traffic was in ZIP codes near the entrance to the Grand Canyon, the tiny town of Jerome experienced a spike.

Traffic heading north on Arizonas Interstate 17 for the holiday weekend started to back up early in the afternoon May 22.

A popular day trip destination 110 miles north of Phoenix, Jerome received 90% of its Memorial Day visitors from within Arizona, the SafeGraph data show.

The historic Connor Hotel, even with a new requirement that guests stay a minimum of two nights, was completely booked all weekend. The hotel reopened May 16 with new coronavirus safety protocols. Rooms would stay vacant 24 hours after a guest left. Only two visitors are allowed in the lobby at a time, and they must wear face coverings.

Monica Medina, who runs the front desk at the hotel, said she saw Phoenix residents escaping the heat as well as visitors from California and Colorado. Both are a few hours drive from Jerome.

Theyre traveling, but theyre staying close to home. Theyre taking trips they can just drive to, Medina said.

Rex Peters, manager of the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery, said the town was very crowded all weekend. Visitors, he said, practiced appropriate distancing and wore masks.

Still, he has yet to reopen his gallery, a popular showcase of local artists. He hopes that could happen by July.

Were an artist cooperative, so were mostly old people with varying degrees of underlying health conditions, he said. Nobody is in a hurry to open and get in the midst of it.

Contributing: Karen Weintraub, Ellie Melero, Melissa Yeager, Eric Lagatta, Philip Drake, Greg Holman, Trevor Mitchell, Dennis Wagner, USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A Memorial Day surge in Lake of Ozarks, resort towns, phone data shows
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the liquor sale through virtual queue system going haywire on the second day as well, the opposition UDF mounted its attack on the government. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala said the government is reluctant to withdraw the app as it wants to cover up the corruption behind the deal.

The chaos and confusion over liquor sale has ratified the oppositions allegations over the BevQ scam. Despite these issues, the meeting chaired by the excise minister decided not to withdraw the app, as they want to cover up the huge corruption, said Chennithala.

He alleged that with utter chaos in the app, bar hotels have been selling liquor without any restrictions. At the same time, theres no sale in beverages outlets, he added. It has become evident that the developers were chosen based on political interests. While government agencies themselves are capable of developing such an app, they were rejected only to support a CPM follower. Theres a huge scam behind the deal. Thats why the opposition approached Vigilance, he added.
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the beatification of Blessed Oliver Plunkett, his remarkable story of courage and faith heralded in a new publication by local man Tommy Burns, entitled, 'The Beatification of Blessed Oliver Plunkett'. It features a report on the ceremony in St Peter's in Rome on May 23 1920.

Bishop Michael Router, in the foreword, described St Oliver as a 'man beyond reproach whose courage and faith in the face of incredible adversity made him an example to all' after his story was taken up by the English Church in the centuries after his death at Tyburn Hill, London on July 1, 1681.

He was declared venerable in 1886 and beatified by Pope Benedict XV.

Oliver Plunkett was hung, drawn and quartered, but Mrs Elizabeth Sheldon and surgeon John Ridley who were prominent English Catholics, had the arms and head of the saint placed in tin boxes, as they immediately saw Oliver as a martyr.

They got the body parts witnessed and placed seals on the documents, which today can be seen beside the head of St Oliver in St Peter's.

His beatification ceremony was attended by people from around the world, including Argentina, which had Plunkett connections. In 2016, a new St Oliver shrine with relic was unveiled in Rosario, Argentina.

Others who attended were Count George Noble Plunkett, the Foreign Minister and his wife, the countess, who were the parents of Joseph Mary Plunkett, the Irish rebel, who was executed in 1916.

1920 was a year of war in Ireland and tensions were high.

During the week of the beatification, armed Republicans in Drogheda located themselves in the vicinity of the Siena convent to make sure the Black and Tans didn't steal or descerate the relic.

In London, many thousands took part in a procession from Bermondsey, taking in a 3 mile route to Tyburn, close to Marble Arch.

Drogheda too celebrated the event, the nuns of the Siena and boarders taking part in a rosary 'As Gaeilge' led by Dr Keane OP. The Dominican Sisters had charge of the relic for two centuries and the ebony box reliquary sat perfectly camouflaged on top of their grandfather clock.

The main local celebrations took place on the following Sunday, with 10,000 arriving to West Street for mass.

The Drogheda Independent reported, 'On Pentecost Sunday and Trinity Sunday, from early morning until late in the evening, a continuous stream of visitors from all parts passed to and from the holy Shrine. I was one of the gathering on the first-named.day and I could see that the pilgrims' lively faith was manifested by their reverence, recollection and prayerful demeanour.

'All classes were there-the old .and young the strong and weak-all knelt side by side pouring forth fervent petitions for themselves, their dear ones , and their beloved country.

'Amongst the visitors to the Shrine I noticed representatives of the Holy Martyr's family. Mrs. Joseph Plunket, who arrived, I believe, on Saturday to venerate the Relic) - widow of Mr. Joseph Plunkett, the young Irish Leader, who died for Ireland in Easter Week.

'Mrs. P. J, Plunket, widow of Mr. Patrick Joseph Plunket, father of Count Plunket, came on Monday. She was accompanied by one of her grandsons-Master Patrick Plunket-as well as by Miss Josephine M. Hyacinth Plunket.

'This family, I understand, lived formerly at Boyne House, Co. Meath. It would be impossible for me to estimate the number of people who thronged to venerate the Holy Relic during the past week and especially on the two Sundays. Close on ten thousand persons must have visited the Shrine during the eight days in question.'

On June 29, 1921, the relic of the head of then Blessed Oliver was placed in a side altar in St Peter's.

The foundation stone for the new St Peter's church had been laid on July 10 1881 by the Earl of Fingal, a Plunkett and an Anglican, on the bi-centenary of Archbishop Oliver's death.

In that same month in 1881, the Siena Convent community reported that 3,000 people had come to the Cord Road to pray at his relic.

Moving the relic to St Peter's sparked decades of visitors, many thousands descending for day trips.

The move to see Blessed Oliver become a saint was requested by 112 members of the US Church in 1938, but his cause gathered further momentum in 1958 when an Italian women was cured after her husband joined members of the MMM community in praying for her while she appeared close to death in a Naples hospital.

In 1975, he was canonised in Rome.

Many famous people have visited to shrine in Drogheda, including the future Pope Paul VI, who visited as a cardinal in 1961.

Tommy's publication includes four rare photographs from 1920, taken in Rome and at the celebrations which were held in Drogheda. Priced 3, it may be purchased at the National Shrine of St. Oliver in St. Peter's Church.
Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday said maternity leave for women government employees will be increased from the present six months to nine, fulfilling her partys electoral promise.

Unveiling healthcare initiatives worth over Rs 1,400 crore, Jayalalithaa recalled that she had increased the maternity leave to six months after she assumed office as Chief Minister in 2011 from the then previous three months.

From 1980 to 2011, women employees were entitled for only 90 days maternity leave, she said in the Assembly.

Fulfilling our (AIADMK) electoral promise of increasing maternity leave to nine months for women government employees, I would like to announce that the maternity leave will be increased to nine months, she told the House in a suo motu statement.

She unveiled a slew of healthcare initiatives which include extension of ongoing schemes, procurement of diagnostic devices like PET Scan, dialysis equipment, setting up of additional infrastructure like Cathlab and construction of buildings, all together worth over Rs 1,400 crore.

She said ongoing healthcare schemes of Amma Arogya Plan, Amma Master Health Check-Up, and Amma Master Health Check-Up Plan for Women, will be extended to Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and Madurai Government Medical College hospitals at a cost of Rs 30 crore.

She announced new infrastructure for Chennai-Kilpauk, Madurai and Coimbatore Government Medical College Hosptials at an outlay of Rs 356.50 crore.

All requisite diagnostic devices including C-arm and MRI-Scan for the hybrid operating theatres in such hospitals would be procured at a cost of Rs 497.41 crore.

She announced similar diagnostic devices and paraphernalia for a slew of other state-run hospitals across Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs 353.43 crore and new buildings at an outlay of Rs 85.75 crore.

She announced Integrated Primary Healthcare Services on a pilot basis in three districts at a cost of Rs 5.93 crore.

Jayalalithaa said cathlab facility would be set up in six hospitals at a cost of Rs 42.20 crore and dialysis equipment for 51 hospitals at a cost of Rs.5.76 crore. Old ambulances would be replaced with new ones at a cost of Rs four crore while a PET Scan equipment will be put up at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi-Super Speciality Hospital at a cost of Rs 15 crore.

She also announced over Rs 30 crore worth initiatives in promotion of Indian Medicine in the state.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  NASA and SpaceX sucessfully launched astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley at 2:22 CDT.

NASA astronauts Behnken and Hurley are strapped into the Crew Dragon, the SpaceX vehicle that is scheduled to carry them to the International Space Station.

A mixture of sun and clouds hung over Kennedy Space Center late Saturday morning as NASA and SpaceX continued to prepare for an afternoon launch; by early afternoon showers had moved into the launch area but less than two hours before launch a rainstorm had passed through. At T-45 minutes said weather was clear for a launch.

After a weather review at T-4 hours and 15 minutes, the two astronauts began suiting up and preparing for launch, traveled in Teslas (a company owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk) to the launch site and entered the Crew Dragon. Eager space enthusiasts staked out their viewing locations along beaches and water-front parks.

More on todays launch: NASA-SpaceX ready for another launch attempt

When starting SpaceX in 2002, I really did not think this day would occur, Musk said during an interview aired Wednesday on NASA TV. I expected, 90 percent chance wed fail to even get to low-Earth orbit with a small rocket.

But the company persevered, developing its own flare along the way. In 2018, SpaceX launched a cherry-red Tesla Roadster into space. This year, its astronauts donned sleek spacesuits (white and black like the rocket), arrived at Launch Complex 39A in a customized Tesla Model X SUV and climbed into a spacecraft with touch-screen controls. Its part of the vision and inspiration that Musk brings to the American space program, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

Hes brilliant. Hes capable, Bridenstine said. There have been times when maybe there was a little tension because of the priorities that we were focused on. But when I talk to him, when I meet with him, he gives me a commitment and he delivers on that commitment. He also credited SpaceX willingness to fail - and learn from it. They test, they fail, they fix, they fly.

SpaceX launched the astronauts as a test flight for NASAs Commercial Crew Program, which was established as its own standalone program on April 5, 2011. This program sought a new, more affordable way of reaching the International Space Station. NASA did not want to own the vehicle and determine its every feature (the space shuttle had 10,000 to 12,000 requirements, including how much stainless steel was in the bolts).

So it created 300 requirements mostly related to safety and then allowed companies to propose their own vehicle designs. It selected SpaceX and Boeings proposals in September 2014, providing the companies with funding and technical expertise over the years. Both companies contributed their own money, too.

SpaceX and Boeing own the vehicles, and NASA ultimately hopes to be one of many customers purchasing seats. NASA says the Commercial Crew Program will save money the agency will use to fund its deep-space ambitions.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 21:48:57|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KITALE, Kenya, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Joseph Mwalo, a 13-year-old middle school pupil from Western Kenya has earned rock star status thanks to his prowess in sewing face masks that are on high demand as the fight against COVID-19 gains steam.

Since the government ordered the closure of schools to help contain the spread of the disease, Mwalo has kept himself busy with the stitching work to help fellow citizens access the vital protective gear.

Though Mwalo has never attended a fashion and design class, he has been copying the skills from his father Daniel Ondito and has since churned out hundreds of face coverings.

According to Mwalo, when the government announced that the virus had been detected in the country and that Kenyans should embrace health regulations, he approached his father and sold the idea of making face masks.

"I had brought my father an item he had sent me when a customer who wanted his clothes repaired arrived wearing the mask. I keenly looked at the mask and later I asked my father to allow me try to make similar one for myself," Mwalo said.

It took him three days to come with the final product to the admiration of his father.

"After I made the first mask, my father was excited and he asked to make more for the family," said Mwalo.

At one time, two neighbors who were impressed by the boy's tailoring skill placed orders for masks for their respective families.

He informed his father about the orders before his farther supported him to secure raw materials to make the masks. Unlike repairing or making new clothes, Mwalo says, stitching a mask is a laborious task.

"Materials are expensive and one has to employ enough skills to cut them into the sizes required because you do not take measurement of customers before you make the masks," said Mwalo

He said that before sewing the masks, he washes his hands and disinfect the work station to ensure the product is not contaminated by the virus.

A few displays he had made attracted many customers to buy his products and this has improved his father's income.

Mwalo's lifelong dream is to become a civil engineer but his latest decision to venture into the art of sewing face masks was motivated by a desire to save his compatriots from a global pandemic. Enditem
It was a good day in the COVID unit.

To be precise, it was a good six minutes and 54 seconds when registered practical nurse Darryl Hawtin called Domenica Valentina with the news that her father had tested negative a second time.

Joe is doing fairly amazing, Hawtin says, into the black landline in the nursing-home office.

Hes been swabbed twice, and hes come back twice negative. Were so happy. Hes basically patient zero  First patient to get it, first to recover.

For a month, Hawtins calls from the cramped fourth-floor nurses office at Peel Regions Sheridan Villa in Mississauga have been therapy for Joe Vesias daughter. Hawtin gives the details she craves.

Vesias oxygen levels are good, always above 90 per cent. He drinks liquids. And at his most lethargic, he still devoured 75 per cent of his meals.

After every conversation I feel so much better, Valentina says. Darryls voice is so soothing.

The good moments help Hawtin late at night when he falls in bed, body exhausted, brain racing, in his Mississauga hotel room. For six weeks now, those beige walls have been his home, away from his girlfriend and family.

With few variations, this is life for health-care workers in COVID-19 units, at least those who work in homes with replenished personal protective equipment and limited outbreaks.

Hawtin works 12-hour shifts that sometimes stretch to 14 hours and longer. The arches of his feet ache. Surgical masks rub his ears raw. He tries to suppress emotion, but some tasks make that difficult. Its his job to pronounce the COVID-related death of a resident and, once the doctor signs off, help staff move the body into a bag. He waits for the privacy of his hotel room to think about that.

The window in his room overlooks a six-lane street near Highway 401. Hawtin keeps the curtains closed. Peel Region covers the costs of isolation housing for long-term-care staff who have looked after 26 infected residents in four of its five municipally-operated homes. Ten residents in Peel homes have died, with four deaths at Sheridan Villa and now its COVID unit has Peels remaining five cases.

In mid-April, after Vesia tested positive, the first of 13 infected residents at Sheridan Villa, Hawtin volunteered for the COVID unit. Staff call it the West Wing for its view over the nursing home parking lot, near the QEW and Winston Churchill Blvd.

On the same day that Hawtin called Valentina, he had to tell the daughter of another man that her father is refusing to eat and drink.

This is a bad moment.

The man squeezes his lips shut when Hawtin and personal support workers try to help him eat. Hes already been sent to the hospital for an IV of fluids but once rehydrated, the hospital sent him back. With COVID and dehydration, the man is sinking.

Hawtin calls his daughter. He says she asks him to keep her father hydrated. Hawtin phones the doctor who orders hypodermoclysis. Hawtin says the word so quickly the syllables merge. Its a subcutaneous procedure, a less-invasive way of boosting fluid intake.

A nurse practitioner arrives, wrapped in personal protective equipment that staff call PPE, to insert the tiny needle linked to a narrow plastic tube pumping fluid. On the first try, its inserted into the mans upper right arm and wrapped with tape. He rips it out. Next is the left arm. On the third try, his abdomen. It takes ten minutes to free himself each time. They take the needle away.

Hawtin knew the man wouldnt like a foreign object stuck in his body. Hawtins worked at Sheridan Villa for two-and-a-half years and the two men grew friendly before COVID, which seems so long ago.

It really saddens me, he says. I tried everything I could think of. Out of 30 approaches today, we got him to take maybe three sips. I feel like I could do more, but I dont know what that could be. Its sad watching him deteriorate before your eyes and theres nothing you can do about it.

Right now, the mandate is to continue to push fluids. Before COVID, this man would eat two or three meals a day. Now hes just refusing everything.

If the home cant get him to eat or drink, his daughter has asked that her father be returned to the hospital. A few days later, an ambulance takes him away.

From one day to the next, theres no predicting COVID.

A few weeks earlier, a former RCMP officer, a tall man with a giant smile, was still his energetic self. Hawtin had one day off, and when he returned the man couldnt get out of a wheelchair. He died several days later and the workers, they mourned.

Hawtin is swept along by death, victory and the renewed vigour of a man named Bill. From the youthful snapshots in his room, nurses swear 79-year-old Bill Herbert looked like Steve McQueen in the 1970s, when he raced motorcycles in movies.

Like others in the West Wing, Herbert happens to have dementia. Right now, hes so energized theres no way he can sit isolated in his room, following official infection protocols. Outside, the sun is blazing. Herbert is a man on the move.

He walks down the hallway, a smile on his face. Hi Bill! Hawtin says, sidling up as if for a chat, casually turning Bill back to his room.

Hawtin appreciates Herberts enthusiasm but doesnt want droplets spreading, unsure if the virus can reinfect Joe Vesia, whos soon departing for the contagion-free part of Sheridan. Hawtin hovers outside Vesias door, protecting the man who conquered COVID.

The hallway is painted in blocks of colour, cheery orange, electric green and sapphire blue, all in preparation for the homes transformation to the Butterfly program, now called Meaningful Care Matters. The program focuses on emotions, but training is now on hold.

Across the hall, a block of green surrounds Herberts room. Hes inside, with Hawtin. A housekeeper follows his path along the hallway, disinfecting the hand railings he just touched. With Herbert settled, Hawtin leaves his room. Removing the gloves, gown, face shield and mask, with hand sanitizing in between, he drops them in the used bin, and starts over, donning fresh PPE.

Hawtin is ready to step into another residents room when Herbert begins his slow saunter. Before COVID, hed stop at the doors of women residents or staff. Is everything OK? hed ask and, their well-being confirmed, hed drift away.

Hi Bill! Hawtin says. Its the new routine. Hawtin understands; the isolation is getting to him too.

Since he moved into the hotel April 22, Hawtins life is contained inside the West Wing, the hotel room and, during the 20-minute drive to and from work, his 2014 Nissan Rogue.

I do a lot of self-reflecting, he says during a phone call from his hotel. I think most nurses do.

Even when Im here, Im constantly thinking about my patients. Even when I have two days off. Ive certainly lost sleep over some of the days Ive had at work.

Theres one experience I had. It still resonates with me. It was the COVID-related death of a woman. It was sudden.

In the days before her death, I was talking to her entire family. She had three daughters. I was telling them my plan of care, and we were all working together to get her back to where she wanted to be.

And then she died. Hawtin was in his hotel room, off shift, when it happened. The night nurse gave the womans family the news.

For Hawtin, it was a loss.

Youre all working for a common goal and that goal is life. When that person dies, all of that just goes away. This woman was on my mind, I think, because I had implemented so many interventions, poured everything I had at keeping this at bay.

I did call the family. I have pronounced a few deaths, not this one, but this was the first time I was almost fighting back tears. I didnt even know I had these feelings. It just kind of surfaced. I gave my condolences.

It was pretty painful.

Sometimes, Hawtin works with Mary Connell. Shes a registered nurse and a Peel manager but helps in the COVID unit, masked and gloved.

In the hallway, surrounded by colour, Connell and Hawtin discuss life.

They stand far apart. She listens. He tells her hes worried about the spirits of his staff.

You know, Connell tells him, you dont always have to say that everything will be fine.

Hes concerned about two young personal support workers. Under government directives, nursing home staff must now put the bodies of residents, people they grew to love, into white plastic bags sent by the funeral homes.

The women, in their early 20s, weep over this new task. One dreams about it. Hawtin is their shift leader, and he tries to stay upbeat, his words soothing.

Well get through this, he tells them. Everything will be fine.

They carry on.
The white former Minneapolis police officer shown in video footage using his knee to pin an unarmed black man's neck to the street was charged with murder on Friday in the man's death, an incident that has unleashed four nights of violent protests.

Derek Chauvin, who was dismissed from the police department with three fellow officers the day after the fatal encounter, was arrested on third-degree murder and manslaughter charges for his role in Monday's death of 46-year-old George Floyd.

Graphic video footage taken by an onlooker's cell phone and widely circulated on the internet shows Floyd - with Chauvin's knee pressed into his neck - gasping for air and repeatedly groaning, "Please, I can't breathe," while a crowd of bystanders shouted at police to let him up.

After several minutes, Floyd gradually grows unresponsive and ceases to move. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital a short time later.

The video reignited an outpouring of rage that civil rights activists said has long simmered in Minneapolis and cities across the country over persistent racial bias in the U.S. criminal justice system.

The charges brought by Hennepin County prosecutors came after a third night of arson, looting and vandalism in which protesters set fire to a police station, and the National Guard was deployed to help restore order in Minnesota's largest city.

Authorities had hoped Chauvin's arrest would allay public anger and avert continued unrest. But defying an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by Mayor Jacob Frey, about 500 demonstrators clashed anew Friday evening with riot police outside the battered Third Precinct building.

Police, creating a two-block buffer area around the precinct house, opened fire with tear gas, plastic bullets and concussion grenades, scattering the crowd.

Another group of protesters later converged near the city's Fifth Precinct station until police arrived and fired tear gas and plastic bullets to break up that gathering. A nearby bank and post office were set on fire.

Still, Friday night's crowds were far smaller and more widely dispersed than the night before. Law enforcement kept a mostly low profile, a strategy seemingly calculated to reduce the risk of violent confrontations, as was the case in several urban centers across the country where sympathy protests arose.

Among the larger cities with protests on Friday were Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Atlanta and Louisville, Kentucky.

A 19-year-old man protesting in Detroit was shot dead on Friday night by a suspect who pulled up to demonstrators in a sport utility vehicle and fired gunshots into the crowd, then fled, the Detroit Free Press and other local media reported.

Few if any other serious injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with the protests.

In Washington, police and Secret Service agents were out in force around the White House before dozens of demonstrators gathered across the street in Lafayette Square chanting, "I can't breathe."

Thousands of chanting protesters filled the streets of New York City's Brooklyn borough near the Barclays Center indoor arena. Police armed with batons and pepper spray made scores of arrests in sometimes violent clashes.

'HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE THING'

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, announcing Chauvin's arrest earlier in the day, said a key piece of evidence in the case was the video clip showing Floyd lying face down in the street, with Chauvin kneeling on the back of Floyd's neck.

"We have evidence, we have the citizen's camera's video, the horrible, horrific, terrible thing we have all seen over and over again," Freeman said. "We have the officer's body-worn camera, we have statements from some witnesses."

Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes, according to an autopsy report. Medical examiners found the combined impact of being restrained by police, underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for a nightclub, was arrested for allegedly using counterfeit money at a store to buy cigarettes on Monday evening. An employee who called police described the suspect as possibly drunk, according to an official transcript of the call.

Freeman said the investigation into Chauvin, who faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, was ongoing and he anticipated also charging the three other officers, identified by the city as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng.

Floyd's death recalled the 2014 killing of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man in New York City, who died after being put in a police chokehold and telling the officers, "I can't breathe."

Mike Griffin, a community organizer in Minneapolis, said the protests reflected years of frustration over economic inequalities and the feeling that black lives were not valued as highly by police.

He said anger has been building since the 2015 fatal shooting by Minneapolis police of 24-year-old Jamar Clark, and the 2016 killing of Philando Castile, a 32-year old black man shot by Minnesota police during a traffic stop.

"George's murder was just the last straw," Griffin told Reuters, calling the charges against Chauvin a step in the right direction, but adding there needed to be systemic changes.

The protests were driven in part by the initial lack of arrests in the case.

But Freeman stressed that charges in similar cases typically take nine months to a year, adding, "This is by far the fastest we've ever charged a police officer."

Earlier on Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he understood why people had "lost faith" in the police but argued Floyd's plight had become "lost in 48 hours of anarchy" and called for an end to destruction of property. He has declared a state of emergency and called in the state's National Guard.
School districts offering their annual budgets and board seats to voters are in unchartered territory as they've been forced to make their own paths to handle thousands of absentee ballots by mail.

Polling places are out this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, upending the normal mid-May election day scenario. Some districts are mailing ballots to every registered voter. Others are compiling absentee voter lists from their poll books that tally everyone whos voted in recent school elections.

How successful they'll be will be be measured on June 9, the day the ballots are due back to the districts -- the first full-scale voting in the state since the outbreak began. School vote turnout is normally is very light, traditionally averaging between 10 and 15 percent across the Capital Region's 40 or so public school systems.

North Colonie Superintendent D. Joseph Corr said the suburban school district searched its poll records from the last five years to compile a list of 7,000 voters who will receive absentee ballots. Typically the district sees about 1,700 to 1,800 voters show up at the polls in May on the traditional voting date in mid-May.

Corr said the situation is unprecedented and the district is navigating a difficult route.

Due to the way the North Colonie and South Colonie boundaries cut across the town through the election districts used in the general and primary elections, the districts choice to burrow into its poll records was the best choice to put together an accurate voting list, Corr said.

Lori Van Buren

The Cohoes City School District relies on the list of registered voters from the Albany County Board of Elections. That means 9,500 absentee ballots were mailed out for an election that typically draws about 1,000 voters.

We have opened our voting to all registered voters. Its the right thing to do, Superintendent Jennifer Spring said. Mailing ballots to everyone means districts cant rely on past turnout records to predict the outcome. Its a risk, Spring said.

The Albany City Board of Education wanted to ensure that every city resident registered to vote would ge the chance and not be disenfranchised, said Ron Lesko, district spokesman. The district mailed 47,000 ballots for an election for the school budget, board seats and the Albany Public Library. Those elections generally draw about 3,000 voters.

We expect more votes, Lesko said about turnout.

School officials say districts are facing added expenses associated with the mail-in elections, since as they are required to send out three mailings ahead of the election in stead of one and must cover the cost of a return stamp. In Albany, last year's vote cost the district $36,400, plus an additional $7,000 to mail the annual budget newsletter and budget postcard to all city residents. This year's mail-only vote will cost about $150,000, plus an additional $32,000 to mail the budget newsletter and postcard.

Because of the condensed timeline leading up to the June 9 voting deadline and anticipated mail delays, the district is choosing to sent mail first-class this year to ensure they arrive in time.

The Schenectady City School District had planned to use the poll records from last years budget vote then decided to go with the voter registration lists compiled by the Schenectady County Board of Elections, said Karen Corona, a district spokeswoman. That meant sending 31,000 absentee ballots out across the city. We want to see everyone get the opportunity to vote.

The East Greenbush School District also has decided to send ballots to all registered voters. Thats 22,000 ballots sent out into the community.

Clifton Park attorney Robert Rybak said that he doesnt think any district in the state can fully comply with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomos executive order to reach all eligible voters because districts dont maintain a list. However, he thinks some districts are doing a better job than others.

Rybak likes that the Bethlehem and North Colonie school districts are going back to who voted over multiple years  thats six for Bethlehem and five for North Colonie  to fill out their eligible voter rolls.

Bethlehem has published its poll list of about 4,400 voters on its website so its residents can check to see if they will receive a ballot or have to request one from the district.

But Rybacks is disappointed with his own school system, Shenendehowa, which is only looking back two years.

The district is making a good faith effort, Rybak said. But they are clearly not reaching every eligible voter just by the way they are doing it.

Rybak estimates there are about 40,000 eligible voters in Shen. Yet the district is only sending out about 25,000 ballots. He thinks the district should go back at least three years to December 2017 when the district had a huge turnout for its land sale referendum. He thinks its all about the money, which the district says is already costing it four times the normal amount for an election  nearly $100,000.

District spokeswoman Kelly DeFeciani said the district, which is sending a ballot to all taxpayers, those who live in the 12065 Zip code along with the past two years of voters, understands that its method will not capture every eligible voter. Thus, the district has a form that voters can fill out in order to receive an absentee ballot. So far, the district has received 1,457 requests from eligible voters who filled out the form on the district's website and social media pages.

We also mailed a postcard last week to our standard mailing list for the annually required budget notice telling people how to get a ballot, DeFeciani said.

This is an extremely difficult cost for districts to absorb in order to comply with the governors executive order at then same time we are planning to make budget cuts because of the state's fiscal crisis, DeFeciani said.

Districts in Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs arent tracking down all eligible voters. They have decided to only send ballots to registered voters. In Ballston Spa, that totals about 22,000 absentee ballots for a vote that generally brings in 2,000 to 3,000 voters.

In Saratoga Springs, where the district will send out about 35,100 ballots for an election that typically brings in about 3,000 to 6,000 voters, the district recommends residents register to vote. The district supplied a link to register online with the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Galway, a small district that brings in about a few hundred voters each year, is attempting to reach all eligible voters with its mailing list of 4,904. Superintendent Brita Donovan said the district hired NTS Data Services to determine who is eligible to vote.

It is important that everyone in our community has a voice on our school budget, Donovan said.

Will Waldron/Times Union

Mohonasen Superintendent Shannon Shine said the district is sending ballots to 6,100 residents who voted in the last five elections and has sent postcards to 10,000 district residents letting them know how to request one.

At $2.40 per ballot for printing and paper and 50 cents for postage, "it can add up quickly," Shine said. "It was certainly not a budgeted expense."

Shine said he fears frustrated voters would use the absentee ballots to take out their stress on the district, making it more difficult to get the budget approved.

The New York Civil Liberties Union said the lack of uniform requirements for each district to make sure voters arent disenfranchised is troubling. The pandemic has cast a light on the issues that exist in school elections. Sending absentee ballots for this election only to voters who have voted previously is not right, said Perry Grossman, senior staff attorney for the Voting Rights Project of the NYCLU.

Its everybodys right to vote. The problem is you dont lose your right to vote because you didnt vote for a few elections, Grossman said.

Grossman pointed out that the executive order for the conduct of the school district elections is unclear.

The New York State School Boards Association also found the executive order difficult to interpret. The association said the various school boards are relying on the legal guidance from their school attorneys to decide how to proceed with the election.

The Hoosick Falls School District said on its website that its mailing one ballot to each household. If theres more than one voter, then a request for additional ballots has to be made to the district.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District has mailed out 3,700 ballots for an election that if held in normal times would attract 155 voters, said Superintendent Patrick Pomerville. We want to give the best opportunity to all voters to vote.

The Watervliet City School District usually sees 250 voters for a school budget vote and election. The district mailed out 20 times that many ballots  5,000 in total  said Superintendent Lori Caplan, describing the state executive order as an expense the district had to bear without any state aid.

I hope the voters understand were proposing a very fair budget respecting both the programs for the students and the taxpayers who support it, Caplan said.

Voters who do not receive an absentee ballot because they reside in a district that is using its poll records and they havent voted before in a school district or have moved into a district at least 30 days ago may contact their school district to obtain an absentee ballot.

The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake district had planned to have absentee ballots sent out to qualified voters early, but it was informed on Friday by NTS Data, the state-wide vendor it was using to print, label and mail the forms, that there was a delay in delivering ballot packets due to a shortage of envelopes. The vendor likened it to shortages of toilet paper and hand sanitizer when the COVID-19 pandemic first began, district spokeswoman Tara Mitchell said.

More Information Capital Region school districts and their counterparts around the state are mailing absentee ballots to voters for the June 9 budget votes and election of board of education members. Districts generally are mailing ballots to either all registered voters or to voters who have cast ballots in past school elections and appear on the district poll lists. Here is a breakdown based on what districts have posted on their websites about the way they opted to go in mailing absentee ballots. TO ALL VOTERS ALBANY COUNTY Albany, Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Cohoes, Guilderland, Menands, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk, Voorheesville, Watervliet RENSSELAER COUNTY Brunswick (Brittonkill), East Greenbush, Hoosic Valley, Lansingburgh, Rensselaer, Wynantskill SARATOGA COUNTY Ballston Lake-Burnt Hills, Ballston Spa, Edinburg, Galway, Hadley-Luzerne, South Glens Falls, Waterford-Halfmoon SCHENECTADY COUNTY Duanesburg, Mohanasen, Niskayuna, Schalmont, Schenectady, Scotia-Glenville TO VOTERS IN PAST ELECTIONS ALBANY COUNTY Bethlehem, Green Island, North Colonie, South Colonie RENSSELAER COUNTY Averill Park, Berlin, North Greenbush, Schodack, Troy SARATOGA COUNTY Corinth, Schuylerville, Shenendehowa, Stillwater The Hoosick Falls Central School District is mailing one absentee ballot to each household. If additional ballots are needed, the voters will have to request the ballots from the district. Source: School district websites. See More Collapse

The district is working the Schenectady County Board of Elections to get the ballots out express mail so that voters will receive them in time for the vote.

They usually must be a qualified voter which is defined as being at least 18-years-old, an American citizen and a district resident for at least 30 days. Each district posts the requirements and the procedure for obtaining an absentee ballot on its website.

Cuomo's executive order also softened the requirements for candidates running for the school board. This year, they do not have to be nominated by voters through the collection of 50 to 100 signatures. Any qualified voter may self-declare.

Some feared that with minimal requirements, the districts would be overwhelmed with candidates, but in most cases, those concerns were not borne out, according to analysis from NYSSBA.

Shenendehowa, where seven candidates are challenging two incumbents, is one district that is seeing more competitive elections.

Tom Templeton, a mental health counselor in private practice running for the first time, said he had already collected 50 signatures before the order went into effect. He said he is worried the cancelation of the usual public forums will set him at a disadvantage. Instead, Templeton said, he will have to rely on word-of-mouth, social media, and his roots in the region to raise his profile.

"Vulnerable people can't be standing in line, but I do think it will affect turnout," he said.

Other candidates, with information provided on the district's website, are:

Gusta Miller, of Clifton Park, seeking her second term. She formerly had a psychotherapy practice in Manhattan. She has a bachelors degree and a Masters of Social Work from New York University as well as post-graduate work at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. She and her spouse have two children who attend Shenendehowa.

Brian Kissel is seeking his first term. A local business owner, he attended Rochester School of Technology and the Academy of Art College. He and his spouse reside in Rexford.

Naomi Hoffman, of Clifton Park, is seeking her second term. She is a retired manager of compliance and audit of Kitware, a local R&D software technology company. She has a bachelors degree in accounting and an MBA both from SUNY Albany. She and her spouse have two children, one currently attends Shenendehowa and the other is a Shen graduate.

Lacey Griffin-Braaf, of Clifton Park, is seeking her first term. She is employed as a health program administrator for the state Department of Health  AIDS Institute Family and Youth Services. She has a bachelors degree from SUNY Albany in sociology. She and her spouse have three children who attend Shenendehowa.

Jennyfer Gleason, of Clifton Park, is seeking her first term. She is employed as a legislative aide and lobbyist at the state Thruway Authority  Legal Department. She has a bachelors degree from John Carroll University in political science. She has two children who attend Shenendehowa.

Darryl Giannetti, of Clifton Park, is seeking his first term. He is a retired sales manager at Oak Mitsui. He has a bachelors degree from the University of Michigan in industrial engineering and a masters degree from Georgia Tech in Industrial Management. He and his spouse have three children who graduated from Shenendehowa.
BENGALURU: In a welcome move, Karnataka has followed the footsteps of other states and Union Territories to curb the spread of Covid 19 has banned the use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places.

The union ministry in the month of April had asked all the states and Union Territories to take measures to curb public usage of tobacco as it increases the chances of the Corona virus spread.

Additional secretary of Health and Family Welfare department in the order dated May 29 stated that the incidence of Coronavirus is on rise in the state and the guidelines of the World Health Organization and Indian Council of Medical Research have insisted a ban on the chewing tobacco products and spitting in public places.

"After going through their recommendations in depth, the state as per the powers conferred by the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020 section 4(2) A and Indian Penal Code 1860, the state to prevent the spread of Corona and other communicable diseases have banned the usage of chewing tobacco products and consuming pan masala products and spitting them in public places" the order read.

Those who found violating the order will be booked under IPC 188, 268, 269, 270 and action will be initiated against the violators.

It should be noted that the state had already banned the sale of single cigarettes and have been taking action for COTPA violations.

Also this year the Anti Tobacco Day will be observed on Sunday with the theme 'To prevent the use of tobacco products and save the younger generations from the devious ways used by tobacco manufacturers'.
Amid strong protests on Thursday night over the death of George Floyd in Minneopolis, popular Indian restaurant, the Gandhi Mahal, was set ablaze.

The restaurant, which has been Hafsa Islam's family's work for ages, in South Minneapolis was burnt down early Friday morning by protesters.

In an official Facebook post by the Mahal restaurant, Hafsa said, even though it saddens her to see the restaurant been set on fire and damaged, she heard her father say over the phone, "Let the buildings burn. Justice needs to be served. Put those officers in jail.

Hailing her neighbours, who "did their best and stood guard to protect the restaurant", she further stated that the family would not lose hope as they'll "rebuild" and "recover".

Hafza, who is 18-year-old and has been an immigrant from Bangladesh, has always been a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Pouring out support for the protesters, Hafsa also expressed that "Gandhi Mahal may have felt the burns last night, but the fiery drive to help, protect and stand with our community will never die!"

The Facebook post was shared on Twitter by journalist, Christiane Cordero, who said, "Powerful words from the family that owns Gandhi Mahal, hours after the restaurant burned down."

Powerful words from the family that owns Gandhi Mahal, hours after the restaurant burned down.#Minneapolis #wcco #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/AgGng0gsEP  Christiane Cordero (@ChristianeWCCO) May 29, 2020

The protest over the death of Floyd by the white police, who used a knee chokehold, has been aggressive. While the Minneapolis police continued to launch rubber bullets and gas canisters at the crowd, a CNN reporter Omar Jimenez too was arrested while live on air.

We have got to ensure that there is a safe spot for journalism to tell this story, said governor, Tim Walz.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 07:27 601 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb03771 1 National elderly,elderly-in-Indonesia,social-affairs-ministry,coronavirus,COVID-19,Prolegnas Free

The Social Affairs Ministry hosted a virtual event to celebrate the 24th National Day for Elderly People on Friday.

"The celebration was conducted virtually to comply with physical-distancing procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic," the ministry's social rehabilitation director general, Harry Hikmat, said as quoted by Antara.

During the event, the ministry pushed for a revision of Law No. 13/1998 on elderly welfare, which is regarded as outdated and needing to be improved to accommodate the problems encountered by elderly people nowadays.

Harry hoped that the revised law could be included in this year's priority legislation list (Prolegnas).

In addition to that, the ministry also paid special attention to the elderly by providing them with various kinds of social assistance, including staple-food packages and cash aid.

Indonesia has over 23 million senior citizens.

Read also: COVID-19 kills elderly, haunts the young in Indonesia

A 2015 report from the United Nations, titled World Population Ageing, projected that the number of people 60 years old and above in the country would reach 39 million in 2030, 13.2 percent of the population, and 61.8 million in 2050, 19.2 percent.

Many senior citizens live with their families, some of them have the potential for being abused behind closed doors, however such cases remain unreported.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of cases of elder abuse are not reported.

The government has made efforts to provide legal protection, as stipulated in Law No. 23/2004 on the elimination of domestic violence as well as Law No. 13/1998 on elderly welfare. However, there are few details on the implementation of these laws.

Law No. 23/2004 prohibits negligence of the elderly within the household, while Law No. 13/1998 states that the family are responsible for the welfare of the elderly.

However, neither law includes details on rights for the elderly or the protection of their interests and intentions. (vny)
Some of my fellow Democrats say the quiet part out loud: That Trump voters have done it to themselves and dont know whats good for them. That if their local hospital doesnt have personal protective equipment due to the Trump administrations incompetence, well, those voters are just getting what they deserve.

This has no place in Montana politics. My campaign for Congress has spent over a year not only working to earn the trust of Democrats and Republicans alike, but ensuring that every Montana front-line medical worker has lifesaving PPE. We donated masks, sourced shields from volunteers, and sent them across the Treasure State. We did it because people working to keep Montanans healthy in this pandemic deserve to stay healthy themselves. Because this administration failed our country. Because every Montanan deserves health care as a right.

Many people working so hard to keep Libby, Lame Deer and Bozeman safe are Republicans. Many voted for President Trump. Many of their patients did the same. This does not make them less deserving of protection from a pandemic, nor of politics that respects them and their views.

Which is why its so disheartening to hear the tinge of disdain with which some Democrats speak about neighbors who disagree with us. The thing is, those Montanans who voted for President Trump? They hear it, too, and they vote accordingly.

But those voters feel more than just the casual contempt of town versus country, of rich versus poor. They know the duplicity of politicians hiding their true values in order to placate voters. Of politicians hiding what they truly believe, then softening it around the edges to fit the stereotype of a Montanan.

Its a bipartisan grift. Does anyone really think our multi-millionaire congressman boards his private jet in a dirty flannel shirt? That the wealthy mall developer hunts for food, not trophies? That the Berkeley-educated water policy expert tosses back a few Miller Lites with the crew after work? That any of these people know why they are lying to voters about themselves in the first place?

These casual lies that politicians tell are the most insidious because they start small: I drink coffee, not lattes. I dress in flannel, not business suits. Im from Meagher County, not Maryland. Then theyre larger: I support tax cuts, but for corporations. I will hold the next President accountable, but not this one. Healthcare is a right, so long as youre older than 55 and rich enough to buy it.

Politicians like me are taught to pander, to trick Montanans into voting for us. But thats just window dressing for the truth: We lack the confidence of our own beliefs, and we doubt the authenticity of our own voices. So we try, awkwardly, to borrow that authenticity from voters.

But I say this with the confidence of a Democrat who flipped a district that previously broke for Trump by double-digits: If we are honest and transparent with voters  if we treat them with that baseline respect  there's a common thread of values from which all of us pull. Its concern for our neighbors and the communities weve built together. Its the knowledge that a days hard work should guarantee everyone food, housing, health care, and an education for them and their family.

The next time you hear a fellow Democrat say that some Montanans are getting what they deserve for how they voted, remember thats true for none of us. We all deserve and need better  better than this broken politics of lies based on underlying disdain for voters.

Montanans deserve the truth, honestly told. Nothing more, nothing less.

Rep. Tom Winter, D-Missoula, represents House District 96 in the Montana Legislature and is a candidate for Montanas at-large congressional seat.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1
Mumbai:

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday announced free voice calling, zero roaming charges and cheaper data tariffs for Reliance Jio customers. Ambani also announced a 'free welcome offer' for Jio customers from September 5 till December 31.

R Jio will offer users data services free for four months, after which it will offer 10 tariff plans starting at Rs 19 a day for occasional users, Rs 149 a month for low data users and Rs 4,999 a month for heavy data users.

Devoting an hour of his speech at the RILs 42th Annual General Meeting, the billionaire industrialist said Jio is targeting 100 million users in a shortest possible time. The company also announced super-affordable handsets under the LYF brand starting Rs 2999.

Also read: Reliance Jio 4G launch: 'Data-giri' to change India from September 5, says Mukesh Ambani



Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani addressed AGM on Thursday on Jio's 4G roadmap and signal culmination of the USD 42-billion capex cycle it had earmarked for its other businesses three years ago.



Also read: Twitterati on Reliance Jio 4G Launch: 'Itni Shakti hamein dena DATA, Reliance pe vishwas kamjor ho naa'


Portlanders converged again Friday night to protest the Minneapolis police killing of a black man that has sparked a wave of national outrage.

Thousands of people filled Peninsula Park in North Portland for an evening vigil that lasted three hours. Hundreds then began marching on Rosa Parks Avenue, planning to end at the downtown Portland police headquarters four miles away.

The events remained largely peaceful and police remained distant from the protests. But tension escalated as marchers made their way toward downtown. Portland Police labeled the event as an unlawful assembly around 11 p.m., as hundreds of marchers congregated outside the Multnomah County Justice Center, which houses the police headquarters. Some demonstrators smashed windows in the building.

If you do not go home now, force will be used to disperse you, Portland police said on Twitter.

The Friday night demonstrations were the largest in Portland in response to the death of George Floyd on Monday. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyds neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, as Floyd can be heard on video saying he could not breathe and pleading for help. Chauvin was arrested and charged Friday with third-degree murder in connection with Floyds death.

People of all ages streamed into Peninsula Park Friday to protest the killing. Many carried homemade cardboard signs. One sign said, He begged for his life. Remember your oath.

Several speakers, mostly people of color, addressed the crowd. They delivered their speeches using a megaphone as they stood in a pavilion where a white banner said, No justice, no peace.

Jamal Williams, a black Portland resident who said hed been coming to Peninsula Park all his life, urged white residents to be better allies.

He noted hundreds of protesters who gathered at the Oregon Capitol earlier in May to protest Gov. Kate Browns stay-home orders and wondered aloud, Where are they for us?

If all lives mattered, we wouldnt be in this park right now, Williams said.

The gathering is likely among the largest in Oregon since Brown banned large crowds in March to quell the spread of the coronavirus. Large gatherings are still barred.

A spokesperson for Brown did not return a message or email Friday regarding the demonstration.

Most people who attended Friday nights event wore face masks.

The march began around 9 p.m. Organizers announced that the march would conclude at the Multnomah County Justice Center.

The crowd marched south on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. As the crowd made its way down the street, some windows of nearby businesses were shattered, and other buildings were tagged with spray-painted messages.

An Oregonian/OregonLive photographer saw a man on a skateboard hit by a car after the car drove toward marchers near the intersection of Northeast Shaver Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The pedestrian who was hit walked away from the collision, and the car drove away.

A car struck a protester at the corner of Grand and Shaver while a crowd marched to protest #GeorgeFloyd's killing.



Photos by @killendave pic.twitter.com/CbZhUYQbEY  The Oregonian (@Oregonian) May 30, 2020

The vigil and march were organized by activist network Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front. Some members of the group have been holding constant vigil outside the Justice Center, where demonstrators spray-painted messages memorializing Floyd and supporting Minneapolis protesters onto stone columns.

100 Portland protesters rally in front of Justice Center against killing of George Floyd

The Portland NAACP on Friday convened a "Eulogy for Black America in downtown Portland, a demonstration that drew hundreds of people.

At least two protests occurred Thursday. The first drew a small crowd, and the second loosely attracted dozens of people, who marched through downtown Portland, blocking many roads. Many held signs in solidarity with Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Therese Bottomly, Mark Graves, Molly Harbarger, Dave Killen, Beth Nakamura, Jayati Ramakrishnan and Jim Ryan of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report, which will be updated throughout the night.

-- K. Rambo

krambo@oregonian.com

@k_rambo_

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
This week, the world witnessed video of former Houston resident George Floyd, a handcuffed black man, pleading for air as a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis. Floyds subsequent death sparked protests nationwide.Watching the tragic events unfold on TV or social media can take an emotional toll on most adults, but what about children?

Children can suffer from secondary trauma by seeing images of violence, whether on TV or social media, said Dr. Kathy Flanagan, psychiatrist and president of Houston Medical Forum.

We have to limit what our children are seeing, she said. If you have a young child in the room when the news is on or when you are having discussions about what has happened, at some point you have to begin to protect them from what they see and hear.

Images of weapon use, or people being tasered or pepper sprayed, can impact a childs emotional state and even impair their academic performance, Flanagan said.

Children dont have to be personally victimized to experience trauma, she said. A child will get frozen in time after seeing a violent image, like they have personally experienced it.

While conversations about race, police and how to protect yourself are often commonplace for families of color, parents still need to teach their children that police officers are here to protect and serve, she said.

The police are not necessarily bad people, although bad things might happen, she said. But childrens exposure to violence by police can adversely impact their relationship with law enforcement as they get older.

Flanagan offers these tips for parents:

Limit exposure. Many parents are not monitoring electronic devices and TV at home because of social distancing due to the coronavirus. Its important to remember that all breaking news isnt appropriate for children.

Ask and listen. Ask your child what theyve witnessed, then listen to them.

Provide reassurance. Your child needs to know they are safe at home.

Be mindful. Be mindful of what you say in front of children. They are listening.

joy.sewing@chron.com
This week's column is the second in a two-part look at the music of Kevin Kerdoc Murphy.

A songwriter who wears his heart on his sleeve his songs examine everything from politics to the frailties of human relationships and that is exemplified to perfection on his recently released album 'Hard earned, Hard fought, Hard won'.

The bluesy, swamp ballad, 'Ode to Harry Gleeson', is a great way to kick the album off. It tells the story of the aforementioned Mr Gleeson who was executed for a murder he didn't commit.

He received a posthumous pardon from the Irish Free State Government and was the first person to receive such a pardon.

The song is a vivid telling of the Gleeson story and from his vocal performance Murphy has obvious passion and sincerity for the subject matter of the track.

The bluesy feel of the album continues on 'The Last One to Leave'.

It's a song the focuses attention on the dangers posed to our planet by those whose corporate accounts are more important than the environment.

There is a fantastic acoustic vibe to the album and it's the type of collection that would sit comfortably alongside acoustic albums by the likes of Joe Bonamassa.

Murphy, who is based now in Berlin, surrounded himself with a team of formidable musicians to record the album including: San Claessons (keyboards/vox); Herco Schuchard (whistles); Vincent Pompe Van Meerdervoort (accordion/bodhran); Ad Bastiaanssen (drums); along with Ruben Isarin and Tom de Munck (co-producers/guitars/bass/keyboards/vox) .

There is a slight Tom Petty feel to 'The Last One to Leave' which is interesting.

The song has a brilliant chorus that stays in the listener's consciousness long after the track has ended.

The third track is a cover of the Shane McGowan track, 'Lullaby of London'.

Murphy has often highlighted how much of a fan he is of the former Pogues frontman and his take on this particular track is exemplary.

It's a track that obviously takes things down a folky path and that's something that continues on 'The Famine Fields'.

Obviously based around the Irish famine it's a lovely mid-tempo ballad that embraces folk with a hint of Americana.

There are some fantastic acoustic guitar lines laid down throughout the song that embellish the vocal melody in exemplary fashion.

'Man Killing Man' is about the Troubles and in particular the Dublin and Monaghan bombings which created one of the darkest days in the history of the Troubles.

It's an upbeat, acoustic driven track that is very infectious and builds from a basic, albeit lively, acoustic guitar intro into a raucous, frenzied climax.

Of the track's subject matter, Murphy himself said: '... the sons and daughters of ordinary people sent back to their parents in bags...is life not short enough just the way it is'.

'Down in the Deep' is an mid-tempo track about depression; something the writer admits to experiencing some years ago.

However, while the song tells a tale of a childhood school experience that wasn't very nice it also shines a light on the fact there is always a light at the end of the darkest tunnel.

Towards the end of the track Murphy introduces a spoken word interlude - something he does on a number of tracks - and it's very effective.

'Down in the Deep' is arguably one of the most thought-provoking tracks on the album.

'Bankrobber' is another brooding, bluesy, mid-tempo rocker.

It benefits from the introduction of a brilliant, 60s style keyboard pattern.

However, there is a strong social message in the track: 'Justice is a word for us but it don't apply to them, 'cos those that we had stole from are free to steal again.'

'Where is the Truth?' is a song that will resonate with anyone who has in interest in equality, justice and fairness for all mankind.

'I'm a solder with a rifle stealing someone else's land, and I'm fighting for the balance sheet of a faceless greedy man,' sings Murphy as he examines a world of corporate control where decent, honest people suffer.

The final song on the album focuses attention on the murder of Sophie Lancaster by a gang of cowardly, teenage thugs in a park in an English town in 2007.

Her murder, and the severe beating her boyfriend endured, received national headlines at the time.

While Murphy's song looks at that particular murder the lyics could be applied to a number of scenarios where innocent people are victims of people who contribute nothing but heartache to society

'Hard eared, Hard fought, Hard won', is a very moving album that exemplifies the writing of a powerful songwriter.
Film actor Sonu Sood met Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Saturday at Raj Bhavan to apprise him of the work he was doing to help migrants amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Sood had won praise after he chartered buses to ferry stranded migrants to their home towns in other states.

The governor applauded Sood for his work and assured him support, a Raj Bhavan statement said. Film star @SonuSood called on at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai today. Shri Sood briefed about his ongoing work to help the migrant people to reach their home states and to provide them food. Applauded his great work and assured him of his fullest support in these endeavours, read a tweet by the governers Twitter account.

Film star @SonuSood called on at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai today. Shri Sood briefed about his ongoing work to help the migrant people to reach their home states and to provide them food. Applauded his great work and assured him of his fullest support in these endeavours. pic.twitter.com/oUMfIQGTeX  Bhagat Singh Koshyari (@BSKoshyari) May 30, 2020

Sonu recently airlifted a total of 177 women stuck in Keralas Ernakulam amid the nationwide lockdown. As per sources, the girls had been employed in a factory in Kerala engaged in stitching and embroidery work.

After being informed by a close friend, Sood took permission from the government to have Kochi and Bhubaneswar airports opened. A special aircraft was arranged from Bengaluru to airlift 177 women from Kerala to Bhubaneswar and help them return to their families.

Also read: Pandemic plays spoilsport for Varun Dhawan-Natasha Dalal, Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatts 2020 wedding plans: report

The 46-year-old actor who is known for his roles in films like Singh is Kinng, Simmba and Dabangg, is being hailed for arranging hassle-free passage of migrant labourers to their respective homes. In an interview with ANI, Sonu had earlier said that he will not rest until the last migrant reaches home.

I was deeply saddened to see them walking with their little children on foot. These are the people who built our houses, our offices, they have laid the roads and I feel that we should not leave them in such distress, he said while explaining the reason that drove him to take up the initiative of helping them return home.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
As phase 4 of the coronavirus lockdown comes to an end, not just the country but also state governments are on tenterhooks about the Centres strategy to enter the next stage amid an increasing number of Covid-19 infections. India on Saturday recorded the biggest one-day spike in coronavirus cases as well as deaths, with 7,964 infections and 265 fatalities in 24 hours.

The central government is likely to extend the lockdown in some form by another two weeks after May 31 to stop the spread of coronavirus but there could be even more relaxations in the offing. A top source in the government described the next phase as lockdown extension in spirit, and said most of the focus would be on 11 cities that account for nearly 70 per cent of the Covid-19 cases in the country. This includes the six major metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Kolkata, as well as Pune, Thane, Jaipur, Surat and Indore.

The continuing rise in cases poses a severe challenge for Indias strained medical capacity and overburdened health system, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the over two month lockdown as it has not managed to flatten the curve despite slowing the rise in cases.

The Centre had in the fourth phase of the lockdown focused most of the restrictions to the containment zones and allowed operation of all markets, offices, industries and business along with plying of buses in all other areas to completely open the economy. Last week, the government also allowed operations of domestic flights in a limited capacity.

Among the relaxations that may be added in 'Lockdown 5.0' is the reopening of places of worship, as well as gymnasiums. Government officials said temples and other places of worship can be allowed to open provided social distancing is maintained and worshipers wear a mask. However, no religious congregation or festival will be allowed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sources say the two discussed suggestions that have come from states and the task forces set up by the Centre. On Thursday, Shah had called up the chief ministers of all states and Union Territories to seek their view on the proposed lockdown extension. Most states are in favour of giving a boost to economic activities but are also worried about the rising coronavirus numbers.

As the Centre readies its blueprint, heres what states expect in lockdown 5.0:

Delhi

The Arvind Kejriwal government has made it clear it will follow MHA guidelines. If the Centre gives its nod, the Capital seeks resumption of metro services. Schools, meanwhile, have been asked to prepare a plan for re-opening, while the government adopts a wait-and-watch policy on Centres reaction to opening of malls and religious places.

Maharashtra

Not much relaxation or economic activities are expected in the red zones of Mumbai and Pune as Maharashtra battles the maximum Covid-19 cases. While the government waits for Centres guidelines, efforts are on to allow resumption of local train services in Mumbai for essential service providers such as healthcare, BMC staff, etc for a few hours in a few stations every day. Maharashtra is mulling reopening of schools cautiously from mid-June in low-risk zones but a final decision will be taken only after Centres guidelines.

Uttar Pradesh

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is considering reopening of places of worship and more shops, markets, and malls in the state. There is also a proposal to start Lucknow metro services in a graded manner if the Centre approves.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu had indicated to district collectors that economic activities can be opened up in districts where there are no positive cases recorded for at least three weeks but has asked districts to wait for guidelines of MHA. Sources say state government is cautious when it comes to Chennai and restrictions likely to continue in Chennai post May 31. The TN CM is also meeting public experts on Saturday to get their views on lockdown exit strategy.

Telangana

Several relaxations are already in place in Telangana with all shops open in the state except for salons and pubs. State-run RTC buses are operating, except in Hyderabad. Any more relaxations are unlikely at this point in time.
Java at 25: Pluralsight's Teachers Weigh In

Oracle kicked off its celebration of Java's 25th anniversary, which arrived officially on Saturday, with ... you guessed it: online content. It's disappointing not to be able to celebrate the language and platform that is, let's face it, running world IRL. But Big Red mounted an able effort on its "Moved-by-Java" site with inspiring personal stories from its Java team and the larger Java community, many of which are genuinely inspiring. If you haven't already, be sure to check it out.

I was a bit ahead of the festivities last month when I talked with Rich Sharples, senior director of product management at Red Hat, about how Java had faired over the years compared with other technologies debuting in 1995. Feel free to check that out, too.

I don't have an equivalent lineup of stories and conversation to share, but I do have the answers to three questions the folks at online course provider Pluralsight put to their Java course authors -- and then shared with me.

What impact has Java had on the world and/or society?

Jim Wilson (https://twitter.com/hedgehogjim) in Warner, NH: "Java helped clear the way for creating bigger and more sophisticated systems more efficiently. Java and the accompanying JVM (Java Virtual Machine) empowered developers to focus on the business problem being solved rather than being bogged down in managing many of the underlying technical details required by previous programming languages."

Sander Mak (https://twitter.com/Sander_Mak) in The Netherlands: "Java is more than a technology: it also brought together a vibrant community of Java developers who share knowledge, build open-source tools, and move the world of software development forward. After 25 years, this community is still unique in its size and impact."

Kevin Jones (https://twitter.com/kevinrjones) in Bristol, UK: "Prior to 1995, [if you were] a developer on Windows, the predominant platform then and now, you had to be a C or a C++ programmer; similarly on Unix if you were writing server code. Then along came the web and this dinky language that many serious developers dismissed out of hand, letting us write these little toys called Applets with this promise of "Write Once, Run Anywhere." Looking back it's almost impossible to think of how we got from there to here. Java has become the dominant language in the enterprise with billions of lines of code running millions of server applications in tens of thousands of companies. Weirdly it's also gone back to its roots and runs on billions of devices. It's survived Sun's collapse and the takeover by Oracle; it's survived an early split with Microsoft and the incursion of .Net and is still the predominant language in the software world."

Jose Paumard (https://twitter.com/JosePaumard) in Paris, France: "The impact of Java on the software development community is tremendous. The 12M developers worldwide make it one of the most prolific languages along with C. And Java applications are everywhere, from the SIM cards that equip every single mobile phone on the planet to the largest applications running on the cloud. Besides that, along with Linux, Java was of the most prominent technology to promote Open source development, now adopted by everybody."

What impact has Java had on your career?

Wilson: "Java has been a major driver in my career for well over a decade. I began working in Java professionally back in 2008 as part of developing applications for the beta release of the Android platform. That early experience along with my relationship with Pluralsight have been major factors in the success I've been fortunate to experience as both a consultant and as an educator.

Mak: "I've been fortunate to work with a wide variety of organizations, ranging from governments, to banks, to Picnic, the online groceries start-up I'm currently at. They all use Java for their backend systems. Why? It offers the perfect balance between stability, performance, and continuous evolution. Working with such a versatile technology throughout my career allowed me to become an expert, while helping companies across many domains.

Jones: "Java has let me retire from full-time work early. I started doing Java development not long after it appeared as a language. That led to me teaching the language all over Europe and North America. I also spoke at numerous conferences including Java One where I met people from various publishing companies back when paper magazines were a thing. I wrote articles and columns on Java and segued that expertise into writing on-line courses for Pluralsight. I'm pretty sure that without Java I'd still be sitting at a desk somewhere working for somebody else getting very bored, rather than sitting at home working when I want and still interested in building new things."

Paumard: "For the past 25 years, Java shaped my professional life. I gave my first Java course at the university in 1998 and I am still doing that. Java made me travel the world from conferences to conferences, where I talk several times a year. I became a Java Champion in 2016 and have more than a hundred of hours of online courses. I worked for countless companies helping them to better write and organize their Java applications."

What is your prediction for the future of Java over the next 5 years?

Wilson: "Java will continue to innovate and lead the way. Recent additions like microservice support and cloud-based services integration combined with a strong existing code base, rich APIs, and a well-established developer community will keep Java in the forefront of development for many years to come."

Mak: "In the coming years, Java will cement itself further as the platform for cloud applications. We can expect new features lowering Java's footprint and improving its already impressive performance even further. The pace of improvement for the Java programming language will keep increasing, ensuring Java's relevance for many years to come."

Jones "Some things are not going to change, Java will still be ubiquitous in the enterprise and still running on most of the world's phones. Some change we're already seeing, Java has always evolved, but very slowly, but now the release cadence has gone up and this is great, it means that new features are coming into the language at a much higher rate, and the language gets to be modernized. Java as a language is being challenged from within the ecosystem by languages such as Kotlin and externally by languages such as C# and Go, this is a good thing as it, again, forces the language to evolve. I can see the language becoming more functional and less verbose, we already see this with the use of the 'var' keyword. If you could take a Java developer from 25 years ago and put her in 2025 she'd be amazed at the way code is being written, the language continues to evolve to a state where that developer would find it completely alien."

Paumard: "Java will continue on its current path for the next 5 years. Several major projects are under very active development and since their development is Open source, we can see, week after week the progress of them. The Loom project will bring new paradigms in concurrent programming, leading to critical performance improvements for web servers for instance. The Valhalla project will provide better ways to control how data is laid out in memory, bringing new performances for intensive data processing applications. But for me the most important of them is the Amber project, that will bring new ways of writing code and will have the same kind of impact on the way Java code is organized as the introduction of lambda expressions in 2014. Java 14, published earlier in March saw the first release of preview features from Amber and it was a great success."
We are very much in the shire, far from the bright lights.

This is how Douglas Judson describes the Rainy River district, a series of rural communities along the Ontario-Minnesota border where he grew up.

Judson was a lawyer on Bay Street in Toronto until 2017 when he decided to return to the borderland district with his partner Peter. They moved to Fort Frances, Ont., a town 30 minutes by car from Emo, the town of 1,400 people where Judson was raised and where his family still lives.

He and Peter left the city for the same reasons many do. Job opportunities. Affordable housing. Close proximity to nature. But Judson had something additional in mind when he returned to a place that held both extremely fond memories for him, and other more painful ones, related to homophobia.

One of the things we wanted to do when we got here, he told me over the phone this week, was boost LGBTQ2 inclusion and diversity.

This year its been more complicated than he thought.

Judson, currently a Fort Frances municipal councillor, is also the co-chair of Borderland Pride, the annual pride festival that enjoys the support of several towns and First Nations groups in the area, and beyond. In non-pandemic times, the parade itself marched into neighbouring Minnesota, making it possibly the only pride celebration in the world to cross an international border.

There will be no parade in the Rainy River district this year, or anywhere, because of the pandemic. But Pride will be recognized in June nonetheless nearly everywhere in the region  nearly everywhere that is, but Emo, Judsons hometown.

In May, Emos town council voted to reject Borderland Prides resolution to officially declare June Pride month and display a rainbow flag outside the town council, a decision that provoked media attention in the wider community and expressions of anger and disappointment on social media.

The decision is unfortunate, Judson points out, because Pride is far more than a parade, especially if youre an LGBT young person and youre isolated at home with a family youre closeted from, or that is unsupportive. The smaller the town, the more crucial official recognition of Pride is. Pride is most important, he says, where it is least visible.

Emos mayor Harold McQuaker, one of three town leaders who voted to reject the resolution, is frank with me on the phone about why he will not revisit the issue. We live in a small community, he says. Its a Christian bedroom community and the majority far outrules the gays.

McQuaker says he has nothing against the gay community. He says he sees lots of them walking around. I speak to them myself.

As for the notion that Pride month is an important symbol of support for LGBTQ2 youth who are at a heightened risk of suicide, and isolated in the pandemic, McQuaker, frankly, doesnt see it.

In this community there is no problem with suicides or anything else, he says. If a gay child confided in me Id be the first one to help them. We definitely do not discriminate here. At a town council meeting earlier in May, McQuaker suggested it was unfair to fly the rainbow flag when there was no flag flown for the other side of the coin  for the straight people.

He tells me on the phone that this statement was a figure of speech. He doesnt believe Emo should have a day of celebration for heterosexuality. The issue, he says, has been totally misconstrued in the media.

But its hard to misconstrue what looks like wilful ignorance.

Whats frustrating, says Judson, is that despite the stubbornness of certain leaders, many in Emo and its surrounding communities are supportive of Pride. In fact, a local supermarket announced plans on social media to fly the rainbow flag outside the store in June. At a recent virtual town council meeting, several community members attended under aliases borrowed from famous Drag Queens  names like Trixie Mattel and Shangela.

Emo town councillor Lincoln Dunn passionately championed LGBTQ2 inclusion at the meeting. Our church flies the rainbow flag proudly 365 days of the year, he said.

Despite this support, Judson says an undercurrent of reservation persists among some leaders when it comes to anything LGBTQ2-related. Its this whole song and dance of why arent we celebrating the veterans and the senior citizens  the implication being that to boost queer people is to shortchange everybody else.

In reality though, Pride shortchanges no one. Not only is it (in normal times) advantageous for a communitys economy, the rainbow flag-raising itself conveys to vulnerable kids that though their peers or parents might recoil from them, their institutions do not. And it conveys to everyone else that unofficial recognition of a marginalized groups rights, no matter how folksy, is simply not enough.

Ultimately Judson hopes his efforts to change his hometown produce an echo effect. God knows how many communities [there are] just like this one where nobody has come back, or stayed, or has the strength to ask questions, he says.

We want to affirm the entitlement to live without discrimination in communities like this one.

Its an important affirmation, especially if youre a queer person contemplating a move to such a community. After all, nothing makes a person crave rural life more than a global pandemic. Harold McQuakers of the world take note: there may soon be more of those people you have nothing against walking around, than you know what to do with.
UPDATE: Detroit police on the evening of Saturday, May 30, said that after further investigation, it was determined that around 11:30 p.m. on May 29 in the area of Congress and Randolph streets, an unknown male suspect approached a silver Dodge Caliber that was in a parking lot. The vehicle was occupied with the victim and two other males.

The unknown suspect fired shots into the vehicle. All occupants of the vehicle, including the victim, fled from the vehicle and at some point the victim  a 21-year-old East Pointe man  was shot. The suspect fled in an unknown direction on foot.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated. Anyone with information is asked to please call Detroit Police Homicide Section at 313-596-2260 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SpeakUp.

DETROIT, MI  An East Pointe man was shot and killed and dozens were arrested when what started as a peaceful protest against police brutality in Detroit turned violent.

Protesters gathered during the day on Friday, May 29, in downtown Detroit in solidarity with numerous protests around the country in the wake of the much-publicized killing of Minneapolis resident George Floyd earlier this week. Chanting No justice, no peace and Black lives matter, protesters called for action and justice between police and people of color. They held signs echoing their chants, including tired of dying," and memorialized the names of black citizens across the nation who have died in police custody.

The peaceful attitude began turning hostile around 5:45 p.m. when protesters could be seen circling a police vehicle waving middle fingers and swearing at police, reports The Detroit Free Press. About 9:45 p.m., protesters and police in riot gear began facing off near the Renaissance Center, with some people throwing rocks and bottles toward the officers. Police responded by charging toward the protesters, with punches thrown and gas canisters fired.

Around 11:30 p.m. at a parking lot near the intersection of Congress and Randolph streets, a silver Dodge Caliber containing three males was approached by an unknown male on foot, police have said. The pedestrian pulled a gun and fired into the vehicle, prompting the three males inside to exit and flee. At some point, the Calibers 21-year-old driver from East Pointe was shot, police have said.

The shooter fled on foot in an unknown direction.

The wounded victim was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased, police have said.

An hour before the fatal shooting at 10:22 p.m., the Detroit Police Department posted a Facebook Live video of Chief James Craig addressing the protest.

We understand the anger, he said. We respect that. We respect peaceful protests. Im angry. My colleagues across the country are also angry. We support the right to peaceful protest.

What I am not tolerant of is those mobs that decided to attack some of our officers, he continued. He said a command officer was struck by a thrown rock and another officer was patrolling on a bike when a motorist crashed into him.

As of that point, police had arrested nine people, Craig said. Seven of those nine are not Detroit residents, the chief said. Within a few hours, about 40 people had been arrested, three-fourths of them not Detroit residents, according to The Detroit News.

Heres my message: if you really believe black lives matter, were still battling COVID, Craig said. Im a COVID survivor. African Americans are two or three times more likely to either get COVID or die from COVID. So do us a favor; if you live outside the city, why dont you protest in your hometown? If you do want to come down and make a statement, do it in a peaceful way.

He added the majority of the protesters  what he estimated to be about 1,500 people  had been peaceful.

But I will not stand by and let a small minority of criminals, come in here and attack our officers and make our community unsafe, Craig said. Just know, were not going to tolerate it.

The person who struck the officer on the bike was pursued on a freeway and among those arrested, Craig said.

Several police vehicles were damaged to varying degrees as well. The only officer needing treatment at a hospital was the command officer struck by a rock, the chief said.

Craig ascribed the change from peace to violence to late-comers from out of the city.

It was until a small faction, who came in late, and wanted to disrupt, he said. They have been taunting Detroit police officers for at least the last hour, hour and a half. But again, this does not represent the vast majority of Detroiters who came here to make a statement.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died soon after being handcuffed by Minneapolis police investigating an alleged forgery the night of Monday, May 25. Video shared widely on social media shows white Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck for several minutes. In the footage, Floyd can be heard repeatedly saying he cannot breathe as civilians urge Chauvin to get off him and check his pulse.

Chauvin and three other officers who were on the scene have since been fired. Chauvin on Friday was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter related to Floyds death.

Floyds death has led to protests across the nation from people calling for action and justice between police and people of color.

Again in his departments Facebook Live video, Craig urged the protesters to stay peaceful and avoid the city if they do not live in it.

We support the message, but lets do it peacefully, he said. If you live outside the city of Detroit, leave it home. Do not come here. If youre really about black lives matter, if you come to Detroit unmasked, carrying the virus  its deadly  then what are we doing?

More protests are planned throughout Michigan  including in Detroit, Flint, and Bay City  and the country for Saturday, May 30.

Related:

We are demanding justice:' Protesters in Detroit call for end of police brutality

Police brutality protesters block streets, brewery leaving downtown: Top headlines Ann Arbor May 23-28

Man shot dead, dozens arrested as protest in Detroit turns violent

Police, protesters clash in Detroit; 19-year-old dead after suspect shoots into crowd

Police: 19-year-old killed in drive-by during Detroit police brutality protest
(Photo : Greg Rakozy on Unsplash) Celestis And Aura Flights Will Give You A Chance To Send Your Loved Ones In A Space Funeral (Photo : Anton Darius on Unsplash) Celestis And Aura Flights Will Give You A Chance To Send Your Loved Ones In A Space Funeral

Space funeral services offered by Celestis and Aura Flights will give people a chance to send the remains of their loved once to the skies in an epic final journey. According to CNET's latest report, some people are already availing of the space funeral service. One of them was Steven Schnider, who would often take his wife outside just to look up at the stars a night.

According to the report, Steven was a space fan; always pointing out everything from comets, satellites, to planets. He would also track the heavenly bodies using an app called Heavens Above.

Also Read: SpaceX and NASA Postpone Crew Dragon Mission Due to Rough Weather

"He'd say, 'Do you see it?' It's right there. And it would be the faintest little piece of light going across the sky," recalled Christine.

"He was just so excited about it," she said in the report.

There was a consensus among the family members of Steven, when he was close to death in 2017, that a space burial would be the best way to send him off. They discovered Celestis, a company that offers space funeral services. A portion of Steven's ashes, along with the cremated remains from over 150 other clients of Celestis were sent to space last June. The ashes were flown into the planet's orbit aboard SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket, which was launched from Kennedy Space Center located in Florida.

Celestis and Aura Flights will give you a chance to send your loved ones in a space funeral

Celestis is one of the companies that offer a range of experiences, Earth orbit, and deep space options, to Earth Rise service that will deploy someone's ashes into space and then bringing them back. The space funeral costs between $2,500 to $12,500; the average cost of a normal funeral in the United States is around $9,000. High-profile clients including astronaut Gordon Cooper and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry were attracted to the space service. Aura Flights, Elysium Space, and other companies alike are offering the same services.

Charles Chafer, the co-founder and CEO of Celestis, stated that the growing cremation rates and a declining emphasis on religious and cultural traditions helped space memorials to become increasingly popular.

"The notion of, 'Bury me next to my grandfather in the family plot in a church' doesn't work in a mobile society. People look for alternatives," said Chafer.

The ashes sent to space by the Celestis Flights are considered as "secondary payload" since they are deployed to orbit, aboard a spacecraft from commercial providers headed into space for other missions. Celestis has had 16 deployments from locations including the Marshall Islands, the Canary Islands, and Cape Canaveral. There are also five more launches scheduled to take place after the next two years.

"The pace is accelerating as the trends are accelerating," Chafer said.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
So, when Wilson tested positive for the novel coronavirus on April 10, many assumed she would soldier through as she had done so many times before. But on April 16, Wilson died in an assisted-living facility in Northern Virginia. She was 76.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys export of ready-made clothing to Turkmenistan decreased by slightly over 17.4 percent from January through April 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 and stood at $2.9 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend.

In April 2020, the export of ready-made clothing from Turkey to Turkmenistan slipped by 23.5 percent compared to the same month of 2019 and amounted to $745,000.

In the first four months of 2020, Turkeys export of ready-made clothing to world markets dropped by 20.1 percent, compared to the same period of 2019, and made up $4.7 billion. Meanwhile, Turkeys export of ready-made clothing amounted to 9.3 percent of the countrys total export.

In April 2020, Turkey exported the ready-made clothing to world markets worth over $575.8 million, which is 61.7 percent less compared to the same month of 2019. In this month, the export of Turkish ready-made clothing amounted to 6.4 percent of the country's total export.

From April 2019 through April 2020, Turkeys export of ready-made clothing reached $16.4 billion.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
As dealerships around the country reopen, Kia Motors Ireland has commenced deliveries of their new XCeed PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

The XCeed PHEV joins the Niro PHEV, which is currently Irelands best selling plug in hybrid,and the Kia full EV models eSoul and eNiro. The Kia alternative energy offering will be extended later this year with the introduction of a PHEV variant of the all new Sorento.

Kia Motors Ireland are launching the new car with just one trim level priced at 28,945 (after Government supports). The car is generously equipped with comfort and safety features with 18 Alloy Wheels ,dual zone auto aircon , 8 Android Auto/Apple Car Play, rear privacy glass, rain sensors, lane keep assist, and forward collision avoidance.

Powertrain and transmission

The new Kia XCeed PHEV offers a compelling alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel models. The new powertrain combines an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, a 44.5 kW electric motor, and an efficient 1.6-litre Kappa four-cylinder GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine. The powertrains total power and torque output is 141 ps and 265 Nm, enabling the Kia XCeed to accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 11.0 seconds.

The XCeed PHEV is capable of travelling up to 54 kilometres on zero-emissions electric power (NEDC combined cycle). This capability enables drivers to complete the majority of daily drives and short commutes on electric power alone. The PHEV is equipped with Kias new Virtual Engine Sound System, an audible warning system which activates in electric-only mode at low speeds or when reversing. The system generates virtual sound levels of up to 59 dBA to safely notify pedestrians of the cars presence.

Ride and handling

Like its gasoline and diesel counterparts, the XCeed Plug-in Hybrid has been engineered exclusively for European roads, with European buyers in mind. The ride and handling characteristics have been tuned to elevate it over predecessors in terms of dynamism and driver engagement.

The fully-independent suspension system provides drivers with agile and immediate handling responses. The ride has been developed on Europes wide variety of road surfaces, remaining comfortable while giving drivers the confidence of close body control under cornering and maximum stability at higher speeds. The suspension and steering has been subtly tuned compared to gasoline and diesel versions. Exclusive to the Kia XCeed, the Plug-in Hybrid model features the same front suspension hydraulic rebound stoppers as its gasoline and diesel counterparts.

The rubber bump-stop floats in hydraulic fluid within the shock absorbers, providing a compliant ride over poor surfaces. The car has been designed to absorb even large suspension shocks with a smooth and progressive response, preventing the body from bouncing as the suspension settles itself after rapid compression. It also contributes towards more responsive steering and improved overall body control, while reducing noise from the suspension over bumps.

Packaging

Intelligent powertrain packaging and everyday usability. The Ceed model line-up was engineered from the start to accommodate new hybrid powertrains. This means that the adoption of a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Kia XCeed has had a minimal impact on packaging, with the structure adapted from the start to contain the powertrains battery pack. The 8.9 kWh battery pack is located alongside the 37-litre fuel tank beneath the rear bench, unlike many other plug-in hybrid vehicles, in which the battery pack takes up valuable cargo space.

Luggage capacity in the Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid is 291 litres, growing to 1,243 litres with the rear folded down.There is a dedicated space beneath the boot floor to store the charging cable when not in use.

Warranty and manufacturing

Built in Europe, for Europe, the new Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid is produced at Kias European manufacturing facility in Slovakia. The new model is built alongside other Ceed models on the same production line and is covered by Kias unique seven-year, 150,000 km warranty as standard.

For more information on Kia in Kildare, contact Dunleas of Kilcullen on 045 481299.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 14:09:22|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old black man, in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday evening has sparked waves of outrage across the United States.

For the fourth straight night following the death of Floyd at the hands of a white police officer while in custody, thousands of demonstrators have poured into streets in multiple U.S. cities to denounce the police brutality and racial discrimination.

The latest instance of police violence has once again brought the public attention to the racial divide which has kept tearing the U.S. society apart.

The following is a list of major racial riots between police and African Americans in recent years.

-- On June 19, 2018, Antwon Rose Jr., a 17-year-old African American teenager, was shot three times in the back by an East Pittsburgh police officer in Allegheny County as he fled a car suspected to be involved in an earlier shooting on that day.

Rose's death sparked days of demonstrations in Pittsburgh demanding justice before his funeral, as protesters questioned police officer Michael Rosfeld's use of deadly force.

-- On Sept. 20, 2016, Keith Lamont Scott, a 43-year-old African American, was fatally shot by police in the city of Charlotte in North Carolina, southeastern United States, sparking protests by African Americans against racial discrimination and injustice by police.

-- On Aug. 13, 2016, a confrontation between police and protestors turned violent in Milwaukee in the midwestern U.S. state of Wisconsin, after a police officer killed an armed 23-year-old African American trying to escape from two police officers who had stopped his car.

-- In April 2015, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American, died in a Baltimore hospital after he was arrested for possessing what the police alleged to be an illegal switchblade.

Gray's death sparked protests and riots in the city in northeastern United States. One year later, U.S. prosecutors dropped all charges against six police officers accused in the arrest and death of Gray.

-- On Aug. 9, 2014, 18-year-old African American Michael Brown was shot dead by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, sparking over two weeks of unrest and clashes between protesters and law enforcement in the town where most of the population are black.

-- On July 17, 2014, a cellphone recorded an unarmed black man, Eric Garner, repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" when a New York officer held him in a chokehold before his death in police custody. Garner's last words were the same ones Floyd spoke as the officer knelt on his neck before he died.

Almost five years later, federal prosecutors said the officer who caused the death of Garner would not face criminal charges.

-- In July 2012, protestors clashed with police over two separate shootings in the city of Anaheim, southern California. Manuel Diaz, 25, and Joel Mathew Acevedo, 21, who were claimed by the police as gang members, were shot dead by police officers.

Protesters set fires, smashed windows and threw rocks at officers. The riots ended with 24 arrests and several injuries. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 12:08:02|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIRUT, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) awarded a Chinese female major on Friday for her work to integrate a gender perspective into the military functions, the UNIFIL said in a statement.

UNIFIL Chief Stefano Del Col presented Major Yuan Xin of UNIFIL's Chinese contingent with the UN Certificate of Recognition award on behalf of the UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

"I am particularly pleased to recognize the achievements of Maj Xin today in her role in the area of demining, a vital component of operational effectiveness and protection of civilian," Del Col said.

Del Col made the statement on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers held at the UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, which paid tribute to the contribution of uniformed and civilian personnel and honored more than 3,900 peacekeepers who lost their lives serving under the UN flag around the world since 1948.

This year, the UN peacekeeper's day marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security and commemorates the key role of women in peacekeeping.

"I would like to express my great pride for the immense contribution of female peacekeepers at UNIFIL," said Major General Del Col.

He commended all UNIFIL personnel for their "exceptional service and hard work" in ensuring that the UN Mission continues to carry out its operational activities 24/7 and delivers on its mandate even under "these most trying of circumstances."

"This year, the challenges and threats faced by our peacekeepers are even greater than ever. Despite the risk of COVID-19, they are continuing their operations and supporting the governments and the local populations," he said.

In December 2002, the UN General Assembly designated May 29 as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers in order to pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication and courage of all the men and women serving in uniform and as civilians in UN peacekeeping operations, and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives for peace.

The global theme of this year's observance is "Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace." Enditem
Alex Wong/Getty ImagesBY: CONOR FINNEGAN, ABC NEWS

(WASHINGTON) -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not violate a law governing federal employees' behavior with his trips to Kansas in 2019, according to a letter from an independent federal investigative agency released by Pompeo late Thursday.



Pompeo has come under increased scrutiny after recommending the firing of the State Department's inspector general. Democratic lawmakers announced they were expanding their investigation Friday, requesting interviews with several senior State Department officials.



The probe into Pompeo's travel began last year after he made a series of trips to his adopted home state, with questions about whether he was using his office as secretary to pursue a run for Kansas's open Senate seat. The federal agency, known as the Office of Special Counsel, cleared him of wrongdoing because he said he is not running for office.



From the inspector general's firing to the travel probe, the top U.S. diplomat has pushed back on the renewed scrutiny by striking out at New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which oversees the State Department. Menendez accused him of "hackery" and "character assassination attempts" in a fiery letter released to ABC News.



Last fall, Menendez called for an investigation by the Office of Special Counsel, or OSC, a special government agency tasked with investigating and prosecuting federal employee laws. That includes the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from using their position or government resources to pursue political office.



According to the agency's letter, dated Jan. 21 and and released by Pompeo's office, the office's Hatch Act unit chief said there was "no evidence" Pompeo violated the law when he made four trips to Kansas in 2019, three of which were for official purposes. Those trips helped fuel speculation that Pompeo may run for the open Senate seat in his adopted home state, where he served three terms as a congressman -- especially after he met with conservative billionaire Charles Koch during one visit in October.



Pompeo has said repeatedly he will not run for the seat, despite efforts by senior Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to recruit him to run. The OSC said it relied on Pompeo's public and reported denials to reach its conclusion, including reports in early January that Pompeo told McConnell he was a firm no.



"Based on our review of the evidence to date, OSC cannot conclude that you are currently a candidate in the 2020 Senate election in Kansas," wrote Ana Galindo-Marrone of the OSC, "Accordingly, OSC is closing this matter but reserves the right to reopen its investigation pending any new developments."



The filing deadline to enter the Kansas race is this Monday at 12 noon. The race is shaping up to be a competitive one for Kansas, usually a Republican stronghold, particularly if one of the leading GOP candidate wins the party's nomination -- controversial former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, known for his hard-line immigration views.



In a letter to Menendez accompanying his release of the OSC letter, Pompeo accused Menendez of "hackery" and "character assassinations attempts" against him. He pointed to Menendez's comments to the Wall Street Journal last week that he never received a response from the OSC.



"The scurrilous allegations you put forward had the additional effect -- one which you clearly intended when you publicized your letter to the OSC -- of generating a series of media articles and reports with rumors, innuendo, and flat untruths about me and the U.S. Department of State," Pompeo wrote.



He copied several news outlets and said they "joined in your slander on this -- a list that included ABC News, which reported on Menendezs original call for an investigation.



A Pompeo aide specifically pointed to a November 2019 story that noted that Pompeo's travel has "drawn scrutiny from Congress" and that Menendez had "sent a letter to the Office of Special Counsel, asking for an investigation into whether Pompeo's travel has violated the Hatch Act."



Pompeo and the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have battled for as long as Pompeo's been the secretary and subject to the committee's oversight. They traded sharp lashings at a hearing after President Trump's Stockholm summit with Vladimir Putin in 2018.



Last week, Pompeo deflected questions about the State Department Inspector General Steve Linick's firing by blaming Menendez for leaking details about the IG's probes and questioning his morals.



"Clearly the Secretary of State feels deeply disturbed by the ongoing oversight work of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee," Menendez said in a statement to ABC News Friday. "High-level temper tantrums will not stop the Committee from conducting our oversight responsibilities."



Menendez and several top Democrats in the House opened an investigation into Linick's removal, which Pompeo said he recommended. His office was probing Pompeo's use of an emergency declaration to bypass Congressional opposition and transfer $8 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as whether Pompeo used a political appointee to run personal errands for him and his wife.



Pompeo told Fox News Thursday that he called for Linick's removal because he was "investigating policies he simply didnt like," without offering specifics.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The threat of hostile takeovers is certainly a worry and the government will ensure that Indian businesses do not get snapped up at throwaway prices, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday.

The outbreak of Covid-19 has hit industries across the world due to depressed demand caused by lockdowns. So, the market provides opportunities to players with deep pockets to buy companies in distress at a very cheap valuation, she said.

Thats a reality but we have to take care that businesses which have been built by the sweat and toil of Indians, and which have had great brand value, cannot be allowed to be picked up by people who are just looking for an opportunity.

So, that is a factor which all of us are worried about and thats a factor on which we will certainly do something to ensure that Indian industries dont get picked up at a throwaway price because we want them to be able to run the business once everything is normal, Sitharaman told television channel WION in an interview.

Last month, the government decided to put restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) to clamp down on investors from countries like China buying Indian companies cheap. The amendments to the FDI rules were necessitated on concerns among officials as well as businesses about possible takeover attempts at a time when share prices are down due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Earlier on Friday, a finance ministry official said the government has not taken a call on putting curbs on foreign portfolio investment (FPI) from China. On the GDP growth figure for the March quarter, the finance minister said, 3.1 per cent for the last quarter of 2019-20, a quarter in which we thought we had started seeing green shoots, in September, October, November. That is one of the reasons why the budgetary estimates were made the way they were made.

She said with the full support of the Prime Minister, the government will ensure everyone gets the required help. Indias economic growth slowed to 3.1 per cent in January-March and to an 11-year low of 4.2 per cent for the full fiscal 2019-20.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stood at 5.7 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2018-19, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Friday. During 2019-20, the Indian economy grew at 4.2 per cent as against 6.1 per cent in 2018-19. The economic growth was the lowest since 2008-09 when the economy had expanded at 3.1 per cent.

The government had imposed a lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 infections from March 25, 2020. However, the Indian economy also got impacted during the January-March quarter due slowing down of economic activities across the world.
Click here to read the full article.

As the global film industry faced dire circumstances in recent months, Mexican filmmakers contended with a more specific threat. In early April, the countrys president attempted to eliminate critical funding that has supported generations of acclaimed Mexican filmmakers. The pushback culminated in a dramatic confrontation, with filmmakers such as Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro G. Inarritu, and Alfonso Cuaron taking a stand to salvage these resources. Their successful efforts  for now, at least  cast light on a community reliant on national support.

Mexicos film industry has seen astounding growth over the last two decades, in quantity and quality. The defining catalyst remains the creation of two government funds, Forprocine and Fidecine, in the late 90s. For several decades prior to these funds, Mexican cinema stagnated, producing less than 10 films per year. Last year, 200 completed features set a new record.

More from IndieWire

The success of these financing mechanisms is undeniable. Not only have they provided the avenue for the diversification of the countrys stories by giving access to underrepresented groups and unconventional concepts, but theyve also been instrumental in creating thousands of below-the-line jobs as a result of increased production. Foprocine and Fidecine have become so significant its impossible to imagine a functional industry without them.

All of that means that, on April 2, when President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced a series of austerity measures in response to COVID-19, alarms bells went off. The order sought to slash significant cultural funds including FONCA, which supports artists in disciplines including film at the screenplay stage, and Foprocine.

This attack on the countrys cultural fiber was immediately met with harsh criticism from the filmmaking community, who protested through social media and hosted virtual meetings to discuss their response. Many of them, having endured multiple corrupt administrations, have long-feared the programs futures.

Story continues

The major difference between Foprocine and Fidecine is the projects they support. Created by the federal government in 1998, the Foprocine fund, for production and/or post-production, supports emerging voices through programs targeting first features, as well as documentaries, auteur projects, and experimental works, which all struggle to find support from private investors.

Foprocine has helped finance over 400 features, including most Mexican films with international festival play. A long list of renowned directors have received the fund, some more than once: Carlos Reygadas (Silent Light), Amat Escalante (Heli), Ernesto Contreras (I Dream in Another Language), Carlos Carrera (The Crime of Father Amaro), and Alonso Ruizpalacios (Gueros), among hundreds more.

Meanwhile, Fidecine, which arose as part of the Federal Cinema Law in 2002, acts as a counterpart of Foprocine, backing more mass-appeal productions  with a few exceptions, like Fernando Eimbckes Duck Season. The kinds of films within Fidecines reach include larger budget projects, and many features distributed by Pantelion in the U.S.: romantic comedies and family fare with bankable stars.

Administered by IMCINE, Mexicos Film Institute, both funds have been praised for their transparency as to what resources go where.

The Mexican government also offers a fiscal stimulus known as Eficine, which allows individuals and companies to invest in productions and receive a tax incentive. Its meant to encourage third parties to support the industry so its not entirely reliant on the funds. The investment, however, cant exceed 20 million pesos (around $900,000).

Thanks to Foprocine, directors are given more creative independence, and with government support, the countrys financing system is not money-driven. The result? No subject, no matter how controversial, is off-limits.

Foprocine was instrumental for Nicolas Celis, the Oscar-nominated producer of Alfonso Cuarons Roma. The fund helped him produce Jorge Michel Graus family cannibal drama We Are What We Are (later remade in the U.S.) and Tatiana Huezos powerful El Salvador-set documentary The Tiniest Place. Both projects were challenging for their themes and logistical intricacies, but were possible because even if they seemed financially risky, IMCINE and the jury comprised of active filmmakers trusted the creators.

To an extent, all funds provided by the state understand they are supporting cultural projects. Even if you do believe your movie has commercial viability, it doesnt necessary have to, Celis told IndieWire. Foprocine is a safe place where you can express yourself without your story being judged, without it having to run 90 minutes, where you dont need a well-known cast, where you can explore.

Also singular to the Mexican film industry within Latin America is the opportunity for co-productions. Foprocine and Eficine, unlike Fidecine, permit projects from non-Mexican directors to access funds and stimuli. Celis benefited from this clause when he produced Ciro Guerra and Cristina Gallegos Colombian epic Birds of Passage. Upcoming features by international masters like Leos Carax (Annette) and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Memoria) are also Mexican co-productions taking advantage of such financial openness.

Director Astrid Rondero said she wouldnt have a career without these resources. Her debut feature, The Darkest Days of Us, was financed through Foprocine. Their trust made me believe there was a space for someone from my working-class background in cinema, she told IndieWire.

Rondero also highlighted the importance of Foprocine in achieving gender parity in the Mexican film industry, and opening doors for the LGBTQ+ and indigenous communities. According to her, those in the federal government opposed to the funds claim a lack of transparency in the management of their resources, which Rondero says is false.

The uncertainty behind the governments motivations increases our communitys suspicions that the changes they wanted to make are politically driven rather than for the administrative improvements they claim, said Rondero. We all want these support mechanisms to be perfected, but what we dont want is to lose decades of hard-earned cultural rights in a matter of weeks.

Rondero most recently served a co-writer on Identifying Features, the first feature by Fernanda Valadez  produced through Foprocine  which won two prizes at Sundance 2020. In turn, Valadez believes whats at stake is greater than the resources to make movies, and instead involves the citizens right to be involved in the decision-making process. The disappearance of these funds would represent a massive loss for Mexico, not only for its cultural life, but to its incipient democracy, she said.

To address concerns brewing since the presidential announcement in early April, Maria Novaro  president of IMCINE and a filmmaker  participated in a public conversation on May 19 with director Natalia Beristain, who served as representative for multiple segments of the filmmaking community to voice their specific concerns.

Novaro provided a detailed timeline of the last two months, explaining steps being taken by IMCINE to preserve the funds. Once the executive order was issued, IMCINE was allowed 10 days to present a legal argument to the SAT (Mexicos IRS) demonstrating why Foprocine and Fidecine were essential.

As Novaro and her team at IMCINE worked behind the scenes, an alarmed community took to social media to denounce the federal governments decision. On April 17, the Secretary of Culture and SAT representatives met to analyze the appeal and decide which funds would remain. That afternoon, Novaro was informed IMCINE could integrate Foprocine and Fidecine into a unique fund, preserving the programs each supports, and their budgets.

Fidecine has stronger legislative status because it was created through the Federal Cinema Law, so IMCINE decided the best way to unite the funds was to fold Foprocine into Fidecine. The merger would protect these resources under the law. As Foprocine has never been protected by any legislation, every five years, IMCINE secures a new federal agreement to keep it alive. Now, as part of a larger fund, this wouldnt be the case.

IMCINEs immediate concern was how to fulfill its 2020 commitment while transitioning both funds into a single entity. To deal with this, the institute obtained an extension from the federal government enabling Foprocine to remain functional for the rest of the year, maintaining its budget of 170.6 million pesos. Throughout the ordeal, the distribution of resources was delayed, causing creators to wonder if they would still receive the money awarded for their projects via Foprocine. Everything froze until the extension was granted.

Additionally, because of the Mexican governments response to COVID-19, on April 23, institutions like IMCINE were asked to return 75% of their budget for operations. Since IMCINE has already used most of its annual allowance, they will only be returning 12 percent (6 million pesos). This money is independent from funds for Foprocine. However, the cuts will impact their day-to-day operations in terms of transportation and will prevent them from launching new initiatives, like an upcoming experimental cinema contest.

Novaro said operations had returned to normal, and that IMCINE was working to present a draft of the new unified fund to lawmakers to be approved over the next few months and begin functioning in 2021. Some changes already being considered include closer support for artists in the screenwriting and development stages.

To keep the best aspects of both Foprocine and Fidecine, Novaro noted IMCINEs desire to continue using Foprocines ethical system for the evaluation and selection of projects. In terms of exhibition, the new unified fund would also help Mexican cinema gain more visibility by offering theaters monetary incentives in exchange for screening local productions.

Just a day after Novaro reassured the filmmaking community the funds would endure, legislators from MORENA, the leftist political party currently in power, introduced a proposal to eliminate Fidecine. Since IMCINEs plan is to fold Foprocine into Fidecine, this move would effectively do away with both of them. Filmmakers were up in arms again.

Several directors and institutions like IMCINE and the Mexican Film Academy (AMACC) demanded an emergency virtual meeting with representatives from MORENA, and Sergio Mayer Breton, a former soap-opera actor who now serves as President of the Culture Commission. The private gathering was later made public on Mayer Bretons YouTube channel.

During the May 21 conversation, Monica Lozano, president of AMACC and producer of landmark films like Amores Perros, advocated for a frank dialogue between the federal government and Mexicos filmmaking community. Cinema is what gives us a name, a voice, and a face and we cannot lose it, she said, reiterating that the banishment of Fidecine (and in turn Foprocine) would affect countless families who depend on the growing industry.

Enter the Three Amigos. The gravity of the circumstances compelled the trio of Mexican cinema titans  Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuaron, and Alejandro G. Inarritu  to join the discussion and advocate for the vital funds. Visibly upset, del Toro argued that MORENAs actions create a rupture in trust between artists and the government.

Since I was 15, Ive believed in Mexican cinema. Careers come and go, kidnappings come and go, but we are still here. I believe its very important that we demand transparency, the Oscar winner said, recalling his fathers kidnapping in the late 90s, an event that pushed him to move to the U.S. but hasnt impeded his involvement in his homelands cinematic progress. The Guadalajara native added that authorities had dismissed the very people affected by the initiative. We are film people, he said. If you are going to fix your refrigerator, you dont call the car mechanic or the otorhinolaryngologist.

That same day, del Toro tweeted similar thoughts to his 1.9 million followers. Cutting these funds  or changing them permanently and without getting the agreement or consulting the community  its not only unilateral and profoundly blind, he wrote. It also forever suffocates the few avenues that exist for the survival of our cinema. Cinema is memory, and without memory its impossible to exist.

Cuaron was also present, arguing that Mexican cinema is one of the few successful industries in Mexico, and that these stimuli are fundamental for the development of a community that has made the industry what it is today. Cuaron also warned about the danger of Mexico falling behind other countries in the region, whove gotten behind cinema more aggressively.

There are countries like Colombia that are giving large fiscal stimuli, and if our country doesnt start providing stimuli of that kind, there will be an exodus of projects, and our country, currently the industrial center for film in Latin America, will be replaced by Colombia, he said.

Inarritu later shared that while hes been fortunate to not need the funds himself, hes seen what theyve done for his colleagues. He asserted that Mexicos film community is not willing to negotiate cuts, and proposed reinforcing and doubling resources.

When I was making Amores Perros in 1999, there were only seven or eight films being produced a year in Mexico, he said. Today, 200 films are made per year. Thats an almost 2000% growth, and I think the industry has earned that. Improvements to the funds are necessary, he added, but they wont be achieved if the funds themselves are repeatedly questioned.

Fortunately, Fidecine is safe for now. Thanks to the meeting and its high-profile attendees, MORENA retracted its initiative to dismantle the funds. But while this came as a relief to a community on high alert for weeks, theyre all aware nothing is certain until the new fund is legislated. On May 25, AMACC issued a release detailing the outcome of the emergency meeting: Theyre working with IMCINE to closely monitor next steps.

While the final outcome remains to be seen, whats been proven is the ability of the Mexican film community to rally for the greater good. This new threat served as a reminder that safeguarding these resources remains imperative for everyone involved.

The conversation also provided a platform for Mexicos greatest filmmakers to reassert the value of their countrys industry. We love Mexico, we love all that we represent, and we understand that cinema is an art form and its also an industry, Inarritu said. Cinema is the memory of who we are. Its the documentation of a culture; it reinforces our identity with a great diversity of voices.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Australias COVID-19 restrictions came just in time to avert disaster, with new modelling showing waiting just one more week risked infections ballooning to 35,000.

Waiting another to introduce border closures and social distancing measuring could have led to a five-fold increase in Australias current infections.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, discusses COVID-19 modelling during a press conference at Parliament House in April. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

That's the finding of a new paper analysing the pattern of coronavirus infections using a technique dubbed back projecting.

Mortality rates, hospitalisations and ICU admissions would rise by the same magnitude, said study author Professor Ian Marschner at the University of Sydneys Faculty of Medicine and NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre.
DarYanas symptoms began with a stomachache about a week before she died. She didnt have an appetite and had developed a reddish rash near her armpit. Knight also noticed that she wore a patent-leather jacket inside. Her stepfather asked her why she was wearing it, and she said she was cold, Knight said, which signaled a fever.
Kwesi Pratt has cautioned the Commissioners of Ghana's electoral management body to watch how they talk to opposition political parties in the country.



According to Kwesi Pratt, the Electoral Commission has been using unsavoury words on the parties for being against their decision to compile a new voters' register.



He told host Kwami Sefa Kayi that the opposition parties have been branded as "nation wreckers" which, to him, doesn't reflect the neutrality of the Commission.



"How can you then supervise a politically neutral process if you believe some political parties are nation wreckers?'' he asked.



He advised the Commissioners to ''watch their tongue when talking'', adding that their responses on the new voters' register feed into the notion that they want to rig the 2020 elections.



"If you don't choose your words carefully, you strengthen that impression even though it may not be true. If you're a Commissioner and you talk publicly against a political party, that is the impression you're likely to create and that's a problem. It's a major issue," he stressed.



He also called on the election management body to stop portraying a headstrong attitude towards the opposers of a new voters' register.



"That intransigent attitude of them not willing to listen to any person is not fitting for the Electoral Commission. An Electoral Commission must necessarily build consensus," he added.



Listen to his submission below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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
The first tourists to arrive in Mallorca will undergo PCR coronavirus tests at the airport and then remain isolated for six hours in their hotels to await the results.

This is one of the measures contained in a pilot 'action plan' being prepared by the Balearic government which wants to be one of the first regions in Spain to receive holidaymakers.

It is planned to test-drive the new procedures in mid-June if permission is given to bring up to 5,000 Germans to Mallorca as a prelude to the opening of international borders and the scrapping of Spain's 14-day quarantine rule from July 1st.

The first tourists to arrive in Mallorca will undergo PCR coronavirus tests at the airport and then remain isolated for six hours in their hotels to await the results. Pictured: A passenger arriving in Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport last week

People sunbathe and children play in the water in Mallorca, Spain, as the country partially eases lockdown restrictions

A pilot 'action plan' to welcome back tourists is being prepared by the Balearic government which wants to be one of the first regions in Spain to receive holidaymakers. Pictured: Travellers arriving into Valencia airport

According to reports in the island's press, the go-ahead has already been given by both the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Transport but approval is still pending from the Ministeries of Labour and Health.

The Balearics, which include Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, have a low incidence of coronavirus deaths at 224 since the outbreak of the crisis and just over 2,000 infections. As a result, the local government wants the islands to be treated as one of the world leaders in dealing with the aftermath of COVID-19 and how to cope with international tourism again in the safest way possible.

'The pilot plan aims to demonstrate that it is possible to allow the subsequent entry of tourists without risk into the islands from July 1st, the date on which the summer season is to start more generally, hence the inclusion of tests for detection of the disease on arrival at the islands,' says Diario de Mallorca.

Four hotels in Mallorca have offered to take the German visitors from June 16 to 30. Two of them are in Platja de Palma and two in Alcudia. It is hoped to have another one Menorca, another in Ibiza and a third in Formentera.

Son Sant Joan's Airport in Palma de Mallorca is nearly deserted on April 30, 2020

The Balearics, which include Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, have a low incidence of coronavirus deaths at 224 since the outbreak of the crisis and just over 2,000 infections. Pictured: Ibiza airport

Originally, it was thought about 3,000 Germans would take part in the experiment which will also test all the coronavirus protocols, from arriving at the airport, transfers to hotels, the accommodation itself, arrangements around the swimming pools, use of the facilities, trips out and their eventual return.

According to Diario de Mallorca, that figure could now increase to 4,000 for Mallorca, 500 in Menorca, 500 in Ibiza and 100 in Formentera. The latter island is considerably ahead of other Spanish regions in the de-escalation period as it has always been one phase ahead, together with three of the Canary islands. Again, this is due to the low incidence of coronavirus.

President of the Hotel Federation of Mallorca, Maria Frontera said the pilot test was essential to demonstrate that the Balearic Islands are a safe destination.

Four hotels in Mallorca have offered to take the German visitors from June 16 to 30. Two of them are in Platja de Palma and two in Alcudia. It is hoped to have another one Menorca, another in Ibiza and a third in Formentera. Pictured left: Hotels and bars on the beach in Ibiza. Pictured right: A general view of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Portals Nous hotel in Majorca, Spain

It is hoped it will help pave the way for other international tourists, including from Britain when travel is allowed.

This comes after Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez put the UK at the top of his list of target countries in talks aimed at reaching bilateral 'safe corridor' swaps.

Spain has quarantined all international arrivals for 14 days since May 14 but recently announced that the country would open for tourism from July 1.

There has been debate over whether Britons should be allowed to holiday in Spain after the Home Secretary Priti Patel's announcements that anyone who arrives into the UK after June 8, including returning Britons, will have to self-isolate for 14 days or face fines of 1,000.

The travel industry also lambasted the rules, labelling them as 'ineffective and unenforceable' given that those travelling to the UK from Ireland were exempt from the rules.

It means flyers can first travel into Dublin and then either jet into the UK or get a bus across the border with Northern Ireland, avoiding the self-isolating rules.

Spain has proposed restarting travel between European zones where coronavirus has been brought under control as a way to save the summer tourist season.

The plan would see Europe divided into zones which would then be coded 'green' or 'red' depending on whether the virus has been brought under control locally.
The Indian Government has now banned WeTransfer in the country. Reasons given were 'national security' and 'public interest'.

Well, it looks like the Indian government is at it again. This time file-sharing website, WeTransfer has now been banned in India. Why? Well, its because of national security and public interest. Authorized by the Department of Telecommunications, the order was passed on May 18, 2020. The order was sent to Internet Service Providers and stated that WeTransfer and two other links were to be banned under grounds of national security and public interest.

Currently, it still available on FusionNet, ACT and Airtel networks but it has been cut off from Reliance Jio networks. We could see other ISPs banning the website shortly. WeTransfer is a website that allows users to share large files of up to 2GB for free with their contacts and such. Higher data caps are available when you purchase the paid version of the website. But, alas, Indians will not be able to use the service any longer. Even though the government has given a reason for the ban, its still rather vague and not very clear why this happened.

Banning websites in India isnt a new development as the government has already instituted a ban on adult-oriented websites in the past and many more instances of banning have implemented on the country. In fact, VPN downloads have seen a rise of 405% since the government decided to ban adult websites. You can read more about that story here. The government has also banned games like PUBG Mobile for CRPF troops. You can read more about that here.
The future of the Irish farming sector is by no means certain

The future of the Irish farming sector is by no means certain, with the results of a new survey finding that one-third of farmers believe their business is not viable enough to pass onto the next generation.

The second annual 'Irish Farm Report' compiled by the food and agribusiness professional services firm IFAC, has offered a fascinating insight into the lives of Irish farmers, the challenges they face and the potential opportunities they see ahead.

The report combined the views of more than 1,500 farmers with a detailed analysis of financial data from some 2,500 sets of client accounts from 2019 and emerging trends from more than 22,000 sets of farms accounts over the past four years.

The report makes for thought-provoking reading, with IFAC chief executive John Donoghue saying it offers a fascinating insight into the life of an Irish farmer.

"It's certainly not easy being a farmer in 2020. The whole industry has been hit by a very challenging period and, just like last year, many farmers are increasingly worried about the future," said Mr Donoghue.

The report addressed a number of key issues currently facing farmers including; succession, financial planning, the business of farming, the environment and farmer well-being.

In relation to the first of these, half of farmers surveyed expressed concern about the future of their holding, nine out of 10 do not have a definitive farm succession plan in place, with one in three avoiding the issue completely as they do not believe their business is viable and would therefore not encourage the next generation to take it on.

Other key findings of the report included: almost half of those surveyed do not have a private pension plan, half do not prepare cash-flows or budgets (of these 43% do not have the time and a quarter do not have the financial ability or understanding), more than 90% want to reduce their carbon footprint and one in four farmers take no action to look after their mental health and well-being.

IFAC said the results among farmers surveyed in Munster were broadly in line with the national findings.

Mr Donoghue said that the looming threat of Brexit was still in farmers' minds and the impact of COVID-19 was becoming increasingly evident.

"A predicted fall in milk prices and markets being put on hold is affecting dairy farmers. Beef farmers have been hit with the temporary closure of major Irish buyers, less beef being produced, and confirmed Covid-19 cases at meat-processing plants," he said.

However, Mr Donoghue said while the survey mirrored many difficulties for the farming sector, such as a staggering 84% of farmers having no succession plan, elements of it also demonstrated the resilience of Irish farmers and their hopes for the future.

"Conversely, others want to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry with 93% wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, and 73% supporting the use of more sustainable energy on their farms," he said.

"What's clear this year is that farmers have a long, tough road ahead. Many sectors will need new plans, and many farmers will need the continued support of their external advisors, with specialist sector knowledge, to help them on this journey," said Mr Donoghue.

The full report will be available to view from mid-June at www.ifac.ie.
Coppe Healthcare Solutions (Coppe Laboratories), a CLIA Certified Laboratory based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, has completed a Joint Venture agreement with Open CoVIDx, a CLIA certified Laboratory based in San Francisco Bay area of California.

The Joint Venture will be called Coppe-Open CoVIDx Laboratories, and will combine the laboratory capacities of the two for a total of 1.5 Million COVID-19 diagnostic tests per month, by end of June 2020. The increased capacity will put the venture among the top 5 COVID-19 testing Laboratories in the United States.

The Coppe-Open CoVIDx Laboratories will provide employers in the USA and Kenya with COVID-19 diagnostic testing for employees, environmental testing of work places, and antibody testing within the FDA approved guidelines.

About Coppe  http://www.coppelabs.com

Coppe is a Wisconsin-based CLIA-certified laboratory focused on infectious diseases testing. The CEO of Coppe Laboratories is Dr. Konstance Knox, the virologist who previously co-founded what is now Viracor-Eurofins in 2000. Dr. Knox has expanded Coppe's testing footprint to serve 1,000 Doctor's Offices in the United States, and internationally with a Coppe run Laboratory at the new 5,000 bed Hamptons Hospital, under development at Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) in Kenya.

About Open CoVIDx  http://www.opencovidx.org

Open CoVIDx is a San Francisco Bay Area CLIA-certified lab focused on large scale SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing through laboratory automation and innovative use of biotechnologies. Open CoVIDx was formed from partnerships with OpenTrons (http://www.opentrons.com) and multiple laboratory test vendors serving national and international clients.

For media inquiries please email info@coppehealth.com

+1 262.574.5074

http://www.coppelabs.com
It was the perfect time to photograph the magnificent cephalopod that changes the color of its skin. During its time of mating, the male cuttlefish puts on an otherworldly rainbow display of orange, purples, turquoises, and yellows.

Thirty-year-old photographer David Edgar and his wife, Alice, were in the right place at the right time, in Cabbage Tree Bay, near Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia, to witness and photograph the spectacle of these sea animals.

A rainbow-colored male cuttlefish making a grab for the photographers lens (Caters News)

It a desperate bid to impress the ladies during their brief livescuttlefish live only for one or two yearsmale cuttlefish transform the color of their skin into a stunning color pattern that is truly dazzling, as Edgars photographs show.

These photos are of the giant cuttlefish, the largest species of cuttlefish in the world that are found in the waters of southern Australia, Edgar told Caters. The giant cuttlefish are able to change their color and texture of their skin in a matter of secondseither to camouflage into their surroundings, to ward off predators or to attract a mate.

Photographers wife, Alice Edgar, 31, swims with the colorful cuttlefish. (Caters News)

Cuttlefish are a relative of the octopus and squid and inhabit shallow or temperate coastal waters, migrating to deeper waters in winter. There are approximately 100 species of this cephalopod, the most common of which breed during spring and summer and lay about 100 to 300 eggs, Encyclopedia Britannica says.

Their incredible ability to change color and texture allows them to blend perfectly into their underwater surroundings. Cuttlefish are also able to shoot plumes of ink as a defense mechanism in order to escape from predators. Yet, during mating season, as Edgars photos reveal, males also have the ability to stand out brilliantly.

One lonely cuttlefish with a bit of a long face (Caters News)

The male cuttlefish often adopt striking rainbow patterns during the mating season in an attempt to impress the females, he says. The cuttlefish are typically quite shy and are often found hiding under rocks.

However, during the mating season, the larger males often put on flamboyant multi-colored displays as they swim openly in the bay.

Edgar shoots his underwater wildlife photos as a freediver, which means he dives with no underwater breathing apparatuses, holding his breath for two or three minutes at a timean activity he and his partner, Alice, got into when she noticed awe-inspiring images of people diving among humpback whales on Instagram. He considers himself a serious amateur freediver photographer.

He says that freediving is the most unobtrusive and best way to connect with the animals of our oceans on their terms, according to his website Edgar Pacific Photography.

Alice Edgar swims with the colorful cuttlefish (Caters News)

The cuttlefish dont seem to mind the pair of freedivers in their midst, as they are busy with business of their own.

They arent particularly concerned by divers when they are focused on finding a mate, says Edgar. Giant cuttlefish have a reputation for living fast and dying youngonly living 12 years, so they really need to focus on finding a mate.

Meanwhile, they are among the strangest animals in the world. They have three hearts and green blood, making them one of the most alien-like animals in the world, Edgar says.

Edgar and his wife, Alice, have also dived with and photographed other magnificent marine animals such as humpback whales, seals, and manta rays. And more recently, he fulfilled his more dangerous aspiration of diving with orcas, also known as killer whales, in the fjords of arctic Norway, with more stunning images to show for it on his Instagram page.

Male cuttlefish often adopt striking rainbow patterns during the mating season. (Caters News)

This eye-catching image show a male cuttlefish trying to impress the ladies. (Caters News)
The George Floyd police brutality protests in Newark on Saturday were a far cry from some of the more violent demonstrations that have broken out throughout the country, as things remained peaceful for the majority of the afternoon.

There were some incidents later in the afternoon, including a group further away from the main demonstration at the citys courthouse that pulled down an American flag, trampled it and and set it on fire. Others were seen spray-painting a statue of George Washington.

A little before 6:30 p.m., a few people jumped on a police car and another kicked it, causing some damage.

Later, as tensions were palpably rising outside the first police precinct, protestors slashed the tires on a police car, and the loud sound frightened those nearby. Several starting throwing plastic bottles at police officers, as well.

A protestor stood on a police car at the George Floyd protest in Newark.

Protesters pulled down a flag in front of Wells Fargo, trampled on it and then lit it on fire. pic.twitter.com/QJXJ2hK3jO  Rebecca Panico (@BeccaPanico) May 30, 2020

Heres whats left of that flag pic.twitter.com/vpqzXfdRWv  Michael Sol Warren (@MSolDub) May 30, 2020

About 2 people jumped on this cop car and then another person kicked the side view mirror pic.twitter.com/svIQJ1cVqh  Rebecca Panico (@BeccaPanico) May 30, 2020

Protesters also blocked traffic in New Jerseys largest city, with some motorists cheering on the protests even as they were stuck because of them.

Motorists appear supportive even though theyre stuck in traffic pic.twitter.com/PPUCngNmjj  Rebecca Panico (@BeccaPanico) May 30, 2020

Other motorists werent as supportive, and it appeared dangerous at times as protesters were almost hit by cars attempting to get through the demonstration.

Got a group blocking Raymond and Broad now. Some stuck cars are trying to get around protestors. One just tried to speed straight through, people norrowly missed getting hit  Michael Sol Warren (@MSolDub) May 30, 2020

Punches were thrown during a small incident that appeared to die down quickly. Police were not involved. Though police officers were present throughout the demonstration area, they were observed not engaging with protestors. In one moment, a police officer and two activists were spotted posing together for a photo.

A few punches were thrown among activists and a crowd started running. It died down fairly quickly. Not sure what started the altercation, but no police are here. Heres some aftermath. pic.twitter.com/dzEKCdRzXL  Rebecca Panico (@BeccaPanico) May 30, 2020

A small rock was thrown at a police precinct at one point, but no damage was caused. Most protestors as of 5:30 p.m. Saturday remained peaceful, without causing any damage to city or other property.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, repeatedly said I cant breathe as white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held a knee to his neck, who was was unarmed and handcuffed, for at least seven minutes before he died. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder on Friday.

Protests raged in Minneapolis days before that. Violent demonstrations broke out in Atlanta and New York among other places on Friday. Protests were held across New Jersey Saturday.

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

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Shirley Madden depends on help from Felix Valbuena to live independently at home in Chatsworth. Gov. Newsom's proposed state budget would reduce the number of hours caregivers can work under the state's In-Home Supportive Services program. (Carrie Madden)

Shirley Madden, 83, relies on a caregiver and her two grown daughters to remain living at home  and not in a nursing home.

Her daughters, 55-year-old Carrie and 60-year-old Kristy Madden, both use wheelchairs and need a second caregiver to help them navigate their own daily lives.

But that critical caregiving support, along with other healthcare benefits for millions of Californians, could be scaled back to help plug a massive budget deficit triggered by the coronavirus.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed sweeping budget cuts to safety-net healthcare programs  including Medi-Cal, Californias Medicaid program for low-income people  just as enrollment is projected to spike because of record job losses related to the pandemic.

Healthcare experts fear the cuts could also jeopardize billions of dollars in emergency federal health funding allotted to California.

I understand theres a pandemic, and its really bad and everybody is hurting, said Carrie Madden of Chatsworth. Carrie and her sister have muscular dystrophy, and their mother is a heart attack survivor who struggles with dementia.

Maddens fears are compounded by the COVID-19 crisis, which has hit older people and those with chronic health conditions the hardest. She doesnt want her mother, her sister or herself to end up in a nursing home or other long-term care facility  the settings with the most outbreaks of COVID-19.

This is the wrong approach, she said. This will make disabled people end up in nursing homes.

States across the country are eyeing Medicaid cuts to balance their budgets, in part because healthcare is usually the second-biggest portion of state spending, after education. They also project that more people will sign up for the public healthcare program as the number of unemployed Americans hits astronomical heights. More than 20 million Americans filed for unemployment in April, raising the jobless rate to at least 14.7%, the worst since the Great Depression.

Story continues

New York approved Medicaid cuts that will take effect after the federal emergency ends, while Georgia has instructed all its agencies to reduce spending by 14%.

In California, where almost 2.9 million people have filed for unemployment in the past two months, Newsom described the proposed budget cuts as prudent and strategic, a huge pivot from the grand plans he unveiled earlier this year to expand healthcare to some of the neediest residents.

To address an estimated $54-billion deficit in the 2020-21 state budget, Newsom proposes a $205-million cut  or a 7% reduction in caregiver hours  to the In-Home Supportive Services program the Maddens rely on. The program, primarily funded by Medi-Cal, pays caregivers to make meals for people who need help to live independently, as well as do their laundry, bathe them, administer medical treatments and keep their homes clean.

The list of Newsom's other proposed cuts is lengthy: He would scale back or eliminate other programs intended to keep low-income seniors and people with disabilities in their own homes, such as adult day healthcare and support from social workers. He proposes to make it easier for the state to collect posthumous payback from deceased Medi-Cal enrollees ages 55 and older for a broad range of medical costs through the controversial Estate Recovery Program .

He suggests reinstituting stricter income requirements for some older people and those with disabilities to qualify for free Medi-Cal.

And he is calling on lawmakers to remove $54.7 million in optional Medi-Cal benefits, such as adult podiatry care, eyeglasses, speech therapy and hearing exams  benefits that lawmakers recently restored after they were cut during the last recession.

These dont feel optional to people if they have had a stroke or need teeth to eat their food, said Tricia Berke Vinson, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County.

I understand we are in a budget crisis, she added. I just dont think it can be balanced on the old and the sick.

Physicians, dentists and other healthcare providers who treat Medi-Cal patients also stand to lose $1.2 billion in supplemental Medi-Cal payments that flow from Proposition 56, a tobacco tax that voters approved in 2016.

The Democratic governors proposal includes an automatic trigger to restore the cuts if the state gets more federal COVID relief dollars, shifting the responsibility to Congress to negotiate another stimulus package.

Whether lawmakers will make the sweeping Medi-Cal cuts the governor has proposed is uncertain. For example, the state Senate plan preserves Medi-Cal funding and assumes Congress will pass another stimulus bill.

Both houses of the legislature must come to an agreement and present their version of the budget to the governor for consideration by June 15.

Save these programs, and you save lives and money, said Assembly member Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa), chair of the Assembly Health Committee. Cut these programs, and costs will increase and lives will be lost.

Healthcare experts and some lawmakers also fear Newsoms approach could jeopardize billions of dollars in emergency federal health funding already allotted to California.

States that drop Medicaid enrollees or reduce benefits risk losing out on additional federal health payments authorized by Congress this spring, said Edwin Park, an expert on Medicaid and a professor at Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy.

The federal government has said you cant cut eligibility or dis-enroll or cut benefits, Park said. He noted that New York lawmakers have delayed their state Medicaid cuts until after the federal emergency ends to ensure they still receive the added federal help now.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services did not respond to requests for comment. Guidance posted on the agency's website suggests that states must keep Medicaid programs intact.

California is expected to receive $5.1 billion in additional federal funding for Medi-Cal through June 30, 2021, according to the proposed budget Newsom released in mid-May.

The Newsom administration is not convinced that its Medi-Cal budget cuts will cost the state the additional federal money already approved by Congress.

Theres never a guarantee until we have that conversation with the federal government. So until then, its hard for us to tell what the Feds going to do, said Yang Lee, an analyst at the state Department of Finance.

Newsoms administration predicts that about 2 million Californians will sign up for Medi-Cal by July as a result of the pandemic, bringing the programs enrollment to 14.5 million, more than one-third of all Californians.

The administration anticipates $3.1 billion in added costs to cover the new enrollees. The Legislative Analysts Office believes that figure is too high by $750 million, in part because new sign-ups will primarily be young and healthy individuals who do not need as much care as low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

For many current enrollees, Newsoms proposals would cut into multiple benefits.

Cynde Soto, 63, said it felt like someone had punched me in the gut when she heard about the governors plan to cut the In-Home Supportive Services budget. As a quadriplegic, the Long Beach resident worries that state cutbacks could force her into a nursing home. On top of that, she fears she might lose her Medi-Cal dental and vision care if Newsoms other cuts are approved.

Ive had nightmares about it. I dont know what Im going to do, Soto said. Why do we always get hit first?
By PTI

LUCKNOW: More than 21 lakh migrant labourers have returned to Uttar Pradesh from different parts of the country on over 1,500 special trains so far, a senior state government official said on Saturday.

The Indian Railways started Shramik Special trains on May 1 to facilitate the movement of migrant labourers back to their home states during the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.

"So far, over 21 lakh migrant labourers have come back to the state on as many as 1,550 trains. The maximum number of trains -- 257 -- has arrived in Gorakhpur on which 3.31 lakh migrant labourers returned," Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Information) Awanish Awasthi said.

He said 109 trains arrived in Lucknow, 125 in Jaunpur, 111 in Varanasi and 99 in Deoria.

Awasthi said the maximum number of trains (520) arrived from Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra (398) and Punjab (233).

"The chief minister has directed that food and water should be arranged for the migrant labourers who are returning from various states. They should be taken to quarantine centres," he said.

"During medical screening, the labourers, if found fit, should be provided with ration kits. Those who are found to be medically unfit should be sent for treatment," he said.

The lockdown has had a devastating impact on the economy as well as on the livelihoods of lakhs of migrant labourers.

With no money to buy food or pay rent, labourers across the country have been returning to their native places.
As U.S. President Donald Trump increasingly fears he might not win re-election in November, so does the world increasingly fear that he will not go quietly. In fact, he will go violently, possibly extremely so.

Over the course of the summer, he will turn the violence up to nine until he reaches historic race-riot and Vietnam War student-protest levels  this time with a 2020 militarized police force and enraged hillbilly civilians loaded with weaponry  and then hell take it up to 11.

What could 11 possibly be?

The only bright spot for civilized Americans is that Trump is now fighting on so many fronts of his own creation that his scattered mind will strategize badly on all of them. His anger and dread are so huge that he will fritter them away on everything that crosses his field of vision.

Trumps Improvised Explosive Devices include the media, fake news, Chi-nah, dodgy COVID-19 tonics, his tax returns, hotel profiteering, Republican insider trading, a teetering stock market, a global economic collapse, angry seniors, black and brown rage, rising coronavirus deaths, medical shortages and coming second-wave infections, his own physical and mental frailty, war against global institutions like NATO and the World Health Organization, weird hires like Kayleigh McEnany and Mike Pompeo, the everlasting ongoing Jared Kushner, perhaps the hottest summer in human history, that Mexican border wall, his wifes apparent hatred and  this list alone could fill the column space.

Trump has faced crises before but they came in twos and threes, not by the dozen. He cant concentrate on the Minneapolis demonstrators he advocated shooting now that he has started a border skirmish with Twitter. Social media like Mark Zuckerbergs Facebook found Trump useful while they destroyed the legacy media he hated; by threatening Twitter, he has turned those big guns on himself.

Twitter was right not to delete Trumps account; how better to track presidential intentions than through his private-public line to his toxic base. His tweets are cartoons, or a graphic novel without the attendant charm.

Its fascinating to see that Trump has no one to give him accurate legal advice about his so-called executive order trying to narrow legal protections that prevent lawsuits against social media companies. As a Washington Post commentator wrote with some astonishment, the First Amendment, which protects free speech, applies to government, as in Trump. Trump threatening to shut down Twitter means that Trump, not Twitter, is violating the First Amendment.

Twitter attaching a factual note (on voting by mail) to a Trump tweet is Twitter enacting the First Amendment.

This means Trump has still not been disabused of his notion that laws dont apply to the president. They certainly do, especially after he leaves office.

It doesnt matter that this latest Trump beat down is, as is said, intended solely to distract from COVID news. Although I question this truism. Perhaps White House staff who failed to instruct Trump have decided to poke him with a red-hot stick to enrage him on particular issues.

In Trumps mind, all such issues are simultaneously burning. He holds grudges; he nurses hates; he never lets go, and then they pop up randomly in his disconnected brain.

Toddlers throw tantrums because they have so many emotions that they cant identify or cope with. I see no Trump intent. I see an evil toddler.

New York Magazine columnist Frank Rich, always an entertaining Trump read, repeats the idea from a Republican turned Never Trumper that Trump has moved into his Late Elvis phase with everyone around him trying to make as much money as they can fast, with doctors giving him whatever he orders up.

Its possible. Why else would Trump encourage violence against demonstrators? American business doesnt like rioting, it likes predictability. Their efforts are directed toward COVID and taking advantage of Trump ravaging environmental regulations and other rules, a free shot at rapaciousness, and an end to trade unions.

Rioting is messy. The U.S. is coated in mess right now. When Democratic candidate Joe Biden says to a radio host, If you have a problem figuring out whether youre for me or Trump, then you aint Black, things get messier still.

Biden gets points for apologizing, something Trump never does. Voters know Biden has more bumps and apologies ahead of him. Its what he does. All it reveals is that Biden will have to work day and night to repel voters the way Trump does so earnestly.

But we are back to the main point. If Trump wins, all bets are off. Were done, and that means globally. The question is: will Trump turn his rage up to 11 before he loses the election, or after? Again, what is 11?

I say its war. And the next question is, will it be a foreign war? A nuclear standoff?

Most likely it will be a civil war. One wonders if it has already begun.

Read more about:
By Greg Torode and James Pomfret HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's parliament has approved a decision to go forward with national security legislation on Hong Kong to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in a city roiled by anti-government protests. The move is seen as a turning point, as leaders of the ruling Communist Party tighten control over China's freest international city, undermining its reputation as a financial hub with substantial autonomy and an independent legal system. U.S.

By Greg Torode and James Pomfret

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's parliament has approved a decision to go forward with national security legislation on Hong Kong to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in a city roiled by anti-government protests.

The move is seen as a turning point, as leaders of the ruling Communist Party tighten control over China's freest international city, undermining its reputation as a financial hub with substantial autonomy and an independent legal system.

U.S. reaction was swift, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo telling Congress that Hong Kong no longer qualified for special status under U.S. law, potentially dealing a crushing blow to its status as a global financial centre.

WHAT DOES CHINA WANT?

Greater control and a sense of security. For several years, Chinese officials have expressed increasing frustration and anger over what they see as a weak national security regime in the city.

Last year's large and sometimes violent anti-government protests have sharpened that frustration, with China determined to thwart what it calls threats of terrorism, independence, subversion of state power, and interference by foreign forces.

SO WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

Having been approved by parliament, the legislation will be grafted into Hong Kong's mini-constitution without any local legislative scrutiny, as has been past practice.

Details of the law are expected to be drawn up in coming weeks. It is expected to be enacted before September.

China says Hong Kong has failed to implement national security laws on its own as stipulated in the city's mini-constitution under the terms of its 1997 handover from Britain.

WHAT REMAINS UNCLEAR?

Hong Kong lawyers are puzzled over how the imposed provisions will work in practice.

Questions include whether all protections already in the Basic Law apply and whether locally based mainland agents have enforcement power.

Another issue is whether the standing committee of the National People's Congress has extra powers to ultimately interpret Hong Kong court rulings on national security.

"There are suddenly a lot more questions than answers and it is not even clear whether anyone in the Hong Kong government is standing up internally against these changes," one legal scholar said.

China also said its intelligence agencies would have the right to set up offices in Hong Kong to "safeguard national security". It is not clear, however, whether they will carry out enforcement activities, a critical concern.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING NOW?

The issue sits at the heart of the "one country, two systems" formula under which China agreed to protect Hong Kong's extensive freedoms, its high degree of autonomy and its independent legal system until 2047.

Those freedoms are protected by the Basic Law, which guides the relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing.

But Article 23 of the document also says Hong Kong must "on its own" enact laws against treason, secession, sedition, subversion and the theft of state secrets. It also seeks to outlaw ties between local and foreign political groups.

The Hong Kong government proposed such local legislation in 2003 but encountered vast opposition, with more than 500,000 people marching peacefully against it.

However the Basic Law also gives Beijing the power to annex national laws into the document - which the Hong Kong government must then legislate for or effectively impose by executive fiat.

Hong Kong lawyers and politicians sometimes call this the "nuclear option", but some scholars have questioned whether this power of promulgation applies to Article 23.

DO ANY SUCH LAWS ALREADY EXIST?

Yes. Britain left behind a raft of old laws covering most of the elements of Article 23, aside from subversion and secession - the act of formally withdrawing from a state.

Most are decades old and lawyers say they would be hard to deploy, given more recent protections on freedoms of speech, assembly and association written into the city's Bill of Rights and the Basic Law itself.

IS IT CONTROVERSIAL?

Highly. Given Hong Kong's protest movements and polarised politics, a fresh push even for local legislation would be tough.

Many fear that new national security legislation would prove a "dead hand" on the city's large and pugnacious press and rich artistic traditions, while curbing its broad political debates.

Any step by Beijing to impose its own version via promulgation risks panic and chaos, many observers believe, potentially sparking a flight of people and capital and denting Hong Kong's international financial role.

(Editing by Stephen Coates)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completion of one year of the second term of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre and termed it as a year of conviction, courage and commitment which has laid a sound foundation of strong, vibrant and self-reliant India.

CM said that the first year of PM Modi-led central government in his second term which has taken several key decisions including the abrogation of Article 370, criminalisation of triple talaq, anti-terror terrorism law, Citizenship (Amendment) Act besides paving the way for construction of a magnificent Ram Temple at Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

He said that the abolition of triple talaq has provided great succour to the Muslim womenfolk and paved the way for their empowerment. Similarly, the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir was a historic decision that was necessary for the full integration of Kashmir into India. It also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir division and Ladakh division, sending a strong message to Pakistan that Delhi was prepared to retaliate in the same capacity, he added.

Jai Ram Thakur said that another historic decision taken by the NDA government during one year of its tenure was the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims from three neighbouring Muslim majority countries (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh) on the ground of religious persecution, prompted intense violent protests.

CM said that the coronavirus pandemic has once again proved the political farsightedness and political will of PM Narendra Modi in effectively tackling the crisis. When even most powerful nations of the world were struggling hard to control this pandemic, the situation of India was far better than most of these countries due to the timely decision of lockdown taken by the PM. Steps taken by the Union Government had even been appreciated by the World Health Organization.

Jai Ram Thakur said that to bring out the nation from this pandemic the present Union government also announced the largest economic package of 20 lakh crore to revive all the sectors and all sections of the society. He said that 1 lakh crore was allocated under MNREGA and about 80 crore people were provided subsidized ration and deposited money in the accounts of 20 crore women under Jandhan Yojana to provide relief to them in the hour of distress.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. will be terminating its relationship with the World Health Organization, saying it had failed to adequately respond to the coronavirus because China has total control over the global organization.

He said Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the WHO to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered.

He noted that the U.S. contributes about $450 million to the world body while China provides about $40 million.

The U.S. is the largest source of financial support to the WHO and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the U.S. would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.

The Trump administration may soon expel thousands of Chinese graduate students enrolled at U.S. universities and impose other sanctions against Chinese officials in the latest signs of tensions between Washington and Beijing that are raging over trade, the coronavirus pandemic, human rights and the status of Hong Kong.

President Donald Trump said he would make an announcement about China on Friday, and administration officials said he is considering a months-old proposal to revoke the visas of students affiliated with educational institutions in China linked to the Peoples Liberation Army or Chinese intelligence.

Trump is also weighing targeted travel and financial sanctions against Chinese officials for actions in Hong Kong, according to the officials, who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Well be announcing what were doing tomorrow with respect to China and we are not happy with China, Trump told reporters at an unrelated event Thursday, referring mainly to COVID-19. We are not happy with whats happened. All over the world people are suffering, 186 countries. All over the world theyre suffering. Were not happy.

Although the student expulsions arent directly related to Hong Kong and Chinas move to assert full control over the former British territory, potential sanctions against officials involved in that effort would be a result of Secretary of State Mike Pompeos determination that Hong Kong can no longer be considered autonomous from mainland China.

Pompeo notified Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong is no longer deserving of the preferential trade and commercial status it has enjoyed from the U.S. since it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. Under a joint Sino-British agreement on the handover, Hong Kong was to be governed differently than the mainland for 50 years under a one country, two systems policy.

Pompeos determination opened the door to possible sanctions and the loss of special perks Hong Kong has received from the United States. But neither Pompeo nor other officials were able Wednesday to describe what action the administration might take, an uncertainty related to the impact that such sanctions would have on U.S. companies that operate in Hong Kong and the citys position as Asias major financial hub. Trumps comments sparked a drop in U.S. financial markets.

Serious consideration of the visa revocation proposal, first reported by The New York Times, has faced opposition from U.S. universities and scientific organizations who depend on tuition fees paid by Chinese students to offset other costs. In addition, those institutions fear possible reciprocal action from Beijing that could limit their students and educators access to China.

In a nod to those concerns, the officials said any restrictions would be narrowly tailored to affect only students who present a significant risk of engaging in espionage or intellectual property theft. The officials could not say how many people could ultimately be expelled, although they said it would be only a fraction of the Chinese students in the country.

Still, the possibility that the proposal may be implemented has drawn concerns from educators.

Were very worried about how broadly this will be applied, and were concerned it could send a message that we no longer welcome talented students and scholars from around the globe, said Sarah Spreitzer, director of government relations at the American Council on Education.

We dont have a lot of details about how they are going to define ties to Chinese universities, what type of universities are they going to target, what would constitute a university having ties to the Chinese military, she said. If the situation were reversed and another nation imposed limits on students from U.S. universities that receive Defense Department funding, she noted it would affect a wide range of schools.

The U.S. hosted 133,396 graduate students from China in the 2018-19 academic year, and they made up 36.1% of all international graduate students, according to the Institute of International Education. Overall, there were 369,548 students from China, accounting for 33.7% of international students who contributed nearly $15 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018.

The proposal to revoke the visas is not directly related to the dispute over Hong Kong, nor is it tied to U.S. criticism of China for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak. Rather, it is connected to various elements of trade and human rights issues that have seen U.S. officials complain about Chinese industrial espionage and spying and harassment of dissidents and religious and ethnic minorities.

But the timing of a potential announcement could come at a time of increasingly heated rhetoric about the imposition of national security laws on Hong Hong in violation of the Sino-British accord.

The proposal first began to be discussed last year when the administration moved to require Chinese diplomats based in the United States to report their domestic U.S. travel and meetings with American scientists and academics. At the time, U.S. officials said it was a reciprocal measure to match restrictions that American diplomats face in China.

Those limits were followed by a requirement that Chinese state-run media in the U.S. register as foreign diplomatic missions and report their property holdings and employee rosters to the government. That was, in turn, followed by the limiting of the number of visas for Chinese journalists allowed to work in the United States.

China retaliated for the visa limitations by expelling several reporters from U.S. media outlets, including The Washington Post and The New York Times.

____

AP Education Writer Collin Binkley in Boston contributed to this report.
It was described as "Slaintecare on steroids" where a one-tier hospital system was created overnight.

But the takeover by the State of private hospitals created a whole new unfairness and risks to private patients.

An agreement was reached on March 30 as the country was braced for a potential tsunami of patients severely ill with the coronavirus needing to be hospitalised or placed in intensive care.

The 19 private hospitals said in "an unprecedented step in the national interest" and in a "critical contribution in the overall strategic management of the pandemic in Ireland" they would be put in the hands of the State until the end of June.

At the time, public hospitals had around 250 intensive care beds and the HSE needed to know that access to private hospitals was available if the surge of coronavirus admissions could not be managed.

Private hospitals have in excess of 2,500 inpatient and day beds with 8,000 staff.

The plan was that all patients would be public and private hospitals could not charge any fees to insurance companies such as the VHI.

Wearing the green jersey at this point was what mattered. Around 600 full-time private hospital consultants were asked to sign a temporary HSE contract in return for a salary.

However, it soon became clear the arrangement - costing 115m a month - was full of tangles, not least the impact it was having on insured patients who were attending these consultants before the deal.

Doctors warned of patients with heart complications, patients referred for cancer investigations and people with deteriorating eyesight whose care was put on hold.

Cases emerged of a young patient in Cork whose spinal fusion surgery was cancelled and a man in Offaly who had no date set for his urgently needed stents.

Private consultants were treating patients on a pro-bono basis and also paying out up to 20,000 a month for private rooms.

Only around 260 consultants signed the HSE contract. The HSE indicated earlier this week it wanted to extend the current arrangement when it expired at the end of June and the signals were that it would be continued until the end of July.

The hope was that many of the backlog of patients on public waiting lists would be treated in the private hospitals but just 50pc of inpatient beds in the private hospitals were occupied.

The decision to end the current deal and opt instead for a system where the State can take control in the future if required has been welcomed by doctors and private patients. The takeover was necessary in the crisis but the lesson learned is just how difficult it will be to dismantle the two-tier health system here.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- The IPO market just got a shot of caffeine from JDE Peets BV. Dont expect other consumer listings to get such a rush.

The owner of Peets Coffee, Douwe Egberts, Kenco and Tassimo on Friday priced shares in its initial public offering at 31.50 euros, in the upper half of the offering range, valuing the company at 15.6 billion euros ($17.3 billion), and rose to about 35.50 in mid-morning trading.

The biggest European IPO this year, pulled off in a swift 10 days, is a remarkable feat for a consumer business in the midst of a pandemic and a looming global recession. But JDE Peets has been uncannily well-placed to capitalize on changing consumer habits during lockdown, the prospects for reopening and a resurgence in equity markets.

The Dutch company was floated by JAB Holding Co., the investment fund backed by Germanys billionaire Reimann family. Cornerstone investors, including funds run by George Soross firm, had agreed to take up a third of the offering, setting the tone.

In a world crowded with coffee chains, JDE Peets gets 80% of its sales from coffee that is drunk at home. That meant it benefited as corner cafes shuttered and people working from home were forced to become their own baristas. Now that they can start going out again, its ready to serve them their favorite hot beverage too at the Peets Coffee chain. And just as Nestle SA benefited from people looking to stock up on the Starbucks-branded coffee it sells in supermarkets, so JDE Peets may gain new customers at its cafes if they discovered its products in the grocery store during lockdown.

As consumers navigate post-lockdown life, JDE Peets looks well insulated. That may explain why the valuation, as of mid-morning trading, is approaching that of Starbucks Corp. on a calendar 2019 enterprise-value-to-Ebitda basis.

With consumers likely pulling in their purse strings, homemade coffee may be more popular than pricey takeaway lattes. Yet the valuation may also reflect optimism about reopening, and expectations that people will be eager to get out and about. Early indications from U.S. retailers, such as discount-chain owner TJX Cos Inc. and even department store Macys Inc., are that sales have been stronger than expected since Americans were able to shop in person once again.

Story continues

And lets not forget about the IPO timing with stock markets gaining from their lows in March. That may be one reason why Peets was so keen on an accelerated book build: to avoid any sudden market turbulence.

The fortunate confluence of factors may not come together for other consumer-facing groups looking to float or spin off a division. L Brands Inc.s desire to eventually separate its Victorias Secret lingerie chain comes to mind. It was grappling with a tired image and too many stores even before the Covid-19 outbreak.

As for Peets, the successful float leaves it with firepower for further acquisitions. It plans to use the proceeds to cut debt  it aims to reduce the leverage ratio from 3.6 times to below 3 times by the end of the first half of 2021  but it gets an acquisition currency in the form of equity.

Competition for coffee assets has been intense. There was a flurry of deals two years ago with JABs $2 billion purchase of Pret A Manger, which sells coffee as well as food to go; Coca-Cola Co.s $5.1 billion swoop on Costa Coffee; and Nestles $7 billion deal for the rights to sell Starbucks coffee in supermarkets.

But JDE Peets could get lucky here, too, particularly in the market for drinking coffee outside the home. With the lockdown-induced distress in malls and on main streets, it may be able to grab something to go for a better price.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andrea Felsted is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering the consumer and retail industries. She previously worked at the Financial Times.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Jimmy Kimmel abandoned his usual jokey introduction on Friday night and instead gave a somber speech about George Floyd's death and the protests taking place across the country.

The TV host got real with viewers of Jimmy Kimmel Live! as he addressed 'disgusting excuse for a President' Trump's response to the increasingly volatile situation and called on people to vote him out, whether 'Right, left, Republican, Democrat,'.

Kimmel gave a break down of events since Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed by a policeman in Minneapolis on Monday, sparking violent protests across the country.

Enough is enough: Jimmy Kimmel gave a somber speech about George Floyd's death and the protests taking place across the country, as he asked people to vote out Trump

'Unfortunately, this is the loop we get stuck in: It goes from "it isnt right to kill an unarmed man" to "it also isnt right to loot and set fires and attack the police, too,"' he said.

'Last night there were senseless acts of violence that were brought on by a senseless act of violence. And it just keeps going in a loop.

'So last night, the anger is getting more intense. The police are gone. Fire trucks cant even get to the area to stop the flames. Its a very bad situation.' Kimmel said.

'And our disgusting excuse for a President, Mr. Tough Guy, Donnie Bone Spurs decides, "I know what Ill do. Ill make this worse." At one oclock in the morning, instead of trying to make peace, Donald Trump makes a threat. A violent threat,' Kimmel said.

'Our disgusting excuse for a President, Mr. Tough Guy, Donnie Bone Spurs decides, "I know what Ill do. Ill make this worse"' Jimmy said accusing Trump of inflaming violence

'Our President is threatening to order the military to shoot Americans. Specifically black Americans,' Kimmel continued

Kimmel was referencing Trump's tweet (which was flagged by Twitter for glorifying violence),'These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I wont let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!'

Kimmel continued, 'Our President is threatening to order the military to shoot Americans. Specifically black Americans,

'And then of course today, as he often does when he says something idiotic, he tried to reel that in. He claimed he was saying he didnt want that to happen. It was a warning, not a warning warning. But a warning. The sad thing about how much he lies is, he isnt even good at it.'

Kimmel went on to explain that he wasn't blaming Trump for what black people have been dealing with for years.

'And I dont want to make this about Donald Trump. Because this sense of hopelessness and frustration that black people in this country have been experiencing has been brewing for a long time.

'And not just under Republican presidents. Or even white presidents. This is not on the government. Its on us.' he continued.

'I dont want to make this about Donald Trump. Because this sense of hopelessness and frustration that black people in this country have been experiencing has been brewing for a long time.' Kimmel acknowledged the problem among the people not the government

The 52-year-old comedian then asked the audience, 'Is this who you want leading us? A President who clearly and intentionally inflames violence in the middle of a riot? To show how tough he is?'

Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed by a policeman in Minneapolis on Monday, Sparking violent protests across the country

The 52-year-old comedian then asked the audience, 'Is this who you want leading us? A President who clearly and intentionally inflames violence in the middle of a riot? To show how tough he is?'

'A commander-in-chief who threatens to put members of our military, our national guardsmen and women, in the position of having to shoot a fellow American on sight? I dont care what you are. Right, left, Republican, Democrat. I cant imagine that there are many of us who want that.

'Enough is enough. We gotta vote this guy out already. And we need to work on this problem we have. This blatant double standard. Because when you stand in front of the flag, you put your hand on your heart and pledge allegiance 'with liberty and justice for all.' We dont have that for all. I mean I have it. A lot of you have it. But its not for all.'
Coillte's chief executive, Imelda Hurley, has warned that the coronavirus pandemic will have "a very significant impact" on the business for at least this year.

Ireland's largest forestry group is also being hit by a slowdown in the approval of forestry felling licences.

"The market environment in 2020 is - and will continue to be - particularly challenging," Ms Hurley said.

"The Covid-19 pandemic is clearly changing the market dynamic and will have a very significant impact on our business for at least this current year."

Coillte are wary also of the uncertainty around Brexit as the UK is Ireland's largest market for sawnwood and timber products.

"The UK's future trading arrangements with the EU are an important and as yet unknown variable which may impact the 2020 market dynamics towards the latter part of the year," said Ms Hurley.

"As a result of these challenges we are projecting a significantly weaker financial performance in 2020 compared to 2019."

The comments come as the group released annual results for 2019, which show a fall in earnings at the State-owned company. However, Coillte is now debt free for the first time in its history.

Its earnings declined by 10pc to 102.8m last year. The performance was impacted by a 15pc-20pc price decline in its key products, which was due to an excess supply of sawnwood into the UK from mainland Europe.

The sale of the majority of Coillte's operating wind farms in December 2018 also affected results, as they accounted for 7m in reoccurring earnings.

Meanwhile, revenues of 327.4m were slightly down on 2018's record year of 330.3m.

On whether Coillte would convert more commercial forests into recreational areas, Ms Hurley said it was "impossible to look too far into the future and say if there will be others".

"We also have to be mindful that we drive a profitable business," she said.
Renewable technologies are a promising solution for addressing global energy needs in a sustainable way.

However, widespread adoption of renewable energy resources from solar, wind, biomass and more have lagged, in part because they are difficult to store and transport.

As the search for materials to efficiently address these storage and transport needs continues, University of Delaware researchers from the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation (CCEI) report new techniques for characterizing complex materials with the potential to overcome these challenges.

The researchers recently reported their technique in Nature Communications.

Seeing the parts, as well as the whole

Currently technologies exist for characterizing highly ordered surfaces with specific repeating patterns, such as crystals. Describing surfaces with no repeating pattern is a harder problem.

advertisement

UD doctoral candidate and 2019-2020 Blue Waters Graduate Fellow Josh Lansford and Dion Vlachos, who directs both CCEI and the Delaware Energy Institute and is the Allan and Myra Ferguson Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, have developed a method to observe the local surface structure of atomic-scale particles in detail while simultaneously keeping the entire system in view.

The approach, which leverages machine learning, data science techniques and models grounded in physics, enables the researchers to visualize the actual three-dimensional structure of a material they are interested in up close, but also in context. This means they can study specific particles on the material's surface, but also watch how the particle's structure evolves -- over time -- in the presence of other molecules and under different conditions, such as temperature and pressure.

Put to use, the research team's technique will help engineers and scientists identify materials that can improve storage technologies, such as fuel cells and batteries, which power our lives. Such improvements are necessary to help these important technologies reach their full potential and become more widespread.

"In order to optimize electrochemical storage technologies, such as fuel cells and batteries, we must understand how they work and what they look like," said Lansford, the paper's lead author, who is advised at UD by Vlachos, the project's principal investigator.

"We need to understand the structure of the materials we are generating, in detail, so that we can recreate them efficiently at a large scale or modify them to alter their stability."

Computational modeling

advertisement

Lansford concedes that it is too costly and time-consuming to model complex structures directly. Instead, they take data, generated from a single spot on the surface of a material, and scale it to be representative for a variety of catalysts on many surfaces of many different materials.

Imagine a cube made up of many atoms. The atoms located on the corners of the cube will have different properties than, say, the atoms located on one side of the cube. This is because on the corners, fewer atoms will be connected to each other and atoms may be spaced closer together. While on the side of the cube, more atoms will be connected even though they may be spaced farther apart from each other.

The same is true for catalyst materials. Even if we can't see them with the naked eye, the particles that make up a catalyst are adsorbed onto many different sites on the material -- and these sites have different edges, bumps and other variations that affect how materials located there will behave. Because of these differences, scientists can't just use a single number to try to quantify what's happening across a material's entire surface, so they have to estimate what these surfaces look like.

According to Lansford, this is where computational modeling can help.

The research team used experimental measurements of different wavelengths of infrared light and machine learning to predict and describe the chemical and physical properties of different surfaces of materials. The models were trained entirely on mathematically generated data, allowing them to visualize many different options under many different conditions.

They developed special open-source software to apply the technique on different metals, materials and adsorbates. The methodology is flexible enough to be used with other spectroscopic techniques beyond infrared light, so that other scientists and engineers can modify the software to advance their own work.

"This work introduces an entirely new way of thinking on how to bridge the gap between real-world materials and well-defined model systems, with contributions to surface science and machine learning that stand on their own," said Lansford.
CAPE CANAVERAL  A rocket ship built by Elon Musks SpaceX company thundered away from Earth with two Americans on Saturday, ushering in a new era in commercial space travel and putting the United States back in the business of launching astronauts into orbit from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly a decade.

NASAs Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken rode skyward aboard a white-and-black, bullet-shaped Dragon capsule on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off at 3:22 p.m. from the same launch pad used to send Apollo crews to the moon a half-century ago. Minutes later, they slipped safely into orbit.

Lets light this candle, Hurley said just before ignition, borrowing the words used by Alan Shepard on Americas first human spaceflight, in 1961.

The two men are scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station, 250 miles above Earth, on Sunday for a stay of up to four months, after which they will come home with a Right Stuff-style splashdown at sea.

The mission unfolded amid the gloom of the coronavirus outbreak, which has killed over 100,000 Americans, and racial unrest across the U.S. over the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police. NASA officials and others held out hope the flight would would be a morale-booster.

Maybe theres an opportunity here for America to maybe pause and look up and see a bright, shining moment of hope at what the future looks like, that the United States of America can do extraordinary things even in difficult times, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said before launch.

With the on-time liftoff by the 260-foot rocket, SpaceX, founded by Musk, the Tesla electric-car visionary, became the first private company to launch people into orbit, a feat achieved previously by only three governments: the U.S., Russia and China.

The flight also ended a nine-year launch drought for NASA, the longest such hiatus in its history. Ever since it retired the space shuttle in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian spaceships launched from Kazakhstan to take U.S. astronauts to and from the space station.

In the intervening years, NASA outsourced the job of designing and building its next generation of spaceships to SpaceX and Boeing, awarding them $7 billion in contracts in a public-private partnership aimed at driving down costs and spurring innovation. Boeings spaceship, the Starliner capsule, is not expected to fly astronauts until early 2021.

Ultimately, NASA hopes to rely in part on its commercial partners as it works to send astronauts back to the moon in the next few years, and on to Mars in the 2030s.

President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence flew in for the launch attempt for the second time in four days.

Marcia Dunn is an Associated Press writer.




https://www.blackwomenradicals.com/blog-feed/black-and-asian-feminist-solidarities-a-reading-list BLACK AND ASIAN-AMERICAN FEMINIST SOLIDARITIES: A READING LIST

Reply

Thread

Link

I really appreciate this post OP. Thanks for making it!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

No problem!



Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Thanks for this list- I've been meaning to read more about Black and Asian solidarity.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

thank you so much for this!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

thank you for sharing this!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Thanks I need this

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

thank you for sharing!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

thank you so much for posting this

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link



anti-racism resources These are not Asian specific, but its a good list of resources and reading/watching recommendations:

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

thank you for this list! i'm gonna add them to my reading list.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

As Asians in hip hop we have been inspired by black culture. If we cant speak up now, we dont deserve their art form.



I'm glad he made it plain and clear.

Reply

Thread

Link

pic.twitter.com/VP59BHBCi1  ##  IS TAKING A BREAK  #BLACKLIVESMATTER (@STUDIOGH7BLI) March 26, 2020



I just really surprised suddenly so many people follow my instagram and leave positive comments! and I saw some comment she said "I saw your comic on twitter" and... It was you! Thank you so much! actually I don't know how to use twitter well   (@yerongss) March 26, 2020

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

(Ive googled but the refrence yo please dont use this flag is the Japanese rising sun flag?)

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

yeah that was super good

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Markiplier made a good video too. He also is one of the very few non Black Youtubers to make a video about this and put in on their channel.



https://youtu.be/r9DfclXYDlM

Reply

Thread

Link

hopefully. I REALLY hope so.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

mte. I stopped following him after finding out about their friendship and I'm still mad about it

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

im asian, ashamed to admit, because of covid19 and experiencing racial attacked for the first time im much aware of how black pp going through daily and more vocal what happened recently. all poc need to stick up together.

Reply

Thread

Link

Damn, Im a little shocked by some of these. Good for them for actually saying something. The fact that SK is covering this like they are is like damn.

Reply

Thread

Link





Talking to a friend in Korea and they said that the major headline there is of George Floyds murder by Minneapolis Police.  LaCharles Ward (@LaCharles88) May 29, 2020



Interesting to hear.



#BlackLivesMatter is trending in South Korea as well.



"Let us not be silent because it's a different country, a different culture." https://t.co/gpgZXuv5Va  Victoria Kim (@vicjkim) May 28, 2020







Edited at 2020-05-30 03:32 am (UTC) I mean even Amber Liu posted https://twitter.com/Triani31s/status/1266388664721879040 too, but I side eye hard b/c of her past comment. She should know better since she was raised and born in America.Interesting to hear.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

yeah im inclined to believe her view hasn't changed much in terms of police and justice but im glad she's mostly staying out of it this time

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Good. I'm glad that a lot of them are speaking up. Steven Yeun and Ki Hong Lee have also been posting about this on their Instagram, which was nice and affirming to see.

Reply

Thread

Link

Ooh, I'm not on Insta but can you please post the links for both their posts? Thanks!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





Steven's been posting on his story and idk how to link that but hopefully this works? Ki Hong Lee: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAswDtpDiCf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Steven's been posting on his story and idk how to link that but hopefully this works? https://www.instagram.com/stories/steveyeun/2319844619915299394/

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

-The saying "A broken clock..."





Reply

Thread

Link



Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

Reply

Thread

Link

Great post, OP.

Reply

Thread

Link





https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyRgOxAXu7/ Chanel Miller from the Stanford rape case posted this illustration (idk how to embed IG posts)

Reply

Thread

Link

What I will say as a kpop fan that largely stays away from fandom interaction, a lot of people like to think that Korea is in some microcosm where they don't understand the racism toward black people in america/anywhere else or aren't cognizant that it's happening and think that it's an excuse for racist and appropriating actions from their faves.



This much is evident from the posts of these k-pop and k-hip hop artists, they can see it. They are aware. And if you think otherwise, you are wrong.

Reply

Thread

Link

Ugh I am so irked but I can't find it rn. If I do, I'll post the link. It blew up on Tumblr a few yrs ago, but Sam Okyere who is a famous Ghanian personality in Korea and now a citizen there I believe. He spoke out against the racism he felt in Korea when some women moved from her subway seat when he sat next to her, he was upset rightfully so because he felt Korean and yet they treated him like an outsider. The host who is a famous music host in Korea felt ashamed and sorry for him because of the story, and that Sam was treated like that.



Found videos. It has ENG subtitles!









Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yes! I rememeber this! Sam is indeed a Korean citizen now. I hope he's living well now. Haven't heard much about what he's doing these days.



sure you can say you're sorry he goes through that but is anyone trying to make sure that crap like this doesnt happen to the next black person in Korea? It's just lip service to me at this point until people show me action.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

idk if anyone is familiar with asian boss' content but they sometimes interview north korean defectors. a video in particular was really eye opening? they were asked if they would ever want to live in america and they unanimously said no because look at the way they treat black people, the police are thugs etc etc. fans have zero room to excuse their favs.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link





thank u op thank u op

Reply

Thread

Link

what was interesting to me was when i was on twitter when sour candy/chromatica dropped a lot of kpop stans were urging people to stop treading blackpink and thread blacklivesmatter instead. i wonder how that shift happened because if you tried that a year or 2 ago it wouldnt have worked

Reply

Thread

Link

People think all Kpop stans care about is their idols but time and again they are proving they are very politically aware. I saw it when they helped spread the word on homophobia in Korea and now they are helping shed light on George Floyds death in America.  Hyunsu Yim  (@hyunsuinseoul) May 28, 2020



Some Stans can take it a bit far, but yes in this case I'm glad that they didn't and instead trended Some Stans can take it a bit far, but yes in this case I'm glad that they didn't and instead trended #Blacklivesmatter

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

and yet i'm seeing some people are mad that others are making "jim jones" trend and using BLM as an excuse to shame people for calling out that BTS member's song. as in "why are you trending jim jones instead of BLM"

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I wasnt aware it was happening until I was told, but it was basically dont use any hashtags. Some NCTzens and Monbebe told me it was happening and for the most part people listened. The only kpop hashtag I saw was blackpink. A lot of big accounts I saw in those two fandoms shifted most of their focus onto blm posts. I think Sunday, everyone is supposed to not tweet at all except to retweet black tweets on the issue.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yeah there were but I did see a few kpop fancams in the blm tag tho

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
Operational challenges aplenty for restaurants, hotels, and eateries View(s):

Restaurants and hotels operators say they are following health guidelines in anticipation of a rebound in diners and guests now that they have been allowed to reopen after a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus epidemic in the country.

The hotel industry is positive with regards to the steps taken by the Government to open hotels and we have resumed our services for weddings and other events while adhering strictly to health guidelines, Sanath Ukwatte, president of the Sri Lanka Hotels Association, said.

But bookings have not increased. He said there had been inquiries from locals and overseas.

With the prospects of the airport opening up in a couple of months, we hope to accommodate and cater to foreigners, he said.

M Shanthikumar, president of the Colombo City Hotels Association, said more walk-in guests are expected.

Its still too soon to expect the pre-pandemic turn up. People should be willing to patronize hotels like before and they are still adjusting to the situation. It will take more time for things to get back to normal, he said.

The president of the Colombo City Restaurant Collective (CCRC), Harpo Gooneratne, told the Sunday Times that dine-in at restaurants has not been great so far, but he believes that a positive mindset will help regain confidence.

We have to understand that this is the new normal and it is very important that we adhere to the Ministry of Health guideline, which we are following, he said.

Dine-in restaurants in Colombo are asking customers to make reservations to help maintain the 20% of capacity requirement.

But, eateries that serve middle-and lower-income earners are in dire straits.

Asela Sampath, the national organizer of the Association of Sri Lanka Restaurant Owners, said owners have suffered financially. He said the two-month closure means that eateries are not in the right conditions to operate.

The association represents about 500,000 eateries and hotels (not star-rated) islandwide, and have presented three demands to the government.

We want the authorities to help disinfect and sanitize these eateries, provide infrared thermometers and allow sinks to be built on pavements as most of these eateries are beside roads, he said.

Mr. Sampath insisted that if these demands are not met, eateries will not open.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Dr. Ruwan Wijeyamuni said that out of the 500-odd eateries within the Colombo city limits, 95% have temporary owners and most premises are leased. The building owner does not allow renovations fearing it would create ownership issues. So, the shop owners must agree with the building owner to make necessary changes.

We will, however, take legal action against people who fail to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines.

Some of the guideines include reducing seating capacity to less than 50%, keeping up with the cardinal rule of the one metre distance, allowing only two people at a table, except for a family.

Staff must wear a mask, gloves, fully covered attire (long sleeved) and a face shield.

Buffet-style dining is discouraged.

So far, 487 restaurants and 94 tourist-friendly eateries registered at the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) have been allowed to reopen.

Authority director general, Dhammika Wijayasinghe, said guidelines have been issued. She said eateries will be checked to ensure compliance. Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) will make random checks.

This drill will be in place only until the [coronavirus] risk prevails. It has been around 29 days and no community spread has been reported apart from the Navy cluster. We can be somewhat certain that the risk is curbed to a certain extent, she said.

Dr. Wijeyamuni said hotels and restaurants not registered with the SLTDA are allowed to open from June 1 and the CMC will only be responsible for those within its purview in the Colombo city limits.

Other eateries islandwide will have to be inspected by the area PHIs and the MOHs.
Decades after the Nigeria-Biafra war, the truth of what happened is denied, so we forfeit the chance to learn from it.

This is how my father remembered it.

The year was 1966 and he, a bright and ambitious boy of 13 or 14 (no one could be sure because the European missionaries did not issue birth certificates to children like him whose parents refused to convert to Christianity), lived in Akpugoeze, in Nigerias southeastern Enugu state.

It was a town of sprawling cassava farms and towering palm trees  not a wealthy place, but one where the townsfolk worked together to build new roads and widen existing ones, to construct schools, churches, and a primary healthcare centre.

My father had just won a scholarship to study at one of the countrys finest secondary schools in Port Harcourt, 200km south. But my grandfather was sceptical. He was scared that the city that opened its mouth to the sea, would swallow his first-born son.

Soon, school would be the last thing on either of their minds.

The writers father with his teacher, before the start of the war [Photo courtesy of Innocent Chizaram Ilo]

In the markets and on the way to the stream, people had started to whisper tales about pogroms in the north. They said Igbo people  the ethnic group to which my father belonged  were being rounded up and killed in Kano, Kaduna and Sokoto, some 600-1,000km away.

When Nigeria had gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960, a federal constitution had divided the country into three regions, each run by one of the main ethnic groups: The Hausa-Fulani in the north, the Yoruba in the southwest and the Igbo in the southeast.

Less than six years later, there was widespread disillusionment with the government, which was perceived as corrupt and incapable of maintaining law and order.

Then on January 15, 1966, a military coup overthrew and killed Nigerias first prime minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a northerner. As several of those involved were Igbo, and many of those killed were politicians from the north, it was erroneously labelled an Igbo coup. Many northerners interpreted it as an attempt to subjugate the north, which was less developed than the south.

Army commander Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Igbo, suppressed the coup but took power himself. His plan to abolish the regions and establish a unitary government further compounded northern fears that southerners would take over. A counter-coup in July saw soldiers from the north seize power as Aguiyi-Ironsi was overthrown and killed.

When news of the pogroms first began circulating in the southeast, people from the towns and villages started to trek to cities like Enugu and Onitsha, some 70km away, in search of telephones. They carried with them pieces of crisp brown paper on which their relatives who moved to the north had scribbled their numbers. They travelled in groups. Those who could not make it begged others to call the numbers for them.

They returned to their homes distraught, having learned that the telephone lines in the north were down.

Weeks later, mammy wagons began dropping people off at my fathers town  people with sunken eyes and blistered skin, some of them with missing limbs.

The homes to which these people returned erupted into squeals of delight  the relatives they had feared dead were alive. Most had nothing but near-empty bags with them. A few carried something else  the remains of relatives who had not survived the pogroms.

About 30,000 Igbo were killed in the pogroms and about one million internally displaced. Some northerners living in Igbo areas were also killed in revenge attacks.

A popular promotional snapshot of Odumegwu Ojukwu before the war [Photo courtesy of Innocent Chizaram Ilo]

In response to the pogroms, on May 30, 1967, Colonel Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu unilaterally declared the independent Republic of Biafra in the southeast of the country.

Then the war began.

My father and his family learned to take cover as the air rumbled with bombs, shelling, bazookas and, much later on, ogbunigwe, weapons systems mass-produced by the Republic of Biafra.

Like most boys his age, he volunteered to join the Biafran Boys  a group of child soldiers trained by the Biafran army. Few of them ever saw combat, but he never tired of telling me and my siblings about his mock wooden gun, morning drills and uniform of khaki shorts and shirt.

Decades later he would recall how he and the other boys would go to the market to bully traders into parting with their chickens and goats, groundnut and palm oil, with the same boyish excitement with which he had experienced it. He also remembered the jubilation with which they received the news that other countries  Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania and Zambia  had recognised Biafra.

Occasionally, he would wonder what his life would have been like had the war never arrived and he had made it to that school in Port Harcourt.

By another name

In Nigerian history books, that period between 1966 and 1970 is called The Nigerian Civil War or The Nigerian-Biafran war. But for those of us whose families lived through it, it is an erasure of truth not to name it The Biafran Genocide.

Estimates of the death toll vary  with some putting it at more than one million and others at more than two million. Some died as a result of the fighting but most from hunger and disease after the Nigerian government imposed a land and sea blockade that resulted in famine.

In The Republic, Amarachi Iheke gives a detailed analysis of the case for and against classifying it as a genocide, arguing that whether or not you believe it to have been a genocide, the conflict exposes blind spots in our application of international human rights norms and that moving forward, as part of a national reconciliation project, it is necessary we embark on critical truth-seeking around Biafras genocide claim.

But the foundations of the Nigerian governments denial were planted on January 15, 1970, when Biafra agreed to a ceasefire and the war ended. Nigerias Military Head of State General Yakubi Gowon declared the conflict had no victor, no vanquished.

But there was clearly a victor  the Nigerian government, which had regained control of the oil-rich region  and a vanquished  the people of the now-defunct Republic of Biafra, on whose land the war had been fought, whose homes had been destroyed, whose relatives had died of starvation and disease, and their descendants who would have to navigate the world with the weight of their trans-generational trauma.

A Biafran child sits by a pile of yams, 1968 [File: Getty Images]

Erasing history

Still, in keeping with Gowons mantra, the government began to craft its own story; one echoed in school textbooks.

In school, I learned no details of what happened in Biafra. The reality was tactfully erased from the curriculum, while those responsible were depicted as national heroes who had fought to preserve Nigerias unity. I tried to reconcile the colourful pictures of these national heroes in my Social Studies books (history was removed from the basic curriculum in 2007) with my fathers experience of the war.

When I told my classmates my fathers stories, they would look at me, their mouths open in disbelief, as though they were hearing these things for the first time. When the topic came up in class, the teacher would gloss over it as though it was something from the distant past, then conclude with a tone of happily ever after.

The result is a new generation of Nigerians who are either unaware of the countrys true past or have normalised it as a small price to pay to maintain the nations unity.

This ahistoricism follows us around in the physical and virtual worlds. Recently, during a Twitter brawl, Bello el-Rufai, the son of Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai, threatened a user he perceived to be Igbo, saying he would pass the Twitter users mother around to his friends, while Bellos own mother appeared to defend her son, declaring that all was fair in love and war.

But for Biafrans, it is not so easy to delink his words from history. After all, 50 years ago, Igbo women were being passed around in the military camps set up in captured Biafran towns, in open-air markets, on the street or in their own homes, as their children and husbands were made to watch.

The writers father sits with his mother and siblings after the war [Photo courtesy of Innocent Chizaram Ilo]

I often think of Mourid Barghouti, who in his autobiography I Saw Ramallah writes, It is easy to blur the truth with a simple linguistic trick: start your story from Secondly. By carefully omitting the real spark of the conflict in 1966  the pogroms  we change the whole truth of it.

Yet sadly, this is how most Nigerians tell the story of the Biafran Genocide; disregarding its cause and pretending that it was a war to protect Nigerias territorial integrity instead of one fuelled by years of ethnic tensions and concerns over resource control.

But in Nigerias quest to erase and amend its history, it has forfeited the opportunity to learn from it  and this is something that continues to haunt us. Decades after Biafra, we have witnessed this past replicate itself in mini-episodes such as the Odi Massacre in 1991 and Zaria Massacre in 2015. And just like the Biafran Genocide, the memories of these gruesome incidents are forgotten quickly, erased and distorted, downplayed by the media, and the perpetrators are never held accountable.

But the truth is, it is impossible to erase the past, at least not completely. We may try to distort it, pretend that it never happened, but it will always be there. And for people like my father, the war will forever give shape to their lives  splitting it into a before and an after.

Immediately after the war, the Nigerian government made it a point of duty to instil a spirit of nationalism in the hearts of schoolchildren like my father. But these children had already seen first-hand what comes with challenging the notion of one Nigeria. So it was not a patriotism borne of love for ones country but of fear. Unconsciously, my father passed this fear on to his children.

We have learned to perform our nationalism in public, to avoid speaking our languages, to show our most Nigerian selves.

My father died last year, after years spent battling health problems in a country where he could not access quality healthcare. But his life, and the memories he shared with me during years of conversations in our parlour, has left behind glimpses of a history we must never forget.

What he gave me with his stories is the knowledge that it is imperative to talk about the past, to teach it, to confront it. In that way, we learn from it, and can tell when it is being erased and distorted, or about to be recreated.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
As the Haryana government has sealed borders with the national capital due to increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, heavy traffic movement was seen at Delhi-Gurugram border on Saturday morning.

Police personnel were seen checking passes and IDs of people commuting through the route.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had on Thursday said the states border with Delhi will remain sealed for now as Covid-19 cases were rising in the neighbouring cities of Gurugram and Faridabad.

Delhis cases and the adjoining areas with Delhi are a big concern for us. The cases are increasing in Gurugram and Faridabad, as they share their border with Delhi. The border will remain sealed for now, the minister had said.

The fourth phase of the Covid-19 lockdown is slated to end on Sunday.
In anticipation of the easing down of the Covid-19 restrictions, the Assistant Headmaster in charge of Administration, St. Marys Senior High School, Mrs. Sarah Garshong, has added her voice to the call on the government to hasten slowly on its decision to re-open schools on a mass scale.

According to her, the re-opening of schools should be a gradual process, starting with the final-year students.

The government must do it gradually by allowing the final-year students who are due for examinations, she said.

Mrs. Garshong made the call when her school had its turn of the national disinfestation and disinfection of public senior high schools (SHSs) undertaken by Zoomlion Ghana Limited on Saturday.

The exercise which was done in the Greater Accra Region saw a number of SHSs benefit.

Some of the schools were Ideal College, Mamprobi branch, Accra Academy SHS, St Margaret Mary SHS, Sacred Heart Technical Institute, Jamestown among others.

While the disinfestation was targeted at getting rid of bed-bugs infestation which has gained notoriety in many of the SHSs, the disinfection part was to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Using her school as an example, Mrs. Garshong admitted that it will be very tough for them to practice, especially the physical/social distancing safety protocol.

She explained that this was because her school had limited space for its large student population.

That will mean that students will have to go to the dining hall in batches in addition to other social gatherings on campus which clearly will be difficult for us to implement, she admitted.

However, she pointed out that when the final year students are allowed to come in first, then we are certain that we can practice particularly the physical distancing protocol in addition to the other Covid-19 preventive protocols, she said.

On the disinfestation against bed-bugs, Mrs. Garshong was optimistic that it will go a long way to help the school get rid of the bugs.

According to her, the school has had to battle with bugs for some years now, adding that they sometimes receive help from some of the parents in that regard.

To this end, she advocated for a regular disinfestation exercise against bugs in SHSs.

That, she said, will prevent the recurrence of these bugs and their attendant health hazards.

She also called for the need for teachers to be provided with PPE in the event schools are re-opened.

She commended GES and Zoomlion for the initiative.

At the Sacred Heart Technical Institute at Jamestown, Accra, the Vice Principal in charge of Administration, Wetse L. Odjidja, stressed that a lot will change when schools re-open.

Of course we will still be in abnormal times, and we will have to observe all the Covid-19 protocols, he said.

He went on to add that the management of the school will also ensure that students observe all the safety protocols in the event school re-opens.

We will also educate our students to take personal hygiene seriously, Mr. Odjiidja assured.
By Gemma Handy

"SUN, sea and sand-focussed island economies in the Caribbean will be among the worst affected by a slowdown in global tourism, according to a new report.





Tourism across the region is set to plummet by 60 to 70 percent from April to December this year compared to last year, figures released by international ratings agency Standard and Poors indicate.





Caribbean nations make up five of the top 10 countries in the world set for the biggest deterioration in GDP growth in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.





Aruba tops the list, with Belize third, Bahamas fifth, and Barbados and Jamaica in seventh and ninth position respectively.





The TCI is not included in the list but Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) president Todd Foss has previously described the Islands economy as "the second most dependent on tourism in the world after Macau.





And as many airlines remain grounded and hotels shuttered, the impact is keenly felt.





"With over 15,000 employees in hospitality-related sectors, the private sector economy has been devastated by several weeks of zero revenues with no end in sight, Foss told the Weekly News.





The TCHTA boss praised the prompt actions of the territorys leaders who leapt to attention to implement emergency measures to protect residents from the potentially deadly virus.





This, he said, had seen TCI become one of few countries globally to have no active Covid-19 cases.





But he said further fiscal stimulus measures were urgently needed to stave off the massive job losses and bankruptcies predicted in a recent KPMG report.





The TCHTA-commissioned study found that as of mid-June the closure of the TCIs borders will have triggered a colossal 44 percent unemployment with those still working seeing their incomes drop by as much as 75 percent.





"If the Government, members of parliament and private sector leaders come together and formulate a strategic plan, it is still possible to save the economy from complete collapse, Foss continued.





"Unfortunately, until this occurs, it appears the private sector and its thousands of employees and their families are on their own.





Foss said uncertainty regarding the reopening of the TCIs borders was exacerbating problems.





"Businesses are being forced to make decisions without any information as to when the reopening might occur; the result will be layoffs and salary cuts that might not otherwise happen if a date was given allowing businesses to properly manage their limited cash reserves, he explained.





Foss said TCHTA members were however "getting bookings every day from travellers wanting to enjoy the TCIs world-famous beaches.





The private sector, he said, is hard at work doing "everything possible to prepare for the reopening of the destination safely and responsibly with a slew of plans in the pipeline.





"From contact tracing technology, pre-testing of all travellers, a dedicated beachfront resort set aside for isolating guests in a five-star manner should they show symptoms, air ambulance insurance programmes for visitors, and a TCI Safe programme to ensure Covid-19 safety best practices are followed by all our members, the private sector is ready to welcome our first visitor, Foss added.





Director of Tourism Pamela Ewing said the sector represents around 70 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).





"Its the largest industry we have and vital to the TCI economy. With places being closed, things are just not comfortable right now, she told the Weekly News.





The badly-hit hospitality sector will have a domino effect on other businesses as people will not be able to afford to patronise them, she said.





"The premier is due to give guidelines on the reopening of borders in early June. I am hopeful we will be open by the beginning of July, Ewing continued.





She said the Tourist Board would be striving to boost "local tourism through promotion of the sister islands, encouraging residents to explore Grand Turk, North and Middle Caicos, to

keep money flowing in the local economy.





"I am hopeful we will eventually see some semblance of normality - but perhaps not like we knew it, Ewing added.





No clear path ahead

The TCI has been slowly easing lockdown restrictions with construction workers, office-based small businesses and restaurants for takeaway service among those recently allowed to resume operations.





With air and sea ports still closed to travellers, tour operators  whose income is reliant on visitors to the Islands  are among those feeling the pinch.





"Its really tough, conceded Jay Stubbs of Sail Provo. "Were trying to stay upbeat but the mood is very dull.





"Watersports main drive is the hotels so if they dont open - and theres no clear path ahead for them - it puts us in an even worse situation, he said.





"There was very little heads up about the lockdown; we went from being out on the water to locked up in our homes.





The impact is being felt in other ways too.





"A boat is like a car; when its sitting unused in the water it deteriorates, he explained.





"My 52 foot catamaran was last on the water on March 13.





Stubbs is hoping that if borders reopen in the next couple of months, the TCI will see some long-term repeat guests from the US, hardy enough to be undeterred by hurricane season.





Still, he is acutely aware it will not be business as usual.





"I usually have large groups on my boat. I may have to drop numbers from 50 to 30 to allow social distancing.





Stubbs added that companies would have to adopt new "common sense procedures, such as urging passengers to bring their own snorkels and facemasks to avoid coronavirus cross-

contamination.





Tim Ainley of Sail Beluga said it was crucial to determine how the TCI gets back to business.





"Our little sailing charter company is almost entirely tourist-driven so we are dead in the water, he said.





"Its the waiting and the uncertainty thats the worst. If we knew when to expect the tourists back we could plan accordingly, but no one knows where this is going or how long it will take.





"Shutting down was easy; opening back up will be very complicated. The minute we allow the tourists back into Provo some of them will bring the virus with them and then were back to square one.





Ainley added: "A lot of tenuous businesses will fail and there will be a lot of people out of work and that always spells trouble.





"Were going to have to think outside the box to get through this and the world will never be the same again.





Philip Shearer, of Big Blue Collective, shared similar sentiments.





"Simply put were getting nervous, trying to stay optimistic, he said.





"The longer international travel is banned, the worse this will get and the likelihood increases that, along with losing the peak season, we will also lose the summer. And that will essentially mean nine months.





With the Atlantic hurricane season just days away, "it doesnt take much imagination to consider the long-term impact, he said, adding: "Bottom line: We need to get back to work asap.




Mr. Trumps administration has elevated aspects of space policy in his White House, re-establishing a National Space Council led by Vice President Pence, and adding a Space Force to the Department of Defense. He has also his set his own major priorities for NASA  a trip to the moon by the end of 2024 as a start for trips to Mars  not unlike president before him.

But the president also criticized the state of NASA under previous administrations.

When I first came into office three and a half years ago, NASA had lost its way and the excitement, energy and ambition as almost everybody in this room knows was done, he said, referring also to cracks growing in runways at the Kennedy Space Center, and singling out the Obama administration because it presided over the closing of the space shuttle.

NASA did retire the nations space shuttle fleet while President Obama was in office, but this was a decision that was initiated during the administration of his predecessor, President George W. Bush.

Mr. Trump also said that past leaders put the astronauts at the mercy of foreign nations to send them into orbit, referring to the use of Russias Soyuz space capsules. But while previous administrations made the decisions that led to that fact, they also initiated the policies that led to Saturdays launch.

The commercial crew program that SpaceXs launch was a part of started under President Barack Obama in 2011. It encountered fierce opposition from members of Congress, which at first did not provide as much money as NASA asked for. While this slowed development, Mr. Obamas NASA administrator, Charles F. Bolden Jr., stuck with the program, steadily advancing it.

Mr. Bolden did just yeomans work in order to get this program off the ground to get it going. And here we are, all these years later, having this success, Mr. Bridenstine said earlier this week.

And the crew program itself was modeled after NASAs commercial cargo program, which paid SpaceX and other companies during George W. Bushs presidency to develop cheaper capsules to send materials to the International Space Station.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Law enforcement and elected leaders in Kalamazoo are speaking out against the Minneapolis police officers who were recorded restraining a black man who later died.

The city of Minneapolis has witnessed three days of protests following the viral video of George Floyd being held down by a white officer with his knee on Floyds neck.

The video shows three other officers pushing away onlookers but not stopping the officer restraining Floyd. Onlookers in the video are heard repeatedly asking officers to get off Floyd and check his pulse as he cried out that he could not breath and eventually became unresponsive.

Related: Minneapolis police station torched amid George Floyd protest; 7 protesters shot in Kentucky

All four officers were fired. As of Friday, May 29, the officer with his knee on Floyds neck, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller spoke on Facebook Live Thursday, calling the actions of the four Minneapolis police officers unacceptable. Fuller said that behavior would not be tolerated in Kalamazoo.

I am personally disgusted at the way George Floyd was treated and Im offended as a professional, like many of my brothers and sisters in law enforcement, at the actions of these officers," the sheriff said.

Fuller called on all law enforcement to speak out against police brutality.

Oftentimes we are so embarrassed and disappointed in the profession when something like this happens that we tend to be quiet," he said, "No more do we have that luxury. We must speak out. We must stand together as a law enforcement group of professionals with our communities and make it known that what has happened to George Floyd should never happen to anyone.

Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas, Mayor David Anderson and City Manager Jim Ritsema released a joint statement. It in, the local city leaders offer condolences to Floyds family and acknowledge the need and the right to protest and urge for those voices to be heard in a peaceful manner."

The heartbreaking use of force incident in Minneapolis by those sworn to protect and serve has shocked the conscience, the city officials statement reads. There may be more information yet available, but the videos we have seen make it clear the actions and inactions of the officers involved were unacceptable.

Both Fuller and Thomas said local deputies and officers are trained in de-escalation techniques.

Elsewhere in Michigan, three days of protests erupted in Washtenaw County after a video surfaced of a black Ypsilanti Township woman being repeatedly punched in the head by a Washtenaw County Sheriffs deputy who was trying to arrest her. The woman, ShaTeina Grady El, was still behind bars as of Friday.

More than 300 protesters chanted for more than an hour in front of the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office before spreading out along Washtenaw Avenue and marching over a mile into Ann Arbor.

In West Michigan, protests against police brutality are planned for Saturday, May 30, at Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids as well as next Saturday, June 6, at the same location. A Facebook event details plans for a similar protest in Kalamazoo at 5 p.m. Saturday and another is set for 6 p.m., both on the Kalamazoo Mall. The organizer encourages anyone participating in the protest to wear a face mask, acknowledging the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Also on MLive:

Free ShaTeina: Continued incarceration of Ypsilanti woman leads 300 protesters to block streets again

Outraged residents block streets in protest over Washtenaw deputy accused of punching black woman

Video of Washtenaw County deputy punching woman sparks outrage in Ypsilanti Township
(Natural News) Leaked phone calls between Joe Biden and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko explicitly detail the quid-pro-quo arrangement to fire former Ukrainian Prosecutor General Victor Shokin  who Poroshenko admits did nothing wrong  in exchange for $1 billion in US loan guarantees (which Biden openly bragged about in January, 2018)

The calls were leaked by Ukrainian MP Andrii Derkach, who says the recordings of voices similar to Poroshenko and Biden were given to him by investigative journalists who claim Poroshenko made them.

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

Shokin was notably investigating Burisma, the Ukrainian energy company that hired Bidens son, Hunter, to sit on its board. Shokin had opened a case against Burismas founder, Mykola Zlochevsky, who granted Burisma permits to drill for oil and gas in Ukraine while he was Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources. In January, 2019, Shokin stated in a deposition that there were five criminal cases against Zlochevesky, including money laundering, corruption, illegal funds transfers, and profiteering through shell corporations while he was a sitting minister.

The leaked calls begin on December 3, 2015, when former Secretary of State John Kerry starts laying out the case to fire Shokin  who he says blocked the cleanup of the Prosecutor Generals Office, and sated that Biden is very concerned about it, to which Poroshenko replies that the newly reorganized prosecutor generals office (NABU) wont be able to pursue corruption charges, and that it may be difficult to fire Shokin without cause.

Later in the leaked audio on February 18, 2016  less than three months after the Kerry conversation  Poroshenko delivers some positive news.

Yesterday I met with General Prosecutor Shokin, says Poroshenko. And despite of the fact that we didnt have any corruption charges, we dont have any information about him doing something wrong, I specially asked him  no, it was day before yesterday  I specially asked him to resign. In, uh, as his, uh, position as a state person. And despite of the fact that he has a support in the power. And as a finish of my meeting with him, he promised to give me the statement on resignation. And one hour ago he bring me the written statement of his resignation. And this is my second step for keeping my promises.

To which Biden replied: I agree.

Four weeks later on March 22, 2016, Biden says Tell me that there is a new government and a new Prosecutor General. I am prepared to do a public signing of the commitment for the billion dollars.

Poroshenko tells Biden that one of the leading candidates is the man who replaced Shokin, Yuriy Lutsenko who later said in a deposition that Hunter Biden and his business partners were receiving millions of dollars in compensation from Burisma.

Then, on May 13, 2016, Biden congratulates Poroshenko on getting the new Prosecutor General, saying that it will be critical for him to work quickly to repair the damage Shokin did.

And Im a man of my word, Biden adds. And now that the new Prosecutor General is in place, were ready to move forward to signing that one billion dollar loan guarantee.

Poroshenko thanks Biden for the support, and says that it was a very tough challenge and a very difficult job.

Shokin, meanwhile, filed a criminal complaint against Biden in Kiev this February, in which he writes:

During the period 2014-2016, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine was conducting a preliminary investigation into a series of serious crimes committed by the former Minister of Ecology of Ukraine Mykola Zlotchevsky and by the managers of the company Burisma Holding Limited (Cyprus), the board of directors of which included, among others, Hunter Biden, son of Joseph Biden, then vice-president of the United States of America.

The investigation into the above-mentioned crimes was carried out in strict accordance with Criminal Law and was under my personal control as the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

Owing to my firm position on the above-mentioned cases regarding their prompt and objective investigation, which should have resulted in the arrest and the indictment of the guilty parties, Joseph Biden developed a firmly hostile attitude towards me which led him to express in private conversations with senior Ukrainian officials, as well as in his public speeches, a categorical request for my immediate dismissal from the post of Attorney General of Ukraine in exchange for the sum of US $ 1 billion in as a financial guarantee from the United States for the benefit of Ukraine.

* * *

And while we cannot verify the authenticity of the recordings with absolute certainty, we now have the audio revealing how the deed was orchestrated.

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
Strictly Come Dancing dancer James Jordan on the Vanessa Feltz show on BBC London 94.9 FM, ahead of the first live Strictly Come Dancing show on Friday on BBC1. (Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)

James Jordan was left "really upset" after watching his hospitalised father suffer a seizure on FaceTime.

The star has shared he went through the troubling ordeal while his dad, who experienced seven seizures in one day, remains in hospital after suffering a second stroke.

He told Hello!: "I was on FaceTime to him this morning and he had a seizure during our conversation and it is absolutely horrendous to see, so that really upset me today. Yesterday he had around seven seizures and no one knows why."

Read more: Ronan Keating's older children haven't met their newborn sister due to lockdown

The 42-year-old added that it has been a struggle for his mother who is not able to visit her husband due to restrictions on hospital visits because of the coronavirus.

Jordan added to the publication: "She's been on the phone to him when he's had seizures as well. I mean, you see all of these people going to the beach right next to each other and they say they're going to open the shops, and yet my mum still can't go in and sit next to my dad when he's very sick in hospital? It's quite upsetting and frustrating."

It comes after the Dancing on Ice champion shared his father had also contracted the coronavirus during his first stay in hospital in April while receiving treatment for his first stroke.

After a second stroke in May, Jordan disclosed via Twitter that his father had been readmitted.

Ola Jordan and James Jordan attend the Pride Of Britain Awards 2019 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

The professional dancer welcomed his first child into the world in February as wife Ola gave birth to a daughter, Ella.

He shared back in April that the tot had to be taken to hospital after they feared she was choking on her own saliva.

It transpired Ella was suffering from reflux and thankfully went on to recover.
After another long sleep during the cold night on the moon, the rover and the lander of Chinas Change-4 probe were automatically awakened by sunlight at 11:53 a.m. on May 16 and 03:25 a.m. on May 17 respectively, embarking on tasks for the 18th lunar day.

As of May 17, the lunar rover Yutu-2, or Jade Rabbit-2, had worked on the far side of the moon for 500 Earth days since Change-4 probe made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3, 2019.

Yutu-2 broke the longevity record for working on the surface of the moon set by the Soviet Unions lunar rover Lunokhod-1 which spent 322 days on the moon, becoming longest-working lunar rover on the moon in human history by far.

During the 500 days, rover Yutu-2, together with the lander of Change-4 probe and the relay satellite Queqiao (Magpie Bridge), achieved massive results in scientific exploration of the moon, providing valuable first-hand information for scientific research.

According to the China Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of China National Space Administration (CNSA), the center had released more than 210 GB of relevant scientific data by the first anniversary of Change-4s landing on the moon, contributing to a series of important scientific discoveries made by research teams at home and abroad.

The Change-4 lunar exploration mission involves a lander, lunar rover Yutu-2, and the relay satellite Queqiao, which are altogether equipped with 13 sets of scientific exploration and testing instruments.

There are eight scientific payloads and one test payload on the lander and the lunar rover, including panorama camera, lunar penetrating radar, infrared imaging spectrometer and neutral atom detector, which are all indispensable scientific tools for the work of Yutu-2.

Remarkable as it was, making mankinds first-ever soft-landing on the far side of the moon is only a minor achievement of Yutu-2.

The rover had travelled 447.68 meters on the moon, conducting scientific detection and tests on lunar rocks, the lunar soil on its track and some impact craters.

Data from the lunar penetrating radar on Yutu-2 has helped uncover the geological structure, components, and evolution mechanism of the landing area of Change-4 probe with a depth of 40 meters.

With the data collected from the infrared imaging spectrometer on Yutu-2, the material composition of the far side of the moon was successfully revealed, which proved that olivine is abundant in lunar mantle and further deepened human understanding of the formation and evolution of the moon.

In addition, the neutral atom detector on Yutu-2 has helped scientists obtain the energy spectrum of energetic neutral atoms on the surface of the moon, verifying that there is a strong correlation between the energy of energetic neutral atoms and the velocity of the incoming solar wind. With actual environmental data about the moon, these findings will serve as strong support for mankinds manned lunar exploration in the future.

Collaboration is an important feature of Chinas space exploration efforts, said an executive with the China Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the CNSA, praising the countrys scientific teams for their unity and teamwork in space exploration projects.

In an effort to facilitate Chinas first Mars exploration mission, Tianwen-1, the country will make some improvements on its ground control facilities to adapt them to the Tianwen-1 mission. Therefore, the lander and rover of Change-4 probe will conduct detection in situ during the 18th lunar day before new instructions for the next stage, according to the executive.

The infrared imaging spectrometer on the lunar rover will detect certain areas of a depression on the moon after the communication facilities are rebooted, according to the flight control team of the Change-4 mission, which disclosed that scientists found a small depression located three meters southwest of Yutu-2 based on information collected from the panorama camera on the rover during the 17th lunar day.

The depression has a diameter of about 1.3 meters and a depth of no more than 20 centimeters, and it seems that some reflective substance in the central and southeastern areas of the depression gives the areas a distinctive luminance that sets them apart from the lunar soil of the surrounding areas, said the flight control team.
By Bilal Khan, TwoCircles.net

This Eid was different for every Muslim in India due to the ongoing lockdown in place to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. With the ban on congregations, Muslims did not participate in customary Eid prayers. However, for the Muslim migrants  thousands of kilometres away from home, Eid was a dreary affair.

Support TwoCircles



TwoCircles.net spoke to migrant workers who managed to leave Mumbai and reach their native cities but found themselves in quarantine centres. Some Muslims migrants in quarantine centres managed to see some of their family members and share food but some failed to even have food on the table, while some migrants could not even celebrate Eid despite being home quarantined.

Mohammed Askari who was working in a leather bag manufacturing shop in Dharavi left for his native place, Mau district, Uttar Pradesh when he realized that he couldnt survive in Mumbai during the lockdown. He was happy that he was asked to be quarantined for 14 days in his home (i.e. home quarantine). However, his happiness faded when he saw his relatives reactions who stayed nearby his house. They did not even want to receive Eid wishes from him.

People are behaving with me as if I am a coronavirus carrier. After getting ready for Eid, I opened my room window so that I can wish people for Eid. However, they asked me to close the window and dont show my face, Mohammed told TwoCircle.net.

I dont have coronavirus. I have not gotten out of my room since I came here. I was waving my hands through my window and practising social distancing but the reactions from people really saddened me, added Mohammed.

Another migrant worker, Naushad Shaikh, from Bihar also had a sad Eid. He left Dharavi 10 days ago and ended up being quarantined in a centre in Siwan district. He is not happy with the facilities at the centre. No proper food, no soap, no sanitizers are provided, and no cleanliness is maintained at the quarantine centre. On Eid, he woke up early, took shower and wore new clothes.

I thought we would be provided with some sweet food because of Eid, but nothing special was there. I then asked my family members to bring some sheer korma and Biryani for me, said Shaikh.

Naushad could only wish his elder brother from afar when he came to deliver sheer korma to him.

Naushad said that this Eid was his worst Eid ever.

I never imagined that I would have to spend Eid sitting in one place and not able to meet my family and friends. Every year, I would celebrate Eid with my family at my native home. But this time I am here in quarantine centre. I am praying that coronavirus will go away soon so that we get back to normal life, added Shaikh.

Another Muslim migrant worker Imtiyaz Alam who is also from Bihar said that he missed his previous Eid with his family. We dont have any other option than to stay here in a quarantine centre to fight against the virus. But, I really had a very disappointing day on Eid. I hope the situation gets over soon. I am really missing my parents, children and wife, he said.

Not all migrant workers had a sad and dreary Eid. Some Muslim migrants were quarantined at good centres where workers made the day of Eid memorable.

Hayat Shaikh was staying in Bandra for work but left for his native place in Kendrapara, Odisha, and now is staying at a quarantine centre 80 kilometres away from his village.

However, the quarantine centre has all the facilities such as clean washroom, soap and sanitizers. Cleanliness is maintained in the centre, he said.

According to the migrants staying at the centre, they are provided with good food. Muslim migrants were also provided with Iftari and Sehri during the Ramadan.

Shaikh said that there are 14 Muslim migrant workers at the centre who are from different cities all over India. We managed to offer Eid prayers while maintaining social distancing, he said.

They all were provided with a special fish dish and sheer korma.

My home is far away and travelling is expensive at this time that is why nobody came to see me from my family. I wished everyone over the phone for Eid. But, in the quarantine centre, we celebrated Eid with joy. All people became family for each other. Some of us also danced over some songs to enjoy the day without sadness because of the situation, added Shaikh.

I will be leaving the quarantine centre in 2-3 days and then will meet my family members, he said.

Shaikh said that some officers also came here to wish us for Eid. They asked us to pray for everyone. I am really happy that they did everything to make sure we are not feeling sad on this auspicious day, he said.
  ,  Cookies        .          cookies.




The Telluride Film Festival will go on as planned. (Telluride Film Festival)

Bringing a bit of clarity to an otherwise deeply uncertain fall for Hollywood, the Telluride Film Festival announced Friday that it will go on as planned over Labor Day weekend.

The coronavirus outbreak has upended the film industry in recent months, with movie theaters shuttered indefinitely, release schedules scrambled and production all but shut down. In announcing their intention to press ahead, the organizers of Telluride, which has become a key buzz-making stop on the annual awards season calendar, acknowledged that this year's gathering "will not be a business as usual event."

Expanding by a day to allow for more social distancing, the 47th edition of the festival will begin on Sept. 3 instead of the previously scheduled Sept. 4 and run until Sept. 7. "Were hard at work to provide a safe and joyous environment that will include an extra day to allow more space within and between screenings, along with all of the necessary safety tweaks and adjustments youve become very familiar with, regardless of where you call home," the festival said in an email to prospective attendees.

Recognizing the unease many may feel about attending the festival after months of alarming news about the pandemic, Telluride organizers promised that safety would be paramount. "We are not ignorant of the devastation facing the world," festival organizers wrote. "We feel the fear and distress too. This is why we are committed to observing all guidance as suggested by the consensus of voices of the scientific community with whom we are consulting now."

Set in a picturesque box canyon in the Colorado Rockies, Telluride draws some 5,000 attendees every year, including scores of filmmakers, stars and movie executives. Though it has helped launch films like "Birdman," "Moonlight" and "Lady Bird" to future awards glory, Telluride proudly clings to its intimate, decidedly lo-fi, paparazzi- and red-carpet-free vibe. One of its venues is a middle school gym, another an ice-skating rink.

Story continues

Given the remoteness, many film industry professionals attending the festival arrive via chartered flights. The festival said it would add an extra chartered flight from New York to help East Coast attendees.

In vowing to move ahead, Telluride joins the Venice Film Festival, which announced this week that it will also run as planned from Sept. 2 to 12. The Toronto Film Festival, the biggest of all the fall festivals, has yet to announce its plans for this September's edition. The New York Film Festival announced this month it was exploring "a combination of both in-person and digital experiences, as circumstances allow" for its gathering, which is scheduled for Sept. 25 to Oct. 11.

Still, the pandemic has already wrought major changes to this year's awards season. This month's Cannes Film Festival was canceled, and the film academy loosened its eligibility rules to allow films that debut via streaming to compete for the first time for the best picture Oscar.

Given the health concerns, it is far from certain how many may choose not to attend this year's Telluride Film Festival. Indeed, it is unclear at this point to what extent studios and distributors will decide to bring films out on the fall festival circuit as they traditionally have. Netflix, which has been an increasingly potent presence in the festivals in recent years, has already indicated that it will be sitting this year out.

"For those of you who opt to not join us, we absolutely understand and support this decision," Telluride organizers said in their email Friday. "Your reasons surely involve heightened personal health concerns and you must do what is the very best for you. We trust and hope youll be back with us the next time we can provide optimal conditions for the SHOW. May that be soon."

In the face of such concerns, Telluride organizers said they were driven to push on nevertheless by their undimmed passion for film.

"We see clearly the obstacles that are cruelly, tragically and stubbornly in our way this year in orders of magnitude our dear founders might not ever have envisioned," organizers said. "But there has been a determination to proceed, in large part fueled by the voices in our community. This community understands that movies really are empathy machines, that when we assemble to witness the glories of cinema together, something magical happens. We humbly suggest that our world needs the light of cinema and its beautiful byproducts of compassion and emotional storytelling alchemy like never before."
With us all spending lots more time at home during the last few months on lockdown, many of us have looked to de-clutter our houses.

The Kondo effect has seen many of us having a look at our homes to see where we can streamline and clear out the old and unnecessary - with our bathrooms being a major clutter culprit.

Families can have multiple members at varying ages, with varying skin needs and issues, some with sensitive skin or other skin issues. As a result there can be an almost dizzying amount of different products rattling around our showers and bathroom cabinets. But, is it possible to streamline our skincare array? Are there personal care brands that tick all the boxes as family-friendly skincare saviours?

Are there budget-friendly, no-nonsense, plainly packaged skincare gems that are free from unnecessary and sometimes worrying skincare ingredients, fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive?

Read More

This week, I've gathered together some hard-working skin products from family skincare brands that will offer you a general road map on what to look out for if you're looking to streamline your family's bathroom shelves.

Dry-skin helper

Expand Close E45 Shower Wash / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp E45 Shower Wash

For a shower wash suitable for all the family, this soap and detergent-free option is a great pick. If anyone in the family suffers from dry skin, this may prove a handy helper. Its non-foaming formula is different from normal shower gel as it's completely non-drying and actively moisturises our skin, and works to protect it against further leeching of hydration during washing.

E45 Shower Cream Wash, 5.50 from pharmacies nationwide.

Top-seller

Expand Close CeraVe / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp CeraVe

This is the No1 best-selling body cream on Amazon.com and is a top best-seller in the US market, too. Developed with dermatologists, this American brand arrived on Irish shores just a few years ago and has proven to be a smash hit with families here. This is a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (ie non-clogging) and fast-absorbing body lotion that packs a serious punch at a brilliant price.

Cera Ve Moisturising Cream, 10 from pharmacies nationwide.

Nuts about coconut

Expand Close Ovelle coconut oil / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ovelle coconut oil

Ovelle is an Irish skincare brand that's been around for over 80 years. They use only purified, clean formulations in their products which are all free from synthetic chemicals and are fragrance-free - a perfect fit for the whole family, young and old. This coconut-oil gem is a great multi-tasking skincare helper. It's suitable for eczema-prone skin and beneficial for all skin types.

Ovelle Coconut Oil, 4.50 from pharmacies nationwide.

Multi-tasker

Expand Close Human + Kind Family Salve / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Human + Kind Family Salve

This natural Irish skincare line is based in Cork and opts for all-natural formulations that pack a heavy beauty punch, at a great price point and in generous amounts - so it is a really great option for families. They have a broad range of skincare products, from deodorants to lip balms, but their Family Remedy Cream is an especially good option for families to have in stock. This multi-tasking all-rounder helps to soothe a whopping amount of family skin issues from eczema, psoriasis, and acne to soothing dry and sensitive skin, itching and razor burn, cold sores, athlete's foot, insect bites and sunburn.

Human + Kind Family Salve, 12.95 from pharmacies nationwide.

Intense moisture

Expand Close Elave Intense Moisture Surge / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Elave Intense Moisture Surge

This Irish skincare line is adamant about using streamlined ingredients in their formulations, and ditches the sulfates, parabens and any other unnecessary synthetic ingredients. This is a rich and intense facial moisturiser which amps up skin hydration levels with its combination of emollients, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated. Sensitive skin will feel calm and nourished as the ingredient list is made specifically for skin susceptible to flare-ups.

Elave Intense Moisture Surge, 19.95 from pharmacies nationwide.

Baby soft

Expand Close Aveeno Baby Daily Care Hair And Body Wash / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Aveeno Baby Daily Care Hair And Body Wash

If there's a newborn or very young babies in your household, this beaut could be a smash hit. Specifically formulated for newborn skin (to minimise the risk of allergies), it gently cleanses baby's skin, and because of its gentle, soap-free formulation (it uses colloidal oatmeal and oat essence), it's gentle enough to use daily on skin and hair. Grown-ups will love this too, and it's especially good for those who may be prone to eczema.

Aveeno Baby Daily Care Hair And Body Wash, 6.99 from pharmacies nationwide.
Retail sales fell off a cliff in April and recorded their steepest drop since the worst days of the financial crisis as the coronavirus pandemic kept consumers locked down in their homes and household savings took a record jump.

Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) released yesterday showed that retail sales fell by 35.4pc in April from March - more than double the pace of the 16.8pc decline recorded in January 2009 as the financial crisis erupted.

On an annual basis, sales dropped by 43.3pc for April, when Ireland introduced some of the toughest lockdown rules in Europe in a bid to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Those who did spend money largely purchased food and other essentials. There was big shift to online sales, which shot up to a record 15.5pc of the total turnover for all businesses in April. That figure is five times the pre-pandemic monthly level.

There are now 580,000 people depending on Government financial aid to survive, finding themselves out of work as a result of the lockdowns. They are getting 350 a week in pandemic payments.

In addition, there are now 215,000 on the regular unemployment rolls.

The scale of the pandemic shock also was shown in a record 3bn surge in savings by households in April and by a sharp drop in borrowing, according to a Central Bank of Ireland report.

"The growth in deposits is likely to reflect the reduced consumption due to the Covid-19 containment measures," the bank said.

Personal borrowing fell by a dramatic 277m in the month.

"This is the largest monthly decline since early 2014," the Central Bank said.

There is also evidence of precautionary saving by companies outside of the finance sector. Their deposits increased by 1.2bn last month.

"This level of inflows is not unusual in recent years but may highlight an increased focus on cash management given the current economic environment," the bank said.

Some believe that the large build-up in savings means that once the lockdown restrictions are lifted, the economy will bounce back quickly as consumers will have far more money to spend.

John FitzGerald, an economist writing for the Economic and Social Research Institute, estimated that the savings rate could double to almost 20pc this year. As it is spent, this cash pile could provide a considerable stimulus for the economy in 2021 or 2022.

However, that view rests on incomes being maintained at current levels.

Other economists believe that people will be so worried about the risks of a second wave of infections, and scarred by the possibility of losing their jobs, that they will boost their level of savings permanently as an insurance measure, causing consumer spending to remain weak.

Google mobility tracking data shows that retail and recreation trips on May 21 were down 60pc from the pre-Covid era, an improvement from the precipitous drop of 80pc suffered in April.
Its a measure of how ridiculous the current campaign environment has become that the biggest question for the CD2 Republican primary is: Who loved Trump the most  five years ago?

Its an incredibly dumb issue on which to decide an election. In 2016, more than 55% of Republican primary voters supported one of the other 16 candidates in the race. But thats irrelevant now. Whats important is whether those Republicans now believe the Trump administration is a success  and the answer is that about 94% of them do. This includes both Yvette Herrell and Claire Chase  both of whom, like a majority of Republicans, backed someone else in the 2016 primaries.

After all, Trumps own press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said far worse things about Trump in 2016 than either Herrell or Chase did. Trump doesnt view that as disqualifying McEnany, so neither should Republican primary voters.

Not so, say the Democrats. Thats right: Enter the Democrats, stage left. Progressive Democrats are now  very sincerely, no doubt  playing in the Republican primary. A Democratic SuperPAC, Patriot Majority, is openly and brazenly endorsing Yvette Herrell and viciously attacking Claire Chase. They are spending $250,000 on TV and mail to try to make the case Herrell might have been for Trump before Chase was for Trump.

Why are the Democrats doing this?

Answer: Because they believe  with a lot of evidence  that Herrell is the much weaker candidate.

This should be starting to make sense now.

As far as we know, Yvette Herrell is a fine person and was a decent state representative. However, shes not someone who is able to articulate issues at the congressional level  on the big stage, so to speak. As a result of that lack of confidence, she refused to debate Xochitl Torres Small in 2018. This led voters to believe she didnt understand the issues, causing many to vote against her.

So even though the GOP had won the same seat by 57,283 votes just two years earlier, Herrells weak candidacy and poor campaign resulted in her losing by 3,722 votes.

This represented an enormous swing of more than 61,000 votes against the Republican candidate. Thats an incredible indictment of Herrells weakness as a congressional candidate. Herrell lost the support of 46,000 voters who had supported the previous Republican candidate, while Torres Small gained more than 16,000 voters who had refused to support the previous Democratic nominee.

If Herrell did that poorly in a year in which CD2 was an open seat, why on earth should she be stronger against Torres Small now that she is the incumbent?

The answer is: She wont be.

Democrats are not dumb. They repeatedly go back to tried and true tactics.

The Democrats are trying to accomplish something in New Mexico theyve successfully pulled off before in Nevada, Missouri, Indiana and Delaware: Trick Republicans into nominating the weaker candidate so Democrats can win the general election. As usual, theyre pushing irrelevant issues to distract the average voter. But rather than follow the Democrats hypnotic campaign ads, GOP voters should look more closely at the two candidates.

Like most Republicans around the country, Chase and Herrell pretty much agree on every single issue: the border wall, right-to-life, Second Amendment and restarting and rebuilding the economy.

The key difference is Chase is vastly more articulate, has far greater command of the issues and can debate the Democratic incumbent. Herrell can do none of those things.

Additionally, Claire Chase has raised 50% more campaign funds than Herrell, $1.2 million vs. $800,000, in a much shorter time, demonstrating Herrells continued inability to appeal to conservative donors.

The Democrats clearly believe they can easily beat Herrell again. Thats why theyre working hard to ensure she wins the primary.

CD2 Republican voters need to see through all of this. Otherwise, theyll have fallen for the same dirty tricks Democrats have used over and over.

Rod Adair is a former elections administrator for the N.M. secretary of state, political demographer and retired Army officer.
Ever since it retired the space shuttle in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian spaceships launched from Kazakhstan to take US astronauts to and from the space station. In the intervening years, NASA outsourced the job of designing and building its next generation of spaceships to SpaceX and Boeing, awarding them $7 billion in contracts in a public-private partnership aimed at driving down costs and spurring innovation. Boeing's spaceship, the Starliner capsule, is not expected to fly astronauts until early 2021. A SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Crew Dragon capsule, lifts off from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral. Credit:AP Musk said earlier in the week that the project is aimed at "reigniting the dream of space and getting people fired up about the future." Ultimately, NASA hopes to rely in part on its commercial partners as it works to send astronauts back to the moon in the next few years, and on to Mars in the 2030s.

Before setting out for the launch pad in a gull-wing Tesla SUV - another Musk product - Behnken pantomimed a hug of his six-year-old son, Theo, and said: "Are you going to listen to Mummy and make her life easy?" Hurley blew kisses to his 10-year-old son and wife. Loading A launch attempt on Wednesday was called off with less than 17 minutes to go in the countdown because of lightning. On Saturday, stormy weather in Florida threatened another postponement for most of the day, but then the skies began to clear in the afternoon just in time. Nine minutes after liftoff, the rocket's first stage booster landed, as designed, on a barge a few hundred miles off the Florida coast. Inside Kennedy Space Centre, attendance was strictly limited because of the coronavirus, and the small crowd of a few thousand was a shadow of what it would have been without the threat of COVID-19. President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence flew in for the event for the second time in four days.

By NASA's count, over 3 million viewers tuned in online. Despite NASA's insistence that the public stay safe by staying home, spectators gathered along beaches and roads hours in advance. Among them was Neil Wight, a machinist from Buffalo, New York, who staked out a view of the launch pad from a park in Titusville. President Donald Trump stands with Vice-President Mike Pence as they wait to view the SpaceX flight to the International Space Station. Credit:AP "It's pretty historically significant in my book, and a lot of other people's books. With everything that's going on in this country right now, it's important that we do things extraordinary in life," Wight said. "We've been bombarded with doom and gloom for the last six, eight weeks, whatever it is, and this is awesome. It brings a lot of people together."

The astronauts were kept in quasi-quarantine for more than two months before liftoff. The SpaceX technicians who helped them get into their spacesuits wore masks and gloves that made them look like black-clad ninjas. And at the launch centre, the SpaceX controllers were seated far apart. Loading Hurley, a 53-year-old retired Marine, and Behnken, 49, an Air Force colonel, are veterans of two space shuttle flights each. Hurley piloted the space shuttle on the last launch of astronauts from Kennedy, on July 8, 2011. In keeping with Musk's penchant for futuristic flash, the astronauts wore angular white uniforms with black trim. Instead of the usual multitude of dials, knobs and switches, the Dragon capsule has three large touchscreens. SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012. In preparation for Wednesday's flight, SpaceX sent up a Dragon capsule with only a test dummy aboard last year, and it docked smoothly at the orbiting outpost on autopilot, then returned to Earth in a splashdown.

During the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and shuttle programs, NASA relied on aerospace contractors to build spacecraft according to the agency's designs. NASA owned and operated the ships. Under the new, 21st-century partnership, aerospace companies design, build, own and operate the spaceships, and NASA is essentially a paying customer on a list that could eventually include non-government researchers, artists and tourists. (Tom Cruise has already expressed interest.) "What Elon Musk has done for the American space program is he has brought vision and inspiration that we hadn't had" since the shuttle's retirement in 2011, Bridenstine said on the eve of launch. He called the SpaceX chief "brilliant" and said Musk has "absolutely delivered" for NASA. The mission is technically considered by SpaceX and NASA to be a test flight. The next SpaceX voyage to the space station, set for the end of August, will have a full, four-person crew: three Americans and one Japanese. Wednesday's first human flight was originally targeted for around 2015. But NASA's commercial crew program encountered bureaucratic delays and technical setbacks.
Voters will become disenfranchised unless arrangements for a virtual Parliament remain in place, an ex-Cabinet minister has said.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Karen Bradley, chairwoman of the Commons Procedure Committee, said preventing MPs from taking part remotely will exclude members with underlying health conditions who are unable to travel to Westminster.

The committee has put forward recommendations for virtual Parliament sittings to continue and is urging the Government to carry on with remote voting amid a planned return to Westminster next week.

It commended the hybrid arrangements, which allow MPs to either vote remotely or in the Commons chamber, in a report published on Saturday.

NEW REPORT: The Procedure Committee recommends continued virtual participation in @HouseofCommons debates for as long as the #coronavirus pandemic prevents MPs attending in person. #virtualparliament https://t.co/OOdMJlnzCF  Procedure Committee (@CommonsProcCom) May 30, 2020

It comes as MPs are set to return to Parliament on Tuesday to decide on a new method of voting.

Ms Bradley expressed concern only 50 MPs are able to take part in procedures at once in person.

She told the BBC: We are still going to have only 50 members in the chamber. We are still not going to have that cut and thrust of interventions.

That simply isnt Parliament as we are used to seeing it. This is a suboptimal Parliament.

This is going to be a Parliament still not scrutinising Government in a way that it should.

With only 50 members in the chamber, with only those that are able to be there physically because they have not got underlying health conditions, or for other reasons, we are disenfranchising a great swathe of members and their constituents.

Story continues

Labours shadow disabilities minister Vicky Foxcroft also called for remote arrangements to continue.

She told the BBC: Disabled people are extremely concerned at the moment in terms of whats going on, and they need to feel that their voice is being represented.

Only 50 MPs will be allowed in tehe Commons at once (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/PA)

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told The Times: I still believe that we ought to be looking at hybrid for those people who are shielding, those people with an age profile.

And there may be MPs who are really struggling because they have nobody to look after their children. Other businesses would try to accommodate that.

The fact is Im very, very worried about somebody coming in who may be infected and before we know it, that has been passed round.

The committee said in its report: It is unfortunate that the arrangements for remote proceedings were allowed to lapse on May 20, and that it has been necessary to recall the House to allow it to decide on how to conduct its proceedings while the restrictions on its work continue.

Ms Bradley said: The hybrid House of Commons was an excellent achievement, and the Procedure Committee worked closely with officials to ensure that hybrid proceedings were as effective as possible under the circumstances MPs were faced with in April.

While hybrid proceedings could never replace the spontaneity and cut and thrust of debate in the Commons chamber, they were the best possible option under the conditions in place.

The view of the Procedure Committee is that some form of continued virtual participation continues to be the best option to enable all members, including those unable to travel to Westminster, to represent their constituents.

The Speaker has accepted the Government's request to recall Parliament on Tuesday 2 June. The House of Commons will meet at 11.30am instead of 2.30pm. Speakers letter informing MPs of the recall: https://t.co/R07Qvd9T6B Read more about a recall: https://t.co/Fwi1jJUsBX  UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) May 28, 2020

The committee expressed serious concerns over plans for division lobbies, stating it had found significant deficiencies in the system.

It follows the announcement on Thursday by Sir Lindsay that the division lobbies are unsafe to use for voting.

Those concerns were shared by Public Health England, which advised it would not be safe for MPs to vote in the traditional way of filing into division lobbies, despite measures such as perspex booths being put in place.

Ms Bradley said: We have serious concerns about how the proposed system for divisions in the chamber will work in practice.

The House ought to be made aware of the detail of the arrangements before it decides on temporary division arrangements on Tuesday.

If the proposed arrangements cannot be made to work, the remote voting system used in May, paired with voting in the chamber, could be a workable alternative.

Liberal Democrat political and constitutional reform spokeswoman Wendy Chamberlain said: The Governments advice to the public is to work from home if possible.

Parliamentary authorities have bent over backwards to ensure the House of Commons can sit remotely to help protect public health. There is no good reason not to continue to do just that.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Pandemic and Employment Guarantee: A Review

by Debatra K. Dey (Dept. of Economics, Srikrishna College, Bagula, W.B)

It was probably the first time in India under the regime of liberal economy that the gap between India and Bharat became prominent when the Report of the National Commission For Enterprise in the Unorganised Sector in 2007 mentioned that It concentrates on a detailed analysis of the conditions of work and lives of the unorganised workers consisting of about 92 per cent of the total workforce of about 457 million (as of 2004-05). For most of them, conditions of work are utterly deplorable and livelihood options extremely few. Such a sordid picture coexists uneasily with a shining India that has successfully confronted the challenge of globalisation powered by increasing economic competition both within the country and across the world. Though it was an eye opener regarding the increasing inequalities and disjuncture in Indian economy in a high growth period yet the situation became worse as Indias rank in terms of Global Hunger Index drops down from 92 in 2006 to 102 in 2019 out of 119 countries.

The new liberal order also faces an unforeseen disease in the form of epidemic already plagued by rising nationalism and economic power of Non- Western countries. This is a moment of war meeting three crises; ecological crisis, crisis of global capitalism and the biological crisis as evident in current situation. The combined effects of the above-mentioned crises will be devastating and tell us in stark terms of the inability of the present global regime to secure lives (Samaddar,2020).

International Labour Organization (ILO) in the first week of April 2020 alerts that In India, with a share of almost 90 per cent of people working in the informal economy, about 400 million workers in the informal economy are at risk of falling deeper into poverty during the crises. In case of informal economy the same report suggests some targeted measures including cash transfer, providing alternative employment supplemented by efforts to ensure adequate supply of food and other essentials. This can work promptly with the help of local and community level initiatives to cater specific needs.

The return of millions of migratory workers hitherto invisible after the sudden lockdown has aggravated the crisis in a new scale. In this context noted historian Ramchandra Guha tells this as the greatest manmade tragedy in India since partition. Migration theories generally based on life time migration, suffer from methodological limitations and are inappropriate for analyzing the contemporary migration. It has been pointed out that invisibility of womens economic migration is an inherent lacuna in the data collecting process coupled with its inability in estimating effects of various socio-economic factors (Dutta and Shaw, 2015). In addition, NSSO and census reports fail to capture short term seasonal movements which contribute largely to in the migration process. There remains an inadequacy in data incorporating of children and women who would accompany the head of households to the destination (Dandekar and Ghai, 2020).

Ghatak (2020) opines that the migrant workers from rural areas play pivotal roles in the economic growth in India as capital alone cannot survive without labour. These migrant labourers are the fuel behind this growth engine as without this fuel the engine will sputter and stop because of upward pressure on wages in the limited pool of local labour markets.

The sudden lockdown on 24th March, 2020 has its immediate detrimental impacts on economy in general and the livelihoods of poor in particular. The shortage of labour in the time of Rabi harvesting due to return of migrant labour aggravated the situation when the acres of Rabi crop had increased by 9.5% compared to Kharif by the end of January 2020. Against this situation of widespread starvation Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) currently covering 13.5 crore households could act as an employer of the last resort. In order to address massive rural unemployment several measures are needed to leverage full potential of MGNREGA. To quote:

These include removing restrictions on the types of works allowed under the scheme by widening its scope and coverage, providing work to those without job cards to absorb returning migrant workers, lifting the ceiling of 100 days of work per household, clearing pending dues, increasing the budget outlay and paying the recommended national minimum wage of `375 to workers. A more inclusive and expanded implementation of social safety nets and public employment programmes can thus help stabilise the livelihoods of the rural poor in these uncertain times. (Editorial, Economic and Political Weekly, 2020).

It is argued that the problem of unemployment in rural areas can be addressed in three ways. First, a move to develop an active community level awareness and campaign to replace mechanization in agriculture by more labour-intensive cultivation if possible. Second, for local production of items of local requirement, the local weavers, artisan and craftsman may establish micro enterprises and form local community campaign for buying local products and thirdly, local initiatives for building community infrastructure, like water harvesting, canal irrigation network may generate employment opportunities (Bhattacharya, 2020).

Kumar (2020) apprehends that due to recent migrant crisis much more pressure will be on commons. There will be greater demand for work as more people are back in villages hence, agriculture activities may be extended to government and forest lands and new investment in irrigation may occur to intensify existing agricultural land.

However P.Sainath alerts us that livelihoods of millions engaged in agriculture in rural India has already been collapsed along with every livelihood in the countryside that has been savaged as well. So availability of employment for the migrants who returned to village is more problematic.

In the pretext of return of migrant workers in rural areas drawing on their experience in field Mit and Mahapatra (2020) suggest several recommendations to reduce rural distress through MGNREGA including giving priorities to the schemes can be taken by individuals or small groups of 4-6 workers required for repairing and strengthening bunds on land used for paddy cultivation, promoting poultry and goat rearing, reduction of daily work load, increase in wage, and days of guaranteed employment. This will, in a way, also be able to tackle the upcoming food crisis which is being apprehended at this current situation.

It has been reported by Tewari (2020) in the last week of April 2020 that amidst the country wide lockdown farmers and wage earners belonging to denotified tribes in Purulia district of West Bengal are struggling for sustenance. The report also indicates that joblessness resulting in indebtness has pushed them to the level of bonded labour in post lockdown period.

It is high time to effectively address this issue of rural employment in post lock down condition to sustain rural livelihoods to save the lives of million Indians. Alternatively, this might be an opportunity to revive rural economy with the help of extra human labour by not only creating eco friendly assets to strengthen rural infrastructure but also to promote rural social capital to fight against the pandemic of capitalism. It would lend positive impacts on the overall GDP of Indian economy and reduce the alarming increase of unemployment to some extent.

References:

International Labour Organisation (2020): ILO Monitor: COVID-19 and the world of work. Second edition, 7th April, 2020

Samaddar, Ranabir (2020): Introduction: Borders of an Epidemic in Boarders of An Epidemic: COVID-19 and the Migrant Workers (ed), pp: 1-23

Dutta,Ttina & Shaw, Annapurna (2015): Lifetime Vs Current Migration: A Methodological Review, Demography India (2015), Vol.44, Issue: 1&2, pp: 69-82

Editorial, Economic and Political Weekly (2020): Ameliorating Rural Distress, Vol.55, Issue No. 19, May 09, 2020

Bhattyacharya, Sutanu (2020): Rural economy, not the corporate sector, holds the key to economic revival, National Herald, 12 May 2020

Mit Rajesh and Mahapatra Saroj (2020): NREGA in the times of COVID-19,

https://idronline.org/nrega-in-the-times-of-covid-19/

Kumar, Anish (2020): The future of rural India post-COVID-19, https://idronline.org/the-future-of-rural-india-post-covid-19/

Ghatak, Maitreesh (2020): The indispensability of labour in reviving Indias economic engine, The Hindustan times, 8 May, 2020

Tiwary, Sadhika (2020): Covid-19: Indebtness, Hunger May push West Bengals Denotified Tribes Into Bonded Labour, India Spent, April 24, 2020

Dandekar, Ajay and Rahul Ghai (2020): Migration and Reverse Migration in the Age of COVID-19, Economic and Political Weekly, HYPERLINK  https://www.epw.in/journal/2020/19  Vol. 55, Issue No. 19, 09 May, 2020

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/migrant-woes-greatest-manmade-tragedy-in-india-since-partition-ramchandra-guha/article31663219.ece

https://www.firstpost.com/india/urban-india-didnt-care-about-migrant-workers-till-26-march-only-cares-now-because-its-lost-their-services-p-sainath-8361821.html
Video conferencing provider Zoom plans to strengthen encryption of video calls hosted by paying clients and institutions such as schools, but not by users of its free consumer accounts, a company official said on Friday. The company, whose business has boomed with the coronavirus pandemic, discussed the move on a call with civil liberties groups and child-sex abuse fighters on Thursday, and Zoom security consultant Alex Stamos confirmed it on Friday.

In an interview, Stamos said the plan was subject to change and it was not yet clear which, if any, nonprofits or other users, such as political dissidents, might qualify for accounts allowing more secure video meetings. He added that a combination of technological, safety and business factors went into the plan, which drew mixed reactions from privacy advocates.

Zoom has attracted millions of free and paying customers amid the pandemic, in part because users could join a meeting - something that now happens 300 million times a day - without registering. But that has allowed opportunities for troublemakers to slip into meetings, sometimes after pretending to be invitees.

Gennie Gebhart, a researcher with the Electronic Frontier Foundation who was on Thursday's call, said she hoped Zoom would change course and offer protected video more widely. But Jon Callas, a technology fellow of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the strategy seemed a reasonable compromise.

Safety experts and law enforcement have warned that sexual predators and other criminals are increasingly using encrypted communications to avoid detection. "Those of us who are doing secure communication believe we need to do things about the real horrible stuff," said Callas, who previously sold paid encryption services.

"Charging money for end-to-end encryption is a way to get rid of the riff-raff." Zoom hired Stamos and other experts after a series of security failures led some institutions to ban its use. Last week Zoom released a technical paper on its encryption plans, without saying how widely they would reach.

"At the same time that Zoom is trying to improve security, they are also significantly upgrading their trust and safety," said Stamos, a former chief security officer at Facebook. "The CEO is looking at different arguments. The current plan is paid customers plus enterprise accounts where the company knows who they are."

Full encryption for every meeting would leave Zoom's trust and safety team unable to add itself as a participant in gatherings to tackle abuse in real time, Stamos added. An end-to-end model, which means no one but the participants and their devices can see and hear what is happening, would also have to exclude people who call in from a telephone line.

From a business perspective, it is hard to earn money when offering a sophisticated and expensive encryption service for free. Facebook is planning to fully encrypt Messenger, but it earns enormous sums from its other services. Other providers of encrypted communication either charge business users or act as nonprofits, such as the makers of Signal.

Zoom is also dealing with regulators such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which is looking into its previous claims about encryption that have been criticized as exaggerated or false, said Stamos and another person familiar with the matter. With the Justice Department and some members of Congress condemning strong encryption, Zoom could draw unwanted new attention through a major expansion in that area, privacy experts said.

Also read: Coronavirus India live updates: 114 more cops test positive in Maharashtra in past 24 hours

Also read: Zoom hires Indian-origin Velchamy Sankarlingam as head of engineering
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that China's plan to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong would undermine the territory's autonomy

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that China's plan to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong would undermine the territory's autonomy.

China's parliament has approved a decision to go forward with national security legislation for Hong Kong that democracy activists, diplomats and some in the business world fear will jeopardise its semi-autonomous status and its role as a global financial hub.

"The leaders said that Chinas plan to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong goes against their obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and would undermine Hong Kongs autonomy and the One Country Two Systems framework," said a statement issued by Johnson's office following a call between the leaders.

Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada and the EU have all already criticised the move. [nL8N2DB4BL]

Johnson and Trump also discussed the importance of G7 leaders meeting in person if possible, with the next summit of the group of major developed economies due to take place in the United States.

The two leaders also discussed telecommunications security, the statement said, but it did not provide any further details on what was said on the topic.

Britain and the United States are at odds over London's decision to allow Chinese telecoms firm Huawei to play a role in building Britain's 5G network. [nL8N2D45J8]

(Reporting by William James; editing by Stephen Addison)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
SALEM  Oregon lawmakers will get a new chance to question officials about the much-criticized performance of the Employment Department in handling a record number of claims during the shutdown of business activity in the coronavirus pandemic.

The House Business and Labor Committee has scheduled a session from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, which will be livestreamed on the Oregon Legislatures website.

Members on Wednesday heard from two agency officials, who did virtually all the speaking during an hourlong presentation that allowed no time for questions.

House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, released a statement Thursday:

Chair Paul Holvey was unsatisfied with what the committee heard from Oregon Employment Department Director Kay Erickson and her deputy David Gerstenfeld and asked the speaker (Kotek) yesterday afternoon to provide an additional opportunity to hear from them to further answer the committee's questions.

In addition to processing a record 400,000-plus regular unemployment claims since Gov. Kate Browns executive orders took effect in mid-March, the agency has had to handle three new programs passed by Congress that extended benefits and expanded eligibility.

Also, 38,000 of the 400,000 claims still remain unprocessed. A processed claim, however, does not mean that the person is receiving benefits.

I appreciate the new programs you are having to manage, which is difficult, Holvey said when he closed the meeting Wednesday. But we still have a lot of people in need  and we need to help people as quickly as possible.

Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, protested the lack of time for direct questioning of the officials in a statement she issued after Wednesdays meeting. She said she has heard from many who have been unable to get through to someone at the agency.

The horror stories are endless and have been well documented by the press, she said. I am incredibly frustrated that lawmakers were not given an opportunity to ask questions of the departments leadership.

Public apology

In her opening statement Wednesday, Erickson offered a public apology.

We have done a lot. We have accomplished a lot. And yet there is still much more to do, she said.

To our customers, I know in these uncertain times, waiting for confirmation of your unemployment benefits can be agonizing. For the thousands of Oregonians who are still waiting, I do apologize. In the coming weeks, we will be doubling down on our efforts to get to a better place.

On Tuesday, Erickson announced a new effort (Project Focus 100) to process the remaining 38,039 claims of more than 400,000 that have been filed since March 15. The agency has processed about 90% of the total, though some people still await benefits because of unresolved issues. The agency goal is to process 90% of new claims within three weeks of filing.

She said some of the most experienced claims processors  the total staff has jumped from 100 to 700 in recent weeks  will be assigned to resolve what are often the most complex claims.

During the Great Recession a decade ago, Oregon lost 147,000 jobs at its low point, which took a year to reach.

We are doubling down on the people who have been waiting the longest to get them benefits quickly, Gerstenfeld said. But it is not possible to do all of the work at once.

New programs

The new effort takes in two other programs passed by Congress in the CARES Act, which was signed March 27.

The Employment Department is one month into processing claims from a newly eligible group of workers  self-employed people, independent contractors, part-time and gig workers  but also required states to determine whether they qualify for regular benefits. So far about 50,000 people have applied. They qualify for a minimum benefit of $205 per week, for up to 39 weeks, and some may eventually get more.

The department started May 21 to process claims for 13 weeks of extended payments to people who have already exhausted their standard 26 weeks of benefits.

These programs added layers of complexity, Erickson said. We were asking people who worked for us for just weeks to quickly navigate those systems using our current technology. Under a third program, all recipients will get $600 per week on top of their unemployment benefits through July 31. There are no extra requirements for people to qualify.

The Employment Department presentation took an hour, and it was the first time officials faced a legislative committee.

WorkShare

The officials also touched on WorkShare, a program started in 2016 to enable businesses to tap unemployment benefits to aid workers whose hours have been cut by 20% to 40%. Federal funds will pay all benefits through Dec. 26, and under a federal law, the range is now between 10% and 60%.

It has made it more appealing for reimbursing employers to use WorkShare than it ever has been in the past, Gerstenfeld said. Because of that and the general economic crisis we are in, we are seeing a huge increase in the number of WorkShare plans.

Until mid-March, 168 employer plans affecting 3,018 people were processed. during the past year. Since then,1,009 plans and 10,195 claims have been processed. Gerstenfeld said WorkShare requires more data entries into the system.

Other issues

 Antiquated computers: The Employment Department has a mainframe computer system that dates back three decades, and depends on COBOL, a computer language first unveiled in 1959. The agency has developed workarounds, but Erickson said, They are not fully integrated with each other and have limited compatibility with todays technology.

 Waiting week: Gov. Kate Brown said she wanted the waiting week abolished so that benefits can get paid faster, but it would require computer changes that Gerstenfeld said were deemed less urgent than processing thousands of claims.

 Fraud. The Washington State Employment Security Department recently disclosed that hundreds of millions have been paid out in fraudulent claims that are believed to have originated overseas, based on stolen personal information. Oregon is aware of these issues and is actively taking measures to prevent them, Gerstenfeld said.
**This image is for use with this specific article only**

Tony L. Clark holds a photo of George Floyd outside the Cup Food convenience store, Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Minneapolis. Floyd, a handcuffed black man, died Monday in police custody near the convenience store. (Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via AP)
Acts 2 is one of the most climactic passages in all of Scripture and a pinnacle of redemptive history:

"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:14)

Yes, you might reply, Pentecost is certainly historically important. But does this rather fantastic festival have any continuing spiritual value for the believer today?

Indeed, it does. The Christian remembrance of Pentecost Sunday holds important biblical teaching that builds the life of a believer and continues to support the fulfillment of the Great Commission in our time.

Pentecost Sunday 2021 falls on May 23rd this year. Lets look at the meaning of Pentecost Sunday in the Bible and consider five remarkable things all believers should know about Pentecost

1. Pentecost Sunday celebrates the provision of God.

Pentecost is the Greek name (meaning 50th day after Easter) given for the ancient Jewish festival called, Shavuoth.

Shavuoth is the God-ordained celebration of First Fruits during the Festival of Weeks, commanded to Moses in Exodus 34:22-43. The time of the year and event is roughly equivalent to an early wheat harvest that still occurs today in Israel (and in Kansas!).

So, what is so important about an early wheat harvest? If you have ever stood and looked across a cold, winter landscape in Kansas and wondered, What good can come out of that frozen earth? How could this be the breadbasket of the world? Its barren, frozen ground as far as the eye can see! Then you know there is a reason to celebrate when the spring crop of red winter wheat appears. The seeds that have been lying as prolepticunseen but real, dead but alive, hidden but destined to burst forthbeneath the woolen blankets of snow have become a golden sea of ripe grain blowing gently in the warming breezes of the great Sunflower State.

So, too, God commanded Moses to have the people of Israel remember that everything that they have comes from his hand.

Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter, 50 days after that glorious resurrection, the Spirit of the living God fell upon the disciples as promised, and they were empowered for worldwide mission. And that breath of the Holy Spirit which transformed them, which demonstrated Pentecosts intent by signs and wonders on that day, continues to blow, advancing the Great Commission of Jesus Christ through successive generations until he comes again.

Pentecost reminds us that what God starts, God completes. We are the means, but God is both the first mover and the glorious end himself.

And this is the first great feature of Pentecost which we must not miss: Pentecost is about the provision of God in our lives. By his grace he saves us, by his promises he keeps us, and by his glorious power he shall raise us from the dead.

Now, let's dive into why Pentecost Sunday is important.

2. Pentecost Sunday fulfills the ancient prophecies of Scripture.

Fifty days after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit of the living God came upon the disciples of Christ in a decisive demonstration of heavens worldwide redemptive mission. Peter stood and preached on that glorious day when the church was empowered to fulfill the mission of Christ. And when Peter preached, he quoted Joel Chapter 2:

But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:16-21)

Pentecost fulfills the ancient prophecies of Holy Scripture. Peter was saying that the festival of harvest had then yielded untold bushels of cataclysmic change in the universe as a result of the empowering of the disciples by the Holy Spirit.

We must remember as we gather in our churches, as we live our lives, as we lead our families in devotion, that Almighty God is fulfilling the redemptive mission of the ages by the empowering of his people to fulfill the Great Commission. And all of this was prophesied in the Old Testament and revealed in the New for Gods glory and our good, and for the salvation of millions of souls.

3. Pentecost fulfills the promises of Jesus.

Dr. Luke compiled his history of the Acts of the Apostles with medical-like literary precision.

Chapter 1 announces the central proposition from which successive narrative milestones flow. Luke is saying that the acts of the apostles and disciples are the supernatural fulfillment of the promise and plan of the risen Christ:

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?

And He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:4-8)

Therefore, Jesus Christ has set the terms of the churchs presence in the world: we are truly on a mission from God to go to the ends of the earth proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ to all people.

4. Pentecost Sunday is the supernatural inauguration of the worldwide mission of God in the world.

Some use a memorable but muddled expression to describe Pentecost: The Birthday of the church. While we admit the significance of the public unveiling of the body of Christ to the world, Pentecost is not really a birthday. The churchthe assembly (ekklesia) of all of Gods peopleincludes believers in the Old Testament. Did not St. Stephen speak of the church in the wilderness when describing Moses and the people of God?

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness [my emphasis] with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us. (Acts 7:38)

We have seen how the Spirit of God catapulted the church through Asia minor and into Europe, into the British Isles, across the ocean to the New World, and from there to the ends of the earth. We see the glorious revivals that are going on even today in Africa, India, and China. We anticipate the continued movement of the Holy Spirit around the earth with perhaps the Middle East being the next great centering point of revival.

Each of us is born again into the kingdom of God through the supernatural agency of the Holy Spirit. The work of the church is to fulfill the mission of God in the world. And this is accomplished through the empowering of the Holy Spirit for worldwide mission. Pentecost was the inaugural day for this glorious undertaking.

5. Pentecost marked the reversal of the curse of Babel.

We know that one of the judgments of the fall was the scattering of mankind into different languages, divided by distance, culture, and many other sources of disunity.

We read, Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language (Acts 2:56).

The late Dr. R.C. Sproul wrote: With the division of human languages into different tongues and dialects at the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:19), the opportunities for disagreement and strife among the peoples of the world were greatly exacerbated. However, the Lords judgment of the human race so long ago was not His last word for man.

The assemblage of so many different people from throughout the Roman Empire on the day of Pentecost and the subsequent supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit in which each person heard the preaching of the gospel in their own language marked the reversal of the curse of Babel.

Truly, in Christ, the reversal of the curses of the fall has now begun. We are moving inexorably toward that day that the great English poet called, paradise regained.

Pentecost Sunday was a milestone in the redemptive history of the church in the world.

It was Inauguration Day as the Holy Spirit demonstrated the provision of God, the prophecy of the Old Testament, the promises of Christ, faith in the prophecy of the Old Testament, and the of words of Jesus. This Pentecost, and every day, is a day to reorient our lives to the mission of God. When we appropriate the power of God available to us in Christ, we are more nearly fulfilling the Great Commission, and in doing so we sing that beautiful spiritual song of the late Presbyterian minister, Daniel Iverson:

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Photo Credit: GettyImages/SDenisov

Read more: Prayers for Pentecost and Holy Spirit Power

Pentecost in the Bible - Scriptures For Pentecost Sunday
The 200th train, carrying migrants to their home state, departed for Uttar Pradesh (UP) from the Ludhiana railway station here on Saturday.

Since May 5, when the first train left from here, more than 3.2 lakh migrants have been sent to their home states through these trains.

The train, that left for Madepur in UP, was flagged off by deputy commissioner Pradeep Kumar Agrawal.

The administration has been sending around 1,600 migrants in each train and, till date, a total of 203 trains have departed for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Jharkhand and other states.

The DC said so far, around 3.2 lakh migrants have been sent safely to their home states. The administration has been informing the registered migrants about their trains via phone calls and SMSes.

He said migrants were also given chance of manual registration for one day.

The DC said more than eight lakh migrants had registered for travelling to their home states, but as a large number of industrial units have started operations, several of them have dropped the plan to go to their native places and returned to their jobs.
Insurance fraud seems like it might be an easy thing to do. Insurance companies are often so huge, one wonders how they might not even notic...
Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and the president is no exception.

On Tuesday, he tweeted There is NO WAY (ZERO!) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent. Mail boxes will be robbed, ballots will be forged & even illegally printed out & fraudulently signed.''

The tweet, an obvious jab toward a political rival, has some element of truth to it. The recent city council vote-by-mail election in Paterson has received multiple calls from community leaders to be invalidated amid corruption claims. The claims are not unsubstantiated. Videos shown by NBC New York have detailed missing ballots found by postal workers, ballots left out in hallways, and even multiple ballots being handled by a single person. The situation has gotten so bad that even one of the winning candidates, Luis Velez, has called for transparency in this process.

Mail-in voter fraud at the municipal level is not an uncommon phenomenon in New Jersey; in fact, weve been here before. In June 2019, Frank Raia was found guilty in a federal court of orchestrating a widespread voter bribery scheme that affected the 2013 Hoboken city elections, with some testimony also suggesting fraud in other election years. While Frank and his conspirators were eventually brought to justice, the security and efficiency of our vote by mail system is still compromised.

Hoboken and Paterson may just be outliers, or they might just be cases in which the fraud was too large to be unnoticeable.

To be clear, despite risks associated with voting by mail, it is still too beneficial to be restricted or discouraged. It gives a de facto right to vote to groups who may not be able to cast an in person ballot. Those who work during normal voting hours, the elderly, those with mobility issues and those who may be immune compromised all benefit from being able to vote at home, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is no denying the benefits of voting by mail, but there are obvious flaws: cash for vote schemes, pressure from outside groups, and potential mishandling or destruction of the actual vote just to name a few. The issues have been known for quite some time, but where are the solutions, and when do we change the status quo?

Citizens' confidence in the voting process is what makes democracy work and if even one incidence of mishandling exists within the mail-in ballot model, the state should move to ensure it can never happen again. Instead of ignoring the issue or limiting vote by mail, we should instead move to reform the system by making the transportation of the vote more secure, allowing citizens to check the status of their ballot, keeping vote by mail applications confidential, and mobile van voting throughout the week before the election.

When it comes to democracy, no price is too high if it ensures that all New Jerseyans have a say in who governs them. New Jersey can learn from the mistakes in the mail-in voting process, move to improve it in a way that rightfully enfrancises all Jersey voters, and set an example for the entire country to follow.

Daniel Roque, MPH, West New York

Send letters to the editor and guest columns for The Jersey Journal to jjletters@jjournal.com.
SRINAGAR: The attack on terror group Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin in Pakistans Islamabad has caused panic among the terrorists active in the Kashmir Valley.

It may be noted that Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin was left grievously injured after he was attacked by unknown assailants in Islamabad on May 25.

According to sources, the attack on Salahuddin was orchestrated by Pakistans spy agency ISI. It is believed that the attack on the Hizbul chief is a result of the widening differences between the ISI and Salauddin.

Sources claim that the main aim behind the attack was not to take his life but send a strong message to the Hizbul chief. After the attack, Salahuddin was rushed to a safer place and the Pakistani Army took control of the site of the attack.

As per sources, the Pakistani mainstream news channels were given clear instructions not to air the news of the attack on Hizbul chief.

For the last few months, Salauddin, who also heads the United Jihad Council (UJC), a Pakistan-based conglomeration of various terror groups sponsored by ISI, was unhappy with the ISI over the lack of support to his group.

Recent reports stated that Hizbul cadres were not provided adequate training, weapons, and ammunition, which resulted in a major fallout between Salahuddin and the ISI.

Moreover, after the elimination of Hizbul top commander Riyaz Naikoo in an encounter at south Kashmir by the Indian Army, Salahuddin had openly criticized the ISI during an interaction with the Hizbul cadres in PoK.

Sources claim that the ISI might have planned to attack Salahuddin in a bid to send a strong signal to other terror groups to follow its diktats and toe the line.
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is involved in the international arms trade, said Mikael Minasyan, Armenian ex-ambassador to the Vatican.

"2016. There are many fictional and real stories about the April war. But there is one public consensus that unites everyone - the former, current authorities, experts, the public - that the Armenian and Artsakh authorities, despite being ready for hostilities from the military point of view, were unprepared in terms of information.

It means that the Armenian armed forces did not know exactly when, how, and by what forces the enemy will attack. And because of that omission, the previous authorities fired a person who was officially responsible for that omission. I am talking about the former Head of Intelligence Department, Arshak Karapetyan," he added.

According to him, since Nikol Pashinyan likes to use people, he told Karapetyan that if he wants to become an important person in the new Armenia, he must provide his services, "and General Karapetyan started providing services."

"On the 23rd of the month, General Arshak Karapetyan secretly went on a business trip to Voronezh," he added.

According to him, since there is both a state of emergency in Armenia and Russia, General Karapetyan could not leave Armenia and cross the Russian border for a private visit, "so he went as a state official, and there is nothing about it on the government's website."

He went by the secret or verbal order of the Prime Minister, Minasyan noted.

According to him, "Nikol Pashinyan, who has long used General Karapetyan for special and dark tasks, this time sent him to Voronezh to negotiate with the special services of Russia" to help the PM and his family over the case on smuggled cigarettes, "so that a criminal case is not initiated."

As Minasyan noted, General Karapetyan's "mission" did not end there, after which he took action by Pashinyan in Moscow to negotiate with the officials of the Russian defense ministry to cover up the scandal as well.

Minasyan also noted that Nikol Pashinyan has attracted Armenia to the black market for the international arms trade.

According to Minasyan, Pashinyan is ready to do everything for money and power.

"That's why he tried to reach an agreement with our two biggest enemies to strengthen and seize power," he said adding: "Nikol Pashinyan does not respect the Armenian people, does not respect human life."
Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC / Key word(s): Statement/Miscellaneous

Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC : Commencement of Strategic Review and Formal Sale Process





Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A POSSIBLE OFFER UNDER RULE 2.4 OF THE CITY CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS (THE "TAKEOVER CODE" OR "CODE") AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A FIRM INTENTION TO MAKE AN OFFER UNDER RULE 2.7 OF THE TAKEOVER CODE. THERE CAN BE NO CERTAINTY THAT AN OFFER WILL BE MADE NOR AS TO THE TERMS ON WHICH ANY OFFER MIGHT BE MADE. The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). With the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. 29 May 2020 Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC ("Williams", "WGPH", the "Company" or the "Group") Commencement of Strategic Review and Formal Sale Process The Board of Williams is currently undertaking a review of all the various strategic options available for the Company. Options being considered include, but are not limited to, raising new capital for the business, a divestment of a minority stake in WGPH, or a divestment of a majority stake in WGPH including a potential sale of the whole Company. Whilst no decisions have been made regarding the optimal outcome yet, to facilitate discussions with interested parties, the Board of the Company resolved today the commencement of a "formal sale process" (as referred to in Note 2 on Rule 2.6 of the Takeover Code). The WGPH board has appointed Allen & Co. and Lazard as joint financial advisers to assist with the strategic review and formal sale process. Parties with a potential interest in Williams should contact Allen & Co. or Lazard at the contact details set out below. Any interested party participating in the formal sale process will be required to enter into a non-disclosure agreement with WGPH on terms satisfactory to the WGPH board. The Company then intends to provide such interested parties with certain information on the business, following which interested parties will be invited to submit their proposals. The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers has agreed that any discussions with third parties may be conducted within the context of a formal sale process. Accordingly it has granted a dispensation from the requirements of Rules 2.4(a), 2.4(b) and 2.6(a) of the Takeover Code such that any party participating in the formal sale process will not be required to be publicly identified under Rules 2.4(a) or (b) and will not be subject to the 28 day deadline referred to in Rule 2.6(a) of the Takeover Code for so long as it is participating in the formal sale process. The Company is not in receipt of any approaches at the time of this announcement and confirms that it is in preliminary discussions with a small number of parties regarding a potential investment in the Company. There can be no certainty that an offer will be made, nor as to the terms on which any offer will be made. The WGPH board reserves the right to alter or terminate the process at any time and if it does so it will make an announcement as appropriate. The WGPH board also reserves the right to reject any approach or terminate discussions with any interested party at any time. Following this announcement, the Company is now considered to be in an "offer period" as defined in the Takeover Code, and the dealing disclosure requirements summarised below will apply. Further announcements regarding timings and procedures for the formal sale process will be made as appropriate. For further information please contact the following: Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC Tel: +44 1235 777 842 Tim Hunt Allen & Company LLC (Joint Financial Adviser) Tel: +1 (212) 339 2383 Paul Gould williamsprocess@allenco.com Georg Schloendorff Lazard & Co., Limited (Joint Financial Adviser) Tel: +44 20 7187 2000 Richard Shaw Matthew Knott Important Notices Notes relating to the Joint Financial Advisers Allen & Company LLC, which is registered with and licensed as a broker-dealer by the United Stated Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated in the state of New York, is acting as financial adviser to Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC and no one else in connection with the matters described in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC for providing the protections afforded to clients of Allen & Company LLC nor for providing advice in relation to the matters described or referred to in this announcement. Neither Allen & Company LLC nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Allen & Company LLC in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein or the matters described or referred to in this announcement or otherwise. Lazard & Co., Limited, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting as financial adviser to Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC and no one else in connection with the matters described in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC for providing the protections afforded to clients of Lazard & Co., Limited nor for providing advice in relation to the matters described or referred to in this announcement. Neither Lazard & Co., Limited nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Lazard & Co., Limited in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein or the matters described or referred to in this announcement or otherwise.



Forward looking statements This announcement (including information incorporated by reference in this announcement), oral statements made regarding the formal sale process, and other information published by the Company may contain statements about the Company that are or may be deemed to be forward looking statements. Such statements are prospective in nature. All statements other than historical statements of facts may be forward looking statements. Without limitation, statements containing the words "targets", "plans", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may", "anticipates", "estimates", "projects" or "considers" or other similar words may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements inherently contain risks and uncertainties as they relate to events or circumstances in the future. Important factors such as business or economic cycles, the terms and conditions of the Company's financing arrangements, tax rates, or increased competition may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any forward looking statements. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking or other statements contained herein, except as required by applicable law. Disclosure requirements of the Code Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) of the Code applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.



Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) of the Code applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.



If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3 of the Code.



Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4 of the Code).



Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure. Rule 2.9 disclosure In accordance with Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, the Company confirms that it has 10,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each in issue ("Ordinary Shares"). The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) reference for these securities is DE000A1H6VM4. The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury. Publication on Website In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, a copy of this announcement will be available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in restricted jurisdictions, on the Company's website at https://group.williamsf1.com/corporate/investors/strategicreview as soon as possible and in any event no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on 1 June 2020 (being the business day following the date of this announcement). The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Mark Biddle, General Counsel and Company Secretary. The content of the website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into and does not form part of this announcement.



This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form part of any offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction whether pursuant to this announcement or otherwise. The distribution of this announcement in jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom may be restricted by law and therefore persons into whose possession this announcement comes should inform themselves about, and observe such restrictions. Any failure to comply with the restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities law of any such jurisdiction. The securities of the offeree company have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state or jurisdiction securities laws, and cannot be offered or sold in the U.S. or to a U.S. person without registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Legal Entity Identifier: 213800AFJXFAVYBTE915 END

Contact:

Mark Biddle

General Counsel

Mark.Biddle@WilliamsF1.com 29-May-2020 CET/CEST The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


Last two COVID patients at Phuket field hospital go home

PHUKET: The last two patients under hospital care at the field hospital set up at the site of the unfinished new Provincial Hall went home today (May 30).

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By The Phuket News

Saturday 30 May 2020, 07:15PM

The last two patients at the field hospital set up at the still-unfinished new Provincial Hall, were discharged from medical care today (May 30). Photo: PR Phuket

The last two patients at the field hospital set up at the still-unfinished new Provincial Hall, were discharged from medical care today (May 30). Photo: PR Phuket

The last two patients at the field hospital set up at the still-unfinished new Provincial Hall, were discharged from medical care today (May 30). Photo: PR Phuket

The last two patients at the field hospital set up at the still-unfinished new Provincial Hall, were discharged from medical care today (May 30). Photo: PR Phuket

The last two patients at the field hospital set up at the still-unfinished new Provincial Hall, were discharged from medical care today (May 30). Photo: PR Phuket

The last two patients at the field hospital set up at the still-unfinished new Provincial Hall, were discharged from medical care today (May 30). Photo: PR Phuket

The last two patients at the field hospital set up at the still-unfinished new Provincial Hall, were discharged from medical care today (May 30). Photo: PR Phuket

Dr Busaya Santisan of Vachira Phuket Hospital, who was tasked as the director of the field hospital, took the opportunity to praise the islands officials for the idea of setting up field hospitals.

This was the first time this idea has been tried in Phuket, she said, reported the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).

Dr Busaya also praised all parties involved in setting up the facility, especially the medical staff stationed there, said the report.

I would like to thank the Phuket Governor, Vice Governor, the Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital and all sectors that supported the operations of the field hospital as well, said Dr Busaya.

In addition, the readiness of the personnel on duty at this field hospital came with heart and sacrifice. Although they knew they would be at risk [of contracting the virus], they performed their duties in taking good care of patients, she added.

Dr Busaya called on people to observe the new normal and to protect themselves from the virus by wearing face masks, maintaining social distance and washing their hands frequently.

One of the two patients discharged from the facility today, a 58 year-old woman from Thalang, not named in the report, said, I would like to thank the medical staff for their care. Throughout the period of treatment I was closely monitored, warmly.

And I am glad to go home today, but I will strictly follow the doctors advice, she said.

The woman also urged, And I want to ask people in Phuket to please take care yourselves, and if you are sick, you should go see a doctor and you must tell them the truth for treatment to be safe from COVID-19.

No details of the other patient discharged from the facility were made available.

Although Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana on Mar 24 announced that the field hospital would be set up, and a mass rehearsal of moving patients into the facility was held two days later, officials never confirmed when the first actual patients were moved into the field hospital.

Regardless, Dr Busaya today said that a total of 121 people were admitted to the field hospital since it opened, whenever that was.

Two of those patients were transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital as their condition deteriorated and their symptoms became serious, Dr Busaya said.

One of those two patients was later transferred back to the field hospital after the symptoms were not so serious, he added.

Dr Busaya made no mention of what happened to the other patient that was transferred to Vachira hospital, though none of the three people who have died in Phuket from being infected with the virus were reported to have been admitted to the field hospital. (See here, here and here.)

The field hospital, now with no patients at all, will remain empty overnight and still close tomorrow, Dr Busaya confirmed.

After this, Phuket province will temporarily close the first field hospital in order for medical personnel to perform their duties in their usual areas, but we will still keep medical equipment, beds, mattresses and appliances here until the situation of the spread of COVID-19 reaches normal conditions, Dr Busaya said.

However, the PR Phuket report of the field hospital discharging its last two patients today gave no indication of the whereabouts of the people still waiting for tests results to confirm whether or not they are actually infected with COVID-19.

The daily reports of the COVID-19 situation in Phuket by PR Phuket and by the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO), which serves as the Phuket Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Incident Command Center, have for months consistently reported that all people waiting for test results are in hospital care.

As of today, PR Phuket reported that figure at 33 people. Currently, exactly where those people are in hospital care remains unknown.

According to the Phuket AntiCovid-19 Facebook page, set up as yet another official portal for disseminating information to the public, Phukets last patient receiving hospital care for COVID-19 is recovering at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.


A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft looms in the distance at launch complex 39A as American flags flutter in the wind, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 29

A final decision on a launch attempt for SpaceX's milestone mission to the International Space Station on Saturday afternoon will take place after assessing the weather that morning, NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said Friday.

Fears of a lightning strike postponed the initial takeoff attempt on Wednesday of what would have been the first crewed rocket launch from US soil in almost a decade, and the first time a commercial company has achieved the feat.

"No decision on weather right now for Saturday's test flight of @SpaceX's #CrewDragon spacecraft. Will reassess in the morning," tweeted Bridenstine.

Earlier in the day, NASA said the chances of a Saturday launch at 3:22 pm Eastern Time (1922 GMT) were 50 percent. The weather forecast currently predicts a thunderstorm.

The next window, which is determined by the relative positions of the launch site to the space station, is Sunday at 3:00 pm Eastern Time (1900 GMT), and fair weather is predicted.

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken, 49, and Douglas Hurley, 53, former military test pilots who joined the space agency in 2000, are to blast off from historic Launch Pad 39A on a two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The same launch pad was used by Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crewmates on their historic journey to the Moon, as NASA seeks to revive excitement around human space exploration ahead of a planned return to Earth's natural satellite and then Mars.

The mission comes despite shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with the crew in quarantine for more than two weeks.

NASA has urged crowds to stay away from Cocoa Beach, the traditional viewing spotbut that did not deter many space fans on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump, who flew in for the previous launch attempt, is expected to attend again.

Triumph for SpaceX

NASA has had to pay Russia for use of its Soyuz rockets to take its astronauts to space ever since the Space Shuttle program ended in 2011 and the decision was taken to shift focus to commercial partners for missions in low Earth orbit.

The mission is a defining moment for SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk in 2002 with a goal of tearing up the rules to produce a lower-cost alternative to human spaceflight.

By 2012, it had become the first private company to dock a cargo capsule at the ISS, resupplying the station regularly ever since.

Two years later, NASA ordered the next step: to transport its astronauts there by adapting the Dragon capsule.

The US space agency paid more than $3 billion for SpaceX to design, build, test and operate its reusable capsule for six future space round trips.

The project has experienced delays, explosions, and parachute problemsbut even so, SpaceX has beaten its competitor, aerospace giant Boeing, to the punch.

Crew Dragon is scheduled to dock with the ISS about 19 hours after liftoff, for a duration that is yet to be finalized, but likely around early August.

Wednesday's scheduled flight was scrubbed 17 minutes before blastoff because of high levels of atmospheric electricity that could have triggered a lightning strike on the rocket.

 2020 AFP
The New York Times

Editor's Note: The NASA-SpaceX joint human spaceflight was scheduled for liftoff on Thursday, 28 May, 2.00 am IST (Wednesday, 27 May at 4.32 pm EDT) from the Launch Complex 39A from the Kenndy Space Centre, Florida. However, due to bad weather conditions, they had to cancel the launch. It has now been re-scheduled for 31 May, 12.52 AM IST.

Its the Bob and Doug Show.

On Wednesday, weather permitting, two NASA astronauts, Robert L. Behnken and Douglas G. Hurley, are to be sitting on top of a SpaceX rocket headed to orbit. But NASA and SpaceX officials more often than not just call the pilots of this historic mission Bob and Doug.

I wanted to make sure everyone at SpaceX understood and knew Bob and Doug as astronauts, as test pilots  badass  but also as dads and husbands, Gwynne Shotwell, president of the company that built the Crew Dragon spacecraft that will carry the men to orbit, said at a news conference this month. I wanted to bring some humanity to this very deeply technical effort as well.

The mens trip to the space station will be the first from the United States since the retirement of the space shuttles in 2011, and Behnken and Hurley, friends and colleagues for two decades, have travelled remarkably similar paths to this moment.

One of the things thats really helpful for us as a crew is the long relationship that Doug and I have had, Behnken said this month during rounds of interviews with reporters. Were kind of at the point in our experience  whether its flying in the T-38 or executing in a SpaceX simulation or approaching and docking to the International Space Station  where we, in addition to finishing each others sentences, we can predict, you know, almost by body language, what the persons opinion is or what theyre going to do, what their next action is going to be.

The rapport and good humour between the astronauts were evident in a video created by NASA. Behnken said he was looking forward to the splashdown at the end of their mission before adding, with a grin, Im expecting a little bit of vomiting, maybe, to happen in that end game. When we get to that opportunity to do that in the water together, its kind of a weird thing to say, but Im looking for that kind of celebratory event.

Hurley offered a more serious answer, talking about how he enjoyed working together with a close friend.

And yes, he said, the celebratory vomiting at the end of the mission will be excellent.

Both are former military pilots who rose to the rank of colonel  Behnken in the US Air Force, Hurley in the Marines  before deciding they wanted to go even higher. Both joined NASA in 2000  two of the 17 astronauts selected by the space agency that year.

They have each flown to space twice on space shuttle missions, although never on the same mission. Hurley flew on the final space shuttle mission in 2011.

They both married astronauts from their class. Behnkens wife is Megan McArthur, an oceanographer who was part of the shuttle mission that made one last visit in 2009 to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope. Hurley is married to Karen Nyberg, who spent nearly six months on the International Space Station in 2013 and who retired from NASA at the end of March.

Behnken and McArthurs son, Theodore, is 6. Hurley and Nybergs son, Jack, is 10.

I think its a pretty cool-looking vehicle and my 10-year-old son certainly thinks its a cool vehicle with a cool name, Dragon, Hurley said. So I got the thumbs up from him and in the end, thats all that matters.

Hurley, 53, grew up in Apalachin, New York, outside Binghamton. He graduated with a bachelors degree in civil engineering from Tulane University.

Behnken, 49, is a native of Saint Ann, Missouri, graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in physics and mechanical engineering. He then completed masters and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering at the California Institute of Technology.

The road to the launchpad has been longer than had been expected and planned. After a successful uncrewed test flight of a Crew Dragon to the space station last year, it looked like Behnken and Hurley would soon follow on their mission.

But then the spacecrafts parachutes  essential for the safe return of the astronauts  failed in some tests. More disconcerting, the Crew Dragon that had made the successful trip to space exploded on a test stand while being fueled for a test firing of its thrusters. No one was on board, and no one was hurt, but a video of the explosion leaked online.

In October, the astronauts said they still had confidence in the spacecraft.

Certainly, its disappointing, Hurley said. You get questions from your family. What happened? Do you know what happened? That kind of thing. But the other part of it, you have to keep in mind, is this is a test, evaluation development, and its part of the process.

Behnken said he and Hurley were quickly and fully informed about the incident and the subsequent investigation as well as changes to the design.

Giving us insight and sharing that understanding as we go forward has been part of what has made us comfortable with this team going forward, Behnken said.

NASA recently made the decision to extend the Bob and Doug Show a bit longer than the two weeks originally planned. The space station is short-staffed at the moment, so Behnken and Hurley will stay longer to pitch in with operations.

For space missions, usually planned in precise detail, this trip is unusually open-ended. They will probably spend at least a month in orbit, and the stay could stretch to four months. Behnken has devoted time in the huge pool that NASA uses to rehearse spacewalks, and Hurley has taken refresher classes on the operation of the stations Canadian-built robotic arm.

Other astronauts who could have been in this spotlight, including Nicole Mann  one of two NASA astronauts assigned to a future flight on another spacecraft, Boeings Starliner  do not begrudge Behnken and Hurley.

It feels kind of like one of your close family members having a great lifetime achievement, she said, and really, thats what it is.

Kenneth Chang c.2020 The New York Times Company

Also Read

What do we know SpaceX's astronaut suits and the vehicle they use to travel to the launchpad; launch on Sunday, 31 May, 12.52 am IST

Looking at the journey of how NASA and its astronauts became one of SpaceXs biggest customers
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Feeling left for dead by New York state and city politicians, Staten Island restaurant owners developed a plan to kickstart the reopening process. The aims, put forth in a letter to politicians, are to get back into business in a safe, responsible way.

A group of 14 proprietors from around the borough sent a four-part list to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, signing it I.R.O.A.R. -- the Independent Restaurant Owners Association Rescue. The letter lobbies to be part of the states Phase 1 and demands for immediate reopening at 50 percent indoor capacity. The delivery and curbside pickup model is unsustainable, owners say.

New Jersey and other states are reopening quickly, and our customers will just go there for dine-in, leaving us in the dust, the letter said.

Warwick Ford and Nola Ford, right, have lunch in the outdoor seating area at Red Onion in downtown Aspen, Colo., Tuesday, May 26, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times via AP) APAP

The I.R.O.A.R. proposal begins with a section titled Understanding Restaurants.

With wages, rent, utilities, taxes and overhead in the Big Apple, Restaurants need to have 100 percent capacity to sustain themselves at three to five percent profit margins ... We are some of the hardest working people in America [and] we currently are held to the highest standards in the country," according to the letter.

I.R.O.A.R. maintains that Staten Island is a unique animal with larger storefronts, copious sidewalk space and parking lots. On Thursday afternoon, Council Speaker Corey Johnson recognized this and vowed to go forward with expedited permit processes for outdoor dining in spaces sourced with the help of the Department of Transportation. In the meantime, Staten Island will not receive special considerations for reopening their businesses earlier than other boroughs.

Restaurants will need to use outdoor spaces to seat more customers, this will potentially make up some of the lost revenue/sales tax, said I.R.O.A.R. The group is opposed to blocking streets as thoroughfares since Staten Islanders mainly use cars for transport.

Said I.R.O.A.R. in its declaration, Restaurant capacity will need to increase as we go into each phase. We have the warm weather months of June, July, August, and September, so lets use them. It also appealed for state Liquor Authority permission to set up temporary bar service outdoors for waiting areas, thus dispersing potential crowds.

The restaurants promised new procedures like temperature checks of employees and customers, assurance that tables are sanitized between seatings, frequent hand-washing among staffers and prolific placement of hand sanitizing stations for all to use. Other practices outlined included the use of menus that are disposable, verbally expressed, written on chalkboards or digitally presented. It noted that if restaurants were going forward with reusable menus they would be required to sanitize between each customers use.

I.R.O.A.R. hopes for adherence to social distancing and strict reservation policies limiting table times to help limit customers waiting to be seated. It outlined an example of this with early seating times of 4 to 6 p.m. used for at risk customers with additional social distancing for those early bird hours.

It said, Feel free to use this as a starting point, we can work on details as we go.

Signs of protest have popped up around Staten Island to open New York State businesses. (Courtesy of Big Nose Kate's in Rossville)Pamela Silvestri

Owners who signed the letter left their cell phone numbers for the politicians -- DeLucas Italian Restaurant, Maxs Es-Ca in Dongan Hills, Capizzi in Great Kills, VINUM in Stapleton, Casa Belvedere of Grymes Hill, The Richmond of Stapleton, Angelinas Kitchen of New Springville, Joyces Tavern of Eltingville, Big Nose Kates of Rossville, Macs Public House and Violettes Cellar both of Grant City and Sofias Taqueria in Rosebank.

GOING FORWARD AND DOING THE BEST THAT THEY CAN

Well, heres a great use of open space. On Tuesday, June 2, at 11:30 a.m., Langans food truck will crank up the burgers and Deputy Dogs at Holtermanns Bakery in Great Kills at 405 Arthur Kill Road. The idea is to get summer grub on wheels and sweets from the brick-and-mortar host.

O'Henry's Publik House opened in Tompkinsville with fish 'n' chips, bangers 'n' mash, Cottage Pie and more British pub grub. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

OHenrys Public House in Tompkinsville (OHenrysPub.com) will modify hours to 3 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They have the luxury of a parking lot for al fresco dining plus a pretty park pavilion called Inspiration Plaza" established by Gary Angiuli, owner of the Minthorne Street property, plus DaddyOs BBQ and Flagship Brewing Co. as neighbors. (Note: The brewery taproom is closed this weekend in lieu of another Ralphs Ice hard seltzer collaboration and beer can be purchased from the restaurants.) OHenrys has a $14 per quart Pimms Cup special and two bundles. Flagship Blood Orange IPA with a pub burger sells for $17.95 and Fish 'n Chips with Flagships Irish Coffee Stout at $22.95.

We hear from the Advances Where Staten Island Eats and Drinks page that Jade Island will reopen of June 9 for pickup and delivery. Thats good news.

Its a beautiful day. Go play outside and thats where well be -- in the sunshine. And if the kids dont beat the heck out of each other by the days end, well have a wonderful afternoon together on Staten Island -- but properly socially distanced apart.

If I dont see you walking around West Brighton this weekend lets catch up again Monday.

Keep in touch.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
Field testing of a Covid-19 contact-tracing app is due to begin in Ireland next week, the HSE said.

The app is designed to maximise privacy and value for public health, the health service added.

The software will operate on a voluntary and opt-in basis and will help track down those in close contact with positive cases of the disease.

A HSE statement said: The app is being prepared for field testing which is due to commence next week.

This will validate the use of Exposure Notification Service (ENS) to trace close contacts.

The Exposure Notification Service (ENS) has been developed by Apple and Google.

The app will be launched once it is fully operational and the necessary approvals have been received from the Data Protection Commissioner, health experts from the National Public Health Emergency Team, HSE and the Government.

The HSE added: The Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) will be submitted to the Data Protection Commissioner and will be made available along with the technical documents and source code before the launch of the app.

The HSEs app will operate through a voluntary and decentralised tracking system.

The British governments app uses a centralised model, with data stored and analysed on a central server.

Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann (David Young/PA)

Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann has said officials are still considering which app will be the best fit.

He has said a Northern Ireland version may be necessary to ensure it worked with the one being developed in the Republic.

Over seven days, from May 19-25, 212 cases were contact traced, about 30 per day, by 99 health and social care staff who have been redeployed in Northern Ireland.

A contact-tracing programme, aimed to identify and alert people who have come into contact with a person infected with coronavirus, was piloted in Northern Ireland from April 27 before being fully rolled out earlier in May.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 08:42:50|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TEHRAN, May 30 (Xinhua) -- AC Milan has entered the race alongside Italian Serie A rivals Napoli to land Iran's Zenit St. Petersburg winger Sardar Azmoun, Tasnim news agency reported on Friday.

The 25-year-old has been hugely impressive since his move to Zenit, amassing 26 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.

Zenit has said that it would only consider offers in excess of 30 million euros for Azmoun.

Napoli are considered favorites to land Azmoun, but the southern Italian club currently has all its slots for non-EU citizens occupied.

AC Milan is thought to have held initial talks with his Azmoun's agent, and in the coming weeks it will be understood if the interest will result in real negotiations. Enditem
(Newser)  Minnesota's governor is "fully mobilizing" the National Guard to quell violence that has erupted in Minneapolis and to some extent in St. Paul, USA Today reports. Numbers vary, but CBS Minnesota notes that up to 13,000 soldiers and airmen might be serving in Minnesota and CNN reports that 2,500 personnel will be mobilized by noon Saturday. The National Guard influx will add to those who arrived Friday. "Our great cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are under assault," says Gov. Tim Walz. "The situation in in Minneapolis is now about attacking civil society, instilling fear and disrupting our great city." He estimates that roughly 80% of protesters were out-of-state and said officials will soon release names and background data of people arrested.

story continues below

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also talked to reporters, saying that "this is no longer about verbal expression. This is about violence and we need to make sure that it stops." Meanwhile, the AP reports that the Pentagon has taken the "rare step" of telling the US Army to deploy active-duty US military police units in Minneapolis. Sources say that includes soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Drum in New York, Fort Carson in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas. The orders were given verbally Friday after President Trump sought military options from Defense Secretary Mark Esper to curb the protests in Minneapolis. (See what Killer Mike says about the unrest.)
Whether your child is a newborn, toddler or of school-age, I'm sure your mornings are usually hectic - never mind during a lockdown! That's why, this week, I'm going to talk you busy mums through a super simple and convenient make-up look to set you up for the rest of the day.

My first tip is to use a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation because it'll benefit your skin as well as your time. The clue's in the name, but tinted moisturisers hydrate the skin while adding a subtle, lightweight coverage to mask uneven skin or blemishes - and it gives you that 'no make-up' look. I would highly recommend the NYX Bare With Me tinted skin veil BB cream (10) which is so smooth and leaves a weightless, breathable finish.



A good concealer can work magic (especially on those busy mornings) to hide tiredness and to brighten the under-eye area. My all-time favourite is Make Up Forever's ultra HD light capturing concealer (22) which can be purchased on my Make Up Pro Store website. This product is so lightweight and sits beautifully on the skin. I love buffing this product in with a clean fluffy eyeshadow brush as this gives the most flawless coverage without a caked appearance.



Expand Close Make Up Forever's ultra HD light capturing concealer (22) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Make Up Forever's ultra HD light capturing concealer (22)

Pre-pandemic, one comment I often heard from my clients who are mums was that they simply did not have time to sit down to a full morning routine. That's why I strongly believe in multi-tasking with make-up.

For a killer brow that doesn't take too much time or effort, I would definitely suggest using an eyebrow pencil over any other brow product. Belfast brand Bperfect's Indestructi'Brow (7.99) has a sharp applicator which is perfect for applying hair strokes in a precise and controlled manner.



This product is smudge, sweat and life proof, so don't worry mums, once your brow is on, it's on, and you get on with your day.

If you invest in a strongly pigmented bronzer to sculpt and contour your face, then you can use that same product as a transitional eye shadow through the crease to add definition to the eyes. It's so quick and effortless, but you'll look like you made an effort. One of my favourite drugstore bronzers to use for this is the Bourjois bronzing powder (7.99).

Now that you've got your make-up on, you'll want to ensure it stays all day long - and the NYX matte finish setting spray (7) does the trick. This spray is lightweight, comfortable and works hard to ensure make-up stays put and looks fresh.



Expand Close NYX matte finish setting spray (7) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp NYX matte finish setting spray (7)

Finish off your look with a matte liquid lipstick to ensure all-day wear and minimal top-ups.

These are super easy to apply and you'll look great from the moment you put it on, through your work Zoom calls and right until night time. For this, I would recommend Rimmel's Stay Matte liquid lipsticks (6.49), especially in the shade Fire Starter, which is a stunning intense red.

Delivering full coverage in one stroke, these lipsticks are kiss-proof, transfer-proof and waterproof, while also being surprisingly comfortable to wear.

How to be a yummy mummy in lockdown

1. To really streamline your beauty routine, you can use a cream lipstick as a lip colour as well as a blusher.

2. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week as this will reach deep into the dermis of the skin and help to relieve texture issues and blemishes.

3. Drink plenty of water. Not only does this have overall health benefits but will also have a wonderful hydrating effect on skin.

4. When choosing a powder be sure to choose a finely milled loose powder with little or no talc, so that product does not catch in any dry areas on the skin and create a patchy effect.

5. Know your skin and ensure that you choose a cleanser that best suits your skin type and needs.
Colorado authorities used DNA evidence from the body of a dead man whose corpse was exhumed to confirm that he was responsible for the rape, strangulation, and fatal shooting of a 23-year-old newlywed mother-of-two 50 years ago.

The Boulder County Sheriffs Office said DNA evidence found on the body of 23-year-old Betty Lee Jones matched that of Paul Leroy Martin, The Daily Camera reports.

Cold case investigators recently managed to find a DNA link between the victim and Martin's estranged brother.

He told investigators that his sibling used to drive a car similar to one Jones was seen getting into following an argument with her husband in March 1970.

Cops discovered that Martin had died in June 2019 and his body was exhumed to make a positive DNA match.

Betty Lee Jones (left), a newlywed, left her Denver home after an argument with her husband of nine days on March 8, 1970. She was found strangled, raped, and shot to death the next day. Paul Leroy Martin (right), who died last year, has been identified as the suspect in the 1970 rape and murder of Betty Lee Jones

Jones was last seen alive in her home in Denver on March 8, 1970.

After an argument with Robert Ray Jones, her husband of just nine days, Betty Lee Jones left the home and tried to flag down a car.

Witnesses reported seeing her get into a blue sedan which drove off.

The next day, Jones' body was found by two Colorado Department of Transportation workers down an embankment on Colo. 128 near the Boulder and Jefferson county border. She had been raped, strangled and shot.

Martin had no known link to Jones, and the case went cold in the 1970s.

Betty Lee Jones' body was found on an embankment by the side of Colorado 128 highway near the border separating Boulder and Jefferson Counties in Colorado on March 9, 1970

But it was reopened in 2006 and the DNA evidence was submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation without finding any matches.

The sample did not match that of any known suspects or convicted criminals in the national database.

The DNA also did not match that of Jones' husband.

Authorities then submitted the suspect DNA to Bode Technologies, a private lab, which developed a profile using genetic genealogy, according to KCNC-TV.

The private Bode laboratory received the DNA in 2019 and used genealogy to identify Martin.

Analysts developed a family tree and began to narrow down the potential suspects using a process of elimination.

They traced the DNA to a woman, who was later identified by the CBI.

Investigators then identified the woman's husband and her two sons, who would have been in their twenties at the time of the murder and who lived in Denver at the time.

One of the sons was still alive. Investigators found him and obtained a DNA swab.

The son also revealed to investigators that he had an estranged brother that they did not know about.

That man was identified as Paul Leroy Martin, who died in June 2019. His remains were interred in Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Relatives told investigators that Martin drove a blue Plymouth Fury sedan, similar to the vehicle that Betty Lee Jones was seen getting into outside of her Denver home on the day before her body was found. The above stock image shows a 1970 Plymouth Fury

Authorities then exhumed his body and obtained a DNA sample, which was sent to the CBI lab.

On April 24, 2020, the CBI Forensic Sciences Biological Unit notified the Boulder County Sheriffs Office that the sample collected from Betty Jones body and Paul Leroy Martin were a match.

Martin had no known link to Betty Lee Jones and the officers who initially investigated the case never suspected him.

Martin's brother told investigators that he remembers him driving a blue Plymouth Fury sedan, which matches the description of the car that Betty Lee Jones flagged down on the day that she left her home in Denver.

A probable cause statement was submitted to the Boulder County District Attorneys Office May 26 and a murder charge would have been filed if Martin was alive, authorities said.

'Based on the evidence and DNA analysis produced through this investigation, if he were alive today, Paul Martin would be charged and prosecuted by the District Attorneys Office for the murder of Betty Jones,' the Boulder County District Attorney's Office said.
Police confirmed no action will be taken over the death of a rail worker who died after no evidence of someone spitting was found.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died last month - a few weeks after the incident involving a male passenger at London's Victoria Station.

Her death leaves behind her husband Lusamba Katalay, 60, and an 11-year-old daughter.

British Transport Police (BTP) interviewed a 57-year-old man in connection with the incident in the ticket hall on March 21 but announced on Friday they were not taking 'any further action' because he tested negative in an antibody test.

British Transport Police said there was no evidence the male passenger spat at Belly Mujinga (pictured), 47, who later died of Covid-19 in April

After a review of a review of CCTV and based on key eye witness statements the police confirmed they will not be taking any further action into the deat of Ms Mujinga pictured with her husband Lusamba Katalay

In a statement today the police said, based on key eye witness statements and a review of CCTV footage, there was no evidence of anyone spitting.

The statement said: 'We understand that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga has shocked many people and that the outcome of our investigation has raised questions.

'Senior detectives are confident that this incident did not lead to Belly Mujinga contracting Covid-19.

'This is because the man in the CCTV footage who detectives interviewed as part of the investigation had a negative antibody test result for Covid-19 in the time after the incident, therefore showing that he had never had the illness.

'The man's test did not relate to the BTP investigation - he was tested as part of his occupation and the test results were shared with us during the investigation.

'Having reviewed all the evidence, senior detectives are satisfied that the incident didn't lead to Belly Mujinga's death.

'We have kept Belly's family fully informed throughout the investigation and they will continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Ms Mutinga pictured with her daughter, who has been left devastated by the death of her mother. The family have been informed about the result of the investigation

'Our thoughts remain with her family and we will continue to support them as they come to terms with the loss of their much-loved mother and wife.'

Mrs Mujinga's widowed husband Lusamba Katalay said he has been forced to 'accept' his wife's death because of a lack of evidence and resources to appeal the case.

The 60-year-old told The Sun: 'I feel frustrated that after being told that there was CCTV footage, I now discover that the spitting incident - verified by Belly and her colleague with her at the time - wasn't captured on camera.

He added: 'I'm told that all they can see is them with the man in question but not anything that can be used as evidence.

'This has left the police in the difficult position of not being able to pursue a prosecution against the man who I still believe did this to my family.'

The incident on March 22 was not reported until May 11 - more than a month after the ticket inspector's death on April 5.

Mr Katalay previously demanded an explanation from the Government as to why she had not been given PPE, saying the lack of protective gear also put him and his daughter in 'mortal danger'.

Ms Mujinga, pictured. In response to the police's decision to take 'no further action', her husband said he has had to 'accept' his wife's death

The last time Mr Katalay saw his wife in person was when an ambulance took her from their flat in Hendon, north London. She died two days later at Barnet Hospital.

Ms Mujinga's elderly mother could not come from the Democratic Republic of Congo for the funeral, which had a limit of 10 mourners.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: 'My thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Belly Mujinga at this wrenching time, as well as with her colleagues and all critical workers on the railway and across the UK.

'This outcome does nothing to change the fact that all workers should be treated with compassion and respect, as we see out this crisis as a country and into the future.

'We will continue working to protect our frontline transport workers, who are playing a vital role in supporting passengers and keeping our country moving.'
Former US President Barack Obama has issued a statement on the death of George Floyd, the black man who died after being pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis on Monday.



Obama, 58, released a statement via his Twitter page, saying it "cannot be normal" in 2020 and urged the Minnesota authorities to 'ensure that the circumstances surrounding George Floyd's death are investigated thoroughly'.



Obama, U.S. first black president, added: "This shouldn't be 'normal' in 2020 America. It can't be normal. If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives to its highest ideals, we can and must do better.



"It was fall mainly on the officials of Minnesota to ensure that the circumstances surrounding George Floyd's death is investigated thoroughly and that justice is ultimately done.



"But it falls on all of us, regardless of our race or station - including the majority of men and women in law enforcement who take pride in doing their tough job the right way, every day - to work together to create a "new normal" in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts."



"It's natural to wish for life "to just get back to normal" as a pandemic and economic crisis upend everything around us," he said.



"But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully and maddeningly "normal" - whether it's while dealing with the healthcare system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park."



Obama's statement was released shortly before it was announced that Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyd, has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.













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
Many marginalised groups have been neglected during the Covid-19 lockdown in India, a Delhi based non-profit organisation has said in a report based on its analysis of around 700 orders, circulars and advisories issued by the Centre and states on policies for informal sector workers. The report cited their timeline and said it reveals an ad-hoc and unplanned implementation of the lockdown imposed in March to check the pandemics spread.

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), which comes under the Union home ministry, has endorsed the report by the Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS). The ministry is the countrys nodal agency for disaster management.

MHA officials were not immediately available for a response.

The report is based on the Centres 175 orders/circulars as well as 500 orders by 28 states and Delhi until May 1. It said out of the 175 orders, only 27 were directly related to urban poor and marginal groups. The report added only 12 of them were relevant to the informal sector workers.

The report said not a single order of states or the Centre had any provision for waste pickers while only Kerala sought to provide assistance to transgenders. It added Meghalaya was the only state to make special provisions for domestic workers, saying they should be given their wages and not laid off.

The report said only 12 states like Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Tripura had specific provisions for the homeless. Just 11 states talked about street vendors in their communications, it added.

The report referred to unplanned implementation of the lockdown based on analysis of these orders/circulars. From the first case on January 30 that was reported in Kerala to the March 24 [when the lockdown was announced], there were not many circulars or guidelines that were released not just for informal sector workers and marginal population but for the whole country, suggesting a limbo in planning and forethought at the then-impending crisis, the report said.

It said the Janata Curfew on Prime Minister Narendra Modis call on March 22 for social isolation to curb the Covid-19 spread and the announcement for the lockdown two days later surprised the urban poor and migrants. The reports said they were not warned of the restrictions and thus triggered a wave of migration to shelter and transit points.

The report said some states--Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya and Rajasthan--did better vis-a-vis groups like street vendors, domestic workers, construction workers, the homeless and transgenders than the Centre.

It added certain ministries dealing with problems related to food, jobs and shelter for urban poor directly like ministries of labour and housing were mostly quiet. It added the Union home and health ministries did most of the work. The report said central labour and housing ministries issued just two orders each till May 1.

The orders have been particularly silent on the issue of inclusion. Though ministry of social justice has come forth with many notifications, there could have been a more concerted focus on the marginal groups that might fail to get their benefits in the times of crisis, the report said. There has been no mention of transgenders, Dalits and minorities in any of the circulars specifically.

Aravind Unni, who manages IGSSSs team that studied the circulars/orders, said the first two stages of the lockdown showed a huge gap in the understanding of informal sector livelihoods. All the orders/notifications came after a major crisis had already erupted.

Unni added domestic workers, waste pickers, homeless, street vendors and transgenders especially were completely ignored. For example, street vendors were not given safety shields and police harassed them while kirana [grocery] stores sales were streamlined through repeated orders. Similarly, e-commerce websites were allowed to deliver essential items and others. This is in contradiction with Prime Ministers vocal for local call because street vendors are the most local source [of products] in India.

Shalini Sinha  India Country Director of WIEGO (Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing), said  The waste pickers are the frontline of defense against spread of Covid-19 as they are managing the citys waste while exposing themselves to disease and infection. Many have lost their livelihood as they are not allowed to work during lockdown. They should get benefits of government schemes but they are almost invisible in the system. Governments, while creating any SOPs (standard operating protocols) should integrate them. Sinha, as part of Delhi Roundtable, a network of activists and organisations, wrote to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asking government to take care of waste pickers.
Ukraine and Hungary intend to focus on the development of trade relations and border infrastructure.

This was discussed during the meeting of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto in Budapest, the press service of Ukraines Foreign Ministry informs.

In particular, the interlocutors underscored the mutual interest in building friendly and good neighbourly relations, as well as the willingness to open a "new page of bilateral partnership."

"I handed over a draft joint memorandum between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, which is proposed to be signed during their meeting. I also suggested implementing a large joint project - to complete construction of a modern hospital in the town of Berehovo [Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine] under the auspices of the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Hungary," Kuleba said.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the ministers paid special attention to cooperation in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The foreign ministers also discussed specific opportunities to increase Ukraine's investments in Hungary and Hungarys investments in Ukraine, to help strengthen positions on the markets of both countries.

The ministers paid special attention to the development of border infrastructure.

During the visit, the parties signed a protocol between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary amending the framework agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary on the provision of tied aid loan and a memorandum of understanding between the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the Ministry for Innovation and Technology of Hungary.

Kuleba's visit to Budapest was the first foreign visit since his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

In 2019, Ukraine-Hungary trade turnover totalled USD 2.8 billion dollars.

ol
I cant stand Dominic Cummings. It was loathing at first sight when I first came across him in 2001 and nothing I have heard or seen since has changed my mind.

And I hope that anyone who reads this column knows that I am not a defender of the Johnson Government, which I regard as Blairism without the charm.

So why do I say that Mr Cummings should not be sacked from his Downing Street job? Why am I adamant that he should not be fined or prosecuted for his wild midnight ride to Durham, or for his blurred, myopic bumble up the road to Barnard Castle?

Why would you want him sacked? If he is dismissed, then he wont suffer. Hell walk into a better paid job in the private sector. What good will that do you? Far worse, his dismissal or prosecution will only reinforce the unhinged rules which have caused so much misery and illness

Well, there are lots of reasons. The first is that, like Mr Cummings himself, I think the rules he broke are stupid and futile. The only difference between him and me is that I have argued from the start that they are a mad over-reaction. He has never actually said so.

But he plainly thinks so  or otherwise why did he take no notice of those rules as soon as they interfered with his normal life?

In this, he is the same as Professor Neil Ferguson, the man whose warnings of mass deaths gave the Government the excuse for the whole disaster. If Professor Ferguson really believed this, he would not have dreamed of canoodling with a non-member of his family.

Why am I adamant that he should not be fined or prosecuted for his wild midnight ride to Durham, or for his blurred, myopic bumble up the road to Barnard Castle? Well, there are lots of reasons

I doubt that anybody much in the top layers of Government truly believes all this rubbish. They know it has not worked and has done terrible damage and only cling to it in the hope that they will not be found out.

They created a panic and lost control of it. They are now just hoping to get through the misery they caused without anybody realising just what a mess they made, or punishing them for it.

Gosh, how I hope that a chilly, severe public inquiry, preferably headed by Lord Sumption, exposes these nincompoops to the derision they deserve, once this is over.

But for now, back to Mr Cummings. Why would you want him sacked? If he is dismissed, then he wont suffer. Hell walk into a better paid job in the private sector. What good will that do you?

Far worse, his dismissal or prosecution will only reinforce the unhinged rules which have caused so much misery and illness. If he must be penalised, then so must everyone else. The shutdown will grow tighter and last longer.

This throttling of normal life has already devastated the British economy. Isnt it time at least to stop making this any worse?

Just you wait for the first of many emergency budgets which will rip apart your standard of living and your savings, so that you can live on as a ghost of your former self in the blasted remnants of our former prosperity.

Gosh, how I hope that a chilly, severe public inquiry, preferably headed by Lord Sumption, exposes these nincompoops to the derision they deserve, once this is over

By keeping him on, the Government makes it certain that the remaining respect for those rules will shrivel and die, and they will go sooner.

I think they are already fading. The police fear to enforce them. So keep him in his post.

Oh, and I dont like living in a country where what seem to me to be perfectly normal private actions can be observed and reported by informers. This is what happens when the police become the enforcers of Government whims, rather than impartial servants of the law.

So let him stay, weakened and chastened. Better still, display Mr Cummings and Professor Ferguson at every future Government Covid press conference. Make them wear the muzzles the virus fanatics ceaselessly recommend to the rest of us, and let them keep silent.

And place a big red and yellow notice in front of them declaring: They dont believe this stuff, and nor do we  so why on earth should you?

Boriss one last chance to save us

As the coronavirus itself retreats, how are we going to cope with the panic that lingers everywhere? I still see real fear in the streets, every day, with people afraid of normal human contact.

And I see it in the self-evidently ridiculous restrictions planned in schools, workplaces, hairdressers, pubs and restaurants as we tentatively prepare to reopen some of our closed country.

I see it in the Ratnerisation of public transport by the Prime Minister, who in a few thoughtless words ruined any chance that people would turn away from cars to trains and buses, by proclaiming such travel unsafe.

Tracking and tracing of the panic will be useless. If you find it, you cant cure it. There is no vaccination. No, there is only one way to dispel it.

Those who caused it must publicly admit they were wrong, that they hugely overstated the danger of Covid-19 and made a terrible mistake.

For a little while, they can do so voluntarily and be forgiven. But, if at long last they must be forced into it, then I do not think it will be half so easy to pardon them.

There is still a total lack of evidence that all these closedowns have done any good.

Countries which imprisoned their populations and stifled their economies, such as Belgium, have had high levels of deaths. New York State found that those who obediently stayed at home still caught the virus in large numbers.

I see it in the Ratnerisation of public transport by the Prime Minister, who in a few thoughtless words ruined any chance that people would turn away from cars to trains and buses, by proclaiming such travel unsafe

But, most striking of all is Japan, which last week ended a less than half-hearted state of emergency, roughly as mild as Swedens policy.

Yet this highly urbanised, crowded nation with a population of 126 million and several enormous cities, has recorded fewer than 1,000 Covid-19 deaths.

All kinds of explanations have been offered for this happy outcome, and you may make of them what you will. But a tight shutdown cannot possibly be one of them.

The whole BBC is just as biased as Emily

If the BBC really disapproves of the blatantly biased outburst by the Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis then it will have to do something pretty ferocious about it.

I do not think it will. I think the BBC has taken a decision, deep down, to stop even pretending to be impartial.

About two years ago, something happened in the Corporation. It finally gave up any pretence of balance. I am not sure exactly what changed, but it affected me personally.

I had been appearing on its discussion programme Question Time since the autumn of 1996, roughly once a year. They reckoned that my point of view was shared by some people, and so deserved its turn.

The intervals varied, but that was reasonable. Crafting a panel on QT is a bit like solving a Rubiks Cube. But then they just stopped asking.

Although people tell me Im always on, I havent been invited back since March 2018. Other invitations from various bits of the Corporation have grown pretty sparse, too.

There is a definite shift. I suspect that the older generation, some of whom genuinely believed in impartiality, are now disappearing. But if that is so, how long can the licence fee endure?

If the BBC really disapproves of the blatantly biased outburst by the Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis then it will have to do something pretty ferocious about it

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
Britain's Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing are set for an Autumn ratings battle as both shows are set to air on the same weekend.

The ITV talent search show will air its live semi-finals in September following a delay because of COVID-19 however this coincides with Strictly's launch show.

A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: 'Both are hugely popular and this will split the audience if they are on at the same time. Both the Strictly launch show and the first proper dancing episode both air in September.

Tense: Britain's Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing are set for an Autumn ratings battle as both shows are set to air on the same weekend (Amanda Holden, pictured in May last year)

'But that's when Simon Cowell and the BGT producers are planning on airing the semi-finals now they have their line-up locked in.

'They could try and air the semi-finals across a full week, but the final episode will likely clash with Strictly.'

They also reiterated that this clash is due to coronavirus messing with the TV schedule.

BGT judge Amanda Holden has previously said she and her fellow judges, Simon, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon have been given an Autumn date for filming to resume.

Conflict: The ITV talent search show will air its live semi-finals in September following a delay because of COVID-19 however this coincides with Strictly's launch show (Katya and Neil Jones, pictured last year)

However, that will depend on what social distancing guidelines are still in place as the show will not go ahead without a live audience.

She explained: 'All of the main judges have been given a date to hold in early autumn to see if it works live.

'But we would never do it without an audience because we've always said the British public is the fifth judge.

Head to head: A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: 'Both are hugely popular and this will split the audience if they are on at the same time. Both the 'Strictly' launch show and the first proper dancing episode both air in September'

'So we can't do it without them - it would be no fun without them! We'll see what happens, but we are planning to do it this year.'

Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing bosses reportedly discussed filming the next series in a hotel so the cast and crew could self-isolate together amid the coronavirus crisis.

According to The Sun, producers are said to have considered hiring out a hotel in its entirety with a ballroom space to reduce risk among the contestants and the crew.

However, the move could have worried the partners of the celebrity contestants who would be staying in the same hotel as their dance partners after the show has had several stars starting relationships with their dancers.

They continued: ''But that's when Simon Cowell and the 'BGT' producers are planning on airing the semi-finals now they have their line-up locked in' (AJ Pritchard and Saffron Barker, pictured in January)

A source told the publication: 'Strictly is the jewel in the crown, so theyre doing everything in their power to make sure it will go ahead as seamlessly as possible.

'Early in the stages of the COVID-19 crisis it was seriously discussed as an option to hire an entire hotel, and to have the cast and crew all live, train and film in the same place.

'It was mooted as a potential plan because it meant that if one of those involved in the show did start to develop symptoms, there would be no risk to the public in any way and they could easily self-isolate.'

They'll be back: BGT judge Amanda Holden has previously said she and her fellow judges, Simon, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon have been given an Autumn date for filming to resume

One hotel the production considered was the London Hilton on Park Lane, which has one of the largest ballrooms in the capital.

However, now BBC bosses are hopeful that the show will be able to go ahead as originally planned at Elstree Studios.

The source added that the crew are hoping further lockdown easing will mean not too much will have to be changed to the show's production and it is hoped the BBC will have more news in the coming weeks.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
A man has died after a shooting early Saturday morning at a townhouse complex in Etobicoke.

Toronto police have identified the victim as 33-year-old Younis Mohamed.

The shooting took place at 1809 Martin Grove Road, near Albion Road. Police said they received calls reporting multiple shots fired just before 12:30 a.m. and found a man at the scene with life-threatening injuries.

Police announced at around 8 a.m. that he succumbed to his injuries.

On Twitter, police had earlier said there was a heavy police presence in the area, and a large crowd around the victim.

A grey vehicle was seen fleeing the area, according to police, who believe it could be a suspect vehicle.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

Correction - June 30, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that misspelled Younis Mohameds given name.

With files from Tom Yun.
Egypts Coptic Orthodox Church said on Saturday it will will extend the suspension of prayers and activities in its churches until 27 June due to the spread of the coronavirus.

In an official statement, the Coptic Orthodox Church said the decision was made during a meeting by the Holy Synod headed by Pope Tawadros II to discuss the resumption of prayers and educational services which have been suspended since March in an effort to stem the spread of the virus.

The Church has decided to extend the suspension of prayers, the statement said, but it will allow the celebration of a mass marking the entry of Jesus Christ to Egypt on 1 June and the mass of Pentecost on 7 June in the limited attendance of six monks and deacons.

The Church said it will continue closing halls designated for funeral services at churches, limiting such services to the family of the deceased only.

Baptism will only be held in churches in the attendance of the family of the baptised child.

The decision to hold marriage ceremonies with a limited number of attendees in churches remains in place.

The Church said the decision comes as daily infections continue to rise towards a peak for an unknown period, adding that the committee headed by the Pope will meet again on 27 June to reassess the situation.

Egypt's Christians make up about 10-14 percent of the country's 100 million-plus population, with the vast majority of Christians in Egypt belonging to the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Egypt has suspended mass prayers at mosques and shut down churches in March in a move aimed at curbing the outbreak of the pandemic in the populous country.

The suspension is the result of fear of wide transmission of the virus through worship houses after religious gatherings in other countries were linked to hundreds of coronavirus cases.
By Otive Igbuzor, PhD

Founding Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD),

Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999 after about thirty years of military rule. This year marks twenty-one years of return to civil rule. Since then, Nigeria has held six consecutive elections and civilian rule has been maintained uninterrupted. At return to civil rule in 1999, there was a lot of hope and enthusiasm that return to civil rule will eliminate or reduce corruption as corruption was always one of the reasons for military takeover. There was hope that development will be accelerated leading to the talk about dividends of democracy. There was expectation that the potentials of Nigeria will be realized. But twenty-one years later, all these hopes and aspirations remain unfulfilled.

While the military was seen as an aberration, politics is being touted as a dirty game and it appears that your success and rise in the political terrain depends on how dirty you can be. Corruption has taken dangerous dimensions that anti-corruption crusaders can be framed up or even killed. Nigeria still remains potential. Nigeria is now the poverty capital of the world. The level of youth unemployment is unprecedented. As if these are not bad enough, the COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated matters. But I see light at the end of the tunnel for four reasons. First, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) came with the slogan of change in 2015, it resonated with Nigerians which shows clearly that the people wanted change in the status quo. There is no doubt that there are challenges in bringing about the nature and character of change that the people wanted including resistance but the fact that the people wanted change and still want change about the nature of the state and the way governance is conducted is a positive indication. Secondly, decent and patriotic Nigerians are increasingly realizing that politics can be cleaned only by clean and godly people. It appears that Nigerians are giving heed to the advice by Plato that if you fail to participate in politics, you will be governed by inferiors. Additionally, it seems Nigerians are learning more and more that for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. So, despite the wickedness of some people, there are still many Nigerians who are fighting corruption, blowing the whistle and refusing to compromise. Thirdly, the level of awareness is very high today in Nigeria. The average citizen today understands the problems of the country. They know when they are being lied to. They know how people steal money from government. What lacking is the ability to mobilise and change the situation. But the fact that the level of awareness is so high is a positive step because changing a country is a process. Finally, we are reaching a precipice. It is clear to me that with the challenges in the economy and the increased level of awareness, things cannot continue like this for ever. Some things will have to give way for order to continue in society.

This is why I think that as we reflect over the past twenty-one years, we must go back to the fundamentals. The first thing to look at is leadership at all levels. You cannot expect the best from any society that puts forward its worst to lead. Merit must be returned to all spheres of life. Secondly, as the followership becomes more aware, it must move to the next level of consciousness and understand that they can do something to change the situation. They must realise that historically, the ruling elite is always unwilling or incapable of bringing fundamental changes to society. It has to be forced. Thirdly, we must return to values. The constitutionally guaranteed ideals of freedom, equality and justice must be operationalized; and the people of Nigeria must imbibe the national ethics of discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance and patriotism. There are things that can be done by the leadership and followership to make this happen. Ethics must be seen openly in families, communities, religion, politics and indeed in every facet of life. Finally, we must redefine politics and governance. The predominant view of looking at politics as selfish interest must be changed to service. Governance itself must go back to the fundamentals. Citizenship and identity must be addressed. Taxation of citizens and corporate bodies must operationalized in a just and fair manner as the oil dries up. The oil communities that have been degraded and destroyed must be cleaned up and peoples livelihood restored. These things are not rocket science and they can be done.

Nigerians keep hope alive. Do your best in your little corners. Good will always triumph over evil.

Dr. Otive Igbuzor is Founding Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD).
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 20:52:43|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said his country firmly supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and security on Hong Kong affairs in a recent letter sent to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Serbia supports China's National People's Congress to adopt the decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Vucic said.

As an independent and self-reliant country, Serbia opposes the act of interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, said the president, adding that both Serbia and China are committed to abiding by and safeguarding the fundamental principles of international law on the global stage.

The Serbian side firmly supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, supports China's wise and resolute decision on Hong Kong affairs, and condemns all attempts to undermine China's reunification, according to the letter.

Vucic also expressed the wish that under the leadership of Xi, China and the Chinese people will continue to march toward prosperity. Enditem
Cameroon soldiers AFP

Cameroons Ministry of Defense has declined responsibility for the crimes committed by three of the countrys soldiers arrested on May 20 for attempted armed robbery in Togo.

The Head of the Communication Division at the Defense Ministry, Capitaine De Fregate Atonfack Guemo in a press release Saturday, May 30, 2020 says the soldiers in question had broken off organic links with the Service and are completely detached from the Service.

Guemo explains that on Thursday, May 28, 2020, a viral video appeared on the blogosphere of a report by a Togolese television channel, dealing with an operation by the Togolese Judicial Police that led to the arrest of five Cameroonian nationals, suspected of illegal possession of weapons and attempted armed robbery.

The Ministry of Defence says the five alleged armed robbers arrested on May 20, 2020 in Lome include: the gangs ringleader, 32-year-old Ntanga Mogo Clement Didier alias Tony as well as 31-year-old Amadjoba Aboubakar alias Ibrahim, 23-year-old Kameni Kevin, 32-year-old Sergeant Oumarou Abdou Fadil and 31-year-old Sergeant Ewoundjo Elle Serges Hubert alias Tokyo.

The suspects are said to have tried to snatch a heavy-duty vehicle from a Togolese businessman with the aid of a firearm. They were seeking to satisfy an obscure order, the press release said.

Capitaine De Fregate Atonfack Guemo explains that the home search of the five alleged bandits in Lome led to the seizure of two automatic pistols, one of which was a Tokarev pistol with a 6-cartridge magazine. According to the statements made by the accused, this weapon is said to have come from a certain Essimbi Francis, a soldier serving as weapons storekeeper at the Yaounde Headquarters Brigade (BQG).

Initial investigations conducted by the competent services of the Ministry of Defence have revealed that the three soldiers who are notoriously dishonest with the Service and presumed to have contributed or directly participated in the incriminated acts have already been clearly identified, said Guemo.

The Head of the Communication Division at Cameroons Ministry of Defence says their investigations indict:

Private First Class Essimbi Francis (service number T15/24250), previously serving at the Headquarters Brigade. The latter had been placed at the disposal of the Territorial Gendarmerie Brigade of Melen in Yaounde, on 6 March, 2020, for loss of an important piece of equipment, 1 automatic pistol, and was the subject of flagrante delicto report (Report No. 192/2020 of 11 March 2020), before being remanded in custody by the Military Prosecutor at the Yaounde Military Court at the Yaounde Military Prison, for violation of orders and dissipation of military equipment. Born on 23 September 1995 in Mbassam II, in the Soa Subdivision, and holder of Identity Card No. 100957911 of 21 February 2019 in Yaounde;

Sergeant Oumarou Abou Fadil (service number T11/16829 ), previously working at the Headquarters Brigade, declared deserted since 23 March 2020 (Official Telegram No. 200068/MP/RMIA1/BQG/1st BI of 19 March 2020), for having, without authorization or relief, left his sentry post at the National Printing Press, taking with him his package, without arms or ammunition. He was born on 1st January 1988 in Garoua, and holder of Identity Card No. 1147884866 of 3rd March 2013 in Yaounde;

Petty Officer Eoundjo Elle Serges Hubert (service number 11/13478), born on 4th November 1989 in Sangmelima, holder of Identity Card No. 1104229338 of 5th January 2011 in Sangmelima, previously serving in the National Navy. The desertion procedure initiated against him at the time is still under away.

Capitaine De Fregate Atonfack Guemo notes that investigations have established that the alleged gang leader, Ntanga Mogo Clement Didier alias Tony, born on 19 September 1988 in Yaounde, and holder of Identity Card No. 110724721, issued on 29 September 2010 in Yaounde, is a dangerous convicted gang member, a multi-recidivist, sentenced several times to prison terms, and currently wanted by the Judicial Police Directorate in Yaounde, which has registered several complaints of citizens abused by him.

He says the regulatory, disciplinary and administrative procedures provided for in the texts in force in the Defense Forces have all been initiated within the prescribed time limits against the erring soldiers.

The security and judicial investigations already opened and conducted by the Military Security Division and the Centre Gendarmerie Legion will help clarify all the contours of these serious acts.
The powerful dont care for rules View(s):

A couple of weeks ago the editorial in this newspaper was headlined O tempora, O mores the title of some verses written by Edgar Allan Poe. What times, what customs, it said.

What times indeed! Every form of government on this planet suffered or is still trying to recover from the shock each received when the coronavirus engulfed it.

As many thinkers predict, the worlds lifestyles will change and the way it will function will be turned on its head. Perceptible changes would be made to the way we live and work.

However, much old ways will be uprooted and new ways take their place one habit will remain deeply etched into the way people govern themselves. However systems of governance change as countries recover from this corona catastrophe it is unlikely that the fundamentals of human behavior will be obliterated and be replaced by a new behavioural architecture.

My thoughts were drawn to a political uproar that erupted last week involving Prime Minister Boris Johnsons chief adviser and strategist Dominic Cummings. The comings and goings of Dominic Cummings at the height of the corona pandemic when British people were dying in their thousands  partly or mainly because of the Johnson governments early neglect and later tardiness in dealing with it  had already been the subject of criticism by the media and medical professionals and experts among others.

As the virus spread, the British people were placed in a lockdown mode and a number of other measures were brought into play to mitigate the spread of the virus and bring it under control as quickly as possible.

As a result many thousands of people were jobless or temporarily out of work but they still mostly followed the government and medical guidelines.

But when two newspapers, the Guardian and The Mirror broke the story of Cummings and his wife who was also suspected of having symptoms of the corona virus ignored the lockdown instructions and drove 260 miles to Durham to his ancestral estate and later visited a touristic castle with his four-year old son, the excreta really hit the fan.

Generally speaking over the many weeks of the lockdown the British people acted with responsibility, adhering to government instructions and messages from the health officials.

What angered the public  including MPs and members of the Tory Party  was that government instructions on lockdowns and other restrictions applied to the general population but not apparently to those who were close to the prime minister and to the seats of power.

Those who have lived through decades of political change in Sri Lanka will know that whatever the nomenclature under which governments rule and whatever the ideological flavour of the government in power there are those who wield power and influence and survive because they are untouchables.

There was a fear that Cummings and family with their symptoms of the virus could have infected others in the family home or when he drove to Barnard Castle.

The Cummings saga or episode, depending on who is looking at it, might not have erupted into a full blown political issue if Boris Johnson had been a little more circumspect and Cummings a modicum of contrition.

The problem was that while Tory politicians and constituents were calling for Cummings blood the Conservative Party high command led by Johnson were circling the wagons round the prime ministers chief adviser who had already earned himself the name of a Machiavelli hovering behind the No 10 curtain.

Trying to save Cummings from being sacrificed to save Tory popularity in the opinion polls which had dipped considerably last week is unlikely to happen. The High Tories if I may coin a phrase, have built a cordon sanitaire round Cummings who Johnson considers indispensable to him, will rescue this Rasputin from his misadventures.

But the lesson from this sub plot, as it were, of the corona drama is that those who wield power and influence will not only survive but continue to flourish under any system.

Those who wield power and influence often flout laws and rules because by their very nature, they have power and influence and wish the people to know it. Others do it more surreptitiously.

It matters little under which form of government they live and operate with impunity. Be it a democracy, an autocracy or some type of ism, is of little concern as its leaders manipulate a system not to serve the national interest but for personal and political interest.

It is to this system that those who seek power and influence hang to tenaciously through personal or entrepreneurial relations for their mutual benefit. It is such accumulation of power that bloats the egos of those who wish the world to know how far they can throw their weight.

They will throw their power around, laws or no laws to show the country who they are and what they can do.

If one might adapt some Orwellian words all men are equal. But some are more equal than others.

They could flout the laws and regulations that the rest of the population are asked by the government to adhere to at the pain of being fined or some other consequence, but nothing ever happens to them.

If politicians can swing from one party to another with grace or disgrace what is to stop those who seek power or to get close to power from changing their own positions and parade under new colours.

However much one might blame the colonial powers and castigate them for exploiting the countries they lorded over, the Cummings episode drives home an important point. The political system under which governments function provides opportunities to hold the executive accountable for its actions.

Those who are responsible for governments in power might not agree with or like their actions in government being questioned and exposed to public view.

Equally, the presence of media which are relatively free and provide a panoply of views and news often prevents executive excesses and keeps government in check. As stated it was the media that broke the story about the Cummings affair.

Under governments, which are less free, this story might have been suppressed as would the indiscretions of politicians like their dipping into public funds.

All this is possible because the system of governance provides for that. Leaders of countries who do not like such scrutiny and exposure are not the only ones who would like to see such openness destroyed. These are the persons who love to cling and display their power to the rest of the country while burying their own misdeeds.

(Neville de Silva is a veteran

Sri Lankan journalist who was Assistant Editor, Diplomatic Editor and Political Columnist of the Hong Kong Standard before moving to London where he worked for Gemini News Service. He was later

Sri Lankas Deputy Chief of Mission in Bangkok and Deputy High Commissioner in London before returning to journalism.)
It has been seven months since the Beaumont Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco and Firearms unveiled a new ballistics network they say could help solve cold cases in and around Southeast Texas.

After more than 200 entries produced about 40 leads, the system has yet to yield an arrest or charge. But both BPD and the ATF said the system needs more time.

During a news conference in October, Beaumont Police Chief James Singletary said he was excited to add the National Integrated Ballistics Intelligence Network to his departments lists of resources.

Bullet casings gathered from a crime scene are entered into the machine, which renders a three-dimensional image of the casing using lasers. Investigators look for two markings left by the guns firing pin and the extracting rod, which act as unique fingerprints that can match a casing to a gun with a 99% accuracy rate.

The results are put into a statewide database. Officers also can have access to other states databases upon request if a suspect recently has moved from another area.

Beaumont Police Capt. Chris Schuldt said BPD has 210 entries in the system. Of those, officers have found 44 leads on previously unsolved cases, he said.

If a match comes up, it is sent back as a lead to our detectives, he said. We look into and compare it. We see if there are suspects in one case. If they are, they become suspects for the case that the gun is linked to. We are currently looking into these leads and following up on them as best we can. Some of them end up as dead ends. The thing is, we might be able to solve that crime down the road if we get a fresh link that has information attached to it.

In October, Singletary said he would like for other nearby agencies to also put ballistic evidence into the database. Only BPD has entered evidence as of May 12, Schuldt said. The main reason other departments have not been able to enter casings is the lack of training.

They would have to come in and enter their own (evidence) because of the way the system is set up, Schuldt said. We hope to at some point have representatives from other agencies come in and use it to get more entries from the areaThe way it works, personnel from there department has to be trained. Our personnel got trained. After they have done so many entries, then they will be able to go to classes to teach someone else from the area how to use the machineIts a process that we are working on. We want to do the best for the region.

He said he did not know how many entries a person needs to be able to attend the classes, adding that BPD is not sending anyone for training during the coronavirus pandemic.

Were hoping within the next six months or so to be able to take those next steps, he said.

ATF special agent Marlin Ford said, since 2016, ATF Houston crime gun strike force has made more than 200 arrests based off the networks findings.

With time, we expect to see similar results in Beaumont, he said. We wont have the same volume as a major city like Houston. We have an ongoing investigation in Beaumont that has six incidents of violent crime that have been linked through NIBIN. We have potential here. Its coming.

Schuldt said the network made a connection between a Beaumont crime and a Houston crime.

Weve had one case link to a case from Houston, Schuldt said. I dont think we were able to solve it, but it did add information to our case and we were able to add information to their case. Most of the links we have found have been Beaumont crime to Beaumont crime.

Ford said just because there is a link in the system, does not necessarily mean the shooter is the same in both crimes.

Guns are a hot commodity on the street, he said. You have some guns that are considered community guns and they move from one person to the next. You could have one person that uses one gun all the time. It just depends on the situation.

ATF spokesperson Nicole Strong said even if a gun is used by multiple people, it can still be an investigative tool.

We can go to the guy that had the gun last registered and start asking him questions, she said. It couldve been a suspect that we wouldnt have otherwise identified.

Singletary said he is not putting a time limit on when NIBIN should start yielding results.

We know that it is going to take some time, Singletary said. We are comparing our situation to Houston and we look at how successful they have been.

We dont have the volume of crimes they have in Houston, but we are excited about the potential for this. We have several leads that we are looking at. We have a lot of good things to build on.

Down the road, I think this is going to be a heck of a tool for law enforcement in Southeast Texas.

chris.moore@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/chris_moore09
India's nodal government agency ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) is now following the World Health Organization (WHO) advice to prevent the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by the Union Health Ministry amid lockdown and corona crisis. The ICMR has written a letter to the WHO citing differences in dosage standards between Indian and international tests. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) drug, which is being used by many countries around the world to help treat COVID-19 patients.

According to the protocol prescribed by the Government of India for the treatment of severe coronavirus patients in ICU, HCQ doses are given as follows - a heavy dose of 400 mg HCQ in the morning and 1 in the night, followed by 200 mg for the next four days, HCQ one in the morning and one at night. The total dose is given to a patient in 5 days, the total amount of which is 2400 mg. Also, a Health Ministry official explained the context behind disagreeing with the ICMR and the WHO's assessment of the Ministry of Health that there is a wide difference in dosage levels in India and internationally. The official said that COVID-19 patients are being dosed in this way in an internationally ongoing trial - 800 mg x 2 loading dose for 6 hours in addition to 400 mg x 2 doses per day for 10 days. The total dose given to a patient in 11 days is 9600 mg, which is four times the dose given to patients in India.

The officer said that this indicates that the efficacy of HCQ in our treatment protocol is good and they are recovering quickly with small doses of its dose to patients. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has written a letter to the WHO regarding this. A letter has been written to Dr Sheela Godbole, National Coordinator of WHO-India Solidarity Trial and head of the Department of Epidemiology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization.

Triple Murder Case: Tejashwi Yadav protesting, Police deployed outside his residence

Will the lockdown be extended for 15 more days?

20 rebel MLA's are against CM Yeddyurappa
Barely weeks after losing his uncle, President Muhammadu Buhari has lost another family member, this time, it was his nephew, Alhaji Ibrahim Dauda.

It would be recalled that on May 8, 2020, President Buhari lost his younger uncle, Alhaji Mutari Dauda Daura.

Mutari Dauda Daura was the younger brother of 81 year-old Malam Mamman Daura, the Presidents uncle.

National Daily gathered that the late Dauda died in Daura, Katsina State, following a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, President Buhari said the death has robbed the family and the Daura community of one of its finest gentlemen.

I am deeply touched and devastated by the passing of yet another family member, a man who had demonstrated amazing kindness and honesty in all his dealings, the President said.

He prayed God to forgive the soul of the deceased and reward his great and noble deeds with paradise.

The deceased is survived by a number of children, including Dauda Ibrahim, a Chief Administrative Officer in State House, Abuja.
Spain, Greece and Italy top the holiday wish-list for British travellers  but most will wait until next summer for a foreign getaway.

As battles rage within government over the UKs quarantine plans, Britains biggest travel firm says demand is strong for Mediterranean destinations.

Tui says the holidaymakers it polled revealed Spain, Greece and Italy are the top three locations people intend to visit when they can.

Among long-haul destinations, the most popular locations are Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico.

The top 10 also includes the Mediterranean nations of Croatia and Turkey, and the long-haul targets of Dubai and Thailand.

But fewer than half the holidaymakers surveyed plan to travel this year. The company said: Forty-five per cent of us are hoping to take a holiday before summer 2021.

In a more recent but smaller survey of subscribers to The Independent, only 28 per cent of respondents said they would travel abroad this summer.

For May and June 2021, Greece, Turkey and Florida are currently the most booked destinations.

Tui is seeing notable increases in demand for self-catering and villa holidays, reflecting the desire for social distancing.

The survey, conducted by One Poll, found that the most anticipated holiday activity is sightseeing, followed by eating authentic local cuisine and swimming in the sea.

An employee wears a face mask at a beach of Varkiza as Greece gradually eases lockdown restrictions (Getty Images) (Getty)

The Anglo-German firm surveyed 2,000 people between 23 and 27 April 2020  before the government had revealed its controversial quarantine plans, which are likely to depress demand for holidays.

On 22 May, the home secretary, Priti Patel, announced that almost all arrivals at UK airports, ferry ports and international rail terminals from 8 June will be required to self-isolate for two weeks.

The immediate effect of the quarantine policy was to stifle sales for summer travel; few holidaymakers are willing or able to spend 14 days at home, out of direct contact with family and friends, after their trip.

The Department for Transport is seeking to neutralise the measure by setting up "air bridge" arrangements that will allow returning travellers to avoid quarantine.

In addition, individual countries have expressed unwillingness to welcome UK visitors when destinations re-open to tourism.

Greece has excluded British holidaymakers, as well as those from France, Italy and Spain, from a list of 29 nationalities eligible to fly to the country from 15 June onwards.

Cyprus and Malta have also left the UK off their lists of preferred tourists.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  Grab Philippines hopes that the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board will consider allowing more of its drivers to operate when Metro Manila transitions into general community quarantine starting June 1.

Under GCQ, transportation network vehicles system enterprises like Grab will be allowed to operate.

Out of the 31,000 names of drivers submitted by GrabCar, the LTFRB validated only 2,025 of TNVS drivers to resume operations.

Grab is humbly asking the LTFRB to increase the TNVS supply on behalf of both the drivers and the commuting public who are working to deliver much-needed services to our kababayans amidst the pandemic and an embattled economy, the TNVS operator said.

According to Grab Philippines President Brian Cu, health and safety measures will strictly be implemented in Grab fleets including installing a barrier between drivers and passengers, and hygiene kits will be readily available for sanitation and disinfection.

Tens of thousands of Grab drivers are already certified with the new safety and hygiene standards of both the government and Grab, and they are ready to resume serving the commuting public, the company said in a statement.

Grab says they will be reducing their commissions for all the drivers who are on the validated list issued by the LTFRB, to allow these drivers to earn more.

Furthermore, Grab said that the entire commissions it earns in the first week of GCQ will go to the sanitation and hygiene kits for the drivers.

The company will also go for cashless transactions.

TNVS also ensures compliance with the government mandate for cashless and contactless transactions, a capability that no other public transport denomination can guarantee at this time, the statement read.

READ: Grab goes cashless, seeks to charge disinfection fee as Metro Manila eases to GCQ

President Rodrigo Duterte this week approved the recommendation of the Inter-agency Task Force to ease the quarantine restrictions over Metro Manila into a general community quarantine from June 1.
Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Khloe, has sent a word of warning to social media users attacking her for her body.

The reality star took to Snapchat to share photos of how she was trolled on her weight and how she has responded.

The housemate had only a few words for those attacking her for her looks as she asked them to mind their business.

READ ALSO  I Am Tired Of Nigeria  Ex-BBNaija Housemate Khloe

Advertisement

Sharing on Snapchat, Khloe wrote in part: Im the last person to be bothered about my body especially my stomach

See Post Here:
A Greystones musician intends to release a series of songs over the coming months which were recoded during Covid-19 lockdown.

Nylophone, aka Niall Woods, releases his first single 'Summer Feeling' on June 7 on all streaming platforms.

The indie dream-pop song incorporates finger-picked guitar, vintage synths and catchy breezy melodies in the style of Ariel Pink and The Shins.

Before lockdown most of Niall's time was spent teaching piano and guitar, but like many artists losing their job due to Coronavirus, he finally found the time to finish a stack of old projects he had lying around.

'The whole period of isolation has actually helped me creatively,' said Niall.

'I was a bit stressed at the beginning of the lockdown, especially with losing my job. But it gave me the opportunity to finish off a number of projects I had started.

'I have been very productive in lockdown. So I guess every cloud has its silver lining.'

Niall wrote and performed all the instruments featured on 'Summer Feeling', apart from the drums which were added by Rian Trench, who also helped out with the production and mixing of the track.

'I started writing the song at the start of isolation, when summer hadn't quite arrived. 'Summer Feeling' has had a very good reaction from anyone who heard the song. It's my first ever single release and I hope to release a song a month over the next six months,' added Niall.

'The pressure of losing your job and being forced to stay in for most of the day can take its toll, and in many ways 'Summer Feeling' is an escapist daydream that paints a picture of freer, easier time.'

Niall wrote and recorded the song at his Greystones home. The songs are lo-fi, but meticulously crafted and tweaked before being passed onto Rian, formerly one half of Solar Bears, to have the kinks ironed out.

He said: 'The music I play isn't always the type of music I write. Most of the live music I perform would be traditional Irish.

'I also do a little jazz at weddings and cafe gigs. When I write the music comes out different, and maybe a little more poppy.'
I thought Sarah Huckabee Sanders was the greatest White House press spokesperson of all time because of the way she treated the press corps (thats pronounced core, Mr. Obama) like unruly and slow-learning kindergarten kids, as they deserve to be treated. But Kayleigh McEnany has turned it up to 11, not only treating the press corps like children, but as the enemy as well, which they are. And note the left dare not make the charge that she is a bimbothough you know they really want tolest they fall afoul of charges of sexism. Remember when the media complained that the White House had discontinued the daily press briefing? Yeah, Im betting they regret that right now.

Oh, and Joe Biden had another great week in his basement. Not.

Headlines of the week:

And finally. . .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo listens as US President Donald Trump speaks on the novel coronavirus at an April 2020 press conference at the White House. (File photo: AFP/MANDEL NGAN)

Trump earlier said that he will hold a press conference Friday about China amid soaring tensions between the two powers, including over the status of Hong Kong and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked about a report in The New York Times that Trump was considering throwing out thousands of graduate students, Pompeo said that Chinese students "shouldn't be here in our schools spying".

"We know we have this challenge. President Trump, I am confident, is going to take that on," Pompeo told Fox News, while declining to say if action would be announced on Friday.

"We have an obligation  a duty  to make sure that students that are coming here to study ... aren't acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party," Pompeo said.

The New York Times said that the Trump administration was considering annulling visas for thousands of graduate students linked to China's military.

The move would be certain to draw criticism from universities, which rely increasingly on tuition from foreign students  of which China and India are the largest sources  and have already been hit hard by the COVID-19 shutdown.

Asian American activists have long voiced concern that the targeting of Chinese students impacts their own community, with US citizens of Asian ancestry coming under unjustified suspicion.

"This isn't a red scare, this isn't racist. Chinese people are a great people," Pompeo said when asked about the concerns.

"This is like the days of the Soviet Union. This is a communist, tyrannical regime that poses real risk to the United States," he said.

Trump, in remarks to reporters, declined to preview the press conference on Friday but said, "We're not happy with China."

The press conference will come two days after Pompeo certified to Congress that Hong Kong was no longer autonomous from China, as promised by Beijing before Britain handed over its colony in 1997.

China has been pressing forward the drafting of a security law that Hong Kong activists say will end freedoms enjoyed in the financial capital, which was rocked by months of pro-democracy protests last year.

Washington and Beijing are already clashing over responsibility for the extent of the coronavirus pandemic, which originated in China but has spread worldwide and caused devastation in the US.

Domestic critics accuse Trump of mismanagement and say that the 100,000 US deaths and massive unemployment were the result of a slow, patchy federal response to the virus' spread across the world's biggest economy.

But Trump blames the crisis on China and for a long time insisted on calling the COVID-19 sickness the "Chinese virus". He has threatened to cut off US funding for the World Health Organization, accusing the UN body of bias toward Beijing and assisting in a cover-up.
TPC Group faces $514,692 in fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and is accused of three willful violations  the most severe and rare category used by the agency  after OSHA concluded its investigation into the Nov. 27 plant explosion in Port Neches.

OSHA announced its conclusions Wednesday, giving some of the first official glimpses of potential failures at the plant since a vapor cloud explosion under a butadiene processing tower ignited flames that burned for weeks at the site and injured three people.

OSHA cited TPC for three willful violations for failing to develop and implement procedures for emergency shutdown, and inspect and test process vessel and piping components, representatives from the agency wrote in a statement.

OSHAs conclusions

Of the willful violations, OSHA concluded that TPC Group failed to provide updated instructions on how to shut down affected equipment, didnt fix deficient equipment that could have caused the incident or alerted workers to a problem, and failed to use proper procedures on a pipeline design known to cause issues when using butadiene.

The design, known as a dead leg, is constantly in contact with the chemical while it is being processed but hardly ever allowed to have products flow through normally in a way that might prevent buildups. The manual for butadiene from the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which OSHA cited several times, advises that dead legs should be avoided, as they can eventually cause ruptures.

Each of these violations resulted in the maximum fine the agency is allowed to levy, which is $134,937 per violation.

TPC Group has 15 days to dispute OSHAs findings, which a representative for the company said it intends to do.

TPC is reviewing the citations and intends to appeal them, spokesperson Sara Cronin wrote in an email. We strongly disagree with the characterization of some of the alleged violations as willful. We anticipate future engagement with OSHA regarding these issues, and it would be inappropriate to comment further while our discussions are ongoing.

TPC also faces 10 violations categorized as serious that range from not having documentation for training or procedures on the affected equipment to not sounding an alarm for evacuation.

The citations allege TPC Group didnt have a proper plan for clearing five key pieces of equipment of polymer crystals known to cause ruptures in systems containing butadiene.

The ACC guidance manual calls for constant maintenance and even treating pipes with corrosion resistant materials, as rust on a pipe could introduce enough oxygen to cause crystals to form that might eventually cause the pipe to build up pressure and burst. The blockages are often called butadiene popcorn polymers and are known hazards for processing plants working with the chemical.

The company was also marked for not checking deficient equipment, specifically an analyzer that was supposed to monitor the butadiene in one of the towers.

Where the fines rank

OSHA categorizes fines over $40,000 as a high penalty case, and they are generally associated with willful violations.

Only 21 cases out of the 3,960 currently being tracked in OSHAs enforcement case database resulted in initial fines higher than the ones levied against TPC. Cases in the database start in 2015.

The highest fine in the time period currently accessible in the database was $2.8 million to Sunfield Inc. in Hebron, Ohio. Since then, all of the company's fines have been reduced.

The auto parts manufacturer initially faced $3.42 million in fines after being cited for 57 violations, including 46 egregious willful violations, following an investigation into an incident that left two employees severely injured.

Outside recent history, OSHAs fines for explosions at Texas chemical plants have varied.

The agency levied $13 million in fines against BP in 2005 for the refinery explosion in Texas City that killed 15 workers and injured 180 others. Almost 10 years later in 2013, it fined the West Fertilizer Co. $118,000 for an explosion at its facility that killed 15 and injured between 160 and 200 people. The plants last inspection following the incident was in 1985.

Despite the death and injury toll in the West case, it resulted in a lower penalty than the Port Neches explosion, but lawyers familiar with OSHAs investigations say the fines have more to do with what failures the agency is able to find.

Brent Coon, principal partner in Brent Coon and Associates, said when comparing West Fertilizer and TPC, it comes down to how many more cases of negligence or incompetence on the part of the company investigators discover.

This is a pretty hefty fine, all things considered, he said. Its not a lot of money, particularly for the petrochemical industry, but a willful violation is a very strong accusation.

Coon said it is common for companies to try to dispute willful violations, not just to reduce fines, but also because of the weight they can carry in lawsuits and future investigations.

If those willful violations do stick to TPC Group, its likely they will be added to the arsenal lawyers representing Port Neches residents are building against the company.

Chip Ferguson, principal partner of Ferguson Law Firm, said the number of violations, their severity and the fact that TPC Group wasnt even following suggestions from the chemical industrys leading trade association says a lot about how clear the case was for OSHA.

If you cant follow the guidelines written by industry, you cant meet any safety guidelines, he said. And the fact that you cant meet the guidelines speaks volumes about the way you regard safety in general.

Brent Coon and Associates and The Ferguson Law Firm are both representing plaintiffs against TPC Group.

Where TPC is now

All proceedings in the cases against TPC Group have been halted since January after the companys lawyers filed a motion that made its way up to the state Supreme Court, asking the court to select a venue for the case.

At least one of the initial cases against the company was filed in Harris County, while the rest were filed in Jefferson County. The companys representatives said that split in the filings would add unreasonable complications for their client.

A judge has still not been named to the case, but Coon said it will still take several weeks to start proceedings even after one is named.

Meanwhile, Cronin said all the high purity butadiene has been moved out of the Port Neches site as the company reaches the 75% mark for transporting all process materials. She said the company plans to finish the process by mid-summer.

She also said TPC Group is evaluating the sites utilities, equipment and pipeline structure connected to its dock to determine if and how soon it can be used to get products to customers.

The company previously stated after laying off most processing staff that it planned to use the site for storage and transport until it decided whether to rebuild.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com
The leader of INRI Evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be prayerful. ...





The leader of INRI Evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be prayerful.





Ayodele said Buhari should wake up and take to prayer so as not to lose another aide.





The clergyman, who made the call in his latest prophecy, also warned the new Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari to be prayerful.





He said Gambari will step on toes because he wants to change things and some politicians will frame him up.





Ayodele called for prayers so as to avert another death in the Presidential Villa.





He said: Buhari should wake up. He doesnt have a grip on his government. There will be crisis in Buharis government, and he must be prayerful so as not to lose another special aide.





Chief of staff will step on toes because he wants to change so many things, the politicians will also frame him up. Prayers need to be made so as not to see another death in the villa.





Ayodele also called for the sack of Service Chiefs because they are one of the reasons, we still have security threats by insurgents. Once they are replaced, insurgency will stop.




Revival of tourism industry: Plans to start with small tour groups from mid-June By Damith Wickremasekara View(s): View(s):

The Government is planning to reactivate the tourism industry within two weeks by inviting small tour groups to prepare for the tourist season ahead.

Accordingly, limited small tour groups under strict health restrictions would be accommodated from the middle of next month, Tourism Ministry Secretary S. Hettiaarachchi said.

The tourists will be required to carry a COVID-19 free certificate issued either by their governments or a reputed agency. On arrival they will be held back at the airport for six hours during which a PCR test will be carried out, he said.

The secretary said lab facilities would be set up at the Bandaranaike International Airport and the Mattala International Airport while assistance would also be sought from private hospitals.

Under the scheme, individual tourists would not be entertained, but only small tour groups would be allowed.

He said the tour groups would be allowed to stay only in five-star hotels which also would have to obtain a clearance certificate that necessary precautions had been taken to prevent the spread of the virus.

The tourists will not be allowed to get off the buses midway and will be able only to visit selected destinations where they could avoid crowds, Mr Hettiaarachchi said.

The tourists would allowed to visit sites such as the Yala national park, Udawalawe, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee and selected beach areas.

Under the plan, visiting tourists would be subjected to a second PCR test to determine whether they had been infected with COVID-19, he said.The temperatures of the members of the tour group would be monitored daily.

He said the preparations were seen as a plan to open up the country for more tourists by July and thereafter for the tourist season.

The proposals were discussed at a meeting presided over by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and attended by stakeholders in the tourism industry.
It feels like yesterday we were all eating in restaurants, drinking in bars, hugging one another to show we care. Or it feels like a million years ago, either way. Before COVID-19, it was certainly something we used to do.

Anyway, the point is things change, and on Friday, Doug Ford swerved. A day after saying he wouldnt consider a regional approach to Ontarios pandemic reopening, he said he would. And thank goodness, if he means it.

I think its a big province, places are far apart, theres a lot of success stories in Ontario, and then theres a lot of challenges in the Greater Toronto Area that are less so outside the GTA. So I think its a terrific idea, said University of Toronto epidemiologist Dr. David Fisman.

Hopefully therell be the ability to support the GTA directly, and get the local medical officers of health the resources they need, and empower them to get the job done within the GTA. So it doesnt recontaminate everywhere else.

Indeed: to beat an epidemic you have to complete the epidemic curve, and Ontarios half-ass lockdown and lack of underlying epidemic response have kept that from happening. The dissatisfaction in the medical community has become a dull roar.

Wednesday, the provinces 34 medical officers of health presented a set of actual measures and thresholds they intend to use to either slow reopening measures, or to reinstitute restrictions regardless of provincial decree. Toronto and the GTA, you see, hold about 41 per cent of the population of Ontario, and 76 per cent of the identified COVID-19 cases.

In response, the premier of Ontario protested feebly Wednesday that people own cars, and that things were going pretty well in Ontario. To which the answer from several medical officers of health had clearly been, not here it aint.

On Thursday Doug said a regional approach was out. And on Friday, he said maybe. Winding road, but were getting there.

Theres never a light bulb that goes off in my head, said the premier, on what had changed. I take the advice  Im no health expert: I rely on health and science. Im not going to go against the medical professionals on this.

Well, except for the reopening decision, maybe. The science hadnt changed an awful lot in those 24 hours, but chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams can take five or six different turns in the same meandering sentence to nowhere, so who knows.

Fords reasoning for this regional consideration seemed specious: a few days of above-15,000 testing, which has happened several times earlier in May. And his specifics remained nonexistent, which is the problem the medical officers of health were trying to rectify.

We need confidence in our government, and when theres transparency you create an environment where people can be confident in your actions, said epidemiologist Dr. Nitin Mohan, who teaches public and global health at Western University, and who co-founded a public health consulting firm called ETIO.

When theres a lack of transparency to the point where epidemiologists are wondering what the rationale (for reopening) is, it can lead to the disintegration of confidence and hopefully not noncompliance with the measures youre still asking for.

And no, Ford didnt mention the MOH plan, which has been widely praised by respected epidemiologists. But his government also plans to eliminate said medical officers of health, in what is likely a misbegotten idea. Its probably not politically pleasant to concede power and authority to people your government intends to disempower so you can have the authority.

But hallelujah, maybe. The province needs different approaches, and its been clear for a while. Deriding local health units as fiefdoms ignores successes in Kingston under Dr. Kieran Moore, in Sudbury under Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, and more. And Ontarios epidemic primarily lives in the GTA. We need different rules.

We have a different situation here, said Toronto Mayor John Tory. That kind of consideration from him is most welcome.

So lets go. Ontarios response to this pandemic has been sclerotic. Ford promised testing of vulnerable populations like homeless shelters or refugee centres on April 10; he reannounced it Friday, as part of a testing plan that until two weeks ago was still sending away people with symptoms for not having a referral.

I appreciate that theres great diagnostic capacity right now, and it took until late May to have a policy where people with signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 could go to a testing centre and get tested, says Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist with the University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital. Im really happy its happened, but lets be clear: its late May.

Ford also announced 2,000 contact tracing hires on Friday, on the same day Dr. Michael Warner of Michael Garron Hospital in East York felt the system fail. Thursday night Warner saw a patient with COVID-19 who lives in a big apartment building and has a customer-facing job. Warner was told at 9 p.m. by Toronto Public Health contact tracing would begin, and found the next morning it had not. Contact tracing is another basic of epidemic response Ontario hasnt come close to mastering.

If you dont start immediately, theres no point in doing it, said Bogoch. They did Ebola contact tracing of 25,000 in a war zone in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We can do it in the GTA.

And beyond the long-term-care disaster and worries about retirement homes, there is still no meaningful public support for isolation facilities for the people hit hardest by this virus: the people who live in low-income areas, who likely got the virus in their workplace, and who cant isolate themselves from their families. Again: its late May.

Still, testing might finally have a chance. We likely still need one hell of a person in charge of this thing  a czar who can truly align the premier, the mucked-up overlapping health system, epidemiology and public health.

But finally Doug Ford has accepted that maybe we dont have to treat every part of Ontario the same, and thats a start, even this far gone. Our medical officers of health offered this province a steering wheel, and a windshield you can see through. They offered the premier a non-political, scientific win that could benefit everybody.

It was a gift, in the pandemic. And he should take it.

Read more about:
New Delhi: The coronavirus that spread from a Wuhan market in China in late December 2019, has now infected more than 60.9 lakh people across the globe while taking over 3.68 lakh lives.

According to the Worldometers website at 11:50 PM IST on Saturday (May 30, 2020), approximately 60,94,621 people have contracted COVID-19, and around 3,68,830 people succumbed to the virus in the world.

The website also shows that there were 68,203 new confirmed cases and 2,408 deaths around the world in the last 24 hours.

While over 27 lakh people have recovered, almost 30.3 lakh people are still struggling to recover from the virus that was declared as a 'pandemic' by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020.

The virus was first recorded outside of China on January 13, 2020, when the officials confirmed a case in Thailand.

The United States of America (USA) has been the worst COVID-19-hit country in the world where more than 18 lakh people have been tested positive for coronavirus. The USA on Saturday recorded 12,541 positive cases.

Earlier on Saturday, the European Union (EU) urged the USA to reconsider its decision to cut ties with WHO over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat said, "In the face of this global threat, now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions. Actions that weaken international results must be avoided."

The US is followed by Brazil that has seen a decline in the confirmed cases from the past few days. Brazil with close to 1,200 new cases has now 4.69 lakh COVID-19 cases.

Russia that saw the second most number of cases on Saturday after the US now has 3.96 lakh coronavirus infections in the country. Russia on Saturday witnessed 8,952 confirmed infections.

Spain on the fourth spot saw a rise of 664 and the country's total count surged to 2.86 lakh.

The United Kingdom (UK) with 1,604 new cases now has over 2.72 lakh positive cases. After almost three-month COVID-19 halt, elite competitive sport in England can resume from Monday behind closed doors provided strict conditions are met, the government said on Saturday.

Italy (2.32 lakh), France (1.86 lakh), Germany (1.83 lakh), India (1.81 lakh), and Turkey (1.63 lakh) are the other countries in the top-10 list of countries with the most number of COVID-19 confirmed cases.

Countries with most COVID-19 deaths:

The USA remained on the top where 1,05,055 people have succumbed to the virus. The USA on Saturday recorded 513 new deaths.

The UK being the second worst-hit saw a rise of 215 and now has 38,376 coronavirus deaths.

Italy with 33,340 deaths is on the third spot, which lost 215 of its people in the last 24 hours.

France's toll has jumped to 28,714 by Saturday evening.

Spain that has been recovering well from the pandemic from the past few weeks saw four deaths in the last 24 hours. Spain has now 27,125 deaths
The Centre on Saturday announced that the nationwide lockdown will be extended till June 30 in containment zones and added that essential economic activities would be permitted in a staggered manner outside those zones. International air travel and operation of Metro Rail in various states, however, will not be permitted till further notice.

In Phase III, according to the government order, dates for their opening will be decided based on an assessment of the Covid-19 situation in the country.

International air travel which has been suspended in India from the last week of March to curb the spread of the coronavirus will still not be allowed, according to the latest guidelines till a new date is announced.

ALSO READ| Lockdown extended till June 30; malls to open, no to cinema halls, metro trains

According to the guidelines issued by the government, Metro services will remain closed for commuters until further notice, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a statement. Metro services will also remain suspended in other states which have the public transport facility.

The latest guidelines will come into effect from June 1 and will be effective till June 30, 2020. The current phase of re-opening, Unlock 1, will focus on resumption of economic activities.

As far as the movement of people is concerned, there shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of people and goods. No separate permissions or approval or any kind of e-permit will be required for such movement from one state to the other.

ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi expected to give glimpses of Lockdown 5.0 on Sunday

But, if a state or Union Territory, based on reasons of public health and its assessment of the situation, proposes to regulate movement of people, it has to give wide publicity in advance regarding the restrictions to be placed on such travel and also related protocol that needs to be followed.

The fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown, imposed to curb the coronavirus outbreak, was scheduled to end tomorrow on May 31.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  Authorities seized a shipment from Fujian, China that contained 180 kilograms of unregistered Chinese medicine worth 700,000 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Customs bureau said on Saturday.

In a statement, the agency said the operation happened on May 28. The Chinese medicines were declared as vitamins and consigned to a male person from Muntinlupa City. The shipment lacked documents from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA released Advisory No. 2020-767 on May 6 that warned the public against the purchase and use of unregistered drugs from China.
New York: Thousands of protesters stormed the security perimeter of Barclays Center in New York as protests spread across the United States over the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man who died after being pinned by the neck under a white police officer's knee.

Police made scores of arrests at Friday's massive demonstration in Brooklyn, loading cuffed protesters onto city buses lined up on Atlantic Avenue, shutting down a major thoroughfare.

A diverse group of protesters cheered to hip hop music and tried to argue about police brutality with police officers in riot gear, who occasionally lunged into crowds to pluck people out for arrest after bottles and other projectiles were thrown.

The demonstrators at a "We can't breathe" vigil and rally in lower Manhattan were pressing for legislation outlawing the police "chokehold" used by a city police officer in the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who was also black.

ATLANTA

In an impassioned speech, Bernice King, the youngest daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., implored people to go home after more than 1,000 protesters marched to the state capitol from the Centennial Olympic Park, blocking traffic and an interstate highway along the way.

"The only way we get what we really want is through non-violence," Bernice King said in her father's hometown. "Let's do this the non-violent way to deal with the evil of our time."

King was assassinated in 1968, a year after race riots spread across many big cities.

The Atlanta demonstration turned chaotic and at times violent. Fires were burning in downtown Atlanta near the CNN Center, the network's headquarters.

At least one police car was among several vehicles burnt. Windows were smashed at the CNN building, along with store fronts. Police pushed back the crowd, but they hurled bottles at officers.

MINNEAPOLIS

Hundreds of protesters defied an 8 p.m. curfew to gather in the streets around a police station burnt the previous night.

"We are out here because we, as a generation, realize things have to change," said one marcher, Paul Selman, a 25-year-old black man, who had just graduated with a master's degree in English from Minnesota State. "We need peace."

Peter McMahon, 26, a resident of the area around the police station and owner of two nearby properties, said, "This is my generation and these are the people I went to high school with," adding, "This is not a surprise. I have lost good friends over this Black Lives Matter shit."

DETROIT

Hundreds in the automotive capital joined a "March Against Police Brutality" late in the afternoon outside the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters. Many chanted, "No justice, no peace." Some carried signs that read, "End police brutality" and "I won't stop yelling until everyone can breathe."

A 19-year-old man protesting in the city was shot dead on Friday night by a suspect who pulled up to demonstrators in a sport utility vehicle and fired gunshots into the crowd, then fled, the Detroit Free Press and other local media reported. Police could not immediately be reached for comment.

DENVER

Denver saw a second day of protests after hundreds marched peacefully through its downtown demanding justice for Floyd.

HOUSTON

Hundreds gathered on Friday in a protest organized by the group Black Lives Matter at City Hall. The crowd spilled onto Interstate 45's entrance ramp near downtown chanting, "I can't breathe," and "No justice, no peace."

LOUISVILLE

After a night of violence in which at least seven people were shot, police in the Kentucky city braced for more protests over the killing of Floyd and several others, such as Breonna Taylor, shot by police in her Louisville home in March.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 23:02:29|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (front) views the models of high-speed trains at the construction site of the Belgrade-Budapest railway in Stara Pazova, Serbia, on May 30, 2020. The Belgrade-Budapest railway is of immense importance to the China-Serbia relations, living standard of citizens and the flow of goods, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday, expressing satisfaction with the progress of the construction works so far. (Dimitrije Goll/Serbian President's Office/Handout via Xinhua)

BELGRADE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Belgrade-Budapest railway is of immense importance to the China-Serbia relations, living standard of citizens and the flow of goods, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday, expressing satisfaction with the progress of the construction works so far.

Vucic made these remarks while visiting the construction site of the China Railway International (CRI) and the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) in the town of Stara Pazova, together with Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo.

"It's important for our relations, and it will increase the living standard of citizens and the flow of goods, which is extremely important for our economy. These are the things that we will remain behind us, revolutionary things that one does not believe in until seeing them," he said.

Vucic said that the 34.5-kilometre section of the new railway from Belgrade to Stara Pazova will be operational next March.

He said that the Belgrade-Budapest railway is being built according to European standards and will be Serbia's first state-of-the-art high-speed railway.

"Thanks to our Chinese partners for their hard work, efforts and engagement. Thanks to Serbian and Chinese workers for their arduous work," Vucic said, stressing that in addition to the railway, four highways are currently under construction in Serbia.

Ambassador Chen said that the COVID-19 pandemic didn't stop a single project conducted by Chinese companies or production in Chinese-owned factories.

"Chinese companies will put all efforts into advancing their projects and production, and give their contribution to the economic recovery of our two countries, and our cooperation," she said.
A prominent doctors' body in Sri Lanka warned of a second wave of COVID-19 infections in the country after thousands of people defying social distancing rules gathered to pay tributes to a prominent Tamil minister, who died earlier this week.

Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) leader Arumugam Thondaman, who represented Tamils of Indian origin, passed away on Tuesday and is due to be cremated on Sunday in the central hilly Nuwara Eliya district.

Tens of thousands of his supporters gathered to pay respects to Thondaman, defying all quarantine regulations put in place to curb the pandemic.

In a statement on Saturday, the doctors' body warned that gatherings at the politician's funeral could trigger the second wave of coronavirus infection.

Thondaman's body was taken to the national parliament on Thursday for a lie-in-state and for public viewing at his Ceylon Workers' Congress party head office in Colombo before it was airlifted to his home district of Nuwara Eliya.

The doctors expressed their "displeasure" over the public funeral of Thondaman at a time when health authorities had asked people to restrict funerals to the closest family.

The country will impose a nation-wide curfew tomorrow.

The government already declared curfew in Nuwara Eliya district on Saturday ahead of the funeral.

The island nation has reported a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, mainly among those who were recently repatriated from overseas.

The country has recorded 1,559 infections as of Saturday with 10 deaths. Over 750 of the COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospitals.

Only this week the government formally ended the lockdown imposed since March 20 by lifting daytime curfew in the capital district of Colombo.
She called the police. She knew what she was doing. She weaponized her whiteness and fragility like so many white women before her. She began to sound more and more hysterical, even though she had to have known she was potentially sentencing a black man to death for expecting her to follow rules she did not think applied to her. It is a stroke of luck that Mr. Cooper did not become another unbearable statistic.

An unfortunate percentage of my cultural criticism over the past 11 or 12 years has focused on the senseless loss of black life. Mike Brown. Trayvon Martin. Sandra Bland. Philando Castile. Tamir Rice. Jordan Davis. Atatiana Jefferson. The Charleston Nine.

These names are the worst kind of refrain, an inescapable burden. These names are hashtags, elegies, battle cries. Still nothing changes. Racism is litigated over and over again when another video depicting another atrocity comes to light. Black people share the truth of their lives, and white people treat those truths as intellectual exercises.

They put energy into being outraged about the name Karen, as shorthand for entitled white women rather than doing the difficult, self-reflective work of examining their own prejudices. They speculate about what murdered black people might have done that we dont know about to beget their fates, as if alleged crimes are punishable by death without a trial by jury. They demand perfection as the price for black existence while harboring no such standards for anyone else.

Some white people act as if there are two sides to racism, as if racists are people we need to reason with. They fret over the destruction of property and want everyone to just get along. They struggle to understand why black people are rioting but offer no alternatives about what a people should do about a lifetime of rage, disempowerment and injustice.

When I warned in 2018 that no one was coming to save us, I wrote that I was tired of comfortable lies. Im even more exhausted now. Like many black people, I am furious and fed up, but that doesnt matter at all.

I write similar things about different black lives lost over and over and over. I tell myself I am done with this subject. Then something so horrific happens that I know I must say something, even though I know that the people who truly need to be moved are immovable. They dont care about black lives. They dont care about anyones lives. They wont even wear masks to mitigate a virus for which there is no cure.

Eventually, doctors will find a coronavirus vaccine, but black people will continue to wait, despite the futility of hope, for a cure for racism. We will live with the knowledge that a hashtag is not a vaccine for white supremacy. We live with the knowledge that, still, no one is coming to save us. The rest of the world yearns to get back to normal. For black people, normal is the very thing from which we yearn to be free.

Roxane Gay (@rgay) is a contributing opinion writer.

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.
Former Edo Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Egbe Ediagbonya, has been killed by his abductors after he was seized from his home.

The decomposing body of the kidnapped former Commissioner has been found in a forest.

Some farmers discovered the remains around 6:30 p.m. on May 29 at Edo forest, which shared boundary with Ondo state, near the victims Utese village in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo state.

The former commissioner was seized from his residence at Utese on Saturday, May 16, 2020 by unknown gunmen and suspected kidnappers.



Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said yesterday in Benin: The farmers who were uneasy and apprehensive about the horrible sight, rushed to the village (Utese) to break the news, and they thereater moved to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Okada, and reported the sad development to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station.

Immediately, the DPO mobilised his men, contacted the medical team of Igbinedion University, Okada and they moved to the forest, in company with the deceaseds family members and the communitys people.

At the scene, the remains of Hon. Ediagbonya were identified to be him by his family members and immediately, the remains were professionally evacuated and taken to Igbinedion University Hospital Mortuary, Okada for autopsy.

Nwabuzor also stated that the Edo police command deeply condoled with the immediate family of the victim, while praying that Almighty God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Edo police spokesman also assured that the command would fish out the killers of the illustrious son of Utese village.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
OTTAWA - The federal government has announced the details of $650 million in additional funding to help Indigenous communities cope with the pandemic, after months of First Nations, Inuit and Metis leaders saying the previous amount was inadequate.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller joins fellow ministers and Government of Canada officials as they hold a news conference to provide an update on COVID-19 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Miller says the federal government will spend another $650 million to help Indigenous communities cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - The federal government has announced the details of $650 million in additional funding to help Indigenous communities cope with the pandemic, after months of First Nations, Inuit and Metis leaders saying the previous amount was inadequate.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says $285 million of this will support rapid public health responses in Indigenous communities when faced with an outbreak of COVID-19.

"These funds will go toward more nurses, will help procure specialized supplies and will support work with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities on continued community-driven responses," Trudeau said Friday outside his Rideau Cottage residence.

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller called this amount "new funding" during the official announcement, but later acknowledged millions from this fund has already been spent.

He said this was because his department "didn't wait to act to get confirmation that we had these resources" before it procured the needed supplies for Indigenous communities.

A total of $44 million has gone to pandemic-related infrastructure in Indigenous communities that asked for help, as well as some that did not. Valerie Gideon, senior assistant deputy minister for the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, said the federal government helped some communities with medical tents without being asked because they knew it was needed.

Some of the newly announced funding has gone to securing emergency contracts with nurses and paramedics in preparation for a sudden outbreak. It has also been spent on personal protective equipment for essential community workers in First Nations who do not qualify to receive it from other stockpiles because they are not health workers.

Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller, right, and Dr. Tom Wong, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health at Indigenous Services Canada, take part in a press conference on Parliament Hill amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa on Friday, May 29, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Miller said that while the first wave of COVID-19 appears to be receding, Indigenous communities continue to be among the populations most vulnerable due to long-standing health and social disparities in their communities.

"We must remain vigilant. The threat of a second wave is very real," he said.

The federal government had previously committed $305 million to help First Nations reserves, and Inuit and Metis communities, with supplies, medical care and facilities to allow for physical distancing.

Since that initial funding was announced in March, Indigenous leaders from across Canada have said it would not be enough to prevent the most vulnerable people from falling through the cracks.

National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations said the additional monies show the Trudeau government is listening to the evolving needs of Indigenous peoples through the pandemic.

"Today's announcement is going to give First Nations the ability to continue the fight against COVID-19," Bellegarde said.

Another portion of the $650 million announced Friday will go to individuals and families who rely on the on-reserve income assistance program, so they don't have to choose between food and rent during the crisis.

The program will see a $270 million increase overall, with $139 million of this funding going toward direct COVID-19 response, and the remainder going toward sustaining base funding for this program to ensure continuity for its clients through the crisis.

"Our collective goal is to make sure individuals and families can go through this pandemic with the most support that they can get  that they can face this new reality with as little stress and anxiety as possible when it comes to their income and that they can, first and foremost, stay safe and healthy," Miller said.

Since the pandemic began, groups and shelters that work with Indigenous women have reported a sharp rise in domestic violence as COVID-19 restrictions keep families in their homes.

To address these concerns, Miller announced Ottawa will spend $44.8 million over five years to build 10 shelters in First Nations communities and two in the territories to help women and children fleeing violence.

The government will also provide $40.8 million to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years, and $10.2 million annually after that.

Ottawa is committing a further $1 million a year for engagement with Metis leaders and service providers to provide shelter to women fleeing violence and assist in community-led violence prevention projects.

Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

"No one should have to stay in a place where they are unsafe, no one should be forced to choose between violence or homelessness," Trudeau said.

"These new shelters will offer a path forward when people need it most."

Rebecca Kudloo, president of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, which has been pushing for a federal commitment of $20 million for five emergency shelters and transitional housing units in the Inuit North, says she was disappointed to hear only two shelters will be built in all of the territories.

"There's a need if we're going to keep our women safe," she said.

"We're always on the losing end."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2020.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote a letter to the top UN officials, highlighting the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said on Saturday.

The minister addressed another "comprehensive communication" to the UN Security Council President and the UN Secretary General, apprising them of the latest situation in Kashmir through a letter of 21 May, the FO said.

In his letter, Qureshi has drawn attention towards India's new domicile rules in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it was in clear violation of the UN resolutions, it said.

He also conveyed Pakistans concern over the alleged ceasefire violations at the Line of Control and the Working Boundary.

Qureshi rejected the "baseless Indian allegations of so-called "launch pads" of "infiltrators". He underlined that the "real Indian motive" behind blaming Pakistan is to create a pretext for a "false flag" operation, about which Pakistan has been forewarning the international community.

He earlier sent a letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Secretary General on March 9, 2020.

Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of the Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.
Country market - North Wicklow Country Market will be reopening on Saturday, June 20, and for the first few weeks they will be working outdoors, doing orders only, from 11am to 12 midday.

Orders can be made at 086 8034237. The market takes place at Newcastle Community Centre.

The market's 50th birthday is also on June 20, and would otherwise have been marked with a big celebration.

Tributes for deceased

This newspaper offers tribute pieces to bereaved family members within the local community who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one.

The service is available free of charge, and will be completed in a manner that is sensitive to your own personal wishes and requests. Please contact the journalist whose details are listed above if this is something that interests you or is something you would like to do to honour the memory of your loved one who has recently passed away.

Coronavirus stories

Have you a coronavirus-related story or photo you would like to share with us? Then we'd like to hear from you.

Over the next number of weeks, the Bray People will be highlighting how the Covid-19 crisis has impacted the lives of everyone in County Wicklow. We'll be covering everything from travel disruptions,cancellations of medical procedures, cancellations of weddings and parties to the challenges we are facing working from home, home schooling and in the coming weeks as restrictions begin to ease.

We would also like to hear about the many good-news stories out there as communities rally together to help the vulnerable in these unprecedented times and get creative as a means of keeping spirits up. So, if you have a story to tell, or a photo to share, please get in touch with us via email on m.fogarty@peoplenews.ie.

National Theatre Live

National Theatre Live presents 'Jack Absolute Flies Again' on screen at Whale Theatre on Thursday, July 23, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are 17.50 at whaletheatre.ie.

The play, written by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris, is based on Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 'The Rivals', and is set in 1940s British summertime.

Bean and Chris transpose the wit of Sheridan's 18th-century comedy of manners to the year 1940, replacing aristocratic country gentlemen with RAF officers during the Battle of Britain. After an aerial dog fight, Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to rejoin his fearless young Hurricane squadron at RAF Fontwell.

Once back on British soil, Jack is shocked to find his old flame, Lydia, on the base. Setting his sights on winning her heart, Jack's advances turn to anarchy when the young heiress demands to be loved on her own terms. With turbulence and hilarity never far away, his advances quickly turn to anarchy. Staged to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this joyous farce is directed by Thea Sharrock ('Me Before You') and features a cast including Caroline Quentin and Richard Fleeshman.

Horticultural Society

Delgany and District Horticultural Society has cancelled its rose show, due to take place on Saturday, June 27.

They hope that the dahlia show will go ahead on Saturday, August 29.

The dahlia show is scheduled to take place at St Patrick's National School, Church Road, Greystones, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Delgany heritage

An appeal is being made for old photos, articles and documents for a website about the history and heritage of Delgany Village.

Wicklow County Council heritage department and the National Library of Ireland are developing the resource with Tommy MacMackin.

The site is due to go live soon and more material is needed to populate it in advance of the launch. The main headings are people, places and topics.

Anything provided needs to be suitable for publication on a website. Materials can be emailed to tommy.mackmackin@gmail.com.

Mass online

The Holy Rosary and St Kilian in Greystones is celebrating Mass online every day at 10 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. on Sundays. The streaming is available to access on greystonesparish.ie. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be available in each church in the pastoral area and online from the Holy Rosary from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

Dementia Support

Wicklow Dementia Support usually holds a number of events in the Greystones area, which are cancelled for the moment.

'Musical memories' takes place each Friday morning at St Patrick's Church Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There are often visiting musicians and there's usually a turnout of around 30 people, including people with dementia, their family carers and volunteers.

A family carers' support group meets on the third Friday of each month, also at St Patrick's, from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is a facilitator-led, peer-to-peer support group.

Contact Wicklow Dementia Support at 089 4286928 for more information or details about any of the events.

Story time at the library

Children's story time takes place at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings at Greystones Library.

The session is suitable for babies up to children aged six years.

No booking is required for the event.

Events at the library are cancelled as the library is closed due to the coronavirus. Storytelling videos are being uploaded to the Facebook page of Wicklow County Library Service.

Policing clinic in Kilcoole

Kilcoole policing clinic usually takes place each Wednesday evening at Kilcoole Community Centre, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Clinics are on hold for now.

Garda Corbett and/or Garda Thompson are usually in attendance. Drop in for crime prevention advice, get a form stamped and obtain most other garda station services.

Language groups

A German conversation group meets each week in Greystones. The library is closed, so these sessions are suspended for the moment.

The group meets at the library on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m.

A French conversational group meets on Thursday mornings, also at the library, at 11 a.m.

Exercise for over-50s

Exercise programmes for the over-50s take place each Wednesday at Shoreline Leisure at 12.30 p.m.

The sessions help with flexibility, strength, confidence, balance, coordination and mobility. Classes will resume in a number of weeks after the health issues are resolved.

Admission is 5 per session.

Active Retired activities

Greystones Active Retirement's events and classes are currently on hold.

The association, based at Kilian House, usually holds keep fit classes from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and art from 2.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m. on Mondays.

It also holds aqua aerobics in the Shoreline from midday to 1 p.m.

On Tuesdays, there is bowling from 10.45 a.m. to 12.45 p.m., followed by bingo from 2.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m.

On Thursdays there's more bowling from 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Greystones Active Retirement Association also holds a coffee morning from 10.30 a.m. to midday on the last Friday of each month.

The booking office is open at Kilian House Family Centre each Tuesday from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

People can book tickets for events, become a member or renew membership at 20, and learn about coming events, trips and outings.

No activities will take place for the next number of weeks.

Sundays at the Hot Spot

Every Sunday from September to June, the Hot Spot Music Club hosts a weekly Sunday jam session from 4 p.m. Sometimes it's jazz, sometimes it's ukulele and sometimes it's just plain ol' roots. To participate, perform or promote, email hotspotmusiclubg@gmail.com.

Events are cancelled for the time being.

Older persons register

Greystones Community Policing Unit has an older persons register in operation.

Gardai ask that if anyone knows of an older person living alone who might be vulnerable, they send details to greystones.community@garda.ie.

Cancer Support

Greystones Cancer Support is still available to everyone via email on info@greystonescancersupport.com. They are providing classes via Zoom, relaxation audio files and mindfulness online.

Email the organisation to register for supports as they arise.
American home kitchens are in an unprecedented moment, where the most pedestrian supermarket staples can be as valuable as finicky homemade products. A household's most prized possessions can include a jar of sourdough starter just as easily as a can of Chef Boyardee Spaghettios.

Which makes this the perfect time to celebrate the tuna melt, one of the most supermarket-driven of sandwiches. It's made from canned tuna, mayonnaise, and sliced cheese from the dairy aisle-not dependent on decent produce, like, say, a BLT. What makes it shine now is the increasing availability of high-quality tinned fish.

The dish has been having a bit of a moment since March 1. According to a Reddit spokesperson, there's been an increase of over 30% in mentions of tuna melts across the platform, which includes an 18.7 million-member food community, compared with the same time period in 2019. Canned tuna references were also up more than 60% across Reddit.

Coincidentally, the sandwich is a highlight of the new The Tinned Fish Cookbook: Easy-to-Make Meals From Ocean to Plate by Bart van Olphen (The Experiment; $19). Van Olphen was once a chef at the 2-Michelin-star restaurant Lucas Carton in Paris. He's gone on to become a passionate sustainable seafood advocate: He advises British food star Jamie Oliver on the subject and has written cookbooks in both English and his native Dutch. In his 2010 award-winning Fish Tales, he chronicles stories and recipes from sustainable fisheries around the world.

His new book includes 45 recipes for different kinds of canned and tinned seafood, from anchovies and sardines to less conventional options such as mackerel. "Tinned seafood is considered secondary to fresh. But people should think of it as a way of preserving-that's a technique that's so popular now and leaves you with a fantastic product," says van Olphen. He, of course, advises buying sustainably harvested tinned fish, especially for tuna, which is heavily overfished. Pole- and line-caught is especially good.

Van Olphen has a soft spot for the tuna melt, which combines creamy tuna salad with melty cheese within the crunchiness of fried bread. He notes you can substitute your favorite cheese for cheddar and even use a thick layer of salty grated Parmesan. But it's hard to argue with a cheese that melts all over the tuna salad as it toasts in the skillet. (He also says you can switch out the canned fish in the sandwich, but who would want to do that?)

The former chef in van Olphen hacks the classic by making a homemade ketchup to serve as a dipping sauce for the tuna melt. It's a good, tangy, sweet tomato mix. But if you love a ketchup in a bottle, use that. Whether you want to go the extra step of making homemade sourdough bread for the sandwich is up to you.

The following recipe is adapted from The Tinned Fish Cookbook.

Tuna Melt With Ketchup

Serves 2

6-oz. can of oil-packed tuna, drained

 cup diced red onion1 scallion, white and light green parts, finely chopped

3 tbsp. coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley

3 tbsp. mayonnaise

Hot sauce, such as Tabasco

Salt and freshly ground pepper

4 slices of rustic bread

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

Ketchup (recipe follows), or your favorite store-bought bottle

In a medium bowl mix the tuna, red onion, scallion, parsley, mayonnaise, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Butter each slice of bread on one side. Divide the tuna mixture on the unbuttered side of 2 bread slices and top with the cheddar and then the other 2 bread slices, buttered sides up. Warm a griddle or cast-iron skillet over moderate heat and fry the sandwiches, carefully turning once, until the bread is crusty and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. Serve hot with ketchup.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Ketchup

Makes about 2 cups

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

 cup chopped red onion

One 14-oz. can peeled whole tomatoes

1  tbsp. tomato puree

1 tbsp. dark brown sugar, plus more to taste

1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and red onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, and vinegar and cook over low heat, breaking up the tomatoes, until thick, about 8 minutes. Let cool, then transfer to a small blender and puree. Season the ketchup with salt and pepper, and more brown sugar, if desired.
Sri Lankas seafood sector begins to bounce back By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas seafood exports will bounce back following the exiting of the lockdown and resuming economic activities during COVID-19 as the industry is one step ahead in the global supply chain.

The countrys seafood exports were 70 per cent intact in the global supply chain by connecting Sri Lankan exporters with importers in several countries even during the COVID-19 pandemic period, Chairman of Sri Lankas Export Development Board (EDB) Prabash Subasinghe told the Business Times.

He said that exports of seafood had dwindled by around 30 per cent recently and it would come down by 25 per cent in the next quarter.

The EDB and Sri Lankan missions abroad, are continuing to explore access for Sri Lankan products into new markets, to support the island nations economic plan in sustaining the economy during the pandemic and mitigating the economic downturn in its aftermath.

While the demand for local seafood in the world market amidst the virus outbreak existed, air freight rates had been unbearable as many airlines were not operating due to the COVID-19 crisis, he disclosed.

Sri Lankas seafood has fetched higher prices overseas during this period and the industry has been able to operate even with a manpower shortage.

The country has earned Rs. 263 million last year from seafood exports including fresh and frozen yellow fin tuna, shrimp, prawns and crabs to Europe, the United States, Japan, West Asia, Singapore, Malaysia and several other countries, he added.

The government declared seafood as an essential service soon after nationwide curfews started. And this has helped the industry to maintain its export orders.

Sri Lanka has a fleet of around 2600 registered vessels to carry out deep sea fishing in territorial waters including 35 modern fishing craft with licences for high seas fishing  in waters beyond the Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone.

These vessels were registered locally by several companies, Fisheries Department sources revealed.

However 35 foreign vessels are being permitted to catch fish on Sri Lankan territorial waters and unload their stocks in Sri Lankan harbours, local fishery societies complained.

Those stocks are then mixed with other fish products and exported exerting a negative impact on the local fishing industry, they said.

The foreign vessels have been registered under IMUL (multi-day) fishing craft and those are among the Sri Lankan fishing fleet.

All these vessels, both small and large, are Sri Lankan vessels; they have to fish under the Sri Lankan flag.

Under international maritime law none of these vessels can enter the waters of another country without permission from that country as it is illegal to do so. Such a fishing operation will be categorised as IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing, the Fisheries Department said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has declared his property, income, expenses and financial liabilities for 2019.

"According to the declaration, the income of the head of state and his family in 2019 amounted to UAH 28.602 million. Zelensky's family paid taxes in the amount of UAH 3.6 million to the budget," the presidential press service said.

Since May 2019, Zelensky has not been engaged in entrepreneurial activities and receives salaries exclusively in the state administration. His salary from May to December 2019 amounted to UAH 208,787.

"In the reporting period, an increase in his spouse's salary and a decrease in the salary and business income from the entrepreneurial activities of Volodymyr Zelensky were recorded," the report said.

In particular, in 2019, the president's family received funds in repayment of government domestic loan bonds for a total of UAH 5.1 million and incurred expenses for the acquisition of government bonds in the amount of UAH 5.2 million.

Zelensky declared UAH 4.423 million, which were received from the sale of real estate in Kyiv in Velyka Vasylkivska Street, owned by his wife.

Also, the Zelensky family received UAH 3.2 million for renting an apartment in the UK.

In 2019, the wife of the president, Olena Zelenska, received a loan from the first assistant to the head of state, Serhiy Shefir, in the amount of UAH 5 million. The loan was repaid by the end of the reporting year.

Zelensky in 2019 spent UAH 11.5 million as a contribution to the election fund of the candidate for the president of Ukraine.
A runaway coronavirus positive case in Aba, Abia State, has surrendered himself and members of his family to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Aba, for management of his sickness.

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Okeiyi Kalu, made the disclosure in a statement made available to journalists in Aba on Saturday.

The positive case was declared wanted on Thursday by the Abia Government, after he disappeared from a holding facility in Aba, having heard that he tested positive for coronavirus.

Mr Kalu said the patient reported at the IDH by 8.05 a.m. on Saturday with his wife and other family members.

He said the state rapid response team ambulance had taken them to the State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Center, Amachara, Umuahia, for isolation and management.

According to him, having taken the patient and the family into custody at the specialist hospital, the family members would be tested for the virus.

The commissioner said the tracing of other contacts of the runaway patient had already begun.

He said that three patients currently being treated at the isolation center, including a 19-year-old man from Afugiri, Umuahia, and a 30-year-old man from Ofeme, Umuahia, would be discharged on Saturday.

Mr Kalu further disclosed that the third person to be discharged was a Lagos-based indigene of Olokoro, Umuahia, who returned to plan the burial of his relative, a COVID-19 patient who died in Kano.

The commissioner said that the trio were fit for discharge after testing negative twice consecutively. (NAN)
"Any move of this kind will severely impede the worlds ability to tackle COVID-19, compromise other critical health needs, and undermine the safety of Americans."

United Nations Foundation President and CEO Elizabeth Cousens released the following statement in response to the U.S. announcement that it will terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO):

We are deeply disappointed with the Administrations announcement that it plans to terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization. Any move of this kind will severely impede the worlds ability to tackle COVID-19, compromise other critical health needs, and undermine the safety of Americans.

Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, have consistently worked to fully fund the World Health Organization, in keeping with a long, proud, bipartisan tradition of U.S. leadership in global public health. Congressional leaders have also spoken out in favor of U.S. cooperation with WHO to help respond to the unprecedented crisis we face with COVID-19. They understand that without combatting the disease everywhere, all Americans are at risk. Withdrawing support for the World Health Organization in the midst of the greatest pandemic the world has faced in over 100 years is dangerous and short-sighted.

WHO is the primary institution with the technical capacity and mandate to support all countries at this critical time, and it must have the resources it needs for urgent, frontline response, in addition to maintaining the critical essential health services on which billions around the world rely.

Bilateral U.S. government funding for COVID-19 and new initiatives cannot match the work of WHO in this pandemic. The U.S. makes WHO stronger, from its historic partnership in eradicating smallpox and recent efforts to eliminate polio, to U.S. scientists from the CDC and NIH working at WHO to keep people around the world safe. This move diminishes U.S. standing globally and weakens our hand in responding to this crisis.

WHO has a presence in more than 150 countries, a membership of 194 member states and the trust of governments around the world. Governments rely on WHOs guidance on how to battle COVID-19 and many other illnesses, and billions of people have access to WHOs evidence-based information in dozens of languages.

WHO is the only agency in the world capable of coordinating unprecedented global trials on therapeutics and vaccines, including the groundbreaking scope of the Solidarity Trial with more than 100 countries participating.

From the outset of this crisis, WHO recognized that testing needed to form the backbone of the global response, and they have procured and distributed millions of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other vital health commodities like tests and testing supplies for at least 133 countries.

Terminating the U.S. relationship with WHO will harm the global response to COVID-19 and other essential health services, especially in developing countries whose people are more vulnerable because health systems have fewer resources.

Beyond its urgent work on COVID-19, WHO is also central to the fight against other major health threats that matter to Americans. The bulk of U.S. funds to WHO help save lives and give hope to populations around the world facing diseases like polio, measles, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, including in humanitarian hotspots like Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Globally, people already facing severe health challenges will be dealt a cruel double blow if WHO is unable to carry out its work.

By terminating its relationship with the worlds premiere global health organization, the U.S. will be abdicating its long-held leadership role on the world stage, a role other nations are all too eager to fill.

###

About the United Nations Foundation:

The UN Foundation brings together ideas, people, and resources to help the United Nations drive global progress and tackle urgent problems. Our hallmark is to collaborate for lasting change and innovate to address humanitys greatest challenges. Learn more at http://www.unfoundation.org


A Tory councillor has been branded a 'despicable' racist after saying slaves brought to the UK 'had a better life than staying in Africa'.

Elfan Ap Rees, 78, who was a former councillor in North Somerset before moving to the same role at Locking Parish, claimed that Africans taken to Britain during the slave trade had a 'better life' than at home.

His controversial comments were tweeted Wednesday in response to a discussion on historian David Olusoga's show, A House Through Time, which dissects Bristol's relationship with the people trade.

Mr Ap Rees wrote: 'Bristol needs to get over it...its history and most slaves were sold by their fellow African tribes to visiting ships and had a better life than staying in Africa.

'Some cruelty yes but there was worse among the White poor living in slum conditions of the time,and p [sic].'

In response to the comments, the Weston Labour Party said: 'Thank goodness this despicable racist no longer represents us on @NorthsomersetCouncil. How the @Conservatives can justify him remaining a member after his repeated racist comments is beyond us.'

Pictured: Tory councillor for Locking Parish Elfan Ap Rees, 78, who said on Wednesday that slaves brought from Africa to Britain were better off than at home

Social media users and the local Labour party were outraged at Mr Ap Rees's tweet (pictured)

A Conservative party spokesperson for Weston-super-Mare said they were investigating the comments, Bristol Live reported.

The show charted the history of one building on Guinea Street, where slaves were transported from Africa and traded in Bristol.

The name of the street is a reference to the Guinea Coast in West Africa.

Mr Olusoga, the show's host, tweeted in response to Mr Ap Rees's comments: 'What a cliched, unoriginal, unlettered and ill informed response.'

The tweet was in response to a David Olusoga's show, House Through Time, which charts the history of one building on Guinea Street, where slaves were transported from Africa and traded in Bristol

Social media users were similarly outraged, with one writing: 'Displaying white privilege like this illustrates why the public in North Somerset were completely right to boot you and your views out of office.'

Another wrote: 'Has he not seen the evidence of the records and accounts of the enslaved and their masters.

'True, conditions were horrendous for the poor in this country but at least they could count themselves as being free men and women.'
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

North End community activist, youth mentor and public speaker Michael Redhead Champagne has left Aboriginal Youth Opportunities, an organization he co-founded a decade ago.

He was one of three people on the AYO organizing team that cut ties on May 24.

In a vague statement on its Facebook page, the AYO said the trio stepped down (last weekend) "due to concerns raised within the community," but offered no details.

"They are no longer part of the AYO organizing team and are no longer welcomed in our spaces. We asked them to do so we can ensure that there are no urgent threats to community or the young people in our circles," the AYO said on its Facebook page. "As a first step of accountability, AYO has started reaching out to some of those that have been harmed. We want to ensure their needs are met first and that their voices are prioritized."

CBC Manitoba has identified Jenna Wirch and Ninoondawah Richard as the other two individuals who severed ties with AYO.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

In a statement on his blog, Champagne stated that leaving the organization was far from a spur-of-the-moment decision. When the Free Press reached out to Champagne Saturday, a representative said the statement would be his only comment on the matter.

"I have been stepping away from organizing and representing Aboriginal Youth Opportunities for a number of years. While I have disagreed with many of their choices over that time, I have continued to stand by them out of respect for Indigenous youth voices. My official plan to retire in celebration at AYOs 10th birthday on March 17, 2020 was foiled by the coronavirus and my role was left in limbo," said Champagne.

"The allegations mentioned were not related to me, however, in an attempt at accountability I have officially stepped away so AYO can respond as a youth movement. I have been and will continue to support them should they have any questions or need my help with any restorative justice processes they deem fit or any succession plans. I will not comment on anyone other than myself. I will continue my work in the community and look forward to seeing the exciting things that come next."

Since 2010, the AYO has brought together young people volunteering within the community, mentored by community leaders such as Champagne. The organization has no home base, no paid staff and no board of directors, however, it plays a critical role in the North End, offering guidance to youth on issues of education, housing, recreation and safety.

Members meet each Friday at 6 p.m. at the Bell Tower, located at Selkirk Avenue and Powers Street.

 Staff
Delhis largest wholesale market for medicines, Bhagirath Palace in Chandni Chowk, has been shut till June 4 after at least 12 people tested positive for Covid-19 from the area in the last 10 days.

Traders said that on Saturday, one block of the market  comprising around 50 shops  was shut. The remaining market will be closed from Sunday onwards till June 4.

Ashish Grover, a trader in the market and general secretary of Delhi Drug Dealers Association, said, There are nine to ten blocks in the market area. Today (Saturday), we have closed one block of the market from where five Covid-19 positive cases were reported in the last 2-3 days. The market will remain entirely closed from Monday till June 4, so that it can be properly sanitised and the virus spread can be stemmed. On Sunday, the market anyway remains closed. In total 12 cases have been reported from the market since May 22.

He added that two Covid-19 patients are being treated at hospitals, while the rest are in home isolation.

According to various traders associations, Bhagirath Palace has been essential in the capitals war against Covid-19, being the states largest wholesale market for medicines. It was open even during the lockdown period because the shops were listed under essential services.

The market in Chandi Chowk is located between Lal Quila (Red Fort) and Chandni Chowk metro stations. It has around 570 shops, where more than 2,500-3,000 people work. The wholesale market is surrounded by another wholesale market where surgical goods and electrical items are sold.

Grover said that Bhagirath Palace was a very congested market comprising narrow lanes, so social distancing was not entirely possible. However, he said that despite taking all other necessary precautions  like compulsory wearing of masks and gloves  the number of Covid-19 cases has increased in past 10 days. Hence, the traders were terrified and opted to shut down the market for a few days

District administration officials said that traders have told them about the about closure of the market and rising Covid-19 cases. They said that the market will be sanitised completely. Traders at the market have assured that the medical supplies in the city will not be hit.

Visitors come to the market from different parts of the city and even many traders do not reside in Central Delhi. So it is very hard to track from where the disease is coming. We will get the market sanitised thoroughly, a district administration official said.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) had also requested lieutenant governor Anil Baijal and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to give immediate directions to authorities to sanitise all markets across the city after a number of cases started emerging from Bhagirath Palace.

Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general CAIT, said that markets and traders cannot be left at the mercy of God and authorities should properly sanitise markets.

Since markets are places where heavy footfall of people is always expected, the sanitisation process is all the more necessary. The CAIT has urged Delhi LG to convene a joint meeting of traders with heads of different agencies in Delhi and to chalk out a collaborative strategy for sanitisation, upkeeping and maintaining safety measures, as directed by the government in every market of Delhi, Khandelwal said.
Why did the U.S. fail to contain the epidemic effectively?

As the U.S. reports the highest number of pneumonia cases, some Americans have started to question China's data on confirmed cases and death tolls. Failing to understand or unwilling to admit that China has done a good job amid the epidemic, they have tried to smear China instead.

The secret behind China's epidemic prevention and control could be seen from the statue of Edward Trudeau, pioneer of epidemic control in America, in the state of New York. The American doctor pointed out that gatherings will spread diseases and proposed the patients be kept in quarantine.

On the statue is a saying from the 19th century, often quoted by Edward Trudeau, "to cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always."

Such words of wisdom have somehow echoed with Chinas anti-pandemic measures, specifically, developing new medicine, relieving the symptoms and providing psychological support, as pointed out in the seventh edition pneumonia manual issued by the National Health Commission of China.

Chinese doctors have exerted all possible means to treat the disease, including traditional Chinese medicine, which played a special role in relieving symptoms and reducing the mortality rate.

Adjuvant therapies, full of Chinese characteristics such as Taiji and Qigong, have helped many Chinese people fight the virus when no medicine or vaccine is available.

Such treatment is only a part of China's anti-epidemic efforts. The country has explored various topics from clinical research to medical treatment, diagnosis, medicine and vaccine in order to combat the novel coronavirus.

More than 3,600 patients above 80 years old have been cured in Hubei province, the former epicenter of the outbreak in China, including at least seven centenarians.

While Dan Patrick, lieutenant governor of Texas, asked the elderly in the U.S. to sacrifice themselves for the economy, China has gathered experts and resources to treat each and every patient, which is why it shouldnt be surprising that the country has contained the epidemic in a short time.

By contrast, informed of the coronavirus early on, America, the country with the most sophisticated technologies, is mired in the pandemic due to three big mistakes in its response to the pandemic.

The first mistake, the U.S. was poorly prepared for the disease. It required all confirmed patients in non-critical condition to stay at home for medical observation and failed to admit them to hospitals, while some young people flocked to the hospitals' emergency departments without wearing masks, leading to a worsening pandemic situation in a short period of time. In a way, this demonstrates that the U.S. has placed technology above health care in recent years.

Statistics show that the number of hospital beds (per 1,000 people) in the U.S. is only 2.77, ranking 32nd in the world and falling behind year by year; the number for China is about 4.34, continuing to rank higher on a yearly basis.

The U.S., which has invested heavily in cutting-edge technology, ranks low in terms of overall national health care among other member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The elderly, who suffer from a high prevalence of basic diseases, and racial minoritieswho face challenges in having access to health care, have become the most vulnerable groups amid the outbreak in the U.S., with a high infection rate and mortality rate.

The unfairness is a mirror of the current U.S governments policy to abolish universal health care and reduce public health expenditure.

Secondly, it is clear that the U.S. government mishandled the pandemic. Back on Jan. 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. established a system for the outbreak. U.S. President Donald Trump also said that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began developing a COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 11.

However, it seems that the U.S. still hasnt done a good job in the anti-epidemic work that only began in March. More and more evidence suggest that the U.S. government has held back the process, delaying action during the early stages.

During a hearing on the outbreak held by the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 5, three testifiers pointed out that imposing travel restrictions on China wouldnt block the virus and called for prevention and control on the community level. These suggestions were not accepted.

Some American politicians convince themselves that the problem is the Chinese system, instead of the virus, causing them to ignore Chinas experience and fail in containing the epidemic.

The outbreak in the U.S. hit hard the idea of American exceptionalism, the U.S. rhetoric of the country being unique or above the rest. At the very beginning of the virus, issues such as defective coronavirus testing kits in the U.S., strict testing control in civil institutions and limited screening scope of COVID-19 patients dampened U.S. efforts in the countrys response to the epidemic.

The crash of Boeing flights last year ruined the credibility of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration as the agency behaved poorly in its regulation progress. The same scenario happened again with the U.S. CDC, which has done a poor job in disease control.

It reminds the world of a classic plot in an American television series The Newsroom. When asked why America is the greatest country in the world, Will McAvoy, the leading actor of the series, replied, It's not.

The situation continues to worsen due to the U.S. policy makers intentional ignoring of the repeated warnings from the U.S. Department of Health back in January. According to U.S. media, the White House delayed issuing a lockdown order for fear the U.S stock market would fall, resulting in the slipping away of the golden opportunity to defeat the disease.

What is worse, some U.S. top officials even made remarks with unrealistic optimism on more than one occasion, saying that COVID-19 patients would recover very soon, there is no need to see a doctor, and that the coronavirus will miraculously be gone by April. These claims that lack scientific evidence have greatly misled the public.

Third, the discord among U.S. top politicians also played an important role. Instead of tiding over the difficulties together, the Democratic and the Republican Party have turned the battle field against the pandemic into a political arena.

The U.S. administration, led by the Republican Party, allocated the epidemic prevention materials out of its preferential choice, while New York, the hardest-hit state in the U.S, is suffering from a lack of support, simply because the state is governed by the Democratic Party.

Trump even encouraged conservative voters in Michigan, a key swing state for his re-election this year, to protest against the COVID-19 measures rolled out by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

As the rampant disease brings together the fate of mankind, the U.S. government could have learned from Chinas experience in COVID-19 containment, the most important one of which is to put the life and health of people first, a priority over partisanship and geopolitics.

As the Japanese director Takeshi Kitano said about the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, This is not one incident in which 20,000 or 80,000 people died, it is 20,000 incidents, in each of which one person died.
A thrifty mother who couldn't afford a new carpet transformed her hallway by wallpapering the floor.

Robyn Westrope-lane, from Huntingdon, told how she was after a temporary solution while she saved up enough money to replace her beige flooring.

To give the upstairs hall a quick-fix spruce, she used brightly-coloured timber effect wallpaper - and the makeover cost her just 23.

She shared her creative tip on the Facebook group DIY On a Budget UK, where it received dozens of positive comments.

Robyn Westrope-lane, from Huntingdon, told how she was after a temporary solution while she saved up enough money to replace her beige flooring (left) so she wallpapered her hallway (right after)

Sharing the post on Thursday, she wrote: 'I did it! I wallpapered my floor and I'm stoked with the outcome. And only for 23!!

'It took me no time at all and seems quite sturdy. Few little accessories and rug to put down but here's the before and after.'

Many members quizzed Robyn about her choice of wallpaper, which could potentially tear, however she explained that she'd coated the floor in several layers of boat varnish to protect it.

She added: 'There is varnish to keep it from ripping and also a runner down the hall.

Robyn couldn't afford to replace the boring beige carpet in her hallway, so she decided to get creative

Many members quizzed Robyn about her choice of wallpaper, which could potentially tear, however she explained that she'd coated the floor in several layers of boat varnish to protect it

Robyn admitted her hack wouldn't be suitable for a living room, but said it was a cheap and cheerful temporary measure

'This is a temporary solution until I can afford to replace the flooring. I was interested to see if it works, yes it's bright and yes I know it's wallpaper but it was cheap and it's better than what I had.'

Robyn admitted her hack wouldn't be suitable for a living room, adding: 'It's such an awkward place with the stairs it would of cost at least 80 to floor it. It's only used to my bedroom so thought why not, I'll get on trend lol.'

While her idea attracted a few negative comments, the majority of people were impressed by her ingenuity.

While her idea attracted a few negative comments, on the Facebook group the majority of people were impressed by her ingenuity

One Facebook user wrote: 'Not something I would have ever thought of, but really glad you took a chance and love it.'

Another commented: 'I think this is bloody amazing one for not being a sheep and grey and two for thinking out side the box. Brilliant keep us updated on the wear and tear situation but this is amazing well done you.'

'I've seen a few people doing this lately.. think it's a brilliant idea for a small space,' one added. 'Don't think people would be doing all over the house but with a few coats of varnish looks good.'

And one wrote: 'Love it, great idea and looks fab,' while another claimed they'd done the same thing using yacht varnish to seal it, and it 'lasted for years'.
By Express News Service

LUCKNOW: For a woman, the birth of her child is always a celebration irrespective of time and place. In an incident amid the ongoing hard time, a woman gave birth to a baby boy in the no mans land between India and Nepal as she was awaiting her turn to cross over to India. The woman, in the bliss of her motherhood, named her son as Border.

Writhing with labour pangs, as the woman felt that it was time for delivery, she sought the help of other women present there who surrounded her to facilitate the birth of the baby. Immediately after the delivery, Nautanwa police rushed both the mother and the baby to Nautanwa Community Health Centre (CHC) in Maharajganj district. On reaching the CHC, the doctors took the duo in their care and as the day ended, both had consolidated. Both the mother and the baby boy are safe and healthy, said Nautanwa CHC staff nurse, Amisha Williams.

Lalaram, a native of Chala Prithvipurva in Bahraich district, was returning to India from Nepal along with his wife Jamtara who was eight and a half months pregnant. In fact, the couple, who already had two daughters and a son, used to work in a brick kiln at Navalparasi in Nepal. Owing to the COIVD-19-driven

lockdown in the neighbouring country, they were returning to their native place through Maharaganj border post.

As the couple were awaiting their turn for crossing over, Jamtara suddenly developed labour pain and became restless leading to the delivery of a baby boy. Later both the mother and the newly-born were rushed to CHC where both were admitted and were doing well, said a source at Sonouli police post.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The export of cars from Turkey to Azerbaijan from January through April 2020 increased by 55.97 percent compared to the same period of 2019 and amounted to $29.7 million, the Turkish Ministry of Trade told Trend.

The export of cars from Turkey to Azerbaijan in April 2020 increased by 121 percent compared to April 2019 and amounted to $7.8 million.

The export of cars from Turkey to the world markets decreased by 26.9 percent from January through April 2020 compared to the same period of last year and reached $7.6 billion.

Meanwhile, the export of cars from Turkey accounted for 14.6 percent of the country's total export volume from January through April 2020.

Turkey exported the cars worth $596.3 million to the world markets in April 2020, which is 77.2 percent less than in the same month of 2019.

The export of cars from Turkey in April 2020 amounted to 6.6 percent of the country's total export volume.

Turkey exported cars worth $27.8 billion over the past 12 months (from April 2019 through April 2020).

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
The global effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in widespread economic shutdowns. That's not good news for industrial stocks, which tend to track along with economic growth. For long-term investors, however, economic weakness could actually be a good time to pick up industry-leading names at relatively cheap prices. Today, U.S. steel giant Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) and diversified global powerhouse 3M (NYSE:MMM) both appear attractive -- especially their historically high yields.

1. A different kind of steel mill

The core of Nucor's business is making steel using electric arc mini-mills. These are generally more flexible than the older blast furnace method of steelmaking, allowing Nucor to easily ramp up and down with demand. Nucor is also vertically integrated, with scrap steel operations, bulk steel mills, and specialty steel and steel products businesses. It is one of the largest mills in North America, and has a long history of operating with industry-leading margins.

While the company can't avoid the cyclical nature of the steel industry, since economic growth largely dictates demand in the sector, it has a built-in safety valve. A material portion of Nucor's employee pay is based on a profit-sharing arrangement. When Nucor is doing well its workers do well, often earning above-industry wages. When Nucor is struggling, employees feel some of the pain. That gives Nucor a break on the cost side of the ledger right when it most needs it.

In addition, Nucor has long focused on maintaining a rock-solid balance sheet. Today its financial debt to equity ratio is roughly 0.4 times, a very reasonable number. Meanwhile, it covered its trailing interest expenses 10 times over in the first quarter. The dividend payout ratio, meanwhile, is around 60% -- which isn't exactly low, but also isn't outlandishly high. The dividend, by the way, has been increased annually for 47 consecutive years, showing a commitment to returning value to shareholders through both the ups and downs of the steel industry.

Today Nucor's stock yields around 4%, which is toward the high end of its historical range. That suggests Nucor is trading at an attractive price for long-term dividend-focused investors.

2. Spreading the science around

Once known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, 3M has shortened its name to match its ticker symbol (everyone already called it 3M anyway). While on some level it's sad to see an iconic name get altered, the old name didn't really do justice to the company's business. Yes, 3M started out in mining and manufacturing, but today it's a far more diverse company with a foundation built on research and development.

3M breaks its business down into four broad segments: Safety & Industrial (about a third of sales), Transportation & Electronics (25%), Healthcare (25%), and Consumer (the rest). Each of these divisions is broadly diversified as well. For example, healthcare provides everything from dental adhesives to specialized wound care. The consumer division offers up Post-it Notes and adhesive wall hangers, among many other things. And those weren't just random examples, they involve a similar technology -- adhesives. One of the things that 3M is known for is developing a new technology and then applying it widely across many businesses. The company is definitely an industrial concern, but it has a high-tech research and development flare to it.

In addition to being diversified by industry, 3M also spreads its bets around the world. It operates in more than 70 countries and generates around 60% of its revenue from outside of the United States. Although economic cycles are important here, the company's broad diversification helps to smooth out the ups and downs over time. That's not so helpful right now, since the entire world is dealing with COVID-19, but it's an important long-term factor to consider.

The company's yield today is roughly 4%; as in Nucor's case, that's toward the high end of its historical range. The payout ratio is currently around 65% -- not low, but not unreasonable. It looks like an interesting opportunity for long-term investors to jump aboard this industrial giant.

However, 3M comes with a caveat. Part of the reason for the high yield today is related to the headwinds associated with COVID-19, and part is to concerns about litigation. 3M is currently facing large lawsuits over two different product lines. There's no way to tell how these cases will turn out, but neither is likely to put the company out of business. Collecting a historically high yield from a company with a 62-year track record of annual increases is probably worth the added uncertainty.

Time for a deep dive

The global economic view is hazy today, which has investors on edge at Nucor and 3M. It's understandable, but they have both proven throughout history that they can roll with the punches. Offering relatively high yields today, each of these industrial stocks is worth a deep dive for long-term investors with an income focus.
Conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn was today arrested again at London's Hyde Park while attending a demonstration against the coronavirus lockdown.

The brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was photographed this afternoon being taken away by two police officers who were wearing face masks.

It is the second time 73-year-old Piers Corbyn has been arrested at Hyde Park in a fortnight, after police detained him at a similar protest on May 16.

Police officers arrest conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn during a demonstration against the coronavirus lockdown this afternoon at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, London

The brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was photographed being arrested this afternoon

At the first protest, he had used a megaphone to say 'vaccination is not necessary' and '5G towers will be installed everywhere', adding: '5G enhances anyone who's got illness from Covid, so they work together.'

There is no evidence to link 5G and Covid-19 and scientists fear that a rise in measles among children can be attributed in part to unfounded fears about vaccines.

At Saturday's protest, Mr Corbyn again spoke through a megaphone as he was pictured being surrounded by police officers.

Others held banners saying 'lockdown cure worse than virus' and calling Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock 'lockdown bedwetters'.

Protests against the lockdown have been organised by the UK Freedom Movement the likes of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Plymouth, Southampton and Cardiff.

Piers Corbyn had earlier been taking through a loudspeaker before being taken away today

Police officers surround Piers Corbyn as he speaks through a loudspeaker at Hyde Park today

Mr Corbyn had tweeted to his 29,000 followers yesterday that the lockdown was 'killing more than it's saving', adding that it was causing the 'Nazification of the NHS'.

The protest against the lockdown was separate to the Extinction Rebellion climate change demonstration also taking place one mile away today at Parliament Square.

The XR demonstration saw several environmental activists arrested during protest demanding the Government take action to tackle climate change.

Referring to both incidents, a Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'Police are on scene at two locations in Westminster after a number of demonstrators gathered.

Piers Corbyn is taken away by police at Hyde Park during a previous protest on May 16

Others held banners saying 'lockdown cure worse than virus' and calling Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock 'lockdown bedwetters'

'A small number arrests have been made at each site for breach of Covid-19 regulations and some fixed penalty notices issued.

'Officers are engaging with those present and encouraging them to go home. The majority of individuals have dispersed.'

The police force said it could not give precise numbers of those arrested, and no charges have yet been made.

XR activists wearing face masks and brandishing signs reading 'fumes or fresh air' also gathered at the Woolwich Centre to demand action from Greenwich Council.

Protesters were out in force despite the threat posed by coronavirus and social distancing rules still being in place
The city moves ahead to demolish and rebuild 70 Mulberry St., a nonprofit hub in Chinatown, which was badly damaged in a January fire. Local activists are furious with the de Blasio administration for once again shoving aside community wishes regarding preservation. [NBC News]

NYPD investigators have recommended misconduct charges against three police officers in connection with a May 2 incident on Avenue D. The episode ignited a debate about racial bias in the enforcement of social distancing orders. [New York Times]

The city steps up social distancing enforcement in nightlife-heavy neighborhoods, including the Lower East Side, as frustration grows about the lack of a concrete restaurant reopening plan. [Eater]

A former employee, James Sanders, files a harassment suit against the Public Hotel. [Daily News]

New financial documents show how the Lower East Sides Hotel Indigo is weathering the COVID-19 storm. [The Real Deal]

Small landlords worry about the impacts of COVID-19, with property taxes coming due in July and many residential and commercial tenants unable to pay their rent. Joanna Wong, whose family has owned a building in Chinatown for 40 years, says Right now Im trying not to drown. [Curbed]

Sarah McNally of McNally Jackson Books writes about the peril ahead for small businesses: During the pandemic, as before, the killer of New York storefront business will be rent. Even now, facing a post-Covid twilight, too many landlords would rather have vacant stores than retain paying tenants by helping them through these months of closure. We need intervention to encourage landlords to keep their storefront tenants. [New York Times]

The public comment period has been extended for the Brownfield Cleanup Program for the Go Broome site. Thats where developers are planning two new residential towers on the former site of Beth Hamefrash Hagadol synagogue. [Patch]

Community Board 3s June virtual meetings will cover a number of topics, including the violent social distancing arrest on Avenue D and the possible preservation of the ground floor of 70 Mulberry. [CB3]

Essential workers express their feelings through a haiku, thanks to virtual sessions hosted by the Worker Writers School. [The City]
The State Audit, when working with the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), named a number of schools which enroll students of low quality for high-quality training programs.

Most higher education establishments run many different training modes, including high-quality training programs.



In the past, in-service training was the major source of income of universities. But now, it is high-quality programs, advanced training programs and programs taught in English which are the rice pots of the schools.



Universities began running high-quality programs in 2014 which were introduced as aiming to improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese students in the regional labor market.



State-owned universities were happy that MOET allowed enrollment of students for high-quality training programs. This is because they cannot set high tuition levels for full-time mass training programs (the tuitions set by schools must not be higher than the ceiling set by the State). Meanwhile, they can do this with high-quality training programs.

The State Audit, when working with the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), named a number of schools which enroll students of low quality for high-quality training programs.

That is why all schools run high-quality training programs and other programs to satisfy diverse demands in society.



H.A.N, a third-year student at the Foreign Trade University, said the tuition of the high-quality training program at the school is twice as much as the tuition for mass training. N has to pay VND890,000 per credit.



N admitted that the classes belonging to the high-quality program have better conditions than mass training program. There are 60 students in each class instead of 120-180 students. Lessons are taught in English, except for some learning subjects. Around 20-30 perccent of lecturers are foreign.



According to N, the content of the high-quality training program is not much different from the program for mass training. The biggest difference is the language used in teaching. As high-quality programs students learn in English, they seem to have advantages when seeking jobs.



The higher quality, according to N, means better learning conditions, air conditioners in classes and more thoroughly selected lecturers.



At the HCM City Industry University, students of high-quality training programs were also taught in English in previous years. However, the students of the recent training courses study in Vietnamese.



The school explained that some students find it difficult to study in English because of their limited English skills. Therefore, the school decided that lecturers speak in Vietnamese and show major points of the lectures on overhead projector in English.

Besides, the school also decided to provide 10 more credits in English to improve English skills.



The quality of high-quality training programs remains questionable. No school in the country could be found setting higher requirements on input students for high-training programs. At some schools, the students following high-quality programs have lower exam scores than the students of mass training programs.

Mai Lan

E-learning to become part of higher education Universities have had to provide lectures online as a temporary solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, but experts believe that e-learning will become an indispensable part of higher education in Vietnam.
Investors who take an interest in China International Capital Corporation Limited (HKG:3908) should definitely note that the CEO & Executive Director, Zhaohui Huang, recently paid HK$12.62 per share to buy HK$3.7m 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 4.3%.

Check out our latest analysis for China International Capital

China International Capital Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Notably, that recent purchase by Zhaohui Huang is the biggest insider purchase of China International Capital shares that we've seen in the last year. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being HK$12.54). 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. It is encouraging to see an insider paid above the current price for shares, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. Zhaohui Huang was the only individual insider to buy shares in the last twelve months.

You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

SEHK:3908 Recent Insider Trading May 29th 2020

China International Capital is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. China International Capital insiders own about HK$152m worth of shares. That equates to 0.3% of the company. 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

What Might The Insider Transactions At China International Capital Tell Us?

It is good to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest China International Capital insiders are well aligned, and quite possibly think the share price is too low. That's what I like to see! In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing China International Capital. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for China International Capital (of which 1 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

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.
New Delhi, May 31 : The General Administration Department (GAD) at the Delhi Secretariat has been sealed for sanitisation after an employee tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Saturday.

"The official was from the GAD. The department has been sealed for sanitisation. Also, some of the officials are considered as close contacts and have been put under quarantine," a government official told IANS.

Delhi Secretariat houses the offices of all the Delhi Cabinet ministers, including the Chief Minister.

This came after an official from the Health Minister's office and four from the Raj Niwas tested positive for the infection.

The number of coronavirus cases in the city crossed the 18,000-mark on Saturday.
It feels like everyone in this state has a memory of it.

The mere mention of the drive-thru safari at Six Flags Great Adventure conjures up nostalgia of long-ago summer family trips in plenty of native New Jerseyans. Ask enough people about the drive-thru, and youll inevitably hear about minivans mobbed by baboons and sunroofs licked clean by curious giraffes.

But those memories are not mine.

Ive only lived in New Jersey for three years; I have no experience with or emotional attachment to the safari drive-thru.

So when I visited the newly reopened attraction on Friday morning, I was taking everything in with fresh eyes, an open mind and no expectations. And, of course, the inescapable consideration of the coronavirus pandemic which has affected every corner of society.

Friday, May 29, 2020 - Preview Day for the opening of Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, which features 1,200 exotic animals from six continents on a 350-acre preserve in Jackson.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Dont get me wrong  Ive been to the new version of the parks safari before. Ive sat in the back of the old military trucks with dozens of other guests as they trundle through the 350-acre attraction, with Six Flags employees calling out trivia facts about a few of the 1,200 animals on display.

And Ive been behind the scenes once before, to visit the elephant barn and meet Joyce, one of seven elephants living at Six Flags Great Adventure.

But those things are different from the experience of driving your own car through the safari, something that an estimated 10 million Six Flags guests did from 1974, when the park opened, to 2012 when the drive-thru experience was phased out.

I got my first taste of this classic New Jersey experience on Friday when I set out with a photographer and a videographer (each of us in separate cars for proper social distancing) to join scores of other people at the preview day for the revamped safari drive-thru.

Friday, May 29, 2020 - Inside Baboon Village on Preview Day for the opening of Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, which features 1,200 exotic animals from six continents on a 350-acre preserve in Jackson.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The route through the safari is just under five miles long and took more than an hour-and-a-half to complete. We started just after 10 a.m., about an hour after other people had already begun their tours.

That means we joined a seemingly endless string of cars meandering through the safari, a constant string of taillights in front of me and headlights behind me. After weeks of smooth, easy driving on the Turnpike and the Parkway  both emptied as much of society works from home  this was a bit of a shock.

I was in a traffic jam in Jackson. In a zoo. Surrounded by animals, most of whom were not behind fences. It felt surreal.

Here I should note that Six Flags does not release attendance figures for its parks, so I dont know exactly how many people travelled through the safari on Friday. But Kristin Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman for the park, said that several thousand cars can visit the safari each day.

Traffic may have been worse on Friday than it needed to be. Fitzgerald said afterwards that Six Flags staff noticed guests stayed in a single-file line throughout the day. She said that there is no rule requiring this  guests are allowed to pass other guests as long as they respect the five-mile-per-hour speed limit and yield to animals.

And one more thing on attendance  Fitzgerald said the Safari is booked up for this weekend. That comes after the online reservation system for the attraction crashed shortly after launch on Wednesday. The website troubles persisted through the afternoon, Fitzgerald said, before being fully resolved on Wednesday evening. She said that reservations have been working well since then.

Friday, May 29, 2020 - An elephant lingers under an umbrella at Preview Day for the opening of Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, which features 1,200 exotic animals from six continents on a 350-acre preserve in Jackson.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The trip through the safari is broken into sections, with a ride through the American plains (buffalo!) giving way to the African grassland (elephants! rhinos! zebras!), before moving on to lions and bears. Then theres a reprieve from apex predators with a trip through the Australia section (kangaroos!), before getting back to big cats with tigers.

To anyone who has cruised through the safari in the back of the massive Six Flags trucks in recent years, all of this will feel very familiar. The animals are the same, and for the most part they all act the same. Some were curious about the strange new vehicles, others barely noticed and even more simply slept.

Im quick to admit that I love animals, so I thoroughly enjoyed just sitting back and taking it all in. The brief moment that a group of galloping wildebeests circled my car as they moved from one shady area to another was especially delightful.

At times, I did find myself wanting a little more  someone to tell about what Im seeing. I wouldnt say that I could identify by name most of the species I saw, especially the assorted varieties of hoofed and antlered creatures.

Good luck googling fun facts about something that you dont know the name of.

For that reason, I at times felt like I preferred the Six Flags trucks to the drive-thru tour. Sure, the trucks can be crowded with strangers and you may not always have a great view  the comfort of your own car has the big upper-hand there. But the trucks come with a tour guide, and thats pretty nice.

Friday, May 29, 2020 - Zebras on the plain at Preview Day for the opening of Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, which features 1,200 exotic animals from six continents on a 350-acre preserve in Jackson.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The journey ends by passing through the Baboon Village, a place where Im told an uncountable number of primate-on-car aggressions once occurred. Those days are over. Today the baboons are kept behind a fence.

This is the first time that the general public has been able to see the baboons since the original drive-thru closed, as the revamped truck tour skips the baboon section in the interest of time. The only exceptions since 2013 have been VIP tours of the safari.

Maybe it was the fact that I was visiting at basically lunchtime on a hot, sunny day, but the dozens of baboons were downright docile. Most seemed perfectly content to sit atop a jungle gym and watch the string of cars go by.

I envied the baboons. Here I was, stuck alone inside my car on a beautiful day after having stayed voluntarily separated from so many friends and family over the past few months as we all do our best to keep from spreading the coronavirus. And there they were, seemingly with no worries in the world, surrounded by what I assume are their friends and families. The only thing new about their life being a stream of strange cars.

I wondered, just for a moment, if they were more entertaining to us or if we were more entertaining to them.

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

Michael Sol Warren may be reached at mwarren@njadvancemedia.com.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary incharge of Uttar Pradesh, has been exceptionally proactive ever since the coronavirus lockdown forced lakhs of migrants to flee the cities and trek home to the safety of their native villages.

She wrote several letters to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, pressing for a variety of relief measures for farmers, daily wagers and others displaced by the pandemic. She followed this up by seeking the CMs permission to transport stranded migrants from Uttar Pradesh to their villages in the 1,000 buses especially commandeered by the party for this specific purpose.

This led to a political slugfest between the two leaders. The Yogi government first said no to Priyanka Gandhis offer, then yes and then demanded necessary documentation of the vehicles. This back-and-forth continued for some time and finally ended with the Congress sending back the buses parked at the state borders for the stranded migrants, accusing the Yogi government of indulging in petty politicking.

Priyanka Gandhis latest battle with Yogi Adityanath and her ongoing interest in Uttar Pradesh has undoubtedly delighted the Congress state unit, which believes these activities will help create some political space for the beleaguered party in this electorally crucial state. Reduced to a bit player in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress is depending on her to put the party back on its feet in the Hindi heartland state.

However, Priyanka Gandhis focus on Uttar Pradesh has also led to rumblings in the Congress over what many party leaders described as undue importance being given to UP while other states are being neglected. This was particularly evident during the ongoing period of the coronavirus lockdown when the Congress decided to take on the cause of the poor migrant workers.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi set up a control room at the party headquarters to coordinate with the state units regarding relief measures and travel arrangements for the stranded migrants.

However, this exercise soon became all about workers from Uttar Pradesh.

Priyanka Gandhis office, which was overseeing the travel plans of the Uttar Pradesh migrants, constantly flooded the control room and the state units with lists of these migrants, with the request that expeditious steps be taken to locate the UP contingent and transport the workers to their destination.

For instance, on Wednesday, the National Students Union of India in Delhi made special arrangements for 30 stranded students from Uttar Pradesh to travel home. NSUI president Neeraj Kundan publicly acknowledged they were instructed by Priyanka Gandhi to help the students from UP. Such requests have become a routine affair for party leaders. In fact, the entire party machinery has been mobilised during the lockdown to help migrants from Uttar Pradesh.

With UP figuring high on the priority list of the Congress leadership, especially Priyanka Gandhi, the requirements of migrants from other states have suffered for want of adequate attention.

This has sparked resentment among party workers who feel that the interests of their respective states have not been given due consideration. Their common refrain is: Arent there poor people in states other than Uttar Pradesh?

But then, this is not about Uttar Pradesh alone but about Priyanka Gandhi who occupies a special place in the hierarchy of Congress general secretaries, primarily because she belongs to the party's first family. Once considered a powerful position, a general secretarys post today has been steadily devalued over the years.

With the exception of Priyanka Gandhi, who has the necessary pedigree and the clout to ensure that she has her way, most other office bearers have been relegated to the margins. They are barely seen or heard. Among the rest, KC Venugopal is the only general secretary who enjoys a degree of power but thats easy to explain as he is Rahul Gandhis favourite.

If Priyanka Gandhi is gradually making her presence felt in the party in her own low-key manner, it appears that Rahul Gandhi never went away even after he stepped down as party president last year. Sonia Gandhi is heading the Congress but it is Rahul Gandhi who is being projected as the face of the party.

Unlike Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi holds no official position in the party; he is only a Lok Sabha member. And yet, he is more visible and vocal than Sonia Gandhi. The Nehru-Gandhi scions travel plans, tweets and statements are regularly publicised by the media department of the Congress, a courtesy which is not necessarily extended to even senior party leaders.

Rahul Gandhi has also addressed several media briefings at the Akbar Road party headquarters in the recent past, seeking answers from the Modi government about its management of the Covid-19 pandemic and offering specific suggestions on providing succour to farm labour, daily wagers and others working in the unorganised sector. And more recently, the party has put out video recordings of his conversations with former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee and global health experts.

Clearly, the party has little time for anything else given its preoccupation with following up on Priyanka Gandhis instructions and rebuilding Rahul Gandhis profile.
Fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was captured on camera kneeling on the neck of George Floyd moments before his death, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

He was in law enforcement custody four days after that fatal encounter, Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman announced on Friday.

We are in the process of continuing to review the evidence, he said. There may be subsequent charges later.

If convicted of murder in the third degree, Mr Chauvin faces up to 25 years in prison.

Investigations are pending against three other officers, who have also been dismissed from the force, while the office has focussed on pursuing the most dangerous perpetrator, Mr Freeman said.

A detailed criminal complaint reveals that Mr Chauvin had his knee on Mr Floyds neck for nearly three minutes after Mr Floyd was non-responsive. Mr Chauvin was kneeling on Mr Floyd for nearly nine minutes.

Prosecutors said that police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a prone position is inherently dangerous.

Mr Floyd called out I cant breathe, mama, and please.

None of the three officers moved from their positions, prosecutors said.

But a preliminary medical report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner found "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation" and claimed that "underlying health conditions ... likely contributed to his death" despite widely shared footage of Mr Chauvin's knee forced against Mr Floyd.

On Thursday, the US Department of Justice revealed that an investigation into the killing of Mr Floyd has become a top priority as protests and riots erupted in the wake of his death and the officers dismissal from the force, with demonstrations demanding that the officers involved be arrested for murder.

Federal agents have opened an investigation to determine whether there was a willful violation of federal civil rights while officials including Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey have urged that authorities seek criminal charges against Mr Chauvin for the death of Mr Floyd while he was handcuffed and complained that he wasnt able to breathe.

The Minneapolis Police Department has identified that the other fired officers are Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng.

George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Show all 30 1 /30 George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police third precinct after a white police officer was caught on a bystander's video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester holds a sign with an image of George Floyd AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester throws a piece of wood on a fire in the street just north of the 3rd Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets People in other US cities also protested the murder, like Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A police officer lobs a canister to break up crowds Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester is treated after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Two police officers stand on the roof of the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters outside a Minneapolis police precinct two days after George Floyd died EPA George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters run from tear gas Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Demonstrators gather to protest in Los Angeles AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police remove barricades set by protesters AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the Third Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Flowers, signs and balloons are left near a makeshift memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A policeman faces a protester holding a placard in downtown Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A couple poses with a sign in Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I cant breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester reacts after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images

Minnesota is one of three states that categorises murder in the third degree.

In 2019, former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor was convicted on a charge of third-degree murder in the killing of 911 caller Justine Ruszczyk.

We have looked very closely at all statues, Mr Freeman said. This is what weve charged now. The investigation is ongoing.

Body-worn camera and witness footage, medical reports and other evidence that has surfaced was sufficient to press charges, Mr Freeman said.

Reports have revealed that Mr Chauvin  who was on the force for nearly 20 years  has been the subject of more than a dozen complaints filed to the departments Internal Affairs Division, although only two of these complaints were resolved with discipline.

In 2008, he shot a man who allegedly tried to reach for his gun, according to reports. He was also on the scene of several other police shootings in his career.

Police initially reported that Mr Floyd had resisted arrest and died following a medical incident, but video from the scene shows that he cooperated with arresting officers.

During another night of protests in the wake of Mr Floyds killing, a police precinct was engulfed in flames on Thursday, following pleas from officials for peace as law enforcement had yet to announce whether the officers involved with his death would be held responsible, or whether the department had authorised that use of force.

Minnesota governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard on Thursday and urged residents and police to restore order before authorities can can start addressing the issues, before we turn back to where we should be spending our energy: making sure justice is served, he said.

What the world has witnessed since the killing of George Floyd on Monday has been a visceral pain, a community trying to understand who we are and where we go from here, he said.

The governor said that the arrests of CNN crew covering the protests early on Friday was inexcusable after State Police officers were captured arresting the crew live on air.

I take full responsibility, Mr Walz said.
AL-RAM, WEST BANK - Nassar Salem, a carpenter in this Palestinian suburb of Jerusalem, handed over the form that would normally be enough to get a permit for his pregnant daughter-in-law to visit a hospital on the other side of the Israeli military checkpoint.

But at a crowded storefront where clerks had been brushing aside similar requests all morning, Salem was told that Palestinian officials were no longer accepting applications.

"I'm sorry, you can't get this processed now," said a woman behind the counter. "All cooperation with Israel has stopped."

Earlier this month, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared an end to long-standing coordination between his governing Palestinian Authority and Israeli officials in response to the Israeli government's plans to start the process of annexing large parts of the occupied West Bank as soon as July 1.

As Palestinians returned to work this week after a long holiday break, they were already beginning to feel the effects of the freeze.

Some permits could still be obtained if applicants directly visited the Israeli civil administration office in the West Bank, people were told. Others, including for emergency transport by ambulance, would be impossible without the involvement of Palestinian officials.

"People's daily lives are being put on hold," said Murad Shawamreh as he turned away customers from the business where he helps applicants fill out and file the forms they need to enter Israel.

The refusal to process permits at either of the main Palestinian offices that handle these travel requests was among the first concrete signs that Abbas was following through, at least for now, on his threat to suspend ties. These links date back to agreements the Palestinians signed with Israel and the United States after the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s.

The suspension of cooperation, designed to pressure Israel and galvanize international opposition to its annexation plans, could further squeeze Palestinians already suffering the economic effects of the coronavirus shutdown. As the public health lockdown begins to lift, unemployment in the West Bank has soared to 35% according to some estimates. More than 300,000 workers have lost their wages, many of them dependent on jobs in construction and health care in Israel.

With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planning to bring annexation proposals up for government approval in July, officials on both sides are bracing for a summer of potential confrontations. Economic stress combined with anger could bring protesters into the streets and spur radical groups toward violence. The Israeli military plans to conduct war game exercises next week on various conflict scenarios.

"Annexation could be the tipping point where nobody will have any control," warned Mohammad Mustafa, an economic adviser to Abbas.

The West Bank has enjoyed a decade of relative stability, in part thanks to employment, trade and security ties with Israel. Salaries paid to Palestinian workers in Israel, topping $280 million a month by some estimates, make up one of the West Bank's largest sources of income. Taxes and customs on imports collected by Israel and transferred to the Palestinian Authority account for 60% of its tax revenue.

Israel, for its part, relies heavily on more than 120,000 Palestinian workers who, before the coronavirus lockdown, crossed the checkpoints for jobs across the Israeli economy. Sixty percent of them work in construction. No immediate disruption is anticipated because most permits are valid for months.

Israeli-Palestinian cooperation also includes high-level contacts between intelligence agencies, which have thwarted terrorist attacks in Israel and protected the Palestinian Authority from its extremist rivals.

There isn't clear evidence that Abbas has made good on his promise to sever classified intelligence ties. One former Israeli official, speaking off the record, said communications had paused but there hadn't been a crisis yet to test whether Palestinians were serious about breaking off links.

Nor is it clear whether non-security ties have been totally cut, but there is no doubt they have been scaled back. On Wednesday, people who had been waiting for the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday to file their travel applications found themselves caught up in the standoff. Outside the Palestinian civil affairs office, many complained that making it harder for them to see doctors or visit family was not a welcome change.

"We have done this many times, but now we cannot even apply," said a young man who came to secure a permit for his diabetic mother to visit an Israeli eye clinic. He declined to give his name out of fear of offending Palestinian and Israeli authorities. "We will have to find treatment for her here."

Salem, whose daughter-in-law has a June appointment at an East Jerusalem hospital for complications with her pregnancy, said he would seek permission directly from Israeli authorities. He doubted that ending cooperation would deter Israel's annexation plans.

"Israel is going to do what it is going to do, whether Abbas approves or not," Salem said, walking away with his unfiled documents. "This is all irrelevant."

Raeed Lawzy, the head of the Palestinian permitting office in Al-Ram, would not discuss the details of the Palestinian government's plans to suspend cooperation. He did confirm that his staff was no longer processing applications.

"We have had no connections with the Israelis whatsoever," Lawzy said.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli unit that oversees civil coordination with the Palestinian Authority, declined a request for comment.

Abbas has threatened to cut ties with Israel before, only to backtrack, which caused some skepticism that he was in earnest this time. In the days since his announcement, Palestinians looked for evidence that coordination had been indeed been suspended, sharing notes on social media.

They found some aspects of the system working normally. Workers heading to jobs in Israel posted pictures of themselves on Twitter as they transited normally through Israeli military checkpoints. Others shared photographs of Palestinian police stations staffed as usual in Israeli-controlled areas like Al-Ram, Abu Dis and other Jerusalem suburbs where Palestinian forces help Israel with security.

Israeli police said cooperation with their Palestinian counterparts remained unchanged.

"There is full coordination between the Israeli police stationed in Judea and Samaria and their Palestinian counterparts in Ramallah," said Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, using the Israeli name for the West Bank. "Drug, traffic violations and other criminal investigations continue to be in place."

Despite his obvious anger at Israel's annexation plans, Abbas continues to depend on cooperation with Israel, as laid out in the Oslo accords, to stay in power.

"Without cooperation, there is no Oslo and without Oslo, there is no Palestinian Authority," said Michael Milshtein, a former COGAT official and now a Palestinian affairs expert at Tel Aviv University.

Political analysts also said Abbas must be careful not to place too much of a burden on everyday Palestinians. While frustration with the growth of settlements and the possibility of annexation is widespread, polls suggests many Palestinians are more immediately concerned about their economic prospects, and making travel more difficult could increase anger at the government.

Strains are already showing, Milshtein said, noting a clash that erupted between Bethlehem residents and Palestinian security forces in the last days of Ramadan over restrictions on religious gatherings related to the pandemic lockdown.

But the Palestinians show no sign of backing down. Following a meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization executive committee late Wednesday, leaders reaffirmed Abbas's decision to renounce the agreements with Israel.

- - -

The Washington Post's Ruth Eglash in Jerusalem contributed to this story.
New Delhi, May 30 : India will emerge stronger from multiple crises of economy, pandemic and super cyclone in the next 6-9 months, say industry leaders, based on the resilience shown by people, businesses and the government.

The telecom and information technology will be key to survival and revival of lives and economy, said the business leaders as they shared their views on challenges faced by the Indian economy at a webinar organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Delhi.

"Covid-19 has resulted in the world adopting to the 'new normal' by accelerating business transition towards digital practices. IT as the backbone of the economy responded immediately to this crisis as the industry was prepared and working towards digitalisation," said Sujit Baksi, Head- APAC Business & President, Corporate Affairs at Tech Mahindra.

"Today around 93-94 per cent of our workforce is working from home. We see this as an opportunity for our industry to change the way of working and an enhanced engagement with the telecom sector, which has emerged as a lifeline, yet again. I am confident that the IT industry will bounce back in the second half of the financial year," Baksi told the webinar on "New Normal: Impact of Covid on Business and Economy".

According to Prativa Mohapatra, VP Sales at IBM India/South Asia, as the new normal sets in, leadership, decisiveness, empathy and teamwork will become more essential.

"The telecom industry has emerged as the nervous system and IT as flesh and blood in the current pandemic," she said.

Rajan Mathews, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the challenges also presents the telecom industry the opportunity to innovate and create critical solutions indigenously which can be globally scalable.

"Our industry faces an unprecedented financial crisis and at the same time we require investments in our infrastructure so that we can be future ready to take up emerging challenges," he said.

According to Prashant Solomon, Managing Director, Chintels India Pvt. Ltd and Treasurer, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) NCR, the lockdown has greatly impacted the real estate sector which is the second largest employer in India.

"Operational resilience along with strong government initiatives, like increased liquidity and one-time restructuring of loans, are necessary to help the sector recover. CREDAI recently specified these requirements in an open letter to the PM and we are looking forward to further support," Solomon said.

"We are entering in an economy contraction of 5 to 15 per cent depending on the industry and this economic crisis is unique for India as we have not experienced something like this in decades," said Aditya Berlia, Chairman- CII Delhi, Co-Promoter Apeejay Stya and Svran Group.

"CII has immediately responded and is helping during the crisis but we know more can be done and will be done. The steps taken by the government are fantastic for the medium-term but what we require is something which can help businesses next week, not in six months.

"We believe that in the next six months of this year Covid-19 economic issues will begin to be resolved, and then we will see things moving up," Berlia said.
Indore got a parting kick on Saturday as Lockdown 4 ends with 87 new patients testing positive by 4 p.m. The tally of patients has gone up to 3,431 while Indore has recorded 126 corona deaths since March 5.

In the capital Bhopal new cases rose by 43 by Saturday evening taking the total so far to 1,534. The state government is expected to take a call on fresh curbs at the end of the current lockdown with a possibility of the lockdown being extended by two weeks.

While markets are abuzz in Bhopal since Saturday morning, people in Indore are treading more cautiously.

Liquor shops remained shut in the three Red Zone districts of Indore, Bhopal and Ujjain. The confrontation between the liquor cartel and the government continued with the licensees refusing to obey the order to reopen the shops in the Green Zones.

The contractors are adamant about deciding their stand only after the High Court gives its verdict on June 2. The government has gone back on considering the liquor contractors' demand to cut down the license fee in view of the stalled business due to the lockdown. Almost 80 percent of the liquor shops have remained closed due to the stalemate.

Meanwhile, Indore Collector Manish Singh has ordered spot fines on those violating lockdown rules about wearing masks, keeping a social distance, carrying sanitizer or not spitting in public places. The fine ranges from Rs 100 to 10,000.

Indore district will now be divided into 3 zones -- rural zone, urban zone and central zone -- as part of the plan to ease the lockdown from June 1.

The 29 villages around the town will be allowed more activity, urban areas outside the containment zones will also be allowed some concessions while the central zone, most affected by Covid 19, will see stiffer conditions under the lockdown.

The rising number of patients in Bhopal has led to new hotspots being marked. Jahangirabad, Mangalwara, Hanumanganj police station area of old Bhopal have reported the most cases recently. On Friday, 15 new corona positive cases were reported in these areas.

Bhopal Collector Tarun Pithode revised business hours for shops from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Saturday onwards and ordered relaxation under section 144 for the free movement of the public.
Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham has joined millions of Nigerians in reacting to the sad news that a 16-year-old girl named Tina was murdered in cold blood by some trigger happy police in Iyana Oworo area of Lagos.

The screen diva in her reaction queried why Nigerians would now call upon when the police who are supposed to be protectors of lives are the one taking lives.

Read Also: Toyin Abraham Advises Fans Not To Focus On Bad Events

However, the Lagos state police authority has announced the arrest of two policemen in connection with the murder.

Advertisement

She wrote: What do we call it when policemen who are supposed to be protectors of lives are the one taking lives? My hearts are with the parents of Tina and I am committed to supporting them in my own little way. I am impressed with the swift response on arresting the erring cops but please let it not end there. Police as an institution must show that it will no longer condone this act of lawlessness. Nigerians must feel safe within Nigeria.
Justice Department Says Maines Campground Pandemic Restrictions Violate Constitution

Maines order requiring out-of-state residents to self-quarantine prior to entering campgrounds, a requirement that does not apply to state residents, is discriminatory and violates constitutional rights, the Justice Department (DOJ) said.

The DOJ made the arguments in a statement of interest (pdf) filed on Friday in a lawsuit pending in a federal court filed by campground and restaurant owners as well as individuals in Maine, who are asking the judge to lift Maine Gov. Janet Millss executive order.

Mills issued an executive order on April 3 that required the closure of all lodging operations within the state, including campgrounds and RV parks. It also required residents and non-residents who were traveling into Maine to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. Violations of the order may result in up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Mills issued a subsequent executive order on April 29, easing some of the measures put in to mitigate the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. That order contained the states restarting plan, which allows the states campgrounds and RV parks to open to Maine residents on May 22. However, the order stipulated that those locations are only opened to out-of-state residents on June 1 after they have completed the 14-day quarantine.

Maine likely has transgressed the Constitutions limits by discriminating between Maine residents and out-of-state residents with respect to the ability to patronize campgrounds and RV parks within the State, the DOJ wrote in its court brief. Residents from outside Maine must self-quarantine for 14 days before they can enjoy these facilities, while Mainers who have not ventured outside the State may frequent them at any time.

A woman plays with her son on Crescent Beach in Auburn, Maine, on May 26, 2020. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal via AP)

That is true regardless of whether the Maine resident has recently come in contact with others suffering from COVID-19 or whether the out-of-stater hails from an area relatively unscathed by the pandemic (such as nearby Vermont) or a hotspot (such as New York City). And this self-quarantine requirement has caused real harm for Maines campground businesses, at a time when Americans most need their States to support efforts to reopen businesses in a manner consistent with public health, the DOJ added.

It added that the self-quarantine requirement had contributed to the significant economic harm to campground business that rely on out-of-state patrons each summer for their income. The department said one of the plaintiffs, Bayleys Campground, received over 700 reservation cancellations, refunded over $150,000 in reservation fees, and lost over $260,000 in revenue.

The Constitution does not permit such discriminatory treatment, the DOJ argued, saying that while the state may adopt reasonable measures to protect its residents, it cannot discriminate between Mainers and other U.S. citizens unless that distinction is substantially related to ensuring public safety.

The United States Constitution requires government to protect the privileges and immunities of all citizens in our nation, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division said in a statement.

These privileges and immunities include the right of Americans to travel freely anywhere in our country, and state governments cannot limit the right of out-of-state Americans to travel to their state unless doing so is substantially related to protecting the public safety.

The statement of claim was filed as part of efforts to ensure that state and local measures do not run afoul of constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual citizens.

Attorney General William Barr directed federal prosecutors on April 27 to keep an eye out for lockdown measures aimed at controlling the spread of the CCP virus that may be infringing the constitution.

Barr said during an interview on the Hugh Hewitt radio show on April 21 that the DOJ might get involved in lawsuits against governors lockdown measures if states continue to extend them as COVID-19 cases subside.

During the interview, he said the DOJ has been monitoring the types of restrictions governors are imposing during the pandemic. If the DOJ believes any restrictions go too far, he said, the department may first attempt to negotiate with the states to roll back or adjust the orders.

If the governors dont cooperate, and individuals bring lawsuits against them, then the DOJ may file a statement of interest in support of the individuals bringing the cases, he said.
European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen and Vice-President Josep Borrell called on the US to reconsider the decision to break off relations with the World Health Organization.

US President Donald Trump said the country is breaking ties with the WHO because the organization refused to carry out the required reforms. According to him, the US will redirect these funds to the whole world for urgent health needs.

The EC statement runs as follows:

As the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the main task for everyone is to save lives and contain and mitigate this pandemic. The European Union continues to support the WHO in this regard and have already provided additional funding.

In an EU-led resolution adopted by consensus on 19 May at the World Health Assembly, all WHO Member States agreed to initiate, at the earliest appropriate moment, an impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation to review lessons learnt from the international health response to the coronavirus, notably with the objective of strengthening future global health security preparedness.

Evaluating our global response is necessary as there are lessons to be learnt from this pandemic, its outbreak and response to it. The evaluation of our collective performance at international level is only a necessary process, aiming at strengthening health security.

Global cooperation and solidarity through multilateral efforts are the only effective and viable avenues to win this battle the world is facing. The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future. For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed. In the face of this global threat, now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions. Actions that weaken international results must be avoided. In this context, we urge the US to reconsider its announced decision.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 29

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

In 2019, electricity imports to Georgia increased by 7.8 percent compared to the previous year and exceeded exports by 6.7 times, Trend reports referring to the annual report of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) for 2019.

According to the commission, in 2019, 68 percent of electricity imports to Georgia came from Turkey, and 32 percent - from Russia.

As for export, during the reporting period, Georgia exported the bulk of the electricity (46 percent) to Turkey, 24 percent of the total volume was exported to Russia, and 5 percent - to Azerbaijan.

As reported, in past years, the bulk of electricity was imported to Georgia from Azerbaijan (61 percent in 2017 and 82 percent in 2018).

According to GNERC, in 2019, the volume of electricity imports to Georgia amounted to 1.62 million kWh, which is 7.8 percent more than in 2018 and 8.7 percent more than in 2017.

In 2019, 243 million kWh of electricity was exported from Georgia, which is 2.5 times less than in 2018. During these years, most of the electricity from Georgia was exported to Turkey.

Last year, electricity production decreased by 2.6 percent compared to 2018 in Georgia, the report said.

According to the data for 2010-2019, every year, electricity production increases by an average of 3.6 percent in Georgia, and domestic consumption - by 4.4 percent.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
Y1 NM2.0: Strengthening rural India, empowering urban India

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

By Rajeev Chandrasekhar

As the world and India continue its fight against the China originated global CoVid19 pandemic, we also mark the completion of the 1st year of the second term of Narendra Modi government.

PM Modi writes letter to the nation on 1st anniversary of his second tenure | Oneindia News

May30th, 2019 Narendra Modi was sworn in for his second term as Prime Minister. He had won a tremendous unprecedented mandate, the most decisive one by any leader in recent history, an absolute majority for a leader and political party after almost 3 decades. This popular vote after 61crore peoples cast their vote, was a vindication of his first 5 years of determined hard working leadership and was even more satisfying for his supporters because his record popularity was achieved despite a vicious campaign of lies and calumny launched against him by a motley crew of Delhi Elite and various opposition parties.

The people of Karnataka responded massively with the BJP sweeping 25 seats out of 28. Similar stories were played out in most states as people voted strongly for our PM and massively rejected the politics of divisiveness and lies that Congress and its allies represented.

He started his second term with clear purpose -In that first session President outlining the goals of the Government said

"This New India's vision is motivated by the noble thoughts of Shri Narayana Guru Kerala's great spiritual figure, social reformer and poet:

"Jaati-Bhedam Mat-Dwesham AdumIlladey Sarvrum

Sodar-tvain Vaadunn Matrukasthan Maanit"

That is, an ideal place is one where people live like brothers free from the discrimination of caste and religion.

On this path of a New India, the rural India will be strong and urban India will also be empowered;

On this path of a New India, the entrepreneurial India will attain new heights and the dreams of young India will also be fulfilled;

On this path of a New India, all systems will be transparent and the prestige of honest countrymen will increase further;

On this path of a New India, infrastructure for the 21st century will be built and all resources for creation of a powerful India will be mobilised."

Narendra Modi delivered in this one year, what most Governments weren't able to do for decades - From abolishing Art370, new State of Ladakh, Citizens Amendment Act, Amicable resolution of Ram Mandir, Decriminalizing Company act, Amendments to IBC, Continuing the tough Anti-Terror approach, Historic summit with US President et - the Narendra Modi govt wasted no time in delivering on his commitments to the people of India. On the Economy front, the FDI into the Economy this year surpassed even the last year with almost $50Bln USD

However, the Global Coronavirus pandemic emerging in the first year of this new decade has taken center stage for his leadership. It continues to be an unprecedented challenge for Government and the people. The unforeseen and unprecedented Pandemic has put paid at least temporarily to the Economic progress that was made for the last 5 and half years. The shock on the people and Economy has been severe.

Many historic firsts says PM Modi in letter to citizens

But throughout this crisis, the Narendra Modi leadership and Governance was on full display. He has rallied every citizen to make this the country's collective resolve to fight and overcome the virus - leading all 1.4 Billion Indians through this difficult Lockdown period with calm. The lockdown was painful yet necessary as it bought the country and states precious time - time required to build up the patchy healthcare capacity in many states and create the awareness amongst our people about the Covidvirus and build a National resolve to fight it. The personal effort put in by PM Narendra Modi leading up to the Lockdown and during the lockdown was super-human and would tire out any normal person many times over. His unrelenting and intense daily schedule of meeting healthcare experts, Bureaucrats, Ministers talking to CMs, world leaders, mobilizing the people and Media and at same time dealing with all the other issues of country was awe-inspiring even to a sworn workaholic like me and has garnered admiration and praise all over the world.

It is during this fight against Virus and Lockdown that many of the decisions of Narendra Modi in his first term has helped country. The poor and vulnerable who were the most impacted by the shock were provided the quick financial relief through the decision of Narendra Modi to create Bank accounts for every Indian through the JDY scheme. JDY, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, PDS and PM Kisan have ensured that rural, farmers and poor are backstopped financially by the Government directly without any leakages. Digital India helped crores of people to connect to Information and for businesses to continue to remotely work. Swachha Bharat movement he had initiated had already created awareness of health and hygiene. Schemes like Ujala for Cooking cylinders, Jan Aushadhi Yojana and PM Ayushman all came in as great support to the common people during this Pandemic. Reforming and transforming the Railway operations has made it possible for millions of scared guest workers/Shramiks to be ferried back to their homestates - an unthinkable proposition for the railways of previous years. The VandeBharat mission through the air and sea of several hundreds of thousands of Indians abroad demonstrated a capability and resolve that has become signature strength associated only with Narendra Modi. Very importantly the financial sector and Banks that he had cleaned up in the last 5 years and was strong today, was one of the reasons that small businesses and others could withstand the deep shock to our Economy.

While all this has helped India handle the shocks and keep deaths to much lower than most other even more developed nations, two things stand out in the way Narendra Modi has led India's fightback against CoronaVirus. Firstly, his commitment to the Federal structure and consulting with states meant that more and more it was State Governments inputs that were driving the National Policy - a true partnership between PM and CMs to combat the worst crisis facing India.A partnership was successful in planning and building healthcare capabilities rapidly and keeping people safe. The other was the co-option of citizens and making this about their behavior and approach rather than enforcing laws and rules only. For a large democracy like ours, only a leader like Narendra Modi had the personal credibility and popularity to do this. There are many challenges that remain including that of Economy, Business, Jobs and Livelihoods. Even here the PM and his Government has been responsive and empathetic. The 20 lakh Crore package that has at its core, small business, poor and Farmers has given people the Confidence that Narendra Modi will stay the course with them through the recovery process that will extend for some time.

As if these challenges weren't enough, the recent attempts by Pakistan and China to together use this Pandemic opportunity to destabilize India. But under Narendra Modis government, they have been given clear and fitting responses despite the pre-occupation with our Economic and Healthcare shocks

The effects of this Pandemic will be stay with us for a while and this uncertainty is the New normal. But as this year has shown, at this time of crisis, India needed strong leadership capable of navigating India through this choppy waters and it is fortunate that we have his leadership rather than the weak, indecisive leadership we have seen before and see even today in some states. PM Narendra Modi has outlined his vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat - showing the country he is thinking beyond this crisis - of leading the nation into a new prosperous future of opportunities as the world order changes. The implication of his words is clear - Just as India led the world in Pandemic Management, India shall also lead the world in postCovid Economic recovery.

All this in one year under Narendra Modis second term - Stay tuned and supportive of his efforts and work for the next 4 years as India moves closer to its true tryst with Economic prosperity for all Indians - Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas

(Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a Member of Parliament)

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, May 30, 2020, 8:27 [IST]
The Transformation Leadership Panel(TLP), an initiative of the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) has called for a transparent process in the financial resources directed toward pandemic recovery.



The Panel said there was the need to ensure that financial resources earmarked for the recovery process were also accessible to those who needed them.



This came to light at a virtual meeting organized by TLP to assess the state of COVID-19 interventions in Africa so far, share lessons learned, and consider new avenues for policy action in support of African governments.



Other topics discussed included; accelerating digital innovation, encouraging business and investment, and mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations, including; women and youth.



A statement from ACET copied to the Ghana News Agency said more than two hours, panelists highlighted a variety of priority issues that could help economies rebound more quickly in the short term, while keeping Africas growth prospectsand transformation agendaon track for the long term.



The statement said as Africa countries ramp up their responses to the novel coronavirus, increased collaboration between governments and development partners is needed to ensure that urgent priorities were addressed for both immediate and long-term needs, according to one group of global experts.



Quoting Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former Liberian President who serves as TLP Chair, the statement said: We are living in an extraordinary time, which calls for strong partnership, coordination, collaboration, and solidarity.



This is an opportunity for all governments-rich and poor, north and southto think about reform that has been lacking for a long time.



Quoting Dr. K.Y. Amoako, ACET Founder and President, the statement said: Our intention is to work together to ensure African governments and their development partners remain engaged around these extremely relevant issues even as emergency measures continue to unfold.



It said the sudden and dramatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has given new urgency to policy measures that would enable sustainable and equitable growth.



The statement said according to the World Bank, growth in sub-Saharan Africa could increase up to 5.1 percent this year.



Formed in July 2019, the TLP is a body of 17 eminent figures from Africa and around the world united by a shared vision and mission: to influence, support, and advise leaders on the critical and necessary action to achieve economic transformation in Africa by 2030.



The inaugural meeting of the TLP was held in Accra, Ghana in 2019.

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.

Featured Video
Supreme Court rejects Calif. churchs request to lift limits on in-person services ahead of Pentecost Sunday

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In a late-night 5-4 decision Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a California churchs request to set aside Gov. Gavin Newsoms recently issued public-health guidelines that allow congregations to meet in person but limits attendance to 25% of the buildings capacity, with a maximum of 100 attendees.

In the decision released just before midnight, days before Pentecost Sunday, Chief Justice John G. Roberts joined the courts four liberal justices  Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan  in rejecting the request by South Bay United Pentecostal Church and its Senior Pastor Bishop Arthur Hodges III, and upheld the states rules, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Newsom announced Monday he would allow in-person worship services in California, but capped religious gatherings at 25% or no more than 100 people in attendance, irrespective of the size of the church or other contagion-related variables.

South Bay United Pentecostal Church draws 200-300 congregants.

The petition, filed on behalf of the church by legal firms Thomas More Society and LiMandri & Jonna, argued that the First Amendments guarantee that all Americans enjoy the fundamental right to freely exercise their religion protects churchgoers against being singled out to suffer biased, discriminatory restrictions not enforced against any other gatherings.

However, Roberts wrote, The precise question of when restrictions on particular social activities should be lifted during the pandemic is a dynamic and fact-intensive matter subject to reasonable disagreement. Our Constitution principally entrusts the safety and the health of the people to the politically accountable officials of the states to guard and protect.

The chief justice added that the states executive order aims to limit the spread of Covid-19, a novel severe acute respiratory illness that has killed thousands of people in California and more than 100,000 nationwide. At this time, there is no known cure, no effective treatment, and no vaccine. Roberts added that asymptomatic carriers may unwittingly infect others.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in dissent that the restriction,  discriminates against places of worship and in favor of comparable secular businesses. Such discrimination violates the First Amendment.

Kavanaugh noted that supermarkets, restaurants, hair salons, cannabis dispensaries, and other businesses are not being subjected to the same restrictions. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch joined the dissent.

Attorney Charles LiMandri, serving as special counsel to the Thomas More Society, responded to the late-night ruling, saying they will, proceed with our expedited appeal in the Ninth Circuit and, if necessary, seek a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on the merits under a much more favorable standard."

He added, Although this interim ruling is disappointing, its clear to us that, without the filing and vigorous litigation of this lawsuit, churches would still be closed in California under Governor Newsoms original shut-down orders.

Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said he wished the court had acted to bring more constitutional clarity to this pressing question.

There is no dispute that the government has a compelling interest in restricting assemblies during times of pandemic, but several states, including Minnesota, California and Nevada, have pursued policies that are inconsistent, incoherent and not neutral toward religious gatherings as opposed to non-religious gatherings, Moore said in a statement on Saturday.

Chief Justice Roberts is correct to say that a large gathering of people is not the same as a small business where people can socially distance one by one. And yet, in many states, that's not where the distinction is being made. In some places, casinos are open while houses of worship are not. That is not sound public policy, and it sets a bad precedent," Moore added.

Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel for the Thomas More Society, said before the decision that this case is about essential and fundamental freedoms that are enshrined in our First Amendment, at the very summit of our Bill of Rights.

Brejcha argued that This cap on church attendees that is not enforced against any other human activities or gatherings in San Diego or throughout California is odious and abhorrent, devoid of the slightest justification as applied only to religious practice.

This bias against people of faith betrays the falsity of proclamations that churches are now open, as government officials seem to deem religious congregants and their shepherds alone as unworthy of trust, while opening up manufacturing and retail stores without any comparable caps on attendance. ..."

Last week, before Newsoms announcement about the opening up of churches, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to uphold the states ban on in-person worship services.

The judges wrote, Were dealing here with a highly contagious and often fatal disease for which there presently is no known cure. In the words of Justice Robert Jackson, if a [c]ourt does not temper its doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom, it will convert the constitutional Bill of Rights into a suicide pact.

Last Saturday, the church took the case to the Supreme Court. After Newsoms announcement, the church filed a supplemental brief Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 09:02:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland reported four new imported COVID-19 cases Friday, bringing the total number of imported cases to 1,738, the National Health Commission said Saturday.

Of the new cases, two were reported in Shandong Province, one in Shanghai and one in Guangdong Province, the commission said, adding that one new suspected case imported from abroad was reported in Shanghai.

Of all the imported cases on the mainland, 1,692 had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, and 46 remained hospitalized, the commission said.

No deaths had been reported from the imported cases. Enditem
Houston GOP activist Steve Hotze and a coalition of business owners and conservatives have launched a legal challenge claiming Gov. Greg Abbott's emergency orders related to the coronavirus violate the Texas Constitution.

In a 34-page emergency pleading filed Friday, lawyers for Hotze as well as three pastors, state Rep. Bill Zedler and five business owners ask the Texas Supreme Court to strike down the orders.

Abbotts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Attorney Jared Woodfill argued in the petition that the governor does not have the power to issue mandates that suspend state laws and that he should have convened the Legislature instead.

Our senators and state representatives have been muted because Gov. Abbott has chosen to act as a king, and that is fundamentally unconstitutional and fundamentally wrong, Woodfill said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: GOP activist Steve Hotze sues Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo over coronavirus mask mandate

Even if the law that gave Abbott his emergency powers is constitutional, Woodfill wrote, the orders are still unconstitutional because they deny due process by assuming every Texan and business is a threat to public health without allowing them the chance to defend themselves; violate equal protection by allowing some businesses to stay open and others not; and are otherwise arbitrary and capricious.

The petition is the latest in a series filed by Hotze, who has previously launched challenges against Harris County officials over their stay-at-home order and face mask mandate.

Rep. Kyle Biedermann, R-Fredericksburg, is named as a plaintiff in the suit, but his office said Friday that he did not give approval for his name to be used and declined to comment further.

SUITS ON SUITS: Hotze, pastors ask Texas Supreme Court to rule Harris County stay-at-home order unconstitutional

The legal challenge peels back a layer on the Republican infighting prompted by the governors handling of the pandemic, as he has alienated some hardliners who view his executive orders as an attack on their freedoms.

The orders, which specified which businesses and activities are considered essential during the pandemic, sparked protests at the Texas Capitol and elsewhere.

In recent weeks, Abbott has moved to loosen many of the restrictions and reopen the Texas economy, slowly allowing certain businesses to open on a timeline he said was based on advice from medical experts and business leaders.

Woodfill said the petitioners goal is to set the precedent for governors authority during future emergencies.

Whats going to happen if we have a COVID-20? Woodfill said. Are we going to again surrender all our constitutional rights?

Taylor.Goldenstein@chron.com
EDUCATION

ALBANY LAW SCHOOL

Will Trevor joined the school as assistant dean and director of online graduate programs. Trevor previously worked as director of undergraduate business programs at Excelsior College. He has teaching experience at schools in the United Kingdom and the U.S. including at Sage College of Albany and Maria College. The school has offered online programs since 2016.

ROCKEFELLER INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT

Named Laura Schultz as the first female executive director of research in the history of the institute. Schultz joined the institute in 2018 as the director of fiscal analysis and senior economist. She previously taught economics and served as commercialization adviser to collegiate entrepreneurs at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. She received her doctorate in economics from George Washington University in 2007.

FINANCIAL

ADNET TECHNOLOGIES

Named Lynette Maffei Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She will also be appointed to the company's newly formed Executive Leadership Team. Maffei joined ADNET in 2015 as Controller, overseeing financial operations in Farmington, Conn., and Albany. She has a bachelor's degree business administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

HEALTH CARE

ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Lee Shapiro joined the Division of Rheumatology and is seeing patients at Albany Med Malta in Ballston Spa. Shapiro specializes in treating patients with scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. He also serves as chief medical officer for the Ann Steffens Scleroderma Research Foundation and has been honored as the Doctor of the Year by the Scleroderma Foundation. His medical degree is from Columbia University.

NORTHERN RIVERS FAMILY OF SERVICES

Dr. Jeffrey Daly joined as a psychiatrist and Jennifer Eslick, executive program director of crisis services, will also oversee the organization's office of mental health residential programs. Daly was most recently medical director of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient services for 20 years at Four Winds Hospital. He will continue to be director of the Upstate New York Initiative to Primary Care Physicians in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Eslick has been with Northern Rivers since 2018.

SOUTHERN VERMONT MEDICAL CENTER

Physician Assistant John O'Shea joined the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Orthopedics Department and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Medical Group. O'Shea earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a master's degree in physician assistant studies from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Since 2018, O'Shea has worked as a physician assistant at Orthopedics Northeast in Andover, Mass.

PROFESSIONS

WHITEMAN OSTERMAN AND HANNA LLP

Announced Susan M.DiDonato as new of counsel. DiDonato was previously in house counsel at Questar BOCES for 17 years. She has also served as counsel to the New York state Department of State. She received her juris doctor degree from Union University, Albany Law School and her bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta. She has more than 30 years of experience practicing law.

WILTWYCK RURAL CEMETeRY

Matthew Sirni was appointed superintendent. Sirni, most recently the operations manager at the cemetery, replaces Edward Voss who served as superintendent for 38 years. Sirni, a native of Kingston, is a volunteer with the Hurley Fire Department, Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue and Cross Point Fellowship in Kingston.

 Rick Clemenson
HARTFORD  Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday eased restrictions for social and religious gatherings, allowing faith leaders to bring in as many as 100 worshipers for a service, while private gatherings can now host 10 people inside and 25 outside, if they maintain social-distancing protocols.

The changes take effect Monday, along with the reopening of hair salons and barbershops.

Appearing with a dozen religious leaders from throughout the state in front of the Capitol, Lamont said major reductions in the hospitalization rate and other public health metrics prompted him to revise a previous executive order that limited private gatherings to five.

I do feel very strongly that weve got to be very careful, yet practical, in terms of letting people begin to get back to a life thats different but more normal, Lamont said.

Religious centers will be allowed to fill 25 percent of their capacity, or 100 worshipers, whichever is lower. As many as 150 worshipers can meet outdoors, according to the executive order released around 8 p.m. Friday.

The state Department of Public Health on Friday reported 42 additional deaths in the coronavirus pandemic, bringing the total fatalities to 3,826.

But a net reduction of 71 patients brought statewide hospitalizations to 577, the lowest since 517 people were hospitalized on March 30 and far below the peak of 1,972 on April 22.

We had probably one of our largest drops in hospitalization weve seen in months, Lamont said. In fact, there was also a net 71-bed decline in hospitalizations as recently as May 21.

Were 75 percent off our peak now, Lamont said. So, its a long way of saying the metrics continue in the right direction, thanks to what each and every one of you is doing.

The governor admitted that gauging health metrics while trying to pull the state economy out of a sharp decline is challenging.

Its an art as well as a science, he said, stressing that the five-person limit had been established to make it easier to track and trace infections.

And you can nitpick it to death and say why this as opposed to that, Lamont said. Outside is safer than inside. Younger are much less likely to suffer complications than older. Small groups and small gatherings are safer than large groups and large gatherings. And alcohol is not great in any of these contexts. We also want guidance thats reasonable and enforceable and that people believe in.

The governor stressed the need to continue social distancing, warning that a revived pandemic in South Korea has resulted in again closing schools there, while in this country, COVID-19 has been infecting more and more people in Southern states and along the Gulf coast that have been reluctant to close for the pandemic.

The clergy members praised Lamont for listening to members of the faith community who had asked for relief on the orders that have essentially closed houses of worship for the last 10 weeks.

Were easing the restrictions as long as people follow protocols, said Lamont. This virus is not behind us. I do feel strongly that we have to be very careful, and yet practical in letting people get back to a life thats different, but more-normal.

That means 6-foot distancing, face masks and hand washing.

The Rev. Lindsay E. Curtis, pastor of the Grace Baptist Church in Norwalk, said the new guidelines show caring for congregants. One of the things I have always been concerned about is folks rushing back into the church and not realizing that people in the church are really the church, he said. So as we take our time to go back in, not rushing, not causing virus and disease to spread, but to do it right, well get back to perhaps what was, but realizing that what was, shall never be again.

Bishop Ian T. Douglas of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, who leads 150,000 congregants, said that despite the easing, 155 parishes will remain closed until Phase 2 of the states reopening, around June 20.

We appreciate these new guidelines, but we will be maintaining that our buildings remain closed through the rest of Phase 1, Douglas said.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the first anniversary of his second term on Saturday by writing an open letter to his countrymen, asserting that India has started traversing on the path to "victory" in its long battle against COVID-19 while acknowledging "tremendous suffering" of migrant workers among others.

In normal circumstances, he would have been in people's midst but the present conditions, a reference to the nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus, do not permit that, he said, explaining the reason for his writing the letter.

He said his government has taken "historic" decisions and the nation progressed rapidly in the last one year, even as he acknowledged that there is a lot that needs to be done and many challenges and problems face the country.

"I am working day and night. There could be deficiencies in me but there is nothing that our country lacks," Modi said, adding, "I believe in you, your strength and your abilities even more than I believe in myself."

He said India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, and there is a firm belief that it will also set an example in economic revival.

Talking of the people's sufferings, he said in a crisis of this magnitude, it can certainly not be claimed that no one suffered any inconvenience or discomfort.

"Our labourers, migrant workers, artisans and craftsmen in small scale industries, hawkers and such fellow countrymen have undergone tremendous suffering. We are working in a united and determined way to alleviate their troubles," he said.

PM Modi asked people to take care to ensure that inconveniences that they are facing do not turn into disasters.

It is very important for every Indian to follow all rules and guidelines, he said, adding people have displayed patience so far and should continue to do so. "This is one of the important reasons for India being safer and in a better state than many other countries. This is a long battle but we have started traversing on the path of victory, and victory is our collective resolve," he said.

Referring to the post-COVID world, the prime minister said there is a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India's, will recover.

"However, given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival," Modi asserted.

Pitching for self-reliance, he said it is the "need of the hour." "We have to move forward based on our own abilities, in our own way, and there is only one way to do it - Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India," he said.

The recent Rs 20 lakh crore package given for Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a major step in this direction, he said. He had announced the package in his recent address to the nation.

"This initiative will usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it our farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with start ups," Modi pointed out.

Due to the pandemic this is certainly a time of crisis, he said, adding that for Indians this is also a time for a firm resolve. "We must always remember that the present and future of 130 crore will never be dictated by an adversity. We will decide our present and our future. We will move ahead on the path of progress and victory will be ours," he said.

Referring to an ancient saying, the prime minister said that if people have action and duty on one hand, then success is assured on the other hand.

He said as Parliament's productivity increased, breaking records, several key legislations were passed. As a result of the policies and decisions of the government, Modi said the rural-urban gap is shrinking.

"For the first time, the number of rural Indians using internet is 10 per cent more than the number of urban Indians," he pointed out.

Recalling his return to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls with a bigger mandate, he said this day last year began a "golden chapter" in the history of Indian democracy, as it was after several decades that people voted back a full term government with a full majority.

Modi and his Cabinet had taken oath on this day last year. He said the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with the dream of taking India to new heights and making it a global leader.

The decisions taken in the last one year are directed at fulfilling this dream, he said. Noting that some of the decisions taken by his government were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse, Modi asserted the nullification of Article 370 furthered the spirit of "national unity and integration".

"The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the honourable Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of triple talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India's compassion and spirit of inclusiveness," he said.

People feel involved and integrated in the development trajectory of the nation, and the light of 'Jan Shakti' and 'Rashtra Shakti' has ignited the entire nation.

"Powered by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas', India is marching forward in all spheres," he said.
Race and our interpretation of it as Irish people has changed irrevocably over the last 20 years. Where once Paul McGrath and Phil Lynott were, as legend has it, the only black people on the island, we are now a nation of many ethnicities, a modern multicultural tribe which celebrates its differences rather than rejects them.

The Fisher Child, the third book in Philip Casey's Bann River Trilogy, is predominately set in 1998, a time when the Celtic Tiger has just begun to bare its claws, when our new found prosperity made us a viable destination for those pursuing their dreams.

But rather than depict this new Ireland and its attitudes towards these otherworldly interlopers, the prejudice and enmity the new immigrants faced, Casey opts to frame the issue of race in his own way.

Kate and Dan are a married couple with two children. Both are descendents of characters from previous novels in the Trilogy. They live in London, they're middle-class, relatively well-off and share a passion for the Arts.

That passion brings them to Florence for a holiday, sans-children. The decision to go it alone is motivated by their desire to visit galleries, museums, to bask in the glory of Bosch and the other Renaissance artists.

Kate becomes fascinated by a man in a painting, a white man with a black leg. At first this appears incidental, a strange quirk. But it becomes apparent that many of these paintings, which by and large originate in 16th century Rome and Athens, feature black people.

What also becomes apparent, upon their return, is that Kate is pregnant; a night of passion in Italy the culprit.

And here's where the reader must, momentarily, suspend their disbelief. When the child, a girl, is born, it is not like Kate and Dan's other children, at least not in terms of the colour of its skin.

Meg, as she is named, is black. There is no suggestion that Kate has had an affair; her inherent curiosity in black men never acted upon. But naturally her husband is bereft.

Dan retreats into his shell, rejecting the child, his wife, everything he has ever known, and eventually returns to Ireland, to his father, to mull over things.

We are then transported back to June 1798 and the battle of Vinegar Hill and to the exploits of Hugh Byrne, an ancestor of Dan's and, more pertinently, a Pikeman.

He is on the frontlines, repelling the British invaders, fighting side by side with his brother, the men of his parish, to protect their lands. Yet hours later, he is attending Mass with his family, making arrangements with fellow soldiers outside the church, and making eyes with a smitten young woman wooed by his bravery.

The portrayal of this war - one fought up close and personal in a lawless, heartless fashion - are as dark and horrific as one might imagine, a departure for a writer who, in his two previous novels, had chosen to focus primarily on affairs of the heart.

But what is war other than a fight for land?

A common theme in Casey's work, this fascination with land, with the ownership of sod and earth, and the rights of one to claim it over another, extends to Montserrat, the small Caribbean island where the next section of The Fisher Child takes place.

There, the Irish own slaves; black men, women and children, who are treated with contempt, flogged, raped and mistreated by those who themselves have only just escaped the clutches of the British Empire.

And it all comes back to Meg, to that black baby born to white parents, and whether Dan can accept her, whether he can take his wife at her word without resorting to a paternity test.

In that one birth, Casey encapsulates our attitudes to race, not just that, but also our heraldry, what it means to be Irish. More so, he helps us understand that such matters are of little importance. We are all interlopers, no one has any claim on anything, land or otherwise, and the most important tribe of all is family, regardless of colour.
Rome reopens municipal museums and extends exhibitions after their prolonged closure due to covid-19 lockdown.

Following the reopening of the Capitoline Museums and the Palazzo Braschi (with Canova exhibition) on 19 May, the city will open a host of other municipal museums on 2 June, the date on which Italy celebrates its national day, Festa della Repubblica.

The museums reopening, along with their exhibitions, include: Trajan's Markets, Ara Pacis (with Sergio Leone exhibition), Centrale Montemartini, Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Gallery of Modern Art, Villa Torlonia, Zoological Museum, Museo Carlo Bilotti, Museo Barracco, Napoleonic Museum, Museo Canonica, Museo della Repubblica romana, Casal de Pazzi and Museo delle Mura.

Also from 2 June the archaeological areas of the Imperial Forums (entrance from the Trajan's Column and exit from the Forum of Caesar on Via dei Fori Imperiali) will reopen, from 08.30 to 19.15 (last entrance 18.15), and the archaeological areas at the Circus Maximus (excluding the Circo Maximo Experience), from 09.30 to 19.00 (last entry 18.00).

New rules for visitors

All visitors must pre-purchase entry tickets to museums and / or exhibitions via the city website (with booking fee of 1) for the assignment of the visiting time slot. Also for museums with free admission it is necessary to book your visit by calling tel. 060608.

On arrival at the museum, visitors must wait their turn to enter and maintain social distancing once inside. All visitors will have their temperature measured by a thermoscanner, and access is not allowed for those with a temperature of, or higher than, 37.5.

Access to museums is direct, without having to go to ticket offices, by showing your pre-purchased ticket either on your smartphone or printed off.

The wearing of masks is compulsory and there will be hand sanitiser available at the entrance and inside the museums.

For full visiting and exhibition details see city website. Photo: Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock.com.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Chandler Tang didnt think shed have to close her gift store four months after opening it.

Like many retailers deemed nonessential, she closed Post Script in mid-March, when Bay Area health officials ordered businesses like bookstores and clothing, toy and furniture stores to close in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Many small businesses complied, doing their part to flatten the curve.

Tang was left with a crucial question: What now? Her Fillmore neighborhood gift store that sells a range of stationery, home goods and accessories was highly dependent on customers walking in. She decided to jump into opening an online shop, and her long-term e-commerce plans came into fruition within a week.

I always knew we were going to expand to online sales, but COVID-19 pushed us to do that. Its important to reach a wider audience, Tang said. As soon as we launched, we immediately saw some purchases, mostly from folks who already shopped with us. While online revenue hasnt offset the decline of in-store sales, Tang said shes investing a lot more into her e-commerce operations for longevity, taking note of items that sell better online such as games, hair accessories and kitchen and dining items, which spiked upward of 88% since her opening on March 25.

Even with businesses slowly starting to reopen, a retail rebound is unlikely for months. Large and small retailers alike are thinking critically about an online presence (or increasing it) as shoppers change habits and continue to have concerns about the virus. Walmart and Target both announced earnings in May and reported huge increases in online sales, rising 74% and 141% respectively in April, compared to the same period a year ago. To meet demand, Walmart hired 235,000 employees since mid-March, with a good number headed to its fulfillment centers. Target also hired thousands of workers, training them for newer features like curbside pickups.

In San Francisco, mobile payments company Square saw new e-commerce sellers increase almost sixfold since mid-March. This was based on sellers who had their first online transaction during the months of January and February versus March and April, the company said. The first big wave of local businesses signing up with the San Francisco company were restaurants, followed by retail.

Some businesses were already on this path, but one big trend we saw was that the three-year adoption cycle got shortened to three weeks, said Dave Rusenko, Squares head of e-commerce. COVID-19 made it very immediate, he said. Buyers now are going to expect a lot more options.

E-commerce requires capital and figuring out logistics, but not having a website in a pandemic world is akin to a sad, eventual closure, said Tane Chan, who owns the Wok Shop in Chinatown.

Ive been online since 1999, Chan said. My online business is whats keeping my livelihood, and my workers livelihoods, from falling apart.

Brittany Hosea-Small / Special to The Chronicle

Shes managed to retain her staff of five at the store, which sells one of the largest assortments of woks and other Chinese cookware. She has a basement that functions as her warehouse, where she and her staff do most of the packaging. Before the pandemic, online sales made up half of her business, but now its closer to 70%, she said. She averages 50 shipments a day, an increase of roughly 20% from mid-March, though revenue is down about 20%. It used to average about $40,000 per month, she said.

In-store sales are nonexistent, and we havent had much luck with curbside pickup, she said. A lot of that has to do peoples apprehension of coming into Chinatown, I think. Were hitting some hard times too.

But the transition to e-commerce is tough for some traditional brick-and-mortar stores. It requires money, logistics and, in some cases, hiring more staff. And learning about customer behavior is different online than it is in stores, which means quickly positioning operations to meet customers where they are.

People often self-select in how they receive goods, said Anoshua Chaudhuri, a professor and chairman of the economics department at San Francisco State University.

Some customers may be willing to drive to pick up goods in a matter of hours, while some are fine waiting for 10 days. So how do you capture both those customers? Chaudhuri said. You need to offer different options  online checkout, curbside, delivery and more to cater to customer needs. That might be challenging for some small businesses, but its crucial for survival.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Some ways retailers can build a following outside of regular in-store customers is to be transparent about sales and let customers know how much inventory is available and when an out-of-stock item is likely to return  much like what Amazon already does. Those kinds of things build loyalty, Chaudhuri said.

Still, it might be hard to stand out in a crowded online market. Chaudhuri said the first thing businesses need to do is get the word out and increase their social media presence. And small businesses need to figure out what the concept of experience, a hugely popular retail strategy aiming to bring customers into stores, looks like online.

We saw brick-and-mortar turn into event spaces to get customers in. What does that look like online? she said.

For Natanya Montgomery, owner of Naza Hair in the Mission Disrict, that looks like offering a weekly Zoom class on different hairstyles for African American hair, which her salon specializes in. Her salon, which closed a month after opening in February, has been able to retain staff and started selling hair kits online, largely thanks to a $1 million funding round led by Initialized Capital  shes one of the few female- and minority-owned businesses thats seen some venture funding.

The kits have been selling out ever since we started selling them, Montgomery said, though she declined to give unit sales and revenue figures. Our Zoom classes are a way to be connected and engaged with our community, and that is invaluable to us.

Shwanika Narayan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: shwanika.narayan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @shwanika
The Lehigh Valley is poised to remain under Gov. Tom Wolfs shelter-in-place order for at least one more weekend.

Wolfs statewide stay-at-home orders are expected to be lifted on June 5. Some folks, however, might wish to stay at home a little longer to try a virtual journey across Pennsylvania.

Guests can still enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster, sift through historical artifacts, greet a new animal or take part in a concert or comedy show. Yes, we know youll be looking at a screen but that doesnt mean you cant still embrace new cultures, explore history, listen to music, or learn something new. We wouldnt blame you if you called it a dress rehearsal for when the restrictions are lifted and you can pack the car for your next day trip.

We rounded up the Top 15 of our favorites from a list of 38 virtual choices being offered by visitpa.com, the official tourism website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Of course, we listed some great ones right here in the Lehigh Valley.

All the information below was gathered from the Department of Community and Economic Development:

The American Treasure Tour Museum has collections housed in a former tire factory.

15. American Treasure Tour Museum

Where is it: Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County

What you can experience virtually: The American Treasure Tour Museum offers a short video tour into the collections housed in a former tire factory. Theres a restored self-playing orchestra, life-size clown statues, stuffed animals from carnivals and promotional campaigns, and decades worth of movie posters.

The Frick in Pittsburgh offers seven virtual tours with art.

14. The Frick

Where is it: 7227 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh

What you can experience virtually: The Frick offers seven virtual tours with art ranging from pastel works by Jean-Francois Millet to fashion from the Gilded Age.

The Fonthill Castle

13. Bucks County Historical Cultural Sites

Where is it: Various places and historic landmarks across Bucks County.

What you can experience virtually: About 30 of Bucks Countys most significant historical and cultural sites including the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, New Hope Railroad, Bowmans Hill Wildlife Preserve, and Michner Art Museum.

The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia offers virtual sights and sounds of the 18th century.

12. Betsy Ross House

Where is it: 239 Arch St., Philadelphia

What you can experience virtually: You can virtually visit sights and sounds of the 18th century Betsy Ross House, as well as the inspiration that went into creating the tightly woven stars and stripes in the colorful fabric of Americas history.

The National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County allows website users to immerse themselves in a library of videos shot from the engine cabs of toy trains.

11. National Toy Train Museum

Where is it: 300 Paradise Lane, Ronks, Lancaster County

What you can experience virtually: The National Toy Train Museum allows users to immerse themselves in a library of videos shot from the engine cabs of toy trains. Guests can race along track layouts of the museum and check out the locomotives from the 1800s to now.

Zoo America web users can enjoy a daily live broadcast and learn about the featured animal of the day.

10. Zoo America

Where is it: 201 Park Ave., Hershey, Dauphin County

What you can experience virtually: Enjoy everything the zoo has to offer during its Facebook Live at 11 a.m. daily. Guests also can ask questions during the broadcast and learn about the featured animal of the day.

The Museum Of The American Revolution's virtual experience goes behind the scenes with host Lauren Tarshis.

9. Museum Of The American Revolution

Where is it: 101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia

What you can experience virtually: Guests viewing Beyond the Battlefield: A Virtual Field Trip will go behind the scenes with host Lauren Tarshis. Guests will learn about the stories of two teenagers who served during the Revolutionary War and view the real tent that U.S . President George Washington lived in as he traveled with his soldiers.

The Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania takes guests to a roaring time through the industrial age.

8. Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania

Where is it: 300 Gap Road, Ronks, Lancaster County

What you can experience virtually: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania web users can take their pick from several 360-degree virtual tours of equipment, ranging from steam locomotives to club-restaurant-sleep cars. The journey takes guests to a roaring time in the industrial age.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania

7. State Museum Of Pennsylvania

Where is it: 300 North St., Harrisburg, Dauphin County

What you can experience virtually: The State Museum of Pennsylvania has multiple online exhibits. These include the Penns Treaty, which is the peace deal English Quaker leader and advocate of religious freedom William Penn established with the Native Americans. Theres also a Made in PA exhibit, which includes objects made in the Keystone state.

The Senator John Heinz History Center is all about the nostalgia of toys from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

6. Senator John Heinz History Center

Where is it: 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh

What you can experience virtually: The Senator John Heinz History Center is all about the nostalgia of toys from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Highlights include Barbie, Gumby, and mechanical monkeys clapping cymbals.

National Museum of Industrial History

5. National Museum Of Industrial History

Where is it: 602 E. 2nd St., Bethlehem

What you can experience virtually: National Museum of Industrial History web users can enjoy programming suitable for various age groups ranging from childrens story hour to live lectures with historians.

Dorney Park's 95-year-old attraction and a historic landmark can be experienced virtually.

4. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Where is it: 3830 Dorney Park Road, South Whitehall

What you can experience virtually: Dorney Park web users can enjoy virtual roller coasters, such as Thunderhawk, Talon and Steel Force. The park website also provides ideas for at-home activities, where children can build your own amusement park or ride or print out Planet Snoopy-inspired coloring pages for more creativity.

The Allentown Art Museum has activities geared toward children with a chance to win prizes.EXT

3. Allentown Art Museum

Where is it: 31 N 5th St., Allentown

What you can experience virtually: Users touring the Allentown Art Museum receive a new activity to embark on daily. The activities are designed for all ages with the chance to win prizes.

The lit-up exterior of the ArtsQuest Center, the hub of the arts-based nonprofit located in Bethlehem's south side.

2. ArtsQuest

Where is it: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem

What you can experience virtually: The team at ArtsQuest already knows how to bring a community together for gatherings and special events. And now its all being done virtually. Guests can enjoy interactive at-home experiences, including live-streaming of concerts, move talks, comedy workshops, art classes and story time.

The Kemerer Museum is one of several places guests can visit virtually in historic Bethlehem.

1. Historic Bethlehem

Where is it: Various historic places in the city.

What you can experience virtually: Theres lots to see at Historic Bethlehem & Sites, which continues its Free Sundays at the Museum programming in a digital format. The organization weekly sends out a newsletter with fun activities for children. Additionally, some of Bethlehems most famous structures have been transformed into coloring pages. Guests also can buy digital access to the audio guides across the organizations website.

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.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
New York, May 30 : Global pharmaceutical major Pfizer believes that a vaccine to prevent Covid-19 could be ready by the end of October, the company's CEO Albert Bourla said.

Pfizer is conducting clinical trials in the US and Europe for the BNT162 vaccine programme to prevent Covid-19 in collaboration with German mRNA company BioNTech.

Bourla made the comments while participating at a virtual event organised by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) this week.

"If things go well and the stars are aligned, we will have enough evidence of safety and efficacy for us to feel comfortable, for the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) to feel comfortable, and for the EMA (European Medicines Agency) to feel comfortable, to have a vaccine around the end of October," Bourla was quoted as saying at the event by FierceBiotech.

Speakers at the event also included AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot, GlaxoSmithKline chief Emma Walmsley, Johnson & Johnson Chief Scientific Officer Paul Stoffels.

Each of these companies are working with their partners to develop a vaccine to prevent the disease.

While GSK has joined forces with Sanofi, AstraZeneca is backing the vaccine being developed at the University of Oxford.

J&J is collaborating with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to develop its vaccine.

So far over 120 vaccines have been proposed across the world. Currently, there are at least 10 candidate vaccines in clinical evaluation and 115 candidate vaccines in pre-clinical evaluation.

According to the WHO, it is important to evaluate as many vaccines as possible as we cannot predict how many will turn out to be viable.

To increase the chances of success, it is critical to test all candidate vaccines until they fail, the WHO said.

Pfizer and BioNTech's development programme includes four vaccine candidates, each representing a different combination of mRNA format and target antigen.

The novel design of the trial allows for the evaluation of the various mRNA candidates simultaneously in order to identify the safest and potentially most efficacious candidate in a greater number of volunteers, in a manner that will facilitate the sharing of data with regulatory authorities in real time.

"With our unique and robust clinical study program underway, starting in Europe and now the U.S., we look forward to advancing quickly and collaboratively with our partners at BioNTech and regulatory authorities to bring a safe and efficacious vaccine to the patients who need it most," Bourla said in a statement earlier this month.

"The short, less than four-month timeframe in which we've been able to move from pre-clinical studies to human testing is extraordinary and further demonstrates our commitment to dedicating our best-in-class resources, from the lab to manufacturing and beyond, in the battle against COVID-19," he added.

In anticipation of a successful clinical development programme, Pfizer and BioNTech are working to scale up production for global supply.

The breadth of this programme should allow production of millions of vaccine doses in 2020, increasing to hundreds of millions in 2021, Pfizer said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Nearly 300 Indians stranded in various parts of Pakistan due to the closure of the borders in the wake of the coronavirus-induced lockdown are likely to return home through the Attar-Wagah border in Amritsar on Tuesday.

Ministry of external affairs (MEA) deputy secretary Sandeep Kumar said the repatriation process has been initiated but the date of their return is yet to be finalised.

A senior official of the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI), which manages the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the international border, said, We expect the return of those stranded after Monday. It will most likely be on Tuesday.

The ICP also facilitates Indias trade with Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to reports in the Pakistan media, among those stranded are 80 students from Jammu and Kashmir who are studying there. Around 10 Indians are stuck in Islamabad, 200 in Karachi and other parts of Sindh province where they had gone to meet their relatives, it is learnt.

Nearly a dozen people, most of them from Amritsar who had gone to the neighbouring country for paying obeisance at various gurdwaras, including Nankana Sahib, are stuck in Lahore.

Satbir Singh (60), his wife Jasmeen Kaur along with three others from Amritsar had gone to pay obeisance at Nankana Sahib on March 10. They have been staying at the house of Amrik Singh, a Lahore residemt.

The health department in Pakistan has conducted their coronavirus tests as part of the repatriation process and they were found negative. My father is unwell as the medicines prescribed to him are not available at drug stores there, said Satbirs son Kamaljeet Singh, who deals in auto spare parts in Amritsar.

On May 27, the Indian government had facilitated the return of 179 Pakistani nationals, who were aso stranded due to the lockdown, through the land route. After the lockdown, India has allowed nearly 400 Pakistani nationals to return their homes via the Wagah border.

India suspended the cross-border movement of passengers through the Attari-Wagah border On March 14.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The snafu of Central New Yorks move to phase two of its economic reopening Friday demonstrated that the regional control group meant to guide the restart isnt really in control of anything.

The groups leaders had planned to reopen the region Friday morning. But some last-minute intervention from Gov. Andrew Cuomo scuttled that plan. So the local officials had to wait until the governor got in front of the cameras Friday afternoon and announced that, yes, he was giving the region permission to open.

The jockeying over who got to give the region a green light cost businesses a few extra hours of waiting (plus the headaches of confusion).

But the episode underscored the fact that despite setting up a cadre of regional control groups and promising to empower local officials, its Cuomo who still calls the shots. The control groups dont really control anything.

Less than three weeks ago, Cuomo appointed 10 regional control groups throughout the state. He said they represented a shift in power from the state back to the local level. Those groups, he said, would help guide the reopening for each individual region.

This is going to be a shift, Cuomo said at the time. This reopening phase is locally driven, regionally driven and regionally designed.

But thats hardly been the case. Big decisions have mostly still been handed down from the top. The control group has mostly served as a messenger, bringing requests, ideas and issues to state officials, who then bring them to Cuomos office. State health officials and the governors staff are still in charge of all consequential decisions.

Cayuga County Legislature Chairwoman Aileen McNabb-Coleman said the CNY group has demanded more authority heading into phase three.

When I reflect on the past few weeks its like, well, how much control do we really have? McNabb-Coleman said. Weve made lots of suggestions and given options. But we havent really had meaningful dialog in terms of decision-making.

McNabb-Coleman said the state representatives on the group act as messengers, not decision-makers. They take the groups ideas, run them up the flag pole, then come back with decisions from the governors office.

Those representatives were just as surprised as everyone else to learn Thursday night that Central New York didnt yet have the green light, McNabb-Coleman said.

On many issues, local leaders have pitched ideas to the state, but havent gotten much response.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon recommended Central New York churches should be allowed to open at 25% capacity this weekend. The state never weighed in, though, so local churches will now remain limited to services of 10 people or fewer.

McMahon has also said Destiny USA should be allowed to reopen, assuming it follows a series of new safety measures. The mall spent the week prepping to bring back workers and shoppers. Friday morning, however, Cuomos office issued an order saying all malls will remain closed. Destinys doors, then, are still shut for now.

Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup said its been up to the state all along to decide whether the region can open certain businesses. The process, he said, can be slow and frustrating.

Theres been confusion all along in this process because [Empire State Development] will make a ruling and the Health Department makes another one, he said. Theyre the ones who say we can or cant do something.

When much of this week came and went with no guidance from the state on phase two, regional officials in Central New York began making plans to reopen. They shared those plans with the public and discussed them on daily calls with state representatives, who never pumped the brakes. The same happened in other Upstate regions, like Mohawk Valley and the Southern Tier.

McMahon suggested the lack of guidance from the state was a sign that regional leaders could take the reins on the restart.

I cant tell you how many emails Ive gotten from various groups asking where they fall, and I dont have the answer for them because I dont make the answer," he said Wednesday. "You cant micromanage a restart. We know what the right thing is to do. If its gray, you cant ask every time. If you keep on asking and dont get an answer, thats an answer to me.

McMahon was offering a rationale for letting local leaders make more decisions.

But Thursday, state officials quashed that notion. In a call Thursday night, state officials told regional leaders across Upstate that despite meeting the criteria to start phase two, no region had permission.

McNabb-Coleman said she hopes that changes before CNY gets to phase three.

When someone calls me and I have to say, let me ask, that doesnt build a lot of confidence, she said. Its a very difficult time.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

McMahon: Ugly reopening was making sausage,' but state made the right call in the end

Central New York, 4 other regions clear to move to phase 2 of reopening

NY releases guidelines for offices, retail shops, real estate and other phase 2 businesses

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com
Endangered elvers have made a dramatic comeback to British waters following a year of perfect conditions.

They are baby European eels and have been in decline since the 1970s due to the drying up of their natural habitats.

They have also been threatened by a 3billion underground smuggling network because elvers, also called glass eels, are a popular delicacy in Asia.

They are baby European eels and have been in decline since the 1970s due to the drying up of their natural habitats

A 2010 EU export ban saw a rise in numbers. But experts say this years stock in the River Severn as the biggest for decades.

Heavy rain earlier this year has led to a rise in the warm freshwater that the eels like.

Conservation campaigner Andrew Kerr, said: Nobody has ever seen the like of it before.
The European Union on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to rethink his decision to terminate the US relationship with the World Health Organization as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere reinforced that the pandemic is far from contained.

Trump on Friday charged that the WHO didnt respond adequately to the pandemic and accused the UN agency of being under Chinas total control. He said the US was cutting ties with the agency, which receives significant funding from Washington.

The head of the EUs executive arm urged Trump to reconsider. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said actions that weaken international results must be avoided and that now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions.

The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future, von der Leyen said. For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed.

The US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the US would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

The WHO wouldnt comment on the announcement but South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize called it an unfortunate turn of events.

Certainly, when faced with a serious pandemic, you want all nations in the world to be particularly focused ... on one common enemy, he told reporters.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called Trumps decision the wrong signal at the wrong time. He said Berlin would have intensive discussions with Washington to try to convince the US government to continue supporting the UN health agency.

The number of people infected worldwide is increasing and the crisis is spreading, Maas told Germanys Funke media group. We cant tear down the dike in the middle of the flood and build a new one.

In China, where the virus outbreak began, only four new confirmed cases were reported Saturday, all brought from outside the country, and no new deaths. Just 63 people remained in treatment.

After judging the situation there now safe, a chartered flight carrying 200 German managers back to their jobs landed in Tianijin, a port city just east of Beijing. A flight carrying another 200 was due in Shanghai on Thursday.

Im really happy that business is starting again, said Karin Wasowski, a Volkswagen employee, before boarding the flight in Frankfurt. Ive been working from a home office but that is, of course, something completely different to being there.

More than 5,200 German companies operate in China, employing more than 1 million people.

This is an important step to reconnect Chinas and Germanys economies, said Jens Hildebrandt, executive director of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China, which helped organize the flights. It is our common interest to contribute in helping the economy return to normalcy and pre-virus levels.

Close to 6 million coronavirus infections have been reported worldwide, with more than 365,000 deaths and almost 2.5 million recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. The true dimensions are widely believed to be significantly greater, with experts saying many victims died without ever being tested.

As some countries have effectively lowered the rate of infections, they have been moving ahead with relaxing restrictions but are keeping a very close eye on developments.

In South Korea, credited with one of the most successful programs to fight the pandemic, there were 39 new cases reported Saturday, most of them in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area where officials have linked the infections to warehouse workers. Authorities have so far maintained the phased reopening of schools in the hope that the recent transmissions could be contained quickly.

India registered another record single-day jump of 7,964 cases and 265 deaths. That put the countrys total cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths and 82,369 recoveries, according to the Health Ministry.

The government had been expected to end a 2-month-old nationwide lockdown, but instead extended them in so-called containment zones - areas that have been isolated due to coronavirus outbreaks - through June 30.

However, India will allow all economic activities to restart in a phased manner outside those areas starting June 8, according to the Home Ministry. A ministry directive said that includes places of worship, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.

Russia recorded nearly 9,000 new cases overnight, around the daily level it has been at over the past two weeks as the virus continues to spread.

The national coronavirus task force said Saturday that 4,555 Russians have died of Covid-19, and 396,575 infections have been recorded. The relatively low mortality rate compared with other countries has prompted skepticism domestically and abroad.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced two peacekeepers serving in Mali had died from the virus. There have been 137 confirmed cases of Covid-19 among peacekeepers, the majority in Mali, but these were the first deaths.

The US has been worst hit by the outbreak, with more than 1.7 million cases and almost 103,000 deaths.

Cities and states are under increasing pressure to reopen, however, especially for service industries that had seen customer numbers evaporate. The latest job-loss figures from the US Labor Department brought to 41 million the running total of Americans who have filed for unemployment since shutdowns took hold in mid-March.

But there have been worrying signs that as restrictions are eased, people have not been adhering to social distancing guidelines meant to help prevent the spread of the virus.

On Friday, health officials in Missouri said that they were seeking to inform mass numbers of unknown people after a person who attended crowded pool parties over Memorial Day weekend at the states popular Lake of the Ozarks tested positive for Covid-19.

German Chancellor Angela Merkels office said Saturday that as things stand with the American pandemic situation, if Trump decides to go ahead with the Group of Seven summit in the US as he has suggested he might, she would not attend in person.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 18:43:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CANBERRA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Australia's national security agency has warned of a spike in extremist online activity during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) revealed that it has monitored a rise in suspicious activity online while Australians have been largely confined to their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

It warned that the spike could have given extremists more opportunities to target and radicalize young Australians.

The warning comes after Peter Dutton, the minister for Home Affairs, introduced legislation to Parliament that would give ASIO the power to question terrorism suspects as young as 14 and place tracking devices in the cars of suspects without a warrant.

ASIO has repeatedly warned that extremists in Australia are being radicalized at younger ages.

According to the agency there have been three planned terrorist attacks involving minors thwarted by authorities since 2014.

"The extension of the existing questioning power to those as young as 14 who are the target of a politically motivated violence investigation - with appropriate safeguards - reflects a shift in the security environment since 2003 that has seen younger and younger people involved in extremist activities," ASIO said in a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

It said that allowing tracing devices to be used without a warrant would help in "balancing the need to maintain physical surveillance of investigative targets with the need to protect our surveillance officers from physical threats."

"This is particularly the case in the current security environment, in which threats can manifest extremely quickly," the submission said. Enditem
Flights resumed at Luxembourg's airport on Friday, while a testing station was installed onsite for arrivals.

As part of the national screening strategy, the Luxembourg government has collaborated with Luxairport to launch a pilot project offering testing to passengers arriving to the Grand Duchy.

People on flights landing at Findel will receive a voucher to allow them to get tested in the medical laboratory of their choice. The vouchers are valid for several days.

Furthermore, a testing station has been installed at the airport in the Arrivals gate, allowing passengers to be tested onsite should they so wish.

 Vincent Flamion Photography

Test results will be sent electronically. In cases with positive results, passengers must observe the usual isolation procedure, and their contacts in Luxembourg will be traced. The authorities in their country of residence will also be informed.

The pilot project is initially set to last for a month and will assess the possibility of extending testing to other entry points around the country.
By Express News Service

DEHRADUN: An Android application named 'Mitron'- a term familiarized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has garnered more than 5 million downloads to date.

The application was ideated, made and launched by a team of five alumni of IIT-Roorkee on the lines of famous application 'TikTok'.

One of the team members said that, "Our idea was to make and launch an Indian application akin to foreign ones so that we do not have to rely on other country's product. We are thankful to the people for such an overwhelming response."

The application is said to have gained popularity and attention due to call for boycott amidst ongoing border tensions with China. The application was launched on April 11.

Neeraj Sahni, a resident of Dehradun who downloaded the application from Google Play Store said, "The application is good and it is almost the same as 'Tiktok'. I am glad that entertainers now have an Indian product. There are some minor glitches but we hope the team will resolve those issues."

The team members, replying to queries about the name of the application said that we could have named it 'Friends' but then we opted for Indian language name.

"The word actually conveys the idea of socializing and making friends. Also, our honorable Prime Minister uses it so it helps to connect with the people immediately," added Agarwal.

Tiktok has the highest number of users in India with over 120 million users. The application got into controversy last year with the allegations of objectionable content. Supreme Court of India lifted the ban on the application only after the organization promised to rectify the issue.
Washington, May 30 : NASA has selected three Indian companies to make a low-cost ventilator tailored for Covid-19 patients.

The three Indian companies are Alpha Design Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bharat Forge Ltd and Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, the US space agency said in a statement on Friday.

The prototype, which was created by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineers in just 37 days, received an emergency use authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration on April 30.

Called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally), the high-pressure ventilator was designed to use one-seventh the parts of a traditional ventilator, relying on parts already available in the supply chains.

It offers a simpler, more affordable option for treating critical patients while freeing up traditional ventilators for those with the most severe Covid-19 symptoms.

Its flexible design means that it can also be modified for use in field hospitals, NASA said.

The Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), which owns the patents and software for VITAL, is offering a free licence for the device. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.

"The VITAL team is very excited to see its technology licenced," Leon Alkalai, Manager of the JPL Office of Strategic Partnerships, and a member of the VITAL leadership team, said in a statement.

"Our hope is to have this technology reach across the world and provide an additional source of solution to deal with the ongoing Covid-19 crisis," it added.

NASA has so far selected 21 companies -- eight US companies and 13 international companies (including three from India) -- to make the ventilator developed with inputs from doctors and medical device manufacturers.
National security legislation for HKSAR fundamental guarantee for "one country, two systems": Commissioner of Chinese foreign ministry in Macao SAR

MACAO, May 29 (Xinhua) -- To safeguard national security is an essential part of the "one country, two systems" principle, said Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Shen Beili on Friday.

Without national security, there will be neither lasting peace and stability for China nor long-term prosperity and stability for the Hong Kong SAR, the commissioner said.

Shen published an article in Macao's English and Portuguese newspapers with the title: National Security Legislation for HKSAR: A Fundamental Guarantee for the Long-term Smooth Implementation of "One Country, Two Systems."

Deputies to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) attending the closing meeting of its third annual session on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to approve the NPC Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the HKSAR to Safeguard National Security.

Shen said in the article that the decision is in accordance with the trend of history, and it is what the greater national interests entail and what all Chinese people aspire for.

It is of great significance and far-reaching influence, and fully reflects the central government's strong will and firm determination to safeguard national security and demonstrates the resolute defense of and utmost care for the overall interests of Hong Kong and the fundamental well-being of Hong Kong compatriots, Shen said.

To safeguard national security is an essential part of the "one country, two systems" principle. Without national security, there will be neither lasting peace and stability for China nor long-term prosperity and stability for Hong Kong. "One country, two systems" will also lose its very foundation, Shen noted.

At a time when national security in the Hong Kong SAR faces a real threat and gets seriously undermined, and when it becomes clear that the SAR government can hardly complete the required legislation by itself, the NPC has no choice but to come forward and act decisively to establish and improve the legal framework and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong from the state level, the commissioner stressed.

It is a timely and necessary move to plug the legal loopholes and put in place the relevant enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. The Decision makes every sense and can stand up to scrutiny, Shen said.

The commissioner said according to China's Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the shared responsibility and statutory obligation of all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots.

She added that the national security legislation for the Hong Kong SAR aims to deter and punish the few "Hong Kong independence" elements and perpetrators of violence seeking to endanger national security. It will serve to protect the overwhelming majority of law-abiding Hong Kong residents.

The NPC decision is an example of the rule-of-law principle, and it is made for Hong Kong residents to better enjoy and exercise their statutory rights and freedoms, she commented.
(Natural News) Amazingly, the techno-fascist tech giants continue to falsely claim they arent discriminating against anyone, even as they selectively censor and ban pro-America, pro-health freedom viewpoints on every subject imaginable.

NewsBusters has compiled a comprehensive list of 33 compelling examples of Twitter exercising extreme bias against conservatives. This is viewpoint discrimination, and its routinely carried out by Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Google, Wikipedia, Vimeo, Apple and other techno-fascists.

From NewsBusters.org:

President Donald Trump is right that social media companies have been targeting conservatives. Twitter, in particular, has been engaging in a relentless attack on the American political process by censoring conservatives.

Now that has escalated to fact-checking the president nearly five months from a presidential election.

The Media Research Center released a report in 2018, which found that Twitter led in censoring the right. That hasnt changed. Project Veritas caught Twitter with hidden camera interviews admitting the process of shadow banning  which means content is hidden from users without the poster ever knowing it. One engineer admitted that accounts were flagged as bots simply by searching for words such as America and God. Twitters rules have been influenced by liberal think tanks like the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Since then, Twitter has gotten worse.

Here are some examples:

What Twitter Has Done to Trump:

A tweet from the president that discussed mail-in ballots was labeled as an unsubstantiated claim by Twitter. When Trump tweeted, There is NO WAY (ZERO!) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent, a bright blue sentence was added by the social media platform at the bottom of the tweet. The link said, Get the facts about mail-in ballots. The label led to a Twitter Events page, which said, Trump makes unsubstantiated claim that mail-in ballots will lead to voter fraud.

The statement continued, These claims are unsubstantiated, according to CNN, Washington Post and others. Experts say mail-in ballots are very rarely linked to voter fraud.

From their bogus fact check of @realDonaldTrump to their head of site integrity displaying his clear hatred towards Republicans, Twitters blatant bias has gone too far, tweeted Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel. She linked to The New York Times article headlined Error and Fraud at Issue as Absentee Voting Rises.

Twitters warning and interstitial, or filter, used to keep viewers from unknowingly seeing inappropriate videos was applied to a Trump campaign pro-life promo. Following Trumps speech at the March for Life, his pro-life campaign video appeared to have been given an erroneous label/restriction by Twitter. The label was removed soon after Twitter admitted the error.

No enforcement of policy for Democrats

The bias against Trump has become so egregious that even The Hill and The Washington Post are calling it out. According to emails reviewed by The Hill, the Trump campaign flagged new content on Twitter that it said had been deceptively edited, The Hills Jonathan Easly wrote March 16. One video in question was shared by Mike Bloombergs former senior adviser Tim OBrien and featured audio clips of Trumps words spliced together and taken out of context, set to a rising graph showing Confirmed Coronavirus Cases in US. Former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted a video with similar language.

Even The Posts video editor for The Fact Checker Meg Kelly wrote that Trump never says that the virus itself is a hoax, and although the Biden camp included the word their, the edit does not make clear to whom or what Trump is referring.

NASCAR star Hailie Deegan posed for a picture with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16. After she posted it to Twitter, some of her followers noted that the photo was covered by Twitters sensitive content filter. Memer and influencer Carpe Donktum (known for his memes that have been retweeted by Trump) tweeted a screenshot of Deegans post as it appeared on his feed.

President Trumps personal Twitter account had disappeared in 2017 and was nowhere to be found until it was restored 11 minutes later. The account reappeared without explanation until Twitters official electoral and government relations account provided a bizarre explanation that it was due to human error by a Twitter employee.

How Twitter Has Treated Other Conservatives:

Before Twitter banned all political ads, it blocked a campaign ad by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for addressing the sale of aborted baby parts in the name of research. While she was allowed to tweet the ad, Twitter prohibited her from paying to promote the ad to a larger audience.

In the ad, Rep. Blackburn announced that she was running for U.S. Senate. To appeal to her conservative constituents, she cited her work fighting abortion.

It should come as no surprise that the official campaign Twitter account for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was suspended for sharing a video of the violent threats being made against the senator. Multiple people on Twitter were also suspended for sharing that video, including the Daily Wires Ryan Saavedra. Twitter eventually overturned this decision but only after numerous complaints.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens had her Twitter account suspended for encouraging Americans to defy stay-at-home rules. A Twitter spokesperson said that Owenss tweet response to Democrat Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers stay-at-home policies encouraging the citizens of Michigan to stand up against Whitmer violated the platforms COVID-19 misinformation policy, specifically around heightened-risk health claims, reported The Hill. Owenss tweet encouraged Michiganders to Open your businesses and [g]o to work.

Trumps attorney Rudy Guilianis tweet said, Hydroxychloroquine has been shown to have a 100% effective rate treating COVID-19. Yet Democrat [Michigan Governor] Gretchen Whitmer is threatening doctors who prescribe it. If Trump is for something- Democrats are against it. Theyre okay with people dying if it means opposing Trump. His tweet was in response to Whitmer, who challenged Trump in a press conference on March 26, 2020.

Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk tweeted a similar sentiment. He said, Fact: Hydroxychloroquine has been shown to have a 100% effective rate treating COVID-19[.] Yet Democrat Gretchen Whitmer is threatening doctors who prescribe it[.] If Trump is for somethingDemocrats are against it[.] Theyre ok with people dying if it means opposing Trump[.] SICK!

A Twitter spokesperson confirmed that both Guilianis and Kirks accounts were temporarily locked for violations of the Twitter rules in reference to COVID-19.

Fox News host Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) tweeted: Lenox Hill in New York among many hospitals already using Hydroxychloroquine with very promising results. One patient was described as Lazarus who was seriously ill from Covid-19, already released. After the liberal media demanded the tweets removal, a Twitter spokesperson explained that the tweet was removed due to a violation of its new policy regarding tweeting about COVID-19.

New York Post journalist Jon Levine announced via tweet on the morning of March 8 that Twitter locked me out of my account last night over some of the Carlos Maza reporting, before adding that the platform later took back the decision. A rep for the company tells me that their action against me was an error. But then Levine was suspended again almost immediately afterward, for the same tweets made about the former Vox reporter.

Actor James Woods, noted for his conservative Twitter account, was locked out of Twitter more than once. Most recently he was suspended for sharing a picture of former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. Woods had initially tweeted, Just remember, this could have been Floridas governor in the midst of the #WuhanCoronaVirus pandemic. Make sure you vote #Republican in November like your life depends on it. Because it does. #Trump2020Landslide.

LifeSiteNews has been locked out of Twitter for violating its rules after tweeting an article about Jonathan Jessica Yaniv, a transgender activist who recently complained that gynecologists wouldnt see Yaniv as a patient, despite having male genitals.

The ZeroHedge founder reportedly, under the pseudonym Tyler Durden, asked, Is This The Man Behind The Global Coronavirus Pandemic? and theorized about the coronaviruss true origins. ZeroHedge was then suspended from Twitter. Forbes claimed that a spokesperson from Twitter indicated that ZeroHedge was removed for violating its platform manipulation policy, which the social media giant describes as using Twitter to engage in bulk, aggressive or deceptive activity that misleads others and/or disrupts their experience. However, The Daily Mail cited a resurfaced research paper from the South China University of Technology, which may lend some credence to ZeroHedges initial reporting.

ZeroHedge founder Durden said that he was suspended from Twitter after Buzzfeed claimed that his blog had doxed a Chinese scientist whom Durden argues was a public figure.

Citing instances that violate our abusive behavior policy, Twitter Safety announced that Today, we permanently suspended Alex Jones and InfoWars from Twitter and Periscope. Not only was it enough to take down those accounts, but also, Twitter threatened to take action on other accounts potentially associated with Alex Jones or InfoWars if those accounts were utilized in an attempt to circumvent their ban.

Meanwhile, comedian Kathy Griffin recently tweeted about assassinating the president, saying, Syringe with nothing but air inside it would do the trick. F TRUMP. Griffin also famously held up a bloody head that resembled Trump. Shes still on the platform.

A video posted by MRCTV, an arm of the Media Research Center, was censored as sensitive content by Twitter on Feb. 24. You may recall way back in 1961 they invaded Cuba, and everybody was totally convinced that Castro was the worst guy in the world, said Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), at the beginning of the video. The clip was from an interview in the 1980s where Sanders defended Castro. It was contrasted with a news clip from CBS that showed people in the streets celebrating after Fidel Castro died in 2016.

Between 2015 and 2019, there have been at least 113 different cases of conservative, pro-Trump or anti-establishment figures on Twitter being punished for expressing their views, many of them well-known in their fields. Notable people have been suspended, banned, blocked from advertising, shadowbanned, and censored. While Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testified in Congress in September that Twitter does not use political ideology to make decisions, the evidence points in the opposite direction.

How Twitter Defends the Left:

A meme, made to look like a fake ad from former Vice President Joe Bidens campaign, showed the candidate smiling with a beam of light coming from his chest. A statement that says, His brain? No. His heart, sits to the left of the person. Trumps director of communications Tim Murtaugh allegedly tweeted the image, saying, Is this fake? Cant trust Twitter, but this would seem to be the Biden campaign leaning in on the fact that ol Joe has lost his fastball.

Murtaughs tweet was removed, said tech magazine The Verge. At least 20 other accounts were allegedly suspended or had tweets allegedly removed, including actress and congressional candidate Mindy Robinson.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has been consistent in his left-wing political positions. Dorsey, the billionaire CEO of Twitter and mobile-payment company Square, is giving $5 million to Humanity Forward in order to build the case for a universal basic income [UBI], Rolling Stone reported.

Dorsey appeared on the May 21 episode of former presidential candidate Andrew Yangs Yang Speaks podcast where he explained the idea of UBI is long overdue and that now the only way we can change policy is by experimenting and showing case studies of why this works.

An account that parodied Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was suspended on May 6. The user, named Alexandria Ocasio Cortez Press Release, was permanently suspended because it was too similar to the congressional representatives account. According to the Washington Examiner, the man running the account, Michael Morrison, received an email explaining his permanent suspension and ominously saying, This account will not be reinstated. Dorsey has expressed his support for the young Democratic Socialist in Congress previously.

David Daleiden, the undercover journalist for the Center for Medical Progress, reported that the organization had 19 tweets blocked on Twitter, at the advice of Planned Parenthood. The tweets that were blocked reported on the public testimony of Planned Parenthood in court proceedings. Planned Parenthoods attorneys told Twitter that the Center was live-streaming the hearing. Twitter reinstated the tweets after the appeal explained that Planned Parenthood had falsely described the tweets as a live-stream.

Twitter made it a rule that misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals was prohibited on its platform in 2018. Several people, including journalist Meghan Murphy, were banned, suspended, or blocked from the platform for statements like Women arent men. Dr. Ray Blanchard, who helped write the official psychological position on transgender identity, was temporarily blocked on May 12 for voicing his professional beliefs.

The Daily Mail took a story that Red States Jennifer Van Laar first broke about Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA) and ran it with a link in the story that led to graphic images of the politician with one of her staffers. Twitter then allegedly blocked the Daily Mails story, claiming, according to the Daily Wires Ryan Saavedra, that this link may be unsafe.

New York Post reporter Jon Levine alleged that some users were banned from Twitter for mocking recently laid-off journalists from liberal outlets Buzzfeed and HuffPost. Left-wing journalists once told working-class Americans to learn to code and adapt to a globalized economy. But now the shoe appears to be on the other foot, as some users tweeted the phrase learn to code at journalists who recently lost their jobs. The phrase was a response to journalists who told unemployed coal miners to switch their careers to tech, but journalists didnt like it when it was used back on them. Some users reported a Twitter claim that users were banned for tweeting this phrase at journalists under the terms of service rules against targeted harassment, according to KnowYourMeme.

What Twitter Has Failed to Enforce:

Smash Racism DC, a branch of Antifa, attacked Fox News host Tucker Carlsons house, reportedly threatened his wife, and doxed Carlson and his family on Twitter on November 8.

Twitter did not listen to Fox News call for the doxxing tweets to be removed immediately. While the original Twitter posts no longer exist, the National Reviews Jack Crowe managed to document their contents. Tucker Carlson has been spewing nonstop hate and lies about the migrant caravan. He also has close ties to white supremacists, one tweet said. Activists protested tonight at Carlsons Washington DC area home. You cant hide from those you hurt, Tucker.#KnockKnockTucker

Racist scumbag, leave town, another tweet exclaimed.

A fake news story falsely accused Covington Catholic High School students of harassing a Native American activist. It outraged the internet since the video was later shown to edit out much of the encounter. The story was later corrected by some outlets, but the damage had been done. Twitter did not take down many of the threats or calls for violence against the students.

Twitter restrictions based on its COVID-19 rules havent been handled in a consistent manner. The Chinese Embassy in France uploaded an absurd, lego-based propaganda video on April 30. The Ambassade de Chine en Frances video Once Upon a Virus featured numerous demonstrably untrue myths, acting as if the Chinese communist government and World Health Organization (WHO) have both been forthcoming about the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It wasnt fact-checked or removed.

The video featured a back and forth dialogue between several lego figurines and gave a false chronology of what happened from month to month. A masked lego figurine representing the Chinese regime as a responsible leader amidst the coronavirus appeared to be the foil to the ignorant and irresponsible Statue of Liberty LEGO figurine that represented America. The Statue of Liberty figurines flaming torch curiously resembled Trumps signature hairstyle.

A video, tweeted out by a pro-Palestine account, depicted a terrorist shooting up an Israeli shopping mall. The cartoon depicted a young man watching a security guard at an Israeli mall. The flag of Israel was perched atop the building. Disguised as a security guard, the young man sits on a bench across from the Israeli mall and waits. He then walks up, kills the security guard with his own club, and runs into the mall, shooting at shoppers. The video then ends with a focus on Arabic script, which in English translates to The Intifada is continuing.

Pinboard, the social bookmarking website run by developer Maciej Ceg?owski, captured ads on Twitter from China Xinhua News which called for a brake to be put on the blatant violence in Hong Kong. The Twitter account for Pinboard noted Xinhua, the agency buying these tweets, has literally referred to the Hong Kong protesters as cockroaches.

Noted anti-Semite Rev. Louis Farrakhan is still on Twitter and not fact-checked. Reclaim The Net observed that Farrakhan, the controversial leader of the Nation of Islam, was temporarily kicked off of Twitter. He was also temporarily restricted from Twitter from Jan. 3 up until mid-January, when his account was completely booted. Shortly thereafter, however, his account was reinstated, and a Twitter spokesperson reportedly told Reclaim The Net that The account was caught by our spam filter in error and has been reinstated.

Twitter allegedly censored ZeroHedge for theorizing about the origin of the coronavirus, citing Twitters Platform Manipulation policy, but since allowed what Buzzfeed called Conspiracy Theories That The Coronavirus Didnt Originate In China to remain online. Spokesperson & Deputy Director General, Information Department, Foreign Ministry of China Lijian Zhao tweeted a piece headlined COVID-19: Further Evidence that the Virus Originated in the US at 9:02 p.m. on March 12. Later that day he speculated, It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan.

Twitters Investment in Leftist Ideology:

Twitter announced it was on a mission to rid its platform of intolerance and incivility. However, Twitter conveniently chose to partner with third parties that were incredibly skewed to the left.

That group included three openly liberal experts. Dr. Patricia Rossini tweeted out from her account back in 2016: summarizing tonight: hate hate hate WALL hate hate hate LGBTQ hate hate hate BAN IMMIGRATION hate hate hate LAW&ORDER #RNCinCLE. She also praised former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for an interview she did, saying Im stunned by this interview with @HillaryClinton and her very straightforward evaluation of Trumps presidency.

Read more at NewsBusters.org.
By Trend

Kapital Bank, a leading Azerbaijani bank, has reduced POS-terminal fees in order to provide support to entrepreneurs and reduce expenses of economic entities for banking services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trend reports referring to the banks press office.

As reported, the grace period will expire on September 30, 2020.

According to its terms, a discount of up to 50 percent of the currently imposed fee is applied in the e-commerce segment and POS-terminals of the bank, both for cards owned by Kapital Bank, and for cards of other banks.

The bank noted that this step is intended to show that the bank always supports entrepreneurs and attaches great importance to the development and financing of small and medium enterprises, providing optimal conditions and favorable tariff packages regardless of the situation.

Earlier, Kapital Bank, in accordance with the corporate social responsibility strategy, contributed 500,000 manat ($294,120) to the Fund to Support Fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Bank became the winner of the Central Bank of Azerbaijans annual award in the nomination Leading Bank for Mobile Banking Services in 2019.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Couples living together on a genuine domestic basis, with neither married to anyone else, but who have not entered into a civil marriage or into a formally solemnised or officially registered customary union, will be deemed to be in a civil partnership under the proposed new Marriages Act.







This will mean that when the partnership dissolves, the property will be divided or distributed in terms of the Matrimonial Clauses Act, which has hitherto applied only to those in registered unions who are divorced.





This has led to suffering, especially among women, who are dumped penniless when they split with their partners.





The section creating civil partnerships was in the original draft of the Marriages Bill now before Parliament.





But last year, Cabinet directed that the section be withdrawn after objections that such a partnership was not consistent with Zimbabwes customary and Christian values.





There were fears it would legalise small houses.





But on Thursday it was retained during the committee stage of the Bills progress through the National Assembly, but with an amendment that it only applied to those couples where neither partner was married to anyone else, either in a civil or customary union.





The National Assembly adopted an amendment moved by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi with new proviso, which seeks to strengthen the institution of marriage while protecting women who might find themselves in unregistered unions.





Minister Ziyambi told the House he had removed married people in the category of civil partnerships because this is what caused much debate so that we protect those in partnership but are not married.





The new clause provided that where either of them subsequently marry another person either civilly or customarily, only those assets acquired by them before the marriage to the other person would be divided or distributed on dissolution of the partnership.





The amendments on the civil partnership also close loopholes when it comes to dividing property, dealing with complications such as they continue living together when one gets married and even when one enters a civil marriage with someone else but a customary union with the civil partner, in which case they will be regarded as being in an unregistered customary union regardless of whether lobola was paid, or not paid in full.





Partners in a civil partnership have to be at least 18 and are bound by the same bans on close relations marrying as married couples.





married. The main purpose of introducing civil partnerships was not to give an option to marriage but to ensure that couples deemed to be in such a partnership have to divide their property when they split up as if they had beenmarried.





This largely protects women who live with someone, and then get dumped without a cent.





The proposed Marriages Act will when approved replace both the Customary Marriages Act and the Marriages Act, impose common standards of age and bans on close relations marrying, have common standards on consent.





While the law on civil marriages will remain almost identical to what now exists, there are more changes in the customary unions, which have to be solemnised before a magistrate or the local chief, or registered within three months if there was no solemnisation.





There has been a growing trend for couples to enter an unregistered customary union and then later marry in a civil union because registering the customary union barred them from ever entering a civil union, which is usually celebrated by a civilly licensed minister of religion.





The Bill ends this total split, that came into effect at the very start of the colonial period, by allowing a solemnised or registered customary union between a monogamous couple to be converted to a civil marriage.





But no one can be married simultaneously in a customary union and civil union.





These unregistered customary unions have achieved some recognition by the courts for some purposes but any remaining loopholes will now be covered by the civil partnership status if there is doubt.





Meanwhile the Constitutional Court Bill and Attorney General Bill were tabled before the National Assembly on Thursday.





The Constitutional Court Bill provides for the operation of the Constitution Court whose Judges have since been separated from those sitting in the Supreme Court.





The AG Amendment Bill provides for how the office of the Attorney General should operate.





Both proposals for legislation are part of Government efforts to align the laws with the Constitution. Minister Ziyambi steered both Bills through their first reading, a process which simply gets them into Parliament for subsequent debate, amendment and approval.




SCHAGHTICOKE  In the past year and a half, Mary Beth Delarms visits to her elderly mother have grown increasingly distressing.

Her then 90-year-old mother was a resident of Diamond Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Schaghticoke, a facility whose persistently poor record of resident care made it a candidate last year for inclusion on a federal watch list.

Whenever Delarm would show up, she said, shed find her mother in a state of neglect  her body and clothes dirty and unwashed, a soiled diaper unchanged. Sometimes there would be feces smeared around the room, Delarm said. Sometimes her mother had unexplained bruises.

Then there were the gradual yet alarming changes in her mother's condition  a 50-pound weight loss in under a year, and teeth falling out from what Delarm suspected was lack of regular dental care.

She began to document her visits with photos and notes: Constantly found wet. Yet staff said they were too busy to change her. This was a regular response, she wrote about one photo.

Provided

That was staffs response to most complaints, Delarm alleges. She brought her concerns to administration and eventually began reporting them to the state. But in her view, nothing changed. And without guardianship rights, she couldnt move her mother to another facility.

Now that coronavirus has made its way into Diamond Hill and prevented Delarm from visiting, shes even more concerned. In fact, she doesnt even know if her mother is dead or alive. She doesnt have a direct line to her mothers room, and no one from the facility has called her back.

Diamond Hill CEO Ari Grinspan did not respond to a request for comment. Clara Tryon, administrator at the home, said she wasn't able to comment and hung up before the Times Union could ask any more questions.

These places have to be held accountable, Delarm said. I dont want to hear, Oh, were so short-staffed or Were so busy. Its a profiteering game to them.

While much attention has been paid in recent weeks to a state directive that may have helped fuel the coronavirus crisis in New Yorks nursing homes, advocates contend that longstanding issues at these facilities similar to those alleged by Delarm played a role as well.

Obviously nursing home residents are a demographic that is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, said Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, a nonprofit that advocates for safer nursing homes. But the lack of sufficient staff in nursing homes on a regular basis, the lack of providing basic infection control and prevention, and other failures in care that have persisted in our nursing homes for years undoubtedly exacerbated the situation.

A Times Union review of 10 nursing homes in the Capital Region with the largest or deadliest known coronavirus outbreaks found many have struggled to maintain adequate staffing and were cited for infection control violations over the years.

All 10 homes had staffing levels below the minimum recommended level for direct care in the months leading up to the crisis, according to a non-profit advocacy group's analysis of payroll data submitted to federal regulators. And seven of the 10 were cited for at least one infection-control violation during annual inspections in the past three years.

Nursing home leaders interviewed for this story disputed any suggestion that short staffing or poor infection control was a factor in the scale of their outbreaks. They said there was little they could do to keep out a virus that spreads among asymptomatic people, and some said the controversial state policy requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-19 patients from hospitals is just one example of how Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's administration left nursing homes to fend for themselves in the early days of the pandemic.

Was that the best policy? Hindsight is always 20/20. We can always second-guess a decision that someone has made, said Bruce Gendron, vice president of the Grand Healthcare System, which has two facilities with large outbreaks in the Capital Region. There is no villain in this scenario except for the coronavirus.

Lori Van Buren/Times Union

Short-staffed

While mistakes are inevitable in any industry, evidence shows that staffing shortages  especially chronic ones  make them far more likely.

Staff with too many residents to care for are simply less likely to have time for basic infection control and prevention practices, Mollot said. That includes things as fundamental as hand-washing or sterilizing equipment before administering care.

If you read any of the (inspection) citations, they dont explicitly say its because (the facilities) are short-staffed, Mollot said. But theyll say things like, Aide said she didnt have time. That, to me, is emblematic of a staffing issue.

In the months leading up to the pandemic, most New York nursing homes failed to maintain staffing levels that experts have determined are sufficient for meeting residents needs, according to an analysis by Mollots organization of payroll data submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

In the final three months of 2019, New York nursing homes averaged 3.4 direct care hours per resident day (HPRD) and 0.46 registered nurse hours per resident day, according to the analysis. Minimum recommended levels are 4.1 HPRD for direct care staff and 0.75 HPRD for RN staff.

My biggest concern in February, back when all this was starting, was that the lack of staffing would make residents that much more vulnerable, Mollot said.

In the Capital Region, nursing homes with the largest or deadliest known outbreaks of coronavirus all fell short on recommended staffing levels.

Diamond Hill, where Delarms mother lived, averaged 2.6 HPRD among direct care staff and 0.3 HPRD among RN staff in the final quarter of 2019. The facility has had 80 confirmed cases of coronavirus among residents and staff, and 16 virus-related deaths.

The nine other facilities reviewed by the Times Union also fell short. They include Shaker Place in Colonie, Hudson Park in Albany, Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland, Teresian House in Albany, The Grand in Guilderland, Pine Haven in Philmont, The Grand at Barnwell in Valatie, Glens Falls Center in Queensbury, and Fort Hudson Nursing Center in Fort Edward.

Teresian House  where over 120 cases and 17 deaths from the virus have occurred  was the only facility to exceed the recommended direct care staffing levels at 4.2 HPRD. It fell short on recommended RN staffing, though, with 0.5 HPRD.

A spokesman for the facility, Paul Larrabee, said its staffing was adequate at the time of the outbreak.

Paul Buckowski/Times Union

Larry Slatky, executive director of Albany County-owned Shaker Place, wrote to the Times Union that at the time the facility learned of its very first COVID case, staffing levels met the facility's resident care requirements based on case mix.

"While we understand the commonly used minimum staffing guidelines, it is impossible to compare one nursing home to another since each nursing home has a unique case mix," Slatky wrote.

Other nursing homes affiliated with larger parent organizations, including Our Lady of Mercy Life Center and Glens Falls Center, said they were able to draw on staff from other facilities in their network as their staffing needs increased during the outbreak. But federal health officials who reviewed virus spread in other parts of the country have said this practice may have actually contributed to virus spread among multiple facilities.

Gendron, who spoke on behalf of the Grands Guilderland and Barnwell facilities, said staffing is a challenge across the industry, especially upstate.

Put simply, demand exceeds supply, he said.

Advocates point out that retention is the real issue. Staff are underpaid and overworked, resulting in high turnover and constant training of new staff.

New York lawmakers have pushed over the years for changes to state legislation that would require nursing homes and hospitals to implement minimum staffing ratios, but none have come to fruition. A state study on the topic is five months overdue.

Infection control

As coronavirus was bearing down on parts of the U.S., CMS announced in March it would conduct focused infection-control surveys at nursing homes to ensure they were prepared for a possible virus outbreak.

An initial wave of surveys during the week of March 30 found that 36 percent of facilities were not following proper hand-washing guidelines and 25 percent failed to demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)  which has been in use at nursing homes for decades.

Facility-specific results from those surveys have yet to be published. But inspection results dating back to 2017 show that seven of the 10 facilities the Times Union reviewed for this story were cited at least once for infection-control violations.

The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell, a facility in Valatie with over 160 cases of COVID-19 and 14 virus-related deaths, was cited three times  once in 2017 and twice in 2018.

Paul Buckowski/Times Union

State health inspectors cited the home in October 2018, when flu season was getting underway, for failing to maintain contact precautions on residents who had been placed in isolation. Such precautions require the use of PPE when entering a patients room, which must be clearly marked to indicate protections are needed.

A nurse at Barnwell who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation told the Times Union this month that staffing shortages are putting residents in harms way.

I work doubles, she said. You have aides that are working overtime. Youve got one aide for 40 people and then one nurse. Weve got to feed, pass trays, do meds, do treatments, answer bells. Its just impossible. It is bound to lead to poor infection control. There is no way around it.

Grand Healthcare System's Gendron said the virus strained staffing levels at Barnwell as workers fell sick. The company wound up closing two units and transferring those residents to other Grand facilities in an effort to make patient-staff ratios more manageable.

He downplayed prior inspection-control citations by noting that over 60 percent of all nursing home facilities have been cited for such issues in the past three years.

Other area nursing homes downplayed them, too.

Jeffrey Jacomowitz, a spokesman for the Centers Health Care-owned Glens Falls Center, which has lost at least 19 residents to the coronavirus, wrote to the Times Union that the facilitys most recent citation in 2019 was for a wound care procedural hand-washing deficiency that resulted in no harm.

As leadership from Glens Falls Center and corporate take every deficiency seriously, this very minor citation led to a re-education of clinical and non-clinical staff on proper hand washing and disinfecting of various medical equipment and first aid materials, he said.

A spokesman for Pine Haven nursing home in Philmont, Columbia County, Geoff Thompson, wrote in a response to Times Union questions about the facilitys past infection control citations that in 2017 Pine Haven was cited for an incident involving a housekeeper that had no bearing on patient care, Thompson wrote. Also in 2019, Pine Haven received a state citation that related to human resources education for new hires concerning pneumonia vaccine. Thompson wrote it was unrelated to patient care.

When the crisis broke wide open in March, a lot was not known about COVID-19, Thompson wrote. We along with other healthcare providers are continuing to analyze the multiple factors that came into play.

Pine Haven, which saw 14 out of 36 residents die who contracted the disease, took in one COVID-19 positive patient. And while Thompson did not discuss if that action exacerbated Pine Havens outbreak, he wrote those with COVID need to be treated and remain in a hospital setting.

Advocates for safer nursing homes say states have long done a poor job of citing the extent to which problems occur inside nursing homes, as well as the extent to which they put residents in harms way.

A recent Kaiser Health News analysis found that 99 percent of all infection-control violations are cited as minor and not warranting fines, even though 1 million to 3 million serious infections occur inside long-term care facilities each year and 388,000 residents die annually as a result.

On their own?

More than 5,800 nursing home residents in New York have died from the coronavirus  a figure that is almost surely an undercount because it doesn't include residents who were transferred to hospitals before they died.

Some area nursing homes with large or particularly deadly coronavirus outbreaks said they did what they could to keep residents safe, but were hampered by factors outside their control and received little support from the state.

Our Lady of Mercy, where 14 out of 44 infected residents died, took in three COVID-19 positive patients. But the facility, which runs underneath the umbrella of St. Peters Health Partners, described those patients to the Times Union as in the recovery phase, and a spokesman did not have criticisms about any state policies made during the pandemic.

It started to spread before we even knew we had a single case in our building, wrote Our Lady spokesman Rob Puglisi. That was in March, before it was understood that people could test negative and carry the disease for several days with no symptoms, so we had no indications.

While a state directive requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients has received a lot of attention (more than 4,500 virus patients were admitted into nursing homes as a result of the directive, an Associated Press investigation found), some area nursing home leaders said they were more concerned that their pleas for help went ignored.

Larrabee, the spokesman for Teresian House, said the facility asked state and local health officials repeatedly for help testing its entire workforce and resident population. Those requests were rejected, he said.

The home eventually went out and got the tests itself, he said, and the entire facility was tested April 29. There have been no new cases discovered since then, he said.

Andy Cruikshank, CEO of the Fort Hudson Nursing Center in Fort Edward, which had 40 cases and 11 virus-related deaths, said it felt like the state abandoned nursing homes during the early stages of the pandemic. Cuomo was focused heavily on fighting for more ventilators and hospital beds, while nursing homes including Fort Hudson didnt even have tests for residents and staff.

Lori Van Buren/Times Union

After backlash for its handling of nursing homes, the state this month rescinded the controversial admittance policy and announced it would be requiring twice-a-week testing of nursing home staff. But Cruikshank contended that Cuomo's team offered no guidance on how facilities were to pay for such a massive undertaking.

With employees tested twice a week, the expectation was nursing homes would miraculously coordinate lab contracts (and) they would have to pay for it themselves, he said. (Cuomos) initial reaction was nursing homes ... are on their own.

At no time did the (state) commissioner of health ask, What do you need to make this better? Cruikshank added. The result is a discoordinated approach.

RELATED: Cuomo defends nursing home policies as long-term care deaths top 5,800

In a statement, the state Department of Health did not respond to the testing concerns raised by the facilities, but noted that it provided both Teresian House and Fort Hudson with thousands of pieces of PPE since the outbreaks, including gowns, face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer, oxygen concentrators and more.

"We've said from the start that protecting our most vulnerable populations including people in nursing homes and adult care facilities is our top priority," department spokeswoman Jill Montag said. "To do so we have issued (Centers for Disease Control)-supported guidance documents, led more than 650 COVID-19 focus infection control surveys and opened 3,000 complaints. Weve restricted visitors, ordered workers to be temperature checked every day, tested staff twice a week, provided 13 million pieces of PPE and taken other actions to protect this vulnerable population."

Lauren Stanforth contributed reporting for this story.
A protester yells near 2nd and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. Protesters march in cities across the nation after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Protesters in the Bay Area blocked freeways and vandalized stores during protests overnight against the killing of George Floyd.

Meanwhile, more than 500 were arrested after looting and vandalism swept downtown L.A.

About 1,000 protesters gathered in Oakland. They smashed windows, sprayed buildings with anti-police graffiti and were met with chemical spray from police. Authorities said officers were injured when projectiles were thrown and they were asking people to leave the area.

Two Federal Protective Service officers were wounded by gunfire, one of them fatally, outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building. It wasnt immediately clear whether the incident was related to protests that erupted several blocks away at police headquarters.

A vehicle pulled up to the U.S. courthouse at 1301 Clay St. about 9:45 p.m., and someone inside fired gunshots at the contract security officers, the FBI said in a statement.

One officer was killed and another was injured. There was no word on that officers condition. No arrest was reported.

The Federal Protective Service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, oversees the protection of buildings owned or leased by the General Services Administration.

The FBIs San Francisco field office and the Oakland Police Department were investigating the shooting.

Earlier in the night, the demonstrators blocked the 880 Freeway in Oakland.

In San Jose, protesters temporarily shut down the 101 Freeway.

Hundreds of demonstrators began marching at San Jose City Hall on Friday before running onto the 101 Freeway at Santa Clara Street. They briefly blocked freeway traffic before returning to downtown San Jose.

One of our officers was injured and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, San Jose Police Officer Gina Tepoorten said in an emailed statement. We do not have all the details at this time.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he understood the anger but urged peaceful protests.

Story continues

Anger and peaceful protest will always be appropriate responses to injustice; violence will never be, Liccardo tweeted Friday afternoon. San Jose is united in outrage over the atrocious crime committed in Minneapolis and in sadness over George Floyds horrible death.

Floyds deadly encounter with police began Monday night in Minneapolis after Floyd, a black man, was accused of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a grocery store.

Cellphone video of Floyds arrest outside the business shows Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, driving his knee into the 46-year-olds neck as Floyd, pleads that he cant breathe. After several minutes, Floyd appears to lose consciousness, and a bystander can be heard yelling that Floyds nose is bleeding. Even as paramedics arrive to check Floyds pulse, Chauvins knee remains positioned on the mans neck.

Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

At one point, protesters captured a video of a vehicle running over several protesters. The San Jose Mercury News reported police fired on the SUV. A car was also see driving through a crowd at a rally in Bakersfield. There were also tense moments during a Sacramento rally.
The index case of COVID-19 in Kogi did not contract the disease from another state as he has not travelled recently, according to his fa...

The index case of COVID-19 in Kogi did not contract the disease from another state as he has not travelled recently, according to his family members.





In a statement on Friday, Tai Ejibunu, obatebise of Oweland, said the patient identified as Ahmad Ejibunu, chief imam of Kabba, may have been infected in Kogi.





NigerianEye had reported how the state recorded its first cases of the disease who are now known to be the imam and one of his aides.





After the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed the cases, the state government rejected the results, accusing NCDC of perpetrating fraud.





But in the statement, Ejibunu said there is no need for Kogi State government to deny the obvious, adding that contact tracing had started.





He said the chief imam had been down with flu after which he was admitted at the Specialist Hospital in Kabba and transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja, from where he was referred to the National Hospital, Abuja, where he tested positive for the virus.





The family is concerned about the well being of other Owes and we wish to confirm that Covid-19 has fond its way sadly to our community and the State, he said.





Therefore, no need for Kogi State government to deny the obvious. We would like to stress that the Chief Imam, of recent, had never ventured outside Kogi State by way of travelling outside the State. So, the virus could have been contacted within.





We wish to advise our people to please abide by the protocols emplaced by the NCDC and play safe.





He added that the family is cooperating with the Kogi State Government and the NCDC to stem the spread, and that contact tracing and testing of family members of the index case had began.





said. What we need from our people is empathy and no need for the acrimonious exchange of views and counter views, Ejibunusaid.




Demonstrators hold a protest in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Lafayette Square Park near the White House in Washington on May 29, 2020. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Trump Praises Secret Service Following Protests That Caused Lockdown at White House

President Donald Trump praised the response of the U.S. Secret Service following protests outside the White House overnight.

Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. Secret Service, he wrote in a Twitter post on Saturday morning. They were not only totally professional, but very cool.

I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe, he added.

Trump said that the protesters are professionally organized but were kept away from the fence efficiently by the agents.

Nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen, he said.

His remarks came after protests caused a brief lockdown at the White House on Friday evening.

Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin kneels on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe, in Minneapolis, on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier via AP)

Hundreds of people gathered outside the White House late Friday to protest the killing of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis.

Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes while taking him into custody on Monday. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired on Monday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday.

The death of Floyd caused a national uproar.

Protests exploded in dozens of cities around the nation on Friday night with occasional looting, burning, arson, and vandalizing.

Protesters demonstrate outside a burning fast food restaurant in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (John Minchillo/AP)

Outside the White House, protesters hurled pieces of bricks, bottles, and other objects at Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers who were in riot gear behind barricades. Protesters at times kicked and punched officers and wrestled over the barricades.

The crowd of hundreds chanted No justice, no peace and Say his name: George Floyd.

As some in the crowd grew more aggressive, police deployed pepper spray to keep them back and maintain a perimeter of officers around the White House. Other demonstrators came to the aid of protesters who were sprayed, their eyes red and puffy, offering bottles of milk and water to splash on their faces.

By the end of the night, the protesters had stolen about 15 barricades and the police had to form a line with riot shields to keep back the swelling crowd. At one point, the protesters were able to gain control of an officers shield and set it ablaze before trying to toss it back at the line of officers. Police used a smoke device to quickly stop them.

Protesters confront a row of police officers outside the White House in Washington on early May 30, 2020, in a demonstration over the death of George Floyd. (Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

The protest went on for hours before police declared the gathering unlawful and ordered everyone to leave Lafayette Square, a seven-acre public park located directly north of the White House. Dozens of officers pushed forward with their shields and fired off streams of pepper spray at protesters.

Out of the park or you will be sprayed, an officer shouted at the crowd.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.
The owner of a Dublin restaurant, pub and hotel group has been ordered to pay 104,000 to an ex-girlfriend for her unfair dismissal from the business.

The two first met 31 years ago and were in a relationship for 10 years.

After their relationship ended, they remained best friends and the company boss is the godfather of the woman's only daughter.

The woman started working at the business 26 years ago and the company has grown from a small bar to a large business today, made up of bars, a hotel and spas, apartments and restaurants.

One of the group's businesses includes a hotel and bar near Temple Bar in Dublin.

For the first 10 years, the two ran the business together and at the time of her unfair dismissal, the complainant was employed as operations director.

In her hard-hitting ruling, WRC adjudication officer Niamh O'Carroll Kelly found that the business owner "took advantage of his personal relationship with the complainant in an attempt to force her out of the company so as to ensure minimal financial impact on the company".

Ms O'Carroll Kelly said the company owner "went so far as to use his relationship with the complainant's daughter to force her to accept a wholly inadequate package to secure her exit from the company".

"I am satisfied she was subjected to a prolonged campaign of verbal abuse, stonewalling, bullying, intimidation and emotional manipulation all of which were at the very serious end of the spectrum," Ms O'Carroll Kelly said.

"She was shouted at, sworn at, emotionally blackmailed, emotionally manipulated, stonewalled by her colleagues on the instruction of her employer, intimidated by her employer on countless occasions, bullied into accepting inadequate settlement/ redundancy packages."

Ms O'Carroll Kelly said she was "fully satisfied that it will be some considerable time before the complainant will recover from the treatment she was subjected to at the hands of her former employer".

Ms O'Carroll Kelly said the complainant "was totally blameless in relation to her dismissal".

She ordered the company to pay the operations manager two years salary after hearing uncontested evidence from the complainant concerning her treatment.

The woman told the WRC she had been emotionally destroyed due to the treatment she had received at the hands of the company owner.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: With an eye on 2022 UP polls, the Samajwadi Party has started getting its act together and the first evident step is apparently the unification of the first family.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, who has been at loggers head with uncle Shivpal Yadav since 2016, has now hinted at some poll adjustment with him for the next UP polls.

The signs of a thaw started emerging on the political horizon when Samajwadi Party moved to withdraw the application seeking disqualification of Shivpal as party MLA recently. However, UP Assembly speaker, Hriday Narain Dixit accepted the SP plea to withdraw its earlier letter on Thursday. After the Speakers move, SP chief has now dropped broad hints of a possible truce with his estranged uncle.

Akhilesh claimed that the party may make an adjustment with Shivpal in Jaswantnagar seat from where the latter is a sitting MLA.

Notably, Shivpal parted ways with Samajwadi Party after being humiliated by Akhilesh and floated Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party-Lohia (PSP-L) in October 2018. He had served a major dent to Yadav vote bank in 2019 Lok Sabha elections by fielding his candidates against SP which included a number of family members.

Shivpal himself had contested from Firozabad against nephew Akshay Yadav who was the sitting MP. Shivpals presence divided Yadav votes and Akshay had to bite the dust.

It may be noted that Samajwadi Party had moved the disqualification petition against Shivpal shortly after the Lok Sabha polls on grounds that he had abandoned the SP and launched his own party. After the Speaker allowed SP to withdraw the petition on Thursday, Shivpal welcomed the move.

However, spelling out the partys strategy for the 2022 battle, Akhilesh claimed that the Samajwadi Party would not join hands with any major political party. He said that he might join hands with a number of smaller outfits at the local level but would not enter in any alliance.

When asked during a webinar if he would take Shivpal back into the party folds, Akhilesh said that as he was heading a separate outfit, and an adjustment could be struck with him on Jaswantnagar seat.

Talking to media persons over the withdrawal of the anti-defection petition, leader of the opposition in the state assembly and SP veteran Ram Govind Chaudhary said Shivpal was a member of the SP legislature party as on date. He refused to comment on reports of his return to the party fold.
At Loyola, spokeswoman Anna Shymanski said the school follows federal guidelines for its work with animals and only uses them in cases when alternates arent available. In response to PETAs May 5 letter, she said in an email: Specially trained veterinarians and animal-care technicians provide for the care and well-being of the animals, and animal care committees regulate and monitor laboratories regularly, she said in an email. Our faculty understand that it is a privilege to use animals for the advancement of scientific discovery."
Over 400 Indians, who were stranded in Nepal due to coronavirus outbreak, have entered bordering Champawat district, officials said on Saturday.

The Indians crossed the international border on Friday and Saturday from Sharda Barrage at border town of Banbasa in Champawat, they said.

Champawat district magistrate SN Pandey said 437 Indians were stuck in western Nepal due to the coronavirus outbreak that prompted both the countries to seal their borders.

They were not able to return due to sealing of borders amid the pandemic. They were finally able to return on Friday and Saturday. The returnees include both tourists as well as labourers from Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, said Pandey.

The labourers work in construction sites, brick kilns and sugar factories in Nepal. They were stuck there after the lockdown was announced, the district magistrate said.

He also said Nepal has fixed a period of four hours from 6 am to 10 am daily for opening of the border to enable Indians and Nepalese people to return to their countries.

Nepalese stranded in India were allowed to cross the border from time to time during the lockdown but Indians stuck in Nepal were allowed for the first time on Friday to enter Indian side after high-level talks were held between officials of both the nations, said Pandey.

So far, 6,534 Nepalese people had returned to their country, he said.

Ashok Bhardwaj, a tourist from Himachal Pradesh, said, I was distressed and missing my family while I was stuck there. Now after returning, I am very happy that I will be able to see my family.

Like Bhardwaj, Rameshwar Kashyap, a labourer and a resident of UP, expressed happiness after returning to the country. I worked in Nepal in a tile company but was stuck there due to the lckodown. I wanted to return and help my family in the harvest season but couldnt do so. Now after almost two months I will be seeing my family.
Some of the Chinese universities in question are ultimately controlled by Beijing or its military - AP

With its cast iron replica of Budapests Liberty Bridge and its pale-stoned version of Versailles, visitors to Huaweis research centre in Dongguan could be forgiven for thinking they were in Europe.

It is a benign  if eccentric  tribute. But other attempts to forge close ties to the Western culture have much more serious implications.

The Telegraph can disclose today that the controversial Chinese telecoms giant backed 17 scientific papers with UK universities, about cutting-edge dual use technologies  which can have civilian applications but can also be used in military technology.

At least 15 of the papers focused on technology that experts claim could be used to communicate with swarms of drones or on highly advanced image recognition software that experts claim could be used for extreme levels of surveillance.

All of them involve collaborations between British universities, including at Edinburgh and Exeter, and Chinese universities heavily involved in military research and named as "high risk" by an Australian think tank.

Old College, The University of Edinburgh - Kay Roxby/Alamy

The Telegraphs findings today will raise fresh concerns over Huaweis influence in Britain. Experts have also warned that Beijing may be using Huawei and UK universities to advance Chinas defence programme, and a surveillance regime that is known for its human rights breaches.

Alex Joske, a China expert at the think tank - the Australian Strategic Policy Institute - said: Chinese military universities are collaborating with western institutions to take advantage of their expertise, resources and training in order to advance Chinas military technology.

In one instance, academics at the University of Kent accepted Huawei funding for joint research on tiny antennae which, according to experts commissioned by The Telegraph, could get a swarm of drones to communicate with each other.

Story continues

The study was done jointly with a known defence laboratory at the University of Electronic Science and Technology in Chengdu.

A spokesperson for Kent said that the paper "has military as well as civilian applications just as many other engineering areas", that it respects all UK trade restriction and that its students always declare any support from Huawei.

Both Edinburgh and Exeter Universities said that the projects with huawei had undergone rigorous due diligence processes and ethical review and were reviewed on an ongoing basis. Huawei has strongly disputed analysis of the papers by three experts, and insisted that the technologies they focused on were all common areas of research for telecoms equipment suppliers.

Some experts fear that the research by China could lead to extreme levels of surveillance - EPA

A spokesman said: Huawei is a private company that supplies telecoms companies globally. We do not conduct military research either directly, or indirectly, nor do we work on military or intelligence projects for the Chinese government or any other government.

It said Huawei had "strict rules stipulating research and development cooperation with universities must be for the sole purpose of product development for civilian use", and dismissed the Australian think tank as having an "anti-Huawei agenda"

It also dismissed ASPI's findings, claiming that the Australian think tank has an anti-Huawei agenda.

However, fears are growing that research undertaken as part of these collaborations will be passed to Beijing.

There they could be used to bolster Chinas extreme surveillance operation in Xinjiang, the western Chinese province where the Chinese government has imprisoned over 1 million ethnic Uighurs.

Experts also fear that British academics may unwittingly find themselves working on technologies that are used to bolster Chinas declared ambition to become the most advanced military power in the world by 2049.

Last night, experts called for a shake-up of funding rules to ensure this does not happen.

Professor Anthony Glees, director of the centre for security and intelligence studies at the University of Buckingham, called for universities to disclose funding deals, and a ban on UK institutions accepting Chinese backing for technology research that could be used in warfare.

It should be illegal to accept funding from China in areas where there is a military or national security relevance, he said.

Charles Parton, senior associate fellow at defence and security think tank RUSI, said: "Research collaboration with China is not going to be black and white. We are talking about fifty shades of grey, and it is the government's role to set up a mechanism for deciding and ruling which shades of grey are acceptable.

The Telegraphs findings today will raise fresh concerns over Huaweis influence in Britain - Andy Wong/AP

Most universities have ethics boards to oversee funding, but there are currently no national standards for vetting funding before research takes place. The standard practice is for academics to declare their research partners and funding sources upon publication.

In the US, universities are forced to declare any benefits or contracts worth over $250,000-a-year (202,000) with a foreign source. In Europe, the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity demands that researchers review funding submissions in a transparent and justifiable manner.

The scientific papers backed by Huawei and examined by The Telegraph were produced jointly with Chinese universities with specialisms in defence technology, which are ultimately controlled by Beijing or its military.

The Telegraph commissioned three experts  with specialisms in military technology and artificial intelligence - to examine 18 publicly available studies undertaken jointly by UK universities and Chinese defence institutions.

At least 17 of the studies were dual-use, so could be used for civilian services as well as for warfare or for extreme levels of surveillance. Experts were split on whether the eighteenth was also dual-use.

Toby Walsh, professor of artificial intelligence at Australias University of New South Wales, said academics need to ask tougher, more demanding questions about their research partners because the same algorithms you use to unlock your smartphone are now potentially being used to help kill people.

Bart Selman, professor of computer science at Americas Cornell University, said that a number of the papers were about technology that would allow better communication between swarms of drones.

Another specialist  an expert on military technology who declined to be named for fear of repercussions  said that it is almost impossible to deny a pattern of research across the papers that could build up Chinas repressive technology capabilities.

Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei - Vincent Yu/AP

All of the papers were backed by Huawei in some way  half through direct funding, and nearly all by Huawei researchers working on them.

Five of the 18 papers were joint projects with Chinas National University of Defence Technology  the in-house university of the Peoples Liberation Army.

Ten were done with Chinese universities that are part of Beijings Seven Sons of National Defence institutions, which are tasked with advancing Chinas defence industry and are controlled by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The remaining three were co-authored by academics in known Chinese defence laboratories. Some of the Chinese universities also face sanctions from the US and Japan because of their relationships with Chinas military.

One 2019 paper, called Unequal Error Protection SCMA Codebooks, was a joint project between the University of Surrey, Huawei and the National University of Defence Technology. Experts said it could reduce power usage while helping communications between drones.

A spokesman for the University of Surrey, said Huawei was one of five supporters of its 5G Innovation Centre, which researches machine to machine communications  commonly known as the Internet of Things. This research paper, alongside hundreds of others on the same topic publicly available around the world, looks at this important application of 5G technologies.

The experts who examined the studies also highlighted a paper by academics at Lancaster University and the University of East Anglia (UEA), who worked with scientists from Huawei and Beihang University, a Chinese institution that sanctioned by the US for its extensive work on rockets and drones.

The 2017 study  Recognition Using 3D Histograms of Texture and A Multi-Class Boosting Classifier involves programming cameras or drones that can recognise human actions which, according to all three experts, is useful both for video surveillance and developing autonomous weapons. Dr Walsh called the paper troubling.

The Lancaster academic  Jungong Han  who worked on the paper in question insisted that the research had no military application, was completely done in China, and that his role was to provided feedback on paper writing. He added that Huawei might not have even known that its researcher was involved.

A spokesman for Lancaster University said that the university did not receive Huawei funding for the paper and that it has multiple potential applications. Our researchers are free to work with their counterparts in universities around the world, he said.

A spokesman for UEA said that the researcher involved in the work has since left the university and that it was was likely begun before [the researcher] arrived at UEA.

investigations@telegraph.co.uk
By The Associated Press May. 29, 2020 | 02:35 PM | MINNEAPOLIS

The police officer who was seen on video kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died in custody after pleading that he could not breathe, was arrested Friday and charged with murder in a case that sparked protests across the United States and violence in Minneapolis.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Freeman did not provide immediate details, but said a criminal complaint would be made available later Friday and that more charges were possible.

In the video, Chauvin is seen kneeling on Floyd's neck as Floyd is on the ground. He gradually becomes motionless as Chauvin and three other officers ignore bystanders shouts to get off him. Freeman said the investigation continues into the other three officers, but that authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Freeman highlighted the extraordinary speed in charging the case just four days after Floyds death, but also defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner. He said his office needed time to put together evidence, including what he called the horrible video by a bystander. He said he would not bring a case unless he had enough evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Protests in Minneapolis escalated in violence on Thursday, when demonstrators torched a police station that officers had abandoned.

Im not insensitive to what happened in the streets, Freeman said. My own home has been picketed regularly.

All four officers who were at the scene of Floyd's death were fired the next day. After the charges were announced, protesters outside the government center chanted, All four got to go.

News of the arrest came moments after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the abject failure of the response to the protests and called for swift justice for officers involved. Walz said the state would take over the response to the violence and that its time to show respect and dignity to those who are suffering.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are on fire. The fire is still smoldering in our streets. The ashes are symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish unheard, Walz said, adding. Now generations of pain is manifesting itself in front of the world  and the world is watching.

The governor cited a call he received from a state senator who described her district on fire, no police, no firefighters, no social control, constituents locked in houses wondering what they were going to do. That is an abject failure that cannot happen.

His comments came the morning after protesters torched a police station that officers abandoned during a third night of violence. Livestream video showed protesters entering the building, where intentionally set fires activated smoke alarms and sprinklers. President Donald Trump threatened action, tweeting when the looting starts, the shooting starts, which prompted a warning from Twitter for glorifying violence.

The governor faced tough questions after National Guard leader Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen blamed a lack of clarity about the Guards mission for a slow response. Walz said the state was in a supporting role and that it was up to city leaders to run the situation. Walz said it became apparent as the 3rd Precinct was lost that the state had to step in, which happened at 12:05 a.m. Requests from the cities for resources never came, he said.

You will not see that tonight, there will be no lack of leadership, Walz said.

On Friday morning, nearly every building in the shopping district around the abandoned police station had been vandalized, burned or looted. National Guard members were in the area, with several of them lined up, keeping people away from the police station.

Dozens of volunteers swept up broken glass in the street, doing what they could to help.

Dean Hanson, 64, lives in a subsidized housing unit nearby, which is home to many older residents. He said his building lost electricity overnight, and residents were terrified as they watched mobs of people run around their neighborhood, with no apparent intervention.

I cant believe this is happening here, he said.

Dozens of fires were also set in nearby St. Paul, where nearly 200 businesses were damaged or looted. Protests spread across the U.S., fueled by outrage over Floyds death, and years of violence against African Americans at the hands of police. Demonstrators clashed with officers in New York and blocked traffic in Columbus, Ohio, and Denver.

Trump threatened to bring Minneapolis under control, calling the protesters thugs and tweeting that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts. The tweet drew another warning from Twitter, which said the comment violated the platforms rules, but the company did not remove it.

Trump also blasted the total lack of leadership in Minneapolis.

A visibly tired and frustrated Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made his first public appearance of the night early Friday at City Hall and took responsibility for evacuating the precinct, saying it had become too dangerous for officers. As Frey continued, a reporter cut across loudly with a question: What's the plan here?

With regard to? Frey responded. Then he added: There is a lot of pain and anger right now in our city. I understand that ... What we have seen over the past several hours and past couple of nights here in terms of looting is unacceptable.

He defended the city's lack of engagement with looters  only a handful of arrests across the first two nights of violence  and said, We are doing absolutely everything that we can to keep the peace. He said National Guard members were stationed in locations to help stem looting, including at banks, grocery stores and pharmacies.

The Minnesota State Patrol arrested a CNN television crew early Friday as the journalists reported on the unrest. While live on air, CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was handcuffed and led away. A producer and a photojournalist for CNN were also taken away in handcuffs.

The Minnesota State Patrol said the journalists were among four people arrested as troopers were clearing the streets and restoring order," and they were released after being confirmed to be media members. CNN said on Twitter that the arrests were a clear violation of their First Amendment rights." Walz publicly apologized on Friday.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing members of Floyd's family, called for an independent investigation, and said he asked to take custody of Floyd's body to have an independent autopsy performed. Floyd said that talk of a heart condition or asthma is irrelevant because Floyd was walking and breathing before his contact with police.

The doctor who will do the autopsy is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City, who was hired to do an autopsy for Eric Garner as well.

In New York City, protesters defied New Yorks coronavirus prohibition on public gatherings Thursday, clashing with police, while demonstrators blocked traffic in downtown Denver and downtown Columbus. A day earlier, demonstrators had taken to the streets in Los Angeles and Memphis.

About 10 protesters went to a Florida home believed to belong to Chauvin. The Orange County Sheriff's Office tweeted Friday that Chauvin was not at the residence and has no plans to be in the area.

In Louisville, Kentucky, police confirmed that at least seven people had been shot Thursday night as protesters demanded justice for Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was fatally shot by police in her home in March.

In Mississippi, the mayor of the community of Petal resisted calls to resign following his remarks about Floyd's death. Hal Marx, a Republican, asked on Twitter: Why in the world would anyone choose to become a police officer in our society today? In a follow-up tweet, he said he didnt see anything unreasonable."

The city on Thursday released a transcript of the 911 call that brought police to the grocery store where Floyd was arrested. The caller described someone paying with a counterfeit bill, with workers rushing outside to find the man sitting on a van. The caller described the man as awfully drunk" and said he was "not in control of himself.

Asked by the 911 operator whether the man was under the influence of something, the caller said: Something like that, yes. He is not acting right. Police said Floyd matched the callers description of the suspect.

State and federal authorities are investigating Floyd's death.

The owner of a popular Latin nightclub said that Floyd and Chauvin both worked as security guards at the club as recently as the end of last year, but its not clear whether they worked together. Chauvin worked at the El Nuevo Rodeo club as an off-duty security guard for nearly two decades, but Floyd had only worked there more recently for about a dozen events that featured African-American music, Maya Santamaria told The Associated Press.

Santamaria said if Chauvin had recognized Floyd, he might have given him a little more mercy.

Santamaria, who sold the venue within the past two months, said Chauvin got along well with the regular Latino customers, but did not like to work the African American nights. When he did, and there was a fight, he would spray people with mace and call for police backup and half-dozen squad cars would soon show up, something she felt was unjustified overkill.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 06:06:10|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

DUBLIN, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Irish Minister for Health Simon Harris on Friday described U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to cut ties with the World Health Organization (WHO) as an "awful decision."

He made the remark in his twitter account shortly after Trump announced that his country is terminating its relationship with the WHO at a press conference held at the White House on Friday afternoon.

"Awful decision. Now more than ever the world needs multilateralism. A global pandemic requires the world to work together," Harris tweeted.

"If we are looking for a villain, it's simple -- but it's not any organization -- it's the virus," he continued.

"We should unite in our fight against it & not fight each other," he said.

Earlier this month in a statement issued before his address to the World Health Assembly, Harris said that "In this time of great crisis, we need unity, not division. We cannot allow the politicization of this pandemic. Ireland stands shoulder to shoulder with the WHO." Enditem.
Twitter says one of its boldest experiments is showing some promise at reducing harassment. No, its not the companys recent move to allow some users to limit replies on tweets, but its move into disappearing content.

The company gave one of its first significant updates on Fleets, the Stories-like feature Twitter has been testing in Brazil since early March. After more than two months of testing, Fleets will expand to Italy, though the Twitter cautions its still too soon to say whether or not the feature will become a permanent feature for all.

Its still *very early*, but were seeing less abuse with Fleets as only a small percentage are reported each day  Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) May 21, 2020

Interestingly, Twitter notes early testing has shown that Fleets might be leading to healthier interactions. Were seeing less abuse with Fleets as only a small percentage are reported each day, the company tweeted of its Brazil testing.

A Twitter spokesperson declined to elaborate on specifics, but if that trend holds up it could be an encouraging sign for the company, which has spent years trying to reduce harassment. Of course, Fleets is still an experimental feature the vast majority of Twitter users dont have access to. And the fact that Fleets disappear after 24 hours could also be contributing to the fewer number of reports.

But that Twitter is expanding the test to a new country shows the company is at least optimistic about the future of disappearing content.
- In what seems like a miracle, an 82-year-old widow has recovered from COVID-19 in Osun state

- The good news was broken on Friday, May 29, by the state commissioner of health, Rafiu Isamotu

- The octogenarian recovered after spending nine days in an isolation centre in Osogbo, the state capital

PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed

The government of Osun state said an 82-year-old woman recovered from the coronavirus disease against the notion that elderly people with chronic diseases are the highest risk group.

Legit.ng reports that the state commissioner for health, Rafiu Isamotu, confirmed the recovery in a statement on Friday, May 29, in Osogbo, the state capital.

Isamotu said that the woman, who was hypertensive, recovered from the virus after receiving treatment for nine days at the isolation and treatment centre, Asubiaro General Hospital, Osogbo.

He said that the woman, a widow, was confirmed positive and admitted into the facility on May 13.

He explained that the patient, who contracted the disease while in contact with an infected person, showed no symptoms of the virus before her sample was collected, except for diarrhoea.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola and his deputy, Gboyega Alabi, addressing the people of the state. Credit: Twitter/Osun government.

Source: Facebook

The story of the 82-year-old widow provides a glimmer of hope, considering that she is a hypertensive patient on med.ication.

Although, when she arrived at our isolation centre on May 13, she had no cough, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, fever or anosmia associated with the virus, except for diarrhoea. We successfully treated her for it and she was stable all through the period of hospitalisation.

On her 9th day of admission, we carried out a follow-up polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on her and the result came back negative and she was subsequently discharged on May 24. Furthermore, a follow-up at her home after her discharge revealed that she was stable, Isamotu said.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that Governor Yahaya Bello-led government insisted that the north-central state is still free of coronavirus scourge despite fresh discovery.

It was reported that the state's utter denial coincided with the report by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announcing two cases in the state.

Saka Haruna Audu, Kogi health commissioner, in a statement on Wednesday, May 27, said the state has conducted hundreds of COVID-19 tests out of which none came out positive.

Coronavirus: Youngsters celebrate Children's Day in Abuja | - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
That's why we decided to go there. That was in 2015, he noted in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agencys correspondent in Tokyo recently.

According to him, at first, his company tried to sell Japanese building materials in the Vietnamese market. But unfortunately, the way of building houses in Vietnam is totally different from Japans one, and thus, building materials used in Vietnam are totally different from those used in Japan.

Eto Shinji, General Manager of Japanese building product distributor JUTEC Corporations Overseas Business Department (Source: VNA)



We had tried to sell our products to those who have special technical knowledge of Japan, but it was not easy. As a result, we changed our mindset to adapt to the market and then, decided to enter its real estate market because we thought that there is a close link between the two markets, he said.

Despite that fact, Eto Shinji went on to say that his company will return to Vietnams building material market in the future because the rich in your country is getting bigger and Vietnamese people prefer Japanese products and companies.

We understand that the chance for that business is coming soon, maybe in five years or 10 years. We strongly believe so, he said.

Regarding JUTEC Corporations establishment of a joint venture with ISN Real Estate Management JSC. (ISN REM), an affiliate of the ISN Corporation, Eto Shinji said his company chose this partner since ISN REM is the only company that is targeting to Japanese people living in Vietnam, and it has a great network of for-rent condominium owners. Additionally, its manager, who was educated in Japan, has deep knowledge of Japanese peoples taste.

Eto Shinji revealed that on May 25, JUTEC Corporation got an investment certificate from the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment to set up the joint venture. Its registered capital is 20 billion VND, of which the Japanese company owns 50 percent.

Its main business is to lease houses and offer Japan-standardized condominium management and operation services to foreign customers, especially Japanese nationals who are currently living and working in Vietnam.

Thus, we want to cooperate with Vietnamese tenants who want to rent their apartments or condominiums to Japanese nationals living in the country, he said.

The other business is to distribute Japanese building materials in the market, he said,a dding that the firm now has one showroom in Ho Chi Minh City.

For this, we want to provide Japanese-style building materials solutions for homebuilders in Vietnam so that to increase their houses value, he noted./.
Monogram Snacks set a record Friday.

Henry Countys second-largest employer tested every one of its employees for COVID-19, immediately sent everyone home and then shut down the plant for three days as a series of deep-cleaning initiatives began.

We are testing 642 team members today, and that started at 6:15 this morning with our third shift, Vice President of Operations Pat Strickland said on Friday. The test is being administered by health care professionals that we have contracted for assistance here at the facility.

By comparison, a testing site at the Martinsville Speedway under the direction of the West Piedmont Health District and funded by a grant from The Harvest Foundation has been open for over seven weeks. Public Information Officer Nancy Bell said volunteers had conducted 400 tests as of Thursday.

Were doing this one hundred percent voluntarily, Monogram CEO Karl Schledwitz said. This is not being mandated to us.

Schledwitz said state officials offered to do the tests because of the industry were in, at their expense, and that was very tempting, but they couldnt get to us for two weeks.

We could have waited and had somebody else do the tests and us not pay anything, but we elected not to, Schledwitz said.

He would not be specific about the cost but said, It was well into six figures  several hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Plans for testing and shutting down the plant for cleaning came the day before an article in the Martinsville Bulletin appeared telling the story of Angela Hairstons brother, an employee of Monogram who is recovering from COVID-19.

Hairston had filed a complaint with state and OSHA officials on behalf of her brother, alleging unsafe working conditions and noncompliance with CDC recommended guidelines.

Other employees had reached out to community leaders and the Bulletin to express concerns and suggested more than one employee had tested positive. Schledwitz said there were five.

To address any specific arguments in the article, obviously it was expressing certain peoples opinions, and I respect those opinions, but I would rather focus on what Monogram is indeed doing and the truth of what we are doing to protect our team members, Strickland said.

Probably

more cases

Monogram has more than 3,000 employees working in nine plants spread out over six states. Although the undertaking Friday at the Martinsville plant was at its largest plant, this was not the companys first confrontation with the virus that has caused a pandemic.

Two other plants that we did it [testing] in previously, there had been a lot more positives than in Martinsville, said Schledwitz, who explained the companys position in an op-ed letter on Friday. We havent had a positive in over a week in Martinsville, and I believe were at five total  so in the scheme of things, its significantly less than 1%.

In the previous two plants, one was in southwest Minnesota, right in the midst of a hot spot that had literally thousands of positives, and we had probably 10% of the workforce test positive, Schledwitz said. In the other one it was less than 5%.

We havent predetermined was success looks like. Obviously you hope nobody has it, but the reality is what were learning is if you were to take any 700 people out of any part of Martinsville and tested all 700, there would be statistically several of them that tested positive  so we expect there to be some positives. Thats why were testing  to make sure those people are quarantined and dont spread it.

Monogram contracted with LabCorp of Burlington, N.C., to conduct the tests onsite.

We have couriers from LabCorp who are shuttling these samples as we collect them to LabCorp in Burlington, N.C., so that there is complete chain of custody control on these tests, Strickland said. The testing will provide protection and confidence that our team members are working with others that are healthy.

If we look at our community, Virginia as a state, the seven-day running average of positive cases has come down, and were on a good trend statewide, but we monitor the four-county range of Patrick, Henry, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties, and the municipalities of Martinsville and Danville, and the reported case rate in the region has risen by 300%.

So while southwest Virginia was spared high case rates for a good period of time, we are seeing an increase in case rates throughout our communities.

We want to make sure we are ahead of that curve, and we want to make sure we are protecting our team members. Strickland said.

Already stringent cleaning

The Monogram plant in Martinsville is USDA-inspected, which requires high measures of sanitation and sanitary handling practices.

We clean this facility with biocides every day, Strickland said. We sanitize all food contact surfaces.

All of our food handlers follow our good manufacturing practices with intense hand washing, hand sanitizing, wearing of gloves where appropriate and personal protective equipment.

Then when the CDC identified common touch points and hard surfaces as potential points of transmission, we added additional sanitizing in all of our break rooms and locker rooms on an ongoing and continuous basis.

Weve fogged all of our locker rooms and break rooms with chlorine dioxide which is a very strong viruside, and we have continued fogging and misting.

We have tested our hard surface common-touch points for the coronavirus with all negative results to validate the effectiveness of our sanitation practices.

Clarifying, cleaning

Strickland said he took issue with Hairstons complaint that employees have reason to feel threatened by the company for expressing their concerns, and he said they have made policy changes so employees will not be penalized for COVID-19 related issues.

We have modified our attendance policy so that those who may be ill or tested for coronavirus or if a contact of theirs is being tested  that they suffer no penalty, Strickland said. Their job is not at risk, never has been, never will be and their pay is not jeopardized.

As each employee completed testing on Friday, he or she was told to leave the building immediately and go home. No one will be allowed back on the property until they receive a negative test result.

The tests should take between 48 and 72 hours, and they [employees] will be notified of both negative and positive results, Strickland said. Those that might have a positive result will be directed to their primary health care provider, and we will, of course, require medical confirmation before anyone returns to work for those individuals.

The plant was closed after testing was completed on Friday and will reopen on Tuesday morning. Everyone is receiving full pay for Friday and Monday while awaiting the results.

While the employees wait and the plant is closed, a cleaning crew will take over.

When we say deep cleaning, it is really layered-on cleaning, Strickland said. This facility, being a USDA establishment, all food processing equipment is completely disassembled every night, cleaned with detergents and sanitizers and goes through a full microbiological preop every morning before we start this plant.

That same step will happen tonight [Friday]. Now in addition to that, all auxiliary areas will be fogged with bacteriacidal and viralcidal solutions, our common touch points will receive additional sanitizing and fogging and then that process  plus additional fogging of those areas tonight and on Monday night [will be done] prior to start on Tuesday.

Abnormal is

the new normal

Schledwitz is not only the CEO of Monogram but one of its founders. He is in his 60s and says there is no reference in his lifetime with which to compare the coronavirus pandemic.

There has not been any book off the shelf I could grab to say, Heres what you do when you have a virus like this or Heres who you can call, Schledwitz said. I tell people for me abnormal is the new normal.

Strickland says Monogram has been leading the industry in the companys approach to COVID-19.

We had masks before they were mandating masks. We were sanitizing common-touch points before the CDC identified that as a primary mode of transmission. We were taking temperatures before they became common practice, and we restricted visitors at the very beginning, Strickland said. As the science changes we also respond to the science, and as we receive continual guidance from the USDA and the CDC, we evaluate and respond and modify continuously as we find a better way.

Schledwitz said other companies, much larger than Monogram, are looking to them for guidance.

We have been at the forefront, we never have taken this lightly, he said. The CDC if you recall, almost reversed their position because at one point they were not promoting wearing masks, and then, kind of out of nowhere, they came out with a policy that said that you should wear masks.

Well, we jumped through hoops. They came out with that policy on Thursday, and we paid extra and air-shipped masks, and we were distributing masks to all 3,000 of our employees the next Tuesday.

Weve done more testing than most, we have been at the forefront in the use of different kinds of sanitation and we think were a week or two away from having a new round of testing that we can do and have results back within an hour.

We believe well be one of the first plants to roll that out in the country.

Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 236. Follow him @billdwyatt

Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 236. Follow him @billdwyatt

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked state governments in northern Nigeria to develop and implement a programme that would permanently address the challenges posed by the almajiri system of education.

The plan should cater for the transfer, return and rehabilitation of almajiri children, the commission said.

The request followed the controversy trailing the forced relocation of almajiris across states, amidst the spread of COVID-19.

Many of the street kids searching for Islamic knowledge across the north have been infected by the deadly virus in recent weeks as state governments scramble to send them back to their respective states.

Thousands of Koranic school children were recently crammed into open vans and sent back home from cities and towns across northern Nigeria in a controversial move by state governments to prevent the spread of coronavirus within their territories.

As the children arrived in their home states, some of them were quarantined and tested.

The results caused widespread consternation. PREMIUM TIMES reported how about 16 of those recently sent back from Kano to Jigawa tested positive to the virus.

Of the 169 tested in Kaduna, 65 were positive, as were 91 of another 168 tested in Jigawa. Hundreds of test results are still being awaited.

In an advisory on Friday, Tony Ojukwu, the executive secretary of the right commission, said the children are exposed to danger hence the need for a permanent plan that will address their situation.

Mr Ojukwu said the children suffer multiple violations of human rights which is contrary to the constitution, the childs right act and other laws.

Almajiri is ideally a system of Islamic education practiced in northern Nigeria, where young children leave their homes to live with Islamic scholars and learn about the religion.

However, the system has over the years been corrupted with thousands of such children roaming the streets of Northern Nigeria as beggars and without any form of education.

The system has been blamed for significantly contributing to the over 10 million out of school children in Nigeria.

Almajiri children are exposed to increased vulnerabilities and risks, including death, trafficking, kidnapping, drug use and addiction, recruitment into terrorism, violent crimes, sexual and other forms of assaults and forced/child marriages, the official said in the statement.

The commission called on Northern states governments to develop a multi-sectoral program of action for the transfer, return and rehabilitation of Almajiri children.

A major step towards achieving this will be an obligation on the part of affected states to; put in place financial, institutional and programmatic frameworks to urgently address the needs of the Almajiri children, the statement said.

READ ALSO:

The Commission also called for adequate protection programs, basic support services and empowerment programmes to address poverty and other socio-economic vulnerabilities that made the parents to send out the children in the first place.

The three paged advisory enjoined States to, put in place adequate plans for the enrolment and retention of Almajiri children in schools, including access to existing programmes such as school feeding and free education aimed at addressing the educational needs of the children in line with their rights to basic and compulsory education as guaranteed under the CRA and the Universal Basic Education Act.

Background

Many Nigerians have called for the abolition of the almajiri system, saying it has become a breeding ground for insurgents and religious extremists.

President Muhammadu Buhari had said he was planning to ban the almajiri system in Northern Nigeria but will not do so immediately.

The administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan established and spent billions of Naira for the construction of almajiri schools across Northern states

The plan was to get the children from the streets into formal classrooms. The then vice president, Namadi Sambo, had said there were over 9.5 million almajiris in the country who were not participating in the basic school education system.

The plan, however, failed largely because it was poorly managed.

Advertisements



Meanwhile, many of the northern state governors said they are poised to scrap the almajirai-based Koranic schools or at least modernise it.

Kano recently said it would embark on major reforms of the system.

Weve been looking for ways and means to end this system because it has not worked for the children. It has not worked for northern Nigeria and it has not worked for Nigeria. So, it has to end and this is the time, Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, also recently said.

It is better to give the almajirai some kind of modern education than to allow them to waste their lives away, roaming about the streets begging for what to eat, he noted.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  SpaceX has begun a new chapter in the history of United States spaceflight.

Elon Musk's private space company on Saturday launched NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley into orbit, successfully beginning SpaceX's first crewed mission. The company's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 3:22 p.m. ET. The capsule is the first privately designed and built spacecraft to carry astronauts to space and is bound for the International Space Station.

Beyond the achievement for SpaceX, the launch represents the first time NASA has launched its own astronauts since the end of the space shuttle program nearly a decade ago.

"It was incredible," NASA astronaut Bob Behnken said of the launch, moments after the spacecraft reached orbit. "Appreciate all the hard work and thanks for the great ride to space."

Known as Demo-2, the launch represents the culmination of SpaceX's work thus far. Musk founded the company in 2002 and has since declared its informal credo to be "making humanity a multi-planetary species." To date, SpaceX has launched dozens of satellites and spacecraft but, before Saturday, it had never put a human in space.
BAY CITY, MI  A Bay City man found himself handcuffed and briefly detained by police after a peaceful protest in Detroit on police brutality against people of color turned violent.

Zac M. Bacigalupo, 27, on the afternoon of Friday, May 29, attended a march in Bay City inspired by the recent death of Minneapolis man George Floyd before he and a friend drove south to a significantly larger protest in downtown Detroit. They arrived around 6 p.m. and parked their vehicle near the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson avenues.

People were marching by and we just joined up right there, Bacigalupo said. He carried with him a backpack stuffed with bottled water, food, and a first aid kit.

Bacigalupo said he felt motivated to march in the protests after viewing the video of Floyds death while detained by police that has widely circulated on social media. The video shows Floyd, 46, on May 25 handcuffed and on the ground while Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneels on Floyds neck for several minutes. In the footage, Floyd can be heard repeatedly saying he cannot breathe as civilians urge Chauvin to get off him and check his pulse.

Floyd later died. Chauvin and three fellow officers at the scene have since been fired, with Chauvin on May 29 arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Ive always felt motivated, but didnt really know how to take action beside donating to charities and likewise causes, said Bacigalupo, who is white. After watching the 9-minute video of George Floyd the other day, it upset me, for some reason more than any other video Ive seen.

Zac M. Bacigalupo in Bay City's Wenonah Park the afternoon of May 30, 2020.

Bacigalupo brought the water and food to distribute them to other marchers, he said.

Some people just didnt come as prepared as most, he said. I had seen so many people without backpacks. I was standing in the middle of a crowd with food and water in my hands asking if people needed anything. It seemed like the right thing to do.

He was approached by a few protesters seeking water; others, he approached on his own.

On joining the march, Bacigalupo said he was struck with an almost euphoric sensation, to be joining so many others in like-minded solidarity and camaraderie. Chanting No justice, no peace and Black lives matter, protesters called for action and justice between police and people of color. They held signs echoing their chants, including tired of dying," and memorialized the names of black citizens across the nation who have died in police custody.

As the march neared the Detroit Police Department headquarters at 1301 Third St., a tense feeling developed.

I had witnessed people keying a police vehicle and spray-painting a police vehicle before the police moved (the crowd) out of the area, he said. People were lighting fireworks off. All the while we were walking, I saw police cruisers going down other streets. On the way to the Canadian tunnel I had witnessed a couple people throwing rocks at police cruisers that were driving by, throwing street signs into the streets to try and block them off.

Bacigalupo stressed he did not commit any acts of vandalism, nor had he ever intended to.

Tensions were pretty high toward the end of us leaving the police station and marching back toward the streets, he said. From there, I would say it steadily ramped up and then plateaued once we got to the Canadian tunnel.

Police in riot gear started surrounding protesters near the Renaissance Center. The Detroit Free Press has reported that in that area around 9:45 p.m., some people throwing rocks and bottles toward the officers. Police responded by charging toward the protesters, with punches thrown and gas canisters fired.

Some of the protesters were getting extremely angry and, honestly, getting too close for comfort, Bacigalupo said. The calls for dispersal came over the police megaphones. People started dispersing a little bit, but apparently that wasnt enough time for the cops because they started rapping their batons on their shields.

Some police began walking toward the protesters and were pushed out of the way.

The riot police started charging at people that were still in the streets, Bacigalupo said. At that point, there was just so much chaos going on, by the time I could turn around 180 they were already right on me. People were pushed down. I was trying to help people up.

Bacigalupos friend whom he had traveled with to Detroit was knocked to the ground. As he tried helping her up, he was basically shoved down and tripped up to where I couldnt get out of there fast enough, he said.

He lay chest-down on the street, his right hand pinned under him, he said.

It happened so fast, but from what I remember, I was thrown off to the right, my right arm caught under my chest. They had grabbed my left arm and wrenched it behind me. Someone was on both of my legs and my shoulder. Then I started taking kicks to the back while they were yelling at me to stop resisting while I was trying to get my right hand out from under me so they could cuff me.

His face was dragged on the pavement and his glasses broken, he said.

After about a minute  which felt like the longest minute  I was handcuffed and told to get up, Bacigalupo said.

Officers escorted him to a parked bus that was a short walk away. Also on board were three women, four white males, and two black males, he said. Officers on board took the peoples identification information, then took them on foot to a building.

There, police issued Bacigalupo a paper citation stating he had been detained on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace.

The officers on the bus were all professional and as nice as they could be, he added.

In all, he was in custody for about 90 minutes to two hours, he said. Police returned his belongings to him and told him to walk in the opposite direction of where the protest was still going on.

At that point, it was just hunting for the car, he said. He found his friend, who was uninjured. They werent able to immediately drive away due to heavy foot traffic and congestion, so they walked to a hotel about two miles away and stayed there for the night.

Asked what advice hed give to anyone looking to attend similar protests, he said, Get as much info as you can on who is hosting the march." By around 7 p.m., he said, those who had organized the march had left the area around the police department.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig during a 10:22 p.m. Friday Facebook Live video posted on the departments page encouraged protesters to remain peaceful and for those who dont live within the city to avoid it, citing ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19. He estimated about 1,500 people participated in the protest.

One command officer had been struck by a rock and another officer on a bike was struck by a motor vehicle, Craig said. A 21-year-old East Pointe man who had been in a parked silver Dodge Caliber near the intersection of Congress and Randolph streets with two other males was shot by an unknown male who had walked up to the vehicle, police have said. The wounded man was taken to an area hospital, where he died of his injuries.

The shooter fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Within a few hours of Craigs statements, about 40 people had been arrested, three-fourths of them not Detroit residents, according to The Detroit News.

Bacigalupo reiterated he was not there to cause harm or create destruction.

I was not there to destroy property, he said. I was not there to cause a disturbance. I was there to be another voice in the crowd and be there for people in need.

He said he planned to attend another protest in downtown Bay City scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, in Wenonah Park.

Related:

Man shot and killed, dozens arrested as 1,500-strong Detroit protest over George Floyd death turns violent

We are demanding justice:' Protesters in Detroit call for end of police brutality

Police brutality protesters block streets, brewery leaving downtown: Top headlines Ann Arbor May 23-28

Man shot dead, dozens arrested as protest in Detroit turns violent

Police, protesters clash in Detroit; 19-year-old dead after suspect shoots into crowd
Driver also killed and at least four others wounded when bus carrying TV station employees bombed in Afghan capital.

A journalist and a driver were killed when a private bus carrying employees of an Afghan television station was hit by a roadside bomb in the capital, Kabul, the networks news director and officials have said.

Four other employees were wounded in Satursdays attack, said Marwa Amini, interior ministry deputy spokeswoman.

The pair died when the bus carrying 15 employees of the Khurshid TV news station was struck, the channels news director Jawed Farhad told AFP news agency.

The interior ministry said the minivan had been targeted.

The target of the blast was the vehicle of Khurshid private TV, a ministry statement said.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group claimed responsibility hours after the attack.

In a statement on an ISIL-affiliate website, the group said the attack was against a bus carrying employees of Khurshid TV, a station it described as loyal to the Afghan apostate government.

ISIL, which battles government forces and Taliban fighters, has claimed some of the deadliest attacks in urban Afghanistan in recent years. It did not give a reason for Saturdays attack.

Pictures shared on social media showed a white minibus with extensive damage to its front.

It was the second such attack targeting employees of the channel in less than a year.

In August 2019, two passers-by were killed when a sticky bomb  a type of homemade explosive attached to vehicles with magnets  struck a similar Khurshid TV van.

190907131559986

Afghanistan is one of the worlds deadliest places for journalists, who face many risks covering the countrys long-running conflict and who have sometimes been targeted for doing their job.

Last year, the Taliban warned the Afghan media to stop broadcasting what it called anti-Taliban statements.

In 2016, a Taliban suicide bomber rammed his car into a bus carrying employees of Tolo TV, the countrys largest private broadcaster, killing seven journalists.

The Taliban claimed Tolo was producing propaganda for the US military and the Western-backed Afghan government.

The latest attack comes during an overall drop in violence across much of Afghanistan since the Taliban offered a surprise three-day ceasefire on May 24.

While the truce ended on Tuesday night, violence has largely remained low, though Afghan security forces have suffered some attacks that authorities blame on the Taliban.
Two Indian-origin men have been jailed in the UK for a total of 12 years and nine months for their involvement in a global money laundering operation involving 2.4 million pounds and an attempt to launder a further 1.6 million pounds.

Vijaya Kumar Krishnasamy, 32, and Chandrasekar Nallayan, 44, were sentenced on Friday for money laundering and fraud offences around the world following an investigation by Scotland Yards Economic Crime Unit.

Krishnasamy was sentenced to five years and nine months and Nallayan to seven years to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property.

This shameless pair have caused untold distress and worry to their victims. This case shows that those responsible for money laundering will be tracked down and face up to their crimes, said Detective Constable Milena Bingley, from the Metropolitan Polices Central Specialist Crime  Economic Crime Unit.

This conviction should be a warning to those who believe they can benefit from money laundering and get away with it, she said.

We will work closely with the banking industry to target organised criminal networks.

This was a complicated case and I would like to thank our partners in the banking sector and the Cyber Defence Alliance for their support and assistance during this investigation, Bingley said.

The case dates back to 2018, when Croydon Crown Court in south London heard that the police received a report from Barclays Bank that several IP addresses were repeatedly accessing multiple business accounts suspected of being utilised for money laundering.

We continue to be committed to supporting law enforcement in its efforts to combat criminality and protect customers funds, said a Barclays Bank spokesperson.

We worked with the Metropolitan Police Service during its investigation and welcome the outcome of the proceedings, the spokesperson said.

Operation Palcalla was launched and officers from the Mets Economic Crime Unit worked with the Cyber Defence Alliance (CDA) to investigate. Officers traced the suspect IP addresses to properties in the Croydon area.

The CDA were delighted to work with the MPS on Operation Palcalla, a first class excellent example of public private partnerships being used to tackle those organised criminal networks targeting the financial sector, their customers and using money muling networks to cash out their criminal gains, said Steven Wilson, CEO of the CDA.

The CDA were able to undertake background investigations with their member banks, identify significant criminal activity and provide the MPS with actionable intelligence that led to the arrest and conviction of a prolific criminal and the disruption of his criminal network, he said.

On May 2 last year, a search warrant was executed at one of these addresses and Krishnasamy was arrested.

A search revealed hundreds of pages of documents relating to dozens of suspicious businesses and hundreds of bank accounts.

His mobile phone contained thousands of images of him accessing various suspect accounts online or withdrawing cash from ATMs.

From the evidence on Krishnasamys mobile phone, Nallayan was identified as another suspect.

The court heard that he was directing Krishnasamy as to where to transfer the criminal funds. Met Police detectives discovered he owned or controlled mule accounts that were being used to funnel the money through.

In total, 24 companies that were victim to the scam were identified from around the world. They would receive a fraudulent email claiming to be from their client, who had previously invoiced them, informing them about a change of their bank account details.

The company, believing they were paying their genuine clients, transferred money to the suspect bank account. They wouldnt know that they had been defrauded until their real client started chasing the payment.

By that time, the majority of money in these suspected mule business accounts was transferred out of the UK and could not be recovered.

There were 16 victims who made actual payment of funds into these mule accounts. The total value of those transfers was in excess of 2.4 million pounds.

Another eight victims realised that the emails were not genuine, and reported the suspicious emails to their bank or the police. The Met said had these attempts been successful, the victims would have lost close to another 1.6 million pounds.

Krishnasamy entered a guilty plea in February this year for conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property between February 1, 2018, and May 1, 2019.

He admitted to having access to the relevant mule accounts via online banking, monitoring these accounts, and transferring funds as directed. He confessed that he knew that the funds were the proceeds of crime.

Nallayan pleaded not guilty to conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property. He was convicted along with his accomplice this week for all offences after a trial that took place at Croydon Crown Court. PTI AK CPS
Although state regulations and health requirements due to the ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic could alter plans, after weeks of planning Pomperaug High School administrators have formalized events to celebrate their class of 2020 seniors.

Pomperaug, a Regional 15 School District drawing students from Southbury and Middlebury, has plans for a senior drive, scholarship awards night and graduation ceremony.

We are excited to celebrate our seniors with these events, Pomperaug Principal Dr. Paul Jones said in a prepared statement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that they will make on their world as they take all of the things that they have learned throughout high school and through the past few months.

... Perhaps no class has had to face these ideas more head-on than our graduating seniors. They have faced an unprecedented challenge and it is our hope that we have provided them with the tools that they will need to continue to be successful as they move forward into their lives.

The Pomperaug graduation ceremony will be held on June 12 and will use a drive-in format in the parking lot of the Olymbec Corporate Group at 199 Benson Road in Middlebury starting at 9 a.m. The format will use a traditional graduation ceremony with speeches and performances. One vehicle per student will be allowed at the event. School administrators developed the plan after consulting with local health officials to ensure the event complies with the state Department of Education guidelines.

The graduation ceremony will also be live streamed on the Region 15 website.

Kicking off Pomperaugs weeklong senior celebration will be the Pomperaug senior drive on June 8, when the senior class will gather for a 2020 senior class parade through the towns of Southbury and Middlebury. The seniors will begin the parade in their respective towns elementary school, proceed to their respective middle schools and finish by driving to Pomperaug High.

Getty Images / Getty Images for EIF & XQ

Only the seniors vehicles and Region 15 staff will be allowed on the school campuses during the parade. In conjunction with the event, special signs honoring the seniors will be placed on the Pomperaug grounds.

On June 9, Pomperaug will host a pre-recorded video to honor the senior class scholarship and award winners. The video can be accessed through the Region 15 website at www.region15.org and can be viewed after 7 p.m. Various social media platforms will be used for students to interact with the video.
Verizon is getting ready to add another mid-range Samsung smartphone to its 5G roster, complete with support for its ultrafast mmWave network of course. This will be a reinterpreted Galaxy A71, except, unlike the already announced A71 5G, Big Red's model will be powered by a different chipset and have a different name.

It's going to be called Galaxy A71s 5G UW, to fit with what seems to be Verizon's newfound naming scheme (read: tacking "5G UW" to the end of device monikers left and right, where "UW" stands for "UltraWideband" aka mmWave).

The Galaxy A71s 5G UW may very well look like an A71 5G or A71, but inside we'll get the Snapdragon 765 chipset, and not an Exynos. At least that's what's been rumored. If this pans out, it would be the first Snapdragon 765 handset to support mmWave 5G.

The name itself has been revealed through some recent regulatory filings, so that's set in stone. Whether or not the rest of the specs will align with the international A71 5G model remains to be seen. Samsung and Verizon may have some slight updates ready, to make this version worthy of the "s" suffix.

Source
LOS ANGELESThe only misconduct attached to the 1999-2002 run of ABCs Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was the networks decision to milk the hit quiz show by airing it night after night until it crashed in the ratings.

British TV, which originated the series, easily topped that when a husband and wife were accused of cheating their way in 2001 to the top million-pound prize  allegedly coughing up the correct multiple-choice answers by brazenly signalling with exactly that, a cough.

The headline-making chapter is the basis of AMCs Quiz, a three-part drama that looks at Charles and Diana Ingram and their painful fall with a deft combination of satire and expansive humanity. Starring Matthew Macfadyen, Sian Clifford and Michael Sheen, the series debuts 10 p.m. EDT Sunday, with the concluding episodes airing at 9 p.m. EDT on June 7 and 14.

Writer James Graham said he intended to convey more than a question of whether justice was done, both in the series and in his play of the same name that debuted in London in 2017.

The story was a vessel to explore thematically the issue of truth and reality and facts in your country and my country, both to the presidential election and the Brexit referendum, which is the time I started writing this, he said. I think we all became increasingly more anxious that there was a battle happening, and the battle was over whether or not anything could ever be proven to be definitely true or definitely false ever again.

The goal was to do that with a light touch, said Graham. (He also expressed hope that the nasty cough central to the saga doesnt cast a pandemic-era shadow.)

Like many in the U.K. and beyond, he was aware of the legal and tabloid ordeals of Charles Ingram, who was a major in the British army, and his wife, who were convicted in both forums. More than a decade later, Grahams interest was reignited by a book for that argued for the pairs innocence. (Last month, an attorney for the Ingrams said they intend to appeal their conviction).

The resulting play and TV drama take a nuanced, if not necessarily exculpatory, view of events.

Graham recalls watching Who Wants to Be a Millionaire as a teenager and being transfixed by what, in retrospect, seems like a relatively simple concept of questions and answers.

He borrows a line from the series to explain why his nation might have embraced pub quizzes and trivia nights more quickly than others: They combine the two great British loves, drinking and being right.

Then came the unlikely TV plot twist, with a relatively ordinary couple trying to achieve this extraordinary thing of stealing a million pounds like you would from a bank vault, Graham said. But it was a game show, live, in front of cameras and microphones and studio lights and an audience.

Viewers share his fascination. When Quiz aired last month on U.K. network ITV, the home of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, it drew big ratings along with enthusiastic reviews. The project teamed Graham, at age 37 already a Tony Award nominee for Ink, with veteran director Stephen Frears, a two-time Oscar nominee (The Queen, The Grifters).

Macfadyen, star of Succession and 2005s Pride & Prejudice, and Clifford, who played Phoebe Waller-Bridges sibling in Fleabag, portray the Ingrams, with Sheen (Masters of Sex) as the quiz shows longtime host, Chris Tarrant.

Clifford said she dismissed everything she had heard and read about the couple after she received the script.

You dont have to dig very deep into this story to realize there has been an injustice of sorts, she said, whether or not you think theyre guilty, but certainly in terms of fair treatment as human beings by the media and by the public and even the way they were treated in the courtroom, which I think is appalling.

Graham approached the couples portrayal with care and grace and examines events in a balanced way, one that raises more questions than it gives us answers, she said. I think thats exciting.

Macfadyen said portraying the Ingrams and their relationship became more important than whether they scammed the show, although he and Clifford did go back and forth on the issue.

As to his guilt or innocence, I dont know, the actor said of Charles Ingram. I really dont know, is the honest answer.
NASA planted the seeds for a commercial program, starting a competition for companies to send cargo to the International Space Station.

Editor's Note: The NASA-SpaceX joint human spaceflight was scheduled for liftoff on Thursday, 28 May, 2.00 am IST (Wednesday, 27 May at 4.32 pm EDT) from the Launch Complex 39A from the Kenndy Space Centre, Florida. However, due to bad weather conditions, they had to cancel the launch. It has now been re-scheduled for 31 May, 12.52 AM IST.

It took work across three presidencies, those of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, but the United States is at last prepared once again, after nearly a decade, to launch American astronauts into orbit from American soil on an American-built rocket.

This is a unique opportunity to bring all of America together in one moment in time and say, look at how bright the future is, Jim Bridenstine, NASAs administrator, said during a news conference on Tuesday.

Lori Garver, who served as NASAs deputy administrator during the Obama administration, said in an interview that she hoped this moment would have come sooner. But she also said she was really pleased with how, even in the pandemic, much attention and excitement there is for it.

The United States sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s and then built the worlds only space shuttle fleet for trips into and out of orbit. But the destruction of the shuttle Columbia in a 2003 accident eventually left NASA dependent on costly Russian spacecraft to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

The replacement that the U.S. space program finally settled on is an innovation not of technology, but philosophy and policy.

Instead of building its own replacement for the shuttle, NASA is handing over responsibility for carrying astronauts to a private company, SpaceX, one of the obsessions of serial entrepreneur Elon Musk. If Musks engineers succeed on Wednesday in sending Douglas G. Hurley and Robert L. Behnken to orbit, it will forever change how the world thinks about getting people to space.

If a private company can lift humans to orbit today, why not the moon next or Mars some years in the future? A successful launch could ignite a future long imagined by science fiction writers in which space is a destination for more and more people.

Together with @SpaceX, we will return human spaceflight to American soil after nearly a decade. Tomorrow is not only a big day for our teams  its a big day for our country. https://t.co/DQ1Taz1vXU#LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/JT1zhQDKs2  NASA (@NASA) May 27, 2020

Almost everything about the journey to space scheduled on Wednesday is different from earlier eras of human spaceflight.

The launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida where the mission will blast off  the same one used by the last shuttle mission in 2011  has been rebuilt to handle Musks Falcon 9 rocket.

Instead of riding to the spacecraft in Astrovan, a modified Airstream motor home that NASA used to transport shuttle crews, Hurley and Behnken will take a trip in a gull-winged Model X SUV, manufactured by Musks other major company, Tesla.

Wearing stylish SpaceX spacesuits, the two will walk across a sleek walkway about 230 feet (70.104 metres) above the ground to board the SpaceX-built capsule, which sits on top of the Falcon 9.

Ive often said that our astronauts are the best America has to offer. @AstroBehnken and @Astro_Doug are truly the best of us. Godspeed tomorrow. #LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/ebrIx440QK  Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) May 26, 2020

This launch will be the first time a private company and not a governmental space agency will be in charge of sending astronauts to orbit. Even though the passengers are still NASA astronauts, and the agencys officials certainly could call off the launch if they saw something concerning, it is a SpaceX control room with SpaceX employees scanning the monitors who will be directing the launch.

Were really looking to be a customer to SpaceX, and to other companies, in the future, said James Morhard, NASAs deputy administrator. Thats what were trying to do is to create an expanse, really expand the economy in low-Earth orbit. Thats really what this is about.

Already, two companies have announced plans to buy launches in SpaceXs capsule, the Crew Dragon, to take non-NASA passengers to space. Those missions might fly as soon as a year from now. One would take space tourists on a visit to the International Space Station; the other would be a trip on an elliptical orbit around Earth that might view the planet from an altitude two to three times as high as the space stations orbit. Tom Cruise has even expressed interest in using the space station for a film.

A successful launch could also instil confidence that a similar approach will work for the lunar landers NASA hopes will be needed to take astronauts to the surface of the moon as soon as 2024. One of the proposals NASA is financing is from SpaceX for a giant spacecraft called Starship that the company hopes to eventually send to Mars.

Another proposal comes from Jeffrey P. Bezos, founder of Amazon and another billionaire with space dreams. Bezos rocket company, Blue Origin, is leading the development of Blue Moon, a lander that looks like a larger version of the lander used by NASAs Apollo program in the 1960s and 1970s.

But the approach also includes potential pitfalls.

Boeing, the other company NASA selected to carry astronauts, stumbled in December during an uncrewed test of its spacecraft called Starliner. A software problem scuttled a planned docking at the International Space Station. An investigation revealed systemic problems with Boeings software development and testing, and questions about whether NASA was keeping a close enough eye on its contractors.

SpaceX has also encountered technical hurdles, including an explosion last year that destroyed one of its capsules during a test of the escape engines, and failures during parachute tests. But it was able to recover more quickly.

The transformation toward these commercial endeavours from NASAs traditional ways has not always been easy for NASA and its astronauts.

A decade ago, the shuttle program was winding down. After Columbia disintegrated during re-entry because of a damaged wing in 2003, killing its crew of seven, President George W. Bush decided the remaining three shuttles were too complex and too dangerous. They were retired and sent to museums once construction of the International Space Station was complete.

NASA astronauts, however, had an ambitious program to look forward to. Bush announced the goal of sending astronauts back to the moon  by 2020. As part of that program, called Constellation, NASA would also be developing a smaller rocket called Ares I that would be used for taking astronauts to and from the space station.

NASA then also planted the seeds of a commercial program, opening a competition for companies to send cargo to the International Space Station.

SpaceX was one of two companies that won contracts, which differed from the usual way NASA did business. Instead of reimbursing companies for their costs and adding a fee on top that provided profit, the cargo contract paid SpaceX predetermined amounts for meeting specific milestones.

Today, Musks rocket company, with Gwynne Shotwell handling much of the day-to-day management as president and chief operating officer, has largely avoided controversy and the distractions that Musk sometimes creates around Tesla.

SpaceX routinely launches and lands reusable rockets for numerous customers, and it has captured about 70 percent of the market. A decade ago, U.S. aerospace companies had lost almost all of the business of launching commercial satellites to competitors in countries such as Russia and China.

SpaceX is also in the process of deploying hundreds, if not thousands of satellites, to create Starlink, a space-based network to provide high-speed internet service to almost anyone anywhere in the world.

But before the company got involved with NASA, it nearly went out of business after failures of its first three attempts to launch its first rocket. The cargo contract it won in 2006 helped finance development of the Falcon 9, the rocket now used for launches, and Dragon, the cargo container that became the basis for the capsule that will carry NASAs astronauts.

The company has now successfully launched 19 cargo missions for NASA and successfully bounced back from the one failure in 2015.

When the Obama administration took over in 2009, it liked the commercial cargo program but was wary of Constellation, which it feared was turning into a financial and technical quagmire. It shifted course, cancelling the moon program started in the Bush administration.

For transportation to the space station, NASA started giving money to companies to start developing spacecraft that could carry astronauts to orbit. The program was called commercial crew.

Garver remembered talking to space shuttle crews after they returned to Earth, trying to explain the new direction.

You can almost see in their faces which ones were intrigued and which ones were pissed, she said.

Garrett Reisman was one of the NASA astronauts who was intrigued, so much that in 2011 he retired from NASA to work at SpaceX. He remembered the distrust that existed between the two organizations when he went back to the agency and presented SpaceXs Crew Dragon plans to his former colleagues.

I remember one particular guy saying, making very little effort to conceal himself or be discreet saying, Theyre going to kill somebody, said Reisman, who is now a professor at the University of Southern California and still consults for SpaceX. I mean, easily within earshot of me as I was presenting.

Congress was sceptical too. It didnt have a lot of support in Congress, said Bridenstine, who was an Oklahoma congressman when Trump nominated him to be NASA administrator in 2017.

The Obama White House actually wanted to push faster and harder on the commercial crew and considered stashing a provision in the economic stimulus package that passed in 2009 that would have provided funding for it. But it was left out because of opposition from Congress and some top NASA officials.

This would have been the place because, like now, those bills go through so fast and theyre so big, and nobody is looking, Garver said. I think we would have started the effort, and that would have shortened the gap between the retirement of the shuttles and the advent of a replacement.

Instead, it took years of work under Charles F. Bolden Jr., Obamas NASA administrator before Bridenstine picked up the baton in the Trump administration.

Bolden did just yeomans work in order to get this program off the ground to get it going. And here we are, all these years later, having this success, Bridenstine said. This is a program that demonstrates success when you have continuity of purpose going from one administration to the next.

Today, nearly everyone in the space world backs the idea of private companies transporting astronauts to orbit. SpaceX, no longer a scrappy upstart outsider, is a behemoth in the rocket business and a core contributor to NASA.

A lot has changed since then, Reisman said. And all for the good in my opinion.

Kenneth Chang c.2020 The New York Times Company

Also Read:

SpaceX's Demo-2 mission called off due to inclement weather, postponed to 31 May, 12.52 am IST
IN these days of Covid-19 enslavement, it is difficult to read a newspaper or listen to a radio station without feeling downcast..

Everything is dark, dark dark. Death and sickness. Difficult working conditions. Almost impossible travel arrangements.

So, when I read the Ghanaweb headline: 'Illiterate' Akwatia MP shares her emotional experience on her first day in Parliament,' I assumed I was going to be exposed to a snobbish story in which a superficial Ghanaian journalist was going to mock at someone less fortunate than himself/herself. For even if the lady MP was illiterate, was it polite to highlight that aspect of her life?

But on reading the piece and ignoring the superficialities incorporated in it, I realised that something I had been advocating for year  a change in the system whereby only people who can speak and write English are usually selected by our political parties to stand as candidates for election to Parliament to serve as our lawmakers  had occurred, if only in a modest manner.

My contention is this: laws are made for the literate and the illiterate alike. So why should it be only literate persons who are allowed to make laws?

The technical argument against allowing people who are not well-versed in the English language to make laws is that they won't understand the complexities involved in law-making: i.e. the chapters, clauses and sections of a Bill; the Bill's 1st, 2ndand 3rd readings, etcetera.

But the actual truth is that it isn't MPs who write those things at all! That's done by parliamentary draughtsmen. Highly-trained, it's these professionals who help Ministries to draft their legislation to present to Parliament for enactment.

All that is required of MPs is to consider and debate the principles behind a bill; its provisions and how they will affect the MPs' constituents. It is common sense, then, that is required of MPs when Bills come up before them for debate; common sense gathered from a wide knowledge of the world. And that can only be gathered from an exposure to different aspects of life. Expressing such ideas to Parliament can be made easy these days through interpretors and secretarial help, which a resourceful Clerk of Parliament can easily facilitate. Yet, if you look at the list of MPs in most African countries you will find the list still dominated by lawyers, ex-teachers, commercial merchants or traders; and professional politicians. Exactly like it was when the colonialists pushed their proxies into the Parliaments of their colonies.

It is common sense, then, that is required of MPs when Bills come up for debate before them; common sense gathered from a wide knowledge of the world gathered from an exposure to different aspects of life Expressing such ideas to Parliament can be made easy  through interpretors and secretarial help, which a resourceful Clerk of Parliament can easily facilitate. Yet, if you look at the list of MPs in most African countries you will find the list still dominated by lawyers, ex-teachers, commercial merchants or traders; and professional politicians. Exactly like it was when the colonialists pushed

their obedient servants or proxies into Parliament.

You won't find many cocoa farmers on the list (despite the major role played by cocoa in an economy like that of Ghana or Cote d'Ivoire;) mine-workers; fishermen;hunters; health workers (doctors, nurses, hygienists and pharmacists) and many other professions, whose practitioners ensure the welfare of the populace on a daily basis.

The election to Parliament of Mrs Mercy Adu-Gyamfi, MP for Akwatia, appears to be the beginning of a movement towards a broader representation of people in Ghana's Parliament. Congratulations go to her party, the NPP, for not being snobbish enough to deny her the opportunity to stand, just because she only acquired the Middle School Leaving Certificate as her educational qualification.

In an interview, she revealed the pressures she must have resisted before getting herself elected as an MP.

The interview began: The MP, who is unable to speak the Queens language like most of her colleagues,said she wept the first day she walked into the chamber [of Parliament]. I never imagined an illiterate like me would have such an opportunity, so I cried when I entered Parliament, (she said.)

Popularly called Ama Sey, the MP [who is a hair-dresser] beat the incumbent [MP] Baba Jamal in the 2016 parliamentary election and earned the designation Honourable. In the Ghanaian context, this is a big deal.... Many were ...shocked and amazed [when] the underdog and political neophyte thwarted the Parliamentary ambition of Baba Jamal, a popular NDC strategist cum organiser.

Ama Sey said that being in the august house of Parliament has shown her that the work of the Parliamentarian goes beyond speaking English. ...She said she has been able to transform her constituency. I have been able to connect electricity to 22 communities, lobbied for roads, social amenities and improved infrastructure at Akwatia, she said, adding: I have been humiliated for not going to school so I am investing heavily in education so that all the children will go to school.

It is to be hoped that the Parliamentarians, and especially the party bosses, will pay particular attention to the voices of people like The Honourable Mercy Adu-Gyamfi, when important issues facing the nation come before Parliament. As Covid-19 has demonstrated, it isn't only the highly-educated who are affected by the unforeseen happenings of this world. Who but a hair-dresser (for instance) would know whether a particular mask is useful when deployed against Covid-19 or not?
In a bizarre incident on Saturday morning, an Air India aircraft flying to Moscow was called back after the pilot tested positive for COVID-19.

The VT-EXR Air India Flight was on its way to Moscow, under the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians. Somewhere near Uzbekistan, the crew was informed that one of the pilots onboard has tested positive for Covid19 and they were called back immediately, as per protocol.

This was a ferry flight, so only the crew was on board, around 6 people. Sources say it was a genuine oversight as the pilots COVID positive report was misread as negative in the pre-flight checks.

It is believed to be a human error and as soon as it was realised, it was rectified, an Air India source said. The aircraft landed back in Delhi around 12:45 pm, and was deep-cleaned and sanitised as per protocol. The infected pilot and the rest of the crew have been quarantined.

Before every flight, it is an SOP to conduct COVID tests of the operating crew. Only when the tests are negative, are they given clearance to board the aircraft. It was at this stage that the mistake was made and the pilots report was misread. Air India will be sending another aircraft to Moscow later this day.

Last week in a digital press conference, Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had confirmed that the government will try to start a good percentage of international flights before August.

Bizarre! Air India Delhi to Moscow flight was called back midway- the pilot tested positive for COVID19!Was a ferry flight so only crew was on-boardSources say it was a genuine oversight as his report was misread as -ve!AI will send another aircraft to Moscow later today Zeba Warsi (@Zebaism) May 30, 2020

While announcing the resumption of domestic flights from May 25, Minister Puri said that the decision on resumption of international flights is yet to be taken.

The Vande Bharat repatriation flights, however, will continue, but as of now, the ministry is focusing on the domestic operations. He further added that govt will be able to bring around 50,000 citizens back through special flights during first 25 days of Vande Bharat Mission.

The minister said that currently, they are going to observe how the domestic operations perform and then take the experience and learning from these flights in order to make a decision on international flights in the future.

Also Watch:
Boston firefighters battled a huge fire in South Boston that damaged or destroyed seven buildings including five triple-decker apartment buildings.

WCVB-TV reported that five of the buildings were located in the 1400 block of Columbia Road and two damaged buildings were on adjacent Douglas Street.

First responders arrived at the scene at about 3:30 a.m. and scene commanders eventually sounded seven alarms as each of the buildings ignited.

The American Red Cross and the Boston Fire Department Victims Assistance Unit are assisting 38 people displaced by the fire. The MBTA provided a bus for displaced residents to shelter from overnight showers.

Fire officials estimate the value of the damage to the structures to be about $10 million.

Six firefighters suffered minor injuries, three with burns, and all were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

The fire appeared to have started at the rear of the first build to burn, but fire investigators are looking into the exact origin point and cause of the fire.
On guard: Hong Kong riot police at Central during the second day of debate on the Chinese bill. Photo: AP Photo/Vincent Yu

Hong Kong told the US to keep out of the debate over national security legislation being imposed by China, and warned that withdrawal of the financial hub's special status under US law could backfire on the US economy.

US President Donald Trump is due to announce his response to the Chinese parliament's advancement this week of security legislation for Hong Kong, which many lawyers, diplomats and investors fear could erode the city's freedoms.

The former British colony has been racked by civil unrest amid fears Beijing is curbing the high degree of autonomy it has enjoyed under a "one country, two systems" formula adopted when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

"Any sanctions are a double- edged sword that will not only harm the interests of Hong Kong but also significantly those of the US," Hong Kong's pro-Beijing government said.

Expand Close President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters

From 2009 to 2018, the US trade surplus of $297bn (267bn) with Hong Kong was the biggest among all Washington's trading partners, and 1,300 US firms were based in the city, it said.

Beijing says the new legislation, likely to come into force before September, will tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in the city.

It could also see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong.

Riot police fired pepper pellets this week to disperse thousands of protesters in the city's first major unrest since anti-government demonstrations paralysed it for months last year. There had been a lull in the agitation partly as a result of the coronavirus.

Chinese authorities and Hong Kong's government say the legislation poses no threat to the city's autonomy and the interests of foreign investors would be preserved.

Reacting to US efforts to call a UN Security Council meeting over Hong Kong, China's foreign ministry reiterated yesterday that Hong Kong was an internal affair and no country had the right to interfere.

It said China was determined to take countermeasures against any US actions.

Mr Trump's top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, warned Hong Kong, which has enjoyed special privileges under US law on the basis of its high degree of autonomy from Beijing, may now need to be treated like China on trade and other financial matters.

The State Department said it could "no longer certify that Hong Kong continues to warrant (differential) treatment" from Beijing.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:

The total number of coronavirus-infected people in Uzbekistan has reached 3,513, Trend reports on May 30 with reference to the Ministry of Health.

To date, 2,728 patients have fully recovered in the country, 14 have died.

Uzbekistan has previously divided the country into certain "red", "yellow" and "green" zones, with regards to the level of COVID-19 pandemic spread level.

The Special Republican Commission for the preparation of a program of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Uzbekistan has extended the quarantine until June 15, 2020.

Since May 15, the commission has lifted some restrictions on certain activities in Uzbekistan.

The "red" zones include Uzbekistan's Karakalpakstan Autonomous Republic, Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand, Bukhara, Syrdarya and Tashkent regions (also divided into zones).

The "yellow" zones include Khorezm region and Tashkent city.

The "green" zones include Jizzakh, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions.

Recently, Navoi region was transferred from "green" zone to the "red" zone.

Moreover, Uzbekistan declared Jizzakh, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions were declared free from COVID-19.

The first case of coronavirus infection in Uzbekistan was detected on March 15 in the laboratory of the Research Institute of Virology; it was an Uzbek woman who returned from France. The Ministry of Health later announced that her son, daughter, husband and grandson also tested coronavirus-positive.

---

Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini
Belvo, a Latin American fintech startup that launched just 12 months ago, has already snagged funding from two of the biggest names in North and South American venture capital.

The company is aiming to expand the reach of its service that connects mobile applications in Mexico and Colombia to a customer's banking information and now has some deep-pocketed investors to support its efforts.

If the business model sounds familiar, that's because it is. Belvo is borrowing a page from the Plaid playbook. It's a strategy that ultimately netted the U.S. startup and its investors $5.3 billion when it was acquired by Visa in January of this year.

Belvo and its backers, who funneled $10 million into the year-old company, want to replicate Plaid's success and open up an entire new range of financial services companies in Latin America.

The round was co-led by Silicon Valleys Founders Fund and Argentinas Kaszek. With the new arsenal of capital complemented by the Founders Funds network and Kaszeks deep knowledge of the Latin American market, Belvo hopes to triple its current team of 25 that is spread across operations in Mexico City and Barcelona.

Since its initial establishment in May 2019, the company has raised a total of $13 million from Y Combinator (W20) along with some of the biggest players in Latin America's startup scene. Those investors include David Velez, the co-founder of Brazil's multibillion dollar lending startup, Nubank; MAYA Capital and Venture Friends.

The company's co-founders, Pablo Viguera and Oriol Tintore are no stranger to startups themselves. Viguera served as COO at European payments app Verse, and is a former general manager of one of the big European neobanks, Revolut. Tintore is a former NASA aerospace engineer, and while working for his Stanford MBA, founded Capella Space, an information collection startup that went on to raise over $50 million.

The company said it aims to work with leading fintechs in Latin America, spanning across verticals like the neobanks, credit providers and personal finance products Latin Americans use every day.

Story continues

Belvo has built a developer-first API platform that can be used to access and interpret end-user financial data to build better, more efficient and more inclusive financial products in Latin America. Developers of popular neobank apps, credit providers and personal finance tools use Belvos API to connect bank accounts to their apps to unlock the power of open banking.

Viguera says the capital will be used to open a new office in Sao Paulo and invested in new product and business development hires. Notably, Belvo is only one year old, having launched in January 2020 and operative in Mexico and Colombia.

Co-founders Pablo Viguera and Oriol Tintore are a former Revolut GM and former NASA aerospace engineer.

Belvos latest funding also marks another instance of a U.S.-Latin American investment teamup for a Latin American company.

Nuvocargo, a logistics startup that wants to bolster the Mexico - U.S. trade lane with its freight transportation technology, also recently raised a round co-led by Mexicos ALLVP and Silicon Valley-based NFX. American investors may be starting to take note of the co-investment opportunity of putting capital into startups serving the Latin American market in partnership with successful new wave domestic funds like Mexicos ALLVP and Argentinas Kaszek.
Stepping into the role of president and CEO of Simon & Schuster during an extraordinary time in the companys history, Jonathan Karp isnt worried. Carolyn left S&S in great operating shape, he told PW. It has been very well run. It is profitable. It is a cogent and conscious company. What we really need to do is look straight ahead and focus on the books.

Last week, S&S parent company Viacom/CBS tapped Karp, a 10-year S&S veteran who also held important editorial positions at Random House and Hachette Book Group, to replace Carolyn Reidy after her sudden death on May 12. In addition to succeeding the much-admired Reidy, he is confronted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the potential sale of S&S.

In a memo to the S&S staff announcing his promotion, Karp wrote about his relationship with Reidy over the past 10 years and how that will affect his leadership style: Carolyn Reidy has shown me how an executive communicates and leadscandidly, firmly, warmly, attentively, and generously. I owe Carolyn a debt I will never be able to repay to her, but I will do everything I can to pay it forward by sustaining her standards and humanity through my work with you. We will maintain our culture of straightforward and creative collaboration, in which anyone from every corner of our organization can suggest any idea.

As for the pandemic, Karp told PW that surprisingly, despite the massive disruptions to the economy and society, book sales at S&S havent dropped much. The center has held, and that is reassuring. He added that S&S employees have done a great job working remotely and have been able to generate lots of interest in the publishers books. He hopes that the worst part of the pandemic is over, and, if that is indeed the case, what comes next should be pretty goodwe have great books coming.

Given the smooth way S&S is operating at the moment, Karp said there is no rush to reopen the publishers New York City office. S&S is working with Viacom/CBS to develop policies that will allow for the safe return of its employees, he noted, adding that no immediate decisions will be madeThere isnt a sense of urgency.

Karp said he has a good relationship with Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom/CBS: Bob has been very supportive of me and Simon & Schuster. He has given us the freedom to do our best work.

The sale process will kick into a higher gear when market conditions have stabilized, according to Karp. There has been lots of interest, he added. Since a trade publisher the size of S&S hasnt been on the market in a long time, he said the publisher is seen as a crown jewel, and he is confident we will wind up in a good place.

Karp took the editorial route to the top spot at S&S. He entered publishing in 1989 at Random House, where he worked for 16 years, rising to editor-in-chief of the Random House division. He moved to Hachette Book Group in 2005, where he founded the Twelve imprint. He joined S&S in 2010 when Reidy chose him to turn around the flagship S&S imprint, which had endured several years of disappointing sales.

In 2018, after improving results at the S&S imprint, Karp was promoted by Reidy to president and publisher of the newly formed Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, which gave him responsibility for the Atria Books, Gallery Books, Scribner, and Simon & Schuster divisions. During his tenure, the group launched Avid Reader Press and established the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau.

Since joining S&S, Karp has overseen the publication of many of the publishers most important adult books. Among them are Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, In One Person by John Irving, Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen, What Happened by Hillary Clinton, Fear by Bob Woodward, Frederick Douglass by David Blight (winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in History), and The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Authors who have broken out under Karp include Jack Carr, Mary Beth Keane, Megan Miranda, Mike Rowe, and Rebecca Serle.

At Twelve, Karp published such critically acclaimed and bestselling works as God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens, True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy, and War by Sebastian Junger.

Karps successful experiences on the editorial side of the business have a direct influence on how he approaches his new position as CEO. My first job was as an editorial assistant to Kate Medina at Random House, he explained. She told me, Authors control the ball.  Ever since then, hes realized that it is clear that authors and books are what drive the businessthey are central to success.
New York: A Fox News reporter was pummelled and chased by protesters who had gathered outside the White House early on Saturday as part of nationwide unrest following the death of George Floyd.

For several journalists across the country, the demonstrations were taking an ominous, dangerous turn.

Fox News reporter Leland Vittert before being attacked during a demonstration at the White House as part of American unrest following the death of George Floyd. Source: Fox News

A television reporter in Columbia, South Carolina, was hurt by a thrown rock on Saturday and a journalist in Minneapolis was shot in the thigh by a rubber bullet. Demonstrators also broke windows and vandalised the Atlanta office building where CNN is headquartered, and police in Louisville, Kentucky, apologised after an officer fired what appeared to be pepper bullets at a television news crew.

Fox's Leland Vittert was rattled following the Washington attack that he said was clearly targeted at his news organisation.
Taliban Attack On Checkpoint Kills At Least 14 Afghan Troops Amid Talks On Prisoner Release

By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan May 29, 2020

Taliban militants have attacked an army checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 14 soldiers in the latest in a series of incidents since a three-day cease-fire that was in effect during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr ended on May 26.

The Defense Ministry said on May 29 that the overnight attacked killed 14 soldiers in the Dande Patan district, while local Governor Eid Mohammad Ahmadzai put the number of the security forces killed at 15, adding that 20 Taliban fighters were also killed in the fighting.

The Taliban took responsibility for the attack in Paktia Province, calling it a "defensive action."

"Last night, the mujahedin carried out attacks against the newly established posts of the enemy in Dande Patan district of Paktia Province," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter.

Afghan officials accused the Taliban of carrying out two other raids on separate checkpoints on May 28 in Farah and Parwan provinces, killing another 14 Afghan security force members, but the Taliban has not commented on those attacks.

National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said that despite sporadic clashes the cease-fire would continue.

"The detente that started during Eid al-Fitr continues despite reports of scattered incidents to the contrary," Faisal said.

The latest Taliban attack came as a five-member Taliban "technical" delegation was in Kabul discussing the release of militants and Afghan government prisoners.

The prisoner exchange is part of a U.S.-Taliban agreement signed in February that called on the Afghan government to release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners and for the militants to free around 1,000 government captives as a confidence-building measure ahead of formal peace talks. The February 29 deal did not include the Afghan government.

"A technical delegation of the Taliban is in Kabul to work with a technical team of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the release of prisoners of both sides," Faisal tweeted on May 28.

Later on May 28, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen tweeted that the group had released 80 Afghan soldiers and government officials from their jails in northern Baghlan and Kunduz provinces. It brings to more than 300 the number of captives freed by the Taliban since April.

During the cease-fire, Afghan authorities released some 1,000 Taliban prisoners -- part of a pledge by the government to free up to 2,000 militants in response to the Taliban's cease-fire move.

Under a key point of the February deal, Washington agreed to reduce its military presence in Afghanistan from about 13,000 to 8,600 troops by mid-July in a first stage, before a complete withdrawal by May 2021.

U.S. President Donald Trump on May 26 said he has not set a target date for a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, amid speculation he may make ending America's longest war a campaign issue ahead of November's presidential election.

Trump said there were around 7,000 U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. But U.S. and NATO officials speaking on condition of anonymity clarified that U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan is down to nearly 8,600, well ahead of schedule, in part because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

The U.S.-Taliban deal also calls for the Afghan government and the militants to start negotiations to decide the future of Afghanistan.

Expectations that those negotiations could finally begin were raised after President Ashraf Ghani and his rival in last year's presidential polls, Adullah Abdullah, reached an agreement after months of political feuding following contested presidential polls in September.

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-attack-on-checkpoint -kills-at-least-14-afghan-troops-amid-talks -on-prisoner-release/30641738.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Dressgod.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

This CoolSocial report was updated on 21 Nov 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the dressgod homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if dressgod has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the dressgod homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the dressgod homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the dressgod homepage on Twitter + the total number of dressgod followers (if dressgod has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the dressgod homepage on Delicious.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE custom wedding dresses,sleeve bridesmaid dresses,luxury wedding dresses,evening gowns,party dresses DESCRIPTION wedding dresses blog collect all kinds of fashion wedding dresses online. KEYWORDS trumpet wedding dress, puffy wedding dresses, modest wedding dresses, popular wedding gowns, designs of wedding gowns OTHER KEYWORDS



The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Strict CHARSET AND LANGUAGE English (United States) UTF-8English (United States) DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache (PHP/5.2.17) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of dressgod.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site. Operative System running on the server. Type of server and offered services.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for dressgod.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND

A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The type of Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users.

Twitter account link

TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND
Lake Don Pedro on Memorial Day weekend View Photos

Sonora, CA  Concerns over spreading the coronavirus has Tuolumne Public Health officials taking to social media to reiterate that non-essential travel is not permitted.

You can check out the pictures in the image box from this past Saturday during the Memorial Day holiday weekend at the Party Cove located on the Tuolumne Countys side of Lake Don Pedro.

Today the countys public health department posted this message on social media, stating, We realize that Tuolumne County continues to see many visitors. We live in an attractive area, but please continue to share this message with out-of-town family and friends. Folks should be staying close to their home community.

Local lawmakers earlier this week during a COVID-19 business webinar voiced concerns about visitors to the area possibly causing an outbreak of the virus and forcing a lockdown, as reported here. The notice below regarding state restrictions on non-essential travel was also posted.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday warned China against any attempt to intrude into the Indian territory, saying New Delhi will not back off in the face of Beijing's intimidation.

However, he also underscored the need for a diplomatic solution to the escalating border tension.

"While we do not want war, we will not tolerate any bullying by Beijing," said the chief minister, warning the neighbouring country against taking India lightly.

"This is not 1962," he said, making it clear that if China did not stop indulging in intimidating behaviour, it would have to pay the price.

The Indian Army is ready to give a befitting reply and China should not take any chances," he said, in response to a Kolkata resident's question, during his Facebook Live session.

"We do not want war with any nation and want the situation to improve, but if they keep behaving like this we won't have any other option left," he said, urging China to mend its ways and talk to India to resolve the issue.

Singh said China cannot stop India from building any infrastructure on its side of the border.

"They (the Chinese) don't listen to us when we object to them making roads inside our area in Aksai Chin, but when we make one road inside our area they react with aggression," he said in a government statement here.

Singh was equally stern in warning Pakistan, which had been trying to foment trouble in Punjab and other parts of India by pushing terrorists, weapons and drugs from across the border through use of drones and other means.

A robust three-tier security structure, comprising BSF, Punjab police and Indian Army, was monitoring and securing the border with Pakistan round the clock, he said, adding that Punjab police, in recent months, busted 32 terror modules and seized more than 200 weapons.

On attempts by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of the secessionist Sikhs for Justice outfit to instigate people and foment trouble in Punjab, the chief minister said he will not let Punjab's hard-earned peace be disturbed at any cost by any foreign elements. He warned Pannu of dire consequences if he did not stop trying to destabilise the state.

Asserting that he knows how to handle people like Pannu, Singh dared him to try to enter Punjab, saying the state was fully prepared to tackle any threat from him and his banned outfit.
In a move that can be construed as ending Hong Kongs autonomy, the parliament of China has passed controversial national security laws for the territory, similar to the ones in place on the mainland.

What Happened

Chinas parliament, the National Peoples Congress, voted to implement legal measures in Hong Kong that will crush rights demonstrations, and stifle challenges to the communist partys rule in the territory.

2,878 lawmakers voted for the resolution, with only one opposing, while six abstained, and one did not cast a vote, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Bernard Chan, a member of the NPC and Hong Kong Cabinet, told the WSJ, I dont think [the NPC] would ever allow Hong Kong to be used against Chinathat red line can never be crossed.

Opposition lawmakers and rights activists in Hong Kong have protested the passage of the law, claiming it undermines the one country, two systems formula under which the territory is ruled by China.

Why It Matters

The passage of the law puts China at odds with the United States. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has already informed Congress that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous.

Hong Kong is now exempt from trade sanctions imposed by the U.S. on China, but the passage of the law may bring the territory under the scope of these sanctions.

According to Joshua Wong, a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, President Donald Trump is considering a temporary suspension of Hong Kongs special status as a separate customs territory, which would give Beijing the opportunity to reconsider its actions, reported the WSJ.

The United Kingdom, which used to rule Hong Kong before 1997, has opened the path to citizenship for more than 300,000 British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders in the territory.

BNO passport holders will be offered full British citizenship unless Beijing rolls back the imposition of the newly passed law. Overseas passport holders have the right to consular assistance but are not British citizens.

Story continues

See more from Benzinga

 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Amid concerns of another wave of coronavirus outbreak, South Korean authorities reportedly said on May 29 that they are planning to request import orders of Gilead Sciences Incs experimental antiviral drug remdesivir. South Korea has reported 58 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total COVID-19 cases to 11,402 with 269 deaths related to it so far.

According to media reports, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said a government panel has concluded that remdesivir showed positive results. However, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety must approve the import before requesting the company.

Gilead Sciences Inc., a research-based biopharmaceutical company, had evaluated 5-day and 10-day dosing durations of the remdesivir in hospitalised patients with severe manifestations of COVID-19. The company said that patients who received the drug within 10 days of symptoms responded better to the treatment.

The study demonstrates the potential for some patients to be treated with a 5-day regimen, which could significantly expand the number of patients who could be treated with our current supply of Remdesivir, said Merdad Parsey, Chief Medical Officer of Gilead Sciences, in a statement.

Read: Health Ministry 'not Satisfied' With Efficacy Of Remdesivir, Favipiravir To Fight COVID-19

FDA's Emergency Use Authorisation

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued an Emergency Use Authorisation for remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 due to ongoing health emergency. In the US, remdesivir is an investigational drug that has not been approved by the FDA for any use, and its safety and efficacy for the treatment of COVID-19 has not been established.

While the companys CMO said that the study results complement data from a separate trial conducted by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, it didnt disclose further details about the study. Gilead Sciences Inc. made it clear that remdesivir is not yet licensed or approved anywhere globally and has not yet been demonstrated to be safe or effective for the treatment of COVID-19.

Read: Swiss Drugmaker Roche To Mix Actemra With Remdesivir In COVID-19 Trial

(With agency inputs | Image: AP)
Sonam Wangchuk, the man who served as the inspiration for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's iconic film, '3 Idiots', has advice for Indians on how to tackle the rising tensions between the country and China.

Wangchuk has posted a video on YouTube, where he speaks about what should be done to take revenge and teach China a lesson. According to him, there are two ways of doing this - one, deploying the Army, and two, Indians should boycott Chinese products and companies.

For the unaware, here's some context. Even as the world struggles to deal with the imminent threat of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, Chinese and Indian troops seem to be heading towards a face-off along the Line of Actual Control or LAC. Both countries have sent troops to the border and aggression seems to be on the rise.

Wangchuk believes that the only way to defeat China is by using "wallet power." In the video, he says that while our soldiers are fighting Chinese troops on the border, we are buying Chinese products and goods which in turn gives China more money to invest in their army.

Wangchuk's video has gone viral on social media and now #BoycottMadeinChina is trending on Twitter.

In the video, the engineer and education reformer also stresses on the importance of Prime Minister Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' and 'AatmaNirbhar' campaigns. Wangchuk also asserts that India-China aggression is nothing but means to distract the world from the actual problem in hand - Xi Jingping's failures.

"#BoycottMadeInChina #SoftwareInAWeekHardwareInAYear to stop Chinese bullying in Ladakh & eventually to liberate the 1.4 Bn bonded labourers in China, as also the 10 Mn Uighur Muslims & 6 Mn Tibetan Buddhists," Wangchuk tweeted.

USE YOUR WALLET POWER#BoycottMadeInChina #SoftwareInAWeekHardwareInAYear to stop Chinese bullying in Ladakh & eventually to liberate the 1.4 Bn bonded labourers in China, as also the 10 Mn Uighur Muslims & 6 Mn Tibetan Buddhists. Click this link to playhttps://t.co/ICjRQJ2Umf pic.twitter.com/lpzAXxARPj  Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) May 28, 2020

Here's the video posted on YouTube:

Wangchuk's video, and the subsequent trends it triggered, is just an example of the cancel culture prevalent in our society. On Indian Twitter, if you do not agree with something or someone or are upset about a specific event or incident, there is only one solution - boycott.

A few months ago when the coronavirus pandemic had raised its ugly head in India, netizens started a trend to boycott Chinese goods and Chinese apps like TikTok in order to take "revenge."
Investing in Tobacco Stocks

The tobacco industry may be reviled by some, but it has been a darling of investors for much of its history. Throughout the 20th century, tobacco stocks were among the best performers, benefiting from an addictive, highly profitable, recession-proof product, plus a reputation for offering generous dividend yields to investors. In fact, according to Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel, Altria Group (NYSE:MO), domestic maker of the Marlboro brand, was the best-performing stock on the market from 1968 to 2017 when including reinvested dividends. The cigarette maker's annualized average return was 20% during that time.

Did You Know... The tobacco industry produced some of the 20th century's best performing stocks.

Industry overview Today, however, tobacco companies face a new set of challenges. Smoking rates have steadily declined around the world, and especially in the U.S., amid health concerns and increasing regulations. As a result, the industry has sought to pivot to next-generation products like e-cigarettes and vaporizers, which circumvent some of the drawbacks of smokable cigarettes like unwanted odor, and are perceived by some as better for your health. Some companies have looked beyond tobacco, partnering with cannabis businesses in order to capture the breakout growth in an industry that bears many similarities to tobacco. Tobacco stocks come with a number of risks, however, including increased regulation of the underlying companies and declining smoking rates. Revenue and profit growth have been slow across the industry, but these stocks still hold appeal for investors because their profits and dividends have been so reliable. Investors are hopeful that next-generation products will eventually catalyze stronger growth. A wave of consolidation in the industry has left just three major players in tobacco: Altria, Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM), and British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI). With few competitors, these companies have been able to raise prices to generate more profits, even as cigarette sales volumes have fallen. After the big three, there are some smaller stocks that investors may want to consider, including those of Imperial Brands (OTC:IMBBY) and Vector Group (NYSE:VGR). Most of the discussion around tobacco stocks focuses on traditional cigarettes and next-generation products, but it's worth noting that these tobacco companies also sell smokeless products like chewing tobacco, as well as cigars, pipe tobacco, and accessories like rolling papers. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the industry, forcing plant shutdowns and slowdowns, and has even impacted duty-free sales for Philip Morris. Additionally, Altria's 9.5% stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) gives it additional exposure to the crisis, as the alcohol sales have contracted significantly due to the closures of bars and restaurants around the world. Still, as a part of the consumer staples sector, the tobacco industry won't endure any lasting scars from the pandemic, and tobacco stocks' prices have mostly recovered since their sharp declines at the beginning of the crisis.

Top tobacco stocks

Company Sells smoke and smoke-free nicotine products? Notable subsidiary brands Altria Group (NYSE:MO) Yes Marlboro Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) Yes Virginia Slims British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI) Yes Camel

Source: Company websites 1. Altria Group The domestic manufacturer of Marlboro, Parliament, and Virginia Slims split from Philip Morris International in 2008, but still owns Philip Morris USA, the subsidiary that oversees Altria Group's cigarette brands. Almost all of Altria's sales come from the United States, where smoking rates have steadily declined over the last generation. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of American adults who smoke tobacco fell from 21% in 2005 to 14% in 2018. Not surprisingly, Altria's cigarette sales volumes have slipped, too. In 2019, its cigarette sales volume declined by 7.3%, though that decline through the first three quarters of 2020 moderated to just 1.4%, as the stress, extra time at home, and relief payments during the pandemic encouraged smoking. The long-term decline in tobacco smoking explains why Altria has taken steps to diversify away from traditional cigarettes, most notably taking a 35% stake in e-cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs and a 45% stake in Canadian cannabis grower Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON). However, those investments haven't played out as investors hoped. In December of 2018, Altria plunked down $12.8 billion for partial ownership of Juul, but after regulators forced Juul to stop making most of its flavored cartridges and questioned its marketing tactics, the e-cigarette company's valuation fell significantly. Altria has taken three writedowns on its Juul investment, and as of September, 2020, the stake was valued at just $1.6 billion, barely 10% of the purchase price. The same month that Altria took a stake in Juul, it acquired 45% of Cronos Group for $1.8 billion and made the company its exclusive partner for cannabis. However, as of December, 2020, the value of that stake was down by more than 25%. Altria Group does, however, remain a dividend powerhouse. It's raised its dividend 54 times in the last 50 years, effectively making it a Dividend Aristocrat (status unofficial because of its spinoff history). Management has set a target payout ratio of 80% of earnings per share, knowing that its dividend is the main reason that shareholders own the stock. As of December, 2020, its dividend yield was an attractive 8%.

2. Philip Morris International While Altria has looked outside of the company to diversify and cushion itself from the decline of cigarette sales, Philip Morris is pursuing an in-house strategy. The company -- which sells many of the same brands that Altria does, except outside of the U.S. -- has pinned its hopes on heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco products. Its primary offerings in this category are the devices and cartridges sold under its IQOS (widely believed to be an acronym for I Quit Original Smoking) brand. While the HNB process is similar to the process used by vaporizers and e-cigarettes, devices like the IQOS use tobacco rather than the liquid made for vaporizers. By staying focused on tobacco, Philip Morris is taking advantage of the same supply chain for IQOS that it does for traditional cigarettes, while also enjoying attractive profit margins for IQOS cartridge sales. The company claims that HNB devices are safer than regular cigarettes because they dont burn the tobacco; however, the science is still being debated, and the FDA has not concluded that HNB devices are safer than cigarettes. Considering what happened with Juul, the IQOS brand runs a similar risk of regulatory crackdown internationally and in the U.S., where Philip Morris has partnered with Altria to sell the product line. Like Altria, Philip Morris saw a decline in its cigarette sales volume in 2019, by about 4.5%, but its sales volume of heated tobacco units (HTUs) rose 44.2% in that same year, indicating that devices like the IQOS have strong growth potential. Through the first three quarters of 2020, the company's cigarette sales volumes plunged by 10.7% while HTU sales rose by 27.9%. Philip Morris finished the third quarter with an estimated 16.4 million IQOS users. Sales of HTUs are still much smaller than sales of traditional cigarettes, meaning that the IQOS brand still has plenty of runway. As a dividend stock, Philip Morris does not disappoint, either. The company since it split from Altria in 2008 has raised its dividend every year and, as of December, 2020, increased its dividend by 161%; the stock also offers a healthy dividend yield of 5.7% of the share price. Including its history as part of Altria, it would be another Dividend Aristocrat. 3. British American Tobacco British American Tobacco (BAT) has become a titan of the industry as well, fueled by its $49 billion acquisition of Reynolds American in 2017. Today, the company owns a range of popular cigarette brands, including Camel, Newport, Dunhill, Natural American Spirit, and Lucky Strike, as well as next-gen products like Vuse for vaporizing and glo for heat-not-burn smoking. Like other tobacco companies, BAT is focused on substantially transitioning to next-gen products. Last year, the company saw a 4.7% decline in its cigarette sales volume, while its sales volume of tobacco-heated products rose by 31.6%. Sales from new categories were nearly $2 billion, but the vast majority of its revenue still comes from cigarettes. The company by 2025 is targeting five billion pounds-sterling ($6.7 billion at current exchange rates) in income from next-gen products. The advantage of investing in British American Tobacco over Altria and Philip Morris is that it provides exposure to the tobacco sector worldwide, rather than in just the U.S. or just internationally; the company also sells a wide range of products including cigarettes, vaporizers, chewing tobacco, and heated tobacco. Buying shares of BAT is the easiest way to gain portfolio exposure to the whole tobacco industry via just one stock. British American also pays a generous dividend yield of 7%, and its high operating profit margin, which topped 30% in 2019, helps to ensure the dependability of the quarterly payout.

Related topics

Agriculture stocks Spanning many industries, there's a variety of agribusiness investing opportunities. Marijuana stocks Learn the risks and how to evaluate companies in the nascent industry. Consumer Staples These are not volatile, even during a recession & have historically provided small but steady growth. Stock Market Sectors Tobacco is considered a staple in the myriad of market sectors. Explore the other sectors.
- Black Coffee has defended his friend, DJ Euphonik, against Prince Kaybee

- Kaybee took shots at celebs after Euphonik got dragged by a tweep for advising people to buy propery amid the Covid-19 pandemic

- Kaybee said celebs watch a few YouTube videos and then try to sound intelligent afterwards

PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!

Mzansi Twitter has been lit ever since the country went into lockdown some two months ago.

It's been twar after twar as most people, especially celebs, are chilling at home with nothing to do.

Twitter streets have been abuzz almost all the days that South Africa has spent under lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the celebs who have taken shots at each other on Twitter include AKA and his arch-rival Cassper Nyovest, Emtee and Cass and Prince Kaybee and DJ Maphorisa.

Thursday has not been an exception, Black Coffee shaded Kaybee after he weighed in on a twar DJ Euphonik had with a tweep Koshiek Karan.

Koshiek had lambasted Euphonik for encouraging peeps to buy property amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Kaybee then shared his opinion on the matter. The DJ dragged celebs who tried to sound intelligent "after consuming a few YouTube videos".

"The problem is that celebrities fall for the same trap all the time, 'the urge to sound wise'. You watch a few YouTube videos you, wanna sound intelligent. Carry on, you will meet your maker," Kaybee tweeted.

READ ALSO: Emtee opens up about Tweezy, he will not make music with him

Black Coffee then jumped in to defend his friend, Euphonik. He replied to the Uwrongo hitmaker's tweep with one of his savage responses - that he has been dishing out lately.

"Heres a question without the 'urge of sounding intelligent,'... Are you a celebrity?" Coffee asked.

Kaybee did not back down, he responded:

"Hosh (howsit) Coffee... I see myself more as a servant of the people, if people wish to call me a celebrity or celebrate me its a blessing. Im an artist and creator first, I dont care much about the definitions of the industry because I know who and what I am."

Briefly.co.za has reported that Kaybee has advised tweeps to make sure that their plans don't become a prison that "locks you into one position or identity forever".

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News
The Pakistan Army on Friday claimed to have shot down an Indian quadcopter allegedly intruding across the Line of Control (LoC).

Military spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the copter intruded 700 meters from Kanzalwan sector.

Pakistan Army troops shot down an Indian spying quadcopter which came from Kanzalwan Sector, intruded 700 Meters on Pakistan side of the LOC in Nekrun Sector, according to a tweet by the spokesman.

India has dismissed previous such claims by the Pakistan Army.

It was the second quadcopter which the Pakistani Army has claimed to have shot down in three days. On Wednesday, it said that it has downed an Indian spying quadcopter for allegedly violating the airspace along the LoC.

In April, the Pakistan Army claimed to have shot down an Indian drone.

The ties between the two nations strained following the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations.

The ties further nose-dived after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. Pakistan downgraded diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.
Genomic analysis shows long-term genetic mixing in West Asia before world's first cities

New research on one history's most important trading hubs provides some of the earliest genetic glimpses at the movement and interactions of populations that lived in parts of Western Asia between two major events in human history: the origins of agriculture and the rise of some of the world's first cities.

The work reveals how a high level of human movement in the region not only led to the spread of ideas and material culture but to a more genetically connected society well before the rise of cities, not the other way around, as previously thought.

The researchers, made up of an international team of scientists including Harvard anthropology professor Christina Warinner, looked at DNA data from 110 skeletal remains in West Asia dated 3,000 to 7,500 years ago. The remains came from archaeological sites in the Anatolia (present-day Turkey), the Northern Levant which includes countries on the Mediterranean coast such as Israel and Jordan, and countries in the Southern Caucasus which include present-day Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Based on their analysis, the scientists describe two genomic events that occurred around 8,500 years ago and 4,000 years ago that pointed to long-term genetic mixing in the region and subtle population movements within the area, shedding light on a long-standing question.

"Within this geographic scope, you have a number of distinct populations, distinct ideological groups that are interacting quite a lot and it hasn't really been clear to what degree people are actually moving or if this is simply just a high contact area from trade," said Warinner, assistant professor of anthropology at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Sally Starling Seaver Assistant Professor at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. "What we can see is that rather than this period being characterized by dramatic migrations or conquest, what we see is the slow mixing of different populations, the slow mixing of ideas, and it's percolating out of this melting pot that we see the rise of urbanism -- the rise of cities,"

The study was led by the Max Planck-Harvard Research center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean and published in the journal Cell. Warinner was a senior author on the paper.

Historically, Western Asia, which includes the modern-day Middle East, is one of the world's most important geographical locations. Early on it not only created some of humanity's earliest cities but its early trade routes laid the foundation for what would become the Silk Road, a route that commercially linked Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Even prior to being connected with other regions, however, populations across Western Asia had already developed their own distinct traditions and systems of social organization and complexity. The areas studied in this paper played major roles in this development from early farming to pastoral communities to early state-level societies.

With the study, the researchers wanted to fill in some of the anthropological gaps between the origins of agriculture and of cities to better understand these different communities came together to eventually form cities.

"What we see in archeology is that the interconnectivity within Western Asia increased and areas such as Anatolia, the Northern Levant, and the Caucasus became a hub for [the] exchange of ideas and material culture," said Eirini Skourtanioti, a Ph.D. student at the Max Plank Institute and the lead author of the study, in a video accompanying the release of the paper. "The goal of our study was to understand the role of human mobility throughout this process."

The researchers included an international team of authors from many disciplines and countries, including Australia, Azerbaijan, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, Turkey, and the United States. They gathered the 110 ancient remains and took samples from their teeth and part of the temporal bone called the petrous, which is part of the inner ear. The samples from the skeletons were all previously excavated and were housed in different museums and labs around the world. The genetic analysis was all conducted by scientists at the Max Planck Institute, including Warinner.

In the paper, the authors outline how approximately 8,500 years ago, populations across Anatolia and the Southern Caucasus began genetically mixing. It resulted in a gradual change in genetic profile that over a thousand years slowly spread across the both areas and entered into what is now Northern Iraq. Known as a cline in genetics, this mixture indicated to the researchers ongoing human mobility in the area and the development of a regional genetic melting pot in Anatolia and its surrounding areas.

The other shift researchers detected wasn't as gradual. They looked at samples from the ancient cities of Alalakh and Ebla in what is today southern Turkey and northern Syria and saw that around 4,000 years ago the Northern Levant experienced a relatively sudden introduction of new people.

The subtle genetic shifts points to a mass migration event. The timing of this migration corresponds with a massive drought in Northern Mesopotamia. It is likely where the migrants that entered the Northern Levant area originated from. The scientists can't be sure because there are currently no well preserved genomes for Mesopotamia.

Along with findings on interconnectivity in the region, the paper presents new information about long distance migration during the late Bronze age about 4,000 years ago. Researchers determined that a lone corpse, found buried in a well, genetically belonged in Central Asia at the time, not at a site that is part of present-day Turkey.

"We can't exactly know her story, but we can piece together a lot of information that suggests that either she or her ancestors were fairly recent migrants from Central Asia," said Warinner, who is also a group leader in the Department of Archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute. "We don't know the context in which they arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean but this is a period of increasing connectivity in this part of the world."

The corpse had many injuries and the way she was buried indicates a violent death. Warinner hopes more genomic analysis can play some type of role in unraveling the ancient woman's story.

For Warinner, who earned her master's in 2008 and her Ph.D. in 2010 from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, these types of studies are proof of the insights DNA analysis can provide when more traditional clues don't tell the full story.

"What's really interesting is that we see these populations are mixing genetically long before we see clear material culture evidence of this -- so, long before we see direct evidence in pottery or tools or any of these more conventional archaeological evidence artifacts," Warinner said. "That's important because sometimes we're limited in how we see the past. We see the past through artifacts, through the evidence people leave behind. But sometimes events are happening that don't leave traces in conventional ways, so by using genetics, we were able to access this much earlier mixing of populations that wasn't apparent before."

###

This story has been published on: 2020-05-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
In Pics: PM Modi to inaugurate new campus of Classical Tamil institute in Chennai today

India has everything needed to be hub for medical tourism: PM Modi

PM Modi launches 11 medical colleges in TN: Read full text of his speech

Mask up Tamil Nadu or cough up Rs 500

This Tamil Nadu couple to host Hogwarts-themed virtual wedding reception in Metaverse

Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer Gopalakrishnan appointed addl secy in PMO

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, May 30: Senior Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer, S Gopalakrishnan has been appointed as additional secretary in the Prime Minister's Office.

His appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gopalakrishnan, a 1991 batch IAS officer is currently serving at the ministry of electronics. Is responsibilities included handling of issues relating to e-governance, artificial intelligence, startups and innovation.

PM Modi writes letter to the nation on 1st anniversary of his second tenure | Oneindia News

He is an electrical engineering graduate from the IIT Madras. He did his post graduation from the IIM, Bangalore and. Gopalakrishnan also holds a masters degree in development studies from the Erasmus University of Rotterdams,.

Meanwhile the ACC also cleared the appointment of Bihar IAS officer, C Sridhar as joint secretary and Himachal Pradesh cadre IAS officer, Meera Mohanty as director at the Prime Minister's Office.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, May 30, 2020, 9:36 [IST]
Joe Biden will help close out the Texas Democratic Party's all-virtual convention next week as one of the events major speakers.

Why it matters: The coronavirus is changing conventions as we know them. Given Texas' size, the event could serve as a test run of sorts for large-scale virtual events, as planners consider whether at least some aspects of the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee in August should be virtual.

The Texas Democratic Party has been in contact with the Democratic National Convention throughout their planning process, a party official said, sharing best practices on how to host an online event of this size.

The state of play: To avoid any technical difficulties, speakers are pre-recording their videos for the convention, which will play throughout the nine-hour livestream on June 1.

Biden is expected to address the importance of turning Texas blue and Texas' status as a battleground state in his video.

Former Texas Rep. Beto ORourke will also join as a featured speaker.

Be smart: Biden has said he thinks this longtime red state could be a battleground for Democrats this cycle  and his participation aims to boost fundraising.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is also participating in the convention, is one of the partys best fundraisers.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting seven GOP-held House seats in Texas this cycle.

Pelosi has said Texas is a central part of Democrats' strategy to expand their House majority in 2021.

The big picture: Polls show a fight between Biden and President Trump in Texas, though Trump still leads in most recent polls.
An Oregon inmate who tested positive for COVID-19 this month testified Friday before a federal judge, saying state prisons have been slow to respond to the pandemic.

David Hart, in custody at the Oregon State Penitentiary for murder and arson, said hes afraid for his life.

He described burning in his lungs and the 6  hours of coughing he withstood before he was prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication nine days ago.

They told us wed be treated humanely, Hart said, addressing U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman, his testimony sometimes halted because of his hacking. Thats not the case.

Hart, now housed in segregation in whats commonly called the hole at the Salem prison, is one of seven at-risk inmates who filed a class-action lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Corrections and Gov. Kate Brown.

The inmates are at four Oregon prisons and say, because of their age or medical condition, theyre at higher risk of contracting coronavirus.

Hart tested positive for the coronavirus on May 15, weeks after he said nurses told him not to worry, that his dry cough was likely just allergies.

Hart, 53, has served 35 years in prison for the 1984 beating and strangulation death of his mother Dorothy Biggs in Lincoln County when he was 17 years old. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The state parole board this year granted Hart an August release date, according to state records. On Friday, he testified by phone from the state prison.

Attorney Juan Chavez, representing the inmates, urged Beckerman to issue a preliminary injunction, directing the Corrections Department to take every action within their power to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Theyre demanding better medical care, cleaning supplies and testing. They also want consistent measures requiring the prisons to meet social distancing guidelines. They contend the Corrections Department has been deliberately indifferent to risk of harm to inmates.

OHSU Dr. Mark Baskerville testified on behalf of the inmates and presented a signed statement to the court. He said the Corrections Department did a little too little, a little too late and accused the prison system of doing some window dressing by haphazard enforcement of mask-wearing in some areas while not in others.

As of Wednesday, 154 inmates and 43 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19 and one inmate died, according to the state.

Uniformly, there has been a lack of social distancing, lack of consistent mask wearing, and a seemingly deliberate indifference to the worrisome symptoms that many of the inmates are suffering, Baskerville wrote.

If the court doesnt intervene, the state prison system may become the incubator that ultimately spreads throughout the state, infecting and killing Oregon citizens, he wrote.

A lawyer for the state countered that the federal court has no standing to order the Corrections Department to release inmates and that the inmates failed to show the state has been indifferent to the threats of the coronavirus.

Attorney Andrew D. Hallman of the Oregon Department of Justice said the state has been making a good-faith effort to address a significant problem.

He cited the 1996 Prison Litigation Reform Act in arguing that the federal court cant order relief for the state prison system.

The Corrections Department has upended its normal processes and is putting intense focus on the best ways to mitigate this situation by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Oregon Health Authority.

No one in the world has been able to completely control this coronavirus, particularly in prisons or other congregate care settings, Hallman said.

The prisons response to changing circumstances would be inhibited by court intervention, he argued.

According to the state, 10 of its 14 facilities have not had a confirmed COVID-19 case. Two of the four prisons with a confirmed case havent had an increase in infections in recent weeks, state officials said.

Although the outbreak at the Oregon State Penitentiary is presenting significant challenges, prison officials have been able to isolate and quarantine large portions of the inmate population, according to the states filings.

The state acknowledged its impossible for the prison system to maintain ideal six-feet social distancing for more than 14,000 inmates.

Since social distancing is the most effective way to reduce the virus spread, Beckerman asked if the court has the authority to order the prison population be reduced.

Both sides agreed the judge doesnt have that authority.

But Chavez suggested the judge could order the Corrections Department to report back in 30 days on what it intends to do to reduce the population, for example, or to come up with a plan to improve its safeguards, such as readying two unused buildings for inmate transfers.

Beckerman said shed issue a written opinion Monday.

I also just wanted to make clear to Mr. Chavezs clients: the court very much cares about whats going on behind our prison walls, Beckerman said. I know they oftentimes feel forgotten. I cant think of another more important case on any judges docket than this case.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Subscribe to Facebook page

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.

Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter
Call it retro. Call it a throwback. Even call it kitsch. But the 80s are still a singular time in pop culture history. From Ghostbusters and Back to the Future to your neighborhood arcade and the Atari 2600, artifacts of that seminal decade still resonate, evoking audible excitement and sighs of pleasant yesteryear remembrance.

But out of that neon-saturated, spandex-infused, go-go-decade, there may be no more symbolically fitting encapsulation of the entire era than the device that revolutionized music back in the day: the Sony Walkman and the dawn of personal audio players.

Even if you weren't around to see that revolution firsthand in 1980, getting your hands on the Replitronics Hotline 16000 Power Bank will convince everybody that you were  even though it serves a very 2020 function.

It's designed to look exactly like an early 80s vintage personal cassette player, right down to the old-school buttons and that plastic cover window that lets you watch your tape spin round and round.

But beyond being a cool conversation piece, the Replitronics Hotline 16000 is a modern-day beast, offering enough juice to power up to three devices back to full strength all at once.

With a mighty 16,000 mAh battery inside, this unit can feed power via USB 3.0, USB-C, and even wireless Qi charging all at the same time. Just plug in your iPhone and the Hotline will get you from dead to fully powered in just over an hour or in just under three if you're charging wirelessly.

Either way, the Hotline serves up fast, hassle-free power at top speed. And rather than charge up with one of those boring gunmetal silver or obsidian black-cased modern-day power batteries, you can instead crank up the juice in a package that'll bring smiles and comments from almost everyone.

Of course, the Hotline is also sporting some of today's most important charging technologies under the hood as well, including protection against surging, overcharges, overheating or a short circuit.

Fully funded by nostalgia-fueled backers on Kickstarter to the tune of $91,000, you can pick up a Replitronics Hotline 16000 Power Bank now with a $5 savings off the regular price, only $34.99.

Prices are subject to change.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 23:14:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KHARTOUM, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese foreign ministry on Saturday summoned the Ethiopian charge d'affaires in the capital Khartoum in protest over a cross-border attack by Ethiopian militias on eastern Sudan.

The attack was "backed by the Ethiopian army" and killed a Sudanese army officer and injured a number of soldiers as well as civilians including children, according to a ministry statement.

The "sinful" attack came "at a time when preparations were underway in Khartoum to hold the second meeting of the high-level joint committee on border issues," the statement noted.

This is the first time that Sudan accuses the Ethiopian army of supporting the country's militias in attacking the Sudanese territories. Enditem
The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) has submitted a list of films to Maharashtra government that require immediate resumption of shoot.

The nationwide lockdown due to novel coronavirus-COVID-29 has sent the filmy calendar for a toss. Ever since the lockdown has been announced, all the shooting of films, web series and television serials is on a temporary haut. Some films have decided to release on OTT, some have decided to push the release date indefinitely while some are just days away from completion. As the government of India plans to lift lockdown in a phase manner, the film and television fraternity has also asked for some concessions from Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.

In a recent letter, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) has asked Uddhav Thackeray to give permission to resume the shooting of projects that are near completion. The list of films that are mentioned in the letter include Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Pandays Khaali Peeli with only 3 days of shooting left, along with films like Priya Prakash Varriers Sridevi Bunglow, Taapsee Pannus Rashami Rocket, Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyaps AK Vs AK and Nawazuddin Siddiquis Bole Chudiyaan.

The letter also said that about 70 producer members have projects on the floor in Mumbai and their work is totally dependent on the states help, support and cooperation. The producer body also assured the state that they will do everything required to provide relief to their members.

Also Read: Arjun Kapoor, Dua Lipa, Jason Derulo unite to raise funds for coronavirus patients globally

Also Read: Sonu Sood to airlift total 177 girls stuck in Kerala amid coronavirus lockdown

Amid the lockdown, some of the shows that have decided to end their tracks include Beyhadh 2, Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jao, Naagin 4, Nazar 2 and Patiala Babes among many others.

Also Read: Kabir Khan on Ranveer Singhs 83: I want audience to enjoy our film on big screen

For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App
Home Four wheelers Hyundai India Exports Over 5,000 Cars In May After Resuming Operations oi-Punith Bharadwaj

Hyundai Motor India has exported over 5,000 cars since it has resumed operations after the nation-wide lockdown was eased earlier this month. The company had to temporarily suspend its entire operations to ensure the wellbeing of its workforce during the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic.

{photo-feature}

Most Viewed Videos
New scientific findings suggest that aerosol infection is playing a greater role in the spread of the coronavirus than previously known. This was recently explained by Berlin virologist Christian Drosten on Deutschlandradio.

Drosten explained that aerosols are microparticlesi.e., exceptionally small suspended particlesthat can remain in the air like a cloud for a long time in closed rooms and transmit the virus. This new knowledge about the infection mechanism is important, he said, because it requires a revision of the existing behavioural guidelines.

Staying in closed rooms, in particular, carries a high risk of infection. Constant, thorough ventilation is at least as important as wiping and disinfecting surfaces. In this context, Drosten warned against staying in crowded train compartments, trams and buses, but also in poorly ventilated classrooms, restaurants, offices and production spaces.

Instead of welcoming these findings and taking the warning seriously, a veritable smear campaign is taking place in the media against the Charite scientist, ledas so often when reactionary propaganda is involvedby tabloid Bild-Zeitung. In the interest of the economy, attempts are being made to intimidate and silence serious scientists in an effort to resume production despite the great danger of infection.

Against this background, the call by the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) to set up action committees to ensure safety in companies is gaining great importance. The SGP says:

Without a careful plan to implement a safe return to work, based on science and rigorously enforced, there will be an enormous increase in the rate of infection, resulting in serious illness and death.

The COVID-19 virus will spread rapidly through factories, warehouses, office buildings, shopping malls and all other places where large numbers of people congregate. There is an immense danger that workers, unknowingly infected on the job and not yet showing symptoms, will return to their homes and neighbourhoods and transmit the disease to their families, loved ones and friends.

These risks are very real. Transport workers from several cities have reported to the WSWS about completely inadequate coronavirus protection measures in bus and train operations.

From Munich, a tram driver describes how, despite protests by employees, trains with open cabs are still being used where the driver is not separated from the passenger compartment. Retrofitted Plexiglas walls offer just as little protection as the old felt curtains. When changing drivers, no additional time is allowed to thoroughly disinfect the drivers cab. Providing enough ventilation and fresh air supply is also difficult.

In Berlin, Andy Niklaus had already pointed out serious safety deficiencies at public transit provider BVG in March. Although the ridiculous demarcation of the drivers area using red and white tape has since been replaced by Plexiglas in some buses, even that does not provide any safety. It does not change the fact that drivers spend hours in a largely enclosed space with passengers and the risk of aerosol infection is extremely high.

Many so-called safety measures are purely placebo in nature and only exist in an effort to keep the anger of colleagues and passengers at the irresponsible behaviour of the BVG management under control.

Drivers are still being given face masks that do not meet the required standards and are permeable to the coronavirus. The World Health Organisation has warned against the use of these masks because they give a false sense of security. Even the cleaning of the vehicles is still not carried out by professional cleaners equipped with special anti-virus disinfectants.

Meanwhile, the already poor hygienic conditions in the toilets at the turning pointsif they exist at allare still not being improved. Drivers at some turning points are not even able to wash their hands properly. Soap and paper towel dispensers are often empty. There is no disinfectant. There is also no testing of drivers, which is necessary to contain the virus.

A temporary worker from BMW in Leipzig described the catastrophic conditions at his workplace to the WSWS. He had been working in the car factorys paint shop but did not want to continue there because of the danger of infection. His changing room and washroom were about 700 metres away from his workstation. He had to walk down long corridors and stairs, whose railings were not professionally cleaned, not to mention the doors and door handles.

There was only one toilet near his workstation, with only cold water and no disinfectant. In the past, he had worked in food processing companies for many years and knew very well that hygiene standards could be maintained. However, this also requires specialist companies that professionally disinfect all important rooms and transit points several times a day.

At the beginning of May, his temporary employment agency Adecco-Personaldienstleistungen informed him in a Staff Information-BMW Leipzig about the imminent resumption of shift work. As for safety measures, the usual hygiene rules were mentionedmaintaining a minimum distance, avoiding shaking hands and bodily contact, repeated hand washing and coughing into the crook of the arm.

The Adecco letter says, The changing rooms and showers are closed until further notice due to the risk of infection. It is therefore recommended to put on work clothes at home. This is not feasible at all, the painter stressed, since he works in a so-called clean room, which must be kept dust-free. Also, it was an unreasonable demand to travel the long way to the plant in a work uniform. He would not do this under any circumstances.

A former salesman from a consumer electronics store in Rostock spoke to WSWS reporters and welcomed the establishment of action committees to ensure safety in companies. I think this is absolutely right and important. Health must come first. Without the initiative of the employees, companies always think only about profit and not about the staff. If everything speaks against resuming work because the risk of people becoming infected is too great, why is this being enforced? How profit-hungry must a state be that does this to its people?

Above all, coronavirus tests for all workers were important, because it was only by doing so that you could determine who was infected and who was not. The government and authorities must provide medical masks that have been proven to be impervious to the virus free of charge to everyone, the former salesman said. Infected people must not come into contact with healthy people, to effectively contain the pandemic. I firmly reject the issue of herd immunity; it leads to mass infection and countless victims.

The urgency for workers themselves to take the initiative to control and demand safety standards in their respective companies is shown by the constant stream of reports of infections in the workplace. Not only are mass infections in slaughterhouses and the meat industry increasing daily, but the number of those infected is also rising in courier services and at supplier companies.

At Huttenwerke Krupp-Mannesmann (HKM) in Duisburg, seven workers tested positive for coronavirus. A statement by the management says, The operational processes in the coking plant are not endangered by the coronavirus cases.

It was already known weeks ago that several employees of a Turkish subcontractor had tested positive at the large construction site of the Stuttgart 21 railway project. Quarantine was then ordered for more than 90 men. The magazine FAKT reported a dispute between the affected construction workers and their superiors. In it, the workers complained about conditions on the site. We have said it several times, we need disinfectants, one of the men said critically. In response to the demand for masks, the company spokesman replied, There are no masks.
The federal government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, at the inauguration of a 300-bed capacity Remodeled Isolation and Treatment Centre at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the third PCR Molecular Laboratory in the Edo Specialist Hospital, commended Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on the capacity of the state government in containing the spread of coronavirus in the state.

Governor Godwin Obaseki accompanied the health minister on his inspection tour of the state specialist hospital.

The Minister inspected the remodeled facility set up by the Edo State Government at the isolation centre of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital. He encouraged the Edo State government to intensify efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state.

Governor Godwin Obaseki assured the Minister of his commitment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic to a halt, appealing for more federal government support to the state. He expressed the belief that coronavirus infection curve will be flattened on the state.
Australians will be allowed to travel to Greece in as little as two weeks as the Mediterranean island reopens its borders.

The Greek Government announced on Friday it will allow visitors from a total of 29 countries to directly fly to Athens or Thessaloniki from June 15.

'We are opening up, but at the same time we are closely monitoring the situation. Strict health protocols will protect both staff and tourists,' Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said

Australians will be allowed to travel to Greece in as little as two weeks as the Mediterranean island reopens its borders

The Greek Government announced on Friday it will allow visitors from a total of 29 countries to directly fly to Athens or Thessaloniki from June 15

'Our aim is to be able to welcome every tourist who has overcome their fear and has the ability to travel to our country.'

Among the list of countries allowed to resume international travel to Greece are Albania, Austria, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to name a few.

The UK was not included.

Visitors arriving from those countries could be subject to sample coronavirus testing, the ministry said.

What countries will be allowed to resume international travel to Greece? The Greek Government announced it would allow visitors from 29 countries to travel to its country from June 15. The countries are: Albania, Australia, Austria, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, South Korea, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Finland. Advertisement

The list will be expanded on July 1 to include other countries, the ministry said.

Greece imposed a lockdown early in its coronavirus outbreak, a move credited with limiting infections.

The country so far has a total of 175 deaths and just over 2,900 confirmed cases.

No cases have been detected on the vast majority of the Greek islands, which are popular vacation spots.

Tourism and related industries make up around 20% of the Greek economy, and the government has been anxious to ensure the tourist season is not lost this year.

Safety measures in place include capacity limits at hotels and resorts, each hotel having a designated doctor and close consultations with the Health Ministry, which has been improving treatment facilities at regional hospitals, including on several islands.
President Trump says justice will be served for death of George Floyd as Romney urges action

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

President Trump promised justice will be served after announcing Wednesday that he has ordered a federal investigation into the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man who died Monday while in police custody in Minneapolis.

At my request, the FBI and the Department of Justice are already well into an investigation as to the very sad and tragic death in Minnesota of George Floyd, Trump said in a statement on Twitter. I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law enforcement. My heart goes out to Georges family and friends. Justice will be served!

In a statement on Twitter Thursday, Republican Sen. Mitt Romney also called on the nation to not allow Floyds death to go in vain.

No Americans should fear enmity and harm from those sworn to protect us. The death of George Floyd must not be in vain: Our shock and outrage must grow into collective determination to extinguish forever such racist abuse, he said.

Trumps announcement comes after Floyds fatal encounter with four now-fired Minneapolis police officers, which was caught on video, triggered violent protests in that city which have since spread to other locations, including Memphis and Los Angeles.

The approximately 10-minute video of the encounter shows a handcuffed Floyd lying face down begging for his life and crying for his mother while Officer Derek Chauvin kneels into his neck. Chauvin kneels into Floyds neck until he begins to bleed from his nose and becomes unresponsive. Even after Floyd becomes motionless on the ground, Chauvin continued pressing his knee into his neck for several more minutes as bystanders begged him to have mercy.

The Star Tribune reported that Floyd was pronounced dead about 90 minutes after his encounter with the police.

Police say that around 8 p.m. Monday, they were called to investigate a report of someone trying to pay with a counterfeit bill at Cup Foods located at 3759 Chicago Ave. Two rookie police officers found a man matching the suspects description parked in his car on E 38th St., across the street from Cup Foods, and arrested him.

Officers Tou Thao and Chauvin later joined them. Chauvin and Thao take the suspect around the corner to their squad car parked on Chicago Avenue where Chauvin restrained Floyd with a knee to his neck. Paramedics later came to the scene and put Floyd onto a gurney and into a waiting ambulance. He was pronounced dead at 9:25 p.m.

Hennepin Healthcare EMS Chief Marty Scheerer told the Star Tribune that even though Floyd was unresponsive and without a pulse when they received his body, they desperately tried to revive him.

He still had an outside chance, Scheerer said. Even if its a super long shot, youve got to try your best.

The video of Floyds encounter with the police has sparked widespread condemnation including from several prominent Christian leaders across racial and denominational lines, who are now speaking out and urging others to take a stand against racial injustice.

"I am disturbed, brokenhearted, and deeply grieved when I see and read that another black man's sacred life has been unjustly snuffed out," Marshal Ausberry, Southern Baptist Convention first vice president and president of the National African American Fellowship of the SBC, said in a statement to Baptist Press. "The life of George Floyd was ended by those charged to protect and serve. They became judge, jury and executioner."

Fox News senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano told Fox & Friends that given what the video shows of Floyd's arrest and his death at the hands of an officer, Attorney General Bill Barr should be asking why the fired Minneapolis officers have not yet been arrested.

"Of course they should be charged. ... If I were the attorney general, Bill Barr, I would call up the attorney general of Minnesota and say, 'why haven't [the officers] been charged with murder? Why are they free? Why are they not in jail if we have a video of the murder? If you guys don't do it, we will,'" Napolitano said.

He noted that the FBI could charge the officers with a federal crime if the state does not immediately pursue a murder charge.

"There are two violations here. There is murder and then there is the use of lethal force to deprive him of his civil rights. The murder is the state crime. The use of force to deprive him of his civil rights  in this case, the right to breathe  is a federal crime. Cops can actually be prosecuted for both," he said, noting that protests will continue until the officers are arrested.

The FBI was called in to assist local police with the case which echoes the case of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man who died in New York City in 2014 after pleading I cant breathe when he was placed in a chokehold by a police officer.

In a statement to The Christian Post Wednesday, the Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung, CEO of the Minnesota Council of Churches, which represents about 1 million Christians, urged churches to pray, protest and support the grieving African American community.

Find ways to be present where people are feeling grief and outrage. Many of us were at the protest rally last night in Minneapolis held at the site of the killing. But this presence must continue in the days ahead. Reach out to African American church leaders and members and stand with them in this moment. Stand with the Minneapolis NAACP, Urban League, and other black-led civil rights and community organizations. Stand with the courageous young activists who have relentlessly pressed the issues through the senseless police killings of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile and now George Floyd, he wrote.

Presence must turn into protest. Speak truth to power. Do not allow this great violation to go unchecked. Call for police accountability. Call for a system-wide transformation of policing in Minnesota. Call this an act of anti-black racism even when some white narratives blame the victim, he added.

On Thursday, Al Sharpton is expected to join Eric Garners mother, Gwen Carr, and Minneapolis clergy and activists to lead a prayer vigil at the site where Floyd was killed.
TORONTO, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a race against time, the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) this week kicked off its new Recovery program. The program was conceived, designed, built, and launched in eight weeks. Why the rush? Estimates of them monthly cost of the crisis range from $350 billion globally to $1 trillion for the US alone. Either way, the costs are significant.

"This crisis is novel. Novel crises require novel responses. Novel responses require innovation, often predicated on insights from science. CDL's mission is to accelerate the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind. Right now, that means redeploying our resources to focus on the current crisis by applying the CDL model and community to rapidly translate science into solutions," explains Ajay Agrawal, CDL founder, who is a professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management.

CDL Recovery originally launched with a broad mandate to accelerate a wide range of COVID-19-related solutions. Much was learned over the past few weeks and the program is moving forward with a much sharper focus, described in the CDL Recovery thesis. CDL Recovery is focused on the full stack of information-based solutions to accelerate the world's recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. These include, for example, managerial decision-making tools based on: (1) swab-based tests that predict whether the coronavirus is present in an individual, (2) contact tracing, (3) image analysis of people density or proximity, (4) symptom monitoring, and (5) workplace monitoring of air or sewage. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Yesterday, MIT Technology Review published an essay that describes the framework upon which the thesis is based.

CDL Recovery continues to welcome applications here.

The crisis is not only urgent and novel, it's also global. To that end, CDL disbanded its traditional location-based programming and designed this program to run globally. Mentors rolled up their sleeves and got to work this week from London (Irina Haivas, Principal of investment firm Atomico); Paris (Eric Hautemont, Cofounder and CEO of Days of Wonder and Ray Dream); Stockholm (Jane Walerud, Partner at investment firm Walerud Ventures); Bath, UK (Chris Deverell, former Commander of the UK's Joint Forces Command); Basel (Vreni Schoenenberger, Global Head of Public Affairs in Neuroscience at Novartis); San Francisco (James Hardiman, Partner at investment firm DCVC); Seattle (Amit Mital, former CTO at Symantec); Atlanta (Brenda Fitzgerald, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control), Boston (Dawn Bell, Chief Scientific Officer, Novartis); Hong Kong (Tytus Michalski, Managing Partner at investment firm Fresco Capital); Halifax (Pam Winsor, former Chief Marketing Officer for Medtronic); Toronto (Chris Hadfield, former commander of the International Space Station); and Vancouver (Colin Harris, Cofounder of PMC-Sierra), among other locations and including many other mentors.

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program focused on the development and scaling of early-stage, science-based ventures. It is operated by eight universities: University of Oxford, HEC Paris, Georgia Institute of Technology, Dalhousie University, HEC Montreal, University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, and the founding institution, University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management.

The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and teaching excellence at the heart of Canada's commercial capital. Rotman is a catalyst for transformative learning, insights and public engagement, bringing together diverse views and initiatives around a defining purpose: to create value for business and society. For more information, visit www.rotman.utoronto.ca

SOURCE Creative Destruction Lab
Patna, May 30 : The protest by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, demanding the arrest of JD(U) MLA Pappu Pandey, accused in the Gopalganj triple murder case, has boomeranged for the party. A case has been registered at the Patna secretariat police station against 92 persons, including top RJD leaders, for violating the lockdown.

A police official said on Saturday, a case has been registered against 92 people, including top RJD leaders, for trying to go to Gopalganj with their convoy from 10 Circular Road without permission of the administration and violating the lockdown.

The official said that an FIR has been lodged at Secretariat police station late Friday against RJD state president Jagdanand Singh, former minister and MLA Abdul Bari Siddiqui, including 32 nominated and 60 unknown RJD activists.

Tejashwi Yadav with other RJD MLAs were stopped by the police on Friday from marching to Gopalganj, demanding the arrest of MLA Pappu Pandey. This was followed by a high-voltage drama for several hours outside the residence of former

chief minister Rabri Devi.

An FIR has been lodged in Hathua police station of Gopalganj against 13 nominated and 60 unknown RJD workers, including RJD MLA Mohammad Nemtullah and district RJD president Rajesh Kushwaha from Barauli assembly constituency of Gopalganj.

Confirming this, Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Tiwari said that they are accused of violating the lockdown. All these people were sitting on a dharna in Roopanchak village on Friday.
The union representing Minneapolis Police Officers has long felt that the democratically elected mayor, Jacob Frey, should not be the boss of them. Across the country, armed insurgent demonstrators have expressed similar feelings about their governors: In Michigan, a gang with assault weapons drove the state senators to abandon the capitol. Turns out, in uniform or out, white men with guns can pose a real problem for old-fashioned representative government. In attitudes and political loyalties, a scary number of the people professing to defend the government look more like the problem than the solution.

Just six months ago, Frey issued an order forbidding police officers from wearing their uniforms on the podium at political events. This angered Police Federation of Minneapolis union President Bob Kroll, a President Donald Trump supporter who was set to take the stage alongside Trump at a Minneapolis rally in November. More recently, Frey terminated the warrior-style police training program called "killology," a system linked to the earlier killing of black Minneapolis citizen Philando Castile. The mayor's directive about how his city's police should be trained was "illegal," Kroll announced; the union chief committed to continue teaching police how to apply lethal force to the population that employed them. The officers keep reelecting him. When he retires next year, his second-in-command is set to succeed him.

This sense of revolt among uniformed officers - a distrust of the very state they pledge to protect and serve - has been growing. Police officers are more invested in gun rights than the public is, 74% to 53%; two-thirds of the public support bans on assault weapons, while only one-third of police surveyed do, according to Pew. Cops prefer politicians who give them complete, unquestioned license: members of the NYPD routinely turn their backs on New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, when he appears at occasions like slain officers' funerals. Kroll says his union supported Trump because, while President Barack Obama embraced "the handcuffing and oppression of police," Trump "let cops do their job." The Fraternal Order of Police, the largest and oldest police union, has often endorsed the more conservative candidate in each election since it backed George Wallace in 1968. (The FOP didn't endorse a presidential candidate in 2012.)

Why weren't the officers of the law deployed more effectively when armed opponents of stay-at-home orders chased elective officeholders out of town? Where were they when protesters gathered, from coast to coast, in blatant disregard of the quarantine orders? The answer may lie in the many ways that members of law enforcement hold attitudes that are more like contemporary Second Amendment activists than those of defenders of the state.

This may look like politics as usual in the era of the conservative revival. Since the controversy over the FBI's raid on the heavily armed Branch Davidian religious compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993 during the Clinton administration, the federal government has been skittish about deploying force in face of armed resistance. When rancher Ammon Bundy and his allies occupied government lands in Oregon to protest the imprisonment of ranchers for arson on public land, federal officials during the Obama administration did nothing to force them out; eventually, Trump pardoned Bundy. A conservative majority of Supreme Court Justices created an almost limitless Second Amendment doctrine in support of maximum gun distribution and reversed the half-century of federal voting rights enforcement. The armed resistance in Lansing followed Trump's tweet to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN."

It was not supposed to be like this. When people stopped believing that God had picked the ruler and were starting to think about why we have governments, they figured this out. In a state of nature, without collective institutions like government, people would be - as the defiant Michiganders are - scary. Greedy, proud and fearful, they would kill each other for their crops, or to prove they were just as good as the smarter kid, or because they were afraid the others would kill them first. Life would be, as philosopher Thomas Hobbes famously suggested, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. Better to get together and contract to make a government to protect us all from each other. Follow-on thinkers soon added the requirement that government must not make matters worse, either. The English, and then others, began establishing governments that satisfied these tests.

The social contract state has two salient features, and both are jettisoned when armed resisters take over a capitol building and a police union defies a ban on "killology" training. The government is inherently equal, as each person is as threatening and as possessed of human rights, as any other in the imagined state of nature. However imperfect, elected representative government manifests that inherent equality. And the elected government must have a meaningful monopoly on the use of force. Otherwise it cannot protect us from each other.

When the gun-toting protesters openly walked into the Michigan statehouse and the Senate vacated the chamber in face of future threats, egalitarian representative government surrendered to the rule of the strong. Threatening death and brandishing death, both in the form of firearms and the often unmasked contagion, the demonstrators proved how potent was the threat of anarchy and how fragile the contract that had contained it for so long. When the police establish their own killology-driven order, the democratically elected government similarly loses its monopoly on force, and mayors sit by, wringing their hands while the unelected police take over the role of the state.

Cellphone cameras play a big role in revealing the deep lawlessness in some areas of law enforcement, but those revelations began 30 years ago with the filmed beating of Rodney King. The persistence of the uniformed revolt and the retreat before the coronavirus protesters are just the most recent in a long retreat from the experiment in self-government. With a critical election looming, the prospect is ominous.

- - -

Hirshman is author of "Reckoning: The Epic Battle Against Sexual Harassment and Abuse."
Time is short to the expiration of President Trumps Executive Order that suspended some immigration, and expansionists are pulling out all the stops. At stake is employment-based visas short-term future, specifically whether the White House will permit this years annual 85,000 allotment of foreign-born H-1B workers to enter.

A recent Forbes story written by immigration advocate Stuart Anderson claims that since the tech sector unemployment rate is low and declining  2.8 percent in April versus 3 percent in January  the Trump administration would be remiss to include the employment-based H-1B visa as part of a suspension strategy. To make his point, Anderson selectively chose data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey that supports his perspective.

But the bigger picture that Anderson ignored is the most important one. Employment statistics vary from month to month; employers lay off U.S. tech workers, but retain cheaper imported workers. But the addition of 85,000 H-1B visa holders will represent a permanent fixture in the labor market, because the H-1B is a dual-intent visa, meaning that holders can enter the U.S. on temporary status while simultaneously seeking lawful permanent residency. In other words, the new H-1B visa holders arent going home.

If tech employers are truly stretched thin, their first consideration should be to tap into the hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers displaced by H-1B visa holders. The list of corporations that use the H-1B visa to exile U.S. workers to the sidelines, after forcing those fired Americans to train their foreign-born replacements, is longer than Wilt Chamberlains arm. Among them are nationally known names like Disney, Apple, Facebook, Starbucks, Uber and Walmart.

A newcomer to the list is the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which announced earlier this month that it would outsource 20 percent of its highly skilled, American-born technology workforce to Capgemini, CGI and Accenture, companies headquartered in France, Canada and Ireland, respectively.

At least 120 workers learned they will lose their jobs later this summer, and the TVA informed the local labor union that eventually another 100 jobs will be outsourced. Last month, affected workers were advised that they too would be required to train their replacements, a procedure deceptively labeled knowledge transfer.

The TVA is a federally owned corporate agency originally designed to bring jobs to the impoverished Tennessee Valley during the Great Depression. Although TVA employees are unionized, they still cant escape the foreign worker displacement scourge. Similar public utility displacement programs played out in California when Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric fired their U.S. tech workers, and either outsourced their jobs or imported H-1B workers.

Originally, Congress created the H-1B visa program to complement the U.S. workforce. Instead, loopholes encourage abuses, paving the way for employers to bump Americans and deny opportunities to recent college graduates.

A relatively new displacement vehicle that creates roadblocks for young Americans is the never-congressionally approved Optional Practical Training Program. Initiated by the Bush 43 administration, and kept through President Trumps three-plus White House years, OPT allows a maximum three years of employment to alien U.S. college graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. OPT provides generous tax subsidies to employers and has mushroomed into a huge foreign-born worker bonanza. More than 1.5 million OPT STEM workers hold jobs that should go to Americans.

Despite what elitists, globalists, immigration lobbyists and the American Immigration Lawyers Association claim with their misleading reports and cherry-picked statistics, no intellectually sound argument that favors more H-1B visas, or more of any employment-based visas, can be made.

The ball is in Trumps court. He can either fulfill his 2016 campaign promise to forever end the H-1B visa or allow himself to be ridden roughshod over by anti-American worker advocates that include his son-in-law and advisor, Jared Kushner.

Last year, more than 900,000 new temporary work visas were issued, and more than 1.8 million work permits were granted or renewed. Thats a total of 2.7 million overseas workers entering an economy that today has more than 36 million unemployed. Among those 2.7 million were nearly 190,000 in the professional category, mostly H-1Bs. They joined approximately 500,000 settled H-1B workers.

American workers always deserve to come ahead of imported labor. Today, with the nation in the grip of the most painful economy since Herbert Hoovers presidency, American employment must be the nations top priority.

Joe Guzzardi is a Progressives for Immigration Reform analyst who has written about immigration for more than 30 years. Contact him at jguzzardi@pfirdc.org
A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday asked a hospital in Mumbai to submit a report on P Varavara Raos health by June 2, when it is scheduled to hear the bail plea of the 81-year-old Telugu poet arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case.

Raos family approached the special court on Saturday for direction to JJ Hospital for his detailed medical report. The activist, who has various ailments, was taken to the hospital on Thursday evening after he fell unconscious.

His family was informed about the hospitalisation on Friday evening. They sought the direction from the court to the hospital in the plea filed through lawyers Nilesh Ukey and Arif Siddiqui.

Rao had earlier moved a plea for interim bail on the ground of the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in prisons and the court had asked authorities at Taloja Jail to provide his medical reports. However, when the case came up for hearing on May 28, authorities failed to submit the report.

The court then sent a reminder to Taloja Jail to submit the report and scheduled the hearing on June 2. In the meantime, Raos health deteriorated and he was taken to the hospital.

Rao was arrested by Pune Police in November 2018 claiming he had direct nexus with the top underground leaders of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) group.

The police also said he wanted to procure arms via Nepal and Manipur and that he was in direct touch with top Maoist leader Ganapathy. The case was transferred to NIA in February 2020.
As countries around the world try to deal with the coronavirus epidemic, another kind of virus has been spreading online infecting milions of users with false information.

Large Facebook pages that push medical disinformation were recently banned by the platfrom after they were found to be spreading articles as trolls. According to NBC News' latest reports, Facebook pages from the Philippines and North Macedonia were banned from the social media platform after spreading false information about the ongoing global pandemic, the company announced on Friday, May 29.

Natural News, which is one of the most prolific publishers of the viral "Plandemic" conspiracy video, was included among the banned pages. The video has been widely debunked by scientists and medical experts. Meanwhile, the Facebook page also shares false information saying that the novel coronavirus is part of an elaborate government plot to control the populace using vaccines. It was also accused of spreading misinformation that face masks increase the risk of contracting the viral disease.

Alson Read: Twitter Wants to Stop Trolls and Cyberbullying With This New Feature

Large Facebook pages from the Philippines and North Macedonia are banned after they were found to be spreading coronavirus misinformation

False coronavirus conspiracies theories about Bill Gates and 5G towers were also frequently posted by the anti-vaccination news site. Both conspiracy theories have been scientifically proven to be false. Facebook confirmed that Natural News content was repeatedly posted by the foreign trolls.

In an effort to artificially inflate their reach, the foreign trolls also posted content from the sister websites of Natural News; Brighteon, and NewsTarget. "We removed these Pages for spammy and abusive behavior, not the content they posted. They misled people about the popularity of their posts and relied on content farms in North Macedonia and the Philippines," said Facebook.

According to the social media platform, the actions were part of its routine enforcement against spam networks. Facebook's spam alarms were effectively tripped by the irregular behaviors of Natural News, after posting contents at an unusually high frequency in an attempt to avoid rate limits.

After getting banned from Facebook in 2019, Natural News evaded Facebook's regulation by posting content on its branded disinformation groups called "GMO Dangers" and "Amazing Cures" which accumulated hundreds of thousands of followers. Facebook banned all users from posting links to Natural News and its sister websites across the social media platform on May 19, after discovering the foreign platform manipulation.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken must be keeping their fingers crossed and praying that the second time proves lucky as they wait to be launched into space a few hours from now.

Thats because the first launch on May 27 was scrubbed 17 minutes before the blastoff due to bad weather.

Hurely and Behnken are the crew of the NASAs Demo-2 mission. If the launch is successful, they will become part of space history as the first American astronauts to be sent into space by a private company- Elon Musks SpaceX. It will also be the first time in 11 years that American astronauts would have been launched from US soil since NASA ended its space shuttle programme in 2011.

If the weather doesnt prove to be a dampener, which is a 50-50 possibility, SpaceXs 24-story-tall Falcon 9 rocket will blast off from NASAs Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 3:22 pm EDT (1922 GMT), carrying Hurley and Behnken in the Crew Dragon capsule to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) after a 19-hour-flight.

Were ready for the next launch opportunity! Behnken tweeted on Friday.

While there has been a lot of hype and buzz surrounding Musk and SpaceX, the NASA astronauts have largely shied away from the spotlight.

Also Read: Prototype of new SpaceX rocket Starship explodes on Texas test pad

So, heres all you need to know about Hurley and Behnken, the astronauts NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine has called truly the best of us.

Doug Hurley

Fifty-three-year-old Douglas Hurley, the spacecraft commander for Demo-2, was a fighter pilot and a test pilot in the US Marine Corps prior to being selected as an astronaut by NASA in 2000. He has since completed two spaceflights  in 2009 and in 2011 , according to the NASA website.

He is a native of Apalachin in New York, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School in Maryland. In his free time, Hurley likes to hunt and spend time with his family in the Texas Hill Country, according to his official NASA biography.

Married to fellow NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg, the couple have one son.

On board the Crew Dragon, Hurley will be responsible for activities such as launch, landing and recovery.

Bob Behnken

Behnken, 49, a veteran Air Force test pilot, was first selected as an astronaut in July 2000. During the SpaceX flight, he will be responsible for activities such as rendezvous, docking and undocking, as well as Demo-2 activities while the spacecraft is docked to the ISS.

Prior to Saturdays flight, he has completed two space shuttle flights  in 2008 and in 2010, according to his official NASA biography.

Born in St Anne, Missouri, Behnken has a bachelors degree in physics and mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology. He was a flight test engineer with the US Air Force before joining NASA.

Behnken is married to fellow NASA astronaut K. Megan McArthur and has a young son.

Bringing spaceflight capabilities back to the U.S. is important to him so that his son can witness him launch, Behnken said in a video released by NASA, according to abcnews.com.

Pre-launch prep

Behnken and Hurley have been in quarantine for more than two weeks and have been regularly tested for COVID-19, reports AFP.

About four hours before liftoff, the pair will don their futuristic SpaceX- designed spacesuits, say goodbye to their wives and then will be driven to Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, which was used for Apollo 11s historic 1969 trip to the Moon, in a Model X electric car built by Tesla, one of Musks other companies.
It's going to take a lot more than one New York Times op-ed to turn Lady Gaga's new relationship into what she would label a bad romance.

Sure, it was a little odd to see boyfriend Michael Polansky's editor ex-girlfriend spouting off about their now decade-old union back in February and how strange it is to watch him move on with someone far more entrenched in the public sphere. But that bit of ancient history wasn't about to throw a woman as determined and accomplished as Lady Gaga off her game.

Just hours later she was releasing her "Stupid Love" music video as plannedthe single marking her first solo effort in three years. Chromatica, the full album, followed today.

Lady Gaga's Romantic History

Because, let's be clear, all she ever wanted was love. And she's clearly found it in tech investor Polansky, a.k.a. "the love of my life," the one person she hasn't been social distancing herself from, the two holing up in her Malibu home for the past several months.

On the heels of broken engagements to actor Taylor Kinney, 38, and talent agent Christian Carino, a source says the 34-year-old has met her perfectly complementary match in the CEO of Parker Foundation, a $600 million philanthropic effort he launched with Facebook cofounder Sean Parker.

"She's really into him!" a source tells E! News of the 11-time Grammy winner. She and the applied mathematics and computer science graduate, also on the board of San Francisco's Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, "are opposites of each other, which all-around is a good thing for her." And while the source notes that Polansky is as successful as he is smartpractically a must for someone wanting to stand toe-to-platformed toe with one of the world's best-selling music artistsmost importantly, "He definitely cares a lot about Gaga."

Story continues

Lady Gaga, New Years Eve, 2020 New Years Eve

Because the multi-platinum artist has had just about enough of throwing herself into the deep end of relationships that haven't panned out. "I think women love very hard," she said on CBS Sunday Morning in 2016. "We love men. We just love with everything we have. And sometimes I don't know that that love is met with the type of dignity that we wish it would be met with."

Her latest split, from audio mixer Dan Horton, seemed to have left her feeling wistful enough to post from makeup artist Sarah Nicole Tanno's bachelorette party, "An about to be a married woman and me, a single lady." (And for the last time she and A Star Is Born costar Bradley Cooper were never more than two skilled actors who got the whole world truly buying into their onscreen romance. "I mean, we made a love story. For me, as a performer and as an actress, of course we wanted people to believe that we were in love," she told Elle's December issue.)

Lady Gaga, Jimmy Kimmel Live

But, she was after the real thing, detailing on The Kyle & Jackie O Show how irked she felt when her professional life trumped her personal dealings, effectively blocking her from forming a meaningful connection.

"It was a really hard process for me because I was going through a time in my lifeI was actually having a lot of trouble with it," she shared in March. "I did not like being single. I felt like my career had kind of taken over everything and that my personal life was something that I didn't get to have as much time to pursue and have control over and I got very sad."

So she was game when mutual friends suggested pairing her up with the 2006 Harvard graduate ahead of the holiday season. (A likely meeting spot: Parker's December birthday party in L.A., though a source noted to Page Six, they could have met at any number of events the Facebook vet has held at his $55 million, nine-bedroom spread.)

Though the couple had hoped to keep things just between them, they inadvertently took their romance public on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas (where Gaga has two concurrent residencies), their midnight kiss captured and transferred all over the web.

It wasn't until the "Shallow" artist was tapped to perform at a Super Bowl pre-party in Miami, though, that they decided to rip the veil off. Because of course he was going to tag along to Florida, the two rarely venturing somewhere without the other as of late. "They've been out and about in Los Angeles," an insider told E! News in early February, "and spending a lot of time at her house. She's taking him everywhere she goes and they don't want to be apart."

Lady Gaga, New Years Eve, Kiss, 2020 New Years Eve

Nor were they all that interested in playing coy any longer.

"They weren't shy about showing off PDA," a source, who spotted the two sharing a kiss on the balcony of her rented mansion ahead of her performance at the AT&T TV Super Saturday Night Concert, told People. "They seemed very happy together."

Sunday saw them leaving Hard Rock Stadium hand-in-hand, having watched the Kansas City Chiefs handle the San Francisco 49ers. And should that not make things clear enough, Gaga shared an awfully cozy photo to Instagram that seemed to officially cement their statusperching on a guy's lap not tending to scream "just pals" and all.

"We had so much fun in Miami," she captioned the snap, no doubt taken during a weekend yacht excursion. "Love to all my little monsters and fans, you're the best!"

Lady Gaga, Michael Polansky

Her new guy, though, he's pretty great as well. A handful of months in, he seems to have already won over the parents, having been spotted gamely chatting with her mom Cynthia Germonotta during her Super Bowl show.

To hear those in the know talk about him, he's just the kind of suitor your parents would want you to bring home. "Michael is a really smart guy, a very serious guy, who has always been low key," one source told Page Six. And thanks to his editor ex, Lindsay Crouse, we know he can commit, the writer detailing the seven-year relationship that encapsulated much of their early twenties.

Most crucially, as the insider told E! News, Gaga is "crazy about him."

Not even a little social distancing is enough to crush their honeymoon phase, Gaga detailing how during their time at home they were, "Going strong, playing video games and cards, and taking care of ourselves."

Lady Gaga's Best Looks

That's meant "staying in at her place in Malibu watching movies, cooking and just hanging out," a source tells E! News while also working on a group project, Polansky lending his tech capabilities to her wellness app, Braver.

The extra time tending to their new romance has paid dividends. "Her and Michael are bonding a lot right now," a source tells E! News, "they are truly enjoying the little things and she is falling even more in love with him as time passes."

And if their relationship can withstand this level of togetherness, there's a solid chance he's here to stay, which would dovetail quite nicely with the Oscar winner's 10-year plan. Asked what she'd like to accomplish in the next decade during a December chat with YouTube star Nikkie Tutorials, the Haus Laboratories creator, replied, "I wanna do more movies, I wanna have babies and I want to continue to build the behemoth that is Haus Laboratories into the makeup company of my dreams."

You caught the babies part, right?

"I will say I am very excited to have kids," she doubled down in May's InStyle. "I look forward to being a mom. Isn't it incredible what we can do? We can hold a human inside and grow it. Then it comes out, and it's our job to keep it alive."

Her M.O. has always been to go full-throttle. "When I get inspired, I do things right away," she continued. "There will be tons of crazy things that I do over the next decade. I just don't know exactly what they are, which is why they'll be extra crazy."

And in the grand scheme of meat dresses, giant egg shuttles and entire outfits made out of stuffed frogs is falling into a forever kind of love really all that far-fetched?

(Originally published March 3, 2020 at 3 a.m. PT)
Bezonomics

By Brian Dumaine

Scribner. 325 pp. $28

---

On Friday, Feb. 28, as the coronavirus pandemic was taking hold in Europe and the Americas, Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend, the former television anchor Lauren Sanchez, met with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Elysee Palace in Paris. They discussed, as the Amazon chief executive reported in an Instagram post, "climate, sustainability, and preserving the natural world." The next evening the couple partied at the top of the Eiffel Tower with Diane von Furstenberg, Seth Meyers and other celebrities. By Monday they were back in the United States, dining out at the posh Manhattan restaurant Carbone.

A week later, everything had changed. France was under lockdown, the Carbone dining room was shuttered, and Amazon was facing its biggest challenge since the dot-com crash 20 years ago. Hit by a wave of panic buying, the company was struggling to fill orders, often delaying shipments for days or weeks. Its global supply chains were seizing up. Its workers were staging protests and sickouts over health and safety concerns. In a March 21 memo, a chastened Bezos assured employees that he would devote all his time to the crisis. The globe-trotting was over. (Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

While the pandemic poses difficult problems for Amazon, in the long run the outbreak seems likely to make the company more powerful than ever. Not only is Amazon the world's largest online retailer; it also operates a growing media-streaming business, a big Internet pharmacy and a burgeoning digital advertising operation. And its lucrative cloud-computing unit, Amazon Web Services, provides data processing support for many other companies' online operations. As social distancing practices push people to spend even more time on their phones and computers, the company stands to make more money and wield more influence.

Journalist Brian Dumaine's new book on Amazon, "Bezonomics," offers an illuminating exploration of the underpinnings of the firm's success. Although the book is a victim of bad timing - written before the pandemic, it already feels dated - Dumaine is a careful reporter, and his descriptions of Amazon's operations are lucid and finely detailed.

He explains the logic behind the company's Prime loyalty program, which, despite incurring high costs for rapid deliveries, locks customers into Amazon's "ecosystem" of retail and media offerings. He describes the voice-recognition technology that gives the Alexa chatbot an eerie semblance of consciousness. He explains how Bezos and his lieutenants use artificial-intelligence techniques, such as machine learning, to match supply with demand on a vast scale. And he takes the reader on a tour of Amazon's huge warehouses, where squads of robots and humans work in tight synchronization to pack millions of cardboard boxes a day.

When Dumaine widens his perspective, to describe Amazon's overarching business strategy, his vision gets blurry. He attributes the firm's rapid growth to what he calls its "flywheel" paradigm. By keeping prices as low as possible, he explains, Amazon attracts more customers to its site. That generates ever greater economies of scale, which in turn allow it to cut prices even further. Dumaine presents this "virtuous cycle" as a recent breakthrough in business thinking, but it's nothing new. Using economies of scale to cut prices (and boost profits) is how capitalism has worked since the Industrial Revolution. The Internet may be the most massive of mass markets, but the basic economics of business competition remain unchanged.

Amazon's early success did stem from its pricing advantage, but the source of that advantage is more complicated than Dumaine allows. The company was able to undercut competitors' prices for many years because, unlike other businesses, it didn't have to worry about turning a profit. Stock market investors, dazzled by the Amazon story, supplied the company with cheap capital even as it racked up big losses. Many local mom-and-pop stores, struggling to make loan payments and meet the weekly payroll, never stood a chance. Even large, traditional retailers couldn't afford to match Amazon's prices. They had expensive stores to maintain, and their investors were not so indulgent.

The advantage provided by abundant capital was magnified by a loophole that allowed Amazon to avoid charging sales taxes on purchases made by customers outside its home state, Washington. One reason Bezos decided to establish Amazon in Seattle, Dumaine reports, was that the company would be able to offer tax-free purchases to buyers in populous, high-tax states like California and New York. That made its low prices feel even lower.

Amazon's pricing flexibility not only gave it an edge over brick-and-mortar stores; it allowed it to crush small Internet retailers before they could threaten its business. Dumaine tells the story of Quidsi, a New Jersey start-up that launched Diapers.com in 2005. New parents flocked to the site, attracted by its promise of free overnight shipping. That caught Bezos's attention, and Amazon initiated a price war, selling diapers at a sharp loss. Investors began to abandon Quidsi, starving it of capital, and in 2010 the company gave in. It agreed to be acquired by Amazon.

In recent years, Amazon's pricing advantage has eroded. As big brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart have expanded their online offerings, they've been able to match Amazon's discount, and states have passed laws requiring Amazon to collect sales taxes. But Amazon has found another powerful source of competitive advantage: data. As Dumaine reports, thousands of independent retailers sell goods through Amazon's site, which gives the company privileged access to information about competitors' products, prices and sales. Amazon claims it doesn't use that information for its own benefit, but the evidence suggests otherwise. In April, the Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon employees secretly collected data from independent sellers and used the information to develop competing products.

Amazon is an innovative, well-managed company, but it has also had the good fortune to compete on an uneven playing field that tilts in its favor.

Bezos has always been the cagiest of Internet moguls. He remains an elusive presence in the pages of "Bezonomics." He's "a force of nature, moving at warp speed through a vast canvas," Dumaine writes at one point, tangling himself in cliches. Whatever Bezos is, a force of nature he is not. He is shrewd, calculating and ruthless, and he has built his empire in his own image.

---

Carr is the author of several books, including "The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains."
New Delhi:

Sandeep Kumar was Cabinet Minister in Delhis AAP government. He holds the portfolios of Social Welfare, Women & Child, SC & ST and Language. Kumar is 34 years old and holds BA and LLB degree as educational qualification.

A lawyer by profession, Sandeep Kumar won by one of the biggest margins in the Delhi elections and was rewarded with a ministerial berth for working to help the party expand its base at the grass-root level. 34-year-old Kumar had defeated four-time MLA from Sultanpur Majra, Jai Kishen, by 64,439 votes getting the giant-killer tag. He is known to contest cases of the poor and socially backward persons free of cost.

On March 8, International Womens Day, the 34-year-old minister had thanked wife Ritu for the sacrifices she had made for him, and, to thunderous applause from a packed auditorium at the Delhi Secretariat, added, Main roz subah inke pair chhoota hoon (I touch her feet every morning).

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
One of the arresting officers, Derek Chauvin, held Floyd down for more than eight minutes by pressing his knee into Floyds neck as Floyd gasped that he was unable to breathe. Floyd went limp at the scene and later was pronounced dead. Chauvin, who was fired from the force along with three others, was arrested on Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 06:15:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Friday urged the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, immediately stop practices of hegemonism and power politics, and mind their own business, rather than provoking tensions and making troubles everywhere.

Zhang refuted the fallacy on Hong Kong made by the United States, Britain, and some other countries, saying China opposes and completely rejects the baseless remarks made by the United States and Britain.

"The United States and the United Kingdom, for their own political purposes, have been making unwarranted comments, interfering and obstructing, and attempted to push for an open video conference in the UN Security Council. China expressed strong opposition, and the vast majority of the Council members did not support the U.S. proposal, believing that the Hong Kong-related issues were China's internal affairs and had nothing to do with the mandates of the Security Council. The Security Council rejected the unreasonable request of the U.S., and its attempt failed," said a press release issued by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations.

"Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference. National security legislation for Hong Kong does not constitute any threat to international peace and security. The Council must not get involved in any way," Zhang said.

The third session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's national legislature, on Thursday adopted the Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to Safeguard National Security.

In face of strong opposition from China and Security Council members, the United States and Britain could only mention Hong Kong under "any other business" in the informal consultations of the council. This move was strongly countered by China and generally opposed by council members. They urged the United States and Britain to stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and making groundless accusations against China. There was no consensus, no formal discussion in the Security Council, and the U.S. and Britain's move came to nothing, said the press release.

The Chinese ambassador pointed out that since June last year, serious organized acts of violence and separatist activities took place in Hong Kong, which have got the support from some foreign forces and posed a real threat to China's national security. It is necessary and fully justified for the National People's Congress of China to establish and improve legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for Hong Kong to safeguard national security.

Such legislation does not affect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy or the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. Instead, it is conducive to the implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, he added.

Zhang emphasized that the legal basis for the Chinese government's administration of Hong Kong is the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

"After Hong Kong's return to China, the UK has no right of sovereignty, jurisdiction or supervision over Hong Kong, still less is the U.S. entitled to comment on Hong Kong with the excuse of the Sino-British Joint Declaration," he said. Enditem
<! T.D. & Serita Jakes >

Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr, popularly called T. D. Jakes, and his wife Serita Jakes are celebrating Thirty-eight years of marriage together.

T. D. Jakes is an author, filmmaker and the bishop of The Potters House, a non-denominational American megachurch in Dallas, Texas, United States.

Taking to his timeline, the author of Woman Thou Art Loosed penned a long note for his beautiful wife and shared their wedding photograph taken in 1982 when the lovebirds married:

Thirty-eight years ago, two young people sliced this cake, oblivious to the magnitude of experiences we would encounter, the fire with which we would be tried, the confluence of abject poverty and influence we would ultimately have to manage! Almost four decades later, five children, eight grandchildren, and thirty thousand spiritual children, we are still sweet to each other. 



This quarantine has given me a gift of undistracted time at home, sheltering in place with you has been amazing. It has been metaphorical to our marriage. With all the dangers of life, we have been sheltered in place. As we age, I have come to realize that it isnt just that we sheltered in place for the pandemic. We have been sheltered in His grace for thirty-eight years. 



The truth is, you have been my pavilion, my haven in a storm, my amazing lover and friend, my calm and stable place! Happy Anniversary honey, you are sweeter than the cake we cut! 



I loved you then, today I love you so much more! Stay with me till my pulse stops and my eyes close, stay with me till my body temperature drops and my breathing ceases, I cant live without you!  @SeritaJakes

Serita also wrote:

In 1982, you said that you would take me places Id never been and show me sites Id never seen.

In 2020, youve taken me around the world  showed me sites too countless remember.

I never imagined that it would be my heart that you would take inside yours, to show me love Id never known and that the sites would be the me that only you could see Thank you for holding my heart and for being my mirror.

The journey has been exhilarating! The view has stripped me of many insecurities.

Your love for me underscores every word youve spoken in times of joy and through moments of relentless pain.

Because youve dared to escort me beyond the borders of my imagination, I learned to walk without limits because you held my hands Happy Wedding Anniversary to my forever Groom @BishopJakes

#HappyAnniversary

The couple have 5 children: Sarah Jakes Roberts, Jermaine Jakes, Cora Jakes Coleman, Thomas Jakes, Jr. and Jamar Jakes.
Srinagar: Indian police have released an arrested pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after a probe found that the bird, which had flown across the contentious border between the nuclear-armed nations, was not a spy, two officials said.

"The pigeon was set free yesterday after nothing suspicious was found," said Shailendra Mishra, a senior police official in Indian-administered Kashmir. It was unclear where the bird was released and whether it flew back to its owner.

Pigeons rest on wires of a cable car in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Credit:AP

The Pakistani owner of the pigeon had urged India to return his bird, which Indian villagers turned over to police after discovering it.

"It's just an innocent bird," Habibullah, the owner of the bird, who goes by just one name, said.
Here are the latest developments from Asia related to the novel coronavirus pandemic:

- Maldives reports first death -

The Maldives reported its first coronavirus fatality Thursday with the death of an 83-year-old woman, as the Indian Ocean holiday hotspot extended a nationwide lockdown.

Health minister Abdulla Ameen said the woman died on Wednesday in hospital. She had been under home quarantine since coming into contact with another Maldivian patient.

There have now been 280 confirmed cases since the virus was first detected on March 7.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday extended the country's two-week lockdown by two weeks after the number of infections rose sharply in the densely populated capital, Male.

The shutting of the lucrative tourism industry in the nation of 340,000 people has taken a heavy toll on the economy.

- Chinese workers barred from entering Indonesia -

About 500 Chinese workers have been blocked from entering Indonesia over fears they could be carrying the coronavirus even though they had permits to enter the country.

They were due to work at a nickel smelter in Marosi, southeast Sulawesi, but the governor rejected their arrival.

Authorities also refused permission to dock to a Chinese vessel carrying 1,500 cement pipes destined for the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Aceh.

The 18 crew members from China and Vietnam have been stranded onboard for a month and are reportedly running out of food and clean water.

- Social distancing on wheels in India -

An Indian school drop-out has built a motorbike with a one-metre gap between the rider and the passenger to drive home the importance of social distancing.

Saha's new bike runs on battery power and has a top speed of 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph) /  AFP

Partha Saha, 39, bought an old bike from a scrap dealer, removed the engine and cut the machine in two, before modifying the frame to create the extra length

"Now I can ride with my eight-year-old daughter while maintaining a safe distance," he told AFP from Agartala in the northeastern state of Tripura.

Saha's new bike runs on battery power and has a top speed of 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph).

- Australia's capital 'virus-free' -

Health officials declared Australia's capital free of the virus while the country's Northern Territory announced the most comprehensive easing of restrictions in the nation.

Canberra and its surrounding areas were labelled virus-free after two patients recovered Thursday /  AFP

Canberra and its surrounding areas were said to be rid of the disease after two patients recovered overnight.

The city, home to about 427,000 people, had recorded 106 cases and three deaths from COVID-19 before eliminating all known active infections by Thursday.

Restaurants, bars, cafes, libraries, gyms and beauty salons in the Northern Territory, meanwhile, will be allowed to reopen from Saturday, though physical distancing rules will still apply.

The huge rural territory closed its borders to interstate and overseas travellers on March 23, and has remained largely free of the virus with just 28 cases and no deaths recorded.

- ANZ profits dive -

Australia's ANZ Bank announced a 50-percent dive in after-tax profits as the lender set aside Aus$1 billion ($655 million) to cover expected losses resulting from the coronavirus fallout.

It also deferred a decision on its interim dividend amid ongoing uncertainty about the economic outlook.

burs-axn/fox
London: The British government has approached the US with the prospect of creating a 5G club of 10 democracies, including India, amid growing security concerns related to Chinese telecom giant Huawei, according to a UK media report.

A so-called D10 club of democratic partners, including G7 countries  UK, US, Italy, Germany, France, Japan and Canada  plus Australia, South Korea and India will aim to create alternative suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid relying on China, The Times reported.

The move to speed up such a club comes as the UK launched an inquiry into Huawei's involvement in the country's mobile network upgrade in the wake of US sanctions against the company.

We need new entrants to the market. That was the reason we ended up having to go along with Huawei at the time, the newspaper quoted a UK government source as saying.

Nokia and Ericsson are the only European suppliers of 5G infra and experts say they cannot provide 5G kit as quickly or as cheaply as Huawei. Britain has labelled Huawei a high-risk vendor and its involvement in the UK's 5G upgrade comes with a 35 per cent market cap, including a ban on its participation in the sensitive core of the network.

The review into Huawei, launched last week by the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, followed the announcement of US sanctions to block the sale of American chips to the company.

UK security officials fear that the ban will prompt China to use cheaper, less secure technologies, instead of verified US versions.

Officials are, meanwhile, examining proposals to curb the installation of Huawei kit in the 5G network from 2023.

According to the newspaper, increasing the partnership of like-minded democracies forms part of the ongoing reappraisal of the Chinese firm's involvement in the UK.

The US in recent months has increased its action against Huawei, China's first global tech brand and a maker of network equipment and smartphones, preventing it from doing business in the US, as it believes the company known for its technological advancement in 5G is being used by the Chinese leadership to serve their interest.

The Trump administration says Huawei is a security risk, which the company denies, and is trying to persuade European and other allies to shun its technology for the next-generation telecom networks.

China has accused the US of raising phony security concerns to hurt a rising competitor to American tech companies.
BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The successful convening of the annual "two sessions" has demonstrated China's resolve to secure decisive success in the fight against poverty, build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and coordinate epidemic control as well as economic and social development.

The completed agendas in the "two sessions" -- the third session of the 13th National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) -- have also injected new confidence into the world's anti-epidemic efforts and economic recovery.

The meetings, "even if 10 weeks later than usual, are the strongest signal that is coming from Beijing: the worst is over," wrote a commentary of German magazine Der Spiegel last week. "Everyday life returns."

The closing meeting of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

STRATEGIC RESULTS

The COVID-19 outbreak is considered a major public health emergency that is the fastest spreading, most widely affecting and most difficult to contain since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

It is also believed to be the most serious global public health emergency since the end of World War II.

Through arduous efforts, China has achieved decisive results in the fight against COVID-19, and major strategic strides have been made in curbing the spread of the virus.

China's epidemic prevention and control measures and experience, and how China will contribute to the global public health governance, have come into focus during the "two sessions."

Volker Tschapke, honorary president of Germany's Prussian Society, told Xinhua recently that China has made a very good response to the coronavirus epidemic, and the "two sessions" will outline the political and economic policies for a period to come.

Gabonese Democratic Party Secretary General Eric Dodo Bounguendza said that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, China's successful convening of the "two sessions" demonstrates that China has achieved significant strategic results in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Since the coronavirus disease broke out, I felt like we human-being have been in a battle with the virus, where China acted as the vanguard," said Zhang Shuibo, a member of the CPPCC National Committee and head of the School of International Project Management at Tianjin University. "Despite some losses, we have stayed strong."

The closing meeting of the third session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

CENTENARY GOAL

China is in the final push to achieve the target of poverty eradication as the nation is entering the home stretch in realizing its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects this year.

As the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges, the international community is wondering how China will secure that goal.

Sanjuana Martinez, general director of the Mexican news agency Notimex, said that China's experience in development and poverty elimination could be learned by Mexico, which is also a developing country. China's poverty elimination and rural development were the major topics that her agency had paid attention to during its coverage of the "two sessions."

Noting that a raft of measures aimed at boosting economic and social recovery have been passed at the "two sessions," Jan Zahradil, a veteran member of the European Parliament and chairman of the EU-China Friendship Group in the European Parliament, said the measures will inject strong confidence and impetus into China's war on poverty and other stated goals.

Tschapke believes that China's goals of alleviating poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects have not been frustrated by the epidemic, which could only count as an anecdote in the process of China's robust development.

The epidemic cannot stop the Communist Party of China from leading the Chinese people in their development and progress, Bounguendza said, adding that he is confident that the success of the "two sessions" will further unite the Chinese people to attain the great goal of eradicating poverty and achieving a moderately prosperous society in all respects as scheduled.

Medical workers wait to submit COVID-19 samples for nucleic acid test at the center for disease control and prevention in Fengman District of Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province, May 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Chinese economy has demonstrated strong resilience against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the government work report noted, China will blaze a new path of shock-resilience and positive growth cycles, which will center on stabilizing employment, energizing the market, stimulating demand, and achieving stable growth.

To that end, China will pursue a more proactive and impactful fiscal policy, setting its fiscal deficit above 3.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and issuing 1 trillion yuan in government bonds for COVID-19 control to release more funds for companies and individuals.

Experts believe that a package of hardcore measures deliberated in the "two sessions" would keep economic fundamentals stable to help build a solid foundation for economic recovery and give overseas investors new confidence as the epidemic wanes.

Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economics professor at Columbia University and a senior United Nations advisor, told Xinhua in a recent written interview that as China is coming out of lockdown ahead of other parts of the world, it will see an economic rebound in the second quarter, which will buoy markets abroad.

Workers are busy on the production lines at the workshop of Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle Company in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

"Output will recover significantly in the second quarter and for the rest of the year," said Sachs.

While noting that the Chinese economy has started to recover and stabilize at the end of the first quarter, Pierre Picquart, a China expert at the University of Paris VIII, told Xinhua earlier in May that "the success of China's economic recovery is great news for all nations."

China's economic recovery will revive the world economy, Picquart said, adding that to restore confidence through revitalizing the Chinese and global economy is what he thinks the "priority No. 1."
On Saturday, San Antonio joined other cities in rallying for the arrest of the Minneapolis Police Department officers in connection to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while in police custody on Monday.

On Sunday, volunteers took to downtown to help with cleanup efforts after the demonstrations ended in violence, vandalism and looting.

On ExpressNews.com: Heavy police presence, community cleanup in S.A. after violence and looting

Mayor Ron Nirenberg imposed a 10 p.m. curfew for the downtown business district that ends at 6 a.m. Monday. City officials expressed hope that Sunday would be the last night a curfew would be necessary.

We really dont want to have to use these tools, Nirenberg said. But if there are demonstrations, if there are agitators out there, were going to do what we need to do to keep the peace.

Below is an abridged timeline of the Saturday night events. For a full timeline, visit ExpressNews.com.

11:30 p.m. | Mayor Ron Nirenberg signed a local disaster declaration and issued a temporary curfew for the downtown area effective 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday and from 10 p.m. on Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday.

This brief curfew will protect the safety of people and property in the downtown business district while allowing the vast majority of people to peacefully assemble, Nirenberg said.

11 p.m. | Officers are deploying flash-bang grenades .

10:30 p.m. | Mayor Ron Nirenberg posted to Facebook: "What started out as a righteous demonstration has devolved for a few folks out there. I hope everyone downtown tonight realizes this is your city, too."

10:24 p.m. | A line of officers deployed tear gas at protestors at N. Alamo Street and Houston Street. A solid line of officers armed with batons, wearing gas masks, then began moving toward the crowd, forcing them up North Alamo in an attempt to disperse those remaining.

9:23 p.m. | As demonstrations continue in Alamo Plaza and the surrounding area, protestors egged SAPD squad cars, put protest signs on them and broke a window at the San Antonio visitors center. 

8:00 p.m. | A stampede of protestors ensued. People sprinted from the scene, running into each other and screaming. Some said theyd heard rubber bullets being fired. Others said the police had begun to enclose on the protestors in a way that caused them to run. Most ran because others were running, fearful of a shooting.

7:44 p.m. | At Alamo Plaza, protestors alternate between yelling at police and at Alamo defenders, who are behind them. Police have formed a barricade of bikes, and another row of police are carrying batons between both groups.

6:44 p.m. | The San Antonio Police Department estimates that at least 5,000 people marched against police brutality and to commemorate George Floyd. The crowd remained peaceful as it passed SAPD headquarters and headed back toward Travis Park.

5:36 p.m. | At Travis Park, hundreds of people are gathered to listen to activists and community members speak about overcoming racial injustice. The crowd stands quiet, until theyre prompted by speakers to briefly chant, We cant breathe! and Black lives matter!

5:10 p.m. | Next to the Alamo, theres a line of at least a dozen police cars, where officers are suiting up in protective vests and riot gear. Some have batons and zip ties, a couple have shields. They are closest to the counter protest planned at the Cenotaph, not the George Floyd demonstration.

4:30 p.m. | In preparation for Saturday evenings demonstration against police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters during a news briefing that there will be a massive law enforcement presence around the downtown area.

RELATED: 'He did not deserve to die': Notable San Antonians react to George Floyd's death
The World Bank has assured Ghana that it is liaising with credit rating agencies not to review the oil producing West African country for taking advantage of the provisions provided by the Bretton Woods institutions to support the economy in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.



The Country Director of the World Bank, Pierre Frank Laporte told Alfred Ocansey on the Sunrise morning show on 3FM 92.7 Thursday, May 28, the benefits of the provisions are huge and so Ghana should be confident to have a full share of them.



He explained that finance ministers in Africa have raised concerns to the effect that these rating agencies are likely to put them on their assessment board for taking advantage of the provisions made by the World Bank and other institutions including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support their economies in the midst of the pandemic.



In March this year, African finance ministers called for a $100 billion stimulus package aside a request for the suspension of debt service payments.



They held a virtual conference to discuss how to deal with the social and economic impacts of the pandemic on African nations.



This was to help the continent combat the impact of the coronavirus on the economy



Accordingly, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Development Bank (AfDB) and other regional institutions allowed the countries to tap into existing facilities.



Some $44 billion would come from not servicing debt.



Mr Laporte said : When you dont pay your debt, in the future the banks will know that this guy doesnt pay debts. What is happening is that one credit rating agency has already put a couple of countries under review by the fact that they applied for the debt services suspension.



Some countries are saying if I am going to apply for this initiative it will benefit me. But on the other hand, if I am going to be put under watch then I will have to think twice.



This is something that internally we are working on. The bank is consulting with the credit rating agencies.



For instance, Ethiopia was put under watch by a specific credit rating agency and this is causing a lot of uneasy for the finance ministers in Africa especially like Ghana who go on the market to raise revenue.



Public resources that the World Bank and the IMF give are not always sufficient so countries like Ghana who are better placed often go to the market to raise additional resources for its development.



Ghana is one of the countries that is concerned that by going to this initiative it might be put on the watch. But at this point in time, I will say the bank is still encouraging Ghana to work with us and we will work with the credit rating agencies because the benefits of the suspension is huge



He further said the global finance firm will undertake an assessment of the Covid-19 situation in December to ascertain whether or not the pandemic is declining before a decision is taken to extend the debt suspension for countries.



He explained that the debt suspension will be extended if the Covid-19 situation is getting worse by the deadline period of December, 2020.



Between now and December, countries who qualified for this initiative are expected to request formally through bilateral [agreement] to have a suspension in their debt service until December.



And after December the processes and initiatives will be reviewed. We will know the impact and how things are at that point in time.



We know the impact because how of much debt in principle will be postponed or suspended. We will look at whether we have been able to bring it under control, have things resumed normally? If this is not the case it is very likely [the suspension will be extended]. Some ministers are saying to us that December is not just enough.



It has been made very clear by the bilateral and ourselves that we are prepared to go beyond that. By December in the first cut-off period, the situation will be assessed. If need be then we will extend the period again.

Source: laudbusiness.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
Anger fueled by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis spread to more cities across the United States Friday night into early Saturday morning, including New York City, Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Portland and Washington, D.C.

In some cities, office windows were smashed, police cars and other vehicles were set on fire and bottles were thrown at police officers trying to keep a lid on the protests and violence in the streets.

In Minneapolis, thousands of protesters ignored a curfew and vows of a forceful police response to take to the citys streets for a fourth straight night, and some public officials acknowledged they didnt have enough manpower to control the large crowds.

Early Saturday, the Pentagon ordered the U.S. Army to put military police units on alert to head to Minneapolis on short notice at President Donald Trumps request, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders who did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations.

The rare step came as the violence spread to other cities across the nation. A man was shot dead in Detroit, police cars and office windows were battered in Atlanta, and demonstrators had skirmishes with police in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

Criminal charges filed Friday morning against the white officer who held his knee for nearly nine minutes on the neck of Floyd, a black man, did nothing to stem the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Friday night turned out to be another chaotic night in Minneapolis, where police said shots had been fired at law enforcement officers during the protests. As the night dragged on, fires erupted across the citys south side, including at a Japanese restaurant, a Wells Fargo bank and an Office Depot. Many burned for hours, with firefighters again delayed in reaching them because areas werent secure.

Shortly before midnight, scores of officers on foot and in vehicles moved in to curb the violence, one day after city and state leaders faced blowback for their handling of the crisis. On Thursday, protesters had torched a police station soon after it was abandoned by police and went on to burn or vandalize dozens of businesses.

People stand on a burned up car as fires burn near a Target store after a night of unrest and protests in the death of George Floyd early Thursday, May 28, in downtown Minneapolis. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day.AP

The new round of unrest came despite Gov. Tim Walz vowing early in the day to show a more forceful response by the state than the one Thursday run by Minneapolis city leaders. But by early Saturday morning, Walz was acknowledging he didnt have enough manpower, even with some 500 National Guard soldiers.

"We do not have the numbers," Walz said. "We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground."

Walz said he was moving quickly to mobilize more than 1,000 more Guard members, for a total of 1,700, and was considering the potential offer of federal military police. But he warned that even that might not be enough, saying he expected another difficult night Saturday.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association urged Walz to accept any help.

"You need more resources," the group said in a tweet. "Law enforcement needs leadership."

Not all the protests were violent. Downtown, thousands of demonstrators encircled a barricaded police station after the 8 p.m. Friday curfew. "Prosecute the police!" some chanted, and "Say his name: George Floyd!" Some protesters sprayed graffiti on buildings.

Anger filled the streets of Minneapolis.

Ben Hubert, a 26-year-old local resident, said he wasn't surprised people were breaking curfew and setting fires.

"I'm outraged," he said of the Floyd case. "But I'm also sad. The injustice has been going on for so long. It's been swelling for years."

Chauvin was also was accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe while Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes. Floyd, who was black, had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

An attorney for Floyd's family welcomed the arrest but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants the other officers arrested, too.

Prosecutor Mike Freeman said more charges were possible, but authorities "felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator."

Denver police fire canisters to disperse a protest outside the State Capitol over the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed man in police custody in Minneapolis.AP

OTHER PROTESTS ACROSS THE NATION

Protests nationwide have been fueled by outrage over Floyds death and years of police violence against African Americans. Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, set a police car on fire and struck officers with bottles. Large demonstrations in New York, Houston, Portland, Washington, D.C., and dozens of other cities ranged from people peacefully blocking roads to repeated clashes with police.

"You are disgracing our city," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told protesters. "You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country."

Police were trying to put Floyd in a squad car Monday when he stiffened and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, a criminal complaint said. Chauvin and Officer Tou Thoa arrived and tried several times to get the struggling Floyd into the car.

Chauvin eventually pulled Floyd out of the car, and the handcuffed Floyd went to the ground face down. Officer J.K. Kueng held Floyd's back and Officer Thomas Lane held his legs while Chauvin put his knee on Floyd's head and neck area, the complaint said.

When Lane asked if Floyd should be rolled onto his side, Chauvin said, "No, staying put is where we got him." Lane said he was "worried about excited delirium or whatever."

An autopsy said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyd's system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that drew police, the caller describes the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as "awfully drunk and he's not in control of himself."

After Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Lane again said he wanted to roll Floyd onto his side. Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, according to the complaint.

Chauvin's attorney had no comment when reached by The Associated Press.

The prosecutor highlighted the "extraordinary speed" in charging the case four days after Floyd's death and defended himself against questions about why it did not happen sooner. Freeman said his office needed time to gather evidence, including what he called the "horrible" video recorded by a bystander.

Trump said Friday that he'd spoken to Floyd's family and "expressed my sorrow."

He called video of the arrest "just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it."

A woman raises her fist in defiance near the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus as several hundred people gather to protest over the death of George Floyd. Floyd died in police custody Monday in Minneapolis.AP

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyd's family, asked to take custody of Floyd's body for an independent autopsy.

The doctor who will do the autopsy is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City, who was hired to do an autopsy for Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold and he pleaded that he could not breathe.

State and federal authorities also are investigating Floyds death.

RELATED COVERAGE

George Floyd protest coming to N.J. city this weekend

Minneapolis police station torched amid George Floyd protest

Riot erupts in downtown Portland, after peaceful protest of George Floyd killing
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration will study ways to safeguard Americans from the risks of investing in Chinese companies, U.S. president Donald Trump said on Friday, ratcheting up pressure on the firms to comply with U.S. accounting and disclosure rules.

Speaking at a White House briefing to unveil measures targeting Beijing over Hong Kong, Trump said he is instructing the presidential working group on financial markets to study "differing practices of Chinese companies listed on U.S. markets with the goal of protecting American investors," Trump said.

"Investment firms should not be subjecting their clients to the hidden and undue risks associated with financing Chinese companies that do not play by the same rules," he said, adding that Americans are entitled to "fairness and transparencies."

Members of the working group include Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams, Securities and Exchange Chairman Jay Clayton and other regulatory officials.

The move comes as the U.S. government has begun extending its trade and technology battle with Beijing to capital markets, as ties between the rival nations have soured over the origins of the deadly coronavirus.

Earlier this month, an independent board tasked with administering federal worker and military pension funds halted plans to allow one of its funds to track an index that includes controversial Chinese companies, under pressure from the White House.

The U.S. Senate also passed legislation in May that could prevent some Chinese companies from listing their shares on U.S. exchanges unless they follow standards for U.S. audits and regulations.

Chinese plans to impose new national security legislation on the former British colony. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the territory no longer warrants special treatment under U.S. law that has enabled it to remain a global financial centre.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Alexandra Alper; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court refused to Quash the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) order prohibiting over-the-counter sale of liquor in the city, stating that it was the civic body's policy decision to do so amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court on Friday refused to quash a notification issued by the civic body on May 22, prohibiting over-the- counter sale of liquor and permitting the use of e-commerce platforms for home delivery of alcohol.

A division bench of Justices Nitin Jamdar and N R Borkar was hearing a petition filed by the Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association seeking a direction to the state government to permit sale of liquor at wine shops in Mumbai, which is a COVID-19 red zone.

The petition contended that in cities like Pune and Nashik, where the COVID-19 situation was similar to Mumbai, regular counter sale of retail liquor was being permitted.

The association's advocate Charanjeet Chanderpal argued that the system of online orders and home delivery of liquor was fraught with difficulties and could have an adverse social impact and was also not safe.

The bench, however, said it would be appropriate for the petition to be placed before the city municipal commissioner as a representation.

The municipal commissioner will be able to take an appropriate decision after considering all the factors, the court said.

"This decision is in the nature of policy. Such a decision entails evaluation of various competing factors. The situation may differ from place to place. The relevant factors can also undergo a change with passage of time," the court said.
Philonise Floyd is speaking out after the death of his brother George Floyd, the black man whose fatal encounter with police was caught on-camera, with viral footage sparking widespread outrage on social media.

As protests erupt across the country, Floyd virtually spoke with MSNBC's Al Sharpton on Saturday and talked about the conversations he had with President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden, who is the presumptive Democratic nominee in the 2020 presidential election.

"I never had to beg a man before but I asked [Biden] could he please, please get justice for my brother, please. Because I need it, I just don't want to see him on a shirt like those other guys. Nobody deserves that," said Floyd, who was joined by his nephew Brandon Williams and their family attorney Ben Crump.

Meanwhile, Floyd said his call with Trump was much different.

"It was so fast. He didn't give me the opportunity to even speak. It was hard. I was trying to talk to him but he just kept like pushing me off like 'I dont want to hear what youre talking about.' I just told him I want justice. I said that I can't believe that they committed a modern-day lynching in broad daylight," he shared.

"I can't stand for that, that hurt me. I just don't understand, man," he said as he became emotional and fought back tears. "Why we have to go through this? Why we gotta have all this pain, man? I love my brother. I'm never going to see him again."

A spokesperson for the White House did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

RELATED: George Floyd's Girlfriend Pleads for Peace at Protests, Says Destruction Would 'Devastate' Him

Trump, who was in Florida for the NASA-SpaceX launch, made remarks about his phone call with Floyd during a speech at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday.

"Yesterday, I spoke to George's family and expressed the sorrow of our entire nation for their loss. I stand before you as a friend and ally to every American seeking justice and peace, and I stand before you in firm opposition to anyone exploiting this tragedy to loot, rob, and menace. Healing not hatred, justice not chaos are the mission at hand," the president said.

Story continues

"I understand the pain that people are feeling. We support the right of peaceful protests and we hear their pleas, but what we are now seeing on the streets of our cities has nothing to do with the memory of George Floyd. The violence and vandalism is being led by Antifa and other radical left-wing groups who are terrorizing the innocent, destroying jobs, hurting businesses and burning down buildings," Trump said. "The main victims of this horrible, horrible situation are the citizens who live in these once-lovely communities... The mobs are devastating the life's work of good people and destroying their dreams. We support the overwhelming majority of police officers who are incredible in every way and devoted to public service."

RELATED: Minneapolis, Atlanta, D.C. and More Cities Erupt in Protests Across the U.S. Over George Floyd's Death

This is no time for incendiary tweets. This is no time to encourage violence.



This is a national crisis  and we need real leadership right now.  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 30, 2020

If we are complacent, if we are silent, we are complicit in perpetuating these cycles of violence.



None of us can turn away. We all have an obligation to speak out.  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 30, 2020

Also during the MSNBC interview, Floyd gave his thoughts about former officer Derek Chauvin and the other police officers in the nine-minute video, which shows Floyd's brother George groaning in pain while bystanders plead with Chauvin to be more gentle as he repeatedly asks for help.

"They all need to be convicted of first-degree murder, and given the death penalty because they didn't care about what they wanted to do with my brother. He wasn't a person to them, he was scum. He was nothing," he told Sharpton. "I can imagine how many people they did like that. I don't need them on the streets to kill anybody else. I'm hurt, my family is hurt. His kids are hurt. They will grow up without a father. Everybody is crying and in pain right now. So if they could do anything please arrest those other officers."

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, whose office would prosecute the case, said at a recent press conference that his office is still investigating the case and that the video of Chauvin putting his weight on George's neck is "graphic, and horrific and terrible, and no person should do that."

Sharpton said he will be traveling to Minnesota "soon to officiate and deliver eulogies at George Floyd's funeral."
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 11:04 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb0cc4a 1 Entertainment podcast,Spotify,Desta,streaming-service Free

Spotify has announced nine new Indonesian podcasts as the latest additions to its exclusive line up.

The new podcasts are BKR Brothers, Makna Talks, Destanya Siapa?, Podcast DariTaDi Yu Ya Yukk, Podcast Malam Kliwon, Rintik Sedu, Teman Tidur, Kinosgina and Thirty Days of Lunch.

Two of the podcasts come from popular creators Desta Mahendra and Nadhifa Allya Tsana.

The podcast space in Indonesia is arguably one of the most exciting in the world today and the number of people discovering and listening to podcasts here continues to grow, said Carl Zuzarte, Spotifys head of studios for Southeast Asia, in a statement.

Zuzarte said podcasts were unique in the way that they made listeners part of the chat, an experience that is craved especially during social distancing.

This is reflected in podcast consumption trends in Indonesia, which have grown in the last few months, he said.

Read also: Spotify teams up with eight Indonesian podcasters

According to the statement, Indonesia has the largest number of listeners streaming podcasts on Spotify in Southeast Asia.

Over 20 percent of Indonesian users listen to podcasts every month, higher than the global average.

Podcasting has given me the ability to communicate with my audience in a way where I can truly be myself. I love being able to bring listeners joy and laughter through my show and Im excited it will be available exclusively through Spotify, said Desta of DESTAnya Siapa.

Spotify currently has over 1 million podcast titles available for free and premium users. (gis/wng)
New Delhi, May 30 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged people to not share malicious and unverified content on social media.

Speaking to the media, he said that it is not a time to do petty politics, urging all to be together in the fight against coronavirus.

"Some people create posts and share videos for petty and dirty politics. A video of dead bodies has been circulated since Saturday morning, claiming that the video is of a Delhi government hospital. It was not of a Delhi government hospital," Kejriwal said.

The Chief Minister also said that a video of low-quality food being served in some government hospital was circulated, claiming that it was of a Delhi government hospital, which is not true.

He lauded the doctors for their unnerving dedication and hard work in these difficult times.

"I want to request the people who are involved in this, the country is going through some very difficult times. We all have to leave politics behind and work for the country together. This is not the time to do dirty politics. I called the officials and authorities after witnessing the kind of food being served in the hospital in the video, it hurts their morale," he added.

Kejriwal said the nurses and doctors of Delhi are working very hard, they are the frontline workers who are the strength behind "our battle against the virus".

"The doctors and nurses are responsible for the low mortality rate in Delhi, but circulating videos like this break their morale and spirit and negate all their hard work. Please do not trust every video that you see on social media because many of the videos turn out to be fake. If any part of any of these videos is found to be true, I assure you that strict action will be taken," he added.
NEW YORK - A Fox News reporter was pummeled and chased by protesters who had gathered outside the White House early Saturday as part of nationwide unrest following the death of George Floyd.

For several journalists across the country, the demonstrations were taking an ominous, dangerous turn.

A television reporter in Columbia, S.C., was hurt by a thrown rock Saturday and a journalist in Minneapolis was shot in the thigh by a rubber bullet. Demonstrators also broke windows and vandalized the Atlanta office building where CNN is headquartered, and police in Louisville, Kentucky, apologized after an officer fired what appeared to be pepper bullets at a television news crew.

Foxs Leland Vittert was rattled following the Washington attack that he said was clearly targeted at his news organization.

We took a good thumping, he told The Associated Press. A live shot he was doing was interrupted by a group of protesters who shouted obscenities directed at Fox. Flanked by two security guards, he and photographer Christian Galdabini walked away from Washingtons Lafayette Park trailed by an angry group before riot police dispersed them.

Vittert said there were no markings on him or the crews equipment to identify them as from Fox. But he said during the demonstration, one man continually asked him who he worked for. He didnt answer, but the man found a picture of Vittert on his cellphone and shouted to other protesters that he was from Fox.

The protesters stopped protesting whatever it was they were protesting and turned on us, he said, and that was a very different feeling.

He compared it to when he was chased away from a demonstration in Egypt during the Arab Spring of 2011 by a group that shouted, Fox News hates Muslims.

A correspondent from the website The Daily Caller followed Vittert and the demonstrators as they left the park. At one point, someone took Vitterts microphone and threw it at his back. One woman chasing him wore a t-shirt that said, I cant breathe, a reference what Floyd said earlier this week when a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against his neck.

Vittert said he was extremely grateful to the Daily Caller for documenting the scene; Galdabinis camera was smashed. They were putting themselves at risk, he said.

It makes me proud to do my job and to be a journalist, he said. Im proud to be an organization that is unyielding in our coverage. Were going to keep on telling our story and doing exactly what were doing.

Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media, said in a memo on Saturday that Fox was taking all necessary security precautions to protect its journalists covering the story.

We are truly living in unprecedented and transformative times and freedom of the press is a vital element to the foundation of our society, Scott wrote.

On Friday, CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez and his two-person crew were arrested while covering overnight protests in Minneapolis. They were quickly released, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz apologized to CNN.

CNNs headquarters in Atlanta was targeted later Friday by a group of protesters who also fought with police and set cars afire. While police tried to keep them away from the CNN Center, demonstrators broke windows there and scrawled obscene graffiti on the networks logo.

In Louisville, WAVE-TV was on the air covering a demonstration when video showed a police officer aiming a rifle at reporter Kaitlin Rust and her crew. She was heard yelling, Ive been shot! Ive been shot! and described them as pepper bullets.

Louisville Police spokeswoman Jesse Halladay apologized for the incident, and said police would review the video for potential discipline.

Demonstrators surrounded the police department headquarters in Columbia, S.C. on Saturday and a scuffle broke out with someone wearing a Make America Great Again hat. Rocks were thrown and Miranda Parnell, a television reporters from WIS-TV, was injured and taken to the hospital, according to a tweet from network anchor Judi Gatson.

It was not clear who threw the rock that hit Parnell.

In Minneapolis on Saturday, a Swedish journalist was shot in the thigh with a rubber bullet, apparently from a police gun, while covering a protest, according to the Norwegian newspaper VG.

___

AP correspondents Mike Stewart in Atlanta, Jari Tanner in Minneapolis and Bruce Schreiner and Dylan Lovan in Louisville, and Jeffrey S. Collins in Columbia, S.C. contributed to this report.
As US continues its tough stance against China as it blames the latter for the deaths and destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, President Donald Trump on Friday announced several measures against China.

Trump said that an entry ban would be imposed on certain Chinese nationals deemed as potential threat and regulations against Chinese investments in America will be more stringent.

Reiterating his charges against China, Trump said, "For decades it has ripped off the US like no one has ever done before, China not only stole intellectual property, took away billions of dollars from the US and offshored the jobs, but also violated its commitment under the World Trade Organization."

"The United States wants an open and constructive relationship with China, but achieving this relationship requires us to vigorously defend our national interest," he added.

Announcing that the US will end special treatment of Hong Kong and that it will revise its travel advisory to warn of surveillance in response to China's imposition of new controls.

"China has unlawfully claimed territories in the Indo-Pacific ocean, threatening freedom of navigation and international trade and broke its word to the world on ensuring the autonomy of Hong Kong," Trump said.

"China's latest incursion, along with other recent developments that degraded the territory's freedoms, makes clear that Hong Kong is no longer sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special treatment that we have afforded the territory since the handover," he said.

Accusing the World Health Organisation of helping China cover up in the aftermath of the cornavirus, Trump decalred that the US was terminating its relationship with the (WHO).

"We have detailed the reforms that it must make and engage with them directly, but they have refused to act and so today we will be terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs," Trump said.

China, he said, has total control over the WHO despite only paying $40 million per year compared to what the US has been paying which is approximately USD 450 million a year.
Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas has revealed how 'fear' held her back from joining the British Royal Family.

The 31-year-old actress said she was scared that she would be dubbed an 'it girl' for the rest of her life after being with Harry, but has now forged her own path.

'The fear of failing, the fear of rejection, the fear of not getting it right, the fear of not being perfect I think that has limited me in certain situations in my life,' she told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.

Finding her confidence! Prince Harry's former girlfriend Cressida Bonas (pictured) revealed to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday how 'fear' held her back from joining the Royal Family

Cressida also shared that following her split from her royal beau, she gained greater clarity of what she really wants in life.

'And I just think it has definitely given me a stronger sense of purpose and a stronger sense of what I want or don't want,' she said.

The blonde stunner has been working hard since the split to prove to everyone she is more than just an 'It girl.'

'I think that I work very, very hard, I love what I do, and I just hope that this role has shown people what I can do and what I would like to do going forward and not be caught in a box in any way,' she said, referring to her new Binge show, White House Farm.

Forging her own path: The stunner has been working hard since the split to prove to everyone she is more than just an 'It girl.' She is now starring in a new Binge show called White House Farm

Cressida has been receiving rave reviews for her latest role in the Binge biopic series, White House Farm.

The beauty looks almost unrecognisable playing schizophrenic Sheila Caffell, who was the sister of British mass murderer Jeremy Bamber.

The drama tells the horrific story of the White House Farm killings that shook the quiet village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy in Essex in 1985.

Scrutiny: Cressida began dating the Duke of Sussex in 2012 after she was introduced to him by her longterm friend Princess Eugenie. The pair dated for three years before calling it quits late 2014, reportedly as she was unable to handle the intense level of scrutiny

Cressida began dating the Duke of Sussex in 2012 after she was introduced to him by her longterm friend Princess Eugenie.

The pair dated for three years before calling it quits late 2014, reportedly as she was unable to handle the intense level of scrutiny that came public life and was keen to carve out her own career.

Harry would meet Meghan Markle on a blind date two years later, with the couple marrying in May 2018 before welcoming son Archie a year later.

Moving on: Harry would meet Meghan Markle (left) on a blind date two years later, with the couple marrying in May 2018 before welcoming son Archie a year later

Meanwhile, Cressida has also moved on and found happiness - with another Harry.

Cressida announced her engagement to UK real estate broker Harry Wentworth Stanley in August last year.

She told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday that they have postponed their wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Police probe gunshot in Phuket Town

PHUKET: Police have detained three men for questioning after a gun was fired at least once in Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town this morning (May 30).

crimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 30 May 2020, 02:20PM

Police at the scene, Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town, this morning (May 3). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police at the scene, Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town, this morning (May 3). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police at the scene, Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town, this morning (May 3). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police at the scene, Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town, this morning (May 3). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police at the scene, Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town, this morning (May 3). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police at the scene, Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town, this morning (May 3). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police at the scene, Poonpon Soi 11 in Phuket Town, this morning (May 3). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police were called to the scene, better known for more than a decade just as Soi Sip-Et (Street 11) and its seedy nightlife and prostitution, at 10:40am.

No people were reported as injured in the shooting, but police have detained three men for questioning.

The three men were reportedly sitting at a table drinking alcohol when one of the men pulled out a gun and fired it.

Phuket City Police have yet to release more details about the incident.

One bullet casing was recovered at the scene.

Forensic Police were present to investigate the scene this morning.
The Government of Ukraine prepares for the gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions and liberalizing the entry to foreign nationals.

"The Government of Ukraine gradually lifts the restrictions imposed in connection with the coronavirus pandemic and we resume the work of border checkpoints. The second issue that needs to be settled is a change in the rules for the entry of foreigners into Ukraine. You probably know that the settlement of this issue is complicated in a number of European countries, but we are determined to liberalize the procedure," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said at a joint briefing with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto in Budapest, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He noted that foreigners could enter Ukraine provided that they comply with certain rules. Thus, the settlement of these issues will allow resuming movement across the border, the Ukrainian foreign minister summed up.

Kuleba also said that the Ukrainian side would cooperate with the Hungarian Government to simplify the border crossing as much as possible.

"I reaffirm these plans and the commitment of the Government of Ukraine to implement a larger program of cross-border cooperation and the opening of joint checkpoints," the minister said.

On May 20, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a decision to switch to the adaptive quarantine model from May 22 to June 22. In particular, from June 1, interregional transportation services are allowed. Air transportation is scheduled to resume on June 15.

On May 29, 2020, Ukraine resumed work at 66 checkpoints on the state border with the EU and Moldova.

ol
Kuwait to impose partial curfew, begin return to normal life

Global Times

Source:Xinhua Published: 2020/5/29 10:12:37

Kuwait will end a total curfew and impose a three-week partial curfew for gradual return to normal life in the country, the Kuwaiti government announced Thursday night.

Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anas Al-Saleh told a press conference that the partial curfew will be imposed from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, starting from May 31.

The minister said that the government also decided to isolate several areas that witnessed an increase in the number of people infected with the coronavirus during the recent period.

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said that Kuwait will begin gradual return to normal life on May 31, taking into consideration the health, economic and social aspects with the main objective of defeating the coronavirus.

"We adopt a plan for gradual return to normal life, based on experiences of many countries, prepared by experts and specialists," he said.

The Kuwaiti government imposed on May 10 a full curfew in the country for three weeks to curb the rapid rise in coronavirus cases.

Kuwait and China have been supporting each other and cooperating closely in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kuwait donated medical supplies worth 3 million U.S. dollars to China at the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, while China has been facilitating the procurement of medical supplies by Kuwait.

On April 27, a team of Chinese medical experts visited Kuwait to assist the Arab country's anti-coronavirus fight, sharing with Kuwaiti counterparts their experience and expertise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






(Natural News) Some 23 countries, including the United States, have agreed to accept Apples latest iOS smartphone update, known as 13.5, which contains built-in contact tracing technology for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). But is it really a good idea to install it?

The reason we ask is because so-called contact tracing is not designed to keep you safe, despite what some authorities claim. It is designed to keep you enslaved by watching everything you do and tracking everywhere you go, all in the name of promoting public safety.

According to reports, both Apple and Google have released new software updates that come with exposure notification, a technology that can supposedly identify who has tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as notify everyone who might have come in contact with that person.

Governments will also have the ability to incorporate their own apps into these new systems, allowing them to pull contact tracing data directly from peoples smartphones. It is the ultimate in total government surveillance and spying, and the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) has made it all happen.

Over two dozen countries have already released their own contact tracing apps, but the Apple-Google release is expected to dramatically accelerate the process, reports Technology Review, adding that their partnership means almost all smartphones worldwide will be able to detect each other and share information about potential exposure to the disease.

Listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about the greater Big Pharma plot to use the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) as a means of enslaving humanity under totalitarianism, including through the use of contact tracing:

Tech isnt enough; experts want 100,000 human contact tracers in America alone

Both Apple and Google are insistent that the technology will be entirely voluntary, and that users will have the freedom to opt-in, or not, depending on whether or not they choose to participate. The two tech giants will merely provide the API, they claim, while governments will handle the rest.

What weve built is not an app, Apple and Google said in a joint statement. Rather, public health agencies will incorporate the API into their own apps that people install. Our technology is designed to make these apps work better.

Each user gets to decide whether or not to opt in to exposure notifications; the system does not collect or use location from the device; and if a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, it is up to them whether or not to report that in the public health app. User adoption is key to success, and we believe that these strong privacy protections are also the best way to encourage use of these apps, they added.

The two companies further claim that as the pandemic ends, however that is determined, countries will begin to shut down the use of these apps, though the API-equipped software will presumably remain.

This might sound like good news until you realize that many epidemiologists and technologists are already saying that such apps will not solve the crisis, nor will they be enough to keep it at bay. Instead, they want to see more human contact tracing in the form of a contact tracing army, much like the one that failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wants to see implemented across the U.S.

In order for this to work, according to some experts, about 100,000 contact tracers will have to be trained and deployed just in the U.S. alone. This, they claim, is how the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will end, whatever that ends up meaning.

You can keep up with the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) by visiting Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

TechnologyReview.com

NaturalNews.com
In the high country town of Bright, now a May postcard of autumnal orange and brown, conversations the last week invariably turned to the easing coronavirus restrictions, and mostly ended in questions and nervous shrugs of shoulders.

No one knows what to expect when, from Monday, the people come back to Bright, effectively ending the town's five-month shutdown, which began with the Black Summer bushfires in January.

Accommodation providers say the phones never ran so hot as last week in the hours after Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Victorians could soon venture to the regions for overnight stays.

Uplifting signs posted around Bright. Credit:Joe Armao

Locals are generally grateful and optimistic, if not desperate, but some also fear tourists will bring more than dollars to a town so far untouched by COVID-19 cases.
United Nations, May 30 : The UN has called for an investigation into the killing of 30 migrants in western Libya.

"I am shocked by the horrific reports about Wednesday's shooting at a smuggling warehouse in Mezda killing 30 migrants and injuring 11 others," UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya Yacoub El Hillo said in a statement on Friday.

The incident, which occurred at the town of Mezda, some 180 km southwest of the capital Tripoli, was reportedly a revenge attack carried out by the family of a Libyan smuggler who was murdered by migrants.

"Authorities with influence on the ground in the area where this incident took place have the responsibility to ensure that human smugglers and traffickers are not allowed to continue with their inhuman and degrading acts," the UN official said.

"Such a heinous and merciless crime against helpless individuals should be investigated immediately and those responsible must be brought to justice.

"Those responsible for the attack must be held accountable. The impunity with which smugglers and traffickers operate in Libya must be brought to an immediate stop," he urged.

On Thursday, Libya's UN-backed government confirmed that its Interior Ministry had issued an instruction for Mezda's security directorate to arrest those responsible for the incident.

The UN estimated that more than 654,000 migrants and refugees are living in Libya, and many of them face arbitrary detention, gender-based violence, forced labour, extortion and exploitation.

Smugglers exploited chaos and insecurity in the country to send thousands of migrants through the Mediterranean Sea towards European shores.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
THE Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) today welcomes three new directors to take forward the organization into the next stage of its development as a world-leading cluster organization across the Norths life sciences.

Dr Kath Mackay

Professor Sir John Tooke, Dr Kath Mackay and Dr Jonathan Sheffield OBE have joined the organization as non-executive directors and will play a key role in developing the strategic direction of the NHSA.

The NHSA is a partnership established by the leading Universities and NHS Hospital Trusts in the North of England to improve the health and wealth of the region by creating an internationally recognized life science and healthcare system. It links ten universities and ten research-intensive NHS Teaching Trusts with four Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs covering a population of over 16 million).

The organization brings together health research collaborations across the region, draws in international investment to the North and acts as a voice for its health research system.

Im delighted to be joining the NHSA Board to help this remarkable organization advance population health and wealth through leveraging its many strengths and spirit of partnership. Professor Sir John Tooke

The NHSA has a strong reputation and is poised to make a difference to health research and innovation in the North and wider UK. I am excited to be joining at such a critical time when health and care is at the front of everyone's mind. I'm passionate about innovation in health and securing positive outcomes for all. Dr Kath Mackay

The NHSA has a unique opportunity to raise the profile and impact of our brilliant scientists, innovators, clinicians and partnering institutions. Together we will deliver better health, wealth and care for people in the North. Dr Jonathan Sheffield

Chair of the Northern Health Science Alliance board Professor David Burn, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University, said: I am thrilled to welcome our three new directors to the board of the Northern Health Science Alliance.

Each of them brings a wealth of experience which will be invaluable to the Northern Health Science Alliance as we move forward in our vision of health and equality for all through the power of northern health innovation.

The three will join Professor Burn, Dr Seamus ONeill, Chief Executive of the NHSA, Dr Liz Mear, Chief Executive Officer of the Innovation Agency North West Coast Academic Health Science Network, Dame Jackie Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Professor Paul Stewart, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Health and Dean of the Medical School at the University of Leeds on the board of the NHSA.

Professor Sir John Tooke is a clinician scientist and graduate of Oxford University who trained at Kings College London, the University Department of Medicine at Leeds General Infirmary where he undertook his higher medical training, the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and as a Wellcome Trust Senior Lecturer at Charing Cross Medical School in London. Until 2015 he was Vice Provost (Health) and Head of the School of Life and Medical Sciences at UCL and Academic Director of UCLs Academic Health Science Centre, UCL Partners. Sir John is immediate past President of the Academy of Medical and Executive Chairman of Academic Health Solutions.

Dr Kath Mackay is Managing Director of Bruntwood SciTechs Alderley Park, the UKs largest single-site life science campus and key component of the Northern life science ecosystem. Previously she was on the executive management team at Innovate UK, the UKs innovation agency and part of UK Research & Innovation, where she was Director for Ageing Society, Health and Nutrition. In this role she led initiatives to grow and scale the UK life science sector, working with private sector businesses and investors, Government, NHS and universities. Kath is a scientist with a PhD in Pharmacology from Manchester University, and she has held commercial roles in life science companies spanning multiple disease areas and technologies across USA and EU markets. Kath is also non-executive director of the Antimicrobial Resistance Centre.

Dr Jonathan Sheffield OBE is a qualified Consultant Histopathologist with over 39 years experience working the in the NHS as a doctor, Medical and General Manager. He was Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network until March of this year where he oversaw performance of the network which delivers 800,000 patients into clinical studies annually. Previous to this he held a variety of Medical/NHS Management and Leadership Roles including Deputy Chief Executive University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and South West SHA Lead Clinician and Chairman for the Acute Services.
OAKLAND, CALIF.Jack Dorsey was up late Thursday at his home in San Francisco talking online with his executives when their conversation was interrupted: United States President Donald Trump had just posted another inflammatory message on Twitter.

Tensions between Twitter, where Dorsey is chief executive, and Trump had been running high for days over the presidents aggressive tweets and the companys decision to begin labelling some of them. In his latest message, Trump weighed in on the clashes between the police and protesters in Minneapolis, saying, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.

A group of more than 10 Twitter officials, including lawyers and policy-makers, quickly gathered virtually to review Trumps post and debate over the messaging system Slack and Google Docs whether it pushed people toward violence.

They soon came to a conclusion. And after midnight, Dorsey gave his go-ahead: Twitter would hide Trumps tweet behind a warning label that said the message violated its policy against glorifying violence. It was the first time Twitter applied that specific warning to any public figures tweets.

The action has prompted a broad fight over whether and how social media companies should be held responsible for what appears on their sites, and was the culmination of months of debate inside Twitter. For more than a year, the company had been building an infrastructure to limit the impact of objectionable messages from world leaders, creating rules on what would and would not be allowed and designing a plan for when Trump inevitably broke them.

But the path to that point was not smooth. Inside Twitter, dealing with Trumps tweets  which are the equivalent of a presidential megaphone  was a fitful and uneven process. Some executives repeatedly urged Dorsey to take action on the inflammatory posts while others insisted he hold back, staying hands-off as the company had done for years.

Outside Twitter, the presidents critics urged the company to shut him down as he pushed the limits with insults and untruths, noting that ordinary users were sometimes suspended for lesser transgressions. But Twitter argued that posts by Trump and other world leaders deserved special leeway because of their news value.

The efforts were complicated by Dorsey, 43, who was sometimes absent on travels and meditative retreats before the coronavirus pandemic. He often delegated policy decisions, watching the debate from the sidelines so he would not dominate with his own views. And he frequently did not weigh in until the last minute.

Now Twitter is at war with Trump over its treatment of his posts, which has implications for the future of speech on social media. In the past week, the company for the first time added fact-checking and other warning labels to three of Trumps messages, refuting their accuracy or marking them as inappropriate.

In response, an irate Trump issued an executive order designed to limit legal protections that tech companies enjoy and posted more angry messages.

Twitters position is precarious. The company is grappling with charges of bias from the right over its labelling of Trumps tweets; one of its executives has faced a sustained campaign of online harassment. Yet Twitters critics on the left said that by leaving Trumps tweets up and not banning him from the site, it was enabling the president.

It really is about whether or not Twitter blinks, said James Grimmelmann, a law professor at Cornell University. You really have to stick to your guns and ensure you do it right.

Twitter is girding for a protracted battle with Trump. Some employees have locked down their social media accounts and deleted their professional affiliation to avoid being harassed. Executives, holed up at home, are meeting virtually to discuss next steps while also handling a surge of misinformation related to the pandemic.

This account of how Twitter came to take action on Trumps tweets was based on interviews with nine current and former company employees and others who work with Dorsey outside of Twitter. They declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly and because they feared being targeted by Trumps supporters.

A Twitter spokesperson declined to comment. Dorsey tweeted Friday that the fact-checking process should be open to the public so that the facts are verifiable by everyone.

Trump said on Twitter that his recent statements were very simple and that nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. The White House declined to comment.

The confrontation between Trump and Twitter has raised questions about free speech. Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, social media companies are shielded from most liability for the content posted on their platforms. Republican lawmakers have argued the companies are acting as publishers and not mere distributors of content and should be stripped of those protections.

But a hands-off approach by the companies has allowed harassment and abuse to proliferate online, said Lee Bollinger, the president of Columbia University and a First Amendment scholar. So now the companies, he said, have to grapple with how to moderate content and take more responsibility, without losing their legal protections.

These platforms have achieved incredible power and influence, Bollinger said, adding that moderation was a necessary response. Theres a greater risk to American democracy in allowing unbridled speech on these private platforms.

For years, Twitter did not touch Trumps messages. But as he continued using Twitter to deride rivals and spread falsehoods, the company faced mounting criticism.

That set off internal debates. Dorsey observed the discussions, sometimes raising questions about who could be harmed by posts on Twitter or its moderation decisions, executives said.

In 2018, two of the presidents tweets stood out to Twitter officials. In one, Trump discussed launching nuclear weapons at North Korea, which some employees believed violated company policy against violent threats. In the other, he called a former aide, Omarosa Manigault Newman, a crazed, crying lowlife and that dog.

At the time, Twitter had rules against harassing messages like the tweet about Manigault Newman but left the tweet up.

The company began working on a specific solution to allow it to respond to violent and inaccurate posts from Trump and other world leaders without removing the messages. Dorsey had expressed interest in finding a middle ground, executives said. It also rolled out labels to denote that a tweet needed fact-checking or had videos and photos that had been altered to be misleading.

The effort was overseen by Vijaya Gadde, who leads Twitters legal, policy, trust and safety teams. The labels for world leaders, unveiled in June 2019, explained how a politicians message had broken a Twitter policy and took away tools that could amplify it, like retweets and likes.

We want to elevate healthy conversations on Twitter and that may sometimes mean offering context, Del Harvey, Twitters vice-president of trust and safety, said in an interview this year.

By the time the labels were introduced, Trump was not the only head of state testing Twitters boundaries. Shortly before Twitter released them, the president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, tweeted a sexually explicit video and Iranian leader Ali Khamenei posted threatening remarks about Israel.

Last month, Twitter used the labels on a tweet from Brazilian politician Osmar Terra in which he falsely claimed that quarantine increased cases of the coronavirus.

This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules, the label read. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the publics interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.

On Tuesday, Twitter officials began discussing labelling Trumps messages after he falsely asserted that mail-in ballots were illegally printed and implied they would lead to fraud in the November election. His tweets were flagged to Twitter through a portal it had opened specifically for non-profit groups and local officials involved in election integrity to report content that could discourage or interfere with voting.

Twitter quickly concluded that Trump had posted false information about mail-in ballots. The company then labelled two of his tweets, urging people to get the facts about voting by mail. An in-house team of fact checkers also assembled a list of what people should know about mail-in ballots.

Trump struck back, drafting an executive order designed to chip away at Section 230. He and his allies also singled out a Twitter employee who had publicly criticized him and other Republicans, falsely suggesting that employee was responsible for the labels.

Dorsey and his executives kept on alert. On Wednesday, Twitter labelled hundreds of other tweets, including those that falsely claimed to include images of Derek Chauvin, the white police officer who was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, an African-American man in Minnesota.

Trump did not let up. Even after Twitter called out his shooting tweet for glorifying violence, he posted the same sentiment again.

Looting leads to shooting, Trump wrote, adding that he did not want violence to occur. It was spoken as a fact.

This time, Twitter did not label the tweet.

Read more about:
Agartala, May 30 : Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Saturday performed puja at his official residence here to mark the first anniversary of the second term of the NDA government.

Taking to Twitter, Deb said, "On completion of one year of Modi 2.0, prayed to mother Tripurasundari for the good health and long life of beloved PM Narendra Modi ji. May he continue to serve the country as a Prime Minister for long years." The Tripureshwari temple situated in southern Tripura's Gomati district headquarters Udaipur (64 km south of Agartala) is one of the 51 holy sites in India.

An official associated with the Chief Minister said that following Deb, thousands of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries also offered puja in various temples and at their homes praying for Modi's long life and long governance.

Tripura BJP spokesman Nabendu Bhattacharjee said that maintaining the COVID-19 and lockdown related protocols and without holding big rallies, Chief Minister Deb, Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, other ministers and party leaders will campaign from Sunday or the day after to highlight the performance of the Modi government.

Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
ATASCOSA  Deputies in training at the Bexar County Sheriffs Academy had to take a refresher course Friday on police misconduct, days after an unarmed black man in Minneapolis died during a routine arrest, igniting protests and reenergizing the national dialogue on police violence.

The training, called EPIC, or Ethical Policing is Courageous, teaches officers how to intervene when they witness possible wrongdoing. It took on added urgency after cellphone video footage captured one Minneapolis officer press his knee down on the neck of George Floyd as his desperate pleas go unheeded by three other officers.

EPIC encourages deputies to do the right thing, to prevent wrongdoing from happening in the first place, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said Friday, after speaking to deputies at the training facility in Atascosa, a town in South Bexar County.

Emilie Eaton / Staff

Think about what happened in Minneapolis. A man is now dead, four officers have been terminated, and all four are probably going to face charges.  All that could have been prevented had one of the officers stepped in and did the right thing.

Salazar said he decided to require the course a second time  the deputies already completed the eight-hour training earlier this year  after watching what he called shocking footage of the officers in Minneapolis.

Floyd, 46, was arrested after an employee at a grocery store called police and accused him of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Cellphone video shows Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, pin Floyd down for nearly nine minutes, even as Floyd repeatedly cried out that he couldnt breathe.

On Friday, hours after Salazar spoke to the class, Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He and the other officers have been fired.

On ExpressNews.com: What cadets endure on Hell Day at the San Antonio police academy

Salazar is not alone in his criticism of the Minneapolis police officers. Dozens of officials nationwide  including several police chiefs and sheriffs  have condemned the actions of the four officers.

Its devastating. This is another American tragedy, the murder of a black American in policy custody, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Friday. This is why people are so upset. I hope that justice can be served, but its tragic to see a city in that state.

Former Mayor Julian Castro also weighed in.

Police violence isnt a case of a few bad apples  its the system thats broken, Castro said in a Tweet. Derek Chauvin should have been terminated years before he killed George Floyd. Our outrage should spur us to action on Mr. Floyds behalf.

And Police Chief William McManus, who served as the Minneapolis police chief for two years prior to taking the job in San Antonio in 2006, issued the following statement Friday:

Mr. Floyds death is deeply unsettling and is a cause for great concern The actions of these officers does not align with the training and policies of any professional law enforcement agency. Simply put, bad policing can ruin the trust between the police and the community that we are sworn to protect.

Focus on training

Since he took office in January 2017, Salazar has continually emphasized the need to improve training at the Sheriffs Office, which has been plagued by personnel problems, including the arrest of several dozen employees, and the erroneous release of at least 16 inmates from the county jail.

During his first months in office, Salazar lengthened the course to become a detention officer from seven weeks to 12. In-service training for existing deputies also expanded.

Salazar, who is seeking re-election this year, said he learned of the EPIC training, which was developed in New Orleans, while researching peer-intervention programs for police officers. At the time, Salazar said, he was concerned about a string of in-custody deaths by police officers nationwide.

Local law enforcement has not been exempt from that scrutiny.

Community activists have criticized two deputies with the Bexar County Sheriffs Office for the 2015 shooting death of Gilbert Flores, a domestic violence suspect with a history of mental illness. According to a civil lawsuit filed by Flores family, the deputies agreed on ending this and began firing just as Flores raised his hands in what appeared to be a surrender. The suit is pending.

And the San Antonio Police Department has faced criticism for a number of officer-involved shootings, including the 2014 killing of Marquise Jones. He was shot in the back by an off-duty police officer who said he feared for his life. Jones family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court but lost.

The program in New Orleans was developed in 2015 amid public outrage over police brutality and cover-ups after Hurricane Katrina.

The concept is simple: Industries, including airline pilots and surgeons, have intervention programs to reduce errors in cockpits and operating rooms. Policing should too.

After reading about the training  which has adopted by agencies in Baltimore, Honolulu, Albuquerque and Baton Rouge, La.,  Salazar sent a member of his command staff and several instructors to New Orleans to see it firsthand.

On ExpressNews.com: Bexar County will review its training policies after shooting death of 6-year-old

In September, instructors at the Sheriffs Academy started to add the curriculum to its training, Salazar said. The curriculum includes reading materials, role playing, videos and other tools.

Salazar said the program has benefits beyond the obvious ethical ones. For example, deputies who deescalate a tense situation between a fellow deputy and a suspect might protect the deputy from disciplinary action or criminal charges, Salazar said.

Lets prevent it from ever going to Internal Affairs in the first place, he said. Additionally, if I know everyone in this room is going to do the right thing, and they arent going to hesitate to call me out, Im more likely to police myself.

Salazar said the training also covers other aspects of ethical behavior.

Its something that translates. Its not just for use-of-force, he said. Its to make sure officers resist all types of temptations, including the temptation to take shortcuts in an investigation or the temptation to accept money.

On Friday morning, Salazar spent five minutes addressing the class of about a dozen. All are former detention deputies who are taking an additional 18 weeks of training to become law enforcement officers.

As Salazar spoke, a photo of a Minneapolis police officer  one of the three that was fired for not intervening  was projected on a screen behind him.

All this could have been prevented had one of the officers basically walked up to the officer and whispered in his ear, Hey cut it out. Get your knee off this guy, Salazar said, pointing to the screen.

Look at all that could have been prevented if he had stepped in and done the right thing.

Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Emilie, become a subscriber. eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton
Most Necco Wafer lovers havent had a candy fix in two years. The New England Confectionery Company shuttered mid-2018, and the beloved old-fashioned candy has since disappeared from store shelves.

Now, according to a report by Today Food, thats about to change. This week, Kirk Vashaw, the chairman and CEO of Spangler Candy, revealed in an exclusive interview with Today, that fresh rolls of Necco Wafers are set to hit store shelves in just a few days.

Weve always admired the brand and how its woven in with the fabric of our culture, Vashaw told Today. Its neat to be eating a candy that was carried by Civil War soldiers, and taken on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, and issued to GIs in World War II as a morale booster. Its a piece of our history, he said.

According to the report, the wax paper-wrapped roll of disc-shaped candies is a long-lasting, old-fashioned treat thats been around for a very long time. The name is an acronym for the company that created the candies in 1847, the New England Confectionery Company.

The candies come in a mix of eight flavors (lemon, lime, orange, clove, cinnamon, wintergreen, licorice and chocolate). The all-chocolate rolls that previously had been sold, are not currently being manufactured, the report said.

The report said in addition to their desirable flavors, the candies were also durable, and versatile: They wont melt and travel well - and, Vashaw said kids have used them as shingles on gingerbread houses, adults have used them as poker chips and even young Catholic worshipers have used them to practice taking communion.

According to Today, when the Necco factory hit hard times and closed abruptly in mid-2018, assets were auctioned off and Vashaws Spangler Candy snapped up several classic Necco brands, including the eponymous wafers and Sweethearts (which returned this year for Valentines Day). The company also bought up some of the key equipment used to make Neccos.

Will the formula change?

Vashaw confirmed that the formula for the classic recipe and the packaging has remained the same. We kept the wax wrap around the roll exactly the same, Vashaw told Today, and used the same supplier and everything.

There might be a slight difference in taste with the chocolate wafer, though. Connoisseurs may notice a slightly richer taste to the cocoa, he explained. Its the same flavor, but we use a slightly different process. To our palate, it brings out the flavor a bit differently, Vashaw told Today.

Candy is a simple joy in life and its a simple reward, said Vashaw. People want the same thing they remember as a kid. Thats the beauty of candy  nostalgia.

The company is currently producing the candies at a facility in Mexico, the report said.

According to Today, a company spokesperson said there have been some challenges bringing a famous candy back to market during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spangler is enforcing social distancing at its Mexican factory, and employees are required to wear face coverings and must also submit to temperature checks.

Given the layout of the production lines, most employees are able to easily maintain distance from each other and, in the few places where that is difficult, we have installed barriers, the spokesperson told Today.

When and where will Necco Wafers be available?

Drugstores and pharmacies nationwide are expected to start getting fresh Necco Wafers by the end of this month or early June, Today reports. The company expects shipments to other stores will arrive in July.

Were running as fast as we can and hope to keep up with demand this summer, Vashaw told Today.

READ MORE:

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
Pima County, in collaboration with the University of Arizona, will recommend a 14-day shelter in place for all students living on or near campus to help reduce community spread of coronavirus. The recommendation comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise among UA students, who returned for the start of the semester last month.
New Delhi, May 30 : A special ferry flight of national carrier Air India which took off from Delhi for Moscow on Saturday returned after a crew member was found Covid-19 positive.

The flight being operated under the Vande Bharat mission was half way over Central Asia when it was called back.

According to sources, the airline's medical staff overseeing the massive testing campaign of its crew, mistook the pilot's test report as 'Negative' while he had tested 'Positive' for Covid-19.

Subsequently, the aircraft was informed and the SoPs meant for such situations were immediately implemented.

The incident has been termed as "unfortunate" by many industry insiders, as AI has been instrumental in carrying out Covid-19 evacuation operations for around 5 months now. The airline is well conversant with safety protocols which mandate Covid-19 testing of crew before and after a flight.

"Prioritising saftey protocol, Air India has recalled its Delhi-Moscow repatriation ferry flight today as one of the pilots, who had recently tested positive, was inadvertently rostered for the flight due to genuine oversight," another source told IANS.

"Another aircraft will shortly leave for Moscow." Consequent to the incident, the regulator, DGCA, has ordered a probe into the matter.

The probe is said to look at the lapses which occurred while implementing the SoPs meant for mounting flights.
A Co Antrim woman who feared her American husband-to-be would be forced to leave Northern Ireland when his visa expires has spoken of her relief after the couple were able to tie the knot.

Louise Murray (25), from Carrickfergus, married Jason Charewicz (29), from Boston, in her hometown last Saturday - while maintaining social distancing.

The young couple, who have been together for over two years, met while teaching English in South Korea.

Jason is here in Northern Ireland on a fiance visa which required him to get legally married before August 23.

Louise said the situation has been "beyond stressful" for the couple, who are currently living with her parents, Hugh (62) and Lorraine (60).

The ceremony was due to be held in the Catholic church in Carrickfergus, but instead took place in the grounds, in the presence of Louise's parents and conducted by Fr Peter Owens.

"The priest was happy to proceed with a service just for us and my parents because we live in the same household," she said.

If the marriage had not taken place, Jason could not extend his stay or switch to a spousal visa and remain in the UK, meaning that their whole future was thrown into question.

"We had resigned ourselves to the fact that it wasn't going to happen, but then got a call a couple of days beforehand from the registrar to say that the wedding could go ahead," Louise said.

"It was a wonderful ceremony with just the five of us and all done outside on a windy (and slightly rainy) day.

"I thought it might all be a bit strange, but it was actually really lovely and intimate and we couldn't be happier that we are now married. Afterwards, we went back home, opened a bottle of champagne and called all our friends and family who couldn't be there, followed by a quiet evening.

"All being well in the autumn and post Covid-19 lockdown measures, we will have a proper celebration and the renew our vows then," she added.

The decision to relocate from the Far East to Northern Ireland was the result of Louise's preference to come home.

That meant Jason was prepared to leave his parents, Michael (65) and Deborah (64), and younger brother, Brett (26), behind in the US to make a new life with his Northern Irish love.

The longer their marriage was delayed, the more likely it was that they wouldn't meet the financial requirement of the spousal visa.

"We hope that now we are married that we can stay together and I can return to America with him," Louise added.
With the coronavirus coursing through correctional facilities large and small, states have been releasing small numbers of inmates who are not deemed threats to the public. The response raises obvious questions: If the inmates are not public threats, why are they locked up in the first place? And how dangerous are the inmates left behind that they deserve to face a risk of death?

Criminal justice reform has been on the periphery of public debate for more than a decade. The Bureau of Justice Statistics pegs annual incarceration costs at more than $80 billion. Related costs, such as criminal courts, add to the tally. In addition to finances, issues of morality, public safety and public health are all significant factors that influence America's approach to incarceration.

Absent policy or political consensus, most political leaders have been reluctant to reduce their prison populations significantly - even now. Fear of the coronavirus has proved no match for public misperceptions of the threat of violent crime, which drives the demand for removal of offenders from society. A more humane, rational and cost-effective approach is still possible, but it will require a different political debate, and political leaders who soothe fears rather than exploit them.

- - -

Prison policy in the U.S. is the product of multiplying fear by indifference. Fordham University law professor John Pfaff, author of "Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration and How to Achieve Real Reform," wrote in The Washington Post: "Our draconian approach toward violent crime rests on viewing certain people, and certain groups of people, as not fully human. This has always been a pressing concern in criminal justice reform; during the pandemic, it is a matter of life and death."

Nationwide, at least 42 prison staff and 446 inmates have already died, according to a tracker at the UCLA School of Law. The numbers continue to rise. "Prisons and jails are ripe for staggering levels of covid-19 infection, due to the close quarters and the limits on sanitation and personal hygiene," said Lauren-Brooke Eisen, director of the justice program at the Brennan Center at New York University. "That makes everyone inside - those incarcerated and those on staff - sitting ducks for the virus."

Even so, relatively few inmates have been released. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, with more than 171,000 inmates, has released fewer than 5,000. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on April 10 signed an executive order allowing some inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes to be released due to the pandemic. As of mid-May, the ACLU estimated the state had released fewer than 100 inmates - 10 percent of those eligible - though state officials said the number is higher.

The overall U.S. prison population has declined over the past decade, to fewer than 1.5 million, after a sharp, sustained rise that began in the 1970s. The retreat is partly due to a reduction in violent crime, and to more lenient attitudes among the public and politicians toward nonviolent drug offenders. It's probably not a coincidence that the change accompanied an evolution in the stereotype of the drug abuser, from a black crack user in the 1990s to a white opioid user today.

The reform impulse has gained genuine traction. District attorneys in Philadelphia and San Francisco were elected on platforms stressing decarceration. Conservative states have joined the quest to reduce prison populations. Mississippi and Louisiana, states long synonymous with prison brutality, have sought ways to reduce populations and divert low-level offenders. Oklahoma has an initiative on the November ballot that would result in less severe sentences for some classes of convicted criminals.

Perhaps the most surprising source of progress was the White House. Donald Trump has made demagoguery about crime a mainstay of his politics, lingering, in particular, on the details of "beautiful" young white women killed by undocumented Mexican immigrants. But in 2018 Trump broke from his own record and rhetoric, signing the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform that paved the way for the release of thousands of federal inmates. The law gives judges more discretion in sentencing, expands access to rehabilitation programs, slightly increases credits to reduce federal prison time and makes sentences for crack cocaine more equitable compared with those for powder cocaine.

Momentum for reform has since stalled, and the reluctance to release inmates despite the pandemic suggests how deeply entrenched the nation's punitive conventions are. Politics is a major reason. Many political leaders prefer to avoid the risks of a potentially career-ending Willie Horton attack, in which a prisoner paroled or released on their watch proceeds to commit violence, allowing political opponents to pounce.

Attorney General William Barr didn't wait for a new Willie Horton to emerge. He has already denounced prison-reform efforts as "demoralizing" to police who now "must look on as the criminals that they have risked their lives to apprehend get turned loose by 'social-justice' DAs and 'progressive' judges who no longer see their role as protecting the community from predators."

Unlike reform, Barr's demagoguery is risk-free. It builds on Trump's 2016 campaign, which exploited public perceptions of crime that are so skewed as to be almost delusional. In 18 of 22 Gallup surveys conducted between 1993 and 2018, at least 60 percent of Americans said that crime had risen compared with the year before. In reality, violent crime plummeted during that span, hitting a 45-year low in 2014.

Likewise, the Pew Research Center reported that in 2016, 57 percent of registered voters said that crime in the U.S. had gotten worse since 2008. In fact, rates for both violent and property crime declined markedly over the decade. A Brennan Center study found that more than half a million Americans are now imprisoned "with no compelling public safety reason." But "compelling" and "public safety" are highly subjective measures.

- - -

What might a sensible program of decarceration look like? Perhaps a little more like Europe. In 2013, a delegation of state officials traveled to Germany and the Netherlands to observe criminal justice systems that run on different philosophies, with dramatically different results. Both nations incarcerate at a fraction - little more than a tenth - of the rate in the U.S., which has the largest prison population in the world.

The more sparing use of prison results from a very different view of crime, punishment and rehabilitation. Noncustodial sanctions, fines and diversion programs are far more common sentences - even for crimes deemed felonies in the U.S., including assault. In the Netherlands, some convicted of crimes are sentenced to a "task" - sometimes hundreds of hours of work intended to benefit the community.

For those who do go to jail, sentences are generally shorter than in the U.S. The chief goal of incarceration is rehabilitation, including reintegration into the community. Corrections staff are well-trained professionals whose job is not to warehouse criminals but to prepare them for more productive lives.

The U.S., by contrast, spends far less on providing social services to those who break the law than on funding policing and punishment. Those priorities are reflected at every level of society. The American Civil Liberties Union noted that 14 million American students go to schools that have a police officer but no counselor, nurse, psychologist or social worker.

The nation's indifference to poor students is related to its willingness to warehouse those same students in prisons when they become teens and young adults. If American society, and its political leadership, is unwilling to invest in providing opportunity even for nonviolent offenders, what hope is there for an inmate from a marginalized neighborhood who commits a violent act as an adolescent or young man?

Ultimately, successful prison reform requires a more generous, less fearful polity, one less eager to embrace pitiless retribution as a moral and political value. Productive reforms - shorter sentences, diversion programs, services to facilitate social integration in lieu of incarceration - entail redirecting public investment. But they require something else: an assumption of small but nonetheless real risk. A convicted criminal who is not in jail is one with the capacity to offend again, possibly violently.

As long as U.S. voters entertain wildly false notions about the true measure of that risk, and remain willing, even eager, to be manipulated by appeals to fear, humane policies will remain out of reach. Prisoners and corrections personnel will die unnecessarily in this pandemic. Many already have. More rational, and humane, policies could have saved lives. But for such efforts to take root, more Americans are going to have to learn to care about such lives in the first place. A better criminal justice system in the U.S. is premised on better politics.

- - -

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Wilkinson writes editorials on politics and U.S. domestic policy for Bloomberg Opinion. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion
The Trump administration will take measures to safeguard Americans from the risks of investing in Chinese companies, US President Donald Trump said in a speech aired by the White House on Friday as he ratcheted up pressure on the firms to comply with US accounting and disclosure rules Speaking at a White House briefing to unveil measures targeting Beijing over Hong Kong, Trump said he is instructing the presidential working group on financial markets to study "differing practices of Chinese companies listed on US markets with the goal of protecting American ...

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
Srinagar:

Security personnel today arrested two militants from Pattan area of Baramulla district and recovered arms and ammunitions from their possession.

In a joint operation today, Army and police apprehended two local terrorists in Pattan, an army spokesman said.

The arrests were affected based on specific information about the movement of suspected militants near Wusunkhui in Pattan town, he added.

The arrested militants were identified as Shaukat Ahmed Ganai (26) and Parvez Ahmad Mir (34), both residents of nearby Andargam village.

Two AK-47 rifles, two grenade launchers and other war-like stores have been recovered from these terrorists, the spokesperson said.

Army and police uniforms, which exposes the nefarious designs of the terror outfits to terrorise people in the garb of security forces, were also recovered from them, he added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
As Central New York reopens for business and life begins to return to downtown Syracuse, people will notice something brand new  large and vibrant graphic artworks of quilts in the storefronts of the State Tower Building on South Warren Street, the latest installation of Art in the Windows, produced by CNY Arts.

Fifteen super-sized photographs of handcrafted quilts are on display on the north and south sides of the State Tower Building. The original quilts were created by the Sankofa Piecemakers, a quilting group based out of Beauchamp Branch Library in Syracuse, New York.

Just as pieces of a quilt are stitched together, this joint effort brought local groups together to showcase pieces of art for our community to enjoy.

This is a marvelous example of a partnership between local artists and businesses that created a wonderful opportunity for residents, employees, and visitors to enjoy public art in our downtown spaces even while we continue to socially distance, said Stephen Butler, CNY Arts Executive Director.

Organizations involved include CNY Arts, Sankofa Piecemakers, Jim Emmons and the Syracuse Poster Project, Downtown Committee of Syracuse, and Paratore Signs, a family-owned Syracuse business that handled the printing and installation.

Art in the Windows was developed by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse in 2017 to bring to life empty storefronts in downtown Syracuse while drawing the attention of potential new tenants. In 2019, CNY Arts received a New York State Council on the Arts Regional Economic Development grant to offer the program again to compensate artists and extend the program into the city of Cortland.

For 2020, CNY Arts teamed with Jim Emmons, director of the Syracuse Poster Project, and a veteran of the Art in the Windows program, to find new artists, and curate and coordinate the installation. Developing a new concept, Emmons worked with the Sankofa Piecemakers to showcase quilts using photographed enlargements that would highlight bright, intricate, and engaging designs. Emmons wanted to highlight the art form of quilting which arrived in America in the early days of the countrys formation. While primarily functional, over time quilting became an outlet of creative expression and storytelling for women, giving the creators a voice at a time when societal rules did not.

Established 20 years ago by Robin Best, The Sankofa Piecemakers groups purpose was to offer an escape for mothers and patrons of the Beauchamp Library who enjoyed quiltmaking. "Sankofa'' can be translated to mean, "go back to the past and bring forward that which is useful, representing the idea that we need to remember our past as we go into the future. The Piecemaking part of their name references quilting but also the groups interest in community projects such as making travel bags, baby quilts, and sleeping bags for the homeless, foster children, and African communities over the years.

Quilts by the Sankofa Piecemakers. This display is on the Water Street side of the State Tower Building as part of the CNY Arts In The Windows Exhibition. 2020. Left to Right: "Gathering of Women" by Ossie Edwards; "Kaleidoscope" by Karen Janeen Weeks, "Pinwheels" by Effie Ratley.Jim Emmons

Quilters have been passing on memories for years through their creations. The dozen Sankofa members continue this tradition by working together on quilts and other sewing projects, giving life to the members individual histories and stories. The Retirement Quilt, submitted by Robin Best, uses pieces that were presented to her by the members of the Piecemakers upon her retirement that, to this day, still makes me teary, she said.

Ossie Edwards, creator of the quilt entitled Gathering of Women said she continues quilting because of her grandmother, who was an avid quilter and had left her quilt tops. I had to finish them, because she couldnt, Edwards said.

Social distancing has put a pause on their weekly meetups. Ossie Edwards, a participating quilter, and manager at the Beauchamp Library said, Its very difficult to have a virtual art show. You really have to be there to see and experience it. My heart goes out to the art community, with all the summer cancellations of cultural festivals and exhibits, but Im glad (we were) able to make this display.

Participating quilters include Robin Best, Ossie Edwards, Barbara Conte-Gaugel, Karen Janeen Weeks, Rose King, Laurie Leonard, Deborah Menifee, Effie Ratley, and Dottie White. Photographs are all by Deborah Menifee.

The exhibit will remain on display for the two months and may travel to other locations in Syracuse. Visitors are encouraged to come downtown view and enjoy the Art in the Windows installation, and visit downtown restaurants that are open for takeout.

Art in the Windows is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, administered by CNY Arts.
In a piece from MASN last week, Roch Kubatko said this of the Orioles search for a veteran shortstop: The Orioles chose [Jose] Iglesias over Adeiny Hechavarria in their winter search for a glove-first shortstop. Kubatko linked the Orioles to Hechavarria back in December, but La Pantera ultimately re-upped with the Braves on a one-year, $1MM deal. The Orioles, meanwhile, splurged on Iglesias, signing the 30-year-old gloveman for a one-year, $3MM guarantee (with a $3.5MM team option for 2021).

Granted, the Jose Iglesias versus Adeiny Hechavarria showdown wasnt the most compelling positional matchup of free agency. And while the Orioles may have shown interest in Hechavarria, these situations are dynamic, and the decision to sign one or the other was likely never quite so binary. Lets use it as a jumping-off point for this player comparison anyway.

First, lets cover the similarities, as both Cuban-born veterans are glove-first shortstops viewed generally as second-division starters. Hechavarria is a year older, and his deal comes at one-third the cost of Iglesias, though the Orioles picked up the second year of control on Iglesias. Both players entered the league fairly young and both saw their first significant action in 2012 (Iglesias at 22 with the Red Sox, Hechavarria at 23 with the Blue Jays). And both have since gone on to play for multiple franchises (Iglesias for Boston, Detroit, Cincinnati and Baltimore, Hechavarria for Toronto, Miami, Tampa, Pittsburgh, both New Yorks, and Atlanta).

Since Iglesias has a more stable resume, my guess is his name carries a little more weight, so lets start there. Iglesias, 30, has produced a total of 11.1 rWAR/11.6 fWAR thus far over his eight years in the bigs (he appeared in 10 games as a 21-year-old in 2011, but missed all of the 2014 season). The right-handed batter has traded off between ~2.5 fWAR and ~1.5 fWAR seasons going all the way back to his rookie campaign, but either way he presents as an above-average option at short. He produced 9 OAA at short last year, putting him among the elite options defensively at short.

The batting line is the question with Iglesias after posting a career line of .273/.315/.371. Included therein, however, is a fair amount of year-to-year variance. Early in his career, Iglesias was a .300 hitter, but over his final three seasons in Detroit (2016 to 2018) he managed a batting average of just .259 BA. The walk rate has been steadily below average, so when he cant hit his way on base, his whole offensive profile suffers. Hes a difficult guy to strike out, and as a guy who puts the ball in play without much oomph, his offensive value is tied directly to his BABIP. When his BABIP falls below .300, his overall line underwhelms. When the ball bounces his way, such as in 2013, 2015, and 2019, Iglesias turns into an asset with the bat: combined .296 BA in those seasons.

Iglesias has also gained a modicum of power over the years. His isolated power was consistently below .100 for the early part of his career, but over the last three seasons, Iglesias has enjoyed a small bump to .114 ISO, .120 ISO, and .119 ISO. Thats still nothing to write home about, but put together with the rest of his profile, and its enough to make Iglesias a viable starter.

Thanks to his every-down status as the Marlins starting shortstop from 2013 to 2016, Hechavarria has appeared in more games and seen more plate appearances over his career than Iglesias. The past three seasons have been a whirlwind, however, as Hechavarria became a part-time player while playing for seven teams in the last three seasons. By WAR, he only comes about halfway to matching Iglesias career totals (5.6 rWAR, 4.6 fWAR). Iglesias edges out Hechavarria in most statistical categories, including career stolen bases (52 to 35).

Though their profiles are very similar, the real difference between the two is that Hechavarria hasnt matched the offensive ceiling of Iglesias. They walk at similar rates, and though Hechavarria strikes out a little more, he still boasts an above-average ability to put the bat on the ball. Unfortunately, hes never quite put it all together. He hasnt posted a batting average higher than .261 or an on-base percentage over .300 since 2015.

If theres something in Hechavarrias favor, its this: his power ticked upwards last season, to a robust .202 ISO. The added power came in only half a season of play, so its hard to know if the gains in Hechavarrias game could/would be sustained over the course of a full slate of games. Back in Atlanta, we wont likely find out, as hes in line to back up Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies in the middle infield.

For that matter, its difficult to compare the contracts signed by Hechavarria and Iglesias because their expected roles are so different  and the expectations of their clubs are so very divergent. The Orioles might see triple the production from Iglesias that the Braves will from Hechavarria (to match the salary difference), but thats at least in part because Iglesias could receive triple the playing time. Both the Orioles and Braves probably got the guy that better suits their needs  but in a vacuum  the choice is yours (link to poll for Trade Rumors mobile app users).
Business Roundup Irrawaddy Business Roundup

--

YANGONThe latest announcement from the Myanmar government gives a green light for businesses to reopen, provided they strictly follow COVID-19-related health instructions. This week, Myanmars Parliaments had a series of serious discussions on whether to take loans from international sources to cover additional budget deficits incurred to mitigate the social, economic and health impacts of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry (MOPFI) said it would use up to 5 percent of GDP for stimulus spending to ease the impact of COVID-19. The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) held its very first e-commerce meeting and announced that it will launch a central e-commerce website to promote the use of digital platforms to drive economic growth. MOC also lifted a decades-old ban on liquor imports, instead imposing high taxes.

Singapores Infrastructure Asia (IA) signed a deal with MOPFI to help Myanmar

identify suitable investors for infrastructure projects listed in Myanmars Project Bank. The Yangon Regional Investment Committee has also approved new investments from both Chinese and local companies.

A new survey with help from the Luxembourg government also found that over 80 percent of micro, small and medium-sized tourism businesses (MSMEs) are extremely badly affected by the pandemic.

Myanmar prepares to spend up to 5 percent of GDP for economic recovery

Deputy head of MOPFI U Maung Maung Win said Tuesday that the government is preparing to spend up to 5 percent of GDP for economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Myanmars GDP is more than US$70 billion, which means the deputy minister expects the country to spend $3-3.5 billion on stimulus efforts.

U Maung Maung Win said in Parliament that the government needs to increase stimulus spending to revive the economy, as well as spending to upgrade the health sector and provide cash and food for low-income households and others. He emphasized the importance of the spending despite declines in government revenue due to relaxation of commercial taxes and license fees as well as declines in foreign direct investment (FDI), export earnings (including from natural gas), remittances and income from the tourism sector.

The head of MOPFI, U Soe Win, said the government would need several hundred billion kyats for the economic relief plan, the details of which are currently being worked out between government departments.

Myanmar plans to launch central e-commerce website

MOC is planning to launch a central e-commerce website to enable businesses to sell produce online, as part of the governments plan to promote the use of digital platforms and drive economic growth.

During the ministrys first e-commerce meeting, Deputy Minister for Commerce U Aung Htoo said the website will launch before the end of this year. He added that it will only accept funds through bank transfers, mobile payments or card payments. The ministry says it will soon release an overview of its plan to develop e-commerce in Myanmar.

Myanmars COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) also includes commitements to promote e-commerce as well as the use of digital and mobile platforms for payments and retail trade.

Singaporean firm to help Myanmar with key infrastructure projects

MOPFI signed a deal with Singapores Infrastructure Asia (IA) initiative to help Myanmar identify suitable investors for infrastructure projects listed in Myanmars Project Bank, including by inviting international-standard tenders.

According to the Singapore Embassy, IA agreed to share best practices and knowledge in order to structure and improve the bankability of the projects, as well as identify and connect authorities with suitable investors and other partners.

IA will also work with MOPFI to appoint advisers to carry out procurement, provide technical support and invite international-standard tenders.

Launched in February, the Project Bank is an online platform that aims to establish a predictable and transparent system and provide key data such as project descriptions and status, total project cost, financing plans and timelines. It also notes the implementing government agency, project contact details and how each project aligns with the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP). Only projects that align with the MSDP will be included. Launched in 2018, the MSDP aims to align the countrys policies and institutions to achieve inclusive economic growth.

Myanmar tourism sector needs more govt support

A new survey on the impacts of COVID-19 on Myanmars tourism sector showed that over 80 percent of micro, small and medium-sized tourism businesses (MSMEs) are extremely badly affected by the pandemic.

The survey, backed by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (MOHT) and carried out by Luxembourg Aid and Development and the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation, said all tourism MSMEs have been significantly impacted by a lack of customers, income and financing.

The survey said almost 90 percent of tourism-related MSMEs have seen decreased revenues. Almost 80 percent had very little business and 60 percent had to reduce their workforce, either by laying off staff or putting staff on furlough or unpaid leave following travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Moreover, 42 percent have increasing debt due to lack of cash flow and another 42 percent also had trouble with their supply chains due to border and airport closures.

The survey revealed that confidence in the governments ability to provide sufficient support is very low: only 5 percent of businesses surveyed said they believed this was the case while 21 percent said they do not have confidence in the government.

The survey found that the government also faces a challenge as far as giving clear information and direction for tourism business, as 53 percent of MSMEs stated that they did not know what government support is available and 21 percent said it is hard to know, as the situation is constantly changing.

Myanmar ends ban on imports of foreign liquors

MOC announced it will end a decades-old ban on liquor imports on Monday, instead imposing high taxes. MOC said the move aims to control illegal imports, increase tax revenue from the liquor market and meet demand.

However, the ministry said that the import of any products with a value of less than US$8 a liter will still be banned in order to protect local producers. Imports of foreign beer and cigarettes are still banned.

New investments approved in Yangon and Ayeyarwaddy

On Wednesday, the Yangon Regional Investment Committee approved about US$4.82 million in foreign investments from Chinese investors and 1.6 billion kyats (US$1.15 million) in investments from local investors, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA).

The investments involved the garment and manufacturing industry as well as companies that produce snacks. Yangon Regional Investment Committee has expected that the two investments would create job opportunities for 2,996 people.

The Ayeyarwady Regional Investment Committee also approved US$700,000 in Chinese investment for a garment factory that will allegedly employ 610 people.

Myanmar is still US$2.4 billion short of its target for foreign investment for the current fiscal year, which ends in September, DICA told reporters on Wednesday.

U Thant Sin Lwin, director general of DICA, said that the government can still meet the investment target for the year since they are now considering nearly US$1.3 billion in new investments and more investments will come in the remaining months.

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar to Borrow $200 Million From World Bank to Assist Farmers

Finance Ministry Seeks Approval for Low-Cost Housing Plan

Japan to Provide Over $1 Billion in Loans to Myanmar for Development Projects
The Chancellor's proposals for winding down the Covid-19 furlough scheme are premature, according to business and political leaders here.

Speaking in London on Friday, Rishi Sunak said the wage support scheme would begin to taper off from August, with employers asked to meet a proportion of its costs, and the scheme closing in October this year.

There is also to be a second phase of the support scheme for the self-employed, which will open for applications in August.

And from August employers will have to pay National Insurance and pension contributions for furloughed workers, and then 10% of pay from September, rising to 20% in October when the support scheme will be terminated.

Also, workers will be allowed to return to work part-time from July, but with companies paying 100% of wages for time at work.

But Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy said the Chancellor's move had come too early and risked unacceptable job losses.

Expand Close Conor Murphy / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Conor Murphy

Mr Murphy said: "The economic priority during this public health crisis is to protect jobs and the effort that has gone into this to date has been commendable.

"The economic recovery is still in its infancy and it will be some time before businesses are back to their pre-pandemic trading level. While I welcome the extension of the self-employment scheme, the tapering of the job retention scheme from August is premature.

"I am concerned it could lead to redundancies, particularly in the hardest hit industries such as hospitality, retail and leisure.

"I will be raising these issues with Treasury and stressing the need to protect jobs and livelihoods."

Economy Minister Diane Dodds also voiced fears over forthcoming changes to the furlough scheme.

Expand Close Economy Minister Diane Dodds PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Economy Minister Diane Dodds

"This would be incredibly difficult for some employers, particularly those in hospitality and retail sectors which have been closed for three months. It is uncertain whether they will get back to full operations for a number of months yet to come," she said.

Ann McGregor, chief executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said closing application to the scheme in June was too early.

Expand Close Ann McGregor / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ann McGregor

"The furlough scheme has helped companies here preserve thousands of jobs through lockdown... but many firms still face significant uncertainty ahead," she said.

"On that basis, closing the scheme to new applicants in June feels premature, and risks undermining some of the work already done to preserve businesses and jobs.

"Whilst today's announcement is welcome, the Chancellor must also be open to additional and new support for those sectors that will stay closed the longest over the coming months."

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts also expressed concerns over the Chancellor's plans.

"It is clear that the furlough scheme is being gradually phased out with more costs for employers from August," he said.

"Whilst this is not unexpected, it does significantly raise challenges for retailers in Northern Ireland who still do not have a date to reopen. The NI Executive's recovery plan does not provide significant sections of our retail sector with reopening dates.

"Many of these businesses currently have no income and will be concerned that by August they may be liable for ER NIC (employer National Insurance Contributions) and pension contributions.

"Retail NI wants to see a reopening timetable in June based upon medical evidence for the retail sector as a whole to avoid this problem."

Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Aodhan Connolly said: "A tapered end to the furlough scheme means that there will not be another huge shock to an industry which has suffered so much over recent weeks."
Chanting black lives matter and I cant breathe, thousands of protesters gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Saturday afternoon to call for justice and an overhaul of law enforcement procedures in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis police custody.

The peaceful protest and march, which joined demonstrations elsewhere in Wisconsin and across the nation, came a day after former officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin knelt on 46-year-old Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest Monday.

The charges did little to quell attendees outrage and anger over yet another high-profile death of a black person at the hands of white law enforcement officers.

Its not over. Its not enough. We had one officer charged; there were three more that were standing right there watching it happen, said Green Bay resident Sabrina Johnkins, referencing the other officers who were at the scene with Chauvin as he knelt on Floyds neck but didnt intervene. They have since been fired.

The crowd didnt hide its frustration. Rows and rows of protesters spanned multiple blocks in the gatherings opening hours, chanting The whole damn system is guilty as hell. Indict, convict, send those killer cops to jail, and F--- the police.

For one attendee, Madison resident Amy Quan Barry, justice doesnt just include bringing charges against the offending officers, but rather pursuing real systemic changes in order to address it."

I think if we think justice just has to do with this case, then well be right back here again, said Barry, a UW-Madison English professor, adding she was hopeful the moment would help tip things with respect to the election in the fall.

Most protesters on Saturday appeared to be wearing masks -- an acknowledgement of the ongoing concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus. But the event ran counter to Dane Countys own restrictions on business activity and more, an order that caps outdoor mass gatherings at 50 individuals.

Public health and Madison police officials Friday didnt say they had plans to issue citations for violating the order.

While many attendees remarked at the size of the crowd, they stressed what they saw as the importance of the event, even amid a public health crisis.

I appreciate that obviously this is a strange time because of COVID-19, Barry said. I think its also important that we cant let up when these kinds of things happen.

For one man, Sun Prairie resident Salomon Nyang, attending the event was necessary for him because of his role as a young, black father.

Ive got kids and I want them to grow up and feel that theyre safe in America, he said.

Meanwhile, Willa Brenneis, who attends college in New York but is currently living in Madison, said being at the protest mattered to her because things have sort of hit a tipping point.

Holding a no justice, no peace sign, Brenneis stood near the Capitol and apart from the protesters marching along West Main Street and down Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard -- a choice she said was intentional given her identity as a white woman and the reality that putting herself in the center of things wouldnt be right.

Everything I do today is for positive change and not because I feel entitled to be a major voice in this, she said. I think whats more important is to show support but lend spaces for voices of color that havent had that space.

The Madison demonstration came as, on Saturday afternoon, Gov. Tony Evers authorized 125 members of the Wisconsin National Guard to aid Milwaukee County law enforcement with its own planned event.

More than a dozen businesses were damaged during a period of violent unrest following daylong peaceful protests in Milwaukee on Friday, reports showed. Some 50 people were ultimately arrested, leading local officials to request National Guard support ahead of another planned protest in Milwaukee on Saturday.

Evers, in a joint statement with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Mayor Tom Barrett, called the move a limited authorization of citizen soldiers that will help protect people who are exercising their First Amendment rights and ensure the safety of the public.

In Madison, protesters they initially gathered at the Capitol before circling the Square and standing outside the Madison Police Department. They then headed down East Washington Avenue and cut over to Williamson Street to remember Tony Robinson, the black teen who was killed by a Madison police officer.

Robinson, who was 19 and unarmed, was fatally shot in March 2015 on Williamson Street. Following his death, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne decided not to bring criminal charges against the officer, Matt Kenny.

Reflecting on the history people of color in the U.S. have lived, Johnkins and others didnt understate the overhauls needed to end fatal encounters between black individuals and white police officers. But Johnkins didnt shy away from them either.

I know one protest probably wont change anything but Ill be here time and time again until it does, she said.

Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) will ensure that women farmers in the Upper East Region have access to mechanization services to improve on their productivity, Mr Francis Ennor, the Upper East Regional Director, MoFA, has said.



Even though tractors are limited in the region and their services demand cash down payment, the Director encouraged women farmers in the region who require such services to join identifiable groups to be able to access plough services.



We can facilitate tractor services for them to plough their fields and pay after the farming season, if they lack the financial ability to do so now, because we appreciate the efforts women put in the agricultural value chain, he said.



The Regional Director who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, said to beef up the few tractors in the region, the Ministry had arranged for some multi- purpose power tillers to be sold to interested farmers.



In his advice to farmers for this years cropping season, he said the early onset of rains gave a lot of hope that the yields will be good and urged the farmers to look for the subsidized government interventions for seed and fertilizer that would help them increase production.



In response to queries by some Civil Society Organizations who had criticized governments agricultural intervention, specifically on low access to farm inputs, extension services, technology and low gender budgeting, the Agricultural Director indicated that no specific budget was available for women or men but the outfit was prepared to provide the needed support to boost womens farming efforts in the region to improve on productivity.



Meanwhile a study conducted by the Ghana Trade Livelihood Coalition (GTLC), indicated that access to seed by farmers in 2019 as compared to that of 2018 dropped whilst access to fertilizer rose from three per cent to 82 per cent.



In terms of access to credit, the report indicated that there was an increase as only four per cent of farmers had access to credit facilities in 2018 while nine per cent benefitted in 2019.



The report called for increased attention on easy access to seed, extension services and science and technology, to meet the demands of modernized Agriculture.

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.

Featured Video
The largest pork producer in the state of Iowa has killed thousands of pigs by the mass-extermination method. The producer stated that it is due to the coronavirus-fueled oversupply. The pigs were slowly roasted and were suffocated, according to an investigation that was revealed on May 29.

Mass extermination caught on cam

The farmers of Iowa Select Farms used the "ventilation shutdown" method where they closed off the airways to the pigs and they pumped hot steam into the barns overnight to slowly suffocate them, according to the new site The Intercept. The whole incident was caught on a surveillance camera.

The footage showed how the pigs slowly succumbed to death after they cried out for hours. The temperature in the farms was more than 120 degrees. It was also revealed that there were some animals that survived the extermination and spent the night surrounded by dozens of pig corpses.

According to Des Moines Register, the farmers shut the ventilation fans off and deliberately heat up the building. It was a horrific plan but the farms have been euthanizing the animals for months.

The method was being practiced by the farm since April in their attempt to depopulate the pigs because meat processing plants were shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A whistleblower said that the pig farm did a number of experiments before they proceeded with the method. According to the whistleblower, the first thing that the farmers did was shut off all of the fans, then they turned the heat up as hottest as they could, which was 120 degrees.

Also Read: Trump Calls George Floyd Protesters as "Thugs," Saying That Looting Will Lead to Shooting

The employees left the farm for five hours, yet when they came back, the pigs were still alive. They then added steam into the building, aside from leaving the ventilation off and increasing the temperature. That was how the farm came up with the method.

Since April, other farms in the US began killing newborn piglets, gassing chickens, and giving the cows abortions because of the unbalanced supply and demand chain, according to NY Post.

Animal rights group infuriated

Direct Action Everywhere stated that the pigs were crying in agony after the farm shut down the ventilation to euthanize them. The CEO of the Iowa Select Farms, Jeff Hansen, said that they've used every possible option before they decided to euthanize the animals.

Hansen added that the employees were in pain knowing that they had to make the heartbreaking decision. The organization Direct Action Everywhere said that they are working with the whistleblower to film the employees of the company secretly.

The company later confirmed that the video showing the mass-extermination of the pigs was taken at the Grundy Center facility where Iowa Select pigs were taken to be killed.

Hansen said in a statement that the animal rights group infiltrated their facility and installed cameras to record the euthanasia process and employees.

According to the state, around 600,000 pigs in Iowa could be destroyed as they can't be processed into food. Iowa is the largest pork producer in the US, as the state raises 50 million pigs every year.

Related Article: What To Do If You Still Haven't Received Your Stimulus Check

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Washington, May 30 : Democratic lawmakers said they were expanding their investigation into the firing of State Department Inspector General (IG) Steve Linick.

"We are aware that Linick's office was working on at least two investigations that touched directly on Secretary Pompeo's actions at the time that Secretary (Mike) Pompeo recommended that the President fire him," House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel and Senator Bob Menendez said in a joint statement on Friday.

The lawmakers were planning to conduct transcribed interviews with "key officials" who may know why Linick was fired and how his investigative work at the department may have been a factor in Pompeo's decision to ask President Donald Trump to remove him, according to a report by The Hill news website.

"If Pompeo pushed for Linick's dismissal to cover up his own misconduct, that would constitute an egregious abuse of power and a clear attempt to avoid accountability," they said in the statement.

Pompeo admitted last week that he recommended to Trump that Linick be terminated earlier this month.

The President's decision has sparked an inquiry by Democrats and scrutiny even by a number of Republicans on Capitol.

As IG, Linick was responsible for, among other things, conducting administrative and criminal investigations of waste, fraud, mismanagement, and misconduct in the State Department.

Besides Linick, Trump has moved in the past few weeks to fire Intelligence Community IG Michael Atkinson, acting Pentagon IG Glenn Fine, and Christi Grimm, principal deputy IG of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 04:12:37|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A traffic policeman is seen on Times Sqaure in New York City, the United States, May 29, 2020. New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, is set to enter phase one of the reopening process on June 8, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Friday. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

NEW YORK, May 29 (Xinhua) -- New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, is set to enter phase one of the reopening process on June 8, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Friday.

"We are on track to open on June 8," Cuomo said at his daily briefing, adding that the city is expected to meet all seven metrics set by the state for a phased reopening before that day.

The city, currently with 199,038 cases according to the city tally and the only region in the state that remains under the "PAUSE" order, still has to get enough hospital beds available before reopening.

Cuomo said some 400,000 New Yorkers are expected to be able to get back to work during phase one. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday that the number would be between 200,000 and 400,000.

Businesses of construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade and curbside pickup for certain types of stores would be able to start operating starting June 8.

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority is working to provide a safe environment to passengers, said Cuomo.

Meanwhile, the governor said the five upstate regions that entered phase one on May 15 will now transition to phase two. More types of businesses, including real estate, vehicle sales and hair salons, are allowed to open with limited occupancy and specific guidelines.

Cuomo said 67 new deaths were recorded statewide in the past 24 hours, the lowest single-day death toll since the crisis began in the state.

Another 1,551 new cases were reported, bringing the statewide total to 368,284 as of Friday afternoon, according to the state tally.
Posted by Jeremy on at 12:35 AM CST

Development on LEGO Ideas sets often starts before the set is approved. Was any development done on the Republic Gunship before it won?



Jens: To be quite honest we didnt have anything before the poll, we had done a little bit of thinking on the Nebulon-B and also on the TIE Bomber  but that was more coincidence. I would say the Nebulon was more to be sure we could deliver it, because of the structure. We were very much in doubt if it was at all possible to make at that size, so we were experimenting a little bit. But with the Gunship, we were sure we could do it and we hadnt started any work.



Michael: We are knee-deep in development now. Were hard at work, definitely.

With the annual Fan Days - normally a physical get together of LEGO blogsites from around the world but this year occurring online due to limitations on travel and social gathering - taking place at the moment there's a whole raft of LEGO news coming out, but sadly LEGOdoesn't feature very highly. Lucky for us Brick Fanatics was able to get a couple of questions concerning the progress of the Ultimate Collector Series Republic Gunship, which was revealed through LEGO Ideas following a recent fan poll, answered by LEGO lead designers Jens Kronvold Frederiksen and Michael Lee Stockwell:It is interesting to read that some development work has been done on the other two options and based on a recent conversation between Rebelscum and Jens Kronvold Frederiksen the primary area of concern in the design of the Rebel medical frigate (Nebulon-B), seen at the end of, was the connecting structure between the forward and aft sections. Jens was able to reveal that once the LEGOteam had overcome problems ensuring the connections were strong enough they would continue to develop this model.This information pre-dates the LEGO Ideas poll , which attracted more than 40,000 votes - the single largest Star Wars set ballot conducted by LEGO - that ran in January 2020.When probed for a release date Jens explained "Our development side takes time at LEGO, so we hope that people will just be a little bit patient. It is going to happen, but we cant mention the launch date yet."While an official release date hasn't been announced, Rebelscum has been tipped off that this new Ultimate Collector Series set is likely to be made available in 2021. Standard scheduling procedure for direct-to-consumer (i.e. LEGO online/branded stores exclusives) UCS sets is typically April/May and September/October so you either have eleven or seventeen months to decide where you will display it.Head over to Brick Fanatics where you can checkout the rest of the interview.
Second Shipment Of U.S. Ventilators Heading To Russia Amid Continuing Questions

By Mike Eckel May 29, 2020

A second shipment of U.S.-built ventilators will head to Moscow to help Russia in its fight against the coronavirus, a goodwill gesture by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration that has been trailed by questions and criticism.

The shipment is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on May 30, two days after congressional Democrats released a second letter demanding more information about an earlier shipment of Russian-built ventilators that were sent to the United States.

That shipment has been clouded by questions over who exactly paid for it, whether the Trump administration knew that Russian companies sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department might have been involved, and whether the Russian ventilators were even safe to use at all.

A spokesman for Vyaire Medical, a Chicago-based medical-supply company, told RFE/RL that 150 of the company's ventilators were scheduled to arrive in Russia on May 30, adding to the 50 that were shipped there earlier this month by the U.S. aid agency, USAID.

Patrick O'Connor gave no further details and did not immediately respond to a follow-up query on the overall costs or other logistics of the shipment.

An earlier shipment of 50 ventilators arrived in Moscow on a U.S. military cargo plane on May 21, a delivery described by the U.S. Embassy as a "humanitarian donation."

U.S. officials said the entire cost of the 200 ventilators was around $5.6 million and that the United States was paying "100 percent of the cost, delivery, and start-up supplies."

"The United States and Russia have helped each other in times of crisis in the past and will no doubt do so again in the future," the U.S. Embassy said at the time.

There was no immediate comment from Russia on the new shipment.

Russia ranks third in the world for confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of May 29, though its death toll has been unusually low, prompting questions from critics who say officials are purposely undercounting fatalities.

The two U.S. shipments came weeks after Russia sent Russian-built ventilators and other medical supplies to the United States, following a conversation between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in late March.

The Russian shipment, which included 45 ventilators, was initially dogged by questions and confusion over who exactly paid for it, and then later over the involvement of two Russian companies who appeared to fall under U.S. Treasury Department sanctions.

The State Department later announced the ventilators had been purchased, not donated, and that Russia had billed the United States nearly $660,000 for the goods. The Treasury Department told RFE/RL the exporter did not appear to fall under U.S. sanctions.

Weeks after their arrival, news emerged that the ventilators, which had been earmarked for New York City regional hospitals, had never been used and returned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency "out of an abundance of caution."

In Russia, meanwhile, regulators ordered a nationwide suspension on use of the ventilators after two deadly fires at medical facilities in St. Petersburg and the Moscow region were blamed on the devices.

The U.S. shipment of ventilators prompted criticism from a group of congressional Democrats, who asserted that the United States was still suffering from a shortage of ventilators. The United States has the world's most confirmed cases of coronavirus and the world's highest death toll.

The lawmakers also alleged the shipment was more intended by the Trump administration to curry favor with the Kremlin.

In a second letter dated May 28, congressional Democrats demanded more information about the Russian shipment to the United States, asserting that "misguided decisions" had wasted "millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars, undermine[d] our foreign policy and national security interests, and impair[ed] our nation's ability to combat the coronavirus crisis."

The U.S. shipment is part of what U.S. officials have trumpeted as a $10 billion effort to help countries fight the coronavirus. South Africa, for example, is reportedly receiving 1,000 U.S.-built ventilators.

According to Vyaire's website, the company in April received a $407 million U.S. government contract to produce 22,000 similar ventilator models.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/second-shipment-of-u-s- ventilators-heading-to-russia-amid- continuing-questions/30641550.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday criticized a report recently released by the White House on its strategic approach to China.

"We are strongly dissatisfied with the report and firmly oppose it," said Ren Guoqiang, the spokesperson of the ministry, at a press conference in response to a media question, noting that the report is full of wrong assumptions, judgments and conclusions.

The U.S. report ignored facts, deliberately distorted China's political system and strategic intention, hyped up the so-called "China threat" theory, and trumpeted an all-dimensional hardline policy against China, Ren said.

The report is dominated by the Cold War and hegemonic mentalities, he added.

Speaking of the situation in the South China Sea, Ren said the United States is the true promoter of the militarization of the South China Sea, noting that the U.S. side has dispatched military vessels and aircraft to this region for reconnaissance and military drills.

Ren urged the U.S. side to respect the hard efforts made by countries in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to be parents to be extra vigilant after two small children were washed out to sea in separate incidents.

Fortunately in these cases, both children were rescued but their separate ordeals were terrifying for themselves and their families.

The Coast Guard is highlighting in particular the danger of using inflatable toys in the sea.

On Thursday, Malin Head Coast Guard co-ordinated the rescue of of a six-year-old boy who was washed a mile out to sea from White Strand near Cleggan, Galway. The alarm was raised by the boys parents and members of the public.

The emergency response involved the R118 helicopter, two life boats and a callout to local vessels. The terrified child was found by a local boat. It was reported that he was clinging to his surfboard for dear life. Had he let go of the surfboard during the ordeal, the outcome would most likely have been very different.

The second incident which also took place on Thursday involved a family thought to be from Limerick who were at a beach near Ballybunnion in Kerry.

It is thought that she took a lilo-type inflatable to the waters edge and was caught in the tide. She was carried out too far and too quickly for bystanders to help. The alarm was raised and she was rescued by the R115 helicopter.

These incidents followed a very busy few days for rescue services along the coast. With the Bank Holiday weekend upon us and warm weather expected, people are reminded that there are no lifeguards on duty at our beaches.

The Irish Coast Guard are urging parents to be extra vigilant, to stay close to their children and keep them within sight.

Irish Water Safety is also appealing to people to be extra safe, reminding them that the number of drownings increases in warm weather.
Sonam Wangchuk, the man who inspired Aamir Khans 3 Idiots character, has asked Indians to boycott all things Chinese in response to the border standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The engineer-turned-education reformer has said India can win the war against China through the Indian Army as well as peoples boycott of Chinese companies.

Use your wallet power. #BoycottMadeInChina #SoftwareInAWeekHardwareInAYear to stop Chinese bullying in Ladakh and eventually to liberate the 1.4 billion bonded labourers in China, as also the 10 million Uighur Muslims and 6 million Tibetan Buddhists, Wangchuk said in a tweet accompanying the video.

#BoycottMadeInChina #SoftwareInAWeekHardwareInAYear

For decades India's tolerance with Chinese intrusions in Ladakh was like...

Woh bedardi se sar kaate mera or mai kahun unse

Huzoor aahista aahista, janaab ahista ahista...

But now

Sena degi bullet se jawaab,

Hum dengey wallet se  Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) May 29, 2020

In the video, Wangchuk can be seen sitting against the picturesque Himalayas and River Sindhu as he how beyond the ice-topped mountains, thousands of soldiers are trying to protect the country.

Wangchuks video has been widely shared on Twitter and WhatsApp.

He says, this time, Indias reply to China shouldnt just be from the soldiers but should include action from the citizens as well.

Wangchuk adds that Chinas recent moves have been not just at the Indian border but also in the South China Sea, Vietnam, Taiwan and now Hong Kong as well.

China, he says, is using these moves as a distraction tool for Chinese people due to failures of the administration amid the closure of factories and exports and loss of jobs.

He points out that the war with India in 1962 was also one of the tactics by the Chinese government to shift Chinese citizens attention away from its failures.

I think wallet power will work more than bullet power this time. The money people spend buying Chinese goods. Just think, you and I, we buy things from idols to clothes worth Rs 5 lakh crore from China. And, this money is used to buy ammunition to kill our soldiers on the border, he says in the nearly nine-minute video.

If all Indians in India and abroad can start a boycott made in China movement, then others across the world may start doing the same. It would, in turn, hit the Chinese economy and its people may turn against the government.

On one hand, our soldiers are fighting them and on the other hand, we would be buying Chinese goodsfrom mobiles to computers to toys and clothesand sending money to the Chinese army. It was about hardware. Our youth uses software and apps like TikTok, and give them business worth crores, Wangchuk said.

So, it is very important that we give them a reply from the citizens and make it a global movement, he says.

Wangchuk also rooted for Prime Minister Narendra Modis push for self-reliance under the Atamanirbhar Bharat mission.

As I finish my message, I am going to tell you what I am going to do. I will be getting rid of all the Chinese apps on my phone, which is made in China, within a week as well as the phone. And in one year, I will throw out of my life everything that is made in China, he says.

He says, he doesnt have any problem with China and the Chinese people but the Chinese government and its attitude. He urged people to hold events for everyone to take an oath to boycott Chinese goods until China changes.

Sonam Wangchuk had inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu, which was played by Aamir Khan in the Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots.
For the first time in history, NASA astronauts have launched from American soil in a commercially built and operated American crew spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station.The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley lifted off at 3:22 p.m. EDT Saturday on the companys Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida.Today a new era in human spaceflight begins as we once again launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil on their way to the International Space Station, our national lab orbiting Earth, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. I thank and congratulate Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley, and the SpaceX and NASA teams for this significant achievement for the United States. The launch of this commercial space system designed for humans is a phenomenal demonstration of American excellence and is an important step on our path to expand human exploration to the Moon and Mars.Known as NASAs SpaceX Demo-2, the mission is an end-to-end test flight to validate the SpaceX crew transportation system, including launch, in-orbit, docking and landing operations. This is SpaceXs second spaceflight test of its Crew Dragon and its first test with astronauts aboard, which will pave the way for its certification for regular crew flights to the station as part of NASAs Commercial Crew Program."This is a dream come true for me and everyone at SpaceX, said Elon Musk, chief engineer at SpaceX. It is the culmination of an incredible amount of work by the SpaceX team, by NASA and by a number of other partners in the process of making this happen. You can look at this as the results of a hundred thousand people roughly when you add up all the suppliers and everyone working incredibly hard to make this day happen.The program demonstrates NASAs commitment to investing in commercial companies through public-private partnerships and builds on the success of American companies, including SpaceX, already delivering cargo to the space station.Its difficult to put into words how proud I am of the people who got us here today, said Kathy Lueders, NASAs Commercial Crew Program manager. When I think about all of the challenges overcome  from design and testing, to paper reviews, to working from home during a pandemic and balancing family demands with this critical mission  I am simply amazed at what the NASA and SpaceX teams have accomplished together. This is just the beginning; I will be watching with great anticipation as Bob and Doug get ready to dock to the space station tomorrow, and through every phase of this historic mission.SpaceX controlled the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedys Launch Control Center Firing Room 4, the former space shuttle control room, which SpaceX has leased as its primary launch control center. As Crew Dragon ascended into space, SpaceX commanded the spacecraft from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA teams are monitoring space station operations throughout the flight from Mission Control Center at the agencys Johnson Space Center in Houston.The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock to the space station at 10:29 a.m. Sunday, May 31. NASA Television and the agencys website are providing ongoing live coverage of the Crew Dragons trip to the orbiting laboratory. Behnken and Hurley will work with SpaceX mission control to verify the spacecraft is performing as intended by testing the environmental control system, the displays and control system, and by maneuvering the thrusters, among other things. The first docking maneuver began Saturday, May 30, at 4:09 p.m., and the spacecraft will begin its close approach to the station at about 8:27 a.m. Sunday, May 31. Crew Dragon is designed to dock autonomously, but the crews onboard the spacecraft and the space station will diligently monitor the performance of the spacecraft as it approaches and docks to the forward port of the stations Harmony module.After successfully docking, the crew will be welcomed aboard the International Space Station, where they will become members of the Expedition 63 crew, which currently includes NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy. NASA will continue live coverage through hatch opening and the crew welcoming ceremony. The crew will perform tests on Crew Dragon in addition to conducting research and other tasks with the space station crew.Three astronauts aboard the International Space Station will participate in a live NASA Television crew news conference from orbit on Monday, June 1, beginning at 11:15 a.m. on NASA TV and the agencys website.
Regaining Mount Lavinia beach View(s):

A project to restore the beach washed off due to the sea erosion in the Mt Lavinia area has been completed as part of a Rs 890 million project to restore beaches from Ratmalana to Kalutara, officials said.

Coast Conservation Department Director General Prabath Chandrakeerthi told the Sunday Times that pumping in sand was a better solution than dumping boulders, as the beaches were a tourist attraction.

The project has also another benefit. To a great extent, it has addressed the threat sea erosion was posing to the Colombo-Matara railway line.

There were questions as to why we were filling the beaches amid the coronavirus crisis. We did so because we had already paid the company providing the vessel to pump sand at Rs 100,000 per hour, he said.

The project had no connection with the Port City project, he said adding that the first cabinet paper in this regard was submitted in 2017.

Pix and text by Reka Tharangani Fonseka.
As unrest spread across Minneapolis as of May 29 over the death of an unarmed African American George Floyd in police custody, a popular Indian restaurant named Gandhi Mahal was set ablaze by the protesters. Run by Hafsa Islam's family, the 18-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh in the South Minneapolis since generations, the restaurant was located near Third Precinct headquarters of the Minneapolis Police Department.

In an update about the violent incident that occurred, Hafsa wrote on Facebook, Gandhi Mahal has caught fire and has been damaged. Further, informing the customers their stance, she wrote, We wont lose hope though, I am so grateful for our neighbours who did their best to stand guard and protect Gandhi Mahal, your efforts wont go unrecognized. Hinting that there were no casualties at the restaurant and that the family is determined to recover from the loss, she added, Dont worry about us, we will rebuild and we will recover.

Further, the owner of the restaurant, Ruhel, was quoted as saying over the phone, let my building burn, Justice, needs to be served, put those officers in jail. Gandhi Mahal May have felt the flames last night, but our fiery drive to help protect and stand with our community will never die, the owners daughter wrote, who has also been a staunch supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement in the US. While Hafsas post was shared by some of the prominent names like a journalist, Christiane Cordero, users expressed solidarity and repented the familys loss.

This letter, from the family that owns a restaurant I love, says it all. The strength of these words... read it twice and soak in what is being said here. The selflessness is breaking my heart and giving me strength today pic.twitter.com/3j1nSIyU9B  Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) May 29, 2020

This is the most loving response to protestors destroying a restaurant.



"I am sitting next to my dad watching the news, I hear him say on the phone;  let my building burn, Justice needs to be served, put those officers in jail



Heading to Gandhi Mahal next time I'm in Mpls. pic.twitter.com/eqP1U799GG  Ethan Bearman, Esq. (@EthanBearman) May 29, 2020

Let my building burn, Justice needs to be served, put those officers in jail. The owner of Gandhi Mahal Restaurant in Minneapolis showing us what allyship looks like. Respect. pic.twitter.com/0B33r1Knt3  Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) May 29, 2020

Read: George Floyd's Death: Curfew Imposed In Minneapolis After Violent Protests

Read: Pentagon Puts Military Police On Alert To Go To Minneapolis

Mayor says "do not protest"

Earlier, urging people to maintain calm, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter wrote in the tweet, Please stay home. Please do not come here to protest. Please keep the focus on George Floyd, on advancing our movement and on preventing this from ever happening again. We can all be in that fight together.

Read: Trump Walks Back His Incendiary Minneapolis 'thugs' Post

Read: Thousands Ignore Minneapolis Curfew As U.S. Protests Spread
Former world chess champion Viswanathan Anand will be finally reaching India late on Saturday after being stuck in Germany for over three months due to the travel restrictions imposed in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chennai: Former world chess champion Viswanathan Anand will be finally reaching India late on Saturday after being stuck in Germany for over three months due to the travel restrictions imposed in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Yes. Anand will be returning today," the chess maestro's wife Aruna told PTI on Saturday morning.

Anand, who boarded an Air India flight (AI-120) from Frankfurt on Friday night will reach Bengaluru via Delhi. He is expected to reach Bengaluru at 1.15 pm.

The five-time world champion will undergo a 14-day quarantine period as per rules laid down by the Karnataka government. "He will complete quarantine procedures and come to Chennai as per protocol," Aruna Anand said.

The flights from Germany are only scheduled to land only in Delhi and Bengaluru.

The chess ace was in Germany to play in the Bundesliga chess league and was to return to India, but was forced to stay put after the COVID-19 outbreak disrupted sporting schedules across the globe, apart from restricting movement.

He was staying near Frankfurt and was doing online commentary for the Candidates tournament which was called off mid-way due to the pandemic and led the Indian team in the Online Nations Cup early this month.

Anand had been in touch with his family in Chennai on a regular basis via video calls and kept himself busy with chess-related work.

Click here to follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak
The wife of a local lawyer accused of molesting a young girl in 2003 cannot use Louisiana's spousal witness privilege and must testify before a grand jury probing the allegation against her husband, the state's top court has ruled in a precedent-setting decision.

The ruling in a matter involving lawyer David Opperman, of St. Francisville, marked the first time the Louisiana Supreme Court dealt with the question of whether the spousal witness privilege can be invoked in a grand jury proceeding where a sex crime against a juvenile is being investigated.

The high court ruled Thursday that a state statute, La. R.S. 14:403(B), waives the spousal witness privilege "in any proceeding" where the evidence sought relates to "abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child."

Sue Bernie, a retired longtime East Baton Rouge Parish sex crimes prosecutor, said Friday the law is designed to "enhance the search for truth" rather than allowing the truth to be "shielded" by marital privilege.

"I think the Supreme Court decision is absolutely correct," she said. "The law is designed to protect children who are sexually or physically abused or neglected."

Opperman was booked in December 2017 on a charge that he molested a 13-year-old girl back in 2003. He was not indicted, but rather billed  or charged  by the 20th Judicial District Attorney's Office in January 2018.

West Feliciana area lawyer, former assistant prosecutor arrested in alleged molestation of girl in 2003 A West Feliciana area lawyer and former assistant prosecutor in multiple judicial districts turned himself in to authorities Wednesday after h

Opperman, a former prosecutor who had run unsuccessfully for 20th Judicial District Attorney against incumbent Sam D'Aquilla in 2014, pleaded not guilty.

After D'Aquilla's office recused itself in July 2018, the state Attorney General's Office stepped in as the ad hoc prosecutor and dismissed the charge, choosing to proceed by seeking a grand jury indictment.

East, West Feliciana district attorney agrees to step down in prosecution of former political rival ST. FRANCISVILLE  20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D'Aquilla agreed Thursday to step down from prosecuting a 2003 molestation of a juvenil

The state issued a subpoena to Jane Opperman to appear before the grand jury. She asserted her lawful privilege to refuse to give evidence in any criminal proceeding against her husband.

She cited Article 505 of the Louisiana Code of Evidence, which contains the spousal witness privilege. The article states that, "In a criminal case ... a witness spouse has a privilege not to testify against the other spouse."

The article, however, also says the privilege does not apply in a criminal case in which one spouse is "charged with a crime against ... a child." Jane Opperman argued that because her husband has not been "charged with" a crime, that exception does not apply.

In addition to arguing that the spousal witness privilege does not apply when a spouse is charged with a crime against a child, the state turned to La. R.S. 14:403(B).

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

That statute states that, "In any proceeding concerning the abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child ..., evidence may not be excluded on any ground of privilege, except in the case of communications between an attorney and his client or between a priest, rabbi, duty ordained minister or Christian Science practitioner and his communicant."

Two lower courts had sided with Jane Opperman.

In its ruling Thursday, the Supreme Court found that the spousal witness privilege "is abrogated" by La. R.S. 14:403(B).

"We hold the clear and unambiguous provisions of La. R.S. 14:403(B) prohibit Mrs. Opperman from asserting the spousal witness privilege in a grand jury proceeding targeting her husband for a violation of" the state's molestation of a juvenile statute, Chief Justice Bernette Johnson wrote for the court.

Johnson noted in the ruling that the spousal witness privilege "is generally applicable in grand jury proceedings," but not when abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child is alleged.

New Orleans lawyer Sam Winston, who represents Jane Opperman, said Friday he "will continue to protect my client's rights going forward to the fullest extent allowable under the law."

Legal experts said Jane Opperman also could be called by the state to testify if her husband goes on trial.

"We'll deal with that when it comes," Winston said.

David Opperman's attorney, Jim Boren, declined comment on the Supreme Court ruling.

Shortly before D'Aquilla recused his office in mid-2018, Boren alleged in a court filing that Opperman was cooperating in a federal criminal probe of D'Aquilla when Opperman was accused in late 2017 of molesting the girl.

D'Aquilla has called those claims "absurd and ridiculous" and "outrageous." He said the only time he ever heard of an alleged federal probe was when Opperman made statements to that effect in the community.

+2 Lawyer accused of molesting juvenile wants District Attorney Sam D'Aquilla recused; prosecutor calls claims 'outrageous' Lawyer David Opperman, who failed to unseat 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D'Aquilla in a heated 2014 election, was cooperating in a fede

Boren's filing alleged the federal probe involved, among other things, the destruction of evidence by DAquilla and his granting of an enormously generous plea deal to a man convicted of sex crimes against children. There has long been a notoriously known belief that the man, Johnny D. Brown, is DAquillas half-brother, Boren stated.

Opperman previously served as an assistant district attorney for the 1st Judicial District in Caddo Parish, 19th Judicial District in East Baton Rouge Parish and 7th Judicial District in Catahoula and Concordia parishes.
The minister said 10,811 tests with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 1,560 ELISA tests had been conducted in Ukraine over the past day.

Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has said about 6,300 people underwent high accuracy testing, using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method, to detect coronavirus antibodies.

Read alsoNumber of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine exceeds 23,000 on May 29

Speaking at a briefing on May 30, the minister said 10,811 tests with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 1,560 ELISA tests had been conducted in Ukraine over the past day.

According to Stepanov, 393 COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours. Most cases were recorded in Lviv (56 people) and Rivne (52 people) regions, as well as in the capital city of Kyiv (55 people).

Sixty-four people were hospitalized, 17 fatalities were recorded, while 377 people recovered in the past day. In total, 23,204 people have contracted the virus in Ukraine since the pandemic, including 1,700 children and 4,475 healthcare workers. A total of 696 COVID-19 deaths have already been recorded in the country, while 9,311 patients have recovered.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Health Ministry on May 20 issued an order to introduce laboratory testing for coronavirus with the use of enzyme immunoassay method.
About 100 members of a fighter jet squadron were forced to leave the USS Gerald R. Ford after one of its members tested positive for coronavirus, US Navy officials said.

The sailor tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, the day before the aircraft carrier departed from Virginia's Naval Station Norfolk, a Navy spokesperson told Stars & Stripes.

The sailor, who has not been named, is a member of the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 - the 'Fighting Blacklions' - which flies F/A-18F Super Hornets and is based out of Virginia's Naval Air Station Oceana.

More than 100 members of the Fighting Blacklions were taken off the USS Gerald R. Ford (pictured) after one of the squadron's sailors tested positive for coronavirus Wednesday

Despite having been in isolation since last week and never actually boarding the USS Ford, the sailor had been in contact with other squadron members.

Although the more than 100 members of the Fighting Blacklions were medically-screened for coronavirus and none displayed flu-like symptoms before boarding the carrier Tuesday, they were still made to disembark Wednesday.

The squadron members were then put under 'precautionary restriction of movement' until additional medical screening and contact tracing could be carried out, the Navy spokesperson told Task & Purpose.

'Due to USS Gerald R. Fords strict COVID-19 mitigation measures, the risk of exposure or transmission to additional personnel is believed to be low,' the spokesperson said in an email.

The Navy expects that the majority of the squadron who were taken off the USS Ford will be able to get back to work on Saturday. However, those who had been in close contact with the sailor who tested positive are being quarantine in their homes for two weeks.

The Fighting Blacklions flies F/A-18F Super Hornets (pictured) and is based out of Virginia's Naval Air Station Oceana. They were on the USS Ford doing carrier pilot qualifications

The USS Ford had previously had another incident in which a sailor was confirmed to have coronavirus, Task & Purpose reported.

In that case, the sailor tested positive for coronavirus on May 4 and is believed to have caught the virus from a family member. The sailor had not been onboard the ship since May 1.

The ship's medical staff decontaminated the areas the sailor had been, while any crew members who may have interacted with the sailor were put under precautionary quarantine and have all since been cleared for coronavirus.

The Navy's plans for deploying its ships during the pandemic include medical screening and quarantine measures, as well as emphasizing wearing face coverings, social distancing and frequent hand washing.

These measures are expected to be in place 'for a lengthy period,' officials said.

The Navy has had almost 2,400 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began and is the hardest hit by the virus of America's military branches.

The USS Ford - the world's largest aircraft carrier - is in the midst of carrier pilot qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. It is expected to be deployed in 2022.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  MetroHealth on Monday will open its Ohio City Health Center at the Urban Community School, a new facility offering medical care plus economic, social and legal services to the community.

The 32,000-square foot facility is located in the Cletus Jeckering Family Health Center at UCS, at the intersection of Lorain Avenue and West 48th Street in Cleveland. It will provide medical care to approximately 600 UCS students and their families, as well as the community at large.

MetroHealth and Urban Community School announced the health center in 2018. It was initially intended to cost roughly $6.5 million, with UCS covering the cost of construction and MetroHealth paying to build out the interior. The final cost ended up near $10 million as the scope of the project grew to include more services, UCS President Tom Gill said Friday.

MetroHealth President and CEO Akram Boutros said Thursday that the Ohio City Health Center is a unique partnership because its intended to directly address social determinants to health; research suggests economic, social and legal factors can influence up to 80 percent of a persons health, MetroHealth and UCS said in a news release. Boutros envisions the new facility as an anchor for the near West Side community.

The hope is that with two community anchors coming together, we have most of the barriers to health care covered, he said.

The Ohio City Health Center offers primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics, gynecology and urgent care issues that do not require emergency-room treatment. It will be the fifth of the health systems MetroExpressCare sites in Greater Cleveland.

In addition, the health center offers financial counseling, a WIC office, nutritional consultation and social work and civil legal help from the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cleveland.

Many of the health centers providers are bilingual, and about 20 speak Spanish, the news release says.

Boutros said the Urban Community School is an ideal partner for the health center because of its long history of serving the community. The nonprofit UCS, founded in 1968 by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, has a diverse student population. Nearly 75 percent percent of its students come from families living below the poverty index, Gill said.

The Ursuline Sisters intended UCS to be an important part of the near West Side community, so the health center is a logical step in that direction, Gill said. He said UCS students and their families benefit from having access to the health center. MetroHealth is also providing health education and wellness programming for students and their families.

Education and health care are so interwoven. We cant think of them in silos. They impact one another on so many levels," Gill said. "If schools can be places that also anchor high-quality health care for kids and families, thats a big win.

Plans for the health center did create some controversy. In late 2018, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and UCS severed ties due to the plan to offer prescriptions for contraceptions at the health center. As a result, UCS is no longer considered a Catholic institution, Gill wrote in a letter to UCS supporters and parents.

Opening amid the coronavirus pandemic does create challenges, but the Ohio City Health Center is equipped to meet them, Boutros said. The health center is designed to provide roughly 20 percent of its services through telehealth. That will likely rise to 50 percent in the near-term due to the pandemic, Boutros said.

We designed this facility for the future, he said.

The Ohio City Health Center will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. MetroExpressCare will operate from noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Read more from cleveland.com:

MetroHealth to open health center on Urban Community School campus in 2020

How MetroHealth is preparing for surge in coronavirus cases at hospital

A day on the coronavirus floor with MetroHealth doctors and nurses (photos)

MetroHealth breaks ground on new hospital in a park
Taliban Raid Kills 14 Afghan Border Forces

By Ayaz Gul May 29, 2020

Authorities in Afghanistan said Friday the Taliban has killed at least 14 border security forces and injured several others in eastern Paktia province.

The Afghan Defense Ministry said insurgents assaulted outposts in Paktia's Dand-e-Patan district, which borders Pakistan, late Thursday, but Afghan border forces repulsed the attack and inflicted "heavy casualties" on the Taliban.

The insurgent group claimed credit for what it said was a "defensive attack" against "two security outposts the enemy" had built in Taliban-held areas. The Taliban statement confirmed the killing of two of its fighters in the overnight clashes, saying it also captured an Afghan security personnel.

Battlefield claims made by parties to the Afghan war are usually difficult to verify from independent sources.

Earlier this week, the Taliban killed at least 14 Afghan security personnel in northern Parwan and western Farah provinces.

The violence followed a temporary cease-fire the two adversaries observed during the three-day Eid festivities in Afghanistan that ended on Tuesday.

The renewed hostilities come amid a slow-moving prisoner swap between the government and the Taliban, which is aimed at paving the way for long-awaited intra-Afghan peace negotiations.

The prisoner exchange and the ensuing proposed intra-Afghan peace dialogue are part of a landmark agreement the United States signed with the Taliban in February to seek a negotiated settlement to the nearly 19-year-old conflict in Afghanistan.

The February 29 agreement stipulated that Kabul would release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 Afghan security personnel being held by the insurgents.

The Afghan government so far has a freed about 2,000 Taliban inmates, while the insurgent group has set free about 350 detainees.

The Taliban announced Thursday that a 5-member insurgent "technical team" had returned to the Afghan capital for "verification and identification of prisoners" being released by the government.

Under the U.S.-Taliban pact, all American and coalition troops are supposed to leave the country by mid-2021, ending America's longest war.

President Donald Trump renewed his intent Wednesday to pull American troops, again questioning the goal of the current U.S. military mission to Afghanistan.

"We are acting as a police force, not the fighting force that we are, in Afghanistan. After 19 years, it is time for them [Afghans] to police their own country. Bring our soldiers back home but closely watch what is going on and strike with a thunder like never before, if necessary!" Trump tweeted.

Washington already has begun to withdraw U.S. forces under the deal with the Taliban and is committed to reduce the force size to about 8,600 by mid-July this year.

In return, the Taliban has pledged counterterrorism assurances and to continue reducing violent attacks in Afghanistan. It also is required to engage in talks with other Afghan groups to negotiate peace and a power-sharing arrangement to govern the country post-foreign troop withdrawal.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






McLeods Daughters has been voted Australias favourite local show or movie during lockdown in a survey conducted by the MEAA.

More than 11,00 votes were voted for the Nine drama in a survey introduced by star Michala Banas. The show is available on 9Now and Stan.

The survey was a driver to collect signatures for a petition aimed at pushing Communications Minister Paul Fletcher to do more to support the industry and artists during COVID-19.

It doubtless drew a lot of devoted fans (possible even some from overseas) for classic shows, regardless of whether they were genuinely bingeing them through the pandemic or not .strictly speaking The Castle is not a binge per se.

McLeods Daughters Wentworth Mystery Road Kath & Kim Neighbours Home & Away The Heights Puberty Blues The Castle Offspring

Bluey was voted top title for Kids. Duh.

Gina Riley, co-creator of Kath and Kim, told Banas the reasons audiences still love the show are as extensive as Kaths wardrobe. I think its that thing of recognising yourself.. and dealing with things that happen every day.

Ngaire Pigram, who starred in Mystery Road, told Banas the shift towards more Indigenous stories on screen has been a long-time coming. We need to start telling stories about our true history and representing that on film and TV and I think thats starting to happen.

Neighbours writer Jason Herbison said he was proud to work on a show that not only plays an important role in popular culture, but an important role for the industry providing ongoing work for so many.

Banas reminded the audience of whats at stake without proper Government support for their industry, revealing that Nine Networks McLeods Daughters employed 650 actors and nearly 2,000 crew across its 224 episodes.

The current content quotas that require TV networks to produce a certain amount of local shows have been temporarily suspended by the government due to COVID-19. Neighbours veteran Alan Fletcher told Banas it was a disastrous move and called on the government to protect Australian content by regulation.

The petition drew over 11,000 signatures.
GODFREY  Daycare centers and other child care services are reopening as Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Restore Illinois plan enters Phase 3.

Under this and the plans Phase 4, daycare centers will be allowed to open at a limited capacity for the first four weeks, then some restrictions will be lifted. The restrictions are as follows:

 For the first four weeks of operation, centers must operate with reduced group sizes.

 Limited per room to serving eight infants, 10 children in all other age groups.

 Emergency daycare centers licensed with an emergency license during the plans phases 1 and 2, which have been open for at least four weeks, have already met this requirement.

Before expanding enrollment, programs must:

 Review Reopening Plan with its Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing representative.

 Have at least 50 square feet per child age 2 and older.

 Add a minimum of 4 square feet  beyond regular licensing requirements  of sleeping space per child for infants and toddlers to ensure cribs and cots can be placed 6 feet apart.

Initially during phases 1 and 2, any child care service must have had an emergency license obtained from the DCFS and was only available to children of essential workers. Additionally, under the emergency license, services could only provide care for families who were full-time attendees at a day care.

Some child care providers find these restrictions unrealistic.

Shannon Knight, owner of Little Knights Inc., and Patricia Dooley, director and owner of Bright Tomorrows Learning Center Inc., both in Godfrey, said that they each might lose their businesses under Restore Illinois Phase 3.

These guidelines are not realistic, and are not good for helping these kids, Knight said. Young kids need that social interaction.

Both owners applied for emergency licenses during the first phases, but each were open for fewer than four weeks, missing the eligibility to enter expanded enrollment. Knight said that because of the size of her center, she only will be allowed seven to eight children per room.

It puts the parents in a tough spot, Knight said.

In addition to these restrictions, daycare centers teachers and children are required to wear face covering and shoe covering, or bring a pair of shoes into which they can change.

I have teachers who have had panic attacks trying to wear a face mask, including myself, Knight said. Try keeping a face mask on a 2 year old  that isnt happening. They take it right off or they cry. Some children or scared of them.

Dooley also expressed concern for her business. She said that she will be losing eight families under the restrictions of the current order.

If this remains in place, I will end up losing my business and all my families, she said.

Both women said that they have been fighting these restrictions by spreading the word to the public and calling state representative to try and change the governors mind.

This is my dream job, Knight said. To have it be taken away, is devastating.

Everything is at risk, Dooley said. Im in a fight to the end for my kids and my family.
Queue: Rail passengers are checked upon their arrival from New Delhi

New Zealand has all but eradicated the coronavirus from its shores, with just one person in the nation of five million known to be still infected.

However, developments elsewhere are grim, with India reporting another record increase in cases, and deaths reaching a new peak in Pakistan.

In the US, the virus threw more than two million people out of work last week despite the reopening of businesses.

The confirmed US death toll has surpassed 100,000, the highest in the world.

In New Zealand, health authorities have not found any new virus cases for a week. Of the 1,504 people who were infected, 22 have died and all but one of the rest have now recovered.

The nation's borders remain closed, and staying virus-free when borders reopen poses a major test.

India registered another record daily increase of 7,466 cases just before its lockdown ends tomorrow.

Pakistan has reported 57 deaths, its highest single-day increase since the outbreak began. That increased the overall death toll to more than 1,300 and the number of cases to over 64,000.

The latest job-loss figures from the US labour department brings the running total of Americans who have filed for unemployment benefits since the coronavirus shutdowns took hold in mid-March to 41 million.

There were some encouraging signs. The overall number of Americans drawing jobless benefits dropped for the first time since the crisis began, from 25 million to 21 million.

However, economists have warned that the number of US workers filing for unemployment benefits is still extraordinarily high by historical standards.

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are struggling after air travel plummeted early in the outbreak. Boeing is cutting more than 12,000 US jobs.

European budget airline easyJet said it will cut up to a third of its 15,000 employees, while American Airlines plans to eliminate about 5,100 jobs.

A number of European countries have strong safety-net programmes which are underwriting the wages of millions of workers and keeping them on the payroll. However, economic damage is mounting.

Nissan is rolling back production in Spain in a move the government said could lead to 3,000 direct job cuts.
There are many possible reasons why people migrate. One of the possible reasons for migration is to widen work opportunities. Many people plan to migrate for work in the United States.

However, due to the effects of the novel coronavirus to the country's economy, many businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet. A few months ago, states across the United States of America had declared lockdown orders to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. The lockdown orders had resulted in many businesses classified as non-essential to temporarily close. Many of the businesses classified as non-essential had to let go of employees due to the lack of resources to maintain the payment of their salaries and benefits amid the pandemic.

As many states across the country are in the process of jumpstarting their economies, more and more businesses in those states will be reopening soon. This means that many companies will be looking to employ workers soon.

This may be the time for immigrants to grab the opportunity to go job hunting.

Here are some tips for immigrants who want to look for jobs in the United States:

Get a Working Visa or Permit

For immigrants to work in the United States, they need to get a visa. There are many types of visas an immigrant can apply for. These visas include the ones below:

L-1 Visa which is for employees, which can include business owners, must have worked for a subsidiary, parent, affiliate or branch office of the US company outside of the US for at least one year out of the last three years. One of the benefits of the L1 visa is that there is no quota. ,

E2 and E1 visa permit, known as Treaty Trader Visas allow nationals of many Countries and employees entry to the US for a relatively small investment.

H-1B visa permit is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ graduate level workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as in IT, finance, accounting, architecture, engineering, mathematics, science, medicine, etc.

H-2B visa permit non-immigrant program permits employers to hire foreign workers to come temporarily to the United States and perform temporary nonagricultural services or labor on a one-time, seasonal, peakload or intermittent basis.

EB-1 Green Card is a preference category for United States employment-based permanent residency. It is intended for "priority workers".

EB-2 Green Card permit allows those in certain specialised professions - such as doctors, business managers, and educators - who have a master's degree or higher to gain lawful permanent residence in the US.

EB-3 Green Card Permit These Green Cards are available to "skilled workers," "professionals," and "other workers," which all have very specific definitions under the immigration regulations. B-4 Green Card Permit are available to "special immigrants," which has a very specific definition under the immigration regulations EB-5 Green Card Permit. This category is reserved for foreign nationals who have invested or are actively in the process of investing $1 million (or $500,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that will benefit the US economy and create at least ten full-time positions for qualifying employees.

You can visit the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to learn more about working in the United States. According to the website, there are two ways on how a foreign worker can be classified. The first classification is for temporary non-immigrant worker. These workers can apply for jobs and work in the United States for a limited period. The second classification is a permanent immigrant worker. These workers are given permanent residence in the United States due to their significant skills and knowledge in a certain field of study.





Research About Visas, and Everything About Immigration

Based on an article, human resource managers may not sufficient knowledge of hiring foreign or migrant workers. It means that there may be employers who specifically want immigrants workers. However, there may be some who do not know much about how visas work and any other requirements to hire immigrants. Immigrants should research these things so that they can talk about it with their potential employers during interviews.

Check these out:

Make a Resume

Your education, skills, and work experience will be a significant factor in landing a job in the United States. Furthermore, it is also important to include your address and contact information in your resume. Moreover, it also helps to have copies of your documents such as diplomas, work certifications, and certificates of training.
- Company to restate certain historical financials

- Reaffirms previously announced preliminary Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020 Results

- Fiscal 2019 Earnings Expected by July 10, 2020

OAKLAND, CA and TORONTO, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Harborside Inc. ("Harborside" or the "Company") (CSE: HBOR), a California-focused, vertically integrated cannabis enterprise, has announced today that due primarily to changes in the application of accounting treatments related to certain transactions by its reverse takeover acquirer, FLRish Inc., the previously issued financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the interim periods ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, and any corresponding management's discussion and analyses (collectively, the "Restated Documents"), will be restated and reissued. The primary accounting changes addressed by the restatements will include the reclassification and re-measurement of certain financial instruments and the change in the accounting for a common control acquisition to a business combination under IFRS 3. The accounting changes will include the recognition of fair value adjustments as part of the acquisition. The effect of the restatements does not impact the Company's ongoing operations, cash position, or its expected positive operating results for Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020 as described in more detail below.

Harborside intends to file its Restated Documents as soon as possible, beginning with the 2018/2017 FLRish restated audited annual financial statements which are expected to be filed no later than July 10, 2020. However, no assurance can be given that the anticipated timing of filing will be met due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the need for the Company's auditors to complete their audit work, among other things. The Restated Documents will replace and supersede the respective previously-filed financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for such periods (collectively, the "Previous Documents"). The Previous Documents should no longer be relied upon.

Preliminary Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020 Results(3)

The Company reaffirms its expectations for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 ("Fiscal 2019") and its first quarter ended March 31, 2020 ("First Quarter 2020"), as previously announced on April 23, 2020.

The preliminary results reflect revenue growth of approximately 16% and 20% year-over-year for Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020, respectively. Additionally, for the First Quarter 2020, the Company expects to report positive Adjusted EBITDA and positive cash flow from operations. As of March 31, 2020, Harborside had approximately $12 million in cash. Please see the press release from April 23, 2020 for additional detail.

($ in USD)



Previously-Reported Fiscal 2019

Guidance Preliminary Fiscal 2019 Results(2) Preliminary First Quarter 2020

Results(2)











Revenue



$50 to $52 million approx. $50 million approx. $14 million Adjusted EBITDA(1)



Negative negative positive

These preliminary and unaudited operating metrics and financial results are subject to the Company's customary annual and interim closing, as well as financial statement procedures by the Company and its auditors. Actual results could be affected by subsequent events or determinations. While the Company believes there is a reasonable basis for these preliminary financial results, the results involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These preliminary fiscal results represent forward-looking information. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Assumptions" below.

Timing of Annual Filings

Due to the continued impact of COVID-19, Harborside anticipates the filing of its audited annual financial statements and corresponding management's discussion and analysis (collectively, the "Annual Filings") for the financial year ended December 31, 2019 to be delayed beyond the required filing deadline: (i) under Parts 4 and 5 of National Instrument 51-102  Continuous Disclosure Obligations and pursuant to National Instrument 52-109  Certification of Disclosure in Issuer's Annual and Interim Filings, being April 29, 2020; as extended by (ii) the temporary blanket relief implemented by the Ontario Securities Commission Ontario Instrument 51-502 (the "Blanket Relief"), being June 15, 2020 (the "Filing Deadline").

The Company intends to continue to work diligently and expeditiously with its auditors and expects to file the Annual Filings as soon as possible, and in any event no later than July 10, 2020. The Company currently does not anticipate any delay in filing its interim financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and the related officer certifications for the financial period ended March 31, 2020, before its filing deadline under NI 51-102, as extended by the Blanket Relief, on July 14, 2020. Other than as previously disclosed by the Company and herein with this press release, Harborside confirms that there have been no material business developments since the date of its third quarter interim financial statements that were filed on November 21, 2019, other than as a result of the impact of restatement disclosed above.

Management Cease Trade Order

In light of the delay in filing of the Annual Filings prior to the Filing Deadline, the Company is providing this default announcement in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company has made an application to the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC"), as principal regulator of the Company, for a management cease trade order ("MCTO") under NP 12-203 in respect of the anticipated default regarding the Annual Filings. The granting of the MCTO is at the discretion of the Ontario Securities Commission. The issuance of the MCTO generally will not affect the ability of persons who have not been directors, officers or insiders of the Company to trade in their securities. In the event that the MCTO is granted, it will be in effect until the default is remedied.

The Company intends to follow the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines set out in NP 12-203, including the issuance of bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases, for as long as the Company remains in default. The Company confirms as of the date of this news release that there is no insolvency proceeding against it and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

For the latest news, activities, and media coverage, please visit the Harborside corporate website at www.investharborside.com or connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , and Twitter .

About Harborside:

Harborside Inc. is one of the oldest and most respected cannabis retailers in California, operating three of the major dispensaries in the San Francisco Bay Area, a dispensary in Desert Hot Springs outfitted with Southern California's only cannabis drive-thru window, a dispensary in Oregon and a cultivation facility in Salinas, California. Harborside has played an instrumental role in making cannabis safe and accessible to a broad and diverse community of California consumers. Co-founded by Steve DeAngelo and dress wedding in 2006, Harborside was awarded one of the first six medical cannabis licenses granted in the United States. Harborside is currently a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") trading under the ticker symbol "HBOR". Additional information regarding Harborside is available under Harborside's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com .

Non-IFRS Measures, Reconciliation and Discussion

This press release may contain references to "EBITDA", and "Adjusted EBITDA", which are non-IFRS financial measures.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are measures of the Company's overall financial performance and are used as an alternative to earnings or net income in some circumstances. EBITDA and/or Adjusted EBITDA are essentially net income (loss) with interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash adjustments and other unusual items added back. This measure can be used to analyze and compare profitability among companies and industries, as it eliminates the effects of financing and capital expenditures. It is often used in valuation ratios and can be compared to enterprise value and revenue. This measure does not have any standardized meaning according to IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

There are no comparable IFRS financial measures presented in Harborside's financial statements. Reconciliations of the supplemental non-IFRS measures will be presented in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020. These non-IFRS financial measures are presented because management has evaluated the financial results both including and excluding the adjusted items and believe that the non-IFRS financial measures presented provide additional perspective and insights when analyzing the core operating performance of the business. The Company believes that these supplemental measures provide information useful to shareholders and investors in understanding our performance and may assist in the evaluation of the Company's business relative to that of its peers.

These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the IFRS financial measures presented in the Company's financial statements. For more information, please see "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020, which are expected to be available on www.sedar.com .

Notes:

This is a non-IFRS reporting measure. For a reconciliation of this to the nearest IFRS measure, see "Use of Non-IFRS Measures" and "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020, expected to be filed on SEDAR. This is forward-looking information and based on a number of assumptions. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Assumptions". The financial information included in this press release is neither audited nor reviewed. Where possible, the information has been constructed by management from available audited or audit reviewed financial statements. Where no audited or audit reviewed information has been available, additional management accounting information has been utilized to construct financial information.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward looking-statements relate to, among other things, the timing of filing the Restated Documents, the financial impact of the changes made to the Previous Documents to the Company, final operating metrics and financial results for Fiscal 2019 and First Quarter 2020, the timing of filing the Annual Filings, and the grant of an MCTO by the OSC.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: management's perceptions of the anticipated timeline in which the Annual Filings and the Interim Filings can be completed and filed; implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the California cannabis market and changing consumer habits; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for expansion; political and social uncertainties; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on cultivation, production, distribution and sale of cannabis and cannabis related products in the State of California; and employee relations. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

The Company is indirectly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale and distribution of cannabis in the recreational and medicinal cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities however, these activities are currently illegal under United States federal law. Additional information regarding this and other risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's business are contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Listing Statement dated May 30, 2019, filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Harborside Inc.
P rotesters gathered in south London on Saturday to speak out against the death of unarmed African-American man George Floyd.

Dozens of demonstrators chanted as they marched through Peckham, in the south-east of the capital, wielding placards reading solidarity and Black lives matter.

Unrest and heated riots have engulfed the city of Minneapolis and swathes of the US since Monday, when Mr Floyd, 46, was killed while in police custody.

Distressing footage showed him pleading for air while handcuffed as a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost ten minutes.

Londoners gathered in solidarity with protesters in the US / PA

Derek Chauvin, 44, the policeman who was filmed pressing Mr Floyd to the floor, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday.

Activists have taken to the streets of Atlanta, New York and outside the White House in Washington, crying out: I cant breathe, in memory of Mr Floyds last words.

Distressing footage showed Derek Chauvin (centre) kneeling on George Floyd, who was unarmed and pleading for air / Facebook/Darnella Frazier/AFP vi

Unrest has overwhelmed US authorities for a forth night in Minneapolis, Minesota, with the states governor acknowledging that he does not have enough manpower to contain the chaos.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump fired off a series of tweets ridiculing people who protested outside the White House and praising the Secret Service who used shields and pepper spray to push them back.

Hundreds of people gathered on Friday night to protest against the police killing as well as Mr Trumps response.

The president tweeted he watched from inside his residence as officers let the protesters scream & rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone . got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard  didnt know what hit them.

Mr Trump said if the protesters had managed to breach the White House fence, they would  have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen.

The US president ended the last of five tweets by saying, Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???

Minnesota governor Tim Walz vowed on Friday to start taking a more foreful approach to the uproar.

However, by early on Saturday morning, Mr Walz said he did not have enough troops, even with some 500 National Guardsmen.

We do not have the numbers, he said. We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground.

Mr Walz said he was moving quickly to mobilise more than 1,000 extra Guard members, for a total of 1,700, and was considering the potential offer of federal military police.

However, he warned that even that might not be enough, saying he expected another difficult night ahead.

George Floyd Protests - In pictures 1 /150 George Floyd Protests - In pictures Quincy Mason Floyd (c), son of George Floyd, and attorney Ben Crump (left) kneel at the site where Floyd was killed on June 3, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Crump and Floyd spoke at a press conference after, calling for the arrest and prosecution of all four officers involved in George Floyd's death Getty Images Hundreds of surfers gather in support of Black Lives Matter, following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, as they spell "UNITY" with their boards before participating in a paddle out for unity at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California via Reuters A demonstrator protests as police forces hold a line near Lafayette Park and the White House Getty Images People visit a memorial at the site where George Floyd was killed Getty Images Demonstrators lay down on Pennsylvania Avenue during a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd Getty Images Twenty-nine-year old DC resident, George (letf), slaps hands with three-year-old Mikaela (right) in front of a police barricade on a street leading to the front of the White House during protests over the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images Protesters cross Morrison Bridge while rallying against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Portland, Oregon Reuters An aerial view shows people gathering to pay tribute at a makeshift memorial in honour of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images People visit a memorial at the site where George Floyd was killed Getty Images John Boyega speaks at Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest PA People wearing face masks hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Atlanta police clash with a demonstrator during a protest, AP Marchers lay down on the Burnside Bridge for nine minutes symbolising the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer knelt on George Floyd's neck AP Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images A woman with a message painted on her face, "I Can't Breathe" is seen in Hyde Park during a "Black Lives Matter" protest REUTERS Law enforcement officers stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as demonstrators protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd Getty Images Protesters burn trash bins, shared scooters and bicycles AFP via Getty Images People raise their hands and kneel down as they protest at the makeshift memorial in honour of George Floyd in Minneapolis AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators embrace during a march in response to George Floyd's death in Los Angeles Getty Images Law enforcement officials and Georgia Army National Guard soldiers fire tear gas and advance on protesters on Centennial Olympic Park Drive outside the CNN Center in Atlanta AP A protester throws a smoke device at police AP Protesters march west on Broad Street as protests continue following the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd in Columbus, Ohio AP People marching to protest the death of George Floyd get arrested on Gratiot near Outer Drive in Detroit AP Protesters throw a burning object at advancing law enforcement officials on Centennial Olympic Park Drive at Olympic Park in Atlanta AP Los Angeles Commander Cory Palka, right reaches out and offers a handshake to a "Black Lives Matter" protester outside Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti's house in Los Angeles AP Police officers hold a perimeter near the White House AFP via Getty Images Orlando police deploy tear gas during a demonstration outside Orlando City Hall AP Women ride atop a car and carry a sign in support of a "Black Lives Matter" protest outside Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti's house in Los Angeles AP People kneel in front of a line of California Highway Patrol officers in Redwood City AP Demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd in Washington AP A protester hugs a member of the Army National Guard during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd in Los Angeles AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators march along Hollywood Boulevard AP Protesters head through downtown into midtown during demonstrations in Atlanta AP A protester holds up a skateboard during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd in Hollywood, California AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators greet members of the National Guard as they march along Hollywood Boulevard AP Demonstrators pause to kneel as they march to protest the death of George Floyd in Washington AP A demonstrator faces law enforcement officers during a rally near the White House against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd Reuters Roxie Washington, the mother of George Floyd's 6-year-old daughter Gianna Floyd (left), cries after addressing the press, alongside their lawyers at Minneapolis City Hall Reuters People march from Discovery Green to City Hall in downtown Houston AP Protesters rally on the Las Vegas Strip Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Las Vegas, over the death of George Floyd AP Demonstrators kneel in front of a line of police officers near the White House in Washington during a protest for the death of George Floyd AP US President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside of St John's Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images Fireworks go off in front of police, who with protesters in front of police headquarters in St. Louis AP Protestors are tear gassed as the police disperse them near the White House AFP via Getty Images Children show placard during a protest outside the residence of governor of Minnesota Tim Walz, over the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images A demonstrator try to pass between a police line wearing riot gear as they push back demonstrators outside of the White House AFP via Getty Images Protesters throw a tear gas canister back toward Stafford County deputies on the Falmouth Bridge in Fredericksburg, Va AP Chief of Department of the New York City Police, Terence Monahan, hugs an activist as protesters paused while walking in New York AP Armed National Guard soldiers patrol on Hollywood Blvd AFP via Getty Images In a show of peace and solidarity, law enforcement officials with riot shields kneel in front of protesters during a fourth day of protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis AP Protesters rally at the White House Reuters A protester carries the carries a U.S. flag upside, a sign of distress, next to a burning building AP Protestors are tear gassed as the police disperse them near the White House AFP via Getty Images Police officers clash with protestors near the White House AFP via Getty Images In a show of peace and solidarity, law enforcement officials with riot shields kneel in front of protesters during a fourth day of protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis AP Police begin to clear demonstrators in Washington AP Demonstrators vandalize a car near the White House in Washington as they protest the death of George Floyd AP A single officer takes a knee in solidarity with protesters during nationwide unrest following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, outside the Oklahoma City Police Department Reuters Protesters throw a US flag into a fire during a demonstration outside the White House AFP via Getty Images Police form a line on Fifth Avenue outside Trump Towe AP Protesters are detained by police officers during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd Reuters Protesters hold up a sign in Long Beach, California as they demonstrate during nationwide unrest following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd REUTERS People rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, REUTERS Protesters lie on the ground during a Black Lives Matter rally AP A young boy raises his fist for a photo by a family friend during a demonstration in Atlanta, Georgia Getty Images Police officers try to disperse people during a protest downtown Lansing, Michigan AP A protester has milk poured on his face after being exposed to tear gas AP Demonstrators block Interstate 244 in Tulsa AP Authorities stand guard in the area around the Georgia state Capitol as protests continued for a third day in Atlanta AP A demonstrator is arressted during a protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota Getty Images People demonstrate in Atlanta, Georgia Getty Images Tear gas rises above as protesters face off with police during a demonstration outside the White House over the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images Sheriff's deputies arrest people in Minneapolis, Minnesota AFP via Getty Images Police officers advance after firing tear gas during a demonstration in Atlanta, Georgia Getty Images A protester becomes emotional while taking part in a conversation with a police officer during a demonstration in Atlanta, Georgia Getty Images A man vandalizes a vehicle as another car is set on fire during a protest near the White House Getty Images Protesters march down a street during a solidarity rally for George Floyd, Sunday, May 31, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York AP PA Protesters gather around after setting fire to the entrance of a police station as demonstrations continue Reuters Protesters gather in front of the burning 3rd Precinct building of the Minneapolis Police Department AP A protester moves around the 3rd Precinct building of the Minneapolis Police Department AP Protesters are seen from the roof of the Minneapolis police 3rd Precinct building AP Protesters stand in front of the 3rd precinct police building as it burns during a protest Getty Images People stand outside the Minneapolis police 3rd Precinct building after fires were set at the building AP A man walks past a liquor store in flames near the 3rd Police Precinct AFP via Getty Images A woman holds a sign as protestors gather outside the St. Louis Police Department Headquarters Getty Images A car burns in a Target parking lot AP Tony L. Clark holds a photo of George Floyd AP Denver Police Department officers clear a man who fell to the street after they used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a protest outside the State Capitol over the death of George Floyd AP Denver police officers fire canisters to disperse a protest outside the State Capitol AP Protesters throw objects onto a burning car outside a Target store near the 3rd Police Precinct AFP via Getty Images Firefighters battle flames at a business along University Avenue as riot officers police the street AP Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Reuters Protesters react after the entrance of a police station is set on fire during the demonstrations Reuters A man wearing a face mask holds a sign near a burning vehicle at the parking lot of a Target store during protests Reuters A protester vandalizes an O'Reilly's near the Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct Reuters Police spray protesters with pepper spray during a demonstration over the killing of George Floyd by a policeman outside the 3rd Police Precinct AFP via Getty Images A man poses for photos in front of a fire at an AutoZone store, while protesters hold a rally for George Floyd in Minneapolis AP Police remove barricades set by protesters during a demonstration over the killing of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images Shawanda Hill (right), the girlfriend of George Floyd reacts near the spot where he died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police AFP via Getty Images Protesters gather under the rain near the spot where George Floyd died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police, AFP via Getty Images An injured woman is carried by other protesters during clashes with police at a demonstration over the killing of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images Protesters clash with police during a demonstration over the killing of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images This aerial image provided by KABC-TV shows protesters attacking a California Highway Patrol cruiser during a Black Lives Matter protest on a freeway in downtown Los Angeles AP Protesters clash with police during a demonstration over the killing of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images A man throws a rock at the Minneapolis police 3rd Precinct during a protest AP Dajanae McKinney holds a painting of George Floyd during a protest AP People face police as protests continue calling for justice for George Floyd AP Protesters and police face each other during a rally for George Floyd AP People hold up their fists after protesting near the spot where George Floyd died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police AFP via Getty Images Protesters gather calling for justice for George Floyd AP A memorial left for George Floyd AFP via Getty Images

The Pentagon has ordered the US army to put military police units on alert to head to the city on short notice, at Mr Trumps request, insiders said.

Elsewhere, a man was shot dead in Detroit, police cars were attacked in Atlanta and skirmishes with officers were caught on camera in New York City.

Minneapolis police said shots had been fired at officers during the protests, but no-one was injured.

On Thursday, protesters torched a police station soon after it was abandoned by police and went on to burn or vandalise dozens of businesses.

Trump calls protesters thugs after George Floyd death in police custody

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association urged Mr Walz to accept any help.

You need more resources, the group said in a tweet. Law enforcement needs leadership.

Chauvin was also accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Mr Floyd as he pressed his knee into the victim's neck.

Mr Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit twenty dollar bill at a store.

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with Mr Floyd's murder / AP

A lawyer for Mr Floyds family welcomed the arrest, but said he expected a more serious murder charge, and wants the other officers arrested, too.

Prosecutor Mike Freeman said more charges were possible, but authorities felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator.

Protests nationwide have been fuelled by outrage over Mr Floyds death and years of police violence against African Americans.

Protesters smashed windows at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, set a police car on fire and struck officers with bottles.

A protester confronts a police officer during an 'I can't breathe' vigil and rally in New York / REUTERS

Large demonstrations in New York, Houston, Washington, DC, and dozens of other cities ranged from people peacefully blocking roads to repeated clashes with police.

You are disgracing our city, Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told protesters. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country.

A post-mortem examination said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Mr Floyds system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

Protesters gather in Harlem, New York / Getty Images

Mr Trump said on Friday that he had spoken to Floyds family and expressed my sorrow.

He called video of the arrest just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyds family, asked to take custody of Floyds body for an independent post-mortem examination.

The doctor who will carry out the procedure is Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City.

He was hired to examine Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold, and he pleaded that he could not breathe.

State and federal authorities also are investigating Mr Floyds death.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he would withdraw funding from the World Health Organization, end Hong Kongs special trade status and suspend visas of Chinese graduate students suspected of conducting research on behalf of their government, escalating tensions with China that have surged during the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump has been expressing anger at the World Health Organization for weeks over what he has portrayed as an inadequate response to the initial outbreak of the coronavirus in Chinas Wuhan province late last year.

The president said in a White House announcement that Chinese officials ignored their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the organization to mislead the public about an outbreak that has now killed more than 100,000 Americans.

We have detailed the reforms that it must make and engaged with them directly, but they have refused to act, the president said. Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating the relationship.

The US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the U.S. would be redirecting the money to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs, without providing specifics.

He noted that the US contributes about $450 million to the world body while China provides about $40 million.

Congressional Democrats said in April, when the president first proposed withholding money from the WHO, that it would be illegal without approval from Congress and that they would challenge it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday called the move an act of extraordinary senselessness.

Other critics of the administrations decision to cut funding called it misguided, saying it would undermine an important institution that is leading vaccine development efforts and drug trials to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

Severing ties with the World Health Organization serves no logical purpose and makes finding a way out of this public health crisis dramatically more challenging, said Dr. Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association.

The WHO declined to comment on the announcement. Officials of the U.N. agency have not directly addressed a letter that Trump sent to the general director on May 18 warning that he would make permanent a temporary freeze on U.S. funding and reconsider US membership unless it committed to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days.

Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, chairman of the Senate health committee, also warned that the presidents decision could interfere with vaccine trials and international cooperation during future outbreaks.

Certainly there needs to be a good, hard look at mistakes the World Health Organization might have made in connection with coronavirus, but the time to do that is after the crisis has been dealt with, not in the middle of it, said Alexander, echoing a point made by others, including the head of the United Nations.

At an event later Friday, Trump was asked about relations with China, and he repeated his earlier suspicions about how the country managed to apparently contain the virus in Wuhan while it spread to Europe and the United States.

Well, were certainly not happy with what happened with respect to China, he told reporters.

Tensions over Hong Kong have increased over the past year as China has cracked down on protesters a nd sought to exert more control over the former British territory.

Trump said the administration would begin eliminating the full range of agreements that had given Hong Kong a relationship with the U.S. that mainland China lacked, including exemptions from controls on certain exports. He said the State Department would begin warning U.S. citizens of the threat of surveillance and arrest when visiting the city.

China has replaced its promised formula of one country, two systems, with one country, one system, he said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo notified Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong is no longer deserving of the preferential trade and commercial status it has enjoyed from the US since it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.

Its not yet clear what impact the decision will have on U.S. companies that operate in Hong Kong or on the citys position as Asias major financial hub, or how China will react to the decision.

The downward spiral in the bilateral relationship has now reached lows not seen since the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen massacre, and there is little reason to expect things to get better soon, said Dexter Tiff Roberts, an Asia expert at the Atlantic Council, which publishes nonpartisan policy analysis.

Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who is a commissioner of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, praised the decision on Hong Kong as an overdue response to the government of President Xi Jinping for human rights abuses, including against religious minorities in the Xinjiang region.

After years of human rights admonishment and cheap rhetoric devoid of any meaningful penalties, Xi has concluded that the West is all talk, no action, Smith said. President Trump, however, is today beginning to change that and is doing what previous presidents have failed to do.

The president also said the U.S. would be suspending entry of Chinese graduate students who are suspected of taking part in an extensive government campaign to acquire trade knowledge and academic research for the countrys military and industrial development.

Allowing their continued entry to the country would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, Trump said in an order released after the White House announcement.

Revocation of the visas has faced opposition from U.S. universities and scientific organizations that depend on tuition fees paid by Chinese students to offset other costs and fear possible reciprocal action from Beijing that could limit their access to China.

The president's order includes an exemptions for students whose work was not expected to benefit the Chinese military.

China seemed to signal in recent days that it was hoping to ease tensions. Premier Li Keqiang told reporters on Thursday that both countries stood to gain from cooperation and to lose from confrontation because their economies have become so interconnected.

We must use our wisdom to expand common interests and manage differences and disagreements, Li said.

Still, the country has insisted that its control of Hong Kong is an internal matter, and it has disputed that it mishandled the response to the virus.
In a letter addressed to the priests of the Diocese of Rome, Pope Francis looks forward to the next phase of efforts to respond to the new situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Vatican News

Pope Francis has written a letter to the priests of the Diocese of Rome, saying he wants "to draw near to them, to accompany, share, and confirm their journey in providing a pastoral response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new phase we are beginning, he writes, asks us for wisdom, foresight, and common commitment, so that all the efforts and sacrifices made so far will not be in vain.

The Holy Father said he had hoped to meet with Romes priest at the Chrism Mass, which normally takes place each year on Holy Thursday. Due to the coronavirus emergency, however, this years Chrism Mass has been postponed. Since a celebration of a diocesan character is not possible, Pope Francis explains to the diocesan clergy, I am writing this letter to you.

As Bishop of Rome, the Pope says he has been encouraged by exchanges with priests, who have shared with him their own witness, as well as their concerns and needs.

Along with the rest of Italy, Rome has been under severe restrictions because of the coronavirus crisis. Italy has been particularly hard hit by the disease, with more than 230,000 diagnosed cases, and over 33,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

In his letter, Pope Francis looks to the first apostolic community, which gathered in the Upper Room after the first Easter. Although the doors to the room were closed because the disciples were afraid, the Risen Christ appeared to them, offering them peace and sending them forth with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Close to the people

The Holy Father notes that the priests of Rome have been close to their people, experiencing with them the difficulties of the lockdown, and sharing their sorrows. They have accompanied those who have lost loved ones, health care providers, essential workers, the excluded and the vulnerable. And with them, he writes, We have experienced our own vulnerability and helplessness.

The novel coronavirus does not distinguish between individuals, families, social groups or nations, he writes. Instead, everyone has been affected by the disease. Our presuppositions have been challenged and new and old questions have forced themselves on our attention. These questions, says Pope Francis, cannot be answered simply by reopening and going back to the way things were. Instead, we are called to promote the new life that the Risen Lord wants to give us. Over against temptations, we must encourage the hope that can stimulate our creativity, our ingenuity, and our ability to respond.

A new day

Jesus did not choose or seek an ideal situation to break into the lives of His disciples, the Pope writes. But when He appeared to the disciples in the locked room, Jesus was able to transform all logic and give new meaning to history and events.

Pope Francis writes that Jesus presence announces a new day. The Pope encourages priests to not be afraid of the complex scenarios that will come about as we move beyond the first stage of the pandemic response, reminding them that Christian joy comes from the certainty that Jesus is in our midst. Those who, like Jesus, can welcome and embrace life as it really is, who allow themselves to weep with those who are weeping are capable of reaching the depths of life and being truly happy.

Things can change

It is the duty of priests to announce and prophesy the future, writes Pope Francis. The Resurrection is not only an historical event of the past, but rather, the announcement of the salvation of a new time that resounds and is ready to break out today.

It is faith that allows us to establish a new time with evangelical creativity.

If an intangible presence has been able to disrupt and overturn the priorities and seemingly unbreakable global agendas, Pope Francis writes, let us not fear that it is the presence of the Risen One that traces our path, opens horizons and gives us the courage to live this historic and singular moment.

He calls on priests to once again be surprised by the Risen One. The Resurrection of Jesus, the Pope says, is the proclamation that things can change. And he reminds priests, It is up to us to take responsibility for the future and project it as brothers.

To love and serve more

In the conclusion of his letter, Pope Francis explains, that he wanted to share the things he has thought and felt during the pandemic with his brother priests, so that they may help us on the path of praise of the Lord and service to our brothers and sisters.

I hope, he writes, that all of us will use them to love and serve more.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

The one-year-old boy initially tested negative on the first day after arriving, but the test results on May 28 and 29 turned positive.

With the newest case, the number of infected passengers on the May 13 flight from Russia has increased to 34. All have been in quarantine since arrival, posing no risk of transmission to the community.

Vietnam has not recorded any community infection of COVID-19 for 44 consecutive days since 6am April 16 to 6am May 30.

A total of 7,870 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or returned from pandemic-hit areas are being quarantined.

Among the 328 patients recorded so far, 278 have been given the all clear, and there has been no death.
BRIDGEPORT  A convicted child molester in Iowa, charged with sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl in Stratford, was denied release Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Based on your prior conviction which involved sexual conduct with a minor and the new arrest for an alleged sex abuse of a minor, I find there is a substantial risk of flight and a substantial risk to the community, Superior Court Judge Joan Alexander stated in denying a bond reduction to Douglas Simmons.

Simmons, 61, is charged with first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a child. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.

Police said Simmons was visiting some friends in Connecticut last year and crept into the bedroom of the sleeping girl and sexually assaulted her.

When he was later confronted with the allegations, police said Simmons admitted he had been in the state but denied sexually assaulting the girl.

Police said Simmons is a registered sex offender in Iowa and traveled to Connecticut in violation of sex offender registry rules.

During a hearing Friday, Simmons public defender Jared Millbrandt asked the judge to reduce his clients bond so that Simmons could be released. He argued that Simmons is in danger of contracting COVID-19 in the prison system and said his client would abide by any restrictions on his liberty.

We are not talking about him just walking out the door, Millbrandt said.

Supervisory Assistant States Attorney C. Robert Satti Jr., opposed the reduction because of the seriousness of the allegations and the fact that Simmons fled to Iowa after the alleged crime.

The judge also denied Simmons motion for a speedy trial. She said because of the pandemic, a jury can not be assembled to hear the case at this time.

Gov. Ned Lamont had previously issued an executive order barring jury trials until it is determined it is safe to hold them.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver is reacting to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis as well as the protests and riots that have overtaken the city. Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, was killed after a police officer used his knee on Floyd's neck to pin him to the ground when he [...]
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 05:44:44|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BRASILIA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP) will show a greater decline in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Brazilian Economy Ministry stated on Friday.

"The harmful effects on the health of the Brazilian population and our economy still persist. Therefore, the economic result of the activity will, in the second quarter, be even worse," the ministry said in a statement, predicting an increase in unemployment, bankruptcy, and poverty in the country.

Economic activity in the country fell 1.5 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the previous three months, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics reported on Friday.

The ministry said that the government has adopted measures to cushion the country from the initial shock as well as the lasting effects of the crisis, but that prolonging the period of isolation could worsen the crisis and compromise the speed of economic recovery.

The ministry proposed a series of measures to mitigate the economic effects of the crisis, such as supporting structural reforms, modifying bankruptcy legislation and opening trade, among others.

The Brazilian government has said that, in the face of the economic impact of the pandemic, it intends to promote privatizations, concessions, and fiscal reforms. Enditem
(Natural News) Editors note: The following report provides an account of how the coronavirus was likely created in a biolab by a Chinese scientist who then tried to cover her tracks after it escaped.

(Article republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

May 15, 2020 (LifeSiteNews)  Dr. Shi Zhengli, known as Chinas batwoman, was worried. Her creation, a highly infectious coronavirus, had leaked from her lab in October. Early efforts to stop the widening circle of infections had failed. It had spread like wildfire through the densely populated city of Wuhan.

The Communist authorities were also worried that the source of the epidemic would be traced back to the Wuhan lab. To muddy the waters, on January 3rd, Chinas National Health Commission ordered all biolabs in China to destroy not only the samples of the SARS-CoV-2 that they had isolated from those infected, but also the genetic sequencing of the virus RNA strand. Dr. Shi must have been only too happy to cover her own tracksevidence suggests she had already started doing soby destroying the evidence of the deadly virus actual origins in her lab.

It was the equivalent of trying to wipe the fingerprints from a gun that had just been used to commit murder.

The gun itself couldnt be destroyed, however. In fact, the murder weapon used was busy replicating itself by the billions within each and every person who came down with the China Virus.

Dr. Shi and her superiors, undoubtedly including Major General Chen Wei, the head of the PLAs bioweapons program, knew that the coronavirus she had assembled using recombinant technology was so different from other known coronaviruses that it would raise suspicions. None of the other known beta-coronaviruses, the family from which her backbone coronavirus came from, had anything resembling the genetic sequence she had inserted to make it more infectious to humans.

To reinforce the Wet Market cover story, namely, that this new pathogen had come from nature and not from her lab, something had to be done. And it had to be done quickly, since by then the China Coronavirus had spread to the rest of the world. Anger against China for its lack of transparency about the origins and characteristics of the virus was growing.

Dr. Shi decided to discover a new bat coronavirus that was very similar to the one she had created. That discovery would prove that coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 were found in nature, and so deflect the growing suspicion that she had engineered it in her lab.

The similarity between the two coronavirusesincluding their common ability to infect humanswould greatly reinforce her story that the SARS-CoV-2 had jumped from a bat to a human, perhaps through some intermediate species at the Wuhan wet market.

So, all Dr. Shi had to do was sit down before her computer keyboard, open a word file, and begin to fabricate the SARS-CoV-2 analogue that she would claim to have found in nature seven years before. All she had to do was type in the genetic sequence of her own creation, SARS-CoV-2, changing a few nucleotides now and again to mimic the random mutations that regularly occur in nature.

She could easily have completed the data entry part of her task in a day, since all she was doing was entering in a string of letters alternating between the four nucleotides, A, U, G, and C. And coronaviruses contain less than 30,000 different nucleotides.

Dr. Shi registered her new virus on January 27th, 2020, with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the customary repository for such information. She called it RaTG-13, Ra for Rhinolophus affinis, the Latin name of the Intermediate Horseshoe Bat, and 13 for 2013, the year she supposedly discovered it.

A lot of people have been taken in by Dr. Shis clever discovery, which is looking more and more like a forgery. No one else has independently verified its existence. No other lab has a sample of it, and no one else has ever sequenced it. And of course, they likely never will, because more and more evidence suggests that it exists only in a string of letters on her computer.

It was a brilliant scheme, and it almost succeeded. The Chinese virology communityfollowing new, strict Party guidelineshas published a flurry of studies suggesting that the existence of RaTG-13 proves that SARS-CoV-2 came from nature. They claim that other first cousins of the China Coronavirus will soon be found to exist in nature if we just keep looking. They do genomic analyses showing that RaTG-13 and SARS-CoV-2 are 96% identical throughout the whole sequence of the viral genome. They calculate that the two share a common ancestor a few decades back.

Actually, the only thing the two virus genomes have in common is Dr. Shi herself, who engineered the one and appears to have fabricated the other.

As clever as Batwoman is, however, she did not commit the perfect deception. She left behind a few key clues that reveal, as clearly as fingerprints on a murder weapon, what she was up to.

One blogger, writing at Nerd Has Power, has brilliantly teased these findings out of the data. The bloggers efforts can be read here if you have a free afternoon and a strong math background. I offer here a summary of one of the bloggers critiques, in the hope of making the bloggers general line of argument accessible to the layman. Because he published his raw data, I and others have been able to check and verify his work. I offer here a summary of one of the bloggers critiques, in the hope of making the bloggers general line of argument accessible to the layman.

An Impossible Ratio: As viruses evolve, they mutate. That is to say, one of the four nucleotides is randomly replaced by another. Most of these random mutations do not produce changes in the amino acids that make up the protein. Such mutations are called synonymous, since the three-nucleotide codon still codes for the same amino acid despite the change. Like a synonym in a thesaurus, it looks different but meansin terms of the amino acid and resulting proteinthe same thing.

But then there are non-synonymous mutations. These are mutations that do change the resulting amino acid and hence the configuration of the resulting protein. In nature, the ratio of synonymous to non-synonymous is approximately 5:1.

Heres where Dr. Shi got into trouble. When typing in the genomic sequence of her discovery she made way too many non-synonymous changes at the beginning. Then, one-third of the way through the sequence, she apparently realized her error. After that, she made way too few non-synonymous changes. So while the entire genome has the expected 5:1 ratio, there are stretches where the ratio is closer to 2:1, and other long stretches where it is as high as 44:1.

Natures mutations are random. Dr. Shis mutations are not. Dr. Lawrence Sellin has calculated that the odds that her mutations occurred naturally in just one areathe critical spike proteinat almost ten million to one.

If RaTG-13 is merely a strategic deception, as I believe it is, then what real coronavirus did Dr. Shi enhance in Gain-of-Function research to create the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2? Evidence suggests that a coronavirus from a Peoples Liberation Army biolab may have played this role.

If Dr. Shis research was in any way connected with the PLAs bioweapons research program, this would go a long way towards explaining Chinas bizarre behavior  the secrecy, the serial lying, the brutal quarantine, the persecution of whistleblowers, the seeding of the virus around the world, and the furious rejection by Beijing of the idea of an international commission to investigate the origin and spread of the disease. It all seems wildly overwrought, even by the standards of a conspiratorial Communist Party whose leaders suffer from a pathological paranoia.

Be that as it may, there is one thing about Dr. Shis research that we do know with absolute, ironclad certainty: The U.S. was helping to fund it. From 2013 onwards, the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, run by the now-famous Dr. Anthony Fauci, gave $7.4 million for research involving gain-of-function work and collecting and studying bat coronaviruses, $600,000 of which went to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Much of the rest went to other labs in China.

If Dr. Fauci was as familiar with the Chinese Communist Party as he is with viruses, he would not have sent the Wuhan Institute of Virology one thin dime. He would have known that the PRC has a long-running program to develop bioweapons. He would have concluded that Chinas only BSL-4 high containment lab was the obvious place to carry out at least some of this research. And he definitely did know that the Gain-of-Function research he was funding had the potential to create Pathogens of Pandemic Potential that might not be used for peaceful ends.

Apparently none of these considerations ever crossed his mind.

Now that Western intelligence services have concluded that SARS-CoV-2 probably is a manmade chimera that leaked from a lab  a lab that he was funding  you might think that Dr. Fauci would be inclined to reevaluate the role he played in this global debacle.

Instead, he continues to tell us that there is no scientific evidence the coronavirus was made in a Chinese lab and that there is no evidence that it leaked from the lab.

It is a sad end to a career that was at least long, if not particularly illustrious.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
BAY CITY, MI -- Shouts of I cant breathe and No justice, no peace echoed off the historical brick facades in downtown Bay City late Friday afternoon as Black Lives Matter protesters set out to make their voices heard.

The small protest, and others like it in areas like Detroit, was sparked by the turmoil in Minneapolis surrounding the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd after a police officer kneeled on his neck.

The May 29 protest was organized by Brandon Schwartz through Facebook and was attended by a crowd consisting of varying ages and races.

Starting at 4 p.m., supporters gathered in Wenonah Park to first listen to a speech from William Hystad, a Saginaw native, before heading out for a peaceful demonstration in downtown Bay City.

I am sick of tired of being apologetically black, I am sick of tired of being relegated to February, the shortest month in the year, to be proud of being black. I am sick and tired of every time I leave my house with my children or my mother or my sister, that Im afraid that its our last trip to the grocery store, said Hystad to the gathered crowd.

After Hystads speech, the crowd gathered their signs and marched downtown to the four-way stop intersection of Center and Washington Avenue. The protesters branched off into four groups and took up their posts at a corner, continuing to chant and hold up their signs.

Drivers honked their horns as they went through the intersection and some raised a fist in support. No serious altercations were at the scene, with a single maroon car pulling over to confront the protesters.

Bay City Department of Public Safety squad cars could be seen driving around the surrounding blocks near the protest but officers were not directly engaging the protesters.

In Flint, Mayor Sheldon Neeley issued a statement on the death of Geroge Floyd. "As former chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, I have begun developing a statewide coalition of mayors to tackle the issue of racial disparities within our own state, develop policies to combat systemic racism and work toward lasting change.

"On a local level, I am pleased to say Flint Police Chief Phil Hart will bring additional training to our own police force as part of the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation program through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

"There is only one way to move forward: Together. We must actively build unity around the world and here in our own community.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of Mr. Floyd.

Related news:

Minneapolis Police Death Protests

We are demanding justice:' Protesters in Detroit call for end of police brutality

George Floyds death heartbreaking,' Kalamazoo-area officials say in condemning Minneapolis officers

Minneapolis police station torched amid George Floyd protest; 7 protesters shot in Kentucky
New Delhi: India is likely to enter the fifth phase of lockdown with more concessions even as Union Home Minister Amit Shah held talks with the Chief Ministers of states in this regard. The analysis was done by Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary in DNA, the world's most-watched news show.

Lockdown 4.0 is coming to an end on May 31 and nothing can be said about what the fifth lockdown will look like. But we try to understand what the color and form of the fifth lockdown can be based on the interaction with sources and experts.

Firstly, flights to small towns are likely to start soon with new routes to be added after May 31, although international air travel may not start till August, atleast.

Apart from this, there are also plans to run about 200 trains from June 1. For this, ticket booking has also started. About 50 lakh workers have been transported to their homes through labor trains this month.

States like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have started Inter-State bus services. But from June 1 onwards, other states can also do so and a decision can also be taken to run Metro trains. However, initially their number will be less and social distancing will also be taken care of.

Under the fifth lockdown, more shops and markets may be opened. However, such a decision regarding shopping malls is expected to be very low.

Decisions can also be taken regarding gym, cinema hall, religious places and salons. But the areas where coronavirus cases are still high people may have to wait longer.

Apart from this, the Ministry of Education is also working on creating new guidelines to reopen schools. Under these guidelines, it is possible that students of 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th are allowed to attend school with strict social distancing rules.

Lockdown impact on Indian economy

Meanwhile, new figures of India's economic growth rate have been released. According to these figures, India's GDP growth rate was 4.2 per cent in FY 2019-20.

This is the lowest pace of economic development in the last 11 years. India's economic growth rate was 5.2 per cent in the first quarter of FY 2019-20. Which was reduced to 4.4 per cent in the second quarter and 4.1 per cent in the third quarter.

But in the fourth and final quarter it fell to just 3.1 per cent. That is, between January to March 2020, India's economy grew at a pace of only 3.1 per cent. Overall, India's economy has grown at a rate of 4.2 percent in this financial year compared to 6.1 percent in 2018-19.

The first lockdown was announced in the last week of March in Indi and due to the same effect, the economic growth rate has come down in the last quarter. But in April and May, all the industries in India remained completely closed, so the growth rate is expected to be less in the coming quarter.

Also, the fiscal deficit of India has also increased to 4.59 per cent of GDP. The government's goal was to keep this deficit down to 3.8 per cent.

It is the difference between the government's earnings and its spending. That is, if the government is earning Rs 100, then it has to spend around Rs 104 and 59 paise. Under this, the government had targeted to earn Rs 18 lakh 50 thousand crore by March 31 this year, but the government had achieved only Rs 16 lakh 82 thousand crore.

India's economic growth rate has decreased but these figures of GDP are much better than earlier estimates.
Govt. to prioritise Sri Lankans before foreigners By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

The Sri Lankan government is looking at bringing home Sri Lankans stranded overseas before opening up to tourists.

In this respect, at the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force meeting on Tuesday, authorities looked at the possibility of opening up the country for tourist arrivals from any country and while adhering to health guidelines will target group travellers initially.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga speaking with the Business Times on Wednesday said they would encourage group tourists to come particularly since those from China, Japan and even European markets travel as groups.

However, with many Sri Lankans overseas including students seeking to come back, the government will first look at bringing them back home by the end of July, he said.

Asked the reason for attracting group travellers, he pointed out that most of the travellers from these markets arrive in groups and that it is ideal in order to keep track of their itinerary and schedules when they move around the country.

However, industry experts both local and global have opined that under the circumstances in a post-COVID 19 scenario most would venture out alone or as a couple and not as groups.

Interestingly, tour operators in Sri Lanka have also insisted that as per the guidelines suggested by them no group photographs should be permitted.

The minister noted that they have suggested that tourists should obtain their test reports prior to arriving in the country and subsequently agree to carry out a PCR test.

This test which takes about six hours needs to be taken and on the first night the tourist will be quarantined even in a hotel on the recommendation of the authorities.

Upon arrival, tourists will be asked to submit their itinerary following which they will be allowed to stay at the hotel they have booked. This is being carried out to ensure that travellers to the country could be monitored as to their whereabouts, the minister said.
By Kate Holton

LONDON (Reuters) - England risks losing control of the coronavirus pandemic again and is at a "very dangerous moment" as it starts to ease out of the COVID-19 lockdown, senior scientific and medical advisers warned on Saturday.

One of the slowest countries to lock down, Britain is now one of the worst-hit and is just starting to take tentative steps to reopen parts of the economy, aided by a newly launched track and trace system that is designed to suppress outbreaks.

From Monday, up to six people will be able to meet outside their homes in England, some school classes will restart and elite competitive sport can resume without fans.

But four members of Britain's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) called the lifting premature, adding that the track and trace system was untested and unlikely to cope with an infection rate of around 8,000 new cases a day.

John Edmunds, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and a member of SAGE, said the easing was risky.

"Track and trace was only launched the day before yesterday, so we can't be sure that that is working effectively yet and yet we're going ahead and making these changes anyway," he told Sky News. "I think that that is rather dangerous."

Living with the infection rate at its current level, he said, would lead to many more cases and more deaths. Three other members of SAGE and the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, also expressed their concern.

In response, England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam agreed that the country was at a very dangerous moment and said the easing would only work if the track and trace system succeeded, and if people followed the rules.

Van-Tam said the more than 50 members of SAGE, which includes scientists, medics and academics, often held differing opinions but they all agreed that any easing must be painstakingly slow and extremely cautious.

"This gets out of control quite quickly if you allow it to, and it then takes many weeks to get the brakes on it," he said, adding that the track and trace system would take time to bed down and people must not "tear the pants out" of the new guidance.

Story continues

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government, which has been heavily criticised for its handling of the pandemic, said the slight relaxation of the rules would ease the burden of lockdown while keeping the virus' reproduction rate down.

Britain has recorded more than 270,000 cases of coronavirus and says more than 38,000 have died after testing positive for the illness. The Office of National Statistics and other sources of data put the figure of fatalities from suspected and confirmed cases at 48,000.

The government is now caught between the need to prevent a second wave and the need to reopen the economy and keep companies alive.

It says that while it may have made some mistakes it is grappling with the biggest public health crisis since the 1918 influenza outbreak and that it has prevented the health service from being overwhelmed.

SAGE member Peter Horby said the next three weeks would be crucial. "Returning to a situation where we've lost control again is far worse than a week or two (more) of social measures," he said.

(Reporting by Kate Holton; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Helen Popper and Frances Kerry)
Capable of resolving issues without third-party interference: China on border row with India

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, May 30: After India, China on Friday too rejected US President Donald Trump's offer to "mediate" between India and China to end their border standoff, saying the two countries are capable of resolving their differences through dialogue and did not require the help of a "third party".

In an embarrassment to the US President, sources here denied his claims of having spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India's military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. In fact, they underlined that no conversation has taken place between the two leaders since April 4 when they spoke on export of hydroxychloroquine.

China, India capable of resolving issues through dialogue: Beijing rejects Trump's mediation offer

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been stressing on bilateralism to resolve the dispute even as the US, first by senior diplomat Alice Wells and later Trump, sought to triangulate it.

PM Modi writes letter to the nation on 1st anniversary of his second tenure | Oneindia News

For the first time, the Chinese Foreign Office also spoke against the US offer for mediation. "We are capable of properly resolving the issues between us through dialogue and consultation. We do not need the intervention of the third party," its spokesperson said at a media briefing here. "We have existing border-related mechanisms and communication channels between China and India," he added.

The clarification from both India and China was prompt after Trump said in response to question that he had spoken to PM Modi and went on to say that the Indian PM was not in a "good mood" over the "big conflict" between India and China.

A day earlier, the MEA had said India was directly in touch with China through established mechanisms and diplomatic contacts to resolve the border stand-off.

Trump has offered at least half a dozen times to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, which was always turned down by New Delhi.

PM Modi did not converse with Trump on border standoff with China: Officials

India, US can strike 'smaller' trade deal soon

Washington: India and the US could strike a 'smaller' trade deal in the coming weeks, India's ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said while acknowledging that the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic has been a 'bit of a setback' in moving ahead as the governments are focused on tackling the health crisis. Addressing the virtual West Coast Summit of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Sandhu said India's supply of HCQ to the US has given the two countries enough confidence and have played an important foundation.
PARIS (Reuters) - The children of detained Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga accused French authorities of violating his 'fundamental human rights' on Friday, saying he has severe senile dementia among other ailments and that imprisonment could kill him. The 87-year-old Kabuga has been indicted by U.N. prosecutors for genocide and incitement to commit genocide

PARIS (Reuters) - The children of detained Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga accused French authorities of violating his "fundamental human rights" on Friday, saying he has severe senile dementia among other ailments and that imprisonment could kill him.

The 87-year-old Kabuga has been indicted by U.N. prosecutors for genocide and incitement to commit genocide. He is accused of bankrolling and arming ethnic Hutu militias that killed 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over around 100 days in 1994. He denied the charges this week.

He has been in a Parisian prison since May 16 when police swooped on his hideout in the capital's suburbs, ending a 26-year manhunt. A French court will decide whether to transfer him to a United Nations tribunal on June 3.

"In recent years he has accumulated many pathologies: diabetes, hypertension and severe senile dementia," a statement from his 11 children said.

"He also had a colectomy last year. His state of health requires support and constant surveillance, like any weak and dependent elderly person," the statement said, adding that he had lost weight and become more incoherent since his detention.

A Paris court on May 27 denied a request by his lawyers for his release saying it could stir unrest in the Rwandan community and that there was no guarantee he would not flee, given the aid provided by his family to avoid capture in recent years.

Kabuga was Rwanda's most-wanted fugitive with a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head, until French, British and Belgian intelligence agents tracked him down to his son's apartment in a northwestern Paris suburb.

"Leaving our father in prison, in his state, amounts to denying his fundamental human rights. It is a cry for help that we are making today to challenge his imprisonment which could be fatal to our father," the children said.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Tom Brown)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 14:56:25|Editor: Lu Hui

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Didi Chuxing, the Chinese ride-hailing service, said Friday that it has raised 500 million U.S. dollars for its autonomous vehicle business from an investment group led by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank.

The investment will help advance the development and deployment of automated vehicles in Didi's ride-hailing fleets.

This has been the largest single overseas financing obtained by the autonomous vehicle business of Didi Chuxing, since it was upgraded from a department to a registered firm in August 2019.

The company has been operating test vehicles in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou and in the state of California in the United States. Enditem
George Floyd Protests Spread as Minnesota Governor Pleads for Peace

Protests following Mondays police custody death of George Floyd have spread to more cities across America, while the former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyds neck was arrested and charged with manslaughter and murder.

Demonstrations, often violent and involving destruction of property, have spread in recent days to places like Los Angeles, Washington, and Chicago, with a man shot dead in Detroit, police cars battered in Atlanta, and skirmishes with police in New York City.

Criminal charges filed Friday morning against the former officer who held his knee for nearly 9 minutes on the neck of Floyd did nothing to stem the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a store.

My family and I watched in absolute horror as the now infamous and horrifying video began to spread quickly throughout social media. What we saw on that tape left us shell shocked, wrote Philonise Floyd, sister of the deceased, in a note on a fundraising campaign page.

A Minneapolis officer kneels on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe, in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier via AP, File)

As some officers knelt on his neck, other officers participated and watched; no one took any action to save my brothers life. Those officers would continue to brutalize my brother until he died, she continued.

An autopsy found that the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Floyds system, and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

Several hundred people protested near the White House on Friday, with videos on social media showing skirmishes breaking out between demonstrators and police. One confrontation showed a man taunting shield-bearing riot police, saying, Youre scared of me, youre intimidated by me, youre a coward! Others in the crowd, holding signs, chanted Hey hey! Ho ho! These racist cops have got to go!

Protests in New York City turned violent, with objects thrown at police, a service van set ablaze, and vehicles vandalized.

In Portland, Oregon, protesters set fires, while authorities urged people to leave the downtown area, warning in a post on Twitter that, It is not safe, it is dangerous, there is rioting, leave now.

The Multnomah County Sheriffs Office shared a photo of the damage done to the Multnomah Justice Center in downtown Portland, a building that is home to the county jail and police headquarters.

The Multnomah County Justice Center is clear and secure. Our Rapid Response Team is on scene and will remain at the Justice Center indefinitely. Portland Police has declared this a riot. Please leave the area immediately. pic.twitter.com/LGZxTyQVfl  Multnomah Co Sheriff (@MultCoSO) May 30, 2020

This is a riot. Its a full-on riot, Mayor Ted Wheeler told NBC affiliate KGW. We see people burning cars, we see people damaging businesses large and small, including some businesses I believe which are owned by local African American business owners. Were seeing looting.

In Minneapolis, police said shots had been fired at law enforcement officers during the protests but no one was injured. As the night dragged on, fires erupted across the citys south side, including at a Japanese restaurant, a Wells Fargo bank, and an Office Depot. Many burned for hours, with firefighters again delayed in reaching them because areas werent secure.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz spoke to the media at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, appealing for calm as firefighters battled blazes set by rioters, local news outlet KIMT3 reported.

This is not grieving, and this is not making a statement  this is life-threatening, dangerous to the most well-qualified forces to deal with this, Walz said. This is not about Georges death. This is about chaos being caused.

In a bid to quell the violence, Walz imposed a curfew, in force from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday, warning that police would enforce it and arrest people who dont comply.

Its time to rebuild our community and that starts with safety in our streets, Walz said in a release announcing the curfew.

Thousands of Minnesotans have expressed their grief and frustration in a peaceful manner. But the unlawful and dangerous actions of others, under the cover of darkness, has caused irreversible pain and damage to our community. This behavior has compromised the safety of bystanders, businesses, lawful demonstrators, and first responders, he continued.

Now, we come together to restore the peace, he added.

Walz acknowledged Saturday that, even with some 500 National Guardsmen, he didnt have enough manpower to contain the chaos.

We do not have the numbers, Walz said. We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground.

Walz said he was moving quickly to mobilize more than 1,000 more Guard members, for a total of 1,700, and was considering the potential offer of federal military police. But he warned that even that might not be enough, saying he expected another difficult night Saturday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
By Frank Simon and Andreas Buerger

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Scores of German business executives were due to return to China on Friday evening, beneficiaries of an accelerated entry procedure offered by Beijing as both countries seek to reignite their economies after months of lockdown.

Under a deal brokered by the German Chamber of Commerce in China, staff from hundreds of German companies with units there can return without undergoing two weeks' quarantine if they can show a certified negative coronavirus test.

Among the executives waiting to board the chartered Lufthansa flight to Tianjin was Karin Warowski, a controller at carmaker Volkswagen, who was eager to rejoin her husband after months of separation.

"Obviously everyone's pleased that business is restarting - it's already underway," she said, rushing through a near-deserted airport to catch her flight.

"I'm one of the first privileged few who can go back to Tianjin... I'm very pleased to be going back to where my husband is. We've been apart for four months."

About 500 to 1,000 business managers have been offered an accelerated re-entry procedure by the Chinese government, a German business representative told Reuters on Tuesday, with family members bringing the total to around 2,500 people.

Even as much of the rest of the world economy has shut down to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which originated in China, factories there have been ramping up production again since the outbreak abated.

China is Germany's most important trading partner by far, with around 206 billion euros (186 billion pounds) worth of goods traded in 2019.

(Reporting by Frank Simon and Andreas Buerger; Writing by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
More than 200 people gathered in Durham on Saturday to protest George Floyds death in Minneapolis, marching to the courthouse and police station.

As part of a Bull City Solidarity March, the protesters chanted Whose streets? Our streets, played instruments and held Black Lives Matter signs. As they marched across downtown, police cars followed and stopped traffic as protesters crossed intersections and blocked streets.

These are our streets. We do not deserve to die senselessly in our streets, Skip Gibbs, an organizer of the protest, told the crowd through a bullhorn.

A white Minneapolis police officer is charged with murder after holding Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, on the ground with his knee on Floyds neck for more than 8 minutes, the Associated Press has reported. He told police he couldnt breathe. His death has set off protests, some violent, around the country.

In Raleigh, about 1,000 people gathered in downtown Raleigh early Saturday evening.

Mystic Jones lies on the street in downtown Durham as a symbolic act of protest Saturday, May 30, 2020 as people marched in to protest the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.

Peaceful protest in Durham

During demonstrations the night before in Charlotte, people slashed a police cars tires, smashed windows at a police substation, broke into a grocery store and pelted officers with water bottles, The Charlotte Observer reported.

But the afternoon protest in Durham was peaceful.

A small crowd had gathered at Chapel Hill Street and Main Street by 12:50 p.m., blocking the intersection. Police also closed nearby intersections to keep traffic away.

The crowd grew as it marched first to the county courthouse, then to CCB Plaza, then to police headquarters.

At each stop protesters blocked the street and formed a circle around people who would chant, sing and share experiences. Black mothers shared stories about worrying about their children. Black men said they wanted to live in a community where they didnt have to fear jogging, driving or even staying in their homes. White people talked about how they have to do better in standing up for black people and intervening in racist situations.

Story continues

Most of the participants wore masks, as the state entered its second week under Phase Two of easing coronavirus-related restrictions. Some observed social distancing guidelines, while others gathered in tighter crowds.

I am here to take a stand,  said Xavier Johnson, 26, of Durham. I am here to promote peace.

Justice for George

Raven Scott, 21, of Durham held a sign that said Justice for George on one side and Any means necessary on the other.

Scott attended to stand in solidarity with Floyd.

It feels like it will bring a change, Scott said.

As protesters chanted in the street, Leilah Nichols, 13, sat on steps in front of police headquarters with her mom and younger sister. On the step in front of her, the colorful sign she made said The children are watching.

She said she came up with the slogan when she was younger, and confused about the violence and racism her community experienced.

There needs to be a change because we are not going to stop until they realize we matter as much as they do, Leilah said.

In a letter, Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead named several African Americans killed by law enforcement and said he finds the acts and omissions by these police officers to be incomprehensible and indefensible.

Birkhead wrote he was embarrassed and outraged, saying his office is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all people.

Let us be resolved to fight for justice for all here in Durham, he concluded. Let us commit to stand up or kneel down when injustices are identified.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for new protections for women after a 14-year-old girl was allegedly murdered by her father in a so-called "honor killing," sparking outrage in the country.

Romina Ashrafi's father is suspected of killing her with a farming sickle after she ran away from her family home in northern Iran's Talesh county with a 29-year-old man, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Police have arrested the teenager's father. Ashrafi's death has been widely covered by Iranian media across reformist, moderate and pro-government news outlets.

It is unclear whether the 29-year-old man will face criminal charges.

Amnesty International condemned the killing and called on authorities to ensure full "accountability" for the crime.

"We call on Iran's authorities & lawmakers to end the impunity for violence against women/girls & criminalize domestic violence. They must amend Article 301 of the Penal Code to ensure accountability proportionate to the severity of the crime, without resort to the death penalty," Amnesty said in a statement on Twitter, Thursday.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Article 301 reduces punitive measures for fathers involved in so-called "honor killings."

Rouhani has expressed "regret" over Ashrafi's death. During a cabinet meeting in Tehran, the President "ordered accelerated study and ratification" of a bill that protects women against violence, Fars reported Thursday.
Encore Energy, Inc. is making plans to drill additional vertical off-sets wells to the Companys Roppel #1 and Trent #1 oil discoveries from 2015.

The Encore Roppel #1 flowed more than ~200 BOPD IP (initial 24-hr test rate) upon treatment from the Warsaw, and both the Roppel #1 and Trent #1 (Coniferous Dolomite) have been good long-term oil producers. Checkout the videos from the Roppel #1 drilling, flow-back and cementing pipe at the Trent #1 along with the press release for Roppel #1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU-5Xfq695M&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO1nygtcmi4&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxKBtMRrp8M&feature=youtu.be

http://www.simplepr.net/encore-energy-announces-kentucky-warsaw-oil-discovery-270-bopd-ip/

Although these projects are higher risk, they are important, are located off-set to proven production and provide qualified investors the ability to invest $10,000 - $20,000+ in each project (affordable capital outlay), as compared to that of larger well programs, said Steve Stengell, Encores President and CEO. "These projects are also supported by multiple oil discoveries made by other operators, such as the nearby 2012 Eagle Ridge #1 that report an initial rate of ~110  125 BOPD IP (24-hr test) and a series Corniferous Dolomite producers located in the Ben Leo area, added Stengell.

Encores continued focus is the drilling, completion and production from horizontal Berea oil well projects in Lawrence County, Kentucky, added Stengell.

Oil and gas investments are subject to a high degree of risk, uncertainty, unpredictability, indefinite delays, dry holes, loss of investment and are suitable only for SEC defined accredited investors who are sophisticated in making business and investment decisions.

No assurances can be made as it relates to the drilling results, production, income, distributions, reserves, profitability, prices, timelines and/or any other estimates.

The SEC definition of an accredited investor is better explained on the SECs website: https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/updated-investor-bulletin-accredited-investors

Qualified SEC defined investors (SEC Regulation D, Rule 506c) can deduct 100% of their intangible and tangible drilling costs against all forms of income (state and federal) with years of potential income from production. These tax savings mitigate a good amount of risk associated with oil and gas drilling, completion and production operations.

For more information about this investment and to see if you qualify as an SEC accredited investor, contact Steve Stengell at (270) 438-9956 or Steve.stengell@encore-energy.com and/or visit the due diligence section of Encores website: http://www.encore-energy.com/Operations.html

Assumptions, Disclaimer and Cautionary Statement: The information herein may contain forward-looking statements, and actual results may vary. Words such as "estimate", "will," "intend," "continue," "target," "expect," "achieve," "strategy," "future," "may," "goal," or other comparable words or phrases or the negative of those words, and other words of similar meaning indicate forward-looking statements and important factors which could affect actual results. Forward-looking statements are made based upon Management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon Encore Energy, Inc. Oil and gas investments involve a high degree of risk, uncertainty and are only suitable for qualified Accredited (SEC Definition) investors who are sophisticated in making business decisions and can bear the financial loss of their entire investment, while delivering a turnkey profit to the Company for proving the prospect development, lease acquisition, drilling, completion, engineering and ongoing production operations. The Company does not provide tax advice and investors should seek the advice of their tax professional. Any tax and/or other information herein is provided for illustration purposes only and may include estimates that are uncertain and subject to change. It is impossible to accurately forecast profitability, production, reserves, income, expenses and timelines for any project. No assurances can be made as it relates to reserves, production, income, profit, prices, timelines and/or other estimates. Actual production and results are beyond the control of management. In the event that commercial production is achieved, it may take many years for the investor to recoup his or her investment. The Company's lease acreage position under is subject to change and includes acreage under lease, Farmout agreement, verbal agreement, renewals, expired terms and any other prospective acreage in which the Company has communicated and/or negotiated with the landowner the leasing of oil and gas rights, now or in the future, and the lease / mineral owner has leased or communicated their intent to lease there mineral lease rights to the Company. It is important for qualified investors to acknowledge the fact that the US government provides them with tax savings (100% IDC tax deduction) to mitigate or at least off-set some of the financial risk associated with domestic oil and gas investments. This is not an offer to sell or buy a security. An offer shall only be made pursuant to SEC Regulation D, Rule 506(c) by a private placement offering memorandum, and this is not a private placement offering memorandum.
Californians itching to get out and hit the road for a weekend getaway are looking at a challenging summer ahead.

Vacation season is dawning on the Golden State just as Gov. Gavin Newsom begins to loosen Californias shelter-in-place rules, dangling the prospect of day trips and overnight excursions in front of residents who have spent the past 10 to 12 weeks confined indoors. But with counties reopening on different timelines, solidifying travel plans and hotel reservations is an uncertain, if not impossible, task.

Right now, no one knows whats going to happen, so you cant plan for anything, said Tom Hale, founder of the Berkeley adventure tour company Backroads.

Hales company, which would typically be in high season right now, is delaying trips  international and domestic  until at least July. When they do come back, he anticipates hosting smaller groups, negotiating social distance mores, requiring masks at times and being careful about food provisions. Any precautions beyond that will depend on the comfort levels of his guests and staffers, local rules, the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic and many other variables.

By the time we end up running trips, which is probably a good six weeks from now, the trajectory of COVID anxiety and the sensibility around this could have changed, Hale said. Six weeks is a whole lot of time for things to be different.

When leisure travel resumes in California, the ethics and etiquette of visiting our favorite destinations will almost certainly be rewritten. Many in the industry anticipate a new normal of vacationing that will demand heightened patience and awareness both from visitors and locals.

Pulling off a fun, successful trip will require each of us to adjust. Here are three things to consider before you set out.

Tourism is touchy right now: Many communities at the heart of the states premier destinations have a love-hate relationship with tourists. Ask any local in Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, Mendocino  pick a popular weekend destination. Though their towns are economically dependent on tourism, many locals loathe the crowded parks, beaches and roadways that come with warm weather.

Those tensions predate the coronavirus pandemic, of course, but the threat of an outsider carrying the virus into a remote town  many of which have managed to avoid a spike in COVID-19 cases  adds a new wrinkle to the dynamic.

In March, for example, several days after the Bay Area enacted shelter-in-place (but before the statewide mandate), a snow storm blew into the Sierra, prompting thousands of skiers here and in Sacramento to pack their cars and head for Tahoe. Hosting ski-tourists in droves is part of the normal ebb and flow of mountain-town life, but many locals viewed the behavior as careless and insensitive given that it came during a viral outbreak that hadnt yet affected their region.

Theres always been tension between locals and tourists, but I think the tension is pretty high right now, pro skier Cody Townsend told The Chronicle at the time.

As the state and each of Californias 58 counties wade into the confusing process to reopen, expect some flare-ups between locals and visitors navigating the new reality. Some tourism-dependent business owners cant wait to begin receiving visitors again. But theres palpable anxiety at popular weekend destinations as reopening moves forward.

Reopening will be uneven: Under the states phased reopening plan, counties will be allowed to ease back into normalcy after meeting certain health requirements. That means the process will unfold unevenly around the state.

San Francisco, for example, just announced measures for a staggered reopening through at least August. Some counties outside the Bay Area, however, have jump-started the process. There is ongoing debate about the best path forward.

Parks, beaches, lakes and outdoor areas across Northern California are reopening on different timelines and with varying degrees of accessibility, depending on a dizzying array of variables. For the most up-to-date information on outdoor spaces in the Bay Area, check The Chronicles interactive tracker-map, revised daily. For broader information on openings in Northern California, follow Chronicle outdoors writer Tom Stienstra on Twitter at @StienstraTom.

Many of the states most popular destinations could reopen last or levy the most stringent rules and restrictions as a means of controlling crowds, encouraging distancing and keeping people safe.

Expect new rules, everywhere: Coronavirus has upended the status quo in the places we love to visit.

Yosemite National Park, for example, may set a quota on park visitors and require online reservations for day access when it once again opens its gates. Santa Cruz has banned sunbathing on its beaches. South Lake Tahoe is fining some visitors. Wineries in Napa and Sonoma are struggling to conform to new rules for tasting rooms.

Many of those restrictions will relax once enough counties enter Phase 3 and leisure travel resumes. But there will surely be new rules and guidelines surrounding the visitor experience at hotels, small businesses, guide companies and outdoor areas. Masks, social distancing and hand sanitizer may be just the tip of the iceberg.

No one knows what the new normal will be, so check SFChronicle.coms county-by-county tracker for the latest news and information on the places you want to visit. And as counties do begin reopening, make sure to tread lightly when you visit.

Itll never be the same  like air travel after 9/11, said Colleen Dalton, director of tourism and economic programs for Visit Truckee. The new normal with travel will be, you dont breeze in and out and have this unconscious experience. Itll take a little more time, and youll have to have a little more patience. Well all be in this together.

Gregory Thomas is The San Francisco Chronicles editor of lifestyle and outdoors. Email: gthomas@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @GregRThomas
Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to ease restrictions when it lifted lockdown measures on 20 April. The countrys Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta argued the 21-day lockdown of Ghanas biggest cities had become financially unbearable for most of the population, a concern that gave the government little choice but to lift the restriction.



The country, which identified its first COVID-19 cases on 12 March, has seen the numbers since then rise more than six-fold to 7,000-plus including those since the lockdown was lifted. The death toll, however, remains relatively low at 34.



The reality is Ghana ranks in the top five African countries for testing rate per citizen. And the lockdown clearly brought the economy to its knees with several years of economic growth of 6% or more being wiped out by people sitting at home, including, as Minister Ofori-Atta described it, a significant portion of the nearly 90% of the population that work in the informal part of the economy and go to work each day to earn wages.



Therefore lifting the lockdown and jump-starting the Ghanaian economy should be the end of this saga. But the saga extends beyond COVID-19 and a cooling economy



Economic fallout



The International Monetary Fund provided $1bn in emergency funds to Ghana in April. The World Bank also agreed to a debt standstill with the country that is estimated to free up approximately $500m in the short term through deferred interest and principal payments.



These two measures, however, are not enough, to curb the growing chatter among creditors, multi-laterals, and governments that Ghana is increasingly at risk of an unexpected (and big) economic fallout.



A group of private creditors to sub-Saharan African sovereigns recently created a platform to directly engage governments in dialogue on debt-related matters. The structure called the Africa Private Creditor Working Group (AfricaPCWG), includes more than 25 members that are understood to hold between 30% and 75% of the more prominent African Eurobond issuers, including Angola, Egypt, Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Nigeria.



The backdrop to the working group is a narrative of uncontrollable debts during an unforeseen pandemic. Zambia has already requested proposals for potential debt restructuring with other countries, such as Rwanda, openly stating a need to defer debt payments or renegotiate terms.



A working group within the African Union is considering the creation of a special purpose vehicle to be guaranteed by member states to support and theoretically financially backstop some governments in the short term. This SPV or another form of credit enhancement is assumed crucial to circumventing future credit rating downgrades due to potential missed payments or requests to re-profile debt payments. Any downgrade or potential sell-off in African debt would also push up borrowing costs for African countries.



Such an outcome for Ghana, which would include other governments and/or multilateral parties guaranteeing its debt, would create both an economic and political catastrophe for the country. The deterioration of the countrys supply and distribution chains in the short term due to this pandemic is seemingly digestible or, at least, understandable for the Ghanaian public.



Elections this year



Ghanaians will go to the polls later this year where President Nana Akufo-Addo will battle his predecessor John Mahama. The election will create a theoretical Battle of the Records where former President Mahama will be claiming his economic performance was underappreciated, particularly when pitted against the current economy of President Akufo-Addo.



The strategy, if employed, makes sense as lagging commodity prices drag down the economy coupled with the destabilizing effects of a global pandemic. That said, this version of the economic discussion unfairly distils recent economic effects based on simplified analysis of what are greater challenges in the country.



Firstly, the growth over the past few years has not necessarily changed the daily lives of many Ghanaians. As a significant portion of the countrys populace makes a living through daily informal work, the lack of a strong currency over the years has hit many locals in the pocket while fuel and food prices have floated up and the government has focused on tightening its public spending.



Secondly, the costs of governing Ghana remain an issue of contention with the public. Locals have grappled with the number of government ministers and their accompanying teams. Beyond those costs, the coordination of a national election has always drawn post-election scorn from the incoming party with allegation of flagrant spending for political gain and victory.



Thirdly, economic growth has not necessarily changed the outlook for the country. A bigger economy does not magically generate more revenue, particularly considering spending related to various sectors. For example, government spending currently buoys the electricity sector through its period of transition as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Volta River Authority (VRA) struggle to collect fees and the government tries to renegotiate contracts with independent power producers (IPPS) in order to right-size off-take and fees to todays situation in the country. Furthermore, the improved oil sector in the country has been short-circuited by low oil prices  albeit nowhere at the same level as Nigeria.



Taxing the informal economy remains a daunting challenge for Ghana as with most other African governments. Efforts to broaden the tax base accordingly has generally been fruitless for recent administrations. According to the IMF, taxes account for a smaller share of GDP for Ghana compared to other developing countries with Ghana remaining at high risk of debt distress for another consecutive year. More distressing, interest payments eat into approximately one-third of the government revenues, which is more than education or healthcare.



Today and beyond for Ghana



The question for Ghana today should go beyond a pure comparison of economic performance between presidents. Ghana rightfully remains one of Africas most promising economies. It has benefited from oil discoveries in recent years yet still has worked hard to diversify the larger economy.



Elections have been fluid with successive transitions between administrations, making the country a beacon of political stability in Africa. That said, as any debtor will tell you: creditors love and respect you until you miss a payment (default) or others start saying you are not good for your payment (credit downgrade).



Ghana can (and should) avoid both scenarios. The first step may be simply changing debits and credits by changing lifestyle and spending habits. But as is often the case, that is easier said than done.

Source: theafricareport.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
A fired San Antonio Fire Department paramedic sentenced to probation for striking his 18-month-old daughter and assaulting his then-girlfriend in two separate incidents of family violence has indicated he may appeal his conviction and seek a new trial.

An attorney for Barry Uhr, a fire engineer and paramedic, wrote in a court filing May 4 that a juror at Uhrs trial engaged in questionable behavior that could amount to misconduct.

If we are allowed to complete the juror interviews, obtain affidavits, and have a hearing, Mr. Uhr can establish his right to a new trial, Mark Stevens, a well-known local attorney, wrote.

Uhr, a 17-year veteran of the department, was arrested in 2018 after he yanked his daughter away from his then-girlfriend during an argument, inadvertently striking the infants head against a garage door.

Six months later, in December 2018, Uhr punched another woman in the forehead and choked her during an argument at his home in East Bexar County, resulting in visible bruising and swelling to her right temple.

Uhr, 45, was convicted by a jury in March of continuous family violence, a third-degree felony, for both attacks. After the verdict, prosecutors dropped two other family violence charges Uhr faced in connection with the two attacks.

On ExpressNews.com: Five San Antonio police officers disciplined for alleged wrongdoing

Judge Stephanie Boyd, who presided over Uhrs trial, denied Stevens motion for a continuance to delay the sentencing as his lawyer investigated the allegations of juror misconduct.

Instead, Boyd went ahead with the sentencing on May 4, placing Uhr on five years probation and ordering him to enroll in a batterers intervention and prevention program, a cognitive-behavioral approach that tries to address the root causes of violent and controlling behavior.

He also is required to complete a parenting program, though he is currently prohibited from having any contact with his daughter, and make a $870 donation to the San Antonio Food Bank in lieu of community service.

Uhr is also responsible for $1,975 in court fees and fines.

During the sentencing, Boyd issued an affirmative finding of family violence, a legal decree that prohibits Uhr  who owns multiple weapons and was formerly a licensed gun dealer, according to court records  from owning or possessing firearms.

Uhr is seeking reinstatement to his job with the fire department, likely with full back pay and benefits. In his appeal filed March 25, after he was convicted, Uhr denied assaulting his daughter and ex-girlfriend. Even if the allegations were true, Uhr wrote, they would not merit firing.

In fiscal 2018, Uhr made $95,276 in gross earnings, in addition to medical, pension and other employee benefits, according to city records.

The attorneys who separately represent Uhr in his criminal case and his reinstatement appeal declined to comment, citing pending legal matters.

Daughter injured

According to police records, Uhr and his then-girlfriend, Amanda Hamel, were driving to Uhrs home in unincorporated Bexar County on June 2, 2018, when they got in an argument.

As the argument escalated, Hamel later told police, she feared that Uhr might push her out of the vehicle. She jumped in the back seat, where their 18-month-old daughter was seated.

When they arrived home, Hamel grabbed the child and exited the vehicle. She also tried to grab her cell phone and purse before realizing that Uhr had locked the car door, prohibiting her from getting her belongings.

At that point, the records state, Uhr grabbed their daughter from Hamels arms, initiating a short struggle. He walked into the garage and tried to close the garage door as he repeatedly pushed Hamel away.

I grabbed his shirt to pull him outside with me, Hamel later told a forensic nurse. At that point, he somehow swung her around and her head smacked the garage ... He didnt do it on purpose but he was trying to push me, and her head smacked the garage.

The pair continued to argue. Uhr pushed Hamel again, the report states.

On ExpressNews.com: S.A. program aims to help kids affected by coronavirus, family violence

Finally, Hamel ran to the road, where she flagged down a driver. She begged the person to call 911 before returning home to retrieve their daughter.

She later told detectives that she feared for the childs safety. Uhr had repeatedly threatened to end it all if she called police.

When she returned home, Uhr handed over their daughter and left. Later that evening, officers found Uhr and arrested him on a charge of injury to a child, a third-degree felony, and assault bodily injury-married, a Class A misdemeanor.

At San Antonio Childrens Hospital, Hamels daughter was treated for 1-centimeter laceration above her left eye, in addition to a bruise to her forehead.

This wasnt the first time Uhr had threatened Hamel, the woman told the nurse.

A year earlier, Hamel said, Uhr had confronted Hamel during an argument and lifted his fist, indicating he was going to punch her. She stepped back and pointed to the door. Hamel said Uhr smacked her arm out of the way.

Hamel wondered whether her boyfriends behavior could be linked to the loss of a friend, the records state. In 2016, she told the nurse, his close friend committed suicide after killing his wife.

Barry hasnt been the same, he hasnt been right since, Hamel said. Hes an angry person. When I had (our daughter), we all thought he would fall in love, but the first picture I have of them together, his eyes look cold.

Violence persists

For six months, Uhr continued to work as a paramedic and fire engineer at the fire department while awaiting trial. On Dec. 2, 2018, sheriffs deputies were called to his home again.

According to court records, Uhr and a different woman, his girlfriend of four months, were arguing after she discovered text messages he sent to another woman.

Uhrs girlfriend threatened to leave. As she gathered her belongings, Uhr grabbed her by the neck with both hands and slammed her against the door.

He started choking me, the woman wrote in an affidavit. I hit him once with my right hand in an attempt to get him off of me. He then punched me on my forehead with his left fist closed. I fell backwards on my left shoulder.

As the woman stood up, she pulled her phone from her pocket and tried to call 911. Uhr grabbed the phone and hurled it from the second floor to the first.

I was crying at this point, the woman wrote. I ran outside, jumped over the fence, and ran to his neighbors house.

Once police arrived, Uhr had already left. He was arrested a few days later.

At the hospital, the woman had X-rays taken, and for over a week, she had a black eye, she later told prosecutors.

She also told prosecutors that she feared for her life and applied for a protective order, a civil order that prohibits an alleged abuser from contacting a petitioner. A judge later approved her application.

He has made threats about wanting harm done to (his ex-girlfriend) because he knows that if he gets convicted of anything, hell lose his job, the woman wrote in an affidavit.

About two months ago, he told me that he wished he knew someone in California, where she is, because he would have her killed. Then he wouldnt have to worry about the charges against him.

A gentle giant

In letters to Judge Boyd after Uhrs conviction, friends portrayed Uhr as a thoughtful and kindhearted public servant  a gentle giant who risked his life many times during his 17 years with the fire department.

They also said he was a doting caretaker for his twin brother who had AIDS and chronically ill mother, both of whom died in recent years.

Wilson County Attorney Tom Caldwell, a former San Antonio Fire Department captain, urged Boyd to place Uhr on probation. At the time, Uhr faced up to 10 years in prison.

Caldwell, who was elected in Wilson County in 2016, has a controversial history as a public servant. In April 2015, he was fired from the fire department after he was accused of fraudulently obtaining insurance benefits, though he was never criminally charged and he later won an appeal to get his job back.

He has also faced scrutiny for his decision as a county attorney to hire a former San Antonio police officer accused of altering evidence and lying about it. The San Antonio Police Department filed criminal charges against the officer, but those were dropped after the man agreed to surrender his peace officer license.

Caldwell is also representing Uhr in his appeal to get his job back.

On ExpressNews.com: SAPD said officer altered evidence and lied about it. He remains in law enforcement.

I implore you to consider sentencing Barry Uhr to probation, Caldwell wrote on official Wilson County letterhead. He has value to our society yet and you will not be disappointed with his attempt to redeem himself.

San Antonio Fire Capt. Wesley Jendrusch, another former colleague, also wrote a letter on Uhrs behalf.

I firmly believe that Barry is a good man, Jendrusch wrote, noting that he was not speaking for the fire department.

Over the past year, I have witnessed Barry suffer from the embarrassment, shame, guilt, uncertainty about his future and ridicule over this unfortunate situation.

Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Emilie, become a subscriber. eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton
A list specifying 33 kinds of domestic livestock and poultry was released on Friday as a measure to facilitate enforcement of the ban on the illegal trade and consumption of wildlife.



The National Catalog of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, consists of 17 types of animals traditionally raised in China, including pigs, cows, goats, chickens and ducks, and 16 kinds of special animals such as deer, turkeys and ostriches.

All these animals have been raised in China for a long time and are proved to be safe.

Making such a list is meant to carry out a decision by the top legislature adopted in February amid the COVID-19 outbreak to ban the illegal trade and consumption of wild animals for public health and safety, the ministry said in a statement.

The decision made by the National People's Congress Standing Committee made it clear that all wildlife on the protection list of the existing Wild Animal Protection Law or other laws, and all terrestrial wildlife, including those artificially bred and farmed, are banned from consumption.

But animals that have been farm-raised for a long time, and that form value chains helpful in local poverty alleviation, are excluded. The decision required relevant central government departments to draft and publicize a list of such animals.

The 33 animals listed in the catalog released on Friday are the major source of meat in China, and their breeding has become a pillar industry in rural areas, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. It said the catalog could be updated in the future.

Following the release of the catalog, the ministry will publish all certified species of the 33 kinds of animals, which numbers more than 800. It will intensify law enforcement over animal health to prevent and control major animal diseases, the ministry said.

As for the widely-watched issue of whether dogs should be on the list-which many people believe is related to whether China would ban the consumption of dogs-the ministry said much public opinion supports not putting dogs on such a white list.

It said dogs have closer relationships with humans and are used for various purposes such as pets and working dogs, and they are not considered as livestock internationally.

However, although dogs are not on the list, they are not considered wild animals, so they could be raised.

"On the management of dogs, many departments and local authorities have gained some experience and issued rules on the raising, registration and compulsory immunity of dogs," the ministry said, adding that how to manage dogs could be further explored by local governments.

Yang Hongjie, from the ministry's National Animal Husbandry Services, said the new catalog mainly specifies livestock and poultry that are used for mass production, such as pigs, which is why animals such as dogs are not included.

Excluding dogs from the list does not relate to the dispute whether they can be raised for meat or not, he said.

"Management of dogs is the joint duty of relevant authorities, such as public security and urban management authorities, rather than the agricultural authority alone," he said.

The ministry will also work with related departments to help farmers quit raising wild animals, including providing compensation for them and helping them turn to other businesses.
Is Stock Market Setting Up for a Blow-Off Top?

Our research team has become increasingly concerned that the US Fed support for the markets has pushed price levels well above true valuation levels and that a risk of a downside price move is still rather high. Recently, we published a research article highlighting our Adaptive Dynamic Learning (ADL) predictive modeling system results showing the US stock market was 12% to 15% overvalued based on our ADL results. Today, Tuesday, May 26, the markets opened much higher which extends that true valuation gap.

We understand that everyone expects the markets to go back to where they were before the COVID-19 virus event happened  and that is likely going to happen over time. Our research team believes the disruption of the global economy over the past 70+ days will result in a very difficult Q2: 2020 and some very big downside numbers. Globally, we believe the disruption to the consumer and services sector has been strong enough to really disrupt forward expectations and earnings capabilities. Weve been warning our friends and followers to be very cautious of this upside price trend as the Fed is driving prices higher while the foundations of the global economy (consumers, services, goods, and retail) continue to crumble away.

Our biggest concern is a sharp downside rotation related to overvalued markets and sudden news or a new economic event that disrupts forward expectations. Obviously, Q2 data will likely be a big concern for many, yet we believe something else could act as a catalyst for a reversion event. Possibly global political news? Possibly some type of extended collateral damage related to the global economy? Possibly something related to earnings expectations going forward through the rest of 2020 and beyond? We believe things are not back to normal at this stage of the recovery and we believe the markets are moderately over-extended at this time.

Before we continue, be sure to opt-in to our free-market trend signals before closing this page, so you dont miss our next special report!

ES ADL PREDICTIVE MODELING WEEKLY CHART

This Weekly ES (S&P500 E-Mini Futures) chart shows our ADL predictive modeling systems expected future price level targets which suggest the current market price level is 12% to 15% (or more) above these target levels. Remember, the ADL system uses a custom price mapping technology that is designed to identify price/technical DNA markers within historical data  then attempt to map out future price level activity and track the highest probable outcomes of these price DNA markers. The objective of this research tool is to show us what type of price activity is highly probable based on historical data and predictive modeling research. This unique trigger on the ES chart consisted of 5 historical DNA markers and suggests a future probability of 70% to 87% regarding future price target levels.

One aspect of our research while using the ADL predictive modeling system and our other tools it the concept of price anomalies. These are rallies or sell-offs that extend beyond support or resistance levels and when price levels trend away from ADL predicted target levels. We created the term price anomaly and explain it to our members as some external force is pushing the price above or below the projected target level. Once this force abates or diminishes, the price will likely move, very quickly, to levels near the ADL predicted target levels..

Currently, the US Fed is engaging in a moderate support effort for the US stock market and it is reportedly buying $5+ billion a day in bonds and assets. Although it may seem impossible to fight the fed, we believe the markets (like nature) are almost impossible to fool and control. We believe that price will react to market conditions and that future price rotation (both up and down) will continue to be more volatile than many traders expect.

CUSTOM VOLATILITY INDEX WEEKLY CHART

This Custom Volatility Index chart highlights the extremely low levels recently established by the COVID-19 market sell-off. These new low levels have created the deepest sell-off levels on this chart in 20+ years. It has also established a new, highly volatile, downward price channel that our researchers are following to help us determine where resistance will likely be found.

We believe a new downward price rotation is setting up for some time in the near future that will establish a tighter price channel and assist us in determining when and where the ultimate price bottom will setup and complete. With the VIX levels still near 27~29, we are certain that volatility has not decreased even though price levels have attempted a solid recovery over the past 8+ weeks.

CUSTOM SMART CASH INDEX WEEKLY CHART

This Weekly Custom Smart Cash Index chart highlights the true function of price within the US stock market and highlights the overall weakness still at play within the current markets. Even though the NQ has rallied to near all-time highs, the Smart Cash Index is showing the broader market is still rather weak and that recent price activity has stalled into a sideways/flag formation. The broader market buying that took place near the end of March 2020 and throughout April 2020 has stalled. The Fed became the market for the past 8+ weeks and as the Fed diminishes its activity, it will be up to the markets to manage trends and future expectations going forward.

Our researchers are concerned that a sudden breakdown in the Smart Cash index may prompt a bigger downside price move in the global markets. Our research team has continued to issue warnings to our members to run protective stops on any open long positions, to properly size trades to avoid excessive risks and to properly hedge your trading using precious metals, miners, and Bonds. In short, these risks are very real. You can still make a profit trading the long side of the markets, but we suggest that you take all the necessary steps to protect your trades.

CUSTOM US STOCK MARKET INDEX WEEKLY CHART

This last Weekly Custom US Stock Market chart highlights two very important levels related to our Fibonacci Price Amplitude Arcs. These arcs represent critical Fibonacci support and resistance levels that arc across time and price levels. It is important to understand these levels will present very real inflections in price  at least we expect them to create price inflections.

Currently, there is the YELLOW Fibonacci price arc that is acting as resistance near the current highs and the MAGENTA Fibonacci price arc that is much longer-term. This longer-term Fibonacci price arc may be stronger than the current shorter-term arc. Our researchers believe the current Fibonacci arc levels on this chart will prompt price to flag out in a sideways price channel before potentially breaking downward.

As we continue to watch for weakness across these charts and trends, we urge skilled technical traders to be prepared for a sharp spike in volatility over the next 4+ weeks. It appears we are only 2 to 4+ weeks away from reaching these major price inflection points. Currently, we believe a downside move is the most probable outcome based on our ADL predictive modeling system results as well as the technical patterns seen on these charts.

Overall, we believe the increased volatility levels in the US stock market will present some incredible trading opportunities for technical traders. Big swings, near-perfect technical patterns and setups, quick profits, and broader sector rotations. This is the type of market where skilled technical traders can really enjoy a target-rich environment. We just have to be selective in how we determine when to enter trades and to not take excessive risks.

Im offering you the chance to learn to profit, as I do with my own money, from market trends that I hand-pick for my own trading. These are not wild, crazy trades  these are simple, effective, and slower types of trades that consistently build wealth. I issue about 4 to 8+ trades a month for my members and adjust trade allocation based on my proprietary allocation strategy the objective is to gain profits while managing overall risks.

You dont have to spend days or weeks trying to learn my system. You dont have to try to learn to make these decisions on your own or follow the markets 24/7  I do that for you. All you have to do is follow my research and trading signals and start benefiting from my research and trades. My new mobile app makes it simple  download the app, sign in and everything is delivered to your phone, tablet, or desktop.

I offer membership services for active traders, long-term investors, and wealth/asset managers. Each of these services is driven by my own experience and my proprietary trading systems and modeling systems. I have a small team of dedicated researchers and developers that do nothing but research and find trading signals for my members. Our objective is to help you protect and grow your wealth.

Please take a moment to visit www.TheTechnicalInvestor.com to learn more. I cant say it any better than this I want to help you create success while helping you protect and preserve your wealth  its that simple.

Chris Vermeulen

www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

Chris Vermeulen Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




On 31 May, 1921, white mobs staged a two-day massacre of a thriving black town in Oklahoma, mounting one of the bloodiest episodes of racist violence in US history.

After a black man in Tulsa was accused of assaulting a white woman, an armed mob supported by law enforcement and city officials stormed the Greenwood neighbourhood, where 35 blocks of homes, businesses, libraries, hospitals, schools and churches were destroyed within 14 hours.

Dozens of families were left homeless, and hundreds were killed. The city's once-famed "Black Wall Street" never recovered.

Nearly 100 years later, officials in Tulsa plan to excavate what's suspected is a mass grave, after archaeologists discovered a "large anomaly" in a nearby cemetery, hoping to uncover the scale of a tragedy that echoes through modern America.

On the anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, human rights groups have also renewed calls for reparations to families impacted by the killings and violence.

The excavation project, announced earlier this year, would "establish the presence or absence of human remains, determine the nature of the interments, and obtain data to help inform the future steps in the investigation, including appropriate recovery efforts", the city announced in a statement.

"The only way to move forward in our work to bring about reconciliation in Tulsa is by seeking the truth honestly," Tulsa mayor GT Bynum said in a statement. "As we open this investigation 99 years later, there are both unknowns and truths to uncover. But we are committed to exploring what happened in 1921 through a collective and transparent process -- filling gaps in our city's history, and providing healing and justice to our community."

Set to begin on 1 April, the excavation has been postponed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

While the Covid-19 outbreak has delayed the unravelling of a crucial but often-neglected episode in America's bloody history, human rights organisations are urging Oklahoma officials to "act swiftly" to provide reparations to still-living victims and their descendants, and to provide a clear legal path for residents to file civil claims related to the massacre.

"Decades of black prosperity and millions of dollars in hard-earned wealth were wiped out in hours but nobody was ever held accountable and no compensation was ever paid," said Dreisen Heath, US program advocacy officer at Human Rights Watch and the author of a 66-page report detailing the case for reparations. "Government authorities have an opportunity to fully reckon with these historical and contemporary wrongs by finally doing what they should have done a long time ago, providing reparations to massacre descendants and the black people in Tulsa today."

In the aftermath of the massacre  later whitewashed as "riots"  Oklahoma declared a state of martial law, moved black residents into internment camps and failed to prosecute a single person for any crime.

Its legacy remains a dark stain in the state's history, following enslavement, Reconstruction and a Jim Crow-era marked by public lynchings and the beginnings of mass incarceration emerging from slavery.

This year, the Oklahoma Department of Education is expected to incorporate the massacre's history into its curriculums for the first time.

The massacre received new attention earlier this year as a central event in the acclaimed HBO series Watchmen.

But the massacre's anniversary this year arrives amid sweeping protests against the killings of black Americans by police officers, galvanising mass movements calling for justice and an end to police brutality and historic racist violence.

"Tulsa stands out for the malicious destruction during the massacre, but the racist systems, policies, and practices that have harmed black Tulsans over decades are not unique," Ms Heath said in a statement. "In many ways, Tulsa is a microcosm of the United States."

While hundreds of Tulsa residents are demonstrating against police violence following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, several organisations and churches are also staging memorials and other events to mark the tragedy's 99th anniversary.

"I'm not shocked, unfortunately, by what happened in Minneapolis, but it just gives more motivation to fight against racism and more motivation to fight for racial equity in terms of our policing and criminal justice reform in this country," Reverend Robert Turner, whose Vernon AME Church survived the massacre, told ABC affiliate KTUL.

Tulsa residents also protested and mourned following the police killing of motorist Terence Crutcher in 2016; the officer who killed him was found not guilty of manslaughter, and a Justice Department probe didn't file any charges related to civil rights abuses.

"We have to understand people who have tried to exhaust all means  like we vote, we sign petitions, we march," Reverend Turner said. "Some people just get frustrated and that's the only way they vent. They can vent because when the powers that be don't hear you when you act civilly they find other ways to act."

Whilea "a reckoning for the massacre and the murder is required and overdue", apologies and commemorations are only a necessary part of the process but "not enough", according to Jeffery Robinson, ACLU's Deputy Legal Director and Director of the Trone Center for Justice and Equality.

"A true reckoning requires action  and leaders of impacted communities in Tulsa should expect action when they speak to the city about making what is wrong right again," he said.

The argument for reparations also continues in Washington, where members of Congress have tried for years to introduce legislation that would formally establish a committee to develop proposals to "to account for the brutal mistreatment of African Americans during chattel slavery, Jim Crow segregation, and the enduring structural racism endemic to our society," writes Texas congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

The text of House Resolution 40 says that it would "address the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865" through a commission that would study and consider a "national apology" for slavery, and subsequent "racial and economic discrimination against African Americans" and the impact among black communities today.

Its introduction is especially urgent "with the rise and normalisation of white supremacist expression" under Donald Trump's presidency, Congresswoman Lee wrote.

"Though critics have argued that the idea of reparations is unworkable politically or financially, their focus on money misses the point of the HR 40 commission's mandate," she said. "The goal of these historical investigations is to bring American society to a new reckoning with how our past affects the current conditions of African Americans and to make America a better place by helping the truly disadvantaged.
Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release

SubCategory Select Sub-Category
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 15:14 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb180f2 1 Politics corruption,funding,political-parties,TII,Stranas-PK,corruption-prevention,political-party Free

Transparency International Indonesia (TII) has urged the government to increase transparency and accountability of political parties, especially as the country regulates state funding for the political parties.

TII calls for the government to establish transparency measures for political parties under the National Strategy for Corruption Prevention (Stranas-PK).

Our corruption perception index in the last few years, and other monitoring, indicate that it is important for the Stranas-PK [to also watch out] for political corruption, TII researcher Alvin Nicola said during a discussion with the Stranas-PK on Wednesday.

Political corruption actually has a big impact [on the perception index] so it is important for the Home Ministry to [push for] increased transparency and accountability among political parties, he added.

Read also: State should increase funding for parties, says KPK

In Transparency Internationals 2019 Corruption Perception Index, Indonesia scored 40, an improvement of two points compared to 38 in the previous year. The 2019 index ranked Indonesia 85th out of 183 countries.

Following the scoring that was released in January, TII researcher Wawan Suyatmiko said the improvement in Indonesias score was triggered by strict law enforcement on bribery and corruption in the political system.

However, then-TII secretary-general Dadang Trisasongko said there were tasks  namely how to break corrupt relations among state officers, civil servants, law enforcement and businesspeople  that needed to be completed in the future.

Government Regulation No. 1/2018 on Political Party Funding stipulates that parties winning seats at the House of Representatives receive Rp 1,000 (7 US cents) per vote, while those winning seats in regional legislative receive Rp 1,200 per vote.

As it is possible that the funding will be increased in the future, the anticorruption NGO also urges the government to issue a comprehensive regulation on the annual political party funding.
Toya Fick

Fick is the Oregon executive director of Stand for Children and serves as chair of the Meyer Memorial Trusts Board of Trustees.

A few years ago, I was at a bill signing ceremony with Gov. Kate Brown at a high school in Eugene. I was standing on the stage talking to colleagues when a student walked up to me and asked if I would take a selfie with him. Afterwards, one of my colleagues asked if I know him. I said no, but I knew why he wanted to get a photo with me.

It was not because I am a politician.

It was not because I am a celebrity.

It was because I am black, and so was he.

If this story surprises you, then you might be sheltered from the effects of Oregons lack of representation and diversity in our classrooms. Though, for a state founded with a whites only clause in its original constitution, the issue should not surprise anyone.

This kind of thing happens every time I visit a school, no matter where in Oregon I go. While Im happy to oblige, our students should not be this starved to see themselves in the professionals who walk their halls. Sadly, they are, and we have a long way to go.

In 2016, Oregon reported only 11 percent ethnic and lingual diversity among Oregon teachers, compared to nearly 40 percent diversity among Oregon students. The data is startling and has spurred action in recent years.

In prioritizing equity efforts, weve passed initiatives like Measure 98 and most recently, the Student Success Act, which is legally bound to be implemented with an equity lens and stipulates that a portion of funding must go towards not only retaining diverse educators but increasing educator diversity.

These efforts arent just at the legislative level. Educator associations  including the teachers union and Confederation of School Administrators  have started working groups to address the issue. Foundations like the Meyer Memorial Trust have funded initiatives throughout the state to increase hiring and support for teachers of color. These efforts are paying off. Oregon public schools reported recently that they were adding non-white and multilingual teachers almost four times as fast as they were hiring monolingual, white teachers.

Prioritizing the hiring of teachers of color doesnt just benefit students of color, for whom the value of representation is well documented. Having teachers of color is critical to white students as well, who benefit from seeing people of color in leadership roles and are able to build personal connections that break down the inherent biases we all carry.

In fact, in 2016, researchers published a study that found that students of all races looked more favorably on teachers of color versus white teachers. Those favorable perceptions can translate into better academic outcomes including interest, motivation and even grades. Better representation and diversity among teachers directly translates to student success. This is especially critical as Oregon strives to improve our graduation rates, which have historically been among the worst in the nation.

Now, amidst statewide reductions of $2.7 billion in the current biennium and $4.4 billion in the 2021-23 budget period, our path to racial equity is facing roadblocks. Oregon law requires schools to consider a seniority-based layoff system, commonly referred to as last-in, first-out," which prioritizes keeping teachers with seniority on staff and laying off the newest hires. This policy directly conflicts with efforts in recent years to hire teachers of color and close the race gap that has long troubled Oregon schools.

We must call on our Legislature to adjust the budget so that programs funded by critical revenue streams like the Student Success Act and Measure 98 are maintained. Our priorities must remain clear and we cannot afford to lose ground especially because deprioritizing strategies like these could directly translate into poorer academic performance for students of every race.

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked an unforeseen havoc on our state, and we are only beginning to see the side effects. The only way to inoculate our society from future pandemics and crises is by doing all we can to provide a world-class education for all students. Ensuring districts maintain their representation ratios is a critical step. If we are to protect our future, we must defend our progress.
A rare triple waterspout formed in front of a picturesque sunset on an island in the Philippines this evening (May 30). The mesmerising natural weather phenomenon amazed residents on Talim Island in Rizal province shortly after 6pm local time. Footage shows the long, thin funnels of water stretching down from a dark grey cloud into the ocean on the horizon. Hundreds of locals were transfixed as they watched the beautiful sight. The waterspouts, or elephant trunk tornadoes, dissipated after around five minutes. Resident Ray Malubay said: ''There were three waterspouts. It was the most amazing things I've ever seen in the sea.'' The triple waterspout was recorded from several different vantage points on the island. Some locals watched from roads or homes, while others captured the scene as they stood close to the beach. Marie Sanga added: ''The sunset was beautiful and with the waterspouts it was magical.'' Waterspouts are are intense columns of swirling clouds that form over a body of water. They are most commonly found in subtropical areas and disappear shortly after they come into contact with land or once the pressure has dissipated. They are also classified as a non-supercell tornado over water. The Philippines' humid Southeast Asian climate combined with fierce thunderstorms caused by rapidly changing area pressures and temperatures leads to waterspouts in coastal areas.
Police in Kaduna State have dismissed claims on social media about fresh attacks in Southern Kaduna.

According to the Kaduna Police command, the stories of fresh attacks are fake, saying it was deliberately disseminated to create fear and apprehension in the minds of people.

The spokesman of the command, ASP Mohammed Jalige in a statement, therefore asked that the stories be disregarded.

According to him, The attention of the Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a Fake and maliciously fabricated story being circulated on social media, purportedly issued by the National President of Adara Development Association dated 28th May, 2020 captioned Again Fulani Herdsmen Attacked Southern Kaduna Communities in which the writer reported that there are fresh attacks on some communities in Kajuru L.G.A where he claimed that from January to May, 2020 people were killed and many injured and displaced from their homes.

Advertisement

The Command, therefore, wishes to categorically debunk the story in its entirety as fake and deliberately disseminated to create fear and apprehension in the minds of peace loving people of Kaduna State and Kajuru in particular.

Read Also: I Woke Up With Tears, Audu Maikori Speaks On Southern Kaduna Killings

The fabricated and malicious figures being circulated in the media should be disregarded and discountenanced by the general public and all media houses should endeavour to seek for clarifications on security matters through the Commissioner of Police or the Public Relations Department to avoid being caught in circulating fake news as the consequences of such would be very dire.

The police spokesperson said that the command has upgraded security within the affected areas of Kajuru/Kasuwan Magani, by deploying more Policemen in synergy with other sister security agencies on the directive of the Commissioner of Police CP UM MURI to ensure that there is no further break down of law and order in the area.
Modiji has led this country successfully for the last six years. This is the first year of the Second term which has been completed. This year was eventful. Modis work can be seen as a three-pronged activities. First, some historical national initiatives. Second, fighting COVID19 and, third, laying foundation stone for the future of India through "Aatmanirbhar Bharat".

Abrogation of Article 370, creation of Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, passing of Citizenship Amendment Bill and abolition of Triple Talaq, facilitation of Ram temple, can be grouped into national and historical political initiatives. Kashmir situation has improved thereafter. Now, even the internet has been restored. Our forces are keeping watch on Pakistan's nefarious designs. A comprehensive agreement to end over 50 years of old Bodo crisis was done and all sections of the society are very happy. Likewise, Bru-Reang refugee crisis has been solved successfully with a tripartite agreement between Tripura, Government of India and Mizoram. Also, in one year, it ushered major social initiatives in the form of six months' leave in pregnancy; Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2020; Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 and amended Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

In fighting COVID, we held the longest and very strict lockdown which ensured minimum damage for the country. We had no capacity in many areas. We had zero COVID hospitals. Now we have more than 800. We had only one lab for testing and now we have more than 300. PPE suit, Mask and even the Swab Stick was getting imported. We became 'Aatmanirbhar' and now it is a 'Make in India' story. Even ventilators are being produced in India. 165 distilleries and 962 manufacturers were given licence to produce hand sanitisers which resulted in production of 87 lakh litres of hand sanitisers. Government released Rs. 15,000 crore health package and Rs. 11,000 crores for State Disaster Relief Fund to enable the States to take up the challenge and fight it without borrowing. In COVID fight, 3000 trains have ferried nearly 45 lakhs migrant labours back to their homes. Thousands of Indian residents stranded in foreign countries were evacuated successfully.

Modiji cares for masses first. In his very first package, he had given Food Security cover to 80 crore families with 25 Kg. rice / wheat and 5 Kg of pulses free of cost (for five months). It continued with earlier schemes of providing 5 Kg a month rice / wheat at a highly subsidised rate of Rs. 2 - 3 per Kg. For nearly 5 crore non-ration card holders, Government gave 10 Kg free rice / wheat and 2 Kg of pulses for two months. 20 crore Jandhan accounts of women received Rs. 30,000 crores. Each one got Rs. 1,500 (500 x 3) in their bank accounts. 8 crore families got 3 gas cylinders worth Rs. 2,000. Nearly 9 crore farmers received Rs. 2,000 into their bank accounts. 50 lakh Redi-Patriwalas will get Rs. 10,000 each. Lakhs of construction workers got fund from the Construction Workers' Fund. If somebody calculates, the 10% bottom of our society has received more than Rs. 10,000 in the family.

The third part of the development is, major reforms unleashed through "Aatmanirbhar" package. The five pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat are Economy, Infrastructure, Systems, Demography and Demand. It is a Rs. 20 lakh crore package which is 10% of the GDP. It cares for every section of the society. EPI contribution was reduced for both employers and employees to the tune of Rs.2760 crore. 2% interest subvention has been given on small and medium loans. 63 lakh self-help groups will receive collateral free lending upto Rs.20 lakh which was restricted earlier to Rs.10 lakh.

The definition of small and medium industries was changed to accommodate more companies to benefit. They have been provided with Rs.4,45,000 crores for small and medium industries and NBFCs put together. Rs. 1,00,000 crores for agri-infrastructure programmes, plus Rs. 20,000 crores for Fisheries Development and nearly Rs. 15,000 crores for vaccination and treatment of foot and mouth disease in the cattle population have been provided. There is credit link subsidy of Rs. 70,000 crores which is important.

Major reforms have been unleashed in this package. Self-reliance in Defence is a historical initiative. We were importing 100% weaponry, but were not allowing FDI in Defence. Modi ji brought the country out of this hypocrisy and allowed 74% of FDI into defence production and simultaneously banned import of defence spares and weapons which are made in India. 1,00,000 crore rupees for MNREGA is one of the best initiative as it provides jobs to the needy and, as migrant workers are returning, there will be more demand for jobs in the rural areas. UPA never crossed the expenditure on MNREGA by more than Rs. 37,000 crores. Our last five years' record is an average of Rs. 55,000 crores. Now we have nearly doubled it to Rs. 1,00,000 crores. Modi Government cares for the poor. Many concessions are given to the revamp of industries and tax payers.

Lastly, the headline of this package is the historical reforms in agricultural sector. Farmers have been freed from APMCs. They can sell anywhere by their choice. They can engage with anybody for any period his farm product and its captive marketing and he has been given relief from many anti-farmer provisions of Essential Commodities Act. Now, there will be no restricts on farmers when market offers them more price.

"Aatmanirbhar" package will decide the future of India. It is visionary, historical and prudent.

(The author is the Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change; Information and Broadcasting; Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. The views expressed are personal.)

Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston
Washington, May 30 : The White House has been put under a lockdown as protests over the death of an unarmed black man in custody reached Washington on the fourth day of nationwide demonstrations against the incident in Minneapolis.

The nationwide protests were against the death of 46-year-old African-American George Floyd on Monday after being detained on suspicion of trying to use a fake $20 bill at a supermarket, reports Efe news.

In videos recorded by passers-by, Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, is seen holding Floyd down with a knee on his neck although the victim repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe", and "please, I can't breathe".

On Friday, Chauvin was arrested and charged with three-degree murder and manslaughter..

In Washington D.C. on Friday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Lafayette Park just outside the White House, chanting "No justice, no peace", reports Xinhua news agency.

Video footages showed a young man climbing on the railing of the Freedman Bank building, situated opposite the President's residence and housing the Office of Foreign Assets and other government offices, to paint graffiti against President Donald Trump amid applause from the crowd.

Some demonstrators also tore down barricades in front of the White House on more than one occasion, resulting in moments of tension, while some other demonstrators clashed with Secret Service personnel, witnesses said.

The doors to the White House briefing room have also been locked and Secret Service officers were not letting anyone off White House grounds, local media reported.

"Secret Service personnel are currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park. In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful," the Secret Service tweeted.

Curfew has been imposed until Sunday in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul - separated by the Mississippi river - by their respective mayors in an attempt to control the protests and violence that the region has witnessed during the last three days.

The curfew was imposed on Friday after another night of disturbances, with incidents of looting and a police station being set on fire in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile in downtown Atlanta, near the headquarters of the CNN television network, groups of protesters smashed store windows, to which the riot police responded with tear gas, according to television broadcasts.

Some of the protesters threw rocks at the CNN building and several police vehicles parked outside the premises were also targeted with projectiles, with at least two of them set on fire.

In New York, hundreds took to the streets on Friday for the second consecutive day.

The first protest was held in Manhattan's Foley Square, although the most violent actions were recorded in Brooklyn, with three epicentres - Prospect Heights at the Barclays Center, Clinton Hill, and in Fort Greene Park where protesters set fire to an empty police van.

In Los Angeles, protesters marched shouting slogans such as "I can't breathe" amid heavy police presence.

A police officer was attacked in the street and squad cars' windows were smashed by protesters, while several people were detained for allegedly throwing objects at officers and damaging police cars.

A group of about 100 protesters reportedly blocked a major north-south freeway in downtown Los Angeles.

Protests over Floyd's death continued on Friday night in Minneapolis and a number of other cities, including Boston, Charlotte, Houston, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix and Memphis, local media reported, adding that more demonstrations were expected to take place across the country through the weekend.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
British spies warned Pope John Paul II that he was in danger of being murdered by an assassin using a poison-tipped umbrella  two years before he was attacked by a gunman, it is claimed.

The Pontiff survived being shot four times in St Peters Square by Mehmet Ali Agca in May 1981.

The Turk was caught and later confessed to the crime, initially claiming Bulgarias Soviet secret service, guided by the KGB, had orchestrated the plot.

Pope John Paul II (pictured) was the subject of a vicious attack in St Peter's Square in May 1981, with the attacker using a poisoned-tipped umbrella

The Pope (pictured) survived the attack despite being hit four times in the incident - but it is believed UK spies warned him of an attack on his life in 1979

The attack was carried out by gunman Mehmet Ali Agca (pictured), with the Turk caught and later confessing to the crime

A Polish historian now alleges British security services twice warned the Pope he was at risk of assassination before the attempt on his life at the Vatican.

The extraordinary claim, made in an interview with The Mail on Sunday, is based on a 2007 interview with the Popes then foreign secretary, Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, who died last year.

He told how UK spies initially feared an attack by an assassin with a poisoned-tip umbrella, the method used to kill Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov on Waterloo Bridge in 1978.

Their second warning was given shortly before the Vatican attack.

The cardinal told me British intelligence and others warned the Vatican of an imminent assassination attempt on the Pope a few weeks before the attack on him, said Marek Lasota.

He told me that British intelligence had also warned the Vatican that on the Popes visit to Ireland in 1979 his life was in danger.

'The warning contained information about possible methods  poisoned food or sharp objects, i.e. a kind of Bulgarian umbrella, the way the communist services murdered Georgi Markov in London.

Mr Lasota added: Cardinal Silvestrini confirmed to me that the Vatican services were aware of the increased actions of the Soviet camps [intelligence] services and took steps to neutralise their surveillance.

Anti-communist Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005, was regarded as a threat by Soviet bloc states.

In 1990, it was revealed that KGB defector Victor Ivanovich Sheymov had told the CIA a decade earlier how the Russians plotted to kill the Pontiff.

Agca, a member of Turkeys nationalist Grey Wolves, claimed to have several accomplices, including Zilo Vassilev, Bulgarias military attache in Rome.

In the 1979 visit to Ireland, UK spies warned that an attack similar to the assassination of Georgi Markov (pictured) in London could be made on the Pope

Agca (pictured second right) was a member of Turkeys nationalist Grey Wolves and claimed to have several accomplices

Bulgaria has repeatedly denied any role in the attack.

Dr Wladyslaw Bulhak, of Polands Institute of National Remembrance archives, said: What we know from the files is that the Soviets, led by Moscow, saw Pope John Paul II as a significant danger.

'He was spreading a message of anti-Communism and democratisation in Latin America when Russia was trying to make maximum problems for America.

Our scholars have concluded this plot was most likely the work of the Bulgarians via Moscow.

Both the Vatican and Britains security services failed to respond to requests for comment.
COLUMBIA  In 1866, South Carolina lawmakers gave residents authority to detain and even kill nighttime intruders who were merely suspected of committing a felony.

There it has sat, virtually untouched, since its inception, buried in the states code of laws and with no record of it ever being used as a legal defense for murder. So why, 154 years after its adoption, is a growing chorus of lawmakers saying the time has come to amend or eliminate altogether S.C.'s citizens arrest law?

Now people are thinking about it, and you bet your bottom dollar that there are people in South Carolina who are looking at that who maybe didnt have an understanding of citizens arrest statute before that understand it now, state Rep. Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg, who on May 14 introduced legislation to repeal the measure.

Last amended in 1962, the law gives cover to people who confront a suspect in darkness who they presume to have committed a felony, even if the life of a person should be taken.

In the aftermath of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arberys February roadside slaying in his hometown of Brunswick, Ga., state policymakers say removing the language, or at least tightening it up, will help eliminate the possibility of such an event ever happening here.

Arbery was killed Feb. 23 after a confrontation with two white men. Police arrested 64-year-old Gregory McMichael and his son, Trevor, 34, on May 7  74 days after the incident and only after leaked video was aired by a local TV station. The McMichaels could face federal hate crime charges, a U.S. Department of Justice spokesman said, though the agency is still evaluating the case.

South Carolinas citizens arrest code is broader than Georgias, which doesnt authorize deadly force.

Bamberg quickly found support for his proposal, with Charleston Democratic state Rep. Marvin Pendarvis signing on as a co-sponsor.

Im tired of vigilante justice, its simple as that. Police are trained, and even they dont do a good job, Pendarvis said. Now were trying to empower regular citizens to take action into their own hands who may have an entirely different agenda? Thats only going to lead to anarchy and chaos.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, South Carolina is one among 22 states that allow for immunity under certain self-defense circumstances. Unlike stand your ground laws, which the state also has, a citizens arrest can take place on public property and with only a suspicion of wrongdoing.

As wider efforts to enact hate crimes legislation in South Carolina stall, Bamberg and others say striking the citizens arrest law from the statutes could be a compromise. South Carolina is one of four states without a hate crimes statute on the books.

Bamberg, who has a B+ rating from the National Rifle Association and calls himself pro-Second Amendment, said hes not in favor of lifting self-defense protections completely, but believes the citizens arrest provision is too easy to exploit.

Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email

Sign Up!

I am one of the biggest advocates for the ability to protect your own life, to protect the lives of those you love and to protect innocent people in society, he said. But what I am not for is people taking the law thats used to preserve life as a sword to take life.

Thomas Aveni, executive director of the Police Policy Studies Council and an expert on use of deadly force, said states open themselves up to problems when such latitude as offered by broadly written citizen's arrests laws are given to non-law enforcement personnel.

Thats where things get dicey. I wouldnt want to strip a citizen of the wherewithal to arrest somebody that committed a felony in his presence, Aveni said.

Lancaster Democratic state Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell is carrying legislation in line with Avenis philosophy, looking to limit use of the citizens arrest only to situations where a person attempts to break into a dwelling.

To make the statute so clear that its not readily misunderstood, I think thats not a bad move, Aveni said.

During the 1866 legislative session in which the law was adopted, W.D. Porter, a pro-secession Democrat who would turn down his partys gubernatorial nomination in 1868, was Senate president. Porter instead encouraged people to vote against the newly ratified state constitution that expanded rights for blacks.

People seem to forget that the laws, at any given point in time, are written and passed by people who are living in that time, Bamberg said. The citizens arrest law was geared toward race, and it was geared toward poverty.

Ira Robbins, a professor of law at American University and co-director of its criminal justice practice and policy institute, said in a 2016 article for the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy that citizens arrest laws in general are anachronistic.

Their origins lie in medieval times, when organized police forces didnt exist, Robbins said.

Citizens arrest is a doctrine whose time should have passed many decades  or centuries ago, Robbins wrote. As official police forces became the norm, the need for citizens arrest dissipated. Yet these arrests are still authorized throughout the United States today, whether by common law or by statute.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson hasnt taken a position on whether the law should change, his office told The Post and Courier this week.
Israeli police shot dead a Palestinian near Jerusalem's Old City who they had suspected was carrying a weapon but turned out to be unarmed

Israeli police shot dead a Palestinian near Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday who they had suspected was carrying a weapon but turned out to be unarmed.

The police say he was carrying ``a suspicious object that looked like a pistol'' and ran away when ordered to stop. The police say they chased him on foot and opened fire.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld later said that no gun was found in the area.

The shooting came a day after Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank who they said had tried to ram them with his vehicle. No Israelis were wounded in either incident.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks as Israel has pressed ahead with plans to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank in line with President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, which strongly favors Israel and was rejected by the Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authority said last week that it was no longer bound by past agreements with Israel and the United States and was cutting off all ties, including longstanding security coordination.

Lone Palestinian attackers with no clear links to armed groups have carried out a series of stabbings, shootings and car-ramming attacks in recent years. The PA is not allowed to operate in east Jerusalem or the areas in the West Bank where most attacks have occurred.

Rights groups have accused Israeli security forces of using excessive force in some cases, either by killing individuals who could have been arrested or using lethal force when their lives were not in danger.

Saturday's shooting occurred in east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in the 1967 war along with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians want all three territories for their future state.

The Trump plan would allow the Palestinians to establish a capital on the outskirts of the city, beyond Israel's separation barrier. It would grant them limited statehood in a cluster of enclaves surrounded by Israel, but only if they meet a long list of stringent conditions.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Federal law enforcement authorities are searching for a white van that they believe was involved in the Friday night shooting death of a man working as a security guard for the Federal Protective Service, The Chronicle has learned. Another federal officer was wounded in the shooting.

The van  caught on surveillance footage  pulled up outside the Ronald V. Dellums federal building on Clay Street in Oakland at about 9:45 p.m. Friday.

Witnesses told federal investigators that a passenger swung open the sliding door of the van, opening fire on the security guards, according to a federal wanted poster exclusively obtained by The Chronicle from a law enforcement source.

Department of Homeland Security officials Saturday termed the killing an act of domestic terrorism.

The FBIs San Francisco office, which is working on the case, said Saturday that it is too early to determine a motive, including whether it was domestic terrorism.

Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle

The internal document said the van fled northbound on Jefferson Street. It indicated that the officer wounded in the shooting was in stable condition.

Oakland police and the FBI are working together to search for the attacker.

In a briefing with reporters on Saturday, Ken Cuccinelli, deputy secretary of Homeland Security, suggested the attack was possibly part of a pattern and that the department is aware of threats against other police stations and federal buildings.

Let me be clear, Cuccinelli said. When someone targets a police officer or a police station with an intention to do harm and intimidate, that is an act of domestic terrorism.

Chad Wolf, acting secretary of Homeland Security, described what he called escalating aggression against police officers and other law enforcement authorities during protests spurred by the death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man, at the hands of police on Monday.

As of late, we have witnessed an outright assault on our law enforcement community, Wolf said at the briefing. He suggested that a number of groups may be taking advantage of a peaceful protest to plot and carry out attacks on law enforcement.

The federal building in Oakland was in the area of violent protests Friday night. FBI officials did not immediately say whether the shooting and protests are related. At a press conference Saturday, Oakland interim police chief Susan Manheimer said it was likely there was a targeting of uniformed officers, but the extent to which the shooting was linked to the protests is not yet determined.

Wolf characterized the shooter as an assassin who cowardly shot two Federal Protective Service contractors as they stood watch over a protest.

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.

It was not the only assault on a federal law enforcement officer Friday he said, describing other instances in which he said people threw rocks, urine and alcohol on Secret Service officers.

Wolf didnt say where these incidents occurred, but said they happened during demonstrations. He said that many perpetrators were hiding behind their First Amendment right of lawful protest.

He also cited an incident earlier in the week in which someone threw a Molotov cocktail at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.

While these incidents are under investigation, the Department of Homeland Security will not rest until these criminals are brought to justice, he said.

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom called the shooting a moment of pain and added that No one should rush to conflate this heinous act with the protests last night.

Rachel Swan and Matthias Gafni are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com, matthias.gafni@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan, @mgafni
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 16:55:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- It is a premeditated political conspiracy for some U.S. politicians to request so-called "compensation" from China over the loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese experts said.

The law only protects the legitimate right of action and reasonable demands, said Huang Huikang, a member of the International Law Commission of the United Nations.

Making false accusations and frivolous lawsuits are against the principles of equity and justice, and will disrupt social order and waste judicial resources, Huang noted in an article carried by Thursday's Guangming Daily, adding that such acts have always been banned by laws of various countries.

Huang called such accusations and lawsuits a "political farce" and voiced against politicizing the pandemic.

China, where COVID-19 was first identified, has made valuable contributions to the fight against the virus and the protection of rights to life and health, said Liu Huawen, vice-director of the Institute of International Law under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In an article published in Friday's Guangming Daily, Liu said considering that source tracing of the virus has not seen notable progress, some U.S. politicians and a small number of legal figures are already eager to shift the blame to China, blatantly violating the principle of state immunity, which is also acknowledged by the U.S. laws and legal precedents.

China and the Chinese government are exempt from the jurisdiction of other country's courts, meaning that they cannot be listed as defendants in such lawsuits, said Xu Guojian, a lawyer based in Shanghai, in an article in Friday's Legal Daily.

The lawsuits demanding compensation from China over COVID-19 lack legitimate and reasonable excuses, Xu said.

It makes no sense for serious and scrupulous legal workers to file lawsuits against China merely based on media reports and ideas from academic papers, said Xu.

Claiming China's coronavirus response as a "commercial action" will be hardly supported by the court, said Wang Zhengzhi, a lawyer based in Beijing, in an article in Saturday's Legal Daily.

Stressing that the global impact of the novel coronavirus is not caused by China's epidemic containment measures, Wang noted that the source of the virus remains unknown so far. Enditem
In a 5-4 decision Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of California Gov. Gavin Newsoms guidance to restrict religious gatherings.



The court denied injunctive relief for South Bay United Pentecostal Church. Justices cast significant doubt on the churchs case, siding with state guidelines that limit attendance in places of worship to 25% or a maximum of 100 attendees.

Over the dissent of the four more conservative justices, Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's four liberals in turning away a request from the church, based in Chula Vista, California, in the San Diego area.

The church argued that limits on how many people can attend their services violate constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and had been seeking an order in time for services on Sunday. The church said it has crowds of 200 to 300 people for its services.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in dissent that the restriction discriminates against places of worship and in favor of comparable secular businesses. Such discrimination violates the First Amendment. Kavanaugh pointed to supermarkets, restaurants, hair salons, cannabis dispensaries and other businesses that are not subject to the same restrictions.

Roberts wrote in brief opinion that the restrictions allowing churches to reopen appear consistent" with the First Amendment. Roberts said similar or more severe limits apply to concerts, movies and sporting events where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time.
San Mateo County was the first Bay Area county to branch off of the original six-county consortium and announce a move into early Stage 2 of the state's reopening plan, and is now the first to reopen in-store retail and religious services.

Under a new order written by county health officer Dr. Scott Morrow, the county will now allow in-store retail and religious services to resume beginning Monday, June 1. The order also removes previous restrictions on access to the county's beaches and mandates that every business implement physical distancing measures to ensure safe reopening.

"These modifications seek to increase the immunity of the population slowly and methodically, while minimizing death," Morrow said in a statement, "We are trying to keep equity in mind and minimizing economic damage, while not overloading the health care system. The virus continues to circulate in our community, and the increase in interactions among people that these modifications allow is likely to spread the virus at a higher rate. The risk of exposure to COVID-19 looms large for all of us. The public and open businesses need to fully do their part to minimize transmission of the virus.

New restrictions include limiting attendance at religious services to a maximum of 25 percent of building capacity or 100 individuals, whichever is lower. Houses of worship must mark six-foot increments to establish spacing, and after-service gatherings are prohibited. Retail stores must identify the maximum number of shoppers that can be allowed in a store at one time that still allows for six feet of physical distancing, and these limits must be enforced.

The county has not formally gone through the attestation process to request a regional variance, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom is allowing all counties to reopen places of worship following a formal warning from the United States Justice Department.

Permitted late Stage 2 businesses include in-person restaurant dining, shopping malls and office work when telework is not possible. Hair salons and barbershops are also now allowed to reopen in counties that go through the attestation process.

Analysis from last week showed that San Mateo County did not meet the testing criteria for a regional variance due to the fact that it had not recorded a single day with over 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents. The county has since hit that benchmark on multiple occasions.

The revised order stands in contrast to next-door San Francisco. Under the city's recently-released plan, in-store retail and religious services will not return until June 15.

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here.

Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting
Kellie Chauvin, the wife of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, announced Friday she is filing for divorce.

Through her attorney, Kellie Chauvin said she is devastated by the death of George Floyd and expressed her sympathy to his family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving.

The couple were married for a decade.

Floyd died Monday after he was pinned to the ground by officers, including Chauvin who constricted his breathing by putting his knee on his neck. In video captured by witnesses, Floyd is heard pleading that he was struggling to breath and in severe pain as Chauvin remained with his knee on his neck for more than eight minutes.

Floyd was declared dead a short time later at a Minneapolis hospital.

Chauvin and three other officers involved in his death were fired Tuesday as community activists called for their arrests. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

Through her attorney, Kellie Chauvin said she has no children from her current marriage and asked that her children from a previous relationship, parents and extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time.

Born in Laos in 1974, her family fled their homeland and lived in a refugee camp in Thailand before immigrating to America.

She was married through an arranged marriage before she was 18 years old and had two children with her first husband. Describing him as abusive in an interview with the Pioneer Press, she divorced him and moved out of state to Minnesota.

She went back to school following her divorce, earning an associates degree in radiology and worked in the emergency room of Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where she met her future husband, Derek Chauvin.

In the 2018 interview with the Pioneer Press, she described him as just a softie under his uniform. Hes such a gentleman. He still opens the door for me, still puts my coat on for me. After my divorce, I had a list of must-haves if I were ever to be in a relationship, and he fit all of them.

Through her attorney, Kellie Chauvin said she decided to file for divorce following his actions this week.
The Texas retail electricity market shrank again as NRG Energy, one of the states biggest electricity sellers, bought Texans Energy and part of Windrose Energy.

With the deals, the states two largest retail electricity providers  NRG and Vistra Energy  control at least two-thirds of the deregulated electricity market in Texas, a concentration that raises anti-competitive concerns and will likely make it more difficult for consumers to find good deals on power.

NRG, based in Houston and Princeton, N.J and whose brand names include Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy and Discount Power, said Friday it bought the customer accounts of Texans Energy, a company based in Sugar Land known for its low-cost electricity plans on the state shopping site Power to Choose.

The sale comes a day after NRG said it bought some customer accounts of Windrose Energy, a retail electric provider based in The Woodlands.

Neither price nor number of customers were disclosed for either sale.

NRG and Vistra have snapped up smaller competitors in recent years. Last year NRG paid $300 million to buy the retail power and natural gas business of Stream Energy of Dallas. Two years ago it bought Discount Power from Volterra Energy Holdings for an undisclosed sum.

Irving-based Vistra Energy, best known for its TXU brand, bought Crius Energy of Connecticut and its TriEagle Energy brand for $328 million last year in a deal that made Vistra the nations biggest seller of residential electricity. Also last year, Vistra bought Dallas electricity retailer Ambit Energy in a $475 million deal that expanded Vistras retail footprint in Texas.

The big players have been eager to grow, hiring third-party vendors to sell plans door-to-door and at grocery stores and trade shows. But its expensive to acquire individual customers and many find it easier  and cheaper  to grow by buying competitors. Companies typically pay $100 to $250 per customer, according to one energy expert.

The practice has become so common that starting and selling electricity brands has become a successful business venture, said Trent Crow, CEO of the electricity concierge electricity shopping site Real Simple Energy. Companies launch a new brand, become a low-cost seller on Power to Choose, get 10,000 to 15,000 customers and then sell to NRG or Vistra.

But the sales reduce customer choices, said Crow, who has put many customers into Texans Energy plans because theyve been some of the cheapest on Power to Choose.

Its also easier for companies to collude in markets when there are fewer sellers, said Ed Hirs, an energy economist with the University of Houston. It has happened with airlines, pharmaceuticals, bread bakers and vitamin-makers, said Hirs, adding that retail electric providers might be next.

Sellers post their prices and others follow in a practice known as price signaling, he said. Its harder to do when there are lots of suppliers willing to offer lower prices to gain market share.

GROWING LARGER: More consolidation in retail power as Vistra buys another rival

NRG believes Texas has a competitive market with more than 50 active retailers. Customers have an array of choices, from renewable energy to budget-friendly plans, NRG spokeswoman Pat Hammond said.

Nothing about this acquisition will change that, she said.

Texans residential customers will be folded into NRGs Discount Power brand while small-business customers will go to NRGs Cirro Energy. The transition is expected to be completed in late June or early July.

Texans Energy CEO Javed Meghani said the time was right to transfer its business to NRG.

Customers of Windrose will be added to Discount Power at the end of June.

"It was a good business opportunity," Windrose president Tom Strickland said.

lynn.sixel@chron.com

twitter.com
The absurdity of it

Re: Claim that virus is hoax draws scorn from Dems, Metro, Sunday:

Bexar County Republican Chairwoman Cynthia Brehm suggests the coronavirus is a Democratic hoax to unseat President Donald Trump. How can a person in her position support such an absurd theory?

If the pandemic is a Democratic hoax to unseat Trump, who are the Democrats trying to unseat in Italy, China, South Korea, Iran, Spain, England, Brazil and countless other countries that are suffering from this pandemic?

If Brehm reflects the caliber of people running the Republican Party, we better all vote Democrat in November.

Phillip G. Ley

On ExpressNews.com: Bexar County GOP chair denounces coronavirus as hoax by Dems

Family history, too

Re: Repayment a lesson in compassion, Editorial, Sunday:

Thank you for this wonderful and timely piece. After my great-great-grandparents died in the Irish famine, their five young orphaned children emigrated to the United States. This is an important piece of our family history.

I did not know the Choctaw Nation donated to Ireland and that the Irish are now aiding the Navajo and Hopi. As of today, I will be one of the grateful Irish with a donation to the Navajo and Hopi.

I appreciate all your editorials and never miss reading them. Keep on!

Judy Lennon

A wise first lady

During these days of self-isolation, I continue catching up on my reading  primarily U.S. and Texas history. What has captured my attention in recent days is a book published in 1971 titled Eleanor and Franklin, which has caused me to conclude that Eleanor Roosevelt, a woman who never attended college, may have been the most intelligent first lady ever, and she certainly was during the 20th century.

In the chapter The White House Years, I came across two sentences from a letter she wrote to a friend wherein she states, I learned a long time ago that too much crusading for a cause is almost as bad as too little. People get weary of too much preaching.

I dont know whether Mrs. Roosevelt shared that bit of wisdom with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but I would certainly like to see the current first lady share it with the current president  and the sooner the better.

M.D. Williams, Boerne
Protests over the death of Floyd, who died when an officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis police custody, spread around the United States on Friday, as the case renewed anger over other recent cases involving African-Americans. A 19-year-old man was shot dead about 11:30pm on Friday (local time) near Detroit's Greektown entertainment district as officers were confronted with dozens of protesters, said sergeant Nicole Kirkwood, a police department spokeswoman. She said an officer wasn't involved in the shooting. The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. The suspect pulled up in a Dodge Durango and fired shots into the crowd, Kirkwood said. In Washington, the White House went briefly into lockdown as angry protesters arrived at Pennsylvania Avenue, the USA Today reported. "Multiple reporters posted that they were inside the White House and that the Secret Service was not letting them leave the grounds during the lockdown," the paper said.

Uniformed US Secret Service police detain a protester in Lafayette Park across from the White House as demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd. Credit:AP "The Secret Service frequently locks down the White House for perceived security threats, such as packages or bags left nearby. But the building is rarely locked down for protests." After the white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd's neck was arrested and charged with murder, authorities imposed an overnight curfew to try to stop protests flaring up again on Friday night. But, the local Star Tribune reported the curfew "did little to quell rioters in the Twin Cities [of Minneapolis and St Paul], as hundreds of marchers ignored orders to go home at 8pm and looters broke into businesses and set fires to cars and structures as law enforcement and other forces appeared sparse". Several protesters were arrested for refusing to disperse, The New York Times reported. People watch a fire in Minneapolis on Friday. Protests continued following the death of George Floyd who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Monday. Credit:AP

The outlet said rioters rampaged across much of Minneapolis for a fourth night, with fires raging, looting and shots fired at officers. "Law enforcement presence was almost undetectable until near midnight, when hundreds of police, state troopers and National Guard troops flooded into troubled areas, ordering protesters to disperse," it reported. Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He also was accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe as Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck. Floyd, who was black, had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store. Chauvin's wife reportedly filed for divorce after he was indicted with her lawyer saying she was devastated by Floyd's death. George Floyd at Conga Latin Bistro in Minneapolis, where he worked in security. Floyd died in police custody, on Monday, Credit:Henry Giron/AP Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

Protests around the country were largely peaceful as demonstrators marched in the streets fo several cities, but in Atlanta, demonstrators set a police car ablaze, broke windows and tagged doors at CNN's headquarters. One protester climbed on top of the CNN sign and waved a "Black Lives Matter" flag to cheers from the crowd. Protesters chanted, "Quit your jobs". Another group burnt an American flag. An Atlanta Police Department vehicle burns during a demonstration against police violence in Atlanta on Friday. Credit:AP It prompted Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to tell protesters to go home. "This is not a protest. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King jnr. This is chaos, she was reported by local news outlet AJC as saying. A protest has purpose. When Dr King was assassinated, we didnt do this to our city. Earlier, as the protest appeared more calm, Kaity Brackett, 27, said she came out to the protest because she thinks the entire criminal justice system needs to be overhauled, starting with policing. She said the Ahmaud Arbery killing was a catalyst for her and referred to his death as a lynching. Arbery was killed on February 23 by a former district attorney investigator and his son, who were not arrested until after video emerged months later. "We risk our lives going to the grocery store, going to get gas," she said. "This is more important than all of that."

In Denver Mayor Michael Hancock called for calm and unity after the first of several planned city protests turned violent, declaring, "Let not the story be about the riots and protests. Let's keep the focus on the life that was lost." "I can tell you not to go out and demonstrate but the reality is it's going to happen," Hancock said at a news briefing, stressing he shared outrage over what he's called the "senseless and tragic murder" of Floyd in Minneapolis. Hancock and Police Chief Paul Pazen blamed what they called a minority of agitators among peaceful protesters for inciting violence throughout downtown on Thursday when three officers were injured and that 13 people were arrested for burglary, criminal mischief and assault. A Police vehicle burns after protesters rallied in New York on Friday over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody Credit:AP

In New York, demonstrators took to city streets for a second day invoking Floyd's and the names of other black people who died at police hands, like Eric Garner, who died on Staten Island in 2014. A police car was also burnt. Loading "It's my duty to be out here," said Brianna Petrisko, among those at Foley Square in lower Manhattan, most wearing masks, where the demonstrations started on Friday. The protest took place despite coronavirus prohibitions on large gatherings. The demonstrators were gathered in the square, while police stood across the street. "Our country has a sickness," Petrisko said. "We have to be out here. This is the only way we're going to be heard." People also rallied in Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Fontana, California; Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, Texas, among others.

Meanwhile President Donald Trump tried to walk back his Twitter threat to respond with deadly force to three days of violent protests in Minneapolis. After his online comment that "looting leads to shooting" drew a warning from Twitter and widespread condemnation from Democrats, Trump said he understood why the killing had sparked nationwide protests. But he added that they should not be allowed to turn to "lawless anarchy". "The looters should not be allowed to drown out the voices of so many peaceful protesters," he said at the White House. "I understand the hurt, I understand the pain." Loading

Trump said he had expressed his sorrow to the family of George Floyd, a black man seen on video gasping for breath while a white police officer knelt on his neck. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. At his Friday briefing, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he stood with the Minnesota protesters. "Nobody is sanctioning the arson, and the thuggery and the burglaries, but the protesters and the anger and the fear and the frustration? Yes. Yes. And the demand is for justice," Cuomo said. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said New York Police Department officers had been told to respect peaceful protest. He also had a message for protesters. "If you are angry with the government, if you are angry with the elected leaders, direct that anger to all of us, because if we haven't done enough, we are the ones who should be held responsible," he said. "But the police officer in front of you is a working man or woman just trying to do their job."
After throwing rock and bottles, breaking a few business windows and smashing 4 police cars an unlawful assembly was declared at around 1 am. Pepper spray was used and the last 50 or so non-lawful protesters were dispersed. No looting. 5 arrests."

MAKE NO MISTAKE: THIS KANSAS CITY PROTEST WAS ANYTHING BUT PEACEFUL AND UPCOMING DEMONSTRATIONS RISK MORE VIOLENCE AND DESTRUCTION!!!

"After a tough night in many cities across our country, I want to thank the many of you who made your voices heard peacefully last night and this morning in Kansas City. As always, Ill review what your city can do bettertomorrow and long after."

"I also want to thank the women and men of @kcpolice who maintained a safe forum in our city for many voices to be heard. I expect us all to continue in our work this weekend and beyond: to grieve, to speak, and to find justice for all in our community."

KCMO Unrest Overnight

Following Minneapolis Riots, Kansas City's Black Lives Matter Protests Last Late Into The Night A couple hundred people turned out for a peaceful protest in Midtown Kansas City on Friday, the first of what was expected to be a weekend of such events triggered by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis this week.

KCPD Pepper Spray Protesters

KC police use pepper spray to disperse Westport protesters KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City, Missouri, police deployed pepper spray to disperse several hundred protesters Friday night who had marched from the Country Club Plaza to Westport. An estimated 150 to 200 protesters, who began gathering before 3 p.m. at the J.C.

Progressives On The March

Photos: Uprisings across America over George Floyd's death "Please, please, I can't breathe, officer," a man pleads, his wrists handcuffed behind his back, his face ground into the pavement. The police officer continues to press his knee into the man's neck. The man, 46-year-old George Floyd, died later that day. Floyd was black; the cop, white.

Prez Trump Military Powers Considered Amid Worsening Unrest

Trump is unlikely to deploy military in Minneapolis unrest, but has the authority to do so President Donald Trump's threat Friday to involve the military more deeply in the response to protests and looting in Minneapolis is unlikely to come to fruition, but he has the authority to deploy active-duty forces or National Guardsmen under his control, defense officials and national security experts said.

America In Chaos

Across the country, thousands plead for justice as chaos, unrest grows Chaos erupted across the country Friday night as thousands of protesters descended on nearly a dozen cities, pleading for justice in the wake of 46-year-old George Floyd's killing earlier this week in Minneapolis. Several demonstrations escalated into violence as police cars were burned and scuffles broke out between law enforcement and protesters.

Riots Gear Up

George Floyd protests spread across major US cities as police clash with demonstrators - follow live Angry protests continued for a fourth straight night in cities across the US over the death of Minneapolis citizen George Floyd, the African American who was killed when he was pinned to the ground by local police officers and choked with a knee pressed against his throat.

Political Motivations Abound

'A national crisis': how the killing of George Floyd is changing US politics Riots in Minneapolis and across the US triggered by video footage showing George Floyd, a black man, killed under the knee of a police officer, has caused a dramatic shift in the national political debate in America and thrust race to the center of the stage.

A peaceful Kansas City protest against police brutality quickly turned violent after dark and during a march throughout Midtown.The rundown . . .Overview from KK:Around the 4 in the AM Midtown erupted in a spate of gunfire with dozens of shot echoing through streets.More than anything, here's the dispute we're seeing among denizens of the local discourse in the aftermath of the protest: Progressives cheer the destruction and right-wingers denying the importance of the upheaval and protest.Either way . . .Further reading starting with KCMO and then a look at the bigger picture . . .You decide . . .
BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania will reopen outdoor cafes and restaurants and allow international road and rail travel from June 1, after a two-month lockdown to contain the new coronavirus outbreak, President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday.

The European Union state, which has reported 18,791 cases of the coronavirus and 1,229 deaths, began easing the lockdown on May 15.

From Monday, outdoor cafes will open with social distancing guidelines and a maximum of four people per table. Romanians will be able to travel between cities without restrictions and outdoor events with up to 500 people will be allowed. Non-contact outdoor sporting events can be held without an audience.

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
shen0150 wrote:

Hi everyone,



A dumb question,



How do you know the word "fast growing" is an adjective and not a verb?



If the word fast was taken out, will growing still be consider an adjective?

shen0150

fast-growing

fast-growing

clean

that

industries

industries

grow fast

growing

The tomatoes are growing fast

The tomatoes grow fast

fast-growing

The tomatoes are fast-growing

fast-growing tomatoes

clean

clean industries

fast-growing

fast-growing industries

good-wage-paying industries

fast

fast-growing

industries that are clean

[industries that are] growing

growing industries

Hello,. Yours is not a dumb question at all. It can be confusing why the same word, the same conjugation, can take on two different parts of speech. In this case, you can tell thatis an adjective instead of a verb because whether you choose a trap answer that presents an apparent list, as in choices (A) and (E), or you correctly identify a key split that involves two adjectives and then a verb,runs parallel to, which is itself an adjective, one that describes (or modifies) the subject (in this case, the pronoun, itself a stand-in for). Consider the three items or qualities withat the head:1) industries are clean (noun-verb-adjective)2) industries are fast-growing (noun-verb-adjective, since we are not attempting to communicate that industries3) industries pay good wages (noun-verb-direct object)Forto be a verb instead, we would want to convey an action that would make sense in the context of the sentence. For instance, we could sayto suggest that, but by describing the tomatoes ase.g.,we have flipped the switch and turned what was a verb into an adjective to suggest that we are dealing with. Getting back to the question at hand, notice that you could placeahead of the noun it modifies without any problemjust as you could placeahead of the same word. To turn the third part above into an adjective, you would have to get some hyphens ready:To answer your second question, removingfromwould still leave you with an adjective in this particular sentence. The two parallel elements would beand, or those that are, as opposed to stagnant ones. You can test for an adjectival modifier by seeing if it could be placed ahead of the noun without altering the meaning of the sentence. If the word fits, then you have a modifier instead of a verb.I hope that helps. If you have further questions, feel free to ask. Good luck with your studies.- Andrew
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday he would fully mobilize the Minnesota National Guard, as he vowed a show of force to deal with protesters. Other states, including Georgia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Colorado, said they would also call on their National Guard forces to help law enforcement respond to the demonstrations. Walz insisted that those who had been participating in the violence over the past few days were not interested in the cause that sparked the protest in the first place. The situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd, Walz said. It is about attacking civil society, instilling fear and disrupting our great cities. Even as he vowed stronger action, Walz declined the offer to get the military involved as President Donald Trump said the military was ready to take part. We could have troops on the ground very quickly if they ever want our military, Trump said. The president also called on the state to use a heavier hand against protesters. They have to get tougher, and by being tougher they will be honoring his memory, Trump said on the South Lawn of the White House. When I saw the policemen running out of a police station for that police station to be abandoned and taken over, Ive never seen anything so horrible and stupid in my life.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Claiming it was nothing short of a blessing that no one had been killed in Minnesota, Walz also joined other state officials in blaming much of the violence on people from out of state, claiming 80 percent of those arrested in the Twin Cities were not from Minnesota. There are detractors. There are white supremacists. There are anarchists, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said Saturday afternoon. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter went further and said all those who were arrested in the city he leads on Friday night were from out of state. Because we had a relative stillness in St. Paul, we didnt make an enormous number of arrests, but every single person we arrested last night, Im told, was from out of state. What we are seeing right now is a group of people who are not from here, Carter said at a news conference. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also expressed a similar message Saturday. I want to be very, very clear: The people that are doing this are not Minneapolis residents, Frey said Saturday.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Many say things are likely to get worse in Minneapolis and other cities that have seen peaceful demonstrations turn violent. Some who have been watching the protests closely point out that there have been small groups of people, dressed in black and largely white who go to the front lines of the protests and are the ones who most directly confront police. When reporters approach them to try to talk, they are often threatened and sometimes react violently when they are photographed destroying property. Several people on social media also pointed out that many of the people causing the destruction appear to be white. As some pointed out though, the search for a simple narrative may obscure a more complicated truth that there could very well be a variety of different people with distinct ideologies causing the violence.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

After failing to appropriate the Black People's Party, entitled white kids appropriated our fight yesterday, and made it dirty.



Then they left us to deal with the police violence they stoked.



Listen to the Black Woman desperately begging them to stop.pic.twitter.com/uYaVS4QKQr  Selena Adera (@Selena_Adera) May 30, 2020

I was at Downtown Oakland protests a little while ago. Let me say something; the people breaking glass, breaking into windows & starting fires were WHITE men wearing all black. They had hammers and walkie talkies. They were organized. BLM protestors did not start the violence! pic.twitter.com/I2HOdzFoHd  Asia (@AsiaJannelll) May 30, 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement
Gandhinagar, May 30 : Gujarat's Covid-19 death toll is set to touch the 1,000-mark. With an average 26 deaths a day in May, the toll has soared to 986 with Ahmedabad accounting for 80 per cent of it. It has reported almost 800 deaths.

The Covid-19 toll in the state is far higher than any other state when compared with total cases detected.

Gujarat's mortality rate at 6.14 per cent is far higher than the national 2.85 per cent rate. It's also far higher than other developed states, like Maharashtra (where the largest number of cases and deaths have been reported) with 3.37 per cent mortality rate, Tamil Nadu (0.77 per cent), Delhi (2.28 per cent), Karnataka (1.72 per cent), Punjab (1.91 per cent), Kerala (0.78 per cent), Telangana (2.92 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (1.73 per cent).

Even the states, considered not so developed, like Rajasthan (2.19 per cent), MP (4.36 per cent) and UP (2.69 per cent) have fared better than Gujarat.

Only West Bengal has higher mortality rate at 6.27 per cent. But it has never made any claims of being a model state.

Of the total deaths, 798 (81.42 per cent) have been reported from Ahmedabad, which also accounts for the highest number of cases at 11,597 in the state. The mortality rate in Ahmedabad is 6.88 per cent.

The first coronavirus death was reported on March 23. An elderly man from Surat died after getting infected during an inter-state air travel. It was four days after the first two positive cases were detected in Gujarat on March 19.

According to sources, the majority of deaths occurred in the Ahmedabad Civil hospital, Asia's largest hospital. According to a PIL in the Gujarat High Court, 60 per cent of the Ahmedabad Covid-19 deaths occurred in this hospital.

The Gujarat High Court in its interim order had lambasted Health Minister Nitin Patel and Health Secretary Jayanti Ravi for the laxity and the rising number of deaths in the hospital.

Such is the situation that Covid-19 patients now fear getting admitted to that hospital.

So far, Surat has accounted for 67 deaths, Vadodara (39), Gandhinagar (13), Anand (10), Bhavnagar (8) and Panchmahals (6).

But why this high mortality despite toll claims made by the state government that patients are being treated with utmost care? "The state government is doing its best. You should also consider that people's mentality and lifestyle also play a major role. Most deceased in Gujarat had comorbidity due to lifestyle diseases, like hypertension and diabetes. Gujarat has the largest number of diabetics in the country. Obesity is also very high compared with other states," said Dr Parthiv Mehta, senior pulmonologist and a member of the Technical Subject Experts, Gujarat Covid-19 Response Cell.

"The awareness and consciousness about health is also low among Gujaratis compared with people of other states," Mehta said.

Amid rising cases and deaths, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had sought help from Union Home minister Amit Shah. It led to visit of a two-member team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The team also guided the health officials and personals of the state's hospitals in the initial days of May.

The Gujarat government on May 12 also set up a panel for a proper research to find the reasons of high mortality.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Between 70100% of all the aesthetic procedures performed in the US are estimated to be delayed, postponed or canceled due to COVID-19, as they are considered to be elective and non-essential, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData estimates that nearly all aesthetic procedures are elective. Of these, the top 10 procedures account for 85.5% of the total volume and include breast implantation, aesthetic injections, and lipoplasty. Eric Chapman, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommend that all elective procedures, such as those relating to breast surgery, be delayed until after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Oncoplastic reconstruction procedures should only be considered depending on the complexity of the procedure and complication to the patient. Cases where immediate reconstruction is not required should also be delayed.
A demonstrator confronts police in Los Angeles, California on May 29, 2020. Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Imgaes

Follow updates about protests over George Floyd's death on the NBC News live blog. Georgia's governor declared a state of emergency early Saturday to activate the state National Guard as violence flared in Atlanta and in dozens of cities nationwide following the death in Minnesota of George Floyd after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck while taking him into custody. Another 500 Guard soldiers were mobilized in Minneapolis and surrounding cities, where Floyd died and an officer faced charges Friday in his death.

Police officers are seen during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., May 29, 2020. Lucas Jackson | Reuters

The Guard was also on standby in the District of Columbia, where a crowd grew outside the White House and chanted curses at President Donald Trump. Some protesters tried to push through barriers set up by the U.S. Secret Service along Pennsylvania Avenue, and threw bottles and other objects at officers wearing riot gear, who responded with pepper spray. A person was killed in downtown Detroit just before midnight after someone in an SUV fired shots into a crowd of protesters near the city's Greektown entertainment district, police said. In Portland, Oregon, protesters attacked police headquarters Friday night and authorities said they lit a fire inside. In Virginia's capital, a police cruiser was set on fire outside Richmond police headquarters, and a city transit spokeswoman said a bus set ablaze was "a total loss," news outlets reported. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a pair of tweets that up to 500 members of the Guard would deploy immediately "to protect people & property in Atlanta."

Protesters set a police vehicle on fire during a protest following the death of George Floyd outside of the CNN Center next to Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States on May 29, 2020. Ben Hendren | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

He said he acted at the request of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who earlier appealed in vain for calm. Late Friday, the Pentagon took the rare step of ordering the Army to put several active-duty U.S. military police units on the ready to deploy to Minneapolis. Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours. In scenes both peaceful and violent across the nation, thousands of protesters chanted "No justice, no peace" and "Say his name. George Floyd." They hoisted signs reading: "He said I can't breathe. Justice for George." Some demonstrators smashed police cars and spray-painted the iconic logo sign at CNN headquarters. At least three officers were hurt and there were multiple arrests, Atlanta police spokesman Carlos Campos said, as protesters shot at officers with BB guns and threw bricks, bottles and knives.

People protest outside the CNN Center on May 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Demonstrations are being held across the U.S. after George Floyd died in police custody on May 25th in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Elijah Nouvelage | Getty Images

Atlanta officials reported a fire at Del Frisco's restaurant in the Buckhead neighborhood, several miles north of the protest site downtown, and officials said crews were unable to reach the fire because of protesters there. "This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.," Bottoms implored the protesters to no avail. "You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country." Bottoms was flanked by King's daughter, Bernice King, and rappers T.I. and Killer Mike. "We have to be better than burning down our own homes. Because if we lose Atlanta what have we got?" said Killer Mike, who cried as he spoke. In Minneapolis, there were scattered small fires and some stores in a strip mall were broken into near the city's 5th Precinct. Video posted to social media showed New York City officers using batons and shoving protesters down as they took people into custody and cleared streets. One video posted to social media showed on officer slam a woman to the ground as he walked past her in the street.

Protesters gather at Barclays Center to protest the recent killing of George Floyd on May 29, 2020 in Brooklyn in New York City. Kevin Mazur | Getty Images

Demonstrators rocked a police van, set it ablaze, then scrawled graffiti across its charred hulk and set it on fire a second time as officers retreated from the area. Blocks away, protesters used a club to batter another police vehicle. "We have a long night ahead of us in Brooklyn," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted. "Our sole focus is deescalating this situation and getting people home safe. There will be a full review of what happened tonight. We don't ever want to see another night like this."

A vandalized New York Police Department vehicle is seen the morning after a protest following the death of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis Police custody, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., May 30, 2020. Andrew Kelly | Reuters

The police department said numerous officers were injured, including one who had a tooth knocked out. The names of black people killed by police, including Floyd and Eric Garner, who died on Staten Island in 2014, were on signs carried by those in the crowd, and in their chants.

Protesters face off with police outside the White House in Washington, DC, early on May 30, 2020 during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for several minutes. Eric Baradat | AFP | Getty Images

"It's my duty to be out here," said Brianna Petrisko, among those at Foley Square in lower Manhattan, where most were wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. "Our country has a sickness. We have to be out here. This is the only way we're going to be heard." Protesters in Houston, where George Floyd grew up, included 19-year-old Jimmy Ohaz, who came from the nearby city of Richmond, Texas. "My question is how many more, how many more? I just want to live in a future where we all live in harmony and we're not oppressed."

Demonstrators on the West Coast blocked highways in Los Angeles and Oakland. The San Jose Mercury News reported that Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies shot at a fleeing SUV that was shown on video striking protesters before fleeing the scene. San Jose police reported the shooting but said their officers were not involved. Portland, Oregon, police said at least one shooting was tied to the protest, although details weren't immediately available. Officers also said that gas was deployed after people threw projectiles at them. Earlier, thousands of people attended a peaceful evening vigil that lasted three hours. Hundreds then began marching through downtown, with scattered vandalism along the route. Officers declared the event an "unlawful assembly" around 11 p.m., saying they would use force to disperse crowds. About 1,000 protesters in Oakland, California, smashed windows, sprayed buildings with "Kill Cops" graffiti and were met with chemical spray from police. Oakland Police said several officers were injured by projectiles.

Police officers stand in line during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

Several demonstrators were detained in Los Angeles and one officer received medical treatment, police said. An LAPD vehicle had its windows smashed, and CNN reported that someone wrote "killer" on a patrol car. At least one city bus was vandalized, and police declared an unlawful assembly throughout downtown. Protesters repeatedly clashed with police in the Silicon Valley city of San Jose, said Mayor Sam Liccardo, and police responded with flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets. One officer was being treated at a hospital for an injury that was not life-threatening, he and police officials said. Liccardo said his own officers shared the community's outrage over Floyd's in-custody death. "It was a horrible injustice. I'd venture to guess that every police officer out there feels much of the same anger about what happened in Minneapolis," he told The Associated Press.

Former officer charged

Protests roiled the country the same day Officer Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He also was accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading that he could not breathe as Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes. Floyd had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

Booking photo of former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin Photo provided by Ramsey County Jail

Chauvin, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder. An attorney for Floyd's family welcomed the arrest but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants the other officers arrested, too.
There is light at the end of the tunnel for Portlaoise train commuters in a new plan which will also deliver badly needed new housing.

Laois County Council has revealed the design of a new 94 space carkpark next to the busy train station on what was formerly the CBS school playing fields. See below story for images.

The five acre site will also accommodate 67 council homes, built by Cluid Housing Association which is partnering with the council on the project.

The plan is for 30 houses with a mix of two, three and four bedrooms. There will be an apartment building with 16 two bedroom units, and two duplex buildings, one with 13 two bedroom units, the other with eight.

There will also be E-charging points for electric cars and a bus stop, in line with Portlaoises future as a low carbon town.

The development in the town centre goes on public display for a month from Wednesday, May 27 to gather the publics feedback.

The consultation will be online due to restrictions on visitors to the council offices over Covid-19.

A new website https://consult.laois.ie went live on Wednesday. Anyone interested can view the plans and make their submission via that website.

It will be available to view until June 24. The public then have another fortnight to make submissions, until July 8.

Subject to submissions, we hope the CEO will bring a report to the July council meeting, Director of Services for Housing Joe Delaney said at the monthly council meeting, held by video conference on Monday, May 25.

This will be a Laois County Council owned pay and display car park. The housing will be owned by Cluid, for people on our housing waiting list. It is right beside the railway station and in close proximity to the town centre which fulfills our commitments to urban regeneration, Mr Delaney said.

People without online access can alternatively ring the council to request a copy of the plan in the post, and then post in their submissions.

Train passengers have suffered a shortage of parking for over a decade, at what is one of the busiest commuter stops to Dublin.

Councillors welcomed the designs which have been in works for some time.

This will be a flagship for Portlaoise. We have been guaranteed there will be extra green area. We all as councillors have been looking for extra parking, I hope this will solve some of the problem, said Cllr Willie Aird.

It is such a fantastic location, many of us played there and went to school there, it is a great day for the town, said Cllr Noel Tuohy.

There is a huge demand for housing and it is great to get the parking facility, and have it run by the council. We can badly do with the revenue, but most importantly we can provide a facility for commuters, said Cllr Dwane Stanley.
The state Department of Health is sharing the names and addresses of people with COVID-19 with the Department of Public Safety in order to protect law enforcement, medics and the greater community.

This is one more tool we are now provided with in order to keep our officers safe as they go to work for the community, said Brendyn Medina, spokesman for the Rapid City Police Department.

The DOH shares daily information with the DPS which then shares local information with dispatch centers across the state, officials told the Journal. The dispatch centers then only shares information with first responders if theyre responding to a call where someone has the virus.

This process has worked well and has had a positive impact on how law enforcement and first responders safely support people with COVID-19 while protecting themselves and others around them, said DPS spokesman Tony Mangan.

Mangan said police officers were recently dispatched to a passenger in a car who was having medical issues and were able to put on extra personal protective equipment after learning the person was positive. The officers then helped the passenger into an ambulance.

At least two-thirds of states are sharing addresses with first responders, according to a May 18 story by the Associated Press. South Dakota is one of at least eight states that also shares names.

South Dakota officials say the information sharing is necessary to keep first responders safe and done with strict privacy protocols. Law enforcement officials across the country told the AP that theyre already entrusted with confidential information such as Social Security numbers and criminal histories.

But civil liberty and community activists across the country have expressed concerns of potential racial profiling in communities that already have an uneasy relationship with law enforcement, the AP reported. Critics also ask why first responders dont just take precautions with everyone, given that so many people with the virus are asymptomatic or present mild symptoms.

Medina said it wouldnt work to just ask people if theyre sick because our officers encounter deceitful and untruthful behavior from the public every day.

At least two states have decided to stop sharing COVID-19 information with first responders, according to a May 27 AP story. Tennessee is halting its program after its Republican governor said it may have created a false sense of security for first responders. Colorado stopped sharing the information because the virus is so widespread there.

The Journal spoke with five people who had the virus or have loved ones with it. The group had diverse opinions on the information sharing program and just one said they knew it existed.

Theresa Rose Farmer, a 48-year-old from Sioux Falls, said she knew about the program from working in the health field, reading the AP story and because she's heard dispatchers discussing COVID-19 statuses on the scanner.

I "fully support" the information sharing, said Farmer, who's still recovering from the virus after contracting it a month ago. First responders "have families too, they have families to go home to" so they need to keep safe.

Will Baxter, a 47-year-old from Brookings, said the DOH texted him each day when he was sick to monitor his symptoms, but "they didn't tell me they were giving out any of my information."

"It's definitely a privacy invasion," he said. "I get the need for it, but they should have said something" and had me sign something at the very least.

Alexis Wilson, a 29-year-old from Sisseton, is caring for her 8-year-old son who has the virus. She said she has no problem with the program.

"It's just a heads up to them  a be prepared kind of thing," she said.

"I understand the need to protect themselves" Chantelle Blue Arm said of first responders. But "police officers should be assuming that everybody has the virus. They should be reacting and responding in a way that keeps themselves and others safe."

Blue Arm, a 34-year-old from Flandreau who recovered from the virus, said officers should wear protective gear like medics do since so many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic. At the very least, she said, the program shouldn't be sharing names.

Sharing process

South Dakota law says that all health care providers must report communicable diseases, such as the coronavirus, to the Department of Health, said Dan Daly, spokesman for Monument Health.

This sharing of information is allowed under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and medical providers dont need to tell patients that it will be shared, he said.

The Department of Health has never shared communicable disease information with law enforcement in the past but is doing so in this event at the request of law enforcement and first responders, said spokesman Derrick Haskins.

Haskins pointed to a March 24 document from the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that says this information sharing is allowed under HIPAA.

Disclosing protected health information to first responders is allowed if necessary to prevent or lessen a serious or imminent threat to the health and safety of a person for the public, the guidance says.

Haskins said the DOH sends a daily list of positive cases to the South Dakota Fusion Center, which is part of the Office of Homeland Security under the Department of Public Safety. People are removed from the list once they are released from isolation.

The Fusion Center typically collects and shares information with South Dakota first responders that's related to criminal cases and terrorism prevention. But its privacy policy also says records can be shared for legitimate public health purposes.

Dispatch centers across the state can then request information from the Fusion Center but only for the counties they serve, Mangan said. In other words, they dont receive the entire list.

Dispatch center staff have been trained on data security, confidentiality and HIPAA, and have signed confidentiality agreements, he said.

Dispatch staff share the information with first responders on a case-by-case basis, only when theres an incident involving a call for service involving a positive case, Mangan said. First responders cant directly access or look up that information.

Pennington County

Kevin Karley, director of Pennington County 911, said the dispatch center needed to request access to the Fusion Center database. One employee was granted access after going through a short training session and signing a confidentiality agreement.

Staff check the DOH list once a day and add a notes to people's names and addresses in the dispatch system, Karley said. The note is removed from the system as soon as the name and address is taken off the DOH list.

If a first responder comes in contact with someone who has been noted in the system, or sent to an address that has been noted in the system, they are alerted, Karley said.

"Pennington County dispatchers handle information of a confidential nature every day as part of their normal duties, Karley said. Theyre not allowed to share COVID-19 or any other information with family or friends.

Jason Culberson, head of medical operations at the Rapid City Fire Department, said staff wear gloves, eye protection and a mask to every call.

We approach every call the same but if dispatch says were transporting a patient with COVID-19, staff also follow a decontamination procedure, he said.

Rapid City police officers wear gloves, masks and face shields when theyre told theyre responding to a person or location with COVID-19, Medina said.

He said officers sign contracts that prevent them from sharing confidential information outside of their work duties.

Breaking this contract is grounds for discipline or termination, Medina said.

 Contact Arielle Zionts at arielle.zionts@rapidcityjournal.com.

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
For more than 20 years, he has been entrusted by Prince Charles to act as an 'older brother' figure to his two sons, dutifully extracting Harry from nightclub scrapes or advising both of them on their military careers.

Now former Welsh Guards officer Mark Dyer has a new role, The Mail on Sunday can reveal, acting as a pivotal go-between in the sensitive business of building bridges between Harry and William, particularly since the younger sibling turned his back on Royal life to live in Los Angeles.

This is a huge task. It is well established that misunderstandings, perceived snubs and pettiness on both sides caused a tragic rift between the once-close brothers.

Having served in the Army during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, peacekeeping is second nature to Dyer. The Princes are pictured above in a Commonwealth Day service in March

The trigger was William's advice to Harry to 'take things slow' when he first dated Meghan Markle.

And relations became so sour that they reportedly didn't talk for weeks after Harry's wedding. Then Megxit, and the way it was handled, left William and Charles devastated.

Having served in the Army during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, peacekeeping is second nature to Dyer.

A friend says: 'Long transatlantic chats between Mark and Harry have started to reap healing dividends between the brothers. His advice to the Prince was 'talk and listen'.'

Of course, that's not always been easy, as the friend explains: 'Both William and Harry are proud and angry.

'Both felt let down by each other. William felt that Harry had deserted his family and his duty. Harry felt that William and Kate hadn't welcomed Meghan into the fold.

Former Welsh Guards officer Mark Dyer has a new role, The Mail on Sunday can reveal, acting as a pivotal go-between in the sensitive business of building bridges between Harry and William. Mr Dyer and Prince Harry are pictured in 2016

'However, both realised what was at stake and that they were in danger of losing each other. They are now talking, but it will take time to mend.'

Cheltenham College-educated Dyer, 53, known as Marko to friends, became a mentor to teenage Harry and William following the death of their mother, Princess Diana.

He helped plan gap years abroad, attended Harry's Sandhurst passing-out ceremonies and was a driving force in establishing his Sentebale charity in Africa.

Described as 'one of the few people who talks some sense into Harry', he is godfather to the Prince's son Archie, while in turn Harry is godfather to Dyer's eight-year-son, Jasper, who was a pageboy at the Sussexes' wedding.

After leaving the Army and working as Charles's equerry, Dyer set up some London gastropubs, including The Sands End in Fulham, where Harry conducted his secret courtship with Meghan.

The trigger was William's advice to Harry to 'take things slow' when he first dated Meghan Markle. And relations became so sour that they reportedly didn't talk for weeks after Harry's wedding. Then Megxit, and the way it was handled, left William and Charles devastated

He now runs the Brook House in Parsons Green, where he dined with Harry the night before the Megxit deal was announced in January. Crucially, too, in terms of his rapprochement role, Dyer's Texan wife Amanda, the daughter of a managing director of JP Morgan Securities, is liked by Meghan.

She is said to have taken the actress under her wing, knowing first-hand what it is to marry into the British Establishment.

The friend adds: 'Mark has never let the boys down. Privately, he can be an honest critic but he's rock-solid in times of trouble.'

Unlike many others of Harry's old set, Dyer survived Meghan's 'shuffling' of the pack of her husband's friends. Make no mistake, there is still a long way to go to bring the Princes together, but Dyer commands Harry's respect and knows more intimately than most the details of how the brothers fell out.

Certainly, Dyer will have told Harry that William's advice about his relationship with Meghan when it was at an early stage was not about her character but more about Harry's impetuous nature. Their family  on both Windsor and Spencer sides  is full of broken marriages and William was just advising caution.

After leaving the Army and working as Charles's equerry, Dyer set up some London gastropubs, including The Sands End in Fulham, where Harry conducted his secret courtship with Meghan. He is pictured above with Prince William in 2005

After Harry took the counsel badly, William turned to Diana's younger brother Charles Spencer and he agreed to raise the subject with Harry. But he, too, was snubbed.

Other senior members of the family also 'had concerns'. It was said that Prince Philip commented with characteristic bluntness: 'One steps out with actresses. One doesn't marry them.'

Matters were further complicated by plans for a 2017 ceremony at Althorp, the Spencer family home in Northamptonshire, to commemorate Princess Diana 20 years after her death.

William and Earl Spencer had organised the private service, con-ducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, for close family, including Diana's sisters. William wanted Prince George, then four, and Princess Charlotte, two, to attend.

By this point, Harry had already discussed marriage with Meghan and he wanted her to be with him. She travelled from Canada to Britain to be there but did not, in fact, attend. At the time, it was explained that her presence was not considered 'appropriate'.

An upset Harry told Meghan of his family's 'warnings' and a very definite sense of 'us against the world' became entrenched.

The couple felt that William and Kate had not 'rolled out the red carpet' for Meghan, who had hoped she would have an ally in the Duchess of Cambridge, a fellow outsider who had navigated the choppy waters of Royal life with aplomb. But the naturally cautious and private Kate did not respond to her enthusiastic overtures of friendship.

One incident illustrates one of the many minor misunderstandings that drove a wedge between the two families. Kate likes to pop out to shop discreetly on the Kings Road in Chelsea, being driven by a protection officer.

But on learning that Meghan was planning a trip there, too, on the same day, Kate did not offer a lift  deciding that two of the world's most famous women going shopping together might cause a scrum of paparazzi. Meghan saw this as a snub and a sign that she would never be welcome.

Then she learnt the Middletons were nervous about inviting her to Pippa's wedding, fearing her first public appearance with Harry might overshadow the bride's big day.

Eventually she was asked, but went to the evening party only. By now, a pattern was emerging.

Tensions heightened during the planning for Harry and Meghan's wedding, often over little things.

Palace staff reported tantrums about the choice of tiara, requests to spray the Windsor chapel with French perfumier Diptyque's scent, and bossy instructions sent at 5am by email.

Another sore subject was the question of a pre-nuptial agreement, with Harry vehemently resisting any suggestion of one.

And their perception of senior Royals pulling rank certainly rankled with Harry and Meghan.

Society bible Tatler last week reported that Meghan and Kate also fell out over whether bridesmaid Princess Charlotte should wear tights, with her mother unsuccessfully insisting it was protocol not to be bare-legged.

Kensington Palace denied this, saying the story was totally false.

What actually happened was slightly different. At a bridesmaid dress fitting, Kate was unhappy that the length of Charlotte's hem was too short. She asked Meghan to organise a correction but the resulting interaction left Kate in tears.

That said, the atmosphere is colder between the two husbands than the wives.

The couple felt that William and Kate had not 'rolled out the red carpet' for Meghan, who had hoped she would have an ally in the Duchess of Cambridge, a fellow outsider who had navigated the choppy waters of Royal life with aplomb

I have been told by a courtier: 'The two Duchesses are not best friends but they are professional. They do text each other. But they are very different characters. Catherine has tried to broker peace between the brothers as she knows how important their relationship is to both the family and the Monarchy.'

Perhaps there was something inevitable about William and Harry going their separate ways.

Since the day he was born 38 years ago next month, William has always been second in line to the throne. Whereas Harry, 35, has taken positions such as president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

As one friend of William puts it: 'Diana brought both boys up to be equal and that was all well and good, but they were and never will be equal.

'William will be King. Harry won't. Harry often finds it hard to accept that he isn't as important as his older brother.'

An aide added: 'William is very concerned with both his image and 'Brand Cambridge', although he'd never term it like that, and how in turn that may reflect on the Monarchy's popularity as a whole.'

Certainly, that imperative has become much more important given the way his brother has walked out on the Royal Family.

Even so, there is still much to unite the Princes, which Mark Dyer will use in his bridge-building.

For example, both men have a passion about highlighting the importance of mental health.

Last week, William featured in a BBC1 documentary on the subject, while Harry is working with Oprah Winfrey on a mental-health documentary series for Apple TV.

How sadly ironic, therefore, that some members of the Royal Family have been worried about the mental health of both Meghan and Harry.

It was significant that while on a tour of Africa after becoming a mother, a plaintive Meghan complained that 'not many people have asked if I'm OK'.

If anyone can bring the Princes back together, it's Mark Dyer, the man who Royal biographer Penny Junor said 'stepped in after Diana's death to be the glamorous, daring big brother Charles's sons never had. The boys adored him and they are all firm friends to this day'.

Dyer has one other important link with the pair: he once briefly dated the other person Charles used 'in loco parentis' after Diana's death, their trusty nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke.

He also shares their love of Africa, having proposed to his future wife on holiday in Botswana while camping beside the Boteti River in the heart of the bush.

Over the coming months, he will need to draw on every drop of empathy to fulfil his role as peacemaker.
North Korea on Friday lashed out at the United States for issuing an advisory last month over the communist regime's cyber threats.

"To put it clearly, our state has nothing to do at all with what is claimed by the U.S. to be a cyber threat," Pyongyang's foreign ministry said in an English statement on its website.

"The U.S. should be clearly aware that worthless and worn-out plots and fabrications invented continuously by themselves will no longer work against the international community," it added.

On April 15, four U.S. government agencies issued a joint advisory highlighting the cyber threat posed by North Korea.

"The DPRK's malicious cyber activities threaten the United States and the broader international community and, in particular, pose a significant threat to the integrity and stability of the international financial system," the advisory said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The advisory also said that North Korea has relied on cybercrimes to raise funds to develop weapons of mass destruction and carry out ballistic missile programs. (Yonhap)
Iranian teen beheaded by father in 'honor killing' sparks international outrage

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The beheading of a 14-year-old Iranian girl who was killed by her father after she ran away with an older man who groomed her has sparked international outrage.

According to reports, Romina Ashrafi was murdered last Thursday by her father, Reza Ashrafi, who used a farming tool to cut off her head while she was asleep.

Citing local media, the BBC reports that Romina ran away from her home in Irans Gilan province with the 34-year-old man, Bahamn Khavari, after her father objected to their marriage.

The couple was found by police five days later. Although Romina reportedly warned police that her life would be in danger if she returned home, they escorted her back to her family.

According to Gilkhabar.ir, Ashrafi was brutally dismembered with a sickle, a tool with a curved blade that is generally used to harvest crops. Following the crime, the girl's father confessed to the crime "with the sickle in his hand outside of the house.

Rana Dashti, the mother of #RominaAshrafi, the 13-year-old girl decapitated by her father in Iran, said Romina's father initially bought rat poison and tried to convince Romina to kill herself. Then her husband asked her to teach Romina how to hang herself. #HonorKillingpic.twitter.com/b63OcNOS5Z  Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) May 27, 2020

On Wednesday, Romina's story was featured on the front pages of many national newspapers. On social media, the hashtag #RominaAshrafi has been fueled by posts from users worldwide who are demanding justice.

The Associated Press reports that Reza Ashrafi is now in police custody and is likely to be tried in a special court where he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

Hovigh District Gov. Kazem Razmi told Iranian news agency IRNA, which is controlled by the Iranian regime, that an investigation into the killing is underway and results will be made public.

Many have described Romina's murder as an honor killing, an act prevalent in some hardline Muslim societies in which relatives kill family members who they believe have disgraced the family in some way.

On Wednesday, Iran President Hassan Rouhani called on his cabinet to swiftly enact stricter laws on honor killings.

Masoumeh Ebtekar, Irans vice president of family affairs, told the AP that he hopes a bill creating harsher punishments for honor killings will make it through its final stages of approval.

The U.N.'s Children's Fund issued a statement Thursday condemning the murder.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Romina Ashrafi, a 14-year-old Iranian girl, at the hands of her father, the statement reads. At a time when families all over the world are staying home to protect themselves from COVID-19, its particularly devastating that a child loses her life in such a brutal act of violence.

UNICEF stressed that nothing justifies violence against children.



All children in Iran  every girl and every boy  should be protected at all times against all forms of violence, the UNICEF statement concluded. UNICEF confirms its support to the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to put an end to all forms of violence against children in the country so that all children grow up protected and safe.

Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad wrote on Twitter that Ashrafi isnt the first and wont be the last victim of honor killings in Iran if laws arent changed.



Years ago, Atefeh Navidi, a young girl from Iran, had her head chopped off by her father as well because she had a boyfriend. As you can hear from the interview I had with the mom, she's hesitant to defend her daughter, Alinejad wrote. For as long as the current laws discriminating against girls and empowering abusive parents exist, unfortunately the cycle of violence will continue. Iran will see more Ruminas and Atefehs tragically killed by their fathers. This cycle of violence needs to end.

The group Amnesty International criticized Iranian authorities for returning Ashrafi to her father despite her pleas for safety.

We're appalled that the Iranian authorities repeatedly ignored Romina's pleas for protection from her violent and abusive father, Amnesty Iran tweeted.
A Georgetown University Medical Center clinical trial investigating the cancer drug nilotinib in people with Alzheimer's disease finds that it is safe and well-tolerated, and researchers say the drug should be tested in a larger study to further determine its safety and efficacy as a potential disease-modifying strategy.

The results of the small, phase II, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the impact of low doses of nilotinib (Tasigna) were published online May 29 in Annals of Neurology.

Nilotinib is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. The rationale for studying nilotinib in Alzheimer's disease is based on laboratory and clinical research conducted by the Georgetown Translational Neurotherapeutics Program (TNP) directed by Charbel Moussa, MBBS, PhD.

Nilotinib appears to aid in the clearance of accumulated beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaques and Tau tangles in neurons in the brain -- hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Nilotinib appears to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and turn on the "garbage disposal" machinery inside neurons (a process known as autophagy) to get rid of the Tau, Abeta and other toxic proteins.

R. Scott Turner, PhD, MD, director of Georgetown's Memory Disorders Program, served as principal investigator of the Alzheimer's disease study.

The primary goal of this study was to determine its safety and tolerability in Alzheimer's patients. The study found that it is safe and well-tolerated, as we anticipated, and that it may have disease modifying benefits." R. Scott Turner, Ph.D., MD, Director of Georgetown's Memory Disorders Program

After careful screening, 37 people with mild dementia due to Alzheimer's were randomized to either the placebo or nilotinib groups for the 12-month study. A 150 mg daily dose of nilotinib or matching placebo was taken orally once daily for 26 weeks followed by a 300 mg daily dose of nilotinib or placebo for another 26 weeks. To prevent bias the study was blinded, meaning neither the study participants nor the investigators knew if the active drug or placebo were being administered until the end of the study.

Nilotinib was safe and well-tolerated, although more adverse events, particularly mood swings (agitation and irritation), were noted at the 300 mg dose. Mood swings were significantly increased between 6 and 12 months after the dose was increased from 150 mg to 300 mg daily. Nilotinib carries an FDA "black-box warning" because of cardiovascular issues that may lead to sudden death in cancer patients (typically treated with 600 mg daily), but no such incidents occurred in this study (maximum dose of 300 mg daily).

The amyloid burden as measured by brain imaging was reduced in the nilotinib group compared to the placebo group. Two forms of amyloid in cerebrospinal fluid were also measured. A40 was reduced at 6 months and A42 was reduced at 12 months in the nilotinib group compared to placebo. Hippocampal volume loss (on MRI scans of the brain) was attenuated at 12 months and phospho-tau-181 in spinal fluid was reduced at 6 and 12 months in the nilotinib treated group.

"The current data are in agreement with previous preclinical and other clinical studies at Georgetown suggesting nilotinib is a potential disease-modifying drug that triggers autophagy of neurotoxic proteins including A40/, A42, and phospho tau-181," explains Moussa, an associate professor of neurology and senior author on the study.

"The increase in mood swings with 300 mg nilotinib is associated with dose-dependent increases of brain dopamine, suggesting that 150 mg nilotinib is the optimal dosage to investigate in a future Alzheimer study," adds Moussa.

Turner emphasizes that "this is the first oral treatment found to lower amyloid burden in the brain." While this has also been found with several anti-amyloid antibodies these treatments cannot be given orally. Future Alzheimer's studies are now in the planning stage, Turner concludes.

"The results of this exploratory study repurposing nilotinib are encouraging," says Howard Fillit, MD, Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), a study funder. "We supported this research as part of a wider initiative to use the knowledge gained from cancer research to advance effective treatments for Alzheimer's."

In addition to Turner and Moussa, additional authors from Georgetown and/or MedStar Georgetown include: Michaeline L. Hebron, MS, Abigail Lawler, MD, Elizabeth E. Mundel, MD, Nadia Yusuf, MD, J. Nathan Starr, DO, Muhammad Anjum, MD, Fernando Pagan, MD, Yasar Torres-Yaghi, MD, Wangke Shi, MS, Sanjana Mulki, MS, Dalila Ferrante, MS, Sara Matar, MS, Xiaoguang Liu, MD, PhD, Giuseppe Esposito, MD, Frank Berkowitz, MD, Xiong Jiang, PhD, and Jaeil Ahn, PhD.

Moussa is a named inventor on a portfolio of issued patents and patent applications held by Georgetown and directed to technologies comprising TKI compositions and the use of nilotinib and bosutinib and certain other TKIs, including new TKI compositions for the treatment of neurodegenerative, lysosomal and myodegenerative diseases ("GU intellectual property"). He and Pagan are two of the founding shareholders of KeifeRx, LLC, an exclusive optionee to license GU intellectual property in which Georgetown also has a founding equity interest.

Turner reports that Georgetown University receives Alzheimer's disease research funding from Roche/Genentech, Lilly, Biogen, Merck, and Acadia.

This study was supported by a grant from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation as well as philanthropic support from Richard D. Budson, MD, and Susan Agger, and other philanthropies. The research was supported by Georgetown's Clinical Research Unit, which is funded by a Clinical and Translational Sciences Award (CTSA) from the National Institutes of Health (UL1TR00010).

The investigators wish to thank all study participants and their study partners and families who participated in the study.
The attack rate of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in India is 0.00332%, which means that only 33.2 people per million population are infected, according to an analysis of laboratory-surveillance data by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

This is considerably lower than the attack rates in other countries; in the US it is 0.2523%, in France 0.3364%, in the UK 0.1962% and in Canada 0.0899%, according to the US National Library of Medicine.

ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology scientist Dr Tarun Bhatnagar said the analysis is based on data from various ICMR laboratories and is comprehensive.

...we assessed that by dividing the number of positive cases by the total population, where it is assumed that everyone is at risk. ...we have used data from more than a million samples that were tested between a particular period in various ICMR labs, making it the most comprehensive surveillance data so far, added Bhatnagar, who is the lead author of the study to be published in the second edition of speical Covid issue of the Indian Journal of Medical Research.

Bhatnagar said the actual numbers may still vary as more testing data emerges, but because of its sheer sample size, this by far is the most comprehensive projection.

India tested over 1.02 million people between January 22 and April 30, said the pre-print study.

The study found the attack rate to be the highest, 63.3 (per million) among those aged between 50 and 69 years and the lowest, 6.1 (per million), among those under the age of 10 years. The attack rate was higher among men (41.6 per million) than women (24.3 per million).

India reported 10.7 cases per 100,000 population till May 26, according to Union health ministry data, compared to 486 in the US, 504 in the UK, 499 in Belgium, and 52.2 in Mexico.

ICMR formulated and established laboratory surveillance protocol for Covid-19 in January. The first sample was tested on January 22. India reported its first case on January 30. Cases of the viral disease have since been reported from 523 of Indias 736 districts .

The proportion of positive cases has been at least twofold or threefold higher among symptomatic and asymptomatic contacts, than among those with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), or with an international travel history or healthcare workers, according to the study.

Of the total tested, for whom data was available, 19.6% were asymptomatic family contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases, 6.8% were patients of SARI and 4.8% were asymptomatic health care workers suspected to have come in contact with laboratory-confirmed cases, the study said. Of the 40,184 positives, 25.3% were asymptomatic family contacts, 10.6% symptomatic contacts and 10.5% SARI patients.

Among the 12,810 cases with reported symptoms at the time of specimen collection, cough and fever were the most commonly reported symptoms (64.5% and 60%), according to the study. Around one-third of cases reported sore throat and breathlessness. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea were reported by less than 5%.

At the national level, the average number of contacts tested per laboratory-confirmed case was 6. At the state level, the average number of contacts tested per positive case ranged from 1.3 in Jharkhand to 328 in Tripura.

Dr T Jacob John, a former virology head at Vellores Christian Medical College, said: It is nothing to be surprised about as if we look at the R0 of Sars-CoV-2 [the virus that causes Covid-19]. It is about 1.7, which means one positive case on an average will infect 1.7 persons. Since in a large number of positive cases there hardly are any symptoms, the disease gets transmitted faster to close contacts. R0 or R-naught is a measure of the number of people infected by one infected person.

The testing increased from about 250 daily in early March to 50,000 specimens by April end. Overall, 40,184 (3.9%) tests were reported positive. This study data, especially on attack rate, is useful to know within the population who is driving the epidemic; whether it is the men or women, which area or age group is more vulnerable, so that interventions are planned accordingly, said Bhatnagar.

India is currently testing in excess of one lakh samples a day, on an average.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Missionary fervour can never be obtained as the result of reasoning or calculation, but rather arises from giving oneself in service to the Church. Pope Francis said this in a message to the Pontifical Mission Societies whose annual general assembly originally scheduled for Thursday, 21 May, Feast of the Ascension of our Lord, was postponed following restrictions imposed in recent months due to the pandemic. The following is the English text of the Holy Fathers message which was written in Italian.

When they had come together, they asked him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight (Acts 1:6-9).

The Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. Nonetheless, they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs (Mk 16:19-20).

Then he led them [out] as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them, he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God (Lk 24:50-53).

*****

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

This year I had decided to participate in your annual General Assembly on Thursday, 21 May, the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. The Assembly was subsequently cancelled because of the pandemic that affects us all. I would now like to send this Message in order to share what I had intended to say to you personally. This Christian feast, in the remarkable times in which we are living, appears to me even more fruitful as a source of reflection for the journey and mission belonging to each one of us and to the entire Church.

We celebrate the Ascension as a feast, yet it commemorates the departure of Jesus from his disciples and from this world. The Lord ascends to heaven and the Eastern liturgy narrates the astonishment of the angels in seeing a man who in his flesh rises to be seated at the right hand of the Father. Even so, while Christ is at the point of ascending to heaven, the disciples, who had seen him risen, still do not seem to understand what is happening. He is about to bring his Kingdom to fulfilment and they are still caught up in their own ideas. They ask him if he is going to restore the kingdom to Israel (cf. Acts 1:6). Yet, when Christ leaves them, instead of being sad, they return to Jerusalem with great joy, as Luke tells us (cf. 24:52). It would be odd if something had not occurred. Indeed, Jesus had already promised them the power of the Holy Spirit, who was to descend upon them at Pentecost. This is the miracle that changes everything. They become more confident when they entrust everything to the Lord. They are filled with joy. Moreover, that joy is the fullness of consolation, the fullness of the presence of the Lord.

Paul writes to the Galatians that the Apostles fullness of joy is not the effect of pleasant feelings that make them happy. It is an overflowing joy that can only be experienced as a fruit and gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. 5:22). Receiving the joy of the Spirit is a grace. Moreover, it is the only force that enables us to preach the Gospel and to confess our faith in the Lord. Faith means bearing witness to the joy that the Lord gives to us. A joy such as this cannot be the result of our own efforts.Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit, the Comforter, prior to his departure. In this way, he also entrusted the apostolic work of the Church to the Spirit for all time, until his return. The mystery of the Ascension, together with the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, indelibly marks the mission of the Church: it is the work of the Holy Spirit and not the consequence of our ideas and projects. This is the feature that makes missionary activity bear fruit and preserves it from the presumption of self-sufficiency, much less the temptation to commandeer Christs flesh, ascended to heaven, for narrowly clerical projects and aims.

When the ongoing work and efficacy of the Holy Spirit is not appreciated in the Churchs mission, it means that even the most carefully chosen missionary language becomes like words of human wisdom aimed at glorifying oneself or concealing ones own interior deserts.

The joy of the Gospel

Salvation is an encounter with Jesus, who loves and forgives us by sending the Spirit who comforts and defends us. Salvation is not the consequence of our missionary initiatives nor of our talking about the incarnation of the Word. For each one of us, salvation can take place only through the lens of an encounter with the one who calls us. For this reason, the mystery of predilection begins and can only begin with an outburst of joy and gratitude. The joy of the Gospel is that great joy of the poor women who on Easter morning went to the tomb of Christ, found it empty, then encountered the risen Jesus and raced home to tell the others (cf. Mt 28:8-10). Only because we have been chosen and singled out can we bear witness to the glory of the risen Christ before the entire world.

In every human context witnesses are those who vouch for what someone else has done. In this sense, and only in this sense, can we be witnesses of Christ and his Spirit. As described in the conclusion of the Gospel of Mark, after the Ascension the apostles and disciples went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs (16:20). By his Spirit, Christ testifies to himself through the works that he fulfils in and with us. As Saint Augustine explains, the Church would not pray to the Lord to ask that faith be given to those who do not know Christ unless she believed that it is God himself who directs and draws our wills towards himself. The Church would not make her children pray to the Lord to persevere in the faith of Christ if she did not believe that it is the Lord himself who possesses our hearts. Indeed, if she asked him for these things, but thought that she could give them to herself, it would mean that all her prayers would be empty words, rote formulas or platitudes imposed by ecclesiastical custom rather than authentic prayer (cf. On the Gift of Perseverance. To Prosper and Hilary, 23, 63).

Unless we realize that faith is a gift of God, even the prayers which the Church raises to God are meaningless. Nor do they reflect a sincere passion for the happiness and salvation of others and for those who do not recognize the risen Christ, however much time we may spend on planning for the conversion of the world to Christianity.

If we recognize that the Holy Spirit ignites and preserves the faith in our hearts, everything changes. Indeed, the Spirit enkindles and enlivens the Churchs mission, bestowing all those individual accents and styles that make the proclamation of the Gospel and the confession of the Christian faith something different from all political, cultural, psychological or religious forms of proselytism.

I considered many of these features of mission in my Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, and here I shall recall a few of them.

Attractiveness. The mystery of the Redemption entered into and continues to work in the world through an attraction that can draw the hearts of men and women because it is and appears more alluring than the seductions which appeal to the selfishness that is a result of sin. As Jesus says in the Gospel of John, No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him (6:44). The Church has always insisted that this is the reason why we follow Jesus and proclaim his Gospel: through the force of attraction wrought by Christ himself and by his Spirit. The Church, as Pope Benedict XVI has said, grows in the world through attraction and not through proselytism (cf. Homily, Mass for the Inauguration of the Fifth General Conference of the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, Aparecida, 13 May 2007: AAS 99 [2007], 437). Saint Augustine says that Christ reveals himself by attracting us. Moreover, he cites the poet Virgil, who states that all are attracted to what gives them pleasure. Jesus does not just persuade our wills, but awakens our pleasure (Commentary on the Gospel of John, 26, 4). If one follows Jesus, happy to be attracted by him, others will take notice. They may even be astonished. The joy that radiates from those attracted by Christ and by his Spirit is what can make any missionary initiative fruitful.

Gratitude and Gratuitousness. The joy of proclaiming the Gospel always shines brightly against the backdrop of a grateful memory. The Apostles never forgot the moment that Jesus touched their hearts: It was about four in the afternoon (Jn 1:39). The reality of the Church shines forth whenever gratitude is manifested within her by the free initiative of God, for he loved us first (1 Jn 4:10) and it is only God who gives the growth (1 Cor 3:7). The loving predilection of God surprises us, and surprise by its very nature cannot be owned or imposed by us. One cannot be necessarily surprised. Only in this way can the miracle of gratuitousness, the gratuitous gift of self, blossom. Nor can missionary fervour ever be obtained as the result of reasoning or calculation. To be in a state of mission is a reflection of gratitude. It is the response of one who by gratitude is made docile to the Spirit and is therefore free. Without a recognition of the predilection of the Lord, who inspires gratitude in us, even knowledge of the truth and of God himself would, presented as a goal to be achieved by our own efforts, in fact become a letter that brings death (cf. 2 Cor 3:6), as Saint Paul and Saint Augustine were the first to point out. Only in the freedom of gratitude can one truly know the Lord, whereas it is useless and above all improper to insist on presenting missionary activity and the proclamation of the Gospel as if they were a binding duty, a kind of contractual obligation on the part of the baptized.

Humility. Since truth and faith, happiness and salvation are not our own possessions, a goal achieved by our own merits, then the Gospel of Christ can be proclaimed only with humility. One can never think of serving the Churchs mission by employing arrogance as individuals and through bureaucracies, with the pride of one who misunderstands even the gift of the sacraments and the most authentic words of the Christian faith, seeing them as merited rewards. One cannot be humble out of good manners or the desire to appear attractive. We are humble when we follow Christ, who said to his disciples: Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart (Mt 11:29). Saint Augustine asks why, after the resurrection, Jesus let himself be seen by his disciples and not by those who had crucified him, concluding that Jesus did not want to give the impression of challenging his killers in some way. For Jesus, it was actually more important to teach humility to his friends, rather than uphold the truth before his enemies (Sermon 284, 6).

To facilitate, not to complicate. Another authentic feature of missionary work is its imitation of the patience of Jesus, who always showed mercy to others as they continued to grow. A small step forward in the midst of great human limitations can be more pleasing before God than the great strides made by those who go through life without great difficulties. A missionary heart recognizes the real condition of real people, with their own limits, sins and frailties in order to become weak among the weak (cf. 1 Cor 9:22). Going forth on mission to reach human peripheries does not mean wandering without direction and meaning, like those frustrated vendors who complain that people are too unsophisticated to be interested in their wares. Sometimes this means slowing our pace in order to lead a person who is still by the wayside. At times this means imitating the father in the parable of the prodigal son, who leaves the doors open and looks out each day awaiting the return of his son (cf. Lk 15:20). The Church is not a customs office and anyone who participates in the mission of the Church is called not to impose unnecessary burdens on people already worn out or to require demanding programmes of formation in order to enjoy what the Lord gives easily, or to erect obstacles to the will of Jesus, who prays for each of us and wants to heal and save everyone.

Proximity to life in progress. Jesus met his first disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee while they were focused on their work. He did not meet them at a convention, a training workshop, or in the Temple. It has always been the case that the proclamation of Jesus salvation reaches people right where they are and just how they are in the midst of their lives in progress. Amid the needs, hopes and problems of everyday life we find the place where one who has acknowledged the love of Christ and received the gift of the Holy Spirit can offer an account of his or her faith, hope, and charity to those who ask for it. By journeying together with others, alongside everyone. Especially given the times in which we live, this has nothing to do with designing specialized training programmes, creating parallel worlds, or constructing slogans that merely echo our own thoughts and concerns. I have elsewhere spoken of those in the Church who proclaim loudly that this is the hour of the laity, while in the meantime the clock seems to have stopped.

The sensus fidei of the People of God. There is one reality in the world that has a kind of feel for the Holy Spirit and his workings. It is the People of God, called and loved by Jesus, who for their part continue to seek him amid the difficulties of their lives. The People of God beg for the gift of his Spirit: entrusting their expectation to the simple words of their prayers and never entertaining the presumption of their own self-sufficiency. The holy People of God are gathered together and anointed by the Lord, and in virtue of this anointing are made infallible in credendo, as the Tradition of the Church teaches. The working of the Holy Spirit equips the faithful People with an instinct of faith, the sensus fidei, which helps them not to err when believing the things of God, even if they do not know the theological arguments and formulas that define the gifts they experience. The mystery of the pilgrim people, who with their popular piety travel to shrines and entrust themselves to Jesus, Mary and the saints, draws from this and shows that it is connatural to the free and gratuitous initiative of God, apart from our pastoral planning.

A special care for the little ones and the poor. Any missionary impulse, if derived from the Holy Spirit, manifests predilection for the poor and vulnerable as a sign and reflection of the Lords own preference for them. Those directly involved with the Churchs missionary initiatives and structures should never justify their lack of concern for the poor with the excuse, widely used in particular ecclesiastical circles, of having to concentrate their energies on certain priorities for the mission. For the Church, a preference for the poor is not optional.

All these demands and approaches are part of the Churchs mission, guided by the Holy Spirit. Normally, in ecclesiastical language and speech, the necessity of the Holy Spirit as the source of the Churchs missionary activity is acknowledged and affirmed. Yet this acknowledgement can at times be reduced to a type of ceremonial nod to the Most Holy Trinity, a stock introductory preface to our theological discussions and pastoral plans. There are many situations in the Church where the primacy of grace appears to be no more than a theoretical concept or an abstract formulation. Instead of leaving room for the working of the Holy Spirit, many initiatives and entities connected to the Church end up being concerned only with themselves. Many ecclesiastical establishments, at every level, seem to be swallowed up by the obsession of promoting themselves and their own initiatives, as if that were the objective and goal of their mission.

To this point, I have sought to reiterate criteria and starting points for the missionary activity of the Church that I explained in greater detail in my Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. I have done so because I believe that for the PMS it is beneficial and fruitful  and indeed urgently necessary  to discuss these criteria and suggestions in this stage of their journey.

The PMS at the Present Time.

Talents to develop, temptations and

maladies to avoid

Where should we look in considering the present and future of the PMS? What are the dead weights that risk burdening the journey?

The identity of the Pontifical Mission Societies has certain hallmarks. In a manner of speaking, some are genetic, whereas others have developed through a lengthy historical process and are often overlooked or taken for granted. Yet these features can safeguard and enhance, above all in the present time, the contribution of this network to the universal mission to which the entire Church is called.

The Missionary Societies arose spontaneously from missionary fervour expressed by the faith of the baptized. There has always been a deep relationship between the Missionary Societies and the infallible sensus fidei in credendo of the faithful People of God.

The Missionary Societies, since their beginning, have moved along two tracks, or better along two parallel channels, that in their simplicity have always been close to the heart of the People of God: those of prayer and of charity in the form of almsgiving which saves from death, and purges all sin (Tob 12:9), the intense love that covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet 4:8). The founders of the Mission Societies, beginning with Pauline Jaricot, did not invent the prayers and works to which they entrusted their hopes for the proclamation of the Gospel. They simply drew them from the infinite treasury of those familiar and habitual gestures of the People of God on its pilgrimage through history.

The Mission Societies, which arose spontaneously from the life of the People of God, in their simple and concrete configuration were recognized by the Church of Rome and her Bishops, who in the last century sought to adopt them as a unique expression of their own service to the universal Church. Hence the title Pontifical was conferred upon these Societies. From that time on, the PMS have always shown themselves to be an instrument of service in support of the particular Churches in the work of proclaiming the Gospel. In this same way, the Pontifical Mission Societies have readily served the Church as part of the universal ministry exercised by the Pope and by the Church of Rome, which presides in charity. In this way, carrying out their work and without becoming embroiled in complex theological disputes, the PMS have countered the claims of those who, also in ecclesiastical circles, wrongly contrast charisms and institutions, reading their relationship through the lens of a fallacious dialectic of principles. For in the Church even permanent structural elements, such as the sacraments, the priesthood, and apostolic succession are continuously to be recreated by the Holy Spirit and are not simply realities at the Churchs disposal (cf. Card. J. Ratzinger, The Theological Locus of Ecclesial Movements, Address given at the World Congress of Ecclesial Movements, Rome, 27-29 May 1998).

The Missionary Societies, since their initial diffusion, have been structured as a widespread network spread throughout the People of God, wholly anchored and indeed immanent in the network of preexisting institutions and realities in the Churchs life, such as dioceses, parishes, and religious communities. The particular vocation of persons engaged in the Missionary Societies has never been lived or perceived as an alternative path, a relationship external to the ordinary forms of the life of the particular Churches. The summons to pray and gather resources for the missions has always been exercised as a service to ecclesial communion.

The Missionary Societies, which in time became a network spread throughout the world, mirror in their own configuration the variety of accents, situations, problems, and gifts that characterize the life of the Church in the various parts of the world. This plurality can serve as a safeguard against ideological homogenization and cultural unilateralism. In this sense, the PMS reflect the mystery of the universality of the Church, in which the incessant work of the Holy Spirit creates harmony from different voices, even as the Bishop of Rome, in his service of charity, exercised also through the Pontifical Mission Societies, safeguards unity in faith.

All the characteristics described above can help the Pontifical Mission Societies to avoid certain pitfalls and pathologies on their journey and that of many other ecclesial institutions. Let me present a few of these.

Pitfalls to avoid

Self-absorption. Church organizations and agencies, quite apart from the good intentions of their individual members, sometimes end up turning in on themselves, devoting energy and attention primarily to promoting themselves and to advertising their own initiatives. Some seem to be dominated by an obsession to continually redefine their own importance and their own bailiwicks within the Church, under the guise of relaunching their specific mission. In this way, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once said, they can foster the misleading idea that a person is somehow more Christian if he or she is occupied with intra-ecclesial structures, whereas in reality nearly all the baptized are daily living lives of faith, hope, and charity, without ever participating in Church committees or concerned for the latest news about ecclesiastical politics (cf. Una compagnia sempre riformanda, Speech at the IX Meeting in Rimini, 1 September 1990).

Control anxiety. Institutions and agencies sometimes set out to help ecclesial communities by employing the gifts generated in them by the Holy Spirit, yet over time they presume to exercise supremacy and control over the very communities they are meant to serve. This attitude is almost always accompanied by the claim that they are exercising the role of overseers called to determine the legitimacy of other groups. They end up acting as if the Church was a product of our own calculations, plans, agreements and decisions.

Elitism. An elitist feeling, the unspoken notion of belonging to an aristocracy, takes hold at times among those who are part of groups and organized institutions in the Church: a superior class of specialists who strive to increase their own influence in collusion or in competition with other ecclesiastical elites, and train their members according to secular notions of activism or technical-professional competence, but always with the main goal of promoting their own oligarchic privileges.

Isolation from the people. The elitist temptation in some organizations connected to the Church can be accompanied at times by a sentiment of superiority and of intolerance towards the rest of the baptized, towards the people of God who may attend parishes and visit shrines, but are not activists busy in Catholic organizations. The People of God is viewed as an inert mass, always in need of being awakened and mobilized through a consciousness-raising consisting in arguments, appeals and teachings. As if the certainty of faith was the consequence of persuasive speech or training methods.

Abstraction. Once they become self-absorbed, institutions and entities connected to the Church lose contact with reality and fall prey to abstraction. They needlessly multiply instances of strategic planning in order to produce projects and guidelines that serve only as means of self-promotion for those who come up with them. They take problems and dissect them in intellectual laboratories where everything has been domesticated and is viewed through the lens of their own ideology. Everything, even references to the faith or verbal appeals to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, once taken outside of their proper context, can thus end up rigidified and unreal.

Functionalism. Self-absorbed and elitist organizations, even within the Church, often end up staking everything on the imitation of secular models of worldly efficiency, like those rooted in competition, whether economic or social. Opting for functionalism gives the illusion of being able to sort matters out in a balanced way, keeping things under control, maximizing ones own relevance, and improving the everyday management of existing structures. However, as I already said to you at our 2016 meeting, a Church afraid of entrusting herself to the grace of Christ and focusing on the efficiency of her bureaucracy is already dead, even if structures and programmes that favour the interest of self-absorbed clergy or lay people linger for centuries.

Recommendations for the Journey

Looking at the present and towards the future, and considering the resources needed for the PMS to overcome the pitfalls of the journey and move forward, I would like to offer a few suggestions as an aid for your discernment. Since you have undertaken your own process of re-evaluation of the PMS, which you would like to be guided by the thinking of the Pope, I offer for your attention some general criteria and starting points, without entering into details, not least because different situations may require adaptations and modifications.

1) To the best of your ability, and without undue speculation about the future, preserve or recover the role of the PMS as part of the larger People of God from which they arose. It would prove beneficial to seek a greater immersion in the reality of peoples lives. Following Jesus means emerging from our own problems and concerns. It would be worthwhile to enter into concrete circumstances and conditions, while seeking to reintegrate the capillary effect of actions and contacts of the PMS within the greater network of Church institutions (dioceses, parishes, communities, and groups). By prioritizing your specific presence in the People of God, with its bright spots and difficulties, you can better elude the pitfall of abstraction. One must provide answers to real questions and not just formulate and multiply proposals. Perhaps concrete contact with real life situations, and not just discussions in boardrooms or theoretical analyses of our own internal dynamics, will generate useful insights for changing and improving operating procedures and adapting them to different contexts and circumstances.

2) I suggest proceeding in such a way that the essential structure of the PMS remains bound to the practice of prayer and of gathering resources for mission, in all its simplicity and practicality. This would clearly demonstrate the relationship of the PMS to the faith of the People of God. With all necessary flexibility and adaptations, this basic design of the PMS should neither be forgotten nor distorted. Asking the Lord to open hearts to the Gospel and asking everyone to tangibly support missionary work: these are simple and practical things that everyone can readily do in this present time when, even amid the scourge of this pandemic, there is a great desire to encounter and remain close to the heart of the Churchs life. So seek new paths, new forms of service, but try not to complicate what in reality is quite simple.

3) The PMS are and must be experienced as an instrument of service for the mission of the particular Churches, against the backdrop of the mission of the universal Church. This is the ever-precious contribution that the Societies make to the spread of the Gospel. All of us are called to nurture by means of love and gratitude, as well as by our works, the seeds of divine life that the Spirit of Christ causes to blossom and grow where he wills, even in the deserts. Please, in your prayer ask above all that the Lord make everyone better prepared to recognize the signs of his activity, in order then to reveal them to the whole world. Even this can be helpful: to ask that, in the depths of our own hearts, our prayer to the Holy Spirit may not be reduced to a mere formality in our meetings and homilies. It is not helpful to theorize about super-strategies or mission core guidelines as a means of reviving missionary spirit or giving missionary patents to others. If, in some cases, missionary fervour is fading, it is a sign that faith itself is fading. In such cases, the attempt to revive the flame by strategies and speeches will end up only weakening it all the more, causing the desert to expand.

4) The service undertaken by the PMS naturally brings its staff into contact with countless realities, situations and events that are part of the great ebb and flow of the life of the Church on every continent. In this contact, we may encounter numerous problems and forms of inertia that can mark ecclesial life, but also the gratuitous gifts of healing and consolation that the Holy Spirit disseminates in daily life, in what might be called the middle class of holiness. Rejoice and savour these encounters that you experience thanks to the work of the PMS, and let yourselves be astonished by them. I think of the reports of many miracles that happen to children, who perhaps encounter Jesus thanks to the initiatives proposed by the Holy Childhood. Yours is a labour that can never be reduced to an exclusively bureaucratic-professional scope. When it comes to mission, bureaucracies or functionaries should never exist. Your gratitude can in turn become a gift and witness for all. With the means that you have at your disposal, and quite naturally, you can recount the comforting story of persons and communities in which the miracle of faith gratuitously shines with hope and charity.

5) Gratitude for the wonders worked by the Lord among his chosen ones, the poor and the little ones to whom he reveals those things hidden from the wise (cf. Mt 11:25-26), can make it easier for you too to avoid the pitfalls of self-absorption and leave yourselves behind as you follow Jesus. The very notion of a self-centred missionary effort, which spends time contemplating and celebrating its own initiatives, would be absurd. Do not waste time and resources, then, in looking at yourself in a mirror, devising plans centred on internal mechanisms, functionality and the efficiency of your own bureaucracy. Look outside. Do not look at yourselves in the mirror. Break every mirror in the house! The criteria employed in implementing programmes should aim not at burdening the network of the PMS but at making structures and procedures more flexible. National Directors, for example, should be working to identify potential successors, taking as their sole criterion proposing persons with great missionary zeal, not just members of their own small group.

6) Regarding the collection of resources to help the missions, I have already spoken during our past gatherings about the risk of turning the PMS into an NGO, where everything is devoted to locating and appropriating funds. This depends more on the attitude with which things are done than the goals that are achieved. It can certainly be advisable and even appropriate when fundraising to use creativity and even updated methods for seeking funding from potential and worthy sources. However, if in some areas the collection of donations lessens, even because of the waning of Christian memory, the temptation may arise to resolve the problem ourselves by covering up the situation and gambling on some better fundraising system developed by groups specializing in large donors. Our pain at the loss of faith and the reduction of resources should not be covered up but rather placed in the hands of the Lord. In any case, asking for offerings for the missions should continue to be directed first and foremost to the larger body of the baptized, also through different ways of taking up the collection for the missions carried out in every country in October on the occasion of World Mission Day. The Church continues to advance thanks to the widows mite and the contributions of innumerable people healed and consoled by Jesus, who for this reason, overflowing with gratitude, donate whatever they have.

7) The use of the donations received is always to be evaluated with an appropriate sensus Ecclesiae regarding the distribution of funds in support of structures and projects capable of advancing the apostolic mission and the preaching of the Gospel in various ways and in diverse parts of the world. Attention should always be paid to the most fundamental necessities of communities while at the same time avoiding a welfare culture, which instead of assisting missionary zeal ends up making hearts lukewarm and feeding phenomena of parasitic dependency, also within the Church. Your contribution should aim at giving concrete answers to objective needs, without squandering resources in initiatives marked by abstraction, self-absorption or generated by clerical narcissism. Do not yield to inferiority complexes or the temptation to imitate those super-functional organizations that collect funds for good causes and then use a good percentage of them to finance their own bureaucracy and to publicize their brand name. Even publicity can at times become a way of promoting ones own interests by showing how one works for the poor and those in need.

8) As for the poor, you too must not forget them. This was the recommendation at the Council of Jerusalem that the apostles Peter, James and John passed on to Paul, Barnabas and Titus, who came to discuss their mission among the uncircumcised: Only, we were to be mindful of the poor (Gal 2:10). Following that recommendation, Paul organized collections for the benefit of the brethren of the Church of Jerusalem (cf. 1 Cor 16:1). The preferential option for the poor and the little ones has always been present since the origins of the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Works of spiritual and corporal charity on their behalf are expressions of a divine preference that serves as a constant challenge to the faith of all Christians, who are called to have the same attitude as that of Jesus (cf. Phil 2:5).

9) The PMS, in their worldwide network, reflect the rich variety of the people with a thousand faces, gathered together by the grace of Christ and marked by missionary fervour. That zeal is not always intense and lively in the same way everywhere. Even so, the same urgency of confessing Christ dead and resurrected finds expression in a variety of accents and adapts to diverse contexts. The revelation of the Gospel is not identified with any one culture and when it encounters new cultures that have not yet received the Christian message, a specific cultural form must not be imposed along with the preaching of the Gospel. Today, also in the work of the PMS, there is no need for extra baggage but rather the effort to value differences and relate them to the essentials of the faith we share. Any attempt to standardize the form of our message may obscure the universality of the Christian faith, even promoting cliches and slogans fashionable in certain circles and in particular countries that are culturally and politically dominant. In this regard, the special relationship that unites the PMS to the Pope and to the Church of Rome represents a resource and a support for freedom from fleeting fads, certain unilateral schools of thought or the cultural homogenization associated with neo-colonialism. These are phenomena that, regrettably, are not absent from ecclesiastical contexts.

10) The PMS are not an autonomous entity in the Church, acting in a vacuum. Among their distinctive features always to be cultivated and renewed is the special bond uniting them to the Bishop of the Church of Rome, which presides in charity. It is comforting to know that this bond manifests itself in a work carried out joyfully, without seeking applause or staking claims. A work that precisely in its gratuitousness is intertwined with service to the Pope, the servant of the servants of God. I would ask that the distinctive sign of your closeness to the Bishop of Rome be precisely this: the sharing of the love of the Church, a reflection of her own love for Christ, experienced and expressed quietly, without pride or a concern for turf wars. Daily efforts born of charity and the mystery of gratuitousness, which support countless persons who remain deeply thankful, yet perhaps even unaware of whom to thank, since they may never have heard of the PMS. The mystery of charity, within the Church, works in this way. We continue to advance together, even amid trials, thanks to the gifts and the consolations of the Lord. In the meantime, and at every step, we joyfully acknowledge that all of us are useless servants, beginning with myself.

Conclusion

Move forward with enthusiasm! There is much to do on the journey that awaits you. If there are changes to make in procedures, it is good that these point towards unburdening rather than increasing the load, aiming at operational flexibility and not producing more rigid bureaucracies that involve the threat of introversion. An excessive centralization, rather than helping, can complicate missionary outreach. Even a purely national organization of initiatives can jeopardize the nature of the PMS network, as well as the exchange of gifts between the Churches and local communities lived as the tangible fruit and sign of charity among brothers and sisters in communion with the Bishop of Rome.

In any event, always demand that every consideration regarding the operational aspect of the PMS be illuminated by the one thing necessary: a spark of true love for the Church as a reflection of love for Christ. Yours is a service rendered to apostolic fervour, namely to that impulse of Christian life which only the Holy Spirit can bring about within the People of God. Think about doing your work well, as if everything depended on you, while knowing that everything in fact depends on God (Saint Ignatius of Loyola). As I already mentioned to you in one of our encounters, imitate the ready spirit of Mary. When she visited Elizabeth, Mary did not do so on her own: she went as a servant of the Lord Jesus, whom she carried in her womb. She said nothing about herself, but simply brought her Son and praised God. It was not about her. She went as the servant of the One who is the sole protagonist of missionary activity. Nonetheless, she wasted no time, going in haste and doing what was needed to look after her kinswoman. She teaches us this same readiness, the haste born of fidelity and adoration.

May Our Lady watch over you and the Pontifical Mission Societies, and may her Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, bless you. For before ascending to heaven, he promised to be with us always, to the end of time.

Given in Rome, at Saint John Lateran,

the 21st of May 2020,

the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.

FRANCISCUS
The most common organism in the oceans, and possibly on the entire planet, is a family of single-celled marine bacteria called SAR11. These drifting organisms look like tiny jelly beans and have evolved to outcompete other bacteria for scarce resources in the oceans.

We now know that this group of organisms thrives despite -- or perhaps because of -- the ability to host viruses in their DNA. A study published in May in Nature Microbiology could lead to new understanding of viral survival strategies.

University of Washington oceanographers discovered that the bacteria that dominate seawater, known as Pelagibacter or SAR11, hosts a unique virus. The virus is of a type that spends most of its time dormant in the host's DNA but occasionally erupts to infect other cells, potentially carrying some of its host's genetic material along with it.

"Many bacteria have viruses that exist in their genomes. But people had not found them in the ocean's most abundant organisms," said co-lead author Robert Morris, a UW associate professor of oceanography. "We suspect it's probably common, or more common than we thought -- we just had never seen it."

This virus' two-pronged survival strategy differs from similar ones found in other organisms. The virus lurks in the host's DNA and gets copied as cells divide, but for reasons still poorly understood, it also replicates and is released from other cells.

The new study shows that as many as 3% of the SAR11 cells can have the virus multiply and split, or lyse, the cell -- a much higher percentage than for most viruses that inhabit a host's genome. This produces a large number of free viruses and could be key to its survival.

advertisement

"There are 10 times more viruses in the ocean than there are bacteria," Morris said. "Understanding how those large numbers are maintained is important. How does a virus survive? If you kill your host, how do you find another host before you degrade?"

The study could prompt basic research that could help clarify host-virus interactions in other settings.

"If you study a system in bacteria, that is easier to manipulate, then you can sort out the basic mechanisms," Morris said. "It's not too much of a stretch to say it could eventually help in biomedical applications."

The UW oceanography group had published a previous paper in 2019 looking at how marine phytoplankton, including SAR11, use sulfur. That allowed the researchers to cultivate two new strains of the ocean-dwelling organism and analyze one strain, NP1, with the latest genetic techniques.

Co-lead author Kelsy Cain collected samples off the coast of Oregon during a July 2017 research cruise. She diluted the seawater several times and then used a sulfur-containing substance to grow the samples in the lab -- a difficult process, for organisms that prefer to exist in seawater.

advertisement

The team then sequenced this strain's DNA at the UW PacBio sequencing center in Seattle.

"In the past we got a full genome, first try," Morris said. "This one didn't do that, and it was confusing because it's a very small genome."

The researchers found that a virus was complicating the task of sequencing the genome. Then they discovered a virus wasn't just in that single strain.

"When we went to grow the NP2 control culture, lo and behold, there was another virus. It was surprising how you couldn't get away from a virus," said Cain, who graduated in 2019 with a UW bachelor's in oceanography and now works in a UW research lab.

Cain's experiments showed that the virus' switch to replicating and bursting cells is more active when the cells are deprived of nutrients, lysing up to 30% of the host cells. The authors believe that bacterial genes that hitch a ride with the viruses could help other SAR11 maintain their competitive advantage in nutrient-poor conditions.

"We want to understand how that has contributed to the evolution and ecology of life in the oceans," Morris said.
Pedestrians wear protective masks in front of a restaurant in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 12, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)

LA County Can Reopen Barbershops, Restaurants, Salons: Officials

Los Angeles County, which accounts for over half of Californias COVID-19 deaths, is moving deeper into phase two of the states reopening plan, which lets operations resume at places like barbershops and restaurants.

Chair of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger told a press conference Friday that state authorities approved a regional variancea kind of permit that lets counties further open their economies if they meet benchmarksincluding around case, hospitalization, and testing data.

Our Board of Supervisors voted to seek a variance from the State to align with the majority of other counties in California, Barger said, adding, Today, we got word that Gov. Newsom approved the variance, allowing barbershops, hair salons, and restaurants to reopen.

She said the move represents monumental progress for Los Angeles County on the path toward recovery.

The variances allow counties to move deeper into phase two of Californias reopening roadmap. The county submitted its variance application on Wednesday to state authorities, with Barger telling the Los Angeles Times she was hopeful for an approval by Friday.

Regional data shows we have flattened the curve, indicating our readiness to move forward in phased recovery, Barger told the Los Angeles Times.

This will put Los Angeles County on a level playing field with surrounding counties, which have already been granted variances, she added.

Earlier in the week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom cleared the way for barbershops and hair salons to open in counties approved to move deeper into phase two.

Along those lines, they [counties] will be able to add in barbershops and hair salons to those regional variations starting today, Newsom said on Tuesday, adding that the businesses will have to operate with safety modifications.

We put those guidelines out  and those counties will begin to allow for those kinds of operations with meaningful modifications, he added, citing things like protective gear, face coverings, and sanitizing protocols.

County health officials are expected to announce restrictions on operations, which will be detailed in reopening protocols, which have not yet been released publicly.

We are waiting on the Countys order outlining a reopen date and protocols for businesses. Those protocols and info on included businesses will be posted, Santa Clarita City authorities announced in a statement, and provided a link where the protocols would be made available.

Barger told the press conference the guidelines would be released shortly.

This is a significant step towards revitalizing our economy, particularly supporting our local businesses, who often rely on foot traffic and thrive because of in-store shopping, she said.

Newsom warned earlier in the week that as more businesses reopen, the risk of a resurge of COVID-19 cases would increase.

Were moving forward. Were not looking back, but we are walking into the unknown, the untested, literally and figuratively, he said.

According to an L.A. County Public Health tally, last updated on Thursday, there were 49,774 cases of COVID-19 infections, 2,241 deaths, 1,094 daily new cases, and 48 daily new deaths.
A Karnataka-based university sent a message to its final year students stating that the end-term examinations will be held online from mid-June onwards amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students were sent an e-booklet explaining how the process would function. However, one crucial piece of information was missing: What about students without laptops or internet access?

While multiple calls were made by the 150-odd students who had gone back to their native places after the coronavirus lockdown, the institute has not yet taken a decision on what happens to these candidates.

Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here

"Some students were told to borrow from neighbours. Everyone is afraid of getting infected. Why will anyone lend a laptop for three hours?" asked a candidate of the institute quoted above who has gone back to his home town Purulia in West Bengal.

Data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2018-19 showed that at the undergraduate level itself about 6.4 million students graduated from various programmes in the previous academic year in India.

Also read: Now you can write exams from home, under the watch of AI

Considering both the undergraduate and postgraduate streams, almost 8 million students write the final examinations every year. Due to this, completely shifting the process online is not feasible.

Since the human resource development (HRD) ministry has mandated that final-year examinations will be held despite COVID-19, the online proctoring model of examinations has been adopted by some institutes.

This means that a student can sit anywhere in the world and write an examination with constant monitoring by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. However, institutes seem to have ignored the fact that students in remote parts of the country may not be able to get seamless connectivity. Many wouldnt also be able to afford a web-cam or computer.

Five large universities in India, one each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and three in Tamil Nadu are now planning to rollback a previous decision of online examinations after 30-35 percent of the final-year candidates complained about not having the necessary resources.

If students dont have laptops, how will they write the final examination? We understand the HRD Ministrys stance where they dont want students to waste one year. But we cannot expect students to buy an expensive electronic item like tablet or laptop just for writing an exam and are now exploring test centres closer to their homes, said the vice chancellor of a Tamil Nadu-based university.

This may be possible by one university. But India has 993 universities and 39,931 colleges. It will be financially and logistically impossible for all these educational institutes to set up testing infrastructure all across the country.

Considering that India is getting closer to lifting of the lockdown, it is imperative that institutes either postpone the tests or use previous term grades to arrive at an aggregate figure. Phone-based viva examinations could also be an option. But colleges and universities must ensure that no student misses out on the final qualifying examination.

Based on the availability of resources among some students, institutes cannot presume that all candidates will be able to give tests remotely. Discriminating against one section of students and going ahead with online tests would be unfair.
Portland city officials and faith leaders gathered Saturday morning to condemn the previous nights destructive protests and sought to draw a clear distinction between the peaceful gatherings that took place earlier in the day and the chaos that unfolded as riots broke out later in the evening.

At the early-morning press conference, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty blasted those who broke windows, looted stores and set multiple fires throughout downtown after two somber and peaceful gatherings earlier in the day meant to remember the life of George Floyd, a black man killed by police in Minneapolis on Monday.

Yesterday started off as a day of reflection. It started off as a day of truth. It started off as a day of acknowledging that, for too long, black bodies have been disposable in the United States of America, she said. There were many, many, many activities that took place that were clear, that were direct.

I believe there was a small group of people who came out last night with every intention of tearing stuff up and they were going to tear it up no matter how many of them there were, she continued. But I want to be crystal clear: What happened last night had nothing to do with black America. It was not about standing up for black peoples rights. It was not about acknowledging the death and harm that has taken place.

Portland Fire Chief Sara Boone, who is African American, said the anger and violence being witnessed is not only about the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but also about a system that allows people of color to feel fear every day."

This is a moment of reckoning, Boone said at Saturdays press conference with other city leaders. We are going forward, together, to create an actual community where respect and dignity are our core values.

Friday began peacefully. Around 11:30 a.m., hundreds gathered at Terry Schrunk Plaza for a "Eulogy for Black America organized by the Portland NAACP. Rev. E.D. Mondaine, president of Portlands NAACP chapter, told the crowd that America will have to earn the trust of the black community.

The reality of American racial justice has sparked rage that ripples, that cripples throughout the black community all over these United States of America, he said.

Later Friday evening, thousands more converged on Peninsula Park in North Portland for speeches and remembrances of Floyd and to decry racial injustice in policing.

Pastor Matt Hennessee, of the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church of Portland, was in the park for the vigil, and though he didnt speak publicly, he said he was moved by what he heard.

I needed to hear the hearts of the troubled and for them to speak, he said at the Saturday press conference. This is Americas unfinished business. This unfinished business is not just the work of the black community. It is the work of all communities.

However, after the park vigil, some of the protesters began marching toward downtown. As the march moved south, protesters began to break windows and graffiti buildings along Martin Luther King Boulevard and eventually, when they reached downtown, some began torching cars and public buildings, breaking windows and looting stores.

59 Aftermath of protests in Portland over death of George Floyd

Portland Business Alliance leaders estimated on Saturday that between damages, stolen inventory and lost wages, Portlands businesses and community suffered tens of millions in damages.

Mondaine of the Portland NAACP drew a bright line between those who were brought together in Portlands parks to remember Floyd and those who created widespread chaos in the citys core after dark.

The self-concern, the casual destruction and the self-righteous determination to put others in harms way that was on display last night in this city does absolutely nothing to honor the legacy of George Floyd or to improve the systemic problems that led to his murder, Mondaine said Saturday morning. Destructive acts that hamper the progress of our cause can only be committed by those who do not truly care about preventing further George Floyds or are too ignorant to know better.

To our non-black allies," he said, "do not commit violence in our name.

The People of Color Caucus of the Oregon Legislature called the rioters opportunists and outliers who were disregarding the leadership of black community organizers. At one point, black community members placed themselves between a business and vandals to protect it from being destroyed, they said.

We are just beginning to lay plans to reopen and these actions are destructive to our efforts as we try to weave together what COVID-19 has already torn apart, the nine lawmakers said.

Multnomah County Chairwoman Deborah Kafoury also weighed in Saturday, issuing a statement that Floyds death was senseless.

The destruction and damage downtown last night is unfortunate and ugly, Kafoury said, telling staff in a separate email that she was horrified county employees working in the Multnomah County Justice Center were at risk during the riot. But the history of police violence on Black bodies, both here in Portland and across the country, is far uglier. Those lives that have been lost cant be replaced.

 Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale

-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30)  The Civil Aeronautics Board on Saturday told airlines to cancel their flights set on June 1, Monday, shortly after local aircraft carriers announced their new flight schedules.

The board said that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases has yet to approve domestic air travel routes.

Consequently, airlines are hereby advised to cancel their flights on June 1, 2020 and to stop selling tickets for the said date, the board said in a statement.

This comes after Philippine Airlines announced its resumption of international and domestic travel starting June 1, when restrictions ease amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

PALs overseas flights will only be available for destinations in the US, Canada, Guam, Vietnam, mainland China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Japan, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, PAL said. It is also working on operating flights to London and Sydney, Australia, the airline added.

Cebu Pacific said it will also start flying passengers to a few destinations within the country beginning June 2, while international trips will remain suspended until June 30.

Both airlines assured that safety precautions such as disinfection, wearing of protective gear and online check-ins will be strictly followed while crew members will also take rapid antibody test before the trips.

AirAsia said it is also speaking to some local governments on airport guidelines as it mulls resuming flights next month.

The Manila International Airport Authority also released plans for airport terminals with flights expected to return.

Earlier, General Manager Ed Monreal said in a statement that Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport shall continue serving international flights, while Terminal 2 will be for evacuation and sweeper flights and for domestic flights from PAL. Terminal 3 will be for AirAsia and Cebu Pacific, while Terminal 4 stays closed.

Only 400 passengers for international inbound flights are allowed per day, MIAA said, as instructed by the IATF.

MIAA maintained that it is ready for Metro Manila to shift into general community quarantine on June 1, allowing more movement in the country.
Actor Salman Khan has donated hand sanitisers to the Mumbai Police. Yuva Sena member Rahul Kanal tweeted to inform.

Praising the actor, Rahul wrote: Thank you @BeingSalmanKhan bhai for being there for our frontline warriors, thank you @CMOMaharashtra @AUThackeray ji @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice for being there for one and all...FRSH sanitisers to be distributed to all our frontline warriors in the Police Dept.

Fans were moved by Salmans gesture. One wrote: Megastar #SalmanKhan Donates Huge 1,00,000 (1 Lakh) Bottles of FRSH SANITIZERS To Police Personnels in Mumbai Amidst This Coronavirus Lockdown! #LoveUBhaijaan!

Another fan wrote: The #SalmanKhan Man with the golden heart thats why he most lovable superstar in country hattoff God bless you. always love #BeingHuman

Also read: Step inside Hrithik Roshans sea-facing home, Asha Negi says she was depressed after her shows didnt work

Salman has been doing his bit all through the Covid-19 lockdown. A while back, he had provided financial help to 32,000 daily wage workers and helped 90 vertically challenged wage workers associated with All India Special Artistes Association (AISAA), a wing of FWICE.

The superstar had also arranged for food and other resources for the villages around his farmhouse and catered to the needs of around 2500 families.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Mental health charity left appalled after almost 1,700 patients in North Wales wrongly discharged

This article is old - Published: Saturday, May 30th, 2020

A mental health charity says it is appalled after discovering almost 1,700 patients were wrongly discharged due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board apologised after it revealed a significant number of people in North Wales were released from local mental health services.

While the organisations chief executive originally quoted a lower figure of between 200 and 300 patients being impacted, more than 1,000 more also received a letter asking them to wait until after lockdown restrictions are lifted to be re-referred.

Mair Elliott, chair of Hafal, said individuals with mental health conditions had been deserted and put at risk as a result of the move.

She has now asked Health Minister Vaughan Gething to explain how the situation was allowed to happen at a health board which has been in Welsh Government special measures since 2015.

It has been under strict monitoring since a damning report was published into failings on the Tawel Fan mental health ward at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

She said: We are appalled but sadly not surprised to find that huge numbers of vulnerable mental health patients have been discharged by Betsi Cadwaladr local health board in what they state is an error.

The board should of course have had a coherent plan to deliver a slimmed-down but sufficient mental health service which would keep patients safe but instead they have deserted their vulnerable patients and put them at risk.

We are also gravely concerned that the number announced by the health board appears to be only a fraction of those who were affected by this approach.

We warned at the beginning of April that there was insufficient national guidance on how a safe level of mental health service would be maintained across Wales, and we have not seen credible information from local health boards about what minimum service remained available to patients and how they can access it.

Betsi Cadwaladr admitted the decision was taken due to a misinterpretation of Welsh Government guidance.

It clarified that the discharge of services applied only to primary care mental health patients, for example, those who receive GP referrals for services such as counselling, and not inpatients.

It said it would be contacting all those affected in the coming days to be reinstated.

Ms Elliott said she first wrote to the Health Minister at the start of April to warn that support for patients was being severely reduced, but only received vague assurances that health boards would deal with the matter.

She said: A question that must be answered by the minister is who has misled him? In his two responses to my letters he repeatedly confirmed that he had been assured that such matters were in hand and that we could be reassured that services were in place.

Who gave these assurances to Mr Gething, and why were they not followed up and fact checked?

In the case of Betsi Cadwaladr, given that the Board is still in special measures, why werent their actions monitored or scrutinised?

We fear that because of the lack of national leadership and guidance patients may well have been let down in other parts of Wales as well.

A Welsh Government spokesman described mental health services as being essential during the COVID-19 crisis.

They said that while the way they are delivered may have changed due to restrictions, the expectation was for health boards to maintain services.

They added: We are aware of correspondence discharging patients from local primary mental health services in North Wales during the pandemic.

Although they were provided details for contacting crisis services, this is not in line with our guidance.

The health board has assured us that all patients affected will be contacted by their local service.

By Liam Randall  BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme)
The action has prompted a broad fight over whether and how social media companies should be held responsible for what appears on their sites, and was the culmination of months of debate inside Twitter. For more than a year, the company had been building an infrastructure to limit the impact of objectionable messages from world leaders, creating rules on what would and would not be allowed and designing a plan for when Mr. Trump inevitably broke them.

But the path to that point was not smooth. Inside Twitter, dealing with Mr. Trumps tweets  which are the equivalent of a presidential megaphone  was a fitful and uneven process. Some executives repeatedly urged Mr. Dorsey to take action on the inflammatory posts while others insisted he hold back, staying hands-off as the company had done for years.

Outside Twitter, the presidents critics urged the company to shut him down as he pushed the limits with insults and untruths, noting ordinary users were sometimes suspended for lesser transgressions. But Twitter argued that posts by Mr. Trump and other world leaders deserved special leeway because of their news value.

The efforts were complicated by Mr. Dorsey, 43, who was sometimes absent on travels and meditative retreats before the coronavirus pandemic. He often delegated policy decisions, watching the debate from the sidelines so he would not dominate with his own views. And he frequently did not weigh in until the last minute.

Now Twitter is at war with Mr. Trump over its treatment of his posts, which has implications for the future of speech on social media. In the past week, the company for the first time added fact-checking and other warning labels to three of Mr. Trumps messages, refuting their accuracy or marking them as inappropriate.
Self-pay COVID-19 testing now available to anyone in Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

05/29/2020 05:33 PM

Taipei, May 29 (CNA) Anyone in Taiwan can obtain a self-pay test for the COVID-19 coronavirus, with effect from Friday, as the country now has adequate testing capacity, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.

With the disease transmission in the country showing signs of easing, Taiwan now has enough tests to offer to anyone who wants one, the CECC said.

The CECC's latest announcement on COVID-19 testing followed a decision on May 23 to offer self-pay tests to people traveling abroad, in light of the regulations in many countries that require test results before admitting foreign nationals.

At the time, the CECC said the tests would be available to Taiwanese citizens, foreign nationals, and their family members, if they were traveling overseas. Prior to May 23, self-pay COVID-19 tests were available only to Taiwanese citizens making emergency visits to countries in Southeast Asia, China or Macau.

The CECC said Friday that people who wish to have the self-pay tests can do so once every three months at a cost to be determined by the respective hospitals.

According to the websites of some hospitals that are offering self-pay COVID-19 tests, the cost ranges from NT$4,000 (US$133) to NT$13,155 per test.

To date, Taiwan has recorded 442 cases of the disease, with seven deaths, the CECC has reported.

(By William Yen)

Enditem/pc

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






File Photo

New Delhi: Flight from Delhi to Moscow was cancelled under the Vande Bharat Mission because the team found out that the pilot of the flight was infected with the corona virus.

It may be mentioned here that the government has launched the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back the Indians stranded abroad.

Advertisement

Air IndiaRecently, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had said that as many as 30,000 Indians stranded abroad due to the corona virus have been repatriated by 158 flights till May 25. The second phase of this mission has also begun.

He tweeted that 164 of the more than 10,000 people had left India. Another 49,000 will be repatriated by mid-June.

It may be recalled that India had launched the largest ever evacuation campaign to bring back Indians stranded abroad due to the ongoing lockdown in the world due to the corona virus.

Advertisement

Hardeep PuriThe campaign started on May 7 and the second phase started on May 16. The Ministry of External Affairs has recently announced the second phase of the mission to be held on June 13.

On the other hand, cases of corona virus are increasing rapidly in the country. According to the Union Ministry of Health, the number of corona virus infections in the country has now crossed 1.7 lakh.
: Ignius (Hyperion), : USANews

 : 

: BBS  (Fri May 29 15:00:39 2020, )



manslaughter



Fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been arrested four days

after George Floyds fatal arrest that sparked protests, rioting and outcry

across the city and nation, and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman

announced he has been charged with murder and manslaughter, with the charges

scheduled to be released shortly.



On Friday, John Harrington, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of

Public Safety, announced that Chauvin was taken into custody by the

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, who said that Chauvin was taken

into custody in Minneapolis. There was some speculation that he had gone to

a home in Florida.



We have now been able to put together the evidence that we need. Even as

late as yesterday afternoon, we did not have all that we needed, Freeman

said, before saying that he was unable to speak to specific pieces of

evidence and which one specifically was needed to file charges.

--

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 68.]


NRPLUS MEMBER ARTICLE A modern nation is, according to historian Benedict Anderson, an imagined community; collectively imagined by its people as limited, with clearly marked territorial boundaries that separate it from its neighbors; and imagined as sovereign, for each nation has its own political system and civic culture. It is also imagined as a community despite sometimes great internal social, ethnic, and regional variation. What binds those often disparate parts together as a whole is a common sense of history and destiny, so that, as Anderson says, the nation is always conceived as a deep, horizontal comradeship.

In the introduction to the book All Over the Map: Rethinking American Regions, Edward Ayers and Peter Onuf focus on regional diversity as a part of the American imagined community when they say that American identities are based on regions where time and space converge; places that give those who live there their identities, where people acquire their distinctive ways of speaking, and where they take on the historic burden of their region. And no matter where those people may move, they cherish memories of the regions they come from. Without regions, say the authors, there could be no country, without the parts there can be no whole. Thus regions, as diverse as they may be, are integral parts of a nation.

Flannery Burke describes those relationships and identities for a distinctive American region in her cultural history A Land Apart: The Southwest and the Nation in the Twentieth Century. As history, this book necessarily includes major events, but as cultural history it focuses more on individuals and communities as they live and interact in a common setting, and how they and others have expressed that particular place in stories and in art. The communities in this region are indigenous tribes, found in greater numbers in the Southwest than elsewhere in the country, along with descendants of Hispanic settlers whose heritage goes back to the 17th century; and descendants of Anglo settlers from the 19th century, as well as later newcomers from other parts of the country and from across the U.S.-Mexico border, all of whom make the Southwest a distinctive part of the nation. Another defining feature is the regions aridity, an environment to which human populations have had to adapt since the earliest times, and which requires ever continuing adaptations as technology advances and as populations expand. The author devotes a chapter to this topic titled Water Is the Earths Blood and describes how the desert environment has figured in the way the Southwest has been imagined and depicted.

Story continues

Regions are defined by boundaries; by those imposed by geographic and climatic conditions, and by cultural and political divisions. Sometimes those different kinds of boundaries coincide, and sometimes they cut across one another. The story of internal and geographic boundaries in the Southwest is a part of the story told here, the story of how the Territory of New Mexico was created in 1848 after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended the Mexican War; how that territory was divided from other parts of the arid American West, and how it was further divided in the contentious days before and during the Civil War, and in a politically charged atmosphere afterwards, until 1912 when the separate territories of Arizona and New Mexico were finally admitted to the Union as states.

In the eastwest division between the two states we see a case in which a political boundary corresponds to both historical and current differences within an otherwise similar area. Indigenous Arizona was the home of nomadic native peoples such as the Navajo and the Apache, while New Mexico was inhabited by the sedentary Pueblo tribes. Also, New Mexico was the area settled in the 17th century by a Spanish-speaking population, while Arizona was sparsely settled during that period, and therefore became more Anglo in its cultural grounding. Differences today of political orientation and industrial activity further differentiate the two states of the Southwest.

Those lines are borders. But as the author points out, the international line that divides the United States and Mexico is the line that for most people is the border. She then cites the work of borderland scholars who recognize the border for what it is: a line in the sand, or a man-made boundary as seen by scholars who invite us to look across that line at the interaction of two different nation states, as well as at transborder commercial interests and enterprises and the activity of everyday people that make the borderland a distinctive feature of the Southwest. In this regard she tells the story of the cross-border relations of the two countries in the early 20th century, briefly describing the Mexican Revolution and its impact on the border. A major event at that time was Pancho Villas raid on Columbus, N.M., in 1916, followed by the unsuccessful Punitive Expedition across the border in an attempt to apprehend him. She also shows how the dispute between Mexico and the United States contributed to Americas entry into World War I when the Germans, in the Zimmermann telegram, offered to restore Texas and the Southwest to Mexico if it would enter an alliance with Germany in case of war.

John J. Pershing led the Punitive Expedition and only months later in 1917 was given command of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I. As a young lieutenant in the Sixth Cavalry, Pershing took part in the last campaigns against the Apache who were led at that time by Geronimo. Pershing died in 1948 three years after the first atomic bombs were detonated in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Southwest therefore wasas seen in the lifetime of one manthe scene of one of the last encounters in the Indian Wars and the beginning of the Atomic Age, for it was in Los Alamos that scientists gathered during the Second World War to develop the atomic bomb which was first tested in Alamogordo (both in New Mexico), a story which Burke relates in human terms in a chapter titled Boomtowns: The Nuclear Southwest.

Burke also shows how this distinctive region has been expressed in stories such as native American folk tales, in biographies, novels, and even comic books, as well as in the art of such painters as Georgia OKeefe and in the adaptation of the architecture of the Native American and the Hispanic Southwest for a distinctive Southwestern style. A Place Apart is an addition to the literature on American culture and its history, but it will also appeal to anyone interested in the rich mosaic of American regions, and especially to those who live in, who know, or who are planning one day to visit the Southwest.

More from National Review
There is definitely no dull moment for real estate guru and Managing Director of PWAN Plus Business Concerns, Julius Oyedemi. Not even the economic challenges of the time is enough to stunt his creative prowess, marketing fecundity and innovative real estate products.

The property wizkid got land vendors falling head over toes as they rush to acquire a parcel of land in his Crestville Estate, just launched in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State recently. Barely three weeks after, Oyedemi dazzled residents of Aba, the commercial nerve center of Abia State, when he blazed the trail for unprecedented real estate activities in Osisioma local government of the state.

Could it be his way of saying thank you to Enyimba City, as Aba fondly called, for the hospitality he enjoyed when he was a marketing executive for National Mirror and New Telegraph newspapers? While unveiling Lush City, the latest among his sprawling Cedarwood brand of exclusive residential grooves over the weekend, the ace property developer explained: This is the first time that a real estate company is coming to Aba and it is the first outing by Property West Africa Network (PWAN) Group to Aba.Lush City is situated near Enyimba International Stadium, National War Museum, Azumili Blue River and the famous Aiaria International Market, amongst others landmarks in the state.

Oyedemi added: Our coming to Aba will address the prevailing housing deficit here. It is not an exaggeration to say that in most Nigerian cities, many people are homeless. Aba, definitely, has its fair share of the debilitating housing deficit. We at PWAN Plus, owners of Cedarwood Estate, have brought ideal solution to the housing deficit here.

Now, son, daughters and even the Abia State government can leverage on our home ownership made easy skills/products to enhance quality living. We are also passionate to affect the social and economic aspects of the people of Abia State positively as we unveil Lush City by Cedarwood in Aba.

According to the chief executive of PWAN Plus, the process had already commenced. Everyone can be a proud owner of an exquisite apartment in Lush City. Our home ownership made easy approach actually guarantees that; and its just as easy as make a deposit and get instant plot allocation while balance payment is spread over 12 months installments.

No doubt, the property giant is set to tickle the thirst buds of consumers of real estate products in Abia State and environs. Its collection of highbrow residential estates dotting the fast developing Ajah, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe areas of Lagos State as well as an appreciable presence in Owerri, the Imo State capital, speak eloquently of the professional and financial competence of PWAN Plus. In the same vane, the glowing testimonies coming from the firms numerous clients conveys the genuineness of any property acquired through the PWAN Group. You can go to sleep if you buy a property from PWAN. All encumbrances associated with getting genuine title documents, instant allocation, land owners troubles and other issues are taken off your shoulders while you enjoy trouble free possession, ease of payment and excellent facilities, said Mazi Okorie, one of the firms clients.

We have come to unleash a regime of affordable but 9exquisite residential estates here. Igbo people are known for their love for good homes. An average Igbo man believes that he is incomplete without a roof over his head. But like every part of Nigeria Abia State is saddled with the responsibility of making up for over 20% housing deficit, Oyedemy further pointed out.

He explained that with the arrival of PWAN Plus, the deficit will not only witness improvement, opportunities will also be crested for thousands of young people in the state to have genuine means of livelihood. Beyond that security architecture, education and other social and economic aspects will receive serious boost.  When you have a massive estate that boast of befitting schools, recreational facilities, shopping malls, sporting complex and other live supporting facilities, trade and commerce will flourish more because Lush Estate City by Cedarwood will offer unique opportunities for people, especially those who buy and sale properties.

As you know people dont buy buildings just to live in it, they acquire properties to commercialise. Real estate has indeed contributed tremendously to the nations GDP, its part of that we will spread across Aba and the entire Abia State, Oyedemy assured.

He however noted that housing is indeed an essential part of every government pointing out that over the years, subsequent governments have continued to build low cost housing for its citizens. The title of Lush City plots is covered by Registered Survey & Power of Attorney. Precisely, price & payment plans are as follows: N900k (232sqm) & N1.8m (464sqm) on 0-6 months outright. 12 months installment also available.

PWAN Plus is ready to partner with governments and other interested parties to make home ownership easy for all. Our passion is to leave a mark in Aba and we are very concerned about Abia State as a choice location, the real estate guru said.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday expressed his country's concern over "the prosecution by external parties in the shipment of arms to Libya", saying that "it is an escalation which contributes to fueling the conflict and prolongs the suffering of the Libyan people and constitutes a threat to Libya's neighbors and European security
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  A new era of human spaceflight began Saturday as a billionaires white-and-black rocket, with a capsule perched on top, overcame the days 50-50 weather forecast to propel NASA astronauts into orbit.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully launched from NASAs Kennedy Space Center at 2:22 p.m. CDT, three days after its first attempt was scrubbed by inclement weather. This liftoff marked the first time in nine years that NASA astronauts launched from U.S. soil. And for SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, it was the companys first time launching people  a long-held ambition, even if Musk didnt dare believe it would come true.

Timeline: How Nasa, SpaceX prepared for todays historic launch to space

When starting SpaceX in 2002, I really did not think this day would occur, Musk said during an interview aired Wednesday on NASA TV. I expected, 90 percent chance wed fail to even get to low-Earth orbit with a small rocket.

But the company persevered, developing its own flare along the way. In 2018, SpaceX launched a cherry-red Tesla Roadster into space. This year, its astronauts donned sleek spacesuits (white and black like the rocket), arrived at Launch Complex 39A in a customized Tesla Model X SUV and climbed into a spacecraft with touch-screen controls. Its part of the vision and inspiration that Musk brings to the American space program, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

Hes brilliant. Hes capable, Bridenstine said. There have been times when maybe there was a little tension because of the priorities that we were focused on. But when I talk to him, when I meet with him, he gives me a commitment and he delivers on that commitment. He also credited SpaceX willingness to fail  and learn from it. They test, they fail, they fix, they fly.

SpaceX launched astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley as a test flight for NASAs Commercial Crew Program, which was established as its own standalone program on April 5, 2011. This program sought a new, more affordable way of reaching the International Space Station. NASA did not want to own the vehicle and determine its every feature (the space shuttle had 10,000 to 12,000 requirements, including how much stainless steel was in the bolts).

So it created 300 requirements mostly related to safety and then allowed companies to propose their own vehicle designs. It selected SpaceX and Boeings proposals in September 2014, providing the companies with funding and technical expertise over the years. Both companies contributed their own money, too.

SpaceX and Boeing own the vehicles, and NASA ultimately hopes to be one of many customers purchasing seats. NASA says the Commercial Crew Program will save money the agency will use to fund its deep-space ambitions.

More on the capsule design: The beginning of a new era: NASA astronauts prepare to fly in a capsule once again

In addition, NASA will no longer be dependent on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft for reaching the International Space Station. The agency has relied on this vehicle since the space shuttle program was retired in 2011.

This launch will restore to the United States a strategic capability  the U.S. ability to launch from U.S. territory humans into orbit using U.S. equipment, John Logsdon, founder of George Washington Universitys Space Policy Institute, said in an email. A country that claims to be the worlds leading spacefaring nation must have that capability and not be dependent on others for access to space.

Saturdays launch was the final step toward regaining that capability. The Demo-2 mission is the last major test before SpaceX can receive NASA certification to begin more routine trips to the International Space Station, potentially as soon as Aug. 30 with Houston-born astronaut Shannon Walker among its crew members.

After hurtling into space, Demo-2 will test a variety of the vehicles capabilities, including its life support systems and manual maneuvering (the vehicle is fully autonomous). It should dock with the space station less than 24 hours after launch, and then the astronauts could stay onboard the station for roughly one to four months, helping with maintenance and research, before landing in the Atlantic Ocean.

Its a technological prowess that the Florida coast has missed watching, and people flocked to beaches, parks and bridges to see the Falcon 9 launch. Bridenstine, worried about a COVID-19 outbreak, initially implored people to watch from home. But after seeing Wednesdays turnout and the states reopening  the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opened Thursday with limited attendance and requiring face coverings  his tone changed a bit during Fridays news conference. He continued to emphasize that the agency is taking precautions to protect its employees against COVID-19, but for the onlookers he said its important to practice social distancing and wear personal protective equipment.

There is no doubt times are changing, and people are going to travel and the visitors center is going to be open, Bridenstine said. But we will make sure that the people that are involved in these mission-essential functions for this country  launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, launching our next rover to Mars  that these mission-essential functions will not be placed in jeopardy.

Across the Indian River in Titusville, Robert Ozzie Osband was in his usual post at Space View Park, passing out pamphlets with details on the Demo-2 mission and using his guitar amplifier to share audio from NASA TV. Osband, the parks launch host, took a nonspace job in Titusville in 1987 so he could live near the launches. He likes helping the parks visitors know what to expect and where they should look. His standard uniform is a green shirt for go. On Wednesday, he wore it over a red shirt for the s word (scrubbed) and had to take off the green shirt to show the red shirt when the launch was indeed scrubbed. On Saturday, he had the red shirt in a backpack and fortunately didnt need to pull it out.

Some of the people who traveled to Florida on Wednesday couldnt stay for the weekend launch. But Ming Fei Chen and Chris Cambron, who drove an RV from Houston, were able to see Saturdays historic liftoff. Cambron had seen one launch as a kid, but Chen had never seen a launch. Theyre both Musk enthusiasts, impressed by his innovative spirit.

The launch was worth the wait and the many days spent in hot Florida campsites.

The sound was great, Cambron said. The rumble across the water was really nice.

Also in Florida were President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Trump called Behnken and Hurleys launch heroic.

Moments ago, as we witnessed the launch of two great American astronauts into space, we were filled with the sense of pride and unity that brings us together as Americans, Trump said.

He also praised SpaceX for being the first private company to put NASA astronauts into orbit around the Earth, and he said Saturdays launch is a marker for both leveraging the fast-growing capabilities of the commercial sector and the countrys goals of reaching the moon and Mars.

Ultimately, its hoped that this SpaceX launch, followed by Boeing launching astronauts into space on its CST-100 Starliner capsule, helps bring down the cost of accessing space. It will still be expensive for most people in the foreseeable future, but more companies and governments should be able to afford seats, Phil Smith, a space industry analyst at analytics and engineering firm Bryce Space and Technology, said in an email.

Family: Astronauts find ways to talk to their kids about the joy - and risks - of blasting off into space

The launch vehicle and spacecraft are owned and operated by a private entity. That has never happened before for orbital human spaceflight, Smith said. NASA provided a good deal of the funding to make it possible, to be sure, but the long view is that the agency wants to be one of many customers as commercial human spaceflight evolves through the years ahead.

Its also hoped that Saturdays flight proves out this new model where NASA and commercial companies share the costs and rewards of space travel. NASA recently announced a similar public-private partnership for developing human landing systems that will lower astronauts to the lunar surface as part of its Artemis program.

It validates the new approach to commercial partnerships that will significantly benefit the U.S. space program going forward, David Alexander, director of the Rice University Space Institute, said in an email.

andrea.leinfelder@chron.com

twitter.com/a_leinfelder
The closing meeting of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2020. Leaders of the Communist Party of China and the state Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan attended the meeting, and Li Zhanshu presided over the closing meeting and delivered a speech. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Eradicating absolute poverty, upholding people-centered philosophy and seeking new opportunities from challenges, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought reassuring messages at times of uncertainty and difficulty.

Xi spoke on a wide range of topics at this year's "two sessions," which closed on Thursday.

The two sessions are the country's annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, participated in deliberations with national legislators and joined in discussions with political advisors.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, takes part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, May 22, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

PEOPLE FIRST

An NPC deputy himself, Xi joined deliberations with lawmakers from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on May 22, the first day of the annual session of the national legislature.

"People first" was the keyword in the discussions. Xi referred to the recovery of an 87-year-old COVID-19 patient after 47 days of care by a team of 10 doctors and nurses.

"Many people worked together to save a single patient. This, in essence, embodies doing whatever it takes (to save lives)," he said.

China mounted swift and sweeping actions to contain the disease. It has mobilized the best doctors, most advanced equipment and high-demand resources. The eldest patient to have been cured is 108 years old.

"President Xi emphasized people and lives are the top priorities," said Huhbaater, a professor of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University and an NPC deputy who heard Xi speak.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

China decided not to set a specific annual economic growth target for 2020, but set eyes on winning the battle against poverty and finishing building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Xi touched upon the absence of a numerical growth target. "Had we imposed a target, the focus would have been strong stimulus and a simple grasp on growth rate. That is not in line with our social and economic development purposes," he said.

Xi urged efforts in seeking new opportunities amid challenges as he joined discussions with national political advisors from the economic sector on May 23.

"Our economy is still characterized by ample potential, strong resilience, large maneuver room and sufficient policy instruments," Xi said.

China has the largest industrial system in the world with the most complete categories, strong production capabilities and complete supporting sectors, as well as over 100 million market entities and a talent pool of 170 million people.

The Chinese president anticipates faster growth in the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, life and health, new materials and other strategic emerging industries, highlighting the creation of new growth areas and drivers.

Xi stressed steady progress in creating a new development pattern where domestic and foreign markets can boost each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay.

He called for unwavering efforts to make economic globalization more open, inclusive and balanced so that its benefits are shared by all, and to build an open world economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joins a deliberation with deputies from Hubei Province at the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION

On May 24, Xi joined deliberations with lawmakers from central China's Hubei Province, which was the hardest hit by COVID-19.

"We must face the problems upfront, step up reform and waste no time in addressing the shortcomings, insufficiencies and loopholes exposed by the epidemic," he said, stressing fortifying the public health protection network.

Xi noted several priorities: reforming the disease prevention and control system; boosting epidemic monitoring, early warning and emergency response capacity; perfecting the treatment system for major epidemics; and improving public health emergency laws and regulations.

ENHANCING NATIONAL DEFENSE

When attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force, Xi commended their role in battling COVID-19 and stressed achieving the targets and missions of strengthening the national defense and armed forces for 2020.

The epidemic has brought a profound impact on the global landscape and on China's security and development as well, he said.

He ordered the military to think about worst-case scenarios, scale up training and battle preparedness, promptly and effectively deal with all sorts of complex situations, and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Noting that this year marks the end of the 13th five-year plan for military development, Xi said extraordinary measures must be taken to overcome the impact of the epidemic to ensure major tasks on the military building are achieved.
The

will air on PCTV and other Berkshire County public TV stations on Thursday, May 28 at 5 p.m. and be re-broadcast on May 31 at 6 p.m. Local celebrities will help raise awareness and funding for this local initiative that has so far distributed more than

$1.4 million to 70+ nonprofit agencies to help with food insecurity, emergency child care, housing and homelessness, and healthcare and mental health services.
WASHINGTON  The barricades in front of the White House were breached in the wee hours of Saturday morning as the wave of protests that has swept the nation following the death of George Floyd quite literally hit President Trumps doorstep.

The demonstrations led to dramatic clashes involving fists, shields and tear gas against the backdrop of Trumps official residence. Hundreds of protesters marched through the nations capital and made their way to Pennsylvania Avenue early Saturday morning where they engaged in hours of violent clashes with Secret Service officers before being dispersed with pepper spray.

Trump addressed the protests outside his home in a series of tweets on Saturday.

Great job last night at the White House by the U.S. @SecretService. They were not only totally professional, but very cool. I was inside, watched every move, and couldnt have felt more safe, Trump wrote.

Hundreds of protesters moved through Washington, D.C., on Friday evening as part of the nationwide backlash against the killing of George Floyd, who died after being taken into police custody in Minneapolis. Footage showed Floyd saying that he could not breathe as Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin allegedly held his knee on Floyds neck.

Protesters face off with police outside the White House early on Saturday, during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd. (Photo by Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

Chauvin was subsequently fired and charged with third-degree murder, but the incident has sparked several nights of nationwide protests, which came on the heels of other videos of black men being killed by police and would-be vigilantes.

Trump told Yahoo News earlier on Friday that he supported many of those who protested Floyds killing in Minneapolis.

Certainly there were a lot of different people and there were good people too and they were protesting, Trump said at the White House. They were protesting for the right reason. They were protesting in honor of a man, George Floyd, where something happened that should not have happened.

But Trump had also tweeted Friday that when the looting starts, the shooting starts, which was widely seen as a threat to protesters. Trump later appeared to walk back the tweet, saying it was a fact, not a statement.

Story continues

Protesters removed multiple steel fences that stood across from Trumps residence as the demonstrations crept late into the evening. In total, the demonstrators removed more than 15 barricades that they had piled up on the ground in a park across the street from the White House.

The demonstrators squared off with uniformed Secret Service officers who kept them at bay with riot gear and shields. Around 2 a.m., hours after the protests in D.C. had begun, officers from the U.S. Park Police arrived to reinforce the Secret Service. The combined forces of officers who lined up in front of the White House were subjected to insults from the crowd.

I see you for what you are: a racist murderer, one protester yelled at police. You are scared of me.  You have to hide behind a badge.

The protester added he was at the demonstration because he was tired of the police killing my people for no reason simply for being black.

Many of the insults were directed at the Secret Service officers of color. One man named Eddie said he was frustrated with the more diverse elements of the officer corps because theyre standing there not saying anything.

At the end of the day were all human.  No matter your color, at the end of the day were all human, said Eddie, who declined to give his last name.

Eddie, who wore a button-down shirt and a mask, said he believed Floyd had been murdered and that he was protesting to honor his memory.

They killed him, so we ... speak for Mr. Floyd, Eddie said.

Protesters hurled plastic bottles and bricks at the Secret Service. Agents, in turn, charged the protesters with plastic riot shields. Multiple protesters said they were concerned about both potential violence stemming from the confrontation with police as well as the possibility of being exposed to the coronavirus.

This seems exponentially more important than not getting sick, a female protester said as she stood within the group crowded in front of the White House.

Yahoo News asked an African-American Secret Service officer if he believed the situation could be deescalated.

Doubtful it could happen, the officer, who was also talking to protesters, said. You kill somebody  how you deescalate that? He aint coming back, right? At this point, what you going to do?

Some protesters said they appreciated the officers apparent concern for Floyd.

At least were talking now, one of the demonstrators said.

I take this off, Im still black, said the officer, gesturing toward his uniform.

Protesters face off with police outside the White House early on Saturday. (Photo by Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

As the protests continued, demonstrators and Secret Service officers battled in Lafayette Park, which sits across from the White House. Protesters managed to wangle multiple shields and barricades from the officers.

Even after the reinforcements from the Park Police appeared on the scene, protesters managed to take down more barricades and seize multiple riot shields from officers.

The Secret Service on Saturday did not respond to questions about the protests, including some about which agencies were involved in responding. The Park Police also did not respond to questions.

In his tweets about the protests, Trump suggested that Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser prevented her citys police force from responding to the protests.

On the bad side, the D.C. Mayor, @MurielBowser, who is always looking for money & help, wouldnt let the D.C. Police get involved, Trump wrote.

In response, D.C. police pointed to comments Bowser made in a press conference on Saturday afternoon.

I want to be very clear: My police department in Washington, D.C., will always protect D.C. and all who live and visit here. In fact, that is exactly what we did yesterday and last night. No one needed to ask the Metropolitan Police Department to get involved because we were already involved, Bowser said.

She added: D.C. police supported [the] uniformed Secret Service last night like we have done literally dozens of times at Lafayette Park. [D.C. police], the U.S. Park Police and the Secret Service coordinated throughout the evening and night, and at no time was the chief of police concerned about losing control of protest activity in Washington, D.C.

The Secret Service and Park Police swept into and dispersed the crowd using pepper spray at 3:22 a.m. on Saturday. Officers from both agencies also pushed credentialed press out of the park across from the White House.

Get the f*** out of the park! officers said.

_____

Click here for the latest coronavirus news and updates. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please refer to the CDCs and WHOs resource guides.

Read more:
But the tension in the District that began early in the day with tweets from Trump had not abated. Trump offered support on Twitter for the Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers who kept the protesters from coming on to the White House grounds. And then he described what would have happened if the protesters had broken through the barriers.
At 12 years old, Erin Kulick looked on in wonder as she watched a cow receive surgery for a prolapsed uterus after giving birth to a calf. It was her first day volunteering at a mixed animal practice in Bedford, Virginia.

As she gazed at the gory scene, she smiled. In that moment, she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian.

Dr. Kulick, now 36 years old, works at Long Island City Veterinary Center in Queens, New York, where she works in general practice and sees mostly small animals.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, veterinarians in New York City are only seeing essential cases. Kulick said that instead of having animals and clients in the lobby of the veterinary office, she is having clients meet staff at the front door so that they can bring their pet in. Despite the changes in their operations, they have been very busy.

We're getting people that haven't come to the vet for a couple years, all of a sudden decide to come back because they're home and I think they're realizing they want to invest in that animal again, she told ABC News.

PHOTO: Dr. Erin Kulick works at Long Island City Veterinary Center in Queens, New York. (Erin Kulick)

Kulick said she has seen more visits for foreign bodies, which occur when pets consume items that cannot easily pass through their gastrointestinal tract.

Accidents are still happening, she said. People are home more. They're seeing their animals and they're seeing problems.

MORE: Substance abuse, kids with cabin fever: Police officer on new challenges amid COVID-19

In the midst of this crisis, pet euthanasia procedures have presented a unique challenge for pet owners and veterinarians, who have had to figure out compassionate and safe ways to administer them.

A lot of people do need a hug during that and it's really hard to watch someone from a distance after you've let their pet go and not being able to physically comfort them. But it's even harder, I think, for them if they can't have their entire family there during it, she said.

On May 13, Kulick and her team performed a C-section on a French bulldog for a client who didnt have the money for the operation. Kulick said she was thankful for the opportunity to be able to just have life.

Story continues

We worked with my boss, my manager, to give him as steep of a discount as we could and ... basically used that as a morale booster for all of us, because everybody loves coming in and taking care of puppies in a C-section, she said.

The staff at the veterinary center have had a difficult few months. Some of them, including Kulick, contracted the coronavirus, which resulted in the center being short-staffed at times.

At the end of March, Kulicks 1-year-old baby came down with a cough. The next day, Kulick had a cough and diarrhea. When Kulick started feeling sick, she was concerned about how it would affect the coworkers on her team.

PHOTO: Dr. Kulick's young son is seen here. (Erin Kulick)

If someone on that team got sick, you're out for a week, at least, she said. I've got a cushion. But my techs, they live paycheck to paycheck, and because I'm sick they're not gonna get paid for at least a week. This sucks.

That night, she developed a fever, and her concern for her own health grew.

I did a remote doctor appointment the following day, and he said he diagnosed me with COVID, but he said to stay home, quarantine myself, only go in if I had shortness of breath, she said. The following day ... I had shortness of breath. I was trying to read an email to my husband and I couldn't get more than a couple of words out.

Kulick went to urgent care, but when her oxygen saturation levels came back at an appropriate level, she went home and used an albuterol inhaler to help her breathe. When Kulick eventually took a COVID-19 antibody test after recovering, she tested positive.

I would say COVID is like no other illness I've had because it does make you question your mortality, she said.

MORE: Food delivery driver on self-isolating from her kids to work during COVID-19 pandemic

While staying home to recover, Kulick spent time caring for her child. She said that, despite her previous doubts, she realized that she is in fact a good parent.

I always felt myself an inferior parent before this because my husband is just so good with kids, she said. I'm very grateful for all that extra work of having a kid to help me through this one.

One strange side effect she experienced was a lost sense of smell. As a veterinarian and mother of an infant, she notices some benefits -- like not being able to smell soiled diapers or the particularly foul smells that arise when treating her animal patients. A couple of weeks after she had been sick, she was drinking whiskey for communion for her queer-accepting, everything-accepting church. As she took a sip, she could smell the whiskey again for the first time in weeks.

In audio diaries she recorded, Kulick talks about how the coronavirus has directly impacted her and her community, and how she has continued to perform essential veterinary procedures in the midst of a pandemic. Her personal story can be heard in this weeks episode of the ABC News podcast The Essentials: Inside the Curve.

In addition to her work as a veterinarian, Kulick plays music in a queer orchestra in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan called the Queer Urban Orchestra. Her husband, a professional musician who she met in college through playing music together, encouraged her to join the orchestra when she moved to New York City 10 years ago.

I joined as a straight member and ally and then found that I am queer as well, she said. Coming from a Southern Baptist upbringing in Virginia, that was kind of a revelation for me. That's part of why I love New York so much.

MORE: Grocery store employee working during COVID-19 crisis: 'I'm going to say my prayers'

Dr. Erin Kulick says this is the last photo on her phone from before her life changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Erin Kulick)

Being a part of the orchestra, which Kulick describes as like family, has been a welcome release from her high stakes job. The last photo on her phone from before her life changed due to the coronavirus pandemic shows members of the orchestra and other friends at a bar in Manhattan, celebrating after one of their orchestra concerts.

As a trumpet player, Kulick became involved in a tradition of playing Taps -- a bugle call played at military funerals -- around the 7 p.m. cheers for essential workers each day. As featured on WNBC, the tradition began when her neighbor and former Marine Josh Landress began playing Taps from his balcony in memory of those who have died from COVID and Kulick offered to echo him.

PHOTO: As a trumpet player, Dr. Erin Kulick started playing Taps following the daily 7 p.m. cheers for essential workers in New York City. (Erin Kulick)

It means a lot to me to do, particularly because we've lost people, she said.

Although her shifts end at 7 p.m., Kulick said that in order to honor those that have died, including the family members of her coworkers, she has sprinted home with her mask on in order to make it in time to play the solemn tribute.

I have a close friend whose mom has been on a ventilator for over a month, she said. Following cases and seeing all the people I knew that went on ventilators, except for this friend's mom, died. So she's the only one left. She has to make it.

Veterinarian, a COVID-19 survivor, on trying to care for pets, her staff and herself originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The corona mystery: Lanka squanders opportunity to head vital body View(s):

The Trump administration has continued to fuel a conspiracy theory that the coronavirus is a biological weapon which leaked out of a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

But a credible response to that theory may eventually have to come from the Geneva-based Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Implementation Support Unit which was to have been chaired by Sri Lanka from December 2019 to November 2020.

Sri Lankas Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, who was elected as chairperson last year, was recalled to Colombo in February 2020 with no designated successor from Sri Lanka to chair BWC till November 2020.

However, the Foreign Ministry, for some unexplained reason, officially informed the BWC in Geneva that the elected Sri Lankan chairperson would not be available to offer his services  even without double checking with the ambassador about his availability.

The alternative could have been to nominate the new Sri Lankan envoy in Geneva to be the new chairperson or even nominate a senior Health Ministry official to take over the post since it legitimately belongs to Sri Lanka.

This was a missed opportunity to boost the successes of our Presidents Task Force in controlling the Covid-19 pandemic at a time when Sri Lankan leaders are lamenting that they are not getting wider international recognition the country deserves for its success in battling the spreading disease.

Harking back to a similar diplomatic debacle of a bygone era, Sri Lankas then Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Shirley Amerasinghe, was a key figure and chairman during the drafting of the historic Law of the Sea treaty back in the 1970s. But when there was a change in government in Colombo, he was ousted as our Ambassador.

When the drafting process continued through the 1980s, the Sri Lanka government, for personal or political reasons, refused to give Mr. Amerasinghe even an official status as a delegate so that he could have continued to chair the meeting.

But in a re-sounding slap to the then government, Mr. Amerasinghe was re-elected chairman in 1980 by the UN Conference on the Law of the Seadespite the fact he had no credentials as a national delegate of any country, least of all Sri Lanka.

Perhaps it was one of the first such re-elections in the history of the world body.

What the Rajapaksas and Bandaranaikes can do  the Gammanpilas can do too

An Independent group consisting of candidates all having the surname Gammanpila was the focus of much speculation this week after the matter came to light through the candidate lists published by the Election Commission.

All 22 candidates from Independent Group 16, which had handed in nominations to contest the 2020 Parliamentary Election from the Colombo district, are Gammanpilas. It has also been reported that all the candidates are relatives.

The big question is whether the 22 Gammanpilas are related to Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila, who is contesting the district from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Mr Gammanpila was coy about the matter when contacted, neither confirming nor denying whether he had been behind the move to field a list of his relatives. If the Rajapaksas and Bandaranaikes can do politics, there is no reason why the Gammanpilas cant do so either, he pointed out. Asked what his motive was if he was indeed behind the move as reports claim, he simply said, Lets wait and see.

Election watchdogs say such actions are not unheard of as its part of a backup strategy in case a candidates name is rejected. They would then campaign for such an independent group they fielded and ask their voters to vote for one such candidate from the group. If such a person does get elected, then they can ask the entire group to resign, paving the way for an outsider of their choice to be nominated to fill the vacancy. Even if that were not to happen, the person who is elected could still function as an MP in name only, while the person who fielded them could function as the real power behind the scenes.

This is what is called Politricks.

State minister under fire for Kuwait-bomb-attack remarks

A claim made by former State Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that Kuwait had knowingly sent Sri Lanka citizens who were infected with COVID-19 is being roundly condemned.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Mr Aluthgamage went so far as to liken the action to a bomb attack.

We did not select these people. They (Kuwaiti authorities) selected them and sent them on one of their flights to us. We arent babies here. Its clear that they sent our COVID positive citizens to us. We understand this as similar to hurling a bomb at us, he claimed in the interview.

Mr Aluthgamages statement has come under severe criticism from former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, former Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP Sunil Handunnetti, and several Kuwait returnees, among others.

Mr Handunnetti, who also heads the Ethera Api organisation which represents the interests of overseas based Sri Lankan workers, sent a strongly worded letter to Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Quoting Sri Lankas own Ambassador to Kuwait, the former JVP MP noted that 466 Sri Lankan expatriates in Kuwait were subjected to medical tests and only four were hospitalised, of which only one person had tested positive for COVID-19.

He pointed out that during the past two months, Sri Lankans stranded in West Asia had repeatedly appealed to the Government to take steps to bring them back to Sri Lanka.

However, the Government continued to delay taking steps to bring these persons back and this aggravated the situation. Given this situation, we cannot accept the insults being hurled against these innocent Sri Lankans and the foreign governments that facilitated their return to us, he emphasised in the letter.

Thondamans last plea: Rs. 1,000 as daily wage for plantation workers

Minister Arumugam Thondamans last engagement before he died was a call on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the PMs Wijerama residence this week.

Premier Rajapaksa said he brought along with him the copy of a Cabinet Memorandum he had submitted earlier. It had called for the increase of the daily wage of a plantation worker to Rs 1,000.

The PM said besides that, he also gave him a note which said that workers had not been paid their Employees Trust Fund (ETF) or Employees Provident Fund (EPF) moneys.

His actions showed that he always had the plantation workers interests at heart, Premier Rajapaksa noted. He appealed to me to resolve the two issues he raised, the Premier added.

Before calling on Premier Rajapaksa, Mr Thondaman had called on the Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Baglay.

At Premier Rajapaksas residence, his last words were with security officers. He urged them to visit Nuwara Eliya soon with both the President and the Prime Minister. When he returned to his Colombo home, he had suffered a heart attack.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among those who had sent in his condolences. The plantation workers were earlier classified as Tamils of recent Indian origin before they were granted Sri Lankan citizenship under President J.R. Jayewardene through the efforts of Arumugam Thondamans grandfather, the great trade union leader S. Thondaman who was a god-like figure to the plantation workers.

Probe on Point Pedros sardine tin can bombs

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives have been called in to probe a bomb explosion in the Point Pedro police area. It had left two police officers with minor injuries.

The bomb had been buried shallow at a junction and had been made with two sardine tin cans. It had exploded when they stepped on it.

Police believe it may be the handiwork of former Tiger guerrillas and had been done to help illegal sand miners. It is through this junction that lorries loaded with sand in trucks move to other areas in the peninsula.

Police have detected them at this junction on several occasions.

Top official in trouble over transport

Police have begun investigations into the conduct of a member of an autonomous body following complaints that he had abused official transport facilities.

Police sources said his driver has already been questioned in this regard and added that a statement from the official concerned would be recorded. Thereafter, a report is to be sent to the Attorney Generals Department, these sources added.
(Reuters) - Morgan Stanley (MS.N) is planning to start getting some traders to return to its New York headquarters in mid- to late-June, CNBC reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the situation. Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The Wall Street bank expects that only a small number of traders and workers in other departments will make use of the option, the report. Reporting by Anirban Sen in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
While it can be difficult for black women interacting with police, it is worse for men, Marrero said. She worries about her brother, who at 23 has had a negative interaction with police. She often cant sleep until she knows he is home at night.
The number of university donors has soared as tertiary institutions plead for help after many of their employees and students missed out on government coronavirus aid.

The Australian National University and the University of Melbourne said they have seen an increase in the number of donors, despite an economic downturn, as alumni fear international students, casual student workers and university employees are being left behind by the federal government's JobKeeper program.

The number of donors to the Australian National University, whose vice-chancellor is Brian Schmidt, has doubled. Credit:Lannon Harley

The Australian National University said its number of donors had doubled compared with the same period last year, with 160 people donating more than $30,000 to its student welfare fundraising drive in May.

The University of Melbourne said it had seen a marked increase in donations, with 400 donors giving $130,000 to the university's coronavirus emergency appeal.
Throughout this pandemic no one has addressed the continued mental health services that the social workers in the Stamford Public Schools are providing to our school children and our community or the proposed cuts to these essential service providers in the Board of Education budget.

As a former board of education member and school nurse with a degree in social work, I am concerned about the possible cuts to these social work positions. I know that every staff member is important but our school social workers are essential in our schools and our community. I was hoping to have more in the schools this year, not less.

When I was first elected to the BOE we had three suicides in the first month of school at the high schools when the superintendent at that time cut five social workers.

The next year we again had three suicides in the high schools in the first month of school and several attempted suicides. I fought hard for more social workers, increased money for mental health services and our students mental health improved considerably.

This year during this pandemic our social workers have been working 24/7 online, thru distant learning, going to our students homes, delivering food, clothing, books, computers, addressing family needs, mental health needs, special accommodations, providing therapy and many other concerns. They are the lifeline for our children. As the school nurse I work closely with the social workers and see how they directly affect the whole school community.

Our governor just released a report that mental health needs have increased in Connecticut by 200 percent. The Stamford Advocate had several articles last week in just one day on children reporting increased domestic violence in their homes from being isolated at home.

The reports of increased depression, anxiety, suicide and abuse is a major concern and it is our social workers that have to address all of these issues. We need more social workers not less. A cut of even one would hurt our children. I know we are worried about losing teachers and learning is important but a child that is not mentally healthy cannot be academically successful.

We know we will be taking students from Trinity Catholic high school in the fall but we failed to mention that the charter school, Stamford Academy is closing and we will be taking those children into Stamford Public Schools as well.

High school students traditionally have more behavior and mental health concerns and need more social workers and extra support. Who will work with them if we cut social workers? Dont let history repeat itself. Let us learn from our mistakes. We cannot cut social workers. Remember saving money is not worth losing a childs life to suicide. Please ask the BOE members that lived through this with me.

Lorraine Olson is a former member of the Stamford Board of Education.
Irrfan Khan's Friend Reveals The Late Actor Had Donated Funds For Covid-19 Relief: His Only Clause Was Nobody Should Know
As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens world peace and the global economy, Deputy Minister of Defence, Major Derek Oduro (Rtd), has called on women to play a leading role in the fight against the disease.



I urged our women to once again lead the fight to stop the spread of the virus, he said.



Comparing women to peacekeepers at the war front, the Retired Military Officer said every woman must see herself as a peacekeeper and contribute her quota to the campaign against COVID-19 and to stay safe.



In a statement before Parliament to commemorate the International Day for United Nations Peacekeepers, on the theme: Women in peacekeeping  A Key to Peace, Major Oduro, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nkoransa North, applauded women peacekeepers for their role as mothers and partners in the quest for global peace.



Mr Speaker, may we, therefore, use this occasion to pay a glowing tribute to our women peacekeepers for their role as mothers and partners in the quest for peace, he said.



He said the role of women in ensuring peace at home, the work place and in the community was something citizens of the world should endeavour to promote to ensure our continued existence.



Major Oduro, speaking to the media later in Parliament, commended Ghanaian women in peacekeeping for their sacrifice and contribution to world peace, saying the world adores and respects them because of their enviable record.



He revealed that Ghana had surpassed the United Nations (UN) mandate that women should form 15 per cent of all troop contributing nations to UN operations.



He urged chiefs, various ethnic groups and politicians not to beat war drums but to ensure peace as the nation goes to the polls in December.



In the course of looking for peace for other nations, we pray that Ghana would not see peacekeepers on its soil trying to keep peace in the country, he added.



Naval Captain Faustina Adwoa Boakyewaa Anokye, the Director in Charge of Civilian Establishment, lauded women peacekeepers for their sacrifices to ensure world peace by participating in UN operations across the globe.



She reiterated the call for peace in the country, especially during this years general election, urging chiefs, politicians, serial callers and foot soldiers to desist from making inflammatory statements.

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.

Featured Video
The following is from a Buffalo News editorial:

Here's how Elon Musk needs to answer the question about if and when he will reopen the Tesla plant in South Buffalo: Yes. And as soon as it's safe.

Musk, who notoriously defied orders to close an automobile plant in California, is being disturbingly silent about his plans for the RiverBend plant built by state taxpayers to create a cutting-edge solar-panel manufacturing operation.

The solar plant had previously taken Tesla's back seat amid Musk's legitimate concerns about stabilizing the engines of his car operation. It wasn't good news for Western New York, but it was a defensible response to legitimate business concerns. With those issues under control, expectations were that the South Buffalo plant would soon begin ramping up its solar operations.

Tesla made that commitment only three months ago, just after Panasonic announced that it would end its joint operations at the South Buffalo Plant.

Then the pandemic hit. As an "essential" business, work continued at the plant on battery components and electric vehicle charging stations for Tesla's automotive operation, but there has been no word on the essential-to-Western-New York solar division.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

With phase one of the state's reopening program underway, Tesla can begin a careful process of restarting manufacturing at the plant. Company leaders need to adhere to several protocols  on social distancing, sanitary issues and more  but they are able to get back at it. With that, it needs to publicly recommit to its solar business and agree with the state on new hiring deadlines.

Solar panel manufacturing remains an important new industry, both for the Western New York economy and for the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. New York's taxpayers have presented Musk with a gift that will allow him to profit handsomely as his product and the market develop. In return, he needs to do right by those taxpayers and this region, and make his commitment clear and unmistakable.
New South Wales has recorded no new cases of coronavirus for the first time in almost three weeks.

NSW Health conducted 9,452 tests in the reporting period, compared with 9,962 in the previous 24 hours.

Just 11 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in NSW in the past 11 days - seven from overseas travellers and four with an unknown local source.

A total of 494,000 COVID-19 tests have now been carried out in the state.

New South Wales has recorded 3,092 coronavirus cases to date.

Just 11 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in NSW in the past 11 days

A barman pours a customer a bottle of beer to take away at the Hero of Waterloo pub in The Rocks on May 15, 2020 as coronavirus restrictions ease

'While we had zero cases overnight, we cannot let our guard down,' NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

'We must continue to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene. If you have even the mildest symptoms, get tested and stay home.'

NSW Health echoed Ms Berejiklian's comments saying that despite no cases being recorded, the virus 'is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms'.

'As such, the risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of causes remains,' the update from NSW Health read.

People are encouraged to be tested even with the mildest of symptoms in order to identify any unknown cases quickly.

NSW will from Monday ease restrictions on religious services, weddings and funerals alongside pub and restaurant patronage.

'The virus is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms,' NSW Health's Dr Jeremy McAnulty said on Saturday.

'The risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of cases remains real.'

Busier streets in the CBD as shoppers and workers return to Pitt Street shopping mall on May 28, 2020 in Sydney, Australia

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday that from June 1, up to 20 people can attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship

Ms Berejiklian announced on Friday that from June 1, up to 20 people can attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship.

However strict social distancing guidelines would continue to apply.

CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement

'It is crucial that worshippers remember to follow health advice. This is particularly important for people with co-morbidities aged over 50 and people aged over 70,' Ms Berejiklian said in a statement.

The government had been wary about adjusting the restrictions on places of worship after observing COVID-19 outbreaks in churches and choirs overseas.

But state religious leaders pushed for the relaxation on service attendance after the government last week announced up to 50 people would be permitted to dine in restaurants, pubs and cafes from June 1.

Anthony Fisher, the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, on Friday said in a statement his church would abide by government health regulations.

The archbishop of the Anglican Archdiocese of Sydney also said Anglican churches were well prepared to return to services of 50 people.

Hand sanitisers will be available at each entrance, churches will be thoroughly cleaned and designated ushers will record attendees' contact details.

'We realise that this is not the normality we enjoyed in 2019. We are grateful for the relief, joy and comfort that many parishioners will feel in meeting again in public Christian worship,' Archbishop Glenn Davies said in a statement.

A group waiting to watch the movie 'Dirty Dancing' from their car pose at Mov'in Car Outdoor Car Cinema on May 28, 2020 in Sydney

Queensland has also reported no new cases of coronavirus on Saturday with an overall of only six active cases.

It comes as the deadly disease took the life of 30-year-old Nathan Turner, the youngest death in Australia.

Meanwhile, investigators are working to 'untangle' the changing story of a nurse at the centre of two coronavirus scares in Queensland to determine if she could be the source.

The unnamed nurse has been suspended after she continued to show up for work at a Rockhampton nursing home despite having symptoms, and while waiting on test results.

Questions are also being asked about a sightseeing road trip she took to Blackwater during the lockdown after Mr Turner died.

Mr Turner suffered from chronic illnesses and was later found to have the virus. A coroner will determine what killed him.

Nathan Turner (pictured) was described as 'a country gentleman' by his devastated mates after he became the youngest person in Australia to die with coronavirus

Locals are seen queuing to get coronavirus tests on Thursday in Blackwater (pictured) with officials baffled as to how a local man contracted the disease

In Victoria, 11 new cases have been confirmed, including three more cases linked to a Melbourne school and four from a hotel used to quarantine returned travellers.

The COVID-19 cluster linked to the Keilor Downs Secondary College, in the city's northwest, has grown to 11 cases. One of the three new cases is a year two student from the Holy Eucharist Primary School at St Albans South.

The primary school student's entire class will be isolated for two weeks, and Holy Eucharist Primary will be deep cleaned but is expected to reopen on Monday.

All 11 cases linked to the Keilor Downs school cluster are from the same extended family. A drive through testing site has been set up at the Keilor Community Hub to help curb the outbreak.

Of the new cases, four are workers from Rydges on Swanston where returned travellers are being quarantined. Two other hotel staff were earlier diagnosed with coronavirus.

Victoria's has recorded a total of 1,645 COVID-19 cases.

Police question a person loitering outside of the Melbourne Town Hall on 28 May, 2020 in Melbourne

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne

From Monday, cafes, restaurants, libraries, galleries, museums, amusement parks, places of worship, beauty clinics, nail salons and massage parlours will be allowed to reopen in Victoria with no more than 20 people inside.

The state's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has warned life cannot return to normal yet.

'People by-and-large are listening but I'm concerned about certain quarters of the community who aren't getting the message, who are reflecting on the fact that we're easing some restrictions and are thinking we're back to normal,' he told reporters.

'We are not back to normal. Nowhere in Australia will be back to normal for some time.'

A man riding a bicycle and wearing a face mask rides along Swanston Street on 28 May, 2020 in Melbourne

Western Australia will be the first state to abandon the nationwide four square metre rule as it lifts a raft of COVID-19 restrictions, raising the limit on gatherings to 100 people and allowing many businesses to reopen.

The measures were announced as eight more crew from the Al Kuwait livestock ship stranded at Fremantle tested positive, bringing the total from the vessel to 20.

The new cases are among the 38 of the 48 multinational crew quarantined in a Perth hotel.

They are yet to report any additional cases on Saturday.

It is not clear if test results for seven port and quarantine workers who boarded the ship after it docked last week have come in.

The health department says only five were considered close contacts and there are no positive results to date.

Customers are seen at Gino's Cafe on May 18, 2020 in Fremantle

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan speaks to the media during a press conference in Perth, Friday, May 1, 2020

Premier Mark McGowan says the cases on the vessel, which sailed from the United Arab Emirates on May 6, did not mean the state couldn't move to phase three of easing restrictions as there is no community transmission.

The eased restrictions will commence next Saturday, when a two square metre rule will apply to indoor and outdoor venues.

At venues where there are multiple divided spaces, gatherings of up to 300 will be allowed.

The hospitality sector has praised the state government's decision to remove an unpopular rule that licensed venues can only serve patrons alcohol with a meal, but the stipulation they must be seated remains.

Beauty parlours, arcades, food courts, wildlife and amusement parks are among businesses that are allowed to reopen.

Galleries, museums and cinemas can too but patrons must be seated during performances at theatres, auditoriums and concert venues.

Gyms can resume trading but must be regularly cleaned and always staffed.

Full contact sport will be permitted, and playgrounds and skate parks will no longer be taped off.

'I know it is still not perfect but we are moving ahead,' Mr McGowan said.

'What's currently in place is affecting people's mental health, it's affecting people's livelihood, it's affecting their self-worth and that's a health impact we have to take account of.'
arrow541 wrote:

As I had said in my earlier post, I have a compelling reason to request a deferral, so will go ahead and request. Thanks everyone for your suggestions to request at this stage.

arrow541 wrote:

As I had said in my earlier post, I have a compelling reason to request a deferral, so will go ahead and request. Thanks everyone for your suggestions to request at this stage.

Good (I guess) though sorry to hear about your situation. At the same time, a deferral offers a good option and LBS would be a better choice in my book.Good (I guess) though sorry to hear about your situation. At the same time, a deferral offers a good option and LBS would be a better choice for anyone changing industries. With your age, you can definitely go for Cambridge Judge one year program as long as you are sticking with your industry.-BB_________________
The Supreme Court has refused to set aside the election of UDF candidate NK Premachandran from Keralas Kollam parliamentary constituency over his statements against the entry of women of all ages in the Sabarimala temple.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde declined to entertain the appeal filed by the rival CPMs candidate, KN Balagopal, who had lost to Premachandran by a margin of almost 1.5 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections last year.

We dont see how such comments can lead to disqualification. Where is the corrupt practice under the Act for making him liable? There are not sufficient materials, Bobde told advocate PV Dinesh who represented Balagopal.

Dinesh read out certain statements purportedly made by Premachandran against the CPM and the LDF that their leaders are not believers of Lord Ayyappa and if elected, they will ensure the entry of women of all ages in Sabarimala temple in order to insult its believers.

Balagopals election petition also mentioned the said speech added that the leaders of the formers political party would also ensure that women offer prayers along with men in mosques during juma prayers on Fridays and that churches are administered by government officers and would thereby insult believers belonging to those communities as well.

Dinesh contended that the essence of the speech by Premachandran was therefore to elect him to prevent the entry of women of all ages to Sabarimala and so prevent divine displeasure and spiritual censure.

The lawyer argued such statements would qualify as corrupt practices under the relevant provisions of the Representation of People Act, 1951, warranting Premachandrans election to be set aside. Dinesh added that such acts also violated the Model Code of Conduct of the election by making indirect appeals to the religious feelings of the electors.

But the bench, which included Justices AS Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy, remained unimpressed. It said the Kerala High Court was right in noting that even if assuming that Premachandran made these comments, the pertinent provision of the Act cannot be invoked since he was not a candidate nor was there a notification for election when the impugned speech was made.

The apex court also agreed with the High Court that the contents of the speech cannot be said to be inducement or an attempt for inducement of such a nature which ought not to have given the electors a choice other than voting in favour of him.
Yesterday, the number of COVID-19 deaths in Bangladesh rose to 582, with 42,844 confirmed cases, marking an accelerating spread of the pandemic. Over two days, the official death toll rose by 48 and the number of infections by about 4,500, or more than 10 percent.

Both curves are still rising and the real number of victims of the coronavirus must be much higher. Testing remains at very low levels. The health directorate conducted only 9,310 tests on Thursday, in a population of 162 million.

To make matters worse, five people died on Wednesday when a fire broke out in makeshift COVID-19 isolation center at the private United Hospital in the capital Dhaka. The patients, four men and one woman, were aged between 45 and 75.

The reason for the fire is not yet known. But it illustrates how the pandemic is straining the poor health infrastructure. A doctor at the hospital said: We are already very stressed out at work and the fire only added to our headache.

Despite the growing virus threat, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government has refused to extend the nationwide lockdown after May 30, even while insisting that citizens must strictly abide by health guidelines.

Like its counterparts in other countries, the ruling elite is safeguarding the interests of big business, saying offices will be open, and just the sick, and pregnant women, can stay home.

Likewise, the government plans a limited reopening of public transportbuses, trains and ferriesdespite it being impossible to follow health guidelines and adhere to social distancing in the notoriously over-crowded services.

While shops will be allowed to open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., a ban on peoples movement from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. will be strictly enforced, with violations treated as punishable offences. Public gatherings will remain banned.

Bangladesh has only 127,000 hospital beds, including 91,000 in government-run hospitals and 737 intensive care unit beds. A further surge in coronavirus cases will be catastrophic. The Hasina governments request for hospitals to allocate at least 50 separate beds for virus-infected patients will be totally inadequate.

A calamitous situation is developing in the Rohingya refugee camps, where about one million people live without proper medical facilities. Twenty-nine positive COVID-19 cases had been reported in the camps by Tuesday, after the first case was confirmed on May 15. At least 15,000 refugees are under quarantine.

Entry and exit from the Coxs Bazar district, where the refugees are camped, were prohibited from April 8 but that did not prevent the spread of the virus. Despite victims being placed in isolation blocks, the refugees are extremely vulnerable to the pandemic. In the desperately-overcrowded camps, with around 40,000 people living in each square kilometre, social distancing is impossible.

Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh to escape atrocities carried out by the Burmese military and Buddhist supremacist thugs. But the Dhaka government considers them an unbearable burden and provides meagre resources, including for education and health care.

The government says it is trying to scale up testing in the camps, which stood at only 188 a day by Tuesday. But the lack of facilities and protection gear means that aid workers themselves fear being infected, Al Jazeera reported.

Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, said there are not enough ICU beds and ventilators, not just for the refugees but also for the local community. Coxs Bazar district is home to 3.4 million people, including refugees.

The government cut off internet access in the camps last September, resulting in lower awareness of the virus. Many of the refugees know little about how COVID-19 spreads, or how to prevent and contain it. The government cut off the internet to harass the Rohingyas into moving to the cyclone-prone remote Bhasan Char silt island.

COVID-19 has seriously impacted on the Bangladesh economy, especially in the apparel sector. Desperately trying to maintain production and profits in this sector, Hasina has reopened garment facilities. Garments account for 84 percent of the countrys $US40 billion annual export earnings.

There is widespread anger among apparel workers over the unsafe working conditions, as well as job and pay cuts. In the latest protest, on May 22, hundreds of workers from 10 garment factories staged demonstrations demanding full April wages and other allowances. They gathered outside their factories in Gazipur, Ashulia and Dhaka, and blocked roads.

Since the pandemic erupted, Western countries have halted placing orders, causing revenue losses estimated at $3 billion. More than 400 garment factories have remained closed for the past two months and nearly 100 have shut permanently.

With tensions rising between the US and China, the companies hope to get some of the orders that previously went to Beijing, and that employers from Japan, the US, Europe and South Korea will relocate their factories from China. Reportedly, at least 34 Japanese companies have shown interest in relocating to Bangladesh.

The Awami League government is racing against Vietnam, India and Indonesia to attract these companies and is therefore particularly desperate to reopen the economy. Another major factor in the economy, remittances from Bangladesh workers overseas, have dropped sharply since January because of the pandemic.

The Gulf countries and others are sacking migrant workers because of the economic fallout. Hasinas government plans to bring home 29,000 from the Middle East in several phases. But in Kuwait alone, thousands are detained in squalid and cramped facilities.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Alya Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 08:29 601 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb04bdd 1 National arrest,protected-plants,Environment-and-Forestry-Ministry,BKSDA,West-Kalimantan,Taiwan,tanaman-dilindungi Free

A law enforcement task force that includes the Environment and Forestry Ministry and the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), has taken two men into custody for allegedly selling protected plants.

The men, 23-year-old RB and 32-year-old MT, were apprehended in Sekadau Hilir district, Sekadau regency, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday.

RB and MT were allegedly selling the plants to AC, a nursery owner in Taiwan who sells tropical plants from Southeast Asian countries.

The plants sold reportedly included 25 tropical pitcher plants, locally known as kantong semar, as well as silver Komalomena, Vilodendrum boceri, turtle back Labisia and silver Alocasia.

Read also: COVID-19 wont stop Indonesia from conserving endangered wildlife treasures

One of the pitcher plant species the men sold, Nepenthes clipeata, which grows in the crevices of granite rocks, is endemic to Kelam Hill in Sintang regency, West Kalimantan. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared the species critically endangered in 2014.

AC had been reported to authorities once before by members of the Suara Pelindung Hutan (Voice of the Forest Protector) community for allegedly smuggling protected plants from Indonesia.

RB and MT admitted to selling each plant for Rp 500,000 (US$33.5) to AC.

Both perpetrators have allegedly been smuggling Nepenthes clipeata from the Kelam Hill Nature Park conservation area since 2017. They sold the specimens online to local and foreign buyers, including in Taiwan, Penang, Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.

This is our first time investigating the smuggled protected plants case. We will develop the case and trace the international network of protected plant smuggling, Environment and Forestry Ministry law enforcement director general Sustyo Iriyono said on Thursday.

Read also: Ministry launches guide books for identifying protected species

RB and MT are currently being detained in the West Kalimantan Police detention center. RB has been declared a suspect and MT remains classified as a witness.

Both men were charged with violating Article 21 paragraph 1 and Article 40 paragraph 2 of Law No. 5/1990 on natural resources and ecosystem conservation, which stipulates a maximum punishment of five years in jail or a Rp 100 million fine.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 09:43:18|Editor: Lu Hui

Video Player Close

SHANGHAI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai New York University (NYU Shanghai) held a virtual graduation ceremony for undergraduates of the 2020 Class on Friday.

Due to COVID-19, NYU Shanghai adopted for the first time an online graduation ceremony, which was livestreamed from the university's auditorium.

A total of 229 senior-year students from 24 countries and regions attended the ceremony to celebrate the completion of their education and receive their degrees.

NYU Shanghai preserved some rituals for the ceremony, such as a torch handover and lighting up the Oriental Pearl Tower, a landmark building in Shanghai, in the university's signatary color of purple.

Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group and the recipient of this year's Chancellor's Medal of Honor, delivered an online speech to encourage all graduates to meet future challenges with poise.

Jeffrey S. Lehman, vice chancellor of NYU Shanghai, also encouraged the graduates to help create a fair and flourishing world with their knowledge and skills.

The ceremony was concluded with a virtual rendition of the school song by all the attending graduates.

According to the university, there will be another virtual graduation ceremony this Sunday to celebrate the graduation of NYU Shanghai's first class of 62 postgraduates.

NYU Shanghai was established in 2012 as China's first China-U.S. university operating as an independent legal entity. Enditem
Cozumel approves banning of animal-driven vehicles

Cozumel, Q.R.  Cozumel mayor Pedro Joaquin Delbouis has approved an initiative to prohibit the circulation of animal-drawn vehicles on paved Cozumel roads. The announcement was made after a city council meeting.

Part of these changes have been stipulated for six years, a considerable period for the municipalities to adapt ourselves legally, but above all, so that the providers of this service have employment options in the face of the ban on buggies, explained Joaquin Delbouis.

He said the initiative considers that owners of the horses provide dignified treatment and, in the event of not being able to take care of them, find another alternative so they animals are not killed.

Lenin Caamal Gonzalez, Legal Director of the City Council stated that the issue of buggies is not considered in the definition made by the Mobility Law of the State Government, therefore, its repeal of the Transportation Regulations of the Municipality of Cozumel is only homologated with the laws of the state.

In July of last year, a proposal to replace the horse and carriage with old-tyme motorized cars was made. The idea was similar to that used by the government of Guadalajara where they provided the vehicles in exchange for the horses.
China's decisions on a new national security law in Hong Kong sparked further international criticism on Thursday with the democratic governments like the U.K., U.S., Australia, and Canada expressing "deep concern" over Hong Kong's future.

Lawmaker Tanya Chan, a Legislative Councillor representing Hong Kong said, "This has been the clearest marker that we are now in a 'one country, one system' model that we have seen in the entire 23 years since the handover."

"The proposed law...raises the prospect of prosecution in Hong Kong for political crimes, and undermines existing commitments to protect the rights of Hong Kong people," said the statement, which was signed by British foreign secretary Dominic Raab, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne, Canadian foreign minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

President Trump said the U.S. will be ending its relationship with the World Health Organization and revoking the special status it has granted Hong Kong, in an escalation of tensions with China.

Meanwhile, Britain promised to grant greater visa rights to British national overseas (BNO) passport holders from Hong Kong unless China suspended the proposed law.

Foreign minister Dominic Raab told BBC, "In relation to BNO passport holders, as you know currently they only have the right to come to the UK for six months."

If China implements this national security legislation, the UK will remove the six-month limit and allow BNO passport holders to work and study for an extended 12 months which can open doors to citizenship.

Amongst the international concerns for Hong Kong, EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell warned to focus on China's growing assertive role.

Joseph Borrell said in a letter to the EU's 27 foreign ministers that they should focus on "China's increasing assertiveness and attempts to influence and shape global public opinion and perceptions as part of its wider geopolitical strategy."

Chan also expressed worry over a requirement of implementing a "national security education" program in schools and stricter wording to the proposed law, which will now ban "any actions or activities harming national security," whereas earlier the law only referred to "actions."

Citizens' Press Conference of Hong Kong held a survey and collected 370,000 online responses with 98.6% showing opposition to the national security law and 70% believing the law would have no effect on the tension between protestors and police.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). It has many subtypes. A rare subtype, called intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (or IVLBCL) is notably hard to diagnose accurately because the cancerous lymphocytes grow inside small blood vessels, instead of at lymph nodes, and there is no perceptible swelling/enlargement of lymph nodes. There is also no effective treatment: the disease tends to affect the elderly, for whom standard high-dose chemotherapy may have serious side-effects, and patients are at a high risk of developing subsequent central nervous system (CNS) disorders even with treatment. A novel treatment protocol with fewer side-effects and which also tackles secondary CNS involvement is needed, and this is exactly what a group of scientists, led by researchers from Nagoya University and Mie University, Japan, attempted to test in a new clinical trial.

All of this being said, however, the rarity of this disease has made testing new combinations of drugs difficult. A previous "retrospective" study involving the analysis of medical records of patients who had undergone standard chemotherapy combined with a drug called "rituximab" showed that this line of treatment is more promising than standard treatment alone, but it does not solve the problem of secondary CNS involvement. "We considered that rituximab-containing chemotherapies combined with treatment for the secondary CNS problems could lead to further improvement in the clinical outcome," remarks Dr Kazuyuki Shimada of Nagoya University. With this consideration, Dr Shimada and team conducted a Phase 2 multicenter clinical trial, where they administered their proposed treatment to 38 enrolled patients (aged 20 to 79 years and without CNS disorders at the time of cancer diagnosis) and monitored their conditions over the long term. The results are published in their paper in The Lancet Oncology.

Overall, their treatment protocol appears to be promising: 76% of the enrolled patients reached the primary goal of two-year survival without disease progression and 92% reached two-year overall survival. The disease affected the CNS in only 3% of patients. What's more, the toxicity of the treatment was found to be low, and all adverse effects were manageable, with very few serious complications.

Aptly summarizing their achievement, Dr Shimada says: "To the best of our knowledge, this is the first 'prospective' trial of any treatment in patients with IVLBCL. It appears that the proposed treatment protocol might be effective in patients without apparent central nervous system involvement at the time of diagnosis."

An important advantage of the proposed treatment protocol is that it employs a combination of conventional drugs and uses no novel agents. This means that although further study is necessary, this protocol can be adopted in clinical practice in the very near future. As Dr Shimada explains: "Given the rarity of this disease, a large-scale Phase 3 prospective trial is not feasible. In such a scenario, the results of our trial provide a safe and effective treatment option that can function as a historic control for future prospective trials."

The findings of this clinical trial are certainly quite promising. With only minor refinements to the proposed treatment protocol, patients with IVLBCL could have an edge in their fight against cancer.

###

This study, "Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone combined with high-dose methotrexate plus intrathecal chemotherapy for newly diagnosed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (PRIMEUR-IVL): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial," has been published on The Lancet Oncology at DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30059-0.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) in order to employ at 2.5 lakh migrants who have returned home from different states. The Uttar Pradesh government wants to create jobs for daily wage earners, who have lost their livelihood due to the nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25 to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The Uttar Pradesh NAREDCO president RK Arora, along with other developers, signed an MoU with the UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Friday morning.

A delegation of developers from Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway areas met the chief minister and assured him that they will employ the migrants, who have returned to their respective home towns from other states since March 25. Apart from NAREDCO, other industrial bodies and organizations also signed MoUs with the state government to provide at least 7.5 lakh jobs to these migrants.

We are committed to provide jobs to migrants, who have returned home from different states. We have also formed a migrant commission for that purpose. The government with the help of industry leaders will employ all these migrants, said Alok Sinha, agricultural production commissioner, Uttar Pradesh.

According to NAREDCO, the developers will employ 60% of out of 2.5 lakh migrants in various construction sites in Noida, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway and Ghaziabad.

The remaining migrants will be employed in cities like Meerut, Lucknow and other districts. We will restart construction work at our sites from next month as we are busy with mobilising the workforce. The UP government will help the developers to restart the work by accepting the demands regarding the financial issues, said RK Arora president UP NAREDCO.

The developers in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway have demanded that the government should stop charging stamp fee from buyers who want to purchase flat in the next one year, give additional time to complete the under-construction flats, postpone the payment of monthly instalment of housing land cost, and other benefits.

Apart from these benefits, the government should also restructure the business loans, which have been taken by the developers for their housing projects, said Harendra Yadav, a member of NAREDCO.

The UP government has formed a committee that is looking into the demands of the developers.

The committee will soon take a decision on these demands made by the builders so that they can restart work and revive the business, said a UP government official, requesting anonymity.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vinod Rajput Vinod Rajput writes on environment, infrastructure, real estate and government policies in Noida and Greater Noida. He has reported on environment and infrastructure in Delhi, Gurgaon and Panchkula in the past. ...view detail
The Berejiklian government has dumped its controversial plan to redevelop ANZ Stadium and will redirect the $800 million saving to a new $3 billion Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund for "shovel-ready" projects to reboot the state's shattered economy.

The government said the stadium refurbishment remained a sensible project that was supported by voters at the election, but no longer made sense given the health and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian will keep her pledge to move the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta, saying the project will create 1100 construction jobs in western Sydney, despite some ministers arguing for the relocation to be abandoned.

The government has abandoned its pledge to redevelop ANZ Stadium but will proceed with the Powerhouse move. Credit:Janie Barrett, Anna Kucera

Meanwhile, late night negotiations between The Star and the government have resulted in the casino being allowed to open from tomorrow, with more than 500 people able to spread across the venue's multiple outlets.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Saturday urged the Centre to bear the entire expenses of all Centrally sponsored schemes for one year.

In a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Bihar DyCM said that all 66 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) might be closed/discontinued for this year (2020-21) for want of money if the Centre does not bear the state's share for schemes.

He said the Centre should also bear the state's shares as most states are not in a position to give their share of Centrally Sponsored Schemes because of the crisis due to lockdown in the country.

Sushil Modi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, thanked the Central government for releasing Rs 9,268 crore as Bihar's share in central taxes besides giving Rs 1,210.28 crore for MNREGA, Rs 708 crore for disaster and Rs 502 crore for urban local bodies.

Of the Rs 25,650.43 crore which was spent on 66 CSS during the financial year 2019-20, the state received Rs

15,513.03 crore as central share whereas it had to spend Rs 10,137.40 crore as its own share, the DyCM said.

Similarly, the state got Rs 1,093.13 crore for Mid Day Meal scheme and Rs 3,268.93 crore under Samagra Shiksha

Abhiyan (SSA) from the Centre while it (state) had to spend Rs 728.75 crore on MDM and Rs 2,177.95 crore on SSA respectively as its share.

But given the situation arising out of COVID-19 and subsequent enforcement of lockdown, it is quite difficult for

majority of the state governments to spend such a huge sum of funds this year (2020-21), he said.
From the first hours after George Floyd died on Lake Street in Minneapolis, the rush to convict the officers who took him into custody seemed unstoppable. The frenzy was fueled by a video of one of the officers kneeling on Floyd, seemingly on his throat, while the officers waited for an ambulance to arrive. Every politician in Minnesota (and elsewhere) denounced the video as appalling, disgusting, and so on, and called for the policemens heads. Only a few brave souls suggested that we should at least wait to learn the cause of Floyds death before stringing anyone up. Or burning anything down.

Today we got the first information from Hennepin Countys Medical Examiner, in an attachment to the criminal complaint against officer Derek Chauvin:

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner (ME) conducted Mr. Floyds autopsy on May 26, 2020. The full report of the ME is pending but the ME has made the following preliminary findings. The autopsy revealed no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation. Mr. Floyd had underlying health conditions including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease. The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death.

Emphasis added. Further, the complaints Statement of Probable Cause recites that Floyd complained of being unable to breathe well before Officer Chauvin put his knee on Floyds neck:

While standing outside the car, Mr. Floyd began saying and repeating that he could not breathe.

Does this mean that the officers handling of the situation was a model of fine police work? Of course not. And the manner in which they handled Floyd could have contributed to his death, according to the Medical Examiner. But the outrage over the Floyd case has mostly been based on the assumption that Officer Chauvin choked him to death by kneeling on his throat. If that assumption is false, the story is far more nuanced.

There is a great deal about this incident that we do not know. To cite just one example, we dont know, as far as I am aware, whether Floyd was, in fact, the person who tried to pass a counterfeit bill. We also dont know whether drugs played a role in his death; the Medical Examiner refers to potential intoxicants in his system. The full report will contain chemical analyses of any such intoxicants. Maybe there werent any, but at this point, no one has ruled out the possibility that Floyd died not on account of police brutality, but from a drug overdose.

It may be that when all the facts are in, we will conclude that George Floyd died as a result of negligence on the part of Minneapolis policemen. If so, there will be plenty of time for an accounting. But todays disclosure of the Medical Examiners preliminary findings reminds us why lynch mobs have always been a bad idea, and calls for overnight justice are nearly always misguided.
Break Bread Foundation, a non-governmental organization passionate about promoting the well-being of the underprivileged persons in society has donated 700 nose masks to seven communities in the Volta Region.

The communities which include Gblorkorpe, Tove Wukpo, Siame Kome, Tegbi, Keta, Agave Afedume and Asidowui were also educated on the right ways to use nose mask and how to protect themselves against the novel coronavirus

Rev Fr. Wisdom-Bhakita Y.B Anane, the President of the foundation said the donation and the education have become necessary because the less privileged in society also deserves to take good care of themselves and be informed on how to avoid the coronavirus.

Every single life matter, whether poor or rich, that has been our initiative to get to the hard to reach communities and inform them on the ways to protect themselves against the coronavirus, he said.

He said the under-privilege in society need to be shown more care in this era of Covid-19 pandemic to fight the disease and the foundation has been doing its best to put smiles on the faces of them through the provision of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) to them.

Rev Fr. Wisdom-Bhakita said the Break Bread Foundation has supported a lot of girls in breast cancer education and screening, this has made them informed about the various deprived and under-privilege people in the Volta region which made reaching them easy for the foundation.

He called on other stakeholders, organizations, and individuals in the society to help support the underprivileged in society adding that Break Bread Foundation accepts membership and support from anybody that would be ready to help put a smile on the face of the underprivileged in society.

We dont own anything in this world and what we are given is not for us but to be shared. That has been why I ask from those who are capable to help support this noble course, he said.

Some of the underprivilege people who benefited from the donation expressed their gratitude to the foundation adding that we know we needed the nose masks to protect ourselves against the coronavirus but most of us cannot afford it since our financial standings do not permit us.

They asked other organizations to add more PPEs and also support them to have a good living standard in these hard times.
Chicopee Police Department arrested 21-year-old Malcolm Wilson of Springfield and a 17-year-old juvenile after they allegedly broke into the Walmart in Chicopee to steal items from the store.

The incident took place at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday when it was reported that 12 individuals had broken into the Walmart store at 591 Memorial Dr., Chicopee.

Chicopee Police responded and found only four individuals in the parking lot that police said tried to leave even after officers asked them to stop.

LATE NIGHT LOOTING LEADS TO ARRESTS May 30th, 12:20am, our officers responded to a Walmart, 591 Memorial Dr, for a... Posted by Chicopee Police Department on Saturday, May 30, 2020

According to witness statements and video, two of the four at the location had been involved in the incident and charged with breaking and entering and larceny.

Both were transported to the Chicopee Police Department and processed. Wilson was transported to the Womens Correctional Facility because Hampden County Correctional Facility is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hours before the break-in, MassLive has interviewed Wilson at the protest in solidarity with George Floyd of Minneapolis and against police brutality outside the Springfield Police Department Headquarters.

Malcolm Wilson has family in the Springfield police and can see the police perspective but feels what was done to George Floyd was unacceptable. (Douglas Hook / MassLive)

More than a dozen Massachusetts State Police and Holyoke Police vehicles were stationed at the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside Friday evening as a preventative measure, police said, following a series of posts on social media discussing looting the location.

Oh cause I thought the Target in Holyoke Mall at Ingleside said something," Salvador Perez posted on his personal Facebook page alongside a GIF of a man running with his hands full of electronic equipment. The mall was tagged in the post and it was shared widely by others on Facebook.

8:30 TONIGHT! HOLYOKE MALL! BRING YA LOOTING SHOES AND BAG! We gon get ours today, another Facebook post read.

Speaking with MassLive, Perez said his initial post was in reaction to the protests in Minnesota and frustration with police brutality.

Massachusetts State and Holyoke Police stationed outside the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside on Friday, May 29, 2020.

In the four-day period between Floyds death and charges being brought against one of the officers involved, a series of protests were held in Minneapolis. Protests at the Minneapolis 3rd Precinct - where the four officers involved in Floyds death were stationed before their firing - turned violent Wednesday evening. The Target store location across the street from the precinct was damaged and items were taken from the store.

Got a news tip or want to contact MassLive about this story? Email newstips@masslive.com or message us on Facebook orTwitter. You can also call our news tips line at 413-776-1364.

Related Content:
San Jose State University on Friday evening advised the campus to shelter in place until further notice and video and reports posted on social media indicate that officers used tear gas and projectiles on people protesting the death George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed in a violent incident with Minneapolis police this week.

The San Jose Police Officers Association said via the Protect San Jose account on Twitter that an officer had been hospitalized.

"We share the anger with what happened in Minneapolis but we have a #SJPD officer in the hospital now, attacked by violent protesters," the association said in a post. "More violence will not help. We need calm & respect for each other. Our officers will protect your ability to protest, but only peaceful protest."

Mayor Sam Liccardo said via Twitter that San Jose police "will take a measured approach in facilitating peaceful protest, but there will be no tolerance of violence to our people or damage to our city."

Protesters earlier shut down the southbound direction of U.S. Highway 101 before the protest moved back downtown.

The family of a San Francisco man who died from the novel coronavirus is suing both Carnival and Princess cruise ship lines, alleging the companies intentionally hid knowledge that passengers and crewmembers had become infected by COVID-19 and did nothing to prevent the virus from spreading onboard the Grand Princess ship.

The suit has been filed in Federal Court in Pasadena in Southern California by San Francisco residents Eva Wong and Benjamin Wong, on behalf of Ronald Wong, 64, who died from COVID-19. Eva Wong is the wife of Ronald Wong, and Benjamin is their son.

Eva and Ronald Wong were both passengers onboard the Grand Princess, which set sail from San Francisco's Pier 27 to Hawaii on Feb. 21.

After Eva and Ronald Wong were eventually allowed to disembark the ship in Oakland and were sent to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield to quarantine, they both tested positive for COVID-19. On March 16, Wong was taken to a hospital in Vallejo, where he later died from the virus, the suit said.

The suit alleges both Carnival and Princess Cruises allowed the Grand Princess to board passengers and set sail from San Francisco to Hawaii in late February knowing that 62 passengers and hundreds of crewmembers on a previous Mexico trip had been exposed to COVID-19 by a passenger who had exhibited symptoms. Additionally, the suit alleges that the companies knew that sister ship Diamond Princess had already been quarantined in Japan since Feb. 3 after two passengers died from COVID-19 and hundreds more passengers tested positive.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District's Board of Education at its meeting on Thursday voted unanimously to both fire Superintendent Robert Martinez and reject a tentative agreement with the district's teachers' union.

The board gave Martinez a 30-day notice of his release. He had just been appointed as superintendent last August for the district, which oversees schools in Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill and other areas of Contra Costa County.

The teachers' union, the Mt. Diablo Education Association, issued a statement Friday criticizing the board's decisions.

"The timing of the termination of Dr. Rob Martinez is problematic because of all the work that must be done to reopen schools safely during the COVID-19 pandemic," MDEA president Anita Johnson said.

"If this school board truly prioritizes students, then MDEA will be part of the process to find a new superintendent who will work collaboratively with educators to get the best resources and opportunities our students need to succeed," Johnson said.

The union said that rejecting the agreement was "expected," but nevertheless "is breaking a promise and the trust of Mt. Diablo educators."

Large crowds protesting a police killing in Minneapolis shut down roadways and public transit in downtown Oakland Friday night.

The protests are in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed in Minneapolis on Monday. The police officer who put his knee on Floyd's neck was arrested and charged with murder earlier Friday, according to local prosecutors.

Various social media posts in Oakland on Friday night indicated protesters had gone onto Interstate Highway 880 and blocked traffic as of around 9 p.m., while Oakland police reported large groups of protesters in the area between the 700 and 1400 block of Broadway.

A shooting from one car into another in Morgan Hill on Friday afternoon left the driver dead and a passenger injured, police said.

Officers responded at 2:14 p.m. to a possible shooting along Butterfield Boulevard and arrived to find the male driver unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head and a female passenger who had not been shot but had other unspecified minor injuries, according to police.

The male driver was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His name was not immediately released.

Investigators determined that the victims' vehicle was heading north on Butterfield Boulevard from Monterey Road when another vehicle pulled alongside it and fired several shots. The victims' vehicle came to rest in the roadway south of Fisher Avenue, police said.

The suspect vehicle, described as a silver-colored sedan with multiple people inside, was last seen speeding away north on Butterfield Boulevard.

Construction of 104 new homes on San Francisco's Treasure Island -- all permanently affordable -- could start as soon as this summer, Mayor London Breed announced Friday.

The project, to be called Maceo May Apartments, is being touted as the first 100 percent affordable housing project to be built under the Treasure Island redevelopment plan.

The Maceo May Apartments will be all-electric, modular-built construction, proving permanent support housing for homeless and veterans. The project is being developed by Swords to Plowshares, in partnership with Chinatown Community Development Center.

The Treasure Island redevelopment plan aims to eventually build 8,000 new homes on the island, with more than 27 percent of those being affordable. The plan also includes 550,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 330 hotel rooms and 290 acres of public open space.

"These last few months have shown us how crucial it is to have a safe, affordable place to call home," Breed said in a statement.

Oakland police said they are investigating a shooting that injured two security guards Friday night in downtown Oakland, a case that police said appears to be unrelated to a large protest nearby about a police killing in Minneapolis earlier this week.

Police wrote on Twitter shortly after 10 p.m. about the shooting, which they said happened in the area of 12th and Clay streets.

Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick confirmed Friday evening that he will not enforce county health orders related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic starting on Monday.

Essick had written Thursday in a letter to county residents that he could "no longer in good conscience" enforce the public health orders that he said "criminalize otherwise lawful business and personal behavior."

The sheriff said in the letter that he had asked the county's public health officials "to explain why, with such a low infection rate, we have not moved to a less restrictive, risk based system," saying that the county's order is far more restrictive than the one statewide despite a low COVID-19 infection rate.

According to the sheriff's office, Essick met earlier Friday with other county officials, including Board of Supervisors chair Susan Gorin, Supervisor Lynda Hopkins and public health officials about the county's orders related to the pandemic, but the meeting apparently didn't convince the sheriff to change his mind.

Other elected officials in the county criticized the sheriff's decision, including Petaluma Mayor Teresa Barrett, who called Essick's decision "reckless and clearly not well thought out."

The San Mateo Police Department is investigating a rash of "hateful" graffiti messages in the Laurelwood neighborhood targeting China and the Chinese community and said patrols will be increased in the area.

"The City of San Mateo takes an aggressive stance against all graffiti and, like our community, we find hate speech abhorrent," officials said in an announcement. "The San Mateo Police Department works closely with Public Works and Parks and Recreation to identify and remove graffiti as quickly as possible."

Anyone with information about the graffiti or the person behind it is encouraged to contact police dispatch at (650) 522-7700. Anonymous tips can be submitted to http://tinyurl.com/SMPDTips or (650) 522-7676.

The gradual reopening of municipal parking lots in Sausalito will continue this weekend in an effort to reduce congestion in the city's downtown area, city officials said Friday.

Municipal Lots 1 and 2 will remain open all weekend. Lots 3 and 4 will stay closed, but will open if needed.

Residents, along with downtown merchants and their employees who are displaced by the closed lots should park in metered spaces on the street with their parking permits displayed on the rear bumper or their parking card on the vehicle's dashboard.

Public health orders for Marin County area still in effect and the Sausalito Police Department will cite for non-essential travel, safe-distancing violations, and other violations of the health order, officials said.

Saturday will be mostly cloudy in the morning before becoming partly cloudy. There will be a chance of rain and thunderstorms in the morning and a slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs will be in the 60s to lower 70s. South winds will be 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday night will be mostly cloudy. Lows will be in the mid 50s. West winds will be 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday will be mostly cloudy. Highs will be in the mid 50s to upper 60s. West winds will be 10 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court late Friday rejected a California church's challenge of the state's new pandemic-related rules on worship services, with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the court's liberals in the 5-to-4 vote.

Roberts wrote that state officials such as California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom had leeway to impose restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and had not singled out places of worship for unfair treatment.

"The notion that it is 'indisputably clear' that the government's limitations are unconstitutional seems quite improbable," Roberts wrote. He was referring to the standard that challengers must meet to enjoin enforcement of the state order.

Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan also voted to deny the request for intervention from a Pentecostal church near San Diego but did not join the statement by Roberts.

The court's four most-consistent conservatives said they would have granted the request because the state's new rules likely violate the Constitution's protection of the free exercise of religion.

"California's latest safety guidelines discriminate against places of worship and in favor of comparable secular businesses," wrote Justice Brett Kavanaugh. "Such discrimination violates the First Amendment."

Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch joined Kavanaugh's dissent. The court's order said Justice Samuel Alito also would have granted the church's request, but he did not join the Kavanaugh statement.

Religious organizations eager to reopen faster and with fewer pandemic-related restrictions have been asking courts to step in, but this was the first case to reach the Supreme Court.

In a separate, less-controversial case from Illinois, the court without noted dissent turned down a request from churches near Chicago.

In both states, governors have recently removed some restrictions and agreed to requests that in-person worship services be allowed on Sunday, the Christian holy day of Pentecost.

The larger issue is how the responsibility of governments to control the spread of the novel coronavirus can be applied to churches, synagogues and mosques, and the constitutionally protected right to worship.

Last week, President Donald Trump called on governors across the country to allow for the immediate reopening of places of worship, characterizing them as "essential services."

Although all states are moving to ease restrictions, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty says 21 still impose some restrictions.

But that is a moving target, as the litigation at the Supreme Court shows. Since South Bay Pentecostal Church near San Diego and Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church and Logos Baptist Ministries near Chicago filed their petitions, the governors of California and Illinois have eased restrictions.

Illinois Democratic Gov. Jay Pritzker has removed the state's ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, and California's Newsom said churches may hold services so long as they do not exceed 25% of the facility's capacity or 100 people, whichever is smaller.

Limits on houses of worship raise constitutional questions, Roberts said, but California had not shown bias against them.

"Similar or more severe restrictions apply to comparable secular gatherings, including lectures, concerts, movie showings, spectator sports, and theatrical performances, where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time," the chief justice wrote.

And California's order "exempts or treats more leniently only dissimilar activities, such as operating grocery stores, banks, and laundromats, in which people neither congregate in large groups nor remain in close proximity for extended periods."

Roberts said it would be inappropriate for the court to grant emergency relief to the church at a time when "local officials are actively shaping their response to changing facts on the ground."

He added: "The precise question of when restrictions on particular social activities should be lifted during the pandemic is a dynamic and fact-intensive matter subject to reasonable disagreement" but entrusted by the Constitution to elected officials closest to the situation.

"They should not be subject to second-guessing by an "unelected federal judiciary," which lacks the background, competence, and expertise to assess public health and is not accountable to the people," he wrote, quoting a court precedent.

Kavanaugh wrote that the state had imposed unequal restrictions.

"The basic constitutional problem is that comparable secular businesses are not subject to a 25% occupancy cap, including factories, offices, supermarkets, restaurants, retail stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, pet grooming shops, bookstores, florists, hair salons, and cannabis dispensaries," he wrote.

That was the issue pushed by lawyers for South Bay Pentecostal.

"Only one industry has a 25% capacity or 100-person cap - houses of worship," said the church's legal brief. "If California's interest in limiting gatherings is not important enough to be enforced against other industries, it is not important enough to be enforced against churches."

A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, by a 2-to-1 vote, denied the church's petition.

"We're dealing here with a highly contagious and often fatal disease for which there presently is no known cure," the court said. "In the words of Justice Robert Jackson, if a 'court does not temper its doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom, it will convert the constitutional Bill of Rights into a suicide pact.' "

Judge Daniel Collins dissented, saying California's plan was not neutral.

Since the court's decision, though, Newsom released the new guidance, allowing South Bay to open Sunday.

The state contends that there are good reasons, though, for extending restrictions. Its expert testified that there "have been multiple reports of sizable to large gatherings such as religious services, choir practices, funerals, and parties resulting in significant spread of COVID-19."

Included: "a worship service in Sacramento tied to 71 COVID-19 cases; a choir practice in Seattle linked to 32 cases; a Kentucky church revival tied to 28 cases; and a religious service in South Korea where over 5,000 cases were traced back to a single infected individual in attendance."

Still, California told the Supreme Court, it was showing the deference to religious freedom the Constitution requires.

"While in-person religious services are now permitted, many other activities that are most comparable in terms of COVID-transmission risk factors - concerts, lectures, theatrical performances, or choir practices, in which groups of people gather together for extended periods - continue to be barred," the state's lawyers wrote.
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneels on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 25, 2020. (Darnella Frazier via AP)

New Video Appears to Show Three Police Officers Kneeling on George Floyd

New video posted on social media appears to show three Minneapolis Police Department officers kneeling on George Floyd during his arrest.

Previous video from eyewitness Darnella Frazier showed Floyd, 46, being knelt on by one officerDerek Chauvin. CNN has not been able to locate the person who shot the new video.

The new video shows the other side of the Minneapolis police vehicle where the arrest occurred. The video appears to show Chauvin and two other officers kneeling on Floyd.

I cant breathe, man, Floyd can be heard saying in the new video. Please, let me stand. Please, man.

Chauvin was taken into custody on Friday afternoon, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. He faces charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.

CNN has reached out to Chauvins attorney and the Minneapolis police union for comment.

Four officers were involved in the incident and all have since been fired from the Minneapolis Police Department.

A police officer stands guard in Minneapolis, Minn. on May 29, 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

CNN has reached out to the Minneapolis police for comment, and to verify the videos authenticity, but has not received a response.

Floyd was arrested after he allegedly used a counterfeit bill at a convenience store, police have said. Outrage grew after the first video surfaced showing a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Floyds neck. The 46-year-old, who was unarmed and handcuffed, died after the arrest.

Minneapolis police said in a statement earlier this week that officers had been responding to an alleged forgery on Monday evening and that during the arrest, Floyd physically resisted them.

However, surveillance footage from the nearby Dragon Wok restaurant does not appear to support the claim that Floyd resisted arrest during the initial encounter. However, there are several minutes where Floyds and the officers interactions cannot be seen from the cameras vantage point.

This new video appears to have been taken before the Frazier video but after that surveillance video.

The CNN Wire contributed to this report.
ANKARA, Turkey  Despite official optimism, the economic outlook for Turkey after the coronavirus pandemic subsides is grim, with top procurement programs experiencing major major delays, economy and procurement officials told Defense News on condition of anonymity.

The pandemic caught Turkey off guard  when the economy was already sending distress signals, said one senior economy official. The post-pandemic fiscal constraints will scrap or delay public spending, including on defense programs.

A procurement official said that even before the spread of COVID-19, there were challenges in financing defense programs.

The treasury was unable to allocate funds as early as in 2019," the official said. "The post-[coronavirus] economic downturn will bring new curbs on defense spending, except equipment we regularly procure for combat zones.

The government will have to reprioritize investment projects and possibly put off most of them.

The official added that the acquisition of smart and conventional ammunition, armed and unarmed drones, and armored vehicles will remain unaffected. Turkey needs those items for its military campaign against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq and Syria. Turkey also sends drones and other military equipment to the Government of National Accord based in Tripoli, one of the warring sides in the Libyan civil war.

Before the pandemic, the official unemployment rate in Turkey was 12.8 percent. Economists warn that number may double as thousands of small and medium-sized businesses face closure.

In August 2018, the price of Turkeys credit default swaps, or CDS  an insurance scheme against debt default  rose to an all-time high since 2009. In May 2019, the price of Turkeys CDS again rose sharply as investors started to price in a default. On Jan. 10, 2020, Turkeys CDS price measured at 269 basis points, safer than 566 points in 2018 but much worse than 142 points in 2010.

One fundamental problem for Ankara is big foreign exchange liabilities in an economy not quite prepared for a sharp slowdown. After an increase of 20 percent within a year, these gross liabilities have reached $300 billion. That puts Turkeys net foreign liabilities at $175 billion (after foreign assets of $125 billion are deducted from total liabilities). Mismanagement and a palliative desire to keep the national currency afloat has caused the Central Bank to burn through $65 billion in reserves since January 2019.

Story continues

Japans MUFG Bank forecasts depreciation of the Turkish lira that will make any foreign currency-based acquisition expensive and often unaffordable for the Ankara government. Foreign currency earnings are also expected to be hit hard this year. In 2019 Turkey earned $34.5 billion from tourism. This year, it may stand at a mere $15 billion, a third of the official target of $45 billion.

But in public, Turkish officials sound optimistic about a viable post-pandemic defense industry.

Our companies keep their production cycles," said Ismail Demir, Turkeys top defense procurement official. "They continue to receive orders.

According to Murat Ikinci, general manager of STM, a government-controlled defense technologies business, the company maintains deliveries of naval platforms and drone systems as planned before the pandemic. We also keep offering cybersecurity solutions to the government sector, Ikinci said.

Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries, said his companys work on a fifth-generation, indigenous fighter jet continues without interruption. TAI is struggling to design, develop and produce a new-generation fighter aircraft. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, TAI had planned for a maiden flight of the aircraft in 2025 or 2026, despite originally aiming for 2023.

If ever materialized, that aircraft would likely not be in the air before the end of the decade, said a senior aerospace industry official. The program is simply not progressing due to numerous [technological] question marks. Fresh fiscal constraints will further delay that program.

Another potential victim is a multibillion-dollar, indigenous program for the serial production of the Altay, a new-generation tank. BMC, a Turkish-Qatari investment, is to produce the Altay, but it is yet to secure the cash flow from the government needed to start serial production, industry sources say.

What would cost the Turkish government three liras in September 2016 will cost 7-7.5 liras at the end of this year. This [difference] is not easy to finance, the senior economy official said.
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. - A positive COVID-19 case has been confirmed in a Boone County resident who attended a crowded pool party in the Lake of the Ozarks last weekend. Photos of the pool party at Backwater Jacks went viral, drawing intense backlash from the public, health officials and government leaders.
The University of Texas at San Antonio is in talks with the Energy Department to establish a $70 million cybersecurity research institute at the schools downtown campus, its mission to safeguard manufacturers who rely heavily on automation.

The institute would be the latest breakthrough in UTSAs effort to make its mark in cybersecurity, one of San Antonios fastest growing industries.

Details remain scant on the agreement to develop the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, which university and government officials say will play an important role in modernizing network security for advanced manufacturers in the U.S.

RELATED: UTSA professors rabbit fever vaccine to be tested against coronavirus

UTSA has entered into negotiations with (the Energy Department) and will work toward finalizing the cooperative agreement, university officials said in a statement. At that time, more information will become available about the institute, its partnerships and the scope of work.

The institutes aim would be to research and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities within manufacturing supply chains and automated technologies. A key focus also would be ensuring manufacturers are secure as they shift to more energy efficient technology.

The institute is slated to be housed in the National Security Collaboration Center on UTSAs downtown campus.

Construction of the NSCC facility is scheduled to finish in 2021, though its unclear if the coronavirus pandemic has slowed work on the project.

The Energy Department selected UTSA to lead the institute because of its core expertise in cybersecurty, and the breadth and depth of its relationships with industry professionals around the nation, university officials said.

RELATED: UTSA athletics institutes 10 percent salary cut for highest-paid coaches, staff

With the help of city leaders, UTSA has sought to leverage the strong military presence in San Antonio  including Security Hill at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland  to develop a specialized, high-wage industry in cybersecurity here.

The NSCC, headed by retired Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh, will act as a hub for cybersecurity educators and professionals.

The NSCC so far has agreed to work with organizations such as Raytheon, the National Security Agency and Air Forces Cyber, the U.S. Air Force component of U.S. cyber command.

William Luther /San Antonio Express-News

The NSA operates a sprawling installation in Northwest San Antonio.

U.S. manufacturers in recent years increasingly have brought advanced technologies, including automation, into their operations.

One of these technologies, smart sensors placed throughout the supply chain, can indicate parts shortages or hiccups in production  but they also can offer entryways for hackers to access the system.

Once inside, hackers can steal or manipulate data to cause the making of faulty products or disrupt the system.

In February 2019, the Energy Department announced its intention to launch a major initiative focused on improving cybersecurity in manufacturing. The push was based on recommendations from the White House in its Strategy for American Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing report published in fall 2018.

The White House report found that manufacturing requires unique cybersecurity protections.

While many businesses rely on authentication and passwords to protect cloud-based information, physical manufacturing technology cant be easily updated with new security features or patches.

New research efforts are needed to develop and/or update standards and guidelines for implementing emerging technologies for cybersecurity in manufacturing systems, the report states, including AI for threat detection and handling, blockchain for security of sensitive manufacturing information, and security of... devices when deployed in smart manufacturing systems.

Darren Abate /Contributor

The introduction of a large institution dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity in manufacturing could be a boon for the regional manufacturing industry, said Rey Chavez, president of the San Antonio Manufacturers Association.

In addition to helping area manufacturers improve their network security practices, Chavez said the institute could make the region more attractive to outside manufacturing companies and suppliers.

If theyre able to see that we have this cybersecurity component through UTSA, that could be a (reason) in selecting to relocate to our region, which is all the better for our economic development, Chavez said.

We have these capabilities, and if you combine that with our location, our road infrastructure, the weather, our workforce, Port San Antonio, Brooks , were really becoming a super location for manufacturers to think about moving to, he said.

UTSA also will work with private companies and the Idaho, Oak Ridge and Sandia National Laboratories to establish the institute.

Advanced manufacturing technologies, including novel industrial control systems, hold promise to improve the energy efficiency and competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing sector, said Daniel Simmons, assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in a statement. The Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute will address a range of cybersecurity challenges to enable the increased adoption of next generation energy-efficient technologies in American manufacturing.

diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net
Three energy companies that operate in the Houston Ship Channel are suing Intercontinental Terminals Co., claiming they sustained economic losses from the temporary shutdown of the Houston Ship Channel caused by last years chemical fire in Deer Park.

Rio Energy International, Gunvor USA, and Texas Aromatics, which all transport crude oil and refined products through Houstons ship channel, allege in separate lawsuits that when ITCs chemical storage tanks caught fire and spilled thousands of barrels of gasoline, oil and other chemical products into Tucker Bayou, subsequent closures of the Houston Ship Channel cost their businesses hundreds of thousands dollars, primarily in lost profits from being unable to ship their products.

Rio Energy, Gunvor and Texas Aromatics, are suing in U.S. District Court in Houston for damages of $2.2 million, $433,000, and $381,000 respectively. The Houston Ship Channel was closed or restricted from March 22, 2019 until April 13, 2019 due to the fire and resulting spill.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Harris County sues to stop chemical safety rules rollback

Our clients buy and sell crude through the ship channel, and all were damaged by the fact that the closure suspended that trade, said David Baay, an attorney at Eversheds Sutherland, who is representing the plaintiffs. He said that companies incurred higher costs when they were forced to buy crude from other suppliers while the ship channel was shut.

The ITC tank fires burned for three days last year, causing a massive black plume of smoke over the area visible for miles around Houston. Regulators issued shelter-in-place order to neighboring communities due to air quality concerns. More than 21 million gallons of water mixed with hazardous chemicals and firefighting foam were collected from the tank farm and the ship channel.

No injuries were reported.

In December, the Harris County Fire Marshal ruled that the incident was due to an accidental equipment failure. Investigators found that the company did not have an automatic fire alarm system in the tank farm that caught fire.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas energy companies get break from monitoring chemical leaks

The companies are suing under the Oil Pollution Act, which imposes liability for discharging oil into navigable waters. Eversheds Sutherland LLP, the legal firm representing the companies suing ITC, must first clear administrative hurdles before the complaints will move forward in court  the Oil Pollution Act requires the plaintiffs to first attempt to seek a claim through an administrative process.

ITC, in a statement, said the Oil Pollution Act does not apply to the fire that occured at Deer Park.

The first suit, on behalf of Texas Aromatics, was filed last month. Rio Energy and Gunvor filed Thursday. Baay said he expects more companies that operate in the Houston Ship Channel to file similar lawsuits against ITC.

erin.douglas@chron.com

Twitter.com/erinmdouglas23
The State Patrol said that while they were clearing the streets in an attempt to restore order at the intersection, they arrested four people, three of whom were crew from CNN. They were released as soon as they confirmed they were members of the media. Jimenez and other journalists in his team were released after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a public apology for their arrests.





Other reporters permitted into vicinity

After his release, Jimenez was back on live television. He said that his experience with the police was "nerve-racking" at certain moments. What comforted him was that his arrest happened on air. CNN hosts John Berman and Alisyn Camerota were appalled by the course of events. In their New Day program, Berman said that Jimenez clearly identified as an American television reporter before he was led away by the police.

He added that Jimenez was explaining his job on the scene with the rest of the CNN team until they were handcuffed on live television. Berman said, "I've never seen anything like this." In response to the Minneapolis State Patrol's post, the news company said that journalists were still arrested despite identifying themselves as reporters. They added that it was in violation of their First Amendment Rights.

A colleague of Jimenez at CNN, Josh Campbell, said on air that he was permitted to report at the Minneapolis streets cleared by police. "You are white," Berman told Campbell. He admitted he was unsure about the true implications of the police's decision of arrest. "Omar Jimenez is not."

Campbell agreed. He said that he was treated "much differently."

Check these out!

Eyewitness accounts and footage of police murder

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a news conference that Caucasian police office was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday for violently arresting an unarmed African American man. This prompted three nights of raids from all sectors of society.

In many video footages, Derek Chauvin was seen kneeling on George Floyd's neck as other officers stood by and watched as Floyd lost breath and died. Floyd was accused by the police for using counterfeit money to buy cigarettes. Among other officers who were fired from the team were Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng.

Minneapolis community organizer Mike Griffin said that the protests were built up frustration and indignation over economic and social inequalities, one of the root causes of which was the growing apprehension among African Americans who have been treated brutally by the federal enforcement over the past half century. Griffin said in an interview with Reuters that George's murder was "the last straw". He called the charges against Chauvin a step in the right direction, but he admitted the destruction of public property that resulted from raids needed to be controlled.

Governor Walz acknowledged the loss of faith of the people in the police, but he said that Floyd's plight seemed to be forgotten in the two days of anarchy. He declared a state of emergency and called an end to destruction of property to restore peace and order. Walz pointed out that roving bands would receive due indictment as soon as suspects are proved having involvement in the operation. He added however that the city's racial inequalities must be addressed down to the deepest roots that caused all this to happen.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Says Shooting In Kyiv Region Linked To Corruption

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service May 29, 2020

KYIV -- Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has said that a mass shooting incident in the town of Brovary near the capital is linked to corruption among Kyiv city and regional authorities.

Avakov wrote on Twitter that 10 people were arrested and more are expected to be apprehended for their involvement in the shooting incident on May 29.

"The shoot-out in Brovary this morning is an echo of corruption with regard to the definition of quotas for transportation services and the involvement of gangs in the war for passenger routes.... Executive authorities of Kyiv and the region...something is rotting," Avakov tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Avakov's deputy, Anton Herashchenko, wrote on Facebook that three people were wounded in the shoot-out, which he called "a criminal settling of scores" between businesses providing transportation services with the involvement of local officials.

"The [transportation] routes must be distributed legally and in a fair way, not under the table or for bribes," Herashchenko wrote, adding that "a significant number of firearms was confiscated" from people involved in the shoot-out.

Media reports quoted police in Brovary as saying that some 100 people, many from other regions of the country, were involved in the incident and that a probe into "hooliganism" had been launched.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-interior- minister-says-shooting-in-kyiv-region- linked-to-corruption/30642036.html

Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






WASHINGTON  A debate in Congress over whether to extend $600 a week in federally provided benefits to the unemployed looks sure to intensify with the number of people receiving the aid now topping 30 million  one in five workers.

The money, included in a government relief package enacted in March, is set to expire July 31. Yet with the unemployment rate widely expected to still be in the mid-teens by then, members of both parties will face pressure to compromise on some form of renewed benefits for the jobless.

Democrats have proposed keeping the $600-a-week payments through January in a $3 trillion relief package that the House approved this month along party lines. Senate Republicans oppose that measure. They have expressed concern that the federal payments  which come on top of whatever unemployment aid a state provides  would discourage laid-off people from returning to jobs that pay less than their combined state and federal unemployment aid now does.

So far there are no formal negotiations on another relief package. But analysts say the need to address the fate of the $600 weekly benefits could force a resolution of the issue this summer.

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, are promoting a plan that would provide $450 a week for laid-off workers who return to their jobs, as a "back to work" bonus. This payment would also expire by July 31, though.

Larry Kudlow, the top White House economic adviser, said earlier this week that the proposal is "something we're looking at very carefully."

Separately, Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., vice chair of the Joint Economic Committee, has proposed reducing the $600 benefit to $300 in stages by the end of the year. This plan, Beyer suggested in an interview, would sharply reduce the number of people who are receiving more money from jobless aid than they would from working.

If you solve that problem, theres a good chance of extending unemployment, Beyer said.

Typically, state unemployment aid replaces only about one-third to one-half a laid-off worker's pay to encourage the recipients to seek new work. The $600 in federal benefits was added as a way to replace all of an average worker's lost income. But because those who have lost jobs since the virus hit are disproportionately low-wage workers, most of them are receiving more in unemployment aid than they did from their old jobs, economists estimate.

Shannon Conway, director of operations at R&L Hospitality Group in Richmond, which owns five restaurants and a catering company, said she and other restaurant operators have encountered reluctance from some of their laid-off workers to return.

That's partly because of the $600-a-week in federal unemployment aid, she said. But another factor is the uncertainty about what the restaurant business will look like in the coming weeks and months, Conway added. It's unlikely that servers will earn anything close to what they used to, she said.

"Recalling staff is definitely an issue," Conway said. "Why would they give up a sure thing when they know we don't know what's going to happen through these early stages of reopening? I can't guarantee them their same shifts."

Madelyn Figgers, 26, lost her job as a server in March at one of the restaurants Conway operates, Lunch and Supper. Figgers said the extra $600 in unemployment benefits has allowed her to keep up with all her bills and rent.

"I don't think I would be able to stay afloat without the $600," she said.

Figgers acknowledged that the extra money would make her hesitant to return to her old job, particularly if it was for fewer hours than she had before. But she also knows that legally she is required to accept an offer for work, or risk losing all her benefits.

So far, Figgers hasn't been asked to return. But she doubts that the restaurant industry will return to what it was, when she could earn $300 in tips on a busy weekend night. She is considering leaving the industry and is looking for administrative jobs that she could do from home.

Research by University of Chicago economist Peter Ganong and two of his colleagues has found that, because of the extra $600, two-thirds of laid-off workers are receiving benefits that exceed the paychecks they previously earned from working. One-fifth could receive at least twice their previous pay.

Ganong says that such large payments could delay some laid-off workers from switching to new careers that might be more in demand in the future.

But he also thinks that Congress should keep an enhanced benefit in place because more jobless aid is crucial in the midst of a deep recession. Jobless benefits enable recipients to pay for necessities and cover more bills, including, crucially, their rent or a mortgage, Ganong said.

He proposes replacing the flat $600-a-week payments with a percentage increase to each recipient's benefit check, with the goal of matching the worker's previous earnings but not going much higher. Congress did not initially take this route, in part because of doubts that states' antiquated unemployment systems could handle such a change, but that could be addressed by the end of July, Ganong said.

Andrew Stettner, senior fellow at The Century Foundation, said that unemployment benefit payments are on track to top $70 billion in May, a significant stimulus for the economy.

"The job market has not made a big comeback, and the enhanced unemployment aid is one of the most important fiscal boosts that the federal government can provide to families and the economy," he said.

___

Christopher Rugaber of The Associated Press wrote this story. AP staff writers Sarah Rankin in Richmond and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.
A birthday party. Double the attendees permitted. Four asymptomatic carriers of the coronavirus. Twenty infections. Thats what happened in the Catalan province of Lleida, which, as a result of this new outbreak, will see its healthcare area remain in Phase 1 of Spains ongoing deescalation plan for at least one week more than expected. But similar stories are being repeated across Spain.

For now, no other incident has caused a scheduled change of phase to be suspended, but other parties in the North African exclave city of Ceuta and the Extremadura region have put the health services on alert.

Progress toward what the Spanish government has dubbed the new normality will inevitably bring with it new coronavirus outbreaks. Capacity to detect and control them in time will determine whether the situation merits a territory being held in its current phase or even taking a step back.

In Badajoz another birthday party obliged 18 people to self-isolate, while there have been other small cases of inter-familiar infections at social gatherings

In Ceuta, a number of parties  one of which is thought to have been attended by 80 people  even threatened seeing the city returning to Phase 0, the first of the four-stage plan implemented by the government. But Health Minister Salvador Illa stated that while the outbreak is under control, that measure will not be necessary.

There have also been new outbreaks related to the meat industry. In Totana, Murcia, there have been a number of cases involving day laborers at food plants, meaning that the municipality has remained in Phase 1 while the rest of the southeastern region has moved to Phase 2. There has also been an outbreak in the province of Cuenca, although Minister Illa provided no further details about this case.

Meanwhile, in Badajoz another birthday party obliged 18 people to self-isolate, while there have been other small cases of inter-familiar infections at social gatherings. In the middle of May, an asymptomatic carrier of the coronavirus infected another eight relatives in Tenerife, according to the local newspaper Canarias 7.

An innocent party can end up with an outbreak, warned this week Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts. But some of the cases were not so innocent, and occurred after clear violations of the deescalation rules. This is why the Spanish authorities have been constantly calling on citizens not to drop their guard and to stick closely to the regulations of each phase. If we are not all already in the new normality its for a reason, said Simon.

According to Andrea Buron, the spokesperson for the Spanish Society for Public Health and Health Administration (Sespas), these small outbreaks are inevitable. The risk is there, and that is why it is important that the health systems organize their strategies well and they invest in the resources needed to detect cases and isolate contacts, she says. Whats more, its very important that citizens collaborate, both in terms of sticking to the rules, and reporting any suspicions.

Losing the trail

What the experts are particularly worried about, however, is losing the trail of infections  i.e. that unconnected cases begin to arise. This would require the reintroduction of mass-confinement measures. While the chains of infection are known, it is enough to isolate those people who have had direct contact with someone who is infected.

Evidently, what we cant have is an outbreak every day in the same province, that would force us to take a step back in the deescalation, explains Jesus Molina Cabrillana, from the Spanish Society for Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Hygiene. But what we are seeing up until now is normal. Molina points in particular to a problem with young people, who have many social contacts and could transmit the virus while asymptomatic.

The fear is that one of these outbreaks brings with it another epidemic. Experts believe that the reaction would be better this time around, and that hospitals would not suffer the pressure that they saw in the most critical months in Spain, between March and April. But the only way to guarantee this is to control the outbreaks before they can no longer be tracked.

English version by Simon Hunter.
Changhong Jiahua Holdings Limited (HKG:3991) shareholders (or potential shareholders) will be happy to see that the President, Jianqiu Zhu, recently bought a whopping HK$5.6m worth of stock, at a price of HK$0.72. There's no denying a buy of that magnitude suggests conviction in a brighter future, although we do note that proportionally it only increased their holding by 9.4%.

Check out our latest analysis for Changhong Jiahua Holdings

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Changhong Jiahua Holdings

Notably, that recent purchase by Jianqiu Zhu is the biggest insider purchase of Changhong Jiahua Holdings shares that we've seen in the last year. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of HK$0.73. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. While we always like to see insider buying, it's less meaningful if the purchases were made at much lower prices, as the opportunity they saw may have passed. Happily, the Changhong Jiahua Holdings insider decided to buy shares at close to current prices. The only individual insider to buy over the last year was Jianqiu Zhu.

The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

SEHK:3991 Recent Insider Trading May 29th 2020

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership of Changhong Jiahua Holdings

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our data indicates that Changhong Jiahua Holdings insiders own about HK$60m worth of shares (which is 3.2% of the company). Overall, this level of ownership isn't that impressive, but it's certainly better than nothing!

Story continues

So What Do The Changhong Jiahua Holdings Insider Transactions Indicate?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. Insiders likely see value in Changhong Jiahua Holdings shares, given these transactions (along with notable insider ownership of the company). So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To that end, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Changhong Jiahua Holdings (including 2 which are significant).

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

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.
Churu (Rajasthan) [India], May 30 (ANI): Fresh swarms of locusts invaded villages in Churu district here on Thursday night.



"Two swarms of locusts reached two villages in Bidasar and Sardarshahar tehsils on Thursday night. Agriculture Department sprayed insecticides with the help of tractor-mounted sprayers and brought them under control," said Kuldeep Sharma, Agriculture officer, Churu, Rajasthan.

Pakistan has become a new breeding ground of locusts, entering Rajasthan from adjoining areas in Pakistan, said BR Kadwa, deputy director of the agriculture department, Rajasthan on May 26.

Notably, the first locust attack of this year was reported from Ganganagar, a district in north Rajasthan bordering Pakistan, on May 11. (ANI)


Churches sue Ore. gov. over ban on in-person services of over 25 people

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Two churches have filed a lawsuit against Oregon Governor Katherine Brown over an executive order that prohibits religious gatherings of more than 25 people.

Edgewater Christian Fellowship and Roseburg Church of God of Prophecy want to reopen by Pentecost Sunday, which is May 31.

Earlier this month, Brown issued Executive Order 20-25, which rescinded some of the in-person gathering restrictions enacted to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The executive order maintained a ban on all cultural, civic, and faith-based gatherings of more than 25 people while still exempting entities like workplaces, schools, and grocery stores. Any violation of the order can result in 30 days in jail and a $1,250 fine, with the order being in effect at the discretion of the governor and lacking a specific expiration date.

According to the lawsuit, filed Tuesday against Brown over the order in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, both churches have complied with earlier state restrictions on in-person worship since March but the ongoing ban "substantially burdens" them.

Plaintiffs sincerely believe that the Bible teaches the necessity of gathering together for corporate prayer and worship and that such assembly is necessary and good for the Church and its members spiritual growth, says the complaint.

The churches and their pastors are being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative law firm that specializes in religious liberty cases.

While responding to crises can be difficult, this case is not, said ADF Legal Counsel Caleb Dalton in a statement released Tuesday.

There is no legitimate justification for banning church services of 26 or morewith responsible social distancing and health and safety protocolswhile allowing malls, gyms, restaurants, and retail establishments to fill to social-distancing capacity.

Earlier this month, Baker County Circuit Judge Matthew Shirtcliff ruled in favor of a different group of churches arguing that state restrictions on in-person gatherings were unconstitutional.

Shirtcliff had concluded that Brown exceeded her authority by restricting business operations and worship services for more than the 28 days governors are allowed to do so under state law.

However, the Oregon Supreme Court put a halt to the lower courts injunction against the orders, pending further litigation by both parties.

"Following swift action by the Oregon Supreme Court, my emergency orders to protect the health and safety of Oregonians will remain in effect statewide while the court hears arguments in this lawsuit," said Brown in a statement earlier this month.

"From the beginning of this crisis, I have worked within my authority, using science and data as my guide, heeding the advice of medical experts."
The suspected key figure in a ring of people smugglers has been arrested in Germany over the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants in a refrigerated truck in Britain last year, several sources told AFP.

On Tuesday, 26 other suspects were arrested in the greater Paris region and in Belgium in a coordinated police swoop.

The migrants -- 31 men and eight women -- were found dead in the truck in an industrial zone east of London in October 2019.

The driver of the lorry has already admitted manslaughter over the deaths but Tuesday's arrests targeted the ring of smugglers suspected of organising the migrants' journey.

The suspect arrested in Germany's Upper Rhine region is a 29-year-old man nicknamed "The Bald Duke," the sources said.

"He could be the head of the network on the French side," a source close to the investigation told AFP, adding that he had been arrested following a European arrest warrant issued by France.

There were no details of the man's nationality.

Eleven of the 13 suspects arrested simultaneously in Belgium have already been charged by a judge in Bruges with people trafficking, membership of a criminal organisation and fraud, according to Belgian prosecutors.

Most of those arrested in France are also Vietnamese, according to an investigation source.

The probe has discovered that the migrants who died were loaded into the truck in northern France, and that the network continued its operations even after the tragedy, charging 15,000 to 20,000 euros to cross from France to Britain.

Even the coronavirus lockdown did not stop the gang's smuggling activities, the source said.

The tragedy shone a spotlight on the extraordinary dangers migrants are willing to risk to reach Britain, with some paying smugglers up to $40,000 for the perilous journey.

Post-mortem tests found the victims died from lack of oxygen and overheating, and one sent a poignant text message to her family in Vietnam as she lay dying in the truck.

The victims came from poor and remote corners of central Vietnam, a hotspot for people willing to embark on dangerous journeys in the hope of a better life abroad.

Many are smuggled illegally through Russia or China, often left owing huge sums to their traffickers and ending up working on cannabis farms or in nail salons.

The driver of the lorry, Maurice Robinson from Northern Ireland, last month pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the 39 deaths.

Four other men are on trial in London over the tragedy, while another man, Ronan Hughes, is facing extradition from Ireland to Britain on 39 counts of manslaughter and one of conspiracy to commit unlawful immigration.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 22:30:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on May 29, 2020 shows the live broadcast of U.S. President Donald Trump speaking at a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C.(Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future. For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed."

BRUSSELS, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The European Union(EU)'s chief executive and top diplomat said in a statement on Saturday that the bloc continues to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and urges the U.S. to reconsider its termination of ties with the WHO.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that his country is "terminating" its relationship with the WHO and redirecting the funds elsewhere.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles attend a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in the statement that "the WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future. For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed. In the face of this global threat, now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions. Actions that weaken international results must be avoided."

"In this context, we urge the U.S. to reconsider its announced decision," they said in the statement.

As the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the main task for everyone is to save lives and contain and mitigate this pandemic. The European Union continues to support the WHO in this regard and has already provided additional funding, the statement said, echoing calls around the world to rally around the WHO in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. 
Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade shared photos of her husband, Captain Ekeinde flying out Chinese nationals who arrived Nigeria few weeks ago.

Omotola did not exactly say that the Chinese nationals were the doctors who arrived the country to help in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, she said that she doesnt know how to feel about her husbands first flight in 2 months.

Omotola wrote;

Is this the New Normal ?

#TheCaptain went on his first Flight today in 2 months!

Those are the Chinese ppl that flew in some time ago leaving! ~~~~ Not sure how to feel

See photos below;
(Natural News) People who have tested positive again for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) after initially recovering from the disease are not infectious, suggests new data from health authorities in South Korea.

The report, which the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) posted last Monday, also revealed that most recovered patients have antibodies that confer immunity from the contagion.

[As] of now, no case has been found that was newly confirmed from exposure during [the] re-positive period alone, the agency said in a statement.

The KCDCs findings come on the heels of concerning reports of recovered COVID-19 patients testing positive again, appearing to have another infection. These cases, in particular, have puzzled medical experts around the world regarding whether these patients are still contagious, and if theyre prone to reinfection.

This study addresses the question of whether patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are still infectious, and which is a question that has been troubling us for some time, explained Dr. Heidi Zapata, an infectious disease expert at the Yale School of Medicine who wasnt part of the KCDC report.

This study suggests that patients that are recovered are no longer contagious.

Retests pick up dead virus particles

The KCDC researchers looked at medical records of recovered patients who tested positive again for COVID-19, shortly after being discharged from quarantine. The team completed contact tracing and investigated outbreak data for 285 out of 447 re-positive cases  or 63.8 percent of the total caseload  as of May 15.

Using contact tracing, the team identified 790 people who interacted with the recovered patients after they were released from medical care. While the researchers noted three new cases from people who were in contact with the patients, they identified that the new cases were also exposed to other active cases in their community, which could have prompted the transmission.

The team also swabbed the patients to determine if they still had live viral material, which would make them actively infectious. The tests were unable to isolate viral material from the patients. According to the researchers, this could mean that the tests picked up dead virus particles.

Based on active monitoring, epidemiological investigation, and laboratory testing of re-positive cases and their contacts, no evidence was found that indicated infectivity of re-positive cases, the KCDC team concluded.

Seoul deals with new coronavirus cluster

Meanwhile, the capital city of Seoul restored coronavirus lockdown restrictions after health authorities reported the biggest spike in new cases in nearly two months.

The lockdown, which took effect on Friday, will last two weeks, according to Health Minister Park Neung-hoo. During this period, museums, parks and art galleries will be shuttered and companies will be asked to reintroduce flexible working arrangements, among other measures. (Related: Nightclub outbreaks test South Koreas coronavirus outbreak strategy.)

The next two weeks are crucial to prevent the spread of the infection in the metropolitan area, Park added. We will have to return to social distancing if we fail.

The health minister also urged locals to avoid social gatherings and going into crowded places like restaurants and bars. These places, Park said, could be likely infection routes for the outbreak to spread.

Health authorities have traced the latest coronavirus cluster to a distribution center in Bucheon, a city in the metropolitan Seoul area.

According to a report by Yonhap news agency, local health authorities have tested around 3,500 employees of the facility, which is owned by e-commerce firm Coupang, and recorded 69 confirmed cases.

We have been conducting strong disinfection measures at the facility, said the e-commerce firm, which closed the distribution center on Monday, in a statement carried by Yonhap. We are also disinfecting goods ordered by customers before delivering them.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, South Korea has 11,402 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 269 deaths. The U.S., which is still in the lead in terms of caseload and death rate, has over 1.7 million cases and more than 101,000 deaths.

Learn more about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

Healthline.com

CDC.go.kr

TheGuardian.com

Coronavirus.JHU.edu
COLUMBUS, OhioControversial legislation to temporarily grant legal immunity to Ohio businesses  particularly nursing homes and other health care providers  for transmitting the coronavirus passed the Ohio House 83-9 on Thursday.

Before passing House Bill 606, the House tacked on an amendment that would make prison staff, grocery-store workers, and first-responders eligible for workers compensation should they catch the virus.

Proponents of the bill, which now heads to the Ohio Senate, say its needed to ensure front-line first-responders can remain focused on helping people instead of worrying about being sued.

State Rep. Diane Grendell, the Geauga County Republican sponsoring the bill, said businesses and churches are afraid to reopen.

Why? The fear (that) the next negative wave to be spawned by COVID will be the wave of lawsuits, Grendell said.

House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, said even the states trial lawyers association supports the compromise bill.

Lets not let a pandemic turn into a payday, Seitz said.

Critics say current law already has protections against reckless lawsuits and that the bill would encourage businesses to do the bare minimum to protect their workers.

People will avoid having their mothers put in a nursing home when the nursing home is not required to exercise reasonable care to ensure that their mother is not exposed to COVID-19, said state Rep. Mike Skindell, a Lakewood Democrat, who added the bill would serve to protect the corporate elite and incompetent and careless behavior.

The legislation would expire at the end of the year. It would still allow lawsuits in cases involving gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, intentional conduct, or a reckless disregard of the consequences.

The bill includes an emergency clause, which means if Gov. Mike DeWine signs it, it would take effect immediately instead of after the usual 90-day waiting period.

The Ohio Senate is considering similar legislation, Senate Bill 308 -- though unlike HB 606, that bill doesnt have an expiration date.

The workers comp amendment was successfully offered by state Rep. Brigid Kelly, a Cincinnati Democrat, who said it would help front-line workers who put themselves at risk of contracting the coronavirus, which as of Thursday has killed more than 2,000 Ohioans.

Read more Ohio politics and government stories:

Ohio House passes bill legalizing sports betting

Limited outdoor visitation to some long-term care facilities can resume June 8 as Gov. Mike DeWine scales back coronavirus restrictions

Ohio lawmakers grill DeWine cabinet official over unemployment benefit delays

Ohio Senate passes bill restricting elections changes

Ohio Senate OKs bill to stop local plastic bag bans
Rejecting allegations of withdrawal of free power to farmers in Punjab, chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday said his government is ready to forego the portion of fiscal deficit enhancement offered by the Centre, but would not compromise with the farmers interest at any cost.

Dismissing the Centres suggestion on replacement of free power to farmers with direct benefit transfer (DBT) unacceptable and attack on the federal structure of the nation, the CM said he will take up the issue with the Union government for trying to impose such anti-farmer condition on the cash-strapped state in the guise of extending fiscal support amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Asserting that the free power facility for farmers will continue till his government is in power, Amarinder said his government will take loans to bridge the fiscal deficit, and the government of India cannot dictate the terms of a sovereign loan being taken by a state government.

The CM also lashed out at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal for trying to pin the blame for the Central governments misdemeanours on the state government, which had unwaveringly been providing free power to farmers since taking over in March 2017, despite the massive fiscal crunch it had inherited from the erstwhile Akali-BJP regime.

Amarinder asked Sukhbir to quit the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre and demanded Union minister and Akali leader Harsimrat Kaur Badals resignation from the Union cabinet. He pointed that it was the government at the Centre that took the decision directing the states to withdraw the free power.

Terming their allegations malicious, mischievous and unsubstantiated, Amarinder hit out at the Akali leadership for not fighting for the rights of Punjab and its people, including farmers, at the Centre or in Parliament, and resorting, instead, to petty and shameless politicking even on such a grave issue of national concern.

If you have even an iota of shame, you should leave the NDA coalition, of which you are a part, immediately, and join my government in working for the people of the state, the CM said in a statement, criticising Sukhbir and Harsimrat over their pathetic attempts to mislead the people of Punjab with their patent double standards, blatant falsehoods and unfounded allegations.

Amarinder clarified that the state cabinet had, in its last meeting, given an in-principle approval to undertaking certain reforms to become eligible to avail additional borrowing of 1.5% of gross state domestic product (GSDP) amid Covid-19, as mandated by the Centre.
Uttarakhand tourism minister Satpal Maharaj was quarantined on Saturday after his wife tested positive for coronavirus disease Covid-19, officials said. Forty others were also quarantined along with the minister.

Maharajs wife, Amrita Rawat, was tested for the virus on Saturday after she complained of fever for the last few days.

Earlier this week the Dehradun administration had put the ministers private residence under quarantine following the visit of some people from Delhi during lockdown.

Confirming the development, the minister said, My wife had a fever for the last three to four days. First, we conducted an immunity test at a private lab for Covid-19 in which she tested negative.

However, when her fever didnt subside, we got her tested for Covid-19 by taking her swab samples on Saturday in which she tested positive, he added.

The minister said that his family and everyone else who came in contact with his wife will follow the health department protocol and go into quarantine. He added that his wife will be hospitalised for treatment.

Ashish Srivastava, district magistrate Dehradun said, After the ministers wife tested positive, we found a total of 41 people including the minister who had come in contact with her. All of them will be put in quarantine as per norms.

Srivastava also said that Amrita Rawat had no travel history. We have made a report on the case and would soon submit it to the government which will decide the future course of action, the DM said.

On Friday, Maharaj had attended the state Cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in which other ministers and officials were present.

After Saturdays development, questions are being raised whether all those in the meeting will also be quarantined, with the Opposition Congress terming it as gross negligence.

Suryakant Dhasmana, vice president of Congress said, The development just shows how negligent and irresponsible the government is in this fight against the pandemic. Now the question arises whether the entire government be put under quarantine as they were in the Cabinet meeting on Friday.

But Cabinet minister and government spokesperson Madan Kaushik said that no other minister from the meeting will be quarantined as of now.

Minister Maharaj will be tested for the virus and if he tests positive then a decision would be taken on quarantining all the ministers and officials who attended the Cabinet meeting on Friday, said Kaushik.

On May 27, the Dehradun district administration had put up a quarantine notice on Satpal Maharajs private residence after it was found that two of his guests had come during the lockdown.

However, at that time, the minster had said that the guests were staying in one portion of the house while he lived in another portion with both having separate entrances. The portion quarantined is the one where his guests stayed.

Meanwhile, 33 fresh Covid-19 cases were reported in the state on Saturday taking the total tally to 749 . Five people have died of the disease so far.
On Saturday, six new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the Wyoming Department of Healths daily update. The department announced one new probable case.

Twelve new confirmed recoveries were announced. Four new probable recoveries were announced.

There are now 688 confirmed cases, 210 probable cases, 502 confirmed recoveries and 156 probable recoveries in Wyoming.

Sixteen Wyomingites have died after contracting COVID-19. The latest death, a Fremont County woman, was reported Friday by the Wyoming Department of Health.

Sixty-two confirmed cases and 14 probable cases have been confirmed in Natrona County.

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.

Officials have cautioned that the reported numbers are low because of testing limitations, though the availability of testing has increased.

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.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Symptoms appear within two weeks. Health officials recommend self-isolating for two weeks if you have contact with a person who has the illness.
Smallholder vegetable farmers at Akomadan in the Offinso North District have been provided with improved seedlings to increase their yield and boost vegetable production in the area.



They have also received training and capacity building in vegetable production, as well as best agronomic practices to enable them to produce quality and healthy vegetables for the market, while increasing their incomes to improve on their livelihoods.



The training programme which involved tomatoes, pepper and onion farmers, was implemented by the West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WAACI) under the Agricultural Technology Evaluation (GAME) Project, with financial support from SNV in the Netherlands and Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).



Dr. Leander Dede Melomey, GAME Project Officer, speaking at an evaluation and field training exercise for the farmers, said the aim of the project was to promote and enhance smallholder farmers access to variety of quality and improved seeds.



It also aimed at helping private breeders and seed companies to discover and deploy high yielding, well adapted and appropriate varieties of vegetable seeds for farmers in the country.



Dr. Melomey said the project would further enhance the deployment of effective technologies to enable seed growers supply quality seedlings to new and existing markets across the country.



Mr. Louis Davis, Sales Officer for Louis Dreyfus Company Limited, a seed supply company, said the project would help improve farmers access to quality improved seeds and best agronomic practices.



Mr. Bismark Nyarko, a vegetable farmer and beneficiary of the project, said he could now produce healthy, quality and high yielding vegetables as a result of the training programme.

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.

Featured Video
William Pitt-Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty recently launched a digital marketing suite branded Listing 360, designed to drive consumers to new company-created interactive property brochures capable of highlighting virtually any listing-related element from photos to embedded 3D tours and videos, floor plans, property disclosures and more.

The product makes the comprehensive, one-stop brochure easily accessible to an agents various spheres of influence through their social media, customer relationship management platform and email marketing service, as well as those individuals they meet during virtual open houses or showings.

Agents who participate in the program not only receive the interactive listing brochure, but also promotional social media pieces to share on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, an email marketing template and a unique QR code powered by Flowcode, enabling consumers to immediately download the brochure simply by focusing their smart phones camera on the image of the code.

The brochures can additionally feature homeowner interviews and top ten lists, property maps and surveys, extensive property details and special features, as well as community guides, comprising information such as commute times, school information and interactive maps.

Listing 360 introduces a beautiful, engaging design that showcases our listings to brokers and buyers worldwide, said Ashley Breunich, Director of Marketing with William Pitt-Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty. Not only does this innovative and holistic product elevate our properties and agents, but it has the added benefit of serving as an environmentally responsible, print-free solution while simultaneously prioritizing our clients health and safety through a touch-free experience.

LARC receives grant from safety program

TORRINGTON  LARC has been awarded a grant through the Workers Compensation Trust Safety Grant program to purchase and install lifts in two of LARCs Day Service Option programs as well as one of the organization's group homes in Torrington. LARC was one of 61 organizations awarded a grant out of a pool of 116 organizations that applied for a 2020 safety grant.

Many of the individuals served by LARC have very limited mobility. Several are in wheelchairs and have limited or greatly diminished strength. The organization continually assesses the positioning and mobility needs of individuals in the programs or residing in group homes and responds accordingly. Recently, it was determined that new adaptive and patient lifting equipment was needed to replace existing equipment.

We are so grateful for the support from Workers Compensation Trust, said Michael Menard, Executive Director at LARC, in a statement. The safety of individuals in our programs and our staff are priority and we are always assessing equipment and upgrades to accommodate evolving needs. This grant will enable LARC to purchase and install the necessary equipment to safeguard individuals and staff.

NW CT Community Foundation awards Rapid Response grants

TORRINGTON  The Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation has awarded $110,470 in Rapid Response Grants to nonprofits providing for basic needs in Northwest Connecticut.

As part of a comprehensive response to the effects of COVID-19 on the Northwest Corner of Connecticut, the Northwest Corner Gives: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund strengthens the safety nets in Northwest Connecticut communities* by awarding Rapid Response Grants to nonprofits that provide basic needs.

The Northwest Corner Gives: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund is made possible by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation from anonymous and discretionary Community Foundation funds, including the Draper Foundation Fund, Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, Marion Wm. & Alice Edward Fund, The Echo Valley Foundation Fund, Keroden Endowed Fund, Edward W. Diskavich Fund, Lucia Tuttle Fritz Fund, Nolin Selby Fund, and the Miriam Mason Cable Trust Fund, through the Melville Charitable Trust, through generous gifts from community members, and in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

For a complete list of gifts made to the Northwest Corner Gives: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, visit www.northwestcf.org. To support local nonprofits by making a gift to the Northwest Corner Gives: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, visit www.northwestcf.org.

AHA - AfterSchool Program, in support of childcare in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

ALS Association Connecticut Chapter, in support of respite/caregiving services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Amy's Angels Corporation, in support of assistance for individuals with a serious illness or injury in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Apex Community Care, in support of rent, utilities, food and medication in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Canaan Child Care Center, in support of childcare scholarships in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Caring For Bethlehem, in support of food, infant supplies, fuel, and utilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, in support of food and utilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Center Congregational Church, in support of childcare with meals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Community Kitchen, in support of food, to-go supplies, PPE, and bleach in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Community Mental Health Affiliates, in support of supplies for families, technology, and client phones in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Cornwall Child Center, in support of outstanding childcare tuition balances in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Cornwall Food and Fuel Fund, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851, in support of basic and essential needs for members in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

CT Food Bank, in support of food and supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

CT Veterinary Medical Foundation, in support of veterinary care vouchers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

EdAdvance, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Falls Village Senior Center, in support of basic and essential needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Family & Children's Aid, in support of food and gas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Family Business, in support of meals for Charlotte Hungerford Hospital workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Family Strides, in support of transportation, rent, and utilities for clients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

First Congregational Church of Torrington, in support of pop up tents for CT Food Bank distributions and PPE in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

FISH of Northwestern Connecticut, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Fishes and Loaves, in support of food, PPE, cleaning and to-go supplies, and gas for volunteers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Friendly Hands Food Bank, in support of equipment for the weekend food program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Geer Village, in support of meals and support for staff without sufficient paid sick leave in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Gilbert School, in support of gift cards for food and medication in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Greenwoods Counseling Referrals, in support of increased access to telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Habitat for Humanity NW CT, in support of an emergency fund for client property taxes and insurance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Hands of Grace, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Hazon, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Healing Meals Community Project, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Health Pathfinder, in support of health insurance access in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Helping Hands Chore Service, in support of PPE, hazard pay in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in support of basic and essential needs for home-bound seniors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Kent Affordable Housing, in support of rent and utilities for residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Litchfield Community Center, in support of food (perishable) and infant supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Litchfield County Family Child Care Network, in support of childcare in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Litchfield County 4-H Foundation, in support of purchased milk for delivery to local food pantries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial, in support of Relatives as Parents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

McCall Center for Behavioral Health, in support of food and solar cell phone chargers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Mental Health Connecticut, in support of groceries, essential supplies, and pre-paid cell phones for clients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

New Opportunities, in support of rent assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Northwestern Connecticut YMCA, in support of childcare, food, PPE, and cleaning supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Oak Hill, in support of adaptive recreational activities and assistive technology for clients, PPE, cleaning supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Operation Overflow (fiscal sponsor McCall Center for Behavioral Health), in support of MREs for the unsheltered homeless in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Regional Hospice, in support of PPE in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association, in support of PPE in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Salvation Army, Torrington - in support of rent and utility assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Salvation Army Winsted Regional Service Center, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Sharon Housing Authority, in support of resident rent and utilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

St. John Paul The Great Parish, in support of rent, utilities, food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Sullivan Senior Center, in support of transportation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Housing Works, in support of food for relocated homeless shelter residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Susan B. Anthony Project, in support of food, cleaning supplies, rent, copays, infant supplies, utilities, medication, and hoteling in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Town of Warren Social Services, in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Center, in support of basic and essential needs for low-income mothers and children in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

United Church of Christ in Cornwall, in support of rent, heat, food, medication, and utilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires, in support of basic and medical needs for vulnerable and low-income residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (in partnership with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation)

Washington Ambulance Association - in support of PPE and cleaning products in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Washington Community Fund - in support of rent, utilities, and food for residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Washington Community Housing Trust - in support of rent assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Winsted Area Child Care Center - in support of food, rent, utilities, medication, and copays in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Winsted United Methodist Church - in support of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Kathmandu, May 30

Standard Chartered Nepal has donated Rs 5.8 million to Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation as its support to the communities hard-hit by the growing Covid-19 outbreak.

Speaking on the occasion, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited CEO Anirvan Ghosh Dastidar said, At such difficult and uncertain times, we stand by our brand promise to be here for good through supporting the vulnerable communities who are affected by the pandemic. Many have lost income opportunity and their livelihood has been worse affected. We hope to contribute to bringing much-needed relief to them.

Receiving the donation on the NGOs behalf, Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation Vice-President Namgyal Sherpa said, We are grateful to Standard Chartered Bank for their generosity and initiative in this time of unprecedented crisis to help in local communities in Nepal. Our foundation is committed to using this contribution in the most efficient way possible, for the most effective impact in Nepals Himalayan communities in short- and long-term initiatives.

The Bank had also donated NRs 11.6 million to governments Coronavirus Control and Treatment Relief Fund.
The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Longford was revised down by one and stands at 280, according to the Department of Health.

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in neighbouring counties is Cavan 833 (no change), Westmeath 667 (an increase of two), Roscommon 320 (no change) and Leitrim 83 (no change).

Also read: Longford Leader Editorial: Decisive leadership is vital for us all

At yesterday evening's (Friday, May 29) daily press conference, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said it had been informed that a total of six people with Covid-19 have died.



There have now been a total 1,645 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight Thursday, May 28, the HPSC has been notified of 39 confirmed cases of Covid-19. There is now a total of 24,876 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "As we approach the last week of Phase 1 it is encouraging to see ICU and hospital admissions declining, the number of new cases remaining stable and a 90% recovery rate in the community.

"Moving into next week, I would urge everyone to look back at the progress we have made over the past number of weeks and maintain our efforts to suppress Covid-19 into the future.

Also read: Responders Group distributes 1,250 masks in North Longford

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "Over the Bank Holiday weekend, we encourage everyone to enjoy the warm weather within recommended guidelines.

"Public health advice currently recommends outdoor meetings of up to four people outside of your household, at a physical distance of two metres and within 5km of your home."

Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and HSE Integrated Care Lead, said: As we emerge out of our homes social distancing can pose real challenges for all, especially those in our vulnerable groups who may be enjoying the outdoors for the first time in weeks. Protect each other by keeping a two metre distance."

Also read: EXPLAINER: Will Phase 2 of lifting Covid-19 restrictions happen on June 8?
Burma This Week in Parliament

Union Parliament Speaker U T Khun Myat (on right) in Parliament on Jan. 27. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy

Monday (May 25)

In the Lower House, lawmaker Daw Kyi Moh Moh Lwin asked about how the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement oversees private childcare centers across Myanmar. Deputy minister U Soe Aung said there are 251 orphanages officially registered with the ministry and the rules governing the establishment and operation of childcare centers are still in the process of being agreed. Therefore, the ministry has issued occasional instructions for orphanages to follow. The establishment and operation of childcare centers without official permission is punishable under child rights laws and social welfare departments oversee orphanages on a regular basis.

Tuesday (May 26)

Union ministers explained the governments plans to obtain US$200 million (280 billion kyats) in loans to implement the National Food and Agriculture System Project for the post-COVID-19 recovery.

Wednesday (May 27)

For the first time under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, the Union Parliament declined to approve in full an additional budget request by the military, cutting 10.6 billion kyats (US$7.57 million) from the 197.7 billion kyats (US$141 million) requested by the defense ministry for the remaining months of the 2019-20 fiscal year.

It is the first military budget request to be slashed since the NLD came to power in 2016, according to lawmakers.

The Parliament approved a budget of 680 million kyats (US$484,000) for the countrys defense at the International Court of Justice against genocide charges filed by The Gambia.

Thursday (May 28)

The militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party and military-appointed lawmakers have called for the Speaker of the Union Parliament to be impeached, accusing U T Khun Myat of breaching the Constitution by acting on behalf of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government as it launched its failed bid to amend the charter last year.

The Union Parliament approved 30 million (390 million kyats) in loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to remedy the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 and for economic reforms. Deputy Minister for Planning, Finance and Industry U Maung Maung Win said the loans will be spent based on action plans of the governments COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan.

It also approved over 1.3 trillion kyats ($925 million) in borrowing from the Central Bank of Myanmar to cover budget deficits as the countrys spending on economic and social recovery and health care is expected to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friday (May 29)

The Union Parliament approved US$30 million (42 billion kyats) in borrowing from the Asian Development Bank to implement the Greater Mekong Subregion Health Security Project and improve health facilities to treat pandemics like COVID-19.

It also approved to obtain US$20 million (28 billion kyats) in loans from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund from the South Korean government for additional work in construction of the Myanmar-Korea Friendship Bridge which will link Yangon and Dala.

It also approved interest-free loans of 33 million (51 billion kyats) from Austrias Unicredit Bank to create e-IDs for the population registry, as well as obtain US$200 million (280 billion kyats) in loans from the World Bank to implement the National Food and Agriculture System Project for post-COVID-19 recovery.

The Union Parliament also approved the regional and state budget bills.

You may also like these stories:

This Week in Parliament
It was critical to keep a relationship between the employer and the worker. As for dealing with the unions, Combet's advice was dead simple. Call Sally McManus. So Porter did. "Let's start a dialogue," the minister said. "Let's try to talk every couple of days and try to figure out what's going on" amid the tremendous confusion of the time. Within days he and McManus were in daily discussions. Decades of distrust and entrenched ideologies were set aside. The grandson of a Liberal minister and the daughter of a railway worker, one a former Crown prosecutor and the other a committed gamer, found common cause in crisis. Illustration: Jim Pavlidis Credit: There were some preliminaries but the first crunch meeting was when Porter convened the unions and employers by Zoom on the morning of Friday, March 20. The spread and speed of the pandemic worldwide weighed on everyone as shocking infection figures were reported from Italy overnight  627 dead in a day, more cases than China.

Sally McManus told the meeting there were horrific numbers of workers stood down without warning. One of the key bosses' representatives, employment lawyer Tamsin Lawrence, of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businesses were in a terrible crisis. Both looked to the federal government for some sort of intervention. The two women were together in a room in Melbourne. They looked to the screen to see the minister's reaction from Sydney. Porter's response was "no". He told the two sides to come together to agree on changing some key industrial awards to create flexibility for the whole system. The priority would be to salvage as many businesses as possible in order to save as many jobs as possible. "Are you interested?" Loading The two sides agreed. But McManus turned to the employer reps in the room and stressed that they must only ask for what they absolutely needed, not merely what they wanted. Once the meeting had broken up and the screens went dark, McManus approached Lawrence. She was insistent, even angry, in repeating her point: "Don't you dare ask for anything more than you need." "I totally get it," replied Lawrence, "but we are both in the same boat  I need to keep businesses alive and you need to save jobs."

They agreed that Lawrence would get her a shortlist of the priority industry awards  of the 122 awards in total  by the end of the day. As the participants made their various ways home, they found Christian Porter on the phone. "You need to make this work," he hammered home. "If you need help from the Commonwealth, you will have it." The two sides quickly agreed to concentrate on three awards; hospitality, restaurants and, biggest of all, the clerks award. They were the most stressed sectors. Collectively they covered some 10 million workers. So the emergency surgery on the awards system was already under way when the crisis hit home. It was three days later, on Monday, March 23, that the news was dominated by pictures of enormous queues, people lining up at Centrelink offices around the country to apply for the dole. "That day was the turning point, when we saw lines at Centrelink like scenes from the Great Depression," Porter has said. "It was clear to all of us that it was colossal what we were potentially facing." Innes Willox of the Australian Industry Group, the second of the major employer bodies, says: "It was essentially that Armageddon had hit."

It took a change of mindset from all sides to get beyond making ambit claims for 100 per cent when they'd be prepared to settle for 60. The president of the ACTU, Michele O'Neill, who led the detailed negotiating groups for the unions, says: "Some employers were ridiculously opportunistic and thought it was their opportunity to strip away long-fought-for worker protections." A red line for the unions was penalty rates. The union negotiators reported that ACCI and COSBOA  the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia  were being unrealistic. Loading Porter struck the same problem. He discovered that he needed to offer more counselling and cajoling to the business side rather than the unions. And he did. And the irreducible demands of the employer side? "Our members needed to be able to change workers' hours, to be able to direct workers to other duties, to allow employers to have more control over workers' rosters," says Willox. "We were putting forward proposals, the unions were reacting. We served, they returned."

The tin-tacks negotiators worked at breakneck speed, aided by many back-channel conversations. The two sides first struck agreement on the hospitality award. They lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission on March 24 to vary the award. The commission president, Iain Ross, approved it two days later. It had been four days since the first crunch meeting. The other awards followed swiftly. Porter later hailed the speed and goodwill of the two sides: "It probably is fair to say that there has been the type of change in three weeks inside the award system that you might otherwise wait 30 years to see." He's described McManus as his "new BFF"  best friend forever. Loading The head of ACCI, James Pearson, says "for so many businesses  and for jobs  this was existential". For the Industrial Relations Minister, there was a political bonus. The Labor Party had been shut out of the entire process. Porter mapped the terms of these arrangements onto the JobKeeper program that followed soon afterwards.

As the Morrison government looked to the recovery phase a few weeks ago, it aired ambitions for economic reform. Including workplace reform. Greg Combet asked Porter what the government meant. "If a conservative government goes that way, you will end up with a 'Your Rights at Work' campaign against you," a reference to the devastatingly effective ACTU campaign against the Howard government's WorkChoices plan. "You will get outside opposition, and you will get legislative uncertainty," with Labor opposing government legislation in the Parliament. You'll inevitably bugger it up, in other words. Combet advised dialogue with the unions. Again. Porter talked to Morrison about how to fix the many problems in the industrial relations system. "We can either go the normal way, or try and repeat a recently successful process," he later recounted to colleagues. "We are not inventing fire here  it's people sitting down and talking to each other." Normal now perhaps, but unthinkable three months ago. And so the Prime Minister told the National Press Club on Tuesday that he was launching a co-operative consultation to achieve a new wave of workplace reform: "The purpose is simple and honest, to explore, and hopefully find, a pathway to sensible, long-lasting reform with just one goal  make jobs."
Express News Service

MANGALURU: A Dubai-based hotelier who hails from Mangaluru has arranged a chartered flight to help his employees return to Mangaluru, Udupi and nearby places. The SpiceJet flight carrying 177 passengers out of whom 105 are staff members of Fortune Group of Hotels is scheduled to fly from Ras Al Khaimah Airport to Mangaluru International Airport on June 1.

Praveen Shetty, chairman of Fortune Group of Hotels and president of Karnataka Non-Resident Indian Forum (KNRI) has seven hotels out of three three are non-operational now due to pandemic while another has been converted into a quarantine facility by the UAE authorities.

On April 13, KNRI had written to Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel to arrange repatriation flights from Dubai to Karnataka to help over one lakh Kannadigas stranded in UAE due to job loss, health issues and others. Though a few repatriation flights were operated to Bengaluru and Mangaluru from UAE, it mostly helped the terminally ill-patients and pregnant women.

Sources said Shetty decided to pay for the travel of his employees as no help was in sight from the Karnataka government. Meanwhile, the Government of India authorised private companies and community groups to allow private aircrafts and chartered operations on international sectors in view of pandemic, to come to the rescue of his employees.

Khaleej Times quoted him saying that he is sending 60 per cent of his hotel staff back home to India on paid leave.

The staff and their family members being repatriated on the chartered flight work for the four hotels that have been temporarily closed now. However, Shetty has not cancelled the visas of any of his staff and is willing to take them back once the pandemic subsidies.

"I have paid the air tickets for all the staff members and their leave salaries have been paid as well. Some of the staff have been working with me for over 17-years. I well intend to bring them back," Khaleej Times quoted him saying.

Rahul Shinde, probationary IAS officer, in-charge of Vande Bharat Mission flights said while 130 passengers will be quarantined in Udupi, the remaining 47 will be quarantined in Mangaluru. He said a couple of chartered flight are also expected from Dammam in the coming days.
DGAP-News: Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates / Key word(s): Miscellaneous



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Manila, Philippines--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2020) - A new study shows that the entry of heated tobacco products (HTPs) triggered a remarkable reduction in combustible cigarettes sales in Japan. "The decline in smoking rates among adults in Japan is astoundingly impressive when you realize that this has only come about rapidly with the introduction of HTPs," said Nancy Loucas, Executive Director of the Coalition of Asia-Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA). Cannot view this image? Visit: https://media.zenfs.com/en-us/eqs_uk_988/c17adc9ad3dd1c3ed50795c4db69e99f



Prof. David Sweanor, one of the study's authors To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7190/56916_1114713b647d2a4e_001full.jpg Canadian and American researchers looked at how trends in the sale of cigarettes in Japan between 2011 and 2019 correspond to the sales of HTPs that were introduced into the Japanese market in late 2015. Using data from the Tobacco Institute of Japan and Philip Morris International (PMI), the researchers concluded that the accelerated five-fold decline in cigarette only sales in Japan since 2016 corresponds to the introduction and growth in the sales of HTPs. Cigarette sales in Japan were declining slowly and steadily before HTPs were introduced in 2015. Entitled "What Is Accounting for the Rapid Decline in Cigarette Sales in Japan?", the study was published on May 20, 2020 in the peer-reviewed open access scientific journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. HTPs are smoke-free devices that heat, instead of burn, specially-designed tobacco units to release a flavorful nicotine-containing tobacco vapor. As tobacco is not burned, the levels of harmful chemicals produced by HNB products are significantly lower compared to combustible cigarette smoke. The most popular HTP brand is IQOS, a product of PMI. Consumers' interest and the regulatory environment shape markets, according to Professor David T. Sweanor of the Faculty of Law of University of Ottawa, one of the study's authors. He explained that Japanese regulations precluded alternatives to combustible cigarettes, such as nicotine-containing vaping products. However, HTPs generated huge interest among smokers in Japan. "As more [smokers] adopted the alternative, they helped speed switching by others. I think this gives us an indication of just how much more rapidly countries could reduce cigarette use if there were many different low-risk alternatives available and policies and public education campaigns facilitated a widespread move away from [combustible] cigarettes." Prof. Sweanor believes Japan is a success story in tobacco harm reduction. "We have seen the most rapid decline in cigarette sales ever witnessed in a major market. A third of the cigarette market was gone in a remarkably short period of time, and this was accomplished with a non-coercive measure. People who smoke cigarettes were simply provided with a viable alternative." Governments in the Asia Pacific region that seek to ban or limit the access of smokers to HTPs and other safer nicotine alternatives should look to Sweden which for decades has promoted the shift to low-risk non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes, said Prof. Sweanor. "Now we have evidence that a range of low-risk products can help us rapidly achieve the smoking rate targets of the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals. To seek to ban or limit access to such products protects the cigarette industry rather than public health." Commenting on the future of smokers in Asia Pacific where HTPs will soon be available, Prof. Sweanor stressed that policies should empower people to take control of their health. "Ensuring that a range of low-risk alternatives are not only on the market but have regulatory and tax advantages over cigarettes has the potential to transform public health. We have long known that people smoke for nicotine but die from the smoke. Cigarette smoking is a public health catastrophe that can be massively reduced through science and technology if policies can be oriented toward replacing rather than protecting the cigarette business." The publication of the new study is timely as it comes on the heels of the celebration of World Vape Day on May 30, 2020. Observed a day before World No Tobacco Day, World Vaping Day aims to raise awareness on e-cigarettes or vapes and encourage smokers who are unable to quit on their own or with currently available smoking cessation tools to switch to safer nicotine products. "Safer nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, are the most disruptive influence on smoking in decades. These are the innovations that have the potential to save millions of lives in the Asia Pacific region as well as globally," added Nancy Loucas. According to Loucas, the most popular form of safer nicotine products in northern Asia are HTPs. Like Japan, Korea has shown similar sales and uptake of HTPs, with corresponding declines in combustible tobacco use. These data show that the substitution of combustible tobacco with reduced-risk products has the potential to be a highly effective tobacco harm reduction strategy, she explained. "So, it is very disheartening that countries in Asia Pacific, like Korea and the Philippines, are looking to either ban and/or reduce access and choice of all forms of tobacco harm reduced products for their smoking citizens." "Japan's success in reducing smoking prevalence through HTPs should be a wakeup call to local policymakers. Quit or die aren't the only choices for smokers," said Peter Paul Dator, president of The Vapers Philippines. "This new study lends further credence to adopting tobacco control policies based on a harm reduction model," said Stephanie Thuesen, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at The Progressive Public Health Alliance in Australia. "Policymakers in Thailand, which has been ranked the worst country in the world to be in if you are a vaper, should listen to Prof. Sweanor. Banning or limiting access to safer nicotine products only serve to protect the cigarette industry rather than public health," said Asa Ace Saligupta who runs the ECST. About CAPHRA The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is an alliance of consumer organizations from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand that aims to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use. MEDIA CONTACT: Jena Fetalino (63)9178150324 jena@jfprc.com Prof. David Sweanor, one of the study's authors

"We have seen the most rapid decline in cigarette sales ever witnessed in a major market." Related Links

International journal of Environmental Research and Public Health To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56916 Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser,to view the associated documents http://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56916

News Source: Newsfile



31.05.2020 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


After a night of chaos as protests erupted late into the night in more than 30 cities across the United States amid anger over the killing of George Floyd, President Donald Trump did not seem to be in a conciliatory mood on Saturday. In a four-tweet thread, Trump warned that the protesters who had gathered outside the White House Friday night would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen, if they had managed to breach the White House fence. Trump also praised the Secret Service officers that confronted the protesters who gathered at Lafayette Park Friday night as the White House was placed under lockdown. The president also dismissed the hundreds of people who gathered outside the White House Friday, saying they had little to do with the memory of George Floyd.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

....have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen. Thats when people would have been really badly hurt, at least. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action. We put the young ones on the front line, sir, they love it, and....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2020

The protests that took place outside the White House Friday, were only a small slice of the demonstrations that engulfed dozens of cities across much of the United States as thousands took to the streets to protest police violence. Protests that began peacefully quickly devolved into chaos as the night progressed, leading to lots of damaged property and at least two people killed. In Detroit, a man fired shots from a vehicle into demonstrators and killed a 19-year-old man while in Oakland one Federal Protective Service Officer died after he was shot.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed Monday, protesters ignored a curfew as fires burned throughout the city and the governor recognized authorities are not able to contain the growing demonstrations. Although authorities had warned they would more forcefully respond to protesters, the governor later recognized the demonstrations had become too overwhelming. We do not have the numbers, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground. The governor warned the same chaos would likely reign on Saturday as the Pentagon reportedly ordered the Army to put military police units on alert at Trumps request. We are out here because we, as a generation, realize things have to change, one protester said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, thousands of protesters filled the streets and police arrested lots of people amid violent clashes that led to injuries. We dont ever want to see another night like this, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter. There were also violent scenes out of Atlanta where fires burned and windows were smashed at the CNN Center, the networks headquarters. The mayor called on protesters to go home. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., she said. This is chaos. In Portland, police declared a riot as the mayor declared a state of emergency and instituted a curfew. In Los Angeles, police also declared an unlawful assembly as protesters clashed with police for hours after a peaceful demonstration turned violent. A demonstration in Houston, where Floyd grew up, also turned chaotic and at least a dozen people were arrested. Clashes between protesters and police were also reported in Dallas and San Jose, Calif.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The protests broke out hours after Derek Chauvin, the white officer who held his knee on Floyds neck for almost nine minutes, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Students on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, NJ Several key task forces have been formed to focus on different aspects of operating our campuses in the fall, said University President Christopher Capuano. Throughout our planning, we will continue to be guided by one overwhelming priority  the health and safety of our community members.

Fairleigh Dickinson University will welcome students back to both the Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck and the Florham Campus in Madison for the fall semester beginning August 17, with the first three weeks of instruction online, face-to-face instruction resuming September 8, and the semester ending on November 24 announced University president, Christopher Capuano, in an email to the University community.

FDU is preparing carefully for the Fall 2020 semester. We are developing multiple plans that will enable us to open our campuses safely while operating consistently with public health and governmental guidelines. Several key task forces within the University have been formed to focus on different aspects of operating our campuses in the fall, said Capuano. Throughout our planning, we will continue to be guided by one overwhelming priority  the health and safety of our community members.

Schedule Changes for Fall 2020

The Fall 2020 semester will start on Monday, August 17, a week earlier than originally planned, and end on Tuesday, November 24, before the Thanksgiving holiday. We will eliminate the October break and one of the two reading days to condense the semester into this new schedule. This will help community members avoid the need to travel back and forth for breaks and will reduce the time that community members need to be on campus during the colder months that may bring a potential risk of resurgence in COVID-19 cases.

The first three weeks of the semester will be taught online, with face-to-face instruction beginning no earlier than September 8, the day after Labor Day. This gradual and blended approach of returning to face-to-face instruction and incorporating online instruction can be easily modified should situations arise for an extended period of remote learning at any point.

In finishing the fall semester by Thanksgiving, our new academic calendar also enables us to offer a more robust set of online winter courses during December and January that will benefit students and help them complete their degree requirements sooner, as well as participate in longer and more meaningful internship experiences if so desired.

Returning to Campus

We are hopeful that students who intend to live on campus will be allowed to start returning to campus beginning August 17 if they wish, but only if permitted by local, state and federal guidelines at that time. We will be updating our plans as these guidelines are issued. Nevertheless, regardless of when students are able to be on campus again, campus operations will be aligned with recommendations provided by public health and governmental authorities. And, we certainly expect that there will need to be adjustments to certain aspects of campus life, as well as protocols and routines established to help ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of our entire University community. A second task force is working on developing such protocols and routines, which will be critical to the operation of our campuses.

Enhanced Online Instruction

Our faculty did an outstanding job this past semester transitioning to online instruction. Moreover, most of our full-time faculty will spend significant time this summer preparing courses with online dimensions for the fall, with the goal of making the virtual learning experience even better for our students.

Safety and Health

We will have protocols in place for testing, contact tracing, and isolation if necessary. Residence life and campus activities will be guided by public health requirements, such as physical distancing and reduced density if warranted. We will modify campus environments like dining halls as needed. While it is too early to know the particular details for many of these operations, we will update everyone as we learn more information and tailor our programs and environments to these requirements accordingly.

Stay up to date with the current announcements online

About Fairleigh Dickinson University

Devoted to the preparation of world citizens, Fairleigh Dickinson University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including doctoral programs in pharmacy, nursing practice, clinical psychology and school psychology; and an AACSB-accredited business school. Degree programs are offered on two New Jersey campuses and at two international campuses: Wroxton College, in Oxfordshire in England, and the Vancouver Campus, in British Columbia, Canada. For more information, visit FDU.edu.
STAMFORD  On a day when a new report revealed minority populations true vulnerability to COVID-19, Gov. Ned Lamont toured Stamfords Building One Community Friday to see how the non-profit has redefined its mission and services to immigrants in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

Building One Community takes care of a population that has given so much back to the community all the time, Lamont said. Now they have needs of their own and Building One Community is helping them.

The governors visit, accompanied by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Stamford Mayor David Martin, came on the heels of new anlyses that revealed Hispanic residents in the state are much more likely to die from the virus than white residents. Black residents, already known to be more susceptible than whites, are even more vulnerable than previously believed. The new findings contradicted, and reversed, previous reports from the state.

Lamont noted the high percentage of Hispanic residents in Stamford who have been infected by the coronavirus.

Forty seven percent of the people infected in this city are Hispanic, 60 percent of those who are infected are men, Lamont said. So what Building One Community does is so important.

A comprehensive resource center for immigrants, Building One Community offers free services including English language and citizenship classes, legal services and employment programs. However, since the coronavirus outbreak, the organization has shifted its focus to providing emergency assistance.

When COVID-19 started hitting the area, we knew what the people we were working with and helping were going to need, Building One Community Executive Director Catalina Horak said. We started a whole new program, directing food to people.

In the last eight weeks, she said, the organization has provided food and financial assistance to more than 750 clients.

Among the people we work with, so many are, or have been effected by COVID-19, Horak said. As an organization, we knew those things (food, money) were important.

In late March, Building One Community set up a COVID-19 Response Fund. The fund has raised money to provide assistance to families facing sudden unemployment.

Lamont, Bysiewicz and Martin spent time Friday talking to Horak, Senior Director of Programs Anka Badurina and others about where the food provided to the families comes from and the number of calls the organization receives daily from the community it serves.

Lamont also learned that COVID-19 testing will take place at Building One Community.

We just learned a half an hour before the governor was here that the city was providing testing here on Thursday, Badurina said. We will receive more information about that soon.

Numerous donors have contributed to the organizations COVID-19 Response Fund. Bank of America, which has had a longstanding relationship with Building One Community, provided a grant of $30,000 on April 15.

Having that support from Bank of America was huge, Horak said. It came at a time when we were trying to comprehend the magnitude of this. It helped us be creative in supporting our community, fund our employees and continue our programs.

Immigrant communities have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, noted Bill Tommins, the Southern Connecticut Market President for Bank of America.

Partnering with Building One Community ensures these families have continued support, he said.

According to Horak, the organization assists approximately 3,500 people a year who hail from more than 100 countries. More than 100 people volunteer at the agency.

What we have seen, from corporations to individuals, is that people care about the community, Horak said.

Though the center is not open to visitors due to the coronavirus, it is still offering virtual services such as English classes and legal consultation on immigration issues by phone and video.

To donate to Building One Community COVID-19 Response Fund, visit: building1community.org

dfierro@greenwichtime.com
Quiz (AMC at 9) The story of how Charles and Diana Ingram attempted a heist on the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and how they were caught.
China firmly opposes US act to end sanctions waiver against Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Beijing, May 29, IRNA -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that China firmly opposes US recent decision to end sanctions waiver against Iran.

"The US has chosen to stick to its maximum pressure campaign on Iran," Lijian said addressing a regular press conference.

"The US has not only unilaterally withdrawn from the JCPOA in violation of the UNSCR, but also ratcheted up efforts to thwart other parties' implementation of the deal," he added.

"Its latest decision to end sanctions waiver on relevant nuclear projects hampers the international non-proliferation progress and shared efforts to preserve the JCPOA," Chinese diplomat noted.

"It demonstrates its consistent pattern of unilateral and hegemonic practice," Lijian said adding, "China is firmly opposed to that."

"The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a multilateral agreement endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, is an important component of the international non-proliferation regime and is essential to peace and stability in the Middle East," the diplomat added

"Arrangements in this deal regarding nuclear programs reflects a balance of Iran's non-proliferation obligations and rights to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and embodies the purpose and principle of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," Lijian said.

"Complying with and acting on these arrangements serves all parties' common interests and is a shared responsibility," he added.

"The Arak reactor conversion is an important part of the JCPOA and a joint project of parties to the agreement. China is ready to work with other parties to continue upholding the deal and safeguarding its own legitimate rights and interests."

US Secretary of State in a message earlier said, "Today, I am ending the sanctions waiver for JCPOA-related projects in Iran, effective in 60 days. Iran's continued nuclear escalation makes clear this cooperation must end."

"Further attempts at nuclear extortion will only bring greater pressure on the regime," Pompeo added.

He also blacklisted two more Iranian nuclear officials, saying, "Iran's scientists need to make a choice: pursue peaceful work outside of the proliferation realm, or risk being sanctioned."

9376**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The General Statistics Office reported on May 29 that exports during the January-May period fell 1.7% to US$99.36 billion while imports shrank by 3.8% to US$97.48 billion.

Exports by domestic enterprises rose 10.4% to reach US$33.3 billion while exports from the foreign sector slumped by 6.9% with revenues of US$66.06 billion, official data shows.

On the import side, both Vietnamese and foreign enterprises recorded respective decreases of 3.2% and 4.3%.

The United States remained the largest buyer of Vietnamese goods in the first five months of 2020 with US$24.6 billion, up 8.2% compared with the same period in 2019, followed by Chinas at US$16.3 billion, up 20% year on year.

In the meantime, exports to the EU plunged by 12% to US$12.9 billion and shipments to ASEAN countries plummeted by 13.4% to US$9.4 billion.

Exports to Japan climbed by 2.2% while exports to the Republic of Korea dropped by 0.5%.

China was the largest source of Vietnamese imports with US$28.9%, followed by the Republic of Korea and ASEAN.
State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Hungary postpones the opening of checkpoints on the border with Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of the Western regional administration of the State Border Service.



It is reported that Hungarian border guards will inform about the resumption of the work of checkpoints.



The border guards of the Mukachevo detachment informed their Hungarian colleagues about the opening of the Luzhniki, Vilok, Zvonkove and Kosine checkpoints.



Earlier it was reported that the work of the Shegini-Medinka foot crossing on the Ukrainian-Polish border was resumed.

Related: Greece opens its borders for tourists: Ukraine not included in list

On May 29, Ukraine's State Border Guard resumed the work of six checkpoints on the border with Moldova. Two of these are railway road checkpoints. The press office of the authority reported that on Friday afternoon.

There are certain circumstances that complicate the procedure on Ukraine-Slovakia border. On May 28, the sides were about to open four checkpoints in Zakarpattya region - Uzhgorod, Tysa, Dyakovo and Malyi Bereznyi. However, Ukrainian border guards claim that there's still no regulation of the passing procedure. The checkpoints are working in the quarantine mode. Cars are only allowed to cross the border as long as a person that crosses the border owns a Slovakian ID that confirms the residence permit.
Mumbai, May 30 : Several Bollywood personalities including Arshad Warsi, Milind Soman and Ranvir Shorey have joined the ongoing "Boycott China" campaign on social media.

Warsi took to Twitter and shared that he is consciously going to avoid using Chinese goods.

"I am consciously going to stop using everything that is Chinese. As they are a part of most of the things we use, it will take time but I know, one day I'll be Chinese free. You should try it too," he wrote.

Actor-model Milind Soman said he is no longer using the Chinese short-video making application TikTok. "Am no longer on tiktok. #BoycottChineseProducts," tweeted Soman.

Actor Ranvir Shorey simply wrote: "Bilkul. Beshaq. #BoycottChina. #CKMKB." The hashtags #BoycottChineseProducts and #BoycottChina started trending after educator and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, whose life inspired the Aamir Khan-starrer "3 Idiots", shared a video on YouTube urging all to avoid Chinese goods amid the growing tensions between India and China in Ladakh. Netizens and a string of known personalities alike have followed Wangchuk's lead.

Among them is television actress Kamya Punjabi requested everyone to use only Indian goods.

"I never had such apps on my phone. Would like to request all who have commercials attached with such chinese products to use alternative Be Indian buy Indian #BoycottChineseProducts," Kamya tweeted.

Writer Raaj Shaandilyaa asked everyone to join the "Boycott China" movement.

"Boycott "MADE IN CHINA" movement ka hissa bane... aur apne desh ki pragati main yogdaan dein. Jai Hind Jai Bharat. (be a part of the boycott Made In China movement and help in the prosperity of your country.) #BoycottMadeInChina," Shaandilyaa tweeted.

Celebrity photographer Atul Kasbekar praised US President Donald Trump, who gave a strong speech on Friday against China.

Kasbekar wrote: "You can make all the memes you want about Pres. Trump but you have to admire the guts he's shown in taking on the Chinese govt. Fact is they've shown no sense of accountability for the pandemic and someone needed to call them out. Rest of the world should join in isolating them."
533 Shares Share

Weve all heard the phrase, survival of the fittest. It suggests that in the competitive, free market world, it is the best who survives and its the cream that rises to the top. But is that true for doctors? Do patients get better care when competition rules the health care marketplace?

A few years ago, a doctor from a large primary care group contacted me to give a talk to the staff and to potentially become part of their referral network. Its so hard to find a good dermatologist in New York! the doctor complained.

Really? I thought to myself. In New York?

New York City has the highest concentration of dermatologists in the nationif not the world. Whereas in many parts of the country, there are indeed dermatology deserts where people wait 4 to 6 months, and/or have to drive two hours, to see a board-certified dermatologist, in Manhattan, patients can often find a specialist to see them the same day. In the Big Apple, if patients cannot get in within a couple of weeks, they can go somewhere else. As a doctor, you are never too popular to get no shows if people have to schedule appointments too far out. They dont have to wait. I once found skin allergy patches on the back of a new patient who had come in for a second opinion. He had scheduled the same day and had just seen another dermatologist  a few hours prior.

Sometimes patients complained that it was hard to find a good dermatologist  but I figured it was because they didnt work in health care. But still, the statement seemed dissonant. I had excellent, young colleagues leave New York because they couldnt fill their schedules. Why then were patients who complained they couldnt find a good doctor not flocking to their offices? How were patients, and even referring doctors, perceiving such scarcity in what felt like a saturated market? Here are some possibilities:

1. Blocking doctors. Sometimes health care systems refuse to make patients aware of all their options. Years ago, an internist who used to send a significant number of patients to my office suddenly stopped. We had always received great feedback. Shortly after, I met her at a social event and pulled me aside. Im so sorry I had to stop referring to you, she said, blushing. The hospital administrators got upset with me and said that I was only allowed to refer to the doctors at our hospital, she whispered. Sometimes systems dont let new board-certified doctors join, yet, midlevel providers with a fraction of the training are instead available.

2. Marketing. In a competitive market, marketing becomes more significant. Marketing is simply making the public aware of your service. Many think of marketing as unethical. If you think your service benefits the public, however, one could argue its unethical not to market. The problem is that when the choice of doctors is driven by marketing, it can ironically make it harder to find the good doctor, or a doctor at all, versus the good marketer. Anyone can market. Not just anyone is a good doctor. With marketing, a patient has to be savvy. Does the patient know the difference between someone marketed as a board-certified dermatologist (a physician who has accredited training) versus a dermatologist who may, or may not be, board-certified in some other specialty but want to practice dermatology? Does the patient know the difference between board-certified doctors and mid-level providers who may have had only two years of school and no accredited training? Sometimes we perceive that there is no good board-certified dermatologist although they are there because of all the noise.

3. Dermatologists dont take insurance. For some reason, there is a popular myth that no dermatologists take insurance. If you look at most insurance directories, however, that is clearly not true. Yes, of course, some dont. Even then, sometimes, the cash fees are affordable. Get the facts. And by the way, even when a doctor participates in your health insurance, cosmetic procedures are not covered.

4. Valuing perceived convenience over expertise. Shortly before the coronavirus pandemic, a long-time patient started her visit with the comment, youre gonna be mad at me. I asked her why. A month prior, she had had a flare-up of a condition I had diagnosed and treated years ago. Instead of coming to me, or another dermatologist, to manage it had she gone to a nearby walk-in clinic. There were no appointments here, she defended. That wasnt true. What happened? I asked. They said they didnt know what she had. This was not a surprise as it was a specialist level problem. She was not, however, referred to a board-certified dermatologist. She was instead given multiple prescriptions. She didnt get better. She sought help, again, this time at a dermatology office  but one staffed by a physician assistant. It was so convenient, she defended. There she got a diagnosis, but it was incorrect. Even if it had been the right one, the dosing of the medication was off. There was no improvement, so she came back to see me. She had always had access to expertise  but it was out marketed by perceived convenience. But, in fact, it was less convenient and more expensive. Treatment was delayed. There was a convenience fee. She paid extra copays for visits and prescriptions. It exposed her to potential medication side effects. Its not that I should be mad at you, I said to her. You should be mad at you. We laughed although it really wasnt funny. Its a shame that in free market medicine that patients have to be such savvy consumers, even when they do have access to good care.

One expects it to be hard to find a good doctor where there are few. But, ironically, in competitive markets it can be hard to access one even where there are many.

Dina Strachan is a dermatologist and author of Moxie Mindset: Secrets of Building a Profitable, Independent Physicians Practice in a Competitive Market. She can be reached at her self-titled site, Dr. Dina Strachan, and on Twitter @drdinamd.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
'Should Amazon go ahead with the deal, which is not yet certain, it may help assuage concerns about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on Dublin's real estate market, which is in part underpinned by US firms'

Amazon is in talks to rent an office block in Dublin with space for about 750 workers, according to sources.

The online retail giant is in negotiations to lease the 2 Burlington Plaza office block in central Dublin, according to the source.

The 6,967sqm building is currently occupied by Bank of Ireland.

Amazon does not comment on rumours or speculation, a company spokesman said by email.

Should Amazon go ahead with the deal, which is not yet certain, it may help assuage concerns about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on Dublin's real estate market, which is in part underpinned by US firms.

Demand for office space in the city fell 21pc in the first quarter of the year compared to the last three months of 2019, according to analysis from CBRE.

Twitter will allow employees to work from home permanently, while Facebook and Alphabet's Google unit do not expect most staff to return to the office until 2021.

Hire

All three tech giants have offices in Dublin.

Amazon employed about 2,500 people in Ireland at the end of 2018, according to the most recent accounts available for its Irish business, and said it would hire 1,000 more people in June 2018.

The company already has offices nearby in the Burlington Plaza complex, and is in the process of setting up its first fulfilment centre in Ireland on the outskirts of the city.

The pandemic has raised concerns as to whether globalisation will be thrown into reverse, with the US leading the way with protectionist measures and seeking to re-shore manufacturing of pharmaceuticals that is based elsewhere.

Ireland is one of Europe's exporting powerhouses and, relative to the size of the economy, trade is far more significant here than it is in Germany.

The State's low tax business model is also under threat from proposed new global tax rules which would hit the technology sector especially hard.

Research from consultancy EY earlier this week suggested that the majority of foreign investment currently planned for Ireland would go ahead despite the risks from coronavirus.
Tokyo Set to Allow More Businesses to Reopen

By VOA News May 29, 2020

Tokyo officials announced Friday that, beginning Monday, they will allow additional businesses, including theaters, cinemas, fitness gyms and retailers to reopen after a coronavirus state of emergency ended this week.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared an end to a seven-week emergency, saying COVID-19 infections have subsided enough to resume social and economic activity under a "new normal" requiring physical distancing and other disease prevention measures.

At a news briefing, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said the city is now ready to move to Step 2 of a three-phase plan to gradually reopen businesses in the city. But as Tokyo reported 22 new coronavirus cases Friday, she raised concerns of an underlying risk and a possible second wave of infections.

While Koike said infections are not accelerating and Tokyo hospitals now have space, she urged residents to keep their guard up and take ample precautions as they now must live "with corona." She said with no vaccine or reliable treatment yet available, "the only measure we can take against the spread of the virus is, at the end of the day, up to our own strong will and actions."

Koike said we all must "live alongside corona ... with appropriate fear."

In the city of Kitakyushu in southern Japan, 43 new cases were reported this week after a three-week hiatus, prompting the city to close some businesses again.

Koike said libraries, museums and schools  considered to be lowest risk  reopened in Tokyo this week. Under Step 2, theaters, cinemas, fitness gyms, private tutoring schools and retailers can resume businesses, and some gatherings can take place as well.

Night clubs, karaoke and live music houses, which are considered more prone to infections, will be last and their safety guidelines are still being worked out.

Even though its emergency measures only involved requests for social distancing and some business closures, Japan so far has about 16,700 cases and 870 deaths, significantly fewer than many other countries.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Demonstrators took to New York City streets on Friday for a second day in protest of the death of George Floyd, the black Minnesota man killed in police custody, and invoked the names of other black people who died at police hands.
Adnan Toutah, one of Elkhalaks instructors at the Elwyn El Quds school, described him a quiet student who worked in the kitchen and took the same route to school every day. Elkhalak was nervous around the police and soldiers who patrol the Old City, said Toutah, who is also a neighbor of the family. He said Elkhalak was their only son.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 00:12:44|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A yacht sails on the Tianchi lake of Tianchi scenic area in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Sadat)

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Friday expressed China's strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the passing of a bill on Xinjiang-related issues by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020" smeared and criticized the human rights situation in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and China's Xinjiang policies, slandered China's efforts in counter-terrorism and de-radicalization, flagrantly interfered in China's internal affairs. China deplores and firmly opposes that, Zhao said.

"Xinjiang-related issues are not about human rights, ethnicity or religion, but about fighting violence, terrorism and separatism," said the spokesperson.

He said a series of measures taken in Xinjiang by the Chinese government have been endorsed by residents of various ethnic groups there and commended by the international community.

The U.S. accusations on Xinjiang-related issues are entirely against objective facts and the basic norms governing international relations, which further reveals America's double standards on counter-terrorism and further exposes its malicious intentions to interfere in China's internal affairs, according to the spokesperson.

Zhao said the Xinjiang affairs are purely China's domestic affairs that allow no foreign interference. "We urge the United States to correct its mistakes immediately, stop using Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs and not to go further down the wrong path." 
The Congress on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modis first year of his second term in office as a period of disappointment, disastrous management, and diabolical pain. It said that at the end of its six years in power, it appears that the Modi government is at war with its people, inflicting wounds instead of healing them.

Over the last six years, India witnessed a steady increase in the politics of distraction and false noise, said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal. Never before has a government been so at odds with itself and its own people. India was the beacon of democracy in the region but now under the Modi government, we risk becoming a cautionary tale.

The Congress called it somewhat surprising that the Bharatiya Janata Party still has not grasped the most fundamental lesson of governance in a democracy. We are elected to serve, listen, protect and uplift. Not to divide, mislead and distract, said Venugopal as the Modi government completed the first year of his second term in office on Saturday.

The Congress said Modi came to power promising 20 million jobs annually in 2014, but India has witnessed the highest unemployment rate in the last 45 years in 2017-18. It added after Covid-19 wrecked the Indian economy, the unemployment rate has soared to an unprecedented 27.11%.

The Congress said the GDP under the Modi government has become synonymous with Grossly Declining Performance and alleged that the economy had been mismanaged to the point of ruin.
Around 400 German managers, workers and family members have begun returning to China aboard charter flights as multinational companies in the worlds second-largest economy seek to get their operations running again at full speed.

A pair of flights from Frankfurt to the Chinese business hubs of Tianjin and Shanghai were organized by the German Chamber of Commerce in China in cooperation with Germanys diplomatic missions and airline Lufthansa and are the first repatriation flights from Europe to China for foreign nationals. China has largely banned all foreigners from entering China because of the coronavirus outbreak.

This is an important step to reconnect Chinas and Germanys economies, Jens Hildebrandt, executive director of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China, was quoted as saying in a news release. It is our common interest to contribute in helping the economy return to normalcy and pre-virus levels. More than 5,200 German companies operate in China, employing more than 1 million people. We know there is a huge demand in the German business community to get more foreign employees back to China, Hildebrandt was quoted as saying.

The first flight with 200 passengers was due to arrive shortly before noon on Saturday in Tianjin, a port city just east of the capital Beijing. Another flight to Shanghai. The second flight was expected to arrive in Shanghai around midday on Thursday, June 4.
BEIRUT, Lebanon  In northern Yemen, more and more people are falling ill and dying after having trouble breathing, yet the Iran-backed group that controls the region, the Houthis, has acknowledged only a few coronavirus deaths.

In southern Yemen, where two groups that previously fought the Houthis together have turned on each other, mortality rates have more than tripled compared with last year.

The coronavirus appears to have slammed into Yemen, a country already staggering from five years of war, competing power centers, a health care system in ruins, widespread hunger and outbreaks of cholera and other infectious diseases.

But the denial of the outbreak in the Houthi-controlled north, the absence of clear authority in the divided south and the drying-up of aid everywhere have hobbled any hope of limiting the viruss spread, leaving health care workers and hospitals ill-equipped to cope with it and the public confused and suspicious of efforts to combat it.
Hundreds of IRA terrorists could have convictions quashed after the Supreme Court upheld a complaint from Gerry Adams, legal experts have warned.

Britains top judges ruled that the 1970s jailing of the former IRA man turned Sinn Fein president was unlawful on a technicality.

Adams was jailed for four-and-a-half years after two escape attempts from internment at the Maze Prison in 1973 and 1974.

But earlier this month Supreme Court Justice Lord Kerr ruled that, because Adamss imprisonment was not considered personally by then Northern Ireland Secretary Willie Whitelaw, it was invalid.

Now former Cabinet Ministers and legal experts fear this could open the door to hundreds of similar republican convictions during the Troubles being quashed.

Court battle: Hundreds of IRA terrorists could have convictions quashed after the Supreme Court upheld a complaint from Gerry Adams (pictured)

Backing a new report from the think tank Policy Exchange titled Mishandling The Law, former Attorney General Geoffrey Cox slammed the ruling, warning: It exposes the Government to the risk  or certainty  of numerous legal proceedings for false imprisonment, to which it will have no defence.

The reports author, Oxford law professor Richard Ekins, told The Mail on Sunday the Supreme Court had got it badly wrong.

Gerry Adams should not have secured this victory in the Supreme Court, he said.

The fact that he did  because of the courts misunderstanding of how government works  means there is likely to be an avalanche of new litigation, which could lead to the State wrongly paying large sums in compensation to Mr Adams and others who were detained in the 1970s.

Mr Adams twice attempted to escape from Maze prison (pictured), also known as Long Kesk internment camp, near Belfast in the 1970s

The Government should intervene as fast as possible, inviting Parliament to enact a new law which makes clear this detention was perfectly lawful and thus rules out further litigation.

In a foreword to the report, Mr Cox, a noted QC, added: In allowing [Adamss] appeal, the Supreme Court has opened the door to further legal proceedings, which may require payment of compensation to Adams and others for their detention.

This consequence of Gerry Adamss victory before the Supreme Court may itself warrant legislative intervention, as the authors argue, but more troubling still are the judgments wider implications for how government is carried out.

The notion that the detention could not have been signed off by someone more junior in government, as in the Adams case and many others, has sparked fierce criticism.

Mr Cox said: The Supreme Courts interpretation has an odd ring to it and does not reflect any governmental practice of which I am aware.

Supreme Court Justice Lord Kerr ruled that, because Adamss imprisonment was not considered personally by then Northern Ireland Secretary Willie Whitelaw, it was invalid. Pictured: File photo of the UK Supreme Court

A decision entrusted by Parliament to the Secretary of State may generally be taken in his name by a suitably qualified official.

And he warned the ruling also risked creating chaos, as so embedded is the principle in the practice of Whitehall, in our political culture and in the common law that any doubt or ambiguity in its application would have very significant and deleterious implications for the efficient organisation of government.

The report concludes that Ministers must legislate speedily to rectify matters with emergency laws shutting the loophole before fresh challenges are put forward.

Last night Lord Butler, the former Cabinet Secretary, vowed to raise the issue in the House of Lords next week.

He told The Mail on Sunday: In a time of national economic crisis, few can welcome the prospect that the Government might now be obliged to pay substantial damages to Mr Adams and to others detained during that period.
Someone sent this picture of ASI Ratan Singh feeding pigeons to Gunjan Anant, SHO Amar Colony. These feathered little fellows gather on the footpath to enjoy their meal served by Singh early morning. Ever since the lockdown started, people could not feed birds. So Singh took charge. He saves a portion of his salary and uses it to feed birds while patrolling around the city. I feel so proud of him, says the SHO.

ASI Ratan Singh says, it is his dharma to give back. Its everyone elses dharma too, but its sad that people dont understand this, he says.

Ratan is seen feeding the pigeons everyday in Delhis East of Kailash and Amar Colony. Locals used to feed the birds bajara and arrange water for them. But ever since the lockdown started, they were forced to stop feeding the birds. Thats when ASI Ratan Singh noticed that the birds were hungry and he stared feed them while patrolling around the city enforcing the lockdown.

Singh had no idea that someone had clicked his photo and shared with the SHO. The 59-year-old who will be retiring next year feels really humbled for all the blessings coming his way.

With utmost humility and simplicity, he says, Yeh koi badi baat nahin hai jo main karta hoon. Yeh bhi jeev hain. Humne toh bachpan se yahi sanskar diye hain maa ne. Ghareeb aadmi hoon, bade kaam toh kar nahi sakta. Jab chhote chhote kaam karenge, toh hi uddhar hoga. (The work that I am doing is no big deal. These (pigeons) are also living beings. These are the values that my mother gave me in my childhood. I am a poor man, I cant do big deeds, I can only do small deeds for redemption, says Singh who belongs to Jewar in Uttar Pradesh.

Singh had joined the police force in 1986 and ever since has been feeding stray animals, saving a portion of his salary for them.

There is a pot filled to the brim with water for birds and other stray animals in front of my gate. These creatures cant communicate with us, we dont understand their language, but that doesnt mean that we turn our faces away from their plight. In mein Parmatma ki atma hai, aur inki seva hi humara dharm hai (their service in our religion, god resides in them), he says.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prerna Gauba Prerna Gauba writes on fashion and food, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City. ...view detail
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 30

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 30, 4,661 tests were conducted to detect new cases of infection.

In accordance with the data, in general, 294,264 tests were conducted throughout the country.
After threatening to take action against social media that is not playing nice with Trump, the president late on Thursday signed an executive order that will attempt to limit the legal protections afforded to social media giants in direct response to Twitters fact-checking warnings on his presidential tweets.



Speaking from the Oval Office (not via Twitter, notably), Trump said: We're here today to defend free speech from one of the gravest dangers it has faced in American history, frankly. A small handful of powerful social media monopolies control the vast portion of all private and public communications in the United States."



He also accused the social media giants of having unchecked power to censor, restrict, edit, shape, hide, alter" the worlds opinions.



So, should Twitter be shaking in its ethereal boots? Perhaps not.



While Trump--who has used Twitter as a delivery tool for domestic and foreign policy--and whose campaign is suffering right now along with the COVID-19 pandemic that is crushing the economy--may be hoping that the executive order will be the pathway to tech regulations, more likely than not this is all just another round of drama. Other than having the appeal of an executive order, it seems to have no legislative teeth.



Mostly, it appears to be viewed as a desperate move by a desperate campaign.

Twitters response, in a statement, was this: This EO is a reactionary and politicized approach to a landmark law.



Attempts to control the media in a democratic country generally do not work.



According to Mark Van Vugt Ph.D., controlling the media is the 6th step in the 7 Steps to Becoming a Dictator.



China, Russia, Turkey, North Korea, Belarus, Iranare just some current examples when one person or state apparatus controls the media. Some use fear methodology (harassing and killing journalists). Some use modern technology (blocking the internet). Some shut down independent media outlets completely, while others create their own media empire.



For a multitude of reasons, none of these is likely to happen in the United States--present day, and an attempt to control the media is never Step 1 to becoming a dictator. Its Step 6 because the foundation must already be laid and the point of media control is survival.



Nonetheless, US President Donald Trump has just announced, not through official channels but ironically on Twitter itself, that he will "strongly regulate" or shut down social media platforms, which he has accused of silencing conservative viewpoints.

The threat came one day after Twitter for the first time added a fact-check warning to his tweets claiming that mail-in ballots are fraudulent.

Trump tweeted, without providing evidence:

Twitter put a warning label in the post and linked to a page that described the claims as "unsubstantiated".

Trump then accused the social media platform of interfering in the US presidential election scheduled for November, saying the social media giant was "completely stifling free speech, and I, as president, will not allow it to happen".

Trumps dissatisfaction with the media is not new. Ironically enough, he has been tweeting and talking endlessly about censorship, and not just with respect to social media. At one point, he threatened to revoke NBCs broadcast license, called to boycott AT&T due to CNN reporting, and wanted to regulate Google search results, among other things.

For years, Twitter has been criticized for allowing Trumps tweets to go untouched, while the average Twitter users would risk being deleted for violating policies on harassment.

In June last year, the company created a warning label to flag and suppress political tweets that break its rules on acceptable speech, and then, in October, Twitter announced that the social media platform would stop running political ads.

This month, the platform introduced a new policy on misleading information amid the coronavirus pandemic. President Trump was never a subject of any of the policies.

Even recent posts in which Trump promoted a conspiracy theory about the death of political aide Lori Klausutis, blaming a high-profile critic Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBCs Morning Joe, have not received the same treatment. Related: Gold Prices Fall As Stock Market Sentiment Turns Positive

Trumps tweets involve the death nearly two decades ago of Lori Kaye Klausutis and unfounded allegations that she was murdered by Scarborough when he was a lawmaker and she was on his staff.

Some 10% of Trumps tweets insulted or criticized journalists and outlets, or condemned and denigrated the news media as a whole, and many have responded with their own name-calling.

The president's tweets have had a global impact. His rhetoric has emboldened autocratic regimes in Cambodia and the Philippines who have happily echoed terms like "fake news" in their crackdowns on press freedom.

Prominent leaders or state media in at least 15 countries are using his fake news line to denounce their critics.

According to the annual list assembled by Wired magazine published in December, Trump is the most dangerous man on the internet, with more than a decade on social media, 36 tweets a day, and more than 80 million followers on Twitter.

President Trump tops the list for a fifth time in a row, beating oppressive foreign leaders, terrorists, hackers.

Regardless of the outcome of the 2020 election, Trump's use of social media as an unfiltered, un-fact-checked megaphone has unlocked a new era of ideocratic politics, one that will likely never again be constrained to press conferences and official statements, the report said.

Social media is indeed a double-edged sword, both for leaders and citizens. On one side, it is a perfect tool for leaders or state machinery to spread propaganda and disinformation. On the other hand, it can mobilize opposition and empower people to hold their leaders accountable.

In Trumps ideal world, he gets Twitter all to himself, and Twitter accounts would be handed out to fans alone.

By David Craggen for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:
ISLAMABAD - At least two people survived the crash of a Pakistan International Airlines plane near the Karachi airport Friday, according to Pakistani officials. The Airbus A320, which had 99 people aboard, struck a nearby residential neighborhood after experiencing a mechanical failure, an airline official said.

In the moments before the crash, the flight's captain radioed to report difficulties with the landing gear. The pilot then attempted an emergency landing, but the maneuver damaged a fuel tank and sent the plane careening into the nearby neighborhood, according to the airline official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Video from the scene shows a crowd of men carrying a survivor through a narrow alley strewn with debris. Behind them what appears to be part of the aircraft's fuselage is wedged between a house and a car, billowing smoke.

Aviation officials had previously said 107 people were on board the flight from Lahore to Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.

There was still no official word late Friday on the cause of the crash. The Pakistani army mounted a search and rescue effort, and helicopters were dispatched to the crash site to transport survivors.

"So far I can confirm that 2 passengers on board the PIA plane have miraculously survived the crash," Murtaza Wahab, a spokesman for Sindh province, where Karachi is located, said in a tweet. He said both were in stable condition.

A second local official, Syed Nasir Shah, also told Pakistani state television that at least two people had survived.

"As of now, rescue efforts are ongoing. However an inquiry has been launched," said Abdul Sattat Khokhar, a senior civil aviation official who serves as the spokesman for the crash response.

A prominent Pakistani journalist and the president of one of the country's largest banks were aboard the flight, and their families reported that they survived the crash, according to local media reports.

Local media also reported that more than two dozen residents of Model Colony, the poor, congested residential area where the plane crashed, were being treated for injuries at hospitals.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a statement shortly after the first reports of the crash emerged. He expressed his deep sorrow over the lives lost and said he had directed all relevant departments to extend relief, rescue efforts and medical aid to the injured. He also ordered an immediate investigation.

Khan tweeted that the airline's CEO was headed to Karachi to oversee rescue and relief efforts.

The crash occurred just days after domestic flights resumed in Pakistan as coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions were being lifted. The next few days are expected to be a busy travel time in Pakistan, as the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan falls this weekend and is traditionally celebrated by visiting relatives.

Pakistan International Airlines has long had a poor safety record. In 2016, a PIA domestic flight traveling from Chitral to Islamabad crashed, killing all 48 passengers and crew on board. And last year, a PIA flight landing at a small airport in the country's north crashed after skidding off the runway. All passengers survived, but the plane was severely damaged.

Witnesses of Friday's disaster said the airliner appeared to attempt to land two or three times before it crashed in Model Colony, the Associated Press reported.

Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar said at least five or six houses were destroyed in the crash, the AP said.

---

The Washington Post's Shaiq Hussain in Islamabad and Haq Nawaz Khan in Peshawar contributed to this report.
Iran promises 'good nuclear news' in reaction to recent US bans

Iran Press TV

Friday, 29 May 2020 9:34 AM

Iran says its nuclear progress will not be hindered by recent US sanctions against two of its nuclear scientists.

In a series of tweets on Friday, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) condemned the White House decision makers' move to place the names of two Iranian nuclear scientists in the list of the new US sanctions.

The decision depicts the "hostile approach" of the US government, the AEOI said.

Such moves "will not interrupt the will and determination" of the Iranian nation to achieve the country's far-reaching objectives, it added.

It warned that such moves will result in further progress of Iranian researchers and further weakening of Iran's adversaries in the global arena.

"Good news regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear industry is on the way," the AEOI added.

The comments came in reaction to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's tweet about new sanctions against Iranian nuclear scientists.

On Thursday night, the AEOI described the new sanctions as a "futile attempt" that would by no means undermine the Islamic Republic's nuclear progress and programs.

The Iranian hardworking researchers, especially those involved in the nuclear industry, consider such futile attempts as a sign of the enemy's failure, the AEOI said in a statement.

The United States this week also ended sanctions waivers for nuclear cooperation between Iran and the signatories of the landmark nuclear deal, from which the US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018.

Tehran said the desperate US move to end the sanctions waivers pulled final plug on the nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is merely peaceful as asserted by other signatories of the nuclear deal.

Russia, a signatory to the JCPOA, condemned the United States for undermining international security by ending waivers on the American sanctions that target Iran.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A man tries to toe away a car in a safe zone as the other car catches fire in a local parking garage on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. Chandan Khanna | Getty Images

As unrest spread across dozens of American cities on Friday, the Pentagon took the rare step of ordering the Army to put several active-duty U.S. military police units on the ready to deploy to Minneapolis, where the police killing of George Floyd sparked the widespread protests. Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders. Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours. The people did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations.

A women reads a bible in front of a line of National Guardsmen as the 8pm curfew approaches during protests sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Scott Olson | Getty Images

The get-ready orders were sent verbally on Friday, after President Donald Trump asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper for military options to help quell the unrest in Minneapolis after protests descended into looting and arson in some parts of the city. Trump made the request on a phone call from the Oval Office on Thursday night that included Esper, National Security Advisor Robert O' Brien and several others. The president asked Esper for rapid deployment options if the Minneapolis protests continued to spiral out of control, according to one of the people, senior Pentagon official who was on the call. "When the White House asks for options, someone opens the drawer and pulls them out so to speak." the official said. The person said the military units would be deployed under the Insurrection Act of 1807, which was last used in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles that followed the Rodney King trial. "If this is where the president is headed response-wise, it would represent a significant escalation and a determination that the various state and local authorities are not up to the task of responding to the growing unrest," Brad Moss, a Washington D.C.-based attorney, who specializes in national security.

A protester holds up a sign in front of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, on May 29, 2020 during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white policeman kneeled on his neck for several minutes. Nicholas Kamm | AFP | Getty Images

Members of the police units were on a 30-minute recall alert early Saturday, meaning they would have to return to their bases inside that time limit in preparation for deployment to Minneapolis inside of four hours. Units at Fort Drum are slated to head to Minneapolis first, according to the three people, including two Defense Department officials. Roughly 800 U.S. soldiers would deploy to the city if called. Protests erupted in Minneapolis this week after video emerged showing a police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck. Floyd later died of his injuries and the officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday. The protests turned violent and on Thursday rioters torched the Minneapolis Third Police Precinct near where Floyd was arrested. Mayor Jacob Frey ordered a citywide curfew at 8 p.m. local time, beginning on Friday. In that city, peaceful protests picked up steam as darkness fell, with thousands of people ignoring the curfew to walk streets in the southern part of the city. Some cars were set on fire in scattered neighborhoods, business break-ins began and eventually there were larger fires.

A protester gestures in front of a fire during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., early May 30, 2020. Lucas Jackson | Reuters

The unrest has since spread across the country, with protests, some violent, erupting in cities including Washington DC, Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver and Los Angelas. Follow updates about protests over George Floyd's death on the NBC News live blog. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered 500 of his National Guard troops into Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities. But a Pentagon spokesman said Walz did not ask for the Army to be deployed to his state. "The Department has been in touch with the Governor and there is no request for Title 10 forces to support the Minnesota National Guard or state law enforcement." Title 10 is the U.S. law that governs the armed forces, and would authorize active duty military to operate within the U.S. Alyssa Farah, the White House director of strategic communications said the deployment of active-duty military police is untrue.

Police officers intervene in demonstrators during a protest following the death of George Floyd outside of the CNN Center next to Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States on May 29, 2020. Ben Hendren | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Volunteers of the non profit organisation and charity group "Hunger has no Religion", wearing protective facemask, prepare portions of porridge to distribute to children for breakfast at an underprivileged areas, in Westbury suburb, in Johannesburg. (AFP)

Kampala: Bottlenecks at borders as government screen lorry drivers to contain the new coronavirus are putting the delivery of vital food supplies in East Africa at risk, the U.N.s World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday.

We could have problems feeding our beneficiaries ... if the situation doesnt improve, Julie MacDonald, WFPs deputy director in Uganda told Reuters. She said they only had enough food left for June.

The agency is shipping in 2,000 tonnes of beans and cooking oil to feed some of Ugandas 1.4 million refugees. Some of it is stuck at Kenyas Mombasa port and some is stuck at the Ugandan border, she said.

The line of lorries at the border town of Malaba between Kenya and Uganda stretched 60 km (37 miles) this week, said Mercy Ireri, an official from the Kenya Transport Association.

Kenyas port of Mombasa and Tanzanias Dar es Salaam are the main gateway to the Indian Ocean for several landlocked nations, including Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.

Uganda requires truck drivers from neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania to take coronavirus tests before they are allowed to enter. Tests are also being carried out on the Tanzania-Kenya border. But delays in returning results has forced truckers to wait for up to seven days, said Jackson Katende, spokesman of the Ugandan cargo transport industry body.

Business is at a standstill, he said.

Paralysis at the Uganda-Kenya border, he said, had more than doubled the time for goods to move from Mombasa to the Ugandan capital Kampala and raised costs by up to 40%.

Uganda started imposing restrictions on truckers late April after incoming drivers increasingly tested positive for the disease.

Africa has so far reported nearly 130,000 cases of the new coronavirus and 3,790 deaths, lower than many other continents, possibly due to its much younger population and early lockdowns by many African nations.

But authorities are on high alert because any spike could overwhelm decrepit health systems.

Uganda is the main transit point for cargo from Mombasa en route to Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the fact that WHO badly bungled its global COVID-19 response and abetted China's cover up of its own response, AHF believes U.S. membership and funding of WHO should continue, but must be conditioned on reform of the institution so that it can never again collude with a member state's cover up

AHF also sharply criticizes Trump Administration over its own COVID-19 response for deadly delays, lack of leadership and federal coordination, mismanagement of PPE and test kit supply chain and mishandling and manipulation of data locally and by the CDC, which have crippled the U.S. response

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) sharply criticized the Trump administration for its announcement earlier today that it is withdrawing U.S. membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) after cutting hundreds of millions in funding to the global organization in recent weeks.

Despite the fact that WHO badly bungled its global COVID-19 response and abetted China's cover up of its own response, AHF believes that U.S. membership in and funding of WHO should continue, but must be conditioned on reform of the institution so that it can never again collude with a member state's cover up, as it appears to have done with China.

"The fact that the World Health Organization's response to COVID-19 has fallen far short and that it aided China in covering up its own timeline and response to the pandemic does not justify pulling the United States out of the only international body working today to address global health issues like the deadly coronavirus," said Michael Weinstein, President of AHF. "We are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic that has already taken the lives of over 100,000 Americans and over 360,000 people worldwide. The Trump administration's action today reflects very poorly on the U.S. and will be catastrophic for global public health for years to come."

While AHF was one of the first nonprofit public health organizations to call for the declaration of COVID as a pandemic and one of the few organizations calling for the resignation of the director general of the World Health Organization for colluding with China in covering up the initial outbreak, AHF also recognizes that the domestic U.S. response to COVID-19 has been equally disappointing.

As a global leader, the U.S. has dropped the ball. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shipped out contaminated COVID-19 tests, rendering the nation's first test ineffective during the critical early stage of the outbreak. The U.S. government also ignored its own pandemic plans, which sat on bureaucratic shelves collecting dust, according to Kaiser Family Foundation. Absent a national plan to control the pandemic, state and local governments were left to compete for medical supplies, such as masks, ventilators, and diagnostic and antibody tests.

More recently, the CDC and 11 states were found to be co-mingling and reporting data on RNA testing for COVID-19-which shows an active coronavirus infection-together with antibody testing and reveals antibody presence of the virus in patients who have recovered from the infection. According to the New York Timesthat convoluted system " muddies the picture of the pandemic but raises the percentage of Americans tested as President Trump boasts about testing."

"Unfortunately, we at AIDS Healthcare Foundation have seen this before. In the early days of the HIV epidemic, many government and non-government institutions responsible for protecting public health failed to raise the necessary alarms while HIV spread needlessly throughout the world," said Terri Ford, Chief of Global Policy Advocacy for AHF.

WHO's similar dereliction of duty on the global front during the pandemic prompted this additional comment from AHF:

"If we can have an international system controlling air travel, we should also have an international convention on public health that demands at a minimum transparent, verifiable release of data. Clearly the World Health Organization has failed to lead, settling instead to ingratiate itself to a closed authoritarian member state. We call on the international community to wrest control of the WHO evaluation process and give that assignment to a trusted, neutral institution. The WHO should not be in a position to grade itself. Renewed membership and financial support for the WHO from the U.S. Government IS warranted but should be conditioned on top to bottom reform of the institution so it can never again collude with a member state's cover up," added AHF'sWeinstein.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.4 million individuals in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter @aidshealthcare.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200529005664/en/

Contacts:

John Hassell, National Director of Advocacy, AHF, +1.202.774.4854 cell, john.hassell@aidshealth.org

Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications, AHF, +1.323.791.5526 cell, gedk@aidshealth.org
India is making major strides towards incentivizing and expanding local production of major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung. The empowered committee of secretaries  the governing body for the countrys Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) program met on Friday and decided to remove and alter a few important clauses.

This has been done as a deliberate effort to attract more US investment, mainly by making India more attractive as a partner in the so-called China plus one strategy. Simply put, the changing and constantly-developing economic climate in China has been steadily making its workforce more expensive over the years. In light of that, many companies have been looking to shift parts of their production in an increasingly major capacity to other, more-competitive Asian countries, like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. That would be the plus one part to the long-standing China-centric manufacturing setup.

Some of the more major changes voted by the Empowered committee include the removal of a rule, which evaluated plant and machinery brought into the country at just 40% of its value. Various caps to the government PLI incentives have been altered as well, including some potentially worrying clauses that could previously enable the local government to not release incentive to companies, in certain conditions, if it lacked the money to do so. Other amendments to PLI rules include lowering the excessive amount of business information the government previously required beneficiaries to share, as well as clauses permitting the Empowered committee to unilaterally change investor rules.

In case you are wondering what the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) actually entails for manufacturers  it is an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales (over base year) of goods manufactured in India and covered under target segments, to eligible companies, for a period of five years. To benefit from said incentive, manufacturers will have to produce high-end phones (with freight on board value of more than $200) of more than INR 4,000 crore for the base year, followed by INR 8,000 crore, 15,000 crore, 20,000 crore and 25,000 crore, for the next four years, respectively. In case you are not familiar with the unit, 1 crore is INR 10,000,000.

Apple could, very well be the first to benefit from the new PLI conditions and is, reportedly, one of the main catalysts in negotiating them. Its contract manufacturers Wistron and Foxconn could soon be shifting a significant portion of iPhone production to India. Same goes for Pegatron  a third-party Apple partner, already in talks with the Indian government to relocate parts of its manufacturing there. If this all pans out, we have little doubt that others will follow Cupertino in incremental refocusing on production in India.

Source
Traffic will be prevented from entering Market Square from Castle Street.

There was strong support from elected members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council to a recommendation brought by officials that the town centre become a pedestrianised zone to help local businesses reopen following the Covid-19 crisis.

As highlighted on the front page of this newspaper last week, the plan, which was brought to the members' attention by District Manager Ger Mackey at last week's meeting of the local authority, would see Rafter Street, Weafer Street, Slaney Street and Market Square all become pedestrianised zones.

'I would recommend the pedestrianisation of Market Square, Rafter Street, Weafer Street and Slaney Street,' said Mr Mackey.

'It's a journey of discovery and I think it's [needed] to allow the likes of cafes to maximise footfall in the town centre area,' Mr Mackey told the members.

'We would propose that a steering group will meet to put a plan in place,' he said.

In response to a query from Cllr Jackser Owens, Mr Mackey said the steering group would report back to the members what it decides to do.

'There is broad support among the business community to what we are proposing,' said Mr Mackey. 'We will keep the members informed and if the members are concerned about anything the steering group will take that on board.'

Mr Mackey then highlighted some of the traffic flow changes that would be implemented to facilitate the plan.

'If you go down Main Street you will have to turn down Irish Street,' he said.

'The dynamics of this have to be worked out,' he added.

He also said that pedestrianisation would come into effect after 10 a.m. 'at the earliest, and possibly after 11 a.m.'.

'These are things that we have to work out,' he said.

Cllr Owens recalled when traffic flow in the town was changed before and in particular made reference to when traffic was restricted from going down Irish Street.

'It was a bad idea and we had to change it back again,' said Cllr Owens.

However, Mr Mackey then highlighted that the pedestrianisation plan would be implemented for the summer, in the first instance.

'It's to allow shops and cafes to trade on the street and to allow people to queue on the street if going into shops,' he said.

Mr Mackey said it was aimed at providing people with 'a safe shopping experience' in the town. He also suggested it will create a nice atmosphere in the town centre as well.

Cllr Aidan Browne said he welcomed any idea that was aimed at opening up the town again. However, he said that not all business owners were keen on the idea and asked if a survey could be done of all business owners in the town.

Cllr Browne then asked if a joint access scheme could be considered that would give priority right-of-way to pedestrians.

'We can look at that, and the steering group will look at it,' replied Mr Mackey.

'Of course this will not please everybody but you have to do what is right for the town and businesses,' he added.

'I would welcome the fact we are looking at this idea,' said Cllr Cathal Byrne. 'The world is a very different place to what we knew two or three months ago.'

He also said the steering group idea was a good way to look at the plan.

Cllr Byrne suggested that members could make submissions to the steering group for consideration.

'The steering group should report back to the members before any decisions are made,' Cllr Byrne said.

'We can do that,' replied Mr Mackey.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy also welcomed the idea and she also said that if it means having to use sprayers 'so that people know how clean we are making the place' that's good.

Cllr John O'Rourke also welcomed the fact the local authority was looking at ways of opening up Enniscorthy.

Cllr Murphy then proposed the plan and was seconded by Cllr Cathal Byrne
Yazdani: Americans cannot deport their way out of the Coronavirus
Just as race riots lay waste to Minneapolis and cities well beyond, out comes the baleful presence of Barack Obama, to hector the nation that elected him that it's full of racism.

Here's his blame-America-first statement, via NPR:

It's natural to wish for life "to just get back to normal" as a pandemic and economic crisis upend everything around us. But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly "normal"  whether it's while dealing with the health care system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park. This shouldn't be "normal" in 2020 America. It can't be "normal." If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better. It will fall mainly on the officials of Minnesota to ensure that the circumstances surrounding George Floyd's death are investigated thoroughly and that justice is ultimately done. But it falls on all of us, regardless of our race or station  including the majority of men and women in law enforcement who take pride in doing their tough job the right way, every day  to work together to create a "new normal" in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts.

Which is pretty obnoxious, given all those 'racists' who elected him twice in 2008 and 2012. Naturally, he socializes the blame: "We can and must be better."

What the heck is he talking about? Who is this 'we' you speak of, Kemosabe? This is no case of collective guilt, this is a heckuva bad cop with 18 previous complaints employed in a solid-blue city, who finally killed someone.

Every last person who saw the police brutality video from Minneapolis condemned it with unparalleled ferocity. President Trump blasted it. Fox News's Hannity excoriated it. Trump launched a civil rights investigation within hours of the news of the matter. Everyone is against what happened. The cop who did that heinous act, putting the weight of his knee on an unarmed, unresisting black suspect's neck as he cried for help, killing him, has absolutely no defenders. None. Firing and arresting the guy for murder came pretty quickly. There's no debate about whether that's exactly what should have been done, and done a long time ago. He pretty obviously commited a crime and the entire country wants him punished. That's a national consensus.

If there's any collective subcategory of guilt, look to the solid-blue one-party city of Minneapolis which protected the miscreant, again and again, through the very public employee unions Obama champions.

In that kind of an atmosphere, only leftwingery counts. The police officer in question had 18 complaints against him and a powerful police union defending him. Characters like this can't be fired, because public employee unions are always going to defend them. And not surprisingly, far-left philosopher Cornell West, who's one of Obama's stated heroes, says that Obama's the problem, laying the blame for the Minneapolis situation on Obama's failures. "Black faces in high places" didn't deliver, he opined, before spinning off into a call for more socialism.

Then he socializes the guilt again - we're all guilty, see:

to work together to create a "new normal" in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts.

Listen up, bub: It was one guy and three craven workmates who stood around while it happened. We don't even know the motive in this - was it racism? It appears to be that, but there was also the issue of both the cop and the victim working at the same nightclub in security -- for years. It may well have been a workplace dispute, with the bad cop using the color of state to kill his victim for other reasons. We don't know just yet, which is why Obama's claim about 'bigotry' that 'infects' our 'hearts' is so disgusting.

Work together? That sounds like a call for more consultants and diversity officers from college grads with otherwise unemployable majors, ordering institutions around and declaring them guilty, with a dangled offer of redemption so long as 'summer jobs' are on the table. Been there, done that. Tom Wolfe wrote about it in the '60s - six decades ago.

Here's another revolting element of Obama's obnoxious blame-America-first letter: His dismissal of coronavirus lockdown concerns. Look at that opening paragraph:

It's natural to wish for life "to just get back to normal" as a pandemic and economic crisis upend everything around us. But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly "normal"  whether it's while dealing with the health care system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park.

All those beauty parlor owners and California surfers being busted for lockdown violations are somehow the bad guy now, falsely juxtaposed against a criminal cop who's going to jail. Democratic blue-state governors, of course, are bigtime supporters of extended and effectively permanent lockdowns, constantly moving the goalposts. (Reminds them of the prisons they're so fond of). Conflating the issue of a shut down economy and millions of people out of work and being unhappy about it with a single criminal act by a bad cop everyone wants in jail, and then saying those concerns have no legitimacy compared to the crime at hand, is also disgusting.

He even threw in Central Park Karen for good measure, and we don't even know anymore if Amy Cooper's act was racially motivated at all, her stupid act was to not want to put her dog on a leash in a leash-only part of Central park and then getting into an altercation with a total stranger who was a dedicated bird watcher. Based on the racism argument, her life is pretty well ruined, she's lost everything -- her job, her dog, her right to walk in Central Park, and she will never be able to get a job. All this, despite her abject apology, something real racists don't do. Oh and she voted for Obama twice, which might be why he brought her up. She was a typical Obama voter and therefore an embarrassment.

What we are seeing here is Peak Obama, a wretched leftist failure of a president looking at the crisis at hand as an opportunity to not let go to waste and trying to find a way to make political hay out of it by blaming every American instead of his own beloved one-party blue cities. That's not on us, that's on Obama's political machine allies. His bid to socialize the blame is also accompanied by a bid to personalize the gain. To heck with that. He needs to get off the stage.
The crime branch of Mumbai Police busted an illegal telephone exchange racket operating from Govandi and arrested one person on Saturday. Agencies are probing if a terror or spy network was operating using multiple SIM boxes as several calls were made to defence establishments in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

A SIM box routes international calls as local calls, allowing the boxs operator to bypass international rates charged by local mobile network operators. The SIM boxes are fitted with hundreds of GSM SIM cards procured using fake IDs.

Two mobile numbers used to make calls were traced to Govandi. These two numbers were kept under surveillance. All the calls received by the parallel exchange were made from abroad. We have started an investigation based on the seizures, said Akbar Pathan, deputy commissioner of police (detection 1). Sources stated that the calls were made to seek information on defence establishments.

Police seized a total of five SIM boxes, of which one was inactive, and have also recovered 223 SIM cards, 10 mobile phones, a laptop modem, connection board and batteries in the raid conducted at a room of a building in Natwar Parekh compound in Govandi.

Police have arrested Sameer Alwari, 38, in connection with the raid. The accused was living with his family in the room in Govandi. He was previously arrested in Thane in 2017 for similar crimes. After scrutinising the number and its call records, the crime branch found that Alwari made and received several calls from other countries. The accused would illegally convert voice-over-internet telephony (VoIP) calls from abroad into a local call through the illegal international gateway.

In a statement issued by Mumbai Police, the crime branch said that it received a tip-off about a parallel exchange suspected to be used for anti-national activities by unfriendly nations.

As such calls are not regulated, they can be used for anti-national activities, read the statement. Such rackets also lead to a loss to the national exchequer and service providers.

Investigations revealed that two numbers of the same service provider registered in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were used to divert calls.

In February this year, the crime branch has busted a similar racket operating from Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Changaramkulam in Kerala. Police seized a total of eight SIM boxes and recovered 686 SIM cards from the raids in the two cities.
The country's GDP in second quarter may fall by 12%

Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmygal Government Portal

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will approve a $ 5 billion assistance program for Ukraine at a board meeting on June 5, as the Prime Minister Denys Shmygal stated in a comment for Reuters news agency.

The first tranche of $ 1.9 billion, he said, will be allocated the next day, June 6.

Schmigal said in a conversation with the agency that Ukraine needs IMF money to withstand the economic shock in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. He said that according to preliminary estimates, Ukraines GDP in the second quarter could fall by 12%.

As we reported before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva.

Georgieva welcomed the adoption of a law to improve banking regulatory mechanisms, noting that he protects taxpayers in Ukraine. She also said that the approval by the IMF Board of Directors of the first tranche of the agreed stand-by program for the next 18 months would take place in the near future.
Sam Johnson, a former military pilot who suffered torture as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for nearly seven years, part of that time alongside John McCain, then came home to Texas to serve for 28 years in Congress, died on Wednesday in Plano, Texas. He was 89.

A family representative, Ray Sullivan, confirmed the death, at a hospital.

As a member of Congress representing a conservative suburban district north of Dallas, Mr. Johnson, a 29-year veteran of the Air Force, was an ardent champion of American troops and veterans and sought to bring financial stability to the Social Security program.

Though reliably conservative, he was willing to work across the aisle to pass legislation. Representative Lloyd Doggett, a liberal fellow Texan who represents Austin, recalled in an interview that in 2015 he and Mr. Johnson joined forces on a privacy measure that altered Medicare cards so that they no longer displayed Social Security numbers.

We seldom agreed on anything in politics, Mr. Doggett said, but I had immense respect for him.

You could see from looking at him," he added, looking at his hand, that he went through such brutality in Vietnam  and really was a true American hero.
Sanguli, Yachido and Tatindo will soon be cut off from the rest of the communities in the Tatale/Sanguli District due to the construction of one of the One Village One Dam in the area without culverts.



In the peak of the rainy season when the dam over flows its banks, it covers the main road of Yachido, Kpaributabu through to Zabzugu District to Yendi due to lack of a culvert on the stream which is the runway of the water of the dam.



Ubor John Kumayi Gabuja ,the Chief of Sanguli who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency said one Mr Magani Benam, a farmer in one of the communities recently got drown when he was trying to go through the high current on his way from Elordo to his village Tatindo.



Ubor Gabuja indicated that Sachido, Elordo, Nachirido, Nkalikpani, Nkpanarani amongst others which has a population of over 3, 000 who are mostly farmers will be cut-off as the rains have started in the area.



He said apart from transporting their foodstuffs to the urban areas the farmers who have their farms within the dam will find it difficult to go to their farms during this years raining season as it happened last year, if the culvert is not constructed over the steam.



According to the Chief, the contractor was supposed to construct a culvert across a stream on the water runway of the dam, which he failed to do, thereby creating problems.



He said although several efforts were made by the chiefs and people in the area for the culvert to be constructed, the contractor has since failed to do so.



He said the Engineer of the project rec ently visited them and said they were waiting for funds to construct the culvert which was also getting late because as the rains had started.



Ubor Gabuja is therefore appealing to the Government, Tatale/Sanguli District Assembly, Non-Governmental Organizations to support them, while the communities were also preparing to construct another wooden foot culvert for people, motor and bicycle riders to use as a temporal measure.



He warned the people never to risk their lives in crossing the stream when the dam overflows its banks with high current, especially the women and the children.

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.

Featured Video
The Kogi government says all the contacts of the index cases of COVID-19 in the state announced by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Cont...





The Kogi government says all the contacts of the index cases of COVID-19 in the state announced by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) tested negative for the disease.





Saka Audu, the state commissioner for health, said though they were tested, the cases are fictitious  raising questions on the authenticity of the patients diagnosis.





In a statement on Saturday, Audu said: One needs not dig deeper to see the handwriting clearly written on the wall at how desperate NCDC is to nail Kogi State with a COVID-19 case and there is no telling how low they are willing to stoop to do so.





They claim the patient was positive but hasnt been taken to an Isolation centre. As at this moment he is still in the National Hospital.





Despite the state governments denial of the status of COVID-19 in the state, members of the community where the index cases were reported had confirmed the infection has found its way to their area.





They said the chief imam of Kabba, one of the index COVID-19 cases, never travelled out of Kogi, suggesting he contracted it from within the state.





The test kits, which the state government said were used to test the contacts, are not as accurate as tests done in molecular laboratories certified for COVID-19 testing





NCDC REFUSED TO ASSIST US, PATIENT DECLINED TESTING





Audu said the doctor who first attended to the index case said he had no fever, cough or difficulty in breathing  the only complaint was that of general body weakness.





The Doctor had no reason to refer the patient to FMC Lokoja except on the insistence of the patient because they felt he was not getting better, he said, adding: On reaching FMC on the 24th of May 2020, FMC claimed the patient was referred to them on account of one week history of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing with high suspicion of Covid-19, a claim the referring Doctor has vehemently refuted.





The commissioner also said the state had attempted to evacuate the patient at the National Hospital in Abuja and test him using a private molecular laboratory and the states rapid test kits, but the patient eventually denied us the opportunity to get it done, siting fear of receiving punishment from the Federal Government (NCDC).





We also wish to categorically state that though NCDC has consistently refused to support Kogi State in her fight against Covid-19, WHO had been part of our team till date, he said.





Though NCDC refused to follow their own protocols on visiting the State, WHO staff who travelled out of our State and returned have always obeyed the rule of self isolation for 14 days.





Despite the fact that we do not accept the fictitious cases, we have gone ahead to do contact tracing to identify all those who came in contact with them, tested them and they all came back negative. They will be retested in the next 14 days post first contact.





The normal NCDC protocol is to collect samples through the State Ministries of Health where an Epid. form (Epidemiological form) will be filled by the State epidemiologist and a sample number called an epid number attached to accompany the sample to the laboratory for onward testing. In this case, who filled the form? Where is the samples Epid. no.? Is it the FCT state epidemologist that filled the form and took samples at the same time? If that is the case then they should have recorded the cases for FCT and not bother us with their ruse.





He accused the NCDC of manufacturing fictitious claims and attaching them to states, wondering how eager they are to announce confirmed cases.




Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Market Scenario

Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry is expected to reach US $ 7.2 Bn by 2026 from 3.8 Bn in 2017 at CAGR of 8.32%. Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry is.

Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry is segmented by solution, application, technique and region. A solution is sub-segmented into software, service and equipment automation. Applications are classified into metal mining, mineral mining, coal mining. A technique is categorized into underground and surface mining. Region wise the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America.

Request For Report Sample @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/11404

Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry

Automation solutions increase the productivity and efficiency of mining operations and ensure equipment and manpower safety. Major drivers for automation solutions market in the mining industry is the emergence of remote monitoring for enhancing employee safety. Growing the need for machine and process productivity.

Automated solutions provide a communication platform for humans to monitor and operate machines and equipment without being exposed to dangerous mining environments where the probability of encountering uncertainties is high. The challenges of the market are unreliable connectivity among master system and on-site operations. The emergence of intelligence solutions for labour safety measures is the key trend of the automation solution market in the mining industry.

Based on the solution, equipment automation is booming the automation solution market in the mining industry. Equipment automation is further classified as autonomous trucks, remote control equipment, and teleported mining equipment. Autonomous truck for implementation in underground and opencast mines. Corresponding to a GPS and mapping tools present in autonomous drills and shovels, these vehicles also possess a GPS, perception technology, and on board intelligence that assist their autonomous operations.

On the basis of application, coal mining is most leading energy sources is compelling companies to look for prominent ways to reduce energy poverty and achieve substantial economic growth. Furthermore, the frequent changes in the climate and market dynamics are forcing companies to move towards clean technologies to supplementary tackle greenhouse emissions and promote energy efficiency. The prominence of coal in an extensive range of applications such as the production of steel, iron, power, and several others in the automation solution will drive the growth of the coal mining industry.

In terms of region, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share in the global market in 2017. This growth is attributed to growing exploration activities in Australia and the presence of leading mining companies, which includes Rio Tinto, Fortes cue Metals Group, and BHP Billiton. India and China, and the rise in the transition from manual cognitive work to automated cognitive work are anticipated to boost the growth of the automation solution market in the mining industry during the forecast period.

Key players operating on the market are, ABB, ANDRITZ, Emerson Electric, Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and Schneider Electric.

Get Complete TOC with Tables and Figures@ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/11404

Scope of the Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry are,

Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry, by Solution

 Software

 Service

 Equipment automation

Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry, by Application

 Metal mining

 Mineral mining

 Coal mining

Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry, by Technique

 Underground mining

 Surface mining

Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry, by Region

 North America

 Europe

 Asia Pacific

 Middle East & Africa

 Latin America

Key players operating in Global Automation Solutions Market in Mining Industry

 ABB

 ANDRITZ

 Emerson Electric

 Honeywell

 Rockwell Automation

 Siemens

 Schneider Electric.

<<< Get COVID-19 Report Analysis >>> https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/covid-19-analysis/11404
Przepraszamy!

Ogoszenie na stanowisku:

Lead Automation Engineer



wygaso z dniem 2020-06-28



Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce

Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to:

propozycja zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z serwisu praca.egospodarka.pl

zleceniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc pracownikow

rekruter zmodyfikowa tresc ogoszenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW

dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych

zy adres WWW ogoszenia

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Informatyka / Telekomunikacja, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Informatyka / Telekomunikacja

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Lead Automation Engineer, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Lead Automation Engineer

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Warszawa, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Warszawa



Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj.

Inne ogoszenia, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan:
A spokesperson of North Korea's foreign ministry backed China's controversial security legislation for Hong Kong Saturday, calling it a "legitimate step" and voicing opposition to "outside interference."

In an answer to a question from the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the spokesperson also said that any country has no right to "say this or that" about the issue concerning the semiautonomous Chinese territory.

On Thursday, China's legislature approved a proposal for the security law legislation, which critics fear could pave the way for Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong and weaken the territory's autonomy by bolstering security operations there.

"It is a legitimate step that China has adopted a decision for establishing and perfecting a legal system and an enforcement mechanism based on the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of Hong Kong," the spokesperson was quoted by KCNA as saying.

"Since Hong Kong issue is an issue pertaining thoroughly to the internal affairs of China, any country or force has no rights to say this or that about the issue. We categorically oppose and reject the outside interference detrimental to the security and the social and economic development of Hong Kong," the official added.

China pressed ahead with the legislation despite the U.S. warnings that it could revoke Hong Kong's trade privileges. The legal push is expected to further escalate geopolitical tensions, posing a tricky diplomatic challenge to countries, like South Korea, that want to maintain good ties with both major powers. (Yonhap)
Heroin with a street value of around 8.5million was discovered in boxes of fruit and nuts at Heathrow  the largest drugs haul at the airport this year.

The 375lb (170-kilo) shipment of heroin, which was hidden in envelopes in the walls of 630 boxes of fruit and nuts, was seized by Border Force.

Two men aged 36 and 51 were arrested in Bradford on suspicion of importing class A drugs.

Heroin with a street value of around 8.5million was discovered in boxes of fruit and nuts at Heathrow  the largest drugs haul at the airport this year. The UK Border is pictured above in Heathrow Airport

A third man was arrested in Birmingham. They were released under investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Home Office minister Chris Philp said: Illegal drugs fuel crime, violence and exploitation which is why our work to prevent them reaching our communities is so vital.

Mark Spoors of the NCA said: This significant amount of heroin would have ended up on the streets of the UK and lined the pockets of the criminals involved in drug supply.

Despite the restrictions in place, we are continuing to work closely with our partners at Border Force to keep the public safe and to fight the supply of illegal drugs, dismantling crime groups and cutting off their profits.
We've lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So before you buy or sell China Suntien Green Energy Corporation Limited (HKG:956), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.

What Is Insider Buying?

Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, most countries require that the company discloses such transactions to the market.

We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year.

Check out our latest analysis for China Suntien Green Energy

China Suntien Green Energy Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

There wasn't any very large single transaction over the last year, but we can still observe some trading.

The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

SEHK:956 Recent Insider Trading May 29th 2020

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership of China Suntien Green Energy

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our data isn't picking up on much insider ownership at China Suntien Green Energy, though insiders do hold about HK$255k worth of shares. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. This level of insider ownership is notably low, and not very encouraging.

Story continues

What Might The Insider Transactions At China Suntien Green Energy Tell Us?

The fact that there have been no China Suntien Green Energy insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think China Suntien Green Energy insiders are doubting the company. 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. To help with this, we've discovered 2 warning signs (1 is significant!) that you ought to be aware of before buying any shares in China Suntien Green Energy.

But note: China Suntien Green Energy 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.
<! Buhari loses nephew to death >

President Muhammadu Buhari has been hit with another bereavement as his nephew Alhaji Ibrahim Dauda is dead.

Dauda died in Daura, Katsina State, following a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, President Buhari said the death has robbed the family and the Daura community of one of its finest gentlemen.

I am deeply touched and devastated by the passing of yet another family member, a man who had demonstrated amazing kindness and honesty in all his dealings, the President said.

He prayed God to forgive the soul of the deceased and reward his great and noble deeds with paradise.

The deceased is survived by a number of children, including Dauda Ibrahim, a Chief Administrative Officer in State House, Abuja,

On May 8, President Buhari also lost his younger uncle, Alhaji Mutari Dauda Daura.

Mutari Dauda Daura was the younger brother of 81 year-old Malam Mamman Daura, the Presidents uncle.

The cause of death was not stated.

On April 17, Buhari also lost his Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari.

In an eulogy, Buhari described Kyari as a friend and loyal staff.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the Federal Fire Service have curtailed a midnight fire at Olaleye market, Shomolu area of Lagos which occurred at midnight on Saturday.

The fire which engulfed several shops in the market started around 3:30 a.m. and has led to the destruction of goods worth several billions, the agency said.

According to a statement by Nosa Okunbor, the spokesperson of LASEMA, the operation to curtail the raging fire lasted for over two hours, and officials of the Federal Fire Service were able to avert the spread of the fire to nearby residential buildings.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained as at the time of this report.

Mr Okunbor said a preliminary report on the fire incident showed that, LASEMA Response Team received a distress call from control room as regards a fire outbreak at the aforementioned location and immediately deployed to the incident scene.

Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that Olaleye Market located at Shomolu was gutted by fire.

However investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain cause of fire.

Lagos State Fire Service, LRU fire and the Federal Fire Service are currently battling the inferno and preventing it from spreading to other residential buildings.

Shomolu Market Fire Shops razed at Shomolu market

No life was lost and no injuries sustained, but properties and goods worth several billions of naira is currently being razed down by the inferno, Mr Okunbor said in a statement.

At 6:43 a.m., Mr Okunbor said the fire was successfully curtailed and dampening ongoing at the scene.

Though no lives were lost to the inferno, nor were injuries sustained, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the fire does not cause further havoc as properties and goods valed to be worth several billions of naira, has been razed down by the inferno, he said.
Boris Johnson has gagged his maverick aide Dominic Cummings from making media appearances and issuing bizarre blog posts after sparing him the axe, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Downing Street sources have told this newspaper a furious Prime Minister warned that he would not tolerate another media firestorm concerning his eccentric right-hand man.

A No 10 insider said: The Prime Minister has made it absolutely clear Dominic cannot be the story again. He will not tolerate it. If it happens again, hes out.

Although police did not find Mr Cummings had breached the law with his 260-mile trip to Durham, it is understood Mr Johnson is furious at how his aide fanned the flames of the row with combative quotes to the media from friends and a hostile appearance before the cameras outside his house last Saturday.

Downing Street sources have told this newspaper a furious Prime Minister warned that he would not tolerate another media firestorm concerning his eccentric right-hand man

Facing a torrent of public criticism, Mr Cummings emerged to berate journalists, claiming: Who cares about good looks? Its a question of doing the right thing. Its not about what you guys think.

At crisis meetings at No 10 last weekend, Mr Johnson received a chapter and verse account of what Mr Cummings and his family had done while he himself was in hospital with Covid-19.

And while he was satisfied with the explanation, one source said he was very miffed with how the fallout was handled and Mr Cummings has one last chance.

According to one official, the PM unsurprisingly had more than a few words to say to Dom behind the scenes.

Another added: I dont expect therell be any blog posts or media appearances by Dom for a very long time. Hes been firmly put in his place.

Mr Cummings blog post last year calling for weirdos and misfits to come work for him at No 10 prompted a major row over one of the successful candidates who was later forced to resign.

In terms of public opinion, Mr Johnson has paid a heavy price to keep his powerful adviser in his job, according to a new poll for The Mail on Sunday.

A survey by Deltapoll today finds that the Conservatives lead over Labour has collapsed to just five points. Just over a month ago, that lead was 19 points and last week it was ten points.

Now 43 per cent of voters say they would vote Tory tomorrow, compared to 38 per cent who would vote for Labour.

Amid a torrid week of headlines, Mr Johnsons own personal approval ratings have seen a similar decline. At the start of the outbreak, 70 per cent of respondents thought he was doing well. That figure is now 54 per cent.

Deltapoll chief Joe Twyman said: The public support for both Boris Johnson specifically, and his Conservative Government more generally, has fallen significantly over the last few weeks, a trend that has accelerated following the revelations surrounding his chief adviser Dominic Cummings.

According to one official, the PM unsurprisingly had more than a few words to say to Dom behind the scenes

Downing Street will be hoping that this downward trend does not continue and that these recent events are a talking point, not a turning point.

Last night, a senior Government scientist also launched a barbed attack on Mr Cummings, after other officials had attempted to distance themselves from the row.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam was asked at the Downing Street daily news conference whether people in authority should give a lead and obey the rules.

Thank you for the question and Im quite happy to answer it, he said. In my opinion, the rules are clear and they have always been clear. In my opinion, they are for the benefit of all and in my opinion they apply to all.

On Thursday, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty refused to be drawn on the subject, insisting he wanted to remain out of politics.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News for everyone. So Christians, those who've accepted Jesus' free gift of salvation, hold no preconceived notions about different groups of people. We're not judgmental, or racist, or prejudiced against people who look different. Right?

I challenge us to spend one day intentionally recognizing our first thought about every person we come across. When we pass those who don't look like us in a parking lot, car, or on an elevator, what thought pops into our heads? This small test will effectively point out where our prejudices are. I know, because it showed me mine. Without a doubt, I believed:

the Gospel was for all

and also that I wasn't a part of the problem with racial divides

But I was.

I fight predetermined perceptions every day, challenging labels I've placed on people without even knowing it. We all have them. Stereotypes and judgments based on appearance are everywhere and usually begin at a very young age because of our upbringing and environment.

I hope to do my part in stopping this in future generations, because God doesn't care about skin colors and here are four reasons why:

1. God never mentions a group's skin color in the Bible.

Yes, you read that right. Check it out for yourselves. People groups are identified by where they're from geographically, their language, or their family line, but never by the color of their skin. God never makes mistakes, so I can only assume this is intentional and strategic. He never wanted us to classify groups of people by the amount of pigmentation in their skin. We did that all on our own, even going so far as listing either black or white as options on standardized tests.

A person's complexion is only mentioned a few times, and even then these are cosmetic characteristics and do not indicate God's favoritism or cursing on them. An example is the term ruddy which is used to describe Esau, David, and Solomon. Ruddy is reddish in tone, meaning healthy, fresh, or clear in appearance, but it is also used to indicate the tanning of skin. In my opinion, this only lends more credibility to the idea that God doesnt care about skin colors, because a tan appearance falls right in the middle of our human skin color ranges of very fair or white to very dark or black.

Solomon tells of his love, an individual, not a group, as being dark, and yet this refers to the darkening of skin that occurs from sun exposure, which happens to every type of skin pigmentation. White is used to describe someone with leprosy, and bronze is used to describe Jesus in the book of Revelation.

Its embarrassing, really, that we've made a cosmetic feature, much like that of a powder or eye shadow, a dividing factor instead of looking to the Bible's example and not caring about this at all.

2. God loves diversity.

There are between 25,000 and 35,000 genes in every human cell and up to forty trillion cells in the human body! Somewhere between 100 to 378 genes are involved in the production of melaninthe pigment responsible for skin color. Even when we use the highest number, it is tiny compared to the amount of genes in every cell. And this same melanin also determines our hair and eye color. God, in His perfectness, put together a formula, so small it can only be realized under high efficiency microscopes, just to create variety in His prized creation. It was no accident He orchestrated us in such a way that every human is unique. He programmed the genes from which all our variations come within Adam and Eve, the first humans. This was what He wanted.

So all ethnic identitiesevery shadehighlights Gods desire for beauty in diversity. The light brown skin of the Native, Hispanic, Latino, or Middle Eastern cultures? Yes. The dark brown of North African cultures? Yes. The fair skinned Norwegian or Japanese cultures? Yes.

Every ethnicity is the beautiful handiwork of Gods creative mind. His abundance of creativity pushes beyond our human understanding. His very character is creative, so He cannot go against it. Diversity is God being His creative self, showing off to the world. A variety of skin colors gives Him glory for the vastness of His imagination! And we dont have to look solely at humans to see evidence of this. Diversity is found in all of His creation. Trees. Flowers. Birds. Horses. Dogs. All glorify God. So variety, in skin color and all throughout the earth, should be celebrated.

3. We were created in God's image.

You know the verse. So God created mankind is his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Everyone has an image. Social media is a relatively new way we display this to the world. If I want to be viewed as a devoted mother, I could show images of me making a homecooked meal, toting kids to various practices, or watching their extracurricular activities on Facebook. If I want to be depicted as a godly woman, I may share blog articles on my Savior, or post a pic on Twitter of me attending church. If I wanted to show off an image of wealth, I could post pictures of my expensive clothes and handbags, or the affluent resorts where Id vacationed on Instagram. Now, these are random images we could attempt to project, but this concept has helped me understand this verse more accurately.

Mankind is made in the image of God. So whats Gods image? We can go on and on about this, and I am no theologian, but I do know God is all loving, moral, creative, and reasonable. He has a perfect will, intellect, and emotions. He has authority and dominion over all. So if we reflect His image, then we, too, have these things at some level. Humans are able to love, make moral choices, think creatively, and use reason to evaluate decisions. We also have free will in deciding how we live. We are intelligent and have feelings. We also hold authority over the creatures and other living things on earth.

All people are given this capacity. Our skin color does not determine your ability to reflect Gods image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lords glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. So as we mature, were to continue reflecting more and more of Christs image by the way we live, and our skin colors dont limit this. No one is disqualified of this special blessing.

4. God includes all parts of the world in His salvation work.

And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God[,] persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9

This verse is a vision where the elders and living creatures bow down and sing praise to the slain and resurrected Lamb (Jesus). Does it amaze you, as it does me, the lengths at which He went to include all here? God could have simply said, persons from everywhere. But, no. He specifically uses ways we categorize people by referring to every tribe and language and people and nation. He wanted to cover all in His Kingdom work. No one is beyond His reach.

And there are many more verses where God includes all. Colossians 3:11 states, Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. And Romans 10:12 says, For there is no difference between Jew and Gentilethe same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

And notice what He leaves out. He does not categorize any of these groups by their skin color. Why? Because He loves every one the same. He made each beautiful and unique according to His infinite creative mind. As Christ-followers, we are called to be like Jesus, so we must work diligently to fight against labeling people by the color of their skin. Can you help to do your part while I work to do mine? Our following generations will be better for it if we do.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
The leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) fears chaos and loss of control more than anything else, and this explains much of its seemingly erratic behavior.

The matter goes back to be bargain that the CCP has struck with the Chinese people. The deal is this: the Communist Party gets complete political control over the country in return for ever-increasing standards of living. This means no elections, no demonstrations, no rule of law, and no dissent from below as to how the show is run. The CCP is an illegitimate regime and can stay in power only if it can continue to pay off economically.

Up until now this has proven to be a win-win situation. Of course, it was always predicated in U.S. allowing China to lie and cheat on every trade agreement it ever signed and to turn a blind eye to stealing our technology. This worked for the past 25 years. But now the Chinese economy is facing strong headwinds which throw that arrangement arrangement into doubt. These include an American president who will not play the patsy to China's predatory trade practices and its massive theft of U.S. intellectual property and the worldwide blow-back from China's Wuhan virus.

If China's economy slackens enough, the bargain between the CCP and the Chinese people will fall apart. This could literally lead to revolution triggered by rising expectations. That is, the rise in prosperity and freedom that China has experienced in the past twenty years has led people to believe they can continuously improve their lives. They also seek ever more amounts of political freedom. People in poor and oppressed countries like China hope for a sliver of the prosperity, and then they get a taste of it, they want more. When these hopes and dreams are frustrated, revolution can ensue.

Could reform be the answer to the dilemma that China faces? That's certainly the option the foreign policy gurus at Foggy Bottom would suggest. It sounds ever so logical to them. But not to the Chinese communist leadership. They may be evil to the core, but they're not fools. By attempting to reform and loosening up control, the CCP rightly fears what is known as the Tocqueville Paradox.

Minxin Pei states:

The Chinese leadership, especially Vice President Wang Qishan, piqued interest in Tocqueville because he read L'Ancien Regime, and warned fellow cadres that reform could speed up the demise of the system itself. This is why Chinese leaders like Wang read Tocqueville: They are aware of the risks embedded in reforming a very rigid, brittle system. Historically, the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party is also informed by the Gorbachev experience. They blame the collapse of the Soviet Union on Gorbachev, not on more fundamental causes that preceded him. So, they're informed, in many ways, by this phenomenon identified by Tocqueville, that a bad system is at its most perilous moment when it tries to be better.

Accordingly, the CCP believes it cannot reform the Chinese economy and financial system without being consumed by its own population. Given this mindset, it is clear that no meaningful trade agreement between the China and the U.S. is possible. That's because the U.S. demands are premised on China opening up, and the Chinese leadership firmly believes it could not survive that. The Chinese may agree to this or that on trade, but it's all a lie. They have no intention to living up to any deal. To believe otherwise is beyond foolish. China feels it's better to string President Trump along and hope for a China-friendly President Biden in the White House 2021. But even that will only buy China some time.

The CCP has little choice but to look inward, stoke up nationalism, and blame outsiders, particularly the United States, for the country's problems.

It is through this prism that recent Chinese actions such as blaming the U.S, for the Wuhan virus, its crack down on Hong Kong, its heightened aggressiveness in the South China Sea, and Xi's belligerent rhetoric to the Chinese army to prepare for war should be looked at. The CCP is in survival mode, and that makes China especially dangerous now.
Tidytowns groups across Louth can still use funding allocated despite this years competition being cancelled.

That was the message from Senator, John McGahon who advised 24 groups across Louth that they are able to use the funding awarded by the department.

I welcome the announcement that 24 TidyTowns groups in Louth will not lose out on funding of 38,000 which was earmarked for them by my colleague Minister Ring to help them prepare for this years competition.

Any groups that have already spent the funds they received should retain their records of expenditure in the normal way.

I also want to assure those groups which have not yet spent the funding they received, they can continue to use it over the next few months to assist with activities they might undertake as the COVID-19 restrictions are eased, or in preparing for the 2021 competition.

He added: For decades, the SuperValu Tidy-Towns competition has brought people of all ages in Louth together to work collectively outdoors to make the environment in which they live and work a better place.

Due to the current restrictions in place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it would not have been feasible or safe for TidyTowns groups in Louth to continue their great tradition of work in the normal way.

However, I very much hope that once the restrictions on gatherings are eased, and where possible within the public health guidelines, they can resume their work in making towns and villages in Louth more attractive and welcoming.

Louth communities were allocated between 1,000 and 4,000 (based on population size) in order to support preparation for the 2020 competition
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951

/var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486b74408)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486baffe0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486b74408)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486baffe0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486b25a58)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486baffe0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486baffe0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04861ebc80)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486aba270)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486aba270)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
If there's one thing that 90s kids would clearly remember, it would be the face of Dharampal Gulati, the man behind MDH masalas. Known as the king of spices, the 97-year-old also had to face many hardships and struggles before he became really successful in the market. Let us also tell you that he is highest-earning CEO in the FMCG sector and was also given a Padma Bhushan for his impressive work. Here's his story that's a clear example of rags to riches!

1. His Early Life

 WSJ

Dharampal Gulati was born and raised in Pakistan. His father Chuni Lal sold spices at a shop called Mahasian Di Hatti that opened back in 1919. The family migrated to India and they stayed as a refugee in Amritsar.



This was when Dharampal left with his brother-in-law to Delhi and that's where he bought a horse-drawn carriage (Tanga) with the money his father gave him. He made an investment of Rs 650 out of Rs 1500 given to him.

The business was not doing so great and hence he decided to open a small shop and restarted his own family business of selling spices in Karol Bagh.

2. The Steady Growth

 YouTube

Post this phase, Dharampal noticed the pace at which the spices were selling was helping him gain success as this was untouched niche during that time. Later on, he rented one more shop in Chandni Chowk, with a plot in 1959 in Kirti Nagar to begin his factory. This was the starting of Mashian Di Hatti (MDH), his father's legacy.



3. What Makes These Spices Famous

 Pintrest

The business did not just flourish in India but he became a distributor and exporter in abroad as well. The spices are a blend of traditional recipes and more than 60 products started getting exported even in the UK, Europe, UAE, Canda etc.



The best masalas under this category were Deggi Mirch, Chat and Chana Masala which sell around a crore of packets every month. These masalas are sold to more than 1,500 dealers with offices now in Dubai and London as well.

4. More Attributes

 iStock

The brand is known to be synonymous with good taste and delicious flavour that gets added to our food items. The company sources spices from different areas like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Afghanisthan and Iran.



The company believes in sincere work, good quality products and all at affordable prices. At such a young age, his benevolent nature made Dharampal instantly recognisable amongst Indians all over the world. Even in today's time, he remains as involved as a young lad would in his business as he keeps a track on all the activities happening in his company.

Dharampal has 80 per cent stake in his company and also visits the factories to ensure smooth functioning of the brand. The best part? He has no plans to retire just as yet and wants to continue keeping his business at par.

5. Other Competitors

New players keep entering the market every now and then, but Dharampal Gulati with his zest and vigour, which may not be as common in a person who is 97, takes everything in his stride. He once said, I feel there is a lot of scope to widen the Indian spices market and for converting consumers from unbranded products.

6. His Success Story Further

 Twitter

The fifth grade drop out, Dharampal Gulati also went to earn Rs 21 Crore salary as per 2017, which was higher than Godrej, Hindustan Unilever and ITC's YC Deveshwar. His company achieved a 15% jump in revenues to Rs 924 crore along with a 24% increase in the net profit at Rs 213 crore.



What's also surprising to know is the fact that 90% of his salary goes to charity, "My motivation to work is being sincere in product quality sold at affordable prices. And nearly 90% of my salary goes to a charity in my personal capacity," said Gulati.

Gulati is also known as Dadaji or Mahashayji and he has a charitable trust, named after his father, where he runs 250-bed hospitals for slum dwellers. There are four schools as well that are run by his trust and for people who are in need of financial support, he has always been there for them.
Donald Trump has addressed the uproar over his tweets amid the Minnesota protests that suggested "when the looting starts, the shooting starts",

The president sparked a fury of backlash over tweets that seemingly suggested protesters should be shot in Minneapolis for the rioting, looting, and arson that took place.

"Looting leads to shooting, and that's why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night  or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot. I don't want this to happen, and that's what the expression put out last night means," Mr Trump wrote on Friday.

His tweet went on to state: "It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. It's very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honour the memory of George Floyd!"

More follows
May 30 : Gadgets have developed into a must-have inmate in most of our lives today. Especially with the lockdown seamlessly moving from one phase to another, simple gadgets give us great solutions to beat our boredom and also keep us healthy. This page will give you a better insight into all the gadgets and appliances that have been introduced into the market in the month of May 2020. With more remote collaborations and a shortage of outdoor activities, these budget-friendly gadgets would be of great help for all in your family. Our list includes Huaweis Watch GT 2e as it looks professional and can be bought on Flipkart and Amazon. The new Redmi earbuds were launched on May 27 and fit the affordable price range very well. The Samsung Health Monitor app is one of the best health monitors that people can find. Look through the devices right below.

Sony new BRAVIA series TVs

Image Source: IANS News Sony launches new BRAVIA series TVs in India.

Sony India on Tuesday announced the all-new BRAVIA X8000H and X7500H TV series with 4K Ultra HD LED display. Read more

Huawei Watch GT 2e

Image Source: IANS Huawei Watch GT 2.

Huawei launched the Watch GT 2e in India recently with 15 professional workout modes including eight outdoor activities. According to the company, it comes with a battery that can last up to two weeks. Read more

Also read: Apple Watch Series 5 vs Xiaomi Mi Watch: Which one will you go for?

Redmi Earbuds S

Image Source: IANS News Redmi Earbuds S launched in India at Rs 1,799. (File Photo: IANS)

Xiaomi's sub-brand Redmi on Tuesday launched its wireless earphones the Earbuds S for Rs 1,799 in India. Read more

Galaxy Watch Active 2

Image Source: IANS Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has granted approval to Samsung to use the Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature for measuring heart rhythms on the Galaxy Watch Active 2. The feature is already available on Apple Watch globally. Read more

Realme Smart TV

Image Source: IANS News Realme TV, smartwatch coming to India on May 25.

Taking on the market leader Xiaomi, Chinese smartphone brand Realme on Monday finally forayed into the tech-lifestyle segment with bringing its first-ever Smart TV, starting from just Rs 12,999, and SmartWatch to the Indian market. Read more

Panasonic single lens mirrorless camera LUMIX G9

Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) Panasonic India on Friday launched a flagship digital single lens mirrorless camera LUMIX G9 in India.

Panasonic India on Friday launched a flagship digital single-lens mirrorless camera LUMIX G9 in India. Read more

Related news: Apple AirPods may come with health monitoring features
As Indian and Chinese troops remain engaged in a tense border standoff, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the government will not allow India's pride to be hurt under any circumstances even as he said bilateral talks were on at military and diplomatic levels to resolve the row.

Singh also said that he conveyed to United States Defence Secretary Mark T Esper during a telephonic conversation on Friday that India and China have an existing mechanisms to resolve 'problems' through talks at diplomatic and military levels.

In the midst of the flare-ups between Indian and Chinese armies, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was 'ready, willing and able to mediate' between the two countries. He reiterated the offer on Thursday as well.

The Ministry of External Affairs indirectly rejected the offer two days ago, but Singh became the first central minister to speak on India's position on the issue with clarity.

"I spoke to the US Defence Secretary yesterday. I told him that we have developed a mechanism already under which any problem between India and China are resolved through military and diplomatic dialogue," Singh told Aaj Tak news channel.

He was replying to a question on whether India ruled out any third-party mediation in resolving the border row with China.

The defence minister said efforts are on to resolve the border row in eastern Ladakh.

"I want to assure the country that we will not allow India's pride to be hurt under any circumstances. India has been following a clear policy of maintaining good relationship with neighbouring countries and it is not a new approach; We have been following it for long.

"At times, situation arises with China. It has happened before," he said.

Singh noted that China has also said that it wants to resolve the border issue through diplomatic dialogue.

"It has been India's efforts to ensure that the tension does not escalate. It should be resolved through talks at military and diplomatic levels. Negotiations are ongoing between the two countries at the military and diplomatic levels," he said.

Troops of India and China were engaged in the standoff for over three weeks in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh.

The trigger for the face-off was China's stiff opposition to India laying a key road in the Finger area around the Pangong Tso Lake besides construction of another road connecting the Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Galwan Valley.

Military sources said China was also laying a road in the Finger area which is not acceptable to India.

The sources said military reinforcements including troops, vehicles and artillery guns were sent to eastern Ladakh by the Indian Army to shore up its presence in the areas where Chinese soldiers were resorting to aggressive posturing.

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'.

However, the standoff continued.

The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9.

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.
Radhika Madan describes flying experience during the time of Covid-19 phase, calls the experience a scene out of an apocalyptic film.

Bollywood actor Radhika Madan is best known for winning hearts with her innocence and talent on-screens. The hottie was last seen with Irrfan Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in her film Angrezi Medium which released some days before the lockdown. The actor flew on Wednesday from Mumbai to New Delhi to be with her family and shared a picture wearing a mask, face shield, and gloves on her social media handle at Mumbai airport.

In an interview with a media portal, the hottie revealed her experience and said that it seems like a scene out of an apocalyptic film. Revealing her experience, Radhika Madan said that from temperature checks to showing boarding passes and IDs through a glass shield, the flying experience is totally different now. She revealed that the authorities have tried their best to ensure zero physical contact.

She added that from boarding and de-boarding in a proper manner with two rows at a time to taking care of all the precautions, the actress opened up about all the safety measures the airport authorities are taking for the passengers. She added that the staff is not allowed to physically hand over the boarding pass and even the passengers are not allowed to hand over their documents to the security people.

Also Read: Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai: Anupam Kher to launch autobiographical play on his website

Radhika Madan also said that she also didnt use the washroom as she was cautious. She added that though she has reached home, she hasnt hugged her family members as she is under self-isolation for 14 days. She said that the feeling of being home is very calm and different.

For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App
On Friday (May 29), the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey issued the following statement regarding the return of harness racing in New Jersey.

The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey would like to thank Governor Murphy for reopening horse racing in the state of New Jersey.

On Friday (May 29), while New Jersey horsemen were busy qualifying at Gaitway Farms with the hopes of live racing returning soon, the governor announced the best news we have heard in over two months: Racing will resume at the Meadowlands Racetrack next Friday (June 5).

After weeks of working with Karyn Malinowski of the Rutgers Equine and Science Center to provide the safety protocols to return to racing at the No. 1 harness track in the world, The Meadowlands, we look forward to the long anticipated start next weekend.

The SBOANJ and all New Jersey horsemen are grateful that Governor Murphy and his administration, along with Judy Nason and the NJRC, worked with us to reopen racing at The Meadowlands. This announcement gives the horsemen of New Jersey the opportunity to get back to business.

With the successful conclusion of 24 qualifying races at Gaitway Farms while practicing safety protocols, we look forward to the return of the best racing in North America. Good luck and safe racing.

(SBOANJ)
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > LETTER TO THE READERS - COVID 19 Lockdown Edition no.10

Today is May 30, 2020. A year ago Narendra Modi Government returned to power with a lot of fanfare. Today the PM, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have, while recalling the past year, sought to blow their trumpets in two major national dailies in a bid to highlight the achievements of the Modi 2.0 again bringing into focus the contours of self-reliant advance of the country under the Modi-Shah dispensation.

In contrast, what the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, himself a former Union Minister wrote today in the Indian Express, bringing out in bold relief the grim reality of the last one year. We are reproducing a few paragraphs from the article, "A year of stress and distress" to underscore the essence of his write-up. "As the Narendra Modi led BJP Government completes one year of its second successive term in office, India can only look back in distress as to how the nation has been brought to its knees in just twelve months. The last year has witnessed a total failure of the Central Government on administrative, economic, foreign affairs and social fronts. This year has been one where India has faced an economic crisis, job losses, cycles of violence and a pandemic that now threatens to blow out of control...

..... While the pandemic itself is a massive challenge, its impact on the economy is going to be long-lasting. The rate of unemployment has crossed all previous records. According to one estimate, in April 2020 alone, 12 crore people lost their jobs - the highest figure in almost half a century. Perhaps some of these troubles could have been mitigated had the Modi Government listened to the Opposition.

"Had the lockdown been announced earlier, perhaps it would have helped to arrest the Corona Virus threat. But the Modi-Shah duo wanted to topple the Congress Government in Madhya Pradesh and capture power there. In the process they put the entire nation at risk. Today MP is among the top three states in the grip of the pandemic. And when the government did impose a lockdown, it did so without preparation, warning or planning. The economy was brought to a sudden halt. Millions of migrant workers were left to their fate. They faced hunger, starvation, infection and death...

"As the Modi Government prepares to hold over online rallies perhaps those offline millions of migrants and jobless workers and youth will recall a harrowing year of unemployment, violence and the vision of a bleak future ahead. The Congress demands that the government immediately provide direct financial support and assistance to migrant workers in distress till the MSME sector is back on its feet and can offer the dignity of jobs once again to this crucial workforce."

o

For over two months the unstoppable exodus of hundreds of thousands of migrants walking their way home has been everyday news throughout national Covid-19 Lockdown. After continued denials and misrepresentation of facts by state officials including by the Solicitor General of India No one is now on road and No Starvation In Three Months.  finally, they had to set up the special trains to allow the transport of workers. But this has been a shabby process, on the one hand, there has been much controversy over migrant workers having to pay for the fares  Central govt is not footing the bill despite having collected tons of money are donations for the PM Cares fund. On the other hand, we have witnessed a sort of breakdown in the normally very efficient system of the railways  there are umpteen reports of these unscheduled trains carrying migrants not getting priority over cargo trains and losing their way as they get diverted and facing very long delays. This has naturally led to miserable conditions on the trains with little provision for food or water for the migrant workers. A group of senior lawyers wrote a pungent letter to the Supreme Court of India for shirking in its duty to uphold constitutional principles and not taking up the cause of migrants; also the highly respected social activist Medha Patkar and other NAPM activists approached the court pointing at the distress of migrant workers  this has paid off and the court has ordered the state to ensure that:  . . . Free travel for all migrant workers; Stranded migrant workers will be provided free food by the states in which they are stranded.; Food and water must be provided to those in transit, both in buses and trains. The States or the Railways must bear this cost.; Food, water and transport should be provided for those walking on roads/highways immediately by the concerned States/UTs. . . .

o o

The Uttar Pradesh government can be said to be attempting to use the emergency created by the pandemic to give itself undue powers over its citizens. The workers went out of UP to different states and abroad at their will. The decision of workers to return to their worksites, or not, is best left to them.

In a recent interaction with the RSS-affiliated publications Panchjanya and Organiser The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said Any state which wants migrant workers of Uttar Pradesh back, has to seek permission from the state government  says a PTI report carried in Financial Express The Yogi ought to consult constitution experts before making bizarre statements that dont stand the test of law. Migrant workers are citizens and not a state-controlled commodity. The Indian laws and constitution permit fundamental rights of freedom of movement to all citizens and thats how it should be in any modern democracy.

This huge humanitarian crisis is a reverse migration by the migrant workers who are headed back to rural areas and small towns, it is imperative that the MGNREGA scheme should be reactivated in a big way to allow these returning workers who have lost jobs. to find paid work. Also, India is in clear violation of International conventions by overturning the existing labour laws of the country. It is very odd that Indias Minister of Labour is now where to be seen or heard on these subjects

o o

Fifty-six years have passed since May 27, 1964, when our first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru breathed his last in New Delhi. While remembering him, we are highlighting a part of the foreword he wrote to "Dharamnirpeksh Raj" by Raghunath Singh in 1961

"Our Constitution lays down that we are a secular state but it must be admitted that this is not reflected in our mass living and thinking.....

"We have not only to live up to the ideals proclaimed in our Constitution, but make them a part of our thinking and living and thus build up a really integrated nation. That, I repeat, does not mean absence of religion, but putting religion on a different place from that of normal political and social life. Any other approach in India could mean the breaking up of India. ... " Ultimately even nationalism will prove a narrowing creed, and we shall all be citizens of the world with a truly international vision. For the present, this may be beyond most peoples and most countries. For us in India, we have to build a true nationalism, integrating the various parts and creeds and religions of our country, before we can launch out into real internationalism . Without the basis of a true nationalism, internationalism may be vague and amorphous without any real meaning.

But the nationalism that we build in India should have its doors and windows open to internationalism. "

We also carry a passage from our founder editors New Delhi Skyline that appeared in Mainstream after Jawaharlal Nehrus demise. It was published on May 30, 1964.:

"As the golden flame licked up the funeral pyre, an unforgettable scene ended near the banks of the Jumna and under the shadow of the Red Fort.

"It was an emotional experience without precedence to watch this mightiest demonstration of love and respect that this great country has paid to any man. For Jawaharlal Nehru was for the vast mass that is engulfed in sorrow today, not just a symbol of freedom he was part of their very personality: it is difficult for this entire generation of ours to think of India without him; whatever we felt and learnt, made us happy or sad, our hopes and our frustrations, were all inextricably interwoven with him. "As the millions came to join in his funeral, through the streets of Delhi, new and old, they were as yet too stunned to feel the pangs of his loss in full measure. An indescribable sense of the coming void of an existence in which Nehru would no longer be there seemed to have gripped them. The expression often used in his life that he could feel the pulse of the nation, could be understood in the fullest measure when one watched with awe the vast sea of humanity that accompanied him for miles in the gruelling summer sun. A sense of personal loss was writ large on every face young and old.

"The remarkable initiative shown by the vast concourse of men and women in mourning could hardly be missed as the cortege was carried from the Prime Ministers House to the open space beyond Rajghat. The Army and the Police could not manage the solid phalanx that thronged the eight-mile route: but spontaneously, the people with an amazing sense of dignity befitting the poignant occasion made way for the entire funeral procession to pass while they themselves were wending their way to the cremation ground."

This month we also remember Nehrus grandson, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who died a martyrs death on May 21, 1991, precisely thirty years ago. Rajiv too played a major role in the global arena seeking to build a world free of nuclear catastrophe and strove to mobilise world opinion for this task. At the national level, he carried out his mothers work of ensuring decentralisation of power and bringing the benefits of Panchayati Raj for our teeming millions.

May 30 The Editor
Authorities in Britain's tiny enclave of Gibraltar has moved to protect its iconic Barbary monkeys. With the spread of the coronavirus epidemic across Europe they have banned tourists from touching the animals.

Interference with Barbary macaques has always been seen as detrimental to them, and the official line has for years been to discourage visitors from touching or otherwise interfering with macaque natural behaviour.

According to a statement from the government of Gibraltar, not only does touching prejudice their health and social structure, but macaques are prone to succumb to human disease. *

This has been seen in the past when our macaques have for example contracted Hepatitis A. There is also the possibility of human contacting infection through contact with a macaque, the statement reads.

With the arrival of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the Government has introduced strict measures to prevent contact with the macaques.

This is to minimise the risk of their contracting the disease and becoming ill or dying. Primates elsewhere have been known to be susceptible, the statement adds.

Because of the low level of the virus in Gibraltar and of the prompt lockdown of tourist sites, it is virtually certain now that the macaques have not contracted COIVID-19.

The keep it that way, it is now an offence to interference with the natural behaviour of macaques an offence except under licence for management, research or veterinary purposes.

Feeding them is already illegal and punishable by heavy fines

With just 161 cases of COVID-19 in a population of 30,000, the impact on Gibraltar has been relatively low, especially in comparison with neighbouring Spain, one of Europe's worst-hit countries.

Gibraltar has not registered any deaths from Covid-19, while just on the other side of the Gate, in the Spanish side, at least 33 deaths have been recorded, with approximately 10 active cases.

On the Spanish side of the controversial border crossing, Phase 2 began this Monday, but on the other side, in Gibraltar, movement restrictions had already been lifted, although the meetings are still limited to a maximum of 12 people.
Hoteliers are urging the Executive to publish a date for when they can resume business so they can take advantage of the reopening of booking systems on June 8 as announced by the Executive on Thursday.

Claire Hunter of the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle said it is impossible to kick start business without an opening date.

"The news that we may be able to take bookings from June 8 is not of any value since we don't know what date guests may be able to come and stay from.

"The supply line and planning needs notice. We need a publicised date to keep us in competitive forum with the Republic of Ireland and the rest of GB. We are the only area without a provisional date. People have been in lockdown for nine weeks, they are planning staycation trips. If we are not available they are going to pre book an available property," she said.

Read More

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) chief executive, Janice Gault, said the announcement was disappointing and confusing.

She said: "Taking a hotel booking on an 'on spec' basis without any agreed pathway is a far from ideal situation. It makes it very difficult to plan, budget and set guidelines for the sector.

"Hotels are frustrated with many now aligning themselves with dates already agreed for opening in the south of Ireland and others using an early July date as indicated by the Prime Minister. It is important to note that hotels respect that all dates are subject to change if there is any move in the 'R' rate or any change to the control of the pandemic."

Read More

Nigel McGarrity from the Salthouse Hotel in Ballycastle shared his frustration with his peers. Mr McGarrity who runs the 24-bed eco hotel with his family said: "Our customers are telling us that they are booking hotels in ROI where they can get a guaranteed booking.

"It is not a level playing field and all of this has a knock on effect on revenue planning and forecasting. It is also affecting staff morale as we cannot give our employees any indication as to when they might be able to return to work.

"As a business, we are keen to open in a safe and secure manner giving staff and customers reassurance. We do recognise that all dates are subject to change and that if there is any move in the 'R' rate or change in pandemic control, everything could alter. However, we need to plan and we need a date to work towards."

Minister for the economy Diane Dodds said she recognised the need for a opening date in yesterday's Executive conference.

She said: "I have raised my concerns that our hotels are at a disadvantage compared to competitors in the Republic of Ireland and GB who have already started to take bookings. Ministers have agreed to give this matter further consideration and will provide an update early next week.

"This along with the position of caravan sites, bed and breakfasts and hospitality in general are of the utmost concern."
Galloway says police 'should be held accountable' for killing George Floyd Nicole Galloway - the Missouri state auditor running for governor as a Democrat - said the Minneapolis Police officers responsible for the killing of George Floyd "should be held accountable." On Friday, soon after Galloway issued her statement, now former-Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who kept his knee on Floyd's neck as Floyd said he was dying, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Civil unrest powers this campaign that's not quite progressive but close enough so that locals can jump aboard the bandwagon against meanie Republicans amid this 2020 campaign season.Read more:
Ten weeks ago, I embarked on a mission to overhaul my personal finances.

Having never written a household budget before, I set out to do just that.

I began by downloading a list of the 700 or so most common household purchases, as surveyed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. I then meticulously sorted each into one of 10 categories I created: housing, household, utilities, transport, food, health, education, appearance, lifestyle and professional fees.

Illustration: Dionne Gain Credit:

Each week for 10 weeks, I focused on one of the categories, listing my relevant expenses in a spreadsheet I titled: Jesss amazingly fun and fantastic and not-at-all boring or scary budget. I then went on the hunt for any potential savings.
This includes drop-off and pick-up arrangements from schools or extra-curricular activities that are now shut down and transport over state borders, some of which are closed (NSW and Victoria were the only states to keep their borders open). Loading In all cases, children need to come first, says lawyer Annabel Murray from Australia Family Lawyers. Its a big challenge for children because theyre missing out on the connections with their peer groups and face-to-face time with their friends, she says. Murray adds that as well as missing out on time with one of their parents, theyre also losing contact with other members of that parents household, such as grandparents and step-siblings. She also warns parents to be very careful about withholding time with children from an ex-partner. When parents do reach a new arrangement it would certainly be prudent for them to do that in writing so that both of them are very clear about it.

'My ex respects my decision' Perth mum Miyuki Prentice chose to keep her children solely with her. Miyuki Prentice saw how grave conditions were becoming in mid-March and pulled her two boys, aged six and four, out of school and childcare a week before the government ordered lockdowns. Three days later she lost both her part-time job at Myer and a job offer of full-time work as a travel agent at Flight Centre. While that was a blow, it meant she could spend more time with her children. Its a lot trickier in our situation, I think because there isnt anyone to take care of me if I get sick, she says. Im kind of manic about it because its bad enough when you get sick with young kids around, let alone with something that might take you out for a couple of weeks. Miyuki and her former partner, who didnt want to be named for this article, have been separated for two years. She has told her ex, who works as a hotel manager and is therefore in an environment where hes more likely to be exposed, that their usual 80:20 split is unworkable during lockdown restrictions and that the boys are best placed staying with her.

Loading During this time Miyukis ex had regular contact with his sons online, but she ruled out physical contact. I was more worried about him, because they had some cruise ship people, flight attendants and returned Australians staying in the hotel, she says. I asked him to keep his distance from the children and he respected that. The children returned to weekend visits when WA schools re-opened recently, but Miyuki says the pandemic put a major strain on her relationship with her former partner. Wed established a good routine, she says, but coronavirus threw a real spanner in the works. 'Were spending more time together' Melbourne parents Kish Nilaweera and Lynette Christie considered moving back in together.

Coronavirus may have pushed some split families further apart, but Kish Nilaweera and Lynette Christie have worked hard to strengthen their relationship for the sake of their two sons, aged 10 and six. Weve got more communication now and were spending more time together with the boys, Kish says. The children are still moving between our two houses, but we have spent more time together as a family. The pair discussed cohabitation, but decided it would be best for Kish to stay over at Lenis now and again. Through this arrangement, the parents hoped their two boys would get the best from both parents while waiting to go back to school. We have two very different children and as a single parent its hard to entertain them both, Kish says. We initially spoke about it to minimise contact with the outside world, and to give the boys stability. Its down to the parents and their ability to work together. Any parent who says its too hard is putting themselves before their children. Kish Nilaweera

As a trial, we spent a weekend together as a family, which went very well. The arrangement has no impact on child-support obligations, which will remain as they are. Flexibility in catering to each others work commitments is key to their united approach. I think child-raising in general is down to the parents and their ability to work together, Kish says. Any parent who says its too hard is putting themselves before their children. Look for common ground, do not undercut each other, and make sure your children are put first. This is a very uncertain time and our primary concerns are our three monkeys, our dog included, and to make sure they are safe and happy. 'Were talking to each other more' Melbourne mum Bree Tollitt tried to keep custody arrangements as normal as possible.

Since they separated two-and-a-half years ago, Bree Tollitt has enjoyed an amicable relationship with her ex-partner. And despite the stress of coronavirus, the two have managed to maintain a stable routine for their eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter. Loading It is more difficult to see eye to eye on arrangements, she says. Were both trying to get our heads around it while trying to do whats best for the kids, and that can lead to stress and heightened anxiety The children normally spend 30 to 40 per cent of their time with their dad, who didnt want to be named for this article. This has dropped slightly because he can no longer take them to weekend sport and after-school activities. However, his flexibility increased when his work as a plasterer ran out in early May. They are still going to their dads house every second weekend and for dinner one night a week as per our usual arrangement, says Bree.
James "Bud" Mars in Japan, circa 1911. Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



American aviator James "Bud" Mars was one of those dashing men in the early 1910s who the media  and public  loved. He was brave  said to be the most daring aviator in the United States  and he had ambition. He also had an imagination.



In early 1911, he and his team traveled extensively throughout the Far East and demonstrated their aerial prowess to astonished crowds. In an interview, Mars claimed to have given over 250 flying exhibitions in places such as "Honolulu, Manila, Sumatra, Japan, Java, Singapore, Calcutta, Siam, China, Korea, Siberia, Russia and Poland"  making him the first person nearly to circle the world in an airplane.





James "Bud" Mars, circa 1911. Robert Neff Collection

There is no question that he flew in many of these places. Newspaper accounts verify these claims. It is even said that he gave the young Japanese emperor a ride in his plane. But his claim of visiting Korea seems to be more imagination than reality.



If he traveled to Korea, it would have been in late March after his tour in Japan and perhaps on his way to Siberia.



Mars claimed that while in Korea he was "under government protection continuously" to protect him from the superstitious citizens. Allegedly, while in Japan, he had narrowly avoided being assassinated by poison by some superstitious Japanese who were intent on destroying him and his flying machine, so the precautions in Korea (which was in a degree of unrest) by the authorities seem rather reasonable.



Yet, despite the danger, Mars was able to give an aerial demonstration in Seoul. He claimed that he received the "greatest mark of favor" from the Korean monarch who had been so enthralled with the performance that he presented the aviator with an elephant. The aviator, however, thought of the elephant as "an embarrassment of riches" and gave it to a Korean girl (who had been following him), with the instruction for her "to be good to it."



But the aviator's claims to the American press aren't supported by facts in Korea. I am yet to find a contemporary Korean newspaper account of this supposed aerial exhibition and the anecdote of the elephant makes it even more unbelievable.





James "Bud" Mars in Japan, circa 1911. Robert Neff Collection
New video showing George's Floyd apprehension by Minneapolis police appears to show three officers kneeling on the man to keep him restrained on the ground.

The brief clips provide a different angle than the widely publicized video that was filmed on Memorial Day, and appears to show part of the confrontation before things escalated even further.

In the footage, Floyd can be heard repeatedly telling the officers that he can't breathe.

'Please, please let me stand,' Floyd begs while the three officers kneel on top of him.

The brief clips provide a different angle than the widely publicized video that was filmed on Memorial Day, with three officers seen on George Floyd's back

The angle of the brief clips shows three officers on George Floyd's back.

'Please, I can't breathe,' he continues in the clip. 'My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Please, please. I can't breathe.'

An officer believed to be Derek Chauvin then tells the person filming that they need to move to the other side of the street, as Floyd cries out.

An autopsy report has not been released in Floyd's death, but the fire department reported that Floyd had no pulse in the ambulance and was unresponsive.

Paramedics checked Floyd's pulse several times and attempted to resuscitate him, according to the incident report.

An officer believed to be Derek Chauvin tells the person filming that they need to move to the other side of the street, as Floyd cries out

The four Minneapolis officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd were fired Tuesday. They were named as Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J Alexander Kueng.

Mayor Jacob Frey had announced the firings on Twitter, saying: 'This is the right call.'

Frey said he considers Floyd's killing to be murder and had publicly called for Chauvin to face arrest.

'I'm not a prosecutor, but let me be clear. The arresting officer killed someone,' he told CBS Thursday. 'He'd be alive today if he were white.'

'The facts that I've seen, which are minimal, certainly lead me down the path that race was involved.'

The four Minneapolis officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd were fired Tuesday. They were named as Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J Alexander Kueng

Floyd's death has sparked outrage in Minneapolis, with protesters taking to the streets for a third day Thursday

An initial statement released by the Minneapolis Police Department on Tuesday did not include details of officers' altercation with Floyd and only mentioned he had suffered 'medical distress' following the arrest.

Floyd's death has sparked outrage in Minneapolis, with protesters taking to the streets for a third day Thursday.

State troopers have been forced to intervene after violent protests and riots broke out in the city and left one looter dead.

Derek Chauvin (left), 44, one of the officers filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck during his arrest, is a 19-year veteran of the force who was investigated over a fatal police shooting in 2006. A second officer involved in Monday's arrest, Tou Thao (right), is said to been part of a $25,000 out of court settlement after being sued for using excessive force in 2017

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard to the city Thursday as it braced for a third night of violence.

A suspected looter was shot dead outside the Cadillac Pawn shop and the suspected shooter had been taken into custody Wednesday night.

Break-off protests demanding justice for Floyd's death and calling for an end to police brutality against African-American communities have started springing up in Los Angeles and New York.
Letters to the Editor View(s):

Thank you for tackling this mammoth task

I, as a member of the public, would like to place on record, the gratitude I bear to the team led by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Lt. Gen. Shavendra De Silva and others, for having controlled effectively the spread of the coronavirus up to now. It was a mammoth task and professionally handled. It also highlights their professionalism.

News anchors of the electronic media are not aware that the discerning public are interested as to, who and where, each day are found as new victims of the coronavirus. The public could then assess whether community spread has occurred. The results, the dates, the numbers tested, the groups tested and findings in tests on random samples of the community must be made public by the DGHS whom we can rely on. Personally I know it would be very difficult to hide bad results from the doctor population, the grape vine that it is.

Fake news is abundant on all media, because of a frenzy to be the first to bring it out because it helps the agenda of the media organization concerned. Verification of what comes out, however, needs to be a mandatory policy. Many members who are standing upright in this crisis are targets of unjustified character assassination .

With alarm bells ringing at the number of COVID-19 victims among those arriving from abroad, should not the cabins of aircraft bringing them be sanitized by the now proven viricidal powers of (harmless to humans) UV Light C (wave length 222)?

This may safeguard those not infected on board.

Dr. Channa Ratnatunga Via email

Tackling the transport problem as life limps back

In the light of the deadly Corona virus, we need to find long term solutions to alleviate the problem of transport of office workers and school children in conditions that will not bring about community transmission.

The following simple, cost saving steps could be implemented after convincing the respective trade unions of the dire long-term need for a paradigm shift in our lifestyles.

Office workers

1) Deploy them in their respective offices closest to their residences within the district. This will reduce inter-district travel and employees also will save time, energy and money while getting the opportunity to engage in better family life and part- time earning activities such as cultivation.

2) Introduce flexi-hours for both public and private sector workers. This will reduce rush hour traffic, over-loading and traffic congestion resulting in fuel saving and better time management.

3) Expand current arrangements for working from home by embracing technology and giving targets/ assignments. This will improve productivity of staff while reducing over-loading and traffic congestion.

4) Make train/bus season tickets available on- line or for purchase at designated supermarkets/shops as is done in other countries so that the work load and the health risk to the conductor/ticket collector can be drastically reduced. In many countries the issue of tickets is handled by the driver.

5) Factories/public/private sector institutions can be encouraged with incentives to provide van/bus transport to their employees wherever possible.

When the above steps are implemented, the transport sector, would be in a position to deliver a satisfactory service to the commuters.

Schoolchildren

1) The elusive policy requirement to send children to schools in their locality has to be implemented forthwith. This will surely reduce traffic congestion on the main roads. In that scenario, the school bus/van service can be confined to the locality and the need for parents to drop their children at school before leaving to office will also become redundant. Parents/children will face lesser travelling risks and save time and money which can be spent on studies, homework and extra-curricular activities.

2) Schools should adjust their opening times in keeping with the flexi-office hours of the public/private sectors.

I am confident the President who possesses the political will and professional skill, will implement these measures which will improve our security, health safety, productivity and discipline leading to a prosperous Sri Lanka.

Bernard Fernando Moratuwa

COVID-19 and a time for reflection

It entered our world silently

We carried on watching it surreptitiously

Thank God it has nothing to do with us, we said

And thanked our lucky stars before going to bed

Yet, as we watched, it came closer

And descended upon us causing us to quiver and shudder.

Now many months on still in lockdown

Have we been shaken, fearful, confused or bowed down?

Are we asking how long?

Or when will normal be reborn?

Have I used these days for self reflection

Or simply hoping for a vaccine or injection?

What was, was

The now, is what it is

The future I have no control over

Let me see if we, yes we, can be better the world over

Deep within God speaks to my heart

Its time to change, He whispers, so sit you awhile apart

Pondering still and on deeper reflection I see what can be

Each of us transformed and oh, so, so much better you see.

Reclaiming creation in its beauty and grandeur

Being stewards of our earth in ways we can render

Treating each other with love and respect

Reaching to the other with compassion and no regret

Stopping our madness of busyness and squander

Rather slowing down to care and to be found oh so much kinder

Being my brothers keeper, never counting the cost

Learning contentment, with much, much less.

So COVID-19 thank you for lessons taught

As Ive looked at myself and our world, with new eyes and a heart

Keep changing me O God and transform my thinking

Lifes never been about me, but about You, and my neighbours

Grow our world and its people into a  new normal 

Where neighbour and neighbour the whole world over

Will stop suspicion and embrace the good

When life is never about stocking up our food.

May compassion and kindness be our creed

In a world that for too long has been lost in greed!

Sarla Williams Via email

Its a shame that children grow up wondering who really is the Sri Lankan hero

In last Sundays Editorial Victory for All, it was stated COVID-19 or not, the new Government was not going to let go an opportunity to celebrate an anniversary commemorating the defeat of the LTTE, and indeed they did just that! Paying tribute to ALL those who contributed towards the victory would have seen a more meaningful celebration. If the Sunday Times 5th Column can pay tribute to the Unknown Soldier why is it that our leaders continue to forget to do so?

My disappointment continues. I was aghast to see government media blurring Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka whenever he appeared in a documentary on the war. I am glad the Field Marshal declined the invitation to attend the Victory Day ceremony. Why should he when the present lot would have used his presence for political gain. Would they have paid tribute to a man who was on the battlefield at the time of victory?

This is not however the reason for writing to the Editor. As a patriotic citizen of this country, I reflect time and again how successive governments wipe out their predecessors. Their contribution to the country is never mentioned. It is always the current regime that wants the glory. In glorifying themselves, our children have lost the mentoring spirit. They grow up wondering who really is the Sri Lankan hero or, who is the Sri Lankan most admired and respected. Whether they be scientists, literary figures, artists, or a citizen of this island who has independently contributed something for community and country, they are not acknowledged or respected unless it is a political win.

What a shame for the next generation. They might as well look to mentors from another country as Sri Lanka has denied them their history and culture. Shame on ALL politicians for doing so and shame on being so selfish.

Encarta Via email

Stagger voting over five days

Our letter to the Editor of March 29 proposed using the last digit of the National ID to stagger peoples movements for shopping and other essential needs. We were pleasantly surprised to see a similar scheme implemented a month later, dividing the population into five groups based on the last digit of the NIC to shop on each of the five weekdays.

We now suggest that a similar procedure be used to stagger voting at the General Elections over five days. That is, voting is conducted at the usual polling booths. However, they are open for five days for voting, with the last digit of the NIC determining the people who vote on a particular day. In this way, social distancing and other COVID-19 public health precautions can be taken, but only requires the same number of people to be on election duty for five days instead of one.

In our view, this is a simpler and more cost-effective option than either opening more polling booths to reduce congestion or conducting elections in different districts on different days.

Lankan Citizen Via email
There is nothing to be scared of, underlined Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, stressing that the state government is four steps ahead of the coronavirus disease.

It is a matter of concern but it is nothing to be scared of. I assure you that your government is four steps ahead of coronavirus, said CM Kejriwal on Saturday.

The CM also emphasised that the country cannot be in a permanent lockdown. There is a nationwide lockdown, till May 31, in place to halt the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Delhi is witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases, we accept it. But there is nothing to worry about, I assure you that we are fully prepared. We cannot be in a permanent lockdown, said Kejriwal.

In Delhi, coronavirus cases rose to 17,386 today, and there have been 398 deaths. Nationally, Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of coronavirus cases, followed by Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat.

Out of the total patients in Delhi, the CM informed, only 2100 are in hospitals, the rest are undergoing treatment at their homes. The CM said 6,500 beds are ready and another 9,500 beds will be ready by next week.

Most of the people are recovering, and they are recovering at home. There is no need to panic, said Kejriwal.

On Thursday, Delhi had crossed the key threshold of 1,000 cases on a single day for the first time, reporting 1,024 positive infections.

For the first time, the government notified five hotels to be fully used as extended Covid hospitals for patients with moderate symptoms. The hotels include JW Marriot, Le Meridien and IBIS. Two of the 10 hotels  Hotel Sheraton in Saket and Hotel Surya in New Friends Colony  will also serve as extended Covid hospital.

In a digital press conference on Friday, Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain said the government was fully geared up to handle more than 1,000 cases a day.

To ensure asymptomatic Covid patients do not panic and choose home quarantine instead of insisting on being admitted, the Delhi government on Friday evening also aired a video on news channels, informing people about the dos and donts of home quarantine.
Whats the point of contact tracing for COVID-19?

To quickly identify and isolate new coronavirus cases and the people theyve been around to help slow the spread of the disease in Oregon. Absent a vaccine or effective treatment, it is considered one of the only effective ways to stem outbreaks without shutting parts of the state back down.

How did a contact tracer find me?

County health departments receive lab reports of residents tested for COVID-19, which include phone numbers, addresses and other personal information that tracers use to get in touch with them.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 are then asked to provide the names and how to reach all the people they came into close contact with between the time of their presumed or confirmed illness and 48 hours before they first started feeling sick.

All contact tracing interviews are conducted by phone.

[Read more: Coronavirus contact tracing is the key to keeping Oregon open. Will enough people participate?]

Who is considered a close contact?

Anyone who came within six feet of a presumed or confirmed coronavirus patient for a prolonged period of time. In most instances, that is 15 minutes or more. Someone who was coughed or sneezed on by the patient might also be considered a close contact.

What will tracers ask for?

Confirmed or presumptive COVID-19 patients are asked for detailed personal information, including their race and ethnicity, work status and medical history. They also are asked to provide a detailed chronology of their activity and whereabouts beginning two days before they started showing symptoms of the illness, and the names of all close contacts during that time.

Close contacts are asked to quarantine at home for up to 14 days, even if they arent feeling sick. They are also asked to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms daily and report them to their county health department.

Do I have to participate in a contact tracing interview or agree to quarantine?

No, it is voluntary.

What does quarantine mean exactly?

Those in quarantine should stay home the entire time, health officials say. They shouldnt take trips to the grocery store, go to work, exercise outside or come within six feet of other people in their home.

Most counties, including Multnomah, provide a variety of resources and assistance for those who may have trouble quarantining safely at home. They include things such as grocery delivery and rental assistance.

A cashier at my neighborhood supermarket tested positive for COVID-19. Why wasnt I notified?

Most supermarket shoppers and customers at other places of business dont meet the close contact threshold. County health departments say they will disclose any prolonged potential exposure to COVID-19 in public. The Oregon Health Authority has also said it will begin publicly disclosing any coronavirus outbreaks at workplaces.

Have more questions about contact tracing in Oregon for COVID-19? Send us an email.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632

Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
A third night of confrontation and clashes resumed in downtown Denver on Saturday in advance of an 8 p.m. curfew to help tamp down the damage that occurred the last two nights.
Family members of popular revolutionary poet P Vara Vara Rao on Saturday demanded that the Maharashtra government should reveal the actual status of his health, in the wake of reports that he had been admitted to JJ Hospital in Mumbai following deterioration of his condition.

Rao, 81, who had been arrested from his Hyderabad residence in November 2018 in connection with his alleged involvement in the Elgar Parishad case, had been kept in Taloja Jail.

Raos wife Hemalatha on Saturday moved a special court in Mumbai seeking his actual medical reports. She also pleaded that a video conference be arranged with him immediately so that the family could understand his condition, a close relative of Rao told Hindustan Times.

ALSO READ | Elgar Parishad case: Court asks JJ Hospital to submit report on P Vara Vara Raos health

The court ordered the authorities of JJ Hospital to submit a report on the health condition of Rao and posted the case for further hearing on June 2, he said.

Hemalatha told reporters on Saturday morning that she had come to know from the local police in Chikkadpalli in Hyderabad at around 8.30 pm that Raos health condition was precarious and he had been moved to JJ Hospital, Mumbai from Taloja Jail.

The police told us that they got just one sentence information from Pune police and that there were no further details. After a lot of anxiety and enquiries for over three hours, we came to know that my husband had fallen unconscious on Thursday evening in jail and had been moved to the hospital and by Friday evening all vital parameters recorded were normal, she said.

Hemalatha added that there were also reports that he had been first admitted to Taloja hospital jail three days ago and only after his health worsened, he had been shifted to JJ Hospital. We do not know how much truth is there in these conflicting reports, she said.

The family members were also worried over the statement by Telangana police officials that they would make arrangements for the family to visit Mumbai. Right now, I am not in a position to travel to Mumbai as I am 72-years-old and am not in good health. I have been under severe stress for the last 18 months and particularly in the last 12-14 hours, she said.

She said if the court granted permission, her family members would go to Mumbai to visit him in hospital. It is enough if the government gives permissions needed in the context of Covid-19 and we take care of our travel arrangements, Hemalatha said.

She demanded that her husband be released immediately on bail, as he had already undergone 18 months of incarceration on fabricated charges and without any trial.

Stating that Rao already had pre-existing health issues like piles, prostate enlargement, coronary artery disease, oedema, hypertension, acidity, sinus and migraine, Hemalatha requested that a comprehensive medical examination should be initiated to find out the reason for his illness.
The woman who ran out of Pak 'n Save without paying, pushing a shopping trolley filled with plastic food wrap, yelling a promise to "sort it out later".

The look of shock on the faces of first responders, especially the younger ones, and their stoicism.

The sight of ambulance officers comforting a young boy, separated from his parents.

More than six months on from the December 9 eruption of Whakaari - these are the memories that linger with the key players who, in their various roles, had to deal with one of the worst single event losses of life in New Zealand.

For Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was preparing for her weekly post Cabinet press conference, the initial information about the eruption was "brief and scarce".

"But even at that early stage I did get a real sense of the immense scale and the impact it would have," she says.

"The now iconic images of the eruption and immediate effort underway will always stick with me."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leaving Whakatane fire station after meeting talking to first responders on the day after the eruption. Image: Stuff.

Ardern says she made the decision to travel to Whakatane in order to assist and help coordinate efforts on the ground.

"It was deeply important to me to meet with and hear from our frontline people as soon as possible about what they needed from us as Government, particularly with something so precarious and difficult to predict as a volcanic eruption."

She says one story she heard particularly stands out for her now, almost six months on from the tragedy.

It was the day after the eruption and Ardern, accompanied by Whakatane Mayor Judy Turner and East Coast MP Kiri Allan, met with emergency staff and first responders at the Whakatane Fire Station on Commerce Street.

"A first responder who was pretty new on the job. She was one of the first on the boat looking after people who had suffered horrific injuries. She was stoic, but I cant imagine what that would have been like."

Ardern described it as a privilege to meet the Kiwis who had rushed to assist the injured.

"That day was particularly moving.

"What I was struck with, was the overwhelmingly New Zealand attitude of just doing what was required to help those in need, whatever it took, despite any personal toll it may have taken on them working in such conditions or seeing so much pain. I also felt the significant impact on the tightknit local community, they were all grieving together."

Whakatane mayor Judy Turner says when she reflects on the events of December 9 now, it's as a mother and grandmother, more than a Mayor. Rosa Woods/Stuff.

For Whakatane Mayor Judy Turner, that Monday began out of the district on a two-day retreat with councillors.

Then a senior staffer received a call, "a little vague initially".

It was on the drive back to Whakatane that Turner's phone "went ballistic".

Turner says it was only when she arrived at the emergency centre that had been set up the true scale of the disaster became clear.

"Even then the details were sketchy.

"Quite a chaotic scramble. Confirming where people were, who was alive, do we have an ID on that body. We've had our fair share of civil defence emergencies, but nothing with quite such a high number of deaths."

Turner says that by the next day a fuller picture of what had happened was beginning to emerge, and she also found clarity in staking out a clear definition of her role.

"My role is to speak to the heart of how people are feeling."

Turner also spoke movingly of a visit that day, with Ardern, to Whakatane's emergency department to speak to staff.

"These people had been through a 12-24 hour period that has been horrendous. These people saw things, some pretty horrendous things they'll never forget."

She's admits too that the impact of those days has changed for her personally over the intervening months, saying "the impact is often a delayed thing".

"I'm feeling it more as a mother, a grandmother, than a mayor."

Kiri Allan MP and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern embrace after speaking to emergency response staff the day after the Whakaari eruption. Image: Stuff.

Kiri Allan, the Whakatane-based East Coast MP, had just landed at Wellington Airport when she received the first phone call.

She never left the airport, getting back on the next plane to Tauranga, then driving to the Civil Defence hub at Whakatane.

Allan, Ardern and others then worked into the night "to understand the nature of this tragic event".

Asked what from those two days sticks in her mind most, Allan also refers to the visit she undertook on the Tuesday to a Whakatane fire station for a closed door meeting with first responders.

"I remember the look of shock on the faces of so many of the first respondents, particularly some of the younger ones ... it hit me extremely hard."

She says she heard stories from hospital cleaners who took injured from helicopters to hospital and a junior doctor, just weeks into the role and "grappling with what they had just seen and experienced".

Then there was the story she heard from a young woman volunteer firefighter.

"After learning of the gravity of the burn recovery required, [she] filled an entire shopping cart with glad wrap from Pak n Save on her way over to the hospital and ran out without paying, yelling to the owners that she would 'sort it out later.'"

"Pak n Save waived the fee but that reaction epitomised the response of the whole community, everyone swung in to help in whatever way they could."

Jeremy Gooders, St John district operations manager for Central East Coast, said he knew almost immediately he'd be dealing with an incident of an unprecedented scale. Supplied image.

Jeremy Gooders, the St John district operations manager for the central east coast, was in his Tauranga office when he first saw the news. Then his pager and phone sprang into life.

Jeremy says it was obvious to him almost immediately that he would be dealing with an event of a scale he had never had to cope with before.

He says five helicopters and five ambulances were initially sent to the scene, and local ambulance staff had already arrived at the wharf "performing critical, life saving interventions".

In total he says that day involved 10 ambulances, seven incident managers, 11 rescue helicopters, "one of the most complex incidents in recent New Zealand history".

"Many of the patients suffered horrific, large and complex burns that required extensive treatment in order to be flown to one of the burns units in hospitals across the country," says Jeremy.

The appalling nature of the injuries, and the chaotic scenes at the hospital, were also spelt out in the wake of the disaster by a hospital worker who described scenes of "bedlam".

"St John ambulance officers train for dealing with difficult and stressful situations and are skilled and resilient, but an experience like this can stay with someone long after the event."

One particular thing stayed with Jeremy too.

"The sight of ambulance officers comforting and reassuring a young boy who had been separated from his parents, and the high level of compassion shown by the staff working in this extraordinary situation."

Salt Spray Surf School owner Ollie Dobbin was experiencing his best year of business yet, then Whakaari erupted, a rahui was placed on the water, then Covid-19 struck. Christel Yardley/Stuff.

'We were building up for an awesome season'

For Ollie Dobbin, keeping your head above water is literally the day job.

Just 19 years old, Ollie owns and runs the Salt Spray Surf School based at Ohope Beach.

It's a business he's owned since school as he says, "once you become a surfer, you just want to find a way to surf as much as possible".

Business was good too, and he was "building up for an awesome summer".

He says that ahead of the eruption, they had seen a doubling of business on the previous year.

Then Whakaari erupted, a Rahui was placed on the water from December 10 to December 21, and lastly COVID-19 struck, all events shattering what is peak season for his business.

Stuff caught up with Ollie on the first day of the looser Level 2 restrictions, meeting at his 'office', a small council reserve at the end of West End Roadd.

He points to a patch of slightly dried out grass, where his tent is usually located.

It's a sunny and warm autumn day and the beach is littered with dog walkers and joggers. There are families carefully watching as young children run into, and quickly out of, the approaching waters.

A man is sat on the seats just before the sand starts, tapping away at a small steel drum and conversing with passersby, and all the while on the horizon to our left, Whakaari silently exhales a steady plume of steam and gas into the air.

Ollie is friendly and engaging company, and with his long blonde locks and surfboard laden camper van, looks every inch the surfer.

But he's a businessman too. We talk about accessing wage subsidies for staff, insurance costs and the relief fund established to assist businesses hit in the wake of the eruption.

Ollie is one of 23 successful applicants to that fund.

"The process seemed fair, but you definitely had to justify it."

He's clear he's luckier than many other businesses at the moment. He doesn't have rent to pay to a landlord, building costs, electricity bills.

On the flip side however, he has a very small window to make his money.

October to April is when, as he puts it, "we make our hay".

He saw the first drop off immediately after the eruption, the "high end" tourists whose itinerary also included a visit to Whakaari. He'd also pick up business on days when the weather was too rough for the boat trip to the island, so that went too.

It was the Rahui that really hurt though, as his relatively short window to earn makes two week's worth of money "critical".

Ollie first knew the eruption had taken place, via a five-word text from a member of staff working at the beach.

"Something has happened at Whakaari."

Like many in the area, he has a personal connection to the tragedy too through injured guide Jake Milbank, a friend he refers to as "my direct link".

"To see him affected was quite hard, but he's a tough kid, quite optimistic."

That optimism is shared by Ollie. He notes the worst of the COVID-19 restrictions took place during his off season, and while he doesn't expect to see international visitors for a number of years, he's confident.

Can his business survive on just a domestic market?

"Being an optimist, yes."

A ten minute drive later, we're on The Strand, Whakatane's main high street.

At first glance it could be any other bright autumn day. There are lots of shoppers wandering around, the carparks are full.

Only a closer inspection points to the new normal. The odd face mask, hand sanitiser stations outside shops, people signing in.

Peter Patterson says in the immediate aftermath of the eruption the town was 'in shock.' Christel Yardley/Stuff.

That's where we find Peter Patterson, owner of Patterson's clothing store.

"Definitely in December there was a calm over the town, the town was in shock. December trading was depressed."

January, February and March "very similar".

"We just didn't get the tourists that'd been going to White Island, and not as many holidaymakers."

He says they closed the shop for seven weeks during the COVID-19 lockdowns, a move he agrees came as a hammer blow.

But he too is optimistic about the future.

There's the dairy sector, kiwifruit, the mussel farm development in Opotiki and plans for a new container port in Kawerau.

"Which all impact on the Eastern Bay of Plenty, we look upon it as a region."

He's also grateful for a loyal customer base.

"We're well established and we enjoy tremendous loyal support."

A few metres down The Strand is Poppy's Cafe, where owner Mark Powley says he saw an immediate drop in business in the wake of the eruption.

He says the Cafes closer to the docks suffered more than they did, and he's also upbeat about a loyal customer base, and the prospects for domestic tourism.

There are dolphin charters, fishing and a beautiful town.

"We've a lot to offer in this area, if the tourism is promoted properly. We're pinning our hopes on local tourism," he says.

As we move from The Strand to some of the nearby motels, it seems we also leave some of the optimism behind.

Tourist Court Motel owners John Veen and Alison Fox say they are concerned about the region's tourism pulling power without the Crown Jewel of Whakaari. Christel Yardley/Stuff.

Tourist Court owners John Veen and Alison Fox actually saw a spike in business in the wake of the Whakaari eruption, with emergency staff and media eager to find accommodation.

COVID-19 has left them housing a smattering of homeless people, and they're uncertain about a domestic market without the crown jewel of Whakaari.

"That was one of the major draws, what's going to pull people here? It's the middle of winter, people won't come to the beaches, what's the reason to come here now," says John.

John's view is largely echoed by Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce president Karl Gradon.

"That [Whakari] was a valuable growth and employment engine for our tourism sector and one that we had wiped out overnight."

Alison is equally concerned that sporting events, another former draw for the region, are unlikely to resume for the foreseeable future.

A few metres down the road at the Barringtons Motor Lodge, manager Sue Burnett says they've "not a soul" staying at the moment.

She's hopeful a Trans-Tasman 'bubble' could provide a lifeline, and believes Ohope Beach will always draw visitors. Right now though, it's a case of trying to promote Whakatane "as best as we can without White Island".

Bay of Plenty Tourism chief executive Kristin Dunne said she believed the region would feel the economic impact of that day for several years. Image: Stuff.

Kristin Dunne, the chief executive of Tourism Bay of Plenty, admits that Whakaari was "undoubtedly a compelling drawcard for visitors" to both New Zealand and Whakatane.

She's candid about the damage the eruption will cause to the region's tourist sector too, saying the economic impact will be felt in Whakatane "for several years".

Kristin says that Marketview electronic spend transaction data revealed visitor spend in Whakatane District grew in December 2019 on the previous year, though the level of growth was weaker than other parts of the Coastal Bay of Plenty.

She says total visitor spend in the year ending December 2019 in Whakatane stood at $147m.

They're numbers Turner described as "OK, not as high as usual but not disastrously low".

"The growing part of out tourism sector has been international, and that took an immediate hit."

Turner says data from the year ended December 2019 showed a 6.5 per cent drop in total visitor spend, and an 18 per cent fall in international spend.

She too is optimistic the region can weather the twin storms that have battered its key tourism market, but believes a new mindset may be needed.

"We will have to reimagine what the local sector looks like post COVID-19, because we all accept that life won't return to exactly what it was like before. That might not be easy, but it also provides us with a lot of opportunities."

Karl too believes there is reason for optimism.

He cites the fact Ohope is "New Zealand's most loved beach" and attractions such as the Motu Cycle Trails, Tarawera Falls, the Te Urewera and Whirinaki Forests "and all the amazing water based activities we have here have meant many Kiwis have been able to enjoy what we have on offer".

He also says they had a team in place working on Whakaari recovery efforts that they were quickly able to turn for a COVID-19 response.

"The approach of one-on-one calls to find out what is important to each business owner has been key in helping the local businesses.

"The speed to pivot towards the new market reality is critical. Creating an online presence, creating a strategy to focus on local marketplace, and quickly working out what the new consumer wants post-covid will be key. Being in a small region we have made it a focus of getting people onto the same page about the recovery efforts."

Turner says they are working with iwi, the business sector and neighbouring councils to reposition their offering, and "taking the approach that we need to reimagine the future".

She also believes their experience in the wake of the eruption can provide lessons for the country as a whole as it grapples with the global pandemic.

"One thing that Whaakari White Island taught us, was that we have something very unique to offer as a country when it comes to tourism.

"Here it is underpinned by our cultural values and the manaakitanga we show as a nation. If we can stay true to this and ensure it is also at the heart of the tourism sector as we redevelop, I believe this will offer us an incredibly strong platform to move forward with as a country."

Turner is also buoyed by the people on the front line of their tourism and business sectors, men like Ollie.

"People of passion. They're fighting to the death."

Relief fund

Just seven days after the Whakaari eruption Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced plans for a $5m relief fund for businesses in Whakatane, affected by the fatal eruption and subsequent tourism drop off, and Westland, affected by storm damaged roads.

An Official Information Act request by Stuff has revealed that fund has paid out $1,875,224 to 23 businesses whose applications were successful.

In total 27 applications were made.

The largest single payout was $884,000 while the smallest sum was $2592.

'Still a bit of a mystery'

Time hasn't changed Tim Barrow's view of the events he played a role in, almost six months on.

Tim Barrow, Volcanic Air Safari chief director and chief pilot, flew the last survivor off Whakaari in the wake of the eruption. Dominico Zapata/Stuff.

"We still see it as the awful tragedy it was. I don't think you can view it in any other way."

Volcanic Air director and chief pilot, Tim flew the last survivor off Whakaari on the day of the eruption, and he still has no idea who that person was.

"Still a bit of a mystery.

Tim is polite, but he also admits that when it comes to discussing the events of December 9 last year, he's "a little bit over it".

"We're trying to move on."

He's confident they can move on as a business, despite what he says is a 94 per cent dependence on international visitors.

"We're working very hard to get back on track and that was happening. Post COVID-19, as a company we remain positive about our view of tourism and the Bay of Plenty region, we're keen to be here for the long term."

'Closure for families'

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta, the lead for the Ministerial Taskforce on the investigation into the Whakaari tragedy, told Stuff it would be "unfair and misleading" to give any timeline for findings of the two investigations into the tragedy.

WorkSafe and Coronial probes are both underway, work Mahuta described as "quite complex".

"It would be unfair and misleading to give an indication of time.

"The priority is to ensure it's a thorough investigation."

She says she did not want to foreshadow any possible recommendations from either investigation, but "I'm sure in terms of closure for families, we are going to take things forward."

A spokesperson from White Island Tours told Stuff that while the investigations are underway "it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time".

They did, however, say they had cooperated fully with both enquiries.

'Heightened activity'

GNS Volcanologist Dr Nico Fournier told Stuff their recent monitoring has found continued heightened activity at the site "above normal background levels for the volcano".

"It is still in a period of moderate to heightened unrest," he says.

"Activity is slowly declining towards normal levels for the volcano, although there is still very hot lava present at the surface, in the active vent area."

He says that tremor activity had decreased from December's very strong levels post eruption, and that gas emissions were also decreasing.

Nico says that despite GNS staff not setting foot on Whakaari since the eruption, their monitoring has been ongoing round the clock via instruments on the island, satellite gas measurements and GPS and satellite-based radar data.

While these remote methods let them continue data collection with minimal disruption, the lure of the dark volcanic silhouette on the horizon off Whakatane retains a strong pull not just for those who depend on showing it to tourists.

"We hope to visit the island in the future as it is important to be able to collect samples and make observations to better understand how it erupted."

Until then they, like the people of Whakatane who built lives and businesses in the shadow of Whakaari, wait.

Benn Bathgate/Stuff.
The novel coronavirus was well-suited to jump from animals to humans by shapeshifting and gaining the ability to infect people, according to a study which sheds light on the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers, including those from the University of Texas at El Paso in the US, conducted genetic analysis of the novel coronavirus and its similar variants in animals, and confirmed that its closest relative is a coronavirus that infects bats.

In the study, published in the journal Science Advances, they said the ability of the virus, SARS-CoV-2, to infect humans was gained by exchanging a critical gene fragment from a coronavirus that infects a scaly mammal called a pangolin.

The researchers reported that this jump from species-to-species was the result of the ability of the virus to bind to host cells through alterations in its genetic material.

By analogy, they said, it is as if the virus retooled the key that enables it to unlock a host cell's door.

In the case of SARS-CoV-2, the researchers said, this "key" is a spike protein found on the surface of the virus, which it uses to attach to cells and infect them.

"Very much like the original SARS that jumped from bats to civets, or MERS that went from bats to dromedary camels, and then to humans, the progenitor of this pandemic coronavirus underwent evolutionary changes in its genetic material that enabled it to eventually infect humans," said study co-author Feng Gao from Duke University in the US.

According to Gao and his colleagues, tracing the evolutionary pathway of the virus can help deter future pandemics arising from the virus, and possibly guide vaccine research.

In the current study, the researchers found that typical pangolin coronaviruses are too different from SARS-CoV-2 for them to have directly caused the human pandemic.

However, they said the pangolin coronaviruses contain a receptor-binding site -- a part of the spike protein necessary to bind to the cell membrane -- that is important for human infection.

This binding site, the study said, makes it possible to affix to a cell surface protein that is abundant on human respiratory and intestinal epithelial cells, endothelial cell, and kidney cells.

While the viral ancestor in the bat is the most closely related coronavirus to SARS-CoV-2, its binding site is very different, the study noted.

On its own, the scientists said, the virus cannot efficiently infect human cells with this binding site.

They said the novel coronavirus could be a hybrid between bat and pangolin viruses to obtain the "key" necessary receptor-binding site for human infection.

"There are regions of the virus with a very high degree of similarity of amino acid sequences among divergent coronaviruses that infect humans, bats and pangolins, suggesting that these viruses are under similar host selection and may have made the ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 able to readily jump from these animals to humans," said study co-author Xiaojun Li from Duke University.

While people had already looked at the coronavirus sequences sampled from pangolins, the researchers said, the scientific community was still divided on whether they played a role in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2.

"In our study, we demonstrated that indeed SARS-CoV-2 has a rich evolutionary history that included a reshuffling of genetic material between bat and pangolin coronavirus before it acquired its ability to jump to humans," said study co-lead author Elena Giorgi from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Topics
West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee on Friday said universities will take the decision on ways of conducting semester exams after the end of the lockdown, and the government will not interfere in their autonomy.

Chatterjee told reporters he was informed by vice chancellors of several universities that they are already working out the modalities to conduct the final semester exams in consultation with faculty members.

The universities will decide on their own about the day of opening of affiliated colleges, about the ways of conducting final semester exams, he said.

The minister said higher education institutions have been asked to display a humane approach with regard to attendance and internal assessment factors in view of the COVID-19 scenario.

The vice chancellors are meeting today to discuss about the semester issue and academic calendar. They will deliberate among themselves and inform the higher education department about their recommendations later on, he said.

VCs of different state universities were present at the meeting, West Bengal Vice-Chancellors Council general secretary Subiresh Bhattacharya said.

Chatterjee added that universities suffered damages worth Rs 40 crore due to cyclone Amphan.

He said the state government will actively encourage planting of trees in varsities where green cover was reduced in the fierce storm.
WASHINGTON  After protests erupted in several U.S. cities over the death of an African-American man in police custody in Minneapolis, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said Friday that we need everybody to please take a deep breath and await the results of an investigation.

Cornyn spoke after fellow Texas Republicans condemned the death of George Floyd, a native of Houston. Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis police custody Monday night. He had been arrested by officers investigating a report that someone had used a fake $20 bill to make a purchase at a store. Video showed an officer kneeling on Floyds neck, pinning him to the ground while he pleaded for help, saying I cant breathe.

Boy, that was a hard thing to watch, Cornyn said of the video. And certainly our prayers go out to his family, and I would say our law enforcement officials have a very difficult job to do sometimes, but there will be a time of accountability if there was a mishandling of that situation.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

I do know there have been acts of violence and various demonstrations around the country, including some vandalism here in San Antonio, Cornyn continued. Thats just simply unacceptable. We need everybody to please take a deep breath, let the authorities do their investigation and we will hold people who are responsible accountable, but violence is not called for.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa called Cornyns choice of words flat-out disgusting and downright wrong.

The family of George Floyd and those mourning his death are owed an immediate and unequivocal apology, Hinojosa said. Not only was Cornyns choice of words appalling, but the gall to demand that those grieving Floyds death calm down is reprehensible  regardless of the phrasing used.

Cornyn, a former Texas attorney general and state Supreme Court justice, made his comments during an exchange with reporters after he handed out groceries at a San Antonio Food Bank distribution at the Alamodome.

Cornyn was asked about Floyds death and about President Donald Trumps tweet Friday in which the president reacted to violent protests in Minneapolis by saying that when the looting starts, the shooting starts.

The senator spoke before state authorities in Minnesota charged Derek Chauvin, the white officer who knelt on Floyds neck, with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The Justice Department is also investigating the case.

Gov. Greg Abbott said in an interview with Houstons KPRC2 on Friday that Floyds death should not have happened and obviously, from everything I have seen, this is a consequence of poor police work.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on Thursday tweeted: Having watched the video, what happened to George Floyd is inexcusable and cannot be tolerated.

Law enforcement should protect everyone, regardless of race, said Cruz, R-Texas. I am glad that the Department of Justice has stepped in, and I pray that justice is done.

ARREST IN FLOYD CASE: Minneapolis cop who knelt on neck of handcuffed George Floyd charged

Rep. Will Hurd of San Antonio, the only black Republican in the House, said: The video evidence in George Floyds case should be enough for the Hennepin County attorney to make arrests TODAY, so this police officer can be prosecuted for murder.

Staff writer Tom Orsborn contributed to this report.

ben.wermund@chron.com
Twitter is facing yet more scrutiny over its approach to politicians, albeit for different reasons. Axios (via The Verge) has learned that Senator Ted Cruz sent letters to the Justice and Treasury Departments urging them to investigate Twitter for allegedly violating sanctions against Iran. Its reportedly violating laws that bar it from providing goods or services to sanctioned people by declining to ban Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. Twitter was willfully and openly breaking the law after receiving formal notice, Cruz said.

The social network declined to comment. However, it previously defended the practice in a letter by arguing that denying service would be antithetical to the purpose of Twitter, including its aim to elevate and amplify authoritative health information. It also argued that making a communication tool available was broadly exempted.

Cruz rejected both claims. He noted that Iran bans citizens for accessing Twitter, and that both Khamenei and Zarif posted disinformation and conspiracy theories in early April. The senator likewise said that the licensing Twitter refers to expressly doesnt allow services to people under sanctions.

This is part of an ongoing issue and doesnt appear intentionally timed, but it couldnt come at a worse moment. President Trump is already attacking Twitter for applying a fact check notice on one of his tweets, not to mention hiding a post for glorification of violence. Theres a lot of government scrutiny of its practices, and its not guaranteed to emerge unscathed.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio blamed President Trump on Saturday for the rioting taking place nationwide in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was filmed being suffocated by a Minneapolis police officer.

The president, meanwhile, tweeted his support for the NYPD, whose officers have been filmed using what some describe as excessive force against protesters in the city.

This is the blunt truth - the president of the United States helped to create this atmosphere, and thats the tragedy here, the mayor told reporters during a news conference at City Hall on Saturday.

It doesnt matter what your party affiliation is [and] it doesnt matter what you think of President Trump, the mayor said.

De Blasio said that during the Trump presidency, there has been an uptick in tension and hatred and division.

Its just a fact, the mayor said.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (left) blamed President Trump (right) for the nationwide rioting and protesting in the wake of the death of George Floyd

The president on Saturday demanded that de Blasio should 'let New York's Finest be New York's Finest'

New York Police Department officers scuffle with protesters in Brooklyn on Saturday

Protesters vandalize an NYPD van near Union Square in Manhattan on Saturday

De Blasio said that Trumps actions and statements arent the reason for any specific act but that he has helped to poison the atmosphere.

We gotta get back to leaders talking about unity, the mayor said.

The White House has been asked to comment on de Blasios remarks by DailyMail.com.

Trump on Saturday appeared to indirectly criticize de Blasio for not allowing his police force enough leeway to put down the protests.

'Let New Yorks Finest be New Yorks Finest,' the president tweeted on Saturday.

'There is nobody better, but they must be allowed to do their job!'

Trump has been criticized for his Twitter posts in which he threatened to send the National Guard to Minneapolis to 'assume control' while warning 'thugs' in the city that 'when the looting starts the shooting starts.'

The 'looting and shooting' comment is considered a provocative statement that harkens back to race riots in Miami during the 1960s when violence was used against African Americans.

Twitter muzzled Trump's tweet - but left it online in case people wanted to read it - because they said it 'violated Twitter rules about glorifying violence.'

The mayor made his comments while he has been criticized for the behavior of the New York Police Department in the past few days of unrest in his city.

The president has been widely criticized for Twitter posts in which he calls demonstrators and rioters 'thugs' while warning that 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts'

Footage emerged on Saturday of two police cars being swarmed by protesters in New York before one of them decides to drive through the crowd.

Video that was shot in Brooklyn showed two NYPD cruisers driving into protesters who were pushing against a barricade against a police car and pelting it with objects.

The first patrol car initially remained stationary in the middle of the road before demonstrators approached.

The activists then began pelting the car with bottles, traffic cones and even bags of trash.

A second NYPD cruiser then pulled alongside the first but appeared to be in a rush to push through the crowds.

Several videos show two NYPD squad cars ramming into multiple protesters

When a second squad car arrives on scene, it runs into several people who struggle to get out of the way

People were pushed out of the way as a second police car arrived on the scene

The demonstrators were standing directly in front of the vehicles at the time and put up a barricade

Those gathered swarmed the second patrol car which then, without warning, suddenly began to accelerate.

It saw at least three people pushed to the side and almost run over and the police car drove on down the street.

During a news conference late on Saturday, de Blasio appeared to put the blame on the protesters, saying: 'If those protesters had just gotten out of the way we wouldn't be talking about this situation.'

Earlier on Saturday, the NYPD said an officer is under investigation after he was filmed violently shoving a female protester to the ground during a George Floyd protest in Brooklyn that saw 200 people arrested.

The cop, who has not been identified, was seen forcefully pushing Dounya Zayer, 20, and sending her flying onto the pavement during a demonstration near Barclay's Center on Friday night.

Zayer later shared videos of herself from the hospital claiming she suffered a violent seizure from the attack and said she was 'in no way aggressive' towards the officer.

An NYPD spokesperson confirmed on Saturday that they are aware of the video circulating on social media and that it is 'under internal review.'

Scroll down for video

The NYPD officer who was filmed violently shoving a female protester to the ground in Brooklyn on Friday is under investigation. He has not been identified

The woman shown been violently flung to the ground by an NYPD officer was identified by those at the scene as Dounya Zayer, who later posted about the attack from hospital

It was first shared by Newsweek reporter Jason Lemon who claimed that the officer called the woman a 'stupid f*****g b***h' before shoving her.

The NYPD Police Commissioner confirmed over 200 protesters were arrested during Friday night's demonstrations.

In his press conference on Saturday, de Blasio expressed solidarity with demonstrators upset about police brutality, but said there will be a full review of what went wrong.

He said he was upset by videos of the confrontations 'where protesters were handled very violently' by police.

'Any time you see a protester just arbitrarily thrown to the ground by a police officer - that does not reflect our values, that's unacceptable, and there needs to be consequences,' he said.

But he added some protesters had come 'with an agenda of violence and incitement, and they meant to harm police officers, and they did harm police officers.'

The mayor said he was concerned by reports that at least two elected officials were among the people sprayed with irritating chemicals by officers at the scene.

Many people in the crowd threw bottles at police and one group set fire to a police van and battered several other police cruisers with clubs.

Zayer later took to Twitter from the hospital to post several videos to explain what had happened to her.

The young woman hit the ground where she lay knocked out for a few seconds before beginning to move and hold her head. She says the fall caused a massive seizure

Zayer identified herself on Twitter and said she did not touch the officer

She posted a video of her own from a little before the attack which shows the cop approaching

The cop is seen taking a swipe at her phone

'This was me, and I want to make one thing clear to all the people that are commenting lies below this video. I did NOT spit in this officer's face. I was wearing a face mask. He told me to get out of the street and then immediately threw me out of the way,' she wrote.

She also posted a video from her own perspective which showed the officers approaching her as she moved backwards down the street, with one of them taking a swipe at her phone.

Whitney Hu, an activist also taking part in the protest and who first posted the video of Zayer, said on Twitter that she was on the way to the hospital after the attack but was forced to wait outside because of the coronavirus pandemic.

'The cop pushed her so hard at Barclays & she flung back. She is tiny. Now she's in the ER after a serious seizure. I'm waiting for updates but have to wait outside because of COVID-19. Please keep my protest sister in your thoughts,' Hu wrote.

She later revealed that the young woman had woken up and was able to speak to her.

The shocking video shows Zayer being flung to the ground by the police officer and lying still for several seconds before eventually holding her head as other protesters rush to help her and call for people to take his badge number.

From the hospital, the protester revealed that she was thrown because she hadn't moved out of the officer's way in time after he asked her to move down the street.

'I was not rioting, I was protesting,' she says in the video.

'I did not even get in his physical space, he was moving in my direction, told me to move and because I didn't move out of his way in time, he threw me out of the way.

'He was walking to me, I was standing in place,' she added.

'And I never put my hands on him.'

Zayer says the group had been peacefully protesting in front of the officers when somebody from the protesters threw an object like a bottle at the police.

She says this caused the police to 'stampede' and she was running backwards when the officer pushed her.

'If you really want to compare me standing in the middle of the street to the officer that killed George Floyd  it's not comparable,' she said.

'I was protesting for a reason and the officers who were at this protest should back down.'

The video of the attack was criticized by city officials who called for action against the police officer.

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said: 'This officer needs to be charged with assault. Hard to watch. Brutal and unacceptable.'

He also condemned the widespread police response to the protest in Brooklyn on Friday night.

'We failed to de-escalate. The NYPD should be easing tensions, not pepper spraying state legislators and shoving peaceful protestors,' he said, referring to Assemblywoman Diana Richardson who says she was pepper sprayed while peacefully protesting in Barclays plaza.

The officer in the Bronx was shown coughing on a group of people in a video shared Thursday

The group called from his badge number but he walked away and got back into his car

Dozens were arrested Friday in the second night of violent protests in New York City.

Although the night started peacefully, the protests dramatically escalated. Two state legislators say were pepper-sprayed and one handcuffed.

Friday's violent video comes after police officers were caught coughing on a group of people in the Bronx on Thursday night.

The video shows a cop opening his mouth and pointedly coughing on a group of people without wearing a mask and then walking slowly away.

The group are seen asking for his badge number before the cops climb back into their car.

Violent protests demanding justice for George Floyd spread across the US Friday night, with the CNN headquarters under siege in Atlanta, NYPD officers forced to fend off rioters at a police precinct in Brooklyn and the White House forced to go into lockdown as demonstrators tried to scale the walls.

Looting and fires broke out again in Minneapolis as protesters defied the state curfew and the National Guard failed to keep the city under control, with the Pentagon putting the military police on alert to send to the ravaged city.
<! Akinwumi Adesina President of AfDB: backed by African leaders >

Fifteen former African leaders have urged the U.S. government to respect the governing systems of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

In a statement on Friday, the former leaders said the bank and its president, Akinwumi Adesina, should not be distracted at a time when the continent is battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leaders  including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigerian presidents,  said conflict resolution processes outside laid down rules would undermine the reputation of the bank and its president.

The US, through Steven Mnuchin, its treasury secretary, had called for an independent probe of Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB president, despite being absolved of whistleblower allegations by the banks ethics committee.

Adesina, who some whistleblowers alleged to have violated the banks code of ethics, has firmly and consistently declared his innocence of these allegations.

The ethics committee of the board of directors, a legal oversight body of the bank, made up of representatives of shareholders, cleared Dr Adesina of all 16 allegations, declaring them as baseless and unsubstantiated and exonerated him completely.

Governance is all about respecting and abiding by rules, laws and established governing systems of organizations. In the case of the AfDB, while differences may exist among parties, the best way to address them is to first respect the rules, procedures and governance structures of the bank.

The African Development Bank is a pride for all of Africa, and its president, Dr Adesina, has taken the bank to enviable heights. At this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the bank and its president should not be distracted.

Listing achievements of the AfDB under Adesinas leadership, the leaders said: The bank announced a $10 billion crisis response facility to support countries in Africa. The bank also successfully launched a $3 billion Fight COVID-19 social bond, the largest ever US dollar-denominated bond in world history.

Powered by his vision and leadership, the shareholders of the bank from 80 countries all approved a general capital increase of $115 billion for the bank, the largest in its history since establishment in 1964.

The bank has been doing a lot for women, with a $3 billion fund to provide access to finance to women, supported by G7 countries and Africa.

Across the continent, the banks presence and work have been highly visible and impactful. In less than five years, the banks High 5 agenda has impacted over 333 million people, from access to electricity, food security, access to finance via the private sector, improve transport and access to water and sanitation.

The bank has maintained its stellar AAA rating among all global rating agencies.

They urged all shareholders to work with mutual respect and honour the procedures of the bank saying: No nation, regardless of how powerful, has veto power over the African Development Bank, and no nation should have such power.

The statement was signed and endorsed by:

Olusegun Obasanjo (president of Nigeria; 1999-2007)

Boni Yayi (president of Benin; 2006-2016)

Hailemariam Desalegn (prime minister of Ethiopia; 2012  2018)

John Kufour (president of Ghana; 2001  2009)

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (president of Liberia; 2006  2018)

Joyce Banda (president of Malawi; 2012  2014)

Joaquim Chissano (president of Mozambique; 1986  2005)

Tandja Mamadou (president of Niger; 1999  2010)

Goodluck Jonathan (president of Nigeria; 2010-2015)

Mohamed Marzouki (president of Tunisia; 2011  2014)

Benjamin Mkapa (president of Tanzania; 1995  2005)

Ameenah Gurib-Fakin (president of Mauritius; 2015  2018)

Rupiah Banda (president of Zambia; 2008  2011)

Kgalema Motlanthe (president of South Africa; 2008-2009)

Jakaya Kikwete (president of Tanzania; 2005  2015)
Bansy Kalappa By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: By the time you read this, biotech major Biocon would have tested 10,000-plus Covid-19 samples from across the state. Reassuringly, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon Executive Chairperson, said, The test positive rates are still low in Karnataka. Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said, We have 25 such private testing facilities and, including governmentrun ones, we have 62 testing centres.

We are already testing 13,000 to 15,000 people a day and the total has crossed 2.5 lakhs. The government pays Rs 2,200 per test to private centres. Mazumdar-Shaw said, We are doing it for free. Going by the government rate, we have already spent over Rs 2 crore to test the samples over the last few weeks. Initially, a few samples were sent, but now it has increased to 1,000-1,500 per day.

We have also ramped up testing. Overall, Karnataka is d o i n g a good job. We need to keep tracing, testing and treating fast and effectively to break the chain. If we catch them early, they recover early. If we diagnose early, we prevent the spread. Asked if Tamil Nadu and other states have requested Biocon to test their samples, she said, No, because logistics is an issue.

We dont have testing facilities in other states. The Karnataka government is collecting the samples and sending them to us which are being tested at our Syngene facility in Jigani, South Bengaluru. On tackling the pandemic in the coming days, she said, We need to conduct tests at all workplaces as people are still so scared about Covid. With travel resumed and thousands of people travelling, testing is the only option. Dr Sudhakar said, We hope to increase the number of labs to around 100 and we can achieve this, as more laboratories are joining the fight. On private labs offering free testing, Additional Chief Secretary Jawaid Akhtar said, Anand Diagnostic Labs too conducted the tests for free, but for certain numbers only.

Pleased to announce a proud milestone of having delivered 10,000 tests to GoK in a very short time of just few weeks under our CSR program  We will continue serving the people Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon Executive Chairperson
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Former Gov. Bill Richardson has largely stayed out of state politics since leaving office at the end of 2010, but he has made a cameo appearance of sorts in recent weeks.

The ex-governor recently called Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and urged the governor to contact restaurant owners and a southeast New Mexico mayor who had reached out to him about the states reopening plan for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

While the Governors Office on Friday downplayed Richardsons role, one former restaurant owner said a group of restaurateurs had a productive online meeting with Lujan Grisham after he had asked Richardson to help get them in touch with the governor.

We did not have any one-on-one dialogue going with the governor before the phone call, said Al Lucero, the former owner of a popular Santa Fe restaurant who now does work for an alcohol beverage distributor.

He said the subsequent online meeting between Lujan Grisham and around a half dozen restaurant owners from around the state  that took place about two weeks ago  focused on their economic concerns and ways to reopen the industry.

It was their dialogue, I think, that convinced the governor that they were sincere about opening safely, Lucero said Friday.

After being closed for more than two months under public health orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, restaurants in nearly all of New Mexico were allowed by the Lujan Grisham administration to open outdoor dining areas on Wednesday  provided they follow certain social distancing guidelines.

And indoor restaurant dining will be allowed at 50% maximum capacity starting Monday under a revised order, Lujan Grisham announced Thursday.

Richardson, who lives in Santa Fe, said Friday he became alarmed by the number of boarded-up businesses he saw during a recent drive through Red River, Questa and Angel Fire.

He told the Journal he did not participate in the talks between the current governor and the restaurant owners, but credited Lujan Grisham for listening to them and acting on their concerns.

I would call myself more of an intermediary or facilitator urging both sides to come together, Richardson said in an interview.

However, a Lujan Grisham spokeswoman said Friday the governor has been getting steady input in recent weeks, including from members of an Economic Recovery Council she created, about COVID-safe practices by industry that are being used as part of the states gradual reopening plan.

The decisions about when and where to reopen the states economy are made by the governor and are guided by the public health data, said Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett.

The governor has been talking to restaurateurs and business owners from all across the state for months; she didnt need the former governor to encourage her to continue doing that at all, Sackett said Friday.

Its true that the former governor reached out to the current governor and mentioned he had been hearing from those groups and individuals and shared his thoughts, and thats about it, she added.

But Hobbs Mayor Sam Cobb, a member of a group of mayors working with the Lujan Grisham administration on reopening issues, called Richardson a great advocate to the governor on business-related issues.

I think its had a positive impact on some of her decision-making, Cobb told the Journal.

Both Democrats, Lujan Grisham and Richardson have a long-running working relationship with one another.

The current governor was state Department of Health secretary during Richardsons tenure as governor, before resigning in 2007.

Meanwhile, Richardson has also been involved in other response efforts to the pandemic, including a humanitarian project aimed at boosting access to scarce medical and protective equipment supplies on the Navajo Nation.

Richardson, who said hes looking forward to patronizing his favorite Santa Fe restaurants in the coming weeks, said Friday he was happy to help  albeit in a limited role.

People still call me, Richardson told the Journal. They think Im still governor and I have power, even though I dont.
Thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday demanding justice for Regis Korchinski-Paquet, three days after the 29-year-old woman fell to her death from a High Park highrise, in an incident that is now under investigation by Ontarios civilian police watchdog.

A group called Not Another Black Life organized the protest, which began at Christie Pits Park early Saturday afternoon and culminated hours later outside Toronto police headquarters on College Street  though hundreds continued the protest long after organizers asked the crowd to disperse.

With controversy mounting over Korchinski-Paquets death  and on the heels of other high-profile deaths involving police in both Canada and the United States, where some of the ensuing protests turned violent  her family began the day by issuing a statement urging a peaceful gathering in their loved ones name.

This is what we call solidarity, a woman identified only as a member of Korchinski-Paquets family said as she addressed the large crowd at the end of the march from the back of a pickup truck carrying a speaker system. When we come together for a cause, this is what happens. Its good to know Black people can come out and protest peacefully. We dont need any violence  but we want answers.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is looking into the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, who the SIU says fell from the balcony of a 24th-floor Toronto apartment while police were in the home on Wednesday. (Facebook) /Toronto Star

She reiterated the familys call for details from the police, requesting names, badge numbers and information about whoever was in the apartment with Korchinski-Paquet when she plunged 24 storeys to her death. Korchinski-Paquets mother had called police on Wednesday because her daughter was in distress over a family conflict and needed to be taken to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, according to Knia Singh, a Toronto human rights lawyer who is the family spokesperson. Her death is now the subject of an investigation by Ontarios civilian police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit.

Saturdays statement from Korchinski-Paquets family also rejects a comment made by Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders, who said on Friday that at least two of the three calls made to police on Wednesday night mentioned knives.

The family states that when the police arrived and spoke with Regis, (her mother) Claudette and (her brother) Reece, there was no knife present and no assault taking place, the statement read. The family strongly believes that Regiss death could have been prevented.

Regis Korchinski-Paquet's sister Renee consoles their grieving mother Claudette Korchinski-Beals in Toronto on May 28, 2020. Toronto Star

Members of Korchinski-Paquets family led Saturdays march, which spanned about four kilometres and lasted more than three hours, carrying a banner that read, Not Another Black Life and wearing shirts with the words Get your knees off our necks. This was a reference to George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man who died last week after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes as he begged for air. The officer in that case, Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday.

Toronto police walked alongside the march and guarded police headquarters without incident on Saturday.

This does not end after today, said protester Cara McArthur, a member of the Dandelion Initiative, a non-profit organization led by and dedicated to survivors of sexual violence. I should not be standing here watching mothers crying because they called the police to help. A mothers child should not be taken away in a body bag because she called for help. We need to do the work on an individual level. We cannot depend on the police to keep us safe; we cannot depend on the media to have the right stories out there.

The story on Saturday was that of a peaceful but vocal crowd who ensured their message about anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism was heard on the streets of Toronto and beyond, with chants like Black lives matter where? Black lives matter here. The crowd was full of colourful signs bearing messages such as Silence is betrayal and We are tired.

Many in the crowd wore masks with the words I cant breathe printed on them  another nod to Floyd, as well as a sign of the times as the protest took place amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers emphasized social distancing and carried personal protective equipment, gloves and hand sanitizer for participants who needed them, but many protesters wore masks because it was difficult to practise distancing in such a large crowd.

The march was initially slated to end at Queens Park but organizers changed the route to avoid crossing paths with a weekly protest against provincial lockdown measures.

Still, protester Patience Ebbhaharu spent much of the day outside Queens Park making her voice heard, before joining a group waiting to connect with the march outside police headquarters.

We are tired, she said. We are tired of having to deal with the fact that a police call can potentially turn into a death call  Police are trained to do the job that they do. They go through specific training, especially when it comes to mental health in the Black community, but still situations are being tucked under the carpet. And Im here to say we will not accept that.

Ebbhaharu called on the province to create new policies on policing and called on others, regardless of their race, to help amplify the voices of Black people.

I do not care what your ethnicity is. I do not care what race you are from, she said. What I care about is peoples lives.

Correction - May 31, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly referred to Reece as Regis Korchinski-Paquet's sister.

With files from Wendy Gillis and The Associated Press
Migrants returning home has led to a severe manpower crunch in industries across Maharashtra and city-based Shriram Satpute, an entrepreneur and founder of Job Showcase, an online job portal, has come to the rescue of unemployed youth in rural areas.

Satpute has been at the forefront in connecting the youth from Solapur and Ahmednagar districts with the industries and has successfully facilitated at least 140 persons in getting jobs in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) areas in Pune region.

The lockdown, which was imposed in March to contain the spread of Sars-Cov-2 virus which causes the Covid-19 (coronavirus) infection, resulted in job losses in various sectors. Satpute started organising virtual job fairs and has provided employment to locals from western Maharashtra and Marathwada. Through Job Showcase, Satpute has provided jobs in retail, banking, manufacturing, e-commerce, production and allied sectors.

The industries are facing a severe shortage of manpower due to the mass migration of labour and hence, we have facilitated the recruitment through virtual job fairs where the interviews are conducted through video conferencing by the human resource personnel, said Satpute.

According to Satpute, the job aspirants from the rural areas of the state cannot travel to the city and the metropolitan centres for interviews. so digital technology came in handy for direct interviews and detailed discussion on the job profile. Interviews are held and a decision is taken with immediate effect. At least 100 candidates were selected from Karjat Jamkhed assembly segment represented by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Rohit Pawar during the lockdown period. Similarly, 40 candidates were chosen from Barshi in Solapur district where former inspector Bhausaheb Andhalkar supported the initiative.

Beneficiary candidate Dayaneshwar Ulage from Karjat-Jamkhed said, The initiative has given hopeto the rural youth who are searching for job opportunities during the lockdown and economic crisis. I had applied for Baramati Agro and my process has been completed. I am thankful to our local MLA and virtual job fair for organising the meeting online.

Pawar said, The initiative is aimed at providing job opportunities to the needy during the tough times. The interviews are conducted online through video conferencing. We have received more than 3,000 applications from various job aspirants so far.

Dilip Pawar, operations head, Yashashwi Group, said, During the two-month lockdown, companies have been facing serious shortage of manpower. During the lockdown, transport system had shut and it was a challenging task to travel from the district to the company address. Online interviews do not require travel and it is convenient for both the HR and the job aspirant. We have done more than 100 interviews so far and the response has been encouraging.

Satpute said that the extreme shortage of manpower had created opportunities in different sectors where the skilled aspirants can get jobs at decent salaries. This is how they are seeking out a living and keeping their home and hearth going. We will be extending the facilities to other areas as well, said Satpute.
Wife of late Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, Sutapa Sikdar shared a beautiful note as she shared lovely pictures with her husband and remembered him late Friday.

She wrote, Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing there is a field. Ill meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass the world is too full to talk about. Its just a matter of time...milenge baaten karenge.... Till we meet again. She also shared bright pictures with Irrfan.

One of the images shows Irrfan lying down on grass and gazing into the camera while the other one shows the actor taking a selfie in the same spot, with Sutapa holding him from the back.

Meanwhile, villagers in Maharashtras Igatpuri paid a tribute to Irrfan and renamed the area where his farmhouse stands to Hero-chi-Wadi (neighbourhood of a hero in Marathi). According to an India Today report, the villagers were grateful for all that Irrfan had done for them - he gifted an ambulance, computers, books, raincoats, sweaters for their kids and would also send sweets on festivals. The area has been named as Hero-chi-Wadi (neighbourhood of a hero in Marathi).

Also read: Apurva Asrani purchases house with partner Siddhant, says For 13 years we pretended to be cousins

Irrfan died April 29 after a long battle with neuroendocrine tumour. A few days after his death, Sutapa had issued a statement on behalf of the family and it said, How can I write this as a family statement when the whole world is taking it as a personal loss? How can I begin to feel alone when millions are grieving with us at the moment? I want to assure everyone that this is not a loss, it is a gain. Its a gain of the things he taught us, and now we shall finally begin to truly implement it and evolve. I see my little family, in a boat, with both my sons Babil and Ayaan, paddling it forward, with Irrfan guiding them, wahan nahi, yahan se modo, but since life is not cinema and there are no retakes, I sincerely wish my children sail this boat safely with their fathers guidance in mind and rockabye through the storm.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The New Zealand governments Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC) reported on Thursday that a survey of 3,000 people, conducted in April, found 34 percent of households were in financial difficulty. A further 40 percent were at risk of tipping into hardship.

The survey was part of a study involving eight countries. New Zealand ranked worse than the UK and Norway, where 28 percent and 8 percent of respondents respectively were in financial difficulty. Other countries have not yet reported their results.

The findings reflect the dramatic and widespread fall in living standards due to the global economic crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-eight percent of respondents, an estimated 679,500 households, suffered a decline in income, with 232,500 losing more than a third.

CFFC head Jane Wrightson warned that income loss will get worse before it gets better. In fact, there is no end in sight for what is the deepest crisis of capitalism since the 1930s.

New Zealand is highly exposed to the crisis: its tourism and international education industries are imploding. Households have low savings and high debt levels, many workers are in insecure jobs and social welfare benefits are extremely low.

The country also has some of the worlds most unaffordable housing. The CFFC estimated that 179,000 households, one in 10, had missed a mortgage or rent payment since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.

The survey found that another 40 percent of households were not in financial difficulty yet but were at risk of financial difficulty if they lost any more income. Only 26 percent were financially secure, with enough money in savings to meet financial shocks in the future.

On Thursday, Childrens Commissioner Andrew Becroft told Stuff he estimated 200,000 more children could be pushed into poverty, bringing child poverty to nearly 40 percent. Already, before the present crisis, 235,400 or one in five children lived below the poverty line, after housing costs were deducted.

Job cuts are accelerating, abetted by the Labour Party-led government and enforced by the trade union bureaucracy. All the claims made over the past three years that Jacinda Arderns coalition government with the Greens and NZ First would alleviate poverty and restore capitalisms human face are being thoroughly discredited.

According to Stuff, 53,000 more people have signed up for the JobSeeker unemployment benefit since the week of March 20. This brings the total to 198,000, indicating more than 7 percent unemploymentthe highest level in more than a decade. The rate is expected to go well above 10 percent.

In the past week, Air New Zealand announced it is making 4,000 people redundant, up from previous estimates of 3,750. The airline is majority-owned by the government and has access to a $900 million government loan.

Air New Zealand has received tens of millions of dollars in wage subsidies from the government. These handouts, falsely promoted as a means of saving jobs, have not stopped businesses slashing wages and sacking workers.

In the tourism sector, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels announced 910 job cuts. Tourism Holdings Ltd, which runs the Waitomo caves and Kiwi Experience businesses, is axing 140 staff. AJ Hackett Bungy will slash about 150, nearly three quarters of its staff, in Queenstown, Taupo and Auckland. Invercargill Licensing Trust, which operates hotels and hospitality businesses, has made 87 people redundant.

Furniture and electronics retail chain Smiths City has sacked 115 people, nearly a quarter of its staff. Retail group H&J Smith intends to shut stores in Dunedin, Mosgiel, Te Anau and Balclutha, with 175 redundancies.

Fuji Xerox, the printing and photocopying company, plans to cut about 100 jobs, 11 percent of its workforce. Its competitor Ricoh is reportedly slashing 80 jobs, despite receiving $2.2 million in wage subsidies.

MediaWorks is cutting 130 staff, mostly across its radio stations and sales team. This follows 200 layoffs last month by NZME, which owns the New Zealand Herald.

Tower Insurance announced 108 redundancies after posting a first-half-year profit of $14.9 million.

ANZ Banks New Zealand arm is also attacking workers, despite making a $789 million profit for the six months to March. The bank is cutting pay for about 200 contract workers by 20 percent until the end of September.

Auckland Council is formulating an emergency austerity budget for the countrys largest city in response to $550 million in expected lost revenue over the next financial year. Labour Party mayor Phil Goff told TVNZ on May 22 the council was conducting a review that will result in fewer jobs in our organisation in the coming months.

Already, about half the 1,100 temporary council workers and contractors have lost their jobs. The council is reportedly in talks with the Public Service Association about imposing a wage freeze.

The Ardern government, facing an election in September, announced an Income Relief Payment (IRP) on May 25 for people who have lost jobs since March 1. The payment of $490 a week is about double the normal JobSeeker benefit, but only lasts for 12 weeks.

The new payment is still not enough to pay for basic needs, particularly in major cities where rents are highest. And people who were already unemployed prior to March will receive no increase to their payments. Thousands of migrant workers remain barred from accessing welfare.

Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff, however, praised the IRP, saying the government was being nimble and responsive to meet the needs of our community. Opposed to any fight in defence of jobs, the unions are echoing the government and employers position that mass redundancies are inevitable.

After the election, the IRP and the wage subsidy scheme are due to expire. That will trigger a further wave of layoffs and increased poverty.

There are growing demands from big business for whoever wins the election to slash spending on social programs. Government ministers have made clear that generations of workers must pay back the debt incurred from its pro-business subsidies, tax cuts and bailouts.

ANZ Bank economist Sharon Zollner told Stuff on May 26: A bunch of our sacred cows might be getting reviewed. They included pension eligibility. The opposition National Party has pledged to increase the retirement age from 65 to 67. The current government has ruled out such a move, but the Labour Party previously campaigned for restricting pensions.
Workers who went to their home states in the lockdown to contain the coronavirus will have to register themselves when they return to Maharashtra, state Industries Minister Subhash Desai said on Saturday. He also said that Maharashtra has enough labour force of its own. "(Migrant) Labourers have returned to their home states just with their clothes.

They may come back after some time. At present we have enough labor force to supply to our industries," he told reporters in Aurangabad. ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: Decision to begin int'l flights, Metros after ...
A man broke into a roadside eatery in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district to steal food as the coronavirus-induced lockdown had left him famished, said an official on Saturday.

The incident happened on Wednesday night at Mor 'zhunka bhakar' joint at Gandhi Chowk in Yavatmal, over 700 kilometres from the metropolis, the official said.

"The man finished off the food inside and then walked off with money kept in the cash till. The CCTV footage shows him breaking the door of the stall, going to the kitchen, eating zhunka bhakri and shev bhaji from the utensils, and walking off with Rs 200 from the cash counter," he said.

The owner of the joint, Rajesh Mor said he did not pursue the matter with the police since the man was hungry and was looking for food and the amount he took was not a very big one.
Rioters busted into CNN's headquarters located in Atlanta Georgia on Friday night where they smashed windows, hurled objects at local law enforcement, and lit police cars into flames, as reported by Dailywire.

Unprecedented disaster

The ongoing riots escalated into a frenzy in a matter of a few hours. They showed the violent protesters forcing police inside the building and throwing one large firework artillery which eventually exploded near local authorities.

CNN correspondent Nick Valencia reported the incident from a lobby inside a CNN Center in Atlanta. Most CNN reporters are now safely out of harm's reach in Washington and New York. The rioters attacked the Atlanta Center with a siege of rocks, smoke grenades, and BB rounds.

The protests calling for the justice of George Floyd's death have spread and escalated in different parts of the country. Several cities near Minneapolis have been placed under curfew to try to curb the surge of violence.

Riot police also arrested one CNN reporter along with his crew after they explained that they were only at the scene to cover the events and were willing to cooperate with local law enforcement.

According to DISRN, a SWAT team protected CNN employees as the rioters violently tried to occupy the building and used smoke bombs aimed at local officials.

Also Read: Trump May Assume Control on Minneapolis Chaos Amid George Floyd Protests

Protests and violence

The death of Floyd in the hands of a police officer caused protests to erupt around the city calling for the suspects arrest.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Friday, arrested Derek Chauvin, the police officer who knelt on Floyds neck causing his death.

The Hennepin Country attorney, Mike Freeman, said on Friday afternoon that Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder along with second-degree manslaughter.

Relatives of the victim shared their disappointment with the decision of not charging Chauvin with first-degree murder.

Freeman added that an investigation was started to look into the other three officers who were with Chauvin at the scene on Monday.

The National Guard deployed its troops to support in controlling the violence and restoring order to the city. President Donald Trump added with a tweet saying that violent protesters are thugs and that when the looting starts, the shooting starts, sparking outrage among citizens.

According to ABC News, Trump has backpedaled on his threatening tweet that broke the social media platforms rules and expressed his grief regarding the death of Floyd and the violent protests that followed.

The US president said he understood the reason behind the protests triggered by police brutality against African-American citizens. He added, however, that this should not lead to violent and lawless anarchy.

Trump expressed his condolences to the family of Floyd, and the careless lost of his life amid avoidable circumstances.

The president said he was not aware of the history of the phrase he used, which dates back to the 1960s police crackdowns on human rights.

Political rivals accused Trump of making the situation worse as days of protests plague the previously peaceful city.

This is no time for incendiary tweets. Its no time to encourage violence, said former vice-president Joe Biden.

Related Article: Trump Calls George Floyd Protesters as "Thugs," Saying That Looting Will Lead to Shooting

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Deep Dive into Trumps Executive Order on Social Media

President Donald Trump issued an executive order to prevent online censorship, and heavily targeted at social media giants Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Trump accused some of the platforms of political censorship, possible election interference, and for allegedly accepting money from foreign governments such as China to publish disinformation.

The executive order will remove the liability shield given to social media platforms if they engage in censorship or any form of political conduct. It will also include federal reviews of spending on these platforms, federal investigations into various forms of political censorship, proposals for new state laws to protect online speech, the drafting of federal law that could cement the new protections on free speech online, and more.

In this episode of Crossroads, well go over the full executive order and how it could change public discourse online.

Crossroads is an Epoch Times show available on Facebook and YouTube.
The identities of Stilton, Scotch whisky and Melton Mowbray pork pies could all be under threat after Brexit.

The EU is expected to reject demands for stronger legal protections for UK regional products in trade talks next week.

This is despite Britain promising to protect European products such as champagne and Parma ham.

British GI products  including Scotch whisky, Cumberland sausages, Melton Mowbray pork pies, Stilton and Welsh lamb  were worth an estimated 7billion in 2017 [File photo]

While EU product protection was agreed as part of the Withdrawal Agreement, British negotiators failed to get the same guarantees for our regional produce, according to The Daily Telegraph.

There are currently 83 British food and drink products on the EUs register of Geographical Indications, or GIs. This makes it illegal to create rip-off versions, using the same names.

British GI products  including Scotch whisky, Cumberland sausages, Melton Mowbray pork pies, Stilton and Welsh lamb  were worth an estimated 7billion in 2017.

But while the EUs 3,347 GIs are already protected in the UK post-Brexit, it is thought British products will be taken off the register at the end of the transition period, unless something can be agreed.

There are currently 83 British food and drink products on the EUs register of Geographical Indications, or GIs. This makes it illegal to create rip-off versions, using the same names. Stilton cheese is pictured above [File photo]

David Frost, the UKs chief negotiator, told MPs earlier this week: The problem with the Withdrawal Agreement  is that it requires us to protect EU GIs in this country in perpetuity but does not place any such obligation on the EU to protect ours. We would like to have something that is a bit more balanced.

Mr Frost is a former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, an industry worth 5.5billion to the economy.

A spokesman for the association said: The GI system is a critical guarantee of Scotch whiskys quality and provenance, and has been a key factor in our industrys export success.

British officials argue that the Withdrawal Agreement calls for the current arrangement for existing GIs to be replaced.

But an EU source told The Telegraph: We have no intention of reopening the Withdrawal Agreement.

Trade experts said the prospect of securing better protection for regional products at the next round of talks, which begin on Tuesday, was not good. Sam Lowe, of the Centre for European Reform, said: Im slightly at a loss as to why the UK thinks it can reopen the discussion on GIs, having already conceded to EU demands.
As a peace-loving patriot, I salute the nations victorious armed forces View(s):

Published here are extracts from a speech made by Dr Anula Wijesundere as the guest of honour at the inauguration of the annual academic sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine on March 13, 2020.

It is indeed a great honour and a privilege to be invited as the guest of honour at the 4th annual academic sessions of Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine.

As a peace-loving and patriotic citizen of Sri Lanka, I will utilise this unique opportunity to express the eternal gratitude of all peace-loving Sri Lankans, to our Armed Forces who liberated our nation from the curse of terrorism after a 30-year protracted war. This magnificent victory which amazed the whole world was possible due to the courage and determination of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the superb guidance of the Defence Secretary Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the total commitment of the heads of all Armed Forces, the Police, the STF and the Civil Defence Force.

In this gruelling war, 29,000 ranaviru were killed in action in defence of our motherland and more than 14,000 ranaviru were partially or completely disabled. Our Armed Forces showed superb professionalism, discipline and tremendous combat skills and fought the enemy with state of the art military equipment and high morale and annihilated the LTTE in land, sea and air. During that period, the LTTE was considered as the most powerful, violent and gruesome terrorist organization in the world. In beating it, our armed forces became the most victorious and professional military in the world.

Thereafter, our Armed Forces liberated nearly 300,000 innocent Tamil civilians who were trapped by the LTTE and subsequently moved over to the Sri Lankan Army controlled areas for shelter. This movement of civilians from Nandikadal to Menik Farm in Vavuniya conducted by the army was one of the greatest humanitarian tasks carried out by any army in the world. After the end of the war, all the LTTE cadres numbering over 11,600 and 500 child soldiers who surrendered to our armed forces were rehabilitated and later released to society; some of them even joined the Sri Lankan Army.

After the conclusion of the war, our ranaviru have been actively engaged in development of our nation. They have constructed schools, places of worship, bridges and even highways at record time with minimal cost. At present, the Sri Lanka Navy is constructing the Little Hearts Cardiac Centre at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo. This project is financed entirely by the public and I recall with gratitude that all categories of Armed Forces donated their one day salary for this noble project.The eight storeyed structure when complete, will provide facilities for cardiac surgery for around 1,500 children born with congenital heart diseases each year and save their valuable lives.

The Tri Forces have also played a wonderful role in times of disaster. Eg  the tsunami, landslides and floods. Our ranaviru have even sacrificed their lives in saving civilians trapped by landslides as happened in Aranayake in the recent past.This has brought all communities and the military forces together for the betterment of our nation. The magnificent role played by our armed forces in the recent Easter Sunday bombings is worthy of special mention.

The role of our armed forces in protecting our environment is also greatly appreciated by us all. The thurumithuru project conducted by the Sri Lankan Army in Wilpattu to overcome the rape of Wilpattu and later embarking on anenvironmental project closer to home in Battaramulla Armed Forces headquarters is commendable. The Sri Lankan Air Force too has contributed to the environment programme by conducting aerial seed bombings to improve the forest cover of our nation by the end of 2030. However, it is important that the trees which were planted are properly maintained and nurtured till they reach their full growth potential. All the Tri Forces have recently been engaged in maintaining the cleanliness of our beaches islandwide, with public support. However, the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the beaches must be impressed on the people so that they will consider it a civic duty.

The Sri Lankan Navy must be applauded for protecting our territorial waters from illegal poaching by Indian fishermen. Their attempts to minimise smuggling of dangerous drugs to Sri Lanka through the sea route from Pakistan is worthy of special mention. You will recall the most recent detection of the largest haul of heroin and ice (methamphetamine), done in March this year valued at Rs. 6 billion. This is not to mention the Kerala ganja which is detected daily by the Sri Lanka Navy from the Jaffna peninsula.

Before I conclude, I wish the Sri Lankan Armed Forces the strength, courage and fortitude to maintain the security of our motherland, which is the prime need of the hour.

Footnote:

The COVID-19 epidemic had only just begun at the time of this conference. Thereafter the Armed Forces, Police, the Special Task Force and our Intelligence Services have been doing a magnificent job to control the spread of disease by contact tracing, managing quarantine centres and maintaining the curfew status of the country. With the vigilance and constant monitoringof the Armed Forces and the superb role played by all categories of health personnel in our country, we are confident that the spread of COVID-19 can be controlled in due course.
SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from NASAs Kennedy Space Center, sending NASA astronauts into orbit in a Crew Dragon capsule. (GeekWire Photo / Kevin Lisota)

SpaceX launched two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station today, becoming the first company to send humans to orbit on a commercial spaceship.

The Falcon 9 rockets liftoff from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 3:22 p.m. ET (12:22 p.m. PT) marked a feat that Americans hadnt been able to do since NASA retired the space shuttles in 2011: sending astronauts into orbit from a U.S. launch pad rather than relying on the Russians.

It is absolutely our honor to be part of this huge effort to get the United States back in the launch business, NASA astronaut Doug Hurley told SpaceX Mission Control just before liftoff.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine got emotional as he reflected on the achievement. Its been nine years since weve launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, and now its done, he said on NASA TV. We have done it. Its been way too long.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was similarly emotional, to the point that he sometimes found it hard to speak during a post-launch news conference.

This is something that should really get people right in the heart, of anyone who has any spirit of exploration, he said. Its something that humanity should be excited about and proud of occurring on this day.

No technical issues arose during todays countdown, but the weather made it a nail-biter, just as it did during Wednesdays initial launch attempt.

On that day, dark clouds and the accompanying risk of lightning forced a postponement. This morning, the weather forecast was 50-50, but the skies cleared enough for Hurley and his crewmate, Bob Behnken, to ride SpaceXs Crew Dragon capsule eastward into orbit.

Ships were strategically placed in the Atlantic Ocean just in case an emergency abort and splashdown was required. (It wasnt required.) Minutes after launch, the Falcon 9s reusable first-stage booster successfully touched down on SpaceXs drone ship, christened Of Course I Still Love You.

Story continues

Pandemic or no pandemic, thousands of spectators flocked to roadside viewing areas surrounding the launch site. Tickets to watch the liftoff from the newly reopened Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex were sold out, and all visitors have to wear masks and undergo temperature checks.

NASA asked people to stay home and watch the launch online or on TV. More than 10 million were watching via NASA and SpaceX at the peak, the space agency said.

The launch-day routine began with Hurley and Behnken having breakfast and suiting up. A small contingent, including the astronauts families, cheered as they walked out from NASAs Operations & Checkout Building for their ride to the launch pad.

In accordance with the social distancing requirements for spaceflight as well as the coronavirus pandemic, Behnken arced his arms in a virtual hug for his wife, astronaut Megan McArthur, and their son. Are you going to be on good behavior? Behnken could be heard asking his son. Are you going to listen to Mommy and make her life easy?

Lets light this candle! his son replied, echoing a phrase used by astronaut Alan Shepard just before Americas first spaceflight in 1961.

Lets light this candle, I agree! Behnken said. Launch America!

Doug Hurley in Tesla Model X

Bob Behnken

Farewell to families

SpaceX Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 on pad

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on pad

Infrared view of launch complex

Then he and Hurley headed to the pad in a Tesla Model X SUV, an update on the traditional Astrovan thats also a nod to SpaceX CEO Elon Musks other company. SpaceXs launch-pad ninjas  so named because of their black uniforms, caps and masks  strapped the astronauts into their seats and closed the hatch for launch.

Perhaps not so coincidentally, the last words that were heard from Hurley before liftoff were, Light this candle!

Just after the Crew Dragon made it to orbit, Hurley told SpaceXs Falcon 9 team that the ascent was incredible.

Thanks for the great ride to space, he said.

Hurley and Behnken, who are both experienced shuttle astronauts, are scheduled to rendezvous with the space station on Sunday after a 19-hour trip. Theyll move in alongside the stations current occupants, NASAs Chris Cassidy and Russias Anatoly Ivanishin. NASA hasnt yet decided how long the Dragon riders will spend in orbit. Their stay could be as short as six weeks, or as long as 16 weeks, depending on how the test mission proceeds.

For the return trip, Hurley and Behnken will strap themselves back inside the Dragon and descend to an Atlantic splashdown.

This whole flight serves as an initial demonstration of the Crew Dragons capabilities with an actual crew aboard. If the mission is successful, yet another Crew Dragon will carry four different astronauts to the space station weeks after Hurley and Behnken return.

Having the Crew Dragon would free NASA from having to pay the Russians upwards of $80 million a seat for rides to and from the space station, which is the whole point of the commercial crew program.

Back in 2014, NASA pledged $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.6 billion to SpaceX to develop spacecraft that would essentially provide taxi rides to orbit. SpaceX built an upgraded version of its robotic cargo-carrying Dragon, which has been used for space station resupply since 2012. Boeing built a whole new spaceship called the CST-100 Starliner.

The Crew Dragon flew a successful uncrewed test mission in March 2019, but the Starliner suffered glitches during its uncrewed test flight to orbit last December. Now Boeing will have to redo Starliners robotic test, giving SpaceX a clear shot at making space history (and winning a capture-the-flag contest in the process).

Its important to note that SpaceX, not NASA, owns the space-taxi hardware  just as a terrestrial taxi company owns the car. NASA has put in orders to ferry up to four astronauts at a time, but SpaceX can fly other riders as well.

A new name in space: Crew Dragons astronauts christen their spaceship

In partnership with Space Adventures, the company is already offering free-flying orbital trips that would go higher than the space station. Theres even talk of having Tom Cruise ride the Dragon to the space station to film a movie. That would require NASAs go-ahead, but on Wednesday, Bridenstine said hes all for that.

I really think, when we look into the future, were going to see these models of doing business with public-private partnerships apply not just to low Earth orbit  but were taking this model to the moon and even on to Mars, he said.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos space venture, Blue Origin, is already heading one of the teams aiming to develop lunar landers for NASAs use. So is SpaceX, which is offering its next-generation Starship super-rocket. The next space race to watch may not be the U.S. vs. China so much as it is Bezos vs. Musk.

This report was first published at 7:45 a.m. PT May 30 and updated frequently since then.

More from GeekWire:
Removing pesky barcode rules plagues exporters, illustration photo

The main message given by related ministries at a meeting last week was to solve major concerns for businesses who complained that their export has been stuck and delayed by current code and barcode regulations set by Decree No.74/2018/ND-CP issued in 2018 on product quality inspections.

Under the decree, organisations use of foreign codes has to be compliant with barcode standards, including to ensure that their codes or barcodes are issued by competent foreign authorities or used according to a foreign code owners authorisation.

If they are authorised, organisations using foreign codes must inform the competent regulatory authority to get another confirmation according to the decree.

The decree took effect from July 1, 2018, and exporters have since been scampering to get on top of the towering complications rolled in their way by customs procedures. Seafood, textile, and leather firms were complaining that they must pay VND500,000 ($21) per registration for each document, besides dealing with more complicated procedures and coping with potential delays for their shipments.

The Ministry of Science and Technology also proposed to stop penalising the lack of certifications or permissions to use foreign codes, as a short-term solution. For the long term, it asked the government to revise the decree entirely.

An official from the Minisrty of Industry and Trade (MoIT) said, The codes and barcodes are not related to the quality of goods. That Vietnamese enterprises pre-print foreign codes and barcodes on goods is a civil agreement between enterprises, which should not be institutionalised in regulations.

Therefore, the MoIT proposed to remove difficulties for commodity-exporting enterprises, contributing to the development of production and export in the context of the ongoing health crisis.

Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers said, No other country in the world has such a requirement and this regulation will lead to less competitiveness and risks of delaying shipments.

He explained further that for at least 20 years, Vietnam exported seafood to more than 160 markets around the world but none of them has such regulations or sanctions. Many Vietnamese seafood products have been ordered by foreign customers to package products according to their parameters that were tailored for the goods to be retailed in other countries. With just a single day of delay, the exporter will lose $200 and face potential penalties from customers, said Nam.

Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, vice president of the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association, expected the as-soon-as-possible removal of the improper regulation in Decree 74. If removed, it will help local exporters save time and money, she said, adding that a textile business often has hundreds of different product codes.
Dundalk and Cuchullain Credit Unions have announced additional recipients of their Covid-19 Community Response Fund today, a support fund set up by both Credit Unions to offer financial assistance to organisations and groups within our wider community that are putting the needs of others ahead of their own in response to the impact of Covid-19.

To date, donations have been made to Cu Chulainn Blood Bikes, Womens Aid Dundalk, Meals on Wheels, Turas Counselling, Cuidigh Linn Dundalk, Masks for Louth, dis ABILITY Louth and Dundalk Simon.

This week saw several fantastic support organisations and charities, in our wider community, benefit from the fund.

SOSAD Dundalk  Save our Sons & Daughters, a charity that continues to operate under the challenges and difficulties Covid-19 has created. Mental Health and Wellbeing has been tested over this last while for many of us. SOSAD has trained volunteers on call for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone who may be in distress and in need of professional help and support. This donation will go towards operating costs as fundraising opportunities have been greatly diminished during COVID 19 restrictions. For more details on SOSAD and their range of supports and services  go to their SOSAD Dundalk Facebook Page - Remember H.O.P.E.  Hold On, Pain Ends.

Dundalk Counselling Centre, Oakdene, Seatown are also a recipient of the fund, using the donation to assist in remote counselling services and to allow their invaluable counselling programmes and supports to open safely in the next Phase of our return. For more information on Oakdene, Dundalk Counselling Centre check out their Facebook Page.

North Louth Hospice was also benefitted from our Covid-19 Joint Community Response Fund, brought to our attention by super athlete and local woman Collette OHagan. Collette is running 1000 miles during lockdown for the North Louth Hospice (all within Covid-19 travel restrictions) and we wanted to honour this amazing journey and donate to North Louth Hospice, a completely voluntary run organisation established in in 1992 with the objective of assisting people diagnosed with Cancer and their families in the North Louth area. For more information on North Louth Hospice visit their Facebook Page.

Rape Crisis North East was our final recipient for this week and an organisation that has been a much valued and respected support in our community for years. is a dedicated professional counselling service available to women, men and teenagers who have suffered as a result of Rape, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse within the North East Region of Ireland.

They provide a range of intervention support including; advocacy, information, court accompaniment, garda accompaniment, accompaniment to sexual assault treatment units, counselling support and crisis intervention.

The Fund donation will go towards the costs of opening up the service safely in the coming weeks. By installing health and safety measures for both staff and service users, the doors of the centre can, at last, be able to begin to re-open through the coming phases. For more information on Rape Crisis North East  Visit their website.

Paddy Donnelly, Chairman, Dundalk Credit Union, commented that: Both Dundalk and Cuchullainn Credit Unions are delighted to lend their support to these deserving community champions at this time of challenge. Something positive that has grown from this crisis is the sense of a community coming together, looking out for and helping one another. Ni neart go cur le cheile  there is no strength without unity was the motto of the founding pioneers of the Credit Union movement  it is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 22:57:04|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MUMBAI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Indian states are on a spree to ban consumption, spitting and smoking of tobacco and tobacco products in public places following a directive by federal government to all states in the country.

On Saturday, India's western state of Maharashtra and South-Western state of Karnataka announced a ban following a similar ban announced by the Northern state of Rajasthan and North Eastern state of Jharkhand.

"Spitting also contributes to spreading Covid-19. Considering this, we have decided to implement the prohibitory laws more strictly. Violators will have to pay a fine of 13 dollars for first offence, 40 U.S. dollars for second and 66 U.S. dollars for subsequent offence," Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra health minister said.

Maharashtra is the worst affected Indian state with over 62,000 positive COVID-19 cases and its political capital Mumbai tops the list among cities in Asia's third largest economy with close to 37,000 positive cases so far.

Earlier this month, India's federal health minister appealed to all states to ban sale of tobacco products and spitting in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection.

According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey, India has the second largest tobacco users in the world with 268 million or 28.6 percent of all adults in India, and 1.2 million succumbing to tobacco-related diseases every year. Enditem
Delhi is several steps ahead of the coronavirus disease and by June 5, will have in place 9,500 hospital beds for Covid-19 patients, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday as the national capital reported 1,163 new cases of the infection, crossing the threshold of 1,000 for the third day in a row.

As on Saturday, the national Capital had 18,549 Covid cases of which 10,058 were active cases. As many as 8,075 people have recovered and 416 people have died of the disease.

Delhi has recorded a two-fold increase in Covid cases since May 14, a trend that is worrying, Kejriwal conceded. He urged residents of the city not to panic because a a majority of the patients are either asymptomatic or show mild symptoms like cough, cold and fever.

The chief minister said most such patients were recovering from the disease in their homes and had not admitted themselves in hospitals  with some not even needing any medication.

Being the chief minister of the people of Delhi, I want to assure you that we are four steps ahead of Covid-19, and are making arrangements way more than what is required for Delhi to fight the virus, he said.

The chief minister held out an assurance that there was no shortage of hospital beds for Covid-19 patients and as of Saturday, as many as 4,500 beds were vacant.

From the 4,500 beds we had last week, the government has now arranged a total of 6,600 beds for the treatment of Covid patients, out of which only 2,100 are occupied. In just a week, we arranged 2,100 beds. By June 5, Delhi will increase its bed capacity to 9,500 beds. We are even taking over hotels, where oxygen concentrators and beds are being arranged by hospitals, Kejriwal said.

For the first time, the government on Friday had notified five hotels to be fully used as extended Covid hospitals for patients with moderate symptoms on a payment basis, adding 1,000 beds. It also designated Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital in Ashok Vihar-IV, Wazirpur and Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra Hospital in Narela as dedicated Covid-19 hospitals, increasing the number of beds in Delhi by another 400. GTB Hospital was asked to earmark 500 more beds for Covid patients. On Saturday, the government asked GTB Hospital  having a capacity of 1,500 beds  to turn into a dedicated Covid hospital by June 2.

In Saturdays digital press briefing, the chief minister said the government will launch a dedicated mobile application and a website for people to check the availability of Covid-19 beds and ventilators in hospitals.

Even though the health infrastructure in Delhi for Covid is fairly adequate for now, family members of patients are still facing difficulty and confusion remains regarding where to take a person for treatment. For the convenience of the people, we are developing an app that will be launched on Monday< the chief minister said.

The app will show the data and status of beds and ventilators available in each hospital in Delhi. People who do not use smartphones can access this information on a website that is also being created. Besides, this information will also be available on the governments 1031 helpline, he said.

Senior officials in the health department said the number of Covid beds in Delhi government hospitals will be increased to 4,600 by next Friday (June 5) from around 3,830 beds as of Saturday.

Gauging the high demand among families for private hospitals, the government is also augmenting the number of beds in private facilities. The number of beds in private hospitals as of Saturday was 2,677 compared to only 677 last week. This will increase to 3,677 by June 5.

Kejriwal urged people to consider opting for government hospitals as far as possible. A lot of people want to be treated in private hospitals. But just like our government schools, even Delhi government hospitals will provide you with the best of facilities. I am assuring you this, he said.

According to data available with the Delhi government, Covid cases in Delhi have spiked since the lockdown was significantly relaxed on May 18.

Now all modes of public transport, except the metro, industries, offices, shops are allowed to operate.

Kejriwal also appealed to the people to not share malicious and unverified content on social media. Some people create, post, and share videos for petty and dirty politics, he said, citing two videos that he said had been falsely passed off as footage of Delhi government hospitals.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Medical journal, The Lancet has issued a correction on the patients data for its recent study that concluded that the antimalarial drugs Hydroxychloroquine was ineffective to combat the Covid-19 disease and elevated cardiac risks in patients, leading to fatal episodes. Issuing the clarification, on May 29, the journal proposed that the figures of the patients from Australia and Asia were botched. However, the result of the study remained unchanged.

The observational study analysed data from over 15,000 patients with Covid-19 who were administered with the drug in combination with antibiotics, which was later compared with 81,000 controls which did not receive the HCQ dosage. Shortly, the study prompted the World Health Organization to halt testing of hydroxychloroquine in its so-called Solidarity Trial for treatment of novel the coronavirus over mortality issues.

Not just that, Australian infectious disease researchers speculated the data, meanwhile, researchers from around the world started to reassess their own clinical trials of the drug, as per the reports. The Australian Department of Health, for one, had been hoarding millions of doses of HCQ in case clinical trials were found effective.

The numbers of participants from Asia and Australia should have been 8101 (84%) and 63 (01%), respectively. One hospital self-designated as belonging to the Australasia continental designation should have been assigned to the Asian continental designation. The appendix has also been corrected, The Lancet wrote on its website, in the Department of Error.

Read: Russia 'grateful' To India For Supply Of HCQ Medicines Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Read: COVID-19: 55 Countries Approved To Get HCQ, 21 To Get It On Commercial Basis

Lancets study, led by the Brigham and Womens Hospital Center for Advanced Heart Disease in Boston, mentioned that it examined patients in hospitals across the globe, including in Australia. Further, it added, the researchers gained access to data from five hospitals that recorded 600 Australian Covid-19 patients and 73 Australian deaths as of 21 April. However, in an open letter to the authors and the editor of The Lancet, the scientists objected that the data from Australia did not match with the government reports.

The Lancet has published a Correction to the paper by Mehra et al https://t.co/uohgN6Ev3H The results and conclusions remain unchanged. The Lancet encourages scientific debate and will publish responses to the study, along with a response from the authors, in the journal pic.twitter.com/9rL2YsTsfd  The Lancet (@TheLancet) May 29, 2020

Potential harm with use of hydroxychloroquine

To our knowledge, these findings provide the most comprehensive evidence of the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, for treatment of COVID-19, the authors wrote in the study. Although observational studies cannot fully account for unmeasured confounding factors, our findings suggest not only an absence of therapeutic benefit but also potential harm with the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine drug regiments in hospitalized patients, it added.

Read: Several US Hospitals Using HCQ In Treatment Of COVID 19 Patients: Report

Read: Donald Trump 'feeling Absolutely Great' After Taking HCQ: White House
Pump jacks and wells are seen in an oil field on the Monterey Shale formation where hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is used to extract gas and oil near McKittrick, Calif., on March 23, 2014. (David McNew/Getty Images)

US Shale Hit Hard as Investments May Be Halved This Year, IEA Says

'Biggest fall in global energy investment in history'

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned this week that the CCP virus crisis is triggering the biggest fall in global energy investment in historywith the United States shale industry the hardest-hit sector.

The historic plunge in global energy investment is deeply troubling for many reasons, IEA Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol said. It means lost jobs and economic opportunities today, as well as lost energy supply that we might well need tomorrow once the economy recovers.

At the start of 2020, investment in energy projects around the world was set for growth of about 2 percentwhich would have been the biggest increase in investment spending in six years, according to the IEA. However, the CCP virus has brought large sectors of the global economy to a standstill, and the IEA now projects that global investment in energy projects will decline by 20 percent compared to 2019or some $400 billion.

Shale Under Pressure

Conventional oil wells in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait can produce a barrel of crude oil for as little as $10, according to Rystad Energy figures. However, shales unconventional oil extraction methods involve considerably higher costs, such as fracking processes, and much shorter well lifetimes. Shale frackers are often forced to truck in fracking fluids and water, and must continually drill in new locations to ensure that oil and gas keep flowing.

Producers are now being forced to cease production on already fracked wells.

Production costs per barrel for U.S. shale oil producers sit at around $50, above current trading prices for crude oil. July prices for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude were hovering around $33.50 in trading on May 29.

During April, a perfect storm of decimated demand, persistently high U.S. production levels, and rapidly filling storage capacity meant that future prices for WTI briefly turned negative. Historically low prices have caused many shale producers to slash drilling and production activity, while letting actively producing boreholes peter out. Many land lease and fixed costs cant be avoided, however, leading companies to hemorrhage cash.

According to the Baker Hughes rig count, the number of horizontal rigs across the United States stood at 285 on May 22down 22 from the week before and a 67 percent drop from the 863 rigs that were in operation a year earlier.

Global investment in oil and gas is expected to fall by almost one-third in 2020, according to the IEA report. The shale industry was already under pressure, and investor confidence and access to capital has now dried up: investment in shale is anticipated to fall by 50 percent in 2020.

The industry is bracing for a wave of bankruptcies, with 17 producers filing for Chapter 11 to date in 2020 and many more expected to follow, according to the Financial Times.

Recovery in Sight?

However, crude supply and demand could rebalance as early as June, Rystad Energy predicts. According to its data, the largest oversupply in history measured in April could transform into a slight undersupply as early as July, leading to withdrawals from storage facilities increasing through to the end of 2020.

The CCP virus falloff in oil and shale production is generally judged against record production levels measured in 2019. The bottom-of-the-curve production levels expected for June will only signify a two-year low, as current U.S. oil production is around 11,500 barrels per day. Measured against the March 2020 record of 12,900 bpd, this is a significant drop, but the numbers remain on a par with 2018 production levels.

Rystad, which is cautious about forecasting a recovery, says that it could be 2022 before prices snap back to pre-CCP virus levels.

After June 2020, oil production will recover a bit in autumn, ending at around 11.1 million bpd in December, according to a Rystad statement. Next year will not be the year of salvation: despite a gradual output increase, monthly production is expected to only touch 11.7 million bpd at the end 2021, according to Rystad Energys base-case price scenario, which assumes a $30 WTI oil price for 2020 and a rise to $39 for 2021.

Todays Glut, Tomorrows Shortage?

Exploration and production (E&P) companies are cutting activity to the bone in 2020 in order to survive, and that the recovery in 2021 is likely to be tentative, Rystad indicated. The company expects E&P to return close to pre-2020 levels by 2022. However, E&P in 2020 will be at the lowest level since the 1970swhich could lead to issues down the line.

The IEA report expressed concern that the current reduction in supply might signal a price-based overreaction on the part of producers, and that oil markets could face an under-supply scenario if too much production capacity is removed.

For oil markets, if investment stays at 2020 levels then this would reduce the previously expected level of supply in 2025 by almost 9 million barrels a day, creating a clear risk of tighter markets if demand starts to move back toward its pre-crisis trajectory, according to the report.
The lockdown to contain the coronavirus has made a bad situation worse. Day labourers, craftsmen and small business owners are the most affected. The authorities figures are questionable. Ten lung ventilators donated by Pope Francis as part of the Open Hospitals project are set to arrive in the coming days.

Damascus (AsiaNews)  The lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic has "paralysed" social life in Syria and weakened an economy already battered by war and international sanctions, this according to some local Christian leaders.

More and more people are struggling, especially day labourers, craftsmen and small business owners who depend on daily earnings to survive. On the positive side, ten lung ventilators should arrive shortly as part of the Open Hospitals project. Pope Francis donated them last month to the countrys three Catholic medical facilities through the Congregation for Eastern Churches.

For now, except for food stores, pharmacies and bakeries, everything is closed, this according to Nabil Antaki, a Christian doctor in Aleppo. Schools, universities, factories and workshops are still locked down and a curfew is still in place from 6pm to 6am.

In addition to workers, "retirees, the unemployed and the sick" face the most hardships, and lack any source of income. But by and large, people follow the protocols: "wear masks, no kissing (which is customary in the Mideast), use disinfectants.

Difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that, at this time of global pandemic, NGOs and charities have slowed down their activities significantly.

For some Christian leaders the sanctions must end to ease the suffering of the population. For the Maronite archbishop of Damascus, they have plunged the country in a "deep pit. The apostolic vicar of Aleppo views them as a "crime" that "crushes people, whilst a Christian doctor considers them an obstacle in the fight against COVID-19.

Pope Francis himself, in his Easter message, called for sanctions to be eased without mentioning Syria and Iran. Meanwhile, Life is difficult at present, said Fr Ibrahim Alsabagh, from the Latin parish of Aleppo, during a videoconference organised by Pro Terra Sancta.

The coronavirus has reached Syria, he explained, with 47 cases, 27 people healed and three deaths. However, official figures have not been verified, another source told AsiaNews, as the authorities "have imposed strict censorship" on information concerning the pandemic, and no one dares contradict the propaganda.

For ordinary people matters are bound to get worse. The cost of living has skyrocketed, noted Fr Ibrahim. A government employee, whose salary was once adequate for a stable and dignified income for the family, today cannot even "buy bread and onions for a month.

People "knock on the doors of the convent to ask for help," he said. We provide "food parcels, medicines and cash for "surgeries". But the main problem "is hunger" and everyone agrees that "the current situation is worse than when the city was under the bombs.
Epidemiologist David Larsen, from Syracuse University and microbiologists Hyatt Green, from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Frank Middleton, from Upstate Medical University are lead members of a multi-institution research project that is expected to have global application in future efforts to track and contain Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The researchers took a novel approach that promises to be cost effective and ensure privacy. Their work has attracted the attention of researchers from universities around the country, including Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, and George Mason University, who have expressed interest in joining the effort that surveils for the virus in a local's untreated wastewater facilities.

"Bottom line, this information could be very useful for decision making. When to reopen. Where to reopen," said Larsen. "Everyone is terrified that the virus is in their neighborhood. We can show that we can't find it here. If we can't find the RNA and there haven't been cases then people can stop being terrified. It doesn't mean to stop being safe, but should hopefully ease minds and help guide decision makers."

"Our work is ongoing, but using the methods we have established, we hope to be able estimate the precise trajectory of COVID-19 in a given area," said Green. "With this information, community leaders can determine where and when to deploy resources, when and what interventions are necessary to keep a community safe, and when it is safe to restart local economies."

Currently the research team has surveilled wastewater facilities in Onondaga and Cayuga counties. The team expects to expand their service, which quantifies the disease in wastewater, to seven additional upstate counties soon. After testing a variety of sample processing methods to find the optimal approach for recovering the tell-tale viral nucleic acid that suggests COVID-19 is present, the research team separates the collected wastewater using a centrifuge, purifies it, and then a qPCR test is used to determine the amount of the virus' DNA that is present.

"Of course there are factors that we need to control for," Larsen said. "For instance, if the results come back with little or no virus detected, does this mean there was no infection or that the virus was simply diluted below the method's limit of detection?"

To accommodate for dilution and decay of the virus, the researchers are looking at the ratio of the COVID-19 virus to the ratio of another virus, or phage, that is reliably found in the human gut and in wastewater. By using the phage as a reference, we have some sort of gauge for exactly how much the wastewater has decayed or diluted which helps us determine how much virus was flushed as well as more accurately predict the spread of infection on the ground.

"Much of the prior work on crAssphage [the virus that is typically present in wastewater], has been focused on its utility as an indicator of human fecal pollution in natural waterbodies," said Green. "Many of the same attributes that make crAssphage an attractive indicator organism, such as its prevalence and abundance in the human population as well as its scarcity in other hosts, are also helpful in gauging the degree of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within the community. In addition to using crAssphage as an abundant surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 during method development and optimization, crAssphage can be used to ensure sufficient viral recovery, which may become an important quality assurance measure when comparing wastewater surveillance data within and between labs. Furthermore, like SARS-CoV-2, crAssphage is subject to decay and dilution within the wastewater infrastructure and while concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 alone are difficult to interpret, the ratio of SARS-CoV-2 to crAssphage is likely more robust to processes that contribute to the loss of viral nucleic acids during transport."

###
Any parent will tell you that the birthday occasions for their children are very big family events and when it comes to first birthdays it's an extremely significant milestone in most households.

Dr Rory Nolan, whose father is from Enniscorthy and whose grandmother, Bridie Nolan, lives in Oulart, is an A&E doctor in Macclesfield General Hospital in the UK.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the moment, Dr Nolan was unable to be with his daughter Francesca to celebrate her first birthday along with his wife, Catriona.

However, Dr Nolan said he was overwhelmed by the show of support of his colleagues in the hospital who arranged a surprise party for him to mark his daughter's birthday.

While it may have taken place away from his family, Dr Nolan said it means that he will always be able to look back on Francesca's first birthday fondly, even if he was prevented from being with her on the day.

Dr Nolan (29), hasn't seen his wife and daughter for over two months after they decided to temporarily live apart due to his role on the frontline of the pandemic.

'My biggest fear when this all started was that I would miss her birthday and, unfortunately, that happened,' said Dr Nolan.

'I didn't think about it too much until it came close to her birthday but my colleagues changed what could have been a horrible day into a nice one to look back on,' he added.

'I had thought I'd bring in a cake but, when I arrived, they had put bunting up and everything and really made an effort, and I really appreciate what they did.'

While Dr Nolan didn't get to be with Francesca and Catriona in person, he did get to Facetime them on the day and while obviously it wasn't the same as being with them, it did bring him joy to be able to see and speak to them on such a special occasion.

Because his colleagues knew he was going to be having a Skype birthday celebration with his daughter, one colleague brought in a professionally made cake for the occasion to him to have at the same time as Francesca had hers.

Dr Nolan said his friends worked hard to make his day a special one.

'I arrived into work to balloons, banners, personalised 'Francesca' bunting, cards, presents and so much love and kindness from my A&E colleagues, and from other people around the hospital, it really was brilliant what they did.'

Dr Nolan ordered 25 Domino's pizzas to be delivered to the hospital to acknowledge what his friends did but when the pizza franchise heard about his situation, they delivered them for free.

Dr Nolan said he was overwhelmed by the support he received on what was an understandably difficult day.

'It was huge to be honest and I suppose my friends in the hospital are like a family too so while I didn't get to spend Francesca's birthday with her and Catriona at least I got to celebrate it with my other family and that did really mean a lot,' he said.

In addition to her birthday, Dr Nolan also missed out on Francesca learning to stand and, in many ways, his story highlights the enormous sacrifices that all frontline workers are making to ensure the safety of everyone else in the community.

With regard to his Enniscorthy and County Wexford connections, Dr Nolan is very familiar with the Model County.

'My dad is from Enniscorthy and my granny is still living in Oulart,' he said.

Dr Nolan's aunts, Maria Nolan and Caroline Farrell, live in Enniscorthy and Marshalstown, respectively, and he said he spent all his childhood over here during school holidays.

'Being away from Francesca and Catriona on her first birthday is something I won't be able to get back, but I will always look back on the day with fond memories thanks to my friends here in the hospital,' he said.

Dr Nolan shared his experience on Twitter and it soon went viral with people from all around the world wishing his daughter a happy first birthday.

With regard to the Covid-19 pandemic he said the team at his hospital is prepared for 'whatever comes in through the door'.

He highlighted that, in addition to coronavirus issues, the medical team is also dealing with other emergency and medical situations at the hospital.

He said that while coronarvirus restrictions are easing in Britain and Ireland, people still need to adhere to health guidelines for the sake of everyone in the community.

While Francesca may have been away from her dad on her first birthday, in years to come it will no doubt become a very significant talking point in the Nolan household.
The UK faces a no-deal Brexit unless Boris Johnson keeps the promises he made when securing the withdrawal agreement, the EUs chief negotiator has warned.

Michel Barnier accused the prime minister of trying to back away from the written commitments in the political declaration signed with the European Commission.

He declared there would be no trade deal unless the text he negotiated was complied with to the letter  and claimed that Britain had more to lose from the failure of the talks.

The UK has been taking a step back  two steps back, three steps back  from the original commitments, Mr Barnier said in an interview with The Times newspaper.

The UK negotiators need to be fully in line with what the prime minister signed up to with us. Because 27 heads of state and government and the European parliament do not have a short memory.

Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Britain votes to leave the European Union - 23 June 2016 A referendum is held on Britain's membership of the European Union. Fifty-two per cent of the country votes in favour of leaving AFP via Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? David Cameron resigns - 24 June 2016 David Cameron resigns on the morning of the result after leading the campaign for Britain to remain in the EU Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Theresa May takes the reins - 13 July 2016 Theresa May becomes leader of the Conservative party and prime minister, winning the leadership contest unopposed after Andrea Leadsom drops out Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? High Court rules parliament must vote on Brexit - November 2016 - 3 November 2016 The High Court rules that parliament must vote on triggering Article 50, which would begin the Brexit process Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Article 50 triggered - 28 March 2017 The prime minister triggers Article 50 after parliament endorses the result of the referendum Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? May calls snap election - 18 April 2018 Seeking a mandate for her Brexit plan, May goes to the country Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? May loses majority as Labour makes surprise gain - 8 June 2017 After a disastrous campaign, Theresa May loses her majority in the commons and turns to the DUP for support. Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party makes gains after being predicted to lose heavily AFP/Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Negotiations begin - 19 June 2017 David Davis and Michel Barnier, chief negotiators for the UK and EU respectively, hold a press conference on the first day of Brexit negotiations. Soon after the beginning of negotiations, it becomes clear that the issue of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic will prove a major sticking point AFP/Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? MPs vote that withdrawal deal must be ratified by parliament - 13 December 2017 The government suffers a defeat in parliament over the EU withdrawal agreement, guaranteeing that MPs are given a 'meaningful vote' on the deal Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Boris Johnson resigns as foreign secretary - 11 July 2018 Following a summit at Chequers where the prime minister claimed to have gained cabinet support for her deal, Boris Johnson resigns as foreign secretary along with David Davis, the Brexit secretary Reuters Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Draft withdrawal agreement - 15 November 2018 The draft withdrawal agreement settles Britain's divorce bill, secures the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and vice versa and includes a political declaration commiting both parties to frictionless trade in goods and cooperation on security matters. The deal also includes the backstop, which is anathema to many brexiteers and Dominic Raab and Esther McVey resign from the cabinet in protest Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? May resigns - 24 May 2019 After several failed attempts to pass her withdrawal agreement through the commons, Theresa May resigns Reuters Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Johnson takes over - 24 July 2019 Boris Johnson is elected leader of the Conservative party in a landslide victory. He later heads to Buckingham Palace where the Queen invites him to form a government Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Parliament prorogued - 28 August 2019 Boris Johnson prorogues parliament for five weeks in the lead up to the UK's agreed departure date of 31 October. Stephen Morgan MP Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Prorogation ruled unlawful - 24 September 2019 The High Court rules that Johnson's prorogation of parliament is 'unlawful' after a legal challenge brought by businesswoman Gina Miller Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Johnson agrees deal with Varadkar - October Following a summit in Merseyside, Johnson agrees a compromise to the backstop with Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar - making the withdrawal agreement more palatable to Brexiteers Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Final Say march demands second referendum - 19 October 2019 As parliament passes the Letwin amendment requiring the prime minister to request a further delay to Brexit, protesters take to the streets in the final show of force for a Final Say referendum Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Johnson wins 80 seat majority - 12 December 2019 The Conservatives win the December election in a landslide, granting Boris Johnson a large majority to pass through his brexit deal and pursue his domestic agenda Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Withdrawal deal passes parliament - 20 December 2019 The withdrawal agreement passes through the commons with a majority of 124 Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? EU parliament backs UK withdrawal deal - 29 January 2020 Members of the European parliament overwhelmingly back the ratification of Britain's departure, clearing the way for Brexit two days later on 31 January. Following the vote, members join hands and sing Auld Lang Syne AFP/Getty

We remember very clearly the text which we negotiated with Boris Johnson. And we just want to see that complied with. To the letter. And if that doesnt happen, there will be no agreement.

Mr Barnier has previously accused the UK of failing to engage on the issues of EU regulations and standards, the European Convention on Human Rights, and fisheries.

In return, the government has blamed the EUs ideological approach for the lack of progress in the talks ahead of the December deadline.

However, Mr Barnier said the negotiations were about damage limitation.

Brexit is lose-lose. Nobody has been able to show theres any added value to Brexit  not so far. Not even [Nigel] Farage.

Recommended Four ways the Brexit transition period could still be extended

If we dont get an agreement then that will have even more consequences. And then, of course, those will be added to the already very serious consequences of the coronavirus crisis.

So I think we have a joint responsibility in this very serious crisis, which affects so many families ... to do everything we can to reach an agreement and I very much hope that we will do so.

Mr Barnier said the EU would not agree to a deal that damages the EU in the long term or harms the integrity of the single market.

He added: We are less exposed because 7 per cent of our exports go to the UK, whereas for the UK its 47 per cent of their exports which come to the EU. So I think that it is in the interests of both sides to find an agreement.
The Justice Department charged 28 North Koreans and five Chinese citizens with laundering over $2.5 billion in assets through North Koreas state-operated foreign exchange bank to fund the governments nuclear program, according to court documents unsealed Thursday.

The indictment, first reported by the New York Times, shows that the network funnelled money back to the North Korean state bank, the Foreign Trade Bank of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, beginning in 2013. They established covert bank branches in Thailand, Libya, Austria, Russia, Kuwait, and China, through which the group was able to set up front companies to access U.S. dollar transactions.

The defendants and other co-conspirators concealed FTBs involvement in U.S. dollar payments from Correspondent Banks in order to trick the banks into processing payments that the banks otherwise would not have done, the indictment explained.

The co-defendants, four of whom are executives at the Foreign Trade Bank, were charged with conspiracy, bank fraud, money laundering and operating a criminal enterprise, though it is unlikely they will ever be apprehended.

Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. attorney in Washington, said in a statement that the action signaled Americas commitment to hampering North Koreas ability to illegally access the U.S. financial system and limit its ability to use proceeds from illicit actions to enhance its illegal W.M.D. and ballistic missile programs.

Negotiations between the Trump administration and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over ending the countrys nuclear program have stalled in recent months, with North Korea ramping up its weapons tests in an attempt to convince the U.S. to make concessions. U.S. sanctions remain in place despite the increased pressure.

North Korean state media reported on Sunday that Kim vowed to implement new policies to boost the countrys nuclear capabilities during a meeting with military leaders. In March, the country conducted its first ballistic missile tests of the year.

More from National Review
A 61-year-old woman from Pennsylvania has been arrested for hiding the body of her dead grandmother for 15 years so she can cash her Social Security checks.

Keeping the corpse

In February, two women walked into a house that was foreclosed, both were interested in purchasing the house but while looking around they discovered the corpse of Glenora Delahay.

The police investigated the incident for more than a year and they found out that Delahay passed away in March 2004 and she was 97 years old.

When the suspect, Cynthia Carolyn Black, found out that her grandmother died, she did not report the death. Black kept the dead body and stored it in a freezer in the basement so that she could still collect her Social Security checks.

ABC 27 reported that the authorities still do not know how much Black has collected all these years. However, around $186,000 was paid to Delahay from 2001 to 2010.

Black also lived with her grandmother for years before she died, and Black moved the corpse for 100 miles from their house in Ardmore to their house in Dillsburg in 2007, around 2 years after her grandmother died. Black used the monthly checks to pay for the mortgage.

However, when the Kralltown Road home went into foreclosure, the suspect moved to a property on South Front Street in York Haven.

Also Read:14-Year-Old Girl from Iran Murdered by Own Father, Sparking Outrage in the Country

Black purposely kept the corpse at their old property, so when the two women came around to look at the house, they saw the freezer and the corpse inside. The corpse was wrapped in sheets and trash bags, as soon as they found out it was a body, they called the police.

Even though the authorities were called, it took 15 months before Black was arrested. She was arraigned on May 27 and she was held on bail for $50,000. Black is charged with abuse of a corpse, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. She is due to appear in court.

The records show that she also lived with Glenn Black Jr. at the Ardmore home and at the Kralltown Road property where the body was found and where he operated their business Blacks Furniture Refinishing. But the 55-year-old man was in jail for pleading guilty to an indecent assault of a substantially impaired person charge, and it was from an incident in February 2018.

The pair seemed to take everything in the property except the freezer and Delahay's body when they moved out, Inquirer said that according to their neighbor they stripped the house, taking a fence that was used to keep a dog inside the property, toilets, copper pies and almost everything. The neighbor also said they only kept to themselves.

Similar incident

In April 2020, a body was found inside a freezer in an apartment in New York City. The corpse was discovered after the son of the owner of the apartment came to clean up the place after the owner died.

When he walked into the apartment located on Broadway, near West 150th Street, he found the body in a freezer, which was shut using duct tape and was placed in the living room. The NYPD stated that they could not tell if the corpse was a man or woman. The reason behind the death of the corpse is still not known.

Related Article: Australian Zookeeper Mauled by Lions, Suffered Critical Bites on Head and Neck

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
U.S. strikes at a Huawei prize: chip juggernaut HiSilicon FILE PHOTO: The U.S. flag and a smartphone with the Huawei and 5G network logo are seen on a PC motherboard in this illustratio

(This story corrects name of university in paragraph 16)

By Josh Horwitz

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - The latest U.S. government action against China's Huawei takes direct aim at the company's HiSilicon chip division -- a business that in a few short years has become central to China's ambitions in semiconductor technology but will now lose access to tools that are central to its success.

That could make it the most damaging U.S. attack yet against a Chinese company that U.S. officials told reporters Wednesday functioned as a "tool of strategic influence" for the Chinese Communist Party. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] for its part denounced the U.S. allegations and called the new measures "arbitrary and pernicious."

Established in 2004, HiSilicon develops chips mostly for Huawei, and for most of its existence has been an afterthought in a global chip business dominated by U.S., Korean and Japanese companies. Like most electronics firms, Huawei relied on others for the chips that powered its equipment.

But heavy investment in research and development helped drive rapid progress at HiSilicon, and in recent years the 7,000-employee unit has been central to Huawei's rise as a dominant player in the global smartphone business and the emerging 5G telecom networking business.

HiSilicon's Kirin smartphone processor is now considered to be on par with those created by Apple Inc <AAPL.O> and Qualcomm Inc <QCOM.O> --a rare example of an advanced Chinese semiconductor product that competes globally.

HiSilicon is also central to Huawei's leadership in 5G, stepping into the breach when the United States cut off access to some U.S. chips last year.

In March, Huawei revealed that 8% of the 50,000 5G base stations it sold in 2019 came with no U.S. technology, using HiSilicon chipsets instead.

But the U.S. export control rule, first reported by Reuters last week, aims to block HiSilicon's access to two crucial tools: chip design software from U.S. firms including Cadence Design Systems Inc <CDNS.O> and Synopsys Inc <SNPS.O>, and the manufacturing prowess of "foundries," led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd <2330.TW>, that build chips for many of the world's top semiconductor firms.

Story continues

With the new restrictionsHiSilicon "will be in a situation where theyre not able to manufacture chips at all, or if they do, then theyre not leading edge anymore," says Stewart Randall, who tracks China's chip industry at Shanghai-based consultancy Intralink.

Without its own processors, Huawei will lose its edge over domestic smartphone rivals, analysts said. International sales had already been gutted by a ban on the use of key Google software.

Industry sources say Huawei has stockpiled chips, and the new U.S. rule will not go into full force for 120 days. U.S. officials also note that licenses could be granted for some technologies. HiSilicon can also keep using design software it has already acquired.

HILSILICON IN TOUGH SPOT

Still, analysts agree HiSilicon is in a tough spot. Nearly all chip factories globally -- including China's leading foundry, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp <0981.HK> -- buy gear from the same equipment makers, led by U.S. firms Applied Materials Inc <AMAT.O>, Lam Research Corp <LRCX.O> and KLA Corp <KLAC.O>.

The new U.S. rule requires licenses for companies using U.S. machinery to build Huawei-designed chips and delivered to the Chinese firm. To be sure, the new rule will not catch items shipped to a third party, allowing HiSilicon's fabricators like TSMC the ability to ship chips to HiSilicons device manufacturers who can send them directly to a customer.

While there are alternatives to American machines - Japan's Tokyo Electron Ltd <8035.T>, for example, makes gear that competes with Applied Materials - replacing U.S. technology is not as simple as swapping out a machine.

You almost have to think about it like a heart transplant," said VLSI Research Chief Executive Dan Hutcheson, noting that chip production lines are finely calibrated systems where everything has to work well together.

Doug Fuller of the City University of Hong Kong said Huawei had a few options. It could slip around the rule by having suppliers ship directly to Huawei customers, though the U.S. officials said they would be vigilant about such workarounds.

Huawei and the Chinese government could re-double efforts to build production capabilities that did not require U.S. tools, by investing in nascent Chinese competitors and buying from Japanese and Korean firms, even if that required quality sacrifices.

Or Huawei could turn away from HiSilicon and revert to buying from overseas suppliers -- just not American ones. "Theres talk of Huawei just turning to Samsung processors," for its smartphone, said Fuller.

(Reporting by Josh Horwitz in Shanghai; Additional reporting by David Kirton in Shenzhen and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Lisa Shumaker)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-30 10:30:59|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LJUBLJANA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- International passenger air transport has resumed at the Ljubljana airport, Slovenia's largest international airport, following two-month travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, local media reported Friday.

The resumption plan will be carried out in three stages, with the airport expecting most airlines to restart operations by early July, the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) reported.

The return depends on the progress in lifting border restrictions and promoting destinations, the STA quoted the airport operator Fraport Slovenija as saying.

Slovenia has reported 1,473 COVID-19 cases, including 1,357 recoveries and 108 deaths. Enditem
The move comes as the worlds largest crude exporter faces major fiscal pressure from a crash in global oil markets.

Saudi Arabia transferred 150 billion riyals ($40 billion) from its central bank to its sovereign wealth fund as it went on an investment spree seeking to take advantage of recent market turmoil.

The transfers from the kingdoms foreign-currency reserves to its Public Investment Fund were made in March and April on an exceptional basis, and will strengthen the investment capacity of the fund, Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency on Friday.

The move comes as the worlds largest crude exporter faces exceptional fiscal pressure from a crash in global oil markets. Al-Jadaan said the central bank transfer contributed to a historic drop in Saudi Arabias net foreign assets, which fell at the fastest rate in two decades in March, and will also have an impact on Aprils central bank data, expected to be released on Sunday.

This procedure was taken after comprehensive study and taking into consideration the sufficient level for foreign-currency reserves, Al-Jadaan said. The PIF has an important role in diversifying and strengthening economic growth, he said, noting that the funds investment returns will be available to support public finances if needed.

A regulatory filing earlier this month showed that the sovereign fund has spent billions of dollars this year buying equities, including stakes in cruise operator Carnival as well as BP Plc, Boeing Co., Citigroup Inc and Facebook Inc.

In his statement on Friday, Al-Jadaan said the fund was capitalizing on a range of investment opportunities that presented themselves in light of the current circumstances global financial markets are passing through.

The news of the funds buying spree abroad coincided with the government cutting back on spending at home. Al-Jadaan has said that the kingdom will need to trim expenses this year to redirect resources to health care and supporting businesses as the coronavirus pandemic hobbles economic growth.

Earlier this month, the government cut back state worker allowances and announced it will triple a value-added tax, shocking citizens and business owners. Saudi Arabias non-oil economy is expected to contract this year for the first time in three decades.
Ben Gray/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

CNN Center, the cable networks Atlanta headquarters, came under attack Friday night during protests over police brutality sparked by the death of an unarmed black man in Minneapolis.

A largely peaceful demonstration erupted first in vandalism, then in violence. Cops used pepper spray, and then some in the crowd were seen smashing windows and defacing the giant CNN sign with spray-paint. Down the street, a police car was set ablaze.

CNN correspondent Nick Valencia began reporting on the frightening scene from a stairway inside the building, behind a phalanx of SWAT officers in the lobby, with an angry mob standing on the other side of the broken and missing plate glass.

I have a daughter and wife I want to get home to tonight, Valencia told anchor Chris Cuomo.

Protesters lobbed objects at the windows and into the lobby, and at least one officer was struck. What appeared to be a flash-bang device landed in front of police and large gusts of smoke went up into the air.

One protester breached the building and was immediately arrested by cops as Valencia shouted questions at him, asking why he was there. Change, he replied.

As the violence flared and the situation in the lobby became more precarious, cops began firing tear gas and the crowd quickly began to thin out. Live footage showed over a dozen police officers holding the line with shields, barricades, and armored vehicles pushing protesters away from the building as objects continued to be hurled.

The tense scene unfolded just hours after CNN found itself at the center of the story about protests in Minneapolis, where George Floyd died, pleading I cant breathe while a police officer kneeled on his neck.

Reporter Omar Jimenez and members of his crew were arrested by state police while covering fiery demonstrations in the cityprompting the governor of Minnesota to issue a public apology.

There is absolutely no reason something like this should happen. Calls were made immediately. This is a very public apology to that team. It should not happen, Gov. Tim Walz said in a Friday news conference, adding that he took full responsibility for the early-morning incident. I failed you last night in that.

Story continues

President Trump, on the other hand, appeared to gloat, retweeting a message that read, In an ironic twist of fate, CNN HQ is being attacked by the very riots they promoted as noble & just.

In a Friday evening press conference, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was visibly angry as she told protesters to go home after thousands marched from the Georgia capitol to the Centennial Olympic Park before gathering outside CNN.

What I see happening on the streets of Atlanta is not Atlanta. This is not a protest, This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. This is chaos. A protest has a purpose, Bottoms said, stating that the protests are disgracing the life of George Floyd.

When Dr. King was assassinated, we didn't do this to our city. If you want to change in America, go and register to vote...that is the change we need in this country.

Rapper T.I. also spoke at the mayors press conference, stating that Atlanta has already been here for us and does not deserve to be burnt down.

This is a moment where people are fed up. I have to make an appeal to my brothers and sisters because I realize the only way to get constructive change is through nonviolent means, Bernice King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., added.

Their pleading did not not sway everyone. As midnight neared, looters descended on upscale malls in Buckhead, and firefighters were blocked from reaching a blaze at Del Friscos Grille.

There have been multiple instances of shots being fired in close proximity to our officers and shots were fired at an officer in a patrol vehicle on Peachtree Road at Lenox Road. We continue our efforts at restoring peace in our city, Sgt. John Chafee said in a statement.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency and activated 500 National Guard members in an attempt to restore order.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
Police found a 45-year-old man shot to death early Saturday morning on a sidewalk in Trenton, authorities said.

Officers received several calls at about 12:15 a.m. about shots fired and a man down in the 400 block of Garfield Avenue, according to the Mercer County Homicide Task Force.

Arriving officers found Tyrone Campbell, of Trenton, who had been shot multiple times in the torso and was lying on the sidewalk, police said.

Campbell was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The shooting is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the homicide task force at 609-989-6406 or email mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

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

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com.
JUBA  South Sudans Vice President James Wani Igga has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Vice President Igga becomes the third vice president to publicly announce his test results following Wednesdays announcement by Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, who revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Two weeks ago, First Vice President Riek Machar publicly announced that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Igga, who is in charge of the economic cluster, confirmed his laboratory result while speaking on state television in Juba on Saturday.

My samples were taken for testing some few days ago and today it has been found positive, Igga said.

The vice president urged the public to adhere to guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health so as to stem the spread of coronavirus. He also appealed to South Sudanese to take responsibility and get tested for COVID-19.

On Wednesday, South Sudan reported 188 new coronavirus cases taking the total to 994 confirmed cases with 10 fatalities and six recoveries.

Health experts have raised concerns that the poor healthcare system in South Sudan could cause havoc.

Related
Commercial air travel has plummeted in the pandemic, but interest in private jet service is surging, particularly among people who have not paid to fly privately before.

For years, jet service providers have ferried corporate executives and wealthy leisure travelers who paid high fees for the privacy and security. Now, those same companies are shifting to meet rising demand from people worried about getting on a commercial flight.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest travel times in the United States in years past, traffic in the private jet industry was 58 percent of the volume from the same time last year, according to Argus, a company that tracks aviation data. But commercial flights fared worse over the holiday, plunging to 12 percent of the 2019 level.

Five weeks ago, private flights had fallen to 20 to 25 percent what they were the same time last year, said Doug Gollan, founder of Privatejetcardcomparisons.com, a research site for consumers. Now to be back to 60 percent of pre-Covid levels shows the people who have access to private travel are getting back out there, he said.
It feels like 2014. Im watching the uprising following Michael Browns death at the hands of a police officer unfold online, from my back porch, nestled in a secluded part of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Cigarette in my mouth, rage in my soul, Im far away from Ferguson, but the pain, anger, and sadness feels like home. Its a trauma familiar to myself and so many other Black folks, who carry it every day.

Weve lugged it into this week. On Thursday, during a lull in the uprisings in Minneapolis and other cities, I was talking to J. Drew Lanham, a wildlife biologist at Clemson who studies how race informs ones perception of nature. Three days earlier, on Monday, two videos had begun circulating online. One showed the grisly, violent death of George Floyd as a Minneapolis police officer allegedly suffocated him by pressing his knee into Floyds neck. He cried out that he couldnt breathe. The officer didnt ease up. It feels like 2014 again, and Im watching Eric Garner relay the same message to a police officer who did not ease up.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The second video was recorded in Central Park and showed a woman phoning the police, in feigned fear, as she tried to weaponize her whiteness against Christian Cooper, a black man who was out birdwatching and who had asked her to leash her dog. These two stories this week were part of the same story, just like watching the video of George Floyd feels like watching the video of Eric Garner in 2014.

As Lanham told me:

It was par for the American course, really. As much as Ive talked about birding, it really is just the Black American experience. It can happen while youre birding. It can happen while youre out watching butterflies. It can happen while youre driving. It can happen while youre sleeping. It can happen while youre walkinganything. So when it happened, his birdwatching was interrupted by this assault. And the more I think about it, thats what I believe it was. Some people would probably argue with that, but in the context of what Ill call psychosocial assaultespecially through the lens of history, stereotype, and all in the context of whats going onthis was no less than assault on someone. And Christian might see that differently. But you know, as a Black man whos faced some of these things, birding or otherwise, every time it happens to me, I feel assaulted. Being Black in America, you come to expect it and, if you dont expect it then youre going to be more shocked and more surprised. And youre going to be knocked more off kilter. So its best to, in some ways, be guarded against thatand thats a sad way to have to walk around, with the expectation of bias. And that creates a very different sense of being.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Lanhams observation snatches me back to 1999. Im 7 years old, and my grandmother is dragging me out of a store. I was being followed and I didnt realize it, but she did. In the car, she explains to me that I cant run through the aisles picking up toys as I go.

I ask her why.

Youre Black.

It was the first time someone explained the political consequences of Blackness, that this is what my life was going to be like and that I always have to be prepared for something bad to happen.

Lanham:

In the three minutes weve been talking, it revived all this trauma. I call it scar tissue that you walk around with, and scar tissue never allows you to fully function like you functioned. You always got to work around it. You always got to do this therapy, once the scar tissue is there, to get back some range of motion that allows you to be fully who you are. So whether you experienced it as a child in a store being followed or riding down the road and having a police cruiser follow youand you know theyre checking you out in a certain waythat presents a different day-to-day for you.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

What began as a conversation about Cooper and being Black while birding was evolving into an exchange about trauma, how it affects us, and how it can make mundane daily activities feel like youre crawling through cement. In America, the line between birdwatching and civil unrest is thin. When tear gas fogs up news cameras, rubber bullets bounce off skulls, buildings burn and glass shatters, the mainstream press sees a sudden dystopia. But Black folks see what weve been living with all along.

Advertisement

Lanham:

Even with video evidence, this woman is getting off the hook. You know, I really value my time with birds. Its what keeps me sane in between all of this other stuff. And, to be quite honest, I would probably feel safer in deep woods than I would in Central Park, where someone might perceive my Blackness as harmful. I prefer to bird among wild things, non-human things, more and more, in part because nature isnt biased against me because of my skin color. If something happens to me out there, it might be because Im being unaware or stupid somehow. But if I give the wrong impression to someone because I have binoculars or I look a certain way or they just had an ax to grind against Black folks for some reason, then I could be their target that day. I think about that. I think about how that woman pointed at Christian, that if that had been a gun, he would be dead. She had no fear in approaching him and pointing her lethal finger and aiming the police at him.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Seeing Black people threatened and mercilessly killed on camera harkens back to memories of lynchings, public spectacles and places of white camaraderie at the expense of Black life. Tapes are looped on cable news networks and shared without warning on social media. Its evidence of what occurs during fatal interactions with the police or racists. But its also anguish-inducing. And, often, it isnt enough to yield any legal restitution. Video did not lead to the conviction of the officers who killed Freddie Gray or Philando Castile. In 2018, it wasnt enough to charge the officers who killed Alton Sterling. On Friday, endlessly shared video footageand days of civil unrestprovoked officials to charge the officer who rammed his knee into Floyds neck until he died. Im jerked back to 2014, when I started screaming as I watched John Crawford die on camera in an Ohio Walmart. Im yanked to the moment I refused to watch a video showing 12-year-old Tamir Rice gunned down in a park. This could have been Christian Coopers fate, and because of this, the apology from Amy Cooper, the woman called the police, isnt enough.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Lanham:

Forgiving is for those people. You want me to make you feel better about acting badly and Im not into it. When I look at that incident with Christian and Amy in Central Park, all of this stuff wells up. Its like youre walking in the store and if anybody even gives any indication of following you, that comes back up. The hard thing for white people to understand is that kind of trauma. Some people can relate to triggering if, for example, theyve had some bad experience like abuse. Regardless of race, people can be triggered in some sort of way. Race is another venue for abuse. Its another venue for someone to accost you in some way. And so it does create this sense of constant wariness. And I equate that constant wariness to a bird, and you can watch birds when theyre in situations where there are predators around and, man, theyre just tight. Theyre tense. Theyre ready to take flight at any moment because they know that this predator  wants to do them harm. Theres this different sense that they have to have at that point in time, versus when there may be fewer predators around or they have adequate cover to escape to and they can more fully be engaged and feeding or singing or paying attention to a mate or to young. And thats no different than us.

Advertisement

Advertisement

It often feels as though Black folks cant catch a break. Were disproportionately dying from the novel coronavirus. We could be shot and killed in our homes, while going for a run or while out with friends. As protesters pour into the streets of Minneapolis, Louisville, Denver, and other cities, Black folks are jerked back to 2012, when Rekia Boyd was shot by an off-duty police officer and when Trayvon Martin was gunned down by an overzealous rent-a-cop. Or to 2013, when Renisha McBride was killed while seeking help after a car accident. Or to 2015, when Grays spine was severed in the back of a police van, when Sandra Bland died in a Texas jail.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Lanham:

What does that have to do with birding? It has to do with birding like it has to do with being a kid in a toy store and having someone tell you cant do that, to tell you that youre less than someone else. Im 55 years old, and every trauma builds on the next whether Im birding, or doing something else. Trauma is compounded. And it seems to me that the thing that Black folks, unfortunately, grow rich in is trauma [and] that people insist on compounding it for us.

It still feels like 2014.

It feels like 2015.

It feels like last month.

It feels like next week.

Here we go again. Its Groundhog Day.
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

Unlock 1.0: All inter-state and intra-state travel restrictions to be lifted from June 1

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, May 30: In a massive decision, the Centre has announced that there will not be any restrictions on the intra-state and inter-state movement of people and goods from June 1 outside containment zones.

"There shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements," said a release from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Lockdown 5.0: What is open, what is closed

"However, if a State/ UT, based on reasons of public health and its assessment of the situation, proposes to regulate the movement of persons, it will give wide publicity in advance regarding the restrictions to be placed on such movement, and the related procedures to be followed," it added.
The City of Midland has announced free vouchers for access to laundry facilities are available at the eight United Way distribution sites in Midland County. The following laundry locations will accept the vouchers beginning Saturday, May 30:

 Lifestyle Garment Care  2706 N. Saginaw Road

 Totally Clean Coin Laundry  Two locations (717 Waldo Avenue and 1720 N. Saginaw Road)

 Coleman Laundryland - 403 E. Washington Street, Coleman

 Sun and Suds Laundromat - 352 Ross Street, Beaverton

 Gladwin Cleaners  231 E. Cedar Ave., Gladwin

Resources for residents with diabetes

The American Diabetes Association and the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition offers its support to residents with diabetes during the recent flooding event. For questions or support regarding diabetes, diabetes supplies, and management, contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-342-2383 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday  Friday, or visit www.diabetesdisasterresponse.org/resources. For residents who would prefer to contact a representative in Midland County, call Kerri LaFore at 989-859-2339.

Vaccine clinic available Monday

The Midland County Department of Public Health will be hosting a vaccine clinic to provide vaccinations that can protect residents in the event they are injured while working in flood-contaminated areas. Injuries sustained in unsanitary conditions carry a risk of contracting a disease. Vaccines for Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and Hepatitis A will be available at both clinics.

The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 1, at Jerome Township Fire Station 1, 725 Irish Street in Sanford.

Potable water stations available in Edenville

Midland County residents without water service can get potable water at both Edenville Township fire stations.

These stations are located at:

 420 Moore Street

 4708 N. Lake Sanford Road

Residents should bring their own containers for transporting water.

Assistance for residents with non-functioning wells

Residents who are experiencing issues with their groundwater wells should contact the Midland County Department of Public Health at 989-832-6380 to report their concerns. A member of Environmental Health will be dispatched to assist property owners with options.

TDS Telecom Service restoration ongoing in Sanford

TDS Telecom will continue work on its temporary equipment hub site on Saturday, May 30. Switch equipment is currently being delivered and work on electrical and HVAC systems is ongoing. Additional TDS staff will be on-site Saturday, May 30 to aid in and continue network assessment. Another update on this progress is anticipated on Monday, June 1.

Construction permits and inspections for flood-damaged properties and infrastructure

Property owners in Midland County are reminded that they should secure all required permits and inspections as they make repairs and replace infrastructure in their homes and businesses. The process for requesting these services is outlined below.

Midland County: Residents in townships, the City of Coleman, or the Village of Merrill are encouraged to contact a licensed building contractor or restoration company to obtain the needed permits for their homes and businesses. To schedule an inspection or apply for a permit, contact the Township Code Authority of Midland County at 989-837-6521 or contact the appropriate department.

Individual inspection departments can be reached as follows:

 Plumbing/mechanical  989-246-4817

 Electrical  989-737-6375

 Building  989-313-2168

To find building permit applications forms, building permit and inspection information coverage areas, and more, please visit www.townshipcodeauthority.com.

City of Midland: To schedule a building inspection or apply for a building permit related to the recent flooding event in the City of Midland, residents should call the Building Department at 989-837-3383 and leave a voicemail message regarding their project or email the appropriate staff member.

Individual inspectors can be reached as follows:

 Steve Taglauer, Chief Building Official  staglaue@midland-mi.org

 Mike Streeter, Electrical Inspector  mstreeter@midland-mi.org

 Jim Armstrong, Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector  jvarmstrong@midland-mi.org

For fire safety inspections and other plans related to fire safety, please contact Midland Fire Department Fire Marshal Tony Lelo at 989-837-3413 or alelo@midland-mi.org.

To find City building permit applications forms, building permit and inspection information, and more, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/building. For fire department permit and inspection information, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/fire. Fees will be waived for all City permits related to flood damage.

Donation information

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

The current list of items needed includes: Personal protective equipment (PPE); cleaning supplies; food; water; personal care items; and household good.

Clothing donations will not be accepted at this time.

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.

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.

Shower facilities available

Displaced residents in need of shower facilities may access showers at the following locations during the specified hours:

 North Midland Family Center - 2601 E. Shearer Road, Midland. Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 West Midland Family Center  4011 W. Isabella Road, Shepherd. Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Rest stations available

Meridian High School, 3303 N. Meridian Road in Sanford, is open as a rest station daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. providing Wi-Fi, electrical charging stations, and water resources.

Swanton Memorial Center, located at 6460 N. Water Road, is open daily from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. as a rest station with air conditioning, electrical charging stations, and water resources.
Most of us have spent the past three months desperately trying to avoid the coronavirus wherever we go.

Sean O'Neill McPartlin, a 22-year-old Trinity College graduate from Ratoath, Co Meath is in a different position: he wants to contract Covid-19 in the near future.

O'Neill McPartlin is one of 67 Irish volunteers who have put their names forward to be infected with the virus in the hope that it will speed up the production of a vaccine. He is part of a global movement of volunteers known as 1 Day Sooner. They believe that by taking part in "human challenge" clinical trials, they can save thousands of lives.

A vaccine for Covid-19 is the holy grail of the scientific community, and trials involving patients and healthy individuals will play an enormous part in that process.

Read More

In a normal trial, a vaccine has to be given to thousands of healthy patients, and scientists have to wait to see what happens when a certain percentage of these catch the virus. It's a process that usually takes years.

In a "human challenge" trial, the researchers deliberately expose participants such as O'Neill McPartlin to infection after administering a vaccine. According to advocates of the technique, the dose is carefully calibrated to minimise the risk of serious illness, and participants are kept in isolation and monitored closely. The hope is that results could be compiled much faster than in a conventional trial, which would be crucial in this pandemic.

In a normal year, there might be more than 300 clinical trials happening in Ireland for a range of conditions, and the most popular area of research activity is cancer. This year there are 50 cancer trials scheduled in Ireland, and at any one time there may be thousands of patients involved.

Now much of the focus has turned to Covid-19, and Irish scientists and patients will be involved in a number of trials for treatments.

Among the trials taking place at several Irish hospitals is the World Health Organisation's Solidarity Trial. Irish patients with Covid-19 are being tested with several drugs. These include Remdesivir, which was previously tested as an Ebola treatment, and Lopinavir-Ritonavir, a recognised treatment for HIV.

Irish patients were also due to be tested with hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug notoriously championed by Donald Trump. The trial of that drug has been suspended by the World Health Organisation amid safety concerns.

Read More

O'Neill McPartlin and the other Irish volunteers for the 1 Day Sooner project are not part of any existing clinical trials, and trials for Covid-19 vaccines are not taking place here at the moment. If the Irish volunteers take part, the tests are likely to happen abroad.

The human challenge trials, where healthy individuals are first given a vaccine and then infected, would have to win approval of regulators in the US and Europe. Although this method is controversial, it has the backing of some distinguished scientists.

O'Neill McPartlin hopes that it may be possible to take part in vaccine trials when he moves to Oxford in the autumn to become a postgraduate student.

So what motivates an individual like him to take the risk, and what would it involve?

He says his primary motivation is to save lives, both directly and indirectly. It is not only the direct effect of the pandemic that concerns him, but also its effect on the economy.

"I am involved in a community called Effective Altruism Ireland and the aim of it is to do the most good you can," he says. "It seemed like an important thing to do when you have a large-scale catastrophe. If I can play a small part in saving other people's lives, it seems like a no-brainer."

O'Neill McPartlin has weighed up the risks of being infected deliberately, and believes that as a young, healthy person, he would not be in great danger.

"It's about as dangerous or as safe as a pregnancy or donating a kidney. It's not a negligible risk, but I am 22 and healthy," he says.

"The risk to me is pretty miniscule compared to those in high-risk groups. My mother has a hereditary lung disorder and were she to contract the virus without an effective vaccine and without an effective antiviral treatment, she would face a much greater risk than I would face." He may be determined to commit a selfless act, but he admits that those who are closest to him are less keen.

"My partner and my parents are unsurprisingly not chuffed," he says. "They are not enthusiastic about somebody they love taking a risk."

The movement advocating human challenge vaccine trials, 1 Day Sooner, was founded by Josh Morrison, after he witnessed the effect of the virus in New York, where more than 20,000 people have died.

The 34-year-old American told Review: "I live in Brooklyn and like many people, I was depressed and miserable about what was happening, and I was worried about my parents' health. I felt that it was time to do something positive and constructive."

Since he set up the movement in March, the number of volunteers wishing to be infected has ballooned to 26,000 around the world.

It is not clear yet how a selected group of volunteers - most likely aged 18-40 - would take part if the trials are approved by regulators. Either volunteers would be residents of a specific area, or they could be flown in for the trials in special bio-containment units.

Expand Close Human challenge: Josh Morrison, founder of the 1 Day Sooner group / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Human challenge: Josh Morrison, founder of the 1 Day Sooner group

The idea of human challenge trials with healthy people is highly controversial, particularly with a new illness such as Covid-19.

But three respected US academics - the bioethicist Nir Eyal and the epidemiologists Marc Lipsitch of Harvard and Peter Smith - argue that the initiative, while risky, could shave months off the process of developing a vaccine.

"Every week that vaccine rollout is delayed will be accompanied by many thousands of deaths globally," they wrote in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. "If the use of human challenge helped to make the vaccine available before the epidemic has completely passed, the savings in human lives could be in the thousands or conceivably millions."

Those who are sceptical about the idea believe that there are ethical issues in deliberately infecting people with a new virus when there is no recognised alternative treatment.

Professor Luke O'Neill, the Trinity College Dublin immunologist, told Review: "It's a bit tricky in my opinion. They do these kinds of trials with malaria, but they can give people an alternative treatment such chloroquine. It's safer if you can treat the disease. With Covid-19, there is no treatment.

"On the plus side, it's an emergency and we have to get evidence that a vaccine is going to work. Also, there is not much virus around at the moment, so it is hard to do a trial. So the ethical balance has swung towards the human challenge trials."

Professor Joe Eustace, one of the country's leading medical researchers as director of the clinical research facility at University College Cork, is overseeing the World Health Organisation's Solidarity Trials in Ireland.

He has strong reservations about infecting healthy people with Covid-19 in trials and does not believe this type of trial would happen in Ireland.

"Ethically, they present a big challenge. The huge issue is that at the moment it's very hard to predict how serious the illness will get in a patient," he says.

"You can exclude people in at-risk groups such as those who are diabetic or have lung and heart conditions."

"But we still have relatively fit and healthy people without any of these risk factors battling for their lives with Covid-19 in intensive care units. The big challenge in exposing people deliberately to Covid-19 is that they can't be certain that they will have a mild illness. It's possible that the illness will be life-threatening. A cornerstone of medicine is to safeguard the well-being of a research subject."

Professor Eustace says clinical trials in Ireland are heavily regulated from an ethical, medical and legal point of view.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority is responsible for the assessment of clinical trials of drugs in Ireland. These include trials with completely new drugs and studies with products that already have marketing authorisation.

Clinical trials begin with small studies in a controlled population of volunteers or patients.

Kingston Mills, professor of experimental immunology at Trinity College Dublin, says: "Whether it is a drug or a vaccine trial, it begins with a small number of individuals, and the emphasis is on safety.

"There are standard side-effects that they are looking for with a vaccine: injection site reactions, headaches and fever. If these are in small numbers, they can be tolerated. In rare cases, you have more severe reactions like convulsions or seizures. If you have too many of those, they are seen as safety signals which would stop the trial."

As information is obtained about a drug and it satisfies safety requirements, larger numbers of patients are exposed to the product.

The issue of payment for participation in a clinical trial can be controversial. Morrison of 1 Day Closer says compensation for volunteers who take part in any Covid-19 vaccine trial will be a secondary consideration.

"At a bare minimum, participants should be paid expenses, covering lost earnings, travel and insurance," he says.

Payment can vary, depending on the type of trial being conducted and the country where it takes place. In late-phase trials in hospitals, participants may be compensated only for expenses such as food and parking, while those in the earlier potentially riskier phases of a trial might receive much more.

The situation for participants can vary enormously. On the one hand you can have healthy volunteers such as O'Neill McPartlin, who are putting themselves at a certain risk. On the other, there are seriously ill patients who might be in an intensive care unit with Covid-19, and might see taking part in a trial for a new drug as a potential lifesaver.

Professor Eustace says: "It's a different trade-off in terms of risks to benefit. If you are in an intensive care unit and actively dying as a consequence of Covid-19, you are willing to take more risks to save your life.

"One of the great benefits of doing trials in Ireland is that people are altruistic. They do the trials because it helps people down the line."

Seamus Cotter, a member of the patient consultation committee of Cancer Trials Ireland, is one of those who have benefited from trials since he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016.

The Clare man said: "At the time they said to me the prognosis was generally 18 months. When I came back again, they told me there was a possibility of a cancer trial. Given that the alternative was chemotherapy, I jumped at it - because I thought it was my only chance given the survival statistics."

As part of his trial, he had two types of immunotherapy at University Hospital Galway.

"By April of the following year the reports of the scans said there was no measurable disease. It was fantastic," he says.

"The option to go on a trial had a great possibility of extending my own life and also of helping others.

"When you participate in a trial, you are helping the collective."
Everyone is responsible for slowing the spread of the disease. Every action counts. This is also the case in the fight against misinformation, which intrudes on the overabundance of news, mixing facts, rumours and fake news. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described this phenomenon as an "infodemic."

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/5/2020 (600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Everyone is responsible for slowing the spread of the disease. Every action counts. This is also the case in the fight against misinformation, which intrudes on the overabundance of news, mixing facts, rumours and fake news. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described this phenomenon as an "infodemic."

Our research on social media propaganda shows that bystander inaction can encourage the proliferation of fake news. Anyone with access to the internet can contribute to the war on misinformation; for example, many are already doing so by creating videos or songs with prevention messages.

As dangerous as the virus

According to the WHO, the COVID-19-related infodemic is just as dangerous as the virus itself. False preventive measures, such as traditional African treatments and fake remedies, including eating garlic, drinking warm water with lemon slices or adulterated alcohol, hinder the fight against the illness.

Similarly, conspiracy theories accusing China of manufacturing the virus, blaming 5G cell towers for spreading the disease or falsely accusing business magnate Bill Gates of causing the epidemic to sell us a vaccine may have consequences that go beyond public health.

Such rumours, myths and exaggerated facts fuel new forms of xenophobia online and offline. Many people of Chinese or East Asian origin are being insulted, assaulted or denied services. Religious, minority and elite groups are being blamed online for its spread.

Feeding confusion

Internet users who share memes, videos or photos that make fun of the virus, even without any harmful intent, also risk spreading misinformation. There is a danger of fuelling panic and confusion in the population. People no longer know whom to trust and become more vulnerable to manipulation and cybercrime.

Another source of confusion is Beijings attitude. Western governments, led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have questioned the Chinese government about the origins of the virus and the real extent of the pandemic in China. Despite Beijings denials of hiding anything, the disappearance of Chinese whistleblowers is fuelling speculation, whether it is true or not.

Countering misinformation

Several measures have been put in place to curb the circulation of fake news.

Asian countries did not hesitate to enforce criminal prosecutions related to the COVID-19 infodemic.

In Quebec, fact-checking services such as the Rumour Detector are available to the public. The WHO uses its existing network called EPI-WIN to track down misinformation in several languages. It also asks technology giants to filter out false news and promote information from credible sources.

Google removes misleading information about COVID-19 from YouTube, Google Maps, its development platforms such as Play, and in advertisements. Twitter checks, among other things, accounts that are credible sources of information about COVID-19 and monitors conversations to ensure that the keywords searched for on the virus provide access to reliable information.

The WHO has also launched a health alert on WhatsApp and a chatbot on Facebook Messenger to provide accurate information about the virus.

The United Nations is sparing no effort either in tackling misinformation and cyber-frauders who exploit the crisis. The United Nations Development Program supports the #CoronaVirusFacts Alliance, which brings together more than 100 fact-checkers from over 45 countries in the International Fact-Checking Network.

Protect yourself

The infodemic is as real as COVID-19. As with the virus, we must take every precaution to protect ourselves and our loved ones. If it is not stopped quickly, fake news shared on social media quickly becomes viral and can influence a large number of users.

An invisible virus, which sometimes causes no symptoms, is difficult to control. While physical distancing, hygienic measures and the wearing of masks currently seem to be the best means of limiting the spread of COVID-19, vigilance is also one of the best ways of eradicating false and fake news.

First of all, it only takes a few clicks to detect false information. Second, to obtain credible information, several resources exist. The COVID-19 Poynter resources, the COVID-19 Alert on Google, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Quebec website offered by the Government of Quebec and the WHO online information platform are examples of sites to consult as needed.

Remaining critical when overwhelmed by an immeasurable amount of information from thousands of sources is a great challenge. People may wonder how they can play a meaningful role when even multinational corporations and governments are unable to mitigate the scope of the infodemic.

Reducing the spread

Fact-checking and rational debate are essential to combat the COVID-19-related infodemic, but these strategies can have adverse effects.

A study on the Zika virus showed that attempts to flush out misinformation did not reduce misconceptions about the virus, but rather reduced peoples confidence in the accuracy of WHOs epidemic information. One of the reasons given is that some people cling to simplistic explanations rather than deciphering complex information in a chaotic environment, where little factual information is available on the sources of the new threat and how to protect against it.

But acting against misinformation in the infodemic is everyones responsibility. Without trying to demystify every piece of false news, we can always reduce its scope. Here are five measures to prevent the spread of misinformation:

Be critical when you look at social media. Dont leave false information in your online networks. You can politely ask the person who shared it to remove it. Report the false information to the platform administrators. Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. When in doubt, take the time to verify the shared information. Make more noise than people who share false information.

With these simple gestures, and by often sharing credible information, you and your network will be less exposed to the dangers of the infodemic.

Social media users are spending more time online than ever before. It is imperative that they do their part to stop the spread of false and fake news, which will likely continue to proliferate even beyond the end of this containment.

Nadia Naffi is an assistant professor of educational technology and holds the chair in educational leadership in innovative pedagogical practices in digital contexts at Laval University. Ann-Louise Davidson is Concordia University research chair in maker culture and an associate professor of educational technology, and Houda Jawhar is a research assistant in educational technology at Concordia University.

This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
The Academic City University College has introduced special study package to offer financial benefit and support to students who will apply for admission next academic year in September.



The special study package will include an extended limited period of an early bird tuition reduction up to 50 per cent for selected programmes. This innovative incentive will apply to both local and foreign students.



A statement issued by the ACUC said the President of the institution, Prof. Fred McBagonluri said, We appreciate and understand the financial difficulties parents are going through in this trying times of COVID-19 pandemic. In our very small way, we have introduced this special study package to bring financial relief to parents post COVID-19 while their children pursue their academic goals at Academic City.



Closure



It said with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing school closures, Academic City swiftly switched to its virtual classrooms mechanism which created an environment where faculty and students could engage and interact in the comfort of their homes.



Given that the pandemic is likely to stay with us for some time, Academic City is committed to continually adjusting to changing development as it emerges during this pandemic, Prof. McBagonluri said.



The statement said the universitys elite undergraduate degree programmes in Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration and Communication Arts were carefully and strategically designed taking into consideration world-class STEM education to develop students to become more practical, hands-on and productive.



Our teaching and learning methodology promotes unrestrictive ideation and creative freedom among students, giving wings to their creativity and imagination to solve complex challenges in an innovative way, it said.



Innovation



It said at Academic City, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking were deemed core to a students foundational learning and development, and hence were designed into its programmes to create leaders of thought and initiators of ideas.



The university has one of the best equipped STEM workshops in Ghana furnished with real industry machinery and equipment to offer students a first-hand experience of how these machines operate, it said.















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.

Featured Video
Wildfires have been raging across five Iranian provinces in the western and southern parts of the country for several days causing extensive damage to the environment and wildlife.

The fire which initially ran across a part of the Zagros mountain range spanning from north to south in the Iranian plateau started from the forests in Kohkiloyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province but later affected highlands in four other provinces of Ilam, Kurdistan, Khuzestan and Bushehr.

According to reports coming from Iran, the government has not been able to help because of lack of coordination among its various parts and due to the scarcity of fire extinguishing equipment.

The head of the Forestry Organization of Iran says helicopters were not sent to extinguish the fires as the organization owes 300 billion rials (about $2 million) to its own Ministry of Defense. Latest reports say the Iranian Planning and Budget Organization has undertaken to pay back half of the debt to the armed forces.

Iranian environmental activists have criticized the government for the lack of coordination as well as criticizing the Iranian government for ignoring the problem.

Kaveh Madani, a former deputy of the environmental agency chief in Iran, wrote in a tweet, borrowing a verse from Persian poetry: "Zagross burnt and Iran flamed but we couldn't do anything except watching."

Saturday evening, when Javad Heidarian, a journalist and environmental activist broke the news on Twitter about local people's success in extinguishing the fire in Khaeiz reserve, Madani in another tweet called for cooperation on the part of the people, activists, the government and military forces. Madani left Iran in 2018 after security forces arrested dozens of environmentalists on the fabricated charges of espionage.

Some reports say the wildfire first started in Khaeiz conservation area in Kohkiloyeh and Boyer Ahmad province four days ago.

Locals say the fire is raging in hard-to-reach highlands and putting it out is not possible without using helicopters. Forestry Organization Chief Massoud Mansour has confirmed that the organization owes between 200 to 300 billion rials to the Ministry of Defense.

Mansour said that during recent days a few helicopters were deployed to the region that were mainly used to carry fire brigade personnel in Lorestan and Kohkiloyeh and Boyer Ahmad provinces. Another chopper was sent to Bushehr but it has been grounded because of technical problems.

He said based on agreement between the Forestry Organization and the Ministry of Defense, helicopters should have been deployed to 16 bases and operated to meet the organization's need.

Iranian government officials have been silent about the debt to the Ministry of Defense and the delay in the deployment of helicopters although they had promised local officials to help.

Iranian analyst Saeed Bashirtash wrote in a tweet: "Zagross is burning and the Islamic Republic has not provided any fire extinguishing equipment while it has given $30 billion to Bashar Assad and spent millions of dollars on promoting hijab and suppressing protesters in Iran. Zagross mountains, the River Karoun and Lake Urmia are not important for the Islamic Republic. As far as they are concerned, they have won Iran as booty."

In a critical reaction on Twitter, Mojgan Jamshidi, a journalist, posted heart wrenching pictures of burnt wildlife and wrote: "The statesmen do not believe the forest is as precious as an apartment in affluent Tehran."

Meanwhile, according to the presidential website, Hassan Rouhani spoke over the phone with the Defense Minister and the environmental agency chief about controlling the wildfires.

According to the latest reports, fires are still raging in Dil area near Gachsaran. Meanwhile, the news from Bushehr Province say the fire in Mond conservation area in Dashtestan highlands has been put out.

Reports say part of the fire has been the result of arson, however, high winds in the region have quickly spread the fires.
There is a long and glorious tradition in Britain of politicians and bureaucrats doing the honourable thing by offering their resignations, even if they are not personally responsible for whatever firestorm happens to be engulfing the nation.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There is a long and glorious tradition in Britain of politicians and bureaucrats doing the honourable thing by offering their resignations, even if they are not personally responsible for whatever firestorm happens to be engulfing the nation.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his senior adviser, Dominic Cummings, have upended tradition by refusing to fall on their swords over a scandal that has seen the prime ministers popularity plummet and sparked a revolt within his own party.

A fury erupted when newspapers revealed Mr. Cummings  the mastermind behind Mr. Johnsons 2019 election win and the 2016 Brexit vote  violated the governments lockdown restrictions by driving his family 400 kilometres to his parents farm because he was worried about how his four-year-old son would be cared for if both he and his wife fell ill with COVID-19.

Mr. Cummings soon suffered symptoms, but neither he nor his wife was ever tested, nor were their symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization.

The rules at the time were clear  people in Britain "must stay at home if you or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus."

The prime ministers chief strategist made a second trip while in Durham, to Barnard Castle, about 48 kilometres away. That also came at a time when nearly 70 million British citizens were adhering to the governments directive to stay home.

Mr. Cummings offered a much-ridiculed explanation for the second trip, saying his eyesight had suffered during his illness, and his wife wanted him to try a shorter drive to test his vision before making the long trip back to London.

I dont regret what I did. I believe I made the right judgment, though I understand that others may disagree with that.  Dominic Cummings

"I dont regret what I did," Mr. Cummings said. "I believe I made the right judgment, though I understand that others may disagree with that."

To say others disagree is an understatement. In flouting pandemic-lockdown rules  rules he helped design  Mr. Cummings uncorked outrage from ordinary citizens, who complain there is clearly one standard for those in power and another for everyone else.

The anger has intensified as Mr. Cummings refuses to apologize and his boss refuses to fire him. Mr. Johnson said he considers the matter closed because British police said while lockdown rules may have been breached, they will take no action against Mr. Cummings.

The scandal is taking a huge political toll as Mr. Johnson  who was in intensive care with COVID-19 last month  has seen his personal approval ratings drop 20 points in just four days.

In brushing aside calls for Mr. Cummings to be sacked, the prime minister has sparked a revolt by almost 100 of his own MPs. Even tabloid newspapers that traditionally back Tory leaders have pummelled Mr. Cummings and Mr. Johnson, with the Daily Mails front page asking, "What Planet Are They On?"

JONATHAN BRADY / ASSOCIATED PRESS POOL British political adviser Dominic Cummings violated the governments lockdown restrictions by driving his family 400 kilometres to his parents farm.

The only person who has lost his job is Douglas Ross, a junior minister for Scotland, who resigned because he felt someone had to do the right thing.

"I have constituents who didnt get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didnt visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government," Mr. Ross said in his resignation letter. "I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right."

A swift apology might have laid the affair to rest, but Mr. Cummings has refused to do that, and his boss insists his senior strategist acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity." Which leaves them facing another glorious tradition  taking whatever medicine voters dish out.
President Donald Trump is seen in the Oval Office on May 28, 2020.

Evan Vucci/AP

Trump took to Twitter late Friday evening as protests escalated across the country over the death of George Floyd, retweeting an account urging Minnesotans to vote out Democrats.

Floyd, who was black, was killed earlier this week in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes as Floyd said he couldn't breathe.

The encounter was caught on video and sparked protests across the country that began Tuesday and continued for the fourth straight night on Friday in Minnesota, Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles and elsewhere.

Many of these demonstrations are ongoing, and several have erupted in violent clashes between police and protesters.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As protests erupted across the US for the fourth consecutive night over the death of George Floyd on Friday evening, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to urge people in Minnesota, where Floyd was killed, to vote out Democrats.

"Time for a change! #2020," Trump said, retweeting the account @YoungDems4Trump, which listed the party affiliations of several Democratic elected officials in Minnesota.

Floyd, who is black, was killed early this week after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, even as Floyd said he couldn't breathe. The death was caught on video and has sparked protests across the country.

Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who was seen on video putting his knee on Floyd's neck before he died, was taken into custody by Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Thousands of Americans took to the streets Friday in dozens of cities across the country, some which have resulted in clashes between police and protesters.

Read the original article on Business Insider
30.05.2020 LISTEN

Reports have revealed that Physician Assistant, Rita Ababio, Midwife Florence Amoo and Field Technician, Mabinca Djan all at the Benso Government Health Centre and some health workers in the Western Region have seriously misconducted themselves against the ethics of the health profession.

The issues reached the attention of Queen-mother of Wassa Fiase Traditional Council, Nana Abena Kumadjoa II, Nana Kwabena Amoah III, Gyasehene of Benso and Abinto Traditional Council. In a meeting with Nananom (chiefs) and Western Regional Health Directorate, Nananom advised that those health workers who misconducted themselves be transferred or disciplined.

They stressed that the District Director, Mr. Emmanuel Affelkum who has helped in the development of the Tarkwa hospital and other Health Centre in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality especially in fight against Covid-19 should not be transferred but the Western Regional Health Director, Dr. Jacob Yakubu Mahama rejected Nananom advised. This annoyed Nananom who claimed that they have contributed immensely to the development of the nation especially the Health Centre and their opinions should not be taken lightly. Nananom bemoaned that Dr. Mahama has overlooked health issues at Benso and took a one-man decision to transfer Tarkwa District Health Director, Mr. Affelkum and other health workers.

Currently, Nananom have petition Government, Minister of Health, Director of Ghana Health Service and Western Regional Minister to transfer Regional Director of Health Dr. Mahama. They believe Dr. Mahama has failed woefully to deal with health problems in the Western Region.

Investigation

The investigative report revealed that Florence Amoo, the midwife of Benso Health Centre charges pregnant women a fee ranging from GHC200 to GHC400 before attending to antenatal. This made some of the community members loss confidence in attending the facility.

The report further revealed that a female Physician Assistant (PA), Rita Ababio who was posted to Benso Health Centre in 2019 sold her drugs to patients at a high cost. The press understands that Rita Ababio normally doesnt stay in the office and whenever she goes out she handover the facility keys to field technician Mabinca Djan to take charge. This brought serious conflict between the midwife and Physician Assistant and other health workers.

The report gathered that, on April 7, 2020 regional director signed a letter that the Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle with registration No. GV 53-17 which belongs to Wassa East Direct is to be swapped for an old vehicle with registration No. GV 98-16 belonging to Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Health directorate. The DCE, Mr. Wilson Author of the area and some health officials in the district were unhappy with Dr. Mahamas decisions.

Press attempt

In an attempt to speak to Western Regional Director of Health, Dr. Jacob Mahama to answer transfer of some directors, swapping of vehicle and other health related issues proved futile as he declined not to talk to the media. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahama whose retirement is due is reportedly transferring some of health directors for reasons best known to him.

Find letters and documents below:
The United States will end its relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) over the world bodys handling of the coronavirus pandemic, US President Donald Trump said on Friday.

Trumps decision to sever ties with the Geneva-based body also comes amid growing tensions between the US and China over the coronavirus pandemic.

The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and has killed more than 3.64 people worldwide and affected over 5.9 million.

Watch: Donald Trump terminates relationship with WHO, announces actions against China

Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and will be redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent public health needs, Trump said at a news briefing.

Also read| World needs answers: Donald Trump renews attack on China over Covid-19 pandemic

Trump had sent a list of reforms that the United States wanted the world body to carry out.

The only way forward for the organization is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China, he had written in a four-page letter to WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last week.

He had given the WHO, which the US joined in 1948, 30 days to respond.

Heres what he wrote in that letter:

On April 14, 2020, I suspended United States contributions to the World Health Organization pending an investigation by my Administration of the organizations failed response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

This review has confirmed many of the serious concerns I raised last month and identified others that the World Health Organization should have addressed, especially the World Health Organizations alarming lack of independence from the Peoples Republic of China. Based on this review, we now know the following:

 The World Health Organization consistently ignored credible reports of the virus spreading in Wuhan in early December 2019 or even earlier, including reports from the Lancet medical journal. The World Health Organization failed to independently investigate credible reports that conflicted directly with the Chinese governments official accounts, even those that came from sources within Wuhan itself.

 By no later than December 30, 2019, the World Health Organization office in Beijing knew that there was a major public health concern in Wuhan. Between December 26 and December 30, Chinas media highlighted evidence of a new virus emerging from Wuhan, based on patient data sent to multiple Chinese genomics companies. Additionally, during this period, Dr. Zhang Jixian, a doctor from Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, told Chinas health authorities that a new coronavirus was causing a novel disease that was, at the time, afflicting approximately 180 patients.

 By the next day, Taiwanese authorities had communicated information to the World Health Organization indicating human-to-human transmission of a new virus. Yet the World Health Organization chose not to share any of this critical information with the rest of the world, probably for political reasons.

 The International Health Regulations require countries to report the risk of a health emergency within 24 hours. But China did not inform the World Health Organization of Wuhans several cases of pneumonia, of unknown origin, until December 31, 2019, even though it likely had knowledge of these cases days or weeks earlier.

 According to Dr. Zhang Yongzhen of the Shanghai Public Health Clinic Center, he told Chinese authorities on January 5, 2020, that he had sequenced the genome of the virus. There was no publication of this information until six days later, on January 11, 2020, when Dr. Zhang self-posted it online. The next day, Chinese authorities closed his lab for rectification. As even the World Health Organization acknowledged, Dr. Zhangs posting was a great act of transparency. But the World Health Organization has been conspicuously silent both with respect to the closure of Dr. Zhangs lab and his assertion that he had notified Chinese authorities of his breakthrough six days earlier.

 The World Health Organization has repeatedly made claims about the coronavirus that were either grossly inaccurate or misleading.

- On January 14, 2020, the World Health Organization gratuitously reaffirmed Chinas now-debunked claim that the coronavirus could not be transmitted between humans, stating: Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) identified in Wuhan, China. This assertion was in direct conflict with censored reports from Wuhan.

- On January 21, 2020, President Xi Jinping of China reportedly pressured you not to declare the coronavirus outbreak an emergency. You gave in to this pressure the next day and told the world that the coronavirus did not pose a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Just over one week later, on January 30, 2020, overwhelming evidence to the contrary forced you to reverse course.

Click here for complete coronavirus coverage

- On January 28, 2020, after meeting with President Xi in Beijing, you praised the Chinese government for its transparency with respect to the coronavirus, announcing that China had set a new standard for outbreak control and bought the world time. You did not mention that China had, by then, silenced or punished several doctors for speaking out about the virus and restricted Chinese institutions from publishing information about it.

 Even after you belatedly declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, you failed to press China for the timely admittance of a World Health Organization team of international medical experts. As a result, this critical team did not arrive in China until two weeks later, on February 16, 2020. And even then, the team was not allowed to visit Wuhan until the final days of their visit. Remarkably, the World Health Organization was silent when China denied the two American members of the team access to Wuhan entirely.

 You also strongly praised Chinas strict domestic travel restrictions, but were inexplicably against my closing of the United States border, or the ban, with respect to people coming from China. I put the ban in place regardless of your wishes. Your political gamesmanship on this issue was deadly, as other governments, relying on your comments, delayed imposing life-saving restrictions on travel to and from China.

Incredibly, on February 3, 2020, you reinforced your position, opining that because China was doing such a great job protecting the world from the virus, travel restrictions were causing more harm than good. Yet by then the world knew that, before locking down Wuhan, Chinese authorities had allowed more than five million people to leave the city and that many of these people were bound for international destinations all over the world.

 As of February 3, 2020, China was strongly pressuring countries to lift or forestall travel restrictions. This pressure campaign was bolstered by your incorrect statements on that day telling the world that the spread of the virus outside of China was minimal and slow and that the chances of getting this going to anywhere outside China [were] very low.

 On March 3, 2020, the World Health Organization cited official Chinese data to downplay the very serious risk of asymptomatic spread, telling the world that COVID-19 does not transmit as efficiently as influenza and that unlike influenza this disease was not primarily driven by people who are infected but not yet sick. Chinas evidence, the World Health Organization told the world, showed that only one percent of reported cases do not have symptoms, and most of those cases develop symptoms within two days. Many experts, however, citing data from Japan, South Korea, and elsewhere, vigorously questioned these assertions. It is now clear that Chinas assertions, repeated to the world by the World Health Organization, were wildly inaccurate.

 By the time you finally declared the virus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, it had killed more than 4,000 people and infected more than 100,000 people in at least 114 countries around the world.

 On April 11, 2020, several African Ambassadors wrote to the Chinese Foreign Ministry about the discriminatory treatment of Africans related to the pandemic in Guangzhou and other cities in China. You were aware that Chinese authorities were carrying out a campaign of forced quarantines, evictions, and refusal of services against the nationals of these countries. You have not commented on Chinas racially discriminatory actions. You have, however, baselessly labeled as racist Taiwans well-founded complaints about your mishandling of this pandemic.

 Throughout this crisis, the World Health Organization has been curiously insistent on praising China for its alleged transparency. You have consistently joined in these tributes, notwithstanding that China has been anything but transparent. In early January, for example, China ordered samples of the virus to be destroyed, depriving the world of critical information. Even now, China continues to undermine the International Health Regulations by refusing to share accurate and timely data, viral samples and isolates, and by withholding vital information about the virus and its origins. And, to this day, China continues to deny international access to their scientists and relevant facilities, all while casting blame widely and recklessly and censoring its own experts.

 The World Health Organization has failed to publicly call on China to allow for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, despite the recent endorsement for doing so by its own Emergency Committee. The World Health Organizations failure to do so has prompted World Health Organization member states to adopt the COVID-19 Response Resolution at this years World Health Assembly, which echoes the call by the United States and so many others for an impartial, independent, and comprehensive review of how the World Health Organization handled the crisis. The resolution also calls for an investigation into the origins of the virus, which is necessary for the world to understand how best to counter the disease.

Perhaps worse than all these failings is that we know that the World Health Organization could have done so much better. Just a few years ago, under the direction of a different Director-General, the World Health Organization showed the world how much it has to offer. In 2003, in response to the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in China, Director-General Harlem Brundtland boldly declared the World Health Organizations first emergency travel advisory in 55 years, recommending against travel to and from the disease epicenter in southern China. She also did not hesitate to criticize China for endangering global health by attempting to cover up the outbreak through its usual playbook of arresting whistleblowers and censoring media. Many lives could have been saved had you followed Dr. Brundtlands example.

It is clear the repeated missteps by you and your organization in responding to the pandemic have been extremely costly for the world. The only way forward for the World Health Organization is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China. My Administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organization. But action is needed quickly. We do not have time to waste. That is why it is my duty, as President of the United States, to inform you that, if the World Health Organization does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days, I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the World Health Organization permanent and reconsider our membership in the organization. I cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organization that, in its present state, is so clearly not serving Americas interests.
Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle

The rage over the killing of 46-year-old George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police officers is well justified. The violence, looting and destruction that erupted during protests is not.

To understand the mayhem on display in Minneapolis and other cities is not to condone it. It went beyond the death of one man who pleaded for his life  I cant breathe  as an officers knee was pressed against his neck for more than eight excruciating minutes. It was about myriad other times unarmed African American men have been killed at the hands of police. It was about the history of justice that proved so maddeningly elusive, time after time, even in many of the egregious incidents captured on video.
New Delhi :

The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the Calcutta High Court order upholding the land acquisition for Tata's Nano plant at Singur in West Bengal. Finding fault with the land acquisition process, the apex court ordered that the acquired land be returned to the cultivators within 12 weeks.

Also Read: Singur vedict: Setback for Tata Motors as Supreme Court quashes 1000-acre land deal

December 1, 2006

The land earmarked for project was taken control of by the state administration amidst protests. Fencing the land commenced on this day.

21 January 2007

Tatas ceremonially initiated the construction of the plant on.

June 2007

In a fresh affidavit filed later, the government admitted that 30 per cent of the land was acquired from farmers without consent.

On 23 September 2008

Tatas decided to leave Singur in West Bengal. According to the reports, decision was made by Tata management and Bengal government was informed.

October 3, 2008

The Tata Group announced that they are pulling out of Singur due to political unrest and agitation led by Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee's Save Farmland movement was supported by environmental activists like Medha Patkar, Anuradha Talwar and Arundhati Roy.

Banerjee's movement against displacement of farmers was also supported by several Kolkata based intellectuals like Aparna Sen, Kaushik Sen, Shaonli Mitra and Suvaprasanna.

October 3, 2008

It became official that TATA will leave Singur (WB) when Ratan Tata announced it in a press conference in Kolkata.

October 3, 2008, after a brief meeting with the Chief Minister, Ratan Tata declared his decision to move the Nano Project out of West Bengal.

2011

In 2011 state assembly elections, while sitting Trinamool Congress MLA, Rabindranath Bhattacharya retained the Singur seat, Becharam Manna, the convener of Krishi Jami Raksha Samiti, won the adjoining Haripal seat.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.




Drought may hit Argentina's grain exports until September

Drought has pushed Argentina's Parana River to its lowest level in decades, which will slow exports and hurt the country's soy crushing margins at least through September, officials said, reported Reuters.

An increasing number of ships are running aground and higher costs are pressuring margins at the giant soy crushing plants that make Argentina the world's top exporter of livestock feed, used to fatten hogs and poultry from Southeast Asia to Europe.

"The Parana is at its lowest level in 50 years. This prevents normal navigation and limits the amount of cargo that can be carried by ships, which adds to costs," said Omar Perotti, governor of Santa Fe province which is home to the grains hub of Rosario on the banks of the Parana.

The situation is not expected to improve until September, he said, reflecting a growing consensus among weather experts. Transport problems in Argentina can throw off world trade flows as impatient buyers look to rival exporters Brazil and the US to fill temporary supply gaps.

A ship belonging to Chinese exporter COFCO, hauling 42,000 tonnes of soymeal, ran aground and was blocking traffic on Thursday at the Rosario port of Timbues, with tug boats working to free the vessel, according to port officials.

Some ships dropped anchor to wait it out while others lightened their loads, allowing them to navigate the crash zone.

While dryness of the river increases costs for soy crushers in Argentina, global agro-industrial companies with operations in the country, like US-based Bunge, can compensate by way of increased margins in other parts of the world.

Rosario is home to some of the biggest soymeal factories in the world. They crush beans from Argentina and neighbouring Paraguay, the world's top four exporter of the oilseed. But the river's shallowness has delayed the arrival of barges from Paraguay.

Failure to receive Paraguayan soy on time generates delays in processing the bean and complicates compliance with international contracts, the Rosario grains exchange said in a recent report.

The latest data from Argentina's Coast Guard show the Parana's level at Rosario at 0.82 metres, on a scale in which zero is a reference point rather than the actual depth of the waterway. The normal median level for May is 3.68 metres.

The level of the Parana is unlikely to recover until Southern Hemisphere spring rains start to hit the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay about three months from now, said local meteorologist Leonardo De Benedictis.
India Thursday sidestepped US President Donald Trump's offers to mediate the country's border showdown with China, saying it was already engaged with Beijing to "resolve this issue".

Trump's offer on Wednesday came after Indian defence sources said hundreds of Chinese troops had moved into a disputed zone along their 3,500 kilometre-long (2,200 mile) frontier.

"We are engaged with the Chinese side to peacefully resolve this issue," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava told reporters during a weekly media briefing when asked about Trump's tweet.

"Our troops have taken a very responsible approach towards border management," Srivastava added.

"India is committed to the objective of maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas with China... At the same time, we remain firm in our resolve to ensuring India's sovereignty and national security."

Last year Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over their Kashmir dispute, but it was tersely rejected by India.

While blaming each other for the flare-up, India and China -- the world's two most populous countries and nuclear-armed neighbours -- have stressed the need to negotiate a settlement to the latest dispute along their tortuous border.

Alice Wells, the top US State Department official for South Asia, said last week that China was seeking to upset the regional balance and had to be "resisted".

India and China fought a war over India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in 1962. China still claims some 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 square miles) of territory under New Delhi's control.

While no shot has been fired across their border for more than four decades, there have been numerous face-offs. In 2017 there was a 72-day showdown after Chinese forces moved into the disputed Doklam plateau on the China-India-Bhutan border.

Punches and stones were thrown this month at Naku La in India's Sikkim state, which borders Bhutan, Nepal and China, before "dialogue and interaction" calmed tempers.

Story continues

The focus has since moved to India's Ladakh region across the border from Tibet. Indian defence sources say Chinese forces have moved into Indian territory at four points.

The sources said hundreds of Chinese troops and vehicles have taken over the Indian side of the Galwan valley, one of the four disputed sites.

Diplomatic and military observers said both sides seemed to be digging in for another long face-off.
Chris Pine showed off his rugged good looks and elegant style while taking a break from quarantining at home on Friday.

The 39-year-old Wonder Woman star picked up his classic green Porsche in Los Angeles' hip Silver Lake neighborhood for a ride around Los Angeles with his girlfriend Annabelle Wallis, 35.

He was stylishly attired for the day out in a navy silk shirt with white trim and a white pattern.

Getting some fresh air: Chris Pine, 39, took a break from quarantining at home with his girlfriend Annabelle Wallis for a joy ride through Los Angeles on Friday

Chris paired the top with a set of tan corduroy trousers, along with a smart set of beige suede loafers that he wore without socks.

He had a wadded black bandana in his hand to wear around others to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Hell Or High Water actor sported some salt and pepper designer stubble and had his hair styled as if he had just gotten out of bed.

Shabby chic: Chris looked dapper in a blue silk shirt, tan corduroy pants and beige suede loafers

Need for speed: He drove Annabelle in his dark green classic Porsche. The Star Trek star also enjoys taking out his black Porsche Speedster

Chris also owns a classic black Porsche Speedster, which he and his actress girlfriend were spotted in last month while picking up some takeout amid Los Angeles' shelter-in-place order.

He and Annabelle were first linked in April 2018, when they were spotted arriving at London's Heathrow Airport together.

The English actress is best known for her run on the BBC's Peaky Binders, as well as her role on The Tudors as Jane Seymour.

She's set to appear in the upcoming horror film Malignant, directed by James Wan, who graduated from creating the Saw series to leading jump scarebased horror films including Insidious and The Conjuring, before helming Aquaman in 2018.

Coming soon: His next big role will be in Wonder Woman 1984, set for release on August 14

Chris' next big role will be a return to superhero films with Wonder Woman 1984.

He'll reunite with Gal Gadot's title hero, though it's not yet known exactly how, as his character presumably perished at the end of the previous film.

He played an American pilot and spy who penetrated Germany in the depths of the First World War, but somehow his character has returned to a candy-colored 1980s America.

The film is set for an August 14 release, though the ongoing coronavirus pandemic may shake that up further.

It was originally intended for a late 2019 opening, before being pushed back to June. After coronavirus lockdowns began in the US in March, the film was pushed back two more months.
The Guam Department of Education headquarters at Tiyan will be open for central office employees next week as divisions continue to implement safety measures needed to conduct normal operations.

The announcement comes after the governor called for government agencies to reopen on Monday.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero ordered non-essential agencies and offices shut down in mid-March in response to the public health emergency.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

GDOE officials also announced that the Emergency Food Distribution Program (TEFAP) commodities distribution, which is operated through GDOE under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be suspended for the week of June 1-5.

TEFAP operations are scheduled to resume on June 9, at three sites to be announced at a later date.

We have spent the past several months implementing our Grab-N-Go School Meals Program, USDA Emergency Food Distribution Program, home learning lessons, PBS lessons, and Grab-N-Go packet distribution programs, GDOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said. As we wrap up the school year, our graduation ceremonies, and gear up for the challenges ahead, we are shifting back to normal operations for employees at schools and at headquarters. Our focus in returning to normal operations, of course, is safety first, which is our priority before we open the doors further to the general public.

GODE officials said employees will be given specific instructions from their direct supervisors regarding their schedules for next week, reporting requirements, and/or telework guidance.

Once safety measures are fully in place, more information will be released with regard to services for the general public. Parents, students and members of the public may continue to call or email the schools for information on student activities.

While school facilities will be closed for educational purposes, schools will begin administrative and maintenance functions to close out the school year and prepare for next school year.
The situation for 42 stranded workers from Assam is grimmer. Though they were told by the police that the train to Guwahati would leave on May 26 the wait is unending.

Bengaluru: Life has come to a standstill for more than a thousand guest workers from Odisha and Assam. The grim faces watch the movement of cops carefully in anticipation of good news that they will finally be heading back to their homes.

After traversing hundreds of kilometres to reach Bengaluru, got a beating by the policemen, getting fleeced by auto-rickshaw drivers and lodges that charged them their entire savings all the guest workers get is the date of travel that never comes.

Shivaprasad Rao form Balaswar in Odisha was working at granite factory in Mysuru. When the lockdown was announced the owner of the factory took a flight to leave the state and stopped the calls of the labourers. However, when the situation became adverse Rao had to ask his relatives in the village to lend him some money so that he could reach Bengaluru.

We are here for six days now. There is no arrangement for proper food. What we get daily is dry food at an irregular interval. At our workplaces, we were not paid for the last three months as lockdown happened and the owner never bothered about us. We are not at all informed about the train schedules. Over 50 of us are from Odisha itself, Rao narrated his woes.

The situation for 42 stranded workers from Assam is grimmer. Though they were told by the police that the train to Guwahati would leave on May 26 the wait is unending. Getting disillusioned with the kind of food being served daily at irregular intervals women folks were seen preparing the food with the little raw materials they are left with.

 I used to work at a coffee estate near Chikkamagaluru. Since lockdown began, we are out of jobs. The owner asked us to leave and never to come back. We paid Rs 800 per person to reach the town. Since the bus was not available a person provided dinner and shelter for the night at a committee hall and we boarded the bus to Bengaluru. At a lodge near the station, we paid Rs 100 per person to spend the night. When we went to the railway station to look for the train an auto-rickshaw driver told us that migrants from Bihar have been kept at a shelter. Then we came here. It has been 10 days nowhere, and we are given assurance that we will board a train. We are filling some of the other forms daily but have not got any permission yet. Every day the policemen take our photos and the wait continues, a sobbing Munir Ali from Assam explained.

His journey is more rigorous as after reaching Guwahati his family will have to walk further hundreds of kilometres to reach the village.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Life has come to a standstill for more than a thousand <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/guestworkers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#guestworkers</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a>. They are in anticipation of good news that they will finally be heading back to their homes. A guest worker from Odisha, Anil Sahu speaks about the situation on ground. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19Lockdown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19Lockdown</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xxyv7Zrshi">pic.twitter.com/Xxyv7Zrshi</a></p> Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeccanChronicle/status/1266722497644294145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On days when they run out of patience after consuming chappatis with one small pouch of the pickle, they go out of the camp to buy pickles. For the past few days, the serving of milk for the infants at the camp is also stopped.

The policemen have told the migrants that soon they will be evicted out of the place as the shelter is used for marriage purposes and the increasing exasperation to go home is evident from their faces.

Yesterday, four trains left for Bihar from Karnataka.

When asked about the cases in Bihar where reports of several families not accepting the migrants back for the fear of transmission of COVID the district magistrate of Patna, Ravi Kumar said that migrants from places like Maharashtra, Surat, Bengaluru, Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurugram will be kept at quarantine centers'.

The district magistrates of other districts may add to the list of cities based on the number of rising cases, he stated.
MINNEAPOLIS - Leanne Reyes had heard about the video of George Floyd's final minutes, but she could not bring herself to watch it.

Almost fourteen years ago, her father, Wayne Reyes, died after police opened fire on his truck - six officers, 43 rounds, in four seconds. They said her father had pulled out a shotgun when they pulled him over in response to a report that he had stabbed his girlfriend and another friend in a domestic dispute.

The gunshots destroyed the truck and severely damaged the facade of a building just blocks from where the younger Reyes now lives on the city's south side, the brick wall still marked by bullet holes.

Reyes and her relatives were horrified to see the name of one of those officers show up in the news all these years later: Derek Chauvin, the now-former Minneapolis officer filmed with his knee on Floyd's throat. Chauvin was arrested Friday on murder and manslaughter charges. In 2006, he was put on administrative leave for a week during the investigation, though police never publicly specified which officers fired their guns.

"I already knew what kind of monster that man is," Reyes said. "And all I could feel was heartbreak that this had happened again."

Minneapolis has raged and mourned since video emerged earlier this week of Floyd, pinned for several minutes as he gasped for breath. This city has endured the painful sequence before: Someone encounters the police and dies. Outrage, protests and promises to do better follow. And then it happens all over again.

"There's a cycle," said Michelle Phelps, an associate sociology professor at the University of Minnesota who has studied community views on policing and reform in Minneapolis. "There's an episode of violence, there's an uprising, people demand change and change starts to happen. But in a big, cumbersome bureaucracy with 800 line officers, those shifts move really slowly."

The previous cases did not set off unrest on the scale seen this week in Minneapolis, which included multiple buildings set on fire. But they engulfed the region in other ways. Demonstrators responded to shootings by police by camping out around a police precinct for weeks, blocking streets and calling for officers and city officials to lose their jobs.

"Each time something happened, it made us better and we didn't let it happen in vain," said Janee Harteau, a former Minneapolis police chief, who was ousted by the city's then-mayor amid outcry over a 2017 shooting by an officer. "Now I see this, and I frankly question just about everything."

Minneapolis police have enacted some changes in recent years. The department became "one of the national leaders of police reform," Phelps said, enacting extensive training on use of force and emphasizing the sanctity of life as part of its policies.

And yet," Phelps said, "George Floyd is still dead."

The department made changes in Harteau's tenure and under Medaria Arradondo, her successor, including pushing officers to more proactively listen to the community and improving training, said Teresa Nelson, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota.

"There has been a long and deep history of racially biased policing in Minneapolis," she said. "Maybe [the reform] was too little, too late. It takes a lot to get a department turned around."

An ACLU study of low-level arrests between 2012 and 2014 concluded that black people - who make up a fifth of the city's population - were 8.7 times more likely to be arrested for such offenses than white people, which "contributes to long-standing mistrust."

The mistrust extended into the department's own ranks.

In 2017, Arradondo became the city's first black police chief, pledging to shift the culture and restore a positive relationship with the community. A decade earlier, he and four other veteran officers sued the department and accused it of systematically discriminating against people of color, including black police officers.

In the 2007 lawsuit, filed in federal court, the officers assailed the department, saying that they were subjected "to harassment, discrimination and retaliation based on their race and color." (Spokesmen for the police did not respond Friday to a request to interview Arradondo.)

In court documents, city officials denied the allegations. The lawsuit was settled in 2009 for more than $800,000, said John Klassen, a civil rights attorney who represented the officers.

Klassen said the department has gotten better, recruiting a more diverse force, but still struggles to jettison troubled officers. Experts and activists blame the powerful police union.

Harteau said that while unions are necessary to push for benefits, the police union in Minneapolis fought her on things such as imposing discipline and terminating officers.

"It really deflates your authority," Harteau said. "And you can't have the responsibility unless you have full authority."

Critics said the issue was one of the city's own making. City and police officials "constantly bemoan what they can't do because their hands are tied by the [police union] contract," said Dave Bicking, vice president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, a Twin Cities police watchdog group. "But every three years when the contract comes up, they rubber stamp it."

Union officials did not respond to messages and calls seeking comment.

Police in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities region have struggled with public anger over how police use force in recent years, as the issue was rippling across the country in places such as Baltimore, Chicago, New York and Ferguson, Missouri.

In November 2015, after a Minneapolis police officer shot and killed Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old black man, demonstrators responded by occupying the area around the Fourth Precinct police station for 18 days. A Justice Department review said the outrage over Clark's death reflected a "fractured relationship and history of mistrust" among black residents in north Minneapolis, the police and city officials.

Local and federal authorities separately said they would not charge the officers involved in Clark's death, with the Justice Department concluding it could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt an officer intended to violate Clark's civil rights.

Just weeks after that Justice Department's announcement, the Twin Cities region was seized by another fatal shooting.

Philando Castile's death during a July 2016 traffic stop in the suburbs, broadcast on Facebook, spurred public outrage - and, in a relatively unusual turn, criminal charges for Jeronimo Yanez, the officer involved.

While charges are rare, convictions are even less common. Yanez was acquitted in 2017, spurring a large protest that shut down Interstate 94.

A few weeks later, Justine Damond, an Australian woman, called 911 to report a possible sexual assault near her home. When police arrived and she approached, Mohamed Noor, one of the officers, shot and killed her, setting off an international outcry. Noor became one of the rare officers charged and convicted of an on-duty shooting.

Harteau, who was forced out after Damond's death, said Floyd's death was disheartening after all the efforts at reform.

"Before this, I would have liked to have said there's been change," Harteau said. "Clearly, it's not enough. Because I look at that video and I say to myself, how could this happen?"

Phelps, the professor, interviewed residents of north Minneapolis in 2017 and 2018 to ask about their experiences with police and views of reform.

"What we found was that people were largely very aware of police violence both locally and nationally, and most of the folks we interviewed saw it as a deep, systemic and structural problem," Phelps said, one that was disproportionately impacting black people. "But When you got to the reform section, people largely did not know what [the police] were doing," she said.

Even when told about the changes, she said, residents supported them but were not sure much would change.

Before Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Floyd, he was involved in at least two shootings, according to media reports. Police have released a brief summary of his disciplinary record, showing he had 17 complaints filed against him - most closed without discipline and one closed with two letters of reprimand.

The department did not respond to questions about the shootings or further details about his disciplinary record; an attorney for Chauvin did not respond to calls seeking comment about the Floyd case or Wayne Reyes' death in 2006.

Reyes was a big, gregarious man who grew up as part of a large extended family with deep roots on the city's south side. He'd had run-ins with the law over the years, including a misdemeanor charge in July 2006 for carrying a gun without a license. At the time of death, he'd been trying to get sober, his family said, but the explosive relationship he had with his girlfriend wasn't helping.

"My father was a little rough around the edges, but he was a good man and a lot of people loved him," his daughter said.

His younger brother, Jack, rushed to the scene after hearing about the 2006 shooting, finding Reyes' body in a pool of blood, surrounded by evidence markers showing where all the bullets had landed.

The officers were placed on administrative leave. It was nearly nine months before the department showed Reyes' relatives footage from the shooting, his family said.

While the department said Reyes had exited the car with his gun, Leanne Reyes says the blurry video she watched, apparently captured from a dashboard camera of a responding officer's car, did not show her father outside the vehicle until he had been shot.

In 2007, a grand jury opted against charges in the case. The family considered a wrongful-death suit, they said, but could not find a lawyer to take the case.

And then it was over - until this week, when Reyes' home has vibrated with the booms of flash bangs thrown at the protests not far from her home.

"You can't escape it," she said. "It's just here."

- - -

Berman reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Kim Bellware, Julie Tate and Derek Hawkins contributed to this report.
Opinion Policies

Editorials are longer opinion pieces that are written by a group of community members recruited across campus who address relevant issues on a local, national and international level. Editorials are research-based. The purpose of the Editorial Board is to promote discussion concerning relevant issues in the community while advising on possible solutions. Topics are chosen via relevancy and interests of the members, which are then discussed by the Editorial Board in order to reach a general consensus concerning the topic or issue.

Feedback policy

If you have a grievance concerning the content or argument of the Editorial Board, please contact either Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or the Editorial Board as a whole (editorialboard@iowastatedaily.com). Those wanting to respond to editorials can also submit a letter to the editor through the Iowa State Daily website or by emailing the letter to Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or Editor-in-Chief Sage Smith (sage.smith@iowastatedaily.com).

Column Policy

Columns are hyper-specific to opinion and are written by only columnists employed by the Iowa State Daily. Columnists are unique because they have a specific writing day and only publish on those writing days. Each column undergoes a thorough editing process ensuring the integrity of the writer, and their claim is maintained while remaining research-based and respectful. Columns may be submitted from community members. These are labelled as Guest Columns. These contain similar research-based content and need to be at least 400 words in length. The following requirements should be met: first and last name, email and relation or position to Iowa State. Emails must be tied to the submitted guest column or it will not be accepted or published. Pseudonyms are prohibited and the writer will be banned from submissions.

Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Alya Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, May 30, 2020 15:31 600 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdb190b6 1 World Indonesian-Consulate-General,Chicago,united-states,Minneapolis-unrest,George-Floyd,protests,racial-tension,racial-discrimination,Indonesian-citizen Free

The Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago has reported all 270 Indonesian nationals in Minnesotas twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are safe amid violent protests breaking out in the cities.

Friday marked the fourth day of racially charged arson, looting and vandalism in the Minnesota cities over the death of a 46-year-old black man, George Floyd, seen on video gasping for breath while a white police officer kneels on his neck, Reuters reported.

We have communicated with Indonesian citizens in the affected areas. They are all safe and in good condition, Virana Khairunnisa of the consulate generals office told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

The office also advised all Indonesian citizens living in Chicago, Detroit, Columbus and other Midwest cities to remain calm and vigilant while also avoiding rally sites, as more protests were scheduled to take place in those cities.

The Consulate General appealed to the Indonesian citizens not to go outside except for urgent matters, also to comply with the authoritys guidelines and monitor the condition of fellow Indonesians.

An Indonesian woman living in Minnesota, Terry Perdanawati, shared the Consulate Generals advice and put its hotline on Twitter.

To all [Indonesian] friends in Minnesota and the Midwest area, please save the hotline number and report if you need help, she tweeted in her account @tey_saja on Friday.

Himbauan dari KJRI Chicago @INAinChicago.



Disimpen nomernya ya teman-teman di Minnesota dan area Midwest lainnya. Jika ada apa2 langsung hubungi KJRI.



Selalu waspada dan tetap di rumah aja. Jangan lupa berdoa semoga kerusuhan ini segera berakhir.  pic.twitter.com/2JQDBjvATB  Terry Perdanawati (@tey_saja) May 29, 2020

Fires and vandalism erupted in both cities on Thursday night local time. In Minneapolis, angry protesters set ablaze the Third Precinct police station, as reported by Reuters.

Reuters reported on Friday that Hennepin County prosecutors had charged Derek Chauvin, the police officer identified as having used his knee to pin the unarmed Floyd on Monday, with murder. Previously, he and three fellow officers identified as having been involved in Floyds arrest were dismissed from the police department.

Read also: Racially charged violence rages for third night in Minneapolis

Chauvins arrest, however, did not succeed in lowering the tension, as hundreds of protesters clashed with riot police outside the battered Third Precinct building on Friday evening  defying the curfew imposed by Mayor Jacob Frey.

Protesters have been demanding systemic changes, crying support for the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the wave of killings of African-Americans by the police.

Sympathy protests had been erupting since Wednesday in other cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix and New York; with more scheduled on Saturday in Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago.

The Minnesota authority has deployed around 500 National Guard troops in Minneapolis, St. Paul and adjacent areas.

Earlier, President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter he would send in the National Guard to assume control while making comments about looting leads to shooting. The message got widespread condemnation for glorifying violence.
Kittitians woke-up this morning to the unmistakable noise of a rumbling. But it wasnt an earthquake. It was a noise that is about to shake the very foundation of its democracy. That violent noise was coming from Timothy Harris, a leader who has become desperate in his election bid to the point that he has turned his back on regional diplomatic convention, and bluntly denied entry to an Organization of American States (OAS) election observer team for the June 5 General Election.

What is telling is that the Harris government was in discussion with the OAS Secretary General 11 days before (May 19), with no indication that it (the Harris administration) would deny their request. However, a communication from the OAS dated May 28 made it clear that the Harris administration has pulled the COVID-19 card, and curtained off the Federation from impartial and objective eyes.

According to the OAS release, OAS Secretary-General (SG) Luis Almagro had already identified the personnel to carry out their mission, finalized the teams itinerary, and secured funding for the activity. The OAS SG also advised that its personnel had been repeatedly tested for coronavirus and that they consistently tested negative. However, the release revealed that on May 27, the Harris administration canceled the observer mission, saying that the personnel would have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine (despite being tested negative), which would surpass the time until polling day. The OAS SG indicated his regret that a practical solution was not put in place like it was the case in Suriname to allow its observers, and further stating that the process will be monitored from afar.

Harris attitude eerily echoes the words of Guyanas despotic dictator Forbes Burnham, who spat on the efforts of UK scholars Lord Chitnis and Lord Avebury for their observer efforts in Georgetown 40 years ago. Burnham, cigarette in hand  tore into the media at the time, saying, "I say it's nonsense. We are not a colony. Does anyone think of sending anyone to the United States to observe their elections, when there are tales about 'ghost voting' in Cook County? Or when there were the allegations of fraud by former President Ford? It's a piece of impudence. We run Guyana! Let us settle our differences in Guyana. Lord Chitnis and Lord Avebury had better apply their efforts to matters which concern them. You see, there are certain members of my Opposition who remind me of a statement, 'You can take the man out of the colony, but you cannot take the colony out of some men'.

Burnham then went on to shock the hemisphere with this statement: What authority has Chitnis, Avebury and the rest have over Guyana. This is not Zimbabwe that was in a process... this is independent, cooperative Republic of Guyana. It is our right to say when they may come or when they may not come. I'm tired of these busybodies... let them go and mind their own farmyards."

Lord Avebury stated at the time: We conclude that the worst fears expressed by the Guyanese people regarding the violations of the electoral process have been confirmed.

Forty years later in 2020 another observer mission head, former Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding, told the OAS: I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.

Goldings comment came in the wake of thunderous protests of electoral fraud on the part of the David Granger-led coalition, which at several points tried to sequester, shut out and even ship out the CARICOM observer team. That team was led by former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who clashed with Foreign Minister Dr Karen Cummings, who had threatened to revoke the accreditation of the observers.

The CARICOM report was severely critical of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) saying that at no point did the leadership of GECOM halt or rectify blatant instances of disregard for the rule of law and electoral ethics, despite its vested authority to independently ensure credible elections.

Current Barbados Prime Minister and Chair of CARICOM, Mia Mottley also voiced concern with Grangers bold-faced tactics, later stating: The Community calls on all concerned to ensure a credible and transparent recount process, in order to provide legitimacy to any government which would be sworn in as a result. This process must be completed without further delay.

In an immediate joint response to the OAS letter, the President of the St Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Christian Council and President of the Evangelical Association have expressed their concerns with the modus operandi of the Harris government. The NGO Coalition notes clearly that it was obvious that the polls would be conducted during the pandemic lockdown, and that government should have made the necessary arrangement for observers, using the recent Suriname election as a template.

The civic leaders stated: We note that one of the five resolutions in the preamble to the 1983 Constitution Order establishing the Sovereign State of St. Christopher and Nevis specifically states that the people of St. Christopher and Nevis "believe in the concept of true democracy with free and fair elections." Throughout our history of universal adult suffrage and for every general election in a post-independent St. Kitts and Nevis we have always adhered to the regionally and internationally accepted benchmarks of undertaking our electoral process, especially polling day activities, under the scrutiny of regional, hemispheric and international observers.

The events unfolding before our eyes today have astounding, and far-reaching consequences that have the potential to make the Federation the new pariah of the hemisphere, and take the society 50 years back, eschewing the development and progress of the nation. Harris is clearly discarding the struggle, sacrifice, and suffering of pioneers such as Robert Bradshaw and Paul Southwell; and is even turning the faces of his own partys influencers, in Kennedy Simmonds and Simeon Daniel.



Harris declaration of a State of Emergency for a public health issue and his denial to domestic and international observer groups to authenticate a fair and free election shows how unfazed he has become. Seizing upon the State of Emergency and Covid-19 has become an excuse for taking the short step from authoritarianism to dictatorship. In doing so, Harris has taken a page out of Hungarys strongman, Victor Orban, playbook. After he was elected to the office of president the first time in 2009 Orban said: We have only to win once, and then properly. Harris won once, and then properly, in 2015.

But wait there is more. After winning his second term in 2013, Orban said: You dont need governance by institutions. During his second and third terms, Orban took direct control of the Courts and extended his rule by fiat to almost every facet of Hungarian society. And in the wake of Covid-19, he is governing by decree. Harris is doing the same things as he marched hand-in-hand with Victor Orban, and there is grave danger ahead for democracy and the rule of law in St. Kitts and Nevis if he is returned to power in 2020.

Harris march to governance by fiat and the complete evisceration of the rule of law is unrelenting as his thunderous outburst to his supporters a few days when he said repeatedly: Borders closed. A clear signal that his decision is the law. And while he may not be infected with the coronavirus, he shows every sign that he has been infested by the virus of election rigging.

It is impossible to think that the other leaders in this knocked-together coalition of political expediency are actively supporting this open dissent by their leader, Timothy Harris, which will only increase the anger and frustration of the people.



Daniel K. Gibran, Ph.D. (Retired)

Professor of International Relations and Security Studies and Fulbright Scholar

Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN

U.S.A.
Let out your celebratory yips! The North Carolina Zoo welcomed their second litter of American red wolf pups in 2020.

The two pups were born on May 4 to parents Taylor and Solo as part of the facility's American red wolf breeding program. This is the second litter of the endangered animal that the zoo has welcomed this year, marking the first time two litters were born in one season as part of the Zoos breeding program.

The first litter of five pups was born on April 21. All seven of the new arrivals are said to be healthy and doing well.

The newest pups, named Arrow and May, were named in honor of former North Carolina Zoo keeper Jessi Culbertson, 32, who worked with the red wolves for several years before passing away in 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. Arrow is named in honor of Culbertsons Native American Cherokee heritage, and May, for the birth month of both Culbertson and the pups.

RELATED: Toronto Zoo Celebrating the Birth of its First Itty-Bitty Critically Endangered Tortoise

Arrow and May bring the North Carolina Zoo's red wolf pack up to 27 wolves. Right now, the pups are not part of the larger group. They are being kept in a quiet, non-public viewing area of the Zoo and have minimal contact with staff and keepers, so the newborns have the time and space to bond with mom.

Courtesy of the North Carolina Zoo

RELATED: North Carolina Zoo Celebrates Birth of Five Critically-Endangered Red Wolf Pups

Every American red wolf birth is cause for celebrations since there are only 15-20 American red wolves left in the wild, according to the zoo, and all of them live in eastern North Carolina.

Its really a testament to the staffs dedication, teamwork, and passion toward helping one of the most endangered canids in the world, Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources, said of the zoo's new litters.

American red wolves, once common throughout the southeastern United States, were driven to the brink of extinction in the 1960s. Thanks to aggressive conservation efforts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and zoos across the country, American red wolf populations in the wild and in captivity are growing.
As Canada wrestled to control and withstand the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest tragedies of the crisis played out behind closed doors, as outbreaks swept through personal-care homes from British Columbia to Ontario and Quebec.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/5/2020 (601 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Canada wrestled to control and withstand the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest tragedies of the crisis played out behind closed doors, as outbreaks swept through personal-care homes from British Columbia to Ontario and Quebec.

As of Thursday, journalist Nora Loreto had linked 86.3 per cent of Canada's 6,765 deaths to long-term care facilities. Previous research by the International Long Term Care Policy Network's had pegged the figure at about 82 per cent.

Those numbers, together with harrowing reports from stricken nursing homes, paint a devastating picture of staff struggling to provide care, residents left to languish in beds and woefully inadequate infection-control measures.

In truth, it's a tragedy years in the making. It's not that COVID-19 exposed the weaknesses in Canada's long-term care system; those have been exposed for years by researchers and journalists, and via lobbying from the sector itself. What the virus did was make those challenges impossible to ignore.

"Now this is global and the public is up in arms, and governments are, at least right now, talking about it a lot," says University of Alberta professor Carole Estabrooks, whose work focuses on long-term care.

CP Funeral home workers remove a body from the Centre d'hebergement Ste-Dorothee in Laval, Que. A total of 86.3 per cent of Canada's 6,765 deaths have been linked to long-term care facilities. (Ryan Remiorz / The Canadian Press files)

"They seem surprised and distressed, and they should be distressed, but its not clear why theyd be surprised."

So far, Manitoba has been lucky. Facilities here locked down before the province had significant community spread. Only one of the province's seven deaths due to COVID-19 was a long-term care resident, and there have been no large nursing-home outbreaks.

Yet while the province begins to open up, the way forward for long-term care facilities is harder to see. The virus is likely to be circulating for months, even years; a single case that gets into a nursing home could trigger an outbreak that kills dozens.

One way or another, COVID-19 will change long-term care forever. At the Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba, executive director Jan Legeros hopes the pandemic will lead to greater focus on the investments the sector needs.

"Theres going to be a substantive debrief that happens after this," Legeros says. "Even if we come up with a vaccine for this particular virus, theres probably going to be another one. This has taught us that we cant just talk about it, we have to act. We have to do the things that will ensure that next time we are a bit better prepared."

Manitoba has strengths to build on in its facilities, many of which operate as faith-based or secular non-profits. A report on the sustainability of the sector, released late last year by the Manitoba Association of Residential and Community Care Homes for the Elderly, highlighted that factor.

"Non-profit personal care homes are uniquely positioned to address these current and emerging challenges and contribute to the sustainability of Manitobas health and social systems," the report stated, emphasizing that non-profits represent community ownership, which can be responsive to local needs.

So what will the long-term care look like, in a post-COVID-19 world? To start that discussion, the Free Press spoke with several experts. All of them pointed to four key areas of concern: facilities, staffing, connecting with residents and standards and accountability.

"When youre holding a system together with goodwill and duct tape, and something like COVID comes along and shocks it theres lots of reason to be optimistic to think we can solve this, but its going to take political will, and the will of the public," Estabrooks says. "We need to fix this. And we can."

Facilities

In many cases, making nursing homes in Canada more resilient to epidemics will require changes to the facilities themselves. Many are housed in aging infrastructure built at a time when residents were, on average, younger and healthier than they are now.

Michelle Porter, director of the University of Manitoba's Centre on Aging, would like to see the country moving away from hospital-like environments for seniors. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

In Manitoba, 40 per cent of personal-care homes date back to the early 1970s, when those facilities first became an insurable service. They were built around narrow hallways with shared accommodations; there are still some facilities in the province that have rooms with three or four beds.

"COVID-19 has shone a light on how problematic a shared room is with even one other partner," Legeros says. "How do you isolate when you dont have anywhere to isolate to? This is something that we have been raising for many many years, and its the same across Canada."

Updating facilities will require looking at everything from ventilation systems to even the entire concept of residential care. Experts point to alternatives such as Europe's innovative green care farms, which enable seniors with dementia to live in small-scale, home-like facilities with an abundance of meaningful activities.

Michelle Porter, director of the University of Manitoba's Centre on Aging, hopes to see Canada looking to other jurisdictions for inspiration.

"Certainly part of the discussion that is happening is how we even conceptualize the whole model and places and spaces and all of those kinds of things," Porter says. "I think people would really like to see us moving away from hospital-like environments for large numbers of people."

That will take time and investment. Updating dated infrastructure would cost millions of dollars in Manitoba alone; Legeros believes the federal government will have to help foot the bill. New facilities will have to be built keeping the experience of COVID-19 at top of mind.

"COVID is going to change so many things for us," she says. "Even in new builds, were probably going to have to review the layout, etcetera, because so much has changed. That six feet of physical distancing is going to change the way we do everything."

Staffing

Of the most tragic stories of COVID-19's deadly march through care homes, many began the same way: when staff, often lacking sufficient protective equipment, feared going to work in an unsafe environment. Facilities struggled to replace them, and the resulting shortages caused already heavily burdened care provision to collapse.

Staffing has long been a challenge in the sector. Wages for many non-medical workers are low; many positions are part time, and to string together a living wage, some workers take jobs at multiple facilities, increasing cross-infection risk. In April, the province restricted staff to working at one site while ensuring they could keep equivalent hours.

CP Dozens of people died at an Altamont Care Community long-term care home in Scarborough in April. (Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press files)

Over the long term, there will need to be more substantive changes, both to better prepare staff and to make it a more attractive profession. Ensuring sufficient ongoing access to PPE, improving training and regulation and putting more focus on work with vulnerable seniors will be key.

"Its not seen as a desirable workplace, and thats a combination of things," Estabrooks says. "But that can and should change. Its really an honourable thing to take care of older citizens. We should be honouring it more, we should be valuing it with proper remuneration."

Meanwhile, Estabrooks says research is sorely lacking into how many care hours per resident produce the optimal quality of life for residents, and what mix of staffing types produces the best outcomes. Current provincial guidelines call for 3.6 care hours per resident, which Manitoba meets; many experts suggest boosting it to 4.1.

Connection

When nursing homes locked out visitors, it was a necessary measure to keep COVID-19 out. But that situation cannot last forever; particularly for residents with dementia, the lack of face-to-face time with loved ones can be confusing and scary, and even a risk to their overall health.

Earlier this month, the province announced it will allow outdoor visitation at long-term care facilities, as long as sufficient physical distancing is maintained. More can be done to ensure that residents have meaningful recreation and social connections, including investing in more recreational support workers.

CP Canadian Armed Forces personnel were called in to help at several long-term care homes in Quebec. (Ryan Remiorz / The Canadian Press files)

"Staffing certainly needs to change," Legeros says. "We need to move away from such a heavy medical model into more of a social model, so that we can incorporate quality of life activities in the homes, as opposed to having it be almost like a hospital."

There have been some innovative solutions. A facility in Toronto launched its own in-house TV network, which brings arts, crafts and exercise programs to residents. A care home in France adopted a "happiness bubble," which allows residents and visitors to see and even touch each other, separated by a plastic seal.

In early April, the Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba launched a donation drive to secure tablets for residents to video chat with loved ones. The drive met its goal of accumulating enough devices for every care home in the province, and deliveries will be complete next week.

But sooner or later, facilities will have to find safe ways of allowing family to see their loved ones in person. As Porter points out, families are not just a source of love but of care, as well, such as by encouraging eating at meal times. Getting that support back into homes is critical to support residents' well-being.

"We should be making sure that personal-care homes are getting enough PPE that they can have family members coming in, and giving them training, and not just at end of life," Porter says. "They have protocols in place, they have experience now with it. Is it impossible to expand that so that individuals could be trusted to be able to come in?"

Standards and accountability

Long-term care facilities are the jurisdiction of each province. In Manitoba, experts are concerned by what they describe as a lack of dedicated government oversight of seniors' needs, including long-term care facilities and assisted-living environments.

"We dont really have anyone at the provincial government level that their main responsibility is for thinking about this," Porter says. "We have a minister whos got 'senior' in the title of his ministry. In terms of under that, we dont have anybody who it's their full-time responsibility."

CP Experts say moving forward with long-term care in the post-COVID-19 world will require advances in co-operation and investment from the top tiers of government. (Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press files)

Legeros echoes those concerns, saying seniors' health must be given a larger spotlight at the provincial level.

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.

"Its a huge part of our population," Legeros says. "I think the care and attention thats needed warrants a portfolio that has the ability to really spend some time looking at this issue. Hopefully now that COVID has shone this great light on long-term care, perhaps thats something that will be looked at more carefully."

Beyond that, there is a great deal of opportunity to improve standards for care homes across Canada.

Legeros points to health information software used in 70 per cent of Canadian long-term care facilities that collects data on issues such as number of resident falls. Expanding it to all care homes in Canada would cost $13 million, thereby enabling facilities to better compare performance and share knowledge on areas of concern.

Above all, experts agree, moving forward with long-term care in the post-COVID-19 world will require significant advances in co-operation and investment from the top tiers of government.

"We need a national framework," Estabrooks says. "If the federal government and the provinces work together, this is a solvable problem. We have the Canada Health Act for hospitals, but thats exclusively about health long-term care is about health and social care. It probably needs a separate framework."

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca
By Trend

Turkey's daily COVID-19 death toll rose to 4,461 as 30 more people die over the past 24 hours, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Thursday, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

New confirmed cases stand at 1,182 with 33,559 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.

Currently, there are a total of 160,979 confirmed cases in the country with 124,369 of them having recovered, Koca said as he urged for controlled social life.

According to the Health Ministrys latest coronavirus numbers on Sunday, 1,576 people have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

"Johns Hopkins University data shows Turkey's success against #Covid19 with low mortality rate of 2.8, compared to 15.5 in France, 14.3 in Italy, 14.1 in UK, and 5.9 in US as of May 26," Koca said on Twitter.

However, he, along with other experts, has repeatedly warned citizens in the past that the easing of measures did not mean the threat of the virus was over; but rather meant the beginning of a new lifestyle to which citizens would have to adapt.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
"You wont be able to say precisely how many cases there are in a community, at least at this point, Peter Grevatt, president of the Water Research Foundation, said in a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune. But you will be able to see when that signal appears and youll be able to see if it is changing in terms of an upward trend or a downward trend.
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI  It had all the pomp and circumstance of a typical commencement ceremony: speeches, soloists, diplomas and the jubilant tossing of mortar boards in the air.

Amid a coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 graduates of Calvary Christian Schools near Muskegon were given a safely distanced commencement the evening of Friday, May 29, with friends and families watching  and listening -- from their cars.

The unique celebration was the result of several weeks of planning, said Calvary Christian Schools Administrator Tom Kapanka.

It will be something theyll never forget, Kapanka said. Instead of being tremendously sad  well say we made lemonade out of lemons.

Each of the schools 14 high school graduates was dropped off, red carpet style, by their families at the front of the school. They took their seats on safely-distanced chairs on the schools front lawn and their families and friends parked nearby.

Before a backdrop of bunting and a massive, 84-foot American flag draped across the schools facade, speakers, including the class valedictorian and salutatorian, took their turns at the lectern to provide the traditional inspirational speeches.

To be sure all could hear, the audio was broadcast via an FM transmitter so onlookers could listen in on their car radios.

Students took their turns picking up their diplomas from a table and when it was all over, fireworks and blue and white graduation caps were launched into the night sky.

The entire ceremony had been approved by the Fruitport Township Police Department, Kapanka said.

As high schools throughout Michigan struggle to honor their graduates, Calvary Christians ceremony is one that could easily be replicated by small schools, Kapanka said.

Everyones wondering how to wrap up the school year when its unraveling, he said.

Like seniors everywhere, Calvary Christian students had struggled through a series of letdowns, including the cancellation of the annual Walt Disney World trip and the traditional senior-led chapel in the schools rotunda, Kapanka said.

Its just been one disappointment after another, he said.

So it was important that staff and families do what they could to honor the graduates final wish to be together for a proper commencement, Kapanka said.

It is different, for sure, he said. But the important thing is we found a way under these circumstances to celebrate and give these kids a sense of closure.

Also on MLive:

Muskegon High cancels socially distanced commencement after idea vetoed by students

A week into summers unofficial start, Michigans largest amusement park remains indefinitely closed

Camp Pendalouan in Muskegon County cancels season due to coronavirus
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) condemned Friday violent protests around the country sparked by police killings of unarmed black citizens, including the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in McConnell's hometown of Louisville.

The big picture: McConnell said that he supports free speech and peaceful protests condemning the killings, which he said "have shaken our nation." But he said that he believes recent violent protests are not an exercise of free speech, but instead "violent crime that victimizes innocent people."

What he's saying:

"Generations of heroes have fought and died to protect Americans First Amendment rights to voice their anger and engage in peaceful protest. I have championed these liberties my entire career. Stealing, burning down buildings, attacking law enforcement officers, or laying siege to police precincts is not speech or protest. It is violent crime that victimizes innocent people.

"Kentuckians cannot and will not accept violence and chaos on our streets. Seven people were shot in Louisville last night, and according to Mayor Fischer, none of those shots were fired by law enforcement. This senseless behavior has to stop.

"Our city, our state, and our country have to pull together. Violence does not make our streets safer. Injustice does not promote justice. Destruction does not build a better society. We will only be able to chart the future we want if we do it together."
If you are looking to study in Canada this fall, here is an overview of English language tests that are widely accepted by Canadian universities and colleges.

Study in Canada: English test options for fall 2020 If you are looking to study in Canada this fall, here is an overview of English language tests that are widely accepted by Canadian universities and colleges.

Study in Canada: English test options for fall 2020 If you are looking to study in Canada this fall, here is an overview of English language tests that are widely accepted by Canadian universities and colleges.

Study in Canada: English test options for fall 2020 If you are looking to study in Canada this fall, here is an overview of English language tests that are widely accepted by Canadian universities and colleges. Kareem El-Assal Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

With the fall 2020 semester just around the corner, prospective international students around the world are preparing their applications to study in Canada.

Each Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) sets their own admissions policies. DLIs are colleges, universities, and other educational institutes that are allowed by the government to welcome international students.

DLIs assess criteria such as an applicants transcripts, professional background, motivation letter, and academic and professional recommendations. They also assess your language skills.

It is important that you check with the DLIs you are applying to before deciding upon which language test to take.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, language testers have had to scale back their operations to comply with government lockdown orders around the world. However, they are also offering online tests to help international students meet the admissions requirements of Canadian schools.

Here are language testing options widely accepted by Canadian DLIs, discussed in alphabetical order:

CAEL

The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test is operated by Paragon Testing Enterprises. It is accepted by over 180 universities and colleges across Canada, including all English-speaking universities and 82 per cent of English-speaking colleges. According to Paragons website, CAEL is set to once again be available in India, the Philippines, the UAE, and in most of Canada by early June.

Test results are available within 8 business days.

See if you are eligible to study in Canada in fall 2020

Cambridge Assessment English

C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency exams offered by Cambridge Assessment English are accepted by over 200 schools in Canada including nearly all public universities.

Test results are available within 2-3 weeks for computer-based tests, and 4-6 weeks for paper-based tests (both of which must be completed at a Cambridge test centre).

These exams are generally taken after students have completed English language courses. As such, tests are more in-depth to prepare students to be able to put their English language skills to good use in real-life contexts, including higher education. C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency certificates are valid for life, which means that some institutions in Canada accept results that are older than 2 years. Cambridge is reopening its global test centres as local regulations allow and advises students to contact their local test centres for the latest information.

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is accepted by almost 140 Canadian post-secondary institutions. It can be completed in just 1 hour and results are available in 2 days. The test is administered online.

IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is operated by three partners: IDP Education, the British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. This test is accepted by some 400 Canadian universities and colleges. It is currently available in over 30 countries, but is usually administered in more than 140 countries.

Results are available after 13 days for paper-based tests and within 5-7 days for computer-based tests.

In response to the pandemic, the three partners recently introduced the IELTS Indicator as a temporary measure to help international students complete their English test online. IELTS Indicator is taken online from the candidates home.

The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training (both of which can only be completed in person at an IELTS test centre) are the only English tests approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for students that want to fast-track their study permit application.

Under IRCCs Student Direct Stream (SDS), residents of India, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, and Senegal can get their study permit processed within 20 calendar days, so long as they meet certain criteria, including obtaining a score of at least 6.0 on each skill of the IELTS (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

IRCC accepts both paper-based as well as computer-delivered IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training test results.

See if you are eligible to study in Canada in fall 2020

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is accepted by 90 per cent of Canadas universities and colleges. Normally available in over 50 countries, PTE is currently available in over 10 countries, including in much of India.

Test results are available for most people within 2 days.

Pearson is also offering its Versant test online during the coronavirus period so that international students can get their English assessed at home. Versant test results are available immediately after the test has been completed.

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is accepted by over 400 Canadian universities and colleges including 100 per cent of universities.

Results are available within 6 days.

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is usually available in over 150 countries but the administrator of the test, Education Testing Service (ETS) has had to scale-back operations just like every other tester. Test dates are becoming more available for students in locations around the world in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL Special Home Edition iBT to international students in every country where it runs tests except for mainland China and Iran.

Results are available after 6-10 days.

Other options

There are other options available to international students. For instance, there are tests that are offered by individual institutions themselves, such as the University of Toronto, and McGill University.

Before registering for an English language test, make sure that the DLIs you are applying to accept the test. In addition, make sure to confirm that the DLIs will accept online tests that are currently being offered during the COVID-19 period.

IELTS General and CELPIP for Canadian immigration

Many international students go on to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit and then apply for Canadian permanent resident status. Before submitting your Canadian immigration application, you need to take another language test, and the two English tests accepted by IRCC are the IELTS General and the CELPIP.

Fortunately, your English skills will be even stronger by the time you take either test due to the time you will have spent learning, working, and socializing in Canada.

See if you are eligible to study in Canada in fall 2020

 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved
WASHINGTON - An Interior Department official misused his position to get his son-in-law hired at the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a government investigation released Friday.

Interior Department Assistant Secretary Douglas Domenech approached a top EPA official when they both attended a concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in fall 2017, according to an investigation by the department's inspector general. "Please be aware [the family member] is actually applying for a job at EPA," Domenech said. In an interview with investigators, Domenech described the encounter as awkward and recalled pulling the official aside and saying, "Hey, I really apologize. I did not set this up."

The next morning, Domenech sent the EPA senior official an email from his Interior Department email account. In it, he identified the son-in-law, who investigators declined to name, and added a link to that person's website. Domenech closed the email by writing, "Let me know if we can ever be of service." The email included Domenech's signature block and title at that time: senior adviser, U.S. Department of the Interior.

"We determined that a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts would conclude that Domenech appeared to misuse his position to endorse and promote [the family member] despite Domenech's stated intent," the report said. As a result, the watchdog agency concluded that Domenech's actions ran afoul of ethical principle.

In a statement Friday, three Democratic committee chairmen in the House vowed to follow up. Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York, chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia, chair of the Government Operations subcommittee, and Rep. Harley Rouda of California, chair, Environment subcommittee, criticized the Interior Department's position that the matter was addressed.

"This is the second time he violated ethics rules - despite receiving training - so the Department's claim that the matter is resolved ... is unacceptable," the lawmakers wrote. They expressed concern that the unnamed EPA official "ignored six different requests to be interviewed by the Inspector General."

Last year, the inspector general issued a report that said Domenech violated ethics rules by meeting with his former employer, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, in April 2017, within a year of his employment at Interior.

Interior said Domenech's offense occurred before the department launched an effort to build "a culture of ethical compliance" by expanding its ethics department, said a spokesman, Nicholas Goodwin. Since then, it has grown from 21 officials to 63.

But that doesn't address the fact that Domenech had received ethics training before the concert, the lawmakers said. In the response, Goodwin did not mention what training Domenech got as a result of the expansion or how his superior addressed the assistant secretary's behavior.

Domenech told investigator his intent in sending the email was to move the process along. Was that influencing, the investigators asked. "Well, when I think of influencing ... I guess you're right," the assistant secretary said. "I was trying to influence the process to move along. That's different than influencing the process to hire."

Four days after the email, the EPA official forwarded it to the EPA employee who selected candidates and conducted interviews for the vacancy. "Do you know where this stands?" the senior official wrote. "Yes," said a reply the next day, the agency was preparing to hire several people and Domenech's son-in-law was one of them.

About six weeks later, Domenech sent yet another email asking if the EPA was "still interested" in hiring the son-in-law. A flurry of emails between the two ended when the EPA officials asked Domenech to tell him if the son-in-law received a call.

Domenech responded the next day: "[They] did! Thx so much." The son-in-law and another candidate interviewed for the job in winter 2017. The EPA selecting official selected Domenech's family member, who accepted.

"At the time of these events, Domenech was not new to Government service," the probe said. "To the contrary, Domenech has more than 10 years of Federal service. Over those years, he received initial and annual ethics trainings. Moreover, he received two ethics trainings in the first 2 months of his arrival in 2017, both of which specifically addressed the Federal prohibitions against misuse of position."
By Express News Service

KARIMNAGAR: In a heart-wrenching incident, a man stopped his aged mother from entering his house in Kisannagar here, suspecting she was COVID-infected. Katta Shyamala, 80, had just returned from Sholapur on Friday.

Shyamala went to Sholapur to attend a function of her relatives before the lockdown was imposed and was stranded at her relatives house.

After the government relaxed travel curbs, she returned to Hyderabad in a car and from there she took a bus to Karimnagar.

At the State border, she was stamped with a home quarantine seal.

Her son Narsimha Chary, who learnt that his mother reached Karimnagar, locked the main gate of his house, forcing the elderly woman to sit in front of the house from 7 am to 1 pm along with her belongings.

Mother not allowed by younger son

He justified his action for protecting his pregnant daughter who was staying with him. Shyamalas younger son Eswara Chary also did not allow her to enter his house on the pretext that he was a tenant of a house which was too small to accommodate her.

Later, Shyamalas elder son reluctantly allowed her to enter his house after local corporator Adla Sarithas husband Ashok and other locals counseled him.
TANZANIA, Tanzania - The U.N. General Assembly adopted a new voting procedure Friday for the upcoming election of new members of the Security Council aimed at preventing a large gathering and ensuring social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of meeting in the horseshoe-shaped assembly chamber at U.N. headquarters overlooking New Yorks East River, ambassadors from the 193 U.N. member nations will cast secret ballots at a designated venue during spaced-out time slots.

And they will be voting not only for five non-permanent members of the Security Council to serve two-year terms but for 18 new members of the 54-nation Economic and Social Council to serve three-year terms.

According to the new procedure, the president of the General Assembly will send a letter to all member states at least 10 working days before the first round of secret balloting for the two elections to inform them of the date, venue where ballots should be cast, and other relevant information.

The Security Council election had been scheduled for June 17, but its unclear whether that will remain the date.

The U.N. headquarters complex remains open for essential workers but Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has ordered U.N. staff to work from home until June 30.

The Security Council has five permanent members  the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France  and 10 members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. Five countries are elected every year.

The council is the U.N.s most powerful body and winning a seat is a pinnacle of achievement for many countries because it gives them a strong voice on issues of international peace and security ranging from conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Ukraine to the nuclear threat posed by North Korea and Iran, and attacks by extremist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaida.

This year seven countries are vying for five seats, and there are two hotly contested races.

In the group of Western nation, Canada, Ireland and Norway are battling for two seats, and in Africa, Kenya and Djibouti are competing for one seat. India is running unopposed for the Asia-Pacific seat and Mexico is running unopposed for the seat for Latin America and the Caribbean.
U.S. ConsulateBY: CONOR FINNEGAN, ABC NEWS

(WASHINGTON) -- The Trump administration has appointed a controversial Republican donor and businessman to head the U.S. consulate general in Bermuda, bypassing bipartisan opposition to his nomination to be a U.S. ambassador.



Lee Rizzuto, heir to the Conair Corporation fortune, was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019 to be the U.S. envoy to Barbados and other Caribbean island countries, but his nomination was sunk by Senate Republicans and Democrats after his controversial tweets promoting a conspiracy theory about Sen. Ted Cruz's wife and trashing Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, and others came to light.



His new appointment has sparked criticism for the message it sends America's closest neighbors and the State Department's rank and file, many of whom were upset with the decision.



"Mr. Rizzuto was deemed unqualified to lead a U.S. mission overseas by the Republican-held United States Senate. President Trump's decision to install him at the head of the consulate general in Bermuda betrays a lack of respect for the Senate, for Bermudans and the broader Caribbean community, and for the crucial work of American diplomats," said Michael Camilleri of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington focused on the Western Hemisphere.



Rizzuto donated at least $454,400 to Trump's presidential campaign, other Republican candidates, and the Republican Party in several states in 2016, according to OpenSecrets, as well as $25,000 to Hillary Clinton's campaign and the Democratic Party. He also reportedly helped fund a "Trumpettes USA" gala at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, just two weeks after he was first nominated to be ambassador to Barbados, according to the Washington Post.



Opposition to his original nomination centered on Rizzuto's Twitter account. The 58-year old executive at Conair, the appliance and beauty product company built by his father, retweeted messages that attacked Trump's political rivals at the time, including Sen. Ted Cruz, Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton.



The messages called Romney a "Dumb A**" and Clinton a "terrorist with amnesia," while accusing Cruz's wife Heidi of being a leader in the North American Union movement, "whose goal is to destroy the sovereignty of the United States," one message said, by merging the governments of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.



A spokesperson for Sen. Cruz declined to comment.



When he was first nominated in January 2018, Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska, had a particularly pointed message in response: "Mr. Rizzuto should feel free to put on his tinfoil hat and visit our office with evidence for his salacious conspiracy theories and cuckoo allegations. While he's at it, the Senate probably needs to know his views on the moon landing."



"Cynics and nuts are probably going to have a hard time securing Senate confirmation," said the spokesperson for Sasse, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is required to first approve any ambassadors before they get a confirmation vote on the Senate floor.



Asked about Rizzuto's appointment as principal officer at the U.S. consulate general two years later, Sasse's spokesperson referred ABC News to the 2018 statement.



"Protecting U.S. citizens abroad is the first job of our diplomats. Appointing a conspiracy theorist and failed ambassadorial nominee to head a consulate currently led by an experienced, career foreign service officer can only weaken the State Department's ability to carry out that mission," said Camilleri, who served at the State Department under President Barack Obama and at the Organization of American States.



It is not the first time that a political appointee has been selected to lead the U.S. mission in Bermuda, a British overseas territory known most for being a vacation destination. President George W. Bush named Palm Beach investor Dennis Coleman to the role in 2003 and Texas author and businessman Gregory Slayton in 2006.



Slayton stayed on in the role through the first months of Obama's first term, authored a book on U.S.-Bermuda relations, and was awarded the Distinguished Foreign Service Award by the Congressional Black Caucus.



While the Senate must confirm a president's nominees for ambassadorships, the White House is entitled to appoint individuals to certain senior posts like this.



In announcing his appointment Wednesday, the State Department praised Rizzuto for his work as chairman of the Professional Beauty Association, director of the North American Beauty Events LLC, the producer of Cosmoprof NA, a beauty trade show, and creator of "Style Source Magazine."



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
A chain portrait of George Floyd is part of the memorial for him, Wednesday, May 27, 2020, near the site of the arrest of Floyd who died in police custody Monday night in Minneapolis after video shared online by a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe.

Jim Mone/AP

A criminal complaint against former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, shows that George Floyd was "non-responsive" for nearly three minutes before Chauvin took his knee off his neck.

The complaint also cited a preliminary autopsy report that showed there were "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation."

Instead, Floyd died from a "combined effect of being restrained, his underlying health conditions, and any potential intoxicants in his system," the autopsy revealed.

Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

George Floyd was 'non-responsive' for nearly three minutes before Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin took his knee off his neck, according to a criminal complaint released on Friday.

The complaint filed by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office also cited a preliminary autopsy report showing that there were "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation."

This photo provided by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office shows former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was arrested Friday, May 29, 2020, in the Memorial Day death of George Floyd.

Courtesy of Ramsey County Sheriff's Office via AP

Instead, the report said that it was the "combined effect of Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions, and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death."Floyd was 46 when he died. He had underlying health conditions, including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease, according to the report.

He died during an arrest on Monday after Chauvin pinned him down. Footage of the incident shows Floyd was not resisting and telling the officer: "I can't breathe."

The family plans a second, independent autopsy.

The complaint noted that police are trained that this type of restraint with a subject in a "prone position is inherently dangerous."

The report was filed alongside the arrest of Chauvin, who was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday. The arrest came four days after the incident. The three other officers involved in the incident, which has sparked nationwide protests, were fired on Tuesday.

Story continues

Related: What Its Like to Be a Deathcare Worker During COVID-19

Insider
German airline will remove up to four aircraft from Frankfurt and Munich airports to receive funds to survive pandemic.

Lufthansa has agreed on a compromise with the German government and the European Union on the way towards final approval of a nine-billion-euro ($9.7bn) bailout deal.

The German airline said in a statement on Saturday its supervisory board had decided to accept the deal worked out between negotiators for Berlin and the EU Commission which involves the giving up several slots at Frankfurt and Munich airports.

Late on Friday, government sources told DPA news agency the German government had also agreed to the compromise.

Lufthansa said the scope of commitments required of it by the EU Commission had been reduced compared with initial plans.

The company must remove up to four of its aircraft from Frankfurt and Munich airports to allow competitors to take those slots, which means giving up three takeoff and three landing rights per aircraft a day, according to Lufthansa.

200427100347905

The vacated slots are reportedly only available to new competitors at Frankfurt and Munich airports for at least 18 months.

If no new competitor makes use of the opportunity, it will also be extended to existing competitors at the respective airports.

The slots are to be allocated as part of a bidding process  and only to be taken over by a European competitor who has not received any significant state recapitalisation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The EU said the compromise reflects commitments from Germany and Lufthansa to preserve effective competition.

This would enable a viable entry or expansion of activities by other airlines at these airports to the benefit of consumers and effective competition, a spokesperson for the EU said on Saturday morning.

Approvals pending

Lufthansas supervisory board has to approve the rescue package including these requirements, called for by the European Commissions competition watchdog.

The company then plans to convene an extraordinary general meeting promptly to obtain shareholder approval for the package.





The $9.7bn bailout deal provides for aid and equity measures for the ailing carrier.

In addition to full approval from Lufthansas supervisory board, the European Commissions competition watchdog still also needs to sign off.

Germanys economy ministry also pointed out that the bailout has not had final approval yet.

In addition, talks with the EU Commission on state aid approval are ongoing, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday morning.

Lufthansa is Europes second-largest airline by passenger numbers. It was profitable before the pandemic grounded about 90 percent of its planes. At one point during the health crisis, the company was losing about 800 million euros ($888m) per month.
NRPLUS MEMBER ARTICLE I n response to the COVID-19 crisis, House Democrats recently unveiled the HEROES Act, emergency legislation to provide important protections for everyday Americans  among the most important of which would safeguard voting. In response to the bipartisan desire to give all Americans remote-voting options in a time of social distancing, Democrats have made clear their commitment to protecting this inalienable right during the coronavirus pandemic. I invite my fellow Republicans to join in this commitment.

The issue of suffrage in the United States has long been fraught with political and racial undercurrents, but the COVID-19 crisis has exposed just how vulnerable our electoral system has become. During Wisconsins primary in April, voters were forced to choose whether to cast their ballot at a polling place and risk their health or sit the election out at home. Photos of Wisconsinites  some garbed in hazmat suits  standing six feet apart in winding queues spoke volumes. The states primary wasnt just disorganized; it was dangerous, and likely caused dozens of people to be infected with the virus.

And yet Republican leaders remain opposed to efforts to ensure the integrity of our electoral system by allowing for no-excuse absentee balloting and thereby preventing what happened in Wisconsin from being repeated 50 times over come November. Party officials are so outraged by the prospect of adopting the system currently used by military and overseas voters that they recently launched a full-on campaign suggesting vote-by-mail is the Democrats assault on our elections. Politicizing measures that more and more experts agree are essential to protecting our elections from COVID-19 is a disservice to every American who wants to vote and an affront to the idea that Republicans only want to protect the vote.

Partisan intransigence is not just unwarranted in this case, it is also out of step with what Republican voters are starting to demand. A recent poll conducted by Hart Research Associates shows that there is strong support for safe voting options on both sides of the aisle. Three in four voters in Senate battleground states want their senators to vote for legislation ensuring that every eligible voter has the right to vote by mail, and providing funds to improve vote-by-mail systems and early in-person voting. Moreover, 83 percent of those polled support voters having multiple options for casting ballots in November. Just about every poll weve seen on this issue demonstrates bipartisan support for expanding vote-by-mail systems and offering Americans safe voting options this year.

Story continues

If rejecting vote-by-mail is part of a Republican strategy to win in November, its a short-sighted one. Old-line opposition to voting reform is only alienating GOP voters at a time when many Republican Senate candidates are lagging behind Democrats in fundraising and polling. The same Hart Research Associates poll showed that 40 percent of Republicans would react unfavorably toward a GOP senator who opposed diversifying options for voting. The data are clear: Voters of both parties dont want their access to the ballot to be limited. My party should listen to the voters.

The arguments offered by the Republican leadership against vote-by-mail expansion and other election reforms are not rooted in fact. They say that vote-by-mail systems are ripe for fraud, yet there have been fewer than 150 cases of fraud using mail ballots in the past two decades. Five states  Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington  already use it as their primary method of voting. Republican leaders also say voting reform only benefits blue states, yet Arizona and Florida  two states that have traditionally leaned Republican  have been pushing for vote-by-mail reforms for years, while Republican Mike Garcias recent pickup of a swing California House seat in an election almost entirely conducted by mail further undermines the partisan rhetoric.

There is legitimate debate to be had about election reform more broadly. Concerns that some proposed reforms may benefit one party over the other are valid, and should be heard. But mail-in voting does not favor either political party and has the added benefit of increasing voter turnout in rural and urban areas alike. Instead of finding reasons not to do something, this is the moment when every Republican elected official should be working to shore up the foundation of our democratic system so citizens can vote in November, no matter the state of our fight with the coronavirus.

The pandemic has made our collective future uncertain. But whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Americans of every background and political affiliation will vote this fall. Those who hold elected office today have a moral responsibility to safeguard the ballot box and to give each citizen who wants to vote the opportunity to do so freely and without fear. Its the right thing to do  and our democracy depends on it.

More from National Review
A human smuggler whose monitored phone calls at the Webb County Jail landed her behind bars is expected to be deported, according to federal court records.

Crisma Zamora-Cervantes, who is in the country illegally, was set to be sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty on Jan. 3 to conspiracy to conceal, harbor or shield an immigrant.

Instead, Zamora-Cervantes was given time served. She had been in custody since her arrest on Nov. 6, 2019. Now, she must surrender to Immigration and Customs Enforcement after release. If deported, she is not to return to the United States illegally.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents said that at about 12:20 p.m. Nov. 6, 2019, they received information from the Webb County Sheriffs Office via monitored jail calls indicating that Zamora-Cervantes was harboring an immigrant within her residence.

(The Sheriffs Office) had previously provided jail calls to (special agents), which indicated Zamora-Cervantes was engaging in human smuggling activity, states the affidavit.

Sheriffs officials told special agents that Zamora-Cervantes was scheduled to visit her incarcerated spouse at 2 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2019.

READ MORE: Laredo autopsy technician sentenced for stealing from corpse

Special agents requested assistance from U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Joint Targeting team and Office of Field Operations Special Response Team to set up surveillance at a home on 1612 San Agustin Ave.

At about 1:55 p.m., Zamora-Cervantes, an unidentified man and a young child entered a red GMC Acadia and departed from the residence. Authorities followed the Acadia to the county jail. All three occupants of the Acadia entered the jail.

Sheriffs officials then informed special agents that Zamora-Cervantes smuggled paper and was in violation of visitation laws. Sheriffs officials questioned the male companion who was waiting for Zamora-Cervantes in the lobby while caring for her infant child. Questioned about their relationship, Zamora-Cervantes and the man stated that they were not family members.

Special agents determined that Zamora-Cervantes and the man were in the country illegally.

In a post arrest statement, Zamora-Cervantes stated that a male offered her a job to harbor immigrants. She stated she had been harboring the immigrant, who was identified as Aaron Lopez-Juarez, for about two weeks because she could not find anyone to take him. She stated she expected a compensation of $800.

Zamora-Cervantes stated she had previously transported (immigrants) to other (human) stash houses and was compensated approximately $300, states the affidavit.

Lopez-Juarez was held as a witness in the case. He stated that Zamora-Cervantes provided him with clothes and asked him to pay her $1,000.
US President Donald Trumps former adviser Michael Flynn asked Russias ambassador to help avoid an escalation in diplomatic sanctions during a call between Trumps election and inauguration, a transcript released on Friday showed.

Trumps newly confirmed spy chief, John Ratcliffe, declassified the transcript of the conversation between Flynn and Russian ambassador to Washington Sergey Kislyak and released them to Congress in one of his first official actions in his new role.

The move comes amid a legal fight over the fate of Flynn, who admitted lying to the FBI about the conversation. The Justice Department in a bombshell early this month moved to dismiss the charge Flynn had already pleaded guilty to, following public urging by Trump and his allies.

The transcript shows a key discussion item between Flynn and Kislyak was a move by the administration of President Barack Obama to penalize Russia in response to findings by US spy agencies that Moscow interfered in the 2016 US presidential election through hacking and propaganda operations.

I know you have to have some sort of action - to, to only make it reciprocal. Make it reciprocal, Flynn said, according to the transcript.

Dont - dont make it - dont go any further than you have to, Flynn added. Because I dont want us to get into something that has to escalate, on a, you know, on a tit for tat. You follow me, Ambassador?

The transcript is dated Dec. 29, 2016 - the day the Obama administration announced it was expelling 35 alleged Russian intelligence operatives from the United States.

Trump has long bristled at US intelligence agencies assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Staten Island is inching toward a recovery in line with the states reopening guidelines and on par with the rest of New York City, but has not yet hit all seven of the states mandated goals that would allow the borough to reopen, even if it could do so independently on its own.

In order for regions across the state to begin reopening, they need to reach seven reopening goals outlined by the state. Staten Island is considered one region with the rest of the city. And as of May 28, New York City as a region met five of those goals -- the only region in the state yet to reach all seven.

This week, Staten Island also met five of those metrics, according to data from the boroughs two private hospitals and citys Health Department compiled by the Advance/SILive.

The boroughs Republican lawmakers have been calling on the state to reopen Staten Island before the rest of the city and look at it as a separate independent region from New York City, as cash strapped Island businesses have been desperately trying to reopen.

Last Friday, five Island Republicans claimed the borough reached all seven reopening metrics and doubled down on their call for the borough to be looked at on its own.

However, one of those Republicans, State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) said Friday, they may have gotten ahead of themselves on one of those metrics on contact tracing after they relied on the city for assurances that it was on track to reach that goal.

But Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have both shot down the idea of the Island opening on its own.

Cuomo said Staten Island was not a place unto itself and pointed out that Staten Islanders also work and travel throughout the entire city.

Though Mayor Bill de Blasio has not said why he would not allow a borough to reopen that reached the city or states reopening metrics before other parts of the city, he recently said people dont get to make their own laws and would continue looking at Staten Island and the rest of New York City as one city.

Once a region meets all seven of the states metrics, it can reopen in four phases.

De Blasio anticipates New York Citys Phase 1 industries, which include retail, manufacturing, construction and wholesale, can reopen in the first or second week of June. He laid out a reopening plan for those businesses Thursday and Cuomo said the city can likely start to reopen June 8.

Heres a look at where Staten Island stands with the metrics.

METRIC 1 - DECLINE IN TOTAL HOSPITALIZATIONS - REACHED

In order for a region to meet the states decline in deaths metric, it needs to show a sustained decline in the three-day rolling average of daily hospital deaths over a 14-day period.

In order for a region to meet the states decline in total hospitalizations, it needs to show a sustained decline in the three-day rolling average of daily net hospitalizations, over the course of a 14-day period.

As of May 28, Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital have seen a sustained three-day rolling average decline in net hospitalizations over the last 14 days.

From May 14 to May 28 the 3 day average of total net hospitalizations went from 175 patients to 110 patients.

METRIC 2 - DECLINE IN DEATHS - REACHED

In order for a region to meet the states decline in total hospitalizations, it needs to show a sustained decline in the three-day rolling average of daily net hospitalizations, over the course of a 14-day period.

In order for a region to meet the states decline in deaths metric, it needs to show a sustained decline in the three-day rolling average of daily hospital deaths over a 14-day period.

The Islands two hospitals have not provided the Advance with consistent daily hospital death data, but according to confirmed coronavirus death data from the citys Department of Health, Staten Island has seen a steady decline in deaths over a 14 day period.

From May 14 to May 28, the three-day rolling average of daily deaths on the Island went from 10 to 4.

Both hospitals could not provide raw death numbers this week, but RUMC said May 28 it marked a milestone of one full week of no coronavirus related hospital deaths.

Meanwhile, coronavirus deaths at SIUH did not exceed a three day rolling average of more than three deaths a day between May 11 to May 25, according to data provided by the hospital.

METRIC 3 - NEW HOSPITALIZATIONS - NOT REACHED

In order for a region to meet this goal, it needs to see fewer than two new hospitalizations per 100,000 residents measured on a three-day rolling average.

With a population of more than 476,000, Staten Islands three-day rolling average would be 9.5 new coronavirus patients.

However, for the last three days, the boroughs average of new coronavirus hospitalizations was 15 people a day, according to figures on patients treated and released from SIUH and RUMC.

METRICS 4 AND 5 -- HOSPITAL AND ICU CAPACITY - REACHED

Regions need to have at least 30% of their general hospital and ICU beds available in order to meet two of the states hospital capacity goals.

RUMC said May 27 it has the ability to ramp up its hospital capacity to meet the 30% threshold for general hospital beds and ICU beds if needed even in the event a surge of coronavirus patients needed to be admitted into the hospital.

In March, Cuomo ordered hospitals across the state to increase their capacity by 50% to accommodate more coronavirus patients, a mandate RUMC said it has been able to accomplish.

SIUH also said Wednesday that of its 456 general hospital bed capacity, 40% of those beds were available, while 35% of its 86 ICU bed capacity was available.

METRIC 6 - DIAGNOSTIC TESTING CAPACITY - REACHED

In order for a region to meet the states coronavirus testing metric, the average daily diagnostic testing over the past 7 days needs to be sufficient to conduct 30 tests for every 1,000 residents a month.

Staten Island would need to test 476 people a day in line with its 476,000 population to meet this metric.

According to the city Health Departments testing figures, as of May 28, Staten Island has been testing 522 people a day on average for the last 7 days, exceeding the states goal.

METRIC 7 - CONTACT TRACING CAPACITY - NOT REACHED

New York City would need to have 2,500 contact tracers working in order to meet the states contact tracing threshold, however, the city does not expect to have 2,500 contact tracers until sometime in the first two weeks of June.

Some 1,700 contact tracers are slated to begin work June 1 and there are currently about 100 contact tracers already working.

However, City Hall has not been able to say whether any have started contact tracing work on Staten Island or have hired any Staten Islanders to do the job.

The program is also reportedly struggling to retain workers, with some prospective contact tracers saying their job offers were later rescinded.

State Sen. Lanza, who signed the letter with fellow Republicans stating all of the Islands seven metrics had been reached, said they relied on the Islands hospitals for the metrics and received assurances from the city that it was on track to meet the states seventh contact tracing metric.

Lanza contended this week they may have been wrong in saying the Island had reached the states seventh metric but said the city should have hired the contact tracers long ago.

We assumed something that turned out to be I guess untrue, that the city was telling the truth, that the city knew what it was doing and that the contact tracers were hired, Lanza said. Theres no reason for them not to be hired by now.

This is a man-made metric which is controlled by who? The mayor, the governor, the agencies, Lanza said. They told us a few weeks ago  the metric was satisfied, so they either lied or for some reason theyre holding back.

City Hall could not be reached for comment at press time.

(Advance reporters Joseph Ostapiuk, Frank Donnelly and Kyle Lawson contributed to this report.)

FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK***
[May 29, 2020] PagerDuty Appoints Manjula Talreja as First Chief Customer Officer

PagerDuty, Inc. (NYSE:PD), a global leader in digital operations management, today announced Manjula Talreja as its first Chief Customer Officer (CCO). She brings nearly three decades of IT industry leadership to the role, most recently as Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Salesforce. Talreja will report to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Dave Justice. In this role, Talreja will draw on her ability to lead teams that deliver exceptional programs that ensure a world-class customer experience across a variety of segments and verticals. She will spearhead PagerDuty's global customer success group encompassing four key areas, including customer success, professional services, support and renewals. "I was drawn to PagerDuty because of its customer-centered culture and focus on transparency, diversity and people," said Talreja. "I look forward to bringing my passion for people and championing the customer to the organization. In doing so, I hope to bring PagerDuty to more teams- going beyond development and IT- to customer service, security and more. Companies must look at everything through a customer's journey and the business value the customer is achieving with a solution or platform to drive digital acceleration. I look forward to partnering with my peers across PagerDuty to drive the company's next stage of growth." In addition to Talreja's appointment, PagerDuty strengthened its sales leadership bench with the additions of Keith Kettell as Vice President of North America Enterprise Sales and Josh Thacker as Vice President of Strategy and Operations. "As our customers accelerate their digital initiatives and become increasingly reliant on digital assets for revenue, PagerDuty is both an essential part of their modern infrastructure and the platform for real-time wrk that enables great customer experiences and trust," said Jennifer Tejada, CEO at PagerDuty.



"The appointments of Manjula, Keith and Josh underscore our dedication to deepening our relationships with our customers by delivering quantifiable value. Between these executives, there are decades of experience spanning some of the most respected and innovative tech companies in the world like Salesforce and Cisco (News - Alert). I'm thrilled to announce this strategic expansion of our leadership team today." Kettell's most recent role in sales leadership was with Tanium and before that he was at Salesforce. Kettell brings more than 20 years of experience in scaling customer-focused businesses and optimizing go-to-market execution.

Thacker joins PagerDuty having served as Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Leanplum. Drawing from his experience working with tech companies at all stages of growth and development, he will be responsible for leading all sales strategy, planning and operations. For more information, visit: www.pagerduty.com. About PagerDuty, Inc. PagerDuty, Inc. (NYSE:PD) is a leader in digital operations management. In an always-on world, organizations of all sizes trust PagerDuty to help them deliver a perfect digital experience to their customers, every time. Teams use PagerDuty to identify issues and opportunities in real time and bring together the right people to fix problems faster and prevent them in the future. Notable customers include Netflix, Shopify, Cox Automotive, Box (News - Alert), Slack, DoorDash, Lululemon and more. To learn more and try PagerDuty for free, visit www.pagerduty.com. Follow our blog and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200529005665/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Retail had been forced to make some major changes. As all non-essential businesses were urged to shut down, foot traffic into brick-and-mortar retail stores all but vanished. Even with staggered reopenings, the importance of having ecommerce functionality is clearer than ever.

Making the shift online can feel like a significant feat, especially with limited resources. Handling online orders especially transnational, figuring out the supply chain mechanisms, digital marketing and handling customer concerns and questions  is a significant adjustment and learning curve. But if anything, the pandemic proved the need for businesses of all types to be flexible and ready for anything, and specifically, to take the digital leap. Ecommerce will be front and center for the new normal. Follow these steps now so you can recoup lost sales and adjust to the changing times.

1. Start easy with a user-friendly website

First things first: Just get a website up and running as quickly as you can. Now is not the time to hire a developer to begin a slow build of a perfect and complex ecommerce platform. Instead, opt for simple. Websites like Shopify are user-friendly and straightforward and will take just a few hours for you to set up on your own (or the most tech-savvy member of your team can try). Take photos of all of your physical products to the best of your abilities, making sure the background is as simple and non-distracting as possible. Remember that these photos are just placeholders; youll hire a photographer (if you need to!) down the road.

Another option is to add your products to Amazon, which already has existing infrastructure. But since recent statistics report that 40 percent of customers prefer to shop online to save themselves time, now is as good a time as ever to get your online store up and running. Amazon can be used as an addendum to your online store, too. Regardless of which route you go, make sure to invest time on perfecting your sales copy, so that customers who have never heard of you or your business before can understand the advantages of your product.

Related: How to Build a Beautiful, User-Friendly Website on a Budget

2. Take advantage of existing delivery infrastructure

One understandable concern is shipping and delivery. It can be a significant undertaking to package and send every order while also adhering to social distancing guidelines. Major retailers such as Walmart have hired delivery workers (in fact, Walmart hired 50,000), and Amazon began a hiring spree with a target goal of 75,000 delivery workers to keep up with demand and adjust to the shift to online.

Additionally, shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx are still in operation. You can schedule pickups from your store or warehouse, so create one or two pickup times per week. Shipping schedules are delayed nationwide right now, so make sure to keep your online customers informed of the expected wait times, and deliver them their shipping number as soon as possible. Fortunately, since everything is moving slower right now, youll have more time on your learning curve to figure out shipping orders for your first time.

3. Use remote teams in different time zones to help customers

To eliminate customer wait times for questions and phone calls and keep business running around the clock, Todd Lamb, the founder of health supplements company PureLife Organics, recommends to use remote teams located in different time zones to process orders. PureLife has also had to quickly shift to online, and Lamb says taking advantage of all logistics operations that are already in place (such as shipping and fulfillment centers like UPS) is key to adapting quickly. Specifically, hiring people across time zones who can respond to customer questions and concerns can heighten customer satisfaction. Forty percent of customers report that faster response times would most improve their customer service experience.

If youre able, also encourage team members across the nation to take charge of the shipping in their area. Theyll need to have their own stock of products, but this can decrease shipping times and costs. For example: If you are based in Sacramento but an order is placed in Pittsburgh, a team member living in New Jersey could handle the shipping process, so the customer receives their package faster and the shipping cost to your company is less substantial.

Related: 5 Essentials to Building a Successful Remote Team

This quick shift demands brick-and-mortar shops be highly adaptive. Pivoting is a central part of entrepreneurship, and the quicker companies and shops of all sizes can make the move online, the better for their bottom line. Let your past customers know they can now order from you by putting a sign on your physical locations, sending out emails and taking to social media. Once everything is ready to go, you can invest time in learning digital marketing to expand your reach. But, first things first: Completing the shift and build the infrastructure to support your new online store or digital presence.

Related:

Follow These 6 Steps to Bulletproof Your Digital Business Strategy

The SBA Gives $6.8 Billion in PPP to Business Owners of Color

A Navy SEAL's Guide to Thriving in Close Quarters, Part 4: Opportunity



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Police are investigating after a 24-year-old man was shot to death Friday night in the citys Stockyards neighborhood, police say.

The shooting happened just before 11 p.m. on West 24th Street near Denison Avenue, Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia said.

Police arrive and found the man, who has not yet been identified with a gunshot would to his abdomen.

Paramedics took the man to MetroHealth Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators learned that the 24-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were in a car at that location meet the suspects, Ciaccia said. A fight broke out and the man was shot.

Police learned the incident may be drug related. The unidentified shooters drove away in a blue vehicle.

No arrests have been made.

Read more crime stories on cleveland.com:

Lorain homeowner shoots intruder who barges into home with two others, police say

Body pulled from Cuyahoga River in Cleveland during search for man last seen at downtown bar

Cleveland police supervisor suspended 10 days for drunken-driving incident in Twinsburg that drew criticism

Ohio Statehouse damaged during protests in Columbus over death of George Floyd

Police: Gunman killed teen driving home from playing soccer, man on porch in five minutes in Cleveland
Los Angeles City Mayor Commemorates First Shipment of N95 Masks from Honeywell 24-Million Mask Deal

Los Angeles frontline responders need protection, medical supplies such as masks and gloves are in high demand during this viral pandemic. With COVID-19 transmission being airborne, masks have become a necessity in daily life outside. Thursday, May 28, marks the preliminary shipment of N95 masks from the 24-million inventory deal with Honeywell. Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti commemorated the day by speaking at the allocation center where the masks are housed. Since the demand for emergency provision is high, the price tends to reach unreasonable amounts, however the Honeywell deal has allowed hospitals to buy at cost which 79 cents plus tax per mask.

April 28 is when the transaction was first announced, 24-million masks were bought for 20.5 million dollars. The company Honeywell made the supply here in California, at their Ontario Plant. The N95 mask model filters 95% of airborne particles that could be found harmful in the human body. Its taken almost a month of development and shipment of the product, different department across L.A. County made collaborative efforts with Honeywell to make this happen.

Under the Logistics Victory L.A. initiative (LovLA), hospitals can purchase these masks at cost for their facilities. The mission found on the LovLa.org website states, Through supply chain optimization, city purchasing, and generous donations, Logistics Victory LA facilitates a clear path for medical service providers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis to access critical supplies, such as isolation gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, face shields, thermometers and other medical essentials. The partnership with the Honeywell company is marking one of its first acts responding to the supply shortage during the COVID-19 outbreak. Hospitals can go to the website and register for supplies.

Leaders within the LovLa initiative include Mayor Garcetti, Executive Director Gene Seroka, and the General Manager of the citys General Service Tony Royster who oversees the warehouse that holds the masks supply. 100,000 N95 models will be available for distribution this month, and the amount will double the following month. Accessibility to these masks will continue to increase, reaching over one million for distribution by December.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to the L.A. County Health Service COVID-19 Dashboard, from May 18 to May 24, medical facilities countywide had zero personal protective equipment (PPE such as N95 masks, face shields, and gloves coming through the emergency management system pipeline. In addition to what is available on hand, there were only enough N95 model masks to last 9-29 days at most. With Medical beds and supplies fluctuating, the shipment of N95 masks are arriving in a time of severe need. The city economy is moving towards recovery, the spread of the virus is anticipated to fluctuate, which would require more physical contact with medical personnel.

Within this first shipment, 10,000 masks will be kept for city firefighter personnel. The rest of the 90,000 in inventory will be sold to hospital at cost, charging 79 cents plus tax for each mask. Garcetti stated, N95 Masks, are very special and important. He continued, There for medical personnel and for first responders, who are putting their lives on the line for all of us. The mayor explained that Angelenos should all be wearing some sort of face covering; a bandanna or homemade mask made from breathable material. Executive Director Gene Seroka stated, This first shipment is significant, the milestone we hit is a great credit. Different supplies are in the works, Executive Director Seroka stressed the need for Isolation gowns, hair nets, and other medical supplies that the city is working on to get for the frontlines. The N95 masks will be a part of frontline armor as they defend themselves against a deadly virus.
SC concludes hearings on 15 intervenient petitions regarding polls By S. Rubatheesan View(s): View(s):

The Supreme Court on Friday concluded hearings on some fifteen intervenient petitions filed in connection with the eight Fundamental Rights applications challenging the dissolution of Parliament and fixing June 20 as the date for the parliamentary polls amid the coronavirus crisis.

The proceedings which continued for the ninth consecutive day on Friday saw counsel appearing on behalf of petitioners, respondents and interveninent petitioners being given adequate time by the five-Judge bench to present their submissions.

Having heard the submissions of both parties, the Court is set to hear final concluding remarks by both parties tomorrow. The petitioners main counsel M. A. Sumanthairan PC will deliver a summary on behalf of all eight petitioners in response to the arguments made by the respondents.

Representing the Election Commission, counsel Saliya Peiris PC also sought to address court since the Commission came under severe criticism by the intervenient petitioners. One counsel alleged some EC members were working in collusion with the petitioners. Another intervenient petitioner asked the court to direct the EC to conduct polls without delay and to dismiss the petitions.

When the Court was hearing intervening petitions supported by lawyer Chrishmal Warnasuriya, on Friday, the bench intervened to raise concerns of different positions taken by the counsel when representing two different intervenient petitions. The Court was adjourned briefly for 20 minutes before hearings were resumed.

Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya said the Bench had decided not to hear the case any longer until clear written submissions were filed indicating the position taken by the petitioner on the relief he was seeking.

The Supreme Court five-judge-Bench comprised Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Sisira de Abrew, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena and Justice Vijith Malalgoda.

Continuing his submission on Friday, Ali Sabry PC said if the Court was to give direction to summon Parliament by revoking earlier Presidential proclamation, that would give a bad precedent for governance in future.

Mr. Sabry who represented Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Sudantha Liyanage told court that since the Opposition had failed to convince the President to declare emergency which would have mandated Parliament to reconvene automatically, it had approached the court to revive it through the judiciary.

Stressing that the President acted according to the Constitution to dissolve Parliament which still stands valid today, he argued there was no need to pass new legislation in Parliament to tackle COVID-19 crisis by reconvening it but existing laws were adequate to bring it under control. This, he claimed the President had achieved.

Drawing an example of how South Korea conducted polls recently amidst fighting the coronavirus pandemic, he said the Election Commission also should begin the process without delay to ensure that the franchise of the people was respected. The Election Commission is there to hold elections, not to postpone elections. Not having elections in time is very dangerous to a functioning democracy, he said.

The Bench also requested Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Indika Demuni de Silva to make available certified copies of the Parliamentary Elections Act with Amendments since there were discrepancies among the documents submitted to court.

During the course of submissions made in the Court on Friday, the judges had to remind the counsel to wear face masks while addressing court in keeping with the health regulations.

Representing Intervenient petitioner Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, President of the Public Service United Nurses Union, Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC told court that at least five of the petitioners are candidates contesting the upcoming Parliamentary polls. He said these candidate-petitioners having taken part in the election process as stakeholders by filing nominations, were now challenging the Presidents March 2 proclamation that dissolved Parliament in accordance with Article 70 (1) of the Constitution.

The call to revive the old Parliament is to achieve micropolitical objectives. These petitioners are trying to retract from that process which would have consequential effects, Mr. Jayawardena said, adding that the Election Commission had powers to defer the date for the polls once the President issued the proclamation.

The counsel produced a document claiming to be the draft of the Health Ministry guidelines on conducting the polls amidst the COVID-19 crisis, prompting the petitioners counsel, M.A. Sumanthairan PC, to raise objections as to why it was being submitted to courts by an intervenient petitioner, instead of the Attorney General who represented the Director General of the Health Services. The bench instructed the AG to verify the authenticity of the document and refer it back to court.

On the Presidents powers to access the Consolidate Fund without Parliaments approval in the absence of an active Parliament for public service purposes, a term heavily contested in court by petitioners, Mr. Jayawardena argued that to run the government, the President was empowered to raise or borrow funds for debt servicing purposes and recurrent expenditure.

The court was told Rs 721 billion was sanctioned by the previous Parliament for debt servicing purposes alone and the moves by the new government to increase that limit to Rs 1.008 trillion in February failed since the then Opposition opposed a new Vote on Account to draw funds after April 30.

Gamini Marapana PC, representing intervenient petitioner Atapattukande Ananda Thera of the Malwatte Chapter told court that the peoples franchise would be blatantly violated if the petitioners succeeded to resurrect the old Parliament. He said the petitioners were instrumental in delaying the Provincial Council elections for more than two years citing legislative issues. If they succeed, this would be the pinnacle of all, he said.

Claiming that the petitions had been filed with mala fide intention and therefore should be dismissed without giving grant to leave proceed, Mr. Marapana questioned why none of the petitioners, in their effort to justify the reconvening of Parliament, had claimed in their petitions that the Government mishandled the COVID-19 current situation.

Why should Parliament be summoned when most of the members would not support the Presidents efforts to control the current pandemic situation? Mr. Marapana asked, pointing out that, in contrast, the former Prime Minister stepped down from his post even though his party had a majority in the House in view of the current President receiving a fresh mandate during last Presidential election to implement his policies,

The court was also told of the doctrine of necessity  a principle that had been recognized by the Supreme Court of Pakistan following the militarys takeover of the Government in that country in 1955.

Insisting that the peoples welfare is the supreme law, Mr. Marapana brought to the attention of the Court that even though summoning and prorogation of the Parliament could be a political decision, the court, which exercises the judicial power of the people, held otherwise in 2018 when the then president dissolved parliament.

Kushan de Alwis PC representing intervenient petitioners Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara charged that the collateral purpose behind the petitions filed by former opposition parliamentarians and others was to delay the polls.

He alleged that, by delaying the polls for months through resurrecting the old Parliament, the petitioners were trying to capitalise on the economic hardships faced by the people for electoral gains as the country was now facing enormous economic challenges due to the current coronavirus global situation.

Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva on Tuesday told court that once Parliament was dissolved it was in the mode of civil death in legal terms till a new Parliament was constituted. Once Parliament ceases, so does the office of the members, she said.

How can the President revoke his own proclamation dissolution of Parliament? There is no Constitutional provision which enables that, ASG de Silva said, while pointing out that the petitioners had failed to establish a prima facie case based on the relief sought by them.

On summoning Parliament under special circumstances, the ASG told court that under Article 155 section (1) of the Constitution, President may summon Parliament but not shall as petitioners interpreted while indicating that it applied only if the President was convinced of the need to summon the House. Even the Supreme Court cannot give direction for Parliament to be summoned, ASG de Silva stressed.

Countering petitioners argument that Parliament had to be convened to enact necessary laws with regard to contain the COVID-19 situation, the ASG said that existing laws were enough to deal with the crisis. She said the Election Commission in consultation with the Health Ministry was empowered to introduce necessary regulations with regard to social distancing and election campaigning methods during the pandemic.

It is not the job of the Supreme Court to get into the shoes of the President to decide whether Parliament should be convened or not, Ms. de Silva said.

A confidential report compiled by the State Intelligence Service (SIS) on the current COVID-19 situation and how the government was effectively tackling the crisis was submitted to the bench by ASG. When the bench asked whether the petitioners had been given a copy of the report, the ASG said they would be given access to the document for perusal in court.

In her concluding remarks, ASG de Silva informed court that although the dates specified in the March 2 Presidential proclamation for the convening of the new parliament had passed the mandatory three month period per Article 75 of the Constitution, the proclamation was still valid, lawful and legally operational.

ASG de Silva submitted to court that the petitioners had come before court relying heavily on supervening events and unforeseen circumstances to claim that their fundamental rights were violated. Its a fallacy. There is no error in law on the election process, he said.

It was also submitted to court by the ASG de Silva that the President was required to attend Parliament at least once in three months while Parliament is in sessions, not dissolved as argued by the petitioners.

On Tuesday, Manohara de Silva PC representing Prof. Pandula Endagama alleged that the so-called independent Election Commission was not independent as it claimed to be with three different counsel are representing members of the Commission.

Citing a media report which quoted a member of the Election Commission as saying that the EC was waiting for the determination of the Supreme Court for its next step on the conduct of the polls, the counsel asked why the Commission could not continue the election process as in terms of its mandate.

He also pointed out that the various election-related activities such as issuing poling cards, preferential numbers and symbols, by the Commission were also put on hold awaiting the courts determination.

Uditha Egalahewa PC representing petitioner J. Thiyakarajah told court that none of the petitioners sought any interim relief but sought only leave to proceed for the sole purpose of delaying the polls. He alleged all the petitions are frivolous and mala fide in nature and therefore they should be dismissed.

ECs counsel Choksy calls for the dismissal of petitions Three counsel represent the Election Commission (EC) in the Fundamental Rights (FR) cases filed by eight petitioners challenging the dissolution of Parliament and the fixing of June 20 as the date for the Parliamentary polls. One of them is V.K. Choksy PC. He told court that petitions had been filed with an ulterior political motive and therefore they should be dismissed and the Election Commission should be given the discretion to decide the date of the poll. Representing the EC in five FR petitions, he said rescinding the March 2 presidential proclamation dissolving parliament and the Gazette was an action that came within the Presidents discretionary powers. It is a discretionary power vested in him by the Constitution. Any action to supersede that would result in the violation of our Constitution, he said while urging that this should certainly not be done by the court. In the five FR petitions, he appeared on behalf of Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, Commission member Nalin Abeysekere PC and Commissioner General Saman Rathnayaka. Saliya Peiris represented the EC in other three petitions while EC member Ratnajeevan Hoole, was represented by Astika Devendra. Countering the petitioners argument on the legality of accepted nominations on March 16, 17, 18 and 19 which were declared as Special Public holidays, Mr Choksy brought to the attention of court that March 16 did not fall within the First Schedule of the Holidays Act No: 29 of 1971 or a Sunday or a Poya day as the law indicated. Therefore, he argued that even if it was a public holiday, it still did not vitiate the nominations thus being accepted on those days. With regard to the issue raised by the petitioners that the present pandemic did not permit parties and or candidates to canvass and or hold meetings ahead of polls, Mr Chocksy said it was not a necessary part of a free and fair election by pointing out that candidates in the recent past had carried out election propaganda activities through different modes such as electronic media and the social media. Countering arguments placed before court comparing similarities between Sri Lankas and the United Kingdoms Parliament, Mr Chocksy said, Our Constitution does not provide for Parliament to have perpetual life. He pointed out that our Constitution was an Executive Presidential Constitution where the President had very much more power than the UKs head of State, the Queen. On the question that Parliament has to meet because that mandatory three-month period has lapsed, the court was told that it was an unfettered discretion of the President to reconvene Parliament and that too in limited circumstances such as emergencies, which, in this instance, did not exist.
A conviction of a crime makes it harder to travel, even after decades have passed. Obstacles for people with a criminal record range from restrictions from local authorities to difficulties go get a visa from another country. If you have a record, before making travel plans, you need to understand where you stand and what your chances are. Here are a few useful tips:

1. Run a background check on yourself. Having expunged or sealed records does not always mean they will not show on a search. Using a service like Check People, you can easily find out if there are any records available to the public, and you have the chance to correct mistakes. A background check can also let you know you have any warrants for arrest, in which case, even in-country travel is restricted. It is very important to understand that warrants can be the result of several factors, such as not showing up to a court hearing for a traffic ticket.

In some particular cases, people run background checks after a denial for a visa or passport, only to find out that there were serious mistakes such as a mixup in court records (particularly common for people with very similar names). If this is the case, you have the right to ask for clarification.

2. Verify your chances of getting a passport. Passports are denied for specific convictions, such as a drug felony that involved crossing borders. Other reasons for a passport denial include:

a. Owing over 5,000 in child support payments

b. Probation

c. If you are awaiting trial

3. Research visa eligibility for the country you are planning to visit. Some countries, like Canada, have serious visa restrictions for lesser crimes, such as driving under the influence. You can find information on visa requirements through the state department and embassy web pages. Australia and New Zealand will issue a visa if your conviction is more than ten years old. The European Union has fewer restrictions for traveling with a court record; however, having a conviction that resulted in more than three years of imprisonment means an automatic denial.

Some countries will give you a visa for humanitarian reasons; for example, if you have a sick relative who is a citizen, or if you have children living there. To get more information, you need to consult with their embassy.

How to Get a Record Expunged?

If you want to travel, but have a criminal record, you need to find out if you are eligible for expungement. Expungement means that your record gets sealed to everyone, even in the context of the criminal justice system. Some factors considered for record expungement are:

Jurisdiction (some states -like New York- don't allow expungement at all)

Nature of the crime

Amount of time passed since the conviction

Criminal History

Getting your record expunged also means that you are no longer legally obligated to disclose your conviction when asking for a visa.

It is important to understand that a sealed record is not expunged. While a sealed record is not publicly available and cannot be used for decisions such as employment or leasing, it remains accessible for law enforcement agencies and you will need to disclose information of the charge if requested in a visa application.

Expungement is not an easy process, and many factors play an important role in the decision. This is why the best way to proceed is to hire an attorney. Hire someone with experience in criminal law. Depending on the nature of the crimes and circumstances surrounding it, you may be eligible for help from a pro-bono organization.

If You are on Probation

If you are still on probation, you may have a travel ban even inside the country. Before making any plans, you need to check with your parole officer. They will let you know if you can travel, how far you can go without breaking your probation agreement, and how long you can stay there. Probation is a delicate process, and you should never take any risks. Remember that even an honest mistake can land you back in prison.

Restrictions vs. Discrimination

While people with criminal records may be banned from traveling, they also have rights. For example, most hotels cannot deny service to some convicted felons under the risk of breaking the law. This applies to restaurants and tourist attractions. If you are a victim of discrimination, ask your lawyer about your rights, as you may even have grounds for a lawsuit.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
SEATTLE, WA Washington's 12 remaining phase 1 counties will be eligible to apply for the next step in the state's four-part plan, under new rules that are set to go into effect Monday.

Gov. Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy," order expires on Sunday and will be replaced with an expanded Safe Start plan, granting more flexibility to counties seeking to reopen. The new order adjusts some of the goals counties must fulfill before they can move forward to further phases.

We are able to do this thanks to millions of Washingtonians pulling together, in the face of sacrifice and suffering, and doing their part by staying home, Inslee said during a news conference Friday. But this does not mean that we are returning to normal. It means that after three months, we are successfully moving forward.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Washington. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.



Among Washington's three largest counties, Pierce and Snohomish have announced plans to apply for phase 2 next week. King County will apply for a modified phase 1  a new classification  that would allow for some outdoor dining, salons and retail, along with small private gatherings.



According to state requirements, at least three weeks must pass between each phase, allowing public health officials to monitor the virus's activity. So far, 26 counties are already in phase 2, and the earliest that received approval may be eligible for the third reopening phase as early as next week.

The state Secretary of Health will evaluate each county's progress using a series of specific guidelines unveiled Friday. Inslee said the metrics will be considered as a whole, and individual targets are not necessarily firm requirements. State health officials will use discretion when granting approval and could move to limit certain activities while allowing others to resume.

Story continues

(Office of the Governor)

New guidelines for reopening:



COVID-19 activity: Under the new target to move forward, counties must report fewer than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents over two weeks to be eligible for the next phase. This requirement replaces earlier guidance that limited disease activity to 10 cases per 100,000 residents.

Secretary of Health John Wiesman said both numbers are the "conservative" side and change as public health consensus grows. Wiesman noted the new rubric is the same number being used by health officials in California.

Local health agencies will also need to show hospitalizations related to COVID-19 illnesses are flat or decreasing.

Testing ability and speed: Counties must demonstrate the ability to process an average number of tests approximately 50 times higher than its number of confirmed cases, and collect samples within two days of symptom onset.

As Washington's largest counties look to the second phase, some of the earliest counties to move forward may qualify for phase 3 as early as next week.

Contact tracing and case investigations: Contact tracing teams should be able to reach 90 percent of patients within 24 hours of a positive test and reach at least 80 percent of a person's contacts within two days, to advise them to self-quarantine after potential exposure.

Managing outbreaks: Under the state's definition, an outbreak is classified as any time two or more non-household coronavirus cases are epidemiologically linked in a workplace, congregate living, or institutional setting. The limit for an acceptable number of outbreaks varies by county size, with a target of zero for small counties, one for medium counties, two for large counties and three for "very large counties" with a population above 1 million.

Health care system readiness: County hospitals will be evaluated based on the number of beds occupied by all patients, and the percentage of those occupied by suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

(Office of the Governor via TVW)

Face coverings:

All businesses will be required to mandate face coverings for all employees who come into contact with other people by June 8. Businesses must also post notices strongly encouraging customers to wear face coverings, as an added safeguard against spreading infectious respiratory droplets.



Learn more about the state's updated reopening process here.

What phase 2 allows:

Remaining manufacturing and construction phases

Restaurants and taverns, at less than 50 percent capacity, with a table size no larger than five people (no bar area seating)

Outdoor recreation with five or fewer people outside the household (including camping, beach trips, etc.)

Hair and nail salons

Retail (in-store purchases allowed with restrictions)

Real estate

Professional services/office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)

In-home/domestic services (i.e., nannies, housecleaning)

Pet grooming

Essential travel and limited non-essential travel to engage in Phase 1 and Phase 2 activities is permitted.

(Office of the Governor)

[NORECIRC]

This article originally appeared on the Seattle Patch
The stepmum of a four-year-old allegedly left to die in her cot has been described as a doting mother who enjoyed spoiling her biological children.

Willow Dunn was found dead at her home in Cannon Hill, east Brisbane, on Monday in what police will allege is one of Australia's worst ever cases of child neglect.

Her father Mark James Dunn, 43, has been charged with her murder.

Willow's stepmother, Shannon White, who was also living at the property, has not been charged.

Willow Dunn, 4, (pictured left) was found dead at her home in Cannon Hill, east Brisbane, on Monday and her father Mark James Dunn (pictured middle), 43, was charged with her murder

Willow's step-mum, Shannon White (pictured), was described as a 'doting' mother who 'spoiled' her biological children and partied with her adult daughter

Ms White described herself as a 'helicopter mum' to her biological children, and friends said she was a loving parent.

She sent a text message to a friend last year which read: 'He's like four inches from my bed, I'm a helicopter mum lol.'

Another message revealed she said the child was 'spoiled' after getting a new walker, The Courier Mail reported.

A friend of Ms White, who met the mum when buying baby clothes from her on Facebook, said he had visited the Cannon Hill home for a children's playdate but did not see Willow.

He said his impression of Ms White was 'that she was a doting mum and gave her children what they wanted'.

The man explained Ms White had been excited about her adult daughter coming to live with her and said the pair would often party together.

'She would post about going out clubbing and always posting photos of how much alcohol she had bought for her night out and it escalated a lot when her daughter came up,' he said.

The investigation into Willow's death is still ongoing and police are still trying to piece together the days, months and years leading up to her death.

There is no suggestion Ms White was in any way responsible for the death of Willow.

Willow Dunn's (pictured) body was found decomposing in her bed and police revealed she died of malnourishment and sustained neglect

A post-mortem has revealed Willow was 'experiencing serious malnourishment, along with many other health concerns that supported sustained mistreatment'.

Willow's mother, who was friends with Ms White for more than 20 years, died just days after giving birth.

Shortly after her friend's death Ms White moved from South Australia to live with the widower in Queensland.

Daily Mail Australia understands Willow was sent to live with an aunt and uncle after her mother's death, but returned to live with Mr Dunn about a year later.

Her father was charged under a new definition of murder in Queensland aimed at child-killers, which includes 'reckless indifference to human life'.

The case was briefly mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, but Dunn did not appear in person, with the case adjourned until July 20.

Naomi Dunn (pictured, left) died after giving birth to Willow in 2015. A year earlier, Shannon White (right) had been bridesmaid at her wedding - but later 'shacked up with her husband'

It is understood Willow was known to the Child Safety department, but was not registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Acting Detective Inspector Chris Knight from the homicide squad said police had spoken to all members of the household, including Willow's 19-year-old step-sister.

'We continue to investigate all aspects of Willow's life, being her care, her health and her treatment in the days weeks, months and years leading up to her death,' Inspector Knight said.

'Our investigation will continue until detectives are satisfied that we've exhausted all options to make a thorough evaluation and decide whether any other culpability exists for any other people that had responsibility to provide care for Willow.'

He admitted paramedics and police had found the scene 'extremely confronting' when they arrived at the family home.
Members of the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Berlin, Camden County, attended service last Sunday. The church defied New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's shutdown order and opened for in-person service. Read more

More than two dozen New Jersey churches on Friday sued Gov. Phil Murphy over his administrations closure orders that halted in-person services in houses of worship for more than two months.

The churches, all Christian, filed a federal lawsuit claiming Murphy is violating their First Amendment right to religious exercise by restricting houses of worship from holding in-person services. While New Jerseys churches were never deemed nonessential, they were subject to a prohibition on indoor gatherings of more than 10 people, a measure put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Murphys office declined to comment on the litigation, but he did announce Friday that he expects to be able to raise the limit on indoor gatherings so religious services can restart by the weekend of June 12.

Our houses of worship are cornerstones of our communities, Murphy said Friday. We want these institutions to be strong and safe.

Attorney Demetrios K. Stratis said Murphys news conference did not moot our issues. He argued in court papers that churches must be deemed essential so any future governmental action doesnt restrict religious exercise under the First Amendment. The group also argued churches would strictly follow safety guidelines and social-distancing procedures outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 READ MORE: Supreme Court, in rare late-night ruling, says California may enforce certain restrictions on religious gatherings

The push to reopen churches in New Jersey is part of a broader effort nationwide to allow for houses of worship, many of which have not held in-person services for months, to reopen with safety precautions. Last week, President Donald Trump called on governors to allow houses of worship to reopen, and the president and Murphy spoke about the matter via phone, according to Murphys office.

Late Friday, the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, rejected a California Pentecostal churchs challenge of the states coronavirus-related restrictions on worship services, finding they did not discriminate against religious institutions and their First Amendment rights. Chief Justice John Roberts voted with the courts four liberals.

At least two South Jersey churches opened their doors to in-person services last week despite Murphys crowd-size limitations remaining in place.

Were not looking for trouble; were not lawbreakers, Pastor Charles Clark Jr. of the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Berlin, Camden County, said last Sunday. Were exercising our constitutional rights.

Staff writer Ellie Silverman contributed to this article.
Donald Trumps announcement that the US is cutting all ties with the World Health Organisation has been condemned by experts across the world.

There is no logic in the US presidents decision to sever links with the body, one leading British oncologist said, while Germanys health minister described it as a disappointing move in the middle of the global pandemic.

Mr Trump has repeatedly said the WHO failed to respond properly to the coronavirus crisis and, on Friday, accused it of being under the total control of China.

He said Washington would redirect its annual contribution  some 324 million in 2019  to other international bodies.

But Dr Stephen Griffin, associate professor at Leeds Universitys School of Medicine, said the severance did not make sense in the middle of a global crisis.

There is no logic to the move, he said. Pandemics are, by definition, a global crisis. To not face Covid-19 with a united front seems futile.

Given the scale of the outbreak in the US, this action appears nothing short of an attempt to refocus attention away from how this has been handled.

In a tweet, Jens Spahn, Germanys health minister, admitted the WHO needed reform but said the decision to pull out entirely was a disappointing backlash for international health.

And Dr Gail Carson, a consultant in infectious diseases at the University of Oxford, said: If there was a time not to make health political, it is now, when the world is in the throes of a pandemic.

Now is the time for solidarity and to stand together to end the pandemic as soon as we can and to save lives.

She added: Now is not the time to weaken the worlds leading health agency, who has shown strong leadership with strong technical messages throughout this pandemic.

The US is the largest source of financial support to the WHO and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the global health body.
She's continued to promote and release new items for her latest Inamorata collection throughout lockdown.

And Emily Ratajkowski did just that on Saturday morning, when she stripped down to tease some new looks from her upcoming campaign.

The 28-year-old beauty flashed her skin during the backyard shoot that left very little to the imagination.

New look: Emily Ratajkowski flashed her enviable physique on Saturday morning to promote the latest pieces from her Inamorata collection

Emily stunned in her $125 incredibly sheer sleeveless Roxbury Dress that had most of the buttons undone.

She teamed the sultry display with a matching pair of bikini bottoms of the same print, retailing for $75.

The Blurred Lines model kept the $200 ensemble simple, styling her brunette tresses out naturally into loose waves.

Self-promotion: Emily is frequently seen wearing her own pieces on social media

Emily's glam was kept fresh and barely there with a healthy sweep of blush over her cheeks and a nude color on her plump pout.

The beauty's post comes after she took to social media earlier in the week to reveal her female owned and run company was currently donating to Alexandria House.

Alexandria House is known for 'providing safe supportive housing for women and children in the process of moving from emergency shelter to economic stability and permanent housing,' according to their mission statement.

Business woman: Emily started the brand in 2017 and it has continued to soar ever since

Emily said Inamorata would was donating lots of bras, underwear, dresses and sets to the women, after the organization experienced a fire back in March.

She also noted that for every Inamorata order, her company would donate an additional item to the charitable organization.

The wife of Sebastian Bear-McClard launched the brand back in 2017 and has continued to take it from just swimwear to cover ups, intimates and clothing.

In 2019, Inamorata and Emily earned recognition from Daily Front Row as Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year.

She was also included in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Art & Style.
Cyndi Zawada-Baker loves animals. She also loves a burger.

I always said I could never be a farmer, because theyd all be my pets, laughs the financial analyst, who lives in the rural farming community of Ayr, Ont.

But if you bring me a hamburger, Im going to eat it  because the disconnect is real, between an animal you see living and breathing, and what you eat.

Amid the pandemic, though, something has shifted for Zawada-Baker.

News of COVID-19 outbreaks at Canadas meat-processing plants have led to more public scrutiny of the working conditions there, ripping away the curtain that usually obscures the publics view of how its meat is produced.

Suddenly, Zawada-Baker says, her decisions around what she eats have seemed very much connected to the world.

The largest outbreak of COVID-19 in Canada occurred at a meat-packing plant in a small town in southern Alberta that singlehandedly processes almost half the beef in the country.

Critics say the spread  which sickened almost 1,000 workers and killed two, plus a workers father  was fuelled by crowded, even punishing, working conditions. Outbreaks have also occurred at plants across North America.

The fallout has lingered, as consumers have found themselves looking at the steak wrapped in plastic on the grocery store shelf, and wondering about the journey it took to get there.

In late April, Zawada-Baker posted to Facebook: All this factory farming stuff has got me (thumbs down emoji). She was flooded with support  and a few critics  who suggested local farmers she could buy meat from, though every option comes with ripple effects on environmental impact and price.

It becomes overwhelming. It really is so much easier just to live in denial, she said frankly.

Can we just stop eating meat as a society? Is it even possible? Probably not. What can I do? So what is the piece that I can do?

Its a debate with tangled threads, from what it means to have a safe workplace, to animal rights, to ethical eating, to what we owe to farmers, to what we really think our meat should cost.

When it comes to Canadian meat production, what are we willing to stomach?

***

The Cargill meat-processing plant in the small Alberta town of High River is a series of cavernous white buildings ringed first by parking lot, then farmland beyond.

Every day, 4,500 cattle enter the building to be killed and dismembered  more than two per worker.

Its cold, its wet, its loud, says Thomas Hesse, president of the union local that represents workers at the plants in High River and in the town of Brooks, two hours east.

Three large plants  the two in Alberta, plus another Cargill plant in Guelph, Ont.  process 85 per cent of the countrys beef.

The first case at Albertas Cargill plant was confirmed in early April, and in subsequent weeks the facility was temporarily closed as coronavirus continued to spread. An outbreak was also confirmed at the JBS meat-packing plant in Brooks. In May, another Cargill plant south of Montreal shut its doors after dozens of workers tested positive.

The outbreaks caused disruptions that paused operations or scaled back shifts in order to allow for social distancing, creating a backlog of cattle in the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned the public that beef prices could go up as a result.

Amid outbreaks, the spotlight turned to workers, and the conditions they were facing to provide meat for the country.

Its super high rates of injuries, shoulder-to-shoulder people wielding razor-sharp knives, new Canadians, immigrants, temporary foreign workers, Hesse said.

It still sounds and feels in many ways like Upton Sinclairs The Jungle, he added, referencing the 1906 novel that, by graphically portraying the conditions for workers at a Chicago meat plant, somewhat unintentionally led to some of the first American food-safety laws.

But for some, its hard to talk about the workers who spend their days killing animals and dismembering them, without also contemplating the animals themselves.

While experts say that processing plants have made major strides in recent years to lower the stress level of animals before theyre killed  they are stunned then bled out  critics remain unconvinced.

Longtime animal law lawyer Victoria Shroff says its the rare storm in which workers rights and animal welfare have found themselves in the same boat. The factors that have put pressure on workers  the demand for cheap meat, and lots of it  also mean animals are moved through as quickly as possible.

Weve had animals and people all come to the fore, and finally recognize how interrelated we all are because of COVID, she said. Were seeing these links, that show us that were all vulnerable.

Cargill, which operates in 70 countries, declined an interview request, and referred the Star to a statement posted to their website on May 7, which outlined the steps the company took to protect workers in their North American protein facilities, including meat-packing plants, such as screening questions for those entering, temperature checks and increased sanitation.

At Cargill, we take seriously our responsibility to feed the world, their website reads. But during this pandemic, that responsibility much be balanced with our first priority  our employees health and safety.

***

The modern meat-processing plant was built with food safety and efficiency in mind, explains Heather Bruce, a professor of carcass and meat science at the University of Alberta.

The backbone of the plant is called the line, where carcasses are hung by hooks as they whisk along an overhead conveyer belt of sorts, with workers removing pieces and cuts of meat as they go. It moves quickly, in part, for food safety reasons, she said.

They have lots of workers on the line and theyre very close to each other so that the product can be swiftly processed, she said, allowing the finished product to be refrigerated as quickly as possible, to ensure that the product is safe for us to eat. So no harmful bacteria have an opportunity to grow.

Unlike the chicken and pork industries, where developments in breeding have allowed farmers to churn out animal after animal alike in shape and size, no one has quite cracked the code for cows yet, so they arrive at the plant all slightly different sizes. That means automation of a lot of these processes are, at best, expensive and hard to implement, or, at worst, impossible.

Adding to the pressure to move a lot of cattle, and quickly, is the fact that the meat-packing industry is a competitive one, where companies are fighting over increasingly slim margins  Bruce said the industry average is just two per cent  a result of the fluctuations that come with dealing with a natural resource. Over time, the result has been the survival of the biggest, or plants that are able to find efficiencies by processing thousands of animals a day.

Dialing up the heat, said Simon Somogyi, an expert in food supply chains and consumer behaviour, is Canadas quest for cheap meat.

You know, Canadians like to grill, said Somogyi, also the Arrell Chair in the Business of Food at the University of Guelph. In North America, we like large cuts of meat. We like large amounts of protein. And we like a bargain. I think that frames or modifies the way that the system runs.

That means every stop on the food chain feels that pressure  from stores offering deals on cheaper cuts to try to recoup their costs on more expensive steaks, to processing facilities scaling up to reduce costs, to farmers who have seen the price per pound offered for their cattle decline.

The whole system of logistics and costs in the chain are very efficient to be able to provide what that consumer wants. But if you dig underneath the surface of this issue, at the bottom youll find a consumer that wants high quality meat at low price.

Over time, more and more plants have closed, whether due to economic pressure or outbreaks of illness, leaving the country with just a handful of big federally regulated plants

And the competitiveness of the industry aside, farmers and advocates say the position these plants play in the food cycle is a powerful one  they can both dictate what they will pay farmers for cattle, and decide what working conditions for labour will be.

***

Tim Dowling is the third generation in his family to run Doublejay Farms, where his cattle graze on Howe Island, part of a chain of islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence.

He explains the life cycle of a cow, bred for meat, as a balancing act, in which you want it to be fed well, but then be slaughtered as soon as its big enough, so nothing is wasted.

As he puts it: You want them to have the best feed over a certain amount of time and that deposits fat in layers, which is usually called marbling. So thats what youre going for, and once they have that, theres no point in feeding them more.

But whereas, as a farmer, hes able to make a lot of decisions that shape the life of his cattle, when theyre ready to head to slaughter, options are few.

Outbreaks at plants reduced slaughtering capacity, which led to a backlog of cattle across Canada. That means, Dowling said, that plants can drop their prices and still know that farmers will have to sell to them.

Dowlings farm is a smaller one, where organic meat is sold directly to customers. Fed on grass, it takes Dowlings cows a bit longer than grain-fed cattle to grow to full size, which means theyre usually ready for slaughter by the time theyre 24 to 30 months old.

His issue with the current setup is what he says is a power imbalance between those who process meat and those who grow it. The dominance of a few major processing plants means farmers dont have much say over how much their animals are worth or how theyre slaughtered, he said.

The idea that you can have two-dollar-a-pound ground beef at the grocery story is based on a myth, he said. It becomes an even bigger sort of affront to the fairness side of it.

Hed like to see more support for more, smaller abattoirs.

Farmers mostly cant legally slaughter their own cattle for food safety reasons, so when its time, Dowling has to make a choice about where to send them. He could load them up, ferry them to the mainland, and truck them six hours to the Cargill plant in Guelph, where he would sell them for whatever price the plant is offering that week.

But mostly he tries to find a local abattoir that has space. But right now, with problems at the bigger plants, he said the smaller plants are also starting to fill up.

Theres a domino effect that occurs when, when a system fails like this, when big plants go down, it sort of shifts where everyone all over the country is sending their animals.

Dowling, who also chairs the livestock committee for the National Farmers Union, would like to see support for more smaller plants. But despite demand, he said local abattoirs have a hard time competing with the big guys, who can find efficiencies when dealing with thousands of cattle, and who are better equipped to handle new regulation.

He argues it should be possible to find ways to create different regulations for smaller plants, that protect food safety while making it easier for smaller operators to stay in business.

In his view, it would help if people knew more about where their meat came from  and who helped produce it along the way. To him, concerns raised by workers at plants are part of a bigger issue with agricultural workers, though usually its seasonal workers picking crops who are in the spotlight.

Its something that people are talking about now, which is this idea of, like, whats skilled labour and what is unskilled labour. You know (calling it) unskilled labour is just a way to pay people less and treat them worse.

***

Though Somogyi, of the University of Guelph, says there are flaws to the idea that a more local food system would have weathered COVID-19 better than our current global system. He pointed out that a major advantage of our current system is that its set up to produce and distribute a very large amount of food, and it did so, even as a pandemic raged.

The supply chain didnt break, because its always had to adapt to rapid changes, he said. Its not unusual for a retailer to be reliant on one supplier for all their bananas, for example, and then suddenly have that supply dry up. The system is incredibly flexible.

He also pointed out that one in eight households in Canada is food insecure, and for them, cheap meat is no small thing.

Some people would like to be able to buy things that are higher priced for, for humane reasons and for quality reasons, but they just cant afford to, he said.

But our current food system is no accident. Its set up to satisfy the appetites of consumers  and if consumers are now hungry for something else, there are way to express that, he said.

I think that the silver lining to COVID is that its shown people how the food supply chain runs and that they can vote how the supply chain works by moving their dollar where they see fit.

***

Mike von Massow, a food economist and an associate professor of food agriculture at the University of Guelph, isnt sure a spotlight will prompt lasting changes in consumption patterns.

Last year, he and a couple of colleagues published a piece that charted the change in meat consumption in North America  in sum, people are eating less of it per person. Its not because of a surge in the number of vegetarians. Instead, the average meat eater is starting to put less of it on their plate.

The average person ate almost 40 kilograms of beef in 1980, according to Statistics Canada. Its a number that had fallen to slightly more than 25 kilograms in 2018. The mix of meat is also changing, von Massow points out, as consumption of chicken and eggs has increased over the same time period.

While both environmental and health concerns are helping drive that change, according to von Massow there are also those who are concerned about how meat is raised and processed.

Were blissfully oblivious to what it was like to work in a plant, and now people are getting a sense of what its like to work in a plant. I expect that there will be some people who will say Oh, thats not great.

Von Massow estimates hes probably been inside a meat plant a dozen times or so over the course of his career, and said while it wasnt pleasant, he understood it.

You know, Im not a hunter. Im, at best, a casual fisherman; so I havent seen a lot of instances where an animal is put down so that I could eat it. (The plant) wasnt a place I loved being but when I saw it, I understood it, he said.

I understood that this is how meat happens.

In terms of whether or not recent events will change how people think about meat, hes not sure.

Im guessing probably not. This will fade over time from the consciousness of Canadians, and well go back to the wilful ignorance that allowed us to continue to enjoy a steak on the barbecue in the summer.

Read more about:
On Sunday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said expanded dental services can resume Monday.

Editors note: This story has been updated with comments from the New York State Dental Association.

Syracuse, N.Y.  Expanded dentist care is not a part of the states phase two of reopening businesses amid the coronavirus, a spokesman for Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.

But the New York State Dental Association says it believes regular dental care is allowed under phase two, and its using some language from the governors executive order to make its point.

The Governors office has not informed NYSDA that dentists are not part of the Phase II reopening, nor answered our previous requests for clarification on this point, association spokeswoman Grazia Yaeger said in response to syracuse.coms questions today.

Dentists are an essential business but open only for emergency dental, Cuomo spokesman Jason Conwall emailed today to syracuse.com.

Another top Cuomo official said this afternoon that expanded dental services are not part of phase two. Rich Azzopardi also said the governors office would have news shortly.

Not confusing. Not part of phase 2, but will be handled separately and shortly. https://t.co/nc2zwOsZB5  Rich Azzopardi (@RichAzzopardi) May 30, 2020

The states website also states that dentists are able to operate under restrictions and offer emergency care.

But the states dental association argues that dentistry is a professional service, which is included as a category in phase two reopening plans.

Cuomo signed an executive order Friday reopening some business sectors in five regions of the state, including in Central New York.

That order says the reductions and restrictions on the in-person workforce at non-essential businesses or other entities no longer apply to certain industries, including professional services. The U.S. Department of Labor defines dentistry as a professional service, according to Yaeger.

Yet, New York has defined dentistry as an essential business during the coronavirus pandemic.

Syracuse.com began reporting about the confusion after Ann Marie Adornato, a periodontist who practices in Liverpool, reached out and asked for clarity. Yet Adornato said she hadnt heard that directly from any state official.

The governor has not come out and said that, and theres confusion about it, she said.

She said worried about bringing back patients and staff  who are on unemployment  only to find out that dentists were not part of phase two.

Adornato said shes been providing emergency care, going into her office on Route 57 about once a week. She said if the state did expand dentistry services, she would be ready to go. She has protective gear, including face shields, in stock. Her office plans to stagger appointments and have people wait outside for care.

We deal with infections everyday, she said.

New York has a reopening tool on its website that allows you to look up information by region, business and phase.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

McMahon: Ugly reopening was making sausage,' but state made the right call in the end

Central New York, 4 other regions clear to move to phase 2 of reopening

NY releases guidelines for offices, retail shops, real estate and other phase 2 businesses

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com




Haiti - Elections : Statement by the OAS General Secretariat





Friday May 29 in a note, the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) insists that the Covid-19 pandemic should remind us "the importance of strengthening, and never deviating from, democratic rules and institutions" recalling :



"As established by the founding documents of the Inter-American system, legitimate governments are produced only by free and fair elections. The electoral process and the length of presidential terms in office are the result of a previously defined calendar specified by the Constitution.



In that sense, the OAS General Secretariat urges all political forces in Haiti to find a cooperative framework in order to comply with the letter and the spirit of their constitutional order, respecting the five year presidential term in office. In this context, the term of President Jovenel Moise ends on February 7, 2022.



The OAS General Secretariat will continue to closely follow the situation in Haiti. At the same time, the OAS remains willing and able to work with all parties involved in the search for the best solution for the people of Haiti.



Note that 48 hours before this note, the Fusion of Social Democrats had sent a correspondence to the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro to ask him to grant a dismissal of the technical assistance requested by the Haitian government to the OAS https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30861-haiti-politic-chancellor-joseph-requests-the-support-of-the-oas-for-the-elections.html



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30861-haiti-politic-chancellor-joseph-requests-the-support-of-the-oas-for-the-elections.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Many nonprofit organizations that chose to fund their own unemployment benefits rather than pay into their state system and had to lay off employees because of the coronavirus will soon face a large payment that could strain their finances or even put some out of business.

Private-sector employers must pay a tax on each employee that goes into their states trust fund that pays unemployment benefits. Public-sector employers, some nonprofits and federally recognized tribes have the option of not paying the tax but reimbursing the state fund for 100% of the unemployment benefits paid out to employees they lay off.

Many nonprofits chose this option, known as self-insurance or the reimbursable method, because they have a stable workforce, and the tax is more than they would pay in unemployment benefits, said David Thompson, vice president of public policy with the National Council of Nonprofits.

The coronavirus changed that equation, forcing many nonprofits to lay off much of their staff at the same time donations were dropping and fundraising events being canceled.

Many cities and counties also self-insure for unemployment, but most in the Bay Area have generally retained their employees. That could change as they try to balance their budgets.

When employees of self-insured employers get laid off in California, they file claims with the Employment Development Department and get paid just like private-sector employees, and probably dont even know their former employer is footing the cost.

Self-insured employers will not have to pay back unemployment benefits coming from the federal government under the Cares Act, such as the extra $600 per week added to the basic benefit from April through July.

The Cares Act also gave self-insuring employers a break: Section 2103 says they will only have to pay 50% of all unemployment claims paid from March 13 through Dec. 31. The federal government will pay the other half.

The U.S. Department of Labor, however, said these employers must pay 100% of their bill up front, and wait to be reimbursed for the other half. Coming up with 100% is a stretch for many nonprofits, and could even contribute to bankruptcies, 31 nonprofit groups said in a letter to the department.

The council and others have been lobbying Congress and the Labor Department to relieve them of having to pay 100% up front and wait for reimbursement, which could take many months at the earliest, Thompson said.

YMCA of the East Bay chose to self-insure because the majority of our workforce is part-time, said Fran Gallati, its chief executive officer. The formula for unemployment insurance is antiquated. Its designed for a full-time workforce.

In California, employers pay unemployment tax on each workers first $7,000 in annual wages. The tax rate varies by industry and the employers history of layoffs. It ranges from 1.5% to 6.2% of wages. The wage cap means that an employer pays the same tax on someone making $7,000 or $170,000 a year.

California is one of only five states that caps the unemployment tax at $7,000, and this is one reason its unemployment trust fund as of Jan. 1 was rated the most insolvent state fund by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The YMCA runs health clubs, early childhood and after-school programs, summer camps, fitness classes and other activities at five facilities in the East Bay, all closed because of the coronavirus. Part of its mission is providing a first job for people, such as lifeguard and camp counselors.

It had to lay off about 1,100 workers, including some who taught only a couple exercise classes a week. Those who did not work enough to get regular state unemployment should qualify for the new federally funded pandemic unemployment assistance, which self-funded employers will not have to pay back.

Gallati wont know until July how much his organization will have to repay in benefits for April, May and June. But he figures it will be in the millions even at 50%, he said. It wont put us under. It will be a negative.

Goodwill of San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin furloughed about 500 of its 600 workers when its donation centers and stores had to close, although it paid them for four weeks after shelter-in-place orders came out and continues to pay their health benefits, said CEO William Rogers.

Goodwills mission is to provide work experience for people who are homeless or formerly incarcerated or face other barriers to employment, so they can eventually get a better job.

We are different from most nonprofits because they get funding through philanthropic means. We earn 80% of what we need to operate through our business. When we had to shut down, we immediately lost 80% of our revenues, said Rogers.

Goodwill couldnt get a loan from the federal Paycheck Protection Program to cover payroll because it has more than 500 employees.

The center reopened five donation sites last weekend, and hopes to reopen a few stores in a few weeks.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Rogers estimates that its unemployment costs over a 10-week period would be around $1.5 million, half of which it will recoup. We can pay that, but it would take a significant amount of our reserve, Rogers said.

I contacted four Bay Area counties  San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Solano  to see if they self-insure unemployment benefits. All said yes, but they have laid off no employees or very few as a result of coronavirus.

The city of San Jose is also self-insured. It has not laid off any full-time employees, but has furloughed about 1,000 part-timers who may be eligible for unemployment, San Jose spokeswoman Carolina Camarena said in an email.

San Francisco has not had any layoffs  yet. Because of the health crisis, the mayor will propose a balanced budget on Aug. 1, instead of June 1. Its not possible to bridge the budget shortfall we have without some reduction in labor costs, but we dont know what form those will take until we know what contract changes unions might agree to, Michelle Allersma, a director in the controllers office, said in an email. She added that the need to pay more for unemployment claims will certainly reduce the amount of savings the city can realize through any layoffs that do happen.

More relief could be on the way. The so-called Heroes Act would let self-insured employers pay 50% of their claims up front, without having to pay 100% and wait for reimbursement. It has passed the House but not the Senate.

A group of 30 senators from both parties sent a letter to Senate leadership asking for federal funding to pay 100% of self-insured unemployment claims, not 50%.

Eight states have agreed to cover most or all of the 50% not picked up by the federal government, according to the nonprofit council. California is unlikely to follow suit, given the state of its unemployment trust fund, Thompson said.

Earlier this year, California became the first state to borrow from the federal government to pay unemployment claims. Thanks to an influx of first-quarter payroll taxes, it was able to pay back the $1.4 billion it borrowed in April and May. As of Wednesday, the trust fund had a positive balance of $144 million.

However, the first quarter is when states get the majority of all their UI tax collections for the year because of the wage cap, so presumably California will have to start borrowing again, said Jared Walczak, director of state tax policy with the Tax Foundation.

Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender
A maiden virtual educational institution "Obokese University of Excellence" has been launched at the weekend via zoom by Nana Obokese Ampah, the Founder of the University.



The University to begin on September 21, 2020, will operate an online digital platform to offer courses such as e-Commerce, Entrepreneurship, leadership and Education, Political Science, African History, Technology, and Tourism



The programme is under the theme: "Transformation through leadership and Technology".



Nana Ampah speaking via zoom in the United States underscored the urgent need for a full-fledged Pan African Higher Institute of learning where students are guided to their fullest potentials devoid of any form of manipulation.



He said, during these uncertain times of COVID-19, it is crucial to create legacies of educational institutions to move beyond the crisis, embrace substance, elevate our people, and prepare for the future success of society".



Nana Ampah said the creation of the University in Ghana was part of the 'Year of Return' legacy and a call to encourage all African descendants throughout the diaspora to come together to build the homeland.



President Nana Akufo-Addo initiated the Year of Return in 2019 in Accra, an unprecedented event as part of his vision for Beyond the Year of Return, hence the creation of this noble higher learning educational institute.



The Year of Return celebrated the cumulative resilience of all the innocent victims of the Trans-Atlantic Trade who were scattered and displaced throughout the new world.



It represented the commencement of the long-awaited initiative to unite Africans on the Continent with their Brothers and Sisters in the diaspora.



Nana Ampah said: "The e-Commerce programme will offer branding solutions and a rich array of digital display of advertising solutions, strategic marketing, and promotions to have global buyers discover anything they want to buy through the platform".



Dr Kwa David Whitaker, the Provost of Obokese University pledged to serve as a model of excellence that would reflect and reinforce the spirit of the University's vision and bring honor to all African Ancestors.



Dignitaries present include Dr Jane Edwards, the African American Studies Department, Fordham University New York, Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao, the former African Union Ambassador to the US, Professor Samuel Amoako, the Consular General, Ghana Embassy in New York, and Mr Kofi Tonto, the Press Secretary, Ghana Embassy Washington DC.

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.

Featured Video
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on sleep, with nearly half of respondents to a global study by Australian experts reporting poor sleep and two in five waking frequently in the night.

The study, which had more than 2000 people responses, will show 46 per cent are sleeping poorly during the pandemic, compared with 25 per cent before it, and 41 per cent are waking during the night three or more times a week, a symptom of insomnia.

Rosary Coloma has been having trouble sleeping during the coronavirus pandemic. Credit:Janie Barrett

Melinda Jackson of the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University said the causes of sleep disruption included pandemic stress, anxiety, job changes and financial distress.

Heavier alcohol consumption was a factor for 39 per cent of those whose sleep was worse, and increased phone usage was also a cause, she said. Some people could develop insomnia that lasted beyond the pandemic.
ConocoPhillips COP recently completed the divestment of northern Australia and Timor-Leste assets to Australian oil and gas company Santos under a revised deal. ConocoPhillips intends to use the proceeds from the transaction for general corporate purposes.

The acquirer will now pay to ConocoPhillips $1.265 billion, which is a discount to the $1.390 billion price announced last October. The discounted selling price of the assets was a result of low energy demand stemming from coronavirus-induced lockdowns and reduced commodity prices. However, the contingent payment has risen from $75 million to $200 million, subject to a final investment decision on the Barossa gas field development. However, the total consideration of the deal remains unchanged.

Santos funded the transaction with available cash balance and a $750-million two-year acquisition debt facility. Production from the divested assets averaged 46,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boe/d) in first-quarter 2020. At 2019-end, proved reserves associated with the divested assets were around 17 million Boe.

ConocoPhillips will maintain strategic presence in the country while focusing on the Australia Pacific LNG project and exploration activities. The company has invested more than $20 billion in the country since 2004 and created in excess of 4,000 direct jobs.

The divestment will enable ConocoPhillips to focus on more promising areas in its portfolio such as the bulk of acres that it holds in the three big unconventional plays including Eagle Ford shale, Delaware basin and Bakken shale. These assets are rich in oil. The company has long-term plans for these major fields, which are expected to ramp up production from more than 400,000 barrels a day to 900,000 barrels or more by the end of the decade.

Price Performance

The companys shares have lost 28.5% in the past year compared with 44% decline of the industry it belongs to.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Story continues

ConocoPhillips currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked players in the energy space include Chesapeake Energy Corporation CHK, CNX Resources Corporation CNX and Comstock Resources, Inc. CRK, each holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Chesapeake Energy delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 42.8% in the last four quarters.

CNX Resources beat earnings estimates thrice and met once in the last four quarters, with average positive surprise of 111.5%.

Comstock Resources 2020 sales are expected to gain 32.7% year over year.

The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All

Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.

See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Comstock Resources, Inc. (CRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report



ConocoPhillips (COP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



CNX Resources Corporation. (CNX) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
The Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has suggested that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's tweets violate Twitter rules about glorifying violence.

In a tweet on Friday Ajit Pai posed the question to Twitter and posted several examples of Khamenei's tweets deemed as "glorifying violence" by him.

The tweets quoted by the FCC Chairman are all about Israel, uprooting it and destroying it. In one these tweets Israel has been rereferred to as "the Zionist regime" and described as "deadly, cancerous and a great detriment to this region". Another one also calls for the "elimination of the Zionist regime" but says that does not mean "massacre of the Jewish people"but ending the message with a call for "armed" struggle.

The White House also weighed in on Friday, highlighting one of Khamenei's tweets and saying, "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, @Twitter has determined that it will allow terrorists, dictators, and foreign propagandists to abuse its platform."



Israeli media have protested the purported lenience that Twitter has shown to Khamenei. The Times of Israel on Friday said despite an appeal from Israel to suspend his account over its "anti-Semitic and genocidal" messages Twitter has left alone Iran's Supreme Leader's messages.

The Strategic Affairs Minister of Israel, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, sent a letter to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on Monday calling for the immediate suspension of Khameneis account over his "consistent posting of anti-Semitic and genocidal posts" and praising "terror groups including Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad" in violation of the company's policies, the paper said.

The Jerusalem Post also protested to Twitter for allowing Khamenei to threaten Israel without flagging his tweets but has censored the President of the United States.

Twitter on Friday took the step of hiding a tweet by President Donald Trump regarding the situation in Minneapolis where riots have taken place in protest to the police killing of an African American on Monday.

In his tweet President Trump called the Minneapolis rioters "thugs" and said they were dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, the man killed by the officer.

"Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts," President Trump wrote in his tweet.

A Twitter disclaimer says the tweet has been hidden for violating rules against "glorifying violence". The text of the tweet can only be viewed by accepting the disclaimer. Re-tweets and comments have been disabled too.

Twitter on February 17, 2019 temporarily suspended Khamenei's account for a post endorsing the religious ruling (fatwa) of his predecessor Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini. The fatwa in the late 1980s condemned the British author Salman Rushdie to death for a book called The Satanic Verses which many Muslims found blasphemous.

A Twitter spokesman said it was against Twitter rules "to make specific threats of violence or wish for the serious physical harm, death, or disease of an individual or group of people. The account became live again after the offensive tweet was deleted.

Glorifying violent events where people were targeted on the basis of their protected characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religious affiliation or sexual orientation could incite or lead to further violence motivated by hatred and intolerance, Twitter says.

Under Twitter's "glorifying violence" policy stated on the Twitter help page, one cannot glorify, celebrate, praise or condone violent crimes, violent events where people were targeted because of their membership in a protected group, or the perpetrators of such acts.
NEW ORLEANS, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF continues its investigation into ProPetro Holding Corp. (NYSE: PUMP).

On August 8, 2019, the Company disclosed a delay to its second quarter earnings report due to an ongoing review by its audit committee involving improper expense reimbursements of approximately $370,000 to executives, undisclosed related-party transactions, and a potential material weakness in its internal control over disclosure. Then, on October 18, 2019, news agencies reported that the company was the target of an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") relating to its financial disclosures. Finally, on November 13, 2019, the Company confirmed the SEC investigation and also revealed previously-undisclosed related-party transactions totaling $3.6 million as well as "at least two material weaknesses that resulted in the Company's internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures not being effective as of a prior date."

The Company has been sued in a securities class action lawsuit for failing to disclose material information, violating federal securities laws. Recently, the plaintiffs in that case filed a Second Amended Complaint, and the case remains ongoing.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether ProPetro's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to ProPetro's shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of ProPetro shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-pump/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ksfcounsel.com